Skip to content

Ian Lumsden: Student Report from 2018 Alternative Spring Break to Nicaragua

Cathedral Mombachu

When I decided to go on this trip to Nicaragua, I was excited for the opportunity, but I didn’t really know what to expect. I knew the culture would be significantly different (which I was looking forward to experiencing), but, besides that, I could only imagine what else I would experience. After returning home and reflecting on this trip, I realize that there was one thing that I truly enjoyed above everything else: the beauty.

Concepcion from Charco Verde

On one side, of course, I mean the physical, natural beauty of this amazing country. Personally, the most unique places I had ever really been before this trip were the Smokies and the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Before I even left, I knew this aspect of the trip would be an incredible new experience for me, and it didn’t disappoint. From the landscape to the wildlife (the wild monkeys and horses!!!) to the plants, you could find something beautiful and amazing around you at all times.

Monkey in a Tree in Nicaragua

However, the natural beauty was not the only type of beauty I saw in Nicaragua. In fact, I personally don’t even think it was the most impressive type. In my opinion, the most impressive type of beauty I experienced in Nicaragua was the culture. Every aspect of the culture was amazing, but, instead of trying to explain all the amazing parts that I saw, I’m going to describe what I believe was the most impressive part: the people’s contentment with what they have.

Granada University

Before we left on the trip, I knew that the people of Nicaragua would be less well-off than the people here in the US. And, after experiencing the country, I can honestly say that, although they were more well-off than I expected, they still were nowhere close to as fortunate as us Americans. However, what I never expected was how content the people I encountered would be with the life they have. Perhaps because of the materialistic culture of the US, I think most people (myself included) have always just assumed that people in relatively poor countries are always struggling and are usually somewhat discontent with what they have. But, at least when it comes to Nicaragua, that is not the case. The people were happy with what they had. They weren’t spending their time wishing for a better life or more money or a bigger house. They were content.

Building near Bona Fide

This was a surprise for me, but, as I thought more about it, I realized that this contentment is itself a type of beauty, especially compared to the way we live in America. In the US, most people are always wanting something. Maybe it’s a new car. Maybe it’s a raise at work. But, the fact remains that, as a society, we Americans never seem to appreciate what we have. Perhaps that’s a byproduct of our commercialistic, materialistic society. I don’t know. On the other hand, compared to the United States, the people are poor. There’s no other way to put it. But, despite this, they appreciate what they have. They don’t continually desire some new thing. For me, this was the most refreshing and beautiful thing I saw on this entire trip.

Overall, this trip was absolutely incredible. I enjoyed everything about it. Nicaragua is an amazing country, and I am so fortunate to be able to spend even a week experiencing it. This one week was an experience that I will never forget.

Sunset in Nicaragua