My Favorite Time of The Year

March and April in Masaya can be unbearably hot.

Nevertheless, they are my favorite months of the year here. Here's why:

Yep, it's a mango. And better yet . . . it's a mango from my neighbor's tree that decided to drop in my garden and pay me a visit.

This particular variety -- the locals call it a "Rosa" -- is absolutely divine. (I swear when God was coming up with ideas for fruits, the blessed mango was His master stroke of genius.)

Sadly, they only show up in late March and April.

But I'm a gracious host. Take a look at this backyard bonanza:

Next week I'm going to Edmonton to visit family.

What was I thinking planning a trip away from this backyard paradise at this time of year???

The Hatfields and McCoys - Central American Style

The Hatfields are the "Ticos." The McCoys are the "Nicas."

You can probably figure out who the Nicas are. "Nica" is the nickname for Nicaraguans. A "Tico" is a Costa Rican.

They are neighboring countries. And they really don't like each other that much.

At all.

Case in point. There has been an ongoing dispute between the two countries about a parcel of swamp land. Each government thought -- and today still thinks -- that this parcel of swamp land is rightfully theirs.

So off they went the Ticos and the Nicas to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands for a resolution.

The Court pretty much told them to sit down and figure it out themselves. So last week they planned a meeting on the border.

And I really mean ON THE BORDER.

Incredulously, each delegation placed their table of delegates on their respective side of the border between the two countries. Talk about warming up for some friendly neighborly banter, huh?

The mediator from Guatemala -- pity the guy -- suggested all parties reconvene  . . . in another country!

Fun with Fotos*

Have any of you seen this photo manipulation website?

It's a riot.

I'm having lotsa fun playing with the photos of our students (and BECA staff members).

They think I'm some kind of photoshop genius. Little do they know it's as simple as mango pie (not many apples around here).

Antonio Rodriguez - Coordinator BECA, Masaya

*Yeah I know it should be spelled "photos." But I ask you . . . why?

Tranquilo

"Tranquilo."

I hear this quite a bit here in Nicaragua. Most of you can guess what it means. It's kind of a polite "take it easy" or "relax."

I've mentioned before in my blog that the pace of life is much slower here.

People take their time to do things. Actually they take their sweet time to do things. (This applies to companies and institutions, too.)

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Most of the time.

But there are exceptions.

Case in point. This building in Masaya has been on the point of collapse EVER SINCE I GOT HERE. That's like almost three years. People walk under it each and every day.

Tranquilo? No thanks. This time, I'll walk on the other side.