*** Note: This post is copied from an email I sent to family and friends on Saturday, February 11, 2012.
Hi Everyone!
Well, we've been down here in Nicaragua for a month already and there's
lots to tell. I've had good days and bad....but mostly good, and things are
getting better every week! Thank you to those who've been on the other end of
the line when I've been feeling blue. And to the people who've sent cards and
care packages. And to those who write us emails and are so good about staying
in touch! Thank you! It really makes a difference in helping us (maybe me
mostly!?) deal with all this transition. You're all amazing!
Here are a few of the latest tidbits about our Nica life...
The Good:
Phone numbers are 8 digits instead of 7 digits. I think this is
interesting, but what's actually very clever, is that the land lines start with
an 8 and the cell numbers start with a 2. I like that it's easy to know what
kind of phone you're calling.
Last weekend when Andy and I were grocery shopping, we ran into a guy Andy
used to play softball with in San Francisco! Truly, a small world! The guy is
down here for 2 years on a Fulbright Scholarship, working on micro-financing.
Amazing!
Our dance card is filling up! We've got visitors lined up to come down to
see us every month between now and Memorial Day! WOO HOO! Let the games
begin!
And on Monday of this week, we received our car from the
States!!! Now that we finally have our own wheels, we'll actually
be able to check out some of the sites outside of town that we've heard so
much about: volcanoes, beaches, lagoons, artisan markets - here we come!
Flor de Cana (the 'n' is supposed to have a little '~' above it, but I
don't know how to type that on my computer and Andy's not home right now to
enlighten me) is a Nicaraguan rum that is quite tasty! Andy is now drinking rum
and cokes and liking them a lot! (see "The Ugly" section below for more libation
details...) And get ready folks....Flor de Cana just might be coming your way
next Christmas (possibly along with organic shade grown Nica coffee, and maybe
some locally made fair trade chocolate!)
The watermelon is amazing down here too! We get one every time we hit the
grocery store. I think Bode would like to live on watermelon alone.
Actually, who wouldn't?!
The Bad:
Remember in my last email, how I proudly told you all about that papaya we
ate straight from our very own garden? Well, it turns out Bode might have an
allergy to it. On the anniversary of our first week here, Bode broke out in red
bumps all over his face and body. We headed to the hospital and got him all
checked out. A little medicine for a week + no more papaya = no more red
bumps. (and PS - the hospital was REALLY nice. A+ for Managuan medical care!)
Bella loves her new yard but, unfortunately, none of us are liking the
ticks she's attracting. We've pulled two off of her so far, and we've found
several more while sweeping the floors. Not good - and not sure what we're
going to do about them....
And speaking of icky creatures, we have geckos! There have only been a
couple but they watch us (from high up on the ceiling or walls) while we watch
TV. We're all learning to get along.
The Ugly:
My Spanish is ugly. But hopefully it will get better. My tutor comes
twice a week and she's great, but each time she comes, I'm ready for her
to leave about 45 minutes into our hour-long lesson. It's exhausting! But I'm
committed to learning 15 new words a week, and I'm going to start sticking the
words on things all around the house to help me remember. Wish me luck!
The bananas down here are ugly. I don't know why, but they look terrible.
See attached photo for proof. They're good on the inside, though....so I guess
that's all that matters.
One of the most tragic things we've realized upon moving down here is that
this country has no Maker's Mark. In fact, they don't seem to have any bourbon
at all! And since drinking a Manhattan is/was one of Andy's nightly rituals,
we've got a problem. But we've thought of a great solution and it involves
you! All visitors are asked to bring a bottle of Maker's in their suitcase.
(And don't wait to buy it at the Duty Free shop in Houston on your way down -
they don't have it.) One bottle per visitor, per visit, please. (Andy asks for
so little...)
Did I mention that we have no dishwasher? I have no idea why, but it's
true. None of the houses here have them. I already have dishpan hands after
one month! All I can say is that it's a good thing I've found several mani-pedi
salons. I just might survive this crazy place.
OK, those are my true tales. And here
are a few pics, and a little video of Bode at his weekly music class (he's the
blond one, by the way, who never stops moving - and it's his awesome nanny who
gets the hug at the end!):
Pics (beware - they're mostly of the kid, and it's ok if you're not
interested):
We love all of you and miss you! Please stay in touch and HAPPY
VALENTINE'S DAY!
