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EDITORIAL
CUSTOMER REVIEWS COUNT
W
The extra mile given to make their experience special will fuel these tourists to encourage a new flow of first-time visitors to experience Costa Rica.
Along with the upswing is the number of real estate purchases happening throughout Costa Rica. I have noticed a big increase in searches on my website for information about moving to Costa Rica, and also, what area is best suited to the dreams of these people looking for a move.
Reviews. How important are customer reviews for businesses? Did you know that 72% of the traveling public use reviews to make the informed decision of where to go, where to stay and what restaurants and activities are great to experience? And importantly, reviews have an influence on who will receive their hard-earned money.
e are getting things back to a normal flow once again here in Costa Rica. The travel market is picking up, and tourist traffic is once again back on the road. The real estate market is also, by all reports, very strong. It’s about time!
We have missed the travelers for many months. Our recent traffic increase is from the tourists who drive the economy of Costa Rica. We have all survived in some fashion over this time period, and it has been a true hardship for all on different levels. As we welcome the excited travelers to our shores and mountains, our arms should be outstretched and welcoming. These people have been in shutdown mode, just like we have been for more than a year. They are the lifeblood that we need to get our regions back to a healthy economy. Each of these tourists has specific objectives and expectations for a wonderful trip to a place that many refer to as paradise. Restaurants are open, and retail stores are finally getting people in their doors. Hotels, rental condos and houses are being filled up with tourists who want a special experience.
With accommodations being one of the biggest travel expenses, the use of reviews for booking lodging is even more widely used. Finding out the location of prospective lodgings and nearby amenities is the first step. Determining if it is up to your required standards and how well the property managers handle the needs of clients is a big part of the research. The online review is a trusted source of information. According to some of the main booking sites, “Reviews are the biggest influencer in the decision process when booking.” Generally, consumers read the top reviews, then go to the bottom reviews, if there are any, and read negative feedback. Flowery reviews are nice to read and give confidence in your choices. However, negative reviews really are the most important to look at. Reading through the reviews it is easy to detect if problems were due to something that was not controllable or a matter of poor customer service.
Most important of all is the way customer service representatives respond to negative reviews. Was the problem acknowledged and addressed? Or were the reviewers bashed for giving a low review? In my opinion, the response and handling of issues are pivotal to future business. It is easy to say, “Oh, we can’t satisfy them” or “they are crazy.” But the attempt to make things right is what makes you stand out and is vitally important. When customers are mistreated, they tell more people in personal conversations than the number of viewers that online review will reach. And it will go on for years. Tourism directly accounts for 8.2% of Costa Rica’s GDP. The Institute of Costa Rican Tourism (ICT) has advertising campaigns to draw people to Costa Rica. The best foot forward will assure that once travelers arrive and see this country’s natural wonders, while experiencing a fantastic time, they will be going back to their home shores and telling everyone.
‘Reviews are the biggest influencer in the decision process when booking.’
Remember that you get a hundredfold in return for what you put out. Costa Rica needs to remain at the forefront of the happiest places on earth. We who live and work here play a big part in maintaining this image to the outside world.
John B. Quam Hear this story in English, Spanish, and French.
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HOWLER T r o o p
H
owler looks skyward, to Costa Rica’s rainforest treetops and beyond, in our August cover story. For one of the world’s most richly blessed countries on so many biodiversity counts, being right up there as a favorite birding paradise seems only natural. We revisit five of the many bird species featured in past magazine issues: toucans, oropendolas, motmots, scarlet macaws and cuckoos. Discover more birds and other creatures on land and underwater in this month’s Travel & Adventure section. First explore three of Costa Rica’s most exquisite yachting destinations: Cocos Island, the Osa Peninsula and Gulf of Papagayo. Then take a boat tour through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, teeming with non-human life during rainy season to delight visitors. As surfing makes its Olympic debut this summer, we celebrate Costa Rica’s global prominence with two iconic contenders: Brisa Hennessy and Leilani McGonagle. Nicoya’s longevity renown as one of the world’s five Blue Zones is the subject of our Cultural Heritage feature, while the Artist Spotlight is on Fernán Salazar’s glass fusion talents. CR Biz offers entrepreneurial advice on resetting your mindset, and information on joint tenancy property titles and the new law promoting foreign and investment and relocation in Costa Rica. In our Pura Vida section you’ll learn about ginger’s health benefits and mindfully embracing peace and abundance. Also find out from our featured contributor, Chuhan Zhou, what a big impact one small-scale community composting project can make by setting the right dynamic example for waste management.
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR Chuhan Zhou is a recent graduate of Universidad para La Paz in Costa Rica and American University in the U.S., where her studies focused on natural resources and sustainable development. She currently dedicates her time at the off-grid living project she shares with her partner and dog in Avellanas. There they enjoy building with earth, regenerating the land, making art with upcycled materials, and surfing when they have energy left. Their homestead projects include, as pictured below: homemade bricks consisting of mud, river sand and coconut husks— all sourced nearby and hand-processed — and an earthship-style structure being built from recycled materials, featuring a bottle wall.
WRITERS Charlene Golojuch. Co-owner of Hidden Garden Art Gallery with husband, Greg. www.HiddenGardenArt.com Debbie Bride. Canadian continuing to create and communicate in Costa Rica. Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys, specializing in real estate and corporate law. igranados@ gmattorneyscr.com 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. John Brockmeier. Writer and activist inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences.
HOWLER
August 2021 Vol. 30 No. 8
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam
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 Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breathwork experiences, cacao ceremonies & other activities. hello@puravidavibrations.com Mary Martin 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 awardwinning former columnist with The Southwest Journal in Minneapolis, who also taught high school English in Houston, Japan and Minnesota. Nora Walsh. Award-winning journalist and copywriter specializing in luxury travel, hospitality and Latin America. She writes for national newspapers, magazines and online publications focusing on experiential travel, destination guides, luxury hotels, spas, dining and design. 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
C r e at i v e & a r t Terry Carlile m a r k e t i n g d i r e c t o r - Terry Carlile account executive 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 c o v e r p h o t o d e s i g n - Terry Carlile 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
PHOTOGRAPHERS Alfredo Barquero. Surf photographer for Federación de Surf Costa Rica, whose work appears extensively in online publications and collections, including @FedeSurfCR Perry Carlile. Photographer of wedding, nature and family photos, who has lived in Costa Rica for more than eight years. Also serves as pastor at Beach Community Church in Brasilito. Photography career began in his hometown of Naples, Texas and continued while serving in the U. S. Navy for eight years.
“Costa Rica Through the Lens”
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.
October Howler Special Edition
Copyright © 2021 The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A.
Photographers: click here for details
Copyright © 2021 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A.
Read all current and past articles online howlermag.com #S earch F ind Howl
Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 HOWLER (TM)2017
UP FRONT
COVER STORY
BEAUTIFUL BIRDS OF COSTA RICA TOUCANS OROPENDOLAS MOTMOTS MACAWS CUCKOOS
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE FEATURED ADVENTURE Costa Rica: The Next Yachting Frontier COOL PLACES Caño Negro Glistens in the Rainy Season
SURFING CR SURF FEATURE Brisa Hennessy and Leilani McGonagle Part of Surfing’s Olympic Debut TIDE CHART
ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT CULTURAL HERITAGE Breaking 100
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT Fernán Salazar: Fusions of Artistic Talent
PURA VIDA/LIVING CR LIFESTYLE FEATURE Paradise Found COMMUNITY FEATURE Got Organic Matter? EAT WELL Ginger’s Health Benefits MINDFULNESS Creating Peace and Abundance
CR BIZ DOING BUSINESS RIGHT Joint Tenancy Property Title Registration LEGALEASE New Law Encourages Foreign Investment and Relocation ENTREPRENEUR CR Reset Your Mindset
UP FRONT
Beautiful
BIRDS of COVER STORY
Costa Rica Crested oropendola building a nest
Where Heaven on Earth Continues Skyward by Debbie Bride & Tom Schultz
UP FRONT
T
o fully appreciate that Costa Rica has no clear boundaries defining where heaven on earth begins or ends, you need to look skyward. If this tiny country’s claim to fame as one of the world’s most biodiverse locales were not impressive enough, consider that its bird population is disproportionately even greater. With a land surface of 51,100 square kilometers, Costa RIca occupies merely 0.03% of the earth’s surface but contains more than 5% of the planet’s biodiversity. Even more astonishing is Costa Rica’s 9% share of the 10,000 or so bird species in the global skies.
COVER STORY
At last count, the number added up to 923 species, according to the 2021 official bird list published by the Costa Rican Rare Birds and Records Committee of the Asociación Ornitológica de Costa Rica (AOCR). That includes about 650 “resident” species, known to reproduce in Costa Rica and possible to find here at any time of the year and 220 in a defined migratory category.
Quintessentially Tropical Toucans Probably one of the first things you hear from a new visitor is, “Where can I see the ‘Fruit Loops’ bird”? Toucans are the quintessential bird of the tropics: big, bold, colorful and always a treat to see. Not surprisingly, they are known for their unmistakable beaks, which can be as much as 30% of the total size of the bird. After wondering for years why toucans had such huge beaks, researchers finally determined that they act as huge radiators for the birds, with a system of blood vessels in them for cooling.
To the delight of our readers over the years, Howler has been fortunate to count many bird enthusiasts among the nature-loving writers and photographers who generously share their knowledge and memorable sightings of feathered friends. One of our most prolific and versatile contributors is Tom Schultz, an avid birder and member of the Birding Club of Costa Rica. So it’s not surprising that birding excursions figure prominently in Tom’s travelogue contributions. In addition, Tom has contributed an ever-growing number of Creature Feature articles about specific birds that reward “life-list” keepers with sightings on treks throughout Costa Rica. Here are a few iconic favorites that Howler has been pleased to feature for serious bird nerds and casual admirers alike.
Keel-billed to
oucan
There is no single location in Costa Rica to see all six species of the toucan family that live here, but no matter where you are, you can see at least one of them. Of the six birds in the family, two are called toucans, two smaller species are called aracari, and the two smallest are called toucanets.
Montezuma oropendola
Oropendolas Beautiful and Bizarre Gregarious and loud, their unmistakable calls resembling a crowd of people all gargling at the same time, they are heard before being seen. Oropendolas, the largest member of the blackbird family that includes blackbirds, orioles, grackles and cowbirds, are found exclusively in Latin America. In fact, their extremely descriptive name is in Spanish - oro meaning gold and péndulo meaning pendulum. “Golden pendulum” describes the male bird’s behavior of wagging its yellow tail from side to side to attract females. Costa Rica and Panama are the only two countries in the world where you can see both the northern and southern species of oropendola: Montezuma, chestnut-headed and crested. Each has a different range intersecting the narrow isthmus area of Central America.
UP FRONT
COVER STORY
Collared aracari
Chestnut-headed oropendola
UP FRONT
Motmots Uncommonly Odd Looking
COVER STORY
Motmots are proof that common birds are not necessarily common looking. One or more of the six motmot types from this stunning family of birds are readily found in and along the edges of forests throughout Costa Rica. Both motmot and bobo (the name Costa Ricans use) are onomatopoeia, meaning their name sounds like the call they make: “mot-mot” or “bo-bo.”
The most recognizable f tails, resembling a badmint that these birds plucked th recent studies show otherw the shafts weaken from we naturally.
Blue-crowned motmot
feature of motmots are their “racket” nton or tennis racket. It was once believed heir tail feathers off themselves, but wise: tail feathers are present at birth but ear and preening, eventually falling out
Scarlet Macaws Come Back to Costa Rica Depicted as the fiery god of light, Itzamna, in ancient Mayan legends, the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) is unmistakable. With a wingspan of nearly five feet and a squawk that can’t be ignored, these majestic birds are crowd pleasers that seem to love the attention. Always a treat for tired eyes, the lapas rojas, as it is known in Spanish, appears on the must-see list of most visitors to Costa Rica. But it was almost not to be. From near extinction through ultimate survival and revival, the macaw’s Costa Rican comeback is an inspiring story of committed conservationists. BirdFun Channel
UP FRONT
Scarlet macaws
COVER STORY
Rufous motmot
Lesser ground cuckcoo
UP FRONT
Mangrove cuckoo
COVER STORY
Cuckoo a Universally Familiar Sound You probably know the familiar sound, if not the little bird, of Bavarian clock renown. In fact, these clocks originated with the cuckoo bird species found in the forests of Germany. But did you know there are also cuckoos here in Costa Rica?
The cuckoo bird family is widespread throughout the world, found on all continents but Antartica. For the same reason motmot is the moniker of a different bird species, the cuckoo is named for the sound of its bird call in most languages. In France, for example, it is known as coucou, in Germany kuckuk, in Russia kukush-ka and in Japan kak-ko. In Spanish, it’s cuco.
At last count, the number added up to ____ bird species. a. 523 b. 623 c. 723 d. 823 e. 923 For the answer and to identify the cover page birds, use the button: Plus, puzzles, videos, coloring sheets and more.
Identify the birds on the front cover: 1
2
3 4
5 6
7 8 9
10
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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
costa rica:
The next yachting
FEATURED ADVENTURE
frontier
by Nora Walsh Originally published June 7, 2021 by megayachtnews.com Photos courtesy of Origen Escapes: Cocos Island
T
hanks to a new marine reform law passed in April, foreign-flagged luxury yachts can now legally charter and stay up to a year in Costa Rican waters. The milestone ruling comes after significant support from travel company Origen Escapes, who has over 20 years of specialized experience handling all aspects of world-class megayacht itineraries from logistics to captain and crew needs.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE “Yachting provides unlimited access to Costa Rica’s hundreds of beaches, bays, coves and islands,” said Ofer Ketter, co-founder of Origen Escapes. ”The roughly 800-mile-long Pacific coastline is considered one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.” Home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity within only 0.03% of the earth’s surface, Costa Rica offers unparalleled access to nature. Both land and sea are famous for their abundance of tropical flora and fauna. “Wildlife encounters are at the essence of a visitor’s experience to Costa Rica,” added Ketter.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
Travelers now have the opportunity to choose from a global portfolio of fully-loaded luxury yachts that would best serve their needs. With a growing number of luxury marinas from Papagayo to Golfito, Origen Escapes offers bespoke land and sea itineraries that explore Costa Rica’s most spectacular wonders with ease and efficiency. Here’s their list of top spots to anchor in the country.
Sea bobbing with megapod of dolphins
Cocos Island Named one of the 10 best scuba diving spots in the world by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, Cocos Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to a rainforest and protected marine park where you can swim among hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, moray eels, sea turtles, and dolphins. After a visit in the mid-90s, Jacques Cousteau declared the small volcanic isle “the most beautiful island in the world.” Divers shouldn’t miss the 260foot Everest dive site, a unique seamount abounding with corals, mobula rays, grouper, big tuna fish, silky sharks and schools of hammerhead sharks. Deeper still, The Wall (a 1,500-foot wallbreak) contains species adapted to complete darkness, including the ancient-looking jellynose fish, goosefish and the prickly shark.
For the ultimate underwater adventure, plunge 1,500 feet beneath the surface in a deep-sea sub. Origen Escapes has access to vessels capable of carrying a pilot and two passengers on two dives per day to discover the ocean’s hidden depths. Submersibles offer a 360-degree field of vision to explore the most dramatic undersea landscapes and extraordinary pelagic creatures. Every dive is filmed and the footage is shared with marine biologists at the University of Costa Rica and leading oceanographers and scientists.
Osa Peninsula Head to the cerulean waters of Caño Island Biological Reserve and Drake’s Bay to discover an underwater playground of caves, cliffs and reefs. Its marine area is one of the best diving and snorkeling spots, sheltering such species as green sea turtles, humpback whales, spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and spinner dolphin megapods.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE Travelers have the opportunity to cruise the open ocean and swim with superpods of more than 3,000 spinner dolphins on the way to the warm, tropical waters of Golfo Dulce. Spinner dolphins are named for their ocean acrobats — breaching, spinning and twisting multiple times in the air in just one jump.
FEATURED ADVENTURE
One of only four tropical fjords on the planet, Golfo Dulce is also the only place in the world where populations of both northern and southern humpback whales come to breed.
Ocean Odyssey at Bat Islands
Here, travelers paddle impressive mangrove forests filled with bird and sea life. When the daylight vanishes, they float in warm waters glittering with bioluminescent microorganisms that sparkle like stars in an oceanic firmament. It’s a truly magical experience. Land excursions are no less thrilling. Guests horseback ride through the humming rainforest to rappel a 100-foot waterfall into a swimming hole, and climb a 200-foot strangler ficus tree for impressive bird’s-eye views stretching across the jungle to the ocean.
Gulf of Papagayo Located in the province of Guanacaste, the Gulf of Papagayo is a hot spot for diving as it offers some of the Pacific Ocean’s most interesting marine diversity. Besides being a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique geological characteristics, the Santa Elena Peninsula is famous for its rich marine life. Cruising the Bat Islands archipelago it’s not unusual to see sailfish, giant Pacific manta rays, whale sharks and bull sharks. Divers head to the beautiful Catalina Islands to ogle over giant Pacific manta rays, tip reef sharks, sea turtles, dolphins, eels and puffer fish.
Papagayo offers access to a range of custom adventures from scenic helicopter flights over cloud-tickling volcanoes and whitewater rafting through wild landscapes to surfing mapped-out break points with an expert guide. In rural villages, travelers connect with the friendly Tico locals for an up-close look at Costa Rica’s countryside culture and folklore. Upon the culmination of a Costa Rican itinerary, travelers with Origen Escapes can continue cruising farther south to explore the coastlines and islands of Panama and Ecuador, or board a private flight for a seamless connection home.
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Caño Negro
in the Rainy Season by Mary Martin Mason
Photo courtesy of Rosi Arguedas
n
Sightings of the colorful agami heron are a highlight for birdwatchers on some Caño Negro excursions.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Y
ears ago, a day boat trip on the Rio Frio from La Fortuna to the Nicaraguan border introduced me to Caño Negro, a premiere bird-watching locale.
COOL PLACES
On that trip, one of my fellow passengers would shout, “Thirty-seven!” All but me would rush with their binoculars to that side of the vessel. “Fifty-two!” “Eighteen!” Each announced number nearly toppled the boat. Armed with The Birds of Costa Rica: A Field Guide, these avid bird watchers had devised some sort of numbering system and were determined to see as many of the 800 species of winged creatures as possible. They were not disappointed.
Generations ago, Rosi’s family moved from Nicaragua to join the Huleros people who extracted latex from rubber trees. These settlers named the region Caño Negro because of the dark, yet transparent water in the canals. Under Rosi’s guidance, as the boat winds its way through the waters, visitors slow their breathing. They drink in the scenery as a restful trip ensues, traversing the many canals, channels and, during this time of year, the gorged lagoons. Wide-eyed caimans emerge along the riverbank to seek smaller birds and other food.
Rosi points out a basilisk lizard, commonly called the Jesus Christ Lizard, A recent excursion to Refugio Nacional just before he scampers across the water. de Vida Silvestre Mixto Caño Negro featured She directs us to see the top of trees where a second voyage on the Frio River, this time aerial iguanas bask and sway. Here is an ibis, embarking inside the famous fresh water there a Nicaraguan grackle, and over there wetlands. My companions, although not avid a yellow-breasted crake. She demonstrates bird watchers, were entranced by the nature her skills at imitating a monkey roar, a band that unfolded. of Howler monkeys responding to her with their characteristic throaty response. This time of year when Costa Rica is drenched in rain, many avoid going “Do you smell that?” Rosi asks our to beaches or rainforests. May to midgroup. We detect a musky odor, not quite as November, though, is the perfect time of year powerful as a skunk. “That is a male jaguar to venture north to the nearly 10,000 hectare who has left his scent to mark his territory.” reserve of wetlands. Lake Caño overflows, attracting migrating birds. Lagoons that Because jaguars attack cows on the farms don’t exist are magically reborn. Umbrellas near the wetlands, the program Pro Jaguar and ponchos are recommended. Caño Negro was formed by Rosi and others to educate farmers about jaguar movements Globally important wetlands and how to prevent attacks on cattle. Each ticket purchased on the boat tours donates Our guide, Rosi Arguedas, who narrates $2 toward jaguar protection. the boat trip, lives on an island on the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge. Her Nicaraguan Click to read the full article and grandparents arrived long before the find more about the wildlife wetlands were designated as one of the most refuge, including a puzzle, important in the world. contact information and map.
Tour guide Rosi Arguedas descends from Nicaraguan settlers in the Caño Negro region several generations ago. Photo courtesy of Rosi Arguedas
Her Nicaraguan grandparents arrived long before the wetlands were designated as one of the most important in the world.
TRAVEL & ADVENTURE
Pro Jaguar Caño Negro is a local initiative to protect jaguars and also keep cattle on neighboring farms safe from jaguar attacks.
OCEAN
ADVENTURES See our sports fishing feature!
S E E T H I S C O L L E C T I O N O F C O S TA R I C A’ S R E C R E AT I O N
FISHING SAILING YACHTING BOATING
SURFIN G COSTA RICA
Skimboarders at Playa Prieta taking a break Photo: Perry Carlile
MOON PHASES
Aug 30
3rd Quarter
Aug 8 New Moon
Aug 15 1st Quarter
Aug 22 Full Moon
SUNRISE AUG 1 AUG 31
Day
Sun 01 Mon 02 Tue 03 Wed 04 Thu 05 Fri 06 Sat 07 Sun 08 Mon 09 Tue 10 Wed 11 Thu 12 Fri 13 Sat 14 Sun 15 Mon 16 Tue 17 Wed 18 Thu 19 Fri 20 Sat 21 Sun 22 Mon 23 Tue 24 Wed 25 Thu 26 Fri 27 Sat 28 Sun 29 Mon 30 Tue 31
High
Low
High
Low
High
02:24 1.80 ft
08:54 7.99 ft
15:09 1.97 ft
21:23 6.93 ft
03:14 2.25 ft
09:47 7.68 ft
16:06 2.16 ft
22:24 6.68 ft 23:27 6.65 ft
04:11 2.57 ft
10:44 7.53 ft
17:07 2.17 ft
05:12 2.67 ft
11:41 7.55 ft
18:06 1.99 ft
00:25 6.84 ft
06:12 2.56 ft
12:36 7.74 ft
18:58 1.67 ft
01:18 7.19 ft
07:07 2.27 ft
13:25 8.04 ft
19:44 1.29 ft
02:03 7.63 ft
07:55 1.86 ft
14:11 8.38 ft
20:26 0.88 ft
02:45 8.11 ft
08:39 1.40 ft
14:54 8.71 ft
21:06 0.51 ft
03:24 8.56 ft
09:21 0.96 ft
15:34 8.97 ft
21:43 0.21 ft
04:02 8.97 ft
10:02 0.59 ft
16:15 9.13 ft
22:21 0.01 ft
04:40 9.28 ft
10:42 0.33 ft
16:55 9.16 ft
22:59 −0.07 ft
05:19 9.47 ft
11:24 0.20 ft
17:36 9.05 ft
23:39 −0.02 ft
06:00 9.52 ft
12:08 0.23 ft
18:19 8.81 ft
00:21 0.17 ft
06:44 9.42 ft
12:54 0.40 ft
19:06 8.46 ft
01:07 0.49 ft
07:32 9.19 ft
13:45 0.67 ft
19:59 8.06 ft
01:58 0.88 ft
08:26 8.88 ft
14:43 0.96 ft
21:00 7.70 ft
02:57 1.27 ft
09:28 8.59 ft
15:48 1.18 ft
22:08 7.50 ft
04:05 1.55 ft
10:37 8.44 ft
16:59 1.19 ft
23:21 7.58 ft
05:18 1.58 ft
11:47 8.48 ft
18:08 0.98 ft
00:29 7.91 ft
06:30 1.36 ft
12:51 8.71 ft
19:11 0.61 ft
01:30 8.40 ft
07:33 0.97 ft
13:49 9.01 ft
20:05 0.22 ft
02:24 8.91 ft
08:28 0.57 ft
14:41 9.26 ft
20:54 −0.10 ft
03:12 9.32 ft
09:16 0.26 ft
15:28 9.39 ft
21:38 −0.27 ft
03:56 9.56 ft
10:01 0.11 ft
16:12 9.37 ft
22:19 −0.27 ft
04:37 9.61 ft
10:44 0.12 ft
16:54 9.18 ft
22:58 −0.09 ft
05:18 9.48 ft
11:24 0.29 ft
17:35 8.83 ft
23:37 0.26 ft
05:57 9.17 ft
12:04 0.61 ft
18:16 8.36 ft
00:15 0.73 ft
06:37 8.75 ft
12:45 1.01 ft
18:58 7.82 ft
00:54 1.27 ft
07:18 8.27 ft
13:29 1.45 ft
19:43 7.27 ft
01:36 1.83 ft
08:03 7.78 ft
14:17 1.87 ft
20:35 6.78 ft
02:24 2.34 ft
08:56 7.36 ft
15:14 2.18 ft
21:37 6.46 ft
5:32 am 5:34 am
SUNSET AUG 1 AUG 31
AUGUST TIDE CHART
6:06 pm 5:52 pm
Browse all surfing articles:
SURFING COSTA RICA
COSTA RICA’S Brisa Hennessy and Leilani
SURF FEATURE
Part of Surfings Olympic Deb
Leilani McGonagle Photo: Alfredo Barquero
by Howler Staff
McGonagle
but
Brisa Hennessy
SURFING COSTA RICA
C
McGonagle earned her Olympic osta Rica’s Brisa Hennessy and Leilani McGonagle will be among 20 ticket at the 2021 International Surfing women competing as surfing makes Association’s World Surfing Games in El Salvador, the final Olympic qualifying its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2021. event. That achievement came with huge emotion, as she dedicated her performance Brisa Hennessy is from Matapalo on the Osa Peninsula in southern Puntarenas. to her best friend Katy Diaz, the El Salvadorian surfer who tragically passed She earned her spot in Tokyo during a away surfing in early 2021. World Championship Tour stop in Maui, Hawaii in December 2019. Overtaking The designation of surfing as an Paige Hareb of New Zealand, Hennessy managed to win one of the last two spots Olympic event has changed the mindset of up for grabs by the World Surfing League. Costa Ricans, legitimizing the sport from a whole new perspective. Leilani McGonagle moved with her parents to Costa Rica after high school. Her father is British-born and her mother from California. Leilani met her first wave before she could walk.
SURF FEATURE
Leilani
Brisa during round 2 of the 2019 Corona Open in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
The Costa Rica Team: Athletics: Andrea Vargas, Noelia Vargas and Gerald Drummond. Surf: Brisa Hennessy and Leilani McGonagle. Judo: Ian Ignacio Sancho. Artistic gymnastics: Luciana Alvarado. BMX Freestyle: Kenneth Tencio. Cycling: María José Vargas and Andrey Amador. Swimming: Beatriz Padrón and Arnoldo Herrera.
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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Breaking
0 10
L o n g e v i t y in Costa Rica’s BLUE Zone
CULTURAL HERITAGE
by Jessie Rowan Photos: Monica Quesada
Living with family gives locals a sense of purpose and helps them maintain a positive outlook.
C
osta Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is one of five regions in the world referred to as a “blue zone,” home to some of the oldest and healthiest people on the planet. Most blue zone residents surpass the global average life expectancy of 71.4 years. Not only is it common to outlive the age of 100 but to thrive — neither bedridden nor hospital-dependent, but fit, active and living life to the fullest.
Dan Buettner of National Geographic discovered and coined the term “Blue Zones.” He and other scientists spent over a decade exploring the world’s longevity hot spots, finally coming up with the top regions, including large parts of the Nicoya Peninsula. Research done by National Geographic shows about 30 percent of longevity is attributed to genes and 70 percent to local lifestyle.
Scientists have long been fascinated by the myriad reasons for the robust population health that Nicoya shares with the other four blue zones: Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda, California; Ikaria, Greece; and Sardinia, Italy.
According to sources and statistics from “The World Health Report in 2017,” Costa Rica ranks 30th in life expectancy worldwide, making Nicoya’s global top five status as a blue zone seem all the more remarkable.
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
While larger cities such as Tamarindo, Samara, Nosara and Playas del Coco sit within Costa Rica’s blue zone, the majority of long-lived locals reside in more rural and less “westernized” regions such as the farming area of Hojancha.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
What is so unique about the Nicoya Peninsula and the area’s local secret to living a longer life?
Family and community
Connectedness among family and community members is considered to be a characteristic of blue zone living … and no, that does not mean via texting or social media. There’s nothing out of the ordinary about people in Nicoya making an effort weekly, if not daily, to visit their neighbors — typically on foot. Interacting and staying in touch with each other this way keeps both the brain and heart healthy. Family is also the center of the Nicoyan lifestyle. Most residents live with or near extended family members throughout their entire lives, which provides an in-house support system. Living with family gives locals a sense of purpose and helps them maintain a positive outlook on life as they watch younger family members grow.
Diet Nicoyans maintain a largely plantbased diet, avoiding most processed food. Meals typically consist of rice, beans, corn, locally grown vegetables and fruits, incorporating meat only a few times a week. Many locals in the Nicoya Peninsula still cook tortillas in the most traditional way. Corn kernels soaked in a mixture of lime and water are infused with calcium and amino acids.
Hard at work
Nicoyans value hard work. Most local elders continue working or remain physically active every day, whether it be walking to a neighbor’s home or household chores. Even non-strenuous movement on a day-to-day basis keeps seniors fit indefinitely.
Drinking water in the Nicoya area has a higher concentration of calcium and magnesium than in other parts of the country, offering residents the most natural and freely available vitamin intake. Another long-living Nicoyan secret is the fact most consume far less sugar, many eating very few processed foods and snacks.
Getting some sun Covered by dry farmland and lush rainforest, the Nicoya Peninsula has a tropical climate. Having a reasonable amount of sun exposure through an active outdoor lifestyle is another key to longevity among locals. Vitamin D intake from the sun, especially when combined with walking as a traditional mode of transportation, offers a beneficial boost to heart and bone health.
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Faith
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The traditional faith-based lifestyle of Nicoyans, including a strong belief in God, is thought to relieve stress and enhance well-being. Religious traditions are passed down through generations of families living in this Costa Rica blue zone. Belonging to a church community might also give some residents an enhanced sense of peace, tranquility and security for longer living.
Photo by Perry Carlile
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Brings Colors and Forms to Light Fernán Salazar: Fusions of Artistic Talent by Charlene Golojuch
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Photos courtesy of Hidden Garden Art Gallery
‘Playing with the light was an intense challenge.’
R
eflections of light cascading through shards of glass present multidimensional motivation for Costa Rican artist Fernán Salazar. “In creating art, I find my inspiration through the infinite possibilities of colors and forms mirroring within the glass,” he tells us. Although in his youth Fernán experimented with drawing and illustrations, his artistic talent thrived when he began to study glass art and fusion. Originally captivated by exploring the shapes and colors of fish and sea life, Fernán started his artistic journey by capturing their likeness to create unlimited wavy shapes, fins, tails and algae. He used a varied color palette with multiple layers of glass fused together to create the final sculpture. Now, in addition to glass sculptures, Fernán also produces works in wood and resin.
“Playing with the light was an intense challenge,” he recalls. “Learning how each piece reflects itself in a background provides an interesting game between the glass and the light.” This is the driving force that excites Salazar as he continues to create sculptures in various forms of glass fusion. Each piece is especially designed according to the materials he collects and imagines. Highlighting their natural shape and texture makes every object of art totally original and unique. Using a combination of three variations of fusion, Salazar is able to provide several different finishes. Some are smooth and others have just a little texture with independent parts — like the iguana or frogs with moving limbs. For pieces with massive texture, such as the dragonfly, he uses an adhesive to join the different components in the glass. “For wood pieces I have used molejón, volcanic rock, sea stone and beautiful woods naturally polished by the sea,” Salazar explains. “Complementing with metal pieces, I form harmonious unions of natural elements.”
ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT
Continuing journey The artist describes how his sculptures evolve and change as he progresses on his artistic journey. “I started with standing sculptures, then ventured to work more with reflections of light projected on the walls. This led me to also create framed glass works, which intervene in my work in a different way.” Everything Fernán sees catches his attention these days, and the themes he captures with his art have become more universal. Having traveled extensively throughout North and South America, Europe and the Middle East, Salazar has discovered more techniques and ideas used to create his own style and distinctive designs.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
To see Fernán’s exhibit, visit the Hidden Garden Art Gallery, located just five minutes from the Daniel Oduber Airport. Contact info@HiddenGardenArt.com and discover more at www.HiddenGardenArt.com
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
Paradise M
LIFESTYLE CREATUREFEATURE FEATURE
y name is Crystal Townley. I’m originally from Colorado, USA, and I now live in paradise. Three years ago, I visited this beautiful country with my family. My parents were looking for a place to come during retirement, but wanted to make sure my brothers and I were willing to come down to see them every once and awhile.
Sponsored content Photo courtesy of Tres Amigos Realty Group
F O U N D
I knew Costa Rica would be an amazing place, but it truly blew all my expectations out of the water. The lush green landscape, insanely good fruit, friendly locals, biodiversity, SLOTHS, the calm ocean and so much more were soon what I learned to be pura vida. In direct translation it means “pure life,” but it’s more than that. It’s all of these things packaged and handed to you with a bow on top. It’s a stress-free, focus-on-what-is-important lifestyle — exactly what I was looking for. So, then it began. After the trip I knew I wanted to live in Costa Rica and I began planning. Two short years later, I sold all of my belongings, rented my house and purchased a condo in Playas del Coco. I booked my flight and left minus 20-degree weather to come to beautiful sunny Costa Rica. I can’t say I miss cold weather. I chose Playas Del Coco for several different reasons. Here are a few. It is extremely convenient to get to. It’s 30 minutes from the Liberia international airport, making traveling a breeze. The weather is amazing. We get much less rainfall than the rest of the country, making it drier and more desirable year-round.
View from Villa Vista Azul
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
The ocean is calm, making it perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, diving and boating. There are many conveniences such as good roads, fast Internet, clean water, nice grocery stores and several great restaurants. The sunsets are incredible and no one sunset is the same. It is safe. I moved here by myself and never once have I felt unsafe.
I obtained my real estate license and began my new career. It was better than I had imagined and I was thriving. Once I decided Costa Rica was where I wanted to be, I was given the opportunity to join the real estate team at Tres Amigos Realty Group — arguably the best team in the Guanacaste area. This allows me to do the career I love in literal paradise. I am so lucky.
Lastly, there are several attractions very close by, making it a great home base. You have volcanoes, mountains, waterfalls, hiking, hot springs, ziplining, ATV tours, mountain biking, tubing, and the list goes on. Trust me, you will never run out of things to do or see in Costa Rica.
Being able to live and work in Costa Rica has been a dream come true. If you have decided Costa Rica is the place for you, I want to help you achieve your dream and help you buy, build or invest here.
How do I support myself financially in Costa Rica?
LIFESTYLE FEATURE
Prior to moving to Costa Rica, I had a career in law enforcement. As much as I loved law enforcement, I knew it was not going to allow me to fulfill my yearning to live abroad. I had been investing in rental properties for several years and I felt that real estate would be a seamless new career path for me.
I am licensed with the Costa Rica Global Association of REALTORS (CRGAR) and will work tirelessly to help you find what you are looking for, whether it be a small plot of land for a micro-farm, a condo with a short walk to the beach or a house with an ocean view. The options are endless and there is something for every budget. Thank you for reading. I can’t wait to help you achieve your dream of living in this beautiful country I call home.
Crystal Townley Sales Associate Tres Amigos Realty Group Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, Costa Rica crystal.townley@gmail.com
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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
Got
Organic Matter? Call for
Community Compost Story and photos by Chuhan Zhou Community compost collection bin at the south entrance of Oneida Park in Tamarindo.
COMMUNITY FEATURE
A
s Costa Rica pursues ambitious waste management solutions on a vast nationwide scale, one grassroots composting collection project in Tamarindo is setting an impressive example for other communities to make a close-to-home impact. Waste not waste In March 2021, the Costa Rican government deemed solid waste mismanagement to be “one of the
biggest environmental problems” facing the country today. Even while dealing with ongoing pandemic priorities, the Presidency has brought forward national action plans that include building a waste transfer center and supporting environmental technology parks. A national composting strategy is being introduced as part of Costa Rica’s decarbonization plan to improve waste management, with the goal of eliminating organic matter from landfill sites by 2030.
About 20 kilograms of food scraps have been received every week, as community interest continues to grow.
But how are we getting there?
Compost Collection Tama
Infrastructure development and technological advancements are certainly important. However, with nearly half of all municipal solid waste generated in Costa Rica known to be organic matter, as one World Bank report pointed out, local composting initiatives seem like the obvious place to start. The most significant and manageable progress can begin by systematically organizing the disposal and processing of organic wastes at the local level.
Meanwhile, with the intention to fulfill an unmet demand for those who already attempted to compost their wastes, as well as to cultivate a new habit among community members, the Compost Collection Tama initiative was launched in December 2020. The pilot program site, at Oneida Park, has been very well received by the community, with consistently tangible feedback in the form of food scraps filling up the bins.
Although Tamarindo recently welcomed the news that the municipality of Santa Cruz was introducing a service to collect recycling items from homes, a separate organic waste collection service has yet to be established.
The project started out as a campaign in collaboration with the Tamarindo Food Bank and the farmers’ market hosted by Tamarindo’s Integral Development Association (ADIT) every Saturday morning. Access was later expanded when the first prototype compost bin was stationed at Oneida Park throughout the week. This made it possible for compost to be dropped off anytime, with program volunteers checking in a few times a week to aerate and add sawdust.
Coconut husks tossed by the roadside in Huacas near the verdulería.
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR More recently, through collaboration with PlantaE, a company specializing in regenerative agriculture, a second composting bin was donated to the project. We have since been able to increase our yield and manage the two bins alternatively. For the past three to four months, about 20 kilograms of food scraps have been received every week, as community interest continues to grow. At present, when the bin gets full, we transport the compost to a designated area of our land to be further aged. For the future, as the volume of compost continues to grow, we would love to have volunteers join us in running the project. We would encourage them to partner with property owners for the use of vacant lots, and to incorporate farm animals.
Read more:
COMMUNITY FEATURE
Black soldier fly larvae feasting the compost pile on my home site
Proper organic matter disposal is a responsibility that everyone can take into their own hands with community support and collaboration.
• Why and how to compost • Be the change • Directions
CLICK HERE
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
Ginger’s Health Benefits by John Brockmeier
G
inger can improve your life. The health benefits are amazing! In this overview, we highlight some of the medical advantages ginger offers in more ways than you might have realized. Weight loss
EAT WELL
Keeping your weight under control is very important for our health and wellness. Being overweight is associated with numerous health concerns, including stroke, respiratory failure, hypertension, diabetes, elevated cholesterol and even malignancy. The addition of ginger to your diet will help your weight control efforts. Ginger can accelerate your digestion, which prompts more efficient calorie consumption. It also makes you feel more full so you will not make as many trips to the refrigerator for snacks.
Boost nutrient absorption Your body retains between 10% and 90% of the nutrients and minerals in your food. Supplements assist to tell the body when it's full and keep your fat-consuming efficiency at ideal levels. For your body to function at an optimal level you need to retain as many nutrients as possible. Ginger is known to support this retention. Manage blood sugar levels Our bodies are regulated by blood glucose levels. Too much or too little puts the levels off kilter. Specialists have found ginger can assist with holding blood glucose at proper levels, which can affect weight reduction. That early-afternoon energy crash is probably caused by your glucose levels being down. Adding ginger to your lunch can regulate these levels, allowing you to stay on track and task. Don’t reach for that Red Bull; try natural ginger instead.
Relieve Gas
Freshen breath
Gas can be humiliating, not to mention uncomfortable. While there are numerous over-the-counter remedies available, natural is the best to consider first.
Do you have a major date coming up? Ginger can help you achieve consistently fresh breath, which is something to be thankful for.
Try making ginger tea. It's easy to prepare, and has been demonstrated as helpful in providing relief. Drink some ginger tea before you go to bed. It will calm your stomach and assist in clearing up this internal issue. Pain relief Don’t reach for the Advil or Aspirin. Try ginger first. Whatever pain you are feeling, ginger is a good option as it possesses the medicinal characteristics of pain-killers. It even battles irritation that can cause a throbbing pain … all while improving your blood circulation. Ginger is also a hormonal leveler. Consider beginning your morning with some ginger tea and check whether you notice a difference throughout the day.
Ideally, eat ginger at the end of your meal to purify your sense of taste and leave your mouth feeling revived. You can likewise blend some ginger with heated water and drink it. It's an incredible method to flush out your mouth and kill any terrible taste, including the dreaded “coffee breath.” Boost your Immune system If you seem to be fighting incessant colds, chances are that your immune system is weak. Your diet plays an enormous part in building your immune system to ward off the constant threat of germs. Adding ginger to your eating regimen will help keep your body's protection solid. Specialists say that ginger purifies the lymphatic framework, flushing out poisons and killing microbes.
The addition of ginger to your diet will help your weight control efforts.
PURA VIDA / LIVING CR Fight cancer
Shop fresh
In all likelihood, you know somebody who is combating a malignant growth, or perhaps you're fighting cancer yourself. Researchers and doctors have discovered ginger to be beneficial in battling lung, prostate, ovarian, colon, breast, skin, and pancreatic malignancies.
Whenever you are at the store, make sure to pick up some fresh ginger root. It is very inexpensive and so good for you!
Scientists have identified a compound found in fresh ginger, called 6-gingerol, as an agent in fighting malignancy properties. By adding ginger to your eating routine, you can assist with keeping new malignant growth cells from forming. What's more, it can annihilate dynamic ones. There are added benefits for individuals currently on anti-malignant growth medicines, since ginger has been known to forestall the harmful impacts of cancer-fighting drugs.
What to look for when selecting the perfect ginger root: • It should be firm to the touch • The larger the ginger piece, the more established it is and the sharper its flavor Whether you use ginger in your food, drink it as a tea, or press it into fresh juice, you will receive all the health and wellness rewards.
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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR
Peace and Abundance Creating
M
ary Magdalene is quoted as observing, ¨I tell you that this is actually the truth of you and your world, you live in an amazing world of endless abundance and you’re incredibly powerful creators.¨
En español también
by Laura Méndez
Yet, most of us have been trained to think of the world as a physical reality with finite resources. We have also been trained to think that there’s only a certain amount of resources available, and that often there aren’t enough resources to satisfy the needs and wants of everyone.
MINDFULNESS
Always be cautious of anyone who supports ideas based on fear.
We’ve also been trained to think of humans as inherently greedy and selfish. This is based on the idea that people’s nature is to be competitive to fight for resources for themselves, and to not care about others or their effect on others. These ideas tend to generate a lot of fear in people — fear that there just won’t be enough, and fear that others can’t be trusted because everyone is just out for their own survival. These assumptions are the root cause of an immense number of difficulties we face nowadays. Why have we been conditioned to believe this? Because once people are in a state of fear, they become open to the idea that they must give their power away to those who can ¨keep the peace.” Once we are convinced of this, the next step is relatively easy: getting people to agree to be controlled. Fear dangerous Always be cautious of anyone who supports ideas based on fear. In truth, the greatest danger you face is to believe it, to accept this logic, and to give away your power and free will.
The great news is that we also have the power to create peace ... to create a loving, compassionate and caring world. Do you believe we can live in a peaceful, abundant world? The degree to which you believe it determines how much it actually manifests. The first step is to become aware of our conditioning and implanted beliefs, based on fear and lack. As Carl Jung once said, ¨Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.¨ Cultivating the characteristics of the “divine feminine” is our next step. “Sacred feminine” also commonly refers to the infinite abundance of creative potential, and ultimately the divine self ’s infinite abundance. These qualities of the divine are inherent to our very own nature, and encompass both genders. We can choose to be the seeds of change in this world. It means trusting that we can create our own world of love and abundance, and also that we must unlearn all the conditioning of this old paradigm in order to create heaven on earth.
We’re all very powerful creators. When we accept the idea that we´re in danger and there’s something to be afraid of, that is what we manifest.
We are the living hope of all our ancestors.
Make it right.
SHOPPING ONLINE IN THE USA C ONT A C T S Tamarindo: 8676-2213 • tamarindo@libertyexpress.cr Nosara: 8628-2441 • nosara@libertyexpress.cr Playa Hermosa: 7130-0485 • playahermosa@libertyexpress.cr
AUTHORIZED AGENT
CR BIZ
by Rick Philps
Joint Tenancy Property Title Registratio Is it Available in Costa Rica?
I
n English common law jurisdictions, such as Canada and the United States, registering a property title in joint tenancy — as between a husband and a wife — is the norm. Joint tenancy embodies the principle of right of survivorship. This principle allows surviving spouses to efficiently and effectively transfer the property title into their name as the sole property title holder, following the death of the other, without reference to the provisions of a will and receiving an order of probate.
DOING BUSINESS RIGHT
Usually, such a transfer is effected by the surviving spouse presenting the deceased spouse’s death certificate at the land registry office in the jurisdiction where the property is located. The transfer of the deceased spouse’s interest will be transferred to the surviving spouse within a short period of time.
Costa Rica Civil Law Costa Rica is a civil law jurisdiction, which does not recognize the legal concept of joint tenancy. When a husband and wife register a property title jointly in Costa Rica, each spouse has a distinct registered interest in the property title as a whole, as tenants in common — known as a “derecho interest”. This legal concept of tenants in common does not embody the principle of right of survivorship, with each spouse’s registered property title interest being a separate and distinct interest from the other. For a surviving spouse to inherit the deceased spouse’s property interest, the latter’s property title interest must be transferred to the surviving spouse by a public deed prepared and registered by a Costa Rica
on notary public. This occurs following the probate of a will providing for the subject inheritance. This provision would also apply where a Costa Rica company was the registered property title holder and a husband and wife were joint shareholders in the company. My Opinion It is possible to present to the Costa Rica court, a valid foreign will covering the world assets of a deceased spouse, that has received a court order of probate in the foreign jurisdiction. A request can be made for the court to provide the necessary order for the foreign will to be applied in Costa Rica. The application for such assistance to the Costa Rica court is known as a letters rogatory application.
Costa Rica is a civil law jurisdiction, which does not recognize the legal concept of joint tenancy. In my opinion, it is a better practice for a husband and wife to have a Joint Costa Rica will to provide for the surviving spouse to inherit the property title interest. The Costa Rica will is able to be subordinated to the provisions of a foreign will and limited in its application to Costa Rica assets only. Such a will can be admitted into probate immediately following the death of a spouse and the probate process completed in approximately six to eight months. This permits a much more timely transfer of the deceased spouse’s assets to the surviving spouse.
Minding Your Money and Your Wellness in 2020
CR BIZ
New Law Encourages Foreign Investment and Relocation in Costa Rica
Economic Reactivation Goals
by Ivan Granados
O
n July 5, 2021, the government of Costa Rica published Law #9996, designed to attract foreign investors, retirees and temporary residents (those who fall under Law #8764 – General Law of Migration and Foreigners). This legislation was passed to promote the economic reactivation of the country in the post-pandemic period of COVID-19. The incentives in the new law apply to those who are authorized to enter Costa Rica under the specific categories of investors, temporary residents and retirees/ pensioners. “The investors, temporary residents or beneficiary pensioners who opted for said benefits during the first 5 years of the law, will keep them for a period of 10 years from the date they were granted,” says the new legislation.
LEGAL EASE
There are several incentives that stand out: 1. A one-time elimination of import taxes (duty free) on the importation of household items.
2. Beneficiaries may import up to two land, air and/or sea transportation vehicles, for personal or family use, free of all import, customs and value-added taxes (VAT). In case of loss of the vehicle due to theft, total destruction by fire, flood, collision or accident during the term of the benefits, you can import another vehicle free of the indicated taxes. 3. The amounts declared as income to qualify for the benefits of this law will be exempt from income tax. 4. Exoneration of 20% of the total transfer tax in any real estate purchase, within the terms of this law. 5. Exemption from import taxes for instruments or materials for professional or scientific practice, carried out by the person with the migratory category of investor, retired resident or temporary resident. Those eligible must demonstrate, before the Ministry of Finance, that what is imported corresponds to their economic activity and meets criteria of proportionality and reasonableness.
The amounts declared as income to qualify for the benefits of this law will be exempt from income tax.
Specifically for investors, the new legislation establishes that whomever is opting for a temporary residence as an investor must demonstrate to the Immigration Department a minimum investment of $150,000 USD in real estate, registrable assets, shares, securities and productive projects (or projects of national interest). This is a reduction from the previous amount of $200,000 USD. Of note, the regulations establishing how the law will be applied are still pending to be issued by the government. To answer any questions you may have as the details are finalized, we are at your service at info@gmattorneyscr.com
HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29
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Reset Reset
Your Reset Reset
Mindse by Joanna Blanco
M
y dear fellow entrepreneurs, I will begin this month's article with this mantra: “I am still standing!”
Repeat this mantra any time you conquer a situation that was challenging for you.
ENTREPRENEUR CR
Many global concerns have demanded our attention from the beginning of this year. The most popular topics: increased COVID-19 case numbers, controversy about vaccines and the different modalities countries have adopted for vaccinating populations, crazy political situations worldwide, and more. I could continue, but would rather not. Sometimes I choose to ignore significant external problems that I can't fix, so I can focus on my own. We must be selective and realistic, because we need to deal with many situations close to home. If you run a business, you want to feel productive and practical at the end of the day, which means you are earning your income — money. So, let's focus this month on resetting our mindset to feel productive, energetic and positive. I want to help you to grow and to feel fulfilled. No matter what your objectives, I will help you reprogram yourself to manage situations and emotions and repeat the mantra: “I am still standing!”
et
Here is the approach I recommend. • Detox This time, the detox is not about food; it is about emotions. It is about cleaning your mind — sweeping away problems that are not yours, leaving out duties that are not your responsibility and washing away the external stress and anxiety. Let me give you a few tactics you can use to detox bad external vibes. • Prioritize your emotions. Every morning ask yourself: How am I? Write on a piece of paper or in your mind how you feel and why you are feeling that way. If you are feeling happy, search for the reason you have that wonderful feeling and enjoy it. If you are feeling anxious, search for why you feel unfocused, stuck or nervous. Whatever the reason is, make a plan to fix it. I am sure that once you identify the reason for feeling that way, you will feel some weight lift off your shoulders. This leads me to the following tactic.
Repeat the mantra:
“I’m still standing!”
CR BIZ
• Focus on what you want to accomplish today. Every day is a new adventure, challenging or not. We, as business owners, have many responsibilities: make your clients happy, resolve problems, keep up the business fuel and make money, among others. Every day make a plan: priorities, everyday actions, and following action plans. It is essential that you feel productive. This detox step is about to make your emotions circulate and get the groove back any time some bad feeling wants to keep you frustrated. Plan to delete fear, anxiety and other negative feelings. Replace them with compassion, gratitude, positiveness, love, and joy. • Stay mentally healthy
ENTREPRENEUR CR
After a good detox, make a plan to stay mentally healthy. Let me refresh some of my favorite actions.
• Be enthusiastic. Always add exclamations to great new ideas, good results, positive attitudes around you and what you do. Positive feedback encourages and supports your mindset. • Have compassion for yourself. You are human, and you can make mistakes. • Communicate with others like you. You are not alone in this world; people like you would like to share and express their thoughts. It will give you accountability. • Take care of yourself. Move your body, hydrate, eat as healthy as possible, sleep, and recreate. Your physical health affects your mental health. You can contact me anytime, whenever you need to kill those bad vibes. I love to see people get their groove back and keep standing.
See Joanna Blanco’s story in the video below. Contact me any time: joannablanco@vivesattva. com and follow me on Instagram
I’m still standing! Yeah, yeah, yeah!
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Buying or selling a home? Find a RE/MAX Agent In Playa Tamarindo since 1999. Sales of condominiums, homes, lots, fincas and businesses. Playa Tamarindo Monday to Saturday, 9-5 2653-0073 ~ 866.976.8898 www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com
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