webtrainer's blog

A one-day action packed conference. Great for anyone serious about moving down here, investing, relocating, retiring, etc.

http://www.elportonverde.com/2013/04/03/the-nicaragua-lifestyle-conferen...

The Nicaragua Lifestyle Conference is a jammed packed information day for retirees, entrepreneurs, investors, – expats and future expats, all of those, in fact, considering Nicaragua as a relocation destination.

The Nicaragua Lifestyle Conference taking place May 15, 2013 in Managua is designed with these people in mind.

As Americans, we’ve been bred to believe that the way we do things should be a model for the rest of the world. But after spending a good chunk of my Friday, day one of the sequester federal spending cuts, at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston, I have to admit that Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, felt like a better run airport than that of our fourth largest city.

http://www.elportonverde.com/2013/02/07/surfing-for-change-travel-guide-...

Interesting movie about surf tourism and the boom and inevitable bust that happens at different spots in the world and how groups like Surfing for Change is trying to help locals avoid the downside of the mass tourism that occurs in the progression of any known surf location. Take a few minutes to check it out. Well worth 13 minutes of your time!

Good overview from the British Daily Mail on Nicaragua and the wonders of its volcanoes specifically. Interesting description of the volcano boarding on Cerro Negro volcano up near Leon. Not so macho when faced with the reality of the slope and speed gained going down the volcano. ----------------------------------------

Mention Nicaragua to many and they will unfairly shrug it off as a Central American nation infamous for its bloody civil war – the poor neighbour of eco-tourism giant Costa Rica.

http://travel.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/travel/the-46-places-to-go-in-2013....

3. Nicaragua

It’s eco! And the food is good! Enough said.

http://thenicaraguareport.com/2013/01/the-selva-negra-resort/

http://www.elportonverde.com/2013/01/03/today-show-where-to-travel-in-20...

Jump to about 4:40 in the embedded video to see what they have to say about Nicaragua. Of course they say "next Costa Rica" and "yes it's safe" but besides those nuggets at least we got a mention!

Why is it that I am quite ready for 2012 to end...?

Anyway, just a note to all of the NicaLiving community to wish you all a safe night tonight if you will be out and about, and best wishes for a prosperous and healthy New Year in 2013.

We launched our bed and breakfast this year at Farmstay El Portón Verde and am happy to report that it has been a success, we've had fun meeting new people and launching them on their adventures in Nica-landia!

Thank you for your support, it really means a lot to me, so again, THANK YOU!

Holly Beck has an interesting post up on her blog describing the process she went through to get a hold of some beachfront concession (aka leased) land up in her neck of the woods in Northern Nicaragua. Good stuff for anyone considering a leasehold.

http://hipehabitat.com/2012/12/28/the-struggle-to-buy-a-beachfront-conce...

Hello Canada? Yes, thanks so much for your attention. COME TO NICARAGUA! And Air Canada Rouge, are you thinking about opening up a similar route to Managua? Please do, CANADIANS Welcome!

http://www.elportonverde.com/2012/12/20/new-low-cost-airline-announces-f...

I blogged this because to me it makes a lot of sense for INTUR and other tourism oriented outfits to encourage the Canadians to come to Nicaragua; one sure-fire way is to get new low-cost airlines to establish new routes.

A definite work-in-progress, but this gives you some idea of the relative distances between sightseeing attractions, stores, restaurants, etc. and our location. Basically this shows how far we are from the hip and happenin' spots...

http://www.elportonverde.com/2012/12/10/guidebook-for-bb-farmstay-el-por...

Decent article and even better discussion/comments about health care for expats in Nicaragua to be found on the Rewired and Retired in Nicaragua blog. Good to know some of the options that are out there, US plans that work here, discount schemes that the hospitals offer, and Nicaraguan and/or Central American insurance plans that expats can purchase.

http://retirenicaragua.wordpress.com/2012/09/29/health-care-for-expats-i...

http://www.elportonverde.com/2012/11/25/bed-and-breakfasts-in-managua-ni...

Yes, I know we here at Bed and Breakfast Farmstay El Portón Verde operate a bed and breakfast, but I am not aware of any particular rule that says one cannot write an article on one’s blog to give a layout of the known b&bs here in town and let prospective visitors to Managua, Nicaragua decide where they might want to stay. So there!

If you have any to add or any personal experiences, please share either here or on my blog. Cheers, Mike @ Farmstay El Portón Verde

This is a big deal for us hahaha...but we had a delightful guest, a witty, smart travel writer from the New York Times Travel magazine who was trying to get to LCI during the height of the Crab Festival. Of course all the flights were (over)booked so she and her traveling companion had to go the loooong way. Makes for an interesting story at least but really, fly if you can!

I blogged about her stay and linked to the actual article on my blog, posted here:

http://www.elportonverde.com/2012/11/09/off-nicaragua-a-quieter-caribbea...

An introduction to some of the larger commercial markets in Managua, including Mayoreo, Huembes and the big gorilla of all markets, Mercado Oriental!

http://www.elportonverde.com/2012/11/08/shopping-in-managua-commercial-m...

Also check the post for the link to the tour company that specializes in Managua city tours! Excellent for the true "urban adventurer."

Enjoy!

Cheers from Mike @ Farmstay El Portón Verde