A Summing Up - post written by Anni

Nicaragua

THE SIMPLEST AND HAPPIEST LIFE SEEMS TO BE IN NICARAGUA

Here we found people relieved to be away from conflict, and enjoying an improved quality

of life. A happy view of a better future despite current poverty. Everyone smiles, everyone

welcomes tourists and everyone enjoys what they have.

 

Costa Rica

I faced my fears (tarantulas) and got energised by the adrenalin of rafting, zip wire and waterfall

rappelling. In this beautiful small country we experienced nature tourism at its best. Widening our

horizons and pushing our boundaries, I leave as a stronger person.

 

Top 10

Walking on the roof of the Cathedral in Leon - the strangest white architecture.

 

Holding a newly hatched giant turtle on a beautiful remote beach - heart melting

Kayaking across Lake Nicaragua and up a river to see alligators on Ometepe

Island.

El Castilllo on Río San Juan - friendly, happy & lots of great things to see and do.

The wildlife at Cano Negro was so abundant and incredible.

White water rafting at Arenal was a high adrenalin boost

100s of hummingbirds at the garden & gallery in

Monteverde were sensationally beautiful.

Hotels in Tenorio, Arenal, Monteverde and Osa

peninsula for location, food, service & style

Zip wires and waterfall rappelling at El Remanso

were great personal challenges.

The warmth and friendliness of the people and some interesting fellow travellers

Interesting moments:

Elvis, our main guide for Nicaragua and his shared passion for

photography with Andy.

Doing our first kayak on a windy lagoon - surviving to watch an alpha

male tip over.

Andy having his first lust for coffee after 10 years. It's just so good here.

 

A 3 hour power cut in Granada whilst we were searching for dinner in the city

Crazy night boat tour in El Castllo - bailing water out of the boat/ guide with fingers missing

catching animals and letting them chew his stump/ general hilarity of the crew

Finding a chocolate factory in a remote village of around 400 people. The hot

chocolate was so divine we resorted our suitcases to bring some home.

Collecting the car in San Carlos and persuading the drop off driver to drive us part way

Leaving Ometepe ecolodge at 5am in the pitch black lighting our way with IPads

Being the "oldies" on the white water rafting, but being the only ones to stay in!