Granada, Nicaragua

Palm Sunday, April 5, 2009

Today we had an amazing day in and around Granada, a beautiful colonial city that reminded me in some ways of St. Augustine or Charleston (although the historical societies there would have our heads if we tried to paint our houses these glorious colors!). So here's a brief outline and a few pictures on the side of this activity-filled day.

Before breakfast (because in Central America, the sun rises and people get busy very early),I walked around Granada in the quiet and cool of the morning and snapped some pictures. After that here's a synopsis:

1) Took a bus to visit a fortress outside of town and run by the Boy Scouts—very cool place. We took flashlights and walked through the underground passages used as a prison and tried to avoid the bats.

2) Next, the Masaya Volcano. First stop, the visitor center with a very interesting museum showcasing the geology and history of the volcano, then up to the volcano itself: sulphur fumes, 177 steps to the top, worth it because the views were fabulous. Masaya is an active volcano, thus the signs posted around the park asking visitors to stay only 20 minutes and park heading out.

3) A visit to the Masaya craft market for several good bargains

4) To Catarina—a very touristy place with terrible food but great views of the beautiful lake and strolling mariachi bands.

5) Down the road a bit to San Juan del Oriente, known for its pottery factories.

6) And the best for last: a boat ride near sunset on Lake Nicaragua to see Las Isletas, little islands with individual homes and hotels—and in one case, monkeys, who enjoy climbing into tourist boats for a loaf of bread or mangoes brought by the guides. My camera battery was gone by now, so you’ll just have to imagine the beauty of these little islands.

7) Back to the hotel for some relaxation in the pool and a wonderful dinner in the center of town where we could hear and watch some of the Semana Santa processions and activities.