Arriving in Bocas del Toro, Panama

Lovely readers, I have just arrived in the southernmost country of Central America, Panama. A country that is typically overlooked in the ire of travelers, but do I have some treats to tell you! Kyle and I arrived to Bocas del Toro yesterday afternoon by land and boat. From Puerto Viejo, CR. Bocas del Toro is an island archipelago off the north east coast of Panama. I have never heard of this place until recently, when talking with my Panamanian from Jacobo. I have done land boarder crossings, 3 times now, Thailand -> Laos, Laos -> Cambodia, and now Costa Rica -> Panama. It always shocks me that even thought there is some fictions line in the sand border between two places, you can immediately feel the cultural differences. Costa Rica is known for the "Pura Vida" lifestyle. To put it bluntly that just means they are a bunch of rasta hippies. It is really cool and chill in some regards, but from a cultural standpoint it is kind of bland, in food and in spirit. Coming to Panama, even though I have only been here for 24 hours, I feel a change. Walking around the main town of Bocas del Toro I really enjoyed it. There are lots of viber cafes and a community field. The locals and the tourists are intermingled. In Costa Rica, it kinda feels like hippie westerners took over and the Ticos are cool with it. I like places that are culturally rich and authentic, but also have the positive western influences. To this point I really love viber cafes. Cute cafes where you can get Kombucha, Matcha, nice seating, work, and hang with other vipers. Obviously this is a western import into these backpacking hubs. But slowly I have realized it really impacts my likings of the community. Bocas del Toro reminds me of a Siargao. As time goes a long here I will report back. But all of this is coming to mind as I explore where I want to live and give a real shot at settling down. It is a little cheaper in Panama compared to Costa Rica which is interesting. So the things that matter to be in choosing a place are : Weather, Cost of Living, Culture, Activities, Walkability, and viber cafes.