Deconstructing Stereotypes about Nicaraguan Society...One Excursion at a time

"The true beauty of a struggle is not the final result; rather it is the process that it takes to accomplish the task that you have set out to complete."

¿Que onde? Its DJM back for another blog about my Nicaraguan experiences. This past week, I was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to take a trip to the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua as a part of our excursions. To be truthful, the Atlantic Coast is like another country in itself. While Spanish is spoken on the Coast, so are English, Miskito, Sumo, and a number of other indigenous languages. The journey to get to the Coast was long, but it was worth the 10 + hours of travel by bus and panga (speedboat). As we traveled by panga, I had the opportunity to reflect on the beauty that is life. This reflection helped me to take my mind off of the fact that I was absolutely terrified of the panga because I can’t swim. I realize that I often times throw myself into the fire without warning….but thankfully, I am not afraid of being burned. After arriving at Pearl Lagoon, we were taken by taxi to a community, called Awas, for a night of camping and learning about the importance of deconstructing the stereotypes of poverty that are associated with the Coast of Nicaragua. This was eye-opening to hear because I just have to wonder how powerful it would be to have this information available for all those who are unaware of the resources that the Coast has. I am constantly encouraged by the fact that Nicaragua can, and will improve. After a night of camping in a tent (add this to my list of new experiences), I awoke to a beautiful sunrise and an even more beautiful Ocean. Even though I am missing my fair college on the hill, the beauty of Nicaragua made me appreciate the blessing that Denison allowed me to live. For that, I am forever grateful. As we left Pearl Lagoon, it was raining. I thought of this rain to be refreshing. But before we left, I gave a plush Denison tiger key chain to Yomar, the 2 year old little boy that I had come to know pretty well in our 24 hours in Awas. In a way, I feel that I left a piece of me on the Coast with that tiger. As we headed to Little Corn Island, we rode on a panga….but we soon learned that this ride would be a tough one. The waves were unbelievably strong, and we spent a majority of the ride airborne. After what seemed like forever, we arrived at Little Corn Island. Although it was dark, I could tell that it was going to be a great weekend. The next morning, I left the hotel, and when I walked outside of my room, I was absolutely amazed by the view that I saw. As you can imagine, I spent the entire day on the beach. Sunday morning, we boarded the panga for our trip back to Managua. Although I was sad, I was happy in knowing that I had that opportunity….I even learned how to swim (a little bit…but progress is always a good thing). This trip was just what I needed, because Monday was the beginning of midterms at UNAN-Managua. Although I am not accustomed to taking all exams, I must say that it was not as hard as I first thought it to be. I finished them with a huge BANG! With that being done, my spring break (Semana Santa) officially began. Feel free to check back next week, as I will be coming back from San Juan for a week of relaxation….which will be great. As always, I shall leave you with an inspirational quote.

“If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be."

Hasta Pronto,

DJM

P.S. Photos to be posted at a later date.....