Today began with the traditional waffle. Later, Winn and I walked around, drank some lemonade at the Garden Cafe, and bought 2 muffins each for tomorrow's breakfast.
For me, most of the day was taking last looks at Granada, and saying goodbye to new friends. Our last evening out was at Nectar with Lise and Wayne. It was chicken bechamel crepes for me...as usual. We all shared lime crepes for dessert.
I have everything packed except for the computer. And that will go into the backpack soon. We leave the hotel at 5:30 a.m., which means I'll be functioning in sleep mode.
I've enjoyed sharing my part of Nicaragua with you. Thanks for reading. Willa
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Tuesday, week 5
Would you be surprised if I had a waffle for breakfast? :) Got busy packing, and got most of it done. Said goodbyes to people I wouldn't see again.....
Our tour was to Volcano Masaya, another in the chain of 47. This time, no real climbing was required. The warning signs said to park your car facing out, and to get under it if the volcano spewed rocks. We saw plenty of smoke, but no flying rocks.
Our second stop was the Chocoyero Nature Reserve and El Brujo, the waterfall. The ride to get there took us past coffee and pineapple plantations. We saw pineapples being picked, and the tops replanted. Bosco got each of us a pineapple. The last part of the ride bumped and banged over dirt roads. The hike in to the waterfall was long, but full of beauty...trees, flowers, birds.
The waterfall was lovely. The clay cliffs beside it are home to many pairs of birds. They leave each morning, and return each evening. They eat a little clay, required for their digestion, and sleep in the cliff holes or trees nearby. We were there to see them return. It was fascinating. Not too long afterwards, we quickly retraced our route, to try to finish the hiking path before nightfall. We heard insects, birds, and howler monkeys bidding us farewell. We drove home in the dark, passing people walking, bicycling, motorcycling, and riding in all sorts of vehicles .
Despite the fact we were tired, Winn and I headed for some Don Luca pizza. It was delicious. We met Don Luca, the owner.. Bosco and Elda dropped by our table. Elda had done the tour with us, but still had enough energy to ask me to share my tiramisu...so I did. Willa
Our tour was to Volcano Masaya, another in the chain of 47. This time, no real climbing was required. The warning signs said to park your car facing out, and to get under it if the volcano spewed rocks. We saw plenty of smoke, but no flying rocks.
Our second stop was the Chocoyero Nature Reserve and El Brujo, the waterfall. The ride to get there took us past coffee and pineapple plantations. We saw pineapples being picked, and the tops replanted. Bosco got each of us a pineapple. The last part of the ride bumped and banged over dirt roads. The hike in to the waterfall was long, but full of beauty...trees, flowers, birds.
The waterfall was lovely. The clay cliffs beside it are home to many pairs of birds. They leave each morning, and return each evening. They eat a little clay, required for their digestion, and sleep in the cliff holes or trees nearby. We were there to see them return. It was fascinating. Not too long afterwards, we quickly retraced our route, to try to finish the hiking path before nightfall. We heard insects, birds, and howler monkeys bidding us farewell. We drove home in the dark, passing people walking, bicycling, motorcycling, and riding in all sorts of vehicles .
Despite the fact we were tired, Winn and I headed for some Don Luca pizza. It was delicious. We met Don Luca, the owner.. Bosco and Elda dropped by our table. Elda had done the tour with us, but still had enough energy to ask me to share my tiramisu...so I did. Willa
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mombacho Volcano
As the book says, 'this volcano is unavoidable, it towers over the southern horizon, lurks around every corner, creeps into your panoramic photos. In Granada, you are living in the shadow of a giant; fortunately the giant is very gentle ( I wonder where the gentleness was when we were hiking, sweating and catching our breath)?
It's lovely and cool under the canopy but goodness did I sweat! At the end when we had a rest stop it was most difficult to pull my clothng back on, everything was wet and sticky! Inside the forest it's misty and cool, wild orchids bloom freely and we were about 850 meters above sea level. The forest is protected as a nature reserve, it's about 700 hectars of park rising to a peak of 1,345 meters. The land is rich, full of nutrients, and there is flora and fauna that never ceased to amaze me; it's stunningly beautiful.
Orchids grow wild and sadly my telephoto function on my camera isn't working so I'm not able to capture them to show off their finery! There are hundreds bromeliad species, tree ferns and old growth cloud and dwarf forests.
If you take a look at my Facebook you'll see a few little videos. Unfortunately I'm not able to load them here, no idea why but I'm still in the learning stages ))
Even when our guide mimicked the call of a monkey no one returned his call. There are however three species of monkeys, 168 different species of birds etc. and there's talk of a very secretive cat too!
As we were waiting for our lift up to the top, a group came down.s They had spent an overnighter there and said it had been lovely, mystical and they'd like to do a repeat; maybe I'll tackle this when I return to Granada.
As I was returning home I could only think of how good a cool shower and air-con room was going to be but this was to wait for later.
Workers were taking care of some updates in my room; a screen on my bathroom shower stall, etc.
Lise and I went out to dinner and imagine our surprise when we later saw Lise & Wayne meandering about looking for a restaurant too. They joined us and we enjoyed some of the street youth, they can twist their bodies inside out.
Dinner was great and since Don Luca's was closed I wonder if we'll get there before we leave?
The shower was delicious and my knees can still feel the trip back down Mombacho.
And the end to another day in paradise.
Winn
...............scroll down to view some photos.
It's lovely and cool under the canopy but goodness did I sweat! At the end when we had a rest stop it was most difficult to pull my clothng back on, everything was wet and sticky! Inside the forest it's misty and cool, wild orchids bloom freely and we were about 850 meters above sea level. The forest is protected as a nature reserve, it's about 700 hectars of park rising to a peak of 1,345 meters. The land is rich, full of nutrients, and there is flora and fauna that never ceased to amaze me; it's stunningly beautiful.
Orchids grow wild and sadly my telephoto function on my camera isn't working so I'm not able to capture them to show off their finery! There are hundreds bromeliad species, tree ferns and old growth cloud and dwarf forests.
If you take a look at my Facebook you'll see a few little videos. Unfortunately I'm not able to load them here, no idea why but I'm still in the learning stages ))
Even when our guide mimicked the call of a monkey no one returned his call. There are however three species of monkeys, 168 different species of birds etc. and there's talk of a very secretive cat too!
As we were waiting for our lift up to the top, a group came down.s They had spent an overnighter there and said it had been lovely, mystical and they'd like to do a repeat; maybe I'll tackle this when I return to Granada.
As I was returning home I could only think of how good a cool shower and air-con room was going to be but this was to wait for later.
Workers were taking care of some updates in my room; a screen on my bathroom shower stall, etc.
Lise and I went out to dinner and imagine our surprise when we later saw Lise & Wayne meandering about looking for a restaurant too. They joined us and we enjoyed some of the street youth, they can twist their bodies inside out.
Dinner was great and since Don Luca's was closed I wonder if we'll get there before we leave?
The shower was delicious and my knees can still feel the trip back down Mombacho.
And the end to another day in paradise.
Winn
...............scroll down to view some photos.
Monday, week 4
Today was a trip to the bank, and standing in line. As an old foreigner, I get to stand in the shorter line, which was still long. One man jumped to the front, saying he was old. The rest of us clucked at his rudeness. Winn, Lise, Wayne and I headed for Volcano Mombacho with Bosco. Elda was at home. When we got to the staging area, Bosco had a flat chewed up tire. It got changed while we were at the volcano. We all climbed a ladder into an old 5 ton military type vehicle, and sat three to a seat. The truck roared up the mountain. It stopped at a coffee plantation, and we all got a taste of their brew. We reboarded; the truck stopped too soon. We had to walk what someone said was the last 200 meters due to road constuction. It was almost straight up, took forever, and left most of us winded. We ended up at an altitude of 1150 meters. There were several hiking trails around the crater and the other craters. I went part of the way around crater 1 (of 4)... The best part was the girl guide who went with me, and a tunnel, made from a collapsed area. The way down was rough. Going straight down isn't easy, especially when one slides every now and then. After getting to the truck and climbing in, It began backing down the somewhat narrow trail. There was lots of excitement in that. Eventually, he was able to turn around, and bounce the rest of the way down. That adventure left all of us very tired, and led to some adult beverages, and some siestas. On the way to supper, Winn stopped to give Lauren some school supplies for the children Lauren tutors informally.We ate at Cafe de los Artistes. My pasta putenesca was delicious. You can imagine....we all slept well. Willa | 9:03:00 AM | by The Two W's .... | ||||
Thu |
Thursday, week 4
After having a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, Winn and I joined the chocolate making class. We roasted the beans, separated the chocolate from the shell. Ground the chocolate to paste, and our teacher Ismael made three cacao drinks from it. Then, we each made a candy bar. It was fun, and a lot of work. Wonder who stumbled upon it in the first place. Will pick up and probably eat my candy bar today.
In the afternoon, Winn, Lise and I went and looked at two rental properties. The one we saw several days ago spoiled us. Afterwards, the heat of the afternoon was pretty warm, so we stopped for drinks and nachos. Then, we went to Imagine for their famous mango bread dessert. It has mango bread topped with vanilla ice cream, topped again with rich chocolate sauce. No wonder it was mentioned in Travel and Leisure magazine, it was great. Got back to the hotel early..... Willa
In the afternoon, Winn, Lise and I went and looked at two rental properties. The one we saw several days ago spoiled us. Afterwards, the heat of the afternoon was pretty warm, so we stopped for drinks and nachos. Then, we went to Imagine for their famous mango bread dessert. It has mango bread topped with vanilla ice cream, topped again with rich chocolate sauce. No wonder it was mentioned in Travel and Leisure magazine, it was great. Got back to the hotel early..... Willa
The days are going by far too quickly now!
It's been days since I've added anything to this BLOG but it's not because the days have been dull, just the opposite, full of adventures and we're making fond memories.
It's Sunday morning, Lise's husband should have arrived late last night; Willa and I will be going to Kathy's Waffle House for breakfast .. guess what we'll be eating? And I hope we can sit at the back ofher restaurant with the parrots; it was so much fun the last time. Last week I had forgotten my camera, this time I'll do better.
One afternoon we stopped at a local restaurant for some nibbles and a cold drink; the cutest little boy was there and it appeared that the lady who probably owned the restaurant was his Grandmother. This little boy loved music and could play the bottom of his pot like a bongo drum. Not only did he have the correct wrist movements, he also had talent!!
We've made chocolate from scratch and I'll add some photos to Willa's post about this. I still have half of my chocolate bar so hopefully there's still some left when I return to Hartford this Thursday. Mine had rum and crushed cashews, yummy too. What I did find disturbing though was that what I made was 50/50 cacao/sugar.
And in our class we had some interesting women, one from Hershey, PA and her friend who has lived in Nicaragua for about the last 7 or so years. She's also from the US but married to a Nicaraguan man; they're both lawyers and met while doing a Masters in England? I took this opportunity to ask her if she knew where the Rotary International held their meetings in Granada. She was so surprised by this as she did her Masters on a Rotary Scholarship.
Last night we ate at Tele Pizza a local restaurant close to the hotel. We'd heard others say that it was good and although it was I enjoyed the thinner crust at Monna Lisa. Neither of us could eat our entire meal, I had a pizza and Willa a pasta. The smallest size pizza is a medium with about 8 good sized slices. We asked for our leftovers to be packaged up and we searched for the lady who we've often seen sitting in a nook off the main square. She has 3 children with her, a little one about 3 who is always sleeping, a little boy about 8 and a girl about 10, the mother is rather thin, etc. She was more than pleased with our meager offerings and I hope to buy her some ready-to-eat food and return to look for her this evening. The little boy and girl were both pinned with Canada pins, they were pleased and the mother muttered something that I didn't understand other than the word BONITA.
This must be a most difficult life for her and the children.
The other day I saw a man proudly wearing a top with the word JACKASS across the front, surely he didn't know what the word meant? I could only wonder?
We've met with Bosco and have some tours planned for today, Mon, Tues & Wednesday and then he'll pick us up on Thursday morning at 5:30!! How I hope to get on an earlier flight from Miami to \Hartford, I dread the 8 hour layover but with a good book, etc. anything is possible.
I've been dragging my a*s here as I tried to add two videos to a post that Willa had made ; they didn't load properly and neither do I know how to remove them ... I'll go and repair my damages NOW!
Winn
It's Sunday morning, Lise's husband should have arrived late last night; Willa and I will be going to Kathy's Waffle House for breakfast .. guess what we'll be eating? And I hope we can sit at the back ofher restaurant with the parrots; it was so much fun the last time. Last week I had forgotten my camera, this time I'll do better.
One afternoon we stopped at a local restaurant for some nibbles and a cold drink; the cutest little boy was there and it appeared that the lady who probably owned the restaurant was his Grandmother. This little boy loved music and could play the bottom of his pot like a bongo drum. Not only did he have the correct wrist movements, he also had talent!!
We've made chocolate from scratch and I'll add some photos to Willa's post about this. I still have half of my chocolate bar so hopefully there's still some left when I return to Hartford this Thursday. Mine had rum and crushed cashews, yummy too. What I did find disturbing though was that what I made was 50/50 cacao/sugar.
And in our class we had some interesting women, one from Hershey, PA and her friend who has lived in Nicaragua for about the last 7 or so years. She's also from the US but married to a Nicaraguan man; they're both lawyers and met while doing a Masters in England? I took this opportunity to ask her if she knew where the Rotary International held their meetings in Granada. She was so surprised by this as she did her Masters on a Rotary Scholarship.
This must be a most difficult life for her and the children.
The other day I saw a man proudly wearing a top with the word JACKASS across the front, surely he didn't know what the word meant? I could only wonder?
We've met with Bosco and have some tours planned for today, Mon, Tues & Wednesday and then he'll pick us up on Thursday morning at 5:30!! How I hope to get on an earlier flight from Miami to \Hartford, I dread the 8 hour layover but with a good book, etc. anything is possible.
I've been dragging my a*s here as I tried to add two videos to a post that Willa had made ; they didn't load properly and neither do I know how to remove them ... I'll go and repair my damages NOW!
Winn
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sunday, week 4
I was awakened by a knock on the door. It was the laundry. Two hours later, I was reawakened by Winn. We went to Kathy's Waffle House for breakfast. I had oatmeal with bananas and raisins....stuck to my ribs very well. Next, we went and looked at the San Francisco Church, Convent, and Museum. The museum was fascinating. There was a large collection of statues showing the old gods. Some of them were Pre-Columbian. We also saw pottery, figurines, paintings, etc. Well worth spending time there.
We returned for a little R&R..... At 3:30 p.m., Winn, Lise's husband Wayne and I, left for a tour with Bosco. Lise had a sore throat, and wanted to save her energy for later. Bosco took us to the house of his half-sister and her mother and brother. The mother Dahlia, promptly put us all to work. I did rice, beans, gallo pinto, fried tortillas, and fried cheese. I think I can make gallo pinto when I go home. We ended up eating two types of plantains, fried cheese, gallo pinto, ensalada, chicken enchiladas, tostados, chicha (a maize and raspberry) drink, water and coffee. We loved every minute of it.
We got back to the hotel just in time to change for an outing with Lise's Spanish teacher. We rode to the lake in a two-horse carriage. We stopped at a club with live music. It was terrific! Even some of the children danced. It was a lovely outing with Omar, Lise, Wayne, Winn, and I....even though we took a taxi back. :) Willa
We returned for a little R&R..... At 3:30 p.m., Winn, Lise's husband Wayne and I, left for a tour with Bosco. Lise had a sore throat, and wanted to save her energy for later. Bosco took us to the house of his half-sister and her mother and brother. The mother Dahlia, promptly put us all to work. I did rice, beans, gallo pinto, fried tortillas, and fried cheese. I think I can make gallo pinto when I go home. We ended up eating two types of plantains, fried cheese, gallo pinto, ensalada, chicken enchiladas, tostados, chicha (a maize and raspberry) drink, water and coffee. We loved every minute of it.
We got back to the hotel just in time to change for an outing with Lise's Spanish teacher. We rode to the lake in a two-horse carriage. We stopped at a club with live music. It was terrific! Even some of the children danced. It was a lovely outing with Omar, Lise, Wayne, Winn, and I....even though we took a taxi back. :) Willa
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Saturday, week 4
This morning was breakfast at the hotel. After that, we went to the laundry and turned ours in. It should have been delivered by now, but we forgot to ask at the desk. We did a lot of walking around. I required a cold cafe latte....somewhat addictive when the temperature is over 90 degrees.
At some point in the day, the three of us gals saw Bosco, and cornered him for our itineraries for the coming days. Also, we arranged transport to the airport on Thursday. Winn went and looked at a property, while Lise and I lounged at the pool area. We got to meet Flor's 9 year old daughter, who is pretty, bright, and sweet.
Lise went to the airport to pick up her husband, so Winn and I tried out TelePizza. It was full of locals, and had several birthday celebrations going on. Winn's pizza and my pasta were more than we could eat, so we got take away bags. Tomorrow, we plan to learn to cook gallo pinto...which seems to be the national dish. Willa
At some point in the day, the three of us gals saw Bosco, and cornered him for our itineraries for the coming days. Also, we arranged transport to the airport on Thursday. Winn went and looked at a property, while Lise and I lounged at the pool area. We got to meet Flor's 9 year old daughter, who is pretty, bright, and sweet.
Lise went to the airport to pick up her husband, so Winn and I tried out TelePizza. It was full of locals, and had several birthday celebrations going on. Winn's pizza and my pasta were more than we could eat, so we got take away bags. Tomorrow, we plan to learn to cook gallo pinto...which seems to be the national dish. Willa
Friday, week 4
Started the day with breakfast at The Garden Cafe. The courtyard is so pretty and the food is good. From there, we went to visit the vet. He was up to his ears in animals with 17 spay/neuters for the day. Fortunately, he had the help of a number of vet students. Sad to say, Jasson had to put down both of the puppies they had been nursing at home. They just couldn't make it. Donna is hand feeding 4 kittens.
Went wandering around, in and out of shops, and wherever our feet took us. We stopped by Ole' and saw Lauren. Unfortunately, I was the one who gave her the news about the second puppy's death.
Before supper, Lise, Winn and I went out on the balcony to sip some red wine and taste test our chocolate bars. Delightful! Winn and I returned to Nectar for the third time, and ate the same things for the third time. Would you believe they are that good? Willa
Went wandering around, in and out of shops, and wherever our feet took us. We stopped by Ole' and saw Lauren. Unfortunately, I was the one who gave her the news about the second puppy's death.
Before supper, Lise, Winn and I went out on the balcony to sip some red wine and taste test our chocolate bars. Delightful! Winn and I returned to Nectar for the third time, and ate the same things for the third time. Would you believe they are that good? Willa
Thursday, March 3, 2011
If today is Thursday then .....
it's the start of our last week in paradise.
And I wonder why it seems that the days are starting to pass more quickly? Although I haven't been adding too much here recently we've continued to enjoy ourselves fully.
Yesterday I returned to the Garden Cafe for breakfast and if you ever do get to Granada, this isn't to be missed! Not only is the food delicious, the setting is so peaceful and the birds like to chill off in the water fountain. Awhile ago when I was here I noticed one of the workers putting something into the fountain, it seemed that he was putting granules in and into each of the various levels. Apparently this is to prevent mosquitos!Although I've walked in the front of their local market (mercado) I'd never browsed it but yesterday I did. It's a beehive of activity and apparently I've not seen all of it; somehow I missed the fish, meat, etc. But I did see a man selling fresh chicken parts as I entered the market. I shudder when I see these perishables sitting out in the open without any refrigeration. Maybe it's different on the other side of the market? But, I also didn't see any flies buzzing around the raw meat!
Although I recognized some of the grains, flours in these sacks there were some that I had absolutely no idea what they were ... one resembled dog food but surely it wasn't,
When a young girl reaches her 15th birthday this is a time for celebrating; it's her Quinceanera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincea%C3%B1era
Maybe the dress in the background would be worn for this occasion?
And after cooling off in the room, Lise, Willa and I went to the pool area as we were to meet Flor and her young son Novak; he's 9 months and a healthy little guy.
We met Flor as she attends the bar at the pool area and she mixes a great Mojito. We decided that we'd each buy a round; Lise was enjoying a Pina Colada while Willa and I a Mojito. After two drinks each we decided that we'd forgo the 3rd round and it's my turn to buy later today.
Later on we ate again at Casa San Francisco, a lovely dining experience again!
http://www.csf-hotel-granada.com/accommodations.html
Hasta mañana
Winn
When a young girl reaches her 15th birthday this is a time for celebrating; it's her Quinceanera
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quincea%C3%B1era
Maybe the dress in the background would be worn for this occasion?
And after cooling off in the room, Lise, Willa and I went to the pool area as we were to meet Flor and her young son Novak; he's 9 months and a healthy little guy.
We met Flor as she attends the bar at the pool area and she mixes a great Mojito. We decided that we'd each buy a round; Lise was enjoying a Pina Colada while Willa and I a Mojito. After two drinks each we decided that we'd forgo the 3rd round and it's my turn to buy later today.
Later on we ate again at Casa San Francisco, a lovely dining experience again!
http://www.csf-hotel-granada.com/accommodations.html
Hasta mañana
Winn
Wednesday, week 4
Winn had a more eventful day than I did. I had my breakfast and talked with several people over coffee. Then, took my book to the shaded area near the pool, and read. I was thinking that all of that beauty should not be wasted...and it wasn't wasted on me. So relaxing.
Later, Lise, Winn, and I gathered at the pool bar to see Flor's little boy. He is 9 months old, and his name is Novak. He is a solid little fellow, and should be big like his dad. Flor usually has the bar, but it was her day off. While we visited with her, we ordered mojitos and pina coladas... Definitely refreshing in the heat.
Later, we went out for supper. El Garaje was just closing as we arrived, so we returned to Casa San Francisco. The food was again delicious. I had the vegetable tempura, and am still thinking about it. Also ordered a blue cheese bruschetta, which surprised me by coming on a diagonal slices of cucumber. Very different, not my favorite.
On the way home, Winn and I stopped for a chocolate gelato at the Euro Cafe. It was the perfect end to the meal and to the day. Willa
Later, Lise, Winn, and I gathered at the pool bar to see Flor's little boy. He is 9 months old, and his name is Novak. He is a solid little fellow, and should be big like his dad. Flor usually has the bar, but it was her day off. While we visited with her, we ordered mojitos and pina coladas... Definitely refreshing in the heat.
Later, we went out for supper. El Garaje was just closing as we arrived, so we returned to Casa San Francisco. The food was again delicious. I had the vegetable tempura, and am still thinking about it. Also ordered a blue cheese bruschetta, which surprised me by coming on a diagonal slices of cucumber. Very different, not my favorite.
On the way home, Winn and I stopped for a chocolate gelato at the Euro Cafe. It was the perfect end to the meal and to the day. Willa
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Tuesday, week 4
Time seems to be passing very quickly now. Today was a laid back day. Had my cacao cold drink. Did some reading. Had a ginger ale by the pool. Supper was at Monna Lisa. The three of us had three different pizzas, and all three vanished. They were thin thin crust, and not too built up with ingredients. Mine was Pepperoni and Funghi or so they said. One the way back, only had a few pizza crusts left for a hungry dog....one of many...
Was thinking about some of the little surprises here. Went into an art gallery, walked around the courtyard, and saw the small office of Volcan Nica, the local radio station. The DJ was taking calls as we watched. There were the little ones at school, you suddenly found hugging you. The sight of a cat on the street.....turned out to be an inside cat that cautiously explored near his doorway. Several afternoons, a cloud turn into a short and gentle rainfall. The plants were so happy. I love the little surprises. Willa
Was thinking about some of the little surprises here. Went into an art gallery, walked around the courtyard, and saw the small office of Volcan Nica, the local radio station. The DJ was taking calls as we watched. There were the little ones at school, you suddenly found hugging you. The sight of a cat on the street.....turned out to be an inside cat that cautiously explored near his doorway. Several afternoons, a cloud turn into a short and gentle rainfall. The plants were so happy. I love the little surprises. Willa
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