It's already Christmass - December 24. I survived the the end of the World, on December 21, hahaha! Actually, I went out for a beer and when I went to the toilet outside I was attacked by some guys who wanted to rob me. They ended up bruised and scratched, so I hope they will think again before attacking a foreigner again, especially when pulling a knife out. If that was my doomsday of the Mayan prediction, I handled it well :) Otherwise, besides these obviously drunk and I bet high on some bad quality drugs chikos, San Juan is a safe I would say place, with overall friendly people.
 
I haven't taken any photos since the first day. I far jump from arrival to departure - almost a week. Why? Rain, rain, and more rain. Plus, there are no more regular boats to Bluefields. We were trying to find a cargo boat and go with it. That's the cheapest option for 40 dollars. Unfortunately, the cargo boat is being repaired. Another option is to charter a boat - 600 dollars and up to 8 people. For me too much, and other travelers who also wanted to go gave up and went back to San Carlos. It takes so long, and nothing is certain. Now there are no boats to San Carlos until Thursday, and I don't want to stay another day here. There is nothing to do here. No internet access. Luckily, one guy who goes to Bluefields on a regular basis to buy shrimp and bring it back to Costa Rica for sale, said he can take us. Three other travelers from Finland wanted to join us, that is me, Erik and another guy from France, and we made a deal for 60 dollars each. We tried this morning, but the waves were too big and we had to give up. Tomorrow at 6 am another try.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → This is the boat. Six of us plus the driver. It's pretty small, I know it's going to be a rough and wet ride - about three hours on the sea along the coast. The most dangerous area is the mouth of Rio San Juan. But the open sea is neverthless not an easy task. We had the taste of it today, and I must say that the captain was really good at manuvering the waves. I think we can trust him.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Another shot of the boat. During our attempt to leave the river I was sitting in the back on the right behind the captain (where tha paddle is). Another guy on the same bench on the left.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → The rest, four guys, on the bench behind the smaller box. The big box in the middle is where our backpacks go, plus three in plastic bags on the side of it.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Our first, failed, attempt to leave for Bluefields.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → After giving up we are back in San Juan and this time another hotel. We are sharing a bungalow for $20 between three of us. Tomorrow, 6 am, next try. But until then, killing more time here, a few photos, and hopefully a river shrimp X-Mass dinner.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Lots of green plants between the bungalows.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Another shot of the path inside the hotel.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → One of my favorite trees - the cockonut! I've been putting my bought in Mexico machete to test and opening lots of these! There is nothing like fresh cockonut water when you are thirsty. Too bad there is no way to chill them.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → The captain is getting the boat for tomorrow.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → And the dog is doing what all the locals seem to be doing a lot - just sitting or laying at the doorstep or around the house.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → The boat seems to be ready. Let's cross fingers for tomorrow - I want to get out of here!!!

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Yes, this is the way out of here.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → In the meantime, another shot of one of the streets.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → And another one.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Some cool plants.

Wondering around, I got to the military camp. Which is just on the edge of the town, not very close to the hotel. I've been taking photos with my camer in hand, and some young soldier looking very serious called me in, took my camera, and called a higher rank. The upper command level senior check my photos and asked to delete one, which had the entrance to their camp in the background. I did, and he friendly escorted me outside saying I have to be caereful and taking photos of their military camps are prohibited. Why - espionage. I said I understand and waved adios. This whole thing is kind of funny in a way, because after all, I am probaly one of the very few people outside of the Nicaraguan army, especially being a foreigner, getting a free tour of their camp. I got my way in! I should consult Silvester Stallone on his Expandables 3 movie script! haha!!... I know, I am making it into a joke, but I know that army business is not a joke. And sorry - no pictures or video cov ering this story.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → The last shot of the main street, and my hotel where I spent a whole week. The owner is very nice. She let us use the kitchen, and made good breakfasts plus coffee for only 50 Cordobas. I would definitely come back here. Please stay at Hotel Heliconia, and say Stan from Poland who went to Bluefileds recommended it (one of the guys who cooked chicken and camarones).

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → The X-Mass dinner 2012 - fresh water shrimps in garlic souce. Probably the best tasting food I have had in Nicaragua. Highly recommended at restaurante Sabor Tropical, for 180 Cordobas, right behind Heliconia hotel. (I should have had the shrimp in the photo in the foreground, instead of rice...)

Below just a few random San Juan del Norte photos.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Banana tree just outside my hotel.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Zooming out, the same tree in the frame but with a view of a typical wooden local dwelling.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → More photos from my lazy patio seat at Heliconia. Three birds with one stone - one actual bird, beautiful yellow/black/white markings, quite common here, a local dog, and raised local concrete pathway, which I found so useful during the rain fall.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → Same species close by. They are always hanging around.

Photo:  San Juan del Norte, Nicaragua → This one on the move. I have seen other nicely colored birds, blue, and one time one completely red. Unfortunately, thanks to Nikon, those photos are scrap.

So here I am, 10 pm on December 24. Hopefully, tomorrow morning we will leave for Bluefields as planned, at 6 am.

More - Continued here.