Our Caribbean Coast Learning & Adventures

Last Sunday at this time we were preparing to depart from a 3 night/2 day stay in Pearl Lagoon to return to Jinotepe.

This East coast trip revealed to us another interesting and rich part of Nicaraguan culture as we met some Miskito, Creole and Garifuna, as well as Mestizo peoples.   The history of this side of the country is fascinating.  After much struggle, occupation, and suffering the primarily indigenous people groups of the East coast regained their autonomy  and maintain a unique relationship with the central government of Nicaragua lodged in Managua.

This trip involved a 6 hour + bus ride and nearly 2 hour panga boat trip on beautiful local rivers until we reached Pearl Lagoon which allowed for catching our breath as individuals and a group through  swimming, kayaking, attempts at wind-surfing, playing in the sand, catching numerous sunrays, card games, wonderful food and friendship.   In addition we visited a large local Moravian church, heard stories from local Miskito residents, played a mad soccer game with Miskito young adults and attended a women’s regional softball tournament in a local Garifuna village.  We attempted to get out to a deserted island for the day on Saturday but were not able to enter the open sea to do so due to very strong winds and high waves.  The trip was an important learning and bonding experience for our group.

Because there were so many activities that made up this trip more pictures will be forthcoming in a future blog post.