Nicaragua Dispatch launches English-language publication

November 16th, 2011 | By Joshua | No Comments »

English-language rags have come and gone in Nicaragua. I used to write a column for the Nica News in the late 1990s, a monthly lifestyle paper out of Managua. Then there was the Tico Times’s Nicaragua edition, edited by Granada-based correspondent Tim Rogers (in between his hard-hitting political pieces in TIME, Christian Science Monitor, and other major publications). Now Tim and friends have launched The Nicaragua Dispatch, “to expand readers’ understanding of Nicaragua with original reporting, while stimulating online discussion and debate with a free exchange of opinions and ideas from those who live here and know the country best.” They promise to cover breaking news, politics, human-interest features, business & travel, and exclusive interviews with leading newsmakers. Here’s the newest link on my bookmark bar, a must for any Nicaphile: The Nicaragua Dispatch.

“My Village, My Lobster” documentary film project about Nicaragua, official trailer release!

August 18th, 2011 | By Joshua | No Comments »

Independent filmmakers Brad Allgood and Joshua Wolff have been toiling to bring the story of Nicaragua’s lobster fishermen to international viewers for years. They have just released a hard-hitting movie trailer (which you should watch if you have any interest in Nicaragua — or where that lobster tail on your plate came from) and they have started a Kickstarter to complete the final production. Please consider helping them, so they can spread this story about the fishermen of Puerto Cabezas.

I talked with Brad (who is a fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer who served in Nicaragua) about the project. (more…)

Moises Gadea: Nicaraguan singer-songwriter, new video “Soy Migrante”

August 5th, 2011 | By Joshua | No Comments »

I first met Moises Gadea in 1998, at an open-air nightclub in Managua, near La UCA (University of Central America) campus. His band, Ixmaná, a high-energy folk-rock experiment, was playing. Moises invited me on stage that night and a friendship was born.

I follow Moises’s musical career from afar now, bummed about all the gigs I’m missing in Managua bars, but happy to see him putting out new music and working on new projects all the time, like this stunning track, “Soy Migrante,” from the documentary film, “Y Me Fui” (And I went).

The video shows Moises singing in the studio in between scenes of Nicaraguans struggling to survive in the distinct landscape of their patria. “I am Nicaragua,” begins the song. It definitely makes me want to see the film—and return to the country. Enjoy: [VIDEO]

¡Viva León Jodido! Nightlife in León, Nicaragua: New York Times Sunday Travel Article and Photos BY JOSHUA BERMAN

April 30th, 2011 | By Joshua | 2 Comments »

Visiting Nicaragua’s OTHER colonial jewel? (Granada gets all the hype, but León is a unique, wonderful Nicaragua town.) Save a night for bar-hopping in León. It’s on the city block that heads west from the southwest corner of the central plaza. Here’s my article on La Zona Rosa, as the Leoneses call their mini-fiesta zone:

Volunteer Opportunity! Alternative Breaks in Nicaragua and Mexico

April 21st, 2011 | By Joshua | No Comments »

One of the best volunteer programs out there: American Jewish World Service. I used to lead spring break trips for them. They write: “Attention 18 to 25-year-olds: Want to have a transformative travel experience to learn about social change in the developing world? Apply for AJWS’s May Alternative Break programs in Nicaragua and Mexico! Applications accepted on a rolling basis.” http://bit.ly/h1JKWh ”

“Anthony Bourdain No Reservations” Nails it in Nicaragua

March 16th, 2011 | By Joshua | 14 Comments »

Popular Travel Channel host Anthony Bourdain (”TV personality, best-selling author, weary world traveler, and gourmand”) visited Nicaragua last fall to see what had become of the country that he only remembered from the headlines of the 1980s.

He came, he saw, he ate, he drank, he laughed, and he cried. This 45-minute show is no glowing tourist report, and it is devoid of many of the bright colors and cheer with which I associate Nicaragua, but it is honest, even if a little dark, and I respect that. Perhaps it has to do with the timing of Bourdain’s visit, when many Nicaraguans are upset at their country’s leadership and pessimistic about the near future.

“Anthony Bourdain No Reservations: Nicaragua” aired on Monday, March 14, 2011. A great deal of work went into this episode, lining up a mix of Nicas, young and old, for Tony to talk to, and also a number of interesting sites and eateries in both Managua and the campo around Estelí (my old stomping grounds). (more…)

HEY BOULDER! I’m giving a talk about Nicaragua this Tuesday at Changes in Latitudes Travel Store

February 24th, 2011 | By Joshua | 2 Comments »

Nica-rado represent! Come out to AN EVENING IN NICARAGUA, with current Boulderite Joshua “don Josué” Berman, coauthor of MOON NICARAGUA and MOON LIVING ABROAD IN NICARAGUA. Bring your travel questions and volcano hiking shoes, see you there:

WHEN: 7–8 p.m., Tuesday, March 1, 2011

WHERE: Changes in Latitudes Travel Store, in Boulder, CO

WHAT: Slides, stories, and songs about Nicaragua—The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes! I lived there for 2-and-a-half years as a Peace Corps Volunteer, then returned to Nicaragua to write the first ever comprehensive guidebook to the country, with my compa, Randall Wood. A decade later, Moon Nicaragua 4th edition is hot off the presses… come see what’s new.

DO YOU HAVE A TRAVEL QUESTION ABOUT NICARAGUA? POST IT IN THE COMMENTS BELOW AND I’LL ADDRESS IT AT THE TALK!

FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE

Easy way to make a difference: Buy a water filter, save a Nicaragua family from disease

December 7th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

ERSLA is ramping up their water filter campaign again for 2010 in northern Nicaragua. They need your help:

Give a gift that could save a life. (more…)

Nicaragua is a magical place that brings interesting people together in strange and incredible ways.

November 28th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

This has always been true for me, from the moment I first stepped foot in the country 13 years ago, but this past week in Nicaragua was particularly awash in wonderful coincidences, encounters, and friendships new and old. The reason for the trip was to learn about Rainforest Alliance’s sustainable tourism program, and also to promote our new Nicaragua guidebooks.

It was a whirlwind tour, including both places I knew well, and new properties. In the photo above, we are taking the scenic route to San Juan del Sur after a night at the stunning Morgan’s Rock Hacienda and Ecolodge. Below, we are traveling to the brand-new Jicaro Island Ecolodge, in the lake near Granada. (more…)

Nicaragua media melee! The Tranquilo Traveler does the Managua morning talk show circuit

November 24th, 2010 | By Joshua | No Comments »

In the United States, where our guidebooks are widely distributed and marketed, it is a well-known fact that Moon Travel Books are the most comprehensive, useful, and thorough guidebooks in the world (if you disagree, please comment below). (more…)