So, I am on a bit of a video kick these days. I have been working on getting some of our photos and video footage into short clips for people to get a feel for what it is like to spend some time with us here at Tranquilo Bay. We are also preparing for a once a year trade show for Latin American businesses so I also have a bit of a deadline to meet.

This video shows some of the aerial views of the places where we go snorkeling, the beaches nearby where we snorkel, and the sights underwater while you are snorkeling as well as a few folks actually snorkeling - imagine that! Take a look.

Tags: Snorkeling, Bocas del Toro, Panama Hotel, Beaches

We have another new addition to announce! Patrick James Viola was born on August 21, 2008 at 12:09 am. Baby, Mom and Dad are all doing just fine. PJ’s initials are the same as his paternal grandfather who passed away earlier this year. PJ was born between 6 and 7 weeks premature, however he is doing just great. He is currently in the NICU at Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama City. He is expected to be released in less than a week. Stefanie and Jay are in Panama City (obviously). Stefanie and PJ will stay in Panama City until around PJ’s original due date, October 4. We do not anticipate any problems, however to be on the safe side the Neonatologist/Pediatrician has asked that PJ stick around Panama City for a while. Scott, Tres and Boty are all waiting anxiously to meet little PJ in person as are the rest of us here at Tranquilo Bay.

Tags: Family, Blessings

Here is a short clip of a guy Jim saw on one of the islands shucking coconuts. It is so funny as Jim and Jay have been here in Panama for almost 9 years and up until a few months ago they thought you could only open a coconut with a machete. All of our employees and any other local we know use a machete to open a coconut. It takes lots of machete strikes to the coconut and then bending the machete across the coconut husk to get the nut out of the husk. And here is this guy with an ingenious little tool that lets him shuck multiples of coconuts in the time that it takes for anyone else to shuck one. This is all part of the fun of learning something new everyday!

Tags: Bocas del Toro Panama, Excursions, Coconut, Food, Beaches, Islands

Here is a short video I just finished on our excursion to Punta Valiente. For those of you who haven’t been here yet - this is one of our don’t miss excursions. For those of you who have visited us maybe it will bring a smile to your face to remember your trip to Punta Valiente. Have a great Friday!

Tags: Excursions, Indigenous People, Panama Hotel, Bocas del Toro Panama, Beaches, Hiking, Animals