INTO THE HEART OF CENTRAL AMERICA

 From Political Activists to Active Volcanos
Following a lead for a potential volunteer position with a local environmental firm we landed in Guatemala City. Things didn’t pan out with the volunteer position (we resolved to try again for a position in Nicaragua), however, we had a chance to explore the capital city. The city was alive with political campaigning, with the upcoming national election only a month away. Political parties lined the streets with flags, megaphones and firecrackers (which we often mistook for gun fire). They really get into their politics over here.

Within sight of the capital, stands Volcano Pacaya, which is currently well and truly active. We hired a local guide for the climb to the summit where we caught our first glimpse of molten lava pouring from the side of the mountain. Clambering over the old lava flows, we came close enough to feel the heat irradiating from the fresh flows. As a geologist, Daniel was pretty excited to be this close to newly forming rocks!

 Secluded Points & Friendly Locals – El Salvador
Hearing several conflicting stories about safety in El Salvador we were prepared for anything as we crossed the border on 6 August, heading for the coast. Pleasantly surprised, we found the El Salvadorians the friendliest people so far and the country more developed than expected. The surf was pretty good too, with several secluded righthand points (one such point pictured here). We found the best waves on the remote southeast coast. The area looks to be developing fast and already there were over 20 people in the water at one popular spot.

Artesian El Salvador
They love a good mural in Central America. Here in La Palma, in the highlands of northern El Salvador, we found what would have to be the winner of the ‘Most Murals in One Town’ award (if there were ever such a contest). Everything that could be decorated by the local’s artwork has been, including walls, poles and various paraphernalia for the tourists. We used La Palma as a base to scale El Salvador’s highest peak, El Petal, a brisk 2,730 m above sea level.

 Close Shave with Hurricane Dean
We managed to arrive at Utila, a small island just off the Caribbean coast of Honduras, as Hurricane Dean was about to hit (see Weather Channel screen save). Almost upon arrival to the island, we were encouraged to prepare for the storm, buy extra supplies, batten down the hatches etc. Great timing! But luckily the hurricane passed to the north and we only experienced some rain and wind for half the night.

 Breathing Under Water
Clearing the next day we had the thumbs up to go scuba diving. Daniel’s first time scuba, and he loved it. Sabina did the advanced course, including a night dive and a deep wreck dive. While the coral wasn’t as impressive as back home at the Great Barrier Reef, the fish life was pretty spectacular.

Feel the Sting – Scorpion Cocktails in Utila
As expected, the last night on the island was a big one. Celebrating with Greg, Brendon and Jonathan, who had also just passed their PADI certification courses, we found ourselves at a special quiz night just for us at one of the local café/bars. Things started getting out of control when the prizes for the quiz arrived – 2 very large bowls full of some kind of rum cocktail, appropriately named Scorpion Bowls. The rest of the night was a bit of a blur. However, Daniel did run into an old mate from Hobart, Courtney, who was working as a dive instructor on the island. The world really is a small place.