Well, at least we were successful at doing nothing
Written by Kyle on Friday, September 12, 2008 in Nicaragua
Feelin' normal
We've always been sort of smitten with the idea of being surfers. It always looks so cool from a distance and the thought of a life spent on the beach looking for the next good wave sounds pretty decent to me. Of course, in order to actually surf, one needs to learn how to do it, so we headed to Las Peñitas to try to learn some surfing.Feelin' normal
Some fishing boats in Las Peñitas. The beach is behind the trees.
Of course, nature had other plans for us. After spending quite a few scorching days outside, Bessie had developed a heat rash that was peaking just as we were ready to receive our first surfing lesson from Surfer-Dude-With-A-Shack-On-The-Beach. Of course, heat rash + laying on a board in the heat = more heat rash, so we decided surfing might not be the best idea.
What's one to do on a beach with nothing much to do? Well, when the heat rash went down some a couple days later, we went on a cayaking trip to see if we could spot some crocs in the local reserve. We didn't see any, but we did get to see a lot of mangroves and a bunch of dead fish. Super exciting, I know.
Dead fish bobbing in the water; local guys hauling wood
Well, ok, that didn't work, but there are turtles that lay their eggs at night nearby. Who can resist cute turtles lumbering their way on shore to lay a bunch of eggs? Not us. So, we went with a local "guide" (otherwise known as "the guy in the hammock over there") to go watch turtles and the miracle of life. Unfortunately, after walking for 3 .5 hours in the steamy night through tough sand (ala Moses but without burning bushes and 10 commandments to show for it), not one turtle was spotted. Must have been their day off.
The only photo we have from the turtle adventure: me pretending to eat a live crab. Yummm!!
At this point, you're probably thinking the trip out to Las Peñitas is a bust, but really it wasn't. We got a lot of quality time to read books, sleep, eat, and drink smoothies.
Plate 'o Shark; Me taking my reading position
So for those of you who feel like the day is wasted if you haven't accomplished something, relax (me included). Just grab a comfortable place to lie, pick up a book, and wait for the sunset to come.
Comments on "Well, at least we were successful at doing nothing"
That last picture of the sunset was enough for me. Trust me, Kyle, I do understand the need to feel like you accomplished something during the day. But there are many of us here in the states "accomplishing" enough right now, so take the time to just relax and enjoy the opportunity you have in front of you. I was just saying the other day when it was raining ALL day that it would rock just to have a whole day to read a book, so thanks for doing that for me!! :)
I spent a week in Las Penitas a few years back, it was extremely hot and very uncomfortable for me. I can understand why Bessie got a heat rash. One time for anyone is enough of that heat.
Yes, and the locals tell us that this is actually their winter. I would hate to feel what their summer is like.
We received thirteen inches of rain in three days here in the Midwest tropics from Hurricane Ike. YUCK!!! Be happy in your beautiful place and be enriched by every hour of your activities! Best wishes to both of you.
When thrown a lemon, you two ALWAYS have a way of making such delicious lemonade! Lovely! : )
Hummmmmm.....fairskinned blond plus extreme heat/sun equals rash. I'll keep that in mind on our next cruise. Alternate activity....book, chaise, shaded area, cool drink, ocean sounds....sounds like a plan.
i definitely opted for your alternate activity, and my bod's happy for that. If I only could have gotten Kyle to fan me with a big leaf... Next time.
MMmmmmm next time...if there's a next time. Try staying at Suyapa Beach....there are a couple of other hotels close by and there is always something happening.....What month were you guys there??
I really loved Nicaragua - especially the Leon area, so there will definitely be a next time (eventually!!)
Have a great visit back there!!
We were there in September. Rather hot it was.
you make my rash sound like a blessing in disguise, or at least make it sound funny. Nicaragua, I don't hate you for 3 foul tourist experiences, but I must say, it better make up for it.
by Bessie the wife a.k.a. the Rash Surivor at September 12, 2008 08:07 PM