Life in Nicaragua. Sometimes it hits me. I am living in Nicaragua near an active volcano that smokes constantly and learning another language. It is a bizarre realization at times, but a good one. Days pass slowly but time goes by pretty quickly here. I have been in my site for about three weeks. I can´t believe it is almost Christmas. Families here put up lights and trees.. just like in the states. The only thing missing is the snow.
Alot happens in a short amount of time despite the slow pace of life here. I have been talking with several different community members with interest in organic composting, preparation of the soils for the new season, medicional plants, and vermiculture. I am most excited about the vermiculture and where we can go with that to produce more fertilizer for the plants and then commercialize the product. Definitely something that will take time but could be a huge thing for the people involved!
I met this wonderful lady in my town, Marisol, her husband lives in Costa Rica so she is alone with her two kids. I have spent time with her and I am really excited about having someone near my age to talk and converse with. She is really interested in working out.. which is good for me cause it is hard to do that here. Running is impossible unless it is really early or late.. SO HOT.
Fiestas are soo common during the month of December. The Patron Saint Fiestas are the 26-28 of Decmeber and they are building a bull ring right next to my house. Apparently they are going to bring in bulls that will be ridden by all the daring young men. I keep telling my family I am going to ride one, they think I am crazy.
I have found two nice houses that I am thinking about renting. Alot of work needs to be done to them both, but I am excited about fixing them up! Things happen so slowly here though, I feel like it might be awhile before I actually find out what they will charge me for rent!
I am learning more each day and hopefully am imparting some of my own knowledge to the people here as well. My sisters can now say the colors and alphabet in english.. as well as some other random phrases. So I have at least made a mark there! haha
I must go and continue sweating now. Until Later!
If you’re looking at vermicomposting in the tropics, you should take a look at blue worms: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/oc/freepubs/pdf/HG-46.pdf
I will have an interview up in a month or so about blue worms in Hawaii.
By: vermicomposting on December 13, 2008
at 5:09 pm
Your great grandfather Hickman rode bulls for sport.
By: mom on December 15, 2008
at 1:04 am
Hi Joanna,
Always glad to hear from you! Nicaragua seems like the perfect place for you. You fine life so exciting and interesting in that part of the world. Harold and I wish you well in finding a new dwelling…good luck with the cost of rent. Why? a gringo always seems to pay more. I am happy you found a friend that you have bonded with and she is your age. Enjoy your holidays in HOT country!!
Love your friends, Shirley and Harold
By: Shirley and Harold on December 15, 2008
at 5:28 pm
Hi Paprikitaa!
Looking for some articles on Esteli, Nicaragua, I came across your postings. I am a Nicaraguan guy living in Canada. I think its great that you and your friends from Peace Corps are volunteering your time to come to my country and work over there. I like to thank you, and wish the best of times in Nicaragua.
Oscar
Edmonton, Alberta
By: Oscar on December 21, 2008
at 10:15 pm
Merry Christmas….Dearest Joanna
We’re so very proud of the person that you’ve become and the important work that your doing! Had Christmas with the family at your house last Sunday…..as always, it was wonderful!….the only problem, you weren’t there! Your stories and your activities are remarkable! Keep up the good work and please, above all else, be safe….
Merry Christmas, we love, we miss you….
Uncle Alex, Yarmi
By: Uncle Alex on December 25, 2008
at 5:54 pm