So What Happened?
MY SECTOR HAPPENED.
Just when I thought I was ready to dive-in on goal three (aka my blog sharin' abilities), competitions began.
Competitions? Say WHAT?
Formally known as Small Business Development, my sector has taken on a new name--Entrepreneurship Education Project.
MY SECTOR HAPPENED.
Just when I thought I was ready to dive-in on goal three (aka my blog sharin' abilities), competitions began.
Competitions? Say WHAT?
Formally known as Small Business Development, my sector has taken on a new name--Entrepreneurship Education Project.
So what are these competitions?
Each year, the Undecimo students (or seniors) take and apply the entrepreneurship curriculum. Meaning they work during the whole school year learning business basics, creating a product, commercializing it, finding investors, marketing it and making a business plan.
Each year, the Undecimo students (or seniors) take and apply the entrepreneurship curriculum. Meaning they work during the whole school year learning business basics, creating a product, commercializing it, finding investors, marketing it and making a business plan.
All work and no play? Not exactly. They compete at a local, regional and national level.
Unfortunately, my schools were new and were not eligible to compete this year.
Nevertheless, I was given the task (alongside the only other volunteer in my region of the same sector) to organize the regional competition between the departments of Nueva Segovia and Madriz.
So here we are… two new volunteers trying to plan a competition as soon as we get to site…with neither one of us having a clue of what to do, with what schools or where these towns are that are involved in the competition. So we split up the task and work.
Nevertheless, I was given the task (alongside the only other volunteer in my region of the same sector) to organize the regional competition between the departments of Nueva Segovia and Madriz.
So here we are… two new volunteers trying to plan a competition as soon as we get to site…with neither one of us having a clue of what to do, with what schools or where these towns are that are involved in the competition. So we split up the task and work.
Although I was new to site, I got the opportunity to travel around to different communities judging local competitions.
After traveling to communities across the two departments, we finally were ready to have 12 final groups compete in Somoto (the capital of my department).
After traveling to communities across the two departments, we finally were ready to have 12 final groups compete in Somoto (the capital of my department).
I am officially calendar famous in various delegation offices in the country.
Then came the national congress and competitions. Twelve teams from all over the country get to show off their product and business plan with a chance of seed money. The congress happens two days prior to the competition and here other students who applied and were accepted get to participate in the professional development conference.
Three of my students were able to participate! So for three days we spent in a fancy hotel in Managua. Can I just say that the water pressure was fierce, and it was probably the cleanest I have been in my entire time in Nicaragua.
The winning team was from Nueva Guinea, RAAS, on the Atlantic caribbean coast.
Graduations….
After returning to site from the National Competition, things were hectic in the schools. The school year was ending, classes were finishing, and I was herding groups of students to take a post evaluation.
After returning to site from the National Competition, things were hectic in the schools. The school year was ending, classes were finishing, and I was herding groups of students to take a post evaluation.
In the second week of December, students graduate. Graduations are different here, and the family is a center part of the promotion. Each student has a parent or family member walk him or her up to the stage to receive his or her diploma, and it is a beautiful ceremony.
Even got an invite to the graduation fiesta of my largest school. The students raise money throughout the year for a celebration after the ceremony. This year, they rented out the hotel space and had a DJ, presenters, dancing and food trucks (such good tacos you do not even know).
The dancing reminded me of 8th grade dances. It was awesome.
The dancing reminded me of 8th grade dances. It was awesome.
Special Invites…
In one of the rural communities that I work in, San Lucas, I had the honor of being one of the special invitees.
I had no idea.
I get on the bus at 7:30 in the morning to make my way over there. It had been raining a lot the night before, and I made questionable wardrobe choices (A.K.A. flat like sandals and a skirt). So I arrive to my stop, and immediately exiting the full bus, I am full of regret. Here I am, the gringa, walking through inches of mud contemplating how I am going to make it up the side of this mountain clean…or even semi-clean. Thankfully, my counterpart arrived to the intersection at the same time I did.
So we set off, her in heels and me in flats (like might as well have been barefoot). For every 5 steps up the mountainside…. we slid back three. She was in heels and did a better job than me. Nicaraguan hidden skills.
Other Nicaraguan Tip…I found her later in different heels lookin’ like a million bucks for the ceremony (rainy season=always bring an extra option).
When the students and parents arrived (late obviously, no one wanted to be dirty on their big day), I hung around the other teachers in the back to watch the ceremony. Eventually, another student came to ask what my full name was...like I just thought maybe I would receive a shout-out (exciting... knowing that I am basically the only white person that enters that town…ever).
It finally comes time for the ceremony to start, and it is custom to have a church service first. I thought I would just hang back with the few who were not going to go...that was…before my counterpart told me I was late and needed to join the formation.
I went to the formation…thinking that I would stroll along in the back. Not the case. They told me that I needed to go join the front with the two other special invitees. WHAT. Obviously, no one explained. All I could think of was how dirty I was and that everyone else obviously took hours ironing clothes, doing hair, shaving, strategizing how to arrive to the school without becoming dirty…but sure, let me lead the pack.
I loved graduation ceremonies. The event is about the students, but with an implemented family aspect as well. A parent or family member accompanies each student as they walk to receive their diploma.
So here I was, leading all the graduates and family members to church. Then I lead them all back to the ceremony. Still with unfinished business, I sat on the stage to help facilitate the ceremony (reminder…I was taking this all in strides…just going wherever they whispered for me to go).
Overall, I felt honored to be a part of it. Even more so, the “superintendent” mentioned me in her speech and explained what I was doing here…confirming that maybe I am doing some good or having some sort of impact.
Now I know to never be underdressed and always bring a spare pair of shoes.
In one of the rural communities that I work in, San Lucas, I had the honor of being one of the special invitees.
I had no idea.
I get on the bus at 7:30 in the morning to make my way over there. It had been raining a lot the night before, and I made questionable wardrobe choices (A.K.A. flat like sandals and a skirt). So I arrive to my stop, and immediately exiting the full bus, I am full of regret. Here I am, the gringa, walking through inches of mud contemplating how I am going to make it up the side of this mountain clean…or even semi-clean. Thankfully, my counterpart arrived to the intersection at the same time I did.
So we set off, her in heels and me in flats (like might as well have been barefoot). For every 5 steps up the mountainside…. we slid back three. She was in heels and did a better job than me. Nicaraguan hidden skills.
Other Nicaraguan Tip…I found her later in different heels lookin’ like a million bucks for the ceremony (rainy season=always bring an extra option).
When the students and parents arrived (late obviously, no one wanted to be dirty on their big day), I hung around the other teachers in the back to watch the ceremony. Eventually, another student came to ask what my full name was...like I just thought maybe I would receive a shout-out (exciting... knowing that I am basically the only white person that enters that town…ever).
It finally comes time for the ceremony to start, and it is custom to have a church service first. I thought I would just hang back with the few who were not going to go...that was…before my counterpart told me I was late and needed to join the formation.
I went to the formation…thinking that I would stroll along in the back. Not the case. They told me that I needed to go join the front with the two other special invitees. WHAT. Obviously, no one explained. All I could think of was how dirty I was and that everyone else obviously took hours ironing clothes, doing hair, shaving, strategizing how to arrive to the school without becoming dirty…but sure, let me lead the pack.
I loved graduation ceremonies. The event is about the students, but with an implemented family aspect as well. A parent or family member accompanies each student as they walk to receive their diploma.
So here I was, leading all the graduates and family members to church. Then I lead them all back to the ceremony. Still with unfinished business, I sat on the stage to help facilitate the ceremony (reminder…I was taking this all in strides…just going wherever they whispered for me to go).
Overall, I felt honored to be a part of it. Even more so, the “superintendent” mentioned me in her speech and explained what I was doing here…confirming that maybe I am doing some good or having some sort of impact.
Now I know to never be underdressed and always bring a spare pair of shoes.
Travels…
Birthday Parties..
Back in September, after finally having three months in my site, I was officially given three out of site nights and vacation. My first trip as an “established” (not even sure I would still say that) volunteer, I returned to my training site for the first time.
Birthday Parties..
Back in September, after finally having three months in my site, I was officially given three out of site nights and vacation. My first trip as an “established” (not even sure I would still say that) volunteer, I returned to my training site for the first time.
Every time I go to Catarina, I feel like I am going home. So you could imagine my excitement to get back and see everyone I live half a country away from now (~8 hours and 3 or 4 buses).
My host mom from training was celebrating her 84th birthday. YAY.
My host mom from training was celebrating her 84th birthday. YAY.
Festivities included a 4 am band coming to the house to play outside of the door to great her, a Nicaraguan tradition, followed by a living room full of people and dancing. Tomasita may be up in age, but she can still get down…no matter the hour.
So we danced.
So we danced.
Then in the evening was the real party. No Nicaraguan party is complete without a piñata, blindfolded dancing, cake and sitting in a huge circle chatting.
I was happy to return back to the training town and see everyone….and to show that I had somewhat improved my Spanish speaking skills.
However, the most important part is that I made the wall of previous volunteers to live with the family. Call me lucky 14.
However, the most important part is that I made the wall of previous volunteers to live with the family. Call me lucky 14.
Agüizotes
Do not call it Halloween.
This celebration happens in Masaya, Masaya a week before Halloween.
Agüizotes is a traditional celebration in which people dress up in traditional masks and and their is a celebration in the streets with the Catholic Church.
Do not call it Halloween.
This celebration happens in Masaya, Masaya a week before Halloween.
Agüizotes is a traditional celebration in which people dress up in traditional masks and and their is a celebration in the streets with the Catholic Church.
So I took my days in October to go and visit Masaya. I purchased the coolest homemade mask and put on my all black. Even got a skull-mate (ha haha…get it?)
We got ready, and set off on the town.
The way aguizotes works….
You start of with a group, then go join another group…then another and so on until you eventually join the huge group in the street. There is a procession and concerts and food and fun.
Until this October…
The way aguizotes works….
You start of with a group, then go join another group…then another and so on until you eventually join the huge group in the street. There is a procession and concerts and food and fun.
Until this October…
Leon…
As Nicaraguan 65, we are spread out across the entire country. Although this country is about the same size of the state of New York, it can take up to 15 hours (maybe even more) to arrive to someone else’s site. As a 6-month celebration we met in the city of Leon.
As Nicaraguan 65, we are spread out across the entire country. Although this country is about the same size of the state of New York, it can take up to 15 hours (maybe even more) to arrive to someone else’s site. As a 6-month celebration we met in the city of Leon.
Leon is one of the oldest cities in Central America, and may possibly be my favorite spot in all of Nicaragua.
It was one of the first times I had seen most of them since the 4th of July. We enjoyed great food, the best ice cream of all-time (serious competition with Jenni's), beautiful sites and nights of dancing.
It was one of the first times I had seen most of them since the 4th of July. We enjoyed great food, the best ice cream of all-time (serious competition with Jenni's), beautiful sites and nights of dancing.
Thanksgiving Abroad…
For the first time, I spent Thanksgiving outside of the United States. No pumpkin spice lattes, no turning of the leaves, no football games I don’t actually care about (but I do like the tailgate aspect.... andI accept any occasion for a burnt hotdog), no cute sweaters/scarves/boots or any other fall-like aspects.
For the first time, I spent Thanksgiving outside of the United States. No pumpkin spice lattes, no turning of the leaves, no football games I don’t actually care about (but I do like the tailgate aspect.... andI accept any occasion for a burnt hotdog), no cute sweaters/scarves/boots or any other fall-like aspects.
Families of the Embassy and various Peace Corps staff open their homes to volunteers and prepare a traditional thanksgiving meal. I went to an embassy home with two other volunteers. He was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Nicaragua in the 90’s and married a Nicaraguan woman. He had been embassy staff in a few other countries and was starting his tour in Nicaragua. The meal was delicious and there were various Nica and American guests. It was a great time to exchange cultures, eat homemade meals and swim in a pool overlooking Momotombo Volcano.
Getting to know the culture…
I went to my first Quinceneras! What is this celebration and why is it so important here?
A quinceneras is a very important tradition in Latin Culture where when a girl turns 15, she is entering womanhood.
I went to my first Quinceneras! What is this celebration and why is it so important here?
A quinceneras is a very important tradition in Latin Culture where when a girl turns 15, she is entering womanhood.
So one of the girls and her mother who attend the same aerobics class as me extended the invitation to her quinceneras. One of my bucket list goals and cultural experiences would be fulfilled!
An acceptable way to show up…
My host family knew that I was getting ready to go to the party and insisted that I try on every dress I have here and to give official opinions. After they influenced what dress I would wear, what jewelry was flashy enough and loaning lipstick (because that is not a thing I usually partake in) I was off.
I made it down the street when my host sister came running after me, telling me that I could not, in fact, use sandals and needed to return to the house to change into heels.
As if I am not already a giant in this pueblo to begin with…
An acceptable way to show up…
My host family knew that I was getting ready to go to the party and insisted that I try on every dress I have here and to give official opinions. After they influenced what dress I would wear, what jewelry was flashy enough and loaning lipstick (because that is not a thing I usually partake in) I was off.
I made it down the street when my host sister came running after me, telling me that I could not, in fact, use sandals and needed to return to the house to change into heels.
As if I am not already a giant in this pueblo to begin with…
First there is a church service, where 14 boys and 14 girls for the special service escort the birthday girl. Afterwards, the birthday posse leads a walk around the entire community to finally end at the event hall.
Upon arriving to the location where the party is actually held, the birthday girl enters with her escort and perform dances practiced beforehand.
Thankfully T. Swift’s Shake it Off made the routine.
Thankfully T. Swift’s Shake it Off made the routine.
Afterwards food and drinks are served, and it becomes the combination of a sweet 16, prom and wedding reception party of your dreams.
^^Seriously. If one could sum up a quinceneras party, outfits and light show.^^
^^Seriously. If one could sum up a quinceneras party, outfits and light show.^^
All the aerobics gals were attending…. obviously making me hit the dance floor to show off the moves I “have been learning.”
In other words, I am happy to have attended and experienced something held in tradition in my country of service.
Getting to know the communities…
I often have the opportunities to visit farms surrounding my town and go on hike’s to get to know the other communities surrounding San Juan in which I do not work.
Getting to know the communities…
I often have the opportunities to visit farms surrounding my town and go on hike’s to get to know the other communities surrounding San Juan in which I do not work.
My favorite farm thus far has been in a community about 1.5 hours outside of San Juan by truck (I cannot imagine the dirt and rock road by foot or ruta)…
One of my friend’s in the community invited me to visit her husband’s family farm, and I obviously said yes.
We left at 4:30 the next morning, trying to get there in time to take care of some farm duties.
One of my friend’s in the community invited me to visit her husband’s family farm, and I obviously said yes.
We left at 4:30 the next morning, trying to get there in time to take care of some farm duties.
I learned how to pick beans (the stable diet food) because they were in season, and a chance to better my milking abilities with the cows.
I would like to note that I have not improved on this ability, and it is quite depressing how little milk I can produce after ten minutes of hard work.
However, when the expert took to milking the cow, I jumped on the opportunity to make pinolio directly from the cow (a drink common here made from…).
I would like to note that I have not improved on this ability, and it is quite depressing how little milk I can produce after ten minutes of hard work.
However, when the expert took to milking the cow, I jumped on the opportunity to make pinolio directly from the cow (a drink common here made from…).
Forget parasites…who can pass up that opportunity??
Furthermore, and most importantly, I rode my first horse. Shamelessly, I made an 11-year-old boy walk alongside his horse and me to ensure my safety. What’s a girl to do if this horse were to take off to the mountainside?
And lastly….
The most recent Nica Visitor in my bed…
The most recent Nica Visitor in my bed…
***After walking in and finding him, the power immediately went out. In other words, the blackest black you could imagine and the most terrifying rat taking the power of my room for several hours. Meanwhile, I was on the phone having a panic attack and asking for strategies on how to remove said animal from my bed, and furthermore, my room.
And on a good note…how cute are mis amigos making kites??!!
And on a good note…how cute are mis amigos making kites??!!
Next up: Tales of the vagita……errr…I mean….descriptions of cultural integration during the school break and Kat’s Visit.