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.

Trinidad , General info:
8/10

Nestled against the foothills of the Rocky Mountains halfway between Santa Fe and Denver, Trinidad retains its Old West character and the vitality of its pioneering days on the Santa Fe Trail. The community celebrates its colorful past while embracing new public projects.

Las Animas County Perry Stokes Airport, 10 miles northeast of Trinidad, services small planes.

Trinidad , Cheap stuff:
10/10

Food and hotels are rally cheap.

Trinidad , Different stuff:
7/10

Trinidad has been dubbed the "Sex Change Capital of the World", because a local doctor had an international reputation for his sex reassignment surgery. Dr. Stanley Biber, a veteran surgeon decided to move to Trinidad because he had heard that the town needed a surgeon. At his peak, Biber was performing roughly four sex change operations a day, and the term "taking a trip to Trinidad" became a euphemism for some seeking the procedures he offered. His surgical practice was taken over in 2003 by Marci Bowers.

Trinidad's reputation as the sex change capital has been uncomfortable for some residents, as it is otherwise a socially conservative small town. However, the revenue brought in by Biber was important to keeping the local hospital running. Biber was also featured in an episode of South Park

Trinidad , Don't miss:
9/10

Some of the guided tours outside the city, very nice nature and sightseeings. Go for buffalo or dinosaur tour.

Trinidad , Food:
9/10

You can find great stakes at Black Jack's Saloon & Steakhouse. Everything else is like in every small U.S. city.

Trinidad , Hotels:
8/10

Trindad's hotels and motels offer all the upscale amenities

or simplicity and convenience at low rates.

Trinidad , Safety:
9/10

No murder in last four years, very safe and friendly city.