I didn't do nearly as much stuff as I thought I would. There were a couple of reasons for this: one day, Julio had to go to the hospital because he had a kidney stone; and another day and a half I lost to a stomach virus (I chalk it up to coincidence as I drank bottled water and didn't eat anything raw that I shouldn't have).
Saturday: Julio got me at the airport (small & easy to get through; $10 to get through immigration so have at least that much cash handy). He was the first person I saw standing outside a glass wall and he had my name on a card. It's about a 45 minute ride from Managua, depending on how many horses you get behind on the highway. Anyway, we got to Paloma around 2 p.m. Julio showed me around and left. I was whipped so I basically just lazed the rest of the day, drinking a few beers and some rum.
Sunday: Julio came on foot (he lives close by) and we walked to the grocery store (maybe 4 blocks). Loaded up on food, booze, beer, cigs, etc.. and headed back by taxi. We didn't plan any activities for the day, so I bade him a good day and watch the Bears/Vikings game in espanol. Basically a repeat of Saturday p.m.
Monday: this was the day Julio had his kidney stone and we bagged our plans. I walked to the grocery store to get more beer and Sambuca. Hung out in the pool.
Tuesday: we went to the volcano at Masaya (half an hour ride). That is a "must-see", IMO. You can drive right up to the crater with its smoke/steam/sulphur rising. There's also a museum for the volcano on the way up that I would suggest as it really gives you a good lay-of-the-land and some history of the area. Next to the crater, there's a refreshment stand where you can get fresh cocoanut milk or more conventional drinks. After this, we stopped in the town of Masaya for lunch. I let Julio order for both of us and it was outstanding. Steak, rice, beans, some other stuff I'm forgetting. Oh, and he brought (memory fail again) something over when he picked me up that we ate at Paloma. Back home mid-pm and a relaxing evening (though I think this was the night I met the neighbors).
NOTE: On all of these excursions, I paid Julio for his time. They are not part of his duties at Paloma and I think are a big supplement to his income. He's a great guide, though, and knows his history.
Wednesday: Julio brought over nacatamales. Damn these are good. We hung out for a while and had a few drinks listening to music. I think he had a transport job so we didn't plan any excursions. This was the day my stomach started acting up.
Thursday: laid low by the virus.
Friday: Busy day. Julio took me around Granada, showing me many of the historic buildings and sites. The churches are incredible. We climbed the bell tower in one where you could see the whole city and the Lake. Then we went to Isletas, which is a bazillion islands near the shore of the Lake (not the few huge isles you see on a map). To see these islands, you need to rent a boat (dirt cheap). Of course, Julio "had a friend" and off we went. You wind down these little rivers between islands - some islands empty, some with houses, some with bars, and one with monkeys. We had brought tomatoes to feed the monkeys and started by throwing the tomatoes on shore. One brave lass eventually jumped on our boat and we handed her tomatoes to eat. Once we were out of food, she jumped from the boat back into the trees. We rode around some more, just looking at wildlife and stuff. We didn't go out onto the Lake proper (wrong boat for that) but, if I go again, I'm hopping a charter boat to do some fishing. Julio "knows a guy" who can do that too.
That's about it. I didn't do any nightlife down towards the town square area. By nightfall, I was either tired or sick. Plus, there was plenty of entertainment right outside my door. There are always people walking down the street selling something - fruit, cigars, ice cream, etc.. - they are not pushy like in some places I've been. A simple "gracias, no" and they're on their way. There are fireworks going off ALL THE TIME - Saturday night, Wednesday 6 a.m., didn't matter. Had a phalanx of drummers one evening - those guys were good! Horses are everywhere - pulling carts and as taxis. Bikes & scooters, too.
All in all, it's just a really neat city. It's cheap (I don't think I ever spent more than $15 for a meal and that was for two, along with me drinking beer) and the weather is great. It's different than being on a resort where all of the employees are there to cater to you. Here, you're living in a residential area where people are going to work, school, whatever. Lots of Americans appear to live there and most people working in public places speak enough English to get you around should you need help.
unpossible 
