those feral dogs are beginning to look attractive

today, i spent 30 minutes in line at the bank, only to find out that I couldn't cash my check because I was at the wrong bank. I headed down the street, only to find out, once at the teller, that I didn't have my passport on me. A trip home and back, and the check was cashed. Time spent: 1 hour 25 minutes. And I didn't even get frustrated.

a few more signs that I am growing accustomed to my surroundings:

• i eat food that has been sitting out in the heat for unhealthy amounts of time
• i don't notice bugs and spiders crawling on my keyboard or monitor
• my english is getting just as bad as my spanish
• i do 'normal life' chores, like paying bills (in person) and buying groceries (from a street vendor) with patience
• i don't giggle at 'bimbo' brand bread or weird yet grave misspellings in english
• mosquitos leave me alone, somewhat
• the street lady i buy fruit from knows i don't like using plastic bag (she loads it into the basket on my bike, yeeah)

Now, I still get hassled on the street daily, and push my coworkers to eat vegetables (potatoes and fried plantains don't count)... but generally, i can take the lemons (well, limes, there are no lemons in this country) that Nicaragua tosses my way.

pictured: the usual, a 4 inch butterfly caught in the dish rack at work

island treats

Every day a little bit more falls into place. I've been able to run errands for myself, and figured out my way around 2 health centers to get the necessary tests for working in a kitchen here. Today's test was a swab to determine that I do not have fecal matter on my hands. I would never think this to be necessary, but, if it is, I am sure glad that they check this. Spending time in the health centers, I am reminded that yes, I am in a 3rd world country. The contrast of what we offer at Jicaro is astounding. I feel grateful to be apart of something that brings such a new experience to employees and visitors of Nicaragua.

In addition to the odds and ends of getting the resort's kitchen together, I am having some fun offering local items that are normally served as street food here. I've shown repocheta, which is a pan fried tortilla with cheese, coleslaw and garlic bean puree. We wash all the ingredients before cooking them- dig in, fearlessly!

Also, we have this cool floating deck for offshore yoga or candlelit sunset dinners! ooh la la!

peanut butter jelly time!

today, i had to teach the kitchen staff how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. flashbacks to grade school team building, where the teacher has her hands covered in peanut butter, smearing it all over a loaf of bread that is still in the plastic bag.

this adventure was almost as memorable. Literally, I was asked how to get the condiments onto the bread. I had to explain the fact that one goes on one piece and the second on the second piece of bread. And, then what? honestly: put the two piece together. sandwich!

this is a long video with a little bit of silly, as Elsa successfully creates her first peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
she's always a little hesitant to eat my food, but in the end, usually enjoys it somewhat.

why is my voice so high?

it was almost a debate: which peanut butter and jelly song should i reference!? the kids song, or the awesome amazing banana suit song? (hands clapping in finality) easy choice.