A 3 hour mini-bus ride took us to Leon.
We found this city to feel much larger and grittier than Granada. There are bars on every door and window, yet it still manages to be a somewhat charming, historic colonial city. There’s (seemingly) a church on every corner - some with very ornate and colorful facades, some looking ready to recede into tropical decay.
Despite its’ violent past, and recent violent protests in Managua, here in Leon seems relaxed. However, talking to our hotel owner, he believes things could change very quickly, not for the good. The US Embassy seems to share this pessimism as we’ve been getting nearly daily travel warnings for the country. It’s been reported that as many as 60 people have been killed in protest-related violence so far. While we’ve felt relatively safe here, we’re looking forward to moving on to Guatemala.
A highlight of our visit was The Ortiz Foundation Art Center. Housed in several beautiful and sprawling colonial mansions, it was unexpectedly impressive. While it mostly highlighted Central American artists - some very, very good - we also saw works by Picasso, Warhol, Basquiat,and Mondrian - to name a few. Not what we expected, not advertised much, and totally deserted…apart from us and the dozen or so security guards following us around turning on and off the lights and fans in the rooms we entered, then left.
Summary: Heat:…diabolical, Mosquitoes…bad! Beer…average. Tropical fruit – mango, papaya, passion-fruit …very good! Coffee…excellent – though now John can’t nap (which is bad for everyone).Lue lisää
MatkaajaSo beautiful. You guys are getting closer and closer to us...going to make it to Mexico? You better hurry...we leave for 4+ months of travel in June!
MatkaajaNicaragua looks gorgeous! I just want to repeat my invitation to crash at our house if you come through Guadalajara, MEX! Stay for as long as you like, we would love to have you. Big hugs, happy trails.
Dobbs Away IIJessica- we are definitely going to miss you in Mexico this time. Enjoy Eastern Europe! Felicia- we just missed you in Johannesburg last year. It would be great to see you in Mexico. Still planning that part of our trip, but we’ll be in touch!
Matkaaja So beautiful. You guys are getting closer and closer to us...going to make it to Mexico? You better hurry...we leave for 4+ months of travel in June!
Ingrid Ellerbrock Wishing you safe travels:)
Matkaaja Nicaragua looks gorgeous! I just want to repeat my invitation to crash at our house if you come through Guadalajara, MEX! Stay for as long as you like, we would love to have you. Big hugs, happy trails.
Dobbs Away II Jessica- we are definitely going to miss you in Mexico this time. Enjoy Eastern Europe! Felicia- we just missed you in Johannesburg last year. It would be great to see you in Mexico. Still planning that part of our trip, but we’ll be in touch!