The Cathedral in Jinogeta

The cathedral in Jinotega.

Pretty saint

One of many statues inside the churches we visited. These buildings are remnants of Spanish colonization and are silent sanctuaries in the otherwise noisy cities across the country.

The Cathedral of Jinotega from the view of the cemetery

The cathedral from the view of the wildly colorful cemetery.

A typical Nicaraguan kitchen

A typical Nicaraguan rural kitchen. The wood burning stove reminds me that nothing is easy or simple for Nicaraguan women.

Typical Nicaraguan kitchen

Amazing how orderly and clean this kitchen is considering the animals roaming just outside and the dirt floor. And yet, everything had its place.

Sewing machine

Sewing in rural Nicaragua.

Laundry on the line

Laundry in rural Nicaragua.

Farming advancements thanks to USAID

A farming cooperative in rural Nic that is supported in part by USAID.

An agricultural project/coop in Nicaragua

Cabbage, anyone?

Central Cathedral in Managua

The national cathedral in Managua — this was destroyed in an earthquake in the 1970s and now serves as a totally inappropriate place for President Ortega’s advertising.

Man waiting by the central door in Granada church

Man begging outside of the central cathedral in Granada. (Yes, I did feel like I was on a church tour, but really — they are the most impressive buildings in each city. Thank you, conquistadores.)

Air conditioning in the cathedrals in Nicaragua

Air conditioning in church. I’m thinking the heat of hell is a pretty appropriate theme.

The central square in Granada

Scene from the central square in Granada.

Not at all romantic when you are sweaty everywhere

Nothing says humid fun like a carriage ride, right? Or — you could just sit on the steps, sip a cool Coke from an icy bottle and take photos of the suckers who agree to such rides.

~K