1/15/09
DEAREST READER, I AM A SLACKER AND DIDNT POST DURING MY RECENT TRIP TO PANAMA THAT BEGAN ON 1/15/09 SO I WILL RETELL THE STORY AS I REMEMBER IT IN A SERIES OF BLOGS.
BLESSINGS
MIKE ESTERSON WILLOW NEW YORK
3:00 AM Jan 15th, Newark New Jerseny and zero degrees Fahrenheit, I lug three heavy bags, into the car service, on way to Liberty Airport. I cant complain though, as it was only $250 incl tax roundtrip flight to Panama City, and then on to David Panama to my hostel I cant believe I am off to Panama for 6 weeks, 6 weeks to soak up sun and hang at bambu.. I arrive at the airport, two hours early, breakfast is bad coffee and salty eggs, foreshadowing the lame breakfasts and surprising dearth of great coffee in coffee producing panama. I feel guilty about the food, i lead a fairly organic life in woodstock..but when i travel i tend to eat and drink stuff that i usually avoid. Stuff that is greasy and salty and generally bad for you.
I get to Houston, the layover is brief in fact i only have 30 minutes to make the flight! i make it to the gate and we take off, i sleep for the rest of the flight and then i am in Panama City.
I am giddy as I clear customs and feel that blast of heat. I get a taxi for $25 and head straight to Mamallena's a classic and well run Hostel. Stuart, owner is a hospitality industry veteran. He runs a very good hostel that is always full. It is a 24 hour operation and I eagerly watch how they pull this off.
Keep in mind that although i own bambu hostel i still have not been there in person since its opening in July 2008. The last time I was at my hostel we had just started the buildout and before we had the pool and rancho built. At Mamallenas at least it looks like hard work. There is traffic night and day, no rest. The hostel is a hub for backpackers some there for a day or so some for a few weeks. Most are going to or coming from Columbia. Some are there to take tours to the kuna islands, the Caribbean pearls of Panama..
I am in Panama for two days but last only a day at the hostel. Honestly i am about to go live in a hostel for six weeks the one that i own and decide to opt for the comfort of a hotel. Ok I admit it here i am not a backpacker, please dont tell anyone. I find a great place called Hotel Andino near Calle Cuba and sixth street..about $35 dollars a night and includes wifi AC and hot water. Surprisingly the place is almost empty. Panama city is popping, and I went to a few hotels at $25 a night that were all full..i guess that it is the price point of $35..
One of my goals of this initial part of my journey to Panama is to meet the co owner of the lost and found jungle lodge the only hostel in a national park and rain forest in Panama.
His name is Patrick and apparently is quite the expert on Panama City Nightlife, a bit of a bon vivant i am told.. and after a few emails and messages to his mobile we agree to meet for a chat and an inspection of Panama City at night. Patrick is an extremely charming and bright Canadian. He has worked variously as an English Teacher and tour guide and is currently writing a virtual novel about backpackers in Panama. We start in the Casco Viejo. This stop includes an entertaining belly dancer and $5 drinks, New York Prices. Impresive.
Next we go to the entertainment district in the new part of Panama City, actually everyone in Panama City and Panama Call Panama City 'Panama' if you are in Panama and someone says that they are going to Panama they mean Panama City..
The next few stops are good, one is a dark lounge with sultry electro music. We are into our 5th round of drinks, i am drunk. We are drinking the national rum, its' called abuelo, or grandfather, its great stuff. I drink it on the rocks with a twist of lemon, Patrick as cuba libre, or rum and coke.
Then we find ourselves at the famous hooker bar 'Bodegita' as promised it features beautiful Columbia women. many appear to have had surgery of one kind or another, these women are hookers, and they are all very friendly, we have more rounds of drinks, there is a lot of hazy dancing and a lot of toasting, then a taxi ride to a strip club..that is pretty lame and we leave fast, Patrick 'forgets' to pay the bill and we end up paying $20 to an angry bartender that chases us out to the street.
One last whirl to a an alternative crowd party in the casco viejo..a few more drinks and i am officially 4 sheets to the wind.
I make it to hotel andino, amazed at the lateness, the heat, or better yet the lack of cold. I gratefully turn on the AC get into my bed fully clothed and fall into a drunken spinning sleep...
Showing posts with label Panama. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Panama. Show all posts
Monday, March 2, 2009
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Bambu Hostel: Existential Angst? Or who are we?
First of all I send New Years Greeting to all that read this! A better time is coming, we have arrived!
Bambu Hostel in David Panama is many things. But the first important thing to thing about is that we are less than 6 months old, and really the 'hard' opening occurred after construction of our Pool was completed in Late August 2008. Running a Hostel is a learning curve. Most of the people that come through really love the place, it has a very tolerant atmosphere that allows for people to have a good time, i mean a great time! But we are now learning that we have to have a certain amount of rules to keep the whole place flowing right..for example, we had no curfew for the music, now it has to be turned down after 11PM. That is for the benefit of neighbors and guests..we will make some exceptions for weekend parties. We did get some negative feedback about the place it read:
"The guy is just starting out.. 3 months now.. it's a nice place to stay without lot's of rules.. but they do lack the experience and discipline other hostels do have. They have to start run the place instead of being everybody's friend. "
That is very fair, and we took a lesson from that. But there is a fine line of running a tight ship and creating a place that feels to controlled, too many rules, thats not fun..
Gregg and i are both types of guys that have always played life with our own rules, one can argue that the rules help or hinder..either way backpackers on the road need to relax and have fun. We are striking that delicate balance at Bambu, that allows one to have fun, listen to some music, dance or drum.. without trampeling on the rights of others to have peace if they want that.
Bambu Hostel in David Panama is many things. But the first important thing to thing about is that we are less than 6 months old, and really the 'hard' opening occurred after construction of our Pool was completed in Late August 2008. Running a Hostel is a learning curve. Most of the people that come through really love the place, it has a very tolerant atmosphere that allows for people to have a good time, i mean a great time! But we are now learning that we have to have a certain amount of rules to keep the whole place flowing right..for example, we had no curfew for the music, now it has to be turned down after 11PM. That is for the benefit of neighbors and guests..we will make some exceptions for weekend parties. We did get some negative feedback about the place it read:
"The guy is just starting out.. 3 months now.. it's a nice place to stay without lot's of rules.. but they do lack the experience and discipline other hostels do have. They have to start run the place instead of being everybody's friend. "
That is very fair, and we took a lesson from that. But there is a fine line of running a tight ship and creating a place that feels to controlled, too many rules, thats not fun..
Gregg and i are both types of guys that have always played life with our own rules, one can argue that the rules help or hinder..either way backpackers on the road need to relax and have fun. We are striking that delicate balance at Bambu, that allows one to have fun, listen to some music, dance or drum.. without trampeling on the rights of others to have peace if they want that.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Security is a surety
Hi All
at http://www.bambuhostel.com we just finished making the hostel more secure, with a better locking system on the giant gate at the front of the hostel as well as a gate buzzer and a few other measures..we have had zero problems with security, but till we got the lock system fixed we had to leave our main gate open all night long or get up to let folks in that tended to stay till the clubs closed at 5AM! So now guests can stay out all night and let themselves in...
In other news, bambu hostel is enjoying a good season with over 60% occupancy..not bad for a hostel that opened in July 2008..we also have some amazing interns that have been helping out here at the hostel, it is a great opportunity to stay for free and learn how to run a hostel if you are interested contact the hostel for an internship/volunteer..
well people, the year comes to an end. and what a year it was, we have a president with inegrity, a looming depression, all of it coupled with the hope that we can have a better day..from all of us at the hostel, Me (mike esterson) Greg lapkin, and benny olmos, blessings and peace to all..Happy new year..
Thursday, November 20, 2008
How will economic conditions affect backpacking in Panama and Central America
Hi all,
As a world wide financial panic sends market down, I wonder how this will impact the alternative traveler, here I refer primarily to the 'backpacker' these travelers live dirt cheap, these roaming nomads follow a long tradition of free thinking bohemians that live day to day at times with no particular plan, nomads going north,south east and west, these Hostel dwellers live on 10-30 dollars a day, use public transportation and even work for lodging and food. I have posed this question on a variety of blogs and forums and the consensus from those in the industry including the Hostel Management Website is that Hostel will enjoy a boost given the current economic conditions. Those at the very bottom of the tourism rung, 'the backpacker' will continue to travel regardless of the condition of the markets. Why? Because they have a limited amount of disposable income that is committed to long trips on the trail, well worn by thousands on the same path. They live on a few dollars a day and keep moving, they travel because they must. At Bambu Hostel we have noticed a decrease in American travelers and more Euro, Aussie and Canadian travelers. What we have noticed is that they are more sensitive than ever to price points and in reaction to that bambu lowered dorm beds to $8 from $10. The competition has gotten fiercer for the backpacker dollar, but they do keep coming and i doubt they will stop.
As for airtech we have noticed too that price points determine sales, we have had to raise prices due to fuel and tax increases and notice a decline in sales related to that, our new web 2.9 site here is a reaction to that, we are using a new business model so we are not so dependent on ticket sales to survive. But the community of alternative travelers live on. Even more so now, especially for the Americans traveling out there this is a great time to be able to answer the question 'where are you from' without getting an angry look. Many backpackers from USA took to sewing canadian flags on their packs so they wouldn't get yelled at. What a horror the last 8 years of neo-con fascism has been. What a relief the new election has brought us.
I would like to hear responses and input here...
Mike Esterson
President Airtech and Bambu Hostel David Panama
As a world wide financial panic sends market down, I wonder how this will impact the alternative traveler, here I refer primarily to the 'backpacker' these travelers live dirt cheap, these roaming nomads follow a long tradition of free thinking bohemians that live day to day at times with no particular plan, nomads going north,south east and west, these Hostel dwellers live on 10-30 dollars a day, use public transportation and even work for lodging and food. I have posed this question on a variety of blogs and forums and the consensus from those in the industry including the Hostel Management Website is that Hostel will enjoy a boost given the current economic conditions. Those at the very bottom of the tourism rung, 'the backpacker' will continue to travel regardless of the condition of the markets. Why? Because they have a limited amount of disposable income that is committed to long trips on the trail, well worn by thousands on the same path. They live on a few dollars a day and keep moving, they travel because they must. At Bambu Hostel we have noticed a decrease in American travelers and more Euro, Aussie and Canadian travelers. What we have noticed is that they are more sensitive than ever to price points and in reaction to that bambu lowered dorm beds to $8 from $10. The competition has gotten fiercer for the backpacker dollar, but they do keep coming and i doubt they will stop.
As for airtech we have noticed too that price points determine sales, we have had to raise prices due to fuel and tax increases and notice a decline in sales related to that, our new web 2.9 site here is a reaction to that, we are using a new business model so we are not so dependent on ticket sales to survive. But the community of alternative travelers live on. Even more so now, especially for the Americans traveling out there this is a great time to be able to answer the question 'where are you from' without getting an angry look. Many backpackers from USA took to sewing canadian flags on their packs so they wouldn't get yelled at. What a horror the last 8 years of neo-con fascism has been. What a relief the new election has brought us.
I would like to hear responses and input here...
Mike Esterson
President Airtech and Bambu Hostel David Panama
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Hello I am Gregg co-owner Bambu Hostel David Panama
Hi I am Gregg, Mike Esterson the owner of Airtech and I own Bambu Hostel a backpackers Hostel in David Panama. Last night there was a minor earthquake. I slept through it! Here is what was reported
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude and at a depth of 30 miles struck Panama overnight, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday.
The quake hit 35 miles west southwest of David, Panama, at 0611 GMT. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the USGS said.
The USGS originally verified the quake at a magnitude of 6.5 and depth of about 9.3 miles."
I can thank Abuelo Rum for the deep sleep, which of course I only drink for medicinal use...the name Abuelo means Grandfather in Spanish, it is amazing Rum dirt cheap and doesnt leave you to fuzzy in the morning, yet strong enough to keep you sleeping through a 6.2 quake! This area is Volcanic, nearby there are Hot Springs called The Caldera Hot Springs Caldera means soup Caldron! Dont stay in there too long..they are awesome though, it cured my bad back last winter..and only 30 minutes from the hostel.
We are in David Panama and Bambu Hostel is a great jump off point for journeys into the awesome beauty of Chiriqui Province I lived in NYC for 20 years and one day realized that if I didn't follow my dreams and leave I would be there forever. That is the way New Yorkers are they just stay and stay and wake up old one day..
Life here is good. Everyday I wake up and give thanks for being in this awesome country. Come to Bambu Hostel and spend a few days at the hostel, we have a sweet pool and a mayan style rancho, and there is always a nice crowd of international backpackers and others there. I will post again soon.
See ya in Panama,
Gregg
"WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A strong earthquake of 6.2 magnitude and at a depth of 30 miles struck Panama overnight, the U.S. Geological Survey said on Wednesday.
The quake hit 35 miles west southwest of David, Panama, at 0611 GMT. There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, the USGS said.
The USGS originally verified the quake at a magnitude of 6.5 and depth of about 9.3 miles."
I can thank Abuelo Rum for the deep sleep, which of course I only drink for medicinal use...the name Abuelo means Grandfather in Spanish, it is amazing Rum dirt cheap and doesnt leave you to fuzzy in the morning, yet strong enough to keep you sleeping through a 6.2 quake! This area is Volcanic, nearby there are Hot Springs called The Caldera Hot Springs Caldera means soup Caldron! Dont stay in there too long..they are awesome though, it cured my bad back last winter..and only 30 minutes from the hostel.
We are in David Panama and Bambu Hostel is a great jump off point for journeys into the awesome beauty of Chiriqui Province I lived in NYC for 20 years and one day realized that if I didn't follow my dreams and leave I would be there forever. That is the way New Yorkers are they just stay and stay and wake up old one day..
Life here is good. Everyday I wake up and give thanks for being in this awesome country. Come to Bambu Hostel and spend a few days at the hostel, we have a sweet pool and a mayan style rancho, and there is always a nice crowd of international backpackers and others there. I will post again soon.
See ya in Panama,
Gregg
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Bambu Hostel announces new Tours, to mountain, Rain Forest, Pacific and Caribbean..more
Bambu Hostel Saturday 11/15/08
Howdy all, we just got our tour page fired up we have some great tours listed..
Bambu Hostel is proud to offer tours to Lost and Found Jungle Lodge in the Fortuna Rain Forrest, Hot Springs , Swimmable canyons, bird watching, trails and surfing as well as surf and fishing excursions. Optional transport to Bocas Del Toro, Hot Surfing beaches and more available. All the tours can be found here
Los Quetzales Trail Tour
Option 1
Pick up at 7am in David, transport to Cerro Punta trial head. Arrive at Cerro Punta Trial head at 9 am...
Hike through to Boquete town.
$110 for the car for up to 4 people.
Option 2
Pick up at 7 am in David, transport to Cerro Punta Trial head. Arrive at Cerro Punta Trial heat at 9 am...
Hike through Boquete town
have pickup at Boquete trial head with your logage ready for you in our truck.
Drop off at lodging of your choice in Boquete or return to David
$160 for the car for up to 4 people.
Overnight at Lost and Found Cloud Forest Ecolodge
2 days/1 night.
Pickup in David at 8:30 am, stop at a river canyon for swimming at 9:30 am. Next get up to the lodge and have lunch. That Afternoon, learn about cloud forest animals and about the jungle. Have a relaxing time in the afternoon, possibility for short guided hikes. Have dinner, and watch the nocturnal animals, take a short night safari, weather permitting.
Use the lodge facilities for night entertaiment, sleep. Have a Breakfast, take 3 hr guided hike to lookouts and a secret river in the cloud forest jungle, have lunch at the lodge and then drive back to David or drop off in Boquete via a different scenic route.
The only thing not included in the following price is the food and drink.
$55 per person minimum 2 people.
Hot Springs and Petroglyphs
Half day
Visit the Hot Springs and ancient Petroglyhs with return to David or drop off in Boquete
$30 per person, minimum 2 people
$10 extra each person
Isla Boca Brava
Full Day
Transportation to and from (includes boat transfer costs)
$100 for the car up to 4 people.
Transport to Bocas (Almirante) With stops at the River Canyon and Secret Waterfall ( Palo Seco Park )
Full Day
Leave Bambu Hostel at 9am
Stop at River Canyon for swimming at 10 am
Hike to the secret waterfall at 1 PM
Arrive to Almirante afternoon
$150 for the car for up to 4 people
River Canyon Swim, Hot Springs , Petroglyphs, Animal Rescue Center .
Full Day
Return to Bambu Hostel or Drop off in Boquete
$55 per person, minimum 2 people
Long Distance Transportation
Prices are for the car, Maximum 4 people per car
David to Bocas $130
David to Santa Catalina $210
David to Santiago $130
David to Chitre or Las Tablas $160
David to Pedasi (Isla Iguana) $210
David to El Valle $260
LOCAL SURF/BEACH TOURS AND SURF BOARD RENTALS
All tours are a minimum of 4 up to 12 hours long depending on destination and weather conditions.
Las Lajas:
$80.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
La Barqueta:
$60.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
Boca de Hacha:
$75.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
Puerto Armuelles area:
*Includes spots like: Los Olivos, Tortuga , 4:40 and more.
$95.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
Morro Negrito (Isla Ensenada) and nearby islands:
*Includes spots like: La Corocita, Playa Ensenada, Silva Afuera, Silva Adentro and more.
$210.00 (surfing only) a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car & boat), surf guide, ice chest, fishing equipment.
$260.00 (surfing & fishing) a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car & boat), captain, surf/tour guide, ice chest, fishing equipment.
Surfboard rentals
* Taking a tour: $10.00 a day.
* Only surfboard rental: $20.00 a day.**
** Must bring a copy of ID or passport.
+ There are restaurants in most areas, bring your own snacks/food if you wish.
+ There are no available restaurants in the Morro Negrito and nearby islands area so tourists must bring their own snacks/food.
+ Trips all over the country are also available, please ask for more details since this are usually custom made tours and will vary in price.
+ Also available, nature, fishing, camping and more!
MANGROVE & INSHORE FISHING TOURS
All trips are a minimum of 4 up to 12 hours long depending on destination and weather conditions.
Mangrove Fishing (departing from Punta de Tierra):
*Includes spots like Punta de Tierra, Isla Batipa, Bahía de Muerto, Isla Muerto, Isla Chalapa, Los Lajones and more.
$160.00 a day for 1 to 4 people.
Includes: Light meals & snacks( granola bars, cookies, salads, fruit, etc.), soft drinks (water, sodas, fruit juice, gatorade, etc.), tour guide (captain & sometimes an assistant), fishing equipment, transportation to departure point, ice chest.
Boca Chica and surrounding areas (departing from Punta de Tierra):
*Includes spots like Isla Boca Brava, Isla Zaíno, Isla La Ensillada**, Isla Viuda**, Isla Ventanas, Isla Carey Macho and more.
$185.00 a day for 1 to 3 people.
Includes: Light meals & snacks( granola bars, cookies, salads, fruit, etc.), soft drinks (water, sodas, fruit juice, gatorade, etc.), tour guide (captain & sometimes an assistant), fishing equipment, transportation to departure point, ice chest.
Contact:
Bambu Hostel, Benny Olmos or Gregg Lapkin
Office Phone: (507) 730-4851 Mobile (507) 646-78552
gregg@bambuhostel.com or mike@bambuhostel.com
Se Habla Espanol
Howdy all, we just got our tour page fired up we have some great tours listed..
Bambu Hostel is proud to offer tours to Lost and Found Jungle Lodge in the Fortuna Rain Forrest, Hot Springs , Swimmable canyons, bird watching, trails and surfing as well as surf and fishing excursions. Optional transport to Bocas Del Toro, Hot Surfing beaches and more available. All the tours can be found here
Los Quetzales Trail Tour
Option 1
Pick up at 7am in David, transport to Cerro Punta trial head. Arrive at Cerro Punta Trial head at 9 am...
Hike through to Boquete town.
$110 for the car for up to 4 people.
Option 2
Pick up at 7 am in David, transport to Cerro Punta Trial head. Arrive at Cerro Punta Trial heat at 9 am...
Hike through Boquete town
have pickup at Boquete trial head with your logage ready for you in our truck.
Drop off at lodging of your choice in Boquete or return to David
$160 for the car for up to 4 people.
Overnight at Lost and Found Cloud Forest Ecolodge
2 days/1 night.
Pickup in David at 8:30 am, stop at a river canyon for swimming at 9:30 am. Next get up to the lodge and have lunch. That Afternoon, learn about cloud forest animals and about the jungle. Have a relaxing time in the afternoon, possibility for short guided hikes. Have dinner, and watch the nocturnal animals, take a short night safari, weather permitting.
Use the lodge facilities for night entertaiment, sleep. Have a Breakfast, take 3 hr guided hike to lookouts and a secret river in the cloud forest jungle, have lunch at the lodge and then drive back to David or drop off in Boquete via a different scenic route.
The only thing not included in the following price is the food and drink.
$55 per person minimum 2 people.
Hot Springs and Petroglyphs
Half day
Visit the Hot Springs and ancient Petroglyhs with return to David or drop off in Boquete
$30 per person, minimum 2 people
$10 extra each person
Isla Boca Brava
Full Day
Transportation to and from (includes boat transfer costs)
$100 for the car up to 4 people.
Transport to Bocas (Almirante) With stops at the River Canyon and Secret Waterfall ( Palo Seco Park )
Full Day
Leave Bambu Hostel at 9am
Stop at River Canyon for swimming at 10 am
Hike to the secret waterfall at 1 PM
Arrive to Almirante afternoon
$150 for the car for up to 4 people
River Canyon Swim, Hot Springs , Petroglyphs, Animal Rescue Center .
Full Day
Return to Bambu Hostel or Drop off in Boquete
$55 per person, minimum 2 people
Long Distance Transportation
Prices are for the car, Maximum 4 people per car
David to Bocas $130
David to Santa Catalina $210
David to Santiago $130
David to Chitre or Las Tablas $160
David to Pedasi (Isla Iguana) $210
David to El Valle $260
LOCAL SURF/BEACH TOURS AND SURF BOARD RENTALS
All tours are a minimum of 4 up to 12 hours long depending on destination and weather conditions.
Las Lajas:
$80.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
La Barqueta:
$60.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
Boca de Hacha:
$75.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
Puerto Armuelles area:
*Includes spots like: Los Olivos, Tortuga , 4:40 and more.
$95.00 a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car), surf/tour guide, ice chest.
Morro Negrito (Isla Ensenada) and nearby islands:
*Includes spots like: La Corocita, Playa Ensenada, Silva Afuera, Silva Adentro and more.
$210.00 (surfing only) a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car & boat), surf guide, ice chest, fishing equipment.
$260.00 (surfing & fishing) a day from 1 person to groups of up to 4 people.
Includes transportation (car & boat), captain, surf/tour guide, ice chest, fishing equipment.
Surfboard rentals
* Taking a tour: $10.00 a day.
* Only surfboard rental: $20.00 a day.**
** Must bring a copy of ID or passport.
+ There are restaurants in most areas, bring your own snacks/food if you wish.
+ There are no available restaurants in the Morro Negrito and nearby islands area so tourists must bring their own snacks/food.
+ Trips all over the country are also available, please ask for more details since this are usually custom made tours and will vary in price.
+ Also available, nature, fishing, camping and more!
MANGROVE & INSHORE FISHING TOURS
All trips are a minimum of 4 up to 12 hours long depending on destination and weather conditions.
Mangrove Fishing (departing from Punta de Tierra):
*Includes spots like Punta de Tierra, Isla Batipa, Bahía de Muerto, Isla Muerto, Isla Chalapa, Los Lajones and more.
$160.00 a day for 1 to 4 people.
Includes: Light meals & snacks( granola bars, cookies, salads, fruit, etc.), soft drinks (water, sodas, fruit juice, gatorade, etc.), tour guide (captain & sometimes an assistant), fishing equipment, transportation to departure point, ice chest.
Boca Chica and surrounding areas (departing from Punta de Tierra):
*Includes spots like Isla Boca Brava, Isla Zaíno, Isla La Ensillada**, Isla Viuda**, Isla Ventanas, Isla Carey Macho and more.
$185.00 a day for 1 to 3 people.
Includes: Light meals & snacks( granola bars, cookies, salads, fruit, etc.), soft drinks (water, sodas, fruit juice, gatorade, etc.), tour guide (captain & sometimes an assistant), fishing equipment, transportation to departure point, ice chest.
Contact:
Bambu Hostel, Benny Olmos or Gregg Lapkin
Office Phone: (507) 730-4851 Mobile (507) 646-78552
gregg@bambuhostel.com or mike@bambuhostel.com
Se Habla Espanol
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Bambu Hostel in David Panama, A luxury hostel at $8 a night
Howdy,
What started out as a dream about ten years ago in NYC has turned into our new reality! Me (mike Esterson) and my buddy Gregg Lapkin got together and bought a large family house in the San Mateo section of David Panama complete with a 3000 SF garden in march. For me I was correctly convinced that the US economy was in the toilet, the little that i had in my 401k was not growing, so i pulled it out of the market and made the decision to invest in Panama, a better investment in hindsight after seeing the market hear collapse.
Bambu Hostel is a labor of love, Gregg and I have created an international backpackers hostel and resort. It has a sparkling swimming pool, in ground of course, and really nice gardens to relax in..the rancho bar is an authentic central american rancho with hand woven roof and rustic wood construction. We built brand new showers and bathrooms and our dorm rooms have AC or no AC, we charge $8 USD for a dorm bed but you can feel like you are living large.
Bambu Hostel is fun, Gregg and I are both professional musicians, He plays guitars and sings kind of a human juke box and I play hand drum bass and sing as well...we both have had major label deals, Gregg with the legendary Rakes Progress and Me with the infamous and first live hip hop group Smokin Suckaz with Logic.
Nightly there are jam sessions and guest DJ's popping through and often there are bbq's and pool parties..
please come to David Panama and check out our place, stay a day or a week or a month, chill out with me and Gregg and our Panamanian Lothero Benny!
see you in Panama!
Mike Esterson
Co-Owner Bambu Hostel
http://www.bambuhostel.com
mike@bambuhostel.com
What started out as a dream about ten years ago in NYC has turned into our new reality! Me (mike Esterson) and my buddy Gregg Lapkin got together and bought a large family house in the San Mateo section of David Panama complete with a 3000 SF garden in march. For me I was correctly convinced that the US economy was in the toilet, the little that i had in my 401k was not growing, so i pulled it out of the market and made the decision to invest in Panama, a better investment in hindsight after seeing the market hear collapse.
Bambu Hostel is a labor of love, Gregg and I have created an international backpackers hostel and resort. It has a sparkling swimming pool, in ground of course, and really nice gardens to relax in..the rancho bar is an authentic central american rancho with hand woven roof and rustic wood construction. We built brand new showers and bathrooms and our dorm rooms have AC or no AC, we charge $8 USD for a dorm bed but you can feel like you are living large.
Bambu Hostel is fun, Gregg and I are both professional musicians, He plays guitars and sings kind of a human juke box and I play hand drum bass and sing as well...we both have had major label deals, Gregg with the legendary Rakes Progress and Me with the infamous and first live hip hop group Smokin Suckaz with Logic.
Nightly there are jam sessions and guest DJ's popping through and often there are bbq's and pool parties..
please come to David Panama and check out our place, stay a day or a week or a month, chill out with me and Gregg and our Panamanian Lothero Benny!
see you in Panama!
Mike Esterson
Co-Owner Bambu Hostel
http://www.bambuhostel.com
mike@bambuhostel.com
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