Matts arrival and first blog

Before my arrival in Nicaragua, there was the journey over. The first planned flight on the 22nd was cancelled due to the snow at Heathrow and so spent a good few hours on the phone to American Airlines. I eventually got through and within about 20mins had sorted out the next available flight, which was on boxing day 9:45am. To ensure I got there in time my dad offered to drop me off early hours... We left on xmas day just after midnight and headed for Heathrow. After waiting around 6 hours in the quietest I have ever seen an airport I booked in and dropped off my baggage - making use of my time to read and not fall asleep in case I missed a second flight! Two flights and a 6 hour stop over later (with lots of leg room might I add: I was lucky enough to have an emergency exit seat both flights) After almost 30hours travelling I was met by a smiley Dani at the window of baggage claim :) She didn't quite knock me off my feet - but were both very happy to see each other after almost 2 months apart.

It was around 8:30pm and we had a dark taxi journey from Managua airport to its smaller neighbour of Masaya. I met some of the family who were warm and welcoming and then zonked out completely until the early hours.

Since then we've pretty much tried to make the most of each day so far, Dani having a couple of days off to show me the sights she is now so familiar with. I have looked around Masaya: the old market, several churches, the park, the malecon (fantastic views of the lagoon and volcano) and to the "monkey hut" which sits nicely on the edge of another lagoon, La Laguna De Apoyo, with a relaxing day of sunbathing, catching up, reading and an incredible panoramic view of the water and tree covered hills of the outer edge of the crater (see earlier blog for photos) We went to Granada today and saw the town square, churches, museum, colourful doorways and houses, a gorgeous cafe and some of the most colourful paintings and prints at an Art workshop.

The thing that has struck me most about Nicaragua is its beauty and colour, it has just finished its rainy season so I think everything has just finished blooming. Dani was certainly right about the noise and ear plugs were a very good idea! No pig (RIP) but a TV, gramophone, radio, dogs barking, cockerels crowing, birds chirping, insects buzzing, people shouting and sporadic fireworks all seem to compete for the loudest racket it appears! We must also check it is ok to get a family tree up on the blog - if nothing else, at least so that I understand who is who!? Dani appears to have it pretty sussed out but there is a lot to keep up with. Last count Donya Dorcas added up to around 15 grandchildren.

We have been invited over to a friend's house on New Years Eve to enjoy some good food, a little drink and maybe some games which we are looking forward to. I am also excited to start the projects for one of the charity’s we are working with and have a Tour of a Yuka Plant factory soon to start filming and making resources.

We plan to take a few days away to a beach soon - so watch this space for some very sunny and sandy jealous making photos! :)