The buses of Nicaragua are a tie that binds

Customized school buses make up the backbone of the Nicaraguan public transportation system.  When they rumble up the dirt roads into the little villages of the rural countryside, people come out of the fields and homes to meet them when they stop.

On board are everything from family members and friends ranging from infants to grandparents, live turkeys in bags, shipments of beer and rice from the cities, to girlfriends and boyfriends waiting for hugs and kisses. Some roll out of the bus doors with their bags and luggage while others just step out to stretch their legs, say hello, and exchange tidbits of news: deaths, marriages, sports, politics.

Bus owners paint and decorate their buses with fringe and bright colors, homages to God, and emblazon the front of the buses with the names of the cities they serve.

What a scene.  For a dollar or two, residents and travelers can make their way slowly through the Nicaraguan countryside and witness a broad panorama of life and nature.  Bus transportation is available to all and provides the masses of the people with affordable mobility and connection.