A little break

My little break began on Friday because of the need to seek some medical advice. I found a large swelling at the top of my chest which was sore on Thursday and thought it best to get checked out. I spent part of the night thinking through potential arrangements should I need to go home, which was actually the last thing I wanted to do.  So a message to the family set the wheels in motion and at 7am I was collected by Jordy on the motorbike to go to Marvin's, where all had an inspection, matters like this bring a family affair! Then I was whisked off to the clinic at Moyagalpa hospital to see a doctor. The family have told me very clearly that they are on 24hour call and I shouldn't hesitate yo contact them.
I was very impressed with the clinic. We walked in, gave my name and were told there would be a few minutes wait as there had been an emergency. Within 10 minutes a lovely lady doctor called my name and ushered me into a consulting area. Straight away she asked if I had fallen or been hit or done anything heavy. Of course my rucksack was very heavy when I came over and I have to say I hadn't felt really comfortable since that. I also mentioned the reflux issue which she was keen to improve,  as the cough can contribute to these problems. So I came out with anti inflammatory tablets and cream and an alternative tablet for my stomach for a few days, the latter being quite pricy when we eventually tracked them down in Rivas.

We returned to Urbaite for a little snack then visited the school to see the technician who was overhauling the computers. It turned out there were two further printers in the boxes which are now installed and ready to go.

On Friday the speakers were all overhauled too.

So with the list of priorities written by headteachers at our meeting on Wednesday, we can begin planning expenditure. First priotity is cleaning materials and general stationery which we are going to buy in Moyagalpa to save a trip to Rivas. It will be cheaper.  The more we can buy locally the better. I don't really enjoy a 6am start to go to the mainland for a day. 

Next week we start the delivery of the uniforms and teacher stationery,  the uniforms having been delivered to the school by Oscar the hotel owner. He has offered to help in any way he can.

So on Friday morning Fanor collected me at 8.30, with my rucksack, crash helmet for Sunday, and my empty water container, the latter being dropped off in Urbaite. We collected Jose who  wanted a trip to Rivas. I was under strict instructions not to carry anything so that my chest can get better.  We found my required medication in Rivas which cost $20, lets hope it makes a difference.  We also found a money changer so I could change some of my dollars.  This was an interesting transaction done from the back of the taxi, with Jose checking the calculations carefully. 

Then Marlon headed off to Granada.  I fell asleep and before I knew where we were, Marlon said ' we've arrived!'. 

The Casa del Agua, which I had found on booking.com and was recommended by Donald, Jose's boss, turned out to be a good choice. Run by an Irish guy Gerry and his Nicaraguan wife, it was friendly, relaxed with comfy facilities including hot water and use of the kitchen, water etc. And two little pools for a dip. 

There is a little patio at the front where I was able to breakfast and watch the world go by. 

And my breakfast of fruit and pancakes was excellent too. On arrival I had a little walk round and had some lunch at a hotel I had visited before. I arranged to meet Jesus, Jose's brother, who arrived with Rachel. They shared some lunch and we had a catch up before collecting their bag of gifts and school uniform and being taken to their aunt's house where they are living and caring for her. Their aunt is 90 and needs 24hour care, which is why Jesus and Belkis have moved here from Ometepe. It is not easy for them, Rachel has missed a lot of school because they couldn't get a piece of paper work with a number for her to enter the school here. But she starts in the new term. Although the family support them in return for their work they say it is expensive here as everything comes from the shops. On Ometepe they were used to keeping animals, growing crops, getting things from others in the family.  They also have to be legal in terms of motorbike paper work whereas in Ometepe very few have all documentation and just manage to avoid the police checks! The differences are really significant between the poverty of the island but ability to live off the land and the more commercial life in the city.   But they looked well and were very pleased to see me. Jesus says I am like his big sister to him and offered to help in any way possible. 

I was invited to join the party of the 90 year old aunt the following day but as I was seeing Allison it didn't work out, but we did see Jesus when he was collecting goods for the party. 

Later I went out to find the contents for a snack, and found the Cafe d Arte, that I remembered from my first visit., where I enjoyed a fruit drink.

So on Saturday Allison arrived early at the hotel whilst I was having a relaxing read. One of those friendships made in Nicaragua, and we've met twice since, always here. She lives in San Jose , California and is a great birdwatcher. Our common interests are the arts and Nicaragua and the various projects.  We found a lovely cafe with specialist coffees who were able to make me a honey, ginger and lemon drink and relaxed and chatted for some time.

Then we visited the cultural centre which had paintings from Solentiname. Now I'm sure I didnt see these five years ago when I visited with a guide but four years ago, I bought an original from Ronaldo the founder of the community when I actually stayed on one of the islands there. I'd love to go again, but they are quite tricky to get to.

Nicaragua has one of only three national art movements in art naif.

Archaeological items.

Views of mombacha volcanoe.

Allison wanted to visit the print workshop we had last been to,  two years ago with Jose, when we collected the laptops, Peace and Hope had delivered. It was still there but is now a project for women, who make prints and sell. What a lovely group of young women we met. We all shared our art work and chatted and Angela bought a print.

We went to Allison's favourite restaurant, the Garden cafe and had lunch. It was buzzing with lots of tourists, so a good sign.  And afterwards we visited the cathedral where the ceiling appeared to be under restoration, then wandered up and down the streets, exploring,  before returning to the hotel for a break before Allison departed. 

Granada is a very pretty city in parts, with lovely coloured houses, very colonial. I chatted yo a guy from Texas st breakfast today  snd he said its a good place to live as there's a good social life. He had lived in Matagalpa where I visited four years ago. I also talked to a Japanese chap who plans to make his way down to San Carlos and on to Costa Rica.  

After Allison left I had a rest then went in search of Pali supermarket to find some bits to take back to Ometepe. I followed Google maps, well actually I chose a route that looked easier, but backtracked when I found myself in one of the barrios that liked a bit dubious. I didnt feel threatened or in danger but sensed that maybe it wasn't the best place to be. I found a huge open market, buzzing with life then after a couple more turns through streets full of street vendors I found Pali. I came out with a pot of jam, tin of sardines, two packets of dehydrated soup and a jar of olives, all to add some variety to my evening snacks.  I had slightly lost my directions as I came out further along the central square than expected! 

After that I had an early night and prepared for my return journey. 

Marlon arrived promptly, and we chatted in the taxi. He said my Spanish has improved a lot. He is a mine of information, so now he's searching for the cigars my rotary colleague wants. He also has info about motorhomes and campsites, so I may be able to help another rotary caravanning group which could be a big earner for the project. The most important thing about being here is the networking and connections which is how you get things done!

So now it's home to Ometepe where I'll be collected off the ferry and looked after again. And this week Patrick arrives and Marlon is going to make him speak Spanish!