we've been here a week so far in managua (the capital of nicaragua), staying at the hotel casa san juan (a guest house). i've already learned so much in the short time we've been here and am excited to see what else we'll learn in our remaining 2 weeks. it's been really cool to see how what we're learning builds upon and compliments what i learned this past semester on the africa trip. there are many of the same issues here as in southern africa, as well as many problems which are different or have new twists. it's interesting to see the parallels and contrasts.
our guest house has been a great place to stay. the eating area is open-air, there are little courtyards, beautiful pink flowering trees, mangos dropping on the roof, bright blue and buttercup walls, and sweet, friendly staff. the food has been so fresh and delicious. beans and rice are definitely a major staple, especially for breakfast (which i've actually gotten really used to and miss them on the rare occasion when we don't have them). avocado, mango, pineapple, papaya, and tortillas are other frequently served foods.
we have had between one and two speakers almost every day we've been here, teaching us about everything from nicaragua's history, politics, economic situation, geography, ethnicities, and agriculture, to water quality, pollution, health care, and other major issues intertwined with poverty. we have visited several ngo's and learned about their efforts to search for sustainable ways to improve conditions here in nicaragua and to partner with poor communities to empower them to work to improve their situation. we have visited informal settlements and rural communities, seeing some of these innovative projects for ourselves. one day we visited a waste water treatment facility.
one of our first days here, we took a trip out to the masaya volcano, explored a bat cave, and hike up to a breathtaking overlook point. yesterday, we went to the beach at pochomil (my first time in the pacific ocean!). several people from our group rode horses along the beach, but i just walked down the shore with andrea a bit and relaxed in the sand. we had so much fun and met a precious family. neither of us knows much spanish, but we definitely got some practice trying to have a conversation with them. they were so kind and friendly and patient with us. they bought us bracelets that say nicaragua on them and gave us their address so we could email them our pictures we took with them. most of the people i've met here have been so welcoming and friendly.
we've been to one of the local markets, and to a cafe and several restaurant-bars. it has been hot every day and night, sometimes not too bad, but never cool. it's nice when there's at least a breeze. it has rained very briefly a few times, but the rainy season has not yet begun full force.
i'll try to keep you guys posted every several days, or at least a couple more times while we're here- we'll see.
sarah
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