My buddy went on this journey on his moto on the proposed nicaragua canal route. Here is the article his buddy who spearheaded the journey wrote. It's a fantastic read. 

http://www.outsideonline.com/1992761/shovel-ready-nicaragua-canal

 

I personally think the expectations of the government are outrageous. I don't think the canal makes sense. Panama just expanded... why this? Ortega is making out like a bandit. . 

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Jeremiah 29:11

Good story.  Good way to avoid attracting attention.  

Best story so far about this.

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Ah, religion, bigotry dressed up as morality.

Interesting read. Thanks for the link.

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Jeremiah 29:11

Really interesting. To me, the most intersting aspect of this is that there is literally no need for this canal. The leading shipping company says they wouldn't find any use for it. Lets see, Chinese developer wants lawless area to be enforced by the Russian military. No business need at all. Hate to be a doomsdayer (which Im not at all), but this shit reeks of positioning by China and Russia to get more presence in the region so they can maintain a threat to the US

This really makes no good sense at all. If you would side with those who oppose the canal on the basis of preserving surf breaks, forget that. They are all ready gone with development , over hype and over crowding. How many non profit organizations are in central Nica under the guise of helping the locals somehow , while just creating an excuse for the operators to live free and surf?

Check out the current conditions in Chinese economics and finance. The holding company that is to build the canal is very tied to those conditions.

On balance Nica is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere . ( Haiti is #1) Ortega and his minions are an interesting bunch. There current motto is :"anyway the wind blows is fine with me."

Before the election he won from Chomora , Ortega collaborated with several multinational corporations to attempt to improve the infrastructure. Ever notice the cell tower when you are sitting in the middle break at Coloradoes? When did that get there? Why is that there? How the hell is it that in a remote 3rd world area you are able to get wifi? How is it that when you see a Nicaraguan SUV ( ox cart ) the driver has a cell phone. How is it that a shack with a tin roof that is someones home has a 42" HDTV? Answer: Ortega sold out to get elected. ( a chicken in every pot just doesn't make it in the 21st century)

New elections are coming and people are pissed. This canal offers a false hope once again presented by the ruling party. Jobs, commerce, appreciated land prices. If you are basically an under educated campesino this has allure.

Haiti would sell the whole fucking island to the Chinese if they thought they could break the never ending cycle of despair. The govt of Nica sees this as the only hope. They know the history of losing out to Panama . They remember being occupied by US Marines. Its the only hope they can see for some degree of Independence. ( although false).

Hey, any one stayed at the resort at "windmills"....( Manzanillo )

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So if you are a surfer I wish you the prosperity that allows you more time to pursue the salt water dream, and the true happiness that comes from warm water, clean waves and the companionship of your fellow surfers. If you are an internet troll just spewing bs then f off.

Interesting read. I asked a friend living in Nica about the canal and he said he didn't want to talk about it publicly (on social media) for fear of repurcussions. It's a boondoggle for sure, but it seems most of the people it will greatly affect don't feel empowered enough to fight it or protest it publicly. A bad situation made worse.

More from the Economist.

Couldn't agree more with the hidden agenda viewpoint at the bottom of that Economist article, and that the govt of China is really behind this effort. Its only logical. If there's no real economic reason for this, then there has to be another agenda driving it. I think it was very tellling that they company plans on using the Russian military to guard the canal. Plain as day if you ask me.

Nicaragua's surf breaks are gone due to overhype? How ironic this message is posted in 2ndlight.com forums.

A cell tower at Hacienda Iguana? Maybe the only people who can afford to rent condos and surf demand cell phone phone access. Imagine Bill Bonner trying to sell luxury beach front lots without internet access.

Who are we to criticize the Nicaraguans for wanting development. We have raped our own country. It's like criticizing the killer of Cecil the lion after we wiped our own grizzlies, wolves etc.

Uh, we are not criticizing the Nicas from wanting devlopment. As with all corrupt govts, there will be a certain small percentage making any $$ of this. It will fuck up their environment, and most Nicas dont support it, btw. It will invite the Chinese and Russians into their land, and anyone who thinks its not govt related doesnt understand much about China and Russia.

Sad...presidente sold out his entire country to line the pockets

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poopsuit

I read that article when it came out, and was VERY impressed with his writing - thank you for sharing

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[Feminism is] a socialist, anti-family, political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians. ~Pat Robertson

To judge from the stock market chaos in China, cash for monster projects seems unlikely to be available.  I bet the canal will go on indefinite hold.  

Hoping you're right... IF this were really a viable economic venture, I would be all for it, btw, as long as environmental impact were considered (which of course it would not be). As a boondoggle, though, this is among the most boondoggly...

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[Feminism is] a socialist, anti-family, political movement that encourages women to leave their husbands, kill their children, practice witchcraft, destroy capitalism and become lesbians. ~Pat Robertson

Postponed.  Or "postponed."  The Chinese guy footing the bills lost a lot of money recently.  Guardian.

Good to hear. Hopefully, the Nicaraguan politicians (criminals) supporting this will not be reelected.

Story needs to be told...

More on canal


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...at least I'm enjoying the ride.

Edited: 11/29/2015 at 04:08 PM by Moondogie2