Pascaline

Before I arrived in Popoyo (Nicaragua) I had been traveling for 7 months and 15 days. Intentions were just like anywhere else, stay for around a fortnight then continue north. I write this now after spending a month here and I might stay longer.

Popoyo - the 'town' 

Why

- More of a surf Hamlet (8 'buildings') than a surf Town

- A world famous a-frame reef and a fickle but rapid barreling rock/beach break

- Popoyo is west of Lake Nicaragua = off-shore wind 330 days of the year

- It has been offshore here day and night since my arrival

- No beginners

- Both spots visible from the hostel and a very short walk

- No 'surf tourism' just people surfing and a few travelers who wish some tranquil(o)

- The locals have named me 'Pascaline' - combination of the name of the tall skinny Italian guy who owns a restaurant (Pascal) and the fact that I eat alot.  

And (can you guess?)

- Cheap as Chips

- £3 a night private room this close to classic surf

- I bagged the only room with its own private sea view balcony

- Perfect for hammock and laptop work/ planning

- Fast-ish web connection within a 5 min walk

- Communal kitchen – rice, omelets, crepes, biscuits and tea whenever  

- Relax and learn – in the evenings many of the conversations are in Spanish

- 15 min walk to cheap local shop – 2p a doughnut

- £0.80 a litre of beer – served at 1°

Popoyo - the wave

  

The thought is to stay here until plans for the ski season are progressed.

Maybe I have seen enough (or not enough?) but other than the odd colonial center and the beautiful pacific sunset coastline I am much more excited by the challenge of surfing than traveling at the moment. And without a car it feels sensible to hole up within spitting distance of one of Nicaragua's best waves.