We swam in a volcano!

Ok well we're back safe and sound, no problems on the return trip =)

Friday we went to Laguna de Apoyo and it was beautiful! We thought it was going to be a beach on some lake or something but actually it was a pool of water inside a volcano! The volcano used to be active and the cone caved in causing it not to function anymore and when that happen rain water filled up the crater. Although in the beginning you couldn't swim in it because the sulfuric acid content was so high, now its at a safe level leaving the water a pretty bluish-green color. And the water is still warm from the vents inside the volcano. It was such a relaxing day, there were only a handful of people there so it was very quiet, and the whole day only cost $10!

A view of the laguna from when we were walking:
The view from the hostel there (AMAZING):

The lounging area on the shore:

But before you think that went over smoothly let me tell you what happened that morning (because nothing is easy with us). We got up real early and had breakfast and got all our stuff ready to go and then we were sitting around waiting for the bus to stop by. Well it was five minutes past when it was supposed to be there so we went to the front desk to ask where it was. Thats when the unhelpful girl from before said, 'oh ...that bus left- you shouldve put your name on the list.' I was SO mad because I had been to the desk 3 times to ask about this trip and she never mentioned a list...ugh that still makes me mad. So she said you can try the other hostel they might have openings on their bus and she gave us directions there. So we walked to that hostel and they said 'oh sorry our bus is full' (which turned out to be a lie cause NO one else was at the laguna that day) So we decided to take a taxi- it was only a 20 minute drive so it would be $5 each instead of $3 to take the bus (no big deal)

Well the taxi driver got us there and then asked where to let us out. We told him what the sign at the hostel said and he pretty much just stared at us blankly. So he drove back and forward for about 10 minutes before I finally decided we'd just get out and walk cause we didnt have the money to pay for that and our day at the laguna (and to the Hendersons you should know Amber did not want to do that). Well he let us out and we walked down to the shore (after Amber briefly cried) and walked for about 10 minutes one way and found nothing so we turned around and walked the other way for about 15 or so and finally saw two girls. We asked them where the place was and luckily it was there so we unloaded and relaxed (finally).

We left Sunday morning, and unfortunately missed the Gold Cup Final between the US and Mexico but we were given updates and told the US won (yay!) so that was the highlight of the bus trip (and we were prepared to pay the exit fee this time). And even though we were back in time to work Monday we'd already requested it off so we just stayed here and slept in, it was nice. So today was back to work as usual and Friday's pay day! (also the day rent is due- unfortunately)

Amber on the bus ride (lets see if she ever gets on here to see this):

(haha, she'll kill me)

My mom gets here Friday and my dad on Saturday! I'm so excited to show them around here and spend some time with them...it'll be so great to be with family...Ok well that's enough rambling for now....