Of our last weeks in Nicaragua before heading north through Honduras and Guatemala, we were able to participate in a continued farmer interchange, sharing the ideas found within nature to build up the global network of awareness and bold empowerment surrounding the fundamental right of community food sovereignty. The more I study the global food system of today the more I feel deeply moved to speak out about such terrifying and unjust circumstances. Why in the heck would we allow our seed stock to be owned and controlled by chemical corporations... and if this incredulous possession of over 80 percent of the worlds seed bank is in fact an innocent thing -- why so extreme? Why can't small farmers save seeds without fear of law suit? How can small farmers suffer the destruction of their entire livelihood because some Genetically Modified and patented Monsanto seed blew into their field, effectively mixing with their crop unknowingly. Why is it so far out to request for an International Organization in rural Nicaragua to come up with clean creole-type seed to cultivate in a small local school garden? All that is available to them is GMO seed? People this should not be. We cannot sit back and relax unto our affluence or our comfortable numbness (whichever it may be) while this kind of corruption continues its spread. Please -- if you are not already, get educated on the global food system, and learn to grow your own food sustainably -- research Permaculture for practical and natural solutions. It is not too late to get reacquainted with the natural world that giveth you breath, nourishment, and LIFE.
APANTE!!! Nature reserve, Matagalpa, Nicaragua. QUE HERMOSO! They say it takes 3 hours to make it up to the mirador... we did it in 45 minutes.
A little word of advice: Always make friends with the locals... You never know when they will invite you to be a drink-taster for their bartender school! OR maybe they will just be the most adorable and sweet little girl you ever met ;)
HUBEEERRRTTT!!!! My favorite little chubbb chubbb. This little guy brought the biggest smile to my face almost daily. Couldn't have asked for a more suitable neighbor.
MONTE GRANDE!!! We have so many thanks to send your way. Thank you for being so attentive to our Permaculture lessons, excited and willing to help collect stones for the herb spirals, inquisitive as to how much we can grow, and so cute and playful outdoors. Thank you for allowing us to stomp lightly on your school grounds whenever we pleased, greeting us with BIG curious smiles. We cannot proclaim enough just how surprised and deeply moved we were to have a celebration party with ya'll on our last day... The poetry, the traditional dancing, the story-telling, the singing, the sharing of your traditional food! Keep studying, live with laughter, and keep up that new school garden of yours! PERMACULTURA!!! We are all connected! YOU KNOW.
I just have to say it -- NOISE POLLUTION!!! These crazy trucks drive around town all day blasting commercials from the speaker attached to their truck bed. This is so ludicrous! In my humble opinion.
These here lychee/grape-like fruits -- "Mamus" -- became our favorite. You could purchase a whole bundle for only 5 cordoba... AKA 20 ish cents US! Oooo so satisfying ;)
Thank you San Ramon bread shop! Your delicious and locally-baked breads are reminiscent of my sweetest mid-day walking breaks. Destination PANADERIA!!! Mmmmmhhmmmm! And now I will swear off all sweet bread for months to reconfigure my figure. lol
Thank you to the Molina Quintero family of "La Reyna" where we were so welcomed and cared for throughout our time -- we will always remember your beautiful smiling faces, the way Elizabeth called my name in the mornings for breakfast, the birthday cakes and well-wishing songs, sharing tea and talking about crazy life stuff, oohh sweet clarity given with difficult agriculture terminologies, the food trials and tribulations, delicious empanadas and sweet breads, fresh fruit surrounding, and coolest of all -- fresh grown, processed, roasted, and brewed coffee from La Ruta de Cafe Justo... every morning, QUE TUANI!!! We will cherish these moments forever within our hearts.
Thank you to all the awesome people at La UCA, San Ramon. Ya'll are doing some great work out there. Keep it up!!! Don't be afraid to push harder for what is right, speak a bit louder when it's your turn, take random walks just for fun, and spread the wealth of information within your collaborative cooperatives. Let's keep this food revolution rolling forward. I really hope that you all take seriously the principles of Permaculture that we so readily spoke of. These truths hold the key to a brilliant, healthy, and more equal future for all life.
Nicaragua. Remember the true value lies in your community. Continue to build up your natural resources and your people -- stronger -- without corporate shipments of La Comida Chatarra and without fear. There is no reason for the unreasonable shipments of junk food out to your rural fringes -- where the people are just now beginning to regularly wash their hands and brush their teeth. There are too many beautiful children with rotting teeth. Be wary of the caca cola-ization of your lush green happy landscape. It deserves better. You all deserve better. Fight for it peacefully, without machete or gunpowder, but instead with your gardens and powerful personal choices made intentionally, each new day.
Ooooo Nicaragua Nicaraguitaaa! Land of lakes and volcanoes, rich with Sandino history and national pride. As you go rising out of dark waters... stand tall with the changing tides. Oooohhhh Nicaraguitititiiiita! Never surrender your timid tired battle cry... In this great time of dubious alignment... keep true to the values of the sacred truth of your ancestors. Preserve those oldest truest of traditions, and hold strong your ability towards quick and often laughter. We shall return... And until that daaayyy -- Vaya Bien Nicaragua!!!
"The only constant factor in nature is CHANGE."
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