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.

Wellington , General info:
8/10

Located on the southern tip of New Zealand's North Island. Wellington is a town like no other in New Zealand. Its renowned for being very friendly, very liberal and full of incredibly interesting people.

Cuba Street in the middle of Wellington City Centre is usually thriving with buskers, jugglers and people wearing no shoes and piercings all of the place.

Wellington , Cheap stuff:
8/10

The asian food and sushi is excellent and incredibly cheap.

Wellington has more cafe's per capita than New York and Wellingtonians are incredibly proud of having some of the best coffee in the world!

Wellington , Different stuff:
9/10

Blanket Man! The City's superstar homeless guy - wearing only a blanket - even in winter - he is a local hero. Often found on Cuba Street smoking pot - he is always listening to his ipod, greets passers by with a little wink and has his own religion and political party!

Wellington , Don't miss:
10/10

Te Papa - fantastic museum of all things Kiwi. Be warned you can spend a full day walking round and seeing the exhibitions etc.

Wellington , Food:
8/10

Breakfast/Lunch:

Cafe L'affare just off Tory Street is excellent. Cafe Delux on Cambridge Terrace also has fantastic organic coffee and the best gluten free muffins in Wellington. Also of note are Dixon St Deli and Victoria St Cafe. Coffee is excellent everywhere.

Dinner:

Highlights include Flying Burrito Brothers, Logan Brown and Hede.

Wellington , Safety:
9/10

Very safe city. Often surprised to see young women walking alone at 2am down the high street.

Some homeless people in the centre of town but they are mostly harmless and often quite friendly.