Day 84 – 87 : Granada

It's my birthday today... There was the option of being in Ometepe Island and partying away at the Magma fest – a 2 day electronic music event that I had heard many travellers were going for.

But I wanted something less loud, and neither was I keen on squeezing in crowds this week. 

Taking some time out to pamper myself on my special day (and the days leading up to it), I stayed in Granada for 4 nights, much longer than what most people would usually stay for. 

And pampering I did -

• Massages on 3 out of 4 days that I was in Granada (strongly recommend Coco Berry located on Calle 14 de Septiembre, near Iglesias de la Merced.  Best out of 3 different massage places I went to.  Very good masseuse, used organic products and was the most reasonably priced).
• More beauty regimes with a facial and manicure & pedicure  (visit Polish Nail Spa located on Calle Consulado, near corner of Calle 14 de Septiembre.  Most reasonably priced at NIO280 for a manicure and pedicure, and friendly owners)
• Lazing by a really nice pool at Choco museum on most days

• Day trip to Laguna de Apoyo and getting a good tan.  Laguna de Apoyo is a huge fresh water lake, and said to have one of the cleanest water in Nicaragua.

• Enjoying a couple of good meals along the infamous street of Calle La Santander.

Met a few folks at the hostel earlier this evening and ended the night with live guitar music courtesy of Dan, and interesting conversations together with Emily and Christine, with couple glasses of Flor de Cana rum.

Granada is a colonial town, with a prominent large cathedral and with most activities happening around Parque Central. 

Compared to Leon, it is more catered to the international crowd, with more international meal offerings mostly on Calle La Santander, a pretty street lined with lots of restaurants and bars.

Making a trip to the tower at Iglesias de la Merced is a must recommendation.  Views from the top is amazing, with the entire town of Granada beneath me.  You could also see the main church in the distance with seaview as the backdrop on one side, and view of the looming Volcano Mombacho on another. 

Another highly promoted activity in Granada is a night tour to Volcano Masayo, that is a noteworthy attraction to visit if you had never seen lava in a volcano.  No trekking needed, and suitable for all ages.