Day 18: bakeries and canopies
Sleeping in an air conditioned hostel has it’s perks- like always being cool. But since none of the guys really understood how to control the a/c, we woke up a few times freezing cold. We all enjoyed it though.
We woke up and walked around town looking for a cheaper breakfast place. Unsuccesful, I got some oj from a tienda and went back to the hotel— so we could be picked up to go to Da Flyin Frog, SJDS’s premeir zip lining company. We were picked up in the back of an old truck and drove a few miles into the jungle. We were greeted with what sounded like a mix of barking dogs and roaring lions— which turned out to be howler monkeys. Too cool.
At the top of the mountain, making a jump point to what would start off our 2.5km tour of the jungle canopy, was a breathtaking view of the San Juan bay, town, and surrounding hills. Without much ado, we hooked on the first wire and set off. The first few platforms were not too exciting, but then we saw two more monkeys and started going in some crazy long spans over tall depths. In sensory overload, I didn’t fully know which was the best view- the beach, the jungle, the sky… It was a blast. We got done around noon, stopped by the corner bakery for lunch- where I spent $2 US on my meal- and booked it fir the beach.
The beach us full of surprises. It was low tide when we got there, set down our towels, and played in the water. Body surfing and hanging out were the only activities we did, but accompanied by a drive by parade, some cool wild dogs that run up and down the beach all day, and the 11 of us being together, it’s hard to beat.
After some more walking around, we went to the American resort called Pelican Eyes. It was really nice and it was on a hill that overlooked the bay and the town. We had drinks and small talk as we watched the sun set. After d quick stop at the hostel, we hit the streets again for dinner, dessert, and dancing.
Dinner at random pizza and burger joint a block away from the beach, on the same street as the Black Cat. It was decent, but it really made me miss American food and service and fries- I’m looking at you, McDougal’s.
We chilled on the beach and then hit a bar called the Blue Iguana for drinks and dancing. Holler.
Early night tonight because tomorrow we’re hiking up to see the Jesus monument overlooking the bay. Can’t wait!
Fun fact- there are more gringos than nicas here. Also, a lot of Irish since there’s an Irish hotel and bar here.
Paz,
