Feliz Cumpleanos a mi' (Happy Birthday to Me)

July 18th...welcome to the thirties Heather! Yep, I awakened that Saturday knowing that my 20's were gone & I was now..over the hill. Smart as a whip, I planned my trip accordingly so that I would be out of the country during the momentous event. I knew that I would be able to avoid all the fuss & escape the birthday being a big deal. I am so glad that I chose to go to Nicaragua over my birthday. I could not have had a greater celebration. For me, a lack of celebrating my birthday is a grandiose occasion. Haley & I were ready to head out for the day but had to wait on the gentlemen to shower & get dressed. Having not really "seen" much of the neighborhood, Haley & I took a walk around so that I could see everything. We then left for the City of Leon. Again, we saw more old church buildings, etc. Another beautiful town. Trying to think up other activities, Jesus' remembered visiting a waterfall as a child. He & Luis began asking around to try to discover where the waterfall was located. We kept driving, driving & driving & finally turned on a dirt road headed back into the fields. I was beginning to get a bit concerned & eventually asked Haley if all of those they had spoken with were pointing us in the same direction or if we were getting conflicting stories (obviously I did not understand a word that was being said since they were speaking Spanish). She said that everyone was saying the same thing..."It's back this way." We kept getting further & further back & I wondered if we would be able to get out once we were back there. We were passing shack after shack, countless numbers of wild animals & yet, I did not see a river, a lake, a stream or even a dribble of water. We came upon a man & Jesus' learned from him that the waterfall that we were in search of was in the yard of the home of a man nearby. We had passed the house already. We turned back around & found the proper house. Luis got out & approached the home & returned moving the fence in front of us so that we could pull into the yard. In the yard, were dogs roaming around. I love dogs & am used to dogs. I, however, am not used to being on property with pigs. Yes, there were pigs. The grass was tall & the place looked dirty. Everyone jumped out of the vehicle & I posed the question, "Are we really getting out here?" Haley laughed & said, "Yep!" I then became aware of the fact that to get to the waterfall, I was going to have to walk through the weeds. For me, doing so is not an everyday occurrence. I don't consider myself prissy or high maintenance but I certainly would not refer to myself as an outdoors woman. Having not put any insect repellent on thus far in my stay, I figured it was probably an appropriate time to do so. Once Haley got me all sprayed, we were ready to go take in the fall. We quickly had a whole slew of kids around us. They were all staring at us as we got out of the car & the very minute I flashed my camera towards them, they took off hiding. They'd peek around to check on us & just laugh. Haley invited them to come have a picture with us. Once they did so, they stuck to us like glue following us all over the place. They would strike poses waiting for us to take their picture & then hurry to our sides to see the image on our digital cameras. When the image would appear, they'd erupt in chuckles at themselves.Off into the woods we went...with the kids tagging right along. Ahead of me, I saw a downhill slope & wondered how I was going to make it down there without tumbling. You must know, I'm not the most graceful individual & I move at a snail's pace. To come across a hill is to me, the equivalent of having to walk on ice--I'm unable to do that also. Nice as he could be, Luis climbed back my way & gave me his arm & helped me down. Pathetic, I know...just like a little old lady (maybe I was just living up the expectation of my body falling apart since I was turning 30). And then we arrived & the sight of the waterfall left us speechless. It was a sight like I'd never seen before. I've never been to Niagara Falls but I can't envision it topping this waterfall. See...here it is: Yeah so, Nicaragua had not had enough rain for there to be enough water to produce a waterfall. Not quite the scene that Jesus had remembered it being. So, we drove all that way to see that! Ridiculous as it may seem to have done so, our time there was by far, my favorite memory spent in Nicaragua. I had hoped that I would get into an orphanage to work with some kids or at least be surrounded by Nica children at some point. That was the only time that such happened. For me, that was all the birthday present I needed. Watching those gorgeous boys & girls smile & seeing their innocence filled my heart with such joy. As we walked back to the car, one of the older girls was encouraging the younger kids to use what little English they knew. The kids repeatedly said, "Hello" & "Thank You."After more pictures, we got in the car & waved goodbye to the line of kids that were gathered to say farewell to us. Though we had no intentions of winding up back in the sticks with people we did not know, it was a huge blessing & delight.

Tip-Top, Trees & Thirty Nearly

Whether for business, pleasure, a mission trip or whatever, two of the most frequently asked questions to the returning traveler are: "How was the food?" & "What did you eat?" That is why I felt it important to try to photograph as many meals as my mind would allow me to remember to do so. As atypical as I thought it was to be eating fried chicken in Nicaragua, it was just as uncommon to me to be sitting down ordering chicken strips. One might question if I really left North America & was in Central America! Tip-Top is Jesus' & Haley's favorite chicken place in Nicaragua. Naturally, they wanted me to share in that which they love. I was quite taken with it too. As far as the atmosphere or style, I would compare it to our KFC or Popeye's Chicken. Unlike here, you sit down there & a waitress comes to take your order. Where we would generally have our food within a few minutes here in the states, you could be waiting a while there-just like an actual restaurant. Tip-Top was "mucho bueno" (very good). Jesus' will actually begin working soon at a Tip-Top near his home. Before we left there, I went to the front of the building to snap a shot of the Christmas tree made out of lights. As I flew into Managua, I saw one of these trees from overhead. I was surprised to see so many of these as we drove around. According to Jesus', they like to celebrate Christmas all-year long there in Nicaragua. Once we made it back to the house, I decided to put on a little show for the guys. Throughout the day, the topic of my birthday being the following day had been discussed numerous times. At one point, after asking how old I would be, Jesus' stated that I looked like I was going to be 40 rather than 30. Some have seen these pictures & questioned if we were spinning around the bat & then trying to run in a straight line or what was transpiring. The bat was being used as my cane. However, as I tried to set myself up for portraying an old lady, Jesus continually caused me to burst into laughter breaking up my ability to keep a straight face. After multiple tries (which I did not post them all on here), we finally got a good one--what a beauty.

Chilled at the Catarina

We left Granada & wound up near Masaya at a place called the Catarina overlooking Lake Nicaragua & the Apoyo Lagoon. Haley, Jesus & Luis had been there several times prior & were aware of the significant drop in temperature. Haley warned me that it was going to be cold. As we were driving up the road to get to the Catarina, it was quite hazy & foggy out. When we got out of the car & headed over to look out over the lagoon, the view was not clear thanks to the clouds. I was just fine...actually, I was much appreciative of the cool weather. The others though, were chilled...freezing. It was extremely windy there (below is a video taken at the Catarina. Turn the sound up & you'll hear the wind). So much so that you really could feel the wind pulling you as you would try to stand. We traveled down a path for bit & then began to head back to the vehicle when the drizzle of rain started up. Of course, that only made the trio even more cold. Before we could leave, we had to sit down in a restaurant so they could order coffee for themselves in order to warm up. As we sat there, Luis proposed a most interesting question to me (& one that I will never forget). There I sat with no drink. No soda, coffee, hot chocolate..nadda, nothing. Luis looked at me & said, "Are you normal?" Immediately, I began laughing & thought I was going to wet my pants. Haley was cackling too. While I knew what he was getting at, it was rather entertaining. My response was, "I don't know, my family would probably say I am not." Of course, he was really just wanting to know if I was OK temperature-wise...not too hot, not too cold since I did not order a drink. Once Haley explained to him that if such a question was asked of a person here in the U.S. that it would mean you were wondering if they were alright mentally, he understood why we were giggling so hard. That was an unforgettable moment for sure. Once the eskimos got heated, we said goodbye to the Catarina. Though the view would probably have been much more grandeur had it not been overcast & hazy (although, I prefer those rainy, dreary, cloudy days that the majority of the world dreads), I still found the location to be gorgeous. As Haley & the boys stated, "It's romantic." Now, I had no one to share in romance with while I was there but perhaps one day, I will return there with a love & find that yes, it is a romantic place.

Granada

My apologies for the lengthy amount of time that has passed since my last post. I am returning now to telling the tales of my travels. Now, where did we leave off? Oh yes, monkeys. After our boat ride, we went to the town square in Grandada. We stopped in a little cafe' to grab a bite to eat. Which, the meal I had there was, hands-down, my favorite meal while in Nicaragua. As you can see, I've included a picture of the dish. You are probably looking at the plate trying to guess what is on it. There was chicken in a habenero pepper sauce, squash salad (similar to our potato salad-only made with squash rather than potatoes), rice, veggies and fried plantains. As we ate, a storm blew in & the wind was whipping like crazy causing the door to the cafe' to slam shut, tents outside to fall over & things to tumble down the road. Within minutes, the sun was back out & all was well though. We walked around briefly taking pictures of the historic churches & government buildings that are, as you can see, very vivid. This was my first opportunity to check out souvenirs as well. While I did look, Haley shared with me that things were generally less expensive at the market. Therefore, I kept my purchases to a minimum-only buying a hand-painted shot glass for a coworker of mine whose wife collects shot glasses. As we moved from table to table, a little girl kept eying us & following us around. Finally, I wrangled her in for a picture with me. She was a doll. We had our fun there & were ready to move along...to the Catarina.

I Spy...Monkeys!

Day two found us taking a boat ride out on the lake in the City of Granada. Haley had been to the location before & knew that what we were going to do would be something I would enjoy immensely. As the boat rode the waves (lake was a bit choppy. Thankfully, not bad enough for me to get motion sick), we saw people in their swim trunks that were waist high deep in the water carrying machetes & baskets...they were fishing. We passed some beautiful homes...many of which belong to Americans. From what the skipper said, many Americans buy property there since it's so affordable. They then build homes to vacation to. After riding for a while, we finally pulled up alongside a little island. Haley said, "Heather, see the monkey?" I was nearly straining my eyes to catch a glimpse of one but I saw none. She pointed out to me that the monkey was right in front of me (I was looking further back in the trees & off to the sides). I felt like a little kid in a candy store...my eyes must have been wide! For most, the only monkeys they'll ever see are ones that are at the zoo. However, I was seeing them up close, out in the wild. Haley had bought some coconut candy that we were able to throw out for the monkeys to eat. Jesus & I did so. As the boat moved even closer in, Jesus reached right out to one of the monkeys. Now, I may have done the zipline but that was as far as my adventure streak would go. I was not about to touch the monkey (I realize I had immunizations before I left but I'm sure I did so for a reason!). Who knows if I'll ever experience something like that again...I hope I do.

Zippin' Right Along

Prior to my trip to Nicaragua, I had been informed that there was a zipline that we could do during the course of my stay in the country. However, after hearing that the zipline was over an active volcano, I quickly opted out. Haley then stated that there was, however, one closer to her home & that it just went over a lake. I thought that might be a possibility. On my first full day in Nicaragua, the four of us went to the town of Sandino to do a bit of looking around. After driving around forever in search of how to get to the top of this big hill, we made it to a parking lot & got out of the car. We began to walk around when Haley said, "There it is." I wondered what she was talking about & asked, "There what is?" She replied with, "the zipline." I looked & sure enough, there it was...the zipline. Already, fear was creeping in. I was already considering following in my usual footsteps-being a chicken. Jesus went over to the desk to ask a dozen questions or more & as we all stared at the pictures on the wall that featured the course, etc. we were hesitant. We stood there for a rather lengthy amount of time discussing, debating & trying to decide whether or not we were going to go for it or walk away. I finally reached the point where even if no one else was going to go, I was. I kind of figured it may be a once in a lifetime opportunity for me & well, it was time to live a little (afterall, I would turn 30 in a few days!). Once everyone agreed to go, we began to plan out in what order we would go. I wished to go near the bottom of the pack so that I might watch those before me. If I saw them plummet to the ground & die, I would know not to step up there. The order was set..it would be: Haley, Luis, me, then Jesus. The guides got us all equipped in the harnesses & we were ready for a few pictures. The guy that had been "dressing" me in my gear had been rather friendly with me so I was in full expectation that he was going to be going with me on the zipline. I just had that instinct. As Haley prepared to take a picture of me, the guy ran over to be in the picture with me. At that moment, there was no question left in my mind. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt, he was mine. We finished snapping photos & all climbed upon the platform. All of a sudden, my guide climbed a step higher, reached for my hand & said, "Let's go." I said, "No, I'm going 3rd." He let me know I was not going third, I was going first..with him. I think the others thought that was fairly funny. I'm sure that my sister got a good kick out of it. The biggest scaredy cat of the bunch being picked to go first. So, off we went. I screamed to the top of my lungs. I was not frightened; just energized. We made it across & then watched the others at they zipped down the line. Then, it was time for the 2nd line. We went in the same order once again. When we got to the 3rd & final line, my guy decided to change it up a bit. While Haley had been last each time, she went first. Jesus & Luis went 2nd (they went together with a guide) & my guide saved he & I for last. He asked if I wanted to do the "Superman" pose & I said, "What the heck, might as well." After getting me ready to switch to that position, we were set. He said, "Just let go" & I let my hands fall from the line & we were on our way. While the first 2 lines did not bother me at all & were great fun, that final line was not so great. I think I should have stuck to my original position because as soon as we started flying down the line, I felt like I was going to throw-up. Needless to say, I did not really enjoy that a whole lot. Thankfully, I made it to the end without getting sick. Once I landed, the guide looked at me & said, "You're shaking." Mission accomplished-4 of us went up & 4 of us came down; all still alive. We had been told that we would have to take a taxi back up to the top but the guides were catching a ride back up on a truck. They were kind enough to allow us to ride with them. I knew I was not climbing in the back with everyone else because I knew the guide I had would not allow me to do so. Before I could even attempt to hop in the back, he was leading me by the hand to the front of the truck. He opened up the door & helped me in. I rode in the front of the truck with the driver-we had a silent trip as he knew no English & I did not know enough Spanish to even bother trying to converse. Once we got back up to the top, I waited because I knew full well that the guide would be rushing to open the door & lend me his hand to get down. I was right. I decided perhaps I should get a couple of pictures taken of he & I without all of the gear on me. We took the first shot & then he asked for another one. I was totally unprepared for the fact that on the 2nd one, he would be pressing his lips onto my cheek. I'm sure the look on my face must have been priceless at that moment as I was in utter shock. I think it's safe to say, that fella was smitten with me. I won't lie, he was definitely easy on the eyes. He gave me multiple hugs & repeatedly told me their hours & that if I'd come back, he'd gladly take me up there again. While we did not return there again during my visit, I am so grateful that we went. I don't think there are many out there that would dispute that I'm not very adventurous. For me, probably the most daring thing I will ever do. I was able to do it in the midst of beautiful scenery with a handsome guide amongst good friends. I would go back there & do it again in a heartbeat. I'd probably skip the "Superman" pose though! I had not planned on taking such a risk so early on in my visit but the fact that we did so, just made the week that much greater.