Masaya: A Little Depressing

Let's be frank. Nicaragua is not doing so well.

In my life, I have had the good fortune to visit quite a few countries around the world. Granted, most have been "developed" countries (e.g. Japan, Belgium, etc.)

However, along the way, I have visited some "developing" countries too.

Nicaragua, by far, has been the most depressing. People around here just don't have too many good things to say. And the faces . . . so long and drawn.

Like in Ecuador, I don't see any people actually starving. However, the ambience here in Nicaragua is downright dreadful.

The media sure isn't helping. Case in point: La Prensa - the leading national newspaper. Day after day, the attacks on Government leadership continue unabated. Want to read some good news? Look elsewhere. It won't be found in this periodical.

I went to a pizza place for lunch today. "How's business?" . . . "Scary" came the reply a few seconds later.

Let it known, however, that on the weekend, I did receive one exuberant, positive reply to my regular "How's biz?" query.

He was a loan shark.