Here I go Again...

I thought I would be done talking about Madera's Village but apparently I can't stop. Here are some more pictures from paradise. 

I am missing the family dinners filled with homemade food from local Nicaraguans,  the howler monkeys waking me up at the crack of dawn, the bonfires on the beach filled with rum, squishing into the back of a van or pick up truck, hearing British accents, American accents and accents from cool people from all over the world, surf talk about "swells" and currents, the smiles between the locals and the expats, the sunsets that start out as yellow and turn to a bright orange, pink, purple portrait, the airy ocean breeze, not having to use a brush or blowdryer, having it be completely acceptable to go to dinner in bare feet, interesting facts that I would learn each day about how beautiful of a country Nicaragua is and SO MUCH MORE.

You so amazing, Nica!

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Madera's Village-no regrets, just love.

Photo credit: Jeff Ozzavay, Madera's Village Facebook Page and ME.

They say, "When life hands you lemons, you make lemonade". I've always liked that saying so I made up a new version:

"When life hands you the opportunity to travel to a surf village in the hillside jungle of Nicaragua, YOU GO!".

You go despite the financial gloom lurking over your head, despite other people saying "Didn't you just get back from a trip?", despite EVERYTHING working against you.  I couldn't be more happy than living out my new saying. 

Great trips are made up of amazing new people you meet, new memories that will forever be in your mind, tasty food and lots of laughs. UNBELIEVABLE trips are made when not only this happens but when your expectations are exceeded beyond belief and you cannot put your trip and experience into words.

Madera's village, a boutique bed and breakfast, was just that- unbelievable.  It was an equal mix of relaxation and excitement and made me feel like I was at an "adult only summer camp" ( it has been referred to that many times).  There is daily yoga ( beach lessons and classes in their yoga pavilion room), the chance to surf, hammocks in every nook,  fish tacos that put anything I've had in LA to shame and an overall energy that you cannot find ANYWHERE.  The good vibes in the air and the inspiring conversation ( sometimes over a lot of pina coladas and rum) make every guest feel like they are part of the community there.  

Each initial stranger that we met upon arrival became a friend. With each new friend, there was this mutual understanding of what we all came here for and that was to be ourselves in paradise; that in some way or another we were the same.  It made me realize how great the world really is when you need it to be and how the universal nature of mankind is pretty rad. Whether it was a new friend helping me surf or the local Nicaraguan cook sincerely looking happy to be making breakfast, I found myself smiling at the happiness and kindness that surrounded me. 

Thank you Madera's for giving me a fresh perspective on life and people. I WILL BE BACK SOON. Seriously though. 

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Nica, PLEASE!

Dress: Ecote Sunglasses: Fake Raybans

Nicaragua, you are one beautiful piece of real estate my friend.

We started our Central America journey by heading into Granada and it was a perfect hello to a (near) perfect travel experience (more on an allergic reaction that resulted in an epipen being used in the middle of the beach later).

If Granada was a person, it would be like the family member waiting for you at the airport after a long journey holding a sign that said "WELCOME HOME!" It made us feel comfortable instantly and was a great introduction to the slow paced lifestyle of "Nica". We slinked around town taking in the colourful alleyways, vivd markets and degraded colonial churches.....and sweated a whole lot. It is HOT near the equator let me tell you. After a night of taking it all in, we were more than ready for beach bumming down the coast!

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