Our next destination was Leon, long the Capital of Nicaragua! When we arrived we didn't think much of it seeing as we had come from Granada which was a well preserved colonial town. However, after a wander we slowly became enthralled by the place.

After our journey we were starving so headed out for lunch on recommendation from our hostel. We ate what was possibly the biggest chicken schnitzel in our travels. It was big enough that it would have fed 6 people! Needless to say we were fed up for the day!

We then walked around Leon to try and burn off some of the calories from lunch so we went to the bus office to book our next international bus to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Whilst wandering around we observed the locals living their every day life, many glorious 'run down' buildings and the Cathedral which is supposedly the largest in Central America, apparently building went on for over 100 years. We saw some other churches too which were pretty. Granada and Leon are all about the buildings and their churches.

When we were heading back to our hostel, a massive electrical storm started brewing which scared Helen a little as all she could see was these electrical wires everywhere and the lightning bolts were too close for comfort. All she could think about was someone somewhere getting electrocuted, too many films we think! We made it back safe and stayed in all evening!

The following morning we chilled out as we had signed up for a Volcano hike up Volcan Telica. The most exciting part (not really) was the drive up a dirt track and watching our driver tackle huge steps, uneven ground, steep hills etc and obviously we were all getting thrown about.

Helen found the first part of the hike difficult, it's a long time since the days of Everest BC and New Zealand. We managed to make it to the top, to an enormous crater before night fall. (see photo, the crater is behind Helens head). Once it went dark we were able to see the red hot lava bubbling, it was a surreal experience. Don't forget this is one of Nicaragua's most active volcanoes! Let's just hope it doesn't erupt anytime soon like Tongariro did after our visit.

It was a little scary walking back in the dark as our guide forgot our flashlights, luckily some of the group brought their own and others used their mobiles as a makeshift flashlight. The guide made sure he gave Helen his head torch (thankfully otherwise she wouldn't have been able to make it down!)

After a good nights sleep we caught an early morning bus to San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

Both of us absolutely loved Nicaragua and regret not having more time in Nicaragua but we are restricted for time as we want to spend time with Sarah and Rey in LA before we fly home for good.......