>From today's travel section of the Philadelphia Inquirer. I cannot believe
this crap. "familiar status as a peaceful backwater"?
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/living/travel/12582718.htm
[INLINE] Posted on Sun, Sep. 11, 2005 [INLINE]
A new Nicaragua
Once racked by civil war, the nation is awakening to the promise of
tourism.
[...]
Still, we were part of a growing stream of travelers to Nicaragua.
Once known as the land of contras, Sandinistas and civil war, this
nation of 5.1 million has quietly reverted to its more familiar status
as a peaceful backwater. And tourists are starting to respond.
Some have called it the new Costa Rica, but that's misleading.
Visitors won't find the vast national parks or rich wildlife of its
neighbor. Instead, Nicaragua offers something else: a traditional
Central American country that's relatively easy for Americans to
visit.
Fifteen years ago, Nicaragua voted the communist Sandinistas out of
power. The civil war ended, and the country began to rebuild. There
still is political intrigue, including a drama that could see the
Sandinistas ruling again in a power-sharing coalition, but nothing
that should worry the traveler.
[...]
Except for its civil war, the country has been spared most of the past
century's hustle. What visitors find now is an overlooked destination
ripe for exploring.
[...]
Although it's tempting to call Nicaragua a peaceful paradise,
travelers should be wary of crime. It's of particular concern to those
traveling on their own. Avoid unofficial taxis, traveling at night,
and public transportation. Managua's market and downtown area have had
problems with petty crime.