I have been in Managua now for the past four days. Today may be the day where I have the chance to leave and go to the department capital of Chinandega.
I had come to Managua to give a charla with my counterpart and we traveled through torrents of rain and witnessed flooding on both sides of the highway. Farmland looked like swamps and the microbus had to slow down and wade through flooded sections of road. Upon our arrival I was informed that the department of Chinandega was in a state of emergency and all of the volunteers were being “consolidated” to the department capital of Chinandega City… unless they were in Managua whereupon they would stay there for the duration of the consolidation period.
So now here I am… still in managua with the few clothes that I had packed for a supposedly short trip turned terribly long. I believe that we will be able to get back to the department capital soon and stay there but the Northern Alliance Cats wont be able to get back to our sites until they reopen the highway which is officially closed as is the border crossing.
Here is the link for those who can make do with spanish. Im talking about you Mrs. Hook’s class.
Read on.
Flooding in Chinandega
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey Lucian,
Thanks for the update. A paid vacation with no extra clothes and no where to go. But, you do get to spend time with the other volunteers; so, that’s something. I feel so badly for the Nicas; what they don’t need is more devastation. Such strong people, I’m sure they’ll pull out of this one as well. Too bad they are always tested regarding the amount in which they must endure. On a more positive note, we look so forward to seeing you very soon. Take care and stay dry. I love you very much,
Mama
XXXXOOOO
Hi Lucian! I was thinking of you this morning and thought I would write and say hello. Congratulations on your new house. Hope you get back there soon. Never a dull moment huh? Hang in there. We are always thinking of you and of course love you very much!!!!!
xo,
Lisa, Glenn, Jacqueline & Nicholas
What a ride you and your folks are taking. As one once said, “If it does’nt kill you, it will make you stronger”. You are learning to endure the struggles of the Nica folks for sure. I think you will always maintain your humality for all that struggle.
With Gratitude and in Struggle,
To Padre, con amour.
Hi Lucian,
I have been travelling for the last two weeks and only just read your latest blog entry. Quite an experience you’re having there. I understand that, sadly, for the Nicaraguans heavy flooding is a recurring event during the rainy season from July till October. Hopefully things will have improved by now. Hang in there!
Greetings from the PZs in Rome.
hey lu-man…
counting down the days until you are in the U S of A. have you thought at all about what you want to do for New Years? we have been talking about having a last harah here in richmond. so if you are interested… hope all is well in nica… we will have to look into my visit when you are home for the holidays. cant wait. love ya miss ya… be safe!!!
Luciano,
So you ran out of clean underwear in Managua?! Just like college
I assume you are back home now and doing well. We’ll be thinking of you even more during Thanksgiving and will be looking forward to seeing you shortly. Take care little cuz, we’re proud of you.
Love,
- Todd & Amee
Manolo!! Thank you soooo much for the shout outs to my class and especially the link to the flooding article. We will be focusing on Central America soon and I will have them read it then. I hope you are safe and dry now and not too bored. I’m sure Thanksgiving was one you’ll not forget.
Con amor,
Sra. Hook
Hola Lucian!
I called your mom at work for some information and a quick catchup on you and Jill so when she said you had a blog…well, here I am.
My daughter Heather was PC Nepal in the mid ’90’s and she still finds Nepalese useful. Somehow I don’t think you’ll have any doubts about being able to use your Spanish. I read several of your blog entries and enjoyed your balance of humor & information.
If you’re trying to piece together name and face (for me) I was married to Michael Durland for several years in the ’90s so I mostly knew you and your sister through the Girl Scout troop and his daughters, Jen & Mary.
Back in March 2001 I went to Costa Rica for a week’s vacation. It was quite something–from the earthquake fault in the NW, semi-active volcano and phenomenal countryside to the banananananana plantations and sandy beaches farther south and east. It was my first visit to our southern neighbors and I was so impressed. Your view is so much more in depth. I’ll keep reading your blog with interest. Thanks for doing PC–I’d been accepted to PC Upper Volta (Africa) but chose Red Cross and Vietnam instead since ARC’s offer let me finish college first. PC wanted me in April of my Sr. year. I don’t THINK so!
Thanks again for your service.
Holley Watts
Verona, VA