by Anne Watcher on Wednesday March 30th, 2011 at 12:39pm
To say that Rob likes to photograph people is an understatement for sure. Although he does a great job at all photography, people in their own element is what really touches his heart.
I thought it would be nice to put up a few of his favourites from our last two months here in Nicaragua. The people here are warm and friendly, content with what they have and work hard to provide the necessities. There are hundreds more in the photo section of this journal, but below is a sample of the ones that moved us and shows the way life is here in Nicaragua.
by Anne Watcher on Wednesday March 30th, 2011 at 11:23am
A while ago Rob was traveling on the bus and he watched a man load a huge basket of tomatoes onto his head and then climb the ladder up the back of the bus to put it up top. This he did 3 times, and believe me those baskets are big and heavy. Of course this was one of the few times Rob didn't have a camera with him.
To see someone carrying things on their heads is not uncommon here but you never really think about the weight that they are balancing and supporting with their head, neck and shoulders. The other day in Granada's market we got the chance to see first hand.
A gentlemen motioned to Rob to help him hoist up his basket of vegetables. Rob quickly handed me the camera and bent over to help him lift it onto his head. I don't think Rob got the basket 4" off the floor when he had to put it back down! Of course my reflexes were not fast enough to catch that actual moment on camera but believe me, the onlookers sure got a good laugh watching this "gringo" try to do something that is every day life to them.
A couple of his buddies did come to his rescue - seeing it took 3 of them to get in onto the guys head, I think they set Rob up!. When he had it balanced correctly, away he went, heading through the narrow market aisles like he was taking a walk in the park. Although we are not sure, Rob thinks the basket weighted 125 lbs. or more and I don't think the guy carrying it was any more than 150 lbs. soaking wet!!
These two tried but had to get a third guy to successfully hoist the basket up. Notice the women in the background still chuckling at the show that Rob had just put on for them.
Success!! I did notice that before he put his cap on he shoved several plastic bags into it to help soften the weight and perhaps help with the balancing procedure.
by Anne Watcher on Sunday March 27th, 2011 at 1:44pm
While I maintain that to really experience a country, you have to leave your idea of how things should be at home and embrace the culture that you are in. That being said, every so often you just need that "comfort" food that makes everything seem right.
If you are in the mood for that "comfort" food, just stroll down Calle Calzada almost to the end and you will find exactly what you are looking for. Jimmy Three Fingers is an Alabama rib shack offering a full line of tasty dishes, something to satisfy everyone.
While ribs are his main attraction (and I can see why, they are amazing) rosemary encrusted barbecue chicken, shrimp, filet mignon and twice mashed potatoes are also great choices. Personally I love the Meatloaf with Mushroom Gravy!! I think I make a great meatloaf but I must admit, Jimmy's blows mine out of the water, hands down. If you get a chance, try it.
A full line of appetizers like Loaded Potato Skins and Buffalo Wings are also available as is a "dessert of the day", fresh and warm from the oven. Jimmy himself is the cook and he rarely if ever disappoints!!
To top this all off, prices are very reasonable and the Tona is ice cold!!
I am examining the daily menu board in the large dining room.
There are always lots of seats at Jimmy's. Whether you want to sit outside, in the dining room or at the large bar, the friendly staff will always make you feel welcome.
I'm enjoying my meatloaf and Rob is making short work of his ribs, served with amazing potato salad!
by Anne Watcher on Sunday March 27th, 2011 at 8:34am
Granada is definitely known for it's beautiful colonial buildings, whether these be homes or businesses or government offices. Almost as famous are the doors to these colonial buildings.
Ornate wood, fancy ironwork gates and elaborate door frames all make these true works of art. Below are just a few of the gorgeous doors that lead to sometimes even more beautiful homes, that we found while strolling the streets of Granada.
by Anne Watcher on Friday March 25th, 2011 at 10:57am
No one likes it when the lights goes out, but here in Nicaragua daily rolling blackouts throughout the country was an accepted fact of life. However Nicaragua's government worked hard and put an end to the blackouts, but struggled to pay the higher energy costs when oil hit $147 US a barrel.
So in 2008 a $90 million dollar project started to install 19 wind turbines on the south west shores of Lake Nicaragua near San Jorge (Rivas). Operating successfully since early 2009, the wind turbines have saved the country $9 million dollars (at current prices) yearly, contributing to 6% of the country's energy needs.
Long term plans are to reduce their dependency on oil to 3% by 2013, relying not only on wind power but also geothermal from volcanoes, sugarcane based ethanol and hydroelectric from rivers. Hopefully these last three methods will provide 34% of the needed power.
Wind turbines on the shores of Lake Nicaragua
