Nicaragua: My Story
After many years of difficulty and suffering the beautiful people of Nicaragua found themselves with no other alternatives but to fight for a better way of life. The country was torn in several different ways and as is common when a country comes to such dire straits, some people die. This is how the stunning country of Nicaragua literally came to my front door. The winter of 1975 my parents received a call from an international student exchange organization which had matched a few Latino students to live with us during the summer times in previous years. My parents were informed of the difficulties occurring in Nicaragua and that many parents of teenage boys were trying to find ways to send their sons out of harms way. Not long after receiving this call we were off to the little airport in Southern Oregon to pick up a 14 year old by the name of Antonio. He spoke very little English and we spoke virtually no Spanish. This is a beautiful story in and of itself which I am happy to relate in greater detail if I meet you. Today Antonio has a family of his own and resides in Southern California.
In 1980 I took my first trip south of the boarder. I spent the entire summer in Mexico with 2 families whose boys spent time with my family previously. I was struck with a great appreciation for Mexico. I loved the food, the cultural dances, the archeology, the mariachis, the family structures, the open markets, the various ecosystems, the ornate churches, the museums and, oh yeah, the prices. When I returned home, I felt like I had been separated from a loved one. I wanted to go back and stay. At 18 I was already thinking that one day I should return to live in retirement if not sooner.
Well, in the past 27 years since, I have had the wonderful experience to have traveled extensively throughout Mexico, Central America and a few countries in South America. Before finally giving into my real calling of guiding people to some of the beautiful places that are dear to me, I spent 7 years managing the exports for a successful natural foods company. My most rewarding experience was to work with Fair Trade cooperatives throughout Latin America. The Fair Trade program basically establishes a process whereby the producer families are paid a fair wage and that procedures are instituted to create sustainability and protect the people’s land from abuse. For more information about this program please visit www.transfairusa.com
Through my life experiences, my love affair with Latin America has become unmistakable. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t see the world through rose colored glasses. I am keenly aware of the difficult histories, the daily challenges of the poor, the abuses of power, and potential security issues. Considering my travels and network of lifelong friends, it gives me great pleasure to "showcase" some of these places that are uniquely special and absolutely inspiring. Since Nicaragua has one of the best security ratings in the world, not just Latin America, the alluring beauty of its diverse and undisturbed ecosystems and relative obscurity from swarms of tourists, Inspiration Tours, Inc. is primarily focused on travels to this rugged and pure country. Although I know these places well, I prefer to work with local friends who can tell their own story of each of the places we visit. This creates a unique and personal experience for those who are wish to see the real Nicaragua. More importantly it creates financial opportunity for local families. And of course, you will make some new friends as well, which could last a life time. On behalf of my Nicaraguan friends, we look forward to gently leading you to truly inspiring experiences that we hope ignites a new love or increases your love for Latin America.
