Trip to the Police

Dec 5, 2007 Concepcion Eruption

View from Maderas hike

A map of where I am more or less.

I'm staying on the West side of the Maderas part of the island.

I wasn't here for this, but a recent photo of Concepcion spouting off a bit.

Another view at sunset. See my photobucket site for the rest of the photos I have taken.

So, before you get worried. I did not get arrested. My relaxing day had a very interesting afternoon. I had been hanging out talking to people and not doing much of anything. I overheard these girls talking to the owner about stolen items etc. I didn't think much of it at first, they had over reacted about something the day before. I went over to use the bathroom in my room and noticed a few things out of place, but still thought nothing. Basically, my mp3 player was taken from my bed, and then I realized that my international cell phone was taken too. They had money taken from their room. Luckily I had put all my other valuables into a lock box so those were the only things. I would have been so unhappy if I'd had even more money stolen. This trip has been much more expensive than I budgeted.




Anyway, in keeping with my calm demeanor I informed the owner as well. This situation was that a group of kids were visting from a Rehab program. The owner here let's them come and swim and use computers etc when they get a free day. He is a really great guy. He's really into making things better here for the people, the environment etc. He has an English program for the local kids and he makes sure that the food and practices here are healthy, safe etc. They are street kids from Managua. It's a great program. Many of them have made great changes and left a life of drugs, but I guess the stealing is a hard habit to kick. My heart feels for them for sure. The things they have seen and experienced. Poverty here in Nicaragua is very different, but doesn't usually happen here on the island. Well, they decided to be honest and I got everything back. I thanked them for doing the right thing and told them to make this a learning lesson etc. They were very ashamed. However, it was really weird. They did not admit to taking the other girls money. It is just too odd. So after waiting a couple of hours for the police to come, they asked if we would go with them to Altagracia, the nearest actual town. This was about 8:30pm and it's about 40 minutes away. We talked to the police. I explained my part etc. The officer was actally very fair and said that for $40 it's not worth all the progress he has made etc, all the girls want is their money etc. However, we never got anywhere. They ended up staying the night in jail and we'll see. The program is run by a guy from Seattle who has been here 15 years or so. He feels devoted to helping these street kids. He wanted to teach them a lesson and really followed through with the whole thing, but I just don't get it. They didn't have it on them and I don't know what else could have happened.

Anyway, that was my experience in a Nicaraguan Police Station. Not really eventful, but an experience. If kids are willing to stay in jail for $40 you can imagine the life they lead. It breaks my heart. Yet it is reality. I am just glad that those girls realized something was missing or I may not have noticed it until after they had left. So, this story ends well more or less. The other girl from Australia was really bitchy about the whole thing and was really making a scene. It was quite a night. Never a dull moment. Onward, onward. I think my big accomplishment for today will be to wash my clothes by hand again. It's a fun task and a good way to pass time, and very needed! I hope the daze of holiday madness is not captivating your spirit or your attention too much and you can find calm amidst the holiday bustle.