Howler Magazine January 2018

HOWLER C o s ta R i c a L i f e s t y l e , T r av e l & A d v e n t u r e

magazine

since 1996

Calendars - Pg. 40 & 62 | Safari River Float - Pg. 22 | La Fortuna Waterfall -

free copy

January / FEB 2018

Pg. 24

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FEATURED

CONTENTS Safari River Float

22

Flamingo's Crown Jewel

48

Classic Car Quest

52

Featured Adventure

Lifestyle Feature

12 Cover Story Arenal

Choose Your Adventure

Feature Story

Sea Shepherd Exclusive: We Be Pirates

20

Lifestyle Spotlight

Bridging Tragedy to Hope Community Feature

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DEPARTMENTS

CONTENTS 24

Making a Big Splash Cool Places

22 Travel & Adventure 22 - Featured Adventure: A Slow Boat to Paradise 24 - Cool Places: La Fortuna Waterfall Making a Big Splash 26- Waves You’ve Missed 28 - Quick Trips: Horsing Around for Pure Enjoyment 30 - Creature Feature: Cool Cat's Place in Ecosystem 30- Simply Spanish: Looking for Adventure 32 - Off the Beaten Path: Guaitil - The Real Deal 34 - What to Expect: The High Traffic Safety Season 36 - Howl Your Adventure 37 - Travel & Adventure Directory

38 Arts & Entertainment 38 - Spotlight: Charly Lopez 40 - Arts & Entertainment Event Calendar 42 - Happenings: Get Out and Do Something 44 - August Odysseys 46 - Dos Locos: TTZ - Simple Life Seems Less Easy Now 47 - Locos Dos: Surviving CR - Presidents I Have Known

48 Lifestyle Off the beaten

Path

32 54

Activity 62 Lifestyle Calendar

Photo Tips

8 - Feature: 360° Splendor Del Pacifico 4 50 - Fashion Flash: The Perfect Beach to Bar Look 52 - Spotlight: Classic Car Quest 54 - Photo Tips: Shooting the Night Sky 56 - Spanish: Relax. Engage. Learn 58 - Surf Science: Climate Change - Will There Be Waves?

60 - Wellness: The Doctor Is In - Foreign Travel 62 - Lifestyle Activity Calendar

64 - Community 64 - Feature: SalveMonos - Bridging Tragedy to Hope 66 - CR History in Photos: Santa Cruz - A Brief History 68 - Building CR: From Dream to Reality 70 - Pet Care: Helping Us Help Injured Wildlife 71 - Insurance Nuggets: Think About It Now, Worry Less 72 - Legal Ease: What is An Apostille?

72 - Simply Spanish: Mild Curses 74 - Community Activities and Information 76 - Community Directory

79 Dining Guide

HOWLER

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88 - Contributors 89 - Tide, Sun & Moon Chart

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

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POLICE & LAW ENFORCEMENT

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ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TAMARINDO | Waves of Sobriety Mon / Thur • 5:30 pm | Wed / Sat • 10:30 am Behind the Tamarindo circle, through Pedro´s Surf Shop Ellen 2653-0897 / 8484-1360 ellenzoe@aol.com Jacqueline 8332-5540 jacqueline.haskell@yahoo.com

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SAN JOSE +506 2295-3851 Max 8917-2222 or John 2672-1163 ACCIDENT REPORT & VEHICLE ASSISTANCE 800 800-8001 HIGHWAY PATROL 1117 8 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

If you have updated or additional information for useful numbers in Guanacaste, please contact editor@howlermag.com or +506 4701-5942

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EDITORIAL Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than those you did.

So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from safe harbor.

Catch the wind in your sails.

Explore. Dream. Discover.”

— Mark Twain

I

t’s arrived — 2018 ... all things new. A clean slate, so to speak, as we enter another 365 days of challenges, surprises and of course obstacles that we will have to avoid or deal with.

It is good to let 2017 slide into the sunset and be released from its fingers still trying to grip us.

Look forward, not backwards, but don’t forget.

We have a unique and tight-knit community, coming together for many causes that arise during the year. From the groups taking care of animals to those helping victims of last year’s wild storms and others in need, I applaud your dedication and efforts to make someone else’s life better. Many are unsung heroes we don’t even know because they don’t blow their own horn.

Their good deeds are done in response to others’ genuine need, not the need for publicity. We, as a publication of the community, will continue trying to make all aware of the issues and people tackling the causes.

It’s high season and the tourists keep coming. Be prepared, put your best foot forward and welcome them with open arms.

We rely on tourists to give us a healthy economy and sustain the way we want to live here. It is up to all of us to make our community. Each of us can make our place wonderful. If you see someone who looks lost, stop and give them a hand. I have met so many interesting people just by asking where they are from and if they are having the adventure that they expected. It is nice to chat and learn from others; everyone has a story to tell.

Costa Rica brings this to bear as a place with something for everyone. Embracing the adventure is what we are focusing on as we move forward. Around almost every curve in the road is a vista that makes you want to stop

and take in its beauty.

From the oceans to the volcanoes and the high peaks in the mid-country, take the time to see as much as you can. The adventures offered by tour groups in many parts of the country are amazing. Ziplining is a very popular way to get an adrenaline rush. Zipline companies have systems in place that allow thrill seekers of all ages to enjoy. Whitewater rafting is another fantastic sport here, with lots of river flow sites for all levels of challenge.

Horseback riding takes you into areas that you would not be able to travel on foot, while ATVs are another great way to navigate rough terrain. Fishing and sailing excursions are a wonderful way to spend the day or evening, offering some breathtaking views of the shoreline beauty that has not be destroyed by overbuilding.

Costa Rica’s wildlife is abundant, with almost unlimited opportunities for enjoying animals in their natural habitat and in sanctuaries set up for tourists. Take a hike, ideally with a tour guide who knows the area and knows where to look for some of the country’s more elusive creatures.

Diving or snorkeling to observe the magnificent marine life is also a must. The oceans are clear and are teeming with life. On land or in the water, being respectful of our wildlife is all that is asked in return for the human privilege of being in their midst.

If you are here for an active adventure or just to sit on the beach and recharge your battery, we want you to enjoy Costa Rica and discover why so many of us have chosen this as our home. Seeing the whole country and its diversity is sure to amaze you and make you want to come back.

We rely on tourists to give us a healthy economy and sustain the way we want to live here.

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HOWLER

The

T r o o p

January 2018 Vol. 23 No. 01 PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam BUSINESS DEVELOpmENT Martin Svoboda M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R S John B. Quam Martin Svoboda D i r e c t o r o f O p e r at i o n s Marynes F. Chops E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Debbie Bride - Production Director Marian Paniagua - Admin Director Karl Kahler - Staff Writer Graphic Design Team Art Director - Martin Svoboda Design Consultant - Debbie Bride Design Layout - M. Alauddin Photo Procurement - Marian Paniagua WEBMASTER Maria Focsa Cover Photos Arenal Cover art design by Jose Chops Photos from variety of Arenal adventures C o n ta c t

John Quam: headmonkey@howlermag.com Martin Svoboda: martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave Message) Facebook: The Howler Magazine Costa Rica T w i t t e r : @thehowlermag The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Howler organization or its advertisers.

Copyright © 2018 by The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to: info@howlermag.com The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements

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Arenal

Choose Your Adventure

by Karl Kahler

A There are 148 different adventures on offer in Arenal — more than any other place in the world.

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renal is a magical, mystical place in the northern mountains of Costa Rica, in a landscape dominated by an iconic volcano that once killed nearly 100 people.

Nowadays the volcano is inactive and Arenal just makes a killing at the bank, attracting hordes of tourists to what could easily be considered the adventure capital of Costa Rica.

In a tiny country renowned for its beaches, the landlocked Arenal remains a golden magnet, a must-see, must-do destination. From penniless backpackers to A-list celebrities, hundreds of thousands of tourists a year decide that no trip to Costa Rica is complete without a visit to Arenal.

According to Christine Larson, co-owner of Desafío Adventures, a study of Trip Advisor and other travel portals found that there are 148 different adventures on offer in Arenal — more than any other place in the world.

So take your pick! Here, in alphabetical order, is a sampling of some of the things to see and do here.

COVER STORY

Photo courtesy of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER

Usually rated No. 1 or 2 on Trip Advisor among things to do in the area is Proyecto ASIS, an animal rescue center where you can see a coati, a kinkajou, macaws, a margay cat, peccary, a porcupine, a raccoon, spider monkeys, toucans, whitefaced monkeys.

Most of the animals here were illegally kept as pets, and others were found injured in the wild. Many can never be returned to the wild because they would not survive, so Proyecto ASIS is their five-star, allinclusive lodging for life.

BIKING

Arenal is a popular spot for road races, and mountain biking is another option.

Several operators offer rentals and tours, including Bike Arenal, Desafío Adventures and Ríos Tropicales.

BIRDING

The birdwatching here is excellent, with some 400 species recorded. Contact Arenal Observatory Lodge, Arenal Oasis or Tropical Feathers.

CANYONING

A combination of waterfall jumping, rappelling, rock climbing and fighting swift river currents, canyoning is one of the more extreme adventures on offer at Arenal. Look up Desafío Adventures and ask about “Gravity Falls” and “Lost Canyon Adventures,” two of its most popular canyoning treks.

FISHING

Laguna Arenal, the second-largest lake in Central America after Lake Nicaragua, is known for rainbow bass, or guapote.

Look up Captain Ron’s Lake Arenal Fishing Tours.

HANGING BRIDGES

Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park is probably the best place in Costa Rica to stroll across hanging bridges in gorgeous jungle settings teeming with wildlife and breathtaking views.

HELICOPTER TOURS

This is a growing industry throughout Costa Rica, and of course, Arenal tours are offered. What a delight to see this stunning beauty from above. Contact Sunquest Heli tours.

HIKING

Arenal Volcano National Park offers miles of hiking trails in a pristine tropical rain forest at the base of the volcano.

There’s also the 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails, through the lava fields left behind by the catastrophic volcanic eruption of that year. Hiking is also excellent at Arenal Observatory Lodge, among lots of other places, so ask around.

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HORSEBACK RIDING

Several operators offer horseback riding to La Fortuna Waterfall, to the base of Arenal Volcano, to the rivers that abound in this area and elsewhere.

HOT SPRINGS/MUD BATHS

This is the hot springs capital of Costa Rica, and there are multiple options for getting wet in a naturally heated bath and/ or painting your body in mud. Almost all of the fine hotels have hot springs, including the decadent resorts Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, The Springs Resort & Spa, Nayara Springs and Baldi Hot Springs.

Smaller and more economical options abound, including Paradise Hot Springs, Ecotermales La Fortuna and Termalitas Arenal. There’s even a free, hot river open to the public called Río Chollín, just in front of Tabacón.

KAYAKING

Experienced kayakers can test their mettle against most of the rivers where rafting is offered, and beginners can get their paddles wet on the tranquil Laguna Arenal.

RAFTING/TUBING/CANOEING

Check with Desafío Adventures on rafting the Río Sarapiquí or the Río Balsa.

Canoa Aventuras offers canoe trips on the Tres Amigos and San Carlos rivers. Tubing (floating in fast water on an inner tube) is offered by Go Adventures, among other operators.

STAND-UP PADDLING

All photos these two pages courtesy of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park

| HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

If you’re new to SUP, or stand-up paddling, the placid Laguna Arenal is a great place to learn. Check with Desafío Adventures.

Cerro de la Muerte at dawn, by Juan José Pucci

Zorbing

WATERFALL

A visit to the 230-foot (70-meter) La Fortuna Waterfall, less than 6km from La Fortuna, is a must.

There are close to 500 steps to get down to the pool at the base of this impressive catarata, where you can get wet in a big pool washed by powerful currents. And it’s worth every step. (See Cool Places article page 24.)

WINDSURFING

The windswept Laguna Arenal is the country’s most popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Contact Tico Wind.

ZIPLINING

Multiple companies offer the opportunity to fly through the treetops harnessed to a cable, i.e., ziplining, or as they call it here, a canopy tour. Sky Adventures is among the largest operators, with a self-braking system where you just hold onto some handles. It also has an adrenaline-inducing challenge course and an aerial tram.

Ecoglide is another reliable operator, smaller but much closer to La Fortuna. It uses double cables for safety and has a scary-fun Tarzan swing. Arenal Mundo Aventura also offers ziplining over La Fortuna Waterfall.

There’s also Athica Canopy Tour & Adventure Park.

ZORBING

In this one-of-a-kind adventure at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park, one or two people crawl into a giant plastic ball with 70 liters of water inside, then roll down a zigzag course on a hillside. The water keeps you from flying head over heels, though there’s plenty of jouncing around and getting thoroughly soaked, and you’ll be laughing uproariously.

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Photo courtesy of Sky Adventures

ARENAL DIRECTORY

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16 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

RESTAURANT

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ADVENTURE

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HOWLER MAGAZINE

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SE A SHE PHERD EXCLUSIVE

WE BE PIRATES

by Captain Paul Watson

I am often asked, “Why does Sea Shepherd use a Jolly Roger image for its logo?” Aside from the fact that it’s super cool and kids love it, there are good reasons we sail under the black flag.

E

very historical pirate had its own individual flag. The white on black crossed cutlasses under the skull identified Captain Jack Rackham, for example. Originally, the flag was white or black on red, used by French pirates or privateers and it was referred to as the ‘jolie rouge’ meaning ‘the pretty red.” This was anglicized as ‘jolly roger,’ despite the evolution of the colors.

About two decades ago, our critics began to label Sea Shepherd as “pirates” in an effort to demonize us. I found it to be somewhat amusing, so we responded by saying, “If you want us to be pirates, well, we’ll be pirates.”

So, artist Geert Vons and I designed the Sea Shepherd version of the Jolly Roger. It was thoughtfully designed to convey our message. The black background represents the transformation of life into nothingness or extinction. The human skull conveys that we humans are the cause of the mass extinctions presently occurring.

On the forehead of the skull is a yin/yang depiction of a dolphin and a whale. The

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yin and yang expresses our objective of ecological balance and the harmony of interdependence. The dolphin and whale represent the minds in the waters, and the key to that ecological balance is understanding the connections between species that maintain it. Below the skull is the crossed shepherd’s staff and the trident. The shepherd’s crook represents that we are protectors and defenders. The trident represents that our approach is aggressive, but crossed with the crook it means aggressive non-violence. The little dolphin on the trident signifies that our efforts are directed on behalf of our clients — the citizens of the sea.

In 2012, a U.S. federal judge declared that Sea Shepherd were pirates. However, he did not charge us with a crime nor did he present a case for our arrest. He labelled us pirates as justification for granting an injunction to a Japanese whaling fleet — the same fleet that the Australian federal court condemned for illegal whaling. It was an accusation without substance. Yet, what it meant is that, according to that judge, we had

earned the right to call ourselves genuine bona fide pirates. The judge simply took sides as to which pirates he favored.

His accusation puts us up there with legendary pirates like John Paul Jones, Jean LaFitte, Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter Raleigh, Sir Henry Morgan, Robert Surcouf, Edward Teach, William Avery, Jack Rackham, Anne Bonny and Mary Reid.

Now on the surface of this history. some of these men and women may appear to be villainous thieves and killers.

But scratch the surface and there is a more complex history.

Some of these pirates were knighted by the British crown. Robert Sourcouf was presented with the Legion of Honour

by Napoleon Bonaparte. John Paul Jones was a pirate and traitor to the British crown, but lionized as a hero to the Americans as the founder of the United States Navy. He was also the man that established the Russian Navy on behalf of Catherine the Great. As for myself, I was awarded the Amazon Peace Prize.

Pirates get things done. They cut

through the red tape and they take action.

And of course, a pirate is a pirate depending on the perspective of his accusers. Just as the British condemned Jones as a pirate, the Spanish condemned Drake, Morgan and Raleigh as pirates.

However, the gold that the British pirates took was simply gold that the conquistadores plundered from the Aztec and Incas.

The pirates of the Caribbean were simply stealing gold from the Spanish pirates who had stolen it from the people of Mexico and Peru. Stealing from the Dons was not theft, but more like a redistribution of illegally acquired wealth.

The pirates of the 17th and 18th century were men and women well ahead of their time in many ways. That was an era when the average seaman was no more than an expendable slave, to be flogged at the whim of his officers. They had very few rights and were subject to the mercy — or usually rather, lack of mercy — of their masters.

On a pirate ship, the crew voted for its captains. The captains and officers could be questioned and removed by a majority vote of people of all races working together in a democratic system.

In fact, pirate societies were the first to give a vote to women, non-land owners and people of color.

Edward “Blackbeard” Teach would attack slavers and release the captives.

He would give them a choice to be put ashore or to serve on his crew. If a black man chose to crew, he could rise through the ranks all the way to captain, based on skills and abilities alone.

Among the pirates there were no slaves, no oppressive class systems, no institutionalized racism, sexism or bigotry.

Women like Anne Bonny and Mary Reid sailed and fought with the men as equals. Anne Bonny remarked, when asked if she was concerned that the penalty for piracy was hanging, “And thank God for that, or else every fool and coward would be a pirate.”

In a time when young boys were hung for stealing bread in London, the rewards of piracy were far greater for an equal risk.

What piracy represented then was freedom. Freedom from the tyranny of a class society. Freedom from flogging, humiliation and servitude. These were things, then as now, that are worth taking risks for. Thus, pirates were identified with both freedom and romance and

still hold a special place as such in the imagination of children.

Today the “pirates” of Somalia are in fact the victims of far more sinister pirates – the Asian and European fishing fleets that plundered Somalia’s fisheries and destroyed the underwater habitats along its coastlines.

And today the world is plagued by far more destructive pirates than ever existed before the 20th century. They include the vast pirate fishing fleets that are crewed in many cases by slaves, the smashing of

compassion to stop pirates motivated by greed. Thus, we pursue and stop outlaw whalers, pirate fishing operations and other illegal activities. In fact, Sea Shepherd is more of a pirate hunting movement than we are pirates, but that distinction rests in the eyes of either our supporters or our critics.

In 1814, pirate Jean LaFitte gave his support to Colonel Andrew Jackson in the defense of New Orleans from the British. During the American Civil War the Confederate raiders — called pirates by the Union — annihilated the Yankee whaling fleets and helped save three species of whales from extinction: the bowhead, the gray and the humpback.

Just as there is a saying that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter, we can say that one person’s pirate is another person’s hero.

When I was a boy in eastern Canada, daydreaming at the end of the pier in St. Andrew’s-By-The-Sea on New Brunswick’s Passamaquoddy Bay, I envisioned myself as a pirate. That’s why having a federal judge actually canonize me as a real pirate was, I must confess, somewhat flattering. It was, somewhat, a realization of my childhood dreams.

Pirate s get things done .

They cut through the re d tape and they take action. coral and underwater fish habitats, the illegal slaughter of whales, the killing of seals, the massacre of dolphins.

Sir Henry Morgan demonstrated that the best way to stop piracy is to use pirates against pirates. History has shown that there are good pirates and bad pirates, and it takes good pirates to stop the bad.

And that is what Sea Shepherd does today. We are pirates driven by

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

FEATURED ADVENTURE

SAFARI RIVER FLOAT a slow boat to paradise

I

f you’re looking for the “Goldilocks zone” between the terror of extreme adventure and the boredom of staying in your room all day in Arenal, a safari float on the Río Peñas Blancas may be the perfect tonic.

You won’t crash into rocks and go flying into rushing water in Class 5 rapids. In fact, you don’t even need a helmet — and you can bring your 3-year-old with you.

Canoa Aventuras, a top tour operator in La Fortuna, offers tours of this lazy river by raft, canoe or kayak, with ample opportunities to see exotic wildlife, and with a stop at a traditional old finca for refreshments, a history lesson and a tour of a home built in the 1940s.

The worst that has ever happened on this tour is that howler monkeys have pooped on tourists, said Fabricio Artavia, 35, a funny, articulate and bilingual naturalist guide. Oh, sure, and a few rookie kayakers and canoers have turned over and gotten wet — the better to write home about.

But all in all, this is among the safest and most interesting ways for anyone, including a family with small children, to explore a fascinating river environment in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse places.

Among the animals commonly sighted are howler monkeys, white-faced monkeys, otters, sloths, crocodiles, turtles, iguanas and basilisks — known as “Jesus Christ lizards” because they can run on water.

Among the birds are the great blue heron, little blue heron, boat-billed night heron, snowy egret, cormorant and toucan.

Tours are offered by raft, canoe and

22 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

by Karl Kahler

Fabricio. “The river has current but not rapids, so it’s real tranquilo….

“With one group, it’s better to do it in a raft. In the raft, for example, the guide is in the raft with the clients, he’s guiding and showing them all the animals. So it’s safer. In a kayak or canoe, the clients have to row, to steer, so if there’s an animal, the guide has to figure out how to stop and show everyone the animal.”

One of the main highlights of this tour is a stop at the finca of Don Pedro, who was born in this vicinity in 1912 and lived to the astonishing age of 102. Visitors are given a snack of fried plantains, cheese and bread, all grown or made here, with coffee made the old-fashioned way, heated by firewood.

Then tourists are given a historical talk about the property, along with a tour of the two-story, 1940s-era wooden house.

The farm grows yucca, corn, bananas

The Nicaraguan wanted 500 colones for a 45-hectare property, and in those days one colón was a day’s wage. kayak, with the easiest option being the raft, where a guide controls the boat and can stop for visitors to take pictures of some exotic animal. Small children will be safe in this raft. More adventurous teens or adults are free to steer their own vessel.

“It’s a Class 1 river, very easy,” said

Photos courtesy of Canoa Aventuras

and beans, and it raises cows, horses and chickens.

Mauricio Rojas, 40, is Don Pedro’s grandson and has lived here since he was 1.

He says his grandfather became an orphan at the age of 9 and was raised afterward by an aunt. At 21, Pedro had an opportunity to buy the finca from a Nicaraguan who wanted to return to his country.

The Nicaraguan wanted 500 colones for a 45-hectare property, and in those days one colón was a day’s wage. Pedro offered the man 200 colones down and the rest within a year, and a deal was struck.

By January 1933 Pedro was living on this property, and later that year he decided to marry Mauricio’s grandmother. They had seven children, of whom only four daughters survived. Mauricio’s mother and aunts were all born on this property, and his great-grandmother was the midwife.

“My grandfather didn’t have a chance to go to school,” said Mauricio. “There were none when he was small, nor for my aunts.

But I did go to school, and I remember my grandfather said that it was a big impediment for him, but he was happy that he was able to build a couple of schools.”

Mauricio said his grandfather lived 100 years without electricity, from the day he was born in 1912.

“So when my grandfather turned 100, they gave him the electricity,” he said. “That was in 2012. He passed on in 2014, when he was 102 years old.”

This tour costs $59 per person for adults by raft or kayak, or $67 by canoe. It lasts a half-day and departs at 7:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

Just watch out for the monkeys overhead.

Tour group enjoying local refreshments during the break at a traditional finca .

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_COOL

PLACES

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

La Fortuna Waterfall Makes a

Big Splash

by Karl Kahler

by Karl Kahler

Bring your kids too — it’s a family-friendly hike.

24 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

L

a Fortuna Waterfall is a stunning beauty, exploding out of an emeraldgreen hillside and plunging 230 feet (70m) to a pool below.

Many would consider a visit to this catarata a must for anyone visiting Arenal, and it’s among the most popular activities in this region.

The pool at the base is swimmable, and the air is filled with water vapor from the giant splashdown, making this a great place to cool off.

Admission is $15, and there’s an onsite restaurant, gift shop and showers. From the entrance, you have to descend about 500 steps to the pool at the bottom.

The waterfall is less than 6km from La Fortuna, at the base of the dormant Cerro Chato volcano, so it’s a cheap taxi ride. Some people hitchhike or just hike there, and horseback rides to the fall are also popular.

The fall is surrounded by thick, green jungle and is quite a beauty, so bring your camera. Bring your kids too — it’s a family-friendly hike, though climbing the 500 steps back to the top is quite a slog.

Be advised that the base pool is notable for powerful currents from the waterfall, making some parts of it dangerous. But there’s a lifeguard standing by ready to blow his whistle if you venture too far from safety.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

WAVES YOU'VE MISSED

by Jarryd Jackson

F

inally, we are getting a little taste of summertime surfing conditions, including a few days of hard offshore wind and combo swells. It is, of course, just a taste of what’s to come. The next few months will provide even more consistent Papagayo winds, and hopefully even bigger south and west swells than the ones we enjoyed this last month.

Photos by Crusty Oldies Surf Club

26 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Overall the waves were on the small side; however, a few pulses of swell blessed our beaches with fun head high surf.

With the perfect conditions that were found on many days, it provided us with all day long surfing, sun and fun. Enjoy the warm water now. As we all know, the offshore wind will eventually lead to upwelling, which means colder water is coming soon!

COSTA RICA DINNER ADVENTURE Short Estuary Trip to Dinner at The Great Waltini’s in Bula Bula Hotel

The next few months will provide even more consistent Papagayo winds.

View crocodiles, birds, monkeys and more Tamarindo to Palm Beach Estates via boat Enjoy a delightful dinner Return via boat to Tamarindo SEE DINING GUIDE AD PAGE 83

Taxi is complimentary with dinner reservations Three Pick up times at Tamarindo Estuary: 5, 5:30, and 6pm

Reserve boat taxi before 2pm 2653-0975

All You Can Eat Buffets Monday- Mexican Wednesday - Italian 5:30-8:30

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

QUICK TRIP

Horsing Around for Pure Enjoyment

I

Photos courtesy of Arenas Blancas Tours

by John Brockmeier

f you are looking for a magically intimate connection with nature, at your own pace but in a relatively short space of time, horseback riding is a popular way to go in Costa Rica. Forget about motors, gas, pollution and noise.

Hopping onto a saddle can satisfy your urge to get away from it all, often without venturing too far off the beaten path. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, there may be wonderful guided rides in your area along back country trails and into small villages, if not through tropical forests or on the beach.

Horseback riding allows you to appreciate and engage with the local flora and fauna from a unique vantage point. You might see coatis, raccoons and perhaps even a rare gray fox. Bird songs and hoof beats will be your only constant accompaniment, while the silence otherwise can be deceiving. It is simply the absence of human sounds.

The popularity and wide availability of horseback riding tours in Costa Rica make it possible to book one on fairly short notice. Rides generally last two to three hours, leaving plenty of time in the day for other activities or travel commitments.

That is not to say your horseback riding arrangements require any less care and forethought than a less spontaneous adventure would. Asking your concierge or another local source and seeking

information online are good places to start. Prices range from $30 to $50 per person, depending on duration of the ride and what it includes. A key consideration when contacting tour company providers is your level of experience and related

of appropriate horses, trails and qualified guides.

Find out as much as you can before booking your tour, and also onsite before saddling up. Ask questions of your guide, including where the trail route will take you. Out of respect for the environment and others’ enjoyment, horse rides on beaches should be in secluded spots with little or no tourist activities. In addition, look over the horses for any sign of mistreatment. From what I have observed during my four years of living in Guanacaste, the horses ridden by tourists on guided trail excursions appear to be well fed, groomed and cared for. The horsemen, known here as sabaneros, seem to take their work seriously as an example to visitors and locals from anywhere in the world who care about animals.

Riding an animal gives you a sense of being at one with the wildlife in your midst.

28 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

safety concerns, especially for children.

Keep in mind there is a difference between a “nose to tail” ride for tourists with little or no experience and trail rides for those with training and experience. Make sure the tour operator understands and can accommodate your requirements in terms

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SIMPLY SPANISH

Looking for Adventure

CREATURE FEATURE

Cool Cat Has Crucial Place in Ecosystem by Vern Veer

J

aguars are the largest feline species in Costa Rica and the third-largest on the planet, next to lions and tigers. Average size varies by geographic location, with larger jaguars tending to live in habitats further south. Male jaguars are generally about 20 percent larger than females, averaging 125 to 200 pounds. Some recorded weights have exceeded 300 pounds!

Jaguars are usually spotted, but melanism (black pigment) occurs commonly in varying degrees, from completely black to near black with some pattern showing through.

The type of jaguars native to Costa Rica may exist in locations ranging from the extreme southwest United States down to central South America. However, in Costa Rica this cat is found almost only in the forests of protected reserves.

Jaguars are a keystone species, meaning they are the top of the food chain. This makes them crucial to stabilizing the ecosystem by regulating prey populations.

It is said that jaguars won’t hunt humans, yet human deaths have been recorded. Due to farmers’ concerns about jaguars hunting cattle, jaguars have been extirpated from areas of human habitation.

As predators of many semi-aquatic creatures, jaguars will often swim and

hunt in the water. Their diet encompasses at least 87 species, including adult caimans, deer, capybaras, tapirs, peccaries, dogs and even anacondas on the large side. These kitties will also eat small prey such as birds, frogs, mice, fish, sloths, monkeys and turtles.

Jaguars have an extremely powerful bite that can pierce the shells of armored prey, and puncture the heads of their prey to cause brain damage. Their stalkand-ambush method of hunting involves staying under cover rather than chasing down prey. They eat all their food before hunting for more.

Jaguars are considered nocturnal but are actually crepuscular (peak activity around dawn and dusk). They are active. They are vocal, but solitary, coming together only to mate. The male does not participate in the care of offspring.

Their tendency to stay under cover makes jaguars hard to view and observe. However, it is possible to do so in Costa Rica, where the majority of wild jaguars live in various national parks and preserves. Places to research for jaguar sightings include Tortuguero National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Corcovado National Park, Rio Macho Forest Preserve and the lower Cordillera Talamanca, La Selva and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Jaguars may also be found in the vicinity of San José, San Vito and Cerro de la Muerte.

Their diet encompasses at least 87 species.

30 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

balsa — raft bosque — forest bote — boat bucear — scuba diving cabalgata — horseback ride caminata — hike canopy — ziplining catarata — waterfall centro de rescate animal — animal rescue center ciclismo — cycling cuadraciclo — all-terrain vehicle (ATV) paracaidismo — sky-diving pesca — fishing puentes colgantes — hanging bridges puesta del sol — sunset rafting — rafting remar — to paddle remo — a paddle snorkeling — snorkeling termales — hot springs velero — sailboat ver pajaros — bird-watching volcán — volcano Photo courtesy of Sky Adventures

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Guaitil OFF THE BEATEN PATH

The Real Deal

T

by Debbie Bride and Marian Paniagua

o be sure, the tiny village of Guaitil is off the beaten path, but not too far off. Nor is it a difficult drive or hard to find, and the trip takes you through a particularly scenic area of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province. Guaitil is just a 15-minute drive east of Santa Cruz along the old route to Nicoya. It can also be accessed by buses running regularly from Santa Cruz.

However you get there, your Guaitil visit will be highly worthwhile and is best not rushed. Seldom are there opportunities like this to step back thousands of years in time for a firsthand history lesson. Guaitil is famous throughout Central America for its significant role in preserving the legacy of Chorotega pottery. The story unfolds as you stop by any of the local studio-galleries to observe and chat with the artisans at work.

Generation after generation of Guaitil townspeople have passed down their knowledge and expertise to keep the preColumbian style of pottery alive as a hallmark of Chorotega indigenous culture. Many of the pieces are exact replicas of original artifacts in Costa Rican museum collections. The government provides photographs of these items to the Guaitil potters for reference, ensuring every detail is historically accurate.

32 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

All photos by Abi Acuna, Digital Photo

Even in modern times, every piece of Guaitil pottery — pots, jars, plates, bowls, pitchers, vases and more — is handmade from start to finish. From the ground rock mixtures of clay and paint components to the stones used for smoothing and polishing each creation, all the raw materials are locally sourced from rocks and sand in the area. No chemicals are added at any stage of pottery production. Every tool used for grinding, sculpting and freehand etching, and each piece of equipment is handcrafted from wood, stone, metal and/or repurposed scrap parts. Innovations include a potter’s wheel made from a recycled kitchen stove element, fan motor and motorcycle sprocket.

Remarkably, Guaitil’s pottery craft industry is the economic base for supporting the entire community. It’s the ideal place for tourists to purchase authentic, locally made souvenirs of Costa Rica directly from the source at reasonable prices.

While you are in town, be sure to stop by one of the local sodas to sample some traditional Costa Rican food and beverages, for which Guaitil is also known.

Guaitil is named for a species of tree that grows in the area.

Native Chorotega tribe members would smash the tree’s seeds to release a black ink used for painting their skin.

Even in modern times, every piece of Guaitil pottery is handmade from start to finish.

Artisans start learning their craft at a very early age.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Lack of bikeways and sidewalks limits the road space everyone must share.

by John Brockmeier

WHAT TO EXPECT

HIGH-SEASON TRAFFIC SAFETY

H

igh season is the time for welcoming more tourists than ever to Costa Rica. Tourism is the lifeblood of the Guanacaste area and brings economic benefits to all. Along with it comes the promise of increased traffic, which has an impact on small communities in particular.

Local drivers year-round are accustomed to the single-lane river bridges connecting routes between towns. Yield signs at each entry point generally seem to do a good job of controlling traffic. Drivers are used to taking turns crossing these bridges, several vehicles at a time. But high season driving in Guanacaste calls for extra care and patience as traffic volumes peak.

Universal precautions for vehicle traffic apply to the fullest extent, and then some. But don’t assume everyone else on the road is of the same mind. Be cautious of drivers who don’t use turn signals or run stop signs (regarding them as only a suggestion to stop). Don’t be surprised when locals stop in the middle of the road to converse with neighbors and friends. Look out for gypsy cabs stopping frequently to pick up locals on their way to work. And within tourist towns, roadways are commonly clogged with delivery trucks dropping off the goods you may be on your way to purchase.

Drive slowly by cyclists on their way to work. Lack of bikeways and sidewalks limits the road space everyone must

34 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

share. The same goes for underpowered motorcycles, horseback riders and herds of cows.

Be on the lookout for wildlife as well.

Driving within the speed limit is your best chance of being able to safely slow to a stop if a monkey or coati runs out from the bushes.

At all times — but especially at night— be aware of pedestrians on the roadways.

Remember they have no place else to walk. Driving in Costa Rica after dark is challenging enough without this added risk. During high season, you can expect even more people walking on the roads.

Be very vigilant!

For safety’s sake in every circumstance, simply slow down. Nothing is so important that you must race. This is obvious from the number of deliberately

slow drivers here, the likes of which you might never have witnessed. That’s pura vida. Join the club … it won’t hurt and may prevent serious harm.

What if the police pull you over for a traffic check? Be prepared by always traveling with your passport and valid driver’s license. Traffic checks usually take just a minute or so. No matter what, be courteous. The traffic officers have a job to do. The main purpose is to make sure you are legally eligible to visit and drive in Costa Rica, and that everyone in the vehicle is wearing seatbelts. Costa Rica’s fines for speeding and not wearing seatbelts are quite expensive.

Remember to enjoy your time and travel in Guanacaste. Take things at a slower pace, especially when behind the wheel. Drive carefully and respectfully.

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E R U T N E V D A R U O Y L W HO

Fr i e n ds z i ppi n the b g a ro each und

h Co ro u g h t s fall te. . . f re e acas a n l a e u g An i ve G S k yd m o r f

A lex with s e i sk Rica 5

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S u p e r m a n P a c i f i c o c e a n v i e w, t h a n k s t o D ia m a nte Adve nt u re s . . . S e e a d p a g e 31

Us e H OW LE R dis c o u nt c o de S a ve 10% 36 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

o n e family All in th

g b r id g e a hangin

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CHARLY LOPEZ

by Karl Kahler

What’s your favorite band?

Iron Maiden is my favorite band, in the heavy metal style. In the thrash style, it’s Megadeth. In country rock and blues, it’s Creedence. And in all the rest, it’s the Beatles. The Beatles were a big influence on me.

I learned guitar Photos

by Karl Kahler when I was 9. For two years I didn’t like it, I put the guitar in the closet, and when I discovered the Beatles, I grabbed my guitar again, and I started playing it and I never stopped since.

SPOTLIGHT

Heavy metal singer now covers classics, but don’t think this hard rocker has gone soft

W

atching Charly Lopez sing tunes like “Achy Breaky Heart” and “Proud Mary” at Zi Lounge in Coco on a Saturday night, I wouldn’t have guessed he’s a heavy metal singer whose favorite band is Iron Maiden. Born in Montevideo, he’s been declared “the Voice of Uruguayan Heavy Metal,” and he was long the front man for an Iron Maiden tribute band called Up the Irons. I sat down with Lopez, 53, after the show to talk about rock ‘n’ roll, day jobs and Megadeth.

What brought you to Costa Rica?

I lived in Montreal for 13 years — meaning 13 winters — and by winter 11 I started to feel like, man, I mean the winters are so

38 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

long and so cold. And summer is short and half of it is rainy. So I was thinking I would like to go and live where the summer is longer.

By year 13, a friend showed up in Montreal and I said, “Where you been?”

He says, “I’ve been in Costa Rica the last 15 years. I have a restaurant on the beach. You should come and play with your guitar.” And I thought I’d never do that because I played heavy metal in Montreal.

So later I thought, OK, I’ll try it, I’ll go and I’ll see what it’s like. So I came to Guanacaste, and I started playing every night, seven nights a week. And I stayed here for four months. And there was never rain, it was always warm, and I thought, I found the place! This is it!

Do you write any of your own music?

I do. I already recorded four albums in South America with my band Alvacast, and I recorded one with Tears for the Dead Gods in Canada, a heavy metal band. And then when I came here, I recorded one solo album in 2011, called “Un Vaso de Vino.”

Do you have a day job?

Not anymore, for the last 12 years.

Anything else you want to tell me?

When I came here and started doing this in Costa Rica, I was a little bit ashamed, after being a heavy metal singer, playing in a restaurant with a guitar. So I never told anybody for the first three years until Facebook came about, and then everybody knew what I was doing. I learned that as long as people are happy, dancing and singing and having a good time, it doesn’t matter what I play or what I sing.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT M

Music

Events

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ONDAYS

LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day National beers & cocktail specials Fire Show 7:30-8:30pm LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Club daypass, happy hour, 4-6, CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris MUSICIANS Joe & Luiz, 5-7 at Walters Max Gea, 7-9 Marriott Hacienda Pinilla

WALTER'S FISH & CHEESE Live Jazz, 6-9pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7 pm

NFL, margarita & tequila specials ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am Monday Night Football

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UESDAYS

EDNESDAYS

COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Karaoke night, 7:30pm Beer bucket $14 ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am MARINER INN Happy hour 4-6 Daily special: Margaritas and tacos—50% off tacos with margarita purchase LA PALAPA Happy hour all day Fire Show 7:30-8:30pm LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Club daypass, happy hour, 4-6, Live music, 7-9pm MUSICIANS

Charly Lopez, Papaya 6:30pm Joe Hrbek sax solo 5-7 at El Be Joe & Luiz 7-9 at El Be

CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris

TAMARINDO/LANGOSTA

Langosta Beach Cub Beach Club, Restaurants and Bar All you need in one spot: restaurants, bar, beach access with ocean activities, spa and fitness center. The perfect place for a perfect day. Restaurants always open to the public, facilities require a day pass.

Beachfront, 400m from Pacific Park Daily, 9am-10pm 2653-1127 / 8372-7244 info@langostabeachclub.com langostabeachclub.com Daily: Happy hour 4-6pm, 50% off selection

Day pass for all facilities 9am-6pm Tue: Live music, 7-9pm Thu: Sunset music, 5-7pm Fri: Live music, 7-9pm Sun: Live DJ, 2pm-sunset Activities: Pool, spa, beach, kayak, surf, 40paddleboard | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Happy Hours

MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6 Daily special: 1/2 price wine when paired with ceviche CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Happy hour, 4-6 LA PALAPA Happy hour all day Fire Show 7:30-8:30pm MUSICIANS

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6:30-9 Ladies’ night, 9:30-11pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Thursday Night Football Vodka lemonade specials MUSICIANS

Max Gea, 8-10pm at Oveja Negra

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6:30-9 DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, Will Matthews, 6:30 House whiskey specials

LA PALAPA Beachfront Seafood Grill & Bar

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HURSDAYS

Joe & Luiz 4-7pm at El Vaquero 10pm-midnight, Pikata's Max Gea, 7-9pm at Longboards Open mic Leatherbacks at El Be, 8 Jan 3, 17, 31

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Dine and drink on Tamarindo’s best beachfront with your feet in the sand enjoying the life. The perfect sunset spot.

Boasting spectacular ocean views, great pizza, a huge pool, waterfall and a swimup bar. Great for groups and birthdays!

On the beach, 25m before rotonda Daily, 8am-10pm 2653-0365 lapalapacr@hotmail.com

Inside the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas Daily, 7am-2am 2653-0114 ayd@tamarindovistavillas.com CrazyMonkeyBarTamarindo

Daily:

Thu: Sun:

Fire shows, 7:30-8:30pm Happy hour all day, every day National beers & cocktail specials Live music, 7pm Live music, 7pm

Daily: Happy hour, 4-6pm,

$4 margaritas and daiquiris Fri: Our famous ladies’ night, live salsa music and DJ,

free drinks at 9pm Sat: All you can eat pizza and salad, $10+tax per person, 5-9pm Sun: Afternoon pool party, noon-6pm Jan 4-7, Ocaso Music festival - Daily events

CALENDAR A weekly glance for December

F

RIDAYS

LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Live music 7-9, happy hour 4-6 MUSICIANS

Joe Hrbeck Sax Solo 7-10pm, El Coconut, Jan 12 & 26 Joe & Luiz - 5-7pm El Chiringuito, Jan 5 & 19

MARINER INN Happy hour 4-6 Daily special: Wings & brews, a free beer with your order of wings CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris Ladies’ night, live salsa music DJ, free drinks at 9pm LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day Fire Show 7:30-8:30pm WALTER'S FISH & CHEESE Live Rock & Blues, 6-9pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, bucket of 6 beers, $14 ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, Latin Trio, 6:30-9

S

ATURDAYS

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, Charly Lopez, 6:30-9 COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, Flor de Caña and chiliguaro special MUSICIANS

Joe sunset sax, 4:30-6:30, El Be Joe & Luiz, - 7:30-9:30 Hotel Pasatiempo -Pikata's, 10:30-12:30 Max Gea, 7-9pm, Cabaña Blanca

CRAZY MONKEY All you can eat pizza & sala $10+tax per person, 5-9pm

MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6 Daily special: Sangria Saturday 4 sangrias for the price of 3 LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Happy hour, 4-6 LA PALAPA Happy hour all day Fire Show 7:30-8:30pm

FLAMINGO

MARINER INN Hotel, Bar & Restaurant Across the bridge in Flamingo Tue-Sun 4pm-10pm, closed Mon 2654-4156 themarinerinn@gmail.com marinerinn.com themarinerinn Daily: Tue:

Wed:

Happy hour 4-6pm Margs & Tacos 50% off tacos with margarita 1/2 priced wine when paired with ceviche Thu: Loco Thursday - 10% off food and beverages Fri: Wings & Brews - get a free beer with your order of wings Sat: Sangria Sat - 4 sangrias for the price of 3 Sun: $20 chef’s special & glass of wine

LANGOSTA

BEACH

CLUB

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UNDAYS

CRAZY MONKEY Afternoon pool party, noon-6 MARINER INN Happy hour 4-6 Daily special: $20 chef’s special with a glass of wine NFL, Sunday Night Football LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Live DJ 2-sunset, happy hour 4-6 MUSICIANS Max Gea, 7-9pm Longboards Open mic Joe & Luiz, 11:30-1:30, The Shack

LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day National beers & cocktail specials Live music,5:30-6:30, Joe & Luiz Fire Show 7:30-8:30pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm NFL and NBA all day ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm NFL and NBA all day

PLAYAS DEL COCO

COCONUTZ Restaurant & Bar

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PLAYAS DEL COCO

ZI LOUNGE Restaurant and Sports Bar

The iconic bar of Coco Beach. Always cold beer, entertainment, sports and good food.

Food, drink, entertainment and the longest happy hour in town.

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Avenida Central, 200m from beach Daily, 11am-2:30am 2670-1978 info@zilounge.com Zi.Lounge Daily: Happy hour 11am-7pm,

DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am Mon: Monday Night Football Tue: DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am Wed: Live music, 6:30-9pm Thu: Live music, 6:30-9pm

Ladies’ night, 9:30-11pm Fri: Live music, 6:30-9pm Sat: Live music, 6:30-9pm Sun: NFL football playoffs

Daily: Happy hour until 7pm; all NHL games Mon: NFL, margarita & tequila specials Tue: Karaoke, 7:30, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Wed: Live music with Will Matthews,

6:30pm, house whiskey specials Thu: NFL, vodka lemonade specials Fri: Live music, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Sat: Live music, Flor de Caña and chiliguaro specials Sun: NFL football, all day

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HAPPENINGS

GET OUT, DO SOMETHING!

J

FIESTA FIESTA FIESTA

anuary is here, and the festival season continues throughout Costa Rica.

Much of the excitement comes from bull riding. This has been an important cultural tradition in every little town in Costa Rica since the colonial period, when animal breeding was influenced by the Spanish in the San José and Guanacaste areas.

Festival celebrations also feature local music everywhere, lots of traditional food, rides for kids and cultural activities galore.

Don’t miss out!

Calendar of Events Jan 4-12

Cultural Week - Santa Cruz

Jan 4-7

Tempate, Guanacaste

Jan 14-21 Santa Cruz, Guanacaste Jan 12-22

Carrizal, Alajuela

Jan 12-23

Palmares, Alajuela

Jan 24-28

Nicoya, Guanacaste

PLAYA Potrero

Photo by Paul E German Photography

WEDNESDAYS - JIM NIEMI, COUNTRY MUSIC ARTIST PLAYS TO BENEFIT BARBARA'S ANIMAL RESCUE CENTER

C

ome on out, kick up your heels and sing along to your country favorites — all in support of a great cause for animals in need. This weekly fundraiser for Barbara’s Rescue Center features live music performed by Jim Niemi, Canadian country music artist.

Where: El Castillo, Playa Potrero When: Every Wednesday starting in January 7:30-9:30pm

42 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Celebrate With Us! Make your celebration memorable here at our new Event Center at the Seis Playas Hotel. Host up to 200 people with catering services available, within minutes of our 6 beaches!

Celebra con Nosotros!

Haga su celebración memorable en nuestro Centro de Eventos en el Hotel Seis Playas. Capacidad hasta 200 personas con servicio de catering disponible, ubicado a pocos minutos de nuestras 6 playas!

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San José Office 2288-0483

Tamarindo Office 2653-0300

Flamingo Office 2654-4004

S p e c i a l i z i n g i n C o s t a R i c a R e a l E s t a t eRead.flike. o rshare. o v| online e r 2 7howlermag.com y e a r s ! | 43

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

It's your board, man.

I'll make whatever you like.

by Robert August

AUGUST ODYSSEYS

I

recently accepted an invitation back to the place where my formative years were spent, Huntington Beach, California, for a very special reason. The 18th annual induction ceremony of the Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame took place Oct. 21, 2017 at the International Surfing Museum. This year, the selection committee had decided to honor me along with six other board builders from around the world. These inductees aren’t just guys who have shaped a couple of boards in their lives. They are guys (like myself ) who have devoted pretty much their entire existence to building boards for fellow wave-riders.

The ceremony was fantastic! Each board builder had a close friend talk about his history, how he got started, how he got involved in the industry, and where he is today. It was nice to reminisce about my history as a 20-something-year-old

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kid making my first surfboards with the inspiration of my dad, Blackie August.

In 1965, I started working with Jacob’s Surfboards, where I perfected my craft.

Then, as the story goes, this passion evolved into creating my own brand in 1974: Robert August Surfboards.

After hand-shaping more than 43,000 surfboards over the years, I’m starting to get pretty darn good at it (wink, wink). I’ve always loved the look on people’s faces when they see their brand-new, glossy surfboard for the first time and are hesitant to even put wax on it. I’ve made boards for fat guys, skinny guys, and everything in between. I really enjoy

working on an individual level to build the perfect shape for each person’s specific purpose. From time to time, people will ask me for a unique tail or odd artwork and I’ll tell them, “It’s your board, man. I’ll make whatever you like.”

Even after all these years, I’ve never made a ton of money doing the board shaping thing. But I sure do find a legitimate sense of fulfillment when I’m completely covered in surfboard foam and resin at the end of the workday.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TTZ (T

ico Time Zone)

SIMPLE LIFE SEEMS LESS EASY NOW

DOSLOCOS

by Johnny Lahoud

W

e're all in this together! The thing I’ve learned living in Costa Rica for the past 20 years is how the gaps between the developed and developing worlds have closed in the technology sectors, but seem to be widening in terms of humanity.

When I first arrived here, I was taken aback by the rural nature of this amazing country. Like all adventurers, I had no problem with the crappy roads … or the challenges of getting from point A to point B with more than a few pit stops in between.

It appealed to my sense of discovery. There were no freebies here. If you wanted to stay here, you had to earn it … figure it out on the fly.

I first came to surf. Just making it to Jacó involved some treacherous twists and turns that pumped fear and adrenaline through our veins. We were headed into the great unknown — a quest for great surf and any other unknown treasures that awaited.

Fortune favors the bold!

After my first trip to Costa Rica, I decided to make a go of it. I knew the only way to successfully pull this off was to learn the language. So I bought a schoolbook and started learning on the fly. Words and verbs of the day associated with chapters in the book. When I came back in the mid-’90s, no

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one spoke much English. It definitely helped to be single and learn the local inflections from the local fauna.

That was when I realized how the pura vida mentality was so special. People here are so laid back and willing to help anyone.

People spend so much time recording and posting their good times online that they forget to live in the moment.

If you are willing to take the initiative and try, the Ticos will embrace your efforts and help you acclimate to Costa Rica. Your willingness to make them laugh with funny stories only endears them more to you.

We didn’t have any technology to lean on. We just surfed, hung out and hit the disco for dancing and fun.

I think it’s a shame that technology has reared its ugly head and become prevalent over the past 10 years. People spend so much time recording and posting their good times

online that they forget to live in the moment.

I sometimes find myself watching the news and feeling depressed. It’s impossible to tune out the bad news that has crept down from the first world. There’s no way to avoid hearing stories about things I came here to avoid in the first place — things I certainly can’t control. It’s like living in a gray area between the cultural autonomy that makes Costa Rica a world unto itself and the technological blurring of global boundaries.

We want it but we don’t. At least I don’t.

I know the future is now and this wave is unstoppable. You have to ride it to survive or go the way of the dodo bird.

But I also know that none of us here gets out alive, and I refuse to live in a world that highlights conflict and failures.

I recently returned from a weekend at my friend’s resort in Lagarto. We spent a whole three days with no TV. We only had a radio, friends, seafood, surf and cervezas.

It was an amazing time! It felt great to put down the zombie boxes and KISS. “Keep it simple, stupid” is a mantra we all need to recite sometimes for living and loving in the moment. It can keep us grounded, refreshed and happy while we spin on our little blue marble in the TTZ. Pura vida, mae.

SURVIVING Costaby Jesse Rica Bishop

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

M

y first recollection of a U.S. president is from around 1955.

On a black and white TV screen we watched thenPresident Dwight Eisenhower — until recently, the only “non-politician” president I’ve known — boarding a propeller-driven airplane. I also recall one of my first visits to a barber shop with my dad. When asked what kind of haircut I wanted, my response was, “one like the president’s.” Everyone present found this hilarious, as the president was bald. Now, some 62 years later, I finally have the one I wanted … at least on top.

A few years later, when Dad was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, we were living in flag officers’ quarters next to the base swimming pool. As it happened one day, visiting President John F. Kennedy was taking advantage of the pool, otherwise emptied of swimmers but surrounded by a large Secret Service contingent. The agents had overlooked the pool exit door next to our house, so upon finishing his

swim and leaving, President Kennedy was confronted by yours truly. As his security phalanx looked on in dismay,

Upon finishing his swim, President Kennedy was confronted by yours truly.

I extended my 10-year old hand and said, “Good morning, Mr. President.”

He took my hand and responded, “Good morning.”

All people of my generation remember where they were on the sad day when President Kennedy was assassinated. For me it was a sixth grade classroom in McLean, Virginia, three miles outside Washington, D.C, where I grew up. I later attended high school just blocks away from CIA Headquarters. All the signs leading there said “Virginia Department of Highways,” presumably to fool the Russians.

The 1960s were a time of political extremes, first with LBJ in the Oval Office and then everybody’s favorite

boogeyman president, Richard Nixon.

Being a young fledgling hippie, I jumped on the anti-establishment bandwagon, attending Nixon’s “Counter Inaugural Ball” on the Washington Monument grounds. A three-ring circus tent stage featured performers like the Fugs, Phil Ochs in his famous silver lamé suit, and Wavy Gravy of Haight-Ashbury and Woodstock fame, getting all 10,000 participants to hyperventilate. Younger readers can check Wikipedia to find out who or what I’m talking about.

Then came my first chance to vote for a president — George McGovern.

My track record for presidential picks is nothing to boast about — about 50-50 overall — and ‘ol George was my first losing candidate. Nevertheless, I’ve tried to keep up with elections over the years.

My home base was Port Aransas, Texas, during the last local Democratic primary before they changed the rules.

I was one of two delegates for Jesse Jackson. When it became obvious that Gary Hart was going to carry the town with 16 votes, yours truly and the one other Jackson delegate left in disgust, smoking a joint outside in protest.

Casting a vote was more difficult once we moved to Costa Rica. Ballots were collected at our old gallery location in downtown Tamarindo, forwarded from there to the U.S. embassy in San Jose and then on to the appropriate districts back in the States. In the 2016 election, we were able to vote online.

The fact that our votes were cast in Texas will tell you it was for naught.

Last year’s election campaign was the most entertaining one I ever witnessed.

The historical observer in me resists being critical. President Trump is providing some of the most interesting times the United States has ever known.

It seems safe to predict that history books 200 years from now will have a lot to say about it!

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LOCOSDOS

PRESIDENTS I HAVE KNOWN

LIFESTYLE

360° Splendor del Pacifico's view looking north. Construction is near completion.

360° SPLENDOR DEL PACIFICO F la mingo's Crown Jewel is Ready to Shine

FEATURE

By Ariana Clashing O’Reilly

T

he sales and management team of the 360° Splendor del Pacifico Residences breathed a sigh of relief.

The nearby Flamingo Marina has just announced its approval for construction.

Often referred to as “360 Flamingo,” the luxury condominium and penthouse project is now ready for its debut overlookng the future Marina Flamingo.

Real estate developer Ed Podolak, a Super Bowl champion for the Kansas City Chiefs, and his partners have bided their time, waiting for the perfect moment to build their grandest hospitality project to date. They started building in 2015.

With the recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, there has been a sense that this

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little pocket of Costa Rica’s Gold Coast is on the brink of something big.

Ed, who has a Super Bowl ring from his rookie year in 1969, has a track record for well-timed real estate developments.

His prior condominium-hotel projects in Jacó attest to that. Pulling from his experience with luxury developments in Aspen, Colorado, he brought his eye for opportunity to Costa Rica in 1997.

After three years of scoping out Costa Rica for investment opportunities, Ed decided to start a business in Jacó, where he set up shop as a Century 21 real estate agency. A year later, fortune knocked, and he invested in a partnership to build the first of his Costa Rica developments, the

Ed Podolak and Gary Dolphin calling an Iowa football game

Photos courtesy of 360° Splendor del Pacifico

Sunset view from the infinity pool

Hotel Club del Mar. Two years later, he built Hotel Club del Sol on the adjoining property.

The concept was a winning play. Build a beach resort with condos and penthouses, sell the units to second-, third- and fourthhome buyers, then run the development like a hotel.

While Jacó has a reputation for parties, nightlife and surf, Flamingo has calmer waters that fit its reputation for being clean, quiet and safe.

Calling Flamingo his second home, Ed is a longtime member of the Flamingo Beach Association, and is a regular contributor and participant in the activities and initiatives of this group, which funds the maintenance, serenity and

With the 360° Splendor del Pacifico Residences, Ed takes the formula of his prior condo resorts, improves on it with observations of his client's habits, and surrounds it with sigh-inducing views.

The “360°” in the project’s name says it

home. After years of observing the clients that frequent his Jacó hotels, Ed realized that privacy while traveling with family and friends is something that couples often appreciate. So he designed each 1-bedroom condo with connecting doors and balconies, to instantly convert them into 2- or 3-bedroom residences.

But these rooms are not designed for you to stay in bed all day and be closed off to the beauty that is Flamingo Beach.

Instead, these condos beckon you to get outside and play. It's as if the ocean view is, by osmosis, magnetically pulling you through the triple-paned glass windows and doors, drawing you to discover the wonders of its blue depths.

From every floor, there is a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and the coastline.

accessibility of this beautiful beach.

all. From every floor, there is a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean and Costa Rica’s “Gold Coast.”

With luxury condominiums that are available for rent, 360 Flamingo combines the best of hotel concierge service with the independence of a personal vacation

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LIFESTYLE Fashion Flash

The Perfect Beach to Bar Look

by Patricia Sterman

D

o you want to miss the sunset? What about happy hour? Every evening, beachgoers have to face an important decision — go home or go on.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative … something you can pull over a sandy bathing suit and still look great wearing. From beach attire to party kit, here is our “Beach to Bar” list. Throw these items in your bag and be ready for your post-surf cocktail.

Basic outfit

If you are a dress girl this is easy; an a-shape or loose dress can cover sandy spots and keep us fresh at sunset. Or maybe an open shirt-dress that can still show your lovely bikini. If not, a nice top and a skirt or shorts will do.

Sarong

This is your ultimate beach-to-bar secret weapon. Dry yourself and then just tie it behind your neck and you are ready.

Sandals

Take off your flip-flops and just put on a nice pair of sandals instead. There are many flip-flop sandals on the market now that are versatile enough for both beach and bar wear.

Small bag or clutch

Keep your important stuff away from the sandy towel and dirty clothes.

Mini-personal care kit

Basic needs include deodorant, moisturizer, hair cream, basic makeup, hydrating lip balm, breath freshener and wet towels.

Jewelry

All you need is a nice pair of earrings and a chain … nothing too fancy, just a little touch to dress up your beach look.

Hair

A playful ponytail or wet gel look might work to go out with salty, sandy hair. If it’s completely out of control, a braid, a bun or a summer bandana are other options for not going home to shower.

Makeup

Make sure anything and everything is waterproof; no panda eyes allowed.

50 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Photos by Zoe Van Gorp

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CLASSIC CAR QUEST

LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

Costa Rican Company Specializes in Returning the Glory Days to Vintage Cars

T

wo men’s quest for their dream cars took them from Connecticut to Colorado to Costa Rica, where they found their gold at the end of the rainbow — two classic Toyota Land Cruisers, meticulously restored to mint condition.

Brent Jones and Ken Peters of Connecticut are passionate about cars, and Ken dreamed of finding a 1969 Land Cruiser like the one he had in Southern California in the early ’90s.

They found the kind of cars they were looking for at an auction in Denver, and they were told that the company responsible for their gleaming looks was a shop called 506 Classic Auto Restorer in Costa Rica.

Soon the wheels were in motion for 506 Classic Auto Restorer to find, acquire and completely restore two vintage Land Cruisers, a tan one from 1969 and a blue one from 1977. The two men flew down

last month to see the results, and they were blown away.

“The communication that we received from 506 Classic Auto Restorer was amazing,” Ken said. “We received pictures of every step in the process, perfect documentation. The attention to detail was far beyond what we were expecting,” Brent said.

In January, Brent and Ken will fly back with their families to take a road trip in their sleek new rides, and then the cars will be shipped to Connecticut.

It’s all in a day’s work for the people at 506, who specialize in Land Rovers and Land Cruisers but will restore any vehicle 25 years or older.

The owners of 506 Classic Auto Restorer say passion is their driving force, and seeing clients so happy with the outcome makes it all worthwhile.

"The attention to detail was far beyond what we were expecting."

506 Classic Auto Restorer

Photos by Bryan Nuñez

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www.506classicautorestorer.com

by John Brockmeier

1977 Toyota Land Cruiser BJ40

fully restored

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LIFESTYLE

A panoramic image captured movement in the clouds on a typically windy day on the Guanacaste plains. This photo was taken just minutes after sunset.

PHOTO TIPS

SHOOTING THE NIGHT SKY

B

eing out in nature at night is a great experience. The forest comes alive with strange sounds, and many of the most interesting mammals and frogs come out at night. And of course, there is the beautiful night sky.

Costa Rica would not be the destination of choice for night sky photography. High humidity levels can compromise the clarity of the night sky, and it's often cloudy in any case. For night sky photography, people generally head to the deserts of the American southwest, the arid lands of Namibia, or one of the beautiful regions of Chile. Nonetheless, if you happen to be lucky and catch a clear sky in Costa Rica, you can make some cool photos. Indeed, the dry season from December through April offers us the best possibilities for clear skies. Here's a few

Skies don't have to be perfectly clear for night photos. Clouds added drama to this 30 second exposure of the Arenal Volcano.

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tips to help you out.

First, you'll really want a DSLR style camera body or at least one of the newer mirrorless cameras. These types of camera will handle noise well and lead to better

Practice focusing on distant objects during the day. night sky photos with great detail.

Second, you'll need a tripod. For photos of the stars as points, you'll be using shutter speeds of 15 to 30 seconds. For star trails, you'll want to expose for at least 20 minutes and often longer. During these longer exposures, the stars become trails as the earth rotates.

by Gregory Basco Third, a lens with a wide aperture such as f/2.8 is a great help. Wide angle lenses from 15 to 35 mm are perfect. In general, you'll want to use your lens at its widest aperture (the smallest f/number) as this will let in more light, allowing you to keep your ISO values reasonably low so your images don't become too noisy. ISO values of 1600 to 6400 are common for Costa Rica.

Fourth, practice focusing on distant objects during the day. At night, autofocus won't work, so you'll need to learn where to manually focus your lens for the stars. Practicing on clouds during the day and noting where the manual focus point is will be a huge boon once you go out in the dark to photograph stars.

Photos by

Not every night sky image needs stars. The clouds and moon worked well for this shot in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge.

Fifth, learn how to use the histogram on your camera. Our eyes are easily fooled at night by the image on the back of your camera, which will appear exceptionally bright. Using the histogram to evaluate your photo will help you to capture a proper exposure.

Sixth, all night sky images will require a bit of processing in the computer to look their best.

Many, if not most, of the stunning night shots we see online are composite images with one photo taken around sunset for the foreground and another taken at night for the stars. (Many others combine shots taken at different times and different places!) I prefer to do “real� nature photography and capture everything in a single image. Reducing the noise in the sky and modifying the contrast and color slightly can really make our images pop while reflecting what we saw when we were taking our photo.

Specialized processing software such as Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop are a requirement for great-looking night sky shots.

Though it seems like a lot to take in, night sky photography, though challenging, is fun. Get out there and experiment to begin photographing those great night skies we enjoy on occasion in Costa Rica!

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LIFESTYLE

Tips for a New Year of Language Learning SPANISH

by Sylvia Monge

E

very year, Jan. 1 comes around and we redefine our goals. If you are in Costa Rica, invariably, learning Spanish is on your list. In truth, learning a language should always be on that list.

There are few things more nourishing to your brain health and memory than learning a second language. That being said, there are also few things more frustrating and challenging than second language acquisition. Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, right? We can quip all we want, but the struggle is real. People constantly tell me they are just not good at languages, as if the brain is to blame. But could the real problem be fear of disapproval and embarrassment?

Here are some simple tips to make this year’s attempt to learn Spanish easier.

People think your accent is sexy.

You might think you sound like a complete bonehead, but the locals around you are tickled by your accent. Our brains are wired to enjoy an outsider’s attempt to speak our language. To a local, it’s a show of respect to engage in their language. You are taking the brunt of being the fool and they appreciate it immensely. Always try to engage in Spanish first, and then smile your way through the rest. It really does get easier

56 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

each time.

You don’t need to conjugate.

This one is huge … conjugation can drive even a native to a stiff drink.

All those changes and endings can be seriously overwhelming and cause you to go back to believing you are just not worthy of learning. The truth is, all immigrants learn a basic version of their new language first called pigeon language.

second language. As your stress melts away with the second or third drink, you have easier access to memory. I am not suggesting you develop an alcohol dependence to learn Spanish. However, finding a happy place, removing stress and simply enjoying the moment will allow you to access more of the things you study.

Lower your expectations.

We never understand everything someone says, even in our own language.

I need subtitles to watch “Duck Dynasty” on TV, for example. When someone is speaking to us, we need to stop focusing on the words and focus on the bigger picture. Take in the speaker’s hand gestures and expressions, and allow your brain to throw thoughts, images and concepts back to you. If you relax and let it happen, your brain will give you the gist of what is being said, for you to grasp and run with it. People who fill in the blanks and points of confusion with their own imagination are better language learners.

So in essence, language learning is whole lot of winging it. A laid-back mentality allows your brain the space and time to learn.

Conjugation can drive even a native to a stiff drink.

It is void of conjugation and complex structure. Like a child, you piece things together and the more you do it, the more your brain can access the information.

Stress is the wall!

When you stress, you are blocking any possibility of accessing your memory. It fogs thinking and slips you into a mode where you just want to give up and go home. There’s a good reason why alcohol and caffeine can aid us in speaking a

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LIFESTYLE

THE CLIMATE IS CHANGING WILL THERE BE WAVES?

SURF SCIENCE

by Ryan Waldron

C

all it what you want — global warming … climate change … or my personal favorite, “global weirding.” Record-breaking weather events have become seasonal norms, as the earth’s atmosphere is overly fueled by human activities. In the last few years, we have witnessed quite a few. The strongest hurricane on record was Hurricane Patricia in October 2015, with sustained winds of 215 mph. The hottest year ever was 2016, breaking the heat records set by the two previous years, 2015 and 2014.

On Jan. 14, 2016, Hurricane Alex was the earliest hurricane in the season since 1938. Let’s not forget Hurricane Otto last November, which came close to making unprecedented direct landfall in Costa Rica. And most recently, in October, Tropical Storm Nate produced record rainfall in Costa Rica.

All this raises the question, where is our unpredictable climate headed? And equally important, will there be waves?

A 2013 Surfline article by chief forecaster Mark Willis dives into this previously untapped topic. His research suggests that by the year 2100, most areas across the globe will actually have smaller average surf. Yes, you read that correctly.

The long-range forecasting models Willis used suggest significant wave decreases will be noted across the northern Pacific

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N O A A / N E S D I S . E n h a n ced i n f ra red i m a g e o f H u r r i ca n e O tto a p p ro a c h i n g s o u th e r n N i ca ra g u a /n o r th e r n C o s ta R i ca co a s t o n T h u rs d a y, No v e m b e r 2 4 , 2 0 1 6 .

S o u rce : w u n d e rg ro u n d .co m

during the January, February and March winter months. Similarly, the north Atlantic is expected to incur decreased wave heights throughout the whole year.

That being said, these same wave forecasting models came to an opposite conclusion in Costa Rica’s cradle of swell, the south Pacific. Willis writes, “The most significant increases are projected to be in the waters south of Australia and New Zealand, especially during the Southern Hemisphere winter months of July, August, and September. The increases are projected to be in the ranges of 5 to 10 percent above current averages during peak winter months.” Along with this increase in wave height, wave periods can also be expected to rise on average as the swell’s travel distance increases. Swell

propagating from monster storms under New Zealand can lead to dominant wave periods in the 18-second plus range, and more westerly swell angle of 215 to 230 degrees.

So I guess that’s good news? A little bump in wave consistency over the years would be nice. But having focused on what’s to come wave-wise, we need to explore an equally important topic — the future state of our oceans.

Covering over two-thirds of the planet, earth’s oceans play a vital role in regulating our climate and feeding our massive global population. In fact, the ocean is responsible for producing over half the oxygen we breathe and is the primary source of protein for billions of people worldwide.

P h y to p l a n k to n a re th e s o u rce o f ox y g e n i n o u r o cea n s to s u p p o r t l i fe .

My optimistic side believes human ingenuity can overcome our environmental crisis. Implementing new energy sources and weaning off our carbon addiction would be the first step to reversing the damage. But the data tells us that human activity is already having a tremendous impact on our oceans, including sea-level rise, ocean acidification, ocean temperature rise, ocean deoxygenation, overfishing and plastic pollution.

But which of these is the most eminent threat?

According to Matthew Long, an oceanographer for the National Center for Atmospheric Research, ocean deoxygenation could begin suffocating significant portions of the ocean sooner than we think.

To understand what a suffocated ocean would entail, we must recognize phytoplankton as the source of oxygen in our oceans. National Geographic’s John Roach explains, “Fish, whales, dolphins, crabs, seabirds, and just about everything else that makes a living in or off of the oceans owe their existence to phytoplankton, one-celled plants that live

at the ocean surface.

Phytoplankton are the basis for what scientists refer to as oceanic biological producers, which give our oceans the ability to support life such as plants, fish, and wildlife.”

As the ocean warms, phytoplankton floating on the ocean’s surface will have trouble mixing with the cooler water below. And according to Jorge Sarmiento, a professor of atmospheric and ocean sciences at Princeton University, “Pretty much all of the carbon dioxide taken up by phytoplankton comes from deep down in the ocean.”

With phytoplankton receiving less carbon dioxide from dead plant material in the cooler waters below, the result would be less oxygen produced by photosynthesis and less oxygen in the ocean.

Using simulations, Matthew Long calculated ocean deoxygenation trends until 2100, the same time frame where we can expect 5-10 percent more consistent surf. According to the predictive study, “vast portions of the Northern Pacific and the western edge of the Americas will be

Oceans play a vital role in regulating our climate.

S i g n i f i ca n t Wa v e H e i g h t ( f t ) P r i m a r y D i rect i o n , R a n g e ( n m ) B ea r i n g 1 8 Z 0 1 , 2 0 1 1 .

S u rf l i n e .co m H i s to r i ca l A rc h i v e

seriously deprived of oxygen somewhere between 2030 and 2040, which would most likely mean massive die-offs of very important creatures.”

Once again, I’d like to be optimistic.

Unlike the frog in boiling water, I believe humans will eventually make a positive leap to solve our environmental crisis.

As individuals, we shouldn’t take on the responsibility of changing the whole world, but instead, focus on yourself and your community. In our daily lives, we must align our actions with our belief systems. If we value the healthy state of our planet, we must reflect that belief in our everyday behaviors.

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LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS

FOREIGN TRAVEL

W

hether it’s a restful cruise or an aroundthe-world trip, the most carefully prepared journey can be most unpleasant when the traveler is not medically prepared for the excursion.

Depending on the areas to be visited, certain immunizations are either required or recommended.

Those “recommended” are designated for the traveler’s benefit to prevent diseases native to travel destination. The Centers for Disease Control and

by Dr. Herbert Weinman

blood type, food and drug allergies and eyeglass prescriptions. Packing an extra pair of eyeglasses for your trip is also a good idea.

Other preventative measures are just as important as proper immunizations when contemplating travel.

You should have a complete physical exam before departure and consult with your physician, especially if you have a chronic disease. This affords a chance to spot unrecognized ailments and clear up minor physical annoyances that could be bothersome on an otherwise well-planned vacation. A physical may even disclose a condition that warrants postponing the trip or changing the itinerary.

Chronic illness can flare up and cause trouble during travel. If you are taking a particular THE DOCTOR IS IN medication, be sure to have enough for the trip, plus extra medication in case of delays. Many medications Prevention website, www.cdc.gov, contains a list of are not obtainable in certain foreign countries. recommended and required immunizations.

For travelers on boats or planes, motion sickness pills or a All international travelers should be protected against polio, special behind-the-ear patch (ecopolomine) are available. tetanus, and diphtheria. Infants should also get a whooping cough Your list of handy medical items for travel should also include: (pertussis) vaccination. Typhus and plague vaccines would bandages, burn ointment, antidiarrheal medicine, allergy pills, be wise before visiting certain parts of Africa, Asia and South minor tranquilizer and an antacid.

America. Measles vaccine is also a must for those who never had Despite all precautions, some people get sick enough to the disease. For other areas of the world, antimalarial drugs may require a physician’s care while abroad. The hotel or tour be indicated. These are started before traveling, and continued en management group should be consulted, or if time permits, route and for several weeks after leaving the infected areas. the nearest embassy. A directory of physicians who trained in All vaccinations should be recorded on an international the United States is available for free from the International certificate of vaccination, available from most physicians and Association for Medical Assistance to Travelers, 67 Mowat Ave health departments. The certificate of vaccination also indicates #036, Toronto, ON M6K 3E3, Canada; 416-652-0137.

Chronic illness can flare up and cause trouble during travel.

60 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

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M

T

ONDAYS

LIFESTYLE Greater Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero Area

UESDAYS

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

YogAlegria Private classes available

YogAlegria Private classes available

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

Hatha yoga, 8:45am

La Botella de Leche Hostel 8:30-9:45am - Restorative aerial yoga 10-11am - PiYo 5-5:45pm - TRX Training

Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande La Botella de Leche Hostel 9-10:15am - Aerial yoga 5-5:45pm - TRX training 6-7pm - Zumba 7:15-8:30pm - Aerial yoga

W

EDNESDAYS

T

HURSDAYS

YogAlegria Private classes available Hatha yoga, 8:45am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande Candlelight yoga, 6:15pm The Jungle Gym, Flamingo

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

La Botella de Leche Hostel 9-10:15am - Aerial yoga 5-5:45pm - TRX training 6-7pm - PiYo 7:15-8:30pm -Restorative aerial yoga

YogAlegria Private classes available Yoga workout, 8:30am Mariner Inn, Flamingo

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

MS TENNIS ACADEMY MS offers a full-service program that fulfills the needs of all players, regardless of age or ability level.

Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo Tennis Club Daily: 6am-9pm 8455-5488 mstennis.academycr@gmail.com mstennisacademycr Daily: Lessons 6am-9pm After school program for age 4+ - develop new skills, stay fit and be social • Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa • Residents of Reserva Conchal at the Westin Golf Resort and Spa • Tennis Club Tamarindo Discount for two or more lessons a week Adults are welcome for lessons as well

62 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

La Botella de Leche Hostel 8:30-9:15am - TRX training 9:30-10:45am - Aerial yoga

YOGALEGRIA Marian Paniagua (owner) is a certified yoga instructor who offers mindfully crafted classes and workshops.

Gold Coast from Hacienda Pinilla to Danta Beach By request 8914-0199 marianpaniagua@gmail.com Daily: Private classes and workshops available Tue: Hatha yoga, 8:45am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande Thu: Hatha yoga, 8:45am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande

Candlelight yoga, 6:15pm The Jungle Gym, Flamingo

ACTIVITYCALENDAR A weekly glance of classes, workshops and lessons

F

RIDAYS

S

ATURDAYS

S

Kombucha is a delicious fermented cold tea beverage with tremendous health benefits to your heart, brain and especially stomach.

By special arrangement

KAMBUCHA™ is AWESOME

UNDAYS

Reina’s Chocolate 8am-2pm Tamarindo Farmers Market

Reina’s Chocolate

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

11 Awesome Flavors

YogAlegria Private classes available La Botella de Leche Hostel 10-11am - PiYo (Pilates yoga intense)

Raw cacao bean

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

YogAlegria Private classes available

YogAlegria Private classes available

La Botella de Leche Hostel 10-11am - PiYo (Pilates Yoga Intense)

HOSTEL LA BOTELLA DE LECHE Aerial yoga & fitness classes Tamarindo, 500 Avenida Central Mon-Sat, 8:30-11am, 5-8:30pm 2653-0189 / 6305-2883 stephyzumba@gmail.com www.labotelladeleche.com labotelladelgeche Classes offered: Restorative aerial yoga Pilates yoga intense (PiYo)

TRX training Aerial yoga Zumba Private classes SUP yoga - equipment included

Prices:

Classes: $10 ($6 Residents) Monthly: $20 (1x/week)

$40 (2x/week)

$55 (3x/week)

Handcrafted, brewed and bottled with the fruits and vegetables of Costa Rica and Central America.

Maracuya and Lavender Aloe Chamomile Spirulina Mint Mango Mango Pineapple Beet Mango Pineapple Mango Papaya Turmeric Ginger Fireball Tamarindo Pineapple Pineapple Ginger Beet Carrot Cucumber Lime Ginger

Where to find

KAMBUCHA™ is AWESOME kambucha.co/locations

To distribute: Call 8822-3419

REINA’S CHOCOLATE Costa Rican craft chocolate maker.

Intensive 3.5 hour workshop:

All Things Chocolate Tamarindo - Google or WAZE By appointment 8883-5832 ron@reinaschocolate.com Reina’s Chocolate Daily: Workshops by appointment Fri: Closed Sat: Tamarindo Farmers Market 8am-2pm Sun: By special arrangement

COMMUNITY There are no quick or simple ways to make the coexistence of animals and electricity safer.

SALVEMONOS

Bridging Tragedy to Hope COMMUNITY FEATURE

by Patricia Sterman in collaboration with Larry Graziano

S

alveMonos. It is a play on words in Spanish. When spoken as two words, it means “Save monkeys.”

When spoken as one word, it means “Save ourselves.”

SalveMonos is also the name of a small nonprofit organization in Costa Rica that was born out of tragedy. It was a human response to the horror of howler monkeys being electrocuted on power lines and transformers. There are no quick or simple ways to make the coexistence of animals and electricity safer, but SalveMonos is striving to make a difference.

Our call to action was a community meeting discussion in 2004. Simona Daniele, the owner of Luna Llena Hotel, and I, owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, along with our husbands, Pino and Larry, came together with a plan. We each donated $500 to cover the cost of printing souvenir T-shirts, proposing that sales profits would be used to develop monkey bridges bypassing power lines.

Gradual but steady progress over the past 13 years adds up to thousands of T-shirts, hundreds of bridges and tens of thousands of monkeys saved and/or relocated.

64 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Howler bridges

Howler bridges are designed to hang from trees on each side of the road and cross over top of the power lines. Initially, they were made from interconnected strands of thick, braided twine. Proceeds from the first T-shirt sales covered the cost of 12 bridges at $200 each, installed at a local animal rehabilitation organization. Unfortunately, they turned out to be unsuitable as well as costprohibitive — too heavy to hang properly and not durable enough to withstand local climate conditions.

Help in building a better type of bridge came from Nosara Wildlife Rescue and the electricity providers Coopeguanacaste and ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad). The resulting polyethylene ropes proved to be much stronger and longer-lasting than the twine prototypes, and could accommodate plastic netting for added stability. ICE, which traditionally has hung the bridges free of charge, now manufactures them as well and absorbs the cost.

Currently, there are well over 500 monkey bridges in key areas throughout Guanacaste. More are being added all

the time through our coordinated efforts with concerned citizens reporting an electrocution or trouble spot, the electric company and MINAE (Costa Rica’s Environment and Energy Ministry).

Many communities have joined in the effort by buying bridges and placing them throughout their local areas.

An added benefit has been the significant decrease in howler deaths or

injuries due to road collisions or animal attacks.

SalveMonos has also helped create a plan for placing cones on all the electric pole guy wires to prevent animals from accessing the cables and transformers. Another project involves working with the electrical company to isolate or insulate one or both of the two “hot” wires throughout the province, and insulate all transformers.

Other initiatives

Beyond our efforts to protect wildlife from electrical hazards, SalveMonos has worked tirelessly to address other kinds of risks to animal health and safety. Initiatives include the following:

• Road signs to promote reduced driving speeds.

• Reforestation initiatives to create corridors for animal movement and feeding. Target areas were identified by a research team of biologists engaged by SalveMonos to study local howler populations. Food source trees grown in local school-run nurseries serve as science projects for the children but are then used for reforestation.

• A new community effort to eliminate plastic straws through sponsored subsidies to participating vendors who currently use plastic straws. This will enable them to purchase paper/ carton straws, printed with the SalveMonos logo, at no extra cost.

Bruce Scott 506-8379-0168 brucescott.scott@hotmail.com

Connie López 8572-1957

QUALITY CUSTOM MADE

FURNITURE

NEW INVENTORY WEEKLY

WHAT CAN YOU DO? Here are some ways to help Guanacaste’s howler monkeys and other wildlife.

• Purchase SalveMonos T-shirts, mugs and stickers at one of these Tamarindo locations: Azul Profundo Boutique, Luna Llena Hotel, Veterinario Cavallini and Veterinaria Carvajal, as well as every Saturday morning at the Tamarindo feria (market). We will gladly sell these items to other interested souvenir shops in the area. All proceeds beyond exact production costs go directly to the organization.

• Donate a little or a lot. It costs thousands of dollars to rehabilitate orphaned baby howlers and return them to the wild.

• When you identify an injured or dead animal, report the location and describe what you believe happened. Call SalveMonos at 2653-0082 or Veterinario Cavalini at 26529009.

• Drive slowly on the roads!

• Donate pet carriers. We can’t get enough of them.

• Make a volunteer commitment to our injured animal taxi service.

• Help us develop an app for receiving geolocations of injured animals to begin a large database.

• Help finance key transformer insulation projects. The cost for just one transformer is around $400.

• Plant a tree today! We are constantly seeking tree donations by public and private entities. We have a list of trees that serve as primary food sources for howlers and other animals.

• Donate green spaces to help us acquire large tracts of land for creating permanent ecological corridors. We welcome donations from developers of large and small projects.

• Open 7 days • 8am-5pm • English Spoken Main Road Huacas to Tamarindo 1200 meters Read. like. share. | online

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COMMUNITY

SANTA CRUZ: A BRIEF HISTORY

CR HISTORY IN PICS

by José Gerardo Suárez Monge & Karl Kahler

T

he canton of Santa Cruz traces its history to the arrival of the Chorotega culture from Mesoamerica between the 6th and 7th centuries. The Santa Cruz area was controlled by the chieftain Diriá. The people were polytheists who worshipped three primary gods: Tipotani, Nenbithía an Nenguitamali.

The Chorotegas were a sophisticated culture with well-developed agricultural practices. They raised corn, beans, pumpkins, cotton, chile, tobacco and cacao, as well as fruit trees.

They also perfected an artistic technique using mud and stone to make domestic and cultural articles like censers, grinding stones and effigies of their gods.

Everything changed with the arrival of the Spanish, although the Chorotegas were great warriors and fought fiercely against the invaders.

A battalion of female warriors

66 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

President Alfredo González Flores visits Santa Cruz in 1916.

commanded by the warrior Biriteca actually defeated the Spanish in battle, but in 1524 the pre-Colombian era ended when all of Costa Rica came under Spanish domination. The Chorotegas did not survive the new diseases brought by the Spanish and the forced labor to which they were subjected.

There are various legends about the origin of the name Santa Cruz (“Holy Cross”). During the Spanish conquest, the cross came to be seen as a supernatural weapon, and it later served as a symbol of natives’ conversion from worship of multiple gods to veneration of one.

In 1814, Doña Bernabela Ramos Sequeira, the widow of Blas Moraga, donated four parcels of land in what is today the city of Santa Cruz. According to one story, she erected a large wooden cross on the patio of her house on a hill west of the city. People would reportedly say, “Let’s go to the Santa Cruz to celebrate Mass.”

A passion for historical photos

P

hotos are provided courtesy of José Gerardo Suárez Monge, author of “San José: 280 Years of History.” Suárez is a professional photographer and graphic designer with a degree in electrical engineering from the Tecnológico in Cartago, but his passion is collecting and analyzing historical photos — he has over 14,000. He has six books for sale, which are available at Librería Lehmann and the University of Costa Rica bookstore, or by calling 70623086 or 8794-7679. Facebook: Costa Rica Antigua e Inedita

Church in Santa Cruz today.

Machinery used in the construction of the highway to Santa Cruz in 1920.

Santa Cruz Church 1905

The town gathers for the president’s visit in 1916.

Santa Cruz “taxi” for the upper class.

Santa Cruz Entrance 1880. Note the kerosene lamp on the left.

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COMMUNITY

BUILDING COSTA RICA

FROM DREAM TO REALITY Design and Legal Process

by Jarryd Jackson

uilding your home in Costa Rica is a unique process, quite different than what may be typical in your home country.

At the same time, it’s relatively straightforward, requiring planning, documentation and the corresponding payment of fees and taxes.

Understanding the process can save time, money and possibly headaches when dealing with the agencies involved, allowing you to better plan for your future dream home.

First, you need to find an architect or engineer you feel comfortable working with. This professional is not only going to design your home, but also be in charge of obtaining permits, inspecting all stages of construction, and overseeing the project from start to finish, working alongside your contractor. In Costa Rica, it is you who hires the building inspector.

Your architect keeps a log of all building inspections and is liable for adherence to Costa Rican building codes.

Once you have determined which architect to work with, you can start the design of your home. If you are building in a gated community, make sure your architect has a list of any Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and design restrictions in your development. When designing your home, there are many factors influencing the cost, function,

plans laid out, materials defined and blueprints completed, you are ready for the next step — gathering documents to obtain building permits.

Your architect should help you with all the details. You will need a water certification letter and a uso de suelo (land use) document from the municipality. SERENA is a permit needed only if construction exceeds 500 square meters. Your blueprints must pass review by the CFIA (Costa Rican Association of Engineers and Architects), and be stamped prior to the permit process. Give yourself enough time to gather all these documents, as they can take days or weeks to obtain. Site studies will also have to be done, such as a drainage test (for septic system and foundation design).

Once you have all the documents, site studies and your stamped plans, you can officially submit them to the municipality. That’s when you must pay the corresponding taxes, representing 1% of the construction value. An INS construction insurance policy is also mandatory, and you will be asked for proof of payment. Once you meet all these requirements (or your architect does on your behalf ), it's a matter of sitting back and waiting for approval, which typically takes about two or three weeks. Once the permits are granted, you are free to start building your dream home!

B

68 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

sustainability, views and construction quality. I always advise clients to invest in certain design aspects to reduce future maintenance costs.

These include a high-quality roof, windows and doors, and exterior paint and finishes on wood. Higher quality at the onset means fewer additional costs later on.

When designing a home to be as energy-efficient as possible, factors

Higher quality at the onset means fewer additional costs later on. such as sun exposure, predominant wind direction and shading will help determine the best orientation and design. Cross-ventilation refers to the placement of windows and sliding doors so that wind flow can naturally ventilate the home. Certain roofing materials can dramatically reduce cooling costs due to their insulation and reflection of UV. Depending on location and other factors, using the ideal roofing material for your home can mean huge savings in future cooling and maintenance costs.

Once your home is designed, floor

J&M Architecture & Construction 25+ Years combined experience in Architecture, Engineering & Construction in Guancaste.

Specialising in Tropical, Spanish & Balinese Architecture. We are a team consisting of an American builder, Costa Rican Architects & Engineers.

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Tel: 8877-0178 jmconstructionCR@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY

Helping Us Help Injured Wildlife PET CARE

By Dr. Gilberth Cavallini and Dr. Leticia Cajal

C

aring for wildlife is a constant privilege in our veterinary practice.

A variety of common circumstances put animals in their natural habitats at risk.

A leading cause of wildlife trauma that we deal with is the constant exposure of howler monkeys to electrocution from power lines. Other mammals brought to us typically have injuries from car accidents, or in the case of small species like skunks, porcupines and raccoons, from fighting with domestic animals.

Birds are often injured when they fall from their nests in windy weather or are attacked by predators. Seabirds might be hurt in an accident involving boats, causing fractures or even blindness. For reptiles, we usually deal with sea turtles wounded by boats or predators.

What happens to any animal in this kind of situation before it arrives at our clinic can make a critical difference to the outcome. Where wildlife is concerned, it’s

This baby owl was found in the duct of an air conditioner, inaccessible for its mother to feed.

Below: This young male howler monkey is now safely back in the wild after being treated for an infected leg wound, possibly a snake bite.

important to understand that your best intentions for trying to help might not be the best approach. Seeing an animal in distress does not always mean you need to pick it up and take it to a vet. In fact, doing so might have life-changing negative consequences for the animal’s future wellbeing.

How to proceed when finding these wonderful creatures will depend on the condition they are in.

Observation is the first step. Small mammals might try to stay quiet and appear dead to curtail further attack. If there is external bleeding, panting or pale gums (do NOT try to open the mouth to inspect; it’s extremely dangerous), or if a monkey has been electrocuted, the animal can be disoriented for awhile.

After observing the animal until about 30 minutes has elapsed from the time of injury, if it is unable to climb or move, veterinary attention should be sought. But if there is respiratory difficulty or evident blood

loss, it’s an emergency. If you know how to handle the animal, go ahead and take it to a veterinarian. You can call Hospital Veterinario Cavallini at 2652-9009 or SalveMonos at 2653-0082 and they will explain how to proceed.

Restraint methods are different depending on the type of animal, but in general, do not put yourself at risk of getting bitten or attacked. Use large, strong towels when picking up an animal that has been hurt and make sure during transportation that the animal cannot escape, hurt itself or hurt anyone involved in its transportation.

After caring for injured monkeys, our clinic returns those that are healthy enough back to the same place where they were found to be reunited with their troop again. Monkeys that are not yet healthy enough go to Refugio de Nosara for longerterm care before reintroduction to the wild. Just to give Howler readers an idea, a baby monkey that is not going back to its mom will need at least three years of care to be ready for release.

If there is respiratory difficulty or evident blood loss, it’s an emergency.

70 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY INSURANCE NUGGETS

by Phil Eitman

Allinsurance CR.com 1BROKER 11 INSURERS

Across the street from Automercado, Tamarindo

COMPARE ALL PROGRAMS

LIFE INSURANCE

Think about it now, worry less later

M

any film buffs of a certain age will likely remember these famous lines of dialog from the classic comedy “Groundhog Day”.

Ned: Phil? Hey, Phil? Phil!

Phil Connors? Phil Connors, I thought that was you!

Phil: Hi, how you doing?

Thanks for watching.

Ned: Hey, hey! Now, don’t you tell me you don’t remember me because I sure as heckfire remember you.

Phil: Not a chance.

Ned: Ned... Ryerson.

Ned’s character in this movie, as you may recall, is a life insurance agent. So for a moment, allow me to be Ned in writing some words about life insurance.

Now it may not be true that you can never have too much life insurance, but it is something worth thinking about. Many people who had life insurance before they lived in Costa Rica may be surprised to learn it has been canceled — or should have been canceled — when they moved here. For the rest of us, death is likely something we never think about because … well, we are indestructible.

Many life insurance options are available. My favorite is a program that provides for all the premiums to be returned to you at the end of the term of coverage you choose.

It’s (almost) never too late to think about life insurance.

Death is likely something we never think about because … well, we are indestructible.

Health • Life • Auto • Home • Property • Commercial

Marketing for Phil Eitman Lic.15 -1299 Prisma Corredora de Seguros

COMMUNITY

What is an Apostille?

SIMPLY SPANISH

by Ivan Granados, Attorney at Law

Bad Words cerote — literally a turd, as from a dog. Mild insult, like something your girlfriend might call you if you say her pants make her butt look big.

LEGAL EASE

cochino — pig. A mild insult you might direct at a friend who passes gas in public. Also used of someone who is cheap, like a tightwad who never tips.

I

n March 2011, Costa Rica joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which set global standards for the recognition of public documents among various countries. Through this convention, documents like birth, marriage or death certificates, along with other legal papers, are internationally recognized by all signatories.

If you are a foreigner seeking residency in Costa Rica, you will need several apostilled documents.

An apostille is an official, legal stamp on a document that certifies its country of origin. Apostilles are only issued or recognized by countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature or seal of the person or authority that signed or sealed the public document.

An apostille does not certify the content of the document.

Not all apostilles look the same, but they must be identified as an apostille, they must include the short version of the French title of the Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre

1961. Additional information can be included by each country, and the apostille needs to be affixed to the public document.

Most countries that are signatories to the convention charge for the apostille. For precise information on the prices that countries charge and other requirements, check with the relevant country.

The U.S.is a signatory of the convention.

This means that documents issued in the U.S.with an apostille are recognized in Costa Rica, without the need to go to Costa Rican consulates and/or the Foreign Ministry in San José.

Apostilles in the U.S. can be obtained from the secretary of state from the state where the document was issued. For more information, check the following link: www.fec. gov/pubrec/cfsdd/cfsdd.shtml.

If the public document was issued or is to be used in a country where the apostille convention does not apply, you should contact the embassy or consulate of the country where you intend to use the document to determine your options.

An apostille certifies the origin of the public document to which it relates.

72 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

huevón — a lazy, slow or thick-headed person. This literally means a person with large testicles (huevos), and it’s used of both sexes (huevona for females), not to mean someone with courage but as a mild insult. The expression is used amiably among friends. No seas huevón — “Don’t be a dumb-ass.” infeliz — unhappy, bitter, unsocial, impossible to satisfy. maldito — damn. Use freely of a car that doesn’t work or a dog that won’t stop barking, but use with caution if referring to a person. malcriado — badly raised maleducado — badly educated malparido — badly born. A somewhat strong insult, like calling someone a bastard; use with caution. nalgas — butt. Qué buenas nalgas — “Nice buns.” Also, trasero. necio — foolish, stubborn, annoying. No sea necio — “Don’t be annoying.” tetas — boobs. In Spanish this is not nearly as vulgar as the English equivalent. Women commonly refer to their breasts (formally senos) as tetas among themselves. If a baby is crying: Dele teta — “Give him a boob.” Men should use this term with caution.

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ACTIVITIES & INFORMATION

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

A

briendo Mentes (AM) is a non-profit organization offering free education and social programs in Brasilito and Potrero. Founded in 2009 at the request of community members, we work with over 400 participants each year, providing English and computer classes, extracurricular activities, a food bank program, and other projects promoting community development and empowerment.

We strive hard to make a big impact. Please help. Contact us about volunteer opportunities and how to donate. We greatly appreciate your support!

Where: Oficinas Casa del Sol #9, Playa Potrero Contact: Rachael Sine, Director

8496-9760

info@abriendomentes.org

www.abriendomentes.org

facebook.com/abriendomentes

COMMUNITY

ACTIVITIES

& INFORMATION

Please support HOWLER advertisers, who allow us to shine light on people, organizations and topics that make our community unique and just better!

MATAPALO COMMUNITY GARDEN

T

he community garden of Matapalo, known as JardĂ­n de la Costa, is a collaborative project between Futuro Brillante, ASADA Matapalo, ADI Matapalo, Manuel Ballestero's CAS Project at La Paz School, and a local volunteer team. The garden features four hydroponic beds, an irrigation and rainwater collection system, a learning gazebo, a germination room, and much more. The harvested products, including lettuce, cilantro, tomatoes, herbs, and cucumbers, are sold at the Futuro Brillante farmers market as well as to local residents and businesses.

A percentage is donated to Matapalo community organizations and shared with the volunteers. We are always looking for more volunteers to help with this project.

Contact: 8496-9760

lindsay@futurobrillante.org

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Costa Rica International Academy’s

TOP 10 THINGS YOU MAY

NOT KNOW ABOUT US! 10

We offer over 15 different after school activities on our 16-acre campus. Activities include swimming, basketball, soccer, karate, STEM, and many more!

9

We are the only U.S. Accredited K-12 school in Guanacaste.

8

Our student body is comprised of 22 nationalities.

7

92% of our parents believe CRIA’s program will help their children reach their long-term goals.

6

We have a House System (similar to Harry Potter) to create a close community within our school.

5

We have a bilingual program for Toddler thru Grade 1 (expanding to Grade 2 in August 2018).

4

Our high school students are required to do 40 hours of community service for graduation.

3

We offer services for Learning Support, English Language Learners, Guidance & College Counseling, and have a FIELD STUDIES Program that includes over 50 field trips per year.

2

90% of our graduates attend university right after high school.

1

We raise an average of $30,000 per year for local non-profit organizations, including Matapalo Public Schools, a Senior Center, Brasilito Park, Surf for Youth, and several more! We also donate over 100 children’s gifts to CEPIA AND relief donations for hurricanes and Mission Trips.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR the 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR! Read. like. share. | online

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero, Las Catalinas All times AM to PM unless noted

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Near Auto Mercado, Tamarindo Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat by appt.

2653-4354 info@pacificsmilecr.com

300m W of Flamingo turnoff 7 days a week, 7-8 2653-8714

CASA NOVA INTERIORS TAMARINDO DENTIST Home & Commercial Furniture First Dentist in Tamarindo Turnkey packages, window treatments, Tipografía 3 Tipografía 1 Implants • Orthodontist • Endodontist • design services and much more HELVETICA NEUE LIGHT ITALIC SF INTELLIVISED BOLD ITALIC Tipografía 2 Cosmetic Dentistry CENTURY GOTHIC ITALIC Tamarindo Paseo Del Mar #13, Huacas Schedule 24/7 Emergencies Mon-Sat, 9-5 2653-2020 2653-9060 smile@tamarindodentist.com www.casanova.cr B/N CMYK

PACIFIC COAST GYM Stay Healthy - Join Today Training, therapeutic massage, rehab, physiotherapy and nutrition Huacas - next to Super La Uruca Mon-Fri 6-8, Sat-Sun 9-5 2653-9026 / 8718-6872

FITNESS

Hotel Capitán Suizo Mon-Fri, 9-5 8319-4015 adi@playatamarindo.org

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

ADI Community Development ADIT is a group of volunteers interested in the welfare of Tamarindo

ISOLOGOTIPO PACIFIC COAST

LA URUCA- HUACAS Supermarket Food, liquor, fishing gear, and much more - delivery service available

HOME DECOR

PURA VIDA HOME INSPECTIONS Certified home inspector Property and mold inspections, residential and commercial, specialist in moisture intrusion Serving all Guanacaste Daily, Call for appointment 8478-4767 / US +1 772-562-5722 puravidahomeinspections.com

PACIFIC SMILE DENTAL CARE Kids & Adults - English Speaking Highly experienced staff- orthodontics, implants, endodontics, gums

CENTRO DE CARNES VILLA MAR Freshness & Quality is our Priority Beef, frozen seafood, chicken, pork, sausages. We have San Martin meat.

Villarreal: 250m to Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm 2249-0710 fuller811@gmail.com

GROCERY STORES

We sell and install all over CR Any time you need us!

8735-1402 info@puravidaenergysystems.com

Main road to Brasilito Sun, 10am 8621-6273 perrycarlile@gmail.com

DENTAL SERVICES

PURA VIDA ENERGY SYSTEMS SOLAR MADE SIMPLE! Reduce your electric bill by 90% & produce 20% ROI over 20 years

BEACH COMMUNITY CHURCH Visit and Socialize Love, hope, peace

CHURCH / COUNSELING

Huacas Mon-Sat 8877-0178 jmconstructioncr@gmail.com

ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION & HOME SERVICES

J&M ARCHITECTURE & CONST. Free Consultations & Estimates 30+ years of experience designing and building homes and pools

CERACSA Flooring and Tile Local showroom offering the quality and value that your luxury home deserves 3K past Huacas intersection towards Tamarindo, on the right Open Daily 2653-9117 / 8926-6905

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

DEEP GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY Fine art nature photography Fine art nature photography prints for home or office deepgreenphotography.com 24/7 8396-0363 greg@deepgreenphotography.com

CRIA School Education Accredited grade school and high school education

SCHOOLS

PHOTOGRAPHY

ALL INSURANCE CR - TAMARINDO Health, Auto, Homeowners and more Offering the best coverage with customer service a priority Across from Auto Mercado Mon-Sat, 8-5 2653-4300 / 973-536-1191 (24/7) info@allinsurancecr.com

HOSPITAL METROPOLITANO PANTONE 138 C Clinic Primary Care Best PANTONE medicine at the best price.

2965 C Emergency care, lab, pharmacy PANTONE 7544accepted C All insurance

DigitalPhoto CR Inspired by Love!

Families, couples, weddings and real estate Guanacaste Area Call for appointment 8737-3885 digital.photocr@gmail.com

5km South from Huacas Mon-Fri, 8-3:30 2653-6363 info@educartecostarica.com

LA PAZ Private School All grades, international baccalaureate program

MV CONTA Accounting Services Full service accounting, tax and auditing.

Flamingo / Mar Vista Mon-Fri 2654-4532 paz@lapazschool.org

Tamarindo- Plaza Conchal 2nd fl Call for appointment 2653-4423

GM ATTORNEYS Legal Services Full service. All areas of law.

Tamarindo and Flamingo Mon-Fri, 9-1, 2-5 2654-4367 / 2653-2155 info@gmattorneyscr.com

REAL ESTATE

8794-7679 / 8466-6484 costaricaantigua@gmail.com

SCHOOLS

Huacas: Next to fire station Daily, 8am-8pm 4000-3822 Cabovelas@metropolitanocr.com

COSTA RICA ANTIGUA E INEDITA José Gerardo Suárez Monge Photographer and Historian, collects and analyzes historical photos

Brasilito Mon-Fri 2654-5042 info@criacademy.com

EDUCARTE Preschool, Primary, Secondary Private bilingual school

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY

MEDICAL

INSURANCE

Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero, Las Catalinas All times AM to PM unless noted

KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Flamingo, Potrero, Ocotal Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero All times AM to PM unless noted

RE/MAX OCEAN VILLAGE Exclusive Buyer's Agents Roland & Nadene Tipper: Helping buyers find their piece of paradise Pacifico Village, Playas del Coco Daily, 8-5 8371-1520 thetippers@me.com

SUNSET PROPERTIES Rentals, Management & Sales Various condos with beautiful amenities, close to beaches!

Pueblito Sur #4, Coco Mon-Fri, 8-4, Sat, 8-1 2670-1453 / 8497-9376 crbeachproperties.com

REAL ESTATE

Plaza Palma #3, Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8-5 8351-9910 / 4702-5106 thedogtortamarindo@gmail.com

Ocotal, Flamingo, Potrero Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com

REAL ESTATE

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THE DOGTOR Vet, Grooming & Pet Shop Export proceedings, delivery, pickup and dropoff service

COMMUNITY

KELLER WILLIAMS COSTA RICA BEACH PROPERTIES Helping your dreams be a reality. Sales of homes, condos, land and businesses Tamarindo- Sunrise Plaza Flamingo - North Ridge Road Mon-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 9-1 2654-5460 kwcostarica.com

Flamingo and Playas del Coco Mon-Sat, 8-5 2654-4493 / 2670-2198 specialplaces@crvr.net

CAVALLINI VETERINARIAN Animal Hospital Full-service veterinarian hospital for all animals and wildlife Royal Palms Plaza, Santa Rosa Mon-Sat, 8-noon, 1-7, Sun, 9-2 2652-9009 / 8815-5713 (24/7)

Playas del Coco Mon-Fri, 8-5 8706-7963

KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

VETERINARIAN

REAL ESTATE

HORIZON PACIFIC Property Management and Rentals A leader in quality properties and services: Vacation rentals, management, association administration Tamarindo, Plaza Palm #17 Mon-Sat, 9-5, Sun 9-2 2653-0390 horizonpacificvacations.com

SPECIAL PLACES COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals Full management, rental and concierge services

REAL ESTATE

Tamarindo & Flamingo Mon-Fri, 8-5 2654-4004 / 8407-1898 info@plantacionproperties.com

SCHOOLS REAL ESTATE

CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate Specializing in Costa Rica real estate for over 27 years

Playa Tamarindo 7 days a week, 9-5 2653-0073 www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com

Playas del Coco All times AM to PM unless noted

ECO-COCO Community Organization Mission is to raise awareness and educate the communities : Organize cleanups and recycling

RE/MAX OCEAN SURF & SUN Nobody Sells More Real Estate Sales of residential condos, homes and single-family home sites

REAL ESTATE

ABC REAL ESTATE Fine Selections by the Beach We offer personalized service and a full range of real estate services Plaza Tamarindo Mon-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 9-1 2653-0404 tamarindo@abccostarica.com

COMMUNITY

DINING GUIDE

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DINING GUIDE

TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA

Hotel Capitán Suizo, Playa Tamarindo Hours Daily: noon to 9:30pm Mon, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Wed, 7-9pm, Avelino Dos Santos Fri. from 6:30, Beach BBQ with live marimba Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante@hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products.

El Barco Del Capitán: European Tico Fusion, Beachfront Restaurant El Barco Del Capitán is nestled in the beautiful garden of the Hotel Capitán Suizo and offers a modern, healthy and fresh cuisine.

The restaurant is open to the public for lunch, snacks and dinner. The chef, Jujo Molina, created his dishes inspired by his European roots and the incredible nature that surrounds him here in Costa Rica. Using products from the on-site organic garden and local producers, he creates entirely homemade plates with no additives or preservatives to offer healthy meals every day, every time.

MENU SELECTIONS Ensalada Pulpo (Lunch) $18 Octopus, capers, green olives, tomato carpaccio with paprika vinaigrette

Croquetas del Chef (Snack) $9 Homemade Spanish croquetas with octopus, fish, chicken or spinach

Tartar Capitan (Dinner)

$13

Tacos Carne (Lunch)

$15

Calamares Crujientes (Snack) $13

Rollo Pollo (Dinner)

$20

The Veggie (Lunch)

$15

Pâté Marino (Dinner)

$12

Linguini (Dinner)

$23

Fish Pita (Lunch)

$17

Tres Vegetales (Dinner)

$10

Lomito (Dinner)

$28

Beef, tortillas with mixed cabbage salad, guacamole and tamarindo sauce Grilled portobello, tomato, zucchini, chilealmonds-garlic sauce, homemade bun Pita, grilled mahi-mahi, cucumber, carrot, dill yogurt, green leaf side salad

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Crispy calamari with homemade green pesto and a honey, red onion escabèche.

Fish pâté made with a light napolitana sauce with toasts and coconut mayonnaise Roasted eggplant-red peppers-onion tartare with homemade garlic bread

Tuna and mango tartar with capers and a cilantro, ginger and soy dressing

Chicken stuffed with mango, asparagus and bacon, potato puree

Calamari, jumbo shrimps, mussels, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, white wine

200gr of tenderloin with a tamarind sauce over Swiss Roësti and vegetables

Beachfront, 400m to Langosta from Super 2001 Hours Daily 9am-10pm Phone: 2653-1127 info@langostabeachclub.com Specialties Right on the beach Live music Daily happy hours 4-6pm

Langosta Beach Club: Two Beachfront Restaurants: French and Sushi Langosta Beach Club is the only true beach club in the Tamarindo area. Always open to the public. Uniquely offering two outstanding restaurants. The finest French cuisine in the area and the freshest sushi, made only upon ordering. Served beach or poolside or in your own private cabana. The atmosphere is a mix of Costa Rica casual during the beach club day, but very classy and romantic by night. A nice variety of very delightful cuisine. Day passes are available to have access to the pool, fitness and lounge chairs. Sporting equipment also available: surf , SUP, kayak and more.

MENU SELECTIONS Tuna Tartare

Lomito Gorgopepper

Poke Salad - Sushi

Crispy Jumbo Shrimp

Marcus Chicken

King Rolls - Sushi

Goat Cheese Caprese

Tuna Napoleon

Mussel MariniĂŠre

Langosta Salad

Seabass Champagne

Mozzarella and Avocado Tartare

Yellowfin Pacific raw tuna delightfully marinated with the finest ingredients

Tenderloin served with lyonnaise potato, green peppercorn and gorgonzola sauce

Fresh shrimp rolled in a pasta filo with Chicken breast served in a creamy coriander fried and served with spicy sauce gorgonzola sauce with mashed potatoes Brioche bread with fresh goat cheese with vinaigrette, balsamic reduction and more

Pacific tuna served with crispy potato, arugula, caviar and mousseline sauce

Poached langosta with caviar in white sauce, Seabass filet with a champagne and white toasted brioche, arugula and vinaigrette mushroom sauce with balsamic reduction

Tuna, onion, avocado, seaweed, hot pepper, sesame seeds Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado covered with crab mixture with tempura crispy Cooked in white wine, leek, onion, parsley and garlic, served with our signature fries Freshly diced mozzarella, avocado, tomato, onion, capers, lettuce served with vinaigrette Read. like. share. | online

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TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA

DINING GUIDE

LANGOSTA

25m south of Naxos Playa Langosta Hours Daily: 6pm-midnight Phone: 8562-5432 bokaslangosta@gmail Specialties Happy Hour 5:30-7 - 2x1 Moscow mule cocktail - National beer c1000

Boka's: Wine Bar

Restaurant

Hours Mon-Sat, 6am -8pm Sun, 8am-4pm

Tapas bar, French fusion, fine wine. A delightful inviting environment. French chefs create new menus daily with fresh ingredients.

Phone: 4701-3291 Specialties Natural Foods Vegetarian & Vegan

Happy hour menu and specialty cocktails. Come and enjoy!

MENU SELECTIONS

Traditional Ceviche

c4000

Cordon Blue

c5000

Topped with a fresh cucumber mousse

TAMARINDO

Hours 7am - 10pm Phone: 8366-1576 / 4700-4747 Specialties Mixed French and Argentinean cuisine.

Wonderful view and fresh breezes.

Happy Hour 4 - 6pm

Special breakfasts, lunches and dinners, coffee & dessert Salads, sandwiches, naturals & green juice, falafel and vegetarian and vegan options

Falafel and Tabboleh Pad Thai - Vegetable

Vista @ Esplendor: Fresh and creative food

An alliance between a French restaurant and an Argentinean touch. Come up and see why we are called the vista, and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. For lunch, dinner or just a drink, you will enjoy our wonderful view of Tamarindo Bay. Happy hour from 4 to 6 and live music on weekends.

MENU SELECTIONS Chicken Lime Salad

Chicken, tomato, lettuce, red onions, sweet pepper, candied lime vinaigrette

$12

Sea bass filet with white butter and pink pepper sauce, mashed potatoes

Sea Bass Meuniere

$13

Roastbeef King

$12

Tuna Pesto Sauce

$14

XL Burger

$15

Veggies Pasta

$14

Homemade bread, roast beef, onions, tomato, lettuce, mustard, french fries

Homemade bread, beef, bacon, onions, cheese, tomato, lettuce, bbq, french fries

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Healthy - Easy - Delicious

MENU SELECTIONS

Served with a creamy cheese polenta on the side A delicious array of seafood and sides (delete "Sides included")

200m E, 800m N of Banco Nacional, on top of the hill

Shaka Food

3 km from Villarreal, Tamarindo Road

Tuna, tomato, red onions, capers, virgin olive oil and vinegar vegetables sautĂŠ

Pink peppercorn sauce, capers, choice of two sides

TAMARINDO

DINING GUIDE

Palm Beach - Next to the estuary Hours Breakfast: 7:30 am - 2:30 pm Lunch: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Dinner: 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm Phone: 2653-0975 Email: frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com

The Great Waltini's - Bula Bula: American Fusion Cuisine

Specialties

Daily:

Enjoy casual fine dining and experience “A fusion of the Americas” in a tranquil and inviting setting. At the Great Waltini’s, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in an attractive dining area or choose to sit under the stars and enjoy your meal on the garden patio. Choose from houseaged steaks, seafood dishes, and down home fare. Top with cocktails and desserts—the complete experience.

Located in beautiful Palm Beach Estates next to the estuary. Easily accessible from Tamarindo via boat taxi (complimentary with dinner reservations). Pick up time 5, 5:30 and 6 pm. Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975).

PALM BEACH

DINING GUIDE

Sunset happy hour 50% off appetizers 4-6pm

Monday:

Mexican All you care to eat Buffet 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Wednesday:

Italian All you care to eat Buffet 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Happy Hour – includes domestic beer, well drinks, Giant famous Bula margaritas and appetizer specials.

MENU SELECTIONS Ahi Tuna

Annie's Salad

Double Cut Pork Chop

Hand Carved Turkey

Blackened Shrimp Salad

Aged Filet Mignon

Mahi-Mahi

Baked Lasagna

St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

Mixed Seafood Combo

Aged New York Steak

8oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Oven roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and house made gravy 8oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Tuna, mahi mahi, jumbo shrimp, calamari, & mussels in a white wine saffron sauce

Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

Italian sausage, beef & pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese

Baked tender and served with our famous tropical Bula Bula BBQ sauce

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

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VILLARREAL

An 8 min. drive from Tamarindo, 2 km S Villarreal Hours By reservation Phone: 8869-9765 Specialties Zip Line & BBQ Buffet for only $85 Available for private parties and events.

Black Stallion

Rustic Outdoor BBQ Dine with the stars of Guanacaste on a private ranch. Enjoy a delicious BBQ Buffet with sides. Wine, Beer and sangria included! Call for reservations.

Available for private parties and events.

Flamingo - 100m south of the Potrero crossing

$45

Seafood Buffet

$45

HUACAS

3km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo Hours Daily, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Breakfast 7:00am to 10:00am

True Italian cuisine.

Pasta like you are in Roma!

Fresh bruschette served when you arrive. Buon appetito!

Phone: 8532-8613 Specialties Pizza-Pasta-Meat-Fish

MENU SELECTIONS

Mixed BBQ Buffet

A delicious array of seafood and sides dishes

Vaca Loka

Italian Restaurant

Hours Thurs-Tues 11:30 am-10:30 pm

MENU SELECTIONS Baby back ribs, chorizo and chicken, sides included

Lasagna of The House

C 6.500

Rib-Eye

C 6.500

La Playita: Poolside Dining Located at the Seis Playas Hotel, La Playita restaurant and bar is open to hotel guests and the public, and is known for its friendly and inviting environment. It is the ideal setting for sharing good food and drinks with family and friends, or a romantic dinner poolside while enjoying the convenient distance to our six local beaches.

MENU SELECTIONS

Phone: 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

Broken Yolk Sandwich

$12

Pasta

Specialties Food cooked to your taste — con mucho gusto Friday Night Texas Barbecue

Breakfast Quesadilla

$12

Open Grill

BLT La Playita

$10

Pineapple flambee

Fried egg, bacon or ham, and cheese on toast and served with seasonal fruit Eggs, tomato, onion, sweet pepper and cheese.

Served with seasonal fruit Always a favorite for a light bite to eat: bacon, lettuce and tomato

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$14

Build your own pasta bowl, includes a mixed salad

From $16

Pork tenderloin, chicken breast, ribeye, New York strip, beef tenderloin & catch of the day

$4

Our most popular dessert served hot with vanilla ice cream

FLAMINGO

DINING GUIDE

Private residence on the beach transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar, renowned for its fresh seafood. Come and enjoy incredible food and awesome sunsets and views of the Pacific Ocean.

MENU SELECTIONS Grilled Scallops

c5000

Onion Rings

c3500

Catch of the Day

c9000

Jambalaya

c7500

Pesto Tuna Sandwich

c7000

Grilled in a bath of Cacique liquor, lime and garlic

Tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice

Angus Tenderloin

c11000

Grilled to perfection with vegetables & rosemary potatoes

Thick cut battered with a subtle blend of spices, served with garlic mayo and rosada sauce

MENU SELECTIONS Pad Thai

c4000

Numu Angus Burger

Numu Roll

c4500

Grilled Tenderloin

Kung Pao Chicken

c5000

Seabass

Stir-fried with vegetables, peanuts and chilli peppers over jasmine rice

Specialties Fresh seafood, Epic sunset view

Pesto seared tuna on fresh bread served with lettuce, tomato & pesto aioli

Numu’s poolside restaurant is a wonderful modern setting that has an eclectic fusion of international cuisines like pad thai, sushi and red curry. Also offering a selection of vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Numu’s uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible for the richest flavorful dishes.

Salmon, mango, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, unagi sauce

Phone: 2654-6203

Sausage, shrimp & chicken-onions, tomatoes & peppers in Cajun sauce over rice or linguini

Numu: International Cuisine

Noodles, sauce, red pepper, green beans, red onion, & bean sprouts

Hours 11 am - 9 pm

c4500

Premium Angus ground, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, fresh cut fries

Hwy 911 just east of Bahia del Sol Hours Noon - 10 pm Phone: 4702-8689 Specialties Vegan and gluten-free

c10000

8oz chargrilled tenderloin, chimichurri sauce on the side, choice of two sides

c9800

Pink peppercorn sauce, capers, choice of two sides Read. like. share. | online

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SURFSIDE / POTRERO

800m Norte Banco Nacional Potrero

The Beach House Beach Front Dining

SURFSIDE / POTRERO

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

LAS CATALINAS

At Casa Chameleon 4 km North of the Potrero Soccer Field Hours Daily, 7:00 am - 10:00 pm No children under 12 years Phone: 2103-1200 concierge@ casachameleonhotels.com Specialties Fresh Fish, Sunset Cocktails "Boquitas" Menu

Sentido Norte - Fine Dining Sentido Norte, a restaurant and bar at Casa Chameleon, proudly offers an adult fine-dining experience that celebrates the best of Costa Rican cuisine. Your drive through winding roads above the quaint beach town of Las Catalinas is rewarded by an unforgettable, but affordable, taste of luxury.

Just a few steps uphill from the bright and welcoming entrance, your table awaits in a gorgeous, open-air perch framed by a panoramic view of the Pacific. A design motif incorporating responsibly sourced teak adds a sense of warmth and well-being to the romantically lit atmosphere. All food and drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance, combining uniquely local and native ingredients in the glass and on the plate.

MENU SELECTIONS Overnight Oats

$10

Casa Chameleon Burger

French Toast

$12

Knife & Fork Tortillas

$12

Almond milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews, local honey or tapa dulce

Sweet plantains and coconut milk cream

Chicharron or vegan huevos rancheros

Vegan Omelettes

$6

Asparagus, mushroom and caramelized onion

$17

Guacamole and Salsa

$10

Ceviche $14

Octopus & Mussels

$25

Grilled Chicken Wrap

$12

Grilled Skirt Steak

$29

Vegan Bowl

$19

Fresh Tuna Poke

$20

Angus burger with rocket lettuce, swiss or goat cheese, aioli

Fresh fish ceviche, leche de tigre, homemade "chilero"

Greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli

Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans

Hearts of palm ceviche, avocado & tomato

Octopus and mussels wok-sauteed in garlic butter and white wine

Skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, salad, french fries

Raw tuna, mango, avocado

Prices shown include 13% tax and 10% service / Prices subject to change

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Pacifico Retail Village, Playas del Coco Hours Mon - Sat 5:30pm - 10:30 pm Normally closed Sunday, but open Jan. 7 Phone: 2670-0942 Specialties Outstanding international menu, with indoor, air-conditioned seating or outdoor, breezy setting

Citron Restaurante: Latin fusion, Mediterranean and Thai food Bold flavors, intimate surroundings and Old World hospitality are the hallmarks of Citrón, where for seven years we have offered the finest dining in Playas del Coco. We specialize in Latin fusion and Mediterranean cuisine, with a splash of Asian spice, and we serve the finest wines and cocktails. Our servers will make you feel like family, whether you choose our elegant dining room or pleasant outdoor setting.

We strive not just to serve dinner, but to offer our guests an unforgettable experience in a unique place. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, spending quality time with friends and family or just having a drink after work, Citrón brings passion and flavor to everything we offer. We prepare all our dishes from fresh, local ingredients and we guarantee a full-spectrum dining experience for the most discriminating palates.

MENU SELECTIONS Venezuelan Tequeños

$9

Quinoa Salad (Chicken option)

$11

New York Steak

$17

Goat Cheese Salad

$10

Octopus Tiradito

$11

Vegetarian Risotto

$17

Seared Ahi Tuna

$10

Grilled Salmon

$20

Seabass Fideuá

$16

Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli

$15

Bangkok Shrimp

$23

Crunchy (fried) bread rolls filled with melted cheese served with homemade sauces

Premium mixed greens, caramelized nuts, goat cheese & honey mustard vinaigrette Pepper-crusted tuna steaks, pineapple chutney, curry mayonnaise & wakame

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio $10 Thinly sliced raw beef, mushrooms ragout, basil mayonnaise & fresh parmesan shaves

Fresh spinach, quinoa, mango, cherry tomatoes & avocado with ginger vinaigrette Fresh octopus, marinated in passion fruit dressing served with dill, red & green pepper Tender salmon with quinoa & vegetables served with a homemade dill sauce A homemade sauce with tomatoes & roasted red pepper over artisan ravioli

Flavorful New York Steak (10 oz.), served with french fries & “chimichurri” sauce

Slow-cooked arborio rice and fresh vegetables, served with a goat cheese fondue Spirit of the Mediterranean with orzo pasta, white cream and chunks of fresh seabass Fresh shrimp served in a Thai-style sauce with coconut milk, curry and cilantro

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PLAYAS DEL COCO

DINING GUIDE

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY All times AM to PM unless noted

SODA GUAYMY Typical & Rustic Food Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks

SENTIDO NORTE RESTAURANT Fine Dining All food & drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance 4 km N of Potrero soccer field Daily, 7-9:30 2103-1200 concierge@casachameleonhotels.com

200m W of Super Compro Daily, 6-9 7028-3264 / 8911-2191 Jimemurillo98@hotmail.com

LAS CATALINAS

SODA GUAYMY

Hotel Capitán Suizo Daily, noon-10pm 2653-0075

TAMARINDO/LANGOSTA

3 km S of Huacas towards Villarreal 7 days a week, 7-9 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

EL BARCO AT CAPITAN SUIZO Beachfront restaurant Entirely homemade dishes, no additives, healthy meals every time.

HUACAS

From anchor, 200m E, 700m S Daily, 8-8 4031-7707 reservations@villabuenaonda.com

LA PLAYITA RESTAURANTE Poolside Dining Located at Seis Playas Hotel. Quality food and drink for friends and family

HUACAS

PORO PORO at Villa Buena Onda Amazing Food, Amazing Views!

Ocean-view dining experience in a luxurious and secluded environment

PLAYAS DEL COCO

MARACUYÁ RESTAURANT More Than Dinner, It’s an Experience Pamper your palate with culinary excellence in our secluded piece of paradise.

Beachfront at Bahía Pez Vela Resort Daily, noon-9 2670-0901 guanacastechef4u.com/maracuya

CONTRIBUTORS Robert August. Tamarindo’s legendary surfer and shaper from the Endless Summer movies.

Jesse Bishop. Small time rock legend and theoretical humorist.

Debbie Bride. Canadian continuing to create and communicate in Costa Rica.

John Brockmeier. Writer inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences.

Gilberth Cavallini. Veterinary Doctor, owner Cavallini Veterinary Services, Villarreal (MegaSuper Plaza). tamarindovet@gmail.com Ariana Clashing O’Reilly. Costa Rica writer.

Phil Eitman. Broker for Prisma Corredor de Seguros. Call 2653-4300, visit allinsurancecr. com or e-mail philcostarica@gmail.com Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com Jarryd Jackson. Owner of J&M Architecture and Construction, Jarryd is passionate about building and surfing.

Karl Kahler. Author of “Frommer’s Costa Rica 2017,” former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California’s San Jose Mercury News.

Johnny Lahoud. Owner/broker of Pura Vida Realty, Playa Grande. He loves Costa Rica a lot. pvrealty@gmail.com

88 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Sylvia Monge. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishfhorexpats23@gmail.com Marian Paniagua. Certified yoga Instructor and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste.

8914-0199. marianpaniagua@gmail.com Patricia Sterman. Argentinian fashion design graduate, living in Costa Rica for 20 years.

Owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, jewelry manufacturer and co-founder of SalveMonos animal protection group.

Captain Paul Watson. Ocean wildlife protection activist, working tirelessly for 40 years as founder, President and Executive Director of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA.Herbert M. Weinman, MD, MBA. thedoctorisinsharkfm@ gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY Abi Acuña. Dreamer-photographer inspired by love in capturing magic moments to tell your story.

Contact: 8737-3885. digital.photocr@gmail.com

José Gerardo Suárez Monge. Professional photographer, graphic designer and author of six Costa Rican historical photo books. Call 70623086 or 8794-7679

Gregory Basco. Award-winning professional nature photographer and environmentalist. www.deepgreenphotography.com, www. fotoverdetours.com

Vern Veer Jr. Retired reptile specialist, Denver zoo. Owner of V3 Reptile breeders.

CORRECTION We regret the omission of a photo credit on the Happenings page 36 in our December magazine. The fiesta photos were courtesy of Paul E German Photography.

Ryan Waldron. BS Atmospheric Science, surfer. ryan@witchsrock.com

TIDE CHART

JAN 1 - JAN 31, 2018

DAY

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

1 Mon

1:26 AM 9.64 '

7:45 AM -0.33 '

2:01 PM 8.98 '

8:00 PM 0.08 '

2 Tues

2:20 AM 10.05 '

8:37 AM -0.81 '

2:53 PM 9.49 '

8:54 PM -0.29 '

3 Wed

3:12 AM 10.31 '

9:27 AM -1.13 '

3:45 PM 9.86 '

9:48 PM -0.51 '

4 Thurs

4:04 AM 10.36 '

10:17 AM -1.24 '

4:37 PM 10.05 '

10:40 PM -0.53 '

5 Fri

4:54 AM 10.19 '

11:07 AM -1.13 '

5:27 PM 10.01 '

11:32 PM -0.35 '

6 Sat

5:46 AM 9.81 '

11:57 AM -0.79 '

6:19 PM 9.79 '

7 Sun

12:26 AM -0.00 '

6:38 AM 9.26 '

12:49 PM -0.29 '

7:13 PM 9.41 '

8 Mon

1:22 AM 0.45 '

7:34 AM 8.63 '

1:41 PM 0.32 '

8:07 PM 8.96 '

9 Tues

2:20 AM 0.93 '

8:32 AM 8.00 '

2:35 PM 0.93 '

9:05 PM 8.52 '

10 Wed

3:20 AM 1.32 '

9:34 AM 7.49 '

3:35 PM 1.46 '

10:05 PM 8.18 '

11 Thurs

4:24 AM 1.56 '

10:38 AM 7.18 '

4:37 PM 1.82 '

11:03 PM 7.98 '

12 Fri

5:28 AM 1.61 '

11:40 AM 7.08 '

5:37 PM 1.99 '

11:59 PM 7.94 '

13 Sat

6:24 AM 1.49 '

12:38 PM 7.18 '

6:33 PM 1.98 '

14 Sun

12:51 AM 8.03 '

7:14 AM 1.25 '

1:28 PM 7.41 '

7:23 PM 1.83 '

15 Mon

1:37 AM 8.21 '

7:58 AM 0.96 '

2:12 PM 7.70 '

8:07 PM 1.61 '

16 Tues

2:19 AM 8.41 '

8:38 AM 0.67 '

2:54 PM 8.00 '

8:47 PM 1.35 '

17 Wed

2:59 AM 8.60 '

9:14 AM 0.41 '

3:32 PM 8.27 '

9:27 PM 1.11 '

18 Thurs

3:39 AM 8.73 '

9:50 AM 0.23 '

4:08 PM 8.49 '

10:05 PM 0.93 '

19 Fri

4:15 AM 8.76 '

10:26 AM 0.15 '

4:44 PM 8.62 '

10:41 PM 0.81 '

20 Sat

4:53 AM 8.70 '

11:00 AM 0.17 '

5:20 PM 8.67 '

11:19 PM 0.77 '

21 Sun

5:29 AM 8.53 '

11:36 AM 0.28 '

5:56 PM 8.65 '

11:59 PM 0.81 '

22 Mon

6:09 AM 8.29 '

12:12 PM 0.46 '

6:34 PM 8.57 '

23 Tues

12:39 AM 0.91 '

6:49 AM 8.00 '

12:52 PM 0.68 '

7:16 PM 8.47 '

24 Wed

1:23 AM 1.03 '

7:33 AM 7.69 '

1:36 PM 0.92 '

8:02 PM 8.36 '

25 Thurs

2:15 AM 1.16 '

8:25 AM 7.43 '

2:26 PM 1.15 '

8:54 PM 8.27 '

26 Fri

3:11 AM 1.22 '

9:25 AM 7.27 '

3:24 PM 1.31 '

9:56 PM 8.27 '

27 Sat

4:15 AM 1.15 '

10:33 AM 7.31 '

4:30 PM 1.31 '

11:02 PM 8.42 '

28 Sun

5:23 AM 0.88 '

11:41 AM 7.60 '

5:40 PM 1.10 '

29 Mon

12:06 AM 8.74 '

6:27 AM 0.43 '

12:47 PM 8.12 '

6:46 PM 0.69 '

30 Tues

1:08 AM 9.17 '

7:27 AM -0.12 '

1:45 PM 8.75 '

7:46 PM 0.18 '

31 Wed

2:06 AM 9.61 '

8:21 AM -0.66 '

2:39 PM 9.35 '

8:44 PM -0.30 '

SUNRISE

JANUARY 1, 2018 JANUARY 31, 2018

5:56 AM 6:01 PM

SUNSET

JANUARY 1, 2018 JANUARY 31, 2018

5:29 AM 5:43 PM

January 1

January 8

January 16

January 24

January 31

Full Moon

3 Quarter

New Moon

1st Quarter

Full Moon

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