Don´t Stereotype

Well, I know I shouldn´t stereotype but it is hard not to when you see the truth in front of you.

What is the truth? People are taller in Nicaragua. It is possible to see more birds in one afternoon in Granada than 10 weeks in Xela. The cars in Nicaragua are in better condition than those in Guatemala. There are more gays in Granada than in Xela. Lake Nicaragua is not clean. Fruit is cheaper in Granada than in Xela. People feeel safer in Granada than in Xela.

I am not sure how many of the above are true, but in less than 24 hours here, they seem to be facts.

I have seen more birds today than during my 10 weeks. That is true. They did not look to be too interesting but there were more of them. It may be that there are more green spaces here than in Xela. I am no expert but i think brids like trees and grass. Granada seems to have more of both.

I do not know if the people are safer here than in Xela - I went out for a walk in downtown and it did not give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. But during the day here, many people have their (gated) front doors open. It may be due to the warm temps and the desire for a bit of a breeze. I am not sure. it is interesting to walk on the sidewalk and practically be in someone´s living room. I feels a bit awkward.

I do not know if all fruit is cheaper in Granada but I did buy a pineapple for 3 Cordobas - less than $0.20. In Xela, good piñas will run $1 or more.

I took a walk to the lake this afternoon. (All notes say do not walk (alone or in groups) there at night. It seemed safe in the day light.) It is big - 20th biggest in the world. Although I did not see any, the lake contains swordfish, tarpon, and sharks. I don´t think there are too many places where you will find freshwater shark. However, I am no expert on sharks so do not take my word for it.

A guy on the Managua - Granada bus (who guessed that I was 48 y.o.) told me that there are more than 400 islands in the lake. I do not think I will visit them all but there is one, good-sized island, Ometepe, that may be worth a visit.

If I do not take a ferry there, maybe it will be a bus down south. Or I may spend another day in a warm and sunny town.

bjm 1.7.08