Before the trip to Panama
Lisanne Froon and Kris Kremers became inseparable friends largely because of their common interests. Both worked in a coffee shop in the Netherlands, their homeland, and even moved in together to save money. The intention was to raise money to do social work around the world so they began contacting various associations and, it was in Panama where they received a satisfactory response after six months of preparation.
The first stop was in Bocas del Toro, where they were impressed by the atmosphere. They were ready to start volunteering.
A fatal misunderstanding
After 2 weeks in Bocas del Toro, they moved to Boquete where their real social work with the children would begin. However, upon arrival they were told that their work would have to wait another week. There was a mix-up with the calendars, so they were invited to enjoy the extra time.
The girls didn’t think twice, they decided to take the opportunity to go hiking on the famous El Pianista trail. They took Azul, the dorm dog and a few basic belongings, but their destination was uncertain.
Kris’ reaction to the change in schedule
According to journalists Jeremy Kryt and Mariana Atencio, Kris kept a diary in which he wrote his impressions about the change of plans. There he unloaded his discontent about the lack of communication in addition to the attitude of the association whose spokesperson he described as “rude and unfriendly.”
He also added “tomorrow they will try to communicate with the [director]…. This was a real disappointment.” With this change of plans all that was left was to make the most of the trip, so, despite the discontent, it was decided, they would go to Chiriqui.