Kathryn Byler, blog

Jicaro is one more of the great ecolodges of Central Amercia. Located on a private island in Lake Nicaragua, it’s a peaceful, accessible option for a long weekend or romantic getaway. Direct flights from Houston, NYC and Miami to Managua mean you can be at the lodge for lunch.  http://www.jicarolodge.com 

Sustainable tourism with low-impact on nature appeals to many people. It makes so much sense financially to build in under-developed countries that are rich in beauty and nature. Eight years ago, an enterprising woman purchased the island I stayed on (I’m told she paid $150,000) for less than it costs to buy a lot in most American suburbs and certainly less than waterfront land in Virginia Beach. Labor is cheap for construction and for employees. Guests pay American rates which means a nice return on investment.

There are approximately 365 small islands in Lake Nicaragua, the largest lake in Central America. Most are uninhabited except for lizards, herons and other wildlife.

This tree is covered in white herons at sunset. Nica is home to howler monkeys and white-faced capuchin. 
Two of my favorite ecolodges are just south in Costa Rica. La Paloma on the Osa Peninsula adjacent to Corcovado National Park is a place I’ll never forget. Gorgeous teak cabins discretely balanced in the hills blend with nature. You awake to monkeys on the roof with canaries and toucans flying around. Situated on the azure Pacific Ocean, it’s a short hop to Cano Island for snorkeling.  http://www.lapalomalodge.com  Or, if you prefer a bit more adventure, book an excursion to Pacure Lodge. You arrive by white water rafting to the lodge then you leave the same way. It’s far removed from civilization yet a complete experience in luxury, fine cuisine, and good service. After a fine dinner you walk back to your cabin that has been prepared by attentive staff including lighting about a hundred small candles with shadows bouncing off the canopied bed, private pool, hammock, indoor tub and outdoor shower. http://www.pacuarelodge.com People back home think isolated ecolodges are rustic but I’ve never stayed in such luxury, except the Burj Al Arab but that’s not a fair comparison.

This is my fourth day in Nicaragua and, so far, it seems a country of natural beauty and peaceful people who, sadly, have been governed by a few politicians without respect for the rule of law or those they govern. Still, the beauty of the land and the people shines beyond the poverty. I should note that there appear to be greater freedoms here than in some of the neighboring countries like Venezuela but less than others like Costa Rica and Panama. My discouragement is more at the widespread poverty and apparent lack of opportunity so many years after the dictatorship was replaced with a democratically-elected president. Funny how things appear to change but never really change. Former leader/dictator, former Sandinista leader, and now president, Jose Daniel Ortega, is poster child for how people become disengaged and feel they are without power to affect change. Ortega’s alliance with the late Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas seems to be a clear statement of his vision for the country. Add this with his successful movement to change the constitution allowing him to stay in power without term limits and a picture of absolute power and control begins to develop. Perhaps, I should learn to add music to my posts so I can play The Who, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”–“meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”

The highest teenage birthrate in Central America and over 50% unemployment forecast continuation of the poverty. Locals say that a substantial amount of support comes from relatives in the United States and elsewhere. Working in the tourist industry pays considerably better than most other jobs (a guide at a hotel makes two or three times more than a police officer or teacher) and with Nica being both close and affordable, an increase of tourists promises greatly needed employment opportunities, particularly for those who speak English reasonably well. I don’t want to turn Nicaragua into a version of the USA with every adult owning a car but I hope the social climate and governmental policies allow for nationals to lift themselves out of poverty.

Capitalism and entrepreneurship can mean a better life for those with limited opportunities. A small town called Masaya prides itself on handmade hammocks. I saw many households of residences in the back, manufacturing in the middle and retail in the front. 

Another town called Catarina is the flower hub. Supposedly, it started by harvesting orchids from the mountains but when the flowers were being depleted, locals began growing their own. It has become famous for plants and flowers of all kinds.  American tourists supply a market for the wares. I saw very few Europeans but the 15-hour flight from London is much more difficult than the quick flight from Houston, Miami or New York. These types of enterprises and small, commercial ventures provide greatly needed income for families and are delightful alternatives to shopping malls back home.

This picture was taken from the top of the second crater looking down from Mombacho over a small portion of Lake Nicaragua with Conception Volcano in the background. It was very windy with the typical, perfect weather (sunny & 80’s F) and distinct lack of tourists even on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. The top is generally encased in clouds so I was very lucky to have a clear day with distant visibility. 

A hike through the cloud forest (less annual rainfall than a rain forest but with much the same vegetation) yielded monkeys and a two-toed sloth sighting but I failed to spot any tree frogs that surely were all around me.

During the 2013 session, the VA General Assembly unanimously passed a law against the financial exploitation of incapacitated persons making it a felony punishable with incarceration of between one and twenty years. This law touches on the growing concern of protecting the elderly without taking away their rights unnecessarily.

Elderly persons who once were savvy, community leaders may experience effects of dementia that leave them vulnerable to financial, emotional or physical abuse. Suspicions of elder abuse, neglect and/or exploitation should be reported to Adult Protective Services (888-832-3858). Mandated by the Code of VA § 63.2, these services are provided regardless of income to persons 60 years or older and incapacitated adults of any age. An investigation will be conducted to determine the need for protective services.

Advanced planning when an individual is healthy provides tools and a framework that make it easier to assist and protect as situations change. A Durable Power of Attorney, an Advance Medical Directive, and a Trust are easily prepared when a person is competent. In the case of lost capacity, these documents are both directly and indirectly valuable in that they show the desires of the individual including whom he trusts to make decisions for him, how he feels about end-of-life issues and how he wants his finances spent during his lifetime.

Despite advanced planning, emergency situations sometimes arise. These situations generally require a call to 911. Responding police or EMT are trained in such situations and can initiate a process that may include emergency custody for up to 4 hours, a temporary detention order for up to 2 days, and a commitment hearing for involuntary admission to a hospital or treatment facility for up to six months. This process involves medical professionals, social workers, and the courts.

In America, upon turning 18 all people are deemed competent. Individuals automatically have the right to pursue their happiness and the freedom to make all decisions regarding their lives. These rights remain until the end of life unless a court of competent jurisdiction revokes them through a determination of incapacity. This determination is not made lightly. The process takes time, requires a medical evaluation and other evidence, and is not a routine, rubber-stamp matter. The procedures must be followed precisely with clear and convincing evidence. Merely foolish actions or unwise handling of money does not prove incapacity.

If it becomes clear that an individual is unable to care for himself or his finances and he will not improve, it may be necessary to petition the court for appointment of a guardian and/or conservator. A guardian makes personal decisions such as healthcare and residential accommodations. A conservator handles finances. Before ruling on the petition, the court appoints a guardian ad litem who investigates the veracity of the request, meets with the individual who needs assistance, and makes an independent recommendation. Even after the appointment of a guardian and/or conservator there are safeguards to protect the incapacitated adult. A bond is required and a commissioner oversees actions of the guardian and conservator.

Dealing with aging and dementia is never easy but advanced planning and a relationship with an attorney experienced in elder law helps.

“First we are children to our parents, then parents to our children, then parents to our parents, then children to our children.”  Milton Greenblatt

Kathryn N. Byler represents clients on guardianships/conservatorships throughout Hampton Roads. She is certified by the VA Supreme Court as a Guardian Ad Litem for Incapacitated Adults.

There’s the usual Mexican market with straw hats and blankets then there’s the beautiful Mexican opal jewelry that comes in green, blue, pink and white. Like it or not, expect the typical haggling over the price, even in the nicer stores. This necklace ranges from $450 to $117, or maybe lower if you have better bargaining skills than me. Being from the Eastcoast, I never miss a chance to watch a sunset over the ocean. Cabo did not disappoint me. Sunset behind the palm trees each day was a new chance to praise God and be thankful for the beautiful world we’ve been given.

Pictures don’t really do the beaches justice … so beautiful. The Pacific is much nicer than the Sea of Cortez a/k/a Gulf of California (in my opinion) but the water is rough so there are posted signs warning against swimming and I haven’t seen anyone in the water. Looks like it would be terrific for body surfing. 

I took a walk down Sunset Beach and saw a beautiful home that I’m told belongs to Bill & Melinda Gates. They say Nicholas Cage, Sylvester Stallone and other celebrities have homes here also. I can understand why wealthy people in the U.S. want homes here. If money was no object and you could have several homes, Cabo would rate high on a list of potential homesites. Just ask Bill Gates 🙂

Cabo is at the southern-most tip of the Baja Peninsula. This photo was taken on the Gulf side. They call the opening in the rocks the “Window to the Pacific”. There’s a lovely beach on the calm, gulf side that is known as “Lovers’ Beach”. The other side of the same beach on the Pacific has big waves and is very rough. It’s known as “Divorce Beach”. I went snorkeling in the gulf and saw schools of tropical fish, rays, turtles and sea lions but the coral was disappointing and appeared to be dead.

My first time on the West Coast of Mexico! It’s less developed than the Yucatan Peninsula (Cancun, Playa del Carmen area) but still has its share of bachelor/bachelorette parties. Near the marina district, there’s a perpetual spring break attitude. Sammy Hagar wasn’t in town but he’ll be back next month for his birthday that he always celebrates at Cabo Wabo. As you might expect, there’s a live band every night playing old-school rock ‘n’ roll and lots of Van Halen memorabilia on the walls.

First impressions of Cabo San Lucas…gorgeous coastline, perfect weather, welcoming locals, affordable.