Ometepe and the Weekend

Ometepe is a volcanic island situated in Lake Nicaragua which is the 7th largest lake in the world. One would be fooled by the waves and the undercurrent, that it is the sea. After a morning of traveling, involving a ferry and many bouncy buses, we arrived. The island is smothered by dense rainforest that houses thousands of different species, the most annoying being the howler monkeys. The hotel was glorious, especially as our room had air con for the first time this trip. I have never cherished cold air as much as then. Lunch was eaten beachfront, with a spectacular view of the lake. Once finished we all ran into the lake that failed to get deep, a constant paddling pool with a tropical temperature was splendid. We made full use of the volcanic bedding as it served as a gloriously simplistic exfoliater.

A morning thunderstorm started day 2 which, due to health and safety, ruled out the 2 hour hike to the waterfall. However the weather quickly changed and before long we were all in the lake again. At one point we had to take cover underwater due to a swarm of nats. Thankfully they left as swiftly as they came. Somehow suncream wasn't at the forefront of our attention and I felt the full force of the consequences. Queue burnt back

I powered through my disastrously painful injury and after lunch we all ventured off to a natural spring that had been turned into a pool. Wildlife was everywhere with monkeys in the trees and not so pleasant rabid dogs chasing us. The walk back with the sun setting behind the volcano wasn't terrible either. Diner was moved indoors due to an infestation of mosquitos outside but we still managed to wash down our lovely meal with a refreshingly cold Toña, the local Nicaraguan beer.

Sunday consisted of a trip to the market where we put to use our bartering skills with limited success. I would tell you what I got but that would spoil the surprise for my family and friends who are transfixed in anticipation for their presents. The day of shopping continued with a trip to the mall. The magnitude and prices of the mall seemed completely out of place with the rest of Nicaragua where poverty is rife. I still managed to find a wonderful sale allowing me to purchase the section of Ralph Lauren. A trip to the cinema followed, however this was no ordinary cinema. We entered the VIP section where we were greeted by a butler and seated in reclining seats. I am no film critic but I do not recommend seeing Pacific Rim. I counted 10 minutes between battle scenes with horrendous acting in between. Overall a great relaxing day.

Today was extremely tiring, starting with all the boys missing breakfast. Not to worry Papa Terry was ready to feed our hungry bellies. Terry's is a diner that screams America with its glorious pancakes and waffles. In general there are a large amount of American expats who have seemed to have given up the American dream to retire and live the simplistic Nicaraguan lifestyle. Perhaps they couldn't hack the constant commercialisation that is America. After breakfast we headed deep into the market to buy supplies. I have somehow managed to get used to the stench. The day with the children went swimmingly, literally. Multiple trips to the washing basin were taken due to the endless paint fight. A fashion show followed suit that made me realise that I am the new Coco Chanel. 

Tomorrow will be our last day at our centre before the final party on Wednesday. We our planning a spectacular fiesta and will update you all tomorrow. Sorry for the ridiculous wait but technology has failed me over the past few days.