Saturday, week 3S

Today was our tour with Bosco.  We started at 11, and returned at 5.  The puppy Elda came with us.  She was scared of some of the new things, but was very brave.  Our first stop was in San Juan del Orieste.  We went to 3 different pottery makers.  The first dealt in pre-Columbian style.  The second was more modern, and very detailed, but tradional.  The third pottery had a delightful older woman, who use to craft huge pots...some of which we saw.  Her granddaughter is the artist now.  They do many new designs, and fun things..

Our next stop was at a fruit stand on the street in Catarina (I think).  We tasted many different types of Nica fruits.  Some were somewhat peppery, so they may have been vegetables.  The names were all Nica....the colors varied...the tastes new and different.

From there, we went to a market and overlook at Catarina.  It overlooked the Laguna de Apoyo, Granada, and a lot of beautiful scenery.  Some mariaches serenaded us.  Bosco had us try some local milk sugar candy, a bit like a fudge.

 From there, we went to visit with Sandra and her daughters Shirley and Sofia. Sandra is an attorney in Managua.  The girls were 19 and 6...and lovely.  We also met the dogs Millie and Cookie.  It was a delightful time, spent at the home of a woman who is very hospitable and interesting.

Our next stop was at the premier nursery/gardens in Catarina.  There were so many plants and flowers, and we got the grand tour.  Elda got barked at by the property dogs, and had to be reassured.

 Laguna del Apoyo is a lake in a huge volcano crater, and we went for a swim in it next.  The track to get to it was very rutted.  Many people walked or cycled along it.  We swam off the beach at a small local restaurant.  The lake had waves caused by the wind, and was murky from the bottom being disturbed.  The water was a good temperature.  It had a slight smell and taste of sulphur, which is why it wasn't used for the local water supply.We saw a tourist excursion boat out on the lake, but no tourists where we were.  Bosco takes us the best places!

Got home happy and tired.  Had a cup of wine.  Went out for dinner at a nearby cafe for paninis.  Then it was home and bed.....  Willa