Some Commonly Asked Questions about the Labor-Religion Coalition's
Fair Trade Eyewitness Delegation to Nicaragua
NOTE: NO LRCNYS DELEGATIONS ARE SCHEDULED FOR 2012

Is it dangerous to travel to Nicaragua?
There are risks associated with any travel to a foreign country. Labor-Religion delegations take safety precautions in two major ways: we travel as a group in our own vehicles with our own drivers and we travel with people and organizers who know the area and the communities we visit. As a rule, Nicaraguans are very friendly toward U.S. citizens. Nicaragua is currently known as one of the safest countries in Central America for tourists.

Where will we stay during the trip?
Accommodations are modest, for some nights in local hotels with private baths and two beds to a room (some with air conditioning). We stay in a hostel or "casita" with bunk beds and shared baths for one or two nights. While visiting the coffee cooperative, we will stay in home stays with families. The cooperative is developing an eco-tourism program with those families, but accommodations in the homes are very basic and may involve shared bathrooms and primitive sanitation. (Single rooms are available when we are in a hotel at an extra cost of $100 per person.)

What about food?
Meals will be in local restaurants or with our families during the home stays. Food is simple and traditionally Nicaraguan (beans, rice, tortillas) as well as meats and other specialties. Our time with coffee families may allow us an oportunity to learn to cook "'Nicaraguan," learning how to make tortillas or other traditional dishes. Our hosts are aware of health issues related to food and water and take great care to keep us well. Every attempt is made to accommodate vegetarians.

Who leads the trips?
Maureen Casey has been organizing and leading delegations to the Border of Mexico with the Labor-Religion Coalition since 1997. She has extensive experience with group dynamics and health as well as the realities of global economics and fair trade. In Nicaragua, the group will be accompanied by Matagalpa Tours, a company dedicated to eco-tourism and to the well-being of the people of Nicaragua.  

What kind of clothing should I plan to bring?
Dress is casual but neat: slacks or jeans with t-shirts or casual shirts; nothing torn or with holes. The weather is usually hot in Managua, cooler in the mountainous coffee regions. Shorts are generally not worn in public but are fine in our hotels. The preparatory information you receive for your delegation will list specific recommendations for clothing and other items to bring.

What is a typical day on a delegation like?
Days are fully scheduled and can include meetings with people involved with human rights, environmental problems, education and health issues, immigration concerns, fair trade and corporate free trade. We travel by van or truck to meetings and meals and to various cities and villages in Nicaragua. We will spend a day or two in the capital, Managua, several days in the countryside and some time in smaller cities like Matagalpa or Leon. Homestays are arranged with members of Fair Trade coffee cooperatives to learn about Fair Trade and the process of growing and processing coffee.

Will I need a lot of extra money?
All travel, food, and housing expenses in Nicaragua are provided for in the cost of the trip. This includes round trip air transportation from Newark, NJ Liberty Airport to Managua. It is useful to plan on bringing some money for personal expenses like small souvenirs; $75- $100 is usually enough. (We try to schedule some time for tourist shopping.) ATM’s are available for receiving money in cordobas (Nicaraguan currency). Travelers' cheques are NOT helpful.

Payment and things financial
A $200 non-refundable deposit is required with your application to hold your place. The balance of money is due by November 30, 2010 unless you make special arrangements with Maureen.

To learn more, to ask questions, or to receive an application, contact MAUREEN CASEY, 518-213-6000 x 6294 or maureenc@labor-religion.org Visit www.labor-religion.org for more information. Revised May 2010