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The CabalgatA Costa Rica's Hidden Cowboys English/Spanish/Audio
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Howler Troop For This Issue
H
owler is proud to feature Costa Rica’s Cabalgata heritage as the cover story for our August E-magazine. As the author/photographer, Annika Beaulieu told us about her interest in capturing this spectacular annual event, “Costa Rica has become so adept at catering to the tastes of North American tourists that for many it is hard to identify what remains uniquely Costa Rican.” As a firsthand witness to the Cabalgata, she discovered that very form of traditional expression keeping generations of Ticos connected: “a cowboy culture that has persisted for almost 200 years celebrating, ironically, their victory over a North American invasion.”
Annika Beaulieu is a photographer, writer, and filmmaker from Los Angeles, California who has been living part-time in Costa Rica for the last 15 years. Visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Instagram.
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 York-raised librarian, passionate book and surf lover. Phil Eitman. Broker for Prisma Corredor de Seguros. Call 2653-4300, visit www.allinsurancecr.com or e-mail philcostarica@gmail.com Sean Davis. Professional photographer from the U.S., now living in Costa Rica, who loves to sleep, travel and cook. His photographs have been published by Time Magazine, Rolling Stone, Healthy Living, Petapixel, Conde Nast Traveler, and The New York Times. Visit his website, follow him on Instagram or email: sean@photographercostarica.com Ellen Zoe Golden. Former entertainment biz PR flack, now living the dream as a travel agent and journalist in Tamarindo Charlene Golojuch. Co-owner of Hidden Garden Art Gallery with husband, Greg; www.HiddenGardenArt.com Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com Kate Hanley. Freelance writer, teacher, surfer and owner of Pura Vida Board Gear in Jacó. Also a dedicated volunteer and advocate for community service, education and environmental protection. Follow her on Instagram @puravidaboardgear Lori Anne Haskell. Wildlife and birding stalker based in Herradura, Costa Rica, who spends her days hiking and travelling with her camera. Finds joy in capturing the personality of birds and animals and sharing the images and stories with the world. Find her on Facebook and Instagram @puravidablonde, and email: loriannehaskell@gmail.com. Karl Kahler. Author of "Frommer's Costa Rica 2017," former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California's San Jose Mercury News.
Mary Mason. Published author whose latest book, Casa de Doloros, was inspired by her experiences and adventures as a U.S. expat living in Atenas, Costa Rica. A regular writer for the Mango Musings blog, and also an award-winning former columnist with The Southwest Journal in Minneapolis, who also taught high school English in Houston, Japan and Minnesota. Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breath work experiences, cacao ceremonies & other activities. hello@puravidavibrations.com Kelly Norris. Writer, photographer, and marketing specialist. Avid surfer, nature lover and certified yoga instructor combining her love for Costa Rica and personal passions with business. Marian Paniagua. Certified nurse and yoga Instructor, and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste. 8914-0199. marianpaniagua@gmail.com Jim Parisi. Former owner of Jaime Peligro Bookstore, now called "Bookstore of the Waves". Tamarindo resident for 16 years. jaimepeligro123@hotmail.com Jessie Rowan. Multimedia journalist and photographer originally from California. Former Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting grantee and global health reporter. Passion for surfing and traveling. jessierowan2929@ gmail.com Mike Shannon. Known in Costa Rica’s Gold Coast area as a founding member and guitarist with the popular Band X. Having started playing drums at age 7 while growing up in Ontario, Canada, he later played in rock and post-punk bands before moving to Miami and eventually Costa Rica, where he now lives in Playa Flamingo. Rosalind Stewart. Canadian chef who has lived in Costa Rica for 18 years and has a cooking show on a San José TV station. Facebook Instagram Randy Toltz. Long-time resident of Costa Rica working as Broker Associate with EXP Realty. Contact by phone: 303-676-7036 or email: randy@thetoltzgroup.com Visit www.thetoltzgroup.com Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA. Contact Dr. Weinman at thedoctorisinsharkfm@gmail.com
David Karr. Full-time resident of Jacó Beach who moved to Costa Rica in 2005. Since then, he has been consulting and guiding people about real estate and other aspects of living here.
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PHOTOGRAPHY Jonathan Agüero. Jacó photographer and father of junior Costa Rican surf champion Rachel Agüero. Dedicated to surf photography and dabbles in lifestyle sessions, enjoying the ability to capture many feelings and relive them through images. Instagram and Facebook @jonathanagu_photos. Contact: 7157 6409 or jonathanaguphotos@gmail.com Alexander Buker Alfredo Barquero. Surf photographer for Federación de Surf Costa Rica, whose work appears extensively in online publications and collections, including @FedeSurfCR
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)
Tony Roberts. Lifelong surfer, skater, artist, musician, photographer and filmmaker. Go-to guy for tourist surfers in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama and the Caribbean with his company Real Surf Trips. Visit tonyrobertsphoto.com or realsurftrips.com
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers.
Jorge A. Russell. Professional photographer from Chile, now based in Jacó. Diverse expertise in both outdoor and studio settings. 8836-6475. Visit jorgerussellphotographer
The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements.
Jalil El Harrar. Professional wildlife photographer from Germany, now living in Costa Rica. Visit his Naturfotographie website or follow him on Facebook. . Phillip Yingling. Photographer in Costa Rica. Follow on Instagram
August 2020 Vol. 25 No. 6 Publisher / Editor-in-Chief John B. Quam Creative Director Terry Carlile Graphic Design Cover Design: Terry Carlile Editorial Staff Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator Laurie Quam - Copy Editor
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
Marketing Terry Carlile Victoria Rice Kelly Norris Mary Fernández Spanish Translation CPI Flamingo HOWLER (™) 2017
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EDITORIAL
Survival Instinct Prevails People innovate into the changes.
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osta Rica is powered by tourism. Our outlook here, though international travel remains on hold for the time being, is very positive. The world is waiting to come to Costa Rica. Nothing has changed about this country ranking high on the global list of places people want to visit when they get the chance again. Changes have been made and reopenings will proceed with caution at first. We are rounding the corner and heading into the time period when we prepare for the year-end holidays and everything that makes our tourism bubble thrive. The “open” light is flickering towards a steady “on” position. We keep eagerly awaiting every announcement about border openings, with dates being adjusted as the situation evolves. But there is light shining through the darkness.
It still seems so surreal for the borders of countries to actually be closed. I wake up and have to pinch myself to see if it has just been a dream. But no, it is not a dream; it is a reality for all of us. We have all made adjustments to our lives, from limited social contact to living more frugally to preserve limited resources. Yes, it has been quite an adjustment, while also awakening our survival instinct. I posted a couple months ago a quote by Eric Thomas that is still very relevant: “If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will survive.” I took this to heart with actions. I have really admired the positive, forward-looking spirit of so many people in recent months who anticipate a bright and exciting future. When I say “exciting future” it’s because we are in control of our destiny. What we put out is what we get back. Being positive and staying relevant is so important, not only to those we deal with but to our own mental wellness. Being positive is self-perpetuating by allowing us to be creative. Creativity keeps us upbeat and helps us to
remain positive. Being positive is important for our survival. I can’t tell you the number of negative videos and news clips that get sent to me, which I don’t even bother to look at. They are energy zappers. Plan for your bright future. There is no denying it will be somewhat different from the past, but human beings are adaptable. We are seeing this with innovations and creativity at every corner. Every time there is an issue causing change, a new industry pops up in response. People innovate into the changes. Stagnation and not moving with the times are the killers of industries. Stay relevant and rebrand yourself with a positive change to stay on the ride. Whatever is around the corner, anticipate it with eagerness. Life is an adventure and not always smooth, but the ups and downs are what make it an adventure. Hiding is only for the game of hide and seek. The seekers make changes and find the way. Costa Rica’s “open” sign is flickering. Very soon we will see it light up and hold steady.
HOWLER John B. Quam
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IN MEMORIAM
Remembering Pennye Wheeler Flamingo Business Owner and Community Volunteer
Pennye Wheeler, a longtime resident, volunteer and member of the business community in Playa Flamingo, passed away on July 24, 2020. Pennye was born and raised in Cuero, Texas and attended the Texas A&I University. She began her sales career 38 years ago, running her business, Decor Unlimited, in New York. Decorating always remained a passion for Pennye, who also worked for Grolier Publishing managing its real estate division for 11 locations in Florida.
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In 2000, Pennye came to Costa Rica with her brother Rick Wheeler to explore this beautiful country. After seeing all different locations, she fell in love with the Flamingo area and moved down shortly after.
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From 2001 to 2015, Pennye was a valued member of the Christie’s Plantation Realty (Century 21) team. Her contributions were recognized with the highest grossing salesperson award for 2007 and 2008. In 2015, Pennye took a hiatus from real estate to travel the world with her lifelong partner and love, Fritz Mayr. More recently, she and Fritz started Overseas Pacific Realty, collaborating with Jack and Donna Osborne and continuing to sell property on the beautiful Gold Coast of Costa Rica. Pennye was a tireless volunteer for the Flamingo community, serving five years on the Flamingo Beach Association Board of Directors. Her favorite beach in the world was Playa Ventana, where she built her beautiful home and enjoyed entertaining as part of her peaceful life with Fritz, when they were not off traveling the world. Those who knew Pennye would say she was a beautiful and generous woman with great taste, a positive attitude and loads of energy. She lived an exceptional life. Pennye leaves behind her life partner, Fritz Mayr, her three daughters, Ashley, Jennifer and Edythe, and her adored grandchildren, along with Fritz’s family and her many friends and associates. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered. To Pennye's friends wishing to leave a message for her family and Fritz, please click this link for Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home in Sarasota, Florida.
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COVER STORY
The Cabalgata
Costa Rica’s Hidden Cowboys
M
ore than 1.5 million tourists flock to Costa Rica each year to experience the créme de la créme of tropical paradise. Yet, tucked away in the hills above these emerald beaches littered with surfers and honeymooners, a 150-year-old tradition persists hidden from view.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Emilio, age 11, joins the cabalgata along with hundreds of other riders heading down into the valley of San Jua Emilio, 11 años de edad, se une a la cabalgata con cientos de jinetes dirigiéndose hacia el valle de San Juan d
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Horses appear to be dancing around the parking lot as they perform the special “paso fino” gate. Los caballos parecen estar bailando en el estacionamiento mientras presentan el “paso fino”.
Story and photos by Annika Beaulieu
an de Dios. de Dios.
Nestled in a picturesque valley that separates the coast from the Talamanca mountain range, hundreds of leathery-skinned cowboys make the annual pilgrimage down a dirt road to the tiny town of Caña Blanca with over 1,000 horses in tow to participate in the cabalgata - a 20-kilometer ride through the valley of San Juan de Dios. The dust kicked up from thousands of hooves and trailers is suffocating, but the food, music and wet bar manage to distract from the blistering heat, lulling you into a state of nostalgia where the old Costa Rica of caballeros and caballeras still reigns supreme.
Rite of passage Carlos Castillo Mora has been participating in the annual ride since he was 12. He grew up just a few kilometers away on a cattle grazing farm with his 14 brothers and sisters. Back then there was no road, just a trail one could travel by donkey or horse up to the tin-roofed cabin where his mother made tortillas from fresh ground corn. They lived off the land and walked an hour each day to the oneroom schoolhouse. Carlos attended until third grade, which is about when most of his schoolmates began to take work on the farm more seriously. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 21
COVER STORY Today the trail to his mother’s house has evolved into a bumpy dirt road that is passable most, but not all, of the year. Carlos spends his days building beautiful vacation homes for foreigners from Canada and the U.S. who have slowly populated the area in the last 20 years. He is an expert in exotic wood finishes and solar water heaters. But Carlos’ passion is his cows. He keeps roughly 25 at a time on the land surrounding the old schoolhouse, which now functions as a stall for his herd when the heavy rains come. Whenever a calf is born he tends to the mother day and night, rain or shine, and then lets his daughters take turns naming the babies. The ride offers Carlos a day of uninterrupted cowboy bliss. There are no Canadian snowbirds here, just horses, guaro, and ranchera girls. He and his buddies proudly swap stories of saving baby calves born in impossible circumstances and of purchasing rare horses at a great price. For Carlos the cabalgata is the social catalyst that allows the old way of life to persist amidst an ever-changing world. Today his 12-year-old daughter will ride with him for the first time. His stoic demeanor cannot fully conceal the pride he feels as he hauls
Samantha up into her saddle. It is, “Como podemos compartir nuestra cultura a los jóvenes.” (How we can continue to share our culture with the young people.) Celebrated battle The cabalgata traditionally commemorates a famous battle or historical event, a custom dating back to the Roman Empire. The cabalgata of Caña Blanca honors the decisive Battle of Rivas in 1857, when Costa Rican soldiers beat back and defeated William Walker. The notorious American lawyer, journalist, physician and mercenary had attempted to seize large portions of Central America and establish his own personal Englishspeaking colony. Walker’s story is fascinating to the point of utter disbelief. It is littered with insane details like the time Walker was convicted in California for conducting an illegal war with Mexico. Undeterred, he headed back south, eventually conquering Nicaragua where, as its newly inaugurated president, he legalized slavery. For Costa Ricans, the Battle of Rivas is their “Beaches
Hundreds of riders each year make their way down the trail to the San Juan de Dios valley
UPFRONT
Cientos de jinetes van cada año por el sendero del valle de San Juan de Dios. 22
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Raffle prizes range from rope to food grain, beer and saddles. Los premios de las rifas van desde sogas, a comida en grano para los caballos, cervezas y montaduras.
of Normandy” moment — at the last minute they banded together and managed to save all of Central America from the tyranny of a crazy gringo. Today, there is hardly any reference to the Battle of Rivas at the rancho where young couples, old men and young families have gathered to participate in the cabalgata. Perhaps the only remaining nod to Walker is the noticeable absence of gringos present at the event. While a number of hotels and resorts claim to offer “cabalgata experiences,” it is really just their fancy way of saying horseback ride. Costa Ricans guard their local tradition from tourist traffic. Announcements for the ride circle through private WhatsApp chats and a hand-painted sign in Spanish on the side of the road. Despite this low-key publicity, people flock from all over Perez Zeledon to Caña Blanca, sometimes with as many as 1,500 horses in tow. When you first lay eyes on the scene, it is impossible to escape the overwhelming presence of cowboy hats, boots, tight jeans, and ladies in rockabilly shirts tied up in a knot just above the waist. It feels like a kind of wild west fashion show where people take pride in keeping it real ranchera. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 23
COVER STORY The kitchen bustles with men and women preparing casado (a traditional rice and beans dish) alongside a vat of chicharron (fried pork) prepared the traditional way over an open fire. The makeshift bar in the old corral serves cerveza and chill guaro (a local rum served with hot sauce) to a packed clientele of cowboys. Women and children sell raffle tickets for various prizes consisting of rope, food grain, beer and a handful of brand new riding saddles and bridles. In the sunbaked parking lot, riders tend to their horses, warming them up for the big ride while trading stories and local dramas. The preparation of chicharron over an open fire. La preparación de chicharrón sobre un fogón. Hundreds of cowboys from all over the canton of Pérez Zeledón arrive for the event. Cientos de vaqueros de todo el cantón de Pérez Zeledón llegan al evento.
Riders, horses, trailers and cars pack into the lot at the entrance o the trail.
UPFRONT
Jinetes, caballos, remolques carrosados en un lote la entrada del sender
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Understated pride The emphasis is on participation more than show. Costa Ricans are known for being understated, yet a few still take pride in trotting around the camp with a shiny muscular steed performing a paso fino — an impressive four-beat gait in which the horse appears to be dancing. Black stallions, painted pintos, and silky palominos grace the otherwise banal parking lot, impatiently circling as they wait for the ride to begin. In classic Tico fashion, the start time for the ride gets pushed back 30 minutes, then another 30 minutes, then another … until finally the announcement is made over the loudspeaker: “Ya!” Hundreds of riders trot their way from the lot up to the trail as a cloud of dust envelopes anyone on foot. The cabalgata begins and the riders make their way into the majestic valley of San Juan de Dios for a chance to remember, forget or just enjoy a special piece of Costa Rica that time and tourism has not yet captured.
Costa Ricans guard their local tradition from tourist traffic.
The event is covered by the local TV and radio news stations from Pérez Zeledón. El evento es transmitido por la televisión local y nuevas estaciones de radio de Pérez Zeledón.
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COVER STORY
Riders wait hours in blistering heat for the ride to start. Jinetes esperan horas para que la cabalgata comience debajo del sol abrasador.
UPFRONT
A timelessness envelops the scenes as riders appear dressed just as they were back in the 1850s ready to defeat Walker again. Una temporalidad envuelve las escenas cuando los jinetes aparecen vestidos tal como estaban en la dĂŠcada de 1850, listos para vencer a Walker de nuevo. 26
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Men crowd around the converted horse stall bar to drink cerveza and chili guaro (a local rum served with hot sauce). Hombres en multitud alrededor del establo transformado en cantina para tomar cerveza y chiliguaro (un ron local mezclado con salsa picante).
Carlos Castillo Mora has been participating in the annual cabalgata since he was 12. Carlos Mora ha estado participando en la cabalgata anual desde los 12 aĂąos de edad.
Follow Annika Beaulieu on Instagram and Facebook Visit her website HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27
COVER STORY
Youtube
UPFRONT
A group of girls get ready to ride while talking with their friends. Un grupo de muchachas se alistan para cabalgar mientras conversan con sus amigas.
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La Cabalgata:
Los vaqueros ocultos de Costa Rica Fotografía y ensayo por Annika Beaulieu
M
ás de 1,5 millones de turistas acuden a Costa Rica cada año para experimentar lo mejor del paraíso tropical. Sin embargo, escondida en las colinas sobre estas playas color esmeralda llenas de surfistas y parejas en luna de miel, persiste una tradición de 150 años. Alojado en un pintoresco valle que separa la costa de las montañas de Talamanca, cientos de vaqueros de piel curtida hacen un peregrinaje anual por un camino de tierra al pequeño pueblo de Caña Blanca con más de 1,000 caballos para participar en la cabalgata – un de viaje de 20km a través del valle de San Juan de Dios. El polvo levantado por miles de cascos y remolques es sofocante, pero la comida, la música y el bar se las arreglan para distraer del calor abrasador, arrullándolo en un estado de nostalgia donde la vieja Costa Rica de caballistas sigue reinando de manera suprema. Carlos Castillo Mora ha estado participando en la cabalgata anual desde que tenía 12 años de edad. Creció solo a unos pocos kilómetros de distancia en una granja de pastoreo de ganado con sus 14 hermanos y hermanas. En aquel entonces no era un camino, solo un sendero que uno podía recorrer en burro o caballo hasta la cabaña con techo de hojalata donde su madre hacía tortillas con maíz recién molido. Vivían de la tierra y caminaban una hora cada día de la casa a la escuela de un solo salón. Él asistió a esta hasta el tercer grado, que es más o menos cuando la mayoría de sus compañeros de escuela comenzaron a tomar el trabajo en la finca de manera más seria. Hoy en día, el camino a la casa de su madre se un camino de tierra lleno de baches, que es más transitable, pero no todo el año. Carlos pasa sus días construyendo hermosas casas de vacaciones para extranjeros de Canadá y los EE.UU. quienes han poblado lentamente la zona en los últimos 20 años. Él es un experto en acabados de maderas ex-
óticas y calentadores solares de agua, pero la pasión de Carlos son sus vacas. Él mantiene aproximadamente 25 a la vez en el terreno que rodea la antigua casa de la escuela que ahora funciona como un refugio para su ganado cuando llegan las fuertes lluvias. Siempre que nace una cría, él se ocupa de la madre día y noche, lluvia o sol, y luego deja que sus hijas se turnen para nombrar a los bebés. La cabalgata le ofrece a Carlos un día de felicidad vaquera interrumpida. Aquí no hay canadienses vacacionistas, solo caballos, guaro y rancheras. Él y sus amigos intercambian orgullosamente historias de cómo han salvado a terneros bebés nacidos en circunstancias imposibles y han comprado caballos únicos a un gran precio. Para Carlos la cabalgata es el catalizador social que permite que la antigua forma de vida persista en medio de un mundo siempre cambiante. Hoy, su hija de 12 años de edad cabalgará con él por primera vez. Su comportamiento estoico no puede ocultar el orgullo que siente al subir a Samantha a su montura. Según Carlos, “Es como podemos compartir nuestra cultura con los jóvenes.” La cabalgata tradicionalmente conmemora la famosa batalla o evento histórico; una costumbre que data al Imperio Romano. En Costa Rica, la cabalgata de Caña Blanca conmemora la decisiva batalla de Rivas de 1857, en la que los soldados costarricenses derrotaron a William Walker; un estadounidense, abogado, periodista, médico y mercenario que trató de apoderarse de grandes porciones de Centroamérica y para establecer su propia colonia anglo hablante. La historia de Walker es fascinante hasta el punto de la incredulidad total. Está llena de locos detalles como la época en que Walker fue condenado en California por llevar a cabo una guerra ilegal con México. Sin embargo, él se dirigió HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29
COVER STORY de nuevo al sur, eventualmente conquistando Nicaragua, donde en su recién proclamación como presidente, legalizó la esclavitud. Para los costarricenses la Batalla de Rivas tiene el equivalente a la batalla que se dio en las playas de Normandía, momento en el que en el último minuto se unieron y se las arreglaron para salvar a todo Centroamérica de la tiranía de un gringo loco.
Las mujeres y los niños venden números para rifas de varios premios que consisten en sogas, comida de grano para los caballos, cerveza y una cantidad de montaduras y bridas nuevas. En el estacionamiento soleado los jinetes cuidan sus caballos, calentándolos para el gran paseo mientras intercambian historias y chismes locales.
Hoy en día, apenas hay referencias de la Batalla de Rivas en el rancho donde las parejas jóvenes, hombres mayores y familias jóvenes se han reunido para participar en la cabalgata. Tal vez la única sensación que queda de Walker es la notable ausencia de gringos presentes en el evento.
Se hace hincapié en la participación más que en el espectáculo. Los costarricenses son conocidos por ser subestimados, pero algunos todavía se enorgullecen de trotar por el campo con un corcel musculoso y brillante que hace un paso fino - un impresionante paso de cuatro tiempos en los que el caballo parece estar bailando. Sementales negros, pintos y palominos sedosos adornan con impaciencia la otra parte del estacionamiento dando vueltas mientras esperan que comience la cabalgata.
Mientras que un número de hoteles y los centros turísticos dicen ofrecer “experiencias de cabalgata” es realmente una forma elegante de decir un paseo en caballo. Los costarricenses protegen su tradición local del tráfico turístico. Anuncios de la cabalgata circulan por chats privados de WhatsApp, letreros en español pintados a mano y colgados a un lado de la carretera. A pesar de sus anuncios de bajo perfil, la gente acude en masa desde todo Pérez Zeledón a Caña Blanca a veces hasta con 1,500 caballos en sus remolques.
UPFRONT
Cuando miras por primera vez la escena, es imposible escapar de la abrumadora presencia de sombreros de vaquero, botas, pantalones de mezclilla ajustados, y mujeres con camisas estilo rockabilly atadas con un nudo justo por encima de la cintura. Se siente como una especie de desfile del salvaje oeste donde la gente se enorgullece de mantener el verdadero estilo ranchero.
De manera clásica en la modalidad tica, la hora de inicio de la cabalgata se retrasa 30 minutos, luego otros 30 minutos, luego otros... hasta que finalmente el anuncio se hace por el altavoz: “¡Ya!” Cientos de jinetes trotan desde el lote hasta el sendero mientras que una nube de polvo envuelve a cualquiera de a pie. La cabalgata comienza y los jinetes hacen su recorrido al majestuoso valle de San Juan de Dios para tener la oportunidad de recordar, olvidar, o simplemente disfrutar de un pedazo especial de Costa Rica que el tiempo y el turismo aún no han capturado.
La cocina se llena de hombres y mujeres que preparan casados (platillo tradicional costarricense con arroz y frijoles como base principal) junto con cubetas de chicharrón (cerdo frito) preparado de la manera tradicional, o sea, sobre un fogón. El bar improvisado es un viejo corral donde se sirve cerveza y chiliguaro (un ron local mezclado con salsa picante) a una clientela de vaqueros.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
The Under water World of the C
C
osta Rica’s Caribbean has hidden gems underwater that can be enjoyed snorkeling or diving. Plan your trip and experience it. Snorkeling can be done by almost anyone. Even those who cannot swim or are not comfortable swimming can use the foam noodles or life vest. Although you see much more diving down deeper, the views from the surface are also amazing and enjoyable.
By John Brockmeier
Many places in Costa Rica are good for diving or snorkeling; however, the Caribbean is particularly amazing with its clear water and white sands that enhance the views by letting the coral and rock forms stand out more clearly. All you need is a mask, fin and optional life vest. Please buddy-dive as there are risks that you might encounter that your buddy can assist if needed.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
There is such an indescribable sense of freedom walking from the shore into the vibrant blue Caribbean water. The reef from Playa Cocles to Playa Chiquita is very close to shore in a shallow spot. It harbors many caves and a bounty of fish, langostinos, octopus and small colorful fish.
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Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast Photos: Stephanie Kwong
Exploring under the rocks, crevices and caves reveals so much life in many forms and colors. Immersion in the colorful, tranquil world underwater is the perfect way to recharge and reconnect with yourself. There is very little sound to disturb or distract you, and the movement of the sea and its creatures is calming. It’s real freedom and serenity.
colorful, tranquil the perfect way to nect with yourself.
Living in this amazing country, we need to get out and explore. I recommend that Costa Rica’s Caribbean area should be on everyone’s must-do list. It’s a trek from some parts of the country, for sure, but as you can see, well worth the excursion. The best times of the year for snorkeling in the Caribbean are March/April and September/ October. Rainy season does not occur there during those months as it does on the west coast, so the underwater clarity is best.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 39
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
The Full Diamante Make it Yours
By John Brockmeier
I
had heard about Diamante Eco Adventure Park even before moving to the Gold Coast area of Costa Rica. Looking forward to my first visit to the park, I could barely contain my excitement about the thrill of experiencing Central America’s longest dual action zipline. There had to be a good reason why this so-called Superman line is ranked in the world’s top five of its class.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
On arrival, we entered the gates and drove to the parking area, where a shuttle bus took us up the steep incline to the Diamante office. Being greeted with the full open Pacific panorama off Playa Matapalo was spectacular. The sense of tranquility was mesmerizing as we relaxed and enjoyed the view until everyone in our group arrived. Still, my anticipation of the coming adrenalin rush was no less intense during the wait.
In due course, I discovered for myself what all the fuss is about. The Superman zipline lived up to all my heart-pounding expectations and then some. One of the interesting features I noticed was the self-braking system. Its advantages became apparent when a couple of older people in front of me were descending, and I wondered how they would handle stopping. Then it was my turn to be put on the line and sent whizzing down.
Gabi Miller enjoying her expectation of a long beautiful ride!
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Nearing the end, I realized that almost anyone can enjoy this experience regardless of athletic ability, thanks to the mechanism that automatically slows you down for a comfortable landing. Simulated wildlife habitats After finishing the lines, we made a tour of the Diamante animal sanctuary. It was a rare opportunity to marvel up close at iconic Costa Rican species in natural enclosures that simulate their wildlife habitats. These animals are very well cared for, having been rescued and rehabilitated in circumstances that would make release into the wild not feasible for various reasons. Miles to discover on four-wheeler and horseback rides
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FEATURED ADVENTURE
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Walking over the swinging bridge, we peered down at the hungry crocodiles, in awe of their massive size and power. The jaguar brothers, their playfulness belying a fierce appearance, seemed to be consciously entertaining the onlookers. A puma simply stared us down as we observed. Monkeys chattered and played to their audience’s delight. The highlight was seeing Lucy, Diamante’s legendary sloth and her companions. By lucky coincidence, we encountered her on the ground instead of in the canopy, where sloths spend most of their time. Entering the birdcage, we were also richly rewarded at the sight of so many species, including a stunning toucan. Lots of talkative parrots wanting to converse and a background chorus of chirping enhanced our multisensory experience 42
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We ended our visit to Diamante with a wonderful buffet lunch, again sitting back and relaxing against the magnificent ocean backdrop. We were already planning a future return trip for a horseback riding adventure, either in the backwoods or on the beach, and some ATV fun. Diamante Eco Adventure Park is a short 20-minute drive from Playas Del Coco, and about 40 minutes from the Playa Flamingo area.
See Diamante Here:
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Visit the charming casita, replicating a traditional farmhouse, and sample fresh Costa Rican coffee. Long, scenic zips lines
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Click here to discover more of Diamante features for the children and family!
FEATURED ADVENTURE
Visit with the wild Costa Rica animals in our animal sanctuary
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Leading the way back for Costa Rica Adventure Tourism
D
iamante, located in Guanacaste along the Gulf of Papagayo, became a leader in the Costa Rica adventure tourism market with its innovative ziplines and extraordinary animal sanctuary. The park has long been known for its immaculate facilities, top-of-the-line gear and attention to detail, along with a customer-focused staff that is favorably mentioned in a constant stream of positive client reviews.
D
iamante, ubicado en Guanacaste a lo largo del Golfo de Papagayo, se convirtió en líder en el mercado de turismo de aventura de Costa Rica con su innovador circuito de zipline y su extraordinario santuario de animales. El parque se ha dado a conocer por sus instalaciones, equipo de primera línea y atención al detalle, junto con un personal enfocado en el cliente que se menciona continuamente en las reseñas positivas de los clientes.
The staff is truly excited to reopen the doors to the park. Over the past few months, the Diamante team has been focused on preparing the facilities and putting systems and protocols in place that comply with all recommended procedures established by the Ministry of Health. We are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our guests and staff.
El personal está realmente emocionado de volver a abrir las puertas del parque. En los últimos meses, el equipo de Diamante se ha concentrado en preparar las instalaciones y establecer sistemas y protocolos que cumplan con todos los procedimientos recomendados establecidos por el Ministerio de Salud. Estamos comprometidos a garantizar la salud y la seguridad de nuestros huéspedes y personal.
When you visit Diamante, you will enjoy the world-class service, facilities and adventure you expect. We’ve added additional operational guidelines for our guests, including temperature screening and social distancing queues. We’ve also implemented other sanitizing procedures for the facilities and the staff.
Cuando visite Diamante, podrá disfrutar de las instalaciones, las aventuras y el servicio de clase mundial que se merece. Hemos agregado pautas operativas adicionales para nuestros visitantes, que incluyen toma de temperatura y distanciamiento social. También hemos implementado otros procedimientos de desinfección para las instalaciones y el personal.
We look forward to hosting all adventure seekers. We are confident that our guests will enjoy their time at Diamante and feel completely safe during all of our outdoor adventure activities.
Esperamos recibir a todos los que están en busca de aventuras; Estamos seguros de que nuestros visitantes se divertirán en Diamante y se sentirán completamente seguros mientras disfrutan de nuestras actividades al aire libre.
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
El diamante completo ¡Hágalo suyo! E
l canopy Superman cumplió todas mis expectativas de adrenalina y mucho más.
Yo ya había escuchado de Diamante Eco Adventure Park antes de mudarme a la zona de la Costa Dorada de Costa Rica. Anticipando mi primera visita al parque, apenas podía contener mi entusiasmo por la ganas de tirarme en el canopy de doble acción doble más largo de Centroamérica. Además, tenía que haber una buena razón por la cual este tipo de cable llamado Superman está clasificado entre los cinco mejores del mundo. Al llegar, entramos y nos dirigimos a la zona de estacionamiento, donde un autobús nos recogió y nos llevó por una empinada cuesta hasta la oficina de Diamante. Ser recibido por un panorama abierto del océano Pacífico y ver la playa Matapalo fue espectacular. La sensación de tranquilidad fue fascinante. Nos relajamos y disfrutamos de la vista a la espera de que llegaran los demás integrantes de nuestro grupo. Aún así, mi anticipación de la inminente descarga de adrenalina mantuvo su intensidad durante la espera.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
A su debido tiempo, descubrí por mí mismo de qué se trataba todo ese alboroto. El canopy de Superman cumplió todas mis expectativas y mucho más. Una de las características interesantes que noté fue el sistema de frenado. Sus ventajas se hicieron evidentes
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cuando, delante de mí, un par de personas mayores descendieron y me pregunté sobre cómo manejarían el aterrizaje. Luego, fue mi turno de tirarme a toda velocidad. Al llegar al final, me di cuenta de que, independientemente de su habilidad atlética, casi que cualquier persona puede disfrutar de esta experiencia, gracias al mecanismo de frenado automático. Hábitats de vida silvestre simulados Después de terminar los cables del canopy, hicimos un recorrido por el santuario de animales de Diamante. Fue una oportunidad única para admirar de cerca las icónicas especies costarricenses en recintos naturales que simulan sus hábitats en la vida silvestre. Estos animales están muy bien cuidados, ya que han sido rescatados y rehabilitados bajo circunstancias que harán que la liberación a la naturaleza no sea factible por diversos motivos. Mientras caminábamos por el puente colgante, miramos los cocodrilos hambrientos, muy asombrados por su enorme tamaño y poder. Los hermanos jaguar, con su alegría ocultaban su apariencia feroz, hasta parecían estar entreteniendo conscientemente a los espectadores. Un puma simplemente nos miró mientras lo observábamos. Los monos charlataneaban y jugaban para deleitar a su audiencia. Pero lo más destacado fue ver a Lucy, la famosa perezosa de
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Diamante, y sus compañeros. Por casualidad, la encontramos en el suelo en lugar de colgada de las ramas del árbol, donde los perezosos pasan la mayor parte del tiempo. Al entrar en la jaula de pájaros, fuimos recompensados al ver una enorme cantidad de especies, incluido un deslumbrante tucán. También había muchos loros hablantines que deseaban conversar y en el fondo un coro que realzaba nuestra experiencia multisensorial. Cerramos nuestra visita en Diamante con un delicioso almuerzo bufé. Terminamos nuevamente sentados y relajados admirando el magnífico océano Pacífico en el fondo. Incluso, por la experiencia vivida, ya estábamos planeando nuestro próximo viaje al parque y que esta vez incluyera una aventura montando a caballo por el bosque o la playa, y un poco de diversión manejando cuadraciclos. Diamante Eco Adventure Park se encuentra a 20 minutos en carro de playas del Coco y a unos 40 minutos de la zona de playa Flamingo.
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 47
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Robert Vesco:
Con Man in Costa Rica By Karl Kahler
I
f Costa Rica had a Hall of Fame of Foreign Rogues, there would be a statue of Robert Vesco at the entrance.
Audacious, mendacious and thievish to the core, Vesco was the king of fugitive financiers, a master of the game of “Catch Me If You Can.” He was one of the most controversial figures in Costa Rican history, and his friendship with José “Pepe” Figueres became a shameful stain on the legacy of the country’s greatest president. Fleeing U.S. prosecution after looting a Swiss investment firm of more than $200 million, in 1972 Vesco absconded to Costa Rica, where he bought the 1,000-acre Cabo Velas ranch at the northern end of Tamarindo Bay and Playa Grande.
FEATURED FUGITIVE
He built a six-bedroom house with two swimming pools and a bowling alley, paved a dirt runway for his fleet of private planes, and became a hero to the local community by his donations to schools and his generosity to the town of Matapalo. Figueres, the three-term president who came to power in the 1948 civil war, welcomed Vesco and his millions of stolen dollars. But a change of administration a few years later pulled the rug out from under the charming charlatan. In 1978 Vesco was forced to flee from Costa Rica, and he ended up in Castro’s Cuba. 50
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But he still managed to be condemned to prison in Cuba, where he was trying to hawk a cure for cancer. Perhaps it was fitting that cancer was what finally killed him. Young scoundrel Born in Detroit in 1935, Vesco dropped out of high school and moved to New Jersey at 21 to work for a maker of machine tools. He took over the company when it went bankrupt, renamed it International Controls Corp., and became a millionaire by the age of 30. In 1970 he took over Investment Overseas Services, a troubled Swiss mutual fund firm, for less than $5 million, gaining control of an estimated $400 million in funds. Under investigation for fraud, he fled the U.S. in 1971, went to the Bahamas, and then came to Costa Rica in 1972 at the invitation of Figueres. In 1972, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission accused him and his associates of looting the Swiss firm of more than $224 million. He was also accused in 1972 of making an illegal donation of $200,000 to President Richard Nixon’s campaign in hopes of getting charges against him dropped. In Costa Rica, he hoped to set up a “financial district” where international funds of uncertain origin would be free of scrutiny, according to a 2006 story in the Tico Times. howlermag.com
How a Fugitive Financier Fled to Paradise and Was Finally Told to Go to Hell
He arrived with a yacht and a private Boeing 707, bought a lavish compound in Curridabat and invested in several Figueres family businesses, acquiring restaurants, bars and casinos. In Cabo Velas, he purchased the ranch with the airstrip, and he bought Country Day School to create a center for children with learning disabilities so that one of his children could receive education for special kids. Scandal followed Vesco throughout his stay in Costa Rica, and Figueres was widely criticized for harboring a criminal. Figueres made no apologies, saying in a TV interview, “I wish more Vescos would come to Costa Rica — we need them.”
Just before Figueres’ third term ended in 1974, he pushed through a piece of legislation dubbed “the Vesco law” that gave the president final say on extradition issues. Figueres’ successor and protege, Daniel Oduber, pledged to leave Vesco alone if he obeyed Costa Rican law. Let’s make machine guns For Vesco’s next act, he got it in his head to work with Figueres’ son, José Martí Figueres, to finance a factory to make automatic weapons (this in a country with no army). The predictable uproar that followed appears to have been Vesco’s undoing.
video
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Vesco was the king of fugitive financiers, a master of the game of ‘Catch Me If You Can.’ The next president elected, Rodrigo Carazo Odio, pledged to expel Vesco from the country, and Vesco fled just 10 days before Carazo took office on May 8, 1978.
Vesco ended up in Cuba, where the Castro government took him in on “humanitarian grounds.” So there he lived out his life in quiet exile without getting into trouble again? Of course not!
Vesco spent the next few years jetting between the Bahamas, Antigua and Nicaragua. In 1982, he very briefly returned to Costa Rica hoping for amnesty from the new president, Luis Alberto Monge, who instead vowed to turn him over to U.S. authorities.
What did him in was double-crossing Fidel Castro in a scheme to produce a wonder drug that would cure cancer, AIDS, arthritis and the common cold. In 1996 he was convicted of defrauding a biotech lab run by Castro’s nephew and was sentenced to 13 years, of which he served nine.
Vesco was detained for just an hour or so at the Liberia airport after a chartered flight from Managua, and the U.S. Embassy was reportedly told to “go and get him if you want him.” But he eluded capture once again, flying out for parts unknown.
Released in 2005, the chain-smoking con artist died of lung cancer in Cuba in 2007 at the age of 71. Or some say he didn’t really die — he actually faked his death and fled to Sierra Leone. But if so, surely he would have gotten into trouble there too, and we would have all heard about it.
FEATURED FUGITIVE
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August Tides
Maui...Jan 2020 Massive Waves:
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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 | 59
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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 61
SURFING COSTA RICA
S Waiting
for the Surf World to Reopen Meanwhile, What’s Happening? By Ellen Zoe Golden
urfers, think about this: the World Surf League (WSL) hasn’t run a single Qualifying Series or Championship Tour (CT) event in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. And, according to the league’s CEO, Erik Logan, the 2020 season of surf competitions has officially been called off. On top of that, the next WSL season — 2020-2021 — officially kicks off in November. That will be in Maui for the women and Hawaii’s North Shore for the men. For those who follow, here are the proposed WSL CT dates: 2020 •
November 25 – December 6 Shiseido Maui Pro presented by ROXY: Maui, Hawaii
•
December 8 – 20 Billabong Pipe Masters: Oahu, Hawaii
2021 • • • • • • • • •
SURF REPORT
•
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February 18 – 28 MEO Pro Portugal: Peniche, Portugal March 18 – 28 Corona Open Gold Coast presented by Billabong: Queensland, Australia April 1 – 11 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach: Victoria, Australia April 16 – 26 Margaret River Pro: Western Australia, Australia May 20 – 29 Oi Rio Pro presented by Corona: Saquarema, Brasil June 10 – 13 Surf Ranch Pro: California, USA June 20 – 29 Quiksilver Pro G-Land: Indonesia July 7 – 19 Corona Open J-Bay: South Africa August 26 – September 6 Outerknown Tahiti Pro: Teahupo’o, Tahiti September 8 – 16 WSL Finals: Location TBD
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Whiling away little water time What exactly does this mean for the Costa Rican guys and gals on the WSL circuits? It means a hell of a lot of practice time until the end of the year. With the national beaches rolled back to the hours of 5 to 9:30 a.m., that doesn’t mean a lot of water time here to keep in shape.
Costa Rica Surf Federation competitions, meanwhile, are on hiatus, Chavis stated. “To relaunch the Scotiabank Circuito Nacional, the beaches must first be opened in their entirety, and we are currently following the government's guidelines and schedules on that.”
And, without the Costa Rica Surf Federation’s 2020 season of the Circuito Nacional de Surf, the competitive muscle remains unflexed.
The Federation’s board of directors and members have been working on the competition protocols, he added, to have ready when beaches are fully reopened.
Since competitions stopped, the Federation has been focused on improving the sport’s management at the national level, getting ready for the time when contests can be launched once again safely.
“Our athletes have adapted to the current hours of access to beaches and are also training from their homes, obeying orders and safety protocols.”
Randall Chavis, Federation president, reported, “We have created three new work commissions: Technical, Selections and Disciplinary, which are made up of people with extensive knowledge of surfing and who will work in their fields to improve the sport in the country.”
Without the 2020 season of the Circuito Nacional de Surf, the competitive muscle remains unflexed.
Tico draws global attention Anthony Fillingim of Santa Teresa, former national surf champion and former Latin American surf champion, trained for 120 days at the Kandui Resort in the Mentawai Islands. When the swell was big, he took the opportunity to surf Bank Vaults, Hideaways, Pistols and Kandui. If it was smaller, he headed to Burger World, Nipussi and 4bobs. Check out some of these lefts in the video by @kanduiresort on Instagram.
CLICK for Anthony Fillingim
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 63
SURFING COSTA RICA On this trip, Fillingim received a lot of international surf media attention for his skills. When Stab magazine wrote about it, 11-time surf champion Kelly Slater took to social media to write to the Tico: “1 broken quiver could ruin your one chance at the best surf trip of all time.”
CLICK for Maykol Torres
Fillingim replied: “Kelly, what a legend. I am honored to see this comment here. Pura Vida and I am going today with everything for more waves.” Portugal’s Nick Van Rupp said: “What a lucky motherfucker,” while Australia’s Matt Wilko said: “Your backside (sarcastic mode) will have worked well by now.” Meanwhile, here in Costa Rica, obeying the laws of beach openings, Alberto Muñoz and Maykol Torres of Playa Esterillos, rule the roost at Bowie’s Point in Playa Hermosa de Jacó.
SURF REPORT
CLICK for Beto Munoz
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flashback
2018
SURF FEATURES: CLICK TO READ MORE
Surfer Carlos MuĂąoz grew up winnin
Esterillos Oeste surfer was racking up na
Malakai Martinez: When the World Surf League sent out photos from the Banzai Pipeline Pro Juniors Qualifying Series (QS), some of them featured a diminutive figure about to be covered by tubes of 10 to 12 feet. Photo WSL/Mike Chlala
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ng contests. From the age of 10, this
ational surf titles. Photo Jorge A. Russell
Valeria Salustri: She may have started stand-up paddling (SUP) three years ago on a whim when someone suggested she try it, but 17-year-old Valeria Salustri has been killing it ever since. Photo Zoilhy Soto
Nicolas Boos: It’s not easy getting 8-year-old Nicolas (Nico) Boos to talk about surfing, but it’s not difficult to watch him whip some turns on the waves at one of his favorite local breaks. Photo Marcel Fritez, Shaka Media
Leilani McGonagle has quite a collection of trophy hardware. Her stash includes team gold, and individual silver, bronze and copper medals from numerous International Surf Association (ISA) World Surfing Games from Costa Rica to Japan. Photo Alfredo Barquero
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 67
SURFING COSTA RICA
The Endless Summer Lifestyle By Jessie Rowan
H
is effortless ease and relaxed style make for a true longboarder. Pair his surfing with his witty, laid-back humor and you get one of the world’s most famous surf pioneers — Robert August.
Growing up in Seal Beach, California, Robert was surrounded by waves from the very start. His father, Orral (Blackie) August, was an original California waterman and had Robert surfing by the age of 6. Robert later went on to become
a successful contest surfer. He competed in various contests preceding an invite to surf in the prestigious Duke Kahanamoku Invitational. Not just a pretty boy, class president and stylish surfer, Robert had a sharp mind to match. He attended Huntington Beach High School and was enrolled in all accelerated classes, planning to attend dental school. Then quickly after high school graduation, he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime.
AUGUST ODYSSEYS
Photos courtesy of Robert August
Robert August Surf Company's custom made surfboards include hand shaped longboards, shortboards and funboards. 68
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‘The Endless Summer’ was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best movies of 1964. Robert (far left) taking a surf break with his buddies while filming "The Endless Summer."
Robert at Huntington Beach, where he grew up and was known around town as a surfing hotshot.
Together with filmmaker Bruce Brown and Mike Hynson, Robert set out to travel the globe in search of the perfect wave. Their quest would be turned into the famous film “The Endless Summer.” Robert was selected to be featured in the film over other more popular surfers at the time, not just because of his smooth surfing ability, but also his positive outlook on the importance of a healthy — sometimes crazy, but always fun — surfing lifestyle. Upon the film’s debut, “The Endless Summer” screened all over the United States and was recognized by Newsweek magazine as one of the best movies of 1964. This recognition allowed Robert to live out his own “Endless Summer” life. At the same time, he helped put Costa Rica on the global surf map. Back in the early 1990s, Robert and Bruce Brown filmed “The Endless Summer II” at what are now considered some of Costa Rica’s most famous surf spots: Witch’s Rock, Ollie’s Point and Tamarindo.
Leaving his mark The film’s popularity also opened up profitable business opportunities and has molded Robert August into the individual he is today: a shaper, business owner and surfing icon, but most importantly a father. Since 2011, Robert has resided in Tamarindo, where he raises his daughter, Christine. She is carrying out the August family tradition as a strong and competitive surfer. Robert’s son, Sam August, is also a powerful surfer and former professional baseball player. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 69
SURFING COSTA RICA
Robert’s surfing achievements were recognized and honored at the International Surfboard Builders Hall of Fame in Huntington Beach, California, on Oct. 21, 2017. Family first That family is the central focus of Robert’s life is evident when he considers Christine’s future opportunities. “I don’t want to limit her, I want her to be able to go wherever she wants. I want what is best for her.” “My son played for the Houston Astros. I couldn’t believe that was my son when I would go to watch him pitch. I remember saying, ‘Thats my little boy.’ He put his mind to baseball as I did with surfing.”
Since the “Endless Summer” movies, Robert has kept generating positive surf vibes around the world, leaving a mark everywhere he travels.
Upon moving to Tamarindo, Robert became a key representative of the Witch’s Rock Surf Camp. There, he teaches the history of surfing and does surfboard shaping seminars, while greatly influencing the surfing culture in and around the country.
AUGUST ODYSSEYS
Robert at the airport with his surfboard during the filming of "The Endless Summer."
Robert and his daughter Christine.
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https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=P-0o08_EPwQ
https://youtu.be/RSrXw08lskQ
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The Salt of the Earth Las Salinas Salt Pans in Lepanto, Guanacaste
When you buy sea salt, you may not realize how this process has worked for millenia.
Story and photos by Sean Davis HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 79
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
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ometimes you wait a decade to get the photo. I had been driving by these salt pans on the way to the southern beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula for years, waiting for the day when someone would come out and harvest the salt that had evaporated in the pans. When you buy sea salt, you may not realize how this process has worked for millenia. The seawater is let into the perfectly manicured flat pans during a very high tide. The opening is closed. Then it’s a matter of waiting until the sun evaporates the water away, leaving just the white crystals. You can often see the salt pans from overhead during air travel, looking like stained glass rectangles reflecting the sky.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
On this day, I finally got very lucky to find a very fit older gentleman and his assistant harvesting the salt in perfect light. Despite the man’s age, his posture was that of a young man, virile and upright from a lifetime of hard work. His much younger assistant was having a hard time keeping up and was sweating profusely.
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I parked the car, pulled out my camera and greeted the pair, then got to shooting with an ancient 100 mm. manual-focus lens. The salt farmer's face was amazing — creased from the parched work that he had spent a lifetime doing, with a perfectly trimmed mustache and intense eyes. He paid my camera no mind, and went about his work as I went about mine. When I was done, we shook hands and went our separate ways. Contact Sean Davis at (506)8730 2692 or sean@photographercostarica.com Visit his website Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Vimeo HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 81
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Steve Bakunas Where Creative Energy Meets Philanthropy By Mike Shannon
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arely does someone come along who has an immediate positive effect on the world around him. Steven Bakunas is that guy. The artist, musician, actor, activist, world traveler and philanthropist is a newcomer to Guanacaste, where he and his wife have just purchased a home. Bakunas’s story is worth relating. His resume of life experiences reads like a grab bag of antidotes to new challenges. The formative years
CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Born in 1957 in Milford, Connecticut, Steve enjoyed a typical childhood surrounded by a brother and seven sisters. After his father’s untimely passing when he was 13, Steve continued living in a house
full of girls until the ripe age of 16. Then, feeling the need to “broaden my perspective,” he bravely ventured out on his own. His enterprising spirit and sense of adventure produced a laundry list of unusual vocations: driving a limo for the Grateful Dead, selling used cars, tending bar and becoming an upholsterer. At 21, he actually traveled with a circus. He even lived in a religious cult for five years. Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up! And if any of those nuggets didn’t raise an eyebrow, in 2005 Bakunas tied the knot with the love of his life, Linda Lavin — better known as Alice on the ‘70s sitcom “Mel’s Diner.” Yes … Alice!
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Throughout Bakunas’s life, he has always gravitated toward the arts, activism, adventure and creativity in pursuing what he calls, “the thing.” And though he did not expound on the exact definition of that “thing,” this writer got the impression it is equal parts self-gratification in his artistic endeavors and genuine philanthropy. howlermag.com
Steve revealed, “I’m always surprising himself with dormant talent. We tend to sabotage ourselves by saying, ‘oh, I can’t do that.’ But with minimal training you can get the ball rolling and often, you will realize that you CAN do that.” This idea is fed by Bakunas ’s belief that you should always be trying new things in life, and at any time in life. Read into this: you’re never too old. It often fills his calendar to the point of distraction where he cautions, “but you must always strive to stay balanced with your occupational diversity.” Arts and philanthropy Somehow, Steve has managed to keep that balance while maintaining a very hectic lifestyle. That includes opening the Red Barn Studio Theatre in North Carolina in 2007, where he and Linda wrote, produced and performed in productions for local audiences. In 2017, they built The Country Suites bed and breakfast hotel in upstate New York’s Spencertown, which has recently been rented by the county to serve as a quarantine center during the COVID pandemic. Steve was also a jazz drummer for Linda’s cabaret show and he’s held art exhibits featuring his original paintings. Photos courtesy of Steve Bakunas ^With Stephen Colbert at the Late Show <Watching stage performance by his wife, Alice HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 83
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT After buying eight abandoned houses in a rundown neighborhood, he tore down two and remodeled six, then donated one of the couple’s properties to the town for creating a public park. In the same neighborhood, Steve bought an old repair garage and turned it into a theatre, where he and Linda were cast in a Broadway play written by Carol Burnett and directed by Hal Prince.
Endless energy fuels Steven’s constant quest to find what he calls, ‘the thing.’
It’s exhausting just to write all this down, but this list is not meant to be braggadocious. It is to demonstrate the breadth and pace of Bakunas ’s approach to his life’s work. Even between all these endeavors, the couple continued to explore art, music, theatre and anything else that feeds their creative and philanthropic souls, all the while traveling around the world.
Costa Rica
One of Steve’s volunteer projecs with ADI Tamarindo was to organize painting of the lifeguard station.
After years traversing the U.S., splitting time between homes in New York and Los Angeles, the couple felt a yearning for a less hectic, non-urban lifestyle. So, this visit served as a good opportunity to explore the possibility of Costa Rica.
In 2019, Steve and Linda’s theatre chops landed them on a cruise ship to Ecuador as onboard performers. When the ship pit-stopped in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, they disembarked to reconnect with their son Jim and his wife, Christa, who had settled in Huacas some time ago and established the private Journey School.
CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT
It didn’t take long before they both realized, “Wow I really want to be here,” which many of us can very much relate to. With that, Steve made his plans to return to Costa Rica in October 2019 while Linda remained in New York to continue her collaboration with Sarah Silverman on her original play. Upon his return, Steve quickly surmised that the Tamarindo area was ripe with all that he and Linda were looking for in a nonurban lifestyle: a small town, beach, activities, music and food. So he bought a condo in Langosta and embarked on his quest to assimilate into the local culture. At the ripe age of 62, it was, indeed, time to move on to the next new “thing”. 84
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The first new thing Bakunas did was take Spanish lessons, and he is quite proud that he’s getting good at it quickly. Then he got involved in volunteer activism with ADI Tamarindo, helping the homeless and families in need. He organized efforts to clean up the Tamarindo skatepark and painted the lifeguard station, utilizing and compensating homeless workers to get the jobs done. Steve even embarked on the lofty task of repairing the infamously terrible road to Langosta, enlisting help from his homeless friends who were more than happy to chip in. This endeavor earned him the moniker, “The Minister of Road Repair.” In a few short weeks, Bakunas had contributed more to his adopted Costa Rican community than most expats who have been here for 20 years.
Potrait of Alice. Word carving by Steve.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT “Grass roots activism is the best way to get the feel of a new community, get to know the culture and customs of the area, and make lots of new friends,” he told me. When Linda came down and joined her husband for the year-end holidays, given more time to feel the pura vida vibe, she just completely fell in love with Costa Rica. The couple returned to New York together soon afterwards to fulfill other obligations, right around the time the COVID crisis was getting serious. And never was that more apparent than when Linda was informed that her play was put on hold because the musical composer died from the virus. She remained in New York while Steve scrambled back to Guanacaste before the inevitable travel ban and subsequent lockdown were enforced.
Unfortunately, the global pandemic had different ideas. As of this writing, due to border closures, Bakunas continues to bide his time here in Guanacaste without his wife. As soon as it’s possible, the two will reunite here to pursue the next “thing” in their lives together. After all, isn’t that what draws most expats to this magical place? What makes this pair exceptional is that Steve and Linda bring far more to the table than they take. Welcome to the neighborhood!
CREATIVE SPOTLIGHT
Steve’s beach painting.
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Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s self-potrait.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
The Best of Guanacaste Expressed Through Art
By Charlene Golojuch
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uanacaste is an amazing province of Costa Rica, where the mangroves meet the oceans and the jungles reach the sandy beaches. It's a land full of lush biodiversity, where the people have unique folklore and traditions that will transport you to another time and place. When taking a scenic drive you will see stunning landscapes, encounter cattle or oxen working the fields, visit marketplaces and absorb the culture. Or perhaps you will go snorkeling or diving to experience the underwater world beneath us.
Paying homage to the region and its people are the local artists, whose paintings and sculptures depict these many sights and scenes. Their flair and ability to capture the essence of the country allow the viewer to embark on a journey through these
artists' eyes and souls. The magnificent splendor of this northwestern province and its people naturally lends itself to a perfect harmony of colors on canvases where artists find a never-ending source of creativity and inspiration.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Paintings top two rows byJonathan Minshull; bottom row by Xochitl Sierralta
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For many years Guanacaste lacked a place to showcase the artists that captured this spectacular land. But in 2010 a fine-art gallery opened just five kilometers from the Daniel Oduber airport in Liberia. The Hidden Garden Art Gallery now follows the careers of professional, wellestablished and emerging artists, while providing students an opportunity to experience visual arts, learn about art and artists, and enhance their ability to express themselves creatively. "Nosara Horses" by Al Alexander ^
Paintings by Carlos Hiller v
Photos courtesy of Hidden Garden Art Gallery
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT "The gallery continues to be a vital asset to the region to have such a large space totally devoted to the arts and Costa Rica," says resident artist, Carlos Hiller, whose career began with painting tranquil imagery of the dense rainforests and jungles of Costa Rica. Hiller later plunged into the sea and marveled at the beauty of the Guanacaste waters as inspiration for his metal sculptures. Now known for hosting works of more than 70 artists, the Hidden Garden Art Gallery continues upholding its mission to explore and expand culture and arts in Guanacaste. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the tropical surroundings, the magnificent seaside sunsets, or the friendliness of the "Guanacastecan" people, this breathtaking region awaits you. With its vast array of paintings and sculptures, the Hidden Garden Art Gallery embodies the best of Costa Rica, expressed through art. Stop in for a visit and enjoy the view! For more information visit: www.HiddenGardenArt.com
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
"Dia de la Lava Ropes" by Susan Adams ^ "AceleraciĂłn" byCarlos Hiller v
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For many years Guanacaste lacked a place to showcase the artists that captured this spectacular land.
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PURA VIDA / LIVING COSTA RICA
Low Back Pain: Bearing the Brunt Dr. Herbert Weinman
A
s humans assumed the upright posture over the course of millions of evolutionary years, our spines have borne the brunt of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body weight burden. Not surprisingly, low back discomfort is one of the most common orthopedic problems seen by medical practitioners today. Treatment for this condition depends upon several factors: cause, degree of impairment and individual circumstances. Why it hurts
THE DOCTOR IS IN
Low back pain may be caused by simple acts of sneezing or coughing, or it may signal the warning of a more severe internal problem.
When to seek medical help How does a layperson know when medical aid should be sought? First, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to consider the cause. In cases of trauma caused by an accident, medical aid should be sought as soon as possible. On the other hand, if the back discomfort occurs after sneezing, coughing or bending, conservative therapy might be tried first.
Sprains and strains, rather than issues relating to more serious diseases, are the most common reasons for low back pain. The human spine structure abounds with muscles and ligaments, so injury to even a small muscle or ligament can produce a significant amount of discomfort. A sprain involves stretching of a ligament. A strain is a muscular injury also due to abnormal stretching.
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Degree of impairment and personal circumstances are other considerations. If someone is retired and can remain at home without jeopardizing income, home remedies for back pain can be used primarily. However, for athletes, salespeople or anyone whose livelihood depends on being active as soon as possible, more immediate and vigorous therapy is appropriate. Degree of discomfort does not always reflect how debilitating the condition is. What incapacitates one person may not impair the everyday functions of another. Associated symptoms are another factor when determining whether or not to seek medical help. One such symptom is pain that radiates down one or both legs, often referred to as “sciatica.” This can mean the sufferer may have a ruptured or “slipped” spinal disc.
Help at home
The best non-prescription medications are Aleve and Tylenol. They should be taken in appropriate doses for the best results. For the first 48 hours, I usually recommend two Extra-Strength Tylenol + two Aleve taken together, three times a day. For the following 48 hours, take two of each twice a day. If this does not provide significant relief, then seek care from your healthcare provider.
For the simplest form of apparent back strain, applying ice packs to reduce pain and swelling is the best initial treatment. Once inflammation and pain has subsided, usually after several days, moist heat in the form of hot baths, hot moist packs or sitting in a shower can also be beneficial. Some people find Prolonged bed rest is not advised as it can often alternating between cold with heat therapies is make the situation worse. Activity that produces best from the beginning. the least amount of discomfort should be pursued. Narcotic medicine should be avoided.
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Huacas
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THE COAST IS CLEAR
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PURA VIDA
Gut Health and Mental Health Interlinked By Laura Méndez
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cientists back in the 19th and early 20th centuries claimed that inflammation of the gut led to anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses. Thanks to these studies, a newly heightened attention was placed on this connection between our emotions and the status of our gut health.
WELLNESS FEATURE
Diseases involving gut health seem to be most prevalent in the Western societies. This could be attributed to the consumption of highly-processed food and to unhealthy lifestyle habits that many of us may have had as children and continued as adults.
Disruptions to these systems are often responsible for our stress responses, and our stress responses impact our overall behavior.
Eating too many processed foods (generally, packaged food) can lead to leaky gut syndrome and/or other manifestations of gut inflammation. Inflammation of the gut is intertwined with inflammation of the body, and linked with negative mental health outcomes.
Other examples that can be correlated directly to your gut health are: • Changes in mood • Sleep issues, from restlessness to insomnia • Weak immune system — according to Ayurvedic Medicine, health always starts with good digestion • Skin problems
The bacteria of the gut is crucial for our immunity and health. Prolonged inflammation of the gut (chronic inflammation) causes imbalances in our gut bacteria, which can enable the development of serious mental health imbalances like anxiety and depression and other types of disharmonies in the body.
If this information resonates with you, it is time to really evaluate your eating habits and lifestyle decisions. Avoiding a health issue because of fear of change won't make that problem disappear. It will only hide it until it becomes so big and uncomfortable that you won't have any other choice but to acknowledge it and do something about it.
This happens because of a type of signalling between your brain and your gastrointestinal tract; they are constantly in communication!
Do you have a question? Find me on my social media pages: Facebook @LauHHC and Instagram @lauhhc
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Salud intestinal: salud mental entrelazada
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os científicos del siglo XIX y principios del XX afirmaron que la inflamación del intestino provocaba ansiedad, depresión y otras enfermedades mentales. Gracias a estos estudios, se puso una mayor atención a esta conexión entre nuestras emociones y el estado de nuestra salud intestinal.
Parece que todas estas enfermedades relacionadas con la salud intestinal son más frecuentes en las sociedades Occidentales y esto podría ser el resultado de los alimentos altamente procesados y el pobre estilo de vida que muchos de nosotros pudimos haber tenido de niños y aún mantenemos de adultos. Comer demasiados de estos alimentos procesados (alimentos empacados) puede provocar síndrome de intestino permeable u otras manifestaciones de inflamación intestinal. La inflamación del intestino se entrelaza con la inflamación del cuerpo y se relaciona con mayores niveles de problemas de salud mental. Las bacterias del intestino son cruciales para nuestra inmunidad y salud. La inflamación prolongada del intestino (inflamación crónica) causa desequilibrios en nuestras bacterias intestinales, lo que permite la aparición de graves desequilibrios de salud mental como ansiedad, depresión y otro tipo de desarmonías en el cuerpo. Esto sucede porque hay un tipo de señalización que ocurre entre su cerebro y su tracto gastrointestinal; ¡están constantemente en comunicación!
ayurvédica, la salud siempre comienza con una buena digestión. • Problemas de la piel Si esta información resuena con usted, es hora de evaluar realmente sus hábitos alimenticios y decisiones de estilo de vida. Evitar un problema de salud por miedo al cambio no hará que ese problema desaparezca. Solo lo ocultará hasta que se vuelva tan grande e incómodo que no tenga más remedio que reconocerlo y hacer algo al respecto. ¿Tienes una pregunta? ¡Búscame en mis páginas de redes sociales: Facebook @LauHHC and Instagram @lauhhc
Las alteraciones en estos sistemas a menudo son responsables de nuestras respuestas al estrés ... y nuestras respuestas al estrés afectan nuestro comportamiento general. Otros ejemplos que pueden correlacionarse directamente con su salud intestinal son: • Cambios en el estado de ánimo. • Problemas de sueño, desde inquietud hasta insomnio. • Sistema inmunitario débil: según la medicina HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 97
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
The Power of Yo Y • • • •
oga literally means “union.” This union can be understood on different levels: philosophically, as that of the relative, limited self with the absolute self religiously, as that of the individual soul with the infinite spirit psychologically, as the integration of personality — a state of no longer living at cross-purposes with oneself emotionally, as if stilling the waves of likes and dislikes, permitted to remain in all circumstances complete in oneself
History Yoga was developed by the Indus-Sarasvati civilization in northern India over 5,000 years ago. The word “yoga” was first mentioned in the oldest sacred texts, the Rig Veda. The Vedas were a collection of texts containing songs, mantras and rituals used by Brahmans, the Vedic priests. Yoga was slowly refined and developed by the Brahmans and Rishis (mystic seers) who documented their practices and beliefs in the Upanishads, a huge work containing over 200 scriptures.
YOGA WISDOM
The most renowned of the yogic scriptures is the BhagavadGîtâ, composed around 500 BCE. The Upanishads took the idea of ritual sacrifice from the Vedas and internalized it, teaching the sacrifice of the ego through selfknowledge, action (karma yoga) and wisdom ( jnana yoga).
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oga
By Marian Paniagua
What makes yoga so powerful? What makes this ancient practice so powerful is its positive impact on all aspects of a person: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. Yoga cleanses the body through Asana (postures) and Pranayama (conscious breathing). It clears the mind through a mindful practice of yoga philosophy as the five yamas and niyamas (see sidebar).
“Yoga is the neutralization of ego-directed feelings, because once these become stilled, the yogi realizes that he is, and that he has always been, one with the Infinite – that his awareness of this reality was limited only by his infatuation with limitation.” Patanjali Ancient Sage
Yoga makes us aware of our emotions at their deepest root, therefore clearing our veil of mental illusions. Practitioners have the power to feel and then act, instead of reacting unconsciously based on past traumas. Last but not least, a disciplined yoga practice makes us realize we are connected with a universal source of pure positive energy. We awaken to the knowledge that we can co-create with this universal source and make it part of our daily life.
Yamas and Niyamas Yamas These five self-regulating behaviors involve our interactions with other people and the world at large: Ahimsa — non-violence Satya — truthfulness Asteya — not stealing Brahmacharya — non-excess (often interpreted as celibacy) Aparigraha — non-possessiveness, non-greed Niyamas These five personal practices relate to our inner world: Saucha — purity Santosha — contentment Tapas — self-discipline, training your senses Svadhyaya — self-study, inner exploration Ishvara Pranidhana — surrender (to God)
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Delivery Available!
200 m. west of the Brasilito/Huacas crossroads
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Rosalind Stewart is a self-taught chef from Canada with a two-time award-winning barbecue sauce and a mother of two beautiful children. She and her family have traveled around the globe experiencing their culinary delights. This has led her to be a special judge in many cooking competitions and made guest appearances on different food networks. Rosalind cooks international cuisine from around the world. Her passion is cooking and making people happy.
Shrimp Mediterranean
Ingredients
4 Servings
Method of Preparation
1 kg. fresh jumbo shrimp, cleaned and peeled 1⁄2 cup of onion, chopped fine 2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and quartered 3 cloves of garlic, chopped fine 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite-size pieces 1 1⁄2 cups of fresh mushrooms, quartered 12 oz. white wine 12 oz. tomato juice I fresh lemon, juiced Large handful of fresh basil, chopped fine Tabasco sauce to taste Worcestershire sauce to taste 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper 1 1⁄2 cups of basmati rice, cooked as directed
1. Clean and peel shrimp. Place in a Ziploc bag with basil and lemon juice. 2. In a large skillet, heat oil and sauté onions and garlic. Add vegetables. 3. Add wine and tomato juice. Simmer for three minutes. 4. Add Tabasco and Worcester sauces, salt and pepper. Simmer for five minutes. Rosalind and her daughter, Jessica Rosalind 5. Add lemon juice and Stewart, always enjoy cooking, eating and basil from the shrimp. having fun together. Jessica celebrates her 25th Simmer for two birhday this month! minutes. 6. Add shrimp. Simmer for four minutes. 7. Serve over basmati rice. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 101
Pure Passion Private Chef & Catering Service
Jose Luis Rodriguez 102
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Stem cells are being used to treat:
Contact the experts at the Stem Cells Transplant Institute to learn more about stem cell therapy!
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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.
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Tel US: +1 305 506 6405 / CR: +506 2208 8618
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PURA VIDA
It's Quetz
Ripe Avocados Make San Gerardo de Dota
COOL PLACES
Juvenile male quetzal regurgitating an avocado seed (above) and perched (top right), as birders watch from viewing platform. Story and photos by Lori Anne Haskell 104
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zal Time!
e a a Birding Paradise
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PURA VIDA
T
he small wild avocados, known in Spanish as aguacatillos, are ripe in San Gerardo de Dota. To us birders, that means “It’s quetzal time!”
The resplendent quetzal is one of the trogon species found in Costa Rica. (Trogons, belonging to the Trogonidae family, take their name from the Greek word for “nibbling” due to their nesting practice of gnawing holes in trees.) It is one of the most sought-after species by birders traveling here from around the world.
COOL PLACES
Certain times of the year are easier for spotting quetzals, notably when they are nesting and when the avocados are ripe. This is consistent with the symbiotic relationship between the quetzals and avocado trees. After feeding on the fruit, the birds regurgitate the seed and drop it into the jungle to become a new avocado tree.
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First-time experience Being an avid birder and wildlife lover,I had placed the quetzal high on my list of birds to see in Costa Rica. None of my previous trips to San Gerardo de Dota had been at the time of the year when the quetzals are easily seen. Nor had I ever made an overnight trip there. So when a local guide advised a friend of mine that the avocados were ripe, four of us decided to take a one-night trip to the area in hopes of making my quetzal dream come true. Usually, San Gerardo would have hundreds of birders this time of the year, but with Costa Rica’s international borders shut down, we were hoping to have the town to ourselves. I made an online booking for a cabin, as every hotel we contacted was sold out on Saturday night. The log cabin, named Unicorn Lodge, described as having four beds and a coffee pot, filled our group’s main requirements.
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Long tailed silky flycatcher <Flame colored tanager
We left JacĂł at around 6:00 a.m. for the drive to San Gerardo, which takes about 3.5 hours. Our car was packed with four large DSLR cameras, zoom lenses, and extra batteries and memory cards. We stopped for breakfast about three hours later at a restaurant named Soda san Gerardo, at the top of the hill where the Pan American Highway and Calle San Gerardo intersect. I got to have my favorite Costa Rican breakfast: tortilla de queso with a side of Natilla. It was awesome â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one of the best I've had in the country. Two at my table had gallo pinto, and both raved about that meal as well. On our way to the Unicorn Lodge, we stopped in a couple of areas known for quetzal sightings. Finally, I spotted the first quetzal of my life! Perched by the roadside was a juvenile male, with just the beginnings of his magnificent tail. He was so cooperative and sat beautifully perched so we could take his picture. It was one of my favorite birding moments ever!
Next, we ran into a local guide named Alex. We asked him if there were a lot of birders out in the area. He responded that there were none. This is unheard of for this area when the avocados are ripe. We were happy to have such a rare opportunity to ourselves. Normally, we might have encountered up to 100 birders standing in one spot watching a single quetzal. We then continued on to our cabin, where the key had been left in the door for us to enter. Unicorn Lodge is an absolutely beautiful place located right on the Savegre River. The double deck was an amazing spot to watch birds from, while listening to the water flowing over the rocks. We also had a fireplace, which my friends quickly lit. Within a few minutes of looking out from the deck, we spotted a gorgeous male collared trogon. I had never seen one of these birds before, so I also got to check it off my list. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 107
PURA VIDA Uncommon and stunning After a short while, we headed out again to look for quetzals. We saw a few, but they were flying too far away to take pictures. While looking for the quetzals, my friend saw a male elegant euphonia. These tiny birds measure only four inches long and are easily recognizable by their powder blue cap. Their favorite food is the mistletoe berry. On previous occasions, I had only seen these uncommon and stunning birds when they were very high in the trees, making it difficult to take a good photograph. This one was hanging out in low branches very close to us. While we watched it, the female appeared, and flew back and forth to an area in the trees. I then figured out she was flying to a nest! With amazement, we watched the pair hang out near the nest for quite a while.
COOL PLACES
We had dinner that night at Pizzeria and Restaurante Colibries. This Italian restaurant is owned by a local man named Victor. He is a very friendly host who wants to ensure all customers love their food and have a nice time. Our group ordered a large pizza and it was huge. Despite feeling starved before it was placed on the table, we could only eat less than half of the pizza. The restaurant has great prices and service, as well as an adorable German Shepherd mascot named Danger.
https://youtu.be/doza89fGlrg
Juvenile male qu Collared trogon (below) Lori Anne Haskell. Wildlife and birding stalker based in Herradura. Spends her days hiking locally and travelling within Costa Rica with her camera. Finds joy in capturing the personality of birds and animals and sharing the images and stories with the world. Find her on Facebook and Instagram @puravidablonde, and email at loriannehaskell@gmail.com.
The next morning, we headed out at 5:30 a.m to see more quetzals. We walked up a steep hill to a viewing platform next to a massive avocado tree. When we arrived, there was a juvenile male quetzal sitting in the tree. In total, we saw two juvenile males and two adult females from the platform. A fabulous highlight was observing one of the juvenile males regurgitating the seed after eating an avocado. San Gerardo is an amazing area. There is much more to do than I wrote about here, but we only had a short time to visit. I highly recommend the area to anyone who loves birds, as it is paradise to me! Read more about this magnificent area in the Howler article On the Road to Shambhala: Providencia and San Gerardo de Dota. 108
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uetzal
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E n j oy t h e a d v e n t u r e o f t h e Green Coast of Costa Rica.
¡ R E S E R V E NOW! www.marriott.com/sjols l (506) 2630-9000 Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort l Herradura bay, Costa Rica
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Can you reach your Expat Insurance Agent by Call or Text 7 Days a Week by Whatsapp or Skype? Find us at WhatsApp at 512-295-4976, we would love to chat and learn about you! Just ask around, chances are your friends know of us. Are you working with an Agent who is only offering One or Two Insurance Plans? A reputable Expat Insurance Agent should have years of experience and offer more than one insurance option. There is no such thing “as one size fits all” with international medical insurance. Is your agent offering a global health plan which forces a new member to wait 60-90 days before actually offering medical coverage? This is simply not feasible and rather insulting. Does your agent charge an application or agent fee? Offshore Health Benefits, Ltd has never charged an agent or application fee and the rates listed by the insurance carriers online, are the same rates we pass on to our clients. We are Third Party Advocate working on your behalf.
Does your agent provide a list of Medical Global Insurance companies who perform poorly and should not be sold on the open market? We do, and we are happy to send over a list of such companies which should not be allowed to sell anywhere in the world. Does your Agent have a specific plan if a claim is denied? What is that plan? Call our team, we will explain many options in the appeal process.
"At Offshore Health Benefits, we do things a little different and have thousands of clients throughout Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and the Caribbean. Let's talk, it may be time." 112~| Robert, #searchfindhowl | online howlermag.com Licensed Team Member Serving Latin America & Caribbean
What type of experience does your agent have in international medical insurance planning ? And is your Agent Licensed & Bonded for your protection? Offshore Health Benefits, Ltd offers years of experience from the following companies: Aetna International, Aetna US Healthcare, Generali, Medex, Magellan Health, Tilloglobe and more. If an agent is going to consult with individuals & families living and working abroad, he/she should be familiar with both sides of the international health insurance industry. This is achieved through years of experience. Experience is everything.We are licensed and bonded up to $1 million per claim, you may want to ask your agent if he or she is. In summary, Global Health Insurance rates are on the rise at a record speed, in some cases, they are slowly catching up with many domestic plan premiums. You do have options, and we are here to strategize. Not every Expatriate should consider purchasing an international health plan, this is fact. However, so many people who are relying on an expensive US plan may be surprised at the premiums we can save them while increasing overall coverage.
Since 2002, Offshore Health Benefits, Ltd. has assisted thousands of Expatriates Worldwide and have seen just about everything with regards to Medical Claims, Air Ambulance, Local Emergencies, and Overall Global Healthcare. From Working with Expatriates of USAID in Nicaragua, to helping Teachers with Eco-Green Schooling in Bali, to assisting Retirees in Mexico with Top Rated Hospital admissions, we are here to help. Check us out at https://offshorehealthbenefits.com/contact-our-team. We offer Six Major Expatriate Medical Insurance Carriers, from Smaller Budget Plans to the Larger Global Plan options. If we can’t help you, we will point you in the right direction at no charge. At Offshore Health Benefits, we do things a little different. Let's talk, it may be time.
Contact us today!
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Introducing Vacasa Premium Clean Enhanced Vacation Rental Cleanliness Protocol Sponsored Content
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT
S
ince we opened our doors in 2009, Vacasa homes have been serviced and cleaned in line with a set of consistent, high standards. Our professional team is committed to providing clean and safe homes for our guests and owners each and every stay.
Now, on top of our standard cleaning guidelines, we’ve launched an enhanced protocol for vacation rental cleanliness: Vacasa Premium Clean. This new cleaning program meets or exceeds CDC recommendations and aligns with guidance from hospitality industry experts, such as the Vacation Rental Management Association's SafeHome guidelines. As markets across the U.S. reopen and we start welcoming guests more widely, our goal is to provide even more support and protection to everyone in the Vacasa community.
Updated protocols to support our communities
Read on to learn more about Vacasa Premium Clean, along with the procedures that we’ve always upheld for every Vacasa home.
The health and safety of our teams is of the utmost importance to us. Our employees will be provided with, and expected to wear, personal protective equipment (gloves and face masks) at all times while visiting homes for maintenance,
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To promote the health and safety of our communities, we’re taking the following actions as part of our Premium Clean program. We’re expanding our cleaning measures overall and increasing the time our housekeepers spend caring for each Vacasa home. Protecting our teams
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housekeeping, or any other purpose. Also, only one employee will be present in each home at a time. If more than one employee happens to be in a home, they will maintain six feet of distance from each other at all times. If an employee shows signs of illness, or reports coming into contact with someone who is suspected of having COVID-19, they will not be allowed to work.
We’re washing and drying all towels and sheets at high temperatures, and employees put on fresh gloves prior to remaking the beds and laying out clean towels. Once the home is thoroughly cleaned, we treat both hard and soft surfaces throughout the home with a hospital-grade, EPA-approved disinfectant.
While disinfecting, we pay We’re expanding our cleaning special attention to high-touch Maintenance requests measures overall and increasing surfaces, including: doorknobs from guests during their stay the time our housekeepers spend (inside and out), lockboxes or electronic lock panels, are being evaluated based on caring for each Vacasa home. elevator buttons, stair railings, the urgency of the need. Nontelephones, light switches, emergency maintenance items remote controls, arms of chairs, refrigerator door will be addressed after check-out. For anything handles, sliding door handles, toilets, faucets and that requires immediate attention during a stay, knobs, clothes hangers, touch screens, and play guests will be asked to leave the home or remain sets/toys, to name just a few. in a different room from the employee, and the employee will wear a mask and gloves while in the What a Vacasa stay has always stood for home. Sanitizing and disinfecting To maximize ventilation and air out the home, our housekeeping staff will open windows while cleaning. They will then close and lock all windows before leaving the property.
The enhanced Vacasa Premium Clean procedures we’ve adopted build on the level of care that guests have always been able to expect from a Vacasa stay. All Vacasa housekeepers are required to receive training on proper cleaning procedures and the use of cleaning chemicals, so every home is not only clean but safe and ready for guests to enjoy worry-free. We continue to use standard cleaning products that are nontoxic and environmentally friendly, in combination with our EPAapproved disinfectant. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 115
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PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT
Before every guest stay, homes are cleaned and reset for the start of their trip. We use a systematic method to ensure that every part of the home is guestready. As part of this process: • Interior of the home is cleared of any items left behind by previous guests, and all surfaces are wiped clean. • Hard-surface floors are swept clear of debris and mopped. Carpets and area rugs are thoroughly vacuumed. • Sheets are freshly laundered and placed on beds. • Towels are freshly laundered and placed in bathrooms and kitchens. • All dishes and utensils are cleaned and the dishwasher is left empty. • Refrigerator, freezer, oven, stovetop, microwave and coffee maker are cleaned. • Dining table and chairs are wiped down and all drawers are clean and organized. • Showers, bathtubs and toilets are thoroughly cleaned. • All trash cans are emptied and provided with a fresh liner. • BBQ grill (if available) is cleaned and the propane tank filled. • Exterior grounds are cleared, and outdoor chairs and tables are wiped down. • Hot tub (if available) is securely covered, cleaned, and properly balanced. 116
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When you stay with Vacasa, you can count on more than a clean home. Homes are routinely inspected to make sure amenities are present and in working order. We also check that safety equipment (fire extinguisher, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and first aid kit) is available for guest protection. Finally, guests can simply arrive and relax, since we provide every home with starter amenities like hair and body care products, cleaning supplies, and additional stock of basic household items like paper towels, toilet paper, a new sponge, dishwashing soap, and laundry detergent. Please note that all of these procedures are guidelines, meaning the minimum that will be done. We are monitoring and implementing additional procedures as required by local jurisdictions, and our baseline guidelines will continue to evolve as we gain additional knowledge and CDC guidance.
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Health Insurance For the Time Bomb You Don’t Hear Ticking By Phil Eitman
“W
e are healthy and we never need to go to the doctor.”
Over the years as a health insurance provider in Costa Rica, I have heard this more often than not from clients applying for coverage. It’s led me to conclude that most people would not move to Guanacaste unless they were healthy. I have also come to the conclusion that most people are overdue for a health problem that needs attention. Maybe it’s the pura vida life that lets us put our guard down — more activities, no sidewalks and holes everywhere. We are all ticking time bombs … we are just due.
After giving this more serious thought, I started to realize how important it is for my clients and friends to have insurance that provides excellent service, especially when an emergency occurs. Consider that the 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday time period, when most family members are at work or school, accounts for only 23.8 percent of the week. Therefore, the majority of illnesses and emergencies take place during evenings and weekends. Whoever you choose as an insurance broker, make sure there is someone who will answer your call outside of business hours. That is when you need an advocate most! In my case after hours, I will answer, “This is Phil. What happened now?”
‘This is Phil. What happened now? HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 117
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Buyer Beware of the HOA Deal Breaker or Paradise Protector?
Y
ou have finally found your dream place in Costa Rica. You love the location and the development. It is well built and beautiful, with a view to die for. So let’s do it!
Before you pull the trigger, there is one more thing you need to dig into a bit deeper, and by a bit deeper, I mean truly research. That is the Homeowners Association (HOA), in many respects synonymous with “condominium.” The applicable law in Costa Rica is Ley Reguladora de la Propiedad en Condominio, (Regulatory Law of Land in Condominium). It covers developments with common areas – known as “condominiums” — and it governs many, if not most, legally registered HOAs. In fact, it includes many housing developments that do not even have “condos” in them. Double-edged sword Thus, knowing the details of your HOA is critical. The regulatory condominium law referred to above
By Randy Toltz
is a double-edged sword. It was put in place to recognize and govern the power of HOAs, and it also spells out regulations on how HOAs must operate. Though the regulatory law is designed to protect the homeowners, if not properly written and managed, it can leave them in impossible situations, and drastically affect their future property values. So one of the first things you need to do when you find your dream property is get all of the HOA documentation, including bylaws, meeting minutes and financial statements. Ask your realtor to provide copies. Have your attorney review this documentation carefully. If possible, I recommend also trying to speak with a few of the other owners and find out if there are issues or situations that you need to be aware of. What can go wrong?
REAL ESTATE 101
To give you an idea of how badly things can go, I know of one tyrannical condo administrator who randomly imposed a fine of $500 — without any warnings — on an owner’s guest for parking a golf cart in the wrong spot. When it was challenged, the administrator started legal discussions on foreclosure. This was for a one-time offense, with no notice. It illustrates how the law, if misused, can actually grant that degree of power to the HOA administrator. 118
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In another instance, a developer built a faulty septic system. With insufficient space on the HOA property to build a properly functioning replacement facility, the HOA would have to annex adjacent privately owned land. Under the law, to legally execute the annexation would require a refiling of the entire condo development master plan. That would require a 100% unanimous vote by the homeowners and possibly even retitling of each property. The truth is there is almost no solution. It would cost a fortune, and put everyone at great risk. On the other hand, there is no way to sell a condo that has no legal sewage system. The homeowners are truly stuck in a legal conundrum, with no easy or inexpensive solution. All but impossible Requirements such as the 100% unanimous vote are virtually impossible to attain. The 100% vote must include ALL homeowners, not just those who are present at the meeting where voting takes place. Further, if someone votes by proxy at the meeting, there are legal stipulations for the proxy to be issued. If the condo is owned by a corporation, as many are, then a Power of Attorney is necessary, which must be issued within the last 30 days. The cost involved for a POA can be up to $100 or so.
The list of such requirements goes on and on. The point is, it is not simple, and the bureaucracy can make it all but impossible. Consider trying to get 120 homeowners â&#x20AC;&#x201D; most of whom do not live in the community full-time â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to absolutely and proactively agree on anything. Paradise plus Now that I have likely rained all over your parade, I will also say that a well-run and properly structured HOA can make your place in paradise even better. It can be your best assurance that the maintenance, grounds and finances of your community will always be right where they are supposed to be, and your neighbors will all be held to the same standards. Ideally, the HOA is what enables you to enjoy what you came to Costa Rica to enjoy. The point of all of this is to say, take your time and do your homework. It can make all the difference in the outcome of your time in paradise! Also, check out whether the person or developer selling you pura vida actually knows what it is. Your dream could be in their hands. Google the developers' names and companies and do your research. It could save you lots of distress in the future.
Get all of the HOA documentation, including bylaws, meeting minutes and financial statements.
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RE/MAX OCEAN SURF & SUN
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Considering Costa Rica? Then Make Informed Decisions Learn from 30+ Years of the unique blend of Canadian and Costa Rican legal practice, helping expats. Learn the important issues, from: • Choosing your optimal lawyer or realtor • The U.S./Canadian vs the Costa Rica legal system • Applying for residency for renting or p • Legal process purchasing property • Benefits of incorporating a company • Costa Rica Banking System and Escrow process...
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Information and Reservations at Email: rick@costaricacanadalaw.com HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 121
Your market is online... are you?
HOWLER MEDIA PLATFORM Assisting our clients in their marketing investment to keep intersecting their audience. Proactive engagements with dynamic presentations to people who already have a vested interest in Costa Rica. 122
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English/Spanish
Costa Rica the First Country in Central America to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage By Ivan Granados
O
LEGALEASE
n May 26, 2020, Costa Rica joined 29 other nations in furthering equality for all its citizens in a landmark decision legalizing same-sex marriage. It’s another recent example of the depth of respect this beautiful country has shown for all individuals, time after time. Similar to the way Costa Rica led its Central American neighbors in the response to COVID-19, our country became the first in Central America to rule that discrimination against same-sex couples was unconstitutional. This movement towards equality began in 2016, when the Office of the former Vice President, Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, requested an advisory opinion from the InterAmerican Court of Human Rights (ICHR). The Office sought to verify if the American Convention regarding Human Rights respected the matrimonial rights for same-sex marriages, and whether or not the member countries could regulate these unions.
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The ICHR’s advisory opinion was issued on November 24, 2017. It stated that Costa Rica, and all the other members of the “Pacto de San José,” must guarantee same-sex couples all existing rights — including the right to a marriage — that heterosexual couples already enjoy. The opinion clarified that: “To do so, it might be necessary for participating countries to modify pre-existing regulations and laws through legislative, judicial, or administrative measures, for these rights to include same sex couples. States that might have institutional difficulties
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modifying these regulations and/or laws have the duty to guarantee that couples of the same sex have equality and parity of rights equal to those of opposite sex couples, without any discrimination.” (Advisory Opinion #AO24/17 ICHR, page 86) Legal changes urged Almost a year later, in August 2018, the Costa Rican Constitutional Court urged the Legislative Assembly to approve the necessary legislation in order to legalize same-sex marriage in Costa Rica. This was to take place within 18 months of the entire resolution being published in the Judicial Bulletin. In a major milestone for same-sex couples, the Constitutional Court ruled, “Considerando section IX of the resolution, that section 14 subsection 6) of the Family Code, which forbids the legal recognition of relationships between same-sex people, is unconstitutional since it violates the constitutional and conventional right to equality.”
access to other rights. Notably, they include the right to inheritance, medical decision-making for each other, the right to obtain a joint bank and credit account, and unemployment benefits, among others. Today, as reported by Reuters, same-sex couples across the country are now enjoying the legal right to marriage. “It’s a stepping stone towards equality that makes us keep up the fight for respect that those of us with a different sexual orientation deserve,” Marco Castillo, head of the “Organización Interseccional Pro Derechos Humanos” told news media after signing the certificate and exchanging rings at the Family Court of Desamparados, in San José. Our law firm is at your service to support and guide you through all of the legal requirements necessary at info@gmattorneyscr.com.
Ultimately, on May 26, 2020, because no legislation was pursued during the 18-month time limit, the section 14 subsection 6 of the Family Code was repealed. Thus, marriage for same-sex couples became legal and duly recognized in Costa Rica. In addition to achieving the legality of samesex marriages, same-sex couples also were granted
In addition to achieving the legality of same-sex marriages, same-sex couples also were granted access to other rights.
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Matrimonio igualitario Antecedentes
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n el año 2016, el Despacho de la Vicepresidenta de la República, señora Ana Helena Chacón Echeverría, envió a la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH), una solicitud de opinión consultiva para aclarar si la Convención Americana sobre Derechos Humanos, consagra los derechos patrimoniales para las parejas del mismo sexo y si era necesario que los países miembros tuvieran una figura jurídica que regulase esos vínculos.
LEGALEASE
La Opinión Consultiva número OC-24/17, del 24 de noviembre de 2017, emitida por la CIDH, señaló que Costa Rica y todos los países miembros del Pacto de San José, deben garantizar a las parejas del mismo sexo todos los derechos existentes en la legislación, incluido el derecho a la figura del matrimonio de la que ya gozan las parejas heterosexuales, y preciso que: “Para ello, podría ser necesario que los Estados modifiquen las figuras existentes, a través de medidas legislativas, judiciales o administrativas, para ampliarlas a las parejas constituidas por personas del mismo sexo. Los Estados que tuviesen dificultades institucionales para adecuar las figuras existentes, transitoriamente, y en tanto de buena fe impulsen esas reformas, tienen de la misma manera él deber de garantizar a las parejas constituidas por personas del mismo sexo, igualdad y paridad de derechos respecto de las de distinto sexo, sin discriminación alguna”. (Opinión Consultiva número OC-24/17 CIDH, página número 86) Por su parte, en agosto de 2018, la Sala Constitucional de nuestro país, mediante resolución Nº 12782 – 2018 (que resolvió las acciones 126 | #searchfindhowl | online
de inconstitucionalidad acumuladas bajo los expedientes: 15-013971-0007-CO, 15- 017075-0007CO y 16-002972-0007-CO), por voto de mayoría, y vista la potestad que ostenta la Sala de graduar y dimensionar los efectos de sus sentencias de inconstitucionalidad (ordinal 91 de la Ley de la Jurisdicción Constitucional), instó a la Asamblea Legislativa, a que en el plazo de 18 meses, contado a partir de la publicación íntegra del pronunciamiento en el Boletín Judicial, “adecue el marco jurídico nacional con la finalidad de regular los alcances y efectos derivados de las relaciones de pareja entre personas del mismo sexo, en los términos expuestos en esta sentencia. En consecuencia, se mantiene la vigencia del inciso 6 del numeral 14 del Código de Familia hasta por el citado plazo de 18 meses” La Sala Constitucional, en su razonamiento, (Considerando IX de la resolución), concluyó que el artículo 14 inciso 6) del Código de Familia, es inconstitucional por violación al derecho constitucional y convencional a la igualdad, la cual se expande sobre el sistema jurídico-positivo e impide el reconocimiento legal pleno de las relaciones de pareja entre personas del mismo sexo. Al no haber legislado la Asamblea Legislativa sobre esta materia en el plazo concedido de los 18 meses, fue que el día 26 de mayo de 2020, quedó derogado el inciso 6 del numeral 14 del Código de Familia, -en cumplimiento de la resolución de la Sala Constitucional-, por lo cual el matrimonio igualitario es legal y reconocido, y Costa Rica se convierte en el primer país en Centroamérica y el número 29 en el mundo que en recocer el matrimonio en personas del mismo género. Importante indicar que de forma accesoria, las parejas homosexuales adquieren el acceso a otros derechos, por ejemplo, derecho a la herencia, toma de decisiones médicas sobre su pareja, derecho a optar por un crédito bancario conjuntamente y beneficios por desempleo, entre otros. howlermag.com
Let´s celebrate love in Costa Rica...
+506 8333-9000
diverseweddingscr
info@diverseweddingscr.com
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By Joanna Blanco
How To Apply Mindfulness In Your Business
I
hope all of you are safe and sound. I want to start this article with a story of my own.
ENTREPRENEUR COSTA RICA
Around five years ago, I was living in the Sacred Valley, Cusco, Peru. Some of you might know that Cusco is a perfect place to find many alternative therapies, which help you reconnect with your center, or spiritually. I took a 16-week kundalini yoga course that opened me to another dimension, the one that showed me I could meditate. Kundalini yoga practice works by connecting your chakras energy to your spiritual self, in turn connecting to the divine. Through reconnecting with my center, this course helped me understand how the central nervous system controls so many actions that affect our physiological and psychological levels. The purpose of sharing my story is to show you that knowledge of mindfulness and meditation can help you to recognize and respond to situations in ways that are beneficial. You don’t have to practice meditation for a long time to realize the benefits. 128
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Everyday practice There are many ways that you can meditate. Here I will focus on how you can use mindfulness every day. Let’s begin with a simple mindfulness definition — being fully aware of the present. You can recognize how your senses connect with what is around you and how this affects you. Let’s use this example: you are enjoying a delicious cake. Mindfulness helps you understand what you are experiencing and how you are reacting. Scenario one: you feel happy about eating the cake because you deserve it. Or scenario two: you are feeling a rush suddenly in your body that you cannot control, and that makes you anxious. This is a perfect illustration of how mindfulness can help you detect the feeling of anxiety and then to handle the situation, get rid of the anxiety and come back to a healthy state.
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Now let’s go to the core of how to practice mindfulness. There are many exercises and techniques that can help you to use mindfulness in your everyday life. Click this link to find 22 good examples. I recommend three main ones to start: visualization, body reading and mindful breathing. But you can use any that resonate with you and your lifestyle. Mindful responses After you get into the practice, you will notice how this can help you in your business and everyday life.
2. How do you feel when a customer posts a complaint to your webpage? You want to rush off and scream at your customer. Mindful breathing is advisable instead. Take three big breaths. Calm down and rethink what you are going to do. Mindfulness enables you to recognize your emotions in front of an event. You will be able to take better actions or enjoy the feelings you are having. I would be pleased to receive your questions on how to apply mindfulness to your business. Contact me joannablanco@vivesattva.com or go to my IG Movimiento Sattva.
Let’s look at two scenarios in terms of how you respond in each case. 1. How do you feel when awakened by the sound of your alarm? You don’t want to wake up. For example, maybe you did not sleep well and you need to drive from Tamarindo to Liberia. Use visualization to consider the result of two different responses. Visualize yourself staying in bed 30 minutes more to help recover and feel better rested so you can make the drive in a good state of mind. Or, visualize getting up now and going for a run to help you to gain enough energy for the drive.
You can recognize how your senses connect with what is around you and how this affects you. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 129
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Como aplicar mindfulness en tu negocio Espero que todos ustedes estén sanos y salvos. Quisiera comenzar este artículo con una historia propia. Alrededor de 5 años atrás, estuve viviendo en el Valle Sagrado, en Cusco, Perú. Algunos de ustedes deben haber escuchado que Cusco es un lugar ideal si están en búsqueda de terapias alternativas, que les ayuden a reconectarse con su centro o su espiritualidad. Allí, yo tomé un curso de 16 semanas de Yoga Kundalini que me abrió hacia otra dimensión, una que me demostró que podía meditar. La práctica de Yoga Kundalini trabaja conectando la energía de los 7 chakras principales con tu ser espiritual hacia el ser Superior. Este curso me hizo reconectar con mi centro y me ayudo a entender que el sistema central nervioso controla muchas acciones que nos afectan a nivel fisiológico y psicológico. El propósito de contarles un resumen de mi historia, es para demostrarles que teniendo un conocimiento de mindfulness, atención plena (en su correcta traducción en español), y meditación pueden ayudarlos a observar y responder cuando se presente una situación de controversia, y que la respuesta sea beneficiosa. No se necesita haber practicado mindfulness o meditación por largo tiempo para reconocer sus beneficios. Hay muchas maneras de meditar, pero en este artículo, quisiera enfocarme en cómo ustedes pueden usar la atención plena cada día y que esto les beneficie en su vida personal como en la profesional.
ENTREPRENEUR COSTA RICA
Vamos a comenzar con una descripción simple de mindfulness. Es el estado cuando nos encontramos en completa atención con lo que ocurre en el presente. Podemos reconocer como nuestros sentidos se conectan con nuestro alrededor y como esto nos afecta. Vamos a utilizar un ejemplo; estas disfrutando de una deliciosa torta. Usando la atención plena, vas a entender el porque de tu experiencia y la reacción a esta. Primer escenario: te sientes feliz porque te comiste esa torta que tanto merecías. Segundo escenario: sientes que de repente tu cuerpo se agita y no lo puedes controlar, y esto te crea ansiedad. Este segundo escenario es un ejemplo perfecto para demostrar que usando mindfulness puede ayudarte a detectar el sentimiento de ansiedad y ayudarte a manejar la situación, controlándola, deshaciéndote de ella y volver a un estado de balance y bienestar mental. Ahora vamos al centro de este artículo, cómo practicar mindfulness. Hay muchos ejercicios y técnicas que les pueden ayudar a usar la atención plena en su día a día. 130
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Voy a compartir con ustedes este link donde pueden encontrar excelentes técnicas: https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulnessexercises-techniques-activities/ Les recomiendo tres de las más conocidas para comenzar: visualización, lectura de cuerpo, y atención a la respiración. Ustedes pueden utilizar aquella con la se sientan que más cómodos, y según su estilo de vida. Después que entren en la práctica, van a notar como la atención plena les ayuda en sus negocios y en su vidas en general. Voy hacer algunas preguntas para que cada uno de ustedes las respondan y jueguen con los escenarios. 1. Como te sientes cuando la alarma suena en las mañanas (o cualquier momento durante el día)? Escenario: la alarma suena, pero no te quieres levantar. Utiliza la visualización para ver cual sería el resultado de quedarte en cama o levantarte e irte a correr. Puede ser que no dormiste bien, y tienes que manejar de Tamarindo a Liberia, por ejemplo. Visualiza si quedarte 30 minutos más en la cama te ayudará a recuperar fuerza para poder manejar en buen estado. O, si te levantas y sales a correr puede ayudarte a regenerar suficiente energía para llevar a cabo tu objetivo. Visualizando los dos escenarios, puedes escoger el que más te convenga. 2. Cómo te sientes si un cliente publica una queja en tu página web? Escenario: quieres salir corriendo a insultar al cliente. Puedes utilizar la técnica de respiración plena. Toma tres respiraciones profundas. Calma tu estado de ánimo, piensa de nuevo qué harías en vez de tener esa reacción irracional, que probablemente no te ayudaría con un buen comentario. Usando mindfulness, reconocerán sus emociones enfrente a un evento, y podrán ayudarse a tomar mejores acciones y decisiones, o simplemente disfrutar sentimientos placenteros. Me encantaría que me enviaran preguntas sobre cómo aplicar la atención plena en sus negocios. Pueden contactarme por correo joannablanco@vivesattva.com o visiten mi IG Movimiento Sattva. Cuídense mucho!
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Jair Pérez, National Mens Surf Champion Jacóbeño Female Artists of Jacó Living Longer, Healthier & Happier — Recipes from Costa Rica Jacó Impact at Home in La Casona Lodge The Pollito Project Pachamama Indoor Farming Culture What Happened With the Small Language Tourism Business in Costa Rica?
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Jair Pérez
English/Spanish
National Mens Surf Champion Jacóbeño Living His Faith And Dreams By Kate Hanley
<Jair Pérez using a boardsock from the author’s Jacó shop, Pura Vida Board Gear. Photo: Jorge Russell.
SURF PROFILE
Catching some hometown waves at Playa Jacó. Photo: Anthony Segura.
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J
air Pérez Quirós is the 2019 National Men’s Surf Champion in Costa Rica. He is from Playa Jacó and has spent all of his years in the growing beach town where he also learned to surf.
Pérez recently started the Asociación Deportiva De Surf De Garabito (ADSG) as an organization focused on helping youth by teaching discipline with physical and spiritual training. Priority is given to those who lack many advantages that other young people enjoy, particularly financially. Jair also has been helping many people in the community affected by the pandemic by serving and delivering food. Being a Christian is what defines him first before any other roles he performs. We caught up with the champ recently to discover what motivates him and how he is living his faith and dreams.
Surfing Playa Hermosa. Photo: Alexander Buker
Describe a typical day in your life. What are some of the routines and disciplines you include every day? First thing I do after I wake up is make some coffee. Then I pray, read and meditate on what I read. If the waves are good I’ll go surf. If not I’ll do some housework or go watch the ocean. Even if I don't surf, I love to see the ocean. Recently you began the Asociación Deportiva de Surf de Garabito. Describe the work you do with the kids and why you feel a connection with them. I started the Asociación Deportiva De Surf De Garabito with the vision of helping kids in the community to have tools for their lives and also to guide them. It’s important for them to know that life is much more than sports, money or fame. I teach them about who Jesus is and why it is important to have God in our lives.
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REGIONAL - JACÓ I love to work with youth who have a desire to be helped because many years ago I was one of them. I grew up in the streets of Jacó. I always had people on my journey who did the same for me, so now it is my time to give back.
There is more interest in sports than there was 10 years ago.
A big purpose that I have is to be a role model for these kids in every way I can. Marcel and Yorgina from Jacó Impact are an amazing couple. They work together super well. I’m glad they are part of the Asociacion to help these young people with their physical training.
There are more churches, organizations, associations and foundations to help people like these youth who I am working with now.
I’m blessed to have them on my team. They care about kids and helping the Jaco community. Those are the kind of people I surround myself with.
It has shaped me in every way. Jesus in my life is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Without the faith he has given me, as a gift and the grace of God, it wouldn’t be possible to be the person, the role model, the father and the husband that I am today.
As someone who grew up in Jacó what are some of the positive things you see in this town that weren't evident 10 years ago? There are many more work opportunities. Before there weren’t many businesses or places you could find work.
There are more role models in sports and businesses.
How has your faith shaped you into the man you are today?
I believe people have faith in many things but putting your faith in God is the smartest decision you can make. The spiritual hunger that we have only God can satisfy for our good because he loves us.
SURF PROFILE
Surfing Playa Hermosa. Photo: Jalil El Harrar.
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Jair Pérez and some of the youth he works with through the Asociación de Surf de Garabito. Photo courtesy of Asociación de Surf de Garabito.
Name one personal goal and one professional goal for the rest of this year. I want to be super fit! Lol. Professionally, I’d like to open my coffee business soon. As the National Men's Open Champ of 2019, you are a role model to younger surfers and also your peers. What advice can you give to help encourage and motivate others during tough times? There is a lot that Christians want to say and sometimes we even want to judge others. One of the things I do understand is that all of us are on a journey through the world and the purpose and future we have. We need to find that in God because then everything will make sense. My advice to anyone is to find peace with God in your life. If we let God work in our minds and hearts first, then we can start working on our goals and dreams.
https://youtu.be/0Tx9f988hHQ
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Jair Pérez,
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jacobeño Campeón Nacional de Surf Masculino
J
air Pérez Quirós es el Campeón Nacional de Surf Masculino de 2019 en Costa Rica. Es de playa Jacó y ha pasado toda su vida en la creciente ciudad playera donde también aprendió a surfear. Pérez recientemente creó la Asociación Deportiva de Surf de Garabito (ADSG). Una organización enfocada en ayudar a la juventud, enseñándoles disciplina a través del entrenamiento físico y espiritual. Se da prioridad a aquellos que carecen de las ventajas que disfrutan otros jóvenes, especialmente en el aspecto económico. Jair también ha estado ayudando, sirviendo y entregando comida a muchas personas de la comunidad afectadas por la pandemia. Ser cristiano es lo que lo define primero antes que cualquier otro papel que desempeñe. Nos pusimos al día con el campeón recientemente para descubrir qué lo motiva y cómo está viviendo su fe y sus sueños. Describe un día típico de tu vida. ¿Cuáles son algunas de las rutinas y disciplinas que incluyes cada día? Lo primero que hago cuando me despierto es hacer un poco de café. Luego rezo, leo y medito sobre lo que he leído. Si las olas están buenas, voy a surfear. Si no, haré algunas tareas domésticas o voy a ver el océano. Aunque no surfee, me encanta ver el océano.
Recientemente comenzó la Asociación Deportiva de Surf de Garabito. Describa el trabajo que hace con los chicos y por qué siente una conexión con ellos. Comencé la Asociación Deportiva de Surf de Garabito con la visión de ayudar a los chicos de la comunidad a tener herramientas para sus vidas y también para guiarlos. Es importante que sepan que la vida es mucho más que los deportes, el dinero o la fama. Les enseño quién es Jesús y por qué es importante tener a Dios en nuestras vidas. Me encanta trabajar con jóvenes que tienen el deseo de ser ayudados porque hace muchos años yo era uno de ellos. Crecí en las calles de Jacó. Siempre tuve gente en mi camino que hizo lo mismo por mí, así que ahora es mi tiempo para devolver un poco de lo que se me dio. Un gran propósito que tengo es ser un modelo a seguir para estos chicos en todo lo que pueda. Marcel y Yorgina de Impacto Jacó son una pareja increíble, trabajan juntos muy bien. Me alegro de que sean parte de la Asociación para ayudar a estos jóvenes con su entrenamiento físico. Tengo la suerte de tenerlos en mi equipo. Se preocupan por los chicos y por ayudar a la comunidad de Jacó. Esa es la clase de gente de la que me rodeo.
SURF PROFILE
Como alguien que creció en Jaco, ¿cuáles son algunas de las cosas positivas que ven en esta ciudad que no eran evidentes hace 10 años? Hay muchas más oportunidades de trabajo. Antes no había muchos negocios o lugares donde se pudiera encontrar trabajo. 144
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Hay más interés en los deportes de lo que había hace 10 años.
Menciona una meta personal y una profesional para el resto del año.
Hay más modelos a seguir en los deportes y en los negocios.
¡Quiero estar súper en forma! ¡Ja, ja, ja! Profesionalmente, me gustaría abrir pronto mi negocio de café.
Hay más iglesias, organizaciones, asociaciones y fundaciones para ayudar a gente como estos jóvenes con los que estoy trabajando ahora. “Me encanta trabajar con jóvenes que tienen el deseo de ser ayudados porque hace muchos años yo era uno de ellos”. ¿Cómo te ha moldeado tu fe para convertirte en el hombre que eres hoy? Me ha moldeado en todos los sentidos. Tener a Jesús en mi vida es lo mejor que me ha pasado. Sin la fe que se me ha dado, como un regalo y la gracia de Dios, no podría ser la persona, el modelo a seguir, el padre, ni el marido que soy hoy. Creo que la gente tiene fe en muchas cosas, pero poner tu fe en Dios es la decisión más inteligente que puedes tomar. El hambre espiritual que tenemos solo Dios puede satisfacerla para nuestro bien porque nos ama.
Como campeón del Open Nacional Masculino de 2019, eres un modelo a seguir para los jóvenes surfistas y también para tus compañeros. ¿Qué consejo puedes dar para ayudar a animar y motivar a los demás durante los tiempos difíciles? Hay muchas cosas que los cristianos quieren decir y a veces incluso queremos juzgar a los demás. Una de las cosas que entiendo es que todos estamos en un viaje a través del mundo y el propósito y el futuro que tenemos. Necesitamos encontrar eso en Dios porque entonces todo tendrá sentido. Mi consejo para cualquiera es que encuentre la paz con Dios en su vida. Si dejamos que Dios trabaje en nuestras mentes y corazones primero, entonces podremos empezar a trabajar en nuestros objetivos y sueños.
Viviendo su fe y sus sueños
Jair Pérez with crew members helping serve weekly meals to the community at La Casona Lodge. Photo courtesy of Asociación de Surf de Garabito.
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Female Artists of Jacó Conversations with a Creative Trio
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By Kelly Norris
ne of the best kept secrets about the coastal beach town of Jacó is an art scene that takes many unsuspecting visitors by surprise. It runs the gamut from live music to live art shows and artist’s expositions throughout the year.
Within this vibrant corps of local artists is an amazing subset of strong women, leading the way. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with three of these remarkable female artists in Playa Jacó. Here are some highlights of what they had to say.
Paula Simons: artist, photographer Originally from Sweden, Paula Simons moved to Costa Rica in 2013 after spending time traveling throughout Central America. Inspired by the surf and the local people, she quickly got the feeling that Jacó felt like home. From the time she was a young child, Paula always had a fascination capturing unique images through the family camera. As a teenager, having received her first point-and-shoot camera, she was able to start exploring her passion further, inspired by nature and creating art from the photos she took during walks around her garden.
> Mara Dolinsky, muse, in "Morning Coffee"
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
^Sarah Hakim, muse, in "Moroccan Nights" <Roselinn Storhaug, muse, in "Free Spirit" Photos: Paula Simons Photography
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has come a unique sense of support within the Jacó artist community, especially among the women. “We are fortunate to have so many female entrepreneurs and artists in this town who are extremely smart and forward thinking,” Paula told me. “As we individually step more into our power, taking a stand for our individual paths, other artists see that and give themselves permission to do the same. They see that it’s ok to push a little further and take it to the next level.”
At the age of 18, Simons did her first lifestyle/ fashion photoshoot with one of her friends who worked as a model. This was only the beginning. Building her skills shooting different genres over the years, Paula found herself back to shooting fashion photography after moving to Costa Rica, where a close friend had recently launched a swimwear line. Things took off from there. One job led to another and slowly but surely her passion grew into her profession. Simons noted how much the art scene has grown since she first moved to Jacó seven years ago. This expansion has occurred by default as more artists from around the world have settled here. With that
Much beauty can be found in this fulfillment of highest potential by her peers, Simons noted. “As we rise individually, we help those around us rise and together we are even stronger. I believe that this is what has helped create this beautiful force of female artists and entrepreneurs here in Jacó and also around all of the world.” She went on to say, “I feel blessed to be part of this community. Marjorie and Ignacia inspire me so much — they are my sisters and my muses. I have worked with them a lot and we have co-created many projects together” As for Paula’s current endeavors, a silver lining belies the pandemic-related adjustments imposed on her over the last few months. With many projects put on hold for the time being, she has had a chance to reflect and bring a deeper focus to her photography business. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 149
REGIONAL - JACÓ “Recognizing what was working in my business and what wasn’t, I can now decide how I want to move forward, with intention,” she said. “Perhaps that will mean finding more ways to generate income online.” Simons is also considering the other forms of selfexpression she enjoys, including poetry and music, specifically singing. “I am looking to create a balance in my life for all of the things that I love.” Stay tuned for Paula’s website being launched in the coming months. You can always keep up with her latest work or contact her on Instagram to arrange a photoshoot. Marjorie painting a mural commissioned by a Jacó restaurant
Marjorie Meplon: visual artist, painter, muralist Born in the seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, on the north coast of France, Majorie Meplon moved to Jacó in 2017 after spending time traveling around the world. “Costa Rica has always made me dream about the jungle canopy, beaches and animals,” she revealed. “I bought my flight after quitting my job in France. The Costa Rican lifestyle blew my mind in all its aspects! I had no idea what would be the plan, but I knew it was exactly where I was supposed to be.” Marjorie explained. When asked about her background as an artist, Marjorie recounted, “I have always found myself drawing, throughout my whole life. I also met a lot of artists while traveling, which continued to inspire the artist inside of me. I used to sketch a lot of women's faces and portraits from photos; that's what I liked the most. I have never attended art school but was fully inspired by artwork I would see from the streets.” Meplon’s venture into painting really started after her move to Costa Rica. “I felt the freedom and inspiration to add colors to the drawings,” she explained. “I started painting on paper, carton, and canvas. Then my friends Gabo and Nacha invited me to participate in the Live Art project and we started a beautiful adventure for almost two years. I learned a lot through live painting and found my style.” Describing her artwork as “kind of urban, tropical and mostly feminine,” Marjorie found live painting to be very challenging, involving lots of preparation, but also very satisfying.
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‘As we rise individually, we help those around us rise and together we are even stronger.’
Photos courtesy of Marjorie Meplon
“Soon after the live shows began, people started buying my artwork and I started accepting commissions,” she recalled. “Sebastian, my boyfriend, motivated me so much on my journey and gave me a lot of advice on how to promote myself as a growing artist. He is the best!”
“I met Paula and Ignacia when I first moved here and I always admired them for their energy. They are real artists fighting to live from their passion. They are women — sisters — who have a real message to deliver to the world through their art, music and photography.”
Majorie echoed Paula Simons’ sentiments about the art scene in Costa Rica and Jacó, especially among her female contemporaries. That includes both of the other artists featured in this Howler spotlight.
Marjorie values the close friendship the three women have formed within a larger collective movement they are all part of. “I remember many sweet afternoons together, where I sat drawing while Paula and Ignacia were singing,” she told me. “For me they embody and reflect the modern day woman. I love them!” Meplon has also been influenced and inspired by her two friends individually. “lgnacia is so fearless and has so much to share. She inspires me a lot and that's maybe why a lot of my paintings end up looking like her! Paula is like my wise goddess girlfriend, strong and spreading such a positive message to the female community. She also writes wonderful poems. We need more Paulas in our world.”
https://youtu.be/cGi0tFQDt-M
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REGIONAL - JACÓ As pandemic restrictions continue easing throughout Costa Rica, Marjorie has found herself receiving new requests for murals and commissioned art, and for reigniting the Live Art shows alongside Ignacia. She has also taken time to update her website with new paintings. “I am looking forward to adding an online shop including some prints between $20 and $60, so people can buy artwork internationally at affordable prices.” For mural inquiries or more information, contact Marjorie Meplon: +506 6011 2841. Visit her website and on Instagram and Facebook.
Ignacia “Nacha” Tellez: artist, DJ Ignacia Tellez came to live in Costa Rica in February 2018, after completing studies in events direction and production in her hometown of Santiago de Chile. Her training and work experience as a DJ started in 2014 when her friends got involved in electronic music and club life. At the time, Ignacia was an audiovisual arts student at the National University of Arts of BSAS in Buenos Aires. Opportunities to attend many highcaliber shows in the Argentinean capital motivated her to study electronic music production. “At that time I had DJ teachers and artists who were nationally renowned, who inspired me a lot and shared their tasteful references, mainly in the genre of deep house music.” Having access to school equipment for improving her practice was an added advantage.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
After moving to Jacó, Tellez started spending a lot of time with her new creative and artistic friends. Enjoying afternoons together in one of their homes or at the beach, they would paint, sing, play guitar — you name it. They would sit for hours, chatting and sharing their passions. Performing at the 2018 Perfect Garabito Festival was an early turning point for Ignacia in Costa Rica, she recalled. “It was one of the first big shows in which I had the opportunity to participate.”
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The same year, she co-created the Live Art project with her then-boyfriend. After a few changes were made to the structure, Majorie Meplon was brought on board and from there, the project took on a whole new dimension. “We saw in Marjorie a great talent in drawing, and her elegant and French air was a perfect ingredient for the Live Art shows to succeed,” Tellez said, reflecting on the hundreds of such events held in 2018 and 2019. The creation of La Aldea, an outdoor electronic music event in Jacó, brought Live Art to a whole new level at the beginning of 2020. The idea took hold when the organizers managed to rent a privileged property on the way to Bijagual, alongside a river with the jungle as the backdrop. howlermag.com
Ignacia Tellez at Art Factory, a friend’s restaurant in Managua Nicaragua in August 2019 Photos courtesy of Ignacia Telez
“It’s the perfect spot in nature, with no neighbors to bother with the music and having direct contact with a river and the jungle,” Ignacia said. Although most of this activity came to a halt when Costa Rica’s pandemic control measures were implemented, the recent reopening of restaurants finds Tellez optimistic about renewed interest in the Live Art shows and other local DJ gigs. Otherwise, in the immediate future she is focusing on her greatest loves besides music — acting and the performing arts. ”I have had the happiness to act for more than 10 years in different films and commercials. Here in Costa Rica I appeared in a campaign for Banco Popular and Tropical. I will also be preparing a show for when I can perform again, in which
I can mix and use my voice at the same time — something I dreamed of years ago. We look forward to resuming activities with Live Art and La Aldea as soon as possible and coming back with more strength and dedication than ever!” Keep up with Ignacia Tellez and her latest projects on Instagram.
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Living Longer, Healthier & Happier — Recipes from Costa Rica Cookbook Captures Flavors and Pura Vida Lifestyle By David Karr Photos courtesy of Melissa Guzman
B
orn and raised in Costa Rica, Melissa Guzman has always had a passion for great food. Originally from a small, traditional farming town in the mountains of Cartago, she grew up with many traditional recipes that were shared together with friends and family. Melissa Guzman’s cookbook is sold online and throughout Costa Rica.
Working in the tourism business in Jacó Beach, Melissa would often have requests from foreigners asking her about local foods and some of her recipes. One day a traveler told her, “you should make a cookbook.”
WELLNESS FEATURE
A couple of years later, Guzman published Living Longer, Healthier & Happier - Recipes from Costa Rica, which has been one of the top selling cookbooks in the country. In addition to being a collection of traditional and modern Costa Rican recipes, the book showcases the healthier and happier pura vida lifestyle centered around Tico food and culture. While the recipes are one step towards improved well being, foodies also receive bonus tips for living longer, in a happy and healthy state. More ways to share
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But Melissa did not stop there. Over the past year, she has been offering private cooking classes in Jacó. She shares not only her recipes but their underlying stories, all while providing a full immersion into the culture of Costa Rica. howlermag.com
Melis
With tourism coming to a halt as an unfortunate pandemic outcome, one silver lining has been the increased time people have to spend on activities they enjoy at home, including cooking and learning new recipes. Like many others who have found ways to adapt their hard-hit livelihoods, Guzman has begun offering on-line cooking classes for those seeking to try authentic Costa Rican dishes. "These challenging times have been a wake-up call for a lot of us, showing us that there is not just one way to do things,” she said. “We can always change our path and learn to evolve. I heard about online cooking classes long before the quarantine, and I remember being very skeptical about it. Now that I have been doing it for a while, I can see that they work and that I can still connect to people and do what I love differently."
ssa teaching a live online cooking class.
‘I can still connect to people and do what I love differently.’
Escaping online for some Costa Rica culture might just be what many need right now. Learning to make some delicious ceviche might not hurt either! Learn more about Melissa's book, recipes and classes at recipesfromcostarica.com
Melissa sharing her recipes with friends and family.
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Jacó Impact at Home in La Casona Lodge
By Kate Hanley Photos courtesy of Yor Ureña
New Digs to Grow in New Directions
M COMMUNITY FEATURE
ost people know Yorgina Ureña in the Jacó community as the driving force behind Jacó Impact, the organization she started in 2018. It has been growing ever since. With graphic designer Jetty Bonilla on board, “Yor” has been forming alliances with various people and businesses. The common goal is to grow the community in different areas while meeting the needs of its members, as well as those in surrounding areas. Recently, Ureña found a home at La Casona Lodge, a simple yet well structured and spacious hostel close to the center of Jacó and the beach. Always on the go with new ideas and helping others expand their business, Yor now has seven pillars under the umbrella of Jacó Impact: Ambiente (Environment), Educacion (Education), Arte y Cultura (Art and Culture), Deporte (Sport), Bienestar (Well-being), Emprendimiento (Entrepreneurship) and the newest addition, Bienestar Animal (Animal Welfare).
All Jacó Impact graphic designs are tastefully and craftily provided by Jetty Maria Murillo Bonilla. 156
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We visited Yor on a day she was settling into her new digs for Jacó Impact at La Casona Lodge. With two volunteers on site and plans to paint the new place, she took the time to show us around. Here are some excerpts from our conversation. howlermag.com
How did you find the new headquarters for Jacó Impact? This space is a donation from La Casona Lodge, which has opened doors for me to be able to create the first Center of Operations for Jacó Impact. We have been open already for a week and are happy to see how the community is showing its support with all types of donations. How do you plan to use the new space? We are going to use it as an office as well as a place where people can go to donate things they don’t need (including clothing, furniture, appliances and groceries). The donations will find new life with families at social risk who need the items. Your new campaign for reusable feminine pads has gotten a lot of attention. Describe how the idea originated and how these pads are made. When we were donating food during the beginning of the pandemic, many women asked specifically for feminine products. These are expensive and something that most women need on a monthly basis. That is when the idea occurred to me that we could make pads from fabric in a way that could be washed correctly and used again.
The material inside is from recycled tee shirts and has an insulating fabric that does not allow liquid to pass through. They come in packs of three or four with instructions on how to wash and dry properly. The insulated liner and snaps are the only parts that need to be bought to make the pads. My mom, who has her own business Eco-Gi, is in charge of making the products. What inspired you to add Bienestar Animal as a pillar of Jacó Impact? This pillar originated last December because we heard so many reports of lost or abandoned animals, specifically dogs and cats. We decided to share flyers with the community asking for help. The community is always asking for support to find homes for abandoned animals. We receive donations to help these animals get neutered and provide food for them, in addition to finding them homes. So far we are experiencing success with posting the flyers through social media. You recently started making eco-blocks as one of your recycling projects. What are these? Eco-blocks are basically made from empty 2-liter plastic soft drink bottles. You fill them with pieces of discarded wrappers and other small nonrecyclable items that normally you would throw away. You keep filling up the bottle using a long stick pushing the trash down to keep it compact. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 157
REGIONAL - JACÓ When the bottle is filled, it’s ready to be used for all sorts of things. Google eco-blocks and you will find many uses. I saw a picture of a doghouse made with the reusable bottles. In the future we hope to do a workshop to teach the community how they can recycle this way right in their homes.
Want to help or donate?
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ontact Yor Ureña at WhatsApp: 8438-4327 to coordinate donations of money, food, furniture, electronics and many other things that you no longer need. She is also working with Rutas de Esperanza and the Jacó Civic Center for Peace to collect donations of laptops that can be used for school children who need them.
Read more in the Howler article Jacó Impact: Making Waves in Ways That Matter
COMMUNITY FEATURE
‘We are happy to see how the community is showing its support with all types of donations.’
Pictured with Yorgina Ureña (far left) outside the newly opened Jacó Impact operations center are volunteers Catherine Bobiash (second from left) and Tania Guevara (far right). Both assist with the campaign to make eco-friendly feminine products available to local women. 158
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The Pollito Project Helping in Sustainable Ways By David Karr Photos courtesy of Pollito Project
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Organized and led by the Pura Vida Church in Esterillos, the Chicken Project is making a tremendous impact. Addressing the hard economic times that many families have been undergoing because of the pandemic lockdown, the church is supplying them with chicks and laying hens.
COMMUNITY FEATURE
here are many ways to help those in need, but there is something special about projects that help those in a sustainable way. The Chicken Project (Pollito Project) does just that, by helping create a sustainable food source for families in the Central Pacific.
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What began in May as a small project with over 300 recipient families has quickly expanded. To date, more than 5,000 chicks and 1,400 laying hens have been helping nearly 1,000 families attain sustainable food sources. This initial success has made it possible
to secure additional sponsors and expand the program’s reach. Relief is now available for families in the neighboring communities of Quepos and Garabito, where the economic downturn caused by COVID-19 has been severe. Related mental health concerns With much of the economy being tied to tourism, Esterillos and the rest of the Central Pacific region have been hard hit, with many losing their jobs and businesses. Besides providing families with a sustainable food source, the Pollito Project has helped many cope with related stress and mental health issues throughout this challenging time. Through the efforts of Pura Vida Church members, along with volunteers and sponsors from the community, countless people in the region are benefiting from the program’s success. If you would like to get involved or help support the project, please visit the church on Facebook here. You can also follow the Polito Project on Instagram and read more in this Jacó Times article dated May 31, 2020.
This initial success has made it possible to secure additional sponsors and expand the program’s reach. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 161
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Pachamama Indoor Farming Culture Helping You Grow Your Own at Home
H
ola! We are Pachamama Indoor Farming Culture!
We know that in the post-COVID world, we are all looking to keep our body and mind healthy. As we go back into more restrictive social distancing, it is more important than ever to be able to grow what you need from home. We carry the largest online catalog in Central America for all your plant needs! All of our products are here in Costa Rica, so there is no waiting, no extra shipping companies and no import duties. Online orders are one way we are helping our customers get what they need without coming to the store. We are also offering in-store pick up at our Santa Ana location when you place your order online. Our expert team is ready to assist you in the adventure of growing your own products. We know not everyone has a green thumb. Lucky for you, we have the knowledge and products to make it so easy, even serial plant killers will start having amazing results. Zero contact is no problem for us! Message us on Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp (see store location numbers on Facebook).
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Gardening is a unique experience. It is all at once stimulating, relaxing and fulfilling. We have so many amazing products to help even the most inexperienced growers see professional yields from their love and hard work. High-quality soil from our top seller, Roots Organics — premixed high-yielding substrates bagged in a special plastic — allows you to grow straight in the bag. Nutrient kits, from a variety of premium brands like Technaflora and Canna, come complete with all the products you need for professional results. You also get handy instructions that teach you exactly how and when to give them to your plants. Test to see which is your favorite. Lighting kits have everything you need to set up a light source for indoor gardens. Take the guesswork out of lighting your plants. Hydro kits are perfect for anyone thinking about getting into hydroponic growing but not sure how to do it yet. They have everything you need plus setup instructions. Not just for beginners, this bucket system is an easy way to scale your garden.
LIFESTYLE FEATURE
No matter what size or kind of garden you create, and no matter what your skill level, from beginner to commercial, Pachamama Indoor Farming Culture is here for you. Stay healthy. Stay safe. Stay green.
We know not everyone has a green thumb. 162
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What Happened With the Small Language Tourism Business In Costa Rica? Academia Tica Meeting the Challenge
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osta Rica’s tourism industry has many — and perhaps the hardest — challenges ahead, and each sub-sector must cope in a different way. After four months in pandemic mode, the classrooms are empty at Academia Tica Spanish School’s two locations, but there is much learning going on. The small company is one of Costa Rica’s first Spanish language schools, and one of the few dedicated solely to teaching Spanish (as opposed to many languages) and providing meaningful travel learning experiences. Academia Tica is also one of the few dedicated exclusively to face-to-face classes before the pandemic. This represented a huge challenge when the international borders closed back in March.
to learn a language when these bans are lifted. With the industry as a whole betting on local tourism as a lifeline while international travel picks up again, this does not help schools.
One day, suddenly, online became the only option, says Manuel Al-Ghassani, Director.
Apart from offering online lessons, the school started a free “Conversation Club” to keep in touch with students. A small vegetable garden is underway for the staff to share harvested produce, all achieved with existing resources including the school’s own compost. A teacher training program with international speakers is planned, and online resources for students being designed. “A school is 99% about the people: the staff and the students,” says María Alejandra Sarmiento, Administrative Director. “This is why we have kept everyone from both campuses on the payroll. For us, it wouldn’t be possible to keep a company like ours going if our staff is not taken care of financially, healthy and keeping busy.”
“We had a couple of crazy souls staying with us for the first months and some students chose to finish their course online.” Although studying language in Costa Rica has been popular for decades, having to move all education online virtually overnight was daunting. “We hit the ground running, and it was amazing to see our teachers rising up to the challenge,” Al-Ghassani says. “We have had an amazing response, mostly from our exstudents, which really makes us feel that they trust us.” In this case, the school opted for private tutoring, which makes sense given its methods are geared towards practical skills.
EDUCATION FEATURE
Uncertainty ahead Language schools everywhere can expect good and bad outcomes ahead for their business model. For most of them, the ability to maintain classes online is a huge benefit compared to other tourism businesses like hotels or restaurants, especially during strict lockdown. However, these schools work almost exclusively with foreign students, who are restricted by travel bans. It remains uncertain how many students will resume travel 164
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What to do then? Academia Tica is counting on “keeping the pura vida flowing” and making use of the most abundant resource nowadays — time.
In the meantime comes the long odyssey of finding public and private bank financing, as well as structure while navigating the changing government restriction schemes. The next challenge will come when Costa Rica allows international travel again in August, with conditions remaining to be seen.
These schools work almost exclusively with foreign students, who are restricted by travel bans. howlermag.com
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Hello, I’’m Atenas
By Mary Martin Mason
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ack in the pre-COVID-19 days, I often took taxis in San José when I went to the symphony or to restaurants. The taxista would invariably ask me where I lived. As soon as I said Atenas, the response was, “Ah, el major clima del mundo.”
The label is attributed to a National Geographic article that never existed.
URBAN TOURISM
The San Rafael Archangel Cat
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“Atenas: best climate in the world” is proclaimed by realtors, on buses and in restaurant windows throughout the Central Valley. The label is attributed to a National Geographic article that never existed. In 2016, I researched the subject for the publication Atenas Today. It turns out that a marketing committee formed over 30 years ago, led by Costa Rica’s National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR) and the Department of Marketing, created a promotional campaign to highlight the uniqueness of various communities. While the idea was discussed to assign slogans to each province or region, ultimately it was the local residents who decided what to call themselves. The result was that Heredia became The City of Flowers, Puntarenas The Pearl of the Pacific, San Ramón The City of Poets, Grecia The Cleanest City, Alajuela The City of Mangoes and Palmares The Place to Make Friends. Best Climate in the World became the catchphrase for Atenas.
Healthy attraction Older Costa Ricans report that as far back as pre-World War II, foreigners and nationals began to visit Atenas to experience a climate that reputedly could remedy heart conditions, asthma and other health ailments. Eventually, the citizens saw commercial opportunities in accommodating a growing number of visitors wanting to escape harsh winters. Atenas particularly appealed to retired persons who were welcomed by the town. A reverence for elders created and sustains the local facility for the aged, Hogar de Ancianos. That regard for pensioned persons is transferred to the many retirees who now call Atenas home. Despite its reputation for having perfect yearround weather, Atenas can get muggy. Through the years, climate change and deforestation have raised temperatures that typically hover between 68 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. The center of town is noticeably hotter than the gated communities that perch in upper elevations.
tholic Church, erected 1919. A local family enjoys the traditional ride in an oxen pulled cart.
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REGIONAL - ATENAS Today, approximately 27,000 live in Atenas and the surrounding barrios, with an estimated 8 to 10% being international visitors including Nicaraguans. The high season, November to late April, brings in about 1,000 part time folks, some who return yearly. Location, location, location is a prime reason that expats are attracted to Atenas. Juan Santamaria International Airport is a quick halfhour jaunt, San José less than an hour by bus, and the Pacific beach town Jacó a little over an hour away by car. Several legends exist as to how Atenas got its name. Some believe the town was named by José Rafael de Gallegos y Alvarado, a reluctant president of Costa Rica between 1833 and 1853, who preferred teaching school to governing. Another story is that when a group petitioned President Alvarado to become a town, they picked a name that would reflect his love of classical culture. Either way, a town named Atenas (Athens) and its neighbor Grecia (Greece) are in close proximity to one another.
URBAN TOURISM
Long before Atenas was founded, drivers and their teams of oxen transporting coffee and other products to the Caribbean and Pacific ports needed a rest stop. Sesteos, a prototype of Airbnb, began to be built. Eventually, houses, a school and San Rafael Archangel Catholic Church were erected.
Oxcart legacy Costa Rica is synonymous with the country’s artistic oxcarts, each uniquely serving as a family crest for the individual oxcart drivers (boyeros). Each April, the Atenas Oxcart Drivers Association (Asociacion Cuna del Boyero Ateniense) organizes a weekend-long Oxcart Parade and Atenas Climate Fair, sponsored by the Municipality of Atenas and the Atenas Chamber of Tourism and Commerce (CATUCA). Traditions and culture are celebrated with teams of oxen arriving from around the country, leading colorful carts in a parade. Families including grandparents and grandchildren proudly ride in the carts. An announcer in the town square provides the history of each oxcart, and various prizes are awarded. The boyero monument, a kilometer east of central Atenas, immortalizes the town’s historic connection to the oxcart. The revered sculptor, Manuel Torrecillas Lopez or “Manolo” as he was known locally, died recently. Many gates and fences around town, as well as various statues, display his handiwork. The chandeliers hanging in San Rafael Archangel Catholic Church were his design, finished by a protégé when Lopez took ill.
The important Costa Rica tradition of the oxcart driver is celebrated each year in Atenas. The event culminates a month of cultural events in the charming Costa Rica coffee town. 170
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Community spirit The foreigners living in Atenas represent a microcosm of the politics and demographics from their respective countries, sometimes dividing and creating tension. With the closing of the Costa Rican borders as a pandemic measure, both gringos and Ticos are isolating themselves, but here in Atenas, they are not alone.
Atenas, collectively, is showing its community spirit. Locals check on their neighbors and offer medicine or grocery delivery. The supermercado, Cooperatenas, designates early hours for seniors, assuring that social distancing is enforced. Various expat groups are meeting virtually for activities such as yoga, tai chi and medication, as well as the Buddhist Book Club and the Atenas Book Club. Blogs are updated daily with the latest health statistics in Atenas and throughout Costa Rica. Readers are encouraged to remain home and practice sanitary measures. Perhaps in the pandemic, the best characteristic of Atenas is emerging. We are a caring community. Read more in the Howler article Atenas: The Best of Both Worlds
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All Roads Lead Author to Atenas From Foreign Friends to Flushing Habits, Topics are Endless By Howler Staff
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ary Martin Mason was born under a nomadic star, leading her to grow up with several families, to cross many borders, and ultimately, to retire in Costa Rica. Residing there in the small mountain town of Atenas, she delights in letting each day unfold into a variety of adventures and misadventures. As a contributing writer for the Mango Musings blog, Mason regularly reflects about her experiences as a long-term guest in a foreign land. A sample musing, “Wiping Off and Out in Central America,” appears after this article. Some days she feels that at long last she has found sanctuary, but at other times, she finds the experience to be as turbulent as a violent chop on an ocean voyage.
ATENAS BOOKSHELF
Mason’s recently released ebook, Casa de Doloros pays homage to Costa Rica as a host country that wryly welcomes expats like herself. The author’s previously published books are The Miracle Seekers, Designing Rituals in Adoption, and Out of the Shadows: Birthfathers’ Stories. She was an award-winning columnist for The Southwest Journal in Minneapolis.Before retiring, Mason served as the Executive Director of MN ADOPT, a non-profit organization with the mission of finding homes for Minnesota foster children. She was also formerly a high school English teacher in Houston, Japan and Minnesota.
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Casa de Doloros Casa de Doloros is set in a fictitious town in Costa Rica. The characters and plot are also completely fictional, although inspired by a host of personalities who have counterintuitively chosen to retire and reinvent themselves in a foreign land. The story centers around a cast of expats living in a cluster of run-down apartments called Casa de Doloros, named for the voluptuous owner. Doloros has had myriad husbands of various nationalities, all of whom have added to the construction and upkeep of her modest empire. Her current love is a Venezuelan, who Doloros follows back to his homeland besieged by revolution. She leaves her business in the hands of some of the occupants, but while she's away, another coup percolates at home to take control of her beloved Casa de Doloros.
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Here’s what local readers are saying about Casa de Doloros: This clever and entertaining read will take you to an imaginary town in Central America that you suspect exists outside the mind of the author. A tour of fantasy, reality with a pinch of snark. Totally enjoyable! — Jodie Cook Interested in taking a trip to magical Costa Rica without a passport? Ever thought about or dreamed of moving to Costa Rica? Here's your chance to read a deftly witty, very irreverent, and delightfully fun tale about the strange sorts of folks who move to this colorful land. Casa de Doloros by Mary Mason poignantly captures the immigration craze of international expats like herself to the very popular Central American nation of Costa Rica. Add in a splash of Venezuelan revolution and a dash of magical realism and you have a story that will captivate you from cover to cover. — Shannon Farley
Some days she feels that at long last she has found sanctuary. HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 173
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Wiping Off and Out in Central America — by Mary Martin Mason from Mango Musings
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panning the globe, toilet facilities and customs vary widely. What would seem to be a simple bodily function is elevated to high tech in Japan where toilets can resemble an airplane cockpit. African countries may offer a hole in the ground, and, as I once experienced, include an audience of curious Masai. Many in India rely on a bucket and water. Legions of people on the planet purposefully never eat with their wiping hand.
ATENAS WRITER SPOTLIGHT
If I had written this blog during the Victorian era, I could not have mentioned “toilet paper.” The Chinese are credited with the invention in the 6th Century A.D. Eons would pass before T.P. was mass produced, first offered in rolls by the Scott Paper Company. Until then, around the world, folks relied on hay, wool, clay, or whatever was handy including corn cobs. Before indoor plumbing, pages from Sears and Roebuck catalogues had to suffice. Today, brands vie for the softest, the most ecological sound, and the most hygienic. In most of Africa, parts of Asia, and all of South and Central America, Hamlet would have amended his famous “to be or not to be” to “flush or not to flush.” Except in exclusive hotels and gated communities, one cannot or should not flush toilet paper down the toilet. The reason is that pipes are small, and cleaning out a septic tank can be expensive. Signs, typically in both Spanish and English, announce this in public bathrooms, usually above a trash can that is provided. 174
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Back in the United States, Charmin estimates that each person uses on average 57 sheets of toilet paper a day. That is a lot of profit for this conglomerate, and it’s a lot of T.P. finding itself into Middle Earth. No matter where one lives, the infrastructure must accommodate whatever goes down the pipes. Before I moved to Costa Rica, in the suburb of Minneapolis where I lived, the water coming out of the tap turned brown and tests showed contamination. Cameras sent down the aging sewer system showed incredible rust build-up in the century-old pipes. My neighbors and I had to testify at our local city hall before any measures were taken to install new plumbing. Living in Costa Rica requires getting into the habit of tossing instead of flushing. At the risk of being indelicate, there is an etiquette of discarding any shall we say discolored sheets down the toilet, and putting the rest in the trash. After a while, this became automatic for me, but not all react in the same way. howlermag.com
I have friends so repulsed that they purposely moved to communities where this is not required. Some public bathrooms in San José require payment, perhaps 100 colones, to use the facility. In return, you get a wad of toilet paper, sometimes more than Charmin’s daily allotment of 57 sheets. The attendant cordially hands you the wad as if you’d won the lottery. In many of these facilities, the toilet appears to date back to Costa Rica’s independence (1821). I recommend you close your eyes, hold your nose, and quickly accomplish your mission. Meanwhile, back in countries where one does not have to be bothered with all of the above, an argument ensues about which way to hang the toilet paper. There is actually a YouTube video (click below) with scientific proof that the “over” rather than “under” method is the most hygienic. A recent trip to Argentina (a country that imagines itself to be European) provided an introduction to the bidet. In French, bidet means pony, evoking an image of how you use the damned thing. Some research revealed it has multi purposes including foot washing and bathing babies. While I pride myself to adjusting to Costa Rican toilet practices, the bidet is outside my comfort zone. I’m just fine with tossing the T.P. in the wastebasket.
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Bula Bula : Your Perfect Escape Plan by Jonathan Hiltz
Bula Bula means happy-happy, but the word bula can also mean hello or goodbye.
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f you find yourself traveling to Guanacaste for the first or maybe the tenth time, you’ll note the incredible number of restaurants and other eateries that exist. Food is so prevalent in the Tamarindo/Playa Grande vicinity that travelers could spend most of their vacation dining their way through the area. Having said that, not all restaurants or dining experiences are created equal. One of them that stands out above the rest is The Great Waltini’s, inside Hotel Bula Bula in Playa Grande. A unique aspect of this restaurant, if you are coming from the Tamarindo area, is that restaurant-goers can take a boat across the wildlife-abundant estuary to get to Hotel Bula Bula. This awesome ride almost acts as its own appetizer for the fabulous food that awaits when you reach the shores of the hotel. The menu itself in The Great Waltini’s is described as a “fusion of the Americas,” melding California fresh with Gulf Coast cajun and New England seafood. From St. Louis style pork ribs to Annie’s salad with a fusion of blackened chicken
breast, avocados, veggies and some of the freshest salad greens you can find, the menu is packed full of flavors. The flavors don’t stop there. By far, The Great Waltini’s is worth the trip just for the housemade desserts, the best we’ve ever had in Costa Rica. The true escape comes with some of The Great Waltini’s most amazing treats that most restaurants don’t offer. One of the best times to visit is Monday night, for the all-you-care-to-eat Mexican buffet. For $15 you get a wonderful array of delicious Mexican dishes, as well as happy hour prices on the bartender’s spectacular margaritas. The same goes for Wednesday night’s all-youcare-to-eat Italian buffet, loaded up with carbs and finished off with those amazing desserts. This is no place to count calories; instead it is about escaping and enjoying the views, trip and dining experience. Another special treat that this hideaway offers is that restaurant guests can come any day and enjoy the refreshing pool and amenities. Come for lunch and stay for the whole day! Are you looking for a longer-term escape plan?
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FOR SALE
“Bula Bula” is Fijian and actually has a few different meanings. In the case of this resort, Bula Bula means “happy-happy,” but the word “bula” can also mean hello or goodbye. This is apt for Hotel Bula Bula at this time, because the current owners are saying goodbye by putting this remarkable piece of paradise on the market for sale. “It’s a definite life experience,” said Wally Beck, owner and operator. Beck is one of the original owners of the hotel and restaurant and has been running it successfully for the last 18 years. When asked what originally drew him to the Guanacaste region and Playa Grande in general, he simply said it was “the vibe.” Getting out of the rat race is the one constant that seemingly drives people’s decision to become an expat: removing oneself from the day-to-day minutiae of commuting to the same place, working many hours and then returning home only to do it again the next day. While there are those who enjoy that existence, some of us believe that life is simply too short. If you are reading this and think you’re one of the latter, there’s a reason that Costa Rica is first on so many expat lists. Beck and many like him are all-toofamiliar with the trepidation and fear that can be related to drastically changing one’s life and taking a leap of faith to do something different. “You just gotta cut the string,” he said, meaning of course that
My wife and I enjoying some of the colorful Bula Bula tales from owner WallyfBeck. #s earch indh owl
despite the unknown, it’s worth it to forge ahead anyway. “I’m still enjoying life, loving Costa Rica,” he said. Beck went on to add that Playa Grande, where the property is located, is a gated community in between two national parks, Las Baulas and Tamarindo Estero. One of the great benefits of buying into the country of Costa Rica through an opportunity like Bula Bula is it would allow the new owner to apply for residency. This privilege comes with great dividends, including not having to leave the country every 90 days, which is part of Costa Rica’s immigration and tourism policy. If you are looking to take advantage of the Hotel Bula Bula opportunity, Beck says it would best be suited to someone with restaurant and hotel experience. Nevertheless, he is willing to stay on temporarily in order to ensure a smooth transition and to train the new owner so they can continue running the tight ship that has been sailing along for 18 years. If you are simply a traveler and want to enjoy a fabulous meal and what is widely considered to be the best margaritas around, The Great Waltini’s in Hotel Bula Bula is waiting for you. After a few drinks, you just might gain the confidence to come and live with the rest of us expats.
See you soon. Photos: Richie Velasquez
Live your Dream Bula Bula,
the profitable hotel, restaurant and bar is for sale. 10 Rooms
(king size beds)
4 rooms connect for families
128 seat restaurant 18 seat bar After 18 years, it's time for the current owners to move onto their next adventure. Priced to move at $1,100,000
Contact: Wally Beck 8863-0477 wally@hotelbulablula.com (Tell Wally you saw it in the Howler)
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