Mombacho Volcano and Coffee Plantation in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of my true loves. Lucia, one of my best friends from college is Nicaraguan and thanks to her and her warm, passionate, welcoming family and friends, I have visited and explored the country five times! I even wrote my college thesis on Nicaragua. Last weekend we were there to celebrate Lucia's wedding (that lasted until dawn!!). The day before, we headed off to Mombacho volcano, an active volcano that last erupted in 1570. After sampling coffee from the coffee plantation at the base of the volcano, Cafe Las Flores, we took an open air bus to the top of the volcano called a "cloud forest." We hiked the perimeter of a crater taking in the views of Lake Nicaragua and the colonial town of Grenada in the distance, and glorious orchids and lush jungle which surrounded us. Lunch was a delightful affair at a private house where jamon (ham) sandwiches, salads, and native Victoria beers were served.... as we drove back to Managua, a group of Howler monkeys swung through the trees above as a send off. Til we meet again.