Granada!

Down the western strip of Nicaragua we went, passing through the ghastly capital city

of Managua and on to the fancy colonial town of Granada. Although Granada is more politically conservative than its competing northern neighbor Leon (or so I’ve read), you might never be able to tell from it’s vibrantly colored buildings and long list of european style cafes. Tourism has taken over the formar capital and transformed the city into gringo central. Nevertheless it is a beautiful

city to walk around and check out; the restored colonial atmosphere and churches leaves the aspiring photographer with plenty to do. Not only does the picturesque architecture make this a prefered stop for travelers but it’s location on Lago de Nicaragua allows stunning views of the twin volcano island of Ometepe.

Church in the city centre!

There was another reason for us to be excited about Granada and that was because we had a couchsurfing host lined up! Peta and her partner Ben, a South African & French fusion hosted us for two nights in their peaceful Nicaraguan abode. They are a global power couple, chosing to live a sustainable lifestyle in creating a bamboo reforestation and home building company called CO2 Bamboo.

Our first day there Peta took us to the model bamboo house, and we were just blown away. Not only was it beautiful but the natural materials mixed with the garden gave it a calming and peacful energy, but the best part being sustainable development. We really enjoyed getting to known them and hearing about CO2 Bamboo, two great people with the right mindset for the future!

Bamboo doorway!

The bathroom....bamboo style!

Chels and I spent our day and a half just walking around the city. We did find ourselves

at a cigar factory/museum somewhere

north of the city center. We walked in to a gangster-looking Nicaraguan that reminded me of Tony Montana from Scarface. He had a massive poster of himself smoking a cigar, another of him with Arnold Shwatzaneggar and some with Presidents and generals from all over…smoking his cigars! Kind of cool!

Cigars!

He took us to the back where they were drying tabacco, and rolling, pressing, wrapping the cigars! Very Cool!!….he let me roll one, and gave one to Brad to smoke! The rolling was easy, but the”puffing”…I am absolutely hopeless at! Brad just needed a glass of scotch to pull of his cross-legged in a rocking chair look!

Old man!

The central park was our next stop where we people watched, tried some local food, and witnessed some traditional dance with these big dressed up dolls! Eventually we headed back to Peta and Bens and ended the night with some insightful conversation and advice Thanks guys!

Traditional Dance!

Next stop….Ometepe (or so we though!)