Thursday, October 31, 2013

Go Sailing San Blas Where There Is One Island For Every Day Of The Year

By Allyson Burke


The San Blas island group consists of 365 islands lying in the Caribbean Sea along the north coast of Panama. They are perfect destination for cruising yachts or parties keen to charter a vessel locally. The islands are surrounded by safe aqua waters and have many comfortable anchorages with fine sandy beaches. The balmy weather is typical of that found in the tropics. Perhaps the greatest attraction to go sailing San Blas, however, is the indigenous Kuna people and their fascinating culture.

Only about forty isles have a significant population. Some are populated by one or a few families who take care of the coconut palms. Most islands are totally uninhabited leaving ample scope for adventurous sailors to play Robinson Crusoe.

Wake in the morning aboard your boat and feel your spirit lifted by a stunning sunrise. Enjoy an early morning dip as the warm sea caresses your body. Take breakfast with fresh fruit, delicious pastries and freshly brewed coffee, all grown or sourced locally. Check your marine chart and the weather forecast then lift anchor and set sail to explore the next cove or one of the many little islands visible in the distance.

The Kuna value communal self-sufficiency. For example, they do not allow foreigners to own businesses or land in their communities. However, the Kuna are a naturally friendly and hospitable people that welcome tourists.

As lunchtime approaches, wave hello to the fishermen as they sail by in their ulu canoes, traditional craft they have fashioned out of wood like their forebears have for centuries. Purchase some of their catch that might include fresh lobsters, king crabs and an endless variety of local fish.

The San Blas is home for the Kuna, a proud people with an ancestry that dates back over 500 years. They Kuna have fiercely retained their culture despite domination by early Spanish conquistadors and, in modern times, by several Panamanian governments. Having suffered regrettable exploitation through most of their history, the Kuna protect their islands guardedly. They are commercially savvy and have a longstanding preference for trading goods through family owned establishments.

Women hold a special place in the Kuna culture. Families are matrilineal, meaning a bridegroom moves to become part of the family of the bride. He also takes the last name of that family. Women wear brightly colored dresses or molas with ornamental beads on their lower legs and arms. They favor certain colors including fuchsia, orange, yellow and gray. These traditional outfits are distinctive and constitute a textile art form that speaks to the pride women take in their appearance.

Women wear traditional dress that features brightly colored clothing and beads wrapped around the length of their lower arms and legs. Dominant colors include orange, fuchsia, gray and yellow. Their intriguing culture is an added attraction that will captivate those keen to enjoy sailing San Blas.




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