Out of all the places I’ve traveled, Nicaragua is where I spent the most time with locals. My two months in Costa Rica prior to Nicaragua were filled with familiar faces and wonderful friends, and generally when I’ve spent time in Europe, I’m surrounded by other travelers, or expats, or have a limited time with a local host (two or three nights).
In Granada and on Isla de Ometepe, I did meet other travelers (of all ages and backgrounds), but I also loved exploring on my own and meeting the people who were born and raised there.
First, the people of Granada:
These three boys were such hams. I remember how much they brightened my afternoon, a few days into my Nicaragua stay.
See? Show-offs!
The shyer one of the three.
This guard circled the ruins of an abandoned hospital and eventually gave me a tour.
These teenage boys spotted my camera and asked to be photographed the first time I visited the hospital ruins.
I met him when I visited a beautiful cemetery.
All white! Stunning in the afternoon sunlight.
Every person but one so far has been wearing a blue and/or gray shirt!
This little girl sold fruit with her mother at a bus stop.
This fresh papaya became part of my daily breakfast.
This little boy sat next to me on the bus for awhile; we looked at the pictures on my camera together.
My waiter for a particularly nice solo dinner. He was surprised to learn that I wasn’t traveling with a group of friends or a boyfriend.
Once I got to Isla de Ometepe, I encountered a lot more fellow travelers. Everyone here signifies a special moment in time for me.
Such a great smile!
We were bunkmates for a few nights. She helped me with my Spanish.
It was so much fun hanging out in our communal kitchen and hearing everyone’s stories.
Morgan from Ireland: he had a bar/hostel, Internet, and a look-out with stunning views. (That’s a tattoo of his son on his arm)
Covinda, from down the street, made coconut ice cream with her mother and sister and loved singing.
A shopkeeper. After a few days she recognized me and returned my smiles.
He massaged my back and shoulders after I’d spent four hours using a machete in the jungle.
This guy really wanted to give me a ride on his horse.
Me and my friend Naomi, who’s from England and now living in Australia; we were besties for two weeks.
Thank you universe, for such a lovely month in Nicaragua. It was almost four years ago, but I’m so glad to have all of these photos to look through and reminisce.
You  may now go back to your regularly scheduled Sunday 🙂
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It seemed an advantage to be traveling alone. Our responses to the world are crucially moulded by the company we keep, for we temper our curiosity to fit in with the expectations of others…Being closely observed by a companion can also inhibit our observation of others; then, too, we may become caught up in adjusting ourselves to the companion’s questions and remarks, or feel the need to make ourselves seem more normal than is good for our curiosity. Â Â –Alain de Botton
Great post! Travelling alone can be a really wonderful thing. I’m always surprised how easy it is to meet people. Actually, I would say it’s even easier when you’re alone compared to when you’re travelling with a friend.
Thanks! I don’t think I would have really met and hung out with so many new people if I hadn’t been alone- in fact, I’ve never been to another country *with* a friend- I might meet up with people I know along the way, but in general I’m a solo traveler. Looking forward to traveling with my husband, though!
Wow! Absolutely amazing pictures! I love looking at the pictures people take of their travels because it’s like looking at the experience through their eyes.
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My pleasure, Kristen 🙂 That’s the same reason I read so many travel blogs!
Fantastic photos, Christy. I am usually more drawn to travel photos that involve people than scenery so I just love these.
Why were you in Nicaragua? Was it purely for pleasure or was it a project of some sort?
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I’m glad you like them! I was in Central America as part of a mother’s helper trip- I traveled with a woman and her young daughter through Costa Rica for a month, and when they settled in a community, I set off on my own. Once I arrived in Nicaragua, it was all pleasure (and much cheaper!) 🙂
Beautiful photos Christy 😉
You and my sister seem to have so much in common… she just went to Nicaragua for 2 weeks on her own and loved it!
She stayed at some cool surf camp!
Such wonderful memories and experiences to have for life! Awesome 😉
xoxo Ella
Thank you! I did love Nicaragua- I mostly stayed at a farm/hostel, sleeping in a hammock and several kilometers away from the nearest web connection. Somehow, it was all just bliss <3
This is such a sweet post. I really hope to make it to Central America one day.
I highly recommend it, Sarai! Most Central American countries are very cheap to travel/live in, the pace is laid-back, the scenery is beautiful, and I was so much more connected to the earth when I was there.
I love to see these posts because it just shows your zest for life and your openness to meet and care about other people.
Ohh, thank you Stevie. This means a lot to me. I wasn’t sure at first if this post would be interesting to anyone else!
What a lovely post! This is one of my favourite things about traveling, I love meeting new people and experiencing different characters.
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Me, too. I’m a people-watcher/observer by nature and always look forward to that aspect of travel.
Aren’t the people just gorgeous? I’ve been to Nicaragua, but not to the other places. The locals of any place are such prime examples of simple, raw, natural beauty! I love the idea of this post!
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Thanks, Katherine. Granada and Ometepe are both in southern Nicaragua 🙂 What part of the country did you visit?
What a great photo recap on a trip that you took 4 years ago. I can tell that each one of those people made an impact in your life because you posted a picture of each one of them 4 years later and you still remember something special about them. You can tell that people are attracted to your energy and fee comfortable around you because each person in those photos is looking right at you with a comfortable smile. I especially love the first few pics of those adorable little boys, they sort of remind me of my cute little Eli! xoxo, Jackie
Thanks Jackie! Photography has always been my way of connecting with people, especially while traveling. And in a big way, it’s my vehicle for remembering all those little details I wouldn’t necessarily be able to recall years later. It’s just a habit I’ve gotten into- take a picture of everyone, write their name down, take a picture of that meal, etc. Hoping I can travel again soon!
Wow, it looks like you met so many amazing people! That is so cool!
Thanks! Just wish it was as easy for me to connect with people when I’m at home 😉
I would so love to go there one day : ) Def on my bucket list. Looks like you had an amazing time! And I agree, it’s the people you meet along the way that make the best memories x
Sorry I’m so late in replying, Natalia! I did have an amazing time and can’t wait to travel again!
Beautiful photography … I look forward to following your blog. I recently went to Brazil and normally blog about gardening / foodie lifestyles – You’ve inspired me to share more of my travel!
Happy Autumn new friend!
Hello and I apologize for my late response/absence! Thank you so much for your comment- I think writing about travel is always inspiring.