Is this Heaven?

It turned out the priest wanted to switch seats so I agreed to sit by the window and take in the beauty. My favorite part of the bus is the window and staring out into sky, clouds, mountains, stars, trees, and people engaging in their daily work. Sitting on the bus with my head laying on top of the perfectly cleaned window, I stop for moments and just stare. I say in my head, "Wow this is so beautiful" like ten times over.


The real Costa Rica outside of San Jose is absolutely stunning. It's just God's beauty that is so present in overwhelming ways. The villages, the varying shades of green, the people smiling as the bus passes, the birds, and the way the sun shines on the people. I don't feel my description does any justice to how special it actually is, but I can say it's similar to the feeling of Kerala, India. Kerala is called "God's own Country." The nature is just exploding with God saying, "Don't worry I'm here watching over you."


If Heaven is something like Costa Rica or Kerala, India, I would be 100 percent satisfied. The rich nature and beautiful people would be the perfect fit for me. Heaven is a place where you spend quality time with God and his natural creations. It could be this environment with all those people you are suppose to meet in heaven....


Heaven Is Real. What do you imagine it to be?

Blue Lagoon

Blue Lagoon was just as spiritually breathtaking as the volcano. Simple nature with the lake shining into th4e sun. Tourists were chilling out on hammocks, which came from hotels/hostels that lined the front of the lake. A couple families were swimming and had a BBQ towards the end of the beach. The kids were splashing around and the father was throwing them around in the water. These people know how to do it. They know how to providing a loving environment for their children and that is priceless.  It makes me feel so alive to see these beautiful family moments between people. These positive moments are exactly what kids need to look back on and feel loved.

                         

While I was standing there next to a local man just about to go into the water. He says, "Hey look."
I look up and there is a beautiful rainbow sitting right over the lake.


We both look at one another and smile.  It made me think that these rainbows show up when goodness is present-just a thought.  A rainbow could also indicate that it's about the pour. My driver, Mr.Benny, was signaling me over the car. I ran up the hill and jumped over a rock(almost falling) and landed in the car just in time. It literally started raining right after we sat inside.


Normally, I would like to get wet and dance in the rain, but not when I'm in transit and on my way to another city. 

Off to the city of Granada and bye bye to a wonderful, magical city-Masaya........ 

Masaya Volcano

The Masaya Volcano is a fantastic sight that must be seen by every tourist. Sometimes I am disappointed with the quality of what I see or the experience, but this was definitely not the case. 

When I arrived and saw this active volcano, this huge whole in the ground surrounded by all green hills and cliffs, my mouth was wide open. I just could not get over the authenticity and the depth of it. It was just like something you would see in a movie.  I told my taxi drive I was going to go for a walk around(more like a hike). Eagerly, I walked/ran to the other side of the volcano where there was a huge ledge. I just stood there on the rock looking down, imagining lava oozing out of it.  It's amazing when you are sitting on an active volcano because you feel the heat. I could feel it each time my shoe hit the ground and it just made everything more exhilarating and unfearful.

Of course, there was no one that traveled over to this side, which is why I wanted to come over. The peace I enjoy most lied in this area. Under me feet, my shoes were warming up and every few bumps I would feel My spiritual exploration was present as I just sat near the edge of it taking in the beauty. My arms were out, my heart was open, and I thanked God for his natural creations. Even if someone is not religious, there is still a spiritual opportunity. It just involves mindfulness, being present, and taking in the surroundings peacefully. 

After this quite time, I decided to take a run uphill to the top area, which lead to another trail.  There was a family, which was present there with two adorable little boys. They were from Seattle nad they were so friendly and we talked a bit about our travels while staring into Masaya.  On the top, there is a small stable of horses where I chatted up the few guys that were there. They said that business is slow so they could take me for a ride(something to sacrifice because I have a driver waiting-similar to the 5 minutes left on the tour.  Sadly, I had to decline because if the driver saw me on a horse he might just leave without me-ha! 

As I walked back I saw everyone looking at the side. My driver shouts for me to come. I ask him, "What are we looking at? 

"The moon is red."

This was some kind of lunar eclipse where you the moon was bright red. This picture does not do justice to this beautiful experience. 

Magnificent Masaya

Masaya is one of the smallest, yet most populated departments in the country. The picturesque, small cities of its territory feature several attractions such as cultural manifestations, a strong indigenous heritage and many natural destinations. 

Due to its folkloric expressions, the capital city is an important cultural destination. Dance, music, street theater and colorful processions are some of its attractions. Also, Masaya has a nice urban center with interesting sites and diverse lodging facilities. A fortress, a pier, several restaurants, hotels, bars and craft shops are part of the offer. 
 
The Mayasa Volcano National Park and the Masaya Lagoon are two major natural attractions. The volcano is formed by three craters, two of them are extinct and the other one remains active, constantly spewing smoke. A vast territory, which still preserves its flora and fauna, surrounds this volcano. Unfortunately, the neighboring lagoon is currently polluted, but people can visit and find petroglyphs on its shores. Some are even brave enough to take a swim. 
 
In the Southwestern side of the department lies the largest volcanic lagoon in the country: Apoyo. The lagoon still preserves some forest on its slopes and features several summer and rural houses, as well as restaurants and hotels offering fun activities like diving, swimming and kayaking. Apoyo is also a natural reserve shared by the municipalities of Masaya and Granada, both of them with several viewpoints.
  
On the other hand, the charming cities of Catarina and San Juan de Oriente are frequently known as the "Bewitched Villages". The first one is famous for its many nurseries located within its urban center. There are two viewpoints in this area. One of them is in the city and includes craft shops and restaurants. The other one is situated in Diriomito and has some eateries and a paragliding ramp. San Juan de Oriente, the other bewitched village, is a land of artisans. Multiple studios and craft shops, filled with many, many colors and shapes can be found in this area. 
 
Catarina and San Juan de Oriente are also part of the 'Meseta de los Pueblos', along with three other municipalities: Niquinohomo, Nandasmo and Masatepe. Niquinohomo is known for its traditional dances and Nandasmo for its furniture factories. Masatepe has a renowned traditional dish called 'Sopa de Mondongo', and a coastline on the Masaya Lagoon with natural areas suitable for a good hike. 
 
Masaya has one last municipality: Nindirí. This territory has an interesting museum, a rural area called 'La Concha' and the remote lagoon of Charco de Tisma, which preserves many wetlands and is home to seabirds.

                                    www.viaNica.com

Hansel And Gretal

                                      Minature hut in the front of the trail leading you up

Selva Negra was a famous place to visit, stay, eat, horseback ride, taste coffee, kayak, or take a walk. This is a famous destination for tourists and it’s quite worth the trip.  The day I chose looked like it was ready to pour, but I went anyways. Instead of hiking all the way, I took a bus halfway up and hiked the rest.

As I looked up at the sky, I started moving a bit faster. Then I felt some rain drops and I started running. There was no point because I thought I was almost there because I passed the entrance sign. From the street to Selva Negra is like 5 miles-crazy. 

It was inevitable, I was going to be stuck in the pouring rain. I did have a rain jacket, but I didn’t want to show up a hot mess.

As it started raining harder and harder, I had to go underneath a tree. The branches were covering me, but I was still getting wet.  A local man approaches and he’s carrying some buckets with a banana leaf over his head. If this was New York and you needed an umbrella, people would just look at you and keep going.  What does this man not wearing any rain gear do?

He gives me the green banana leaf and insists I take it from.  They are probably so used to the rain that it doesn’t make a huge difference to them. Regardless, he didn’t have to give me his banana leaf, but he did. Off I went with the banana leaf on my head onto the street. Another guy passes me and he is laughing. I’m just jogging in the rain with this banana leaf over my head.  All you have to do is dump the water off every few minutes and you’re good to go.

The Selva Negra staff passes by and tells me to get in, which I do. I love the rain, but not for 5 more miles.  This isn’t my half marathon all over again. This guy asked me where I found that leaf and I said someone gave it to me. He said he thought I pulled it down myself. Well, I may be a monkey sometimes, but not this time.

Even in the rain, Selva Negra is such a special paradise. It reminds me of Hansel and Gretal with the green moss on stone houses. It has different stone paths leading to the forest where the cottage rooms are placed.

The rain takes a break and I sit outside on the Lake and order a coffee. It’s made fresh on the property and from the taste of it,”Wow.” Something about this lake is like this mystic feeling. This lake feels like the lochness monster is going to come up while you are eating. It’s 1600 meters above the ground allowing you peace and quite and freedom from noise.  Behind me they have gardens growing freshly grown spices and vegetables. For lunch, I order an eggplant sandwich with tomato and mozzarella-absolutely delicious and fresh as could be. 

There is this little wedding ceremony area with a rocking chair where I sit and think. 

I get up to walk around the lake and into the forest. There’s a couple horse stables on one side and the other side is the rooms. It’s truly an incredible place and I head back down at sunset because I have a bus to catch. A lovely lady who works at the front desk offers to give me a ride down. I find out that she is from New York and she has lived here for 6 years with her husband and family.  She works in the hotel and her husband sells property. She lives on one of the ranches I past with the horses. What a wonderful life I would imagine.

                       It's a wonderful life. 

Mirador El Calvario

                                            

This is a separate hike that I did the following day. This one did cross the poorest of the poor. There were just shacks stacked on top of one another going up a steep, steep dirt hill (steeper the better for my legs). This was the hike that you would not find a tourist on without a group or a car to take them up there.

Again, they are just people for me and I sit and talk with them on the way up.  Kids walking down in their navy and white outfits.  I bought some pineapple and watermelon from a lady and her two girls. She had two bunnies her girls were playing with and I told her I really wanted a bunny. She says that I can take one with me and her smile is bright and genuine.

Then there was the boy who was riding his bike with chicken in his carton. He had to make lunch so he was on the go. There was the family sitting and watching TV in just amazing how many people in poverty have tvs. They deserve them too and should not be denied that right of course. They had such kindness, humility, and warmth-just what God wants out of his people.  I just had some small chats with people who demonstrated interest in talking.

With my sense of direction, I have to always ask questions. Usually, God gets me there and sometimes quite miraculously. This time I was so energized by the people, the horses, the sheep, the birds, the beauty that I just went right past the entrance-way past the entrance. I found myself in a horse stable with two guys cleaning the horses. They told me, “Lady it’s down there. You walk alone-no good.”

I said, “Okay, Okay.”

I tried to negociate a deal for a half an hour horse ride, but they were on their way to lunch. He is so sweet and kind. He seems to be happy just to have a tourist spending time talking with him.  He welcomed me to come back tomorrow, but I think a one time solo trip was enough. 

I found the blatant entrance that I missed. I wonder about how a person can be so clueless with her way and travel. This was the higher mountain with a view of the whole city and the three mountains. They had a watch tower, a bench, a swing set, a park, and a small memorial. The only people there were a couple and one other tourist-peaceful and just what I wanted.

 

 

After I stopped in an English center where I spoke with the Director. He started a center with computers for learning and classes. He said it had good enrollment, but it was difficult for students to be consistent. Also, the weren’t getting this English practice in their environment or at home. This was a problem I faced teaching in Morocco.  He was the one running it all and I expressed how proud I was for him. These locals who start these businesses are truly making a difference in their community. They have created a school and resource for their own people-it’s beautiful and a definite need.

After I went to Guadalupe church to speak with the Pastor about his church and the community. He was not present so I had to come back. 

When I reached my hostel, I told my mother friend that I just finished El Cavario.

“You did El Cavario yourself? What?!”

“Yes and no one bothered me or stole something or engaged in negative behavior. It was completely harmless.”

“The only way tourists go up there is with a guide. You are brave.”

“I don’t think so rather I think I just believe.”

“ Believe in what?”

“I believe in people.”

It was a chance for me to share with her to teach her to have more faith in her country.  This is easier said than done on both sides, but I do believe it’s possible.

     Anything is possible if you believe in people

PRIS

Overprotected

 

When it came to the hikes in Matagalpa, each and every one is unsafe.  The hikes lead to areas that were unsafe villages.  The locals and the tourists were both saying that it was unsafe. It’s just the areas of town that people don’t go exploring. For me, it is an exploration. I love these people. They are beautiful, kind, full of spirit and religious. Of course, there are those reacting to their environment. They are angry, confused, stealing, misguided, and liars.  I love these people just as much because I know they all have potential. They are going through a difficult time, but inside they are good people. They are on the wrong path, but people have to believe in them in order for them to change.

The biggest advice was to watch my stuff because there were reports of theft-stealing phone and cameras. The most recent report was about a year ago. 

If I had to count the number of hikes I did on a tour, it would probably be on one single hand. I do them alone, I have my time alone with my higher power, I take a lot of time staring at trees, staring at the sky, and smelling flowers, and I’m content.  I don’t need a group of tourists flashing cameras in my face and talking about what they miss about USA-no gracias.

Off I went up to the top with not one person bothering me. People think that there are some guys hanging around waiting to bother you. The only men I saw were working and focused on their job. This hike, specifically, was completely peaceful. The weather was cloudy with the sun making an appearance on occasion. Some kids were on their way to school-my favorite part of traveling-watching kids get an education.

When it came to the view point, I wanted to get to- I asked for advice from my fellow security guard. There were some beautiful houses that he was protecting. He was adorable, just love security guards ugh.


He said there are some “ladrones”-thieves and I should be very careful.

Now when a security guard at the top advises you to be careful-you take his advice. People who are stereotyping-no.

He did say, he would keep an eye on me and the area. He was able to see me walk up to that area.

 

Then I pass by a gardener who is lifting a bush on his back (not something we see regularly). I ask him exactly how to get to the top (I don’t use a map. People are my maps). He tells me to just keep following the dirt path so I do.

There I am walking and walking, the view is getting nicer. I am almost up to the top when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

“Ahhh.” Priscilla

I turn around and it’s the gardner from below.

“I just wanted to make sure you are okay. My friend told me that there can be some thieves up here hiding. You never know what could happen.”

This kid was on the job working for a wealthy home. They could fire him or scold him for disappearing and he came to make sure I get up there safely.

For me, this does not surprise me because I see beautiful people do these acts of kindness over and over. This is what beautiful people do because they care. If these people who talk about how dangerous is it could just read this post.

Anyways, he told me he works as a gardener and works on a family coffee estate on the mountain opposite to us. This boy was angelic, so sweet, innocent, and working to help his family.  He offered to take photos for me and I didn’t even ask him.

I told him that I wanted sometime  to meditate and I didn’t want him to get into trouble. As expected, there were no thieves so I was safe. 

 

It was just me and my space to breathe.  The time on the top just “alone” is priceless. Moments that can’t be replaced with a car or a tour bus. Thank you my legs work just fine. 

A surprise on the way down...

It’s just incredible how safe and protected, I can feel from local people. It’s the opposite of the tourist expectation and I write this so travelers can believe in people. Believe the best and your will receive the best. Believe the worst and you will receive the worst. Please look at the evidence. Both these local people were concerned for me going up by myself and they wanted me to be safe. There was a possibility of someone committing a crime, but there was no one there. The locals protect the tourists because they also have a fear that something could happen. Both sides are juggling fear back and forth.  If there was a seriously dangerous place, I would take people’s advice, but I know this is not.  It’s just local people living their daily lives-this is not crime rather this reality.

Nice place near the top is Lomas De San Thomas, which is a resort. This area could really be that bad that close the a resort? Most likely not.

Matagalpa

               

Matagalpa is built on a hilly terrain that is surrounded by mountains. The city itself is located at an elevation of around 700 meters and the climate is significantly different from the hot, tropical climate at the Pacific lowlands. Although it can also get quite hot during the dry season, Matagalpa generally enjoys lower temperatures than cities like Managua or León, and it also rains more in this region. The vegetation is consequently also different, and the area is generally very green.

With around 110,000 residents Matagalpa is a fairly large city in Nicaragua, and there are plenty hotels and restaurants in different price ranges. Although many interesting activities can be found outside the urban area, there are also several attractions within the city limits. Several small parks – often set in front of a church or cathedral – are a great place to hang out just like the Matagalpinos (inhabitants of Matagalpa) like to do, enjoying the tranquil setting and some typical Nicaraguan food, sold by street vendors around the parks. The Central Park and the Darío Park are the two most interesting sites.

Being Nicaragua’s coffee-capital, a visit to the coffee museum in Matagalpa is definitely a must. Although it is a small museum, it does offer some interesting information about the coffee production. There are photos and old tools on display, and other objects including pre-Columbian ceramics and old pictures of Matagalpa are also exhibited. More about the coffee museum can be found in our Activity Guide. There is also a museum of the founder of the Sandinista movement, Carlos Fonseca, who was born in Matagalpa.

The city is surrounded by green mountains and one of the most prominent peaks is the Cerro Buena Vista, reaching a height of 1,442 meters above sea level. The mountain chain is called Apente, and it is a protected natural reserve. The lush vegetation makes it a great place for hiking. One particular peak, called the Apente Hill (Cerro Apente) has well-prepared trails that lead to the top, and along the way visitors can see small mammals, butterflies, and other animals, as well as water streams and even waterfalls. A viewpoint is located at the summit, providing a superb view of the city of Matagalpa and its surroundings

PHOTOS BY PRISCILLA

www.vianica.com

Social Worker By Bike

This bike ride was truly just what the doctor ordered. My spirit and soul was craving a bike ride. I had been in the back of a pick of truck going to church, a shuttle van, and bus.  However, I had been missing the motor bike or motorcycle. It's one of the best ways to explore with the wind threw your hair, the nature in front of your eyes, the sky changing colors, the waves of the beach on one side, and trees on another. It's not about seeing how fast you can ride rather it's about slowing down to take in the beauty.  

As far as Stan, he was so kind and attentive he asked me where I wanted to go. I told him, "You know wherever you think is good." He said, "No where do You want to go?" You know this is a nice guy because sometimes gas is an issue. He owned some property and had a pretty good job. So we went off to go around the island and explore the unseen destinations.

The island has varying neighborhoods: some full of charm, some underprivledged, some Spanish, some Creole, some naturally stunning, and some just heartbreaking. As the bike went through these communities, I enjoyed the beach waves crashing, the pine trees, unexpected steep hills, and mountain areas. It was quite a diverse display of nature and also a clear display of poverty. The bike was suppose to be a joy ride, but unfortunately I take my work with me on the bike. We were laughing and having great conversation, but I couldn't help, but look in the eyes of those I passed by-sadness, in need of guidance, in need of a motivational speech or session.  Clearly, he was not up for making stops on the bike to talk to locals-pictures yes-social work-no.
Hearing much about the Frenchman's cove, I was interested to visit.

He asked me, "Are you sure you want to see there?"  
 "Yes, can we please drive in?"

I knew it was a poor community and I wanted to see it.  It was a Creole community with the crosses on the churches all in different shapes, the kids running through the streets, the houses built on a hill stacked up on top of each other, seeing the women cook through the windows in their big pots with clouds of smoke, the municipal building next to the basketball courts right on the water  Unfortunately, most people looked at me like, " What are YOU doing here?" They were not very welcoming and I kind of got the hint that maybe we should leave.  Instead of feeling sad, I just felt like this was a missed opportunity.  This was clearly a community that needed me and I was not there for them.. it just felt like a let down on my part as I didn't explore the whole island to see the truly bad areas.''

 Somewhere Over the Rainbow these people will fly... Fly far away into a safe place with no financial worries.

Being a nice teddy bear, he wanted to cheer me up so he took me for ice cream... well that is guaranteed to cheer me up.  Mr. Stan took me to an Iguana farm.  This is a farm of 100 plus iguanas just sitting around and staring at you.  They don't bite you or attack you...they just stare at you.  We were going to stop at a nice Hotel Casino/Resort, but the security guard would not let us through because it was after hours.  Unfortunately, my charm does not always work and I did not get us through the gates. Iguanas, parrots, and toucans were just as satisfying.  Nature beats out fancy hotels any day. 

As we continued along, there were some familiar places that came up for Stan. We passed by the area he used to live in, which has now been taken over my hotels and high rise condos.  Before, it was just a simple village where he lived with mother, father, and 4 brothers.  We also stopped at his house that was for sale.  The house had four large bedrooms, two living room areas, a nice kitchen, dining room-not to mention a full upstairs with two bedrooms and a balcony and two bath.  I mention this because he was renting it out for just $700 a month. He was having difficulty selling and just needed someone to rent it for the time being.  The economy is bad in Roatan and it's difficult to get someone to that location. 

For me, I thought that a selling point would be  it's location right across the church. Well, that would work for me, but perhaps not so much for others. I said, "How wonderful to live that close to a church."  You just open your window and hear the music on a Sunday morning-inspired to get up and go with such lovely people attending. Unfortunately,  He didn't seem that excited about it and nicely responded, "Some days you don't want to hear the music Priscilla." It's definitely understandable for a neighbor to want some silence from time to time.  

After this long ride and my talking and talking about how much I wanted a delicious local meal.  Looking for a small place with huge flavors.  Let's eat.....