An Expat Talks about Living in Esteli, Nicaragua

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Esteli

How long have you lived there?

3 years

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

I would recommend to go out to mochanana café or to Semaforo to dance. If you want to see other 'white people' you go to the café luz, but i can recommend that you go where the locals go (luz is too expensive for them). In Esteli dont live that many foreigners so you want to have a big group of local friends to help you arround. In my case, i have a doctor, a lawyer in my friends circle wich definately helps.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

There are a lot of different cristian churches here and everybody is accepted. Though if you look a bit different, more black or more white, they will always call you negro or chele. Though they dont mean this as discrimination

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Sigar making, agriculture and it is amazing how many the same style of shops there are on the main street. most of these shops are in the hand of the women, so they decide the style f clothes in the city. You wont find any reggea, or alternative clothes here.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Esteli is very conservative. The men are cowboys and the main priority of the girls is to look attractive for the boys. Sadly but it is so. It isnt as 'modern' yet as Leon and Managua.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Esteli is charming to visit but after a few months it is really boring. It is always the same and will never change. Mind that there are almost no jobs here unless you want to start your own hotel.People here are very traditional (the farmer doesnt eat what he doesnt know)