We had planned to stay in Leon so we could check out the architecture as the city was founded in 1524. This did not work out so well, we drove into the city and promptly exited (well once we found the road out). The city did not have a good feel and was not signed at all so, our ability to navigate was minimal. We stopped outside the city, shook our heads and decided on Managua via the coastal road. The route was great for about an hour or so, then we ran into road construction followed by the worst road on the whole trip so far. We asked the road crew if this road led to Managua and were assured that it did. We went a few more miles and could not see any improvement in the road and it seemed to head off into great unknown. As this is not familiar territory we figured it safest to turn around and find a different route. This lead to an amazing experience with the construction crew, we talked for about half an hour and I ended up giving them a few hats that I brought for this exact purpose. The guys took them and thanked us profusely, they will be the only guys in the area to have a Syncrude hat.
On track again, we passed by Volcano Momotomba and into the capital city of Managua. Also not signed. So this was very confusing to navigate to say the least. We of course ended up in what turned out to be one of the least popular areas of the city. There was a couple of large modern looking buildings surrounded by total slums. I mean slums. Shanty villages of sheet metal and polyethylene, run down and abandoned buildings. It took about 2hours to navigate out and back down the highway, to where we were not sure but we knew we wanted out of the big city. The other issue we faced was daylight, it was already about 4:30 so we only had a little time before dark, not good. As we drove south we kept our eyes open for a hotel sign, at first there were only Auto hotels (for cheating spouses rented by the hour), then we seen a small sign for a hotel. The road into the hotel was less than promising but we were in need and figured that it would be better than driving at night, maybe. We drove down the road a little way and seen no signs for the place, then asked a young girl who was walking by, she pointed down the hill and made a arch gesture with her arms. This was promising, they had a gate of sorts. We proceeded down the hill and around a couple of corners and there was the entrance. The place is a total oasis in the middle of jungle hillside.
Hotel Selva Verde, currently being managed by Senior James from Florida. Yes, he speaks fluent English, so we get checked in to our Cabana for a reduced rate of $40USD including breakfast. This is a bit higher than we have been paying but under the circumstances we are glad to be off the road. Our little cabana was pretty much a one bedroom condo with ensuite bath, kitchen, dining table, and small veranda. A pleasant surprise was how we ended up with dinner, while I was changing my tire, Brenda went up to the bar to get a much wanted beer for me, she is such a trooper, while there James asked Marta what she could make us for supper. No menu, just ask the cook what is in the fridge and surprise us. Then she delivered it to our Cabana. We did not ask for this last item but Marta (the cook) insisted and brought us our supper after she prepared it fresh to order.I like this place. It also came with a two stall driveway, perfect for changing the front tire on my bike as mentioned. It is finally time to stop carrying the spare front tire and time to make another offering to the travel Gods, who in this case turned out to Martin, the night security guard. He didn’t have a motorbike, but seemed very happy to get this tire, I am sure he would be able to sell if for a couple of bucks, and as stated that should equate to 2 days salary.
The Hotel is owned by a very successful businessman from Miami who uses it to bring students down to Nica and have them do charity work as part of their university education. Painting and repairing schools, teaching English, or helping with whatever project is on the go. The grounds consist of about 12 Cabanas that can hold from 1 to 12 people depending on which one. There is also a restaurant, bar, pool, Jacuzzi tub, gift shop, outdoor kitchen, and reading areas. The bed was exquisite, newer ultra pillow top mattress with fine linen and a window mounted a/c unit just for the bedroom.
We had a great visit with James as he gave us the grand tour and explained the history of the Hotel and how he came to be spending a year as the manager. We seen everyone again in the morning, after a fantastic sleep, and bid farewell to our oasis. Hasta Luego.
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