tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67556779571409328802024-02-07T09:37:28.988-08:00Bicycling BettyWelcome. Please join Kate, Will and the ever present Betty as we wobble our way about. Last year it was South East Asia and right now it's Central America. Enjoy!willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.comBlogger103125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-35559879933972488542016-03-10T10:02:00.001-08:002016-03-11T03:47:35.508-08:00Done!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ok, after a few false endings, this is finally it. Betty is home.<br><br>We had a bit of kerfuffle and delay flying from Costa Rica to the U.S. Some arsey tosser passenger had a ding dong with the hostie over a phone call he shouldn't have been making, the argument progressed and he then demanded to get off the plane, resulting in a delay of over 2 hours. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwecQKVJfKpLBa1W02zkJ23-g0oVMkcYnlyOdqU-aPc-FtJ5Ln7Sa2u53SSOdn2-5_3iE_1Hp6q9TMEjyyib2VIpxE43OGdTGzEnEQZysqbliCMDdpC9f9yz11g8AHY6MFcDKVek5pB4sP/s640/blogger-image--120912619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwecQKVJfKpLBa1W02zkJ23-g0oVMkcYnlyOdqU-aPc-FtJ5Ln7Sa2u53SSOdn2-5_3iE_1Hp6q9TMEjyyib2VIpxE43OGdTGzEnEQZysqbliCMDdpC9f9yz11g8AHY6MFcDKVek5pB4sP/s640/blogger-image--120912619.jpg"></a></div><br>We finally got into Fort Lauderdale but it was after 9 by the time we got to our Warmshowers host's house. Cor blimey they were nice. They picked us and our bikes up from the airport, pasta and wine awaited us on arrival at their lovely house, and all they wanted in return was to listen to our stories and do a bit of vicarious travelling from the comfort of their living room. Kate even got to play with Andromeda, their friendly pet Python.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHI6b8gAgXKoX31l07JJMB4TC-c0sxnzed8utYr4mWjTCC1vQQOjNlK5v-ueI6lqmmPe3ABA-heoJ56OKqH6OsIhqbj6cpNL0evp5CD-Q114wPqKagBcEjTAZxzBxp3zZ589jRDdVJUlb/s640/blogger-image-1038342027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHI6b8gAgXKoX31l07JJMB4TC-c0sxnzed8utYr4mWjTCC1vQQOjNlK5v-ueI6lqmmPe3ABA-heoJ56OKqH6OsIhqbj6cpNL0evp5CD-Q114wPqKagBcEjTAZxzBxp3zZ589jRDdVJUlb/s640/blogger-image-1038342027.jpg"></a></div><br>Unfortunately the lovely Dave & Leo had to leave early for work so we were up with the larks, putting our bikes back together on their porch<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_AtSpzTsSdYV0mqGp5fmQNR4fYN7IyowFnpASeRSjzBNe3_49rbK0m3OnFFjMpg6j9odjUSO7Aon8za1_PF0ugQ2vMhd5x1HEMU-UURHbDd3waJXu6ii4G0WP2GaTWe_Gs6_9P1fkaqO/s640/blogger-image--653836048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3_AtSpzTsSdYV0mqGp5fmQNR4fYN7IyowFnpASeRSjzBNe3_49rbK0m3OnFFjMpg6j9odjUSO7Aon8za1_PF0ugQ2vMhd5x1HEMU-UURHbDd3waJXu6ii4G0WP2GaTWe_Gs6_9P1fkaqO/s640/blogger-image--653836048.jpg"></a></div><br>We then had a day to kill in Miami so cruised about a bit, taking in the many inlets and of course the beach<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfS6dUoxf3uJ9XFDDxjHXOdj-FvoVsgAQmtn8NC74DT9jkcjigQ5mwVFn1-vGIX9yw26FHatFnrHTNgSkM6SdyIxYahFxFhiaQj-EO-jZB1p6uqdcSBpUA1sjhOFrrBS2VgccfNaG0S3B/s640/blogger-image-1957181338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfS6dUoxf3uJ9XFDDxjHXOdj-FvoVsgAQmtn8NC74DT9jkcjigQ5mwVFn1-vGIX9yw26FHatFnrHTNgSkM6SdyIxYahFxFhiaQj-EO-jZB1p6uqdcSBpUA1sjhOFrrBS2VgccfNaG0S3B/s640/blogger-image-1957181338.jpg"></a></div><br>We soaked up the last of the warmth<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFA8Zlp2LbzqtR1GP1JvSoyxI0TbU9LDCRRc4hevIsHOm4MtEehKZCbBxuA36Wc2sscMB9Pfepgu5SI9W9dS55WHRUBRWvaLfKBPKDCfEXOYHZYcayfmWevDzc3DJay5saMvAuRNzQcAe/s640/blogger-image-2045403828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFA8Zlp2LbzqtR1GP1JvSoyxI0TbU9LDCRRc4hevIsHOm4MtEehKZCbBxuA36Wc2sscMB9Pfepgu5SI9W9dS55WHRUBRWvaLfKBPKDCfEXOYHZYcayfmWevDzc3DJay5saMvAuRNzQcAe/s640/blogger-image-2045403828.jpg"></a></div><br>Then, being the creatures of habit that we are we managed to find the same restaurant we'd eaten at exactly 3 months ago <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoIZEsdjO3Gn-xRRFkCYj44ahNTHPqr9mws721r4i3Xca-b1oBQf16pPz-tA6RvQEJ0p-Cbk1zua7ceqN9khCmyUQA628FyzjZOpIKuYq1sLVlu-7Vptv_10pZH6DaKLhq5kxKW5vnWhu/s640/blogger-image--314988148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnoIZEsdjO3Gn-xRRFkCYj44ahNTHPqr9mws721r4i3Xca-b1oBQf16pPz-tA6RvQEJ0p-Cbk1zua7ceqN9khCmyUQA628FyzjZOpIKuYq1sLVlu-7Vptv_10pZH6DaKLhq5kxKW5vnWhu/s640/blogger-image--314988148.jpg"></a></div><br>and then meandered our way back through the less salubrious parts of town, following the same route we'd taken to the airport exactly 3 months ago. We actually clocked up 60km all up, not bad for a day off.<br><br>We bagged the bikes and had a bit of argy bargy with check in who said we needed to box them. We politely and firmly held our ground and soon everything was sorted, we even got a smile out of them. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES-4tITs-op9RkzExqxtSpXheP9UX8ILiVkRLZMJOWEdttU7S8DOq4DV24Bc3zY0gVT-rxzAxpNciukNuxHp9FAHxt7W87CjTdnPZ_G3jsmaiVd8ftHyVLYiwwvCQY3g79_gmyI91WPbt/s640/blogger-image--2119507002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES-4tITs-op9RkzExqxtSpXheP9UX8ILiVkRLZMJOWEdttU7S8DOq4DV24Bc3zY0gVT-rxzAxpNciukNuxHp9FAHxt7W87CjTdnPZ_G3jsmaiVd8ftHyVLYiwwvCQY3g79_gmyI91WPbt/s640/blogger-image--2119507002.jpg"></a></div><br>All the other U.S. officials here were right old grumpy, officious twats. Maybe everyone's getting worried they're gonna get Trumped.....<br><br>The plane was pretty empty so we spread out on 3 seats each, making the flight reasonably bearable. <br><br>The bikes turned up in their bags unscathed and after a quick ride into town on the train we rode the final few miles from Paddington to Greenwich where we parked our trusty steeds, rather unceremoniously in our garage before driving down to Folkestone to stay with my sister.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Riding through London felt great. We'd done it! We'd successfully completed our 3 month ride through supposedly some of the most dangerous countries in the world without so much as a hitch.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The other thing that struck me was considering how busy London is, it was so quiet. No crazy blaring music, no super loud trucks or motorbikes and no pick up trucks with huge speakers on telling us where to buy cheap chickens or colonoscopies. It was also pretty much the only riding we'd done in 3 months that Betty didn't make an appearance, if you know what I mean?!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm8mWGNc5InjRxRzyVydmdSsIAn03mpM_XHudmtoh5zVRR8mvUghQSxs5ChufNhOUz98DKwiLWEXG-nRnmyz_YC8NU4RsDo41TZ46UdYUOrpgxLnhazgJGNZ6meomJsxvA3Xsc2aG1gud/s640/blogger-image-1123626371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm8mWGNc5InjRxRzyVydmdSsIAn03mpM_XHudmtoh5zVRR8mvUghQSxs5ChufNhOUz98DKwiLWEXG-nRnmyz_YC8NU4RsDo41TZ46UdYUOrpgxLnhazgJGNZ6meomJsxvA3Xsc2aG1gud/s640/blogger-image-1123626371.jpg"></a></div><br>Being back feels weird. Did we actually go away? Maybe we'll wake up tomorrow and find that it was all a dream...<br><br>Thanks for bothering to read the blog, I hope you enjoyed it, I certainly did. So from Kate, Betty and me it's a big adios amigos. Until the next time!<br><br>Cheers<br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-79557825727950913242016-03-07T09:01:00.001-08:002016-03-07T09:11:33.396-08:00All boxed off<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We heard a quote the other day from Sarah Millican, well her dad actually.<br>"There's only one thing you can't do in this world and that is to stick your bum out of your bedroom window then run downstairs and throw stones at it". I'm not sure that Mr Millican is entirely correct but I like his attitude.<br><br>We've done so much on this trip, seen so much but above all made so many decisions and solved so many problems. The challenges (mental and physical) that we've dealt with have certainly gone a long way to prove that with a bit of effort and a bit of 'making do' most things are indeed possible. <br><br>Yesterday was our last night in a hostel/guesthouse. We had a nice one last night but had to move out as it was already booked for tonight. For the next 2 nights in San Jose and our transit night in Miami we are venturing into yet another unknown. <br><br>Through the excellent cycling network there is a 'club' called Warm Showers. It's pretty much the same as Couchsurfing but for touring cyclists only.<br><br>We'll meet Rolando, our Costa Rican host tomorrow afternoon but he's already been helping us. He's not only gone to the trouble of recommending a few things to do in town but he's also gone to the effort to go to his local bike shop and squeeze 2 big cardboard bike boxes (that the airline insist we use) into his car ready for us to pack the bikes into. What a guy!<br><br>Our Miami hosts, Dave & Leo have insisted that they'll pick us (and the 2 big boxes) up from the airport in their pick up truck. They've also got a hot tub at home and state that clothing is optional. We may never leave!<br><br>Wandering San Jose for a day has been fun, there's not a lot to see here but it kept us entertained.<br><br>I don't think Movistar would do too well in the UK with this ad<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9LgjdPX-DQUR9dSboQ0SlBYWfHmds7_yLLWEkVNYsVIKMujKFOblTyyd0h0RYEdIlfqcrFlgKkZGWCts5ad2ZMGusImQoPTYGBJV3Kzp1_Z4_vgZLvtUmnpAw79YEKVV6cK06DBhQMBc/s640/blogger-image--1716357333.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9LgjdPX-DQUR9dSboQ0SlBYWfHmds7_yLLWEkVNYsVIKMujKFOblTyyd0h0RYEdIlfqcrFlgKkZGWCts5ad2ZMGusImQoPTYGBJV3Kzp1_Z4_vgZLvtUmnpAw79YEKVV6cK06DBhQMBc/s640/blogger-image--1716357333.jpg"></a></div><br>And I'm not quite sure this quite meets the trades description act<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaush4FVd4j-KwhHrOpDXvMybaHeP1E1YQdrJWZ1AhK2ymgidjYi0t3tqsxYGUR1DZnKcnOYcL29J5AkikplgLXLN_9elcy31-ZAcvSem2OKJ-EItcz17FHoGsGRT-Nz2sbH8BObhUYHhm/s640/blogger-image-407815643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaush4FVd4j-KwhHrOpDXvMybaHeP1E1YQdrJWZ1AhK2ymgidjYi0t3tqsxYGUR1DZnKcnOYcL29J5AkikplgLXLN_9elcy31-ZAcvSem2OKJ-EItcz17FHoGsGRT-Nz2sbH8BObhUYHhm/s640/blogger-image-407815643.jpg"></a></div><br>We'll miss all the little cafes we've been to. This one wasn't the best. With veggies like this I can understand why everyone else's plate was a meat fest<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr9vMuRLyfLVlgf6dizuLG80URZB7hkweNl35rF-WiEry1SpnfdXs4uyl_5rajOIzCiYCKObfqKXlXzNbruZTQsUY7oWJK8GaAuDTSwYJ0DrxfdoJ3zanNKHxR6Kguw2JdZccI4OEyd_6/s640/blogger-image-1841687925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXr9vMuRLyfLVlgf6dizuLG80URZB7hkweNl35rF-WiEry1SpnfdXs4uyl_5rajOIzCiYCKObfqKXlXzNbruZTQsUY7oWJK8GaAuDTSwYJ0DrxfdoJ3zanNKHxR6Kguw2JdZccI4OEyd_6/s640/blogger-image-1841687925.jpg"></a></div><br>Still, whilst we are we did have a wandering sales girl try to sell us some iffy looking chocolate bars and then a lady in a white coat carrying a stethoscope asked us if we wanted our blood pressure taken. You couldn't make it up!<br><br>Whilst enjoying a little Sunday morning ride in Central Park we met this little lot. The Evil Angels they were called and very friendly they were too.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc08tmyA_wVlIePlxZe9f8iVD9uWNMh7303E6SZBIl4E5R6i99VtvaxFkUEYEoMUEZJOV0DfWcgLBGLbXWkP9nMxY0HOA6ole6KDswOCn7_iF8bxjSRRi9pJFXzjhrU2pvpJTCi-KfFJ5p/s640/blogger-image-262596381.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc08tmyA_wVlIePlxZe9f8iVD9uWNMh7303E6SZBIl4E5R6i99VtvaxFkUEYEoMUEZJOV0DfWcgLBGLbXWkP9nMxY0HOA6ole6KDswOCn7_iF8bxjSRRi9pJFXzjhrU2pvpJTCi-KfFJ5p/s640/blogger-image-262596381.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8fydFi-kfqMKgoUFxJB4IIKLDNPL-yQUzYXOCCGfDJp7OaevAR6QvuPQorAr_WOULyRCbWIaOtoAaIiGkNvuoFvxugw3n7ir_qVpdnPlbd6AnQcv9xvZR7ZEQwv6kGuGNTbKUGNp6hUx/s640/blogger-image--298430496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8fydFi-kfqMKgoUFxJB4IIKLDNPL-yQUzYXOCCGfDJp7OaevAR6QvuPQorAr_WOULyRCbWIaOtoAaIiGkNvuoFvxugw3n7ir_qVpdnPlbd6AnQcv9xvZR7ZEQwv6kGuGNTbKUGNp6hUx/s640/blogger-image--298430496.jpg"></a></div><br>The ride out of San Jose to Rolando's house in Santa Ana was a nice way to end. There were a couple of cheeky uphill bits to remind us we're not Lance Armstrong and then a great, swooping downhill into the nice little town where he lives. We came past this little event and stopped off for a gander. That kind of riding is much harder with panniers on. Must be cos we can't do it!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV67qEwlD2oWR0_OnRhahNhHFsca4kUGawNE4Y5tkCT0InKLOOlcTXPfdNaXMnYGa4-o5AaZ0qDLN4aDnzuGVeF2Za-OSZRO8FHsTa0HebfPK-5ntoJflmnbM3QPcXelZ22z5zdmBidJNy/s640/blogger-image--858317672.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV67qEwlD2oWR0_OnRhahNhHFsca4kUGawNE4Y5tkCT0InKLOOlcTXPfdNaXMnYGa4-o5AaZ0qDLN4aDnzuGVeF2Za-OSZRO8FHsTa0HebfPK-5ntoJflmnbM3QPcXelZ22z5zdmBidJNy/s640/blogger-image--858317672.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>We had a quick picnic lunch under a tree in the church grounds. It felt nice and peaceful and quite European. It also used up the last of our food bits we'd been carrying for a while.<br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So, Rolando our Warm Showers host turned out to be just the kind of guy we hoped for. Interesting, generous and natural. Once at his place we chatted for a while and then he drove us up to a 1600m high mountain ridge which was half in cloud. There are a load of wind turbines up there. Did you know that Costa Rica is right up there with the best of the 'greenest' countries in the world. Not bad for a banana republic as Rolando put it.<br><br>Today we packed up the bikes into the boxes. Rolando had gone to work but invited us to use the little hacienda next door to his house<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6fF-qONsxUl0ykXKnPMX135-sLmktIdSm27z7k41eMeOfuz4yLbZWhegNhsoeHwqbnIoQA25kACai-uLv1AAqNGp0bIuh7Ro3oH2g2e0IZHY_ATr8H_LWLCMQ_2ksqgyFVQyVqDhuQrA/s640/blogger-image--437114530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6fF-qONsxUl0ykXKnPMX135-sLmktIdSm27z7k41eMeOfuz4yLbZWhegNhsoeHwqbnIoQA25kACai-uLv1AAqNGp0bIuh7Ro3oH2g2e0IZHY_ATr8H_LWLCMQ_2ksqgyFVQyVqDhuQrA/s640/blogger-image--437114530.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS1I4LBEHBuBDF7yhf6MC2QVD7sebcdXVeHpaaiL60ouNPKmtHIUd2qFxMtu5sM-7agvuWzuR59rNv0LW90jS8Nw8jOi0N0tAvP2YVxddtwoxBExpvnkYWXZAre-B6BuEXQhfiWvAKEcO/s640/blogger-image-1109684848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivS1I4LBEHBuBDF7yhf6MC2QVD7sebcdXVeHpaaiL60ouNPKmtHIUd2qFxMtu5sM-7agvuWzuR59rNv0LW90jS8Nw8jOi0N0tAvP2YVxddtwoxBExpvnkYWXZAre-B6BuEXQhfiWvAKEcO/s640/blogger-image-1109684848.jpg"></a></div><br>I love being in countries like this. As we were packing I got my electric shaver out for a little trim. I was using the outside of Rolando's living room window as a makeshift mirror. One of the gardener/maintenance blokes came over and said something to me that I didn't understand. I just smiled and carried on. A minute later he was back, big smile on his face and carrying a bathroom mirror for me! <br><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So tomorrow we fly to Miami for a quick overnight stopover then into London for noon on Thursday. Put the kettle on will ya, I think we're gonna need a nice cup of tea....<br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-76683793048346952442016-03-03T17:41:00.001-08:002016-03-03T17:42:56.561-08:00Last knockings<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Picture the scene..... Here's a picture to help<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBhOcqqbfQKaUaqEbodZ9SkE_LT1BkMkEu4TXPUfqCy8MJv_i-0mP1E2JKZJAr_plW-vdQbaiIi8agdetaHgfolMC_DtvD_RR10y9S5Yrki4ucUFKsPpkMTFO1bGGuX-z4MFZIDBoEDL0/s640/blogger-image-685762176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBhOcqqbfQKaUaqEbodZ9SkE_LT1BkMkEu4TXPUfqCy8MJv_i-0mP1E2JKZJAr_plW-vdQbaiIi8agdetaHgfolMC_DtvD_RR10y9S5Yrki4ucUFKsPpkMTFO1bGGuX-z4MFZIDBoEDL0/s640/blogger-image-685762176.jpg"></a></div><br>What better place to sit than here, the warm gentle breeze blowing, the waves crashing on the beach and Podcasts of Desert Island Discs. "Da di da di daaa, da di da di daaa, da di da di dum dum dididiliiii..... Still we were a little disappointed to discover we'd downloaded the wrong Steve Mc Queen. I was expecting a cool American icon to tell us all about 'the great escape' motorbikes and girls, instead we got some slightly pompous black artist from London.....<br><br>We'll be home in a week. Not really sure how we feel about that. It looks as if spring may have sprung just in time for my nieces wedding? We're looking forward to that.<br><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Well we're not getting Mindfull overnight that's for sure. We tried to listen to a Ted Talk type thing last night but the wifi couldn't handle it so that'll have to wait.<br><br>I have managed to create my own new kind of yoga though. It's for people who are either too busy to do a full yoga session (clearly not me) and/or people who are struggling to get into it and need an easy introduction (ah, that sounds more like me). It's kind of bastardised yoga which I'm calling Boga. In fact it's my new business idea. <br><br>We've met 2 young people on this trip who have either said that they are or want to be entrepreneurs. I think that sounds like a cool job title so I'm going to be one as well! <br><br>Boga is an exercise programme specifically designed to be completed in less than 10 minutes and can, if needs be be split up over the day. Say for example the 3 times you sit for the kettle to boil each day? It's wasted time. Slip in some Boga and you'll enjoy your hot drink that much more, safe in the knowledge that your body has started the long and winding path to wellness.<br><br>Being mindful (see I am already becoming mindful) that we are all busy people I've cunningly combined the spiritual and fiscal aspects of the business. It works like this. My followers (sounds like I'm a guru/godly figure already but I mean Social Media followers) all agree that when they feel positive energy & benefits from doing Boga that they will send me £1 every time they do it. It's an honesty system and therefore connected to your spiritual side. I mean, could anyone really live with themselves knowing that they've benefited from my clinically proven Boga and not send the cash? We all know that the karma gods watch over us all the time.<br><br>So, that's me sorted. Watch out for my FB page coming soon.<br><br>What else? We met Herman <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79Ym0IkIFsO723biuK5phv5COu8xqg6_3lJth_t3oqBh6Xv7J76Kj00wSbGOaWUNCbdIdBqA4fBWhcpgPA0r5WgnYfyi91PwbXqh7Q7tAN6YQaqCkZMxV_xCCtYrClVuXK6pcIN116yZr/s640/blogger-image--2141198586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh79Ym0IkIFsO723biuK5phv5COu8xqg6_3lJth_t3oqBh6Xv7J76Kj00wSbGOaWUNCbdIdBqA4fBWhcpgPA0r5WgnYfyi91PwbXqh7Q7tAN6YQaqCkZMxV_xCCtYrClVuXK6pcIN116yZr/s640/blogger-image--2141198586.jpg"></a></div><br>And it's amazing what you can pick up at the roadside these days<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1kIhoIDWsNkN48suBrAvIAkyFoH4VgwJkRBOFLed0jmfVVpnZF2yHbSyyjz_GStEF2ToaFWcifvp1sjyfrBfh7zI8bp9pHffpsNwG4v8Q-xYahm-F5rcYuTvIvFzjErLKiJGjNEQyB4U/s640/blogger-image--1165004405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1kIhoIDWsNkN48suBrAvIAkyFoH4VgwJkRBOFLed0jmfVVpnZF2yHbSyyjz_GStEF2ToaFWcifvp1sjyfrBfh7zI8bp9pHffpsNwG4v8Q-xYahm-F5rcYuTvIvFzjErLKiJGjNEQyB4U/s640/blogger-image--1165004405.jpg"></a></div><br>We also saw an ant M25<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQLQm2gb0BZllgjlcTFVEJ2XqhPzEpbo2bSZYGqUVc4tAEqeMvvILHyFroAjCOych_Uh59exVwjqDpQ3fVtTrKrpd7mK1iom8Uz4YE4Jb9egzAr2ByWlQvkQJUhO6z1bXJCu_RMfmsLWK/s640/blogger-image--1994702467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQLQm2gb0BZllgjlcTFVEJ2XqhPzEpbo2bSZYGqUVc4tAEqeMvvILHyFroAjCOych_Uh59exVwjqDpQ3fVtTrKrpd7mK1iom8Uz4YE4Jb9egzAr2ByWlQvkQJUhO6z1bXJCu_RMfmsLWK/s640/blogger-image--1994702467.jpg"></a></div><br>Yep, seriously scraping the barrel here. Better go eh?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ycr2CuXFkQggn4P69YASDjU0xKXdS5DdwpNxoP9-6-ndViYnS612ITCES6devMgIKiXPoUWILbCXbU1hyphenhyphenxZm_Mg2gNNEeFlpeLsLV3qowUTfZGvendjEiZi10FmIKBgS6dvX9mYrDGjl/s640/blogger-image--153615839.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ycr2CuXFkQggn4P69YASDjU0xKXdS5DdwpNxoP9-6-ndViYnS612ITCES6devMgIKiXPoUWILbCXbU1hyphenhyphenxZm_Mg2gNNEeFlpeLsLV3qowUTfZGvendjEiZi10FmIKBgS6dvX9mYrDGjl/s640/blogger-image--153615839.jpg"></a></div><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-61346494740340449752016-03-01T17:30:00.001-08:002016-03-01T18:05:28.797-08:00Can a blog have an autumn?<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Shall we hang around another day?" Asked kate as we walked down the beach. "Oh go on then, twist my arm"<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rmgfd-pnalzqPQzzjNd3vsL7UAiIRKGmVZ7K6evn40xBxtALWPAS9i4Xe1fpRAIeQQ0Vd2vlVXxd_xz3Kzj2BlcHZFvf0SdTVxTRuSHqfXSzmV9r6u0erIGaVER41vbMFiSH7zsoZq9M/s640/blogger-image-753778613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0rmgfd-pnalzqPQzzjNd3vsL7UAiIRKGmVZ7K6evn40xBxtALWPAS9i4Xe1fpRAIeQQ0Vd2vlVXxd_xz3Kzj2BlcHZFvf0SdTVxTRuSHqfXSzmV9r6u0erIGaVER41vbMFiSH7zsoZq9M/s640/blogger-image-753778613.jpg"></a></div><br>We took a little pique nique and headed back to the Nasho - another great Aussieism for National Park. More monkeys, colourful birds & butterflies and an Armadillo<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMC6B7-6b0FJ74W7OrmXA9rwZF1jEhDVrlA0D4ZsWyaN0c0MZ0O2K8DRJBG2J6hyN2AH_TmOZG3R8KEwsdjhAvytj9eLm6o0bjiPfA0G3ViM7p4UEEhJ2imPHrDvSr2VG94TsoIOnXT_i/s640/blogger-image--2136164257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMC6B7-6b0FJ74W7OrmXA9rwZF1jEhDVrlA0D4ZsWyaN0c0MZ0O2K8DRJBG2J6hyN2AH_TmOZG3R8KEwsdjhAvytj9eLm6o0bjiPfA0G3ViM7p4UEEhJ2imPHrDvSr2VG94TsoIOnXT_i/s640/blogger-image--2136164257.jpg"></a></div><br>It's funny getting back to the guesthouse and comparing notes with the other guests on what we all spotted. I know it's not a competition but those bloody Germans saw a big Iguana.....<br><br>Bit more art for you taken on my iPhone and then 'zopped up' with my new freebie snapseed app. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rcy6edOT-LQ9dEl-SU8vzIfT1k8IjEAfag9DY3OZwVZ30cGj4FyQ4nMRTR-0T21RC1mz8pSDizYPUUcKwh-Nx-0h6fnOMNQ0y2CONvxRQ45WQagN5RsVprcxlypNyw-uNaNWiTe7ls5A/s640/blogger-image-1972263928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Rcy6edOT-LQ9dEl-SU8vzIfT1k8IjEAfag9DY3OZwVZ30cGj4FyQ4nMRTR-0T21RC1mz8pSDizYPUUcKwh-Nx-0h6fnOMNQ0y2CONvxRQ45WQagN5RsVprcxlypNyw-uNaNWiTe7ls5A/s640/blogger-image-1972263928.jpg"></a></div><br>You wouldn't believe such talent could come from a man who looks like this would you? Not that you're the judgemental type...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb494p6oC0gg0hPPFioVkFMVONCvi03St3WvV6ovNCsm03MsxrDgXJbfZi_C14Nr_whb5XAvMuOTWKwx9KmfVr8ToR4y6po9mrC_srbDRBfQujSGSvSusdbhTCeFWqpwYjkUv07kh2g-C2/s640/blogger-image-708049480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb494p6oC0gg0hPPFioVkFMVONCvi03St3WvV6ovNCsm03MsxrDgXJbfZi_C14Nr_whb5XAvMuOTWKwx9KmfVr8ToR4y6po9mrC_srbDRBfQujSGSvSusdbhTCeFWqpwYjkUv07kh2g-C2/s640/blogger-image-708049480.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Today we've done pretty much our last bit of riding. We'll naff about on the bikes around here in Peurto de Viejo de Talamanca and do a little bit more riding in San Jose but this feels like the end of the road. We feel a bit proud but we know others who would have tried much harder. Still, we're not sad, getting to see this little beauty along the way today certainly told the Germans where to go!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JFefBDq3Ye7fl8jWPGmutvNE-4Ow47_-_7_WNpJ0gNaQWdQ_rmT6byyra_eN-nYrWsykV0zObvJ6Q3Q-hhm0Hh-rOnXlF5LI25tooATZk9TJ52m8EzsLpx8v0kWerme-_KBRhtltu_s-/s640/blogger-image--1941132489.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JFefBDq3Ye7fl8jWPGmutvNE-4Ow47_-_7_WNpJ0gNaQWdQ_rmT6byyra_eN-nYrWsykV0zObvJ6Q3Q-hhm0Hh-rOnXlF5LI25tooATZk9TJ52m8EzsLpx8v0kWerme-_KBRhtltu_s-/s640/blogger-image--1941132489.jpg"></a></div><br>People have said that I sounded down in the last post, one said he found it harrowing... Not at all, I'm actually feeling quite buoyant. It's just that we've had enough of this for now and fancy stopping somewhere a bit more comfortable and normal for a bit. We've still got loads of enthusiasm and energy for other trips, just not right now. Ask me again in a month and I may well have a very different answer...<br><br>So has this trip been a life changing experience? No, well not yet anyway. I do feel that my eyes have been opened a bit to this Mindfullness lark and maybe yoga stuff... I'd like to think that I could work it into my life on a more regular basis but I'm not sure it'll stick. That's up to me I guess...<br><br>Without getting mournful, I heard yesterday that a guy I knew through work has finally lost his battle with cancer. We're all only here for a short time and again, how we choose to spend that time is up to us... <br><br>The people we've met on all these trips have proven to me time and time again that everything is possible, you've just got to make it (or as close as you can get) happen.<br><br>Not directly connected with the above I can categorically say that I'm so happy that I've never smoked. We've heard so many people in these guesthouses hacking up disgusting phlegm and then stumbling out of their room to have a fag. Get real smokers, sort yourself out...<br><br>I want to learn to be less judgemental (except against smokers, there really is nothing good about it at all). <br><br>We have also learnt that despite preconceived ideas (is that like being judgemental?) the driving in these parts has been pretty damn good and 99% have been polite and courteous. Guess this was the 1%<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH53DKXitfEC9VI_vxXGddDemLBZiv-P51xuzsPUPm5TR4pHO7AugrwLrnu9RhlwTF_bAMA2LEhgjAESERJ0N45uZRRHE5psy_dc575tjiLNxDOv8XG60wUn80ros6sv2o_NEe53X8qg8/s640/blogger-image--1722295832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOH53DKXitfEC9VI_vxXGddDemLBZiv-P51xuzsPUPm5TR4pHO7AugrwLrnu9RhlwTF_bAMA2LEhgjAESERJ0N45uZRRHE5psy_dc575tjiLNxDOv8XG60wUn80ros6sv2o_NEe53X8qg8/s640/blogger-image--1722295832.jpg"></a></div><br>That's about it I think. Well, not quite actually.... I don't think this'll be the last post for this trip but you never know. Will I find anything worth talking about? Have I so far? I'd love to know if any of my wittering has inspired or put off anyone from doing a similar trip? I'd love to know even more if I've provoked any thoughts in people's minds (yeah, I know, I'm a wally).<br><br>I saw a quote the other day. I can't remember who it's by and I might not have remembered it completely correctly but here goes.<br><br>"Don't spend too much time thinking about the meaning of life. Spend more time thinking of how to make your life meaningful".<br><br>In one of my early posts I said that we wanted to find something meaningful to get involved with on this trip. Well, we failed. Didn't even come close. That is a bit of a disappointment. No doldrums though, we'll just keep thinking of ways to achieve it, be it here or be it back in Blighty.<br><br>So for now it's Adios (it's ok, you know I'll be back in a day or 2...) until then, we'll be here soaking it up...</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMIEzY2653appRWeuDE5YsexPZx8YUMOAavlZEP7koJffWz5hpURNXiwCVHc4x_fkIl6n9fOfe-qZ6OAgwLvvM4dqrEyVFjUX00O7J9wJL_6bfHCweDFvD_PK3EYUhY_tfE3eHH2Zm0cL/s640/blogger-image-65441575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrMIEzY2653appRWeuDE5YsexPZx8YUMOAavlZEP7koJffWz5hpURNXiwCVHc4x_fkIl6n9fOfe-qZ6OAgwLvvM4dqrEyVFjUX00O7J9wJL_6bfHCweDFvD_PK3EYUhY_tfE3eHH2Zm0cL/s640/blogger-image-65441575.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMd_ZoLZ1HxgSeT9DhbSln8Vu2nYIYynN0fPKxPD26NCfxAeb1EacsWJal5OwqCo7HZVS5yr4eMvWvKRk4d_s28w99Z0bO5brxLDcApHeLBUOdNG5U09JSxDKqHV8zqT8iM-THGZOFWiK/s640/blogger-image-177269640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfMd_ZoLZ1HxgSeT9DhbSln8Vu2nYIYynN0fPKxPD26NCfxAeb1EacsWJal5OwqCo7HZVS5yr4eMvWvKRk4d_s28w99Z0bO5brxLDcApHeLBUOdNG5U09JSxDKqHV8zqT8iM-THGZOFWiK/s640/blogger-image-177269640.jpg"></a></div><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-2199188690041024542016-02-26T14:20:00.001-08:002016-02-26T15:25:44.713-08:00Nearly done<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIZQdSKi3wdw8hd57LZSp3ITv2f0IUmlbdqrr6k-CoJmnisY-o7s8_NrYG2LYVoosROKvYVgBHaZ1knO7FRHenKyh3fPl4QGVJ1wTdJR60qZUgDkqC4QlFi2Czx8TuOpyVRBSxzYpfUdh/s640/blogger-image--1572257608.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIZQdSKi3wdw8hd57LZSp3ITv2f0IUmlbdqrr6k-CoJmnisY-o7s8_NrYG2LYVoosROKvYVgBHaZ1knO7FRHenKyh3fPl4QGVJ1wTdJR60qZUgDkqC4QlFi2Czx8TuOpyVRBSxzYpfUdh/s640/blogger-image--1572257608.jpg"></a></div><br>Despite the doom & gloom weather forecast of heavy showers (how strange for a UK weather app to focus on the negative!) the sky remained blue, the sun shone, the humidity rose and we sweated like pigs even on a nice flat road and a tailwind to help us along.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikuN0EsA3qmoata7g3umqSGcimrsyPEKcU2Bt462tS5YdVAOHm1cggdesUwisNIvHHFEPk-Cq2kvJb38gfqsCbJGY2G-nQobeIW1aSC_4Qr7fuIXGBJVBP2DK8oBG9aRhnJlH3zfAMHe1/s640/blogger-image-2075909631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjikuN0EsA3qmoata7g3umqSGcimrsyPEKcU2Bt462tS5YdVAOHm1cggdesUwisNIvHHFEPk-Cq2kvJb38gfqsCbJGY2G-nQobeIW1aSC_4Qr7fuIXGBJVBP2DK8oBG9aRhnJlH3zfAMHe1/s640/blogger-image-2075909631.jpg"></a></div><br>We stopped off along the way to admire the Caribbean Sea and do a bit of impromptu mid ride yoga. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5m4TBk0_DVnDRtxQGhLZ9w0N9GBOB6f1aRC5zlEWmJLE6Zc1y0b-WVV3LdPfbq6Fd4Bcgm-XMpNfe8zLiuYODueKg7ITGmvdEH4jqlRXDBRKkAcb4cDKc6X0_KameRGZclQH2MmPhFq4/s640/blogger-image--67678957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5m4TBk0_DVnDRtxQGhLZ9w0N9GBOB6f1aRC5zlEWmJLE6Zc1y0b-WVV3LdPfbq6Fd4Bcgm-XMpNfe8zLiuYODueKg7ITGmvdEH4jqlRXDBRKkAcb4cDKc6X0_KameRGZclQH2MmPhFq4/s640/blogger-image--67678957.jpg"></a></div><br>There's kate busting her moves. She also tried busting that coconut on the ground near her in an attempt to get the fresh water out of it. She got the water. It wasn't fresh. Oh well, back to the downward dog.....<br><br>By lunch time we were in the little town of Cahuita. We stopped off for more tuna & tomato wraps before hitting town and doing the rather tiresome accommodation hunt routine.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53EjLjKpIdvTrlnfM_yhxQmvkXcaut87t1KkODOp9lLara1oGZjaqsCSd51vTPAYfq7_x8tomlnWB8OywPMRn_ihlkpvDNvv8LjF5RFvqcoHOOFvVNwG82qDEvdDlfOo87WkR4OD5uD5d/s640/blogger-image-1230998957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53EjLjKpIdvTrlnfM_yhxQmvkXcaut87t1KkODOp9lLara1oGZjaqsCSd51vTPAYfq7_x8tomlnWB8OywPMRn_ihlkpvDNvv8LjF5RFvqcoHOOFvVNwG82qDEvdDlfOo87WkR4OD5uD5d/s640/blogger-image-1230998957.jpg"></a></div><br>The town is a pretty low key place that seems to exist solely on tourism. It's chilled out, with a few restaurants to choose from and a national park next door. We'll probably hang here for a few days. We've been on the go for 9 days, moving from place to place. That probably doesn't sound too bad to some but I can assure you it gets tiring.<br><br>We'll be home in less than 2 weeks. Well, I say home but we haven't actually got one to go to as its rented out. That was all part of our plan so that's ok. When I say plan that may lead you to think we've got a plan. We haven't. We have a back up plan. Can you have a back up plan when you haven't actually got a plan, doesn't it get upgraded to 'the plan'?<br><br>It rained the next morning, those miserable negative forecasters got it right for a change. We were planning (more planning, we're supposed to be relaxing...) to go for a walk in the national park but what with the drizzle, Facebook appealed more.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZsR7ddBun6tSwsYfCkBgjlIbhpXnmXJvwcFKojcQhSutu4i0VT7q_kzm7LzqZ0Qla1Mg053Fo8qyyjbEY3JZVH1i84dlg98tPFfguk4x87AbeaEzmnzrA_wmJBbL8UxuH1q6gG9_XeYw/s640/blogger-image--1972621664.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZsR7ddBun6tSwsYfCkBgjlIbhpXnmXJvwcFKojcQhSutu4i0VT7q_kzm7LzqZ0Qla1Mg053Fo8qyyjbEY3JZVH1i84dlg98tPFfguk4x87AbeaEzmnzrA_wmJBbL8UxuH1q6gG9_XeYw/s640/blogger-image--1972621664.jpg"></a></div><br>We saw a gap in the weather so headed out<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1EgTU5laiT0dCbWjV7ie1PGFvkcWgERwhuS-k25vrV7h5ATnHr2T30D04XiRPWmj-m4NGxoLi-HJESetG6oW3KjMrO8Z4a-5wKM6IgB21ZE6QXHT0zEYeNaey4F3TzDeDzuSJfyZW2HV/s640/blogger-image-63973219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk1EgTU5laiT0dCbWjV7ie1PGFvkcWgERwhuS-k25vrV7h5ATnHr2T30D04XiRPWmj-m4NGxoLi-HJESetG6oW3KjMrO8Z4a-5wKM6IgB21ZE6QXHT0zEYeNaey4F3TzDeDzuSJfyZW2HV/s640/blogger-image-63973219.jpg"></a></div><br>We saw a few monkeys (zoom in for an in flight experience)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrHbvqYs5OqMb-S6qk3zPiWK6M2TyhWHd2jgzU8z3X-dyO9IshmhlpDGdHsAXeHQDrYd-fELAfR2sH8RESi32sdNSjfLA4GmPUtarhWfDt8qKwO4qbYNMCHZB-rRvy5h6MxN4sCkQz6PW/s640/blogger-image--1579992063.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgrHbvqYs5OqMb-S6qk3zPiWK6M2TyhWHd2jgzU8z3X-dyO9IshmhlpDGdHsAXeHQDrYd-fELAfR2sH8RESi32sdNSjfLA4GmPUtarhWfDt8qKwO4qbYNMCHZB-rRvy5h6MxN4sCkQz6PW/s640/blogger-image--1579992063.jpg"></a></div><br>Some very shy blue crabs (not available for photos) and a spider<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT73Hiczb_ErL9iSkv9kIhRHZls_TJCUoAquvGOcpHeTVm3q8vsgIhDBVoGEz8hxhiCKxdjrgvCKAWv3LmKMOOB9dk7YT3cOjyfCmoimt6LjObLyNw-5T_p6QXu4ypTq2WIMWMKIMWnmcd/s640/blogger-image--2050929179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT73Hiczb_ErL9iSkv9kIhRHZls_TJCUoAquvGOcpHeTVm3q8vsgIhDBVoGEz8hxhiCKxdjrgvCKAWv3LmKMOOB9dk7YT3cOjyfCmoimt6LjObLyNw-5T_p6QXu4ypTq2WIMWMKIMWnmcd/s640/blogger-image--2050929179.jpg"></a></div><br>And a squirrel, don't forget the squirrel.....<br><br>Then, all natured out, we got all arty<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzunEfY9tfSktWR99ynTY_XfC390F-ZBmJP4QEEuJ0WBm9VpZL7OO14TzcLIIj5qAnZ8bhiP2p2Eikg1FytjdeNDT9aRZqioCISqeVZWL6A-fPLj94yMLUkde3SHMrJNGM6_O2Iuv7YtI/s640/blogger-image-406724531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzunEfY9tfSktWR99ynTY_XfC390F-ZBmJP4QEEuJ0WBm9VpZL7OO14TzcLIIj5qAnZ8bhiP2p2Eikg1FytjdeNDT9aRZqioCISqeVZWL6A-fPLj94yMLUkde3SHMrJNGM6_O2Iuv7YtI/s640/blogger-image-406724531.jpg"></a></div><br>Then (how much more of this action can you take?) there were some shrieks in the distance. An elderly American lady shouted that she'd spotted a rare and Lesser Spotted White Arse, well 2 actually and I'd say they were quite spotted what with all the sweaty time they'd spent on a saddle over the last few weeks. Yes, overcome with the romance & adventure of our Indiana Jonesesque morning we'd decided to go for a quick skinny dip in the warm and welcoming waters of the Caribbean Sea. Very nice it was too. It was only afterwards that we saw some dirty urchin hiding in the bushes watching us....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfpKHqKWgJ_yLGxUzMISfqNuER-RwAItabo-hjooEZ4hVtgUQo97WmSIe-DOLBf1ddEUalTqA7ABoMFMz986J-NCydRUMkLpcdpJGfEfBW-wsR6oYvJJwDC-jn4oQz2ftbeZMw6cgE5s4/s640/blogger-image--1925611214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfpKHqKWgJ_yLGxUzMISfqNuER-RwAItabo-hjooEZ4hVtgUQo97WmSIe-DOLBf1ddEUalTqA7ABoMFMz986J-NCydRUMkLpcdpJGfEfBW-wsR6oYvJJwDC-jn4oQz2ftbeZMw6cgE5s4/s640/blogger-image--1925611214.jpg"></a></div><br>Sorry but it's afternoon now and it's raining again. Nowt else to do but one finger typing....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyp8FH8gAVU6Ra4kGLy7sK0X_1r5Ad_PWMxZ1s2JK9Mi9ZrxpJt8nGBc2BvXq7wqalz_YMMreWv7JYoEoDK86azoD9ALwEc6URD2ypiesaYm7qBsBO0t5euvOSK-5EZ9O8JtJ3U9532xR/s640/blogger-image--1092895241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMyp8FH8gAVU6Ra4kGLy7sK0X_1r5Ad_PWMxZ1s2JK9Mi9ZrxpJt8nGBc2BvXq7wqalz_YMMreWv7JYoEoDK86azoD9ALwEc6URD2ypiesaYm7qBsBO0t5euvOSK-5EZ9O8JtJ3U9532xR/s640/blogger-image--1092895241.jpg"></a></div><br>We're quite looking forward to coming home. I'm actually a bit excited. It's not that this lark isn't fun but we've had enough of it for now. In many ways I'd like to continue the odyssey but it's the reality of it that drags. The shitty beds, groggy bathrooms, uncomfy chairs, limiting menus, sticky tablecloths.... The place we're staying at now has a kitchen, great we can cook some nice dinners. Zoom into the photo<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk3-QGhCosEErntbtFX3HBDRx4SfzVX8Hw19V3oUUEglZtMH6YuQEjclJNn4Qw6M6Eaw39lucKKeueW93wzB88zpRj9CtvpyeRxk_zA0jtb-C4L-1udnD4OaisqDlco9xa7WLQ1dIhad7/s640/blogger-image-675154098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyk3-QGhCosEErntbtFX3HBDRx4SfzVX8Hw19V3oUUEglZtMH6YuQEjclJNn4Qw6M6Eaw39lucKKeueW93wzB88zpRj9CtvpyeRxk_zA0jtb-C4L-1udnD4OaisqDlco9xa7WLQ1dIhad7/s640/blogger-image-675154098.jpg"></a></div><br>Look at the grime everywhere (this is quite a nice one, we chose this place cos the kitchen was good). The cooker only has one burner, the other one has rusted away and fallen out. The cups and plates are all chipped. I was trying to cut up an onion and couldn't work out which way up the 'sharp' knife should be, it was so blunt and the handle has long gone...<br>Some people will call me a whinger, some will think I'm one but not say it, others will say it just to wind me up regardless of whether they think I am but that's mostly an annoying bloke thing to do but that's another story..<br><br>It's weird, at home I'd never 'allow myself' to just sit about typing b@llocks, all afternoon. I'd always have to be doing something productive. On trips like this there's freedom and time a plenty to just sit about and that's great. What is rare on a trip like this (for me anyway) is for something or somewhere to 'hit the spot' and be exactly how I like it. Something or someone always seems to take the edge off it. Someone smoking, shit loud music, arse busting chairs, dirt, biting insects.... Oh blimey, I'm doing it again!<br><br>You see, I'm excited about coming home because of all the fun things to do there. I'm removed from the reality of doing them and only seeing the good bits. A weekend away camping in the Lake District sounds great. I can imagine gorgeous spring weather, a welcoming English pub, history and a sense of belonging there (no, not in the pub!). I'm glossing over the reality of the experience as a whole and only seeing the 'brochure bits'. The traffic jams on the M1, lunch at the motorway services, the not so gorgeous spring weather.... But for now, until good old England breaks me again, sending me running (or pedalling) for some far flung land, I'm revved up and ready to give it a go (well, except for the motorway services that don't have an M&S that is....)</span>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-21384080458575363532016-02-24T19:17:00.001-08:002016-02-24T19:26:46.385-08:00Go green, go Costa Rica<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We spent the afternoon relaxing at the river in La Fortuna</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMhdLlDGAe42ohjxCaLNg3tw38TzJp3XgvwCaRI5GkrIAi0IMRQm8U6LfIzSgLIGW4odwG99XznBen8xUur_wgKYHQG6tlDRTDuK0R_gGpxa3pyBnlhIUsuMuvyGEOBmBlDvcvUmzMoKJ/s640/blogger-image--1749400041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRMhdLlDGAe42ohjxCaLNg3tw38TzJp3XgvwCaRI5GkrIAi0IMRQm8U6LfIzSgLIGW4odwG99XznBen8xUur_wgKYHQG6tlDRTDuK0R_gGpxa3pyBnlhIUsuMuvyGEOBmBlDvcvUmzMoKJ/s640/blogger-image--1749400041.jpg"></a></div></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We're trying as hard as we can to eat healthily but weren't convinced the chef at this place was really on board</span></div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYO3_fFazTHP7c-EISOvB3LxTHY0MBQXWsTxaxptO4cwL_qS-KF6SYfY5kKiY1Zh0rLmetqZVxpNOhELuwuOKIS5ooWaztF0nmx9yw3RID4zWwiJ9pz4Pvbjz1cOYh2twp-DhXRKkRN2G/s640/blogger-image--2038119753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYO3_fFazTHP7c-EISOvB3LxTHY0MBQXWsTxaxptO4cwL_qS-KF6SYfY5kKiY1Zh0rLmetqZVxpNOhELuwuOKIS5ooWaztF0nmx9yw3RID4zWwiJ9pz4Pvbjz1cOYh2twp-DhXRKkRN2G/s640/blogger-image--2038119753.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We left the next day with a loose plan to ride/bus it to the seaside for a nice holiday before we come home.</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The countryside here is so green and lush. It's the only country out of all those in SE Asia and C America that has looked like we imagined it to. Huge trees with great big exposed roots, banana plants, palms, giant ferns, loads of things with massive leaves... If when I die I come back as a plant, I'd be happy to live here. Will someone please sort that out for me?! Hot sunshine, loads of rain, fertile soil, ooh yes, that would be the life....</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We rode past loads of fruit farms and were overtaken (most times a bit to closely for comfort) by massive trucks full up with pineapples or oranges. I've no idea how the ones at the bottom aren't turned to juice within minutes. It was funny to think that any of those fruits could end up in your local supermarket within a day or 2 of us riding past them. If you see one with a Costa Rica sticker on it, please say hello from us. Check this place out</span><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGCWK8v8jqb2eUWdTF9YYPTLo05qDqpX6HQRVahxJ9TKNOAa-S6Tgwv3ID3gecdO-8CSSme5xh6_DqEQdxjJjCbAw8_-iQiIWwUnioC3ueevYvSwWyjr5cuGgiK4cDPb7SXPG8BLP-Yxo/s640/blogger-image-1049355090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihGCWK8v8jqb2eUWdTF9YYPTLo05qDqpX6HQRVahxJ9TKNOAa-S6Tgwv3ID3gecdO-8CSSme5xh6_DqEQdxjJjCbAw8_-iQiIWwUnioC3ueevYvSwWyjr5cuGgiK4cDPb7SXPG8BLP-Yxo/s640/blogger-image-1049355090.jpg"></a></div><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Possibly a bit of a grand claim but certainly a move in the right direction. They seem pretty switched on here to looking after their country and their environment. There is way less litter around. We haven't seen any road gangs picking it up so it must be a case that people aren't dropping it. Has this been achieved through education? If yes then bloody good on the government I say.</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's not all modern and normal though. A lot of the people in the town of Aguas Zarcus certainly weren't normal. </span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrp2Qsmmsglu2j4XUFvzfPUFL7ygpoQJLFTX_KAEVfIQSwraLmtf_s-6I9R51JOVxvOisowaadj4lITiCubRlJgE_d2IbL5ieFjZ4XFWIIgRF2McDHSrIMjy9gUuLj6Dm0iAXxfzWSNJz/s640/blogger-image-136261985.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDrp2Qsmmsglu2j4XUFvzfPUFL7ygpoQJLFTX_KAEVfIQSwraLmtf_s-6I9R51JOVxvOisowaadj4lITiCubRlJgE_d2IbL5ieFjZ4XFWIIgRF2McDHSrIMjy9gUuLj6Dm0iAXxfzWSNJz/s640/blogger-image-136261985.jpg"></a></div><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a scrummo lunch we sat waiting at the bus stop for a couple of hours and seemed to attract every drunk, looney and weirdo the town had to offer. Some of them were quite amusing and even talented (especially the old dude who did brilliant dog & cat impressions) but I have to say we could have done without it really.</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I'm clearly running out of things to write and photograph. Here are 3 old land rovers we spotted during the day and a cool motorised bicycle at night</span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIoU3MYfQX5-T8wxyGJFiNx-dTGvupUVXxq1MbErMWOu5DmjHrmhuMgDOXuzr1tPKU7lT9hUNDFfycfoPiaS0yHtmiwTc8mF5tbFn-aL7dQSb0GHtz0wsRtey6o-99FH2ruDevoYNuni4/s640/blogger-image--1818169060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXIoU3MYfQX5-T8wxyGJFiNx-dTGvupUVXxq1MbErMWOu5DmjHrmhuMgDOXuzr1tPKU7lT9hUNDFfycfoPiaS0yHtmiwTc8mF5tbFn-aL7dQSb0GHtz0wsRtey6o-99FH2ruDevoYNuni4/s640/blogger-image--1818169060.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0FYIw0sXObPsj2fQofTLSkAm2Rr145V0jotixF-U3dHQA4DJdP_vjZjcTDU2F2MUfXsZ1wcD3v5ZGAuhWJ0etdVZEHWqs1zAwkQ5eyjkidDS5ZwnGO0ze-9wuV4vJGO-ai5CidG4XbIr/s640/blogger-image-182081154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0FYIw0sXObPsj2fQofTLSkAm2Rr145V0jotixF-U3dHQA4DJdP_vjZjcTDU2F2MUfXsZ1wcD3v5ZGAuhWJ0etdVZEHWqs1zAwkQ5eyjkidDS5ZwnGO0ze-9wuV4vJGO-ai5CidG4XbIr/s640/blogger-image-182081154.jpg"></a></div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqVD93Vyww3wW5tRVbr_jzCGa4WWz29quTRDfT2X-8rZmvesH0oe0weJ5rNHQul47LzY-HgTJwWTH_xmu-O8rEj0MNkAsnqQMN2_qgbbU1G-5zJoYg4aAjbwDdVl8jnj6GvvhU5CBDEKB/s640/blogger-image-1575902901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqVD93Vyww3wW5tRVbr_jzCGa4WWz29quTRDfT2X-8rZmvesH0oe0weJ5rNHQul47LzY-HgTJwWTH_xmu-O8rEj0MNkAsnqQMN2_qgbbU1G-5zJoYg4aAjbwDdVl8jnj6GvvhU5CBDEKB/s640/blogger-image-1575902901.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRfWc9kerTnoO35n15GaRnyXQbaHFaQU-6grHPPWjMcQK19LYtLgh3wcPdaDLTieeOL2dv7nIdjDCNB-J1xIdtkK4aVZxHihLJ4eLyQM910sH3I3SZmxAXRhQCTH4dkEUQBJoJ8EgrqF6/s640/blogger-image--2008513368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRfWc9kerTnoO35n15GaRnyXQbaHFaQU-6grHPPWjMcQK19LYtLgh3wcPdaDLTieeOL2dv7nIdjDCNB-J1xIdtkK4aVZxHihLJ4eLyQM910sH3I3SZmxAXRhQCTH4dkEUQBJoJ8EgrqF6/s640/blogger-image--2008513368.jpg"></a></div><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">After a night in some random town we're now sitting at a bus station trying to get to Puerto Limon. The road East is busy, hot and horrible. It looks a bit dangerous with lots of trucks and no shoulder. But, to be honest, we really can't be bothered to ride today. One bus came but it was full, I think we might be here a while... What to do?</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I don't think this is our favourite country of the trip but it's defo the one that gives the most bang for your buck. It's certainly not the cheapest or friendliest but it is the easiest, nicest (as in clean & sensible) and most normal of all the CA countries we've seen. If you ever fancy coming to this neck of the woods and you've never done this type of thing before it would definitely be the best bet for a first timer in a proper foreign land. Buy a map, hire a car and go!</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It's funny, as we get back into 'normality' it begins to feel like home. It's only when you pop over to a street stall to buy a juicy mango for 20p that we remember we're not at Basingstoke waiting for the National Express to Weymouth</span><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDZg7TSsx9kgZeWtLgR6F6AFyNvOH9kTL8nIVMWZnDE2OXzPQPmea16AehKGJFybdV0mGdpj7PwOLiqxnhnMWmxtsGt9WLkm3PplxV_D9f-HgXWfgZ3LuwrKP1VUlt_4MvtgB8O64dprD/s640/blogger-image--981961371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMDZg7TSsx9kgZeWtLgR6F6AFyNvOH9kTL8nIVMWZnDE2OXzPQPmea16AehKGJFybdV0mGdpj7PwOLiqxnhnMWmxtsGt9WLkm3PplxV_D9f-HgXWfgZ3LuwrKP1VUlt_4MvtgB8O64dprD/s640/blogger-image--981961371.jpg"></a></div><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eventually a bus came that we could get on. No seats were available though so we sat on the floor of the wheelchair area amongst the luggage. Pure class.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNtUIa5E36Lfi1FyP0S046SUAwf4tZQ2y6uDRo6Pzf_KfiVxvUimqnavR4JaSThj2Y94f-N3ZF1H4NJg5pHivlHjyFdl-piIhNsmOVW_3ax7QyX1eH0TR_jNZApZQyNWzu_6YIOY3kii_/s640/blogger-image--895306575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNtUIa5E36Lfi1FyP0S046SUAwf4tZQ2y6uDRo6Pzf_KfiVxvUimqnavR4JaSThj2Y94f-N3ZF1H4NJg5pHivlHjyFdl-piIhNsmOVW_3ax7QyX1eH0TR_jNZApZQyNWzu_6YIOY3kii_/s640/blogger-image--895306575.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div> As many of us do I'm sure whilst on a long, uncomfortable bus journey, I sat there staring into space imagining myself on a Caribbean beach, well it wasn't that hard, we were only an hour or 2 away!</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oh and if you enjoyed my deep n meaningful posts you might also enjoy this from my sister. </span><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">https://puretonesoundtherapy.com/2016/01/13/desire/#more-478</span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We're available (as a double act on a BOGOF deal) for ladies tea parties, stag do's, posh dinners, weddings, funerals etc. Can't say fairer than that eh? </span><br><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ooh, gotta go, my phones ringing, must be our first booking. "Hello, yes we can do a talk on 'Living in the now', who's calling? The History Society, hmm....."</span><br><br><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div></div></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-10248609987018239962016-02-22T15:28:00.001-08:002016-02-22T16:17:53.876-08:00The Proclaimers<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Back in 1998. a bespectacled Scottish duo thought it ok to write a song about walking 500 + 500 miles and jolly good it was too. I'm not going to write a song but I am going to proudly proclaim that we have now ridden 1000 miles. I'm also going to say that we have no intention of riding 1000 more, with or without wearing our glasses!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAFnXO-BnZivJJqI-qL-PYqUzyJ11bMapdU487S-D3g3CcoKg3-LCnulORfSEN3T5XBhT_ILwGxxFNR6nYZxVTaO2_uKq5wu2JNfQjfJR-uqlwuC9voyRzIDAaDo31SE8V8Dp6KEx1IS1/s640/blogger-image--786977780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHAFnXO-BnZivJJqI-qL-PYqUzyJ11bMapdU487S-D3g3CcoKg3-LCnulORfSEN3T5XBhT_ILwGxxFNR6nYZxVTaO2_uKq5wu2JNfQjfJR-uqlwuC9voyRzIDAaDo31SE8V8Dp6KEx1IS1/s640/blogger-image--786977780.jpg"></a></div><br></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The moment came at around lunch time so it seemed a good opportunity for a bite to eat and a photo to mark this auspicious occasion. Now it happened to be the forth lunch in a row we'd eaten tuna and we were just outside the town of La Fortuna but as hard as I racked my brain, I couldn't quite manage to get a cheap gag out of it!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WRjkgzrMRdP1sqVH761X9hvqjoUDepUffsZYYlh1BIvO-eUPNamuYS1K5-AyV5cloAk49rBGNBsczTPufPifDVHs_ZjcN22UYXU-YyWhoO75XDcBnylTBjHP8xQGk33DvtWAsBSLUmY9/s640/blogger-image--1008248505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5WRjkgzrMRdP1sqVH761X9hvqjoUDepUffsZYYlh1BIvO-eUPNamuYS1K5-AyV5cloAk49rBGNBsczTPufPifDVHs_ZjcN22UYXU-YyWhoO75XDcBnylTBjHP8xQGk33DvtWAsBSLUmY9/s640/blogger-image--1008248505.jpg"></a></div><br>Now, riding 1000 miles isn't the only thing I want to proclaim today. I want to take this opportunity to say how wonderful my wife Kate is. Most of you probably know that in 2013 Kate was diagnosed with breast cancer. She spent the latter half of that year being chopped, chemo'd and radio'd. All of that naturally put her mind and body through a hell of a tough time. But since then, in her true 'just get on with it' style, she's cycled nearly 1000 miles across the length of France, 1500 miles through South East Asia and now 1000 miles through the mountains of Central America (including the bits she had to push!). I think we should all stop what were doing for a minute or 2 and have a little think about that and anyone else you know who's been through (or is going through) any kind of tough time. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45wpJBuwjcCrmWuojWnKp_64Xz6434PFMLWqNXlC3kxUKm62ddCjaVZiV_GkOkOuDKOifzij3OpgQY7l5q5dHAoikEdKedjiEeezxXGLpBzAV02lH3fJXI_Yr-QBC9wN3Rlcml6x1NLZg/s640/blogger-image-575807346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45wpJBuwjcCrmWuojWnKp_64Xz6434PFMLWqNXlC3kxUKm62ddCjaVZiV_GkOkOuDKOifzij3OpgQY7l5q5dHAoikEdKedjiEeezxXGLpBzAV02lH3fJXI_Yr-QBC9wN3Rlcml6x1NLZg/s640/blogger-image-575807346.jpg"></a></div><br>Now that I've interrupted your day, hang around a few minutes more so I can tell you what I was thinking today.<br><br>The scenery along lake Arenal was lovely. 48km of winding ups & downs through a mix of jungle and cleared land. Steep driveways led up and down from the road and the whole place really reminded us of our old Australian suburb of Austinmer.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8NqUBROVKikZTDt6Kza5ptRaoda5MgD0QsoLVPEUZFV8MBJtmn9yT6dhdQNnXIHYX9kF9NHJnJEFplfhn9GdVHCvtx8J49KqqGLL18eNG2-PcAwlfayC1TDEKPP_HS1tyQOi9wphCn_F/s640/blogger-image-911675125.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ8NqUBROVKikZTDt6Kza5ptRaoda5MgD0QsoLVPEUZFV8MBJtmn9yT6dhdQNnXIHYX9kF9NHJnJEFplfhn9GdVHCvtx8J49KqqGLL18eNG2-PcAwlfayC1TDEKPP_HS1tyQOi9wphCn_F/s640/blogger-image-911675125.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgbsDx_IF3MQjh6KlzeggoMNUPo1t9OA0zEd-5slgWs6xzaGUZAB4dtCDIZjOlPAuTfD-2vqMBr8T4hy6HCBlgQvYrmhp-bBQsDllIjDO38MNMxalbbFhLjHwrmlGhTpzBLTHjWr29LYI/s640/blogger-image--1832720505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxgbsDx_IF3MQjh6KlzeggoMNUPo1t9OA0zEd-5slgWs6xzaGUZAB4dtCDIZjOlPAuTfD-2vqMBr8T4hy6HCBlgQvYrmhp-bBQsDllIjDO38MNMxalbbFhLjHwrmlGhTpzBLTHjWr29LYI/s640/blogger-image--1832720505.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br>Cool tree</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTP30IXlbGgNObfxY0vdhV2fvdpFeMTfzflNGBqxLNF1MIrtCSTVV_JTIanTYDEGHoTWUZFlU4Z1cX0yp5R0WQORRgU6vr-5yZEYedt6LjkEPNzqr0K-fpIom8ZXvYm_lvX26YpIUS_cQ/s640/blogger-image--170182623.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTP30IXlbGgNObfxY0vdhV2fvdpFeMTfzflNGBqxLNF1MIrtCSTVV_JTIanTYDEGHoTWUZFlU4Z1cX0yp5R0WQORRgU6vr-5yZEYedt6LjkEPNzqr0K-fpIom8ZXvYm_lvX26YpIUS_cQ/s640/blogger-image--170182623.jpg"></a></div><br>And what one looks like when it's cut down</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt89rWb1zM0dhyphenhyphens8l944XuiJXoETHrEZzbIGz0Sd7r1SzM52IL42Lrg_gDvJcOKe66uvK729XQJ77AH8yYAfwg6NZYRJmqmPITRavRbViJZxjX4A1zv3OnvPG1RKO-Cc55eu1sNmWhELl/s640/blogger-image-1515624547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdt89rWb1zM0dhyphenhyphens8l944XuiJXoETHrEZzbIGz0Sd7r1SzM52IL42Lrg_gDvJcOKe66uvK729XQJ77AH8yYAfwg6NZYRJmqmPITRavRbViJZxjX4A1zv3OnvPG1RKO-Cc55eu1sNmWhELl/s640/blogger-image-1515624547.jpg"></a></div><br>I stopped before a narrow bridge to let some cars coming though who were coming the other way. I was then going to get a happy snappy of the river but... The arrogant twat in the last car didn't wave 'thanks' or even acknowledge me (it's one of my pet hates this one). I was so busy being annoyed that I forgot to get the photo and rode on in a right old huff until the next big climb where thankfully the huff just turned into puff.<br><br>Why do I mention this? Well it just goes to show that despite the fact Kate and I have done all these great adventures that others say they dream about, we're still just who we always were. <br><br>Now at the risk of sounding repetitive (well, let's face it the whole blog has been so far so I may as well continue in the same vein...) I just wanted to say to all those people who dream about "another life out there they don't have the chance to live" that it may not actually make that much difference even if you did get the chance to go off on your own great dream adventure. When you'd get back you'd still just be you. When you were out there, guess what? Same thing! <br><br>I can't speak for anyone but myself but after doing a few of these big trips, I've got to say that the reality does in many ways under deliver compared to the dream. Maybe it's because we're coming to the end of our toughest trip to date, maybe I'm going soft??? Sure there are some great bits but they're certainly linked together by a load of pretty ordinary or hard or grotty or boring bits. What I'm trying to say is that the whole concept of Micro Adventures (which is just a fancy name for 'getting away for a few days doing what you enjoy') is a great one. These big trips are a bit of a blunt instrument to achieve fun or satisfaction.<br><br>Years ago I was talking to my big sister Sarah. I told her that I wanted to go off to Africa (or similar) to do some "fantastic volunteering doing something fantastic". She asked why I always seem to do these 'big things', why didn't I just stay at home and do some kind of local voluntary work? It was the 'giving' I wanted to do wasn't it? So why uproot my life for that, it wasn't necessary. I took her advice and every fortnight for the next 18 months I took 2 old ladies shopping and entertained them with my dubious charm & wit. D'you know what? I loved it. I got so much out of it. Would jetting off to some African village to do whatever have been better and how exactly do you judge 'better'? I can't answer either of those questions.<br><br>So.... What I'm getting at is the same old broken record (that I think I should actually start listening to myself a bit more often!) is to look around you at what you've got or could easily get and jolly well go and enjoy it.<br><br>Thank you. Oh, by the way, I I'd manage to get a photo of another river. I hope you like it!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvbSAU1SCuBK_JpvX1OW5iMy690qLH7Jima8mMsB2Oa4PxJhlbzPKnUJRnuArS5yI3TUSAJTt7lfh5RByiGDMyUz5gvZ95tZeap3VSalQteiynKjtDDz21C9BVSsgmtazL0jsfCuRLcBN/s640/blogger-image--322186184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZvbSAU1SCuBK_JpvX1OW5iMy690qLH7Jima8mMsB2Oa4PxJhlbzPKnUJRnuArS5yI3TUSAJTt7lfh5RByiGDMyUz5gvZ95tZeap3VSalQteiynKjtDDz21C9BVSsgmtazL0jsfCuRLcBN/s640/blogger-image--322186184.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-83781330781663158232016-02-21T16:29:00.001-08:002016-02-21T16:59:06.454-08:00Why do we do it?<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had a microwave in our room in Upala so treated ourselves to some hot porridge with sliced banana for brekkie. Yummo!<br><br>It was a lovely ride to San Rafael de Guatuso. Gentle hills, pleasant greenery and not too much traffic. Mind you when it came it was either very close, very big or both (this one is giving kate a very wide berth)<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepASHlcV3e87Je-DykedUzvgJH5f3YxrK6XVkiNqjlJz30DF5DoLkRnwdr92ZLXriJRhcbm6XXL4KcC0_ClbHLI5r4rIZvZnkeA1nE4MbbUGq8ClkUTEQa09OOAE4GN7uvfoHFI0PSaZ6/s640/blogger-image--505639190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhepASHlcV3e87Je-DykedUzvgJH5f3YxrK6XVkiNqjlJz30DF5DoLkRnwdr92ZLXriJRhcbm6XXL4KcC0_ClbHLI5r4rIZvZnkeA1nE4MbbUGq8ClkUTEQa09OOAE4GN7uvfoHFI0PSaZ6/s640/blogger-image--505639190.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We dodged a few rain showers (that'll explain the greenery), one at a supermarket and the other in a bus stop (all class us). We'd covered our 43km easily and even had a little picnic on the way<br><br>Me having fun</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFsILZUFNlU39KuGLWpvLrq01Snk2J7EAvUdtpMOEqfDxEs8xVEs7h5jXdHM3NPIiaWdZuI71WdSJ3qn7ukp7gB_n-n6Z2e-Ok9cgE29ScJYD7U8exUB1cfo5cz6T5NAP-nEGBwsiRNBo/s640/blogger-image-1720378264.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFsILZUFNlU39KuGLWpvLrq01Snk2J7EAvUdtpMOEqfDxEs8xVEs7h5jXdHM3NPIiaWdZuI71WdSJ3qn7ukp7gB_n-n6Z2e-Ok9cgE29ScJYD7U8exUB1cfo5cz6T5NAP-nEGBwsiRNBo/s640/blogger-image-1720378264.jpg"></a></div><br>We checked into a place and haggled some breakfast into the deal. She also let us use her little kitchen to make dinner. Mind you, boiling spaghetti in an electric frying pan was a first...<br><br>Why then, what with all this blissful ease would we decide to turn off this nice, rolling, easy road to La Fortuna and choose instead 21km of dirt road heading south over a mountain range followed by what looks to be a very wiggly (read steep up & down) Tarmac one? Why? Hmm, good question...<br><br>It started off ok, our all inclusive rice n beans, egg and fried plantain certainly was, if nothing else, good fuel for the road ahead.<br><br>The scenery was definitely getting better<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8Xh451Ce0MAWlFpI5hpzvnsP-xOL-Mei1HiN3qfkFNXk4nyk6rucmX8UNqm4EubIQQxkXnhzV4239Q4pzZtlN5Bu_rosMcY96ds_2PDP2yl5j1RX5q-zq8I7OyaYCnLDNmTn632cWl0h/s640/blogger-image--499920296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8Xh451Ce0MAWlFpI5hpzvnsP-xOL-Mei1HiN3qfkFNXk4nyk6rucmX8UNqm4EubIQQxkXnhzV4239Q4pzZtlN5Bu_rosMcY96ds_2PDP2yl5j1RX5q-zq8I7OyaYCnLDNmTn632cWl0h/s640/blogger-image--499920296.jpg"></a></div><br>Don't get excited, that's actually a picture on our hotel room wall added purely for hilarious comedy value<br><br>Here is the river for real<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6J99HJIsTKhMiNNIYzrCltdhepnhhV7qCe3zQW_Nk8b_Bk6W4MYtmBfjGoYuTydieiHtI_fcsLu4TmwI2NuUgL177eWEOwCFId2nCDRgyb0v1ptEU_Y3_MJDrkWyLhbjex5Jqrw91oZZ/s640/blogger-image-217034085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6J99HJIsTKhMiNNIYzrCltdhepnhhV7qCe3zQW_Nk8b_Bk6W4MYtmBfjGoYuTydieiHtI_fcsLu4TmwI2NuUgL177eWEOwCFId2nCDRgyb0v1ptEU_Y3_MJDrkWyLhbjex5Jqrw91oZZ/s640/blogger-image-217034085.jpg"></a></div><br>And the start of the road </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBvc0V96G953uyJdfFr4FYH9Bqn0BPwL7rUou5A_D2psRGsdE3ZY5bRzUSCpy7eMD6tBSOyjrVYsUgRpq7Jz841VrVZAUM50QFanH3hspx4oJ-oy5wF0zE5YzVVLatMSEG_5whYTx8rGM/s640/blogger-image--915019529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTBvc0V96G953uyJdfFr4FYH9Bqn0BPwL7rUou5A_D2psRGsdE3ZY5bRzUSCpy7eMD6tBSOyjrVYsUgRpq7Jz841VrVZAUM50QFanH3hspx4oJ-oy5wF0zE5YzVVLatMSEG_5whYTx8rGM/s640/blogger-image--915019529.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The scenery improved more as the climbing started. It really reminded me of parts of Australia where I'd ridden my motorbike. Did someone mention riding a motorbike? Oh that would just be so silly. Imagine it, an engine, a comfy seat, the open road....<br><br>The road surface at first was ok, just bumpy to ride on with our not particularly 'fit for purpose' bikes. When it got a bit much we just pushed<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZC8aW5gOeZa0u6pi9kpgjNM3M4mV6YK28Hulh-hxzQKymKPVxtES81oxQqeAi049-3DXbuQvj_Q-S9exglYvg0AWfdl0V5ybvQM65ySows_VID4aZ4q_7qDp_69ZC9S22gF6tkonrAKo/s640/blogger-image-1835084245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSZC8aW5gOeZa0u6pi9kpgjNM3M4mV6YK28Hulh-hxzQKymKPVxtES81oxQqeAi049-3DXbuQvj_Q-S9exglYvg0AWfdl0V5ybvQM65ySows_VID4aZ4q_7qDp_69ZC9S22gF6tkonrAKo/s640/blogger-image-1835084245.jpg"></a></div><br>We had some cloud around to keep the temperature down to about mid eighties (27 for the youngsters reading) but it was really humid and we were sweating buckets. Luckily there was a little shop in one of the villages where we guzzled down some cold, sugary pop. <br><br>More climbing, the surface was now beginning to break up making the riding much harder. Our rear wheels keep spinning and the skinny front tyres were digging in, pulling the handlebars all over the place. We tried pushing but with the big arse panniers in the way you end up pushing the bike with it tilted over a bit. The front wheel then just kept slipping sideways. I have to say, we're beginning to get a bit tired of all this caper....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUkYCkZf3GWvrWe731DbvR_qPAQE1iKISFQ6-jih6fSW3q58evzIE9k6ylwueZGzXHPot6RWNLmLZVNYHs0G_bXyjxsn4OR-7Mo74dDYH1zIJAryIqTC57FlkEvb0gjmA_wtPkkJ6mWxv/s640/blogger-image--1695675205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUkYCkZf3GWvrWe731DbvR_qPAQE1iKISFQ6-jih6fSW3q58evzIE9k6ylwueZGzXHPot6RWNLmLZVNYHs0G_bXyjxsn4OR-7Mo74dDYH1zIJAryIqTC57FlkEvb0gjmA_wtPkkJ6mWxv/s640/blogger-image--1695675205.jpg"></a></div><br>At one point on a particularly steep, rough bit some young lads bombed down passed us on mountain bikes. They looked like they were having fun and I tried to remind myself that I was supposed to be as well!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF16kob7EYbVnIcj__CWLnF0hwIQnHGXZFrmfmOQ8BL4nyz7XVcxeJqFt0bv-DU4qLnF9i2KNxqPQTwE2fwjatD7zNPWsONCfC6RO7QFPexfpp2i4H3c3Llsnc-b9HvZltJmZ7dZlyyVS/s640/blogger-image-1817455629.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMF16kob7EYbVnIcj__CWLnF0hwIQnHGXZFrmfmOQ8BL4nyz7XVcxeJqFt0bv-DU4qLnF9i2KNxqPQTwE2fwjatD7zNPWsONCfC6RO7QFPexfpp2i4H3c3Llsnc-b9HvZltJmZ7dZlyyVS/s640/blogger-image-1817455629.jpg"></a></div><br>Still, there was the view to keep us happy (?). Not really, we both had to concentrate on the riding too much to look up and when we stopped for a breather it was all about trying to see how much further until the bloody top. <br><br>Still, these 2 little kids coming the other way on a horse perked us up but it was all wearing a bit thin. Looking back on it now I'd say we had a good day but at the time, I in particular, was getting a bit ratty.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs-b00q5iJnsKB3XilzJ1HW3zET3hiyKwkrD5qnscXZTUF2pZ5vdGsAZSvSHAFp-RqoGcPdG9qJSTOSyJc43PVt-wosejIblCZ3K8o-de5MzkTlYu-vgNWBW75NE9yAzVmJzJYORbBgVz/s640/blogger-image--1643014429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVs-b00q5iJnsKB3XilzJ1HW3zET3hiyKwkrD5qnscXZTUF2pZ5vdGsAZSvSHAFp-RqoGcPdG9qJSTOSyJc43PVt-wosejIblCZ3K8o-de5MzkTlYu-vgNWBW75NE9yAzVmJzJYORbBgVz/s640/blogger-image--1643014429.jpg"></a></div><br>We were getting hungry. We had lunch with us (same as yesterday, tin of spicy tuna, a tomato and some tortillas) but there was nowhere to sit to eat it. We'd both already had our arses bitten off by ants when we sat down in the verge for a drink.<br><br>Eventually, after 17km and about 4 hours we made it to the top. Now we had 4km of downhill to go. The view of the lake was nice but neither of us were particularly interested, we just wanted to get down to the town of Nuovo Arenal and get something more than a seriously bruised banana and half a melted Snickers to eat. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOduLrqHc96a48fdHabR5l1zHPuuXm-6UojP5jn8BVN-iFn9RfKN6TUsn8uGEoVubVKfZurP0B8dhgklShrWzx5_ZMksjlhg1mtJ4cultty5pihB6fMjZ_oA_7J7znvF1Fz4K6ptH4rfu/s640/blogger-image--1134530539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOOduLrqHc96a48fdHabR5l1zHPuuXm-6UojP5jn8BVN-iFn9RfKN6TUsn8uGEoVubVKfZurP0B8dhgklShrWzx5_ZMksjlhg1mtJ4cultty5pihB6fMjZ_oA_7J7znvF1Fz4K6ptH4rfu/s640/blogger-image--1134530539.jpg"></a></div><br>Parts of the descent were bloody steep. The surface was now bumpy, loose cinder & gravel. It was a tricky balancing act to brake enough to keep the speed under control but not lock the front wheel up, skid and fall off. Chuck in a few over zealous, barking 'guard' dogs that ran out of the driveways of the big posh houses and it was all getting a bit much.<br><br>But, as always we made it. We had our little picnic on the grass outside the church and then used their outside tap to wash our faces in (holy?) water.<br><br>We cruised a couple of hotels. One was cheap ($12) but pretty shabby so we opted for the $30 option up the road. We've got 2 beds, a snoozing Kate, a freezing cold shower and a bike parking facility! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtFVqphvwhvFIbOJ1fBmgVb2R1L6KDi3Xh0X7CkL9msu4EUXjIVO2skqhIhPccUTUfqleAWYdH-XfoDl6RpH42RGZMem8YbC3HOh9PbtKJuRQmQqv832g5_6-MrNkYfIKs906bssQ4y50/s640/blogger-image--1744744928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXtFVqphvwhvFIbOJ1fBmgVb2R1L6KDi3Xh0X7CkL9msu4EUXjIVO2skqhIhPccUTUfqleAWYdH-XfoDl6RpH42RGZMem8YbC3HOh9PbtKJuRQmQqv832g5_6-MrNkYfIKs906bssQ4y50/s640/blogger-image--1744744928.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The view's nice as well (lake view, only the best for us), the pool's empty by the way...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPdnXBVeDWpWiMzdeOE4xtzJ_1DCjUATFmqcpGReIbIF4H3w57ilwDHRGHG-68DGpQpy65ugXQd5ocIEiEmANehaSjdMm0QyiTEUxUzsQLpiFcEysZwIoL-iT7XTFk8ggO7waMI1ozMIi/s640/blogger-image--442617113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPdnXBVeDWpWiMzdeOE4xtzJ_1DCjUATFmqcpGReIbIF4H3w57ilwDHRGHG-68DGpQpy65ugXQd5ocIEiEmANehaSjdMm0QyiTEUxUzsQLpiFcEysZwIoL-iT7XTFk8ggO7waMI1ozMIi/s640/blogger-image--442617113.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Tomorrow we'll ride East along the northern edge of Lake Arenal to the touristy town of La Fortuna. Did you know that we're not Gringos? We thought that the word was used for all Whities. It seems that Gringos are American and we are Euros. The Gringo seems to be quite low on the respect pecking order as judged by the locals here. They are tourist wally's only good for one thing - handing out cash. The lady at our guesthouse last night looked at us and told us we definitely weren't Gringos. That made us happy but maybe she was just saying we were tight!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgECE4zyOAiZjH_jzPkq2Givb0chsicgt689nPO1w92wyGaZSKb59cwFk2ksYkeiUFh-JkUEMid6TiambHhMngsY4n9q5dz4QjPOEsHaAF9z6yNfXumVuXO3rTMhWFhgwedrr9Qf7HRm1/s640/blogger-image-1374438284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgECE4zyOAiZjH_jzPkq2Givb0chsicgt689nPO1w92wyGaZSKb59cwFk2ksYkeiUFh-JkUEMid6TiambHhMngsY4n9q5dz4QjPOEsHaAF9z6yNfXumVuXO3rTMhWFhgwedrr9Qf7HRm1/s640/blogger-image-1374438284.jpg"></a></div><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-20123856079964853092016-02-19T18:48:00.001-08:002016-02-19T18:53:03.484-08:00Getting away with it<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The buzzing of my phone on the guesthouse tile floor woke me. 2 texts from my UK bank regarding potential fraudulent use of my bank card. I answered the texts. They called me. I answered the security questions, yes, my goldfish was called Goldie. Yes, my grandmothers favourite breakfast was kippers.... Then we got down to the nitty gritty. It seems that some enterprising person has skimmed/cloned my card and has been merrily withdrawing cash with it at random places around North America. They've certainly been getting around. 17 withdrawals totalling the best part of £4000!!! The Natwest fraud squad bloke asked if I was in the UK at the moment. "No, I'm in Nicaragua" "I'm sorry, where's that?" "It's in Central America" "oh so you're in America?" "Central America yes, not northern America". It seems the fraud dept isn't too hot on geography which isn't particularly useful seeing as I had bothered to list all the country's we planned to visit along with approximate dates for each....<br><br>He seemed very apologetic and apparently I'd get a full refund plus £30 compensation for the pleasure of the stupidly expensive phone call to this part of the world. We'll see how we go when we get home...<br><br>The early morning boat ride back to the mainland from Omotepe was much nicer than the one to the island. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV646Z155zpaZMajP6CuDoKdeuarXvXIMiF-dbAjXdddiPVDfqgJxLgTQBocw4xEZ0QeBUmkHgcwbK9QnIoJZXv7Fv8lK993lef57DEWf4KifckNyq1tAIcpiUJwS7BMxcUz8TxNriYN2h/s640/blogger-image-778459800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV646Z155zpaZMajP6CuDoKdeuarXvXIMiF-dbAjXdddiPVDfqgJxLgTQBocw4xEZ0QeBUmkHgcwbK9QnIoJZXv7Fv8lK993lef57DEWf4KifckNyq1tAIcpiUJwS7BMxcUz8TxNriYN2h/s640/blogger-image-778459800.jpg"></a></div><br>We sat on the roof deck and admired nature and science doing its 'weird shit' with a funky cloud sitting on the volcano<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb3AP4aPF8UHJzfr0D-NSs-X86Kcl8nVOYcgRRmsMYs78xwn9ESl3GxRS9bW3gO70ETJ1gViJSrXYZqXpFZ4LYa3g8Bf5fROtnqXNdranuSe0mwGkx0qSp0LXlp1YLu2lV1vyptWHDDN9/s640/blogger-image--889713384.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWb3AP4aPF8UHJzfr0D-NSs-X86Kcl8nVOYcgRRmsMYs78xwn9ESl3GxRS9bW3gO70ETJ1gViJSrXYZqXpFZ4LYa3g8Bf5fROtnqXNdranuSe0mwGkx0qSp0LXlp1YLu2lV1vyptWHDDN9/s640/blogger-image--889713384.jpg"></a></div><br>The 35km ride south to the border wasn't much fun. The crosswinds were at full force and we were again blown off the road a few times. At least they're putting some of this wind to good use though<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkhxit7dZXlmWVcxsk3Ueg7IAszM0ZIiT-hc2y5Bfg7YqVUrhXI2kzfWB6tRNDgiQd7D9LajnxYOVDCqIL4OU5ydAfeQQWT74tGqBnIPfwJvxMfhXawtnP5NivMdzSvKpLt0MnuAr_6An/s640/blogger-image-1711361011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvkhxit7dZXlmWVcxsk3Ueg7IAszM0ZIiT-hc2y5Bfg7YqVUrhXI2kzfWB6tRNDgiQd7D9LajnxYOVDCqIL4OU5ydAfeQQWT74tGqBnIPfwJvxMfhXawtnP5NivMdzSvKpLt0MnuAr_6An/s640/blogger-image-1711361011.jpg"></a></div><br>We had a pleasant pee/drink rest under a big tree that had a load of Howler Monkeys in it, more than we'd seen in the nature reserve the day before.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQUrzmWW3RtGU9Bek_XUQeMjaCCdobbuSQZMlTYEgpuwV0HBex73KcbcFBA3V_NjtnLouFxsG2VX6qKPvR6AZTz1haFZXTletsxqF7KqYvSwZH3WQduv1fBlzwZyUXxtQkZe0RLuwgYzi/s640/blogger-image-157880005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkQUrzmWW3RtGU9Bek_XUQeMjaCCdobbuSQZMlTYEgpuwV0HBex73KcbcFBA3V_NjtnLouFxsG2VX6qKPvR6AZTz1haFZXTletsxqF7KqYvSwZH3WQduv1fBlzwZyUXxtQkZe0RLuwgYzi/s640/blogger-image-157880005.jpg"></a></div><br>At the border we were surprised to see quite a few Cuban 'refugees' camped out. I'm not really sure what was going on but seeing them and a huge queue of trucks waiting to cross was a bit similar to the mess going on at Calais...<br><br>We bumped into another cyclist heading north. Adam had finished a work contract in Panama and had some time on his hands so had bought a bike and set off. No plans, no training, no research, just a secondhand bike and the right attitude. Nice one!<br><br>Costa Rica is definitely a richer country than the others we've been to on this little sojourn. Roadworks are signposted and managed. The houses are bigger and more properer (just like what my English is). Cars are flasher and I've seen a couple of motorbikes that are fun toys rather than cheap transport.<br><br>We rolled into the town of La Cruz at around 3 and checked into a bit of a dive of a hotel. The prices are definitely higher here and we had to make a pretty hefty compromise on our mattress quality to nod the room in at $20. It was basically 2 layers of cotton, barely kept apart by 3 inches of lightweight foam.<br><br>After a cheeky beer with a view that the iPhone could never do justice we headed out to eat. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69NQeO-p53avqvk3tyiQGjjUUIqwnbpHpCEG5iLx8x9XnL2fvb8aiuaJS6Gbr-NwCgPg0IkMSeE8EQHPpfuUGl28ud0LNbugxsKyE7hLkMtpJZ3BSenYXZ57FwYfnf4eNanK-TtyB4TMh/s640/blogger-image-15595070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi69NQeO-p53avqvk3tyiQGjjUUIqwnbpHpCEG5iLx8x9XnL2fvb8aiuaJS6Gbr-NwCgPg0IkMSeE8EQHPpfuUGl28ud0LNbugxsKyE7hLkMtpJZ3BSenYXZ57FwYfnf4eNanK-TtyB4TMh/s640/blogger-image-15595070.jpg"></a></div><br>I asked a couple of lads where a local cheapo cafe was. They offered to walk us down there, being all friendly and chatty on the way. After rejecting a few of their favourite hangouts they took us on a tour of the towns eateries. We opted for a place that did Chinese food. The blokes then asked for cash for their 'services'. They were quite demanding but strangely pitifully pleading at the same time. They wouldn't give up so we eventually gave them near to their asking price just to get rid of them.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The Chinese wasn't great. It was even less great at breakfast as we sat on our totally dead bed and made special fried rice and veggie chow mein tortillas with the left overs.<br><br>The wind had seriously howled all night and we were happy that the roof had stayed on. We still hadn't decided which way we were heading. None of it massively appealed so we thought we'd just go and see what happened. The road south would lead us to expensive beach resorts full of American retirees, the more interesting road east would lead us into the wind...<br><br>After just 3km of the Pan Am highway we'd made our minds up. The road was busy and horrible to ride on. We turned east, towards Upala. Flippin eck it was hard work. Thankfully the road wiggled around a bit and had a few ups and downs to break up the massive headwind. When we were straight into it we had to pedal on the downhills, reaching 10km/h if we were lucky. Uphills were down to more like 6. On the rare sheltered sections it felt so easy, like we were just gliding along, totally effortlessly. Eventually we made it to Santa Cecilia. 30km at an average of 10km/h had taken us nearly 4 hours inc breaks.<br><br>We ate some hearty soup (always better with plenty of tripe in it don't you agree?) in a little roadside cafe, listening to "The sweet" doing Rock n Roll, followed by "Play that funky music white boy" coming from a distant stereo. All a bit surreal....<br><br>We still had 50km to go and from here on and (according to someone's blog) the road turned to dirt for 30km or so. Apparently the bus wasn't due until 1pm but it cruised past at 11.50, just as we were picking out a few unidentifiable floating objects from the afore mentioned soup.... The next one (apparently?) wasn't for another 3 hours. We had a go at hitching. Within 10 minutes we were bowling down the dusty road, sitting on our panniers, trying to fight the bikes off as they bounced around in the back of a pick up truck. The driver had said he wasn't going all the way to Upala but we didn't actually know where he was going. 10km later we found out. Not far! He offered to take us on for $100, I'm not sure if he was joking! So, here we sit, 50km west of Upala at a little junction with a small cafe. We've got a nice tree to sit under and I guess are relying on the bus as our back up plan. Here's our spot</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIkjn82z-rCSuuyXz3p7Sv4ILPxbaxTDgmnDo7W6S58Ekxbun238SO6M8Q80YOFQi3OcFFzmX8B39xLsbW8OEVWOT_4w3-QeRSkCdY6psOotMs266f_8kOKEVitzW8-pf0vexkiBcmDP5/s640/blogger-image--323548790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIkjn82z-rCSuuyXz3p7Sv4ILPxbaxTDgmnDo7W6S58Ekxbun238SO6M8Q80YOFQi3OcFFzmX8B39xLsbW8OEVWOT_4w3-QeRSkCdY6psOotMs266f_8kOKEVitzW8-pf0vexkiBcmDP5/s640/blogger-image--323548790.jpg"></a></div><br></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We knew today would be a bit like this. It's called having an adventure isn't it? We've both still got our sense of humour (for now). Here's proof! Stuck for a Christmas pressie for the man who thinks he's got everything? Problem solved!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIweMNc07xsDY91RafNdeJv5G0I9Mud-P7GuC4W9P5vZaRa0jmvCQBBRnHWfJsHHkDbyUvbvqLWpDAmm5ON4k3La9fVk70_sextDaepuor3YPpZ00bZAh9cIyumxaVEqhyV_PVGUOshTnR/s640/blogger-image--2122680072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIweMNc07xsDY91RafNdeJv5G0I9Mud-P7GuC4W9P5vZaRa0jmvCQBBRnHWfJsHHkDbyUvbvqLWpDAmm5ON4k3La9fVk70_sextDaepuor3YPpZ00bZAh9cIyumxaVEqhyV_PVGUOshTnR/s640/blogger-image--2122680072.jpg"></a></div><br>Well, 2 hours later the bus finally turned up. Costa Rica, being a flash country doesn't seem to think roof racks on buses are necessary. Oh dear. The ride to Upala would take at least 4 hours and we'd already wasted 2 of them by waiting. We had to get on. The driver didn't look particularly interested or best pleased with my request. I tried the 'look when I unclip these big bags it's just a normal size bike' trick but that didn't work..... Straight to my secret weapon - the sad puppy look! I went into my full on 'surely worthy of an Oscar' routine. Mournful eyes looked towards him then to kate. I touched my heart. Reached out to him.... Yes I know, corny and pathetic. The emotion actually then started to feel pretty real as the bus pulled forward and started to drive away! <br><br>Ooh, the elation. He stopped just as the rear doors lined up with us. A couple of passengers got the idea and started clearing the copious pile of luggage that was already occupying the wheelchair area. I have to say that I doubt on this route that this space has ever been used for its intended task but right now I wasn't going to bring the subject up. With a quick heave ho we and our trusty steeds were aboard and bouncing our merry way east. <br><br>During the next hour and a half I attempted to look out the window at the ever increasingly verdant scenery whilst holding back the weight of 20 big bags and sacks with 2 bicycles. Oh it were fun. Kate spent the entire journey down on the footwell, barely being able to see out of the window. For all the progress in this country over its neighbours, I reckon that their buses have taken a real step backwards in style. Gone is the macho bravado of the ancient iconic American school bus, this one would have looked more at home outside Asda in Norwich circa 1993 than the Costa Rican jungle in 2016<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymt-BbQq0ywn_xm4jn0men61tG4V80bOjLz5RWRpvmAKpfzt6trlMjw5qIZ15Hj7mNmnvEbRsJw9B0CbC-Qp_hPQ0pOPEog9ssJ-GnDJZeC8xvY56OG9SbULmeC1rxIgpZW7Cc5Jopgqi/s640/blogger-image-1405627071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjymt-BbQq0ywn_xm4jn0men61tG4V80bOjLz5RWRpvmAKpfzt6trlMjw5qIZ15Hj7mNmnvEbRsJw9B0CbC-Qp_hPQ0pOPEog9ssJ-GnDJZeC8xvY56OG9SbULmeC1rxIgpZW7Cc5Jopgqi/s640/blogger-image-1405627071.jpg"></a></div><br>So, yet again we scraped through another day of challenges, frustration, highs and lows. We've got reasonable digs for the night, ok speed wifi and eaten a meal that will allow us to survive another day (yes, that is the best I can say about it). More of the same tomorrow I guess.<br><br>Buenas noches x<br><br><br><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-28876862552663548842016-02-17T16:06:00.001-08:002016-02-17T16:18:55.456-08:00We're still here...<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hmm, we haven't done much in the last few days so I thought I'd give you an Attenboroughesque wildlife tour of the island of Omotepe. Don't worry, it won't take long.<br>Here is a cow on the beach at night<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmwcgKoh6RRUWiw1wDVUoYtYHBGTaDJqOjUFopABhaIEm4yuXAMPdt_KbuGDMdpfjlrccxyIr-_KbupyKKUYF5bFq4EI5qG5-p8-hAMq_e9kY8z5P5kWxh5Muhj0TEVqDyvPZocEhA8aO/s640/blogger-image-564851594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmwcgKoh6RRUWiw1wDVUoYtYHBGTaDJqOjUFopABhaIEm4yuXAMPdt_KbuGDMdpfjlrccxyIr-_KbupyKKUYF5bFq4EI5qG5-p8-hAMq_e9kY8z5P5kWxh5Muhj0TEVqDyvPZocEhA8aO/s640/blogger-image-564851594.jpg"></a></div><br>A Magpie Jay with a fancy long tail and a sticky up bit on its head</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZhr6iE8pomb5yErPMig2SRlZr4UFGRlSeldSjkbWpMCfTKDVBH6cfpJSuybKha-hBkaSECO1my2WTDYXboSSteliew_dbT5YBMC8k9Vs6jInwzoa6spH73W1aS2U-MbGUDuJlzSE0D5y/s640/blogger-image-323853669.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcZhr6iE8pomb5yErPMig2SRlZr4UFGRlSeldSjkbWpMCfTKDVBH6cfpJSuybKha-hBkaSECO1my2WTDYXboSSteliew_dbT5YBMC8k9Vs6jInwzoa6spH73W1aS2U-MbGUDuJlzSE0D5y/s640/blogger-image-323853669.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeytVDJP0g1nlD-3LYE0DUktu5jFv2ZjMDFhTdEhzMbZreG8S18IfD7WCooBsHHhsbKrABS7UgULMAYr-OC4bv4ETN-X9no9F41Eo59iUJ__da93dQvUYtPoZlxq9o9u73m3wPdhIHKV6g/s640/blogger-image--939835778.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeytVDJP0g1nlD-3LYE0DUktu5jFv2ZjMDFhTdEhzMbZreG8S18IfD7WCooBsHHhsbKrABS7UgULMAYr-OC4bv4ETN-X9no9F41Eo59iUJ__da93dQvUYtPoZlxq9o9u73m3wPdhIHKV6g/s640/blogger-image--939835778.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Some horses having their morning drink from the fresh water lake. They made a great interruption to our rather limp attempt at yoga. (cracking photo though eh?!)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU5inNSzNdxB_cWRs3UN_6NXS1YsViCoX0hLzjgDHsdzFGQNddp-0JoyvVyjHbfLCm8L53LRp8rY75T_YhxbBHSZ_onamS8YcZi6vUiF5oodUdtHi6dzuizlGICrTevcyIVO0vKpDxpvF/s640/blogger-image--1822107148.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXU5inNSzNdxB_cWRs3UN_6NXS1YsViCoX0hLzjgDHsdzFGQNddp-0JoyvVyjHbfLCm8L53LRp8rY75T_YhxbBHSZ_onamS8YcZi6vUiF5oodUdtHi6dzuizlGICrTevcyIVO0vKpDxpvF/s640/blogger-image--1822107148.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIR69wgzQ0jZXYpmeuGSZYQcLHld9EwNOnVIs7uO357FTIXLFoH8yfYA24QB9D2wiKYmRBROX9qT4s4Z59teSj3YLfHtYwJvyjBBQkP10sjRofrA5kgejVW1SFzTOs37tiX4LVs6Ez46E/s640/blogger-image-1708448803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIR69wgzQ0jZXYpmeuGSZYQcLHld9EwNOnVIs7uO357FTIXLFoH8yfYA24QB9D2wiKYmRBROX9qT4s4Z59teSj3YLfHtYwJvyjBBQkP10sjRofrA5kgejVW1SFzTOs37tiX4LVs6Ez46E/s640/blogger-image-1708448803.jpg"></a></div><br></div>A funny shaped turtle<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbKerXZ2AONWIkc5dfbbbG1RaZOCOwPVNiw9jfZNWlJDSgiZ9QA-36-oMpqUkamHnozzfGgW8Y3qYjoW2Yv-r2LnuwPeWDZUykr9hxR6KMseJ27VNOLVQCxeeAfDzlsWHgbQifpLKwhi0/s640/blogger-image--811755343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQbKerXZ2AONWIkc5dfbbbG1RaZOCOwPVNiw9jfZNWlJDSgiZ9QA-36-oMpqUkamHnozzfGgW8Y3qYjoW2Yv-r2LnuwPeWDZUykr9hxR6KMseJ27VNOLVQCxeeAfDzlsWHgbQifpLKwhi0/s640/blogger-image--811755343.jpg"></a></div><br>A dead baby Coral snake. Apparently an adult one is capable of killing a human. It appears things don't always turn out that way though eh?<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMp2iZfeXJYzCNXBdGI22X4DHIfgBoUQBpJz0dLd4pFRa7HOy0lJ4Bt64tGwlnaS4lhxeHMVUbenGIk6ThKfgQzwbEK6lQOjkjAIiDRX9-YbtR7WOpk2jW_TK48cZZzyZjkcNhRSsSY1u/s640/blogger-image-1979684979.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVMp2iZfeXJYzCNXBdGI22X4DHIfgBoUQBpJz0dLd4pFRa7HOy0lJ4Bt64tGwlnaS4lhxeHMVUbenGIk6ThKfgQzwbEK6lQOjkjAIiDRX9-YbtR7WOpk2jW_TK48cZZzyZjkcNhRSsSY1u/s640/blogger-image-1979684979.jpg"></a></div><br>Some Howler Monkeys. These dudes make a weird howling, guttural barking sound that is way deeper and more powerful than their cute, fluffy appearance would have you think<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnbRQ6lrMkhGJr8XKsdIk-6rqD6I8XdZy73gsIfBHeABnNeGH5DiduaTFWXw-rr0iZT2FHrRd3pq8UV6a1QhYiFqhLx6YqSuF81mdcANwZ-mkUUi_s2g4uME4Sj5oqTrFEbhrYAbOkM1P/s640/blogger-image--1976410534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicnbRQ6lrMkhGJr8XKsdIk-6rqD6I8XdZy73gsIfBHeABnNeGH5DiduaTFWXw-rr0iZT2FHrRd3pq8UV6a1QhYiFqhLx6YqSuF81mdcANwZ-mkUUi_s2g4uME4Sj5oqTrFEbhrYAbOkM1P/s640/blogger-image--1976410534.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>Oh and 2 yellow birds<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zue96pL8ziwUnHBmyX4ldfGqPjGlIW6pCx16Wk7dcCFPiv9ko3Jwi6PlWNZLltPiIwgmo9xqaM-5PkAOlRon3u08cTwr8XuyA7OoC6ZBRaLWLsz9MsJo9Dqgzo0pIV0G8eeBIgMMcstB/s640/blogger-image-1015255246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Zue96pL8ziwUnHBmyX4ldfGqPjGlIW6pCx16Wk7dcCFPiv9ko3Jwi6PlWNZLltPiIwgmo9xqaM-5PkAOlRon3u08cTwr8XuyA7OoC6ZBRaLWLsz9MsJo9Dqgzo0pIV0G8eeBIgMMcstB/s640/blogger-image-1015255246.jpg"></a></div><br>Last but certainly not least is the lesser spotted MAECI - Middle Aged English Cylist Idiot doing a typical pathetic display of macho behaviour whilst proving to his mate that he definitely was the right choice of all the other humans available on the planet (?) <br><br>We also met some very nice people. A Norwegian cyclist who's ridden From Norway to Spain and then flew to the bottom of Argentina and rode from there.<br>Then there was the English dad & teenage daughter on a 10 day self guided tour on hire bikes (doesn't need to be epic to be fun).<br>A very nice Swiss couple (soon to be married?) who were doing basically the reverse of us.<br>Two Dutch ladies who were both SIXTY. They were doing a 3 month cycle tour of Panama and Nicaragua with lots of camping and dirt roads thrown in. They thought nothing of it as last year whilst cycling in Asia they met a couple in their SEVENTIES out on the road on their bikes. The cycling bug only bit them a few years prior! See, there's hope for us all (well not you mum, sorry....)<br><br>We've got just under 3 weeks of this trip left (you won't need to suffer too many more blog posts I promise). We cross into Costa Rica tomorrow. We're probably not going to get to Panama as we'll fly from San Jose in Costa Rica to Miami to pick up the flight home. <br><br>We're sitting at the same bar in the town of Moyogalpa where we sat a few nights ago. Kate's recognised one of the scrawny local dogs who was hanging around the other day. We wonder how much he's eaten since we last saw him? We've eaten loads, we estimate that it's got to be at least a big buckets worth of spaghetti, banana pancakes, fish, rice etc. Please don't get me started on western decadence again but I do ask that if you've enjoyed reading this blog that you whack a couple of quid into whichever charity you feel needs it the most. We live in a lovely world but there are definitely lots of people and animals who might not whole heartedly agree with that statement. <br>Love to all xx</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ps</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Purely due to the lack of material, I don't feel that this post is up to my usual highly Witty standard (?) so here is a joke for free.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've just learnt that the residents of Dubai don't ever watch the Flintstones but apparently the folks in Abu Dhabi do!!<br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-29816296040632143312016-02-13T15:32:00.001-08:002016-02-13T16:06:09.897-08:00Isla de Omotepe<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was hard to tear ourselves away from La Manchion hotel. We'd monopolised the waiter's time ordering food at dinner. Still, he needent of worried, we were the only diners in a place that would easily hold 100. We didn't fancy anything off the menu so once we'd established that we wanted to go 'off piste', we went in for the kill. "Omelette possible?" "Si". "Omelette with what?" "Eggs". Still, the view was nice....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7B-7-z5R_W1rb5Gn0xBhGwxlxY4w8hiCqY7nWaa615RvycwEh2tXg_rmrXg38lPN5iP79-3K14KL7uuZDjktObaG0kVRcLNIsVg59hFjn0zfobaXZwlejV35iVmHGeVlA1qXyN25CAf-/s640/blogger-image--1715829759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7B-7-z5R_W1rb5Gn0xBhGwxlxY4w8hiCqY7nWaa615RvycwEh2tXg_rmrXg38lPN5iP79-3K14KL7uuZDjktObaG0kVRcLNIsVg59hFjn0zfobaXZwlejV35iVmHGeVlA1qXyN25CAf-/s640/blogger-image--1715829759.jpg"></a></div><br>The 40 odd km ride to Rivas was hot, blustery and a bit unpleasant on the main road with quite a bit of heavy traffic and a narrow shoulder. The Nicaraguan farmers have certainly done their best to destroy the local vegetation. Apparently it gets more lush once across the border into Costa Rica.....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhQtlcoRNvwWAlDLJj2TKZOSIBHm8KWW3wWVDrCjyv297Q5IwpbisqtknIkZjqDIUkWZ0UeG4I4raI9PAGhGozixSUBSex-hWO7IUBYjkW9LRF6LhiEDsKQ-7Jxd-ndIWbzaLA_vJKc1v/s640/blogger-image-713030768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhQtlcoRNvwWAlDLJj2TKZOSIBHm8KWW3wWVDrCjyv297Q5IwpbisqtknIkZjqDIUkWZ0UeG4I4raI9PAGhGozixSUBSex-hWO7IUBYjkW9LRF6LhiEDsKQ-7Jxd-ndIWbzaLA_vJKc1v/s640/blogger-image-713030768.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We got blown off the road twice by the strong side winds, luckily both times we were near a grass verge rather than deep gutters that occurred quite often. Undeterred we powered up on a rather melted Snickers<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHvlN4fpU4LqftlkHq1FQOmKIuXbaXlo-KdS0zRcDp39Z6AyqmhJtX_PXCNNZGXlGYA-tjOZy5MPiZ05A5cDW-VGN3y6no8goJPj8Wv3eWf90pEumZ9M2HoM_deNBSrkW9abelfBslJ4U/s640/blogger-image-1367807579.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBHvlN4fpU4LqftlkHq1FQOmKIuXbaXlo-KdS0zRcDp39Z6AyqmhJtX_PXCNNZGXlGYA-tjOZy5MPiZ05A5cDW-VGN3y6no8goJPj8Wv3eWf90pEumZ9M2HoM_deNBSrkW9abelfBslJ4U/s640/blogger-image-1367807579.jpg"></a></div><br>And then fell for the lure of the aircon Burger King once we reached town.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvbnKVJjpiS0QD4X718iTtPNZ1BBtb9CLeodvMzGcN3M_tU-DWuqaLRc8NVZd2du2Y1tTVKYOHX0f3zmejwwcsRUcJPo2ZKEspWrVcVir0vDhodajvM85KdsFdyWR3CEWpssfzmWa4Rp7/s640/blogger-image-1933305749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvbnKVJjpiS0QD4X718iTtPNZ1BBtb9CLeodvMzGcN3M_tU-DWuqaLRc8NVZd2du2Y1tTVKYOHX0f3zmejwwcsRUcJPo2ZKEspWrVcVir0vDhodajvM85KdsFdyWR3CEWpssfzmWa4Rp7/s640/blogger-image-1933305749.jpg"></a></div><br>Rumours were that the ferry out to the volcanic island of Omotepe weren't running due to the wind (see, told you it was blustery!). We rode out to the port to try our luck. Yes they were and there was one going in 10 minutes. Result. We pedalled out onto the pier where we experienced our first bit of Central American negativity. The boat guy said we couldn't board as they were full. It was pretty chockers I'll give him that but c'mon, this is the land of 'no problemo'. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx4pjBbkfyWJyaIeKpHx_JqPMS61zzA4WFcOW8EBGZmcnAKggB_q1BhM69Fhibj0Sgb3RlYMomtsDPldvB331iFovwIQrLqa3dfCpY4oL38KZNfBAiEmEgEjJrSqvsP2ySSyMo9v-5Hsx/s640/blogger-image--677764655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisx4pjBbkfyWJyaIeKpHx_JqPMS61zzA4WFcOW8EBGZmcnAKggB_q1BhM69Fhibj0Sgb3RlYMomtsDPldvB331iFovwIQrLqa3dfCpY4oL38KZNfBAiEmEgEjJrSqvsP2ySSyMo9v-5Hsx/s640/blogger-image--677764655.jpg"></a></div><br>We really didn't want to wait another 2 hours for the next boat so I unclipped a pannier to show him that our mighty machines were in fact just mere bicycles. There was a narrow gap just the right size and I pointed at it. Old Pedro's brain then kicked into gear and he went one better telling a truck driver to "drop your tailgate mate, they're coming aboard" and in one fell swoop both bikes were lifted into the back of the empty truck. Sorted.<br><br>We walked through into the rather bizarre passenger seating area. After the excitement and action of the loading we were now in a stale smelling 'bus' full of backpackers wearing life jackets watching the latest Rocky movie on an old TV that was held to the wall with ratchet straps. Somehow we managed to bag a couple of seats right by the window and with a quick "toot toot", we were off!<br><br>The lake was pretty choppy but to be honest I can't see why the boats had been cancelled the day before, the rumour, for once, being true. I had a great view of the island about 17km away and couldn't resist a photo. As I got my very non waterproof iPhone out, I watched the water, wary of the spray that had been flying up as we crashed our way along. Ooh, here comes a good one, this'll impress the folks back home I thought...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7AyojJjgPCIhdY6qFxsTyentxqwPvy2mlp3JmMaRKtrrMEoreyL47zkVqWzRM57EwNw_zeOGNkzzimZs2GoBlGdJKGMHiZcLfxqWa4bwDef38h5RIQWg2HM2OpDoRwpMo4CAFjxjfjQh/s640/blogger-image-938841078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid7AyojJjgPCIhdY6qFxsTyentxqwPvy2mlp3JmMaRKtrrMEoreyL47zkVqWzRM57EwNw_zeOGNkzzimZs2GoBlGdJKGMHiZcLfxqWa4bwDef38h5RIQWg2HM2OpDoRwpMo4CAFjxjfjQh/s640/blogger-image-938841078.jpg"></a></div><br>We spent the next few minutes in a bit of a panic drying out my phone, the passports and my wallet. Still, no damage done and even if I say it myself, a bit of a cracking shot don't you think?<br><br>This is the view I was trying to get<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKnEJ4X97FZtz2TZPPy8sX3EeplJIJkwuf0mRdorpP9884K99up2IsZxkkrLZvo_Z2t_xx0fciAxbKOcdlgtFF1oxZ4MlWNvid3wf5WNkR9hPOdWHFpm5l6XVyqSxnt0hct2lKhYfFzG8/s640/blogger-image-1201417740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuKnEJ4X97FZtz2TZPPy8sX3EeplJIJkwuf0mRdorpP9884K99up2IsZxkkrLZvo_Z2t_xx0fciAxbKOcdlgtFF1oxZ4MlWNvid3wf5WNkR9hPOdWHFpm5l6XVyqSxnt0hct2lKhYfFzG8/s640/blogger-image-1201417740.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div>Once safely on shore and installed in yet another shabby, slightly overpriced hostel (we can hardly be bothered to look around now) we wandered back to the pier for a classica (that's the local beer) and the obligatory sunset shot<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogU3SwNTZfF57qE0nuneKWiwRCdiYJ-w_FRkN5kBoGwyhKrNqp77VuPoMI3cIQ_o1O-XquzMMh7G_T_1I9xk7U49NdCtcLvB2j8K3w-DmSIvHaDm-xgXftdHe9NOBgHQnlJVQxa3DUx2M/s640/blogger-image-171324704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgogU3SwNTZfF57qE0nuneKWiwRCdiYJ-w_FRkN5kBoGwyhKrNqp77VuPoMI3cIQ_o1O-XquzMMh7G_T_1I9xk7U49NdCtcLvB2j8K3w-DmSIvHaDm-xgXftdHe9NOBgHQnlJVQxa3DUx2M/s640/blogger-image-171324704.jpg"></a></div><br></span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"Bloody poxy lonely planet maps. Why can't they just put more detail on them for people with independent transport rather than just the vague stuff that bloody backpackers need when getting a taxi or tuk tuk?" It was about 11am, we'd been riding down a dirt road for about 10km and feeling a bit hot n bothered. We were on our way to a nature reserve that promised nice walking tracks, some swimming and hopefully a chance to see some monkeys. We'd stopped at a little shop for a drink. </span><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Typically for the region, the shop sold no water, just coke and local fizzy, sugary filth. We asked if they had anything to eat, expecting a bit of half stale cake or another bag of chilli flavoured crisps. Yes, she had something, we didn't know what it was but we'll have 2 please. They rustled up a couple of plastic chairs and out came a very clean looking Christmas tablecloth. The food arrived. We recognised it as something we'd had in Granada. It's a base of yucca with shredded cabbage on top. Hidden in there somewhere is what the fancy TV chef would describe as "a robust serving of..." where as I would say, "An effing massive bit...." of pork crackling. The whole thing is then drizzled (another poncy chef's word) with chilli vinaigrette. The one we had in Granada was delicious but.... On the ride the day before, we'd witnessed some pretty brutal treatment of a pig who was being pulled against its will out of a field by a truck with a rope from the towbar. I couldn't bring myself to eat the pork so fed it to the shop owners dog. Old Rover gave me a "really, are you serious?" look before running off into the bushes with his easily won booty. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">To my great surprise, animal loving Kate chomped through hers with glee, saying that it was fantastic, second only to the generous portion served at the carvery at the Nothe Tavern in Weymouth!</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was only after we'd finished eating and Kate had shared her leftover Yucca with the local pig (oh the irony) that I noticed my mistake. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WBTN47rQoIKe7KeotiBtNpQtZb6LpO5xc8RF_Eke29hrGNu51mLQQwWQhmTy9-29Ip_IAEKCuJ_xxty_TcVxlCRXjgqzWPQwef8sL5z34KF-EktWIJZy5c4-T3BQjr0WsNxG_405lI6D/s640/blogger-image-899361153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WBTN47rQoIKe7KeotiBtNpQtZb6LpO5xc8RF_Eke29hrGNu51mLQQwWQhmTy9-29Ip_IAEKCuJ_xxty_TcVxlCRXjgqzWPQwef8sL5z34KF-EktWIJZy5c4-T3BQjr0WsNxG_405lI6D/s640/blogger-image-899361153.jpg"></a></div><br>The lonely planet (God bless their cotton socks) had in fact included all the necessary detail on their map to find the reserve, we (not just me) had read it wrong. We were now in fact pretty much on completely the wrong side of the island having taken completely the wrong road out of town. No wonder the backpackers on rented motorbikes had been a bit thin on the ground!<br><br>We rode on. It was rough but enjoyable. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK_NfqwJ9rfBxbFwc64WC6ZMuA5FmSWbFmt58QEXg59Gdc99IvVc9EhgOO3ZWZI4eBqxqaOM-a53b2-jeazb_vECu9Z0ZEQzN0RU1NGSxGwrF2qDNackN_M3lBQq18aP7njRLhjWZb1Pu/s640/blogger-image-1204560803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCK_NfqwJ9rfBxbFwc64WC6ZMuA5FmSWbFmt58QEXg59Gdc99IvVc9EhgOO3ZWZI4eBqxqaOM-a53b2-jeazb_vECu9Z0ZEQzN0RU1NGSxGwrF2qDNackN_M3lBQq18aP7njRLhjWZb1Pu/s640/blogger-image-1204560803.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY7FCRifEUCEjyeNghMsPSN8wAebGV7PdKg9l-PxbFay-UgwDz9VUsRvnOoB9DIbPimWXIr1BiQx21i_K5AcJQsJtD3amT7p7AChR2gLOdl7cc_5qWomkWvwyK3i8QeAp4i6q6ZYi4PPE/s640/blogger-image--523894668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY7FCRifEUCEjyeNghMsPSN8wAebGV7PdKg9l-PxbFay-UgwDz9VUsRvnOoB9DIbPimWXIr1BiQx21i_K5AcJQsJtD3amT7p7AChR2gLOdl7cc_5qWomkWvwyK3i8QeAp4i6q6ZYi4PPE/s640/blogger-image--523894668.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I've never seen this sign before</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbul2raSwljASlsnb5tgAW0P7C7R6g6OtbrhiOX9j1utilCJAkbqi7Vgil2Qnj3myhyphenhyphenuQ0mvenywnUJSYroCvH6uRwdUv0gKPY0ldWpejWyywOumw4MYjeHiaUVfCZBcsT-YDFGX1Np2v/s640/blogger-image--273631346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbul2raSwljASlsnb5tgAW0P7C7R6g6OtbrhiOX9j1utilCJAkbqi7Vgil2Qnj3myhyphenhyphenuQ0mvenywnUJSYroCvH6uRwdUv0gKPY0ldWpejWyywOumw4MYjeHiaUVfCZBcsT-YDFGX1Np2v/s640/blogger-image--273631346.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eventually we made it round to a beach resort on the north side of the island (Playa Domingo for you map lovers) but not before getting another couple of comedy photos</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOW4GCyPiDisj55ZtZbVgPJiasSDkbyRRHEDsS30N9Uu0FimLunvqFOhpNCRe6t0hNP-aGj7MoIKAYk6Q_5M8znqYnQ6ZTYg1FlAYBv6C8SoIpvjMlg8sc47H6ojZ3cQt4kPo6z4BJPM3/s640/blogger-image--1051663332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUOW4GCyPiDisj55ZtZbVgPJiasSDkbyRRHEDsS30N9Uu0FimLunvqFOhpNCRe6t0hNP-aGj7MoIKAYk6Q_5M8znqYnQ6ZTYg1FlAYBv6C8SoIpvjMlg8sc47H6ojZ3cQt4kPo6z4BJPM3/s640/blogger-image--1051663332.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9H6yuVDs2Xd6A4pebT_hczVgA3iQ0qHjYIHl2RiyqA5OXHRe9HEb4fXI9fwu2KQHrjomiPwsaUa8NJkXOvbf4giX_C1qfIdX9pyOaSFVmfoWQ0I509VTziWyuMcSF1hmGlGaRtI_ZVwc/s640/blogger-image-1959989665.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9H6yuVDs2Xd6A4pebT_hczVgA3iQ0qHjYIHl2RiyqA5OXHRe9HEb4fXI9fwu2KQHrjomiPwsaUa8NJkXOvbf4giX_C1qfIdX9pyOaSFVmfoWQ0I509VTziWyuMcSF1hmGlGaRtI_ZVwc/s640/blogger-image-1959989665.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We checked into the cheapest place in town (bit fancy here) and by chance, met another cyclist doing the whole 'bottom of Argentina to Alaska' thing. His serious bike & kit made our 'rigs' look like they came out of a Christmas cracker!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>We then happily whiled away the afternoon at the beach. Despite Kate's guts not feeling great she managed to force down a banana/yoghurt smoothie and some chocolate kate, her spirits raised by the more than pleasant view.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5snSv6IsRrW55udJ1OfNnO7ZuVBaQvOZAlK9l2Tvr-XrI-XXYpzAqlClN4cbGP_weU0i245zLIgUwwpTzD0QIVZFpPz2rPSoM3ei8UfpbAjphxFQTpZYU9nlvzFaydRoVeRIMfbKE-p0a/s640/blogger-image--1392541285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5snSv6IsRrW55udJ1OfNnO7ZuVBaQvOZAlK9l2Tvr-XrI-XXYpzAqlClN4cbGP_weU0i245zLIgUwwpTzD0QIVZFpPz2rPSoM3ei8UfpbAjphxFQTpZYU9nlvzFaydRoVeRIMfbKE-p0a/s640/blogger-image--1392541285.jpg"></a></div><br><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-77624651088854786322016-02-11T15:03:00.001-08:002016-02-11T15:19:46.575-08:00A day of 2 halves<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bank.... View..... Bank...... View..... Any idea what we were up to? Do these photos help?<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROoTnTbKFc0Ky-9hI4BWNzlXEE_nrPufmgrwxHeieDmMxuOW2Dj4U4ofxoqypVwKUySuJPuv4p-3bcfSA8NKWMMQGB5ZONLX3hFDo7gLM_N5mwj2O-ZTbcAhJxrasUZhKdz7kh0U3GAE7/s640/blogger-image--1817854513.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROoTnTbKFc0Ky-9hI4BWNzlXEE_nrPufmgrwxHeieDmMxuOW2Dj4U4ofxoqypVwKUySuJPuv4p-3bcfSA8NKWMMQGB5ZONLX3hFDo7gLM_N5mwj2O-ZTbcAhJxrasUZhKdz7kh0U3GAE7/s640/blogger-image--1817854513.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGYcnE6dlyQUWcnWj0kFYRmvWZBhHsT_22EWyEC6PoqV-aw4JwCzXAIsqSR7tGX9C-x7e9LatyH8V3vpe-boDTKrx0ZZ-mxauHAcnrDqG-JYcp-ogReB6sZfKksXD7tKjpyUFMPiPkJoN/s640/blogger-image--1695773457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGYcnE6dlyQUWcnWj0kFYRmvWZBhHsT_22EWyEC6PoqV-aw4JwCzXAIsqSR7tGX9C-x7e9LatyH8V3vpe-boDTKrx0ZZ-mxauHAcnrDqG-JYcp-ogReB6sZfKksXD7tKjpyUFMPiPkJoN/s640/blogger-image--1695773457.jpg"></a></div><br></div>It was a steep old climb out from Laguna de Apoyo and sharply zig zagging up the hill was the only way we could keep pedalling and not get off to push. I tried to convince myself that riding out of a volcano crater was actually exciting but in reality it was just hard work.<br><br>Quite a few people had recommended this place and seeing as it was only a couple of hours ride from Granada, how could we resist?<br>Now I don't want to sound like a Moaning Minnie but I'm afraid the place just didn't hit the spot with us. The weather wasn't the best (bit cloudy and very windy) making the lake pretty choppy and not the reputed aquamarine bliss we'd been told about. Our hotel (the only one available) was a bit shite, although still the same price as the nicer ones... Blah blah blah. Anyway, here are some photos that'll probably make you think that I am a Moaning Minnie, especially if you're reading this in the cold drizzle somewhere...<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKDWwjBaeeD-Op2Z5Q5q3ggXVqVIZ6oo8JkdxeXphhhwbADXIdMAGDbkxdTp55jYgmqvQBQp-ovBpKfFgclAsUeBJdnTmDRH2LYx3O-ZumAaud8WHXSMzHepu4k5i4c4jiylQ9TlRZV4S/s640/blogger-image-1187010376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKDWwjBaeeD-Op2Z5Q5q3ggXVqVIZ6oo8JkdxeXphhhwbADXIdMAGDbkxdTp55jYgmqvQBQp-ovBpKfFgclAsUeBJdnTmDRH2LYx3O-ZumAaud8WHXSMzHepu4k5i4c4jiylQ9TlRZV4S/s640/blogger-image-1187010376.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35_rwhNoyYKtYrgKpFnvsww3kE6dOOPLhzttvGHwUaGhAIoGABHnsrL_422BDN67BSI3ktcdSrsa0cKgGlIn2nqBNzwsJb3sBXJYblz4Lj6XM3E0YqRYGCpQLd8XuvF4Q-14aGKw4JcVi/s640/blogger-image-1934723472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35_rwhNoyYKtYrgKpFnvsww3kE6dOOPLhzttvGHwUaGhAIoGABHnsrL_422BDN67BSI3ktcdSrsa0cKgGlIn2nqBNzwsJb3sBXJYblz4Lj6XM3E0YqRYGCpQLd8XuvF4Q-14aGKw4JcVi/s640/blogger-image-1934723472.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21qv7o2Vaj894T3W-tOMhvZoCGvQwcJtT3oH_6oXuzyERcphyphenhyphenZohXfTEO5FKG5n95t6grgcC-3MIDGLWVbRODGTjpVJRTdr1UXBLxZBjtb7ZSi_FSUo7L543jiTA341uVvr24W7f453VW/s640/blogger-image--1099633814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh21qv7o2Vaj894T3W-tOMhvZoCGvQwcJtT3oH_6oXuzyERcphyphenhyphenZohXfTEO5FKG5n95t6grgcC-3MIDGLWVbRODGTjpVJRTdr1UXBLxZBjtb7ZSi_FSUo7L543jiTA341uVvr24W7f453VW/s640/blogger-image--1099633814.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv72v4xQRVR0905olvG4n5ZxxVnEfn_fB9IKrPUVP_FFDKRCvE99YOU4WSNUQzTHLA-Hq7276gKOtDvAeJ79POikPXpeQEtVq-Rs7f51Iu0al1E6pkISQxHPUJRTz3J0k4tEggXoguCCx/s640/blogger-image--360372434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv72v4xQRVR0905olvG4n5ZxxVnEfn_fB9IKrPUVP_FFDKRCvE99YOU4WSNUQzTHLA-Hq7276gKOtDvAeJ79POikPXpeQEtVq-Rs7f51Iu0al1E6pkISQxHPUJRTz3J0k4tEggXoguCCx/s640/blogger-image--360372434.jpg"></a></div><br>We only stayed the one night and by 9.30 (departure delayed due to very near 'accident' in the toilet dept on my part) we were at the top of the crater after completing the 3km of aforementioned bank... Climb.... Phew, am I waffling? (More than normal?!)<br><br>It actually felt great to be back on the road again. We'd decided to take a small track out over the back of the volcano that would eventually lead us down to the road south that we needed. We wanted to get things back in our control and go/do what we wanted, not what the guide book 'told you to'.<br><br>Things started well. Then the road got steeper. Bank... Bank.... (No view this time) until eventually we had to give up and push. Steeper still. We tried zig zag pushing but that didn't really work very well so we resorted to doing the 'Superman', a technique also employed by mums all around the world whilst pushing their kids in buggies on steep hills. Here is kate doing an excellent Clark Kent (well, sort of)<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW73MxcJPHQwsFSbjOiwTBXUxAH0Od7PmsN5aLyS5ltVKbQbNt4zyijHSK6kYgCr0napODL-7bLgOaM4JZJT0vzuVxTiA9z7dY6mgdYVIwJjXytqDwbzpNgFt5Nj7dAnQ_a-5QTRlZZ_6/s640/blogger-image--803277944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYW73MxcJPHQwsFSbjOiwTBXUxAH0Od7PmsN5aLyS5ltVKbQbNt4zyijHSK6kYgCr0napODL-7bLgOaM4JZJT0vzuVxTiA9z7dY6mgdYVIwJjXytqDwbzpNgFt5Nj7dAnQ_a-5QTRlZZ_6/s640/blogger-image--803277944.jpg"></a></div><br>Flippin eck it were steeper than anything we'd been on, ever</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByYicDmOoYROmVxBfEcxiEij6fbjm0c7m1gLgdtQPYOnZC8gdNSxzofri70K5P1sWI-aUN8WAjOUAIvKPrsDpSGhX4Rny8JnQLSjEeMfxhFKtvtEomYWBqUVys7VJ6-6DUK2K0AMZLd_q/s640/blogger-image--284580952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgByYicDmOoYROmVxBfEcxiEij6fbjm0c7m1gLgdtQPYOnZC8gdNSxzofri70K5P1sWI-aUN8WAjOUAIvKPrsDpSGhX4Rny8JnQLSjEeMfxhFKtvtEomYWBqUVys7VJ6-6DUK2K0AMZLd_q/s640/blogger-image--284580952.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLKGpxx1SF7vRJuMtALdpB7de9QTSazGpvYFaJd394X1Uh_AkcOY2veWanZlwcnhLmw0kIwMuK5GsjVGR4VFMenL7dlSNMiWAqCevI5u-_qAKIu9bnu8_LkuM5tiIc537t67a38JsUsU7/s640/blogger-image-1141644446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQLKGpxx1SF7vRJuMtALdpB7de9QTSazGpvYFaJd394X1Uh_AkcOY2veWanZlwcnhLmw0kIwMuK5GsjVGR4VFMenL7dlSNMiWAqCevI5u-_qAKIu9bnu8_LkuM5tiIc537t67a38JsUsU7/s640/blogger-image-1141644446.jpg"></a></div><br>Mind you, when the view came back it made it worth it.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlhbTJjz6VcHVmbxxajjDwFO0ygcg6gd9cq2aJ6MrdbexAp7cMuSYVB5vm4DBwlzDzB_dydBBpLzIrP98bi-a8Sp49sYBBnvWOpCuYyNm0yjwEJuKPA7OyEKi79Pw0NtkX5ORUuljU1BS/s640/blogger-image--394716724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRlhbTJjz6VcHVmbxxajjDwFO0ygcg6gd9cq2aJ6MrdbexAp7cMuSYVB5vm4DBwlzDzB_dydBBpLzIrP98bi-a8Sp49sYBBnvWOpCuYyNm0yjwEJuKPA7OyEKi79Pw0NtkX5ORUuljU1BS/s640/blogger-image--394716724.jpg"></a></div><br>Despite the hard work we were having fun. We stopped off for a chat with the locals<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqjLWzYlUg3VKPLpavawTu6xB4lTLBoEoXKMsgIfX8HkZlQMRH8ry0WZaPt1frrBMSmUkiXecE7Xr5vJZ2R1rnEnYbANOEgTuYV3me9jb3aXHjvhrSXboezdFQklRHxakGyzXkKERZ22h/s640/blogger-image--248571847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfqjLWzYlUg3VKPLpavawTu6xB4lTLBoEoXKMsgIfX8HkZlQMRH8ry0WZaPt1frrBMSmUkiXecE7Xr5vJZ2R1rnEnYbANOEgTuYV3me9jb3aXHjvhrSXboezdFQklRHxakGyzXkKERZ22h/s640/blogger-image--248571847.jpg"></a></div><br>And then when this doddery old bloke turned up I couldn't resist helping him down for a bit. When I'd had enough and said I needed to go back up, instead of thanking me, the cheeky bugger asked for some money! </span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjO08Sz-zrzYQf51d_ddxRT3XyMFZxqefW3pXj6JEAgnn99zQi7_KH5fVdBudbTqMNj2W-4JXjNWwPemFYQA7PWmdQT9LSBN7ZyvGzsr5zg4VnFB9m3y_7ZoMLH1i3Q3BudHktIHroL33/s640/blogger-image-885679073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjO08Sz-zrzYQf51d_ddxRT3XyMFZxqefW3pXj6JEAgnn99zQi7_KH5fVdBudbTqMNj2W-4JXjNWwPemFYQA7PWmdQT9LSBN7ZyvGzsr5zg4VnFB9m3y_7ZoMLH1i3Q3BudHktIHroL33/s640/blogger-image-885679073.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">So, extra puffed out from the walk back up AND 25p down (he did thank me for that) we marked the occasion with the selfie stick. I keep telling kate it's a GoPro pole but seeing as the GoPro (cheapo copy actually) hasn't been out of its bag yet, I guess it's a saddo selfie stick...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYujf_X2SNSbRI4UooZd7FnpjA31ffshsL0Ul2sMKB8Wr-u94wCfK_peRFfY5Go6WZuuzajpdrbHsDaBUEjRA4ytPPI-qBLD06KsQ7STev-rv7JnRnU3v2rn2Wr7sQFqYWqgo8LEaU1beL/s640/blogger-image-862763407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYujf_X2SNSbRI4UooZd7FnpjA31ffshsL0Ul2sMKB8Wr-u94wCfK_peRFfY5Go6WZuuzajpdrbHsDaBUEjRA4ytPPI-qBLD06KsQ7STev-rv7JnRnU3v2rn2Wr7sQFqYWqgo8LEaU1beL/s640/blogger-image-862763407.jpg"></a></div><br>By the time we reached the top we'd done the grand total of 7km in 2 hours with a rise of 600m. We needed a drink!<br><br>We bimbled into the sleepy little village of San Juan del Oriente and found a little shop selling plants and delish homemade fruit punch. The owner told us there was a lookout point at the top of the street so off we went. Bloody hell we got a shock. It was 'tour bus central'. The place was swarming with American tourists, some walking around drinking beer at 11.30am. One of the bus drivers actually used a whistle to 'herd up' his fee paying passengers, I mean, come on! We dutifully took a photo of the view and quickly skidaddled back down the road to a more genuine eatery that was quite a bit smarter than many we've been to. We got a few gawping looks as the aircon buses rolled past, imagining the "Gee honey, was that 2 white people in that terrible looking place?" comments.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu6Vo2ltwqmkrbHsnqu6B71xo9o7mxB69hmAnABVO9b11QPrAI_6TWN-xJbVA_dhIOsDuNqh39zDD0TaWKnkzPTWhuHWxJVuKFIpMrRSgZTf-j7G3ZK4wF23ZXi44_pfzn8aeAzi1T-mE/s640/blogger-image--1863928083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu6Vo2ltwqmkrbHsnqu6B71xo9o7mxB69hmAnABVO9b11QPrAI_6TWN-xJbVA_dhIOsDuNqh39zDD0TaWKnkzPTWhuHWxJVuKFIpMrRSgZTf-j7G3ZK4wF23ZXi44_pfzn8aeAzi1T-mE/s640/blogger-image--1863928083.jpg"></a></div><br>We were unfortunately back in civilisation. The road got hot and busy as we headed down towards the main highway. Despite a very blustery head/side wind we covered ground quite quickly only stopping when we met Jorge (George) who was riding from the bottom tip of Argentina to his home in Mexico<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoAsNxKv8Cm0F41wAE8ovqbmiQ3DarWQficrdNEZN-F7OauAWv37PJXP4Ici_mwClpdW2NxPsjmU6nUI3SS6NpotcXDLPo1Wl0D5vgX0QVuPh9eE-HI8L_4poibDjcAGg2MCsvXLhJ77-/s640/blogger-image--812371718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDoAsNxKv8Cm0F41wAE8ovqbmiQ3DarWQficrdNEZN-F7OauAWv37PJXP4Ici_mwClpdW2NxPsjmU6nUI3SS6NpotcXDLPo1Wl0D5vgX0QVuPh9eE-HI8L_4poibDjcAGg2MCsvXLhJ77-/s640/blogger-image--812371718.jpg"></a></div><br>Nice guy and a true cycle enthusiast. Check his tattoo out!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKbXbp3oEtvufUzmjTkIZ78hnsi05xcvyYAGYVGXapyQaGH0uvmJxlcbgW_6Cwr0-pyMEQ2iPsTU0bXXuOlEqp67YaAWoViV8xKqX9fgJ1ghA0EldgVeuT8f_D9hnYy64fwm7NusZioLe/s640/blogger-image-204084368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKbXbp3oEtvufUzmjTkIZ78hnsi05xcvyYAGYVGXapyQaGH0uvmJxlcbgW_6Cwr0-pyMEQ2iPsTU0bXXuOlEqp67YaAWoViV8xKqX9fgJ1ghA0EldgVeuT8f_D9hnYy64fwm7NusZioLe/s640/blogger-image-204084368.jpg"></a></div><br>Passing the town of Nandaime we pulled over for a drink stop. We bought some tasty snacks from a grumpy old wizened lady, thinking they'd perk us up for a few more miles in the saddle. They turned out to be like the most horrible, shite stinky toe jam cheese stale cold waffle/toast. For some reason the person who made them (wizened hag?) thought that by sprinkling sugar on them they'd actually taste nice?<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbBXzDDnwvhxLEV5YwG0Ve1PsVZtgZTelVk1XXkt7sWESvjKNnizJHC4wNFmF_zHcX-LesBByLKqeeXVTSO1zWOcIPjaDiKbCWyDz-LtG9KpZxqxd6dfGblthjgHTivUy3De2yPTANVMD/s640/blogger-image-1100243792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsbBXzDDnwvhxLEV5YwG0Ve1PsVZtgZTelVk1XXkt7sWESvjKNnizJHC4wNFmF_zHcX-LesBByLKqeeXVTSO1zWOcIPjaDiKbCWyDz-LtG9KpZxqxd6dfGblthjgHTivUy3De2yPTANVMD/s640/blogger-image-1100243792.jpg"></a></div><br>We thought we might try to push on until the town of Rivas, some 40km of hot, blustery road away. The Hotel Manchion had other ideas though... We've seen so many signs for places along the way. Sometimes the signs make the place look really flash until reality comes into sight. Sometimes it's the other way around, sometimes the hotel never materialises. So, expectations were low but this time, results were high. Check this place out!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQ8u49J_lsdOBk5y4QyeQR-tmLrQubgeY8TBgZMPo3koEsLWUgQUBrQQA39zK628Z9RR9xRi06Jpxfk-ezYpRfboy0gQNN8QgMmPHfdXC50AdkGxAxo7EGFM1yHoD5XKa_ZwMxERsGBGD/s640/blogger-image--191428954.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQ8u49J_lsdOBk5y4QyeQR-tmLrQubgeY8TBgZMPo3koEsLWUgQUBrQQA39zK628Z9RR9xRi06Jpxfk-ezYpRfboy0gQNN8QgMmPHfdXC50AdkGxAxo7EGFM1yHoD5XKa_ZwMxERsGBGD/s640/blogger-image--191428954.jpg"></a></div><br>For $30 inc breakfast (saved 10% by saying we didn't need a receipt nod, nod, wink, wink) we got a Welcome Cocktail (well ice tea actually) and a few hours sitting here<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94XoXcE58KnvGxK0dpI4_bQw1CqbS1nJaULpjz_C4niy2ozxUA_4QSzalbY2arYlJp1FDap-oj-Xnn9shs67hBCYP8WlzrZDyffj7V6QMklDh0Lnbh2raqjLD7jnykniSBIbEutwGOGbD/s640/blogger-image--1136161295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94XoXcE58KnvGxK0dpI4_bQw1CqbS1nJaULpjz_C4niy2ozxUA_4QSzalbY2arYlJp1FDap-oj-Xnn9shs67hBCYP8WlzrZDyffj7V6QMklDh0Lnbh2raqjLD7jnykniSBIbEutwGOGbD/s640/blogger-image--1136161295.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb6zKM481Qjgx3zJNzu-i792a4ONCdW3x97APCDWNdcghWl0g68ptog8pGJLPmZOsg45LW9A6AZdEMTeKcOUto39RHwBzw2ycS60vZJa3rVH0WSa-kdilgaBWrY1jmCulKRVapx9bRtjJ/s640/blogger-image-437950680.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFb6zKM481Qjgx3zJNzu-i792a4ONCdW3x97APCDWNdcghWl0g68ptog8pGJLPmZOsg45LW9A6AZdEMTeKcOUto39RHwBzw2ycS60vZJa3rVH0WSa-kdilgaBWrY1jmCulKRVapx9bRtjJ/s640/blogger-image-437950680.jpg"></a></div><br>Gotta be happy with that! Cheers<br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-70497261962923936572016-02-09T19:43:00.001-08:002016-02-09T20:08:13.429-08:00De nada Granada<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I've had comments about the somewhat wayward direction this blog is going in. Some say it would appear that the longer this trip goes on, the further the subject matter strays.....moi? Never!<br><br>We were sat on yet another bus. At a major stop a bunch of vendors got on, each calling out what goodies they had for sale. We bought some cake and were served up 2 pieces in a little black plastic bag. There was no mention of "excuse fingers" as the bloke fumbled our dirty bank notes and the moist sponge with the same well worn hands. A drinks vendor made his way down the bus. The cans of Super Cola were in a big washing up bowl full of ice that he skilfully balanced on one arm and his shoulder. The bowl also carried a pack of drinking straws. The packet was torn open at the top and as he walked forward the straws dragged along the bus roof and intermingled with the passenger grab rail. Yucko! <br><br>I broke my mind away from how fantastic the human body is at fighting germs and moved my thoughts to our destination of Granada. All I could think about was the famous metallic tan motor of DI Jack Regan and his side kick DS George Carter racing around nicking criminals. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROOv7F58lGIM2fjL5XPlogyiLWAFBIY2rmybsCvLBKvxQvEaJB_oobpesUK8RZ6cwrrS3fk3tY6mUue62XFPHjqmbIfyLe1bMLBzTTlmPZzNGys37V1qYm1f0nj4Mbt04riCN1HNy0mgm/s640/blogger-image-925349291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROOv7F58lGIM2fjL5XPlogyiLWAFBIY2rmybsCvLBKvxQvEaJB_oobpesUK8RZ6cwrrS3fk3tY6mUue62XFPHjqmbIfyLe1bMLBzTTlmPZzNGys37V1qYm1f0nj4Mbt04riCN1HNy0mgm/s640/blogger-image-925349291.jpg"></a></div><br>Those 2 were so tough, we needed to be more like them! The sight of 2 fully panniered cyclists coming the other direction was just too much to bear. We must dig deep, harden up, face our enemy and get off at the next stop!<br><br>I'm not sure what those 2 tough crime fighting hard men would have thought of the bus station at Masaya but it didn't look good to us. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlR5_Wy0T8saCMkPVIMkAor7XjwTn93y3aRDqnsUSYR6moraUQ3NZHj2lFrcefFIdndNINa8nL8OYT3b3Q2Uoi5CWtFp0Cq0bFcUn2SO2Qh2l98StHhwQ_ZZgF2mCeQ3vof4kliGK-aKD/s640/blogger-image-632819832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlR5_Wy0T8saCMkPVIMkAor7XjwTn93y3aRDqnsUSYR6moraUQ3NZHj2lFrcefFIdndNINa8nL8OYT3b3Q2Uoi5CWtFp0Cq0bFcUn2SO2Qh2l98StHhwQ_ZZgF2mCeQ3vof4kliGK-aKD/s640/blogger-image-632819832.jpg"></a></div><br>Time to get out of Dodge and head for Granada but on bicycles..... Phew, this is getting complicated!<br><br>We found the road out of town but first needed something to eat. A little shop selling mainly painting materials plus a few other things that looked like they'd fallen off the back of a lorry (don't even think about mentioning Arthur Dailey) fitted the bill. The owner's enterprising wife knew that her customers would be hungry so it appeared that she'd brought a few bits of food from home and could easily knock us up a couple of quick smorgasbords "No problemo".<br><br>19 easy km later we reached Granada and had our easiest find of our hotel to date. Quick shower and off exploring. It's a nice town but way too touristy for our liking. <br><br>Really?! <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOnZ5hdeRlrM_bSJl_1Ws8NtoqAflSLzZFbToEfNJgg53aoVPkkg9S5PJtmEgDeJO1NXba1X2iJW-VR0cVzmjLnG54bhFEPGdX4nJqo0O8u3GWMtCFj7TG0H8OiPCy4EZGW9zSz8_0NVs/s640/blogger-image-690652231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOnZ5hdeRlrM_bSJl_1Ws8NtoqAflSLzZFbToEfNJgg53aoVPkkg9S5PJtmEgDeJO1NXba1X2iJW-VR0cVzmjLnG54bhFEPGdX4nJqo0O8u3GWMtCFj7TG0H8OiPCy4EZGW9zSz8_0NVs/s640/blogger-image-690652231.jpg"></a></div><br>Hardly the most original idea for 'today's special' whilst in a Central American country is it?<br><br>There was a pedestrian street with restaurants spilling out onto it which made us feel like we were in Leicester Square, prices were heading that way as well. We walked to a cafe recommended by Gary and Gill but couldn't stretch to the super expensive beer Gary had raved about, going instead for some tasty, strong mojitos at half the price of Gary's fave tipple.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZanOlPtBlJrcIJzMqJol0_CketPHqONRTQMXf2-PBetJYGV3vTEihVduAPAxwsjL9mmzOIMnwV0wr6MndZxOfH4NBee9wFSLcpely9vYll7iu1pXmJTik6IQSdUx18KGBUVYXBM6Fi21/s640/blogger-image--1337678154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirZanOlPtBlJrcIJzMqJol0_CketPHqONRTQMXf2-PBetJYGV3vTEihVduAPAxwsjL9mmzOIMnwV0wr6MndZxOfH4NBee9wFSLcpely9vYll7iu1pXmJTik6IQSdUx18KGBUVYXBM6Fi21/s640/blogger-image--1337678154.jpg"></a></div><br>Which photo d'you prefer? Kate's slightly touched up 'tourist special' or the second one she took with Spot the Dog adding his own signature (you may need to zoom in to find him)<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwXBwZP7JfDOyO-8lbznhVaH0JE8xjAeri1ao0eniRiXpNWz2TQZCyC3bXsn5FxqMp0WUKyrAb7Annoi0mPA_4pLbGbfkiZyfFLABx_aQA-mxBkMKD8oIZmuZTzQMM5EiExEYW2-Vlv6Y/s640/blogger-image-556929527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwXBwZP7JfDOyO-8lbznhVaH0JE8xjAeri1ao0eniRiXpNWz2TQZCyC3bXsn5FxqMp0WUKyrAb7Annoi0mPA_4pLbGbfkiZyfFLABx_aQA-mxBkMKD8oIZmuZTzQMM5EiExEYW2-Vlv6Y/s640/blogger-image-556929527.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOpHLdj0s3lHsb6FPoz3q3XZxxmADB9Bx3ID9CrD3qEjNmVsJBIPrVIOMTwf1hy1f7hofOvzyHS9wVWyN1qiNrSzj8o4wuFKSWxshOS6ALKAaSO6isxl5bn4kic_IzKczcteUfAW6ftr0/s640/blogger-image-1022541455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQOpHLdj0s3lHsb6FPoz3q3XZxxmADB9Bx3ID9CrD3qEjNmVsJBIPrVIOMTwf1hy1f7hofOvzyHS9wVWyN1qiNrSzj8o4wuFKSWxshOS6ALKAaSO6isxl5bn4kic_IzKczcteUfAW6ftr0/s640/blogger-image-1022541455.jpg"></a></div><br>One thing this place is famous for are the old school barbershops. My mop has been getting pretty unruly so when I saw this place I couldn't resist<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-XIXQX7Ap12DTK0eZsBP_-ZLCzUxnuMBdonsZYMrAl3myNdolbtPnsJssQmccFKGOfoPwDgXml3QNT8v_NObUB1RJpXc7ZXLb0dG8gL0OWefnC55af8PCfVAotUuWc-rSn_zYi3Ey9fK/s640/blogger-image--1402664242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN-XIXQX7Ap12DTK0eZsBP_-ZLCzUxnuMBdonsZYMrAl3myNdolbtPnsJssQmccFKGOfoPwDgXml3QNT8v_NObUB1RJpXc7ZXLb0dG8gL0OWefnC55af8PCfVAotUuWc-rSn_zYi3Ey9fK/s640/blogger-image--1402664242.jpg"></a></div><br>Kate went off to have a look around a beautiful old crumbling church as the lady barber got busy with a yard broom and garden shears. Now my Spanish still hasn't improved so I resorted to explaining how I wanted it cut by using the same one word and hand actions I do when asking for my eggs to be scrambled at breakfast. Luckily I'd also had the foresight to download this photo from the net, setting a very fair and reasonable target in doing so.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb4RrQB8_TSs2bLTzJ0qr_s-DCAqz8QXl-kOccHNWuauLlS6iSGomGA6xdsUGe6zduTocCmycFrx2dyfxhB24DS88pUPMvPypA9Vn48yS7QOYiKPdeHzcbQdho5kuUAH0fV_PYKZ1X1KH/s640/blogger-image-682305696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZb4RrQB8_TSs2bLTzJ0qr_s-DCAqz8QXl-kOccHNWuauLlS6iSGomGA6xdsUGe6zduTocCmycFrx2dyfxhB24DS88pUPMvPypA9Vn48yS7QOYiKPdeHzcbQdho5kuUAH0fV_PYKZ1X1KH/s640/blogger-image-682305696.jpg"></a></div><br>For 3 quid I don't think she did a bad job. Here's me looking the spitting image of Mr Law <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakeRtsVS2X4Ev2RZ5bohMkzJasgBkbnFN48djn7GUwJ-iVwqN2AdUWyWIThWZLl_Pqkq7uxR4jmmVR6IEbNY2tnV7msTDDiMn0e84C9aiKjf3kCWaimEDcvDbLssgdPXq6FAp0cnmV0nn/s640/blogger-image-697654055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakeRtsVS2X4Ev2RZ5bohMkzJasgBkbnFN48djn7GUwJ-iVwqN2AdUWyWIThWZLl_Pqkq7uxR4jmmVR6IEbNY2tnV7msTDDiMn0e84C9aiKjf3kCWaimEDcvDbLssgdPXq6FAp0cnmV0nn/s640/blogger-image-697654055.jpg"></a></div><br>and again, just to 'keep it real' here I am doing my best Quentin Crisp!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6i-LJ6CdUmFLG3RHfP0iz5aZnle_X0pkdTy5LqoIRLKp0XNgwDO4Jyx5H6RJ_tV8M5eTItEgQoAFoUrcU2VahsLOtBhbVNWOjA68JZ3Gk2TJJqd4fmb2Lis7R4rr9o5LcWkuA-glBsJ4/s640/blogger-image--1200871891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-6i-LJ6CdUmFLG3RHfP0iz5aZnle_X0pkdTy5LqoIRLKp0XNgwDO4Jyx5H6RJ_tV8M5eTItEgQoAFoUrcU2VahsLOtBhbVNWOjA68JZ3Gk2TJJqd4fmb2Lis7R4rr9o5LcWkuA-glBsJ4/s640/blogger-image--1200871891.jpg"></a></div><br>Granada is not by any means a dangerous city but it is definitely one of the places I've felt a bit nervous. There are so many tourists here that it would be hard for petty crime to not go on. Many of these tourists are pretty green and therefore must make easy targets. I went into 'safe mode', a feeling I haven't really felt much at all on this whole trip.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Speaking of 'safe mode', how about this for a toilet?! And that is where I'll sign off for now</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8v29ehpYQxxp-NdjtFIk_0p3hZ4Mjigc6CRdVtjozJDtWZOatcUHBXZp5tny12YfIYq5EJNA69aHUjs2xKpx5PT9RKmzRWTMukW4TlCxL82vA-tnFitgF7k97HcXF3OTJd06cHez3I0x/s640/blogger-image--1346918143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8v29ehpYQxxp-NdjtFIk_0p3hZ4Mjigc6CRdVtjozJDtWZOatcUHBXZp5tny12YfIYq5EJNA69aHUjs2xKpx5PT9RKmzRWTMukW4TlCxL82vA-tnFitgF7k97HcXF3OTJd06cHez3I0x/s640/blogger-image--1346918143.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-16165974419468100122016-02-05T15:11:00.001-08:002016-02-07T15:35:17.396-08:00Not going loopy<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I didn't even really want to leave Matagalpa. Not that it's such a great town but more because we had a nice guesthouse, had met some great people and just felt comfortable there.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Comfortable? Nice? They're not words normally associated with 'Adventure'! C'mon man, what's got into you? Time to get back out amongst it. Back to the heat, the hills, the dust, the sweat.....<br><br>We're heading roughly south through Nicaragua and had spotted a nice looking wiggly road that looped down towards the city of Granada. We guessed it would go through more lovely countryside, would be predominantly downhill (Matagalpa is at about 1000m and Granada at approx sea level) and if it all got too hard, we could always jump on a bus. The deal was sealed when we saw a flyer for this place (http://www.el-escondido.com) about 50km ride away. That would work for night 1 anyway, the rest of the ride would just fall into place after that. <br><br>The road climbed up and out of Matagalpa and then descended down across open countryside just as the cyclist who'd described it in their blog that Kate found said it would.<br>It was a great ride. Lovey views, quiet road and lots of typical rural scenes we've become accustomed to. I'm sure you're getting pretty accustomed to these views as well, this blog is beginning to look a bit repetitive...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldIsOWgbw2jm_XgJCqUIxSkWB3TT_sbO2AfWlFhyphenhyphenMTQePnf4HTjZLY2Bh-MUsXW7r_PB9tgyZ-GsjLEvE-yybTjiCKWH6WoWjqYxPHDUsPjdgvV4G2srOm3ybqDJndjgUp_S3rL8GW2Ph/s640/blogger-image-913099921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgldIsOWgbw2jm_XgJCqUIxSkWB3TT_sbO2AfWlFhyphenhyphenMTQePnf4HTjZLY2Bh-MUsXW7r_PB9tgyZ-GsjLEvE-yybTjiCKWH6WoWjqYxPHDUsPjdgvV4G2srOm3ybqDJndjgUp_S3rL8GW2Ph/s640/blogger-image-913099921.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPYy3L_RqIwsv8nHk1bR-8EBzgQTdBFxn1fDqrKQPChqR4Vm7Jsh9rmfOog_xVE0_z-gKYVDBV-CsmyxS1w6AD__vj01zKaDxKh4lPjOV_PvHtDzlE3HQhMbRYnJgKQME4ROBUxEbuOOV/s640/blogger-image--1014595107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYPYy3L_RqIwsv8nHk1bR-8EBzgQTdBFxn1fDqrKQPChqR4Vm7Jsh9rmfOog_xVE0_z-gKYVDBV-CsmyxS1w6AD__vj01zKaDxKh4lPjOV_PvHtDzlE3HQhMbRYnJgKQME4ROBUxEbuOOV/s640/blogger-image--1014595107.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEproGvKpS1hgYPq-MuKl63ljhvGbxMticKWbofaB6q_xg5vDf7QAMio-cCaxLaGYlqGOGeo8_6fonsx5row8TvmQDGxDyUis91j4XY0-__k1KryXGGE3GD2PFeoo8IOh8ZEkSIaf8oLdC/s640/blogger-image-1189943020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEproGvKpS1hgYPq-MuKl63ljhvGbxMticKWbofaB6q_xg5vDf7QAMio-cCaxLaGYlqGOGeo8_6fonsx5row8TvmQDGxDyUis91j4XY0-__k1KryXGGE3GD2PFeoo8IOh8ZEkSIaf8oLdC/s640/blogger-image-1189943020.jpg"></a></div><br>As we wound our way down it started to get warmer again. The only thing spoiling the ride was a gusty head wind which felt much worse when it blasted us with hot air. <br>Not knowing what we'd find to eat along the way we'd taken some not bad looking emergency brown bread rolls and a few bananas should we need them. We did. By lunchtime we'd not seen any roadside eateries so were hiding in the shade of a bus stop eating a dry chilli flavoured crisp sandwich followed by pretty sorry looking, squashed bananas for desert. The aircon cafe in Matagalpa that served those delicious coffees & cakes suddenly seemed a million miles away.<br><br>By about 2.30 we finally rolled into the town of Muy Muy and headed for the only sensible looking eatery on the strip.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9fZKGcFru1_KECmDrzQBoLoytyhZIvczlWoSpCPdeJMXVfeYx1XOA0baKRv8pmf4HrASzycAoC-mTXex6AlKzrbvLrVMPa2pU90KPnfbunichOYJTcjt4QtcviwdKx_4AXmPIBsk8Y8q/s640/blogger-image-66928892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz9fZKGcFru1_KECmDrzQBoLoytyhZIvczlWoSpCPdeJMXVfeYx1XOA0baKRv8pmf4HrASzycAoC-mTXex6AlKzrbvLrVMPa2pU90KPnfbunichOYJTcjt4QtcviwdKx_4AXmPIBsk8Y8q/s640/blogger-image-66928892.jpg"></a></div><br></div>We forced a bit of rice n beans down our necks and also devoured 2 litres of water. I think the rising heat had caught us out and I was feeling pretty ropey, I guess due to dehydration. I'd only had one pee since we'd left that morning and more down to duty than need.<br><br>Feeling a little better (?) we started on the 5km of uphill dirt road out to the Finca. Rattle rattle, bash, bang, we rode, the bikes not thanking us for the experience... Just keep going, it can't be far.....<br>Through the river crossing without getting wet feet (just)<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24szAWUgmNZK39o-R6uSUXs85mvPlnGKxgCVs0zLhe8qDGEBzU91BnnyCQbdjPzwZbQJqsOseomYQX3ALsEyHQrjq8ilxO-RbvvHwa1BcfelbeIsXfDuv6pq62JO4UjUbpsuv846uhlx9/s640/blogger-image--878399906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj24szAWUgmNZK39o-R6uSUXs85mvPlnGKxgCVs0zLhe8qDGEBzU91BnnyCQbdjPzwZbQJqsOseomYQX3ALsEyHQrjq8ilxO-RbvvHwa1BcfelbeIsXfDuv6pq62JO4UjUbpsuv846uhlx9/s640/blogger-image--878399906.jpg"></a></div><br>Take a photo of the horse because we feel we should even though we know it won't look as nice as in reality....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mIHA6Fpuma4ulvdnwINyjSh3azSWlaXj34D1Qtf0kBwyvwKUYVPWm3aUDsDawfcAPinQoHAABud-72G57fqD_JU-OVkEIFJVu8EnLFfHT_t6E4ntdPRjOBOo6odxSojI-Liz5oy3lTc5/s640/blogger-image--1262336391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mIHA6Fpuma4ulvdnwINyjSh3azSWlaXj34D1Qtf0kBwyvwKUYVPWm3aUDsDawfcAPinQoHAABud-72G57fqD_JU-OVkEIFJVu8EnLFfHT_t6E4ntdPRjOBOo6odxSojI-Liz5oy3lTc5/s640/blogger-image--1262336391.jpg"></a></div><br>Push the bikes on the steep bit... Push the bikes on the not so steep but rocky bit....<br><br>Admire the view because we felt we should..... Insufficient enthusiasm for photo....<br><br>Finally the road came to an end and there was a building. A man appeared, a Nicaraguan farmer type man rather than a friendly guesthouse owner. <br>"El Espindido?" Kate asked "Si" he replied. "Cabana?" Kate asked "Si" he replied..... What no welcome cocktail? No concierge service?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>I was totally done in and of no use to anyone. It seemed we were at the place and after parking the bikes in the barn and struggling up the path with the bags I staggered into the freezing cold shower and finally cooled down. I spent the next few hours laying on the bed and I swear I didn't sleep. Kate spent the next hour or so listening to me snore until she got bored and went for a walk up the jungle paths.<br><br>The sunset came and went and the howler monkeys came out to play. We didn't see any but it was the first time we've heard their peculiar call. Il Signor came up the dark path with a torch and lead us back down to dinner. It was a bit weird sitting on their porch eating rice n beans (again) whilst they sat inside with their kids watching the telly.<br><br>10 hours later we were back at the same table with the same kids watching the telly. We ate our rice n beans breakfast, saddled up and headed off down the same dirt track towards the main road. It had been a different night to most on this trip but not really the rural idyll getaway we'd expected. In fact I'm not really sure what we expected. Maybe it was the fact that the magic of the exotic gardens and surrounding land didn't blow our socks off as it </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">reminded us of our old Aussie house (been there, done that), maybe it was the overload of rice n beans, not sure, but I'm afraid El Espindido didn't go down in our top 10 must do's of good old Nicaragua.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmOVlsX0a7cwrbxWLJVvNQOhzm2u7AaZHgUfw_VArcEgWHcVOkPzLPeExj7D-UJaAVOICZqC_ObAU5MYRHPYdzlT-sPPCTMISfJcWDiECVVdTPu7mpNzP6VvTpvd-7OAtWZVfkpM0L3d1/s640/blogger-image-1301017933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTmOVlsX0a7cwrbxWLJVvNQOhzm2u7AaZHgUfw_VArcEgWHcVOkPzLPeExj7D-UJaAVOICZqC_ObAU5MYRHPYdzlT-sPPCTMISfJcWDiECVVdTPu7mpNzP6VvTpvd-7OAtWZVfkpM0L3d1/s640/blogger-image-1301017933.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygdpjkiEcLcG-Yr6-02gSTjq9C00Vz84rK7VnuHCA-TzuS8v9LspkPWBZIw18JEp-q7kUTRlCakkcgO-S7MgxYBTMg-GgNuK6dhYiPPkvDmrTeDRuszRXh2__WCMnPYC5HVZ-0JDyBMvv/s640/blogger-image-1597314422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgygdpjkiEcLcG-Yr6-02gSTjq9C00Vz84rK7VnuHCA-TzuS8v9LspkPWBZIw18JEp-q7kUTRlCakkcgO-S7MgxYBTMg-GgNuK6dhYiPPkvDmrTeDRuszRXh2__WCMnPYC5HVZ-0JDyBMvv/s640/blogger-image-1597314422.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok, we didn't have a pet parrot I'll give them that. D'you think I need a haircut by the way?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C7xJW2hZ41qq_D6ROinzHEMNJ5JgrO7YshwZp-gaU28mDumse5dAUFkEGgDP_41wh0MMbL5PL_ZY_XgNLrWlnDTUnofmnPOWv8FVuMKm5BOF53tsiDf9StT_RTrYZsl2NPPnZ6JpgbCk/s640/blogger-image-1667546788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8C7xJW2hZ41qq_D6ROinzHEMNJ5JgrO7YshwZp-gaU28mDumse5dAUFkEGgDP_41wh0MMbL5PL_ZY_XgNLrWlnDTUnofmnPOWv8FVuMKm5BOF53tsiDf9StT_RTrYZsl2NPPnZ6JpgbCk/s640/blogger-image-1667546788.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div>By the time we'd done the rough 5km back to the main road we both felt a bit hot n bothered. Junior Kickstart champion Kate had made it through the river unscathed, my right foot had had a full dunking when I lost my balance. <br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIIVpoHh6wKsgm1gF6rJStnE3KMbGspOkhTe7PvWb1fVkQRPmS6vqUhF6cO5os_yGl4P2s6ZDcSwwFz2HlVH856qJFLxPCaBulCnyZ0An8BLFd7YamzV_9LH-eS2v4DEmm1XDQmUNJbQk/s640/blogger-image-1396645991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgIIVpoHh6wKsgm1gF6rJStnE3KMbGspOkhTe7PvWb1fVkQRPmS6vqUhF6cO5os_yGl4P2s6ZDcSwwFz2HlVH856qJFLxPCaBulCnyZ0An8BLFd7YamzV_9LH-eS2v4DEmm1XDQmUNJbQk/s640/blogger-image-1396645991.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoTw0wNQm5iay7bpQVIGmbmQva5nBiS17f62Qi1q7_og6TU-V_89c7Rtvk3O_ZFX9UqwVfU_x3IgxT9HI9Y3jsv8wuoZBghXRvi3gyZp2ZUx-JNt2aBaLd16m6PTHQWONQXku_t-3d3xl/s640/blogger-image-1379612246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQoTw0wNQm5iay7bpQVIGmbmQva5nBiS17f62Qi1q7_og6TU-V_89c7Rtvk3O_ZFX9UqwVfU_x3IgxT9HI9Y3jsv8wuoZBghXRvi3gyZp2ZUx-JNt2aBaLd16m6PTHQWONQXku_t-3d3xl/s640/blogger-image-1379612246.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We considered our options. Ride 50km (of which approx 15 was dirt we'd been told over breakfast) to Boaco, probably just a dusty small town with a few serviceable places to eat and sleep? Then ride or bus the following day? Maybe.... Bus it all the way to Granada now? No. Getting on a crowded bus half way through its journey didn't appeal. We'd not get a seat and it would be at least 4 hours of bumping, twisting road. Last option, bus it back to Matagalpa? </span></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The only thing that didn't appeal about this was the whole 'going back' thing. We got over that pretty quickly! The thought of the shady, breezy roof terrace, the clean, bright bedroom and hopefully the company of Gill & Gary who we'd met a couple of days before was too much to resist. Gill and Gary are a really nice, relaxed couple from New England. They are both 66 and still out there merrily having a good time. Quite an inspiration and good to know we've all got a few years left in us to have some fun!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The flexibility and ease of these countries is just great. We cycled up to the bus station and within 15 minutes the bikes were on the roof of the bus and we were bouncing our way back up the same road we'd enjoyed the day before. The buses aren't the most restful experience but for 90p each for an hour and a half ride what would you expect?!<br><br>Opening the door to the same lovely room we'd been for the few days prior felt weird. Familiarity is not a common sensation of a trip like this. D'you know what? It felt really really nice...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM_ejObSqsZaSyMZsfeEgN7Gc19YHH_H7Y52iqTuNbnz26ae4WAvYqPUijU2GTC9cQRD0u9DOwtA0_hyphenhyphenWQIKSylRLED6ehLZ2PEhLroUP5AuTqwvq8gJjw3aqmoxlZ5woHQ7CxoAOVkM2/s640/blogger-image--1341001420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkM_ejObSqsZaSyMZsfeEgN7Gc19YHH_H7Y52iqTuNbnz26ae4WAvYqPUijU2GTC9cQRD0u9DOwtA0_hyphenhyphenWQIKSylRLED6ehLZ2PEhLroUP5AuTqwvq8gJjw3aqmoxlZ5woHQ7CxoAOVkM2/s640/blogger-image--1341001420.jpg"></a></div><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-67514139014662107202016-02-05T14:58:00.001-08:002016-02-05T14:58:38.867-08:00Thinking time<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">One things for sure, riding a bike certainly gives you a lot of time to think. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>People (well ok, 1 person, thank you Elliot) have asked what we think about whilst riding along for hours. Kate said "not sure, not much" whilst I, as you might expect, had rather more to say on the matter. I sometimes wish I was more like Kate and often attempt to adopt her calm and zen like demeanour. I can't say that I succeed very often so may I, dear reader, indulge myself whilst I have an audience of at least 3 sorry souls that I know about who have nothing better to do than read this blog?<br><br>Just for fun I have a popular recurring old classic to while away the miles. I treat is as a bit of an 'ad break' or intermission between the more 'meaty' subjects. It's the one about a fly in a jet plane. The plane is flying at 500mph and the fly flies from the back of the plane to the pointy end at 5mph. Is the fly therefore flying at 505mph, 5mph or anything else? I can argue with myself all day over this one although I definitely know the answer. I think....<br><br>My second and rather more 'worthy' subject is a bit more deep and meaningful (ha funny, predictive text just wrote 'meaningless' - heckled by an iPhone during my opening gambit!). You may need to 'go with me' a bit on this one...<br><br>It started back at beachside yoga practice in El Salvador. Our fantastic teacher, Lewis (https://etherealcollective.squarespace.com/news/ ), opened the class by suggesting that we all spend a moment to thank ourselves for making the effort to be there. "Hmm, yeah right, so much effort seeing as I was sitting around on the beach doing nothing and the class is free" chirped my ever cynical self in my head. Lewis then suggested that we take the time to honour our bodies and our health that had allowed us to be taking part. Now this hit home, especially to Kate who felt a huge emotional wave run through her. I should imagine that most readers know enough or know of enough friends or family who've been affected by cancer, brain tumours, stomach ulcers etc, etc or even those who've suffered accidents that have left their lives permanently changed.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>The fact that we were both there and just about able to bend and stretch ourselves into the various contorted positions is something that we are both truly grateful for.<br><br>After the class we got talking with Lewis and we collared him again later in the day as we all sat on the beach watching a beautiful sunset. He's a great guy with some interesting thoughts, some of which I've been pondering and chipping forward a bit.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>He said that when he ate he tried to have no other distractions. He wanted to able able to think about the food, taste the food and honour the food. I didn't really know what that meant so have been taking some time to think it through.<br><br>How many things haven't been killed in order for us to eat them? Animals are obvious, but what about the vegetables or even the corn in your cornflakes? They were living weren't they? He was saying that when he ate he thought about and kind of 'thanked' all the living things (plant & animal) that had died in order for him to live.<br><br>I've taken this a bit further. What about the effort by people to get these things in front of you in order to eat them? The farmer who ploughed the field and sowed the corn. The harvester driving up and down to cut the corn after someone had watered it over a few months and nature had done its job. The truck driver who got out of bed to drive the truck to take the corn to the factory to make it into the corn flakes. The factory workers, the shelf stackers, the checkout person at the supermarket... Repeat the thought process with the spoon you're eating the cornflakes with. That started somewhere way back as iron ore that was dug from the ground and put into a smelter. The chair you're sat on, the glass in your window frame. Your boiler in the corner keeping you warm? Made in China? Some parts must be. How did that factory worker get to work? What is his/her house like? What is their life like?<br><br>I'm sure you get the concept by now. It's huge and just about never ending. What Lewis did was open my mind to thinking about and paying some kind of respect to the time, the effort and the energy put into everything we either eat, touch or sit on. <br><br>So if you're reading this whilst sitting on a bus in a rush hour traffic jam, stop being frustrated and look around you for a moment, appreciating the time, energy, thought and effort put in by so many people you'll never know just so you can be there.<br><br>Another recent addition to while away the hours whilst admiring the view, dodging stray dogs and wiping sweat from my eyes is a thing we've both noticed about ourselves on this trip. It's how judgemental we both are. Both (me more so but it's a habit I think I've unfortunately passed on to Kate) ready to put a person or place down just because of how it looks. We both do it almost involuntarily and we then need to work backwards to allow the place or person to become ok and often better than ok. It's like they have to 'pedal up hill' to prove to us in our minds that they're ok. Now, that's not right is it? <br>Maybe it's because we're coming into contact with so many people from different cultures who wear different clothes or behave slightly differently to those we'd deem 'acceptable'. Some look too young, too old, too hippie, too stiff.... It's great to have a good sense of 'gut feeling' especially when you're out in a strange environment but when you use that ability to detrimentally judge someone or write someone off, it's gone too far. Why should a bloke not wear socks n sandals? (Well ok, that is pretty inexcusable) but when I see that I pigeon hole him into a 'gooney spud', boring, trainspotters type only then to discover that's he's actually a really nice & interesting guy who just happens to have bad taste in footwear.<br><br>We are trying to stop this behaviour and break a habit of a lifetime. Pre judging a person, a place or a situation is in my mind a pretty bad thing to do especially as my pre judging is usually negative. Shouldn't everyone have the right to start with a neutral or even positive position? Most people turn out to be positive so why do I always start them in the negative?<br><br>So, what d'you reckon. Thought provoking stuff or has the sun gone to my head? All I know is that I'm glad there aren't too many road junctions out here to get wrong cos if there were, I'm often so 'away with the fairies' that we might well end up in Timbuktu!</span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-19750835449944710672016-02-02T11:44:00.001-08:002016-02-04T05:21:52.396-08:00Madness in the mountains<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The 70km ride across from Esteli to Jinotega was lovely. <br>Here we are auditioning for a toothpaste commercial!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif8ayuUDQC24pRw8xf0bQHm-yZ0133yc1fuec3lHS_m3eOb7c-NiZg6Nju2udmfHHM1V6b4OT2gTuSrgl8F5_x1v1iJcPrR8NoWGxxwl2b_4m5wIo5bQlo9ufZnn0Wotge124ze6tvv92/s640/blogger-image-627282517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiif8ayuUDQC24pRw8xf0bQHm-yZ0133yc1fuec3lHS_m3eOb7c-NiZg6Nju2udmfHHM1V6b4OT2gTuSrgl8F5_x1v1iJcPrR8NoWGxxwl2b_4m5wIo5bQlo9ufZnn0Wotge124ze6tvv92/s640/blogger-image-627282517.jpg"></a></div><br>It was a beautiful, quiet road (strangely made of interlock paving, never seen that anywhere before), plenty of lovely scenery and a few hills to sweat out. One of them was so steep we had to zig zag up it. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgcUO62BegwYpfWFEAIg8N8z7YqgQi9Eg_xsaDEehe876yMNPekTjYhovBoNl_SgXzWF5EMsNuIOHLpknq7U8cb-mxK8T-fS5LyFD9jKXkIPGD73N_iRq5mkG6-qsDJaSS-KsovCGPnEs/s640/blogger-image-2021084953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgcUO62BegwYpfWFEAIg8N8z7YqgQi9Eg_xsaDEehe876yMNPekTjYhovBoNl_SgXzWF5EMsNuIOHLpknq7U8cb-mxK8T-fS5LyFD9jKXkIPGD73N_iRq5mkG6-qsDJaSS-KsovCGPnEs/s640/blogger-image-2021084953.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwnSiwYX4130Xc8Z0zvoHDokE3kzoeCTgylF7yMSKpp60KagDubgw7kk_HATGcMlcpAcDTll3Ejjp8xTiQpruNaa4Lv8RB8AgQOhWmbFte5-5IHB0Ak8-DmGTQ2Jg9UAOQLFuLTuPkOQP/s640/blogger-image-1393824297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNwnSiwYX4130Xc8Z0zvoHDokE3kzoeCTgylF7yMSKpp60KagDubgw7kk_HATGcMlcpAcDTll3Ejjp8xTiQpruNaa4Lv8RB8AgQOhWmbFte5-5IHB0Ak8-DmGTQ2Jg9UAOQLFuLTuPkOQP/s640/blogger-image-1393824297.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloGaxIiwbN-9YSChadJDaCs7mz_auhe6awhxE2PK9IGv4k0bfHD5y-EOvwdrRDZKq-UwCM-v3qOCUMS76EEAG9JwkgQ9YInFt6qxxbQT6rzGVnt_b-sjywKaBFCEPrFLFAGnfwdLAUn1V/s640/blogger-image--1729709522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloGaxIiwbN-9YSChadJDaCs7mz_auhe6awhxE2PK9IGv4k0bfHD5y-EOvwdrRDZKq-UwCM-v3qOCUMS76EEAG9JwkgQ9YInFt6qxxbQT6rzGVnt_b-sjywKaBFCEPrFLFAGnfwdLAUn1V/s640/blogger-image--1729709522.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tZ1AxT0iI1_nj1Dq8pgDqOu_ICkAh9pc0oqR_bh1FpnK3CNjPvkZu3ignHxssm0J98Rn5txxOJkKE0YKeQj2Vg3gtFVOIIhTLDU2aPJnSagWUZnoXNVYe8-7rDp3sZDQJ4I1F3zXF8YI/s640/blogger-image-360118436.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-tZ1AxT0iI1_nj1Dq8pgDqOu_ICkAh9pc0oqR_bh1FpnK3CNjPvkZu3ignHxssm0J98Rn5txxOJkKE0YKeQj2Vg3gtFVOIIhTLDU2aPJnSagWUZnoXNVYe8-7rDp3sZDQJ4I1F3zXF8YI/s640/blogger-image-360118436.jpg"></a></div><br>Notice anything wrong here?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeOnxrcVQS4nFgrX3CwgUMHBzKf9Irr6WCM_LP8pq2MK1IBlt2T4rS6q55syefdXSdejaRibxHhibvcTh3LQS_Sr6zAH6GMEX_Ox221G9u60xGrdNdGWaGrjojBNg93GmIdx-KqLflj4K/s640/blogger-image-897797053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeeOnxrcVQS4nFgrX3CwgUMHBzKf9Irr6WCM_LP8pq2MK1IBlt2T4rS6q55syefdXSdejaRibxHhibvcTh3LQS_Sr6zAH6GMEX_Ox221G9u60xGrdNdGWaGrjojBNg93GmIdx-KqLflj4K/s640/blogger-image-897797053.jpg"></a></div><br>No, I haven't grown a big beard, it's a guy called Elliot riding my bike. He's driving his car down from Canada to Panama and fancied a go so we swapped for a few Km. Corr, aren't cars great?!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">This local blokes one wasn't so great so I couldn't resist giving him a hand</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANq6JF8duFHiZF5LazTdMYUy9w6_0kKbjxqen09bKBm1UFW2Uz4i2Vzz63ZOLo4LqXbdUL0OIukU01Y5SpObizfxtEG4zcuemnqC3kLad_hFPoChLG2NlVIQk12yBS5rLdvG9ZsFs3aFf/s640/blogger-image-646441460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjANq6JF8duFHiZF5LazTdMYUy9w6_0kKbjxqen09bKBm1UFW2Uz4i2Vzz63ZOLo4LqXbdUL0OIukU01Y5SpObizfxtEG4zcuemnqC3kLad_hFPoChLG2NlVIQk12yBS5rLdvG9ZsFs3aFf/s640/blogger-image-646441460.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>Maybe this is a better way to go?</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQDpcmu9bIjmX3bkNGyLhEeBP9H9JTloFQsjdHLabQqvve7RF3QnWzyVMUKEV9veoiWv9LzdbrbtGHRYf6zPlMI1CVuy4dehfkTjuicZvDpKCe-7jHEIjSXPjfU8SFQ89yS_qrjhKZxUc/s640/blogger-image--1277623714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQDpcmu9bIjmX3bkNGyLhEeBP9H9JTloFQsjdHLabQqvve7RF3QnWzyVMUKEV9veoiWv9LzdbrbtGHRYf6zPlMI1CVuy4dehfkTjuicZvDpKCe-7jHEIjSXPjfU8SFQ89yS_qrjhKZxUc/s640/blogger-image--1277623714.jpg"></a></div><br>At our lunch stop we met this guy. He travels from village to village on the bus selling kitchen utensils. The slightly iffy translation on his grater was a bit lost on him...<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBfxNal_tnZvIi9EXDYkEyttBzQtet3x2X2B4thEDnk4lzToV5PxtP7jj29St9NKmJB2BRs680DvXySla718DTOP3fr2_cE6pjjzXA3DWrL5WsOZ5pshRMfFz1Y31OKNX5ZoyIkBAawPP/s640/blogger-image-1948554868.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBfxNal_tnZvIi9EXDYkEyttBzQtet3x2X2B4thEDnk4lzToV5PxtP7jj29St9NKmJB2BRs680DvXySla718DTOP3fr2_cE6pjjzXA3DWrL5WsOZ5pshRMfFz1Y31OKNX5ZoyIkBAawPP/s640/blogger-image-1948554868.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesbnp90CRmwDyCfGiztpVKmbDZ6znoaaDGiIl1bWKOIr-WY9yd5JiEugGgDS4NDdFeDuE5QwyZpCL8G65NpGxqqz1Iu86ghF7nXyVOs9lFpQeZqLl9u9D-4C0-BhmDProQZkBCTK9rcF7/s640/blogger-image--230131746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesbnp90CRmwDyCfGiztpVKmbDZ6znoaaDGiIl1bWKOIr-WY9yd5JiEugGgDS4NDdFeDuE5QwyZpCL8G65NpGxqqz1Iu86ghF7nXyVOs9lFpQeZqLl9u9D-4C0-BhmDProQZkBCTK9rcF7/s640/blogger-image--230131746.jpg"></a></div><br></div>After a rare full day in the saddle, we rolled into Jinotega, finding a guest house just as it started to spit with rain. The region sits at about 1000m high and there are pockets of 'Cloud Forest' where the cloud literally rests in the peaks and valleys, producing thick, green, lush foliage.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM4kzOsHhQEMzApHMCCXDQpY29LifxUiSSuaWwNOxBOKygxxwZmK11vEcpHAV4NOo5xDIHL4RA48kk0tuDWg3lpAe4BwHNckJ0ufLzQemqu1t2djNg_2UWOXn8iJRKcjUb5QNcPbcg16N/s640/blogger-image-1543632396.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkM4kzOsHhQEMzApHMCCXDQpY29LifxUiSSuaWwNOxBOKygxxwZmK11vEcpHAV4NOo5xDIHL4RA48kk0tuDWg3lpAe4BwHNckJ0ufLzQemqu1t2djNg_2UWOXn8iJRKcjUb5QNcPbcg16N/s640/blogger-image-1543632396.jpg"></a></div><br>After a night in Jinotega we headed on a massive 4km to La Biosphera. <br>Well, what a wild n whacky 2 days that was! The lady who owns the hillside retreat was lovely but batty as a fruit cake. I won't attempt to re live the experience on here - it was a real case of 'you had to be there' but it's given us lots of fun memories that'll last for years.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8Y86nWWYc1liLcozkb2NjSiVAsDpFCi_ue08tCtDQrAuK1mQiu1fKCTKotqKQ7OJpZK_67uum-GlWjjYOrc0a4VOk99YtakdOGxX_RnPW_qv24JVVu6CuYyN7Ps-vfu1HCRVhcn_lp7-/s640/blogger-image--1401641820.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8Y86nWWYc1liLcozkb2NjSiVAsDpFCi_ue08tCtDQrAuK1mQiu1fKCTKotqKQ7OJpZK_67uum-GlWjjYOrc0a4VOk99YtakdOGxX_RnPW_qv24JVVu6CuYyN7Ps-vfu1HCRVhcn_lp7-/s640/blogger-image--1401641820.jpg"></a></div><br>We left the at around 9.30. It's lovely to back in cooler max 25 degree weather. We still sweated it out though on a solid climb for about 5km then had 11km of gorgeous, rolling scenery. The sun was hot, the air was cool and all was good with the world. We topped off the ride with a 12km blast down a twisting, turning, smooth road. We only stopped for a couple of photos, the rest of the descent was at 40-60km/h. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4CbmO_9PETp0D5OytnFNdenrREYhEZ3oFvpAGWnggPUgbCgWFbWTe7uGcC1DaS7mzfzFnOoYMcfScJ1mDd78rSWmIrWHZr2xr5Xa0D86S9s_rqNVAcL285G0Aldw6vEogoxV9t1UPgZC/s640/blogger-image-1629659038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc4CbmO_9PETp0D5OytnFNdenrREYhEZ3oFvpAGWnggPUgbCgWFbWTe7uGcC1DaS7mzfzFnOoYMcfScJ1mDd78rSWmIrWHZr2xr5Xa0D86S9s_rqNVAcL285G0Aldw6vEogoxV9t1UPgZC/s640/blogger-image-1629659038.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93mgM5WcX854f-mShhNSTtH8nTkyTTosLQxpSllhfsFd8KCHNGmTKkhQACFldjZRBhOZrtKXX0CAR3WAxvtJqx1HaBA0KwCp7mjS8eaQKMkONi26lsNHfUjCuBdrHTkzqg9T6sLG5X6IP/s640/blogger-image--701907471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93mgM5WcX854f-mShhNSTtH8nTkyTTosLQxpSllhfsFd8KCHNGmTKkhQACFldjZRBhOZrtKXX0CAR3WAxvtJqx1HaBA0KwCp7mjS8eaQKMkONi26lsNHfUjCuBdrHTkzqg9T6sLG5X6IP/s640/blogger-image--701907471.jpg"></a></div><br></div>As we came down the mountain, the countryside dried out and the heat returned. We rolled into the town of Matagalpa at lunchtime and spent the afternoon dozing and chatting to fellow travellers down in the nice hotel reception. Meeting people is definitely one of the best bits about a trip like this. A French bloke who programmes satellites to measure global warming, an eccentric older couple from North Carolina, a young Austrian guy who's doing a masters in renewable energy, a Canadian couple who are gardeners who escape the thick snow of Nova Scotia every winter. All good people with interesting stories and great attitudes.<br><br>It's great to have a purpose in life isn't it? Today's purpose was big, deep n meaningful. Find a shop to replace the zip in Kate's trousers! Broken, not due to an overdose in cream cakes but rather a loss of footing whilst taking a No. 1's in a less than desirable convenience. A problem Bear Grylls doesn't have to worry about.<br>"It's 2 blocks down on the right" nothing. "4 blocks up then turn right" nothing. Here, there, everywhere, at least we got to have a good look around.... Well, in fact that's not quite true. You can't really look around town as you walk about, only if you stop. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoevv_LnVF2VGLzMkXSd-lBPRkqT3mZjXpQWgWO0QgHtXMBnMYdY_TGlBriwBh5uiWyScsJM53k6s6cbjSOyna5ZySFhlUAaLr3MwVDkMY2_jAD9qRNOoqTOJyTqTRQPcUmNHiBrL3xSqz/s640/blogger-image-2118637626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoevv_LnVF2VGLzMkXSd-lBPRkqT3mZjXpQWgWO0QgHtXMBnMYdY_TGlBriwBh5uiWyScsJM53k6s6cbjSOyna5ZySFhlUAaLr3MwVDkMY2_jAD9qRNOoqTOJyTqTRQPcUmNHiBrL3xSqz/s640/blogger-image-2118637626.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoi3gaJwA8gcUvRGLxrwFOZScoeGJX0C73wbOC_kKNIHt8shDVfMmx3AyvaydmwNCVZHS1BOJ4i6bBTICSpyieul36K0fx7uJ5xAKDZDwXL05feeZvrUL86fw8-A9IHMMtHrnXQFq5Osp/s640/blogger-image--1526691202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOoi3gaJwA8gcUvRGLxrwFOZScoeGJX0C73wbOC_kKNIHt8shDVfMmx3AyvaydmwNCVZHS1BOJ4i6bBTICSpyieul36K0fx7uJ5xAKDZDwXL05feeZvrUL86fw8-A9IHMMtHrnXQFq5Osp/s640/blogger-image--1526691202.jpg"></a></div><br></div></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The narrow pavements are often broken, no manhole covers again, bits of metal stick up or out, ready to impale various parts of your body. Cars, trucks, motorbikes, bicycles add to the melee, it's fun but it's certainly not a walk in the park.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We actually attempted a walk in the park. There's a bush reserve south of town with a lookout point. The hill to get up there looked a bit much though so we aborted, choosing instead an aircon cafe serving frothy frappes and delish cakes!</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Hmm, what else? I could tell you all about washing a few clothes or the fact that I've finally managed to finish my book? It's exactly 8 weeks ago that we flew out of London and exactly 5 weeks to go until we'll be back there. We've just booked our flight from Costa Rica back to Miami so it doesn't look like we'll get to Panama to see the canal unless we bus it down which right now, doesn't look too appealing. Hmm, might go and have a frothy latte and mull it over...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And on another note, I'm sure there's a joke in this photo but I can't quite think of it</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJKbiguK_DSoJT5vEUaB1tMEBSO7EuVclalqaU22eOBQEeQwNB4VNvWyxl10cNqul2WYypRrOO4-6GD9VCrP4gqLERY9ybOFWpI_hMLrWpbC13BeuNsjlHqw0pWwYOnw1RKMzvwgOWfNS/s640/blogger-image-638632456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikJKbiguK_DSoJT5vEUaB1tMEBSO7EuVclalqaU22eOBQEeQwNB4VNvWyxl10cNqul2WYypRrOO4-6GD9VCrP4gqLERY9ybOFWpI_hMLrWpbC13BeuNsjlHqw0pWwYOnw1RKMzvwgOWfNS/s640/blogger-image-638632456.jpg"></a></div><br><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><br></span></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-47515203079963260402016-01-31T10:07:00.001-08:002016-01-31T10:45:14.695-08:00Quick updateVery limited wifi but conscious we've not posted for a while and thought some people may be getting worried about us? Hello? Anyone?........<div>Hmm, guess not then...</div><div><br></div><div>Kate chilling out with Mr Rivers who is lovely but looks way too much like Chilli to not be a bit upsetting...</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyscDcAKMquWwEzVbISCcFLInQJ9OqSjBTMTZ9w60YbmEhlqJ1ipr430vRpv-KJgTNXHg2DWFmYuffNGh1TptKgYmWlyJ38h1hAiRxd9a6bIuRVxEENw-AY-c1QC15BwVwugGa6mDTQ1RV/s640/blogger-image--52557430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyscDcAKMquWwEzVbISCcFLInQJ9OqSjBTMTZ9w60YbmEhlqJ1ipr430vRpv-KJgTNXHg2DWFmYuffNGh1TptKgYmWlyJ38h1hAiRxd9a6bIuRVxEENw-AY-c1QC15BwVwugGa6mDTQ1RV/s640/blogger-image--52557430.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>We're currently staying at http://www.hijuela.com/labiosferaretreat.html It ends cold up here in the mountains, jackets and trousers in eve & morn. Lovely scenery though around part of the world. Place we're staying at is a bit weird n whacky but more of that later.</div><div><br></div><div>Before that did a great day trip down Somoto Canyon. No photos of that but you can google image search it if you like...</div><div><br></div><div>Got to go, about to get our </div><div>Mayan Astrological signs read....</div><div>Not quite how I expected it to work but</div><div>Go to www.icandosomething.com/mayancalendar</div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-72275270337925547892016-01-28T16:24:00.001-08:002016-01-28T16:24:48.296-08:00Making it happen<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDQIk2Sj4_GzeFYMGD2IwSG8A3b839ueROmmSaI1WxcUXRmGJfddtMl8x1O7SyoR_zV9hRNsffjJcVxveeJ5S8qam53IkbB8CGKWC3BGBhHfQd94oc0ohI1b8zWaqnHqzijaypPkhoYNK/s640/blogger-image-860258052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDQIk2Sj4_GzeFYMGD2IwSG8A3b839ueROmmSaI1WxcUXRmGJfddtMl8x1O7SyoR_zV9hRNsffjJcVxveeJ5S8qam53IkbB8CGKWC3BGBhHfQd94oc0ohI1b8zWaqnHqzijaypPkhoYNK/s640/blogger-image-860258052.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div>This blog entry is what I consider the most important of all the entries we'll make on this whole trip.<br>Our friends John and Jane who we met whilst motorbiking from UK to Oz (they were motorbiking around the world) have just made major steps towards their next adventure. Major as in buying their vehicle and handing in their notice. Why do I mention this? Because they have inspired me. I know we're 'out there doing it' but once on the road it's easy to forget how hard it is to actually get here. Selling or renting your home, quitting your job, not seeing friends & family, being away from home comforts - it's all hard to actually kick into gear and make happen. But they are doing it. <br>They're not the only people we know who have broken their mould and 'gone for it'. We have other friends that have quit their jobs in Oz and are currently mountain biking in NZ and plan to do the same all over the European mountains this summer. Others have ridden UK to India and are there right now. Many more friends through Facebook & forums are out there now, doing it or have been out in the recent past. All of them made the massive effort to do it and I applaud them.<br><br>Now 'getting out there' doesn't need to be a massive trip to exotic foreign lands. That can be too much or too hard for many especially if kids, uncooperative bosses, unkeen other halves etc are involved. But my message, and I think it's a very important one, is to please follow your dreams to some degree within your parameters. Try to get to your dream or at least get a slice of it. Worst way, at least attempt to sort out the things that aren't 'doing it for you'. <br><br>If you fancy a few days away then go. I'm sure your partner, kids or boss (not necessarily in that order) will survive without you.<br>I've got a colleague who's just quit his good, safe, comfortable job and taken a bit of a gamble on a new position with a different firm. He now has a position that will hopefully allow him to grow and achieve more. Bloody good on him for taking the plunge.<br><br>So, enough waffling, I'm sure you get the point. Whether you desire is to decorate your dog in decoupage, sample a short summer semester shucking shellfish in Shanghai or are moved & motivated by a Masters in Macramé in Margate, stop sitting there reading this and bloody well do something to make it happen cos it sure as well won't happen all by itself will it?<br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-59573384768309698902016-01-27T08:23:00.001-08:002016-01-27T08:24:19.561-08:00Head for the hills!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We'd heard about a nice river canyon to visit near the town of Somoto back up near the border with Honduras (don't worry, a different bit of Honduras from before but we are going back on ourselves a bit). Apparently there are also some lush pockets of rainforest to see as well. Let's go!<br><br>We saddled up and rode out of town, all the way to the bus station! We'd studied a topographical map on the wall of a bar and by cross referencing this with info gleaned from other cyclists blogs learnt that there was a 110km hot, barren plain to cross first. We didn't fancy riding that and certainly weren't going to do it just to keep you lot happy :-)</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>We installed ourselves on the back seat of the bus and got ready for a jolly old ride<br><br>https://vimeo.com/153176244?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=29220<br><br>2 and a half hours later we were still going and the enthusiasm had waned a tad.<br><br>https://vimeo.com/153176209?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=29220<br><br>We did see a smoking volcano though which goes down as a first in my book. That perked us up a bit<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopF-Yovdo1AfbLNeWMKGr8eXq9w6gwWtuvePB8IszFk0RvvXO60S0cyOUsoXVN3GHqsV_PtBwU_HlogzwJUxIDTLMTt-3mp0bj89QvTuj2klXOwhBpdJPuUtrP04mhXbDCeH9CcBlE40q/s640/blogger-image--1515051332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjopF-Yovdo1AfbLNeWMKGr8eXq9w6gwWtuvePB8IszFk0RvvXO60S0cyOUsoXVN3GHqsV_PtBwU_HlogzwJUxIDTLMTt-3mp0bj89QvTuj2klXOwhBpdJPuUtrP04mhXbDCeH9CcBlE40q/s640/blogger-image--1515051332.jpg"></a></div><br>3.5 hours after setting off we finally arrived at the dusty junction town of San Isidro. We now had 30km more to go to reach the town of Esteli, our destination for the day.<br><br>To claw back some meagre credibility Kate encouraged us to ride although I wasn't really feeling much like it. "C'mon, porky pig fatty" she said in a 'text book' encouragement way. "All you've done for 10 days is sit about waffling to people, put some bloody effort in you lazy buggar". Kate, as I'm sure you'll all realise if you know her didn't say a word of the above, she just looked at me with that look and I had a little talk with myself.<br><br>It actually turned out to be a nice ride. 3 hours in total of enough uphills to 'earn' a beer or 2 and enough downhill to remind us that Newton does still love us.<br><br>Funny isn't it? If I had anything more interesting and important to say I could have summarised the above in one sentence, sorry!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjparkcVlfz0hmU4EaNbv9yeIUJZB5nUFfu86Pg0UvEs5rgqijmr_0NBRMXy0_SWICAu-hjlyhggvkH2dkqUQkgUelmZ7jzmmUZOWUU1MqYy8zpiJywwyUVdu7FKnsHDOHwXI9B8zqUFaNt/s640/blogger-image--981185367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjparkcVlfz0hmU4EaNbv9yeIUJZB5nUFfu86Pg0UvEs5rgqijmr_0NBRMXy0_SWICAu-hjlyhggvkH2dkqUQkgUelmZ7jzmmUZOWUU1MqYy8zpiJywwyUVdu7FKnsHDOHwXI9B8zqUFaNt/s640/blogger-image--981185367.jpg"></a></div><br>Oh, the only other thing I can add is that last night at dinner we saw a local bloke tipping salt into his beer. The food here is all very salty and I guess things begin to taste a bit bland without a little dash of sodium chloride. Whilst on the subject, they can't believe that we choose the drink the coffee without sugar....</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">They also seem to choose some pretty odd things to tie their stages to</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1HV5ZuxXxYCnQQMjTtlI_LjxF2YOxq441gBoMoVv-r123_a95REqEmjHiON6EJyvJ3qda7OMGunap1n_Z3Q6gGyupwENtl-cp2xjgWq9PL5VCk2Htu9FskR3qt23VsqFU6MfJFvkO0ZZ/s640/blogger-image--1966341343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib1HV5ZuxXxYCnQQMjTtlI_LjxF2YOxq441gBoMoVv-r123_a95REqEmjHiON6EJyvJ3qda7OMGunap1n_Z3Q6gGyupwENtl-cp2xjgWq9PL5VCk2Htu9FskR3qt23VsqFU6MfJFvkO0ZZ/s640/blogger-image--1966341343.jpg"></a></div><br><br><br><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-61174195772673118182016-01-27T08:22:00.001-08:002016-01-27T08:23:13.254-08:00TitsFor those of you who couldn't read it<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IzJD0h5gstu3kq1pyLxGD2SQb91oG0dD5Q6aGASX9mg1NjU3-VfEUHXqs32ExFB4mGCi_MZWAYV0gvHMxPpWEIawTcoIIO4ZKbGT7CXwlG_veedpI2WQImU-MGZiCX7BNryoh_riATP2/s640/blogger-image-1475675819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IzJD0h5gstu3kq1pyLxGD2SQb91oG0dD5Q6aGASX9mg1NjU3-VfEUHXqs32ExFB4mGCi_MZWAYV0gvHMxPpWEIawTcoIIO4ZKbGT7CXwlG_veedpI2WQImU-MGZiCX7BNryoh_riATP2/s640/blogger-image-1475675819.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb8kPpBWk4Tf2vqKDbK55F-YOTfOMYRc-5rMSiOdRoM9baiMwRkXRRQlQv-hbB9_f2PxcNGZa4XYbeJhGc90eU0zSkHcuVS4H25i95lj_fhrPmcRsszeUBebEvOH42TSMDyU8cr3PNJ5m/s640/blogger-image--1206954531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBb8kPpBWk4Tf2vqKDbK55F-YOTfOMYRc-5rMSiOdRoM9baiMwRkXRRQlQv-hbB9_f2PxcNGZa4XYbeJhGc90eU0zSkHcuVS4H25i95lj_fhrPmcRsszeUBebEvOH42TSMDyU8cr3PNJ5m/s640/blogger-image--1206954531.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-40110263417156648352016-01-24T19:36:00.001-08:002016-01-25T17:32:08.181-08:00Vive la Revolution!<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ok, just before I get started waffling on about Leon I wanted to do a quick 'status update' and hopefully set the record straight about one thing - travelling in Central American and the associated security issues. If you've heard or read negative things then I suggest you buy a packet of these snacks I saw in a supermarket<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57Gdd3iBXQJABKGoEvPH6J0zYgrEjP4fgG8o4CyOnWOkw-khR23fUiIlP5tUElTAvmjg7E71Gom3rwXf9wd7zTq_qWACrA-VLFLdQv5IgD4lSfNXYhicA8TnxEqXhMQPZhtBZxIHBpYnp/s640/blogger-image-484950001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57Gdd3iBXQJABKGoEvPH6J0zYgrEjP4fgG8o4CyOnWOkw-khR23fUiIlP5tUElTAvmjg7E71Gom3rwXf9wd7zTq_qWACrA-VLFLdQv5IgD4lSfNXYhicA8TnxEqXhMQPZhtBZxIHBpYnp/s640/blogger-image-484950001.jpg"></a></div><br>We've now 'done' (I hate that term) should I say briefly travelled through and seen some of 4 of the Central American 'Bad Boy' countries with not such as a peek from any bandido's, pickpockets, scoundrels or thieves. Everywhere has felt so friendly and safe. No one we've spoken to (not even the single ladies) have had any hassle. We've met one German bloke (who was pretty weird anyway) who seemed to be super paranoid about security (still doing it though) but apart from him, no one has really even mentioned it except to say how surprised they were that it was all good. <br><br>The second thing (that I don't feel so happy to talk about) is this 'mighty' 1000 km we've managed to ride. Whilst sitting on my skinny white arse on that air con bus the other day I worked out that if we'd not come here at all but had actually ridden to work 5 days a week for 6 weeks that we'd have covered 750km. Ok, it's not quite the same (I have to say I've never ever had to stop half way up the Old Kent Road to sit with my head on my handlebars and wait whilst my lungs try to burst out of my rib cage) but I'm sure you'll understand what I'm getting at. Maybe we should cut back on those 'guilt free' ice creams & cakes or we may actually come back porkier than when we left!<br><br>So, finally, what's the city of Leon like? It's nice. Nice? Is that it, my only description? Pathetic!<br><br>Whilst deciding where to go out one night we consulted 'The Oracle' otherwise known as the Lonely Planet. Which one d'you think we headed to?!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uFUN6q_xdbJWPs1tki_ilSshOXcspCXm3OtGdN4M6zAzJDX2pXJS-mV2SlwxM9QSE4chXqw6MdyE5CuKrnE738PnUieLYmNgtTQL0mLZaObyk0b3s5eIXZz9CSIn7PeyPagrMc6q6jSU/s640/blogger-image-1522194008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6uFUN6q_xdbJWPs1tki_ilSshOXcspCXm3OtGdN4M6zAzJDX2pXJS-mV2SlwxM9QSE4chXqw6MdyE5CuKrnE738PnUieLYmNgtTQL0mLZaObyk0b3s5eIXZz9CSIn7PeyPagrMc6q6jSU/s640/blogger-image-1522194008.jpg"></a></div><br>In typical LP style though, the oldies bar was popular with no one and the night club looked as if it had closed down... <br><br>One thing it did come up trumps with though was somewhere to eat. Yes, yet another BBQ street stall cafe. This one is a bit different though. Here there are loads of tasty items to choose from. Once you've struggled to work out what they all are or might be, you wait for them to be cooked and served. The strange bit is when you come to pay after you've eaten. The boss'll ask the ladies who served you what we had, they'll look over blankly at us (how would they ever remember, they've served another 20 people in that time?) so it's down to you to not only remember what you had but also how to say it in Spanish so they can tot it up. For those of you reading this who are old enough to remember it, it's like a scene from the Generation Game but unfortunately there's no Teas Made or cuddly toys involved, just the added confusion of whether you want to pay in dollars or local Cordobas or even a combo of both. Phewy!</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJCxBUU9SDLHeNaX7jpYHgZhjSoSc-oGMSidX8NaCvL9ZlGh8v3syOOU7K2FUE8As60peiMw-Xzh1C4i7ct0IvIP91Y-m4DCW3ANQC0d2B_HmwWafP5JCSlwaVvjgbXSWS5ErY3DOEefF/s640/blogger-image--1424167988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDJCxBUU9SDLHeNaX7jpYHgZhjSoSc-oGMSidX8NaCvL9ZlGh8v3syOOU7K2FUE8As60peiMw-Xzh1C4i7ct0IvIP91Y-m4DCW3ANQC0d2B_HmwWafP5JCSlwaVvjgbXSWS5ErY3DOEefF/s640/blogger-image--1424167988.jpg"></a></div><br>Anyway... Back to Leon.... This place has had more revolutions than Lance Armstrong pedalling up a volcano in granny gear. It used to be the capital and has been fought in, over, round and about for centuries. It certainly has some energy, soul and atmosphere. There are plenty of western travellers here but it's still a country town going about its business. There are some pretty nice old crumbling buildings and plenty of museums and street art to remind you of its troubled past<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGGKN4bTPs3un7WXxJ5yw_6G6CRAQglPMdYPLXLMgv8AUhjxlxWfksLxFI32AFZA5wO1OSo1joQDYC3CxIhtZXGSEvUmFgWUgnveiSqGzHVMhr2KGhRCHTP3AjhQFEAsIpP-vZpRLOuHi/s640/blogger-image--341820408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGGKN4bTPs3un7WXxJ5yw_6G6CRAQglPMdYPLXLMgv8AUhjxlxWfksLxFI32AFZA5wO1OSo1joQDYC3CxIhtZXGSEvUmFgWUgnveiSqGzHVMhr2KGhRCHTP3AjhQFEAsIpP-vZpRLOuHi/s640/blogger-image--341820408.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM6WYSKbDxB5SH00Z6ST9Gt3F93Z3Ga8wkfLRxxT1Bz0snKpYwl1de_9O2bxxgH7lJiYlB5sRPAeG1vgZL1r4g7uEvgZgQHrJ2IaE2fmCX_2RCjnZYqz5XEZpLrrY3BlmtsRN8gs3glLf/s640/blogger-image-1446621969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZM6WYSKbDxB5SH00Z6ST9Gt3F93Z3Ga8wkfLRxxT1Bz0snKpYwl1de_9O2bxxgH7lJiYlB5sRPAeG1vgZL1r4g7uEvgZgQHrJ2IaE2fmCX_2RCjnZYqz5XEZpLrrY3BlmtsRN8gs3glLf/s640/blogger-image-1446621969.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RnRwIkMZg8X2dIRDXUpGHG4SRdezY3xOVeLHXcuO_q0mmOaIVUwrcKouiNZR0NXWeVy09GnyHPIY0Qlovc-zd0v0sbwB4KN8gqM0tfc0cIxjKCc12VCXl01FLQSQ-MPcgNq9DAhmXvyT/s640/blogger-image--644570752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5RnRwIkMZg8X2dIRDXUpGHG4SRdezY3xOVeLHXcuO_q0mmOaIVUwrcKouiNZR0NXWeVy09GnyHPIY0Qlovc-zd0v0sbwB4KN8gqM0tfc0cIxjKCc12VCXl01FLQSQ-MPcgNq9DAhmXvyT/s640/blogger-image--644570752.jpg"></a></div><br>This statue in the main square is here to poke fun at the Spanish invaders. Apparently the Spanish women were seen as super tall and it would appear that other parts of them also 'stood out' to the indigenous people!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBzsNNmP_E8BJa5cQa37dyYzN6CKE9pT8vstJQ45rE4Tj2iG6JBXB6qk-mK-XF891g0zOXf847NHSTd-P065fJe3DTpIonL6BDkOBvyrhLIHO_Ao52iYcDMpKlVNvGXl-X3cCeFLpafco/s640/blogger-image-114357999.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBzsNNmP_E8BJa5cQa37dyYzN6CKE9pT8vstJQ45rE4Tj2iG6JBXB6qk-mK-XF891g0zOXf847NHSTd-P065fJe3DTpIonL6BDkOBvyrhLIHO_Ao52iYcDMpKlVNvGXl-X3cCeFLpafco/s640/blogger-image-114357999.jpg"></a></div><br>Whilst on that subject, we visited a museum of 'Legend & Tradition'. Check this little lady out<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5_GR4yK8bs9-uQWjgmVeYEZfzm9JjogW12aV5wtsf3_cCREu6Ig0BjVdDsSj-Aei0JU_7lz8MmN3MiBrJ17RuCvSJ1miXD7tCSeGi_g1MHhFCM0kDZ5dKZlK8UYRvIumUNVlQmz4FGKQ/s640/blogger-image--2097258596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ5_GR4yK8bs9-uQWjgmVeYEZfzm9JjogW12aV5wtsf3_cCREu6Ig0BjVdDsSj-Aei0JU_7lz8MmN3MiBrJ17RuCvSJ1miXD7tCSeGi_g1MHhFCM0kDZ5dKZlK8UYRvIumUNVlQmz4FGKQ/s640/blogger-image--2097258596.jpg"></a></div>And the apparent explanation</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8Q-hWNq1W-ElUTF09QNpBe2hbgyL94YOnGGKjnzZK1bu81ogaB0mphi3J0bPfC4KzXK60Cbj1bmt6pI62wWWg1_bTKyLgxaQkR2EXvHsZut2uV2c3WMSQPurkCO-pvfe7EAK6HhF9ede/s640/blogger-image--1469630903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8Q-hWNq1W-ElUTF09QNpBe2hbgyL94YOnGGKjnzZK1bu81ogaB0mphi3J0bPfC4KzXK60Cbj1bmt6pI62wWWg1_bTKyLgxaQkR2EXvHsZut2uV2c3WMSQPurkCO-pvfe7EAK6HhF9ede/s640/blogger-image--1469630903.jpg"></a></div><br>Some of the other exhibits were a bit more macabre <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0sjOF1bXi7Srzq4v_5zGpWRQdauhANOxrPN31XmQcsGIUBxnYqvBoJtPq0XRax0o4feB-JyKd2xskqTpJRBAxW-npx3s-G4PxBYtskOw7gpMgnd2ZTS6sY1VLsgH930WuDYDc-JotFl5/s640/blogger-image-1971496530.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0sjOF1bXi7Srzq4v_5zGpWRQdauhANOxrPN31XmQcsGIUBxnYqvBoJtPq0XRax0o4feB-JyKd2xskqTpJRBAxW-npx3s-G4PxBYtskOw7gpMgnd2ZTS6sY1VLsgH930WuDYDc-JotFl5/s640/blogger-image-1971496530.jpg"></a></div><br>There was also some information on the various barbaric torture & suffering caused by the various dictators and marauders that have put their mark on the place over the centuries. This actual tank featured in a great b&w photo from 1979 in which it was cruising down Leon high street followed by a bunch of high waister, flared Jean wearing Che Guevara lookalikes.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VWEJ6KbvUQQIEkTrJGWHQxMzzc-msow35QNwiHU13xR__sDVFWYqFx2zIyc6dmZd5GmlYaNtrb_9UsijskHbl6piPQ2XaFRiJI3vi9X7-ffJuAiwI8x_KFZGbnf7s2a1yNbPJcnw57MG/s640/blogger-image--995208324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VWEJ6KbvUQQIEkTrJGWHQxMzzc-msow35QNwiHU13xR__sDVFWYqFx2zIyc6dmZd5GmlYaNtrb_9UsijskHbl6piPQ2XaFRiJI3vi9X7-ffJuAiwI8x_KFZGbnf7s2a1yNbPJcnw57MG/s640/blogger-image--995208324.jpg"></a></div><br>Now what with all this revolution stuff, I've got inspired and am thinking of going for a new look. What d'you reckon?<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s0Yb2U9FHAhUwMEZ0XRWGQYgyHWziFSns1FC4dvo-qNv7FSvIwipetswZYDYLxzSah9u5XnWLo-89LjVM_SQuuQ-H-FhV16QSUHXoLuS9npN8ZPleMuGrdP4iwaZvrO2Ui6RmsfNgmnk/s640/blogger-image-284382945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1s0Yb2U9FHAhUwMEZ0XRWGQYgyHWziFSns1FC4dvo-qNv7FSvIwipetswZYDYLxzSah9u5XnWLo-89LjVM_SQuuQ-H-FhV16QSUHXoLuS9npN8ZPleMuGrdP4iwaZvrO2Ui6RmsfNgmnk/s640/blogger-image-284382945.jpg"></a></div><br>And while we're on the subject of doing things differently, how cool is this? It's a hand wound mechanical orange peeler! </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yqq8iSKjVhyVqJn_NUQpLR75vtG9Dmkk5w7kpqHq-Ybht5U2Uplq6peWzpDxxphSuXAPMLGhpt1ykxOX6O3u4wM_KufZRpa_4HLsnv6qeVeGc2nr9jYsqSjNHeuI78U_svRp1U20sof9/s640/blogger-image-520431932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Yqq8iSKjVhyVqJn_NUQpLR75vtG9Dmkk5w7kpqHq-Ybht5U2Uplq6peWzpDxxphSuXAPMLGhpt1ykxOX6O3u4wM_KufZRpa_4HLsnv6qeVeGc2nr9jYsqSjNHeuI78U_svRp1U20sof9/s640/blogger-image-520431932.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As per the photo, the peel comes off in 1 continuous strand. If we had more space and it weighed less I'd have to have it. This is defo something you can't get on eBay...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">It was good to see that Steptoe & Son are still live n kicking over here<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXz-HoEAig9LickhbpXw50Ds6qNevkOmGFwyWO6cgn7JcYT38WIYzGtojIYYHLd0j0XrIFRKoMPXHA_3DsFjKMVtuGbtQJRnSODbP6np6bF4XqTicbeFGITjfif6ATLR29Ckdyp4QQs_-/s640/blogger-image--220959749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifXz-HoEAig9LickhbpXw50Ds6qNevkOmGFwyWO6cgn7JcYT38WIYzGtojIYYHLd0j0XrIFRKoMPXHA_3DsFjKMVtuGbtQJRnSODbP6np6bF4XqTicbeFGITjfif6ATLR29Ckdyp4QQs_-/s640/blogger-image--220959749.jpg"></a></div></span></font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Getting arty on a rooftop tour of the cathedral</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C6Ltk179iEHmHaRM40s4EkOTnBo4hKS_h9Jy1-jv-U0KHK3GaUtqQT5aQP-nqkwPUPuJ4R1NqrFo3-LHkOFQ10E5MDlGwYGNCit2sU45mS0clkR1Vkrq8z7wUw-qEkTaDGyy5GMfF93B/s640/blogger-image-2050236956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C6Ltk179iEHmHaRM40s4EkOTnBo4hKS_h9Jy1-jv-U0KHK3GaUtqQT5aQP-nqkwPUPuJ4R1NqrFo3-LHkOFQ10E5MDlGwYGNCit2sU45mS0clkR1Vkrq8z7wUw-qEkTaDGyy5GMfF93B/s640/blogger-image-2050236956.jpg"></a></div><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHaadmnBcP7X8e3jlIde0GMjpZZ62FeCwhVHQZknYDUKvXFXbsJMC9NBvSVuJLixkJGY_mcB2izikaf-7H-bFdTK_rT_2q3LCwrr7rOXAXzUFPTRken7uAtjz7a4HbKYNcB3J2msheJdU/s640/blogger-image-1466670997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHaadmnBcP7X8e3jlIde0GMjpZZ62FeCwhVHQZknYDUKvXFXbsJMC9NBvSVuJLixkJGY_mcB2izikaf-7H-bFdTK_rT_2q3LCwrr7rOXAXzUFPTRken7uAtjz7a4HbKYNcB3J2msheJdU/s640/blogger-image-1466670997.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gotta luv a church n Volcan combo</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQGSTUEcmml7sz_tGWvJxJyVtKReCvgAZj3jTajUl6fNoDvLymCP_HW-WfpZVe_6qsucIYU3lOCRSAX5-zIx3wS1Ni3B5zFQxUow_7tXi12bJ8KR8QMebwvf1MwieCCx0ba6pg-aFsj7/s640/blogger-image--108128385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCNQGSTUEcmml7sz_tGWvJxJyVtKReCvgAZj3jTajUl6fNoDvLymCP_HW-WfpZVe_6qsucIYU3lOCRSAX5-zIx3wS1Ni3B5zFQxUow_7tXi12bJ8KR8QMebwvf1MwieCCx0ba6pg-aFsj7/s640/blogger-image--108128385.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Complicated confessions were around the corner in the second booth....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHKnSRuYBbkXWaRlBNiS-uvGooV0QKg8H01QMyl5hakhqs83OdDlxN-7t6pk5raY2NNAdE8pkf-Ih1NBVOwILmehhx-VChfQrf5E9IsvD0f7mtey_ZG4m2Pa4F9jrcxyBiAXf8d7o6aGe/s640/blogger-image-938745400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHKnSRuYBbkXWaRlBNiS-uvGooV0QKg8H01QMyl5hakhqs83OdDlxN-7t6pk5raY2NNAdE8pkf-Ih1NBVOwILmehhx-VChfQrf5E9IsvD0f7mtey_ZG4m2Pa4F9jrcxyBiAXf8d7o6aGe/s640/blogger-image-938745400.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Something for the weekend sir?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjWmpQGHWOTB0PEXTZtRw6V4RLNpmyENi8hmWzQ1mfx5bxjqT9bRNdT9TJy2Gj2NsPdo5wM3pUBseFArJJm53Fr4yrd_7Lk2fqJieEwAiEg2sRUqGr0K-YDkdPgtlAp81x9CEeYJCvjS4/s640/blogger-image-1462000482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTjWmpQGHWOTB0PEXTZtRw6V4RLNpmyENi8hmWzQ1mfx5bxjqT9bRNdT9TJy2Gj2NsPdo5wM3pUBseFArJJm53Fr4yrd_7Lk2fqJieEwAiEg2sRUqGr0K-YDkdPgtlAp81x9CEeYJCvjS4/s640/blogger-image-1462000482.jpg"></a></div><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't worry, we're off again tomorrow and will hopefully have a bit more to talk about. Seem to be doing a lot of sitting around for a cycling trip.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh no, she's doing it again....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBpRcHUi17Yz4efwH9jtxlE9LKfDFpavPV7vU8VGjTr_m3Cag2pRgF7jmtZRi77HrDBEd7yzsx20gGUhLmkgKscJuKMVrzmlC_UNGxExuiNjHl25y_j-T3i0k2jVIoXDoQNzGi-ncT-c1/s640/blogger-image-1139419929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBpRcHUi17Yz4efwH9jtxlE9LKfDFpavPV7vU8VGjTr_m3Cag2pRgF7jmtZRi77HrDBEd7yzsx20gGUhLmkgKscJuKMVrzmlC_UNGxExuiNjHl25y_j-T3i0k2jVIoXDoQNzGi-ncT-c1/s640/blogger-image-1139419929.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-66441626068314017622016-01-23T19:34:00.001-08:002016-01-23T20:19:50.965-08:00Ahh, feeling much better...<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our 4 days at Tortuga Verde were lovely and just what we needed. By the time we left my guts felt normal, my brain felt normal (?) and my energy was back to its usual (I think I can just about be arsed to do that) level.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Why was it so nice there? It was the little things that made the difference - Comfy bed with nice sheets, nice soap, a shower that squirted the water where you wanted it and not all over the whole bathroom floor, nice towels... I could go on.... I think I will.... Lots of places to hang clothes (and said towels), a shaded room that didn't get too light as the 5.30 sun came up, no barking dogs, no roosters, a bed side light, clean nicely decorated room, nice healthy food, great atmosphere, OK, Ok, you get the picture I'm sure.<br><br>We basically did nothing for our whole time there. This photo'll give you the daily rundown<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap6K08jktTMj1ADa-rbdC6FF1dM3i5HuomDb9txsNt5EbQdtNWPgfHf6PiAjqw9jt7RHiryLO3q31TXGJS34QoMJi2xJ7HGs_WNjXxAJIU9zeAQPm2ukiQab10VulrVChWhq63AmZULrr/s640/blogger-image-2022467697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgap6K08jktTMj1ADa-rbdC6FF1dM3i5HuomDb9txsNt5EbQdtNWPgfHf6PiAjqw9jt7RHiryLO3q31TXGJS34QoMJi2xJ7HGs_WNjXxAJIU9zeAQPm2ukiQab10VulrVChWhq63AmZULrr/s640/blogger-image-2022467697.jpg"></a></div><br>The only thing missing from the list was releasing baby turtles. Now this isn't a euphemism for anything and thankfully has nothing to do with 'dropping the kids off at the pool'. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>The baby turtles come from egg sellers who dig up the eggs to then sell them to restaurants or in this case, the kind owner of the hostel. I'm sure his heart is in the right place but also sure that the whole thing is a marketing ploy....<br>It wasn't quite the emotional 'Attenboroughesque' experience you might wish for. Basically the little critters were carried to the beach in a big washing up bowl and then lifted out by excited backpackers who then giggled and "ahh'd & ooh'd" as 'their' one waddled its way towards to surf, only to get knocked back and washed back up the beach by the waves. One American girl was giving her one a serious motivational speech that was quite hilarious to listen to. We watched this on 2 days (told you there wasn't much else to do) and a total of about 40 turtles made it into the sea. Apparently in the end only about 1 in 100 make it to adulthood, I don't suppose the trawler fishing boats on the horizon helped with the breeding programme....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgVuGRqoioE_PZ5Wzn8F_f-qbWsfZaqdBrn1Pwivi0dM2EaX3av2wXqv1CgJcZ8k3nInV8v3WwcXKTlOlMYdUDPB1E3CwesUTAFz4wQli1khKqs5nI1uX58Zrq1MhOT_oVJDpVTTv9c5t/s640/blogger-image-222864799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgVuGRqoioE_PZ5Wzn8F_f-qbWsfZaqdBrn1Pwivi0dM2EaX3av2wXqv1CgJcZ8k3nInV8v3WwcXKTlOlMYdUDPB1E3CwesUTAFz4wQli1khKqs5nI1uX58Zrq1MhOT_oVJDpVTTv9c5t/s640/blogger-image-222864799.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneM1-rH0oc_6hik6PjM71ZKbnUJ7GADg8A4mlX-kylBhbcweKnwnEMM1uEZ8fXzlPjxD6oADtphW0BaRQqLcPiSE1xGFkf1oeDTXzFTPglxLASqV_XyArUpocPIOsG1ygEyXyipFERIHM/s640/blogger-image--1107570700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhneM1-rH0oc_6hik6PjM71ZKbnUJ7GADg8A4mlX-kylBhbcweKnwnEMM1uEZ8fXzlPjxD6oADtphW0BaRQqLcPiSE1xGFkf1oeDTXzFTPglxLASqV_XyArUpocPIOsG1ygEyXyipFERIHM/s640/blogger-image--1107570700.jpg"></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B0MtOlZMwSQ_CQGu9limNn58zy6R4XA8sBjisQrJa2J7q0Mg3_n-ZpIZ9w3hKWSdCPaow9z7BCnOlGWWte1iuhIAPT-aMnRfjAws_NnDwouOqd_ZdWuq_4e11i672fJKAxkFF3BVbKvR/s640/blogger-image-1662743631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B0MtOlZMwSQ_CQGu9limNn58zy6R4XA8sBjisQrJa2J7q0Mg3_n-ZpIZ9w3hKWSdCPaow9z7BCnOlGWWte1iuhIAPT-aMnRfjAws_NnDwouOqd_ZdWuq_4e11i672fJKAxkFF3BVbKvR/s640/blogger-image-1662743631.jpg"></a></div><br>Another lasting memory of Tortuga Verde was Lewis, our Aussie yoga instructor. What a great guy! He brought yoga down to a really 'normal' and accessible level. Sometimes (although I am far From being an expert in the subject) yoga is either so 'out there' or so far up its arse that I just can't get into it. Maybe it was the sound of the waves or the swaying palm trees or maybe it was the ever smiling Lewis I'm not sure but I can definitely say that it was the closest thing to a 'shakra balancing' I've ever had. I also loved the way he said "Bueno" in his broad Aussie accent but I don't think they usually teach that bit at yoga school.... <br><br>So why did we leave? I can hear you all asking, totally enthralled and on the edge of your seats. Well, we'd heard that at the weekend the place got pretty busy with locals doing day trips or a quick weekend away. The atmosphere had been so calm and nice and we knew that our experience was about to change so decided to move on. I'm not sure now it was the right thing to do but hey, it's done so there :-(. Here's a few photos of the place before we finally 'let it go'</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Ice cream sellers on the beach</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5kYRditeSHYDH22sin1-BXpw23K3xSU2LMDIKFcy8bQJ67U9M21Z8dLC7_p9R-c3qZi77_X65IdAwN9R-we5Yih0b0DQ-pIoPqp-_YHSG7URaqu6P5D9vP-Y0VbIX_XVF79H7iSDYxES/s640/blogger-image--796006291.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5kYRditeSHYDH22sin1-BXpw23K3xSU2LMDIKFcy8bQJ67U9M21Z8dLC7_p9R-c3qZi77_X65IdAwN9R-we5Yih0b0DQ-pIoPqp-_YHSG7URaqu6P5D9vP-Y0VbIX_XVF79H7iSDYxES/s640/blogger-image--796006291.jpg"></a></div><br>Another sunset</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx609gXUSZLBPkQtEL_dSgKwn1-72bbOGh8QA-1QAzy1CF8w9GjWTPqQnGDqFOuc9Ql4-StsChcrcbWsYTvv_S3E4YaGeHvYY9aOrIpNFM088YP7wEXw2XkQn0DHVPTO4BvlxmMlpQQ7z/s640/blogger-image--591694690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrx609gXUSZLBPkQtEL_dSgKwn1-72bbOGh8QA-1QAzy1CF8w9GjWTPqQnGDqFOuc9Ql4-StsChcrcbWsYTvv_S3E4YaGeHvYY9aOrIpNFM088YP7wEXw2XkQn0DHVPTO4BvlxmMlpQQ7z/s640/blogger-image--591694690.jpg"></a></div><br>Kate realising her dream</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCUW_wVhhZ8mm5rlDIC-WkgR64g1qxK1u86TGRufohcCy1qXCk62eWZ7s4LvmhkFyCE_1rgI-KdZNDsqC9C12M4BIEu5-Smtah8CxA40I3xyVnoGg3E3S_gFmFhyhq2N0aaANVdPuhnHS/s640/blogger-image--285761101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDCUW_wVhhZ8mm5rlDIC-WkgR64g1qxK1u86TGRufohcCy1qXCk62eWZ7s4LvmhkFyCE_1rgI-KdZNDsqC9C12M4BIEu5-Smtah8CxA40I3xyVnoGg3E3S_gFmFhyhq2N0aaANVdPuhnHS/s640/blogger-image--285761101.jpg"></a></div><br>Kate doing her best Reggie Perrin impression</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFhLhCUhS4sZFY23z-gW2f9Z3569hHCesZe2wrGUjhhVQGm9ZpqvLZuQFbXBu2gYevAb52xQWGDV0y9BiUPL_5Hwe0hrlCSANGZWC4pQmGADT2me84P_ElUZFA8fky6j5oaROtpZ0Y2-g/s640/blogger-image-1264029239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNFhLhCUhS4sZFY23z-gW2f9Z3569hHCesZe2wrGUjhhVQGm9ZpqvLZuQFbXBu2gYevAb52xQWGDV0y9BiUPL_5Hwe0hrlCSANGZWC4pQmGADT2me84P_ElUZFA8fky6j5oaROtpZ0Y2-g/s640/blogger-image-1264029239.jpg"></a></div><br>Sratchy, everyone's fave dog</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJg9eDcgdI_3M7tCKseiRIaxkWQ-c4KivQl8w1YqDOTKmYeNgRpY3Bt73quANGK9rduh3-KvBpOmffa3REr5F8NCnh2sMWIJpdB3BkU5_nkOSFk-uVxzBHncPztewZFi3nfkjYvanZhr_/s640/blogger-image--1673178438.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJg9eDcgdI_3M7tCKseiRIaxkWQ-c4KivQl8w1YqDOTKmYeNgRpY3Bt73quANGK9rduh3-KvBpOmffa3REr5F8NCnh2sMWIJpdB3BkU5_nkOSFk-uVxzBHncPztewZFi3nfkjYvanZhr_/s640/blogger-image--1673178438.jpg"></a></div><br>So, where next and how? There wasn't much left of eastern El Salvador to see, then there was another bit of Honduras to get through and then Nicaragua. It's ok, don't feel ashamed or confused, I also thought Nicaragua was an African country as well.... It's not, it's a Central American country and it was a 4 day, long, hot ride away on the busy Pan American highway. Or was it????? The tourist minivans drove back n forth crammed with sleeping backpackers but they wouldn't m take the bikes. Not all was lost though, apparently there was a boat....<br><br>The next morning at 7am after a sunrise snack<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn6StlUyhxXFdn9u_GwsB3N5jysyC8ckC1OzzZvIbKkJNI8MNazBBeQuV68eO60s_ez0X7nbDOS_do7MuI15XCxZocCsTaOTbb-76wFL7WDK0AYyqNZciLwUVCWY4mEUVVEeOTd7K-caD/s640/blogger-image--1457285025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn6StlUyhxXFdn9u_GwsB3N5jysyC8ckC1OzzZvIbKkJNI8MNazBBeQuV68eO60s_ez0X7nbDOS_do7MuI15XCxZocCsTaOTbb-76wFL7WDK0AYyqNZciLwUVCWY4mEUVVEeOTd7K-caD/s640/blogger-image--1457285025.jpg"></a></div><br>we were off and on our way in a pick up truck to the port of La Union. As we ate our second breakfast (in an hour) of Pupusas with our driver, a guy, apparently the captain of the boat turned up. He asked for our passports and wandered off with them, mumbling something about immigration. Ok, I guess he's legit we both thought secretly to ourselves but not actually saying anything. Our driver then promptly left, leaving us $170 down (we'd paid upfront of course) and passport less. We did still have some yummy Pupusas though... After a while, El Capitano thankfully reappeared and gestured our departure. He pointed for us to wheel the bikes to the end of the pier and he'd go and get the boat, or so we thought as he'd pointed down the street along the seafront and said something about "agua". The trusting souls that we are we pottered off, only slightly concerned about the whole 'looseness' of the proceedings. Have faith though thee naysayers out there for a few minutes later he reappeared carrying a load of drinking water and then helped us past a second immigration check on the pier itself.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNr54AjPjPzjmmSoNqLCZYkVj7HtyXq1vMDUXN6P-mK-nSK0gverfJdghzORo6UH9bOViDtx2g_rCNXSa0Qm9Vsr3cqcMvBPMaDzenk69NDFNpmuexWcndNI7PU1Q98VDVIYKX7x88KIk/s640/blogger-image-943118524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNr54AjPjPzjmmSoNqLCZYkVj7HtyXq1vMDUXN6P-mK-nSK0gverfJdghzORo6UH9bOViDtx2g_rCNXSa0Qm9Vsr3cqcMvBPMaDzenk69NDFNpmuexWcndNI7PU1Q98VDVIYKX7x88KIk/s640/blogger-image-943118524.jpg"></a></div><br>After a few minutes and our last look at El Salvador, the boat turned up and we were off<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9J7v52iZyuoszR9tLLHTd6gu5i_DzzulHTmmhJdAXaa9D5-wI_Ed9PSIGJCPyU4ZV6nEugKmzqF8NYj_QIRxxDvlb9f4T85djDMmlxAqx_OgOmnDl7KPfEV_PekivcvcY_I1LmVCLX6W/s640/blogger-image--1707798241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9J7v52iZyuoszR9tLLHTd6gu5i_DzzulHTmmhJdAXaa9D5-wI_Ed9PSIGJCPyU4ZV6nEugKmzqF8NYj_QIRxxDvlb9f4T85djDMmlxAqx_OgOmnDl7KPfEV_PekivcvcY_I1LmVCLX6W/s640/blogger-image--1707798241.jpg"></a></div><br>Not such a backward country, you don't see many of these in UK do you?<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOuBNUXCVH1OfAbJcI9AyoGieZgWKw7m6M062g3Yjip6nWNjhDnWONecEyLeCXXJU1t0zm8LQXpsmX_xDeq3VhyphenhyphenL8xJhr9ULFmI8F2PToxxIgBOy7cw5rDEJvXS_qAc7UsYJetmChp_P8/s640/blogger-image-741326464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOuBNUXCVH1OfAbJcI9AyoGieZgWKw7m6M062g3Yjip6nWNjhDnWONecEyLeCXXJU1t0zm8LQXpsmX_xDeq3VhyphenhyphenL8xJhr9ULFmI8F2PToxxIgBOy7cw5rDEJvXS_qAc7UsYJetmChp_P8/s640/blogger-image-741326464.jpg"></a></div><br>The bikes languished on the poop deck as we bobbed our way across the bay. It was a pleasant 1.5 hour ride, well it's not everyday you get to travel between Central American counties past volcanic islands on a speedboat is it?<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hqDJ8qV_YJKDU49b9JRR2LdGgDsqsBx4ml7roPpMgiutNHiUmiP5MI9-N7zGVGJqWmvN4FovPXdyOe1g2U2YAxq9xHzDAfxW8bTzb0naM9jUjjMzOWPkfvUw2Fcup0tT7JvskgISMLWW/s640/blogger-image-963133480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4hqDJ8qV_YJKDU49b9JRR2LdGgDsqsBx4ml7roPpMgiutNHiUmiP5MI9-N7zGVGJqWmvN4FovPXdyOe1g2U2YAxq9xHzDAfxW8bTzb0naM9jUjjMzOWPkfvUw2Fcup0tT7JvskgISMLWW/s640/blogger-image-963133480.jpg"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnjecHwVaGP_sJ_BjEYfcU5Lg3tF_piKHNPUotXb0A-1Ob5KXVgE7ESxQ93VBwDUSF7ttmYFa45QIb4egxxELZkMoLPInpf751J55rHnQu6Vl0XoOaA9OZc7qH_IP3Q3EmuhL9vV8Tsi3/s640/blogger-image-1036926242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnjecHwVaGP_sJ_BjEYfcU5Lg3tF_piKHNPUotXb0A-1Ob5KXVgE7ESxQ93VBwDUSF7ttmYFa45QIb4egxxELZkMoLPInpf751J55rHnQu6Vl0XoOaA9OZc7qH_IP3Q3EmuhL9vV8Tsi3/s640/blogger-image-1036926242.jpg"></a></div><br>Now I have to say that I was expecting a little more of our landing point of Potosi - an international seaport it was not.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NjXcX6zEPrEvCaWL507hxq2PxhBz0FXOuiwT1XqHx-4KUud5ThLeNEh66clcYEkMlVkuLQRbJeuBTtKt6FOK_YWVjdgbWs5LOO_v9c22zfKKJ1WQMf5KLG41Zug0oxrQeM-RWLbBh-NP/s640/blogger-image-1242272660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6NjXcX6zEPrEvCaWL507hxq2PxhBz0FXOuiwT1XqHx-4KUud5ThLeNEh66clcYEkMlVkuLQRbJeuBTtKt6FOK_YWVjdgbWs5LOO_v9c22zfKKJ1WQMf5KLG41Zug0oxrQeM-RWLbBh-NP/s640/blogger-image-1242272660.jpg"></a></div><br>El Capitano beached the boat and I immediately got on with the arduous task of taking photos whilst the boat guys unloaded the bikes and bags!<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pY0T5QgVbn7R8Dtf1L3CMP6MwMV4aZTDkR9r5lNOlUNHC4B7eglbjXtuYlubt52g8yY_LpeZr3KLKwzCsKKA9APQSO3qpFJDMeNkZ5AQ_I8KTU3uxrR0y4xSglPXYaCeF7r0mSwQKR-k/s640/blogger-image--1085300485.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pY0T5QgVbn7R8Dtf1L3CMP6MwMV4aZTDkR9r5lNOlUNHC4B7eglbjXtuYlubt52g8yY_LpeZr3KLKwzCsKKA9APQSO3qpFJDMeNkZ5AQ_I8KTU3uxrR0y4xSglPXYaCeF7r0mSwQKR-k/s640/blogger-image--1085300485.jpg"></a></div><br>Then after a surprisingly thorough immigration & customs check (no rubber gloves, just forms to fill in) we were off into the throb of the metropolis,<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pQsP620vo9liXHY1hlivfoD_kWczDX18pGVbhimoWL1pidfjCTtDOZIdQ5xe-LSQBg4a_vKKKABqthQ39b5vJK1NfrZvT9pZw_FYKHtiWQZAzZd1Ib2s5ZV1h3X4m6Rm2eWKSBnslxJd/s640/blogger-image--81444707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0pQsP620vo9liXHY1hlivfoD_kWczDX18pGVbhimoWL1pidfjCTtDOZIdQ5xe-LSQBg4a_vKKKABqthQ39b5vJK1NfrZvT9pZw_FYKHtiWQZAzZd1Ib2s5ZV1h3X4m6Rm2eWKSBnslxJd/s640/blogger-image--81444707.jpg"></a></div><br>We hoped to catch a bus from here as we already knew there was no accommodation we could reach that day. It was approaching noon by now and hot. We gorged ourselves on plain bread rolls with crisps and a fresh tomato (living the dream) and waited for the local bus which was apparently less than an hour away. <br>As we ate, a fancy looking mini coach with blackout windows (all closed, that meant air conditioning as well) trundled into view. Guess what, it also had a roof rack. It turned out that a fancy tour group were going back on our boat and this bus was soon to be heading our way, empty. A little bit of negotiation here & there and we were off, the bikes and us riding in style, inside in aircon cool.<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUts_gzY15sBrg6nH_1GHLmVjEaZ2etbS6qVe5AzkCSqaZxRcRYt54jD01xnl3KJUpXpVSw861IRRFhF7nC2ajK_vh7g5kD_yioM_EX6cRWy_i8hhQwkTo2YULC9HiyUKl0DteGMLHwlyg/s640/blogger-image-1239621054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUts_gzY15sBrg6nH_1GHLmVjEaZ2etbS6qVe5AzkCSqaZxRcRYt54jD01xnl3KJUpXpVSw861IRRFhF7nC2ajK_vh7g5kD_yioM_EX6cRWy_i8hhQwkTo2YULC9HiyUKl0DteGMLHwlyg/s640/blogger-image-1239621054.jpg"></a></div><br>What a result! Ok we'd paid way more than if we'd waited for the local bus but when we saw it bumping it's way towards us on the rough dirt road leaving a huge cloud of dust in its wake, we felt fine with our deal. We've both worked long and hard enough to have 'earned' a little slice of comfort now and then....<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloPWkxWRZQ2vRVtKTrW6TGFziWIanyizFJxUwlaws_KUsGXfZ3CKwhQpGypRAzW_a57DpgJuEQ53Z9UgfQXREO-aoliWU3Uw3IvnoXfiTkTgASgTrNN5CegLv-tN1Lu6D49g8Ym4ukYBe/s640/blogger-image--1764934824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloPWkxWRZQ2vRVtKTrW6TGFziWIanyizFJxUwlaws_KUsGXfZ3CKwhQpGypRAzW_a57DpgJuEQ53Z9UgfQXREO-aoliWU3Uw3IvnoXfiTkTgASgTrNN5CegLv-tN1Lu6D49g8Ym4ukYBe/s640/blogger-image--1764934824.jpg"></a></div><br>We hadn't planned to go as far as Leon (we could have been dropped at the first big town if we wanted) but for an extra £1.50 each the driver offered to take us the extra 45km to Leon itself. We only would have had to ride it the next day and after seeing the busy, flat, hot road, we knew we'd made the right decision. <br><br>We've both wanted to come to Leon for a few years after Paddy Tyson, Editor of www.overlandmag.com put us onto it. The bus dropped us on the outskirts of town and we excitedly rode in the final few Km's for a look around...<br><br><br><br><br><br><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-54453301855439774732016-01-19T07:34:00.001-08:002016-01-19T07:47:03.739-08:00El Tunco to El Cuco<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Apart from the incredibly exciting advent of not using granny gear (for the first 48 hours) it's been a pretty uneventful 3 days. The riding has been pretty flat, bloody hot and a bit boring. The land is mainly agricultural, mostly fields of sugar cane. We've had a couple of mediocre 'pit stop' hotels and not seen any westerners at all.<br><br>We only rode about 55-60km per day on the first 2 days, favouring to sit out the worst of the afternoon heat in the air con 'luxury' of our $20 digs.<br><br>We did however reach the heady heights of completing 1000km of riding in what (just in case you hadn't worked it out already) has turned out to be pretty tough conditions. Do we win a prize? Hmm, guessed not...<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfsj7joCRBpQnqLTIlP_kgzro1EBHGpJNSb28qzMjDPw-0APwpFFi2aJYd3ZT_HjiZb64-Ymm3PKcPZArty5jJpK6g4WThv7eLLnzFxFguCtSnQrDrBVXj6XzNkMSNGd4FvdG9vS4ab-A/s640/blogger-image-401877450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfsj7joCRBpQnqLTIlP_kgzro1EBHGpJNSb28qzMjDPw-0APwpFFi2aJYd3ZT_HjiZb64-Ymm3PKcPZArty5jJpK6g4WThv7eLLnzFxFguCtSnQrDrBVXj6XzNkMSNGd4FvdG9vS4ab-A/s640/blogger-image-401877450.jpg"></a></div><br><br>At one point we met a bunch of local cyclists at a petrol station. all lycra'd up, they were on a 150km day ride with no luggage plus a 'sweep truck' to guard them from the traffic. They gave us an orange each which was cut into pieces. Bit like at half time during football. Speaking of football, that bloody Spanish nutter commentator who says GOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLL!!!!!!!! all the time is on just about every TV everywhere we go. In a very Victor Meldrew sounding moan, it's getting pretty annoying....<br><br>The only (other) mild annoyance is the buses that pull in right in front of us to drop off/pick up passengers. They take their "I need to stop exactly there" job pretty seriously and stop exactly there regardless of whether we are already exactly there or not. They then cover us in a thick black cloud of exhaust fumes as they pull away again, possibly to repeat the process as little as a couple of hundred metres down the road.<br><br>In the town of Usulatan, the only hotel we could find was on the outskirts of town so we walked in to find something to eat. We could't be bothered to walk any further, so chose the first place we came to. It was a big place, divided into 3 main sections. In the bar/garden area there was a local family with a crying baby. It was probably upset by the ear bleed inducing traditional Spanish Muzak 'a la Benny Hill'. The inside bar/restaurant had 2 pool tables in it. The local gang of yoofs playing didn't even notice the equally loud doof doof music. We sat in the restaurant proper but only just. We'd taken the table the furthest away from anything, anyone and more importantly, any speakers.<br>It was so dark over there we knew we wouldn't really be able to see what we were eating but that's ok, we're in El Salvador so it must be grilled meat and rice.<br><br>Our waiter was a young guy. He was absolutely useless, making the simple process of ordering a complete fiasco. If we could have heard him over the cacophony it might have helped, actually, I doubt it.<br><br>Ooh, whats this? More music? The Gringos are here and must be entertained. American soft rock? Yay! As if this wasn't enough, there was a wandering minstrel. A little moustached man (as in he was small, his facial hair was big) wandered over to serenade us. With a quick but serious "No Gracias" from me he left us in peace (?), opting instead to head for the flower bed for a quick tinkle.<br><br>In a week we'll be celebrating the milestone of being half way through this little jolly jaunt....<br><br>Day 3 got more interesting. Firstly we met this guy<br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz4u1EIGODPMQyLJjIfH43o2RZm34QlkjsejmGrNYr8p5fR61QGStpuBznywPgYDe3a8M-g5k_X9OYA5FmfnSuP3jM1yD0imu3pBsxAgBItsg3W5NS7-uzx9gNIgHddu3eNS-KmiIzirW/s640/blogger-image-1388332689.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoz4u1EIGODPMQyLJjIfH43o2RZm34QlkjsejmGrNYr8p5fR61QGStpuBznywPgYDe3a8M-g5k_X9OYA5FmfnSuP3jM1yD0imu3pBsxAgBItsg3W5NS7-uzx9gNIgHddu3eNS-KmiIzirW/s640/blogger-image-1388332689.jpg"></a></div><br><br>He's been on the road for 2 years and estimates it'll be another 18 months before he completes his odyssey from Tiera del Fuego (bottom tip of Argentina if you didn't know) all the way to Alaska. Hats off to him we say!!!<br><br>The road turned south and back into the hills. "Oh hail the mighty power of Granny". The old girl did us proud, grinding our way up sweaty 8km and 4km climbs. Still, at least the scenery improved<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSu35_PuPPn07hmlR3ZYYhl4ev5FS7g5J2olXHt6_1LD5emF0vnb-Nw4-HAmAYqNwYbxWYPkZTGWMHlHIthskWY9n-rXtmid9kb0XKaIyw9-mVmOU2ZECZdBLPre9AJ0uMD46YuHOpMrV/s640/blogger-image--435405970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijSu35_PuPPn07hmlR3ZYYhl4ev5FS7g5J2olXHt6_1LD5emF0vnb-Nw4-HAmAYqNwYbxWYPkZTGWMHlHIthskWY9n-rXtmid9kb0XKaIyw9-mVmOU2ZECZdBLPre9AJ0uMD46YuHOpMrV/s640/blogger-image--435405970.jpg"></a></div><br><br>The final descent brought us into the very run down and thoroughly disappointing seaside resort of El Cuco. Apparently this place rocks at the weekend with cashed up El Salvadorians, on a Monday lunchtime it was less than inspiring.<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLzNaC4Ry5kcfJVPl80OI4KPjsXOQos-2K_j36mqhxm01kT3v3vuo6XUD5tg62AjQj6yYWAdFKNE38-0_S5qhFeT9HM4OD4j40snTnUPBrvpywH3I-XJxJXTANtKf7b8rJ9Y9krwcQw_k/s640/blogger-image--422307367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLzNaC4Ry5kcfJVPl80OI4KPjsXOQos-2K_j36mqhxm01kT3v3vuo6XUD5tg62AjQj6yYWAdFKNE38-0_S5qhFeT9HM4OD4j40snTnUPBrvpywH3I-XJxJXTANtKf7b8rJ9Y9krwcQw_k/s640/blogger-image--422307367.jpg"></a></div><br><br>We managed to coerce a restaurant owner out of her deck chair and after a not bad grilled fish n rice in 35 degree heat we were pretty ready to find somewhere nice to retreat to. <br><br>Now that is where Tortuga Verde (www.tortugaverde,com) came into play. This place came recommended by everyone we'd spoken to who'd stayed there. So far, it hasn't disappointed. But more of that in the next instalment....<br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXL8nhqcfhs6UTBEzd5J5t7M7yoe2uTIXjp0HwX0bZm2WPYEs_4qIwLOPKxcyBjzBip3C0ncUwe59EHr6GXd5exzX0gKRPHF0n2MWeopIZdi3vUHetKSuY2e7OhlDx8EDMDmpHM2x9egw/s640/blogger-image--61962134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXL8nhqcfhs6UTBEzd5J5t7M7yoe2uTIXjp0HwX0bZm2WPYEs_4qIwLOPKxcyBjzBip3C0ncUwe59EHr6GXd5exzX0gKRPHF0n2MWeopIZdi3vUHetKSuY2e7OhlDx8EDMDmpHM2x9egw/s640/blogger-image--61962134.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></span><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;">willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-24422916399633064142016-01-16T14:00:00.001-08:002016-01-16T14:01:19.218-08:00Not the 9 0'Clock News<div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVfMaZLKXpT6Zf1ScuI_qQz0P126y3tClvqsxz4sDBceBQy4E8MeihfJdJDDiaMWgcSAnTmKu4p2H5INFHtiAF19Or8PGarHP3JMLhyphenhyphenSIDxP17n-2Gl6rqhGdKNmNpWh8yiitbDkivn7p/s640/blogger-image-112593774.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVfMaZLKXpT6Zf1ScuI_qQz0P126y3tClvqsxz4sDBceBQy4E8MeihfJdJDDiaMWgcSAnTmKu4p2H5INFHtiAF19Or8PGarHP3JMLhyphenhyphenSIDxP17n-2Gl6rqhGdKNmNpWh8yiitbDkivn7p/s640/blogger-image-112593774.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Tourists stuck in El Salvador........</span></div></span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Reports of travellers in trouble are coming in from the Central American country of El Salvador.<br>"It's not that they can't leave" explains our roving reporter R Swipe, it's more a case of they can't go. Yes, amazingly despite foreigners expecting constant bouts of 'toilet trouble' whilst visiting the horrendously dangerous, filthy, gun-ridden, drug dealer haven of El Salvador it seems that the total opposite is occurring.<br>"Ya I waz twooly zinking I'd be getting a visit from Mr Big Bubble Guts" said one intrepid explorer Ms B. Ackpaka from Germany "But no, ze troof iz mine gutten iz totally blocken.<br>An American traveller, Mr Frank T Alker said "The thing is I just can't take a damn shit".<br>C.A.M.P. - The Central American Ministry for Poo confirmed that many travellers in the region had been complaining of similar symptoms, they have put it down to an increase in healthy adventurers like cyclists exploring in the region.</span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br><br>No Grandmothers required in southern El Salvador.......<br>Reports are coming in that an English couple have managed to cycle 62km in El Salvador without the use of Granny Gear. Our local correspondent Scott Stronglegs managed a quick telephone interview with the couple, Lord & Lady Thrompington Smythe who had this comment. "Well yes, it's been a jolly good show old boy. It was a close call several times with Granny, almost as if she'd slipped her false teeth in, put down her knitting but never actually had to get out of her rocking chair" he snorted. Mr Stronglegs added that he'd never heard of anyone achieving a monumental feat such as this and said it was therefore a world record. Lady Thrompington Smythe said that although she didn't actually manage to not "call upon granny" that she was more than happy to bask in the glory of the whole affair, commenting further that she'd personally write to the Queen, suggesting that January 16th be re named National Granny Day.<br><br>Tourists robbed in broad daylight........<br>A homeless English couple were robbed in broad daylight today in the town of Zacatecoluca, El Salvador. The couple were checking into a dive of a hotel on the main highway when the heinous crime occurred our local correspondent Robin B Astards reports. The victims, a Mr & Mrs Cuthburt D Ibblengrub said "We asked the owner how much the room was and when she said $20 we had no option but to hand our hard earned cash over. The whole thing was so scary, she just stood there smiling, what else could we do". The couple added that they would probably give the hotel a low review on Trip Advisor when they got home but seeing as they haven't got one that this may be a little tricky. A spokesman from the UK FCO, a Mr S Pokesman had no comment except to say "No comment"<br><br>In sports......<br>No sports news today, we don't like sports news<br><br>The weather.......<br>Scorchio</span></div></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6755677957140932880.post-19471781184550634272016-01-15T08:59:00.001-08:002016-01-15T09:06:25.737-08:00It's all gone downhill<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Our night in Santa Tecla was ok but not worthy of an encore. After a yucky gag worthy breakfast of soggy Pupusas we were on the road again. After a steep climb out of the city on a busy dual carriageway with no shoulder we were more than happy to stop off at the biggest, most modern, fully stocked supermarket we've seen since the new Sainsbury's on Charlton Peninsula. So this is how you lot live? Not bad eh?<br><br>The wifi where we are is so slllloooowwww that I can't upload many photos so I'll keep this brief rather than rattling on.... Well, briefish....<br><br>San Salvador sits at about 1000m above sea level and seeing as we were heading to the sea it didn't take a genius to predict the ride.<br><br>Luckily a hard shoulder appeared. Well I say hard but sometimes it was soft where dirt road side turnings wash themselves onto it leaving sand and rubble to negotiate. That's not too bad. Throw in a few makeshift shops that set themselves up on there, lots of parked cars and trucks, sleeping dogs, a man walking along with two 12 ft long logs on his shoulder who decided to do his best impression of the film 'The Plank' just as kate rode past, forcing her to duck & swerve and I don't really remember what else but lots of things, it didn't make for the most relaxing descent.<br><br>One thing I forgot to mention about riding around San Salvador was the lack of manhole covers. They have the manholes alright, bloody great big storm drains about 4ft x 2ft that sit in the gutter, ready for the seasonal downpours. No covers though. Get that wrong and it's going to hurt...<br><br>On one particularly steep bit of today's descent, a truck was crawling down the hill in the slow lane, it's brakes visibly smoking as they held back the weight. <br>Checking over our shoulders we veered out into the fast lane to pass it. Anywhere else it may come as a surprise but here? I'm not too sure. In the middle of the fast lane was a manhole and, yep, no cover! This one was only a mere 2ft diameter and carefully positioned in the centre of the lane where it would cause no problem to a car or truck. For us though, going at about 50km/h, it would have made a very 'interesting' addition to the day if we hadn't seen it. </span><br style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 19px;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vQm0-BYbkww59gs2Y1AxwrtF42Hi97Gzuvjb8J2apO3rOy3e2TKqUq7stJXPxRa8lUuXEI47iN8-nqpltaPJDTAHZE9HJYD9laetO0C2w_MQ19egIlV75POY50ml1OPbas3gRCqsBc9U/s640/blogger-image--952682721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9vQm0-BYbkww59gs2Y1AxwrtF42Hi97Gzuvjb8J2apO3rOy3e2TKqUq7stJXPxRa8lUuXEI47iN8-nqpltaPJDTAHZE9HJYD9laetO0C2w_MQ19egIlV75POY50ml1OPbas3gRCqsBc9U/s640/blogger-image--952682721.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Of course though, being the intrepid adventurers that we are we made it and are now safety at the resort of El Tunco on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. El Tunco is, (I can't believe you don't know this already) a slightly sleazy, grungy, backpacker hangout made popular by surfers.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br>Tattoo'd dudes and dudesses cruise the strip. Bleach blond hair, ankle bracelets and hipster beards are derigeur. And don't even think of going anywhere without a board under your arm. <br><br>We, sporting our 'cyclists tans' and being a tad middle aged only go out under the cover of darkness and right now are safely sat beside the little pool at our guest house.<br><br>Hang ten bro</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl90T-5Uw48szaqPlsi1kQ-cfT4LRyugJox4QVAvEHCMCsQqY0SzAZhMAX4odueRbn5_yQodiaD9ymDstII4ochQo7q1lIiU19blOV9GCi4XSuEeNgIc8EHeZzXh_aroQJXVMD5LGMI1v7/s640/blogger-image--1174930332.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl90T-5Uw48szaqPlsi1kQ-cfT4LRyugJox4QVAvEHCMCsQqY0SzAZhMAX4odueRbn5_yQodiaD9ymDstII4ochQo7q1lIiU19blOV9GCi4XSuEeNgIc8EHeZzXh_aroQJXVMD5LGMI1v7/s640/blogger-image--1174930332.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo7ws65BAYJS7WgwaR387Fe-UIxCtcFbJ_p5TOEeKHCm2i-f9v7tJv60rn_d-f_eI7UGEBfB5v1ie_S8oDkvewR6W6s591iRrp5B-8MWg3TSEDm8bd7wjYJ_xJ-E3EpN5XgcK9_xIcZ_M/s640/blogger-image-1213177135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHo7ws65BAYJS7WgwaR387Fe-UIxCtcFbJ_p5TOEeKHCm2i-f9v7tJv60rn_d-f_eI7UGEBfB5v1ie_S8oDkvewR6W6s591iRrp5B-8MWg3TSEDm8bd7wjYJ_xJ-E3EpN5XgcK9_xIcZ_M/s640/blogger-image-1213177135.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKK0sSP4wnNYPQWsTriRVEgsr42NvHVWhiCgxvfav1abu4Z8yRS0ADQW4yOM5MyqdBx5CYqpKnMXniOzhLTtBAJ3z-LEY9QrbBjp2X7O619hv-bf3W-AJkjzmFfPkpXMvZEQfRg6OeBF1/s640/blogger-image--33799193.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZKK0sSP4wnNYPQWsTriRVEgsr42NvHVWhiCgxvfav1abu4Z8yRS0ADQW4yOM5MyqdBx5CYqpKnMXniOzhLTtBAJ3z-LEY9QrbBjp2X7O619hv-bf3W-AJkjzmFfPkpXMvZEQfRg6OeBF1/s640/blogger-image--33799193.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>willwilkin165http://www.blogger.com/profile/16235873274413504025noreply@blogger.com3