25th Anniversary Edition-Costa Rica Howler Magazine - May 2021

MAY 2021

I NTERNATION A L

C o s ta Ri c a T O T HE WOR L D

since 1996

Timeline: Celebrating our 25 years How well do you know Costa Rica landscapes? ...more!

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EDITORIAL

What were n i g n i o d you 1996?

WOW – 25 YEARS!

I

am proud to announce that the Howler has achieved the milestone of 25 years of publishing. This has been quite a journey, as David Mills will tell you. And after my purchase of the magazine in 2016 and carrying the torch he lit, I can certainly relate as a part of this journey.

In the words of Robert August, “The Howler has always been a great part of our community.”

The history of the Howler is deep, and it has been a staple in the community over this time period. As it grew from its inception as a fourpage copy paper edition to its current state, the publication has covered so many things in Costa Rica and the communities it serves.

David Mills started it all in 1996, seeing the need for a Tamarindo-based community publication. He knew how important it was to have something that telegraphs all the interesting things surrounding the people who live and do business in this vibrant place. A publication with that kind of people-centered content is literally a backbone of a community.

Having that voice and being that voice is part of what makes a community. Publishers around the world have always known this, and created publications within their surroundings.

But for Howler’s story to still be unfolding after 25 years is what makes it special. Many publications in Tamarindo have come and gone over the years. It certainly is not easy to create this production every month, but it is a labor of love. The creation and work that goes into this is monumental. I know how important it is to be able to express what Costa Rica is all about.

To be a part of bringing people from other places around the world to our reality, virtually, and allowing them to plan their travels here is so rewarding! Costa Rica is on many people’s bucket list.

I am often stopped by people who tell me they have every one of the past Howler issues.

You cannot believe how happy that makes me, knowing that the printed product has been kept by our readers and not thrown away.

Starting a year ago with the May 2020 e-magazine, we have taken the Howler to a digital platform. The response from outside our borders has been tremendous. The reach we have is growing, and showing the world through our articles and the video content the rich details and nuances of what Costa Rica offers. It is so important that we remain relevant and continue inviting and encouraging people to visit here, as many other countries are vying for the tourist dollars.

Every month I get email, texts and calls from readers telling me how much they enjoy the Howler. I receive requests from around the world for more information, and also help with issues relating to living or traveling in Costa Rica. Our reach to the world is broad, and It is much easier for me to list the countries that don’t engage with us than the multitude that do. I look at our reach map and even see readers in Latvia, Moldova, Monaco, Dubai, Madagascar and more, extending to every continent.

In 2020 and 2021 we launched a regional print edition of Howler for Jacó and also Guanacaste. These are more community-based publications and regionally delivered. They have been well received. Even though these are smaller versions of the 100-page magazine we published in the past, they are growing and people are keeping copies.

I want to take a moment and thank those who have supported Howler and continue to support us. I have had clients let me know that they are in with us, always, because they realise how important it is to have the magazine’s continued presence in our community. And yes … to Robert August’s statement — it is a part of the community.

The Howler is grown up.

The Howler itself will remain a digital publication, and as you can see the title line has changed to HOWLER INTERNATIONAL Costa Rica to the World.

Our list of publications is growing.

• The quarterly Spanish edition is developing a great following. We found that it was important to include the whole country of readers in the community Howler is part of.

• Launch of our digital version is bringing articles to life in narrated and video publications.

• Private magazines for hotels and real estate businesses have been well received. This is a great opportunity for them to have their own publication and engage their clients in a new way.

• Coming soon — HOWLER TV. I will not reveal any more about this right now.

But be assured it is something that will be very exciting!

I am very grateful to my associates who are so dedicated to their work. Also a big thank you to the multitude of writers and photographers over the years who have contributed wonderful articles and photos that are the backbone of the Howler.

I want to thank the Jacó and Guanacaste communities for their support. We exist because of our supporters and those who realize that a voice like this is important. It’s something that puts us in the eyes of the world and draws them to us.

Thank you for your continued support!

Here’s to the next 25 years.

• The regional Jacó and Guanacaste magazines that are currently in print are the offsprings of the Howler.

• Our expansion in the next few months will add regionals in the Arenal, South Pacific, Central Valley and the Caribbean areas.

John B. Quam

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H

appy anniversary Howler! This month’s e-magazine finds us celebrating with a silver-themed journey down memory lane. Join us in a retrospective look back from May1996, when founding publisher David Mills believed Tamarindo was ready for the communityfocused publication he had in mind. His instincts were soon proved correct, and then some. We hope you enjoy this fun blast from the past as much as we did putting it together.

With the monikers Tamarindo and Robert August being practically synonymous, we decided the timing was also right to revisit the story of how that came to be. Tamarindo is also this month’s Surf Spot, to round out our Surfing CR section.

Howler’s ACE section takes you much further back in history to the pre-Columbian legacy of Chorotega pottery, and the artisans of Guaitil who keep it alive. A decidedly more modern artistic spotlight shines on Höwler — no relation to monkeys or this magazine, but rather a band we think unfamiliar readers will want to hear more about.

More discoveries await in Travel & Adventure, including a featured adventure about a global adventurer, Gyrocopter Girl, who found herself captivated by Costa Rica while soaring above its magnificent landscapes. And speaking of landscapes, you can test your own knowledge of 11 different panoramic vistas in a photographic quiz designed for that very purpose. Learn more about the rarely seen rufous-vented ground cuckoo, introduced in last month’s Howler story about its celebrity-status sighting at a remote Pocosol forest station.

Entangled in Costa Rica tells the story within a story of a unique collaboration between media production and ocean conservation specialists, The Vegan Pirates and Innoceana. Together they recently chronicled the rescue of two humpback whales caught in a deadly tangle of fishing lines near Isla del Caño. The resulting documentary short film, already chosen for film festival screenings in San Francisco and New York, aims to raise awareness about this serious global threat to vulnerable marine creatures.

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

Uta Sax and Hannes Klein, also known by their respective “pirate” names, Pipa and Coco, are excited to share with Howler readers the backstory of Entangled in Costa Rica, the documentary they co-produced as a joint project of The Vegan Pirates and Innoceana. From owning a media production company in Salzburg, Austria, and “working way too much,” Uta and Hannes took a huge step into the unknown and relocated to Costa Rica. Here, without a single regret about that big move, they are building their finca in the jungle and further embracing a way of life inspired by their decision to go vegan several years ago. This finds the couple becoming ever-more educated about permaculture towards the goal of growing their own trees and fruits, vegetables and herbs.

HOWLER

May 2021 Vol. 30 No. 5 PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam C r e at i v e & a r t Terry Carlile Mike Shannon

Pictured with Sookie and Jackson on their favorite beach at Playa Tortuga, Ojochal, Pipa and Coco invite you to visit them at www.theveganpirates.com www.facebook.com/ theveganpirates and www instagram com/theveganpirates Photo - Uta and Hannes

m a r k e t i n g d i r e c t o r - Terry Carlile account executives Kelly Norris Mary Fernández

E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator Laurie Quam - Copy Editor G r a p h i c D e s i g n - Terry Carlile

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

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

Joanna Blanco. Integrative nutritional health coach who helps clients embrace wellness in five interconnected areas of life: relationships, livelihood, physical activity, spiritual awareness and diet.

Terry Carlile. Served as a U.S. Navy journalist for eight years, and is also a workshop trainer and keynote speaker.

Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys, specializing in real estate and corporate law. igranados@ gmattorneyscr.com Marian Paniagua. Certified nurse and yoga Instructor, and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste. 8914-0199. marianpaniagua@gmail.com Rick Philps. Canadian who practiced law in Victoria, BC before moving to Costa Rica in 1998. He has practiced law here for 17 years, having continued his education in civil law and notary and registry law. Offers legal due diligence seminars and consultations in the Gold Coast area for expats moving, or considering moving to Costa Rica. Contact rick@costaricacanadalaw.com or visit www. costaricacanadalaw.com Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima. com

Read all current and past articles online howlermag.com #S earch F ind Howl

Business Development John D. Lane. jdlanelcm@gmail.com H OW L E R ( ™ ) 2 0 1 7

C o n ta c t

John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: ads@howlermag.com Design: design@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 Howler Magazine Costa Rica @howlercostarica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests write to: info@howlermag.com.

The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements.

Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

Copyright © 2021 The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Copyright © 2021 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 HOWLER (TM)2017

UP FRONT

COVER STORY

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

SURFING CR

FEATURED ADVENTURE

AUGUST ODSSEYS

COSTA RICA CAPTIVATES GYROCOPTER GIRL

ONCE UPON A SURF EXPO SURF SPOT

PLAYA TAMARINDO COOL PLACES QUIZ

HOW WELL DEO YOU KNOW COSTA RICA? CREATURE ECO-FEATURE

ENTANGLED IN COSTA RICA

TIDE CHART

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT CULTURAL HERITAGE

GUATIL: THE REAL DEAL CREATURE FEATURE

RUFOUS-VENTED GROUNDCUCKOO

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

WHAT IS HÖWLER?

PURA VIDA/LIVING CR FEATURE

TRADING PARADISES YOGA WISDOM

USTRASANA CR BIZ REAL ESTATE 101

HOA LAW IN COSTA RICA LEGALEASE

BUYING REAL ESTATE IN COSTA RICA: THE BASICS ENTREPRENEUR CR

BE ONE STEP AHEAD

NEW!

COVER STORY

UP FRONT

A Quarter Century of Taking Costa Rica to the

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF PUBLISHING

World

By Howler Staff

L

ike the monkeys in nearby treetops overhead where their namesake magazine was born and grew up, Howler has a voice that’s impossible to ignore and has never seemed to generate much complaining. And the fact that it hasn’t gone away or faded after 25 years speaks volumes about its enduring success. As highlighted in this issue’s celebratory editorial, the reverberating impact is louder, deeper and wider than ever.

In the early years, just as the unimposing stature of howler monkeys belies their astonishing vocal capacity, it might have been easy to underestimate the fledgling publication’s potential for speaking up, being heard and reaching out to ever-expanding circles of loyal readers and supporters. But it did not take long for this to happen as Howler had no difficulty fitting in, finding its groove and feeling right at home in Tamarindo. That’s where it all started in May 1996 as the brainchild of founding publisher David Mills. And as the adopted offspring of a spirited beach town that was basking in newfound popularity while rushing headlong into its own adolescent growth spurts, Howler had plenty to be exuberant about while growing up.

See for yourself what was going on in Howler’s midst over the past quarter-century, and in the wider world of Costa Rica and beyond. For this anniversary journey, we’ve selected all of the May issues and listed a few highlights below each cover image.

Keep in mind that other publications have come and gone during the same time period, while Howler has kept on getting bigger and better.

Hope you enjoy our blast from the past!

UP FRONT

COVER STORY

World Events

Howler Topics

1996

1997

1998

• ICE installs hundreds of new phone lines in Tamarindo, eliminating daily lineups for limited public phone access.

• Asociación Pro Mejoras de Playa Tamarindo inaugural town meeting agenda: Loose horses; maximum 9 bus tickets daily to San José not enough; proposed sewage treatment plants— Hotel Diria, later for town; Villareal - Tamarindo road to start June 1 — 50 million to pave, may include cobblestones, speedbumps, sidewalks.

• Tamarindo Macintosh user group created.

• Both public telephones in Tamarindo converted for prepaid card use only (200 or 400), not calling cards or coins.

• For sale: Wooded lots between Villareal and Hernandez, with electricity and guaranteed water — from $8,000.

• Guatemala’s leftist guerrillas sign key accord ending 35 years of civil war • South Africa’s.

Constitutional Assembly adopts permanent postapartheid constituion.

• Valujet DC-9 crashes in Miami.

• Venezuelan Alicia Machado crowned 45th Miss Universe.

• Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery” released.

• Married with Children final episode on Fox TV. • Military coup in Sierra Leone replaces president.

• First all female team reaches the North Pole.

• Russian President Boris Yeltsin signs treaty with NATO.

Nearing closer to the quarter-century milestone is no small longevity feat anywhere, especially in Costa Rica where businesses can rise and fail in a very short time.

And If that is still a reality for many entrepreneurs here nowadays, try to imagine the obstacles they would have faced barely a century ago when Guanacaste remained a barely pioneered new frontier. Dave Mills READ MORE

• Unabomber gets four life sentences.

• Mercedes-Benz buys Chrysler for $40 billion.

• Seinfeld’s final episode airs on NBC. • Monica Lewinsky scandal: federal judge rules Secret Service agents can testify.

• Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits northern Afghanistan, killing up to 5,000.

1999

• Howler’s 3rd anniversary: from 8-pager with no ads to current 28 pages with second color, photos and ads, serving much of Guanacaste from Liberia to beaches.

• For sale: Golf and country club condos — $5,650 $13,900. 16-ft. Hobie Cat with trailer — $1,500.

Blue plate specials at Las Brisas — 1,000. 1996 Hyundai Mighty 2.5 ton turbo diesel truck — $15,575.

• Animated series SpongeBob SquarePants debuts on Nickelodeon • John Elway announces retirement from NFL • Oklahoma City slammed

by F5 tornado killing 42 people • Star Wars: Episode 1 The Phantom Menance released.

2000

2001

• Country Day School opens in Playa Flamingo • Playa Grande news: Healthy return of turtle population for nesting season, record number of tours at Las Baulas Marine National Park; Pura Vida Supermarket opens.

• Appeal to form lifeguard association, noting 12 people were recently rescued from Tamarindo rip currents within 14-day span.

• Howler’s 5th anniversary: 36 pages, full-color covers and some color inside, expanded content variety.

• Mobile library buses pilot project to bring national and international literature to rural areas of Costa Rica where books are not available.

• Oneida Children’s Park to be dedicated in memory of baby who died in recent accident • Efforts to set up Tamarindo surf federation to sponsor local kids for international competitions.

• Gladiator premieres • Barry Bonds is first MLB player to hit a homer into San Francisco Bay. • Sport of geocaching begins • Conjunction of sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Moon.

• India’s population reaches 1 billion.

• John Paul II becomes first pope to enter a mosque • DreamWorks “Shrek” debuts.

• 15-year-old Sherpa Temba Tsheri becomes youngest person to climb Mount Everest.

• Marco Siffredi becomes first person to snowboard down Mount Everest.

UP FRONT

COVER STORY

World Events

Howler Topics

2002

• Road to Tamarindo surfaced ... almost. Built up and finished with thin tar coat in time for Semana Santa, but now awaiting asphalt and already potholed.

• For sale: Motorcycle — $2,150; motorcycle helmets — $15; scooters — $850.

• Spider-Man with Tobey Maguire premieres.

• Entrepreneur Elon Musk founds SpaceX. • The Mars Odyssey finds signs of large ice deposits.

• Former President, Jimmy Carter arrives in Cuba, first President since 1959.

2003

• Thanks to Witch’s Rock Surf Camp for providing two lifeguards daily, noting they rescue on average one swimmer per day.

• May 2003 tornado outbreak begins.

• Earthquake hits northern Algeria killing more than 2,000 people.

• Reality series America’s Next Top Model debuts on UPN. • New Hampshire’s famous Old Man of the Mountain collapses.

2004

• 5 new fire hydrants installed around Tamarindo.

• Costa Rica Women’s Soccer Team in Canada competing in FIFA under-19 women’s world championship.

• Friends airs season finale in 10th and final season.

• Final episode of Frasier on NBC is watched by 33 million people.

• Massachusetts becomes first U. S. state to legalize samesex marriage.

2005

• Telemax CR ad for international calls — 7 cents / minute.

• Protesters against Burger King’s presence in Tamarindo reflect wider debate about impact of Guanacaste’s economic growth. Businesses want to increase tourism, while detractors bemoan overdevelopment and trashing of dream lifestyle.

• Banco San José (BAC) comes to Tamarindo.

• DreamWorks “Madagascar” is released.

• France resoundingly rejects the European Constitution • Revenge of the Sith premieres.

• Hand grenade lands about 65 feet from U. S. President George W. Bush while giving speech in Tbilisi, Georgia.

2006

• Howler’s 10th anniversary: 48 pages, all color inside.

• Bad roads: Villarreal - Huacas road took 6 weeks to patch. Pending fixes — Huacas - Flamingo, Huacas - Matapalo, dirt main road to Belen.

• Local prices creep: Beer before — $1 at bars; beer now — $2 at most bars, 1,250 at high-class hotels, 1,500 at Diria (Off-truck price just 300). Average dinner for 2 + wine — $60. 5,000 for bag of grapes, 2 mangos, 2 peppers. Medicine in Liberia — 1,200; same medicine in Huacas —2,010.

• Happy retirement to Perla, founder of namesake eatery Perla’s, which closed in April.

• Rapid development of Gold Coast putting huge strain on water resources.

• Earthquake hits Java, Indonesia, kills over 6,000, leaves 200,000 homeless.

• Barry Bonds hits 715th home run, passing Babe Ruth.

• Puerto Rican government closed 43 agencies due to cash flow shortages.

2007

• Second below-average high season worsened by early Easter and early rains. Businesses feeling pinch and some for sale.

• National “Save Tamarindo” commission created to work with new Asociación Pro Mejoras de Playa Tamarindo board.

• NBC Today show features Great Turtle Race —11 leatherbacks, tagged with transmitters, racing from Playa Grande to Galapagos Islands.

• Work underway at Villarreal end of “back” road into Tamarindo, long awaited as an alternative route.

• Editor decries anonymous hostile anti-gringo messages by citing extranero projects benefiting local population.

• Shrek the Third premieres • Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End premieres.

• Rihanna releases breakthrough album Good Girl Gone Bad. • Tomb of Herod the Great discovered.

UP FRONT

COVER STORY

World Events

Howler Topics

2008

2009

2010

• Farmacia el Cruce, marking 5 years as first drugstore in the area, at Huacas, opening Tamarindo branch.

• Successful Tamarindo recycling drive inspires hope of running monthly collection program.

• La Paz Community School recognized as accredited CR private school.

• Rio Nandamojo floodplain restoration project reflects expansion of Blue Flag Ecology program to include watersheds.

• Tamarindo’s grim realities in wake of global economic collapse: tourism down, stores closing, long-term residents moving, empty shells of abandoned projects, and looming pre-boom “pioneer” atmosphere.

• New road built between Veintesiete de Abril and Paraiso.

• Hidden Garden Art Gallery opens near Liberia.

• Pacific Plaza Health and Living project near Liberia in phases: CIMA hospital and medical office building, then continuous care residential community.

• Cyclone Nargis makes landfall in Myanmar killing over 130,000 people.

• Seth MacFarlane reaches an agreement worth over $100 million with Fox to keep “Family Guy” and American Dad” on TV until 2012.

• Vladimir Putin is appointed Russian Prime Minister.

• California becomes the 2nd state to legalize same-sex marriage.

• Farrah’s Story airs on NBC, a documentary about Farrah Fawcett’s battle with cancer.

• Video game Minecraft frist released.

• Mexico is first Latin American country to officially enter recession.

• South Africa enters global recession.

• Car bomb failes to go off in Times Square, NYC. • Jessica Watson, 16 becomes the youngest person to sail solo non-stop around the world.

• Julia Louis-Dreyfus receives 2,407th star on Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2011

2012

2013

• Best high season in years longer than usual due to late Easter: busy tour companies and surf schools, full hotels and restaurant line-ups.

• National ban on smoking in public places effective April 10.

• Santa Cruz municipality opens office in Tamarindo.

• Last-minute reversal of government decision to lift holiday ban on serving alcohol puts damper on Tamarindo’s Semana Santa festivities.

• Osama bin Laden killed

by US special forces in Pakistan.

• Space shuttle Endeavour launches on its final commission in space.

• EF5 tornado strikes Joplin, MO, killing at least 158 people.

• Oprah Winfrey airs her last show.

• Japan shuts down its nuclear reactors leaving the country without nuclear power for the first time since 1970.

• Nepal flash flood strikes • Adele receives 21st Billboard Music Award.

• SpaceX Dragon becomes the first commercial spacecraft to dock at International Space Station.

• A digital camer is created that can mimic insect compound eyes.

• 60 miners killed after a gold mine collpses in Jebel Amir, Sudan.

• Floyd Mayweather, Jr. defeats Robert Guerrero to retain his WBC title.

• Wal-Mart becomes largest company by revenue on Fortune 500 list.

UP FRONT

COVER STORY

World Events

Howler Topics

2014

2015

2016

• Coopeguanacaste must now join all other provincial electric utilities in providing grid connection rights and net metering privileges to customers producing their own solar energy

• CRIA marks 15 years in Guanacaste inspiring young leaders of tomorrow with college prep programs.

• ADI Tamarindo updates: Ministry of Security meeting about urgent local needs from municipality, including police, dedicated garbage truck; muralist to decorate Oneida Children’s Park; lifeguard tower at Witch’s Rock.

• Green Costa Rica: 75 days into 2015, CR had produced enough electricity from renewable sources to eliminate any fossil fuel reliance for the year.

Government announces $858 million geothermal project in Rincón de la Vieja. All 8 coffeeproducing regions deemed origin denominations, with sustainable production processes.

• Howler’s 20th anniversary: Founding publisher David Mills retires and is succeeded

by John Quam as owner and publisher/ editor-in-chief. In the August issue, the first produced under new management after a few months’ break, John conveys excitement about Howler’s future while reaffirming the publication’s commitment to the community it serves

• Hundreds march through Nigerian capital calling for the release of schoolgirls abducted by Islamic militants.

• Fighting between pro-Russian and Kieve forces continue amid fears internationally of a civil war in the Ukraine.

• Golden State Warrior Stephen Curry named MVP for 20142015 NBA season.

• Carl Icahn invests $100 million in Lyft, a ride-sharing service.

• Gun fight between rival biker gangs and police in Waco, TX leaves 9 dead.

• Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta causes evacuation of over 80,000.

• Gabriel Medina becomes the first surfer ever to land the move “backflip” in competition.

• Bill Cosby ordered to stand trial in sexual assault case.

2017

2018

2019

• Howler now generally has page count from 80 to 96 pages each issue, organized into consistent sections: Travel & Adventure, Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle, Community and Dining Guide.

• Cover story profiles Costa Rican singing sensation Debi Nova.

• Gold Coast education options are highlighted as part of vibrant community fabric.

• Playas del Coco hosts Gatorade Ironman 70.3 Costa Rica, presented by Kolbi.

• Cover story delves deep into San Lucas Island’s dark past as prison in paradise.

• Howler introduces Surfing CR minimagazine within main magazine.

• Presidential election of Carlos Alvarado makes world news for unusual reason of being first such vote on Easter Sunday.

• Some Howler sections have gradually been adapted as “mini-mags” by rotation. Also introduced “flip mag” format so different sections open each time from the reverse back cover.

• Cover story showcases Los Quetzales National Park, adding to expanding Howler collection of featured national park articles. Neighboring Providencia and San Geraldo de Dota region featured in complementary article.

• Apple becomes first company worth more than $800 billion.

• Barnum & Bailey Circus performs for the last time after 146 years.

• Suicide bombing after Ariana Grande concert at Manchester Arena, England, kills 22 and injures 59.

• Kīlauea volcano in Hawaii begins erupting.

• Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan becomes NFL’s first $30million-per-season player.

• New Zealand scientists record largest-ever wave at 23.8m recorded in the South Hemisphere at Cambell Island.

• Mount Everest clean-up removed three metric tons (6,613 pounds) of rubbish and four bodies in just 2 weeks.

• One million pant and animal species are now at risk of extinction according to major new UN report.

UP FRONT

COVER STORY

World Events

Howler Topics

2020

• Introduction of new interactive e-magazine format marks new Howler turning point, following last print issue in March/ April.

• Cover story spotlight on Ronnie King captures dynamic vibe of Costa Rica’s music scene.

• COVID-19 literally shuts the world down.

• US unemployment claims hit 33.3 million.

• Toxic leak at Indian chemical factory kills at least 13.

• UK economy heading for worst crash in 300 years.

2021

• Celebrating 25 years of taking Costa Rica to the world!

• Gyrocopter Girl captivated

by Costa Rica.

• A whale rescue story.

• Elusive rufous-vented ground-cuckoo.

• The Howler Band • Guatil, the real deal • How Robert August and Tamarindo found each other.

• Ustrasana yoga pose • Understanding HOA Law in Costa Rica.

• Buying real estate in Costa Rica: the basics.

Spanish

• Quarterly Spanish magazine introduced in October 2020.

• Currently being published quarterly.

• Instead of decreasing our publications, we increased to appeal to more people Costa Rica and around the world.

• Selected articles about music, artists, wellness, business, natural parks, culture and more.

Did you know?

Howler is hosted on two major digital magazine platforms: Issuu and Press Reader, with combined subscriptions of over

100 million!

Jacó

Guanacaste

Next...

?

• Jacó launched in October 2020 as Howler’s first regional print.

• Selected articles are featured from the international edition.

• Articles about local topics are featured.

• Local businesses support this publication.

• Online edition available also.

• Print returns to Guanacaste in January 2021 with Howler’s second new regional magazine.

• Local business partner support makes this publication possible.

• Online edition available also.

• We’re creating business digital magazines for real estate, resorts and hotels.

• We have expansion plans: wait and see!

We appreciate our advertising partners that make Howler magazines possible at no cost to the worldwide audience!

“A huge congratulations to the Howler magazine for 25 years of successful publishing.

You have done a wonderful service to the community by bringing us together with stories and updates on wellness, nature, adventure and living and working in Costa Rica.

It is always a pleasure to see the vibrant photos and to read a magazine so full of great information.

Keep up the good work!”

-Wilberth Sánchez

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Costa Rica Captivates Gyrocopter Girl

Many Ways to Soar Through Life and the W

FEATURED ADVENTURE

By Terry Carlile Photos courtesy of Gyrocopter Girl”

World

”

I think there is no better way to explore Costa Rica than in an open gyroplane.

Cornelia “Gyrocopter Girl”

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

H

oowler has a special treat for readers with this double feature about a Costa Rican adventure and global adventurer telling her story. Buckle up and enjoy the ride with a remarkable woman of the world who we’ll refer to by her social media handle, Gyrocopter Girl. Prepare to be amazed and inspired by this Switzerland native’s ability to feel right at home in the skies of almost anywhere, any way she is trained to fly.

FEATURED ADVENTURE

We’ll start with the passion that drew Gyrocopter Girl to my attention one day during an Instagram inspiration quest. Just a few glimpses were irresistible. I had to see and learn more. In response to my questions came these introspective reflections on an adventure-filled life and fascination for all things flying.

Share about your experiences in Costa Rica and what makes it unique.

Costa Rica is a bit like Switzerland, a very small country but so versatile. It is just the perfect size to explore by gyroplane. The weather and temperatures are beautiful. I believe during the dry season, almost any day is a flying day in Costa Rica.

It is wonderful to travel in an open gyroplane in weather conditions like that — exploring remote beaches and lush tropical forests, following rivers, seeing waterfalls and volcanos, and overflying beautiful turquoise waters, all with so many wonderful creatures.

The beauty of Costa Rica lies in the country’s nature and animals. I think there is no better way to explore Costa Rica than in an open gyroplane. We saw crocodiles, mantas, stingrays, dolphins, whales, sharks, turtles and a huge tapir while flying. It is just magical!

When you go on a guided gyroplane tour through Costa Rica, you usually fly about three or four hours a day. Then you stay in a jungle lodge, b’n’b or a hotel and enjoy the beach, tropical forest or some hot springs. If you like flying, this should definitely be on your bucket list. You won’t regret it!

Where is home?

I was born and raised in Switzerland, so I guess Switzerland is my home. But for me home is wherever I feel good. I am not the typical tourist who travels from one place to the other in a short period of time. I like to stay for longer in one place and really get to know this place. So home is where I am living for the moment.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE What are your top three sporting endeavors?

If you consider flying a sport, flying is for the moment my top favorite, no matter what I fly. I do tend to like flying helicopters a tiny bit more than flying a gyroplane or a plane, but I like all of them. I guess you could say my favorite flying apparatus always depends on the mission.

In second place are kitesurfing and hydrofoiling. I love every activity on, in or under the water. Being surrounded by water makes me happy.

Number 3 is mountain biking which I mostly do when I am in Switzerland or the south part of France — such lovely landscapes for biking.

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Cornelia enjoying her #2 activity

How Well Do You Know Costa Rica?

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The latest smartphones have a wonderful ability to take all kinds of photos, including the popular panorama format. So here is a test to see how many places in Costa Rica you can recognize from the spectacular panoramic scenes captured in these photos.

Give yourself one point if you know the place. And take an extra credit if you actually know where the photo was taken.

If there are any places here that you are not familiar with, go visit them! Costa Rica is full of awe-striking beauty that no one should miss.

1. Let’s start with a gift. If you do not know this location, you have never been here.

COOL PLACES

1

Quiz and photos by Tom Schultz

Helpful Howler hint: Most of these places have been featured in past magazine issues, including articles and photos by yours truly. Search howlermag. com for more possible clues and discoveries.

Quiz Yourself from Different Angles

2. This one should be easy, but the panoramic perspective of its famous half moon-shaped beach may throw you off.

2

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

3

4 4. Perhaps the hardest-to-visit park in

Costa Rica. Home of legendary pirates and buried treasure … and sharks.

COOL PLACES

5

3. Getting harder. This scene is typically viewed (and photographed) from Monteverde, but our panoramic angle here is a bit lower and in a national park.

5. Looking into coffee country.

This photo was taken close to the highest spot in the country where you can drive on a numbered highway.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

6

6. A famous mirador for Tico tourists, but few international visitors.

Home to colonial ruins and one of Costa Rica’s larger hydroelectric dams.

7

7. If Now to v

COOL PLACES

8 8. Part of a famous private reserve created by children.

It’s part research station, part beautiful

lodge in the middle of nowhere.

f you know the flowering trees, you may know this place. w a huge pineapple-growing region, and another famous (for Ticos) place visit “in the clouds.”

COOL PLACES

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

9

10 11

9. The waterfall name is El Poceron. Found in one of the most remote towns, but near its much more famous sister town. Both are known for quetzals.

10. Once a company town for United Fruit in the banana days. Its rice fields and wetlands stretch for miles. Traveling through it can get you to a famous funky surf location.

11. Extra credit for this one — taken from the highest point in the canton, looking north. There is a national park there somewhere.

On the right is the town that made chicharrons famous. In the far distance is Poás Volcano.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Discover the answers online, click here.

HOW WELL DID YOU SCORE? What it means 3 or less: 4 to 7: 8 to 10: All 11:

Your exposure to Costa Rica and knowledge are limited to the big ticket places or travel websites.

You do get around — congratulations! Hope you have discovered some more places to visit.

You KNOW Costa Rica.

Wow! You must be a Tico ... or you have been hiding in the back of my car.

Hope you discovered some new off-the-beaten-track places to visit in this wondrous country.

Enjoy your trips!

See the puzzles and other resources for each location.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Entangled in Costa Rica A Whale Rescue Documentary

The Innoceana rescuers wanted to show the world what they had witnessed.

By Uta “Pipa” Sax & Hannes “Coco” Klein Photos courtesy of The Vegan Pirates, Innoceana & Yulian Cordero

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

W

hen we, Pipa and Coco from The Vegan Pirates, first met Yulian Cordero on a dive trip to Isla del Caño, a small island in the south Pacific region of Costa Rica, we didn’t know it would change the course of the next months and also bring us in contact with more like-minded human beings.

When this improvised rescue team, equipped with machetes and kitchen knives, localized the whale, they found her — along with her young calf and two dead sea turtles — entangled in more than three miles of fishing lines full of hooks and buoys. After many hours and much trial and error they finally and luckily managed to free the whales.

Yulian was our dive instructor, who also had incredible knowledge about the humpback whales that are migrating to Costa Rica every year for mating and raising their calves. He told us about the nonprofit marine conservation organization Innoceana and its participation in saving two entangled whales in 2019.

Fortunately, in an era of smartphones and compact cameras, most of the event could be documented. The Innoceana rescuers wanted to show the world what they had witnessed, but did not have the resources and skills to do so.

For us, with our media production background and engagement in marine conservation, it was just a logical step helping them out. Using our know-how, we could create a no-budget documentary about the whale rescue and raise awareness of a critically important cause.

CREATURE ECO- FEATURE

It started on July 11 that year when Zobeida Mendoza Rojas, a dive instructor at Drake Divers, received a call about a whale entangled in fishing lines. She organized a rescue mission and called for support in the area. This is how Yulian and others from Innoceana became involved by joining Zobeida, along with some fellow dive guides, to rescue the whale.

Production crew (from left): Yulian Cordero, Julia Zafra, Carlos Mallo Molina, Laura Vanopdenbosch, Hannes Klein, Margo Deville, Uta Sax

Many different projects

Click to learn how to support these incredible efforts!

June 2020 found us making our way back to Caño Island with the documentary Entangled In Costa Rica production contributors from innoceana: Innoceana Yulian, wildlife conservation advisor, The Vegan Pirates Carlos Mallo Molina CEO and founder; Laura Vanopdenbosch, project director of Costa Rica; Margot Deville, communication entitled Entangled in Costa Rica. Running at advisor; and Julia Zafra Aranda, project about 25 minutes, it explores how everyone — manager. Our goal was to not only show the when faced with unforeseen circumstances — whale rescue, but also the work of Innoceana. can come together to facilitate positive change.

The organization’s many projects around the area encompass coral research, water quality L E A R N MThe O Rsame E type of event — entanglement of inspections and also expeditions for divers to marine life in lost or abandoned fishing gear — get more involved in marine conservation. occurs every day around the world. Whales are not the only victims, as it happens to dolphins, We shot tons of footage, underwater and sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, sea birds and over water, and conducted interviews with more species. some of the people who were part of the rescue. After months of further research and Click to editing we finally finished the documentary

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video

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Story and photos by Tom Schultz

RUFOUS-VENTED GROUND-CUCKOO R A R E LY S E E N R OA D R U N N E R R E L AT I V E R E P O RT S O F F L E E T I N G G L I M P S E S H AV E A LWAYS B E E N R A R E .

I

t For birders with a “life list” of sighting dreams come true, the rufousvented ground-cuckoo will commonly disappoint. Reports of fleeting glimpses have always been rare, even among the most ardent birdwatchers who concur this is one of the most elusive species to spot.

COOL PLACES

To appreciate the stir caused by no less than seven of these mysterious creatures at a Costa Rican conservation site in early February 2021, read the Howler article Meet Costa Rica’s Latest Bird Celebrity (click here).

Beyond its holy-grail renown, the rufous-vented ground-cuckoo (Neomorphus geoffroy) is a southern relative of North America’s famous roadrunner. Birding sources typically describe the large ground-dweller as unmistakeable if seen well, but very difficult to find. Look for a robust bird with a long tail, shabby crest, and stout pale yellowish bill. The overall brownish color is offset by a black breast band and green and purple metallic sheen on the wings and tail. Mature birds measure about 48 centimeters (19 inches) in height and weigh about 350 grams (12 ounces).

The rufous-vented ground-cuckoo’s patchily distributed habitats extend from Honduras to Brazil, in lowland forests and occasionally into foothills up to around 1,600 meters. Three distinct regional populations have been identified as follows: from southern Nicaragua, through Costa Rica and Panama, into northwestern Colombia; eastern Ecuador and Peru, and northern Bolivia and Brazil; and Brazil’s Atlantic Forest.

Singles or pairs are typically found following army ant swarms on the forest floor, feeding off the large insects, scorpions, centipedes, spiders, small frogs and lizards that the ants have disturbed.

Research has revealed that groundcuckoos of the genus Neomorphus produce a clacking sound with their beaks similar to the sound peccaries (wild pigs) make when alerting each other to danger.

MOON PHASES

MAY TIDE CHART

May 3

3rd Quarter

May 11 New Moon

May 19 1st Quarter

May 26 Full Moon

SUNRISE MAY 1 MAY 31

5:18 am 5:14 am

SUNSET MAY 1 MAY 31

5:47 pm 5:54 pm

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Once Upon a Surf Expo COSTA RICA

by Robert August Original Howler Publication Date: May 2018

How Tamarindo Came Looking for Me

S

urf Expo has always been one of my favorite events of the year, to meet people and check out the newest products in the surf industry. Everyone is either a buyer or a seller, and you make an appointment to place your orders for each brand.

AUGUST ODYSSEYS

Robert August (left) and his pals Mike Hynson and Bruce Brown on their legendary Endless Summer filmmaking trip around the world. Photo courtesy of Robert August

‘No kidding,’ we raved, ‘this place is amazing!’

SURFIN G COSTA RICA

Photo courtesy of Robert August

AUGUST ODYSSEYS

So there we were at the 1990 Surf Expo in Orlando, Florida, showing all our products and doing our thing. Along came this larger gentleman who approached us, said hello and started talking with a major Southern drawl.

He said, “I know I don’t have an appointment, but I know who you are. I’ve seen that ‘Endless Summer’ thing. I don’t surf, obviously, but I know what it’s about.”

Our visitor, whose name we learned was Russell Wenrich, explained that he was a major developer and builder of schools and hospitals in Florida and Texas. He continued talking to us about the vacation he had taken recently with his wife to Central America, and a beautiful town they stumbled upon in Costa Rica named Tamarindo. He knew some fisherman from Florida who had taken their boat to explore Costa Rica’s Pacific coast via the

Tamarindo has been a great place for being dad to Christine August and passing on pro surf skills.

Photo courtesy of Robert August

Panama Canal. Upon reaching Tamarindo, these fishermen had been so awestruck by the natural harbor that they decided to give the boat charter business a shot for a few years. Unfortunately, it proved difficult to attract clients to Tamarindo because of poor road conditions and the small size of San José’s airport.

However, Russell continued, these fisherman had also been very impressed by the world-class waves they encountered while traveling all along the coastline. So his reason for starting the Surf Expo conversation was to propose, “Why don’t y’all come down here and do some filming and let everyone know about the waves and culture and what Costa Rica’s all about?”

Meanwhile, Russell went back to Costa Rica and talked to the department of tourism, explaining who we were and what we could do for the sport of surfing in Costa Rica. I guess he pitched the idea pretty well because a few weeks after the Surf Expo, he called me in California and said the tourism department agreed to fly 12 of us down to Costa Rica, all expenses paid!

Russell explained that he had some cabins on the beach (current Selina Hostel location) where we could stay. His fisherman buddies would show us around and drop us off where the waves are. So we agreed. Why not?

I responded, “Well, Russ, that involves a lot of money. If I bring along eight or 10 surfers and a film crew, who need to eat and find a place to stay. That could be a big waste if we don’t find anything.”

To which Russell responded in his Southern drawl, “Well, I’m gonna tell ya, we got great waves, good fishing, cold beer and a lot of —” (and here he used a crude word for sexually available women). All my Surf Expo companions replied, “WHAT?!” I thought to myself, “My God, I think he’s got it covered!” So we told our new friend we would see him later, exchanged contact information, and that was it.

Photo courtesy of Robert August

SURFIN G COSTA RICA

To make a long story short, we came down and the waves were incredible as we had been promised. We had a great time overall going to the fiestas and watching the bull riding. “No kidding,” we raved, “this place is amazing!”

This was about the same time when the plans for filming The Endless Summer II were being laid out. When I mentioned to the producers what a unique experience we had just enjoyed in Costa Rica, they really

AUGUST ODYSSEYS

HIS VIDEO

Shaping boards in his own Tamarindo shop remains a passion when August isn’t riding the waves. Photo courtesy of Robert August

latched onto the idea of starting the movie in Tamarindo. Luckily enough, I was invited to be the mentor to Robert “Wingnut” Weaver and Pat O’Connell for this movie. If you’ve seen it, you can tell what a great time we

had immersing ourselves in the Costa Rican culture. To this day, I truly believe it was Russell who helped put Tamarindo on the map as one of Central America’s best surf towns.

SURF

G

COSTA RICA

Playa Tamarindo

By Howler Staff

T SURF SPOT

amarindo is much more than just a surf spot. Tamarindo is a happening beach town full of shops, restaurants and bars. Add to that the mix of cultures, languages and people, and it is truly a special surfing destination.

This is all part of the experience of surfing in Tamarindo — catching some waves out front while your non-surfing friends enjoy happy hour on the beach.

Later, you go out to eat sushi and then enjoy some drinks at the bar. It’s all within walking distance of where you surfed just hours before.

How to get there Tamarindo can be accessed via paved road, and is about one hour from the international airport in Liberia by car or shuttle. There is also a small airport on the outskirts of town where you can catch flights to San José or Liberia, and from there to other parts of Costa Rica, Nicaragua or Panama.

o

It’s all within walking distance of where you surfed just hours before.

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Where to surf

SURF SPOT

Tamarindo has over a half-dozen surfing peaks to enjoy, which does a decent job of spreading out the crowds. Starting on the north end of the beach, on the other side of the river mouth, you will find a spot called Casitas.

Though it is technically at the far south end of Playa Grande, it's considered a Tamarindo spot because of its proximity to town. This wave goes both left and right, and is mainly a beach break but there are rocks around as well.

The river mouth can be one of the most epic waves in all of Tamarindo depending on the time of year, swell direction and composition of

sandbars. It's an always changing wave and can be a long, draining, barreling right, or a long, fast, shreddable left and anything in between. It can be non-existent for a few months at a time and then come back to life after a big storm.

The beach break in front of Witch's Rock Surf Camp is considered surf lesson central, so ultimate care should be used around beginner surfers. For an advanced surfer, this wave can be fun but is normally not worth the crowds and risks involved with flying longboards everywhere.

Next up is Pico Grande and Pico Pequeño.

Pico Grande is a rock pile that throws a sucky right and a normally fat and flat left. Pico Pequeño is the inside reform wave of Pico Grande, which can be super wedgie, fun, and most likely crowded.

Further south you will come to Henry's, another area of beach break waves. Then at the very south end of the beach you will find Capitan Suizo. This is normally a beginner’s surf beach break paradise, with soft, fun and peaky waves. However, on huge swells at the right angle, Capitan Suizo can get head-high and incredibly fun for all levels of surfers.

Surf times The river mouth is always best at mid and low tides unless the swell is absolutely pumping, in which case high tide will be surfable as well. The beach break in front of Witch’s Rock loves mid and high tide, but can work at any time depending on the swell direction. Capitan Suizo is also a mid to high tide spot, as well as Casitas.

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Local companies

SURF SPOT

Tamarindo is full of local surf shops, tour companies, bars, restaurants, clothing stores, ice cream shops and more. You can find pretty much anything within five minutes of the beach.

One of the most popular surf establishments in town is Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, with its two restaurants, brewery, bars and beachfront restaurant. It's a local hangout as well as a tourist trap, and a fun time can always be had drinking beers while watching the surfing right out front. Kelly’s Surf Shop is on the other side of the road and offers surfboard rentals, lessons and tours.

Malakai Martinez at Tamarindo river mouth (Photo by @marcelfreitez)

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Guatil

The Real Deal

A RTI SANS PRE S E RV E A N CE S TR A L CH OROTEGA LEGAC Y

by Debbie Bride & Marian Paniagua

T

o be sure, the tiny village of Guaitil is off the beaten path, but not too far off. Nor is it a difficult drive or hard to find, and the trip takes you through a particularly scenic area of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province.

Guaitil is just a 15-minute drive east of Santa Cruz along the old route to Nicoya. It can also be accessed by buses running regularly from Santa Cruz.

However you get there, your Guaitil visit will be highly worthwhile and is best not rushed.

Seldom are there opportunities like this to step back thousands of years in time for a firsthand history lesson. Guaitil is famous throughout Central America for its significant role in preserving the legacy of Chorotega pottery.

The story unfolds as you stop by any of the local studio-galleries to observe and chat with the artisans at work.

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

Even in modern times, every piece of Guaitil pottery — pots, jars, plates, bowls, pitchers, vases and more — is handmade from start to finish.

ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

From the ground rock mixtures of clay and paint components to the stones used for smoothing and polishing each creation, all the raw materials are locally sourced from rocks and sand in the area. No chemicals are added at any stage of pottery production. Every tool used for grinding, sculpting and freehand etching, and each piece of equipment is handcrafted from wood, stone, metal and/or repurposed scrap parts.

Innovations include a potter’s wheel made from a recycled kitchen stove element, fan motor and motorcycle sprocket.

Remarkably, Guaitil’s pottery craft industry is the economic base for supporting the entire community.

It’s the ideal place for tourists to purchase authentic, locally made souvenirs of Costa Rica directly from the source at reasonable prices.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

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

Guaitil is named for a species of tree that grows in the area. Native Chorotega tribe members would smash the tree’s seeds to release a black ink used for painting their skin.

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

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David Electric -

Humanitarian Music Maker Steel Pulse

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by Mike S

:

WHAT IS HOWLER? LET’S START WITH WHAT THEY’RE NOT....

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

T

his is not pop, this is not tourist music, this isn’t Cocaine or Sweet Home Alabama or Hotel California. It’s not safe, it’s not for the faint of heart, it’s not popular, and it sure as hell isn’t reggaetón.

This isn’t light beer, wine coolers or fancy drinks with cute names served with an umbrella.

This IS the hard stuff, this IS music from the top shelf for dyed in the wool rockers and heavy metal head bangers. THIS IS HÖWLER! TRUE TO THEIR NAME

Höwler is a self-made, thrash metal band from San José with a sound, a message and a name that is true to itself.

The band members cater to no one but their own sense of musical destiny and

socially conscious convictions, meant only to appeal to those of like mind and spirit with plenty of room on their bandwagon for those of us who can keep up.

The band name has nothing to do with the monkeys in Costa Rica, or this publication. As Carlos “Charlie” Díaz, one of the band’s founders, explains, “The name Höwler originated from the concept of werewolves, a mystical beast that transforms to show its true nature.”

Read into: be yourself, resist outside influences, and when the mood strikes, HOWL at the top of your lungs to your heart’s content and make no apologies for it.

This concept becomes clearly evident when you witness Höwler live.

Photography © Tania Velasco

Shannon

WHO ARE THEY? The band is made up entirely of Ticos but their songs are all in English. “Spanish thrash just sounds lame” laments Díaz. And I guess it’s a good thing as this reality helps in a market and a niche that is decidedly narrow here in Costa Rica. Though Höwler has amassed an impressive body of work, releasing original music, producing videos and playing live over the years, it’s clear that typical “success” may not be realized in this tiny country.

This band is all about love for the music, and it might be said its lack of widespread popularity IS its success.

Höwler is constantly tested, always reinvented and meticulously rehearsed, which explains the flawless execution

on recordings and especially live performances. These musicians are hard and fast and precise as evidenced in their live presentation and body of work.

In addition to Díaz, the front-man, lead singer and lyricist, the band members are: Jose ‘Fucas’ Mora, bassist and songwriter; Renan Obando, lead guitarist and songwriter; David Mora, rhythm guitarist; and Diego Arce, the latest in a long line of drummers.

“We really hope Diego sticks,” quips Charlie, “but those drummers... man, they’re crazy!”

Photography © Yeco Mares

RENAN OBANDO

Photography © Gabriel Emanuele

DIEGO ARCE

Photography © Tania Velasco

CHARLIE DIAZ

© LuigisPhotographyProject

JOSE MORA

DAVID MORA

HISTORY & DISCOGRAPHY After the band’s inception around 2009, the fluctuating line-up eventually led to Höwler’s merging with another local band, Inhaler. Members of the latter group had similar musical and social sensibilities and were also experiencing the same state of flux that is common with bands of this genre in this region.

When the two bands came together, that’s when things really started to happen and Höwler’s unique voice was realized.

The group’s commitment to creating its own original music spawned the first CD, Sign of The Lost, released in 2011.

Undeterred by the CD’s total lack of commercial success, band members persisted with years of writing, rehearsing and live performances that led to a modest following and the eventual release of their next effort Back To Madness in May 2014.

After tinkering with the lineup yet again, and going through another few drummers, Höwler committed to more writing, more rehearsing and toured around the country until the release of Phantoms of Society in 2017.

So with three CDs of original music released and several videos shot and self-produced, the band was buoyed by a modest following that showed up at shows, but did anything but pay the bills.

Charlie explains, “This is the reality of Costa Rica’s music scene. There are a lot of ‘original music’ bands of all kinds, mostly focused in the Central Valley, and lots of those are metal bands.” But the country lacks the artistic and musical media infrastructure that bands need to get popular as live venues are few and far between, and radio exposure is virtually non-existent, he points out.

“The fact is that if you don’t play reggaeton and cater to the ‘pop’ masses, you must depend on creating your own buzz on Facebook and YouTube and through live performances. But it’s very difficult, if not impossible, to make a living.”

This is evidenced by the fact that through all its efforts, Höwler has realized little more than a few hundred bucks in on-line sales over the years, which is an accepted reality here in Costa Rica.

So the band also spread its wings and played in Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras and Mexico in 2019 while Jose, the bass player and founding band member, embarked on an exhaustive quest to contact record labels, big and small, around the world to try to generate interest and build a following.

During this time, the musicians continued to write and by the end of the year, had yet another volume of work to lay down in the studio. In early 2020, they laid down tracks and fresh material was ready to release by April, but COVID-19 had other plans and delayed the CD’s release.

WHILE THE WORLD QUARANTINES, HÖWLER GETS TO WORK While the pandemic brought the world to its knees, Höwler stayed busy honing its publicity package and on-line image.

Group members produced more media and doing all those things they normally never have time for, like building buzz for the delayed release of their new record and videos.

While the band was biding its time, Jose’s relentless efforts finally paid off in June with the partnership of Höwler and Stephan Becker, owner of Ragnarök Records, a small label in Germany of all places. A relationship was forged, and with the new label’s help, No More Circus, was released in September of 2020.

As pandemic restrictions loosen up, they will be looking to play everywhere and anywhere they can to get their ‘Howl’ on and if you are a metal starved head banger, I recommend you do the same. Though this writer has never thought of himself as much of a “metal head”, there’s no way I’m missing them if they play even close to me.

This partnership produced immediate dividends in Germany where Höwler managed to procure a small, fanatical following that the band plans to visit post-pandemic. Hey, we all know what happened to the Beatles when they returned to England from Germany in 1964, so who knows?

And if, perhaps, you can’t wait, and you feel the need to be ripped out of your chair at this present moment, and reminded that you are indeed alive, cue up If You Want Peace, Prepare For War and CRANK IT! It works for me every time!

As for now, the band plays for the love of the music, the collaboration and comradery of its members and its loyal following here in Costa Rica.

The real deal. That’s what they are.

DON’T BE LAME!

Support Höwler and Local Original Music Check out Höwler on Spotify Buy Höwler music on Bandcamp

SO WHAT IS HÖWLER?

Subscribe to Höwler on YouTube Reach out to Höwler on Facebook Visit Höwler’s website For bookings email Charlie

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Howler Magazine and congratulations on 25 years of publishing!”

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T R A D I N G PA R A D I S E S

“I

traded all that in for the pura vida lifestyle.”

How many times has each of us read that statement?

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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

In my case, I traded one paradise for another. Having lived in Muskoka, Canada and selling real estate there, I came to Costa Rica for some new adventures. Traveling through most of Costa Rica, those adventures started on week one.

Wh e re d o I go?

You won’t find that in a travel brochure

I was born into a trucking family, with driving in my blood, and touring around Costa Rica remains one of my hobbies.

Spending days and nights in Ticos’ homes is always a treat. There is always a pot of rice and some beans ready for family and friends.

I remember the night I was asked to stand up and take a bow three times, just for spending the day in the sugar cane town of Pitahaya.

Another memory is of watching the oxcart parade in San José, buying dynamite, then spending the day digging gold in Las Juntas.

There was my afternoon with a group of Ticos at their friend’s waterfall near Turrialba. I spent one night at a coffee plantation — what a great family they were! Volunteering to teach English in Coco was another unforgettable experience.

Where do I go? The answer is probably one way that I differ from most people. Immersing myself in a variety of Costa Rican cultures, has been both interesting and rewarding. Starting my very first week in Costa Rica, from taking some time to operate a business in San José, and then ultimately doing what I knew I would do — real estate — it has been the people and places that give me the best memories.

Whether buying or selling a home, people wanted help with a piece of their life.

Then of course, there’s fishing, walking the beach, monkeys, mud baths, catching a world class ocean view, and everything in between. I could fill this magazine.

Oh, and that first week? Traveling through the mountains south of Cartago, I stopped for a coffee.

A young couple had just leased the restaurant. A coffee to go turned into an hour of communicating without knowing each other’s language. One of the best hours of my life transpired with this young Tico couple determined to make their new venture a success. They reminded me of me. You will not find that in a travel brochure.

Villa Vista Azul

Why? Nothing is more important than surrounding each property deal with great professionals. Together they have incredible knowledge, great contacts, and operate an exceptional database. And they are also most willing to share their knowledge.

Who am I? My name is Theo Veenstra, and I was born in Brampton, Ontario, Canada to Dutch immigrants.

My first vacation in Costa Rica was February 2008. Then during one adventure driving a car from Canada to Costa Rica in 2012, I decided to also become an immigrant and make Costa Rica home. By 2014 it was time to live here full time, later becoming a Canadian citizen who also holds Costa Rican residency.

Another plus is this area being 20 minutes from Liberia International Airport, including its direct flights. Accessible medical care, options for schools, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment lets me hand my friends and clients a gift basket in a foreign country.

Real estate?

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

How do I look at real estate? What is the goal?

It’s strictly investment and business, but then the returns need to make sense, of course. That said, I was lucky enough to start selling real estate in the idyllic cottage country of Muskoka in northern Ontario. The clientele included both full-time retirees and seasonal families.

While working with an older demographic, one thing stood out more than everything else: LIFE. Whether buying or selling a home, people wanted help with a piece of their life. I have never forgotten how important that is, and I base myself around helping people accomplish just that.

How? Why? How? It is quite simple. Everything starts with being in the best environment available. I picked Playas del Coco and the Papagayo area, then joined the best group of realtors I could find. That is the Tres Amigos Realty group.

Check the testimonials on my website and it will hit you: www.letsbuycostarica.com. Tres Amigos Realty Group and Papagayo are the right place for me.

What is most important?

People come to paradise for many reasons: sun, surf, ecosystems, beaches, fishing, birds, adventure, escape from the cold or to relax. There are 1,000 equally good reasons, each one valid.

A couple of things are true — each of us shares something in common, and it can be hard to explain our experiences in Costa Rica to others.

For me, what is most important is probably also what keeps me here. I learn so much about this culture, and in turn, learn about myself … like riding a bike for the first time. Lastly, there’s that stuff they call snow. It looks a lot better from here.

Feel free to contact me anytime.

Theo Veenstra

LIFESTYLE FEATURE

Tres Amigos Realty Group Mobile: 011 (506)-8360-1006 thveenstra@gmail.com www.letsbuycostarica.com SUGEF Approved Agent

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USTRASANA

By Marian Paniagua

CAMEL POSE

U

strasana, meaning “camel pose,” is a backbend that stretches the entire front of the body. It strengthens the core and improves shoulder flexibility. If you are practicing this posture for the first time, it can feel uncomfortable. This discomfort may create unnecessary tension in your body and mind. But it also allows you to develop a deeper awareness of your body limits and level of trust in yourself. Remember to always focus on your breath as you move in and out of this posture, slowly and mindfully. By being mindful, I mean being present in every step, observing every sensation that arises with every transition.

How to do the camel pose

YOGA WISDOM

PURA VIDA

1. Come to your knees and sit back on your heels. Place your palms together in front of your heart, thumbs pressed softly on your chest enough to feel your heartbeat. Engage your core, elongate your spine, lift your chest and relax your shoulders.

Direct focus on your breath. Inhale deeply and pause, then exhale slowly and pause before repeating. Breathe consciously like this 10 times.

2. Rest on your knees and shins, bringing your hips over your knees. Make sure your knees and toes are a hips’ width apart. Place your palms on your lower back with fingers pointing up. Gently draw your sacrum down, sucking in your abdomen to support the lower back. Keep your chin in toward your chest and gradually lean back, actively pressing your hips forward. Hug your shoulder blades toward each other. This will organically lift your chest and relax your shoulders, releasing pressure off the neck. Don’t let your mind wander; train your attention to be focused on your breath and body.

3. Stay where you are, or reach for your heels with your hands.

You may prefer tucking your toes to reach the heels easier or keep the top of your feet pressing the floor. If it’s comfortable for your neck, relax your head back. Hold for four to eight breaths, from 30 seconds to a minute.

4. To come out of the pose, release your hands one at a time and place on your lower back.

Slowly lift up from your sternum using your thigh muscles, head and shoulders coming up last. Sit on your heels. Rest in a child’s pose for 10 breaths.

To be mindful • Do not do this pose if you have a migraine, a neck, shoulder or knee injury, low back pain or inflammation.

• Always precede this pose with a warm-up for your spine.

Benefits of the Camel Pose Physically • Opens the entire front of your body.

• Stimulates the respiratory, circulatory, nervous and endocrine systems.

• Strengthen back muscles.

• Can provide an intense mobilization of your digestive system, especially the esophagus and tonifies the kidneys.

Mentally Psychologically, stretching backwards requires confidence. Your heart is leaning back unsupported, with your upper back curling into the “unknown” from a high kneeling position. Trust in your body and self is implicitly reinforced.

Energetically Stimulates the “anahata” (heart) chakra, related to your relationships, compassion, forgiveness, devotion and love for self and others.

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HOA

by Rick Philps

LAW IN COSTA RICA

P

Condominium or Residencial?

Know the Difference

urchasing or renting property in Costa Rica can be confusing for foreigners. One of the most confusing and least understood legal concepts is the applicability and enforceability of the homeowner association (HOA) by-laws. Specifically, there are different circumstances for each of these two entities: condominium entity and residencial.

reglamento. A legal administrator of the condominium is appointed for a specified term to administer the condominium in accordance with the reglamento provisions. That specific legal right to do so is given under the Condominium Law, as modified at general meetings of the condominium property owners as members of the HOA, legally convened from time to time.

Condominium HOA

A condominium may be in the form of individual apartments in multi-storey buildings, townhouses, or independent home building lots. Each of the individual property units is registered in the National Registry, with its own subproperty designation in the condominium, known as a finca filial . It is the finca filial that a party purchases or rents from the existing registered owner or developer.

In Costa Rica, “condominium” refers to a specifically created legal entity that is registered as such, under the Condominium Law, in the National Registry. Registration therein includes a set of bylaws known as a

At the time of purchasing, as a term of the property transfer deed, the party agrees to specific binding terms of the reglamento. These embody in the HOA administrator the delegated right of an owner’s enforcement regarding the use and enjoyment of the property and common areas of the condominium, in accordance

Mariner's Point C3 Photo courtesy of Tres Amigos Realty

with the registered bylaws. Under the Condominium Law, HOA fees related to the upkeep of the common areas and penalties contained in the bylaws are enforceable for noncompliance as against a property owner. In an extreme case, the HOA administrator has the authority to foreclose on a property when the owner has neglected over time to pay any assessed fines or HOA fees.

Residencial HOA Confusion more commonly arises when would-be property purchasers are acquiring an interest in property developments consisting of individual lots, registered as such in the National Registry but not part of a registered condominium entity.

These developments are known as a residencial.

In many respects, a residencial development may appear and function in a similar manner to that of a condominium entity. In fact, to the untrained eye, it appears to be a condominium. Residencials are in the form of gated communities, with common areas designed for the individual property owners’ use and enjoyment. In most cases, such developments will also have a set of bylaws, administered by an HOA, usually having oversight by a board of directors appointed by the property owners.

In many respects, a residential development may appear and behave in a similar manner to that of a condominium entity.

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What makes residencial different is that bylaw compliance by property owners is purely voluntary in nature.

In fact, enforcement of such bylaws in Costa Rica is unconstitutional. It is contrary to the inalienable rights of individually registered property owners granted by the Costa Rica Constitution.

Accordingly, purchasers of property located in a residencial — as opposed to a registered condominium development — should be aware that owners cannot be forced to pay HOA assessments for the maintenance of areas that would otherwise be part of the common areas — for example, interior access roads or green zones. The same goes for any fines levied by the HOA. In such circumstances, some property owners may be faced with paying more than their fair share for such common area items to make up for shortfalls in maintenance costs arising from nonpaying delinquent property owners.

My opinion In my opinion, both the condominium and residencial forms of property interest holdings generally work quite well.

It’s in the interests of property owners who use and enjoy any parts of a development that are considered common areas to contribute to their upkeep, be it on a required or voluntary basis under the bylaws.

Other aspects regulated by the bylaws may be more difficult to administer in the residencial scenario.

See over a dozen related home buying articles: Click here

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Buying Real Estate in Costa Rica:

by Ivan Granados

THE BASICS

PART I

N

ow that international borders have reopened, the real estate market in Costa Rica is starting to heat up. Our next two articles will focus on the basics of making a real estate purchase in paradise. Buying real estate in Costa Rica has many variations from what is common in the U.S., Canada and other home countries. These articles are meant to provide a basic overview.

First steps: 1. Legal and technical searches (due diligence)

LEAGAL EASE

Before any purchase, due diligence searches may be performed by the buyer's attorney, checking that all the paperwork of the property is in order. That means ensuring that there

are no outstanding charges or taxes and there are no encumbrances or liens on the property.

During the due diligence period, the buyer and buyer’s attorney shall have the right, but not the obligation, to perform a complete study on the property, including but not limited to: physical, title and survey, confirmation of no adverse possession, survey plan, boundaries, and other documents.

Villa Vista Azul Photo courtesy of Tres Amigos Realty

2. Costa Rica residency application To apply for residency in Costa Rica, the Costa Rican government requires applicants to provide proof of financial stability in one of three ways: • As a retiree with pension: Certification that the applicant receives a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month.

• As an investor: Must demonstrate a real estate investment in Costa Rica with a value of at least $200,000 USD. • As the holder of a fixed annuity: Certification that the applicant receives a guaranteed annuity of $2,500 USD, per month, for at least two years.

Other requirements are to provide a birth certificate, police records and marriage certificate, if applicable, duly apostilled. Note: It is not required by law to be a Costa Rica resident to own real estate in Costa Rica.

3. Mandatory Shareholders Registry with the Central Bank of Costa Rica: The Law 9416 states that each corporation must proceed with the mandatory disclosure of corporate ownership or final beneficiary to the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR).

Starting in 2021, the mandatory disclosure submission must be within the month of April, as well as when there is any corporate ownership transfer that represents 15% or more of the capital stock.

4. Obligations for Inactive Corporations: A new resolution (N° DGT-R-02-2021) was announced that requires inactive corporations to: a. Register with the tax office in the Single Tax Registry (RUT). In the RUT, these corporations must be registered under code number 960113.

It is not required by law to be a Costa Rica resident to own real estate in Costa Rica.

b. Submit annual returns of their assets, liability and shared capital. In the past, only corporations that were active or producing income, had a filing obligation with the tax office.

The definition of an inactive corporation is: "… those companies incorporated in the country that do not have lucrative, income producing, activity of a Costa Rican source." This includes all commercial companies, branches of foreign companies and individual limited liability companies.

The first filing for the “inactive corporations” will be within 2.5 months from the date of notification from the tax office that the new tax forms are available (sometime within the second or third quarter of 2021).

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5. Protecting the investment through estate planning Executing a testamentary disposition (testamento), or a will, can be one of the most reliable alternatives in estate planning. a. The testamento is the legal instrument, executed in accordance with formalities established by CR Law, that allows a person, testator, to determine how his or her assets will be managed and distributed at the time of death as well as to appoint the executor of his estate.

b. The testamento can be limited to disposition of assets within Costa Rica only, and has no legal effects, until the person’s death. Before that moment, the testamento can also be revoked or modified by the testator.

Our next article, Buying Real Estate In Costa Rica: The Basics — Part 2, will focus on the various taxes that are required on real estate holdings. Buying property in the land of pura vida is an investment many CR nationals and foreign investors take advantage of. We are available for your real estate questions. Please feel free to contact us at info@gmattorneyscr. com

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ONE

Be Step Ahead

by Joanna Blanco

Get Ready in May, Before Hitting the 2021 Halfway Mark

M

y fellow friend-entrepreneurs, I congratulate all of you because you are warriors, and you have survived. As this pandemic seems to keep hitting and hurting, you are most likely wondering, “When is it going to be over?”

As deep thinkers and creators, we need to continually evolve one more time — each time that new situations strike. In this article, I want to focus on a few key points not to go missing in the uncertain world. So, let me start with the basics.

Business mission

ENTREPRENEUR CR

It is good to know for certain whether you will stick with your business plan or re-do it. What is your intention? Are you thinking of changing your target market?

Do you feel like taking another direction?

Try to crystallize your answer to all of these questions.

Finances Check out your business pockets.

After paying taxes, what is your actual income? Are you earning enough to cover all your expenses?

This is an excellent time of year to make sure you have savings on hand to pay your annual tax amounts. If you already know what percentage of your total year’s revenue you will need to

pay your total expenses for 2021, make sure you save the corresponding amount monthly. It will take some weight off your shoulders, and your mind will be thanking you later.

Marketing Make some time to plan for business refreshment. Review all of the marketing content, including the visual elements: photos, formats, layout, design templates and other graphic components. Plan to give it all a refresh.

I am sure that you must have Facebook and Instagram pages; those need to be checked too. Make an action plan to upgrade them in the same manner. Get creative. The sky is the limit!

Associates Being well into the second year of living with a global pandemic does not mean the emotions associated with these unprecedented circumstances have subsided. It is essential to know how the people around you are doing.

Ask the most straightforward question, “How are you?” Then, no matter what their response, follow with, “What can I do for you?” or “How can I help you?”

It has been a challenging time for many people. Sometimes a minor problem for you can be a major struggle for someone else. As a coach, I can assure you that most people you reach out to and engage in a sincere and open conversation will feel better afterwards.

You would like your business to have an optimistic ambience. Helping others just by listening enables you to create a trusting and comfortable workplace. It can promote a positive mindset for better results.

You Looking at the areas of business and everyday life outlined above will give you an early handle on the check-in I normally recommend at the half-year mark. Then, don’t forget to ask yourself the most powerful question: how are you?

Be sincere with yourself. Maybe you feel like you need a break, so take a few days off.

You need to check yourself every day: try to eat a balanced diet, hydrate and move your body. Have some time to relax and connect with others.

Your mission should be to attain body and mind wellness, success in your business, and enjoyment of life!

As an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach and a business owner, I am here to help the people who would love to grow and mature their business. I will be pleased to hear from you on any issue you wish to consult about.

Visit my Instagram page: Movimiento Sattva or write to me joannablanco@vivesattva.com

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