My Town

Nicaragua is divided into 17 areas known as departments.  I live in the department capital of Boaco, Boaco, a small city reminiscent of San Francisco in that it is built on a series of very steep hills.  Known as “la ciudad de dos pisos” (city of two floors), Boaco is well-known by Nicaraguans for its hand-made cowboy accessories and cuajada, a type of salty cheese.  The rainy season has already kicked-in, bringing a beautiful green to the hills and a slew of mosquitos into my room.

There is a large market abajo where one can find anything from fresh produce to knock-off Converse shoes.  Anything you can´t find here is usually available in Nicaragua´s capital city of Managua, which is about a two-hour bus ride away.  Buses leave for Managua every 30 minutes to an hour and cost 30 córdobas ($1.40) one way.

Believe it or not, this is a Catholic church. . .

The woman from whom I buy my mangoes.

Walking through the hills of Boaco is known as “sube y baja” and everyone here has calves of steel.  If you are not in the mood to walk up and down hills, however, there are a number of staircases you can use to get from one “floor” to the next.  Pictured above is the “Bailante” staircase, so named because a monument to a folkloric Boacan dancer rests at the top, overlooking the city.   

Huge celebrations I have witnessed since I´ve been here:

Mother´s Day

Father´s Day

Sandinista rallies

Claro (cellphone company) promotion

53rd Anniversary of the local junior high school

7th Anniversary of the founding of the Mayor´s office

Children´s Day

Teachers´Day

I´m probably forgetting a few.  In other words, Nicas LOVE to throw parties!