The Little Things In Life

(sorry about the lack of pictures peeps as we're still without internet but here's a quick take on life in Nica)

The Little Things In Life

Funny how it takes a third world country to help you appreciate the little things in life.

So when you think times are tough, take the time to appreciate it when you go to have a shower or use the kitchen sink and can choose between cold and hot water, instead of  cold being the only option.  

(Actually I'm adding this one for the benefit of those who couldn't imagine life without hot water but given the lovely warm weather and as we've done it before it really doesn't seem like too much of an inconvenience any more.)

Or for that matter when you turn on the tap on, appreciate it when water actually comes out and it’s not a game of ‘wait and see’.   (This one isn't much fun!   Although one plans ahead and has lots of containers full of water set aside for such contingencies so showers under a bottle are often the go.)

When you go to bed at night, appreciate that you don’t have to share your bedroom with three resident bats.

When you turn on your computer, appreciate that you have the internet and when your computer shows that you’re connected to the internet really appreciate it when it also has the ability to load web pages and send and receive emails – this seems not to be a given in all places J

When you hear a dog bark at night, appreciate that there’s only one of them and not thirty and when it stops barking – really appreciate that it doesn’t carry on all night.

When you get on a bus; appreciate that you will likely have a seat or at least you will have breathing space.

When you use the toilet; appreciate that you can put your toilet paper in the toilet and when you flush, everything disappears never to be seen again.

It must also be said though that living in a third world country has its benefits – where, for instance, in a first world country can you run out of gas, make a call and ten minutes later have a gentleman turn up on a bicycle and for $8 have your empty bottle replaced with a nice full one?

Where in a first world country could you cart building materials, domestic animals or your latest harvest on the bus with you for no extra charge and with hardly a second look from your fellow passengers?

And I certainly haven’t come across a rum that sells for around $5 or less a litre in my home neighbourhood or a place where I could buy a corona for a dollar.

And I haven’t begun to mention the delicious local organic fruits such as ten perfectly ripe mangoes for twenty cents or a papaya the size of a giant marrow for about 60 cents.

So as with many things in life it's swings and roundabouts but I have to say that I'll enjoy being back on the internet at home from next week.  Being able to sit in the comfort of where we're staying, taking my time to write a blog and add images, instead of hurriedly sitting by the side of the road with my lap top on my knee trying to sending off a quick update - now that I will appreciate!.  ;)