Nicaragua

Nicaragua is the second poorest country (after Haiti) in Latin America.  75% of the people live on less than $2 US per day, and 43% on less than $1 US per day.  30% suffer from malnutrition, the highest percentage in Central America.  Approx. 40% has no access to health services, and 33% has no access to drinking water.  Nicaragua's location and geography make it ripe for natural disasters.  In the past 40 years, Nicaragua has suffered from earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions, mudslides, and more than 10 hurricanes.  When natural disasters strike, it is usually the poor families who suffer the most.  Their homes are easily destroyed by wind and rain.  These families also lack the financial resource to recover quickly.  

There is no country in Central America that could use more help than Nicaragua.  As I wait for my plane to take me to Managua from Houston, I revisit some of my reasoning for getting involved, outside of the adventure and experience awaiting. I refer you to the prophecy of the Eagle and Condor. Following is my understanding and description of its meaning and it may not be completely right, but I think it is close. The wording is basically that of others from various sources, massaged to what I feel is correct, as there are several variations. Hopefully you will find it interesting, but if not, have a nice sleep, and just understand that I need to keep my brain active doing something in retirement! 

********** 

It is believed that the Eagle and Condor prophecy originated in the Amazon, then spread across the Americas from the Peru and Ecuador shamans to such groups as the Incas, Aztecs, Mayans, Hopis of Arizona, and beyond. This prophecy is focused more so on the Americas, but can be applied to the rest of the world. 

The prophecy speaks of human societies splitting into two paths – that of the Eagle, and that of the Condor. For whatever reason these societies generally became adversaries. It is said that the people of the Eagle symbolized the materialistic society centered around scientific development and technologies, such as western European civilization, whereas the Condor symbolized the spiritual society more integrated with the natural environment, such as the indigenous people. 

For one Pachakuti (each Pachakuti corresponds to five hundred years), the Eagle peoples (of which I was born into) dominated the Condor peoples in the Americas. This basically started with the arrival of the Europeans (Christopher Columbus discovering America in 1492), with their  economy and industries, leading to the exploitation, depopulation, and even genocidal eradication of the indigenous peoples. The reign of the Eagle nearly brought to extinction the Condor peoples. This portion of the prophecy became true in its entirety.

The prophecy says that during the next 500-year period, beginning in 1990, the potential will arise for the Eagle and Condor to come together, “to fly in the same sky”, and to create a new level of consciousness for humanity. The prophecy only speaks of the potential, and so it’s up to us to activate this potential and ensure that a new consciousness is allowed to arise. The Eagle has to do with the mind for thinking, strategizing, and figuring things out, while the Condor represents compassion, heart, connection to the Earth, and sensitivity. Neither of these two traits accomplishes everything alone. Together these two aspects work in conjunction to create completion. 

Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better – Albert Einstein

The indigenous people always lived close to nature and the 11 principals of nature became their guide for how to live. These principals are (as per Google): collaboration, adaptation, diversity, harmony, cause and effect, resiliency, balance, interconnectedness, timing, simplicity, and effective use of resources. It has been stated that western civilization is generally out of alignment with these principals. It is believed that these principals represent the key to survival for mankind and the environment as we know it and can be applied to both. 

Are the Nicaraguan people indigenous? Central America, of which Nicaragua is part of is both, having a concentration of wisdom of the Condor, which relates more to South America based on current state, and the Eagle, which relates more to North America. With multiculturalism being practiced in Canada and other countries, things seem more complicated now, but yet you can make things quite simple if you are in the right frame of mind. Coming to Nicaragua for Habitat allows me to apply some, if not all of the principals of nature while volunteering. Their application should come naturally out of habit and therefore may require a change in your subconscious thought to make appropriate action routine. These principals though regardless are completely based on loving thoughts; therefore if you really love mankind with its diversity, similar to nature, you are "naturally" going to do what is right. 

The good news is the world overall is changing. As an example, we are witnessing increased sensitivity towards environmental issues; therefore we are working towards alignment with the Principals of Nature, but with considerable change required still. When the Eagle and the Condor come together completely in harmony across all segments, there will be peace on Earth. There will need to be a radical change for the Eagle peoples in how we take care of one another let alone the environment. I have no idea what will happen to capitalism for instance and what governance will look like. I think most unemployed Albertans are having second thoughts now about how effective our political and economical systems are working. There certainly needs to be a shift towards humanitarian concerns in order to eliminate poverty. Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister represents a new generation, and now 25,000 Syrian refugees are coming to Canada. 

The shamans of South America “have seen” that humanity will indeed come together in both mind and heart. Those of us who come on these missions from North America are ourselves a manifestation of the Eagle and Condor Legend coming true. They expected us to come and my journey here in a very small way is helping to fulfill this prophecy! But the prophecy states it will take until the next Pachakuti (500 year segment) for the two societies to be completely unified in thought, taking the best from both, including the application of the principals of nature, thus restoring/ regenerating the Earth community. 

Time to board! 

Note: these log notes are based on emails sent to an audience and were done during each day.  The notes are often short and to the point with choppy sentences.  I have not taken the time to edit properly since they still report my observations.

Day 1, November, 2015

Arrived in Esteli after staying overnight in Managua.  We had a historical tour of Managua for its sites along the way.  We saw lots of statues for local heroes and former politicians.  They even had the shell of a used 737 jet plane (fuselage without any wings) in one park so that families could climb in and experience what it would be like to sit in a jet plane, since none will ever be able to afford to fly.  What a great idea!  There are colorful artificial trees of different color that light up at night all over the city.   This was a beautification project lead by the president's wife, but the locals are thinking that the money should have been spent instead on education, medical,  sanitation, and housing.  Plus the electricity costs the government $20,000 per month, money of which could be used to improve the life of the average citizen. Some notes gathered:

• There were at least three volunteer groups (all Eagles) going to Nicaragua on our plane.  Two groups were from Habitat.

• The Barcelo hotel in Managua is by far the nicest that I have stayed at on a Habitat mission, so luxurious.

• One in four children die before the age of five here in Nicaragua due to malnutrition.

• 45% of all homes have a dirt floor and during rainy season this can turn to mud if there are roof problems.  You can imagine the health problems as a result.

• The kids here love soccer.  On Sundays for an important game they simply block off the main drag to play regardless of traffic tie up.  This is accepted practice.

• According to locals, the American Eagles feared Nicaragua's communist ties and so funded the CIA to destroy the government in the 80's.  Locals have been anti-American now for over 100 years.  With any revolution or corruption, the citizens always suffer.

• Lake Managua is quite large, but has no fish, completely dead, not drinkable due to pollution.  Nicaragua has no means and money to fix.

• We are staying in the Cuallitlan Hotel in Esteli.  Nice atmosphere, a lot of character.  The rooms are separate cabins.  We do need to watch out for critters though.

• The food has been very good so far.  We re off to the build site in the morning!

Day 2

Breakfast consisted of scrambled eggs, rice with beans, sweet plantain, papaya.  I never usually like plantain, but this was sweet and really good.

Jason, the burned out pharmaceutical rep of 16 years said in his last build in El Salvador, he went to bed but heard some scurrying going on in the suspended ceiling above him.  Well then the rat and droppings and ceiling tile fell down onto his chest!  Rather chest than open mouth when snoring!  So when I went to my bunk bed, I saw suspended ceiling above me with cracked tile, but I never heard any noise.

It always amazes me to see sparkly snowy white clothing on school kids for their shirt/ blouse and stockings.  They look like little angels walking along dismal, dusty streets.  Apparently each family is responsible for washing their clothes, somehow.

The home owners of the place we are building were overwhelmed with tears when we showed up by bus after a very rough 20 minute ride through the city.  Any side streets are in disrepair.  I felt like an experienced vet along with others who have been on previous builds.  It did not take us long to get ahead of schedule already, no issues using crude tools.

Why does every meal have to have cucumber?!  I do not like cucumber!

Nicaragua is so, so young as to people, similar to El Salvador.  I have no idea what they are going to do when they graduate from school.  49% of the population is under 20 years!  Think about that for a minute!

Why do I always have to put my foot in my mouth?!  So the bus driver was giving attention to this pretty little girl at the construction site as she was coloring at a table and I asked him in Spanish if she was his daughter.  No, she was the house owner's son, not daughter!  Why would a son have long curly hair tied up in a braid with long eye lashes?!  The girls wear skirts or dresses, not pants, duh!

I have no idea what the Nicaraguan men think when they see the long and lanky Dana and Isabel, both close to six feet tall lugging pails of cement and gravel around with ease despite their feminism.  They must marvel at their strength.

I would recommend the hotel we are staying at, quite crude but clean and an awesome atmosphere.  Just make sure there are no rats in the ceiling!

Day 3

What I learned today out of discussion is that cockroaches who have survived on earth since the dinosaur are extremely durable.  You can place them in a freezer overnight, then take them out and watch them wake up once they get warm enough!

Most locals have never traveled to Honduras or Costa Rica, both neighboring countries.

Apparently China has wanted to build a canal through Nicaragua for ten years for their own selfish interest.  The canal would also allow the new super tankers to flow through so China can sell more of their manufactured goods.  They do not want to pay Panama for going through their canal.  They would buy all the land required from the locals then build and operate the canal themselves.  Minimal benefit to Nicaragua this way.  This is similar to China taking over prime agriculture land in East Africa, then bringing in their own citizens to operate, not that of East Africa, with any produce being sent directly to China for their own consumption.  Nicaragua needs to own and operate its own canal, similar to Panama.  The US probably will not allow this to happen or build their own.  No one has asked or cares as to what Nicaragua wants.  They just need a break!

No hot water for shower ever.  Oh well, you just have to be flexible!

Our walls in our build are already seven feet tall after two days!  The house is small though, about the size of a one car garage. They need to go higher yet and it will take tomorrow to finish, then we need to make a cement floor for the inside as well as a sidewalk  afterwards.

It was so humid today, just incredible!  My face was raining water, then the sweat soaked into my t-shirt under dusty conditions.

The normal Nicaraguan family does not have television, whereas in El Salvador most do, except the TV's are not the new flat screens.

We are to learn how to roll cigars this evening after supper for some strange reason.  Tobacco is the number one industry in this region, but who really smokes anymore?!

Day 4

We are getting close to finishing what we have to do this week.  I think us Canadians did really well being so far ahead of schedule!  The locals seemed to be really impressed with our efforts.

The mother who will get the home gave me a little gift of jewelry in appreciation for my efforts.  i have no idea where she got it from and I will never wear it, but it is the thought that counts.

We had yucca plant for supper last evening with bits of round steak and cabbage.  The yucca was quite bland and was similar to potato but not as good.

I explained the prophecy of the Eagle and Condor to the group this morning.  They never heard about it before but found it interesting and educational.  Maybe they see me now as the wise man from the mountain (?)

Here is what the day is like for our bus driver as hired by Habitat.  He sleeps at a cabin in our hotel and has free breakfast with us.  He drives us to our work site, then sits for three hours.  He drives us back to the hotel for lunch, gets a free meal, then drives us back to the work site to sit for another three hours.  He then drives us back, gets a free dinner, then sits for three hours, then goes to bed!  That's his life, nothing else!

We always have a shot of tequila on the way back to the hotel after our day of work.  We are already developing a loving bond with one another.  That did not take long.

We have a group shot at the end of the day when we are at our dirtiest.  Dana on this occasion was exceptionally dirty with sweat and cement dust mixed together on her t-shirt, scraggly hair, hard hat, dirty jeans.  She said one minute please as she smeared some lipstick on to look better!  Why do ladies do that when they are already a complete mess?!

We went to a professional soccer game this evening between Managua and Esteli.  What an experience, too much to describe!  It was very hard to get a ticket as the little Nicaraguan men were slipping around me in a massive jam of people heading to a fence in a free for all.  There you have to push some Cordobas through the fence and get a ticket in exchange.  Well, I did not know the Spanish required and how much the ticket cost was.  Finally a Habitat guy helped me get one for 50 cordobas or about two dollars US.  The women get in for free!

The game was very rough but most entertaining.  One soccer player was completely knocked out from butting heads accidentally with another.  Another player started slapping his cheeks to wake him up!  That's not what you would do in Canada!  Then the referee was waving a towel over him for air flow.  They eventually placed him on a stretcher and dumped him at his team's bench.  I really do not think he went for a concussion check.  Fate will determine his future, not medical treatment.  I know their handling of this injury was somewhat strange but of respect for the people I am not laughing at them for this.

Esteli won with a last minute goal that made the locals go wild.  A security guard had his rifle with him in case of any issue.  It was interesting to note that they let the supporters of Managua leave the stadium first out of courtesy!  I think also to avoid any confrontation.

The stadium is still getting built when the soccer team can afford it and so most people sat on cement, not an actual seat.

Day 5

I have decided there is no better coffee on this planet than Nicaraguan coffee!  John and Glen agree with me completely.  Not even Kona or Columbian.

As we were at least one half day ahead of schedule on our project, we took the afternoon off and went to see this waterfall in the mountains.  The bus trip was very, very rough and not a place you would go to if a tourist only.  We had to leave the bus and hike the remaining quarter mile through rough terrain.  I was the only one from the group brave enough to go into the water and experience swimming right up to the waterfall with the others cheering me on!  I was not going to leave Nicaragua without this experience!

Day 6

Major rain showers started in the middle of the night.  It rained very, very hard.  Everything became damp in our cabin.   Like magic though, it stopped enough in the morning to get the concrete floor placed for the home and outside walkway.  This allowed us to completely finish what we were to do plus a few extras.  Then the showers came back to put a damper on a celebration that we were going to have with the neighbour's kids, including the breaking of a pinata.  But it would have bothered us more to not reach closure with the build and the pinata will be given to the home owners to have their own celebration on a sunny day.

I have really liked the people on all three Habitat builds done to this point.  We always have been able to get a lot of work done, but the most impressive group as to strength and condition was by far this particular build.

We got invited to two different schools in order for the teachers to personally thank us for the school supplies and soccer balls that we provided as gifts.  I had a tear or two in my eyes at the second school.  I guess the teachers must have said the right thing and the look of the kid's eyes when I came in with a flashy colorful soccer ball was very rewarding.  We came to the schools with our very grubby and muddy working clothes right after our work was completed.  I really do need to learn some Spanish if I keep this up as some little lads wanted to talk to me at the school, but we did not get too far.

After lunch we went back to the home for the more formal ceremony/ blessing of the house we built, then gift exchanges, and speeches of gratitude.  The mother had the front step swept clean for our arrival and had dressed up as much as she could for the occasion.  We all placed our hands on the house, then the Habitat leader recited a prayer in Spanish.

This was quite the emotional event, a real tear jerker.  Even I had tears in my eyes over this build, the same as others.  There are two small kids that will have a really nice, clean, and secure place to sleep thanks to what we have done.  Previously they were sleeping on a blanket on the ground.  A daughter and son, both very cute and loving.  What precious little angels we found them to be.  

Day 7 - 9

Well, the emails for these days have been lost, but I can tell you that visiting that live volcano on the way to Granada was something else!  Every once in awhile it spits out acid and that is why the landscape in the second picture is brown.  We take a chance in going to this spot, but the odds are in our favor despite risking our skin or life.  The mouth of the volcano is so deep that I could not see the bottom (third picture),   Now if hell does indeed exist, then this would be its gate, a place you do not want to go and I really did not want to get too close to the edge in case I slipped and fell into the bottomless pit!  Others were more brave but as you can see when I took a picture of them as well since they were closer!  This crater was one big, ugly, snarly monster hissing at us with steam and its bad breath!

We spent two nights in Granada, a city that caters to tourists.  Lots to see, lots of street vendors to buy craft souvenirs from, which I bought for my collection at home.   Lots of restaurants and things to do in this tourist trap.  Good employment opportunity for the Nicaraguans when they promote tourism. We took a boat ride to an island in the middle of Lake Nicaragua somewhere and we had a really nice lunch.  Some went kayaking, or walked around the island, or visited for the afternoon.  A good day to relax.  Fortunately this lake still has some fish in it, not like Lake Managua, since the lake is not getting polluted as much with sewage and agricultural and industrial waste.  It is Lake Nicaragua that the Chinese wanted to build a canal to pass through the country.  The lake is quite big, but not deep enough for their super vessels and so its lake floor would have to be deepened like a canal underwater to keep the ships flowing through from both the west and east portions, which connect up to the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

We took in a city tour of Granada, including checking out the city clock tower and the RC Cathedral.  The next day, some of us went to the Laguna de Apoyo, which is a huge crater lake on the other side of Granada, which proved to be quite peaceful and scenic.  Not much in the way of quality amenities, but after all, this is Nicaragua.

It is these three days that cause travelers to come here for a visit, but you do not really get to know the true Nicaragua if you just stay in tourist traps, whereas Habitat completely immerses themselves in the country's culture when doing the build.  Over and out from Nicaragua.