Authors Corner

socialwebdesign — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:30:00 +0000

Join our bilingual tour guide Geovanny Sunsin for a monthly article highlighting a different aspect of Nicaraguan culture through his tour Facebook account. Join Casa San Francisco on Facebook for additional highlights and information. Below are a few short pieces by Geovanny.

12 October – Dia de la Raza/Day of the Race

October 12 is traditionally celebrated throughout the Americas as the day Christopher Columbus arrived in 1492 to the Americas.

In English speaking countries, the day is celebrated as Columbus Day. In Spanish speaking countries such as Nicaragua it is known as Día de la Raza, Day of the Race.

Biologically, race refers to groups that are subdivided into biological species. Since pre-Columbian times there have been different tribes in Central America such as the Chipchas that come from South America, the Matagalpas, the Chorotegas, the Nahuatl, the Subtiabas, and the Marivios.

Día de la Raza is the celebration of the Hispanic heritage of Latin America and brings into it all the ethnic and cultural influences making it distinctive.

In Nicaragua in the month of October, many schools hold festivities with typical places such as the famous Nacatamal which is made of corn, a basic grain of the indigenous people and pork, brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquesters, representing the mestizo culture. This is also the time where schools put up bulletin boards showing the three trips made by Columbus and the conquest by the Spanish.

15 September- Independence Day in Nicaragua

On September 15 1821 Nicaragua finally achieved their independence from the rule of Spain; this day also marks independence for the entire Central American Isthmus.

Nicaraguans defended themselves against the agresor using all types of weapons, rocks included. From the final battle fought at San Jacinto on September 14^th 1865, National Heroe, Andres Castro is remembered for killing a member of the opposition by throwing a rock direckly at his head, serving as an example to other Nicaraguans.

Nowadays, 190 years later, we see various acts of celebration such as the lite torch carried by the best students in parades. The torch simbolizes liberty and the news that independence was won. It begins in Guatemala and ends in Costa Rica.

In the Republic of Nicaragua beginning in the month of January, one hears the local schools practicing and preparing for the 14^th and 15^th of September marking the historical moment of independence, the national heros, and the country simbols. Families display the blue and white flag. Everyone loves sharing with others their costumes, talents, and the joy they feel for being Nicaraguan. -Geovanny Sunsin

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Welcome To Hotel Casa San Francisco

socialwebdesign — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:20:18 +0000

Opened at the beginning of 2004, the Hotel Casa San Francisco, in the heart of the historic district of Granada has welcomed visitors from all over the world and has built its clientele from those who have returned for the gracious ambiance, tasteful decoration, and personal service offered by the bilingual staff, and of course, the delicious cuisine. We here at Hotel Casa San Francisco pride ourselves with being a full service hotel.

Please take a moment to watch our video. It will acquaint you with Granada and the services we offer at the Hotel Casa San Francisco.

Reviews: Trip Advisor

Hotel Casa San Francisco
Diagonal from the San Francisco Convent, Calle Corral #207
Granada, Nicaragua, Central America (Printable Map & Taxi Directions)

csfgranada@yahoo.com
Nicaragua: 505.2552.8235
US: (205)282-7450

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We Are Proud To Announce:

socialwebdesign — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:15:53 +0000

Hotel Casa San Francisco and the Rainforest Alliance have established an alliance to implement Best Management Practices in Sustainable Tourism.

We are very proud to have achieved good results by this prestigious organization. Rainforest Alliance

This verification encourages us to continue implementing a sustainable management of our tourism business that respects and cares for its surrounding natural resources. Our environmental goals are to gradually and constantly protect the environment. We are also concerned about social development in Nicaragua, and support therefore several social projects in granada. (for more information look “about’ – social projects supported by CSF), in the belief that the sustainability of a business depends not only on economic but also on social and environmental aspects. We hope you join our efforts , in our main sustainable programs when you visit us:

- WASTE SEPARATION:we produce fertilizer out of our organic waste; reuse as many plastic or glass container and deliver the rest of them for recycling, as well as paper and cartoon.

- SUSTAINABLE USE OF WATER AND ENERGY: all rooms have signs encouraging our guests to turn off all items that are not being used; we use only thrifty bulbs; use low flush WC, etc.Recent Posts:

Hosting A Special Event?

socialwebdesign — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 19:15:32 +0000

Dinner Party on the Roof Top

Look no further! Our Roof Top with views of Granada is perfect for a small cocktail party or special evening with friends. Our beautiful view will add that special ambiance to make your gathering a success.

When you join our “GROUP” on Facebook you’ll receive our Special “Roof Top” Invites and enjoy viewing photos taken of “Good Times On The Roof Top” at Casa San Francisco! Whether you are a local or a visitor, you’ll want to become part of this “GROUP”.

Authors Corner

Welcome To Hotel Casa San Francisco

We Are Proud To Announce:

Hosting A Special Event?

Tours and More!

All Around Town: Helpful Links

Laguna de Apoyo

Los Chocoyos Restaurant

Homemade, Wholesome Breakfast

Tours and More!

socialwebdesign — Mon, 24 May 2010 22:26:34 +0000

Ever thought of horseback riding or swimming in the Laguna Apoyo crater lake? Would you like to take a full moon kayak tour? Want to hike a Puma Trail, bird watch from a kayak, visit a market and have lunch in traditional cabana, meet locals, and learn about their culture?

Isleta Boat Tour

For the well-seasoned traveler or for those traveling to Nicaragua for the first time, Casa San Francisco offers a variety of full and half day tours as well as options for overnight tours. Friendly, bilingual staff can help you plan all of your tours and onward travel. All tours include a bilingual guide, transportation and park entry fees. Full day tours include a traditional lunch.

Find out more…

Please ask us for more information about how you can take part in adventure, culture, and sustainable tour options. Below is a list of our current offerings, and we can customize any tour or vacation whether it is listed or not. We look forward to helping you plan your trip.

Take a carriage ride around the colonial city of Granada while learning its history and culture.
Enjoy an Island Home Boat Tour or a Moonlight Kayak Tour.
Fish in Lake Nicaragua or birdwatch from a Kayak.
Hike Mombacho Volcano or fly through the coffee fields on a Canopy Tour.
Learn about Masaya City and see the smoking crater of Masaya Volcano, you can even see Lava flow and Bats fly out of caves.
Take a White Towns Tours and learn about traditional precolombian pottery Swim and Horseback ride at the Apoyo Lagoon.

We can arrange tours and transportation to locations as far reaching as Leon and Leon Viejo, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe and Pochomil.

Special Workshops!!

Have you ever wondered whats behind the doors of Granada?

Come to Granada and see whats behind those doors while enjoying a morning walking tour of some of the most beautiful and historical colonial homes. Proceeds benefit the children of Nicaragua by providing books, education and other activities through Biblioteca Puedo Leer and Sacuanjoche Kindergarten.

Love Chocolate?

Make your own chocolate from 100% Nicaraguan Cacao and Dulce. Hear about the history of chocolate and taste your own creation while you learn how to make your own delicious dessert.

Hiking with Geovanny

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism is a growing industry. Casa San Francisco can recommend you many doctors and dentists in the area. Our preferred bilingual dentist is Dr. Jaime Salinas. You can reach him at: 011-505-8681-9357.

Recent Posts:

All Around Town: Helpful Links

socialwebdesign — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:10:19 +0000

There are many things to do and see while you are visiting Nicaragua. Casa San Francisco can help you make the most out of your travels. We can assist you with your onward travel arrangements, recommend a museum, find a local volunteer opportunity, buy sustainable and fair trade goods, meet a Spanish teacher, or attend an art exhibit.

Casa San Francisco is known for recommending guests to great spots whether it is a website, a restaurant, or a beautiful view.

Interview with an Entrepreneur: Take a look at our featured link to learn more about Casa San Francisco.

Pure Fitness: Natural Health and Fitness Center

Vianica: Explore Nicaragua online • Travel & Tourism

Totoco Lodge: Eco Lodge on Ometepe Island

Vista Mar Hotel: Lodging on Pochomil Beach

Little Corn Beach & Bungalow: Casa San Francisco recommends Little Corn Island Beach and Bungalow for a great getaway, check out their website for more information.

www.nicaragua-guide.com: Long time resident Darrel Bushnell has created a website with lots of information about Nicaragua and Granada living.Recent Posts:

Laguna de Apoyo

socialwebdesign — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:44:10 +0000

Take a break from the city and reconnect with nature. Swim in the mineral waters, watch the waves, listen to the soft call of local birds and wildlife species on the waters edge of the Laguna de Apoyo. Stay for the day or stay for the night at one of the tranquil, private, lakeside bungalows. Life does not get anymore relaxing than this.

Casa San Francisco staff can arrange your transport to beautiful San Simian, a beautiful ecolodge at the Laguna de Apoyo.

View from the town Catarina.

Recent Posts:

Los Chocoyos Restaurant

socialwebdesign — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:15:17 +0000

A wonderful evening with friends at Los Chocoyos.

Join locally and internationally renowned chef, Octavio Suazo and staff for a delightful lunch or a quiet dinner.

For lunch, try “Tres Hombres“, a Casa San Francisco creation featured in “La Prensa” newspaper, Jalapena Hamburger, Cuban sandwich, or succulent shrimp salad. Start your palate off in the evening with papaya soup or vegetarian quesadillas.

Dinner includes creative dishes such as a tangy passion fruit fish, brandy flambeed beef, fresh pineapple chicken curry, and our famous vegan, plump filled tomato.

Happy Hour

Los Chocoyos hosts special 2 x 1 happy hour drink special promotions through out the night on selected national liquors, beers, and mixed drinks. Enjoy a mojito, macua, or cuna azul. If you have never had one of these local favorites before, come by and try one for yourself.

Restaurant Hours

Lunch and Dinner: 12 noon until 10pmRecent Posts:

Homemade, Wholesome Breakfast

socialwebdesign — Mon, 10 May 2010 16:55:08 +0000

Enjoy the morning

: Start the day off with a smile

Buenos Dias! Wake up every morning to a fresh pot of coffee, nutritious breakfast, and a smile. Continental and Typical breakfasts are included for all of our guests. In addition, you can also choose other yummy options such as our famous, “Amigos de Granada” breakfast burrito, wholegrain french toast, granola with fruit and yogurt, oatmeal, omelets and more.

Breakfast Hours

7am-10am

Start your day off with Terry, Nancy, staff and friends for breakfast, travel tips and advice, and great conversation.

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