Nicaragua account

Hola,

New explorations have enveloped new visions and excitement. The weekend before last I woke at the crack of dawn and taxied with three (Katie, Martin, and Jordan) others to a bus that would usher us to the Nicaraguan border. We took a bus from there directly to the border, because the bus seats were allready full I slept on the floor using my bag as a pillow and Katies legs as a leg rest. I went on a short trip up there mainly to get a basic feel for the borders, busses, and Nicaragua. At the border we were swarmed with people trying to exchange cash, taxi drivers and others trying to obtain money one way or the other (selling or begging). The border was hectic but we stormed into the lines to get the passports stamped and crossing fees paid. But there was more, and if I hadn't come with my other experience colleage (Katie) then I might have either missed one of the numerous check points or fallen to the back of the mile long lines. Transport trucks were lined up nearly a mile back from the intermediary zone. Dust was bieng blown around from the traffic and lack of pavement.

We taxied out of there for cheap and were soon driving along side the lake of Nicaragua, the biggest lake in central america. At the center of the lake were two volcanoes together forming the island of Ometepe. The water was a grayish color and strong winds made the water look as if it were a sea. I felt like Don Quixote when we passed by a wind farm which was generating a significant amount of renewable energy. We taxied to the tourist town of San Juan Del Sur though miles of cow pastures, and millions of birds flying low through the fields in asymetrical patterns.

On the outskirts of town I could see the Nicaraguan development, minimalistic poor communities bunched together. As we got closer to the town more gringos and touristy development poped up. After checking into the 5$ a night hostel we checked out the beach, where boats were parked out in the bay. There was significant development along the hillside which sheltered the little town that I was told was from foreigners.

In town breakfast at the local market cost 2$ for a pankake with fresh fruit, gallo pinto, (rice and beans) eggs and toast, and other staples. The highlight was meeting the friendly people of the town, nearly everyone gesturing and saying hello.

Surfing at Playas maderas was raw, 9'8" surfboard rented for 10$ with a free beer, and 5$ for the awesome offroad ride through mud to surf thats world class. There I really had the opportunity to harness the 4-6 feet waves. The water there was at least 10 degrees cooler that the waters of Costa Rica which brough a lot more stingy jellyfish (medusas) and mantarayas (which i stepped on one). The 300 yard stretch of break was packed with pros and amatures and people were camped around the parking lot. Surfed for 5 hours straight and only to stop because of the sunset and surf dying down.

Nicaragua means the water of the people in the native tounge there, and now I know why. I cant wait to return to see more of the coutries historical heritage and other wilderness beauties. Poverty is a serious issue but the people seem very calm, and in touch with their spiritual sides. Also they are environmentally aware, on our way offroading to playa las maderas there was a community building event where people of all ages were cleaning up a park, and maybe talkign about the environment. Around San Juan del Sur I was also very stoked to see "I recycle, San Juan del Sur" stickers. And it showed, the waters of their cover were immaculate, and the community streets were near perfect.


I need to try and write not late at night to be more coloful.

T