Nicaragua

Nicaragua: Beautiful Memories, Wildlife Conservation Adventures, And A Clear Clean Water Community Mission

Nicaragua is a place that continues to hold a revered place in my heart and in the hearts of my family.

I fell in love with Nicaragua after connecting with a friend who had family there. My family and I have grown closer to these friends and our memories with them are some of my favorites. As our families became closer, their niece who has traveled with us each time we are in Nicaragua, would watch the girls for us when needed. Needless to say, our twin daughters have been going to Nicaragua with us, of course, since they were very young and we know they’ve grown to love our trips there as much as we have.

As with any place that holds your heart, I’ve become truly committed to the people of Nicaragua. We bought land there and my non-profits have worked to enhance the lives of the people there as well. Food For Thought By The Sea worked with Waves For Water to supply water filters to the people of Nicaragua. There is a Section of Waves For Water called Restaurants For Water on their site and this organization serves to deliver these filters. There are projects going on all along the Pacific coast there. From Chancletas in the north to Tola in the south and along the Caribbean coast, in the jungle outside of Blue Fields.

I’ve traveled there to connect with the indigenous people of Nicaragua that speak forgotten languages, live in places with no automobiles, and have forged self-sustaining cultures complete with shopping and all manners of daily living.

I’ve traveled to a research center where they are studying the tapir, an animal that looks to me like wild boar with a horse head. They’re almost extinct, and I was lucky enough to see the project to get them to reproduce and grow their population. These intriguing animals are almost prehistoric looking and without this project, they’d be completely gone.

Chris Jordan was one of the people who work on the project and he traveled with me. I was soon grateful for his company because it was an adventure just to get there: We took a boat through the pearl river, and the boat engine died. We found ourselves nowhere near anything, truly terrified, with no cell service. We overcame our fear and got the engine going. Moving again we went to Pearl Lagoon for lunch (a delicious and well-earned fish meal) and then took another boat to the jungle. From there we took a horseback ride for 45 minutes and hiked from there another 45 minutes to the research center. After the research center we too another 45-minute horseback ride and 45-minute hike to where they were bringing the water-filters to a school.

The excursions were quite exciting but there were other joys on the trips I took to Nicaragua, including the exposure to a completely new culture. I loved going to surf and enjoy the beautiful beaches, watching volcanoes at night erupting in the distance. Climbing those volcanoes on the lake during the day was also nearly indescribable.

Lake Nicaragua is the only fresh water lake with oceanic animal life, sharks, swordfish and the like and it is one of the most breathtaking places to which I’ve ever been.

 Whether we spent the day sailing, hiking, or slack-lining between palm trees outside a local bar, we often found ourselves enjoying huge fresh-caught fish at lunch and dinner. While I enjoyed my fair share of fish and other fare, no trip of mine is ever truly complete without exploring and learning to make a local specialty or two. Nicaragua has so much to offer in this department and so much of it will be new to an American palate.  On my trips I love to learn to make a local dish and in Nicaragua that meant Nacatamales and Pili’s cheese cake. I learned to make them from Antonia, the woman who cares for the house that I rent there.  Pili taught me to make her passionfruit cheesecake/panna cotta hybrid in the kitchen of her own restaurant I brought that recipe and memory back and you can find it served at Langosta Lounge in the summer.

Nicaragua is an infinitely beautiful and memorable place for my family and I. It is a place where we go to explore and enjoy and to be of service and we would encourage you to make your own journey there. Should you take my advice, I promise you’ll never look at palm trees, volcanoes, clean drinking water or cheesecake the same way again.

Down Under

Hello From Down Under!

We are sitting on the deck of our Gunya Maia rental cabin in Suffolk Park – outside of Byron Bay enjoying a wonderful rich cup of Ashton’s coffee from the Farmer’s Market in Bangalow.

Bangalow is a little artsy town on the top of the hill above Byron and a great little side trip up into the Highlands.

I find myself listening to the birds come alive and smelling the essence of the kaffir lime tree in the yard… and having my first glass of the day, a glass of Byron Bay Ginger Cranberry Necktar. ( Don’t worry: It’s on the list of what to duplicate back home!)

Last evening we sat under the stars – listening to Adele and sampling some of Australia’s wonderful cheeses and wines from the Hunter Valley.

Four of our favorites so far:

Pear Tree – Milk Maids Pinot Gris

The Little Wine Company – Sangiovese Rose

Piggs Peake – House of Sticks Shirz

Tyrrell’s – Lost Block Cabernet 

And there’s something new for me that I must bring back to our little restaurant world:

Labna – a lovely rich and salty Yogurt cheese with the consistency of mozzarella…

WOW!!!!!

If I have to pick one find on this journey – that would be it!

Our first night here was in Palm Beach – a sleepy little community about an hour and a half outside of Sydney. We sat on the deck of this beautiful old stone and wood home enjoying family and friends and the view of the old boat shed.

Marie whipped up a lovely salad and I ventured into the local prawns with a kaffir lime, garlic and sweet chile glaze. What a way to spend an evening!

The weather has been spotty at best so driving into the country and finding lovely products and produce to start the evening’s test kitchen has been the focus of the day. (Looking for the elusive Koala has been right up there on the list. But it is day 6 and not a one in sight!)

Let me tell you – finding an abundance of ingredients to have at any meal is will put you in the poor house in a matter of minutes. These country roads are a “Farm To Table” paradise.

Scott is off working on his prints with Andrew Kidman at his charming little farm up in the hills of Uki. We wondered driving up there, why a surf photographer, filmmaker would live this far out from the coast. Then we arrived only 30 minutes later to find that not only was the drive up from Byron Bay a hop and skip, but the views and aromas could suck any sea faring bloke right in!

My advice? Start by the sea and, when the rain comes in, go to Nimbin for some good old stuck in the 70's happiness. Even the owls cruise in for some action. You know me and the sea don't like to part ways for anything… But when to rain comes - it comes!!!

We headed to the Highlands for some Koala luvin.... The koala pictured here is Constable. He was rescued by the local police- hence the name!

He is blind from the various diseases affecting the Koala and lives at the rescue sanctuary in Lismore.

We saw the Koalas being cared for at the sanctuary. What a wonderful day!!!!

So here we are, smiling big and bellies full, having eaten a wonderful meal on top of the valley at a "Farm to Table" restaurant called Harvest.

What a delicious and amazing adventure it’s been.

Vieques

Enjoying The View From Vieques, Puerto Rico       

So here I am sitting poolside sipping a cold frosty beer watching the waves roll in.

Yes, there is surf in Vieques....

Bravos De Boston couldn't be a finer place to unwind. Stop in town early morning for some fresh pastries and possibly a cerveza, if you are so inclined. Not sure of the name of the joint, but just go to the center of Isabella. Look for the lazy days of Cuba when sitting on the stoop chillin was a perfect way to enjoy a sunny day. Don't ask for anything fancy just straight up is how they poor it here and at our other favorite watering hole, El Sombrero. 

Don't let the drunken chatter fool you, the wine selection in the back (temperature controlled room) is the furthest thing from shabby. The prices on the Don Piedro can''t be beat. Try the two star, it's lighter.

If you are hankerin’ for some Labrador ribs head to the Blue Crab and your whole experience will bring you back to Normandy.

If you want to try something off the beaten path (even for Vieques) head over the Barefoot Bistro and have Nicole whip up whatever comes in that day.

Now for my favorite part: Pack some Coronas in the cooler and bring a couple strawberries ( the crabs are fascinated by them) and head to Garcia Gate for some of the most beauteous sandy coves you will ever set your eyes on. Stop at Blackbeard’s snorkel shop and pick up gear and a guide to the beaches and explore.

Get Abe on the horn and take the trip to Bio Bay. His humor and knowledge with take you to another place. Just don't forget the eco-friendly bug repellent ( eucalyptus and baby oil seems to do the trick)

If you want to surf, go to the North and drive to the Vieques Humane Society. Make a donation the head to the beach by the horse track. if you need to rent a board, Playa Valatos in Isabellas rents boards and the guy is super nice!

If you can swing renting the the Bravos Boys - just do it.

Off season is definitely quieter, but private beaches and discounted rates will leave you whipping up your own little cucina in a beautifully appointed kitchen . We just finished a garlic, onion, tomato and gouda frittata layered with the mofongo from last nights doggie bag. Sitting on the patio looking at a rainbow over the horizon sipping some wonderful Caribbean coffee while wondering if we have the energy to do much more than this. I don’t think we really need to….

Surf Sun Sayulita

Tacos, Surf, and Sun in Sayulita, Mexico

Back tracking a bit to find the best taco via Pacific Mexico.

Surf and sun aside, the coast north of Puerto Vallarta is place to begin searching for the best taco stand. The little sleepy town of Sayulita is a great place to start. Ivan's Tacos on the main road will keep you craving but only after 6pm. What's a girl to do all day long?

Head to Tacos Vicki in La Penita.

La Penita hosts the Thursday Market, so take the drive from Vallarta or Sayulita early on Thursday and walk the main road by the bus station with your eyes peeled for Tacos Vicki. The Thursday market can fill your rental up with anything your heart desires. Personally, I find the end of the walk through the market yields the best finds. I picked up a candelabra on the first trip and when I returned I was on a mission for a vintage Mexican mortar and pestle and walla. The same candelabra man hooked me up!

There are many options for accommodations in Sayulita. The second time we chose the Sayulita Trailer Park. If the view is what makes your spot 4 stars, and you love opening your front door to coffee and chest high surf, this is paradise. If you want the works, opt for a private rental for whatever suits your needs. Sayulitalife.com is the site for whatever you need. When you get sick of Tacos, head to Rojo Dragon for the absolute best fried rice outside of China. (I am not kidding.) Happy hour 2-for-ones set the mood for any evening and the staff is the friendliest in town. (Look for the music schedule so as not to miss the live Reggae night.)

Go to Dorado Rentals and rent an old Thing or Volkswagen Bug. Then take the ride to La Lancha and walk the heavenly white sand beach. Bring your board and if it is too small go the the Palladium resort and walk the secret path to Burros....

Adventure awaits! Go for it!