GRANADA, NICARAGUA

 One of my favorite places in the world is the country of Nicaragua.  Despite suffering so much during the last century due to poverty, war, and being on the wrong end of the United States' "big stick", its people have managed to retain their dignity and a love of education.  Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Americas (after Haiti) and poverty is rife throughout the country.   This photo was taken on one of the backstreets of Granada, Nicaragua, the third largest city in the country.  Note the unpaved streets, the open sewers running at the children's feet, and the decrepit nature of the homes.   Also note the contrast of the children, neatly dressed and smiling.  The Nicaraguan people have a spirit and a strength which will hopefully see them through to a brighter future.