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Our time in Nicaragua was short. We spent one day in Managua, and not finding it much to our liking, traveled to the beautiful, Spanish colonial town of Granada, which sits on the shores of Lake Nicaragua.
This large scupture, in central Managua, was one of the more interesting we had seen. It depicts a man holding a pick axe in the one hand and a machine gun in the other. Fitting, no doubt, for a country with such a history of war, revolution and unrest.
This is a monument to Carlos Fonseca, founder of the Frente Sandinista de Liberacion Nacional (FSLN, or better known to us as the "Sandinistas"). The FSLN was founded in 1961 to oppose the horrible abuses of the long-lived Somoza regime, finally taking control of the government, with widespread, popular support, in 1979. Carlos Fonseca never saw that day arrive, as he was assassinated in 1976.
The Gazebo in the Parque Central of Granada, Nicaragua. This Spanish colonial town was beautiful. Interestingly, it reminded us a great deal of Charleston, South Carolina.
Horse carriages still carry locals and tourists alike through the streets of Granada, much as they have since the city was founded in 1524.
Another view of the Parque Central. With its open space, luxurious palms, and beautiful colonial architecture, this central gathering spot is a wonderful place to pass the time.
Outside the Church of Guadalupe.
Rich passes the time in Parque Central.
The Cathedral of Granada.
Typical Granada street.
La Purisma (The Conception of Mary) is celebrated every December for nine consecutive days. We were fortunate enough to be in Granada during the final two days of the celebration. While this celebration is rich in various traditions, the most visible sign is the nightly procession that winds its way through the city streets culminating in the arrival of a single float to the doorsteps of the Cathedral at Parque Central. On this float, which is proceeded and followed by thousands of faithful Granadans, a sculpture of the Virgin Mary can be found. Upon its arrival to the Cathedral, the sculpture is lifted from the float to the applause of the crowd and carried into the church for further ceremonies to take place. This all happens amidst fireworks and the general merriment of the entire city. To the left above is the float from our first night in Granada, while to the right, is the float from the final night.
While in Granada, we stayed at the Hospedaje Cocibolca. Carlos, the proprietor, treated us very well. He even made sure that we were sent off with a great big breakfast the morning that we set sail for Costa Rica.
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view of the Church of Guadalupe, one of Granada's many colonial era churches,
all of which are quite stunning.
