I haz a coupla questions.
Try as I might, I can't interpret this one. Predictive text imposing itself?
I've always wondered whether the coffee in places where it is produced, is better than it is by the time it's travelled and reached us over here. And Nicaragua is a producer of particularly fine coffee is it not?
I've noticed that on the road, you generally come across a small store or somewhere to buy a snack or drink, even when on the backroads. In NZ, an ostensibly more 'developed' country with a similar population, there are parts where you can go for miles and sometimes days without any refuelling options.
No question really, but do you have any observations why central America appears to be more helpful to the thirsty/hungry touring cyclist in this regard?
Nope!
I don't use predictive text - between English, Spanish, ocasionaly Dutch and rarely some German my poor phone would melt!
I have to say I'm disappointed - if I'm going to expend huge effort cycling these roads it's hardly too much to ask for a bit of effort to interpret?
Everyone knows light concrete works really well in a tortilla. Heavy concrete, that's another matter altogether! That's best served with a good salsa and eaten with a fork.
It may be easier to read it as:
I stopped for a second breakfast of peanut butter and banana.
I ate it sitting on the concrete base of a light pole.
(There's even a picture of said base & light in the post!)
Coffee?
You'd be surprised. Comedor coffee is served black and sweet, very sweet. I used to drink my coffee very sweet but even this is a bit much for me.
A fancy coffee house will have varieties - if one can be found. I rarely go as they are so expensive and if I do I have a latte (comfort coffee) so I'm not the best judge.
I did load up on coffee from my stay in the mountains - feckin' delicious! The Bikepacking lads & lassies would have a fit if they saw my coffee bag! They could fit an expedition trip in it!
Stores?
I think
@CharlesF is closer to the truth.
These are not stores like we're familiar with, often little more than a hatch in someone's house.
They can be stocked very poorly or very widely. In Nicaragua, especially, they can be very poor.
They serve the local communities, some of whom are living half way up the mountain off the road.
Phone credit appears to be important.
People lack transport for grocery shopping so depend on these for basics. And treats.
Don't forget, economics here are very, very different. 98% of these would be unviable in our world but with little work, little state support anything that allows someone or a family to survive will continue.
Deliveries to these stores are Cash on Delivery. If anyone has ever tried to operate a retail business, especially a low turnover one under those conditions it can be very, very difficult.
Often they are clustered. There might be 3,4 or 5 in a small settlement along the road. Do they specialise? I don't know. Very few stock cigarettes, for example but will direct me to another. It may be the next town! I'm assuming the high stocking cost and risk of theft is a factor.
Water, surprisingly, can be rare. Cold drinks are likely to be sugary sodas. And often not even cold.
A village will have a couple of fruit and veg stalls too. And a little hut making tortillas. Fresh meat though? Not so much. Then again, a lot of people keep animals, especially chickens. Pigs have become a very common sight outside of houses!
The likes of an Oxxo convenience store such as at a petrol station are rare outside of the big, big towns or maybe a junction. If they exist they are lightly stocked. Nicaragua is too poor, it appears, for such frippery.
México is the king of roadside refreshment, though.
