AND I SURVIVED! more details in a moment...
Ive had a very adventurous, fun and exhausting weekend. Yesterday morning bright and early (530) I took a taxi (by myself) to the bus station where I met up with another Canadian woman who is also visiting Nicaragua. She was taking classes last week at the Spanish school and is now heading out to visit other parts. She is French and Canadian and Australian too. A lovely person who, fortunately for me, is much for fluent in Spanish. We hopped on a bus (a retired Canadian school bus) and headed to Visey, appromately 2 hours by bus. Im not sure of the actual distance as there were times, climbing the steep mountain, when I could have easily hopped out and ran faster than we were driving.
Visey is an organic farm (with vegetable gardens, coffee plants, chickens, cows) and a tourist sight. We hired a guide to show us some of the best parts. We began with a mountain climb. After about 20 steps I felt like I was going to die. The guide, who obviously takes good care of his body, was a fast walker. My out of shape body, along with my inadequate footwear, made it difficult for me to climb the slippery undergrowth and rocky terrain. I did tell him that I was from the flatlands and not used to climbing mountains but I think he understood me to say "could ya speed it up a bit". I did, however, make it up the mountain... and it was well worth the effort. Nothing but majestic mountains for as far as I could see. A God filled moment. Going down the mountain wasnt a whole lot easier than going up. I was at great risk of slipping and had my toes clenched inside my sneakers the entire time. By the time I was back at the bottom, the ends of my toes felt bruised. This took approximately 2 hours... we werent even close to finished. Next, he led us up and down the hilly terrain to a small community. Not sure how long we walked for as I think I lost consciousness about half way there. In this village we visited a local artist who created amazing sculptures out of hardened volcanic ash. I purchased a small piece for my beloved. Next, we visited the local cheese making place and learned about the long and very complicated process of making cheese. They do not have the fancy equipment that we have to do the work. It is a very very labor intensive process.
After a brief rest we headed back into the mountain to the home of an elderly man by the name of Alberto. Alberto is also an artist. He has created an oasis in the middle of the mountain scape by carving intricate etchings into the mountain side. Each carving tells a story... mostly about the history and culture of his people. Amongst the rock carvings are astounding plants, pineapple and other fruit trees, wood carvings and a hand built staircase (thank God!). We trekked slowing up the mountain looking at his work as he spoke with great passion and pride. He envisioned this oasis when he was 8 years old and has spent the last 60 years or so making it a reality.
We thanked Alberto, said adios and began our long walk back to the farm. After another hour or so of uphill downhill movement, we arrived at the restaurant. Approximately 5 hours of walking in total. Our guide, Donaldo, didnt break a sweat (and neither did my companion who is close to 20 years my elder). I, however, felt like I was going to have a cardiac arrest. It was worth every minute of it. After a week of intense brain activity, it felt really good to move my body. We finished our time with a wonderful meal of fried chicken, rice, beans, tortilla and an amazing fruit drink. Finally, we ventured back to the road to wait for our bus.
It was at this point that we were stampeded by a massive bull. As we sat, waiting for the bus, a young fellow came down the road on horseback directing two bulls. One massive brown one and another smaller back one. The big brown guy looked up at a group of teenage girls sitting on a rock and decided that he wanted to take that route instead. He turned and started running up the hill to where we were sitting. The girls jumped up screaming and ran. The bull just continued on his way up the hill (I think he was having himself a good laugh). I would estimate that the bull was about 8 feet from where I was sitting. I think I appeared brave and calm through the whole ordeal but the truth is that I temporarily died from panic and was only resuscitated as the result of a miracle.
The bus ride home was mostly entertaining. My friend and I were sitting at the front of the bus. The young man working on the bus was intrigued by the tattoo on my arm (I havent yet seen any women with a tattoo here). He showed me the tattooes on his arms and indicated that we were amigos now. He kept speaking to me in very amusing English. He knew how to say "hello", "how are you?" and "nice to meet you". I was trying to teach him to say "Saskatoon, Saskatchewan". It was greatly amusing. The driver at the bus told me that the young man was a smelly monkey. At least I think thats what he said. Not sure what it meant.
Part way through the bus ride home a man got on with a rooster. Interestingly, earlier that day I told my friend that Im afraid of roosters and chickens (scary past experience). So this guy gets on with his rooster and stands right in front of me so that the rooster is (Im not kidding) a foot away from my face. It just sat there, staring at me with its beady red eyes (they really are ugly creatures). My friend asked the man if it was his pet (reasonable question since the rooster was laying calmly in his arms and he was petting it lovingly). The man told her that he was taking the rooster into the city for a "cock fight".... a rooster fight til the death. Im glad I was too afraid to punch him.
I arrived at the bus station at about 430... exhausted but content with my day. I went outside to catch a taxi (not sure why, but a completely nerve racking experience for me). After stopping 4 taxis, indicating where I needed to go, and being turned down 4 times (not sure why... maybe I was too smelly from the hard work and humidity). Frustrated and anxious... I gave up and began the long, uphill walk to my home. I have never been so happy to arrive anywhere. I must have looked like quite a sight because when I walked in the door Lucilla and Nueves laughed. I kicked off my shoes (only 3 blisters) and plopped onto the chair. Lucilla immediately put a plate of chicken, rice, beans and tortilla in front of me and brought me a stool for my much swollen feet. At 730 I was ready for bed.
Before retiring for the evening I visited the bathroom. Pants down... on the toilet... I look to my left and there, about 4 inches from my knee is a cockroach. My very first cockroach siting. I managed to not pee all over the seat... calmly finished my business, cleaned up, pulled up and got the hell out of there (I have no idea where all of this bravery is coming from).
And that, my friends, was the end of my day. Today was much less interesting... thank God!
blessings!!!
