HOWLER Co s ta R i c a Li fest yle, T ravel & A dve nture
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The Creation of Costa Rica's National Parks
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Reinvent Your Life
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EDITORIAL
Making Things Work Again is Our New Necessity The end game is to place adoptable pets into loving homes so they can live full lives with their new forever families. The need to help make this happen is critical. It makes our communities not only more beautiful but brings us together through a common humanitarian cause.
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s we keep reinventing our online media at the Howler we have expanded our readership and reached beyond our borders very successfully. For example, the May e-magazine issue reached over 70,000. We are also working closely with the Costa Rican Tourist Board to keep Costa Rica on the minds of tourists as they plan future travel destinations. The Howler is also expanding its magazine sections to include a new area devoted to diversity. Our intent is to celebrate differences in society across cultures and communities. These differences enhance our lives in many ways that should be spotlighted. We invite your participation in this diversity initiative, as it encompasses more than you can imagine. Pet adoption is another new magazine section where we hope to help meet the needs of so many animal rescue agencies around the country. Their dedicated efforts do not stop with the rescue of homeless pets.
When making your plans as you emerge from the unforgettable hibernation of 2020, remember Costa Rica is the place to visit. Howlermag.com is a trusted source of information about everything Costa Rican. Our online content covers a vast range of topics and areas of the country. There is no better source for gaining a well-rounded insight into what to expect when visiting, investing, and living here. Unplug yourself from those Zoom meetings. Visit a place where you can breathe in fresh ocean breezes or crisp mountain air. It will revive and recharge you in moving forward with your life. It is time to interact with each other. Of all the lessons learned in the past few months, the importance of human interaction stands above the rest. Remaining separated by social distancing measures is still necessary until we find a way to treat the risk effectively, but it has caused a deep need for contact. Step out and kickstart your life with an adventure to Costa Rica.
The beaches are naturally not crowded. There are mountain trails to hike and wide-open vistas stretching for miles in all directions. Yet, they co-exist with social access to cultural and human experiences. Talk about COVID-19 and the new normal has weighed on the people of the world. We have all been affected by witnessing the world coming to a halt. I am inundated with videos and negative comments on a daily basis. At the same time, it has been great watching communities come together to take care of those in need. Looking forward is the new focus, and making things work again is our new necessity of life. You get back what you put out. The power of positivity is vitally important now to show that survival is human nature. I reposted a statement on Howler’s Instagram page that really makes sense. “When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you’ll be successful.” For me, that says it all. Our focus on the future is the key. We’ve been dealing with an unprecedented experience. Regrets or embarrassment over our “old normal,” especially the ruts we found ourselves in, can help us be successful in new and different ways going forward.
John B. Quam
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Cover Story
SURF Photographer Agustin Muñoz
Costa Rica's Protected Places
Fins Out: Lisbeth Vindas
The incredible story of how the national parks and reserves were established.
Braving Salsa Brava
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ACE From Farm to TV Fame Hernan Pérez Pérez Dan Medakovic Evelio's Garden Collectivo Fugitivo
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PURA VIDA CBD Oil Sleepy Time CBD Turmeric Latte The Practice of Gratitude Food for Thought About Eating Mother Earth Week 2020 Finally Ready for the Wild life!
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CR BIZ Remembering Mark Haddad Beyond the Lease Costa Rica Residency Business Owner Moms
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NEW FEATURE
Articles in Spanish! Look for Laura
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Howler's electronic message board coming soon!
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DEVELOPMENT SPOTLIGHT
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Howler Troop For This Issue
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owler is delighted to introduce first-time contributor Kate Hanley, whose interviews with two well-known wave catchers are featured separately in the Surfing CR section of our June e-magazine. Within days of quarantine measures being eased to reopen beaches during restricted weekday hours, Kate spoke with national surf champion Lisbeth Vindal about the virtual training classes she conducted for students to continue learning when the ocean was off limits. The same week, globally acclaimed surf photographer Agustin Muñoz described how he coped with the same obstacles to pursuing his passion and livelihood in the water.
Kate Hanley first fell in love with Costa Rica in 1996 on a family vacation. She has been living most of the past eight years in Jacó, also her home break. A freelance writer and teacher, Kate is the small business owner of Pura Vida Board Gear, specializomg in custom boardsocks. An advocate of community service, education and environmental protection, she is a volunteer teacher for Jacó Impact and Horizon Church. Besides surfing, Kate enjoys all sports, live music, art and cultural events which are the frequent subjects of her articles. Follow her on instagram @puravidaboardgear
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. John Brockmeier. Writer and activist inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences. Alei Burns. The Bookstore of the Waves owner, New Yorkraised librarian, passionate book and surf lover. Mary Byerly. Highly certified yoga instructor. Guiding others to live vibrantly, creating positive change one person at a time. panaceacr@gmail.com Marynes Fernández. Venezuelan native whose deep roots in Costa Rica were planted in 2006, when she first relocated here. Music lover and entrepreneur specializing in marketing and sustainable tourism, with her own business, Airelibre Adventures & Hosting, in Nuevo Arenal. Social media @ airelibre.adventures @ marynesf19 Caison Gaither. Creator of PaddleOuts, floating bands for sunglasses. Can often be found on Playa Tamarindo manning a charcoal grill or out in the waves off Nicoya. Charlene Golojuch. Co-owner of Hidden Garden Art Gallery with husband, Greg. www.HiddenGardenArt.com 12
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Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@ gmattorneyscr.com Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breath work experiences, cacao ceremonies and other activities. hello@puravidavibrations.com Ariana Clashing O’Reilly. Local writer. Jim Parisi. Former owner of Jaime Peligro Bookstore, now called "Bookstore of the Waves". Tamarindo resident for 16 years. jaimepeligro123@hotmail.com Paul Pitura. Former journalist with CBC in Canada, now managing Drift Away Eco-Lodge in Playa Avellanas, Guanacaste and playing guitar at local venues. Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com Randy Toltz. Long-time resident of Costa Rica working as Broker Associate with EXP Realty. Contact by phone: 303-6767036 Email: randy@thetoltzgroup.com Visit www.thetoltzgroup.com Olivia Venturini. Colorado native living part-time in Costa Rica, with a passion for traveling, creativity, and learning. not credited are acquired from stock Student at Colorado StateImages University - Pueblo, the first photography services. multidisciplinary cannabis research center of its kind. howlermag.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. Terry Carlile. Served as a U. S. Navy journalist for eight years, and is also a workshop trainer and keynote speaker. Jenn Parker. Avid writer, traveler, and nature lover on a mission to surf the earth and share her stories.
All photos for cover story including the cover photo courtesy of Alan Valverd. Follow them on Facebook
June 2020 Vol. 25 No. 4 Publisher / Editor-in-Chief John B. Quam Creative Director Terry Carlile Graphic Design Cover Design: Terry Carlile Cover Photo: Alan Valverd Editorial Staff Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator Laurie Quam - Copy Editor Marketing Terry Carlile Victoria Price Stephanie Cash Kelly Norris Jen McCrea Mary Fernández Spanish Translation CPI Flamingo
Contact John Quam headmonkey@howlermag.com Editor editor@howlermag.com Advertising info@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (303)952-0337 (leave message) 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. The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements. Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services. 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. Copyright © 2020 The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Copyright © 2020 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama
HOWLER (™) 2017
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COVER STORY
La Cangreja National Park 14
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Costa Rica’s Protected Places By Tom Schultz
Photos courtesy of Fotos antiguas de Allan Valverde Poás Volcano 1926
A Legacy of Luck, Dreams, Determination and Political Will
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osta Rica is blessed today with an astonishing 26 percent of its territory held in conservation: 29 national parks and over 150 protected spaces in total. But this was not always the case. Laying claim to such an achievement was not one of the first reasons Costa Rica became the global role model it is today in so many respects. The country’s track record for land and marine conservation was neither an early nor overnight success story.
As recently as 1970, Costa Rica had no government-protected areas. Deforestation and illegal mining were destroying the terrain and interconnected water ecosystems at an alarming rate. It took an amazing combination of luck, dreams, determination, political will and the law of unintended circumstances to change course and get where we are today. Consistent with much of Costa Rica’s history, it is a colorful, and even tragic, tale. Cocos Island HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 15
COVER STORY Figuring prominently in this legacy early on were: two young Tico graduate students; a former and future Costa Rican president and his wife; a dream-chasing European expat couple; and the man whose namesake became Liberia’s international airport. Dreamquest in an unknown land In the mid-1960s, Oloff Wesberg, from Sweden, and Karen Mogensen, from Denmark, came to Costa Rica together following their shared dream. In Mogensen’s case, it was literally a dream that occurred during sleep. She described seeing in this dream a land with two peninsulas that would be the couple’s destiny. Thus prompted to identify Costa Rica in a global atlas, that’s where the couple decided to move — specifically the Nicoya Peninsula.
Turrilaba Volcano 1907
Having purchased 40 hectares of land in this chosen spot to make their personal dream come true, Wesberg and Mogensen soon began looking at the bigger picture of land occupancy and saw the need for greater protection. On their own land they created Cabo Blanco Reserve, considered the first protected area in Costa Rica. It was the genesis of the couple’s activism to protect more land in the country. Irazú Volcano
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Carara National Park
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COVER STORY To support the cause, Mogensen enlisted help from a fellow Dane by birth, Karen Olsen Beck. Beck was also a naturalized U.S. citizen, having immigrated to the United States as a child. By the time her path crossed Mogensen’s in adulthood, Beck was married to Costa Rica’s most prominent political leader of the 20th century — José “Don Pepe” Figueres Ferrer, first President of the postcivil war period. Also during the late 1960s, the lives of two young University of Costa Rica graduates, Álvaro Ugalde and Mario Boza, were heading in a similar parallel direction as both undertook graduate programs in the United States. Boza’s studies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park inspired his desire to protect forests in his homeland. Ugalde’s specialty focus while working in Grand Canyon National Park was then a new concept — conservation biology.
Figueres was becoming increasingly concerned about the future survival of sea turtles.
Meanwhile, having served two presidential terms, Figueres was becoming increasingly concerned about the future survival of sea turtles. Through his introduction to renowned Florida marine biologist Dr. Archie Carr, whose career found him pursuing conservation projects in Costa Rica for extended periods, Figueres witnessed firsthand the atrocities of poaching on the turtle nesting beaches of Tourtuguero. He was outraged that Costa Ricans could be robbed of such a treasured part of their wildlife heritage on such a massive scale. Cahuita 1922 18
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Tortuguero
Cahuita 1922
Arias seized the opportunity for wide open doors to international tourists.
Wheels in motion When 1970 saw “Don Pepe” reelected for his third presidential term, the wheels were in motion on multiple conservation fronts. With his wife championing Mogensen’s land protection concerns, Mario Boza was urging for protection and reforesting of watershed-dependent areas while Álvaro Ugalde’s promotion of new conservation biology concepts heralded the dawn of our modern Earth Day era. Along with Figueres’ passionate sea turtle protection cause, these converging interests led to breakthrough forestry legislation that would have sweeping long-term consequences for Costa Rica. Inadvertently or not, “national park” terminology within the Forestry Law language saw the creation of what became the nation’s present-day crowning glory. Arenal Volcano 1962 HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 19
COVER STORY The national park system has become a vast and diverse network of protected habitats and ecosystems.
Irazú Volcano 1963 Photo courtesy of National Georgraphic The first protected national park sites were in the following locations: • Poás Volcano in the Central Valley, one of the country’s most spectacular landscapes • Santa Rosa in northwestern Guanacaste, where both a magnificent forest and Costa Rica’s number one historical site needed protection • Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, a vitally important turtle nesting area • Cocos Island, a wildlife oasis unprotected by — or from — humans With Costa Rica’s fledgling national parks system now in place, Mario Boza was recognized officially for his founding role in being named the inaugural head.
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1974 saw the election of a new President, Daniel Oduber Quirós, who was hand-picked by his predecessor and followed Figueres’ lead on several conservation fronts. Álvaro Ugalde sought government protection for water retention areas vital to the development of hydroelectric power by Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). He also advocated successfully for the passing of Costa Rica’s Tourist Development Incentive Law, with provisions for tax breaks and other inducements supporting the new concept of ecotourism. Other kinds of changes in the 1970s helped shape Costa Rica’s national parks history. Government land expropriation initiatives were taken to make subdivided lots affordable to the local population and offer protection from foreign development. In the same decade, many of today’s best-known national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Carara were created and protected, as well as in Oduber’s native Guanacaste region. howlermag.com
Paper park system Sadly, however, Costa Rica’s earliest parks languished for some time as merely a “paper system.” Organization was lacking and operations driven from the top down, so local involvement was largely excluded. Political friction at the local level was a consequence, leading to poaching, illegal lumbering and gold mining, and other conservation violations. This situation persisted into the mid-1980s and even later. 1987 marked a turning point when thenPresident Óscar Arias won the Nobel Peace Prize as a proponent of human rights and non-violent resolution of Central American conflicts. Having put Costa Rica in the world spotlight, Arias seized the opportunity for wide open doors to international tourists, along with new possibilities for his own people to prosper. A key step was to strengthen the existing tourism incentive legislation, and Costa Rica’s protected areas would play a pivotal role. But for this strategy to succeed, attracting planeloads of ecotourists to experience immersion in unblemished natural surroundings was only part of the prosperity equation. Only when these visitors were consciously enjoying and contributing to the mutual economic benefits of ecotourism, would there be sufficient motivation for meaningful local involvement in park protection. Ultimately in 1998, Costa Rica’s Sistema Nacional de Áreas de Conservation (SINAC) was established as the all-encompassing umbrella organization for protected locales. This is not where the story ends, nor is it fair not to mention one gruesomely unhappy detail from an earlier chapter, dating back to 1975. Álvaro Ugalde was continuing his bioconservation crusade in what he considered to be the highest-priority area of Costa Rica: the Osa Peninsula.
Santa Rosa 1972 Steadfastly supporting Ugalde’s efforts was Oloff Wesberg, still pursuing the dreamquest his wife had foreseen in this dual-peninsula paradise. Tragically, Wesberg was murdered by a suspected poacher or illegal gold miner. Although much of the Osa eventually came under protection thereafter, Ugalde died in 2015 without realizing his dream of complete protection for the peninsula. Dynamic process to protect and enhance Initiatives to protect and extend the areas under conservation in Costa Rica continue to this day, most recently with the inception of its 29th national park, Miravalles, in 2019. Renewal efforts to enhance both the parks and the visitor’s experience throughout the country are also ongoing. The national park system has become a vast and diverse network of protected habitats and ecosystems where water, forests, wetlands, beaches, birds, animals, insects, plants, coral, whales, sharks and turtles coexist. These are the most impressive and dynamic attractions for anyone visiting or living in Costa Rica. Each park provides its own special reason to visit, and every park should be visited.
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COVER STORY
From Zero to 150 in Five Decades
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or a country whose land mass is so compact, Costa Rica’s tally of government-protected spaces is extraordinarily deep, wide and dynamic. Starting from ground zero less than a half-century ago, the ever-expanding park count now stands as follows: 29 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves and eight biological reserves. In addition, there are 12 other conservation regions covering both land and sea.
Click the map to discover all the Costa Rica national parks, wildlife refuges and protected zones. Plus: take the survey and let us know how many of these you have visited!
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Minding Your Money and Your Wellness in 2020
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Welcome to the New Norm
COOL PLACES
Traveling and Visiting National Parks and H in the Post-COVID-19 W
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mal
g Hotels World
Article and Photos by Tom Schultz
Cerro de la Muerte peak’s panoramic view of the Tarrazu coffee growing region, seen from the birding tower.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
T
en weeks. And we were lucky. Living on a 35-acre farm in Costa Rica, we could at least get outside and walk and see nature. Our remote location means we do not go to town often for supplies and groceries anyway. But 10 weeks of “Quédate en casa” (stay at home), strict driving restrictions and daily briefings on COVID-19 cases and body counts wear you down. It was a huge relief when Costa Rica’s ministry of health began lifting restrictions, especially for those of us who live in this country to be close to nature and wildlife. On May 15 the government started reopening a limited number of national parks, and allowing hotels and lodges with 20 rooms or less to open. We did not delay. Our immediate plans to head out were driven by two major reasons. First, as full-time residents of Costa Rica, we understand and feel the pain of pandemic lockdown on local businesses, especially those in tourism. One of the few ways we can help is by patronizing them until some time — hopefully in the near future — when international tourism restarts. Our second motivation was that we had not been out looking for birds in two months! Domestic tourism specials Many of the smaller, but well-known, nature lodges that reopened are advertising specials targeted at Costa Rican nationals and residents. So it is a great opportunity to go and stay at lodges you may not otherwise stay, perhaps because normal international tourist rates are out of your price range.
Rarely seen endemic Costa Rican pygmy owl, found only in the Talamanca mountains into Panama, pictured at actual size — just 6 inches tall.
We chose to head back to our favorite place in Costa Rica: the high elevation parks and nature of the Dota region. We picked Paraíso Quetzal Lodge, famous for its birding and also as a getaway weekend destination for those living in San José. Its elevated location is at 2,800 meters on Cerro de la Muerte. We also planned to visit the nearby Los Quetzales National Park, one of the first dozen parks in the country to reopen.
COOL PLACES
The drive out was accomplished in record time due to significantly less traffic. Driving restrictions, along with the number of non-operating businesses, and especially school closures, have made the roads far less crowded. We arrived so early we decided to visit Los Quetzales National Park just six kilometers down the road.
Lesser violetear hummingbird, named for its violet “ear” that can flare out to the side.
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The park headquarters was open, with the entire parking lot taped off into “socially distanced” parking spaces. Arriving in the first vehicle there gave us the pick of the lot. Ziplining in Monteverde Photo: TG23 / Shutterstock.com
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There were also new rules for birding with a guide. Masks were required for the guide and suggested for us. It seemed like we actually surprised the park officials, who scrambled to serve us. We gave them our cedulas, which they did not touch but enabled them to register us as two resident visitors. They did not check our ages, despite there being, in theory, a restriction preventing entry to visitors over 65 (which we are not, yet), and no questions were asked. No money can change hands as no touching is allowed.
You must pay with your credit card by waving or inserting into the chip reader. We wondered how much money the park can actually make from the 1,000 colones per person entrance price, when credit card fees are factored in. But these are the new “normal” processes. After leaving, we noticed the park officials putting up a sign allowing only one family member in the building at a time to purchase tickets. No better time If there is ever a right time to go visit Costa Rica’s national parks, now is the time! Our park visit was incredible. We were the only ones there at first, and later on we only encountered two young Tico couples, at different times, who were just there for a day visit walking and hiking. As an outcome of the two-month closure, the birds were close and active. We picked a new “accessible” trail that the park just opened shortly before all the pandemic closures were enacted. We passed on lunch at the famous Chisparitos restaurant and truck stop, located across the InterAmerican Highway from the park headquarters. We were not up for discovering what buffet service has become, and frankly, a bit leery of truck stops in general, considering all the virus cases being discovered in truck drivers. So instead, we drove to the Paraíso Quetzal Lodge.
Resplendent quetzal, always a major draw for visitors to the region.
Before heading out for this trip, we had read the new rules for hotels and lodges, published by the health ministry. Armed with our personal “alcohol en gel” and protective masks, we had selected a day where we could drive without the license restrictions. Although the rules say you can drive any day with proof of a hotel reservation, we did not want to be the first ones to test that rule. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Meals at the lodge are ordered ahead of time for each entire day. You have basically an assigned table, with every other table taped off. Interaction with wait staff is minimal, although the servers can still bring your glasses of wine as you warm yourself in front of the wood stove (it gets cold at almost 10,000 feet elevation). Special feel
Fiery-throated hummingbird — perhaps Costa Rica’s most beautiful in the species — endemic to the Talamanca mountain
COOL PLACES
We were greeted at the entrance by lodge personnel, all wearing PPE face shields. Before they allowed us to go into the hotel, they gave us a briefing on what to expect and what we needed to do. Upon entry to the lodge, we first had to have our temperature taken. Access is forbidden for anyone showing signs of fever. We then had to wash our hands and step into a foot wash with disinfectant. These procedures were to be followed every time we re-entered the lodge
We were one of two couples staying at the lodge on its first reopened Tuesday, making for a rather special feel. We walked the splendidly landscaped trails full of flowering plants, and climbed the lodge’s birding tower totally alone. There was just the two of us and all the unique birds there. The quetzals hovered and postured to one another above the trees below, a rare treat. We enjoyed wine by the fire, a leisurely dinner and dessert. I, in particular, relished this, being the first meal in 10 weeks prepared by someone other than myself.
Inside we were greeted by the PPE-wearing person behind the reception desk, which had been roped off to a “social distance”. Check-in was accomplished at arm’s length, and the room key was sprayed and disinfected before our eyes. During the process of our room needing to be “prepared” for us (a set of disinfectant steps), we sat and marveled at the wildly colorful hummingbirds on the viewing platform outside the restaurant. We were eventually escorted to our room, but with no bellhoptype service; you must carry your own luggage. 30
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We inquired about a guide to take us out birding, and thus became the first bonafide “birding” tourists to return to the lodge. They even took record photos of us! There were also new rules for birding with a guide. Masks were required for the guide and suggested for us. Use of a spotting scope was not allowed. When we traveled to spots off the property, we had to use separate cars so no guide could ride with us.
Trumpet flower among thousands of plantings on the grounds of Parasio Quetzal Lodge.
Checkout from the lodge was done, once again, at a social distance. And our stay there ended the same way it began, with our temperature being taken one more time upon exit. I guess that was to prove we did not get sick there. Who knows?
Clunky, a tad intrusive and strange sums up our first emergence from pandemic lockdown. But was it worth it? In my opinion, YES! We had a totally wonderful time. With the health protocols in place, we never once felt in danger or exposed to potential risk. We got to head out into parks and birding locations that are usually crowded with other people and birders. We could stay at a delightful lodge that seemed like our private getaway. Most importantly, we provided work for people that are struggling right now. So, if you can, and you feel safe, get back out there and see the country! Do your part to help the tourism sector in Costa Rica. Click for information about Paraiso Quetzal Lodge.
Click here for featured video:
Read more Howler articles by the same author about this magnificent region of Costa Rica: Los Quetzales National Park — Costa Rica’s Shangri-La
Main pier of San Lucas Island. Puntarenas Photo: Rodtico21
On the Road to Shambhala — Providencia and San Geraldo de Dota
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
World Stops in Costa Rica for Trans-Continental Cyclist Trek From North to South America Not Quite Over Article and Photos by Yann Tourman
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n mid-August 2018, my dream of riding a bicycle from North to South America came to life. Based in Brooklyn, a cyclist heaven, I bought everything I thought I'd need, and off I went. My initial plan was to ride through New York State to Canada and see if I’m even up for the massive challenge I was taking on. After about a week, I finally made it to a peaceful border and ticked my "international biking" checklist box.
Low temps, high spirits, crossing Canada in the winter
The idea to go on such an immensely daunting adventure had been born a few months earlier. Having hitchhiked along Australia's east coast and then walked across Israel, I realized that I loved both ways of traveling. However, hitchhiking was too fast and hiking was too slow. Since I was never a cyclist, I devoted time to doing a lot of research online. I also had the confidence of a young 23-year-old who just started discovering the world. Reasonable decision
FEATURED ADVENTURE
Where was I? Oh right, the east coast of Canada! Looking at the map, there was only one reasonable thing to do: cycle the 4,500 kilometers (about 3,000 miles) all the way to the other ocean, to Vancouver. Some of you must be arguing, who would think THAT was the reasonable thing to do? But I was determined to do it!
Good people down the road in Guanajuato, Mexico 32
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But oh wait, winter was coming. Canadian winter ‌ relentlessly frigid and frozen. As I was heading west, with some detours north and south, people warned me I was pursuing a life-threatening adventure and should get off the road fast. But to make this long story short, after an endlessly long series of freezing nights and grey sunless days, I touched the Pacific and beyond! My westernmost point was Tofino on Vancouver Island. howlermag.com
At this point, I should mention that I had worked as much as I could beforehand to save money for this journey. I have a tent, so most nights I spent under the sky. But sometimes I was invited by random strangers to enjoy a hot coffee and warm shower. I am forever grateful to the large number of people who opened their hearts and shared a piece of their heaven with me! Vancouver in January was cold. But before continuing south towards my continents-away destination — Patagonia, Argentina — I had to do one more crazy thing. That makes me the only person I've heard of who hitchhiked the Alaska Highway in the freezing winter. What an experience! The wildlife was stunning and the scenery breathtaking. Wheels keep turning By February 2019 I felt it was time to go back on the saddle, so I cycled across the border back into the U.S. The west coast was as gorgeous and alive as I had imagined. My good fortune continued in having wonderful encounters with people who saw me on the road and stopped to say hi, or let me camp in their yard. In my eight months of cycling across the U.S. — from the west coast to Colorado, then Chicago, down the Mississippi River to New Orleans and finally Texas — I learned how to become more sustainable. I barely ate in restaurants and tried to collect food at the end of the day from gas stations, bakeries, and such. I became more and more aware of the inequality between the rich and the poor.
My journey across the US showed me the most beautiful parts this country has to offer, and some of the not-so-nice. Oh, and go visit Nebraska! Ultimately, it was time for “bienvenido a Mexico.” As some of you can likely relate, my first few weeks there found me in a state of shock. Latin America is different in so many ways than what I was used to, even having been on the road cycling for more than a year already. All of a sudden, potable water was a precious product and hot water a luxury. Then there was the language difference. I learned Spanish on the way. After I got used to the new pace and Latin culture, I was able to enjoy it a lot: from the Nevado de Toluca, through the Riviera Maya and to the grand volcanoes of Guatemala and El Salvador. People were extremely nice and I was excited to start every day not knowing what adventures would arise, what I would eat and where I would sleep.
Excited for a new day, new adventures in Nebraska
While visiting Las Vegas, I volunteered in a local food bank. Seeing the contrast between the glamorous Vegas Strip and the day-to-day battle of homeless people living under bridges was mind-blowing. The entire time, though I was — and still am — in touch with my family, I coped alone. Whenever a challenge came, I had to deal with it. In California my belongings were stolen from the bike, and for a very long time after I would scoop valuable items from the side of the road.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Change of plan in Costa Rica As fate would have it, the Coronavirus lockdown caught me in Puerto Viejo, Limón, Costa Rica. So close to Panama, I had already planned my boat ride across the Darien Gap towards the next new continent. But as we all know by now, the world just stopped. Cycling through Atenas, Palmares (where the bombers let me stay for the night) and San José, my plan was to cross Costa Rica pretty fast. But oh boy, I was mistaken. Over the past two months I have been so lucky, once again, to find so many great people willing to store my bike, host me, and let me share my skills in exchange for room and board. Sheer enjoyment I often get asked WHY I'm doing what I'm doing. People might hope I’ll respond by describing a noble cause or a special reason. But the truth is, I simply enjoy what I'm doing. Every single day of biking, of struggling to find cheap food and a place to camp, is a day I feel more alive than the day before. The randomness and the people I meet in places that many tourists never visit are my passion.
Sure, the waterfalls, mountains, lakes and beaches are beautiful, but what fuels me are the chance encounters with the real, genuine people wherever I go, be it Kentucky, Mexico City or Honduras. I honestly don't know what the future will bring, when the borders are open and how things will look from now on. The world has definitely changed, at least for the foreseeable future, and I can't wait to tackle it again. New people, new adventures … bring it on, world! Until then, I’ll be pulling dead grass where I am staying n Atenas and feeding Bobby and Laica, the pit bull twins. (Discover how to adopt this lovely pair by clicking here.) Follow me Facebook: Yann Tourman or Instagram: yann.tourman YouTube podcasts: Yann Tourman
I became more and more aware of the inequality between the rich and the poor.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
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Riding Big Sur, California. Tough climbs! Map of the route, almost two years of cycling North and Central America
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Small, but Mighty! June Updates...
The UN recently stated “Costa Rica is winning plaudits for its handling of the COVID-19 pandemic.” We are a small, but mighty country. It’s so hard not to share the beauty with you right now, but we appreciate your patience as we work together as a global community for the wellbeing of all. One way Horizon Pacific has been able support our Horizon family, with the help of our owners, is to ensure all of our employees have what they need to weather this storm. We have provided bi-weekly bags of food and supplies to all 30 of our local employees and their families. If you’ve ever stayed at one of our properties or visited the office, you know how wonderful our employees are. If you would like to help us support the local community in this way, please contact us through our website or social media.
Vacation Rentals • Property Management • HOA Management 888-795-7373 (US & Canada) • (011) 506-2653-0390 • HorizonPacificVacations.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 35
CREATURE FEATURE
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
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ht kc
THOSE ZAnY SLOTHS
By Jim Parisi & Alei Burns
Fun Facts About Our Unofficial Mascot
ttps://youtu.be/S0LZcs29m4
S
loths have become Costa Rica’s unofficial national mascot, emblematic of the pura vida lifestyle. They are just so darn cuddly! Here are a few obscure sloth facts you may not have already known. •
Sloths live in the tropical rainforests throughout Central and South America. Their populations are densest in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and northern Brazil.
•
Food takes about a month to digest in a sloth's stomach, fermenting all the while. For this reason, they are not a preferred delicacy by their primary predators — jaguars and snakes.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
While everything else these mammals do seems slow-paced, their mating ritual is anything but that. • In everyday tasks and chores, humans move about four times faster than sloths, which makes the sloths appear to function in slow motion. • The Megatherium, ancestor to the current sloth we know, roamed South America during the Pliocene and Pleistocene eras, five million to three million years ago. The Megatherium was the size of an elephant; so no, they did not hang from trees. • Nearly all mammals have seven cervical (neck) vertebrae. The three-toed sloth has nine, allowing them to rotate their heads nearly 270 degrees. • All sloths have three toes on each back leg. A two-toed sloth is distinguished from its three-toed cousin by having one less toe on each of its front legs.
CREATURE FEATURE
• Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, was an avid amateur paleontologist. He helped excavate and discover the first giant sloth species found in North America. The genus was later named Megalonyx Jefersoni. • Saving the best for last: when female sloths go into heat, they sing in a distinct screech, beckoning the male sloths to “come hither.” While everything else these mammals do seems slow-paced, their mating ritual is anything but that. On average, the entire ordeal, including foreplay, takes a total of less than 30 seconds. No, that's not a misprint. Learn more in this Howler article: Difference Between Two-Toed and Three-Toed Sloths
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TIDE CHART
Date Jun 1 Jun 2 Jun 3 Jun 4 Jun 5 Jun 6
Day Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Jun 7 Jun 8 Jun 9 Jun 10 Jun 11 Jun 12 Jun 13 ft Jun 14 Jun 15 Jun 16 Jun 17 Jun 18 Jun 19 Jun 20
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
Jun 21 Jun 22 Jun 23 Jun 24 Jun 25 Jun 26 Jun 27 Jun 28 Jun 29 Jun 30
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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High Time/Height
00:07 / 8.25 ft 01:04 / 8.62 ft 01:58 / 8.97 ft 02:49 / 9.21 ft 03:39 / 9.31 ft 04:28 / 9.27 ft 05:17 / 9.09 ft 06:07 / 8.81 ft
00:40 / 7.24 ft 01:27 / 7.51 ft 02:10 / 7.80 ft 02:52 / 8.08 ft 03:33 / 8.34 ft 04:14 / 8.56 ft 04:57 / 8.72 ft 05:41 / 8.83 ft
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JUNE 2020
Low Time/Height 04:04 / 1.06 ft 05:06 / 0.88 ft 06:05 / 0.62 ft 07:02 / 0.34 ft 07:55 / 0.13 ft 08:47 / 0.03 ft
High Low Time/Height Time/Height 10:35 / 8.60 ft 16:49 / 0.97 ft 11:34 / 9.01 ft 17:51 / 0.54 ft 12:31 / 9.44 ft 18:49 / 0.08 ft 13:24 / 9.81 ft 19:42 / -0.33 ft 14:16 / 10.04 ft 20:33 / -0.61 ft 15:05 / 10.10 ft 21:22 / -0.71 ft
09:37 / 0.08 ft 10:27 / 0.28 ft 11:17 / 0.61 ft 12:07 / 1.01 ft 00:32 / 0.46 ft 01:21 / 0.95 ft 02:11 / 1.40 ft
15:54 / 9.97 ft 16:42 / 9.66 ft 17:31 / 9.21 ft 18:20 / 8.67 ft 06:58 / 8.48 ft 07:49 / 8.16 ft 08:43 / 7.91 ft
22:10 / -0.64 ft 22:57 / -0.39 ft 23:44 / -0.01 ft 12:59 / 1.43 ft 13:53 / 1.80 ft 14:49 / 2.06 ft
19:11 / 8.12 ft 20:05 / 7.62 ft 21:01 / 7.23
03:04 / 1.77 ft 03:58 / 2.01 ft 04:51 / 2.11 ft 05:42 / 2.09 ft 06:30 / 1.97 ft 07:15 / 1.78 ft 07:58 / 1.55 ft
09:37 / 7.76 ft 10:30 / 7.74 ft 11:20 / 7.83 ft 12:08 / 8.02 ft 12:53 / 8.27 ft 13:36 / 8.55 ft 14:17 / 8.80 ft
15:48 / 2.16 ft 16:45 / 2.10 ft 17:38 / 1.90 ft 18:27 / 1.61 ft 19:11 / 1.26 ft 19:54 / 0.91 ft 20:34 / 0.60 ft
21:59 / 7.01 ft 22:56 / 6.95 ft 23:51 / 7.04 ft
08:41 / 1.32 ft 09:24 / 1.12 ft 10:08 / 0.96 ft 10:52 / 0.87 ft 11:40 / 0.84 ft 00:04 / 0.23 ft 00:51 / 0.41 ft 01:42 / 0.63 ft 02:38 / 0.85 ft 03:37 / 1.02 ft
14:59 / 9.00 ft 15:40 / 9.13 ft 16:23 / 9.16 ft 17:07 / 9.09 ft 17:54 / 8.92 ft 06:27 / 8.89 ft 07:17 / 8.90 ft 08:10 / 8.89 ft 09:08 / 8.90 ft 10:08 / 8.95 ft
21:15 / 0.35 ft 21:55 / 0.18 ft 22:37 / 0.11 ft 23:19 / 0.13 ft 12:29 / 0.88 ft 13:23 / 0.96 ft 14:21 / 1.03 ft 15:22 / 1.05 ft 16:26 / 0.98 ft
High Time/Height 23:06 / 7.93 ft
18:43 / 8.67 ft 19:37 / 8.39 ft 20:35 / 8.14 ft 21:37 / 7.97 ft 22:41 / 7.93 ft
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SURFIN G 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!
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 41
SURFING COSTA RICA
The Search Never Ends
P
By Kate Hanley
Surf Photographer Agustin Munoz
hotographer Agustin Muñoz is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina where he first learned about cameras and how to use them from his father. Pursuing a dual passion for the ocean and photography, the charismatic Muñoz landed in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica in 2001. It has been his home ever since and his favorite surf spot. Hustling with a surplus of energy and talent from the ground up, he earned respect within the surf industry as one of the first surf photographers. He is considered by many to be the best. Agustin’s talent has transported him all over the globe, working for Red Bull, Rip Curl, Volcom and Adidas, among others. Catching the eye of Fujifilm, he gained the company’s sponsorship and is able to work with the best gear for the craft that drives his biggest passion, Extreme Sports. He has been called a drone wizard and conversely loves shooting from inside the ocean which at times has put him in dangerous positions. It feeds his adrenaline. Constantly seeking out new trends and the best photographers in the world, Agustin Muñoz is on a constant search to improve his own level of mastery.
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Agustin at his home in Playa Hermosa
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The following are highlights of my interview with Muñoz the third week of May. On surviving the pandemic What has been the greatest challenge for you the last two months with the national and international restrictions on sports? The greatest challenge for me with the lockdown was staying at home. I’m a very hyper person. I like to shoot at night. Night photography and long exposure photography, going when I feel like I want to go. To be limited with driving because of the driving and plates restrictions ... the whole deal, it’s been stressful for me. How have you stayed motivated at home? These two months I’ve been cutting pallets, making tables for growing lettuce, carrots and vegetables. I made a pretty nice garden and made my own compost. I feel like I did something tangible, something that I can touch and see.
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SURFING COSTA RICA I have done some stock photography for Gidden images and Westend61 imagery, European and U.S. stock companies. Photos and video, actually. My profile is on both of them. Playa Hermosa Why is Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica so exciting for you to shoot, from inside the water? I like Hermosa because it’s consistent all year. In the winter it gets pretty heavy. It affects all the different directions of swell. So it works in Terrazas with west, the tree south, all the way to Tulin there’s waves. Beside Terrazas, most of the places don’t get crowded. As a photographer I like that because I can pick a surfer, go to a place and be by myself. When I used to run Siete Mars magazine, there were so many photographers on the beach shooting. I wanted to get the images first unseen in the magazine but sometimes they’d burn them on social media before I could do that. Besides, a water shot is a water shot. In Hermosa, I can always get a surfer to work with somewhere hidden. There are options.
Is there a particular surfer you prefer to shoot and why? One of my favorite surfers to work with always is Jair Perez. He’s very flexible, he surfs small or big waves, big barrels. He’s very adaptable to any conditions, rights or lefts. Also, Nicholas Fischer. When I get new gear, new lenses, new housing I test everything in the water with Nico before I use it for any jobs. Beach Reopening How did you spend the first morning of the reopening of the beaches? For the opening of the beaches, I wanted to shoot from the water but I could only watch. Someone actually stole my fins. I went to the beach to take a look. Since I longboard, it’s not very safe to take that on the bike and I couldn’t use my car.
Surfboard Shaper Nicholas Fischer in the barrel at Terrazas, Playa Hermosa
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Wedding photograph of national surfer Alvaro Solano and his wife
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SURFING COSTA RICA
Nicolas Fischer at Playa Hermosa
Something that annoys me is that people can bike, run or go to the gym without time limitations pretty much all day. We [surfers] have time limitations. That day low tide was at 6 a.m. Probably at 8 a.m. it was going to start getting beautiful just as everyone needed to leave the water. At least for me, that is even worse than not going at all.
Agustin with Dixiana Salas
Shooting with Dixiana What is it like to shoot an event with Dixiana Salas? How do you guys complement each other?
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
With Dixie since the beginning it’s been very fun. She started learning how to shoot surfing at Bowies [Bowies Point in Hermosa]. She doesn’t surf, so part of the process was teaching her the maneuvers. Now she isn’t shooting surfing. She enjoys shooting weddings, fashion, swimwear, stuff like that. I stress out when I have to shoot a wedding. I get less stressed watching someone jumping from a plane than shooting a wedding. (Laughs.) We complement each other. For Red Bull events, social events I like to take her because she’s funny, she’s tiny and people like to see her. It’s nice to see her in action. She likes to get close-up shots while I go for the natural, casual shots.
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The Search Never Ends Can you share some ways you have grown this past year, personally and professionally, that would inspire others? Dropping my ego as much as I can to the bottom. The moment I believe I’m better than others or good enough, I won’t keep searching in life and in photography. I’m always searching. The search never ends for me. Learning about life, myself and society. The last eight years I’ve been travelling all over the world working. I’ve seen so many cultures and behaviors of societies and different ways to deal with life. I don’t know if it’s because I’m older, but now somehow I’m processing all of that information.
‘The wave is coming for miles and miles and at the end when it bends and it’s going to finish, I get it. I just froze that moment. Every wave is unique; that’s one of the things I admire most about the sport of surfing.’ — Agustin Muñoz HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 47
SURFING COSTA RICA The search never ends. There is always something new to learn.
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Contact Agustin: agustinoup@gmail.com http://agus.work/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/agustinmunoz/
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Lisbeth Vindas swimming in a triathlon in 2018
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Photographer Agustin Munoz
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 51
SURFING COSTA RICA
See the puzzles from this feature by clicking here:
Adriana Souza in Mentawais
PHOTOGRAPHER SPOTLIGHT
Pipeline Hawaii
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Built with 100% Stoke Custom Boardsocks | All Shapes And Sizes For Surfboards and Bodyboards
+506 8580 8481 HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 53
SURFING COSTA RICA
Fins Out: Lisbeth Vindas
By Kate Hanley
National Surfer Launches Virtual Surf Classes
W
hen the Coronavirus pandemic hit Costa Rica, extreme measures were taken nationwide to ensure the least impact to the country many call paradise. Likewise, restrictions were simultaneously occurring in other parts of the world. Along with the closing of Costa Rica’s borders, national parks were suddenly closed and the country’s well-known coastal beaches. As a result, many Costa Rican surfers were left feeling like fish out of water.
National Surfer Lisbeth Vindas not only competes but runs a year-round surf school. The energetic, hardworking and talented Jacóbeña continued to train outside the ocean. Thinking of her many students and the classes that had to be cancelled, Lisbeth got creative. The 17-time Women’s National Champion went live with Zoom classes based on the theory and practice of surfing.
SURF FEATURE
I talked to Lisbeth right after surfers and local residents were once again allowed back in the water and on beaches. Effective May 18, the first phase of the reopening allows the beaches to be open weekdays from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m.
The following are highlights of our interview. Virtual Surf Classes Describe how you came up with the idea for your virtual surf school, giving classes on theory and practice. It began more than half a year ago. I created a presentation with a friend for a group of young people from San José on the theory of surfing. I believe it’s the only presentation of this kind in Costa Rica on theory and practice. I never expected to benefit in so many ways from this.
Group lesson with Vindas Surf School in Playa Jacó Photo courtesy of LIsbeth Vindas 54
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The advantage of doing virtual classes is that people are paying attention. Students in class. Photo courtesy of Lisbeth Vindas
It has helped me a lot and keeps my students motivated. They have been able to learn and practice surfing at home during all the time the beaches have been closed. Additionally, it has kept me connected to surf and instruction. The virtual classes are something very new to me but I adapted quickly in order to accomodate my students. As a result, we have all learned through them. Explain what you can teach better during your virtual chats than in the water. The advantage of doing virtual classes is that people are paying attention. (Laughs.) Normally, when a student is in the ocean or on the beach, he or she is thinking about the waves, focused on the waves, or waiting for waves to hit them on the head. Sometimes he or she is just trying to find confidence. Conversely, in a virtual class you can be very comfortable on your sofa listening to information, learning theory and practicing imaginary surfing at home.
Carving a heart out of a Playa Escondida left. Photo: Dixiana Salas
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 55
SURFING COSTA RICA After repeating the same movements over and over again, when you finally get to the ocean to surf it’s going to be much easier. The body will have memory of those exercises. Will you be teaching surf lessons in the ocean soon? Are there restrictions on that? Yes, we have to maintain the social distancing requirement on the beach and in the water. Because of this, students will need to know how to paddle on their own, look for waves and I’ll have the opportunity to explain and teach them from inside the water.
SURF FEATURE
I have people scheduled and have had to cancel some classes because of the time restrictions. For now, we can only take up to two people per class because of the distance requirements, which are two meters outside of the water and five meters apart in the ocean. Depending on the tide, surf instruction may not be possible on a given day. (At the time this article was written, beaches were only open from 5 a.m to 8 a.m.)
Lisbeth enjoys sharing the love of surfing with her son Yulian and her niece Iriany in Playa Jacó. Photo courtesy of Lisbeth Vindas
Lisbeth ready for some Playa Escondida magic. Photo: Dixiana Salas
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Fabian Sanchez, Federation of Surf Costa Rica with Lisbeth Photo: Fabian Sanchez
So many people during the pandemic have contacted me who want surf classes, not just virtually but in the ocean. I am very proud that the majority of my clients are Costa Ricans, and I take care of them. With Costa Ricans, I’ve had consistent work for more than three years. National Pride and Call To Surfers How proud are you of the way Costa Rica has responded to the pandemic, and Playa Jaco specifically? Costa Rica and all of its residents have done a spectacular job. The majority of people have been very respectful and responsible. Everyone here depends on tourism. National tourism is very important so if we do a good job, little by little the economy will pick up. Next, when the borders open, we will have the opportunity for international tourists to come again, enjoy the waves, nature and all of the excellent work that we have done in Costa Rica for the pandemic to have less of an impact. In Jacó, as well as all of the coastal beaches, we depend on everyone being attentive to the regulations so that the beaches will soon be open for more hours. Obviously people have to continue following protocol and being responsible.
Consequently, we’ll be able to enjoy more time on the beach and more waves. On the Reopening Of Beaches Describe your first day back in the ocean after two months of beaches being closed All week I was cleaning surfboards, preparing myself. I trained and was just waiting for Monday to come. I couldn't miss the opening of the beach. I knew it wasn’t going to be the right tide for Jacó to break, that it would be too low but I wanted to go paddle, duckdive, reconnect myself with the salt water that I missed so much. I was anxious, I woke up super early. I’m very happy and thankful for the opportunity to return again to the ocean. Just a few hours but it’s ok to begin this way. The hours will get better as long as people going to the beach do a good job following the rules. There were a lot of manta rays, I took some close-outs on the head. (Laughs.) Actually, I felt very comfortable. I spent all of the past months training, so when I entered the water I felt really good. Note: Lisbeth is 12 times the CNS (National Surfing Circuit) and 5 times ACOS (Costa Rican Association of Surf) champion HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 57
SURFING COSTA RICA On the Future Do you see yourself continuing to compete the next couple years if it is possible? Would you be content to be a soul surfer? I love to surf, to compete, the atmosphere … and continue to enjoy it with a lot of passion. For as long as God allows I will surf in competitions. After that I’ll continue surfing with my son. I like having my surf school, to teach and pass my knowledge of surf to my students so that they can enjoy waves with confidence in a responsible way. It's a project that has grown very rapidly but there we are, so people can enjoy the waves to the maximum. See you in the water!
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Contact Lisbeth: Facebook @Vindas Surf School WhatsApp 7013-0865 Read more about Lisbeth Vindas in this August 2017 Howler article: Super Surfer Mom Dixiana’s instagram https://www.instagram.com/dixianasb/
Photo below by @fabiansanchez_images @fedesurfcr https://www.facebook.com/FedeSurfCR
Click here for featured video:
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SURFING COSTA RICA
Br Sa By Jenn Parker
S
alsa Brava is a surf spot that is not for the faint of heart or those lacking advancedlevel skills. It is renowned as Costa Rica’s most perilous break, attracting challengeseeking surfers from around the world. Located in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the vibrant southern Caribbean coast, Salsa Brava will either reward you with one of the juiciest barrels of your life or spit you out and slap you down over razorsharp coral reef.
COSTA RICA SURFSPOT
How to Get There The drive from San José to Salsa Brava takes around four and a half hours via Highway 32. You can also take a Sansa flight to Limón, then drive the remaining 57 minutes south to Puerto Viejo. It will be apparent where the wave is when you are viewing the beach a couple hundred yards in front of Lazy Mon Beach Bar.
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raving alsa Brava
Even experienced surfers break boards, bones, and spirits here.
Photos: Yilber Cortez
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SURFING COSTA RICA Where to surf Salsa Brava is a predominantly right reef break that sometimes also breaks left. It’s a treacherous break over shallow urchincovered coral reef. Be forewarned that this is no place to surf unless you truly know what you are doing. Even experienced surfers break boards, bones, and spirits here. While this wave can be all-time epic, it is actually very fickle. Especially when it’s good, you can expect all the local surfers to be out, and it is in your best interest to be respectful and wait your turn in line. This powerful wave can be double-overhead and rides can range between 50 and 150 meters. It is critical that you watch where the locals paddle out and follow suit through the narrow channel to avoid getting racked on dry reef. Local companies
COSTA RICA SURFSPOT
Puerto Viejo is home to a delicious selection of restaurants and cafés, cute boutique hotels and eco-cabinas. You will also find surf camps, yoga retreats, Spanish learning opportunities, and an exciting collection of adventure and nature tours and activities. Lazy Mon at Stanford’s, Tasty Waves Cantina, Stashu’s Con Fusion, Koki Beach, and Lidia’s Place are a few highly recommended places to eat and drink. Hotel Banana Azul, Samasati Retreat and Rainforest Sanctuary, Azania Bungalows and the Tree House Lodge are four places in particular that are sure to make your time in the Puerto Viejo area sensational and comfortable. Swell Surf Shop and Surf Rentals and Tours, both just a few hundred meters from the break, can help you with all of your surfing needs. While Salsa Brava is not for beginner or even intermediate surfers, there are several other friendlier breaks nearby. 62
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SURFING COSTA RICA
COSTA RICA SURFSPOT
salsa brava costa rica
video Salsa Brava Rasta Bar 4.2 (590) Bar Open until 2:00 AM · 2750 3196
Website
Directions
Brava, Costa Rica 5.0 Island
(4) Directions
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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. 66 | #searchfindhowl | online
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
From Farm to Fame
Laura Rodriguez By Terry Carlile
L
aura Rodriguez is an entertainment journalist, TV host and actress from Costa Rica’s Poás Volcano National Park region. She has 15 years of experience with television production, both behind and on the set. Laura grew up enjoying what she refers to as a beautiful and simple life on the farm near the volcano. She did what a lot of children do: played with her sister, climbing trees and playing with the cows and chickens. Those early days were also when she fell in love with television and movies. Rodriguez’s entertainment debut occurred at age 16, singing in a girl’s band, Eclipse Latino. The group enjoyed performing the songs of Selena and Gloria Estefan.
Laura also undertook three years of acting training starting in 1996, further grooming herself to follow her dreams in the entertainment industry.
Laura at Viernes de Moda EN Telenoticias
COSTA RICAN SPOTLIGHT
Interviews in bed Rodriguez started her career at “VM Latino” a music channel in Costa Rica. There she worked as a VJ and produced the “Noche De Pijamas” show, featuring interviews done while in bed. The show achieved No. 1 ratings. Laura said it was amazing to create something that the public likes. Of course, the opportunity to meet and interview a lot of interesting people was a highlight from that chapter of her life. After five years, Rodriguez moved on to a premier Costa Rica television station, Teletica, where she was a host for the “En Vivo” show. 68
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“It was a transition year, full of challenges,” she recalled. “I worked very hard.” In 2004, Laura moved to Telenoticias, the No. 1 news station in Central America. She was the daily entertainment reporter and producer of the weekly segment “Viernes De Moda,” which topped the ratings for nine years. Popular TV host Rodriguez has enjoyed participating in a variety of other events, including as host for several years of both the Telethon Costa Rica and Telethon Nicaragua, raising money for children’s hospitals. And if you’ve tuned in to the famous bikini contest “Miss Hawaiian Tropic Costa Rica,” Laura was the television host for five years. Expanding her singing exposure, Laura appeared in “Singing With the Stars” Costa Rica in 2007. After the 10-week contest, her team was awarded third place.
On the set at Teletica
Laura, husband Bryan Radinsky and daugther Valentina HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 69
That same year she was invited by the singer Tapon to be the leading actress in his music video “Perdoname.” Over the past year, Laura was invited to the TV gossip show “Intrusos” as a guest for one week, and has filled many spots in airing news on romances, separations and scandals. On the big screen in 2018, Rodriguez played her first supporting role in the movie “Hanna Gabriels: The Legend of a Triumph.”
COSTA RICAN SPOTLIGHT
“It was very natural and fluid to play the part of Tete,” she stated. “It was a very powerful role and lots of positive energy around this character. Tete was Hanna’s best friend and a very supportive person. It was easy for me to connect with the character.”
In 2019, Laura headed north to California to pursue educational goals for her daughter, as well as opportunities in the entertainment industry. There, she is loving her real-life roles as a fulltime mother and wife. She is making contacts with people in the entertainment industry, responding to casting calls online and creating content for her social media platform. Laura told us she feels good to be from Costa Rica while participating in the larger-scale entertainment industry.
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Also in California, she maintains her close connection with nature, ingrained into her life while growing up on the family farm. She has created a home garden, enjoys hiking the nature trails of Simi Valley and, just hugging trees! Celebrating her birthday this month, Laura Rodriguez is an inspiration to others when it comes to education, creating opportunities and fulfilling your dreams.
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Jonas Brothers
Doctor Pete, Bob Peterson, Animation, 2009 Movie UP
Oscar Arias, winner for the movie UP, Nobel Peace Prize 1987
Jose Jose, famous Mexican singer HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 71
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Conversing With the Stars
D
uring her tenure as an entertainment journalist, Laura Rodrigez has conducted more than 120 celebrity interviews. Notable examples include rock or pop stars like Miley Cyrus, the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato, Pearl Jam and Ricky Martin; actors such as Steven Seagal, Mel Gibson and Michelle Yeoh (Bond Girl) and icons spanning multiple entertainment spheres like Andrea Bocelli and Roberto GĂłmez BolaĂąos (El Chavo).
COSTA RICAN SPOTLIGHT
Follow Laura on her Social Media: Twitter Laura Rodriguez Jimenez Instagram Laura Rodriguez TV
Laura has appeared with numerous celebrities.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Hernan Pérez Pérez Brushstrokes of Magic and Poetry By Charlene Golojuch
H
ailing from the prominent port town of Puntarenas in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rican artist Hernan Pérez Pérez grew up in a nautical environment of infinite imagery. His sketches as a youth depicted the ocean, estuary and mangroves, in colors extracted literally from nature. With no local art supplies, Pérez experimented with masonry pigments, mixing them with ground coal, scraped chalk, and pulverized shells.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Photos courtesy of Hidden Garden Art Gallery
El Malinche
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Romeo & Juliet
"There wasn't a day without drawing and painting for me, "Pérez tells us. "I even extracted juices from climbing vines to obtain the appropriate vital colors. By collecting the soot of an oil lamp, I was able to learn to create the pigments." The son of a jeweler, Hernan spent hours staring at jewel mountings and precious stones, watching artisans forge beautiful veined and highly polished pieces. With the richness of those details and surfaces etched in his mind, he learned how to mimic their essence on his canvases. He became proficient at finding the precise tones and blends of colors required in his contrasted images. Urban evolution Having mastered the use of available compounds to capture the shades and nuances of his subject matter, Pérez later moved to the large suburbs of San José. There his paintings evolved to rugged landscapes and portrayals of clustered and staggered cottages, from an almost Cubist perspective with exquisite details. It was during this time that Hernan studied painting essentials at the Escuela Casa del Artista. The diverse techniques he learned there included acrylic, watercolors, oil, chalks, egg tempera (oil painting which uses a raw egg yolk as a binder, mixed with water and pigments), porcelain, and enameling on precious metal surfaces.
‘I try to restore the world that my grandparents lived in and reinvent the promised land.’
Hernan painting Arenal HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 75
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT "Tourists travel for hours to visit Costa Rica to perhaps pass through our jungles and catch glimpses of wildlife,” Pérez states. “Meanwhile, for me, it is all so close and easily accessible, and I am thankful every day for that. And in a magical and poetic act, I try to restore the world that my grandparents lived in and reinvent the promised land. I am convinced that my art must have a relation to this environment that shapes and molds us. Anything else would be going against the tide." Intertwined personal vision Using a shopping bag as a visual resource, many of Perez's paintings, such as "Arenal" and "El Malinche," allow Perez to intertwine various images with his own personal vision. In them the viewer enjoys three paintings within one canvas. The bags, like the landscapes surrounding the central theme, have a technical treatment based on spilled paint. With pouring there is no use of brushes.
Covid Series - Untitled In "Arenal," the central theme is a sabanero (cowboy) herding equines across a plain in the Arenal region of Guanacaste. It has traditional treatment based on brush strokes and transparent glazes, achieving a mix between modern and classic. In his 2019 series, Hernan worked with color and movement to capture timeless stories and theater. "Romeo y Julieta" portrays on canvas a story full of love and passion, symbolized with reds in the background and flowers suggested in low relief. "Amusements in the Time of COVID-19," is a new series Pérez conceived while in selfquarantine during the current pandemic. "Here I try to represent images of fruits and vegetables, and human faces with various emotional expressions,” he explains. “Although they are real diversions, their treatment is serious, with a very successful technique due to my many years of pictorial practice." For more information on Hernan Pérez Pérez, please visit our website at www.HiddenGardenArt.com or contact us at info@HiddenGardenArt.com Covid Series - Untitled
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La Macarela
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Dan Medakovic Notes on a Wandering Minstrel By Jim Parisi & Alei Burns
F
or some time now, Guanacaste has been claimed as a second home by adventurous Canadians seeking refuge from the snowy cold. Fiercely patriotic, Canucks have found a place in their collective hearts for this enticing Costa Rican province.
A surprising number of these "Costanadians," including Dan Medakovic, are musicians. He and his wife Cheryl made their first Costa sojourn nine years ago. That stay lasted about six months, when they sampled various microclimates including locales like Arenal, Atenas, Playa Flamingo and, ultimately, Playa Grande. Medakovic is a singer/songwriter and versatile musician. The guitar is his main instrument but he is also accomplished at mandolin, ukelele, banjitar, violin, trumpet, piano, accordion and drums. Dan is currently learning to master the pedal steel guitar and the uilleann pipes, an Irish instrument similar to the organ.
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
Immigrant backstory But let's back up to 1965, when Dan's parents fled communist-controlled Hungary, immigrating with their three children to Toronto, Canada. Dan was born three years later. His family relocated shortly thereafter to the nearby suburb of Mississauga, where Dan went to school and met Cheryl. After receiving an accordion from his dad at the age of 11, Dan switched to guitar in less than one year's time. In 1986, just out of high school, Medakovic formed Admiral Byrd's Hollow Earth Band. The quartet’s few performances included one "memorable Spinal Tap moment," opening for a puppet show. 78
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Taco Star at Playa Grande: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb08MZ-
Photos courtesy of Dan Medakovic
Following that experience, Dan pursued a solo career for more than two decades. His affinity for the recording studio resulted in his other musical occupation: that of recording engineer and producer. He became a tangible commodity in Hamilton, a Canadian music mini-mecca, setting up a recording studio in his spare bedroom. He also began playing for a band called Fry Truck, but his heart was clearly in producing and pursuing an individual career. Medakovic's debut album, "Honeybucket," became a reality in 2002. With family and responsibilities taking precedence, his follow-up recording, "Jolley Cut,” was released a dozen years later, in 2014. Dan's third solo album, "The Years", became available in 2019, both online as well as on vinyl as a two-disc set; one album is printed in blue vinyl, the other in red. Standout songs include "Second Hand Heart," "Porcelain Rose" and "The King of the Jungle."
A surprising number of ‘Costanadians’ are musicians. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 79
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT Musical influences Medakovic studies other songwriter's techniques, including Van Morrison, Cat Stevens, Bob Dylan, John Prine and John Hiatt. All of his studio songs are recorded in his home in Canada. He likes to write about everyday life events inspired by his family and immediate community. Similarly, in a recent interview, Medakovic told us that the songs he writes in Costa Rica are inspired by the people as well as the sights, sounds and smells unique to this area. "Yellow Moon," "Taco Star" and "Gringo In Paradise" are notable examples. Even with "The Years" so recently in the can, Dan is already culling through about 40 songs to come up with 10 or 12 for his next album release. While staying at his home in Playa Grande, Dan has become a familiar contributor to the local music scene, particularly Friday night shows at Wilmart. He is proud to be able to play for charity events in the area and enjoys playing original music with other local musicians.
MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT
danmedakovic. bandcamp.com
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Evelio's Garden
by Jim Parisi & Alei Burns
A Deeply Rooted Growth Journal
S
andra Shaw Homer moved with her husband from Philadelphia to Costa Rica in 1990. Within a few years, she began writing a column for The Tico Times, Costa Rica's first English-language weekly newspaper. Luckily, Sandra also began a journal, which became the first draft for "Evelio's Garden: Memoir of a Naturalist in Costa Rica," published last year by Atmosphere Press. For the past 30 years, Sandra has lived near the shoreline of Lake Arenal, at the base of the volcano of the same name. The reverence for nature she has garnered in those three decades weaves its way through her writing. Living in a different culture from what she had before has given her perspective and patience, both essential traits for surviving in Costa Rica.
BOOKSHELF
Homer’s memoir incorporates everything she has experienced in Costa Rica while tracing her personal growth. Besides giving readers an extensive lesson in horticulture, without being heavy-handed, she identifies countless birds, animals, reptiles and plants in English and in Spanish, even working in the Latin genus for many of them. All the while, Arenal Volcano presides over the scenery, an omniscient presence, recognized as such by every nearby resident. By 1995, Sandra had walked away from her alcoholic husband and bicycled her way to a determined independence on the shores of Lake Arenal. She embraced the language and culture around her. Not once in this memoir 82
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does the author complain about the inevitable bureaucratic entanglements awaiting outsiders trying to live in Costa Rica. An even deeper story is threaded into the tapestry of this expat’s relocation tale, and that is the evolving relationship between the author and Evelio, one that has survived for three decades and continues thriving to this day. Organic plan Starting as a carpenter and handyman for Sandra at her new house, Evelio eventually became her gardener. They came up with a plan to produce organic vegetables and herbs to eat and to sell at the local feria. Braving the area's infamous winds and torrential rains, the two experimented with a combination of new and indigenous horticultural methods. Together, they shared the rewards and exasperations of combining cultures and methodologies, and the inevitable family issues, all the while challenging the elements. Evelio lives on his parents’ farm near the lake. Like nearly every one of his Tico peers in the area, he grew up on a ranch that, when he was young, did not have electricity or indoor plumbing. The author makes the insightful observation that these people seemingly leap-frogged from the 19th century into the 21st, complete with howlermag.com
refrigerators, internet, motorcycles and microwave ovens. Talk about culture shock! Every good story relies on the manner of telling by the writer. As in a diary, Homer tells hers month by month, with each chapter encapsulating that time segment of her 30 years living here. The fluidity of her writing makes it a pleasure to read.
Arenal Volcano presides over the scenery, an omniscient presence.
“Evelio’s Garden” is available at The Bookstore of the Waves in Tamarindo.
https://youtu.be/FoisNh7h4b0
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Colectivo Fugitivo
T
By Cason Ga
his is the story of a colectivo trip that I would never believe hearing from somebody else. For my tale of the unexpected, buckle up and read on.
I was at my favorite gelato spot in Tamarindo recently after dinner, finishing up a single scoop choco-coco waffle cone. It was time to turn in for the night at Cafe Cafe, my buddy’s’ hostel in Villarreal about a mile and half down the road. In situations like this, colectivo is the best bet for transportation. No sooner had I started walking towards the nearest bus stop about half a block away, when I spotted a small rice rocket coming down the street. I turned to face it and it flashed its lights. I raised my hand, the dude pulled over, I hopped in saying “Buenas” and “Cafe Cafe,” and we drove on. I was the only passenger so I was riding shotgun with a Tico driver in his late 20s or early 30s. Homeboy had his dashboard upholstered with a Bob Marley blanket and it looked really nice. I told him that but he didn’t seem keen to talk so I stopped trying.
SURVIVING CR
Colectivos are usually the only Spanish language practice I get in Tamarindo, as the drivers are pretty much a captive audience. We pulled over at the next bus stop and three more people hopped in: an older woman, a chunky Tica, and a Tico with a couple bags of groceries, which he loaded in the trunk when the driver popped it open.
Not too far along we noticed a police checkpoint up ahead. Bear in mind the risk of colectivo drivers being fined if caught operating illegally. Approaching the checkpoint, it was clear our driver did not want to stop, and we were in a bit of a tight spot. Sometimes the cops just wave you through, but no such luck. The car in front of us had slowed, so we had to stop behind. It was waved through; we were not. The officer shined his flashlight on us and motioned to the side of the road. We pulled onto the shoulder and he started walking up behind our car. He got about two paces before our colectivo driver slammed on the gas and burned rubber back onto the road, leaving the cop in a shower of sand and gravel.
Our driver tore down the road, weaving in and out of traffic, the cops in chase and everyone shouting in Spanish. We rounded a curve and took a hard left onto a dirt road running by Tamarindo Chapel and back through a barrio. I Cops ahead had been in this area once and knew there were several dirt roads winding through woods and Off we went on a ride that would normally fields. We were hauling ass … bouncing our way take three or four minutes. After passing along and doing a pretty decent job trying to AutoMercado — the nice grocery store in town shake the cops. They were no longer in sight but where homesick gringos go for a bit of first we could hear the siren and see the flashing blue world-comfort every so often — we started down lights trailing us through the woods. the paved straightaway. 84 | #searchfindhowl | online howlermag.com
This was my first high-speed police chase and I was nervous about how it was going to go down.
aither
Then our driver hung a right and headed down a steep hill before stopping abruptly at the bottom where a river awaited. It was a fair-sized stream and we were in a glorified go-cart with the clearance of a housecat. The car fell silent. The dude in the back said, “Man, it’s too deep, you can’t make it.” Lights out I suggested a move straight out of Southern Boy’s Handbook: “Cut your lights! They won’t see us in the dark.” Our driver obeyed, but to no avail. As the lights and sirens drew closer, he yelled something in Spanish and once again gunned it, this time straight into the river. And it was deep. Luckily, he really hit the gas hard, and with some momentum remaining from our descent, we splashed our way across, practically floating the last few feet to the other side. The cops pulled up on the bank behind us, lights glaring and sirens blaring. The bank where we emerged from the river was even steeper than on the side we had entered from, but that didn’t deter our driver from hitting the gas one more time. We began ascending slowly but steadily, the engine revving. Unfortunately, the mud on this side of the river was wet and colectivos are not known for their off-road capabilities. Just when the front tires began to crest the hill, the back tires lost traction
in the mud. Not being a four-wheel-drive vehicle, our car slid slowly back down the slick bank, tires spinning furiously, before coming to rest right in the middle of the river. The cop, gun drawn, yelled from the opposite bank. Our driver, defeated, exited the car with his hands raised and waded towards the lights and sirens on the opposite bank. I sat still in the colectivo. This was my first high-speed police chase and I was nervous about how it was going to go down. All I knew about surrender protocol came from watching “Cops,” “Live PD” and the evening news on TV. I envisioned putting my hands out the window, opening the door slowly keeping my hands up, lacing my fingers behind my head and walking backwards ... lying face down on the ground with my hands out by my sides. I’d probably be beat up a bit, or at least roughly cuffed and searched. I braced for the assault I knew was coming. Hands up Instead, our back-seat passengers opened the door and got out of the car. That made sense, as opposed to just sitting in the river. I exited too, slowly, with my hands up. We stood there momentarily in the river, not knowing what to do. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 85
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT Then the dude with the grocery bags asked the cop if he could get them out of the trunk. When the cop replied, “Claro,” the dude popped the trunk, grabbed his groceries and waded across the river to where our driver lay on the ground.
Right after getting back onto the main road, I hailed another colectivo. Thankfully, I still had 500 colones, and arrived safely at my hostel. Word of advice: Wait to get out of the car before paying your colectivo driver.
I waded across next, greeting the cop with “Buenas.” His reply — I kid you not: “Pura vida.” So I kept walking. The barrio residents had come outside to see what was going on. It’s likely not every day they witness a police chase in their neighborhood, or a gringo walking away from the action with, “Todo bien, no preocupes, era solamente un colectivo.”
Key Spanish Phrases Giving the taxi driver directions Queremos ir a la Calle Valencia, por favor – We want to go to Valencia Street please A la Calle Valencia, por favor – To Valencia Street please Llévenos a la Calle Valencia, por favor – Take us to Valencia Street please Asking how much for the taxi ¿Cuánto cobra, más o menos, para ir a la Calle Valencia? – How much do you charge to go to Valencia Street? ¿Cuánto vale, más o menos, ir a la Calle Valencia? – How much does it cost roughly to go to Valencia Street?
SURVIVING CR
Let me out! ¡Déjame salir!
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LEARN SPANISH IN COSTA RICA!
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Sign up for our flexible programs at:
www.academiatica.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 87
NATURAL MEDICINE
PURA VIDA / LIVING COSTA RICA
CBD Oil: Many believe it’s nature’s miracle cure
By Olivia Venturini
I
was born and raised in Colorado, a state that has become known in recent years for its legalization of cannabis. With this legalization has come an overwhelming amount of information and interest in the related subject of CBD oil, touted by proponents as “nature’s miracle cure.” What is CBD Oil? CBD is short for cannabinoid, a natural compound found in the cannabis hemp plant. The most common misconception about CBD is that it has the ability to impair the person using it. CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it has no effect on a person’s “state of mind.” That’s because it does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the cannabis ingredient most often associated with marijuana’s mind-altering effect. It should also be noted that CBD oil can be extracted from industrial hemp, which is free of THC and legal in over 40 countries.
CBD oil is packed with many essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, and E, and large amounts of anti-inflammatory properties. Having this concentration of beneficial ingredients, and direct access throughout our nervous system, makes CBD oil a force to be reckoned with.
How does CBD Oil Work The human body, like many other species, contains an endocannabinoid system full of receptors located in the brain and throughout the nervous system. These receptors, which can accept cannabinoids such as CBD, assist with pain and inflammation, control of appetite, nervous system regulation, memory and much more. 88
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It does not contain the cannabis ingredient most often associated with marijuana’s mind-altering effect.
Benefits of CBD Oil Discoveries to date about the benefits of CBD oil seem promising but remain largely unproven by scientific studies. Researchers have only begun to scratch the surface, without substantial experiments to back their findings. Areas of interest include CBD’s potential role in pain and inflammation relief, treating neurological disorders (including seizures), fighting cancer, lowering the risk of diabetes, reducing anxiety, relieving nausea, tempering the effects of psychosis and promoting cardiovascular health. In addition, CBD has shown success in blocking
Is CBD Oil Legal in Costa Rica?
the addictive effects of a range of other drugs. External applications of CBD oil suggest it may have anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and anti-sun damage properties. CBD oil is not only for humans either. I was surprised to find a Colorado pet store selling “puppy CBD sticks” in preparation for summer fireworks, a well-known cause of significant anxiety in some pets. CBD oil has also been used to treat horses, rabbits, and cats with ailments ranging from arthritis and digestive issues to aggression.
CBD oil is legal in Costa Rica, but complicated and inconsistently applied import regulations are a barrier to consumer access. The Howler is researching businesses that have resolved this issue to make CBD oil easier to obtain. Watch for updates.
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PURA VIDA / LIVING COSTA RICA
Sleepy Time CBD Turmeric Latte We need sleep to heal, to grow, and to recover. By Michelle Nayebkhil
T
his CBD infused-latte can help relax you with warming ingredients like cinnamon and ginger and a luminous yellow color. It will instantly calm mind and put Nicoyour las Videau and GeWe rard Azen you in a good mood. Sleep is essential for our body. need sleep to heal, to grow, and to recover. If we don't get enough hours of thorough sleep, it is that much harder for us to reach our health and wellness goals and live a healthy lifestyle. Ingredients • • • • • •
1/4 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp ginger 1/2 tbsp maple syrup 5-10 drops CBD tincture 250 ml any plant milk
Method of Preparation Add all ingredients, except for CBD, to a pot. Whisk to blend and bring to a boil. Once slightly cooled, add to a blender and blend until foamy. Pour into your favorite mug and add in CBD droplets and stir. Top with cinnamon and enjoy! Taste Tip For some ingredients, like the ginger and turmeric, I suggest using fresh if possible for a more powerful and fresh taste. You can grate or use a cold-pressed blend. Otherwise, powders will work just as well.
EAT WELL
Nutrition Tip I suggest almond milk for this latte. Almonds contain high doses of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the sleeping and waking cycle. To read more about my experience with CBD, click here Visit Michelle Priscilla Nutrition at www.theonolifestyle.com 90
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PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA
By Mary Byerly
The Practice of Gratitude
I
once had the opportunity to be part of a group where we practiced slowing down our communication with each other. This gave us the chance to really hear each other and feel what happened inside us when we did hear each other.
What arose in me was a strong feeling of gratitude. In slowing down and giving space to notice how I felt about what others said, I realized how much more I appreciated the people around me in that group.
YOGA WISDOM
Days later, I realized that I was still in a much different place than I was before I had the experience of simply slowing down a conversation. Now, I was not living in slow motion, mind you. Actually, during some times of day, I was finding myself much more efficient. Taking some time to
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actually slow down for a couple minutes in the early part of my day has helped me to feel more peaceful and grateful for my life. I got curious about this strong feeling of gratitude, which seemed to be helping me feel great about some of the things I don’t usually enjoy doing. I recalled a trend some years ago to keep a “gratitude journal” and that sort of thing, but why? I found there are many studies showing that gratitude is associated with the following: greater happiness, optimism, lasting relationships, better health, fewer aches and pains, increased alertness, generosity, self-esteem, empathy and better sleep. Check out websites like Happierhuman. com, where the article page titled 31 Benefits of Gratitude: The Ultimate Science-Backed Guide features a beautiful graphic showing all the ways in which gratitude can rock your world. The research proves that I am not alone in feeling benefits of coming from a place of gratitude.
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Lifting out of negativity Back in the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali stated that practicing santosha (contentment or appreciation of what is) will lead to unexcelled joy. Practicing appreciation is a powerful way to lift us out of negativity and acknowledge our interconnection with all things that sustain us. There are many simple ways to incorporate an attitude of gratitude into your day. One way is to list at least three things at the end of your day for which you are grateful. Another friend of mine begins his morning by sitting quietly and remembering what he is grateful for before getting ready for work. Offering gratitude before a meal to all who contributed to bringing it to you is another way to practice. Perhaps you can even find a way to turn a gripe into gratefulness.
Say that you are once again stuck in the notorious traffic jam in Tamarindo. Since you are already sitting still in your car, start to slow down your breaths, coming into some nice deep inhales and exhales. Then see if there is anything that you can appreciate about that moment. Perhaps be grateful that you have a vehicle that works, that you are financially able to afford such a vehicle here in Costa Rica, that you are just meters away from the Pacific Ocean, that you have this moment to observe the surfers, the tourists, and maybe even say hi to someone you wouldn’t have noticed if you hadn’t been slowed down by this event.
Practicing appreciation is a powerful way to lift us out of negativity. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 93
PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA
YOGA WISDOM
In our yoga classes, we bring gratitude in each day with the word “namaste,� an expression of recognition and gratefulness for the divine light in ourselves and others. We say this typically with our hands held in the anjuli mudra, or prayer position.
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Every time I bring my hands together in this place, it helps me to come back to this moment and the presence of grace in my life. Take my challenge this month. Slow down enough to feel grateful each day for the blessings in your life. Observe any of the resulting benefits you experience. Experiment with taking the time to honor and appreciate what is, and how that can fill you with more joy.
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PURA VIDA LIVING COSTA RICA
Food for Thought About Eating By Laura Méndez
‘Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.’ - Hippocrates
I
t is time for us to wake up and really analyze the benefits of bringing awareness to not only what we eat with our mouth but also what we eat with all our senses.
Hippocrates said it well: “Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” Most of us are aware that eating well is an essential aspect of feeling well and being healthy. But have you ever considered the notion that food can refer to everything we consume?
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Think about some of your typical routines and habits associated with eating. Are you watching TV, reading the newspaper or checking social media on your phone or tablet while you eat? If so, what are you really eating? What are you feeding yourself ? Becoming mindful of this can motivate us to make healthier choices about how we eat, not just what we eat. It’s an opportunity to bring families together again during meals so we can share and connect with each other, or we can connect with ourselves. But either way, we cannot do it if we have the television on or the cell phone in our hands.
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So try thinking of meal time as a family time or a time for enjoying your own company. If you have been conditioned to think this is boring, then make a special plan. For example, use your best china, decorate your table, eat outside, have a picnic or take yourself on a date. Get creative and honor your food! Nourishing connections We nourish ourselves not only with the food we eat, but also the people we choose to share time with. Appreciate these moments because they are more valuable than gold.
Are you also "eating" the news while trying to feed your body with food? Your mind and soul are being subjected to everything you see, hear and read, along with the people you spend time with. Think about it.
This also changes our relationship with food. It allows us to connect with what nourishes us, giving us strength and health.
Today, make a commitment with yourself to eat without the presence of a TV, smartphone, ipad or reading material. Enjoy meal time as a celebration!
I invite you to question, what else are you feeding yourself while watching TV? Always stay aware of what is being consumed emotionally and spiritually as well as physically.
Recommended Netflix documentary: What The Health Click logo for trailer.
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Mother Earth Week Online 2020 An Exercise in Awareness
By Marynes Fernรกndez
A
t a glance, we see the world is changing quickly. The question is, how much are we consciously contributing to these changes? Social interactions, economic dynamics and methods of production are being heavily impacted by the global situation. Due to the severity of the impact on humanity and the environment, history will be viewed in terms of before the COVID-19 pandemic and after.
ECO - FEATURE
Thanks to all who participated in the Show Your Garden (Muestra tu Huerta) contest and to Horty Lago for the prize donation. Pictured are the top contestants, as determined by receiving the most social media likes.
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A
simple vista pareciera que hoy el mundo está cambiando, pero, ¿en realidad lo estamos haciendo nosotros? Estamos hablando de las dinámicas económicas, las formas de producción y también de interacción social. Este cambio marcará un antes y un después a toda la humanidad, ya que el sistema tiene grandes impactos en lo ambiental. En los últimos meses la flora se siente con más oxígeno y la fauna con mayor libertad. Le hemos dado un respiro a la naturaleza, dentro de una pausa obligada y
Humanity must draw on its collective ingenuity. With the majority of people in self-quarantine at home, we see the flora breathing cleaner air and the fauna moving more freely. Nature has been given a reprieve from intensive human activities. This obligatory pause for human safety is a chance for environmental survival, the consequences of which are not yet foreseen. This year’s Earth Day, on April 23, inspired #MadreTierraOnLine, a digital platform created by an international group of entrepreneurs in Nuevo Arenal, Costa Rica. Through a series of daily online events from April 20 to 24, their intent was to open dialogues across different disciplines addressing the global transformation at hand. The organizations and professionals involved are working to initiate social intervention for environmental issues such as the mass extinction of species, the unbridled consumption of resources, the continuous use of pesticides on crops and the overuse of plastic — all phenomena with irreversible impacts on the environment. Click here for featured video:
We must change! The Earth Week series of workshops, concerts and lectures dedicated to Mother Earth took place in Arenal and were broadcast globally via the internet. Inspiring segments can all be seen on the Facebook page of the event host @ airelibre. adventures. We encourage you to listen to the environmental experts and scientists at the heart of this initiative. Their studies, analyses and perspectives leave little doubt that we are facing a great global challenge. Humanity must draw on its collective ingenuity, focusing our ambition and talent in a deeply conscious way. It was this very call to conscious actions that the Mother Earth Week festival aimed to promote, giving those thinking outside the box a voice to creatively solve complex problems. The inaugural #MadreTierraOnLine aspires to be an annual event for socially responsible and environmentally sustainable lifestyles. It’s a platform for innovative ideas, discoveries of social interest and creative education concerning our natural environment. We all play a part in humanity’s evolution, sharing the responsibility for becoming more conscious of our impact on the environment and setting precedents for change. Now where to start? We invite you to view the results of #MadreTierraOnLine on the Facebook page @ airelibre.adventures. Pura vida!
Click on Howl and find resources for family ideas to engage in environmental projects!
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PURA VIDA / LIVING COSTA RICA Thanks to the event collaborators and creators, pictured at Casa Airelibre (from left): Marynes FernĂĄndez, Airelibre Adventures and Hosting; Jimmy Loop, music producer; and Maria Mora, PicaFlora. Organizers are grateful to the participating musicians: Jimmy Loop, Andru Music, Day Morales, Juan JosĂŠ Alvarez Trumpet Loop Show and Ruben Golcher.
Live video screen shots during the event.
ECO - FEATURE
We appreciate our sponsors!
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Finally Home! Five Orphaned Howler Monkeys Released By Laura Wilkinson
A
fter years of rehabilitation, Hendrix, Erick, Kenneth, Bianca, and Priscilla have returned to the treetops and a life of living wild and free! It took many years, as each monkey was rescued as an infant and cared for at the Refuge for Wildlife until they learned all the necessary skills to survive in the forest. Erick had been with us the longest, 3.5 years.
Erick Bianca
ANIMAL LIFE
On release day, the team was excited to see how the monkeys would react once the top hatch was opened. We provide a “soft release� for our orphaned howlers, which means the enclosure will be stocked with food and the monkeys will be free to come and go through the top hatch for as long as they need while they get used to life in the forest. If rehabilitation is done well, then the monkeys will confidently leave the enclosure and start their new life fully prepared and ready for freedom. As our Animal Keeper, Dani Fajardo Centeno, opened the hatch, we waited to see how the monkeys would react. First at the hatch was Kenneth who tentatively stared out into the dense forest before him. Running up behind him, Erick was the first to go through the hatch and climb the rope bridge to a nearby tree. Erick was followed by Bianca and then Kenneth quickly joined them. Hendrix and Priscilla followed and they all quickly climbed to the treetops.
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As the alpha of the group, Hendrix was eager to climb to the very highest branches and announce to the forest that he was there with a loud howl! As they explored the trees, the monkeys started to show more confidence and were soon climbing and jumping with ease. Within a few minutes, the entire troop had reached the forest canopy to munch on leaves and sunbathe. Although they had the option of returning to the enclosure for food and shelter, Hendrix, Erick, Kenneth, Bianca, and Priscilla decided they were ready to start their new lives straight away and disappeared deep into the forest. howlermag.com
If rehabilitation is done well, then the monkeys will confidently leave the enclosure and start their new life fully prepared and ready for freedom.
Kenneth Priscilla
Hendrix
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Putting the Fun Back in Fishing:
The Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo By Sam White
Team Yellowfin II Suarez Family
A
lthough Costa Rica has taken a huge hit from the COVID-19 pandemic, the organizers of the Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo presented by Marina Flamingo are moving forward to continue with the event on its scheduled dates this year, August 7-9, 2020. They intend to abide by all governmental regulations and offer an environment that is as safe as possible for all participants, but they also recognize the urgent need to get the boats out fishing and people back out on the water. “For months now, the entire charter fleet has been sitting idle,” says event organizer Joan Vernon. “This tournament will be a way for them to begin to recover financially. It also gives us all a chance to get out and have some fun, in what is normally one of the best seasons of the year to fish off Flamingo.” The legendary sport-fishing destination has been attracting generations of passionate anglers from all over the world for decades. The northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica is world-renowned for its excellent fishing for mahi-mahi, wahoo and tuna in addition to roosterfish and several species of grouper and snapper. If it swims and it’s fun to catch, you can probably land one in Flamingo. “We’re going back to the basics with this tournament,” says Vernon. “Safe, family-oriented and above all else, fun.” It will also continue to create an increased awareness of Flamingo and the northern Pacific region of Costa Rica as a world-class fishing
destination. “It’s been very exciting to work with the charter captains as well as the business owners in Flamingo, many of whom have been friends of mine for many years,” Vernon says. She also thanked the event’s Presenting Sponsor, Marina Flamingo, for their continued support of the tournament. Construction on the marina project has continued during the pandemic. After years of anticipation, everyone is looking forward to the resurgence and re-launch of the full service marina, which will be a huge boost to local real estate opportunities and tourism businesses throughout the Guanacaste region. So if you’re looking for a new adventure, check out the Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo. It’s a great way to revisit an old favorite so grab your friends and get ready for some fun down in Flamingo, Costa Rica. Visit www.preschallenge.com for more information.
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CR BIZ
Remembering Mark Haddad Friend of Flamingo Beach and Beyond
By Ariana Clashing O'Reilly
I
f you heard Mark Haddad speak, you knew instantly that he was not British or American. If you weren't good at placing accents you just knew it sounded like it was from a faraway place with dingoes and kangaroos, even if you didn't know what those animals even looked like. And you would be right. Mark hailed from the land down under and his Australian accent never left him, which never made for the easiest acclimatization to Costa Rica’s Spanish language. Nonetheless, living in the beach town of Flamingo, he made it work with words like “gracias”, “amigo” and “pura vida”. These are the only words you truly need to communicate and live in peace along the coast of Costa Rica.
Photos lovingly provided by friends
Magic gem Mark found his home here in 2014, having visited from Los Angeles where he was working as a lacrosse coach and videographer. Like many people who come across the gem of a community nestled between the fishing villages of Brasilito and Potrero, he sensed the magic in the air and decided to make Flamingo his home ever since.
IN MEMORIAM
Most people in Flamingo know Mark for his videography, particularly with a drone. In setting up his vacation rental company with business partner, Kevin Moreno, he often used his videography skills to capture the houses he was listing on his website for Flamingo Beach Vacation Rentals.
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It was through his vacation rental business that he also became involved with the 360 Splendor del Pacifico development, which sits on the Flamingo Beach community’s north ridge. From the little office adjacent to Marie's Restaurant in the Flamingo Plaza, Mark has been the self-proclaimed "ideas man" in the marketing and management of the Flamingo Beach Golf Carts rental company, the rental management of 360 Splendor del Pacifico Residences and Flamingo Realty. All of these enabled him to be a strong contributor to the Flamingo Beach Association for the past couple of years. howlermag.com
His motto was ‘dreams are the foundation of reality.’ From the time Mark moved to Flamingo, he established a routine that would remain sacred to those who joined him. He and his friends, and those who he believed were worthy of friendship, would wake up before 6 a.m. to make their way to Flamingo Beach for the daily ritual of "church." This involved body surfing the clear blue waters while spotting wildlife such as turtles and spotted eagle rays in the curve of the waves. It was also a time for chatting and debating all sorts of topics while waiting and recovering from the latest wave. This is the space in which many of Mark’s closest friendships in Costa Rica were formed. Dream believer Mark was a confidante to many in that he listened well and would make suggestions that could sometimes seem out of the box, but were sometimes just crazy enough to work. His motto was “dreams are the foundation of reality.” No matter how outlandish the dreams were, they were certainly the foundations of the reality he created around his life. It was this kind of vision that defined much of Mark’s life. As one of the first people in Los Angeles to use drone videography to capture lacrosse matches, he thus led the niche market of creating highlight reels and online lacrosse shows for high school players making their way through the ranks of that sport.
Mark himself got into lacrosse because he was a coach. Prior to that, during his 20s and early 30s, he was a national player for the Australian team. He prided himself on his quick reactions and anticipation of situations. It was those same qualities that Mark attributed to finding himself in favorable business deals such as one in Baltimore. A few years after moving to the United States to work for the Australian Embassy, an old bank building in downtown Baltimore caught his eye. He managed to pull together the finances to purchase it with a business partner of his, and remodelled it himself. He then turned it into a bar called Boomerang, in tribute to his homeland.
Life lessons Although he spent the latter part of his life outside Australia, it was his years in the Outback as a late teen that really shaped Mark. Traversing countless kilometers of desert by horse when working at a cattle station fuelled his adventurous spirit. It was there that he learnt lessons about friendship and responsibility, which have benefited everyone who knew Mark, right up to his final days.
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CR BIZ As a private person, Mark reserved the details of his cancer diagnosis to only a select few. Understandably, the news of his passing has been a shock to many. However, he has left a deep and meaningful impact on the lives of those who knew him.
He will be missed by his friends and the Flamingo Beach community here in Costa Rica. Rest in Peace, Mark.
IN MEMORIAM
Click here to see the featured video
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Beyond the Lease
What You Really Need to Know About Long-Term Leases in Costa Rica
By Randy Toltz
Y
ou just bought your dream home in Costa Rica. Your countdown clock is just over a year to cash it in and move to paradise. You found a nice family going down there for a year so their kids can attend a local Costa Rican school. You gave them a great deal on rent, and in turn, they will cover your holding costs for the year. It’s a win-win. All is good and falling into place with your plans. Then you get the call that your tenants have decided they love the area, the school and especially your house. They want to stay longer. So you remind them that their one-year lease is up and your plan is to come down now and start enjoying your retirement. Then your tenants’ lawyer informs you that they will be staying in your home and continue paying the previously agreed-upon rent for an additional two years. SAY WHAT?! How can this happen? In Costa Rica, property for rent is governed by law No. 7527, Ley General de Arrendamientos Urbanos y Suburbanos (General Law of Urban and Suburban Renting). This law applies to all
contracts, verbal or written leases of real property intended for housing, as well as some other categories. It has several provisions that if not followed, supersede your rental agreement. You need to be aware of these laws; some of them are critically important! Long-term defined
REAL ESTATE 101
One of the biggest provisions in the law is that any lease longer than 30 days in duration is considered a long-term lease. The minimum long-term lease in Costa Rica is three years. So a 35-day rental automatically becomes a three-year lease under Costa Rican law.
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The minimum long-term lease in Costa Rica is three years. While that lease is bilateral, in truth, it is more often than not hard to enforce on a renter. And it’s impossible to get out of for any landlord with tenants unwilling to leave. Now, using our introductory example, you can see where the complications come into play. Now consider scenario two. What about a landlord who offers a cheap lease during the COVID-19 shutdowns, just to preserve cash flow? It incorporates a rent increase clause that kicks in three months after the country’s borders reopen. This is when additional problems can arise. The law prohibits rent increases for leases in U.S. dollars or any other foreign currency. If the rent is in colones, the maximum increase is the greater of 15% or the official inflation rate. So your shortterm deal can automatically and quickly flip on you to become a long-term nightmare.
Grace period and termination notice Costa Rican law also allows for a sevenday grace period from the date rent is due, not three days as most leases state. There is also an automatic three-year lease renewal if at least one of the parties does not notify the other party of an intent to terminate the lease. This must occur at least three full months before the end of the threeyear term. In addition, landlords are now also required to be registered with Hacienda (Costa Rica’s tax agency) and provide electronic invoices to their tenants. Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to hefty fines for landlords. Know the law Now, none of this is to say that the parties cannot agree to whatever they want. However, the reason we write contracts is to protect ourselves in case the parties do not see eye to eye later on, or one or both of the parties does not live up to their original agreement. In many cases, the contract protects the original deal. But sometimes it may actually make things worse. So, now what? Do you rent your place? How? What terms? The answer is: know the law! Consult a licensed Costa Rican lawyer (not your lawyer back home). Make sure you protect yourself and know exactly what you are getting into. Without this knowledge and protection, merely assuming it’s all good can be costly.
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Costa Rica Residency Your FAQs Answered
By Ivan Granados
W
hether you have been in Costa Rica for awhile on a tourist visa, or are considering moving to the country permanently, the requirements for obtaining residency may be intimidating, especially if you are not fluent in Spanish. Here are some of the questions we are commonly asked. 1. Why should I obtain residency?
If you are planning to reside in the country, residency is the best route. While you can remain in Costa Rica for up to 90 days on a tourist visa — based on your citizenship — the requirements for doing so legally are hard to meet over a long period of time. Many expats have found themselves in a tricky situation if they have not been able to cross the Costa Rican border into another country every 90 days or before the visa expires. In fact, Costa Rica has the right to not allow you back into the country if you have overstayed your 90-day tourist visa. Additionally, being a “perpetual tourist” disqualifies you from many benefits such as national healthcare.
LEGALEASE
2. What kind of verification of financial stability must a foreign national have to obtain residency?
c. Fixed annuity (rentista) — Certification proof that the applicant receives a guaranteed annuity of $2,500 per month for at least two years. 3. What is the difference between residency and citizenship? In today’s terms, “citizen” tends to specify a person who legally belongs to a country. “Residency” generally refers to a person who is legally living or working in a particular locality. A citizen will have a passport issued by the country and can exercise the political rights and obligations of the country. As an example, a citizen could vote for the mayor and president of the country.
Proof of one of the three categories must be provided. a. Retiree (pensionado) — Apostilled proof of a lifetime pension amounting to at least $1000 USD a month. b. Real Estate Investor (inversionista) — Must demonstrate a real estate investment in Costa Rica with a value of at least $200,000 USD
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You will become a temporary resident initially. After three years you can apply for permanent status. 4. What documents are required for residency? The general requirements are: • fingerprints taken in CR • an application letter • a notarized copy of complete passport • registration with your country’s consulate • apostilled birth certificate • marriage certificate if applicable • apostilled background check from country of origin * • eight passport size photos Each type of residency also will have additional specific requirements. * Note: The apostilled background check should be issued by the proper national authority. For U.S. citizens, it shall be issued by the FBI, and for Canadian citizens, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Keep in mind that you will become a temporary resident initially. After three years you can apply for permanent status; then you will not be required to keep providing the requirement of financial verification.
5. What insurance can I obtain while my residency is being processed?
7. Once I am in the process of getting my residency, do I have to leave the country when my tourist visa expires?
Most private insurance companies require you to be a “permanent” resident. However, you can consult with a CR licensed insurance broker, as it may be possible to obtain insurance with specific terms and conditions. Once your residency is approved, to finalize the process and get your residency ID card, it is mandatory to enroll in the Caja: Costarricense de Seguro Social or CCSS (Costa Rican Social Security Administration). 6. How long does it take for the residency process to be completed? Typically, approval takes from nine months up to a year. However, depending on the time of the year or specific situation (massive refugee influx or other atypical circumstance) it can take longer.
While you are in the process, you don’t have to leave the country every time your tourist visa expires. However, it is important for you to know that if you are planning on driving a vehicle, using your home country’s driver’s license, you can only legally use it while your tourist visa is current. If your tourist visa is expired, you are not allowed to drive. Becoming a resident in Costa Rica comes with peace of mind and a host of government benefits. If you’ve decided to make the land of pura vida your permanent home, we are at your service to support and guide you through all of the legal requirements necessary. Contact us at info@gmattorneyscr.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 113
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RE/MAX OCEAN SURF & SUN
Buying or selling a home? Find a RE/MAX Agent In Playa Tamarindo since 1999. Sales of condominiums, homes, lots, fincas and businesses. Playa Tamarindo Monday to Saturday, 9-5 2653-0073 ~ 866.976.8898 www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com
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Business Owner Moms
By Joanna Blanco
You Too Can Welcome Your Kids’ School Vacations
T
his Howler article is dedicated to some of the most loyal and responsible business owners who fill another vitally important role every day: my colleagues, the working moms. Our responsibilities fall into many different categories, are and not always possible to measure. Unfortunately, they may not always be appreciated either.
School vacations every summer can be especially challenging for entrepreneur moms, and of course, the quarantine of 2020 found us coping with that much sooner with the added twist of kids having to spend part of their “break” learning at home. In any case, I’m here with some tips on coping with the annual summer blues and making it a fun time for all.
ENTREPRENEUR CR
As working moms, we are practical, so let's get to the point.
1. Use goals to prioritize your responsibilities
t o l a e v ! a s r h e u d l o y hou , m rs o M yo u on
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Let’s have no more than three primary goals. I am going to have two, for example: family and work. I will divide both into different tasks or responsibilities. Family — kids (the main point of this article, as they are home all day), food and house. If possible, delegate difficult tasks to your spouse (like our secret weapon).
howlermag.com
Business — action plans, marketing, delivering and finances. 2. Use a calendar to organize your tasks Calendars, agendas and organizers are useful tools to help put all your tasks in order. Divide each day into your primary goals as addressed above. Let's assume, for instance, that you have two kids. Each kid will have a personalized calendar but try to plan so their activities coincide. For example, if Kid A has football at 9 a.m., try to find a similar, nearby activity for Kid B. Or both kids can be reading at the same time or spending a creative hour at the same time.
Photos: Charles Deluvio, Unsplash
Online is Your Friend
I
t’s easy for busy working or entrepreneur moms to find ideas online for keeping their kids occupied during school vacations. Excellent resources are at your fingertips for fun and safe activities that fit all interests and age groups. Here are some I can recommend personally: https://www.parents.com/ https://www.popsugar.com/family/ https://www.kiddle.co/ https://kidoz.net/ Or search by topic as follows, specifying your kid’s age in each case: 1. 2019/2020 best movies for kids 2. Best books for kids 3. Best and safe YouTube channels for kids 4. Arts and crafts for kids 5. Science projects for kids 6. Cooking with kids HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 117
CR BIZ In this particular case, your primary goal "family" is covered by having a calendar for the kids' activities and household chores. At the same time, your other primary goal of “business" will have calendar spaces for you to work when your kids are doing their scheduled activities. The idea is to have the kids distracted so you can focus on getting your business tasks done. 3. Do not multitask Mom, you have a lot on your shoulders! You can lose focus by doing more than two things at the same time and this can lead to slowing down your productivity in the end. So, add in house tasks for your kids and husband. Maybe kids can make their beds or your husband can grocery shop. These actions will help you save time to spend on your business's tasks.
5. Let the weekends be weekends Plan to have fun and a lot of free time. Maybe not for you — sorry — but for the kids, it is essential to have the sensation of being on holiday. If you have read some of my past Howler articles on entrepreneur topics, you might know that one of my principles is to keep all the areas in your life balanced. This is for the sake of enjoying good body and mind health. You need "me time." That means scheduling time to eat well, move your body, sleep, and relax. Highlight this as a priority. If you need help developing a schedule, let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
4. Set routines
Contact me: joannablanco@vivesattva.com
Just because school is out does not mean you cannot have a routine. Wake up, have breakfast and undertake activity 1, activity 2, and so on. Routine gives you order and peace of mind.
Follow me on IG and FB Movimiento Sattva
Imagine yourself knowing you have a Zoom meeting but not knowing what the kids are going to be doing. I can guarantee you will be able to totally focus during your conference call if you know that your kids are going to be reading or making arts and craft projects for 30 minutes.
ENTREPRENEUR CR
Breaking your routine once in a while is useful too!
More fun resources for the family!
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WE are ID
Welcome to We are ID
C
By John Quam
osta Rica is a very welcoming country. This is reflected in its commitment to advancing diversity-related social issues. Costa Rica’s inclusiveness in recognizing diversely different citizens as productive and effective members of society made global news headlines in proclaiming that same-sex marriages would be legal effective May 26, 2020. This is a huge milestone for Central America and for the world.
Howler is launching a new magazine section called WE are ID (WE are Inclusive of Diversity). As the name suggests, it will promote diversity and embrace all members of the communities where Howler has a mutually supportive presence. Many interpretations of diversity are confined to the LGBTQ community. There is no question sexual orientation is a big part of what diversity means to people. But it also encompasses race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious and political beliefs, and other ideologies. The distinctions within and between these groups of people are superseded by what they have in common as human beings sharing our planet. There is no justification for shunning, laughing at, ignoring or treating any individuals or groups as outcasts. But there is a need for greater awareness in this regard. Education can bring diversity issues to the forefront and begin to break down the walls that separate. It can bring about inclusion and acceptance instead. Rather than focus on differences as a negative, view them as strengths that add more flavor and color to our lives. Allowing uniqueness in the ways that individuals contribute will benefit the common good. Diversity is not a handicap or obstacle to society as a whole. It is the foundation of what makes our world a better place and allows for different perspectives. Diversity of cultures and subcultures, and the experiences they generate, are what make our lives beautiful, vibrant and interesting. Imagine a world with all like-minded and otherwise similar people. It would be very boring.
Costa Rica has welcomed many immigrants from neighbouring countries who have been persecuted and unable to express themselves in their homeland. Many have become prosperous and highly contributing members to Costa Rica. The Howler will be featuring many relevant diversity topics in its We are ID section. We want to shine a light on the issues that people face on a daily basis when there are barriers to inclusiveness. We wish to highlight efforts that promote diversity within our community. We hope to maintain a businessfocused angle that identifies, showcases and promotes human diversity and inclusiveness in Costa Rica. Your participation within the WE are ID section and contributions are welcome. We encourage everyone to be kind to each other. Treat all people with the same respect you would want. With the hope of being in the final months of pandemic lockdowns worldwide, changes in attitudes are sure to emerge. It’s an unprecedented chance to get acquainted and reacquainted with the world in this new era. The time we have been forced to spend apart, hopefully, will create an awareness of the need to work together to live well. Howler welcomes you to WE are ID.
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WE are ID
Costa Rica’s Tourism Sector Says “I Do” to Gay Marriage
O
By Paul Pitura
n May 26, 2020, Costa Rica became the first and only country in Central America to legally recognize same-sex marriage. It is a major victory for Costa Rica’s LGBTQ+ community, which has been fighting for equal civil rights for decades.
But as much as this is a human rights story, it is also an economic one. Legal gay marriage is also a victory for the Costa Rica tourism sector, reeling from a global pandemic that has stopped tourism — and revenues — in its tracks. Already a popular tourist destination, Costa Rica is now one of the few tropical vacation hot-spots that also recognizes gay marriage. The country has a multitude of gorgeous locations that serve as stunning landscapes for weddings: mountains, rainforests, waterfalls, pristine beaches and jungles full of wildlife. It’s a combination that could lead to an increase in the number of couples who choose Costa Rica as a wedding destination, and may offset at least some of the economic pain endured during the months where there was no travel at all. Julio Cesar Calvo of Gay Costa Rica has seen an increase in the number of clients looking to visit Costa Rica. The San José travel agent and wedding planner has seen many trips postponed to 2021 due to COVID-19. However, Calvo says that at the
moment the country stands alone in the spotlight on the LGBTQ+ world stage (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, or Questioning plus other terms used in the community). Solo attention “We are the only country in the world legalizing gay marriage right now,” he says. “This is calling the attention of many people worldwide, especially in the LGBTQ+ community. Newspapers, magazines, bloggers, influencers, everyone is talking about Costa Rica.” Calvo is also the head of Latin America’s only gay chamber of commerce. The Costa Rica Diversity Chamber of Commerce started four years ago, and now has roughly 180 members representing all the regions of the country — from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Besides supporting and promoting gay-owned businesses, the organization promotes Costa Rica worldwide as a new LGBTQ+ travel destination in Latin America. “The LGBTQ+ market is not going to reactivate the economy by itself,” says Calvo. “But I can guarantee you that the LGBTQ+ community is one of the first potential clients traveling and spending money.”
EQUALITY FEATURE
Calvo predicts the gay community will lead the charge on reopening global travel. In general, they tend to have no children, are professionals with disposable income, and are not as risk-averse as the general population.
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Calvo predicts the gay community will lead the charge on reopening global travel. Photo: Tara Beth Photography
That’s backed up by the World Tourism Organization, which says the LGBTQ+ community spends about 30% of their income on traveling, and accounts for 15% of the total amount spent on travel worldwide. Gay tourists travel more often, take longer vacations and spend more money. “We will invest our money in those hotels, agencies, tour operators and brands that support inclusion and diversity,” Calvo says.
“Costa Rica has the perfect environment for gay couples to come and get married, they are looking for privacy, luxury and nature, their priority is safety and respect, along with quality services.” It has been a long, difficult road for Costa Rica’s LGBTQ+ community, which has been actively lobbying for equal civil rights for decades with only small, incremental victories.
Things didn’t kick-start until January, 2018, when the Inter-American Court of Human Rights ruled Growth sector that countries signed onto the American Convention on Human Rights were required to legalize same sex More wedding planners catering to the LGBTQ+ community have emerged in Costa Rica in the last few unions. Costa Rica was one of those countries, and months. Diverse Weddings in Trejos Montealegre, the government at the time announced that it would abide by the ruling, as the Inter-American Court Escazú is run by four women with decades of experience in wedding planning. They have undergone traditionally supersedes local laws. special training and have obtained LGBTQ+ Inclusive Divisive battles Certification. “The LGBTQ international community is always looking for destinations where the people have an open mind and a friendly approach, where they can feel safe and welcome to express their love without being persecuted or judged,” says Diverse Weddings chief planner, Sylvia Chavez.
But it wasn’t that simple. The ruling came just a month before a presidential election. Same-sex marriage became one of the major issues of the campaign, as public opinion was bitterly divided.
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WE are ID
Julio Cesar Calvo is Head of Gay Costa Rica and the Costa Rica Diversity Chamber of Commerce. Photo courtesy of Julio Cesar Calvo
It is a familiar story for Keith and Al Toney. The American gay civil rights activists were married in 2004, soon after Massachusets became the first U.S. state to legalize gay marriage. The Toneys call Costa Rica home now, but while in the U.S. they fought and helped win important battles for the gay community, including one in the U.S. Supreme Court in 2013. “The way this is unfolding here [Costa Rica] mirrors the struggle we had in the U.S. years ago,” says Keith Toney. “Some people are outraged, others joyous. Families and friends arguing and debating the rightness or wrongness of it and why. It causes a big divide when people learn how others truly feel about the issue.”
EQUALITY FEATURE
It was indeed a bitter campaign, but in the end Carlos Alvarado Quesada, who campaigned in support of legalizing gay marriage, won the election and became president. The stage was set. Alvarado’s government allowed the process to devolve in Costa Rica’s courts, rather than change or pass new legislation. Inevitably couples filed lawsuits against the Costa Rican government. In August, 2018, Costa Rica’s Supreme Court ruled that prohibiting same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, and gave the legislature 18 months to change its marriage laws. The government allowed the deadline to pass, effectively killing the country’s ban on gay marriage. And so here we are. Everyone now has equal rights to marry the person they love, regardless of gender. 126
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It’s a highly anticipated time for hotels and other wedding venues throughout the country, from the lush jungles and mountains of La Fortuna, the wildlife and rainforests of Manuel Antonio, to the beaches and sunsets of Guanacaste. The Drift Away Eco-Lodge and Retreat Center in Playa Avellanas is excited that its stunning beach wedding backdrop can now be used to legally celebrate all love. The owners there hope that legal same sex marriage in Costa Rica will only add to this country’s reputation as a top destination for weddings — for foreigners and nationals alike. “Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful locations for beach weddings,” said Drift Away’s coowner, Oksana St. John. “We are happy the LGBTQ+ community can finally share these important life moments in these wonderful settings.” First of its kind Like Diverse Weddings, Drift Away Eco-Lodge is working to obtain special LGBTQ+ wedding certification. An upcoming workshop in San José will educate wedding and event planners on ways to be more LGBTQ+ welcoming and inclusive. Organized by Gay Costa Rica and the Costa Rica Diversity Chamber of Commerce, this is the first LGBTQ+ certification program offered in the country.
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Those attending should be warned. Julio Calvo of Gay Costa Rica says that businesses looking to enter this wedding market need to do so for the right reasons. “Are you welcoming LGBTQ+ clients because of the money, or because you truly believe that every single human being is equal to everybody else?” he says. “Suppliers, vendors, and hotels need to train employees, build internal communications campaigns to raise awareness to all personnel.” Calvo says everyone inside the business needs to buy in before marketing to gay clients, as those clients will quickly identify if the business is, in fact, 100% gay friendly. Sylvia Chavez of Diverse Weddings agrees. “Businesses and vendors who would like to cater to the LGBTQ+ market should take into consideration three important things: be inclusive, be understanding and be supportive,” she says. “Have the knowledge about the challenges and struggles the community has been through. I believe each couple brings extra magic because they are not only celebrating their love, but also their rights and their choices.”
Understanding equality Despite this important step forward, there is still a long road ahead to change many of the stereotypes and misconceptions among Costa Ricans. “Many business owners in Costa Rica think that the LGBTQ+ community will come to their properties to walk around naked, or that we come to party. This is not the truth at all,” says Julio Calvo. “We are looking to stay in the same hotels as everyone else to enjoy the beach, the mountains, national parks and hotels. Some people want us to hide, but we do not want to hide any more. All we ask for is equality, love, understanding and acceptance. We want to invest our money and receive equal service like everybody else. I see a bright future for those suppliers that take the path of peace, acceptance, respect and transparency.” The LGBTQ+ certification program is scheduled for September 24, 2020, at the Intercontinental Hotel in Escazú. For more information or to register, email weddings@gaycostarica.com. To become a member of the Costa Rica Diversity Chamber of Commerce, email JulioCalvo@ccdcr.org.
Suppliers, equipment and decor rental companies, car rentals, musicians and DJs, and photographers in all regions of the country can all benefit.
Keith (left) and Al Toney were one of the first gay couples to legally marry in the United States. They now live in Costa Rica. Photo courtesy of Keith and Al Toney
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Let´s celebrate love in Costa Rica...
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info@diverseweddingscr.com
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DINING GUIDE 130
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Delivery Available! 200 m. west of the Brasilito/Huacas crossroads
30 years in the restaurant management industry Profit and Loss Analysis Increasing profits and reducing costs Operation and staffing recommendations Creative marketing plans Assisting owners with overall management so they can worry (636)248-9656 less and enjoy life more! scthomp09@gmail.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 131
Pure Passion Private Chef & Catering Service
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Fresh • Local Award-Winning Craft Beer
Photo courtesy of sylivaguardia.com
Made in Liberia FIND US
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REA
For Sale By Owners Vacation Rentals
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Ocean View Condo - Ocean Front Beach Club, Golf & Spa Resort, Reserva Conchal Studio Condo , 1 Bath $329,000 Escape to paradise in this luxury ocean view condo located within the prestigious guard-gated Reserva Conchal Resort. Enjoy the best location and one of the nicest units in all of Reserva Conchal! No worry of having to climb up and down numerous stairs. The main floor condo opens to the Malinche pool, yet is privately situated. Malinche 111B Features: • Beautiful Ocean Views • Main Floor Unit • Fully Remodeled • Private Location • Walks Out to Manicured Gardens and the Private Malinche Pool • King Size Bed with Memory Foam Topper, Deluxe Bedding and Feather Pillows • Bath Robes • Central Air Conditioning • Double Ceiling Fans • Flat Screen Cable Television with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video • Upgraded Internet Speed
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Full Kitchen with Granite Counters and Beautiful Cherry Wood Cabinets Stainless Steel Appliances Full Size Refrigerator/Freezer with Water and Ice Maker Dishwasher Microwave Oven Electric Oven with Smooth Stove Cooktop 110 Electric (US Standard) Security Safe Laundry Facilities Available Reserved Covered Parking in Front of Building Email for further information.
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REAL ESCAPES
FOR SALE BY OWNER
Perfect for Retirement, Families, or Rental Investment
Modern 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom condo located close to seven of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches. • It offers 1150 sq ft of air-conditioned space, plus a back porch, private rear garden, parking pad for two cars, and a paved roadway in a friendly gated community. • The HOA fee is a low $175/month with excellent property management. • The open floor plan offers a spacious feel. • The bedrooms have built-in closets and ceiling fans. Stainless steel stove and fridge with white washer/dryer unit. • The countertops in the kitchen and bathrooms are all granite, with ceramic tile floors and screen doors on the front and back door.
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• • •
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This condo comes fully furnished with everything you need to move right in. The rancho and community pool are great for outdoor entertaining and a cool swim. The condo is located in Matapalo, a quaint Costa Rican town with convenience stores, where you will hear and see howler monkeys, birds, and iguanas. It is a short drive to quality 24/7 medical care, several restaurants, and shops. Playa Grande (famous for surfing) is minutes away! Conchal Beach is 10 minutes the other way. Even the Liberia International Airport is only a 50-minute drive. $157,900 US. OBO.
Email for further information.
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Home for Sale in Matapalo Costa Rica $239,900 High-quality construction and design in a quiet secluded area … it’s all yours, within an easy 10-minute drive to the area’s beaches, and just 20 minutes from the popular communities of Tamarindo and Flamingo. Special spaces throughout. This classic Spanish hacienda-style house optimizes all its tropical living space, inside and out: 125 square meters under interior roof, expansive front and back patios measuring 55 square meters with a two-vehicle carport. This is all situated on a 1,645 square-meter, tree-covered lot in a small, off-thebeaten-path subdivision of quality homes.
The three-bedroom floor plan incorporates two bedrooms / common bathroom and a master bedroom / bathroom. The open great room features exposed beams and high vaulted ceilings encompassing the spacious kitchen, dining and entertainment areas. The covered patios bring the tropics to your doorstep. Email for further information.
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REAL ESCAPES
Mariposa is an 2.5-acre upscale luxury beachfront property located in the exclusive north end
of Playa Santa Teresa. Our property consists of 3 unique houses; Casa Yin Yang, Casa Monarca and Casa Morpho. All located on the same property but completely private from each other, each house comes with full amenities including A/C, Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens, and private pool. The property is also set up with All houses and the gardens have been equipped with a botanical all-natural insecticide “MistAway� system that protects the property from mosquitoes and other pests. Email for further information.
Casa Morpho: A Cozy Tropical Home
Casa Ying Yang: Private Accces To Beach
4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms, Private Pool & Yoga Shala (Sleeps 8)
4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Bathrooms, Private Pool & Non-heated Jacuzzi (Sleeps 1-8)
VACATION RENTALS
2 Bedroom, 2 Bathrooms, Private Pool, outdoor BBQ grill (Sleeps 4)
Casa Monarca: Upscale Family Oriented Home
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El Cometa:
Vacation Rental Condos Tamarindo
Centrally Located - this modern little condo is perfectly located in the heart of Tamarindo, just a 5 minute walk to the beach! Email for further information.
Condo Loki
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
Condo Niko 2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath
Condo Nala
2 guests · 1 bedroom · 1 bed · 1 bath Complete makeover completed in January 2020. First floor cozy little modern space with a beautiful kitchen with stone countertops and imported tile floors.
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Call 8642 1334 claudioperlo1978@gmail.com
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Pool maintenance service for the Tamarindo Region howlermag.com
Click to see some of our featured properties.
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Introducing Howler’s Newest Feature: Costa Rica’s Pet Rescues & Success Stories
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Howler Supports Costa Rica’s Centers Adoptions By John Quam
T
he animal rescue community in Costa Rica is very active and very necessary. When I moved here in 2014, problems with stray animals in the area were apparent. However, I learned that many active groups had made significant headway over the years in educating local pet owners to take care of their animals and treat them as members of their families. As I drive and look around now, the situation is noticeably better than it was six years ago. This is thanks to the dedication of numerous groups and volunteers making sure that the spay and neuter clinics operate often. Efforts to avoid the birth of animals destined for abandonment or abuse have been successful. It still astonishes me to see the long lineups at spay and neuter clinics. It’s a never-ending concern requiring daily attention.
Those who operate animal rescue and protection groups in Costa Rica need many forms of help and support. Forever homes for adoptable pets are just one example. Funding is also an ongoing need to be effective and successful. Please donate whenever possible to ensure animals are never denied the medical care, food, and housing they need. The Howler has created a new section on our website to showcase the pets available for adoption through various animal rescue groups in the country. Remember, there is always another vulnerable animal waiting to get in. So it is very important to find loving forever homes for the pets that have already been rescued, checked out, medically treated and now ready for adoption. Please visit howlermag.com and see all the wonderful pets available. They just want to love you
First section: Rescue Centers Second section: Success Stories All information provided by each rescue and dog owners. See the featured video by clicking here:
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Tamarindo - Flamingo Area Available for adoption
All these puppies came to us at once! They were found in Santa Rosa. They are two months old, very friendly and playful. They love to run around our play area and have fun with other dogs. They have been dewormed and received their first booster already.
Call 2652 9009 halfwayhome.cr@gmail.com
Violeta
Lucy
Sisi
Mimi
Paloma
Sasha
Violeta: Female. Loves people, children and hugs. Important — she cannot be with other animals. Age: 2 years.
Lucy: Female. Gets along well with other animals, and is playful and very happy. Age: Less than 1 year.
Paloma: Female. Sweet, gentle and gets along well with other animals. Age: Less than 1 year.
Sasha: Female. Gets along well with other animals and is playful, very friendly and energetic. Currently fostered. Age: 1 year.
Mimi: Female. Gets along well with other animals and is playful. Age: Less than 1 year.
Sissy: Female. Gets along well with other animals, and is playful and energetic. Currently fostered. Age: 1 year. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 147
Tamarindo - Flamingo Area Available Puppies
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Guanacaste Region Jackson My sweet boy Jackson, pictured lying down in front, has been waiting almost a year to find a forever home. He is playful and enjoys his daily walks to stay healthy and calm. The white lab standing behind Jackson was also a rescue dog but is no longer up for adoption. After almost 6 months in a foster home, his foster family decided to keep him! Rescued by Yo serĂŠ su voz Guanacaste
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Wet Nose Rescue Atenas
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et Nose Rescue is a family-run, very small animal rescue based in Atenas, Costa Rica. The dogs live in my home as opposed to cages. We take care of about 50 animals, many of which consider this their home. We integrate all animals into our home so they are accustomed to living in a family environment with other animals. We also rely very much on volunteers who are usually travellers passing through. During their time here, they join our family and routine, helping out with the dogs, cleaning and general maintenance of the house. Here are descriptions of a few of my dogs available for adoption. Shumi
Swiper Swiper is a small breed with lots of energy, cute and affectionate. He will never pass up a rough and tumble with the bigger dogs. Swiper was rescued in Limón, covered in mange and brought back to San José. He has since made a full recovery. We guess that he is probably about 2 to 3 years old, with a very playful nature. He enjoys a good howl every now and again. Bobby and Laica Bobby and Laica are siblings that absolutely cannot be separated. They are about 18 months old, brought to me by a family that had them tied up day and night outside their home. Both are incredibly easy-going and non-aggressive pit bull Labrador crosses with wonderful temperaments, very affectionate and playful.
Shumi is a shy 10-month old little girl with a very sweet, easy-going temperament. She was rescued with her sister in Grecia where it appears they were dumped. Both little girls were terrified but have since come out of their shell. Shumi is very affectionate and gets along well with dogs and cats. She’s not boisterous, yet enjoys playing. She doesn’t make a noise and enjoys relaxed walks.
Video
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Animales Atenas
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e’re ’re located in Atenas, a small coffee town in the western part of the Costa Rica’s Central Valley, on the road between San José and the Central Pacific beaches around Jacó. Our main goal is to stop the suffering of the many, many street dogs and cats in our area. We also work with animals that come from low-income families where financial assistance is necessary for their proper care. We organize spay and neuter clinics in different parts of Atenas county on a regular basis. Also, some vets in Atenas provide consultation for treatment at low-costprices. It is very important to spread the word in our communities about the necessity of castration, deworming and vaccination for pets, so we provide informational flyers for that purpose
them in a mutually healthy manner. The foundation always needs volunteers. We’re desperately in need of temporary foster homes, in addition to permanent homes, of course! We would also appreciate help with transportation — to take animals to and from vet visits, relocate them to new homes and other travel needs. If you see any possibility for support and assistance – don’t hesitate to contact us! info@animalesatenas.com Click here for our website. See our Facebook page
At the grassroots level, we offer our education program in local Atenas schools to teach children how to treat all creatures with respect and love, and to live with
Titan
Although the name Titan implies great and mighty attributes, this boy weighs only about 10 kilograms. What he possesses is mental greatness. Titan survived tough times in his former life. He was found lying on the side of the road months ago, badly injured. He must have suffered for a long time. He underwent surgery to save himself and then his leg. It went well; he just limps a little and one leg is a bit shorter now. Of course he has been neutered. Titan is an absolutely friendly soul. He gets along totally fine with all two- and four-legged beings. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 151
Animales Atenas Gary Gary is a carrier of feline leukemia virus (FeLV). He is a happy active kitten, very playful and affectionate. He needs to be an indoor cat. Currently, he lives with Kayla in a foster home where he is best buddies with his foster canine siblings. Gary is Arrangements should be made for Gary to have a follow-up veterinary exam for FeLV as soon as possible, since cats can overcome this condition.
Kayla Kayla is a particularly gentle and affectionate being. She is friendly to humans and animals, whether dog or cat. She is FIV positive (Feline AIDS), and therefore must be indoors, preferably with access to a secured outdoor area. She can live together with dogs or other good-natured cats. Kayla was found abandoned on the street with growths in her mouth, which were treated by our vet. We assume that this was due to stress and immunodeficiency. In her foster home Kayla is doing very well. Loving human attention is the key to a long life. 152
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dog in doghouse video
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Animales De Asis
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nimales de Asis – Costa Rica is a private no-kill sanctuary founded in 2000. It has the capacity to shelter up to 200 dogs and cats, many of whom have been victims of animal abuse or cruelty, are senior animals or have special needs. The sanctuary, located in Alto del Roble in Heredia, serves the entire Central Valley. It provides animals with food, shelter, medical treatment and most importantly, much-needed nurturing.
Medical treatment often involves expensive surgeries, testing and medication, as well as extensive follow-up care. Before being placed in adoption, our animals have been dewormed, vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and socialized. On average, we place some 30 to 35 animals in their forever homes each month through weekly adoption events and social media postings. Unlike other shelters that emphasize adoption but euthanize the unadoptable, the mission of Animales de Asis is to find forever homes for adoptable animals and to provide lifetime care and shelter for those who cannot be placed. Founder and Director Karin Hoad believes that every dog and cat’s life is worth saving and that every animal deserves a quality of life.
Patitas Code 2057-16 Medium size female Patitas was rescued in late 2015 at just two months old, abandoned with her siblings in a cardboard box on the street in Santa Bárbara de Heredia. She was very sick, with parasites, malnutrition and ehrlichia, and spent more than a month at the vet clinic. As a result of the ehrlichia treatment at such a young age, Patitas lost her teeth, but has no problem eating food. She is very good with other dogs and people, calm and affectionate. See Patitas’ Page
Canelito Code 7273-19 Canelito was rescued in the Virgin of Sarapiqui, Heredia. He was run over by a vehicle but did not receive medical attention for more than a month, so when his injured leg could not be saved it had to be amputated. Canelito has a lot of energy and walks very well without his missing paw. He gets along well with other dogs his size, especially females, and is healthy. See Canelito’s Page
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Animales De Asis Akila Age 6 years Code 7454-19 Akila was rescued as a puppy before being adopted. After five years, she was returned to our care due to lack of space in her owner’s home. She is a calm female who gets along well with other dogs. She had breast tumors that were removed successfully. See Akila’s Page
Angie Code: 0546 -E- 13 Medium-large size female Age: 7 years Angie was rescued as a puppy with her siblings in 2013 when she was four months old. She has had no luck finding a forever home, perhaps because she is very shy with people. She gets along well with other dogs. See Angie’s Page Junior Code 0009-11 Medium size male Age: 11 years Junior was rescued in 2010 at only four months old, with scabies, in the Guidos de Desamparados. Despite being very good with people and other animals, he has had no luck in being adopted from our hostel. See Junior’s Page
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Perez Zeledon Mama Pacha (Pachita)
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o here is the incredible story of a senior beagle lady named Mama Pacha, or Pachita. She is definitely already a LEGEND at Charlie’s Angels. We rescued this sweet beagle grandmother about a year ago. She was wandering the streets hungry, dehydrated and totally disoriented. We could see every one of her ribs. When we first met Mama Pacha, she could not make eye contact with anyone trying to get her attention. She has probably never received human affection or had social interactions with people before. Pacha must have been on a chain all her life, because where there used to be a collar there is no fur around her neck anymore. Her worn-out teats show us that she was mistreated to breed beagle puppies — so sad.
After a few months in our rescue centre, Pacha also discovered how to play with other dogs. Especially with one young dog named Chase, she played all day long, clearly having loads of fun.
Once Pachita was in better health, we had her But then something completely unexpected spayed, vaccinated and dewormed, had her teeth happened. From one moment to the next Pacha was cleaned and removed a tumor on her elbow (probably no longer able to use her hind legs. It was terrible, from lying on pure concrete all her life). she just dragged her legs behind her. No one knew what had happened to her. After x-rays and a CAt Since Pacha has been in our care, she has thrived scan we found out that Pacha had a slipped disc, and become a beautiful lady. She has gained some probably from playing like a spring chick among the weight, is very social and likes to go for walks. youngsters. She sleeps like a baby in her soft dog bed or on the volunteer sofa and seems to just love life. The orthopedic veterinarian gave Pacha no chance to ever walk again unless we performed an operation that would have been too expensive for us. But our vet, Doctor Milena, did not stop believing in Pacha's recovery. Doctor Milena had her under her care for some time and also consulted with an animal acupuncturist who came all the way from Tinamatste to treat Pacha.
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Volunteer Program
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But Pacha's condition did not improve much so we decided to take her back to the rescue center and make sure she could live a good life despite her condition. Our volunteers took very good care of her; they walked her around the block like a wheelbarrow. They held her hind legs up with a pool noodle around her belly. Pacha LOVED these walks more than anything and sniffed every corner and began to regain her vitality. And then, just a few weeks ago, Pacha started to stand up again! We couldn't believe it. She has been paralyzed for five months and out of the blue she started using her legs again! We all had tears of joy in our eyes and especially our vet was over the moon! Pacha's condition continued improving every day and now she is running around the garden again with a huge smile on her face! We are so thankful for this amazing experience with a senior dog, who showed us all that you should never give up on a dog as long as they have the will to live and a quality of life that is good and dignified.
Perez Zeledon
So now, after being with us for a whole year and having gone through so many ups and downs, Pacha needs a forever home where she gets the love and care she deserves. She really doesn't need much. A perfect day for Pacha consists of some short walks, two good portions of food and many naps. Since she is a beagle, we would be happy if she could live in a completely fenced environment, because she can get carried away when she picks up a scent... Pacha Mama Bio: • Beagle • Female Please consider adopting a • Age: +/- 10 years senior dog. We're sure Pacha will • Weight: 15 kilos / 33 make you very happy. lbs • Spayed Please contact us if you think • Vaccinated she would be a good fit for you. • Dewormed • Friendly • Calm • Happy • Good with dogs and children Pacha’s Video: https://vimeo.com/420827607
VIDEO “WE ARE CHARLIE’S ANGELS”: https://vimeo.com/355705996
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forever home
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W
e moved here with our two rescue pets, an orange bob-tailed cat, Rex, and our dog, Titan in January 2019. Since then, we’ve adopted 2 street cats- one from Brasilito and another from Potrero.
Potrero Region
Cali, the calico, we took in after slowly gaining her trust. We had a group of feral cats on our street and day by day they began to warm up to us. She used to be so afraid, but now a year later she has become a member of our family. She is the best snuggler and our little gecko huntress. In the hammock is our cat Squeakers. She has the squeakiest meow. Our other cats hate to be held and definitely don’t like the hammock, but Squeaky isn’t like other cats. She enjoys lazy afternoons swaying in the breeze, attacking toys on a string, and using our couch for her manicure. Courtney Hall courtneyhallmph@gmail.com
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San Jose Region Tauro by Karli Guevara
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uenas.... mi historia, no es mi historia, sin embargo incluye a una de las personas que más amo en el mundo: mi hermano gemelo. Esta historia se desarrolla en San Jose. Mi hermano pasaba cada vez que iba al trabajo por una casa donde veia a un perrito flaco, asustado, abandonado... pero estaba amarrado, o sea "tenia dueño" Un día , al ver que el perro seguía igual de abandonado decidio entrar a la propiedad y soltar al perrito y llevarlo a casa. Recuerdo que en una llamada me conto del rescate y entre risas le dije que tenia que ir a conocer al sobrino nuevo. Ya tenia nombre: Tauro. Cuando los fui a visitar ya tenian como 2 semanas juntos... ya Tauro se veia mejor. Sin embargo al verlo no pude más que llorar al ver su piel pegadita a los huesos... le pregunte a mi hermano si estaria bien, y con una amplia sonrisa me responde: Claro que si... y se va a poner muy muy muy guapo!
Hi there! My story, it is not my story. However, it includes one of the people I love the most in the world: my twin brother. This story takes place in San Jose. Every time he went to work, he walked near to a house where he saw a skinny, scared, abandoned puppy. But the dog was tied up, which meant "it had an owner". One day, seeing that the dog was still abandoned, my brother decided to trespass the property, release the puppy, and take it home with him. I remember during a phone call he told me about the rescue, and as we were laughing, I told him that I had to meet the new nephew. He already had a name: Tauro. When I went to visit them, they already had about 2 weeks together, and Tauro looked much better. However, when I saw him, I could not help crying when I saw his skin stuck to the bones. I asked my brother if he would be fine, and with a broad smile he replied: Of course, he will, and he is going to get very, very, very handsome! The love that I could see in their eyes was so pure that I understood that they already had a pact. Today Tauro is a beautiful dog. Trained. Obedient. Loving. A real champion... Lol, he even has an Instagram account: @taurocr
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Coco Region Karma - Playas Del Coco - Patos y Manos
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ne of the best decisions we have ever made was adopting Karma. Thank you Patos y Manos for rescuing this smart, goofy girl who has brought so much joy into our lives. By Steve and Lydia Hamel
Kia This puppy had been mistreated and then abandoned. One Lovely Lady put her in a foster home hoping to fly her to the States. Instead, she kept Kia in the foster home until I arrived in Costa Rica. Kia is close to 3 years old and we've been together since Aug 10, 2019.
Tootsie This is Tootsie (he’s a boy). We rescued him as a small kitten in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. He flew with us to Costa Rica in 2015 and will emigrate to Canada as soon as flights open up. A true rags to riches story for our “Toots”! Unfortunately, the expat lifestyle has left him with a small drinking problem...the start of my daughters first year in University in Halifax.
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