Making Moves in Managua & Off to Corn Islands, Nicaragua
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.
Glad you’re back in this part if the world. You’ve missed months of rain, rain and more rain, but it seems to be easing up now. I plan to head out to the beach tomorrow. It’s been far too long and the Caribbean is calling. Besides, I think San Pedro is like Managua, just a bit more modern and there is absolutely no hanging out on street corners, so you’re held captive behind big gates or a body guard following you around as you’re attempting to kill time in the grocery store or the mall. It’s almost comical now, but I have not accepted the activity of shopping for shoes or clothes with a guy with a Baretta on his waist, wheeling a shopping cart after 14 months.
Enjoy that first lobster on Little Corn!
By the way, in case no one has mentioned it, some of your recent posts are throwing database errors. I was catching up on the last week and only a coupe of posts would open.
It feels great to be back and somewhat similar to San Pedro. I was only out on the street corner as I was with a local gent known in the area and we were on his corner lol. That said, a few weird looks and inquiries about “what is that guy doing here” and when the beer was done, quickly made my way back into the cave of bars – different lifestyle for sure.
Now back on the island and still tight security but way more laid back. Hopefully I’ll get to see you this year if I make it up to the Bay Islands. Either way, if the Caribbean is calling pick up the phone Fran! It’s beautiful out here and no complaints.
Good to hear from you and I saw the database errors, I think it was with site load time but everything should be working. If you see another problem, please let me know and always good to hear from ya!!
Hey Rob, nice description of Managua. We spent a night there upon arrival in Nicaragua (happened to be Christmas Eve) before flying out to the Corn Islands. Then another night between LCI and the Pacific coast. Both times were spent at a great little hotel called La Pyramide, owned by a German gent named Manfred. Super-helpful, and highly recommended. Anyway, since you’ve got some local contacts that makes things a bit easier. But you’re right, I wouldn’t venture out too far in that city. But if you’re headed to Nicaragua by air, it’s unavoidable I suppose. In and out as quick as possible is my plan going forward. Hope the panga ride treated you well and you’ve already enjoyed some fine food and beverages back on the island. Can’t wait to hear your take on how things have changed since your last visit. Is that fancy new resort open on the north end? And of course, best of luck with the angling as I’m sure you’ll be at that in the not too distant future.
So far so good and yeah, Managua is a bit of a mess. I have friend’s from the island who also live in Managua so it makes things really easy for me. That said all the internet work I did seems not to work here but such is life, yeah? Thanks for recommendation on the hotel as I never know where to send people besides the Best Western.
I’ve already had a run down with some trigger fish and a great lobster lunch with some friends. The price of lobster has near doubled but I’m seeing if I can get a good deal should I buy in bulk. In one month it’s no more lobster fishing for a while so gotta get on that. I ran into Brandon already and sent my regards, he did the same in kind. He has some cool equipment here this year and we’re going to be doing some fly fishing very soon. Also brought down some new lures and 50lbs test spyder wire which is sweet; the resort isn’t officially open but starting to look that way.
All and all, it feels the same which is pretty cool!