The Great Sultan
Trip Start
Feb 01, 2006
1
20
33
Trip End
May 01, 2006
Granada,
Nicaragua
Friday, March 10, 2006
The park has stunning mango trees and the city is full of absolutley beautiful casas, some still standing and some rebuilt since the blaze set by the infamous William Walker in 1856.
Walker was an American who arrived here in the mid 1800s intent on taking over Latin America. He attacked Granada and had himself elected president and the US recognized his government. He instituted slavery, declared English the official language, and seized Cornelius Vanderbilts transportation company.
He adopted the slogan five or none...he already had Mexico...and set out to take over the rest of Central America. The nations eventually united to drive him out. In fleeing Granada he set it on fire.
He kept trying throughout Central America and in 1860 he embarked on another attempt. He was finally caught in Honduras, and was tried and executed.
We are staying for now at a travellers hostel called The Bearded Monkey, a cool place where we have hooked up again with our new friend Rose from Ireland. We met her in an Irish pub in Antigua and our paths have already crossed a few times since.
Pablo has already discovered the joys of vigoron and toņa...a local food involving chicharron, along with the local beer... And get this...he spent a while yesterday with his newfound cigar amigo, Eduardo from Esteli. Eddy will be handrolling a box of 25 robustos for Pablo on the day that we leave for about $35 USD. The only thing Paul is sad about is that he cant get more...the pack and our travel conditions really preclude it, but oh well...
We have explored a bit and found a new hotel..cheaper, nicer with private bath, common area and full use of a kitchen. And the clincher is the use of a garden and pool at their siter hotel.
We intend to stay here a while...along with Antigua this may well be our favourite spot so far.
