Our Favorite Beach-side B&B, Las Penitas Nicaragua

On grey winter days, such as these up here in the U.P., it's nice to have memories of places like the one below.  My husband and I took a 5.5 month backpacking trip in 2011.  We started in La Paz, Boliva and made our way all the back up to Mexico by hopping on buses, boats, and even a little plane at one point. I will post more about our trip as time allows.  For now I will start with one of our favorite stops along the way.

 The place below was a little B&B in Las Penitas, Nicaragua.  The B&B was called Sol y Mar. It is run by a lovely couple and their son.  We typically stayed in much shadier places to save money, but by the time we reached Nicaragua and Costa Rica, we were ready for some minor luxuries - here that meant a fan in the room, breakfast, and a cute doggie to play with.  Yippee!  

I hope they still have the playful pup that was there, her name was Muchacha. - OH, in fact I just found a picture of her.   

We had direct access to the water, we were only feet from the ocean.  The photo below was right outside the B&B.  There were incredible waves that crashed off of these rocks every morning.  Yes, we stayed more than one night.  We couldn't help ourselves.  It was to peaceful.  I spent most my time here reading up in that balcony you see in the top photo.  You could sit up there and watch others along the beach, or the waves, or simply close your eyes and listen to the water.  

Our host provided us with a little cocktail our first night here.  It was incredibly strong and I had to drink two of them because you don't turn a gift down.  (My husband doesn't indulge in alcoholic drinks)  

On our second day we were sitting up in our little tower watching the beach and we saw a woman and her significant other walk into the water - we knew she was about to face the wrath of the crazy waves.  And no doubt, she did.  Only loosing her shoe to the wave-madness, thank goodness.  After a few minutes of trying to save the shoe, she and her guy gave up.  Within seconds of their surrender the shoe came up on shore, so I ran down and grabbed it and jogged over to the couple to give it back.  They asked if I was a lifeguard...  :)  

Yes, I am indeed.  Guarding the lives of flip flops in Central America!  You know, I think I would give up my life here in the states to be a flip flop lifeguard... who wouldn't?   

If you are interested in staying at the Sol y Mar, you can actually find their information by googling them.  We found them by chance.  We hopped off of a bus and walked until we found something we liked.  

Anyway - if you are facing the grey days of Winter, I hope this warms your spirit and gives you a smile.  Spring has to come around sometime.  

And two more pictures to you leave you with:

My husband tempting the waves.

A view down the beach, to the left of the B&

Feel free to share a backpacking story of your own if you wish!  Happy & Safe travels everyone!