A teeny bit on politics

Nicaragua is a democratically elected republic.  However, the party in power is the Sandinista party, and the President is Daniel Ortega.  Yes, he is the same Ortega who fought against the US in the 1980's and pushed a very strong socialist agenda (including the re-distribution of wealth).  And still today, many services are 'publicly' owned.  But as with most socialist societies - this works in the hearts and minds of the true believers, but has almost no impact on the daily life of a Nica.

The doctor at the free clinic donates his services to the poor.  How can this be needed?  Isn't health care a right in Nicaragua?  Don't they boast the best hospital in Central America and the Managua Medical University?  They do.  The problem, as Antonio told me, "What good is free medicine when no one can afford a prescription?"  He explained that a doctor will write a prescription for say fifteen pills.  They might be able to afford four.  They buy four, take them, and hope it works.  And if you come into the hospital as a severe trauma patient, you may not have to pay, but you'll pray that they have bandages or working equipment today.

This boy needs medicine for a skin disease - to the free doctor and charity

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4HuqXCBwO6Y  (the free doctor speaks to the mother of a baby in need)

On the other hand, if you are a wealthy gringo, step right up!  The doctor will cost you $30, the medicine another $15, and you will be good to go for whatever ails you!  We know, Marci had a doctor call IN OUR HOTEL ROOM. 

A house call

There is supposed to be free school - but really there is only good school for the parents who can pay.  We noticed kids in their 20's, who work all week, dressed up to go to technical schools on the weekends to improve their condition.

In fact, for a socialist country, this is the most entrepreneurial capitalist place I've ever been (beating Vegas by a 'long shot' (get it - long shot?)).  Everyone is hustling to make a dollar. If there is a niche in the market - someone will find it here... 

"One dolla for foto"

Fixing watches from a street cart

A blind man begs - joyful at the $C10 I just gave him ($.50)

A 'cart mechanic' (his words - not mine)

Returning from transporting goods to market

Don't let looks fool you - they work hard for money selling propane ($C200 = $10)

Electronic Engineer

Changes dollars to Cordobas for a small 'taste'

Selling ice cream with his son on Sunday morning (Managua)

Gardening for a wealthy Nica - in exchange for a room

The meat vendor (everyone knows to buy early in the morning - before flies lay eggs)

Women selling fruit - a delivery man rides by

And the trash guy, who is happy to have a job to pass on to his son.  These two are washing the trash wagon after a heavy rain...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR9IluvJTJQ


PS  Tomorrow is a special day.  We are traveling with a Realtor from Remax to look at properties.  We also have a VERY important business lunch at 1:00 PM in the Parque Central.

Hasta Luego!