Our crossing of Nicaragua was quite the experience. With the political tension and violence in the streets we decided to hire a guide, and make the crossing in just one day. We stayed in a small town just over the border the night before and first thing the next morning, made the 400 kilometer crossing in about 8 hours. All of the people we encountered in Nicaragua were absolutely wonderful and it is sad to see their struggles first-hand as they attempt to prevent a dictatorship in the making.
Due to the violence, some of which is being blamed on the US, we were told not to take pictures or discuss any of our experiences until after leaving the country. This alone speaks to the fragility of the politics in a country we wish we could have explored more. That said, we carefully took a few shots out the window. "Nicaragua Libre" is tagged on buildings throughout the country, streets are devoid of life, restaurants are empty, and evidence of roadblocks and violence is evident in city centers.
