Let me share more pics of life in San Juan del Sur. (See below - still working on this whole how to journal/blog process).
Almost every morning I practice yoga, pray and meditate while Enzo sleeps.
Scott and Eli begin the day with some Bible time. When I'm done, it's still pretty early. Enzo is still asleep so Scott and Eli go to the lighthouse. It became our routine, which we desperately needed. I don't know why but it felt more like home when we began seeing a routine in our lives.
The steep climb up to the lighthouse is crazy fun and steep...did I mention it's steep? ha ha ha
Scott and Eli enjoy their trips to the lighthouse. Finally Enzo and I got to join them.
It was pretty new and the walk up is a serious hike up. Yes, you climb up a side of the mountain but the terrain is dirt and loose rocks and there are sections that are steep both up and downhill! The view is worth it though and so are the people who are working at the cafe at the top where the lighthouse stands. Don't even get me started on the view.
Meals at the lighthouse are as fresh as can be. Everything has a flavor that is so true, basically, no preservatives! Every bit of this meal made me smile!
If you think downhill is easier, imagine trying to slow yourself down because the mountain is so steep! In fact, you can't get up this mountain unless you have a 4x4 vehicle and know how to handle the terrain. The picture just doesn't do it justice!
Here's the top of the mountain and the view of the lighthouse with the pacific in the background.
Down at the bottom of the hill is the center of SJDS (San Juan del Sur).
Motorcycles are everywhere. They are inexpensive vehicles that were recently introduced here and it seems like everyone owns a "moto!" In fact if I was fast enough I would have taken pictures of families of 4 and 5 riding on one motorcycle, or people transporting everything and the kitchen sink on their back while they drive the motorcycle!
There was never a lack of neat little trails surrounding SJDS.
San Juan del Sur was neatly tucked on the side of the mountain right next to the ocean. Just imagine living in a bowl style town. Everyone living there had a view of the ocean. It was so peaceful!
The walks were fun for the entire family and we truly enjoyed the fact that we were constantly walking around.
Naturally we were quickly recognizable. Enzo was "different" from everyone else that lived there. I think we only saw one other person with Down syndrome. Boy did Enzo get some sweet looks from the locals, many giving our family many blessings. "Dio te bendiga!" They would say. God Bless You!
Obviously Eli enjoyed the ocean, the trails and discovering everything. His clothes were always filled with whatever he got himself into.
The cool thing was that everyone seemed to like Eli always being dressed in his military outfit and would address him as "the general!" They commented on how fun it was that he knew what he wanted to be when he grows up.
Routine did make our life fun and after yoga or climbing the lighthouse trail we found comfort in feeling like we were settling into expat life.
After hikes or swimming in the ocean, when everyone was back, we would have breakfast. And yes, we did homeschool. It was too easy. The motivation to proceed and finish was rewarded with adventures outside of our apartment.
If we go out we would order anything and it’s hardly a markup on the prices. AND Crazy good!!! We’ve enjoyed all sorts of fun. Swimming at Tree Casa Resort, watching the sunset at the beach (instead of our front porch 🤣). We hung out with friends at various locations. The people here are beyond kind and social! Boy each person has such an interesting story! We never tired of meeting new people and chatting.
Things that are different….in our final home, the condo, we had an absurd amount of outlets and tv hook ups everywhere. I mean it really was crazy. Excessive and an eye sore. But here there might only be one outlet on one wall! Maybe 2 in the kitchen. 😂. Talk about trying to find an outlet to charge all your technology. 😂😂.
What else? Electricity is very expensive. Gas stoves are a necessity. In fact electricity comes and goes every now and then. So does the water pressure. Refrigerators are small. No biggie. Everything you need is within walking distance so it’s nice to always have fresh foods! All. The. Time!!!
We’ve met locals who haven’t been to the lighthouse or the statue of Jesus. Nor do they frequent the ocean. I guess they just don’t realize what they have until they are invited.
Finally and my favorite. When you say Gracias…..the reply here is 99% “a la orden”. It’s kinda like my pleasure. But it isn’t. It’s just the way to say my pleasure/anytime/you’re welcome. Phew. Such kind people here.
Got a question? Just let me know. In the meantime, since we aren’t on Facebook, if you want to share what you’re doing, I’d love to hear it. Next stop, Catarina, Masaya. 524 meters above sea level. No ocean….just volcanoes and large lagoons.
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