Nicaragua
After Honduras we continued on with Taliesin Rose to Nicaragua, which is a really special place for them. We had a quick stopover near the entrance of the Gulfo de Fonseca at Moneypenny. The next morning as we cruised along the northern Nicaraguan coast two Navy boats boarded us simultaneously. They checked our docs, made sure we put up our courtesy flag and let us go on our way.
Once we arrived in Puesta del Sol Marina in Nicaragua, the check in procedure was really easy as everyone came to us. It wasn't free, but it sure was nice not having to go hunting down Immigration, the Port Captain and Customs.
The marina itself is a lovely little spot with a restaurant, hotel rooms, two pools (one near the slips and another out on the beach) and a lovely manicured landscape with views of the volcano San Cristobal. Nearby there's a little surf school called Rise Up. Rowan and Vikki have been flying to Rise Up for several years now surfing and building relationships with those who run the school. We had such a great time meeting their friends, taking surf lessons and enjoying the Nicaraguan beaches and way of life.
We also went into the town of Chinendega to check it out and do some shopping at the grocery. Oscar from Rise Up acted as our tour guide along with our driver. We had delicious food, visited the church and got a feel for the city life.
Lastly, we had an epic bonfire out on the beach one of our last nights in Nicaragua. There is something magical about bonfires, especially when no one else is around. Overall, the countryside is some of the most beautiful and enchanting so far on our journey. And despite all the unrest that is going on in the country's capital, we found it to be extremely hospitable and peaceful where we were at.
Once we arrived in Puesta del Sol Marina in Nicaragua, the check in procedure was really easy as everyone came to us. It wasn't free, but it sure was nice not having to go hunting down Immigration, the Port Captain and Customs.
The marina itself is a lovely little spot with a restaurant, hotel rooms, two pools (one near the slips and another out on the beach) and a lovely manicured landscape with views of the volcano San Cristobal. Nearby there's a little surf school called Rise Up. Rowan and Vikki have been flying to Rise Up for several years now surfing and building relationships with those who run the school. We had such a great time meeting their friends, taking surf lessons and enjoying the Nicaraguan beaches and way of life.
We also went into the town of Chinendega to check it out and do some shopping at the grocery. Oscar from Rise Up acted as our tour guide along with our driver. We had delicious food, visited the church and got a feel for the city life.
Lastly, we had an epic bonfire out on the beach one of our last nights in Nicaragua. There is something magical about bonfires, especially when no one else is around. Overall, the countryside is some of the most beautiful and enchanting so far on our journey. And despite all the unrest that is going on in the country's capital, we found it to be extremely hospitable and peaceful where we were at.
On our way!
Puesta del Sol, pretty much all to ourself!
San Cristobal
Rise Up Surf School
Chinendega
Our bonfire