Fried Plantain chips
Rice
Beans
Chicken, beef, fish (our typical choices at a restaurant)
Fruit punch (made with blended seasonal fruit)
Yucca (potato)
Entire Fish dinners
Pineapple and watermelon
Salad-served before every lunch and dinner
Ceviche (fish cooked chemically in lime juice and served cold)
Tona, Victoria---beers
Visited cities:
Bluefields
Corn Island
Leon
Granada
Ometepe
San Juan del Sur
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Sunrise with Karen, bused to Managua--fly to Houston then Indy
I woke Karen up at 5:15AM to go climb a close hill and watch the sun rise. It was a bit dark but extremely calm. I love mornings because its a breath of fresh air---crisp, calm, beautiful new day! I didn't have a clue on how to get up the landing which was just below a Jesus statue at the top, but we knew we had to go up. We figured it out just walking down streets and then up some very steep roads. The view at the top though was well worth it! The view covered many aspects of San Juan del Sur--- I could see out over the town, over the ocean front, over the water! The sun rose very quickly, poking through the clouds. I think this was the perfect way to end this trip.
Karen is not much of a morning person, but even without a cup of coffee (which she said she would definitely need before walking anywhere), she was very chipper and I think really enjoyed the serene sunrise too. We couldn't make it up to the Jesus statue because the path was fenced off (had to pay to go to the top) and it was not open until 8AM. so we walked all the way back down. Karen went back to bed for about 25 minutes and I went and relaxed on the hammock in front of the hotel. I took some last pictures of the town and had my last breakfast--same as yesterday, egg whites, toast, rice and beans, pineapple, watermelon, bananas, and OJ.
After breakfast, it was time to pack up my bags and carry them to the bus. We left San Juan del Sur about 8:30AM. Carlos left really early that morning so we said our good-byes last night. The drive was about 1.5 hours to Managua and most of us just slept on the bus---I got the entire back seat of this nice coach bus---this was probably the nicest bus we had the whole trip and it was our last and one of the shortest rides! I feel asleep for the whole ride because I woke up as we pulled up the airport, perfect timing.
We all check our bags in---mine was 48.5 lbs phew!!! Then we went on to the gate. I bumped into the guys we saw at the bar a few nights ago at the subway in the airport so I talked with them for a little bit. Then Karen wanted a coffee so we sat in a little coffee shop, walked around the small airport for a little bit, and then it was time to start boarding the plane. Right before boarding, our check-in luggage had to be searched again. Just inside the jet bridge was a long table and 6-7 employees looking through our carry-ons. They unzipped every compartment of my bags and even made me chug the water left in my water bottle. But then I got to enter the plane.
The first flight Managua to Houston---very smooth ride---about 3 hours. We got served a chicken sandwich, with some weird cheese on it (I did not care for the cheese), potato salad (didn't eat it), and a dark chocolate fun-size bar. The sandwich was not too bad, not as good as the one coming, but we were all pretty hungry by then anyway. Once we touched down in Houston we had to fill out declaration papers. The line was enormous. Stood for about 45 minutes-an hour to get through and then past right along. Stated everything as a no and was never questioned for once through we went to the next gate where we had about 35 minutes before boarding. I was so happy to get my feet back on U.S. soil to be honest. The first thing I did was take my cell phone out and call my parents! They were shocked to hear my voice but it felt so good to finally hear their voice and be able to talk on the phone!
The next flight to Indianapolis was just under 2 hours, getting to Indy around 11PM. I was seated far away from everyone else but no one sat next to me so I had three seats to myself which was nice. This flight was very smooth as well and after arriving it was time to find luggage and get to Muncie. I think I was a walking zombie by the time I got to the baggage carousel. I was so tired and so beat----I got my bag and then went with Lorien. Her aunt was picking her up to take her to her car which she left at her aunts house for the trip. It took about 30 minutes to get to her house, then another 45 minutes to Anderson where Ronda and Todd picked me up in Ruby Tuesdays parking lot. I can't believe they came from their nice warm house to come and pick me up (although by then I was so tired and dead feeling I am sure I didn't have a very good conversation). They brought me all the way back to Muncie and then went back to Gas City where they live by 2AM. They don't know how much I appreciate what the two of them did! Once I got back to Muncie, I brought all my bags in and crashed on my bed. My bed felt so comfortable---so cushiony, soft, cozy and all I wanted to do was sleep!! I set everything down and I was out within minutes! What a fantastic journey to share with everyone at home now!!!
Karen is not much of a morning person, but even without a cup of coffee (which she said she would definitely need before walking anywhere), she was very chipper and I think really enjoyed the serene sunrise too. We couldn't make it up to the Jesus statue because the path was fenced off (had to pay to go to the top) and it was not open until 8AM. so we walked all the way back down. Karen went back to bed for about 25 minutes and I went and relaxed on the hammock in front of the hotel. I took some last pictures of the town and had my last breakfast--same as yesterday, egg whites, toast, rice and beans, pineapple, watermelon, bananas, and OJ.
After breakfast, it was time to pack up my bags and carry them to the bus. We left San Juan del Sur about 8:30AM. Carlos left really early that morning so we said our good-byes last night. The drive was about 1.5 hours to Managua and most of us just slept on the bus---I got the entire back seat of this nice coach bus---this was probably the nicest bus we had the whole trip and it was our last and one of the shortest rides! I feel asleep for the whole ride because I woke up as we pulled up the airport, perfect timing.
We all check our bags in---mine was 48.5 lbs phew!!! Then we went on to the gate. I bumped into the guys we saw at the bar a few nights ago at the subway in the airport so I talked with them for a little bit. Then Karen wanted a coffee so we sat in a little coffee shop, walked around the small airport for a little bit, and then it was time to start boarding the plane. Right before boarding, our check-in luggage had to be searched again. Just inside the jet bridge was a long table and 6-7 employees looking through our carry-ons. They unzipped every compartment of my bags and even made me chug the water left in my water bottle. But then I got to enter the plane.
The first flight Managua to Houston---very smooth ride---about 3 hours. We got served a chicken sandwich, with some weird cheese on it (I did not care for the cheese), potato salad (didn't eat it), and a dark chocolate fun-size bar. The sandwich was not too bad, not as good as the one coming, but we were all pretty hungry by then anyway. Once we touched down in Houston we had to fill out declaration papers. The line was enormous. Stood for about 45 minutes-an hour to get through and then past right along. Stated everything as a no and was never questioned for once through we went to the next gate where we had about 35 minutes before boarding. I was so happy to get my feet back on U.S. soil to be honest. The first thing I did was take my cell phone out and call my parents! They were shocked to hear my voice but it felt so good to finally hear their voice and be able to talk on the phone!
The next flight to Indianapolis was just under 2 hours, getting to Indy around 11PM. I was seated far away from everyone else but no one sat next to me so I had three seats to myself which was nice. This flight was very smooth as well and after arriving it was time to find luggage and get to Muncie. I think I was a walking zombie by the time I got to the baggage carousel. I was so tired and so beat----I got my bag and then went with Lorien. Her aunt was picking her up to take her to her car which she left at her aunts house for the trip. It took about 30 minutes to get to her house, then another 45 minutes to Anderson where Ronda and Todd picked me up in Ruby Tuesdays parking lot. I can't believe they came from their nice warm house to come and pick me up (although by then I was so tired and dead feeling I am sure I didn't have a very good conversation). They brought me all the way back to Muncie and then went back to Gas City where they live by 2AM. They don't know how much I appreciate what the two of them did! Once I got back to Muncie, I brought all my bags in and crashed on my bed. My bed felt so comfortable---so cushiony, soft, cozy and all I wanted to do was sleep!! I set everything down and I was out within minutes! What a fantastic journey to share with everyone at home now!!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Explored San Juan del Sur
Woke up this morning at 6:45AM and went for a run. It was very nice, cool, but sunny, and only a few people out. I passed Carlos running in the opposite direction. I ran the length of the beach and did some lunges and squat jumps off a few rocks at the end and then ran back. I acknowledge I am a bit odd sometimes with working out, but I indeed brought a resistance band with me and used it finally this morning for some resistance training. Boy was I sore after that!
After finishing,I had breakfast -There were only three options to choose from: eggs, eggs, rice, and beans, or one pancake----The kitchen ladies were so nice to me and made me egg white scrambled eggs which I loved! I also had watermelon, pineapple, bananas, papaya, rice and beans, OJ.
After breakfast I went to interview a local hotel manager then came back and laid out on the beach. It was severely windy today and sand was everywhere. I had sand on every inch of my body--in my ears, hair, mouth, a layer of sand just coated my body. The sand is a darker sand and would even make my feet appear really dirty. The color also stained the bottom of my feet buts that's the price I had to pay to be at a beach.
Soon it was time for lunch----still at El Timon, I had ceviche for an appetizer (ceviche is well known seafood dish made here with fish and shrimp, but usually its just raw fish put in lime juice which chemically cooks the fish--the dish is served cold and it was delicious!) I also had grilled chicken, rice, salad, potato wedges, and for dessert I had vanilla ice cream with fruit (same as last night). I enjoyed this meal a lot, however, every meal from this restaurant though has been great!
I has to soak as much sun as possible and fight the sand storm so I went back to lay out for a bit and had another interview. After the interview, I explored more shops and town with Karen, finding a few more souvenirs. Then it was time to shower, Karen and I decided to paint our nails, and head to last dinner of the trip. For an appetizer we had 2 fish meatballs with plantain chips which were very tasty. I also had grilled chicken again, this time with shrimp, rice, potato wedges, fruit punch to drink, and a salad. For dessert, I had tres leche---soft milky cake made with three different kinds of milk. The whole meal was delicious! During the meal we all reflected on the trip.
The waiters all wore sailor style shirts that were white with blue collars. They were very good waiters--very attentive, quick, all in their mid to late-20s.
After dinner, I went back to the room and then a group of us (Brian, Carlos, Lorien, Karen, and Alex) headed to the Iguana for the night. Walking to the second floor, it was pretty dead at 10:30PM. We got a table and just talked and laughed, enjoying the ocean view. Brian, Alex, and Carlos left not long after getting there and Lorien, Karen, and I decided to go sit on the other side of the bar. Three guys approached the table (again all MBA Grads which blew my mind) and just started making conversation. They were all at Berkeley and were a very nice, funny group. I talked to one about sustainability, another about travelling, and the third about dancing--all very different topics, but rather enjoyable. We talked for an hour or so and then headed back to our hotel. It was about 12:30AM when I climbed into bed. I was kind of disappointed there wasn't a whole lot of dancing tonight, but I still enjoyed the last evening at San Juan del Sur.
After finishing,I had breakfast -There were only three options to choose from: eggs, eggs, rice, and beans, or one pancake----The kitchen ladies were so nice to me and made me egg white scrambled eggs which I loved! I also had watermelon, pineapple, bananas, papaya, rice and beans, OJ.
After breakfast I went to interview a local hotel manager then came back and laid out on the beach. It was severely windy today and sand was everywhere. I had sand on every inch of my body--in my ears, hair, mouth, a layer of sand just coated my body. The sand is a darker sand and would even make my feet appear really dirty. The color also stained the bottom of my feet buts that's the price I had to pay to be at a beach.
Soon it was time for lunch----still at El Timon, I had ceviche for an appetizer (ceviche is well known seafood dish made here with fish and shrimp, but usually its just raw fish put in lime juice which chemically cooks the fish--the dish is served cold and it was delicious!) I also had grilled chicken, rice, salad, potato wedges, and for dessert I had vanilla ice cream with fruit (same as last night). I enjoyed this meal a lot, however, every meal from this restaurant though has been great!
I has to soak as much sun as possible and fight the sand storm so I went back to lay out for a bit and had another interview. After the interview, I explored more shops and town with Karen, finding a few more souvenirs. Then it was time to shower, Karen and I decided to paint our nails, and head to last dinner of the trip. For an appetizer we had 2 fish meatballs with plantain chips which were very tasty. I also had grilled chicken again, this time with shrimp, rice, potato wedges, fruit punch to drink, and a salad. For dessert, I had tres leche---soft milky cake made with three different kinds of milk. The whole meal was delicious! During the meal we all reflected on the trip.
The waiters all wore sailor style shirts that were white with blue collars. They were very good waiters--very attentive, quick, all in their mid to late-20s.
After dinner, I went back to the room and then a group of us (Brian, Carlos, Lorien, Karen, and Alex) headed to the Iguana for the night. Walking to the second floor, it was pretty dead at 10:30PM. We got a table and just talked and laughed, enjoying the ocean view. Brian, Alex, and Carlos left not long after getting there and Lorien, Karen, and I decided to go sit on the other side of the bar. Three guys approached the table (again all MBA Grads which blew my mind) and just started making conversation. They were all at Berkeley and were a very nice, funny group. I talked to one about sustainability, another about travelling, and the third about dancing--all very different topics, but rather enjoyable. We talked for an hour or so and then headed back to our hotel. It was about 12:30AM when I climbed into bed. I was kind of disappointed there wasn't a whole lot of dancing tonight, but I still enjoyed the last evening at San Juan del Sur.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Ferry from Ometepe to Rivas, bused Rivas to Managua to San Juan del Sur
I couldn't sleep for some reason and woke up at 6AM. I showered and headed out to get breakfast. I had pancakes (more crepe-like which made me miss my dads big pancakes) and peanut butter! We were all on the road by 8 to catch the ferry to go back to Rivas. Wondering how much this ferry cost I checked my ticket and found out it was cost 60 Cordobas ($2.75) to ride the ferry one-way.
Random note---plantain chips are much better with ketchup (salsa de tomate).
The ferry was a lot less packed this time and I didn't have to push my way through to get on which was a relief. This time I sat on the top of the ferry where I could enjoy the view and the sunshine. It was a lot more refreshing than being stuck inside on the second floor like last time. I however was a bit board after the first half hour and decided to count all the bites (mosquito, spider, any bug) on my legs. I had 54 one one and 44 on the other, along with 2 on my left arm, what totaled to 100 bites----yikes!! I think I had the record for the most in our group! The ride had less swaying and even enjoyed a nice nap. I was abruptly woken up by the boat's horn, meaning we were getting close to the port. After getting off the ferry, we found our bus and headed to Managua. It took about 2 hours to get to Managua and then another 35-40 minutes to San Juan del Sur, our last destination.
On the way into San Juan del Sur, Carlos decided to play DJ with his Ipod and played a few authentic cultural song and then moved into classic U.S. songs. We decided to rock out on the bus, belting out songs, playing air-guitars and drumming. We all were cracking up and enjoying every minute of our performance until we realized our professors was taping it--then we had to go all out for the camera!!
San Juan del Sur was on the Pacific Ocean, a very touristy, more developed place. There were many boats anchored just out from the beach. Our hotel (Hotel Casablanca) was right by the ocean---what a beautiful view from the lobby! Because we got there before noon only 2 of the 4 rooms were available so we just shared for the time being. We went to lunch which was at a restaurant just across the street which was ocean front seating. The restaurant called El Timon was where we ate for the next 2 days but I was not complaining it was delicious! For lunch, I had MahiMahi (which I usually don't like but it was excellently prepared) with shrimp in a light yellow sauce, large potato wedges, fruit punch (very typical, freshly squeezed fruit drink--even had pulp in it from the fruit), rice, and salad.
Each one of the meals we got had four courses--appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert. The dessert at lunch was a ice cream drink--chocolate and vanilla ice cream, amaretto, Kahlua, and whip cream and chocolate sauce (I didn't really like it but everyone else seemed to enjoy it--even the 12 year old was served this drink and serving alcohol to any age was acceptable here I guess).
After lunch we all ran back to change into our bathing suits and hit the beach. Karen and I laid out for a bit. I took a nice little nap on my belly which was nice, however I was covered in sand because it was a bit windy!
After lying out for an hour or so, Karen and I then went to see if our room was ready and then move our suitcases. The hotel made cute little swans out of the towels they put on your bed which I thought was adorable. Then we went and explored the local neighborhood. We climbed a small hill by a bunch of homes and had chickens all around us. Karen said she would protect me so I felt somewhat safe, but they were just everywhere which made me really uncomfortable--both sides of the street, in front of me and behind me---I needed to get off that street quickly!
We continued on and shopped in a few street shops. We ended at the beach taking some jumpy pictures with the sun setting in the background. Before we knew it was time for dinner---I had a grilled seafood mix platter with shrimp, fish, calamari, and lobster. I really enjoyed the fish and shrimp but was never a fan of lobster or calamari anyway so I gave those up! I also has some seafood soup, rice, potato wedges and the dessert was an ice cream and fruit cup (never thought about putting watermelon, cantaloupe in ice cream but it was very tasty).
After dinner, I head back to shower and went out on the town with Alex and Karen. We started at bar with an open mic night. It was filled with mostly Canadians and one was singing about American assholes so we decided to leave. We started walking down the street and were stopped by two more Canadians (probably about 22-23 years old) and took us to the Iguana. This bar had two levels--the bottom was very relaxed with tables and a bar and the upstairs was more social and loud U.S. music (Aka a dance floor for us). One of the guys bought all of us a fire shot---which is exactly that---a shot of 151 lit on fire. The bar tender puts a straw in the shot and you have to suck it down. It was disgusting not going to lie. It tasted much like crude oil---ewwww! Alex even started choking after the shot--it was that awful!
We proceed to the second floor where they were playing all North American pop music and danced a bit. We decided to take a seat at a table that was there and the group of guys next to us decided one-by-one to sit in the "hot seat" (the one available seat at our table). They were all MBA Grad students. Dan was the first one and he was very attractive!! I danced with him a few times that night---he wanted to learn Salsa so I taught him what Carlos taught me and then he did a little swing with me--I think he had a few tricks up his sleeve although he played cool! Then Will came along--he was very funny and taught us the "virus"---dancing which starts in one leg and then you stop that leg and it moves to the other leg and then you stop that leg then it moves up the body and eventually takes over your entire body---I was dying he was hilarious! Then another guy sat down which the other girls thought was so attractive--I thought he was gay but the other two thought he was a model. Then the 4th guy came who was Indian and bought us all Vodka orange juices. They were such a fun group of guys. We even all created a soul train line and busted out our best moves! Since we were talking to these guys, we kind of lost the Canadians but they were socializing with a bunches groups too.
What a fun night! The bar was maybe 15 seconds from our hotel which was very convenient! We walked back and I was out within minutes!
Random note---plantain chips are much better with ketchup (salsa de tomate).
The ferry was a lot less packed this time and I didn't have to push my way through to get on which was a relief. This time I sat on the top of the ferry where I could enjoy the view and the sunshine. It was a lot more refreshing than being stuck inside on the second floor like last time. I however was a bit board after the first half hour and decided to count all the bites (mosquito, spider, any bug) on my legs. I had 54 one one and 44 on the other, along with 2 on my left arm, what totaled to 100 bites----yikes!! I think I had the record for the most in our group! The ride had less swaying and even enjoyed a nice nap. I was abruptly woken up by the boat's horn, meaning we were getting close to the port. After getting off the ferry, we found our bus and headed to Managua. It took about 2 hours to get to Managua and then another 35-40 minutes to San Juan del Sur, our last destination.
On the way into San Juan del Sur, Carlos decided to play DJ with his Ipod and played a few authentic cultural song and then moved into classic U.S. songs. We decided to rock out on the bus, belting out songs, playing air-guitars and drumming. We all were cracking up and enjoying every minute of our performance until we realized our professors was taping it--then we had to go all out for the camera!!
San Juan del Sur was on the Pacific Ocean, a very touristy, more developed place. There were many boats anchored just out from the beach. Our hotel (Hotel Casablanca) was right by the ocean---what a beautiful view from the lobby! Because we got there before noon only 2 of the 4 rooms were available so we just shared for the time being. We went to lunch which was at a restaurant just across the street which was ocean front seating. The restaurant called El Timon was where we ate for the next 2 days but I was not complaining it was delicious! For lunch, I had MahiMahi (which I usually don't like but it was excellently prepared) with shrimp in a light yellow sauce, large potato wedges, fruit punch (very typical, freshly squeezed fruit drink--even had pulp in it from the fruit), rice, and salad.
Each one of the meals we got had four courses--appetizer, soup or salad, entree, and dessert. The dessert at lunch was a ice cream drink--chocolate and vanilla ice cream, amaretto, Kahlua, and whip cream and chocolate sauce (I didn't really like it but everyone else seemed to enjoy it--even the 12 year old was served this drink and serving alcohol to any age was acceptable here I guess).
After lunch we all ran back to change into our bathing suits and hit the beach. Karen and I laid out for a bit. I took a nice little nap on my belly which was nice, however I was covered in sand because it was a bit windy!
After lying out for an hour or so, Karen and I then went to see if our room was ready and then move our suitcases. The hotel made cute little swans out of the towels they put on your bed which I thought was adorable. Then we went and explored the local neighborhood. We climbed a small hill by a bunch of homes and had chickens all around us. Karen said she would protect me so I felt somewhat safe, but they were just everywhere which made me really uncomfortable--both sides of the street, in front of me and behind me---I needed to get off that street quickly!
We continued on and shopped in a few street shops. We ended at the beach taking some jumpy pictures with the sun setting in the background. Before we knew it was time for dinner---I had a grilled seafood mix platter with shrimp, fish, calamari, and lobster. I really enjoyed the fish and shrimp but was never a fan of lobster or calamari anyway so I gave those up! I also has some seafood soup, rice, potato wedges and the dessert was an ice cream and fruit cup (never thought about putting watermelon, cantaloupe in ice cream but it was very tasty).
After dinner, I head back to shower and went out on the town with Alex and Karen. We started at bar with an open mic night. It was filled with mostly Canadians and one was singing about American assholes so we decided to leave. We started walking down the street and were stopped by two more Canadians (probably about 22-23 years old) and took us to the Iguana. This bar had two levels--the bottom was very relaxed with tables and a bar and the upstairs was more social and loud U.S. music (Aka a dance floor for us). One of the guys bought all of us a fire shot---which is exactly that---a shot of 151 lit on fire. The bar tender puts a straw in the shot and you have to suck it down. It was disgusting not going to lie. It tasted much like crude oil---ewwww! Alex even started choking after the shot--it was that awful!
We proceed to the second floor where they were playing all North American pop music and danced a bit. We decided to take a seat at a table that was there and the group of guys next to us decided one-by-one to sit in the "hot seat" (the one available seat at our table). They were all MBA Grad students. Dan was the first one and he was very attractive!! I danced with him a few times that night---he wanted to learn Salsa so I taught him what Carlos taught me and then he did a little swing with me--I think he had a few tricks up his sleeve although he played cool! Then Will came along--he was very funny and taught us the "virus"---dancing which starts in one leg and then you stop that leg and it moves to the other leg and then you stop that leg then it moves up the body and eventually takes over your entire body---I was dying he was hilarious! Then another guy sat down which the other girls thought was so attractive--I thought he was gay but the other two thought he was a model. Then the 4th guy came who was Indian and bought us all Vodka orange juices. They were such a fun group of guys. We even all created a soul train line and busted out our best moves! Since we were talking to these guys, we kind of lost the Canadians but they were socializing with a bunches groups too.
What a fun night! The bar was maybe 15 seconds from our hotel which was very convenient! We walked back and I was out within minutes!
Monday, January 2, 2012
Ometepe Tour/ Petroglyphs, coffee plantation, cool watering hole
Woke up to a rooster crowing and birds chirping about 6 in the morning. Their calls were very loud and combined with the wind which was whipping around, there was no way to sleep in. I got up and went to overlook the water. The waves were huge and the wind was just out of control. Only Brian was up at this time so the two of us sat down for breakfast. I was shocked to see OATMEAL on the menu!!! Of course I had to order it!! It was not Rondas that's for sure----but it tasted alright.I also has some fruit which was very good. I am really going to miss the pineapple and bananas here.
It was off to the Petrographs this morning. Petroglyphs are carvings which were made tens of thousands of years ago on rock. We walked through some grassy hills to find about 8-9 different pertroglyphs. While walking along we came upon a huge pig and also a black cow which had just given birth (maybe 2 minutes prior) to a baby cow/bull (didn't know which). This is gross but the mother still had the placenta coming out its behind. The baby was trying to stand and was stumbling to get up. The baby was nursing when we returned from our walk. Along our walk we also found mango and sour orange trees (Random fact-The orange color of oranges is something artificially added because real oranges are not actually orange).
The next stop was a Nicaraguan Coffee Plantation. They sort their first and second quality by size, the larger the bean the better the quality. This plantation was much smaller and did the same relative process--pick, de-shell, and dry. They also export their first quality and sell the second quality locally. Even though the people of Costa Rica and Nicaragua both seem more humble than U.S. citizens, money still talks therefore first quality coffee is sent to other countries for its monetary benefit. At the plantation, Carlos found an almond tree and cracked some of the shells open so we could try a natural almond. He would smash a rock on the shell and break it open for the seed. It was delicious--the seed was a bit more moist than a typical but but very tasty.
We were all ready for lunch after the tour and headed to another small, very home-like restaurant. I had another whole fish although this time it was much smaller and a lot less salty. It was not as good as Corn Islands fish but definitely much better than last nights dinner. I also has some salad, a few fried plantains, and a little rice. After lunch we went to a small park where we walked briefly around, waiting for our professor to go to the pharmacy. We discovered some turtles (tortugas in Spanish) in a pond at the center of the park. The water they were swimming was extremely filthy---Our guide shared that they keep them here for the benefit of people coming to look at them and don't think about the poor turtles. They are fed what people drop into the water (most of the time is crackers and cookies) which is not part of their diet and all of them had fungi all over their shells. It was very sad to see these animals suffering. Our guide said he had kidnapped some of the turtles in the middle of the night and set them free, but people always go and find more to put in there.
After the park we went to a watering hole. This one was unfortunately not a hot spring but rather a cool spring. Many of the students including me were already pretty cold and decided not to go in. The water were were told was filled with minerals and you emerge 10 years younger with healthier hair and skin, but I just couldn't get myself to get in the cold water. The watering hold seemed to be a place where families would come and hang out for the day. There was even a swing made out of a branch and string to swing into the watering hole. It was already cloudy and a little rainy when we arrived so we stayed for maybe 30-45 minutes and then headed back to the hotel. I interviewed the manager at our hotel and then went to dinner. I had a grilled 1/4 of a chicken with rice, french fries (freshly cut potatoes), and a few veggies.
After dinner, Carlos and I went right over to the hotel nearby and interview the owner there. I found out that his hotel chooses to use plastic bottles (most use glass bottles to save on waste) and then breaks them down and combines it with chicken wire to make walls for local's houses--what a neat contribution. After the interview it was time for bed. I was shocked at how late most owners/managers were at the hotels---most live very close or live at the hotel. I was more likely to catch a manager late at night than in the morning which was fairly unusual for me.
It was off to the Petrographs this morning. Petroglyphs are carvings which were made tens of thousands of years ago on rock. We walked through some grassy hills to find about 8-9 different pertroglyphs. While walking along we came upon a huge pig and also a black cow which had just given birth (maybe 2 minutes prior) to a baby cow/bull (didn't know which). This is gross but the mother still had the placenta coming out its behind. The baby was trying to stand and was stumbling to get up. The baby was nursing when we returned from our walk. Along our walk we also found mango and sour orange trees (Random fact-The orange color of oranges is something artificially added because real oranges are not actually orange).
The next stop was a Nicaraguan Coffee Plantation. They sort their first and second quality by size, the larger the bean the better the quality. This plantation was much smaller and did the same relative process--pick, de-shell, and dry. They also export their first quality and sell the second quality locally. Even though the people of Costa Rica and Nicaragua both seem more humble than U.S. citizens, money still talks therefore first quality coffee is sent to other countries for its monetary benefit. At the plantation, Carlos found an almond tree and cracked some of the shells open so we could try a natural almond. He would smash a rock on the shell and break it open for the seed. It was delicious--the seed was a bit more moist than a typical but but very tasty.
We were all ready for lunch after the tour and headed to another small, very home-like restaurant. I had another whole fish although this time it was much smaller and a lot less salty. It was not as good as Corn Islands fish but definitely much better than last nights dinner. I also has some salad, a few fried plantains, and a little rice. After lunch we went to a small park where we walked briefly around, waiting for our professor to go to the pharmacy. We discovered some turtles (tortugas in Spanish) in a pond at the center of the park. The water they were swimming was extremely filthy---Our guide shared that they keep them here for the benefit of people coming to look at them and don't think about the poor turtles. They are fed what people drop into the water (most of the time is crackers and cookies) which is not part of their diet and all of them had fungi all over their shells. It was very sad to see these animals suffering. Our guide said he had kidnapped some of the turtles in the middle of the night and set them free, but people always go and find more to put in there.
After the park we went to a watering hole. This one was unfortunately not a hot spring but rather a cool spring. Many of the students including me were already pretty cold and decided not to go in. The water were were told was filled with minerals and you emerge 10 years younger with healthier hair and skin, but I just couldn't get myself to get in the cold water. The watering hold seemed to be a place where families would come and hang out for the day. There was even a swing made out of a branch and string to swing into the watering hole. It was already cloudy and a little rainy when we arrived so we stayed for maybe 30-45 minutes and then headed back to the hotel. I interviewed the manager at our hotel and then went to dinner. I had a grilled 1/4 of a chicken with rice, french fries (freshly cut potatoes), and a few veggies.
After dinner, Carlos and I went right over to the hotel nearby and interview the owner there. I found out that his hotel chooses to use plastic bottles (most use glass bottles to save on waste) and then breaks them down and combines it with chicken wire to make walls for local's houses--what a neat contribution. After the interview it was time for bed. I was shocked at how late most owners/managers were at the hotels---most live very close or live at the hotel. I was more likely to catch a manager late at night than in the morning which was fairly unusual for me.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Ferry to Ometepe Island, relaxing evening
Got up this morning at 6:45AM, repacked, had breakfast (eggs and toast), and then boarded the bus. I was off to Ometepe (means two volcanoes) Island. We had to go to the Rivas Port to get to the island where we waited for about an hour and a half. The group decided instead of lugging suitcases on the ferry, we would just take a few outfits and a backpack so I had to reorganize my bags. I am very thankful we decided to do so because there were maybe 300-400 people trying to push on to this ferry. Literally people were pushing me over to get on the ferry faster. It was absolutely crazy, all 300-400 people trying to get through to small entrance doors while people are trying to get off the ferry too. It was just nuts--not a place for anyone claustrophobic. I felt like I was in Times Square at New Years. The ferry had three different levels and luckily a few of the students got on and saved seats for the group because there were none by the time I got on. Everyone is trying to find seats and make it to the higher levels so are not moving at all and are just standing with no where to go. We ended up on the second level, sitting inside the ferry. The ferry ride was about 45 min to an hour. I fell asleep for the last 15 minutes or so, but by this time I was ready to get off, the boat had been swaying most of the trip and my stomach wasn't feelings so great.
Ometepe has about 42,000 people in the island, 2 volcanoes (Concepcion (active, second largest (1610 M above sea level) volcano in Nicaragua, last erupted 1957) and Maderas (1394 M above sea level)). While driving I saw that most of the land was forest and green. Each volcano had its own culture---one was influenced by the Inca and the other by the Aztec. There were many wandering horses and cattle along the road. The homes here were much like Corn Island/Bluefields, they were very simple 1-2 bedroom homes. Along the drive in, the guide stopped by a local tobacco plantation and let us see and smell one green and one dried brown tobacco leaf. I couldn't really smell anything to be honest.
All of us were starving so we headed directly to lunch. This "restaurant" was a bit odd and appeared to be more like someone's home (which I guess is typical for restaurants here), making all the food out of personal kitchen. I had grilled chicken, veggies, and fried plantains (for some reason I really liked these today--they look like cooked bananas, however, taste like potatoes).
After lunch we went the hotel. Everyone's stomachs were not feeling great so we got this entire day to relax. Karen was not feeling good after getting of the ferry and ended up getting sick in our bathroom. I felt so bad and had her take some imodium. She had drank some of the water back in Granada the day before and now she was paying for it. I wanted her to get some rest so I went to the hotel lobby (big open room with tables) and skyped my family. It was great to see them (well kind of see them-the connection was not great). Once Karen woke up, I went with her to the small convenience store (basically just a room with a bunch of random products on the bug-infested shelves) to get some Gatorade and prunes. These didn't help because she kept puking everything up, but by dinner time she was feeling better. I think everything had left her system by then. For dinner I ordered a whole snapper fish, however, this time it was extremely salty. I did not enjoy the salt so I didn't eat much of the fish (not my favorite at all). I also had plantain chips and veggies. After dinner, it was back to the room and right to sleep.
Ometepe has about 42,000 people in the island, 2 volcanoes (Concepcion (active, second largest (1610 M above sea level) volcano in Nicaragua, last erupted 1957) and Maderas (1394 M above sea level)). While driving I saw that most of the land was forest and green. Each volcano had its own culture---one was influenced by the Inca and the other by the Aztec. There were many wandering horses and cattle along the road. The homes here were much like Corn Island/Bluefields, they were very simple 1-2 bedroom homes. Along the drive in, the guide stopped by a local tobacco plantation and let us see and smell one green and one dried brown tobacco leaf. I couldn't really smell anything to be honest.
All of us were starving so we headed directly to lunch. This "restaurant" was a bit odd and appeared to be more like someone's home (which I guess is typical for restaurants here), making all the food out of personal kitchen. I had grilled chicken, veggies, and fried plantains (for some reason I really liked these today--they look like cooked bananas, however, taste like potatoes).
After lunch we went the hotel. Everyone's stomachs were not feeling great so we got this entire day to relax. Karen was not feeling good after getting of the ferry and ended up getting sick in our bathroom. I felt so bad and had her take some imodium. She had drank some of the water back in Granada the day before and now she was paying for it. I wanted her to get some rest so I went to the hotel lobby (big open room with tables) and skyped my family. It was great to see them (well kind of see them-the connection was not great). Once Karen woke up, I went with her to the small convenience store (basically just a room with a bunch of random products on the bug-infested shelves) to get some Gatorade and prunes. These didn't help because she kept puking everything up, but by dinner time she was feeling better. I think everything had left her system by then. For dinner I ordered a whole snapper fish, however, this time it was extremely salty. I did not enjoy the salt so I didn't eat much of the fish (not my favorite at all). I also had plantain chips and veggies. After dinner, it was back to the room and right to sleep.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Exploring Granada, Boat ride Watch bartering, New Years Celebration
I had a very cold wake-up this morning. The A/C was on way too low and there was only one sheet on the bed. I covered my head entirely to keep warm but had to shut off the A/C all together. I got up shortly after and went down to breakfast. I got some pancakes (which I added peanut butter to) and fruit. I went off with Carlos this morning to hand some surveys (none of which were actually answered—very frustrating after the managers/staff say they will do a questionnaire and then don’t and on top of that they look at me really funny and don’t even know where the questionnaire went). The city was already wide awake and the sun was already very hot! We dropped the surveys off and then went back to the hotel to get everyone else.
Today we were taking a city tour with Martin, our guide. We saw many churches, an art museum, climbed a bell tower of a church, had lunch (at the same restaurant as dinner). I had a chicken kebob, cooked plantains, half a baked potato, fruit punch (whenever restaurants say fruit punch, they really mean a natural blended fruit drink which is delicious).
Differences between Leon and Granada:
Leon- about 300,000 people, not as modern as Granada—lots of horses and carts, town all in block structure, very small, simple homes. Traditional culture is alive in this city.
Granada-150,000 people, small but modern city, half the town drove cars and the other half horses and carts—has thoroughly mixed the modern Nicaragua with the old-traditional Nicaragua. All homes and businesses had open gardens in the middle of their buildings.
After lunch, we went on a boat (12 passenger boat) to see a few of the 365 islands in Lake Nicaragua. Along the trip we saw 2 white faced monkeys and lots of birds. We were informed that a man brought the monkeys were brought to this island and left on it as a touristy attraction. Unfortunately, there is nothing left on this island for the monkeys to eat and have been eating what tourists throw at them which is very unhealthy. It was a pleasant boat ride; rather calm-not a lot of waves and lots of sun to soak up.
After the boat ride, it was back to the hotel. I interviewed the Manager and then headed back out to the street markets. At one of the markets, I was looking at some jewelry and trying to get a good deal. While trying to barter with this one seller, he said he would give me a better deal if I would trade the watch I was wearing for these two turquoise heart necklaces. I felt my watch was worth way more than any of the jewelry, but Karen and Lorien helped me bargain with the man. He wanted 100 cordobas and my watch for the two necklaces, which I thought was too much so the other two girls and I got him down to the watch and 50 cordobas ($2.25). It was a funny bargaining process---he was speaking English to us, however, we continued trying so hard to embrace the culture and use our poor Spanish. The girls told him that the gifts were for my friends and he replied that the watch was for his father. He told us that this is his job and only way he makes money and Karen said “estudiantes…….no dinero).” It took some bargaining back and forth to get him down and at the end Lorien made the final bid and acceptance (so basically one of the other students sold me watch). What a memorable experience, but now I feel lost without knowing the time.
After the long bargaining event, the three of us went back to shower and get ready for dinner. Dinner was again at the same restaurant. I had fettuccine with huge shrimp and tomato sauce. It was very good!! After dinner we went out to the main city street, just around the corner from the restaurant where everyone was starting to congregate for the New Years celebration. There were many bands playing outside, lots of music and dancing. Carlos even taught me some Salsa steps and danced with me a few times in the street. I had so much fun learning a few new steps and following his lead. We continued to walk down the road which was filled with people drinking, setting off fireworks. I think I saw every age of children setting off fireworks, there were all kinds of kids with bottle rockets, huge crackling ones, and one kid even started swinging a firework around his head while it was shooting out things. Everyone started quickly moving away from him and it seemed very dangerous what he was doing. An older gentleman took him aside and got him to stop. I felt like I was in the middle of a war zone—the fireworks were being shot from everywhere.
The group decided to walk the street for a little bit and then sit down at a bar and get some drinks. We enjoyed a few processions that came down the street including the traditional tall woman and midget man. This traditional dance represents Spain (the young midget man) and Nicaragua (tall beautiful woman).Young kids play the drums and move this 6 foot tall doll and midget doll (a kid is underneath the doll or under this huge headed man and dance in the street to the drumming). They dance around for awhile and then stop and go into the crowd asking for money.
Pretty soon the countdown to the new year was approaching and so the group went to find the band, dance a little more, and countdown while fireworks are bring shot from every direction. Some of the group decided to go back to the hotel and Lorien, Karen, and I decided to take a walk to the end of the main street one more time and then to the hotel. The street was just covered in firework scraps and the streets all filled with trash. We were all fast asleep after arriving back at the hotel.
One thing I realized while walking around the town is that this town has many dogs and most of which are city strays. Dogs are not seen pets like in the U.S. but are starving animals, much famished, all searching for food. The dogs were laying all over the streets/roads.
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