Sunday, May 16, 2010

Leon and the Volcanos of Nicaragua

We arrived in Leon just before dark and everyone we asked for help in orienting our way through the city was ready with a smile and eagerness to help. Though we got a little lost in translations due to our very bad Spanish language skills we found our way to the large and hip Lazy Bones hostel where we found comfortable accommodations and a hearty dinner just across the street. There is nothing like an ice cold agua gaseosa [that means soda water for the non-Spanish speaker].

Though a nice place to stay the loud noise and party like atmosphere pushed us to another hostel called Tortuga Booluda [the lazy turtle]...lots of laziness in the hosteling world out here i suppose. A more comfortable fit for the way we travel we settled in and were pleased to meet our hosts, the other travelers staying there, and find that they keep a guitar on hand as well!
The same day we wandered the city and admired massive catedrals whose peeling exteriors and blackening areas of wear and tear suggest a forgotten ancient ruin, but the comings and goings of the many parishoners and guests tell a very different story. Artisans and vendors in the square outside peddle their wares and every now and again you will hear a bell chime announcing the hour. Leon is a beautiful city filled with kind people ready to try to converse with two girls from the states with limited Spanish. I feel safe happy and very very hot.



2 comments:

Chuck said...

Wow! I love that photo of you jumping. Great to see that smile!

bailey said...

glad to read about your travels and to see that smile. missing you!