After a week in San Isidro with amazing EOS International staff, it was time for me to move on. I ended up going to Leon with a Peace Corps volunteer that I met during my stay in San Isidro. She was going to Leon to celebrate her birthday with some other PCV and had invited me to come along.
It was one of my better travel decisions for sure. Everyone that I met from PC was amazing. All super nice and welcoming to a non-volunteer. It was in the 24 hours I spent with them, that I decided I could never do PC. They were all doing such amazing things with their time and energy. I was definitely impressed but also reassured that PC is not for everyone, especially me.
We spent last Saturday afternoon on the beach west of Leon. It was great to be near the water. Being land locked my whole life, I always get super excited when I get to hang out near large bodies of water. This beach experience was different than any other I have had in the past, why? Because it was hot. It is hot. Leon is hot. The usual breezy at the beach felt like a hot wind from hell. The water was at least 80°. So when you went in, it was only marginally cooler than the air outside. With all of my statements of, "it's so hot," it was sill an enjoyable experience. It was also good to get my tan on. I need all the help I can get.
After our afternoon at the beach we made the seemingly longer journey back to our hostel. It was there that I met another 7 or so PCVs. We quickly got ready with the prospect of food in our thoughts. A few of the volunteers had been to Leon before and they lead us to a cheap and delicious shawarma place. Thank Nicaragua for dinners that cost 2 dollars.
Once we were all feed and back in good spirits we headed to the nearest bar. My apologies to everyone we encounter that night. Our American reputation held true.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
San Isidro, Nicaragua
After spending the weekend in Matagalpa with some awesome new friends, I left Monday day morning for San Isidro (aka the location of the EOS International office).
The buses are always an amazing experience. Full of interesting looks, food, people, and of course, me, a gringa. I can all most hear people's thoughts when they see me, 'what the...?' I totally get it but my presence does seem to throw people for a loop. But, I guess I like knowing that I keep people on their toes. I also know, that now this backfire because I said something. Murphy's law.
Anyway, San Isidro is a pretty small town on the road from Matagalpa to Esteli. There is not much here in terms of things to do but I like that it is somewhat quieter than the other cities I have visited. I learned last night that there is not even an ATM here...good to know. Even though it is a small town there still seems to be some money coming through. The houses in the main part of town are very cute and brightly colored. The people are nice and they like to watch as I walk past. If they seem real surprised, like these two grandma's yesterday, I like to say, 'hola.' Their faces are priceless. They have no idea how much Spanish I know, which isn't much, but they kind of wave back in confusion.Ahh, good times.
In the two days that I have been in San Isidro, I have been trying to study and practice my Spanish skills. I really appreciate the EOS Nica team for trying to talk to me when they have a few minutes and asking me about my day. They are all so amazing and they work so hard. I am not sure if yesterday an atypical day but some of the team was here at the office for more than 12 hours. They are so dedicated and truely care so much about their local community and their country. I also like to walk around the town which is a concept they don't really understand.
For example, yesterday I was walking through the central park here and two policemen stopped me. Turns out they were just really curious and wanted to know why I was in such a small town and what I was doing. For me the answers to these types of questions are apart of my script and I almost sound like I can speak Spanish, haha.
I feel bad because there is not much more to say. I know my time here in San Isidro is not the most exciting part for others to read but I want to encourage anyone who is interested to c heck out the EOS website for more information on what we do. It is really exciting when you are here and see the technologies people are going to be getting. For example, yesterday, on of our techs was packing up the EOS truck for three installations. I village that takes almost almost three days to get to, is getting a water chlorinator, a biodigester, and solar panels. How cool is all of that? They are going to have clean drinking water and electricity for the first time. That is amazing!!! That is why it is so cool to be here and see what they do because in the US, we just send money and we don't really get to see the final product. We see pictures, but we don't really know how that new technology is going to change that person's life. But here, I walk around and I can see some of our technologies and I see them using them. That makes my heart soft and fuzzy, haha.
And from that soft moment, I will say good morning morning to a new day of the unknown and potential to change lives.
The buses are always an amazing experience. Full of interesting looks, food, people, and of course, me, a gringa. I can all most hear people's thoughts when they see me, 'what the...?' I totally get it but my presence does seem to throw people for a loop. But, I guess I like knowing that I keep people on their toes. I also know, that now this backfire because I said something. Murphy's law.
Anyway, San Isidro is a pretty small town on the road from Matagalpa to Esteli. There is not much here in terms of things to do but I like that it is somewhat quieter than the other cities I have visited. I learned last night that there is not even an ATM here...good to know. Even though it is a small town there still seems to be some money coming through. The houses in the main part of town are very cute and brightly colored. The people are nice and they like to watch as I walk past. If they seem real surprised, like these two grandma's yesterday, I like to say, 'hola.' Their faces are priceless. They have no idea how much Spanish I know, which isn't much, but they kind of wave back in confusion.Ahh, good times.
In the two days that I have been in San Isidro, I have been trying to study and practice my Spanish skills. I really appreciate the EOS Nica team for trying to talk to me when they have a few minutes and asking me about my day. They are all so amazing and they work so hard. I am not sure if yesterday an atypical day but some of the team was here at the office for more than 12 hours. They are so dedicated and truely care so much about their local community and their country. I also like to walk around the town which is a concept they don't really understand.
For example, yesterday I was walking through the central park here and two policemen stopped me. Turns out they were just really curious and wanted to know why I was in such a small town and what I was doing. For me the answers to these types of questions are apart of my script and I almost sound like I can speak Spanish, haha.
I feel bad because there is not much more to say. I know my time here in San Isidro is not the most exciting part for others to read but I want to encourage anyone who is interested to c heck out the EOS website for more information on what we do. It is really exciting when you are here and see the technologies people are going to be getting. For example, yesterday, on of our techs was packing up the EOS truck for three installations. I village that takes almost almost three days to get to, is getting a water chlorinator, a biodigester, and solar panels. How cool is all of that? They are going to have clean drinking water and electricity for the first time. That is amazing!!! That is why it is so cool to be here and see what they do because in the US, we just send money and we don't really get to see the final product. We see pictures, but we don't really know how that new technology is going to change that person's life. But here, I walk around and I can see some of our technologies and I see them using them. That makes my heart soft and fuzzy, haha.
And from that soft moment, I will say good morning morning to a new day of the unknown and potential to change lives.
My New Fav!!!
Granted I have yet to visit other places in northern Nicaragua but I think Matagalpa is my favorite.
I am loving the weather and the people, oh and the food! The chicken from the street vendors is the best chicken I have ever had. The great thing about street vendors is that the food tastes like it's from a down home BBQ. Def some of the better food I have had in a foreign country. It's all about the spices. That being said, I try to eat street food at least once a day. Plus it is also the cheapest. Bonus!!!
This past week I took 15 hours of Spanishes classes. Most days it was for 4 hours a day. It was intense but totally worth it. It was nice to have a memory jog on the grammer and some vocab. Ttyhe only problem is that I stayed at a ostel and spoke English with other Americans every day. Which is why I am excited for next week when I will be staying at the EOS office in San Isidro.
I am loving the weather and the people, oh and the food! The chicken from the street vendors is the best chicken I have ever had. The great thing about street vendors is that the food tastes like it's from a down home BBQ. Def some of the better food I have had in a foreign country. It's all about the spices. That being said, I try to eat street food at least once a day. Plus it is also the cheapest. Bonus!!!
This past week I took 15 hours of Spanishes classes. Most days it was for 4 hours a day. It was intense but totally worth it. It was nice to have a memory jog on the grammer and some vocab. Ttyhe only problem is that I stayed at a ostel and spoke English with other Americans every day. Which is why I am excited for next week when I will be staying at the EOS office in San Isidro.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Matagalpa
3-14-2012
I made it to Matagalpa and got signed up for Spanish class. I think my profs from college would be impressed. Not just because of what I remember but by the fact that I was never very good at Spanish in the first place.
Being here is very much a wow, holy Spanish experience. Especially in the northern part of the country where thee are fewer tourist and fewer people who speak Spanish.
Other than Spanish and studying Spanish, I have met some very inspiring people. An American woman who is between med school and her residency. She is WOOFFing on a new farmer near a village called San Antonio. She lives in a shed with another American. They have a dirt floor and they cook most of their meals over a fire. She is roughing it for sure. This is her huge adventure, at least for the next three years while she is doing her residency. Then, we met another man in Spanish school and he is a civil engineer from the UK. He had some time off from so he partnered with an NGO and he is working on a foot bridge on the south end of Matagalpa. Right now the workers from the not so great areas was to walk across stepping stones when the river is dry and when it is wet they have to walk 2k out of their way so they can make it to work at the coffee plantations. The foot bridge he is working on will save them time and hopefully they can make it work more during the wet season. He is here for a month on his own dime and had never studied Spanish before he got here. I just think that is so generous.
It's people like those mentioned above who inspire me. They are willing to give up their own time and money to do something for someone else. Of course they have an amazing experience themselves but I still think it is pretty incredible.
On a totally different note. Yesterday I was able to visit the EOS International office. It was amazing to meet Alvaro and his wife. They are SO nice. Because my Spanish is not good and his Spanish is hard to understand we had a hard time talking but we were able to accomplish a few things. Hopefully after this week at Spanish class I will be able to understand and communicate a bit more. It was just so cool to see all of our technologies in one room. It felt like I was finally living my dream. Next week I think there will be an installation of a water chlorinator on the campo (farm). I talked to him about observing the install. All is said what get ready for an adventure and not to worry. And with that I was sold. I am hoping that next week I will go to San Isidro for the week. There are definitely no tourists there so it will be very different. I will have to really use what Spanish I have. It will be just like Georgia again. I guess that is the only way to really learn.
No matter the challenges I think I am ready for a few days of adventure.
I made it to Matagalpa and got signed up for Spanish class. I think my profs from college would be impressed. Not just because of what I remember but by the fact that I was never very good at Spanish in the first place.
Being here is very much a wow, holy Spanish experience. Especially in the northern part of the country where thee are fewer tourist and fewer people who speak Spanish.
Other than Spanish and studying Spanish, I have met some very inspiring people. An American woman who is between med school and her residency. She is WOOFFing on a new farmer near a village called San Antonio. She lives in a shed with another American. They have a dirt floor and they cook most of their meals over a fire. She is roughing it for sure. This is her huge adventure, at least for the next three years while she is doing her residency. Then, we met another man in Spanish school and he is a civil engineer from the UK. He had some time off from so he partnered with an NGO and he is working on a foot bridge on the south end of Matagalpa. Right now the workers from the not so great areas was to walk across stepping stones when the river is dry and when it is wet they have to walk 2k out of their way so they can make it to work at the coffee plantations. The foot bridge he is working on will save them time and hopefully they can make it work more during the wet season. He is here for a month on his own dime and had never studied Spanish before he got here. I just think that is so generous.
It's people like those mentioned above who inspire me. They are willing to give up their own time and money to do something for someone else. Of course they have an amazing experience themselves but I still think it is pretty incredible.
On a totally different note. Yesterday I was able to visit the EOS International office. It was amazing to meet Alvaro and his wife. They are SO nice. Because my Spanish is not good and his Spanish is hard to understand we had a hard time talking but we were able to accomplish a few things. Hopefully after this week at Spanish class I will be able to understand and communicate a bit more. It was just so cool to see all of our technologies in one room. It felt like I was finally living my dream. Next week I think there will be an installation of a water chlorinator on the campo (farm). I talked to him about observing the install. All is said what get ready for an adventure and not to worry. And with that I was sold. I am hoping that next week I will go to San Isidro for the week. There are definitely no tourists there so it will be very different. I will have to really use what Spanish I have. It will be just like Georgia again. I guess that is the only way to really learn.
No matter the challenges I think I am ready for a few days of adventure.
Sunday in Matagalpa
From 3-18-2012
Sunday in Matagalpa.
Sundays are the slowest of days in most countries around the world. Especially in smaller mountain towns of a predominantly Catholic/Christian country.
At La Buena Onda I woke up to Bob. Not a bad way to wake up.
Today I have to move hostels because they are booked up in the dorms to I made my way to another hotel in town. It doesn't have Bob buy it does have a wonderful garden in the back with hammocks and wifi.
Later in the day, I run into a Peace Corps volunteer at my hostel. We went to an Italian place for dinner and talked shop. She is doing some projects similar to what EOS International does. Being able to bounce ideas off each other was great. Hopefully we can work together through EOS in the future.
Sunday in Matagalpa.
Sundays are the slowest of days in most countries around the world. Especially in smaller mountain towns of a predominantly Catholic/Christian country.
At La Buena Onda I woke up to Bob. Not a bad way to wake up.
Today I have to move hostels because they are booked up in the dorms to I made my way to another hotel in town. It doesn't have Bob buy it does have a wonderful garden in the back with hammocks and wifi.
Later in the day, I run into a Peace Corps volunteer at my hostel. We went to an Italian place for dinner and talked shop. She is doing some projects similar to what EOS International does. Being able to bounce ideas off each other was great. Hopefully we can work together through EOS in the future.
On the Move
From 3-10-2012
Last Saturday I traveled to Matagalpa. It was definitely an
experience at the bus station. Think a very large dirt lot
with a few steel structures. It is not a place where you want
to spend a lot time. Which is why it was so great to go straight
from the car to the bus. Which was also an experience. They have these clowns that
"entertain" the passengers for the first part of the trip.
It seemed a bit much but I couldn't understand them.
Then some guy tried to get me to get up out of my seat so
I would have to stand. He literally looked around, saw the
white girl and thought, " I am going to make her stand,
so i can sit." I just turned my head and pretended like
I didn't understand what was going on. What an asshole!
I sank into my seat, hoping no one else will confront me.
I knew it was going to be hard but for the first time yet
this trip, I almost let myself feel defeated. Remembering that I had felt similar to this at one point
in time while in Georgia, I reminded myself it will get
better. BUT not before it got worse. I had made a stupid
decision to travel later in the day than normal and I
ended up missing my stop. So i was freaking out that I
was going to get in after dark. Longer story short, I
made it before dark. Thank you group of older men who gave
me directions and a very nice taxi driver.Lesson learned.
Travel earlier in the day.
I stayed at La Buena Onda. Def one of the better places
in town. The people who work there are great! They are
super nice and fun to be around. The younger
Nicas for sure. Bob Marley helped with the cool status also.
Volcan de Masaya
From 3-8-2012 After having made two new friends the day before, we decided
we were ready to get out of Managua but only for the day. We decide on going to the Volcano in Masaya, another
touristy kind of town close to Granada. Initially we though
we could bus it but after some much needed research we hire
one of the hostel taxi drivers to take us around. This end
up being a great idea, not only because of the 15k walk up
to the volcano but also because he is like a Nicaraguan
history book. (Good thing the girl I had invited with us
the day before spoke Spanish as her first language.
We were set). We start at the visitor's center for the
National park where the volcano and craters are located.
I was really impressed by VC there. Every sign there had
a translation in English and there were great visual
qualities as well. Also included in our entrance fee, was a cave tour.
It was really interesting. (Not quite Carl's Bad
Caverns but still quality). We were given flash
lights and hard hats as we entered the cave. I wasn't
sold at first because I could hear the bats flying
around us. I would say we were definitely intruding.
We only walked a third of the cave is what the guide
said. Being that my flash light was on its let leg I
was more worried about getting left behind with the
bats then how far into the cave we were. We stopped in an opening in the cave. We were told
this is where the indigenous people used to make
their sacrifices. Although there is little remnants
of those times, it was still very interesting to hear
about the cave explorations still being done today.
Then we got to my favorite part of the tour...please
turn off your flash lights. Hello, did anyone see that
movie where the women to spunking and those weird cave
craters kill them all? I say, get me out! On on top of solid ground, we started up to the
crater/inactive volcano. At the top, I felt like I
was on top of the world. It was one of the most
amazing views of my life. It was also incredibly windy;
we had a hard time standing up. We snapped a few pictures
and we were out. Only to realize, we still had to walk
up the 177 steps up to the volcano overlook. That was
so incredible. It was really acidic though. We all had
a hard time breathing so we be got the quick history
from our driver, Roberto, and we left for lunch. After having such a long day hiking we chilled out
at the pool for the rest of the afternoon.
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