So I've now been in Nicaragua for almost 3 weeks. I don't wish to worry anyone, so I will only say that I am having a hard time getting used to not seeing or communicating with my family and friends. Hopefully I will manage to get over it soon.
Anyway, my town is really pretty. It's famous for its artisans (I won't say more on here because it's recommended not to for security reasons) and it's close to a refuge so there's all kinds of birds and trees and flowers. Very nice. I don't have my photos with me today but I'll try to bring a few on a flash drive next time. It's not that hot really, especially at night. I sleep with a blanket most nights. And although it is the rainy season, those tropical rains do not play around. The sound of a rainstorm on a corrugated tin roof is not something I like to sleep through.
My family is great. I live with Melania, her husband Jose, and 4 of their grandkids, 28 year old Grethel, 17 year old David, 15 year old Geovanny, and 11 year old Daniela. I love Daniela. She is absolutely amazing, so much fun and such a good teacher. But the best part is 4 month old Rubi. He is a very tiny grey tiger kitten. Soooooo cute. And he loves me. Every time I sit down he is in my lap within a few seconds. And we also have a parrot named Chocoyito but he bites. There's an uncle who lives nearby who has three parrotlets, one of which is REALLY sweet. Don't tell Reggie, but I have cuddled with him and tickled his eyes quite a lot. And my mom is a really good cook. She always worries that I don't eat enough, but I eat SO MUCH. I'd be surprised if I haven't gained weight since I arrived.
Okay, that's enough English for now. I'm going to Masaya shortly with one of my sitemates to buy a cell phone. Finally, hehe. Adios for now.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Hola Nicaragua!
Before I begin, I'd like to reiterate that all of the statements and opinions presented in this blog are mine and mine alone, and do not reflect those of Peace Corps or the US government. That said, let's get started!
After a tiring journey, I arrived in Nicaragua yesterday. It was kind of a blur, because I was so tired, but today I feel slightly better. I still feel like going to bed in a few minutes (it's only 8:00pm) but at least I was able to function most of the day. Today and yesterday we had lots of information sessions, we got vaccinations and signed a bunch of paperwork, and this morning we had our language placement interviews. I'm not sure how well I did, because I was incredibly nervous and I'm sure it affected my performance. I know I shouldn't have been so worried, but can you really blame me? They recorded it for goodness sake!
Anyway, tomorrow we find out who our host families are for training, and then Saturday we meet them and move to our new homes for the next three months. I hope my family has children. It would be fun, and I think I would learn more easily if I could talk to kids instead of adults. And I really hope my family has pets. I am already going through animal withdrawal!
The good thing about Nicaragua though, is that wildlife is never far away. Today I saw my first Nicaraguan hummingbird, though I couldn't get close enough for a good look. I also saw two really pretty jumping spiders, a lizard, a couple flocks of interesting but far away birds, and a kind of jay with a really neat tail.
I'm pretty tired now, and I have to finish reading the training manual, so I'll end with a picture I took from the plane. It's a little dark because I couldn't figure out how to change the brightness setting on my camera (I finally got it this afternoon) but you can see how beautiful this country is. Buenas noches!
After a tiring journey, I arrived in Nicaragua yesterday. It was kind of a blur, because I was so tired, but today I feel slightly better. I still feel like going to bed in a few minutes (it's only 8:00pm) but at least I was able to function most of the day. Today and yesterday we had lots of information sessions, we got vaccinations and signed a bunch of paperwork, and this morning we had our language placement interviews. I'm not sure how well I did, because I was incredibly nervous and I'm sure it affected my performance. I know I shouldn't have been so worried, but can you really blame me? They recorded it for goodness sake!
Anyway, tomorrow we find out who our host families are for training, and then Saturday we meet them and move to our new homes for the next three months. I hope my family has children. It would be fun, and I think I would learn more easily if I could talk to kids instead of adults. And I really hope my family has pets. I am already going through animal withdrawal!
The good thing about Nicaragua though, is that wildlife is never far away. Today I saw my first Nicaraguan hummingbird, though I couldn't get close enough for a good look. I also saw two really pretty jumping spiders, a lizard, a couple flocks of interesting but far away birds, and a kind of jay with a really neat tail.
I'm pretty tired now, and I have to finish reading the training manual, so I'll end with a picture I took from the plane. It's a little dark because I couldn't figure out how to change the brightness setting on my camera (I finally got it this afternoon) but you can see how beautiful this country is. Buenas noches!
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
T minus 11.5 hours to Nicaragua!
It is now 2:01am and I am already up and getting ready to leave for the airport. Yesterday was staging in DC, and this morning we are flying out to Nicaragua. It's hard to believe this day that's been in my future for so long is finally here. It's a mixed blessing that these past few days have been so busy I haven't had time to think or worry about what's coming up. I also haven't had time to prepare, so I might be in for a shock when I arrive. We'll see.
Too tired right now to write anything proper, so I'll just leave it at this: Although I am an average Volunteer, I am easily the oldest in this group. Damn. If I have internet at the orientation retreat I'll try to write again, otherwise it may be a while. Wish us luck!
Too tired right now to write anything proper, so I'll just leave it at this: Although I am an average Volunteer, I am easily the oldest in this group. Damn. If I have internet at the orientation retreat I'll try to write again, otherwise it may be a while. Wish us luck!
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