Leon, Nicaragua
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
We are visiting the country of volcanoes, lakes, poets and rebels: Nicaragua.
There are 25 major active volcanoes lined up parallel to the Pacific Coast of Western Nicaragua. The impressive volcano Momotombo (meaning = ruling above the waters) has a beautiful cone shape. Looking at this volcano is overwhelming!
Leon is one of the oldest colonial cities in Central America. It used to be the capital of Nicaragua. While walking around in the city,we enjoyed the colonial architecture, vibrant markets and narrow streets. It is hot here and very humid.The poet Ruben Dario (1867-1919) is a well-known national figure. Nicaraguans are proud of him. His deep and powerful poetry is full of passion, harmony and rhythm. Poetry and music are important in Nicaraguan culture. We found out that in Nicaragua everybody is considered a poet until proven otherwise.
We visited many coffee-shops in Leon. The ‘Libelula’ (dragonfly) coffee shop is our favorite one. It is located right next to the house, where Ruben Dario lived during his childhood. The owner of this coffee shop has a passion for his business. Just like the poetry of Ruben Dario, this business offers coffee and and atmosphere full of rhythm and harmony.
Quality coffee is one of Nicaragua’s principal products. About 95% of Nicaragua’s coffee farmers are micro and small-scale producers.

Nicaraguans like to drink coffee with hot milk for breakfast and black with sugar during the afternoon.