When I first moved here, I had a bit of that east coast, inner city attitude. I used to get upset at the window washers. One in particular is located on C. Masaya, on the intersection of Alke, La Union, La Princessa Hotel and that new Obando highway. Someone told me his name is Lester. You would know him if you're a regular. He has crazy hair, usually is shirtless, looks drugged up and possibly crazy.
So, anyway, I used to yell at this guy to get away from my car. One day he put up my window washers and left them that way, and I was really pissed. We had a relationship like this for quite some time. Then he got his hair cut and I don't know why I said it, but I actually told him it looked good. Ever since then, we're friends, as much as we can be at an intersection.
Another time, I was in a bad mood and told a window washer to leave me alone because I had no money and was looking for a job. The following week he asked me if I found my job. Somehow he remembered me and my attitude, but was still nice.
So why would anyone care about my story? Because I learned, a bit late in life, that it's better to be nice. I was so used to the aggressiveness of my old city, that I brought it with me into my new city. I enjoy life so much better when I joke around or say a nice word, than thinking that someone is trying to get over on me.
Managua is a small city and people get to know you, including the folks on the corners.
It makes my day when I have nice interactions with people...even the crazy, drugged up window washers.
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