Las Penitas...

We took the 45 minute bus ride through the outskirts of Leon and arrived at Las Penitas. Under the advice of local Nicaraguan Milo, we made our way into a very relaxed beach front hostel called Playa Roca. It was so good to be near the water again, the ocean breeze helping with the crazy humidity we’d had to come to terms with since arriving in Nicaragua. The beach was quite different to how I’d pictured it, probably the brownish black sand, darker as a result of all of the volcanoes in the area. The water was almost too warm, but so relaxing and the waves picked up at different times throughout our stay.

Milo organised a big lobster dinner for us at a restaurant near by. Three lobsters, rice and salad for all, washed down with Tonas (the other local beer) and Flor de Cana (Nicaraguan rum). The food was great although the lobsters were definitely not of legal size by any Australian standard! The girls enjoyed it for the first time and everyone kicked on with the rum, continuing on the beach back in front of Playa Roca where we could sit out under the clear starry sky. The rum continued to come and while some retired, it ended up a rather messy night.

Saturday was a very sombre day for everyone after Friday night’s shenanigans. We all swam, relaxed and played some pool as the weather outside changed from blue skies to grey clouds, a storm brewing for the afternoon. After the sun had disappeared I sat and listened to the rain pouring down, the waves crashing and the occasional thunder while the lightening brightened up the whole sky. When it lifted, we walked down to another restaurant for dinner; Will and I shared some chicken wings and amazing ‘pescada el aijo’ – fish with garlic sauce. No Flor de Cana for anyone this time round and a rather early night.

6am, the boys minus Bryce were off fishing and the rest of us had a very relaxing sleepy morning. I got the concept of a “boy’s trip” but was really keen to join them, especially since I was missing out on Volcano Boarding the next day. Nevertheless, a boy’s trip it was and I was happy provided they caught our lunch! Bryce and I went for a swim before grabbing some boards to test out the waves. At the same time the boys returned from their fishing trip with big smiles and plenty of fish! They each picked out a couple to keep and cook up for lunch with their guide taking the rest. There were a mixture of mackerel and tuna that were taken to the kitchen to be prepared. Bryce, Godfrey and I headed out to the waves and walked back in time for our big fish feast! They had prepared a plate for everyone with some salad, chips and a few fish fillets that looked and tasted amazing and we all ate our fair share with plenty remaining. With our stomach’s full it was time to leave for the bus back to Leon – Las Penitas, you served us well!