Rebooting

At 8 AM you and I are sitting on a wooden dock, it's sturdiness is indifferent to the water, the petite ripples cause a gentle lapping at the shore. This water is fresh, with only a trace of saltiness, and the clarity is exceptional. It feels as though we are totally alone here, the sounds are only of birds, the occasional howler monkey, and the water. This beautiful, far-reaching, circle of water is enclosed entirely by a high, mountainous ridge of green forest. The places of habitation touching its shore are few and far between, barely perceptible, and of paltry significance to this natural setting. We are at Laguna de Apoyo...

Getting here wasn't straightforward. We were a group of six, with luggage in tow, as we hopped in the van to return to the airport. We stopped for a great lunch along the way and were in Managua by 3 PM. My rental car was waiting, and the others were picked up by a local friend. This is where we part company, from 18 to 6 to one. Group travel was a novel undertaking for you and I, and it was surprisingly fun. But now we are back to solo, and the options expand into the air like bubbles from a child's toy.

Driving in Managua was a bit helter-skelter, and we DID get lost for about an hour. But there was no panic, we simply retraced our steps to the airport, and requested a new route from the rental car ladies that spoke marginal English. As we approached our destination for Part Two of this legendary journey to Nicaragua, our car needed to climb a mountain before descending to water level. Then, turn right, and follow the road until it is no longer a road but moist dirt, protruding rocks, and the semblance of a lane. It was dark, but at our lodge for the next five nights we were greeted by an American proprietor and a nice cold drink. Sometimes there is no substitute for a refreshing Coca-Cola.

We are staying at San Simian Eco-Resort, on the shores of Laguna de Apoyo, in our own one-room bungalow with an outdoor, garden shower. The laguna is a crater lake, 200 centuries old and 650 feet deep. Its waters are rumored to be healing, enriched by the volcanic mineral bed. There is much to do from this home base (including a rejuvenating massage), but before we entirely switch gears, lets begin with our volunteer video. Get your popcorn ready!