Mom and Dad in Managua

These are my mom's first impressions of Managua from the party we had last week, and some pictures too! Gustavo playing guitar, us in San Juan del Sur and mom and I dancing at the party...

Our first day was a trip to the barrio and Maddy’s “centro”. We drove out of the city, at first glance it could have been any city, and into a third world country with corrugated steel houses and dirt roads. There was to be a party to celebrate our visit, but first a trip to the market to buy more yucca, vegetables, flip flops, toothbrushes and a tee shirt (our luggage was held up in Houston). Therese led us round and round the market looking for the best deals, an opportunity to see the real Managua not open to most gringos. Back in the Centro it was time to join the women and prepare the yucca and vegetables. With Maddy translating, I settled in with the women and felt less like an outsider. I understood well enough as they chastised me for holding the knife the wrong way-it sounded like “oy vay”. A cake mixing machine like my father (the baker) once used was whirling in the corner of the room. The finished cake was a work of art and delicious. We enjoyed a full day of eating, drinking and dancing. Despite the hardships and lack of resources, these good people made us feel so welcome, worried about our comfort and so clearly watch out for Maddy. I will carry the memories of this day forever.