Learning life’s lessons

I have always known that in impoverished countries we need to be more careful than at home. It isn’t that people are naturally violent, they are just trying to survive. We have no idea what it is like to live like they do... without jobs, electricity, food...

To date I have been very careful when I go out. I never carry more than $40, and usually leave my phone and iPad at the hotel. The bank is only a block away so when necessary I make a withdrawal and come right back to the hotel. I have paid all of my bills in full so that I do not have excessive cash in my room. Today I was meeting a friend to get a massage. I had the money I needed for our spa date plus a bit extra to pay my final bill at the gym. I had also decided to bring my phone and iPad so that I could help my friend with her computer set up. This was the first time I was out on the street with that much money and both of my electronic devises. I was very aware and holding my purse close. Three blocks from my destination my purse was grabbed from my shoulder. I don’t know if I could have held it any tighter? I don’t know what I was thinking but I ran after the culprit screaming at the top of my lungs for all to hear. When I ran out of breath I found myself on a street that I otherwise would have avoided. People in the street seemed aware of what had happened and were trying to help me. Before I knew it I used what I could of my broken Spanish to let them know what had happened and what the culprit was wearing. Some took off on motor cycles, one in a truck ... the culprit was apprehended and my purse returned (sans cash). 

The boy was brought to me with a bloody nose, potentially from his apprehension. They asked me what I would like for his punishment... there are no longer any police here because of the recent political events. One person tasored him twice..  I asked him to stop. I was happy to have my belongings back and can certainly survive without the missing $90. 

After the fact, once I have collected my thoughts

- My purse was brought to me separately from the culprit that took it, so who actually took the money? Why? And why was there such a time difference? How would the culprit have had time to open my purse, find my pouch, take the cash and return the pouch to the purse before being apprehended? Could my saviours also be culprits?

- Who am I to decide this boys punishment... isn’t the poverty and starvation that lead to this crime punishment enough?

- When I was asked what his punishment should be I said nothing. He either wanted to or was made to apologize to me. Then he left, on foot, without shoes. Later I thought it would have been wise for me to take a picture so that I could post it on our expats page to warn others... hindsight!

- Two of the people I spoke to during this crisis told me that I should go home (go back to Canada) where it is safe. Even Nicaraguan’s don’t feel safe walking their own streets. They are not happy that I am contributing to their continued employment, they are fearful for my safety. This is the generosity that has drawn me to this country!

Anyway... what I have learned is that I can loose whatever cash I carry, I can loose my phone or my iPad but I will be a bit paralyzed without both.

Don’t worry, I am safe, I have learned an important lesson and will be more careful in the future. I am grateful for my friends and for the kindness of strangers, even in these incredibly difficult times. 

I wish there was a way I could thank all those who helped me... I’ll be thinking about this.