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Masaya Central Parque
In the parque, there is this large monument. I think at one time there was a fountain also, but didn't appear to be working anymore. Okay, the title is admitted not very catchy. However, I figured it was time to do some writing to my friends and family via the blog. Today was going to be another trip to San Juan de Oriente, where most of the pottery that is sold is actually made. I was going to go with the person I met at La Merced church as he speaks Fluent English and think I can trust him some as he introduced me to the priest in the church for a while. However, the priest needed Mauricio for his own translation in Managua with some Americans, so I will wait one day and we will go tomorrow morning before I take the shuttle to Managua.
Anyway, perhaps the last biggest thing I have done or seen is Masaya. Masaya is the "market town" for handicrafts (well, there are no doubt other items too, but Masaya is certainly well known for its market). I actually saw the market two years ago when I was here but wanted to return to see it again. Additionally, I would be hard-pressed to do much buying here as in the market you will have "tourist prices", but it could
be a good reminder for tours and also because I think this is the place to go for hammocks, even if prices are a little higher. You just have to find the people off the market and square for better deals.
I took the express bus on the highway and thought I was going to have to spend a full dollar to get there, but the the guy only asked for the equivalent of 50 cents, which obviously I didn't argue. The bus left the station (which is different than the chicken buses for location, but still pretty much a dirt parking lot. It was cleaner, though, with less trash lying around). The bus left fairly quickly after I arrived (which is nice as it was hot on the bus, no A/C) and off we went down the highway connecting Granada, Masaya, and eventually Managua. About 20-30 minutes later, the bus came to the side of the road where you get off for Masaya. The stop is basically a large highway intersection with the main road into town, about a half mile in. There are gas stations on three of four corners, plus road-side food and goods stands. It's
The Market...
Here is the front and main entrance. You can see the old concrete/brick material giving it a somewhat fortress like exterior nothing particularly noteworthy, but I was able to recognize it and hopped off the bus.
You can take a taxi into the town square if you're interested, but I choose to walk. Again, about a half mile into town - nothing terrible - and the street is well enough trafficked so while I may have been one of perhaps a very few gringos, I didn't feel unsafe. I walked past the various local shops and stands, noticing that small hotels seem to be opening in Masaya. When I was here two years ago, Masaya really didn't have any hostels or hotels. If you wanted one, it was just as easy to go to Granada or Managua as the total distance between the two main towns on this road is only about 50-60 miles and buses are running all the time. However, today there a some hotels, including one doing a knock-off on the Harley-Davidson logo. It is called Hotel Masaya, but the theme is definitely all about motorcycles. Rather interesting, I thought.
Soon enough I arrived at the town square. I took some pictures of the town square for showing and reference, but really was focused on seeing
Inside the main entrance
Here you can see some of what welcomes you. the market. The "Mercado Antiguo" (old market) is in a building that still maintains the outer walls of the market from many, many moons ago. It's a solid brick/concrete structure with some window spaces in the walls, probably 30 feet high all around. You then walk into the main entrance (though there are others) and throughout you will have small cubicle type setups for the shops. It's all handicraft type items, ranging from pottery to hammocks to leather goods and more. There will be no shortage of souvenirs to take home. I did notice the DHL shipping station appears to now be closed permanently, which is a shame because that would be convenient. Apparently, not enough tourists were shipping goods even if convenient. In the "corners" of the building are restaurants ranging from casual and more fast-food to casual but full sit-down restaurants. A shopper could easily spend some serious time at the market in Masaya.
This day, I didn't venture to where the off-square vendors are, I think what is called the "new market". From what I remember from two years ago, here is where you can go and get better prices. This is, no doubt, because there
Shop 'til you drop...
There were a few gringos here today. They are shopping for various items. are likely no rent to be paid for spots plus since you have to search a little more for it it doesn't get nearly as many tourists. Tomorrow, Mauricio and I will have to check out further.
Anyway, after looking around and getting some pictures, I wandered back to the highway for the bus. The express bus came soon enough (after I confirmed with someone in my basic Spanish it was the right spot), but had to ride "a pie" (on foot). Every seat was taken so I stood and held on. I even had to basically keep my head at an angle for the trip as there wasn't enough height for me to fully stand up. However, I made it back without too much damage and you won't see me forever with a "crinked" neck.
In the evening, I walked some trying to decide what I would have for dinner. I ultimately ended up on the Calzada, the touristy area. However, the beefsteak type sandwich with fried onions and green peppers, plus an egg, was pretty tasty - even if it was probably a heart attach in the making on a plate. I eventually meandered my way
I found my Halloween costume
Okay, I didn't buy it but it is a mask that would make a unique costume. I didn't try it on, though, so maybe it's more for show... back to the hotel and sent a few emails. Nothing terribly exciting, but still learning a little more in these closing weeks.
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