I used to frequent a restaurant in my neighborhood that was owned by a Nicaraguan family and on their tables they had placemats that were photo collages of their country. It was then and there that I knew I had to see Nicaragua and now I am here and it has not disappointed.
I flew from Panama City, with a short stop in San Jose, Costa Rica and landed in Managua the capital of Nicaragua. I had read that the capital was not particularly appealing and is best seen as a short term destination and so I headed for Granada on Lake Nicaragua, the largest fresh water lake in central america. The Spaniards established a fort here in 1524 making it the oldest colonial city in the Americas.
Travelling on a budget, staying in 30-40 dollar a night hostales in Cuba and Colombia meant that I was ready for a treat. I booked myself into a lovely hotel in Granada directly across the street from a ragged looking old cathedral which made for a dramatic backdrop from the balcony of the hotel. A former private casa, the hotel has been restored and brought back to a beautiful state with a central garden and pool, the rooms were so freshly renovated I could smell the paint and the sheets and beds were luxurious after our nights in rough stays. It was a real treat and the hotel was having a half price sale and it was a central location so I could wander at will. I even found the local chocolate spa for a much needed clean up. Their pool was in a beautiful courtyard garden complete with ducks in the pool.
It was the start of Semana Santas (the week of Saints) celebrated all over Latin America and I was lucky to see several processions in which the saints of churches are paraded through the streets. On Sunday I saw a beautiful procession of people carrying palm fronds behind the statuary that is paraded through the streets on palanquins until they return to the churches from whence they came. Semana Santa is a huge holiday and schools are closed for the week and families take vacations and/or celebrate together with food, drink, dance, music and usually fireworks. Often small circuses come to the pueblos and there are no shortage of people wanting to participate in the processions.
Hearses are very ornate, high-sided, black carriages drawn by white horses and behind the hearse walks the mourners on their way from the church to the burial site. This particular hearse is empty and on the way back to the funeral home.
Granda’s lake is huge and close to city are some islands you can visit by boat. Along the shores of the lake is a large park, dotted with restaurants, food vendors, picnic spots, nightclubs and beaches for the enjoyment of the Granadians. It is here that you can hire a boat to take you through the Islas for about $20 for two hours and well worth the expense. There are 350 little islands scattered in the lake, formed by the last eruption of Volcan Mambacho, over 10,000 years ago. The islands are rich in bird life and some have restuarants and hotels but most are privately owned and used as holdiay homes. We were particularly lucky on the day I chose to go because there was a floating procession for Semana Santa as we found ourselves in the midst of the throng.
Wander With Stella - Solo & Together 