Where it all started…Jinotega…a small city situated in a long valley in the north central region of Nicaragua known for producing 80% of the nation’s coffee. But we’ll get to the coffee later. The city has a very small town feel to it, and is often called “the city of mists” as the weather is constantly changing with low hanging clouds moving constantly in the surrounding cloud forests. Sunny one minute and a heavy mist the next…but cool temperatures compared to other areas of the country. Friendly people, and very few gringos…therefore not a tourist town at all. It was great just to wander around…feeling totally at ease…and just explore.
…wonderful accommodations at the Hotel Cafe…
…the town is filled with second-hand shops…
…a typical house in the outskirts of town…
…and if you know me…
…you know I ❤️ the elderly…
…so I always enjoy the opportunity to photograph them…
…love being in a country where the children wear school uniforms…
…regardless of the income level…
…the children are clean and the whites are really white!
…tres amigas…
…even without the language skills…
…I was able to get them to give me some attitude!
…I’m always drawn to local cemeteries while traveling…
…fascinating and so telling of their culture…
…am I the only one that likes cemeteries?
…I mean…what a piece of art!
…so sweet…
…he was chasing a pig out of his yard…
…chickens…pigs…cows…roosters…everybody has one or two or three…
…oh, and always at least one dog…
…so it seems…
There was only one day to roam…
before heading off into the wilds of the Rio Coco…
Did you leave without adopting at least one little dog? Those three chicas? Awesome! But best are your portraits of the two old gentlemen! You really have the ability to make them feel at ease.
I love old cemeteries -especially abroad.
Can’t wait to see more!
It was tough…I found one that so reminded me of my little girl Cheyenne…but it just wasn’t the time, nor do I think the owner would have parted with her! Thank you always for your comments! So appreciated!! And so glad to know I’m not so weird with enjoying cemeteries! 🙂
Fabulous Photos! We love cemeteries too! Have been to hundreds all over the world : ) AND you can really learn a lot about a culture by visiting. All the kids in Asia wear uniforms too – regardless of income. Looking forward to more photos!
Yeah for cemeteries! The very first time I experienced the little uniforms was in Cuzco, Peru and I totally fell in love…that was probably twenty years ago! Thank you so much Cathy for your visit!
Great captures, as always, dear Robin.
Love all of them and learning, learning, learning.
Thank you.
xoxo
Thank you, thank you, thank you!! xoxo
Wow, what a great story you shared of your travels through your photos. And,I too love old cemeteries. Thanks so much for sharing. Can’t wait to hear more… xoxo
More to come! Thanks so much my dear! Always….xoxo
Oh, that sweet pup in the doorway! That doorway, the color, the peeling! And the attitude, must be universal!
And so must the pull to cemeteries. Really love seeing some of your trip, lovely people.
Love going into these small towns/cities where the wabi-sabi is on every corner! So knew you could relate to the pull of the cemeteries! Thank you so much for all of your comments and constant visits!
Wonderful post about all the different experiences. Cemeteries are always worth a visit, so in this you are not alone. We walked one yesterday.
Those three girls smoking…..
That dog at the door is a darling.
I am looking forward hearing about the rest of the trip.
Love and hugs.
Thanks Astrid! I knew you and Ginnie could relate! So appreciate your visits and comments!
By now you know we all love cemeteries, Robin, which is kinda weird, when you think about how much in the USA we shy away from death. Not so in other countries, especially in Central and South America, where you can window-shop for coffins around almost any corner.
You have a special way of making people of all ages so human…and animals so adorable. I’m really looking forward to this Adventure as it continues to unfold. Thank you.
Oh exactly…just around the corner from our hotel were two coffin stores! This would so freak us out here in the U.S.! I’m so looking forward to sharing this trip…so thank you for tagging along! So appreciate your comments…always!
Time and time again, what strikes me most about your photos is color – and how that color imparts the story. I feel transported to this city by way of your pictures, and the photos of the of the elderly are most telling. I’m glad you had this one day to wander and discover. And, I never visit a new town or city without checking out the cemetery . . . some of my favorite pictures are of the beautiful statuary. . . . like the abstract version of Christ on the cross in your photograph. Something about being away from home . . . soaking in all the newness and the oldness. . . that imbues each picture with significance.
Robin, You are a natural storyteller and with this photo essay, Chapter 1, you connect with and involve me. Can’t wait for more. Alligators, really?
Thanks Donna…color has always drawn me in…and I guess I’ve never thought about it and the impact on my photography. So thank you! I so appreciate you and your comments…and yes, alligators! Stay tuned!
Robin these are a wonderful snapshot of a culture miles from the one I occupy, as for cemeteries I to love them they are always places of peace amidst the hustle and bustle of life.
The colours on these are exquisite, you never fail to hit the spot with colour subject and composition.
Wow shooter, thank you so much! Glad to know you can relate to cemeteries too! Thanks for the visit!
Another wonderful compilation of images. For me, hands down, the threes amigos tells the whole story. Bravo
I just loved them…thank you!!!
O so fantastic! I’m there. My sister works for Fair Trade here and supports coffee growers from there too. So not too many gringos ay, I’m still chewing on that one? I’m facing in to the journey with you Robin, can’t wait for the next bit. xx
I really enjoyed being a part of just a few of the gringos…made the visit more authentic for me! Thanks Catherine for your visit!
A warm, terrific travel log. Love your photos!
Thanks Elena!!
Welcome back, Robin! These images are wonderful! You have a knack for capturing the essence of a place and its people. (As an aside, your photos of San Miguel de Allende have stayed with me so much so that my husband and I are hoping to visit there next year.) And I, too, have a fascination with cemeteries, which I don’t think is macabre. I think of cemeteries as places of calm and serenity and remembrance. Looking forward to hearing (and seeing) more about your time in Nicaragua.
Thanks Patricia! Excited that you have SMA on your list…you will absolutely love it! And glad to know you enjoy the cemeteries too! Always appreciate your visits!