Nica Times

We just returned from a truly fantastic week in Nicaragua. We began in the city of Leon where we certainly felt like we had hit the big metropolis after ten weeks in our tiny, mountain town. Nicaragua has beautiful, colonial cities and Leon has the largest cathedral in Central America. It’s beautiful and we were able to ramble around on the roof, picking our way around the domes. It was a unique experience and allowed us to see views of the whole city and the several volcanoes that surround Leon. Nicaragua seems to be entirely made of volcanoes. In Leon we also found a delicious Italian restaurant with an amazing bakery attached and a few fun bars.

We also went volcano boarding, which I’m pretty sure is the weirdest thing I’ve done yet, and I’ve done a lot of weird things. All I could think was that the locals must be saying to each other, “Isn’t it hilarious how we can convince all these gringos to do totally insane things, and pay us to do them!” The hike up the volcano was stunning. Blue sky, sun, fluffy clouds, and green vistas all around. I think my choice to scale a volcano is Croc sandals was not the best choice I’ve ever made, but neither was Rob’s decision to ear rubber rain boots. After clambering our way to the top, we got to peak into an active volcano cone, which was awesome. And then, we slid down the volcano on little wooden boards. That was the weird part. Some people liked it, but I mostly just got covered in volcano dirt and stones as I tried to slow down a little bit.

Our next stop was a hostel right on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo where we very happily spent three days swimming, lounging in intertubes, and reading in hammocks. The lake is heated by a volcano (surprise, surprise) and therefore a deliciously warm temperature, but cool enough to feel great after the Nicaraguan sun. And, the setting was truly paradise- lush, green, tropical, amazing.

Our final stop was Grenada and I definitely need to go back. It is a truly charming city where we had the best breakfast at the Chocolate Museum. I need to go back and take their Chocolate farm tour. I’m a little in love with the Chocolate Museum.

Now, we’re back in Monte Verde and it’s drizzling, but bearable. Today was the first day of classes for me with the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders and things are off to an awesome start.