Dancing on the volcano

Today is Dia de Mujer (women’s day) so to all women who read this: congratulations. That is at least what I wished my female colleagues in the office this morning. La directora also dedicated a speech on this occasion, so it is quite a big event here. Perhaps because the position of women here leaves more to be desired than in Europe, where it is not really so omnipresent. But perhaps also because the leftist Ortega government openly propagates it, with billboards and all. This guy is very present in the streets anyway, this populist can’ t be missed.
My first days in the ICCO office Managua and already feeling at home. Today I gave an introduction in EU funding, and it was a lively discussion. I grabbed a sandwich for lunch, risking my life while I had to cross the highway (there was no other way). Then I spent the afternoon with several one on one conversations on the financial system and some tough project files. Now I am enjoying a strong internet signal and hurrying to finish this blog, though with this length it is more a novel. Oh, I promised some stories on last Sunday. Yes, I went to see the volcano, nowhere to be seen so close as in Masaya. La boca del infierno, hell’s mouth, as it is called since 1722 when one of the worst eruptions took place. Funny was that it even figured in Wie is de Mol, a few weeks back, that was filmed in this country. But the brilliant thing was that, after that, I even climbed a second volcano, the 1344 m high Mombacha. Totally different, no smoke, but a beautiful walk around the crater, through abundant cloud forest to a stunning view on Granada, Laka Apoyo and the giant Lake Nicaragua. You could literally see the map of Nicaragua, about 50 km around, and even the Pacific was visible. Amazing. Also the drive back down was an adventure, with 40% steep decline, in a old truck. I danced on two volcanoes in one day. Back at the parking, Steve, my driver, and I headed for Granada, Nicaragua’s finest colonial gem, with all you expect from a Spanish colonial town. Baroque churches, colourful veranda houses, a plaza mayor full of trees and siniging birds. But we did not wait there as we went straight on to the boats to get a relaxed tour around the 365 islands, or Isletas, a kind of ‘ Het Gooi’ of Granada: all rich and famous Nicaraguans, and even more gringos have their villa here, on their own islands. But the good news is you and I can join them: often you see ‘For Sale’ signs. Ranging from USD 20.000 to 500.000. Mmm something to think about… my own island. But with all those tourists boats passing by… no, better not to. You can see that this definitely is the most touristic part of the country. too bad still so few people profit by it… hope it will change for the better. At least the conservationists do a good job here, with strict rules to build and very clean water.
With a smooth sunset we went back and called it a day. And what a day it was. And I did not even see nearby Ometepe island, supposed to be the most beautiful site here. Well, it was printed on my borrowed t-shirt (thanks Arnoud!). So I do have to come back once… with some more time in my pocket.