Comida Nica

When living abroad, one of the first questions you hear is: How is this food?  So I feel it necessary to address.

The easiest way to classify Nicaraguan food would be to call it comfort food.  No big flavors, not much spice, and not even a whole lot of options, but food that nonetheless leaves you feeling better.  A typical Nica meal--as the photo to the right demonstrates--consists of: some sort of meat--best when grilled, rice, beans and plantains.  In the photo, it appears that the plantains are boiled, which is probably the worst way to have them.  I prefer them mashed into patties and fried.  Mmmm.  They are sweeter than potatoes but with the same starchiness.  With a little salt, they are quite good. 

Although I do enjoy the food, it would be nice to have a bit of variety.  Rice and beans, or gallo pinto as it is known in Central America, literally accompanies every meal.  I still enjoy eating gallo pinto, but I'm not sure how long that will last, however, it is entirely possible that I will never tire of them.  I mean, rice and beans have been feeding humans for millenia.

This next part may sound like a joke, but I assert it in all seriousness.  Nicafood does wonders for the digestive system.  To be sure, after three weeks in Nicaragua, I am sure that my digestive system is more regular than that of Jamie Lee Curtis.  I have a standing appointment with the porcelain god following either lunch or dinner, depending, of course, on home field advantage.  Before my arrival, I was worried about diarrhea and digestive irregularities that often accompany a change in diet; but quite the opposite has happened.  

Finally, Nicafood is even more enjoyable when paying the bill.  Last Friday me and the other students were looking for a place to have lunch when a street vendor beckoned us forward.  We continued to have an excellent and filling meal that was completed by an excellent cup of Jugo de Pitalla, which comes from the fruit of a cactus.  The final price was 50 córdobas which is $2.50.  I have even had a complete meal for $1.50.  Just this morning, I found myself dissatisfied with my options for breakfast, and with nothing to do during the day, I ventured to the nearest fruit stand.  Once at the stand I bought a heaping bowl of fruit and a bag (yes, a bag) of juice for  a whopping one dollar.  Over the weekend, at a similar fruit stand I bought 5 bananas for, I promise you this is true, 20 cents.  I will most certainly never get tired of this. 

In other news, tomorrow morning I will be leaving Managua for an entire week of travels and explorations, all thanks to the Sandinistas in their attempt to save a dime and cut the school year short a week, conveniently giving me a week free of obligations.  Nice.  I will have updates and photos.