Santa Ana, Nicaragua

We left Granada early this morning to visit Santa Ana.  Santa Ana is a rural farming community located about 25 miles from Granada.  Our trip began on a paved highway and ended after 10 miles of rough dirt road.  Our destination was a small family farm.  We met Bonn Giovany and his wife Kenia.  They raise plantines, mangos, tomatoes, and squash on their farm.  Their main mode of transportation is a 125cc motorcycle.

Several months ago Bonn traveled to Los Angeles, CA to visit his father.  He rode his motorcycle the entire distance from Santa Ana, Nicaragua to Los Angeles.  He proudly told me it only took him fourteen days each way to make the trip.  A trip that took me five hours by plane.  We laughed together and shared some motorcycle stories.  Before we parted he said, "Next time you visit, ride your motorcycle, the Harley one".  I thought...what a great ride it would be.

Ride safe, Carlan

Granada, Nicaragua

Yesterday at the plaza in Granada I heard the rumble of a Harley.  Nelson was pulling up and getting off his bike as I walked over.  We immediately broke into conversation as if old friends.  He was from Panama City.  Had ridden to Belize for a large Harley rally and was on his way home.  With a smile on his face he proudly shared his story with me.  He had served for 20 years in the US Army, defending the USA.  Now retired, he rides throughout Central America.  We parted as brothers.

Ride safe, Carlan

Nicaragua

I arrived in Nicaragua last night.  I will be teaching a photography workshop here this week.  Out on the streets this morning.  Motorcycles are used as a major mode of transportation in Nicaragua.  I started seeing small repair shops located along the streets.

 

 

The mechanic stopped his work to tell me very proudly of the repairs and services he provides.  As he described in detail his love of motorcycles there was a common bond between us...it crossed all languages and physical boundaries of countries.

Ride safe, Carlan

Southwest Landscape

There is a clear reason photographers have been drawn over the years to the Southwest.  Land of Enchantment.  Skies and clouds as far as the eye, or camera, can see.  For the past eleven years, in the early spring, I have taught a black and white landscape workshop with the Santa Fe Photographic Workshops.  This year the workshop is scheduled March 17 - 21.  Need to connect with the landscape, feel the earth under your feet, clear your head out?  This workshop will do it all for you.  More information here.

Ride safe, Carlan