Nomad : Nicaragua + Costa Rica > 3/2 UPDATE : Ometepe, Nica military, and beachfront in San Juan Del Sur (1 Viewer)

[beer 30]

i hope you have fun on your latin american trip lleva eso al banco bromigo 

Well done...well ####### done :slowclap:

 

[steelerfan1]

My pleasure. 

Krista and others in here have FAR more experience than I in this regard, but I will say that in both Cuenca, Ecuador and Samara, Costa Rica you could live pretty comfortably knowing only basic transactional spanish. Also, as an expat... with time you'll naturally pick up more as needed. If you find yourself in a situation where you NEED spanish (like I did at the Kolbi offices)... Google Translate or just having a bi-lingual friend in town will get you through it. 

Most communities popular with Expats seem to adapt for bi-lingual support. Most Expats I've encountered had only a cursory grasp of spanish... from transactional only to fractured conversational. 

Presuming you're considering areas that have established expat communities, I wouldn't fear the language barrier. I WOULD strongly suggest doing a long term rental for a while to check out a town. EVERYWHERE can seem amazing for a long weekend or a week.

Spend a month or two there... learn what it's like to pay your power bill, cell bill, get groceries, purchase odd things needed for around the house, etc. Idiosyncrasies are abound in every community. Some are consistent across many LATAM towns... some are unique to certain towns. It's best to unearth them before you're 6 figures into an investment. 

Well, This has me feeling a little more upbeat about the language issue.

We would most definitely stay at least a month if we seriously entertained a thought of moving to a place we enjoyed vacationing at. Right now though are just the planning of vacations to areas to see if there is interest in a possible move.

I know Panama, as well as CR has several different environments ranging from jungle to beach to central parts that are more USA like as far as development and supposedly milder weather.

I have to say that from binge watching Mexico Life, the Baha California area of Mexico (Cabo, San Jose, La Paz) looks pretty cool, but know its one of the more expensive areas as well as touristy.

Hope you enjoy your stay!  

 

[steelerfan1]

Such important advice!

As far as Nicaragua, you're smart to bring all that stuff.  Getting things in Nica is not as easy as Prime shipping on Amazon.    Amazon itself did not ship to Nica when we lived there.  We showed it to Julio and he said, "OH MY GOD.  You can just buy something and then it comes to your house?"  I'd never seen him so amazed, and he says "OH MY GOD" a lot.

Even if it did ship, getting something to your "address" is...interesting.  Nicaraguan doesn't have number/street addresses, but instead the addresses are a long series of words using landmarks.  For instance, we lived at an address that was something like the Spanish for "three blocks north of the lake and one block east on Almendro Street to the block where the old post office used to be."  Not kidding!  

There are, however, two Pricesmarts in Nica, one in Managua, and one in Masaya.  Pricesmart is Costco, with even many of the same items offered.  You do have to buy a membership, as with Costco.  We were members of the one in Managua (I'm not sure the Masaya one existed) and got a lot of our basic household supplies there.

Groceries tend to be modern and useful, at least in Granada, which has two good-sized, clean and bright groceries that happen to be right next to each other.

Getting other stuff there - such simple items as a certain type of light bulb or whatever - often required a trip to Managua.  

Wow, That sounds crazy to me. Driving around must be a real adventure. With the huge rise of Mercadolibre I figured it would be more of a thing as far as getting items delivered.

 

[krista4]

Wow, That sounds crazy to me. Driving around must be a real adventure. With the huge rise of Mercadolibre I figured it would be more of a thing as far as getting items delivered.

I've never driven in Nicaragua, as I've just not had cause to.  I always rented a car in Costa Rica, though, and it was definitely challenging to get to some places.  I even managed to get pulled over for speeding in CR, though I was told if I gave the officer $20 he'd give me back my license and send me on my way (which I did, of course).   

 

[steelerfan1]

I've never driven in Nicaragua, as I've just not had cause to.  I always rented a car in Costa Rica, though, and it was definitely challenging to get to some places.  I even managed to get pulled over for speeding in CR, though I was told if I gave the officer $20 he'd give me back my license and send me on my way (which I did, of course).   

Well at least it wasn't a "We're The Millers" type of scenario...

 

[krista4]

Well at least it wasn't a "We're The Millers" type of scenario...

What’s that?

 

[[icon]]

What’s that?

Damnit Krista... watch this  

 

[Dez89]

Well, This has me feeling a little more upbeat about the language issue.

We would most definitely stay at least a month if we seriously entertained a thought of moving to a place we enjoyed vacationing at. Right now though are just the planning of vacations to areas to see if there is interest in a possible move.

I know Panama, as well as CR has several different environments ranging from jungle to beach to central parts that are more USA like as far as development and supposedly milder weather.

I have to say that from binge watching Mexico Life, the Baha California area of Mexico (Cabo, San Jose, La Paz) looks pretty cool, but know its one of the more expensive areas as well as touristy.

Hope you enjoy your stay!  

Panama is an interesting place.  Definitely different environments.  I think you'll find more English there and obviously a strong U.S. influence, which cuts both ways in my opinion.  And I think the greenback is an official currency.  I'd guess it's probably on the more expensive side, in the city at least.  And you probably want to stay away during rainy season (a mistake I made when I went over Thanksgiving a couple years back).

 

[Dez89]

This thread is so awesome.  No joke, this is the canvas I’m using to sketch out early retirement plans.  Bummed that we will be in Costa Rica earlier than icon.  Was hoping we would overlap.

I thought you quite vehemently had decided on Colombia?

 

[krista4]

Damnit Krista... watch this  

I've never even heard of the movie!  Looked pretty funny, though - was it?

 

[Alex P Keaton]

I thought you quite vehemently had decided on Colombia?

That’s only if I stop being married

 

[steelerfan1]

Panama is an interesting place.  Definitely different environments.  I think you'll find more English there and obviously a strong U.S. influence, which cuts both ways in my opinion.  And I think the greenback is an official currency.  I'd guess it's probably on the more expensive side, in the city at least.  And you probably want to stay away during rainy season (a mistake I made when I went over Thanksgiving a couple years back).

Thanks Dez,

Panama really seems like they are trying to get expats there. Looks like they have great incentives. I think I’d probably prefer Boquete, but I’d put money on the wife liking Coronado.

One of the main reasons for looking out of the USA  is costs, so snow birds probably wouldn’t be an option, so we would have to live with this rainy season you speak of. Care to elaborate on the experience?

 

[steelerfan1]

I've never even heard of the movie!  Looked pretty funny, though - was it?

Let me preface this by saying I have a crush on Jennifer Aniston and I believe Dumb and Dumber is the best movie ever created. 

We’re The Miller’s is with a watch.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I've never even heard of the movie!  Looked pretty funny, though - was it?

Yes. 

 

[Hawks64]

Yes. 

 

[Dez89]

Thanks Dez,

Panama really seems like they are trying to get expats there. Looks like they have great incentives. I think I’d probably prefer Boquete, but I’d put money on the wife liking Coronado.

One of the main reasons for looking out of the USA  is costs, so snow birds probably wouldn’t be an option, so we would have to live with this rainy season you speak of. Care to elaborate on the experience?

I've only been there the one time, and it was just for a week, so not a lot of experience to speak of.  I was in Panama City, which seemed fairly modern and I liked a lot, and I went to some of the tourist spots near there.  You can find a ton of American stores and restaurants in the malls.  I really enjoyed talking to the Uber drivers, one guy gave his account of when the U.S. attacked Noriega back in the day.  I spent about 4 hours at the Miraflores Locks of the Canal, which was really cool.  The day I got there it was a downpour.  The driver who picked me up at the airport told me it was rainy season (which I think lasts for at least a couple of months).  He told me it would rain every afternoon, and that's basically what it did the whole week I was there.  Sometimes it lasted into the evening.  Panama is rainy in general, but that's good because that's the sole source of water for the Canal.  There are no pumps or anything, it operates the same as when it was completed in 1914.  I know there are some other popular towns down the coast, but I never got outside of the city.  A colombian girl I know spent a month or so on the north coast a couple of years ago, and the pictures she posted throughout that time were absolutely beautiful.

 

[[icon]]

2 weeks out! 

When it came to airfare it turned out we could save nearly $1k between my folks and the Gf and I by flying out Wednesday the 23rd instead of Sunday the 20th. Soooooo we opted to stay 3 more days. My brothers family doesn't have that luxury with him not working remote and my nieces having school, so they will still head back on the 20th.
 

We initially had booked Locanda on the beach in Samara, but my folks got the idea of checking out another town further up the coast closer to Liberia Airport. I did some digging and ruled out Tamarindo and Coco due to being too touristy. Finally settled on Playa Hermosa due to it being a small low key town that's very walkable.  Looked at several rental properties but found the best combo of location and amenities for this trip to be in this Condo in Hermosa Del Mar.  The unit is not bad, but the balcony/view as well as the location (on the main drag near tons of dining and the beach) sold us on it. 
 

FINAL AGENDA - 32 Nights Abroad:

Feb 19 - Feb 27 : Granada, Nicaragua (8 nights in Casa Blanca @ $2000)
- Tours of Masaya + Isletas / Monkey Island + Ometepe + Around town & Markets

Feb 27 - Mar 12 : San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua (13 Nights in El Torreon @ $920)
- No tours, just work and relax on beach/bars/dining. 

Mar 12 - Mar 20 : Playa Samara, Costa Rica (8 nights at Condo Veneto @ $3700)
- Family vacation. Deep Sea Fishing charter, sunset booze cruise, ATV jungle tours booked.  Plus lots of relaxing, dining out, exploring town, relaxing on the beach. 

Mar 20 - Mar 23 : Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica (3 nights at Hermosa Del Mar @ $890)
- Couole more days working a bit and exploring the town, dining out, enjoying the beach, etc. 

Potential Challenge now surfacing with Costa Rica and my brother's family not being vaccinated. 

In December CR attempted to pass legislation that mandated vaccine passports for any dining, bars, non-essential shopping, taxis, busses, hotels, tourist activities, etc. 

It was put on hold... however rumblings of them revisiting it sooner than later.  If that happens my brother and his wife's antivax status may end up with them severely handicapping the family vacation... and they may end up stuck sitting on the beach or at the condo pool the whole time... if they can even get into the shuttle from the airport. 
 

 

[The Z Machine]

Surprised that CR is letting foreign nationals in without a vaccine. 

 

[[icon]]

Surprised that CR is letting foreign nationals in without a vaccine. 

I am a little as well. If the anti-vax crowd doesn't learn how to behave themselves I suspect that is going to change sooner than later. From what I'm hearing there are some unhinged folks causing issues and clashing hard with the laid back / polite Ticos. 

 

[[icon]]

Of note... 

Discovered the Managua Airport "Salon VIP Service". Going to give it a shot: 

1) Email salonvip@eaai.com.ni at least 6 hours in advance to reserve. 

2) When you land you're greeted by a host who takes you to the VIP lounge, gets your seated with some food and a couple cocktails. 

3) Host then takes the Immigration paperwork and files it for you, gets your bags from the carousel and bring them to you. If you owe duties, they'll come collect payment and bring you a receipt.

4) Once your papers are processed, they bring back your passport and your bags and escort you to your ride. 

Total Charge: $34.50 including the lunch and two cocktails while you waited.

Seems like it's worth a spin. Booked! 

 

[krista4]

Of note... 

Discovered the Managua Airport "Salon VIP Service". Going to give it a shot: 

1) Email salonvip@eaai.com.ni at least 6 hours in advance to reserve. 

2) When you land you're greeted by a host who takes you to the VIP lounge, gets your seated with some food and a couple cocktails. 

3) Host then takes the Immigration paperwork and files it for you, gets your bags from the carousel and bring them to you. If you owe duties, they'll come collect payment and bring you a receipt.

4) Once your papers are processed, they bring back your passport and your bags and escort you to your ride. 

Total Charge: $34.50 including the lunch and two cocktails while you waited.

Seems like it's worth a spin. Booked! 

Nice!  This is definitely something new.  

 

[[icon]]

Nice!  This is definitely something new.  

I have no idea. Found it on a Nica Travel FB Group!  I am confident we could easily navigate customs, but turning the lines, the hassle, the wait at the carousel, etc... into sandwich and a couple beers for $35?

Done, son.

I'll report back on the process 

 

[Tick]

I have no idea. Found it on a Nica Travel FB Group!  I am confident we could easily navigate customs, but turning the lines, the hassle, the wait at the carousel, etc... into sandwich and a couple beers for $35?

Done, son.

I'll report back on the process 

I have a hard time handing anyone my passport unless they're in a booth.

Some Chinese military guys took my passport for about 5 minutes when I was on a job site and I had hot flashes.

 

[[icon]]

Prepping for the trip we are getting lists of stuff people want us to bring down. One wild dynamic is the muling of things down by visitors to offset scarce or overpriced status of certain items. There are folks who make runs to major towns, or even fly back to the US or CAN then return with suitcases of items (often paying for their trip)

We've reached out to a few friends from our last trip and we thus far are bringing: 

The Dufresnes: Canadian Expats who's YouTube channel gave us TONS of insight into Samara before going. Become friends while living there last year. Bringing them 100 koozies and stickers for their container airBNB business Sea Casa. 

Rosy: our Guatemalan housekeeper last spring. Super super sweet young woman who was abandoned with her 2 children by her guy after moving to CR. Shared some horrible stories about people she's worked for.

Works hard as a cook and housekeeper around town, and barely scrapes by. She requested a chef coat for work, plus some socks for her,  and some underwear for her daughter (apparently the kind she likes are hard to get). We're adding a second chef coat and some other little extras too. 

Krista's friend Julio is already a HUGE help and we haven't even arrived yet  He's a big timeYankees fan and a proud Nicaraguan, so I did a little digging and found a card for Jonathan Loaisiga... the top Nica-born MLB player who happens to pitch for the Yankees. The card includes a slice of game worn jersey and is autographed. Comes in a hard case with a stand. Just a small token (on top of cash, obviously) to say thank you. 

Friendly Locals make a huge difference in enjoyment of a trip  We enjoy trying to show a little appreciation somehow. 

 

[[icon]]

11 Days out! 

As stated: Nica COVID Testing requirements are strict and require somewhat precise timing... which is a recipe for disaster when dealing with 3rd world caliber customer service / communication. 

- Must have Negative RT-PCR result within 72hrs of ARRIVAL. Must have stamp/seal, signature, and CLIA number.

- Results must be submitted to the airline no more than 36 hours before DEPARTURE, then they pass to the government to approve entry. 

Avianca Airlines is fairly notorious for sketchy communication/service. As a result a cottage industry has surfaced of locals to "manage" your testing processing. You pay them a small fee ($30US in the case of Alex Ruiz). Then email them your results. They handle it from there.... submitting to the airline... dealing with customer service as a native speaker in the event of any hiccups, etc. One of those services, you don't need it until you need it. 

Also of note: American Airlines has been an absolute ####show between Covid Staffing and the Ice Storms. I have a 6am flight to Miami, then a 5 hour layover before jumping on Avianca to NIcaragua. 

The last 5 incidences of American Airlines flight: 
3 Cancellations
1 Major Delay (3hrs) that would have me miss my Avianca Flight
1 On Time 

Hoping as the storms are in the rearview mirror, and weather warms that will return to a reliably on-time status. With the COVID testing timelines/requirements.. any delays could quickly become a significant issue.  

 

[Dez89]

11 Days out! 

As stated: Nica COVID Testing requirements are strict and require somewhat precise timing... which is a recipe for disaster when dealing with 3rd world caliber customer service / communication. 

- Must have Negative RT-PCR result within 72hrs of ARRIVAL. Must have stamp/seal, signature, and CLIA number.

- Results must be submitted to the airline no more than 36 hours before DEPARTURE, then they pass to the government to approve entry. 

Avianca Airlines is fairly notorious for sketchy communication/service. As a result a cottage industry has surfaced of locals to "manage" your testing processing. You pay them a small fee ($30US in the case of Alex Ruiz). Then email them your results. They handle it from there.... submitting to the airline... dealing with customer service as a native speaker in the event of any hiccups, etc. One of those services, you don't need it until you need it. 

Also of note: American Airlines has been an absolute ####show between Covid Staffing and the Ice Storms. I have a 6am flight to Miami, then a 5 hour layover before jumping on Avianca to NIcaragua. 

The last 5 incidences of American Airlines flight: 
3 Cancellations
1 Major Delay (3hrs) that would have me miss my Avianca Flight
1 On Time 

Hoping as the storms are in the rearview mirror, and weather warms that will return to a reliably on-time status. With the COVID testing timelines/requirements.. any delays could quickly become a significant issue.  

American sucks but usually not many other choices.

I really like Avianca in general but yeah their customer service kind of sucks if you have to call.  It used to be a little better, but since the pandemic it's almost pointless to even try to call (hours on hold).

 

[Al Czervik]

 

[DA RAIDERS]

11 Days out! 

As stated: Nica COVID Testing requirements are strict and require somewhat precise timing... which is a recipe for disaster when dealing with 3rd world caliber customer service / communication. 

- Must have Negative RT-PCR result within 72hrs of ARRIVAL. Must have stamp/seal, signature, and CLIA number.

- Results must be submitted to the airline no more than 36 hours before DEPARTURE, then they pass to the government to approve entry. 

Avianca Airlines is fairly notorious for sketchy communication/service. As a result a cottage industry has surfaced of locals to "manage" your testing processing. You pay them a small fee ($30US in the case of Alex Ruiz). Then email them your results. They handle it from there.... submitting to the airline... dealing with customer service as a native speaker in the event of any hiccups, etc. One of those services, you don't need it until you need it. 

Also of note: American Airlines has been an absolute ####show between Covid Staffing and the Ice Storms. I have a 6am flight to Miami, then a 5 hour layover before jumping on Avianca to NIcaragua. 

The last 5 incidences of American Airlines flight: 
3 Cancellations
1 Major Delay (3hrs) that would have me miss my Avianca Flight
1 On Time 

Hoping as the storms are in the rearview mirror, and weather warms that will return to a reliably on-time status. With the COVID testing timelines/requirements.. any delays could quickly become a significant issue.  

I will burn some incense for your AA flight.  Last Saturday, 1.5 hour delay out of SLC. fly to Phx.  cancelled flight.  The new flight was 6 hours later. It was delayed 2+ hours.  Thank god I rerouted us onto a plane that I knew would take off…..to a different airport.  But I had no faith the later flight would even happen. 

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Oh…my original direct flight?  Cancelled. No longer an option. Can’t fly from LA area to SLC direct on AA.  Neat. 

 

[[icon]]

One week out... 

Don't look now but American has managed to pull off 4 straight on-time departures :nowhammies:   

Krista has connected us with another Grenada contact, CAN Expat, who's been offering some good dining suggestions. It's looking more and more like the splurge for Casa Blanca was a good call. Seems like EVERYTHING is within a block or two. Cant wait to pull a chair out front onto Calle Calzada, crack open a cold Tona, and watch the town stroll by. 

Need to get started with packing this weekend. 

Covid Test Scheduled at 4pm Thursday. Results to Avianca that night. Cab lined up at 4am but considering taking the car then playing the "I lost my ticket" game and paying for a week instead of 5 weeks. Only risk is car not starting after sitting idle for 5 weeks. SHOULDN'T be an issue but never know. 

Avianca sent an email with ability to "bid/Offer" for Business class.  Had already splurged for 1st from MEM>MIA ($90pp), so I checked on it. Min bid was $150. Hrmm.... Looked at Seatguru and some other sites and their Business class looks like beat up leather 1st class seats. No thanks. Was it a more traditional Biz Class Pod, would have made an offer. As it stands we've got exit row by the door with no seats in front of us. Will be able to stretch out anyway. 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

In Costa Rica right now.   Spending time a few different places (San Gerardo de Dota, Arenal, Playa Flamingo).  We have a car part of the time and are driving down to Samara.   Mrs APK and I are planning a trip back here w/o kids in the next year, and gameplan is to be in Samara part of the time, Nicaragua part of the time.

We are seriously considering being in this vicinity part-time during retirement or pre-retirement (which could start as soon as 4.5 years from now when kids are out of high school).  Mrs APK is fluent in Spanish, so she loves it down here.

 

[[icon]]

In Costa Rica right now.   Spending time a few different places (San Gerardo de Dota, Arenal, Playa Flamingo).  We have a car part of the time and are driving down to Samara.   Mrs APK and I are planning a trip back here w/o kids in the next year, and gameplan is to be in Samara part of the time, Nicaragua part of the time.

We are seriously considering being in this vicinity part-time during retirement or pre-retirement (which could start as soon as 4.5 years from now when kids are out of high school).  Mrs APK is fluent in Spanish, so she loves it down here.

Hell yeah! If you need any dining/etc suggestions for Samara just let me know GB. Have fun! 

 

[[icon]]

For those packing / Travel nerds.... or for folks just curious about what I bring on these trips: 

5 weeks clothes in 2 Packing Cubes, then into a Osprey Porter 46 backpack (carry on size) 

I could easily fit my travel office, toiletries, first aid, etc  into this bag and just roll with this.  That said I'm bringing a roller carry on as well to ensure plenty of space for souvenirs and #### like that. 

Main pack list (clothing) 

WORN:
1 Pair LuLuLemon Warpstreme Chinos 
1 Button-Down Dress Shirt 
1 Pair Cole Haan Zerogrand Oxfords
1 Light shell coat

PACKED: 
3 Pair LuLuLemon Warpstreme Shorts
3 pair lightweight running shorts (double utility for swimming) 
1 pair swim trunks 
6 pair ExOfficio Boxer Briefs
9 Bella Canvas Tri-Blend V-Neck Tees 
1 Long Sleeve Tee
2 Short Sleeve Huk button down "fishing" shirts
1 Long Sleeve Colombia PFG Button down 
3 Baseball Caps 
1 pair Cole Haan Zerogrand oxfords
1 pair Reef flip flops 

I pack for comfort and easy care. 

Used to mock LuluLemon gear but their men's Warpstreme pants are incredible. Stretchy, Comfortable, fast drying, wrinkle resistant, and look fantastic. 

Ex Officio boxers are the truth. Super comfy, light weight, fast drying, can wash in the sink and hang dry if needed. 

Cole Haan Zerogrand Oxford are the perfect travel shoe. Feather light, breathable, insanely comfy, and look good with shorts on the beach, or with chinos at a nice restaurant. I hiked lava flows of Arenal and crossed streams hopping on wet rocks in them... worked great. NO Socks needed is a bonus.

Other Random Stuff I pack: 

- First Aid Kit: 12-15 strip Bandaids, 3 Large waterproof bandages, 4 large wound dressing, 4 medium wound dressing, 4 gauze packs, Small roll medical tape, Snall roll gauze, snips, blood clot gel, antiseptic gel. Plus Imodium, Prilosec, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, Benadryl, melatonin in small labeled baggies. 

- Small pocket Flashlight - Seeing at night / Security 

- Small Seasoning container with Tony C's & Boars Night Out White Lighting (For cooking at home), and Tajin (for rimming drinks)

- Tiny Travel knife sharpener (many airBNB's have #### knives)

- Ear Plugs - South/Central America is loud.  

- Electrolyte Powder - Lemonade flavor - Keeps ya hydrated... it's hot

- Small Roll Electrical Tape - Random uses. 

- Hacked Firestick - Stream any Live TV chanel, sporting event, or any movie/TVshow on demand. We don't watch much TV (if any) when travelling but nice to have the option. 

- Shout Pen (Stain removal)

- Bose Soundlink Mini BlueTooth Speaker - Bit bigger than a Stick of butter but indespenable when travelling. For use at the rental, by the pool etc. 

- Deck of Cards

- Gold Bond

- 32oz Hydroflask (water and such around town). 

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Hell yeah! If you need any dining/etc suggestions for Samara just let me know GB. Have fun! 

Will do - probably just a day trip (sadly).  Mrs APK and I might come back in March for a solo trip and stay in Samara then.  Or we might go to Nicaragua!  

 

[Dez89]

Will do - probably just a day trip (sadly).  Mrs APK and I might come back in March for a solo trip and stay in Samara then.  Or we might go to Nicaragua!  

Or Colombia!  Check out Cartagena!

 

[The Z Machine]

@[icon], I would add a course of Cipro to that med kit.  That stuff is magic of you get hit with a stomach bug. 

 

[krista4]

I'm getting so freaking excited for your trip.  I'm not even going!    

Love the packing list.

 

[[icon]]

@[icon], I would add a course of Cipro to that med kit.  That stuff is magic of you get hit with a stomach bug. 

VERY good point / info, thank you. Not sure if I'll have time to get it here before we leave, but I'll see if I can track some down in Nica. 

I'm getting so freaking excited for your trip.  I'm not even going!    

Love the packing list.

Thanks. We are getting amped as well. Checking boxes to prepare. Got a final call withJulio tomorrow evening. 

Im a detail driven planner, so I assume the list is the type of thing that will only be of interest to certain types of folks... but hopefully it helps someone learn from my missteps  

American Airlines seems to have stabilized with the flight in now running on time daily. That's good. 

Avianca just pinged us with our first heads up email with COVID test timelines. Called the lab to confirm 1hr results and the results will contain the info needed by Nica Government. Should be good. 

Alex Ruiz team is on standby for our results to submit to Avianca and manage any necessary interactions. 

Big challenge now: First Class AA apparently doesn't stock Sparkling Wine...: So no Mimosas for the missus. She's not going to like that.

 

[Dez89]

VERY good point / info, thank you. Not sure if I'll have time to get it here before we leave, but I'll see if I can track some down in Nica.

I always pretty much figure I can get anything I need on location and with much less hassle.

 

[Major]

I always pretty much figure I can get anything I need on location and with much less hassle.

Definitely.  Normally you can just walk in a pharmacy and tell them what you need.   

 

[Dez89]

Definitely.  Normally you can just walk in a pharmacy and tell them what you need.   

It's so weird the differences.  Some make sense and others don't.  But I often wonder why a culture so unorganized and so undisciplined has no issue with having what we would consider prescription medicines readily available to anyone who walks into a pharmacy, but in the U.S. we need an act of Congress.

 

[krista4]

Big challenge now: First Class AA apparently doesn't stock Sparkling Wine...: So no Mimosas for the missus. She's not going to like that.

Airlines cut back their first-class amenities due to pandemic but have been gradually adding them back.  AA has been notoriously the worst/slowest at adding it all back.  :(

 

[Tick]

For those packing / Travel nerds.... or for folks just curious about what I bring on these trips: 

5 weeks clothes in 2 Packing Cubes, then into a Osprey Porter 46 backpack (carry on size) 

I could easily fit my travel office, toiletries, first aid, etc  into this bag and just roll with this.  That said I'm bringing a roller carry on as well to ensure plenty of space for souvenirs and #### like that. 

Main pack list (clothing) 

WORN:
1 Pair LuLuLemon Warpstreme Chinos 
1 Button-Down Dress Shirt 
1 Pair Cole Haan Zerogrand Oxfords
1 Light shell coat

PACKED: 
3 Pair LuLuLemon Warpstreme Shorts
3 pair lightweight running shorts (double utility for swimming) 
1 pair swim trunks 
6 pair ExOfficio Boxer Briefs
9 Bella Canvas Tri-Blend V-Neck Tees 
1 Long Sleeve Tee
2 Short Sleeve Huk button down "fishing" shirts
1 Long Sleeve Colombia PFG Button down 
3 Baseball Caps 
1 pair Cole Haan Zerogrand oxfords
1 pair Reef flip flops 

I pack for comfort and easy care. 

Used to mock LuluLemon gear but their men's Warpstreme pants are incredible. Stretchy, Comfortable, fast drying, wrinkle resistant, and look fantastic. 

Ex Officio boxers are the truth. Super comfy, light weight, fast drying, can wash in the sink and hang dry if needed. 

Cole Haan Zerogrand Oxford are the perfect travel shoe. Feather light, breathable, insanely comfy, and look good with shorts on the beach, or with chinos at a nice restaurant. I hiked lava flows of Arenal and crossed streams hopping on wet rocks in them... worked great. NO Socks needed is a bonus.

Other Random Stuff I pack: 

- First Aid Kit: 12-15 strip Bandaids, 3 Large waterproof bandages, 4 large wound dressing, 4 medium wound dressing, 4 gauze packs, Small roll medical tape, Snall roll gauze, snips, blood clot gel, antiseptic gel. Plus Imodium, Prilosec, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, Benadryl, melatonin in small labeled baggies. 

- Small pocket Flashlight - Seeing at night / Security 

- Small Seasoning container with Tony C's & Boars Night Out White Lighting (For cooking at home), and Tajin (for rimming drinks)

- Tiny Travel knife sharpener (many airBNB's have #### knives)

- Ear Plugs - South/Central America is loud.  

- Electrolyte Powder - Lemonade flavor - Keeps ya hydrated... it's hot

- Small Roll Electrical Tape - Random uses. 

- Hacked Firestick - Stream any Live TV chanel, sporting event, or any movie/TVshow on demand. We don't watch much TV (if any) when travelling but nice to have the option. 

- Shout Pen (Stain removal)

- Bose Soundlink Mini BlueTooth Speaker - Bit bigger than a Stick of butter but indespenable when travelling. For use at the rental, by the pool etc. 

- Deck of Cards

- Gold Bond

- 32oz Hydroflask (water and such around town). 

Socks?

 

[Tick]

It's so weird the differences.  Some make sense and others don't.  But I often wonder why a culture so unorganized and so undisciplined has no issue with having what we would consider prescription medicines readily available to anyone who walks into a pharmacy, but in the U.S. we need an act of Congress.

It's that way in every country.  Brits are horrified at the stuff we have over the counter and vice-versa.  Korea was a mystery when I wanted some ibuprofen.

 

[[icon]]

Socks?

Not needed. 

Lot of flip flop wearing. When I wear the Cole Haan Zerogrand Oxfords I never wear socks either, unless It's cold (below 40F) .

The shoe's material doesn't absorb/generate odors and they breathe really really well.

I do put odor eaters padded inserts in as a just in case to keep them fresh (and for added comfort), but it's a non issue. 

Another reason they're they perfect travel shoe. 

 

[Ron Swanson]

- Tiny Travel knife sharpener (many airBNB's have #### knives)

This is so true.  

 

[[icon]]

This is so true.  

This is the unit I use: 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000O8OTNC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

IT's about the size of a traditional pack of stick gum. Includes coarse, fine sharpening pulls, and a small honing rod.

Certainly isn't designed for heavy use, but is great little device to keep with you on travels where you might be cooking. For $10... no brainer. 

 

[[icon]]

@[icon], I would add a course of Cipro to that med kit.  That stuff is magic of you get hit with a stomach bug. 

A mobile physician buddy has said he'll write us up so we'll have a good stock of Cipro for the trip.

Thanks for the heads-up, GB.  

 

[[icon]]

MOSTLY Packed up. 

COVID Tests were at 4pm. Results by 4:30. Sent PDFs to Alex Ruiz and he said they look good and they submitted to Avianca. Should be GTG. If any issues arise, it's his problem to handle them, now. 

My office ramped up monitoring of our work laptops, which is poorly timed since I'm in the middle of a large project. I desperately tried to jump on Costco's new MacBook Air M1 (on sale), but they failed me for the first time (still hadn't shipped after 3 days so cancelled it). Will order one sent to my Brother and have him load up the software I need and take it with him when they come down to Costa Rica on the 12th. 

Krista was a saint and picked up a laptop for Julio. It's sitting in my carry on next to my work machine.  

One more day then we're gone. Got here so damn fast... doesn't even feel real yet.  

 

 

[Dez89]

GLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL