All Pictures are at the bottom:
Suitcase 1
55 pairs of shoes
6 string backpacks
2 mobile phones
Suitcase 2
32 pairs of soccer cleats
51 pairs of soccer socks
2 mobile phones
Suitcase 3
67 soccer jerseys
30 soccer shin guards
6 pairs of goalie gloves
41 pairs of soccer shorts
2 flags for coaches
20 practice jerseys
5 pairs of soccer socks
7 school backpacks
2 mobile phones
Suitcase 4
19 school backpacks
16 soccer balls
2 ball pumps
1 mobile phone
2 MacBooks
1 iPad
Donations arrive or maybe NOT!
Hold onto your hats, folks, because it's story time! For the past seven years, we've been lugging donations across borders, and let me tell you, it's been quite the rollercoaster ride. From charming encounters to nail-biting moments, our journey to Nicaragua was no exception.
Touching down in Managua at 7:50 PM on Thursday, February 15th, we sailed through immigrations without a hitch—well, almost. One feisty Aussie accused Margarite of cutting the immigration line, but a stern look from a burly bystander swiftly put that debate to rest. Crisis averted!
With our four colossal suitcases brimming with donations in tow, we braced ourselves for the customary customs dance. Each bag, along with our carry-ons and backpacks, went under the X-ray scanner—a routine we were all too familiar with.
But then, the plot thickened. The donation bags raised some eyebrows, but hey, nothing we hadn't seen before. Meeting with the customs officers was par for the course, and armed with our trusty list detailing each suitcase's contents, we thought we had this in the bag. Pun intended.
Alas, fate had other plans. The discovery of two iPhones in the first bag raised a few eyebrows, but we played it cool, passing them off as our personal devices. No harm done, right? Wrong.
Bag number two was where things went off the rails. Fifty pairs of shoes and two more iPhones greeted the customs agents, and when the shoes decided to stage a grand escape, chaos ensued. The agent's expression was a mix of sympathy and sheer disbelief as he realized the extent of our donation haul.
Cue the paperwork frenzy. iPhones were cataloged, bags were sealed with official government seals, and our patience was put to the test as the clock ticked past the one-hour mark.
Just when we thought we were in the clear, a curveball. The bags were re-X-rayed, weights were documented, and suddenly, the dreaded words: "You'll need to come back when the customs office is open."
Tax talk ensued, but my friends, we were not about to pay a tax on items destined for those in need. With a bold declaration, I offered to leave everything behind—a not-so-subtle attempt at bribery, or so I thought.
Their response? Utter confusion. Turns out, subtlety doesn't translate well in Nicaragua.
So, with a chuckle and a shake of the head, we bid farewell to the customs officers, knowing that while we may have left empty-handed, the memory of their faces when those shoes made their grand entrance would be priceless—no photo or video necessary.
Talk about a plot twist! With an appointment looming at the Venezuelan Embassy in Managua on Monday, we faced a dilemma: do we tackle the customs conundrum head-on or leave the bags behind and live to fight another day? Well, you guessed it—we chose the latter.
Opting to carry the paperwork with us, we bravely ventured forth, ready to take on the challenge of reclaiming our bags without paying a single peso in taxes. But here's the kicker—the real MVPs, our trusty MacBooks and iPad, were snug as a bug in my backpack, flying under the customs radar like true stealth warriors.
It just goes to show, sometimes the best-laid plans come with unexpected perks. So, armed with our paperwork and a newfound sense of determination, we set our sights on Monday's Venezuelan embassy appointment, and then a visit to the customs office. Knowing that whatever obstacles lie ahead, we've got this.
As you read the next part, please allow this song to play.
Friday - We spent the night in Managua at a very nice hotel, Elements.
Stay tuned for the next chapter in our Nicaraguan adventure—it's bound to be a nail-biter!
Over the past few days, I've been hit with two burning questions:
Did you manage to retrieve your donations from the clutches of Nicaraguan Customs? What's the deal with your rendezvous at the Venezuelan Embassy while stationed in Nicaragua? Let's tackle the second question first.
Picture this: Monday morning, the crack of dawn, and there we were, Roberto whisking us away at 8:00 AM sharp. Our destination? The esteemed Venezuelan Embassy. With high hopes and punctuality on our side, we strutted in for our 9:00 AM appointment, only to be greeted by a disappointing twist of fate—the Ambassador was called away to a meeting of utmost importance. Talk about timing, right?
So, with bated breath and fingers crossed, we're slated to return on Wednesday for the grand reveal. Stay tuned for the big reveal—I'll give you a hint: it's not about adopting a Venezuelan cherub!
While our Embassy escapade didn't quite yield the results we'd hoped for, it did jumpstart our quest to reclaim our confiscated donations from customs.
Fortunately, fate smiled upon us with a copy center conveniently stationed across the street, staffed by a seasoned pro who knew the drill like the back of her hand.
Back at the customs gate, a harsh reality hit—only Margarite, the designated paperwork bearer, was granted entry. As Roberto and I waited outside, oblivious to the unfolding saga, Margarite embarked on her odyssey.
Hours ticked by, each one adding another layer of frustration and uncertainty. By 1:00 PM, Margarite resorted to borrowing a phone just to keep us in the loop.
By 2:00 PM, she was summoned to determine the value of our items and cough up a hefty tax—a process that dragged on until 5:00 PM, culminating in a jaw-dropping price tag surpassing the value of the items themselves.
While our tale may sound like a nightmare, we count ourselves lucky that our losses were material, not existential. Yet, the horror stories shared by Margarite's fellow detainees paint a chilling portrait of a system gone awry—tales of exorbitant taxes levied on humble car parts or cherished personal belongings held hostage for ransom.
So, to answer the burning question: no, we didn't retrieve our items, and it seems we never will.
Wednesday marked our return to the Venezuelan Embassy, courtesy of a morning text informing us that our paperwork had been greenlit. Back in December, we embarked on the arduous task of applying for a tourist visa to Venezuela, navigating a labyrinthine 30-page application reminiscent of a mortgage form on steroids. Birth certificates, police checks, financial statements, and even invitation letters from Venezuelan residents were among the plethora of documents demanded.
Why the detour through Nicaragua? Simple: diplomatic estrangement between the United States and Venezuela meant no Venezuelan consulates on American soil. So, seizing the opportunity during our Nicaraguan sojourn, we decided to tackle the visa saga head-on.
January brought news of approval, but our journey wasn't over yet. Monday's plans for DNA tests, fingerprinting, blood draws, and photo ops were derailed by the Ambassador's unexpected absence. Round two on Wednesday proved more fortuitous, as we sailed through the biometric rigmarole and emerged victorious, clutching our golden ticket to Venezuela—a visa, freshly minted.
Boca Baco: Excellent for sushi.
La Hacienda: Nice outside seating. Food is good traditional Nicaraguan food.
Pampa Restaurant: Steak and seafood.
El Zaguán: Great steakhouse.
On Thursday evening, we went for a walk-in search of the band "Trip n Tonic".
The band is made up of college students from a French university. We met several of the band members volunteering at La Esperanza. They are on a gap year as part of their engineering program.
We found them playing outside the historic cathedral. They play most evenings at random sites throughout Granada.
What's impressive is they carry their instruments on their travels.
We also ran into them on Sunday evening just off Central Park.
What's impressive is they carry their instruments on their travels.
We also ran into them on Sunday evening just off Central Park.
Band Video:
Friday - Today, we are meeting Veronica, who runs Soccer Without Borders Nicaragua.
We showed up at 9:00 AM and delivered the news that the soccer equipment we promised them was confiscated by customs agents.
The good news is we told her we would gladly go shopping for new equipment in Managua next week. Soccer Without Borders is a worldwide organization that works with young ladies from five to 18 years of age. They use soccer as the base but are involved with many aspects of these young ladies' education and building them into independent women.
We walked to the soccer fields. Today is an in-service day for public school teachers, so the children do not have school. This allows Soccer Without Borders Nicaragua to have a Friday morning practice. These young ladies played soccer for two hours in the hot, humid conditions with only a few breaks for water. Every one of them had smiles on their faces.
Video of Practice:
After the practice, we walked back to the office where the younger group was just finishing a class.
After that, we parted ways and promised to return with new equipment.
One thing I have been very impressed with is the use of renewable energy vehicles in Nicaragua.
Monday - The Chicas swooped in like heroes, landing a whopping 30 minutes ahead of schedule. But alas! The immigration gods decided to play a little game, keeping them in limbo for a solid two hours.
Thank the travel deities, customs waved their magic wand and let them keep their treasure trove of goodies.
Laney, our seasoned travel companion, graced us with her presence once again. It's like a reunion of adventure aficionados! And then, out of the blue, enters Super Taster. Now, that's a name to ponder! Is it Supertaster, or perhaps Super with a side of Taster? To unravel this mystery, I've dubbed her ST.
Exhausted from the marathon journey and the epic immigration saga, we opted for some chill time by the pool.
Tuesday - We embarked on a quest for knowledge with Kike, our guide extraordinaire, on a thrilling free walking tour. The adventure kicked off promptly at 9:00 AM and unfolded over a glorious three and a half hours. Prepare to be enlightened!
As we strolled through the city's bustling streets, Kike regaled us with tales of yore, weaving a tapestry of history and intrigue. However, there was a whispered caution in the air—guides in Nicaragua must tread lightly when discussing the powers that be. One wrong word could lead them straight to the slammer for an extended stay.
But fear not! Amidst the serious stuff, we unearthed some nuggets of fun facts:
Granada, the crown jewel of Nicaragua, wears the dual mantle of the oldest city on the continent and the trendiest tourist hotspot. Picture-perfect cathedrals and colonial charm define its skyline.
Did you know Granada is pushing 500 years old? It's like the Methuselah of cities!
Behold Cocibolca (Nicaragua) Lake, reigning supreme as the largest body of water in Central America. It's like the Big Kahuna of lakes!
Now, let's talk grub. Forget about New York's pizza or Mexico's tacos. Granada's culinary ace up its sleeve is none other than El Vigorón. Imagine boiled yuca, pork rind, and cabbage joining forces to create a symphony of flavors. It's like a party in your mouth, and everyone's invited!
Our journey also led us to the hallowed grounds of the San Francisco Church and Museum, a historical gem dating back to 1529. Despite skirmishes with pirates and marauders, remnants of its former glory still stand, whispering tales of resilience and faith.
Wednesday - We embarked on a pilgrimage to the stunning Laguna de Apoyo, a majestic crater lake just a hop, skip, and a jump away from our humble abode—a mere 25-minute taxi jaunt.
Our destination? None other than Hostel Paradiso, a veritable oasis nestled on the lake's tranquil shores. With day passes in hand, we secured prime real estate for our lakeside escapade.
Arriving bright and early at 9:00 AM, we snagged coveted seats with front-row views of nature's splendor. By 10:00 AM, the beach buzzed with activity as sun-seekers vied for their slice of paradise.
Oh, the sights! The beach, kissed by the sun's gentle caress, stretched before us in all its pristine glory. And the lake—oh, the lake! Its azure waters beckoned, promising respite from the sweltering midday sun.
As the clock struck 1:00 PM, we bid adieu to our lakeside haven, the hostel abuzz with activity as new arrivals flooded in.
But fear not, dear reader, for tomorrow holds grand adventures for Laney and ST. And as the afternoon waned, we retreated to the cool embrace of the pool, seeking solace from the relentless heat. Ah, the sweet joys of vacation life!
Thursday - Margarite and I made the executive decision to forgo the Laney and ST escapade and instead relax in the comforts of home sweet home.
As we lounged in blissful tranquility, our only link to the outside world was the faint echo of Las Chicas' adventure. All we knew was they had commandeered a car from a mysterious figure named Jose (seriously, who is this Jose character?), bound for a Slot Canyon nestled on the border between Nicaragua and Honduras. A 6:00 AM departure promised thrills aplenty on their three to four-hour one-way drive.
Thank the travel deities, customs waved their magic wand and let them keep their treasure trove of goodies.
Laney, our seasoned travel companion, graced us with her presence once again. It's like a reunion of adventure aficionados! And then, out of the blue, enters Super Taster. Now, that's a name to ponder! Is it Supertaster, or perhaps Super with a side of Taster? To unravel this mystery, I've dubbed her ST.
Exhausted from the marathon journey and the epic immigration saga, we opted for some chill time by the pool.
Granada, the crown jewel of Nicaragua, wears the dual mantle of the oldest city on the continent and the trendiest tourist hotspot. Picture-perfect cathedrals and colonial charm define its skyline.
Behold Cocibolca (Nicaragua) Lake, reigning supreme as the largest body of water in Central America. It's like the Big Kahuna of lakes!
Laney & ST’s adventure video:
But as the sun dipped low on the horizon, our serenity was shattered by a cryptic message: a photo of their stranded vehicle, accompanied by a tale of woe.
The car, victim to a bout of overheating, had left them stranded on the roadside. Yet, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged—a benevolent mechanic, a veritable guardian angel, appeared with a replacement water hose in hand, rescuing them from their roadside plight.
When Las Chicas returned, they regaled us with tales of the kindness of strangers, recounting how the mechanic refused any form of compensation. And thus, the mystery of Nicaragua's ranking as the 6th safest country for solo female travelers was solved—it's the warmth of its people that makes it a sanctuary for adventurers near and far.
Friday - Cooking Class
The Las Chicas sprang to life around 10:00 AM, shaking off the remnants of yesterday's wild escapades. With spirits high and stomachs growling, we eagerly set off to our next adventure: a sizzling cooking class! Today's menu? A tantalizing array of traditional Nicaraguan delights.
Picture this: heaps of colorful veggies, fluffy rice, and ripe plantains, all simmering together to create a symphony of flavors.
But wait, there's more! Our secret ingredient? Local goat tongue, adding a bold punch to our savory soup.
And dessert? Brace yourself for a taste bud extravaganza! A luscious casaba creation, crowned with creamy goat cheese and drizzled with a sugary syrup—pure indulgence on a plate!
As we savored each mouthful, our taste buds danced in delight.
Tomorrow promises even more excitement as we welcome new guests and dive headfirst into a whirlwind of activities. Stay tuned for the next chapter in our escapades!
Saturday - It's the day we welcome our newest guests, and the excitement is palpable! But before they arrive, we've got an adventure of our own lined up. This morning, we enlisted the help of Jose—yes, Jose again—to be our guide on a boat expedition to explore the enchanting Las Isletas, the cluster of small islands just off the coast of Granada in Lake Nicaragua.
Las Isletas—just saying the name brings a sense of mystery and intrigue. These tiny islands are like hidden gems, each with its own story to tell.
Some are home to local families who've lived there for generations, their lives intertwined with the rhythm of the lake and the bounty of its waters. Fishing isn't just a livelihood here; it's a way of life.
But wait, there's more! Among these rustic abodes are magnificent homes, the creations of adventurous Canadians and Americans who fell in love with the tranquility of the islands and decided to make them their own. Imagine owning a piece of paradise, complete with palm-fringed views and the gentle lapping of waves at your doorstep.
Our first stop on this island-hopping escapade? Fort San Pablo, a fortress steeped in history and lore. Built in 1524 to fend off pesky British invaders, this sturdy stronghold stands as a testament to Granada's resilience and determination. As we wander through its weathered walls, echoes of the past whisper tales of battles fought and victories won, reminding us that every island has a story, waiting to be discovered.
After our island adventure, we returned home for a well-deserved afternoon siesta, rejuvenating ourselves for the excitement to come. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, our eagerly awaited new guests finally arrived. Eager to show them the wonders of our surroundings, we set out for a leisurely stroll along the tranquil shores of Lake Nicaragua.
Introducing our newest additions, each with their own unique story to tell from left to right:
First up, we have Super Taster — yes, that's his actual name! But to avoid any confusion with our other esteemed Super Taster guest, we'll affectionately refer to him as STM. And our first Super Taster is now STF.
Joining STM is his delightful counterpart, completing their dynamic duo, we have the enigmatic Mrs. Rocket.
Sugar — though I assure you, his name has nothing to do with his taste preferences! Or his sweet tooth, but due to his wife constantly telling him to eat Sugar.
DA, Sugar’s wife whom many of you may remember from our adventures in Panama.
And of course, all our familiar faces are here, ready to welcome our newcomers with open arms and open hearts. With laughter in the air and anticipation in our souls, we embark on this new chapter of our journey together. Welcome, one and all, to our ever-growing family of adventurers!
Sunday - Today's adventure took us to the majestic Mombacho Volcano, where we embarked on the thrilling Crater Trail hike. Mombacho, a slumbering giant of a volcano, offered us the rare opportunity to trek around its entire crater, immersing ourselves in its ancient splendor.
Perched 700 meters above Granada, the rim of the volcano provided a refreshing reprieve from the sweltering heat and humidity we've been battling. The cool breeze kissed our skin as we marveled at the lush greenery stretching as far as the eye could see, punctuated by breathtaking vistas that took our breath away.
From every angle, the views were nothing short of spectacular, reminding us of the awe-inspiring beauty of Mother Nature herself. As we traversed the rugged terrain and drank in the sights, it was clear that a good time was had by all, our spirits lifted by the sheer majesty of our surroundings.
But the adventure doesn't end here! Tomorrow, we're off to conquer Cerro Negro and explore the vibrant city of Leon, brimming with history, culture, and endless possibilities. Stay tuned for more tales of daring escapades and unforgettable moments as our journey continues to unfold.
Monday - Cerró Negro Adventure!
Ever wondered what Cerro Negro is all about? Well, it's not just any old hill – it's a sizzling, active volcano! Picture this: hiking up a volcano, with most of the trail covered in sand and gravel, making every step an adventure. And oh boy, does it get hot! You'll be questioning whether the air or the ground beneath your feet is hotter.
But fear not! Once you conquer the summit, it's time for a quick costume change into your protective gear. Why, you ask? Because you're about to learn the exhilarating art of sandboarding down a volcano! And here's the kicker – you carry your trusty sandboard on the hike up, adding an extra challenge to the mix.
Once you've soaked in the views and adrenaline rush, check out our video for the full scoop on this heart-pumping activity.
The car, victim to a bout of overheating, had left them stranded on the roadside. Yet, amidst the chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged—a benevolent mechanic, a veritable guardian angel, appeared with a replacement water hose in hand, rescuing them from their roadside plight.
First up, we have Super Taster — yes, that's his actual name! But to avoid any confusion with our other esteemed Super Taster guest, we'll affectionately refer to him as STM. And our first Super Taster is now STF.
Joining STM is his delightful counterpart, completing their dynamic duo, we have the enigmatic Mrs. Rocket.
Sugar — though I assure you, his name has nothing to do with his taste preferences! Or his sweet tooth, but due to his wife constantly telling him to eat Sugar.
DA, Sugar’s wife whom many of you may remember from our adventures in Panama.
And of course, all our familiar faces are here, ready to welcome our newcomers with open arms and open hearts. With laughter in the air and anticipation in our souls, we embark on this new chapter of our journey together. Welcome, one and all, to our ever-growing family of adventurers!
Cerró Negro - Video:
And guess what? Despite the burning muscles and sweaty brows, we all wanted to ride that volcanic wave again. But alas, the thought of another uphill battle was enough to have us heading to the charming town of Leon instead.
Leon, the second oldest city in Nicaragua, welcomed us with open arms. But the real highlight? A tour of the majestic cathedral – the grandest in all of Central America. Trust us, it's a sight you won't want to miss!
Tuesday - Dive into Deep Sea Fishing Fun!
Today was all about reeling in the big ones as we set off for a thrilling deep sea fishing adventure in San Juan Del Sur, nestled along the picturesque Pacific coast of Nicaragua. And let me tell you, the scenery alone was worth the trip!
While our fishing expedition may have been a bit of a mixed bag, with STM landing a sleek needlefish and Mrs. Rocket hauling in a whopper, the excitement of the chase made every moment unforgettable.
But the adventure didn't end there! After our time on the water, we dove into the crystal-clear depths for some snorkeling fun, immersing ourselves in the vibrant marine life below.
And what better way to cap off a day of salty sea air and sunshine than with a scrumptious seafood feast right on the sandy shores? With bellies full and hearts content, we headed back to Granada.
Tonight, Taco Tuesday, so off to dinner we went, ready to savor every delicious bite.
Until next time, may your days be filled with adventure and your tacos always be tasty!
Wednesday in Nicaragua - A Tale of Shopping Adventures
Embarking on our noble quest, our goal was clear: procure 40 computer tablets for the eager minds at La Esperanza Granada, and replenish the soccer gear for the spirited girls of Soccer Without Borders, after customs snatched away their treasures.
Our first task seemed straightforward enough. Yet, as they say, nothing in Nicaragua unfolds without its own unique twists. With tablets preordered, we anticipated a simple pick-up. Alas, upon arrival, we found ourselves ushered into a cozy lounge, offered coffee, and informed that our coveted gadgets languished in some distant warehouse.
Undeterred, we pivoted to the soccer mission. But fate had other plans. Despite the store boasting an array of gear fit for champions, our hopes were dashed at the checkout counter—no plastic accepted!
Adapting on the fly, we devised Plan B: wiring funds to Soccer Without Borders, who promised to return with pockets brimming with cash. Remarkably, amidst the chaos, our local helpers remained unperturbed, shrugging off these misadventures as mere quirks of the system.
Hours later, armed with tablets and dreams, we embarked on the homeward journey. What should have been a brisk return stretched into an odyssey, highlighting the timeless truth: haste finds no home in Nicaraguan time.
As dusk settled, casting its golden hue over Granada, serendipity graced our evening. In a delightful twist, Kimberly, a long-lost friend, materialized at our doorstep. It was a reunion years in the making, sparked by chance encounters in the vibrant streets of Managua.
Kimberly, a nomad on a journey through Nicaragua, shared tales of her yoga retreats across the land, weaving an enchanting narrative into our unforgettable day of trials and triumphs.
Thursday - Exploring Ometepe Island
With SuperTaster M and Mrs. Rocket bidding us adieu, our clan dwindled to five, plus trusty Jose, of course.
At the crack of dawn, we hit the road, bound for the ferry and the promise of Ometepe Island. A bumpy hour-and-a-half drive later, we embarked on the hour-and-twenty-minute ferry ride across the vast expanse of Lake Nicaragua, the largest in Central America, cradling within its waters the largest island in the region, home to some 40,000 souls and not one, but two active volcanoes.
First on our island itinerary: A Punta Jesus Maria, a tranquil peninsula offering breathtaking vistas of the lake and the imposing silhouette of one of the island's volcanic giants.
Next, we ventured into the lush embrace of Charco Verde Nature Reserve, where a leisurely hike around the lagoon revealed a world teeming with wildlife and the simple beauty of nature at its finest.
As the afternoon sun beat down, we sought refuge in what we thought would be our final stop: a natural spring turned tourist attraction, now boasting a sprawling swimming pool. Despite its transformation, the cool waters provided sweet relief from the relentless heat.
But time was slipping away, and with the ferry's departure looming, our intrepid guide, Jose, tempted us with the promise of a unique local concoction: a corn-based "tequila" reminiscent of moonshine. Unanimous in our thirst for adventure, we made a detour, seizing the opportunity to sample this spirited elixir.
Check out the Video: Happy Hour on Ometepe Island
And guess what? Despite the burning muscles and sweaty brows, we all wanted to ride that volcanic wave again. But alas, the thought of another uphill battle was enough to have us heading to the charming town of Leon instead.
Leon, the second oldest city in Nicaragua, welcomed us with open arms. But the real highlight? A tour of the majestic cathedral – the grandest in all of Central America. Trust us, it's a sight you won't want to miss!
Until next time, may your days be filled with adventure and your tacos always be tasty!
Wednesday in Nicaragua - A Tale of Shopping Adventures
Embarking on our noble quest, our goal was clear: procure 40 computer tablets for the eager minds at La Esperanza Granada, and replenish the soccer gear for the spirited girls of Soccer Without Borders, after customs snatched away their treasures.
Our first task seemed straightforward enough. Yet, as they say, nothing in Nicaragua unfolds without its own unique twists. With tablets preordered, we anticipated a simple pick-up. Alas, upon arrival, we found ourselves ushered into a cozy lounge, offered coffee, and informed that our coveted gadgets languished in some distant warehouse.
Undeterred, we pivoted to the soccer mission. But fate had other plans. Despite the store boasting an array of gear fit for champions, our hopes were dashed at the checkout counter—no plastic accepted!
Adapting on the fly, we devised Plan B: wiring funds to Soccer Without Borders, who promised to return with pockets brimming with cash. Remarkably, amidst the chaos, our local helpers remained unperturbed, shrugging off these misadventures as mere quirks of the system.
Hours later, armed with tablets and dreams, we embarked on the homeward journey. What should have been a brisk return stretched into an odyssey, highlighting the timeless truth: haste finds no home in Nicaraguan time.
We returned to our abode as the sun dipped below the horizon, reflecting on our whirlwind excursion. While Ometepe Island had not disappointed, our rushed itinerary left much unseen and unexplored. A lesson learned: next time, linger longer, soak in the natural wonders, and perhaps spend a night or two in this captivating island paradise.
Our mission today: gather school and cleaning supplies for La Esperanza and extend our gratitude to those who entrusted us with this task.
The contrast between our school supplies and tablet procurement experiences was stark. Arriving at the supply store, we were greeted with efficiency and preparedness. Everything was meticulously organized, and after a thorough count to ensure accuracy, we swiped our credit card and were on our way.
As the day transitioned into evening, our dinner table welcomed unexpected guests. Rosalita, drawn by our Nicaraguan adventures, flew down with her family in tow, eager to explore Granada's charms for themselves. Alongside them, Kimberly graced us with her delightful presence once more.
After dinner, Laney's adventurous spirit led her on a spontaneous horseback ride, captured for posterity in our video diary.
Video Horseback Riding in Nicaragua:
To cap off the evening, we indulged in Eskimo Ice cream, a Nicaraguan treat worth the wait. As age catches up to me, the sweetness seems to linger a little longer (fat) and no longer melts away as in my younger days, reminding me to savor each moment, as I ration my ice cream indulgences.
If you're curious about Little Corn Island's location, click here: Little Corn Island Location.
For the next three nights, we'll be staying at Yemaya Reef Little Corn Island Resort: Yemaya Reef Little Corn Island Resort.
The name "Corn" Island supposedly originates from pirates storing meat, known as "carne" in Spanish. The British pronounced it as "corn."
Little Corn Island can be likened to Gilligan’s Island on steroids. There are no cars, only dirt and paved sidewalks. Twenty-four-hour electricity is a recent addition with a solar farm. Previously, electricity came from generators with limited hours.
Our first day was spent exploring the island.
Today, Thursday, after breakfast, Margarite attended a yoga class while I relaxed at the pool.
It was a very lazy day, enjoying the sounds of the Caribbean crashing onto the beach and the sun warming my skin.
Kayak Video:
Today, Friday, is our last full day on Little Corn Island.
We woke to the rising sun and decided to do another long walk around the island. While we had thought we had found most of the sidewalks and dirt paths, we discovered another section of the island we had missed.
Along the coast, we did find the S.S. Minnow and the village where Gilligan, the skipper, along with the castaways lived.
We have tried to snorkel twice so far, but with the seas being rough, it was suggested that we wait.
After the snorkel adventure, more rest and relaxation. Tomorrow we depart paradise at 1:00 PM to catch our 3:00 PM flight back to Managua.
Leaving Little Corn Island, we opted for the luxury powerboat instead of the rowboat for our boat trip to Corn Island.
Running Video:
After the pottery demonstration, we walked around the town and tried a traditional drink called Chicha Bruja, which is fermented corn with sugar. Very tasty.
That's it from Nicaragua. I have a few domestic trips, and then in May, Little L joins us for a trip to Ireland and one other surprise destination.
All Pictures are Below:
Cheers,
DUG
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