A road

The old road from Jinotega to Matagalpa has some of the most beautiful views in the country. Stopping off with Rachel and Nick at a windswept viewpoint.

However, the road has been heavily pot-holed for years and the Jinotegan locals are not impressed. Feeling their town has been a little forgotten. Jinotega demands its roads. Now!

In the last year or so, things are improving. There has been massive investment throughout the country in repaving major roads. Firstly, this was financed by American money, but they got cold feet after local elections in November 2008 which they claimed were fraudulent (a slight hint of hypocrisy can't be overlooked given the US interpretation of democracy in Central America, most recent example being Honduras). Venezuela's Hugo Chavez stepped in to replace them and ensure the projects continue. Local protests about the state of the old road are not without their sense of humour.