WE MADE IT

Yes! We're finally here in SJDS! Still missing 2 bags, but we have our work equipment and good attitudes!

We're up at 5:45, ready to get the day started. We grabbed a quick coffee at Playa Remanso before viewing potential properties! 

View from our place last night

Optimism is the key to adventure

I had my heart set on today's first post being what Mel (B's sister) suggested; a photo of us in SJDS sipping coffee in the wicker chairs with the Pacific in sight...

But, after 24 hours of travel due to delays in Houston because of the flooding disaster, United Airlines has misplaced our checked bags. We missed our initial flight into Managua from Houston and were placed on the next flight, stopping in Guatemala first. We believe that's where our bags were lost. 

So, we're still here in Managua, attempting to track our bags. The latest we've heard is that they're likely on a plane now and will get here this evening around 8:30. Fingers crossed!

Forced to simply wait for more answers; this morning we had an authentic Nica breakfast, coffee and sun was out and the tropical birds were chirping. These challenges are just minor setbacks to our flexible plans. The adventure has officially begun!

We made the best of today. We visited a bustling, colorful and sensory-overwhelming market today called Huembes. We got there by bus ($.10/person) and got a hefty dose of culture shock. There was produce and provisions galore, hanging raw meats, textiles, soda in a bag and all the smells to match. We even sat and had a Toña, the local beer ($1 each). We were a little nervous to take out our fancy phones, so we didn't get to snap any pictures. Next time we'll have to secretly attach a Go Pro to our packs. 

Regardless of changed plans and bag-delay stress, Bran and I are happy to be here and staying optimistic. How can we complain with this view?!

Off we go!!

This is what we've reduced our life to... (and yes we met weight requirements)

The airport is pretty quiet place at this hour. I think red-eyes are the way to go.

Waiting to board! 

We'll land in Managua at 11:30 a.m. and it will be around 2 hours shuttle ride to SDJS. It will be around 4pm once we get to our place in Congo Hills. We'll post again once we're connected to wifi so we can show our new view :)

T-Minus 24 hours

YAY! Brandon earned his BS in Computer Engineering! So proud of him. 

Reality is hitting us! We've had so much fun spending so much time with family and friends these last few days; birthdays, Brandon's graduation, bbq at my dads and then our last dinner today with the parents. I think I can speak for both of us-- we feel so much positive energy and support from our friends and family that we can't help to be 100% confident in our plans. We're truly lucky. 

Moto Rental... VROOM!

Phew! FIVE days left!

After doing a bunch of research on transportation and safety, we decided that riding a dirt bike/motorcycle would be our best bet during our stay in San Juan del Sur. On Monday, we went to a friend's house for Brandon to get crash course on how to ride... He picked it up so quickly! The years of mountain-biking came in handy. I even went for a spin, holding on for dear life, riding in the back, helmet strapped. It was extremely fun and convenient, so we secured a "moto" or motorcycle with dirt tires from a place called El Gringo Rentals (don't judge, it was reasonably priced) in SJDS, right in the heart of the town. The rental, including helmets and surf-board rack, was less than $200 to rent for nine days. If we like it, we'll likely keep it for the duration of our stay.

Every day we reach out to property owners who's places we're interested in scoping out once we get there. The goal is to have a bunch of viewings scheduled our first two days on the ground and be moved in to our "permanent" location by Saturday, May 30. :)

12 Days 'Til

We have less than two weeks from boarding the plane! Our last couple weekends are booked up with family gatherings and we're squeezing in time with friends whenever we can as we tie loose ends, secure modes of communication and schedule appointments to view rental properties in SJDS. Everything feels right and timely.

Each day, we do a little more research; from things to do around town to scary bugs to look out for. What a convenience it's been to be able to gather information online from others' experiences living there, expats and Europeans alike. 

Many people have asked why we're going. The answer, most simply put, is that both of us desire adventure, and that we expect that our cost of living will decrease while our standard of living will increase. We're looking forward to new terrain to explore, fresh provisions, perfecting our Spanish, and waking up to the sea with fresh Nicaraguan coffee, all while continuing to grow our businesses. The eventual goal is for Velwave and ORO to go global.

In what may seem like rainbows and butterflies, we are also expecting unpleasantries. We know the power might go out sometimes. We know the water pressure is terrible. We're aware of the danger that comes with being Americans in a third-world country, but we're confident that the amount of research we've done and our combined common sense will adequately prepare us. 

All in all, to say we're excited is an understatement. We're anxious, antsy, happy and prepared. We're not hesitant, or nervous, just ready to build this dream.

This is where we'll be staying our first two nights in town, while we secure a location for the month... For $85 a night!

Balancing Preparation and Dynamicity

It's Saturday, May 9th; 17 days from Brandon (soon to be Gabriel) and I picking up and moving to Nicaragua, Central America. We couldn't be more excited! We decided to create a blog not only to document our new lives in a creative way, but to be a source of knowledge for our close friends and family who may want to travel in the future. Living in a third-world country that, despite being poor, is deemed safest country in Central America. Our one-week experience here in January of this year expanded our view on lifestyle and culture to the point of wanting a change of environment.

We're currently in the midst cleaning house; selling unneeded items, giving clothes to goodwill, ending leases and meeting up with friends all while working a ton and making deadlines.

So, we leave on May 27th at 12:00 a.m. and arrive just before noon in Managua. From there, we've planned only a two-night stay just south of San Juan del Sur, where we plan on being for at least a month. SJDS is incredibly beautiful, inexpensive and home to expats, natives and Europeans. I can't really think of a place it compares to, but here's an aerial view... Can't wait!