stateside. back in the original 505.

Well. We made it back to America, the US of A and were greeted joyously by family, including the newest addition to the Fuemmeler's who is Zachary, now nearing 7 months old. The first thing we did was indeed eat some much yearned for New Mexican chile at Gardunos. The second thing we did was sleep in an oh so comfortable bed, in an ever quiet and peaceful room.

Welcome home ese!

Zach's Nica shirt

Can you imagine that it's already been over a month before we are even posting this? That just goes to show the fast-paced American lifestyle that we were sucked back into immediately upon arrival. Between looking for a place to rent and live, and working daily for Matt's parents on the remodel of their house we hardly had time to stop and watch the sunset. (or poop as Matt says). However, the definite pros are that after weeks of searching we did find an adorable place to stay that has a perfect backyard for our animalitos, our summer barbecues, and a raging garden that was started for us by the previous tenants. They left us with lettuce, broccoli, cabbage and sunflowers. We have since added tomatoes, chile, bell peppers, zucchini, cucumbers, herbs, and what in a blonde and confused, Spanish-inspired moment I thought was champinones (or mushrooms). Nope, they are "champions" which is a type of tomato. Not exactly sure how I managed that one.

Back Yard

Living room

Additionally, we have been able to witness and help achieve the coming together of Matt's parents' most beautiful house. We were the official painting crew, which took a good 3 weeks, if we are really even done. Now Matt's been running the show as Joe was out of town doing lots of tile work amongst everything else. The goal is for Joe's oeuvre to be done end of May, and then let the parties begin!

All those updates aside, we want to share our reflections on being back in the world's "super nation" after our 6 months stay in the 3rd world. Undoubtedly there was some culture shock and our most noticeable challenge was getting around this huge city compared to quaint Granada. Driving with gas prices at their highest is not exactly what we call fun. Plus, we miss just being able to walk to the store, bar, and basically everywhere else one might need to go. We miss our chicken bus adventures, and our dollar cab rides home late at night or in the middle of the day's heat when loaded down with grocery bags. And well not speaking for Matt, I definitely miss being toted around on the rusty old bicycle.

The pace of life, as mentioned above, was very noticeable and a bit to adjust to. And the prices! Where did our cheap delicious Tonas disappear to? One night out here Matt asked for the drink specials and they said, "we have 5 dollar coronas!" Um, thanks but we'll pass.

Another funny story was when Matt walked into a gas station to break a dollar bill and said to the cashier without thinking "cambio" ("change" in Spanish) who looked at him sort of confused. Matt stuttered out "oh.... um change please" and then upon departing said "Gracias!"

Everything here is bigger, newer, brighter, faster, and fancier. Walking into Costco the other day took me for a ride as I tripped out on all the possible STUFF you can buy! And yet even being aware of it all, it's weird how ingrained a consumer lifestyle is as we've been buying stuff nonstop since we've been back!

So, we're trying to incorporate some of the lessons and things we've learned or enjoyed in our Nicaragua stay into our daily life. Speaking a little spanish, hanging our clothes to dry, making time for family......... and we're incorporating the blessings available to us here now..... growing organic vegetables, raising our cat and dog, and seeing our families (again with those people huh! must be important).

Dia de las madres

We hope to keep posted with future endeavors, ideas, and enjoyable moments. And yes, some more Nicaraguensen highlights to be cultivated from our genius minds. Until then- Peace, love and Gallo Pinto.