Last month, we drove up to the northern cities of Matagalpa, Jinotega, Esteli and Condega. The cooler weather was amazing and the countryside was BEAUTIFUL. My favorite part, besides the company, was the chance to see so many flowers. I collected pictures of the flora like they were going out of style. I’m creating my own little visual garden. The flowers were more of what you would see in the Southern states (excluding Florida) because of the cooler weather. The hydrangeas at one location were the size of a prize winning watermelon. It’s the first time I’ve been up close and personal with the most perfect calla lilies you could possibly imagine, as well as incredible roses.

This woman, a flower vendor, was so sweet and kind. Her skin tone and eye color are pretty typical of the German settled town of Matagalpa.