I'm somewhat embarrassed to say that 30-year-old me was wondering why I'd never heard of the Nacarima before. Until I read your comment, I didn't realize it was

I'm somewhat embarrassed to say that 30-year-old me was wondering why I'd never heard of the Nacarima before. Until I read your comment, I didn't realize it was "America" spelled backwards. > No matter how ill the supplicant or how grave the emergency, the guardians of many temples will not admit a client if he cannot give a rich gift to the custodian. Even after one has gained and survived the ceremonies, the guardians will not permit the neophyte to leave until he makes still another gift. Ouch.