There is something odd about me. All my adult life, I have felt considering the group, or community, as a whole is natural, rather than thinking only about myself. I aim to contribute in a way which improves the situation for everyone. I even check my parking to make sure any neighbouring …
I have now been four weeks in Nicaragua, and the street scenes have become normal. I am accustomed to habits such as scanning for deep holes in the sidewalk, walking on the shady side of the street, and catching glimpses into houses with front rooms full of gorgeous wooden rockers …
Granada city Nicaragua is somewhat disconnected from the real situation in the rest of the country. It is a tourist town, and there is a pedestrian centre with amenities almost exclusively for tourists. By this I mean that there are many cafes but few shops (except ones selling drinks). The …
After two weeks in the rural uplands of Northern Nicaragua, I am quite inspired to try commuting by horse when I once again live somewhere. Horses are quite practical here, considering the condition of rocky roads after an annual deluge of rain and occasional mudslides. However, my main inspiration is …
I am back on the lake in the volcanic crater mentioned in a previous post. We are almost finished with an intensive two weeks with a vanful of 10 potters visiting communities, mostly in northern Nicaragua. It has been a great way to practice Spanish, since the group includes a …
I travel in order to learn about other cultures. There are only a limited number of ways to learn about another culture. One, of course, is to read about it, but we are often very aware that this is framed by the perspective of the author. Another way is to …
Tourism is one way for communities to earn money which offer respite from the hectic life of white collar workers. However, depending on money spent as luxury – one´s dream vacation – seems to be an insecure way to develop an economy. In addition, the tourists hoarding their few days …
I have arrived in Managua and have had the luxury of time to get used to a new country and a new city. The hostel where I am staying has notices that it is safe to walk in the neighbourhood – and then gives the border streets for the area …
2 January: Preparing to go to Nicaragua, with this blog and thinking about poverty and what ordinary Global Notherners can really contribute to improve the world. I am bringing quite a lot to read compared to my previous trips (when I had no time to read, or sleep, due to …
I am on the road again, travelling to take photos in the eastern part of Oregon state. It’s hard to be moving on every night. I am rounding off a few tasks before departing for Nicaragua in a week’s time, and carting boxes of things from a car to a …