by: Jack Brown, originally published in Nica News 20 (February 1999)

	Manfred with a pair of macaws, or lapas as they're known here. Photo: Tomas Stargardter.

Manfred Müller came to Nicaragua from his native Germany almost 40 years ago. He came to set up a quarantine station in order to prepare animals for shipment to Europe. The business grew and, in time, he became noted as an expert on animal care and shipment.

In 1977, however, Somoza ended the export and transshipment of animals from Nicaragua. This encouraged him to pursue other ideas, including his passion for breeding tropical birds. While he didn't export them, he managed to develop several sub-species and new colors on many of the birds that came into his care.

His long-term association with Nicaragua was interrupted in 1982 when political tensions led him to believe it would be impossible to continue his businesses. He returned in 1991 and began a new series of business endeavors. The care, nurturing and breeding of tropical birds remains at the core of everything he did and plans to do.

While there, we noted the love and tenderness he and his staff showered upon his feathered family. The excitement we felt by seeing him interact with the birds was contagious. It was impossible to leave the scene without knowing that here was a man with a zest for life, and a passion for birds.

"I've always loved birds, from the time I was a child in Germany. Without them I'd be empty inside," he told us. "They have been my passion since I was a small child."

Manfred, in fact, was the first person to import Central American species into the European market for public and private collectors. During the course of his career he has won 19 first prizes for breeding exotic species from a variety of organizations.

Construction, Casinos, Cooking

Early in life Manfred found that loving birds wasn't an easy way to make a living. He trained as a desert chef and later as a first chef in both Germany and Switzerland. He worked in some of the most well-known kitchens in both countries. Through it all, he maintained his love for birds.

During his absence from commercial breeding, he took the time to study engineering. On graduation, he worked as a civil engineer, specializing in bridge construction.

Another business he was involved in here was gambling. Manfred was the owner of Casino Cine Dorado, which he opened shortly after returning to Nicaragua in 1991.

He still enjoys a good game of poker. Ask him, and Manfred will probably sit down to a play a poker hand or two with you. (He may beat you hands down, but you can always console yourself with a drink from his fully-stocked bar.)

He also owns a large property (almost 3,000 hectares) in the Atlantic region. "Once there were many birds there, but someone cut down all of the trees while I was away. There are almost no birds now," he laments. "It is good land, but with most of the trees and birds gone, I want to sell it."

Manfred continues his work with birds. His base of operations now is the site of another of his dreams. Vista Hermosa is a large piece of property located at Kilometer 24, on the Masaya highway. He is building a major tourist attraction.

The View From Here

	Two, two, toucans at once. Photo: Tomas Stargardter.

The site will include 69 large, air-conditioned rooms. each with a private terrace and an outstanding view. From different points in Manfred's facility, you can look out over the Masaya Volcano National Park, the Masaya Lagoon, or Coyotepe, the hill just outside of Masaya which was the site of a battle in 1912 between the U.S. Marines and rebel Liberal forces. (See article)

There facility will have two swimming pools -one Olympic-sized and the other for children- tennis courts, a gym/health club, and a miniature golf course. The project will also include a casino and gift shop.

While only four rooms are open now, five more will be ready before mid-February. He is almost finished with the first major attraction, the 65-seat restaurant and a full-service coffee shop. Both will have a grand opening by the end of January.

Manfred offers that the kitchen will produce gourmet French and Italian meals, with a Swiss touch, at affordable prices. He believes that the traditional European way of preparing family-sized dishes will catch on here. "People like to share interesting food. They'll be able to do that in our restaurant."

The existing restaurant is large enough to accommodate very large groups. Manfred beams when he recounts the special parties, conferences, and business meetings he has hosted in recent months. "They came, conducted business, enjoyed themselves, ate well, and promised to return."

Behind the site are 37 large lots, with all utilities and water already on the property. Some have been sold, so he is confident of having hit upon the right mix of tourism and long-term residences.

"We are developing a time share approach that, we believe, is a big step beyond the typical time share idea. Guests will receive sharply discounted accommodations and services. That includes all of the facilities," noted Manfred.

All of the buildings and other activities are centered around his love for the birds. Despite having only nine rooms available, he has already hosted groups of tourists ("birders," mostly) and the occasional drive-by guest.

A Virtual Gold Mine

Manfred conducts several fascinating tours out of Vista Hermosa. Most are centered around the surrounding natural environment, but one is a week-long tour to his property in the Atlantic Zone. There, they pan for gold. "All the guests find, they keep."

Asked how much has been found by visiting groups, he responded, "Plenty... One day a person took out 3.5 ounces of 99.5% pure gold. That paid for her trip," he added with a smile.

He believes that attention to detail brings back many guests and encourages all to refer friends and family. "We pick them up at the airport and make sure they're comfortable for their entire stay," he said.

"After all, most come from far away, don't speak the language and are interested in learning and enjoying while on vacation. We provide everything to make many good memories while in Nicaragua," Manfred stated.

If you are of a mind to visit a large collection of magnificent birds, or if you just want to surround yourself with natural beauty while enjoying a magnificent meal, it will be hard to overlook Vista Hermosa. Manfred Müller and his winged friends and capable staff await your arrival.

Vista Hermosa can be contacted by telefax at (505)0552-4410.