If you Granada comes riding in, you first get through some slums and older neighborhoods

At Granada you think fast to that wonderful southern Spanish city. But there is another Granada, just a tad further 8-) home. In the west of Nicaragua fact is the lovely colonial Granada. During my trip to Nicaragua, I had really no expectations at Granada. It's an 'our pick' in the Lonely Planet, but I made it often. It just seemed like another big city. Error ;-)!

European atmosphere.
If you Granada comes riding in, you first get through some slums and older neighborhoods. But the closer you get to the center of this town, the more beautiful and classic is Granada. Until you get off at the Parque Colón, the main square in the city, and you gazes at the beautiful cathedral and colorful buildings. Old men flirt like they are 20, hip swaying women with baskets of fruit, and children playing with fallen palm leaves. Yes, you're in Central America :-). Granada does continue almost European with the churches, ancient cobblestones and colonial buildings. You really feel like somewhere in Spain. There is a lovely relaxed atmosphere and it is the ideal base for a trip to Masaya volcano or the islands in Lake Nicaragua, Granada is located. Delicious!

 Granada Hostel 2

Hospedaje.
A finding affordable hostel is not very easy in Granada. I'm not the only one who could live so Granada ;-) and you have the price mark. Where Nicaragua is also quite cheap for Western tourists, Granada is clearly a tad more expensive. During our stay in Granada, we slept in Hospedaje La Pergola ; a small mini-hotel meets hostel +, consisting of 11 rooms and an awesome courtyard. Complete with swings and hammocks. The rooms are huge, fresh and all have air conditioning. La Pergola is also within walking distance of Parque Colón, so you walk in the evening as a terrace to. What really is a must! A double costs around $ 50.

In Mongolia you may think quickly to dull, monotonous and vast steppe landscapes. However, the country is very diverse! Within one day you can from your old, probably Russian jeep different landscapes you go by. Of the known endless steppes to immense rock formations and meandering rivers. And what do you think of 'singing dunes' :-D? In the middle of the Gobi desert you will find dunes Khongoryn; zoghete the singing dunes so. The area is about 12 kilometers wide and 100 kilometers long. The highest dunes in front you see in the pictures are around 200 meters high. While climbing the dunes shifting sand and it looks like it sings. Hence the magical name. This photo was taken just before sunset. From the villagers where you can sleep, I walked up on my own in about an hour. It seems simple, if you walk so reluctant, but make no mistake. At every step you take, you slip back a half step. But once you're up and you look over an area that seems to clear by the setting sun to the minute of colors, you realize once again how special it is to be able to travel the world. Nothing but emptiness, wind and typical singing sound. No cell phones, no internet, no traffic, no hustle and bustle of the city. And when night falls, you experience what really complete silence.

Travel tip.

Be on time for the sunset, but then wait not too long walk back. By the time I walked back to the ger, it was already dark. The ger was directly in front of me, I could'm still see in my memory. But once it was dark, and I was probably walked right past the camp, I was lost. Fortunately, I heard voices that I could go off and I liked the way back. Otherwise you can get here in serious trouble