Granada, Monkeys of a different sort

2nd July
Jesse and I saw this amazing photographic exhibition in the central park based on globalisation. Some of the best fotos I have seen for a long time. It was superb and sad and thougth provoking. The catherdral (opposite) in Granada and Granada in general is clean and well kept. A lot of restoration has taken place. Jesse took me to this Cigar factory. The owner there is famous throughout the world as a purveryor of fine cigars. Apparently the quality of cigars in Nicaragua is as good as Cuba due to the volcanic soils but Cuba has the reputation due to scarcity of the cigars in the US due to the US embargo against Cuban products. There was a huge photo of Arnold Swarzenegger and the owner on the wall.

We went off to Masaya for a few hours, to see the markets there. Masaya is a town, famous for its artisans. It has probably 2 of the biggest markets in Latin America. The new market, is more local and rough and ready but still has many handicrafts like hammocks and rocking chairs. Jesse and I so wanted to buy some rocking chairs like we had at Elizabeths. I bought 2 paintings that were a bit surrealist.
We then went off to the old market which has now been done up. The market is enclosed by these old walls with turrets and arches and is very gothic outside. Inside it is clean and touristy and the prices reflect this. However, the quality of items is high and there are some lovely paintings, wooden carvings and of course the ubiquitous hammocks. If I was on holiday here and owned my own home...................

3rd July.
The bearded monkey is a great hostel. It has an inner courtyard with trees which gives shade and cool air. It has great food and a lot of poeple stay here. It dominates the social scene in Granada.
They have another hostel on the banks of Lake Apuyo. I went for a day trip there. It has got to be one of the most peaceful places I have been at. The waters of this giant lake created in the crater of an extinct volcano are tranquil and pristine. The lake has many houses and hostels but they are hidden behind the many trees lining the lake. I took a kayak out and explored the shoreline. The rest of the time I sunbathed and swam and chatted to 2 girls Naomi (Aussie) and Shay (Cristal Palace, UK). There is something regal about her, she looks like she stepped out of an Egyptian hieroglyphic. She is such an African queen. It was such a relaxing, peaeful day.

On my return to the bearded monkey, I heard my name being shouted across the garden… It was Sarah and Christen back from Ometepe. I was sooo happy to see them. Bang goes peace and quiet. But who cares…
We met up with a few more guys from the US, Mike, Nicholas. We had mexican on the main tourist strip then some Flor de Cana in this gazebo in the central park, then off to the Café Nuit for salsa.

Next day, I went with Niamh and Monica to a café and we had a wander around town and the stalls.
Later, I stayed around the gazebo to watch a FSLN Parade and I took some fotos. IT was a shame it rained as it dampened some of the enthuasism. At one point, this teenager came along holding a live chicken by the legs, its neck had a chunk cut out of and the boy was wiping the chicken and its blood off those who would accept. None I think. Pretty Barbaric...

The US gang from last night went out to celebrate 4th of July. We ended up in the El club for dinner, with an Aussie girl and another American. There was a lot of laughter and pee taking. And of course it was off to the Gazebo again, where we saw a local fiesta and then it was Cafe Nuit. Creatures of habit…
The next day was a wipe out. I just stayed in the hostel and read. I hung out with Martina, Niamh and Jonny all from London and Naomi. We were all knackered as had all been in Cafe Nuit. There was lots of conversations.
It was so nice to not do anything or go anywhere.