The End

Granada Architecture II

The Ruins

After all what is a Historic city without ruins,

Churches IV

The nicest church in Granada.  The inside main altar carve in wood while to columns are decorated with painting and wall design giving it a symetrical, pleasing to the eye and soul look.

Granada Architecture I

A walk around Granada and its buildings...

Churches III

The original cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1856. It was rebuilt in 1880 and renovated in 1905. The new building was built by the order of the priest Silvestre Alvarez and the plans were made by Andres Zappata from Italy, who copied the cupola from the Vatican Basilica. The architect and Historian of Nicaraguan art, Porfirio Garcia Romano, says that this cathedral style is eclectic: classic arcade, cupolas from the renaissance period and ogiveand half-point arcs.

Churches II

The La Merced Church is located only a couple blocks away from the central park of Granada. This church, originally built in 1534, is flanked by a large tower that houses the church bells.

Happy Hour The O'Shea way..

The O'Shea happy hour is here.  That means drinks that are 2 bucks are 2 for 1!  I wish that I enjoyed boozing more...... I had a good tome sitting outside had a conversation with an Alabama couple who come down ti Nicaragua for 6 months at a time.  The living is cheap, apartments go next to nothing and well I told you about the boozing.  It seems wherever you go there is always a good if not great expat watering hole.

In Search of The Expat watering hole

Every town has one, where expat's and travelers gather for a drink.   Stopped at Bill O'Shea's Irish Pub for a decent fish and chips. M outside table allowed me a perfect view of the thrater of the street.

The walk toward home...

Granada Churches: I

I decided to get out early today and visit the churches of Granada.  My first stop was Guadalupe church:

The next Church was San-Francisco

I found both these churches much more interesting from the outside.  I headed for a smoothie to relax in the Garden Cafe a nice respite from the hot city.

Afterward, I headed to the Main Cathedral, known as The Grand Cathedral

The cathedral of Granada is one of the most prominent buildings in the city. It is located at the east side of the central park of Granada (Parque Colón). The neoclassical bell towers and bright orange and yellow paint can be seen for miles around from higher ground. Within the building there are three naves and four chapels that are open to the public most days. The building has been partially destroyed and rebuilt several times since it was first constructed as a parochial church in 1583. The building was completely destroyed by the American William Walker in 1856 during his legendary rampage. The Italian architect Andrés Zappata completed reconstruction sixty years later.

Granada: History

Granada is one of Nicaragua's most important cities and is the country's main destination for international travelers. Situated along the northwest shore of massive Lake Nicaragua (one of the ten largest lakes on Earth), this charming colonial city is an excellent home base while exploring some of the main attractions not just within Nicaragua, but also in nearby Costa Rica and on countless islands in the enormous lake that separates the two countries.

The culture of Granada is one of relaxation and reverence for local history. For centuries Granada has been called 'The Great Sultana' in recognition of its beautiful colonial and neoclassical architecture. It is a town known for its rich history, dating back to the days of the Spanish conquistadors and, more recently, the American conqueror William Walker. The city surrounds you with unique, colorful shops and private homes, horse-drawn carriages and friendly locals and North American retirees sitting in rocking chairs, enjoying a warm lake breeze.

Granada is built around its main square (Parque Central) that represents the city's social, cultural, and economic hub. Around the Parque Central visitors find Granada's Grand Cathedral, the city hall, important banks, excellent restaurants and a myriad of small shops and stalls selling traditional food and handicrafts. A few block to the West of the main square is the central market. There, reasonably priced tropical fruit, fresh vegetables, meat, cheese, and freshly caught fish from the lake are sold on wooden stalls from sunrise to sunset.

Wandering the neighborhoods, passing bright blue, green, red and orange houses with welcoming balconies and ornate ironwork, you begin to realize why Nicaragua, while still a little-known secret, is an increasingly beloved destination for people who like to step slightly outside the conventional tour experience. Granada feels like a small town, friendly and safe. The sound of laughing and rocking chairs are as common as the clackity clack of horses pulling carriages. The women walk proudly to and from the market balancing baskets on their heads, smiling, and holding hands with each other. The children ride bicycles in the main square.

The evening stroll through market...

After taking a shower and relaxing, I decided to get a lay of the land with an evening stroll.  I figured to spot and pick up some water and snacks for the room.
I began my walk down what is considered their market street.  The street was teaming with a chaotic    mixture of people, bicycles, motorbikes, cards, horse carriages and one item that throws fear into all---the stroller. There is about 2 feet of sidewalk to walk on in single file on both sides of the street so you usually just take to walking the in the street and hope for the best. I found my store, got my snacks wow everything so cheap compared to states.

My final destination

Some interesting buildings along the way

The Hotel....

The Hotel Plaza Colon sits in the enviable position right on the main square.  The hotel at one time was the home of a wealthy Spaniard family.  A two story structure that follows the architectural style of the Spanish and Moor influence.  The buildings while low in height, once enter open up into large, tree filled courtyards with fountains, some swimming pools and lovely places to sit to enjoy the quiet moment.
I ask for a quiet room and got a room off the main square with a large king size bed, flat screen TV, nice size tiled bathroom free wi-fi and breakfast for $93 a night takes included.  I take that set up anywhere in the world. Hope these photos do justice to the hotel.

 Early morning coffee here

 The lobby

Arrival...

American airlines flight to Miami then switch to American airline Miami to Managua Nicaragua.  No problems with the flight or connection.  Landing in Managua I had schedule a private car transfer to Granada.  The driver waiting for me as I effortlessly cleared customs and we began the hour drive to the Hotel Plaza Colon Granada.
We were met with alternately overcast skies hard & easy rain with sunny skies.  The streets were teaming with school kids and adults going about their business.  I am getting tired.  We reach the hotel checked-in and was told I needed to way an additional hour before the room was ready.  What are you doing to do? So i get a local map from the front desk person with information about local ATM machine and off I went.   Our dollar is worth 24 of the Nicaragua dollar.  The walk was easy and I changed some money and proceeded to look for a cafe.  I found a suitable cafe and bought a small cup of ice cream along with water for the room.Arriving back at the hotel the room was still not ready, so I headed to the bar.
El bar as it is called is fine small establishment that some tables overlook the main square.  I forgot to mention the the hotel is right across from the main square.  It was a wonderful deal at $93 a night breakfast and wifi included.  I take a good hotel w/breakfast for under a $100 every day of the week.  I ordered a daiquiri which was quite good.  As I was drinking, the hotel clerk came over to me to give me my room key Room 218.
I finished my drink and headed to the room. I will talk about the room first, then the next post chat up the hotel. The room was large, very clean, tiled floor, bathroom with a king size bed. I unpacked, showed, settled in a relaxed to walk later.