Calcutta , General info:
6/10

New name is KOLKATA - that is closer how it used to be pronounced in the native language - Bengali.

Airport code is still the old code CCU for Calcutta. The airport is on northeast corner of metro - also also called Dum Dum from the local township name.

If going by train, try station names of HOWRAH or SEALDAH - the latter is a friendlier terminus, but less trains go there. Howrah is the traditional rail terminus - on other side of river Ganges.

Calcutta , Cheap stuff:
9/10

Great food - whether Mughlai or sweets, and most reasonable price among metro Indian cities.

'Get Well' Clinic is the best as well as very cheap PHYSIOTHERPY & ACUPRESSURE Centre. You can get really sincer and dedicated treatment here.

Calcutta , Different stuff:
8/10

Tough driving and narrow / slow roads.

Calcutta , Don't miss:
10/10

Victoria Memorial.

Darjeeling - a hill town about 600 km north.

Digha - a seaside resort - about 4 hours drive

Calcutta , Food:
10/10

Great food everywhere in this city

Calcutta , Hotels:
8/10

Quite a few 4 and 5 star hotels

Calcutta , Safety:
7/10

Safer than other towns - but beware of pickpocketing.

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.