Ugh

In the ever-helpful guidebooks, the tourist in Nicaragua is counseled to be prepared to encounter a lot of bugs. Particularly hovering over (and landing upon) one's food. "Nicaraguans, one will note, have taken to passing one hand slowly back and forth over their plates when not actively engaged in eating. Drnks are often covered with a napkin; straws are tucked within the glass. Nicas will stop using a straw after a fly has landed on it. Visitors would be well-advised to do the same."*

Being somewhat public-health-obsessed, I heeded this advice; I'm proud to report I was only caught ill twice in six weeks. Wow!

The thing is, bugs are everywhere. They're part and parcel with the blazing heat and languor-inducing humidity. It makes walking around on a normal day a rather repulsive affair. It strikes me as rather amazing that, given the oppressive climate, Nicas are so enamored of dancing. In open-air clubs. For hours and hours.

I need to go shower.


*An almost-actual quote, reconstructed from memory.