Transportation Nica style

As most of you know, we are back home now.  However, because of the time we spent on Ometepe (when we couldn’t use the Internet) we have decided to post a few more to wrap up our observations and Nicaraguan experience.

One of the more ‘interesting’ aspects of Nicaragua (from the large city roads of Managua – to the country lanes on Ometepe) is the variety of transportation modes.  We have related some of them, but thought it might be nice to compare them all in once place.

After landing late the first night – we took the Universal Studios’ ‘Third World Taxi at Night Experience’ to our hotel (and it only cost ten dollars). As we mentioned, this small privately owned low rider (oops, “custom’ Toyota) weaves in and out of traffic, around accidents, and seemingly under large trucks, as it makes its way to a destination.  There is a general belief by taxi divers that they are better at their job if they can get you to your destination faster (dead or alive!).

Now, taxis are reliable, cheap, and the divers VERY honest.  We found them friendly and they were happy to take us places during our visit.  Also remember, they have to pay almost $7 per gallon – so they need fares to pay the bills.

The bus – we could devote an entire blog to this mode of transport.  They are reliable (although have no concept of ‘on time’).  They are even a bit comfortable, but PACKED beyond belief – and in truth, and experience not to be missed.

Private vehicles.  There just aren’t many.    But most often, they belong to the very rich.  Another interesting note, Nica’s believe that Toyota is the finest vehicle made in the world, so you see most wealthy Nica’s in Toyota SUV’s.

Motorcycle.  There are a bunch (of all varieties – except perhaps Harley’s).  They zip everywhere and wealthy young men show off on them.  Not many helmets, and families ride two or three to a bike – even holding infants on laps and handle bars.  Crazy!

Bicycle.  There are SO MANY!  This is a very common mode of transport and they ride right in the road with everyone else.  If there is a law about who has the right of way – no one here knows it.  Basically, whoever goes first gets to go.  It has NOTHING to do with tonnage or danger – it is orchestrated chaos!

Finally, most Nica’s get where they have to go by walking (this was our primary method too).  They don’t walk fast (but as much in the shade as possible). But you can see Nica’s walking EVERYWHERE!  Some carry heavy loads, others just meander to whatever place they are headed.  Groups of school kids cluster and play as they go to and fro (very visible because of their matching uniforms). 

Did I say finally?  Silly me, I forgot an ENTIRE mode of transportation in Nicaragua.  SO MANY use animals to get around.  They ride horses and donkeys, or they attach carts to oxen or mules.  It is so odd to see a caravan with an oxcart, a motorcycle, a pedestrian, a carriage, another motorcycle, a Forerunner, and three bicycles (at rush hour).

In any event, Nica’s get where they are going, and like almost everything else they do, they do it with a smile and a wave!