On Friday, June 5 the group visited the beautiful city of Granada. This colonial city, nestled at the base of Volcan Mombacho and along the shores of Lake Nicaragua (Lago Cocibolca), is known to be one of the earliest European-initiated cities in North America founded by the Spaniards in 1524. The architecture is well preserved and many areas have been beautifully and colorfully restored.
The Granada CathedralA view of the Parque Colon from the Cathedral bell towerA picturesque view of Granada from the Cathedral bell tower
In the morning students visited the Antiguo Convento San Francisco which records and displays much of the pre-Columbian past of Nicaragua. The group also visited a local cultural center where many artists were at work.
Students take in a display of an indigenous harvest ceremonyNatalie and other students admire pre-Columbian statues discovered on Zapatera island over a century ago.Emma the artist exploring and capturing some of the art preserved in Antiguo Convento San Francisco.
Brianne, Sophie and Maddie learning from a painter hard at work.Emily S. and others admiring the colorful and creative artwork of local artists.
In the afternoon, we made our way by panga to a small private resort island not far off the shores of Lake Nicaragua- a much needed time of rest, relaxation, and fun for the group who had been hard at work with Spanish classes, lectures, journal writing, traveling and many important formative conversations.
Some island paradise time…
Peter, Ben and David P. enjoying some kayaking on Lake NicaraguaAh, pescado (fish) for lunch.Poolside conversation…
Check out more pictures of the day in the gallery below.
Part of the Granada skylineRooftops of GranadaGroup travel-preparing to enter Antiguo Convento San FranciscoAntiguo Convento San FranciscoThe lovely courtyard of Antiguo Convento San FranciscoA depiction of an indigenous harvest ceremonyArt en miniatureHugo Chavez en miniature. A model of the Granada Cathedral.Model of the Granada CathedralPeter, Aaron, Tasha and Molly listening intently to our guideThe colors and culture of the Antiguo Convento San Francisco gift shopPeter in the Antiguo Convento San Francisco gift shopEmily S. taking in the gift shop at Antiguo Convento San FranciscoViewing pre-Columbian artBrianne taking in the alter-ego statues of Zapatera IslandTaking in Volcan Mombacho from a different viewpoint. Students climbed it a few weeks before. Wow!Volcan Mombacho in the distanceSophie taking in the alter-ego statues of Zapetera IslandModel of the city of Granada and different types of architecture over timeReligious ArtReligious ArtReligious ArtReligious ArtReligious artNicaraguan healthcare…Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.Aaron taking a break.Jesse checking his photos along the way.David J. helping Mira.Luke and Wade taking a break.Isaiah and Maria twinning it in the rocking chairs at Antiguo Convento San Francisco.A local artist shares with Brianne, Sophie, Maddie and JesseSophie and Emily V. watching an artist at workMira in a quiet momentIsaiah in the gift shop at Antiguo Convento San FranciscoLuke and Maddie practice their salsa moves in some free momentsTeamwork-Maddie helps Jesse secure his backpackArt at a local cultural centerPeter and others take in the beautiful colorsBen admiring artA young artist at workThe Cathedral in GranadaGranada Cathedral from a distanceGranada CathedralColorful GranadaInside the cathedral-balcony viewInside the cathedralFrom the cathedral bell towerIn the cathedral bell towerRooftops of GranadaA picturesque view of Granada from the cathedral bell tower From the cathedral bell towerInside the Granada CathedralInside the Granada CathedralDynamics of group travelIsland boundEmily and Erin ready to reach the island to relaxBeautiful Volcan MombachoIsland boundIsland boundBen takes a break from paddling with Peter and David P.Peter, Ben and David P. kayakingIsaiah and Luke continue to show offMolly is puzzled by Isaiah & Luke showing offBen & Sophie having funBrianne helping Mira swimYoderling innertube funPoolside conversation…Poolside chat…Playin’ cardsThose dots/figures in the background are SST’ers…while Brianne, Emma and Emily relax in the poolLuke and David on Lake NicaraguaMolly enjoying some alone time in the kayak on Lake Nicaragua
