Nicaragua
Nicaragua is a an amazingly beautiful country with a rich cultural and political history. With many different bio-regions to explore and various cultures to experience, it truly offers something to everyone. The Pacific coast is popular for surfers, boasting some of the best breaks in central America. The larger cities are in this region as well and offer more of the exciting urban way of life in Nicaragua. The Caribbean Sea side has a much simpler way of living. Time seems to move slower, no one is in a hurry, and the sights are nothing short of breathtaking.
Nicaragua is no stranger to social problems and political turmoil. The 1980s saw the rise of the Contras — a band of guerrilla fighters — who stood up against the Sandanistas, the leading democratic socialist regime at the time. This led the Nicaragua Revolution and a number of human rights violations on both sides of the political aisle. Thousands were killed, and thousands more fled the country, many seeking refuge in America.
Now led by a long-standing socialist dictator, Daniel Ortega, who refuses to cede any authority or political power to his people, the streets of Nicaragua are filled with people, young and old, demanding that their government atone for the injustices placed on the people of Nicaragua and hear their redresses to bring about social change.
Despite its fair share of social and political issues, Nicaragua remains a place of tremendous beauty and a people far more resilient than most. They walk around with their chins up, shoulders back, and smiles on their faces, despite an oppressive dictatorial government and poor economic conditions. Nicaragua makes an impact on visitors who come ashore and daily first-world troubles don’t feel so burdensome anymore.
Maybe it isn’t just the sights or maybe it’s the cocktails, but perhaps its something about the people who inhabit the country, who show everyone else that despite what is happening on the outside, there is always enough time to sit back, relax, and remember all of the great things in life that are worth fighting, and sometimes, dying for.
