Nicaragua is the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Western Hemisphere, just above Haiti. The US Department of State recommends “reconsider travel” to Nicaragua. But … as we all know, tourism can be a useful tool in combating poverty and many countries are a mere TikTok post away from trending as the next big “must visit” vacation spot.

From Costa Rica, I had a short flight to El Salvador and then on to an even shorter flight to Managua, Nicaragua. I arrived at 9:00 AM. There’s a hotel directly across the street from the airport. I made a reservation, the night before my flight. The plan was to crash there, shower, and eat, then head to my actual hotel, on the other side of town, for the 3:00 pm check in. I walked across the street to learn that the airport hotel had canceled my “pre paid” room, at midnight. Once they did that all my messages to them, via the Expedia app, somehow disappeared. With all hopes of a late checkout gone … I leaned in, like a true kid from The D!

After getting a quick nap and a shower, I checked out of my “three hour” stay, at the airport hotel. Expedia offered me a few “One Key” dollars, for my troubles. The three desk staff members, telling me that I didn’t have a reservation, were more than happy to see me go. I never met the manager who told them to give me a room. This wasn’t about getting my way. It was about understanding the rules of engagement. I was already in love with the country, before I grabbed a cab to my next hotel.

My new hotel was pretty amazing. The room was large, the shower was a true walk-in, and, if willing to leave the hotel, on foot, in Managua, there were cafes, restaurants, and local convenience stores, nearby. I asked the front desk about hiring a driver, for a private tour of the city. They quickly found someone and I set out, the next day. He began the tour at the local market where all tours seem to bring tourists to shop. I purchased a keychain with a bottle opener and we quickly returned to the car.

We then headed to Loma de Tiscapa. Along with the beautiful view of the city of Managua, the Asosca lagoon and Lake Managua, there’s a large monument to Augusto Nicolás Calderón Sandino. Between 1927 and 1933, he led a rebellion against the USA occupation of Nicaragua. The so called “Banana Wars” saw the US invading Latin American countries from 1898 until 1934. The formal occupation of Nicaragua began in 1912. My private tour then moved on to Plaza de la Revolución (Revolution Square).

Managua’s historic center is a short distance from Lake Xolotlan. We stopped at The Old Cathedral (St. James’ Cathedral), along with all the other tour groups. The church closed, after the 1972 earthquake. To the right of the square is Palacio de la Cultura (Palace of Culture). The historic building now houses the National Museum and Library. Walk to the northeast for the tomb of the Sandinista commander Carlos Fonseca. Keep walking and you’ll reach Central Park and the nearby Dario Park and its monument to Rubén Dario. He is Nicaragua’s greatest poet and one of the most influential Spanish-speaking literary figures.

In 2013, metal tree sculptures began popping up around the city of Managua. The public art city beautification project was started by First Lady Rosario Murillo, who has also served as Nicaragua’s Vice President since 2017. My 2:00 pm tour meant that we avoided city traffic and some of the heat. I was dropped off at my hotel in time for the daily complimentary dinner.

In spite of the hotel’s free breakfast and dinner, I began leaving and heading to my favorite cafe. The Smoothie bowl cafe was just around the corner from my hotel. I went there every single day. It was such a great spot for people watching and the staff was always amazing. I couldn’t take my eyes off the one local guy walking up and down the middle of the street, trying to sell produce.

On my last night, I decided to skip the free dinner at my hotel (I had tried all three of their options). There was an Asian restaurant just a ways down from the smoothie bar. The menu was massive and the owner came over to make suggestions. I ordered a traditional Taiwanese noodle dish. As soon as my meal arrived, so did the auntie from the back with her camera. She took stills and a video. It was all uploaded to their Facebook page. Now, they’re following my Ghetto Girl Travels page and I’m following their restaurant’s account.

I’m so happy that I didn’t skip out on visiting Nicaragua, in spite of the warning. As you know, I grew up in Detroit. You’ve probably heard nothing good about Detroit. So, that’s how I weigh what’s too dangerous. As long as I can treat a place like home, I’m good to go! XOXO—GGT