Tranquilo

     Life in Nicaragua is much different than in the United States. Here, one must learn to be patient and take each day one breath at a time. You need to be flexible and understand the culture. Life here is very tranquilo. This word simply translates into "tranquil." Every day is a good day. You are alive and breathing. Even those that are poor and malnourished seem to figure out a way to make the best of their day. The past no longer exists (although there are remanents of Nicaraguan history that still linger) and the future has not yet arrived. So, "why worry? why be concerned about the past or future when you can make the most of today?" 

     I am learning to live with minimum water resources, no air conditioner, constant heat, and lots of rain. These are events that every Nicaraguan lives with day in and day out and they are completely satisfied. These are the moments that I am tested with on a daily basis. The best I can do is take a step back, take a breath, and accept the culture. They are teaching me without teaching and somehow I am learning. I am learning to live in a culture I have only read about in books and seen on television. 

(will edit soon, I am late for my bus!)

     I have concluded that foreigners can and will only survive abroad in Nicaragua if they learn to live amongst the locals. Take a dive into their culture and really understand and get to know how it is different from America. There is never a need to be in a rush. Why live your life in the fast lane here. There is so much going on and so much this country and culture has to offer that it will be easy for you to miss something. If you are here to learn, you definitely need to take a step back, take a breath and relax, be flexible with the circumstances, and be ready for anything that may hinder your journey. If you are quick to get mad at these hindrances, then you are not learning what Nicaragua has to offer. 

     I have learned that it is okay to be late sometimes, its okay to call school off due to heavy rains, its okay to say something wrong in Spanish (because you will be corrected with laughter). 

   If you learn to live in the moment here, I believe you will learn to truly understand what being "tranquilo" means. 

  For my readers, take a few minutes after reading this, take a deep breath and think about everything you did today or wanted to accomplish today? Were you successful? Don't forget there are other people in your life that you need to spend time with and say hello to.  Even if it just a simple "hello", you have gone out of your way and completed a task that was not on your daily list. Cherish these moments.

Remember to live tranquilo!