“Nicaragua ain’t for sissies, but it’s got a lot of soul. Folks accustomed to life in the US need an incredibly adventurous spirit if they are to adjust to Nicaragua. Life is challenging here, for everyone. If you’re from the US, forget the creature comforts of home. But the reward is that one develops intimate relationships with the people and the land, and these will fill one’s heart forever” ~ Silvio Sirias
He’s right, you know. Nicaragua ain’t for sissies. When the water stops running just as you step in the shower or start a load of wash, the electricity blinks off near the end of your favorite movie, and the lack of a reliable infrastructure rears its ugly head…
When the fiery dragon breathes down upon the land in March and April, and the only relief is to stick your head in the freezer, find a shade tree, go swimming, or spend an hour in the air-conditioned ATM…
When you make an appointment and the office is closed for a two-hour lunch, or “manana” means today, tomorrow, or a year from now, or you wait in a long line at the bank, only to have ten people step in front of you because there is a SPACE …
Don’t be surprised if your frustrations melt away, and are replaced by contagious chuckles and a ‘knowing’ smile because…..
Nicaragua is a country of poets, artists, and lovers. There are no strangers, everyone is welcome.
Generosity, creativity, and a simple zest for life abounds. Smiles are freely passed along the dusty trails. Adios means hello and goodbye.
Passion and humor light up every face. Sometimes, you just gotta laugh in the land of the not quite right.
Frustrations? Yes. However, the rewards of developing intimate relationships with the people and the land far surpass my frustrations. My heart is full; I am sitting on top of the world.
If you would like to read more about the Nicaraguan author, Silvio Sirias, click HERE.
Just shared on my FB page. Great post! I totally agree that the rewards are well beyond the inconveniences! 🙂
Thanks, Nicole. You made my day!
Reblogged this on Mission Possible! 1st stop – Nicaragua and commented:
Nicaragua from another set of eyes…
Oh how I KNOW Pastor Bonnie will laugh when I show this to her!!
Thanks for reblogging.
Thanks for sharing, parts of Ecuador is quite similar . We feel the same for the land and the people here in San Clemente. We are blessed to live here. Love how your words and the pottery link together.
John and Mary, I KNOW you feel the same way. That’s why I love your blogs.
I can “feel” what you feel for this country , my dear friend.
Thanks for sharing this experience and showing these amazing pictures….
I am honored that you can feel what I feel. Thank you so much for the kind thoughts.
Lovely Deb! as always you capture the heart of Nicaragua. I disagree on one point ” the not quite right” as I find that it is exactly right by the creative mind of the people. A space? why not take it? sounds right to me. And it ‘aint for sissies. You discover how very little you need and how you are never lonley or alone. down in the dumps, someone shows up! need a house build, can-do attitude prevails and suddenly within a week, without regs and permits, up goes your structure. Want a rancho in the yard, tell the neighbor who tells his uncle and later that day they show up with wood and palms. 25 cords to climb a tree. I am always so impressed with the “can-do” attitude. You never hear, I cant’ be bothered. repair all, save all and use all. We truly make little impact on the world as we limit our consumerism. Try it out, if you dare?
Theresa, I suppose it is all in one’s perspective. lol You are right, though. The can-do attitude simply amazes me. Love you mucho amiga.
Not only delightful, but captures the essence of life here! We love you, Silvio! Keep writing and writing…..
Mary, did you get to see him in Granada? I so wanted to go, but I couldn’t get off the island.
Sounds amazing to me. Not quite right but full of passion, in fact, I think that is me. jejeje
Jejeje…me, too. 🙂
Nicaragua is far from perfect but perfect moments are plentiful in the land of quite not right, I think that is one of the things that attrack people that are in search of what is truly real
Yep, Jorge. I love your insight. Nicaragua beats any reality show I’ve ever seen. 🙂
That is for sure amiga 🙂 LOL
All so, so true — particularly in Ometepe. I love the pottery pieces. BTW, Mark and I quote you frequently ..”the land of the not-quite right” 🙂 …all part of Nicaragua’s charm!
Haha! It’s quirky..that’s what I love about Nicaragua. You never know what’s going to happen next. Wait until you see my next post, amiga.
i love the pottery; are they from different museums or one in particular? the tidbits are spoken by someone who is truly immersed in the culture! z
Z, the pottery is from a museum in Granada. Here’s a link to the museum. http://www.mimuseo.org/
Actually, Z, one of your recent posts ( my favorite post of yours) gave me the idea to incorporate the museum pieces into a post. Hope you don’t mind that I kind of stole your creative idea. 🙂
good Lord, amiga.. i am honored that the post INSPIRED you!!!!! i have visited that museum several times but wow that was a really long time ago. there are some really nice photos in your post, and i greatly appreciated seeing them.
z
Delightful!!!!
Thanks, Mary. I wanted to incorporate some of the museum pieces into a post with Silvio’s quote. I think it works well and expresses my feelings about living in the land of the not quite right. 🙂