Today is my last day in Nica and it went rather quickly. We worked all day making cinderblocks and slinging concrete onto walls which the Nicaraguans did in 1/10th of the time. However, the day has come to a near close and it's about that time for a slight conclusion about the trip. Since we'll be leaving in the morning, this is my last entry for this trip.

Continue reading "Final day" »

Today, we did a tour of Managua and got to see a lot of the monuments and buildings that are important to Nicaragua's history. We saw a lot of really interesting things but the most interesting to me was the fair trade shop we visited.

Continue reading "Fair Trade :)" »

Saturday was a very touristy day for our group. We left JHC at about eight in the morning and headed for the Masaya Volcano - an active volcano here in Nicaragua. Smoke constantly comes out of the top and we were told that from the side of the crater opening that we are not allowed to walk to you can see lava inside the crater. I had visited Masaya Volcano last time I was here, but I don't think I appreciated it then like I did yesterday. Sarah, a member of JHC, told us a story about how the volcano keeps her humble and focused when she is doing the kind of work that they do here at JHC. The last time the volcano erupted it spread out very, very far and we could see the line between where the lava ended (which was covered in big volcanic rocks) and where the lava did not reach (which is green and still has houses and buildings). The distance that the rock traveled, both being thrown out of the volcano and melted into lava that flowed out, is astonishing. Sarah told us that when she thinks about the kind of power and force it takes to make that happen she is reminded that she is not in control. This is important when you consider the kind of work she does where the end goal is enormous. She commented that the power of the volcano reminds her that it is not her job to fix everything but that she simply must continue to chip away at the problem and continue to fight. The whole analogy is perhaps too difficult for me to convey in my own words but the feeling behind her analogy makes me feel better about my own goals when I do work both with the Bucknell Brigade and other organizations.

Continue reading "A little like a tourist..." »

Apparently, the Brigade leaders have figured it out. Pack 30 people into a bus that is definitely too old to pass vehicle safety inspection and just go! That pretty much sums up the day today. We all woke up around nine this morning after our very late night at the "discoteca" and no one had much energy, but this ain't no vacation. It's the Brigade. So, we got up and packed into a bus probably meant to carry half of us, and we were off.

Continue reading "How do you see an entire city in one day?" »

Let's start at the beginning... Yesterday was a day of touring the Managua area. Specifically, we went down to Masaya, a suburb of the capital. First we visited an active volcano in the Mesaya area. This volcano is steaming and massive. It was used by the Somozas in the past to murder people opposed to his dictatorship. Next, we visited Pedro Guerrero who is credited as being one of the best potters in the world. He showed a basic throw and explained his craft. These clay creations were some of the best I've ever seen and he does it all with primitive equipment. He uses a hearth for his kiln and a kick wheel for his throwing. In the end, however, his talent shows through with magnificent work. Afterwards, we went out to a volcanic lake to spend the afternoon swimming and basking in the warm weather. The market followed which is much like a flea market back home, but with hundreds of shops selling similar items. Bought a few necessities including a painting, a dried frog, etc. The good times weren't over though. We went out to a local dance club where we partied the night away with the locals. That was fun.

Continue reading "Days six and seven" »

Today was an extremely long day and very different from every other day we have had so far. It was a day of volcanoes and pottery and restaurant lunches and some local shopping. While I can't say what I bought and for whom, I will say that this was a very memorable day.

Continue reading "Long day around Nicaragua!" »

We woke ever so groggy and had a quick breakfast before the Vice Mayor of Ciudad Sandino, the city in which we are staying, came to talk to us. He seemed like a very personable guy and he answered whatever questions came his way with as much truth as he could. He was a government figure, though, and you could tell that he was skilled at answering questions in a safe way. He talked about healthcare and education and utilities and also mentioned his thoughts on the effect of the newly elected Daniel Ortega. After the talk, we headed out to Nueva Vida to get a second oil-based coat of paint on the new health clinic building.

Continue reading "An after-dinner treat: Pushing the bus" »

Just another great day in Nicaragua and much to recount. After waking up too early for my liking, we met with the vice mayor of la Ciudad Sandino of which Nueva Vida is part. He told us his many plans for the city and the general daily happenings of the city. It was rather interesting to hear a first-hand perspective of a high-ranking government official who deals primarily with the social aspects of Nica life. Now that the Sandinistas are in power, the schools have become truly free which was an original promise of the Nica constitution. Though not a lot, this is definitely a step in the right direction.

Continue reading "Day five - A great meal" »