The Hatfields and McCoys - Central American Style

The Hatfields are the "Ticos." The McCoys are the "Nicas."

You can probably figure out who the Nicas are. "Nica" is the nickname for Nicaraguans. A "Tico" is a Costa Rican.

They are neighboring countries. And they really don't like each other that much.

At all.

Case in point. There has been an ongoing dispute between the two countries about a parcel of swamp land. Each government thought -- and today still thinks -- that this parcel of swamp land is rightfully theirs.

So off they went the Ticos and the Nicas to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands for a resolution.

The Court pretty much told them to sit down and figure it out themselves. So last week they planned a meeting on the border.

And I really mean ON THE BORDER.

Incredulously, each delegation placed their table of delegates on their respective side of the border between the two countries. Talk about warming up for some friendly neighborly banter, huh?

The mediator from Guatemala -- pity the guy -- suggested all parties reconvene  . . . in another country!

Fun with Fotos*

Have any of you seen this photo manipulation website?

It's a riot.

I'm having lotsa fun playing with the photos of our students (and BECA staff members).

They think I'm some kind of photoshop genius. Little do they know it's as simple as mango pie (not many apples around here).

Antonio Rodriguez - Coordinator BECA, Masaya

*Yeah I know it should be spelled "photos." But I ask you . . . why?

Tranquilo

"Tranquilo."

I hear this quite a bit here in Nicaragua. Most of you can guess what it means. It's kind of a polite "take it easy" or "relax."

I've mentioned before in my blog that the pace of life is much slower here.

People take their time to do things. Actually they take their sweet time to do things. (This applies to companies and institutions, too.)

This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Most of the time.

But there are exceptions.

Case in point. This building in Masaya has been on the point of collapse EVER SINCE I GOT HERE. That's like almost three years. People walk under it each and every day.

Tranquilo? No thanks. This time, I'll walk on the other side.

Official Mascot of BECA

No, no, a dog is definitely not the official mascot of BECA.

But one should be.

Why? Sheer numbers.

Here in Masaya stray dogs are everywhere. On my 30 minute morning walk, I encounter about 20 dogs sleeping on the streets. They are all terribly skinny. Fortunately, they never bother me.

It takes getting used to. And, sadly, I am used to it. BARK.org anyone?

Doritos Anyone? Central Park, Masaya (2010)

Why are these "Chicas" Smiling?

We take many things for granted in Canada (and the United States).

One of those things is a bank account. For example, I believe my nephew and nieces all got their first bank account before the age of 10. It may even have been sooner.

Maryuris Ruiz, Melida (BECA.org), Esther Carballo

Sadly, that is not the case here in Nicaragua (and I'm told in other parts of Latin America). For one thing, to open an account one is required to maintain a minimum balance. This is in the neighbourhood of $50.00. Way beyond the reach of people who live day to day, let alone month to month.

As a result, a great many people reside permanently outside of the formal economy. Generally speaking, It is the formal economy that pays higher wages and offers benefits.

Of 45 active students currently studying technical careers in BECA.org 44 don't have bank accounts.  We are talking about people with an average age of 21.4 years. This is simply staggering to me.

After much finagling and back-and-forth, I'm happy to report that a Nicaraguan bank - BAC - has finally granted our request to offer bank accounts to our students.

Needless to say, I am very pleased and feel this is an important step forward for us here in Nicaragua. The Coordinator of BECA.org in Masaya -- Antonio Rodriguez -- deserves all the credit for his perserverance. Good job, Antonio.

Coming Soon to Nicaragua

 

water


No one knows how much yet. If any.


But still creepy.

How do you Spell Relief?

I'll tell you how I spell it.

"M-E-L-I-D-A"

Allow me to explain.

I hate to admit it, but I'm getting a little tired. And I need a little more help. After a three month trial, I've decided to promote Nicaraguan Melida Madrigal -- who was training to be a Coordinator -- as Assistant Director.

I've got my fingers crossed that she has what it takes to take over as Director after a while. She's bright, she speaks decent English, has studied in Gringolandia, and seems to be passionate about what we are doing here.

I think it's time these people started to take over, dontcha think?