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Nicaragua: Yellow Fever Vaccination:
I had planned a trip to Panama over a month ago. But had the warning a Yellow Fever Vaccination was required for entry. And on return from Panama Nicaragua also required the same after returning. But the Vaccinations here were only available to Citizens and permanent residents. I searched further and could get the vaccination from a private doctor for $140, but no official government proof as required. So, I went to Costa Rica instead. At the Nicaragua border four people who had been to Panama were removed from the bus. Seems a mountain out of a molehill as something like 38 cases of it reported in the Americas and mostly in Brazil. Oh and Costa Rica in between has no such requirement, and the vaccine available but will take a few days and you have to wait 10 days for it to take effect and travel. Another case of border wars with travelers as the casualties. I add if flying I have found none of these things apply. Just that I don't want to fly to El Salvador from San Jose instead of going straight on to Panama or overflying Nicaragua on the way back. I swear these rules are harder than those for playing cricket.
Nicaragua: 13 WOW's - IDEALS TO LIVE BY:
Anyone using Socrates as a model gets my vote. Though possibly one added statement. #14 DON'T FEED THE TROLLS.
Nicaragua: Which C.A. country is best to live in?:
On the basis of keeping busy, I think Panama worth a look. I had employment there 4 days after arrival. It is also very likely the best country to arrive in. Panama allows you to work 6 months on a tourist visa, giving a person the time to check things out without diminishing savings. I would not recommend Panama City or Colon, but enjoyed Santiago, Santa Fe, David, and Boquete. Of Central American countries, I also found Panama the least expensive, mostly due items arriving at both ends of the Canal. I had hopes for the Grande Canal of Panama but again it looks like that won't be happening. Economically, it would be the best thing, saving about 3000 miles in ocean transit. My wife is Nica and we are planning on moving, but takes a bit of convincing. She has family here, Costa Rica, US and Canada. She wants family in those countries which I prefer not to live. Nicaragua is simply a compromise. I have US and Swiss Citizenship so all Europe is open to me . Of 4 Latin countries, Nicaragua is the only one where I have not worked. I can, and have received offers but not any I would accept. She has finally agreed to Panama, Spain and Ireland. Two of her sisters and a brother-in-law are physicians and looking to move as well. Both were educated in Spain. So that iswhat /I am betting on. My wife is a Professor of languages, Spanish, Portuguese, English, French and German. But employment for her in Nicaragua is insulting to her education. She was earning $2400 a month in Costa Rica. I can get her a job in Panama at $3000 a month, plus housing. Top offer here has been $550 and travel to Managua required. 3 years ago I met the General Manager for Lada- Nicaragua. He was Russian. His income was $1200 plus a car and apartment. He too was about to go to Panama.. I had another Nica friend who owned a small bar and was trying to market a hot sauce. After 4 years he took my advice, went to Panama and got an International Patent on it for $5000. He was unable to get it going here due too much bureaucracy. So on opportunity #1 is Panama. On beauty climate #1 is Costa Rica. On safety, general demeanor of people, and believe it or not traffic #1 is Nicaragua, in my opinion. With recent changes I believe Ecuador may be even more attractive than Panama.
Nicaragua: Quality Photography Printing:
I have an artist friend that uses a print shop on the west side of the Park of Heroes and Martyrs in Leon. Can't think of the name though. If you write privately I can give my friends phone number and perhaps he can do more. His wife will soon be coming from Canada and always bringing art supplies not available here.
Nicaragua: Leon to Airport:
Bad arrival time. I believe if I were posed with the same I would wait till dawn. But early enough to avoid heavy traffic. Anything prior to 7 AM should work. Most minibus drivers perform well, but a few don't. Often overworked by making too many trips without rest. I do know of a taxi that will bring you from the Managua Airport to Leon for $50. And that can be a better option with baggage or 2 people. Taxis from the airport to the minibus stops can take some of the glitter out of the $1.90 minibus fare.
Nicaragua: Residency/Cedula:
If you go to the US Embassy they will give you an okay to open a bank account at BAC. Keep deposits under $5000 or you will have a mountain of paperwork. And best you make deposits into it from just one US source. Just e-mail the US Embassy Mangua for an appointment. Account should be in place within 10 days.
Nicaragua: Utility Theft:
I have just moved into a very upscale gated community in Leon. I had a gardeb hose out front and twice saw my hose in the neighbor's driveway. So I removed the handle from the water tap. And also added a washer to the hose and tightened it to the tap with pliers. Again my hose was in the neighbor's driveway. I removed the hose, deciding to store it in the back yard, The hose was loose, indicating the neighbor had removed it for their use. This neighbor has a new Dodge 4X4 truck as well as a new Toyota car and a maid cleaning daily. I have no vehicles or maid. My wife is always going on about how the poor here steal, but it is the well to do I find most dishonest. Assume nothing here.. I am well aware of well to do stealing cable TV and Internet service as well as Electric. Where I previously lived in Leon a man was stealing enough for his home with 4 air conditioners. He also had illegal Internet and Cable TV each costing 350 cordoba and never a monthly bill.
Nicaragua: Leon Night Life:
Lots of bar and discos with music too loud to converse. I do have a few places I enjoy going that are more subdued but cannot really be called night life.
Nicaragua: Donating Tablets:
I have a letter from a Bishop here to donate things to schools. Mainly it has been solar powered scientific computers. I have given tablets away before in three other countries. Within a week the children would be bullied and robbed of them. Much of that is avoided by keeping the devices in school for them to use there. Even at home few will have Internet access. Great seeing that Nicaragua is increasingly offering free wifi from schools and parks. Though often have site restrictions.
Global Expat Forum: Hot Water:
Throughout Latin America few homes are equipped with hot water. Don't you miss not having hot water to wash your dishes? Well here is the quick fix to that.Simply take a coffee maker with a 10 cup or so pot. Fill it with water two times ad add to your kitchen sink. Even if you need get a new coffee maker it should be no more than $20. And most likely you already have one. he benefit is water needs b 104 F or better to sanitize. Also hot water will eliminate oil and grease unlike cold.. Soaked in hot water a few minutes practically self washes dishes. Bottom line is this is an easy inexpensive and fast method of heating water. Better than heating it in a microwave,
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