My diary -October 24-26, 1972
- Susan Fisch Good
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
October 24, 1972 Tues.
Dear Flowers:
United Nations day. Make-up from yesterday wouldn’t come off!!! I know I flunked the Spanish Test Oh gosh no Honor Roll!! Took my tennis lesson. It was fun. I wore my new dress! Becky likes Robert Cazares & Lisa likes Mark Chance. I like well lets see!!! Talked to Pat. Invited to a party Fri. for Miao. Talked to Grandma today. Did homework.
BYE!!!
Note: I remember studying the United Nations in history class, and I believe we did mock representations.
Doña Mercedes made me a new tennis dress, which I loved.
I wonder why I didn’t even mention in my diary who I liked this week? I suppose because it changed so quickly, and I was keeping myself guessing.
Exciting to talk to Grandma on the ham radio, although it was awkward remembering to say “Over” when I finished my sentence, and it was confusing for her too.
October 25, 1972 Wed.
Dear Flowers:
Saw another movie for History. No lab today but I stayed after for Drama, last rehearsal before tomorrows show!!! Watched T.V. We went to the Ruben Dario to hear Sarah Vaughn sing. She’s a jazz singer. She’s good but I couldn’t understand the words of the song. Malone’s sat behind us. I wore my red maxi skirt & Mom’s red body shirt.
BYE!!!
The Teatro Rubén Darío was a magnificent and beautiful theater, named after the famous Nicaraguan poet. We always dressed up to attend the theater, and I thought I looked cool in my red outfit.
What a treat to hear Sarah Vaughn perform, although at the time I didn’t really know anything about her. As I write this, I am listening to her sing on Spotify, and I am enchanted. What a gift she had!
Mr. Malone was the director of our school, and as a teenager, I felt uncomfortable seeing him at the event. I understand, knowing former students are sometimes uncomfortable seeing me.
October 26, 1972 Thurs.
Dear Flowers:
Mom & Dad left for Costa Rica today. I was pretty nervous about the play though. 1st, 2d & half of 3d. At 9:30 we went to the auditorium & changed. We gave it to the elemen. first. Came out ok. I wasn't scared once I got on the stage. High School next! We did ok. I don’t think I acted to well but I tried. I ate lunch by myself (Dave & Beck stayed after) Watched T.V. Dad & Mom called us from Costa Rica. Got 95 on Spelling.
BYE!!!
Note: Proud of my younger self being in a play! Even though I didn’t feel I was good at it, I tried anyway!
I'm not sure why my parents went to Costa Rica, but trips there were considered a luxury. Costa Rica’s climate was pleasant, and they had many commodities that we didn’t have in Nicaragua.
When my parents were away, they put me in charge and I know I could be quite bossy to my siblings, maybe that is why they stayed after school!
That is a beautiful theater - I'd get dressed up to go too! Do you recall what the play was and what was your role? English or Spanish ? Brings me back to the Long Christmas Dinner at Church Street- good memories of sharing that time with you! 🤗
Dad and I attended the inauguration of the Teatro de Ruben Darío. It was an amaaaazig location for all the cultural icons of Nicaragua!
My senior year in highscool we had to write a thesis on Ruben Dario. I can recite much of his poetry today, but I will spare you!
Oh yes, El teatro de Ruben Dario - very lovely - I attended with Aunt Beth (but since unlike you Susie I did not write a diary) cannot say who performed - sad! Do have a copy of his poetry and have a 50 Cordova Gold coin with his image on it.
Rich is right the income disparity was horrendous - from the elegant to the dismal side by side.
To this day I call Costa Rica the Little Switzerland -
Susie - very mature that you commend yourself for at least trying to act in the play, instead of leaving it that you did not think you did all that well. Muy bueno - Tootsie
The picture of the theatre reminds me of the stark contrasts between the haves and have-nots in those days in L.A. San Jose had it's opulent theatres and museums, only to see bare-footed raggedy beggars sitting at those entrances.
Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne, what classy singers! Today anybody can have perfect pitch with Autotune, equalizers, editing etc. OK, my age is showing.
IIRC, Costa Rica used to be called "Little Switzerland"......I'm afraid these days it's lost much of it's charm, what with all the "extranjeros" and "pensionados" there.
I was just your age when my parents once left me in charge.......it didn't end well. (The maid ratted on us).
Well, Susan, I’m quite impressed your parents went away and left you to mind Becky and David. When I began reading this entry, I was wondering what adult came to stay only to find it was you left in charge. Bossy or no, they must’ve considered you both sensible and responsible to depend on your judgement while they were out of the county!