Our List of Things - One Week to Go

Lists have been made, tickets have been bought, house has been rented and airport pick-up has been arranged. So whats left to do? A LOT!! Because we will be gone for 5 months there are quite a few more things to think about. I think we have all the bases covered though, our children are a great help. Now we just have to finish the packing, empty the fridge, turn off the water and enjoy the ride. Next stop, Leon, Nicaragua.

The kids had a get together the other night so that we all could spend a night together before we headed off. I had Rob use this opportunity to take a nice portrait of our children, their spouses and our grandchildren.

Before each trip I try to do some research about the area we will be visiting. This year the north west part of Nicaragua will be our main area of adventure. With our home base in Leon, there are ample sites and sounds to keep us busy. Here are some to the places we hope to visit.

1. The beaches of Playa Poneloya and Las Penitas

2. Reserva Natural Isla Juan Venado -- we hope to see the turtles nesting this year

3. The fishing village of Casares

4. Veijo Leon ruins

5. El Fortin--the national guard's last Leon stronghold

6. San Jacinto mud pits--a walk through bubbling hot volcanic mud

7. Weavers of El Chile near Matagalpa and San Ramon

8. Museo de Arte Fundacion Ortiz-Gurdian -- display of modern Nicaraguan art

9. Port town of Corinto

10. Cerro Negro -- home of volcano surfing, not sure I'll try that

11. La Paz Centro - brick and tile factories