I took the Tica bus and we crossed from El Sal into Honduras and 2-3 hours later from Honduras into Nicarague. The border crossings were pleasant and hassle free. It was great viewing the countryside from the bus. I saw a late sunrise illuminating the volcanoes of el sal. The country was green and mountainous. Then into Honduras - more mountains but the countryside looked dry. Entering Nicaragua is a vista of mountains and green, then you descend into a green valley. Approaching Managua you encounter modern industries - we passed a fancy hotel and casino, small eateries and cheap shops, a site with shacks and tented dwellings and not long after, the barrio where the Tica bus station is. I found a place nearby to stay. It was behind a locked gate and high walls. It was pleasant enough with aircon and T.V. I had a long undisturebed sleep.
Up early the next day and got a taxi to the bus staion for Granada. I got the local bus to Granada - it was comfortable and the trip toook about an hour and ahalf. I was glad to leave the big city behind me.
Granada is a beautiful colonial city at tyhe northern end of lake Nicaragua. It has a shabby splendour. Like its colonial Spanish sisters, it has a central park with a striking cathedral, this one has an exterior of yellow and inside is cool and light with yellow and blue. The city has a number of churches, some cared for, others not. Walking the streets are some lovely old buildings. It is very hot and sticky here, yesterday was about 37 deg. When you walk you have to seek out the shade on the pavements and attempt to go from one shadow of a tree to another... you have to go at a slow pace to conserve energy...
I walked down to the Lake in the heat of the afternoon but was rewarded with acool breeze. Local families were picnicking, swimming and resting in hammocks.
For the most part of the day it is wise to rest in the shade of indoors, preferably with a fan and an ice-cold drink.
Next stop, Isla Ometepe.
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