¡Fiestas Patronales en Santa Teresa!

Jess and I went to El Crucero again this week, so I made sure to bring a camera. You’ll find some pictures below of the view. It is really a beautiful spot.

Two pieces of news in this blog.

1. Jess and I received our first pieces of mail on Friday! Thank you to the Coxes out in Oregon and my parents! It took about 2 weeks for both to get here. There are a few interesting things about the Nicaraguan mail system. Everything makes it to your door opened and emptied. There’s a stamp on the letter that says it was received by the Nicaraguan Post Office already opened and that they taped it up for you. How nice!

I don’t know where it happens along the line, but the word amongst volunteers is that the letters are opened in transit to check for money, valuables, visas, etc. Packages are apparently worse, as everything is rifled through and anything that looks valuable or enticing is kept as a handling fee by those doing the sorting. We’ve learned a few tips from other volunteers about receiving mail intact from the States. I’m posting this for those of you who will be sending things, but to the rest of you, please don’t feel obligated.

TIPS FOR MAILNG TO NICARAGUA
1. Add the title “Padre” or “Hermana” in front of the recipient’s name. If the sorters believe that the package/letter is meant for a person of the cloth, they probably won’t open it.
2. Mail any kind of larger items in manilla bubble padded envelopes available at any post office or Staples. The sorters are less likely to open an envelope than a box that they can re-tape.
3. Draw crosses on the outside of any envelope to instill a sense of guilt in the sorters.
4. Include cards of different saints in packages (see number 3).

Of course, anything sensitive or valuable shouldn’t be mailed through normal mail. Most volunteers have important things sent to the U.S. houses of other volunteers who are soon to be returning and can bring more valuable things back to Nicaragua.

2nd piece of news:

Today, for the Fiestas Patronales de Santa Teresa, Jess, myself and a few other aspirantes went to “El Rodeo.” The rodeo here is exactly the same as the rodeo in the US, just a whole lot more dangerous. Jess and I paid 20 cordobas (about 1 dollar) for the cheap seats. However, at a Nicaraguan Rodeo, the cheap seats are actually the closest to the action (kinda makes sense, doesn’t it?). We were actually under the bleachers, with about 6 feet of clearance with only a few fence posts between us and the bulls. The people above were throwing garbage, spilling beer, and spitting through the slats on the “cheap seats,” but I none of us were hit.

At a Nicaraguan Rodeo anybody who wants to ride a bull is able to. Also, anyone who wants to jump into the ring and taunt the bull is able to. Such freedom is not always a good thing. One guy broke a collar bone and had blood coming out his ear. We thought he wasn’t going to make it, but he came to as soon as someone gave him a can of beer. Who knew that’s all it took?!

I also made a friend at the event, as we shared a common interest in the incredible size of the bulls. Although he was covered in tattoos, he seemed like a nice guy. An hour later, while sitting in front of my house, I saw the police march him by in hand cuffs. Apparently he’s a local “ladron,” which means pickpocket or thief. Oh well.

When I write these posts I always make it seem like we’re living in a lawless, dangerous land only seen in Spaghetti Westerns. This place is actually incredibly beautiful and the people here are friendlier than any other I’ve met. After talking with Jess last night we both agreed we haven’t been happier in a very long time. This is absolutely the best decision (joining the Peace Corps) we’ve made together as a couple, besides getting married. Thanks to everyone for all of your support!

The views from La Mision. Enjoy!

Here´s Jess, another aspirante, Jess´s Mom (Reyna), and me on our way to a volcanic laguna! Que Bueno!

Here´s a shot of Jess´s room. Gotta love that mosquito netting!