Owner: My Boots n Me URL:http://mybootsnme.blogspot.com/ Join Date: Mon, 16 Apr 2007 15:47:21 -0500 Rating:0 Site Description: Travel, weather and photo information on Vancouver, British Columbia Canada. Photos and maps of regional parks hiking trails, as well as current ferry schedules. Site statistics:Click here
Zapatera Archipelago, Nicaragua 2008-02-25 11:54:00 The Zapatera Archipelago in Nicaragua
consists of Zapatera Volocano and 8 islets, all sitting lazily in sun drenched Lake Nicaragua. One of these islets is Isla del Muerte, or Island of Death. Something to do with human sacrifices.The petroglyph's on these islands are simply amazing and well worth the effort to get here.Another term for petroglyph is "rock art". Makes sense when you see the deeply etched markings on flat rock faces that look like ancient graffiti.The etchings have various styles and shapes. There are literally hundreds of them. I can imagine someone a lot of years ago trying to depict their world as they saw it. Maybe to them plants and animals, and for that matter, humans, did look fanciful and other-worldly. No kidding, some of these creatures look like they have
The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua 2008-01-04 11:06:00 The San Francisco Convent Cathedral complex in Granada
, Nicaragua
is another example of Nicaraguan ingenuity.The buildings cover a square block and consist of the old convent that is now a museum, and the old and new cathedral.I went to a wedding in the cathedral last week. Fairy tale stuff with huge ceilings and ornate works of art. That's besides the plexiglass covered skeletons of some bygone church people that are on either side of the altar. I'll leave the tongue in cheek jokes up to the reader. The place is so huge, bats have made it a permanent cave, and no one seems to mind in the least when they swoop through various religious ceremonies looking for a bug snack. Certainly makes sitting through some of the longer ceremonies an enjoyable study in animal behavior.San Francisco Ca
The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua 2007-12-30 12:09:00 La Merced Catherdral in Granada
, Nicaragua
boasts a pretty kewl bell tower with a sweeping view of the old colonial buildings of Granada and Lake Nicaragua in the background. On a clear day you can see Ometepe Island. So far I haven't seen a day that wasn't clear.The climb to the almost-top of the bell tower is fun. A spiral staircase with steps fit for tiny childlike feet, winds its way upward, enclosed in thick white adobe walls. You can almost imagine the people of days gone by climbing their way up there for the views or the breeze. I don't think you can sit up there contemplating life when the bells are rung. Make the fillings in your head rattle around for a bit I bet.As usual, I can't find a lot written on La Merced Cathedral. Like many of her sister cathedrals here in Granad
A Day In The Life! 2007-12-24 10:26:00 I came home to my rented house yesterday to find a man talking rapidly in Spanish and very excited on my doorstep. After I politely explained in my rudimentary Spanish that I don't speak Spanish, he went away. I went into my back yard to find the coconut tree on fire. Then I spotted a man in the mango tree picking all the mangoes. Since the yard is a fortress I have no idea how he got into the tree. Walking back into the house to find some Spanish speaking help, I hear this gawd-awful noise coming from the down spout ... an iguana had fallen into it and couldn't get himself out. I put the coconut tree fire out with a bucket of water from a barrel (did I mention that the water supply goes out nearly every day?!), never could find out how the guy got up the mango tree but he swung onto the
The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua 2007-12-14 17:52:00 Xalteva Cathedral in Granada
, Nicaragua
, is another pretty impressive sized cathedral.Xalteva actually gets its name from the indigenous settlement that was there long before the Spanish moved in. I can find very little information on these ancient peoples and their culture. But it is supposed to be the oldest part of the city of Granada, and I can believe that.The area that surrounds Xalteva seems to evoke an air of old worldy charm. She has been constructed and reconstructed over the last couple hundred years. Looks pretty spiffy now. The Xalteva Park across the street seems shrouded in sadly worn history.There is also rumor of an underground tunnel here. Xalteva is a few minutes above ground walk to The Cathedral towards Lake Nicaragua. In a straight line. I know it's intriguing!
Earthship, Nicaragua 2007-12-08 11:56:00 I knew very little about Earthships until I visited the Earthship Nicaragua
building site outside of San Juan del Sur yesterday.Dave Kniffen of Earthship Biotecture is heading up this latest project to build houses out of used tires. The plan is to have this house built in 16 days.The idea of sustainable construction is not new. But I believe it is even more important in todays world of limited and endangered almost-everythings.There are lots of very interesting people working on the project as well. It takes a very special kind of person to volunteer to work in another country in the heat to help teach others something new.The human spirit is alive and well in our world. It shows in projects like this.
San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua 2007-12-06 18:13:00 San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
offers up some pretty awesome, not overdone sunsets. The kind that make you stop for a few moments during your mad rush to do whatever and just look ... and let Mother Nature work her healing charms on your frazzled nerve endings.I have never seen the "green flash" sunsets that so many people talk about. I think if you have enough cocktails in the evenings, you could make the flash any colour you want it to be. But I understand this is a very real phenomena. The green flash, not the cocktails.San Juan del Sur has become a mecca for surfing over the last decade or so. Apparently the waves here are like no others in the world. I am finding that out about the whole of Nicaragua. There are places here that defy imagination. And are like no other places on ea Read more:San Juan
Pacific Coast, Nicaragua 2007-12-03 16:17:00 Just when I thought I had seen the most spectacular ocean scenery ever, I took a trip to a small community on the Pacific
coast of Nicaragua
called Casares.Casares is about 70 km south east of Managua or about an hour and half drive from Granada. Right on the ocean. With miles of open fields and views of volcanoes to boot. I'm not sure it gets much better than this. I can't even get it all in on one photo. And its definitely off the beaten touristy trail.Personally, I don't like the beaten touristy trail places. I like getting out and "discovering" these stunningly beautiful places myself. Okay, so maybe I am not the first one to leave my footprints on the beach here. But I sure make everyone I am with really, really annoyed with me when I keep saying "Oh-my-gosh-this-is-soooo-incr Read more:Coast
The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua 2007-11-25 14:59:00 The Cathedral is one of the most spectacular buildings in Granada
. It dominates Central Park and has a view of Lake Nicaragua
to boot.The original building was destroyed by fire in 1856. I can only imagine what inferno would be responsible to wiping out a whole building of this size. Must have been pretty impressive. Get out the weinies and marshmellows.She was rebuilt in 1880, renovated again in 1905, and when I walked by a couple days ago she was getting a new coat of paint outside. I like new clothes, too. Makes you feel dressed up and special. Just in time for Christmas.I walked around inside of The Cathedral and peeked behind the altar. Found something that makes the rumour of the tunnel connecting the cathedrals of Granada even more solid. There is a gated and locked staircas
Guadalupe Cathedral, Granada, Nicaragua 2007-11-15 17:15:00 There are 6 magnificent cathedrals in Granada
, Nicaragua
. Huge, massive structures each with its own haunting elegance.This is GuadalupeCathedral
, built in 1626. Honest. I don't kid about this history stuff. Frankly, I can't stretch my mind far enough back to imagine yesterday, much less over 300 years ago. So, being a wee bit older than most of us, I guess we can excuse Guadalupe for being a bit stained and worn. You should see me before morning coffee!I can't find a lot written about Guadalupe. She was used by William Walker (the man who tried to be King of Nicaragua .. everyone has a dream!) in 1856 as his last stand in Granada. Nice digs for a last ditch effort at taking over a country. Didn't work out for Bill, though. He could have been a whole trilogy of psychology books u
el Coyotepe Fortress, Nicaragua 2007-10-29 20:17:00 el Coyotepe Fortress
is in Masaya, Nicaragua
, a few minutes drive from Granada.The Fortress was built in 1893 by President Zelaya and was used to observe enemies invading Nicaragua.A dungeon was built below the fortress during the Somoza reign and was used for political prisoners. About 800 people could fit into the cells. There are also torture rooms here. No kidding. Pretty spooky place.It is pretty dark, quiet and cool below ground here. A strange kind of peace now invades this place. When I visited it, there were lots of school children laughing and playing in the sunshine above ground. Below ground there were spiders and the echoes of times past. I was glad to stumble my way back out into the sunshine.Places like this help teach us so much about life. How precious each and ev
Granada, Nicaragua 2007-10-24 15:25:00 Granada City, Nicaragua
was founded in 1524 by Francisco Hernandez de Cordoba.Granada is steeped in history and charm. From the tales of William Walker to the restoration of its many cathedrals, Granada is a city that can be discovered by all of your senses.I have fallen in love with this old colonial town. She sits on the edge of Lake Nicaragua and has a very cosmopolitan feel. People from all over the world live here. You can sit in sidewalk cafes in the evenings and hear several languages being spoken. The people that live and visit here are all very friendly and welcoming. A place to truly feel how small the world really is.I have yet to discover all of Granada. She holds hidden gardens and works of art. She tells her secrets slowly for those that want to hear the legends of t Read more:Granada
Ometepe Island, Nicaragua 2007-10-21 12:07:00 I keep finding some pretty amazing places here in Nicaragua
. Omotepe Island
is one of those.Ometepe Island is formed by 2 volcanoes, Maderas and Concepcion, with an isthmus between. She sits in Lake Nicargua and boasts at being the world's highest lake island.Ometepe is incredibly beautiful. From the ever-changing views of the volcanoes to Howler monkeys, tales of pirate treasure to some of the best coffee I have ever tasted, this island paradise slowly seeps into your soul.There are few places on earth that I feel an instant affinity for. Ometepe Island is now one of those. It's almost impossible to describe this feeling. You just know it "is." And once you accept that these things happen in life, then you can sit back and let the Earth Spirits work their magic on you. And know th
Corn Islands, Nicaragua 2007-10-02 00:37:00 There are 2 islands off the eastern coast of Nicaragua
, Big Corn and Little Corn Islands
. Both have very unique charm and laid back atmospheres.Getting to the Corn Islands is not for the faint of heart if you choose not to fly in. There are 2 ferries (one takes cars if you have wheels you want to bring along) and "pangas". All travel on the Rio Escondido, a large muddy river that acts as a major transportation route from el Rama to Bluefields and the Corn Islands.This whole area is steeped in humidity and history. From tales of pirates and treasure to the colour and accents of its people, it is truly a magical place seemingly lost in time.There are several interesting and unique places to visit on Big Corn Island. One of my favorite places to grab some good island food and an enjoyab
Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua 2007-09-16 17:50:00 Masaya is an active volcano in Nicaragua
.It spews out sulpher dioxide in huge billowing clouds. That combines with the rain to make "acid rain."No doubt about this acid rain being nasty stuff. It's choking to even try and breath through.But it makes for some pretty amazing sights.The rain clouds fly up over the lip of the volcano and smack right into the sulpher cloud. In a cataclysmic white-out that engulfs everything in its wake. It cuts visibility down to almost zero. And burns your mouth and throat. Probably messes up the paint job on the cars parked anywhere near it, too.I don't think the cross is helping keep this devil "acid rain" at bay. I'm sure I heard Mother Nature having a good giggle over the whole thing.
Read more:Volcano
Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua 2007-09-16 16:17:00 Masaya Volcano
National Park in Nicaragua
is a fascinating place of other-worldly scenery.The Masaya Caldera is made up of 5 different craters, San Pedro, Santiago, Nindiri, San Juan and Masaya.This cross is on Santiago Crater and was built there by the Spaniards in the 16th Century. It is named "La Cruz de Bobodilla" after Father Fancisco Bobadilla, and was placed on the lip of the crater in order to exorcise the devil. Okay, I'm pretty sure it's not the exact same cross, since I saw metal bolts holding it together. But you get the idea ...... they thought this was the mouth of hell. And an appeasement to any god would have been a good thing. Except for the eruptions that followed throughout history. Not everything works according to plan.Everything here is big. Even the sky is big.
Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua 2007-09-16 11:26:00 The Santiago Crater of Masaya Volcano
is huge. So big it's almost hard to imagine in a shot without some reference to size...like the teeny cars in the view above.Driving up to the crater through Masaya Volcano National Park makes you feel like you are in a totally different world. Lava flows with jagged rocks of all sizes litter this eerily beautiful landscape.Your first glimpse of the cross marks Santiago Crater. Huge billowing clouds of sulpher dioxide "smoke" look like visions of the end of the world. And smell like it.You are asked to park you car backside in at the viewing area because of the activity of this volcano in the recent past. Which is totally understandable when you see the fractures in huge chunks of rock seemingly ready to take the plunge over the side of the crater a Read more:Nicaragua
Honduras, Central America 2007-09-12 12:47:00 I took a couple days to get through Honduras
, which certainly doesn't do this jaw-dropping-incredible-scenery country justice.There are uncountable miles of sugar cane fields set amid a backdrop of rolling hills and thunderstorms. Something out of "The Earth is Being Born" movie making material.Hurricane Felix went through part of Honduras, wrecking havoc and lives. Life just seems so ironic and unjust sometimes. The areas effected are the hardest to reach in terms of aid and support.I waited out Hurricane Felix in Guatemala. I am chicken of submitting myself to Mother Natures snarky moods on the world. I like peace and calm and blue skies. But to know and understand what makes life good, we need to experience the bad. Maybe not first hand anymore. I think I may be getting too old for the Read more:America
, Central
el Remate, Peten, Guatemala 2007-09-02 13:55:00 There is a small town called el Remate on the road to Tikal, Guatemala
.The highlight of visiting this town was meeting local Guatemalan artist Erwin Bendfeldt, a truly unique and passionate sculptor.Erwin owns and operates the Sak Luk Hotel.In my opinion, the Sak Luk is Erwins unbounded imagination living in real life on his property. Every place you look you will find another unique piece of his artwork, some tucked between tropical plants that he collects for their healing properties.Besides an adventure for the senses to visit, the Sak Luk offers some excellent Italian food. Erwin is half Italian so his pasta dishes are mouth slurping good.I had a chance to talk to Erwin in depth about his artwork, and got a better sense of the sheer passion and love he has for his country and the nat
Chiquimula Rodeo, Chiqimula, Guatemala 2007-08-28 12:50:00 Chiquimula is home to a big rodeo here in Guatemala
. Cowboys from Costa Rica, USA, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador all come to compete in the latest bull riding techniques.This is a huge event in Chiquimula. The ladies are dressed in their finest tight-tight jeans and cropped shirts. The men all have the latest in western hats and belt buckles. And some even carry side firearms. Which are legal here with a permit I am told. Must be for those pesky stray critters that wander out at night. The bull riding event is very intense...with lots of cheering for the favorite rider. The bulls just look hot and annoyed and want the whole thing over with. I can't blame them for looking ticked off. It's hot in Chiquimula in the afternoon. And dusty. Everything usually gets done is the cool afternoo Read more:Rodeo
Tikal, Peten, Guatemala 2007-08-28 12:37:00 I don't think enough can be said about Tikal
, Peten, Guatemala
.It's history alone would take years to fully understand, and then a lot of it is speculation at best.Tikal seems to be in the middle of no where. Jungle no where. I was told the reason Tikal flourished was the presence of flint in the area to make weapons. Makes sense. There are several archaeological sites surrounding Tikal. The most recent discovery being in the el Mirador Basin that is being excavated and restored now. The tallest Mayan building is here and the restoration project is being run by Dr. Richard Hansen.I am still letting all of this seep into my being. Truly life changing images and experiences.
Tikal, Peten, Guatemala 2007-08-28 12:21:00 Tikal
is simply one of the most incredible archaeological sites in the world.The site itself is in a national park that covers approximately 576 square kilometers. There is ongoing restoration work being done so some of the structrures, even though you can still climb up to them, are not totally visible due to scapholding. Not a problem as the hundreds of other buildings are almost sensory overloading in their sheer size and splendor.You have no doubt you are in the jungle when you visit Tikal. The paths to the building complexes are through paths cut in the huge jungly trees. Spider and howler monkeys live in the tree tops, and the sound of their calls is enough to make your knees turn to jelly the first time you hear them. They are quite active in the early morning and afternoon. Y Read more:Guatemala
Flores, Peten, Guatemala 2007-08-28 12:13:00 Flores
is the capital of Peten, Guatemala
. It is set on an island joining the mainland by a manmade causeway.Flores is one of the main tourist destinations on the way to Tikal. There are lots of small hotels, hostels, and eatery places here to explore and enjoy.There is a small island off of Flores that is home to a working museum of many different items. Old radios and some gadgets I could not figure out what they were used for. Lots of Mayan artifacts and a very interesting curator that is a whole story himself. Well worth the short lancha (boat) trip to visit and spend an enjoyable hour or two chatting away in the shade of the ceiba tree that seems to dominate the space here.
Lake Peten Itza, Peten, Guatemala 2007-08-28 11:59:00 Lake Peten Itza is on the road to Tikal, Peten, Guatemala
. I'm not sure if many people that go to Tikal realize that this beautiful gem is just waiting for you to take a refreshing dip or just sit and enjoy the almost unbelivable Caribbean colours.I spent almost a week here exploring her secrets. There used to be fresh water crocodiles living here, sadly they are gone now. But the local people remember the "time of the crocodiles" with almost mythical memory. In the middle of the Peten jungle that is not hard to envision.There are several small towns dotting the shores of the lake. All sleepy and slow in the jungle heat, and alive with life forms of different kinds. Birds so many as to remain a constant background of a cacaphony. Insects bigger than most humming birds. Turtles and
San Jose, Costa Rica 2008-03-26 13:07:00 Costa Rica is between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America.San Jose
is the capital as well as the largest city in Costa Rica. Her people are warm, friendly and extremely welcoming.After spending months in Granada, Nicaragua, it was a very nice sojourn to come to San Jose and enjoy the cooler temperatures that her elevation offers. Honest, I needed a blanket at night. I had real goose bumps, the first I had seen in many months of traveling throughout Central America. Nice surprise to know they are still alive and well.San Jose is an amazing city to walk around. There is so much to discover here, universities, museums, arts and entertainment. The old sits alongside the new and both seem to dance in a harmony of life that is truly impressive. I sat in a coffee house enjoying some very Read more:Costa Rica
Fire Ants of Cental America 2008-04-07 18:08:00 Ever since coming to Central America
, I have discovered these little critters. They look innocent enough, just plain ol' ants, right? You see them everywhere in the world. You tend to ignore them.Wrong. These little guys have jaws of steel. They bite, and run off with a chunk of your flesh for a fast food take-away. People here call them fire ants. No kidding.I had no idea there were so many hundreds of different kinds of ants. All shapes and sizes and colors. They even have different kinds of legs, bodies, and eyes. Kind of like humans I guess. I know a few people that have a stinging personality. Nice eyes, though.I've seen some Leaf Cutter ants here in Central America. They are fascinating to watch as they demolish a plant into pieces and tote it off through the jungle to the
Plants of Central America 2008-04-13 15:13:00 Bougainvillea is such an odd name for such a beautiful plant. I never get tired of seeing all the various shades and colours of this flower in all its glorious settings. There are hotels and resorts borrowing its name to describe their properties. Understandably.There are a lot of plants here that are used for medicinal purposes. Everything from a reported cure for cancer to treating skin conditions.I've even discovered a whole branch of science I never knew existed. Ethnobotany, which studies the relationship between plants and cultures. When I look at the intricacies of life and its inter reactions, I feel humbled and proud all at the same time. And develop a hunger to know more about this incredible world we live in.
Read more:America
, Central
, Plants
National Zoo of Nicaragua 2008-04-23 19:39:00 I recently spent an enjoyable day at the NationalZoo
of Nicaragua
, the Parqueo Zoologica Nicaragua.There is a very impressive butterfly enclosure there. I don't know a lot about butterflies, but I like the names they've been given. Hairstreaks and brushfoots, monarchs and glasswings. The longer I walked among their serene beauty, the more I wanted to learn about them.Some butterflies actually migrate. Monarch butterflies are capable of making transatlantic crossing. The Glasswing butterfly has see-through wings.I also learnt that butterflies display lekking behaviour. I know, I had to look that one up myself. Lekking is where a group of males, usually the same ones, get together, usually in the same place, to show off for the purpose of attracting a beautiful mate. Kind of like
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