Finca Los Genizaros is a peaceful retreat and a working farm located in the town of Diriomo, just about a 20 minute drive from Granada. A couple of days on the farm for a farm stay experience hosted by Janice and John Marc Gallagher proved to be a perfect getaway from bustling cobblestone streets and the heat. Turning off the dirt road into the driveway, I embraced the greenery and cool shade from the beautiful canopy of the trees above. The farm is named for these impressive three hundred year old giants with a giant worthy canopy and reach.
I learned there was a dog and cat spay neuter clinic happening onsite operated by Sasy, an organization based out of Costa Rica with a fairly new program in Nicaragua. Dioriomo, was recently included in the clinic outreach locations due to a successful donation campaign. Sasy asked if they could use the farm, and the Gallaghers were happy to oblige.
The surgeries were taking place in the stables across from Casita number two. I headed over to meet the team and document a pro-active and welcome community story in process. The Sasy crew had operated on 15 animals by the time I arrived and in the time I was there four more creatures were alleviated of the ability to create more stray, hungry, and homeless babies. Francisco, my guide and resident do-it-all encouraged me along after my fill of watching injections and incisions. It was time to meet the rest of the more relaxed and lollygagging animals across the way in the corral.
The cows and the horses were munching and lumbering through the fields with majestic Volcano Mombacho as their backdrop. The horses were fit and healthy. Dinamita and I bonded beautifully on our morning trail ride through Diriomo and some neighboring fields. I milked a cow for the first time without much yield and photographed the calves getting their sips in. Janice makes mozzarella cheese from the milk. I was treated to a taste in a Caprese salad creation by John Marc for lunch.
Cooking and cheese making classes are offered for guests. Horse trail rides, riding lessons, and a horse leasing program for locals or longer term visitors are all options. Finca Genizaros also grows tobacco on site and produces cigars. I sat on the front porch in my rocking chair drinking red wine, scratching eager dog ears, listening to the Nicaraguan night sounds and taking in all the activities, organizations, entrepreneurial enterprises, community outreach programs, and building projects this family has a hand in. Nicaragua has much to offer and many possibilities are being explored here at the Finca. Come for the creatures, the conversation, the relaxation, and the food. Leave inspired, invigorated, and full of ideas and resources to spark your own passionate pursuits.