by Anne Watcher on Wednesday February 23rd, 2011 at 12:16pm
We had the opportunity to see the Nicaraguan hydro crews in action this morning. You know how up home there are 10 safety guys to 1 guy actually working, well not here. The man on the ladder has his harness around him, through the rung on the ladder and then around the thick black cable. (you can see this in the second picture) That's it, no cherry picker here! See the guy holding the rope, yep that's all that's keeping it stable. To move along the guy up top kind of shimmied the ladder along while the guy on the ground moved the bottom of the ladder. Where there is a will, there is a way.
They were actually very friendly, asking us where we were from and the one on the ladder was doing some acrobatics for us! Not sure what voltage the wires were but we did have to duck under them at one point and I made sure I missed them!
Hard at work
This guy was quite a comedian, found out he is from Spain. It's just another day at work for them but we found it quite interesting.
by Anne Watcher on Wednesday February 23rd, 2011 at 12:15pm
Rob was walking home from getting some prints made the other day and came across this film crew just down our street. He discreetly took a few shots while they were busy watching the boarder do his tricks. Amazing what goes on down here. Not sure where they were from or what it was for but they were intent on getting their shot.
the crew
After many attempts and bloody hands from previous hard landing, the boarder finally gets it done!!
by Anne Watcher on Tuesday February 22nd, 2011 at 1:57pm
If you came across this guy on your street, sporting a big watch and a huge wad of money, would you ask to use his services? Not likely, most of us would cross the street and walk quickly in the other direction. In this case however, he is one of the many money changers found on the streets of Granada.
Most of them are located around Central Park or over one street around the banks. In fact some of them actually work for the banks. Now I know many still will not trust them and that's OK, banks and ATM's are plentiful. However these guys offer the current rate (easy to check before you go), no fees and no line ups. Of course be wise, don't flash huge amounts of money around, watch him count out the money and you re-count it before handing over your cash. Always ask what rate he is giving, if it's not agreeable to you, simply move on. We have always found them to be polite and not pushy.
Just a little word about money here. When you get your US cash to bring ask for clean bills. That means no rips or marks of any kind. I thought the travel books were exaggerating this point but no they were not. We have a $20.00 US bill with the number 20 written in pen on it. It has been refused everywhere!! Not sure the reason for this, but it is not urban legend, it is true.
by Anne Watcher on Sunday February 20th, 2011 at 8:39am
If the "typical" Nicaraguan meal is what you are desiring for lunch, look no farther than Cafetin Claudia to receive exactly what you are looking for. This is a small but comfortable restaurant, brightly decorated and the most pleasant and polite staff we have met anywhere. It is a busy spot with many stopping to get a drink or meal to go and yet you never wait long to receive your order.
The "comida casera con refresco" is a delightful combination of rice, beans, salad, your choice of meat and the ever present plantain. The refresco comes made with different fruits. Melon is excellent!
Open daily 7 to 5, it is located on Guzman, 2 1/2 blocks north of the central park. Total cost for the meal including tax is C$45 (or $2.06 US at today's rate).
Claudia's bright cheerful decor.
Our meals and drinks. This day we both had "pollo" (chicken) but Rob's was fajita style with peppers and onions.
Mine was grilled topped with fried onions. Excellente!!! Muy rico!!!!!
by Anne Watcher on Saturday February 19th, 2011 at 3:18pm
Along the Asese Peninsula that juts out from Granada into Lake Nicaragua there are scattered approximately 365 islands of varying size. These are know as "Las Isletas". Of volcanic origin, some say when Mombacho Volcano blew it's top off into the lake, these islands are full of lush vegetation and wildlife.
More importantly they are home to many native Nicaraguans, most of them living "off the grid" with no electricity or running water. However any we met seem happy and content, making their living from the lake and what they can grow. Several schools are located on the islands, some students walking if on the larger islands, some taking their own boats or many being picked up by the blue and white school "boat".
Some of the islands are also occupied by vacation homes, some are too small for humans so the birds call them home. Many tours leave daily from the harbour for a closer look at these beautiful and distinct islands.
A very typical island home.
Some of the vegetation makes you think you are in the tropics.
Fishing is very popular as a way to make a living and feed the family.
Wildlife is everywhere on las Isletas.
Some of the very smallest islands with Conception Volcano on Ometepe Island looming in the far distance.
One of the many beautiful islands
