Nicaragua April 2011
I went to Nicaragua last year in April for a two week medical mission. I saw a very, very poor country but rich in culture. The way people interacted with one another was totally different than Americans do. They seemed well connected and appreciative of everything and everyone, especially one another. The three things I think of when I remember Nicaragua would be Rich Culture, Poverty and Strength.
1) Rich Culture- In America, we have such a diverse culture (race, religion, social class etc.) In Nicaragua, it seemed as if they were all on the same page. They all had a role, know what it was and worked well with one another.
2) Poverty- They do not have food, running water, bathrooms, lighting, houses etc. Their houses are made of sticks and black trash bags but hey are very strong.
3) Strength- They go through more in one day than most Americans will go through in their entire lifetime and they stick by one another's side through it all.
I visited Nicaragua too! I don't know where you went, but I went to Bluefields, on the the Caribbean coast. The people and culture were so diversified--the statue in the main square is a group of 6 unique people holding up a single torch. I asked my friend why each person was a different color, and she responded that they all represented a different people group. I don't remember all of them, but one was creole, one was black, one was Miskito (the indigenous people group), plus three more.
ReplyDeleteI also witnessed a lot of poverty while living in the community for a month, and getting to travel to nearby towns of Kukra Hill, Big Corn Island, and Rama. Everywhere I went, I witnessed a level of poverty I don't think most people in the US even know about. It was an awesome experience, and I hope I can go back someday.
oh hey! blue fields is a nice area.. lots of bugs though lo. I went to the north west corner of Nicaragua, on the border of Guatemala. It was very very poor there. Bluefields has a lot more touristy type stuff. BUt i did visit Lake nicaragua for a day and then had one nice day of vacation in Managua. Did you ever go there?
DeleteWhat a great experience! I love Nicaragua and its people! I grew up in Costa Rica which boarders Nic. We went often just to get out of C.R. I can say that I totally know what you're talking about when you said, " poor country but rich in culture." That is what I miss the most, the cultural vibe is soo very different thatn here in USA. How long was your stay? Do you want to go back or visit other central/south american countries?
ReplyDeleteI was there for 10 days but it felt like a lifetime.. its devastating. I am going to try to post a few pics but i am sure you both knopw how sad it is but at the same time theyare culturally rich. Id almost rather live in poverty but have the love and connection they have. America is just falling apart especially culturally. I admnire the Nicaraguans to the deepest of my heart. What part of Cost Rica were you from? I do want to go back. ASAP. And no I havent gone yet but Im going to Guatemala in October. : )
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