Lemon Cheesecake in San Juan del Sur

This lemon cheesecake was my dessert at El Jardin Garden Hotel & Restaurant. This is one of our favorite restaurants in San Juan del Sur. El Jardin's regular menu offers a blend of Thai/Asian and Mexican flavors fused together. Weekly specials include a sushi, shrimp tacos, Thai fish cakes and shrimp fritters. Despite the wonderful dishes, my favorite part of the dining experience is the dessert. Weekly cheese cakes include berry medley cheese cake, Bailey's cheesecake, white chocolate cheesecake and lemon mousse cheesecake. El Jardin is owned by very good friends, April Whann, her son Brandon Whann, and her mother Valerie Castillo. (April is known as the Cheesecake Queen or Dessert Queen of San Juan del Sur).

The restaurant is located 5km north of San Juan del Sur on La Cholocata Road. Operating hours: 5 pm to 10 pm, Thursday through Sunday. For reservation call (505) 880-4765 or (505) 896-2179 or email awhann@hotmail.com.

Art in the Park

Art in the Park was held on Saturday 26 May 2007 at the Central Park in San Juan del Sur. The event focused on artists of all kinds - painters, sculptors, photographers, jewelers and food vendors. Many local artists shared their skill with school children by teaching painting and mosaic pottery. Local food vendors provided food and refreshment to the crowd. The highlight of the day was the raffle of 10 bicycles to local children. The bicycles were donated by residents and businesses of SJdS. Art in the Park was organized by Stones & Waves Veterinary Clinic. Sponsors included DHL Express, Delta Air Lines, Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort, Fundación A. Jean Brugger, and as well as many local businesses. Click here for more photos of Art in the Park!

Animal Rescue

These foxes were among the animals that were recently rescued in San Juan del Sur. Other animals included ducks, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, pacas and pisotes. Often times young animals are captured (at the expense of the mother) and raised as pets. When the owners cannot care for them, they are taken in by Stone & Waves Veterinary Clinic and Wildlife Center. The animals are evaluated and determined whether they can be reintroduced into the wild. Many animals have been treated and released by the center. Unfortunately for these foxes they cannot be released because they lack hunting skills and have no fear of humans. One of the goals of Stones & Waves Veterinary Clinic and Wildlife Center is to teach wildlife conservation to the community at large.

View from the Hill

This is one of the many spectacular views from Pelican Eyes...Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort in San Juan del Sur. The resort is built on the hillside overlooking the village and bay of San Juan del Sur. The resort offers three swimming pools, two restaurants and a sailboat. Future plans include a fourth swimming pool, tennis court, yoga center and a gym and fitness center. Dan and I have lived here since February 2005. We are the resident photographers, and I do many of their marketing and graphic design.

Surf Lesson :: Day 1

Surfing Day 1: This morning at 10:30, I took my first surf lesson at Playa Madera. My instructors were Brandon and April Whann (pictured above.) They were confident that I was going to "get up" on my first day. (April had taught me how to boogie board and body surf.) She told me to apply what I had learned, to the surfboard. After riding several waves on my belly, then on knees, I finally stood up. It was very wobbly but the sensation was incredible! Kudos to Dan who had his camera ready from the beach. My instructors were very excited for me. Not bad, eh for a 37-year-old (I just had a birthday.)

Nicaraguan Art

Nicaraguan art (paintings) are usually colorful and vibrant and depicts daily life. Dan Polley has photographed many of these paintings. Nicaraguan Painting Gallery. Art in the Park will be held on May 26, 2007 in San Juan del Sur. This all-day community event will celebrate local artists of all types. This includes painters, sculptors, musicians, craftsmen, cooks and dancers. Painting classes will be held for kids as well as raffles, games, and prizes. For more information, click here.

Sacuanjoche, Nicaragua's National Flower
Photo: Dan Polley

Surf's Up

This is a new hobby that I plan on starting very soon. It's hard to live in San Juan del Sur and not take up surfing. I've been encouraged by friends and visitors who take lessons from locals. Last week I met a couple from Calagary, Canada who have never surfed, get up on their their board. Hopefully in the next week or so, I'll be posting photos of me on a board!
Photo taken by me at Playa Madera, the local surfing beach.

Old Cathedral in Managua

We (Dan, April, Brandon and myself) went to my dentist in Managua today. I went to a dentist who is popular among the ex-pat community in San Juan del Sur. After my visit, we saw "Spider-Man 3." My initial reaction was that it wasn't as good as "Spider-Man 2". Too many people died in this one. I think there will be a "Spider-Man 4." They can't end it this way. The picture above is of the Old Cathedral in Managua. It was heavily damaged by the 1972 earthquake. Efforts are underway to restore this landmark. Photo: Dan Polley

La Cara del Indio

This is my first post on my blog. Through my photography I will share my life in this fishing village of San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. This is San Juan del Sur's famous La Cara del Indio (The Face of the Indian.) This rock structure is located in the northern part of the bay (to the right when facing the ocean.) Legend suggest that he is looking for his love who was lost to sea (or Costa Rica).