Being at La Mariposa first and foremost means being a member of our community. You are our guest and we will help you in whatever way possible, but please be aware that your needs are met by our network of teachers, staff, and interns. We do ask you that you treat La Mariposa community with respect and understand that we are only human (and in some cases, animals). We will always try to go the extra mile for you, but we are not robots and we do not run a Holiday Inn! Read through the following and talk to us if you have any questions.
Please…
1. RESPECT THE PEOPLE WHO WORK HERE – there are many myths about Latin Americans – for example that they are lazy, never on time etc. You will find that this is no more true here than in Western countries. Also the concept of Nicaragua being a very macho society is worth investigating in more detail. Paulette has lived here for 15 years and been visiting since 1987, she is always interested to discuss these issues!
2. AND RESPECT OUR ANIMALS – please understand that our animals are mostly well behaved BUT, when provoked, animals both wild and domestic will react. Dogs can bite, (especially if trodden on!) horses may kick, parrots can nip, and monkeys might scratch. Treat them with care, and do NOT go into any of the cages without permission. Remember that our dogs live here all the time, it is their home, and they will be alert to intruders especially at night.
3. BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CHILDREN – La Mariposa is increasingly attractive to families with children of all ages and we very much enjoy having you here! We just ask that children the responsibility of their parents. Of course this can be delegated to a named other person (usually a teacher) who is being paid to undertake child care but this must be arranged with us. Please tell your kids that the Mariposa animals are not stuffed toys to be tugged and pulled about by children and they can of course react by scratching or nipping. Children must not, under any circumstances, go into the monkey cage nor put their hands through the mesh. We also ask parents to ensure that they are not bothering other guests.
3. COME TO USE WITH QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS DURING OFFICE HOURS – the office is open from 7:30am to 5:30pm Monday – Friday. Outside these hours please ask the night guard for assistance in case of emergency.
4. USE LIBRARY BOOKS WITH CARE – you are welcome to borrow books from the library whilst you are here. Treat them well (they are impossible to replace), don’t bend the spines back or leave them in the sun or rain. Please put them back where you found them.
5. SHARE THE DINING AREA – please respect other people’s right to eat without sharing the table with computers or books. We are also trying to keep alive the tradition of dinner time conversation.
6. FLIP UP HAMMOCK CHAIRS WHEN YOU’RE DONE SITTING – The hanging hammock chairs can easily get ruined because of their closeness in height to the dogs, who have been known to play with them. Kindly take the hammock part and hang it over the wooden bar at the top when not in use.
Please DO NOT…
1. SMOKE CARELESSLY – smoking is not allowed anywhere there are other guests, in your hotel room, or near thatched roofs! Please use an ashtray and dispose of your butts in the garbage.
2. GET DRUNK, DISRUPTIVE, AND/OR ABUSE OTHERS – whether verbally or physically. This will result in being asked to leave and/or the police will be called. Please don’t bring in your own beer or wine.
3. HAVE ANY INVOLVEMENT IN ILLEGAL DRUGS OR THE SEX TRADE!!! – this will result in the police being called.
