Gandhi´s Birthday

It may be long before the law of love will be recognized in international affairs. The machinery´s of goverment stands between and hide the hearts of one people from another.

-Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was born in Porbonar, India on October 2, 1869.

Star Fruit

When cut across, star fruit shows a 5-point star. It's an attractive fruit. In Nicaragua they're called melocotón--the Spanish word for peach.

In Jinotega I bought a bag of nine star fruit for twenty-two cents. I ate one--it tasted something like a bad grapefruit--and gave the others to a friend. Later, I read that those with kidney trouble, high cholesterol, diabetic problems, those taking statin medication...should avoid star fruit.

I'm buying bananas....

Gallo Pinto

Perhaps you´ve been in Nicaragua too long, when...you feel that something´s missing if you don´t have gallo pinto for breakfast. Gallo pinto is a mixture of small red beans and rice, and is the fundamental course of the Nicaraguan breakfast (and dinner). Since arriving in Nicaragua the author has had gallo pinto for breakfast on all but three occasions. Once, I was served Swedish style pancakes and french toast. Admittedly, this was a good change; the pancakes were excellent. But on two other occasions I was told that there was no gallo pinto--only small red beans.

It´s truly sad to have breakfast without gallo pinto.

Jinotega, Nicaragua

Jinotega is located in the northern highlands of Nicaragua. The author arrived here at 4:00 pm on July 31st. I like the misty mountains and beautiful forests. On August 2nd I went to Selva Negra (Black Forest in English/Schwarzwald auf Deutsch) with a friend to buy cheese and drink coffee.

Check out the Selva Negra website.

Managua, Nicaragua

Managua is the capitol city of Nicaragua. It´s located on the shore of Lake Managua. The city has a population of about 1,680,000. There are lots of coconut trees, and much poverty in Managua.

The author arrived in Managua at 6:50 pm on July 30th. I spent the night at Best Western Hotel Las Mercedes (see photo). The next morning I had a nice breakfast buffet, and enjoyed the tropical gardens at the hotel. At noon on July 31st I took a four hour bus trip to the northern highland city of Jinotega.

Ticket To Nicaragua

A deal has been made to sell my Ford Taurus. It's an old car, but is in very good condition except for the air-conditioner. The amount that I receive from selling the car will cover the cost of the plane ticket I have bought...and perhaps a modest dinner.

I'm happy. I'll be in Nicaragua pronto.