With most management from MEDA Nicaragua in Canada for annual meetings I thought I was in for a light week - Veronica had given me enough work to keep me tied up for the week but not BUSY. This all changed when I received a call from Aldo (with whom I had been working with on a funding proposal for Oiko Credit) regarding the earliest opportunity to visit some of our clients.
Up to now, most of the work I’ve been given has confined me to both my computer and the office. So, the task of organizing a client visit as the final step in the funding process was a welcome challenge. After arranging all the details we set out on a Thursday morning to visit 3 clients from our Ciudad Jardin Branch. Before moving on I should quickly describe the area that the Ciudad Jardin Branch serves: Mercado Oriental or simply Oriental. Oriental is, by area, the largest market in all of Central America and can only be described as an enormous maze where anything, I mean ANYTHING can be purchased. Not only is its size intimidating, the numerous warnings offered by the office staff prior to leaving were also a cause for (minor) concern. “Don’t carry too much money”, “Take off your watch”, “Keep it attached to your wrist and in your pocket unless you are using it” is the answer I received after inquiring about taking my camera. Clearly, all this information was a little unnerving. That was until our guide and acting Manager of the branch, Oscar, showed up. He assured me that his ability to talk street Spanish and his knowledge of Oriental would provide safety at all times. He wasn’t lying. He followed the Oiko Credit representative, Miriam, and I, guiding us by simply saying “left”, “right” and “stop”. His directions led us flawlessly to what seemed like the far reaches of Oriental to a client of ours selling spices. Saying our goodbyes we made our way out of the chaos that is Oriental to the house of a client who makes piñatas for birthday and other events. The final visit was to a client who recently purchased a large truck in order to transport pork from Northern Nicaragua to Managua where she processes it for sale in the various markets. I’m happy to report that I made it out of Oriental both alive and with all articles that I entered with.
Semana Santa, the most important of all holidays in Nicaragua is this weekend. Essentially, the entire country shuts down and heads to the beach for the weekend. I’m off to my friend, Jaime’s, house for 4 days of fun in the sun San Juan del Sure style. I’ll report back next week.
Happy Easter!!!!
Up to now, most of the work I’ve been given has confined me to both my computer and the office. So, the task of organizing a client visit as the final step in the funding process was a welcome challenge. After arranging all the details we set out on a Thursday morning to visit 3 clients from our Ciudad Jardin Branch. Before moving on I should quickly describe the area that the Ciudad Jardin Branch serves: Mercado Oriental or simply Oriental. Oriental is, by area, the largest market in all of Central America and can only be described as an enormous maze where anything, I mean ANYTHING can be purchased. Not only is its size intimidating, the numerous warnings offered by the office staff prior to leaving were also a cause for (minor) concern. “Don’t carry too much money”, “Take off your watch”, “Keep it attached to your wrist and in your pocket unless you are using it” is the answer I received after inquiring about taking my camera. Clearly, all this information was a little unnerving. That was until our guide and acting Manager of the branch, Oscar, showed up. He assured me that his ability to talk street Spanish and his knowledge of Oriental would provide safety at all times. He wasn’t lying. He followed the Oiko Credit representative, Miriam, and I, guiding us by simply saying “left”, “right” and “stop”. His directions led us flawlessly to what seemed like the far reaches of Oriental to a client of ours selling spices. Saying our goodbyes we made our way out of the chaos that is Oriental to the house of a client who makes piñatas for birthday and other events. The final visit was to a client who recently purchased a large truck in order to transport pork from Northern Nicaragua to Managua where she processes it for sale in the various markets. I’m happy to report that I made it out of Oriental both alive and with all articles that I entered with.
Semana Santa, the most important of all holidays in Nicaragua is this weekend. Essentially, the entire country shuts down and heads to the beach for the weekend. I’m off to my friend, Jaime’s, house for 4 days of fun in the sun San Juan del Sure style. I’ll report back next week.
Happy Easter!!!!
