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I grew up with a mother who spent her early career days in travel in the 80s - exploring different parts of the world and recommending them to others.
That said, it was always encouraged to go out and see the globe - to experience cultures and people unknown. I think there are immense benefits of exposure for self-actualization and interpersonal connection.
And in my early post-graduate life (2020) - especially after the pandemic - I hadn't really traveled. I recognized the fear that isolation from those outside of my everyday circle had placed on my heart.
By 2022, I'd been freelancing for a year in my hometown - maintaining a strict work and workout routine.
Until one day, a serendipitous scroll on my Facebook feed lead me to a group trip announcement - an experience that would change my world view - and life - forever.
As mentioned, I was very strict to my fitness routine in 2022. I was working out every day and managing my gym's social media accounts, regularly keeping up with members and moninoring the Facebook group. One day, a member announcement populated - for a trip to a hillside condo in San Juan del Sur, a town on the west coast of Nicaragua.
Facebook vetting sessions deemed co-travelers appropriate, so we set up a call to discuss. I immediately picked up the 'good time' vibes, booked the flight, and buckled in for the adventure.
We arrived to "pura vida," a lifestyle quote that reflected the week's general disposition. The week was filled with sunshine, laughter, and adventure, commuting from the hillside lodging down to the beach and back, swapping stories and playing games, all travelers were different ages with varying backgrounds.
It was so fun to spend time with such a variety of people - meaningful and cherished.
With the elementary-level Spanish I've held onto over the years, communicating also with the locals lead me to understand many of them were appreciative of our presence, bringing funding to the quiet town in the off season.
Local vendors walked the beach, offering beaded necklaces and trinkets.
One young boy trailed the group often. He revealed scarred arms and wrists. "Por que?" He had a dark period, but something brought him out of it. He told this, smiling, as he tied a string bracelet around my wrist, then continued on with his day. I blinked. Then I shook it off to catch up with the group as they pursued fresh seafood on the shoreline.
The city was surrounded by heavily wooded terrain and lush farmland.
ATV rides took us past billboards announcing lots for sale. On a general high, reached out to the listed property brokers. But the general message was difficult. It appeared a challenging government to collaborate - even exist - with.
Throughout the week, we kept bumping into interesting individuals around the town.
These were people we learned to be 'digital nomads'. They were from all over - New York and Australia - bopping around from country to country, working off their laptop, surfing, drinking and ... living.
Two giggly girls from Israel occupied the hottub at a Sunday pool party, where they recalled stories of their year-long hiatus post-military and high-school. Their eyes glistened with sparkled and joy.
All nomads had such a disposition of glee. It seemed that they tumbled through the world and didn't mind a few bumps and bruises along the way - only living for the moment with a sense of fearless.
I loved them and they loved all.
Bar crawls turned into more run ins and a long day surfing on the sea. Swimming, limbo-ing, dancing. There was a sense of more ... What more was there?
On one of the final days, it felt like I got a note from the universe - a woman on the beachside streets approached me to place a delicately beaded necklace on me. It felt like a token - a reward of success in pursuing the unknown - a message of encouragement.
I still own it to this day.
Though much of the week was a blur, I managed to captured the quiet moments on video.
I observed quietly and still hold things close to my heart that shape how I operate in the world to this day.
I saw a great opportunity for improvement of a state and regulation.
I feel gratitude for freewill to operate business ventures and have strong belief to continue to keep this right for all.
Los Angeles and the housing and homeless crisis called to me in 2024. Inflation and the entertainment and media impact stir my heart and I do what I can to help positively.
I love America, and have since gone on digital nomad excursions.
But the greater globe still calls and as I reflect on this first experience from my current residence in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, I'm reminded of the cherished feeling of abundance and beauty that lie forever in my heart with Nicaragua.
I will never forget the first exposure to the beautiful lives of digital nomads, forever shaping my worldview and realization of opportunity.
Now until the day I die, I will remember the trip. The experience will live in my heart forever.
Pura vida and warm wishes.
Megan Keyser is a freelancing photographer and brand manager based in Hermosa Beach, a sleepy beach town just south of Los Angeles, California. Connect on Instagram.
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