Thursday, February 03, 2005
Elephant on Vacation
I'm so out of here....
Ok, just a not to say that I'm out of here for a week. I'm packing my bags and heading someplace warm. Nicaragua actually. Why? I'm not sure. Originally I was planning a trip to the Caribbean, but its rather expensive this time of year and a visit to Nicaragua was 1/3 the cost of a trip to a Caribbean Island. Nicaragua as you may know, is a fledgling democracy in Central America, a country that's been pushed around throughout its history by the good ole USA, but interestingly enough, it is one of the safest countries in Latin American and is frequently noted as being the next Costa Rica.
My trip will take me to four cities. Granada on the northern shore of Lake Nicaragua, Masaya a little north of Granada, Managua (the capital) and Leon, north of Managua. Granada and Leon are known for their Spanish colonial charm, Masaya for it's large volcano and native crafts market and Managua...well its know primarily for having been destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s/1970s, they didn't rebuild so much as start from scratch next to the ruins.
Activities will include a jungle canopy zip line tour, a volcano hike, visit to a coffee plantation, relaxing, and practicing me espanol. If an internet connection is available, I'll do my best to post some updates.
Some interesting info on Nicaragua and its cities:
Granada
http://www.costarica-net-guide.com/granada.html
Leon
http://www.costarica-net-guide.com/leon.html
History of Nicaragua
Elephant will return on Valentines Day!
Ok, just a not to say that I'm out of here for a week. I'm packing my bags and heading someplace warm. Nicaragua actually. Why? I'm not sure. Originally I was planning a trip to the Caribbean, but its rather expensive this time of year and a visit to Nicaragua was 1/3 the cost of a trip to a Caribbean Island. Nicaragua as you may know, is a fledgling democracy in Central America, a country that's been pushed around throughout its history by the good ole USA, but interestingly enough, it is one of the safest countries in Latin American and is frequently noted as being the next Costa Rica.
My trip will take me to four cities. Granada on the northern shore of Lake Nicaragua, Masaya a little north of Granada, Managua (the capital) and Leon, north of Managua. Granada and Leon are known for their Spanish colonial charm, Masaya for it's large volcano and native crafts market and Managua...well its know primarily for having been destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s/1970s, they didn't rebuild so much as start from scratch next to the ruins.
Activities will include a jungle canopy zip line tour, a volcano hike, visit to a coffee plantation, relaxing, and practicing me espanol. If an internet connection is available, I'll do my best to post some updates.
Some interesting info on Nicaragua and its cities:
Granada
http://www.costarica-net-guide.com/granada.html
Leon
http://www.costarica-net-guide.com/leon.html
(Someone's pictures of Granada, Leon, Managua)
History of Nicaragua
Elephant will return on Valentines Day!
