Different Strokes

It’s conversation time during my Tuesday morning Spanish lesson.

I talk about our gardens—my flowers, Marlo’s vegetables. I learn Spanish names for some vegetables we grow: lechuga (lettuce), rebollo (cabbage), frijoles de vaina (green beans), and verenjena (eggplant).

“You have a big yard (patio)?” she asks?

“Si,” I say.

Then, not wanting to appear too wealthy, I explain that I live in a small town in the countryside. We don’t have as many people, and we have more space between our houses.

We talk about yesterday’s walk with the houses abutted against each other.

“No me gusta (I don’t like that),” I say.

She tells me that in the rural area where she lives, the houses do have space between. The crowding is just in the cities. But the crowding does not bother her.

We talk about weather. She explains Nicaragua’s two seasons: summer and winter. Now (November through April) is summer—the dry season. Temperatures will peak in March and April. The other half year, the winter, is the rainy season. 

But there are no vast temperature changes. This balmy January day with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 is about as cool as it gets in Nicaragua.

She asks about Iowa winters. I talk about snow, coats, and mittens. I describe walking outdoors in January with a scarf (bufanda) covering my mouth and nose.

She shivers and grimaces.

“No me gusta,” she says.

Ah, yes: different strokes . . .

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PS: In the afternoon we climb a church tower for an overview of Granada. It is much more beautiful from above. Hmm. . . .

Bell tower in a neighborhood church

View of Granada cathedral from neighborhood church.