Where to begin? I suppose apologizing for the lapse between blogs is a good starting point. As I mentioned in an earlier blog, we’re currently putting the finishing touches on a significant proposal for an agricultural program funded by the US government. That said, I’ve been up to my ears in meetings, spreadsheets and translation work. I guess my point is that I’ve been too busy to contribute frequently to my blog. Poor excuse, I know. But the last thing I want to do while relaxing after work is spend more time in front of my computer. Anyhow, here’s a quick synopsis of the last couple of weeks:
Masaya and Granada:
Roughly two weeks ago our boss/tour guide, Keith, picked us up bright and early Sunday morning to experience Patron Saints Day in the town of Masaya. On any normal day I’m sure my description of Masaya would be a lot different than the one I’m about to give since Patron Saints day isn’t any normal day to Nicaraguans. In celebration of Saint Geronimo the people of Masaya crowd the streets surrounding their impressive cathedral. Following mass, those in attendance exit the church followed by this massive apparatus decorated with various flowers plants. A statue of Saint Geronimo sits proudly atop the apparatus (don’t recall the specific name). This “thing” is carried on the shoulders of numerous young men who dance to the rhythm of the bands playing in the background. Somehow, with great concentration, the young men carry Saint Geronimo – while dancing – through the streets of Masaya as the massive crowds surrounding them cheer them on. It was impressive to say the least. What’s more impressive is that not one was trampled or otherwise injured as Geronimo barreled through the streets. All in all, it was a really great experience. To see the people so filled with joy, and beer, was a lot of fun.
Needing to relax after surviving Patron Saints Day, we drove another 30 minutes to the city of Grenada. Grenada is often described as the pearl of Nicaragua, with good reason. Streets are lined with adjacent houses; each painted a different colour, think Notting Hill, Central America style. The main purpose of our trip to Granada was to go to what Keith described as “the best coffee and chocolate cake in Nicaragua”. He wasn’t joking. The cake, richer than Bill Gates, melted in my mouth. The on
ly thing more impressive than the cake was the coffee house itself. Built by the Spanish, who knows when, it’s easy to see the Arab influence with the towering ceilings and impressive archways. We sat, sipped our coffee and enjoyed the architecture for the better part of an hour. Following the cake and coffee we check out a restaurant recently opened by a friend of Keith. To say that I was jealous is an understatement; beautiful restaurant, great location and wonderful food. Given culinary talents, I would love to open such a restaurant. After daydreaming of my own restaurant in Central America and a quick bite we headed back to Managua where we finally had cable, which mean Sunday Night Football!!!!!
Leon
As part of the proposal we’re putting together we’ve been tasked with compiling Value Chains for a number of crops. The purpose is to pinpoint areas where we can help farmers, producers or anyone along the value chain, do what they do more efficiently and effectively. That said, my Boss and I went to Leon to meet with experts in each of the crops that we’re going to work to finalize the Value Chains, Problem Trees and Cost benefit Analyses. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see much of Leon on this trip as I was stuck in a conference room all day, but I do intend on returning ASAP since I was really impressed with what little I was. As some of you may know the western part of Nicaragua has been slammed by rain over the past week, devastating the region. The reason I mention this is because on our drive home we drove through the initial stages of the storm. It was literally like driving underwater, thank god for 4 wheel drive. Other weren’t as lucky. Many farmers and other small producers lost a large chuck of their income generating activities. We’re hopeful that the international community will respond in providing some assistance to the farmers of the region.
That’s all for this update. The proposal is due on the 26th of October, at which point I’ll have more time to explore and write more frequently.
Hope everyone is well!
Masaya and Granada:
Roughly two weeks ago our boss/tour guide, Keith, picked us up bright and early Sunday morning to experience Patron Saints Day in the town of Masaya. On any normal day I’m sure my description of Masaya would be a lot different than the one I’m about to give since Patron Saints day isn’t any normal day to Nicaraguans. In celebration of Saint Geronimo the people of Masaya crowd the streets surrounding their impressive cathedral. Following mass, those in attendance exit the church followed by this massive apparatus decorated with various flowers plants. A statue of Saint Geronimo sits proudly atop the apparatus (don’t recall the specific name). This “thing” is carried on the shoulders of numerous young men who dance to the rhythm of the bands playing in the background. Somehow, with great concentration, the young men carry Saint Geronimo – while dancing – through the streets of Masaya as the massive crowds surrounding them cheer them on. It was impressive to say the least. What’s more impressive is that not one was trampled or otherwise injured as Geronimo barreled through the streets. All in all, it was a really great experience. To see the people so filled with joy, and beer, was a lot of fun.Needing to relax after surviving Patron Saints Day, we drove another 30 minutes to the city of Grenada. Grenada is often described as the pearl of Nicaragua, with good reason. Streets are lined with adjacent houses; each painted a different colour, think Notting Hill, Central America style. The main purpose of our trip to Granada was to go to what Keith described as “the best coffee and chocolate cake in Nicaragua”. He wasn’t joking. The cake, richer than Bill Gates, melted in my mouth. The on
ly thing more impressive than the cake was the coffee house itself. Built by the Spanish, who knows when, it’s easy to see the Arab influence with the towering ceilings and impressive archways. We sat, sipped our coffee and enjoyed the architecture for the better part of an hour. Following the cake and coffee we check out a restaurant recently opened by a friend of Keith. To say that I was jealous is an understatement; beautiful restaurant, great location and wonderful food. Given culinary talents, I would love to open such a restaurant. After daydreaming of my own restaurant in Central America and a quick bite we headed back to Managua where we finally had cable, which mean Sunday Night Football!!!!!Leon
As part of the proposal we’re putting together we’ve been tasked with compiling Value Chains for a number of crops. The purpose is to pinpoint areas where we can help farmers, producers or anyone along the value chain, do what they do more efficiently and effectively. That said, my Boss and I went to Leon to meet with experts in each of the crops that we’re going to work to finalize the Value Chains, Problem Trees and Cost benefit Analyses. Unfortunately I didn’t get to see much of Leon on this trip as I was stuck in a conference room all day, but I do intend on returning ASAP since I was really impressed with what little I was. As some of you may know the western part of Nicaragua has been slammed by rain over the past week, devastating the region. The reason I mention this is because on our drive home we drove through the initial stages of the storm. It was literally like driving underwater, thank god for 4 wheel drive. Other weren’t as lucky. Many farmers and other small producers lost a large chuck of their income generating activities. We’re hopeful that the international community will respond in providing some assistance to the farmers of the region.
That’s all for this update. The proposal is due on the 26th of October, at which point I’ll have more time to explore and write more frequently.
Hope everyone is well!
