Central America Things to see and do Travel Articles

Gem Materials of Mexico and Guatemala – Mexico and Guatemala

Mexican Fire Opals Opals Mexico is famous for its "Fire Opal", which is a type of opal rarely found in Australia. It is defined as a transparent-to-translucent stone with an orange-to-red body color which may or may not show a play of color. Also found is "Water Opal" which is a colorless (or very pale [...]

More Observations from a Costa Rican Insider

Qualifying Statement #10 This is a tirade. Also, it is a correction to any mis-statements in any previous articles written by me. Please refer to Observations from a Costa Rican Insider. 1) You know what really chaps my little, brown, Mexican-American bottom? Turistas (Tourists). You know, I used to be a friendly, outgoing, helluva nice [...]

Managua: Against All Odds

View of the city from the Loma de Tiscapa As a capital constantly battered by death and destruction, Managua’s reputation precedes itself: Flooded by Lake Managua in 1876, leveled by an earthquake in 1885, damaged by a military arsenal in 1902, destroyed by civil war in 1912, occupied by US Marines from 1928-1933, torched by [...]

Managua, Nicaragua: General Info

Quick Facts and Figures Population: 1.3 million Natural Threats: more than 25 volcanoes surround Managua; active fault lines run dead through the middle of the city; prone to flooding and landslides Number killed in 1972 earthquake: 6,000-10,000 Damage from ’72 earthquake: five square miles of the city center in complete ruins; light, water, sewerage, and [...]

Elias, Ronald and Ronald’s Dog

Qualifying Statement #4 I really don’t care about what other people in the world are doing. As long as their silliness doesn’t infringe upon my “plan,” then so be it. But, on occasion, I do take notice of what is happening in the street. If you are ever in Jaco, Costa Rica for any period [...]

Gaming Costa Rica

I am sitting at my computer at my current location in the United States and I am staring at three, 100 Colon coins (less than $1US) from my stay in Costa Rica. I think that that is about how much I am “up” from my time in casinos in Costa Rica, but HEY, I’m still [...]

Copán Ruins, Honduras

Sculpture at the Acropolis The kings of Copán in northern Honduras make the House of Windsor seem very boring and commonplace – what exotic names they have: King Waterlily Jaguar, Moon Jaguar and Smoke Imix (Jaguar), the wise and powerful king who built Copán into a military stronghold around 690 AD. Smoke Shell, the 15th [...]

Breaking the Law, Breaking the Law

Qualifying Statement #5 In order to support my nefarious ways, I have to work. It doesn’t matter if it is as a stockbroker in Atlanta, Georgia or a hotel night auditor in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. So here is how you do it in Costa Rica. I came rolling into Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica at [...]

Sportfishing on the South Central Coast

The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers some of the best sportfishing in the world. I have lived in two of the three major sportfishing ports of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Here is the best advice that I can give: If you can’t pay the money to go on a nice trip, save [...]

Always Something Happening in Antigua

Folks often ask me “when is a good time to visit Antigua”? My response is this: ANYTIME. There is always some activity or festival going on here in Antigua and in Guatemala. January 1st – New Year’s Day with lots of fireworks and celebrations. February 14th – Valentine’s Day is celebrated. March Lent and Easter [...]