Today, for me, was a good day, I guess. Long night, well rested, not up too early. I start each day with, at least, a cold pan of well water over my head. Wakes me up quickly. Pineapple and bananas for breakfast with coffee and homemade tarts: I wouldn’t say ‘sweet’ but after being dipped in sweet coffee, mmmm.
I took time to work up three new drawings with changes in mind for my project which will make it more simple and will use two poles instead of one to mount the solar panels. Mauro thinks that is best and even though I don’t it really makes no difference (except someone, not me, will have to dig two holes instead of one). Lunch was served, fresh chicken with rice, beans and home grown tomatoes!
Work put aside I read for several hours on ‘Three Cups of Tea’. Funny how a quote from the book is in line with my thinking about how these people may not really be better off with more technology, but may have something to teach us about how to live in a sustainable way close to nature.
A short visit to another family close by produced more coffee, bread and ‘alote’: corn roasted quite hard. I like it and I thought of how Joy and I enjoy a daily dose of ‘crunch’, mostly via corn chips and salsa at one of Corpus Christi’s budget (but good) Mexican restaurants. I miss that (and her!)
Back up the hill to the house. Put on my hiking shoes and up another mountain alone. This was quite a hike but well worth the effort. I couldn’t stay long, sunlight fades fast here behind far off mountains. This mountain had huge standing rocks at top to walk out and stand to view the entire valley, including where I am living, much too small from up there to see in a photo. Made it down just before dark! Back to the newly built brick shower stall for more cold well water (I was soaked with sweat).
Some quick cards with Maynor and Carlos (an uncle), fresh beans and tortilla (which after the climb was extra sabroso!) and now, under 4th day new moon and bright stars (and mosquito net!) I write to you.
As always I enjoy reading up on your adventures in Nicaragua. There must be so much of the ambiance of the place you just can not put into words. I’ve been to Costa Rica and remember how remote the place felt to my daily urban standards. It was wonderful and one of my favorite pastimes was walking around in the forest taking it all in. It sometimes felt as if I was roaming the planet of eons past. How rare to walk for hours with only the sounds of nature filling the atmosphere.
I’m enjoying your occasional photos and wonder if you might be able to toss in some closeups of nature along the trail? Some bromeliads maybe, a butterfly or other insect up close, patterns of plants covering the rock outcroppings or limbs of giant trees. And maybe it would not be too intrusive to include some photos of the family and neighbors you are living with and around, working at their daily chores and pastimes.
Fascinating posts, please keep them coming!
The photos are very relaxing. I feel peaceful when looking at them.
I know we will all be in for a treat when you get back and share some newly found cooking ideas.
Stay true to yourself with ideas for your project. I do feel they will all appreciate your gift and knowledge.
You will have made a difference. It will be worth much to many.
I miss you too!
What is the “Three Cups of Tea” book about?
Hey there Steve,
Mosquito nets huh? Well that beats spraying posion on yourself! Do you live in a rain forest? Are there bees around there? Have you had any local honey there? How do they cook meat, burried in the ground inside of banana leaves? Or do they build a fire and cook it in a pot? On a spit? Where do you get the pineapples from, the market or do you pick them yourself? I suppose they grow some coffee beans on the mountains….is that right? I have been taking lots of live music photos and resizing and sending to the artist, it is fun.
I miss you and hope all is going well for you.
Sounds like you are having experiences that will stay with you for the rest of your days. It brings back memories of walks taken in the Islands in the air in old Mexico back in the 70’s. I look forward to your return and listening to your recollection of your time in Nicaragua. Happy trails old friend.