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 Francisco , General info:
8/10

Founded in 1776. San Francisco lies at the northern tip of a peninsula in the Western US State of California. It is part of the much larger San Francisco Bay Area. The Bay Area has a population of approximately 7.2 million people. San Francisco is famous for his step rolling hills and mediterranean climate. It is one of the most visited cities in the US.

San Francisco , Don't miss:
9/10

Golden Gate Bridge, Alacatraz Island, cable cars, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square, Palace of Fine Arts,Union Square, as well as some of its beautiful neighborhoods such as Russian Hill, Nob Hill, North Beach, Pacific Heights, SOMA and the Mission District.

San Francisco , Food:
10/10

San Francisco is renowned for its restaurants. "The City" as it is called by locals has some of the best Asian and Californian Cuisine around. It also has large variety of other kinds of ethnic food.

San Francisco , Hotels:
10/10

There are beautiful hotels everywhere in the city. Some of the more famous (and expensive) are: The Fairmount, Ritz Carlton, The Mark Hopkins Intercontental, The Palace, Standford Court, The Huntington and Hotel Nikko.

San Francisco , Safety:
7/10

Like most large American cities some neighborhoods are safer than others. If you stick to the main tourist areas you should be quite safe. Just be careful in the Tenderloin at night.