We ventured out of Managua to a small town called Nagarote - the location of another mobile library project sponsored by Global Family. What a delightful morning! The Brethren In Christ church runs this school as well as operating a church at the same sight. Our memories from this visit will be vivid!
Children welcomed us with curiosity and giggles as they peered through the barred windows to get a look at us. We were then invited to join a reading club where young children sat around a couple tables, almost oblivious to our presence as they focused on their reading. Janet asked whether one the students might be willing to read a story to us. Frederico proceeded to read us "The Hungry Caterillar" with considerable energy! When done, the group broke into a little song affirming him for his effort!
Other classes were meeting as we toured around the school. This was on a Saturday morning! The school offers programming for children from Nagarote because many of their parents are working in local factories. This town is in what they call a "free trade zone" I think that's code many hours of work for $180 - $200/ month in factories which are exempt from certain taxes and labour laws. The children end up being on their own way too much so this after school program plays a key role in the community. It was obvious the children loved being in the school.
After leaving the school we stopped for a Nicaraguan delicacy called "Quesillos" The best way I can describe them is they are like Nicaraguan Verenke! Delish!!!! ( to some of us!)
Then we were off to Leon, a Colonial era city. The architecture was incredible. Leon is also apparently considered to be something of an intellectual gathering place. It was the location of the Sandinista headquarters during the revolution.
Several of us toured the Sandinista Revolutionary Museum. A few of us us even got to stand on the rooftop of the original Sandista headquarters, looking down on the Cathedral and square in the centre of town. The tin roof was mostly in good shape although our guide did point a few weak spots for us to avoid!
The history of Nicaragua seems defined by struggle and revolution. It felt surreal to stand in the very place of so much of this violence and unrest.
Day by day Nicaragua is becoming more and more of a real place for us. The people we meet along the way draw us in and become part of our collective memory of a very privileged experience.,
Just caught up on all the blogs. I couldn't access the blog for a couple of days, will driving in Sask. I am enjoying the daily reviews of what you are seeing and meeting. The Library ... Sandinista headquarters ... this is amazing stuff. Thank you. Thanks for writing about it all... I hope you are all safe and healthy.
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