Hello all! Since I’ve had a few rough days of culture
shock/homesickness this week, I’ve decided to start a segment on my blog called
“Cuando Estoy in Nicaragua.” Every month or so, I’m going to compile a list of
5-10 things that are quintessentially Nicaraguan to both introduce you to my
new home and remind myself of the things I love/find endearing about this
place.
1.
Animals
in the street. Dogs, cats, bulls, horses, chickens. You name it, I’ve seen
it walking in the street. There are also
no traffic signs so it can get pretty crazy. Every time in the street is a
little bit of a fight for space. For a particular story involving bulls, see
Tom’s blog (another gringo in Rosario)
2.
Bucket
Showers: Usually I have running water, but there is one day a week that the
water is turned off and I have to take a bucket shower. Each time I take one
(which so far has only been twice), I am amazed by little water I actually need
to bathe. The amount of water that I use in one bucket shower is less than the
amount of water that I use in one minute in the shower. If you’re looking to reduce your water
consumption, that’s definitely one way to do it.
3.
Nicaraguan
time. Those of you who know me well will probably call me guilty of this
phenomenon. The joke among PC is that Nicaraguans will always show up at least
thirty minutes late for any event. They are also not prone to making plans in
advance. As Americans, it can be difficult
to understand this phenomenon since we place such a heavy emphasis on time as
something finite that can and should be used as productively as possible. This is not the case for Nicaraguans. To sum
up nicely how Nicaraguans perceive of time, I’ve included a popular Nicaraguan
dicho (or saying) “Hay mas tiempo que vida.” Translated to English, it reads:
There is more time than life.
4.
The
Gringo phenomenon: I’ve used this word several times in my blog so by now
you must be wondering what it means. Basically this word can be used to
describe any white American. Of course the word itself encompasses more than
just the simple definition and assumes all kinds of behavior patterns and
beliefs, but that’s something to cover in a different blog post.
5.
Street
Vendors: Everyone is selling something. Everyone. At least 50% of the
houses that I pass on my way to Spanish class have signs advertising something
for sale (usually its food). In addition, it is not uncommon to get 4-5 local
solicitors per day who are selling some kind of food. Don’t worry, I haven’t
given in to temptation yet. The Peace Corps medical officers did a good job of
scaring me away from street food.
Well, that’s all for now. Tune in next time to listen to me
freak out about having to teach my first class COMPLETELY IN SPANISH, which
will happen next Monday.
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