Not being Catholic, the traditions are new to us and we have to watch everyone else for when to sit and stand. At the 1st communion we attended a couple weeks ago, I actually pulled out my iPhone and googled what to do, when to sit, when to stand and what to do when people kneel. Staying standing while people kneel is the respectful thing to do in this case, so I read anyway. Seems to work in practice too.

At the funeral of a friend’s brother last year, I actually entered a procession by mistake as my row cleared into the center isle and I followed four men carrying a large cloth held up at the four corners by poles. Tip: sitting close to the front is not a good idea, because as I followed my row out, I turned my head and could see that most people in the row behind me didn’t file out to join the procession. The next thing you know I’m walking out the door in the front left of the church by the alter and slowly circling around outside to the back door. I had no idea what I was doing. Eventually we re-entered the church, proceeded up the center isle where I found my original row, entered, took my seat and the service continued.

Korean and Nicaraguan Food – A Real Variety of Expats in Nicaragua

After the service in the church we enjoyed a great party at Ben and Lorena’s house. Ben is with Save the Children and his term is up in a few weeks so in addition to the communion party, this also served as a good bye party. The frequent transition of friends out of the country is one of the less fun parts of being an expat, and probably why we have tended to find a lot of Nicaraguan friends.

The food at the party was an interesting mix. We enjoyed Nicaraguan Caballo Bayo, a fajita like dish where you mix meats, beans and condiments into a corn tortilla. The party was a joint event with another family who is Korean and so we also enjoyed, sushi, rice noodle lo mein, dumplings, and sweet and sour pork. Great combination actually.

Living in Nicaragua has presented some interesting cultural challenges, but the good thing is that people are generally helpful and appreciative if you don’t know or understand something. A huge dose of humility goes a long way. If you plan to own property in Nicaragua, knowing some of the basics may be important. But for most of it, the old saying, “When in Rome”, seems to work pretty well. That and a love of adventure, a humble attitude, and a large sense of humor.

Mike and Emily before the Carrera Verde 5K race in Managua

The Carrera Verde translates into the “Green Race” and over 1600 people showed up to run a 5K Race in Managua this past Sunday. This Activity will allow the reforestation of Reserva Natura with about 6 thousand trees to be planted this June.

It’s amazing that I’d run into so many people I knew, but there were Jack and Margaret Griffin, Andy and Gloria Tassy, a bunch of US Embassy and AID folks, and a variety of people I see around town.   It was a festive atmosphere prior to the race as people stretched and ran in place to get ready. Emily and I did not participate in the “warm up” part of the routine.  Instead we chatted with our friends and got ready to walk the 5K.

Running up the hill in front of Gallerias Mall

The race began at 6:30am  “Punto” which means on the dot. And it did. There was the fast group expected to finish in 20 minutes and our group which was a 40 minute group. Emily and I took our time and actually did some running, starting out in front of the Gallerias Mall, and running up the hill to the Stop and Go, which was almost the half way point, but right before we walked a huge hill.   At the top of the hill the firemen had the fire hose and Emily and I showered in some cool water before trekking on, down the hill and a sprint across the finish line. Emily had run “and walked” her first 5K Race. If you are a runner and plan to be living in Nicaragua, check out the website for the largest runners club in Nicaragua, www.managuarunners.org

Activities in Nicaragua – Too Many Actually

Mike and Emily - "Hot, Sweaty and Done"

Later that day Emily and I headed back over to the mall to visit the “Fun Zone. But right after the race we went to the First Communion of a good friend, Laura and then to a party at their home.  Our lives are incredibly full of activities in Nicaragua and there is never a shortage of fun things to do. For anyone thinking of owning property in Nicaragua, be sure to imagine yourself with as full a schedule as you’d like.

Kathleen Peddicord and Mike Cobb

Tomorrow’s Radio show on the Overseas Radio Network will feature some extraordinary expats, including the sage of all sages, Kathleen Peddicord who publishes the Live and Invest Overseas Newsletters. She herself an expat for more than a decade, has an almost bottomless barrel of ideas and concepts to share with her readers. On top of that she’s a phenomenal writer making her critically important information both easy and fun to read. Kathy will join us from her Live, Invest, and Retire Overseas Conference in Scottsdale, AZ a couple weeks ago.

Kaitlin and Jack with Mike Cobb

In addition we’ll be talking with her daughter Kaitlin and son Jack in the second hour of the show to hear about their lives as Expat Kids. Kaitlin grew up in both Ireland and France, then went to the US for college. She now resides in Panama full time. Kaitlin also has an interesting web based business that she will be telling us about. Jack is 12 years old and remembers living in France and now lives in Panama where he attends the French School. He’ll share some of thoughts about growing up as an American Expat Kid overseas.

Expat Entrepreneurs in Argentina and Brazil and a Lawyer in Columbia

Also in the second hour of the show we’ll talk with two expat entrepreneurs working in the region. Andy Goodman is a Brit lives in Brazil. He is a partner in a coconut plantation in the Northeast region near Forteleza. He shares his experience living in Brazil and also what it was like to grow up as a kid overseas. Steve Roseberg develops vineyard communities in the Mendoza province of Argentina and we’ll talk with him about his projects there and get a flavor of what it can be like to live in the arid foothills of the Andes. We’ll also speak with a lawyer in Medellin, Columbia, Juan Dario Guttierez, who’s firm helps and represents expats who are considering a move to Columbia.

If you are considering property in Nicaragua or anywhere overseas, we certainly invite you to tune in and enjoy the commentary from a variety of expats and their experiences. A great many of the challenges and opportunities will be similar throughout the region and hearing how many different people address these challenges can be helpful no matter where you may end up. Enjoy the show and as always, keep in touch

To tune in for Mike’s Gringo Life, Tuesday’s 6-8pm on the Overseas radio Network.

Leon

Leon is the second largest city in Nicaragua and an excellent place to relax for a while and soak up the local culture. Leon hosts a major university and many fine examples of colonial architecture, including some stunning churches. Because it’s a university town, Leon is a city filled with museums, a wide array of restaurants, and nightlife. It’s also close to a handful of volcanoes and other geological hot spots such as the San Jacinto Swarms, and Poneloya, a very popular Pacific beach.

Corn Islands

Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island are postcard examples of Caribbean beauty without the commercial resorts. The sand is white; the water is azure and warm; and the palms sway in the soft breeze. Accommodations are basic but comfortable, and the locals, mainly English-speaking descendants of Creoles, will show you a whole new side of Latin America. Scuba and snorkeling tours are available to see the reefs and marine life, or you can hire a boat and set your own itinerary.

Rio San Juan

If you want to get off the main tourist path and do a little exploring, visit the Department of Rio San Juan. El Castillo is a good place to start. This laid back area offers small markets, river tours, and horseback excursions in the jungle. If you’re interested in history, visit the fortress of the Immaculate Conception. Rio San Juan borders Costa Rica, so if you are headed that way, visit this department before you say adios to Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is a vibrant and friendly destination, a small nation that offers urban sophistication, colonial majesty, cloud forests, ruins, volcanoes, Pacific sunsets, and Caribbean paradise. It’s a place that will repay the flexible traveler who takes some time to get to know it. You may go there looking for beaches or architecture but find that your favorite memories are of places you might never have considered before you left home.

Popular Surfing Times & Spots

The best time for surfing in Nicaragua is during the spring and summer months, typically April through September, when the tide is expected to be at its best levels for surfing.

The Playa Hermosa, in San Juan del Sur, is perhaps one of the most popular surfing destinations in Nicaragua . This beach stretches for over a mile. However, the Playa Hermosa is only accessible by boat, making it a less-visited travel destination for many but well worth the ride.

Another popular beach in Nicaragua for surfing is La Isla, located near Poneloya farther north from San Juan del Sur. La Isla is more suitable for intermediate surfers because the waves tend to be more challenging. In recent years, La Isla has grown in popularity, leading more travelers to the area, although it can still be a relaxing surf experience.

Beaches in Nicaragua

There are many others beaches, both public and private, that line the coast of Nicaragua. A popular private beach is Playa Colorado, near Nicaragua’s border with Costa Rica. Playa Colorado is accessible by staying in one of the local haciendas or by requesting a boat. This beach is also best for those with some previous surf experience because the waves can change rapidly and unexpectedly.

One of the best things about surfing at Nicaragua’s beaches is that some of the most popular surf destinations are near Gran Pacifica. Whether you’re looking to own or rent, they have lodging that puts you close to some of the most beautiful surf spots in Central America.

“Isn’t Nicaragua really dangerous?” one woman asked me. “Are you crazy? You could get attacked, or kidnapped” said another, after learning I was headed to the Central American country for a visit.

Or how about this?

“I’m so surprised. I didn’t know what to expect here,” said Elsie Freeting, who was visiting from Canada. Freeting’s husband Jim agreed. “My friends all thought I was crazy to come here, but I wanted to see it. Now I wish we could stay here longer.”

Neither of these is unusual for me to hear. Both the before and after statements. Nicaragua is such an over deliverer when it comes to an actual experience. The Fox News article really helps explain why visiting Nicaragua may is the best investment you’ll make this year. Seeing is believing.

Visiting Nicaragua Is a Great Idea

I’m writing this blog as I sit flying from Phoenix back to Managua where I spoke to 150 folks considering a move overseas. In fact, this morning, one of the attendees, Bob was at the dining room getting coffee as I was eating breakfast and sat down to chat for a minute. Nicaragua wasn’t even on his radar screen 4 days ago and now it’s one of the 2 countries he’s considering. Incredible what a dose of the facts can do to misperceptions and lingering reputations.

If you are considering property ownership overseas, put Nicaragua on your list. Not doing so is doing yourself a huge disservice. Unless you see this country, you wont believe just how wonderful it is.  Ultimately, you may or may not decide that owning property in Nicaragua is right for you, but you’ll always be glad you made the visit, just like Elsie above.

John Pinto – Fishing in Nicaragua for 20 years.

John loves the oceans, lakes and rivers of Nicaragua.   His passion is fishing, so much so that in his recent e-mail to me, he states, “Life to me is meaningless tasks in-between great fishing trips.” Got to love a guy with an attitude like that. But it’s not all about fishing.

John has a wonderful business here tying flies for the Bass Pro Shops and the Academy Sports Stores. His workshop employs 15 women who create masterpieces designed to entice a hungry fish to bite. In addition to flies, Johns workshop also produces worm jigs and spinner lures. He anticipates expanding into sewing bags and equipment for the fishing industry and well.

Portable Careers You Can Work While Living in Nicaragua

Lucy Culpepper is our second Expat Entrepreneur on the show. Lucy’s specialty is portable careers like writing, photography, and web based businesses. Her point to potential expats is that if you set up a business that you can do from anywhere, then your options for an overseas lifestyle are expanded widely. Lucy has been an expat in England, France, Spain and has travelled widely in the Americas as well.

20 Something and Living in Panama

Lauren Williamson is our 3^rd guest on the show and she lives full time in Panama City. Except for the Expat Kids that Amanda interviews, she may be the youngest so far on the show. Lauren will talk about her life in Panama City as a young person and her work with Live and Invest Overseas. I caught up with Lauren at her conference in Scottsdale where attendees are learning about the various opportunities to own property in Nicaragua and around the world. In future shows, we’ll be talking with some of the attendees as well.

To tune in for Mike’s Gringo Life, Tuesday’s 6-8pm on the Overseas radio Network.

What to Look for in Lodging

When it comes to choosing a place to stay on vacation, location makes a big difference. Investigate what the surrounding neighborhood is like, as nearby restaurants and entertainment venues may raise the value of the property significantly by lowering taxi and travel costs. But when considering location, also consider noise value. For travelers who want rest and relaxation, a room in the party zone may not be an ideal location.

For travelers planning to stay for multiple nights in the same spot, investigating Nicaragua Vacation Rentals online may provide the best options. Vacation rentals often provide an excellent value when renting by the week or month, and include amenities not always readily available elsewhere. Because the rentals include kitchens and living areas, the space is more readily used for meals and is more relaxing than many hotel rooms would be. When looking for a vacation rental, ask for references and pictures to ensure that the unit is as advertised.

Finding a place to stay while on vacation in Nicaragua can be done easily and quickly either in person or online. Whether the goal is budget or luxury, there are numerous options at Gran Pacifica to choose from for the best accommodations for a Nicaragua vacation.

Nicaragua is a Great Place for Business

Nicaragua is doing the same and has been recognized by the World Bank and others like the Economist Magazine’s Intelligence Unit as being a great place to start and run a business, the best in Central America by the way.  The Rainbow Network, founded by Keith Jaspers to assist Nicaraguans, mostly women learn a marketable skill and become self sufficient and enjoy a sustainable lifestyle.   Today’s interview is with Samuel Reyes, one of their project managers and in the future, we’ll have Keith on as well.

Entrepreneurs and Business Opportunities in Nicaragua

My other two guests are both entrepreneurs, one of whom has already made the move to Nicaragua, Shaul Streifler and works with Jay and Kathy Snyder developing and selling beautiful condominiums in the Colonial City of Granada.   Granada is a wonderful, walkable city where expat retirees get along just fine without a car.

Our other guest is a chiropractor from Malibu, California, Ron Marinaro, who is a good friend of Michael Hanyecz interviewed several times on this program.  Ron is now considering a move to Nicaragua with his wife and 3 kids later in the year.   He cites the quality of life and cost of living as major reasons why he is interested in moving to and perhaps owning some property in Nicaragua as well.   Ron is a great cook and I for one look forward to having him here for those fun Italian family dinners.

To tune in for Mike’s Gringo Life, Tuesday’s 6-8pm on the Overseas radio Network.

A Communal Lifestyle in Nicaragua

The new urban way of life is growing as a lifestyle trend in Nicaragua as more people drift away from the sprawling urban environment of the United States and other nations. As a result, many real estate properties are looking for ways to transform their spaces into a place that encourages walking, protecting the environment, and promoting communal pride in the area. People are encouraged to actively participate in their communities as well as encouraging the use of communal gathering spaces and institutions.

In addition, the movement encourages the inclusion of local history and cultural practices in the landscape and architecture, ensuring that each community has its own style and personality. This unique way of living has drawn the interest of many immigrants to Nicaragua as the country develops and promotes the movement of foreign retirees or investors.

Modern Living with Historical Influence

Although this movement does encourage people to examine the roots of their community and their culture and to relay those in the architecture and design of the community, that does not mean that new urban real estate is outdated or that it lacks modern amenities. Rather, the new urbanism movement integrates a rich cultural heritage with modern appliances and conveniences, including adequate parking for those who drive, central heat and air, modern floor plans to suit the clients’ needs and more. You will find that these communities do not lack any of the modern comforts of living, but that the style of living only enhances your experience in the community.

If you are tired of the long hours spent driving from place to place or are seeking a more communal way of life, consider joining the new urban movement in Nicaragua. This is a great place to get to know the local community, culture, and history without feeling the stress of being isolated. The shared spaces and the walkability of these communities make them an excellent destination for retirement or a quick relaxing vacation to Nicaragua.