Karma paid me back today. I took a risk that was either really smart or really stupid. Even though it paid off, I'm still not sure what the answer is....
I'd read there were no banks in my destination of San Juan del Sur and so I would have to change my money at the manic frontera. Waiting in line with my towering lineback of Germans and Pedro at my side, I consented to one of the money changing touts. I pulled out the $20 I keep in my ''decoy'' wallet and converted it to Nicaraguan Cordovas.
Showing money in public is never a good idea and it didn't get more public than here - people everywhere, but just enough space to see what other's are doing at a distance. Even so, with my new team of backers and circling government officials, I figured this may be better than a solo run at a secluded ATM.
I tried to be discrete, but the boredom of the wait, and lack of entertainment, meant that my transaction became the focus of attention. Twenty-five pairs of eyes were watching as I shoved my new money into my wallet and I was second guessing my idea. But $20 isn't a lot, and I figured there was additional safety with a small amount. However, ten minutes later Pedro informs me it was a week's wages for some. So with every payment I self-consciously yanked out the appropriate bill and stashed my change without looking at or counting it.
Later that night, safely tucked into my hotel room, I pulled out my wallet and counted what was left. Waded in with a bundle of 20C notes was a 200C note. Someone had given me the wrong change-US$10 too much. Ironic how in my paranoia of losing additional money I accidentally capitalized on someone else's mistake. Karma paid me back.
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