Well I have been here over a week and am all settled in. Today started off pretty badly, some kind of food sickness and lots of regurgitation, but it happens and ended up being a pretty good day anyways. Washed all my clothes, and am very glad that our Fern house has a washer and dryer because it makes things a lot easier. Then I had lunch with the family I'm staying with. It was delicious! It was an argentine dish, and the best steak I've ever had (although I'm not knocking your grilling abilities dad). This evening I went to church with the housekeeper Natalia, and hell didn't freeze over (aren't you proud ceecee?). The mass was pretty much the same as a mass in a Catholic church in the states.
So overall I have had a pretty good weekend. Yesterday I went to the Mercado Oriental, which was pretty much the same as all the ones in China. Hot, smelly, crowded and lots of people trying to pull you towards their stand. Sounds fun huh? Well it's something to experience none the less.
Last night I went out for my first night on the town with some girls from work. It was a lot of fun and the beer here is pretty good. I was however told that Nicaragua is best known for its rum, which I'm supposed to try when we go out Wednesday for ladies night! Nicaragua has no drinking age; however, a lot of the bars and discotecas are only supposed to admit people that are 18 or older. There are also a lot of casinos in Managua.
So as I continue to backtrack through my time here, my first week of work went well. I'm so impressed by the work that they do at the FDL. Everyone is always very busy. Most of the day I'm just sitting at my computer doing research for my report, but this coming week I'm supposed to conduct interviews with the managers. It's a little difficult at times because most of the people at work do not speak English, so it is hard for me to be as hands on as I would like to be, but my spanish is slowly improving and I am trying to make the best of the situation anyways. I have already learned a lot about the industry and funding NGOs.
I will be with the FDL for three more weeks, and then I think I am going to go to Xela, Guatemala to take classes at a spanish school for three weeks. I am excited about that because it's five hours of class a day, and it's one on one with the profesor so I should be pretty good by the time I come back!
Overall I am really enjoying my time here. Everyone has been so nice to me and I am looking forward to travelling around Nicaragua more. I miss everyone at home, tell my little porkchop of a boyfriend I said hello! haha y hasta luego.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
Vida Tranquila
Today was my first day of work with the FDL. Excited to be out doing something for the day I awoke to my alarm ,got ready, and was about to go get breakfast when I looked at my watch and realized it was only 6:30, and I didn't have to be there until 8:30. Looks like I forgot to adjust my alarm to the time change...oops!
You can check out the organization I am working for at http://www.fdl.org.ni/index.en. They are an NGO and one of the largest Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Nicaragua. The difference between them and other Nicaraguan MFIs is that the majority of their portfolio consists of the poorest rural farmers, rather than the richest of the poor (not that there's anything wrong with helping the richest of the poor-oxymoronic?). While interning with the FDL I will be developing a report and action plan to obtain funds from the United States to improve such things as information systems which help to regulate MFIs.
MFIs and other related organizations have proven to be effective in helping relieve poverty. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Central America with 46% of the population living in poverty (less than $2 a day) and 15% living in extreme poverty (less than $1 a day).
The majority of the poverty is concentrated in rural areas; however, it is still prevalent in big cities such as Managua (where I am). Just the other day when I was waiting for a taxi after the theater I looked up across the street to see a big field filled with tents made from tarps and garbage bags. They were homes to hundreds of men, women and children. Should I even mention that it had just stopped terentially down pouring?
Suddenly my problems felt pretty insignificant. I hailed a cab and headed back to my hostal. The taxi ride back took about five minutes, and once in the neighborhood of los robles you would think you were in a different country. The street I live on is lined with cute homes that often serve as businesses as well. All of them are walled in, open aired and brightly colored. They generally have a garden in the front or back and a nice car or two parked in the driveway. Grant it I have a few critters crawling around my room, but they are just good company (except for the spiders which I killed...all by myself).
The Hostal, or guesthome, where I am staying is run by Dona Ida (Dona is a term of respect, like Mrs.), and there are 5 bedrooms for guests. Also living in the house are her husband, son and two housekeepers. The one housekeeper, Natalia, takes good care of me. She works every day from about 5 in the morning until 10 at night. She and the other housekeeper clean, cook and do all the laundry. Natalia is only 19. She attends school on Saturdays and is trying to learn english. Most nights we sit together in the kitchen and I help her with her English homework, and she laughs at my attempt to speak spanish. I can't help but wonder when she ever gets to go have fun, but I know she is probably a lot better off then the rest of her family that lives in a rural town outside of managua.
Often times I have gotten irritated by the fact that my travelling is limited because I am alone, and that I can't go out after 7:00 because it gets dark. I felt like I was going to miss out on seeing and doing so many different things, but now I'm begining to realize that if other people were here with me I would probably miss out on the relationships I'm forming with the local people here.
That's all for now, but if anyone reading this is interested in getting involved with microfinancing I strongly encougae you to check out the website www.kiva.org. It's a great example of how technology can be used to make a difference, as it allows you to help people from all of the world with a few simple clicks.
Hasta Luego!
You can check out the organization I am working for at http://www.fdl.org.ni/index.en. They are an NGO and one of the largest Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Nicaragua. The difference between them and other Nicaraguan MFIs is that the majority of their portfolio consists of the poorest rural farmers, rather than the richest of the poor (not that there's anything wrong with helping the richest of the poor-oxymoronic?). While interning with the FDL I will be developing a report and action plan to obtain funds from the United States to improve such things as information systems which help to regulate MFIs.
MFIs and other related organizations have proven to be effective in helping relieve poverty. Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Central America with 46% of the population living in poverty (less than $2 a day) and 15% living in extreme poverty (less than $1 a day).
The majority of the poverty is concentrated in rural areas; however, it is still prevalent in big cities such as Managua (where I am). Just the other day when I was waiting for a taxi after the theater I looked up across the street to see a big field filled with tents made from tarps and garbage bags. They were homes to hundreds of men, women and children. Should I even mention that it had just stopped terentially down pouring?
Suddenly my problems felt pretty insignificant. I hailed a cab and headed back to my hostal. The taxi ride back took about five minutes, and once in the neighborhood of los robles you would think you were in a different country. The street I live on is lined with cute homes that often serve as businesses as well. All of them are walled in, open aired and brightly colored. They generally have a garden in the front or back and a nice car or two parked in the driveway. Grant it I have a few critters crawling around my room, but they are just good company (except for the spiders which I killed...all by myself).
The Hostal, or guesthome, where I am staying is run by Dona Ida (Dona is a term of respect, like Mrs.), and there are 5 bedrooms for guests. Also living in the house are her husband, son and two housekeepers. The one housekeeper, Natalia, takes good care of me. She works every day from about 5 in the morning until 10 at night. She and the other housekeeper clean, cook and do all the laundry. Natalia is only 19. She attends school on Saturdays and is trying to learn english. Most nights we sit together in the kitchen and I help her with her English homework, and she laughs at my attempt to speak spanish. I can't help but wonder when she ever gets to go have fun, but I know she is probably a lot better off then the rest of her family that lives in a rural town outside of managua.
Often times I have gotten irritated by the fact that my travelling is limited because I am alone, and that I can't go out after 7:00 because it gets dark. I felt like I was going to miss out on seeing and doing so many different things, but now I'm begining to realize that if other people were here with me I would probably miss out on the relationships I'm forming with the local people here.
That's all for now, but if anyone reading this is interested in getting involved with microfinancing I strongly encougae you to check out the website www.kiva.org. It's a great example of how technology can be used to make a difference, as it allows you to help people from all of the world with a few simple clicks.
Hasta Luego!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Chica Loca y Mas Joven
The plane rides to Managua were quick and painless, I slept most of the way and was very excited for my new adventure. Few doubts entered my mind about whether or not I was capable of doing this. I was confident and derived strength from my crazy past experiences in China and Alaska. The only difference this time though is that I have no travel buddies, and I am finding that it makes a big difference.
I was picked up at the airport by a man holding a sign that read, "Senor Jordan, FDL." I figured that was me despite the fact that he thought I was a man. He took me the the headquarters of where I will be working (FDL, fondo de desarollo local) where I was met by the woman who I had been in correspandce with (Elizabeth). She was also surprised to find that I am a girl, and a young one at that, so they all keep telling me (mas joven!).
Very few people speek english at the FDL, and as I sat there I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. I do not understand a whole lot of what they are saying unless they talk directly to me and slow it down a bit. Elizabeth began to explain to me what the plan would be for me for the day, and I understood the majority of what she said but was a little overwhelmed with uncertainty, as she could tell. She then went to get an assistant who spoke English.
She then told me that today they would take me to where I would be staying and give me some things to read about the FDL and monday we would go over a work plan for me. She then asked how long I would with them for; and I replied until August 10th of course. The look on their faces was not comforting! How long they both said! So now I sat there overwhelmed and confused because I had cleared the duration of my stay with Elizabeth earlier. They suggested that I may want to change my flight to an earlier day, but all of that will be disucussed further on Monday I guess!
The guesthome I am staying is beautiful and quaint. It's located in a nice barrio (or neighborhood) and has five bedrooms. It's clean and my host madre is so very nice and is trying to help me with my spanish, lord knows I need it. I am currently sitting outside in the jardin (garden) and enjoying the nice day.
Earlier I went for a walk to a near bye park where boys were playing soccer and then went to the mall and grocery store. I am somewhat shocked by the differences here compared to China. The poverty is much more extensive here, and it humbles me completely to look at the shambles that most of these people live in. Nicaragua has two classes, the very rich and the very poor, so you see extreme differences when you go from one neighborhood to the next. The city has still not recovered from the earthquake that devasted it in the 70's, and tourism in Managua is somewhat limited.
All of the people that I have encountered thus far have been so nice to me; however, I am still hesitant to travel a lot by myself. Tomorrow I plan on going to the theater and exploring some other historical parts of managua (but don't worry mom, I won't go out alone when it gets dark!).
So for now I think I'm going to go do some reading. I'll post again soon and no worries I'm safe!
I was picked up at the airport by a man holding a sign that read, "Senor Jordan, FDL." I figured that was me despite the fact that he thought I was a man. He took me the the headquarters of where I will be working (FDL, fondo de desarollo local) where I was met by the woman who I had been in correspandce with (Elizabeth). She was also surprised to find that I am a girl, and a young one at that, so they all keep telling me (mas joven!).
Very few people speek english at the FDL, and as I sat there I began to wonder what I had gotten myself into. I do not understand a whole lot of what they are saying unless they talk directly to me and slow it down a bit. Elizabeth began to explain to me what the plan would be for me for the day, and I understood the majority of what she said but was a little overwhelmed with uncertainty, as she could tell. She then went to get an assistant who spoke English.
She then told me that today they would take me to where I would be staying and give me some things to read about the FDL and monday we would go over a work plan for me. She then asked how long I would with them for; and I replied until August 10th of course. The look on their faces was not comforting! How long they both said! So now I sat there overwhelmed and confused because I had cleared the duration of my stay with Elizabeth earlier. They suggested that I may want to change my flight to an earlier day, but all of that will be disucussed further on Monday I guess!
The guesthome I am staying is beautiful and quaint. It's located in a nice barrio (or neighborhood) and has five bedrooms. It's clean and my host madre is so very nice and is trying to help me with my spanish, lord knows I need it. I am currently sitting outside in the jardin (garden) and enjoying the nice day.
Earlier I went for a walk to a near bye park where boys were playing soccer and then went to the mall and grocery store. I am somewhat shocked by the differences here compared to China. The poverty is much more extensive here, and it humbles me completely to look at the shambles that most of these people live in. Nicaragua has two classes, the very rich and the very poor, so you see extreme differences when you go from one neighborhood to the next. The city has still not recovered from the earthquake that devasted it in the 70's, and tourism in Managua is somewhat limited.
All of the people that I have encountered thus far have been so nice to me; however, I am still hesitant to travel a lot by myself. Tomorrow I plan on going to the theater and exploring some other historical parts of managua (but don't worry mom, I won't go out alone when it gets dark!).
So for now I think I'm going to go do some reading. I'll post again soon and no worries I'm safe!
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