Magic Carpet Ride Part I

There aren't too many people with their own cars in Nicaragua, so public bus transportation is the typical mode of travel from place to place. People jump on and off the packed bus, grabbing their bicycles, packages, produce and even building materials, while the bus barely comes to a stop. From secure (though cramped) seats, we tourists marveled at how smoothly the local folks had perfected this routine. A shrill whistle from the ticket taker at the back door lets the driver know when passengers have reached their destinations. Just as quickly, another whistle signals the driver to move on.

Clockwork! Piece of Cake!

Our journey from Granada to Rivas went well enough..... HOWEVER, the return trip was a bit more of an adventure and a truly humbling experience!

Our taxi from the ferry dropped us off at the area in the town of Rivas where busses arrived and departed. It was a bit confusing, but we were directed to the Granada-Managua bus by a helpful, enterprising man - - who earned a tip for his trouble. We were assured that yes, this was the right bus and yes, it would get us back to Granada. So, we confidently settled in for the two hour ride north, up the Pan American Highway. As we got closer to Granada, we got just a little nervous when we passed the cut-off to Granada. Greg checked with the driver, who assured him that this bus indeed would get us to Granada. A few moments later, we came to an abrupt and unexpected stop and pandemonium seemed to erupt. Many of the passengers leaped off the bus as shouts of "Granada, Granada!" came from the ticket taker.

Across the highway, another bus bound back to Granada stood idling, with an impatient driver waiting for the Nicaraguan version of a Chinese firedrill to be completed. Juggling our backpacks, cameras, books and water bottles, we joined the mass exodus to the other bus. Of course, all the seats were taken and there were two BIG wooden beams taking up most of the aisle. As we roared down the highway, there were shouts from the front, ordering the new passengers to move back to make room for all those who had hastily crowded into the aisle. Soon everyone was situated, with a number of people standing on top of the beams. Thankfully, this leg of the trip into Granada was mercifully short. It was just a brief walk back from the bus yard to the Xalteva condominiums and ice cold beer never tasted so good!