The Scoop

OK, cats, here it is, my blogalicious plan for the next few months. First, I leave Thursday for Nicaragua. I do not yet have a place lined up to stay, but here is what I do have: a small army of people (read: two) working to contact people they know who might have suggestions of where to stay. I've got one option on the line that is a wee bit expensive for Managua, although I laugh at the prospect. $425 for a room in a home where the lady will cook my meals AND wash my laundry? But I've been warned off - this is apparently (unbelievably) more than I need to pay, so I'm still looking. Also, I've got reservations at one of the only hostels in town for the first few nights, so I'll have some leeway in finding accomodations.

Internet cafes are apparently abundant around the UCA (Universidad de CentroAmerica), where I'll be working at the historical archives, so I believe I can post with some regularity. Not so sure how easily I can upload photos, but I'll figure that out when I get there. I'm hoping to spend my weekends off exploring the wilds of Nicaragua (oh, volcanoes, ah, beaches, oh, adventure!) so I'm shooting for two to three posts a week. No promises, just possibilities. :)

The best news of all is that I found a TRAVEL BUDDY!! Yahoooooo! I sent out this big schmemail to folks in my address book saying Adios, here's where I'm off to, send your address if you want postcards, and guess what. A friend knows a friend who'll be living in Granada, a cool colonial city only a short bus ride away from Managua. So we've been in touch, and are planning to meet up down there and plan some weekend getaways together. Giant sigh of relief. It's not that I can't travel by myself. I've done so many times before, and enjoyed it. But it's just always nicer to have somebody to sit with over a beer and talk about the crazy things you've seen and done. Or to help you put the pieces back together after you've been robbed at knifepoint. Ick. Let's hope that last one isn't necessary. I knew I had some friends planning trips down there (Maxita, Varunski, Umulu, I can't wait to see you!), but their visits are all kind of lumped up together in November, so this is a super nice special treat from the Travel Gods.

I'm pretty much packed, and ready for Managua, Nicaragua and the great beyond. Look, I'm even ready for air pollution. Bring it on, black-smoke-belching Central American city buses! I am SO ready for you.



In short, I am so excited for my trip. Regretful at leaving, sad to leave my friends, my city, my life behind for a while, but excited at the prospect of new and interesting people and places. Oh, itchy travel bug, welcome back. It's been a while, and I've missed you.