1/6/14

Good Morning Nicaragua!

Another December in Nicaragua. Christmas Eve was very noisy with bombas and our dogs hid in the back bedroom. Surprisingly it was very quiet after Christmas day and not many bombas for New Year’s Eve and instead, quite a few beautiful fireworks. One custom I like is the burning of the effigies at midnight, New Year’s Eve.

They call them the Años Viejos and you see them on every street at least in Granada. It looks like a scarecrow but it is often stuffed with firecrackers (triquitraques). Some dress them up as politicians, someone they dislike or an old lover. Hmmmmm…. sounds a little like voodoo. This gesture is a tradition of burning up all of the problems of the past year. Sometimes a note is placed on the effigy with the resolutions for the new year and/or the issues of the past year or people just write on the clothing. Some you see hanging from trees, some are thrown into the street and some are on stands but they all burn or explode until it is just ashes.

It is already the sixth of the new year so most of your resolutions have already been broken though I’m sure your intentions were good. Since we rarely follow through with resolutions we should write them for other people then we can criticize them instead of ourselves.

We were doubly blessed this year with friends visiting from North Carolina which made our holidays extra special. Hope everyone was able to get through last week without the Nica Nuggets but my staff (me) needed a vacation for the holiday.

Hope everyone has a mystical and magical New Year.

New Play Saturday

El Berrinche Ambiental

The children´s group of La Escuela de Mimo y Comedia have a new play which will have its first performance at Cafe Mimo on La Calzada on Saturday (11th) this week 6.00pm. “El Huevo de Oro” tells of the friendship between a boy and a chicken set in the old west. Gun-slingers, indians, acrobatics and juggling mix in a play for all ages.

The street art festival El Berrinche Ambiental starts from next Monday and will feature performances of music, circus and theatre in the avenues, parks and barrios of Granada during the days of the week and at the Cafe Mimo during the nights. Grand finale on Saturday 18th January 6.00pm in front of Casa Tres Mundos and the fund-raiser art (and more) auction will be on evening of Wednesday 15th January at the cafe. More details of the festival in the next newsletter.

Any enquiries (or offers of prizes for the fund-raiser) – [email protected].

DB – Don’t miss this new play by these talented youngsters. Also, the street festival and art auction is an annual event you don’t want to miss.

Why Nicaragua?

– A New Restaurant

Why Nicaragua?

The big question is always “Why Nicaragua?”  Our answer is simple.  We love it here.

Shane and I first visited Nicaragua in February of 2011, with his parents, Dan and Maureen and our first son, Jack.  Jack was 22 months at the time and we were trying to take advantage of him flying for free before …

Read the whole story.

DB – This is the new restaurant at Hotel Casa San Francisco. The food is very good and I especially liked the pork sliders and the potato balls. I’m not a big fan of yucca but the yucca chips are great! Kind of like Latin Lay’s Potato Chips.

Crime in Granada

In the last issue, I had asked for opinions on whether you thought local crime was increasing, decreasing or staying about the same. I received very little response but I was taken to task by a couple people for not reporting details of the terrible home invasion and beating that occurred in Reparto San Juan a week before Christmas. My sympathies to the victim of the thoughtless and ruthless crime that occurred.

As I explained to them, the Nica Nuggets is just a community newsletter. I am not an investigative reporter and I stay away from crime and politics for many reasons. First, there is the question of liability. The owner of a home, condo or apartments would not be happy to see their property associated with the crime. Yes, I did report a rape a couple months ago but it was to warn women and especially young volunteers to be careful. Second, whenever a crime is reported, there is a tendency among many of you to blame the police which I don’t understand.

It is relatively safe here but crime does occur and much of it is unreported. I grew up on a farm in Illinois where the biggest crime was not harvesting the crops in time. It is not as safe here as where I grew up. Perhaps someone should start a crime blog where everyone posts to it.

If any of you readers wish to be part of the solution, join the Amigos de la Policia and I will make arrangements for regular meetings with the police to discuss events. Only strong communities can combat crime.

Puedo Leer Chili Cookoff

Mark your calendars for the Fourth Annual Gran Sultana Chili Cookoff on Sunday, January 26th from 1:00 to 4:00 at Reilly’s Irish Tavern. All proceeds go to Puedo Leer to bring the joy of reading to the people of Nicaragua. This is a fun social event you won’t want to miss.

More details later but we are looking for chili connoisseurs that think they make the best chili on earth. If you think you got the right stuff, here is your chance to prove it! Contact Helen or Carol for more info on how to enter:

Carol Rea [email protected]

Helen Korengold [email protected]

We are also looking for restaurants, bakeries or people to donate desserts and of course, we are always looking for any donations.

See you there!

10 Reasons For Drinking Lemon Water

10 Reasons You Should be Drinking Lemon Water Every Morning

1. Boosts your immune system

Lemons are high in vitamin C, which is great for fighting colds. They’re high in potassium, which stimulates brain and nerve function. Potassium also helps control blood pressure.

2. Hydrates the lymph system

This cup of goodness helps start the day …

Read the whole article.

International Poet Festival

While marking your calendars be sure to add the Granada 2014 International Poet Festival. This is a big event lasting a week from February 16th -February 23rd. This year will be the tenth year and it will honor Ruben Dario.

My favorite part is the parade which parodies everyone and everything. It is very entertaining. Also, there will be many book sellers and dealers with their wares on display.

AA in Granada

We have had several requests for the location of Alcoholics Anonymous in English in the Granada area. General information was found at:

GENERAL SERVICE OFFICE

Oficina De Servicios Generales
Apartado 2247
Managua, Nicaragua , Nicaragua

Managua Oficina Central Intergrupal de A.A. de Managua Nicaragua
Phone:24 Hr Phone: (505)2250-8368

There used to be one on Cuiscoma but I don’t know much about this. If anyone knows here meetings are held, let me know and I will publish it.

Dog-Sitting Service

Overnight dog-sitting prices
A small dog $12/day

A big dog     $15/day

Includes three walks a day, including one long walk for an hour. Socialisation with other dogs. Veterinarian visits if necessary (medicating not included in the day price) Food and professional loving care for your dog. Discount for long term stays more then 2 weeks $10/day

Chris and Bertina
[email protected]

More on Vehicle Inspection /Personal Insurance

Since police are now stopping vehicles and checking to see if you have a valid inspection form I thought I better get one. Frankly, my last one was when I brought the vehicle into the country in 2006. We have a 2005 Jeep Liberty.

The police inspection station for Granada is located at Hondoy Automotive on Calle Inmaculada just before the La Union supermarket. Entering the small hut, they informed me it would be a little over 300 cords ($12). A young man opened the hood and looked inside, probably to verify there was an engine. They then gave me an inspection form that showed I had passed all of 79 checks. To be fair, they may not inspect carefully vehicles less than 10 years old. You also receive two Certificados de Aprobaciones. This is what you show the police if stopped. It is good for one year. In less than five minutes I was done.

Next week, I will get the emissions check. They will probably put a canary up my exhaust muffler and see if it lives.

One of our readers, Cynthia, recently got a Nica driver’s license and stated you are required to have personal insurance in addition to your vehicle insurance. I will look into this further and see what that is about.

A Genuflection

This story is merely an observation of a very moving experience of mine within a culture and a religion with which I have had little experience. The side door to the church was open, and the southerly breeze blew across the …

Read the whole article.

DB – I always enjoy Linda’s articles about life here. I agree that the funerals here seem to make more sense than those in the states. Someone should write an article laying out the details of Nica funerals. As for Amy and I, we have agreed to immediate cremation and no funeral. Then a month later or so, have a get-together with friends and family to celebrate (or in my case probably be criticized) the life of the one who has passed.

Speaking of cremations, Amy and I have also agreed that if we contract some dibilitating disease or just get too old to continue, we would just jump into a local volcano. Of course, that also has its risks as Amy is kind of clumsy. I would probably swan dive into the volcano and Amy would get caught on an outlying branch and slow cook for three days. In which case, I would be cremated and Amy would be well done.

La Esperanza – December 2013

Instead of looking back over 2013, to celebrate the start of the new year, we are looking ahead at the great plans we have for 2014.

We are making a big push to improve the first years of school for the children.  Kindergarten, or as it is known here, ‘preescolar’ is such a vital time for learning – …

Read the whole article.

DB – We will begin publishing the monthly newsletter of La Esperanza. We invite all NGO’s to write an article about their organizations. Be sure to mention if you take volunteers and the needed qualifications. Don’t you want the world to know the good work you are doing? Otherwise we may think you are just laundering money.

Spanish Lesson 1

LESSON 1 Pronunciation of Spanish Weekly Online Course from January to June 2014 by George Wu Having been an expat for many years, I have burrowed around foreign languages which center on Adam’s apple or distinct voice box of its own. One conclusion I have come to has to do with my contending that …

Read the whole lesson.

DB – One of our readers, George, will have a weekly lesson in this newsletter for several months. This is the first lesson. Buena suerte!

Herbs

By  Dr. Jerry Lee Hoover N.D.

The great remedial properties of herbs have been recognized and appreciated since time immemorial. Herbs were mentioned in the Bible from the beginning of creation.  Herbs are nature’s medicine and have been put here by an all-wise Creator. See Psalm 104:141 and Ezekiel 47:12. There is an herb for every disease that a …

Read the whole article.

DB – In the article it lists the herb, raspberry leaf, for female problems.  I may try that to get rid of all my problems with females.

Paint System For Sale

Wagner Paint Crew 660…2600 psi with 413 reversible spray tip…professional grade metal spray gun fits standard “G” thread 7/8″ accesories such as tip and pole extension (not included)…. 2 gallon hopper for paint….quick drain clean-up empties hopper with less mess…on demand pump technology maintains pressure as needed. Comes with 15′ hose. Instructions in English and Spanish.

Owner is willing to sell for the reduced price of $125 and half will go to a foundation. The system is at my home if you wish to see it.

Darrell

Amigos de la Policia

I have received few responses from people wishing to be members of the Amigos de la Policia. I have to have at least 36 members to continue to provide the $150 monthly gas money. All other costs Amy and I have been absorbing.

Please, you are not paying much in the way of taxes to live or work here. The cost is only $50 a year. You can drop the money off at Amy’s Centro de Arte or at our home La Flor Panamena on the corner of Calle Santa Lucia and Martirio.

We must show the police that we support them. I will do all of the work but we need this small amount of money to keep the program going.

Darrell  [email protected]

Golf Outing

We had mentioned that we would like to start a regular monthly golf get together and several of you responded. I was thinking of the first Tuesday of the month but this month perhaps Tuesday, January 14th. I would get a van or bus depending on the number of participants. This month we would play Hacienda Iguana then next month Gran Pacifica and perhaps then even Nejapa in the future.

The cost would be around $40 for the golf and the cart and assume $15 for the van or vehicle. Of course, the more people there are, the lower the transportation cost.

So email me if interested and we will try to make this a regular monthly event. All sexes welcome and all levels of golf. The photo is the 8th hole at Iguana.

Darrell

Special Gentle Yoga Workshop.

Friday, Jan. 10th, Monday, Jan. 13th at 10 am.

Special Gentle Yoga Workshop with Ed and Maude Valentine. Perfect for beginners and/or people dealing with chronic joint/back issues. Cost: by donation.  10 am – 12 noon on both days.  Join us for one or both sessions.  Click here http://www.yogavalentine.com/index.html for more information about Ed and Maude. 

— Warren (Ruben) Ogden Owner & Manager PURE Gym – Spa – Yoga Granada, Nicaragua www.purenica.com

Yoga Fundamentals

At Casa Lucia with Amy Schleunes, Resident Yoga Instructor

Are you interested in trying yoga this year?  Hoping to find a class appropriate for beginners?  Join us for “Yoga Fundamentals,” an informative three-workshop series at Casa Lucia Boutique Hotel & Yoga.  This thorough exploration of the most commonly taught yoga postures is ideal for students new to yoga and for those practitioners looking to refine and clarify their understanding of the asanas.

Our comprehensive journey through the poses will be divided as follows:

Sun Salutations & Standing Poses (Saturday, January 11th from 3:00-4:30pm):

(Sun Salutation variations, Crescent, Warriors 1, 2, and 3, Chair, Pyramid, Triangle, Extended Side Angle, Half Moon, Tree, Eagle)

Backbends, Arm Balances, & Twists (Saturday, January 18th from 3:00-4:30pm):

(Sphinx, Upward Facing Dog, Locust, Camel, Bridge, Side Plank, Forearm Plank, Dolphin, Crow, Revolved Triangle, Revolved Half Moon)

Seated, Supine, & Restorative Poses (Saturday, January 25th from 3:00-4:30pm):

(Forward Bends, Boat, Hero, Pigeon variations, Supported Hip Openers, Supported Bridge, Legs Up the Wall, Plow, Supported Savasana)

All poses and corresponding modifications will be demonstrated and explored in detail.  We’ll also have ample time for questions about injuries and other physical limitations.  You’re welcome to attend any combination of these workshops, each of which costs $10 and includes a post-yoga detox juice.  Please feel free to contact us with any questions and to reserve your spot.

Casa Lucia is a Boutique Hotel & Yoga Retreat located in the colonial city of Granada.

Contact: [email protected], Tel: 2552 0239

www.casaluciagranada.com

DB – Some of these yoga pose names scream for a retort and I have to restrain myself. I may visit the class just to see what a “upward facing dog” or “camel” looks like but they sound exciting. Reminds me of friend that had a camel without the usual humps so she named him Humphrey.

Granada Home For Sale

This home is located in Granada in Reparto Bartolome. It is out of the noisy tourist area of the city but close to shopping, parks, municipal services and a short taxi ride to downtown Granada. The owner has put in a double wide sidewalk around the house. The house is surrounded by security bars that are attractively done for added privacy. The house features two large living areas. There is dining area across from kitchen with connecting bar counters. A large laundry room off of the kitchen has a full private bath with shower for staff and guests. There are two bedrooms in the back of the house each with private bathroom and built in closet. There is private gated parking with a strong wall ready to add covered parking with a master suite which would offer spectacular views of Mombacho. There are beautiful handcrafted extras through this house. The house is partially furnished.

The asking price is $149,000.

Candi Fleet    [email protected]

For Sale

We are selling items for someone who needed to return north.

Items: Apple computer (desk top) $400, Kitchen Aid Mixer $150

Camp Chairs $10 ea., Six man tent $100, Mosquito shelter $70, Sleeping bags $5 ea

Dewalt drill $30

Glass Art and supplies, Hobby desk, dishes, clothes drying racks, other misc. things

Gerald     [email protected]

Granada Colonial Home Tours

Have you ever wondered what’s behind those doors of Granada?

Enjoy a morning walking tour of some of Granada’s most beautiful and historical colonial homes. Learn about the history and the Spanish colonial architecture while viewing  the city’s private homes. All proceeds benefit the children of Nicaragua by providing books, education and other activities through Biblioteca Puedo Leer and Sacuanjoche International School.

Departs every Tuesday morning at 10 AM

Meet at Centro de Arte behind Olé Boutique

Calle La Calzada—One block towards the lake from the Central Park

$15 per person

For more info call 8616-7322 or 8616-7310 or email [email protected]

Dentists

I have received at least 50 requests for this info. Please write it down or look it up on my website.

My recommendations for Granada are the husband-wife team of Dr. Erwin Esquivel Chavez / Dra. Ximena Urbina Ordonez and Dr. Salinas. They all speak English but the answering receptionist may not.

Dr. Erwin Esquivel Chavez
Rehabilitacion Oral e Implantes
Tel: 2552-0664
Cel: 8971-7756
email: [email protected]

Dra.Ma. Ximena Urbina Ordonez
Cirujano Dentista
Especialista en Endodoncia
Tel: 2552-0664
Cel: 8954-4579
email: [email protected]

Click here to see their website.

Dr. Jaime Salinas      Dentist
Calle Real Xalteva, one block towards lake from Xalteva Church
Phone 2552-5040   Speaks English
Cell  8681-9357

Dr. Leonard Grant
Some expats use this dentist but speaks Spanish
One block North of Petronic gas station, 1/2 block west
Phone 8405-9650

Submission of Articles

Shyness and being an expat do not go hand in hand. We need articles and all of you know something of interest. Write about the shock of coming to Nicaragua, what you like best about Granada, an interesting trip you took, your success in starting a business, financial tips, building tips, Nica music you like, etc. Come on! I’m not a great writer but I’m an interesting writer and so are you. Submit a rough article and we will clean it up for you.

Just send the article directly to me of at least 500 words. You may also send a photo in JPG format and smaller than 150,000 bytes. I will resize it if necessary.

Note – Due to the number of weird expats living here and some pessimists which should return to the country of their origin, we reserve the right to refuse articles or to edit them. Sorry, but some of you are just not happy about anything. We do accept constructive, intelligent opinion pieces.

Disclaimer

Statements and opinions expressed in articles, reviews and other materials herein are those of the authors, editors and publishers.

While every care has been taken in the compilation of this information and every attempt made to present up-to-date and accurate information, we cannot guarantee that inaccuracies will not occur. Nicaragua Community will not be held responsible for any claim, loss, damage or inconvenience caused as a result of any information within these pages or any information accessed through associated sites. Remarks of cynicism or sarcasm may be dispersed among the nuggets because that is just the way I am.