Nicaraguans

Families of five with three blond children are a rarity in Nicaragua.  Suffice it to say, we stick out like a sore thumb.  As we travel the streets of Nicaragua we frequently hear "Barbie, Barbie, Barbie" or "Muneca, Muneca, Muneca," which is doll in Spanish.  Nicaraguans are not used to seeing little blond girls with blue eyes that look like "dolls."  One little boy stared at Andie in amazement for several moments and then asked her "Why do you have ojos azules" (blue eyes)? While this initially gave me worry, it now puts a smile on my face thinking that this little boy had probably never seen blue eyes before. Nicaraguans see blond adult backpackers trekking around the Americas, but rarely children. Travelling throughout Nicaragua, we have learned Nicaraguans are the friendliest and most helpful of hosts.

While riding a very crowded public bus last weekend, a young woman got up from her seat and offered it to me so that Andie could sit down on my lap.  We were very close to the open door of the bus and it is very difficult to hold on while travelling at high speeds on the highway and then stopping rapidly.  The woman next to me then offered to have Andie sit on her lap so that Maren could sit on mine.  She was very worried about Maren's safety.  Earlier this week we were offered $200 USD by Oscar, our driver to San Juan Del Sur, to pay for our accommodations.  Unfortunately, the local bank in the small town would not let us wire funds from the U.S. and the travellers checks we brought were no longer accepted in the entire town. (Thank god for ATM's.) David and I were blown away that this man we had met for only 1 1/2 hours would offer us so much money.

On the public bus to Masaya (we are usually the only "gringos" on the buses) the "conductor" made sure we knew how to get to the center of town.  He was very concerned that we were headed in the correct direction. Additionally, on another bus trip, the bus was so crowded David and I could no longer see Nielsen or Maren.  The bus driver stopped the bus for a prolonged period (this is not considered acceptable) so that Nielsen and Maren could exit via the door instead of the window like some other folks.  I was never worried that the bus would take off with them still on board!

My fondest memories of Nicaragua will certainly be its people.  I have made many new friends that have helped me to understand and appreciate this country's customs, culture, language and history.

Posted by Ingelise