The other night I went to visit with me neighbors. I love going and sitting with them out front of their house, just talking. I asked them about some local beliefs and I thought I’d share.

So This is very much like our ground hogs day. They say that the first 6 days of the year will paint the 6 months of winter. So for example if the first day is cloudy, then we´ll have a good may with lots of rain, but if the second day is sunny then June will be dry, so and so forth. It was surprisingly like our ground hogs day. It’s interesting how cultures have developed similar traditions such as these in order to help the locals determine when to plant and perhaps to give people some hope for the upcoming growing season.

Also they told me how every November a huge flock of birds passes over head, usually to high for the naked eye to see. My neighbor told me, ¨And the beautiful thing about this is that they fly in a circle over head, ¨ pointing to the sky making a circular motion with her finger, ¨ is stay there and wait until all the other groups have arrived, and then they continue on their journey.

Saturday a friend of mine´s son celebrated his 11 birthday so my self and the other Peacecorps volunteer in my site went over to celebrate. We ended up jump roping, playing limbo, and magical chairs in the house. It was a blast. Initially I was worried that it was going to be boring, but my site mate was brilliant in that when he came to Nicaragua he brought with him jump ropes, singles and for double dutch. its really great with all the kids! I would never have thought to bring something like that. I have a kite, but there are too many powerlines for it to be a safe activity.





this picture is myself, the birthday boy, his mother and a family friend.



Me in a skirt! unheard of!