Nicaragua’s Kooky Little Corn Island: Uncommon Envy
Our never-ending search for the uncommon in all corners of the Caribbean has recently led me to Little Corn Island. One of the two enclaves that comprise the Corn Islands, LCI is located 70 miles off the east coast of Nicaragua. So far my time here has been relegated to the virtual environs of my computer screen. The small taste I’ve enjoyed in cyberspace, though, has engendered such an infatuation in me that I’m determined to get here ASAP.
Experiencing sublime sandy shores like the ones pictured above along Kelly Gully Beach are part of the attraction for sure. Such scenes, though, are par for my typical travel course. What has me more intrigued: a distinctive kookiness that appears to permeate every aspect of life here.
Take this uncommon structure, for instance…
It’s called the Bottle House because…well, it’s made almost entirely out of old discarded bottles. The man behind it is a local artist. His name: “Tall Boy.” Apparently Tall Boy also makes jewelry. Oh, and he holds the title of mayor for reasons I’ve yet to uncover.
The Bottle House serves as a cultural center for the Corn Islands. This seems a bit off to me owing to the structure’s small size and the islands’ broad history.
Brief History of the Corn Islands
Formerly known as the Skeleton Islands, Big Corn and Little Corn bear a distinctly English feel. This, of course, stands in contrast to Spanish-speaking mainland Nicaragua. That’s because from 1655 all the way 1894 the islands were part of the British Empire. The twist in history more closely links the Corns with fellow former British Isles in the Eastern Caribbean.
The Nicaraguan Government claimed the islands in 1894. By virtue of the Bryan-Chamorro Treaty of 1914, though, they became part of the United States. This status was originally supposed to hold for 99 years, but the treaty was repealed in 1971.
How they cram all that cultural history into that tiny Bottle House is beyond me.
Then, there’s this…
Easily among the most uncommon road signs in the Caribbean – right up there with the “Monkey Crossing” signs in Nevis – this caution sign says a lot to me about the laid back lifestyle that must surely exist in the Corn Islands. It also hints at what must be a yummy local diet!
Speaking of laid back, this aptly-named cafe is apparently the top nightlife spot on Little Corn…
Indeed, Little Corn looks to be just about perfect for me, or any other uncommon traveler. If you’ve ever been and have tips on things we shouldn’t miss when we’re there, please drop us a line, or let us know in the comments section below.
* Lead photo credit: Andrew Hall via Flickr.
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