Nicaraguan culture

I received some great (albeit random) questions from Mr. Ryan C. Moylan but since he sends me care packages, I’m contractually obligated to answer them.

TV shows: I’ve talked about this before but after chatting with the youth that live by me, they sometimes have trouble distinguishing between real and fiction.  Examples:

“Harry Potter made a pact with the Devil and that’s why he can fly, true?”

“Are you afraid to be alone at night in the United States because of all the zombies and vampires?”

So thanks for that, Hollywood.

Right to bear arms: To my knowledge, it is illegal to own a firearm of any sort here.  I’m sure there’s an economic effect as well – weapons are expensive.  But by and large, people seem to be quite ok with it.  I’m sure people would much rather buy meat for dinner than a sidearm anyway.  On the other hand, I have heard and read articles that at the Mercado Oriental (the largest market in Central America) if you have the connections and enough dolares, you can buy anything you want from delicatessen turtle eggs to rocket propelled grenade launchers.

Hunting: Not a lot of wild game in Nicaragua but I’ve seen people use sling shots with surprising accuracy.  Also most houses (and agriculture PCVs) have machetes generally used for trimming lawns and opening coconuts but could be used for hunting?

Tattoos: They are rare but do exist in some circles.  First of all, only with men; I’ve never seen a Nicaraguan female with a tattoo.  Also, the men who do generally have tattoos are vagos or shady characters.  Again I think it boils down to being expensive and not particularly culturally acceptable.

Sexual diversity: Touchy subject.  Homosexuality is still not tolerated well in Nicaragua.  Therefore, most gays and lesbians are required to keep that part of their lives hidden from their friends and families.  This is infinitely more difficult in Nicaragua when you generally live with your family until you save enough money to buy a house or marry (this doesn’t generally happen until 30 years of age or later.).

Greetings: Men to women and women to women usually do the fake kiss on the cheek (usually the left side).  Men to men shake hands.  Additional point, most of the handshakes I receive are the gross, limp-dead fish variety.  My younger generation also incorporates the “kucks”, “pound it” or “fist bumps” with some frequency as well.  High school aged girls and younger hold hands in public which is socially acceptable.

Youth programs: little to none.  Beside the occasional sports tournament, there are no formal youth activities until high school.  No boy (girl) scouts, summer camps or sports.  Teens can sometimes participate in the rare community organized sporting event of volleyball, soccer and base (soft)ball but that’s really it.

Toys: the average Nicaraguan child doesn’t have too many options in the way of toy choices.  Dolls and stuffed animals are generally easy to come by.  Marbles and tops are all the rage for the boys 6-12 demographic right now.  Similar to cyber cafes, “Nintendos” are places where kids can go and pay to play video games for an hour.

If anyone else has questions, lemme know!