Semana Santa

Well, folks...almost two weeks in Nicaragua. How are thing going? Great! Let’s begin with our exploration of the city... Well, honestly I can’t say we completely explored the city, but we did manage to wander down the main streets, grocery shopped at the supermarket, and strolled down to the beach as well. As nice as the city is during the day, a walk in the evening is very relaxing. Once the sun goes down, the temperature becomes bearable and a slight breeze makes it down right comfortable. The main street comes alive with performers and people heading out to restaurants, clubs, and bars. We were out a bit too early for the “real party,” but since I’m not big into the nightlife that was fine by me.

On Sunday we went to church with Xavier and Susanna, who we rent our apartment from. Their church is a little farther out from the center, but still only about a 15 minute walk. It was a Catholic church...not surprising as this is the major religion in Nicaragua. Once I caught on to the passage of scripture being read from, I followed the reading fairly well. I was quite proud of myself, thank you very much.

Monday began with the start of our classes! My instructor’s name is Lesbia. She’s really sweet and I love how great everyone is in helping us understand. They slow down their speech, enunciate their words, and use gestures. Just a few simple things that make a huge difference! That, and they’re very patient with us. But don’t worry, we get plenty of conversation at regular speeds at mealtimes with Xavier and Susanna. :)

The price of our classes includes activities each afternoon. Monday afternoon took us on a two-hour jaunt around Granada, learning about its history, culture, and traditions. I understood a decent amount, but don’t ask me to repeat anything. We actually “Gussed” the bell tower there. For those of you who aren’t aware, to “Gus” something is to pay lots of money to “Go UpStairs” and see a panoramic view that looks like every other panoramic view in the world. Now, to be fair, there are a few places where “Gussing” is worth it. This was actually one of them. The other people in our group were going up and it was only a dollar, so up we went. I didn’t expect to enjoy it quite so much. But Granada is different, so the panoramic view is different as well. Actually, in general I find that “Gussing” in a small town is far more interesting than in a large city. Most big cities start to look the same after awhile...a bunch of skyscrapers...blah. Anyway, we enjoyed the tour, learned a little bit about Granada, got to know the other students a bit, and took some nice photos! All in all, a successful afternoon.

Tuesday morning was only a two-hour class. Then we headed out of the city for a little cooking lesson. Yes, you heard (or read) me right...a cooking lesson. Well, sort of. So we walked down the streets of Granada, heading a little out of town, crossing a river, and winding around to a little house where an elderly woman makes tortillas for a living. The dough was already made, but we each shaped, cooked, and ate a tortilla. Believe it or not, mine came out really well and I got a round of applause (of course, Lesbia coached me a little, but I did the work)!!! That afternoon we piled in the back of a truck, drove to the lake, hopped on a boat, and made our way around the many islands, enjoying the view. Arriving at one of them, we sat back and enjoyed a leisurely conversation with our instructors and fellow students. I had mango juice...yummy!!!

Wednesday morning, we took a little field trip to the mercados (markets). Tight, narrow aisles separate stands where people sell various items, ranging from fruit and fish to clothes and shoes...not unlike markets I've seen in other countries. We purchased 12 mangos for about 85 cents. Yay...we got mangos for dessert that night...mmmmmmmm! Wednesday afternoon was a dancing lesson taught by two of our instructors...Angelica and Josue. We learned and danced a little Merengue, Salsa, and Baracha. We learned another dance as well, but I can’t remember the name of it. All I know is that it consisted of a lot of shimmying and shaking. I just don’t do the Latin dancing justice. Angelica and Josue sure looked great, though!!!

So that brings us to Thursday...we woke up at 7:15, headed down for breakfast, and ate speedily after a call from Uncle Gerard with a minor change of plans. Apparently we had to be to our destination 45 minutes earlier than we had expected. So we rushed upstairs, grabbed our overnight bags, and walked briskly to the house of a lady named Irene, who was taking a small group out on the lake. Every year around Easter, they have a tradition here where they do the Stations of the Cross at the various islands of Lake Nicaragua. The islands chosen set out crosses and altars, and a procession of boats makes their way around, commemorating one of the stations at each island. Once in the boat, we hurried to join this small procession and visited two islands. Then we proceeded to wind our way around the many islands. Most of the islands are privately owned and some of the houses are spectacular. We finally arrived at Uncle Gerard’s island, where we were ushered up to the deck and offered drinks. The afternoon was spent chatting, relaxing in the jacuzzi, and eating and drinking. We zipped off in the boats a bit later to watch the sunset, then only 6 of us went back to the island for dinner. We thoroughly enjoyed an ethics debate over our meal that evening and went to bed full and happy.

Friday started off with rolling out of bed at 8:30, taking a long shower, eating breakfast, and enjoying a quiet morning on the island. Birds chirping and a slight breeze rustling the trees were about the only noises as I laid back in the hammock and did absolutely nothing. The “absolutely nothing” was broken up by rowing around the island once. Then after Rebecca headed back, I opted to take the boat out by myself to nearby “Monkey Island.” This island is home to a couple of monkeys who make it their business to amuse passers-by. I was warned not to get too close as they have been known to invite themselves onboard. Having a history with these creatures, I took the advice to heart and did my best to keep a safe distance.

My first attempt at rowing the boat was a failure, but after some advice I tried again and succeeded. I felt pretty accomplished rowing out there by myself. Making my way back to Uncle Gerard’s island, I passed by a tourist boat and was rather surprised to notice cameras pointing in my direction. I’d like to think I looked so amazingly competent they just had to snap a photo, but I’m a little afraid that the shockingly white girl attempting to row a boat by herself just looked completely ridiculous. I mean, it can’t be good when tourists are snapping photos of you instead of the cute little monkeys, can it?

About two-ish, the Spanish ambassador, his wife, two daughters, and son showed up. Uncle Gerard’s nephew was entertaining some friends on his family’s side of the island, so us “youngsters” went over there for a bit. I socialized for a little while, but soon found myself back on our side for a delicious lunch...fish soup. Afterwards, we headed to the island of one of Uncle Gerard’s friends where we swam in their pool, enjoyed another unique view, and played with an adorable chihuahua. Back home again, we had sausages, chicken, and fish for dinner, followed by the most scrumptious tres leche cake. The windy island at night is just as unique and spectacular as the quiet island of the morning, and I enjoyed a bit of alone time before heading to bed!!!

Saturday was a fairly relaxing day, filled with doing almost nothing, but reading and napping in the hammock. Saturday evening, however, we went into Granada for the Resurrection Mass. It was really nice...they began the service by going outside where a small fire was burning. I say small, but the sparks were flying everywhere and people were scrambling to get out of the line of fire! :) A large candle was lit, from which many other small candles were lit, representing the light Jesus brought to the world. Back inside, we listened to a reading from Genesis with background noises illustrating the creation of the world. Then there was a short re-enactment of Abraham almost sacrificing Isaac...good thing God stops him in the story...good thing for the kid playing Isaac anyway... I understood only segments of the remainder of the service, but that was ok. Following the mass, we were joined by Maria Celia’s daughter and her friend, and headed back to the island.

Sunday was another laid back day, although a few people did stop by later on in the day. I got in the water for a little bit, but opted out of the skiing and banana boat fun later on. We headed back to Granada around 5:00 that evening. Arriving back at our little apartment and seeing Xavier and Susanna again felt like coming home.