Very Different Nicaraguas

Still in Vietnam, but preparing for Nicaragua.

While leaving is still some weeks away, the anticipation of moving to Nicaragua is growing. I'm  using the wifi here in the very good (and very cheap) Especen Hotel  to constantly peruse all things Nicaraguan.

One topic that keeps coming up time and time again in the newsfeeds is property. Specifically property owning and investment by rich gringos.  I'm not daft enough to comment on it.  Not from so far away. 

Except to say that what I have found to be true here in Vietnam is probably equally true in Nica.  In other words, nothing is ever simple and do the rich folks with the pockets full of dollars help more than any NGO could?

I don't know.  There's more reading on the subject here.

In the meantime, check out the two films below for a contrast. 

This first one is from a company selling property in Laguna De Apoyo, a short hop from Granada

The second film below is from a charity called Rise Up. I know nothing about their organisation but  I found this short film very emotive.  I'm glad I saw it.  It's very easy when you are moving to a new country to spend your time Googling to see what the local amenities are like.

Then, seeing something like this, well, it reminds me that I am going there to hopefully do what I can to help. Not just to sit in cafes drinking Nicaraguan coffee and planning weekends away.

The glue sniffing kids are based in Masaya.  Just south of the lake detailed above.