La Esperanza Granada

By past volunteer David Drezner In Granada Nicaragua , there is an isolated atmosphere of artificial leisure on Calle Calzada, an island of First world civilisation in a sea of small houses full of poorer people, replete with mariachi bands,  American and European cuisine,  European music, native hawkers, and continuously flowing booze. Surprisingly, the chocolate here is delightful and the ice cream is delicious.  Even the cheap commercial brands of ice cream have a rich flavour which enchants.  The city centre features ceramic tiled colonial adobe buildings, homes dating from the 19 th century.  At night, all the homes in the centre of the city have open doors, all the better to bring the cool air into the house, while the inhabitants sit outside on wicker rocking chairs having quiet family and neighbourly chats. Poverty is an accepted part of Nicaraguan life, and it is reflected in Granada .  It isn’t unusual to see an expensive pickup truck...

Pauline Jackson - Operations Director La Esperanza Granada  Where have you lived before you moved to Nicaragua?  I was born in the UK, then I lived in Canada and after that in Australia. My parents moved there so I moved with them.  I moved from England to Australia because of the climate. I still own a house in Australia which someone is renting from me. Are you married, do you have children? No, I’m not married and I don’t have children. When did you make the decision to move to Nicaragua and why? Three months before I came here I was in Nicaragua for business. Then the founder, Bill Harper, died. I knew him before. After he died they asked me if I wanted to work for La Esperanza. Since the 25 th  of May  I’ve been  here for seven years. What do you like about Nicaragua? I like the fact that we are doing something useful here. I think it is very important to do something for the children. The organization is running...