I am so very grateful to wake up to 78 degrees F in the morning. Looking at the weather up North, I am certainly not missing winter. All we have to do is take a peek at what is going on, and the question is asked, "Do you want to be in Minnesota right now? " Nope!
Our last trip to Nicaragua....going there never gets old. We see and find something new to explore every time. So much culture deeply embedded, and so many stories of a country coming back from war. Amazing......
Mayas Volcano was our destination this time around. The last time we were in Nicaragua, the volcano was closed due to the weather conditions and too much sulfur spewing out. Not this time, we were driven right to the top!
Our tour guide explained to us that the Nicaraguan's consider this one of the 7 Gates of Hell. That was very unsettling statement. And then he told us why. During the conflict in the 70's and 80's, political prisoners would be taken up in helicopters above the volcano, without trial, and would be pushed out into the volcano. A very sad and dark time for their country. As you notice in some of the pictures to the right, there are crosses on the edge to memorialize the lives lost.
Not something you hear during your history classes from what I remember.
On a lighter note, we visited San Juan Del Sur for the first time. Some of you may recall the last episode of Survivor was filmed in the area! It is a quaint little beach town just 30 minutes from the border. We took some time out to explore, and Kurt took a dip in the ocean.
And some different forms of transportation we saw in Nicaragua. If there is room, we can transport you!
Lots of horse drawn carriages in Granada. We avoid these because of the fact, the horses are not taken care of what so ever. They work all day and through the night, and are usually skin and bones. Very hard to look at, and our personal decision is not to support this abuse. Times are changing, and hopefully with education, this can be resolved.
So, a little bit of the good, the bad and ugly today......it is truly an experience, and our experience. Sharing what we observe in our little part of the world.
Looking forward to the weekend!
Pura Vida and so much Love!
