A few weeks ago I (Liam) took Caleb and Judah to the market to get our hair cut at the usual place, which is the same place I have been going for over 12 years. It is always busy and noisy with the sound of buses honking and pulling in and out of the bus station across the parking lot. As we sit on our small flimsy plastic chairs waiting our turn, I can't help but see how very different this life is from where I grew up. The small haircut shop has dated posters on the wall and no running water. A radio plays popular Spanish songs. At one point, Judah needed to use the bathroom, and was offered a small bucket in the corner of the room. I decided instead to take Caleb and Judah across the parking lot (in slight fear of our lives due to the crazy bus drivers), through a dark part of the market and to the public restrooms. Although not pretty, they appeared to be fairly clean and well-kept by the lady who was in charge. The price for using the urinal was 3 córdobas, and the price for the toilet was 5 córdobas ($0.20). After we returned to the hair salon and while Judah was getting his hair cut, a blind man and his companion stopped by to ask for money. The owner of the shop stopped for a minute to give him a couple of coins. Another interruption involved someone selling coffee, and again, the owner stopped to buy a cup of coffee for 5 córdobas (poured into a small styrofoam cup from a small thermos).
When we go to the United States, we are often asked what is different about life in Nicaragua. Sometimes it is difficult for us to see what is different after having been here for many years, but when we look at our everyday experiences, we realize that what has become our normal is actually quite unique.
The cost of the haircuts? I paid less than $5.00 for all three haircuts.
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