Leon, Nicaragua

It was interesting. There were several acts to the presentation. The first was a young man who sang two songs: a traditional, national song of Nicaragua written by a Nicaraguan composer and a song against drugs written by himself. Both songs were good.

The next act was two teenage girls on stilts. They danced to "Another Brick in the Wall" by Pink Floyd. The dancing was good. The third act was two young men performing an instrumental act. One played guitar, while the other played mandolin. This was also done very well. The fourth act was five young children shaking cardboard cut-outs of children to more contemporary Latino music. The fifth act was "el viejo and la vieja." It was a very comical act in which an old man and an old woman basically flirted with each other and with members of the audience.

The final act was a 'gigantona,' a 'pepe,' and the accompanying band of snare and bass drums. That was an incredible act, as the origins of the gigantona were, and continue to be to a certain degree, a form of protest against the government. Originally, it was to protest against the colonial rule of Spain over Latin America.

This afternoon, I went to the market with four of the girls. Besides cutting the leash again for a short period of time, the highlight was bargaining for a dress for one of the girls. It was listed at 350 cordobas; I offerred 300 cordobas; the shopowner lowered to 330; I offerred 315; finally, we settled at 320 cordobas. It was fun. I was happy to have finally immersed myself in the urban culture of Leon, Nicaragua. Prior to this afternoon, we had not been allowed to do so, even though we are all adults. Being 22 years of age and nearly fluent in Spanish should give me the right to explore.

I can say, without hesitation, that today, from the moment I woke until the moment I slept, was my best day in Nicaragua. With luck and hope, the remainder of the trip may prove to be tolerable, or who knows? maybe even fun. If not, I can always dream, which is what I will do right now!