Greetings from the south coast

Oh my goodness, have completely forgotten about the blog!
Sunday morning, just getting ready to head off to the beach, when this massive storm hits. There goes the beach idea for a while anyway.
However looking south there is already some blue sky, so I may get down there later.
Oops no more blue sky, looks like a sewing or sanding day.
I have had lead light windows in the shed for 5 years now, so I really need to get them sorted out.
If I get them sanded grouted and painted by the time Jules gets here, he and Hasi will have a nice little project to do together! Also then I can sort out the shed and we can move on to the folly, which has been in planning for a while now, and not forgetting the glass wall!
I definitely need to stop working to get these projects up and running.
Hasi and I are discussing how someone can get 99.75 in the HSC. Apparently the most you can get is 99.85, so Jerome A was pretty close.
Mum was remembering being there for his first day of school! Lovely memories of long term friendship with the family.
So fresh laid eggs (thank you ladies of the garden) and a brew of coffee  awaits
Love to anyone who may think about reading the blog
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Just a quick post to let you know how life in beautiful South Wales is at the moment.
The weather is COLD. We have had a few falls of snow but not really a lot with us. Not enough to curtail activity,Looking up to the mountains looks lovely.
The darts knockouts are over and we are back to league games. We didn't get into the finals this year. Next week we have a bye so provides the perfect opportunity for us to go out for Christmas dinner. Always an enjoyable night when we go out.
Yesterday I went to Cardiff to see Miss Saigon, a fantastic production. Went up for the matinee which works well. A few more good productions on the program for next year so may make it a regular thing.
Tonight it's the local pantomime - oh no it's not! oh yes it is! Don't really get the whole panto thing but this is the adult version (over 18s only) and it's a good excuse to catch up with some friends and have a drink or two with them.
Been getting a good amount of work (for me that is, not loads). Jules is still negotiating on his personal injury claim. Hopefully will be sorted soon.
That's the basic goings ons. Nothing more for now.
Thinking of you all and sending love.
Bye for now, Moo.

Welsh Greetings

Hello All
Not much happening but wanted to keep the blog alive.
Jules is clearing the garage and finally throwing away all those things that "we might need one day".Can almost see the floor now!
Darts knockouts on at this time of the season. Three more weeks of them. Haven't done very well thus far. Captains, Pairs and Singles to come.
Saw Beautiful, The Carole King story at The Millenium Centre. Highly recommended!
Cold and damp in Wales (and the rest of Britain). Don't much like this time of year here.
Getting a bit of work. Keep the bailiffs from the door!
The car is going well and I am enjoying it. Still miss the Rover though.
Thinking of you all and sending love and hugs.
Bye for now, Moo xxx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Not sure if anyone is reading this anymore but I'll post anyway.
Had a fab July with Clare here. Saw a lot and made some great memories.
Clare will be the last visitor to travel in the Rover. It has met a very sad end and we are extremely sorry to see it gone. Fortunately, after much studying of car sale websites and comparing size, performance, reliability, etc. we have a replacement.
We welcome a Kia Soul Inferno to our small fleet (the car and the van). Had to travel to Southend-on-Sea to get it but it seems it was worth the hassle. Four years old with only 9450miles on the clock. As it is a Kia, it still has three years of it's 7year warranty left. We look forward to another 12plus years of service from it.
Not much else has been happening as we have been so caught up with sourcing a car.
Had a lovely birthday. Thanks for all the greetings sent.
Weather has been OK for August. Bank holiday Monday this weekend so hopefully, it continues.
Jules is well, as am I.
Thinking of you all.

Greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Happy July and summer in Europe.
Hopefully the sun is shining bright over southern Germany and Wales for the next few weeks for the visitors.
Pretty cool on the coast, but definitely not as cold as Canberra!
Ok I think I've done all the chores around the house and garden.
Next I have to refer to manual to find out how I put diesel fuel in the Combi.
May head down to Albion Park where there is a place that fits out camper vans, to get a few ideas, then on to Oak flats to check out some timber window makers.
I really want louvre windows in the kitchen. Actually I would love them on all the windows, gives the place a tropical beach feel, just have to convince Hasi.
Oops looks like rain, just get the washing off the line before I head off.
Love to all and happy holidays to you lucky ones.
Love Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Greetings from South Wales. Only six more sleeps until Clare arrives!
We have been getting the house organised for her visit and hoping the weather plays along.
Looking forward to showing off the hidden treasure that is Wales.
Have been having a few wins in our darts of late. Beat the other Gwyn team 9-2 on Tuesday. This week we have both teams playing at home so will be a busy night in the pub.
On Wednesday Jules and I went to see Robbie Williams at the stadium in Cardiff. What a show! Knew it would be, he is quite a performer. Had a wander in Cardiff and a few drinks before catching the train home. Needed to leave some time for the train queues to die down. Great night as it was unplanned. A friend gave me the tickets so it was last minute. Very enjoyable.
Jules has been playing with his new chainsaw and chopping some logs. The wood store is looking well stocked now. We have a good pile for the chiminea as well. Will be ready for a night or two on the patio with Clare.
Had a heatwave last week but we are back to usual temperatures now. Had a bit of rain. Bit more forecast for the week ahead. Hope it's all gone by Friday. Clare arrives at Heathrow about 7a.m. and will get a bus down to Port Talbot where we will collect her. Greatly looking forward to it - did I mention that already?
Hope you enjoyed your birthday last week Kev.
Sure the musical was a great success as always Annie.
That's about it for now. May try and post a few updates during Clare's visit. Also keep an eye on facebook.
Take care.
Lots of love,
Moo

Greetings from the south coast

Hi all,
Seems I've missed a few months of the blog.
I have checked out the train trip you did Moo, and it. really looks awesome.
Clare dropped by to m&d on Friday and we all looked at m&d photos of Wales. It was really great.
I wish I had taken all mine to show her, from my three trips there, actually four trips to Wales if I count the one I did in the 80s, before you were living there.
It really is a hidden treasure.
The rain has finally stopped here after a week of constant rain. Nice to see the sun. Hope it stays out for the arvo as we have a outside wedding to attend this arvo.
 I feel so restless, with so much rain, can't get the physical exercise I really think I need to keep a calm and happy frame of mind.
So many things to do in the garden, but everything too soggy. Suppose I could go to the gym, yuk! Actually should probably think about getting ready for the wedding
Love to all
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Have just had a few days away. Stayed in a caravan in Borth (just north of Aberystwyth). We were fortunate with the weather -quite glorious on Thursday and Friday. Dry all week but quite dense sea mist for the beginning of the week.
Caught the train into Aberystwyth on Wednesday for a stroll about - mostly op shopping. On Thursday we took the train north to Porthmadog. A beautiful train ride, running mostly along the coast. we had an hour in Porthmadog and then came back to Barmouth where we had about two hours to wander and soak up the sun. It was a lovely trip. Google Cambrian line to get details.
Otherwise, been fairly quiet. Jules has been slowly doing things in the laundry. We have sourced some cupboards to go in there - free from gumtree. Jules also needs to fit the cupboard in the kitchen to fill the gap where the washing machine was.
Took Cynthia out last week for a spin on the Gower. She sends her greetings to you all.
Only five weeks until Clare arrives! The planning is on-going.
Hope everyone is well and happy. Thinking of you.
Bye for now. xx

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Hope everyone is well and happy, as we are here in sunny South Wales.
Not much has been happening in the two and a half weeks since my return.
Caught up with my friend Louise over bubble. Have got back into doing that quite well really.
Been to see Cynthia and told her of my Aussie sojourn.
Didn't get to darts the night of my return, but have played the last two weeks. We are winning and losing this season. Had a win this week.
Had one shift back in work. Hopefully get a few more in soon.
Bank holiday this weekend. The point-to-point races are on Monday not far from here. Usually a good day out - if it's not raining!
Jules has been tiling the floor of the laundry. He has been accepted to work on the polling stations in the up coming general election. Hopefully he will enjoy it (or at least tolerate it) and be able to work on other elections as they occur.
That's about all for now.
Take care and have fun.

Christmas Draw

Here it is, enjoyably worked by Moo and Zac with  Maria Burgess overseeing proceedings.

Kevin               buys for         Annie

Joan                                       Lucy

Jack                                        Kate

Fran                                        Moo

Tom                                       Kevin

Liam                                      Clare

Connor                                  Julian

Marty                                    Connor

Claire                                     Jack

Kate                                       Tom

Hasi                                        Marty

Annie                                      Liam

Lucy                                       Fran

Clare                                       Joan

Moo                                        Claire

Julian                                      Hasi      

Greetings from the south coast

Hi anyone out there,
Oops I missed writing for the whole of Feb. Probably just busy trying to adjust back to the real world.
Only had one major meltdown, on my first trip to the supermarket. So "normal" having to shop to cook, but so boring.
Anyway that's all history now, as I've been a few times since, but I really draw the line at buying fruit and vege in the supermarket. I'm completely pissed of that our local green grocers has closed down, which means I have to get in the car to go to the next closest one.
But I will not be defeated, I will support the green grocers. Bloody supermarkets want to monopolise everything.
Anyway otherwise it's pouring rain here, and looks set in for a few days, so no evening beach walk and swim this evening.
Thats all for now
Love Zak

Greetings from Los Angeles airport

Hi all,
Well it seems there is wifi at the airport here inLos Angeles.
We arrived here about midday from Mexico City.
As our connecting flight isn't till 10pm, we decided to get out of the airport for the day, so caught a cab to the famous Venice Beach.
What a great idea (mine of course) It was a beautiful sunny balmy winters day here.
A bit too cool to swim, but we strolled the promenade, and checked out all the local characters, who make this place the eccentric, eclectic crazy place it is.
It's about 7.30 now, and we don't board till 10pm, so I have bought myself a new book -The Japanese Lover by Isabel Allende.
I have read another of her books while I've been travelling, called Eva Luna, and it was a great story.
Hasi is lying down behind me, making the most of being able to be in the horizontal position, before the 15 hour plane trip.
I really think I will get a cup of tea, and start my book.
So this really will be the last blog of this travel series.
Love to all
Zak

P.S. Have a great time in Melbourne Annie and Clare

Greetings from Mexico City

Hi all,
Today we flew from El Salvador back to Mexico City.
The flight was a bit more than 2 hours and it was great, because it flew low enough to see the lay of the land, the whole way.
Totally amazing landscape, coast rivers, lagoons behind the coast, mountains and volcanoes.
Spent hours waiting to get through immigration at Mexico City. I really hate airports and flying. It really is a means to an end. There's no fun in it
And still have to get out of Mexico,and go in and out of the USA before arriving in Sydney.
Hasi had a bit of a hassle getting out of El Salvador. We had not got stamps in our passports coming into El Salvador, I didn't have a problem, but the guy was interrogating Hasi. He finally let him through, but it's always a bit of a hold your breath moment.

So now we are in our beautiful hotel room, just 5 minutes from the airport, as we have to be there by 7am, so didn't think it was worth going into the city, just to sleep.
It is incredibly quiet. Has double glazing, so you can only just hear a rumble of the planes going over, and nothing else.
This is pretty amazing in a city of 20 million people!
Also we need quiet because we need sleep.
Last night we barely slept due to mosquitoes, bed bugs, party people outside our room, so we really have been like zombies today.
It's almost 8pm and we are ready to sleep, after long hot showers, scrubbing ourselves, to make sure we are rid of all the bugs before we dive into these lovely crisp clean sheets.
Need to be up again at 6am.
Breakfast at 6.30, then we get taken to the airport.
This may be the last blog of this series.
I'm not sure if there is wifi at Los Angeles airport.
We arrive home Thursday morning. We are going to get the train straight home, as we will be zombies by then.
So speak to everyone when I get home
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from El Tunco

Hi all,
Had our last lovely day at El Tunco today
We feel like we know most of the locals and tourists here at the moment.
We have our favourite place for coffee in the morning to start the day
Then Beach, jumping in and out of the water, catching the waves.
And this evening, Our last sunset, for this trip, over the Pacific.
And packing. This is the last big pack for this trip. Most of the stuff won't see day light again till we get home.
We have booked our cab for 10am tomorrow to take us to San Salvador airport, and our plane leaves at 1.50pm to Mexico city. It's only about a two and a half hour flight.
We have booked a hotel close to the airport, as need to be back at the airport pretty early on Tuesday morning.
Hope we have a more peaceful night tonight than last night. Music was pumping till after 1am.
Anyway, that's our day.
Hope the weather isn't too extreme anywhere
Love to all
Zak

!Hola!
That was (almost) that, as they say. Due to the wonders of modern technology, you already know most of wot happened, Kate being the diligent blogger she is. No use to catch up and tell all the amazing tales of wonderous Magic foreign lands to a mesmerised audience anymore.? ... Luckily, not quite...
Highlights / summery:
Long flights, hours of fun in airports, immigration, planes, queuing up for stamps and luggage.
Long bus rides, squashed in with dozens of fellow travellers, sweat, elbows, NEVER enough legroom,.
Dozens of hotel/hostel rooms, cold showers, fans that range from (too) gently to far too powerful and noisy, sleepless nites with mosquitos and noisy neighbours.
Lots of people who don't speak English, and two travellers too lazy (or too busy) to learn enough Spanish before leaving OZ.
Amazing cities with wonderful architecture and incredible history.
Volcanos, beaches, rainforests, cloud forests, mountain ranges, the Atlantic / carribean, the Pacific.
Lots of rum. Oodles of noodles / great food. More rum.
Thousands and thousands of dollars not invested in a retirement fund...
Mosquito bites, fever, infections, liquid shit, and RAIN. RAIN. Lots of rain. Hurricane.
WAS IT WORTH IT???
Fuck yeah! Definitely. Anytime. When can we do it again???
See you guys soon, hasta luego,
Greetings and kisses,
Hasi

Greetings from El Tunco, Pacific coast

Hi all,
We today we were up early, packs already packed last night, for our trip back to the coast.
3 buses and 4 hours later, we are back in Layback hostel.
Swimming in the Pacific, sleeping and reading in the hammock, just chilling out .

The news in El Salvodor this week was that either Wednesday or Thursday was the first day since January 22nd 2015, that there had not been a eported murder in the country!
This country has one of the highest murder rates in the world.
Our experience has however been awesome. Absolutely no problems, the people go out of their way to greet and assist you, and we will be sad to leave.
Really can't believe tomorrow is our last day, before we start the long trip home.
At the beginning, it feels like you have forever, then all of a sudden, it's gone.
Such is life!
 Plan fort night, reading in the hammock.
It's still the 14th here, so we are having a few shots of Flor de Cana, (Nicaraguan rum) to celebrate Annie's birthday.
So love to all,
Zak

Welsh Greetings

Hi All,
Greetings from Wales. Much colder here than you are all experiencing.
To answer your query Kate, we had a fall of snow on Thursday. Didn't settle here but the mountains look pretty with a coating of white. Due to be a bit milder tomorrow but that means rain. Europe has had a lot of snow, even into Greece as you said.
Birthday greetings from Wales too Annie. Was great to speak to you. Enjoy what's left of your celebrating.  Have a great trip to Melbourne with Clare.
Not much happening here to tell about. Work is busy so I am getting it when I want it.
Jules is well and sends his regards to all.
Really just an hello post to remind you I am here and keep in touch.
Love to all. xxxxx

Greeting s from Santa Ana, El Salvador

Hi all,
Firstly, happy birthday Annie.
Have sent 2 greetings to you on Facebook, but believe it or not, neither have appeared yet on your timeline.
Maybe it's not instant from the other side of the world, but the first on I sent about 2 hours ago.
Anyway, gorgeous sister, have a great day. Thinking of you, as always.

So we are still in Santa Ana. Somehow didn't get organised to move on today, but now we are packed and ready for an early start in the morning, back to El Tunco.
From there we are only half an hour from the airport for our flight on Monday to Mexico City.

Just strolling round town today, swimming, reading and chatting with other gringos travelling.
Just swopped my last novel for another, so have just started a new book.

I have been reading about the heat in Sydney. 30 degrees at 2am!
Hope everyone is staying indoors with aircon on and drinking lots of fluid!!
And I saw your tree across the driveway Annie. That looked like a crazy storm.
People here are saying it's snowing in southern Ittaly and Greece!
What's happening in Wales Moo.? Did I hear it was snowing in London?
Well that does happen, as it did when I was there many years ago.
Please take care.
Safe and fun travels to you Fran.

Ok one more chapter before I turn out the light
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Casa Verde, Santa Ana

Hi all,
Have sent some photos through to the email recipients, showing the lovely and comfortable Casa Verde, where we are staying at present.
Very sociable place. We have met up with travellers we have met earlier on in our travels, a German couple and also today a Scottish couple who we met crossing the border out of Nicaragua.
One girl, Oceania, asked me if I was in the Corn Islands at Christmas. When I said yes, she said she recognised me from my earrings!
Have just met a young Canadian guy who is travelling with his mate on motorbikes ,, starting in Canada and hoping to travel through to Chili. He already has had some frightening experiences on his bike. Roads are pretty hairy over here, especially in Guatamala, where he has just come from.

So today, was a rest day after our hike yesterday.
Swimming, reading.
Went to the central market, in search of treasures to bring home.
Last time we were in Central America we had to buy an extra bag to bring home all the stuff we bought. This time we have bought nothing. The main problem for me, is that there is just not the great fabric that there was in Mexico and Guatamala.
So it's memories, photos and bites we are bringing home.
Hasi got stung by a wasp, on the start of our hike yesterday. (sorry if I wrote this in yesterday's blog, I can't remember) Luckily the German couple with us, had antihistamine cream, that he put straight on, and it wasn't a problem, although is still a little swollen.
Germans, so organised and prepared! Hasi has definitely been in Australia to long. We didn't even have antihistamine cream in our first aid kit, back at the hostel. It really should be top of the list for the first aid kit.
Anyway 9.54pm.
 At 10pm, it's quiet time which is great, cause the guys outside our room by the pool, can turn off their very bad music, stop screaming and go to bed.
I love the 10pm to 8am quiet rule, which they have in most hostels!
Anyway that's all for today,
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Santa Ana, El Salvador

Hi all,
What a massive day today.
Caught the 7.30 bus out of town to Cerro Verde National Park, passing the very beautiful Lago de Coatepeque.
We then walked up the Santa Ana volcano with about 50 other people, 2 guides and two police.
Apparently it was a bit dangerous hiking here till they brought in police escort.
Anyway the volcano is the highest in El Salvador at 2385metres.
We started the hike at 11am, which they do everyday, which is ridiculous as it was so hot!
It was about 2 hours to the top, where the amazing turquoise bubbling crater lake was.
It was hard work, but definitely worth it.
It was probably another two hours to get back down.
Then the 2 hour bus trip back to town.
The Casa Verde Hostel has a heated pool, which was perfect after the long hard hike.

For dinner last night and tonight, and actually also for breakfast we have been eating an El Salvadorian favourite, Pupusas. Flat bread filled with beans and cheese, or meat, or shrimps, the women make then as you wait, and they are awesome. 50c each. Great fast food, and served with the most amazing hot chocolate made on water, and real chocolate. I am going to eat them till I leave the country.
Street food here is awesome. Why can't fast food be this good in Australia?

Sorry no phone calls home. Although there is wifi everywhere, there's no public phones, or places with overseas calls.
It's a beautiful full moon tonight, did you see?
Anyway have to sleep, Hasi is waiting for me to turn off the light.
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Santa Ana, El Salvador

Hi all,
Well we finally dragged ourselves away from the coast, and travelled probably less than 100km to the north west of the country to the city of Santa Ana.
Although it's apparently one of the biggest cities in El Salvador, the centre is like a town, with the cathedral, square, beautiful old theatre built in the late 1800s. Lots of Art Deco architecture which is my favourite.
And the cathedral here is the only church I have been in in Central America where you can light a candle. So we lit 2, one for Werner and one for Steve.

The photos I sent are from the roof of our hostel.
This hostel is run by a guy called Carlos. The house was built in the 40s, and Carlos was born here.
It's probably one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. Really peaceful, clean and homely.
It's always been painted green, hence the name casa verde.
It's so quiet here, we are both just wanting to go to bed, after several very noisy nights on the beach.

Tomorrow we plan to hike up Santa Ana volcano with some other people staying at the hostel, if the weather is ok, because apparently for the last few days there has been no hiking due to strong winds.
See what happens in the morning.

Ok that's it for now.
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from El Tunco, El Salvador

Hi all,
Well nothing new to report.
More sunshine, swimming in the Pacific, eating tropical fruits, reading, sudokus, mostly by Hasi, who is struggling with a deadly, as I write this.
The streets and beach were almost empty today, after all the El Salvadorian tourists went back to work. It was really weird as it had been so busy and crowded on the weekend.
And tonight, I can't even hear any music playing, just the beautiful rolling waves crashing on the shore.
We can't believe that this time next week we will be back in Mexico City for a night, before starting our long trek back home. Where has all that time gone?
Hope alls well with everyone.
Love to you all,
Zak

Greetings from El Tunco, El Salvador

Hi all,
To those on my photo email list, I have sent some photos of the beach.
Somehow the days seem to go faster when we are not really doing anything it seems.
Another beautiful day by the Pacific Ocean. Swimming, reading, eating, sudoku.

Today was the 3rd anniversary of Werner,s, Hasi,s dad,s death. So we remembered him and special things about him, and toasted him with a pina colada at sunset.
Hasi was toasting him skiing on the mountain on a bicycle! I love that idea.
He was a beautiful, gentle man, my father in law.

The water is refreshing but warmer than home, probably about 23 or 24 degrees.
We wil stay for another day tomorrow while we get laundry sorted then head up to the north west of El Salvador for a few days.
The weather has been amazing since leaving the carribean coast. Sunny, hot and no torrential storms.

So check out the photos of the black sand beach.
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from El Salvador

Hi all,
So another day in the lovely El Tunco,after a great night sleep.
Walking round town, on the beach, swimming, eating, reading. A real holiday day.
Being Saturday night it's noisy, music coming from every direction.
No wonder people with schizophrenia often don't want to leave their house, the world is so noisy!
Anyway I just want to get back in the hammock and get stuck into my new book I reading.
Really that's it for today
Love to all,
Zak

Hi there,
I have to agree with Kate, noisenoisenoise, from literally all directions. The young crowd on the ground level, with Symapathy for the devil (that's the Rolling Stones for those not quite familiar with the history of Roch n Roll),Salsa from the beach bar, Reggae from the restaurant up the street, chatting and loud chatting from the veranda next door, and a lot of yelling from before mentioned young crowd down below us, as they get progressively pisster. And as all the bars, pubs and restaurants have no walls, the music travels FAR and LOUD. Massive speakers, by the way, everywhere ...
And here's us old folks, with a bottle of rum, a book and the sudoku mag... Hammocks waiting, looking inviting,
Has the time come? Are we getting too old for this? It pains me to even think that way, but maybe even I have to accept the fact that I / we am / are not thirty anymore...
Only ten more days before the long way back, via San Salvador, Mexico City, Los Angeles, Sydney and the trip down to the Illawarra... Time flies.
That's all for today, hasta luego,
Hasi

Greetings from El Tunco, El Salvador

Hi all,
So yesterday afternoon we climbed to the crater of Telica Volcano, the youngest active volcano in Nicaragua. Last eruption was early 2015, but it was only small.
It's also probably the smallest volcano, so only took about an hour to walk to the crater.
We watched the sunset, and waited for the smoke to clear so we could see some magma flow, but  only got small glimpses. Of course the sulphur, rotten egg gas was pretty strong.
It was so beautiful up there, really breathtaking country.

Then at 11pm we got on a bus to go from Leon, to the Honduras border, then travelled for about 2 hours through Honduras to El Salvador, arriving at El Tunco beach on the Pacific coast this morning.
I hate night travel, you can't sleep properly, in the sitting position all night, and you miss out on all the countryside you are passing through, but it was a means to an end.

We had wanted to enter El Salvador from Nicaragua by boat, crossing the Gulf of Fonsecsa, but we couldn't find too much information on this route, so thought it may be a bit tricky, and knew we needed to get out of the country, as we were already a day over our 30 day visa.

Anyway, it was wonderful to dive into the Pacific Ocean this afternoon!!
The coast of El Salvador is famous for great surf, El Tunco included. We saw some great surfing this afternoon, and can now heara few guys talking surf. Sound like a few Australians.
Hasi says where there's surf, there's Aussies.
Temperature here is low to mid thirties, and will only drop to about 24 degrees tonight.
We have just returned from the beach, where there was lovely breeze, but unfortunately, there's no breeze on our balcony
The beach here is fine black sand and rocks, so very beautiful in a different way from the coast at home.
Its after 9pm here now, and as we haven't slept for the last 24 hours, it's definitely time to hit the sack.
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Leon, Nicaragua

Hi all,
Ok wifi seems to be working today.
Firstly Clare K, happy birthday. I know it has passed because Australia is 17 hours ahead of Central America. So hope you had a lovely day. Love love love to you.
I saw all the greetings to you on Facebook. I did try to post one to you, but you know what I am like with computer stuff, so you may get it at some stage, or you may not.
I expect I am the only person in the world on Facebook, who doesn't know how to post on it!
So we have just spent our second night in Leon. Hasi says the two noisiest countries in the world are Bangledesh and Nicaragua. I wasn't sure I agreed with that, till spending some time in Leon. It is loud, all day and all night. Having a room with a window to a street downtown doesn't help.
Anyway that's life in the big smoke.
I am writing this at 11am, as in a few hours we head of f to Telica volcano, which is another active volcano, where you can look down to see the magma flow. Its not too high, so is only an hour or so to get to the crater rim. Nevertheless, it's hot today (as always) so it will be hard work.
Yesterday we spent most of the afternoon in the Museum of the Revolution. Our guide was the same age as Hasi and had been a involved in the freedom fight since he was 18 years old. He was so passionate about it, we were very privileged to have him as our guide.
The museum building unfortunately could do with a lot of money for its maintainence. He took us onto the roof, for an amazing view of the surrounding city and countryside, including the 5 nearby volcanoes. It was a bit freaky as a the old tin roof was pretty rusted out, but he knew the framework and where was strong enough to walk on.
So our plan to stay in Nicaragua, has changed. We couldn't decide whether to go into El Salvador or just hang in Nica. The deciding factor was when we looked at our entry card, and realised we could only stay in Nica for 30 days!!! We thought it was 90 days. So tonight we are on a bus to El Salvador!
Things are always changing, as the old African saying goes.
So next blog should be from the pacific coast of El Salvador tomorrow.
Need to finish up now as Hasi needs to check the cricket. He is hoping that the weather has cleared up there so they can play, and may the best team win!
10 more days before our long flight back home!
Hope everyone is doing fine
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from Leon

Hi all,
Well it was another 3 hour bus trip today to do the 150km from Jugalpa to Managua.
In Managua, we jumped on another bus to Leon, about 80km north.
Got here in the middle of the afternoon, and spent at least an hour trying to find accommodation.
Finally got a room at a hostel, with a very unusual shared bathroom.
We have a door to the bathroom from our room, and there is a door to the bathroom from the other room. You just have to make sure you lock the door to the other room when you are in the bathroom.
I think it's a bit weird, but we will see how it goes!
We didn't do much this evening. Had a quick stroll, then I've been laying in a hammock reading for the last few hours.
We saw a temperature reading in Managua today for 38degrees. I don't know if this is right, but it's pretty bloody.
 It's also very noisy here, and we have the front room onto the road, so hope we sleep ok.
That's it for today.
Love to all
Zak

Greetings from jugalpa

Hi all,
Moo I'm not sure if dad can access the blog to let you know about presents.
Annie can put hers in as a comment.
I hope you saw some snow on the triangle on Sunday!
We had a big day of travel today.
Up at 6am and on the 6.30 panga (20 person boat with massive outboard motor, travels at about 80km) back to Bluefields, arriving at 7.30.
A quick breakfast in Bluefields, then on the 9am panga to El Rama, arriving round 11am.
A beautiful morning to be on the water, so glassy. The lagoon system is amazing.
El Rama is a hot dusty cowboy town.
Unfortunately most of the Cowboys can't afford cowboy boots, so make do with gum boots., but they have the hat, belt and clothes otherwise.
The 150 kilometre from El Rama to Jugalpa took about 4 hours on the bus.
This day of travel today is the reason we flew east, and we still have another 150km to go tomorrow.
I like it, to me this is really travelling, but Hasi says it's not as enjoyable and easy as it was when we were younger. Of course, that's life!
Its hot here, no more sea breeze, but if we keep heading west, we will eventually get to the pacific ocean.
We had plans to head from Nica into El Salvador, then fly back to Mexico City from there. We have now decided just to stay in Nica, and fly from here. Still heaps to see, so just keep taking it slow and easy, and hopefully have a few days on the pacific coast in the last week.
Times ticking. Better hit the sack, and rest, before another crazy travel day tomorrow.
Love to all,
Zak

Greetings from Pearl Laguna

Hi all,
It's a very quiet New Year's Day in this sleepy town of Pearl Laguna.
Very interesting New Year's Eve. More than half the towns people were dressed to the nines and attending one of two churches in town, starting from about 10pm.
I went into one of them to check it out, Hasi sat outside as he had a bottle of rum in his back pocket, which he didn't think would go down well.
There was a main guy leading, and several singers on stage. The congregation were singing, waving their arms and really celebrating bringing in the new year.
I think it may have gone into the early hours of the morning, but I'm not sure as we were in bed before midnight.
Today is a holiday, so not much happening. We are having a few evening beers by the lagoon as the sun sets.
Tomorrow we will catch the 7am boat back to Bluefields, then hopefully get another one further west to ElRama. Not sure about wifi for the next few days, but will post if I can.
Hope alls well with everyone. Thanks for the email Jack, always appreciate an update.
Hope we all have a happy and healthy 2017
Love to all, Zak

P.S read about the stuff up with dates for Melbourne Annie. An extra day there sounds great.