Sandy bay

IISpent the afternoon and sandy bay , another smallish village near Bilwi. We traveled there by boat which was anything but a smooth ride. 

We were welcomed and served yet another variation of rondon . This time one had crab and pumpkin while the other had venison. 

This was Jackson, a young 9 yo who was a little shy an scared to talk to me. 

Bob and John Wayne

It's hard to describe these two characters. 

Bob 

And John Wayne . 

They were some  truly red blooded American gringos with some great stories to share that would not be the same without that heavy southern drawl. 

How the heck they found puerto Cabezas ... 

Overall, 

Beer, pizza and great company. 

Wawa bar

Spent the day at Wawa bar. 

Got caught in a rain storm trying to go to the beach. 

Walked around the village a bit and found a woman making fresh wheat bread in a firewood oven.

Rondon "run down"

I

Finally got to try rondon, this dish I had been hearing so much about and it lived up to its reputation. It was a coconut base with conch, yucca , sea bass , platano , green banana, and shrimp topped with a squeeze of lime juice .It was absolutely amazing and so rich with flavor. 

This dish is one that is considered to be very Nicaraguan and can vary in ingredients depending on the time o year . For example after the first of July when lobster season begins it can be made with that. Also there is apparently a version made with only beef and no seafood. 

For my independent research project I'm planning on focusing on dishes like rondon that reflect the culture and history of Nicaragua. This dish for example has a lot of Caribbean influence which is appropriate to the region an ethnic groups. 

It was really enjoyable to watch the women make this great dish from scratch . Especially pressing the coconuts for their milk. 

No canned coconut milk here. 

 Just some more pictures from the process. 

Weekend in Waspam

Weekend in Waspam. We drove about 4 1/2- 5 hours on a bumpy dirt road to arrive in the village of Waspam . I unfortunately spent a large majority of the weekend excursion sick , but was able to capture some pictures 

We were greeted with a dance presentation by the locals with a native Miskitu dance accompanied with native music as well. 

Class at "bob's" place on the beach . 

Puerto Cabezas

Finally arrived in Puerto Cabezas where I will be spending the next month learning Miskito the native language as well as going on weekend excursions . So far the  town is much more than I expected and most I of my apprehensions have diminished. It really is quite a quaint little town . With taxis rides and beer for under a $1. The flight in was pretty smooth and we spent the evening at a local restaurant that was right note beach. One that I'm sure we'll return to soon. Classes start tomorrow. For now I have but a few more photos to share.