Leon, Nicaragua - " Volcano Boarding"

Arrived in Leon, Nicaragua after a very long bus journey from Utila. The journey was strenious to say the least. It involved a ferry, a few taxis and a bus across the border. The border crossing was quite eventful with money touts brandishing wads of cash and trying to jump on the bus to change our money.

We drove through the countryside once again, but this time I saw a lot more poverty. The roads were pot holes ridden and there were (too) many barefoot children running after our bus begging (I assume) for money. I definitely felt that the country had suffered a lot in its history and that it was still not out of the woods.

Leon is (i think) the second largest city in Nicaragua. It has a cool colonial feel to it, a bit like Antigua (Guatemala) but less touristy and with rougher edges. I also felt like the people were more aggressive, men staring and whistling frequently. But i guess that's part of the culture here.

Leon is surrounded by volcanoes and what better way to explore the region than by going Volcano Boarding on an active volcano called "Cerro Negro". We hiked up along the crater (yes it was exhausting), carrying our 'board' (it was like a luge) and bright orange suits complete with plastic goggles and gloves. We thought we looked so cool, but I think that the reality of it was that we looked like funky Bob the Builder wannabes on a volcano. Our aussie guide went through the safety procedures (very little!) and as he talked about the volcano and how to brake without breaking your neck, I thought to myself ..."why?". The end result was an exhilirating rush of adrenaline as we zoomed down a 400m black sand slope at a 40 degree angle. It was an amazing experience.

The next day we were off to Granada.

Apart from that, you will be happy to hear that my belly is fine, the chicken - rice and beans combination is not doing me any harm (as yet!).