Riding the bus in Nicaragua

Many people may think that it can't be that interesting. But they are mistaken.

Buses are one of the only public transportation options throughout Central America. Just for comparison: In Costa Rica, taking the bus is not much different from home. As I mentioned before, buses in Nicaragua are called Chicken Buses. It's easy to end up sitting next to a load of chickens, and there are only old American, yellow school buses there. They are repainted and decorated with many statues of Jesus and Mary. Then the music is turned up to the maximum, and off we go. But when does the bus actually leave? Ahh, right, in Nicaragua, departure times are rather scarce and if they exist, they are just guidelines. Buses generally leave when they are full. We have already had to wait for 1 1/2 hours.

During the wait, many street vendors roam through the buses. The majority sell small ready-to-eat meals or fruits, but we could buy everything from razors to belts to toothbrushes.