For our stop in Puerto Corinto, Nicaragua we had organized another small group for a private tour. Our tour guide was a local resident, Reynaldo Romero, and he was great - very personable and knowledgeable. Once our group was organized, we headed out on an hour-long drive to the town of León - Nicaragua's second largest city after Managua. We took time to explore the UNESCO site of the Lady of Grace Cathedral, also known as Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, both inside and up on the roof. Then we wandered through a local market, and from there, on to lunch. We did a lot of driving that day, stopping at a supermarket on the way back for some souvenirs (the rum was much cheaper there), and then took a different road back to the ship, passing by some poorer neighbourhoods. It was a long day, and we saw and learned a lot about Nicaragua. It was great to have a nice small group, rather than the larger groups you get with a ship's excursion.
Coming off the ship, we were greeted by some local musicians...
...and by some local dancers - all adding a nice touch of local colour to start our day.
Along the drive to León, we stopped in an open field for a great view of what we were told were "not mountains my friend, those are volcanoes". The horizon was ringed by these
A colorful local riding a donkey-cart along the edge of the field.
"Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption of León. A typical colonial baroque building built between 1747 and 1814. Because of its solid, anti-seismic construction, its walls have endured earthquakes, eruptions of the Cerro Negro volcano, and bombings during civil wars. The Assumption is the largest cathedral in Central America, and has been the first episcopal seat of Nicaragua since 1531, making it one of the oldest dioceses in the Americas. "
The central nave of the basilica. "Seven tunnels start under the church and lead to the other churches in the city. The church has seven cellars that provide stability in the event of earthquakes."
To the right of the central altar was this room.
This stately lion marks the grave of Ruben Dario, Nicaragua's most famous poet. It "resembles the Lion of Lucerne in Switzerland."
Making our way up a narrow staircase we arrived at the bell tower of the church.
There were two sets of these bells. Good thing they didn't ring out while we were standing there, taking off our shoes. We were allowed to walk around on the roof, but only in (soon to be filthy) stocking feet. But it was all worth it for the view and a close-up look at the detail on the roof.
"The church has 34 domes which help provide both ventilation and light; "the building is one of the best naturally illuminated cathedrals in America".
There are "two pairs of Atlantean figures to support the beams that connect the central gable to the flanking bell towers."
Our view of the town, with "Church of el Calvario, a fantasy of textures and colors of pure Leonese baroque" at the end of the street, and the
A closer look at some of the many domes letting in fresh air and light into the church.
As we left the church, we were greeted by these huge dolls. The woman was probably 4 stories high, and the shorter man was probably about 2.5 stories. At 6', I came just up to the second button on the man's jacket. The woman "La Gigantona represents the tall white Spanish women that came with the conquistadors. El Enano Cabezon is a small dwarfish figure with a big head symbolizing the intelligent mestizo (a mix of Spanish people and natives)."
Our next stop was a local market, with a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables.
What looked to be mandarin oranges.
These are by far the biggest papayas we've ever seen! They were huge. (That's a normal sized pineapple standing in front of them.)
Lots of fresh seafood. At least we hoped it was fresh - it was unrefrigerated or iced.
But if you're not in the mood for seafood - how about some fresh iguana? At least we guessed they were for eating - given the cutting board right next to them.
After hours spent walking around León, our tired and thirsty crew took a break for some refreshing local beer (Toña, a pale lager - very good, and inexpensive) and some food (also very good). No iguana on the menu here, thank goodness.
Next: (Day 11) Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala
Prev: (Day 9) Puntarenas, Costa Rica
Panama Canal - Jan 2018