Leaving
everything you know for everything you don’t is very difficult but totally
worth it. Four months ago, I arrived in Nicaragua not knowing what to expect,
except for heat and beans. Both of which I get plenty of and love most of the
time. Having never been to a Latin American country before and speaking
unbearably poor Spanish, I was a mix of complete fear and overwhelming
excitement! Fear for not fitting in, doing something offensive culturally and
excitement for seeing, learning about, and living in an entirely new place and
culture. Obviously, as I am currently writing this under the strong Nicaraguan
sun, excitement prevailed. Thankfully, I have had the privilege to live among
families in Nicaragua to learn more about their culture, food, traditions, and
customs. As a result, I would like to share some of the beautiful things about
Nicaraguan culture that have warmed my heart and opened my eyes to a new way of
life, my new way of life in Nicaragua.
-Open door
policy: If people are awake, their doors are open. Everyone here keeps their doors wide open for
two reasons I’ve observed, to let cool air in and invite visitors. Here
strangers, acquaintances, even vendors are welcomed into the house or at the
very least offered a chair on the front porch, chatted up, and often times
offered coffee or a refreshment. It is
very kind and no one seems to be annoyed or bothered by the presence of door to
door vendors or friends/family stopping by daily to chat.
-Free food,
coffee, and frescos (delicious freshly made juice with lots of sugar): Nicaragua
is the 2nd poorest country (1st is Haiti) in the western
hemisphere, and yet no matter how poor the people are if you enter their house,
you are welcomed like family and offered free food, frescos, and always
coffee. Also, you can’t feel bad or like
a burden if you accept, because it is taken as an insult if you deny these
offerings. In training we were taught to
tell long excuses in Spanish in case we are offered something we don’t want or
eat. For example, I can’t drink a lot of caffeine because it makes me nauseous,
therefore when offered, I say I can only drink a little because of caffeine
makes me sick and usually people understand and pour me a little bit or offer
me fresco instead. It is for this reason, that I am no longer vegetarian
because when offered half of a chicken and beef (beef is very expensive and
hence a really special treat when offered) I ate it out of respect and a desire
to make a good first impression. I
consider this a small to price to pay for building strong relationships in my
site. Also, these animals were not tortured than slaughtered in a factory farm
like USA meat.
-Family
style: Family comes first here, period. Work, friends, personal ambition,
wealth, all are secondary concerns. Also, extended families mostly live
together on a compound where multiple smaller houses will be on the same plot
of land and communal spaces like outdoor bathrooms and kitchens are shared by
all.
Honestly, I
feel very lucky to have been sent to such a gorgeous country filled with
generous people. However, I have to admit that there are times when I feel
confused, dumbfounded, and even frustrated by cultural clashes. In these
moments, keeping an open mind and open heart serve me well. Despite the
challenges of adapting to a new culture, there is no denying the unique and
life-changing impact from this experience.
