Living in the third world

Living in the third world is an interesting experience, because at any time, without any warning, something unpredictable can and does happen. Most of it is trivial, causing chuckles or astonishment. Like seeing a family of four Nicaraguans piled on one bike. Or, the city bus system is a web of caminetas, pick up trucks with benches in the back with a tarped roof.

These people are resourceful! And clearly, it's out of necessity more than anything else.

As for electricity and water, it's present, but spotty. During the superbowl, I missed the first quarter, and not because I late, but because the power went out. And for the water, we fill buckets at my place in order to prepare for the daily water shortage, and still take showers/go along with our daily chores somewhat unimpaired.

The people here are generally really friendly, which I'm quickly learning is a red flag. I'm getting better at reading people, and figuring out if they are just being nice because they want to get something from me, which is usually the case. Still, foreigners are a safe bet, and now I've been here long enough to establish some friendships with good people.

But what goes along with all this is a very low cost of living. Let me break it down.

Room-$80
Guitar Class for one month-$10
Used bicycle- $40
New cell phone-$20
liter of beer at the bar-$2
hour of internet- $.50
typical breakfast-$1.50
Latte-$1
dozen bananas-$.60
pineapple-$.50

So, it's all a give and take. For a couple of months, it's perfect. Sunny, beaches nearby, volcanoes in the distance, and lots of leisure time.

Even as I write this I noticed my bicycle was missing from the outside the window. I got a little shocked, asked around, and finally to the guard, who said he moved it to the back. But still, it's another reminder of the unpredictibility of this place.

I still search with open eyes for spiritual/philosophical beings around me.

Lots of Love