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WALLY – GRANADA, NICARAGUA

The quaint Iraqui expat

Once again, we got lucky with our host and enjoyed listening to Wally’s stories after everyone has left the restaurant. Wally, who was born in Iraq, first came to Nicaragua 11 years ago. When you first meet him, the gentle soul seems unimposing, but as so often, the first perception is misleading. Wally is actually an all-or-nothing kind of person. He follows his intuition and always gives it his everything. Listening to his path in Nicaragua was impressive. He originally came to Nicaragua on vacation but was captivated by the openness of the people and ended up moving his life from Bagdad to Nicaragua.
Contrary to his home country, he appreciates the “everyone is the same” mentality. He loves that the Nicaraguans are so open and eager to make friends. Wally opened, developed, and nurtured opportunities and left them without regret to follow a new calling. He is the type of man who quietly, without a fuss builds impressive things from the ground. We loved the matter-of-fact mentality of him. For us, it’s often challenging to follow our intuition, to let go and just trust ourselves. Most importantly, we usually get too attached, don’t feel comfortable with too much change. We tend to be scared to let go. Wally, on the other hand, seems untouched by those relentless thoughts and worries. He reminds us a little of a quiet, slightly melancholic warrior.
To us, this makes him immensely special. We enjoyed his aura of inner peace a lot.

What’s essential to Wally?

Wally believes that every human being is the same. To him, only one thing matters the chemistry between people. He wants to live in peace with his surrounding, so it’s essential to him make friends and establish a supportive network no matter where he lives. He cherishes his economic independence, which allows him to take the rush out his daily life and form business decisions freely.

What does happiness mean to Wally?

Waking up every morning and breathing in Granada’s hot air. The interactions, deep friendships, and vibes of the Nicas are a true source of happiness for him. To put it simply: Happiness to him is living in Nicaragua.

Would he like to live in another country?

No, Nicaragua is and will always remain his heart’s home. However, recently, a stroke fate has struck Wally’s life again. With the sudden death of his father, he has inherited properties in Iraq. Of course, Wally is ready to tackle the challenge head-on. Once again, he is selling his business to move back to Iraq temporary. However, he is sure to return to Nicaragua once he has settled his family’s affairs

What does Wally recommend to tourists?

Nicaragua’s people are one of a kind. They are incredibly open-minded and friendly. Don’t be bigheaded when they try to interact with you. Be open and make friends! Nicaragua might be one of the poorest countries in the world, but the people here have so much to give. So, be open and respectful!

GET TO KNOW NICARAGUA

Country, people & food culture

People of Nicaragua

People of Nicaragua
People

Wally - the quaint expat

Wally, who was born in Iraq first came to Nicaragua 11 years ago. When you first meet him, the gentle soul seems unimposing, but as so often the first perception is misleading. Wally is actually an all-or-nothing kind of person. He follows his intuition and always gives it his everything. Listening to his path in Nicaragua was impressive. He originally came to Nicaragua on vacation but was captivated by the openness of the people and ended up moving his life from Bagdad to Nicaragua.
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30. April 2018
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People of Nicaragua
People

Hector - 8 seconds of adrenaline

Rodeo, Nicaragua’s national sport only has one goal: lasting on the wild bull for at least 8 seconds. The rules are simple, but the oughts are against the rider. Eight seconds don’t seem too long, but they take everything from the courageous rider feel like an eternity. To Hector, bull riding has long become his elixir of life.
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25. April 2018
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Our Nicaragua itinerary

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6. May 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Masaya-Nicaragua-31.jpg 561 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-05-06 20:05:062020-02-26 12:42:35Masaya - Nicaragua's folklore capital
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Granada - Nicaragua's colonial beauty

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24. April 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Granada-Nicaragua-24.jpg 667 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-04-24 20:00:482020-02-15 09:00:30Granada - Nicaragua's colonial beauty
Isla Ometepe volcano view
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23. April 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Isla-Ometepe-20.jpg 666 969 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-04-23 20:00:442020-02-26 12:22:17Isla Ometepe - Nicaragua's mysterious volcanic island

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When you travel through Central and South America, there is no way around them: Empanadas! Whenever we feel nostalgic, we take out this recipe and reminisce about our time traveling. Sold in buses and on the streets this typical "fast food" is not just cheap and easy to eat to the go but comes literally millions of variations. They can be filled with all kinds of meat, seafood or with vegetables.
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3. September 2018
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We got our first taste of Ceviche in Peru. We couldn't believe that fish was supposed to be "cooked" without heat. Back then we blamed our confusion to our poor Spanish skills. We encountered ceviche once more in Chile and Colombia and learned how to prepare it. Ceviche quickly became one of our favorite travel foods.
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1. May 2018
https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Ceviche-2.jpg 667 1000 UniqueUniverse https://unique-universe.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/unique_universe_logo-PNG-final2.png UniqueUniverse2018-05-01 20:03:312019-07-30 12:13:06Ceviche recipe - the simplest way to "cook" fish
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26. April 2018
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