DONE

I think I am done with this blog for now. Not feeling it anymore. After writing my thesis on blogs and reading a zillion other blogs, I am blogged out. My head is all bloggy. But (there's always a but),I may start a photo blog at some point in the future. Stay tuned.

Nicaragua Photo Highlights

From my trip there May 22-30, 2005. Amazing!


Arriving at the airport in Managua


A full load on the route from Mulukuku to Managua


School girls in Mulukuku


Typical countryside scenery between Mulukuku and Managua


Me on the right, with an American colleague and a local member of the Cooperativa


In the village of Mulukuku


Along Lake Nicaragua, about one hour from Managua


Mulukuku's children, standing outside the church and a Quinceinera ceremony


Che Guevera, of course


Mas ninos


Sweet face


In the colonial town of Granada, about one hour from Managua

What have I become?

Yesterday's purchases at Whole Foods:

• granola
• soy milk
• trail mix

Tonight's purchases at an adventure travel retailer:

• bug repellent pants
• packing "cubes"
  
• sleep sack
• Nalgene
• wide-brimmed hat

Don't worry: I still intend to keep shaving my legs, etc.

Mushy stuff

On Friday I graduated from my masters program at USC. Sort of anti-climactic, in a weird way -- but fun. The parents came in from AZ. We had a lovely dinner that evening in Santa Monica, at one of the best restaurants in the L.A. area: One Pico, at Shutters on the Beach.

Whilst dining, we observed one of the best wedding proposals I've ever seen or heard of. Seriously. And I'm not usually into this stuff -- but this was really great. So -- the restaurant overlooks the beach. We see a limousine pull up to the sidewalk with a banner on it reading, "Laura, Will You Marry Me?" Sweet, right? Then, we see a couple, holding hands, walking past the hotel/restaurant and down towards the beach. As they turn the corner, they face the limo. Noticing the sign, she stops. He walks her over to a low wall along the sidewalk and sits her down. He kneels down and proposes. They embrace for several moments. She skips over to the limo -- and out come all of their friends!!! So cool. They all start jumping up and down. There is even a professional photographer there to record it all.

Well done, young man. Really -- what forethought! Loved it. Not the usual scoreboard-at-a-sporting-event crap.

Monday Quote

"An idea that is developed and put into action is more important than an idea that exists only as an idea." -Buddha

Holy #$@%!

I went to Target tonight with Wendy (after a fabulous stop at Zankou Chicken) and it really set in that I am going to Nicaragua. Really the third world, not a third world wannabe like Costa Rica. This is fo' real, people. Ain't no DEET strong enough for these forests! And, you know, when you start comtemplating using baby wipes as shower substitute, you'll definitely be roughing it.

So, I'd gone to Target to return a few things. They credited me $65. I spent $81. How does that happen? I can never leave there without spending at least $5o. The place just sucks you in. (Oh, and things are always rung up incorrectly there -- you have to really watch at the register ... bastards.)

Viva Nicaragua

In my continuing effort to visit exotic and far-flung places, I am wandering even deeper into the rainforest. In a couple of weeks I'm going on an 8-day social service trip to Mulukuku, Nicaragua* -- about 8 hours by bus from Managua. No electricity. No running water. Bucket showers.

Oy.

It's an extremely worthwhile endeavor, though. Here are the details.

It feels good to really be doing something to effect change instead of just talking about doing something. Upon my return, I hope to begin to be more active in local social service opportunities. There's certainly plenty of work to be done right here in Los Angeles.