When I tell people that we’re moving to Nicaragua in Spring the most common response is, “permanently?” What is “permanently”? We’re going and we’ll stay until it doesn’t seem like the right place to be anymore. This photo pretty much sums up perfectly why I love this place more than any other. Afternoon, after surfing, after chores, hanging out in the grass barefoot, shirtless, drinking mojitos made with Flor de Cana the Nicaraguan rum and fresh mint from the garden, while Ducha the dog we love hangs out at our feet. This is the Nica lifestyle.

Of course there’s plenty of work involved. Nearly every chore (including showering and flushing the toilet) begins with raising water forty feet by hand. It’s an excellent workout and it feels good mentally, physically, and spiritually.

It also makes me incredibly water conscious. Spilling water becomes a serious bummer.
Our love of the place started in the surf.
My 5’6″ Rusty quad is perfect for the hollow waves out front. It slides into the tube.
We can see the ocean, the tops of waves, but can’t properly check the surf from the lot. Ryan scrambled up onto the gate to get a better view. That’s the new caretaker’s house behind him.

You know you’re in Nicaragua when two cases of Tonas equals a computer desk.

Nicaraguans don’t do salsa like Mexicans despite having all the ingredients readily available so I make salsa myself, daily.

Farm boy, watering trees.
The chile garden is exploding in spicy color.

Basil grows really well down here.

This is Ryan planting flowers in the caretaker’s planter box. Curb appeal!

Our caretaker Osmar shows up most afternoons to lend a hand.

This is what paradise looks like.