Day 3 - Nicaragua

Feliz añu nuevo to Nicaragua and happy new year to the States! Today was filled a lot of Spanish practice. We went to the homes of different communities in Masaya, Nicaragua to gather medical histories for census information. It sure was an eye opener... We generally did not take pictures of the homes because it would come off as rude but some people didn't mind. But I can tell you that the floors were of dirt and water was often thrown on the ground to keep it patted down and smooth. Most of the homes were not made of permanent parts and people spent their time outside. Sorry to say, but LOTS of stray dogs wandered the communities hungry because they are not considered pets, though some do have collars. Latrines were used as toilets, which is basically a 5 foot hole in the ground and was treated with calcium to clear out the bacteria over time. Drinking water was kept in buckets and covered, while laundry water was not covered and a lot of mosquito larvae was inside. We advised everyone to cover their water to prevent outbreaks of dengue fever. Despite the poor living conditions, the people were incredibly nice and understanding of our poor Spanish speaking abilities. They answered everyone question to the best of their knowledge and always offered us a place to sit, even if it was their own chair. Garbage was piled high in the streets or is generally burned to get rid of it. A lot of the people worked in mini grocery stores in their own home as their main form of work and sold snacks and soda. Though their culture and lifestyle is completely different from ours, their outlook on life through spirituality and positivity is tenfold to what we practice. They are proud Nicaraguan citizens and I'm so grateful to have met them! 

Granadia fruit

This water is treated by the Minsa or health center which is why it's so clear

As a New Year's tradition,the  Nicaraguan people will light these "spirits" on fire at midnight let go of the year that has ended to free room for peace in the new year. These lifelike dolls are made of old clothes, shoes and toys and filled with fire crackers

Happy New Year from our AC Global Health group!

Team leader Adrianna

I miss all of my family and friends very much and I love you all. Tomorrow is a day full of clinical diagnoses and I can't wait!

Day 2 - Nicaragua

Hola! Another fun filled day in the books. More educational than anything. We learned the proper techniques to use when discussing medical history with patients. As well as, how to examine the abdomen (among other body regions) using auscultation, palpitations and percussions. We also received a crash course in Spanish, so naturally I have no idea what anyone is saying. Hallo wie gehts, ich spreche deutsch.... Shoot that's German not Spanish. But in all seriousness, I'm slowly understanding more and more words and phrases. We didn't get to see the volcano today due to a time constraint but the light festival that took its place was brilliant. Just wait until you see!

Breakfast: cereal with warm milk that didn't need to be refrigerated (it really wasn't bad like it sounds), eggs and of course gallo pinto (rice and beans) and some of the greatest orange juice I've ever had

The daytime view is just as breathtaking

Visiting the mall

Gelato at e! Yea! Gelato

Dinner at Ola Verde (100% organic restaurant)

These piña coladas are so much better here

Christmas "festival" lights were so amazing and lit up the entire city of Managua. While all the other Christmas lights only come out once a year, these trees remain up permanently and are known as "happy trees" because they signify the gift of life

Street performer breathing fire

Tomorrow is our first day of home visits and ends with a New Years Eve dance party celebration. Buenos noches! 

Nindirí, Nicaragua - Day 1

We have arrived to Central America safely! The landscape and architecture is out of this world and the customs of the people are just as vibrant as the colors of their homes. Some say a picture is worth a thousand words, and I think that pretty much sums it up. Check it out!

Leaving Miami, FL

Arriving in Managua, Nicaragua

Our hotel/mini resort in Nindirí, Nicaragua - Estancia Victoriana

Laguna de Masaya

Volcán Masaya

Our first dinner abroad

Tomorrow awaits a day of general orientation, medical training and medicine sorting. Plus the added bonus of viewing the volcano up close and personal.

Everything Happens for a Reason

Yesterday at 1 in the morning, our flight to Texas and then to Nicaragua was cancelled due to the terrible weather storms down south. We were on the phones all night long trying to get all 14 of us on a new flight, but with it being just after the holidays, there really was no hope for us. Regardless, we all went to the airport at 530am to see if we could hop on to any available flight, but that was a no-go as well. Unable to contact our trip leaders or travel agency, we booked the next flight available, almost 4 days later. Luckily, we were then able to get the flight pushed up to December 29th at 545am. Half of us to Chicago and the other half to Charolette, and we'll all meet in Miami to fly to Managua. Hopefully we'll only miss yesterday and everything will go smoothly tomorrow morning, though this weather isn't exactly reassuring...

Despite the delays and cancellations, we all got to spend another day at home as opposed to spending the day in an airport. Wish us luck, and lots of it!

Countdown = 25 Days....Commence Packing, Planning and a Little Panicking

As the days get closer to my departure to Central America, I have decided to start a travel blog for anyone who is interesting in following along! Just 25 days until I take off to Nicaragua and Costa Rica to work with my fellow classmates from Adrian College in assisting local physicians in general health care techniques. In preparation for packing, I recently picked up all of the necessities  that are in strong demand. 

To everyone who donated money to my GoFundMe page to support the trip costs as well as to purchase vital medications, this is what it went towards. This small amount of medicine was over $200 and really shows just how expensive and unattainable it is for people in underdeveloped countries to acquire. 

These medications include:

Adult and children's cough syrup, multivitamins, allergy medication (Claritin, Zyrtec), lice shampoo, antibiotic cream, anti fungal cream, iron and folic acid supplements, Allegra, Aleve, Prilosec and Tums.