Fatso!

Nicaraguans are very direct in their conversations. The issue of weight is no big deal here, really. I actually think they have a pretty healthy view of themselves and others, not obsessed about being thin, not caring if they eat a lot at a party... there's just a lot of laughter about people's chubbiness. Imagine my horror when I was first called "gordita", which means "little fat lady"! I was taken aback and offended, but nervously laughed it off. I have since learned that it is not offensive to call someone that, just a fact!

Well, my friends and I have decided that we would like to be healthier, and we have started walking every day and following a strict diet (the diet at least while the guys are in the jungle). We did pilates the other night, and we were all giggling throughout the whole time. This isn't a normal thing here in Nicaragua. I guess because they get enough exercise in their daily lives. Washing clothes, walking to the market, cleaning house, and running errands are more exercise than an average american would get!

Comments

[connie]

Jan, I know what you mean about "working out" not being the norm...but why do all those people do the five AM walk to the the laguna...The one Bill did with Jesus. Are they the small fitness crowd or is there some other cultural reason to get up that early and walk a steep hill?
Connie

[Jan]

Those were the richer people walking, the ones who don't do manual labor! (also the town soccer players) That is a walk of the "who's who" of Masatepe!