Nicaragua

For years, Nicaragua was not included in the travelers itinerary when it came to Central America. Nicaragua is a country marred by natural disaster and political struggle, dating back to the Somoza regime and the Sandinist party, FSLN, which still resides today. However, it has emerged as a tourist destination in the past few years, and certainly has much to offer.

Isla de Ometepe on Lake Nicaragua is magical with its two volcanoes, mystically shrouded in the clouds.


The colonial gem of Granada, hearkens to the older times, a romantic, laid back feel.

Pura Vida

Pura vida, literally translated as pure life, signifies the laid back Tico mentality. Better translated as full of life, real living, or going great, it symbolizes an appreciation for the situation and surroundings. The saying reflects Costa Rica's geography as well: the Pacific swells provide great surf, the jungle holds a rich biodiversity, and the numerous volcanoes rise through the clouds.

It is inevitable that the country's tourism sector is as big as it is today. Both a blessing to the economy and a probable curse to environment, the Costa Rican people, or Ticos, are greatful for what they have.

The surf haven on the coast both coasts attracts surfers from all nationalities, while the rainforest and volcanoes call over the outdoorsmen, hikers and wildlife enthusiasts of all types. With a strong North American market for tourism, many Westerners have found it a suitable place to escape the hectic modern world, and reconnect with the natural world.

Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo


Arenal region


Red-eyed tree frog

Canals Skylines and Serenity

Panama, the southernmost country in Central America is famous for its canal and subsequently US connections. The canal itself, over 90 years old, is tantamount to shipping and transport across the Americas from Pacific to Atlantic and vice versa. Crossing over instead of around the landmasses means a lot of revenue for the country.

The thin isthmus is the thinnest piece of land between the continents, yet it is still 80km of locks, meaning 8 hours crossing time, from one side to the other. The whole procedure involves the filling of locks with fresh water and locomotive and tugboat action. Taxed by weight, the average for freighters and tankers to pass is $200-300 thousand dollars.


Along with a sophisticated canal, Panama city shows off a modern skyline, complete with skyscrapers and many more to come. However, being a Latinamerican country, the stratification of classes is also present, and slum areas are not disguisable.



Away from the city, one can escape the bustle and enjoy the Caribbean coast. The Bocas del Toro archipelago is a haven for surfers, beachcombers and anyone looking to kick their feet up and appreciate what nature has to offer. Yet another postcard place.

Cayos Zapatillas

Pirates of the Caribbean

The vast ocean will always lure the terrestrial man back towards the ocean. From there it is sink or float. The Caribbean Sea in particular has a history of pirate lore, of ugly, pistol bearing, rotting teeth, rum guzzling bandits, who lived and raided across the West Indies. Stories are passed down of treasure and islands, and or both. Mysterious places abound, with indigenous inhabitants peering stealthily from under cover.

To traverse the el Mar Caribe brings back the many images of the pirate days. Life on the boat was more simple. The goal was to get from point A to point B and experience what lies between. In modern times, the experience or journey has been forgotten, and in so doing, a depressed existence ensues. The ocean will always be humbling, and often reminds the sailor that the hard times will be the most rewarding.

In the future there will be just as much folk tale surrounding the Caribbean as in centuries past, as the area is still very well trafficked by all sorts of people with varying businesses from all walks of life. Simply put, it is the connecting point between the Americas and its landmasses, the ports have and will always be modes of transport.

To get from Colombia to Panama, one must travel over sea or by air, as the land is not navigable. Thus, anyone with true pirate spirit will choose the former option. This means a few nights on a boat, a bit of open ocean and a stop in the San Blas archipelago. Often people describe these islands as a picture of paradise, with turquoise water and coral reefs. Truly something to experience.





Shipwrecked


Dinner

Colombia

Since the perilous days of the 80s and 90s, Colombia has been reformed into what is now a different and safer country from what it once was. Tourism is just beginning to pick up, as police and military presence is better felt. The days of the violent drug wars are subsiding, leaving a country in the process of repair. However, the earlier days some 20-30 years back are also what gave Colombia some flavour and its remnants are still seen and witnessed throughout in major cities.

Beginning with Medellín, dwelling place of the fabled Pablo Escobar, when his drug cartels were a pivotal part of society. The city has much to offer, and is set to expand in the next decade, a new clean cut look with the architecture of old set amidst a culture of salsa. Many still knock on the walls of any and all buildings to check if the hoarded drug money of Escobar actually exists.

Next, Bogota, the huge capital, a sprawling urban city, alive with art and commerce. A city jam-packed with residents, and brewing in modernity, it maintains the Colombian flavour and lifestyle. It is the gateway to the rest of the country, making available the coasts and jungle.

Cartagena will always embody the ideal Colombian city. Its preserved architecture remains, including the city walls and fort that once warded off pirates. A romantic town, with horse and carriage still clicking up and down old town, Cartagena also offers a commercial sector with buildings reaching up to the sky.

The descriptions are of course inadequate, both because the writer doesn't know enough about the said cities and words are never sufficient to describe the 5 senses that one can absorb a city with. Thus, to add to the experience, a few pictures.

Medellin


Bogota


Cartagena

Life is a South American Highway

After more than 200 hours of bus time, the South American continent has been traversed, save for a few open miles of road. Traveling by bus in the south means a lot of movies, little to few road stops for food or to relieve oneself, Latin music played at a high volume, constant drop-offs and pick-ups of local passengers, and many nights on the road.

Of course, the luxury buses found in the southern cone are comparable to none, and embody comfort and class as best as possible on the open highway. Music becomes indispensable and a fully charged ipod can survive the majority of a 20hr ride. Yet most importantly, road travel provides the opportunity for a close look at the landscape and the small towns that lie between.

The views through the foggy window can only be described as breathtaking. South America means lots of coastline, sprawling desert, rolling hills, daunting mountains and plenty of steep drop-offs from highways which barely fit two full sized coaches. Nevertheless, the drivers who at times can are called fearless and aggressive are also alert and well aware.

Some bus shots

Crawling through the longitudinal span of Chile



Overlooking the Colombian jungle from a steep drop/off



The view across the Bolivian desert

Equatorial Divide

Ecuador, a country of beautiful landscapes, has been deemed worthy enough to receive the name denoting its presence in the middle of the earth, although other countries do lie on the said equator.



To be on the equator means a lot of things in physics terms, mostly dealing with opposing forces and effects. I could explain such concepts using my limited high school and university physics knowledge, but there is no need.



The point is, being situated between the north and the south makes water do cool things, causes all sorts of metereological effects, and pulls you in every which way.


The indigenous people realized the importance of their location well before anyone of th Westerners. The sun and stars told never lied, and told them much about their world.

As it is All Saint's Day, or the day after Halloween in North America, I will give my respects to the dead, saints and laymen included. In Ecuador, it is customary to drink Colada Morada, a fruity concoction which goes with sweet stuffed bread. Here's to all my loved ones.