As our service continues to wind down, I imagine these last few posts will be mostly in list format with just a sprinkling of narrative. There is so much we are trying to mentally process on our own that it is difficult at times to think of material that all of you will find interesting and relevant to your own lives.
In order to remedy this I've decided to post a list of 15 common Nicaraguan beliefs along the vein of "everything I ever learned about life a kindergartner taught me." Some of these apply 100% to life in the US of A. Others might seem quirky, unreasonable, or down right wrong. You, the reader, also might find some totally irrelevant or not the least bit interesting due to lack of context. For that I apologize. For better or for worse, however, many Nicaraguans spend their entire lives in a world where these beliefs hold true.
- When meeting the girl of your dreams, it is always better to confess your love immediately and as wholeheartedly as possible. If you save it for later, you'll have to explain your previous lack of enthusiam.
- On a hot day it is more refreshing to drink a hot cup of coffee than a cold glass of water.
- Pregnant women and old people always go first. Always.
- You should always look your best, even when digging a latrine.
- All food, no matter the ingredients, should only be described as either "rich" (rico) or "ugly" (feo).
- There is always time for chatting on the porch.
- Going fast is very fun.
- CocaCola from a glass bottle tastes way better than CocaCola from a plastic bottle.
- When riding on a school bus, a seat over the wheel is better than no seat at all.
- Cell phones are overrated. So is electricity.
- Children need to be educated. They are the future of tomorrow. (note: this is written on a very large sign near our town. We're still trying to work it out. It's kind of like looking between two mirrors.)
- Horror movies are the highest form of art known to man. Horror movies and the accordian.
- When walking long distances it is better to get the whole thing over with before the sun comes up. Therefore, 4am is frequently "a late start."
- Toilet paper is a luxury, not a priviledge.
- Politics are for rich people.
