Sunday Soccer

Yesterday was another rest day as we slept in. We met mid-day to watch the final game of the Confederations Cup in South Africa (the "pre-World Cup"). The United States played the mighty Brazil for the championship after beating Spain. The U.S. played well in the first half, reaching a 2-0 lead. The second half was another story, with Brazil dominating and wining the game. Rosaly was very happy! Kurt and Gianni went home to relax and play. The rest of the gang caught up with friends and family at an Internet cafe and then visited the Euro Cafe as usual for food, drink and conversation. With it being Rosaly's last night with us, we attempted to go out after dinner. The rains came hard again, the power went out and we waited. When the weather finally settled we went down to La Calzada for food. We said our goodbyes to Rosaly in the rain and she left for Managua at 4:00 am this morning. ¡Adios Rosaly! Que te vaya bien.

Los Angeles Adventure

Yesterday, we went on a day-long adventure to visit Emma’s host family from last summer in Los Angeles. We met early for coffee at a nearby café and then headed down to the public bus station. We found seats on the bus early, and proceeded to sit there for about 40 minutes in the heat, as the bus filled to standing room only. The two and a half hour ride to Los Angeles was hot!


The bus traveled along the north shore of Lake Nicaragua until it reached a river crossing. The bus then drove up on a barge, which was attached to a cable. A modified motor pulled us across the river (via the cable), quite the experience! Gianni and Porter had climbed up on the roof of the bus for the crossing. When we arrived at the other side, the bus driver took off quickly, leaving the boys “stuck” on the roof. They had the best time finishing out the last hour of the ride from above.


We arrived in Los Angeles to warm greetings. After sharing gifts, pictures and stories. We sat down for conversation, games and refreshments on the front porch. Gianni and Porter played soccer with several boys. The visit was too short. We said our goodbyes and headed back to Granada on the bus. The return trip was quicker and the bus was not as full. After dinner, it was, you guessed it, another night of dancing!

Photos from this adventure start here.

Rest Day

After two days of excursions, Friday was a day of rest. In the afternoon we went for a long walk around town and enjoyed more conversation in the courtyard of the Euro Café. After dinner it was another night of dance lessons at Casa Xalteva and then early to bed.

Masaya Markets

On Thursday, we went shopping in the nearby city of Masaya. We started at the new, peoples market, buying crafts and gifts to bring home. Everything was very cheap. The prize purchase was Porter’s new machete. Next, we went to the more famous artisan market for more shopping. While we were there, we were treated to a show of traditional dance and song. We stat down for dinner next to stage right and ate as we watched two, more modern, rock bands. When we arrived home, we cleaned up and headed out for another night of dancing!

El Volcán Masaya

Sorry for not posting yesterday. The power went out for most of the day and we had a busy evening of shopping, dinner, watching a concert and dancing. More to come on that in the next post.


Wednesday evening, we went on our first excursion to the Masaya Volcano. It was an incredible adventure. After entering Nicaragua's first national park, we spent a half hour learning about the volcano at a museum. Next, we drove to the top of the active crater. It was a long way down to the hole of fire! A guide from the park joined us as we walked to a summit overlook (the cross). The views of the craters and countryside were incredible in the waning sky. On the way down the wind shifted and we raced to the bottom, coughing, to avoid the sulfur-laced smoke. We climbed to the highest crater for more views and explanations of the area.


On to the caves we went. After getting geared up, we climbed down in a lava tube. We made it to 200 vertical feet below the surface. Roots from plants were still growing, seeking out moisture and bat poop for nutrients. We went to another lava tube that is closed to human traffic. We took turns entering the mouth of the cave. As night fell thousands of bats flew out over and around our heads. There are some incredible pictures to see as the bats came inches from us on their way out.


By now, the dark of night was well upon us. We went to another overlook to see the active crater hole. We could see the large glow of lava and smoke directly below us as we clung to a cement pole. Unfortunately, pictures of the lava didn't come out. However, we did post many more pictures from Wednesday, so be sure to take a look.

Day Three Preview

Classes this morning, then lunch and a relax. At 3:30 we are leaving for an excursion to the active Masaya Volcano. We are going to visit a museum, explore caves, hike to the summit and watch the lava at night. Check back tomorrow morning for updates.

A Hot One

Another day of lessons, lunch, a tour and dancing...after lunch we walked the beach area along Lake Nicaragua and then stopped for refreshments at a cafe on the way home. After dinner, it was dance lessons again, this time bachata. We just uploaded 50 pictures from Emma's camera, so check out the photos.

Dance Lessons

Casa Xalteva had two women come teach us salsa. Next time it's the bachata. Gianni took this short video.

End of Day One

After lunch and a siesta we spent the afternoon touring a school, orphanage and the main market. We stopped at a cafe on the park for a chat. We went back to our respective homes for dinner. Dance lessons are on tap for this evening. Follow us via photos. More to come tomorrow...

More About Casa Xalteva

If you've checked out the Casa Xalteva website, you know that it is more than a Spanish language school. They also take in select, neglected children and essentially raise them. They support 15 kids currently. They provide them with 3 meals a day, clothing and extra schooling (most are several grade levels behind). Public school is only a 1/2 day in Nicaragua, so the kids are expected to come to Casa Xalteva for the other half day. Their staff, along with foreign volunteers, teach the kids. This afternoon we are going on a tour of the city and will be visiting other organizations that help children. We are going to decide where, when and with whom we'll volunteer to help.

Classes Have Begun

We arrived as planned yesterday and everyone is working hard in Spanish classes as I write. We had a long day of travel yesterday, waking at 5:00 am and finally getting to sleep around 10:00 pm Nicaraguan time (that's midnight on the east coast). All three of our flights were more or less on time, but with layovers, ground transportation, customs, etc., it made for a lengthy day. Rosaly joined our group in Miami as planned. The bus dropped us off in our respective houses last night. After getting to know our host families we hit the hay. We awoke early, had breakfast and met up at Casa Xalteva at 8:00 am. We met the staff and children, and then everyone went off with their teachers. Jasmine and Emma share a teacher, while the others will recieve 36 hours of one-on-one instruction.

Ready to Go

Our bags are packed and in the car.... We hope everyone else's stuff fits. Have passports, will travel. Elizabeth, Emma, and Porter

Homestays and Food

This is a cool video on homestays and food in Granada.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrcN3NlD6g8

New Video on Casa Xalteva

Check out this new video on Casa Xalteva. Unfortunately, it is slow to download and watch, but worth it.

Last Minute

We are all packing, wondering if we brought too much or too little. Once we are there, it won't matter :)

5 Days

We leave in just 5 days!