Tag: FEV

Nicaragua

Good-Bye FEV…on our way to San Ramon, Nicaragua

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Saying good-bye to our new friends at Finca Esperanza Verde (FEV) was sad.  The staff made our stay so memorable and wonderful.  After a delightful breakfast of fresh banana bread and jam with a slice of French toast, the staff gathered to say good-bye to our group.

Last Breakfast at FEV

FEV Staff says good-bye

Next we gathered our things and were off to visit a rural, primary school on our way to San Ramon.  The truck was parked and we hiked up a steep dirt path to the top of the hill to the school.  It was muddy, full of ruts and the path the children take each and every day to their school.

When we arrived, we were greeted by the community leader, the teacher, as well as several students and their families.  Again, it was their summer break, but they took time out of their day to greet us.

Visiting Rural Primary School in Nicaragua

The children were so sweet and well-behaved.  The classroom, while barren in comparison to U.S. classrooms, had many of the same characteristics of classrooms around the world.

Classroom in Nicaraguan Rural Primary School

I noticed immediately that they weren’t enough desks for all of the children and many of the desks were broken, with the seat intact but the writing desk was long gone.  I asked about help for this school, specifically, and my donation was guided to the Sister Communities of San Ramon, website www.san-ramon.org which has helped build 6 rural primary schools in San Ramon, as well as supporting healthcare, water projects, environment preservation, etc.

After a delightful morning, we were ready for the hike down, grabbing a fresh orange for nourishment.  Back in the trucks, we’re off for San Ramon to meet our guest host families and become acquainted in the community.

Nicaragua

Nicaraguan Lunch, Dinner and Nature

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After a busy morning with the local children, we were ready to sit, eat and share stories of our busy, busy morning. Again, the FEV cooking staff did not disappoint.

Lunch of pork with vegetables, potato, rice and pasta salad
Yummy Flan for Dessert

The afternoon ahead included coffee picking.  (My June 12 post will address  my Nicaragua coffee experience).  Our hostess discovered a red eyed tree frog near the dining room. I didn’t kiss it (no prince needed at this time), but I did hold it.  So colorful and amazing!

Red Eyed Tree Frog in Nicaragua

The grounds of Finca Esperanza Verde have beautiful flowers everywhere.  This day a large white orchid was blooming, for one day only, and graced our table in the dining room.

Large White Orchid that blooms one day only

After the coffee hike, it was time to eat again…oh shoot! (I jest).  Even in the  small, efficient kitchen of FEV, the cooking staff got creative.  I love, in the photo below, the presentation of the sliced squash with melted cheese to resemble a cooked egg. Makes me smile to look at it again!

Final Dinner at FEV

Tomorrow morning we will say good-bye to the wonderful staff of Finca Esperanza Verde and continue our adventure in San Ramon with local hosts.

www.fincaesperanzaverde.com

Nicaragua

Nicaraguan Breakfast, Children and Admiration

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Day four at Finca Esperanza Verde (FEV) began with a wonderful, local breakfast, presented beautifully.  The traditional gallo pinto, along with fried plantains, ham salad rolled in a sliced of ham and a slice of local cheese.  With a glass of fresh Jamaican flower juice, hot cup of FEV coffee and fruit, we were fueled for a full morning of activities with local children coming to FEV.

Nicaraguan Breakfast of Gallo Pinto, Fried Plantains, ham salad roll and local cheese
Fresh Jamaican Flower (Hibiscus) Juice with lime and cinnamon

The children were to arrive at 9 a.m. but the skies were dark and it was raining. Nothing.  My travel companions from ERUUF were prepared to do paper crafts, games, and musical activities.  Would the children even go out in these conditions.  Oh ye of little faith!

These children, and their parents, are strong.  They are used to the rain, the muddy conditions and walking miles (truly uphill) to reach their destinations.

Local children begin to arrive for a morning at FEV

Before long, more children arrived on foot, many wearing their much-needed rubber boots, others in street shoes.  After almost two hours, a truck full of children arrived, hitching a ride from a local driver.  We hustled around to assure that we had activities for the 85+ children that were our guests.  Activities included multiple paper crafts, games, music (bells, musical chairs) and more.  The children were anxious to participate in all of the activities as were their parents.

– The children gather for good-byes at FEV

The FEV staff prepared sandwiches and drinks for each guest that joined us for their long walk home.  For the final 35 or so, a local pickup provided transportation back down the long road.  This would never happen in the States.  We watched in amazement as the parents, and perhaps teachers, jammed about 35 children in the back of the pickup to return home.

Children departing via pickup truck from FEV

Reflecting on the morning, I admired the children for their respectful and patient behavior.  Their parents were kind and supportive.  Would our children in the States spend their summer holiday walking miles to visit strangers to partake in a morning of crafts and art?  These families have so little in material things, yet are so rich in community and family.  Perhaps the greatest souvenir from this trip will be gratefulness and admiration of the Nicaraguan people of Managua.

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https://fork-lore.com/2012/03/23/plantains-not-an-ordinary-banana/