Hola!
So yesterday was a very long day of traveling. We got up at 4 am to get on the bus to Granada, Nicaragua and did not arrive in Granada until 3pm. We drove North through the mountains of Costa Rica and through the country side which was beautiful. We saw a lot of small, impoverished villages and it was sad. We knew we would be experiencing that, but nothing can really prepare you for seeing it for the first time. That is why we are here though, to help.
Entering Nicaragua took a couple hours, going through border patrol and customs. We drove up past Lake Nicaragua and Isla de Ometepe, and we were astonished by the size of the two inactive volcanoes on the island. We will be visiting there in 2 weeks! I (Jessica) got motion sickness, so I did not see much more of the Nicaraguan country side. The city of Granada is absolutley gorgeous! Every building is painted another bright color, the mountains touch the clouds as you look down the streets out of the city, the Parque Central (every city here has a central park) is vibrabt with color and decoration, and Latin music can be heard everywhere. We saw a 300 year old church, and we hope to see more when we walk around today.
Last night we ate at a local Nicaraguan restraurant and met another Ameican couple who were really nice. We knew the food was authentic because we were the only Gringos in the place! Both our meals and 4 beers only cost us $8! Our hotel is wonderful. It is decorated with indigenous art. There are gardens throughout our hotel lined with hammocks and tables where we have enjoyed some beverages while taking in the sights of butterflies, birds, flowers, and the blue sky.
We have had fruit for breakfast every morning since we arrived here and it is out of this world delicious, as well as the coffee. I am not a coffee drinker, but I have a sip or two because it is so good!
I can not get any pictures to upload right now, but hopefully later, I really want to share this city with you!
Have a great 4th of July weekend! We are sad will be missing the festivities and family and friends!
Miss everyone!
Love D&J
PS...today is our 8 year annerversary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!