Hi folks. I'm a U.S. gringo who'll arrive there on Feb. 4. I've been over five years in Costa Rica and, mostly in Nicaragua. That time was spent in one city in C.R. and three in Nicaragua. Guess that's the reason I'm appealing for some pre-arrival knowledge and wisdom those of my ilk now in the D.R. Seems to always take 2-8 weeks to find acceptable lodging. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the western hemisphere, behind only Haiti. I know stuff is more expensive in the D.R., but am hoping to come close to my current apt. here. Modest, two room place on the edge of an ok neighborhood. Don't pay utilities, and have a banyo privado, t.v. with cable is gratis, a fridge, sink and one of them there two-burner gas things. I'm paying $200 per month. I always live kinda on the margins, my s.s. dis. is just $1166 a month. Even in the U.S. I was always in the very low middle-class stratum. I'm most likely going to San Cristobal straight off the plane. I'd be very grateful for any and all advice offered. "When I de-plane, what's the best transport to San Cristobal?....anybody know where the marginal and inexpensive areas there I might begin to look for a place to live?...Thanks and thanks again for your help. Tim
