Los Angeles Adventure

Yesterday, we went on a day-long adventure to visit Emma’s host family from last summer in Los Angeles. We met early for coffee at a nearby café and then headed down to the public bus station. We found seats on the bus early, and proceeded to sit there for about 40 minutes in the heat, as the bus filled to standing room only. The two and a half hour ride to Los Angeles was hot!


The bus traveled along the north shore of Lake Nicaragua until it reached a river crossing. The bus then drove up on a barge, which was attached to a cable. A modified motor pulled us across the river (via the cable), quite the experience! Gianni and Porter had climbed up on the roof of the bus for the crossing. When we arrived at the other side, the bus driver took off quickly, leaving the boys “stuck” on the roof. They had the best time finishing out the last hour of the ride from above.


We arrived in Los Angeles to warm greetings. After sharing gifts, pictures and stories. We sat down for conversation, games and refreshments on the front porch. Gianni and Porter played soccer with several boys. The visit was too short. We said our goodbyes and headed back to Granada on the bus. The return trip was quicker and the bus was not as full. After dinner, it was, you guessed it, another night of dancing!

Photos from this adventure start here.

Rest Day

After two days of excursions, Friday was a day of rest. In the afternoon we went for a long walk around town and enjoyed more conversation in the courtyard of the Euro Café. After dinner it was another night of dance lessons at Casa Xalteva and then early to bed.

Masaya Markets

On Thursday, we went shopping in the nearby city of Masaya. We started at the new, peoples market, buying crafts and gifts to bring home. Everything was very cheap. The prize purchase was Porter’s new machete. Next, we went to the more famous artisan market for more shopping. While we were there, we were treated to a show of traditional dance and song. We stat down for dinner next to stage right and ate as we watched two, more modern, rock bands. When we arrived home, we cleaned up and headed out for another night of dancing!

El Volcán Masaya

Sorry for not posting yesterday. The power went out for most of the day and we had a busy evening of shopping, dinner, watching a concert and dancing. More to come on that in the next post.


Wednesday evening, we went on our first excursion to the Masaya Volcano. It was an incredible adventure. After entering Nicaragua's first national park, we spent a half hour learning about the volcano at a museum. Next, we drove to the top of the active crater. It was a long way down to the hole of fire! A guide from the park joined us as we walked to a summit overlook (the cross). The views of the craters and countryside were incredible in the waning sky. On the way down the wind shifted and we raced to the bottom, coughing, to avoid the sulfur-laced smoke. We climbed to the highest crater for more views and explanations of the area.


On to the caves we went. After getting geared up, we climbed down in a lava tube. We made it to 200 vertical feet below the surface. Roots from plants were still growing, seeking out moisture and bat poop for nutrients. We went to another lava tube that is closed to human traffic. We took turns entering the mouth of the cave. As night fell thousands of bats flew out over and around our heads. There are some incredible pictures to see as the bats came inches from us on their way out.


By now, the dark of night was well upon us. We went to another overlook to see the active crater hole. We could see the large glow of lava and smoke directly below us as we clung to a cement pole. Unfortunately, pictures of the lava didn't come out. However, we did post many more pictures from Wednesday, so be sure to take a look.

Day Three Preview

Classes this morning, then lunch and a relax. At 3:30 we are leaving for an excursion to the active Masaya Volcano. We are going to visit a museum, explore caves, hike to the summit and watch the lava at night. Check back tomorrow morning for updates.

A Hot One

Another day of lessons, lunch, a tour and dancing...after lunch we walked the beach area along Lake Nicaragua and then stopped for refreshments at a cafe on the way home. After dinner, it was dance lessons again, this time bachata. We just uploaded 50 pictures from Emma's camera, so check out the photos.

Dance Lessons

Casa Xalteva had two women come teach us salsa. Next time it's the bachata. Gianni took this short video.