From the Nicaraguan Perspective

Hola Tod@s!
It has been great to become more accostomed to Nicaraguan life and learn more and more about the country and the people who live here.
Last weekend, our group went to Granada, (where I had visited in December with mi familia,) to relax and explore. It was a great weekend to be there since it was the hipico - a huge festival where people ride their horses through the town to show them off and everyone else is either watching, drinking, dancing or partaking in all 3!
It was also great to meet some other international travelers in Granada and even though the previous week I had been struck by the lack of resources here, I felt totally rejuvenated seeing all of the people who were following their passionsand learning more about other languages and cultures.

Here are some of the horses getting ready in the main square:


Here we are in front of one of the many beautiful cathedrals in Granada:

This week I also had the opportunity to spend more time learning about Ciudad Sandino and the surrounding areas and got to see first hand some of the poverty. However, at first I was not so taken aback by it. Instead - I was struck by how happy and proud the people are for what they have. Everyone works hard and they take pride in their houses, whether they are made with bricks or only zinc paneling. And they are always extremely welcoming - they speak Spanish slowly so that I can understand, always offer you a soda or a snack and are eager to hear about life in the United States. And like I said, always so happy, with huge grins and loud laughs.

Here are some of my friends in Ciudad Sandino who we walk around the territorio with, they are all so funny and sweet!


Sadly though, smiles don´t fix all of the development problems and it´s clear that in some areas, trash is causing health and sanitation issues and poverty is oppresive in the sense that many people can´t fulfill their potential and attend school or they are unable to get a job that would pay them enough to improve their living situation.

Here is the side of one house that is made with zinc paneling, and all of the trash that just gets thrown on the side of the road:



I hope you are all doing well! I miss everyone a lot so keep in touch!