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Published: February 22nd 2018
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Hola chicos y chicas,
just a short blog for the last week or so.... enjoy the photos, don't forget to check all the photos after the text!!
Left Isla de Ometepe, couple of chicken buses and then the ferry to San Jorge, staying one night before catching a shuttle to Granada about an hour travel North.
"Granada is a city in western Nicaragua and the capital of the Granada Department. With an estimated population of 123,697, it is Nicaragua's sixth most populous city.
Granada is historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities, economically and politically. It has a rich colonial heritage, seen in its architecture and structure."
Not the one in Spain! But named after it.
In its history it was invaded by English, French and Dutch pirates, including Captain Morgan the infamous Welsh pirate.
Seems strange living in a real building with real toilets! Although still cold showers, but is hot hot hot so cold showers still good.
Also strange seeing so many people and also missed the pitch black nights on Ometepe.
I spent three nights in Granada, walked around the city exploring the colourful streets including visiting a few of the churches.
Went to the Iglesia de La Merced to climb the bell tower for the great views of the city. Also found several Irish bars to hang out in watching European football.
Also did a half day boat tour of the nearbye Isletas de Granada, the islets are a group of 365 small islands scattered about the Asese peninsula in Lake Nicaragua.
The islets are volcanic islands formed when the Mombacho volcano blew much of its cone into the lake thousands of years ago.
The Fort of San Pablo is located on one the islets . It was built to protect the city of Granada from Pirates in the 18th century and as such witnessed battles from the colonial period in the 1500's.
So the boat took us around some of the islands, stopping at San Pablo fort, also seeing islands that are privately owned with some impressive residences including a multi million pound home of the Flora de
Cana/Tona/Victoria owners.
We also stopped at a small island where 3 spider monkeys live, taking the boat in close to feed them bananas, some good pictures of these in the blog.
Then before heading back we had a half hour stop at an island bar for a quick cerveza!
Met a cool couple on the trip who are staying in Granada for a few more weeks, so will be hooking back up with them on my return.
That evening I also went to nearby Volcan Masaya, a live volcano which had its last big eruption in 1772, but has had explosions as recent as 2008 and currently has some areas closed to the public due to recent activity!
The night tour means you can look into one of the calderas to see the moving glowing lava. Access to the caldera is via a tarmac road !! So no need to hike up the volcano.
Also took the opportunity to walk to find the Air bnb I will be staying at on my return to Granada.... always good to plan ahead!!
After my three nights I caught a one hour shuttle ride to Managua, stay one night near the airport then an early flight to San Jose Costa Rica, needed to reset my Nicaraguan 90 day visa.
So currently in a small apartment/hotel in San Jose, my first hot shower for 3 months, here for three nights then another early start for my flight back to Managua and a shuttle back to Granada.
I have been watching the Winter Olymipcs on BBC iplayer to fill my time and been cooking for myself again at last.
Then a four week stay in an apartment close to the city centre.....
Hasta la proxima!
:o)
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