Colonial splendour for the last time?

Trip Start Jan 19, 2006

288

330

Trip End Jan 19, 2007

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Where I stayed

Nicaroa Hostel

(Granada hotels)

Flag of Nicaragua Granada, Nicaragua
Saturday, December 30, 2006

After more shopping in the markets in Masaya we walked to the bus station to get one back to Granada. Apparenty they had all gone so we had to walk to the motorway. There were lots of people waiting and several buses came and went, none for Granada. Just as we thought we might have to go for a taxi a small minibus pulled up which looked full but somehow we crammed in and were on our way to Granada.
Got dressed up posh (well as posh as you can out of a backpack) and went to the Gran Francia restaurant on the corner of the main square which had been recommended to us. Has lovely surroundings very colonial and spanish we were asked our nationality which made me nervous. Next thing they brought out a table decoration of a British and Nicaraguan flag. Sweet really.

Stuffed ourselves with lovely hot fresh bread and garlic butter and then our main courses which were only about 4 quid each but also had a bottle of wine which was a bit more pricey

1-Our lovely meal at Gran Francia

. Great food and service and felt thorougly spoilt. Felt guilty too as we have been spoiling ourselves a lot of late.

Today we checked out of our hotel and moved a couple of doors down a it was only $12 a room and they have a kitchen. Great place Hostel Nicaroa I think its called. Spent the day wandering around the streets here, lots of churches, a colonial house, the old fortress where a 6 year old boy guided us around. Spent more time sitting in the main square trying local drinks and absorbing the atmosphere.
Were about to get on the bus to go to Volcan Masaya to do the night tour when we asked when was the last bus back. Found out last was about 1800 so would have no way of getting back at the end of the tour at 2000 so sadly gave it a miss. Instead went to the cinema to watch "El Pinguino" or "Happy Feet" as its more commonly known. Was ok but not as good as "March of the Penguins". Or the real thing of course;-)
Have really enjoyed it here and are torn as to whether to leave for NYE or not.

Grilled Sardines on toast for lunch and chicken noodles for dinner. The bliss of cooking for yourself again!