Some students from Carnegie Mellon University visited Nicaragua's phenomenal Miraflor reserve and have come back raving about it. Here's the link to the article:
http://thetartan.org/2009/9/21/pillbox/abroadBut have a sneak preview here:
What touched us most were the people of Nicaragua. Their spirit was inspiring. They were always eager to learn about new things, to cooperate and help each other, and they had a very strong sense of community.
During one of our dinners, our host dad told us that he likes to attend the training sessions that the agricultural university, located four to five hours of travel away, organizes so that he can learn new practices like vermi-compost, the use of solar panels, etc., and does so whenever he can. He proudly gave us a tour of his backyard, explaining in detail how he applies these newly learned organic and eco-friendly practices. Also, even though he and his wife were illiterate and they needed more hands for farm work, they sent all their children to school and college. Now, their children not only have jobs, but also travel internationally.... Our trip to Nicaragua helped us reach out to a bigger world, but it also brought us closer to each other. Now every cup of coffee reminds me of our trip to Nicaragua, about what we learned and experienced there.
Every coffee bean has a story to tell, if you are willing to taste it.
