The Wheels on the Bus

First- I'd like to offer an apology. It has been a month since my last blog post and a lot has happened in the past month. I will attempt to update you all on everything that has happened, this week. As I do not have a lot of time today, I will leave you with one story and some photos and will get back to you with the rest.

Our bus steams down the highway; bus in actuality being an extra large 20 passenger van, which usually takes no less than twenty-five passengers. The bus helper stuffs us all in, making sure that every possible spot that could fit a body, does. Some days the heat is completely unbearable, but today, with all of the windows open, we actually have a decent breeze running through. This allows me to relax enough to enjoy the scenery that we are passing by. Leaving the island, we cross the Paso Caballo bridge that was constructed fairly recently. I think I read somewhere that they are trying to claim this bridge as the longest bridge in Nicaragua…if you have seen this bridge, you will understand where my doubt comes from. In the distance the San Cristobal volcano watches over us, its crevices filled with smoke and clouds, its cliffs and ledges outlined in a dark forest type green that you would expect from the fir trees of the Northeastern states. Even though volcanoes are not typical in Massachusetts, this one somehow reminds me of home. And then I look out the window again, and realize I am most definitely in Nicaragua. We pass by herds of cows with their shepherds and men leading horses attached to carriages towing wood, scrap metal and other random things. We pass by large rich farms enclosed by ornately decorated gates and gardens. Brown and white spotted horses eating their grassy breakfasts; small family owned restaurants with a 2 or 3 option menu. I usually enjoy riding the busses here (unless it means I am squished up against a large sweaty man or having my body contorted in ways I thought impossible). Otherwise I like it. I like that the busses take routes that allow me to see parts of the city I may not have the opportunity to travel to on my own. It’s also great people watching-I see old women who remind me of one of my grandmothers-they tote around grandchildren while gossiping with friends. ..young girls with tattooed eyebrows, heavily painted faced, wearing brightly colored dresses and shirts…groups of students in their matching colors, the same as their matching schools, symbolizing the colors of their matching country’s flag…men wearing knitted winter hats confuse me in this always hot weather country…people lounging on the streets sipping on their Caballito-a very cheap and very local liquor…shops with bike parts, car parts, toy cars, colored buckets, cups, rope, household appliances and other random metal pieces mix with the fruit and vegetable venders to give the street character. At times, I feel like Im on a bus on my way to work heading into Boston...but then i open my eyes. All of these people and things passing by remind me that I am living a pretty sweet and interesting life.