Greetings, blog watchers, from
Nicaragua! I know I haven't written for a while (so sorry if you are all
sick of looking at my last blog post!) so I have lots to catch you up on
- not least the fact I've just arrived here on vacation!! Yey!!
I chose Nicaragua for a couple reasons - one, I've
never been here before so I get to fulfill my ever-present quest of visiting at
least one new country a year. Second, I've only got a week so it had to
be somewhere reasonably close by from my new adopted homeland of Chicago.
And finally, who wouldn't want to stay in a country where you can
actually go and climb up and active volcano?
So as I type this, its about 6.30am local time and
I'm looking out of my window, over the whitewashed walls of my balcony, and
across the old red clay tiled rooftops.
I don't know much about the history of Granada yet and its architecture,
but its well weathered and beautiful.
I’ve already spotted a couple of unusual birds flitting about the
rooftops and I have a distinct impression that I won’t be needing an alarm
clock during my stay! There’s a massive
palm tree off to the right that made some interesting shapes against my
window’s bamboo screens as the dawn rolled in – almost reminded me of being
back in California!
From my vantage point, I can also see down into the (multiple) courtyards of the hotel. It used to be a private residence of this couple from Sweden but - when they had to move back home – they converted it into a hotel. It's a lovely place – very clean, open spaces, beautifully designed with lots of places to sit and chill out in. There is a small pool that is perfect for dipping in to cool yourself off and a communal kitchen area which is where I presume breakfast will be served. When we got in last night (around 8.30pm), the receptionist made Lisa and I a freshly-squeezed orange juice for a welcome drink – and it was delicious, so I hope this is a good sign!!
The airport in Managua was mildly chaotic –
reminded me a LOT of Cyprus. Lots of
people hustling and trying to sell you cab rides, assist you with your baggage
(“hey gorgeous, gorgeous – taxi?”) and all the rest of it. I just put my best New Yorker Don't’ Fuck
With Me face on and made it through the thronging crowd without inadvertently
buying anything or accepting offers of marriage. My mate Lisa’s flight was getting in about
half an hour after mine, so I just settled in to wait, perched on a railing,
just outside of the scrum. We’d arranged
an airport transfer to the hotel so we didn't need to worry about getting lost
or driving in unfamiliar environments – just as well, as the Nicaraguans tend
to drive like the Cyps too! The roads
were not well lit- unless, of course, you count the headlights of oncoming
vehicles as you weave in and out, overtaking the big trucks and slower
cars! I think its one of those countries where –
inexplicably, the locals can drive like semi-lunatics and be totally fine
whereas a tourist trying to drive “safely” will be taking their lives into
their own hands the minute they get behind the wheel! Fortunately, I don't plan to find out – taxi-cabs
and private drivers for me all week!!
Right then – lets explore, shall we?
First destination –breakfast!
