Maika Calpull, Matagalpa

Matagalpa from the top of Cerro Apante

Matagalpa is thus far one of my favorite cities visited in Nicaragua. It has a rich history, rolling hills lined with brightly colored homes, beautiful churches, amazing coffee and easy access to Cerro Apante. Matagalpa means Pueblo Grande (Big Town) that comes from the Matagalpa Indigenous Language, Maika=Head, Calpull=Town. The Matagalpa natives were the first here and still have a presence, more notably with their beautifully hand made "Ceramica Negra."

In the 1840's a German couple rather unintentionally settled in the area. The story goes that they were on their way north by carriage to California for the gold rush but heard from a couple from there that it wasn't a safe place for children (they had a two year old). Not wanting to go home empty handed they asked if there was any gold to be found in Nicaragua. Sure enough they were pointed to Matagalpa where they bought land and began looking for gold. They planted a coffee tree on their land and were surprised to see it thriving three years later. Not striking it rich in gold they began cultivating coffee.

Comida de Nicaragua

Que Rico!

It is a good thing I love Gallo Pinto (beans and rice) because it is the staple of my diet here for every dinner meal. In the picture above are one of my favorites, Tostones, which is a sliced and fried green platano thus squashed and served. It is especially delicious topped with a salty fried cube of cheese. Some of you may be cringing or salivating at the thought of these fried treats. I usually do both at the same time and convince myself it's okay to eat because I eat a bowl of fruit in the morning. :-)