It’s strange to think that I am writing from the other side of the world, a place far away from home. It has been about twelve days since I left Norway, about three months since I said goodbye to my precious Viet Nam, and now a whole week in León is over. Time flies when life is treating you modest.
León is a one of the oldest cities in Nicaragua and is known for its historical colonial churches and monuments. Nicaragua is the second poorest and most corrupt country in Latin America. It has had a history of brutality and political regulations that can only be found in Nicaragua. The country is officially a secular state but is highly influenced by the Catholic Church. The point is not to introduce Nicaragua as a less attractive country, contrary it is a very attractive place with fascinating politics and heritage.
Cathedral of Leon
To be honest, I was pretty much in love with León the moment I started walking its streets. But then I again, I do get too exited and fascinated really fast. The walls of León are covered with graffiti and paintings that reflect the time of revolution in 1979.
It’s fantastic to see how colorful León is. The walls, the streets, the market and pretty much everything that moves. I really do like this city a lot. Everything is in walking distance and the food is great too!
Development studies 2
Studying in Latin America is really an experience itself. Everything you learn in class or from your readings can be seen right before your eyes. The influence of the Catholic Church, the revolutionary history, politics, poverty, economy etc. The subject this semester is also very interesting. I really like the way the study is structured, our lectures and our seminars. Our lecture take place at a rom at a hotel. And thank God for the aircon! Otherwise it would have been impossible to focus! Our seminars are at a beach resort which we have two times a week. I have always wanted to sit on a American school bus, haha, and guess what! they have them here in Nicaragua!
I like them alot even though they are extremely unpractical to drive on the roads here in León. First of all because of the roads that are too small so the buss driver ends up driving on footpath. Second of all, it feels like you are sitting on a fast running horse.
We are now going into the second week of the study period. In about two weeks we are going go be placed on different locations around Nicaragua to do our research work. This will last for three weeks. Some will live in urban area, others in rural, all depending on what we want our research to be about. We are going to be living with host family. I am really looking forward to that. It really is a blessing to get a chance to study here. The environment is great, the study itself is really interesting, and as a student, you really get the benefit of it all.
Trip to Cerro Negro and Volcano boarding
On saturday the development students and the spanish students took a trip to Cerro Negro. And let me tell you, it’s an active volcano! The vulcano is 780 meters high, and for my ‘fitness’ sake, I am glad we only had to hike about 530 meters. The wind pressure was high, and if you didn’t hold your board the way our instructor told us to, you quickly realize that you can literally be taken by the wind.
The view from the top was great and the vulcano boarding was extremely fun. The record this time was 85km/h!! Definitely recommended… well not the speed but vulcano boarding!
I am looking forward to upcoming weeks!