An Expat Talks about Living in Leon , Nicaragua

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Leon

How long have you lived there?

one month

What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?

To meet others , principally expatriates, go to the new Cafe La Rosita on the street that leads to the city cathedral and park, opposite the main office of Claro.com the most cheap cellular telephone corporation.

Frequent the Cyber Internet places where foreign tourists congregate.

Get as soon as possible a cell phone costing to start anywhere from 25 to 49 dollars.

Sit on the park benches and start a chat in spanish with passers-by coming to sit down on the same park bench.

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In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.

There are many christian churches, catholic and protestant like the Baptist church.

You will find Nicaraguans are mainly Metis (mix of European whites and aboriginal) with a small percentage of whites.

Economically, as in most Central American cities you will see many unemployed and part time employed in the service industries (restaurant, food service, informal economy , etc).

They are very accepting of differences although the great majority are traditional; but Leon women wear miniskirts, tight jeans, and reggaeton music is quite popular with the university crowd.

What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?

Most jobs in Leon are in the shops and stores and restaurants with many jobs in the communications industry ( cellular, internet, small hotels) and transportation ( minibus service and taxis).

No local newspapers , so jobs are found through the social network.

In general, what are peoples' priorities in this city? For example, do lives revolve around work, family, socializing, sports, etc.?

Lives revolve around work and family for the Nicaraguan in Leon and family gatherings for birthdays.

If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.

Thinking of moving to Leon ?

Know it is a hot city (between 9h30 and 4h00 the sun is burnin ) so air-condition ed room is a must or take refuge in the shades of trees in parks.

Small hotel rooms are cheap (8 to 15 dollars a day) but standard is very basic : no hot water, no bathroom tub, ceiling fan but no air conditioning. Service is slow and be prepared to be patient.

English is rarely heard except from tourists and North American residents.