...just back from Nicaragua

[empera]

Hi everyone!
My wife and I are back from 2 marvellous weeks at the Barcelo Montelimar on the Pacific coast of Nicaragua.
The hotel is 1hr½ from the airport. We were impressed by the site, food, weather(35 degrees celsius average), welcome and the local people.
During the winter, the hotel caters mostly to Canadians...2 flights a week - one from Montreal and the other from Toronto.
The site is huge with one 4 storey main building with 2 elevators and condos. Two pools, another for kids, a non-heated whirlpool, 1 main dining room & 4 bars. The view from the "Casona", where the shows are held, is breathtaking.
At low tide, the beach is at least 250' wide and 100' at high tide. The sand(volcanic) is dark brown when wet, a little lighter when dry. The beach stretches out as far as the eyes can see. It doesn't have the Caribbean look but considering everything else, it's not that important.
The food is excellent and varied. The price of the excursions are between $35 & $65US. We visited Managua, Massaya including the volcano, Granada, Pochomil, Masachapa. The departure tax is $25USpp. The team responsible for the activities and night shows are a lively bunch. For those of you who like to gamble, there's a small version of a casino with tables for poker, black jack, roulette and many slot machines.
I found the employees very friendly, dynamic and hard workers. All the workers do a fine job keeping the place in top shape.
There is no sign of any political unrest but poverty is obvious.
I would recommend this 3*** hotel to anyone.
Hasta luego.
:-)


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[amartinez]

I'm not sure how to do this but I'm trying to reply to Jalbac's message about his visit to Nicaragua. I'm interested to find out how the situation is down there. I keep hearing that it's still not that safe there. My mom and my sister and I are going there (or would like to go there if it's safe enough) in December for a few weeks to see some friends. Nicaragua is our native country. I'm trying to find out from someone that has been there if it's OK to travel there. If you could let me know I would really appreciate it. My e-mail address is yurix@crocker.com

Thank you very much.

Yurix Peralta

[empera]

Yurix,
question answered through E-mail...Take care.

[rgough]

Hi,

I worked a mission in Nicaguara last summer, and we are in the process of planning another mission trip in July, but we are hearing some stories about it being unsafe to travel at this time due to politics.


Would someone please shed some information here.

thanks

cindy

[empera]

Hi Cindy,
There is a difference between being mostly secluded in the confines of an all-inclusive hotel and being in a mission. We always travelled by bus and with a group. We never felt intimidated by anyone or anything...no signs of political unrest. Now, mind you, it might be totally different in remote areas or off the beaten trail. Of course, the cities we visited are tourist oriented and I don't think it's in their best interest to give any impression that problems exist. This is the best answer I can give you according to my experience in Nicaragua. Best regards.

[pioriaVolboff]

Espero que entiendas español, y te dire que es como en todo, si viajas solitaria y por lugares muy remotos, claro que puedes tener problemas. Pero en la ciudad, en carreteras, centros comerciales es completamente seguro. Nada parecido a lo que habia hace años, cuando la inestabilidad politica habia sumido al pais en casi una permanente asonada. Disfruta tu viaje tranquila. Buen viaje.