We landed in Miami at 1:30 (EST) and had a five hour layover. Most people read books, take a nap, make phone calls, or goof around on their computers. We, being undaunted travelers, explored Miami International. FUN THINGS TO DO ON A LONG LAYOVER: find the Johnny Walker double black sample booth. Show your ID and International ticket and imbibe. Go to the next sample booth. After two hours and a shift change, REPEAT!
Our Nicaraguan flight crew was late getting in from Cancun, so we got to Managua International at a little after 8:30 PM. Customs was easy ($20 US to enter the country) and off to get our bags. I exchanged US for NIC Cordobas and Marci waited for the backpacks. A note on money exchange... the Money Exchange booth at DIA doesn't carry Cordobas. No big deal. The booth in Miami does - BUT DON'T DO IT! They gave 17 Cordobas for $1. However, the exchange rate is 22.4C for $1 (we checked ahead of time). And not only that, they charge 1.5% (with a minimum of $7.50) service fee (to rip you off). In Managua's airport, we got 20.57C for every $1 US and NO FEE! (the hotel gives the actual rate).
We were worried that our pre-arranged ride wouldn't be there (since the flight was so late). It was quite a relief to see Antonio (our driver) holding a sign with Marci's name on it. Then the adventure REALLY started.
Antonio "drove" (think NASCAR) through the "peaceful" (think 200 pre-preschoolers with new tricycles) Managua streets about 10 km to our hotel (think VERY NICE AND SAFE). It was $15 for the taxi and $64 for the room. A little steep, I know, but it is private, has its own bath and air-conditioner, AND there is breakfast in the morning.
We ate at the hotel restaurant (we were the only diners and I think that Antonio drove to the market to get the Augacate (avocado) for the cook). Dinner was great! I had steak, rice, french fries and salad. Marci had the same with chicken. Along with four beers and a tip - the tab came to 627.20 C ($28). The beer are only $1.50!!!
I think we're gonna like this country.
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