predeparture thoughts

Well trip number one is fast approaching. High time to get this blog in order.
On Thursday I leave for Nicaragua with my new antimalarials, about 100 pounds of equipment, and NO ONE ELSE! This will be a first. I'll be spending two weeks driving around Managua engaging in conversations something like this:

me: do you know where the deaf guy lives?
managuan: no.
OR
the mute guy?
me: yes, do you know where s/he lives?
managuan: go to the little tree, go four blocks toward the sunrise (arriba, "up") and then two blocks toward the lake ("al lago").
me: thanks

That's just how Managuan addresses are. Not that that means they necessarily work. As often as not they don't. And then you find another person to ask.
If I can find 5-10 older deaf people to work with I'll be satisfied. That and if I can get the data tapes through security without having the airport inspectors destroy them!