In Granada

Thought I´d let you all know that I´ve safely arrived in Granada, Nicaragua. I don´t have much time to type right now, nor will I ever during the next two weeks, but I hope to provide occasional updates nonetheless. 

First and foremost, I want to say that although I am taking pictures, I have no means by which I can post them online.  All of my images will be posted on my flickr account once I return to the United States.  In the mean time, I will just find images on google and use them to give you an idea of what I´m seeing. 

Before I head off, I´ll just give a few words:  after being in Argentina for so long, I have forgotten how poor much of Latin America is.  It´s dirtier, and often smellier here than Buenos Aires.  There are more beggers and more filthy children here than I remembered.  Still, I feel quite comfortable.  Last time I was here, I felt as if the city was much bigger and more daunting, but now I find it rather simple and relaxed.  I feel quite at home here, despite the fact that I stick out more (my skin color contrasts more with locals here than in B.A.).

Also a note on expenses, for the financially inclined: a week of housing, plus 3 meals per day (which means I have no other expenses) costs about 130 US dollars. This trip, aside from the plane ticket, costs less than any other place I´ve ever been.  This is the draw of travelling here. 

My opinion is that many college students see travelling as extemely expensive, primarily because they think of Europe when they imagine travelling around.  I urge those who hold such a view to branch out and explore the poorer parts of the world.  They are cheaper*.  Also, are more foreign, so you may well grow more from your experiences.  Save the expensive places for the days when you´re old and sluggish, with less of a taste for extremes, and cherish the adventurism of your youth.

More later!

*For example: Met a guy today who´s been travelling around Central America for a few months who pays about 5 dollars a night for a clean place to stay.  Lunch costs about 1.50 in this town, if you go to the right place.  You can´t get a better deal anywhere.