The day after the night before.

Oh the smugness when most of the group are hungover from their night out last night and I stayed home, slept and woke up feeling great. A few heavy headed people joined the bus as we set off today. 

It was a short drive to Cafe de las Sonrisas (Smiles Cafe). A cafe run and operated by deaf people. Before our meal arrived we were treated to a hammock making class. The hammocks provide income for their cause to support people with disabilites. We all had a chance to practice making a small contribution to a hammock. These guys (one of them blind) zoom along adding to the rows entirely without watching. Just by feel. 

The kitchen crew are all deaf and you can see them communicating in Nicaraguan sign language. The tables and walls are decked with cards depicting SL letters and words. Very different to NZSL (which is similar to the UK and Australian version). A couple of the staff gave us a quick lesson in their language. I didn’t grasp any of it. 

Breakfast done and after a bit of a drama when one of the girls was unwell we set off again on our way to Ometepe Island for a  couple of nights. 

It was a short 2hour drive to the ferry town. Lunch was at an Italian restaurant at the ferry stop. My choice was garlic prawns and for once beautifully cooked so they were still plump tender and juicy. 

We boarded the ferry. The wind was whipping up. It was an old crate and slowly ended up with more passengers than seats.   I hate being on water so was quite reluctant to be travelling on this, in my mind, contraption even though it was just for a short distance. 

I was offered a seasick pill. I took it and it worked.  The storm dumped us with rain then left and the waves subsided. It turned out to be an easy crossing and we soon arrived at our destination, home for two nights. 

We had been told that Hotel Finca Venecia would be basic. I expected the worst and this is what I got:

A huge clean and simple room with two double beds with crisp white cotton sheets. (Most places have had hideously sticky microfibre versions and they have been awful), an ample bathroom AND views front and back. 

Heavenly!  

Ometepe Island sits inside substantial Lake Nicaragua. It is home to two volcanoes; Concepcion in the north (and its active) and Maderas. There are few attractions on the island. 

We had a briefing from a travel agent and five of our group are going to hike to the summit of Concepción tomorrow.  (8-10 hours).  

Pretty much the rest of us are doing a gentle hike then going to soak in some natural pools at a place called Ojo de Agua. Some will go kayaking after.  But not this kid. I’m hoping my knee holds out for the hike. 

As I write I am lying on my bed taking in the coolness from the fan above. I know its too early for bed at 19:52 but being able to just stretch out and listen to the waves breaking on the shores not 10ft from my room is pretty special. 

It’s been a quiet and relaxing day. Most of the others had a late night last night with lots of alcohol so no one is in the mood to party tonight. Suits me.