Today was an island tour along Lake Nicaragua.  We learned that 5 years ago, one could buy an entire island for $300-500.  Now, they run $300,000-500,000.  Guess we missed out.

Islands in Lake NIcaragua

We also learned that “heron” means both “high” and “think” in the local Indian language.  Who knew?

A heron who took off at just the right moment

We also got to see my favorite….monkeys!  Six of them have been placed on one of the islands by a local vet.  They live off fruit given to them each day by the tourists.  Sad, but still cute.

And, we topped off the day by going to a Carnival parade.  Yes, Carnival, in August.  Go figure.  Parades here are just a wee bit different than those we are used to.  First, although the population of Granada is only about 120,000, the parade lasted for nearly 3 hours. Of course, part of the reason it lasted so long is that various vendors joined in the parade so one could buy beer, rum, cotton candy and ice cream cones between each group participating in the parade.  And, no barriers!  So you could get as close to the parade participants as you wanted, cross the street when you wanted, etc.  I will say I don’t think I have seen so many boys in bikinis since my last Pride parade in Boystown…

Rumor is that tomorrow there will be a running of the bulls.  Can’t wait!