snapshots

The problem with moving to a different country, getting attached to the people, and investing in life here is that eventually you have to leave. And leaving is never easy.

Unfortunately, I've had to begin the goodbye process -- slowly starting to say goodbye to people that I've shared life with in these past few months. My last day at work is this Wednesday and I'll be leaving Masaya on Friday.

I'm determined to finish strong and make the most of my last few days here.

The last week or so has been very full (of good things). Because of this I haven't written for a while. I'll try to catch up.

Here's a sample of favorite moments (snapshots) in the last few weeks that will soon be nothing more than cherished memories:

*People-watching in the central parks of Granada and Masaya - both are very lively and entertaining.

*Enjoying a "Dulce de Leche" ice-cream bar with friends.

*Aerobics dance class. My only regret is that I didn't discover this class sooner. Possibly one of my favorite "social outings" in the past few weeks. I leave every class sore from so much exercise and so much laughing.

*My nine-year-old personal Spanish teacher helping me with homework and instructing me on the different kinds of nouns and articles.

*Visiting "Los Pueblos" one last time with the loan officer.

*A friend's birthday party complete with pinata and all.

*Chai Tea Latte at the Garden Cafe -- my favorite restaurante in Granada.

*Experiencing a Nica movie theater -- the film stopped 3 times in the middle of the show. The last time it stopped, there was about a 5 minute gap of time before it started again, during which one-third of the crowd left.

*Sitting around the table after supper talking about politics and culture.

*Watching the moon over Lago de Nicaragua, listening to a live band at a lake-side restaurant/bar in Granada for my "goodbye party" with my co-workers

*Dancing so much Cumbia that I could hardly walk the next day.