We arrived last night here in Nicaragua and took a short ride from Managua to Granada - the oldest colonial city in the Americas. We arrived late at night and were able to meet with our friends, Mike, Karen and Carlos to get an update on the place before we crashed from a long day of travel.
We awoke early (it is really too hot and humid to sleep long) and got to see Hospedaje La Siesta (the hostel where we are staying) in daylight. It is a charming place run by Boris and Marcella. Boris is from France and has lived in Nicaragua with his wife, Marcella, for two years. They are warm and inviting people and they have done everything to make us feel like we are home. But we didn't stay long for we were off to our first day of Spanish classes at Casa Xalteva.
Heidi and Emily started in el clase principante (for beginners) and Lance joined Mike and Karen in their beginner class, week 2. Our teachers are great. Very patient and kind, and the classes are small (3 people per class). Lance feels like he has learned more Spanish in one day than in a semester in school. Casa Xalteva is a wonderful place, teaching Spanish to travelers and also serving as a boarding home/school for street kids who have been orphaned.
The city of Granada is a city of dualities. It has been discoverd by tourists and foreign investors, so the area around the parque central is beautiful. The cathedral, which was originally built in the 1500s, has burned down several times and been rebuilt. Its current incarnation is about 120 years old (see picture). The street going away from the park and toward the lake (Lago Nicaragua - the second largest lake in Latin America) is full of renovated colonial buildings and nice restaurants. It's a beautiful place to hang out and, in fact, it is where we had a nice dinner of chicken, steak and gallo pinto (the national dish of black beans and rice, eaten at nearly every meal).
But that is the beautiful, clean side of Granada. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and it is difficult to escape that reality. There are beggars and poor people all through the city and much of it is run down. But that does not detract from the kindness of the Nicaraguans who are all willing to help and very curious to learn English and hear about our travels.
It has been a full day. We are tired and more than a little sweaty. Tomorrow, we have our second day of Spanish class and we get to see more of the city.
Hasta luego!
Love and Peace,
Lance, Heidi and Emily
(Hey boys and Mom/Gramma - We love you and miss you! We are thinking about you all the time and we can't wait to hear how your vacation is going together. Say hi to Gandalf for us!
-Love,
Mom, Dad and Emily
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