Brett has always been independent and mobile. Indeed, this young American grew up with the idea that the world wasn’t that big, and he always dreamed of combining his business with his passion for travel. After university stays in Europe and a few internships on the continent, he quickly acquired a taste for a way of life that was almost non-existent before the digital explosion.
« It was easy to travel in those days, » he explained to his interviewer, who offered him a few options for getting away from it all. It was on a whim that he went to Nicaragua. The change of presidency in Washington, and the pandemic that was beginning to take hold, prompted Brett to stop working online, pack his bags and spend the season in warm, southern Nicaragua
Terra Nicaragua’s advice for digital nomads
Maelle had given Brett good advice. The agency Terra nicaragua had a certain address book, so it was easy for her to offer « nice » and « chill » options to this modern traveler-worker: a digital nomad.
The world is home to an ever-growing number of freelancers working on the web. Whether programmers, de-programmers, engineers, consultants or bloggers, 50% of freelancers in the United States work online. Mobile, free and connected, a generation of new workers who had it all figured out.
Working on the Caribbean coast in Corn Island
Brett had started « his season » with a few relaxing days in the Nicaraguan Caribbean before getting down to work. Corn Island seemed like a good place to start. The Terra Nicaragua agency had been very attentive and helpful, and had kept him well informed. The details and information concerning his trip and arrival here were clear and straightforward: a maximum stay of three months.
No special visa was required, just a small tax on entry. Staying on Corn Island from the outset was a good idea, as it couldn’t be more isolated. Not far from the French or Batavian Caribbean, the two small islands of corn lie quietly off Nicaragua’s east coast. Activity has always been slow there, and even more so this year. With an air of Cuba and Jamaica in the air, Brett was happy to accept the small bungalow Maelle had unearthed facing the sea. Golden containment.
Leon and tips from a local
Maelle and Brett then crossed paths in Managua and shared a coffee. It was time for Maelle to pass on her latest tips to her client, who wasn’t there just for a vacation. It was on the road to León that Brett had begun leafing through his travel diary. The proposal was simple: a list of good deals and hotels in the country.
León, like another capital in Nicaragua, is a warm and welcoming city. A nice cabaña in a clean hotel rented for the month was perfect. A palm roof and a small terrace planted in a little green oasis by the pool, just a stone’s throw from the historic center, were a good spot to start work. Brett had been able to start his season in this way, and had spent many long hours connected with his feet in the water. Forced breaks and little outings into town were like little rewards. Life is cheap here, » Brett had told the hotel manager.
Surf trip next to Managua
Time passed quickly. The suitcases were then loaded into the cab. Maelle had planned a trip to the Pacific coast. Brett wanted to surf after work. Welcomed like a friend at a surfhouse not far from the capital of revolution. Brett felt right at home. He enjoyed the sea view and got on with his work. The surf sessions had flavored the stay, early in the morning or during sunset, Brett considered this working environment a blessing. The locals were bound to wonder, as they saw him spending hours in front of the screen, typing away like a madman. By the time the coffee was finished, the suitcases were in the trunk again, bound for the island of Ometepe.
Granada and Catarina
He had stopped for two weeks in Granada and Catarina. He then spent a few hours in a live meeting on the nearby Apoyo lagoon. The setting had been difficult to camouflage on his webcam.
He ended up describing the place where he was: the water was fresh and nature lush and green. The monkeys could be heard; he should have turned off the microphone. This was his chance to sing a few praises about this faraway and attractive country.
The two months of expatriation to the land of lakes, volcanoes and waves had flown by so quickly. On the lookout for the opening of certain borders, Brett kept an eye on the possibilities of buying a plane ticket. Maelle had finally called him back, just to find out how the online worker’s long stay was going. Brett had finally admitted that he would gladly extend his working season. « – Costa Rica or El Salvador, you’re free to continue on your way, I leave the choice up to you. I hope you enjoyed the country. » Maelle had almost invited Brett to conclude and give his opinion on his time in Nicaragua.
Diversity and good internet connexion
The few weeks of work had gone really well, no internet problems in her accommodations, an open desk or a simple table in a heavenly setting at each stop, the weather had been more than kind, there had been wind and waves. A few sunburns during the hikes had remained on the young American’s arms as souvenirs of his hike ending on the hot crater of Masaya, like a last « trip » before returning home. Brett hadn’t had time to think about it; he’d hung up and told Maelle he’d call her back the next day. He was going to sleep by the lagoon and turn off his phone and laptop.
He’d have plenty of time to think. Stay and work, connected and disconnected at the same time. Why not continue?
