Beers of the Caribbean

There is nothing like a cold beer after a snorkel, hike, or arrival in port after a long passage. Or to share with friends and new acquaintances. One of the fun parts of travel is to experience the food, and yes beer, of the different places you set your anchor. And because beer IS food - we have enjoyed the various brews from the islands.

The Eastern Caribbean has quite a collection as we made our way down island (Piton, Hairoun, Carib, Corsair, Medalla). Colombia has several local beers - our favorite being Club Colombia though Aguila is the "Bud" of the country. Plus there's Poker and Costena. In Panama there is Balboa, Atlas and our preference aptly named "Panama". In Honduras there was Salva Vida (means Life Saver - a good name for a beer), Port Royal and one more.

We have a beer economy on board as well - pricing beer in the various locations and determining how much we can consume on our budget. They have been as cheap as 75 cents cold in a restaurant in Panama or as expensive as $4 in a higher end establishment in Cartagena. But they average about $1.50 in a bar or restaurant and about 50 - 60 cents per can by the case.

What's funny about this little island of Providencia is that it is actually difficult to find the Colombian beers. Old Milwaukee, Olympia, Miller High Life and Heineken seem to be the dominant brands here. In fact, it's cheaper to buy them than the Colombian brews.

So it looks like we can celebrate US Independence Day with a US beer (though it doesn't taste as good as the local brews). Happy Fourth of July to all - we are representing the states in this anchorage as the only US boat here now. Together with an Australian boat and an Irish boat - it could be a good time!

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