November 18, 2005

So, today was a good day. We've taken our oath of office, sung the national hymn of Nicaragua, become Peace Corps volunteers, gotten our bank accounts and settling-in allowance, and celebrated with a bit of sushi and tempora shrimp at this place down by the Carretera Masaya.

Managua is a bit of a strange place. Some parts are dumpy, and other parts are just as modern or newer than a US suburb. Example: last night, one of our friends, Kris, and I all went to see the Legend of Zorro at this three storey Inter Mall, had Pepsi and a large popcorn, and were treated to a nearly-empty showing in a brand new theater with cozier chairs than are in the former Nicaraguan President's mansion. Tonight, we go out for sushi, and on the ride there, pass a TGI Friday's, a McDonalds, a Burger King, several Subways, and several supermarkets. There are tons of SUVs on that end of town, as well as the brand new hospital. Yet not two miles away lie dirt road neighborhoods with adobe houses, no running water, and kids running around with age-stained, torn clothing: a more typical example of the rest of Nicaragua.

style="float:right" class="post-photo">Enough about Managua. What I want to do now is teach everyone the Nicaraguan national anthem. It's kind of catchy, and I've been practicing it for the swearing-in ceremony for two days now, so it's on my brain. And the third mission point of the Peace Corps is PC volunteers teaching estadounidenses about the country in which they serve, so this will be a fun cultural experience for everyone and contribute to my job success at the same time!

• First, the words and sheet music for those that can read music:
  http://library.thinkquest.org/17749/media/national1.jpg
  http://library.thinkquest.org/17749/media/national2.jpg
  http://library.thinkquest.org/17749/media/national3.jpg
  
  

  Nicaraguan National Hymn

  by SALOMÓN IBARRA MAYORGA
  
  ¡Salve a tí, Nicaragua! En tu suelo
  ya no ruge la voz del cañón
  ni se tiñe con sangre de hermanos
  tu glorioso pendón bicolor.
  ni se tiñe con sangre de hermanos
  tu glorioso pendón bicolor.
  
  Brille hermosa la paz en tu cielo
  nada empañe tu gloria inmortal
  que el trabajo es tu digno laurel
  y el honor (honor) echo
  es tu enseña triunfal (triunfal) echo.
  es tu enseña triunfal!
• Next, the actual tune to sing along to:
  http://www.radioestrelladelmar.com/MP3/
  himno_Nicaragua.mp3

Enjoy!