Hola

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude. ~ Cynthia Ozick

I recently had the opportunity to spend two weeks traveling with my family in Nicaragua, the second poorest country in Central America.  Similar to past travel experiences, we came home very grateful for what we have, reminded of what we take for granted, yet amazed at how happy the people are with the standard of living they have.

We toured a coffee plantation at Selva Negra and learned about the process from plant to cup.  We tried our hand at picking a few of the coffee berries and concluded we didn’t have the special technique to pick what the average worker managed in a day.  In the picture left, you can see the workers with their sacks of berries getting measured for their pay.  We were told that a picker could pick an average of 10 boxes (25 pounds per box) per day during peak season, and depending on the farm, would be paid approximately $1.25 US per box.  We have a new appreciation for our cup of coffee every morning and the lifestyle we have become accustomed to.

Click here for a video clip of the workers in action.

We made friends with a Nicaraguan fellow who took us to his home of 15 people that he, his wife and daughter share with his parents, sister’s family, sick nephew etc.  When we arrived, his mother (who has a small tortilla business) was making tortillas with his sister that were about to be cooked over the fire.  After this visit, we appreciate all space and amenities we have in our own homes.  

We visited a preschool and elementary school, and while some things are similar, the rooms were quite bare compared to our classrooms.  There were few obvious manipulatvies, resources or storybooks in the classroom, and the playgrounds had little equipment.  It was our understanding that only the high schools have internet access with a computer lab.  We learned that some families try to save extra money to send their children to private school to help them learn English from a young age to help give them more opportunities when they are finished school.  Private school only cost $10 per month, but was out of reach for most families.  Once again, I felt very fortunate as a teacher and for my students to have so many supplies and resources available.

Our two weeks were packed with many experiences.  We climbed active and inactive volcanoes, sand boarded down the Cerro Negro volcano, learned about the history and political instability, admired the beautiful architecture, kayaked around isletas, ziplined through the canopy, visited a cacao factory, scuba dived, watched pottery being made, fished, enjoyed the beautiful weather… just to name a few!  After returning home and reflecting on our trip, we felt that despite how poor the people we came in contact with, they seemed content and happy with what they had.  What a great lesson for my family to have!

     

Share a travel experience that has made an impact on you!