Embassy Protest Spillover?

[evillager]

Have there been any anti-US reactions we should be concerned about to the US ambassador's comments other than the protests at the embassy last week? Any activities outside of Managua or noticeable changes in sentiment toward the US?

We are headed down to Nicaragua next week for 10 days in SJDS, Ometepe, Granada and Leon. We certainly won't be waving US flags in the streets, but do we need to take any particular precautions as Americans? We live in NYC and have traveled before in Central America so street savvy is not an issue for us, but I'm hoping our government hasn't stirred up too much anger. Will there be greater risk in Leon than other areas?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Joshua Berman]

Nicaraguans are very good at distinguishing between a government's policy (or ambassador's remarks) and the actual people of that country. That is, in 12 years of traveling/living/working in Nicaragua I have never, not ONCE, been the target of anti-Americanism (I only speak for myself, but most of my friends have similar experiences). Also, I suspect that the crowds at the embassy were professional, paid FSLN mobsters who were mobilized for very specific purposes. Hassling tourists is not that purpose. You should be fine in all the places you listed.

(Incidentally, the U.S. ambassador really didn't say anything that crazy or inflammatory in my opinion, just commented on the sketchy supreme court decision.)

[Megan]

There has been no spillover outside of Managua and all is now quiet in Managua too. Nicaragua has returned to its tranquilo self.

[Randall Wood]

In fact, I was hanging around in Managua that day and didn't even realize it was happening until it was past tense.  24 hours later the Gringos repainted the wall of the embassy where the Sandinista thugs/supporters had scrawled their graffitti, and it's like it never happened.

[Randall Wood]

Here are two interesting accounts on what happened and more importantly, what is happening.  The first describes the attack on the American Embassy and the hussle/shuffle the American Ambassador had to do (both of which led to the question that started this thread).  The second describes a nascent rebellion/movement that sounds kind of like a band of upstarts that eventually led to the FSLN and the take-down of Somoza back in '79.  Funny how history repeats itself.
 
Miami Herald, In Nicaragua, tensions flare amid power quest: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/5min/v-print/story/1313144.html

Christian Science Monitor, Nicaragua: Anti-Ortega groups roll out hit-and-run tactics: http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/1027/p90s01-woam.html

Lastly, here's an interesting article on what Honduras' coup has done to tourism and Honduras economy.  The article says Honduras has lost 10 years of economic progress over 3 months.  Think Ortega is paying attention?  I don't.

Time Magazine, Honduras Tourism Minister: Don't Travel Here, After Coup: http://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1932100,00.html

We live in interesting times.

[jimwalker]

I second Joshua's comment that I have never encountered a personal anti-USA sentiment...not once in 12 years; some negativity directed at the US government, but nothing personal or remotely uncomfortable.

[evillager]

Thanks all for the input. Can't wait to get there!

[erik nelson]

I am Canadian, and any anti-Americans would feel comfortable venting in my presence.  But I'm not hearing it.  I think Europeans are more popular, because they're seen as more polite, soft-spoken and reserved, but I don't know anything who actually dislikes Americans or would make an issue of your nationality.