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Reinvent Your Life
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Sustainable Wellness
Welcome To Your New Home HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 5
EDITORIAL
Life is What We Make It
T
hese past couple of months have been a wild ride for all of us around the world. We have been inundated with everything in the news about the Coronavirus. The rate of spread and death has been televised and in all of our newsfeeds. It is a daunting problem confronting all media outlets, even the Howler. That being said, our lives have certainly become much more mundane, and the need to avoid human contact is challenging for social creatures like us. It has brought out the best in many people, but not everyone. It’s not unusual to have heightened reactions, both to everyday problems and more difficult challenges. I have found myself to be on edge and snapping at small things. I have apologized way more often, either due to misreading a situation or just because I feel pushed. This aspect of the
situation we are in is definitely not fun.
Rica and experience the tranquility of its surroundings.
On the other hand, something unexpected like a seasonally early rainstorm the other day, refreshing our parched surroundings, can give us just enough energy to feel good for awhile.
Our website has undergone a total rebuild and is very clean and easy to move around. I invite you to go online and explore some of our past magazine issues and articles after you read this May e-magazine edition.
Regardless, these times are exciting. I liken it to a game of poker. We have all been dealt hands and we need to play them strategically. You’re either all in or folding. This is the harsh reality of the life game we play. Life is what we make it; the onus is on us to go forward. Every turn and decision has a consequence, either good or bad. Bad turns do not necessarily put us out of the game by any means. It is just part of the play.
Whatever your quarantine experience has looked like, it does not have to be drowning yourself in a Netflix series. It can be a time of reinvention. It will force many of us to move in new directions. The old ways are gone and new paths are being laid. Those paths lead in directions many would not have considered a few months ago. But now necessity breeds opportunity. Leave the past and strike out on a new and different path. Leave a lot of the old norm behind and be part of the new norm. Open your eyes. There are lots of opportunities that you probably would have missed in the past.
Our world situation right now is breeding new creativity and new angles for proceeding with business and life in general. I am very interested to see what creative people have been up to while in quarantine. Just watch what kinds of interesting things emerge from this! I hope that you are enjoying some of the changes we have made with Howler’s e-magazine. Having embedded videos gives our readers wider, deeper and more dynamic glimpses of Costa Rica. Our hope is to entice many to come to Costa
I wish you all the best and look forward to openings and the rebirth of many things. Costa Rica welcomes you. I hope to hear from you as you make plans to visit.
John B. Quam
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IN MEMORIAM
Howler Mourns a Loss
A
pril 27 was a very sad day when we learned that Nikki Durling, a dear member of the Howler family, had passed away after a long illness. Our shock and sense of loss were profound. Nikki was a joy to work with and be around. We loved her smile and her sense of humor. We marveled at her creative talents, infinite optimism and ability to stay calm under pressure. We will miss her intelligence, wit and wisdom. We will also miss having afterschool visits from Nikki's beautiful young daughter, Simone. Nikki grew up in Florida, where she studied art history and French at the University of Florida. She later pursued a master’s degree in historical preservation at Savannah College of Art and Design. She traveler extensively in Europe and Asia before deciding to make Costa Rica her home, settling in Potrero. Our love and prayers go out to Simone and to Nikki’s wide circle of friends and family. Rest in peace, angel.
April 23, 1978 - April 26, 2020
Nikki During December 24, 2019 If you would've told me a year ago — hell, even six months ago — that I would be doing one of my dream jobs, I would've laughed at you. But here I am! I've completed the layout and design for my second Howler issue and all I can say is WOW. I love this "job" so much. And I put “job” in quotations because it doesn't feel like one at all. How does the saying go? Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. That's exactly how I feel. Yes, my job is stressful, but only in moments. I never wake up and wish I didn't have to go to work. My work time is flexible and 100% accommodating to my needs. Have I ever mentioned that I get to do it all from the beach in Costa Rica?! Six months ago, I struggled to come to work four days a week in a job that had to be done in the office. It was toxic, I was over it and I was actively looking for something else. Then everything changed. The responsibility of Howler’s Creative/Art Director sort of fell in my lap and I haven't looked back since. It's been amazing to go through my process of designing a magazine and comparing it to how the person before me worked. I look back now and knowing what I know, I'm genuinely baffled on why the person before me was so stressed about this. Nevertheless, I am so happy and give a huge thank you to our team at Howler Mag. You guys rock and we killed it this time! And thank you, John, for taking a chance on me for this position. I feel blessed and can't wait to see what the next six months bring to us.
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Nikki stepped in and took the ball during a time that we had a change in the company. She was my right hand, she never said no to me, just figured it out and did it. She single-handedly took the Howler to a new level. I loved working with her. Her creativity and design sense was amazing. She was so organized and worked so diligently. I loved that she loved working here. Nikki was such a good mother to Simone. She encouraged her to let her creativity shine.
To the end, Nikki was an example of living life to the fullest each day. With all the forces she had, despite her health challenges, she gave it her all as a mother, coworker, collaborator and friend. I will always cherish memories of her beautiful smile and sweetness when speaking with each other.
I was very devastated when I heard the news but I did not have time to grieve her loss because of the need to pick up very quickly where she had left off with the Howler. I know it will hit me hard once we have launched this e-magazine, which is dedicated to her. Fly with the angels
Being the new kid on the block, Nikki was always patient and kind with my clarification of the information I received. She worked through a lot of gridlock to ensure the job was done, and done very well. I called her on her birthday and sang happy birthday ... sorta like Marilyn Monroe's version. Nikki just laughed and said, "thank you Terry!" As always, I offered assistance if she needed anything. She responded, "I'm fine." I'll sure miss her. — Terry Carlile
— John Quam Nikki's loss is impossible to believe or understand. She was an extraordinary young woman — a gifted artist, a wise philosopher, a loyal, generous friend and an energetic, upbeat co-worker. Her vibrant spirit lives on in our memories and hearts. Nikki's beloved daughter, Simone, is already growing up in her mom's image to light up the lives of everyone lucky to know her. The world awaits Simone's readiness to make her own mark as Nikki did before leaving us way too soon. May heaven be your new paradise, Nikki. — Debbie Bride
— Marynes Fernandez
Sadly, I never had the pleasure of meeting Nikki in person, but drew inspiration from her drive and dedication daily through our work together. It was a pleasure to work alongside Nikki for the better part of the last year and she will be missed dearly. She touched all of our lives and I am grateful for having known her, no matter how briefly. — Kelly Norris
Simone's artwork
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HOWLER
CO N T E N T S Up Front
6 - Editorial: Wake Up! 8 - In Memoriam 12 - Contributors and Howler Troop 16 - Cover Story: The Ronnie King - Costa Rica Connection
16 ACE - Arts Culture Entertainment 28 - ACE Feature: So You Think You Can Dance, Costa Rica 32 - So You Think You Can Dance, Guanacaste 38 - Hop on La Carreta with Carpe Chepe 42 - Wilberth Sanchez In the Moment 46 - New Regional Books Showcase
48 Travel & Adventure 48 - Sleep Beauty 54 - The Wonder of It All 60 - The Forest For the Trees 66 - Randall Arauz: Creature Eco-Feature
74 SurďŹ ng Costa Rica 75 - May Tide Chart 76 - A Dry April 78 - Santa Teresa 80 - Surfing and Yoga Go Hand in Hand
86 Pura Vida - Living Costa Rica 86 - Beyond Yoga 90 - Yoga and Wellness Retreats 94 - Costa Rica Your Way 99 - Everyday Wellness Green Smoothie 100 - At One With the Universe 103 - Dry Skin 104 - Beginner's Guide to CBD Skin Care 108 - A Quarantine To Remember 110 - Reset Your Mindset 116 - Raising Resilience 118 - Captain Crunch 120 - Refuge for Wildlife
122 CR Biz 122 - The Sun Will Rise Tomorrow 131 - Legal Ease 135 - Timely and Proactive Response by Costa Rica 140 - Community Food Banks
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HOWLER T r o o p
H
owler is pleased to feature in this issue’s Travel & Adventure section a photographic journey into the wonders of Costa Rica’s landscapes and wildlife, led by Paul German.
Born in Ontario, Canada, Paul has spent most of his life enveloped in the travel and adventure fields. His sincere reverence for people, cultures and languages developed during his years growing up in Brazil and work ventures internationally. As a photographer, Paul has spent the last 20 years creating images that tell a story through simple, powerful imagery that arouses the senses and commands attention. A long time adventure guide, Paul has led excursions from Antarctica to the Arctic and many destinations in between Currently he is based in the Pacific northwest area of Costa Rica where he enjoys the company of great swells and howler monkeys. WRITERS Joanna Blanco. Integrative nutritional health coach who helps clients embrace wellness in five inter-connected areas of life: relationships, livelihood, physical activity, spiritual awareness and diet. Alei Burns. The Bookstore of the Waves owner, New Yorkraised librarian, passionate book and surf lover. Maria Laura Charles. Digital marketing strategist, content creator, experience designer and empathy activist. Creator of Casa Narime & La Marea. WhatsApp: +506 8879-2145. Ellen Zoe Golden. Former entertainment biz PR flack, now living the dream as a travel agent and journalist in Tamarindo. Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@ gmattorneyscr.com Alan C. Jones, MA, is a psychotherapist trained at the California Institute of Integral Studies. He currently works in Costa Rica offering custom workshops and retreats. Visit www. Entheohealing.com Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breath work experiences, cacao ceremonies & other activities. hello@puravidavibrations.com Michelle Nayebkhil. Fusing the science and psychology of nutrition with the art of food creativity and healthy eating, Michelle is a licensed nutrition educator with a background in psychology. She turned her lifestyle into a career by inspiring others to eat better and offering personalized health and nutrition coaching. Nicole Page. Co-founder of the Viva Purpose, Inc. publishing group, shares her expertise on expat life in Central America with followers on her website, blogs and social media. Her two "Cut The Crap” books, about moving to Costa Rica and cooking in Costa on a budget, respectively, have made her a top-selling author. Jim Parisi. Former owner of Jaime Peligro Bookstore, now called "Bookstore of the Waves". Tamarindo resident for 16 years. jaimepeligro123@hotmail.com Jenn Parker. An avid writer, traveler, and nature lover on a mission to surf the earth and share her stories. Rick Philps. Canadian who practiced law in Victoria, BC before moving to Costa Rica in 1998. He has practiced law here for 17 years, having continued his education in specialty areas such as civil law and notary and registry law. Rick offers legal due diligence seminars and consultations in the Gold Coast area for
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May 2020 Vol. 25 No. 3
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam C r e at i v e D i r e c t o r Terry Carlile BUSINESS DEVELOpmENT John B. Quam E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator Laurie Quam - Copy Editor
ex-pats moving, or considering moving to Costa Rica. Contact rick@costaricacanadalaw.com or visit www.costaricacanadalaw. com
Graphic Design Cover Design: Mike Shannon John B. Quam - Design Consultant
Mario Molina Salazar. Sustainable traveler and cultural manager of my art organization Costa Rica en la Pared. Street art and its impact to . . transform communities. costaricaenlapared@gmail.com
O p e r at i o n s Marynes Fernández - Office Manager
Sales Terry Carlile - Sales Consultant Mike Shannon. Known in Costa Rica’s Gold Coast area as a founding member and guitarist with the popular Band X. Having Kelly Norris - Jacó Sales Consultant started playing drums at age 7 while growing up in Ontario, Victoria Rice Canada, he later played in rock and post-punk bands before Jen McCrea moving to Miami and eventually Costa Rica, where he now lives in Playa Flamingo. Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com Ben Shalev is the Executive Account Manager /Owner of Costa Rica Solar Solutions Phone: 506-4030-2024 or 5067046-9007, email ben@crsolarsolutons.com or visit http:// www.crsolarsolutions.com
C o n ta c t
John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: info@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942
Colleen Stacey. Long-term resident of Potrero, Costa Rica, US Office: (303) 952-0337 (leave message) who helps others discover their inner wisdom through the Howler Magazine Costa Rica practice of yoga and meditation at the Sattva yoga studio in @thehowlermag Potrero. Colleen is thankful to live in a country full of inspiration, @howlermagazine tranquility and peacefulness. 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. Randy Toltz. Long-time resident of Costa Rica working as Broker Associate with EXP Realty. Contact by phone: 303676-7036 or email: randy@thetoltzgroup.com Visit www. thetoltzgroup.com Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA. Contact Dr. Weinman at thedoctorisinsharkfm@gmail.com Laura Wilkinson. Wildlife photographer, filmmaker and writer dedicated to wildlife protection awareness in Costa Rica. As Media Manager at Refuge for Wildlife, she is part of its Stop the Shocks team, striving to prevent animal electrocutions on power lines. PHOTOGRAPHY Tony Roberts. Lifelong surfer, skater, artist, musician, photographer and filmmaker. Go-to guy for tourist surfers in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama and the Caribbean with his company Real Surf Trips. tr@tonyrobertsphoto.com or realsurftrips.com
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers.
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. Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.
Copyright © 2020 The Howlerhowlermag.com Gold Coast CR S.A.
We Are Ready When You Are We wish the very best to all our clients, past, present and future, as we continue to manage our portfolio safely from home. So when the time is right for to purchase property in one of the most beautiful, friendly and safest countries in the world, we will be ready for you. Modern Condo Steps To Flamingo Beach
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
5/1/2020
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Costa Rica Connection by Mike Shannon
C
osta Rica’s most prominent natural resources are nature and beaches, both of which feed the country’s top no. 1 economic sector, tourism. They are no more prominent than in the northernmost province of Guanacaste, home to what is referred to as The Gold Coast. This strip of beach runs from south of Tamarindo, up past Playas del Coco and points further north. ‘The best things happen to me in Costa Rica.’ These two beach towns serve as hotspot bookends to the endless variety of beaches and smaller beach towns that dot the region.
COVER STORY
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IoVbWMJNM3RqJeldFm3Pybul4-RJ6XPm
Endless options for surfing, hiking, camping, fishing,1/2 exploration and adventure make the Gold Coast region a tourism treasure. With that comes the plethora of hotels, clubs and restaurants catering to tourists, in turn, promoting a concentration of musical talent not commonly found anywhere else in the country.
Chillin' in Costa Rica
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Musical musings After enjoying great success as a music producer stateside, Ronnie King and close friend Alex Urbaniak decided in 2000 to create a tropical annex for their musical musings. Costa Rica was an obvious choice because of the beaches, weather, proximity to the U.S. and stable political climate. “The best things happen to me in Costa Rica,” is how King reflects on the two decades that have found him visiting the country with increasing frequency for extended stays.
Debi Nova
And quite by happenstance, a close friend from Los Angeles landed them in a beautiful seaside home in Potrero on the Gold Coast. It was here that King set up his first Costa Rican center of operations. He reached out to the musical community and aggressively networked to uncover the best local talent. He engaged with and recorded with the likes of Charly Lopez, a prominent solo artist and vocalist for the popular Alvacast, a hard rock band from Uruguay. Another artist Ronnie
GrammyNominated LA Musician Building Unique Music Culture on the Gold Coast
worked with was Joe Hrbek, a brilliant saxophone player whose passion is jazz, but whose range is virtually unlimited. He also recorded with Glass Eye, led by the great Bradley Brown, considered one of the best bands in the area; and Avalino, a local favorite offering authentic Latin sounds with about the most jovial disposition you could encounter.
Charly Lopez
With these initial efforts in the can, King was thrilled with the results. He wanted to round it out with a few more local artists and eventually release “The Sounds of Tamarindo,” a musical offering that showcases the talent found in this beautiful part of the world. Joe Hrbeck
Jammin' in Costa Rica Photos and videos courtesy of Ronnie King
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT Next-level vision But never one to think small, Ronnie also wanted to take it to the next level by establishing something more permanent and regenerative that would benefit the hard-working musicians, while providing quality entertainment for the constant influx of tourists for the long term. This is where King’s full vision started to take shape. Upon subsequent return trips to Guanacaste, Ronnie continued to stockpile recordings of local artists, adding to the stable of talent with the likes of Brother Brutus, one of the most fun bands you’ll ever see; the talented and beautiful solo performer Chelsea Davis; and Pinky Guaro, a four-piece band featuring Stephanie Waltrip on vocals and Gold Coast stalwart Jesse Bishop; plus many more. “The Sounds of Tamarindo” was indeed taking shape as a true crosssection of the Gold Coast
sounds of the Gold Coast. Its release is anticipated before the end of 2020. Ronnie’s creation utilized his years of recording experience with downsized technology and simplified recording methods. The result was to produce a relaxed recording atmosphere for the artists and an authentic sound that could only come from the Gold Coast. This, in part, started to formulate the brand that King envisioned when this process started years ago.
Jesse Bishop
COVER STORY
He’s looking for songwriters and risk-takers to promote the area’s distinctive sound and brand.
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Natural elements “In attempting to create this brand, I embraced the so-called flaws and chose to leave in the faint sounds of the wind, surf, and wildlife,” he explained.
Black Stallion Ranch with Alex
But Ronnie being Ronnie, he wanted to go bigger. As time marched on, close friend Alex Urbaniak acquired the Black Stallion Ranch in Villarreal. This beautiful farm, about a 10-minute drive from Tamarindo, has a great restaurant, cabins for rent, and meeting spaces. It’s perfect to further Ronnie’s vision, which is to create an atmosphere where local artists, performers, filmmakers, entertainers, and musicians can congregate and collaborate. “What happens when all this talent gets together, I can’t control, nor do I want to,” King said.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT From these collaborations will undoubtedly come the second “Sounds of Tamarindo� record, a unique opportunity for these artists that they would otherwise not realize. Then, King can put his talent to use with promotion and publicity through multiple content streams like CD sales, online downloads and local concerts at The Black Stallion and other locations throughout Guanacaste.
COVER STORY
Plans are in the works to resurrect Shark Radio to give the movement a consistent voice in the area. Meanwhile, talks with cultural officials in the Costa Rica government are aimed at eventually taking this thinking to a national scale.
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Life, work, business balance “I believe in a careful balance between life, work and business,” said Ronnie, “and I want to offer that possibility to the local talent.” This, in a nutshell, is King’s vision. He can back it up with experience, connections, talent, know-how and unbridled enthusiasm. The Gold Coast area is very spread out, so musical talent that is in Coco generally stays in Coco. The same goes for Potrero and Tamarindo. Sure, many musicians travel around grabbing gigs where they can, but Ronnie wants to get these artists together collaborating and creating. For that, they need a place to call their own and the Black Stallion is just that. The whole point is to draw the talent out of these performers so they can realize their own potential while helping establish the Gold Coast sound. The Black Stallion gives them a place to call their own, where they can come together for collaborations, workshops and masterclasses with stateside performers. It’s a means of giving the brand life through various promotional channels and associations with like-minded people.
Ronnie strives to create and promote more of a unique music scene rather than just catering to tourists with old songs. He’s looking for songwriters and risk-takers to promote the area’s distinctive sound and brand by helping to bring out the performers’ true talent. This combined with the laid back lifestyle and unbridled natural beauty of Costa Rica, the endearing people and gorgeous warm weather, this area could ultimately become a musical destination for performers and fans alike, and Ronnie King is most determined to make that happen and soon.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
MultiFaceted Musical Legacy
R
onnie King is an Oscar- and Grammy-nominated producer, composer, arranger, musician and activist. He is the founder of Ronnie King Music and The Ronnie King Group and co-founder of Ronnie King Entertainment. He has collaborated with multimillion dollar selling artists such as Mariah Carey, Tyrese, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dogg and The Offspring. Ronnie King grew up in the Coachella Valley, the son of musician Charles H. King, member of the Dust Bowl-era King Family Orchestra, founded by his grandfather. Their music was featured in the drama The Grapes of Wrath starring Henry Fonda, directed by John Ford and the band is archived in the Library of Congress. King began playing the piano at age 5. He was a highly disciplined student of classical and jazz piano at the prestigious California Institute of the Arts and studied theory at UC Berkeley. Redrocks, Colorado
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Los Angeles scene In the early 1990s he moved to Los Angeles and began touring with bands El Debarge and Timmy T., promoting their Gulf War hit entitled “One More Try.” His work soon caught the eye of Jerry Heller, manager of the legendary gangsta rap group NWA, whose members included hip hop icons Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre. The latter would go on to discover and produce Eminem.
Pepper
According to the Huffington Post, King’s iconic sound is universally recognized, and he is “one of the few producers/musicians alive today who is known for his work across music genres: from rap to punk, from country to blues, from classical to world music and so on.” Professionalism and flexibility have established King’s reputation within the highly-competitive and everevolving music industry. He is known as a studio musician and touring keyboardist, and for his famous collaborations and penchant for developing and producing new artists. Ronnie became known for his multi-platinum and diamond-certified collaboration with the late Tupac Shakur, along with the pioneer producer, Johnny J. He also collaborated with Outlawz, Mopreme Shakur and Big Syke. King laid the groundwork for the rise of Tupac, one of hip hop music’s greatest stars and established a sound that was uniquely his own. His analog Moog keyboard and Hammond organ led him to become one of the most sampled and copied producers.
Ronnie & Kaleo
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT Punk passion Having established himself in the world of hip hop, King returned to his passion for punk music. Showing his versatility, he toured with Rancid and The Offspring, his keyboards featured in their single “Hit That.” Ronnie co-founded the Los Angeles punk supergroup The Joy Killer, comprised by former members of the pioneer punk band TSOL. He recorded with NOFX, Pennywise and the Distillers. Despite his busy schedule, King also found time to tour with the platinum-selling band Rancid.
King has also worked on several films, including American Me featuring Edward James Olmos with rapper Kid Frost, The Crow: Salvation, The Fan and recently Boardercross starring Lorenzo Lamas and Danny Trejo. King’s collaborations reach outside the United States. His friendship with Luciano Jr., former member of Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, led to his collaboration with Argentinian producer Alejandro Taranto. Together they began work on Infierno 18 and went on to win MTV Awards and a Grammy.
COVER STORY
In 2005, “Resurrection” a documentary about the life and death of Tupac Shakur was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 77th Academy Awards. Ronnie King’s collaborations
with the late rapper are featured in the awardwinning soundtrack. He has always been interested in collaborations with artists outside the United States.
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Costa Rica connections Ronnie has worked and is in development with Costa Rican Grammy-nominated singer Debi Nova, along with other Costa Rican musicians such as Tamela Hedström, Pedro Capmany, Michelle Gonzales, Badrass and Cori Elle, and the bands Gandhi, Patterns and Magpie Jay. King has established himself as a leading producer in Costa Rica and his demand has spread throughout Latin America and South America. This is partly through his close relationship with Universal Music Latin Entertainment while consolidating his Hispanic base in the U.S. and Europe.
Ronnie King has also worked in the native American community with artists such as Nammy Award-winning Kelly Derrickson. King recently collaborated with the INSOLLviv, the International Symphony Orchestra in the Ukraine, and is in development with the National Symphony Orchestra of Costa Rica, where he also resides. Ronnie is an avid supporter and Goodwill Ambassador/Cultural Attaché for the University of International Collaboration based in San José, Costa Rica. This institution promotes regenerative design and development, the next step beyond eco, green and sustainable initiatives, through culture, music and the arts.
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Photo courtesy of:Debra Bernal / Shutterstock.com
Photo courtesy of:A.PAES / Shutterstock.com
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So You Think You Can Dance, Costa Rica
Aspire to be a National Champion by Tom Schultz
That started to change in 2009 when the first international dance competition was held here. It was initiated by Nick Kosovich, remembered by many viewers of Dancing With the Stars in its early seasons, and David Martinez, a Costa Rican dance professional in California who remains the head judge for the Costa Rican version of Dancing with the Stars. Sadly, however, this first foray into international dance competitions in Costa Rica lost traction and ended in 2012.
C DANCE SPOTLIGHT
osta Rica’s rich history of dance is hardly surprising, with a tradition deeply rooted in folkloric dance. The country also has wellestablished university programs for ballet and contemporary dance, and even its own unique dance: criollo, or Tico swing. Criollo is classified as a swing dance for having characteristics in common with jive, Lindy hop and jitterbug. Its genesis was in dance halls on banana plantations, where there were disproportionately fewer women workers. Therefore, criollo can be danced with three, four or five people. However vibrant Costa Rica’s dance heritage may be, there has been a longstanding lack of organizational presence for dancers to train and compete at an international level. The author and his wife, Shelley, are the current Costa Rican National Champions in the Senior Standard Ballroom category
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Dancesport support Then three years ago, a new organization was formed, La Federación de Baile Deportivo (FECOBADE). The federation was born out of the need for Costa Rican dancers to have support from a dancesport organization so they can compete nationally or internationally with the endorsement of a recognized entity. An important inclusion in the FECOBADE charter ensures national and traditional folkloric dance is also represented in its competitions. FECOBADE’s formation has given rise to Costa Rica’s two sponsored competitive dance events each year. It revived the international competition in 2016 as the Costa Rican Open Dance Fest, usually held in October. More importantly, it created the Costa Rica National Dance Competition (La Competencia Nacional de Baile Costa Rica), usually held in June. This event has been declared culturally important by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Culture.
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The national competition spans several days and covers wide-ranging events for all ages and skill levels. This can become confusing, so I offer this little primer on how competitions work in the dance world. The national championships are open to all citizens and residents of Costa Rica. Individual competitions fall into three categories. 1. Type of dance
Dance is in a league of its own where sports are concerned. style of ballroom dance tracing back to the European competitions. They are familiar to viewers of Dancing with the Stars or, in the United Kingdom, Strictly Come Dancing.
Dance categories span from the original dancesport ballroom dance categories to popular Latin dances such as mambo, merengue, bachata and salsa, to Argentine tango, contemporary, breakdancing and team dancing. You will see Costa Rican folkloric dance teams and even Tico swing dancers.
You should go!
2. Age
Dance is in a league of its own where sports are concerned. At the end of the day, it can still be a beautiful art form. Even witnessing the extraordinary physical exertion exhibited by competitive dancers, the artistry is undeniable. These performers are also capable of tapping into an audience’s emotions to make everyone feel a certain way. Then there is the creativity and imagination behind every dance routine as choreographers focus on esthetically pleasing movements and visual lines.
Dance style categories are subdivided by age groups, from youth to adult to senior. 3. Skill level Participants not only compete against dancers their own age but also by their own skill level. As dancers progress in their dance training, they learn established “syllabus” dance moves. They become more proficient practicing and performing more complex moves and choreography. The top categories, in which winners are awarded the “National Champion” title, are danced at the highest level in that form of dance. For example, my wife and I are Costa Rican National Champions in the Senior Standard Ballroom category. “Standard ballroom: is the original
You should plan to attend Costa Rica’s 2020 national dance championships. They are open to the public. Experiencing a dance competition is something I recommend to everyone. It is fun, electric and joyful.
All in all, there is no way to think about dance as being anything other than special. Dance is both an art and a sport (see below). Add to that the magic of Costa Rica’s young dancers, especially the kids, with their large followings of family members and sometimes entire groups from some of the small towns where they live. Audience response is part of the joy for everyone involved with or attending the Costa Rica National Dance Competition. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made it necessary to postpone the 2020 event. It has been rescheduled from June to October, and combined with the international Costa Rican Open Dance Fest. So mark your calendars now for three days of exhilarating performances by Costa Rica’s own talented dancers: Friday to Sunday, October 9 to 11 at the new Costa Rica Convention Center in San José. Better yet: do you think you have a great salsa, merengue, or bachata? Sign up and find out!
Folkloric dance performances are a special attraction at the national championships.
Visit the website Costa Rican National Dance Competition or Facebook HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
But Is It a Sport? D ance is the kind of human instinct that never needed to be invented. The evolution of dance is entwined with ritual, artistic expression and even entertainment. But is it actually a sport?
Sport is defined as “an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others.� As for physical exertion, the performance of quickstep in dance competitions was ranked higher by Australian researchers for heart rate and exertion over running, swimming and other sports. As someone with years of firsthand experience, I would agree!
DANCE SPOTLIGHT
The concept of dance as a sport originated in the early 20th century in Paris, maturing in the 1920s and 30s in Europe. After World War II, it became even more popular. International competitions, especially in ballroom dance styles, extended outside Europe to North America and Asia. By the 1960s and 70s, global status had been attained through an everwidening series of dance
Photos courtesy of the Costa Rican National Dance Competition
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
So You Think You Can Dance, Guanacaste
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by Tom Shultz
osta Rica may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of dance competitions, although that has been changing in recent years (see the article on page X, “So You Think You Can Dance Costa Rica�). And certainly Guanacaste might seem like an unlikely hot spot for dance.
A Conversation With Tara-Jean Popowich Photo: @nashvillephotogapher
DANCE SPOTLIGHT
So it was a huge surprise to have the opportunity and pleasure to sit down and talk with internationally renowned dancer Tara-Jean Popowich, who has recently been making Guanacaste her home away from home. For those who are not Canadian, or dance fanatics, TaraJean was the Season 2 winner of So You Think You Can Dance Canada (SYTCYD). Hailing from the Canadian prairie city of Lethbridge, Alberta, Tara-Jean is a contemporary dancer also trained in hip-hop and even tap. Her SYTYCYD fame has allowed her to appear in TV shows and music videos, and to teach, perform and even judge dancing all over the world. Tara-Jean and I had to arrange for a virtual conversation, the norm while pandemic quarantine measures are still in effect, so we chatted via Zoom.
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Photo: @bleubaker
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Few degrees of separation By way of introduction, we began as all dancers tend to do: discover the amazingly few degrees of separation that exist in the dance world. Newly acquainted dancers can almost always find a coach, studio or fellow dancer in common from their past experience. It happens that the head judge of SYTYCD Canada was one of our earliest dance coaches, so that gave us cause for some exchanges of memories and laughter. So my obvious question for Tara-Jean was, “What is someone with the degree of fame you have achieved — appearing on TV programs such as the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and in music videos with superstars like Shania Twain, and jet setting around the world — doing here in Costa Rica … specifically Huacas, Guanacaste?” “Well, I was in New York and the opportunity to come down to Costa Rica popped up,” TaraJean explained. “It seemed like a great place to go, so I decided to come down for a three-month visiting teaching position at Elevate Movement Studio.” But, she added with a smile, three months turned out to be much too short of a visit. “I’m still here. I came down and fell in love with the country, and especially the people. And, most importantly, I was impressed by the amazing amount of talent here in Costa Rica. “Kids here in Costa Rica have such amazing innate talent. They are so focused and dedicated, and they learn so quickly. I know as a professional dancer how important that is, and now that I’m past 30 years of age I appreciate the speed and uptake of these young dancers.“
Photo: @chrisyauck
@tarajeanpopowich www.tara-Jean.com
Note, as a dancer twice Tara-Jean’s age I got a huge giggle out of that. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 33
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT Wide-ranging role at Elevate I asked Tara-Jean about Elevate and her teaching role there. “Elevate has almost 200 students, from young children through young adults,” she said, ”learning everything from ballet to hip hop. I’ve been teaching contemporary and even Broadway dance. We had a special show we were planning for June in San José that we had to cancel due to the [pandemic] restrictions right now.“
DANCE SPOTLIGHT
We talked a bit about the state of dance in Costa Rica, discovering how much isolation there is between areas of the country and how important it is for these young dancers to get opportunities outside their local region. I for one, had no idea that a dance studio existed in Guanacaste with almost 200 students, while Tara-Jean was unaware of the studios and competitions starting in the Central Valley around San José. So it was a pleasure to meet and enlightening for both of us to exchange information for the betterment of dance here in Costa Rica. My last question for Tara-Jean was, “Is Costa Rica home now for you?” She replied, “Well, the country and the people are so easy to fall in love with and the work is extremely satisfying, so you never know.”
Photo: @nashvillephotographer
Kids here in Costa Rica have such amazing innate talent.
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Nothing Will Stop This Young Dancer
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ara-Jean told me how easy it is to fall in love with students who are as passionate and dedicated as one of her favorite students at Elevate Movement Studio in Huacas. She wanted to share this with Howler readers in this young student’s own words, as follows. Photos: Javier Castaùeda
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT “My name is Allison Zuniga Quesada. I’m 14 years old and I’m from Costa Rica. I started dancing when I was 9 at Elevate Movement studio.
“Dance doesn't only take discipline and dedication. I sacrifice my free time to do what I love. I go through challenges every day and dance helps me get through them. I love dancing and nothing will ever stop me.”
DANCE SPOTLIGHT
“First I started with ballet classes every Saturday and later on my teacher encouraged me to try jazz. Time passed and I tried new styles and ended up loving every single one. My favorite style is contemporary. I love it because I am myself. I dance how I want to dance and my movement is different. I feel free and happy.
“I love dancing because I can turn everything negative into something positive with my movement. I can move my body in different ways every day. I can learn from myself every day … and not only from myself but my friends, teachers and anyone around me.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Hop on La Carreta with Carpe Chepe
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an José is the perfect destination to experience and learn more about urban tourism in Costa Rica. The city offers many options to have a good time while thinking of your next adventure. Museums, galleries, parks, restaurants, coffee shops, bars and friendly people are some of the reasons why you should visit the capital city. What better way to explore the city than accompanied by locals in a pub crawl? Urban Dictionary defines pub crawl as: “Where a group of people will try
Pub Crawl Offers Great Taste of Night Life to visit as many pubs as possible in one night, having a set number of alcoholic beverages in each.” Sounds fun right? The local company Carpe Chepe invites you to discover intriguing secrets and facts about San José through its history and nightlife. You can enjoy shots, local beers, cocktails and great company as you make your way from pub to pub. A favorite Carpe Chepe tour starts on board its famous La Carreta, a unique party bus that makes stops at some of the best bars and pubs in San José. La
URBAN TOURISM
by Mario Molina Salazar & Maria Laura Charles
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Carreta’s name comes from the popular Tico saying "Montarse en la Carreta." Translated as “riding on the oxcart,” it is a locally used description of getting on an all-night party train. The unique Carpe Chepe party bus design was inspired by Costa Rica’s traditional oxcart, known for being decorated with hand-painted fine art designs
passed down from family generation to generation. In fact, the oxcart is Costa Rica’s national labor symbol. Carpe Chepe’s pub crawl tour runs every Friday and Saturday night, starting at 7:30 in Agüizotes Gastro Pub (5th avenue, 33rd street). This is in Barrio Escalante, a wonderful gastronomic neighborhood we highly recommend you get to know.
Pub package What’s included during this experience? Along with awesome local, multilingual guides, all entrance fees to the best bars in San José are covered. VIP tickets mean you skip the line-ups. You get one hour of free drinks and free signature HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 39
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT shots from each pub, plus games and activities. If needed, transportation from and to your hotel can be provided. You can make a reservation to either join the pub crawl tour or book a private party on La Carreta. Carpe Chepe also offers a craft beer tour and free walking tours every day. For more details and reservations, you can visit the Carpe Chepe office in San José’s La California neighborhood or contact: info@carpechepe.com Facebook and Instagram: @carpechepe
The unique party bus design was inspired by Costa Rica’s traditional oxcart.
CLICK & DISCOVER THE DIFFERENCE Enis Davis-Lewars
CR: (506) 8414-0420 USA & CA: 289-801-2364 info@costaricavacationrealty.com www.costaricavacationrealty.com 40 | #searchfindhowl | online
I understand how it feels to live overseas and make plans to move to another country. My husband and I made the move to Costa Rica from Toronto, Canada back in 2015. Fear and excitement all rolled up in one presents itself to you. We have never looked back. It turned out to be the best decision we have ever made. I look forward to sharing what I have learned and guide you through the process of finding the perfect home for you here in Paradise." howlermag.com
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info@schantzstudio.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 41
Wilberth Sanchez in the Moment Letting Nature Work its Magic
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t’s as if Wilberth Sanchez was born seeing the world through his own unique lens. Although still a young man, he has created a lifetime’s worth of lasting impressions by capturing spontaneous moments in time with his camera. In many cases, the emotional impact on those beholding his photographic talents extends to strangers as well as family and friends.
By Colleen Stacey Photos by Wilberth Sanchez
Having aspired to own a camera for some time growing up, Sanchez purchased his first one at the tender age of 12, paid for from his earnings selling chickens. That was 27 years ago, a time when his passion for photography received little support from family members. It would take another 15 years before he was able to purchase his first digital camera, a very simple model. Next came an upgrade several years later, when his friends and family could not help but take his endeavors seriously by offering encouragement and support.
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Readiness for whatever crosses his path is the key to Wilberth’s unique style, whether photographing nature or people. His camera is always handy for bringing to life the authentic, unassuming, sometimes playful raw image through the convergence of reality and imagination. Sanchez is known for his finesse in capturing out-of-the-ordinary moments and situations that the average person never sees on an everyday basis. Relying on his entirely self-taught skills and experience, Wilberth uses mostly basic camera settings and lets nature do its thing to make the magic. He capitalizes on the natural position and nuances of his subject from behind the lens, without the intention of retouching the image later. The objective is to stay true to the organic moment he seeks to preserve. A large zoom lens gives Sanchez the advantage of catching details not often seen with the naked eye. Whether it’s a sunset dipping down into the horizon or a moonrise cresting the mountain, the results never cease to astonish. Born in Guápiles, Limón, Wilberth moved with his family to La Fortuna de San Carlos when he was 6 years old. As a young adult, he settled in Potrero, which he has called home for the past 18 years.
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Readiness for whatever crosses his path is the key to Wilberth’s unique style. In and around Potrero/Surfside, Sanchez is widely admired and respected, including by the people he works for. His sense of humor is as widely appreciated as his quickness to help in the community, be it driving people to the hospital when needed or lending a hand to help a neighbor. He has also been instrumental in helping organize some of the first volunteer groups to clean the beaches in the area. Through the creative expressions of his photography and the example he sets as a local role model doing good works for others, Wilberth Sanchez is an inspiration to all who know him.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
A Moon Chaser’s Story
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
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ilberth Sanchez’s enthusiasm for rising moon photographs is not a well-kept secret. Those marvelling at the breathtaking results have included seasoned photographers with years of their own experience, curious about his techniques. In his own words, here is the story of Wilberth’s remarkable patience and perseverance as a moon chaser. "I was returning from the Tamarindo airport to Potrero one evening, passing through Villarreal, when I noticed the moon rising up from behind a hill. It looked giant! I decided to return the next day to try to photograph it, but was unable to locate it. I returned home disappointed. “After reading that every day the moon would rise about 40 minutes later than the day before, I decided to try again the following month, but did not succeed then either. “Months later, after returning from Las Catalinas, I spotted the moon again in her full state. It was then that I realized it depended on the distance between me and the hill, so I started looking for locations at a certain distance. After a few attempts I found a perfect place to photograph the moon. 44
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“I had a dream of being able to take someone to the top of the hill and place them in the photograph in front of the moon as she was rising. Finally I found someone with the same interest in the moon like my own, and was able to capture the very picture I had dreamed of. “Of course this photograph was not simple to take. Each time we returned to the location it was impossible to know where exactly the moon would rise. But that also makes it more exciting … not to mention running down steep inclines and quickly cutting debris or branches that obscure the view. “I have learned that the moon can rise more to the right or left each day, depending on the month of the year. You can go out every day from half an hour to an hour later than the day before, and only four or five days a month provide the best window of opportunity to photograph the moon. “In addition to having the right location and planning carefully, you need a camera with a great zoom. It takes intelligence calculating distance and rising time, and someone willing to hike through the brush and mountainside. Of course, you also need really good luck.“ howlermag.com
Serendipitous Spectacle
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his serendipitous story says a great deal about the inner essence of Wilberth Sanchez, whose perceptions of beauty in his outer world are too compelling not to share with others. He tells us what happened on the evening of February 7, 2018. “I was returning from San Carlos to Flamingo. Just after Bagaces I noticed an amazing sunset. I was so captivated by the sight that I pulled my car off to the edge of the road and started shooting photos. “In one of the photos, there was a vehicle in the distance. I captured that vehicle on the crest of the hill with the sunset in the foreground. The night sky was riveting with clouds against a blood orange backdrop, the distant car a mere silhouette of darkness. “After arriving home and loading the photos on my computer I enlarged the photo that showed the vehicle. I kept enlarging it several times until eventually I could make out the license plate number. This photograph was so special that I decided to start searching for the owner of the vehicle. I wanted to share it with him. “I looked in the national registry to find the license plate number and found the name of the owner, also in the registry.
Then I looked for the name of the owner’s children and with that information began searching on Facebook for people with that name. I managed to find the owner's Facebook page. I sent him a message but he never replied, so I wrote to his children on Facebook, waiting for someone to respond. “Finally one of these family members saw the message and answered me. He told me that he was the car owner’s son, and that he would pass the photo on to his father. He told me that they lived in Golfito, near the border of Panama. He asked me for the date of the photo and was able to tell me that it was a trip one of his relative’s had made to Guanacaste province in that particular car. “He also said that a year earlier, his father had also taken a trip to Guanacaste in the same car hat with his mother. His mother had passed away just two days after returning from that trip. He told me the photo reminded his father of the precious memories from that trip with his mother. In fact, they had actually stopped to admire a sunset very similar to the one in my photo. “For me, it was a great pleasure to know the story behind the vehicle in my photo, and how special it was for that family to bring back memories from their own trip.”
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
New Regional Books Showcase Diverse Corners of Costa Rica
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BOOK SHELF
jalá Ediciones publishing company in San José recently unveiled the first three books in its new Costa Rica Regional Guide series. These debut publications focus on three of the most visited areas of Costa Rica, their titles here in order of publication: Guanacaste, Monteverde & Arenal and the Caribbean Coast. The regional guide label is somewhat of a misnomer. Smaller than conventional "coffee table" books but larger than typical travel guides, the high-quality hardback volumes contain a wealth of information about the respective regions covered. The first and second books in the series are co-authored by Luciano Capelli and María Montero, and the third jointly written by Capelli and Yazmín Ross. All three books are printed with both Spanish and English text, offset by vivid, stunning photos by Capelli and other renowned Costa Rican photographers. Each incorporates an attached, fold-out map of its region. Varied backstories The Guanacaste guide is organized in three sections. First, “Summer Beaches” focuses on the development of tourism in this province while striving concurrently to preserve the natural habitat and landscape. The second section, “Regrowing A Forest,” begins with a brief history of the area’s deforestation, starting in the mid20th century and lasting more than 40 years. Then there’s a shift in emphasis with the rest of this chapter encompassing the impressive efforts
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These debut publications focus on three of the most visited areas of Costa Rica. By Jim Parisi and Alei Burns
to return Guanacaste’s forests to their original state, once again teeming with life. The final section, “Pampas and Savannahs,” is dedicated to the Nicoya Peninsula, detailing the social, economic and cultural impact of cattle ranching in that area. This section also renders an historical account of the near demise of the Chorotega indigenous peoples, from the arrival of Europeans in 1522 through their amazing perseverance to survive thereafter. Monteverde & Arenal is a canon of information about the national parks in these areas and their role in preserving hundreds of plant, insect, reptile, bird and mammal species integral to the circle of life in each instance. This edition also takes a close look at the development of the nearby city of Quepos, chronicling its growing pains as well as the municipality’s efforts to improve infrastructure. Ojalá’s Caribbean Coast book is a treasure. The focus on Puerto Viejo and Cahuita does justice to the laid-back culture of Costa Rica’s entire eastern seaboard. There is also a section celebrating the life and accomplishments of Walter Ferguson, fondly nicknamed "Doctor Bombadee." Now in his 90s, Ferguson is considered the Godfather of Calypso music, a mainstay of Caribbean culture. All three of these new publications extol the virtues and diversity of Costa Rica’s regional legacies. All three are available at The Bookstore of the Waves in Playa Tamarindo. howlermag.com
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Sleeping Beauty FEATURED ADVENTURE
cave camping under one of the tallest waterfalls in Costa Rica by Mario Molina Salazar & Maria Laura Charles
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osta Rica is paradise for countless waterfalls hidden throughout its abundant rainforests. You can find one in almost every corner of this lush, naturally wild country.
Photos courtesy of Pacific Journeys
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Some waterfalls are ideal for relaxing and just floating around in their refreshing pools. Others are perfect for an exciting adventure like cliff-jumping off the highest rock into fresh and natural swimming holes. Just a few are hidden gems optimal for camping right underneath — can you believe it?
At the lower extreme, nestled beneath the fall, an open cave provides a wide-angle view of the jungle and canyon landscape. Within this safe and cozy cavern you can settle down for the night and drift off to sleep, perhaps unsure if this campsite is real or only a dream.
Just the soothing stream of water flowing through rocks can set you in a meditative state. Now imagine waking up to the sound of a symphonic cascade right above you.
During the day, a wide range of fun and adventurous activities are yours to enjoy at El Diamante, along with freshly prepared traditional-style meals. Hike deep into the jungle, rappel a 200-foot canyon, jump from cliffs into canyons or swim in pristine natural pools. The sensations overcoming you will be unforgettable.
In the town of Las Tumbas, between San Isidro de El General and Playa Dominical in the southern Pacific area of Costa Rica, one of the country’s highest waterfalls hides on a property called El Diamante. Located in a tropical forest among a remarkable variety of waterfalls in the Rio Barú vicinity, Catarata Diamante boasts a 600-foot drop. Translated as Diamond Waterfall, it is a diamond in the rocks indeed.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
Hiking through the El Diamante property is a rewarding experience in itself, culminating in breathtaking views from the waterfall’s brink, especially at sunset.
What to bring: • Three changes of comfortable clothes for hiking • Hiking boots or sneakers • Swimsuits, water shoes and towel • Comfortable pajamas • Refillable bottle of water • Headlight, bug spray and board games • Definitely a positive attitude
Ziplining in Monteverde Photo: TG23 / Shutterstock.com
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It is a diamond in the rocks indeed.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Plan your adventure Ready to see this hidden “diamond” for yourself ? Book this experience at www.Pacificjourneyscr.com Facebook and instagram: @pacificjourneyscostarica
FEATURE ADVENTURE
Dogs at Territorio de Zaguates Photo: Kaylee Greer www.instagram.com/dogbreathphotography/
Churchill, a popular beach vendor offering
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Rio Fortuna near Arenal Volcano Photo: Written In Silver Visuals / Shutterstock.com
Main pier of San Lucas Island. Puntarenas Photo: Rodtico21
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One of the amazing places you can visit in the interior of Costa Rica is an authentic finca, or farm. Prepare to enjoy farm-to-table food, exciting discoveries and locals who are as friendly as the pura vida we live by. Alejandro runs La Carolina Lodge in Bijagua and is awaiting your next visit.
COOL PLACES
The Wonders of It All A Photographic Jouney with Paul German
Exploring Costa Rica takes you through many different environments. This country offers a wide range of places to stay with incredible infinity pools and spectacular views. This one, overlooking Arenal Volcano, is usually shrouded in cloud. 54
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H
owler invites you to behold some of the wondrous landscapes, seascapes and wildlife inhabitants of Costa Rica on this photographic journey led by Paul German. The Canadian-born adventurer turned photographer has touched foot on all seven continents during his years of travels, explorations and discoveries. German’s passion for imagery started at a young age, as he developed his skills while spending time in backcountry regions of the world. It was there that he nurtured his belief that true imagery must tell a story. There is power in the details! Instead of rushing to capture a photographic scenario, Paul enjoys sitting, watching and taking in the environment before he starts shooting. Paul’s versatility of subject encompasses nature, wildlife, macro, patterns, commercial and creative. His home base now is in Costa Rica, where the howler monkeys, surf and volcanoes are his neighbours.
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The variety of wildlife in this country is off the charts. Among the fantastic abundance of common animals, you will find many endangered species as well. These great green macaws are very rarely spotted, as there are less than 2,000 left.
COOL PLACES
Without a doubt, sunsets are a defining factor of Costa Rica. Coastal moments like this are spectacular and being in the ocean watching is even better.
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Costa Rica lives by one motto: Pura Vida / Pure Life. It is in our veins, waiting for you to come and experience. Everyone in this country has smiles on their faces, are friendly and inviting and live the pura vida lifestyle.
Surfing and adventure sports are a large attraction in Costa Rica. All over the country you find enthusiasts getting “barrelled.�
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Sunsets, surfing, beach fires, fresh fruit, fish, veggies, yoga, long walks and community spirit — all this awaiting on your next visit to this incredible country.
COOL PLACES
Wildlife miracles happen monthly in coastal Costa Rica. On Ostional Beach, the turtle hatchlings are astonishing to witness. This little guy was followed from the departure from its egg, down to the sand and its first sip of the salty sea.
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Everywhere you go in Costa Rica you will find different wildlife species, but one of the common denominators is the howler monkey. Whether you are visiting the coast or the jungle, these guys are always apt to wake you up in the morning with the loud call from the tree tops.
Toucans can be seen flying all over the interior of Costa Rica. They are mystical birds with long beaks that love eating berries. Toucans are always a pleasure to see at any time.
Large and small, Costa Rica has an incredible diversity of flora and fauna. With multiple, distinctively different climate zones and ecosystems, you will always find something exciting no matter where your next visit takes you. This red-eye tree frog is a Costa Rica classic — hard to find, nocturnal and simply amazing. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 59
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Tortuguero National Park, Rainforest, Costa Rica, Caribbean coast, Central America
Seeing Forests for the Trees Half a Dozen Types in Costa Rica
-FLORA FEATURE
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he biodiversity of Costa Rica never ceases to astound even those with significant botanical knowledge. As a relatively small country, it is home to six different forest categories, each with particular nuances and habitats. The three most predominant are tropical rainforests, cloud forests and tropical dry forests. Coexisting forested areas where mangrove, lowland and riparian tree species thrive are no less intriguing.
Similar but different
Despite the apparent similarities between cloud forests and rainforests, the distinctions are remarkable. To be classified as a tropical rainforest, an area must receive a minimum of 250 centimeters of rain yearly; Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests receive double that amount. The trees within form a dense canopy while providing a base for a variety of epiphytes, which are non-parasitic plants that still use the trunk
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By Jim Parisi and Alei Burns
as a “host.� This canopy limits the amount of vegetation growing underfoot. Rainforests are typically located in lower elevations, primarily near a coastline. In Costa Rica, they are found mostly in the southwest region and southern Caribbean lowlands. Cloud forests are unique for their mountainside and volcano locales at higher elevations, ranging from around 900 meters to 2,500 meters above sea level. These forests provide a habitat for noticeably more epiphytes, including mosses, ferns and bromeliads. The constant pervading mist is attributed to considerably cooler but more humid climate. Faster-moving rivers in mountainous areas enhance the humidity as well, in contrast to the slower-moving rivers in the flatter rainforests. Both rainforests and cloud forests are teaming with life, but the differences in altitude and climate make them ideally suited to different wildlife species. howlermag.com
Hanging bridge, Monteverde cloud forest, Costa Rica
limited vegetation and wildlife endure: iguanas, snakes, monkeys, bats and crabs dominate in the The northwestern corner of Costa Rica, harsh climate. particularly Guanacaste province, is a vast region The Costa Rican lowland forests are home of mostly tropical dry forest. This area receives to the tallest trees in the country. For some nearly all its annual rainfall between the middle curious reason, the country’s puma and tree frog of August and early November. As a result, the populations are most abundant in these idyllic plant life tends toward water-retentive species, forests. Existing from sea level to about 300 including succulents and cacti. Most other plant meters in altitude, lowland forests support a range life here cycles through an annual flowering, fruit- of layered habitats populated by unique flora and bearing and seeding process. The extended dry fauna at varying levels. season makes this area of Costa Rica a popular Riparian forests, found around freshwater tourist destination. rivers and lakes in Costa Rica, are prone to wildlife inundation. A prime example is Rio Extremes and between Chirripó Preserve, inhabited by more than 260 Costa Rican mangrove forests are confined species of amphibians and reptiles alone. About to the Pacific coastline, forming a unique 400 bird species, especially hummingbirds, live in convergence of fresh and salt water. The this diverse park as well. mangroves' sturdy root system holds this balance The real magic lies in the fact that these six together between ecosystems that are centered at varying topographies overlap, creating a true river mouths but extend into drier terrain, where wonderland that we call Costa Rica.
Driest destination
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Aerial view of the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica and the Papagayo Peninsula during the dry season in Guanacaste (lower right). Mangrove trees along a stream (right). Lowland tropical forest in the Osa Peninsula (below).
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ADVENTURE ECO-FEATURE
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
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Randall Arauz Costa Rican Sea Hero and Shark ChampionRea Highest Peaks
ch the
iven Costa Rica’s global reputation as an environmentally progressive country, this contrary track record may seem shocking: as recently as 2004, it was the largest exporter of shark products, including 8,000 tons of shark fins. And sadly, in 2017, to evade Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) regulations, Costa Rica declared that it does not recognize sharks as wildlife.
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Brutality exposed
But since 2001, one man has been a relentless force on behalf of Costa Rica’s sharks Randall Arauz is a Costa Rican marine biologist and ocean conservationist who founded the Association for the Restoration of Sea Turtles (PRETOMA) in 1997 to help protect Costa Rica’s marine species.
Shark finning vessels hull in thousands of sharks at a time that have been baited and caught on longhooked lines. Fishermen slice their fins off while the sharks are still alive, then dump them back into the ocean to drown in agonizing pain. An estimated 100 million sharks are brutally stripped of their life in this manner every year.
It wasn’t until a friend of his got a job as a cook aboard a shark finning boat and took some undercover video footage that Arauz got his first glimpse of an industry sustained by horrific acts of inhumanity. It was at this moment, that his life’s purpose became crystal clear.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE In 2003, Arazu exposed a Taiwanese ship illegally bringing 30 tons of shark fins — roughly 30,000 sharks’ worth — into Puntarenas under the cover of night. Video footage of this event helped him gain public support from 80,000 Costa Ricans and 35 deputies of the legislative assembly. Over the next few years, Arauz helped bring into fruition a law prohibiting the entry into Costa Rican ports of sharks without intact fins. His activism didn’t stop there, though. Arauz has represented Costa Rica at several pertinent United Nations meetings and participated in the UN Convention of Migratory Species. He has called for, and been involved with, scripting the language for an international ban on shark finning. He has been continually involved in shark and ocean conservation research, education and advocacy through organizations such as MigraMar, CREMA and Fins Attached, among others. Arauz was also a key player in the 1999 closure of a green turtle slaughterhouse, the dismantling of a tuna farm in 2007 and the shutdown of Costa Rica’s shrimp trawl fishery in 2013.
Here are six ways to make a difference. 1. Don’t purchase any shark products. 2. Support local legislation that bans shark fishing and finning. 3. Avoid eating unsustainable seafood or fish caught using unsustainable methods. Access Oceana’s Sustainable Seafood Guide for more information: oceana.org/living-blue/ sustainable-seafood-guide 4. Share with friends and family what you learn about sharks and marine conservation. 5. Donate to non-government organizations like Fins Attached, CREMA Costa Rica, MigraMar, MarViva, and Mission Blue. 6. Participate in coastal and open water cleanups.
Internationally recognized for his tireless marine conservation efforts, Arauz was awarded the Goldman Prize in 2010, and Scuba Diving magazine’s “Sea Hero of the Year” title in May 2019. Call to action
CREATURE ECO-FEATURE
As a frontline defender of the sea and all her inhabitants, he is quick to point out that shark protection is more than a one-person effort. “Sharks need all the help they can get from all sectors of society.” A sharkless and predominantly dead sea is a real possibility, but it certainly doesn’t have to be. Oceans the world over, and all their extraordinary creatures, need more people like Randall Arauz speaking up for and defending them. At the same time, there’s a great deal that people the world over can do in their everyday lives to learn from and follow the example of sea heroes like him. We need sharks just as much as the rest of the ocean does.
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From Flush With Fish to a Dire Future There were once walls of scalloped hammerhead sharks so thick around Costa Rica’s famous Cocos Island that you couldn’t see through them nor accurately count them. Mainland fisheries thrived and supported the local coastal communities. The eastern Pacific Ocean as a whole was a vastly rich marine ecosystem where megafauna, like sharks and sea turtles, were abundant.
CREATURE ECO-FEATURE
Unfortunately, when word spread that the waters around Costa Rica were flush with fish, influxes of Chinese, Taiwanese, and Indonesian fishing vessels started coming to ceaselessly plunder the treasures of this tropical and productive sea.
Globally renowned Randall Arauz regards overfishing as the major contributor to the rapid decline of sharks, sea turtles and other pelagic fish and marine species. Illegal and unregulated commercial fishing is unsustainable and detrimental to the entire ocean environment, as well as small coastal communities that depend on the ocean for their livelihood and survival. What’s more, as apex predators, sharks are widely responsible for keeping ocean ecosystems in balance. And, whether living by the sea or not, every human on the planet is intricately connected and dependent on a healthy ocean.
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DINING GUIDE HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 73
SURFIN G HOWLER
COSTA RICA
Real Surf Trips with Tony Surfing now more than ever can save you from a life of stress! With lifestyles becoming more complicated and calendar pages seemingly flying by, it is necessary now more than ever to take some time out. Book a flight, contact us, come surf and relax. With some long days under your belt and some good waves in the tank, you will be surprised how productive you will be in all aspects of life!
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TIDE CHART
MAY 2020 Tide Chart May 2020
for Puntarenas, Costa Rica visit www.CRsurf.com for tide charts, surf reports, and help with trip planning.
FULL MOON - May 7th NEW MOON - May 22nd High
Low
High
Low
High
Time/Height
Time/Height
Time/Height
Time/Height
Time/Height
Fri
02:23 / 1.29 ft
08:51 / 7.26 ft
14:53 / 1.75 ft
21:15 / 7.31 ft
May 2
Sat
03:26 / 1.33 ft
09:57 / 7.50 ft
16:04 / 1.55 ft
22:25 / 7.43 ft
May 3
Sun
04:32 / 1.16 ft
11:02 / 7.97 ft
17:13 / 1.09 ft
23:32 / 7.79 ft
May 4
Mon
05:36 / 0.77 ft
12:02 / 8.61 ft
18:15 / 0.45 ft
Date
Day
May 1
SURF EAT
May 5
Tue
00:31 / 8.31 ft
06:33 / 0.28 ft
12:57 / 9.29 ft
19:11 / -0.22 ft
May 6
Wed
01:26 / 8.84 ft
07:27 / -0.20 ft
13:48 / 9.88 ft
20:03 / -0.79 ft
May 7
Thu
02:17 / 9.28 ft
08:18 / -0.56 ft
14:37 / 10.29 ft
20:52 / -1.17 ft
May 8
Fri
03:07 / 9.56 ft
09:07 / -0.73 ft
15:25 / 10.44 ft
21:40 / -1.30 ft
May 9
Sat
03:56 / 9.62 ft
09:55 / -0.67 ft
16:13 / 10.32 ft
22:28 / -1.18 ft
May 10
Sun
04:45 / 9.47 ft
10:44 / -0.37 ft
17:01 / 9.94 ft
23:16 / -0.82 ft
May 11
Mon
05:34 / 9.12 ft
11:34 / 0.11 ft
17:51 / 9.37 ft
May 12
Tue
00:05 / -0.29 ft
06:26 / 8.66 ft
12:25 / 0.71 ft
18:42 / 8.68 ft
May 13
Wed
00:57 / 0.32 ft
07:21 / 8.17 ft
13:21 / 1.31 ft
19:38 / 8.00 ft
May 14
Thu
01:52 / 0.92 ft
08:20 / 7.75 ft
14:23 / 1.81 ft
20:39 / 7.43 ft
May 15
Fri
02:51 / 1.41 ft
09:22 / 7.49 ft
15:30 / 2.09 ft
21:44 / 7.07 ft
May 16
Sat
03:53 / 1.72 ft
10:24 / 7.43 ft
16:36 / 2.12 ft
22:48 / 6.95 ft
May 17
Sun
04:53 / 1.83 ft
11:21 / 7.54 ft
17:36 / 1.94 ft
23:45 / 7.03 ft
May 18
Mon
05:47 / 1.78 ft
12:11 / 7.78 ft
18:27 / 1.63 ft
May 19
Tue
00:36 / 7.24 ft
06:34 / 1.64 ft
12:54 / 8.07 ft
19:10 / 1.26 ft
May 20
Wed
01:20 / 7.50 ft
07:16 / 1.45 ft
13:34 / 8.37 ft
19:49 / 0.89 ft
May 21
Thu
02:01 / 7.77 ft
07:54 / 1.26 ft
14:12 / 8.64 ft
20:26 / 0.56 ft
May 22
Fri
02:40 / 7.99 ft
08:32 / 1.09 ft
14:49 / 8.86 ft
21:03 / 0.31 ft
May 23
Sat
03:18 / 8.16 ft
09:09 / 0.98 ft
15:25 / 8.98 ft
21:40 / 0.17 ft
May 24
Sun
03:56 / 8.24 ft
09:47 / 0.94 ft
16:03 / 8.99 ft
22:17 / 0.14 ft
May 25
Mon
04:35 / 8.25 ft
10:26 / 0.97 ft
16:42 / 8.89 ft
22:56 / 0.21 ft
May 26
Tue
05:14 / 8.21 ft
11:07 / 1.05 ft
17:23 / 8.70 ft
23:37 / 0.37 ft
May 27
Wed
05:57 / 8.14 ft
11:52 / 1.18 ft
18:08 / 8.44 ft
May 28
Thu
00:21 / 0.58 ft
06:44 / 8.07 ft
12:42 / 1.33 ft
18:57 / 8.14 ft
May 29
Fri
01:09 / 0.81 ft
07:35 / 8.04 ft
13:37 / 1.43 ft
19:53 / 7.88 ft
May 30
Sat
02:03 / 1.00 ft
08:32 / 8.10 ft
14:38 / 1.44 ft
20:56 / 7.72 ft
May 31
Sun
03:02 / 1.09 ft
09:33 / 8.28 ft
15:44 / 1.29 ft
22:01 / 7.74 ft
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SURFING COSTA RICA
A Dry April A
pril was a long, dry month for surfers due to the closure of all Costa Rican beaches as a government measure to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus COVID-19. It wasn’t easy for surfers, some of whom didn’t believe it was going to be serious … until they ran into the police officers on the beach or cruising in boats offshore. My friend snuck out a few times to catch some waves at Playa Negra until, on his birthday, the police caught him and aggressively kicked him off the beach. He realized he had to stay home and not surf, and was not happy about it.
COSTA RICA SURF REPORT
In Playa Hermosa, surfers on the beach were chased by a policeman shooting a gun in the air. Then, a couple of days later at the same beach, professional surfer Noe Mar McGonagle was surrounded by 10 policemen, handcuffed and carted off to jail. There he was advised he could face one to three years behind bars for breaking the law. Luckily, he was released with a warning after 45 minutes without any charges. A few days later McGonagle had this to say: “I want to apologize to the Costa Rican people, law enforcement,
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by Ellen Zoe Golden
Beaches Off Limits to All
and Garabito Lifeguards. It's hard for an athlete to not be able to go for a wave, especially knowing that one can go for a run or ride a bike. We are human and sometimes we make mistakes. It was never my intention to hurt or offend anyone. I want to make my situation an example for everyone and encourage them to stay home. Pura vida!” Inconsistent information One reason for the reluctance of some surfers to comply with the government’s order is the inconsistency of information about COVID-19. McGonagle acknowledged that “people think you drop dead if you get it, and they are so quick to call the cops on you for surfing.” In late-January, Carlos Brenes, a well-respected surf journalist, interviewed Saúl Quirós Cárdenas, an internal medicine and infections specialist at San Jose’s Hospital México. Cárdenas said that COVID-19 could contaminate the water where surfers are paddling, surviving on the surface of salt water for a long period of
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time. “We are talking about a person who is infected expelling drops of saliva that fall into the water,” he told Brenes. “But the virus will not be deactivated there, and some other surfer who makes contact can become infected with it. The virus will not survive 72 hours in water as it does on metal, plastic or cardboard, but it survives two to six hours on any liquid surface.” Surfer magazine released an article supporting the theory that coastal breezes were a method for the Coronavirus to spread. In the article, University of California San Diego atmospheric scientist Kim Prather, who studies how viruses and bacteria can be transmitted in the ocean, is quoted: “Surfers are saying that they’re safe if they stay six feet away from other people, but that’s only true if the air isn’t moving. Most of the time, there’s wind or a breeze at the coast. Tiny drops of virus can float in the air and get blown around.” Meanwhile, Costa Rica’s noted environmental and social causes lawyer Walter Brenes disputed these findings.
Brisa Hennessy is the only Costa Rican surfer this year on the World Championship Tour of the World Surf League. Photo courtesy of International Surfing Association
“At the epidemiological level there is no scientific basis to claim that there is a possibility of contagion at sea,” he said. “COVID-19 doesn’t survive at sea; it needs living cells to survive and it doesn’t survive saline water.”
The government is working this protocol now, and an answer on the first phase was expected on April 27. Brenes said that he has learned that it’s unlikely the beaches will open May 1.
His conclusion comes from studies by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). WHO released a technical report stating that COVID-19 is NOT transmitted by air and transmitted mainly from person to person through droplets via close contact, and on surfaces in the immediate environment of the infected person.
Meanwhile, some other pro surfers are still making news. Lucky Brisa Hennessy, who isolated on the Fiji Island of Namotu, still gets to surf every day at any of these super, world class — and EMPTY — surf breaks: Cloudbreak, Swimming Pools, Namotu Lefts, Wilkes, Restaurants, Tavarua and Desperations. She even did an episode of the World Surf League’s (WSL) Lawn Patrol showing where she and her family are hunkered down. World Surf League
WHO acknowledged that COVID-19 could be detected by air, but questioned the methodology of the studies and negated those procedures in everyday life. Petition campaign Meanwhile, Brenes, along with marketing strategist Chessa Helen, received the support of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Sport to circulate a petition garnering 1,000 signatures that was presented to the Ministry of Health with the goal of declaring the beaches safe for exercise, particularly the sport of surfing. The plan rolled out in two parts, the first asking permission for professional surfers to get back in the water to continue their training. “We know that with the numbers we have for the Coronavirus here in Costa Rica, it’s important to do this in stages to keep the amount of people in the water down,” Brenes said. “Then we will see if it’s practical and functional to open the ocean for the general public. It’s better we manage this way because there’s no use in putting all the people in the water at once and risking safety. We need to see if this first stage works then see about the rest of the people.”
As the single Costa Rican surfer on the World Championship Tour (CT), Hennessy is also involved in the WSL Stay Local campaign. In it she asks that people support Pollo Surf School in Matapalo. The surf instructor Oldemar (aka Pollo) was a surf instructor to Hennessy when she was a little girl growing up in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. Read more. And finally, congratulations to Carlos Muñoz on being voted the best Hispanic American surfer among professional surfers from Latin America for the second year. For the second year, Carlos Muñoz has been voted best Hispanic American surfer among professional surfers from Latin America. Photo: World Surf League/Freesurf/Tony Heff
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SURFING COSTA RICA
Santa Teresa
by Jenn Parker
P
SURF SPOT
laya Santa Teresa is located on the southern cusp of the Nicoya Peninsula, an area internationally revered as a Blue Zone (one of five places in the world where a significant number of people are living extraordinarily long lives in great health and happiness). This thriving bohemian beach town is blessed with at least half a dozen common knowledge surf breaks that cater to different surfing abilities, wave preferences and swell size. Aside from being a tropical wave garden, Santa Teresa is also a haven for yogis, nature lovers, freespirited good vibrationseeking travelers and locals alike. Taking the ferry across is quite an enjoyable and beautiful experience.
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How to get there There are several viable options to get to Santa Teresa. It is a 4.5-hour drive from Liberia down a mix of paved and dirt roads but it is scenic and relatively easy. There are plenty of places to stop along the way to grab a coffee or an empanada, fill the tank or just stretch your legs. From San José, the best approach is to drive to Puntarenas and take the ferry across the Gulf of Nicoya to Paquera, then drive the remaining 90 minutes to Santa Teresa. Taking the ferry across is quite an enjoyable and beautiful experience. If driving isn’t your thing, Sansa flies from multiple destinations throughout Costa Rica, including Liberia and San José, to the small airport in Tambor, which is less than an hour away via taxi or private shuttle.
Where and when to surf The best answer starts with a preliminary question: What is your experience level? It’s important to be realistic about your true surfing abilities to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience in the sea. There are breaks in Santa Teresa that are not
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Surf and Yoga Go Hand In Hand
by Jenn Parker
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Yoga and surfing go together like rice and beans, and they do so effortlessly in Costa Rica.
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SURFING COSTA RICA
L SURF FEATURE
et’s take a moment to reconnect to our breath. Inhale deeply through your nose. Fill your lungs down to their very tips. Let your ribcage expand to where it feels as if it might open and take flight like a seafaring yellow butterfly. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Take another deep breath and feel the fresh air swirling like the wind down into your diaphragm, causing your chest and belly to rise like the tide. Let this ebb of air slowly flow out through your nose as you slightly constrict your throat. Take notice of your breathing sounds to understand why this so-called ujjayi breath in yoga is also known as the ocean breath. The audible hush of ujjayi breathing is undeniably similar to the sound of the salty fingers that claw the seashore as each wave reaches its end, and then retracts to be reborn again. Our breath is as powerful as the waves we surf, and it is this sea-sounding breath — our pranayama — that helps us to create balance on the earth and in the sea.
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There is a certain flow and meditative mindset that many surfers seek when they paddle out. There is this understanding that the ocean demands the attention of the present mind. In complying, which takes practice as any yogi also knows, a sort of enlightened moment might occur. This time-stands-still, one-with-the-wave moment slips into the past as you move forward on the wave. You can ride the waves, but you can’t catch them. And there is something beautiful, and I daresay spiritual, in this fleeting attempt to be one with something so wild and unruly. Mental and physical preparedness The practice of yoga can help us prepare for these attempts on a mental and physical level. Between the practice of present-mindedness, pranayama, strength and balance building, and
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promoting a flexible mind and body, yoga is the perfect complement to surfing. Yoga can also teach us to be calm and clear-headed despite the charged and chaotic energy that generates the swells we chase. Surfing is also an incredibly demanding sport. Surfers need core, shoulder, back and leg strength, stamina and breath-control. The lower back, hips, shoulders and neck are vulnerable to overexertion, stiffness and injury from surfing. And if we want to be able to surf for the better part of our lives, we need counter stretching and movement to balance out the demands we place on our physical selves in the sea. This is yoga. Both surfing and yoga require practice, patience, and perseverance. They both need us to be here and in the now. The strength you acquire from surfing will surely show in yoga postures that utilize shoulder and spine strength. And the balance you build from postures like eagle or tree pose will definitely translate to better balance on your surfboard. The backand-forth benefits of each are immense.
it, yoga and surfing go together like rice and beans, and they do so effortlessly in Costa Rica. Nosara and Santa Teresa have become the main hubs of these highly sought-after surf and yoga retreats. Those two hot spots, as well as Montezuma and Playa Grande, attract like-minded participants from otherwise diverse backgrounds around the world. Surf and yoga retreats create a unique space to share days that include daily movement, time spent in nature, healthy eating, rest, reflection, learning and friendships that might not happen otherwise. They create the opportunity to experience firsthand how these two practices and ways of life balance and enhance one another — like yin and yang. create the opportunity to experience firsthand how these two practices and ways of life, balance and enhance one another—like yin and yang.
Surfing and yoga are Google buzz words certain to yield a lot of results that include “Costa Rica.” Costa Rica has become globally synonymous with both. And in more recent times, it has become synonymous with retreats that include both surfing and yoga. That’s because, let’s face
Some considerations for Surf/Yoga Retreats in Costa Rica: Vajra Sol (Santa Teresa) Sister Surf and Yoga Retreat (Playa Grande) Surf Bikini Retreat (Nosara) Anamaya Yoga and Surf (Montezuma)
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SURFING COSTA RICA beginner-friendly. Trying to surf there when inexperienced can result in frustration and worse, including injury to yourself or others. Playa Santa Teresa has multiple peaks up and down the beach, but three breaks in particular attract most of the locals and visiting surfers: Suck Rock, Casa Cecilia, and La Lora Amarilla. Suck Rock and La Lora Amarilla are better suited for more experienced surfers, as the waves can be fast, hollow and heavy. On a big swell, Suck Rock has been known to hold double overhead to triple overhead waves on a higher tide. Casa Cecilia, on the contrary, has a reputation for being a novicefriendly wave when the tide is low and there isn’t too much swell in the water.
Santa Teresa is no longer the sleepy off-thebeaten path destination it once was. Since the early 2000s, it has blossomed into a booming beach town. There are accommodations and dining options for every budget, preference and taste, as well as multiple surf schools, surf shops, small supermarkets, boutique stores and bars. Santa Teresa is also a hot spot for surf and yoga retreats, including one of the best on the Nicoya Peninsula, Vajra Sol Surf and Yoga Retreat. Latitude 10, Florblanca, and Makanas Beachfront Bungalows are three highly recommended accommodation choices. Nalu Surf School and Blue Sanctuary Surf are two of the top schools, offering lessons, camps, and guiding for surfers at all levels, from total beginners to advanced.
SURF FEATURE
Playa Carmen is situated between Santa Teresa and Mal Pais. The rip currents are typically less strong here and when there isn’t a big swell, this beach break is a great place to learn and improve your surfing. The surf is typically best in the lower to mid-tide range.
Local companies
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PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA
Immerse Yourself in a True Wellness Experience in Costa Rica
M
ention wellness in Costa Rica and yoga readily comes to mind: practising poses on a wooden deck, surrounded by tropical plants or breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape. But beyond yoga, there is also much more than you likely ever dreamed in the way of diverse wellness experiences! Endless versions of paradise exist here for anyone seeking places and ways to decompress.
La Senda
by Mario Molina Salazar & Maria Laura Charles
Close to Tamarindo in Guanacaste, La Senda is home to the world’s largest cacti labyrinth. Its creation on this site is associated with a strong vortex of positive and negative detected on the property. The labyrinth design was inspired by sacred geometry that symbolizes the harmonious balance between masculine and feminine energy.
WELLNESS FEATURE
Pristine sites for cleansing and rejuvenating abound in this idyllic country. The most obvious example is water — the ultimate source of purification. Whether it’s the ocean, rivers, waterfalls or hot springs, Costa Rica may be one of the easiest places on earth to access and enjoy any or all of the above. And there are more than a few special spots in lesser-known locales, with or without water, where wellness energy emanates. The following are some of our favorites.
Beyond Yoga!
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Lake Coter Located near La Fortuna in the Arenal Volcano vicinity, this small heart-shaped lake is surrounded by a magnificent forest, on land that belonged mostly to the Malekus indigenous people. The lake name Coter translates as love and peace in their native language. Legend has it that for many centuries, groups of indigenous people from different cultures and countries of Central and South America came to Lake Coter in preparation for becoming shamans, traditionally described as men of medicine. Click this Howler article link to learn more. Finca 6 Stone Spheres More than 500 pre-Columbian stone spheres remain intact on one of Costa Rica’s most important archeological sites, Finca 6 in the southern coastal Osa Peninsula region. However, the purpose and indigenous cultural significance of the DiquĂs stone spheres remain shrouded in mystery. There are many theories, some related to astronomy and the alignment of the spheres being a means of scheduling agricultural cycles. The spheres are also believed to be sources of energy and wellness for those who visit and spend time in their midst.
Click this Howler article link to learn more. From this sampling of some special Costa Rican corners where visitors can derive invigorating energy, we now shift our focus to activities that can recharge the body, spirit and mind. Below is a list of relaxing, if not healing, wellness experiences you can choose to enjoy in this heavenly land. Cacao Ceremony Just like many primitive tribes in other parts of the world, countless generations of indigenous people in Costa Rica have practiced sacred rituals for healing and alignment with the higher self. These ancestral traditions were inspired by elements of nature: plants, animals and sounds. The historical significance of cacao as a medicinal plant for the Bribri and Cabecar tribes in Talamanca dates back centuries. The cacao ceremony is a subtle and profound ritual, performed by a shaman. He shares the drink of pure cacao with a group of people and guides them through the ceremony while singing and playing ancestral instruments. The master plant of cacao has feminine energy, believed to expand the heart and allow for introspection. It is a meeting point for the awakening of our ancestral memory, to honor our lineage and thus open and expand the heart to connect with Mother Earth. Cacao ceremonies are intended to help participants forgive, release and understand from a loving and expanded heart through music. In Costa Rica you can also find many other ancient holistic practices learned from different cultures that are well known around the world.
Montana Azul Wellness Center in Chirripo
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PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA Meditation Meditation is one of many other ancient holistic practices that have been adopted in Costa Rica and worldwide. Peace of mind and calmness can be gained through the relaxation, focus and awareness that meditation entails. It can be effective in helping people overcome or diminish the impact of conditions such as anxiety, depression and insomnia. Combine the benefits of meditation with immersion in a lush tropical jungle, and the intensity of your feeling of presence is truly out of this world. It’s how you experience Costa Rica with every cell of your body. Mindfulness Being fully present is another way to meditate. Deepak Chopra, a physician and advocate of alternative medicine, says “Mindfulness is a conscious, unattached, non-judgemental awareness that is useful to bring clarity to mind and more insight, intuition and creativity into one's life”.
WELLNESS FEATURE
You don’t have to be a guru to observe and use all your senses to be present. However, specially trained experts can guide and teach you how to unlearn your obstacles to mindfulness and return to this simple, yet not easy or straightforward practice. Costa Rica’s exquisite scenery is definitely conducive to the practice of mindfulness.
Just as the vibrations resonate at frequencies consistent with those of our body, the sounds of these ancestral instruments harmonize perfectly with the rainforest’s natural melody. Listen carefully to the cicadas and you’ll know what we mean. Click this Howler article link to learn more.
It’s how you experience Costa Rica with every cell of your body. Breathwork Breathing exercises are another means of bringing yourself to the present moment. This is an ideal practice for improving your mental, physical, and spiritual health. By regulating your breath, you can overcome heavy emotional and physical energy blocks that have interrupted the flow of your life force. There are several subtypes of breathwork such as Pranayama, holotropic and rebirthing, which can help you with trauma and post-traumatic stress, anger issues, anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Each practice is different, depending on the kind of healing you seek. Click this Howler article link to learn more.
Sound healing This is a healing method that uses sound vibrations to calm your mind and body. Expect to feel relaxed after a session, with a deep sense of well-being. Bells, kyeezees, tingshas, gongs, tuning forks, chimes, Tibetan bells and Himalayan singing bowls are some of the instruments that have been used by sound healers for hundreds of years. 88
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Silent retreats To be in silence with your own thoughts can be challenging, yet extremely healing. Silent retreats provide a unique opportunity to start journeying inwards into the depths of our heart, mind, body and soul. Silent retreats are offered at a few different venues in Costa Rica, ranging from a secluded beach setting to a remote mountain top far from the city. In combination with guided meditations, satsang, yoga, delicious healthy foods and the splendor of nature around you, a silent retreat is a reward for yourself — trust us! Non-violent communication Another path to improved wellbeing is through compassionate communication with others, and even more so with yourself. Non-Violent Communication (NVC) is described by its founder, psychologist Marshall Rosenberg, as “an integration of a spirituality, with concrete tools for manifesting this spirituality in our daily lives, in our relationships, and in our political activities.”
Learning about compassionate communication alongside Costa Ricans, perhaps surrounded by nature, can change the way you are connecting with your emotions and needs in life. Tai chi and movement Tai chi incorporates smooth, continuous, circular, slow and very harmonious physical movements guided by each breath. Practising tai chi can increase concentration and help balance the mind and body, stimulating the circulation of your energy. It is recommended by health specialists as an alternative therapy to optimize and reduce physical and physiological limitations. Many seniors love tai chi. And for people of all ages, beginners or those with a regular tai chi routine — what better place than Costa Rica to practice the art of this movement form? These are just some of the most transformative holistic wellness experiences you can find in this small piece of paradise, whether you are just visiting Costa Rica, enjoying an extended stay or living here yearround. Wherever you go and whatever you prefer, there are infinite possibilities for enhancing your health and well being.
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Yoga and Wellness Retreats What Makes Costa Rica an Inspiration Destination? By Jenn Parker
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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
WELLNESS FEATURE
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.
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Photo courtesy of Vajra Sol Yoga Adventures
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, self-awareness, 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. Photo courtesy of Vajra Sol Yoga Adventures
Retreats are commonly offered at boutique beach hotels, jungle-surrounded ecolodges, Bali-inspired villas and other types of
The selection of yoga and wellness retreats is extraordinary for such a small country that has so much more to offer. 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. The Institute of Costa Rican Tourism has documented a steady increase in wellness being a major motivator for booking trips to HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 91
PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA Photo courtesy of Vajra Sol Yoga Adventures
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, standup paddle boarding, nature hikes and adventure tours. 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 high-end 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.
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.
PURA VIDA FEATURE
Photo: Jorge Russell
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.
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Costa Rica Your Way
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When things get difficult, remind yourself what it was that drew you here in the first place. by Jenn Parker
PURA VIDA FEATURE
n the morning of Jan. 7, 2010, I arrived at Miami International Airport with nearly everything I owned, including a surfboard I had acquired, a Maine coon cat that had acquired me, and a suitcase filled with books. I had a one-way ticket to San JosĂŠ, a lease in a beach town I had only briefly visited once, a tight sixmonth budget, no job, no Spanish skills, and a level of confidence that can only be attributed to the unshakeable belief that the life I had imagined for myself was in Costa Rica.
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While the list of do and don’t tips, life hacks, and advice is inexhaustibly long, these are some points worth noting if you are thinking about or in the process of moving to Costa Rica, or have just done so.
I boarded that plane and never looked back. The metaphorical road ahead of me resembled the reality of many actual roads in Costa Rica — laced with potholes, lacking guardrails, heavy with hairpin turns and demanding of patience, prudence, and poise. The details of my story are uniquely mine, but many of the themes and lessons are ones that are widely shared within Costa Rica’s population of foreign residents. Approximately 9% of the country’s 4.9 million people are from elsewhere and have relocated to Costa Rica, according to Index Mundi.
As a pescatarian and produce-loving foodie, I found my food heaven here. One of the best ways to keep your food budget reasonable and take care of your health is to eat locally sourced food. Imported goods and products are expensive in Costa Rica. Take advantage of the bounty of fresh food that is grown and harvested here. As a cancer survivor who has suffered through two severe bouts of dengue fever, broken a rib, had stitches inside my ear, and sustained multiple other injuries and weird tropical ailments, I can attest that the private health care system in Costa Rica is superior.
Part of life here, regardless of where you decide to call home, is contingent on making mistakes, taking risks, and learning some lessons the hard way. However, many hardships, frustrations, and anxieties can be avoided or reduced when someone who has “been there, done that” shares with you the kind of invaluable wisdom that can only be gained through experience.
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PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA For families, retirees, and really anyone considering a life in Costa Rica, it’s comforting to know that all your health care needs can be met here, and for a fraction of the cost of what you would pay in North America. Many of the private clinics and hospitals have a multilingual staff of highly accomplished medical professionals.
Almost everyone who owns a car in Costa Rica has at least one nightmarish mechanic story. Make sure you do your due diligence and find a mechanic who comes highly recommended. When you find that gem of a mechanic — and they are definitely out there — form a good relationship and never let it go! From the perspective of a former teacher in Costa Rica, the private school education opportunities are inspiring. Costa Rica has a 97.8% literacy rate and classrooms filled with diverse populations of students, teachers, cultures and languages. There are a lot of private school choices, especially in San José, Guanacaste, and the Central Pacific area. When I first started teaching, I asked a fiveyear-old student of mine, who was born in Israel, how many languages she spoke. She replied five. I then asked her how, on top of her native language, did she know how to also communicate in English, Spanish, Italian, and French? She replied, “If I didn’t, how would I be able to talk to my friends?”
When things get difficult, especially things that “should” be easy, it is important to remind yourself what it was that drew you here in the first place. There is no perfect place and Costa Rica is no exception. Living in Costa Rica is only “the dream” if it is truly your dream.
PURA VIDA FEATURE
As a car owner to a future car owner, I advise people not to buy a cheap car. Cheap cars quickly become expensive cars. You are better off using the public bus system, taxis, and friends with vehicles until you can afford a car that isn’t already on its last legs.
As someone who was seeking a slower-paced, more nature-infused and wave-saturated life, where I would actually have the time to live, Costa Rica became my spot in the world.
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Fresh • Local Award-Winning Craft Beer
Photo courtesy of sylivaguardia.com
Made in Liberia FIND US
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Everyday Wellness Green Smoothie
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his smoothie is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Studies have shown that fruits and vegetables provide nutrients — like betacarotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E — that can boost immune function. Because many vegetables, fruits, and other plant-based foods are also rich in antioxidants, they help reduce oxidative stress. Ingredients 1-2 celery stalks 1/2 cucumber 2 cups kale 1 cup pineapple 1/2 banana Thumb size piece of ginger Few sprigs of mint 1 tbsp hemp seeds (optional) 1 1/4 cup water to blend Handful of ice Method of Preparation Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until you have reached your desired consistency. Health tips Missing your favorite green juice? You can also make this recipe in a juicer or you can use a blender and pour over a fine mesh strainer to separate. I suggest skipping the banana if you decide to use the juicer method. Blending your green juices helps keep the fiber nutrients intact, which can help keep you satiated and curb those unhealthy sugar cravings. Drink slowly and use a smaller straw to prevent bloating. Visit Michelle Priscilla Nutrition at www.theonolifestyle.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 99
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
At One With the Universe by Laura Méndez
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elling stories is one of the best ways to teach, persuade and even understand ourselves.
When I started my yoga practice, my teacher back then told us a beautiful story that remains in my memory. It describes the challenges that Lord Shiva, one of the most complex and powerful Hindu deities, was having one day in the Himalayan mountains. He found it difficult keeping his body still and remaining tranquil in meditation. A few days passed and he was still not successful. He wondered to himself, if this was so challenging for a supreme god, then how would humans be able to attain the necessary stillness? So it came to him the solution, which he called yoga — a discipline that entails much more than just body postures, but that also helps prepare the body and mind for meditation.
Showing the way I am not sure if this is the original version of the ancient story, but what matters is the main message. Yoga was given to us as a way or a path to attain liberation through the connectedness of body, mind and senses.
For many, the practice of yoga is restricted to hatha yoga and asanas (postures). However, hatha yoga is a preparatory process. It enables the body to sustain higher levels of energy for harmonizing oneself with the universe. A widely cited, but unattributed, definition of yoga is “the technology of aligning individual geometry with the cosmic, to achieve the highest level of perception and harmony.” The importance of concurring that yoga works on the level of body, mind, emotion and energy has given rise to four broad classifications associated with each: 1. 2. 3. 4.
karma yoga — body bhakti yoga — emotions gyana yoga — mind and intellect kriya yoga — energy
Most systems of yoga fall into one or more of these categories. Those practiced in the Western World offer a wide range of options depending on individual preferences and what suits us best. Here is a brief overview.
YOGA WISDOM
Yoga is essentially a spiritual discipline. It leads to the union of individual and universal consciousness, ultimately a perfect harmony between the mind and body, human and nature.
The science of yoga originated thousands of years ago, long before the birth of religions or belief systems we may be more familiar with.
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1. Hatha yoga
4. Ashtanga yoga
Hatha is used for all physical postures of yoga. In the West, it simply refers to all the yoga styles that are grounded in a physical practice, which is most popular in Western countries.
In Mysore, India, people gather to practice this form of yoga together at their own pace. If you see Mysore-led ashtanga, you are expected to know the series.
However, there are other branches of yoga such as kriya, raja, and karma that are separate from the physical-based yoga practice..
5. Vinyasa yoga
2. Iyengar yoga Iyengar yoga was founded by B.K.S. Iyengar. It focuses on alignment as well as detailed and precise movements. 3. Kundalini yoga This yoga style is all about releasing the kundalini energy in your body, said to be coiled in the lower spine. These yoga classes really work on your core and breathing with fastmoving, invigorating postures and breath exercises.
Vinyasa was adapted from ashtanga yoga in the 1980s. In vinyasa classes, the movement is coordinated with your breath to flow from one pose to another.
6. Bikram yoga Named after Bikram Choudhury, this yoga practice features a sequence of set poses in a room typically set to 105 degrees and 40% humidity.
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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR 7. Yin yoga
11. Jivamukti yoga
Yin is a slow-paced style of yoga with postures held for longer periods of time. Classes are relaxed, as you're supposed to let gravity do most of the work.
Jivamukti was founded in 1984 by Sharon Gannon and David Life. It consists mainly of vinyasa-flowstyle classes infused with Hindu spiritual teachings. At its core, this style emphasizes connection to the earth as a living being. Most Jivamukti devotees follow a vegetarian philosophy.
8. Restorative yoga This yoga style focuses on body relaxation, while also helping to cleanse and free your mind. Many props are used such as blankets, bolsters and eye pillows. Their placement for comfort enables you to sink deeper into relaxation. 9. Prenatal yoga These types of exercises for expectant moms focus on working the pelvic area, as well as breathing and bonding with the growing baby. Prenatal yoga also helps prepare for labor and delivery. 10. Anusara yoga
-B.K.S Iyengar
YOGA WISDOM
Anusara yoga focuses on alignment, but with more attention to the mind-body-heart connection. It was founded by John Friend, who created a unique system called the Universal Principles of Alignment. Spirals are a key element of ansusara in relation to how each body part should be moving. It is also known for its emphasis on heart opening.
“Yoga does not just change the way we see things, it transforms the person who sees.�
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LIFESTYLE
Dry Skin WELLNESS
by Dr. Herbert Weinman
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our skin contains a certain amount of moisture, which is constantly evaporating from the surface as more moisture moves up to replace it. Natural oils on the surface of the skin help prevent moisture from evaporating too fast. All of the reasons for having dry skin, including those listed below, have one thing in common: moisture evaporates faster than it can be replaced. • Climate: People who live in regions of low relative humidity find that moisture in the skin tends to evaporate faster than in more humid places. • Season: Cold, dry winter air causes skin moisture to evaporate faster than usual. • Age: The older you are the dryer skin becomes. The oil glands that were active when you were younger produce less oil as your body ages. • Sun and wind: The source of light also happens to be the source of a lot of dry skin, and even ordinary sun exposure has a drying effect. • Heating and air-conditioning: Modern climate control makes us feel more comfortable but overheating and overcooling can contribute to dry skin. • Over-bathing: Most of us take too many baths and showers. Once a day is usually fine but more than that you run the risk of washing away natural skin oils. Using strong soaps, swimming,
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doing dishes, or other water exposure also has a drying effect • Cosmetics: Some cosmetics and moisturizers contain ingredients and additives that may dry the skin. • Illness: A number of illnesses that tend to dehydrate can make the skin drier
Family heritage has a lot to do with skin characteristics. than normal. • Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, have a drying effect on the skin. • Sensitivities: The skin may be sensitive to a wide variety of substances, including fragrances and moisturizers, clothing (wool and synthetics), detergents and chemicals in the air, at home or at work. Sensitivity may cause dryness as well as irritation. Family heritage also has a lot to do with skin characteristics. People whose ancestry traces back to countries in northern latitudes tend to have drier skin than those with genetic roots closer to the equator. In general, someone with fair skin and blond or red hair is more likely to have dry skin than a person with olive or dark skin. You can’t do anything about the
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THE DOCTOR IS IN
climate, the season, the sun or most of the other reasons for skin becoming dry. However, you can use moisturizing products to help the skin keep some of its natural moisture. They work in the same natural way your skin does to moisturize itself — by using a thin layer of oil to keep moisture from evaporating. Avoid harsh soaps, using a gentler product or one with cold cream instead. After bathing, do not rub your skin but rather pat dry. Most importantly, in cold winter climates, keep your indoor room temperature below 66° and use a cool mist humidifier.
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Beginners Guide to CBD Skin Care
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
by Peter Murane
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any of us have heard the stories. CBD is huge right now. It’s amazing. We should put it in everything. From CBD Mac ‘n’ Cheese to CBD tooth picks, the ubiquity of CBD happened almost overnight. Thanks to this, there are plenty of crazy CBD-infused products. But one that stands out as particularly useful is in our skin care. Skin care and CBD coming together may be one of the most interesting disruptions and innovations to the skin care space in quite some time. But what if you don’t know much about CBD, or even skin care for that matter, where do you begin? With bloggers and influencers pulling attention in every direction, what’s true and what isn’t? After years researching the CBD space, we assembled a team that includes an experienced compound pharmacist to share what we know about CBD skin care, and what we’ve learned along the way about how to find and choose the best quality products for yourself.
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What is it? What is CBD you might ask? CBD, or cannabidiol, is a naturally occurring molecule found in the cannabis sativa plant. It interacts with the already-existing biological endocannabinoid system of the human body. This system includes endocannabinoid receptors that can absorb the CBD compound. Essentially CBD relaxes things. So skin care products with CBD not only deliver on typical skin care benefits as expected, but they also have the potential to deliver added benefits like reducing inflammation and alleviating irritation. CBD skin care can now impart soothing and calming effects in an active ingredient that is naturally recognizable to the skin. But why put it in skin care? When thinking about skin care, many of us are trying to alleviate skin conditions howlermag.com
CBD skin care can now impart soothing and calming effects in an active ingredient that is naturally recognizable to the skin. and irritations — anything from blemishes to dry skin to eczema. In fact, almost all skin diseases and conditions involve inflammation of the skin cells. Since CBD is directly absorbed through the endocannabinoid system, it can help calm these conditions and irritations in the skin. The human body is inherently designed to receive the CBD molecule, so it seems almost intuitive to add CBD to skin care. But that’s not the end of the CBD story. CBD is also being researched extensively and continues to show that it has a wide variety of exciting and potentially beneficial properties, including blemish relief and the exfoliation of dead skin cells. An emerging finding also seems to be that CBD has antioxidant properties. Why does this matter? Antioxidants help prevent and even stop the damage done by free radicals in the human body, whether found in the skin or inside the body. Because of this, and numerous additional benefits still being explored, this unique active ingredient can absolutely support the health and wellness of your skin.
Tips for first-time CBD skin care buyers There is sometimes complicated jargon associated with CBD. So we thought we could cut through the buzzwords. Here are some tips to ensure that you are getting a good quality product, and not a bottle of snake oil.
3. Check the source. As CBD is still trending and new, it has been difficult to regulate. However, name brand stores like CVS, Bed Bath and Beyond, and others are now offering CBD skin care products. These are a safer bet to get started, because these retailers typically have a stricter vetting process. 4. Beware of homemade brands. It is difficult to know where they have sourced their CBD and even more difficult to know what else is in the products. Smaller brands also have a harder time making a product consistently from batch to batch. CBD extracted from organically grown hemp plants is best because the hemp plant pulls everything up from the soil, including bad things like pesticides and heavy metals. Insist on CBD derived from organically-grown hemp plants. Colorado hemp growers are industry leaders in this regard. At Mox, we use a potent dose of CBD isolate sourced from reputable and local Colorado companies to provide a high level of quality and consistency to our customers. And we combine that dose with high levels of vitamins and minerals. Remember Skin care is about listening to your body and seeing the results in your own skin to find what works for you. When it comes to good skin care, your products should be healing the skin, not covering up unhealthy skin temporarily. Don’t be afraid to expect more from your skin care regimen. If a product isn’t making you look and feel healthy, move on.
1. Look at the back of any skin care label and try to find other active ingredients besides CBD oil. Great skin care products need to be rich in quality nutrients, and CBD is best served when coupled with other antiaging ingredients. Also, if the first ingredient listed in your skin care product is water know that you’re probably purchasing a really weak formula because ingredients are listed by weight. 2. CBD is not the same as hemp oil. In fact, many hemp oils contain no CBD at all. So if you want a skin care product with CBD, make sure it lists CBD in the ingredient deck and also pay attention to the actual dosage. 100 mg. or more of CBD is going to work harder for you than a skin care product with a token amount of the ingredient.
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A quarantine to remember: Pandemic-wear
have never expected to be a part of any historical event. But on the 18th of March, 2020, my “normal” life changed forever when Costa Rica joined other countries around the world in implementing COVID-19 pandemic protection measures. I woke up feeling lost and fearful. As the days went by spent in quarantine, I tried to encourage myself, family members and friends to consider it a great opportunity to change, grow and adapt. And things have become better since then … changing, growing and adapting.
But I’m a fashion reporter, so I’m staying there with you too, in your closets. Were you ready for an
endless stay-at-home fashion challenge? I wasn’t either, but this is what I ended up doing. It’s so hot in Costa Rica that I don’t have sweatpants, which seem to be the go-to celebrity pandemic-wear staple. Unfortunately it is not a wardrobe item I like to accumulate in my drawers. I have lots of yoga pants, but, are they comfortable after doing yoga? They are only helpful to realize how much weight you have gained this week. The first few days, while still in shock, it was very hard to get out of my pajamas. But as time went by, my mood changed from uncertainty to depression. By that time, I realized that if I wanted to see the light at the end of the tunnel, I had to dress up. But where to start?
FASHION FLASH
First, I made room in my closet for my pandemic wear, which needs to be really comfortable, fresh and simple. I started with my dresses, grabbing the ones that I can either wear to the supermarket or take a nap in. Then I added shorts — lots of them. They are perfect for emergencies. If I had to pick an immune outfit it would be a tank top and shorts. That’s part of the Guanacaste survival kit, like an ATV, so I’m ready to jump on my bike for groceries or work in the garden.
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I’m a fashion reporter, so I’m staying there with you too, in your closets.
by Patricia Sterman
If I wear a bathing suit all day, my vacation mood comes back, a contrast to the scary news and worldwide fear. It makes me feel a little bit guilty enjoying life while others are suffering. Last but not least are my fancy dresses, the ones that make me feel normal again. I keep those to wear during online zoom meetings. Sometimes I even add some shoes and jewelry, not that the camera cares. Keep it rolling. We are not sure how long this quarantine will last. Meanwhile, why not make a date with your partner to enjoy on your front porch and throw your best clothes on. Create a fashion show with your kids. Give away what you don’t need. Watch some Marie Kondo episodes and organize your closet.
Remember: • changing • growing • adapting
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Reset Your Mindset Any obstacles to a positive mindset should be removed. by Joanna Blanco
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s a small business owner and entrepreneur, I know how the impact of a global economic downturn can affect any business. As a health coach, I also understand how anyone's lifestyle can be affected by being in quarantine. Having spent more than a month already in quarantine with my family, the best way that I feel able to cope is by resetting my mindset. Let's begin with the simple concept of mindset. It is the attitude you choose to have when facing a situation, a problem, a plan or a goal. Usually, your mindset reflects your personality and the logical way to communicate your thoughts. Why is it essential for entrepreneurs to understand how mindset works? It’s about what you think and how you feel in a given situation. If you have a negative attitude in fearing it will be bad for your business, for example, it is more probable that negative outcomes will indeed occur. But if you have a more positive attitude about the same situation, positive consequences are more probable. Mindset reset tips
to the ideas in your head. If these ideas are getting you into a dark, uncooperative, fatalistic place, sweep them away. But keep all thoughts that are constructive, enthusiastic, and encouraging. 2. Place your plan Take those productive ideas and create a plan for them. For instance, you might wish to have more time to develop a new business plan even while you are at home cooking three meals a day, homeschooling your kids, organizing the house and other quarantine activities. Reorganize your schedule and make space for each project. 3. Be enthusiastic Always add exclamation marks to great new ideas, good results, positive attitudes around you and what you do. Positive feedback supports your mindset in an encouraging way. 4. Have compassion for yourself You are human, and you can make mistakes. It’s allowed. 5. Communicate with others like you You are not alone in this world. There are people like you everywhere who would like to share and express their thoughts. Communicating with them can be reassuring and it can give you accountability.
Now, I’m going to suggest that it’s actually possible to embrace this unprecedented global pandemic situation with potential for evolving and elevating your mindset. How? Here are some simple mindset reset instructions:
6. Take care of your health Move your body, hydrate, eat healthy, sleep, and reinvent recreation. Your physical health affects your mental health.
1. Freedom With or without quarantine, your mind is always free. Through mindfulness, you can analyze where your thoughts are. Sit in silence and pay attention
7. Detox When you feel that those fatalistic and unhelpful thoughts return again, check these three things: Who is around you and how are their opinions influencing you?
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How much time are you spending checking social media and what kind of information you are paying most attention to?. Where are you spending most of your energy? Any obstacles to a positive mindset should be removed. So detox by getting rid of them in as elegant a way as possible, and start your mindset reset again.
dealing with the same big situation called COVID-19. That does not mean we all share the same lifestyle. Yet, we can still help one another to get through these challenging circumstances in ways that actually improve our mental and physical well being. If you have any questions or need extra support, you are welcome to contact me at joannablanco@ vivesattva.com and visit my Instagram blog: Movimiento Sattva.
Make 10 minutes available every day to be in silence with your thoughts, connect with yourself and plan what you want for feeling on top of the world. Entrepreneurs develop their business day by day. COVID-19 is just a phase like many other kinds of challenges that don’t last forever. This too shall pass, and when it does, you as an entrepreneur will say, "I evolved and raised my mindset during those months in quarantine." We all live in the same big world, currently
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Click on photo or title.
the lloudest th d t voice i iin the forest.
Let's hear it for the Howler!
Howler monkeys are the largest of the New World monkeys, comprising several distinct species throughout the tropics of Central and South America. Read more.
Click to hear the Howler
Monkey Rescue: 112 | #searchfRecovery indhowl | online Owen's Miracle
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Stem cells are being used to treat:
Contact the experts at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute to learn more about stem cell therapy!
∙ Diabetes. ∙ Orthopedic injuries and chronic conditions. ∙ Wounds. ∙ Spinal cord injuries and spinal stenosis. ∙ Traumatic brain injury. ∙ Cardiovascular disease. ∙ Erectile dysfunction. ∙ Some neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
THE BENEFITS OF STEM CELL THERAPY Stem cells have the ability to grow, repair and regenerate any type of human cell or tissue. Stem cell therapy is a medical procedure that uses stem cells to repair damaged tissue from certain diseases or physical injuries. Stem cell therapy can offer relief to patients suffering from chronic pain, difficult-to-heal injuries, and certain chronic conditions.
info@stemcellstransplantinstitute.com
Tel US: +1 305 506 6405 / CR: +506 2208 8618
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We can’t wait for your return! In these unprecedented times, we wanted to take a minute to let you know, as your property management company, we take our role in Tamarindo seriously. We are still here with our amazing staff, caring for owners’ properties and managing HOAs. We eagerly await the return of new friends from around the world who fill the bustling streets with sounds of joy and laughter. When the time is right, and you are ready to start planning your next trip to Costa Rica, please give us a call. We will be waiting for you! Follow the address below to our web page to see our beautiful homes and to follow us on social media.
Vacation Rentals • Property Management • HOA Management 888-795-7373 (US & Canada) • (011) 506-2653-0390 • HorizonPacificVacations.com
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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR by Alan C. Jones
RAISING RESILIENCE
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e as a people and a planet are facing challenging times. We are being bombarded with environmental and economical obstacles. Pollutants, viruses, electromagnetic radiation and social distancing are threatening our health, forcing us to reevaluate the way we live. Fortunately, humans have a capacity to thrive in the face of adversity and adapt to any earthly conditions. Humans have the ability to assess a situation, pull resources and meet difficulties with ingenuity and spirit. We can do this individually and in social spheres working together as a community. Change what we can It may not be possible to protect ourselves from environmental toxins entering our personal space. Focusing on what we cannot control only accentuates a feeling of hopelessness, while taking even the smallest actions to change what we can adds to a sense of empowerment. We are at a critical moment in history when we must consciously focus on our resilience and adaptability. Mental, emotional and energetic resilience are things we can all improve. Simple daily practices can add up to monumental shifts in health, mood and mindset, creating a place of empowerment.
find the time. Making the time for practices that build resilience may soon become a matter of survival. It’s a matter of finding those that work best for you. So where do you begin? What seems to be the number one issue at hand is anxiety. Most of us are either anxious about maintaining our health or anxious over the uncertainty of the immediate future.
Self-care and preventative health are becoming daily necessities.
Self-care and preventative health are becoming daily necessities, no longer a luxury to put off for when we can
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Anxiety triggers our autonomic nervous system into fight or flight, producing a rush of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is part of our evolved survival mechanism that can heighten our senses and override fear or pain in traumatic events. However excess cortisol created by chronic low level stress suppresses the immune system, causes high blood pressure, mood swings and depression, and may lead to obesity. Breathing practice The easiest way to help lower cortisol levels in the body is with simple breathing exercises. Start with a fivesecond inhalation, hold for five and exhale for five seconds. You can slowly add seconds to your practice, increasing up to 10 or even 20 seconds. Learning to manage not only anxiety but all our emotions is crucial for building resilience and staying healthy. Think of e-motions as forms of energy in motion, beginning as sensations. It is important to have an embodiment practice such as yoga, tai chi or qi gong, which can access the subtle energy body where emotions are stored. These practices can be cathartic without having to mentally process the emotions. Emotions physiologically affect us for only up to 90 seconds. When emotions linger it is due to our psychological disposition and past traumas still living in the body. The basic mindfulness practice of “witnessing emotions� helps them to move through the body without the mind attaching and reinforcing the uncomfortable, if not painful, emotion. Present moment Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment. Energy flows where attention goes. It is important to become mindful of where we put our attention throughout the day. For example, watching news for extended periods of time may be putting our attention on stressful events outside of our control, thus adding to a sense of disempowerment and raised cortisol levels.
Genetic predisposition Our predisposition to dis-ease is inherited from our family. Intergenerational emotional complexes are transmitted through epigenetics, affecting our level of resilience. Often a sense of being overwhelmed comes from these unprocessed complexes, not only from our childhood but in our lineage. We can be unconsciously aligned with ancestral disease or dysfunction, taking on familial limiting beliefs around health and prosperity. Working with a family systems constellation therapist can help heal these wounds, thereby shifting your epigenetic template, increasing your flow of vitality and building your resiliency. If you have a history of acute trauma, then it will be beneficial to find a body worker with the training to access your emotional layers. Potential modalities for cleansing traumatic imprints include myofascial release, cranial sacral therapy, medical qi gong, acupressure and reiki. Eat for resilience Diet is directly linked to both physical and emotional resilience. Whenever possible, eat seasonal, organic and local (SOL) foods to find a diet that works best for your metabolism rate. In these times of economic uncertainty and food shortages, intermittent fasting is a cost-effective practice with a proven positive impact on our immune system. Other simple remedies with added preventive health benefits include nutritional supplements, fresh herbal teas, an alkaline diet, fungi and mycelium. When choosing self-care practices, it is best to set goals that are easy to achieve. Don’t create more stress with a daily hour-long routine that is too difficult to maintain. Keep it simple. Add to your practice as you progress, rather than starting big and letting it fall by the wayside. Remember, we must not underestimate the power of the human spirit to persevere in transformative times.
Embodiment practices help keep us grounded and strengthen our energetic field, increasing resilience. Meditative practices cultivate a sense of inner stillness, bringing balance so we can more easily adapt to change. Being in nature helps our nervous system attune to the soothing sounds around us, with the lush Costa Rican environment providing infinite opportunities. If personal mindfulness practices are not enough to self-regulate your emotional experience, then it may be a good time to seek psychological counseling.
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by Nicole Page
The day a bird named "Captain Crunch" came into our lives
I
have been self-isolating with my family in the Costa Rica jungle for weeks now. The sun is just starting to peek its head over the mountain as I enjoy my first sip of hot Costa Rican coffee. Beaches have been closed for what seems like forever. The normal sounds of the locals heading down to the beach hoping to catch a killer wave have been eerily replaced by amplified jungle sounds. On this particulate day, the Costa Rica jungle air seems more alive than most mornings. Chirps can be heard from different birds as they pass overhead. The bird songs are overpowered by the frightening roars of the howler monkeys. The monkeys are announcing to the jungle it's a new day and time to wake up. The rustling of the dry grass adds another sound layer as the iguanas start to emerge from their homes to join in. High-pitched echoes from locusts are announcing the first rains will be here soon. The tapping of my computer keys joins in with the rhythm as I start my storytelling.
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by Nicole Page
Alarming interruption I have lost all track of time and the world around me has disappeared. As I dig deeper into the story everything starts to come together. Then my attention is pulled away from my work as I hear an unfamiliar screeching sound. The barking of dogs begins to ring out, quickly joined by the sound of a small child crying. A young woman's voice grows louder and louder as she yells "GO HOME, GO HOME!" Quickly snapped back into realty, I try not to drop my computer as I struggle to jump to my feet. I rush over to the edge of the porch where I peer down the steep hill to the small dirt road below. To my horror I can see a toddler running around a stroller as it cries out. A young woman trying to push two dogs away waves her arms frantically in the air. She is attempting to shield what looks like an injured parakeet. Struggling to regain flight, the bird vigorously flaps its wings. One of the wings appears injured. The beautiful bright feathers move up and down in a quick lashing motion as the bird continues to let out a horrible screeching noise and rolls around on the ground.
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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR My heart sinks as I turn to grab the collars of the two dogs that came barreling out of my house. I catch myself from falling down the steep hill as the dogs jerk my arms. I struggled to not let go of their collars. Our dog’s barks join in the ruckus while they pull, trying to break free. As I try to calm my dogs, I see my husband stumble out of our bedroom to see what is going on. The young lady at the bottom of the hill yells out, asking if we have a towel to rap the injured bird. My husband quickly runs to grab a towel and heads to the bottom of the hill. He discusses the status of the bird and agrees to find care for it. My husband leaves the woman and carries the bird up the driveway. Reassuring the toddler that the bird is going to be ok, the woman decides to leave. I quickly turn my attention to the bird, having no idea what to do with an injured parakeet. My mind quickly shifts to go wake up my daughter Taya.
He’s gone with one final squawk to join his flock.
Quick to help and care Taya has been taking vet classes and volunteering at a couple of local animal shelters. She also was working with local vets, so I wondered, will she know what to do? I immediately wake Taya. She jumps out of bed and sends a message to our vet, Dr. Cavallini, then runs to where the injured bird is wrapped in a beach towel. Not knowing whether Dr. Cavallini would answer a text message so early in the morning, I jump online and reach out to my tribe on Facebook. I also send personal messages to others I know work with animals in the area. Fortunately, Dr. Cavallini replies to Taya’s text within minutes. Local animal rescue groups from all over the country also reach out to offer assistance, while others volunteer to help with transportation. Following instructions from the vet and a couple more animal shelters, we place the bird in a box in a dark room for calming, while figuring out what to do next. My husband and I agree that Taya should work with the local animal rescue as the bird regains its strength. These next three days are critical in determining if the bird would be able to return to its flock. Otherwise the rest of its life would have to be spent in a rescue shelter.
New friend gets a name I watch my daughter work with the vets over the next few days to help our new friend, who we named “Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme." Taya decides to make a perch for the injured parakeet, finding some sticks in the jungle and tying them together with string. Her dad teaches her how to tie square lashes to secure the perch. Over the next couple days, Taya shows us what Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme should eat in order to regain his strength. She ends up making two different perches for her new friend. On the fourth day, Taya checks Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme’s status. To her surprise, he has eaten more food than any other day since the accident. She also places him in the yard where flocks of parakeets fly by while she washes the cage. His injured wing seems to be much better and he is almost able to stretch it out straight. Next, Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme jumps off his perch and walks across the yard. He then tests his voice and lets out a couple of big squawks before climbing up into our pineapple bush. From there, he spreads his wings and with a few flaps, flies off. Just as quickly as Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme came into our lives, he’s left us. Stretching his neck and wings out, his beautiful colors shining in the open air, he’s gone with one final squawk to join his flock. As our time of selfisolation continues, I miss our parakeet, Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme. This injured bird distracted me from the troubles of the world. I watched my husband teach our daughter a new skill. I was also able to see just how much Taya had learned from her volunteer work. I witnessed our community and country come together as well. In addition, I witnessed a healing. Captain Crunch Wrap Supreme reminded me that there are beautiful things going on in the world.
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PURA VIDA / LIVING
Refuge for Wildlife Emergency Appeal
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Research has shown that howlers are susceptible to some viruses that also affect humans; however, there is no evidence that the howlers can transmit these viruses back to humans. Our main concern is the possibility of transmission of the COVID-19 viral infection from people to the vulnerable howler monkeys in our care. Sadly, many of the monkeys in our rehabilitation facility have suffered from horrible electrocution injuries from uninsulated power lines and are therefore already extremely vulnerable. We must take all precautions possible to ensure their safety.
ith the ongoing global lockdown, it is a difficult time for everyone around the world and Costa Rica is no exception. As always, our top priority is the safety of our staff and the wildlife in our care. So far, the team and animals are safe and healthy, but we are being extra vigilant. The strict biosecurity measures that we already have in place to protect everyone at the refuge have now been extended to include a deep clean of the facility several times a day 50% of the funding for the rescue center comes from educational visits and tourism, which we have and restricting access to essential staff only.
had to suspend for the foreseeable future. This is obviously putting a significant financial strain on the work that we do. But we cannot stop working; the animals depend on us.
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Please help us to continue to operate during this difficult time! Despite the current challenges, the IAR Costa Rica Refuge for Wildlife rescue team are still responding to monkey electrocutions and other wildlife emergencies. Our incredible animal care teams are also as busy as ever looking after our resident wildlife. Injured howlers are given round the clock treatment and care in our clinic. As soon as they are deemed fit enough, adult animals are returned to the jungle, while infant howler monkeys and other young animals are raised in the Refuge’s nursery in preparation for the animals’ return to the wild. If you are in a position to help us, please make a donation so we can continue to provide the very best care for our wildlife throughout this pandemic. Thank you for your support. Click DONATE to support. DONATE HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 121
CR BIZ
The Sun Will Rise Tomorrow
D
id your dream property just turn into your biggest nightmare? Or, is COVID-19 just a bump in the road?
So, let’s take a minute to look at some key factors before sounding any alarm bells. It’s safe to say that this too shall pass, as most tough times ultimately do. But there will also be a new normal. The human need for beaches, travel, exploration and relaxation is hardwired, so that aspect of life as we knew it is NOT over. People will never be content locked in the safety of their homes indefinitely. So will there be a recovery in the vacation and retirement real estate sectors? Yes there will be. Will
REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK
The answer is another question: who knows? No one can say for sure what the post-pandemic future is going to look like when the world emerges from quarantine mode, not here in Costa Rica or anywhere else. There is no clear outlook but one likelihood: some will come out of this crisis in fairly good shape and others won’t be as fortunate. There is no one-size-fits-all prediction.
by Randy Toltz
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Renters and Buyers Will Be Back it come too late for some? Probably. But sooner rather than later, the Airbnb and VRBO inquiries will start to trickle in as virus control safety measures are relaxed, and then renters will start to flood back.
is all but illegal in some cases, if not actually illegal? My answer is simple: keep trying and stay relevant. Keep your property out there and highly visible. Those looking to buy will only see what is in front of them.
As for property sales, in the shorter term we can anticipate the inevitable vultures eager to pick the bones of wounded homeowners desperate to sell. But there will also be a new generation of buyers who see COVID-19 as a wake-up call to waste no time escaping the rut of the rat race. Seeking to live the life they desire could very well lead to Costa Rica. So property sales here will recover as well.
Undoubtedly, many property owners will pull back and say, “I will wait until this passes.” After more than 20 years of selling real estate, I can not tell you how many people tell me, “I will wait until after the holidays to sell my house.”
The here and now What do you do in the meantime? How do you keep trying to rent or sell your property at a time when travel
If it’s not convenient for you to sell now, that is one thing. But if it’s because you assume there are no buyers, that is quite another. There are always buyers! So do you want your property to be one of the 10 that they see, or one of 200? This applies just as much to the current situation as it always does in a seller’s market slump.
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CR BIZ Keep your chin up and your property out there. Now is the time that will test your resolve. The short term is tough, without a doubt. There will be some pain, but never give up hope. There will be a break in the clouds. This is not the first, nor the last, cycle in our economic lifespan. Pick your team and keep the faith Make sure your listing agent and property manager are willing to ride this out with you. Some will pack up, stop advertising and retreat until the market gets better. But don’t let them pack up YOUR tent and take it home with them! This is where you want to find the right people on your team — those who will fight it out with you. Once you have those people on board, encourage them, trust them, support them. Their business is likely suffering greatly, yet they are investing time and money they are not earning to help and support you. In turn, it’s discouraging when their efforts yield limited results.
The sun will come out tomorrow, the dust will settle and we will move on. We will have some scars. A few tears will be shed and likely more than a few rolling down our collective cheeks in the days ahead. But we are tough and we are resilient. And there is nothing like a spectacular Costa Rican sunset to help brighten our perspective as we move forward. Stay well!
Keep trying and stay relevant.
REAL ESTATE OUTLOOK
So, show those on your team love, grace, kindness and patience, as they are doing their utmost. Together, you will get through this.
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Your market is online... are you?
HOWLER MEDIA PLATFORM Assisting our clients in their marketing investment to keep intersecting their audience. Proactive engagements with dynamic presentations to people who already have a vested interest in Costa Rica. DISCOVER THE IMPACT
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Minding Your Money and Your Wellness in 2020
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CR BIZ
Costa Rica Launches Tax Relief in Response to COVID-19
LEGALEASE
by Ivan Granados
A
s the world grapples with the pandemic of COVID-19, Costa Rica has joined other nations in providing relief in several areas. One of them is a new law providing some temporary tax breaks or deferral periods. In future Howler articles, we will talk about labor and social security measures that have also been recently approved.
On March 20, 2020, Law #9830 Alivio fiscal ante el COVID-19 (Tax relief related to COVID-19) was published in La Gaceta. The most relevant aspects of this law are: This includes all commercial companies, branches of foreign
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companies and individual limited liability companies. 1. Partial payments of income tax for 2020 • The taxpayers referred to in the Income Tax Law are exempt, for one time only, to make partial payments of the income tax that they should make in April, May and June 2020. 2. File form D-135: Declaration for Legal Persons • VAT taxpayers must file, during April, May and June 2020, the tax return form D-104 for March, April and May 2020, and howlermag.com howlermag.com
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may not pay the Value Added Tax (VAT). • Taxpayers who take advantage of this opportunity must make the payments for the months covered by the deferral period no later than December 31, 2020, or make a payment arrangement with the Tax Administration, “Dirección General de Tributación,” to avoid incurring interest payments or fines under the conditions and terms defined in its regulations. 3. Partial payments of income tax for 2020 • Commercial leases are exempt from paying the VAT for April, May and June 2020, only if both the lessee and lessor are registered as taxpayers in Registro Unico de Contribuyentes (RUC), Single Tax Registry of Dirección General de Tributación, the General Income Regime or the Special Agricultural Regime. 4. Deferral period on the payment of Selective Consumption tax: • Taxpayers of this tax, and who are registered in Registro Unico de Contribuyentes (RUC), Single Tax Registry of Dirección General de Tributación, must file their tax returns for March, April and May 2020, and may not make payment of the tax during April, May and June 2020. • Taxpayers who take advantage of this possibility must make the respective tax payments for the months covered by the deferral period no later than December
31, 2020, or make a payment arrangement with the Tax Administration to avoid incurring interest payments or fines under the terms and conditions defined in its regulations. 5. Deferral period on the payment of importation customs duties and taxes (impuesto selective de consumo): • Importers, and who are also registered as taxpayers in Registro Unico de Contribuyentes (RUC), Single Tax Registry of the Dirección General de Tributación, may nationalize the goods during April, May and June 2020 without paying the corresponding dues. Agricultural and livestock products classified from chapters 1 to 24 of the Sistema Arancelario Centroamericano are excluded from this measure and the national regulations will be maintained in the event of a possible shortage. • Taxpayers who take advantage of this possibility must pay the fees corresponding to the months covered by the deferral no later than December 31, 2020, or make a payment arrangement with the Tax Administration to avoid incurring interest payments or fines under the terms and conditions defined by the Customs Administration regulations. Because this pandemic situation is evolving rapidly, it is important to stay informed of the various ways that Costa Rica is helping to relieve financial burdens. We are at your service to answer your questions and provide
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Important Update on Laws and Guidelines to Protect You
by Ivan Granados
COVID-19 Measures for Travel, Condominiums and Tax Relief
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uring this unprecedented time of global pandemic, Costa Rica has taken extensive measures to flatten the curve and provide financial relief for its native Costa Ricans and the thousands of expats who live here. These measures effect everything from travel to taxes. We have recapped some of the most wide-reaching measures below.
LEGAL EASE
Travel Costa Rica borders will remain closed to tourists and non-resident foreigners due to the COVID-19 pandemic up to May 15, 2020, until further notice. The government announced on Monday April 20, 2020 that Costa Rica will deny entry to tourists and non-resident foreigners. Citizens, Costa Rica residents and tourists are all still allowed to leave Costa Rica. Nevertheless, the tourists and residents (noncitizens) who leave, will not be allowed to re-enter Costa Rica until at least May 16, 2020. Anyone caught entering illegally will have their residency status revoked. This applies to entry via air, land or sea. Exceptions may be made for “humanitarian cases,” but those instances must be approved by the Immigration Administration, the Health Ministry and the Foreign Ministry.
As before, any citizens and residents who enter Costa Rica will have a mandatory quarantine of 14 days. Tourists who entered Costa Rica, with a tourist visa, after December 17, 2019, will be allowed to remain legally in Costa Rica until July 17, 2020 without facing any irregular immigration status or fine. Commercial flights between the United States and Costa Rica have ceased. Condominium Guidelines – As of April 7, 2020 Guidelines are highlighted here for administrators, maintenance personnel, condominium owners, tenants, merchants and visitors of the condominium: According to the government’s declared State of Emergency, massive commercial and social events must be cancelled. It is not permitted to use common recreational areas such as clubhouses, roof terraces, jacuzzis, gyms, BBQ areas, cinema rooms, massage rooms, event rooms, etc.
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Green areas or sports fields may be used for walking. Social distancing must be observed. Swimming pools, both in private and common areas, and in compliance with the temporary administrative measures aimed at avoiding massive gatherings, should remain closed. Constructions and repairs: These are permitted in both affiliated properties and common areas, provided that the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health regarding the necessary cleaning and hygiene measures are complied with. In case of non-compliance with these measures regarding condominiums, the administration or administrative board are authorized to restrict the use or impose new measures aimed at protecting the health of the people in the condominium. Guidelines for homeowners and tenants If you or any person within the condominium has symptoms associated with respiratory disease contact the administration for the established course of action. In the event that someone has a Sanitary Order issued by the Ministry of Health, he/she must abide by the following Guideline: Version 1- March 18, 2020. Guidelines and regulations for the domiciliary isolation of Costa Ricans, residents and diplomats who enter the country due to the Coronavirus health alert (COVID-19). Maintain hand washing, sneezing and coughing protocols, and do not touch your face, all by way of prevention. Social distancing measures promoted by the Ministry of Health are recommended, as well as staying home and avoiding physical contact. 132
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It is recommended that everyone abide by the provisions of the administration on the use of common areas and the holding of social events, in accordance with the disposition of the Board of Directors. Stay informed about the national situation through official sources: www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr Tax Relief Law #9830, approved in March 2020, established that commercial leases are exempt from paying the VAT tax for April, May and June 2020, only if both the lessee and lessor are duly registered as taxpayers in “RUC” Registro Unico de Contribuyentes, Single Tax Registry of the Dirección General de Tributación, in the General Income Regime or the Special Agricultural Regime. Importers, who are also registered as taxpayers in “RUC” Registro Unico de Contribuyentes, Single Tax Registry of the Direccion Tributacion Directa, may nationalize during April, May and June 2020, the goods without paying the corresponding dues. Agricultural and livestock products classified from chapters 1 to 24 of the Sistema Arancelario Centroamericano are excluded from this measure and the national regulations will be maintained, in the event of a possible shortage. The taxpayers referred to in the Income Tax Law, are exempt, for one time only, to make partial payments of the income tax that they should make in April, May and June 2020. Click link for more detailed information on COVID-19 tax relief measures in Costa Rica. With everyone working together, and with the support of the government, Costa Rica will continue to see success in the fight against this disease. Stay home and stay safe.
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Timely and Proactive:
Costa Rica’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis
I
’ve lived in Costa Rica, primarily in the western San José metropolitan area, for over 21 years, practicing law for 17 of those years. I have written many articles for online news sites serving the country, which some Howler readers have likely seen and read. In many instances, the theme of my previous articles was to be critical of the Costa Rican government’s lack of proactivity in response to problem-solving, choosing almost always a reactive response instead. I have written and posted articles specifically on this topic, noting how much unnecessary suffering this kind of approach causes Costa Rican citizens. Fast-forward to this year’s COVID-19 crisis, particularly the guidance provided by Costa Rica’s current Minister of Health, Dr. Daniel Salas. Under Dr. Salas’ leadership, the government adopted a very proactive and uncharacteristically authoritarian crisis management approach, almost
from the onset. Identified COVID-19 cases were quarantined at an early date following the virus’ entry into Costa Rica. A mitigation program of social distancing measures and various vehicle movement restrictions was designed to limit opportunities for the virus to spread within communities through large group gatherings. The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS), commonly known as CAJA, also must be commended for the preparations it undertook to ensure medical requirements for handling COVID-19 cases would be met. That included the acquisition or manufacture of ventilators and acquisition of additional hospital beds (including the commissioning of a unique COVID 19 treatment facility). It also meant acquiring the necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for hospital workers such as gowns, face masks, and gloves. CAJA did an admirable job rising to the
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kind of challenge never before encountered in Costa Rica. Without a doubt, these timely and proactive actions by the Costa Rican government, and primarily at the behest of Dr. Salas, have worked exceptionally well in controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus, particularly in areas outside the San José metropolitan area. Although socially disruptive to a painful extent, their effectiveness cannot be overstated.
In my opinion, from a review of other countries and their handling of the COVID-19 crisis, I would rate Costa Rica, along with South Korea, as being in the top echelon in their manner of handling the virus pandemic. In all likelihood, this has created an earlier opportunity than would otherwise be possible to rebound economically from the crisis.
Without a doubt, these actions have worked exceptionally well in controlling the spread of the virus.
by Rick Philps
Encouraging Outlook The Howler shares this author’s optimism about Costa Rica’s post-pandemic economy rebounding faster than will likely occur in countries where government protection measures were less timely and proactive. The degree of care and concern shown by the Costa Rican government for residents, as well as visitors, has been impressive and reassuring.
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Autonomous Living in Costa Rica Solar Solutions at Home and On the Road
Existing or capable of existing independently, having the power to make your own decisions. -Autonomous
P
eople move to Costa Rica for many reasons, but living autonomously or sustainably is high on the list. In Costa Rica you can find your slice of paradise and achieve a high quality of living. Using the latest technology in Costa Rica for solar energy and electric vehicles enables residents to enjoy a healthy and affordable lifestyle, less dependent on fraught electric grids or fluctuating oil prices.
Home connections This has sparked an increased interest in solar energy and energy storage, which led to a Costa Rican solar energy policy known as the Distributed Generation Plan. It allows consumers who produce their own energy to interchange it back to the public grid, 1 for 1 kilowatt hour, with a small access tariff of 3 to 5 cents. With all of this in mind, paying 3 to 5 cents per kWh is far better than average otherwise of 25 cents. Urban legends have arisen regarding Costa Rica’s regulations for distributed generation. Consumers are strongly advised to consult with a reputable solar energy provider to obtain the facts.
Costa Rica has received global recognition for running on 99% renewable energy. Yet what many people do not know is the high price that the population pays for that energy. At an average 25 cents per kWh, Costa Rica has the highest rates for energy in Central America. They are comparable to the energy prices in Hawaii and California, which have the highest rates of energy in the United States. Even while paying high prices, consumers are vulnerable to frequent power outages.
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Many electric vehicles have been exempted from import taxes, making them more affordable than ever.
Electric mobility The government-managed refinery (RECOPE) in Costa Rica also suffers from oil price fluctuations and high overhead prices. These costs are passed along to local consumers, who pay more for gas than their neighbors in Central America. Fortunately, drivers in Costa Rica now have the ability to gain autonomy regarding high gas prices as well! Costa Rica’s vehicle charging infrastructure consists of more than 150 charging stations across the country, allowing users to travel all around the country in an electric vehicle. With new policies for electric mobility, many electric vehicles have been exempted from import taxes, making them more affordable than ever. EV Imports is a Costa Rican owned electric vehicle dealer which supplies high-quality used EV cars to Costa Rica. Currently EV Imports has a wide variety of electric cars such as Tesla, Fiat, BMW, Chevrolet, Ford, KIA and much more. EV Imports provides the end-to-end solution to its customers, including parts and technical service. Some car dealers have introduced new models such as Audi, BMW, and BYD, with a tax-free price if less than US $30,000. You can now purchase a used EV for under $20,000 with a warranty, such as the Fiat 500E, Chevrolet SPARK and Nissan LEAF.
We can help Costa Rica Solar Solutions has more than 14 years of experience supplying high quality solar systems to our clients. We provide free consulting services to dispel any myths about Costa Rica’s distributed generation regulations and explain in detail how you can cut your electricity bills by up to 90%. In addition, Costa Rica Solar Solutions has teamed with EV Imports to help our customers enhance their autonomous living dreams in Costa Rica through the use of electronic vehicles.
Contact us:
506-4030-2024 or (all will be linked) ben@crsolarsolutons.com or visit http://www.crsolarsolutions.com/ Check out our online channels: https://crsolarsolutions.com/ https://evimportscr.com/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/ UClCUBO7uE4DPRLPQjm2vSkA
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Support your local community efforts. Pura Vida Strong Howler Magazine
CARES
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Beach Community Church Brasilito: English & Spanish Ministries Sharing the love of Christ throughout our community. Monthly giving to local charities, plus several other projects to meet the needs of our people.
Saturday Spanish 6 pm Sunday English 10 am
Click here for our Facebook
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Abriendo Mentes Educate, Enhance, Empower Abriendo Mentes is a nonprofit organization operating in the villages of Potrero and Brasilito. It began in June of 2009 after receiving many requests from the community. Abriendo Mentes 'opened' it's doors to any child in Potrero who wanted free English lessons. 15 kids showed up. Our vision was to create a safe and creative learning space for all community members to be able to access services to promote their own livelihoods, whether that be English classes, computer courses, job skills training, or zumba lessons. Today, Abriendo Mentes serves more than 350 participants per year through thousands of hours of after-school children's activities, adult education classes, women's empowerment programming, community engagement and a social work program.
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www.abriendomentes.org info@abriendomentes.org +506 8496-9760
How can you get involved? Follow and share our work on social media facebook.com/abriendomentes IG: @abriendomentescr
Volunteer your expertise Contact us at info@abriendomentes.org for volunteer opportunities
Donate to our cause We rely on the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations to do our work abriendomentes.org/donate
Our Response to COVID-19 We have formed part of a coalition of NGO's called Juntos por Guanacaste to offer emergency food relief to families impacted by the crisis. To date, we have delivered food packages to 293 families howlermag.com in Potrero and Brasilito.
Please Support These Amazing Organizations Helping The Community At This Difficult Time
Huacas • Distributing food packages to local families in need during the COVID 19 emergency. • After School Programs, Early Intervention, Education, Psychology, Entrepreneurship, Technical training, Daycare, Scholarships, Enviroment, Legal, Culture.
TAMARINDO • Accepting donations of all non-perishable dry foods and supplies Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at Hero Academy for immediate distribution. • Distributing weekly food packs into the community for families in need during the COVID-19 crisis. • After school program, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for children and adults. • TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATIONS - 501c3 in USA (2017), CNE registered disaster relief agency (2020), Costa Rica Asociation de Beneficia (2017).
• More Info: www.cepiacostarica.org 2653-8365
Santa Rosa • Accepting donations of all nonperishable dry foods and supplies at Conectando Corazones for immediate distribution. Mon-Sun 9-5 • Distributing food and hygiene care packages to 100 families bi weekly. • Faith based outreach, After school program, family transformation & restoration, emergency disaster relief, workshops, mission trips. • Contact:
Instagram- Conectandocorazonessr Webwww.conectandocorazonessr.com FbConectando Corazones de Santa Rosa
• More Info: www.herobjj.com 7199-7182 HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 143
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GREATER TAMARINDO FOOD BANK
WHO ARE WE? The Greater Tamarindo Food Bank initiative (GTFB) is a fast growing community of people that started as a Facebook group on March 23, 2020. This group was created by Ben Desjardins in response to the travel ban imposed by the Costa Rican authorities during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal to help the unemployed families who won’t get help from existing organizations. Our group currently has 1,400 members and we have about 150 volunteers. These volunteers include business owners, unemployed workers, expats, locals who also applied for help and even people who are helping remotely from other countries.
TIMELINE SNAPSHOTS:
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WHAT WE DO?
As of mid-April, over 5,000 families (approximately 30,000 people) have applied with the GTFB for assistance. Absolutely 100% of our efforts are dedicated towards feeding these families, as well as individuals, in Tamarindo and the surrounding areas impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting economic crisis. No member of the GTFB receives any type of salary or any other form of compensation, except for acknowledgements in our group. You and 1,400 people liked this.
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WHAT HAVE WE DONE SO FAR?
Raised $22,960 USD on our GoFundMe account, 100% of funds go directly to help Delivered 500 Food baskets with our allied association Costa Rica Makes Me Happy & AIto Impacto. Each basket feed a family of 5 for 1 month Serving 2,000 hot meals per week. This number is constantly growing, we expect to be at 3,500 meals per week by next week We assembled a team of 140 volunteers We now produce about 100 CDC-compliant masks per day We have created a team focused on creating self sustaining solutions You and 1,400 people liked this.
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WHY WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We are receiving 100 requests from new families in need per day We currently have 5,000 families (approximately 30,000 people) requesting help This month 96% of families still need our help Next month 100% of families still need our help JOIN ATfind facebook.com/groups/tamarindofoodbank 146 | #sUS earch howl | online
PLEASE DONATE AT bit.ly/TamarindoFoodBank howlermag.com
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¶Ĭš˘àÃĦ˘ÃğŔĬ˘æêŋĬŔĉŜ˘ĥĬĦêž˘ŜĬ˘ XšŋêŎĬĦ˘ÿĬŎ˘Ã˘ ĬĥßĬ˘ ÃàĜʧ˘ ğêÃŔê˘ŋšŜ˘;ĬĬæ˘;ĬŎ˘BêŎĥĬŔÃ˘ĉĦ˘ ŜĆê˘æêŜÃĉğŔʧ XšŋêŎĬĦ˘ ˘ʐʿʎʍʎʿʎʒʐʔʏʐ šêĦŜÃ˘ ÃĦàĬ˘_ÃàĉĬĦÃğʩ˘ ʎʍʍʿʍʎʿʎʒʒʿʍʍʍʎʑʏʿʐ šêĦŜÃ˘ ğĉêĦŜêʩ˘ʎʒʎʎʒʒʎʍʍʎʍʍʍʎʑʏʐ šêĦŜÃ˘E _ʩ ʔʖʍʎʒʎʎʒʒʎʍʍʎʍʍʍʎʑʏʐ
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