NICARAGUA IN YOUR FUTURE?
We are planning a group trip to Nicaragua this July. This would be the 12 th such trip since 1988.
Dates: July 12th -July 23rd.
Cost - $1800
Nicaragua is a country of stark contrasts. Called “The Land of Lakes and Volcanoes”, the contrasts do not end there. There is breathtaking beauty in the countryside, but much poverty in the cities, and in the small towns and villages. Unemployment runs over 60% in some places. The fortunate few who have jobs often earn less than $2 US per day.
Our journey to Nicaragua is NOT a tourist trip. As someone said, “it’s not a vacation, it’s an experience.” That experience runs the gamut from learning about the social and political systems of the country and its revolutionary history, to its struggles to improve living conditions for its citizens, to its system of justice, to learning about and hopefully embracing its hopes, dreams and aspirations.
This may be the “ultimate” reality experience. You’ll get a close-up look at what life is like in a developing country, in both urban and in rural areas. We may visit school programs, farm co-ops, medical facilities, and meet with community leaders, and others working daily for dignity, peace and social justice. A service project will be included.
Knowing some Spanish would be helpful, but not necessary. We will be accompanied everywhere by one or more translators, and those wishing to practice their Spanish will have ample opportunities. This includes the possibility of a brief immersion experience, staying for a few days with a Spanish-speaking family in our “sister city”, El Sauce.
Traveling conditions are adequate, generally by mini-bus. When not staying in the homes of Nicaraguans, we stay in small hotels that are clean and well maintained, but certainly not luxurious. The per-person cost of about $1800 includes airfare, and nearly all other expenses: transportation, lodging, most meals, the services of a translator, etc. Gifts or souvenirs would be extra.
Although certain health precautions are advisable, no one has ever experienced a serious medical issue or injury while on a visit. Plus, Nicaragua is one of the safest countries in Central America. You’ll find the people are warm, welcoming, and incredibly generous, even though they have so little themselves. A trip to Nicaragua as a member of a Rochester-area delegation will not only be a memorable one, it may well change your life.
Curious? To find out more, contact Tim McMahon, Co-convener at: mcmahong@frontiernet.net, or call 585-243-2755. Bienvenidos!