A Nicaragua Christmas
Instead of a Winter Wonderland, how about a Winter Sunnyland?
While San Diego is no slouch in the nice winter weather department, the Bernals are drawn to tropical locales for the winter holidays. We’ve been to Tulum, Mexico for Thanksgiving and Huatulco, Mexico for Christmas. My daughter Jolie suggested Nicaragua for Christmas 2017. At first, budgetary concerns wrinkled my brow, but then the thought of the whole family traveling together became priceless. So, Raphael, my husband, Nick, my son, Jolie, my daughter, and new son-in-law Johnny bought airline tickets and I created the itinerary. We left LAX for Managua, Nicaragua on December 20, 2017.
Managua Mishaps–Smooth Landing: Bumpy Arrival
Mishap #1: Do not operate heavy machinery or make airport decisions when jetlagged. For some reason the promo, “No fee charged” lures us in at the Managua airport money changing kiosk. Basically, our exchange rate is a third less than the bank rate.
Mishap #2: Next, we make our way to baggage claim where we are three suitcases short: mine, Jolie’s and Johnny’s. Evidently, this is not uncommon because the smaller plane from El Salvador is too small. Check back tomorrow morning.
Mishap #3: Fortunately, we are staying at the Best Western Mercedes across the street. Unfortunately, only one reservation out of our two, shows up on their computer. Evidently, I made the second reservation at the Best Western Mercedes in Leon. Of course, I owe more. Both hotels basically had the same name, maybe to encourage this mistake?
Best Western Mercedes
Driving to San Juan del Sur
When one lives by the beach, it is common knowledge that one will seek out more beaches. There are never enough sand and waves in one’s life. So, with that in mind, our Encinitas family hightailed it to the Pacific Coast and San Juan del Sur. Our driver helped us navigate the airport confusion trying to obtain our luggage. Well, we got two out of the three with a promise to send Johnny’s bag to San Juan. I admit when I heard it was Johnny’s bag and not mine I jubilantly shouted out, “Yes,” and maybe even pumped my fist, then apologized for my inadvertent schadenfreude. It would be one whole week before Johnny got his bag.
Catarina Viewpoint
We made one quick stop at the Catarina Viewpoint of the Apoyo Crater Lake with a view of the Volcano Mombacho. At first, we mistakenly thought we were at the ocean with the small waves whipped up by the windy weather. Later our driver stopped, so we could stick our toes in the frothy lake water.
Click here for Nicaragua’s Beaches
Lake Nicaragua