A very different new year weekend.

We spent Saturday at Lake Apoyo, a lake that was formed in a volcanic crater, so the water is clear and warm. It took us around an hour to arrive so we were there quite early, around 9.30. It was a beautiful day, but a bit windy, although a warm wind. We had a day pass to go into the gardens of a little hotel with bungalows going down to the beach where there was a jetty and a raft. There was a bar, sun loungers and hammocks and also kayaks.

I was a bit unsure about going, as enforced relaxation isn't always easy, so I packed books, paints and costume. It turned out to be a great day. I swam out to the jetty in the lake, then along the shore line, then read. When the bar opened I went for a coffee, not having had a good coffee recently. At this point I got chatting to one  the other students, an American, who has attended a number of schools through Central America. He described staying with a family in Honduras where his room was a lean to on the outside of the house and the only place to wash was the river. I don't think I will go that far! 

Water here is a precious commodity and people pay 3$ for a barrel of potable water, collecting and using rainwater for general tasks. Last night the house we went to for the party was a large and probably well appointed house for this area but they had no running water in the toilet at present. I had to take a bucket of water with me to flush it.

So on Saturday, I had a great coffee then fish for lunch with a tasty and cold glass of wine. What a treat. I chatted with another student from San Francisco who is also quite well travelled and a bird watcher. This was all followed by some painting and reading, and for 25$ I felt I had had a full and yet relaxing day in good company.

In the evening we visited one of the homestay homes, where we were treated to supper and dancing. The house was very interesting with a small kitchen, and an outside area where the sinks were and a fire which also seems to be used for cooking. We sat in the front area which is open with gates across and is used for hanging washing, relaxing and storing cars and bicycles. The lady got us all dancing after dinner to Latin American music, and before we left they attempted rather unsuccessfully to light the 'guy' . This is a new year tradition signifying the end of the old year. There were a few small explosions but not much more. Someone who was with a family at midnight said the street looked like a war zone!

Today I opted for a walk in the morning, which turned out to be quite challenging. We hiked up the mountain, where there were great views and passed through a very small community, complete with church and school, only 35 families. 

We also saw a library which is also part of a community project. Various countries such as Japan, Switzerland, Luxembourg, had contributed to projects to bring telegraph communications, water and some surface to the road so the water delivery truck can get there.

Family preparing their bean crop.

Their pigs.

The little church which was full of people.

 Apparently there are a lot of environmental problems due to lack of infrastructure but now there are ecologists, advising and educating and helping to put things in place. It has been one of those countries, where in the past, investment has not benefitted the community, only the investing companies who have taken their profits out of the country, not at all helpful.

Then we went down into the valley through the jungle and arrived at a coffee finca, where we saw the beans drying, plus howler monkeys in the trees. In all we were out nearly four hours. So this afternoon there was a lot of resting, including the dogs which have all been curled up on various chairs. It has been pretty hot.

After evicting two spiders from my room, one which ran out of my bag of washing, I did my homework and went off for a walk around San Juan. I went out just as a local bus was emptying of passengers. So I walked along the road talking to a local, dressed as if he had been to a celebration and carrying a picture of Christ. As far as I could gather he had been to some kind of celebration in San Marcos which will come here next and appears to circulate around the pueblos! Later on a young man called out 'goodbye' clearly trying to practice his English. Here they say Adiós when they meet you for some strange reason. The people are more than prepared to chat.  I then set about some shopping. I just fancied a little treat. Finding shops is interesting as most are just part of a house with a little grill at the front, so you have no idea what they sell, so you just ask. I am getting the hang of this, and font care if I look a bit stupid. With my battered hat and my travel gear I could only be a foreigner. The local women wear white bright clothes and are generally well presented, although many are pretty tubby as they get older.

The best I could find for a treat was a snickers bar at around £1 and a chocolate wafer biscuit. Plus more apples and some grapes which cost about £3, so obviously imported. The grapes will be dipped in boiling water and wiped with antiseptic.  I decided against the smoothie, having identified banana and milk as the safe option, but then was unsure how hygenic  the implements might be. Yes the diet has had to go out of the window as food is prepared for us. It is all very healthy but I do feel the need for some treats in between meals. Sunday lunch today was grated carrot salad, red beans and potato salad with some boiled egg. In the evening we sometimes have a small pudding. Most meals include rice. Breakfast is fruit and granola and something cooked. Today it was a small bowl of porridge. It will be nice to have a little treat in a hotel for a couple of days before I come home.

So am now relaxing on upstairs balcony and wondering what supper will be. I won't be indulging in the warm cheap wine in the fridge that is barely cool! Unless I'm desperate.....