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.

San Juan Capistrano , General info:
8/10

San Juan Capistrano is a city with over 200 years of history. It's just a few minutes from the beach by car or bicycle (if you know what you're doing),

San Juan Capistrano , Different stuff:
8/10

San Juan Capistrano is the home of the "Jewel of the Missions," a 200 year old Mission founded by a Spanish Catholic Priest, Father Junipero Serra, who founded many other Missions along the coast of California. San Juan is also the home of the returning swallows. The Return of the Swallows is celebrated every March 19, and the Swallows Day Parade (the largest non-motorized parade in the Western United States) is held on a Saturday around that time. The day before the parade is known as "Hoosegow Day," where anyone can be jailed (for fun) in an old iron barred jail cell, especially when not wearing some sort of cowboy attire. Freedom usually consists of a "bribe" of a dollar or a kiss on the cheek from a lady friend for the jailor.

San Juan Capistrano , Don't miss:
9/10

During the Summer months, Mission San Juan Capistrano hosts "Music Under the Stars," featuring live Big Band, Jazz, Blues, and Classical music, as well as dinner and dancing. Across from the Mission is The Swallows Inn, a Bar and Pool house voted "Best Night Life" by the Capistrano Dispatch. Live music, dancing and fun, must be 21 to enter.

San Juan Capistrano , Food:
7/10

Cedar Creek in, at the corner of Ortega Highway and Del Obispo has very good food. Try the Monte Cristo Sandwich. Augustin's Mexican Food in the Farm to Market shopping center has excellent carne asada tacos. For a quick fruit snack, go to the Kinoshita Farm organic produce market at the corner of Alipaz and Camino del Avion. The Laguna Cliffs Marriot off Del Obispo just passed PCH has an excellent Sunday brunch

San Juan Capistrano , Hotels:
9/10

Mission Inn, next to the Mission, and Laguna Cliffs Marriot, off Del Obispo passed PCH