I made it.

It is pretty remarkable that my whole trip down to Managua went perfectly. I kept waiting for there to be a tropical storm that delayed me four hours which would mess up my pick up from the airport... or something. Instead, I always had my own row on the plane (2 flights) so I could lay down and sleep (which I did, twice) and I arrived punctually. I good omen I'd say. I didn't get to see Nicaragua from the plane as I was sitting in the second to last row of the airplane where there are no windows. My first glimpse of this beautiful country was in the terminal. I have a really good feeling about Nica; the landscape is gorgeous and lush, even Managua as a city has this good energy.  I am aware that there is much to fear in Latin American cities, but I haven't felt threatened yet.
Alana set up a taxi driver to come get me. He was waiting for me inside the airport with a sign that Alana wrote in green pen GILLIAN GALDY. He picked me out immediately and waved. I guess there are oh so many gringas my age walking around the luggage area. He doesn't speak English, nor I Spanish, but we managed to enjoy each others company. He pointed out the direction of Masaya, knowing that is where I was headed for language school. The ride was exciting. I have never been truly alone in a country that isn't totally Westernized. Looking around at the shops, the people, the horse buggies was enough to finally help me believe what I'm actually doing. Just as I was getting anxious about the long drive we show up at the hospital where Alana works; and there she is standing outside. I feel like I never left her in Israel and I'm so happy to be with her in Managua. We went back to her house, where I am now. We went out to lunch but she has to go back to work. I am now completely exhausted so I am going to take a much needed nap.
So I'm here, I'm safe, and I'm happy. Love you all.

I leave tomorrow...

Tomorrow at 7:00am I will leave RDU for Managua, Nicaragua for an uncertain amount of time. I have no idea what to expect; nor do I have any clue what I'm truly getting myself into. All I really know is that I am determined to learn Spanish and I am spending four weeks at La Mariposa, an Eco-Hotel, where I will be gardening and taking Spanish lessons. From there, I will figure it out as I go. I have a few contacts under my belt and I plan on using them. To all of you who have decided to follow this blog, if you have any contacts or fun things that you would like me to go see please send them to me! It would be greatly appreciated.

 I love you all so much and even though I am excited to embark on this crazy adventure I will miss you all terribly. Send me good vibes and hold me in the light as I will be doing the same for you. Until I can write next, Adios.