Day 7 (9/3/13)

This morning we walked as a group to the church for our Spanish class. It was awkward walking through the streets of the city because the sidewalks are also steps for the houses and you have two steps on level ground, and then steps down and up—then the sidewalk will end, and then start again, and you have to be careful that there aren’t any cars coming. I don't tend to remember buildings because my eyes are always on the ground so that I don't trip. I think my tour guide was concerned that I was going to get hit by a car because she told me over ten times to look both ways before crossing the street. In the United States, pedestrians are the most important travelers and cars are supposed to yield to pedestrians, but in Nicaragua, pedestrians need to look out for cars because they will not stop.

Today was our first day of classes. Being typical Americans, we arrived at the church about five minutes early. At 9:30 our professor had not arrived yet. Nicaraguan time is so much different than American time. They place much more importance on relationships than time. Part of me likes that because it is okay to be late, but on the other hand, I don’t like it because life is just much less efficient. (Obviously 100% American)

( Mom don’t read this paragraph) My host brother told me today to be extremely careful in Managua because people would shoot us or cut our throats. That was not reassuring at all so I am pretty careful when walking through the city.

Spanish class was in the church and I don’t think our Spanish professor knew English at all. She went over concepts that I already knew, but it was a great review. It was so hot in class—way hotter than hot weather in the U.S.

I had more rice for lunch, and then went over to our friends’ house (it took an hour because we got lost) so that we could have wi-fi and get caught up on our work. Overall, it was a good day and I am so happy that I finally have internet!

In the evening, I wasn't hungry at all. I thought about telling my host mom that I didn't need food, but I didn't do it in time. She prepared a big plate of food for me to eat.

My host brother is studying computer technology at the University and has homework in English, so I was able to help him understand it, but it was really frustrating because I know so many words in English, but I couldn't communicate in Spanish. I really wish that I had internet in my home so that I could use Google translate. I think that my family knows as much English as I know Spanish, but they almost never use English. It is difficult for me to remember Spanish words when I hear them because I am a visual learner and need to see the words on paper.

Overall, I had another good day.