Finding the Beauty of Nicaragua

What a difference a week can make! I feel much more adjusted, now that I have begun to actually understand what I'm supposed to be working towards at work. With clear goals, I feel like I can literally see further. Funny how that works. Managua is actually quite small, and I am becoming quite familiar with it. To be honest, not my favourite city. I mean, it has it's fair share of gaping holes in the middle of the sidewalk, Karaoke joints (thanks to the Beatles, All My Lovin' I've found my new calling!), cattle herding within city limits and horse drawn wagons... but I just wasn't falling for it.

When people asked me what I thought of Nicaragua, I would tell them that I liked it... and to be honest, I had nothing substantial to like! I'm sure that sounds awful... but really, I was just getting to know some people... and the city is kind of boring. This weekend though... we all crammed into a microbus (a.k.a. the coffin on wheels), and headed out to Diriamba. My boss lives on a farm just outside the town. And on the trip, I found out that NICARAGUA IS BEAUTIFUL!! Wow. Seriously. Many of the sites I saw are now just a blur, as they were seen from a small window in the microbus. Obviously making a picture impossible. While at my boss' farm, he showed us the land.. the banana trees, coffee trees (I think I really have a love affair for coffee...) and a bunch of other trees and plants that help the coffee out (to balance the soil and all that). What a great time! I really can't wait until I actually get to go out to do field research. I'm really looking forward to it! Keith (boss) said that he wants us to spend a few days out in a community, asking questions.. living with them.. so excited! I'm sure it will be challenging... especially to produce reports after that.. I will try to find the balance.

For now, need to get back to work. Can't wait until this office stuff is not all the time. I need more sunlight!!

The Adventurous Weekend!

This weekend was definitely filled with unusual sights!

We started out our weekend by going to a Brazilian night, held at the Crown Plaza every year. The food was raved about, and the atmosphere sounded electric. We were all excited to go. After a long day in the office, we shined ourselves, and set out... We were practically the only people there. Last year, there were dancers (the ones with the skimpy outfits and HUGE head dresses), live music and fantastic food. This year... not so much. The most Brazilian thing there was probably the flags on the tables. All in all, we had good laughs together, over the cheesy band and great bread!

Saturday, Lauren and I headed to the market by my house with Carolina (the girl I live with). She ended up leading us around, somewhat on parade. This market is unlike others I had seen in the past. The vegetables and meat were sold so close together... the smell of old blood, ripening fruit and other random good swelled together in an unprecedented way! There is no way to fully explain it. All I know is after we were loaded up with random household goods, we stopped at a local vendor for some baho (basically stewed plantain, yucca (sort of like potatoes), beef and onions). Of course I responded with "que rico!" (how delicious!), but it was a little too much starch for me. And after the market, it was especially difficult.

Yesterday, we all packed into the truck for a beach adventure! The highways are pretty insane! Here, most roads are 'paved' with cement blocks (similar to a patio). This is supposed to be cheaper (though very labour intensive) and is supposed to withstand the rain better. I think not. There were monstrous potholes, and whole sections of the highway that had washed away. Yet, we sped down all the same... only to be jolted by a quick stop or turn.

On the way out of town, I noticed a herd of cows walking down the sidewalk. I guess they just wanted to be responsible about using the sidewalk. Wish I had my camera ready for that one. Next time, perhaps.

Last night, we made our way to a city close by a concert. All in the name of conservation and the environment (I'm pretty sure). The bands were incredible; I had a ton of fun. I could barely understand the words - but I knew they were good in every other sense of the word. The mix of different genres was amazing. A fusion of styles, all mixed together. Canadian artists should come down and take some notes!

I promise pictures will be posted shortly... I keep forgetting my cord to transfer them at home. We keep our computers at work, so that we don't have to worry about them on the commute. However, with so much work... I'm thinking I may start to take mine home! Oh no.

The First Week Almost Through

With week one almost under my belt, there are a few things to already think back on...

Lauren (the other agricultural intern) and I have become quite good friends. Maybe this has something to do with the fact that we have tons in common right now! We are struggling through our allotted jobs.. figuring out what development is all about.. figuring out how to live in Managua, all the while, being a bit blind and deaf to everything (figurative and literal).

I am grateful for the last week; I have already been forced to reevaluate my priorities, question my surroundings, and make changes. The work is challenging... reading in Spanish is not coming very naturally... there just seems to be a LOT of work. I guess that's the nature of where I'm at.

I look around, and begin to feel grounded. Sights are beginning to look familiar and I am laughing more. The sounds and smells are becoming more natural, as I more easily ease myself to sleep at night.

Home is most definitely still on the forefront of my mind, as I wonder why I have passed up hanging out with my family for a job. But this is more than a job. I hope to discover myself, my calling and my God.

Until next time...