Nicaragua, part 2

Our week in Nicaragua continued after leaving Ometepe Island in the colonial city of Granada. Built by the Spanish, the city is very reminiscent of traditional spanish towns with high walls, arched doorways, ornate designs and beautiful colors. Granada acted as our base camp for the remaining time in Nicaragua, with trips to two more volcanos, Mombacho and Masaya, and the capital city, Managua.

On the ridge between the non-active crater and the active crater (far left you can see the smoke!)

Our second volcano hike was on Masaya Volcano near Granada. This volcano is one of the most active in the world with a very large crater that spews smoke and rocks into the sky all day, everyday. Because of the high likely hood of a larger eruption, visitors are only allowed to stay at the main crater for 5 minutes before forced to leave by the park staff. The park also held 3 other smaller, non-active craters and a lagoon with ancient, native carvings on the rocks around its shore. We were fortunate enough to hike the ridge between the active and largest non-active craters for some amazing views of Lake Nicaragua, Granada, Volcano Mombacho and the surrounding areas.

The main crater of Masaya Volcano!

on the edge of the crater

Unfortunately for me, I got super sick later that day, the second night in Granada, and had to remain in the hotel for 2 days. But don't worry! I'm totally fine now. Its always a part of traveling to experience their germs as well! A 102 degree fever and annoying stomach pains kept me grounded and I sadly had to miss the trip to the capital city of Managua and the last volcano, Mombacho. Thankfully however, Managua is not known to be a very exciting city, especially after an earthquake destroyed most of the city in the 1930s and again in the 1970s. The Nicaraguans I got to talk to while stuck sick in the hotel told me that they didn't care for the city at all and it was probably best I didn't go. As for the last volcano trip, I missed out on a foggy hike through a tropical cloud forest.

The second day I was thankfully not the only student sick, as many of the others got stomach bugs. Benji, a good friend of mine, and I were the only two to stay back that last day, but Yendry, our amazing administrator, and Anna, one of the interns, stayed to take care of us.

Other highlights:

Entrance to the market in Rivas

• We got to see two very interesting markets in Granada and another smaller town, Rivas. The markets were very large, dark, and loud and like nothing I've seen before. Thankfully though, the Rivas market had plenty of opportunities to shop for souvenirs.
• Granada's bell tower had one of the most amazing views of the city and sunset I've ever seen. It was a great break from my sickness!