tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57314515820145029942024-03-13T23:15:20.048-07:002010 - Viaje 2Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-9468275614698339432010-05-27T19:54:00.000-07:002010-05-27T19:55:00.035-07:00Music on my mind"If I Ever Leave This World Alive" - Flogging Molly<br /><br />If I ever leave this world alive<br />I'll thank for all the things you did in my life<br />If I ever leave this world alive<br />I'll come back down and sit beside your<br />feet tonight<br />Wherever I am you'll always be<br />More than just a memory<br />If I ever leave this world alive<br /><br />If I ever leave this world alive<br />I'll take on all the sadness<br />That I left behind<br />If I ever leave this world alive<br />The madness that you feel will soon subside<br />So in a word don't shed a tear<br />I'll be here when it all gets weird<br />If I ever leave this world alive<br /><br />So when in doubt just call my name<br />Just before you go insane<br />If I ever leave this world<br />Hey I may never leave this world<br />But if I ever leave this world alive<br /><br />She says I'm okay; I'm alright,<br />Though you have gone from my life<br />You said that it would,<br />Now everything should be all right<br /><br />She says I'm okay; I'm alright,<br />Though you have gone from my life<br />You said that it would,<br />Now everything should be all right<br />Yeah should be alrightSweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-74801075342692397332010-05-27T13:14:00.001-07:002010-05-27T13:50:20.635-07:00100% AdventuraSan Juan del Sur was incredible. Casa Feliz is the best hostel ever- it was like being back at home again. I went to Playa Maderas every day, partied with good friends- and only spoke spanish for my entire stay. They are currently filming Nicaragua Survivor in San Juan and the areas around it so there were a ton of people in town. I went back to my favorite soda - Arena Blanca- and the owner took one look at me and said "Neena, Como estas?". I was shocked, but I guess I made an impression last time around. I was only in San Juan del Sur for 5 days, but I made the most of it and had a blast. <br /><br />I was sad to leave after only five days, but I knew that I had limited time on my hands - so I left on Monday, May 10 for Costa Rica. I woke up at 6am- ran to the mercado to get one last good meal, hit up the bank and caught a taxi at 630am to LA FRONTERA. <br /><br />La frontera is what they call the border, and it can be a pain in the ass to cross. Fortunately for me, it wasnt my first time crossing the border. I got out of the taxi and a local "guide" came up "hola mi amor!" - I knew that he wanted my money, and this time around I didnt need any help. I thanked him but said no way buddy, and headed for the border. After an hour of waiting in lines and filling out forms, I was finally in Costa Rica. I caught a bus at 9 for Liberia. In Liberia I got off the bus and was bomboarded by about 15 taxi drivers. "Taxi taxi taxi!!!!" they all screamed in my ear. I said "no" but this one taxista kept harassing me. With that I turned around and said "NO ME MOLESTA POR FAVOR!!!" with that all of the taxi drivers laughed and left me alone. 5 minutes later I was on a bus to Puntarenas. I was literally the last person they let on the 2pm ferry. "Rapida gringa!!! Rapida!!" they were all yelling, "LO SIENTO!!!" i replied and jumped on the ferry. I got onto the ferry a sweaty mess and threw my big backpack on a seat and asked an old man to watch it for me. I noticed he was drinking a pilsen and his buddy was drinking an imperial, so I bought one for each of them. "Su propina!" I said with a smile. I then went out and caught some sea breeze and enjoyed probably the best beer ive ever had in my life, accompanied with an empanada de pollo- of course. I sat in the ferry wtih the viejos for the rest of the trip and they told me about their lives. One guy was 72, the oldest of 9 brothers- named Alberto. He told me, "yo tome 4 cervezas cada dia entre las 4 y las 6, y despues- no mas." He was coming back from Puntarenas because a friend had died and they were bringing tbe body back to bury him in the Cemetery in Cabuya. Cabuya is an island that can only be reached in low tide- and it has a tiny cemetery on it. Alberto's parents and four of his 8 brothers were buried on the island. One day, he said, he would be there too. But this guy was so energetic and lively, I knew he had quite a few more years ahead of him. <br /><br />Once we got to Paquera, I caught a bus to Cobano, and had to sit and wait for the 530 bus to Santa Teresa. I had been traveling for 11 hours by the time I got on the bus for home sweet home. I finally got into santa teresa around 7, and the driver dropped me off at Pizza Tomate. <br /><br />Santa Teresa is inbetween Mal Pais and Fleur Blanca- its about a 5 km stretch of dirt road. Mal Pais is the first stop you hit, then santa teresa, then fleur blanca. Even further is the town of Manzanillo. Pizza tomate is where a bunch of my homies hang out during the day, and since I dont have a phone- if I ever am looking for someone, I just go to Pizza Tomate and ask- did he go to the left or the right. Pretty simple lifestyle there. <br /><br />Once at the Pizza I saw Froilan and Andrea and Froi gave me a ride to the house. AHH Back in Marilin's house, once again. For the next week, we partied and surfed and ate pizza tomate and took motorcycle rides, hit up la piscina and just had a blast. There are a lot of good stories over this week, but maybe not appropriate for everyone to hear. :) <br /><br />Anyway, I spent a lot of time with Tocola, Randy and Marilin. I got to see Will, my friend at Fleur Blanca- who had just flown back from a crazy week in Argentina. He came back to work and the entire Hills cast was filming the season finale in Fleur Blanca and throughout Mal Pais and Montezuma. One night at Day & Night, MTV took over the whole bar. There were bright lights, cameras everywhere, and everyone was PISSED that their bar was being sabatoged by MTV. It was chaos. So much fun. I might be on the season finale, look for my green hat. My friend Will is one of the characters in the finale, which is funny for SO MANY REASONS. <br /><br />Portia came out for a week and even though the heat and sun almost killed her, we had an awesome time. We went to Isla de Tortuga for snorkeling- I bought fresh fish off of a fishing boat- probably 6 kilos of fish, snapper and something else- for 8 dollars. It was awesome Portia and I rented a quad and took it all over the place. <br /><br />I spent my last week partying it up, chillin with my friends, and realizing that I want to come back again as soon as possible. Id really like to own a piece of property there, VAMOS A VER. <br /><br />My second to last day I ran in a 4k and WON. Well, I got 4th overall but I was the first girl. This is after not running for 3 weeks and the night before Tocola and I drank a liter of rum before the bars. In Santa Teresa, when there are storms in the evening, the power sometimes goes out and you are stranded. So, Tocola and I were stuck in my house with portia for 3 hours and all we had was rum. So we drank like pirates. Anyway- back to the 4k- I won roundtrip tickets anywhere in costa rica. I guess I have to go back!!! <br /><br />I headed back to San Jose on the 23rd- Portia and I waited at the airport for 2 hours for a plane that never arrived, so we ended up having to take the bus to San Jose. We met these awesome chicks at the airport - always meeting new peeps in costa rica. <br /><br />We finally got to San Jose and ordered a pizza and hit the hay. Portia had to leave at 4am for the airport, I left at 7am. I had yet another long traveling day, but made it back to Houston. The next 24 hours were nuts, trying to see people - run errands and keep my energy up for the next day. I hit the road yesterday for Lubbock TX, but my car broke down five hours into the trip. I was stranded in a tiny town for 7 hours, trying to find a quick and cheap way to get a new transmission for my car. NOT POSSIBLE. Im now about $2400 in the hole and I have to wait until tues or wednesday to get my car back. I rented a rental car and headed to Austin around 8 last night. Got into Annalicias house around 11 and she prepared a feast. We drank wine and ate like kings, she, george and I. I slept like a baby last night, still trying to recover from Costa Rica. <br /><br />Yesterday I was traveling for 12 hours, made it to Austin, and lost a car in the process. 2/3 of my posessions are in some tiny town in texas, the other third are with me in Austin. I guess Im heading back to Houston tomorrow until they tell me that my car is ready to go. Then im off to Jackson Hole to start work. Ahh how things change. I cant wait to get back to Wyoming, and Im super frustrated that Im not on my way now, but if this is the path I must take, so be it. <br /><br /><br />PS: more fun costa rica stories to come - but I wanted to give a brief overview of what happened so far. hasta la verga.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-18829710537825120962010-05-06T15:08:00.000-07:002010-05-06T16:09:28.095-07:00Managua - San Juan Del SurAhhh where do I begin... after 2 hours of sleep on Sunday night- I headed to the airport at 3 am for a 6 am flight to Miami. Scored my own row on the plane, slept like a champ. Got to Miami Airport, got on the jam packed plane to Managua- they sent a smaller plane than needed- and it had some "mainenance issues" so we sat for about an hour before take off. Finally made it to Managua, but my ride did not show. They screwed up the dates- so I waited for 2 hours and finally took a taxi. They wanted 40 bucks, I paid $25. I had a wonderful taxi driver and it was nice to just chill and speak spanish. I forgot the smell when you pass by a mercado. It is very unique to Managua and I instantly remembered it. Funny what comes back to you when you return to a foreign country. <br /><br />It was 96 degrees that day. We drove for about 2 hours to Granada and the hostel where I wanted to stay was booked. I took my chances and had the driver take me to a decent part of town where I found a hostel for $10 per night. I had a room with a single bed and a bathroom. My 3 amenities were sheets, a mirror, and a fan somehow attached to the ceiling. I did what anyone who is returning to Nicaragua does, I aked the guy at my hostel for a large empty Tona bottle- strolled across the street and traded it in for a discounted, ice cold beer. Incredible. <br /><br />Granada is beautiful, but in all honestly I was too hot and tired to really appreciate it. I walked around the town square and saw the sights and found a place selling gallo pinto. I had gallo pinto con pollo for 40 cordobas. Thats about 2 dollars. I was feeling a little buzzed from my Tona and decided to by moraccas. My backpack weighs 40 pounds and my camelback is filled to the brim. Room for moraccas? NOPE. They are stil intact right now but who knows if they will survive the trip. Oh and I also bought a little hippy bracelent- its blue and yellow and totally awesome. <br /><br />I went home while the sun was going down and fell asleep. I woke up around 8 and decided to check out the night life. I watched the street kids breakdance, watched the gringos in the only IRISH pub in Granada- and enjoyed my alone time. There was a band walking around and playing good music, and the street kids were jammin their own tunes on a boom box. A little boy - probably around 8 years old yelled something innapropriate to me in spanish, and I knew exactly what he was saying [doesnt need to be posted here] and responded with "QUE LA VERGA!!!" He and his friends cracked up and they all laughed. Ahh first chance to say Que LA VERGA in Nicaragua is usually the best. <br /><br />I slept horribly that night. There was an old creepy spanish man who was wasted at the Hostel, almost passed out on the front porch- so I headed directly to my room. My head was going a million miles an hour, and I tried to sleep in the 90 degree heat, but it was impossible. I threw up, I felt like dying but I never once thought to myself, "what am i doing?" I just knew I had to move on in the morning. <br /><br />The next morning I ate a quick breakfast and caught a chicken bus to Rivas. Met 3 europeans all headed for La Isla de Ometepe. Score. We caught a taxi to the next town over, San Jorge, and took the ferry across to the Island. The ferry was a beater, I literally sat inside a big tire on the roof. Not too bad for 30 cordobas. The ride took about an hour and a half- and we met 2 more peeps on the way. The first was an Italian chick who took off on a motorcycle, and the other-a silly North Carolina guy named Chaz. We all split a cab to Hostel Merida. We got stopped by the police - and our taxi driver didnt have his documents- so we sat on the road and waited for half an hour before the finally let us go. One of our tires was going flat so we had to stop again and fill it up. Finally, 2 or 3 hours later- down a bumpy road - we maded it to Merida. <br /><br />Isla de Ometepe is unreal. There are 2 huge volcanoes and its on a beautiful fresh water lake. The hostel - i will have to post about later- there is just too much to tell right now- but I can say that it was inspring. The owner has 3 computers and great internet and the local kids are allowed to use the internet all evening if they bring in a giant water bottle filled with trash. These waterbottles are packed with plastic, which are then mixed with concrete to make tables. Its amazing. ANYWAY- im actually writing an article for the hostel owner so Ill be sure to include the link. <br /><br />I slept like a baby that night. The air was cool, it was raining, and I had a huge powerful fan next to my bunk. I woke up the next morning at 530 am- and watched the beautiful sunrise. Thats when I really got to talk to the owner, Alvaro, and learn about his community. He is making a difference, and his main goal is to help the children of Ometepe learn english. <br /><br />I took a kayak out to the Isla de Monos, there are actually 2. One of the islands has about 10 monkeys - these are really tiny islands- and the other has 2. They are super cute but they will attack! We are warned not to enter the island, but the local children swam over from shore and played on the island and harassed the monkeys. One of the kids paddled up to me on a piece of wood with a wooden oar, and I was totally jealous of his boat. I got back to the island and relaxed in the shade- then a group of us took a walk around the area. <br /><br />I should have hiked the volcano, but its hot as hell and I just wanted to explore. Thats the beauty of traveling alone, you do whatever you wanna do. Hostel Merida has group dinners for 6 dollars- all you can eat. They are amazing. I spoke to some local women who are in the earliest stages of trying to figure out how to do homestays for tourists visiting the area. I threw then 5 dollars for their cause- and tried to give them pointers on what I think that they should do. I realized, I am speaking spanish!!! People in Nicaragua barely speak english, so its a really nice experience for me. <br /><br />We all got drunk off rum last night and after waking up at 6 this morning I took a boat with a great couple from Nederland, Colorado over to the ferry. For 12 dollars, a 20 minute boat ride seemed like a great option. We took another ferry across- this one was legit. It even had 3 trucks on it. I was sad to leave the island, but thinking about all of my hungover buddies doing the "treck of hell" and the lure of the pacific kept me going.<br /><br />I told the couple, LET ME DO THE BARGAINING- and we caught a taxi from St. George to San Juan del Sur for $12 dollars. Thats a killer price, if I do say so myself. Our taxi driver put in a mix cd that he had made with 80 songs from back in the day- all in english. We rocked Dust in the Wind, Take my Break Away, the BGs- it was awesome. Finally, at 9:15 this morning we made it to San Juan del Sur. <br /><br />SAN JUAN DEL SUR- oh my god ive missed you. <br /><br />I walked up to Casa Feliz, my favorite hostel, and they were booked. Ben was out, Codo was apparently in Canada- and I didnt know the new joint owner. I told him I would sleep in a hammock if I had to, and the new partial owner laughed at me- and said, "youve been here before, havent you? I can always tell". Haha. <br /><br />He told me that was fine, and asked me if I wanted to come surf. I threw my bags in his room and headed with the guys to Playa Maderas. They let me borrow a 6'8'' Al Merrick- which is a foot shorter than what I rode 6 months ago. Oliver Solis was driving, and hes pretty much one of the best surfers Ive ever met- and they told me the waves were going to be HUGE. <br /><br />We rode out to Maderas and the waves were hitting at a certain angle- which didnt work out so well. Aparrently at the other beaches - Remanso especially - the swell was UNREAL. Double overhead, if you will. I ate some food with 2 of the 3 guys, and we watched Oliver take some waves. I said some hellos to the 3 hermanos, and then I attempted to surf. I paddled out faster than the 2 guys that i was with, which was nice- but only caught whitewater today. Either it was flat, or HUGE set waves- and even though it was impossible for me to catch them, it was really nice for my first day in 7 months. We headed back at noon to Casa Feliz- where I found out that I had been upgraded from Hammock to best room in the Hostel- the DELUXE room- with a double bed and no roomies- for $7 dollars a night. <br /><br />I did my laundry, chilled with Josue and some of the other Casa Feliz peeps and then headed to the MERCADO with some guy. I have missed the mercado on a DAILY basis. The mercado has 5 restaurants in the center of a building -surrounded by vegetable vendors and people selling clothes.<br /><br />I ordered my favorite meal at my favorite resturant in the world- Snapper in a jalepeno cream sauce, topped with onions- con arroz, frijoles ensalada y aguacate- it was even better than I had remembered. Not bad for 4 bucks. <br /><br />There I ran into France. France probably the only REALLY black guy in San Juan del Sur- and everybody knows him. He is the first person I met on my very first night I visted, and he was like the best tour guide Ive ever had. <br /><br />As we were talking- I looked up to see a tall tan surfer dude with dred locks. But not just any surfer dude- it was someone I knew very well. His name is Chele. The last time I saw him he was living in Santa Teresa. Apparently he moved here 6 months ago and never looked back. <br /><br />THIS is what I love about traveling around the world, you run into people you know all the time. <br /><br />After hangin with the guys for a bit, I headed off to Hotel Joxie- the only place in San Juan del Sur with power right now. The power has been off all day, and will probably turn on within the next few minutes. It happens all the time here, you just have to know where to go. Ive been typing for about an hour an 10 mins now.<br /><br />Im so excited to be here- and the next four days are going to go by way too quickly. However, I have a date with the Jesus Statue- and I have go pay him a visit today. Afterwards Im going out with the gang.<br /><br />Tonight is LADIES NIGHT- which apparently means 50 cent rum drinks and free shots of tequila. I cannot party too hard, I MUST RESTRAIN!! I have to re-learn how to surf tomorrow. Moving to a smaller board is like starting all over- but at least I know I can paddle faster than 2 men- one of which has lived here on and off for 6 years. <br /><br />Life is good, Im safe, happy, and surrounded by some of the best scally-wags on earth. <br /><br />HASTA LUEGOSweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-23961752959515853332010-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:002010-02-14T10:21:47.333-08:00Valentines and WhatnotLast Valentines Day I vividly remember watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall with my brother and sister. I drank a bottle of red wine and we ate a ton of Macaroni Grill. I dont participate in a lot of activities with just my siblings, but this was a great moment for us. I remember it so well because I had just broken up with a guy who I had previously thought was the love of my life. It was horrible, and it turned my entire world upside down. Yet I rememeber looking at my family and being so relived that I still had a little army of people that would fight for me forever. <br /><br />These days, life is bizarre. Im on a health cleanse with my roomie Justin, and we are taking this stuff SERIOUSLY. Ive continued with running 3 miles a day, preceeded by half an hour of yoga. Im only eating protein, vegetables and eggs. No sugar, no dairy, no caffeine, no booze, no cigarettes, no bread and sadly, no beer. But I can seriously feel a change in my body, and its really nice to get out of the routine that goes along with drinking in houston in your 20s. "Do I want to go to Washington?" "Have a drink at lizzards?" NO THANK YOU. Do I want to give up a beatiful morning and afternoon to an upset stomach, uncontrollable food eating, and the guilties? "NAH im solid,but thanks for asking, yo."<br /><br />I did however, fall off the wagon last night, briefly, and I wanted to write about it before I start my yoga and run routine. Its funny, for the most part. <br /><br /> I was sitting at the bar waiting for a guy to pull his tonge out of his girlfriend's mouth, pay his check, and leave the otherwise completely empty restaurant. This took about an hour, and I finally went insane. This guy came in around 10pm and sat in a booth at the bar. I was happy to take another table, ready to make some money and go home. He orders 2 margs and a flight of tequila, SOLID! These guys are gonna be the best! About 30 seconds after I put down the menus, they are spotted by 2 friends who decide come over and sit down for a drink. "So if yall close at 11pm weve got about another hour before the kitchen is closed, right?". <br /><br />This is the worst thing that can possibly happen, in the eyes of a waiter. This is when time stops for these people and you just have to sit and wait for them to catch on <br /><br />So their friends sitwith them and they all have cocktails for another half an hour. Oh and the guy who decided to stop by for drink is RUDE, and he knows it. I ask if anyone wants another drink, and get no response. Finally, at 10:40, I stand in front of the table and do not leave. I finally get their order. The kitchen wanted to crucify me, but since im the cute gringa, they let it slide. So, they decide they just want one order of fajitas- Im obviously not serving the 4 course valentines day meal to these two. <br /><br />So, they eat, thier friends leave, and I drop the check. Time stops again. We have 2 couples in the bar, these yahoos and another duo. Everyone is making out. Its a sight to see. The bartenders and I are talking in spanish, but mostly just saying "Que la verga" and talking about "la pistola" and laughing. I wait and wait and wait. The couple at the bar leaves, along with another bartender and a waitress. I sit, watch the olympics on tv, and watch my horny little couple make out. The check remains on the table, unopened, for quite some time. <br /><br /> I mean, quitting smoking cigarettes and booze- I can handle- except for when I have to deal with idiots like this. The guy looks up and asks me, "Are we holding you up here?" Nah buddy, the busboy vacuums the restaurant during regular restaurant hours all the time. "We technically closed about an hour ago but please take your time" is all that I can manage to say wtih a smile on my face. The valet guy, Jose, comes into the restaurant and gives the guy his car key. Even the valet has no time for this bullshit. I think this fool is finally getting the picture. He pulls out his wallet, I decide that a shot of tequila is exactly what I need. Mannie, my FAVORITE coworker sits with me while I take a shot. Mannie says "he left you cash- go get it" <br /><br /> Mr IM THE GUY hands me the check carrier and asks me if "we were cool". I looked at the cash and he had left me $120 on $108. Thats 12 dollar tip. So I said "if you want to leave me 10 bucks then i guess we are cool". He responded "ok that is 10 percent so.... heres 20, can i get 10 back", which I gladly pulled out of my cash stash and gave to him. "Thanks so much! Happy valentines day!" I say in my happiest lttle waitress voice. <br /><br /> THEN the guy had the nerve to come up to me and say "I waited tables for many years and Im the guy I used to hate". This guy was young, attractive and had a cute foreign girlfriend named Francesca, but I wasnt going to play this game and compliment him after he literally wasted an hour of my life. So I just smiled.<br /><br />I smiled at him and didnt say anything, and kept SOLID eye contct. "Smile with your eyes!!", as Tyra would say. He just stared back at me, waiting for me to say SOMETHING, but I held my ground. <br /><br />He wanted affirmation that he was not a complete douchebag, but he was not gonna get it from me. HELLO, THATS WHAT FRANCESCA IS FOR!! He got akward and said "Have a great night", I said "you too! thanks so much for coming in". As soon as he walked away my buddy Mannie said, "SHIT! Where do you think he worked? Burgerking?". Haha I can guarantee you that ANYONE who used to wait tables would never try to leave 10% for perfect service- if you are the last table at a restaurant, leave 20%, minimum. Theres a pretty good chance that there are quite a few people waiting for you to get up so that they can continue with another hour or so of work. <br /><br />Generally- people on valentines day are GREAT tippers, because of course, they are about to go home and make sweet lovin. Its one of the few times that 15 percent-ers will bump it up to 20%. Needless to say, after dealing with MR IM THE GUY and his silly little Francesca, I needed a shot of tequila. Okay 2. <br /><br />Happy Valentines Day- en serio. I love LOVE, I love happiness. I love all of my friends, and my tiny army of siblings, Tom & Chaille- everyone. To be honest, I cant stop thinking about the fact that the HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO is right around the corner, and Ive got 4 tickets to see Tim McGraw. Its about to be the best time of the year. More on that later, I already have a few things scribbled down about why the rodeo is the best thing about living in Houston, Texas. Ill be in Houston at least for another month and a half, and then OFF FOR ANOTHER BOLD ADVENTURE. <br /><br />YEEHAW 2010Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-70912834666250578162010-01-03T00:29:00.000-08:002010-01-03T08:20:28.225-08:00Thoughts...I've always been a runner. <br /><br />When I was in costa rica i would always get fussed at by my friends because I just have a naturally fast pace. OK scratch that, I would be the one that was totally annoyed that my friends were walking SOOO FUCKING SLOW. Some people see it as a flaw, but if you know me- you just know, its who I am. <br /><br />Im loud, and i CANT HELP IT. So I walk fast, is it MY FAULT that god gave me perfect legs????<br /><br />EN SERIO- I just prefer my life quasi-hectic. Before i left for Costa Rica, I was working at least 12 shifts per week at 2 different jobs. Thats like 70 hours a week of work. Some days I was at my first job at 7AM and left my 2nd job at 12:45 AM.<br /><br />These days, I have to run a minimum of three miles per day to keep my sanity. And I have to do AT LEAST 15 pull-ups. I run hungover, directly after smoking a cigarette, buzzed, whatever- I just love to run. People ask me how... and all I can tell you is that I have a lot of HEART when it comes to running. Its in my genetics. I recently heard that my cousin Genevieve had all of here toenails surgically removed because she runs so many marathons. Her reasoning is apparently that they just get in the way. The toenails that is. <br /><br />Im almost ready to fly away again. See, i like to run and i love to fly away. Im not so big on airports, people on flights, airplane food, security, time constraints or airplanes in general - but it is the easiest way for me to get where i want to go. Tonight i started looking at flights back to Costa Rica. It will cost me about $500 to get back, but it seems worth it to me. <br /><br />Ive been waiting tables, which has kept my spanish fresh. I find myself talking in spanish WAYYYY more than english these days... and of course I say "doble frijoles, no arroz porfa" or "dame chips y salsa AHORITA!!!", more than the usual banter- but it helps. Of course I make sure to say "que la verga!" cada dia.<br /><br />I'm thinking that I want to divide my time between Central America and Jackson Hole. <br /><br />What a life.<br /><br />If 3creek will have me (I mean- COME ON, TIGER WOODS IS A MEMBER), I will work there during the summers and then work "costa rica summer" for the rest of the year. Its a dream, its a start, and its ALL MINE for the taking. <br /><br />Every morning I wake up and am slightly depressed that I'm not back in Santa T. Or nicaragua for that matter. I totally miss Casa Feliz. FURTHERMORE - I am CRAVING the simple life, and Im ready to start working for it. My last trip was 3 months of borracha, surf and fun. I obviously want to continue this lifestyle- but with a paycheck. <br /><br />Im ready to surf until my ribs pop out of place- and then keep on surfing, Im ready to see my AMIGOS. I cant wait to run in the sand... even at high tide. Im ready for the gallo pinto diet and the *occasional* Imperial. Im ready for bikinis, guapos, pizza tomate, D&N, motos, BICI's, my GIRLS from Argentina, Nano y Quique, rastas y CREEPY. And DJ nightnurse of course! <br /><br />So watch out PUTOS, I might be doing something sporadic in the near future. <br /><br />BACKUP PLAN: heading up to jackson hole in february to ride some pow and drink some PBRs. <br /><br />LISTENING TO WEEN "Baby Bitch"<br />DRINKING A LUKEWARM BUDLITE<br />WORK AT 1030 AM.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-72157403897329189032009-09-26T13:56:00.001-07:002009-09-26T14:08:45.210-07:00Surf surf surfOH man i am really getting the hang of this whole "SMURFING" thing. This morning I got up at 630am and had breakfast with Bianca and went for a long morning surf. The waves werent that great but I caught a couple of good ones! Yesterday was amazing- Marilyn and I went to this natural piscina on a rock shelf near Mal Pais. We rode bikes out to this natural pool that was filled with tiny yellow fish. The fish werent scared of us at and would just swim up to us and check us out. We had an amazing view of the ocean and we watched a whale breach! It was Marilyns first time to see a whale, and she was super excited. Then we rode bikes to where the fisherman return their boats and bought two HUGE red snapper for 5000 colones- which is just under ten dollars. The fisherman cut the fish for us and we took home a bag of filets- which was about 3.5 kilos and another bag with the bones, heads and fins. After an evening surf Bianca, Marilyn and I cooked up a storm. We made snapper in coconut milk with onions and garlic, a HUGE ensalada, mashed potatoes and rice with vegtables. We ran out of propane half way through cooking but the boys saved the day and went to fetch us more. We ate so much amazing food!!! Tonight Im going to attempt to make soup out of the fish heads and the remaining fish - bones and all. I hope it turns out but my buddy Palomillo said he would give me some pointers. After our feast last night Bianca and I rode bikes down the bumpy dusty road that we have grown to love... potholes and all. <br /><br />The waves arent any good right now but im hoping that they will get better in an hour or so... then im off to surf till sunset, make fishead soup and tonight my roommate Marilyn (aka DJ Nightnurse!!) will play reggae music at our favorite local bar- La Lora Amarillo. <br /><br />Not sure if ive mentioned it - but there is a family of howler monkeys that lives in the tree directly in front of our house. They are SO amazing- almost feline in the way that they crawl around on the branches. Furthermore, they have the most ferocious howl and its so cool to wake up to in the morning. They howl when anyone rides by on a motorcycle. Its so cool from the beach you can hear a motorcycle riding by on the road and then a ton of howler monkeys going crazy!!! <br /><br />Other than that... all is well in Santa Teresa.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-17370965281602875512009-09-21T19:21:00.000-07:002009-09-21T19:29:23.847-07:00POST SCRIPTMy favorite FAVORITE thing about nicaragua is that everyone in the streets at any given time of day, say QUE LA VERGA!!! which literally means ¨what the dick???¨. i translated it to say ¨WTF????¨<br /><br />ANYONE from little children in the street playing soccer at like 11pm to the amazing old short and round ladies in the mercados- abuelas, oh AND DONT FORGET the old men on the dirt roads with 2 machetes and no shirt- they all say it all day long. <br /><br />A TIP- Whenever you are mad and want to swear but its just not appropriate (aka approp´s -for the keeg job) just yell QUE LA VERGA. All will be well.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-69093256374479929372009-09-21T14:29:00.000-07:002009-09-21T14:52:34.256-07:00HOME SWEET HOMEOh man im so happy to be back in BEAUTIFUL santa teresa. Bianca and I are sharing a room for 100 bucks per month and I recently purchased an old rusty bicycle from my good friend Mariano. I spray painted it black and aquamarine and have already found some amazing stickers for my bicicleta. Her name is Wipeout- because sometimes the chain falls off and I have to bail off my bike and hope for the best. So far, my wipeouts have been minimal. <br /><br />Marilyn is our other roommate and she is amazing. She is a reggae DJ and the sister of a good friend of mine- so it all works out. Theres a lot of crime in Santa Teresa, but no one is going to mess with Marilyn because her brother is one of the crazy rastas that im sure ive described before. For a lack of better words, there is like this gang of rastas that are always getting into trouble and pretty much run the town of Santa Teresa. My friend Pilar described them once and i think she put it perfectly, ¨they are wonderful- amazing guys, but you have to remember that they are thieves¨. Personally, I love those guys- when they are being well behaved. I was robbed my first week in Santa Teresa- but im pretty sure i know exactly who did it and these days- when I leave alone at night he always offers to walk me home or tells me to ¨pasar con cuidado muneca¨. Its funny what a little bit of time does for you in any small town. It also helps that the boys know that i have no personal belongings of any worth to them. For the record- never bring a laptop to a foriegn country- everyone i know who has had one has lost it to thieves. <br /><br />I played video games for like 6 hours yesterday- thats something i havent done in forever. The town is so amazing when its empty- kind of like Boulder in the summertime- when all of the college kids leave and the town resumes its form. Im back in my routine of running and yoga- but theres a HUGE swell in these days and every day someone breaks a board or a leash or has some catastrophe- so I stick to swimming or just surfing in the whitewater. <br /><br />Im about to head off to Flor Blanca- another place that makes me feel so at home. The only person missing is my good friend Antonio- who i miss every day. Theres literally no one staying at Flor Blanca tonight so Im off to hit the gym with my buddy Will and then were thinking about having a pool party. ¿Porque No? Ive managed to master this balance between spending my time at the most exclusive hotel in Costa Rica and the rest with the scrappiest bunch i could possibly find- all located within a few kilometers of one another. <br /><br />Oh and I found 7 sand dollars yesterday on the beach, but being the ECOFRIENDLY chica that I am, I obviously left them for nature. Today I ran for like 2 hours across at least 6 beaches and found even more. AMAZING. This time of year it should be monsoons all the time- but for some reason, its bright and sunny and beautiful every day. <br /><br />Favorite music right now<br /><br />This amazing reggae song ¨i dont wanna love you more¨- by some guy from San Jose, ill find out the specifics cuz its the best song ever. <br />Julieta Venegas<br />Los Perricos<br />Calle 13Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-43477531577353144822009-09-15T17:55:00.000-07:002009-09-15T18:29:31.274-07:00NICARAGUA...Tomorrow I am heading back to Costa Rica- and im really sad to be leaving Nicaragua. So ive decided to write about a few of the things that I love the most about San Juan Del Sur. This is in no particular order - just a few things that made me happy while i was here.<br /><br />La Gente- Nicas are amazing people. I love how when I walk through the streets on every street corner someone knows who I am and asks me about my day. Everyone speaks SPANISH- in costa rica it isnt necessary to speak spanish, but here if you speak to someone in english they always respond in spanish. It has been incredible for me to learn new words and phrases just from having to speak spanish all the time. <br /><br />El Mercado- theres a little mercado in town that has 3 sodas, 5 fruit stands and 4 other tiendas that sell clothes and flip flops and other random items. My favorite waitress who always sings while she works *- her singing kept me loyal to her soda where the average cost of the best meal of your life was inbetween 2 and 3 dollars. I loved eating the fresh fish and TONS of gallo pinto. Every soda in town has their own special hot sauce- and ill never forget the night that bianca cried for about 30 minutes because she devoured a ridiculous amount of the hottest picante in town. I love the aprons that the ladies in the mercado wear- I purchased one the other day and its an OBRA DE ARTE. The avocados were the best ive ever tasted and Ill miss getting DOWN on vegetable sandwiches with Bianca in our dirty kitchen at my former hostel- Rinconcita Mexicana. <br /><br />Playa Maderas- I loved everything about playa maderas- the hostal tres hermanos and the guy who made tacos every day on the beach. I loved watching the sunsets every day with Koki, Enrique, Orlando, Manuel y Jose. The three hermanos- Jose, Manuel and Enrique- were pretty much my BFFs while i was there. Every day they watched my things for me and i never worried about them taking a dime off of me. The needlefish that would jump out of the water while chasing their next meal- stingrays that would swim below my board- and the perfectly clear water under my board- i would look down and see tons of fish all day long. I spent almost every day at playa maderas and i never had a bad day with the crazy locals. I loved my first few days with Jose - a different Jose- the number one longboarder in nicaragua- who helped me learn a ton about longboarding. Ill miss chilling at good times surf shop with Jose, Gilbert, Gerrardo, David and Manu (the dog named after manu chao)- playing local card games and eating pithayas and chickis cookies. Oh man im really going to miss pithayas *aka dragonfruit*. The road to maderas was long, bumpy, dusty and sometimes cars wouldnt make it up the last hill- but I loved riding in the back of a pickup truck with the locals who relied on the surf shop guys for a ride to work every day. Also the monkeys in the trees and the pigs in the streets. The cows and horses and old men on bicycles that I passed every day on my way to the beach. Ill miss drinking tonas in the afternoon with the guys and I cant wait to come back again. Ill also miss looking around and realizing that im the only girl in the waves with about 30 insanley hot surfer dudes. <br /><br />Theres a huge statue of jesus on the hill to the right of the main beach in san juan del sur. Ill never forget drinking rum with max and some aussies and bianca next to the jesus statue and admiring the amazing view. Sunsets at Jesus were incredible. Ill miss my little running loop that went right below the jesus statue and back to the maderas road to town- it was about 3 kilometeres and some days i did the loop twice, other days i didnt run at all- but it was always there for me in case i needed it. <br /><br />The town of San Juan has the most beautiful colors- all of the buildings are brightly painted and its generally a very clean town. Except for at night when the street dogs get into the garbage and go to town on the scraps of food. Bianca fed a street dog the scraps of her chicken- bones and all to a dog and it ate the whole things in one gulp. The dog is still alive so i guess eating chicken bones isnt the end of the world after all. Ill miss Casa Feliz- Ben and Codo were the best guys ever to live with and i always felt safe with them. Their friends were amazing, they taught me how to dance and Ill never forget the first night that I met all of them on Josue's birthday. Don Marelis and Karla- the wildest girls in nicaragua - it makes my heart hurt that im leaving them. They were always so much fun and we always seemed to get into trouble together. <br /><br />La Iguana - the rowdiest bar in Nicaragua - with the most ridiculous bartenders in the world - not sure how much im going to MISS spending all of my money there- or CRAZY alberto who always hits on me, even in front of his wife... but Henry the owner is probably one of the funniest people ive ever met. <br /><br />Ill miss my routine of surfing, drinking, eating, dancing and then sleeping- then waking up in the morning, grabbing my board and walking down the street looking for a ride to the beach. Also the taxi drivers that for 3 weeks, every time i walked by said "Taxi Taxi Chica?". Also the little kid that worked for the bus to rivas that would stand in the street all day and yell "Rivas Rivas Rivas!!!!".<br /><br />Ill miss sneaking into the pool at Pelican Eyes and the amazing view of all of san juan del sur at sunset. Also the ridiculous australian boys that always said "BLIH"<br />- kind of like a throwup noise- whenever they didnt like something. Also the New Zealanders that drank copious amounts of rum every night in the hostel and only made it surfing once. Flor de Cana- the rum of nicaragua- is super cheap and amazingly tasty. <br /><br />The hippies in the street- especially Juan who gave me one earring as a gift. I bought the most amazing necklace in the world from another hippy after telling him for a week that i had to have it. Hippies are very serious about their word- so one day he raised the price by ten dollars, just because it had taken me so long to purchase the necklace. We settled our little quarrell over a beer at Coquitos- the best place in san juan del sur for live music. <br /><br />There are so many other things that i absolutely adore about Nicaragua - too many to think of right now, but i have a lot of time on the bus to tamarindo tomorrow and ill think of all of the other things that i love. <br /><br />Needless to say, im sad to go but im ready to head back to santa teresa and hopefully i can find an apartment for at least a month. Ill keep yall posted!!!!Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-63400436213352047492009-09-14T09:13:00.000-07:002009-09-14T09:19:53.564-07:00Independencia!Im thinking about heading out of San Juan del Sur tomorrow but MAYBE the day after. Im heading over to Tamarindo to meet up with Bianca and then we are heading back to our own little piece of paradise, SANTA TERESA. <br /><br />San Juan is insanely crowded with people from all over Nicaragua- I think im heading out to go surfing today because i cant really handle the crowds. However, there are a ton of celebrations all over town and ive been hearing drums since i woke up this morning. I recently purchased an amazing white and pink apron that the women in the mercado wear when they sell fruit and Im thinking that tonight ill wear it out- im going to look ridiculous, but hey WHEN IN ROME. <br /><br />Ive met some amazing people in Nicaragua - and some not so amazing people as well. Im thinking about purchasing a camera today- its secondhand -aka probably was stolen from someone- but thats just the way things go around here. I would love to be able to take some pictures of the amazing places that ive been and to be able to show them to everyone would make me super happy. <br /><br />For now, im off to buy a sticker for bianca and then its probably time to go surfing again. Loving life!Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-59728911200860142009-09-10T11:00:00.000-07:002009-09-10T11:10:49.347-07:00Andys Amazing Tent Story"I may have a Costa Rican love child, but im not sure" my good friend Andy told mne the firts night we ever hung out, eating pizza and drinking beers with our mutual friend max. "What, you have to tell me the story" I responded between bites of pizza and sips of tona. <br /><br />"I cant, you are never going to see me in the same way again". <br /><br />"not an issue andy, just tell the damn story".<br /><br />SO IT BEGAN<br /><br />"Okay so one night i was in Jaco at a bar, and I was hammered drunk and this guy came up to me and kept saying 'hey my friend really likes you and shes really cute do you want to go home with her?' and i was like umm not really dude and i kept drinking. he kept texting on his phone and saying 'come on man she really likes you' so finally i was like allright i guess ill meet this chick. so eventually i went with this guy and his girl and this other girl to the beach to drink some more beers. we ended up drinking next to their tent, which was a 2 person tent- and anyone knows that a 2 person tent is really a one person tent. so the girl, who didnt speak any english, and i didnt speak any spanish, leads me into the tent. we get inside and i look up to see the other guy and his girl in coming right behind us and following us into the tent. so i start hooking up with this girl and i look over and there are the other two, going at it- night next to us, in a tent on the beach in jaco." <br /><br />"andy, did you know her name?" <br /><br />"no, and my english wasnt so great at the time, so we didnt really talk at all. she just kept saying 'que rico' over and over again. it was really akward. we didnt have any protection, and i may have a costa rican love child/ some terrible disease"<br /><br />"andy, thats an incredible story"<br /><br />"yeah, i told you that you would see me differently from now on"<br /><br />"yep, totally"Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-1237781692875390562009-09-08T10:52:00.000-07:002009-09-08T11:31:20.309-07:00FOOTNOTESThere have been several occasions in which i realized that I love my friend Bianca Channell Buckley - who left today for Tamarindo, CR. But in order to fully understand- you have to know a little background information on Bianca. The person she reminds me most of is Jess -an old roommate from Jackson Hole. Bianca is a little blonde girl with wild curly blonde hair and big blue eyes- she has an awesome surfer body and can eat more than anyone i know. She talks really slowly like a surfer chick- and the first time i met her i thought she was perma-stoned but soon realized that this is just how she is. She rarely drinks- and has no problem going to the bar completely sober and dancing crazier than anyone else in the bar. She used to be a ballerina- but she dances like a wild child. She has her own bizarre style that scares away the boys. Her mentality is, if she dances like a freak- the boys will leave her alone and she can dance in peace. <br /><br />She and i became friends on the beach in santa teresa- we usually went running together and had a lot of the same friends. On one of my first days paddling out past the whitewater and into the big waves i looked at her and said, "i really shouldnt be out here"... she looked back at me and said "umm yeah you should, keep surfing". Bianca is out in the water every morning and isnt happy unless she gets in at least 3 surf sessions every day. Okay back to why i love this girl. <br /><br />The first time i realized that i adored bianca was at Santa Teresas only REAL bar, Day and Night,on electronic night. D and N is only open 3 nights per week- they have reggae night *which is obviously the best*, salsa night and electronic night. On electronic night all of the local crazy boys do a lot of cocaine and are generally out of control. One in particular, Macho Loco, was out of his mind on this particular night and decided that I was going to be the girl for him. He was all in my face, harassing me and just not leaving me alone. If his name doesnt give you a clue, he is kind of an insane person. Bianca saw Macho Loco harassing me and looked at him and in her amazing surfer tranquila voice said "dude... she doesnt want to sleep with you, shes never going to sleep with you, I dont want to sleep with you, why dont you just leave her alone because we dont even like you". So Macho Loco freaks out... and starts screaming "you come to MY PAIS and speak to me like this???? MY COUNTRY?" and Bianca doesnt even bat an eye and just looks at him in the eyes and goes "whatever dude, we dont care, just go away". Little miss Bianca, who probably weighs 90 pounds, got this coked out crazy local to leave me alone and wasnt even bothered by the way he freaked out. I knew this girl could handle her own, and I was impressed. <br /><br />The SECOND time I realized that I found a true gem was at Playa Maderas about a week and a half ago. Okay so everyone in Costa Rica is crazy about Mayonaise and mustard is impossible to find. Well Bianca managed to find a bottle of mustard at Playa Maderas and put literally half the bottle on her hot dog. I was talking to some friends and I looked over and she had guantes de mostaza. She had mustard all over her face, from the tips of her fingers to about halfway to her elbow-It was on her legs, it was EVERYWHERE. She calmly walks up to the guys behind the counter and goes "ummm can i have a napkin". They looked at her, laughed and told her to go jump in the ocean because there was no way they would have napkins left in the restaurant after hurricane bianca. I cant wait to tell you guys about the maderas boys- Antonio, Manuel, Enrique and Orlando. Three of them are brothers and the other can be kind of a jerk- but we love them all and they watch our things for us every day- and i always try to buy them a round of beers when i can. Back to my story...<br /><br />The truth is, Bianca doesnt care what anyone thinks ever, about anything- and I respect it. When i met her she couldnt speak any spanish at all, and now she can hold her own in pretty much any situation. At our friend Hannahs going away party - a few weeks ago- in costa rica- she looked at me - amongst all the crazy local boys and said "this party is stupid... everyone is speaking spanish". I was like, ummm Bianca you are in costa rica, with the locals... theres going to be a fair amount of spanish. <br /><br />Its so funny because guys will meet her and are totally impressed by her dedication to surfing and shes a beautiful girl- but then she starts talking and the weirdness comes out. ITS AMAZING. I really wish you guys could have been in the car with us on the way back from the beach yesterday. EPIC. This guy went from gazing at her adoringly to cringing and saying "please stop talking! please change the subject"- she was explaining her bowel movements after eating pithayas. Hilarious. <br /><br />Ahhh enough on Bianca- she was my travel buddy for the last two weeks and this morning she left for Tamarindo. I have NO desire to go to Tamagringo and so ive decided to stay in San Juan, at least for one more week. I moved to Casa Feliz, a really cool hostel with my friend Marlys and theres a good group of fun people and Im really excited to change things up for a bit. <br /><br />My body is a mess though. My ribs are so badly bruised that it makes me not want to breathe ever. There was a nice swell the last few days and some of the set waves were easily above 7 feet. I had some killer wipe outs, thats for sure. So today i will get a massage, take it easy, read a book, and go sneak into the pool at Pelican Eyes- the only nice hotel in San Juan del Sur. The electricity is out in all of San Juan for the next 4 hours, but my favorite internet cafe over at hotel joxie has a generator, and the air conditioner works- so ill probably be back with more stories later today. There are way too many stories to tell.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-16562187485100856342009-09-03T08:57:00.000-07:002009-09-03T09:09:25.290-07:00YO HEART NICARAGUAI have to figure out a way to stay in Central America forever. <br /><br />Big weekend plans- off to see Calle 13 in Managua on Saturday Night with some friends. Really excited and nervous to be back in a big city.<br /><br />I met a girl yesterday named Marlys- I had seen her around town and knew she looked familiar. We started talking on the water yesterday and we realized that we knew eachother from Jackson Hole, WY. She also lived in Boulder, CO. Needless to say, Im really excited to have a new girlfriend down in Nicaragua. She and i both jumped out of the hole *which is really difficult to do* and shes spending her winters in Oahu and her summers down in Nicaragua. What a life!!! <br /><br />Tonight im going to go camp on the beach with Bianca and some friends. Tomorrow we will surf, and then Saturday we will leave for Managua. By the time we return there SHOULD be some waves. Weve heard from our Costa Rican amigos that there isnt any surf in Santa Teresa either. WHO TOOK ALL THE DAMN WAVES? Oh well, yesterday i played volleyball on the beach, surfed and ran... and then drank beer. So the day wasnt a total bust. <br /><br />People down here fish in the water with spears and snorkels. Just thought yall might like to know. Im off to go walk my friends puppy, Manu- and then im off to surf at 2! <br /><br />Today, I miss my whole earth crew. Hope yall are doing well! XOXOXOXOXOSweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-38329197692242241672009-09-01T13:37:00.000-07:002009-09-01T14:01:47.832-07:00A day offToday I decided to not go surfing... and im kind of going crazy. Im getting better every day- but the swell is really low in San Juan Del Sur these days and everyone is waiting for the waves to get better. Bianca decided to get her SCUBA certification over the next few days so I guess we will be here for a while. Its insane how cheap the food is in Nicaragua. There is this little mercado with 4 or 5 fruit and vegetable stands, 4 sodas and 4 tiendas that sell flip flops, dresses and other random clothes. For 40 cordobas (which is 2 dollars) I got a WHOLE fish, rice, beans, salad and tortilla. Its weird eating a whole fish- but it tastes so amazing that I dont REALLY feel too bad. THey also have this amazing fruit- Pithaya - and its kind of like a strawberry/kiwi mix- its FUSCHIA and tastes amazing. Bianca and I eat them all the time- and theres an added bonus because they make your lips bright fuschia. <br /><br />San Juan Del Sur is an interesting place- there are a ton of places to surf- but no where that you can walk to. YOu always have to catch a ride- but there are a ton of ways to get there- every hostel and surf shop runs a shuttle to the beach at least once per day for a bout five bucks. Bianca and I are staying at rinconcita mexicana for $5 per night- which is nice. <br /><br />Max took off on his boat today for a "guys" surf trip with 2 other guys, and of course his trusty Mexican perrito - Maestra. Maestra went missing for a few days and I was super nervous that we werent going to see her again- but Max saw here when he was sailing a few kilometers down the beach. I bet ill see max again in costa rica- but who knows where any of us will be at any given time. <br /><br />Ive been getting free surf tips from a lot of really nice guys on the water- including a guy named Jose who is the number one longboarder in Nicaragua. He literally catches 90 percent of the waves in the water and ive had so much fun chilling with him this week. Bianca and I have spent almost every day at Playa Madera- which is a really great surf spot. It has a restaurant with a hostel on top-and theres one tent where this couple makes AMAZING fish tacos. Its probably the best taco ive ever had in my entire life. <br /><br />The guys that run the hostel and restaurant are constantly harassing Bianca and myself- but not in a malicious way. We make them watch our stuff for us while we are surfing- and they always demand besos in exchange, but they never get any!!! <br /><br />Im trying to figure out what my next move is - I need to find an apartment in order to save some money- and I really want to get back to Santa Teresa- eventually. In a few days Bianca and i are hoping to head towards Tamarindo, but theres supposed to be a big party in Managua this weekend- so we might stay a little longer than expected. <br /><br />I cant wait for tomorrow to get back on my board for another day in the water! Its so amazing here and I dont know how i managed to live without surfing for this long! <br /><br />On a side note- I watched the news today for the first time in 6 weeks. Our five dollar per night room has cable- but i just turned on the tv for the first time today, and we have been in our room for 9 days. Mom- thank you so much for never letting me watch tv as a child!Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-37115545103561249242009-08-27T13:21:00.000-07:002009-08-27T13:32:55.313-07:00SAN JUAN DEL SURIm alive and well and all is fantastic in Nicaragua. After a late night of partying at D&N for the last reggae night of the season, I hopped into an old toyota pickup truck with Sunny, Nano, Bianca & Matteo and we drove all day to San Juan Del Sur. Crossing the border was not bad at all! The drive was long (because i was super hungover) but beautiful. I bought my first surf board the day before I left and Im LOVING IT. Its an Al Merrick 7´8 funboard - and Im really starting to get the hang of surfing. <br /><br />We went to Playa Madera for our first morning and saw a shark... which was super scary. Then we went to Playa Romanzo in the afternoon- the waves werent great but it was one of the best sunsets ive ever seen. This morning we went to Playa Yankee today and Bianca watched a shark swim under her board. I felt it nudge mine ... out of control. Luckily there are a lot of fish in the water so there isnt as much of a chance that we will be eaten. Hopefully.<br /><br />This afternoon we are off to Playa Madera- and tomorrow who knows. Bianca and I are trying to decide whats next for us- we are thinking Tamarindo. <br /><br />Life is good.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-67275302104829912932009-08-22T13:46:00.000-07:002009-08-22T13:55:44.258-07:00My Feet Are DestroyedI never wear shoes out here, and 2 days ago I stubbed my toe and got a HUGE blood blister. Then I was walking to go surf and I hit it again on a root in the ground and OBLITERATED my big toe on my right foot. BLOOD EVERYWHERE, and I was walking in sand, so i had a sandy bloody toe. Today I cut open the bottom of THE SAME foot when i was walking barefoot in a tide pool. But i DID see a starfish. Now im finally wearing my shoes, but hopefully not for TOO long. <br /><br />On a side note- a lot of Argentinian dudes have really weird hair. They love the mullet, and my favorite hairstyle is that of this guy Nacho- he has a hybrid dred-mullet. AMAZING. <br /><br />I got to drive an ATV last night- which was slightly out of control. Antonios last night is tonight- so its probably going to be a late one.´I figured out where Giselles house is today. I can walk there.<br /><br />Sad to be leaving Santa Teresa- but it will be good for me to get out for a bit. Nicaragua is supposed to kick ass!<br /><br />Life is amazing. PURA VIDA.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-24205835131101956212009-08-20T16:42:00.000-07:002009-08-20T16:56:16.759-07:00So many things!Today is day number 23 in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Its SO MUCH FUN- im really finding it impossible to leave. But im heading to Nicaragua in 4 days with my friends Mariano and Bianca for a visa run. We are going to head up to San Juan Del Sur ' which is a big surf town that is supposed to be lots of fun- and then over to Granada near Lago Del Nicaragua- which is the only lake in the world with freshwater sharks! <br /><br />Im probably going to spend 7-10 days in Nicaragua and then ill head back to Santa Teresa. Then i have to make a major decision- whether to work for a free place to stay in Santa Teresa for the off season or head over to Panama. There are these three awesome chicks from Argentina- Caro, Pilar and Angie- that are heading up to the Carribean coast and then over to Bocas del Toro in Panama. So, big decisions- but im looking to Nicaragua to help me make my decision. <br /><br />There are so many amazing things about Santa Teresa. The beach is out of control amazing. Its the most beautiful beach i have ever seen in my life. There is only one dirt road through the entire town- so if you dont want to see someone, you are bound to see them like 5 times per day. But its a charming small town with a kickass night life and ive met so many fun people- I even like the local rastas. They are sweet, but they are thieves. Ive only been robbed once, but that was at night when I was walking alone. I DID catch up to the guy and throw him into a wall, but he ran away into the night with my purse. The only things im sad that i lost were my headlamp and knife. <br /><br />I just finished Shantaram- which is an amazing book and I would highly recommend it. My good friend Antonio is leaving Santa Teresa in 2 days, he has been here for nine weeks. <br /><br />Lots to tell- but its getting dark and i dont need to be traveling by myself after dark! <br /><br />Pura Vida kiddos.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-66506142346806961172009-08-10T15:26:00.000-07:002009-08-10T15:27:30.096-07:00Cuba LibreJust an afterthought-<br /><br />today i discovered rum and coke in a can. its called Cuba Libre, and its fantastic. PUUUUUUUURA VIDA.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-47481683398827548952009-08-10T10:02:00.000-07:002009-08-10T10:12:05.936-07:00Beach LifeOn the beach in Santa Teresa- there are so many different types of people. There are the girls that just lay out all day and work on their tan, then you have the surfers that are learning how to surf and only stay in the whitewater (thats what I usually do). There are the dirty rasta ticos that hang in the tree line and watch people surf, you have the frat guys that take pictures of chicks on the beach- one guy will be doing a yoga pose as a decoy - but everyone knows that they are taking pictures of the girls, not of eachother. Then you have the rastas that teach people how to surf every morning. Each week there is generally one family on vacation, but the rest are all young backpackers just taking in the beauty of it all. This week, there are supermodels galore all over the most secluded part of the beach. I guess they are doing a photo shoot today- but oh man these women are incredible. Then you have Antonio, Nacho and myself- who just swim out to the biggest waves we can find and try to body surf without being taken out to sea. Theres the occasional lone sandcastle guy, who works diligently for hours until the waves come and take everything away. There are random packs of dogs running around on the beach in 2s and 3s. You have people riding horses up and down the beach- usually with a few dogs running and yipping at the horses. Then there are the massive armies of hermit crabs that scramble around on the shore. I learned a really cool trick with hermit crabs- when they are hiding in their shell- just breath hot air onto thier shell and they will come out and then FREAK OUT and scramble back into their shells. <br /><br />Google image Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. You will see what i get to see every day. <br /><br />XOXOSweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-86293530675206790732009-08-07T15:34:00.000-07:002009-08-07T15:41:00.441-07:00I AM SURFING!!!Okay so today i totally stood up on multiple waves. It was sooo much fun. Today the beach was insanely beautiful. The sun was out, the ocean was aquamarine, and I swam and ran and played. The costa rica vibe is just what i need these days. <br /><br />Surfing kicks ass.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-87598784353771836872009-08-06T15:19:00.000-07:002009-08-06T15:26:02.444-07:00PerritosThe dogs in costa rica are out of control. They travel in packs and are of all shapes and sizes. Most of them have been left by tourists who decided to have a pet while in costa rica, but abandoned them when they left to go home. There are 1.2 million homeless dogs in costa rica- a country with only 5 million citizens. A lot of people told me that I wouldnt like the way the dogs live out here, but honestly i dont really mind. Sometimes its sad, but for the most part the dogs appear to be happy - in a lord of the flies sense of things. <br /><br />The dogs eat whatever they want, go wherever they want and run along the beach all day long. Everyone feeds the perritos- and in Santa Teresa I have yet to see an insanely immaciated pup. But they do exist in San Jose- there are so many dogs that are way too skinny. <br /><br />My favorite dog had a ridiculous underbite- so bad that it looked like it had a retarded smile. Some guys in Fortuna told me that if i took the ¨perro que siempre esta feliz, todo del año¨ that they would pay me $100. Hahahah.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-28545534904918559852009-08-05T13:57:00.000-07:002009-08-05T14:39:03.073-07:00Time is FlyingIts been a few days- I guess I get distracted. Im having so much fun in Santa Teresa that I think I may stay awhile. Janerae went back to Canada, and we are all heartbroken. Miss you girl! Zuma has left for a new adventure, and I decided I need to stay in Santa Teresa. Im just not ready to leave yet. Ive been chillin with Antonio- who reminds me of Richard in some weird way. My new roommate its a super chill guy from Guatemala who is teaching me yoga. His name is Carlos and he is moving to India in a few months to attend school for yoga- and is a very spiritual and well balanced guy. <br /><br />This morning I woke up and ran on the beach and then stopped at a point and did yoga. I can even balance on my head these days. Carlos keeps telling me that its all mental, and the physical aspect of yoga is there- and its given me a ton of confidence. So Im on a new routine- trying to do yoga and run and surf every day. I think that each of these activities will keep me balanced. Im drinking fresh bananna and pineapple smoothies and Im cooking my meals instead of going out. Its really nice because I sort of feel settled. <br /><br />I have the option to start working at a really nice place called the Funky Monkey- in exchange for a free place to stay, with laundry service, I would only have to work 4 hours per day. Work at the Funky Monkey is the most laid back experience in the world... especially during the rainy season. Speaking of rain, the weather is really nice here throughout the day- it starts off sunny and then gets cloudy around 1, with storms around 3 for at least an hour. Then it calms down and clears up for the stars in the sky. Tonight is the full moon, and I cant wait to dance around on the beach. <br /><br />Antonio works at the Funky Monkey from 3-7 most days, and its great to just go up to the main guest area, which has a pool table, a bar, a tv area, tons of chairs and a few hammock chairs- as well as a huge bookshelf filled with books. I chill out and read and help Tony with his spanish and play pool while the storms roll in. The Funky Monkey is so much cleaner than Brunelas- the hostel where im staying, so its really nice to shower and go just be CLEAN for a few hours while hanging with good friends. All of the guys that work there are super cool-- Nacho, Chely, Bruno, Emelio, Amy and Gabi are probably all going to be there over the next few months- so if i decided to stay for the rain season, you might be hearing these names again. <br /><br />Chely (which is insanely close to my moms name, Chaille) taught me some of the basics of surfing today, and im getting better with every wave. Im staying with a ton of Argentinians these days and its really helping my spanish. <br /><br />Brunelas has like 8 or 9 iguanas of various sizes and they just hang out in the yard like pets. I wake up in the morning and throw down a piece of toast onto the first story tin roof and there is always a mad scramble by the iguanas to get the food. You have to watch where you step because the iguanas come down for breakfast and walk right up to where you are eating. The largest iguana, Paco, scares the crap out of me because whenever im not paying attention, I almost step on him. Im pretty sure he could bite off my toe. <br /><br />Whenever I walk to the beach I look down and there are dozens of hermit crabs crawling towards the sea. Its so cute to watch those little guys get scared and hide in their shells, but I never understand why I used to like those little guys as pets. There are CRAAAZZY bugs here but very few of them are roaches- huge relief for me. <br /><br />Theres a super exclusive hotel nearby, called the Fleur Blanca, and Giselle has a house very close by. I hear from the bartender that she never tips. Slut. A friend of hers, a supermodel who was super cool - had a round with us at the Fleur Blanca the other day- and she was in Costa Rica by herself for her 34th birthday. It was really cool to meet someone else who wanted to do just what i did, be alone on their birthday. At least away from the distractions that always seem to let you down.<br /><br />Will, a friend of Antonios, is the manager of the Fleur Blanca and his life is ridiculous. He has all expenses paid for, has a private bungalo with a full time body guard and his work does not seem too stressful at all. The entire staff at the Fleur Blanca seems like the staff at 3creek- happy, laidback and overpayed. Hes currently in Colombia for a visa run, so Antonio and I are thinking about partying it up tonight for the full moon. Will spends all of his money on traveling- and has been to some amazing places. His spanish is immaculate- and im jealous. <br /><br />I am strangely settled. Im going to work on me for a little while. Lots of yoga, running, surfing, reading, cooking and smiling. Living out of a backpack is the most liberating experience in the world. It makes you realize that your STUFF just doesnt matter. <br /><br />Id take an experience over a thing any day. WORD.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-38530421051871663732009-07-30T09:38:00.000-07:002009-07-30T10:00:14.755-07:00HORRAY FOR BIRTHDAYS!ROAAAAAR - sorry, that was my inner leo saying "whaaatt upppp its all about me today". No seriously, today is going to be another wonderful day. The big 25, so far, so good. Zuma and I (yes, i renamed him zuma- and i also gave him his acting name- Zuma Davis) woke up to Eliana yelling "gallo pinto!! gallo pinto! wake up you lazy people!". I immediately smiled and got up. I didnt even try to snooze. <br /><br />Eliana, Christian and Caleb- the family that we are staying with, are all such wonderful people. Eliana and Christian have helped me improve my spanish so much and every night we all hang out as a family. And their cat, Magic, eats a ton of bugs. I love the ticos- they are so kind, if you stop and get to know them- you will be amazed by their kindness. When you ask for directions, most of the time a tico will just stop what they are doing and walk the 3 blocks with you to wherever you need to go. So different from the USA- or any metropolitan area for that matter. Eliana made us a huge breakfast, and we all sat and ate and laughed and talked- i realized that what i like best about montezuma is that i have been living in a HOME. In hostels- you can party, do whatever you want- scream into the night, no one cares. In la casa de Ramon- ( i think thats what its called) theres a routine, Caleb gets up for school around 6am. Christian and Elena spend all day working around the house, which is a lot of work- its a HUGE house. It makes me realize that one day I want a home and a routine- but for now, i will just have to spend time with people who will take me in and allow me to be part of their life.<br /><br />Today, I go back to Santa Teresa. Tomorrow- I will go to Bocas Del Toro- in Panama. Its the surfers world cup in Jaco, which is only an hour away- but today, its all about seeing my ole pals. Its funny how the people you meet a week ago become the friends you feel like you know the best out here. <br /><br />I had a huge smile on my face when I checked facebook today- so many friends that i miss. So, this song is for yall. <br /><br /><br />"So, so you think you can tell,<br />heaven from hell,<br />blue skies from pain,<br />can you tell a green field <br />from a cold steel rail?<br />a smile from a veil?<br />do you think you can tell??????<br /><br />and did they get you to trade your heroes from ghosts?<br />hot ashes from trees?<br />hot air for a cool breeze?<br />cold comfort for change?<br />and did you exchange <br />a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?<br /><br />how i wish, how i wish you were here,<br />we're just 2 lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,<br />year after year,<br />running over the same old ground<br />what have we found?<br />the same old fears...<br /><br />Wish you were here"<br /><br />-PINK FLOYDSweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-32028349363635927232009-07-29T11:10:00.000-07:002009-07-29T11:53:17.393-07:00Ode to 24Last night I woke up to the most ferocious thunder storm. At about 2AM it sounded like someone hit our metal roof like the grand finale of a drum solo and our roof was a cymbal. The whole house would rumble and the noise was so loud that I would just automatically jump into the fetal position- involuntarily. Furthermore, the bugs didnt want to be in the rain so they all came into the room. There were bugs EVERYWHERE. The lightning would fade away to just a normal thunderstorm and then BOOM!!! another would strike within feet of the house. My fear was that a tree would come crashing through the house after being struck. I jumped into Zuhayers bed and we sat there like 2 tiny children - so afraid of what we didnt know what was going to happen. It was unreal. Car alarms were going off, and it was SO LOUD. I just started laughing, because i always laugh when im nervous, and i could only think....wow- is this how i go? <br /><br />I was caught in a lightning storm before, with my ole pal Andrew- on top of Snowking in Jackson- and i thought that i was going to die then, but somehow last night- even though i was in a house made of stone- it just seemed more intense, and more dangerous. More terrifying. Im so glad I was not in a tent last night!!!<br /><br /><br />Tomorrow I will go back to santa teresa to join some good ole friends- Janerae and Antonio specifically, to go enjoy another day on the beach. Today is the first day that I dont really feel like jumping in the ocean, I just want to stay on dry land for a day, maybe play some cards- keep reading my book and writing in my journal. <br /><br />My birthday is tomorrow- and I always have to reflect on the previous year of my life. On my last birthday I went to String Lake with a few close friends to float on tubes and eat cake- and I remember being more than satisfied with the fact that it was just my close friends. And tim's birthday card that played "superfreak" when opened. <br /><br />I miss Jackson, a lot, I miss my life there. I miss riding bikes in the summertime, I miss the tuesday night parties at Brian Hady's house, I miss having those days off where you look up and you are surrounded by all of your friends. I miss the campfires at night in Wilson- and waking up hungover and the first thought to run through my head "Noras biscuits and gravy". Jackson is an amazing town- but I wasnt ready to settle. So i moved on...reluctantly. <br /><br /> During my 24th year- I worked as an exec assistant (AKA SECRETARY FOR THE DEVIL), barista, had 3 different waitress jobs, worked as a nanny, in retail, and I worked my ass off as a girlfriend for a very special guy. I went to the Wind River Range and I caught a beautiful brown trout in yellowstone. I went and picked mushrooms with Fred, Susan and Sarah when things were going tough for me- always good to take a break to Moran. I finally figured out riding in powder, and i went backcountry skiing - with the right equipment- for the first time. <br /><br />Then everything changed- in february. Post breakup- I went back to Houston, which was something I really didnt want to do- but I had to get back to my roots. Sometimes a texas girl just has to get back home for a while. In houston i was pleasantly suprised by how much trouble i could get myself into. I was constantly distracting myself with 2 jobs, 3 boys, TONS of great friends and hurricanes. The best thing about going back to houston was just falling back in line with my dearest of friends. Ive met the most wonderful people all over the world- but theres something about the people that have known you for 15 years or even 24. Needless to say- my lifestlye choices in houston were unhealthy- but as far as i can tell, theres no right way to get over the devastation of watching a four year relationship disintegrate right before your eyes. <br /><br />Ive done a lot and learned a lot in 24 years, and Im really interested to see what my 25th year will bring me. It seems as though with each year, my life becomes equally shittier and more amazing- it just happens in cycles. Its like how my folks always said "Nina, with more freedom comes more responsibility". Same concept- but its more like "happiness is directly correlated to devastation levels in your life" correlation is not causation... blah blah blah. <br /><br />Today, I will reflect. Its a yoga on the beach kind of day, no doubt about it. I'm finally having extended conversations in spanish, and last night i watched an entire episode of the most amazing costa rican tv show ever "DECISIONES" and i understood every word. Its easier for me to think of certain words in spanish than it is in english - and i cant wait to dream again in spanish. Its happened before- and i know it will happen again soon. <br /><br />Pura Vida<br />Pura Birra<br />Puraweeda<br /><br />Happy Birthday to me.Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5731451582014502994.post-66829005129824904122009-07-28T16:21:00.000-07:002009-07-28T16:30:31.191-07:00Barter SystemToday was picture perfect. White sand beaches, tiny islands as far as the eye can see, clear blue waters and snorkeling. We left for Isla Tortuga this morning, a bit hazy still from the rum we drank last night- and set off on a boat for snorkeling. Costa rica has its own rules regarding time, so i got to take a half hour nap before we took off. We saw all sorts of fishies, and then went to a beautiful white sand beach for lunch. One of our guides made a beautiful fruit tray with fresh pineapples, sandias, bananas and orananges- and even put beautiful yellow flowers as a garnish for the fruits. We ate barbecued fish and potatoes- and had ice cold imperials. <br /><br />There was a beautiful parrot - it was red, blue and yellow- that chilled by the local gift shop. Then we chilled with our guides and had rum and coke by the beach. I swam for a while and then we took a kayak the next cove. We found so many shells - my favorite was a GIANT oyster shell the size of my hand. Zuhayer and I brought back the kayak just in time and did yoga on the beach for a few minutes. I then continued to swim around until the guides told us that we needed to leave. We got to jump in the ocean and swim around halfway between Isla Tortuga and Montezuma. Then we chilled by the beach in montezuma and i promised our guides that i would return one day- our captain is known for catching giant sailfish and he promised me a discount for my birthday. <br /><br />We are thinking about heading to Samara tomorrow or at least to playa hermosa. We never did see those waterfalls- but ive decided that i really like Montezuma- at least when its not the weekend. Less spring breakers. <br /><br />I love the barter system here. Cant go into details- but its very similar to jackson hole. Bring a little rum to the beach, share with the locals, and very good things come your way. :)Sweet Nina Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13652185533682578235noreply@blogger.com0