Day 13 - Nicaragua (Ometepe)

Woke up this morning with a J-Lo booty. I'm SURE my arse wasn't this big when I went to bed. The swelling is temporary, I'm sure. I also lost a lot more skin yesterday than I thought. And that's a sensitive place to be without adequate epidermis, trust me. It looks a bit like I've nailed two skinned water melons onto my rear. So I had to retire to a hammock for breakfast as it was the only seat that wouldn't further damage my fragile seat. Still, all in a good cause! (No pics I'm afraid, one should always avoid being overly graphic I feel(!). In this case a pic really would have been a bit much but it does look quite funny though).

Before I get onto today, I ought to say that I had a superb night last night. The pizza I finally managed to find was bloody marvellous and then I went to see a local band playing nearby. To be honest, I thought it was karaoke it was so bad but there were instruments involved, so I figured they were an proper outfit. I think it was the vocalist that stood out. She was flatter than a Paris catwalk model after breast reduction surgery. I laughed out loud at one point, rather unfortunately in a sound break. I shifted position as the adoring local crowd seemed confused by my reaction and I didn't want to generate an atmosphere. 

I've invested a good proportion of today in planning my trip into Honduras. There are several bits that need to come together right and my recent, 'turn up and see what happens' approach to travelling simply won't wash where I'm going. Local buses are frequently stopped by pop-up toll booths, manned by unshaven men with crossed bandoliers, droopy moustaches and sombreros I'm told. So an intercontinental bus is essential (stopped less often for some reason apparently). I CAN'T just turn up in San Pedro Sula and wander around looking for a hotel. Everyone I've spoken to says that's tantamount to suicide. So I've basically had to stitch together a programme which includes advance bookings at each waypoint and bus tickets bought and paid for where poss. Remember Penn, 'We are not at home to Mr. Cock-up' for this bit.

All any of this means is that a bunch of things will fall apart if one element fails to deliver. We're just talking about sensible risk management here but I've rather enjoyed, 'turning up and seeing what happens' up until now. 

I did take a long walk along the main road today and passed through small villages which were perfectly authentic, not touristy fake and it was refreshing to see some real Nicaraguan life for a change. 

The main road cut straight across the aeropuerto runway - something I've not seen before - so I was able to take this shot from the middle of the runway. 

I do wish they'd print these signs in English too. I'm sure they have something important and helpful to say if only I could make it out. 

Ever wondered what happens to the old school mule that becomes too ancient for US service? It'll still be going strong in Latin America. There are thousands of them coughing up and down the highways. And they do pack them in I assure you.