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| Allen 'working' and carrying Marci's bag |
Allan Cesar Blandon Sanchez (allancesar219@hotmail.com) is called Allan by his gringo customers, Pelon (baldy) by his Nicaraguan acquaintances, Napoleon by the people at the docks of lake Granada, filthy Spanish invectives (ranging from lewd references to genitalia to man with lice in his ass) by his friends, to my name for him, The Prince of Granda ( El Principe
) .
It is tough to know where to start with Allan. I have known him for two days, but I feel like I've known him since High School. He is someone that James would just LOVE!
Allan is 34 years old. He lives with his mother, grandmother, and shares a bedroom with his eighteen year old brother. He has been in prison (drugs), rehab (drugs), and spent many years on the wrong side of the law (he was the head of the gang in his barrio). He doesn't hide a thing about his past, or what he is willing to procure for his customers (it is easier to tell you what he won't do: child prostitution, marijuana over 5g, or kill someone for money).
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| Allan explains about fermenting fruit |
Allan waits at the Parque Central looking for gringos who need assistance with a hotel, or place to eat, or a tour, or taxi, or "company", or..... Like the guy in Shawshank Redemption - he is a guy "who gets things". He does this because of his incredible English skills (self taught from the tourist trade) and dynamic personality. He is jovial, always moving (he says he probably has ADHD), and engaging. He is patient, and will stop anywhere and explain (like the meat stall or flower market) whatever it is you want to know. He constantly reminds us that we are "his boss" and will fetch us drinks, make a reservation, or show us the city. And he never forgets to remind us that he can do it 'much cheaper' because he 'has a friend'.
And he is right.
El Principe is a remarkable man. The city of Granada has over 100,000 souls. And Allan personally greets one out of three of them, on every corner, on every block... They yell a friendly hello, bump his fist, and give him a look that indicates they understand he is 'working' and don't bother him. At least one of every four taxi drivers honk when they see him.
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| El Principe on the boat tour |
And El Principe delivers. We took a chartered boat (we were the only passengers) for the entire day through the isletas of Granada. After a great tour and a visit to monkey island we stopped at the home of a fisherman and his family. They cooked us a giant fresh fish and the cost of the entire day (including the national drink of Nicaragua (rum, coke, lime and salt) and beer) was $60.
El Principe can make $30 on a very good day - but he describes a wealthy American who paid him $5 per day as well. He always says, "It is my job to please you, pay what your heart tells you". Yesterday morning, we handed him a $100 bill.
I realize in the states this must sound insane. You are screaming at your computer - telling us to STOP drinking Siete Flor de Cana (Nica rum - aged seven years) and Tona Beer. But if you
really know Marci and I, it isn't a big surprise. Allan likes to say, "You earn(ed) my heart".
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| El Principe asking to see the home |
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| The sala in the wealthy home |
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| View of the interior garden |
On Sunday afternoon, as Alpo and Gains Burgers ground to a halt (not that you could really tell) El Principe was ready to show us some houses and hotels that were for sale (by owner - so the commission doesn't have to be paid (ok, so maybe El Principe will get a small taste...)). We even toured them and were treated in grand style. We sat with a wealthy family in their GORGEOUS colonial home as Allan 'wowed them" with the tale about how important I am because I work for the Chief of Police and am on American television (after he saw an interview of me from the Internet he says he feels like he is only 'black and white' tv now...).
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| Marci talking to the homeowner |
The next day we were even driven to a stunning residence, a few minutes outside of Granada, to look at a home (well two actually) with seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, a fifteen foot wall around the property and a swimming pool (oh yeah - the poor family would like to stay in one of the small rooms in exchange for taking care of the property if we'd like).
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| The gardener and family come with the house |
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| The dining room in the guest house |
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So who is Allan, I mean really?
Well, I mentioned that he took us for a walking tour of Granda the first night. After dark, he asked if we trusted him, and we said that we did. So he brought us to 'his' neighborhood. He explained that the people are 'a little more humble' here. That they would be glad to have us in their 'village' taking pictures or 'whatever'.
We walked into the darkest poorest place I've ever seen. But we had no fear at all. Everyone knew and respected Allan and gave us little mind at all. We ended up at his mother's favorite restaurant where we ate chicken, fried plantains, and a vinegar based cole slaw with sodas. The entire bill with tip was $8.00 (oh, and that included a take out meal on a banana leaf 'plate' that Marci bought for his mother). Then we walked through dingy back alleys to Allan's home and met his mother. I haven't asked, but it doesn't seem like too many gringos have done this by the look on her face. She was overjoyed to get the food!
We cannot wait to continue our love affair with this country!
