TRAVELLING BACHS |
Author: Beth So as the title suggests, I was lost in Panama. Sounds frightening, right? It was. I was genuinely afraid. Let me start from the beginning: I was travelling solo around central America, after flying more than 5,000 miles to escape the smog-filled bubble that is London. I was used to travelling alone and honestly enjoyed the freedom. Don’t get me wrong, I am a sociable person, but to have the ability to go where you want, whenever you want, without having someone by your side, is all I have wanted in life. After two weeks of sunbathing (burning) on the beach and drinking too much (alcohol not water as I should have been) in Costa Rica, it was time to cross the border into Panama. A few people had recommended a remote hostel, aptly named ‘Lost and Found’ - hidden in the western hills. It’s a steep stretch to reach the hostel, but the view from the top is so worth the mid-morning hike in the sweltering sun. I dared to lie in the swinging hammocks, overlooking the stunning mountains. It was breathtaking. After taking in the views, this brand new home for a few nights, I felt my belly began to rumble. The cost of meals at the hostel wasn't cheap and would soon amount to a fair bit in just one week, so I headed out on my own in search for food, down the steep hill to the main road. ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’ - I sighed. The nearest store was a 10-minute walk away once you reach the bottom of the hill, and after a 15 minute walk, it was clear, that I walked in the wrong direction. So, I had no idea where I was, I was tired, my feet were aching and I had no water or food on me. It was only late in the afternoon but I was scared. More than scared. Where was I?
I was out of my depth, with no idea what to do, I slumped down not the ground, and all the confidence I had previously felt about ‘travelling alone’ was starting to fade away. After what seemed like an eternity, I saw a glimmer of hope driving towards me in a white van. I held out my thumb, and closed my eyes in fear it wouldn't stop, or worse still, in fear it would stop. A short man with the biggest smile on his face, stepped out of the van, took one look at me and we stood there in silence. He gestured me into the van, and so I took a chance. I breathed a sigh of relief as I sat in the passengers seat, with the cool breeze of the air conditioning and smiling family pictures posted all around. I told him where I wanted to go, and he just handed me bottle of cold water and turned the engine on. I was starting to feel better when I heard the Spice Girls singing on the radio. Viva forever? Oh yes. I was going to be ok.
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