After a long weekend of lots of free time and late nights we jumped back into our usual scheduling for Work like a Local Day.
I am Monica Zalog and I am pictured above (wearing the monster shirt) as I was the Leader of the Day. The objective of today was to learn more about the daily life of Nicaraguans here in Leon, specifically to experience the early wake up times and the nature of the work as well as comparing that to the money, or cordobas, earned. We teamed up with local vendors, or mercaderos, at Mercado la Estacion. In pairs or alone we tried to navigate the language barrier and effectively help out our vendors. We all bonded over the confusion and challenges that came with selling in the market and experienced a small part of what our vendors experience for long hours 7 days a week. It was eye opening when we continued to learn about how much most Nicaraguans earn and what one Cordoba means to them in their daily expenses and bills and to us when we spend money without much thought because 27 Cordobas equals 1 US Dollar. Nevertheless, we had a lot of fun trying to sell to customers and speaking Spanish even if we didn’t know the language like learning to say numbers in Spanish and using phrases such as “What can I offer you?” or “Que les ofresco?” and “How much is it?” or “Cuanto vale?“
Today was not without its challenges. Due to technical difficulties we all woke up about 45 minutes late and the 4 hours at Mercado la Estacion went by slowly. Some students didn’t have enough to do, but we stayed positive and appreciated the extra sleep and did what we could to help the vendors and pass the time.
After the market and lunch we had quite a bit of free time and after some struggles to find an Internet Café a few of the delegates were able to call home which meant a lot to them as its been a week and I think we’re all starting to get home sick. (Sorry I didn’t call mom I took a nap on a hammock… feed the cat, I love you). Other people played Uno or other card games while some people rested like me. Overall, between the hours at the market and the free time we are getting closer as we spend more time together and we’re all trying to cherish the time we have together and absorb all we can because the first week flew by so fast.
Hola mija!! I’m happy to see you smile!! you looking good it looks like you having fun selling things and helping people. good thing that you know a little Spanish then maybe they can understand better. I hope you using your Spanish the most. Hi to everybody and thank you for posted many, many pictures it make us happy to see you guys thank you for everything, thank you for you writing every single night take care of all of you. have fun bye!! remember Zoe we love you much, much, much. Xoxoxoxoxo
Wow, there is so much color in everything. It looks like it would be fun to see all of the differnt things for sale. I would think it would be difficult to sell things because you would have to be so quick at understanding their currency.
It looks like great fun and a bit of a challenge. Did anyone buy thing for themselves? Seeing everything that is in the pics I think I woulda been to distracted to be of help to the vendors. (Bright and shinny things)
well I was feeling really happy today (not sure why) so I bought a beef stick and took Loki for a walk, he was so happy with the treat and the walk I think he jumped and hopped more than he walked. He hasnt been more than two feet from me at night and wont let me alone. I think he misses someone………
Well enjoy your evening lymy
Very nice photos, and a nice description of the marketplace. The marketplace looks like a hustling, bustling place. Thank you, Monica, for today’s description and to everyone for your daily write-ups and pictures. I love all of the bright colors in Nicaragua.
Monica, don’t worry about finding an Internet cafe to call – glad that you got some rest and I hope that you are back to feeling well by now. Enjoy your time there, and thank you to the leaders Joel and Victoria for the great job that you must be doing because everyone looks like they are having a wonderful experience and enjoying each other’s company. P.S. Your cat (and two dogs) are fine.
Very nice story Monica! We are all glad that you are having a great time. And do not worry, we did not forget about the cat!
Thank you Monica for the very detailed description of your experience working like a Nicaraguan. And i agree with everybody, the pictures are great! So how much do Nicaraguans make per hour? And how far does this pay get them? I look forward hearing from you on the day you will live on one dollar! Anna thank for calling, we miss you but it so great to hear all these stories!
What a wonderful, unique way to experience local life! I’m sure the vendors were happy for the help. Looking forward to hearing how well you were able to communicate with the locals without a lick of Spanish, Matthew 🙂 I’m sure it took a little humor and perseverance. Thanks for sharing. I love the pictures!