The beginning of a new academic year is always such a stressful time. Kids aren't the only ones who get first day jitters. Especially when you're new. Preparations for the new school year have nearly come to an end, and although I don't feel as ready as I'd like, that is no surprise being in a new country, at a new school and in a new grade. I'm sure this was how I felt in the beginning at my last home and everything ended up being great (awesome students and colleagues), so not too worried. I know that soon enough I'll have a bunch of new amiguitos (3rd graders) and lots of good classroom stories to tell! Teaching was never dull in California and I'm sure it won't be here either.
In any case, even with the effort to have a positive outlook, pre-school anxiety is real!! So given the three-day weekend thanks to Santo Domingo, Managua's patron saint, I went on a trip to San Juan del Sur!!
San Juan del Sur Getaway
This was considered "crowded" at Playa Maderas. Not crowded at all by my standards!
Sunset at Playa Maderas
Playa Coco - Body surfed here and got some mild jellyfish stings.
Playa Coco
Something that is really special about Nicaragua is how relatively untouched the beaches are. Because tourism is still not huge here, the beaches are super secluded and serene. However, that means that the beaches are pretty difficult to get to. Both of these spots were a pretty rocky ride away from the main part of town.
Something else great about Nicaragua...FOOD!
Whenever I go to a new place, one of my biggest concerns in food. Gracias a Dios, Nicaragua has not disappointed! Just some things I've had since I've been here:
Lots of chicken here
Rosti Pollo is all over Managua
My first fast food here and first tacos. Nicaraguan tacos are kind of like Mexican flautas.
Kathy's Waffle House - popular restaurant in Granada
They're famous for waffles but I got Nicaraguan breakfast. The thing on the left is deep fried cheese!
THIS IS SCHOOL FOOD FOR TEACHERS AT MY SCHOOL. So amazing and delicious!!
Beef dish
More school food!!
Pork dish
Beachfront restaurant at Playa Coco
Garlic Octopus
Not my photo, but something I've eaten a few times now that is super delicioso.
Tostones con queso - plantain patties with fried cheese blocks on top
So happy to hear you're enjoying yourself! And super jealous of all the food pics... Queso frito is my all time favorite. Eat a good fritanga! Love reading all of the updates! Take care. -vanessa
ReplyDeleteI know the classroom stories are going to be entertaining, and I can't wait to hear how you rocked your first week with the 3rd graders, but I'm already sold on Nicaragua from your first few posts. That's a "crowded " beach??? Nice!! Breath deep and enjoy:)
ReplyDeleteKeep these coming! I love living vicariously :) Miss you!!
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