Nicaragua Day 1 - initial impressions

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!