So I know that I just logged on because I wanted to write about something, now what was it....? I have such a wonderful memory...

Oh yes, I just finished reading a book called ¨Blood of Brothers: Life and War in Nicaragua¨´. It’s by ummm Stephen Kinzer, a journalist who has worked for The Globe, and New York Times (I think those are the two big ones). He started his reporting career in his early twenties in Nicaragua, and has stayed highly interested in the country, its politics, history, culture since the late 70´s. He has over 10 years of reporting experience here, and has some interesting insight, and a broad knowledge of the history of the country. I highly recommend looking into this book.

One thing that struck me about this book was that it really explained the U.S intervention in Nicaragua, really from its start with William Walker up through the early 2000´s. We are maybe taught that William Walker existed, and Maybe that there was this thing that happened in the 80´s that involved Iran, and this country called Nicar-something (Its in the Central America I think, or wait is it in Africa), and something/somebody called the contras, and something about some sort of gun sales....? But really. That was about where my knowledge was when I left the US in January. (Im really bad about investigating a country before I get there, for example Turkey, I lived there for a few months, and still don´t know a lot about it although I just found a book by the above mentioned author about Turkey that I´ll be buying!)

But we aren´t taught how disastrous our policies here in Nicaragua were, for Nicaragua and for ourselves (it seems to have solidified in the minds of many countries that we´re tyrants etc etc, and gave foundation, and legitimacy for a lot of mistrust other nations (especially poor ones) have for us). It shows how all parties involved, the Contras, Sandinistas, the US, Honduras, Costa Rica viewed each other, the philosophy behind various actions taken, and most importantly (I think) put it all in the context of the Cold War and a larger world picture.

Having a basic understanding of the history, really has made me understand some of the more subtle parts of the culture, that I hadn’t even noticed before. Its allowed me to be more patient and forgiving (at least in the short term)with some things that drive me insane. I think in a way it somewhat makes me feel guilty about our history with this country (I wasn´t even born yet, but that doesn’t really matter) and really gives me inspiration to be here, to work with a people who´ve been hit hard from all vantage points, internal and external. It explains the perceived passivism (aka everything is out of my hands, which historically it has been), the chronic self degradation of some of my friends.

But anywho Its a good read even if you´re not in Nicaragua, if you like good writing, history, and overall just to read.

I´ve been reading alot and I´ve got some other books I´ve liked:
Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
The Other Boylen Sister (no idea who wrote it)
East if Eden: Steinbeck
There are many others, that I am having a hard time remembering what the others are (doesn’t help that a local ¨bolo¨aka drunk is trying to talk to me. He´s a story, US educated naturopath, speaks English, is a good businessman, but can´t quite the bottle. There have been many mornings that I´ve had to step over him on my way out the door to work)


Well if I remember any other good ones I´ll let ya´ll know!