Thursday came and went quickly. The “La Empresa Creativa” competition was a big success with over than 200 students, teachers, volunteers, and the general public participating in the event. I worked tirelessly during the 4 hour long event and unfortunately did not get to enjoy myself until the judges were tallying up the score. Still I had a great time announcing the winners of various categories and even did a little dance for some of my students. In the end, a group from Berta Pacheco (my rural school) won with the anti-flea dog shampoo and second place went to a group from Ticuantepe that has a product called piñmani (a jelly like substance that combined pineapple and peanuts, pretty tasty). I was completely surprised by the results given the fact that the winners had done little to no work on their business plan but that is life. Now I will be working with the group to get them ready for the national competition on November 12. After the competition I went to get a huge hamburger and reflected. I think I am still reflecting a bit and now just need to write thank you notes.
This past Saturday I moved into house number 4. Yep, thats right. Already on my fourth house in Granada. In this one, I am renting a room for 80 bucks a month….my budget exactly. The house is owned by a foreigner but he doesnt come back until December so it is just me and the permanent caretaker. The house is very big but VERY basic. And for the first time in five weeks, I do not have a washing machine so back to hand washing. Yay! Or I might pay someone to do it. I dont think I will stay in the house for a long time and I am still hoping to find something that I can call my home. Cross your fingers!
Honestly I did not have much time to rest after the competition and just had to move onto the next thing. School ends mid-November so I am trying to finish up with all my classes, communicate with my directors and counterparts, and wrap things up in the best way possible. I also now have to shift gears and start doing some other community work including working with my NGO that I have neglected during the past few weeks. I definitely keep busy here. I just started playing in another basketball league with a new team and we lost our first game (I played pretty poorly so I will have to fix that). I continue going to the gym although sporadically. I still have to shop and cook for myself. I am planning my family’s trip down to Nicaragua. Did I mention that they are coming between Dec 27 and Jan 7!?!?! I am totally pumped. I watched Jeopardy the past three days because my cousin Mathew was the reigning Jeopardy champion until he lost today. Who else has a cousin they can call Jeopardy champion? Didnt think so. I am making my first trip out of town this upcoming weekend as I head to Matagalpa for an unofficial Peace Corps Halloween party….still dont know what to do for the costume. Please send suggestions!
So yeah I am busy but as you can probably tell I am having fun. Until next time, estoy aqui a la orden.
