Greetings from Managua,

I’ve spent the last two days taking care of business here in Managua, Nicaragua. I have a flight to Little Corn Island tomorrow at 6am and have been picking up random stuff and doing odd errands that need to be complete before my departure. You know, the usual such as a haircut & shave, dental work, getting your internet connections on lock, buying random amenities you’ll appreciate on the island and catching up with old friends…

If you’re coming to Nicaragua, I don’t suggest spending a lot of time here in Managua as it’s a rough city that has a bad reputation and it’s well warranted. I’m not going to say that it’s the most dangerous place I’ve ever been but it could be? All the locals I know always remind me not to carry my valuables and of all the travelers I know, many have a story or two about this place. I feel quite lucky to have some good friends here who kinda fill me in as hanging out here on my own has zero appeal.

That said, if you need to get stuff done in Nicaragua, this is your city. It has the Oriental Market where you can grab anything and everything you’d ever need. Just don’t show up there like some lunatic with an extra long lens on your thousand dollar camera and leave your iphone, spare cash and passport at home. Even the locals worry about getting pickpocketed there and on buses. That said, the police carry around big sticks or shotguns and seem ready to use them so who knows?

At night, this place becomes kinda crazy. I was sipping beer on a street corner with a local friend last night and I could probably write a small e-book on the characters we encountered, it was eye opening. Suffice to say I’m ready to get out of here but glad I came. Going back to Little Corn Island this time feels like I’m on my way to the cottage with a suitcase filled with random stuff I know I’ll want / need. Last time I felt like an explorer going somewhere he knew nothing about it.

Anyways, curious to see how the island has changed and enjoy what’s stayed the same.

Tips hat,

P.S: There is a big hair culture here and I’m not talking about girls. Going to the barber here is like an experience and the barbers who are usually young guys take great pride in their thoughtful designs. Straight up, I’m into the barber shop scene down here.