Disclaimer:
Apologies for the weak photography in this post; I was trying to play it cool
with my new local friends.
This
past Monday I had a day off between returning from our field site and our
arrival in Granada. My buddy Nick and I decided to look up a lesser-known
hangout, Doña Elba Cigars. At Elba we were given a tour of
the cigar rolling facility, and learned how to roll our own cigars. Cigars, rum and coffee are some of Nicaragua's biggest exports, and most
treasured products.
After
the tour we decided to relax with our guide, Mateo, who took a particular
interest in my Phillies hat. He told me he was a Yankees fan, and then made fun
of the Phillies’ effort in the 2009 World Series. He then admitted that if the
Phillies had indeed had two Cliff Lees on their team that year, they would have
swept the series. He was an interesting guy, and really wanted to talk baseball
with some real fans, so we stayed awhile and enjoyed some fresh Nicaraguan coffee.
After we exhausted baseball we talked more about our work in
Nicaragua, and how we liked Granada. Mateo then showed us a special picture at Elba: one of Arnold Schwarzenegger and the owners of the company.
Arnie apparently visited in 1996 and came back every day for a week. The
company now sells a cigar that is twice the length of a regular cigar, named El
Arnie.
After the inside look at Elba we said goodbye. As a parting
gift we were handed a bottle of rum, a large sign of friendship in Nicaragua,
and were invited back to Elba for any and all festivals. Their terrace looks
right onto one of Granada’s largest avenues and most festival processions pass
directly in front of their doors.
On the way home I stopped in a few art galleries along Calle
Real Xalteva. Nicaragua punches well above its weight in the international art
scene and one of the coolest parts about all the art studios in Granada are the
vivid descriptions that accompany each painting. Most Nicaraguans consider
themselves poets, and when asked about the subject can recite many of their
favorites, and sometimes some of their own work. Definitely refreshing to be in
such an expressive and open community!
Just another day in Granada!
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| Arnie y El Dueño |
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| Nicaraguan wood reappears! |
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| Businesses rarely separate the natural beauty from their products |
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| El Arnie |
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| A Nicaraguan Tradition |
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| The organic coffee Elba partners with in Nicaragua's north |
