Managua, Nicaragua 2014

¡Hola! ¿Como esta usted?

Estoy en Managua, Nicaragua. 

I arrived today in Managua and I am so excited for what is to come.

First Impressions:

• everyone seems nice/smiles back when i say Hola
• Its Hot!
• Everywhere is so colorful
• Food is good
• My home stay is beautiful! and has Wifi!

My Schedule for the next two months:

Training

May 19 – June 16, 2014 (Monday through Thursday)

8:15-12:00 Spanish Lessons
12:00-1:00 Lunch break
1:00-2:00 Introduction to Medical Equipment
2:00-5:00 Troubleshoot/Repair Medical Equipment Laboratory
 Fridays during June Hospital workdays near Granada

 HOSPITAL WORK

June 17 - July 18, 2014

8 PM – 5 PM Work at hospitals.
Please note that every hospital has a different schedule. You should discuss the schedule with
your hospital director or head of engineering on the first day.

END OF PROGRAM CONFERENCE
Saturday July 19 and Sunday July 20, 2014
EWH End of Program Conference in Managua
 Monday July 21

EWH program ends; transport to airport for departure

My flight went went, a long layover from Miami to Managua, but thanks to United Frequent Flyers Club, i was invited to the Club Lounge and ate soo many mini sandwiches and fruit haha.

I arrived pretty in the afternoon and found Brittany, our On The Ground Coordinator, very easily. 

Nica Selfie #1: Britany & I

I also had my first meal, which i was able to order and pay for fairly easy, knowing beforehand what i planned to order and the lady was happy when i told her-in spanish- i was practicing/trying to learn spanish. Interesting to note this Enchilada, was in the form/looked like an Empanada o_O, Nevertheless, it was delicious although the cutlery provide was futile. 

Enchilada y Ensalada

 Unfourtunately the majority of the students and the instructor arrived at night so we had to wait for everyone to arrive. As we were waiting i got to know Brittany, and she is Hilarious, and so much fun! She is actually an alumni of the Program and went to Tanzania. There are i believe 23 of us and majority girls! Yahhy, Engineering/STEM Women! When everyone finally arrived, we all boarded a Yellow School Bus haaha and were joined by Lydon, the owner of NSLS-Nicaragual Spanish Language School- the school we will be attending and one of our teachers Vernoica and another worker Carlos. On the bus we received our cell phones and had mini-orientation. At one point we went past a truck with chickens and lets just say thats one smell i won't forget about my time in Nicaragua haha but it passed pretty quickly. It was pretty late about 10/11 when we finally arrived in Granda from Managua where the airport is. 

We were split into pairs or groups of 3 at each homestay and all live close to one another and not far from the school. I was paired with jessica and Nicholette and although it was really dark when we arrived the Homestay looks really cool. More pictures later. We are all in one pretty big room and each have a bed. I like it and am very satisfied. The owner La Señora Fatma seems really nice.

Thats all for now. 

Buenas Noches :)