Interviews, volcano conquering, and bagged drinks

Hello again!


We've had an exciting week here in Nicaragua that started off with a trip to the Island of Ometepe, the largest island in Lake Nicaragua. We spent the weekend exploring beaches and lagoons and CLIMBING A VOLCANO! Corie and I agree that this trek was one of the most difficult things we've ever done. It went a little something like this: 4 hours of climbing slippery rocks, loads of sweat and a few tears on my (Margot's) part. But we made it to the top and felt quite accomplished and maybe just slightly disappointed by the view that was completely overshadowed by clouds. Even though we were unable to move from our beds for the next few days, we're glad we took on the challenge. Note to self: take a bus to Volcán Mombacho (volcano near Granada)

Volcán Maderas in the background

The whole group at the top!

We've also been very busy this week working for PHPG. We had a 7-way Google Hangout chat with all the interns and Alex and Isabel (founders of PHPG). It was great to get to talk to them and get a better idea of our roles while working here in Granada. We spent the rest of the week conducting interviews of loan applicants. Not only have we been able to use our Spanish skills, we've also been getting to know the community members more and more. We now feel comfortable enough with the layout of the community to go off individually, find clients and interview them. That has been very rewarding for us! Highlights of the week included: getting caught in a refreshing rainstorm on a hot afternoon, tracking down a man with an ice cream cart for a well-deserved treat, and being recognized all around the community as the PHPG 'gringas'.

Nadia and her daughter, María Guadalupe

Corie and baby Natalie

Lastly, this is quirky tid bit - Nicaraguans like to drink AND eat things out of plastic bags. The local fresca drinks, which come in any imaginable flavor, including grass, are served in plastic bags, complete with ice and a straw. We've become accustomed to these strange contraptions and we found that they also serve as a nice ice pack to put in your neck on a hot day. So far we've tasted chocolate (cacao), grenadine, watermelon, peach, mixed fruit, and grass... which tasted better than you would expect. As if these bagged drink weren't odd enough, we discovered this week that there are also various types of puddings that come in these baggies. While we were out in the communities we were offered a baggie of "atolillo", a warm rice and milk pudding with lots of sugar and cinnamon. We're on the lookout for more food and drink in bags! We'll keep you posted.

Cacao

Atolillo 

Besitos,

Coco y Mango

P.S.: THUNDER UP!!!!

Pantanal, la Virgen María, and traditional Nica food

Buenas!


We are proud to announce that we have the first week of work under our belts! On Friday of last week and yesterday we worked in the Panantal Community outside of Granada going door to door, meeting our clients and collecting weekly loan repayments. Friday was the sweatiest day of our lives but it was wonderful to see how these small loans make such a large impact on these people's lives. We've seen a lot of different business ventures, from "pulperías" (small convenient stores), to "zapaterías" (shoemakers) to cashew farmers and roasters, which we got to sample yesterday. ¡Delicioso! We also got to meet tons of adorable children throughout the community who would yell "gringas" or "helloooow" in excitement as we passed them on the streets. For an additional independent project, Corie and I are hoping to do something that will benefit the children of the communities. More to come on that once we get a better feel of the needs of the community and what is possible for us to achieve. 

(l-r) Gilberts (PHPG employee), Morgan, Coco and Mango (PHPG interns) 

Girls smiling for the camera and yelling "whiskey" - term used instead of cheese in Spanish

On one of our first days, while exploring the city, we stumbled upon a parade in the honor of la Virgen María. This traditional Catholic parade in honor of the Virgin marches all through town, from church to cathedral, with hundreds of people singing and bringing their offerings to the Virgin (which include fruits, vegetables, and brooms). The broom offering was quite comical and confusing to us, so a Google search was in order. Alas, nothing to be found on the internet. So, we've made it our goal to find out from the locals. Wish us luck!

Boy in traditional clothes with a drawn-on beard

View of the procession from atop the bell tower

An adorable girl looking her best for the Virgen María

Traditional Nica food is simple but sure is tasty! We had a traditional lunch at a kiosk (Kiosk Gordito) in the main square of the city. Corie chose the vegetarian option called Gallo Pinto - this was a dish of beans, rice, fried cheese, tortillas and cabbage salad. Her verdict: pretty tasty; she'd eat it again. Margot went for the fattier, meaty option called Vigorón - this consisted of yuca topped with chicharrón (fried pork skin) and cabbage salad. My verdict: need to try out another kiosk before I decide. We both ordered "frescas" to drink. These sugary drinks basically consist of water, sugar and some juice flavoring. We both thought they were way to sweet to quench our thirst but after a long day of exploring the city anything cold will do.

Mango's Vigorón

Coco's Gallo Pinto

More to come soon! 


Besitos,


Coco y Mango

Introduction

On the steps of the Antiguo Convento de San Francisco

¡Hola!

We are Margot Sacré (a.k.a Mango) and Corie White (a.k.a Coco). We arrived in Granada, Nicaragua a mere 3 days ago and we already feel like we are getting the hang of things! For 3 months we will be working for People Helping People Global (http://phpgmicrolending.org/), a micro-financing organization based in Granada. We will be working with loan recipients in developing communities, interviewing prospective loan recipients, conducting periodic reviews of progress, identifying challenges, attending community meetings and assisting in the collection of loan repayments. Once we get a better feel for what theses communities need we will start an independent project that will benefit the members of the communities. 

In addition to that we will be exploring the ins and outs of Nicaragua! We want to get a true feel for the culture, language and way of life. Along the way there will be plenty of laughs, a few tears, and lots of sunshine and sweat! (Check the forecast here for more about that!)

Besitos,

Coco y Mango