Monday, June 24, 2013

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. 




Friday, June 21, 2013

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. 




Monday, June 17, 2013

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.





Friday, June 14, 2013

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. 



Thursday, June 13, 2013

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. 


Thursday, June 6, 2013

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

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. 


Monday, June 3, 2013

Concepción

Here was the volcano Concepción on Ometepe, the island within Lake Nicaragua . We originally had plans to climb one of the volcanos, but poor
Weather ruined those plans. The weekend excursion to Ometepe was enjoyable overall with plenty of swimming time in the lake . 

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Laguna de apoyo

IYesterday we went to a small volcanic lagoon near Granada called Laguna de apoyo . We went to a small hostel called " the monkey hut " the lagoon was absolutely amazing. The water was warm and the toña (local beer) cold . We spent the afternoon lounging and kayaking .




 

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

The past few days in Granada have been wonderful. Currently I'm living with my host mom ,Soyla, and one other student not far from the school we're learning at Casa Xalteva.
Even though I don't have class currently some of the other students an I have come in the morning to work with the children here. Usually we're just helping them with mathematics. Then we'll typically go outside for an hour to play futbol .

Each day in the afternoon we've had the amazing opportunity to go on excursions and see different parts of Granada.

This was one of our first and most memorable excursions so far to Las islas with our lovely tour guide "Guapo". 


 We stopped for a bit at one of the islands that had a little bar and restaurant .



 One of the girls ordered some fish I can't remember the name , but it was to my understanding similar to tilapia.

It was absolutely breath taking. I could of honestly spent an entire week on those little islas.
I'll most likely post more of my photos on to facebook.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

6am departure

Leaving tomorrow  morning ! So nervous !!! Here's to another chapter 

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Text for program


Three Days and Counting.

Hey Friends and Family!

I'm very excited to start on this wonderful adventure in just a few short days. I wanted to have a concentrated place where I can post and share my adventures and experience with all of you.  I will do my very best to keep you all updated on my travels. For those who don't know this will be my first time in Central America and it will also be the longest time I've been outside the country. I will be gone the duration of six weeks leaving Sunday May26th and returning on July 7th.
I'll do my best to keep this as updated as possible. Also I wanted to give a personal thanks to the University of Kansas Study Abroad Department and the Athletic Department without whom this trip would not be possible.

Hasta la proxima,
Alex <3