A Part of the Team

My coworkers Nicaragua went above and beyond in making me feel welcome and part of the team. 

It was much more than the party they held when we arrived. Every day they asked after me, doing little things requested and unasked for to make my visit go more smoothly. 

Alvaro getting a hammock for me.

For example, Evelyn arranged a special stop of the express bus so I could get to the airport quickly and comfortably. Salvador came in extra early to wish me goodbye. Alvaro took me to the bus stop and while we were waiting by the hammock stand and bought me a hammock to bring home. Walter stopped his motorcycle on his way to work and Evelyn go off her bus early to join us for the send off, so I had a big group waving good bye as the bus pulled away.

Vegan chicharones and fresh salad

And it wasn't just them. Joel Nahun and Darlin invited me into their home for two vegetarian meals a day, always accompanied by a drink made from fruit or oats or soy.  They and their lovely housekeeper Faviola made me vegetarian versions of many traditional foods, including chicharones and nacatamales. They invited me on their family outings on the weekends. 

My very own "feo" nacatamales.

Several people generously invited me to their homes, doing their best to provide vegetarian food that would not make my poor gringa stomach sick. I especially appreciated the lunch with Salvador, his brother, and their friend Chris, an ex-Peace Corp volunteer, who is one of the few gringos in San Isidro. We passed the afternoon discussing culture, politics and religion, and I enjoyed myself immensely. 

Everyone handled my clumsy pronunciation and lack of comprehension with grace. Even more, they overlooked my lack of knowledge of their culture and my sometimes awkward introversion, and continued to welcome me warmly. 

Thank you Nicaraguan friends for helping me feel so at home! I look forward to seeing you again some day!