Food!

A stroll down town provides a number of tempting culinary options!

Morning brings the aroma of freshly baked pastries from the panederia down the block - pineapple empanadas, crusty loaves of bread, sweets and treats of all kinds!

For dinner, a full plate of filete de pollo barbacoa (barbequed chicken breast), gallo de pinto (rice and beans), platano frito (fried banana) and a cabbage salad satisfies the taste buds and fills to tummies! A couple of liters of Tona cerbeza, shared between the four of us - nice!

A hungry street person snuck into the restaurant and asked for our left-overs. He was quickly hustled out by the management. Begging is firmly discouraged in Nicaragua. We asked if we could order him a to-go dinner - and they agreed. One more happy tummy in Granada tonight!

Stepping Outside Granada

With pastries and several cups of coffee under our belts, we were ready for a morning of touring when Tornio arrived at our doorstep at 9.

First stop (top photo) was Reserva Natural Laguna de Apoyo, a caldera caused by the collapse of a volcano, which now holds the deepest lake in Nicaragua. When we stopped for a soft drink at a restaurant on the shore of the lake (photo 4), we were greeted by the calls of howler monkeys perched up in the tree canopy - pretty impresssive! (photo 2)

Next stop was San Juan de Oriente, a village known for pottery. We browsed the shops and selected a few treasures small enough to transport in our carry-ons.

Our final destination was Catarina, a village perched high above Laguna de Apoyo. Above the lake, from the viewpoint (photos 3 & 5) at the restaurant where we had lunch, we could see Granada in the distance, cloaked in a mist of clouds.

From there, it was back to Granada for an afternoon of "chores" - a trip to La Colonia, the local supermarket that accommodates the needs of gringoes - for provisions.

Tomorrow, we will move into our own digs downstairs. Kathy and Lonnie have been fantastic hosts these first few days in Nicaragua! We really appreciate their hospitality!

Sunday Search for Sustenance!

The menfolk went out Sunday morning to arrange for our Monday taxi tour of outlying villages and local scenery. They returned triumphant, but VERY hot and worn out.

It was down to the pool for a refreshing dip and a cool-down in the shade. By the time our hunger pangs began in earnest, it was too late for lunch and too early for dinner. Nevertheless, we gamely embarked from the condo on foot, in search of an open restaurant. The situation took on an air of increasing desperation as we walked the maze of back streets, finding only padlocked doors.

Ah! Of course! Sunday afternoon is FAMILY day!

We decided to try our luck on "the walking street". We lucked out! The local pizza shop provided some satisfying NON-Nicaraguan food and ice cold cerbeza!
Along the way, we encountered a funeral procession, headed by a horse-drawn hearse. With an appropriate air of respect and a discretely positioned camera, I was able to take a picture...

Breaking News!

We interrupt this travel journal to share some VERY exciting news!
Our newest little angel has joined the Hawkins family!
Hadley Samantha Hawkins was born Friday night in Portland.
She weighed in at 8 lb 12 oz.
Congratulations to proud parents Abe and Keeley Hawkins !

Saturday Market Day

Saturday is a busy day at the Granada central market!

Be forewarned! If personal space is a problem, it is NOT the place to go, BUT if you want an amazing shopping experience - clothes, food, housewares - dive in!

Because of the crowded conditions, we didn't have a chance to take pictures. We arrived late and with the market already in full swing, the crush of shoppers kept us moving along. By late morning, the olfactory emanations from the meat and fish stalls were pretty strong and off-putting to say the least. Best to shop in the early morning! Saturday is the big shopping day, since everything is closed on Sunday.
After the market experience, we were parched! Staying on the shady side of the street, we headed in the direction of the lake in search of a thirst-quenching cerbeza.

We were lured to a small family sidewalk cafe by an enterprising expatriot from Philadelphia. Robert was charming and provided some good information about local scene, not found in the tourist books. He had been "adopted" a local family and was assisting in the establishment of their small restaurant.

After some tortillas de cerdo (pork tortillas) and admittedly, a few too many beers, we returned to our condo and enjoyed a refreshing swim, followed by a LONG afternoon siesta....

Carriage Tour of Granada

After our morning coffee, fruit and pastries by the pool, we were off to tour Granada by horse and buggy. The previous day, Lonnie had connected with Manuel - an enterprising young man of 22; a carriage driver with a wife and a three year old son, Jeffery Manuel. His English was excellent and his horses - Junior and Babe - were obviously well cared for. His horses and carriage were bedecked with bows and ribbons of all colors. The price was negotiated for a tour of Granada for the four of us...... Not only did he point out the highlights of the city; Manuel provided an impressive summary of the history and politics of Nicaragua.

After lunch at The Garden Restaurant, we ambled home for a cooling dip in the pool and an afternoon siesta.

The shoulder knots are loosening and the warm, soft air is like a spa treatment!

Add a little evening sip of rum, and contentment is achieved!

Granada, Nicaragua

After a red-eye flight from Portland to Houston and then a second flight from Houston to Managua, we were welcomed to Nicaragua by Lonnie and Kathy Dunham and Jay, the owner of the Condominio Xalteva complex where we are staying. Jay drove us to Granada - about an hour's drive. We will share a two bedroom condo with Kathy and Lonnie until Febrauary 1, when our unit becaomes available.
The pool is very refreshing and the rum is divine! Dinner last night at Terresol - our three selections were: pork tenderloin with tamarindo/lime glaze; succulent chicken breasts one with mangoes and cashews, the other with a chili/lime/guasava glaze. Side dishes of suateed vegetables and baked mashed potatoes completed our meal. No room for the decadent chocolate dessert!
This morning, we awoke to gentle breezes and soft, warm, slightly humid air. The neighborhood is quiet and still sleepy.
Lots of bicycles and scooters; fewer cars than Mexico.
Our accommodations are spotlessly clean and very comfortable - managed by a delightful staff!
After last night's twelve hour sleep, we are ready to see the sights of Granada!
Photos will follow later today!