I have found the Lost and Found, or perhaps i should say the Lost and Found has found me? It's kind of a mutual longing we have for each other. I arrived at the Lost and Found Eco Lodge after spending the night in David. The English girls and myself caught the bus to the random coordinates we'd received and we were dropped out in the middle of the highway in the forest/hills/jungle of Panama. With our heavy luggage strapped to our backs we proceeded to climb the steep steps and path that followed towards the lodge. After a couple of weeks surfing i thought i was starting to develop some kind of fitness base, but after ascending the treacherous steps (that would soon become the equivalent of my driveway) i realised that the old legs required a much needed work out.
Once getting to the top it was almost like a feeling of liberation as i looked out across the mountains and valleys of Panama. From the top of the lodge you can see across to Volcano Baru (the highest point in Panama, which from the top you can see Costa Rica and both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans) and the valleys of the La Fortuna Reserve. It is truly a sight to see.
Once getting here i somewhat feel like i found what I'd been looking for, at least temporarily that is. There was a certain tranquillity that oozed from the surrounding of the lodge that encapsulated every aspect of serenity. We checked into the dorm and got settled for the day relaxing and enjoying the more temperate weather. Whereas most parts of Panama are stinking hot, the Lost and Found (situated in the cloud forest above the sweltering hustle and bustle of ground level), contains much more mild weather. During the days it gets quite hot if you're out in the sun, however at night (particularly if it is windy), and weather can drop down to be quite cold. After spending the last 5 weeks in boardshorts and singlets it has been nice to be able to throw on a hoodie and jeans at night.
After learning a little bit more about the lodge i soon discovered that all the people working up here, bar the owners, were working as volunteers. There job was to coordinate the operations of the day as the owners saw fit. This consisted of check-ins/outs, managing guests and generally hostel type tasks. In return they got accommodation for free and a few other little perks. They basically had a wicked set up and i was immediately drawn to the idea of this. I talked to the owners and next thing i knew i was starting to factor in the possibility of an extended stay at the Lost and Found. Before i knew it this became a reality and now i am officially on board the Lost and Found team. The minimum requirement they ask is two weeks, but the possibility to stay on longer is up to you. At this stage i have no idea how long I'm going to stay here, but it will be at least a month at this stage. Accommodation free, cheap food, cheaper rum (fair to say I've been converted to a dirty pirate hooker polishing off litres of rum a week) and the chance to settle for a period of time with a good group of fellow volunteers. After weeks of travelling solo it is nice to establish some more substance to friendships that last longer than a couple of days. At the moment there is a really cool crew working at the lodge, all pretty much starting the same time, so it means we are going to be together for a while. Since I've been here we have ventured out into the jungle forest, hit the hiking tracks (a passion that is slowly growing) and had some wicked parties. Staying here for an extended time gives a prefect balance because you have your mates that you've made working here, but you also have the constant influx of travellers moving in and out. Really can't complain too much up here at the moment.
There isn't really too much else to report right now. I'm going to be staying here for a while and my routine is going to be pretty similar. You generally work two days on and then one day off. The shifts are split between morning (7am-3pm), evening (3pm-10pm) and then party (6pm-last man standing). Needless to say the party shift is pretty sweet because generally you're going to be up that last anyway. The morning shift is probably the most hectic because you have to count, restock and record inventory, check quests out and check new guests in. Evening gets the odd check in, but you don't do too much except clean and organise events. With party it is your job to get people getting into the festivities. Foosball tournaments, poker, bonfire, drinking games, etc. On your days off you usually catch up on sleep or head to the closest town to get on the internet or do some grocery shopping. It takes about a half hour on the bus or you can usually hitch hike there pretty easily. Hitching has become a major method of transport here and is probably the most convenient way to get about.
Ok time to eat!
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