Galway , General info:
9/10

Galway is the only city in the province of Connacht in the Republic of Ireland. The city is located on the west coast of Ireland. City is often considered to be the Cultural Capital of Ireland, and is world renowned for its vibrant lifestyle and numerous festivals, celebrations and events. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Despite being a small city, Galway has everything you could ask for in terms of shopping, entertainment, nightlife etc.

One airport - Galway Airport, located 6 kilometres east of the city, connecting Galway to the other major airports in Ireland, to major airports in Britain and also has flights to a small amount of continental European destinations.

Galway , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Accommodation is relatively cheap in comparison to Dublin or other European cities.

Galway , Different stuff:
10/10

Is unique among Irish cities because of the strength of its Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions. Has over fiveteen festivals that are held annually for many years.

Galway , Don't miss:
9/10

The Galway International Oyster Festival, food festival that is held annually. In 2000 was described by the Sunday Times as "one of the 12 greatest shows on earth" and was listed in the 1987 AA Travel Guide one of Europe's Seven Best Festivals.

Galway , Food:
8/10

Mostly seafood, but there are few other restaurants. Seafood (Schooners on the Bay), pub/seafood (Morans on the Weir), seafood diner (Conlons), authentic Chinese (Da Tang Noodle House), pub grub and huge beer selection(Sheridan's on the Dock ), American style diner (Scotty's Sunset Grill), Asian fusion (Orchid Restaurant).

Galway , Hotels:
9/10

G Hotel, ranked among the finest hotels in Ireland. Glenlo Abbey Hotel, Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Rock Glen Country House Hotel, and many others. Has lots of B&Bs whether you want accommodation in the countryside or in Galway city. You can also rent country cottages in Galway’s Connemara region.

Galway , Safety:
9/10

Safe, has the lowest crime rate out of any other region in the country.

Managua , General info:
10/10

Nicaragua on the whole is on the mend from hurricanes, earthquakes, etc. People love Americans! However, you must not display your wealth unless you want to hire a guard.

Nicaragua takes its name from Nicarao, chief of the indigenous tribe that lived around present-day Lake Nicaragua during the late 1400s and early 1500s.

Some Nicaraguans know English, but it is a good idea to know some Spanish before you go. You can get by showing what you want with your hands.

Managua , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Getting by on a shoestring is possible, only if you live the Nicaraguan lifestyle--beans, rice, fruit, etc. and native handicrafts. Transportation can be quite reasonable, depending on what you want, taxis, buses, mini-bus or Bluebird school type buses (not recommended).

When you deal with people at the Mercados (marketplaces), generally the price will be a bit high for merchandise. Just say "No" which usually gives you a second price and if you want the item, that is the time to buy it. Another "No" will get you a better price, yes, but then, the merchant gets cheated and is not a good reflection on the Americano.

Managua , Different stuff:
10/10

Nicaraguans are famous for their hammocks and are splendid.

Zip lines are also available in the canopy in Nicaragua; however, this author does not know where they are located.

Managua , Don't miss:
10/10

Be sure to go see The Peace Monument in former downtown Managua in the earthquake zone. Another must see is Granada for its Spanish Colonial Architecture and, also, see Masaya for volcano and handicrafts, such as hammocks.

Managua , Food:
10/10

If you want American, Chinese, or Native Nicaragua meals, and go to a restaurant, expect to pay about the same as in the United States. Otherwise, street vendors have plenty of tropical fruit and bocadillas (chucks of charcoaled grilled meat).

Managua , Hotels:
10/10

There are new hotels available in Managua, as it is a rapidly growing city, so expect to spend about the same amount as in Untied States. The Hotel Intercontinental is the hotel Howard Hughes stayed in the early 70's.

Generally, do not expect hot water to take a shower!

Managua , Safety:
10/10

Generally, it is a good idea to keep valuables well hidden, perhaps in a plastic bag. Displaying wealth of any kind is not recommended, such as, cameras, jewelry, purses, etc. This is generally true in most Central American countries.