Santa Rosa, Calif.: Is there anything you would recommend bringing to endure the scheduled power outages? For example, kerosene lanterns? The places I will be traveling will not have generators.

Joshua Berman: I wouldn't want to travel with any fossil fuels sloshing around my pack, so I'd take a long-lasting LED headlamp, and maybe a battery-powered small lantern. Bring a surge protector for your laptop, spare batteries, and when you get there, stock up on candles.

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Oaxaca, Mexico: How would you describe the conservation ethic and ecotourism opportunities in Nicaragua? What are some of the best and worst examples?

Joshua Berman: Great question, amigo. Nicaragua is still one of the poorest countries in the hemisphere and pressure on remaining forests and natural resources is high, especially as rural populations continue to push into unsettled areas with slash and burn agriculture. Deforestation is a massive problem, especially when complicated by bark beetle plagues and fire. Proper solid waste disposal is another big issue and you can do your part by producing less trash when you're there (please go easy on the disposable water bottles! Refill a bottle you bring from home instead!).

Of course, tourism is the double-edged machete that can either help the situation or complicate it. Fortunately, there are many examples of excellent low-impact, community-friendly tourism opportunities throughout the country, where participants can learn about local wildlife and plants while interacting with and supporting local communities.

Some of my favorite examples are in the north--Tisey and Miraflor Reservers in Estelí, Finca Esperanza Verde and the CECOCAFEN community coffee tours in Matagalpa, to name a couple. There are also excellent community based ecotourism models in León and Chinandega areas, like Padre Ramos and Isla Juan Venado. Also check out Hacienda Merida on Isla de Ometepe.

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Huntington, N.Y.: Is there public golf anywhere in Nicaragua?

Joshua Berman: Yes many of the "Nicas Ricas," as the country's elite are known, grew up in Miami and love to hit the links. There are some scraggly country clubs near Managua, and maybe a course or two in the gated communities going up around San Juan del Sur, but overall, the answer is "Not so much." Plan a golf vacation elsewhere and instead, follow Nicaraguans to the closest baseball stadium to join them in their biggest sport passion.

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Chicago, Ill.: I feel in love with Ometepe and the people there. Is there any way to buy just a simple place on Ometepe? Rhea

Joshua Berman: Rhea: I agree, there is something very special about La Isla de Ometepe, a gorgeous double-cone pair of volcanoes rising from Lake Nicaragua, also known as Lago de Cocibolca, or "The Sweet Sea." There is a calm, magical quality to life there. I've heard a few people mention that Ometepe will be the "next big thing" in Nicaraguan real estate, but as far as I know, this has not happened yet. Your best bet is to go to the island, talk to as many people you can and see what's available. You may also track down realtors in Rivas or San Juan del Sur (there's certainly no shortage of them).

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