

That’s me trying to tempt a small child into my snare…






That’s me trying to tempt a small child into my snare…
This post is originally from February 9, 2013
Our knight in shining armour and his chariot!
Well, well, well…
The view at Surfing Turtle Lodge
My meager attempt at surfing
After lunch I fell asleep in a hammock, and later it was time for another swim. Damn life is hard! Michelle and I got pulled far out but at least this way we were past the break. It was completely surreal when about 15 pelicans flew right over our heads.
This post is originally from February 7, 2013
The universal sport and laughter of children!
Ok, ok, so I said good bye from Ometepe Island, but I have to rewind here… On our last night on the island Michelle and I pass a sink on the way back to our Homestay house. In the sink are at least 5 roaches, and Michelle turns to me and says, thank god our house doesn’t have a roach problem like that. Little did we know that soon we would be part of a losing battle. We get in our room and it is literally swarming with roaches. You know, the flying kind that hit the wall and make noise and then dive bomb you?? And no I am not exaggerating! So here we are in our room trying to dodge the dirty suckers while wiping off our beds from the other random bugs. Then once we lifted our pillows there were more roaches hiding and waiting to pounce. It was freaking insane!!! Michelle probably killed about 15 herself. I was a little quicker on the war and got my mosquito net around my bed and tucked in. I sat in my safe haven and watched the spectacle as poor Michelle kept up the fight. Literally she would get one off the bed and two more would reappear. I couldn’t contain myself – laughed my ass off. We probably woke up all the neighbors since our walls didn’t touch the roof. Finally the piece de resistance in Michelle’s fight was a lizard in her bed. Eventually she got herself all tucked in when she realized the last remaining roach was tucked right in with her she didn’t have the gusto to fight any longer. Roach vs Michelle…Roach is the winner!
Hours later and I have to pee. Now the toilet is not connected but around the corner outside. After I waited until the very last moment and my bladder was about to burst I decided to risk it. I untucked myself from my netting and got the courage to go outside in the dark. Mid pee I look down and there with my own two eyes I see a freaking SCORPION. This isn’t just any ordinary scorpion – it is literally the length of my middle finger. Its clampers were in full view and it was literally going towards my feet. Mid pee I jumped up and it changed direction and went towards me as I threw myself against the tin door. Now remember…this is about 3am and I know everyone is sleeping so instead of a full on scream I am gasping in fear. This scorpion was after me!!! Again I am not making this shit up. I changed directions and it would too. I flew out of there as fast as I physically could but opening a tiny metal latch at top speed in the middle of the night while taking a piss isn’t my forte!
The picturesque town of Grenada
This post is originally from February 5, 2013
Yesterday it was a 530 am departure…We had to drive to the border of Nicaragua, but before we reached that point our van got a flat tire. Our driver, Mario became Super Mario when he took off his shirt to change the tire. Just picture a robust 60 year old man with a nipple ring. Badabing badaboom!
Super Mario and his nipple ring!
Soon we were on our way, and crossing the border wasn’t too much of a hassle. I think I expected the worst from my experience between Cambodia and Vietnam. Although we had to walk quite a ways with our packs on our back and the sun was pelting down, it was quite easy to get through. After another bus to Latin America’s 2nd biggest lake (Lake Nicaragua) we boarded a ferry that looked like it was going to sink. We literally sat on the top of the boat where there were no seats. Just hung on and enjoyed the view. It is difficult to imagine this water being a lake as it is so massive.
I wish I could have captured a picture with all of us squished on top like sardines!
We arrived at Ometepe Island. This island is made up of two volcanoes that when they erupted formed a land mass in the middle. I knew as soon as we got here that I would love it. Unlike the developed country of Costa Rica this felt more cultural and what I usually love to experience on my trips. Don’t get me wrong, I love Costa Rica and its ease, but experiencing something completely different from home is something that I truly cherish and thrive on. Here we were brought to a community to live in a Homestay. This community started as an income generating project for a few of the women in the area and now is completely self sufficient. We have two nights with our host family and I completely feel like a tool when it comes to speaking Spanish. All those classes that my dad and I took together should have come in handy in this situation, but unfortunately all I know is siesta, salsa and taco! Not gonna get me far when speaking to my family. They served up our dishes and put our dinner plates in front of us. I had to try to tell the mother that I was vegetarian. I said “vegetariano” It worked. Maybe if I just add an “O” to everything it will be understood…or then again, maybe not. At one point Michelle and I were left at the table alone. We came to a consensus that we both really didn’t like these plantain chips she made. Michelle was quick on her toes and quickly poured her chips back into the serving dish. I quickly followed. We felt like naughty school children!
Our rooms are pretty clean but definitely not comfortable. Even though I am completely out of my comfort zone I have to say this is an once in a life time experience that I will always hold close to my heart.
Yesterday evening we went to the Ojo de Agua; a natural spring made by the volcano. The water wasn’t hot, but it was so stunning. Unfortunately at dusk this beautiful area became a hot spot for all sorts of biting bugs and when we left my legs looked like I have the case of chicken pox. I feel like the blind could read brail on my legs! Note to self: insects here are called ‘no see ems’ and even though you can’t see them, they bite like hell…wear bug spray!
Our sleep was not to shabby. We have mosquito nets around our beds and mine is placed so that it literally rests on my head. Here I was reading before falling asleep, when a cockroach crawled on to my face – thankfully it was on the outside of the net, but JEEZUS! Again out of my comfort zone, but really, I love this shit.
Today some of the group climbed the volcano. It is a ten hour hike straight up and down. I can’t imagine this being fun at all so I chose the lazy man’s activity… something much more chill …go to the beach. Again, it is hard to believe this is a lake when the waves come crashing in like the ocean. It was lovely to relax and listen to the waves. Am I making you jealous?
Anyway, In am going to lay in the hammocks and watch the sun set now.
Adios from Ometepe!
This post is originally from January 28, 2013