Mi casa...

Alright, so here are a few long awaited pics of my new nica house. I've had it for about two weeks now, but haven't really had the opportunity to spend much time there yet due to being consolidated in Managua since Friday because of all the rain we are getting here. Its nothing special, but its cheap and its mine. And the best part is that it came furnished (bed, fridge, table/chairs).

View of the living room
The other side of the living room...great Enrique poster, eh!
This is my little kitchen...don't mind the mess.
And my bedroom, with my beloved mosquito net.

I promise I do more here than just travel!! I just don´t take pictures of the real work I do!! I do, however, try to take advantage of the weekends to get to see more of Nicaragua and visit my friends in their sites. Otherwise, I survived my first hurricane, administered the first exam to my students (who didn´t do as well as I had hoped), and continue to work at the Mayor´s office. I think (cross your fingers) I´ve finally found a house and hope to move in soon...just have to do a few repairs first.

At Las Peñitas beach in Leon with my friend Georgina.

Cara and I at Las Peñitas.

Playa El Gigante, Tola, Rivas

Another view of El Gigante in Tola.

Hurricane Felix

Just a quick note to let everyone know that all is well in Nicaragua! The hurricane didn't really affect my area too much, just some rain, but thats normal right now anyways as its rainy season. The most damage was done on the Northern Atlantic coast. They did cancel classes one afternoon and then it ended up not even raining! I'm still keeping busy with work and traveling some on the weekends...right now my main project is to find my own house.

"List"

A few people have been asking if I need anything, so here is my response: I wouldn't actually say I 'need' anything (i've adjusted quite quickly to the difference between need and want, its amazing what people get by on down here!). But of course there are always things I want! None of which are very important, just things that are hard to find or expensive....

-chocolate (or other candy/gum)
-drink mixes (like crystal light)
-hand sanitizer (there's always a need for more 'gringo juice' as we call it here)
-seasonings & spices
-magazines (anything but newsweek)
-crossword puzzles (i'm actually not that bored i just feel like my english is going downhill!)
-basic tanks/tees (they stretch out really easily on the 'ole washboard here)

Also, CD's with the 'new' music cause they pretty much just have one kind of music here - reggaeton and it gets old real fast :)

This is by no means a solicitation!! I only posted it because a few people have asked if I want or need anything and can't really remember who asked!!!

Me presenting my host mom with a certificate for ¨hosting¨me at our Swearing In Ceremony.
The girls in my Small Business Group.

My host mom, grandma and two brothers, Nelson & Miguel.


My host brother Nelson and some of the kids in my neighborhood.

Me with my host family....note the pulperia (store) in the background.

My house in my training town...I lived in the blue part.

My fellow training town friends, Bobby, Henry & Cara, before our Swearing In Ceremony.

New Address...

My new address is:

Megan Straube
Apartado Postal 92
Esteli, Esteli
Nicaragua
Central America

Can't wait to hear from everyone!!

The auditorium at my new school in Condega.
Mamones, one of my new favorite fruits!

Cara, Bobby & I at La Boquita, a beach in Carazo near our training town.

A couple of views of my new home, Condega!!!