This is my fourth day in Nicaragua and, so far, it seems a country of natural beauty and peaceful people who, sadly, have been governed by a few politicians without respect for the rule of law or those they govern. Still, the beauty of the land and the people shines beyond the poverty. I should note that there appear to be greater freedoms here than in some of the neighboring countries like Venezuela but less than others like Costa Rica and Panama. My discouragement is more at the widespread poverty and apparent lack of opportunity so many years after the dictatorship was replaced with a democratically-elected president. Funny how things appear to change but never really change. Former leader/dictator, former Sandinista leader, and now president, Jose Daniel Ortega, is poster child for how people become disengaged and feel they are without power to affect change. Ortega’s alliance with the late Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and the Bolivarian Alliance for the Americas seems to be a clear statement of his vision for the country. Add this with his successful movement to change the constitution allowing him to stay in power without term limits and a picture of absolute power and control begins to develop. Perhaps, I should learn to add music to my posts so I can play The Who, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”–“meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”
The highest teenage birthrate in Central America and over 50% unemployment forecast continuation of the poverty. Locals say that a substantial amount of support comes from relatives in the United States and elsewhere. Working in the tourist industry pays considerably better than most other jobs (a guide at a hotel makes two or three times more than a police officer or teacher) and with Nica being both close and affordable, an increase of tourists promises greatly needed employment opportunities, particularly for those who speak English reasonably well. I don’t want to turn Nicaragua into a version of the USA with every adult owning a car but I hope the social climate and governmental policies allow for nationals to lift themselves out of poverty.
Capitalism and entrepreneurship can mean a better life for those with limited opportunities. A small town called Masaya prides itself on handmade hammocks. I saw many households of residences in the back, manufacturing in the middle and retail in the front. 
Another town called Catarina is the flower hub. Supposedly, it started by harvesting orchids from the mountains but when the flowers were being depleted, locals began growing their own. It has become famous for plants and flowers of all kinds. American tourists supply a market for the wares. I saw very few Europeans but the 15-hour flight from London is much more difficult than the quick flight from Houston, Miami or New York. These types of enterprises and small, commercial ventures provide greatly needed income for families and are delightful alternatives to shopping malls back home.
Kathryn Byler, blog 