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Granada is an important goal for many but we made only a day trip there. We felt that we had seen enough colonial cities and, besides, we were so comfortable in Managua that it seemed easier to drive there and back than to find a hotel. In the end, both ways of doing things would have been fine.

Square with view of Cathedral Dome

This picture gives a pretty accurate impression of Granada. It was rather quiet on this day, both a Sunday and the end of a week-long holiday. The town showed evidence of some solid tourist development. More advanced on the tourist road than its rival to the north, Leon, Granada's buildings are already being refurbished and there is a small network of backpacker hangouts, pleasant restaurants and souvenir shops.

Easter Procession of the Stations of the Cross

Our day in Granada was Easter Sunday and so we were happy to find at least one procession winding its way from the Cathedral to several of the other Catholic churches in town. Replicating the journey that Christ made on his way to Calvary to be crucified, there was much reading of the gospels and singing so progress was very slow. We tagged along for a few blocks and then left to discover some less central parts of town.

Two men in Granada Central Market

While looking for a place to eat lunch, Gerry spied these two men sitting in front of a weathered clapboard building and asked if he could take a photo. They said yes, but only one took the event seriously. In spite of all the talk of crime and corruption in Central America, we found everybody very friendly and helpful and very willing on the whole to be photographed.

Pier heading into 100-mile long Lake Nicaragua

Our last stop for the day was Lake Nicaragua, which the locals bathe in but which we wouldn't consider. There is a rather extensive park along the lakefront behind which there are dozens of restaurants. Because it was a holiday the park was busy, the water an obvious draw on a hot day in the dry season, and lots of people seemed to be out for a drive just to see who or what was to be seen.

Statue of the founder of Granada Francisco Fernandez de Cordoba

This handsome statue stands at the end of the street that leads to the lake and faces the lakeshore promenade. When we were there the locals were gathering for an evening of carousing with cars cruising up and down the street that fronts on the lake. The sun had already set by the time we left town for the drive back to Managua. We were a little nervous about driving in the dark, but just as night really fell we found ourselves on the four-lane divided highway that stretches ten miles out of Managua and which brought us safely and quickly back to our starting point.