This Caribbean fishing village is so laid-back it is incredible to imagine that it was once the greatest Spanish port in Central America.
Today, Portobelo’s residents scratch out a living fishing, tending crops or raising livestock. Although Portobelo is economically depressed, it is experiencing something of a cultural revival, with interest surging in Congo art and dancing. The town bursts to life every October 21 for the Festival de Cristo Negro (Black Christ Festival), one of the country’s most vibrant and spiritual celebrations.
But we didn't stay in Portobelo...... it was CRAZY busy. We thought that being Sunday the party-ers would have gone home by 1:00 in the afternoon.....WRONG!!! We could barely drive the car down the road for buses, taxis and cars. It was the same going through next little town of Puerto Lindo.
We followed the road to the very end in search of "Turtle Cay Resort" - thinking we may stay there for the night. There was advertising all the way to the end, but the Resort basically does not exist. So when we got to the end of road in Miramar we turned around.
Coming back to Puerto Lindo, it was still crazy busy so we pulled off the road to get away from the traffic, into this quaint little B & B - Bambu Guest House. Blessed again - they had one room available (a double and two twins) This was the view from their balcony.
There are three rooms and a full bar.
We did drive back to Portobelo for dinner, but only after 6:00 when the busses and taxis and other traffic had slowed down.
We enjoyed this little respite, but they could only put us up for one night so we have to move along tomorrow.
A young couple from Germany own this place. They are so hospitable.
pictured here are Bert and Sandra Werner and her daughter Ava.
pictured here are Bert and Sandra Werner and her daughter Ava.
www.panamaguesthouse.com
No comments:
Post a Comment