Post date: Jan 7, 2013 12:56:47 PM
I arrived in Nicaragua. Brought two big duffel bags with electrical supplies and tools. It looked funny on the x-ray at customs so I was inspected, but the agent saw the labels on the boxes and passed me through quickly.
Checked wiring in office. Basically OK except for a few outlets connected reverse, which I'll fix tomorrow. They have need for much office work: coordinating volunteers, deliveries, coop work, and marketing.
I've met over a dozen gringos, including three offspring, and about another dozen Nicas. The volunteer coordinator is new 40-yr old from Ireland. He sleeps upstairs, too, in next cell. I think we get more breeze upstairs.
Bucknell University Brigade arrives tomorrow eve.
Many new sounds during the night...
We seem to be on a main thoroughfare, so trucks ran late. Reasonably quiet by 1am - the last time I looked at the clock. One door kept slamming in the wind - I will definitely have to find it and make sure it latches the first time. Some sound like small rocks hitting a metal roof. That one is a mystery.
Of course the roosters did their job at dawn, so I was awake at 6am. Trucks and buses going full steam now. New bird sounds, too.
Breakfast materials are provided, but it is up to each of us to fix our own. I'll go start coffee soon. Since I didn't get the coffee brewing on my first attempt, I tested all the outlets. Upstairs all wired correctly but downstairs all backwards. Have to fix these before the kids arrive.
Bunk was comfy enough. No roommate, so my tools and suitcase occupy the top level. Don't need a humidifier for my CPAP - there is enough humidity already!
Got coffee brewing but can't find utensils. The DeLonghi 12-cupper won't be big enough for the delegation. And it is held together with a bungee cord. It was probably a gift.
Thanks for the towel. I need it. I'm getting much dirtier than I thought. Will need to change trousers tomorrow, while I can wear pants for two weeks at home. Got dorm kitchen outlets rewired - four were reversed and one burned out. Taking a break before lunch.
We visited the only Nica-owned supermarket. Prices for most goods at least double the US price, but the goods are all imported. Students could buy a three-pack of rum for about $20, which they consider cheap.
Tomorrow is clinic day. They asked for translators for the two visiting docs. At least two of the students are fluent in Spanish. I've met and talked with several. Over half are girls on the trip. Most kids fro Midwest but one from Portland Me, one Denver, one Klammath, Oregon.
I'll try to buy minutes for the borrowed cell phone and get it working tomorrow.