It's not fun writing books and running a website with a focus on living in and traveling to Nicaragua when politics make Nicaragua a less attractive place to invest in or visit. But we have never made any pretense about Nicaragua - there are risks, challenges, and rewards, and our books focus on helping you navigate through the facts and make informed decisions. That remains our duty and our pleasure, even when the news is bad, like today.

Have a look at the Miami Herald this week for a disappointing article by Tim Rogers, Latin America correspondent. Land ownership, good/bad governance, and careful nurturing of a budding private sector economy remain Nicaragua's unflagging challenges in the post-Sandinista era, and the signs are not all good. Writes Tim:

President Daniel Ortega's promises to respect private property and provide investor security are being put to the test following claims that a high-ranking official in his Sandinista government attempted to extort millions from a property development on the Pacific coast.

You've probably missed your shot to snag initial fares for 8 cents and $8.00 a piece to fly to Managua (the cut-off was May 24, but perhaps there will be another promotion), but this new service is most welcome. The announcement was made earlier this week from Spirit Airlines headquarters in Fort Lauderdale: "Service to Managua will be offered three times per week starting August 2, 2007 and will then increase to daily service starting November 15, 2007. Flights will be operated with Spirit’s Airbus A319 aircraft which features deluxe leather seats, moveable headrests and large overhead bins." Leaving from Fort Lauderdale is a huge bonus, says Nicaragua author, Mr. Randall Wood, who has considerable experience traveling in and through Florida: "Fort Lauderdale is a great airport, far better than the chaotic and mismanaged Miami."

If you haven't heard of Café Chavalos, the gourmet Granada restaurant run by reformed street kids, you'll want to soon. The restaurant/culinary school is entering Phase Two of its existence at full speed — and in a brand new building, writing a brand new blog, and offering delicious multi-course international meals. If you can't support the project by eating dinner at Café Chavalos, there are many more ways to help.