ahora...

Home from the Corn Islands! Originally, we were only planning on staying for five days. But after two days of lying on the white sand beaches, snorkeling, reading in hammocks, eating $4 meals of fresh lobster and shrimp, we decided to stay longer. La Islita, the smaller of the two Corn Islands, is so small it has no cars or roads. We didn't wear shoes the entire time we were there. Our thatched roof casitas (where we stayed) sat right on the ocean, and all the food on the island was either caught (FRESH seafood) or grown (pineapples, organic vegetables, etc). One of my favorite things to do on the island was knock down coconuts from the palm trees using big sticks, cut them open and eat fresh coconut. La islita is so undeveloped, with very few tourists. We made quick friends with some Little Corn locals (Dariel and Angelito), who taught us Creole phrases such as 'Ya herd, mon," and the typical Little Corn Island greeting which is "Alright?" (and in response) "Right here, mon."

Now I'm back in Managua, living with the Flores family until January. I live with two sisters (Olga y Dayana) and one brother (Macol). Emilito, Olga's 3-year-old son who also lives in the house, is absolutely hilarious. He can usually be found (1) running around the house with his new bike (2) playing with the dogs outside, or (3) swinging on doors- something he knows he's not supposed to do (he always looks so guilty when someone catches him in the act). My Nica mom's name is Lorena and father is Emilio, and we have a tiny little black lab puppy (3 weeks old!) named Clifford.

Our programs start up again in January, so until then, I'm just relaxing and hanging out in Cedro Galán- speaking lots of spanish, hand-washing all my clothes, and getting to know another beautiful Nica family.

Also, our website has officially been updated! Check it out at: www.mannaproject.org