Below, please find a list of some "Ups and Downs" of life as a PCV in Nicaragua:
UP: No preservatives means you lose weight. DOWN: There are no brownies to reward yourself with for losing the weight.
UP: Living close to the equator guarantees for plenty of sunshiny days. DOWN: All those sunshiny days will probably lead to a skin fungus.
UP: Getting to learn Spanish. DOWN: Not understanding Spanish.
UP: Getting to see the array of scenery and wildlife in your front yard. DOWN: Getting to see the array of scenery and wildlife in your living room.
UP: Hammocks. DOWN: Fringed ropes tied to unstable bases.
UP: Cheap transportation. DOWN: Sharing your bus seat with 3 other people.
UP: Being recognized by all in your community. DOWN: Losing anonimity.
UP: Cell phone service. DOWN: Shitty cell phone service that's fracken expensive.
UP: Teaching at the local school. DOWN: Having school be cancelled on account of "International Wash Your Hands Day."
UP: Living with a host family that cooks for you. DOWN: Inventions like bologna-ketchup-honey sandwiches.
UP: Locals showing an interest in English. DOWN: Locals showing an interest in English during the Entrepreneurship course.
UP: Motorcycles. DOWN: Riding and Driving motorcycles being prohibited.
UP: Using toilet paper as opposed to leaves. DOWN: You CAN NOT throw that toilet paper in the toilet.
UP: Bragging rights by living in Nicaragua. DOWN: ???
Thongs (I meant to say Things, but the typo was to funny to erase) are improving here in good ol' Nicaragua. I'm in as much of a routine as I can be, making friends and meeting new people on a daily basis, so no complaints there. NEWS UPDATE: I move into my new place in one week. WOOHOO! Bad news: There are scorpions, bats, spiders, and snakes that also believe my house is their residence... damn. I'm sure we'll get along though =)
This week is my week long spanish workshop, followed by a Coctail Party Fundraiser to raise money for the National Business Competition that is sure to be a good time. I just realized that I mistook my ipod charger for my camera picture loader cord, so pictures to come soon! PAZ (Peace in Spanish)
Aleia
P.S. Pictures officially LOADED! Coctail party and the new house, plus gallo pinto a typical Nica dish.