http://www.mikesgringolife.com/ Mike gives the Cobb Family Update, as well as his thoughts and observations on living here and the differences that become clear and tangible only upon moving your life down to Nicaragua. http://www.mikesgringolife.com/Mikes_Gringo_Life/2009/October/index.php http://www.mikesgringolife.com/Mikes_Gringo_Life/2009/October/index.php For anyone considering an expat life in Central America, not considering Nicaragua would be a huge mistake. Nicaragua is the second safest country in the hemisphere after Canada according to a study produced by Harvard's business school affiliate in the region. We don't have body guards or drivers. The politics of the country are meaningless for expats and property rights are secure for legitimate owners. http://www.mikesgringolife.com/Mikes_Gringo_Life/2008/April/index.php http://www.mikesgringolife.com/Mikes_Gringo_Life/2008/April/index.php Normally, the Gringo Life update focuses on our lives in Nicaragua. However, since we are working on our new project in Belize, I've been spending additional time there again and enjoying the sites and sounds of the tropical Caribbean. But first, I want to share some thoughts about a friend of mine who lived a great, long life and passed away last year. He was a real-life shipwreck survivor and his story is quite incredible. http://www.mikesgringolife.com/Mikes_Gringo_Life/2007/February/index.php http://www.mikesgringolife.com/Mikes_Gringo_Life/2007/February/index.php These updates are as much for me as for anyone, so you'll see my ponderings and analysis about some of the cross-cultural events and attitudes we encounter on a regular basis. The manner in which we raise the girls here preserves as much of the American lifestyle as we can. Our diet is still a largely U.S.-style diet. If we had a maid cooking, we'd certainly be eating differently, with lots of gallo pinto (typical Nica dish of rice and beans) and other traditional staples.