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Monday, February 16, 2009

Leon and Granada, Nicaragua

(SORRY NO PHOTOGRAPHS - STOLEN)

Leon near the pacific coast apparently is the intellectual and cultural centre for Nicaragua. It was a stronghold of the Sandanistas. Took about an hour and a half to get there. Nearly destroyed the bike getting there. What have I said in the past about taking directions from the locals? Do I ever learn? This road was a shocker but I got there.

The town itself was typical of those I have seen so far in Central America. The people were laid back and accepting of gringos. Young hippie types and back packers everywhere. The volcanoes are the attraction together with the wilderness/jungle. Snowboarding down a volcano is the go apparently. The boards only last two or three rides because of the abrasive nature of the ash.

Found my way to a lovely old colonial building that now houses a hostel. Asked for a private room but they were booked out. The only bed they had left was in a dorm room. The room was occupied by seven female German backpackers. I was worried about my personal habits, farting and the like, but there was no need for concern because the girls were absolute grubs. A couple of the girls were absolutely gorgeous. Wonder what they thought of me??? Ok I have a fair idea.

The bike once again was parked indoors. It was parked this time in the main bar. Had a lot of interest but everyone seemed to respect my property and only touched with permission. The discussion about which beer is better continued. I am falling on the side of Victoria.

Rode the twenty odd kilometres to the beach. Nothing special and the facilities pretty rough. Apparently there are luxury hotels littered all along the coast but I didn't see them.

Next morning rode to Granada via Masaya. The whole area is ringed with volcanoes. Granada is very similar to Leon except of course it is on Lake Nicaragua and not on the Pacific Ocean.

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