Bees Bees Bees

Sometime in mid-March, a friend of mine is coming down from Alaska to visit me in Rivas. I wish I could say she was only coming to see me, but the truth is, she's also coming as a favor to an elderly woman in our Alaska community whose daughter and son-in-law are doing missionary work in Bluefields. Since both my friend and I subscribe to the "organized religion: they can have it" school of thought, I was surprised by her decision to get involved. Until I met the mother and realized how convincing a woman she is. Apparently the daughter is just one of those genuine believers, and right now, she really believes it's her personal challenge to find a way to help her little community (I believe she is just outside the city) find a way to earn money; one that does not involve the selling of their women's bodies, illegal narcotics, or stolen goods. This of course narrows the field considerably, but she has hit on the idea of beekeeping and selling honey. This is where my friend comes in: she's a hardcore beekeeper, and has introduced the art in Paraguay and all over the US. (I'm just coming along for the ride...bees scare the #*&! out of me.)

So, I have a few questions for anyone reading this who is familiar with Bluefields: 1. Are there honey bees in the area? 2. Is anyone already producing quality honey? 3. Are there any non-profits in the area that might be interested in taking something like this on? (My friend can't stay very long...) 4. How much stuff are you allowed on the plane from Managua, baggage-wise? 5. Is there a bar where we can escape at the end of yet another long day spent helping the missionaries?

I'm sure we'll have more questions as it draws closer, but in the meantime, any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Lauren >