Nicaragua is complete and we feel satisfied. The last week there was spent with Laura's aunt on the Corn Islands and Managua. We all agree that the Corn Islands are beautiful and Managua is a dump. We spent a total of four days in Managua but three of them were shacked up in their nicest hotel where A/C, hot water, king size bed and clean towels awaited. I went outside for no more than an hour in-total during that time.
The Corn Islands are a paradise on the Caribbean side of Nicaragua. It takes a little effort to get there and is not suited for all. The easiest way is taking a twelve seater plane from Managua to Big Corn. Then you get into a Panga Boat for 45 minutes to Little Corn in open ocean with no life jackets and the only thing keeping you alive is either your God or the 14 year old driving the boat. On the islands the people are Creole and the food is lobster. Very nice people and delicious lobster which just came into season. We lounged around eating great food, playing games (mostly yahtzee) and enjoying some drinks oceanside. The rain kept us inside quite a bit but constant breezes and good company can be all one needs. 
On June 15th Laura and I packed our bags and headed to Managua International, then Miami International, then LAX, equaling flight time of 25hrs, also losing a day, we arrived in Hong Kong minus my backpack. To say HK is polar opposite to Nicaragua is an understatement. The only creepy thing was there was nobody around when we showed up. The subway was empty and so were the streets. It was out of a sci-fi movie. That soon all changed once we got closer to business hours. My first impressions of Hong Kong is big, bright, a little crazy, but very well organized.
We are now five as we have met up with Laura's sister (Kristen) and two friends (Nicole and Laura). We've wondered around and eaten a lot of food. Friday was Disney Land, which was great to see all the family peace signs. The lines were surprisingly short, the noises we heard while riding Space Mountain were hilarious and the family outfits, well, you can only imagine! Today we took a cable car ride up to the top of a mountain where we went to see a giant Buddha. It's supposedly the largest Buddha in the world - very impressive.
So far Hong Kong has been a nice stopover before we get back to the beach life which is only a few days away. I think HK would be a better trip on business or with a little more bank roll. If you like big bustling cities this is it.
So with Nicaragua in the past I should answer some questions. Would I go back? Definitely for surf. I think it's safe to say that Laura and I saw all that could be offered in Nicaragua as far as sightseeing goes. Would I have changed anything? Possibly going to El Salvador or cutting out Ometepe now knowing about the bugs but no regrets. Would I recommend it? Yes if cheap, fun, unorganized, and developing tourism is your bag. No if you like the comforts of home, even though there are nice resorts you still have to get around and that can be a challenge.
Not only is the happy face eating a sad and surprised hamburger, it is also eating the burgers tears
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