Night Arrival

As it turns out, Nicaragua is rather close to the USA by air. From Miami, the flight was merely 2 hours to the capital, Managua. What remained to be experienced was another two hours rest at the airport, allowing the other volunteers to arrive, and then a two hour drive to our temporary home for the next 7 days.

It was fully dark, the moon was bright, and the idea of a sparse green wilderness rolled past the windows of the van. The two lane highway was pleasantly smooth and well maintained. Slowly our group began to acquaint ourselves, or slumber... it had been a very long day. There are 18 of us, 16 women and 2 men. Five veterinarians, 12 vibrant veterinary students, and one Mom completes the assembly.

Of course the villa looks to be very nice, fully open to the warm breeze and the unfamiliar sounds of a surrounding jungle. The background cricket din is natural... but what the heck is that noise screeching to the left that takes turns with a moaning howl to the right? We could glimpse the idea of an ocean in the distance, and a few lights shining in the sleepy town below. AH, but there was one thing that I had not prepared myself for... not just BUGS, but BIG bugs. Oh Mama! Without the security of a net around the bed I wouldn't have slept a wink.

The morning light dispelled the shadows and offered a bright new perspective... it is absolutely beautiful here. I've put together an introductory video for your pleasure:

And so today will be a free day for us, most of us are going on a sailing excursion, which means you too! You may want to put on your bathing suit, I've heard that we pay a visit to a secluded beach!