By Ian Wood - for Home:World
Remember the good old days when people knew their neighbors, walked to the store rather than driving, sat on their porches in rocking chairs, making conversation? That is how life in Nicaragua is today. You and your neighbors are welcome to knock on each others doors and talk about the weather, sports or local politics. When you walk around town, don't be surprised if a stranger asks you where you are from and what brought you to Nicaragua.
There is local pride in every town in Nicaragua. Each one has a patron saint and almost every weekend at least one of them is honoring their saint with a festival. You will see parades filled with Nicaraguan cowboys riding horseback, fireworks and plenty of drinking and dancing. There are parties for just about every occasion. It is not unusual to hear music blaring out of a house and see children swinging at a piņata.
Recreation
Nicaragua is an incredible destination for sports and recreation. Almost every town has a local baseball and football team (that's soccer to us gringos). You are always welcome to watch or in many cases join your local team.
The Pacific coastline of Nicaragua is perfect for sports like surfing, boating and fishing. You can still find secluded beaches perfect for tying up a hammock and surf breaks that you can have all to yourself.
The Nica Surf Report will give you information on all of Nicaragua's best beaches and tide times.
http://www.nicaraguasurfreport.com/
When it comes to water sports, San Juan del Sur has the most options. Pelican Eyes hotel can charter you a fishing boat or take you on one of its sailing adventures.
http://www.piedrasyolas.com/home_eng.htm
In order to really appreciate the unspoiled natural beauty of Nicaragua you have to get off the beaten path. Ecotour companies, like Tours Nicaragua, offer you an adventure and an education on your new homeland. You may visit beaches where sea turtles are laying eggs, venture into the jungles where howler monkeys swing from the trees or climb mountains and volcanoes inhabited by wild cats.
http://www.toursnicaragua.com/index.html
On the Caribbean side of Nicaragua are even more options. Little Corn Island is home to Casa Iguana, a small eco lodge that will serve you pineapples from their own grove for breakfast and fresh fish for dinner. Casa Iguana even generates its own electricity via windmill. Rent a "casita" and you will have your own tiny house with an outdoor shower and a spectacular view of the Caribbean. Just off Little Corn Island is some of the best SCUBA diving you are likely to find anywhere in Nicaragua.
http://www.casaiguana.net/
Shopping is another favorite pastime for many. The town of Masaya is well known as an artisan community. Its old market is full of Nicaraguan arts and crafts. Neighboring towns each have a specialty like, ceramics, hammocks or wood working.
Getting involved
Volunteer work is a great way to give back to your community and get to know your neighbors. Nica Net is a website with a very comprehensive list of volunteer opportunities all over the country for interests ranging from environmentalism to human rights.
http://www.nicanet.org/volunteer/
Keep your eye out for Peace Corps volunteers as well. There are about 170 of them peppered around the country. They have various specialties like health, environment, youth development and small business and most would be happy to help you get involved.
Climate
In Nicaragua there are 2 seasons: rainy and dry. From May to November it will pour rain every day. In the beginning of the season it may rain almost all day long. The trees all turn a radiant green. Over the months it will rain less and less until you reach the dry season from December to May. This time of year, the country is very dusty and cactus is exposed on the once lush mountains.
The temperature in Nicaragua varies by altitude and the seasons. December, January and February are the coolest months of the year. Summers in Nicaragua can be brutally hot. Cities at higher elevation like Jinotepe (between Managua and San Juan del Sur) and Esteli (in the North) enjoy cool evenings year-round.
Most importantly
The lifestyle in Nicaragua is all about quality of life; enjoying yourself, your family and your community. A day spent with your family at the beach, an hour spent talking to your neighbor; it all adds up to a lifetime of good times.
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