As you all know, we have been living in Panama for about two years and we recently came back from a great visit to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua. I haven’t travelled much or seen much outside of Panama so it was very interesting to visit another place.
Ometepe Island is a very unique place. It is hard to describe the tranquility that pervades the island but you can sure feel it. Life is very basic and most people have very little in the way of material possessions or comforts. But, the people have a calmness, kindness, happiness, and pride in their way of life. The locals often use the word “sano” (sane, wholesome, healthy) to describe life on the island. Most people have lived there all their lives and everyone knows everyone else. Crime is not a worry because who is going to cause a problem when they are stuck on an island? Work is mainly agricultural devoted to cows, pigs, chickens, tobacco, plantains, and other crops and of course there are fish in the lake. Tourism is also becoming a growing industry.
If you have seen my previous posts you have seen some of the amazing beauty of Ometepe. There is the spectacular Conception active volcano, and the Mederas dormant volcano on an island of tropical jungle in a beautiful, warm, fresh water lake. The beauty, the people, and the tranquility are very seductive. We could see ourselves living there! But, we also don’t want to leave everything we love about Panama so for now, no changes are in the works. But, land is inexpensive and if we found a bit we liked and could afford, we would definitely give it serious consideration just to have an option there. There is also a lot more of the world to see, so who knows if we may fall in love with other places too.
I also found just a few more photos from the island and our trip back to Panama.
We are now back in Panama and starting to feel settled back in, so I will resume posting things about Panama. But, we have another house sitting gig in Granada, Nicaragua in late November. This house sitting business has some great advantages!
The Panama Adventure 
Reblogged this on FindingMySelfinPanama and commented:
Kris pretty much says how we both feel, there is much here in David
that we would be giving up and much thought would have to go into
even considering a move. But…..Ometepe is a wonderous, inviting isle that I WILL be returning to.
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You guys made Ometepe come alive and we have added it to our “must see” list of places in this beautiful part of Central America. Needless to say though, we have missed you and look forward to meeting with you again soon. We will be knocking on your door as soon as Jennifer is well enough to move about. In the meantime, if you are not all “traveled out” feel free to drive on up to Boquete and see our own new digs.
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I know, we need to catch up! We’re planning to come up later this week so I’ll email you when I know what’s going on.
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Loved the photos and stories of your Diversion to Nicaragua. Why Not Travel, when the Opportunity presents itself? Looking forward to your further Adventures
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Oh yes absolutely! It’s a big world out there and I want to see as much of it as I can.
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Hi Kris – I’ve been reading and enjoying your blog for weeks and haven’t commented yet because I’ve been so darn busy! But after reading about Ometepe Island, I had to say how much I enjoyed your adventure there! I’m living in the Cayman Islands, but will be retiring to Panama in the next 2 or 3 years – too expensive to retire here! My friend Lisa from Cayman has already moved to Boquete, and I may join her there, or possibly choose somewhere a bit warmer. It would be hard for me to give up the Caribbean and island life and the warmth. So… I’m possibly looking into Bocas Del Toro. Time will tell. Anyway – a big THANK YOU for the time you take to share your adventures, and the pictures are awesome! Love it! Someday, I hope to be able to meet you. 🙂
Diane
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Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoy the blog and my adventures. Boquete is beautiful but a bit too cold for us too. Bocas might be just what you are looking for. Have you been there yet? That’s one nice thing about Panama. It’s not big but there are a lot of options. If you come here let me know and we’ll have to get together 🙂
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Ometepe has a way at tugging on your heartstrings. You’ll be back…I just know it. Besides…I found your wedding ring. LOL
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We should be able to come back in November or early December. I would hate to be so close and not visit the beautiful island again.
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Another great report! I wonder if the folks with the washing machine on the roof of their car make house calls?
When we were in the Port of Corinto in Chinandega Providence we saw a young man riding a horse bare back with a bicycle strapped behind him on top of the horse! Don’t know what was wrong with the bike but the horse seemed fine.
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LOL That’s too funny! I suppose it’s more work to ride the bike than the horse, so the horse got to carry everything. Quite a few times in Ometepe Island though I saw guys on bikes hanging on to the rope that was leading the horse running behind them.
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