A Juice and a Prayer

For the past three years Jason and I have been dedicated juicers. With our handy dandy Jack LaLanne Power Juicer and refrigerator drawer full of fresh leafy greens, carrots, beets and more, we are merry juicers about five mornings of the week. I have always missed my juices when I travel, and it is near impossible to find - if any - a good juice bar when traveling.

Fortunately, Barra has got our juicing needs covered. On Barra's main street there is a tiny juice bar that is run by two women. With just a short ponga ride across the lagoon and a little stroll through town - we're there! In their small little juice bar, the soft-spoken, reserved women quietly and quickly work on preparing a small variety of fresh juices, smoothies, and sandwiches. Locals and tourists alike sit at a few small tables and chat away as they sip on juices or munch on sandwiches. There is a modest but beautiful Catholic church across the street and an array of cafes and craft shops nearby; making the juice shop a great place to sit, relax and do a little people watching.

Not a great shot, but these are the two juice ladies of Barra 

Jugos verde (green), naranja (orange), toronja (grapefruit), zanahoria (carrot) and piña (pineapple) are all on the menu. I always order el jugo verde that is made with orange, grapefruit, parsley, celery and cactus. They begin by juicing the oranges and grapefruit and then blend in the parsley, celery and cactus for a juice that is a perfect blend of citrus and sweet. Next time we go into town, I think I'll order el jugo zanahoria.  

Jason ordering un jugo verde for me and a mixed smoothie for himself (basically, they'll make a smoothie out of whatever they want - it's a surprise).

The drinks always come in these wonderfully large glasses.

Enjoying my juice as Turner is completely crashed out in his sling.

I always like to go into this church after we finish our juices. Upon entering the church there is the unique, pleasant smell of wooden pews and salty sea air. There is a beautiful mural of Jesus on the wall, and as I stand there for a moment to say a little prayer, the ocean breeze flows in the large wooden doors of the church providing comfort and calm. The last time I was in the church there was an older man sitting in the corner whistling. He whistled for several minutes, and his song filled the large, vaulted ceiling with a beautiful melody that not only didn't seem to distract the praying women at the alter, but seemed to encourage them to go deeper into their concentrated prayers. What better way to follow up the goodness of drinking a fresh, healthy juice with the goodness and peacefulness of prayer.