Managua again and Home

While on the island we stayed at a lovely hotel called Charco Verde. One of its attractions was a butterfly garden. There were beautiful plants and, of course, butterflies. We left the island on Monday and returned to Managua to catch the plane home. As we were scheduled to leave at midnight, we had the whole day to explore. This was the only day that it rained. Some members of the group were exhausted and ‘under the weather’ so they headed back to the Best Western while others took in a tour of the city. Along the way we stopped and did a bit more shopping and visited a crater that was formed from a volcano. Nicaragua’s version of the Grand Canyon--no mules; horses for the trail. We arrived back in Boston in time for lunch--more crackers in the car. There’s no place like home.

Hotel Views
	You probably can't tell that all of those shadows in the background are windmills.
This is totally staged. Rest was hard to come by.
	Young kiddos would make folded art from palm reeds which they would get the tourists to buy.
Where is AAA?	It's almost repaired.  Dogs everywhere, acting like they are part of the family--where is Bob Barker?
Scenes from the crater.

Ometepe

Ometepe is the largest island in Lake Nicaragua and was formed by two volcanoes. Its name means two mountains. (It’s Nicaragua’s version of Block Island). We toured the island --visited the volcano and a lagoon.

Flag of Nicaragua	Waiting for the ferry.
And more ferry waiting.	Oh, here it comes.
Table Cell Boarding.	Election advertisement.
Do you think they'll make it?	Hook Family at the volcano.
	A real lunch --skipping the crackers today.
The Lagoon--some watched.	Some swam--that's K Hook.
Some jumped--Mary Grace and James.	And then the refreshing splash.

Granada

The remaining few days in Nicaragua were for sightseeing and relaxing. We arrived in Granada, a city with few labeled street names (another challenge for the driver) on Friday afternoon. After checking into the beautiful Hotel Real LaMerced we went to dinner on the famous Rodeo Drive (don’t think Beverly Hills). This Rodeo Drive is a strip of restaurants (think more Food Court) with many options. Things pick up here at around 8:30 pm when street performers begin their shows. Many people come to your table looking for money or even unfinished food. Regarding the food-- it is very much hit or miss. We stayed in Granada for 2 nights. The second night we went to the El Tercerojo (cultured cuisine) which was a bit more predictable and twice as costly.

We did a bunch of different things while in the city, horse and buggy ride city tour, shopping in Messiah, relaxing at the pool.

The Hotel Real LaMerced from the top of the tower.	The pool was inside but open to the sky--very cool!
Oh, really!	Nancy was our translator--all those Spanish summer immersion camps paid off! Nice job.
Granada city tour.	Horse diaper (Kramer needed this in Central Park)
JMV outside of the oldest house in Granada--the ElRecodo.	Rodeo Drive at night.
These views seem pretty good too!
	More tower views.
Last evening in Granada--dinner, (should I say supper?) at  El Tercerojo.	And an Asian decor at the restaurant.
Broken down vehicle--change in plans.	Last breakfast at Hotel Real LaMerced.

The Beneficiaries

We spent two days with the volunteers from the Rainbow Network. During this time we were given the opportunity to meet different recipients who have benefited from the work of the Rainbow Network. The items in the container filled by the Cole Middle School community was distributed through this non-profit organization. We met Nicaraguans from El Prado, Ciudad Dario and Nagarote. The Rainbow Network has information on their site succinctly explaining what they are able to accomplish with very little money and a big vision. It was amazing to see and hear the stories from families and individuals. People who just needed to have their basic needs (food, clothing and shelter) met. Some of them could now move forward in fulfilling their dreams of an education and medical attention. This is a story best told in pictures.

Mom so happy to show us her home and her family. She received a micro enterprise loan and is running a business from her home.	Mrs. Vaughn lining up those blocks.
Three generations living in this house. The bicycle was given as transportation to school.	Katie learned English in nine months and was taking advantage of the 'practice' opportunity.
A recipent of one of the toys.	The ice cream line after a hot afternoon working in the sun.
Distribution of hair bows.	Queso
No seatbelt laws here.	The stroller that JMV donated was given to this little kiddo--a victim of microcephaly.
Students at the school showcasing some of their talents and skills.	The Cole Middle School label on one of the donations.
Mrs Hook with Diego who is so pleased with his new gloves and soccer ball.	The dentist at one of the community clinics.
A new home.	At school.