I heart Nicarauga

So we are now down to one girl and a guy in Central America, travelling separately. I just happened to run into Mark at the hostel I´m at about 10 minutes ago. It´s unfortunate how this trip turned out, but at the same I think it was unavoidable. I hope that doesn´t sound crass.

I thought I´d update this blog one more time before I leave for Costa Rica. So here´s a quick description of what I´ve been doing with myself. And may I add that travelling as a single female creates a lot of unwanted attention from men! How can I politely say ¨I´d rather continue reading than talk to you¨?

Managua: The capital of Nicarauga. Everything is barred up, indoors and outdoors. Outside, on top of the bars you will see barbed wire. I was warned by the hotel owner and about 4 people on the street that I shouldn´t be walking alone at dark. I was back inside by 6:30 p.m. and ready to move on. Streets are unmarked as is the case in many Central American cities. That makes wandering around, searching for a destination infuriating at times. And it kinda causes some insecurities. Gave in and ate at freaking Burger King after getting lost, misguided by the Lonely Planet, and ripped off by a cab driver. Love the breakfast sausage.

Granada: I returned to Granada for a second time because I liked it and the hostel so much. Plus there isn´t much about Costa Rica that appeals to me or fits into my budget. Enjoying the comfort of being in a familiar place, free DVDs and a 10 minute phone call to Canada, as well as the pool. Granada is unbearably hot. Ate the best veggie burger of my life. Some attractive, maintained colonial buildings, and a lot of dilapidated structures. Took a day trip to Lake Pacoyo, which reportedly has the cleanest water in Nicarauga. Lazed around in an inner tube on the crystal clear water for most of the day.

Isla de Ometepe: Two islands were formed into one after an eruption of one of the (2) volcanoes created an isthmus between them. Having difficulties pronouncing isthmus. Travelled with a couple from London (UK), Nick and Jo, and two others from the UK, Julian and Keith, as well as another Julia and a teacher named Dave. Spent two nights in Merida. Hiked to San Ramon. Viewed spectacular waterfall cascading down a steep rock face. Falls provide drinking water for town, so no swimming allowed. Decided to ignore the ¨watch for falling rocks¨sign and stood under the falls for a minute. Was hit in head by a falling rock. Enjoyed the gluttony of having a breakfast and dinner buffet served at the hotel. Lake swimming was amazing, although thoughts of the fresh water sharks crossed my mind. Nearby island was made home to monkeys rescued from captivity. Monkeys are now dependant on the owners since the island doesn´t have food. Roaming cows, pigs, chickens and horses everywhere. One night on Santo Domingo beach. White sand, not at all busy. Splurged for a nice hotel. Wished I had much more time here. Truly is ¨an ecological jewel¨. Took small ferry back to mainland. Luckily did not puke.

San Juan del Sur: Still travelling with the group, minus Dave and other Julia. Formerly a town visited by rich Nicaraugans and few surfers. Now being developed by rich Nicaraugans, visited by many Gringos. Subway was put in town 8 months ago. A 20 story hotel was just approved for construction. Other than that, the beach was good, water cool (Pacific) and salty so floating was not an issue. Visited nearby Playa Majagual and Maderas. Gorgeous area. Wish I was a geologist so I could describe the cliffs and eroded rocks surrounding the shore. Accomodations were pricey, the budget place was booked, so it became a day trip. Splurged and bought shrimp and tried some lobster. Both were incredible. Not much to eat but seafood.

And here I am in Granada. The trip to San Jose is about 8 hours long, so I plan to leave early tomorrow morning for the big city. Start volunteering on the 23rd.