We arrived to Managua and walk down the halls to customs and immigration. After waiting in line I pass into the next room where I see a glass walk with hoards of people holding signs outside. I find the sing that is waiting for me and head to my hotel, Camino Real. After a late evening dinner I head to bed, eager to get some sleep before my early …

Breakfast starts at 6:30 in the morning, where we are given a presentation regarding Nicaragua as a tourism destination. Then we head out on the buses for the Masaya Volcano. We pass by many homes and businesses in Managua. You can definitely see the difference in wealth levels compared to other Central American nations. Trash litters the gutters …

We leave Granada this morning. I had an old lady with a walker come up to me asking for money. Instead of giving her money I asked about her story and she shared with me. An interaction then that could have been nuisance turned into a blessing for both of us. As we sat on the bus waiting to depart, I saw a woman sweeping up garbage in the central …

In the morning we all head to nearby hotel Villa Paraiso for breakfast. It was very nicely located, overlooking the lake. As I sat down for gallo pinto, eggs, fruit and café con leche, we quickly find that we were vying for our food with the birds (cockatiel looking birds) and a few dogs – all of which seem to be emboldened in their …

This day I am in a conference all day.. slightly boring for you to read about!

Early this morning we head off from my hotel in Managua to the old colonial city of Leon. The drive takes about an hour and a half, and first we stop to visit the remnants of uncovered ruins of Old Leon. Originally built to be by the lake waters, the city was intentionally abandoned and moved 85 years after its founding to avoid potential eruption …

The next morning we wake a gain and head back towards the South, with San Juan del Sur the final destination. En route though, we decide to stop in San Juan del Oriente (or Los Pueblos Blancos near Masaya). Here we walk amidst some of the local homes and neighborhoods to see how the hammocks and ceramics are made. It is amazing with the hammocks …

Back on the plane to return to Montana!