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