Day One

Day One

After a long, but exciting day of traveling, we are finally in Managua! We arrived today around noon Nicaragua time. We were graciously greeted by 2 UPOLI faculty members who welcomed us and escorted us to our hotel. Our hotel is so different from what I thought it would be! Fabuloso though, it’s comfortable, personal and perfectly picturesque. I’m so excited to call it home for the next 2 weeks.

After dropping by the Hotel, we went to an amazing resaurant where we had our first real taste of Nicaragua. It was in-cre-ible! I will never forget the Jugo de Naranja y Zanahoria (Orange and carrot juice). One of the UPOLI faculty members, we shall call her “M” shared stories and enlightened us about Nicaraguan foods and fruits. Then we visited the Palacio de Managua and made a visit to the market to buy snacks. The Palacio was a government building built in the early 1930’s that was later turned into a museum. We took a tour and learned a great deal about Nicaraguan history, from the volcanoes to contemporary art. What a great way to be introduced to the country! We were then driven around the city where we conducted a windshield survey. We have lots to learn and experience in the next 13 days, that’s for sure. I can’t wait.--Sarah

Sarah’s first impression:

-Healthcare. When standing in line waiting for customs, CI Jane and I noticed two healthcare workers (physicians maybe?) greeting people as they passed through customs prepared to assist anyone in need. Although this was my first and only glimpse of the Nicaraguan healthcare system today, I liked what I saw so far. I’m excited to have my first real taste of the UPOLI nursing school and touring healthcare facilities tomorrow and this week.

-Colors. Every home is unique with its own color, design and personality. From bright pink homes to neon green to carolina blue (woo), every home is its own. Also, the Nicaragua landscape is so lush – from the banana trees in full bloom, to the palm trees to even the grass.

I wish I could put into words everything I took in today. Between the colors, the smells, the people, I was definitely in a state of culture shock, and I liked it. I’m absolutely exhausted and will write more later, but I’m excited about the next 12 days.

Alicia:
Obvio, I fell in love with the greenery as soon as we hit the tarmac. Other things that enchanted me immediately:

- Being surrounded by the spanish language once again. I’m hoping that the 12 day immersion will force my medical spanish to flow forth fluently.

- Meeting our hosts from UPOLI-- Doñas M y Don Jose M. We got the hook-up! Additionally, CI Jane is truly a pip and a calm traveler too. She is an Nurse Practioner who has visited about 10 countries in Central and South America. A new role model indeed.

- Spanish language TV. I just flipped from "High School Musical 2" en espanol to a man reading today’s closing numbers from the stock exchange...while wearing an eyepatch. I think Channel Ochenta is my new “good night” TV.

- The afternoon rain storm. I was surely sweating out every water soluble vitamin in my tissues at the museum until a lively rain and breeze jumped out of the sky to welcome us. Brillante!

- The supermarket, La Union. We stopped off to stock up on some basic groceries to keep in our hotel. One of my favorite activities--no matter what region I am in--is grocery shopping! What’s on sale? Which is the best bite for your buck (or Cordoba, as is the currency in Nicaragua)? Which cereal has the most fiber content?! I found soy milk powder to accompany my morning cereal. Just add water!
Tomorrow, we make more friends as we travel to UPOLI for our first glimpse at Nursing school, Nicaraguense Style.

Now we are about to fall into our respective camas (= beds) but cheers to safe flights, new friends, and fresh gallo pinto.
Buenas noches Nicaragua!
Sara y Alicia