The Island of Ometepe

Last week Jenn and I ventured to the Island of Ometepe. After a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants bus ride, a sick-to-you-stomach ferry trip, and two Dramamine later we arrived on the island. At which point we were promptly smothered by guides, hotel representatives and guys who can "find you anything you want" (except moto rental at a decent price). We decided to head for a less claustrophobic region and took another bouncy, jaw rattling bus ride to the village of Altagracia. It was a sleepy little town with rooms for $2 a night and cheap food. The biggest event was the boxing fight between the American Floyd something-or-other and the Mexican La Joya. Basically there were a lot of drunk men shouting, it was quite the cultural experience. After La Joya lost, we decided to get out of there pretty quick.
The next day we met up with our guide Silvio who took us to see petrogliphs, the beach, and an awesome swimming hole where there was a rope swing! That night we stayed at a place on the beach that was beautiful although some what isolated (we ended up playing a lot of cards). The next morning we woke up early (believe it or not) and met up with Silvio again; this time for a hike up the smaller volcano Las Maderas. The hike itself wound through forests that had been slashed and burned to make way for rice and bean crops. The view of Concepcion (the main volcano) was stunning with its crown of clouds. At the top Silvio shared a mango with us (of course we hadn´t thought to bring food); after finishing the mango he grabbed a stick and began digging a hole. He then placed the pit in the hole, covered it with dirt and sprinkled it with water saying, "In the future people can enjoy this view with more shade."
On the way back to Granada I was so impressed with myself because I didn´t get sea or car sick once! Maybe I´m cured...