Costa Rica & Nicaragua – Another scary comparison…

Their goal is to cross 42,000 kilometers by foot, oar, ski and bicycle – The first human powered circumnavigation of the earth.

Colin Angus and Julie Wafaei have already completed their five month, 10,000 km rowboat crossing of the Atlantic Ocean, becoming the first in the world to row from continental Europe to mainland North America. They are in the process of cycling 7,500 km from Limon, Costa Rica to Vancouver, which will mark the end of the expedition.

Reading stories about other experienced traveller’s journeys through our region can help you decide which country would be more suitable and secure for you to visit, live, retire or buy real estate.

After leaving Costa Rica, here’s what they reported about their Nicaraguan cycling experience:

“Nicaragua was the country most intimidating to pass through. It is the second poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere, and civil violence has created a large number of desperate, jaded citizens with little regard for human life. Often, as Julie and Colin cycled the quiet roads in this country, locals would ride alongside, machetes strapped to hip, eyeing every item of gear secured to the bikes. Julie and Colin tried to pass it off as curiosity, but this was difficult when their attempts to start conversation initiated nothing other than a spit of disdain. Even worse were the men who would cycle within a metre of Julie ogling her from head to toe completely unabashedly, repeatedly issuing catcalls.”

You can see up to date details of their amazing adventures here.

“The downside was a feeling of unease that often accompanied Colin and Julie as they cycled. On several occasions, an unsmiling local would stalk them by bicycle and slowly examine their bikes and inventory their belongings. People constantly yelled from their bikes, vehicles, door-steps and the roadside. “Gringo, Give me money, American Dollar,” were phrases often heard.”

Nicaragua is sometimes sold as the “new Costa Rica” but, that doesn’t sound anything like Costa Rica to me.

If you are a young, adventurous, thrill-seeking traveller, Nicaragua may be a good place to visit.

However, if a peaceful and tranquil retirement is your goal and, if safety and security is important to you, then we would strongly suggest that do some really, really extensive research before making a decision to live in Nicaragua or buy Nicaragua real estate.

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Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.