Tico vs. Nica

Gollo Pinto is a Costa Rican dish, sometimes breakfast, lunch and diner. Of course there is a long running conversation over the origination of Gollo Pinto, when it comes to Costa Ricans' (Tico's) and Nicaraguans' (Nica's). And that's where the conversation started, although some times more heated than just casual. I had talked with one of the workers earlier and learned that he (Fernando) was Nicaraguan and was here for a few more months and then will return to his home. It was lunch time, another worker (Doris) asked me, "Se habla Espanol?" of course my response, "Poco". And of course she goes way to fast for me to understand. Next question "Do you know the origination of of Gollo Pinto?". Very interesting to hear them go at each other, not always understood by me. However, I could tell by the body language and volume, they were arguing. Well anyway, a great way for me to learn more Spanish and for someone else to learn more English. The conversation drifted toward the word "Gringo". Doris wondered why some people are offended with the term. I think she was alluding that some do use it in a derogatory way. She used the words Gringo Verde and Guerra (which I translated later to mean war). I could speculate on all the hidden meanings and uses of the word. Until coming to Costa Rica, five years ago, I thought it was only used in Mexico, silly uh? Growing up in San Diego County, California and traveling to Mexico a lot, I identify with endearment, in it's use. Three people got to learn more about others, themselves and another language. Doris, is a student working three jobs, paying $228 per quarter for three courses at university. Fernando, does calligraphy and talked quite a bit about the many different dialects in Nicaragua. There is a higher percentage of indigenes peoples in Nicaragua than Costa Rica. Some of the dialects are, Samo, Misquito, Ingles and Ramol.  Not sure of the spelling on Ramol can't read his writing. All are different dialects of Spanish. With Misquito, he alluded to them more of maybe a class, all doctors or other professionals. He also used to term retraso(delay) in association with Spanish. While it's important to retain the indigenes identity, it does present a problem with education and possible separatism. There are eight different regions in Nicaragua. The last little dig Doris had was that Nico's don't pronounce their "s".