Nicaragua

Nicaragua: Second Day in San Ramon

Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man/woman healthy, wealthy (maybe) and wise. We were advised to bring ear plugs for our stay in San Ramon because truly the cocks crow at dawn…and sometimes in the middle of the night.  I rather enjoyed it, reminding me of the many years on the Iowa farm. Neyda, again prepared a wonderful breakfast for us including fried plantains, pinto gallo, fresh avocado, watermelon, with fresh pineapple juice.  It was sooo good.

Breakfast Day Two San Ramon

Next we were off to Los Pipitos: Center for Children With Disabilities.  My generous travel group delivered supplies for the center.  Los Pipitos works to change local perceptions of children with disabilities and provide children with services.  For more information on Los Pipitos as well as other health care initiatives from Sister Cities of San Ramon (SCSRN), visit http://san-ramon.org/what_we_do/health-care.

Los Pipitos

Next we were off to visit a local entrepreneurship supported by SCSRN, paper-making by local women.  The women utilize discarded paper making beautiful paper and crafts for sale.

Paper Making in San Ramon
Finished Paper Made in San Ramon

After our tour the women sold blank paper in addition to beautiful handmade books, bookmarks, and cards.

Handmade Paper Crafts from San Ramon

Guess what!  It’s time to eat again.  Neyda served fresh tortillas, beets, rice, yucca, peppers and onions.  It’s so interesting to experience the local foods and traditions.

Lunch Day Two

Next we were off to experience another entrepreneurship of jewelry making. The locals make gorgeous jewelry from the local seeds that are beautiful in their own right. We had the opportunity to design and make our own jewelry.  My masterpiece is shown below. Tomorrow we will attend a local craft fair and be able to purchase pieces from local artisans.

Jewelry Making from Local Seeds

Siesta!  The hammock was calling me (although entry was not so graceful) and read Sarah’s Key, on the docket for my next book club discussion.  While the storyline of the book is anything but relaxing, I thought it would be fun to take a picture reading the book in paradise to send to my book club buddies.

Hammock Reading in San Ramon

After my siesta, we were ready to experience Nacatamals, a Nicaraguan dish similar to a tamale.  Can’t wait for another experience to make (and eat) a local delight!

Related Links:

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

http://san-ramon.org/what_we_do/health-care

Nicaragua

Hammocks, Sunsets and Soup in Nicaragua

Returning from our picnic and hike, free time awaited and it was time to hit the hammock and soak in the amazing beauty of Finca Esperanza Verde (FEV).  Truly a slice of paradise.

Hammock time in Nicaragua

Every time I looked at the horizon from FEV’s dining area, it looked different.  It was a magical experience.  Again, this evening there was a wonderful sunset and shadows not to be missed.

Sunset at Finca Esperanza Verde
Good Night Nicaragua

A wonderful day, with wonderful people, in a wonderful place.  The air was cool and the vegetable soup for dinner hit the spot.  It reminded me that vegetable soup is a world staple, using local vegetables, spices and traditions.  Comfort food for the soul.

Vegetable Soup for dinner!

As the sun set, so did our eyelids, tired but satisfied with another wonderful day in the beauty of Nicaragua.  Tomorrow we would host local school children, on holiday, for a morning of music, art and fellowship.

Note:  The stories of Nicaragua continue for the next several Tuesday postings.