The motherland. Heritage. Culture and tradition. It’s what we are made of and how we grew up. My nationality is Nicaraguense. Any one who really knows me knows I am a “ginga” and by that, meaning a “white girl” in English. I don’t know why I never really engulfed myself into my Hispanic roots but I always refused to fully develop my Spanish (even if it was my first language SMH). I forgot nearly all my Spanish and traded it for my new American lifestyle in Elementary, and I think since I was so ignorant and stubborn years went by and I refused to speak Spanish because I believed we were in America and everyone should know English. Stupid American!

Flash forward – im 23 and can’t even fully communicate with my 86-year-old aunt who I love dearly. Either way on August 9th I will be forced to speak Spanish as well as survive in what I like to call 3rd world conditions. And I’m not even over-exaggerating.

Okay I am a bit of an over-exaggerator, but when you’re so Americanized TEN DAYS – in a literally 3rd world country is not the business.

I’m hoping this trip will clear my mind, body, and soul. I hope to come back appreciative of my life in the States but also relaxed because I am filled with worry here back home. Constant thoughts, constant worries. Ten days though….sigh. Maybe I’ll find some cool jewelry and secret jems. Maybe I’ll find myself. Hoping its the last one.

Nicaragua has tons of beautiful scenery and landscape. Mountains, volcanos, lakes, and forest. I’m going with nearly all of my father’s side of the family and they are crazy. My cousin is getting married and they plan on taking us on a hike after the ceremony. Oh man, it’s definitely going to be an adventure. Theres no high rises here. And their tall buildings do not compare to anything Miami offers. Will be a change of pace and a 360 for little ol’ me. Below are pictures of typical Nicaragua. Old buildings painted like new.The market, the streets, the people.

I’ll be gone August 9th – 19th. Will you miss me a little when I’m gone?