Central America

After spending almost four months in Central America, I have started to reflect on my time here and especially on what makes me happy I chose to come to Nicaragua. I am a bit of a masochist in the sense that I enjoy a challenge which sometimes means putting myself in places that I am not initially comfortable. I have slowly learned to love the dirty bustle of Managua, walk down the street with confidence and ride the most crowded of buses without flinching. Every time I leave Managua, I miss this city that has become my home. Having spent limited time in Costa Rica and Honduras, I have come up with lists of differences between these three countries that are based completely on my observations.

Honduras
Less cat calls
Less informal sector workers
Police and Military carry large guns (ak-47 sized)
Streets are more or less free of trash
Slightly more expensive than Nicaragua
Despite what Sara says, I am convinced the men here are the tallest
HDI #: 112

Costa Rica
Hardly any catcalls
Hardly any informal sector workers
Less presence of cops
Streets are clean, people go around and pick up trash
Most expensive (almost American prices)
HDI #: 54

Nicaragua
Lots of cat calls
Streets jammed with informal sector workers
Cops and some CPFs carry handguns or smallish firearms
Streets are full of trash (just sitting there and burning)
Least expensive
HDI #: 124