Further Information

More infromation is on the Los Pipitos website which is linked on this blog. Los Pipitos website

Leaving

Many of my good friends are leaving today to go to Zambia where they will be teaching Tag Rugby to children throughout the country. Have fun lads x

Here's a link for some more information about what my mates are doing in the Tag Rugby Trust

Arrived!

We have arrived! 25 hours later. sweaty, smelly and shattered we stumble into the house. Work starts early tomorrow and it's 5 am uk time so off to the hay we lay. Night all!

First day

We received a visit from parrots this morning! Our host has 10, one for every species living in Nicaragua. Accommodation is much better than I expected, we even had hot running water! Being very spoilt this morning with freshly made pancakes for breakfast. We are heading off to Los Pipitos this afternoon and will update you all soon.

 

First day

Today was awe inspiring. These children have absolutely nothing yet I didn't see one child without the biggest grin on their faces. Happiness is contagious and my cheeks are suffering. 

This morning we went around the market buying supplies for the days activities. The market was vibrant, every sense was on overload. Bright colours of silk and paint, pungent smells of hanging meat and the fast flowing Spanish taking over our ears. 

Then out came the sun and off came the t shirts. We all went up onto the roof for sunbathing and dancing all excited for the activities that lay ahead. Over lunch we split into 2 groups, each going to different centres in Nicaragua. 

The main section of the day was the visit to the centre where we were inundated with hugs and joy. The activities consisted of cake decoration, ball games and arts and craft. The children's disabilities ranged from being deaf to being paralysed with a few having mental illnesses as well. However every single child was super keen to get involved in every activity and I can safely say I have never sweated so much in my life!

An overall great day and I can't wait for a

Lovely dinner and bed. Updates to follow :)

The wonders of technology

If I did this trip 10 or even 5 years ago contacting home would be a near impossible feat. One could merely hope for a crackly phone call with a ten second lag whilst abruptly ending just as you've said "Hello".

However it feels like I've never left home. In the space of 3 days I have skyped my sister from Paris, received snapchats from schoolmates in Zambia and a FaceTime conversation with students in rural India. It is sad, in a sense that now in the world we live in we can no longer escape. Advances in technology does come with it's pros, worldwide communication is instant and great quality. Speaking to my mates who I though i wouldn't be able to do so for 3 weeks put the cheesiest grin on my face.

Off to the centre now for the 3rd day with face painting, apple bobbing and frisbee planned. Hope all goes well :)

No GM crops here!

Our group :)

Weekend in Mombacho

Apologies for not sticking to my promise of updating daily, surprisingly there wasn't any wifi up a volcano. Saturday's drive up was mildly horrifying, climbing angles that no truck should be able reach. We penetrated through layers of clouds to reach the summit where we found the shack we would be staying in overnight. The room was stuffed with bunk beds with the highlight being the lavatory system that had decided for curiosity sake to replace water with sawdust!

 Anyhow we powered through and went on a hike. The trail was treacherous however spirits were high with sing songs and an endless abyss of selfies. The clouds parted just in time for a 360 view of Lake Nicaragua that went past what the eye could see. The view was breathtaking with the pungent smell of sulphur actually did steal your breath away. Unfortunately, no surprise eruption occurred but we did get to stick our faces in a steam jet that was 1200m deep, with exposed lava waiting to gobble you up at the bottom.

After dinner we journeyed into the forest, armed with torches ready to do battle with what lay in the dark. The answer to that was frogs, a lot of them. The tour guide was feeling adventurous and preceded to take us off piste, lunging and ducking through the forest floor.

Now we are sipping on vanilla milkshakes in a luxurious hotel to compensate for our nights sleep. A short stop off here before we go on a boat ride around the lake. Updates soon to follow, hopefully tonight :)

Visit to Los Pipitos headquarters

Yesterday morning we paid a visit to the main base of Los Pipitos in Managua. This centre is where every child must go to be diagnosed and then accepted into the Los Pipitos community. After an hour drive past beautiful Nicaraguan scenery and stunning views we reached Managua.

As we entered we were hit by the seemingly frozen air compared to the sauna that was our bus. The waiting room was swelling with patients and family members all desperate to be seen. The tour by a doctor followed, showing us all the specialised rooms to deal with a range of disabilities. The contrast between the high levels of poverty seen throughout Nicaragua and the modern high tech centre displayed in Managua was outstanding. The reason for this was a devoted sponsor from Telecom who have paid for many of the facilities that were on show. We were lucky enough to see a hearing aid fitting as well as a music therapy session. The facilities included a hydrotherapy pool, a room specifically made for children with limited vision and a section for improving the independence of children and their ability to interact within society.

A new law has just been passed so that it is mandatory for workplaces to accept a certain amount of disabled people as well as paying them equally and ensuring an equal pension. This was mainly as a result of the tireless work of Los Pipitos. The trip was an eye opener and a great experience to see first hand what actually goes on and the high level of resources available.

This weekend we are heading off to Omnitepe for a lovely beach weekend. Speak soon and comment if you can 

Nicaraguan feeling

 (This is the part where I get sentimental and drop electronic tears onto this blog, be aware)

What has spending 2 weeks with the Nicaraguan people taught me?

Get on with life, it won't wait for you. If your cab breaks down in the pouring rain, you call your mate to come get your passengers. If you are disabled, then you use the available resources and become independent. If you are deaf, nobody can stop you venturing to university.

Walking around the streets of Jinotepe, one is not greeted by forced American cheesy smiles but by a sort of internal resistance, a cold shoulder. After a violent history of military coups, natural disasters and dictatorships I see why. It is a strong knit community that is ever weary of new comers, they have suffered together and now are moving on together. There is no need for fake friendliness, that luxury has already been ripped away by foreign hands. All remaining space is taken up by reality, the battle to survive and make ends meet. If as a foreigner and a tourist you cannot respect that, then you've come to the wrong country.

Nicaragua is a country in transit. If we're getting geographical, I believe it is stage 3 in the Demographic Transition Model. This is the idea that each country will move through stages of development with economic, social/political and environmental factors influencing Birth rate and Death rate. The problem is in the name, it's a model. For example to be in stage 3 it's birth and death rate must be falling, however with poor pre and post natal care, Nicaragua has a relatively high infant mortality rate. There is also great diversity in the country, the cities are pulling the lagging countryside into the 21st century. Corrugated iron as a roof and plastic sides is typical whilst patches of wealth can be found in cities. Income inequality therefore must be a sign of under development. It is definitely one of the poorest Central American countries, however I get a sense that change is on the horizon and that it will be speedy. This is due to the animalistic determination of the people and their rabid hunger for change.

If a horrendously poor country can have fairer equal rights for people struck down by disabilities than the majority of seemingly developed countries in Europe and Asia, then the future looks bright.

Ometepe and the Weekend

Ometepe is a volcanic island situated in Lake Nicaragua which is the 7th largest lake in the world. One would be fooled by the waves and the undercurrent, that it is the sea. After a morning of traveling, involving a ferry and many bouncy buses, we arrived. The island is smothered by dense rainforest that houses thousands of different species, the most annoying being the howler monkeys. The hotel was glorious, especially as our room had air con for the first time this trip. I have never cherished cold air as much as then. Lunch was eaten beachfront, with a spectacular view of the lake. Once finished we all ran into the lake that failed to get deep, a constant paddling pool with a tropical temperature was splendid. We made full use of the volcanic bedding as it served as a gloriously simplistic exfoliater.

A morning thunderstorm started day 2 which, due to health and safety, ruled out the 2 hour hike to the waterfall. However the weather quickly changed and before long we were all in the lake again. At one point we had to take cover underwater due to a swarm of nats. Thankfully they left as swiftly as they came. Somehow suncream wasn't at the forefront of our attention and I felt the full force of the consequences. Queue burnt back

I powered through my disastrously painful injury and after lunch we all ventured off to a natural spring that had been turned into a pool. Wildlife was everywhere with monkeys in the trees and not so pleasant rabid dogs chasing us. The walk back with the sun setting behind the volcano wasn't terrible either. Diner was moved indoors due to an infestation of mosquitos outside but we still managed to wash down our lovely meal with a refreshingly cold Toña, the local Nicaraguan beer.

Sunday consisted of a trip to the market where we put to use our bartering skills with limited success. I would tell you what I got but that would spoil the surprise for my family and friends who are transfixed in anticipation for their presents. The day of shopping continued with a trip to the mall. The magnitude and prices of the mall seemed completely out of place with the rest of Nicaragua where poverty is rife. I still managed to find a wonderful sale allowing me to purchase the section of Ralph Lauren. A trip to the cinema followed, however this was no ordinary cinema. We entered the VIP section where we were greeted by a butler and seated in reclining seats. I am no film critic but I do not recommend seeing Pacific Rim. I counted 10 minutes between battle scenes with horrendous acting in between. Overall a great relaxing day.

Today was extremely tiring, starting with all the boys missing breakfast. Not to worry Papa Terry was ready to feed our hungry bellies. Terry's is a diner that screams America with its glorious pancakes and waffles. In general there are a large amount of American expats who have seemed to have given up the American dream to retire and live the simplistic Nicaraguan lifestyle. Perhaps they couldn't hack the constant commercialisation that is America. After breakfast we headed deep into the market to buy supplies. I have somehow managed to get used to the stench. The day with the children went swimmingly, literally. Multiple trips to the washing basin were taken due to the endless paint fight. A fashion show followed suit that made me realise that I am the new Coco Chanel. 

Tomorrow will be our last day at our centre before the final party on Wednesday. We our planning a spectacular fiesta and will update you all tomorrow. Sorry for the ridiculous wait but technology has failed me over the past few days. 

Pictures from the week

Last days

Tuesday was the last day for my group in our centre in Nandaime. We planned a huge party with cake, piñatas and musical chairs. Everyone was wearing their personalised t-shirts that we had made the day before. We were a true family, I felt genuine love for every single child. They were our own and we felt privileged to develop a sincere relationship with them. There was no more fake hugging and false love, this was real. Piñatas got hit, sweets fell, drinks got drunk and it was time to go. As we were saying goodbye for the day, Robertito informed me he couldn't come to the party tomorrow. I felt sick, my heart sank. I loved this child like a brother, the level of inspiration and determination he has gifted me is unimaginable. To be wheelchair bound and to have suffered through countless surgeries displayed by the scars on his head, as he has; yet still managing to maintain the highest level of independence, cleanliness and true happiness I have ever seen, is outrageous. What in the world do we have to complain about if that boy can keep a smile firmly glued to his face? I am vain, superficial and ungrateful and most of us are. If it takes a reality shock as big as this trip to change that, then so be it. A sprint into the taxi with tears clogging my eyes, a bear hug from Raph and a smile was back on my face. I had formed a relationship with a child who's future was screaming success.

Wednesday was the final farewell where both centres merged to say goodbye in Jinotepe. The mood in the house was somber; you get that dull ache in the pit of your stomach like before a rugby match. The cocktail of feelings left a sour taste in everyone's mouths. We walked in silence to the centre, everyone lost in their own thoughts. However once we arrived and saw the children's gleaming smiles, it is impossible to be sad. Unfortunately the day was tainted by endless speeches, they were touching but the children had no clue what was going on. All we wanted was a final day of play. Email addresses were exchanged and Facebook friends were formed and then it was time to say goodbye. Waves turned to hugs which turned to kisses which turned to communal crying. As quickly as it had started, it ended. Everyone from Nandaime migrated to a corner for a final goodbye, we were such a strong community. The girls; Jennifer, Cindy, Ester, Angie, Jemi and Silvia, you were awsome, always teasing and playing whilst helping us out with the young ones. Robertito, Brian and Allian you are my boys and I class you as my brothers. I also want to say a huge thank you to Raph, Holly and Anna who were so good with the kids and made my experience even better. What this trip has taught me is to be able to work as a team with people who you necessarily don't get on with. At the end of the day it's not about you but the kids and you must do whatever possible to make their experience the best. It was all up to us, us students organised everything, we had to put in the effort to make the day go smoothly, that is what made it so special and solidified us as a group.

Teary selfie 😢

For our last diner we got taken out to a hotel that had been architected beautifully. Unfortunately that was all that it had going for it. The food took 2 hours to come with the mains before to starters, many drinks didn't arrive at all and the food just passed as edible. Oh well, we still got fed and took some beautiful pictures. We were all shattered from the emotionally and physically draining day and collapsed into bed.

Today's breakfast definitely made up for last nights diner with American style pancakes with Nutella. A huge thank you to Oscar and his family for housing us and we hope you enjoy our presents. We are sitting in Managua airport waiting for the 24 hours of travelling that lays ahead. What an awesome and eye opening trip this has been and what a great group of friends I have had the privilege to share it with. The bound we have formed will stay strong for years to come.

Will try and do one more post in Miami airport or when I get back to London. Thank you all for reading and I hope you've enjoyed this blog as much as I have writing it. Speak soon xx

Further Research

I am currently sitting in the Royal Geographical Society's library situated in Central London. This trip has inspired me to explore the world of Geography further, a quick search of "Nicaragua" in the online catalogue resulted in finding a book called "Central America on a shoestring". Flicking through the section on "History of Nicaragua", I realise the magnitude of the amount of civil wars and military coups the people of Nicaragua have faced. For example the 1975 revolution left 50,000 people dead, 150,000 homeless, and a crippled country with minimal education and healthcare. What has become clear is the level of influence America has had on the history of Nicaragua. Different presidents supported different political parties and it was that economic support, through aid, that allowed them to become politically superior in Nicaragua. President Jimmy Carter authorised US$75 million in aid to the Sandinista-led government, yet a year later Ronald Regan suspended all aid to Nicaragua and started to support the counterrevolutionary military groups know as the Contras, working in Costa Rica and Honduras. Where there is money, there is power and without funding in Nicaragua you don't stand a chance. Greed can explain the state of Nicaragua today, America and other foreign powers only acted on their own selfish needs. An example of this is when they bought the rights to build a canal across Nicaragua with no intention of doing so, just so nobody else could reach the Caribbean. Not once was there ever a discussion on improving the social mobility and structure of the nation and there didn't have to be. The country strategic positioning ending up being a disadvantage as they were never really left to their own accord until the turn of the 21st century. It is only till now that the country can focus on their problems of healthcare, poverty, education and unemployment.

The people of Nicaragua are very hard to classify, if an investigator took a leisurely stroll through the trendy and expensive shopping malls of Managua, observing the well dressed crowds then he would be forced to come to the conclusion that Nicaragua has become fully modernised and westernised. The reality is that 50% live below the poverty line with many moving to the capital or abroad for work. This has caused the traditional family structure to evolve as Nicaragua is being left with an elderly population with a significant gap missing in their population pyramid. It is common for young parents to leave their children to be brought up by relatives as they travel abroad, seeking work as a desperate means to support their family who need to pay for education and general upbringing. What Nicaragua really has going for it is its social equality, Women are generally considered equal and the disabled have exemplary rights which I have focused on in this blog. Overall Nicaraguans are proud people and vocal about their views and with the help of the new Ortega Government hopefully they will have some change to be proud and vocal about.

The amount I am missing being in Nicaragua is ridiculous, the jet lag reminds me that I am in a place I shouldn't be and that I need to return home to Nicaragua. Due to the glorious weather in London, my tan isn't as out of place as I was hoping. When people ask me how Nicaragua was, I feel pathetic answering, no words can describe my time there. Not even this blog nor the photos attached come close. I implore you to travel and do a certain level of charity work to feel the same level of self satisfaction that I have felt. Last night I managed to contact Jennifer through Facebook, a deaf teenager at the centre I was working at who goes to university. I pray that Google Translate did my message justice and that she got the gist that I missed them greatly and want to return as soon as possible. I long to see the beaming faces of the children again.

One team that I have failed to thank are the teachers that took us on the trip. Mr Murphy you succeeded, we all returned in one piece and alive. I have loved getting to know you all and form an improved, out of the classroom relationship with you all.

I believe this shall be my last post and as they are closing the RGS I think I must leave. I hope you have all enjoyed reading this, I certainly have enjoyed re-connecting with my GCSE English writing skills. I am happy that my memories shall not be forgotten and that I can always come back to this site and remember Nicaragua.