After a very rough night on the Caribbean Sea, many passengers were sick. The ship moved in to the San Blas Archipelago area where the seas were calmer. We went thru a life boat drill, zodiac instruction and briefing on the Kuna indigenous people.The Kuna territory includes the San Blas Archipelago (chain of 400 islands) and a strip of forest on the mainland in Darien. Kuna Yala means "Land of the Kuna" and each community has its own political organization. Citizens meet daily on weekdays in the Onmaket Nega (Congress House) do discuss what's going on in the village.
Men wear western clothing and women wear traditional native dress. Due to genetics, 1 in 165 is an albino which Kuna people believe are endowed with inordinate wisdom. When we were in the village, a little child who was albino was playing with an older one, and the older one pointed to Bill and said "That's your daddy!" LOL!
Only traditional fishing methods are used; no motorized boats or equipment and no scuba diving. The Kuna people make a living by fishing, farming, and international trade.Mola means "clothing" in the Kuna language. These works of art are made using a reverse applique technique. The fabrics are international.
We went to the village and ran across some children performing instruments, which were great. We also were pursued by children trying to sell their drawings or have us pay for individual photos.
We also looked at the people's molas and purchased a few. Some of the molas were very beautiful.
This was a very interesting cultural experience which will take time to process.
In the afternoon we went to Holandes Cayes via zodiac "wet landing" for snorkeling and a refreshing coconut drink.
The snorkeling was fantastic - so many different varieties of coral as well as beautiful fish.
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