Today we are having to be transported by the tenders into the port, as we are anchored off. When we arrived our bus was waiting, and took us immediately to Masaya, the country looks very poor again, mainly agricultural and tourism.
First stop was a market, dating back to the 1800’s, we were not impressed, although we did get a magnet. We walked around quickly, then went to the local square and got a coffee.
We passed several volcanoes, with several active, but they don’t seem to be bothered about them.
We visited one, where we could see the middle still smouldering
We enjoyed a looking at everything, we then had lunch whilst music was played by local group
We then travelled to Granada, the heat is very intense, so hot, we escaped and went for a cup of coffee and tea, wow.
We walked around this monastery, then came to a square, very pretty. Granada is located amidst the astonishing landscape of volcanoes and lakes, this historic city founded in 1524 features ornate Spanish churches, colourful colonial houses and a vibrant market.
Nicaragua is a very poor country, and has suffered from many dictatorships, and volcanoes erupting, they are gradually trying to build up a tourist industry, but it will take some time before it becomes a place of real interest in my opinion. We have spoken to a few people who did various trips, and basically we all felt there was not enough to see or do here, but at least our monies helped towards their day to day living expenses, maybe if they get to dig their canal this will make them more prosperous, but with the Panama Canal being extended, they could be wasting there money! We returned to the port, where the queue to get on board was bad, it seems one of the tenders had broken down in the morning, so we waited and waited, they had a band playing to amuse us, it was a local band, and they needed more practise! The tenders can carry 100 people, so it didn't take long before ours came, we were first on, so we went upstairs, for the cool breeze. We quickly changed into our bathers, and into the pool then the jacuzzi, taking a couple of cocktails with us. Dinner was taken in the buffet bar, cos we couldn't be bothered to get dressed up, I was so tired.