Delivery of 18 boxes!

Over the weekend I was advised to rest by my helpers here; they think I have been too busy,  but I had four visitors from the family on Saturday and a birthday party on Sunday involving musicians. It was a great traditional occasion and it was lovely to spend time with the family again and meet some new people. We were also celebrating the graduation of Jesus and Jordy. Amada didn't arrive. She has lost her telephone and we cannot seem to get in touch.

Monday had been organised by Jose and was the day of the box delivery, which had involved him in a lot of organisation. On Sunday he took funds to Moyagalpa which were passed to the ferry captain and signed for. On Monday Marlon, our taxi driver,  drove to Managua, collected the parcels and tried to do a bit of shopping.

He brought everything back to San Jorge. Then Jose and Francisco who had gone in place of the Headteacher, went in search of shopping in Rivas. They managed to source footballs, the replacement computer part and collect the musical instruments. All coming under budget. 

 Eventually all returned to Urbaite, having collected 18 boxes, paid ferry taxes and loaded and unloaded. Marlon will collect and send the football's later in the week. For $5. I am thrilled that I now have a trusty team here to help orchestrate things locally. They are all working so hard and appreciate the contribution to the community. Jose seems to be in his element when he has responsibility and work to do. He looked less relaxed at the party!

Meanwhile I had a more leisurely day on Ometepe. I walked to the Ojo  de Agua to meet Marvin. Actually Marvin and Jordy turned up on a borrowed scooter. We were meeting Roger a local artisan. He showed me his jewellery made from local materials.

I bought $20 worth which pleased him and ordered a couple more items.he said he would show me how to make them, but what I'm thinking is, classes for the local women, like Carina whom  we met last week. Something to ponder on. But meanwhile I have a few local items to taka back to sell.

With a bit of difficulty we returned to Urbaite. The police were doing transport checks and Allan couldn't get there on his motorbike. So Jordy and I went by the short cut ( he doesn't yet have a license) , then returned for his father.

We then spent the afternoon in a leisurely fashion, talking and exchanging information about our countries whilst workmen brought baskets of oranges for collection.

I made a trip to the local libreria for more copies of my receipts. It is an interesting little shed with a dirt floor and a copy machine. The rolls of bags and paper are strung from a beam on a pole held with string. The capacity to live cheaply with the things that are easily to hand is admirable.  Later after meeting Jose we followed a group of children in the street using a stick and an old bicycle tyre as a hoop and stick, playing with such skill. 

Miraculously after Jose and I had sorted all the receipts and worked out the money, it all balanced when I got back to the hostel!