Dulce Vida

El Crucero, Nicaragua. Sitting at an elevation of 872meters, with a population of just over 15 000, its a tiny pueblo approx 25 miles from Managua.
A string of fortunate events over the last 2 months have brought me to the big metal gates marking the entrance of the Vipassana center in El Crucero. A 10 day, silent meditation retreat. Upon entering, you must relinquish any items which may be of a distraction to yourself over the next 10 days…..books, cell phones, laptops, writing materials, journals, ipod, etc…. The ringing of the bell at 4am announces daily wake up calls, with the days concluding at 9pm.
Checking in with me is the most diverse group of people. About 15 men, and 25 women… different ages, races, ethnicities, from all walks of life. Everyone here seeking balance, and a deeper interconnection between mind and body. Observing the faces, each one is etched with frown lines, stress permeating the atmosphere around them. Leaving 10 days later, everyone looks as though they’ve regained 10 years of they’re life back, all agitation and tension having entirely evaporated.

Among them…..theres the Nicaraguan gal who sits beside me, in search of her own identity, seperate from
the regimented and predetermined path her father has set out for her, a path which has placed the utmost importance on social status and power. Theres the German woman, who has quit her high paying, high stress, sales job, and is struggling with how to now financially provide for her husband and child. Theres the Christian missionary seeking enlightment. Theres the gal who DJ’s at raves across the world, who has the most delicate facial features, and long brown curly hair, which is entirely shaved on the left side of her head….giving her a cameleon look depending on which side of her profile your looking at. Theres the lady who was diagnosed with colon cancer 5 years ago, and given a month to live, just as she discovered Vipassana. Theres the big, burly Nicaraguan guy who starts sobbing uncontrollably during meditation. Theres the petite Austrian gal, who has battled skin problems throughout her life, and is searching for alternative healing. Theres the Canadian yoga instructor, who has moved to Nicaragua in search of a more tranquil lifestyle. Theres the Australian guy, an ex hippie, who regularly turned to intoxicants as a means of escape, before discovering Vipassana over 15 years

Asked for a bottle of water….got this:)ago. There’s the other German gal, who speaks 5 languages, and has just arrived in Central America, having quit her job in the corporate world (I can relate!)

The Vipassana retreat was the hardest thing ive ever endured in my life….far surpassing any of the physically demanding or challenging events i have ever trained for. To try and describe my time at Vipassana is fruitless. Its something one must experience themselves in order to truly grasp the full magnitude.

Nicaragua…..despite the fact that half the population lives below the poverty line… the people of this country radiate happiness, goodness and an incredibly cheerful spirit. Its a culture with strong traditions and festive religious celebrations.

Although Nicaragua and Costa Rica border one another…..they are two countries very unique and distinct in theyre own right, and with theyre own special character. relations between the two have remained strained over the years (perhaps they’re long history of border disputes over an area near the San Juan river, contribute to the tension between the people of the two countries).

Locals keep they’re doors wide open, while sitting on the porch, enjoying easy conversation with they’re neighbours. Instead of building movie theatres, they’ll set up a film projector on the side wall of a church, the community gathering around to watch a movie. The country has not yet been infiltrated by expats, and finding store owners who speak English is uncommon. What is common, is they’re hospitality, Ive on numerous occcasions been told “Welcome to nicaragua chica”.

Sitting in the front seat of a dilapitated taxi today, my board secured to the roof, I head for Playa Remanso, a spot 3 miles south of San Juan Del Sur, its a small cove with white sands, tidepools, and mild surf conditions… perfect for a beginner. Upon arrival, we see there is barely a swell rolling in. The taxi driver, who sees the dissapointment etched on my face, and whom Id befriended through my best efforts in broken spanish, suggests taking me to Playa Hermosa, no extra charge, he insists.

Playa Hermosa…. standing at the foot of the beach, with my board in hand, Im speechless. The only other soul in sight, is the security guard lounging on the hammock. The ocean is endless, with two large bolders bulging out in the distance. Mountains on either side, with no sign of any infrastructure to be found. The ocean is calm, the waves gentle… The taxi driver insists I take my time, and he will wait, again, no extra charge. I realize there actually wouldnt be any other option to get out of there, even if i did have a cell phone, im quite sure id get no reception.

I paddle out into the endless abyss of ocean, enjoying the surf, all to myself. Getting back in the taxi after my session, the driver hands me some bananas “tu hambre”?…. what a friendly culture

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