9 days of paradise

  I have just returned from a nine day adventure to the other side of Nicaragua, where the land looks different and is untouched, where the culture is completely different: creole and mesquite.

  I felt as though I was in a different country with: rolling hills and so much land that is not developed, driving eastward and coming across only a handful of farms; the people spoke creole and mesquite, had a jamaican kind of accent when they spoke english, and few spoke great spanish; the food they cooked was different and what they were able to grow and support wasn't like that of eastern Nicaragua; there were no tourists, only me and the three others who I was traveling with... in both of the small towns where we were, and on all of the Cayos Islands. The culture and traditions... everything was different, which was in part why I enjoyed it so much. Minus, of course, the 16 hour bus ride there... and back. Ouch.

  While out on the Cayos, I realized how incredibly lucky I am (once again) to be here. I slept on the white sand beaches under a bright moon and a sky full of twinkling stars, listening to the waves as I fell asleep. I woke up at sunrise to see the entire sky brilliant oranges, pinks and reds and went swimming dozens of times every day in the crystal clear blue water. I walked these untouched islands and collected perfect conches, sea urchins and other wonderful sea treasures. I laid in the sun, read my book, wrote in my journal and passed a lot of time just thinking (a lot). I talked to the locals who are 'keeping' the islands, and the fishermen who come from the mainland to stay on the islands for days at a time in order to catch enough fish to sell back in the markets.  

  It was an incredibly unique experience, in a place where so few travelers (or any non-locals) have seen and enjoyed.

  More to come later...

  But at least now you know I'm alive and well, and am continuing to make the most of my time here!!

  Also- if you care to see more pictures and don't have a way to access facebook (since this has been the only way I've been able to post pictures online for some reason), send me an email and I'd be happy to send you the links to my albums!