Border Run - Take 2

We decided to go to Granada, Nicaragua for our second border trip before we knew how much longer the bus ride was.  How much longer you ask?  Much, much longer.  Also, it was a different bus route than the bus we had taken to San Juan del Sur.  A bus route that left much, much earlier from San Jose.  *Sigh*  Did I mention already that we are not morning people?

Since the alarm was already set ridiculously early, we decided to go ahead and wake up an hour beforehand. I hope our neighbors appreciate the rare pre-dawn siting of an Athy!
New improved travel bag includes: scarf, in case bus A/C is cranked; water supply, in case it's not; almonds, to stave off hunger in quasi-hostage situation that bus ride resembles; fully loaded Kindle, to take advantage of blessed time to read; own supply of toilet paper, rendering me invincible!

We stayed at a great place called Casa del Agua (http://www.casadelaguagranada.com/).  It is very close to the central park and is run by a cheery Irishman named Gerry.  He was very generous and forthcoming with restaurant and sightseeing advice.  From 5 pm on, he could be found at the closest pub!

Awesome husband in charge of keys and water!

Courtyard pool!

Granada gave us more of a taste of what Nicaragua is really like.  Even though it is still a big tourist spot, it is nothing like San Juan del Sur.  For starters, we got ripped off by our cab driver first thing after staggering off the bus.  The ride to the hotel was supposed to cost around $3.00 and we were charged $8.  We were too exhausted, overheated and disoriented to argue about it, so we just paid it.  For another thing, there are numerous street children, something we have never seen in Costa Rica. 

More scenes from around the city:

Restaurants we went too were El Camello (curry!!), The Garden Cafe (lovely and cool courtyard setting)  and Monna Lisa (excellent authentic Italian pizza).