In my first week in Matagalpa I was met with what I thought were 3 big challenges.
1. Getting me and all my crap from Managua to Matagalpa in one piece and alive.
Solution: Melissa from Travel Jinotega!!!!! Can't say enough good things about her. She and her mother listened to me blabber and ask stupid questions the whole way. Plus. I wasn't robbed, stabbed or raped. Thank you again Melissa. You're the best.
2. I needed to find a rental apt/house that was nice, but not too expensive. Somewhere I could unpack my bags and feel safe in my new city.
Solution: Sergio Amaya. In 48 hours we had looked at two places that fit my needs and were WAY under the budget I gave him. He walked me through the lease negotiation and signing process. And called twice just to make sure I was happy and all of the agreed upon stuff was done.
*****extra note***** lots of folks say to just get here and start walking around to find someplace. There are lots of places to find I was told. That was not my experience. Possibly if I had 7 weeks instead of seven days to find a place that may have been true.
3. Finding a restaurant that made me feel welcome, served great food and at a reasonable cost.
Solution: Happy is fantastic!! I have only been there once, but I had shrimp with a garlic cream sauce served over pasta. It was yummy. And the beer was cold. Thank you Gus. You're officially my new go-to place to feel better.
The nachos at the monkey bar come in second.
Anyway. I hope this helps someone in the future.
1. Getting me and all my crap from Managua to Matagalpa in one piece and alive.
Solution: Melissa from Travel Jinotega!!!!! Can't say enough good things about her. She and her mother listened to me blabber and ask stupid questions the whole way. Plus. I wasn't robbed, stabbed or raped. Thank you again Melissa. You're the best.
2. I needed to find a rental apt/house that was nice, but not too expensive. Somewhere I could unpack my bags and feel safe in my new city.
Solution: Sergio Amaya. In 48 hours we had looked at two places that fit my needs and were WAY under the budget I gave him. He walked me through the lease negotiation and signing process. And called twice just to make sure I was happy and all of the agreed upon stuff was done.
*****extra note***** lots of folks say to just get here and start walking around to find someplace. There are lots of places to find I was told. That was not my experience. Possibly if I had 7 weeks instead of seven days to find a place that may have been true.
3. Finding a restaurant that made me feel welcome, served great food and at a reasonable cost.
Solution: Happy is fantastic!! I have only been there once, but I had shrimp with a garlic cream sauce served over pasta. It was yummy. And the beer was cold. Thank you Gus. You're officially my new go-to place to feel better.
The nachos at the monkey bar come in second.
Anyway. I hope this helps someone in the future.
