Do you have enough space?

Lately, I've been riding some pretty crowded buses. Instead of the American bubble, I'm getting smashed from all sides. Example: On Saturday, a bunch of us went to the beach, and we sat three to a seat, and there were three people in the aisle - across. Granted, it was brief because it was the guy collecting money going through, but it was still impressive. Today I came on an expresso bus from León to Managua, and although I got a seat, it was on the aisle, which means I was smashed against the lady in the window seat, and there were men smashed up against me on the aisle side. At one point, the guy was practically embracing me as he had one arm along the seat in front of me, and the other along the seat behind me. Let's just say, they know how to pack on the people here in Nicaragua.

I also got proposed to at the bus stop this morning while waiting for Roberto. I was sure glad when he showed up and I could excuse myself from the conversation with an old and eager Nicaraguan! They do not give you much physical space or informational privacy. Everyone asks how old I am and if I have a boyfriend!

Usually, I range between feeling proud of myself and my Nica ways (how well I've adjusted) and wanting to scream and start punching my way out of the mass of people. It is just not comfortable to have people's stomachs, butts, and everything else smashing into you while on the bus! Half the time, I want to ask my neighbor, "Do you have enough space?"and then I realize that would be a completely ridiculous question because I can't give them more space, and they don't care anyways.

Life abroad. What an adventure. (wry smile)