Tropical Island Paradise

Ometepe is an amazing island in a giant lake made up of 2 volcanoes connected by an isthmus. Pretty much all dirt roads and jungle. 

We left around 9 and walked 3km down the dirt/rock road to the entrance of a hike to the San Ramon waterfall that was a 45 degree angle the whole time. It was another brutal 3km in the hot sun but so worth it at the end. It took us about 3 hours to finally get there but as soon as we did, we ripped off our clothes and shoes and jumped into the little lagoon at the bottom of the falls. The water was freezing but it felt amazing. We stood under the falling water and climbed on the rocks underneath it. It was freaking awesome. We sat on rocks in the sun to warm up and dry off before heading back down at double the speed from the way up. By the time we got back at 230, we were starving, I thought I was going to pass out from hunger. We ate some delicious chicken and plantains and went for a sunset swim off the dock at our hostel. The views here are gorgeous; humongous volcano to the right, massive lake in front of you with a sunset that looks like its at the end of the world on the calm water. This island is fantastic.

Rum and BonBons

We are wrapping up our final week of our visit with the Spanish school. We have met some great people who we will luckily be meeting up with along the way at various places as we travel through Nicaragua. We have been having a week of celebrations to say goodbye. Our new friend, KT, is meeting up with her boyfriend who is flying down next week and he is bringing us some dark chocolate. We are dying for some good dark chocolate. We have found a candy here literally called BonBons from Argentina or somewhere and we buy out the stash everywhere we go that has them. Between KT, Shea and I we have eaten most of the BonBons in Nicaragua. We had a free afternoon after class yesterday so we went and bought the last 8 bonbons at the icecream store, got some sprite and drank our Nicarguan rum- Flor de Cana- with sprite and ate bonbons in our hammocks all afternoon. I think we laughed for about 3 hours straight... watching old Jem episodes on KT´s laptop, discussing the hypocrisy of our host and making up Spanish phrases for Shea to recite to her Nicaraguan crush (please see her blog for a further description of this fine gentleman). We talked more at dinner last night than we have the whole trip here to our own amusement as well as everyone elses.

Tonight we are having Thanksgiving, Nicaraguan style: fried chicken (freshly slaughtered), mashed potatoes, pumpkin soup and chocolate cake. And Chilean red wine that seems to be the only thing available at all supermarkets in Nicaragua which is fine because it is delicious.

Sandinistas and Volcanoes

The past few weeks have been interesting. This is my first experience in C. America besides Cancun which techinically I think is N. America. We arrived in Nicaragua the day of their elections and since that day calls of fraud, recounts and oppositional demonstrations have escalated this event into the national news. Most of the election demonstrations are happening in Managua and Leon, the larger cities. The closest town to our school, La Concha has held rallies and parades which involve mortar launching, fireworks, tire burning and gunfire. The thing though is that none of it seems or feels violent, its more like thats just how they react to this sort of political turmoil. We haven't felt unsafe here and just avoid going out at night. The Sandinistas won originally but the Liberals called for a recount based on voter fraud and since then its just been a back and forth- now with international intervention. Last night was the scariest for some reason, though it may just be me and my heightened level of anxiety that naturally comes with traveling to foreign places. I woke up in the middle of the night to what sounded like shouting in chants and I thought there must be riots. And then I of course started thinking that they were getting closer. I must have eventually fallen back asleep and of course nothing happened but I guess you just never know. Luckily we are very well protected and have awesome night watchmen that help us with everything from large bugs we have dubbed crab spiders to cats jumping in our window at night. The people here are absolutely fantastic.

Yesterday we went early to do a day hike of Volcan Mombacho. It was amazing. It was a 5km hike around the second tallest volcano in Nicaragua in a cloud forest. It was green and lucious with gorgeous expansive views. It was super windy yesterday and we were blown all around whenever we came out of the forest at points along the trail that served as lookouts to take pictures. Our guide said that at the top, the winds were registering at 42 mph, we sure could feel it! The hike was basically straight ups and downs climbing wooden tree stumps cut into steps. It was cool being in all of that wind without snow or rain or extreme cold as it usually is. The best part was we got back to the school and the cooks made us the most delicious pineapple cake for dessert. So perfect after a long day of hiking.

New Itinerary

Commencing week 3 of my trip to Nicaragua. I have been in Spanish classes for 2 weeks and can now conjugate verbs in present, past AND future. Watch out now. I also know body parts, food and Nicaraguan popular expressions. We decided to cut our time short at Spanish school to have more time out and about exploring. While there are some good activities with the place we are staying, they are too few and we are getting somewhat antsy and bored. Shea and I are leaving next Saturday to head to Isla de Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua (the second largest lake in S. America). Its supposed to be a gorgeous place with toucans, monkeys and hopefully (keeping our fingers crossed) some sloths. The first place we will go for 5 days to bunk in a dorm at a hacienda right on the water for hiking, kayaking, napping in hammocks and waterfalls. After that we are heading to the other side of the Maderas Volcano to stay at Finca Magdelena. Its an old farmhouse built in the early 1900s that operates as a coffee farm now. We are bunking in the dorm there too and plan on hiking up the volcano with a guide and drinking lots of delicious coffee and again napping in hammocks. We will travel around by bus and have to take a vomit-inducing ferry ride across the lake to get there. After that we will head to Granada for a few days- do some shopping and kayaking around small isletas. Our last few days will be spent at Laguna de Apoyo, a salt water filled gigantic volcanic crater. We got a room at the Best Western across from the airport in Managua for our last night for easy access for our 730 am flight back to NYC on Sunday, Dec 14.

Nicaragua: 10 days and counting

I am almost all set for the big trip south of the border. Its been crazy in NM what with law school apps and Obama campaign work and helping my mom unpack her house. Once I get to Nica I will start updating more regularly with the adventures I might find myself on. I went to REI and got some supplies so even though I decided not to get any vaccines, I should be proteceted with my water filtration system and mosquito repelent, DEET and DEET-free, I will be experimenting with. I am getting excited albeit a little nervous considering I speak zero Spanish having taken French in high school. Luckily my darling friend S is coming with.

We are arriving in Managua at 9pm Saturday, November 8 and will be staying in a hostel that night. The following day we are going to find the bus station and take a bus to La Mariposa where we will be staying for four weeks. I have attached their blog so you can see what the eco-lodge is up to as well. I cant wait to find who else will be staying there during our visit.

I am excited for some excellent Nicaraguan coffee!!

You tell 'em Frank Rich!

Hi all. Sorry I have not posted anything of late. Its been a busy time. I'm in Santa Fe helping my mom move into her adorable Stamm house. Moving is so much work. I have also been helping the local Obama field office with get out the vote canvassing as well as getting my law school apps in order.

To fuel our obsession with the elections, below is a great op ed that about sums it up.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/19/opinion/19rich.html?em

Heidikin's Guide to Business School

1. Channel your inner Leuthold- go big on the free food, double fisted, or go home!

2. Words of Wisdom passed down on steakhouse napkins: "Why bother trying, it doesn't matter anyway."

3. If you have to meet with other business professionals at an industry event, it's always more appropriate to do so in a sarong. Hahahahaha, that guy...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkNmcShmS7A&feature=related

4. Keep a lookout and steer clear of 21 year old "used" car sellers lurking in run down parking lots and frat parties... or, better yet, steer clear of run down parking lots and frat parties.

5. Now this is really important... I need you to remember you have a cheese sandwich!

6. Remember, when making new friends it is best to continuously remind them that you are very cool as you lived in NYC.

7. It may seem trite, but always wise to double check for matching shoes.

The best part is, the soundtrack is from the Bodyguard!

This makes me so very happy. This one is for all you pet lovers out there. Which by the way, I think I am becoming one of those people who talk about their pets way too much. I need an intervention!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adYbFQFXG0U

Tucker and the Deer

So last week I spent the fourth of July in Maine with my family and much to my excitement, Tucker got to come with me. He had a blast! Every chance he got, he was on the rocks in front of the house (these are more boulder type rocks than pebbles). He was like a little billy goat and every night he would crash hard after so much activity. Putting himself to bed and snoring indiscriminately. For those of you who have been, you may remember there is a small road that curves around Ocean Point that basically makes a big circle (for those of you who haven't, we need to fix that!). Early one morning, I was walking Tucker and cut through the middle road (literally called Middle Road) which goes through the woods. As we were walking, we came face to face with a large female deer. We were all at a stand still, Tucker and I looking at the deer looking back at us. Everyone was quiet, deciding who was going to make the first move. We stood there for about 30 seconds when Tucker, being Tucker, ripped a big one and broke the silence (wind) sending the deer bounding in the opposite direction.

Guess who got to come to work with me today???

Due to the excessive heat wave keeping everyone in NYC all hot and bothered, I got to bring Tucker with me to work today! I didn't want to leave him in my apartment with 105 degree heat so my boss told me to bring him in. And since he basically lives the life of a rock star, we took a car service into Manhattan so he wouldn't have to "deal" with the subway. Oh to live the privileged life; he will never understand how us commoners live.

I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.

Following the lead of my ever-adventurous buddy, CG, I am now an NYC bicycle commuter. It is so nice to get up in the morning and take a speedy route through BK and across the Manhattan bridge. Riding the rush hour subways now feels like pure torture. We even have a shower at work so we can continue through the hot, humid summer. I just need to get Tucker a little side-car now.

Change We Can Believe In!

Alright people, the time has come. There is a light at the end of the tunnel! The nomination process is almost over so do your part and contribute to Obama's campaign so we can beat the Republicans in November. https://donate.barackobama.com/page/contribute/main?source=homedropdown

My List of Things to do This Summer

1. Go sailing regularly.
2. Teach Tucker to run the whole way around Prospect Park.
3. Go camping!
4. Mentor inner-city youth.
5. Take a professional writing class.
6. Hit up PS1.
7. Swim at Red Hook outdoor lap pools.
8. Take advantage of NYC and go out as much as possible (within the budget :))
9. Go on a date to the Bryant Park Grill.
10. Spend at least 3 Sundays doing nothing but laying out on my roof in the beach chair reading the Sunday Times.

Oh Banana Boy!

My friend and I were in L.A. last week for work. It had been a long day and we were exhausted, hungry and a little carsick riding in the back of a cab to catch a train (which apparently is very un-L.A. to use public transportation) when I look over and see a banana peel shut into the hatch back of a jeep. I mean, seriously, is this dude for real?! Laziness? Lack of attention to detail? Big rush? What sort of mentality leads to such a thing? This one had me laughing all the way to Santa Monica Blvd...

I Heart Boston

I had to come to Boston to meet with some people for work and I suddenly now totally appreciate it. Maybe it is the streak of mild weather they had while I was in town or the delicious, fun dinner in Chinatown, but either way this city is a blast. You get the city life while it also maintains an endearing quaintness.

5 Things that make Boston rock in comparison to NYC:
-I can walk and actually make it across the city in a reasonable amount of time without ANY mode of transportation.
-Instead of suit jackets, professional gentlemen wear fleece vests or fleece jackets over their button-down shirts and ties; very bold.
-Boston subways are clean and indicative of a civilized society.
-There is exciting U.S. history around every corner.
-Two words: Boston accents!

BIG E has hit the BIG time

Congratulations to two of my most favorite people! I am so happy and excited for you both. I cant wait to get a big poofy taffetta dress in some citrus color with large bows on the back and PARTYYYYYYY. Love you guys, congrats!

Yo Banana Boy!

http://www.bindlestiffbooks.com/

A lovely girl that I work with, and knows how I love all things hilarious, was kind enough to share with me one of her friend's latest creations. She has written and illustrated a whole calendar of palindromes. It is awesome!! It was printed in low quantities by an adorably small bookstore out of West Philadelphia, home of the Fresh Prince himself. Link above, but you have to call to place your order but its only like $10. The illustrations are adorable and the palindromes are too funny. One of my favorites being, "Acrobats stab Orca"... I am sure you can imagine the illustration.

To eat meat or not eat meat, that is the question.

Today, after much careful contemplation, I finally have determined my stance on how to eat meat. After 12 years of not eating pigs, chickens, cows and the like, I am suddenly craving protein. My first impulse came a couple of weeks ago when I almost ordered rabbit. I then sampled oxtail and squid in polenta for an appetizer and now its all I can think about. After talking to my friend today, I decided to call my new plan foraging/hunter-gatherer. i.e. I am still not interested in ordering a burger from a cow that grew up on an industrial farm or a breaded chicken tender but rather, I will eat gamey type creatures that run wild. He pointed out that oxen dont run wild in the forest, have their tails surgically removed and get set free again but I am still working on the details. Bacon still smells super delicious and I want to eat that but not pork tenderloin, that just sounds gross. And, just like a sign, my salad at lunch today had a small twig in it. He said the sushi restaurant we ordered from in NYC must be foraging their lettuce now.