CORINTO, NICARAGUA

CORINTO, NICARAGUA

 

34C with only 25% humidity under clear skys

 

The dock in Corinto is just a short walk from the edge of the village.

 

We did not book an excursion here as I didn’t want to take pictures through a window of a bus. So, after a leisurely breakfast on the balcony, we headed off of the ship into town.

This is definitely the poorest of the ports so far but with this country having experience such a violent recent history the people seemed very friendly. We walked through many neighbourhoods and passed by many very interesting homes and gardens.

Bicycles are the main mode of transportation. It was Good Friday so there were lots of families enjoying their front yards. Some were all piled into small blow-up swimming pools. The bikes seldom have only one person on them. Can be up to 3 people. Like two adults and a child. Not uncommon.

Also no taxi’s in town. They used the 3 to 5 wheeled prams. Rear powered by a strong legged young person. The prams were often quite ornate in their décor, curtains, flags and padded seats.

Some of the homes are very clean and comfortable looking. Car garage and all.

One little boy was holding a parakeet and as people passes he would say, “Photo?” For a buck it would have made a cute picture. Noticing a very strong police/military presence I wasn’t sure what the reaction would be. I waited for them to move on but they didn’t so I didn’t get the picture.

These mangos were about 3 times the size of the mangos that we purchase here in our markets. They looked so good but we didn't try them and we were not allowed to take fruit back onto the ship.

The people have a very strong Spanish influence as far as physical features are concerned. The market place features were jewellery, wood carvings, coffee and ceramic vases and masks. You could also get wonderful looking hammocks. How to get them home??? And then when you do get them home, how often will you use it? Maybe tie it from one end of the balcony to the other and swing 19 stories above the street!!

We walked right through town and reached the ocean on the other side.
 

It was hot and we were getting tired to we hired a Pram to take us back to the market which wasn’t that far from the ship. What a riot. The interesting thing is that the local residents use them as well so there are many of these contraptions all over the place. $5.00 got us across town and back to the market place. The peddler had to work pretty hard so he go $10.00 plus was willing to pose for this picture.

 

 

We came across this church which was open and welcoming. The side walls were very open to allow air to move through the building. The crucifix at the front was covered in a massive purple cloth. I was Good Friday. We sat in the shade of the church for a rest and while we rested we heard this mournful sound from a band so we went to see what that was all about.

Here, coming down the street, was small Good Friday procession. The church clergy, in full service garb, were leading the parade following a lady carrying a cross. Behind the clergy was a “float” on which was a statue of Jesus carrying a cross. About 12 people, men and women, were carrying this float on their shoulders. Via Delarosa fashion. On either side of the ’float’ there were two smaller platforms being carried by up to 6 people each. On these platforms were statues of the Mary. One white and one black. Not sure of the significance of that.


This procession slowly made it’s way down the street, turned, and continued straight into the church. Lucy and I found this very moving for a Good Friday reminder. I took a video but it is almost three minutes in length so I will not try and upload that until after we get back.

 

After that we went to a local sidewalk café and had something cold to drink. Fanta for a $1.00 and a Cerveca also for a $1.00.

After a few more photo opportunities and it was time to head back to the ship and a very late lunch on the Lido Patio.

Tonight’s entertainment in the Vista Theatre was comedian and Ventriloquist Kevin Johnson. Some of you might remember him from the America’s Got Talent show as runner up winner. He has also recently appeared on David Letterman. He was simply amazing.
 

Another late evening stroll on the deck and it was time to call it a day. Tomorrow Guatemala.

Refreshment for $1.00 USD.