Travelogue: Allegro Papagayo - Guanacaste, Costa Rica

I never knew that someday I'll go to places that are so far away from where I was born. I've never imagined that I'll get the chance to explore them in any way possible. At this moment, I'm just so thankful that I'm discovering more of what this huge world has to offer. And I tell you, the experience is simply amazing!

Moving forward, I'm so eager to share with you guys a new travel diary featuring one of the most popular resorts in Costa Rica- Allegro Papagayo. This is an all-inclusive resort located in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The resort has 300 rooms offering budget-friendly amenities and also a reasonable selection of food and drinks. Also, there's a local beach nearby called Playa Negra, which is perfect for outdoor activities like Volleyball. Just be careful not to hit the precious monkeys. Yes, they're everywhere! 

I'm so happy that I was able to share some snaps around the area with you guys so you can see how incredible this resort is. Take a look!

Travelogue: Hostal Monte Cristi - Managua, Nicaragua

Going to different places is always fun. It's not just a hobby that you look forward to sometimes. Doing it will gain us a priceless experience that no one could ever take it away from you. It's something that helps us become a better person by learning different cultures from different countries. Seeing the way of life of other people will make us realize that life is really precious. It is short that we should live it to the fullest. It's not something we take for granted. It is valuable that we are entitled to make it meaningful in any way possible; and traveling is just one of the many possible ways.

I'm so excited to share with you guys today a simple but unique hotel that is owned by two of my friends. Come and take a look!

Travelogue: Zopango Island - Masaya, Nicaragua

I've always had a fascination with islands. I guess it's because its tranquility is breathtaking. But whenever I see one, there's a thing that I struggle from going to that kind of place. I suffer from seasickness. I'm a traveler but not a good swimmer; and being quite afraid of the water is not a joke. Every time I ride a big/small boat or a ferry, I always get dizzy, and I feel like while the boat is going fast, I feel like vomiting or I'm thinking I might fall. I can't help but try to go to sleep within the trip or wear sunglasses just to not see the waves but it makes it even worse. Sometimes, I wish lakes and oceans are not deep that we can just walk through it. But as time goes by, I realized that life is all about taking risks. You'll never know if you never try.

Moving forward, I'd love to share with you today this amazing island that me and my friends went in our spare time. It has a lot to offer to tourists and it's great that I got the chance to tour around it with one of the owners, Flavia Bersani. Come and take a look at how amazing Zopango Island is!

Travelogue: Catedral De Santiago - Managua, Nicaragua

It's unreal that I actually have a fascination with old, ancient buildings/infrastructures. Seeing something that is already a part of history will actually make you appreciate the world more. Travelling will teach you how to value nature that has always been a part of our lives; that it's just there and never left. That's why I believe that travelling is more precious than luxurious stuff. They're just things. It brings you temporary happiness but never memories.

Moving forward, what I'm eager to share with you guys today is a very old church named Catedral De Santiago located in Managua, Nicaragua. It was designed in, and shipped from Belgium in 1920 by architect Pablo Dambach. The old cathedral is believed to be a part of the history as it is a clear living evidence of a massive earthquake that struck the country in the year 1972. 

Nicaragua Local Art

I've been on a hiatus for a while now. I clearly blame myself for it because I've been in the midst of binge-watching my favorite shows. Working and real life balancing is quite hard, especially if you're not settled on what to do firsthand. Clearly, I am just an ordinary girl still figuring out what's best for me, at this age. I don't know if it's something to worry about; but I do believe that it's never too late for everything. Given Alan Rickman as an example. I read somewhere online that he became an actor at the age of 40. And yet, he is really good (may he rest in peace).

Travelogue: Ometepe Island - San Ramon Waterfall

I have been so eager to try new things out lately and I guess this new post is a part to cross out on my list. I guess it's all about discovering more of who you are as a person. I really didn't expect that I can be a little adventurous too. At first, I was hesitant to do it because I have never been to an activity where it requires too much energy. But still, I think there's no harm on trying, right?! I consider this as an opportunity to level things up not only in myself but also in being able to socialize more.

San Ramon Waterfall can be found at the southern part of the Maderas Volcano. We started to go at 10:00 in the morning, and we finished at 12. I struggled with the heat of the sun, but thank God the trees helped out very well. Moving forward, take a look at my 2-hour hiking adventure. It was a joy to do, and I tell you, I have burned a LOT of calories so to those who are looking forward to an exercise of losing weight that is worth your time, then this is really perfect for you!

Of course, who would ever thought of not putting signs before you start your long walk journey?! It will always be at your own risk people. (And this rock came from the volcano by the way!)

This photo clearly showed how the road looks like when you go hiking while the sun is scorching hot (which is a good time to do it). Avoid the rain as much as posible because that will be a great cause of accident.

Photos below are the rocks in walls and the road itself. They all came from the volcano. And the water is from the waterfall above. It is very cold! Good thing also that the plants and trees are all naturally grown.

A quick glance through the perfectly-looking sky...

And of course, here comes the photographs from different angles of the San Ramon Waterfall. It is huge and very beautiful in person. The place has a very cold wind, the water is clear and cold too. It was definitely a worth it two-hour walk!

And of course, why would I forget another photograph of myself?! I am so proud to show my life achievement I must say! Haha!

Now this is my surprise. A video of the lovely waterfall! I really took this for you guys so you can see how nice it is. Hope you like it! Enjoy viewing!

Now let's go to the "hiking advice" part that you're waiting for!

>First, bring a very light bag with water, a lightweight towel, a bottled water, a small camera, biscuits or chips, and a swimwear (optional). Why all lightweight? It is because you will really struggle in climbing up and the pressure of going down. I tell you, it is not easy.

>Second, go in a lightweight pair of rubber shoes. Better if it doesn't have laces.

>And lastly, go in your most comfortable clothes as much as possible. The activity will really give you too much sweat!

I promise, you can never go wrong with these few tips!

It was a huge challenge to do hiking the very first time in your life. As you can see, those photographs of myself above is a clear reflection that you cannot apply glamour at all times. You can embrace fashion, but not to the extent that even your sweat can't be seen in pictures. Well, in short, you can't do anything about that. It's human nature. The only ace that you have is maintaining your composure at all times. That way, everything will be just fine.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to holler below or through our tab above that says ASK J.A.R. And also, you can keep updated in all of our latest posts by subscribing in our newsletter and following our Instagram @thejarblog!

Hope to see you all next time!

xoxo,

Rg

Ometepe Island Travelogue: Day 2

Second day on this amazing island was definitely a ride! I can't believe that I am in a huge place (that is owned by my uncle) where the vibe is very quiet and everything is clean and fresh. I was so amazed that I had to sit in this beautiful handmade hammock, feeling like a queen! Lol! From the fruits, to vegetables, milk, eggs and cheese. The plants animals where they all get that from are all looking great and healthy.

That's what makes me proud of this place. It is very natural, peaceful and calm that you may want to stay here when you get old. Yet, if you're the person who loves adventure and discoveries, Ometepe Island is clearly something to look forward to.

So, on my second day, I'd love to show you what I wore and the nicest parts of the field. Come and take a look!

This is the center road of the field. It looks like a runway so I never hesitated in posing! Haha!

                                        

I've decided to wear hat because it is very hot that my body cannot tolerate it that much. Lol!

On my background are a bunch of lemon trees. They smell pretty good!

Me posing with a lemon basically! It was a joy to do! Haha!

I am sitting on the edge of a rock runway at the center of the lake. It is so nice that I had to take a picture on it.

                                     

At my back is a part of the rock runway that I was sitting a while ago. You can just stand there and see an entire view of the gorgeous lake and sunset and people riding jet skis.

Another shot of me sitting on the edge of the rock runway. It looks so cool, right?!

It was really a crazy day being in an island for the very first time, staying there for long, and doing stuff I've never done before. I can say that it was a lifetime achievement that I will never forget. This is clearly one of my goals in life so being able to do this actually made me a better person.

I can't wait to tell you more about this vacation. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep you updated on the latest J.A.R. doses. 'Til next time!

xoxo,

Rg

Ometepe Island Travelogue: Day 1

Going around Nicaragua has been one of the greatest experiences I've ever had in travelling. It is full of discoveries, explorations, and trying things I've never done before. Indeed, it is so memorable that I'd love to share every bit of it with you guys.

Ometepe Island is one of the tourist spots here in Nicaragua. It is quite far but so worth it that you may wanna capture every inch of it with your camera. Yet, it has a lot to offer if you are into adventure, wildlife, and activities that will really make you sweat.

To tell you about where we stayed, it is called Biological field station in San Ramon, Ometepe Island. Honestly, some of the places here have a little resemblance to those in The Philippines. So, when it comes to adjusting to the weather, culture and all other stuff, is not that difficult at all. Moving forward to the place itself, let us look into the photos below:

A view before we go inside the ferry...

Behind the scenes from the ferry...

This photo of Volcan Concepcion was taken during my ferry trip. 

Below are some villas around the place.

I've always loved vintage vibes like these wine glasses from the field bar.

A coconut shake with fresh milk.

An orange tree from afar.

A bunch of lemon trees.

This horse is a sweet one. Her name is Cususa.

This guy is the most beautiful horse I've seen in the field so far! His name is Piloto by the way.

A bit of a free school made of plastic bottles. Cool, right?!

A typical Nicaraguan breakfast. Sliced fresh fruits, bread and freshly-made cheese. I tried it for the first time and it was good.

Lemons freshly picked from the trees!

Kayaking is mostly welcome on this island. People actually come from different countries because they want to experience the extreme island life. It's more of an adventure I must say so it is really perfect for backpackers and to those who live in the coldest places around the world.

And this is probably a nice shot for the volcano again. It is still active that you can actually see and smell the smoke from afar. It has quite a perfect cone which is good to photograph. I got really fascinated by how big it is that it became the landmark of the island itself.

It was definitely a wonderful experience being able to tour around the island. I wish I could share more pictures but honestly, it is really hard to bring my camera in all the places we are going because the entire trip is a rough road so it is a struggle that the lens may get damaged.

Soon, I will share you about an adventure that I only did on this island for the very first time in my life. I can't wait for you guys to see it! Subscribe in our newsletter to keep you updated on the latest happenings here on the blog. Hope to see you again next time!

xoxo,

Rg