pov: off to nicaragua

Sep 18 2022 (day 1)

After the languorous economy flight, I finally stepped out of the congested bijou airport, the warmth of South America embraced me with open arms. To them, I was no foreigner, but one amongst the people. I have to wait for Gerald to come to pick me up.

Sep 18 2022 (day 1)

It was around 5:15 am when Gerald pulled up the pickup. The soft rumble within the grey car resonated as we drove past pastel buildings and a hazy auburn sky. As soon as I walked into my motel room, I found refuge and luxury within these walls. Soft mattresses. Need. Sleep. I’m due tomorrow for a venture to Laguna de Apoyo.

Sep 19 2022 (day 2)

I never once fathomed that I would be within a once active volcano's crater, surrounded by its mystical “holy” glistening waters and abutting tropical forests. Paths branched out over the landscape, flora atop it, aching to retreat back to their norms. Soaking up the culture and purity of the terrain, I turned to Gerald who spoke about the rich heritage of Masaya. Spry locals greeted us as we trudged towards the rural communities and found belonging. The people, the places and the spirit of Nicaragua call to me, it calls to those of us who seek comfort in adventure.

Sep 20 2022 (day 3)

Today, I traversed over the harsh Masya Volcanoes, laced with ethereal plains of grass needles that swayed in the brisk breeze. The moon-like craters expunged smoke and gas from its dark surface of hidden bubbling fire lakes beneath. The dormant volcano, formally known as ‘The Mouth of Hell’ is just one of 19 active volcanoes in this land of lakes and volcanoes. I want to see it all. Ometepe island, here I come.

Sep 21 2022 (day 4)

Atop the deck of the rackety ferry, I lay there, an observer, of the world around me. The day dawned crisp and clear. The sky was ablaze with warm colors that shone softly across the waters bringing with it a flurry of early-morning activity aboard. The guide tells us all that the island is known for its twin volcanoes and committed locals. Onshore, the island welcomed us, booming with character, from its vibrant buildings to its embracing ambience. La Paloma is the village area in which our group stayed, accompanied by hammocks, waterfront shacks, picnics and bars. The tourist-friendly yet culture-soaked Planeterra Foundation was where you could become one with the people, dive into authentic cuisine, and support local brands. I soon met with my host family. Despite the prominent language barriers, we were already entangled souls; after all, languages are the pedigrees of nations.

Sep 22 2022 (day 5)

There’s something quite unique about island life. The sun guides the order of the day, and clocks and calendars seem irrelevant. I lay on the hand-woven bed within the shack, awakened by chatter and warm sunlight. We set out to navigate Ometepe, hiking towards Concepcion. Dense clouds topped the peak of the active stratovolcano as we made our way to the summit. Fading into the clouds, all sound was muffled. The only sounds were of a far-off windchime, twinkling in the breeze. The sudden change of temperature was strange as we ascended further up to reveal a steppe overlooking the island of Ometepe. We further ventured off to a hidden oasis in the jungle; retreat within a retreat; Ojo de Agua, a hidden Utopia. Clear, sparkling pools set in rock and surrounded by lush vegetation opened up to us. After getting into the water, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by happiness and bliss. Travelling is who I am. To think, there’s a whole world out there, waiting for me.