Another stint in "El campo"

Monday afternoon, October & I caught the 1415 bus, along with all the other "Cheles" (whites) up to Sontule. As it was quite packed & a beautiful day, so we got up onto the roof of the bus & had some amazing views from up top. It was great fun, apart from when you had to duck or else you´d get whacked by a branch or two !

Was met by Doña Lucia & I introduced October to the "Villareyna clan". I think it was a bit overwhelming for her at first because I knew everyone, but she settled into the country life very quickly ! The first afternoon we chatted to the family then we all headed up to Ivan & Danelias house for Ivancitos birthday. I thought it was going to be a quiet family affair, but  heaps of people turned up (many of whom I´d not met) & they were all sitting round on chairs ! A bit boring at first (with Don Rogelio doing his prayers & going on a bit) but it was nice to see all the kids with the piñata & the cake !!! Wasn´t too late a night & I was too tired to dance, so we got back "home" & put 3 blankets on the bed before snuggling down for the night ! A cold night it was too !!!

The following day, October & I went for a long hike around the area & I showed her the "Beneficio" where they process the coffee. We had some great views from a nice lookout & had a chilled out lunch in a field with some very inquisitive cows !!! That afternoon when we returned, I phsyced myself up & went & had a shower outside, then in the evening, we played cards with Maynor & a lovely 14yr old lad called Denis. Again, it was a cold night, so an extra 4th blanket was added !!!!! Actually, the wind was so loud & strong at one point (whistling....no gusting, through the gap between the wall & roof) that I though the roof was going to be ripped off  !!!

However, we survived the night & on the Tuesday, we had arranged to do a horseride with Nelson, one of the guides up in Sontule. Had another FAB day.....visiting several different communities, the laguna & a picnic in the sun. Got back late afternoon......quite saddlesore again & with a dodgy knee this time !!!!! Perhaps someone is trying to tell me something ?!!!!

After dinner we played cards again & mucked around with the kids until 2100 when I felt so tired & sun kissed, that I had to go to bed !! I was very happy though....what a great day !

So....the time had come for us to leave & we got the bus back to Esteli, along with Marlon, Mayra & Ester (plus kids) with me promising that one day I shall return !!!!! October told me that she had had a great time up there & I have just added to my wonderful memories of that very special place !!

When we got back to Esteli, both October & I booked out tickets for the following day for our continuing adventures (hers in Honduras & mine in El Salvador). In the evening we then met up for a cheeky beer with  Marlon, Evert & Melissa, until it was time for us to say goodnight.

I was feeling a little deflated, as October & I  had had a lot of fun travelling together and it was time to say "Adios" again,  however she has told me she will come back up to Tacuba again...& we shall of course keep in touch......so it never really is "adios" but "Hasta la proxima!"