My Favorite City in Central America

My Favorite City Award has been given in Nicaragua, but it's been a close race.  After 8 months of research, and every country considered, I´ve chosen a winner.  (Note: México, with it's share of phenomical cities is not part of Central America.) 

The top two contenders are Granada & León, Nicaragua's two nicest cities with friendly locals, charming colonial streets, and flair just waiting to be discovered.  The two cities also have a long running rivalry, each at some point claiming economic and political superiority. 

After a week in Granada, it's eye-catching color and charm won us over.  Then after some time in it's rival, León, it's slowly stolen my heart.  Here's more of a scoop into these two fine cities & their people, both competing for my prize of My Favorite City in Central America.


Granada
We spent our first days in Nicaragua in this fine city, and it's delightful.  It sees a steady stream of tourists, coming up from Costa Rica, and it's worthy of them.  It's set scenically on Lake Nicaragua offering tours to it's supposed 365 islets and delightful breezes (think hot Chicago days with a hint of natural AC).  It's colorful streets are well taken care of, and Kyle and I entertained ourselves trying to find more than one building with the same color.

León
Upon arrival, I thought, hmm, where's the contest?  This place is chopped liver compared to Granada.  The paint is worn, and it's less groomed for tourists.  We got to know the ecclectic town, rich with rebelious Sandista past and many universities.  We got to know the expat scene: hearty German speaking travelers and others that stay here to help nearby communities, study, and just live.  It's diverse and multi-faceted.  And it's surrounded by amazing hiking.  Less polished than Granada, the town is more authentic, and locals regard tourists as a little more like neighbors and friends than walking pocketbooks.

I Proclaim León the Stickiest
I hereby declare León, Nicaragua my fav city in Central American and the stickiest city.  By sticky, I mean highly desirabie and a place we could easily get stuck, in a good way.  And actually we did.  Our departure date went from Friday to Saturday, to Sunday, and well, we might actually get around to leaving Monday.  I tried to cajole Kyle into sticking around for a few months, but alas South America beckons us.  It's a sticky place, and I'd gladly spend weeks, months even taking it all in.