Our Man in Granada

Thank You Tony Blair

So Tony Blair is finally going. 

It's strange to be away during such a momentus occasion with only the internet for news.  It's hard to gauge the mood back home.

But 'll say thank you to him for one thing only:

Thank you Tony Blair, you made me so ashamed to be British that I left my country and, for the last two and a half years, have had the time of my life overseas.

During that time I have met many other Brits, Americans and Australians who were also part of the "shamed drain".

Bloggerheads says it best with the film below.

Cosmo Cowboy

I like the Nica cowboys.

In Granada they're relatively rare but head out to the hills and those hats become a more frequent sight. There's a quiet charisma about these guys too.  Like they're men who work hard but speak little.  Strong silent types as, I guess, all cowboys should be.

But every so often you spot a cowboy where it just doesn't work. 

If I were an uber blogger with a million hits a day...

...I'd  swallow any principles I had and let this place host me for the weekend in return for all the good publicity they could handle.

But a paltry 50 visitors, on a good day, probably isn't going to swing it when a double room starts at just over $200 a night.

What if I promised to wash dishes too?

Blog Blog

We've got it easy.

Imagine a time when you were overseas before downloading and Ipods.  Remember when it wasn't possible to listen to Spirit of Eden by Talk Talk

The most under rated album of all time and arguably the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard.

It's washing over me right now and I am sucking in my cheeks and nodding my head the way you do when music absolutely matches your mood.

Just perfect for a gorgeous day in Nicaragua.

The top ten yings and yangs of living overseas

I’ve long had the Y&Y theory about travelling. 

How many times have you been chased away by bitey things from what was otherwise the perfect spot?

I mean, England may be a little bit grey and damp, but I honestly never saw one cockroach until I travelled overseas.

So, while I’m not about to give it all up just yet, it’s just worth remembering that there’s frequently a small downside to all the cool stuff.

But you’re still jealous, right?

Croc of ....

These are as popular here with backpackers and assorted gringos as they were in Asia.

Is it just me or are Crocs the ugliest fashion item ever?

Okay - they look just about passable with a pair of jeans.

But on the feet of some lardy gringo in tiny shorts?  Has anything looked more ridiculous?

Be free people.  Speak out against fashion crimes.  Crocs really are horrible.

Aren't they?

Hot Nicaraguans and a Red Faced Gringo

I think last night was the hottest evening since I arrived.

Mosly it cools down to a point where it's okay to pull on some long trousers and stroll out into the breeze.

Last night though, there was no breeze.

A Soundtrack to Nicaragua

I'm currently completely addicted to the song Whole Wide World by Wreckless Eric.

Listening to it and missing my girl who is joining me soon.

Foot Soldiers

Funny.  Somebody just told me that early Peace Corps volunteers were banned from wearing Birkenstocks.

The reason given was the fear of locals thinking they were just yet more lefty teachers, like the ones who came to help out following the revolution.  These were apparently known as "the sandalistas".

Is this true?  I don't know.  I really hope so.