My Boots n Me . com

RSS Feed Homepage

Articles: 1, 2

The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua
2008-01-04 18:06:00
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 Cathedral is unique in that it has a main entrance facade and a smaller rebuilt cathedral behind that. And here is where San Francisco becomes one of my favorite Cathedrals in Granada. The rumor ...

The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua
2007-12-30 19:09:00
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 Granada, she was almost destroyed in civil wars, been rebuilt, and is still a work in progress. She is impressive for her size and views of the city and surrounding countryside. And who can pass up...

A Day In The Life!
2007-12-24 17:26:00
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 neighbors tree so I figured that problem solved itself, and I (hopefully) flushed the iguana down the drain and onto the street (did I mention that all the drains empty onto the streets here?!)A V...
More About: Life , Day In The Life

The Cathedrals of Granada, Nicaragua
2007-12-15 00:52:00
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 18:56:00
I knew very little about Earthship s 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
2007-12-07 01:13:00
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 earth. Such immense beauty makes me want to stop for a few moments and let Mother Nature work her healing charms. Maybe I'll even see the green flash.

Pacific Coast, Nicaragua
2007-12-03 23:17:00
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-incredible!". I wonder if Christopher Columbus ever got anyone annoyed with him?
More About: Coast , Pacific Coast

The Cathedral, Granada, Nicaragua
2007-11-25 21:59:00
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 staircase leading underground to who knows where. No one is talking about what is down there, either. I was told not even to ask the priests for access to this area.The mystery thickens!

Guadalupe Cathedral, Granada, Nicaragua
2007-11-16 00:15:00
There are 6 magnificent cathedrals in Granada , Nicaragua . Huge, massive structures each with its own haunting elegance.This is Guadalupe Cathedral , 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 unto himself.What really intrigues me about these cathedrals is the more-than-just-rumor of an underground tunnel that connects all 6 of them. When you see the cathedrals from higher up, this m...

el Coyotepe Fortress, Nicaragua
2007-10-30 02:17:00
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 every one of us is. Even if others don't choose to see us in that way. How many souls lived and died here are beyond what I can wrap my mind around.
More About: Tepe

Granada, Nicaragua
2007-10-24 22:25:00
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 time.I am looking forward to telling her stories.
More About: Granada

Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
2007-10-21 19:07:00
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 that there will always be this place here on earth that you will feel you belong to.
More About: Tepe

Corn Islands, Nicaragua
2007-10-02 07:37:00
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 enjoyable afternoon snorkeling is Anastasia's. Robert Finley, one of the owners, took time to tell me of the reefs and fish to be found right off the shore here. Robert is a transplant from North Carol...

Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua
2007-09-17 00:50:00
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.
More About: Volcano

Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua
2007-09-16 23:17:00
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. Massive white fluffy clouds blend in with the sulpher dioxide cloud spewed out of the volcano. They blend in together to make some of the most spectacular scenery I have yet experienced here in...

Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua
2007-09-16 18:26:00
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 and become the next sacrifice to the Volcano Gods.This is real raw life stuff...the earth is being born and reshaped right in front of your eyes. And nose. No doubt about it, it smells toxic here...
More About: Nicaragua

Honduras, Central America
2007-09-12 19:47:00
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 Hurricane Parties.On to more serene adventures!
More About: America , Central America , Central

el Remate, Peten, Guatemala
2007-09-02 20:55:00
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 natural elements he uses to create his work.He also tells of times when Lake Peten Itza was home to the fresh water crocodiles that inhabit some of the other lakes in this region. He tells of visions...
More About: Mala

Chiquimula Rodeo, Chiqimula, Guatemala
2007-08-28 19:50:00
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 afternoons or evenings. The fair goes on till the wee wee hours. Lots of bright colours and wonderful smells of summers-gone-by. And cows.
More About: Rodeo , Mala , Odeo , Quim

Tikal, Peten, Guatemala
2007-08-28 19:37:00
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.
More About: Mala

Tikal, Peten, Guatemala
2007-08-28 19:21:00
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. You almost get used to that screaming sound ....Lots of different and exotic species of birds to watch out for as well. That is if you can tear yourself away from the jaw-gaping sights of the ruins ...
More About: Guatemala , Mala

Flores, Peten, Guatemala
2007-08-28 19:13:00
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.
More About: Flores , Mala

Lake Peten Itza, Peten, Guatemala
2007-08-28 18:59:00
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 fish in the lake still dance to the rythms of time.It seeps into your marrow and fills your soul with the timeless life of the jungle. And a refreshing dip into the lake watching the heat lighteni...
More About: Lake , Mala

Fuego Volcano Erupts in Guatemala, August 8, 2007
2007-08-09 22:49:00
Fuego Volcano Erupts in Guatemala , August 8, 2007Being at any place in time where Mother Nature decides to show us what's really up her sleeve is a feeling very hard to express.I'm afraid I ran out of words for this one, so I will let my photos do that for me.Enjoy.
More About: August 8 , Fuego

Fuego Volcano Erupts in Guatemala August 8, 2007
2007-08-09 22:32:00
Fuego Volcano erupted yesterday in Guatemala .The sight of it was life changing. Many people were out in the streets and on the roads looking, taking shots, and generally staring at a once-in-a-lifetime sight. One Guatemalan gentleman in his 60's told me he had never seen this kind of activity in his whole life. He was thrilled to be able to witness it.The sound of it will remain with me for a long time. It was like grumpy thunder that just never stopped grumbling. Deep throated roaring that you could hear miles away.Clouds moved in as evening wore on, obscuring the lava flows and eventually the cone. I haven't even seen anything like this in movies with all the whoop-dee-doo special effects man has created to create something astounding. Maybe there is a lesson to be learnt here. Mother Nature has all the special effects up her sleeve that she can pull out whenever she wants. Beats paying the prices at the theatres.Today Fuego looks calm, though she is shrouded in clouds. Eve...
More About: August , August 8 , Fuego

Volcano Erupts in Guatemala
2007-08-09 06:53:00
Fuego Volcano erupted in Guatemala today.Another shot showing the eruption with lava flows down the side.Some villages at the base of the volcano were evacuated to Antigua.As far as I know these are the first pictures of this eruption on the internet.
More About: Mala

Volcano Erupts in Guatemala
2007-08-09 06:36:00
Feugo Volcano erupted in Guatemala today. Here is a shot I took about an hour ago. Amazing stuff--once in a life time life changing stuff.More shots coming after I can resize them.Life, I tell ya.
More About: Mala

Antigua Guatemala
2007-07-30 23:54:00
I got to Antigua , Guatemala (or La Antigua as most Guatemalans call it) late at night to a spectacular lightining display over the volcanoe. I thought it would make an interesting shot.Like life, nothing comes easy. I know this. I still get frustrated at myself. But I have to laugh as well. Standing in the middle of the street with my camera on a tripod, trying to dodge the traffic (both 4 wheeled and 2 footed) and catch the nanosecond flashes of lightening. It was a Friday night as well so some of the 2 footed traffic was a wee bit unsteady.Won't even admit how many shots I actually took. Guess my reactions are getting slow. Or it was really more fun to watch the display of dancing lights across the mist and low clouds.There are a lot of old buildings here. It used to be the capital of Guatemala way back when. In 1773 an earthquake destroyed most of this city and the capital was moved to Guatemala City. A lot of the destroyed buildings were never rebuilt and today make for some gr...
More About: Mala

San Pedro La Laguna, Solola, Guatemala
2007-07-13 00:48:00
Guatemala is an amazing country. It´s so chock full of history that everywhere you look, another photo op takes place.Most of the local people in this area are Mayan, and speak an ancient dialect called Tzutujil, usually as a first language. Spanish and English are also spoken by a lot of people that deal with tourism.So I took the plunge and signed up for Spanish lessons. After two weeks of thinking I am getting too old for this kind of thing, I can put a sentence together and almost make others understand me. The subtle differences in certain words makes for some fun times. Today I said ... I can go swimming in the Chicken Bus. When you see what a chicken bus is it´s actually pretty funny. So, I am learning. Good thing the Guatemalans have a great sense of humour. And I can laugh at myself.The history of the peoples here is nothing short of astounding. Everything is somehow connected to life .. and you can see this even in your walks around the town. Most of the int...
More About: San Pedro , Guatemala , Laguna , Pedro , La Laguna

Lake Atitlan, Solola, Guatemala
2007-06-19 19:19:00
Mornings on Lake Atitlan, Solola, Guatemala are pretty incredible. There is a misty-fog over the water and the air is surprisingly cool. I've spotted this same fisherman every morning on this particular walk I take along the lake. He always waves back at me ... and sometimes I wonder what he is thinkng. Why anyone would possibly want to take a shot of him doing what he does to eat everyday. Sometimes I feel like a peeping-tommette person spying on someones life like this. Not sure if I have come to terms with doing "people-pictures" yet. I know we all like to see how other people in the world live. But think about it. Would we be very happy if some camera toting tourist wandered along the street where we live and started snapping pictures of us having a drink on the balcony or a BBQ in the back yard? Nice of this man to put up with me in the mornings -- maybe we share a bond of the beauty of this place and the peaceful mornings where the birds and and water are the only sounds that...
More About: Mala