“Don’t get too relaxed, you may never leave” read a sign where I stayed in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua eight years ago. Feeling that same calling here at Casa del Encanto as I return to Barra de Potosi where it is easy to slide into the rhythm of slow living.

Casa del Encanto is an enchanted little oasis (open air rooms and patios that let in all the village sounds, no AC, and mosquito nets) in this small fishing village that draws an array of fascinating people. I have swapped stories with the park ranger partly responsible for the development of the Chilian Patagonia National Park, listened to a famed mariachi play and sing during breakfast and a poet, working on her 20^th book, recite some of her work. And Laura, creator and owner of Casa del Encanto, shares daily tales of village lore, beach erosion, local cartels and more.

This uber simple and somewhat primitive life provides a layer of shelter from the chaos, stress and busyness of the real world. The community carries on its daily life:

Digging footers for a small new casita by hand, repairing fishing nets, maintaining vehicles along the dirt roadways, making furniture and setting up street cafes in the evenings.

Meditative beach walks, daily sea swims, walks to wild, deserted beaches and watching the pelicans soar and dive are the norm. My kind of vibe…

Heart of the waves, Rocking flow in us,

Love, sweet as water, Come, grow in us.

Annie Finch, poet

Will she ever return…