Vigilia. Noise pollution!

I have never really been a fan of this phrase: noise pollution. It never really resonated with me before. I have become it´s biggest promoter!!! Here in Masaya, there are a variety of noises, some of which I think are very interesting. For example, every morning there is a woman who walks around town calling out ¨ayyyyyy, la cabeza¨. It took me about a week to decipher that that was what she was saying, but yes, she is selling pigs head. And truthfully, I kind of like that noise. Its very unique to Masaya and I´m a fan. The continual sounds of trucks and buses and cars have become white noise to me, and I even enjoy hearing the roosters at all hours of the night. However, there is another phenomenon that I am NOT a fan of. One of the methods of advertising here is paying for ¨air time¨ with these trucks who go around BLASTING commercials. They have speakers in the back of the truck, and they just drive around all day. Also, the electronics stores have taken to playing music on their fancy speakers as loud as possible...I assume this is to attract customers. But last night was by far the worst. I live near a church, and when I got home I saw lots of buses around...I asked what was going on and my host mom told me that there was a vigilia at the church, and that it would be going on all night. Now, when I hear the word vigil, it brings to mind silent reflection, lighting candles etc. Here, it is a big concert where youth from all over Nicaragua come to spend the ENTIRE night singing and cheering and who knows what else. Basically, there was a concert in my backyard last night. Never fear, I did manage to fall asleep at some point.

I was in Managua for a few days, giving orientation to our new group of students. I think it all went smoothly, no problems. However, I did have a GREAT fall. It was raining and the stairs were slippery, and I totally bit it. Heather, I thought of you...and no, no injuries.

Yesterday I treated myself to some chocolate cake (spelled queque) and real coffee. It was blissful. Also, I have discovered this new kind of sweet bread called ¨pico¨. Its doughy bread with honey and some sweet cheese on the inside, and bits of sugar on top. I am quite a fan of this pico...Maria warned me not to ask any men for pico because it also means a kiss. Good to know!