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People’s thoughts on Nicaragua
After I wrote about my trip to check out some eco resorts in Nicaragua a number of people connected with me, sharing tips and comments – so for a little more Nicaragua I thought I’d post a few of them here. A trio of them mention accommodations or restaurants … and I haven’t checked the places out so this is a completely unbiased post.
More Nicaragua – it’s all about the people
I was truly fascinated by Nicaragua and the terrific people I met (Hi Carly! Hi Julio! Hi Daniela from Cocoberry Spa!) so I guess I’m not 100% unbiased, but there it is. (And by the way, check out my Nicaragua video, too)
More Nicaragua – it’s all about adventure
If you don’t know what to expect from this crazy gorgeous country, hopefully my Nicaragua Adventure video will give you a taste and let you know what to expect: volcanoes, howler monkeys and swanky eco resorts.
Nicaragua confidential
Just so you know, the posts about Nicaragua below have been edited so that you can’t read all the top secret and extremely classified things they confessed to me. Kidding! I hardly got any top classified secrets at all.
Gorgeous Carly at Rendonda Bay, Aqua Wellness Resort
From Scott Bird
Hi Carol,
Rancho Santana. It’s just a few miles north of Acqua.
The Restaurant rocks.
Nice article.
Taxi anyone?
From Robert Latham at Orquidea del Sur 12 km south of San Juan del Sur
Sunset from upper infinity pool
Good afternoon Carol
I am a fellow Canadian living in Nicaragua. A friend just forwarded your recent article from the Star.
We are Canadians making a difference in Nicaragua ….. have been trying to connect with Canadian writers to help connect Canadians with Canadians. You are very right that the biggest issues is the image that people have before they come… and most are very surprised ……we try to create a special avenue that Canadians will feel more comfortable with Canadians… we offer Canadian money at par …… $99 per night double occupancy and $75 in the green season… incredible value … we are the little guy trying a whole lot harder…
Almost without exception people who have arrived have stopped and made the same comment “the pictures do not do it justice”. One of the new travel books describes Orquidea del Sur …….“This regal bed and breakfast is easily among the most luxurious accommodations in Nicaragua, with world class amenities and family style attention.”.
Pleased to follow up and explore how you can help us make a difference in Nicaragua…..
All is calm on Redonda Bay
And finally – I’d just like to add (this is me, Carol, speaking), here’s a lovely letter from Dianne Paron, the Secretary at the Rotary Club of Guelph South, who is really doing things to help …
Carol, I am copying your article (and the video, when it gets posted to your website) to the members of our Rotary Club. In 2010 we started funding a local group of women in El Carizal (near San Juan del Sur) to enable them to produce jams and compotes from locally grown fruit, in order to sell it to tourists. A number of our members have visited San Juan del Sur, have stayed at Pelican Eyes, and we are also funding English lessons for the ladies, we have helped with the creation of signage and logo, have created and donated the labels for the jars, and we are funding the construction of a proper kitchen so that they can meet all safety regulations, particularly for export.
There is already interest from tourists who have purchased. We are a small Rotary club and this project, and empowering those ladies, is very important to us. Our members will be excited to see your article, and it will encourage those who perhaps were hesitant about visiting Nicaragua to do so.
Pretty!
So there you have it – more Nicaragua info straight from the people who know it and love it. I hope this gives you some Nicaragua travel ideas.
Looks like a fascinating place to visit …quite different than I had imagined.
We rented a house for New year’s at Redonda Bay and had several meals at the Aqua Resort.
We also stayed at the Victoriano Hotel in San Juan del Sur.
In Granada we stayed at a tiny B&B for $25 a night.
We also stayed in San Francisco Hotel in Granada.
It is a beautiful county and we really loved it. The only downside was getting caught by the “Courtesy Police” twice and having to pay their bribes.
I have written a lot of posts on my blog about our trip.
We will definitely be going back there!!
P.S. I got my hair cut in Granada for $2!!!
Hi, Carol;
I enjoyed your article and the pictures in the Saturday Star, January 28, 2012. I also loved the video. Nicaragua is a desired future vacation place that I look forward to seeing.
Many thanks, and best regards,
Gail
We are very glad you enjoyed your trip to Nicargua!! All the ORO Travel staff including Julio send our best!! Take a look at our facebook page to keep in touch and check out what’s happening in Nicaragua!!
http://www.facebook.com/orotravel
Good evening
El Carizal is half way to San Juan del Sur from Orquidea del Sur at Playa Yanqui. Great to hear the Canadian connection to the jam……. our Nica staff have been over several times
We regularly use the jam for ourselves and our guests and sell extras to our clients….
Hope the Rotary Club members will come and see us http://www.orquideadelsur.com on their next trip to Nicaragua… there are several Canadians in the area… Making a difference in Nicaragua.
Robert
St Catharines
PS Carol thanks for the post come back and see us