The rickety panga skids across the ocean     and enters a tunnel of mangroves     islands appear on the pane of blue glass     each a unique treasure to behold.     Clapboard houses painted pastel hues     sit on stilts on docks over the turquoise bay     faded and...

  Years ago a designer friend of mine loaned me the book Wabi Sabi.     I read it on a trip to Mexico where I was severely sunburned the first day, hid from the rain the next four days, and fought with my (now ex) boyfriend nearly every day.   You would be correct in...

  Hop a flight to Panama.     Catch a jeep to the coast.     Cruise out into the Caribbean.     Pass millions of tiny islands     decide which to call your own.     Step foot on the white powder shore     swim in the pristine green sea     switch off your cell     it...

  Last year, my darling Andie and I reluctantly left our little jungle house in Puerto Viejo, ordered one last batido at our favorite café, said farewell to our fast but furious friends, and crossed the border into Panama.     We carried suitcases and sea legs into...