Nicaragua - January 2012


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Published: February 14th 2012
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Nicaragua. January 24, 2012 5 a.m. and we were on the bus once again, this time much wiser than on our first trip. When we crossed the border, the money changers were very close to the daily rate posted on the net. We gladly exchanged our excess US dollars for cordobas. The rate was about 23 cordobas per US dollar. Our Nicaraguan plan was to take a cab from Managua to Granada and then find a room... Read Full Entry



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Our DriverOur Driver
Our Driver

He knew how to drive those steep, mossy, brick roads up and down. We liked the shirt.
Drying Coffee BeansDrying Coffee Beans
Drying Coffee Beans

Coffee is dried for 5 days in the sun before they are ready for bagging and shipping.
At the Coffee FarmAt the Coffee Farm
At the Coffee Farm

4 wheel drive vehicles are a must here.
Looking Out From Our RoomLooking Out From Our Room
Looking Out From Our Room

What a glorious view from our room. A great way to start the day.
Restaurant and Bar of El ClubRestaurant and Bar of El Club
Restaurant and Bar of El Club

Tall airy rooms keep the heat of the day out. We enjoyed meals and drinks here.
Outside our HotelOutside our Hotel
Outside our Hotel

Transportation in Granada includes everything from horse and buggy to Mercedes.
Horse with Cart in the CentroHorse with Cart in the Centro
Horse with Cart in the Centro

You could hire the horse, cart and driver for a city tour. The poop was just left until a push cart came along and scooped it up.
At the Local MarketAt the Local Market
At the Local Market

See the wad of cash held in his hand? This is a 'money changer'. He carries this wad around openly. No, Linda is NOT trying to nab it.
The View from CatarinaThe View from Catarina
The View from Catarina

This is Lake Apoyo and behind it is lake Nicaragua. Both seen from the top of mountain in the town of Catarina.
Mount MombachoMount Mombacho
Mount Mombacho

Mount Mombacho's tip is usually shrouded in cloud. Taken from the top of Catarina.
Windy Top of CatarinaWindy Top of Catarina
Windy Top of Catarina

The sunny day gave us great views of the Lake Apoyo.
Catarina Known For Its  PlantsCatarina Known For Its  Plants
Catarina Known For Its Plants

Plant markets line the streets and cover the sidewalk and spill into the streets.
Just One Beer Just One Beer
Just One Beer

1.2 liter of beer cost the same as a bottle and a half of the normal smaller beers.
Morning Walk to Lake NicaraguaMorning Walk to Lake Nicaragua
Morning Walk to Lake Nicaragua

The wind off the lake was refreshing.
Oh No!Oh No!
Oh No!

Raw sewage still flows directly into Lake Nicaragua.
Leaving Managua, NicaraguaLeaving Managua, Nicaragua
Leaving Managua, Nicaragua

We must climb to the top to get to the other side and to Costa Rica. Beautiful and scenic.



14th February 2012

Lovely!!
We have been in both Managua and Granada--2 different cruises. When in Granada (on Panama Canal Cruise, 7 years ago) it was NOT considered a safe place at all!! Crime rates were extremely high, expecially against tourists. The country was just getting out ofrom under many years of totally corrupt government, and very few people were working, or attending school. Thus, the centro was basically full of beggars--and very aggressive ones!! However, we still enjoyed the architecture of the area, even though we could not wander very far outside the square itself. We were in Managua last year, and could see a great difference in the people's attitudes !! Amazing what some political stability, and a few basic opportunities can do for a nation!!
24th February 2012

omg
the places you two travel ... just like a dr. seus book :)
2nd March 2012

Nicaruaga
looks like an amazing place!!

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