The next morning we went back to the airport to set off for Little Corn Island, flying in a tiny toy plane. How it managed to get off the ground is a wonder to me. We passed over the mainland, watching the world reduced to Lego pieces, seeing the varying landscape of lakes, volcanoes, dusty wasteland and jungle, flying over the Caribbean Sea watching the water turn from grey to azure. We landed in Big Corn Island and took a panga loaded with wood, pineapples and toilet paper. A local boy was sleeping on his dad's chest as we crossed the sea to Little Corn Island.
There are no roads here, a smattering of houses, dense trees and white sand beaches. We arrived at mid day, the sun sweltering, nauseous from our sea journey and made our way uphill to The Lighthouse Hotel. The wooden houses were built from scratch by the two French guys, Gary and Sullivan, who run the place. It's the highest hotel on the island, with a stunning view of the sea, with a warm breeze rushing through surrounding mango trees. It feels so personal here, everyone makes an effort to get to know you. You realise so many people have stories and journeys that are shared in such depth when you're travelling.
Helen and I showered away the grime and went to explore the island, we watched the sunset from the docks. The island comes alive at night as the air becomes cooler and people congregate after a day at the beach. There are a lot of Americans and Canadians here, I don't think my voice has ever sounded so British. After lobster tacos we drank in the hostel bar and made our way into 'town' for a pub quiz. It was half 7, I was so tired 'Helen, keep me awake till 9.30 and then I'm going to bed.' By 9.30pm i'd had two pina coladas, we'd met two Swiss guys and therefore had a strong quiz team and there was a Harry Potter related question so we weren't going anywhere. Several pina coladas later and Helen and I are walking back at 2 in the morning. (With another hotel guest for anyone worrying about our safety) This place does feel relatively safe. It's small, there is a strong sense of community and the locals rely heavily on tourism so are unlikely to tarnish the island's reputation. There probably aren't going to be any places on the mainland we can get away with late night partying.
I woke up at 5.30 this morning with the sun rising. My sleep deprivation and late night dancing have not solved my jet lag. I felt horrendous. A collision of overwhelming heat, sun, sea, fatigue and hunger had been ravaging my body for the past 24 hours. Today is a healing day, we had a yoga class on the sun deck this morning, starfruit juice and a home cooked breakfast. We've been sunbathing on the most perfect beach, drinking from coconuts and swinging in hammocks. I'm starting to feel very much at home here. It's so peaceful, the sunshine is endless, the people smile and have all the time in the world. It's paradise.
Imogen
Location:Corn Island,Nicaragua
Brilliant. Love the idea of 'a healing day'
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