New opportunities and a change of plan

It’s official. I have a new opportunity to work and live in Balgue. One of the other expats here, Ben, runs a restaurant Cafe Compestre. This is the same place I enjoy going for their hummus, dahl, and made to order tortillas. Ben originally asked me to look after his new venture with Comprestre, two rooms to make a small hostel. All because I told him I had a business degree. I had to admit, at this point I wasn’t certain I wanted to spend another chunk of time in Balgue.

Upon further discussion Ben told me about how he needed someone to house sit. Now this was something I could get behind. The reason? Because his house sits on an organic farm, with producing fruit trees. And only one pig. I know this because I asked him to show me around. I was really curious about what types of things he had on his farm and that is really what sparked this dialogue. For me it represents a chance to manage a farm, live and eat off of the land, and help run a hostel/restaurant. Essentially it gives me an opportunity, I feel, I would not get anywhere else.

When Ben showed me around the farm, I just had a feeling that this was the place where I would be able to put into practice what I had learned at Totoco. Or really it would be the best place for me to learn about permaculture and organic farming in practice. Getting my hands dirty and being able to implement some of my own ideas. But really I just loved his vision for the farm and the ideas he had generated. It means I could explore new greens, implement new crops to grow, and just in general eat mangos and jackfruit to my hearts content.

Part of the other reason I’m excited about this is because it is all encompassing. Not only do I get to learn about farming and tourism, but I get practice. I get to learn by doing, which means that there will be both highs and lows. But I will have some autonomy to learn and do, which is an incredible gift. For me, something about this opportunity seems perfect. I also know that in three months time I could be writing that I am getting the hell out of here. But I am going to shoot for optimism while I still can, and say that I couldn’t be happier with the prospect ahead of me.

So I’ll be living in Balgue, with three dogs I get to care for. And I get to explore organic farming intimately for a good chunk of time. I just hope that my friends and family take it upon themselves to join me from time to time and keep me company. My trip started as a journey to see Central America and to learn about farming. I hope that they can travel to come see me and gain an appreciation for this new home of mine and the wonderful people who live here and the beauty of Nicaragua.