I could get used to this

Tuesday 20 January, 6.40 a.m. This is our fifth day since we arrived in Nicaragua and if you could see the view from which where I am sitting, you really know my life totally sucks right now! So we’re in this hostel at the beach somewhere, small characteristic village, not really knowing what they could be living on, besides tourism and some fishing. The fishermen are preparing to get out and I see they are taking some tourists with them which are of course german. What’s up with the germans and their fishing all the time? Leave the fishsticks alone! Anyway, life here doesn’t really look like to have a Monday to Sunday week. Every day, people get up, do their work, make sure they have enough to survive another day or month and chill a little more in their hammocks while listening to reggaeton coming from oversized speakers we used to have in the 90’s.

The first days might be the ones I will remember the longest. I have always been in safe, modern little Europe where almost everything is the same, or at least a lot seems similar or looks familiar. Two weeks ago, I was still a Supply Chain Manager in Norway, doing my work and thinking about cheese. Five days ago I was on my way to Frankfurt mentally preparing for my first long distance flight in a very long time. Let’s put it this way; I love my longs legs but I sure do hate economy class! And I’m not always good at sitting still as well. But I survived the first flight and had some to time to adapt in Panama. Then the second flight to Managua. Great view, ok food, quite a rough landing. Upon arrival, the excitement grows every meter you walk towards customs clearance, like in the movies; you show your passport, you get some questions about your stay, you pay ten dolares and you’re in. Once the luggage was picked up there is this huge rush of heat and cab drivers coming over you. Before you know it, you’re negotiating prices, driving in the most shabby cabs, seeing both brand new sports cars (a very nice yellow Camaro) and people riding donkeys and horses in the streets. Women are selling all kinds of food and there is the smell of petrol, the sound of cars sounding their horns, people yelling and loud music everywhere. I’m standing in the middle of all of it, all packed, sweating my ass off not really knowing where I’m safe or not trying to find out where to go or which bus to take. That shock of heat, difference in climate, culture and society really impressed me. One of the thoughts that crossed my mind; what the f*** am I doing here?

Now, day by day my understanding of Nicaragua, the language and the way of life grows. Day by day my body and mind are adapting to the climate and I start to realize where I am and what I’m doing. I’m traveling! I’m doing the things I’ve dreamt of for so many years , seeing things I only saw on the national geographic channel before and finally know what I’ve been working and saving for. And I must say I kind of like it. Like I said; I could get used to this…

 

One thought on “I could get used to this

  1. ¡Hola Bert! Ik had al heimwee toen ik de foto’s zag, maar jouw stuk heeft me volledig meegenomen in je Nicaraguaase Bubble. Da’s een heel mooi compliment voor jou, maar voor mij, zittend op mijn werk in koud Nederland, iets minder positief 🙂 Ik hoop dat je nog véél meer verhalen met ons gaat delen, want ik geniet van het lezen! X

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *