Things That Make One Realize They're Not in the U.S. Anymore

As I promised awhile back, here are a few things that someone that is wideeyed and fresh to a new country has found a bit strange:

1. Electricity is rarely a dependable commodity, and in-fact the vast majority of towns and cities do not receive power during working hours.
2. The easiest way to trim the grass in the town's schoolyard is to perpetually move the place where the horse is tied to the fence.
3. Some believe that in order to ensure their family's safety, the entire family should sit on the same bed during a thunderstorm.
4. The concept of "passenger capacity" does not exist, or apply, when it comes to public transportation.
5. Men would never think of riding side by side in the very common "ciclotaxis" here (a bench on the front of a bike), but have no problem fitting up to five people on one, traditional bicycle.
6. The concept of "disturbing the peace" does not exist in the majority of Nicaragua, and it is in-fact highly offensive to ask a person to limit the amount of noise they are creating.
7. Some believe that drinking a cold beverage in the afternoon, or taking a shower after exercise, is a very common cause of fevers and other illnesses.
8. The strangest, most fascinating thing people have seen in a long while is you.