We arrived in Nicaragua just in time to celebrate Fiestas Patrias, which are two holidays back to back. The first celebrates independance from Spain and the second celebrates driving out William Walker (a Tennessean) in 1856. Well...another Tennessean just arrived! Who knows what Alan is.
Because of the holidays, Susan and Artie had a day off from work to take us to several of their favorite Nica sites. The first was Lago de Apoyo. We drove out of Managua for about an hour before stopping at a beautiful crater lake, left from a volcano eruption. (Fact: There are 17 volcanoes in Nicaragua.) From our vantage point, the size of the lake may not be evident, but it is 5 miles across!
Next we drove a bit farther to a volcano called Masaya that erupted in 1772. The Masaya Volcano National Park Welcome Center and Museum shows a map of the lava trail, plus offers information on volcanoes, tectonic plates, and wildlife in the area.
One of Masaya's craters continuously billows up huge clouds of smoke. We hiked up to and around a few of Masaya's craters that are grouped together. The trek afforded beautiful views of the countryside, the city of Masaya, and Lago de Masaya.
Next we drove a bit more to Granada, which is on Lake Nicaragua. Granada is supposedly the oldest city in the continental Americas. It certainly looks like a colonial European city! We wandered into its teeming town square, full of vendors and others relaxing on benches. After grabbing a snack (chocolate coconut milkshake, fresca, fried cheese and plaintains), we drove a little more around the city, to see the brightly painted buildings and the dock at Lake Nicaragua.
Once back in Managua, Susan and Artie took us to a traditional Nica restaurant that they like. Alan and I shared a large plate of chicken, ribs, steak, sausage, gallo pinto, plantains, and potatoes. That hit the spot after our long hike!
Susan and Artie are so full of information that we are getting to learn a lot about Nicaragua-- politics, history, geography, and culture. Our trip has been so richly enhanced by having the insight of locals. We are also learning more about their work. Susan's school is the Nicaragua Christian Academy (K through 12), and Artie's ministry is Verbo, which includes many churches, orphanages, and a hospital. Please consider supporting these ministries. As I write this blog, they are reminiscing about their first date, as today is the 40th anniversary of that occasion!
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