Friday, May 8 was a full day for the group in the Nicaraguan capital city of Managua.
We all fit comfortably in a small bus for the hour long ride. We first spent time in “Old Managua,” particularly Revolution Plaza, where we were led in a guided tour of the Palacio National de la Cultura/National Museum of Culture which is the former governmental palace during the Somoza era.
All Aboard! Microbus to Managua
Close by is the “Old” National Cathedral which was damaged in the 1972 earthquake that devastated Managua. In that same area are tombs of famous leaders. We then boarded a boat that took us on an approximately 30 minute ride out on Lake Managua. This was a relaxing time with a steady breeze that gave ease to the intense heat of Managua. Just before lunch we made our way to Mennonite Central Committee-Nicaragua/Costa Rica offices where we learned about the many vital education and agricultural programs MCC is working on especially in Nicaragua. We made our way to a fine local restaurant to eat and continue conversation with MCC staff.
In the afternoon we traveled a short while to reach Batahola Norte Cultural Center which has been a bastion of hope to many. At least 3 Goshen College graduates have served as long time volunteers at this art, music and cultural center. We admired the many murals that filled the walls and have been protected and preserved throughout the many conflicts in Nicaragua. Before heading back south to Jinotepe, up we went to a high point in Managua, Tiscapa, that features a prominent steel statue of Sandino overlooking the city.
Students then were dropped off in Diriamba, Dolores, Jinotepe, the neighboring host cities to join their host families for the weekend.
A short boat cruise along the shores of Lake ManaguaAll smiles in sunny, hot Managua
“Old” ManaguaStudents with Old National Cathedral in the backgroundThe clock stopped during the 1972 earthquake that destroyed much of Managua it remains at this time to this dayThe Old National Cathedral damaged in the 1972 EarthquakeMira and the National Cathedral Palacio Nacional de la Cultura/National Palace of Culture Guided TourOcupacion PrehispanicaPre-Columbian dwellingDepiction of Pre-Columbian ceremony Palacio Nacional de la CulturaPre-Columbian artifactsPre-Columbian potteryPre-Columbian pottery Palacio Nacional de la CulturaNicaraguan Atlantic Coast RepresentationSandino in mural of Mexican Revolution and Nicaraguan RevolutionSandino Vive In the room where the Sandinista held the Somoza Parliament for 43 hours Tombs of Tomas Borge Martinez & Carlos FonsecaTombs of Tomas Borge Martinez & Carlos FonsecaTombs of Tomas Borge Martinez & Carlos FonsecaTombs of Tomas Borge Martinez & Carlos FonsecaTombs of Tomas Borge Martinez & Carlos FonsecaVisiting the Tombs of Tomas Borge Martinez & Carlos FonsecaStudents enjoying a relaxing boat rideWade showing off some dance moves on the boat rideViews from Lake ManaguaViews from Lake ManaguaViews from Lake ManaguaLuke enjoying a relaxing boat rideMira enjoying the boat rideEmma on Lake ManaguaWade & Peter on Lake ManaguaErin on Lake ManaguaIsaiah & Jesse on Lake ManaguaEmily S. and Natalie on Lake ManaguaMira with her new hatMolly & David J on Lake ManaguaAaron on Lake ManaguaJosiah on Lake ManaguaComite Central Menonita in ManaguaComite Central Menonita in ManaguaMeeting with Mennonite Central Committee- Nicaragua-Costa Rica Staff in ManaguaMeeting with MCC Nicaragua staffMeeting with MCC Nicaragua staffMeeting with MCC Nicaragua staffMeeting with MCC Nicaragua staffMeeting with MCC Nicaragua staffComite Central Menonita in ManaguaLunch with MCC staff at a local Managuan restaurantLunch with MCC staffVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural Center-where several GC graduates have served as volunteersBatahola Norte Cultural Center-The Nicaraguan story told through the lens of the nativityBatahola Norte Cultural Center-The Nicaraguan story told through the lens of the nativityVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural CenterVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural Center-Many famous murals preserved on their wallsVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural Center-Many famous murals preserved on their wallsVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural Center-Many famous murals preserved on their wallsVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural Center-Many famous murals preserved on their wallsVisiting the Batahola Norte Cultural Center-Many famous murals preserved on their wallsThe artist of the previously shown mural, teaching youth in a painting classView from Managua from a high point in the cityView from Managua from a high point in the cityAll smiles in sunny, hot ManaguaSandino atop ManaguaRelaxing before the bus ride back to Diriamba, Dolores, &; JinotepeRelaxing before the bus ride back to Diriamba, Dolores, & JinotepeRelaxing before the bus ride back to Diriamba, Dolores, & JinotepeMira sharing with Maria about her understanding of Sandino and Somoza
