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.
