Nicaragua got some attention this week in an article by the name of "Nicaragua, the New Beachfront Frontier", published in the Los Angeles Times. The article starts off with the tired old "Nicaragua is the next Costa Rica" that’s theme, but delivers quite a bit of insight immediately afterward.

The Guardian Observer posted an interesting article about tourism in Nicaragua under the Ortega government and in particular, Ortega's promise to leave private investors alone. The article quotes outgoing Minister of Tourism Maria Rivas, Ortega himself, and our very own Joshua Berman, co-author of Moon Handbooks Nicaragua and Moon Living Abroad Nicaragua.

Readers have chosen our latest book title, Moon Living Abroad In Nicaragua, as the Best Place-Based Guidebook of 2006 on the acclaimed website, Planeta.com! They said: "With essential information and practical advice on obtaining a visa, renting or buying a home, learning the language, and navigating daily life in Nicaragua, this book gives those dreaming of moving abroad the tools they need to actually make the move. This book is the ultimate ex-pat survival guide!"

Thanks to everyone who voted and congratulations to all the other category winners and nominees. Read more about the award on this Planeta page and while you're there, spend some time on one of the largest, most comprehensive eco-tourism resources on the web. 

Our article, "Introducing Nicaragua," is the top feature story in the current issue of Travel with a Challenge, an online publication with advice and information for "mature travelers." The piece borrows heavily from themes in our latest book, Living Abroad in Nicaragua. Here's one quote:

"...though there are a few upscale resorts and gated communities springing up, nowhere in Nicaragua will you be sealed off from the harsh, everyday realities of life in one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere. For many foreign visitors, this poverty is their reason for coming — to import goodwill, skills, and knowledge to people who have not had the opportunities we in the United States, Canada, and Europe take for granted. Such kind-hearted souls will find plenty of work to do, meeting the challenge of creating sustainable solutions to poverty rather than more economic dependency.