Travel Journals Day 4: A Rainy Season in Costa Rica

There is a stretch of beach to the estuary across from Tamarindo where I picked up two native branches that washed onto shore that will make great writing or painting brushes.  I am already noticing and communicating with some very unique birds here.  Their songs are unlike any I have ever heard before.

Today is also Tuesday, the day for the local fish truck to stop by for delivery.  I was texting the owners in Espanol for my order. They arrived, a kindly couple, with my fresh kilo of Mahi Mahi delivered to my door: fifteen dollars. I am happy to support the local people who have been hit so hard during the pandemic.

It is now just 11am. The pouring rain will be here at 2.  A nap is already calling.  I have been up and moving for 6 hours already. It is a good rhythm. Now I fully understand the concept of siestas in Central America. 

Even two a day are not uncommon. It has been freeing to realize how rarely I need to be on email. This is liberating after 25 countless years in Corporate America. When one steps away, it is so obvious that we have self-created the whole web of minutia in our modern culture in America. I am slowly but easily adapting to this pace. 

It may seem lazy or unproductive in the eyes of some, but it is actually the rhythm of nature if we pay close attention. I came across a quote that said in Costa Rica, the priority of enjoying the day is more important than productivity on any front.

Preparing the fresh Mahi Mahi, just off the local truck, was a magical experience in the abundance of nature that can only be found in simplicity. My fish was almost a foot and a half long and was delivered to my doorstep. My tiny kitchen has only a few cooking items at best. 

I have only a water spigot such as the kind used for a garden hose and a sink with only cold running water. Fortunately, there is a small toaster oven, perfect for baking fresh caught Mahi in about 10 minutes. 

I happened to have fresh locally baked tortillas on hand which made for the most delicious, five-star fish tacos I have ever had. They were like tasting the most tender, moist brisket I have ever eaten, but lighter and not heavy on the stomach.  Lime topped the tacos off perfectly.  Perhaps I will consider opening a food truck here. It is only noon. A nap calls for me.

Ten things I saw today:

Field Notes:

5:30 am  Sunrise: wake and greet the day

5:45 pm  Sunset:  to reflect on the day

About the Author

Kirk Lee is a Writer, Meditation teacher and nomad currently living in Costa Rica. Kirk has been an explorer on the journey for over 25 years having traveled to 14 countries culminating in a year living in Kyoto, Japan. Kirk writes about travel through the lens of simplicity and kindness to be found in people and places of every culture. Explore Kirk’s travel journals at https://zenandink.substack.com/