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I'm going to Nicaragua this January, on a humanitarian trip to build a school there. We'll be spending two weeks with host families who live in little huts with very little facilities. I've heard a bunch of horror stories from people who have been in the past years, and I'm actually a little afraid of the culture shock... but I really can't wait to do this! I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice for a really spoiled brat? I want to make the most of this experience.

2006-12-09 19:32:42 · 5 answers · asked by love_happyfeet 1 in Society & Culture Cultures & Groups Other - Cultures & Groups

ahhh I'm one to scream for mom if i see a spider crawling across the wall! Horror stories? Like fire ants in your clothes and finding a nasty surprise when you put them on. Running water and electricity -- highly unlikely... Host families with no door or curtain for bathroom. Bring your own toilet paper (and keep it hidden!) or be prepared to use newspaper. Almost certain diarrhea. No cell phone (my parents will freak for two weeks w/o hearing from me). Food -- what the host family can afford to feed you (the organization pays them something like 5$ a day for keeping us, so they can buy bottled water and other necessities for us)...but some actually try to save the money by not completely following the rules...

2006-12-09 20:19:03 · update #1

5 answers

Yes, I have experienced it. First of all let me tell you where and when. Managua (the big capital), Matagalpa (the second largest city in the mountains-the nicest), Bluefields (a port city, very Carribean), and Pearl Lagoon (Atlantic Coast, English-speaking Creoles). The year was 1989, when the Sandinistas(FSLN) were the government.
Our group went as a volunteer electrical brigade. The second time I went alone looking for volunteer work in 1991, but the government had changed, and the atmosphere was different in a negative way. I didn't find any work, but got a closer look at how the people lived. Yes, there were VERY few facilities, yes you will experience culture shock, but don't let that stop you!
I took Quinine pills, since Malaria was/is still prevalent there. I learned the basics in Spanish, I suggest you do so now! Bring toilet paper, expect to have diarrhea, watch the water you drink, try a bottle of Victoria beer, and take photos -make the most of it like you say and intend to do. Bravo para ti!

2006-12-09 20:24:40 · answer #1 · answered by WMD 7 · 0 0

Well i know someone who was born and raised there. He recently went on a trip back home after being in the US for 10 years and HE had culture shock. It's very poor country. There are children selling their bodies- very sad. Children on the street selling monkeys (i saw the video), and you'll have to deal with those who love american/western culture but hate americans. (assuming your American- I didn't check)

It'll be shocking but It'll change your life for the better.

2006-12-09 19:56:35 · answer #2 · answered by KittyFly 4 · 0 0

hm i wonder what kinda horror stories you heard. yes, be prepared to witness a very different lifestyle from yours. you will get culture shock regardless and probably some homesickness but regardless of your feelings, remember that its only two weeks! my ma spent her childhood there and says after witnessing how children are raised here in the states, she wouldn't change a single thing about her experience...including the cockroach infested outhouses. builds character, i guess.

2006-12-09 19:56:39 · answer #3 · answered by FucAlloYu 2 · 0 0

i never have been in a nicaraguan village, only in expensive hotels in Managua with hot gals.....dont worry, nicaraguans are cool!

2006-12-09 19:43:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

Just don't drink the Kool-Aid and you'll be okay.

2006-12-09 19:41:52 · answer #5 · answered by Chuck Dhue 4 · 0 1

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