9) Granada and around - the region's cultural center

In Granada we struggled to find a good place to stay... 3 nights at 3 different places... the last one was good, the first two rather not^^ The first evening (02.12.) we walked around the cities Parque Central with Granada's landmark: the cathedral. Next to the cathedral stood a big christmas tree. The cathedral was so packed, that some people had to look and listen in front of the open gates. We enjoyed dinner at Calle La Calzada, which is the main tourist street starting near the cathedral. Later, the local people were going through the streets carrying a symbol of holy Marry from church to church - every evening another church. Interestingly, the people in Granada always lighted firecrackers after church^^ 

Granada's cathedral at night, including the christmas tree

A horse car in front of Iglesia de Guadalupe

Horse cars with phone company ads - somehow bizarre^^

The next day (03.12.) we visited the chocolate museum, walked through the city at daylight and enjoyed some icecream :D Strangely, the city is filled with horse cars that are fully painted with phone company ads :P At the afternoon we joined Leo Tours on a trip around the Granada Islands on lake Nicaragua. It was a great trip... the islands were pretty, although the water wasn't really in proper quality for swimming... some of the islands were private... one had monkeys on - much fun! We visited one of the local families and drank some Coco Loco (coconut water + rum^^). Besides the alcohol and our great guide, a lovely sunset made this trip awesome :) For dinner we tried some local food at Parque Central... can't really recommend that^^

Granada's market street

chilling at one of Granada's Islands

Monkey Island - a funny companion

lovely birds

and a sunset for me^^

give me more...

... coco loco!!! :D

The next day (4.12.) we viewed the city from atop Iglesia de la Merced and found the best bakery in town. At the evening we joined Leo Tours again for a trip to Volcano Massaya. There we were lucky to get a glimpse on lava within one of the active craters and enjoyed a great sunset. We also saw lots of bats and visited a cave made by lava, which was like being in a different world :D
The last day (5.12.) we bought some food from the great bakery before we left for Managua airport by taxi to fly back to Panama City.

view from Iglesia de San Francisco to Granada's cathedral

at the tower of Iglesia de la Merced

good views over the city :)

the air at Volcano Massaya was not the best^^

A king overviews his kingdom ... erm... the view from Volcano Massaya I intended to say :P

another great sunset :D

so romantic :)

like another world - a cave made by lava