Julio Ismael

When you ask Julio Ismael about gardening, he talks mostly about fruit trees because he loves fruit so much. His family grows papaya, plantains, red guinea bananas, pineapple, and avocado. They do not grow many vegetables. They plant a small number of bell peppers and a substantial amount of nampi (a yucca-like root), which is an important part of their diet.

When the soil is ready, Julio helps his grandfather plant the garden. He also helps with watering and harvesting, but his grandfather does not allow him to weed. He is afraid Julio will pull up the small seedlings. Water for the garden comes from a well on the property, but it has to be boiled for drinking.

The family does not have electricity, so Julio's mother cooks on a wood stove. The family's diet consists of rice, beans, cheese, and occasionally chicken. Julio loves gallo pinto (fried rice and beans) and papaya drink. Soon they will be hooking up to a neighbor's electrical line which will provide them with lights, but because electric stoves are so expensive, Julio's family will continue to cook using the wood stove.

Julio loves school, and his grades are very good, but he also loves to play. He especially looks forward to Saturdays when he goes to the town of Leon. He has a great time there riding bikes and playing soccer with his relatives and friends. 

Click on photos to enlarge view