I found a place near the ferry terminal. A short walk! I decided I wanted to experience the village and rent a motorbike one day to explore further. I went to the village “recommended” in travel blogs. It was a “tourist” town. Locals scoffed at it because it isn’t Nicaragua but full of tourist. It definitely had a different feel in Balgue! Chocolate tours. Beach vibe. Tourist restaurants. Very different vibe!
Back in Moyogalpa, I met a young couple two months into a coffee, cafe and hostel business. I was unable to make it back before leaving. He asked me if I wanted to make a coffee with his machine. He has learned via YouTube!
Gusmary does the baking and her partner is the barista. They are near the ferry terminal, a short walk. You can find them on facebook and instagram. Go and enjoy!!
Before going to Ometepe, I read advice to skip Ometepe. Not much going on there. However, it is a tradtiional Nicaraguan village. I loved ovserving life there and interacting with people! My king of travel! The image below is typical of local villages where small shops sell a bit of everything. Owners are often sitting outside talking with people passing by.
I rented a motor bike that was dropped off after 7:00 pm for me. Before 6:00 am, I was off exploring. I love that time of day! It was cool, there was NO traffic to speak of. The birds were very active. And rural life was already kicking into high gear!
Bonus: a really nice automatic motor bike! The last one I rented had poor shocks in the rear wo was a bit uncomfortable! This one was awesome!
Time flew by! It was so relaxing! Hammock. Swimming pool. Lots of birds. GREAT family! I was very happy to have stayed at Ometepe House! Check them out!
Wrapping up!
Suddenly, I’m beginning packing for going home! How did that happen so quickly!?!? Today, I walked to the local market. A scene of confusion and fascination! Like normal, I got twisted around in all the lanes and isles and exited in a very different place than I thought I’d be! And that’s perfect! I got to see more reversing and finding my way back out!
Today was my last bit of shopping! I had a few little things I needed to get before flying home. Everything fell into place including wandering by the bus stop I need tomorrow to go to the cloud forest on Mombacho Volcano. Now, I know with great clarity what the actual schedule in the morning. Plus, it is only about a 20 minute bus ride! Then I get picked up and taken to Mombacho Lodge for two nights. I’m looking forward to a couple days in nature!!!
After that, I return here Monday and go to Managua Tuesday. I have one full day there before leaving at 4:30 am for the airport Thursday! Then, I’ll miss the green, the moisture and humidity, and all the smiling and friendly people I’ve met here!
Speaking of people!!
Waiting for the ferry yesterday, I met a young couple from Sweden. Friendly and open, we chatted before the ferry began loading. Really nice people!
Today, while having an afternoon coffee, they walked into the cafe! We had another lovely interaction. Tonight, having pizza at Mona Lisa’s, I looked up to see them walking down the sidewalk. They joined me and we continued our conversation! I am really happy our paths crossed!
Rick and Laura, if you are reading this, have a great experience in Holbox and a good trip home. I hope to meet you agai somewhere around the world in future travels!!n
Collage of recent photos
Packing now!
I’m off to organize my pack for leaving in the morning! Thanks for following along! Cheers!
Hi Larry,
What a great blog and inspiring mindset you have! We’ve talked about you several times since meeting you and really wish we had taken a photo together for our travel journal. Your stories and positive energy left a lasting impression on us, and we think it’s awesome how young at heart you are at 71!
We were just looking at your blog, and it’s really inspiring. Unfortunately, we’re heading back home today, but we hope you keep enjoying all your incredible travels. Who knows, maybe our paths will cross again someday!
P.S. We’re from the Netherlands, and here’s a link to our travel experiences: https://www.polarsteps.com/LauraNijland/14473989-midden-zuid-amerika. You can also follow the trips we’ve done and any future adventures if you’re interested!
By the way, where are you at the moment, and what are your plans for this trip?
If you ever think about visiting the Netherlands or Europe, you’re more than welcome to stay in one of the vacation cottages Laura rents out in the eastern part of the Netherlands, near the German border. We’ve left the link to the website for you!
All the best,
Rick and Laura
Hellllooooo! I tried replying earlier but was unable to. Now, home with fast internet, I am able. I sent an email to the hotmail email address. Hope you got that! Great meeting and connecting with you both! Wishing you a very happy holiday season! I look forward to bumping into you somewhere around the world again! My direct email: Larrycreativeguy@me.com