Linked to the fake journalists case, Nicaraguan and Russian authorities have linked up to apprehend more Zeta-related traffickers. These were apparently involved in trafficking cocaine to Europe and Russia. From an AP article in the Windsor Star:

With the recent legislaiton in Colorado and Washington to legalize pot and hemp, Kentucky's interest in industrial hemp, and Guatemala's interest in decriminalizing we have brought up both pot tourism and industrial hemp production for Nicaragua here.

See http://links.org.au/node/3246 for actual graphs, which I am unable to reproduce here.

* * * By Jake Johnston and Sara Kozameh March 7, 2013 -- Center for Economic and Policy Research -- Below is a series of graphs that illustrate the economic and social changes that have taken place in Venezuela during this time period.

1. Growth (average annual percent)

Source: Banco Central de Venezuela

This graph shows overall GDP growth as well as per-capita growth in the pre-Chávez (1986-1999) era and the Chávez presidency.

A CSM article addresses the question of whether Nicaragua can protect the waters it won in it's ICJ case against Colombia. Most previous articles following the ICJ ruling were about Colombia not being happy with the decision. It's about time to move on.

The issue is real as this is the area where much of Colombia's big cash crop, cocaine, passes through.

As typically happens with discussions of "visa resets", http://www.nicaliving.com/node/21010 has regressed into something far from useful. Rather than beat a dead horse, I would like to take up a related subject. What do you feel the Nicaraguan government should do with regard to the situation of residents without residency. That is, people who are perpetual tourists.

I just read a personal experience article about a person traveling from Liberia Costa Rica to, ultimately, San Juan del Sur. I have labeled it personal experience because it is just that. What I am saying is that it covers what one family experienced. It is not a good guide for how to do it but it might help you get the feel and possibly avoid some of the mistakes they made.

Can anyone give me any ideas about going to Costa Rica to get my new 90 day visa for Nicaragua?

Do they make you stay the full 72 hours?

Any problem with taking a vehicle?

nice but inexpensive place to stay within a couple of hours from the border?

I need some schooling!

Gregorio

Bits from foreignpolicy.com posted almost a year ago, 11 Apr 2012, by Roger F. Noriega, titled After Chávez, the Narcostate:

"In my estimation, the approaching death of the Venezuelan caudillo could put the country on the path toward a political and social meltdown. The military cadre installed by Chávez in January already is behaving like a de facto regime determined to hold onto power at all costs. And Havana, Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing are moving to protect their interests."

Dear readers,

My name is Ingrid, 44 years old, Dutch (ex-graphic design) and together with a good friend of mine (Victor, 42 years old, ex-Marine) I am looking for a (long term) house sit project in Nicaragua, preferably in or close by León, starting from end Summer/begin Fall.

I lived in Nicaragua before: 2,5 years in wonderful León and although I now house and pet sit in France, I would love to go back to Nicaragua.

I'm having trouble with my Claro net connection. Within the last hour I did three speed tests and got 0.05 Mb/s, 1.41 Mb/s, and 0.11 Mb/s. Last month one of my tests was 3.15 Mb/s. How do I find out if the problem is with Claro, or with me? I'm in Yalaquina, 10 - 15 km from Somoto.

Hugo Chávez has just died. I don't think that is a surprise considering a few days Evo Morales was in Venezuela and not allowed to visit Chávez. But, it's time to think about what this means for Latin America in general and Nicaragua in particular.

To get us on track, here is a tweet from a few minutes ago:

Renata Avila ‏@avilarenata

Will Correa emerge as the voice of our brave, proud, sovereign Latin America now with Chavez gone and Lula out? Will Maduro?

My partner is in need of some recommendations for this procedure. Anyone here have some up-to-date details on pricing and possible locations?

There is an old thread that recommends the Military Hospital. http://www.nicaliving.com/node/15367 Is that still a good option?

I'm on the hunt for detailed maps of various regions of Nicaragua, including topographical maps if they exist. Does anyone know of a store or government office in Managua where these are sold? If so, can you provide me with the address?

Many thanks for anyone who can provide me with this information.

From YahooNews:

"At its 2013 La Quinta Conference here, La Quinta announced it is accelerating its international growth, through a series of agreements with an affiliate of Grupo Santos, a Honduran organization whose affiliates include a construction and development company. The agreements will bring La Quinta hotels to cities in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama.

When I was a kid I had a bank account. While I know my mother was in some way connected with the account (probably beneficiary) I could deposit and withdraw the money without needing "an adult" involved. There was even a bank day each month when I was in elementary school where you could bring in your passbook (this was just for one bank -- not the one where I had an account) and money and make a deposit.