There is a myth in Nicaragua that U2’s song “where the streets have no name” was written about Managua. Although Bono was in Nicaragua doing charity concerts at the time the song came out, it was most likely written about Dublin.
Regardless, many streets in the capital aren’t named, and directions can be confusing. Most directions are given in reference to a landmark, some past and some present.
In Managua it is especially hard to get around since many reference points were destroyed in the earthquake of 1972. If the word antiguo is used you can bet it refers to a landmark that stood before the earthquake. Also, it is important to always try and get as detailed instructions as possible since some landmarks given are not that familiar. For example, from the church three blocks arriba (east) and two blocks al lago (north).
If you are unfamiliar with this system it is almost impossible to find your way around, and easy to get lost. Don’t worry, after you have lived in Nicaragua for a while, you will get used to this system. In the event you get lost, you can always ask Nicaraguans for directions—provided you understand a little Spanish or they speak some English.
Most people are happy to help you find the address you are looking for.
However, it is always a good idea to ask a second person, because most Nicaraguans are embarrassed to admit they don’t know an address and will sometimes give you directions whether they know where you want to go or not. (This is the same reason why people will ask you for directions on the street. They see that you are a foreigner and know that you probably will admit you don’t know where something is if that’s the case).
Here is some important vocabulary, which will help you find your way around Nicaragua. Many can be used outside of Managua as well. Al lago or al norte (north), al sur (south), (a couple blocks up or “east” in Managua), abajo or al oeste (a few blocks down or in Managua “west’), una cuadra or 100 varas (one block), barrio or reparto (a given neighborhood), colonia (another word for neighborhood), cuadra (block), antiguo (refers to a place that is no longer standing), pista (highway or boulevard), carretera (a big highway), costado (the side of a block or square), rotonda (traffic circle), calle (street), esquina (corner), al frente or enfrente de (in front of or across the street), diagonal (diagonal to) and contiguo (next door to). |
