Our plane swooped low over Lago Managua, offering us a stunning view of both the lake and the city sprawling along its southern shore. The massive, cone-shaped volcano Momotombo loomed to the north, and below us the midday sun glimmered off of choppy blue waves and red-tiled roofs alike. It was our very first glimpse of Nicaragua. It was love at first sight.
We took a minibus from Managua directly to the vibrant college town of León, an hour and a half to the North. This is true Sandanista country, on the front lines of the revolution. And while this fiercely proud city wears its scars and bulletholes like badges of honor, that was all over decades ago. León today is a mesmerizing paradox: beautiful and tranquil during the day, and buzzing with excitement and nightlife after dark.
And with every passing minute – every spectacular sight, every amazing meal, every laughter-filled conversation we've had – our love for this land has only grown.
Hedgehogs have a habit of not posting too much while on the road, and I'd expect we're probaby going to be focusing more on experiencing every second while we're here. But when we get back, we're going to have some great stories to tell. We aready do. And it's only been about 27 hours so far.
I can't wait to see what happens next.

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But more importantly, live in, be aware of, and enjoy every moment of your new adventure!
Glad to hear you're having such an awesome time! I'm looking forward to more stories and pictures, so I can live vicariously through you guys while I sit at my desk
Thanks, Deb! We just got back yesterday, loaded down with stories and photos.
They're coming soon, I promise!
Glad you are having a good time! I miss Matagalpa!
Amy, I can't tell you how much help your awesome tips have been – especially the great book recommendations! Thanks again so much for everything!
we miss you and wish we could have come with you…but we promise you a very good welcome home present
Aieee!

We missed you guys like crazy while we were there, but what a great reason to not be able to make it! We can't come out there to meet the little guy!
I am glad to see that you two are safe and sound. I cannot wait to see the new posts and hear of your adventures in Nicaragua. Be safe and know that your family here in MD love you very, very, VERY much!
Thanks, Maggie! We have indeed made it back safe and sound, no worries there. Many adventures were indeed had, and many posts will be forthcoming, I promise.
Enjoy yet another adventure!
Thanks, Janet! That's exactly what we did, and I can't wait to post all about it!
Have Fun, Stay Safe, Take Beautiful Pictures and keep notes in that Tiny Notepad!
But more importantly, live in, be aware of, and enjoy every moment of your new adventure!
Thanks, guys!
Instead of a little notepad, this time many copious notes were meticulously transcribed onto a bunch of different pieces of paper – easier to squish into our ridiculously small luggage. We actually had so many great experiences that we ran out of paper, and had to try to collect some more!
Fortunately, the day that happened, a large piece of notepaper happened to blow out of a nearby billiards hall on a helpful breeze, and Jessica snatched it out of the air. It now proudly bears the notes and remembrances of our final day and a half in Nicaragua.