Today is the first day of 2019. It's obviously a public holiday. Almost everything is closed; it's a family day. I'm taking advantage of this to visit the Nandaime Community Centre. I had the opportunity to accompany three groups of students there in 2012, 2014, and 2016. The community centre has undergone many changes in the last three years. Here's the second floor, above the administrative offices.
Since the crisis that has gripped the country since April 2018, no school groups have been able to come here. All facilities are on hold until the situation in the country improves.
It is sad to see that this place, which was usually full of life, is currently dormant.
A brand new kitchen was fitted out, but it was only used once, as the last group to leave departed just before the major demonstrations of April 2018.
A garden has been created on the roof of the building.
The political situation in the country is difficult to grasp. Some claim the protests were orchestrated by the Americans to destabilize the government. Others say they were spontaneous demonstrations. One thing is certain: the repression against the people has been bloody, which is why several countries, including the Canadian government, advise against visiting the country. I would like to send a message to travelers from all countries: Nicaragua is a wonderful place. You shouldn't avoid this country; on the contrary, you should visit it. I feel at home here, and the Nicaraguan people are very welcoming and generous. The country's economy needs tourists to thrive. I am also aware that the government needs to improve its relations with its people. On another note, I visited the former cook at the community center who is now a seamstress. She is trying to raise $60 to buy a new sewing machine. This would allow her to get help from her daughter and thus respond more quickly to her clients' requests.
If you wish to help Maria Antonia, you can stay overnight at her house!
I enjoy taking before and after photos. Here's a photo taken in 2012. I'm looking for this baby...
Here is the photo from 2019. The child is now very grown up. Unfortunately, the dog did not survive. Animals also have very difficult lives.
Here is a picture of Luis as a teenager in 2022.
Another example, 5 years ago. This kind lady owned a small convenience store.
And now in 2018.
I'm walking around the barrio (neighborhood) and I see my little Paola and Chepe in a pool at my father's grandmother's house. My parents are separated. My father now lives in Costa Rica. Here are my brother and sister.
I meet people in the neighborhood who are initially hostile towards me. Often, they are people who drink a lot of alcohol and have difficulty connecting with others. The leader of a group approached me, calling me "Chele," which, if you reverse the syllables, means " Leche " (milk). The real meaning is "Hey, white guy, come here!" I didn't like the way he approached me and I told him what I thought. What's more, he asked me for 10 cordobas (40 cents) before even knowing my name. I told him that wasn't the way to approach people... Eventually, he changed his tone and we talked. It was very enriching. I learned that a man in the group had just undergone open-heart surgery 23 days ago; he showed me his enormous scar, which you can also see in the photo below. People are good, you just have to be kind. We chatted for a few minutes and I captured this unusual encounter.
We must seize every opportunity to connect with someone.
Later, I went back to see them and gave them a small bottle of alcohol to numb the inner turmoil that was eating them up inside. Later, I met Carlos, who had been our guide on the last trip with the students in 2016.
I also met Kevin, a very nice young man who works in an Apple call center in Managua. He's doing very well for himself, as he speaks excellent English. His salary is also quite good for such a friendly person. Kevin is pictured on the left with some family.
I'm giving two Fast123.ca t-shirts to Magaly and Marvin for the wonderful hospitality they gave me during the 5 days I spent with them. I was housed, fed, and practically had my laundry done for me.
I had the pleasure of eating a dish called Baho. The ingredients were: onions, yucca, plantains, tomatoes, and meat. It was delicious.
The only sad moment of the day was when I went to deliver a photo from 2016 to a family whose mother I learned had passed away a few months ago. With tears in their eyes, they thanked me for this little keepsake. Thank you for all these wonderful encounters that fill my heart with kindness and sometimes with sorrow.
David Beauchesne
