First Days in Estelí

Hey all,
Today is my first full day in Estelí, Nicaragua. It is not quite what I expected, but what ever is? For one thing, it is hotter than Guatemala, and the people are visibly poorer. I had expected poverty, but not to the extent which I have seen it here. Managua, the nation’s capital, is just one haphazard shanty after another. Then, the journey to Estelí (which lasts about two hours via very cramped and uncomfortable bus—this is normal for Central America though) is not the green that I have become so accustomed to in Central America, but brown. The farmers here have systematically destroyed the forest in order to have more land for their crops.

The bedroom that I am staying in kind of looks like a jail cell. It is about 7 feet by 6 feet and a thin mattress that sits directly on the floor takes up most of the space. There is no place for me to put my cloths—no dresser and no cabinets. I have seen more than one or two bugs, but they are small. The water in the shower seemingly is always cold. Fortunately, I do not mind cramped spaces, cold showers, and bugs. I am here for one reason—to teach (well and to travel, learn about the culture, and practice my Spanish). Plus, the cold showers feel good in this heat!

The people here are really friendly too. I went out to a Cuban restaurant with four Nicaraguans. They were very chatty. Also, the internet café that I am writing to you all in has a very nice staff. They are always asking me what I am doing here and where I am from. This has been a great opportunity to practice my Spanish.

Estelí, itself, is very homey. It is strange though. There is no real center of town. Everything is kind of just haphazardly put together, with no order what-so-ever. This makes it very easy to get lost, but regardless, I think I am falling for it. I like Antigua better, still, I think, but Estelí is growing on me. I cannot wait to meet the kids!

I haven’t seen the school yet. My first day is not until Monday, but I am excited. I will write more soon.

Patrick