HOWLER Health, Wellness & Yoga Special
August 2018
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
Costa Rica
Happiest Country in the World ... Why?
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F E AT U R E D Cover Story
Why Costa Rica is the happiest country in the world
Costa Rica Blue Zone Living Right
18
10
Yoga and Wellness Retreats Featured Adventure
Costa Rican Army Abolished
14
CR History in Photos
20 Diamante Culture
44
Camaronal
46
Cool Places
HOWLER
Off the Beaten Path
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CO N T E N T S 6 Up Front 6 - Editorial 8 - Community Services 10 - Cover Story: Happiest Country on the Planet 14 - CR History in Photos: Costa Rican Army Abolished
CBD Oil
26
Natural Medicine
17 Pura Vida: Health, Wellness & Yoga 18 - Living Right: Costa Rica’s Blue Zone 20 - Featured Article: Yoga and Wellness Retreats 22 - Yoga Wisdom: The Power of Yoga 24 - Yogapedia: Vrksasana - Tree Pose 25 - Simply Spanish: Body Oddities 26 - Natural Medicine: CBD Oil 28 - Mindfulness: Natural High 29 - Mental Health: Dark Places in the Mind 30 - Eat Well: Superfoods 32 - Wellness Feature: Medical Tourism 34 - Reason to Smile: Dental Veneers
36 Lifestyle 36 - Fashion Flash: You Are What You Wear 38 - Spanish: The Conjugation Conundrum
Medical Tourism Wellness Feature
32
40 Travel & Adventure 40 - Palo Verde: Take a Boat to the Wild Side 42 - Cool Places: Río Celeste 44 - Cool Places Too: Diamante Cultural Experience 46 - Off the Beaten Path: Camaronal 48 - What to Expect: Tips on Tipping 50 - Creature Feature: American Crocodile 50 - Simply Spanish: Useful Verbs 52 - Travel & Adventure Directory
54 Arts & Entertainment 54 - Spotlight: Carmen Silva 56 - Arts & Entertainment Calendar 58 - Dos Locos: TTZ - Bombs Away!
62 Community 62 - Community Feature: Restoring Our Watershed 64 - Building CR: Happiness By Design 66 - Pet Care: Renal Illness 66 - Simply Spanish: You Gotta Work 68 - LegalEase: Mandatory E-Invoicing for Landlords 70 - Community Directory
Bombs Away
Dos Locos: TTZ
58
73 Dining Guide 82 - Simply Spanish 83 -Contributors
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EDITORIAL
HOWLER
I
have had several dealings recently with people who are contemplating a move to Costa Rica, wanting to do business in Costa Rica or open a business to work here. Moving here is quite an experience. I often caught myself saying, “Well, that’s not how we do it!” It didn’t take me long to learn that if I wanted to get something done, it had to be done the way our new host does it. Progress became much easier adopting that mentality. Time is that thing ticking in your head but is only really relevant if you are in an emergency situation, the tides are swelling for surfing, or you’re wondering when happy hour starts for viewing the sunset. I am still learning this. No, Costa Rica is not your country! It is always interesting that some people don’t consider that in thinking they just want to move here and open up a business. It never occurs to them that, no, you can’t do many things as an alien in this country. Working happens to be one of those things. I recently had dealings with a company wanting to ship items here. Acting as kind of a consultant, I first suggested that these business people visit a lawyer and get an import license. Our conversations went something like this, from their initial remark: “Well, it certainly is difficult to ship to Costa Rica and I can’t believe that the customs authorities impose such high tariffs.” They proceeded to give me a U.S. example of shipping from Colorado to the East Coast. I was baffled at having to keep explaining that this is not the United States. Things here are run by Costa Ricans and their rules. I pointed out that the reverse situation exists also … the U.S. and other countries have their own customs control agencies and yes, they tax items being imported. Costa Rica is not for everyone, and life here certainly has its challenges. But it’s also rewarding to live in such a beautiful place with some of the friendliest people on earth. I’ve never stopped being impressed by how
T r o o p
August 2018 Vol. 23 No. 08 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
many people go out of their way to assist, never expecting anything but a happy “pura vida” response. Don’t expect what you are accustomed to in your homeland. It will just drive you crazy. Blink twice, click your heels and wake up. You are NOT in Kansas anymore. Wake up and smell the coffee … and enjoy. Cautions are still important for tourists and those living here. Despite catching myself often commenting that “you really have to go searching to get into trouble here,” Costa Rica has a seedy underbelly like most places in the world. It may be less prominent, but it does exist. From my own observation, what Costa Rica has to offer visitors and anyone choosing to live here are the resources of a country still emerging. This is referred to as one of the happiest places on earth. You see it daily in people's faces and actions as you interact with them. That is not to say that such a happy place is immune to the struggles of life still happening. In your daily interactions with others, hold on to the attitude that life is good. Smiling and savoring a personal moment might just brighten someone’s day, and yours as well.
It is always interesting that people just want to move here and open up a business
HOWLER
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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 Jessie Rowan - Intern Graphic Design Team Martin Svoboda - Art Director Debbie Bride - Design Consultant M. Alauddin - Design Layout Marian Paniagua - Photo Procurement WEBMASTER Maria Focsa Cover Design by Jose Chops C o n ta c t John Quam: headmonkey@howlermag.com Martin Svoboda: martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: info@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave message) Howler Magazine Costa Rica 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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COMMUNITY SERVICES
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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 VILLARREAL (Español) |Vida Real Jose Chops 8720-1984
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COSTA RICA Happiest Country
on the Planet
by Jenn Parker
T
- ' .
e
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he rooster often crows before the multiple “good life” counts. While small break of dawn, a dark hour when in size, it has a happiness stature second many farmers, fishermen and to none when certain measurable families in Costa Rican rise to seize the attributes are compared with other day. There’s a rare coolness at this hour, more populous, developed and wealthy as multiple generations share a labor-ofcountries. love breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs, sweet For the third time in less than a plantains, bread or corn tortillas, fresh decade, Costa Rica holds the prestigious fruit and coffee. title of "world’s happiest country," In fact, any mealtime is likely scoring higher than 139 others on the family time, including a home-cooked 2016 Happy Planet Index (HPI). As a lunch that many Costa Rican children self-proclaimed measurement of “what and breadwinners return home to matters,” this global index of sustainable enjoy every day. well-being was Coffee signifies introduced in 2006 Annual HPI reports community, work by the London-based offers camaraderie, provide a snapshot of New Economic and a town is just Foundation, whose how well nations are an extended family. initiatives promote doing as habitats for Active living is international reforms how most waking to social, economic enjoying long, happy moments are spent, and environmental whether at work, policy. and sustainable lives. commuting or Data from United tending to household chores. Nations, Gallup World Poll and Global The light of the sun and nature Footprint Network sources are factored itself overpower fluorescent bulbs and into the HPI score, which has four main concrete. Nearly everyone in the country components: experienced well-being, life can read, health care is denied to no one, expectancy, inequality of outcomes and and there is always a celebration of a ecological footprint. Annual HPI reports saint, a town, a food or a victorious event provide a snapshot of how well nations taking place somewhere. are doing as habitats for enjoying long, However overgeneralized such happy and sustainable lives. timelessly wholesome depictions of In simple terms, this is the equation - may seem, Costa lifestyle and culture used to calculate a country’s overall score: ' to modern scrutiny on Rica ' stands up
HPI
Well-being
Life Expectancy
Inequality of Outcomes
ncy
Ecological Footprint
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All photography for this article courtesy of Pucci Photo. Read about the Pucci family at howlermag.com/pucci HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 11
Costa Rica’s winning score in 2016 (the most recent HPI year) was 44.7. This number on its own tells us nothing useful in percentage or “highest possible” terms. It suffices to know that all the other HPI countries had a lower overall score in 2016, even if some rated higher than Costa Rica in specific categories. For example, current World Health Report data puts Costa Rica in 30th place for its average life expectancy of 79.1 years. Yet this takes nothing away from the Nicoya Peninsula’s boasting rights as one of only five so-called blue zones in the world, where a disproportionately large number of centenarians thrive in health and happiness. (Learn more in the Howler article “Breaking 100,” on page 18, about contributing factors such as diet, sense of purpose and community, strong familial relationships, sun exposure and activity level.) Costa Rica ranked 10th among the 140 HPI countries for overall well-being. Scores on a 1 to 10 scale indicate how happy people are with their everyday lives in each country being studied. This wellness assessment includes physical well-being as well as emotional and social well-being on a daily basis. Costa Ricans are renowned for being very family and community oriented. Such inclusive and supportive relationships and involvement in community life are believed to enhance one’s sense of well-being. Another significant factor is that, while Costa Ricans like to complain about their government, there’s a sense that it takes pretty good care of them. Since the army’s abolishment in 1949, public funding that would otherwise be budgeted for military expenditures has instead been allocated to health care, education and pensions. A new “inequality of outcomes” measurement was applied to the most recent HPI calculations, reflecting the increased significance of social injustices and other inequalities in any given country. This adjustment for the resulting unequal distribution of each population’s life expectancy and experienced well-being data is now factored into the overall HPI score. The outcome of rigorous calculations in Costa Rica’s case was a 15% inequality of outcomes adjustment. Inequality of income has a major impact on experienced wellness ratings. Ecological footprint is the common denominator in the HPI equation for all the countries assessed. This is based on information about energy and natural resources use, transportation methods, types of housing, food production and consumption, and waste management. While Costa Rica is widely recognized as a leader in environmental conservation and renewable
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energy sources, its mediocre HPI ranking in 75th place in this category shows there is much room for improvement. As highlighted in the last Howler issue, Costa Rica is taking ambitious steps to reduce its environmental impact, including plans for banning single-use plastic products and meeting the 2021 goal of zero fossil fuel dependency. The recent launch of “ecolones,” a cryptocurrency incentive for recycling, is another ecoconscious initiative. Many who are involved with Costa Rica’s allure of biodiversity and natural wealth are becoming more concerned with conservation versus exploitation. The “money can’t buy happiness” cliché has actually proven to be more scientifically sound than merely a saying. According to the World Bank, average yearly income in Costa Rica is only around $11,040, significantly below $60,200 in the United States. Yet the U.S. ranks 108th in the world with its overall HPI score of only 20.7 — less than half of Costa Rica’s. Many of the world’s wealthiest countries are similarly less happy than those that fall short financially. According to the HPI, the happiest people on earth, outside of Costa Rica, live in Mexico, Colombia, Vanuatu, Vietnam and Panama. We are beginning to realize that what makes us happy isn’t how much stuff we have or how much money we earn, even though there is a certain amount of money that we all need to lead lives unburdened with constant financial stress. Happiness and well-being are inextricably linked to our relationships, experiences, freedom to do what we enjoy, our physical health, sense of purpose and the support we receive from our community and government. Well-being is also linked to our diet, level of physical activity, daily hours of sleep and rest and time spent outdoors and in nature. The typical lifestyle in Costa Rica, of both natives and expats, includes many of these elements. The natural, political and social environment of Costa Rica is conducive to living one’s best life, if that means living simply, consciously, purposefully and connected to nature and your neighbors. When you remove the struggle to obtain basic human necessities and services, the financial drain of an active military, and propaganda that bigger is better, newer is necessary, and what you have is never enough, happiness is a state that really can be achieved.
Pucci Costa Rican photography books are available at most local gift shops and book stores.
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Also available outside Costa Rica at howlermag.com/pucci
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CR SPOTLIGHT Costa Rican Army Abolished
Another happiness factor ?
CR HISTORY IN PHOTOS
by José Gerardo Suárez Monge and Karl Kahler
T
he Costa Rican army was abolished by President José Figueres in December 1948 after a civil war that lasted 44 days and claimed some 2,000 lives. President Rafael Ángel Calderón (1940-44) dominated Costa Rican politics for much of the 1940s. The constitution did not allow a president to be elected to consecutive terms, and so in 1944 Calderón loyalists elected Teodoro Picado, who was seen by the opposition as a puppet. In 1948, Calderón ran for president again, and according to official results was defeated by opposition figure Otilio Ulate in an election plagued by violence and chaos. Calderón petitioned the National Assembly, dominated by members of his party, to annul the results because of electoral fraud, which it did. Figueres, a longtime political activist who had been preparing for war, launched an insurrection against the Picado-Calderón government and quickly prevailed. Figueres became president, and his most famous act upon taking power was to abolish the Costa Rican army. From that day forward, the country has never experienced significant political violence.
This decree, “Dissolution of the National Army,” was signed Dec. 1, 1948, at the Bellavista Barracks by José Figueres. It says, in part: “The National Army of Costa Rica, the worthy successor of the National Liberation Army, delivers the key to this barracks to the schools, so that it can be converted into a cultural center. “The Founding Junta of the Second Republic officially declares the National Army dissolved, having considered sufficient for the security of our country the existence of a good police force.”
A passion for historical photos
P
Soldiers at a landing field in San Isidro de El General. These planes were used to transport soldiers loyal to José Figueres to San José and elsewhere. This was one of the planes that launched an unsuccessful attack on the Presidential House on March 31, 1948. San Isidro de El General was the place where the biggest and bloodiest attacks and bombardments took place, and also the place with the greatest loss of life.
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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 7062-3086 or 8794-7679.
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On Dec. 1, 1948, José Figueres takes a sledgehammer to the turrets of the Bellavista Barracks. With this symbolic act, he decreed the abolition of the army and set the stage for the transfer and remodeling of the old barracks to be converted into Costa Rica’s National Museum. The army of the Teodoro Picado government in 1948, in front of the Presidential House. José Figueres became president when his rebel army won Costa Rica’s 1948 civil war against soldiers loyal to President Teodoro Picado and his mentor, Rafael Ángel Calderón. Figueres, who appears on Costa Rica’s 10,000-colón bill today, went on to serve as president in 1948-49, 1953-58 and 1970-74.
José Figueres delivers a speech, Dec. 1, 1948, "I took a sledgehammer to the wall atop the Bellavista Barracks, symbolizing the elimination of the remnants of the Military Spirit of Costa Rica of another era, and I delivered these installations to become a Museum of Anthropology that to this day is radiating culture.”
DC-3 planes from Costa Rican companies were converted into warplanes by loyalists of both Calderón and Figueres, installing machine guns and removing doors to drop bombs.
History Buffs: Costa Rica's Story in Pictures Available in all Lehmann Bookstores Contact the author: 8794-7679, costaricaantigua@gmail.com
A collection of Costa Rican photographic history books from its geological inception to present day. Declared to be of public interest by the Costa Rican Presidency and Ministries of Culture and Education #s earchf indh owl
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Pura Vida HOWLER
C O S tA R i c a ' s H e a lt h , w e l l n e s s & Y o g a M i n i - M a g
Photo: Jose A. Russell #s earchf indh owl
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PURA VIDA
Breaking 100 LIVING RIGHT
Longevity in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone
by Jessie Rowan
What is so unique about the Nicoya Peninsula and why do people there live longer?
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C
osta Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is one of five regions in the world referred to as a “blue zone,” home to some of the oldest and healthiest people on the planet. Most blue zone residents surpass the global average life expectancy of 71.4 years. Not only is it common to outlive the age of 100 but to thrive — neither bedridden nor hospital-dependent, but fit, active and living life to the fullest. Scientists have long been fascinated by the myriad reasons for the robust population health that Nicoya shares with the other four blue zones: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece; and Sardinia, Italy. Dan Buettner of National Geographic discovered and coined the term “Blue Zones.” He and other scientists spent over a decade exploring the world’s longevity hot spots, finally coming up with the top regions, including large parts of the Nicoya Peninsula. Research done by National Geographic shows about 30 percent of longevity is attributed to genes and 70
percent to local lifestyle. According to sources and statistics from “The World Health Report in 2017,” Costa Rica ranks 30th in life expectancy worldwide, making Nicoya’s global top five status as a blue zone seem all the more remarkable. While larger cities such as Tamarindo, Samara, Nosara and Playas del Coco sit within Costa Rica’s blue zone, the majority of long-lived locals reside in more rural and less “westernized” regions such as the farming area of Hojancha. What is so unique about the Nicoya Peninsula and the area’s local secret to living a longer life?
Family and community
Connectedness among family and community members is considered to be a characteristic of blue zone living … and no, that does not mean via texting or social media. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about people in Nicoya making an effort weekly, if not daily, to visit their neighbors
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— typically on foot. Interacting and staying in touch with each other this way keeps both the brain and heart healthy. Family is also the center of the Nicoyan lifestyle. Most residents live with or near extended family members throughout their entire lives, which provides an in-house support system. Living with family gives locals a sense of purpose and helps them maintain a positive outlook on life as they watch younger family members grow.
Diet
Nicoyans maintain a largely plantbased diet, avoiding most processed food. Meals typically consist of rice, beans, corn and locally grown vegetables and fruits, incorporating meat only a few times a week. Many locals in the Nicoya Peninsula still cook tortillas in the most traditional way. Corn kernels soaked in a mixture of lime and water are infused with calcium and amino acids. Drinking water in the Nicoya area has a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium than in other parts of the country, offering residents the most natural and freely available vitamin intake. Another long-living Nicoyan secret is the fact most consume far less sugar, many eating very few processed foods and snacks.
Hard at work
Nicoyans value hard work. Most local elders continue working or remain physically active every day, whether it be walking to a neighbor’s home or household chores. Even non-strenuous movement on a day-to-day basis keeps seniors fit indefinitely.
Getting some sun
Covered by dry farmland and lush rainforest, the Nicoya Peninsula has a tropical climate. Having a reasonable amount of sun exposure through an active outdoor lifestyle is another key to longevity among locals. Vitamin D intake from the sun, especially when combined with walking as a traditional mode of transportation, offers a beneficial boost to heart and bone health.
Faith
The traditional faith-based lifestyle of Nicoyans, including a strong belief in God, is thought to relieve stress and enhance wellbeing. Religious traditions are passed down through generations of families living in this Costa Rica blue zone. Belonging to a church community might also give some residents an enhanced sense of peace, tranquility and security for longer living. Photos courtesy of MQC photo / Monica Quesada #s earchf indh owl
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PURA VIDA
Yoga and Wellness Retreats FEATURED ARTICLE
What Makes Costa Rica an Inspiration Destination by Jenn Parker
The selection of yoga and wellness retreats is extraordinary for such a small country that has so much more to offer. 20 | #searchfindhowl| online
W
e’ll begin today’s practice in a comfortable seated position. Gently rest your hands on your knees with your palms facing up. Touch your index fingers to the tips of your thumbs. Imagine your spine is straight and tall like a palm tree as you roll your shoulders back and down like fronds giving in to gravity. In this sacred space among the ancient trees, find comfort in the clouds hanging in the tangled branches. Let the past and the future roll off like raindrops and the present fill your pool. The practice of yoga is not supposed to be as much about our physical or geographic location as it is about places in our mind. Ideally, however, practicing somewhere that enkindles present mindfulness through the space itself — the energy, the scents, and the sounds — only helps us deepen our practice. Many of us live in places where our yoga practice is more often than not indoors. We create spaces, or seek naturally inspired shalas, where we can reconnect with the present. For that hour and a half or so, we are there … or nowhere or anywhere that we want to be. If the “anywhere” part of your subconscious takes you by the sea, deep in a tropical forest, in a mystical cloudscape, or overlooking verdant valleys, and within earshot of waterfalls, rivers or animal symphonies, your anywhere is Costa Rica. The selection of yoga and wellness retreats is extraordinary for such a small country that has so much more to offer tourists from all over
the globe. Costa Rica’s reputation in that regard encompasses a vast gamut, from ayurveda, selfawareness, plant medicine, and sustainable living workshops to cleansing, healing guidance, energy balancing and reiki. Other retreats offer all manner of massage and spa treatments, and even cooking classes and nutrition counseling. Any of these attractions could be taking place anywhere in Costa Rica at any given time, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Montezuma, the Osa Peninsula, the Central Valley, and the southern Caribbean coast are especially popular locales. Retreats are commonly offered at boutique beach hotels, jungle-surrounded ecolodges, Baliinspired villas and other types of Zen-infused accommodations. Resources and infrastructure are what enable these places to offer guests, on an individual or group basis, a comprehensive wellness experience. It requires the right spaces to practice yoga and meditation, satiate on healthy and organic cuisine, indulge in holistic treatments, embark on easily accessible nature and adventure tours, and at the end of the day slip into a deeply restful sleep in a cozy room. According to Global Wellness Institute statistics, wellness travel is on the rise. In 2017, the wellness industry accounted for $3.7 trillion in world market revenue, with wellness tourism contributing $563 billion and $542 billion from the fitness and mind-body sector. Costa Rica has long been on the forefront of not only ecotourism but wellness trends.
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The Institute of Costa Rican Tourism has documented a steady increase in wellness being a major motivator for booking trips to Costa Rica. It reports that in 2017, 36.4 percent of tourists were inspired to come here for wellness reasons. Costa Rica has ranked globally in the top 10 destinations for yoga and wellness travel according to BookRetreats.com, ACTIVE, BookYogaRetreats.com, Women’s Health and The Trend Setter. Whether you practice yoga every day, wish you practiced more often, or have yet to show up to the mat, Costa Rica is host year-round to retreats catering to all experience levels, styles, wish lists, location preferences and budgets. Most yoga retreats in Costa Rica also offer far more than just yoga. An assortment of health and wellness add-ons may be available, and even combinations with activities like surfing, stand-up paddle boarding, nature hikes and adventure tours.
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Yoga Travel Tree breaks down costs based on style of retreat, destination, classes included, transportation, accommodation style, meal options, group size, duration, and additional excursions and activities. A general price range for most retreats is between $500 and $3,000. Some highend and/or exclusive retreats can be upward of $10,000. Even without booking an actual retreat, though, you can still enjoy a wealth of yoga and wellness opportunities in Costa Rica. Any vacation here can be a wellness vacation. Vertebrate by vertebrate, roll down onto your back in preparation for savasana. Let the salty ocean breeze blow over your toes, into your nose, and wisp through your hair. Feel the glow of the setting sun envelop your body like a light blanket and the vibration of the cicadas’ 5 p.m. salute. Let your breath come and go like the ebb and flow of the sea kissing the sand. Feel your body melt into the mat, the floor, and the earth. Be and let be.
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PURA VIDA
“Yoga is the neutralization of ego-directed feelings, because once these become stilled, the yogi realizes that he is, and that he has always been, one with the Infinite – that his awareness of this reality was limited only by his infatuation with limitation.” Patanjali Ancient Sage
YOGA WISDOM
The Power of Yoga
Y
oga is the neutralization of egodirected feelings, because once these become stilled, the yogi realizes that he is, and that he has always been, one with the Infinite – that his awareness of this reality was limited only by his infatuation with limitation. Yoga literally means “union.” This union can be understood on different levels: • philosophically, as that of the relative, limited self with the absolute self • religiously, as that of the individual soul with the infinite spirit • psychologically, as the integration of personality — a state of no longer living at cross-purposes with oneself • emotionally, as if stilling the waves of likes and dislikes, permitted to remain in all circumstances complete in oneself
History
by Marian Paniagua
What makes yoga so powerful?
Yoga was developed by the IndusSarasvati civilization in northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word “yoga” was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda. The Vedas were a collection of texts containing songs, mantras and rituals used by Brahmans, the Vedic priests. Yoga was slowly refined and developed by the Brahmans and Rishis (mystic seers) who documented their practices and beliefs in the Upanishads, a huge work containing over 200 scriptures. The most renowned of the yogic scriptures is the Bhagavad-Gîtâ, composed around 500 BCE. The Upanishads took the idea of ritual sacrifice from the Vedas and internalized it, teaching the sacrifice of the ego through self-knowledge, action (karma yoga) and wisdom (jnana yoga).
What makes this ancient practice so powerful is its positive impact on all aspects of a person: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Yoga cleanses the body through asana (postures) and pranayama (consious breathing). It clears the mind through a mindful practice of yoga philosophy as the five yamas and niyamas. Yoga makes us aware of our emotions at their deepest root, therefore clearing our veil of mental illusions. Practitioners have the power to feel and then act, instead of reacting unconsciously based on past traumas. Last but not least, a disciplined yoga practice makes us realize we are connected with a universal source of pure positive energy. We awaken to the knowledge that we can co-create with this universal source and make it part of our daily life.
Yamas
Niyamas
These five self-regulating behaviors involve our interactions with other people and the world at large:
These five personal practices relate to our inner world:
Ahimsa — non-violence Satya — truthfulness Asteya — not stealing Brahmacharya — non-excess (often interpreted as celibacy) Aparigraha — non-possessiveness, non-greed
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Saucha — purity Santosha — contentment Tapas — self-discipline, training your senses Svadhyaya — self-study, inner exploration Ishvara Pranidhana — surrender (to God)
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 23
PURA VIDA
VRKSASANA Tree Pose by Marian Paniagua
YOGAPEDIA
vrks = tree / asana = pose
V
rksasana, meaning “tree pose,” is a standing balancing yoga posture. Standing on the floor, your foot is like the root of a tree and your arms are stretching up like branches. Just as the roots of a tree support its trunk and branches, our feet and legs must become the firm base that holds the entire weight of our body and allows balance. By having to stand on one leg, we practice concentration and help stop the thought process in our minds. It’s as if we are preparing the ground to cultivate our inner stillness and silence.
How to do the tree pose
1. Start standing in tadasana, or mountain pose. Look forward and stare at one point. Breathe deeply and direct attention to your breath. Stand with your feet together, inner ankles and inner knees touching. Bring your hands together in front of your chest in "anjali mudra". Move your awareness to the soles of your feet, spreading your toes. Start cultivating a feeling of stillness, grounding and presence. 2. Softly bend your left knee and shift your weight onto your right foot. Place the sole of your left foot on your inner right ankle, side of your shin or inner right thigh. Square both hips forward, maintaining your left knee pointed out to the left. 3. Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and lift your chest slightly, radiating your heart forward. Bring your gaze directly to a focal point in front of you to help you balance. Reaching equilibrium, raise your palms above your head, clasp them together or keep them separate. 4. Take five to 10 cleansing breaths, lengthening and expanding on every inhalation and “rooting down” (pressing your standing foot into the ground) on every exhalation. On your last exhalation, release the left leg back down and the hands together in front of your heart. Press your thumbs gently against your chest, letting you feel your heartbeat and noting every sensation in your body. Repeat on the other side.
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To be mindful
• Avoid turning out the foot of your standing, supporting leg, to prevent misalignment on the supporting knee and hip. • Avoid placing the sole of your foot on the knee of your opposite standing leg. Keep your foot on the inner thigh, shin or ankle of the standing leg instead.
Benefits of the tree pose Physically • Strengthens your thighs, calves, ankles and spine. • Stretches your groin and inner thighs, chest and shoulders. • Improves your sense of balance and corrects your posture. • Opens your hips and expand your range of motion. Mentally Improves your ability to concentrate and strengthens the power you have to direct your undivided attention to where it is wanted. Energetically Helps activate your base and sacral chakras — “recycling chakras”— changing negative emotional energies into power and light. This keeps your “energy body” clean, returning to earth any “toxic waste energy” that the body cannot cope with.
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SIMPLY SPANISH by Karl Kahler
Body Oddities barbudo — guy with a big beard callo — callus mancha de nacimiento — birthmark canas — gray hairs ciego — blind colocho/a — person with curly hair culona/nalgona — woman with a big butt discapacitado — disabled, handicapped enano — dwarf (or disparaging word for any short person) gato — cat; used of a person with green eyes ñajos — harelip (properly “labio leporino”) renco — having a limp lunar — mole macha/o — blond person mocoso — snotty-nosed; a child, or a disparaging word for an irresponsible young person. “Ese mocoso nunca va a encontrar trabajo” — “That brat is never going to find work.” panzona — “big-bellied,” usually used to mean pregnant pecas — freckles pelado — hairless person, or a child, or a person with no money pelón — bald guy peludo — hairy guy sordo — deaf zurdo — left-handed tartamudo — stutterer
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 25
PURA VIDA
NATURAL MEDICINE
CBD OIL Many Believe It’s Nature’s Miracle Cure by Olivia Venturini
I
was born and raised in Colorado, a state that has become known in recent years for its legalization of cannabis. With this legalization has come an overwhelming amount of information and interest in the related subject of CBD oil, touted by proponents as “nature’s miracle cure.”
What is CBD oil?
CBD oil does not contain the cannabis ingredient most often associated with marijuana’s mind-altering effect.
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CBD is short for cannabinoid, a natural compound found in the cannabis hemp plant. The most common misconception about CBD is that it has the ability to impair the person using it. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it has no effect on a person’s “state of mind.” That’s because it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis ingredient most often associated with marijuana’s mind-altering effect. It should also be noted that CBD oil can be extracted from industrial hemp, which is free of THC and legal in over 40 countries.
How does CBD work?
The human body, like many other species, contains an endocannabinoid system full of receptors located in the brain and throughout the nervous system. These receptors, which can accept cannabinoids such as CBD, assist with pain and inflammation, control of appetite, nervous system regulation, memory and much more. CBD oil is packed with many essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, and E, and large amounts of anti-inflammatory properties. Having this concentration of beneficial
ingredients, and direct access throughout our nervous system, makes CBD oil a force to be reckoned with.
What benefits does CBD offer?
Discoveries to date about the benefits of CBD oil seem promising but remain largely unproven by scientific studies. Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface, without substantial experiments to back their findings. Areas of interest include CBD’s potential role in pain and inflammation relief, treating neurological disorders (including seizures), fighting cancer, lowering the risk of diabetes, reducing anxiety, relieving nausea, tempering the effects of psychosis and promoting cardiovascular health. In addition, CBD has shown success in blocking the addictive effects of a range of other drugs. External applications of CBD oil suggest it may have anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and anti-sun damage properties. CBD oil is not only for humans either. I was surprised recently to find a Colorado pet store selling “puppy CBD sticks” in preparation for summer fireworks, a well-known cause of significant anxiety in some pets. CBD oil has also been used to treat horses, rabbits, and cats with ailments ranging from arthritis and digestive issues to aggression. CBD oil is legal in Costa Rica, but complicated and inconsistently applied import regulations are a barrier to consumer access. The Howler is researching businesses that have resolved this issue to make CBD oil easier to obtain. Watch for updates.
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27
MINDFULNESS
PURA VIDA
by Marian Paniagua
“In the science of epigenetics it’s been found that it’s the perception of your environment that controls your genes.” Dr. Bruce Lipton Author, The Biology of Belief
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Natural High
B
eing a yoga practitioner and instructor in Costa Rica, I am fortunate in being able to teach in all kinds of stunning places, from up high on terraces with an expansive ocean view to cozy yoga studios. But practicing in nature — either on the beach, by a river stream or under a massive tree — is by far the best experience. The reason is that the therapeutic aspects of nature around us, and its natural ability to nurture every living being, comes into play. Earth itself is a living organism. It has a magnetic field, also known as a geomagnetic field, that extends from the earth’s interior out into space. This has an effect on every organism that lives, grows and depends entirely on the earth for survival. We, as humans, are no exception. In fact, the human body also has an electromagnetic field that is generated most strongly by the heart. Research has found that this field actually carries information and has the capability to send and receive energy from the environment. A practice known as “earthing” — being in conductive contact with the earth for therapeutic purposes — has been gradually gaining attention and awareness. Proponents regard earthing as a surprisingly powerful way
to reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation and normalize blood pressure. The article “Understanding Earthing (Grounding),” published recently by the Earthing Institute, concluded that it’s “an overlooked factor in public health” and “a missing link with broad and significant implications” for health. It may be useful to keep in mind that your brain sends signals to your body to release hormones in response to the environment and experiences you are exposed to by choice. It doesn’t matter if they are happening here and now, or are just a construct of your imagination. When we take a walk on the beach, swim in a waterfall or view a breathtakingly beautiful sunset, our body releases hormones such as dopamine, oxytocin and endorphins. With good reason, these are commonly known as the “happy hormones,” so it’s hardly surprising that our direct, conscious interaction with nature and the elements can have a profound and positive impact on our biology and genes. Consider how this knowledge might inspire us to seek more intimate connections with nature and live our lives fully present, tapping into Mother Earth’s healing power.
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MENTAL HEALTH
You're Not Alone by Debbie Bride
E
ven in one of the happiest countries on earth, dark places in the mind are still an unavoidable reality for many people. That is why mental health is no less relevant to Costa Rica’s local and expat population than it should be anywhere else in the world. When someone’s emotional or psychological well-being becomes worrisome, it need not be a lonely struggle. As is the case in many other nations, depression and anxiety are the main reasons for seeking assistance from mental health professionals in Costa Rica. Both problems account for a significant percentage of patients seen by care providers in clinical practice and emergency departments. “It depends on the severity of symptoms and how impaired the patient feels,” says Dr. Randall Quirós, a psychiatrist at CIMA Hospital San Josė and consultant to other clinical practices. “In cases of depression, suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts are the most common motives for patients visiting the ER, while panic attacks are an overwhelming symptom in patients with anxiety disorders.” Costa Rica’s “happy” reputation belies an increase in suicide prevalence with serious implications. Over the past six decades, the suicide rate has increased by about 68 percent, translating to the current annual average of 365 suicides — one every day. Since 2005, suicide has been the third leading cause of death among teenagers in Costa Rica, in second place among Central American countries. Notwithstanding genetic predisposition, Quirós attributes this trend to socioeconomic realities. “Suicides are more likely to #s earchf indh owl
happen in urban-marginal areas, where work and education opportunities are very limited. It’s sad but true that our social gap has been increasing continuously, finding more and more people hopeless and frustrated.” The same is true of anxiety disorders, Quirós says. “Again, there’s an important biological element. But exposure to a high standard of living model can create unreasonable expectations, which trigger feelings of frustration and restlessness.” Quirós, whose expertise includes a master’s degree in psychopharmacology and drug abuse treatment, says alcohol is still a leading preventable cause of illness and death in Costa Rica. It’s the top choice for experimental use among teens, with cannabis in second place. Costa Rica’s traditional close-knit relationships among family members and friends are the mainstay of prevention, caring and support for anyone experiencing mental health problems.
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29
PURA VIDA
Superfood
a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.
by Marian Paniagua and Jessie Rowan
EAT WELL
Noni
C
Superfoods
SUPER LIVING
osta Rica bursts with what many modern nutritionists refer to as superfoods, which are especially nutrientdense and are believed to offer immense health benefits. In fact, there is a good chance residents living in Costa Rica’s blue zone – the Nicoya Peninsula region famous for longevity – are taking advantage of the following locally available superfoods being organically grown, freshly harvested and inexpensively priced.
that is sometimes described as tasting like a mixture of strawberries and pineapples. Guanabana is thought to have strong antibacterial compounds and promote deep sleep. Even without scientifically conclusive supporting evidence, guanabana is currently being used as a natural cancer remedy.
Noni
First of all, do not let this oddly shaped and harshly pungent fruit scare you! There is a reason so many naturopathic doctors, healers and shamans all use noni in their therapeutic practices. Noni is full of many powerful antioxidants and compounds that are believed to increase vitality. It is rich in selenium (supports skin elasticity, skin health), xeronine (improves cell structure health and regeneration), glycosides (fights against free radicals), scopoletin (antiinflammatory) and terpine (allows the body to detoxify). While the natural taste of this fruit causes many people to pinch their nose and down like tequila, mixing its smelly juice in a smoothie with some organic honey makes noni a savory and nutritious snack!
Guanabana
This superfood, also known as soursop, comes from a large, green and spiny fruit
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Granadilla
Granadilla is usually yellow or dark purple with an abundance of seeds. A variety of nutritional benefits are due to the fruit’s high mineral and vitamin content, including antioxidants, flavonoids, vitamins A and C, riboflavin, niacin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, fiber and protein. Granadilla is known to boost immunity, aid digestion, reduce blood pressure, and improve circulation and bone health.
Yucca
This root vegetable is rich in carbohydrates and a great substitute for potatoes. Yucca is an excellent source of fiber, vitamin C and potassium. Medicinal uses of yucca include easing arthritis pain and improving skin health.
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Moringa
Moringa is sometimes referred to as the “miracle tree,” with leaves that retain immense amounts of vitamins and minerals when dried. In mainstream wellness circles, moringa is promoted as having more vitamin A than carrots and more vitamin C than oranges. It’s also said to contain more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and far more potassium than bananas.
Jocote
Tart and mouthwatering when ripe or unripe, and preferred by most locals with a touch of salt, this fruit is delicious, nutritious and inexpensive. Jocote contains high amounts of fiber, helps prevent acid reflux and is a healthy source of vitamin A and C. #s earchf indh owl
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 31
PURA VIDA
by Howler Staff
Why Do It Here?
WELLNESS FEATURE
B
•
ill Nichol came from Canada to Costa Rica for new teeth and went home with a new wife. Now 64, Nichol first came here nine years ago for 10 implants and 24 crowns, taking advantage of Costa Rica’s excellence as a destination for medical tourism. He met a Costa Rica woman whom he eventually married, and they live in New Brunswick now. “Originally when I had my first work done, I think it was $65,000 in Canada for the restoration work, and in Costa Rica at that time it was $11,300,” he said. Those kind of savings are what make Costa Rica one of the most popular destinations in the world for medical tourism — primarily dentistry and cosmetic surgery, but also orthopedic, bariatric and eye surgery and a growing number of other procedures. Research and clinical initiatives are also enhancing Costa Rica’s capacity to treat patients with heart-related conditions,
Parkinson's, and Alzheimer’s diseases, multiple sclerosis, pain management, and diabetes. “First of all, Costa Rica is already a well-known tourist destination, and then you have the proximity to the U.S., there’s lots of direct flights, and there’s warm weather all year long,” said Brad Cook, director of Medical Tours
Here you get high quality at a more affordable price. Costa Rica, which works with large North American companies like Ashley Furniture to save money on medical costs by sending patients here. “And if people begin to research, they find Costa Rica has a high standard in medical care,” he said. “In fact, the World Health Organization has Costa 70,000
70,000
MEDICAL TOURISM GROWTH IN COSTA RICA
Number of Tourists by Year
60,000
MEDICAL TOURIST SPENDING IN COSTA RICA
48,000
50,000
Other Medical 10%
40,000
30,000
Rica ranked ahead of the U.S. in life expectancy. Here you get high quality at a more affordable price. It’s half to twothirds less for dental treatments.” Curry Willix, founder of the Dallasbased Medical Travel Option, said medical service in Costa Rica is also more personalized and not so rushed. “Speaking as a U.S. resident, our healthcare system is a good one, but the way we care for patients here is decidedly hurried, it’s not ‘pura vida’ at all,” she said. “In the course of my lifetime, the experience of going to see the family doctor has changed so much, you are pretty much a number and you’ve got about 20 minutes or less to get in and out of the doctor’s office, if he’s running on time. So that’s a real distinction.” Costa Rica’s popularity as a place for foreigners to seek treatment has also spawned a cottage industry that provides lodging, meals and transportation for these patients.
Preventive Medicine 16%
36,000 30,000
Dental 42%
•
Medical tourist spending in 2016 amounted to $485 million
•
A medical tourist spends up to seven times more than an ordinary tourist — about $7,000
•
The medical tourism sector supports some 20,000 jobs
Other Surgeries 22%
25,000
Cosmetic 10%
20,000
10,000
0 2008
Source: Costa Rican Health Chamber, PROMED
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2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Source: Costa Rican Health Chamber, PROMED 2016
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Che Tica Ranch is a fullservice rehab center near Braulio Carrillo National Park run by a man from Argentina, Ruben Martin, and his Tica wife Lorena. “We’ve been here 18 years, we’re the pioneers here in Costa Rica,” Lorena said. “We pick patients up at the airport, take them to the hotel, then we install them here and take them to the appointment, usually the next day. With surgeries, depending on the surgery the patient spends a night in the hospital or if not comes here. “We offer transportation to the airport, doctors, appointments. We have a nurse, we help with medications, we help with bathing, and we serve all three meals — breakfast, lunch, dinner and a coffee break.” The facility has wheelchairs, walkers and hospital beds that go up and down with the touch of a button. Lorena said one man came from South Africa to get $20,000 worth of dental implants that would have cost him $60,000 in his home country. Massimo Manzi, executive director of the Costa Rican Health Chamber, PROMED, said such savings are not
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tour operators accustomed to hosting people who are recovering from surgery. Nichol, the Canadian man with the new teeth and the Tica wife, said the savings are an obvious reason for seeking health care in Costa Rica, but there’s more to it than that. “It’s the compassion and care that the Ticos provide service with,” he said. “It’s good quality work, the physicians Photo courtesy of Che Tica Ranch down here are amazing, and they serve the product with unusual, noting that costs for medical love, from the heart. It’s a big difference procedures in Costa Rica can be 50 to 70 from North America — in the U.S. or percent lower than in North America. He Canada they do their job and they do it said a hip replacement can cost $17,000 well, but it’s not the same.” here but $35,000 to $60,000 in the U.S. For dental patients, who require “Costa Rica is one of the leading relatively little recovery time, follow-up destinations for this,” he said. “There’s care or restricted mobility, Costa Rica is the proximity, the economic and political the perfect place to enjoy a vacation with stability, the quality of life in Costa their bonus savings from the cheaper Rica, and you can recover from surgery dentist fees. Think of it as a reward for in a pleasant place full of nature. Other enduring something most people dread destinations like India, if you’re in a big — the dentist’s chair — with thousands city like Mumbai, the quality of life is not in “spare” cash to spend on a dream the same.” holiday. Even if a new spouse isn’t part Manzi also cited the quality of the of the deal, you can’t go wrong: come doctors and internationally certified here with an ugly smile and leave with hospitals and clinics, as well as the pearly whites and memories for life! specialized recovery centers and even
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 33
PURA VIDA
VENEERS:
REASON TO SMILE
Design Your Smile by Dr. Dalia Vargas Guanacaste Dental
"Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain used to recreate the natural look of teeth, while also providing strength and resilience comparable to natural tooth enamel." American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
D
ental veneers , which cover teeth with biocompatible material to make them look better, have been around since the 1920s. Coming down a long road of developments in cosmetic technology — from acrylic laminates worn for a couple of hours to porcelain or composite veneers that permanently bond to the tooth's enamel — dental veneers have undergone drastic improvements in material, longevity and more natural appearance. Porcelain and composite resin are the most commonly used materials for dental veneers, which are personalized for every single patient. The placement of dental veneers usually takes one or two dental office visits depending on the material used. On the first visit, shade is determined, followed by reduction of about a millimeter of the tooth’s enamel — its outer layer. If the material chosen is porcelain, temporary veneers are placed while the permanent porcelain veneers are fabricated. On the second visit, the temporary veneers are removed and the porcelain veneers placed. If composite resin is chosen it will be sculpted directly on each tooth, with no waiting time needed. Both materials are bonded to the tooth’s enamel permanently. Depending on the patient’s sensitivity, local anesthesia may or may not be required.
Before
Caring for your veneers will help them last as long as possible. It’s as simple as properly brushing and flossing your teeth as you normally would.
How do you know which type of veneer is correct for you?
This comes down to your specific needs and which factors are most important to you, such as cost or treatment time. Veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution for patients seeking relatively minor aesthetic and physical improvements to their teeth. Examples of desired outcomes include a more satisfactory shape or color, replacement of worn down enamel or a straighter smile. Veneers may also be a less intrusive option than braces for correcting or camouflaging minor misalignments and gaps. Proper-quality dental veneers should not look fake but reflect the natural look of your teeth. Translucency on the edges, the correct shape to match your facial features and a perfect contour will make them look like you were blessed with naturally perfect teeth. And of course, we would all love to have those attractively white teeth that make us look healthier and younger! By achieving all of these characteristics in one procedure, you end up with a spectacular smile that looks almost perfect and yet authentic. Small changes can make a big difference. Dental veneers can provide that smile for you!
After
Photos: Mario Segnini
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LIFESTYLE
You Are What You Wear by Patricia Sterman
FASHIONFLASH
Clothing directly affects our mood, attitude and confidence
I
love the phrase “You are what you eat,” as the composition of our bodies reflects the nutrients we put into them. So what about our attitude? Is it affected by what we wear? There’s nothing new about the widely held notion that our “look” influences the way others perceive and respond to us. How we dress can sometimes be the only reason people approve or reject us. But new studies affirm that what we wear not only has an effect on the outside but also on the inside. Clothing directly affects our mood, attitude and confidence. It can enhance our psychological state and improve our performance of tasks. We can achieve more when we feel we are dressed for the occasion. The style, material, color and shape of our clothing choices can express different emotions. Baggy clothes and big sweatshirts are related to depression, while dresses and jewelry are associated more with a happy or positive state of mind. Colors also influence the way we behave. For example, sport teams wearing all black are deemed to be more aggressive. The idea that mood-lifting clothes could reduce the need for antidepressant medications may not be far-fetched. This subject is especially interesting and relevant to me as a mother, in addition to the fact that I’m in the fashion business. I began checking my daughter’s moods in relation to how she is
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dressed. A teen girl’s self-esteem can be affected not only by the way she looks, but also how she feels about her appearance. It’s a difficult time of life, when there’s a need to belong but at the same time a need to stand out. Let’s try to teach our kids how to improve their moods and sense of wellbeing through wardrobe choices. Caroline Adams Miller, a University of Pennsylvania master’s graduate in applied positive psychology, cites “the science of happiness” in her analogy of fashion as a deliberate self-intervention for changing our mood. The professional coach and author of “Creating Your Best Life” says we can be happier “by wearing things that evoke positive feelings, positive reactions from others, or that remind you of positive experiences.”
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 37
LIFESTYLE
The Conjugation Conundrum by Sylvia Monge
Yo caminé
Estoy caminando
Yo camino
SPANISH
Recognizing these patterns is the key to language fluency.
O
ne of the biggest differences between English and Spanish is the need to conjugate, which means to manipulate and change a verb to show subject and time. In English, for example, we add “s” to verbs in the present tense (with a third-person singular subject): “I walk, you walk, he walks” and “ed” in the past tense: “I walked, you walked, he walked.” In the gerund form, “ing” is added: “walking.” Otherwise, English verbs generally need context and a subject to work properly. Spanish verbs can tell you much more besides the subject (who/what is doing the action) and tense (when) it’s being done. A Spanish verb can even stand alone and create its own sentence. For instance, “Démelo” means “Give it to me.” The downside of Spanish verbs having greater power is the greater confusion. It’s hard to keep track of a verb as the tenses change. A verbal anatomy lesson can help. All Spanish verbs end in “ar”, “ir” or “er.” These endings indicate the verb is in the infinitive — meaning “to do something” — before being conjugated in
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relation to subject and tense. Figuring out what a verb is doing takes some detective work. In most conjugations we drop the ending from the verb infinitive — “ar”, “ir” or “er” — and tack on a new ending according to the subject and tense. For example, conjugations of the infinitive “caminar” (to walk) include: “camino” (I walk), “caminé” (I walked), and “estoy caminando” (I am walking). Learning the right Spanish verb endings and getting the hang of when to use them may sound like quite a chore … or let’s be real, like hell on a stick. Fortunately, it’s not the kind of learning challenge you need to get hung up on in a way that holds you back. The early stage of learning Spanish is not as much about conjugating as it is about interacting with the language through reading and listening. You
will, however, detect distinct patterns in conjugation, and recognizing these patterns is the key to language fluency. I suggest that when speaking Spanish, DON’T TRY to conjugate unless it comes naturally. And chances are, it will! All of a sudden, the right word will pop into your head. In the meantime, just focus on learning the infinitives of verbs and their meanings. Learn subject pronouns, including “yo” (I) and “tú” (you), as well as time markers such as “hoy” (today) and “ayer” (yesterday). This can be enough for you to start putting together rudimentary sentences. It’s the first step in speaking a second or third language. Worrying about conjugation prematurely can get in the way. Have faith that you will learn it gradually, trusting the database in your brain to make the right words accessible at the right time.
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www.kwcostarica.com | info@kwcostarica.com | Tel: 2654 5460 | www.costaricabeach.properties #s earchf indh owl
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 39
Jorge Pizarro, tour guide Photo: Karl Kahler
FEATURED ADVENTURE
Palo Verde
by Karl Kahler
‘Iguana males can make cootchie-cootchie with two at a time, because they have two penises.’ 40 | #searchfindhowl| online
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Take a Boat to the Wild Side
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on’t put your hands in the water because there are crocodiles and piranhas,” said Jorge Pizarro, the comedian in charge of our 90-minute ride on Costa Rica’s Río Tempisque with Palo Verde Boat Tours. Few of the tourists in our 28-seat boat appeared to get the joke. It was a beautiful day for a boat ride, with a bank of grayish clouds overhead but no rain, so it was neither hot nor wet. We were floating under a shady roof on Costa Rica’s third-largest river (144 km long). It originates in the mountains between the Orosí and Rincón de la Vieja volcanoes and empties into the northernmost part of the Gulf of Nicoya. On the east bank was Palo Verde National Park, and on the west was equally lush but private land. Shortly after introducing himself, Jorge pointed out a large male iguana in a bush right by the dock. “Iguana males can make cootchie-cootchie with two at a time, because they have two penises,” Jorge said. I asked him to repeat this in Spanish for my
girlfriend, which he did, and he insisted that just like the crocodile, the iguana has a “little hook” down there to keep the female from getting away. “I feel jealous of him,” he said. And we were off. Palo Verde National Park is considered one of Costa Rica’s greatest bird sanctuaries. I thought I would see birds by the hundreds, but in fact we saw only one tiger heron, a few social flycatchers, one boat-billed heron and a Baltimore oriole nest. We saw plenty of long-nosed bats, typically resting in a line on a tree trunk. Jorge said that there are 119 bat species in Costa Rica, more than any other country in the world except Ecuador. He says one of these fellows can eat 1,200 mosquitoes a day. Next, Jorge said we were on our way to see one of the largest crocodiles in the river, 18 or 19 feet long. “They love white meat,” he said. But when we motored up to a log in the water, we had to strain to see the tiny baby croc lying on top of it, roughly six inches long. “That’s really a toy we put there,” said the
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Photo courtesy of Palo Verde Boat Tours
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
COSTA RICA DINNER ADVENTURE Short Estuary Trip to Dinner at The Great Waltini’s in Bula Bula Hotel
Photo: Karl Kahler
perpetual jokester. “It’s made in China.” Moving on, we saw (and heard) a big troop of howler monkeys, and then another troop of white-faced capuchins. The latter darted among the branches overhanging the river, dipped their tails into the water and then drank from their tails. They do this to avoid being eaten by crocodiles, Jorge said. “What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever seen here?” I asked Jorge. “A jaguar,” he said, and he wasn’t joking, though sightings of Costa Rica’s apex predator are extremely rare. “We were on a tour. It’s a very nervous animal. About four people on the boat saw it. “Then about four years ago, a horse drowned and the crocodiles ate him. I’d never seen that live.” He said the horse was tied up, but the waters rose because of heavy rains. It started to drown and the crocs moved in for the kill. The third strangest thing he’s seen is a boa constrictor devouring a coati, the raccoon-like animal that Costa Ricans call a “pizote.” As we motored back to the dock, the normally laconic captain, known as Zorro, shouted that there was a big crocodile swimming in the water up ahead. He slowed down, and the tourists crowded around to see a big, long, brown and green thing bobbing in the current. “He’s teasing you guys,” Jorge said. “That’s a logodile.” Palo Verde Boat Tours is a family-run operation in Ortega that for 25 years has offered morning and afternoon tours of the Tempisque River, with a big, traditional lunch afterward (or breakfast before, for the 8 a.m. tours). Tours ordinarily cost $60 for foreigners, with lower prices for nationals and groups. A few other local companies offer similar tours. Administrator Jetty Patricia Mendoza said her company used to have a lot of signs along the road, but someone stole them. Ecotourism, not unlike the life-and-death dance between crocs and monkeys and boas and coatis, can be a cutthroat business.
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
For more info:
www.PaloVerdeBoatTours.com Email: paloverdetours@gmail.com Phone: (506) 2651-9000, (506) 2651-8001, (506) 8841-8943
Monday- Mexican Wednesday - Italian 5:30-8:30 #s earchoffPalo indhVerde owl Boat Tours Photo courtesy
Tel: 2653-0975 Email: frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 41
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Río Celeste
COOL PLACES
Costa Rica’s Sky-Blue River
by Karl Kahler
Two rivers of normal color, greenish-brown, collide and produce the shocking blue. 42 | #searchfindhowl| online
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hey say that when God finished painting the sky, he washed his paintbrushes in the Río Celeste, giving this spectacular river in northern Costa Rica its unique sky-blue color. The real explanation is a bit more complicated, but there’s no question the effect is divine. Río Celeste is the centerpiece of Tenorio Volcano National Park, between Rincón de la Vieja and Arenal, and it makes for one of the greatest hikes in Costa Rica. From the entrance, which is a half-hour’s drive down an unpaved road from Bijagua, you enter the virgin rainforest on a well-maintained if sometimes muddy trail. Pretty soon there’s a turnoff to the left to descend the long stairs to the Catarata Río Celeste, a fabulous waterfall spilling into an aquamarine pool. You’re not supposed to climb the rail to get in the water, though there is a hike from elsewhere to the base of the fall. Climbing the stairs back to the top and continuing on, you’ll come to a mirador, a lookout with views of Tenorio Volcano and sometimes even Lake Nicaragua. Mountaintops here are usually shrouded in clouds, and the best time to visit is in the dry season, from December to May. The main reason to consider the season is that runoff from heavy rains sometimes turn the blue river brown for a while, though it always turns blue again eventually. Farther along is the Laguna Azul, a wide, tranquil and usually very blue stretch of the
river. Borbollones, “bubbling place,” features an underwater hole in the lake that vents volcanic gases, making it look like the water is boiling. And then there’s the scary little suspension bridge, a very crude job with nothing but planks wide enough to walk on and a rope to grab onto. On the other side is Los Teñidores (“dyers’ shop”), where the mystery of the blue water is solved at last. Here you see where two rivers of normal color, greenish-brown, collide and produce the shocking blue. A sign explains that suspended particles in one of the rivers called aluminosilicates lay down a visible line of white sediment on the bottom when they collide with the other river. Immediately downstream from here, these particles float into the current at just the right sizes and with the right chemical properties to reflect the spectrum of the sun in only blue. From here you turn around and retrace your steps, as there is only one trail with no loops — so you can’t get lost, and you don’t need a guide. It takes two or three hours to walk in and out, or longer if you face heavy rain and thick mud. There are some nice lodges in the area if you want to spend the night, but many people choose to make Río Celeste a day trip from Arenal or elsewhere. There are few attractions or trails at the national park other than Río Celeste, so after you’ve done the main event, you may want to hit the road to your next destination.
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Casa Roca, Tamarindo Beach Front
Playa Tamarindo Ocean View Parcel
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Ocean Front Luxury
Casa Blanca, Flamingo Beach Front Jewel
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 43
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
COOL PLACES
We Went for Adventure and Found Culture Too
by Nina Chemtob
Needless to say, we were in chocolate heaven!
Costa Rican coffee maker: chorreador
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had arrived in Costa Rica looking for adventure and opportunities to learn about the culture. What I didn’t expect was that I’d find so much to do and learn in one location. We had seen the advertisements for the ziplines and adorable rescue animals at Diamante Eco Adventure Park. Diamante was also promoting its botanical gardens and a unique cultural experience featuring some of Costa Rica’s famous export products. The range of activities offered something for everyone in the family to get excited about. Our sense of arrival at the Welcome Center was quite dramatic. We were impressed with the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and friendly staff ready to help us plan our visit. We opted for the “adventure pass” which includes the zipline, animal sanctuary, botanical garden and cultural experience, beach activities and lunch. This was everything my family and I were looking for. Our excitement heightened when we spotted people flying overhead along the mile-long zipline. The guides were helpful and reassuring as they could tell the kids were nervous. While gearing us up, they explained the quality and safety features of the equipment and design of the zipline course. We immediately felt more confident.
It was a thrilling trip that exceeded all my expectations. The zipline course ends in the animal sanctuary, where you cross a hanging bridge suspended over the crocodiles. We wandered through the habitats and learned a lot from the staff who take care of the animals: monkeys, sloths, toucans, jaguars, pumas, butterflies, frogs and more. Our favorite ended up being the two-toed sloths that peeked into the audience when a guide offered a few veggies for a snack. A true highlight was our cultural learning experience in the botanical garden, which is lush with trees, flowers, and plants. It showcases a beautiful and picturesque little casita, replicating a traditional Costa Rican
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farmhouse, surrounded by many types of vegetation including banana, mango and cashew trees. Our cheerful guide, Alex, began our hands-on demonstration by directing us to the sugar cane, coffee plants and cacao trees in the garden. The casita has a fireplace, where Alex explained we would be making our own chocolate. After taking us through the steps of roasting the cacao seeds, peeling them and grinding them into cacao dust, he coached us through the process of combining the ground cacao with raw sugar and water. It was exciting to see the ingredients come together to create a chocolate mixture. Needless to say, we were in chocolate heaven! We then cut raw sugar cane and extracted the juice with a hand press, each taking a turn tasting the fresh sweetness of what is called agua dulce. Next, we explored the coffee plants and learned about the history and process of making coffee. Alex explained that the traditional way to brew coffee in Costa Rica is using a chorreador. This is a wooden stand with a special cloth sock that serves as a filter. You simply place ground coffee into the sock, pour hot water over it and let the liquid drip into a cup underneath. During a short tour of the gardens outside the house, Alex pointed out the medicinal plant garden and a traditional Costa Rican oxcart. He explained that these brightly painted oxcarts were used in the 1850s to transport goods from Costa Rica’s capital, San JosÊ, to the ports for export. We sipped our coffee and headed back to the Welcome Center, waving goodbye to Alex and thanking him for being such a great host. Everyone in the family agreed that Diamante was a highlight of our vacation. Photos courtesty of Diamante Eco Adventure Park
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 45
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
by Karl Kahler
I don’t believe human beings could ever ruin this place.
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Camaronal It doesn’t get much wilder than this C
amaronal is a Costa Rican village with no village there in a land that time forgot. I sat under a rancho with my girlfriend looking at a crescent moon shaped like a woman’s fingernail, fringed by palm fronds waltzing in the breeze to the soundtrack of a roaring surf, and I thought: I have found Costa Rica at its wildest. Drive a half-hour south of Sámara, past a couple of tiny towns and a long one-lane bridge, and you come into view of a virgin coastal wilderness nearly untouched by human activity. Camaronal is home to the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Camaronal, a wildlife refuge dedicated to the protection of vulnerable sea turtles. There is a school, church and a smattering of homes, but not yet a single pulpería. You can look up from the beach and see nothing but unbroken, asparagusgreen foliage from horizon to horizon. And that’s just how some people would like to keep it. “Don’t come to Camaronal” is how a good cross-section of the local wave-riding set would promote this locale. But it won’t stay this way forever. On the verdant hills above the beach, an opulent 8,000-square-
foot, three-story, five-bedroom house is now under construction by a Manhattan man who is trading the concrete jungle for the real one. Others will follow (and by the way you can get your own) at La Reserva Camaronal, a 100-acre gated residential community with some 70 lots for sale, and 25 already sold, starting at $100,000. “Everything is done for you here — water, power, access, security,” says project administrator Paul Collar, who happens to be my brother, ticking them off finger by finger. “And a homeowners association.” He taps his thumb. Paul is an old Costa Rica hand and a hydrogeologist by day. We’re sitting on the back patio of a four-bedroom home called the Glass House, where the view is solid green from the lip of the infinity pool to the cobalt blue of the offshore Pacific waters on the horizon. A pair of scarlet macaws, released by the Ara Project in nearby Islita, are nesting in a hole in a dead palm tree within view of our back porch, and every few minutes a gorgeous caracara falcon flies by. Paul tells me how unusual it is to have legal water ready for 95 lots. There is no AyA connection
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and no Asada, so a private water concession is essential. And that's the beauty of a legally designated "horizontal condominium project" like this — with a single concession you can supply water to an entire development. But when you hear the word “condominium,” don’t picture what Pete Seeger called “little boxes made of tickytacky and they all look just the same.” “We are not into restrictions on architecture and taste,” Paul says. “Still, we have a construction committee that provides some oversight. That’s baked into condo law: no shanties or trailer houses allowed.” Paul and I are from Arkansas, where a double-wide trailer is considered a luxury home, so this is all new to me. He tries to explain to me that you can build whatever you want, as long as it's not an eyesore. “Each lot is privately owned, privately transferable, all titled,” he says. In a vertical condominium project, he says, you own a space in a multi-unit building but you don’t own any land. “Here you own land and your house is a stand-alone structure. You can have a pool, you can have a palapa, a hedge, a heliport, an obelisk if you want — you own it, you can do whatever you want, within certain limitations of neighborly respect.” One reason this area remains so undiscovered is that until a couple of years ago the long bridge over the Río Ora didn’t exist, so to get here you had to drive through the big river, which was often impossible in the rainy season. “Access was very limited, and so people haven’t caught up with that yet in their property searches,” Paul says. “That bridge put this coastal highway on the map.” At night we take in eerily beautiful purple skies full of lightning, with dark clouds overhead dropping a pitter-patter of rain. I note that although a menagerie of beetles, crickets, butterflies and moths are buzzing around our porch lights, there are no mosquitoes. Paul says chupacabra sightings
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have also been rare. The nearest town with a little grocery store, Estrada, is less than 10 minutes away, and just beyond that is Playa Carrillo, an unspoiled beach considered one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. About 20 minutes to the north is Sámara, an ecotourism
A sea turtle hatchling, above, held by a volunteer under the supervision of Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge. Left and below: Views of Camaronal, a home under construction and an existing home at La Reserva Camaronal. Photos by Tamar Mora / Osa Pen Realty
mecca and surf-and-sand town with hotels, restaurants, banks, grocery stores, pharmacies and hopping nightlife. To the south lies the tony enclave of Islita, home of the luxurious Punta Islita Hotel, plus the charming Islita Contemporary Art Museum. The Playa Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge, 600 meters from the gate at La Reserva Camaronal, has a big ranger station dedicated to saving sea turtles. Troupes of international volunteers walk the beaches at night looking for turtles coming ashore to lay eggs, which they collect and bury in a locked nursery to save them from their top predators: raccoons, coatis, dogs and humans. Daniel Corona, former refuge volunteer program director, said four of Costa Rica’s seven species of sea turtles nest here, with
the olive ridley being the most numerous. Night tours are offered between June 1 and Jan. 30 to see turtles laying eggs, and when baby turtles hatch in the nursery, you can watch them being released and waddling toward the sea. “This is all dry tropical forest,” Daniel said, although he allowed that it was really wet when we visited because of all the rain. “The fauna you find here is varied — you’ll find deer, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, tortoises, magpie jays, macaws. In the mangrove there are crocodiles, some of them really big. There are pelicans and storks on the beach. We have lots of bats.” A sign at the refuge describes the surfing wave here as “world-class,” though one local surfer told us the wave is very rough and choppy, for experts only. But a couple of people told me the fishing is excellent. “You can catch dorado, snook, lobster,” Daniel said. “In a recent tournament, the winner caught a 12-kilo shark.” All the fishing is from the shore, as fishing boats are prohibited for a distance of 12 nautical miles from the beach. This entire coastline reminded me of the dinosaur cartoon “The Land Before Time” — prehistoric, primordial and unperturbed. “Why Camaronal?” asks Paul. “The turtle refuge, the surfing, the pastoral quality. This is not filled with houses, this is still country, but it’s close to Sámara, Carrillo, Nosara, all that bustling stuff. "We're looking for people that don't want to live in a congested, commercialized area where crime is a concern. Folks that buy here want to be surrounded by nature. But they can still go dancing in Sámara, do parasailing or ATV rentals or stand-up paddling or horseback riding — and do it all safely." More people will surely come here in the years ahead, but I don’t believe human beings could ever ruin this place. I think it’s humans that will have to adapt to the nature, not the other way around. The trees, birds and turtles were here first, and they’re here to stay.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 47
WHAT TO EXPECT
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
by John Brockmeier
Costa Rican restaurants are required by law to add 13 percent tax AND a 10 percent gratuity to the bill.
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Tips on Tipping in Costa Rica
hen traveling internationally, it is important to know the culture and customs of the place you are visiting. Besides understanding currency and exchange rates, you should be familiar with tipping practices and what to leave in the way of a gratuity. The Spanish word for a tip is propina. In some cultures, tipping is neither acceptable nor necessary in relation to wages paid. Generally, however, the relatively low wages paid to service industry employees are augmented by tips for good customer service. Tips for good service are acceptable and encouraged in Costa Rica, but some of the circumstances and expectations are different than in North America. Restaurants are a notable example. Some visitors who have not done their research might leave a 15 to 20 percent tip for their restaurant server, not realizing the total amount being rewarded for service is actually 25 to 30 percent. That’s because Costa Rican restaurants are required by law to add 13 percent tax AND a 10 percent gratuity to the bill. Some customers angrily object to being forcibly charged extra for good (or possibly bad) service, but it’s the law here. Gratuities are generally split among all restaurant workers. Please feel free to top up the mandatory 10 percent tip as you wish for good service, in cash or on your credit card. On the other hand, never feel obligated or bad about declining to
leave a tip over and above the billed amount. Tipping should also be factored into your Costa Rican tour and adventure budget. Guides and others make an important contribution to your enjoyment of memorable excursions. Not only do they make sure you are safe and comfortable, but they also impart their knowledge about the wildlife, environment and history of the area you are visiting. Please remember those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make your stay in Costa Rica as comfortable and relaxing as possible. That includes hotel housekeeping staff, whose efforts may not be seen or heard but should not be overlooked. Consider leaving something for them as a gesture of appreciation. Someone else who provides a valuable service in Costa Rica, even if it’s not an official job, is the parking attendant. Known as guachimán (pronounced “watcheyman”), this is the person who guards your vehicle when you leave it in a parking space on a lot or the street. Whether it’s someone guiding me into a parking spot or sitting nearby in a chair, I always tip that person — a dollar will do — to keep an eye on my vehicle, which I also always park in the most visible location available. Even if not actual “employees” per se, these attendants serve an important purpose. I’ve witnessed them firsthand protecting a vehicle from being broken into at the beach.
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 49
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
SIMPLY SPANISH by Karl Kahler
CREATURE FEATURE
American Crocodile
T
by Vern Veer
he American crocodile species inhabits the neotropical region of the Americas, from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of southern Mexico to Peru and Venezuela. It is also found on several Caribbean islands and in southern Florida. While these crocodiles may be found in riverways, they prefer some degree of salinity. That makes coastal areas their favored habitat, along with brackish lakes, by swamps, Vern Veer mangrove lagoons and cays. Mature males average 13 feet long, with females usually being smaller. American crocodiles have a more V-shaped snout than other large croc species. Coloration of adults is uniformly grayish-green with a white or yellowish underside. Juveniles have a dark crossbanding on the tail and back. While the American crocodile is potentially dangerous to humans, it is lower on the aggression scale than other types of large crocs. It is more inclined to eat fish, reptiles, birds and small mammals, while most other large crocs will readily attack humans, deer, cattle and other large mammals. Visitors in Costa Rica can view American crocodiles at one of several prime spots, about 50 miles (85 km) west of San José, on the Tarcoles River. Here, they can be seen in abundance from the comfort and safety of a crocodile tour boat.
Useful Verbs aflojar — “loosen,” meaning to pay. “Cuando hay que pagar, ella nunca afloja ni un cinco” — “When it’s time to pay, she never forks out a nickel.” aguantar — usually meaning “to put up with,” this is commonly used in Costa Rica to mean “wait.” “Aguante cinco minutos y nos vamos” — “Wait five minutes and we’ll leave.” ajustar — to save money, especially to save what you’re lacking. “Voy a ajustar los cien mil que me faltan para compar el carro” — “I’m going to save the 100,000 I’m lacking to buy the car.” alborotar — to disturb, to bother, to cause problems cagarla — to do something wrong. “Traté de hacer un queque, pero la cagué” — “I tried to make a cake, but I ruined it.” chismear —to gossip, to spread “chisme” (gossip) cuadrar — to like. “Vieras como le cuadra a este gato jugar” — “Look how this cat likes to play.” desbaratar — to decompose or break down, like a neglected car fregar — to bother or be annoying. “No friegue” — “Don’t be so annoying.” guindar — to hang or suspend something joder — to bother, do something bad to or play a trick on someone, to screw somebody, “Ese abogado me jodió con esos papeles” — “That lawyer screwed me with those papers.” madrugar — to get up really early in the morning; “madrugada” means early morning. quemando — “burning,” meaning dying for a smoke. “Después de ese vuelo de cuatro horas, estaba quemando” — “After that four-hour flight, I was dying for a cigarette.” zóquele — hurry up. “Zóquele, ya viene el bus” — “Hurry up, the bus is coming.”
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PL AYA FL A M I N G O • COS TA R I C A
New Flamingo Marina 2 Lots For Sale
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6 bedrooms / 6 bathrooms Near Tamarindo, Guanacaste Private beach access Ref. Listing ID: LL1700262
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Walk To Beach $550,000 4BR Conchal Condo Renovated
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Building Lot In Hacienda Pinilla
Overseas Pacific Realty is a team of real estate professionals with over 28 years experience servicing Flamingo and the surrounding areas. We are proud members of the Costa Rica MLS, a real estate network of hundreds of real estate agents across the country, providing world wide reach for all our listings in 7 languages.
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For Sale $150,000
4 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms Golf views / Near The Beach
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Cleared and ready to build Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste 2,000 square meters Ref. Listing ID: rs1800161
4 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms Ocean-view infinity pool
+506-2654-6070 TOLL-FREE: 888-597-3126 info@overseaspacificrealty.com 25 m sur antes del puente Flamingo Marina Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo 50308b
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# earch ind owl Fritz Mayr Pennye Wheeler Jack Osborne Donna Osborne John Logan Alvaro Marvez Chantal Batter Wally Beck fritz@overseas.de pennye@overseas.de jack@overseas.de donna@overseas.de john@overseas.de alvaro@overseas.de chantal@overseas.de wally@overseas.de
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Amazing Zipline, Animal Sanctuary, ATV Rentals, Horseback Riding and Ocean Activities
10% OFF*
DIAMANTE Eco Adventure Park
Discount Code: HOWLER
Matapalo Beach Daily, 8:30-5 2105-5200 info@DiamanteEcoAdventurePark.com
Book online at www.DiamanteEcoadventurePark.com *Some restrictions apply if purchasing on-site at Diamante:
Daily: Workshops by appointment Fri: Closed Sat: Tamarindo Farmers Market 8am-2pm Sun: By special arrangement Tamarindo - Google or WAZE By appointment 8883-5832 ron@reinaschocolate.com Reina’s Chocolate
PURA VIDA RIDE SUP, mountain bike, kayak, snorkel rental, sales, service, coffee, gelato Costa Rica’s premier outfitter! Las Catalinas, Playa Danta Daily, 7-5 2654-6137 puravidaride.com
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All Things Chocolate
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Intensive 3.5 Hour Workshop
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LAS CATALINAS
PLAYA MATAPALO
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE DIRECTORY
RICH COAST DIVING For Beginners or Aspiring Pros We are the only PADI 5-star Career Development Center in Costa Rica Main road, near Super Compro Daily, 7-6 2670-0176 / 4031-6457 www.richcoastdiving.com
SUMMER-SALT DIVE CENTER A Professional Dive Company We teach and share, creating unforgettable moments 25m E of Latin Beach Bar Daily, 7-6pm 2670-0308 / 8824-7258 www.costaricadivecenter.com
SEA BIRD SAILING EXCURSIONS #1 Boat/Water Tour on TripAdvisor! Half day, full day, group or private sailing and snorkeling tours, with photos, open bar & snacks included Playas del Coco Hours and rates on website 8880-6393 SeaBirdSailingExcursions.com
Odry’s Massage 2653-0939 ordrys.massage@hotmail.com
Massage Pedicure Manicure Waxing
Daily, 9am-6 Walk-ins welcome
Tamarindo: Main intersection, above Tamarindo Transfer & Tours
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 53
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Carmen Silva’s exhibited works include “Love You” (above) and “Peacock”
Carmen Silva Coloring the Magical World of Nature Photos courtesty of Hidden Garden Art Gallery
SPOTLIGHT
by Charlene Golojuch
W Silva's vividly colored pencils were a staple in her school supplies.
ith an exquisite range of strong brushstrokes and exotic colors, Costa Rican artist Carmen Silva transforms her canvases into a magical world of nature. Growing up in the beautiful province of Guanacaste filled Silva with a sense of wonder at her surroundings. So many facets of flora and fauna inspired the development of a passionately artistic flair in capturing her emotions on canvas. The endless hues of nature consumed her imagination: feathers of birds, shades of plants, vibrant petals of a flower. "Though most of my family members' talents lie in their voices and musical abilities," Silva says, "I needed a more physical outlet and have always been drawn to the visual arts." Living in a world where hummingbirds and butterflies came for nectar from the flowers gave her such profound enjoyment and happiness that she had to find ways to express and share with others. Trips to San José in her youth afforded her the opportunity to visit the grand museums, where she was given the opportunity to experience the world through the artists' eyes. In her later travels, Silva
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was fascinated by the Museo del Prado in Madrid, and the Louvre in Paris, where she could see original Van Gogh paintings and Impressionist works. Coveted by her classmates, Silva's vividly colored pencils were a staple in her school supplies. Carmen was constantly sketching, illustrating, weaving or creating handmade objects. After raising her children, Carmen further explored and enhanced her creative talent by taking private lessons from Costa Rican artists such as Jim Theologos, Gilberto Aquino Pérez and Hernán Pérez Pérez. "Learning from these artists was a thrilling experience,” she says, looking back on the various techniques they taught as being instrumental in finding her own path to celebrate her joy in life. One of Silva’s mentors, Gilberto Aquino, describes how she “transports viewers into a world full of life, beginning with a blank canvas and combining nature with her imagination using interlaced brushstrokes, textures and vivid colors." The Hidden Garden Art Gallery exhibits a permanent display of Silva's artwork. Stop in for a visit to enjoy her remarkable talent and vibrant paintings.
howlermag.com
WOOD FIRED OVENS Now Available in Costa Rica
Custom Designed
Freestanding or built into existing construction. Same design concept used hundreds of years, but now improved with state of the art materials and perfected by science.
Pizza
Bread
Roast meat Vegetables Desserts
For more information: Call Jim 2695-8567 (shop), Cel: 8887-7175 About the builder: Jim Aoki, a master builder from Alaska, “retired� in Costa Rica doing specialty construction projects. Started building wood fired ovens here in 2015. Bakes sourdough bread that he sells at the local Farmers Market in Guanacaste
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 55
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT M
Music
Events
T
ONDAYS
LUCY'S Happy hour, 4-6pm LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Club day pass, happy hour, 4-6pm CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7 pm Margarita & tequila specials ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am
Food & Drink Specials
W
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, 4-6pm Daily special: Margaritas and tacos—50% off tacos with margarita purchase LUCY'S Taco Tuesday - c500 tacos Happy hour, 4-6pm Check Lucy's social media for special announcements! LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Club day pass, happy hour, 4-6pm Live music, 7-9pm CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris
TAMARINDO/LANGOSTA
Langosta Beach Club 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, 56paddleboard | #searchfindhowl| online
Happy Hours
MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: 1/2 price wine when paired with ceviche CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Happy hour, 4-6pm LUCY'S Happy hour, 4-6pm 8/15 Live music and special treats for moms during Mother's Day dinner ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6:30-9pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, Will Matthews House whiskey specials, 6:30pm
TAMARINDO
CRAZY MONKEY RESTOBAR Bar, Restaurant & Night Club Boasting spectacular ocean views, great pizza, a huge pool, waterfall and a swimup bar. Great for groups and birthdays! Inside the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas Daily, 7am-2am 2653-0114 ayd@tamarindovistavillas.com CrazyMonkeyBarTamarindo 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
Karaoke
T
HURSDAYS
ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6:30-9pm Ladies’ night, 9:30-11pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Vodka lemonade specials LUCY'S Happy hour, 4-6pm 8/23 Trivia with Abriendo Mentes at 7pm MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Loco Thursday, 10% off all food and beverages CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Sunset music, 5-7pm Happy hour, 4-6pm
BRASILITO
Lucy's Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant Beachfront restaurant and bar originally from New Orleans and famous for our frozen drinks and coastal fusion dishes. Main corner, Brasilito Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight +506 4702-0826 LucysCostaRica costarica@lucysretiredsurfers.com Daily: Happy hour 4-6pm Tue: Taco Tuesday, c500 tacos all day, 1/2 off Margs Events: 8/5 Cinco de Drinko - 5 colones margaritas for 5 minutes at 5pm 8/15 Live music and special treats for moms during Mother's Day dinner 8/23 Trivia with Abriendo Mentes at 7pm 8/26 Back to School Fun Day with games and prizes Check Lucy's social media for new food specials every day of the week! LucysCostaRica howlermag.com
CALENDAR A weekly glance for the month
F
RIDAYS
LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Live music, 7-9, happy hour, 4-6 MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Wings & brews, a free beer with your order of wings CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris Ladies’ night, live salsa music DJ, free drinks at 9pm LUCY'S Happy hour, 4-6pm
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 CRAZY MONKEY All you can eat pizza & salad $10+ tax per person, 5-9pm MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Sangria Saturday 4 sangrias for the price of 3 LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Happy hour, 4-6pm
COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, bucket of 6 beers, $14 ZI LOUNGE
LUCY'S Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Margaritas and tacos—50% off tacos with margarita purchase
Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm
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
S
UNDAYS
CRAZY MONKEY Afternoon pool party, noon-6 MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: $20 chef’s special with a glass of wine LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Live DJ 2-sunset, happy hour 4-6 LUCY'S Happy hour, 4-6pm 8 /5 Cinco de Drinko - 5 colones margaritas for 5 minutes at 5pm 8/26 Kids Back to School Day with games and BBQ COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Sports all day ZI LOUNGE
Live music, Latin Trio, 6:30-9pm
Meet me at Lucy’s!
Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm
PLAYAS DEL COCO
COCONUTZ Restaurant & Bar The iconic bar of Coco Beach. Always cold beer, entertainment, sports and good food. Avenida Central, across from El Coco Casino Mon-Thu, 11am till late Fri-Sun, 9am till late 2670-1982 pete@coconutzbar.com coconutzbar.com Daily: Happy hour until 7pm; all TV Sports Mon: Margarita & tequila specials Tue: Karaoke, 7:30, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Wed: Live music with Will Matthews, 6:30pm, house whiskey specials Thu: Vodka lemonade specials Fri: Live music, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Sat: Live music, Flor de Caña and chiliguaro specials Sun: Sports, all day
MAIN CORNER, BRASILITO
LUCYSRETIREDSURFERS.COM PLAYAS DEL COCO
ZI LOUNGE Restaurant and Sports Bar Food, drink, entertainment and the longest happy hour in town. 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 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
TTZ (T
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ico Time Zone)
DOSLOCOS
BOMBS AWAY! by Tom Knight
Poop began to rain down in earnest. 58 | #searchfindhowl| online
H
owler monkeys are what visitors to the Gold Coast typically like to see up close and personal. However, howlers are arboreal — that is, they spend most of their lifetime high up in the branches of their favorite trees. From there, they are visible mostly as black blobs, usually hidden by dense foliage. Fortunately, however, there are times when some lucky person encounters one of these fascinating creatures in the lower branches of a tree alongside a road or hotel. This is when it can be helpful to know a few basic facts about howler biology. Mainly, these monkeys are basically defenseless. They rely on their tree habitat for protection from ground predators. Sometimes their only defense when sensing a threat is to throw poop at the offending party! Case in point: Some years ago, while walking to town from home, I encountered a young couple excitedly looking up into the lower branches of a roadside tree. In it, maybe 40 or 50 feet off the ground, was a sizeable troop of about a dozen howlers in scattered position. Lowest of them all was a large alpha male, the obvious troop leader. What an amazing Kodak moment this young couple had happened upon! The boyfriend, his expensive 35mm SLR camera all set for a great picture, was standing directly beneath this now obviously very agitated howler. I warned him and his companion to step away from this direct line of fire, and what to expect if they did not. His girlfriend and I retreated to the other safe side of the road to
watch. Mr. Macho, however, decided his upclose-and-personal shot was worth the risk. Boss howler was having none of this nonsense! He sounded off the legendary howl, audible from more than a mile away. Then the whole troop chimed in and sounded off … quite the spectacle! But the show was not over. Poop began to rain down in earnest. The gal and I were safe, but boyfriend was the bullseye. As he peered up through his viewfinder, a particularly impressive chunk of poop — probably at closest range from the justoverhead alpha male, hit the camera lens dead center and splattered boyfriend's face to boot! Amid howls of laughter and shouts of "The man told you so!" from his girlfriend, macho man ran for us and safety. His face was red with anger and embarrassment. Luckily, girlfriend had a pack of tissue wipes so we were able to clean up her partner’s face and camera somewhat. The howlers headed off to "greener pastures" and we took a moment to introduce ourselves before heading on down the road together to Pasatiempo. There, I bought us all beers and boyfriend became more presentable after a trip to the restroom Tamarindo's newest visitors would have quite a story for the folks back home about their howler sighting … one she would insist on telling everyone and he would try to forget as soon as possible. I always wondered, how did those pics turn out? Moral of this tale: Take the advice of a local. Don't piss off the original residents!
howlermag.com
Lake Arenal info@teamrealtycr.com www.teamrealtycr.com
CR: +506 2694 5100
Lake View Properties
USA: +1 (415) 230 0426
CASA MONTANA
19 Acres
3 Bedroom + 3 Bath + Studio
$775,000
9 acres Stunning
$385,000
Ready to Move in
$385,000
Gated / Furnished
$189,000
Style and Grace
$289,000
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Brand New
Quality Spanish
$189,000
$350,000
Ready to Build Lot
Majestic View
$895,000
$50,000
ARCHIITECT & BUILDER www.architectorange.com / 2694-5100 full service design & construction
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 59
COMMUNITY
Bees for Trees is a micro-lending program through which ROW helps local families increase their income. All profits from honey sales are used to support reforestation projects.
Demonstrate water conservation concepts to watershed stakeholders.
RESTORING OUR WATERSHED COMMUNITY FEATURE
Bottoms-Up Solutions
by Matt Rosensteele
These solutions do nothing to manage floods, and instead actually worsen the core problem created by droughts.
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B
eautiful Guanacaste is threatened by climate change — it’s plain to see for anyone who has lived here more than a few years. Changes to rainfall patterns left many communities without potable water during a historic spate of droughts in 2014-15. Just two years later, enormous flooding devastated major infrastructure to the tune of several hundred million dollars. As the chemistry of our atmosphere continues to change, both extremes are expected to appear more frequently. Solutions that address both sides of the problem are urgently needed. Restoring Our Watershed is a nonprofit U.S. and Costa Rican partnership that is implementing a simple climate change adaptation plan in the Nandamojo watershed, which extends from 27 de abril to Junquillal. We empower families and communities to renew their landscape so more rainwater is absorbed, recharging aquifers to prepare for droughts while also mitigating the energy of floodwaters. Our organization has received no prizes at world climate conferences, nor do we have any internationally recognized expert staff driving vehicles financed by our fundraising. We are recognized by dozens of families and community-based organizations that have joined us in our vision. We spend most of our time either discussing water protection with local stakeholders or helping them take actions needed to do so, while seeking resources to continue these activities.
Our vision largely reflects the work and ideas of Tom Peifer, an environmental consultant in Costa Rica and longtime Howler contributor. To summarize our predicament: new pipelines, deeper wells and larger storage tanks are shortterm water supplying “Band-Aids.” These only benefit communities where the economic resources can either pay for or justify a major infrastructure improvement. These solutions do nothing to manage floods, and instead actually worsen the core problem created by droughts. Landscapes dry out, leaving human, plant and animal communities without sufficient resources. The large majority of Guanacaste’s poor, rural communities will never benefit from a multimillion-dollar pipeline project, but depend on their local groundwater resources for 100 percent of their potable water. Keeping their wells recharged over the long term is central to their future. Many also depend on small bridges or roads cut into steep hillsides for access to vital services. Costa Rica’s national government will always prioritize the rebuilding of infrastructure for wealthy areas. Therefore, increasing a landscape’s capacity to absorb water is the only solution that is affordable for these poor, isolated communities while addressing both threats. Our objective is to motivate and equip stakeholders of all ages to carry out the task. The soul of our strategy is promoting land use change at the grass-roots level, through watershed
howlermag.com Photos courtesty of Restoring Our Watershead
A Nandamojo watershed landowner plants vetiver grass during an annual land use symposium.
education and a ton of sweat. Restoring Our Watershed works directly with stakeholders of all ages, from poor homemakers to wealthy expat ranch owners, to not just exchange knowledge and ideas, but to implement changes at their home or farm that will benefit them and their future. Our network of relationships with local landowners is strong only because we have been to their farms and joined them in planting. We listen to families’ input and look for solutions that directly benefit their most important interests. Most often, people are more anxious about putting food on their table than protecting aquifers over the long term. You cannot expect farmers to invest in a 30-year forestry project when they are most concerned about paying tomorrow’s bills. So we intertwine real, immediate human needs with our work as much as possible. We foster sustainable, local economic enterprises that improve watershed health while providing financial resources for restoration and protection. Bees for Trees is a micro-lending program our organization has implemented to create green jobs while financing the reforestation of river corridors. Six families are currently producing honey to increase their household income (look for Bees for Trees honey from Tamarindo to Junquillal). We use profits from honey sales to support another six families who
are reforesting along major waterways. Restoring Our Watershed also distributes a vast number of fruit and nutbearing trees. We love to give families good firewood and lumber-producing saplings, hoping to supply their future household needs. In 2017, we planted a total of 1,500 trees and we aim to plant between 5,000 and 6,000 in 2018. We also help landowners use new plants to control soil erosion on their farm, as erosion is essentially the process by which a water-absorbing landscape becomes one that drains too quickly. Using proven, simple techniques — planting contour hedges of deeprooted grasses, for example, or building check dams to stop gully erosion — we help diverse stakeholders keep their soil from washing away. So Restoring Our Watershed is a grassroots organization in more ways than one. We passionately believe that landscape transformation from the bottom up — meaning plants and pueblos, rather than policies and politicians — represents Guanacaste’s best hope for adapting to the challenges of climate change. Want to join us? There are many ways to pitch in. Purchase or distribute honey, volunteer in our nursery, donate to help us reach more landowners or connect with us for a tour of our watershed. Email matt@ourwatershed. org (Spanish or English) for more information. We want to hear from you!
COMMUNITY
BUILDING COSTA RICA
Dream Home by Design
Creating spaces that allow the enjoyment of the outdoors is essential.
Your Sanctuary of Peace and Happiness
S
o you have seen enough of Costa Rica to get a sense of the pura vida vibe in a variety of beautiful locations. You’ve got a feel for places with the best promise of delivering peace and happiness on your own terms, in your own little piece of paradise. And after narrowing down the short list of exactly where it’s going to be, you’ve finally picked your perfect spot. Nonetheless, carefully selecting the design of your new home will be crucial. You’ll want to include ample social gathering areas, plus allow flexibility within areas that can provide access to the beautiful outdoors. We’ve prepared a simple list that may be able to guide you in your search. They are based on what I consider the basics of Costa Rican lifestyle: respect for family, friends and community, respect for nature and respect for the time for a cup of coffee. 1. Include access to communication. Make sure you have connectivity, meaning good electrical outlet locations and internet access. Just because you are here does not mean you disconnect from your loved ones. It is a very common mistake not to review with your
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architect the electrical plans for your new home. 2. Include proper orientation and positioning. To truly capture your home’s maximum potential, it is imperative to analyze its positioning, whether it’s an existing home or one you want to build. Explore this very important aspect with your real estate agent and/or architect to make sure you have the right amount of sun exposure, that you have the best possible views and there is good natural crossventilation. 3. Include outdoor areas. Creating spaces that allow the enjoyment of the outdoors is essential. Design some roofed areas with the option of screening or enclosing them to keep bugs out without losing contact with nature. Air conditioning can be an important amenity in warmer climates, but make sure you install an energy-efficient system. 4. Include shaded areas. You may have lovely outdoor spaces, but they do not provide shade at the times when you would like to use them most, as in the case of western terraces that face the sunset. Creating shaded areas is vital for
by Tatiana Vandruff
the enjoyment of outdoor spaces. 5. Include sensible gardens. Some areas receive lots of rainfall, allowing an abundance of tropical plants to grow with little effort on your part. In other areas, your gardens will need water and maintenance. With existing homes, ask how plants are irrigated, and if in a drought-awareness zone make sure a drip irrigation system is installed. If building new, your architect should be able to guide you in this very important aspect of your new surroundings. 6. And, yes, include coffee. Costa Rica’s coffee is considered some of the best on the planet, and you should consider planning for a special place in your home to enjoy a cup. Look for a special place with a view of mountains, a garden or the ocean. As a caveat, building can be challenging if not done with the proper team. It is vital to do your homework and find the right real estate agent, architect and builders who are aware of the sustainability parameters so that your energy/water efficiency and design are appropriate and sensible to the local conditions of your future piece of paradise.
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We’re Proud to Present Another Sustainable Project
BUILD BETTER. LEED Accredited Award Winning Architects
Electricity - 95% Solar (PV) Operated
Sustainable Architecture Interior Architecture Project Management Planning, Permitting, Construction
(506) 2666-3306
OVERSEAS PACIFIC REALTY New Costa Rica Offices Playa Flamingo - Guanacaste
www.grupopacificocr.com
info@grupopacificocr.com
SIMPLY SPANISH
COMMUNITY
by Karl Kahler
You Gotta Work aguinaldo — December bonus that employers in Costa Rica are required to pay their employees
Renal Illness PET CARE
By Dr. Gilberth Cavallini
U
rinary infections are a common malady seen in our veterinary practice, occuring equally in dogs and cats, male or female. Symptoms generally reported include presence of blood in the urine (hematuria), interrupted and weak flow of urine (stranguria), urinating in inappropriate places, perineal licking, and increased frequency and volume of urination. Any of these symptoms should be reported as soon as possible to your veterinarian for appropriate tests, such as hemogram, urine analysis, biochemistry ultrasound and x-rays. There are many possible causes of renal illness in pets, including infectious or chemical agents, metabolic factors, diet, anatomic anomalies, neoplasias (tumors) and urinary tract compression. In any of these instances, the type of water consumed by your pet can also be an important factor. Typically, tap water in this area of Costa Rica is rich in minerals, and some pets may drink ocean or pool water. Diets high in salt can also affect urinary health. A significant concern in our practice is the number of male canine and feline patients with partial or total urethral obstruction. Some of
these dogs and cats have not urinated for days, and yet are not taken to the vet until they are vomiting due to inflammation or even a ruptured bladder. These are emergency cases that require immediate treatment; no mammal can survive without urinating. In female patients, permanent incontinence can be an outcome when even simple urinary infections are left untreated. Some medicines can have dangerous side effects, such as tumors or even death. Veterinarians have the responsibility to inform owners of these risks and only supply such medications when absolutely necessary. As a precaution to minimize the risk of renal stone formation, we recommend giving your pet filtered, bottled or boiled water to drink. In this geographic region, a preventive urine test every six months is also advisable. As your pet ages, we suggest biochemical tests be done periodically during veterinary visits to assess renal condition. If problems are detected early enough, especially in animals with a predisposition for renal disease, a special diet can make an important difference in longevity and quality of life.
We recommend giving your pet filtered, bottled or boiled water to drink.
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almuerzo — lunch anuncios — advertisements brete — Slang for “work.” “Estoy breteando en esto, pero es mucho brete” — “I’m working on this, but it’s a lot of work.” chamba/chambilla — quick little job, pretty easy and not worth much money clientes — customers comisiones — commissions contrato — contract contratista — contractor descanso — break despedido — fired empleado — employee. The verb “emplear” means “to hire,” so you could say, “Fui empleado el año pasado,” which could mean either “I was hired last year” or “I had a job last year.” horario — schedule liquidación — money a company is required to pay an employee who is laid off or fired pautar — to advertise. “Vieras que ahora estamos pautando solamente en línea” — “To tell the truth, now we’re advertising only online.” planilla — payroll, staff. “Si no podemos cortar gastos, los jefes cortarán la planilla” — “If we can’t cut costs, the bosses will cut the staff.” prestamista — lender salario — salary subcontratista — subcontractor ventas — sales yugo — “yoke,” meaning job
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 67
COMMUNITY
LEGAL EASE
Electronic Invoicing Mandatory for Property Rentals by Ivan Granados
Corporate ownership of a property can be beneficial for estate and tax planning.
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R
eal estate rentals will soon be subject to the same legal requirement for electronic invoicing (factura electronica) as all other taxpayers in Costa Rica. As discussed in Howler’s July 2018 LegalEase article, the transition to a mandatory electronic invoicing system for taxpayers got underway earlier this year. Under a 2018 schedule of phased-in compliance deadlines, Resolution No. DGT-R-51-2016 stipulated which types of businesses and professional service providers would be required to use electronic billing and receipts for all customer/ client transactions. The same obligation to adopt mandatory electronic invoicing has since been extended to other taxpayers not mandated previously, including landlords of rental properties. Under Article 3, Resolution No. DGT-R-012-2018, the tax office issued implementation deadlines according to the last digit of identification numbers, either personal (dimex or cédula de indentidad) or corporate (cédula juridica).
Effective on the dates indicated, landlords must provide tenants with a proper electronic invoice for all rent payments. This includes any type of rentals: short or long-term, residential or commercial, and vacation. Keep in mind that vacation property rentals (houses, apartments and condominiums) for periods of less than one month are subject to both income and sales/value-added (vat) taxes. Therefore, those who perform such activity must register as taxpayers and comply with the payments, in order to avoid fines and penalties. Costa Rica’s mandatory electronic invoicing requirement is an outcome of 2016 legislation “to improve the fight against tax fraud.” Failure to comply is also subject to fines and penalties. A variety of electronic billing service packages are offered by more than 10 authorized providers in Costa Rica. Taxpayers are free to choose one that best suits their needs. You may also qualify to use the free system offered by the tax office. Currently, Costa Rica abides by a “limited territoriality” concept of taxation. That means only income derived from a Costa Rican source is taxed. However, caution is advised concerning the interpretation of “Costa Rican source” by tax office and court officials. Seeking proper legal and accounting advice is strongly recommended in view of a proposed new tax law under discussion. If implemented, new taxes or modifications may apply to activities that are currently not taxable.
howlermag.com
COMMUNITY DIRECTORY All times AM to PM unless noted
CEPIA Nonprofit Organization We promote culture, health, sports and education for children Huacas Mon-Sat 2653-8365 cepiacostarica@gmail.com
ECO-COCO Community Organization Our mission is to raise awareness and educate the community by organizing cleanups and recycling Playas del Coco Mon-Fri, 8-5 8706-7963
DOCTOR / MEDICAL
70 | #searchfindhowl| online
Hotel Capitán Suizo Mon-Fri, 9-5 8319-4015 adi@playatamarindo.org
DENTAL SERVICES
Main road to Brasilito Sun, 10am 8621-6273 perrycarlile@gmail.com
ADI Community Development ADI is a group of volunteers interested in the welfare of Tamarindo
DENTAL SERVICES
CHURCH / COUNSELING
BEACH COMMUNITY CHURCH Visit and Socialize Love, hope, peace
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
M&G DE HUACAS Marble, Granit and Quartz Custom countertop, highest quality and materials, free inspection and quote 50m east, 150m north, 75m west Huacas Community Center M-F, 7:30-5, Sat, 7:30-2 8840-3815 litomtz74@gmail.com
TAMARINDO CHURCH All are Welcome Welcome atmosphere, casual dress, relevant teaching, meaningful worship 150m W of Tamarindo Airport Sundays @ 10:00am 8868-0871 Pastor Lyle Watson lyletamarindo@gmail.com www.tamarindochurch.com
DENTAL SERVICES
3k past Huacas intersection towards Tamarindo, on the right Open Daily 2653-9117 / 8926-6905
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMNET
BUILDING SUPPLIES
CERACSA Flooring and Tile Local showroom offering the quality and value that your luxury home deserves
CHURCH
INSURANCE
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
GUANACASTE DENTAL Comprehensive Dental Care Advanced family, implant and cosmetic dental services Tamarindo - Garden Plaza Mon-Fri, 9-7, Sat, by appointment 2215-5715, US (866) 978-8305 info@guanacastedental.com guanacastedental.com
PACIFIC SMILE DENTAL CARE Kids & Adults - English Speaking Highly experienced staff— orthodontics, implants, endodontics, gums Near Auto Mercado, Tamarindo Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat by appt. 2653-4354 info@pacificsmilecr.com
TAMARINDO DENTIST First Dentist in Tamarindo Implants • Orthodontist • Endodontist • Cosmetic Dentistry Tamarindo 24/7 for emergencies 2653-2020 smile@tamarindodentist.com
DRA HANNIA RAMIREZ G. Pediatrician and Neonatologist Children care, breastfeeding, feeding, vaccination, certification Santa Cruz - 200 mts W. Tralapa Mon-Fri 2680-0309 / 4030-8826 8811-7074
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY All times AM to PM unless noted
MASSAGES BY ELIZABETH Best Massages in Tamarindo Relaxing massages at your hotel or home Best Western Vista Villas Daily, 9-6 8640-6984 massagesbyelizabeth@yahoo.com
8794-7679 / 8466-6484 costaricaantigua@gmail.com
GM ATTORNEYS Legal Services Full service in all areas of law Tamarindo and Flamingo Mon-Fri, 9-1, 2-5 2654-4367 / 2653-2155 info@gmattorneyscr.com
VETERINARIAN
COSTA RICA ANTIGUA E INEDITA José Gerardo Suárez Monge Photographer and historian, collects and analyzes historical photos
SCHOOLS
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
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KALISAGE Day Spa and Oxygen Bar Licensed Customized Massages & Facials Plaza Tamarindo #15 Mon-Sat, 9am-7pm 2653-2050 kalisagecr@gmail.com
SCHOOLS
300m W of Flamingo turnoff 7 days a week, 7-8 2653-8714
PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPHY
LA URUCA, HUACAS Supermarket Food, liquor, fishing gear, and much more - delivery service available
MASSAGE THERAPIST
GROCERY STORES
CENTRO DE CARNES VILLA MAR Freshness & Quality is Our Priority Beef, frozen seafood, chicken, pork, sausages. We have San Martin meats Villarreal: 250m to Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm 2249-0710 express service carniceriavillamar@hotmail
MASSAGE THERAPIST
GRAPHIC DESIGN
THE CHOPS Graphic Design & Advertising Corporative, web, social media, fashion and more Very close to you Almost everyday 4700-3051 / 8720-1984 tellme@the-chops.com www.the-chops.com
EDUCARTE Preschool, Primary, Secondary Private bilingual school 5km south of Huacas Mon-Fri, 8-3:30 2653-6363 info@educartecostarica.com
WALDORF SCHOOL Bilingual Education, English & Spanish Foreign languages German and French Pre- Kinder – 8th Grade Canafistula 6km from Villarreal Mon-Fri, 8-2:30 8651-8301 www.gws.ed.cr info@gws.ed.cr
CAVALLINI VETERINARIAN Animal Hospital Full-service veterinarian hospital for all animals and wildlife Royal Palms Plaza, Santa Rosa M-F, 8-noon, 1-7, Sat, 8-12, 1-4, Sun, 9-noon, 1-5 (pet shop only) 2652-9009 / 8815-5713 (24/7)
THE DOGTOR Vet, Grooming & Pet Shop Export proceedings, delivery, pickup and dropoff service Plaza Palmas #3, Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8-5 8351-9910 / 4702-5106 thedogtortamarindo@gmail.com
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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY
PLAYAS DEL COCO
All times AM to PM unless noted
KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate Specializing in Costa Rica real estate for over 27 years
Ocotal, Flamingo, Potrero Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com
REAL ESTATE
Playa Tamarindo 7 days a week, 9-5 2653-0073 www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com
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
ARENAL
ARCHITECT ORANGE Construction Design Management Full architecture design and construction management services Arenal - Flamingo - Nosara Mon-Fri, 9-5 2694-5100 info@architectorange.com www.architectorange.com
REAL ESTATE
ARCHITECT/ENGINEER
REAL ESTATE
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Hermosa del Mar Plaza #7 Mon-Fri, 8-5, Sat, 8-noon 4702-7098 / 2665-8746 info@costarica-brokers.com
KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World
SPECIAL PLACES COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals Full management, rental and concierge services Flamingo and Playas del Coco Mon-Sat, 8-5 2654-4493 / 2670-2198 specialplaces@crvr.net
HORIZON PACIFIC Property Management and Rentals A leader in quality properties and services: Vacation rentals, management, association administration Tamarindo, Plaza Palmas #17 Mon-Sat, 9-5, Sun 9-2 2653-0390 horizonpacificvacations.com
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, Potrero, Ocotal Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com
RE/MAX OCEAN SURF & SUN Nobody Sells More Real Estate Sales of residential condos, homes and single-family home sites
REAL ESTATE
REAL ESTATE
Tamarindo & Flamingo Mon-Fri, 8-5 2654-4004 / 8407-1898 info@plantacionproperties.com
BROKERS COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals We specialize in luxury rentals and property management
REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS
REAL ESTATE
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
All times AM to PM unless noted
TEAM REALTY Property Sales and Development Real estate professionals, creative, straightforward and honest Nuevo Arenal Mon-Fri, 9-5 2694-5100 info@teamrealtycr.com www.teamrealtycr.com
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DINING GUIDE
Great Choice in Las Catalinas Su r f s i d e Pot re ro Bra s i l i t o Fl a m i n go V i l l a r re a l Hu a c a s P l aya Gra n d e Pa l m Be a c h Ta m a r i n d o / L a n go s t a P l aya s d e l Co co #s earchf indh owl
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DINING GUIDE
LAS CATALINAS
At Casa Chameleon, 4km north of the Potrero soccer field Hours Daily, 7am-10pm 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
$18
Casa Chameleon Burger
French Toast
$12
Ceviche $14
Knife & Fork Tortillas
$14
With almond milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews, local honey or tapa dulce
With sweet plantains and coconut milk cream
$19
Angus burger with arugula, Swiss or goat cheese and aioli Fresh fish ceviche, leche de tigre, homemade "chilero"
Grilled Chicken Wrap
$12
ChicharrĂłn or vegan huevos rancheros
Vegan Omelettes
Vegan Bowl
$6
$10
Octopus & Mussels
$29
Grilled Skirt Steak
$30
Fresh Tuna Poke
$24
Hearts of palm ceviche, avocado & tomato
Octopus and mussels wok-sauteed in garlic butter and white wine
With greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli
With asparagus, mushrooms and caramelized onion
Guacamole and Salsa
$19
Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans
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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1 km east of the Banco Nacional in Flamingo Hours Daily, 6:30am-9:30pm Phone: 2654-4671, 2654-5340 Specialties Fresh seafood and pasta
Nasu: Creative Tropical Cuisine Welcome to Nasu Restaurant, tropical creative cuisine. Join us oceanside, where the freshest catch is prepared every day by our acclaimed chef. Enjoy the culinary treasures of Costa Rica, where tradition and innovation meet.
MENU SELECTIONS Panzanella Salad
$13
Antipasto di mare
$24
Lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, artisan bread, jumbo shrimp in vinaigrette For two: octopus, crab, shrimp, clams, salmon, sea bass, tuna with vegetables
Mediterranean Snack
$14
For two: falafel, tzatziki, tomato pesto, baba ghanoush, feta cheese, pita bread
Potrero, 800m north of Banco Nacional Hours Daily, 11am -10pm Kitchen closes 9pm
Grilled Tenderloin
$24
Roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables and a mushroom sauce
Chicken Parmigiana
$12
Lightly breaded chicken, cherry tomatoes, arugula, Parmesan crisps, lime dressed
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 With tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice
Angus Tenderloin
c11000
Grilled to perfection with vegetables & rosemary potatoes
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$14
Homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster and mashed cauliflower, bathed in a champagne sauce with capers and tomatoes
The Beach House Beachfront Dining
Phone: 2654-6203 Specialties Fresh seafood Epic sunset view
Ravioli della nonna
Thick-cut battered with a subtle blend of spices, served with garlic mayo and rosada sauce
Sausage, shrimp & chicken with onions, tomatoes & peppers in Cajun sauce over rice or linguini Pesto seared tuna on fresh bread served with lettuce, tomato & pesto aioli
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SURFSIDE / POTRERO
DINING GUIDE
DINING GUIDE
BRASILITO
Main corner, Brasilito Hours Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight Phone: +506 4702-0826 costarica@ lucysretiredsurfers.com LucysCostaRica Specialties Only for the brave: Our infamous scorpion shot
Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: Coastal Cuisine Beachfront restaurant and bar serving unique coastal fusion dishes and cocktails featuring the freshest ingredients in Guanacaste! Lucy’s is more than just a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle. With locations in some of the most tubular spots around the world (New Orleans, Key West, Costa Rica and Aruba), we know how to have a good time. Let the sea breeze and sound of the waves remind you that when you’re here you’re always on vacation. At Lucy’s we’re serious about our grub – we’ve got all your classic favorites like burgers and nachos, as well as our signature coastal bites with a touch of Pacific flair. Our one-of-a-kind drinks are the perfect way to cool down after a long day at the beach, and we keep them flowing all day (and night!) long. Lucy's’ daily food & drink specials are boat-to-table and will give you something new to try every day, and with live music, a radical bar scene, and six large-screen TVs, Lucy’s is Guanacaste's hottest new bar and restaurant!
MENU SELECTIONS Shaka Ceviche
c5,500
The Juicy Lucy
Avocado Fritas
c5,500
Bacon Brie Chicken Sandwich
Cheese Quesadilla
c5,000
Tsunami Tuna Salad
Serious Nachos
c6,700
Blackened Fish Tacos c6,000
Delicious fresh local fish and shrimp in a citrus marinade topped with avocado
Beer-battered avocado slices served with black bean salsa and homemade ranch
Flour tortilla overflowing with melted cheese, served with pico and guacamole
Fully loaded nachos topped with beans, pico, sour cream, and our rockin’ guac
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c7,500
Our famous 8 oz. burger served on a brioche bun with Lucy’s special sauce
Grilled marinated chicken breast topped with bacon, brie, tomato, and spinach
c6,500
Freshly seared yellowfin served over spring mix with fresh fruit and feta
Blackened local fish topped with mangopineapple slaw and avocado crema
Pao Pao Shrimp Tacos c6,500 Fried or grilled shrimp tossed in a sassy pao pao sauce, topped with cabbage slaw
Flank Steak Tacos
c6,500
Marinated flank steak topped with jalapeño chimichurri and queso fresco
Whole Red Snapper Casado c8,000 Served with island rice, black beans, and a side salad
N’awlins Surf n’ Turf c10,000 Marinated flank steak served with head-on Cajun BBQ shrimp and roasted potatoes
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Hours Daily, 7am-10pm Phone: 2654-4596 Specialties Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Happy hour 3-6 daily,serving cocktails
El Oasis
Bar & Restaurant Latin Fusion restaurant serving a mix of Costa Rican classics along with delicious Mexican dishes including fresh seafood. Many glutenfree options.
10% Off
Simply mention HOWLER
Tico Style Red Snapper
VILLARREAL
Specialties Zipline and BBQ buffet for only $85. Available for private parties and events.
Hours Daily, 5:30pm-10:30pm Closed Wednesday
True Italian cuisine. Pasta like you are in Roma! Fresh bruschetta served when you arrive. Buon appetito!
Phone: 8532-8613 Specialties Pizza, pasta, meat, fish
Black Stallion
Rustic Outdoor BBQ
200m west of the Brasilito/ Huacas crossroads, Huacas
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.
Hours Tues-Sun 3pm-11pm Closed Monday Phone: 2653-6296
Available for private parties and events.
MENU SELECTIONS
c6.500
Ribeye c6.500
Rice with Chicken
Phone: 8869-9765
Italian Restaurant
House Lasagna
Coconut Shrimp with Mango Salsa
Hours By reservation
Vaca Loka
MENU SELECTIONS
MENU SELECTIONS
An 8 min. drive from Tamarindo, 2km south Villarreal
Flamingo - 100m south of road to Potrero
Specialties Authentic New York style pizza and calzones. Freshly made breadsticks.
New York Pizzeria
Pizzaria
New York Pizzeria is your go-to pizza spot in Guanacaste, for an authentic New York style pizza or calzone. Dine-in or take-out available. Enjoy!
MENU SELECTIONS
Mixed BBQ Buffet
$45
Meat Lover's Pizza
Seafood Buffet
$45
House Special Pizza
Baby back ribs, chorizo and chicken, sides included A delicious array of seafood and sides dishes
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Pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon, and ground beef.
Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, and sweet peppers.
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HUACAS
BRASILITO
50m west of the plaza, in front of Playa Brasilito
FLAMINGO
DINING GUIDE
DINING GUIDE
HUACAS
3km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo Hours Daily, 7am-9pm Breakfast 7am-10am
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 Flambé
Fried egg, bacon or ham and cheese on toast, 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
TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA
Hotel Capitán Suizo, Playa Tamarindo Hours Daily, noon to 9:30pm Mon, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Wed, 7-9pm, Avellino Fri, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante @hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products All taxes included in price
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$14
Build your own pasta bowl, with 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
El Barco Del Capitán: European-Tico Fusion, Beachfront Restaurant El Barco del Capitán is nestled in a beautiful tropical garden within the Hotel Capitán Suizo and offers a modern, healthy and fresh cuisine. Our chef, Jujo Molina, has created the dishes inspired by his European heritage and the incredible products available in Costa Rica. Using our homegrown ingredients from our organic garden, we strive to offer an environmental friendly menu and an authentic experience to our guests.
MENU SELECTIONS Tacos Carne (Lunch)
$15
Tartar Capitan (Dinner)
$13
The Veggie (Lunch)
$15
Linguini (Dinner)
$23
Lomito (Dinner)
$28
Beef, tortillas with mixed cabbage salad, guacamole and tamarindo sauce Grilled portobello, tomato, zucchini, chilealmonds-garlic sauce, homemade bun
Calamares Crujientes (Snack) $13
Crispy calamari with homemade green pesto and a honey, red onion escabèche.
Tuna and mango tartar with capers and a cilantro, ginger and soy dressing
Calamari, jumbo shrimps, mussels, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, white wine 200gr of tenderloin with a tamarind sauce over Swiss Roësti and vegetables
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PALM BEACH
DINING GUIDE
Palm Beach, next to the estuary Hours Breakfast available all day long: 7:30am-2:30pm Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm Phone: 2653-0975 frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com
The Great Waltini's - Bula Bula: American Fusion Cuisine
Specialties
Daily:
Sunset happy hour 50% off appetizers 4-6pm
Monday:
Mexican all you care to eat buffet 5:30-8:30
Wednesday:
Italian All you care to eat buffet 5:30-8:30
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). Pickup time 5, 5:30 and 6 pm. Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975). Happy hour – includes domestic beer, well drinks, giant famous Bula margaritas and appetizer specials.
Specialty coffees and espresso
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
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Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables Italian sausage, beef & pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese
10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce 10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce 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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DINING GUIDE
PAPAGAYO / PLAYAS DEL COCO / GUANACASTE
Based in Papagayo, serving the Guanacaste region Hours Available every day of the year by reservation
Guanacaste Chef4U: Simply Superb Private Catering
Phone: 8706-2144 ndevenelle@exclusiveresorts. com
The acclaimed French chef Nicolas Devenelle and his team of outstanding cooks will create a dinner experience for you, whether you’re a couple, a family or a wedding party. Their unsurpassed culinary innovations and gorgeous presentation will create an unforgettable dining experience at the place and time of your choosing.
Specialties Private dinners, events, weddings, culinary workshops, mixology lessons
“TURRIALBA” 4-COURSE PLATED DINNER Organic Green Salad
Wagyu Short Rib
Homemade Lobster Ravioli
Soursop Cheesecake
Fresh asparagus, orange segments, hearts of palm and garden-herb vinaigrette Spinach, lobster, tomato, basil, white truffle parmesan sauce
Slowly braised, served with garlic mashed potato and asparagus With pineapple chips and passion fruit coulis
Located inside Bahía Pez Vela resort, 5 km west of Playas del Coco; always open to the public Hours Daily, noon-9pm Phone: 2670-0901 info@guanacastechef4u.com Specialties Offering lunch, dinner and full bar, with day passes available to use the pool, plus mixology lessons Weekly Calendar Mon: Catch of the Day Market Tue: Mixology Class Wed: Culinary Academy Thu: Ping-Pong Tournament Fri: BBQ Night, Live Music
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Maracuyá Beach Club: Exquisite Oceanfront Dining Also operated by Chef Nicolas Devenelle, Maracuyá Beach Club offers fine dining in a pristine setting on an isolated beach near Playa Ocotal. Pamper your palate with culinary excellence in this secluded piece of paradise.
MENU SELECTIONS Mango Salad with Chicken c5,900
Beef Short Ribs
Grilled Jumbo Prawn Salad c6,900
Red Snapper ‘En Papillote’
c12,500
Yellowfin Tuna Tartare
Beef Tenderloin
c13,500
Mixed greens, tomato, mango, avocado, corn, blue cheese, croutons and grilled herb chicken
With mixed greens, mango, heart of palm and Caribbean mojito passion fruit vinaigrette
c7,900
Tuna, wakame, mango, avocado, arugula, and truffle oil, with cucumber carpaccio
c8,900
With mushroom risotto, creamy parmesan and truffle sauce Served with home-made ratatouille and basil mashed potato
Potato gratin, green asparagus and haricot vert, red wine sauce
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PLAYAS DEL COCO
DINING GUIDE
Pacifico Retail Village, Playas del Coco Hours Mon-Sat, 5:30pm-10:30 pm Closed Sunday 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
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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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DINING GUIDE
PLAYAS DEL COCO
Avenida Central, across from El Coco Casino, Playas del Coco Hours Mon-Thu, 11am till late Fri-Sun, 9am till late Phone: 2670-1982 pete@coconutzbar.com Specialties Smoked BBQ Microbrewery Gourmet bar bites Sports bar Live music Private parties
COCONUTZ BAR & GRILL: Sports Bar Coconutz is your neighborhood sports bar and microbrewery in an exotic tropical setting, complete with gorgeous local hardwood, trees growing through the floor, license plates from all over the world, surfboards hanging from the rooftop, and of course ... our famous swing set! We feature the best tropical drink selection in the area, as well as our on-premise brewed Angry Goats beers on tap. Come visit the premier sports bar in Playas Del Coco.
MENU SELECTIONS Porky Piñas
Walking Taco
Smokey Shrimp Poppers
Chicken & Waffle Burger
Memphis Ribs
Al Pastor Pizza
Pineapple bites wrapped in bacon, topped with teriyaki and sesame seeds Fresh jumbo shrimp, sliced jalapeño and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and smoked Half rack or whole rack, with choice of two sides
Shredded chicken or beef, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, fried tostada, grilled in tortilla Buttermilk fried chicken with waffle bun, American cheese, heat and sweet sauce Adobe smoked pork, pineapple salsa, local fresh cheese, house mole sauce
SIMPLY SPANISH by Karl Kahler
Che Sirloin Steak House & Grill
Pueblito Sur #10, Las Palmas, Che Sirloin Steak House & Grill Playas del Coco is a meat lover’s heaven. Located steps from the beach in a tranquil Hours garden setting with indoor and 11am-2:30pm, 5:30-8:30pm outdoor seating. Closed Thursdays Weekend brunch from 10am Specialties Prime Cut Steaks, Gourmet Phone: 8467-7664 Hamburgers, Brunch chesirloin@gmail.com
MENU SELECTIONS
Ribeye Steak
Served with salad or french fries
Animal Burger With chorizo, grilled pineapple, fried egg & bacon
Homemade Cheesecake With dulce de leche
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EAT YOUR VEGETABLES aguacate — avocado
frijoles — beans
ajo — garlic
lechuga — lettuce
apio — celery
maíz — corn
ayote — pumpkin
papa — potato
berenjena — eggplant
pepino — cucumber
camote — sweet potato
tomate — tomato
cebolla — onion
vainicas — green beans
culantro — cilantro
yuca — cassava
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RESTAURANT DIRECTORY
CONTRIBUTORS
HUACAS
PLAYA GRANDE
Debbie Bride. Canadian continuing to create and communicate in Costa Rica. POTS & BOWLS Jungle Coffee Shop Breakfast, Lunch - with vegan options. Organic wine - Cold Pressed Juice and New Smoothie menu, Plants nursery & Artisanal Boutique Playa Grande, Main Road Daily, 8-5 4701-2394 potsandbowls@gmail.com
PLAYA GRANDE
RipJack Inn Surfing, Yoga and Tree Top Dining 75m off the beach Eat, Sleep, Stretch, Surf Playa Grande Daily, 8am-9:30pm, Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour 4-6 2653-1636 ripjackinn.com
HUACAS
SODA GUAYMY SODA GUAYMY Typical & Rustic Food Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks 200m W of Super Compro Daily, 6-9 7028-3264 / 8911-2191 Jimemurillo98@hotmail.com
John Brockmeier. Writer and activist inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences. Gilberth Cavallini. Veterinary Doctor, owner Cavallini Veterinary Services, Villarreal (MegaSuper Plaza) tamarindovet@gmail.com Nina Chemtob. Freelance writer in the United States and recent visitor to Diamante Eco-Adventure Park and other attractions in Costa Rica. Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com Ellen Zoe Golden. Former entertainment biz PR flack, now living the dream as a travel agent and journalist in my long-time home of Tamarindo. And yes, I surf! Charlene Golojuch. Co-owner of Hidden Garden Art Gallery with husband, Greg; www. HiddenGardenArt.com 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. Tom Knight. Writer living in the Tamarindo area. Sylvia Monge. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishforexpats23@gmail. com
PLAYAS DEL COCO
Marian Paniagua. Certified Yoga Instructor and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste. 89140199. marianpaniagua@gmail.com 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 #s earchf indh owl
Jenn Parker. An avid writer, traveler, and nature lover on a mission to surf the earth and share her stories. Jessie Rowan. Multimedia journalist and photographer Former Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting grantee and global health reporter. jessierowan2929@gmail.com
Matt Rosenstele. Executive Director of Restoring our Watershed 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. José Gerardo Suárez Monge. Professional photographer, graphic designer and author of six Costa Rican historical photo books. Call 7062-3086 or 8794-7679. Tatiana Vandruff. Principal LEED GA, at Grupo Pacifico Architects and Builders, sustainable design and construction for over 30 years. www.grupopaciticocr.com or tvandruff@grupopacificocr.com Vern Veer Jr. Retired reptile specialist, Denver zoo. Co-owner of V3 Reptile breeders. Olivia Venturini. Colorado native living part-time in Costa Rica, with a passion for traveling, creativity, and learning. Student at Colorado State University - Pueblo. PHOTOGRAPHY Jorgelina Agramunt. We document your surf session at the breaks in Avellanas Beach with consistently incredible, rad images and create wall wrt. 8879-9612. www. avellanassurfphotos.com Marcel Freitez. Venezuelanborn photographer, in Costa Rica since 2014. Nature and surfing are his main interests.8330 5436 shakamediainfo@gmail.com Jorge A. Russell. Professional photographer from Chile based in Jaco beach. Does outdoor photography and studio photography. 8836-6475. Jorgerussellphotographer @gmail. com Monica Quesada Cordero. Born in Heredia, Costa Rica, www. mqcphoto.com, monica@mqcpho. com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 83
HOWLER
SURFING August 2018
COSTA RICA
free copy
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#S earch F ind Howl HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 1
SURFING COSTA RICA
INS Youth Cup June 23-24, 2018
August 4 3rd Quarter
Jair Pérez - Men's winner
COMPETITION RESULTS
Source: surfingcr.net
J
air Pérez and Valeria Ojeda became the 2018 INS Youth Cup champions at Jacó the weekend of June 23 and 24. This penultimate event of the Kölbi National Circuit, presented by INS Joven and Adrenaline Rush, closed the regular championship season that will culminate next month with the Grand Final REEF de Hermosa at Playa Hermosa.
Results: Open - Men • • • •
Jair Pérez (Jacó) Manuel Mesén (Jacó) Leonardo Calvo (Barranca) Ramón Taliani (Mal País)
Open -Women • • • •
Valeria Ojeda (Jacó) Rubiana Brownell (Avellanas) Emily Gussoni (Jacó) Lisbeth Vindas (Jacó)
Coral Wiggins
Boys • • • •
Sam Reidy (Dominical) Darshan Antequera (Jacó) Ethan Hollander (Dominical) Aarón Ramirez (Jacó)
August 11 New Moon
Girls • • • •
Valeria Ojeda (Jacó) Rubiana Brownell (Avellanas) Auxiela Ryan (Puerto Viejo) Rachel Agüero (Jacó)
Grommets • • • •
Tosh Talbot Ethan Hollander Axel Castro Leonardo Apreda
Manuel Mesen Diaz
August 18
Minigrommet -Boys • • • •
1st Quarter
David Monge (Jacó) Ethan Hollander Leonardo Apreda Keshan Allen (U.S.)
Minigrommet - Girls
Anthony Fillingim
• Rachel Agüero (Jacó) • Bree Smith (Bejuco) • Ericka Berra (Puerto Viejo)
Junior - Boys • • • •
August 26
Malakai Martínez (Tamarindo) Aarón Ramirez (Jacó) Sam Reidy (Dominical) André Chacón (Jacó)
Full Moon
Junior - Girls • • • •
Rubiana Brownell (Avellanas) Valeria Ojeda (Jacó) Coral Wiggins (Avellanas) Auxiela Ryan (Puerto Viejo)
Andy Chacon
Ojeda - Womans winner 2 Valeria | #search findhowl| online
Photos courtesy of Jorge Russell
AUGUST 1 AUGUST 31
5:29 AM 5:30 AM
AUGUST 1 AUGUST 31
6:02 PM 5:48 PM
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TIDE CHART
AUGUST 1 - AUGUST 31, 2018
DAY
HIGH TIDES
LOW TIDES
HIGH TIDES
LOW TIDES
HIGH TIDES
1 Wed
5:42am 8.78 '
5:42am 8.78 '
5:55am 8.42'
11:58pm 0.69'
2 Thurs
6:20am 8.70'
12:23pm 1.10'
6:33am 8.14'
3 Fri
12:36am 0.91'
6:58am 8.59'
1:05pm 1.23'
7:15am 7.84'
4 Sat
1:16am 1.15'
7:40am 8.46'
1:51pm 1.36'
8:03am 7.57'
5 Sun
2:02am 1.38'
8:30am 8.35'
2:45pm 1.46'
8:59am 7.38'
6 Mon
2:56am 1.56'
9:26am 8.31'
3:45pm 1.44'
10:01am 7.36'
7 Tues
3:58am 1.61'
10:28am 8.39'
4:49pm 1.26'
11:09am 7.57'
8 Wed
5:06am 1.46'
11:34am 8.65'
5:53pm 0.88'
9 Thurs
12:13am 8.03'
6:12am 1.10'
12:36am 9.06'
6:55pm 0.36'
10 Fri
1:15am 8.64'
7:14am 0.59'
1:36am 9.52'
7:51pm -0.20'
11 Sat
2:09am 9.30'
8:12am 0.05'
2:30am 9.95'
8:43pm -0.70'
12 Sun
3:03am 9.88'
9:08am -0.40'
3:22am 10.22'
9:35pm -1.02'
13 Mon
3:53am 10.28'
10:00am -0.67'
4:12am 10.29'
10:23pm -1.11'
14 Tues
4:41am 10.44'
10:50am -0.70'
5:02am 10.12'
11:11pm -0.95'
15 Wed
5:31am 10.34'
11:40am -0.49'
5:52am 9.72'
11:59pm -0.55'
16 Thurs
6:19am 9.99'
12:30pm -0.08'
6:42am 9.14'
17 Fri
12:47am 0.03'
7:09am 9.47'
1:22pm 0.46'
7:34am 8.48'
18 Sat
1:37am 0.72'
8:01am 8.87'
2:16pm 1.03'
8:30am 7.83'
19 Sun
2:31am 1.40'
8:59am 8.30'
3:16pm 1.51'
9:32am 7.32'
20 Mon
3:31am 1.96'
9:59am 7.86'
4:20pm 1.81'
10:40am 7.04'
21 Tues
4:37am 2.30'
11:01am 7.64'
5:26pm 1.87'
11:44am 7.04'
22 Wed
5:43am 2.36'
12:01am 7.64'
6:24pm 1.72'
23 Thurs 12:42am 7.26'
6:41am 2.20'
12:55am 7.82'
7:14pm 1.43'
24 Fri
1:30am 7.61'
7:29am 1.88'
1:41am 8.09'
7:56pm 1.09'
25 Sat
2:12am 8.00'
8:13am 1.50'
2:23am 8.38'
8:34pm 0.76'
26 Sun
2:50am 8.39'
8:51am 1.12'
3:01am 8.64'
9:10pm 0.49'
27 Mon
3:26am 8.72'
9:27am 0.78'
3:39am 8.81'
9:44pm 0.30'
28 Tues
4:02am 8.96'
10:03am 0.54'
4:15am 8.87'
10:18pm 0.22'
29 Wed
4:36am 9.10'
10:39am 0.41'
4:51am 8.81'
10:52pm 0.25'
30 Thurs
5:10am 9.13'
11:15am 0.39'
5:27am 8.63'
11:28pm 0.38'
31 Fri
5:46am 9.06'
11:53am 0.49'
6:05am 8.37'
SURF EAT STRETCH SLEEP REPEAT #gogrande
We h a v e y o u c o v e r e d . Free 2 hr
Board Rental with surf lesson
simply mention
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Sunset
Happy hour
Daily, 4-6 2x1 cocktails 1000c beers Discount bocas menu
www.ripjackinn.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 3
SURFING COSTA RICA
‘The Endless Summer’ was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best movies of 1964.
AUGUST ODYSSEYS
The Endless Su mmer Lifestyle by Jessie Rowan
H
is effortless ease and relaxed style make for a true longboarder. Pair his surfing with his witty, laid-back humor and you get one of the world’s most famous surf pioneers — Robert August. Growing up in Seal Beach, California, Robert was surrounded by waves from the very start. His father, Orral (Blackie) August, was an original California waterman and had Robert surfing by the age of 6. Robert later went on to become a successful contest surfer. He competed in various contests preceding an invite to surf in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational. Not just a pretty boy, class president and stylish surfer, Robert had a sharp mind to match. He attended Huntington Beach High School and was enrolled in all accelerated classes, planning to attend dental school. Then quickly after high school graduation, he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime. Together with filmmaker Bruce
Brown and Mike Hynson, Robert set out to travel the globe in search of the perfect wave. Their quest would be turned into the famous film “The Endless Summer.” Robert was selected to be featured in the film over other more popular surfers at the time, not just because of his smooth surfing ability, but also his positive outlook on the importance of a healthy — sometimes crazy, but always fun — surfing lifestyle. Upon the film’s debut, “The Endless Summer” screened all over the United States and was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best movies of 1964. This recognition allowed Robert to live out his own “Endless Summer” life. At the same time, he helped put Costa Rica on the global surf map. Back in the early 1990s, Robert and Bruce Brown filmed “The Endless Summer II” at what are now considered some of Costa Rica’s most famous surf spots: Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point and Tamarindo. Photos courtesy of Robert August
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Leaving his mark The film’s popularity also opened up profitable business opportunities and has molded Robert August into the individual he is today: a shaper, business owner and surfing icon, but most importantly a father. Since 2011, Robert has resided in Tamarindo, where he raises his daughter, Christine. She is carrying out the August family tradition as a strong and competitive surfer. Robert’s son, Sam August, is also a powerful surfer and former professional baseball player. “My son played for the Houston Astros. I couldn’t believe that was my son when I would go to watch him pitch. I remember saying, ‘Thats my little boy.’ He put his mind to baseball as I did with surfing.” Upon moving to Tamarindo, Robert became a key representative of the Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. There, he teaches the history of surfing and does surfboard shaping seminars, while greatly influencing the surfing culture in and around the country. Robert’s surfing achievements were recognized and honored at the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, California, on Oct. 21, 2017. Family first That family is the central focus of Robert’s life is evident when he considers Christine’s future opportunities. “My daughter just graduated high school. I would sell everything for her to go to her dream university. I don’t want to limit her, I want her to be able to go wherever she wants. I want what is best for her.” Since the “Endless Summer” movies, Robert has kept generating positive surf vibes around the world, leaving a mark everywhere he travels.
Robert and his daughter Christine currently reside in Tamarindo.
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Robert at the airport with his surfboard during the filming of "The Endless Summer."
Robert (far left) taking a surf break with his buddies while filming "The Endless Summer."
Robert at Huntington Beach, where he grew up and was known around town as a surfing hotshot.
Robert is still very active, hand shaping boards every week.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 5
SURFING COSTA RICA
by Ellen Zoe Golden
PROFILE
CARLOS MUÑOZ
C
arlos Muñoz grew up winning contests. From the age of 10, this Esterillos Oeste surfer was racking up national surf titles. In doing so, he perfected airs — so much so that observers always saw him flying high and rarely missing a landing. Indeed, his global fame was kickstarted with a Superman maneuver at 2014’s Hurley Pro in Trestles, California, where Muñoz was the wild card after winning a landslide online vote by fans. (As the first Tico in a championship tour, he even beat the then No. 1 world surfer, Gabriel Medina, in their first matchup.) Breaking records is what Muñoz does best. At 16, he made national history with open and boys division year-end championships in the Circuito Nacional de Surf here. During his many runs in the nationwide tournament, he would score multiple category wins, once even making the finals podium for three
Photo: Autumn Hays
6 | #searchfindhowl| online
— boys, junior and open. On the international stage, Muñoz (known as Cali) has been working his air and rail game progressively and has been in the Top 50 of the World Surf League Qualifying Series rankings since 2013. With the 2018 season “regular but going better” so far, he’s already nailed a fifth place at Chili’s Maui and Sons Arica Pro Tour and 13th place in Hawaii’s Volcom Pipe Pro. There, the press called him “spectacular,” a moniker earned, in part, by his perfect 10.00 threading a backdoor wave in an early heat. With his ranking already 59 with half the year to go, Muñoz is ahead of last year’s trajectory, as he heads into the allimportant Vans US Open in Huntington, California. In 2017, Muñoz astounded everyone by finishing fourth there. In addition, Muñoz has two gold medals this year that he picked up at the Olympics-sanctioned Central American Sports Games in Nicaragua — one for winning the open and the other as a member of the first-place Costa Rican national surf team. This bodes well for his being selected as one of the national team for the Tokyo 2020 Athlete: Carlos Muñoz Olympics, where surfing will make its debut. Sport: Surfing “I’ve been training a lot, working out, working Age: 25 on my strategy, on my surfing, on my surfboards. About: This is a great year also because I’m a father too. Carlos has the most surf titles I’ve been growing up a lot,” says Cali. “I’ve been in Costa Rica, and the most progressing a lot in terms of power surfing, putting longevity on the World Surf more weight on the board and surfing more rail to League Qualifying Series. rail, and trying to do a lot of combos. I’m getting better in my airs and also my barrel skills. I feel my Sponsors: Red Bull, FCS , surfing is very mature compared to other years. Superbrand, Ricante Sauce I just need to put in the right mind and the right frequency. The most important thing about surfing is you need to feel confidence. My surfing is at my highest level and I’m still working to jump to the Photo: World Surf League/Freesurf/Tony Heff next level. I feel very confident, so I hope to qualify for the CT this year.”
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Come relax by our pool for only $15! Purchase a Day Pass for $15 per person, and get a $15 credit in our bar and restaurant. Compre un Pase de Día por $15 por persona, y obten un crédito de $15 en nuestro bar y restaurante.
Cali is comfortable in a wedgy barrel Photo: World Surf League/Diaz
oane
Photo: Edward Sl Sprays up when working on his rail game Photo: World Surf League/Poullenot
Carves and spray all da Photo: Alfredo Barqu y long ero
seisplayashotel.com • +506 2653 6818
Spending many winters in Hawaii has paid off with big scores there for Muñoz Photo by World Surf League/Freesurf/Keoki Saguibo
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 7
SURFING COSTA RICA
by Jenn Parker
SURF SPOT
PLAYA HERMOSA W
hile Costa Rica has several beaches named Playa Hermosa, only one is home to the most powerful and consistent beach break in the country. That Playa Hermosa is a seven-kilometer stretch of black sand and punchy peaks on the Pacific coast just south of Jacó. The waves here draw surfers from all around who are looking to get shacked and shaken. Aside from the allure of scoring barrels, Playa Hermosa is a charming stretch of beach that exudes tropical beauty and has nearly everything you could want in the ideal oceanside vacation.
How to get there
Playa Hermosa is an easily accessible place to visit and surf, about an hour and 45-minute drive from San José. Once you are on the coastal highway 34, simply head south, drive past Jacó, and your next stop is Playa Hermosa. If you are coming from the south, just head north on 34. Another option is to take a Sansa flight to Quepos, then travel by shuttle or taxi about an hour north to Playa Hermosa.
very small. It is also typically unsafe for swimming due to strong rip currents and mighty swells. However, if you are at least an intermediate surfer, welcome to the wave garden! There are surf spots up and down Playa Hermosa, including Terrazas, Backyard, The Tree, The Curve, Turtle Farms and Tulin. You will almost always find other surfers in the water and can
If you are at least an intermediate surfer, welcome to the wave garden!
choose your own surf spot just by observing the waves from the beach. While you can surf at any tide here, it is usually best on the higher side. Be careful when it’s big, though; a lot of the waves close out and are definitely powerful enough to snap your board like a toothpick.
Local companies
There are plenty of accommodation and dining options in Playa Hermosa. Surf Inn Hermosa, The Backyard Hotel, and Mares Brava Resort and Hotel all offer
Where to surf
Playa Hermosa is not a beginner-friendly break unless
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Photographer: Jorge A. Russell About: A native of Spain, Jorge has been an avid photographer since he was 14 years old. He has been making a living as a professional photographer in Costa Rica since 2004. spectacular ocean and surf views, as well as inviting and cozy rooms. Staying at any of these three places will definitely make you feel like you are on vacation. There are over a dozen restaurants in Playa Hermosa. Vida Hermosa Bar and
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Restaurante, Falafel Hermosa, Arenas Restaurant and Rancho Tipico come with top recommendations from locals and past visitors alike. If you are looking to go to surf camp, Soul Surf and Del Mar Surf Camp can help make your surf dreams come true.
Based in Jacรณ 8836-6475 jorgerussellphotographer@ gmail.com @fotografodeaccion
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 9
SURFING COSTA RICA
Photographer: Marcel Freitez Company: Shaka Media About: Venezuelan-born Marcel has been in Costa Rica since 2010. Nature and surfing are his primary interests. Northern Guanacaste. Office at Shaka Foods, road to Tamarindo 8330 5436 shakamediainfo@gmail.com @shakamedia @Shakamedia
Secret Spots - South Guanacaste July 11, 2018, Juan Diego dropping in on a sweet, little overhead right hander
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Witch's Rock Pealing lefts go empty on July 11, 2018, at Roca Bruja. The sea was perfect, giving a perfect session for those few who were in the water.
by Jenn Parker
WAVES
YOU'VE MISSED
T
he middle of June to the middle of July definitely did not disappoint on the wave front. There were plenty of overhead waves to be found up and down the Pacific coastline. While some spots maxed out, others held the perfect shape and sized waves; you just had to be in the right place at the right time. This month’s surf photography highlights Rocas Bruja and Avellenas, both of which fired on multiple occasions with offshore winds early in the morning, as well as a few glassy sunset sessions and even several all-day offshore wind days. This season of south-southwest swells has been pretty consistent and a special blessing to more exposed spots.
Photos Jorge A. Russell #s earchf indh owl
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 11
WAVES YOU'VE MISSED ... cont'd Avellanas, Guanacaste
Photographer: Jorgelina Agramunt Company: Avellanas Surf Photos About: We are out there every day documenting your surf sessions so that you can go home with incredibly rad images. Your photographs will be wall art worthy! Take your stoke back home. Based in Avellanas (506) 8879-9612 info@avellanassurfphotos.com avellanassurfphotos avellanassurfphotos.com
Ula going down the line in front of Lola's June 27, 2018
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Photos Jorge A. Russell
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SURFING COSTA RICA
Otto Vargas Murillo at Purruja July 9, 2018
Plenty of unridden waves July 9, 2018
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 13
