Managua - Unfortunately, the earthquake of 1972 damaged many old beautiful buildings in Managua and throughout Nicaragua. Included is the old Cathedral which remains one of the country's most famous sites. The Palacio Nacional is located adjacent to the Cathedral and is one of the few old style buildings which was not destroyed by the earthquake. The Huellas de Acahualinca Museum holds some of the most significant evidence of ancient human habitation in Central America. The Museo Nacional has a small collection of Pre-Columbia artifacts. Outside of town is the new Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Not far away is the Parque Nacional Volcan Masaya which is the location of the Santiago Volcano which is still very active. At the rim of the crater, ancient Indians would throw young girls into the crater to appease the goddess of fire - Chaciutique. Spaniards later erected a cross on the rim, not to commemorate the sacrificed souls, but because they believed that the rim was the actual entrance to Hell.

Jinotega - Known as the "city of mists" because of its very pleasant climate. It sits in the middle of a coffee growing area.

Lago de Ananas - The lake is a very popular area which is just a few miles outside of Jinotega. It is known for fishing and swimming.

Leon - This is Nicaragua's oldest city. Founded in 1524 by Hernandez de Cordoba it is perilously close to the Momotombo Volcano which eruption in 1610 set off an earth quake which leveled the city. Leon was the capital of the country rom the colonial period until 1857 when Managua became the seat of government.

Masaya - This place is often referred to as the "city of flowers" as was called by the poet Ruben Dario who was swept away by the abundance of flowers to be found here. The flowers are not quite so numerous now but the town has bloomed culturally and is known as one of the intellectual centers of the country.

Somoto - This is a border town which is home to one of the oldest churches in Nicaragua.

Capital: Managua

Population: 4, 687,000

Area: 21, 031 square miles

Language: Spanish. English is widely spoken along the Caribbean coast and on the Corn Islands

Time: -1 hours from New York

Electricity: 110 and 220 volts, check first

Geography: Nicaragua is bordered in the north by Honduras, in the west by the Pacific south by Costa Rica and in the east by the Caribbean. It is the largest central american country and is divided into three distinct geographic zones - the Pacific lowlands, the north-central mountains and the Mosquito Coast.

Tipping: Nicaraguans do not customarily tip. However tourists are expected to tip 10% on restaurant bills. Ask if the service charge is included. Often its is.

Shopping: Shops are open Weekdays from 8 am to noon and 2 pm to 5 pm. Many are open until noon on Saturdays. Do try to bargain in large outdoor markets. In large department stores or small family run stores, do not try to bargain as the prices are set. Handicrafts are popular especially baskets, woven mats, hammocks, woodcarving, jewelry and leathergoods.

Food and Drink: Since the end of the Contra war, the number of restaurants have exploded Nicaragua - particularly in the more populated areas. Although international food is not readily available, the cuisine is and they are constantly trying to improve upon it. Unfortunately this is limited to mostly French, Italian and Chines food. Still, hamburger, pizza and fried chicken are popular as ever and readily available. Bottled drinks are plentiful. Do avoid drinks with ice as they may be contaminated with parasites. Similarly, fruit drinks may have the same problem if mixed with tap water. Rum is plentiful here as well as local beers.

Social: The war is over but the conversation about it is not. People are open about their observations and feelings which they may share with you. The people are very hospitable and friendly. Being courteous and friendly in return goes a long way here.

Business: Business suits and cards are necessary. However during the hot times, it may be wise to check with you counterparts about appropriate dress. Do not expect anyone to be very fluent in English even though some may speak it. It is better to have in interpreter present and get things straight than to make a lot of mistakes. Best if you know Spanish here.

Banking: Banking hours are 8 am to 2 pm weekdays

Currency: The Cordoba

Money Exchange: Banks are best place to exchange currency and is definitely best to do so in US$. Travelers checks can be a real problem as they are very difficult to cash.

Credit cards: Master Card and Visa. ATMs are scarce.

Climate

The Pacific zone is guarantees hot year round with no letup. The inland mountains are cooler and much more varied and pleasant. The two areas share a common rainy season which is from may to November with the dry season from December to April. The dry season is just that with brown color taking over the landscape within a month. The wind picks up the dust and gives the atmosphere a brown hue. The Caribbean lowlands are hot all the time and has more rainfall. The dry season is only from March to May and is reasonably wet during that time. Downpours during the rainy season are frequent and quite heavy.