More "Folksy" Charm

I felt bad taking this picture . . . but I just couldn't resist.

Yes, above is Granada's version of a hearse. A procession of about 50 people, on foot, followed the carriage as it made its way through town to the cemetery.

The untold beauty of tradition.

Often, living in this area is like stepping back in time.

Masaya - Not All Doom and Gloom!

In no real order: "taxista", festival time, Masayan house party, "cow tongue."

I'm sure you can figure out which is which.

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.