On Saturday, we went to Laguna de Apoyo to do some
swimming and relaxing. There were a lot of Nicaraguan families there enjoying the water. We were highly amused by one family next to us. The father immediately got into a hammock and slept the entire time, even when we had a local musician playing his instrument right next to him.The lake is beautiful and not spoiled by many tourist activities. While there were some kayaks to rent, there wasn't much else. Nicaraguans tend to splash around in the water almost fully clothed. I'd think that would feel weird, especially wearing jeans, but they don't seem to mind. There are huts along one side of the lake where you s
it, relax, eat and sample the really good Nicaraguan rum. On the way home, we encountered a Sandinista rally and supposedly Ortega was there, but we didn't see him. The road was packed with cars, buses and people. The locals must have thought it was odd that we were there, but they were quite friendly and were happy to pose for pictures.
During a few evenings, we attended lectures by the teachers at the school. They speak all in Spanish, but there is an interpreter available if needed. We learned about the history of Nicargua up to 1900 as well as the current political situation. Nicaragua has always been under the influence of foreign countries despite their desire to be independent.
Friday evening, some of the guests went into town to attend a pig roast. That's probably a mild description. Apparently, every weekend this one market slaughters 2-3 pigs and people come from all over to buy fresh pork. You can also eat there - they bring large platters of cooked pork to the table and you just dig in. We'll probably go one weekend just to experience the place. While this was going on, a few of us were hanging out back at the school. While we were having a drink, we noticed the two house pigs had escaped their pen. Since none of the other workers were around aside from one of the cooks, we raced around trying to corral the pigs and bring them back to their home. We were hampered a bit by the dogs who were qui
te viciously nipping at the pig's hind legs. Eventually, we got the pigs back in only to have them escape a few minutes later. We repeated the herding process but this time we got them back in a bit easier and one of the guests was able to see where they got out, so she put a barrier in front of the hole. J.B. and I decided to take a walk along one of the paths and what did we see when we returned? The large pig sauntering along outside the pen again! Unfortunately, it took off down the track from where we just came, so J.B. went after it while I went to find more help. Sure enough the second pig was also out and about. After a small bit, we were able to get him back in, but there was no sign of J.B. or the big pig. Finally, we saw the pig coming down the track, calm as could be with J.B. following with a large stick. It was the funniest sight. Who knew he had such a knack with farm animals! Fortunately, that was the last time they got out. We think they may have known what had happened to their cousins earlier in the day and were worried they might suffer the same fate. They really don't have to worry about that at the Mariposa.
Today, we've just been relaxing, doing some studying and I did some laundry the old fashioned way - soap, water and a stone scrub board. The water used for washing comes from rainwater and the used laundry water is used for watering the garden. Nothing goes to waste here.Well, enough blogging. I feel a siesta coming on. More to come soon!
p.s. J.B. did get his hat back and it's now kept under lock and key. :-)
