Time flies!
Two months ago Sarah and I arrived as pale chelas with no concept of Nica Spanish in Sandino International Airport. We found a sign displaying our names and we were wisked into Managua oscuro. It was warm, tropical and oh so very different. One month ago, still chelas but less abruptly so, we packed up our things and headed down the road to Bella Cruz. The families were nice enough, speaking oh so very fast in Nica Spanish that we weren’t totally prepared for, and cooking lots of food. Two months have passed by very quickly. Within the next 30 days Sarah and I have to find the time to leave the country so we can renew our visas. The easiest way of doing this is to get on down to Costa Rica for a bit. We are thinking beach camping. We also need to make plans for Semana Santa which happens at about the same time. The entire country – the entirety of Central America that is – takes off Semana Santa and every town has parades, parties and masses. Before I leave this area I have grand plans to make it to Guatemala, Belize and Honduras. There are some impressive Maya ruins I HAVE to see (Tikal, Copán) while the bus fare is only $20 round trip. Of course there is a lot of traveling that still needs to be done in Nicaragua. Estelí, Leon, Matagalpa (we were there on Wednesday, but must go again), San Juan del Sur, Bluefields… all places I want to visit!
So far things have become normal. I have shaken off the culture shock. Getting up at 6a with the roosters is normal. Rice and beans three times a day, everyday is normal. Drinking liquids out of plastic bags with straws is normal. School buses decorated with electrical tape and paint that honk and blare music is normal. Sitting at the pulperia with the barrio kids platicando every night is normal. Paying $1 for dinner and $2 for a movie is pricey, but normal. Nicaragua has definitely grown on me. I can do the lip point and face scrunch. I know how to signal that it is time to leave and how to get the bill brought to the table. I know how to negotiate taxi fare and the best way to get little kids to stop jumping on the back of the truck. These, of course, are all things I will be working into my life in Chicago/StL/wherever… esta bien?
This next week is going to be a bit hectic. A new delegation from Bucknell University arrives tomorrow. In a week we will be dedicating the new clinic building (the one I work in). There will be food, music, and me making herbal medicine. Until then, I am scrubbing floors and raking the garden.
So far things have become normal. I have shaken off the culture shock. Getting up at 6a with the roosters is normal. Rice and beans three times a day, everyday is normal. Drinking liquids out of plastic bags with straws is normal. School buses decorated with electrical tape and paint that honk and blare music is normal. Sitting at the pulperia with the barrio kids platicando every night is normal. Paying $1 for dinner and $2 for a movie is pricey, but normal. Nicaragua has definitely grown on me. I can do the lip point and face scrunch. I know how to signal that it is time to leave and how to get the bill brought to the table. I know how to negotiate taxi fare and the best way to get little kids to stop jumping on the back of the truck. These, of course, are all things I will be working into my life in Chicago/StL/wherever… esta bien?
This next week is going to be a bit hectic. A new delegation from Bucknell University arrives tomorrow. In a week we will be dedicating the new clinic building (the one I work in). There will be food, music, and me making herbal medicine. Until then, I am scrubbing floors and raking the garden.
Labels: Nica
- Alyse - 1:47 PM
2 Comments:
Before you leave I think something, perhaps a medicine or clinic wing (haha) should be named ala Alyse. Your Dad put in his first day of work with the alpacas today. Your parents are very excited about their new adventures here. Aunt Rita
I had no idea my mom's pouty-face pointing was a Nicaragua thing. Hahaha! Amazing. And I'm very glad to hear you embrace the gallopinto lifestyle.
I am very happy you get to experience a large part of who I am and what mi patria means to me. I'm also very proud your ability to adapt to life there and embrace the culture. I'm really inspired by you.
Leon is where my mom's from. And Rivas, which you'll pass to get to San Juan del Sur, is where my dad is from (it's a one-horse town, but don't tell him that). Poneloya is THE beach of Leon, according to my mom. I got stung by a jellyfish there, so be carefully. Lots of riptides too.
To say you're truly Nicaraguan, you must be able to down some nacatamales for breakfast. Even as a child of Nicas, it took some getting used. Still not my favorite, but I can enjoy it. How about you?
Un abrazo fuerte, hermana mia.
Jorge
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