Bearded Monkey Around

On Friday, I had breakfast with Paul before he boarded the boat back to Rivas. He had a plane to catch in Granada (so many people I am running into are on their last stretch of travels). I decided to stay on the Island for another day, and rent a bike again. Before I took off, I had some lunch. Didn't expect my fish soup to have an entire fish just plopped in it...but it was alright.
This bike round, I biked to the reserve and hiked around for a couple of hours! It is a beautiful lagoon, with stunning views of the Volcanoes and the lake. A lot of beautiful birds, intricate trees, cactuces, tiny lizards, and I even came within feet of a family of Spider Monkeys. Unfortunately, when I went to take a picture, it beeped and displayed "Battery Depleted". Pretty huge bummer, seeing as I have yet to get photos of monkeys, but I hope to return yet again to the Island.
After my hike, I went for another swim and then headed back into town, where I met up with a couple from Norway (also on their last 5 days). We had a delicious meal, and good chat, then headed to bed. We planned to catch the 6am boat to Rivas, so had to be there at 5:30. I woke up at 5:40, and rushed to the dock...JUST in time. As soon as I hopped on the boat, she set sail.
At Rivas, a cab driver told us there wasn't a bus to Granada fro 3 and a half hours, and offered to take us there for $24...pfff. There are busses every 50 minutes for $1.25, he just wanted the dinero.
From the bus station we walked through the centre of town (very busy on Saturday), and then found separate accomodations. I decided to check out the infamous 'Bearded Monkey'. It's a wonderful place with a lot of things to do, from movies, to books, to board games, pool and darts, or just chilling with other travellers. All the guests get tabs, and you basically help yourself to the beer fridge and eat when you want to eat etc...then pay at check out. Nice, but perhaps a little dangerous. Also, discovered another Nicaraguan beer, Buffalo, and definately the best of the bunch.
It was a hot and sunny day, and i decided to wander the streets and check out the churches. It was a day well spent. Afterwards, hung out with a girl from Denmark, one from South Korea, a guy from Missourri, and a girl from Arkansas. We played mastermind for a bit, then endulged in a game of Cranium..much fun. The movie night at the guesthouse was '40 year old virgin', so i watched that and had some good laughs. At about 10:30, the bunch of us went to a local club called Cafe Nuit, where we danced to live music for a couple hours, at which point I was about ready for sleep...so did just that. Today, I am going to wander the streets for a bit more, then catch a bus to Managua (the Capital) and get to Leon as soon as possible. Hopefully will be able to surf tomorrow and then be on to El Salvador Tuesday morning, then to Guatemala! Woot!
Taker easy,
-Mitchell-

Photos: Iglesia (church) de Xalteva...Lounging area in The Bearded Monkey