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