Institute for Gender Studies

The university where Alan works is home to the Institute for Gender Studies. The Institute was founded 5 years ago to promote gender studies and gender issues in Nicaraguan higher education. The first five years have witnessed the development and implementation of a sexual harrassement policy at the university, something rather uncommon for Nicaraguan institutions. The institute also promotes a healthy view of masculinity and femininity among students, staff, faculty, and administration.

Two weeks ago the Institute celebrated its fifth anniversary with a special celebration that included a student drama and a brief concert by a group from the national choir. Dr. Jerjes Ruiz, Alan's boss and director of the Institute for Humanistic Development gave the meditation. Here are some photos from the event.

Circus

Last weekend we took Simon to the circus! Actually, mommy and daddy were probably more excited than Simon, but we all had a good time in the end. Here are a few photos from our time.

You had to see it...

The other day I was running an errand here in Managua and saw something that was almost too hard to believe. I saw a guy riding a motorcycle and also wearing a helmet. That in itself is rare. But then I noticed the guy take off his helmet as he drove. With his helmet occupying his left hand, he reached with his right hand into his pocket, pulled out a cell phone, and answered it. Now both his hands were full, leaving no hands to hold the handle-bar. He even went over a speed-bump like this! He wrapped up his phone call, put his cell back in his pocket, put his helmet back on, and continued on his way as if nothing had happened. Amazing.