As the two early bird photographers, Lisa and I left at 7.30 am for a walk around town. As expected it was very quiet ... With the street cleaners cleaning up after last night’s fireworks, a nun off somewhere, the street hawkers going to their sites … In fact, town was far too quiet. Plus there were a few who simply had too much to drink the previous night or probably early this morning! Happens all round the world.
 
Xalteva Church had an early morning service on, La Merced Church was closed so we could not climb the bell tower to have this view over Granada, 4 money changers on a street corner outside the slot machine place, Central Park had a few people including the shoe shiners, passing the Cathedral which was closed, San Francisco Church where the candles were being lit for the day. Just loved the music that was being played … not exactly traditional church music. Passed Guadalupe Church - closed and down to the Lake Nicaragua shore.

Seeing the very modern looking Ruben Dario Monument as we drove to the boat trip yesterday, I wanted to see it for myself. This appears on the cover of the city map. When I was standing away from and walking towards the monument it appear just to be black. Was it a bit of creative design work that was used on the picture on the map? See for yourself as I also got the reflection of the clouds and trees. Amazing.

Very windy at the lake shore and we wondered how the kayakers were getting on.

Back up Calle La Calzada and a breakfast stop at the Chocolate Cafeteria. Of course it had to be something with Chocolate! Chocolate Fever - Order of chocolate covered with pancakes and musling. Bowl of seasonal fruits and fresh juice for US $ 5 and a Guava smoothie for US $ 3.

The main Cathedral was open and a service was on. Then back to La Merced Church and that also had a service on and access to the bell tower was closed.

Heard yesterday about the bustling local market and yes, it certainly was but I suspect that it was even busier yesterday as the locals were shopping stocked up for their last night‘s evening meal …. and dirty with so much smelly rubbish on the ground.
 
Back towards the hotel and would it be third time lucky for La Merced Church bell tower? No, it was closed.
 
Wish that I could have gone up higher to capture today’s sunset but alas not so. Had to settle it from just outside the hotel.

Christmas Dinner at Nectar. It was unfortunate that half the group had eaten there at lunchtime after their morning’s kayaking trip and didn’t want to eat there twice so they went to a local pizza place instead. The rest of us enjoyed the street boys performance at our curb side table. Yes, those still images are well and truly out of focus but do look at the 25 or so sec video clip (to be uploaded later). Should have taken more short video clips where the low lighting was fine for that but certainly not my stills and for some their fast double jointed action. Didn’t want to use my flash.

For me I tried a typical Nicaraguan meat dish. Indio Viejo which is full of contrasts and surprises. Hearty beef along with the bright acidity and sweetness of fruit, a dish reminiscent of warm sweet polenta yet it is full of fresh green mint served with rice, beans, maduro and avocado. C $ 160 / NZ $ 7.60 / US $ 6.20.