Nica

In April, the family went to Nicaragua for Doris' quinceanera. We saw family, hit up many of the regular spots, had some fun in the sun, and partied it up at a hostel on Ometepe Island owned by some family friends. It was an exciting trip, not only because so many of us were going, but also because it was the first trip to Nica for a couple of my cousins. Two other cousins also hadn't gone back to Nica since moving to Canada as children 20+ years ago.

Despite some setbacks, including my mom dislocating her shoulder and my cousin twisting his ankle pretty badly, it was possibly the most fun I've ever had in Nica.

Travelling with 16 bags or so. The people on the shuttle bus hated us.

Off to the motherland

I was the reigning Crazy 8 Countdown champ while we waited for our flight.

Our new home for 10 days.

And our new dog, Rocky

Las Pitayas: A restaurant/pool that is a regular stop on our trips home.

Doris' favourite haunted house remains

The Dos Equis guy's got nothing on  Señor Bud.

Pochomil Beach

Tee hee

Yyyyup

Favourite picture of my mom EVER

Señor Sandino at the entrance to Volcan Masaya

Volcan Masaya

Monte Limar Resort

4 Generations of Rodriguez

Cause of death: hangover

Cause of death: Aliens-type levels of stomach pain...brought on by a hangover.

Doris' Quinceañera on Ometepe Island. The hostel is owned by family friends, so if you plan on going, gimme a shout!

El Ojo de Agua, a natural spring water pool. Legend says it has healing powers, able to give a bald man a full head of hair, and to cure whatever ails ya.

Adios, Ometepe

That hair, though!

A quick ride through Granada.

He's loving it!

Johnny had a slight accident.

Alexis "El Flaco Explosivo" Arguello, which translates to "The Explosive Skinny Guy." Seriously.

Our last meal. And what a meal! I still have dreams about that night.

Saying goodye