Costa Rica Jacó Regional by Howler - November 2020

REGIONAL

e-Mag

h o w l e r m a g . c o m

BY HOWLER s i n c e 1 9 9 6 n o v e m b e r 2 0 2 0

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EDITORIAL

H

owler’s Jacó magazine is not your typical regional advertising publication. While many publishers may have closed their doors during the pandemic, we kept our doors open, creating a new magazine each and every month. We used our time to grow and evolve to bring our customers something new and fresh, with substance!

Jacó by Howler is not just about pretty social media posts. We produce a real publication that people don’t throw away at the end of the month.

Every month we bring you informative new articles and content about Jacó as well as Costa Rica as a whole, to keep our readers interested and engaged. All this, plus daily promotion across our social media channels, is driving customers through your doors and keeping them in the know!

Our presence continues to grow exponentially each month, capturing the attention of more readers around the world.

Read the full HOWLER

online November issue

here!

• Over 85% of our readers sit across Costa Rica, Canada and the United States.

• 70% are tourists outside Costa Rica.

• Howler has more than 40,000 followers across social media.

• Over 100,000 people read our magazines every month, online and in print.

• Don’t wait to target your customers once they are already here.

Be part of the bigger collective solution in our business community!

Entice people to come to our bustling little beach town. Entice them to come to Costa Rica. Be a part of a local publication that is backed by a powerful international magazine online platform.

Kelly Norris Join the regional magazine publication by including HOWLER in your business marketing strategy.

Contact Kelly today! (506)8364 5376 kelly@howlermag.com Publisher / Editor-in-Chief John B. Quam CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 Sales and Marketing Manager Terry Carlile & Kelly Norris Graphic Design, Art Director & Rock Star Adriana C. Zerpa The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers.

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

Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

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

Copyright © 2020 The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Copyright © 2020 Howler Media Holding, Inc. Panama The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 HOWLER (TM)2017

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REGIONAL JACÓ CR

Collecting

by Paula Simons

MOMENTS A SPONTANEOUS JOURNEY INTO THE UNKNOWN

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hen you listen to your intuition and everything aligns in your favor, letting life guide you into the unknown can be a scary thing. We want control, we want safe waters, we’ve been taught that we need a sense of security. What happens when we let go — when we trust in the flow of how life needs to unfold?

FEATURED ADVENTURE

We show up and do our part. We dream and move our energy positively, where we can, when necessary. And then we let life take care of the rest.

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Two souls and a road ahead, we were thirsty for adventure. No obstacle could get in the way.

There was an inner knowing that we were in for a ride of teaching. Excitement was in the air, the thrilling taste of new experiences. It was a celebration of movement, of travel, with the pleasurable feeling of being alive and free. Each moment had its own melody. The views of the tropical mountains enthralled us breathlessly.

The biggest lessons in the journey are the difficulties – the speed bumps that show up unexpectedly. The external circumstances force us to observe inwardly. Life presents us with trials, testing our commitment to peace, exploring our flexibility. Will you react to threat, or will you respond calmly and consciously?

L IK E A DR EAM We arrived at our destination after a longer drive than expected. Jungle canopy, ocean breeze, empty beach awaited … like something out of a dream. We parked the camper-van, opened up the back doors and it felt like home instantly. How perfect was our view of the waves, just steps away from our new front yard, down a trail through the trees. I could get used to this, let’s stay forever, we said, only somewhat jokingly.

Hearing the waves from bed, we woke up in the morning with ease, elated, excited for the day ahead. With the music of the jungle sounds while making coffee, our little mobile home provided us with everything we needed, such liberty. It satisfied my deep yearning for simplicity.

In life, we complicate things, reach for way more than we need. A lot of the time, all that really is, is a bed to sleep, some food and water, a friend, nature and movement of our energy.

Van life — what a fantasy. It was back to basics, feet on the muddy earth, the forest reminding me of my truth, feeling clarity. Inspiration was flowing, visions for the future, planting seeds. It was a life of

creating each day as it comes: take a left, take a right, go on instinct. Feel it out … the freedom, the mobility.

We enter the ocean. Paddling out, we’re the only ones in the line up. Perfect waves, turtles swimming by. My jaw drops; I take a deep breath. I feel I’m in a movie scene: the morning light, the colors of the clouds and the sea, the smiles on our faces, savoring the moments joyfully.

However we ended up here, let’s keep this vibe going continuously. Let us exist in the presence, live spontaneously.

L IVIN G L IGH TLY

What happens when we let go — when we trust in the flow of how life needs to unfold?

We made new friends in the surf.

We laughed, we cheered, with the stoke of living lightly and not taking life too seriously. Like little kids again, we felt eager to live, fully and fearlessly. The bonds we created through connection to the water: uplifting each other, riding waves, sharing the fun of becoming one with the ocean, creating community. We released the illusion of separation, feeling the true calling of living in unity.

We didn’t know what to expect; we followed a feeling, our hungry hearts wanted the journey. There’s always risk involved when choosing to live courageously. You might bare your soul, things might go wrong, opening up to vulnerability, pushing through fears and difficulty.

But I believe we didn’t come here to live safely. We came for the adventure, to live passionately, dangerously. Go for it, choose uncertainty for a chance at the dream, to understand your endless possibilities. It’s the excitement, the rush of living free. Anything could happen; it’s the point of the journey.

It’s not about where we end up, it’s the instants passing us by, collecting moments, making memories. |9

REGIONAL JACÓ CR

by Story and photos by Lori Anne Haskell

MAGICAL

SAN VITO

A Wonderland of Wildlife, Scenery and Culture Turquoise cotinga

I

COOL PLACES

was recently invited by friends to go on a two-night trip to the San Vito area of Costa Rica. The main purpose was to look for specific birds my two friends wanted to see to check off their bird lists. The plan was to drive to San Vito, stop on the way at an area called Las Pangas to look for the masked duck, and then continue to Ciudad Neily to look for the rare Veraguan mango hummingbird and the rare savanna hawk.

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San Vito is a district and city of the Coto Brus canton in Puntarenas province.

It is located 271 kilometres southeast of San José, close to the Panama border.

San Vito has an area of 74.88 square kilometers, at an elevation of 1,009 meters, and is surrounded by lush jungle and spectacular mountain ranges. The weather is much cooler than what I am used to in Jacó. The average temperature this time of the year is 18 to 23 degrees Celsius (64 to 73 degrees Fahrenheit).

Pants and long-sleeved shirts are required at night, and sometimes even a jacket is needed. Air conditioning is not.

In the 1950s, many Italian immigrants moved to San Vito, and to this day, the area is known for its amazing Italian food. San Vito is also known for its wonderful coffee, which is one of the most valuable exports grown and produced there.

E AR LY B I R D SI GHT I NG S We started watching for birds on the way to Las Pangas heading south from Jacó. We soon spotted a beautiful grey-lined hawk on top of a pole off the highway. We found a road next to the pole and drove closer to try and get better pictures. The grey-lined hawk is similar in looks to the roadside hawk. I have seen many roadside hawks but never the grey-lined hawk, so I was happy to see one.

Once in Las Pangas, we had to stop and ask for directions from a local man as we could not find the correct road. Once we located the road, we saw many nice birds out in the fields. We saw a trio of glossy ibis, many wood storks, and many other herons, ducks and sandpipers. We also saw a beautiful scissor-tailed flycatcher diving into the water. We did not see the masked duck even though we tried for hours to find one.

Astraptes creteus butterfly

San Vito area scenery

Zingiber spectabili flower

Smooth-billed anis

Next, we stopped for a quick lunch at a local soda in Ciudad Niely. After lunch, we were off to our hotel, Casa Botania. One of my friends had stayed there once before and loved it. The grounds and views are beautiful. A couple and their son own the hotel and live the premises. The husband, Pepe, is an avid birder and expert on the San Vito area. It was raining when we arrived, so we relaxed a bit, had some amazing local coffee, headed to dinner and then to bed for an early rise.

Roadside hawk

Rufous-collared sparrow

Next, we headed into the town of Sabalito to try and see the turquoise cotinga, which had recently been spotted there at a local soda called Mercado Veriteca. The turquoise cotinga is a very rare bird.

Mercado Veriteca has an area in the back with a deck over a river and many fruit trees where birds like to spend time. We stayed about 30 minutes at Mercado Veriteca but didn’t see the turquoise cotinga. So with more birds to find, we headed off with plans to return to Mercado Veriteca later.

PAT I E NC E R E WAR DE D

The turquoise cotinga is one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen.

Early the next morning, we had breakfast and then headed out with several goals. First, we stopped to look for the bran-colored flycatcher.

After walking a bit, our guide heard the bird and we got great glimpses of it on a fence and in some bushes. Score!

Next, we drove to a remote area with a jungle trail to look for the lance-tailed manakin. We walked along the beautiful trail and then into the forest after Pepe heard a lance-tailed manakin there. After about 50 meters, we stopped and listened and both a male and female lance-tailed manakin appeared. This is a very rare bird and we were all excited to see it up close. The manakins hid behind branches and leaves, so pictures were difficult to obtain but the beautiful colors of the male made identification easy. | 11

We then headed back to Sabalito and Mercado Veriteca to try again to spot the turquoise cotinga. This time, it awaited our arrival. The turquoise cotinga is one of the most beautiful birds I have ever seen. It was far back in the trees but after about 15 minutes, it flew closer to feast on the aguacatillo in a tree above the river. It was an incredible moment for all of us! I will never forget my time seeing this bird.

We soon grabbed some snacks and headed back to Las Pangas. We were in search of the masked duck for a second time. This time, with Pepe’s help, we found it!

We saw two males and two females. The masked duck hides in ponds and swims very low to the water, making it difficult to spot even though the male has a bright blue bill. Next, we headed out to dinner at a wonderful Italian restaurant in San Vito called La Casa Italiana, recommended by Pepe. I had vodka sauce pasta and it was amazing. Everyone else at my table also enjoyed their food.

The next morning, we got up early to look for the ruddy foliage-gleaner. Pepe has the pleasure of having this bird live right on his property near a jungle trail, so we went there to search for it. We heard the very distinct call of a ruddy foliage-gleaner before we even started to walk on the trail. We then quietly walked and stood waiting and the bird flew in. The ruddy foliage-gleaner is dark brown in color. Since we saw it very early in the morning and it was still dark out, pictures weren’t really possible.

Turquoise cotinga

Bran-colored flycatcher

Later that morning, we walked in another area looking for the black-chested jay and heard the foliagegleaner again. However, this time we didn’t see it. While looking for the black-chested jay, we got some amazing views of a speckled tanager. The speckled tanager is stunning, in various shades of green and blue in color.

Unfortunately, we came up empty on our search for the black-chested jay.

“Magical” is the word I would use to describe San Vito and the surrounding areas. Everywhere we went to look for birds, the views were gorgeous and surreal. Pictures do not do this area justice. The food, people and wildlife there are also unique and wonderful. I highly suggest going to San Vito to relax and experience its beauty and enchantment. Pura vida!

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REGIONAL JACÓ CR

Eternal

by Kate Hanley

Optimism of Youth JACÓ JUNIOR SURFERS ON FIRE Darshan Antequera — fins out and ready to launch. Playa Hermosa. Photo: Agustin Muñoz.

S

SURF PROFILE

ince the middle of March, competitive surfers around the world have been coping with pandemic containment measures including beach closings, restrictions and cancellations of major contest events.

This is true for the World Surf League and International Surf Association (ISA), as well as our National Surfing Circuit (Circuito Nacional de Surf ) here at home in Costa Rica.

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Adults are often surprised by the eternal optimism of youth in the face of a crisis or challenge. Jacó Beach Junior surfers are no exception. Junior competitors Aaron Ramírez, Darshan Antequerra, Leonardo Apreda and Rachel Aguero took time to answer some questions. All four surfers consistently competed in three categories in last year’s National Surfing Circuit. Remarkably, they were also chosen to represent the Junior National Surf Team at the ISA Junior World Surfing Championship in Huntington Beach, California.

In the face of the pandemic, these youth remain not only optimistic but in surfer lingo “stoked” to keep training.

Here are some excerpts from our Q and A round with the local shredders.

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AARON RAMÍREZ

Aaron Ramírez finished in the top 10 for Open Men as a 16-year-old, runner up for Junior Men and third in the Boys Category last year on the National Surfing Circuit.

Describe a typical day with the restrictions at the beaches from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. during the week.

I wake up at 4:30 in the morning, have breakfast and go surfing from 5 to 8.

After the surf I eat some more — ha ha ha — then have lunch, work out, eat dinner and go to sleep.

Where do you usually surf and who takes you?

I surf most of the time in Hermosa and my dad drives me there.

How do you spend your time when you can’t surf?

I help my mom with things in the house and go biking every time I can. We usually go as a family.

What is a goal you have for this year apart from surfing?

My main goal for 2020 that is not about surfing or competition would be to go to the college or university of my choice.

Leonardo Apreda getting some shade time at Bowie’s Point. Photo: Maureen Durán, Playa Hermosa Surf Report

“I miss competition a lot but thankfully I live in a town with great surfers so my competitive energy is still there. I want to be the best surfer in the water always and for that I have to work really hard since there are amazing surfers out there.”

— Darshan Antequera

Leonardo Apreda — Air time at Bowies Point. Photo: Maureen Durán, Playa Hermosa Surf Report The National Junior Surf Team 2019, Playa Jacó.

Photo: Jorge Russell

Aaron Ramírez — slide tail at the Backyard, Stadium of Surf, Playa Hermosa Photo: Fabián Sánchez/ Federación de Surf Costa Rica

“I love being part of the Jacó community of surfers because there is a lot of support and friends to surf with. I think a lot of good surfers come from Jacó and Hermosa because it has a lot of variety of waves so you can practice all types of conditions.”

— Aaron Ramírez, National Surfer

Rachel Aguero at The Tree, Playa Hermosa.

Photo: Jonathan Aguero

Rachel Aguero — Setting up the bottom turn in Playa Hermosa. Photo: Jonathan Aguero

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DARSHAN ANTEQUERA Darshan Antequera finished second in Boys last year for the National Circuit but his best performance was winning the Roca Loca Pro run

by La Asociación Costarricense de Surf (ACOS) in both the Junior and Open divisions. Roca Loca is a rocky right point break that you’ll find south of Jacó before hitting Hermosa. It gets downright scary in big swells. The annual event is held when the waves are usually over 10 feet.

Are you surfing every day during the week? How do you stay motivated to get up early?

Yeah, I’m trying to surf every day. What keeps me motivated to wake up so early is that we only get three hours to surf per day, so I’d better make the best out of it no matter what the conditions are.

What is your goal for this year if there are no more competitions?

Since all competition seems to be over for the year, my goal is to keep improving my surfing with my coach Diego, stay fit and healthy, so when competitions are back on I can be ready to give my best.

What do you like the most about the waves in Jacó?

The unpredictability of the waves. It could be slow and fun and the next wave is big and fast. It challenges me every time and makes me become a better surfer.

LEONARDO APREDA

SURF PROFILE

Leonardo Apreda is the youngest of the four Jacó surfers who went to California for the ISA Junior World Surfing Championship last year.

He turned 13 last October and lived in Italy for five years before his family made Jacó their permanent home.

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What is your favorite surf memory from last year?

My best memory of surfing is when I went to the ISA Junior World Surfing Championship in California. It was very exciting to be able to compete there. I had a lot of adrenaline. It was my first time in an international competition and there were so many emotions sharing the event with the rest of the team. I gained more experience competing with guys who all have a very good level of surfing.

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MOON PHASES

NOVEMBER TIDE CHART DAY

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

Nov 1

Sun

03:05 / 9.04 ft

09:17 / 0.28 ft

15:30 / 8.42 ft

21:24 / 0.77 ft

Nov 2

Mon

03:39 / 9.09 ft

09:50 / 0.19 ft

16:05 / 8.40 ft

21:57 / 0.83 ft

Nov 3

Tue

04:13 / 9.02 ft

10:25 / 0.24 ft

16:40 / 8.26 ft

22:32 / 0.99 ft

Nov 4

Wed

04:48 / 8.83 ft

11:00 / 0.41 ft

17:17 / 8.04 ft

23:08 / 1.23 ft

Nov 5

Thu

05:24 / 8.54 ft

11:38 / 0.67 ft

17:56 / 7.78 ft

23:48 / 1.51 ft

Nov 6

Fri

06:04 / 8.17 ft

12:18 / 1.00 ft

18:39 / 7.52 ft

Nov 7

Sat

00:32 / 1.79 ft

06:49 / 7.79 ft

13:04 / 1.32 ft

19:28 / 7.33 ft

Nov 8

Sun

01:25 / 2.02 ft

07:43 / 7.45 ft

13:57 / 1.57 ft

20:26 / 7.29 ft

Nov 9

Mon

02:26 / 2.11 ft

08:47 / 7.26 ft

14:57 / 1.67 ft

21:30 / 7.46 ft

Nov 10

Tue

03:36 / 1.96 ft

09:56 / 7.31 ft

16:02 / 1.55 ft

22:34 / 7.88 ft

Nov 11

Wed

04:44 / 1.53 ft

11:03 / 7.63 ft

17:05 / 1.21 ft

23:34 / 8.50 ft

Nov 12

Thu

05:47 / 0.90 ft

12:03 / 8.13 ft

18:04 / 0.71 ft

Nov 13

Fri

00:29 / 9.19 ft

06:43 / 0.19 ft

12:58 / 8.70 ft

18:58 / 0.18 ft

Nov 14

Sat

01:20 / 9.85 ft

07:35 / -0.47 ft

13:50 / 9.23 ft

19:49 / -0.27 ft

Nov 15

Sun

02:09 / 10.36 ft

08:25 / -0.97 ft

14:40 / 9.62 ft

20:39 / -0.56 ft

Nov 16

Mon

02:58 / 10.63 ft

09:13 / -1.24 ft

15:28 / 9.81 ft

21:28 / -0.63 ft

Nov 17

Tue

03:46 / 10.64 ft

10:01 / -1.25 ft

16:18 / 9.78 ft

22:17 / -0.46 ft

Nov 18

Wed

04:35 / 10.37 ft

10:50 / -1.00 ft

17:08 / 9.55 ft

23:08 / -0.07 ft

Nov 19

Thu

05:25 / 9.86 ft

11:39 / -0.54 ft

18:00 / 9.15 ft

Nov 20

Fri

00:00 / 0.47 ft

06:17 / 9.19 ft

12:31 / 0.05 ft

18:55 / 8.67 ft

Nov 21

Sat

00:57 / 1.07 ft

07:13 / 8.47 ft

13:26 / 0.68 ft

19:54 / 8.22 ft

Nov 22

Sun

01:58 / 1.60 ft

08:14 / 7.83 ft

14:26 / 1.23 ft

20:57 / 7.89 ft

Nov 23

Mon

03:05 / 1.97 ft

09:19 / 7.37 ft

15:29 / 1.63 ft

22:01 / 7.74 ft

Nov 24

Tue

04:14 / 2.08 ft

10:26 / 7.15 ft

16:32 / 1.83 ft

23:00 / 7.78 ft

Nov 25

Wed

05:18 / 1.97 ft

11:26 / 7.15 ft

17:29 / 1.86 ft

23:53 / 7.94 ft

Nov 26

Thu

06:12 / 1.71 ft

12:20 / 7.30 ft

18:19 / 1.77 ft

Nov 27

Fri

00:39 / 8.17 ft

06:57 / 1.38 ft

13:06 / 7.53 ft

19:02 / 1.62 ft

Nov 28

Sat

01:20 / 8.43 ft

07:37 / 1.04 ft

13:48 / 7.77 ft

19:41 / 1.45 ft

Nov 29

Sun

01:58 / 8.67 ft

08:14 / 0.72 ft

14:27 / 7.99 ft

20:19 / 1.29 ft

Nov 30

Mon

02:35 / 8.86 ft

08:50 / 0.47 ft

15:05 / 8.16 ft

20:56 / 1.17 ft

NOV 15 New Moon

NOV 21 1st Quarter

NOV 24

3rd Quarter

NOV 30 Full Moon

SUNRISE NOV 1 NOV 30

5:27 am 5:38 am

SUNSET NOV 1 NOV 30

5:13 pm 5:13 pm

HIGH TIDES

Maui...Jan 2020 Massive Waves:

“Sur fing is the most blissful experience you can have on this planet, a taste of heaven.”

John McCarthy | 21

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IGNACIA MUSIC

PAULA PHOTOGRAPHY

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MAJORIE PAINTING

By Kelly Norris

FEMALE ARTISTS OF JACÓ CO N V E R SAT I O N S W I T H A C R E AT I V E T R I O

O

ne of the best kept secrets about the coastal beach town of Jacó is an art scene that takes many unsuspecting visitors by surprise. It runs the gamut from live music to live art shows and artist’s expositions throughout the year.

Within this vibrant corps of local artists is an amazing subset of strong women, leading the way.

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down to talk with three of these remarkable female artists in Playa Jacó. Here are some highlights of what they had to say.

Simons noted how much the art scene has grown since she first moved to Jacó seven years ago. This expansion has occurred by default as more artists from around the world have settled here. With that has come a unique sense of support within the Jacó artist community, especially among the women.

Originally from Sweden, Paula Simons moved to Costa Rica in 2013 after spending time traveling throughout Central America. Inspired by the surf and the local people, she quickly got the feeling that Jacó felt like home.

“We are fortunate to have so many female entrepreneurs and artists in this town who are extremely smart and forward thinking,” Paula told me. “As we individually step more into our power, taking a stand for our individual paths, other artists see that and give themselves permission to do the same.

They see that it’s ok to push a little further and take it to the next level.”

From the time she was a young child, Paula always had a fascination capturing unique images through the family camera. As a teenager, having received her first point-andshoot camera, she was able to start exploring her passion further, inspired by nature and creating art from the photos she took during walks around her garden.

Much beauty can be found in this fulfillment of highest potential by her peers Simons noted. “As we rise individually, we help those around us rise and together we are even stronger. I believe that this is what has helped create this beautiful force of female artists and entrepreneurs here in Jacó and also around all of the world.”

At the age of 18, Simons did her first lifestyle/ fashion photoshoot with one of her friends who worked as a model. This was only the beginning.

Building her skills shooting different genres over the years, Paula found herself back to shooting fashion photography after moving to

She went on to say, “I feel blessed to be part of this community. Marjorie and Ignacia inspire me so much — they are my sisters and my muses. I have worked with them a lot and we have co-created many projects together”

PAULA SIMONS: ARTIST, PHOTOGRAPHER

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Costa Rica, where a close friend had recently launched a swimwear line. Things took off from there. One job led to another and slowly but surely her passion grew into her profession.

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As for Paula’s current endeavors, a silver lining belies the pandemic-related adjustments imposed on her over the last few months. With many projects put on hold for the time being, she has had a chance to reflect and bring a deeper focus to her photography business.

“Recognizing what was working in my business and what wasn’t, I can now decide how I want to move forward, with intention,” she said.

“Perhaps that will mean finding more ways to generate income online.”

Simons is also considering the other forms of self-expression she enjoys, including poetry and music, specifically singing.

“I am looking to create a balance in my life for all of the things that I love.”

Stay tuned for Paula’s website being launched in the coming months. You can always keep up with her latest work or contact her for a photoshoot on Instagram.

MARJORIE MEPLON: VISUAL ARTIST, PAINTER, MURALIST Born in the seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, on the north coast of France, Majorie Meplon moved to Jacó in 2017 after spending time traveling around the world.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

“Costa Rica has always made me dream about the jungle canopy, beaches and animals,” she revealed. “I bought my flight after quitting my job in France. The Costa Rican lifestyle blew my mind in all its aspects! I had no idea what would be the plan, but I knew it was exactly where I was supposed to be.” Marjorie explained.

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When asked about her background as an artist, Marjorie recounted, “I have always found myself drawing, throughout my whole life. I also met a lot of artists while traveling, which continued to inspire the artist inside of me. I used to sketch a lot of women's faces and portraits from photos; that's what I liked the most. I have never attended art school but was fully inspired by artwork I would see from the streets.”

Meplon’s venture into painting really started after her move to Costa Rica.

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“I felt the freedom and inspiration to add colors to the drawings,” she explained. “I started painting on paper, carton, and canvas.

Then my friends Gabo and Nacha invited me to participate in the Live Art project and we started a beautiful adventure for almost two years. I learned a lot through live painting and found my style.”

Describing her artwork as “kind of urban, tropical and mostly feminine,” Marjorie found live painting to be very challenging, involving lots of preparation, but also very satisfying.

“Soon after the live shows began, people started buying my artwork and I started accepting commissions,” she recalled.

“Sebastian, my boyfriend, motivated me so much on my journey and gave me a lot of advice on how to promote myself as a growing artist.

He is the best!”

Majorie echoed Paula Simons’ sentiments about the art scene in Costa Rica and Jacó, especially among her female contemporaries.

That includes both of the other artists featured in this Howler spotlight.

“I met Paula and Ignacia when I first moved here and I always admired them for their energy.

They are real artists fighting to live from their passion. They are women — sisters — who have a real message to deliver to the world through their art, music and photography.”

Marjorie values the close friendship the three women have formed within a larger collective movement they are all part of.

“I remember many sweet afternoons together, where I sat drawing while Paula and Ignacia were singing,” she told me. “For me they embody and reflect the modern day woman. I love them!”

Meplon has also been influenced and inspired by her two friends individually. “lgnacia is so fearless and has so much to share. She inspires me a lot and that's maybe why a lot of my paintings end up looking like her!

Paula is like my wise goddess girlfriend, strong and spreading such a positive message to the female community. She also writes wonderful poems. We need more Paulas in our world.”

As pandemic restrictions continue easing throughout Costa Rica, Marjorie has found herself receiving new requests for murals and commissioned art, and for reigniting the Live Art shows alongside Ignacia. She has also taken time to update her website with new paintings.

“I am looking forward to adding an online shop including some prints between $20 and $60, so people can buy artwork internationally at affordable prices.”

For mural inquiries or more information, contact Marjorie Meplon: +506 6011 2841. Visit her website and on Instagram and Facebook.

IGNACIA “NACHA” TELLEZ: ARTIST, DJ Ignacia Tellez came to live in Costa Rica in February 2018, after completing studies in events direction and production in her hometown of Santiago de Chile.

Her training and work experience as a DJ started in 2014 when her friends got involved in electronic music and club life. At the time, Ignacia was an audiovisual arts student at the National University of Arts of BSAS in Buenos Aires. Opportunities to attend many high-caliber shows in the Argentinean capital motivated her to study electronic music production.

“At that time I had DJ teachers and artists who were nationally renowned, who inspired me a lot and shared their tasteful references, mainly in the genre of deep house music.”

Having access to school equipment for improving her practice was an added advantage.

After moving to Jacó, Tellez started spending a lot of time with her new creative and artistic friends. Enjoying afternoons together in one of their homes or at the beach, they would paint, sing, play guitar — you name it. They would sit for hours, chatting and sharing their passions.

Performing at the 2018 Perfect Garabito Festival was an early turning point for Ignacia in Costa Rica, she recalled.

“It was one of the first big shows in which I had the opportunity to participate.”

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E n j oy t h e a d v e n t u r e o f t h e Green Coast of Costa Rica.

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REGIONAL JACÓ CR

by Lyndsay Bilodeau

THE TABACON PLANT A

C O S T A

R I C A N

T

he anthurium salvinii gets the nickname tabacon because its foliage resembles a tobacco plant. However, many plants similar to the anthurium salvinii are also commonly referred to as tabacon, so it can be confusing sometimes knowing the difference!

PLANT LIFE

Anthuriums are best distinguished by their inflorescence, a flower spike that consists of a spadix and a spathe. The tabacon flowers during summer and produces a lovely purple coloured spadix.

One tabacon characteristic is that it does not mind being rootbound. In cultivation, you can grow this plant in an orchid-like soil or an airy and well-draining potting mix. In local nurseries, you will commonly find it growing quite wonderfully in mucky soil. It’s not unusual to see the large tabacon roots growing upward, pushing their way out of the ground and sometimes even cracking the pot. This plant sure has some very powerful roots!

The tabacon flowers during summer and produces a lovely purple coloured spadix.

I C O N

CLICK HERE! TO READ MORE

AIR PURIFIER The tabacon can grow very large, with long, tongue-shaped leaves reaching one meter in length. Due to the extremely large leaves it produces, the tabacon has an incredible ability to oxygenate its environment. Having an anthurium salvinii in your home is a great way to help purify the air.

There is a beautiful naturally-growing tabacon plant specimen in Jacó Walk at the main entrance. If you are ever around that end of town, go take a peek beneath the giant tree and look up to see a beautiful example of this tropical queen. Tucked away at the base of the branches, this anthurium is happily hanging out in the shade.

The tabacon makes a wonderful houseplant that is easy to care for, has low light requirements and will, in time, grow up to become a real show stopper. It prefers moist soil and a humid environment.

While you can commonly find this plant at many nurseries and plant boutiques, the anthurium salvinii is a protected species in Costa Rica and it is illegal to harvest these from the wild. We recommend that you purchase anthurium salvinii from a licensed grower or seller.

Happy planting!

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PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

by Valeria Gonzalez

HEALTHY HEMP HELP YOURSELF

L

ooking for a healthy, natural supplement? It doesn't get any better than hemp.

EAT WELL

Hemp is the common term for a variety of plants in the cannabis family. This beneficial and versatile plant can be turned into fibers, oil, wax, resin, cloth, fuel, and a wide range of other useful products. Hemp is one of the most widely utilized and diverse industrial crops in the world. Its fibers are among the longest and most durable of all natural fibers, and it can even be grown without herbicides and pesticides.

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Hemp seeds are regarded by some to be one of nature’s perfect foods — a superfood. The human dietary benefits have been associated with improved heart health, digestive health, immunity and organ function, as well as lower blood pressure.

With a nutrient composition that includes 25% protein, 35% fatty acids and 27% carbohydrates, hemp offers an alternative for meeting your daily nutritional needs, as follows.

• A complete protein source, with a concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes, and a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats • High fiber content • An excellent source of omega 3 and omega 6, without containing any of the eight main allergens: milk, egg, fish, crustaceans, wheat, soybeans, peanuts and nuts • Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a necessary building block for some prostaglandins, hormonelike chemicals in the body that help smooth muscles, control inflammation and regulate body temperature, and are vital to other body functions • Contains all 20 amino acids, including the nine that our bodies cannot produce

Hemp offers an alternative for meeting your daily nutritional needs.

W H ER E TO B UY Hemp seeds are available at various health food stores and supermarkets in the area.

HOW TO US E You can add hemp seeds to smoothies or grind them up and sprinkle them on your yogurt, cereal or others meals. Eat as a snack or mix with sauces or dips.

Hemp seeds are also available as hemp nut butter, which you can enjoy in the same ways as peanut or almond butter.

Also, much like almond milk, hemp milk can serve as a milk substitute.

HEMP SEED HUMMUS Hummus is doubly virtuous as both a taste bud-friendly and nutrientdense snack food. It’s a source of protein and various essential vitamins and minerals. Although high in fat, hummus contains mostly the “good” kind — heart-healthy unsaturated fat.

Adding chickpeas and hemp seeds to this hummus recipe makes it all the more healthy as a delicious, fingerlicking, snack-a-thon worthy dish.

Ingredients • 4 tbsp. hemp seeds • 4 tsp. lemon juice • 3 cups cooked chickpeas or canned garbanzo beans • 2 tbsp. water • 2 cloves of small garlic, minced • 6 tbsp. olive oil • 1 tsp. salt • Paprika, red pepper flakes and chopped parsley or coriander for garnish Method • Grind hemp seeds in a grinder (spice grinder or pestle and mortar).

• Place in a food processor along with lemon juice, chickpeas, water, garlic, olive oil and salt.

• Blend until smooth. Add water if needed for thinner consistency of hummus.

• Serve on a plate or in a bowl, with olive oil drizzled on top and sprinkled garnish ingredients. | 37

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by Marian Paniagua

VRKSASANA HEMP

TREE POSE vrks = tree / asana = pose

YOGA WISDOM

V

rksasana, meaning “tree pose,” is a standing balancing yoga posture.

Standing on the floor, your foot is like the root of a tree and your arms are stretching up like branches. Just as the roots of a tree support its trunk and branches, our feet and legs must become the firm base that holds the entire weight of our body and allows balance. By having to stand on one leg, we practice concentration and help stop the thought process in our minds. It’s as if we are preparing the ground to cultivate our inner stillness and silence.

It’s as if we are preparing the ground to cultivate our inner stillness and silence.

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HOW TO DO THE TREE POSE Start standing in tadasana, or mountain pose. Look forward and stare at one point. Breathe deeply and direct attention to your breath.

Stand with your feet together, inner ankles and inner knees touching.

Bring your hands together in front of your chest in anjali mudra. Move your awareness to the soles of your feet, spreading your toes. Start cultivating a feeling of stillness, grounding and presence.

Softly bend your left knee and shift your weight on to your right foot.

Place the sole of your left foot on your inner right ankle, side of your shin or inner right thigh. Square both hips forward, maintaining your left knee pointed out to the left.

Lengthen your tailbone toward the floor and lift your chest slightly, radiating your heart forward. Bring your gaze directly to a focal point in front of you to help you balance.

Reaching equilibrium, raise your palms above your head, clasp them together or keep them separate.

Take five to 10 cleansing breaths, lengthening and expanding on every inhalation and “rooting down” on every exhalation. On your last exhalation, release the left leg back down and the hands together in front of your heart.

Press your thumbs gently against your chest, letting you feel your heartbeat and noting every sensation in your body. Repeat on the other side.

TO BE MINDFUL Avoid turning out the foot of your standing, supporting leg, to prevent misalignment on the supporting knee and hip.

Avoid placing the sole of your foot on the knee of your opposite standing leg. Keep your foot on the inner thigh, shin or ankle of the standing leg instead.

BENEFITS OF THE TREE POSE Physically • Strengthens your thighs, calves, ankles and spine.

• Stretches your groin and inner thighs, chest and shoulders.

• Improves your sense of balance and corrects your posture.

• Opens your hips and expand your range of motion.

• Mentally: Improves your ability to concentrate and strengthens the power you have to direct your undivided attention to where is wanted.

Energetically: Helps activate your base and sacral chakras — “recycling chakras”— changing negative emotional energies into power and light.

Keeps your energy body clean, returning to earth any “toxic waste” energy that the body cannot cope with. | 41

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

Flor de CaĂąa is recognized as an industry leader for its sustainable practices.

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Flor de Caña Rum

carbon neutral Certified

F

DOING BUSINESS RIGHT

lor de Caña, a sustainably produced premium rum, has recently achieved carbon neutral certification, further reaffirming the brand’s commitment to sustainability, which includes distilling its rum with 100% renewable energy, planting 50,000 trees annually since 2005 and being Fair Trade certified.

The certification was undertaken by Carbon Trust, a global leader in measuring and certifying carbon footprints to the internationally-recognised PAS 2060 standard for carbon neutrality. The standard requires that the entire lifecycle carbon footprint of Flor de Caña is measured and certified, that a carbon management plan is in place to reduce emissions, and that any remaining emissions are offset.

“The Carbon Trust is delighted to certify Flor de Caña Rum as carbon neutral and we support the work they are doing to secure ongoing reductions in carbon emissions,” said Silvana Centty, Senior Manager at the Carbon Trust.

Flor de Caña is recognized as an industry leader for its sustainable practices, being the only spirit in the world to be both carbon neutral and Fair Trade certified.

Since 1913, the company school has offered free education to the children of its employees (600 students currently enrolled), and since 1958, the company hospital has offered free medical attention to employees and their families (400+ surgeries and 170 births every year).

Flor de Caña has also been the main donor of APROQUEN for nearly 30 years, a non-profit that has provided over 600,000 free medical services to child burn victims and children with cleft lip or palate.

ABOUT FLOR DE CAÑA RUM Flor de Caña is a sustainably produced premium rum that’s Carbon Neutral & Fair Trade certified. From an 1890 family estate, it’s distilled with 100% renewable energy and naturally aged without sugar. It was awarded “Best Rum Producer of the Year” by the International Wine and Spirit Competition in 2017.

Visit www.flordecana.com | 43

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CHEERS! FLOR GINGER One of Flor de Caña’s signature serves is the Flor Ginger, an easy to make and refreshing long drink made with Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum. Ingredients

• 1 1/2 parts of Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum4 tsp. lemon juice • 3 parts ginger ale • Orange peel Method of Preparation Pour the Flor de Caña 12 Year Rum into a Collins glass with ice.

Add ginger ale, decorate with orange peel and enjoy!

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