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As I watched the sun set off the shores of Isla de Ometepe, I thought back over my day of travel and can’t say it was painless. What should have taken 4-5 hours took me eight; but that’s all in the past. I have plenty of time and a whole new place to explore; so all is good. Upon arrival at Hacienda Mérida, which is nestled at the base of Volcán Maderas, I recognized a lot of familiar faces. From hostel Oasis there was Claire (the wacky Brit), Inger (the crass Kiwi), and a group of Israelis; then there was Nick who had worked a short time at Bigfoot in León. There was no need for introductions; we continued on where we had left off, just in a new setting. Isla de Ometepe is a beautiful volcanic island lying in the waters of Lago de Nicaragua; the largest lake in Central America. This massive lake has 45 rivers flowing into it, and an outlet to the Caribbean via Río San Juan. Many spectacular fish live in these waters; including freshwater sawfish and tarpon and the rare freshwater bull shark.

A South Draw and Three Bloody Kiwis

Jeremy Curl
2006-08-28 13:38:46

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Concepción before us and had a perfect panoramic shot of the isthmus of Ometepe and its coast lines. The climb down was much faster of course, but reeked havoc on my knees. I took a few falls due to slippery roots and ground; but sustained only a dirty bum. Finally reaching home, we all sighed with relief on a mission accomplished and waited eagerly for our dinner buffet.

The following day, the kiwis headed off for a new destination; two to the north and one to the south. Teddy, Nick and I pretty much just lounged around all day. We found a comfortable spot on the balcony over looking the lake and got deep in conversation about all sorts of topics. Teddy, who is from North Carolina, spent the last two years working in the Dominican Republic. His Spanish is excellent and is constantly helping me with mine. It sure was nice to have a fellow southerner around; especially one the exact same age as me. He is the first American from the southeast that I have met thus far in my travels. That night, Teddy and I spent hours discussing religion. He is undecided in what he believes and had a lot of questions and comments. Our conversation carried over to the following day when we were on the chicken bus headed toward the boats docks (3 hours drive on the worst roads I've been on). We were also accompanied by a fellow traveler from Israel (Leroy - I call him this b/c it is hard to pronounce his name) and a local Nicaraguan girl who got in on the conversation. This was a discussion I won't long forget. There was now a Christian (Myself), a Jehovah's witness (local girl), an undecided (Teddy), and Leroy who practiced Kabbalah-Judaism. I can't begin to tell you how far wacked out this debate went. It is too hard to explain, so I won't. Just know that all four beliefs were so vastly different that it made for quite the discussion. No one got mad, but just shared their thoughts and learned what each other believed. If you are wondering to yourself why I am always bringing up the religious discussions I have with other travelers; it is because I want to show how diverse the thinking is throughout the world. I still find it hard to believe that few of the travelers I have had discussions with believe what I believe. It just shows you and makes you think. Everyday and new discussion is a learning experience. Well, there you have it; another week gone by with much more seen and learned. It is back to the beach for me. I'm headed with Teddy and Leroy to San Juan del Sur on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. There we will meet up with some friends and continue in our adventures. Till then, take care and Happy Mothers Day ladies.