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Nicaragua: Crime spiking there yet?:
I've been considering Nic as a possible retirement/final destination location. As the global economy continues to tube it seems likely that many countries (like Nic) will experience social decay and an extreme rise in desperation related crimes. My Father was a cop and always said that people are only good/nice when they have what they need. Once that disappears...all bets are off. I'm just wondering if it's still worth it to live relatively cheaply in Nic, or pay more to stay safe in Canada? I know that most (on here) either own property there and hope to profiteer off it, or are like single Mothers likely to state how great it is, but I'd appreciate an honest opinion.
Thanks.
Mexico: Living in/around Sayulita:
I'm a 53 yr. old Canadian guy hoping to relocate to Mexico (with my beloved dog..;) I receive about $1000 a month. Sounds like there are a few great little towns around Sayulita where one can live well and happy on that. I'd love to hear from anyone doing so, or who has done so. Thanks
Nicaragua: Animals in Nic.:
I am hoping to travel to Nic. sometime before the end of the year. My eventual hope is to relocate there.
As a life-long animal / nature lover I found myself lying awake last night considering the potential everday horrors one may have to overcome in order to live in C.A.
Though I admittedly only spent a few days in Nic. while traveling in C.R. I saw extreme cases of animal disregard in both countries.
In La Fortuna mamed and disfigured street dogs dragged themselves down alleyways and across streets. No one cared. Ditto for dogs in Nic. so infested with mange that they were furless and bleeding from cracked skin....again no one cared.
I know they are relatively poor countries and unfortunately animals are seen as disposable.
Worse yet the Latino machismo B.S. prevents neutering. Thus a perfect storm for the thousands of desperate dogs.
I wonder if there's anyone on here like me? If so has this issue made it difficult to both live there, and face the locals without contempt?
I am now rethinking the notion of taking my dog if I move there. It seems that she would likely be far better off rehomed here, which would allow me to rescue another once there.
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
Nicaragua: Animal care (Meds):
Hi
I'm wondering what kind of Vet meds are available in Nic. to treat Mange? Specifically I'm inquiring about Ivermectin (aka Stromectol).
I've noticed on my trips to Central America that Mange is a major problem for many street animals.
This medication is highly effective in treating Mange ( it "is" a poison and as such must be administered properly).
I am not a Vet but have worked (volunteered) overseas with many world class vets and like to help the helpless whenever I can.
I'm seeking input regarding the availability and cost of this medication and would appreciate any info. I can buy it online and bring it, but it may be far less expensive if available there.
Though it's often administered intramuscularly (injected) I would primarily be using oral forms. Usually Ivermectin (Stromectol)comes in 3mg., 6mg. and 12mg pills.
In case anyone reading this wants to treat an animal with Mange (not suggested without experience...but a tip of my hat to those who care enough to do so), the basic dosage (for most dogs, though Herding breeds are different) is about .2 mgs per pound of body weight. So a twenty pound dog would need about 4mgs administered (in food or ?) once a week for a couple/few weeks or so.
In extreme cases this regimen can be increased to same dose every 4 to 7 days for a few weeks.
(Side afftects include the runs, disorientation or lack of coordination, possible vomitting. This is quite normal)
Face usually starts to clear up in about a week, then slowly the body (and eventually the neck due to scratching).
Obviously in a perfect world infected animals should be treated at a Vet....but it's not a perfect world. This easily administered treatment can/will greatly reduce/eliminate a lot of suffering.
Mange is a parasite and thus transferable. Wear gloves and wash after touching or being near to an infected animal.
In humans this type of mite causes Scabies and is (can be) treated the same way in a pinch.
Thanks
Costa Rica: Housesits:
Hi
I'm a 53 year old Canadian guy who has been to (and loves) Costa Rica. During my two trips (over a month each time) I managed to span most parts of the country (from Jaco to Los Chiles).
I am planing another trip (September) to Central America and wonder if there's a need for a quality housesitter anywhere in C.R. ?
My departure date and the duration of my stay is negotiable.
In brief, I am dependable, honest, trustworthy, love animals, speak "decent" Spanish and would hope for someone like me to oversee my home should the need ever arise.
I'm open to hearing about any opportunities, in all areas.
If you or someone you know may be needing their place (pets, plants etc), taken care of please get in touch via PM.
Thanks and Pura Vida
Nicaragua: Housesits or room rentals:
Hi
I am planning to travel to, and stay in Nic around September for a period of 3 to 6 months. The purpose of the trip (aside from exploring) is to get a feel for the potential of a long term stay.
As much as I like to support and gel with locals, I need to brush up on my Spanish. Thus I would initially like to be proximal to expats.
Given that a lot of expats travel home or elsehwere, I wonder if house/pet sitting opportunities exist? No charge just an exchange. I get a free place to stay while owners get peace of mind.
If no such sitting scenarios are available, then I wonder what one could expect to pay for a room in an expat's home?
I am Canadian, 53, male. Friendly, well traveled (though only in Nic for a few days), honest, dependable, speak "decent" Spanish, and am good (excellent) with animals of all shapes and sizes.
I'm super clean, quiet, personable and very able to maintain and/or repair almost anything.
Ideally I would like to arrange a (or a few) house/pet sit(s).
However, the rooming idea is also appealing.
I'd consider all locations and opportunities, though would prefer somewhere situated well as a hub from which to venture out....;).
I'd appreciate info on any leads or needs. Please post or PM.
Thanks
Nicaragua: Relocating to Granada Nic:
I am a 53 year old Canadian guy trying to live on about $1000 a month (pension). I do have a nest egg, though it's not huge.
It seems, from reading and researching that one can live comfortably on $800 to $1000 a month in many areas in Nic.
Given that locals make about $1 an hour even a double income household would bring in (both working ten hour days) $20 a day or $600 a month.
Thus I think I could pull off a decent, or better, life in Nic on $1000. Aside from enjoying "beverages" and eating out quite often, I live very simply.
Also, and as mentioned on here, I understand the benefits of dealing directly with locals/land owners. Even in Costa Rica land (houses) still sell quite reasonably. I almost bought 30 acres in a nice location (4 years ago when prices were higher) for $15K. A "local" builder showed me a really nice 2 bdrm, two bath rancher he could build me for another $15K.
I found out after my return that a developer bought the land, split it up into half acre lots then built homes and sold them for $199,000 each.
I've traveled a lot (Costa Rica twice for a month each time) Nicaragua (though briefly for a coupe days arriving via the River from Los Chiles), Thailand, Cambodia, Ecuador (Galapagos Islands), Cuba and Mexico (countless times and places).
I speak decent Spanish though am not fully fluent. I have always found the locals (Mexico or Central America) to be quite friendly and heldpful. Still, there are certainly crimes of convenience to be aware of.
I love animals and always volunteer at shelters or rescue centers. I also try to be a good guest by teaching English (for free) whenever possible (this also helps to improve my Spanish..;)
Anyways I wonder if there are any expats with extra space in their homes willing to (negotiate...;) for a room while I explore future opportunities there?
I presently live in Victoria BC. I'm a good guy, very respectful, honest, fun and dependable. Just looking at making a lifesyle change and always knew it would be somewhere in Central America.
I'd really appreciate info on nice, yet inexpensive, places to stay (short and long term). I prefer to avoid big cities and though would (obviously) like to be on/near a beach would be happy inland in a small town or rural area.
Probably coming to Nic in September.
Thanks
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