I have fallen in love with
Ometepe. It's so green, so tranquil and the towering volcanoes look otherworldly.
After the crazy bike ride the day before, Flo and I had a chilled day exploring
the beaches around Santa Cruz and paddling in the lake with Volcano Conception
stood in front of us. We climbed over rocks along the beach to where a local
festival was taking place. We stopped for smoothies and Flo, who speaks very
good Spanish, chatted with two little girls who rushed off shouting 'piñata!
piñata!' to join the game at the festival.
Saturday night means Pizza
Party at El Zopilote, I had a delicious stone baked pizza with Parma ham and
mozzarella whilst watching fire dancers perform. the rest of the night was
spent drinking Flor de Cana rum and dancing to reggaeton, barefoot on volcanic
sand with Flo and our new lovely Japenese friend, Mari.
The next day was an early
start as I hiked Volcano Maderas. I had a double breakfast of oatmeal and fruit
and tomatoes on toast, Mari staring in disbelief. Even greater diselief when
she saw me pack two sandwiches, but those who know me know I can't function
when I'm hungry! We had a great group, Thomas and Mohan from Taiwan, Janet from
the Netherlands, Mari from Japan and Gary and I from England. Gary is also from
Nottingham and has just graduated from medicine at St George's so we had plenty
to talk about. Hector, our guide was leading us, stick in hand, pointing out
monkeys and insects along the way. It was a steep four-hour climb, passing
coffee plants and ancient trees whose roots were our steps and eventually
ladders as the climb became increasingly precarious. The volcano is so green
and fragrant; it truly takes your breath away. Near the top you enter a cloud
forest full of endless vegetation and twisting plants. The ground became soft
clay and I was covered in mud! We reached the top and had a stupendous view of the
crater lake surrounded by trees. The air was so fresh and cool, everywhere was
so peaceful and I marvelled at the energy and force the volcano erupted with to
create this crater. We ate our sandwiches, taking in the view. Mari was right,
I was too full to eat my second sandwich but I gave it to Hector who certainly
deserved it for leading us.
The way down was
incredibly difficult. I am terrible at descending! My legs gave way a few times
and I fell over repeatedly. We had a bright idea of going to yoga when we were
back but as soon as we sat down and took our shoes off, that wasn't happening.
Mohan, however, after hiking Maderas in doc martins and a trilby (and I did
wonder if he would make it the whole way), hopped up and went to yoga. He is
hilarious. Mohan is also a costume designer and special affects make up artist,
he's had interviews at universities in the states and from there ended up in
Central America. You really do meet some unlikely people when travelling! Mari
has also told me amazing things about Japan, i am longing to see the cherry
blossoms in spring and you can also surf in there! The culture, food and nature
all sound phenomenal and it is high up on my travel list! I was a knackered and
asleep in a hammock by the end of dinner. It was such a rewarding day, and even
better to do it with such a great group.
I was sad to leave Ometepe
and El Zopilote. It is the most remarkable place. Sadly beekeeping wasn't on
whilst I was there so that will have to be another time. Surrounded by nature, eating
superb organic, homemade food felt so relaxing. There are volunteer
opportunities where you can work in exchange for food and a bed if you would
like an extended trip. I spent four nights in Onetepe and loved it, yet there
is plenty more to see and explore than I could fit in. Ometepe has a really
friendly, community feel to it. You can tell the locals are very proud of their
remarkable island. It is without doubt worth the effort to get there. I am
nearing the end of my travels. I am having a quick stop in Masaya before I fly
home. Where did the last 5 weeks go?!
Imogen
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| Volcan Conception |
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| Ancient trees in the cloud forest |
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| Top of Volcan Maderas |
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