Perritos

My perritos (little doggies)! Or, more accurately, my perrotos (big dogs)!

Love these guys. They keep me safe, gracias a Dios.

Enjoy!

Puppy love,

Jan Mags

p.s. The blog seems to be cropping out the right side of the video. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C7NA9M5btxc to see it full screen!

The Wonderful World of Nicaraguan transportation

Upon my arrival to Nicaragua, one thing immediately stuck out: the potholes. Those have since been filled in, but I have yet to drive down the Carretera Vieja a Leon without passing a plethora of mediums for transport including oxen, bicycles, trucks, motorcycles, buses, and cars. Don't forget your horse or your own good pair of feet either - there are many ways to get around Cedro Galan/Chiquilistagua! I've already got great memories of transportation in Nicargua: learning to drive stick shift, passing cars while facing oncoming traffic, my first (and only) motorcycle ride, driving singing chavalos to and from Kid's English at the Land ("¡La Rebeca! ¡La Rebeca! ¡No se olvide la Rebeca!"), trying to board a bus amidst a slew of hecklers calling out "Manawaaa - Manawaaa - Manawaaa," "Chinandega - Chinandega - Chinandega," or my personal favorite, "¡Masaya - Masaya - Masaaaayaaaaa!" Anyway you look at it, getting around Nicaragua is interesting. Depending on your perspective (and your day), it can be thrilling, terrifying, or frustrating, and it's almost always hot. There's a good chance you'll get pulled over by the police: If it's a long sleeves shirted cop that gets you, watch out for a ticket. If he or she is wearing short sleeves, you can't get a ticket (and you better call their bluff for a bribe). Needless to say, I've learned quite a bit just by riding around Managagua/Nicaragua/Central America. Please enjoy my video, a highlight of my adventures with transportation in Nicargua (and a few of my favorite students, too!).

Transportation from Jan Margaret Rogers on Vimeo.

Amor y paz,

Jan Maggi

over-the-hump month (February!)

I'm over halfway through my 13 month stint in Nicaragua, and it's just now starting to hit me. I live in Central America. Wow. One would think these things would have sunken in ages ago...

Another thing I wish I'd figured out from the beginning is how to work my iMovie magic. After being inspired by a friend's blog, little white lights, I decided to make a video highlighting some little things I've learned, things I appreciate, and places/people I have grown to love. I hope to make even more of these videos (shorter, I promise!) to feature aspects of life abroad in Nicaragua.

Abrazos,

Jan Maggi