To Granada...and back

Tica Bus’ Version of a “Flight Attendant” 

One of the drivers walks down the aisle selling chips and empanadas from his cooler. I found it funny. 

Another Odd Experience to Check off on Life’s List of Odd Experiences

In my life as a traveler I have had some interesting experiences in hostels, but staying in a hostel dorm room with 5 adult men (as in 30s – 40s) had not been one of them.  I felt like I had been placed in a male’s dorm room.  It was a mixed dorm, but I just happened to be the only female.  Though I started out a little nervous, I quickly realized that they were friendly and all very chill.  I was, then, just thankful that it was not a room of frat boys. 

There is no soap in the country of Nicaragua

I have decided that there is no soap in the entire country of Nicaragua.  Ok, I know that sounds a little bit extreme and it is.  But, from my very small sample study of 3 days in one town, that is the conclusion I have come to.  It’s ok, though…. That is why a traveler always needs to be prepared with this important supply – hand sanitizer! 

Joining the Nicaraguan Swim Team

One of the days that I was in Granada, I took a day trip to Laguna de Apoyo.  It was beautiful.  The shuttle from one hostel in Granada dropped us off at another hostel on the volcanic crater lake and it seemed as though we were the only ones there.  After spending the day Kayaking and swimming and eating with the other Gringo travelers, I decided to explore a little bit.  I started walking along the bank and just past a few rocks, I started to hear music and saw that there was actually a public beach where all the locals were.  As I walked by, 30 Nicaraguan men jumped into the water with lifeguard floats and began swimming.  One asked me to join them, so of course – I did.  That was the day I became, if only for just a brief moment, a member of a Nicaraguan men’s swim team.  Is the theme here that I am turning into a man? Hm…. But if that was the case I wouldn’t have gotten cat called so many times on the streets of Granada.

All By Myself in a “Haunted Hostel”

The last night at the hostel in Granada, I was the only guest.  That was also the night that the creepy hostel man came back to work.  I thought he would certainly have a night off after having been there the previous night.  That is why I stayed.  I was incorrect.  He was back and just as creepy.  The way he slowly walked around and tried to strike up awkward conversation in a monotone voice was just a little unsettling.  That last night, I thought… ok, I just have to chill out, go to bed early, and get on the bus at 6am.  Then, I will be back in Quepos where I feel more secure.  There I was, just sitting in the hammock reading, when he came and sat down next to me.  He proceeded to tell me not to worry if I saw the ghost.  Great, just what I needed to hear.  Like being in a foreign country (even more foreign than the foreign country I live in) alone in a hostel with this creepy guy wasn’t enough…. Now there were ghosts to think about?!  That was it: I locked my door, went to bed, and hoped that the morning would arrive soon and that I could go home.  

My Favorite Part of the Trip

My favorite part of the whole trip was actually riding the bus from Granada to San Jose with a high school student from Granada.  It was her first time leaving the country and sharing that with her was such a meaningful experience for me.  She was traveling with an organization called “Soccer Without Borders” and was with a few friends and three volunteer coaches.  For some reason, though, she couldn’t sit with the group and instead sat next to me.  I helped her fill out her immigration forms; we shared the music she played half the journey from the speakers of her cell phone… probably mildly annoying the other passengers, but I didn’t care.  I liked it. I liked sharing her music. I liked inviting her to an empanada from the “flight attendant” with the cooler. I liked being a part of her first adventure to a new land.

And Finally....

 Even though it wasn't the most relaxing trip, it was very beautiful and I got to take some pretty awesome pictures walking around the city for two days.