NICARAGUA TOP 10
10 things I learned in Nicaragua…
1 – Everyone, everywhere rides a bicycle, but not the way we do in the states. They ride two at a time, all the time, usually with a few extra backpacks or groceries piled on top just to make it more fun. Also, it should be noted that this is commonly referred to as “Rolling Nica style” and I wished I’d splurged and bought the t-shirt in Granada.
2 – Trees in Nicaragua aren’t as friendly as trees elsewhere. Some are downright vicious, every inch of them covered in massive thorns. Also, it should be noted that one such thorny tree decided to embed two of its weapons into Dan’s head. Ouch!
3 – Almost every door and window is covered by some kind of iron gate. They come in all shapes and sizes and in every color of the rainbow. Also, it should be noted that I loved them so much that it was not uncommon for me to take 150+ pictures of these iron beauties during a twenty minute walk.
4 – Machetes are the new lawnmower. Or so it would seem if you were in Nicaragua for any length of time. Grass, weeds, bushes, and trees are all trimmed with these sharp blades. Also, it should be noted that the locals had a good laugh at the six gringos who tried their hand at macheteing. But it was fun, I’ve got the blister to prove it.
5 – Something strange grows or was built on the telephone wires in Nicaragua. We were told that these are the creation of birds who have woven tiny nests onto the telephone wires throughout the country. Also, is should be noted that I have yet to see any birds fly anywhere near these nests. So I have no idea when they are actually made or what their purpose is once they’re completed.
6 – Not all coconuts are brown, in fact some are bright yellow and quite large. These contain numerous layers of extra stuff that hide the center which is full of tasty coconut water and meat. Also, it should be noted that the process of getting to the center can take a bit of time and effort, but it’s well worth it.
7 – It’s not uncommon to see a plethora of umbrellas lining the streets on a beautifully, sunny day. Women use them to hide from the blistering sun. Also, It should be noted that oddly enough there seems to be more umbrellas out on the sunny days than on the rainy ones.
8 – Like in Mexico, some homes have tin roofs, however, the majority of the roofs in Nicaragua are covered in red, clay tiles. Also, it should be noted that in addition to the cooling effect they have, the tiles are also much more fun to photograph than tin.
9 – Nicaragua is home to some very beautiful people, young and old, male and female. This supports my theory that the farther south in Latin America you get the more beautiful the people are. Also, it should be noted that my theory was recently confirmed after meeting a few Argentineans. (Mom, did I say Italian? I meant Argentinean.)
10 – Not only are the people of Nicaragua beautiful, the surrounding land is equally as breathtaking. Covered in lush green mountains that sit elegantly underneath the puffy white clouds and rich blue sky, Nicaragua’s landscape is gorgeous. Also, it should be noted that the scenery doesn’t get old, even after three hours of photographing it from a bus window.
