Left Leon--Granada

I slept really well and woke up even without my alarm this morning. I went to breakfast and had fruit and toast (continental it is called) and then got on the bus for Granada. The first stop was Masaya Volcano National Park. This is the most active volcano in Nicaragua. When entering the park we were given a brochure that told us of all the things that could happen if the volcano blew: how to hide UNDER the car if it does, only stay 15-20 minutes at the top of the volcano, and be cautious of the sulfur inhalation. We had to be careful but usually it was safe we were told by the guide because the wind blows off of the parking lot, however, when wind changes direction, we were told to get into the bus. The Masaya Volcano has a huge crater at its base. Also there is a huge cross at the particular look-out which we climbed. It was 171 steps to get to the top and stand right next to the cross. A famous Catholic priest of Nicaragua put this cross here after searching the volcano for gold, silver, and jade. Once I got to the top it was a beautiful, majestic view, however, I could only stay maybe two minutes because of the harsh sulfur smell. Very low oxygen and a high sulfur concentration did not mix very well. The view was spectacular though, all the different colored molten rock, steam coming up from the crater, this was one of my favorite activities we did. I wish we had more time to enjoy this view.

After our 20 minute visit, we head back down the volcano and continued on to Granada. To go to Granada we had to go to Managua first. Managua was about 2 hours away and Granada another 45 minutes. On our trek, we past many rivers, volcanoes, Managua City (more traffic, closer cluster of buildings, gas stations, stop lights, a U.S. embassy). There was a huge political campaign that had just ended for Nicaragua. Everything was written on: walls, posters, signs, and graffiti on buildings, everything with the name Daniel. He was a desired candidate for president. He was indeed elected; it was very interesting to see how politics was portrayed in another country.

Our guide, Martin, (not very enthusiastic about his job) shared that minimum wage for laborers in this part of Nicaragua make about $120/month.

Then we went to Catalina where we visited the Apoyo Lagoon. Catalina is known for its nurseries of flowers and plants. The town was beautifully lined with their nurseries. We stopped at the lagoon look-out. Just before the lagoon there was a small market (here only to capitalize on the tourists). Carlos bough some Dolce de leche (much like caramel fudge) and let me try it, it was delicious! After the lagoon, it was time for lunch. We went to a place that we were told would be “typical food.” Almost everyone got some form of spicy refried bean and meat meal (which was 90% of the menu), but I found chicken fajitas on the menu. They served them still sizzling on a wooden platter and it was very good and satisfying!

After lunch it was time for the Masaya Market—about 4-5 blocks of just market after market after market. It was actually a bit overwhelming since there were so many. It was mostly the same things being sold by different people. It was mostly jewelry, wood carvings, and brightly colored t-shirts/scarves/bags. The market even has advertisers which follow you around trying to get you to buy things and make useless conversation (It made me really uncomfortable because they got really close and it seemed like they were trying to rip me off or steal something). It was a job to just get away from them. The one good thing was that I could barter with the sellers (unfortunately it was a bit challenging bartering in cordobas and understanding the numbers too) and get good deals! There were many small boys walking around making neat, creative things with palm leaves. They were handing these out, not begging for money, but interesting in showing how they make them and having people watch. I had one boy make me a heart and an intricate cricket/grasshopper. Just seeing him twist, tie, and bend the palms was very interesting. These kids were very talented with such simple material.
We got to shop around for a few hours and then went to the hotel. Our hotel was called Almirante and it a very nice place. One common feature of the homes and business in Granada is they were built in a square shape with the center cut out. Each and every building had a garden within it. I thought this was very refreshing and enjoyable. The hotel felt very open and allowed natural light to shine through.

Soon it was time for dinner which we walked to just under a mile to the restaurant. I had snapper (which was a bit luke warm/cool), veggies, mashed potatoes, and the best part, coconut ice cream. The ice cream was so good, very light but rich flavor. After dinner we all walked back, I was surprised to see how alive the city was. There were lots of people out and about in the city, but we were all exhausted so we decided to go to bed.