Returning to My Roots: An Unforgettable Trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua

My journey began in mid-July 2025, touching down in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Prioritizing health and comfort, I took extensive precautions against mosquitoes, a vital step for travel in this region. All my clothing and gear – including my backpack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag liner, and mosquito net – were pre-treated with Permethrin repellent. Daily, I applied Permethrin spray and an anti-bug balm, always opting for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and high socks. These measures proved effective, so far; throughout my three-week trip, I don’t think I was bitten once, mitigating the risk of illnesses like malaria or dengue.

As for my the sleep disorders, I brought my tiny pillow that I use at home every night, it’s a mix of buckwheat on a bottom layer with a 1″ talalay latex layer above, it’s around 7″x12″ or so. Brought a Static V inflatable air pad which I used on top of the beds, as so often I find myself kinked and negatively effected by different beds; this combination worked out quite well. Of course I had my ‘Smart Pulse Oxymeter’ with vibration/alarm function, set to do so at 86% Sp02 (blood oxygen saturation level) and wore it every night. Some days I took naps, other days I didn’t need to.

Discovering Tamarindo, Costa Rica

A familiar face greeted me near the airport: Edgar, affectionately known as Tata, a lifelong friend from Posoltega, Nicaragua. Our bond spans decades, forged during countless childhood visits to Posoltega – often once or twice a year, each lasting from a week to over a month, between the ages of 8 and 23. Edgar, now living just six minutes from Tamarindo, helped me secure a comfortable and affordable stay at the Tama Lodge through a connection with his former girlfriend. While the accommodation was a pleasant surprise, Tamarindo lived up to its reputation as a bustling tourist hub; true to its nickname, ‘TamaGringo,’ food prices were notably high.

My week in Tamarindo was a blend of exploration and relaxation. I spent my days discovering the town, sometimes with my camera, other times simply soaking in the atmosphere. A standout culinary surprise was a nearby Indian restaurant, where the mushroom saag was exceptionally delicious, perfectly complemented by a refreshing smoothie of mango, lime, and mint. I frequented the beautiful beaches, embarked on a boat tour of the estuary, capturing some memorable photographs, and on days Edgar wasn’t working, he took me to picturesque spots like Playa Flamingo and various scenic overlooks. The intense heat and abundant sunshine often prompted restful afternoons back at the lodge.

Journey to Nicaragua

My time in Tamarindo concluded on Monday evening, a week after my Tuesday arrival. Edgar once again provided a ride, dropping me off in Liberia where I spent the night before embarking on an early morning TicaBus journey to Managua, Nicaragua. The pre-dawn wait for the 4 AM bus, at a small booth on a bustling highway in a somewhat isolated part of the city, felt a little precarious. Though I arrived by taxi at 3:45 AM, the bus eventually came around 4:45 AM, thankfully equipped with air conditioning. The border crossing, while lengthy – taking a few hours and involving considerable standing – proceeded smoothly. It was a long day of travel; I reached Managua around 12:30 PM, then immediately took an uncomfortable two to two-and-a-half-hour public van ride directly to Leon.

Posoltega: A Second Home and Deep Roots

Initially, I had planned only a week in Nicaragua, but I quickly extended my stay by five days. This decision was driven by an overwhelming desire for more time with my ‘second family’ in Posoltega – a non-blood-related family with whom I’ve shared countless cherished memories since childhood. While my heart longs to spend extended periods there, the challenging living conditions, particularly the lack of air conditioning at night, and the ever-present health risks like malaria and dengue fever, make prolonged stays difficult. Yet, given the right opportunity and suitable accommodation, I would move there in a heartbeat, for as long as I could manage the circumstances.

My connection to Posoltega dates back decades. My first visit was in 1988 at the age of eight, traveling by bus with my mother and an eclectic group of fellow travelers – hippies, aspiring lawyers, future judges, and various other professionals. Each year from I flew down and lived with the family in Posoltega for some extent of time, helping with different sister-city delegation groups/projects. A decade later, in October 1998, I returned by land again in a different capacity, driving a 15-person van with three friends as part of a ‘Pastors for Peace’ caravan delivering relief aid after Hurricane Mitch. The hurricane had unleashed a devastating mudslide from the dried volcano crater of Las Casitas, engulfing miles at the base of the mountain and tragically claiming over 2,000 lives. Several comarcas (villages) I had previously visited, like the one where I recalled riding a horse and attending a school in my early teens, were completely wiped off the map. Walking through the horrifying aftermath in November 1998 left an indelible mark. On this recent trip, I visited the memorial dedicated to the victims, including Rolando Rodriguez, from one of those lost villages.

Reflections and Future Adventures

This recent journey, while encompassing both Costa Rica and Nicaragua, particularly deepened my appreciation for the enduring spirit of Posoltega and the profound bonds I share there. It was a powerful reminder of both beauty and resilience, and the intricate threads that weave through a lifetime of connection.

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Created August 11th, 2025 by: Solomon Briggs (aka Narcoplexic)

Returning to My Roots: An Unforgettable Trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua © 2025 by Solomon Briggs is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0