Over the past month, I have had the opportunity to do much contemplation. The result of long bus rides. Needing to leave the country to renew my visa, I was forced to think critically about my attitude towards Nicaragua, and it's differences compared to it's southern neighbour, Costa Rica (who are both terrified and somewhat racist towards Nicaraguans). "Nicaragua is much more... Earthy," I would tell them. The only word I could come up with. The glitz and glam of tourist Costa Rica was sad to me. Where did all the culture go? And at what cost? I feel somehow, amidst all the idiosyncrasies of Nicaraguan culture, there is something real. People just trying to survive, to better themselves and their families somehow. This sometimes comes in the shape of a higher taxi price for the foreigner, or the offer of help for a price. Just trying to be be opportunistic. This has definitely been a shift in my thinking, at least. Can't blame them for trying.
It Starts With Deep Breaths
12 years ago