Off Ometepe and on the homestretch

Ometepe was a blast. I didn´t want to spend too much time writing earlier, but Zopilote was by far the best place I stayed. Probably what was best about it was the feeling of it being a home away from home, rather than a hotel or lodge at which you were a guest. The communal kitchen that one could cook in was certainly the biggest contributor to this, but the atmosphere in general really added to it as well.

It was also fantastic because of the global crossroads it represented. Owned by Italians, French and French-Algerian staff. Guests from Poland, Argentina, Canada (French and English speaking), USA, Maylasia, France, Germany, England and probably more that I am forgetting. The lingua franca of the place went back and forth from English to Spanish depending on the day, but there were always side conversations going on in all sorts of mixtures. In any event though, a lot of great travel stories to hear, with people staying at Zopilote for 2 days to 4 weeks and on 2 week trips to Central America or indefinitely long trips all over the world.

Let me tell you though: If you are going to Central America please learn at least a little Spanish. Here are 3 examples of siguations that should have NEVER HAPPENED 1) At the tienda after picking out a few snacks to buy and being told how much they cost `What does once mean?´(and if you don´t know, it means 11, please learn how to count) 2) "How do I ask which bus to get on?" 3) "Quiero polo." Confused look "Do you want chicken?" "Yeah. Polo." "Quire pollo (pronounced as poyo)" "The double ls make a y?"

Don´t be that person.

Also, why would you ever offer a joint to someone who is chopping limbs off a bamboo stalk with a machete. That just seems like a bad life choice.