Day 6: Market Day (Esteli)

Friday is market day in Esteli and town is buzzing.

I've had the most delicious lunch at a makeshift cafe set up on the side of the parque nacional - best chicken kebabs ever! Plus rice, coleslaw and a tortilla for $2. 

I followed it with an ice cream which was 30c - I could really used to unrestricted access to 30c ice creams!

I know there are other tourists in Esteli, but sometimes, like when I was sitting in the cafe this afternoon, I feel like the only one. I searched the parque for Western faces and couldn't find any. 

This is a good time say how lovely the Nica people are, very friendly but always quietly going about their business. 

I was concerned that being a woman alone, I'd attract lots of unwanted attention, yes, I'm looking at you Cuba - where every man wants to be your 'boyfriend' or invite you for a 'romantic time' in their bedroom. 

In Esteli, people definitely notice you and sometimes have a second look but all they'll proffer is an 'hola' rather than a proposal. 

Today, a boy at the cafe seemed completely fascinated by me (yes, he's got good taste, I know) but other than that, I've just been a mild curiosity, like a fox in a bow tie.