pandora

I am now back in New Mexico. I came back a little earlier than planned (for several reasons) - Aug 4 rather than Aug 12. I am currently enduring the culture shock of being back in the United States. To summarize: I had a fabulous time in Nicaragua. Sorry there weren't more postings while I was there - but I was pretty busy and the internet isn't incredibly fast there - so uploading pictures could be a trial of patience. I learned so much in Nica. I talked to everyone I could about politics - the revolution, the contra war, the upcoming election. I also had many interesting conversations with both men and women about sports, machismo, violence, poverty, religion, art, grassroots organizing, etc. I ate fabulous food: gallo pinto, platanos, pitahaya juice, langosta, repollo/remolacha/etc. I ... read more

I have begun to learn some of the eccentricities (sp¿) of Nica spanish. Chele and Chela is the same as Gringo and Gringa. Instead of saying De Nada for your welcome, people say A La Orden or Suya. Also, these crazy Nica´s drop s´s. I am understanding more and more even if my ability to speak still sucks. ANYWAY Just got back from Esteli. We were in Ocotal and Condega yesterday, which was pretty amazing. We talked to a TON of people about various issues: the revolution, the contra war, the upcoming election, the sandanistas in general, womens rights and issues like domestic violence, access to healthcare and education, etc. Condega was the best though. We went to the little local archaeology and culture museum. The little room was full of pottery, lithics, bone, etc from ... read more

I forgot that the stuff I am taking for malaria makes you more sensitive to the sun - and I am already pretty sensitive. So I am burnt :) We spent most of yesterday at Laguna del Apoyo which was amazing. There will be pictures to follow. We saw more monkeys, but a different kind. And they were loud and scary. The water was pretty clear and salty. In contrast to the last few days, today will be all about schoolwork. Bummer. Ya know, I thought I would feel more wordy. But um... It just seems like a chore now. So I will just post some pictures. ... read more

Things I love about Copan: 1. The people are amazingly friendly and helpful. I cant believe how just absolutely sweet people have been to me. My host family especially. The mom cooks with soy milk for me and always is offering me cakes or sweets or pinol and asking me how I feel. There is a young woman who lives next door who has adopted me as her friend and always talks with me, no matter how horrible my spanish is. The dad at my family helped me make my hotel reservation in San Pedro Sula this morning. People go out of their way to point out interesting bugs and flowers and stuff if you show interest... which i do! 2. Everyone says the food in Honduras sucks. But I havent had that experience. Maybe it´s ... read more