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Day 98 - 9 October 2005 The hike to Janela so this weekend was nice: 9 hour hike up the eastern coast of our island to Janela with the roomie. Hiked up the cleared out part of the new road, tumbling over newly blown up mountainside, takin a wide right-right to the edge of the cliff above the sea, up & down the ribeiras (old riverbeds or valleys), windin it out with a super fun dixi (descent) down a cliffside cobblestone path overlooking the Atlantic a few hundred feet below and into the li’l town of Janela for a bottle of water and a beer. Roomie ran into a friend he met last time he hiked the coast- a squatter who we shared some wine with and have a few laughs. As we approached Janela, I just couldn’t go any further. “only 20 more minutes” said the roomie. Just lie down on this rock said the body. So I did, well, I compromised and sat for about 5 minutes, then pushed on. On the other side of a li’l bay awaited my victory. The roomie was way ahead runnin for all I know. Eventually I caught him (cuz he waited) and I somehow caught a 7th wind. So we trot into town straight to a mercearia (corner store) and drain a water and beer while telling the li’l boys hangin out with us that we walked all the way from our home town early this morning. They didn’t seem to understand at first, but then their eyes lit up as it clicked in the heads. Unfortunately we were 2 hours behind schedule and had to catch a car to our final destination. Grasas a Deus! Of course there were beautiful views of the mountains, ocean and the neighboring islands, and at the end…trees! Greenery. Those of you at home have no idea how big a deal that is here- to have greenery in your town. The northern part of my island is the greenest of the entire country. And it’s green year round, something which no other part of the country can boast. It was surreal to see green plants again for the first time. So after that I hung out with my buddies and made some nachos and ghetto burritos, played a whole bunch of card games with other friends. didn’t really leave the house since my legs were so sore the next day. In fact when I walked into my friend’s place, I just sit down and drank a beer and didn’t wanna move, although I really needed to shower after that ridiculous hike. Can’t wait to go again! .) <--- oh the food!                roomie’s bday --->