Traditional Cooking Hut

We were introduced to everyone. The little kids followed us around and delighted in getting their pictures taken. We were shown how the cassava root is mashed and each took a turn at it. It was unbelievably hard! It is a root about the size of a rolling pin, but wider. They boil it and then while it is still piping hot use a stick to mash it in large bowls. It has no nutritional value, just a starch to use as a filler. It is the base for much of what the locals eat. We have had it, it is like pasty mashed potatoes with no flavor whatsoever.

The cooking hut shown here is about 110 years old. Just a few months ago part of the roof fell in and it is now used as storage. The materials used is a plant grown here. It has a snowflake-like pattern internally that helps retain heat. It is amazing what nature provides for us if you need it!