Tag: peace

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Love in the time of COVID-19

Hi sweet souls,

I come to you all with nothing but love in these challenging times. Our world is on the edge of a crisis or, perhaps we’ve already crossed the street to greet it… Either way, I believe this global shift we are experiencing will linger on for a while, there is no quick fix when the wounds of societal progression, and its environmental, health and financial impacts run deep within our global, interwoven lives. Although the virus will sicken, and end in death for many, we will find a vaccination and many will heal or not experiences sickness at all. I think the greater implications will run deep with financial burden and a crippled health care system.

With that being said, I trust in our human capacity for kindness and our capability to lift one another through difficulties. We have powerful ability (as a humanity) to shift our focus away from the heaviness, fear and uncertainty of the current state of affairs, towards the positive (the helpers, Mother Nature’s beauty, creativity of community, etc) happening all around us. Our dedication towards personal responsibly to help one another and think collectively will be a huge indication of how the quality our individual lives, national lives and global lives move forward. We have to come together in community (of course while practicing social distance) more now, than ever before. I’m not a scientist, I’m not a doctor, I’m not an economist and my words may hold little weight in the public sector. By no means are my words intended to diminish the incredible collective effort going on by our health care-professionals, first responders, and politicians trying to combat this virus on the ground level. These people are hero’s who I deeply honor and respect.  But for the sake of the rest of us, my intention is that these words inspire hope – I am  a human, just like you, with a perfectly normal appetite for health and wellness, with a desire for nothing more than to feel safe and secure, to love and be loved.

For “work” I do lots of things. One of my favorite and most fulfilling hats I wear is that of a yoga teacher. I am a yogi in my life walk, and far from perfect. (I cuss, I sometimes drink too much and I have a sweet affection for all kinds of play – surf, ukulele, hula hooping, blowing bubbles, traveling… you get the point). And often wish that could be my work. I know my purpose here in this life is to help others heal, feel joy, and guide them back to love. As a carrier of light, I feel this is my time to hold space for everyone. Teaching yoga in its entirety brings me a bit  closer to myself and others with every exchange, whether it’s a hug, a helping deed, or teaching a yoga class in the studio (or now online.)

I have spent a small amount of time diving into studies about eastern religions and yogic philosophy. By no means am I a philosopher, a theologian, or an expert in religious studies, so please receive my interpretations that follow, as my own. The first rule of buddhism states that life is suffering. The second rule, then says, to suffer is not enough. So although life will bring us hard times, it also gives us the tools to cope, and a guidelines that state, if we want to feel joy, that we must rise above the suffering. These wisdoms I have found repeated across many religions and spiritual texts.

This is where my yoga practice and my connection to self, and an ok-ness with all the fear, uncertainty and unknown come into play. I have learned from my own life experience, the more open we keep our hearts, the more we lean in to what we can not control, the more we accept and surrender to what we do not know or understand (which is just about everything) the more freedom, harmony and peace we feel. As humans we are taught and programmed to attach to what we know to be real. So at a time in our lives where everything feels so surreal & so uncertain, we are perhaps being given a massive, unprecedented opportunity to learn. An opportunity (presented in a really fucked up package- as often the great teaching moments are) to practice more acceptance, more patience, more kindness, more love. Life is asking, practically begging us to dedicate our choices to bettering ourselves, and as a result, inspire others, to do the same.

Now is a time to focus on you and cultivating a strong(er) sense of self. What a sweet opportunity for growth, to get to know yourself in new and wonderful ways. What makes you feel alive? Not by outside circumstances, but by hobbies, likes, and simple joys. You don’t have to take this path, you can sit around, bored, frustrated, upset. But think for a second, the possibility that could come in to you life if you chose to open up, instead of close down?…

So in these times I encourage you to sit with this stillness, and pause. Explore it with curiosity. Soften to the untold. Do not resist what is happening, (ultimately causing more friction and suffering) but stay open to receive what is. Gently try to step into the flow, and see where it takes you. Yes this is scary, but fighting upstream will eventually wear you down, and not get you far from where you started.  I do believe what is meant to happen will always find a way. So how gracefully (or not) that way happens, exists in the power of choice. A choice that is ultimately up to you. Let your mind rest in your own personal ability to control yourself, what you think and how you act and treat others.

Also, remember it’s okay to not feel okay. These are indeed stressful times. So continue to greet yourself (and everyone else you pass along the path) with love and compassion. Stay hopeful and engage in positivity every chance you can. We are truly all in this together. Maya Angelou said “every rain storm runs out of rain.” I have faith in this truth. This time will pass, and despite hardships, we will be okay. Stay connected to each other anyway you can, and when this has all passed I hope we’ve learned the beauty of a more humble, gentle and simple way of living and existing – with ourselves and others. From my heart to yours – I hope your days to come find you with feelings of happiness, gratitude, calmness, freedom and peace.”

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Photo by @KarsonCoastal

xx

Wander with love sweet beings,

Katie

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THE GRIND.

.The grind.

I’ve been spending time recently  focusing on clarity, alignment, and how I can manifest a life that makes me feel fulfilled and satisfied. Again, and again, I’m learning and seeing that in our achievement driven society people often seem over worked, under appreciated, and perhaps not so content. People are constantly being told they are not enough, they need to do more – have more, therefor leading to a lifestyle that I find ultimately leads to discontent. I’ve been thinking about “The grind” of modern life, and some possibilities we can choose to or consider to reverse this trend that has become the norm.

.The grind.

An idea we are all so very familiar with. As I imagine this “grind”ing, My brain instantly thinks of an aggressive, destructive process – a blender slicing/ dicing breaking down things- changing their form. And composition. A meat grinder… to get the point across.

And yet somehow, as a society. This grind. Is something we sign up for. We do this break down to ourselves. 

This is a contact I’ve decided not to sign.

I’d rather be, a little broke, talking story with the trees, diving into the adventures of nature, then drowning in a sea of possessions. There is a novelty in the mystery of the wild earth. Deep satisfaction is waiting in places where life is thriving in the canopies of the trees and dancing with the wind of curiosity. Places where the grind is sunrise churning of coffee beans and their sweet savory smell is the alarm of the gods.

Or if the tropics don’t excite you in the way they do me, maybe take 5 minutes at the beginning of our day to simply sit and breathe or stretch. Take time to go on a walk in nature or through your neighborhood. To practice active gratitude and appreciation for ourselves and all that we are. The idea here is taking time to connect, and cultivate a joy and peace in the wild simple bliss of simply being alive.  

In the dictionary- grind means 

“reduce (something) to small particles or powder by crushing it.” – “reduce (something) to small particles or powder by crushing it. Hard dull work.”

Crazy. Right? This is self prescribed madness.

Now in a yogic mind sometimes- this friction – this “tapas” as we call it – this determination to build heat and fire for transformation is necessary. BUT the key word here being. -sometimes- 

This grind my friends. Is exhausting and in my humble opinion over rated. Work is important. Contributing to society is important. Making enough money to take care of yourself your family and your basic needs is important.  But again. What is enough? 

In an achievement driven society once you’ve gained everything society said you need to be happy – will it be enough? Or will marketing, commercials, Black Friday deals – all the outside forces and influences around you tell you, N e E D more. Buy more. Have more… But for what? 

This is wild to me. Let’s try to slow or reverse this trend. After all, we are born not human doings, but human beings. And contentment comes from within. 

Why do we celebrate busy? What is it about our possession that gives us value? When you are rich in spirit, when your pockets are deep love, with stories and experiences, when connection to others runs through the veins of society- we will then be successful. Maybe then we will have a better understanding of how we can be content 🙂

Take a minute my loves. And ask yourself. Is all this grinding building you up? Or breaking you down? Where in life can you simplify, shift,  or let go, so maybe you can work a few hours less, and go on a walk. Go the gym. Or better yet, surf, hike- bike, practice yoga or get outside, play music, make art. Where in your life can you cultivate more joy that has nothing to do with things? There is a sweet luxury in looking within and finding all the richness money will never buy you. 

Take a minute my friends, for you, for your family, to do what bring you joy. Life keeps moving and will move right past you, if you are not awake enough to savor the moments now. If you slow down enough, you might  catch up to yourself and see what a glorious life that is thriving all around you: when you slow down. You will be able to see all the sweet details you miss when you move so fast. Maybe in this space you will find everything you are working tirelessly to achieve. Maybe the secret is not more things, but less.  Love yourself in new ways. Try new things and get new results- that’s how it works. 

Maybe not, but if you’re finding yourself overworked and worn out.

Maybe give it a try. I know being vulnerable, dipping your toes into the pool of the unknown can be scary and intimidating, but I also know, that we never learn what we are capable of if we never try. So give it a try, maybe you will learn things about yourself you’ve never dared to think before. What have you got to lose?  Maybe I’m wrong.

But maybe I’m right. 

Wishing you a peaceful week. Full of love and a slower pace of life. Even if everything around you moves fast, you can cultivate this peace within and shine it out to others.

surf-slowdown-travel

All my love,

Katie Mermaid

 

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Fear and Freedom in the land of Pura Vida

Time spent traveling invites us to be a different version of ourselves.  It gives us an opportunity to do new things, rad things, to experience life outside our bubble, to live beyond our comfort zone, to meet new people and learn about our strength of character.

On Monday I left the town of Liberia and set off to the jungles. I cruised along familiar roads for an hour or so, and then I felt tingles of excitement as I took a left into unfamiliar territory. The excitement left as quickly as it arrived when I realized I was about to leave the land of paved paradise and enter into savage landscapes. The blissful free feelings turned to oh shit feelings in a fast heart beat. And of course, I had to pee. No bathrooms on the horizon or any sign of humanity – aside form the casual construction worker or massive tractor along the way I was mostly alone.

Maybe the best part of this whole incredible 1 hr of life was the great little spot I found to pull over and relieve myself,  I hopped out of the car, enter here the vision of naked muddy feet, and an Austin Powers epic pee. It was so peaceful outside of the car, with the pause from  the rubbing and jumbling, squishy, mucking noise of  mountainous terrain battling with the car below me. Then, back to it. A bit more thrilled about the drive at least knowing I’d solved one small problem.

So I’ve driven through many potholes and rainy jungle roads before, but this day wins in the competition of driving adventures. It was rainy and wet, and for about an hour I was on a muddy, slippery, rocky construction site of a road defined by steep inclines, declines, and blind turns… By myself, with out cell service, not in a truck or vehicle that gave me confidence or the support I wanted in this kind of terrain. The sides of road often lacked railings and muddy tires slide going down hills, and rocks below the tires often slip on the way up… 

Anyway.

I think you get the point. 

It was and incredibly beautiful jungly drive aside from that, just terrifying.

When I finally returned to the safely of normal roads, I definitely let out a big breath of sigh. As I navigated these roads I found a sense of confidence and assurance that I am brave and capable. None the less, as I drove away from this stretch of road I was definitely relieved to see paved roads and resemblances of little towns. Ironic part is remember saying to myself, with a mental check “that was cool, don’t ever need to do that again” and as I’ve tried to brain storm a different way to leave Santa Teresa, I have found no better option but that hellish road. It is actually the best way to get out of town. Joke is on me. As the rain pours down right now, my heart smiles, and cries at the same time, how wonderful the rain, but how extra fucked the roads will be tomorrow. ha ha ha…

this is where I knew I was in for it
yep. wtf. haha. forward I supposed is the only direction to go
It sure is beautiful out here though
just a bit of mud
happiest sign I’ve ever seen
Rental car Im going to take back to the city. haha

It’s funny though, I’m not looking forward to it – But when we do things that make us feel scared and get through them, we learn, of our own resilience. We get stronger sense of self every time we persevere. 

Experience like these help me understand the importance of trying new things and keeping an open mind towards moments that may feel awful. These moments are here to teach us something. How do we ever know what we can do if you don’t ever chart away from our routines and do something that makes us scared ? 

I arrived in safety in Santa Teresa just in time for birthday lunch with the sweet brilliant queen of http://www.tarantulasurf.com. Tara. We became friends when I slid into her DM’s on IG. Lol sound familar. Yep, that’s how I met you too right ;). When I was living in Costa Rica I’d always see her posts, full of gorgeous images and pared with heartfelt captions to match. Words, stories and poems of women, nature and empowerment. I knew we needed to be friends, so I reached out, we made attempts to connect in person for a while but a tender sisterhood began to grow. We met in Nicaragua two years ago, the friendship has continued to bloom in such beautiful ways since then.  

One love
Birthday feast. So yum!

 

Friendships like Tara’s and adventures like this validate my belief of the reward that comes when we go beyond our comfort zone.  When we make ourselves vulnerable, sometimes there is rejection of loss, but from these places we are able to transform, we create our own recipe for infinite possibility. The adventure it’s self it the reward, and everything else gained along the way it just the bonus.

The last three days here unfolded into complete magic. Surfing. Check (biggest waves I’ve paddled out in since the injuries – little victory dance for self here- they were breaking pretty far out and overhead) yes I was scared, yes I stepped on a bee and got stung on the way into the water and yes, once I was able to silence the self doubt and enjoy the majesty of the jungle lined tropical ocean I was floating in,  I scored some killer waves. The lightening storms, beachside-palm tree-waterfall lined jungle roads, home made dinners, conversations about love and light and consciousness have been full on. I’ve laughed non stop. I’ve made flows to beats (watch out- little miss lyricist here- haha- white girl can jam) perched on the hillside, on the porch of a perfectly place jungle cabin, with an epic million dollar view of the pristine jungles and uninterrupted sprawling beaches. Talking story has spanned the spectrum of heavy and deep and playful, but the mood has remand light. Life, just as it is, is really sweet. Real connection away from cell phones with people who are on a similar path to mine is something I’ve been missing. I feel validated, like my dreams, aren’t so wild or far out there, but, that naturally this is what people like us do. We choose the mud, and the nature, and the lack of amenities because we feel so much joy without it. Life full of modern luxuries often feels overwhelming and full of distractions away from the peace of simplicity.

The view from the road
Just a million dollar view and a perfect jungle bungalow
Afternoon hours
friends and lots of love

My life in the states is so blessed, and so abundant, but sometimes I feel like I have to do as much as everybody else to keep, up or else I’ll get left behind. And I find the pace of life absolutely exhausting. Are we living if we are working all the time? For me, the answer is a hard no. I don’t desire to have things, I crave experience my wants and needs walk a different road.

So, to be here, around people who live, and breathe, and move at the same gentle pace as myself; People who want to spend the days engaging in life, enjoying good company, savoring books, and adventures, and the bliss of the warm sea, well,  feels like home.

We all work, but we don’t live to work. Our emphasis is different. And I think that’s the whole point. When we finds what sets our soul on fire. What bring us peace. We should stop at nothing to live that life. It looks different for everyone. I can’t emphasize enough, the idea of “many paths, one truth”. We all end up in the same place, but how we get there may look different, and that’s the wonderful part, the journey of finding your own magic way.

To me it feels and looks like this. I am so inspired by being here, my heart beats more fully in this environment. I’m so happy to be in communion with the people and places that make me feel so whole and complete.

Costa Rica Magic
Sunset in Playa Hermosa, Santa Teresa
Stay stoked
At home with the trees =)

My point of writing it to inspire you to follow your heart. To find your voice, your song, that you create, and could play on repeat from here until forever and never get sick of. My wish for you is to fall in love with life. My wish for you is to seek. Seek your deepest desires, travel, embrace newness, find adventure, live your truth, and if you don’t know what that looks like, don’t stop searching. Dedicate yourself to you, and everything you find along the way, no matter how scary or challenging the way, will deliver you the greatest rewards. I can’t promise it will be easy, or always good, but it will be worth it. A million times over again, it will be worth everything you compromise to live your hearts desires, life is out there waiting for you to embrace it.

Tomorrow I head back on the road, and to another place that feels like home, and actually was for a while. Nosara. A place where I encountered countless waves, enduring friendship, and the biggest broken heart and deepest debt I’ve know to this day. I love this place, and if I could go back and do it all over again, I’d do it the exact same.

So tomorrow awaits – through those damn hills of mud and rock and slippery sludge. Also hills, of magical jungle trees, fresh air, and the excitement I seek. And I’m scared. But the hour will pass, white knuckles and all and I will be fine. I suppose if I asked life for adventure it is giving it to me. (ON a side note, know this, be clear in your intentions and what you ask for, haha. Cause you will get it. We are powerful manifestors in that way. Suppose on this path to enlightenment I too have a lot to learn.) 

And in an attempt on playing with perspective, if this “horrific” hour of my day tomorrow, driving through the beautiful jungles of Costa Rica  is as bad as it gets, this week, or even this month, then my life is pretty damn good…

Off to enjoy the songs of rain. Sleep sweet my loves, I’ll talk to you soon

Xo

Katie 

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To those who like to wander…

To those who like to wander,

I hope you know what a treasure you are and how brilliantly rare your free spirit is. In a world where comfort is often found in the security of routine and the known, you unapologetically seek the mystery of life. You move with fluidity that sets you apart, and in this motion, you often flow, to oceans and pastures away from the herd.  I hope you know to endlessly nourish this untamed spirit. I hope you know what a gem you are and how truly bright you shine.

Your ideals that rest and waken in the discovering the depth of self, is a quality to cherish. Life for you is a continued exploration of what exists beyond the edge of the visible eye. You sweet soul, finding comfort in the solitude, and joy in the lonely;  you’ve learned through it all, this is where you grow. You love the way new places and foreign culture can snuggly tuck you in at night. Your passion to experience the totality of existence is not be ignore.

In your endless pursuit to truly feel alive you’ve humbly come to know rejection as the hand that holds success. In this vulnerability you’ve learned what a powerful force you are. There is no stop to what you can dream sweet child. There will be no denying your radiance, your dedication to love, forever prevails. Even if sometimes you feel sad or alone, you continue with dedication to creating a greater fabric of inspiration.  To be knocked down is only an opportunity to get back up. You’ve learned that kindness and a smile can soothe even the angriest of hearts. You know now that your laughter is the pulse on which the tradewinds blows. There is nothing a sense of humor cannot solve. 

You sweet child are pure and vibrant. Your failure has come to teach you, that failure is not what they say, but simply a nudge in a different direction. Success lives in the breath and energy of how you believe you can. Infectious is your wild spirit that refuses to behave in any way but free. The way you bravely embrace the unknown with curiosity love is an endless ray of sunshine. I hope you know to never diminish the fire that burns inside of you. Because with your audacious capability to abide in a journey that satisfies your deepest truths, you give others permission to do the same. 

With love,

Someone who understand your wild urges

 

free-spirit-travel-surf-writer-yoga-teacher-nicaragua-inspiraiton

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Nicaraguan Spring 2019

 

Hi Guys, I figure I’ll give you little introduction for those of you who don’t know me personally =) My name is Katie. I am lover or life. I am a Yogini, both a practitioner of Yogic lifestyle as well as an instructor of yoga and peace practices. 

Loosely translated, Yoga in its literal meaning from Sanskrit is “yoke”, which means, joined, connected, or unified. This idea of unity, is one of the main principles that drives my life. I believe we are one, one humanity, we are all the same despite religion, skin color, or physical demographic. In this belief I am guided to choose love over fear over and over and over again. I am a human being, and so are you, and this sameness unifies us far more than any perceived separateness. I have found in this inclusion of all beings (trees, plants, fishes, etc,) it becomes easy to love.  In addition to my yoga practice and the beautiful tools & philosophies of love and harmony it continues to teach me, travel and the eye opening, humbling, widening of perspective that I receive from my experiences abroad are another of the greatest teachers. Travel, for me is a source of inspiration, knowledge and joy. Travel is a place to nurture my adventuresome spirit and grow to believe in myself. Finally I love the ocean, and this magic mother Earth. This planet that we live on is the greatest nurturer and teacher of all. We can learn all things from her, as I believe are are her. We are stardust. Little insignificant moments in time, trying to make the best of this human experience.

Now with all that being said, let’s head back to my recent trip to Nicaragua. I feel this wonderful country to partly be a second home to me, and one day in the near future I will be lucky enough to call it home. I own property there and am in the beginning stages of building a dream, Surf House Nicaragua. This space will be eco, bohemian surf and yoga bungalows. It will be an extension of my heart and soul, a place where people can come and share in my joys, feel loved, and cared for. It will be a space to heal and play and be inspired and fill your cup with goodness of life. I’m excited to be a part of the community in Asseradores.  I love the people and the land and the waves of Nicaragua. I also really LOVE to surf. Like as much as I love to breathe. The ocean is my first home. About a year about I had a gnarly fall, blew out my knee, snapped and displaced both bones in my arm and smashed all the cartilage in my wrist. The accident resulted in two major surgeries and I am still healing my knee. I’m in physical therapy (which is amazing) twice a week, and although it’s continually getting better I am still a few months away from what will be considered physically 100% (the mental aspect of this healing process I will save for another day.) Any who, typically my journeys to Central America, or anywhere, are wave focused, in a healthy body. SO this most recent trip was a challenge for me to find these same joys, by doing new things, in a place where I’ve always done the same things. Challenge accepted. This last trip, although wonderful, was not nearly as exciting or “soul fulfilling” as the ones previous.  But I’ learning that’s sometimes what life is all about. Taking the moments that aren’t drenched in sparkles and finding the spots where they shine.  The trip however was exactly what it needed to be, a learning experience full of smiles and fun. This blog is mostly about that. The places I visited, and perhaps a bit of tourism plug, in the sense that I want people to know how absolutely fantastic I find Nicaragua to be despite what our government says. 

Here it goes.

The land of 1000 smiles. People there are so friendly, and so kind, and in many of the communities I visited have a genuine interest in taking care of one another. Just about everywhere I went I found myself greeted with smiles and waves, from the Abuelo sitting a chair in front of his house, to the playful curious children dancing and laughing in the street. I was hard pressed to pass anyone with out some kind of genuine greeting. 

Last year beginning in April 2018, Nicaragua did experience conflict and  violence that lasted for several months, and although during these times parts of the country were unsafe due to riots and roadblocks, the conflict in general was different than what we saw on tv, and certainly no a civil war. The conflict was a result of the people, mostly university students, coming to a peaceful protest in the streets. They were protesting for their basic human rights, social security rights, and rights to be respected by their government. The violence that resulted was armed militias and the military attempting to silence thousands of citizens who were standing up for their democratic right. During the time of these conflicts, there was indeed  horrific violence but  these things currently have passed. And the people, for the most part, (with the exceptions of over fifty thousand who are no longer employed by the tourism industry) return to daily life with hope for a fair election and future. Unfortunately, many of the institutions built around tourism’s and job creating industries lay dormant. Non of this however stops the people from smiling and greeting you as you pass in the street. In my opinion, and statistics may agree, Nicaragua is no more of a dangerous place than the wrong part of LA or NewYork on a late night.

It’s unfortunate that we have government policies in place that continue to lead people to believe it is a dangerous place to visit.

After my most recent trip it’s become apparent that the country is safe as ever and we can and should return, to surf waves, go on tours, enjoy the majestic abundant natural resources and provide well deserving people with means of economy.

I started my my most recent journey in Costa Rica enjoying friends and the Pura Vida vibe. What a wonderful life to have so many places to call home, and people to wrap you up in love. That’s one of the most magic parts about travel, as you move about the planet, widen your circle, and weave more webs, the connections and friendships we make don’t ever go away, they just expand.

After my love fest in lush Costa Rica its off to Nicaragua I go,  as usual I had a smooth border crossing. When crossing, remember you have to play to play and visit the ticket office for an $8 or so exit fee, then you walk. I stood in line for maybe 10 minutes, had my passport stamped and passed through the gate. Once in Nicaragua, my driver picked me up and the border and we were off! Depending on your budget and how you like to travel, their public bus system, though slow, hot, sticky and crowded is an option. The ride is always long than expected, but the bus terminals are vibrant and bursting with sights and sounds. I have used this option in the past, and it is a lovely cultural adventure. Lately however, finances allowing, I’ve opted for rental cars, which are quite affordable, or drivers. Drivers being the most expensive option, but if you are on a long one way adventure or you are headed to a specific destination I’d highly recommend finding a trust worthy company. I love cruising in the safety and comfort of a nice vehicle. Driving through the beautiful country side as a passenger, taking in the massive volcanos and rolling hills, maybe even sipping on, as my friend Chung loves to say a  “super toña fria”, (a really cold beer) is not a bad way to move about.

Once in Nicaragua, I first stopped at the central coast, Puerto Sandino, specifically La Barra Surf Resort. I know many people opt for the party vibes of San Juan Del Surf, and the tropical hills or Maderas Village. I have been here several times, and to the Popoyo area as well, and those places, as different in what they have to offer are, do not speak to me as much as the Central to North Part of Nicaragua. Popoyo, Santana and Colorado’s  are also popular tourist destinations ,the waves heavy barreling beach breaks, and perfect for some. In these places there is more to do and definitely more of a “touristy” vibes, which is rad and exactly what some people are in search of, I’m just not one of those people. As I travel I often seek out more secluded or less “touched” communities. The picturesque cliffs, of Puerto Sandino, that at times evoke the mystique of Baja that so many of us southern Californias have come to love, alway offer me the most profound heart opening space, and the greatest uncrowded waves. The town of Miramar is quaint a fishing village. One road runs through town and an afternoon adventures finds muddy pigs, roosters and turkeys, as well as friendly children roaming the streets. Many of the houses and structures that line the street, also sit on the shoreline. Some are abandoned and others have been nicely and recently renovated to beautiful homes with a million dollar view.  There are several pathways where the fisherman roll out their boats to the ocean, and if you wander just 50 feet west down one of these you find yourself greeted by vast, sprawling, majestic black sand beaches. Everyday to the movement of sunrise and set, the fisherman navigate the breaking waves to head our for their nightly fish, and return when the sun returns early in the morning hours. They provide money and food, for their families and the community. It is  powerful & humbling to watch these men, maneuver the oceans coasts with such patience and mastery. 

Now if your hunting waves, there are a few options for surf accommodations perched along these pristine tropical cliffs, but in my humble option, La Barra Surf Camp is unarguably the best. MiraMar Surf camp, owned and operated by a few Brazilians has a variety of rates, and sits on the main point at MiraMar. PSSR sits a little further south down the beach and provides cozy accommodations in front of a rampy beach break. Sirena surf lodge, is absolutely the best option for travelers seeking killer waves but on a budget. 

This leads us back to La Barra Surf Resort. Their rooms and property, recently remodeled, are impeccable. Their location offers a breathtaking view of three (+) of the main waves here. You can stand next to the sparkly pool, or in their air conditioned bar, or under a palapa, and see the rights peeling of the newly constructed jetty, the point at miramar, the sexy playful left of chicken bowls, as well as the beach break to the south. Typically being considered the land of the lefts, this newly constructed jetty to the north offers and right that barrels with uniformity just like the rest of the waves in this area. La Barra’s property actually peeks right into the barrel of the perfect peeling wave of chicken bowls. One of my favorite waves here. It is epic, to sit cliff side and watch the tide change, the wave start to turn on, and if you’re surfed out, or enjoying rum or margarita land, you can to relax, into bliss and with a birds eye view watch your friends get shacked over and over again. Or you can grab your board and go out there and join them! There is also a river mouth that pumps waves that is about a 5 minute boat ride away. Having the choice is what makes it so extra great. Here, at La Barra Surf Resort, you are treated like a queen or king. No need ever goes unmet, they offer tours of Leon, fishing adventures and service second to none. I always leave here feeling stoked and can’t wait to return. There is something to be said about the way people make you feel and the energy Alonso and his crew provide is absolutely wonderful.

It’s always time well spent at La Barra and then time to move on. North, sleepy villages, secluded beaches, and empty lineups are calling my name. A girlfriend of mine has flown in from Cali, we say our goodbyes to the crew at La Barra,  hop in the car – and on the road we go. The skies darken, and being rainy season we are greated by massive, juicy tropical rain drops, slapping the windows with a beautiful rhythmic song. Hot rain showers have a magical way of stirring me, and I’m so grateful to share this experience with my friend Kyla who is taking it all in for the first time. We stop at the gas station for the obligatory cold Toña, an ATM, and my personal favorite snack from this part of the world Sal y Limon plántanos.

TOñaCAr

After a quick 2 hours we are into area that has my heart Asseradores. It’s sweetly tucked by the beach about 30 minutes out side of the nearest city of Chinandega.  The lush trees, endless rolling hills and vast farmlands are so beautiful. There is dynamic stillness about these agricultural driven farming towns. My eyes and spirit light up as we roll past rows and rows of Maracuya. Passion fruit!! Ah my mouth is salivating. Sugar cane’s stand tall and assertive and the pastures for grazing cows shine with the richest and most vibrant shades of green. Rainy season is alive. 

For this trip North,  we choose to stay at Chancletas. In the past I’ve stayed at a handful of other accommodations, but for this trip Chancletas seemed to be the best option. I’ve got 3 friends from costa rica and said girlfriend from Cali joining me.  In addition to having an all inclusive resort style package, Chancletas rents out houses that have been built on their property. As far as location is concerned, if you are looking to charge out to the boom as much as possible and get tasty poundy barrels, Chancletas is the place for you. It is located directly on the beach in front of the main wave at The Boom. Having rented a house we were a few hundred yards walk from the beach, which wouldn’t have been SO bad, except we tagged Nicaragua right about the first week into rainy season and the misquotes were extra savage. Point being, bug spray =) I don’t love it, especially because I try to live as plastic free and natural as possible. I make my own bug spray out of Doterra Essential oils mixed with alcohol or an Avocado oil style base, and for me this works pretty well. The vibe at Chancletas is mellow, their staff is friendly but also relaxed. It’s a great place if you are looking for privacy or have a large group where you all want to be together, but still have your own space. If you choose the all inclusive package meals are provided, but we got a super sweet option of hiring a cook for the week! She was amazing. She cooked us three incredible meals a day and kept our house and rooms sparkly clean. She could prepare a fish with mastery of top chefs, and make a drool worthy chicken soup from scratch. We did have to bring our own food in from town which is about 30 minutes away so if you don’t plan on having a car, I’d recommend taking advantage of the all inclusive package that also provides transportation to and from the resort. Another great thing about surf trips, or trips in general, are photographs. If you are going to get the waves of your life definitely want pics. So again, the all inclusive package come with a photographer, but we hired, and perhaps long term adopted a local photographer names Marvin. He’s a hard working humble dude who helped us find our way to boats, and waves, and happily and smiling joined us anywhere we wanted to go. You can find him on instagram @oviedo_marvin1790. ( Chancletas can be found @Chancletasbeachresort, La Barra @casa_la_barra_surf_resort, and me if you want more of my shenanigans @mermaid_gypsy_ )

Knowing surfing wasn’t going to be huge part of my trip, and having a healthy appetite for Nicaragua rum, as well as more cultural knowledge, (so I can, in turn, one day be the hostess with the most-ess int his area) I planned us a trip to Flor De Caña rum factory. Hehehe. Maybe one of my fave days of the adventure. The factory is Located in town called Chichigalpa. It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Asseradores where Chancletas is, and a rad way to spend the day if the waves aren’t working. It’s modest $10 for entry and the tour lasts about 2 hours. You get to see the whole process of where rum comes from, how it is made, watch the barrels being pounded into form, smell the massive warehouse of rum in the fermentation process, and naturally no rum tour would be complete with a visit to the Family’s tasting room accompanied by a few samples of their finest rum. A really impressive part of this massive company, as one of the largest exporters of rum in the world, is the their dedication to environmental and social responsibility. Their commitment to recycling, producing as little waste as possible, and taking care of their community around them was a powerful take away form me. I also left with a bottle of rum and super geeky floppy beach hat, I can be  a sucker for some gift shop finds. I also had the pleasure of catching my first proper wave in over 10 months with my girl Kyla Party waves and cheering for me the whole time. No matter where you go or what you do in life, outfit your self with a tribe of loving supportive people who are there for you in both the good times and bad. Kyla, sweet girl, I love you. Thank you for the endless laughter and kindness you have shared with me at home and abroad. I look forward to more adventures of every kind, and days sharing waves and stoke that linger long after the session ends. Not just in Nicaragua, but everywhere.

Although Nicaragua is a country with economic struggles, and to be blunt many are financially poor, the people are rich with spirit. The conflicts with the government over the last year really crippled their growing tourism economy. One special part about Northern Nicaragua is their massive emphasis on agriculture. I am a big fan of tourism and the way it can drive economy, but to see a part of this country, that is very self sufficient on the land and what its own natural resources can provide was both humbling and refreshing. Maybe it’s a selfish way of thinking, that my dollar, is not something they need, but I felt a bit relieved when my chauffeur told me that the people of the north were not hit as hard by the convict because their main source of industry and income is agriculture, not tourism. This is not to say the people of this country don’t face challenges many of us living privileged lives know anything about, but what is remarkable to me, is a general sense of nurturing and caring for one another, and an ability to laugh and smile regardless of life circumstance.  This is another reason I find the North of Nicaragua SO beautiful. The generous, abundant spirit of the people and how the countryside is decorated by sprawling farm lands and pastures. Knowing that Nicaragua has been labeled as an unsafe place to visit I’d like to reiterate the comfort and enjoyment I had on my recent trip. In this current moment, moving through the country was easy and effortless, (they do have a major election in the end of 2020 that may possible cause shift in political climate). With that being said however, and the not happening for over a year,  I would absolutely recommend Nicaragua as a safe and wonderful country to travel to, for surfing, for culture, for nature, or all of the above. 

Love and Light from me to you, Namaste

Katie Mermaid.