Although we absolutely loved sitting at the pool, laying in the hammock, or just walking along the beach- we managed to pull ourselves away from the house for a few other things.
The majority of the trip I looked something like this:
the camera was practically glued to my eye. and i loved every second of it.
The bulk of photos I took were from me sitting in the back of a moving car with the window rolled down... and I'm pleasantly surprised with how many pictures were actually keepers using that technique! Here's Chrissy and I, proof that my camera was attached to my hip:
Cameron and Dad decided to hit up the golf course. Chrissy went along to drive a cart and snap some pics. They had a beautiful green course all to themselves. And even though Cameron beat Dad, they had a good game.
We hit the road and journeyed to Gigante a few times. The name implies the city might be rather large... not quite the case. It took us maybe 2 minutes to drive from one end to the other, and back. It sits right on the coast and the view is beautiful. It's known as a fishing village and there are lots and lots of boats. The boats are nothing fancy- actually quite the opposite. Jeff helped some of the locals push a boat up to safety. As you can see below there are quite a few men shoving with all their might. They take the boat from the water all the way up the beach using two round logs and then lug the motor back to a safe spot. Don't let the size of those people deceive you either- see the picture below of the guy carrying the motor? The locals seem quite small but the way they toss those motors around made me think twice. The little piggies below are just a couple of the many animals that make home wherever they please. It was really cute to see the tiny piglet.
We dined at two restaurants while staying at "Hacienda Iguana". Dinner became an entire evening event in Nicaragua. I'm not sure if it was because of the size of our group, or if it's just the way they work there... but both times we waited at least 1 1/2 hours!
One of the restaurants was located in Gigante called "La Gaviota", it was our favorite. It was right on the beach and we got there at the perfect time- we were able to sit and chat and enjoy the beautiful sunset. We were entertained with the kids in the back watching Michael Jackson and mirroring his dance movess, and the food was delicious. They came out and told us they had 'brocheta'... and that was our only option so we gladly accepted! And we were very happy that we did. The brocheta is sort of like a shish kabob with chicken, lobster and shrimp. The plate was loaded with food- the brocheta, rice and beans, veggies, a tomato salad, mashed potatoes and tostones.....oh yum, I'm craving it now. And, all that delicious food for $7.00/plate- can you say bargain?!
We also ate at "Yolanda's", it too was yummy- but not as delicious as "La Gaviota". Mom, Dad, Tiff and I took a drive during the day to make sure we could find the restaurant come night time. The roads in Nicaragua are holes and dirt, no lights, and people and animals walk freely-even in the night. So, we wanted to be safe. When we found it during the day I went to ask what time they closed. Yolanda came out greeting me with "Hola, mi amor" and a big happy smile, a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I knew then that I wanted to return. And we did, for dinner... and when we arrived it was a party of smiles, hugs and kisses. She was so sweet.
One evening after eating at "La Giota" the men ventured out for a night time fishing expedition. After hugs and kisses goodbye, we watched them push the boat down to the water, heave the motor down and load their bodies in the boat. The motor roared as the drove off into the black ocean sky... and then we saw them hit a wave and scattered bodies were soon a big clump. And then a humongous wave came up, we could hear the motor kick into high gear and when they hit the wave I think my heart momentarily stopped. The boat went straight up and down in the air, how all of the guys stayed in the boat is still a miracle to me. We stood on the beach, in shock, worrying about the fact that it was dark, they had no life jackets.... was the boat still going to work after that impact? Did the light still work? Did they have enough energy to swim back to shore? Of course my mind is starting to flood with any and all possible circumstances... and when I turned around and saw the locals standing in awe, wide eyed and hands clasped over mouths... I felt my stomach drop even further knowing they see these fishing boats go out all the time, if even they looked scared... I wanted to cry. I looked at Tiff and she looked how I felt. I told her, "I know your nervous, but please don't say anything to mom". After a prayer and a couple hours of frantically awaiting the headlights to shine in the house, the boys were back safe and sound. and fishless. They all had an amazing time and loved the experience. Tiff told me my mom said "I know your nervous, but don't say anything to Chrissy and Amy"- us girls, worrying for nothing.
We were beginning to run low on some groceries so one day Mom, Dad, Jeff and I drove into a town called Rivas (pictures below). We went to the 'Pali' to buy a few things and then bought some beans from a street vendor. I was entranced by these streets.... I could've spent an entire day here wandering and capturing expressions, lifestyles and moments.
When we left the beach house to head back to Managua we wanted to make a stop in Granada and then Masaya. Granada was beautiful. We arrived in the town center and began looking at a few of the vendors items and about seven minutes later it began to pour. So, unfortunately we weren't able to walk around to as many places as we might've liked, but enjoyed the time we had and the beauty we saw.
Kirra made a friend in the few minutes we had before the rain began to fell.
Kirra and Mekena were thrilled when a boy came to visit us at lunch to try to sell us bird whistles. The girls loved them! While we were eating lunch quite a few kids came up to our table, questioning looks on their faces and arms outstretched, palms up. I was amazed at how young some of these little children were, roaming the streets alone. It made me so sad, and so grateful for all we have. I was happy to have some leftovers to give away to a few of the kids as we left.
After lunch (yet, another 2 hour experience) we were off in a rush to Masaya to make it before closing time. We were happy to make it and have time to enjoy all there was to offer. Two little boys were in front of the family making flowers from leaves before we even got through the gates of the market. They ended up following us around for the majority of the trip... we became buddies. Jeff found some knives, he was very excited to bring those home for a special prize from our trip! I bought a beautiful wood cutting board and a little ceramic vase. I love having things in my house that remind me of these unvelievable adventures we've taken. Cameron bought a hammock... we are all very jealous. We all enjoyed a fresh mango smoothie from a little stand. Let me rephrase that, we enjoyed drinking the smoothie... what happened the following days from the smoothie was anything but enjoyable. I was very happy we made it to Masaya, it was a very pleasant treat.
So many fun activities to entertain us and remind us of how incredibly blessed we are. I will forever be grateful for these memories.
i love nicaragua.
last week we celebrated my sweet nephew's first birthday! We had a great time and it was so fun to see him enjoy his little dump truck we bought him.
