Expats live all over the world and I know very few, but the ones I met in Nicaragua did not seem unique. Many of them were retirees coming from the U.S. primarily to stretch their pension dollars. The men and women had already been in this country for years, some as many as ten or more. They lived in a separate community amongst themselves. Very few spoke more than a few words of Spanish and explained that they had little time to learn. Others stated that the residents who came to clean their homes, shop for them, and provide other services preferred it that way. These expats did not seem to have any Nicaraguan friends.

Knowing I was traveling alone, they warned me about going anywhere after dark (the sun set at 6pm) and to take precautions in all I do. Their fear was palpable.

I later met a woman, also from the U.S., who chose not to live with the expats. She spoke fluent Spanish, and had been living happily there for years without incident.

I stayed in this town only three weeks, but spoke often with the locals and engaged in their daily routines, never feeling fear. I made an effort not to succumb to the ignorance and paranoia that inflicted others. Instead I did my best to fit in.