HOWLER Magazine November 2017

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Costa Rica, Photography & Family Cocos Island Pg. 22 | Flocking Snowbirds Pg. 48 | ProParques Pg. 62

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November 2017

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FEATURE

CONTENTS

12 Cover Story

Endanged Sharks Sea Shepherd Series

Pucci - The family behind Costa Rica’s iconic photography

20

22

Cocos Island

Featured Adventure

ProParques

Community Feature

62

Going Deep at Barra Honda Cool Places

28

The Snowbirds are coming

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Lifestyle Feature

48

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DEPARTMENTS

CONTENTS 26

Surf Spot Playa Langosta

22 Travel & Adventure 2 - Feature: Cocos Island - Costa Rica’s Treasure 2 24 - Waves You’ve Missed 26 - Surf Spot: Playa Langosta 28 - Cool Places: Going Deep at Barra Honda 30 - Quick Trip: Tamarindo Estuary 30 - Simply Spanish: Basics 31 - Creature Feature: Leatherbacks - A Close-to-Home Concern 32 - What to Expect: Avoiding Rough Rental Rides 33 - Travel & Adventure Directory

34 Arts & Entertainment 34 - Arts & Entertainment Event Calendar and Directory 38 - Happenings: Get Out and Do Something 40 - Dos Locos: Tico Time Zone - Bus Stop of Life 41 - Locos Dos: Surviving CR - A Blast from the Past 42 - August Odysseys 44 - Spotlight: Joe Hrbek - Costa Rica’s “iron sax man” 46 - Horoscope: November 2017

48 Lifestyle

44

Photo Tips

50

Spotlight

Environment

68

8 - Feature: Flocking Snowbirds 4 50 - Photo Tips: Shooting RAW 52 - Spanish: Banter - A Pura Vida Life Skill 54 - Surf Science: Hurricanes in Costa Rica?

56 - Wellness: The Doctor is In - Do Your Parents Need Help?

57 - Wellness: Superfoods - Chocolate Healthy_Say What?

58 - Wellness: Spirituality - Surf Science: Storm of Uncertainty 59 - Fitness for Life - Interoception and Self-Awareness 60 - Lifestyle Activity Calendar and Directory

62 - Community

62 - Feature: ProParques 64 - Building CR: Storm Protection for Your Home 66 - Pet Care: Happy Landings for Pets, Part 1 68 - Environment: Interesting Times 69 - Insurance Nuggets: Health Insurance 70 - Legal Ease: Power of Attorney in Costa Rica 70 - Simply Spanish: Local Lingo 72 - Community Activities and Information 74 - Howl It 75 - Community Directory - Gulf of Papagayo & Liberia 76 - Community Directory - Gold Coast

79 Dining Guide

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84 - Simply Spanish: Order Up 86 - Restaurant Directory - Gulf of Papagayo & Liberia 87 - Restaurant Directory - Gold Coast

88 - Contributors 89 - Tide, Sun & Moon Chart

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

AMBULANCE, HOSPITALS & MEDICAL CLINICS EMERGENCIAS 2000 +506 8380-4125 GULF OF PAPAGAYO AMBULANCE +506 2670-0047 LIBERIA AMBULANCE +506 2666-7666

FIRE UNIT

1118

EMBASSY CONTACT INFO UNITED STATES +506 2519-2000 CANADA +506 2242-4000 EUROPEAN UNION (EU) DELEGATION +506 2283-2959

POLICE & LAW ENFORCEMENT

TOURIST POLICE

TAMARINDO +506 2653-0283

VILLARREAL +506 2244-6173 PLAYAS DEL COCO +506 2670-0258

SANTA CRUZ +506 2680-0136

LIBERIA +506 2665-0609

SAN JOSE AMBULANCE +506 2233-7033 TAMARINDO, FLAMINGO, +506 2675-0167 POTRERO AMBULANCE CARTAGENA RED CROSS AMBULANCE

+506 2675-0897

POISON CENTER

+506 2223-1028

LIBERIA HOSPITAL

+506 2666-0011

CRUZ ROJA LIBERIA

+506 2666-7666

HOSPITAL SAN RAFAEL +506 2666-1717 ARCANGEL (PRIVATE) LIBERIA NICOYA HOSPITAL +506 2685-8400 SAN JOSE HOSPITAL +506 2257-7922 PLAYAS DEL COCO CLINIC +506 2670-1717 LIBERIA CLINIC +506 2666-1887 SANTA CRUZ CLINIC +506 2680-2222 HUACAS CLINIC +506 2653-9911

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TAMARINDO | Waves of Sobriety Mon / Thur • 5:30 pm | Wed / Sat • 10:30 am Behind the Tamarindo circle, through Pedro´s Surf Shop Ellen 2653-0897 / 8484-1360 ellenzoe@aol.com Jacqueline 8332-5540 jacqueline.haskell@yahoo.com

FIRE UNIT 1118 FILADELFIA +506 2688-8733 VILLARREAL (Español) |Vida Real HUACAS FIRE STATION +506 2201-9079 Jose Chops 8720-1984 (CONCHAL) FLAMINGO / POTRERO | Beach front Serenity Group

SANTA CRUZ +506 2680-0090 Tue / Fri 5:30 pm Upstairs Costa Rica Saling Center OIJ CONFIDENTIAL +800 800-0645 Craig 8699-0254

LIBERIA +506 2690-0128 PLAYAS DEL COCO

+506 2690-0129 Monday / Wednesday / Friday - 6:00pm Sardinal Beach

SANTA CRUZ +506 2681-4000 Centro Plaza Sardinal(50 mts east from police), store N. 6.

SAN JOSE +506 2295-3851 Max 8917-2222 or John 2672-1163 ACCIDENT REPORT & VEHICLE ASSISTANCE 800 800-8001 HIGHWAY PATROL 1117 8 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

If you have updated or additional information for useful numbers in Guanacaste, please contact editor@howlermag.com or +506 4701-5942

EDITORIAL

A

Visa isn’t just a travel document: Don’t get stuck holding the bag if someone filled it with less than the gold you bought.

I want to relate a personal experience that could happen to anyone, but not necessarily with as favorable an outcome. In preparation for my most recent Riteve vehicle inspection appointment, I had planned to get an oil change the day before. It was a Friday afternoon, and I had noticed that a new auto maintenance and repair shop had just opened down the road, so I thought, “Huh, might as well give him some business.” The mechanic was friendly and I accepted the option of synthetic oil for the oil change. In conversation I mentioned that my business partner had been wronged by a mechanic he went to right before his Riteve inspection.

When the oil change was completed, I paid with my Visa card and drove off, ready for my 7 a.m. inspection the next day at Riteve in Nicoya.

I had no reason to doubt my vehicle would not pass the inspection.

The process flew by with no issues until the last station, where the car would be checked underneath. The inspector showed me a massive oil leak. I was shocked; this had never happened before.

So I took my car around the corner to one of many repair shops in the Nicoya area ringing the Riteve inspection center. Here, I was a captive of the mechanic who broke the news that my six-quart engine had only two quarts of oil left in it. Of course, I said, “Fix it up.” This mechanic seemed as shocked as I was to discover that the other guy had not only put my filter canister on wrong but also did not put in a new filter. Naturally, I was

HOWLER

The

incensed that this had happened. I took pictures of the old filter, and obtained a statement and contact information from the Nicoya mechanic.

After finishing the second oil change, I underwent the Riteve inspection once again for another 5,000 colones, passing with flying colors this time.

On the way home, I stopped at the shop where my oil had been changed the day before and told that mechanic what had happened.

He assured me he would refund my payment.

Upon driving away, I remembered, Visa will protect me in this situation! I gave the mechanic a couple days to contact me and make it right. When his call never came, I notified Visa, which immediately took action to refund the first oil change cost.

Living in a foreign country certainly is rewarding.

However, be alert.

“Paradise” can lull you. Always make sure you get what you pay for. If something goes wrong, your chances of being compensated might depend on how you pay for things. In Costa Rica’s largely cash environment, it’s very important to pay carefully. Consider potential problems that may require assistance from a third party.

Look into the kinds of protection that your credit cards offer you. Insurance policies and other measures covered in the fine print of your card holder’s agreement can be important instruments on your behalf.

My six-quart engine had only two quarts of oil left in it.

T r o o p

November 2017 Vol. 22 No. 10 PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam BUSINESS DEVELOpmENT Martin Svoboda M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R S John B. Quam Martin Svoboda D i r e c t o r o f O p e r at i o n s Marynes F. Chops E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Debbie Bride - Production Director Marian Paniagua - Admin Director Karl Kahler - Staff Writer Graphic Design Team Design Layout - M. Alauddin Graphic Designer - Jose Chops Sales Team Sarah Kahi - Consultant Bentley Fachner - Consultant WEBMASTER Maria Focsa Cover Photos Background: Mass arrival (arribada) of olive ridley turtles at Ostional by Sergio Pucci Pucci family by Mayra Bonilla C o n ta c t John Quam: headmonkey@howlermag.com Marty Svoboda: martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave Message) Facebook: The Howler Magazine Costa Rica T w i t t e r : @thehowlermag The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213

The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of The Howler organization or its advertisers.

Copyright © 2017 by The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. 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

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

Turrialba Volcano, by Giancarlo Pucci

COVER STORY

An Eye

for the

I

t’s not unusual that the children of a successful businessman go to work for the family business. But it’s highly unusual when that business arose from a hobby — and when everyone in the family exhibits worldclass talents in a field that requires a high level of creativity, artistry and technical skill.

The Pucci family’s photography has come to define Costa Rican nature and culture to the outside world. The iconic publishing company evolved from the boyhood bonding of two brothers, Giancarlo and Sergio, enjoying outdoor adventures with their father, Juan José. Together, they have produced the most celebrated coffee-table photo books in the country, including the best-selling “Costa Rica From the Air.” Giancarlo Pucci, 41, remembers going on camping trips in the Costa Rican wilderness his entire childhood with his father and his brother.

“My dad always had a camera, and there were tripods everywhere, film in the fridge,” Giancarlo said. They would return to San José and gather groups of friends to look at Dad’s new pictures, projected on a wall. “I remember being amazed by the things that an eye can catch through a camera.”

Sergio Pucci, 39, remembers these outings

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by Karl Kahler

Sublime well, saying his father “had a group of friends that was very adventurous,” and adding that in those days, it “was very rare” for people to visit exotic places all over Costa Rica.

“I remember my dad, being a heart surgeon, he was always working a lot and with a lot of things on his mind,” Sergio said. “And on the weekend when we went on these adventures, his mood would really change. He was the happiest I saw him when he was in nature.”

Juan José and Sergio have been named photographer of the year by the Costa Rican Photography Club, and have been recognized

by Karl Kahler

From the Pucci book collection

Pucci

The Family Behind Costa Rica’s Iconic Photography

Peninsula Papagayo, home of the Four Seasons. (Gencom)

Giancarlo, Juan José and Sergio Pucci at Palo Verde, Guanacaste

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A cortez amarillo tree (and horse) in Guanacaste, by Sergio Pucci

several times for picture of the year.

All three of the Puccis have participated in individual and collective photo exhibits in various countries. And Sergio was honored by one of the most prestigious photo awards in the world, the BBC and London Natural History Museum’s “Wildlife Photographer of the Year Photo Contest,” for a photo of an arribada of sea turtles.

“This is not very common,” Juan José said.

“We get along very nicely, and when we go out, the three of us, we enjoy taking pictures together. It’s not very common because we have families and everything, but we go out together and we spend a wonderful time.”

A FATHER’S PASSION

Juan José, 68, was born in San José and earned his medical degree from the University of Costa Rica. He was a heart surgeon at Hospital México in San José for 35 years, until his recent retirement.

“My work was real difficult, the responsibility and the stress,” he said. “I started with my senior colleague on heart transplants in this country more than 25 years ago. It was very intense work, and we were the biggest unit in all of Central America. We did thousands of open-heart operations.”

His weekend escapes into the wild with his friends and his sons became his therapy.

“When I had my camera in my hand and I was walking somewhere, I was totally disconnected,” he said. “It was like meditation for me. So it has been important for my mental health.”

But Juan José was not content to take random snapshots of his weekend outings.

Photography was only a hobby to him, but he wanted to excel at it. He read photography books avidly, and he searched libraries and bookstores to find photo books depicting Costa Rica.

“And all the picture books of nature in this country were made by people from other countries,” he said. “From the States, from Germany, from England, from wherever. And I say to myself, how come we live here and there’s nobody to take pictures of Costa Rica from this country? That’s in part why I did my first book.”

Around 2000, he published a small book with photos of Costa Rica’s tallest mountain, Chirripó. Other books followed on Guanacaste, Costa Rican beaches and the GandocaManzanillo National Wildlife Refuge on the Caribbean.

“I was not a real professional in the sense that my living was not coming from photography,” he said. “But I had so many pictures from so many places, and I started, and we never ended.”

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Cerro de la Muerte at dawn, by Juan José Pucci

FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS

By this time the kids were grown, and Sergio had picked up his father’s passion for photography. Sergio said he studied business at his dad’s alma mater, UCR, but at the age of 18 he started taking pictures as a hobby. He left the country for a year to study photography in Barcelona, trying to figure out what to do with his life.

“I wanted to have a new experience,” Sergio said. “I wanted to leave the country, and I used the photography as an excuse.

I didn’t know then I was going to become a professional photographer. When I was there, I realized that I wanted to do it as a profession for the rest of my life.”

Sergio returned from Spain and started studying graphic design, thinking it would be very difficult to make a living as a photographer. But almost by accident, he landed a job photographing an event at the Gold Museum in San José.

“Someone at the event called and gave me the second job,” he said, “and on and on, and after the fourth job I said, ‘Maybe I can make a living out of this.’”

Meanwhile, back at Dad’s house, great photos from all over Costa Rica were piling up, and Sergio soon had plenty of his own.

“We thought, well, we have so many pictures about Costa Rica that it’s time to do a Costa Rica book, which was a very big project,” Sergio said. “We did that and it became a best-selling book in libraries and book shops, called ‘Costa Rica: ¡Pura Vida!’”

That book, published in 2010, is still in print. “It’s very well liked by the tourists,” Juan José said. “They still buy it. It has a little bit of everything: culture, nature, cities.”

Giancarlo Pucci taking aerials from a plane, by Sergio Pucci

career change, a life change.”

Giancarlo’s improbable muse turned out to be trees.

“I used to live in Guanacaste, so if I saw a corteza amarillo, a bright yellow tree, the

they would end up being a team of photo book publishers. “It was very nice in that sense, the progress,” he said. “My dad first did a book by himself, then I joined him, then my brother joined. But it was never something planned, it just happened organically.”

Giancarlo said of “Magical Trees,” “When I published the book I was also clear I wanted it to be not just another project, but something that had an impact.” He started an organization called the Magical Trees Foundation, dedicated to reforestation and environmental education, supported by 100 percent of the profits from the book.

“The foundation’s purpose to be a reconnection bridge between people and nature,” he said. “It’s become more than a foundation — it’s more of a movement, with more than 3,000 volunteers who have passed through, and many, many companies that support it.”

“Magical Trees” was followed in 2016 by a similar book, “Magical Forests,” that also supports the foundation. And along the way the Puccis also came out with a book called “Tierra Viva: Costa Rica Volcanoes.”

The Pucci family’s photography has come to define Costa Rican nature and culture to the outside world.

AND THEN THERE WERE THREE

So what was older brother Giancarlo up to all this time? He also studied business at UCR, with a major in marketing, and spent a year in Sweden getting a master’s degree in a program called Strategic Leadership For Sustainability.

“But I wasn’t a photographer, I didn’t have a camera,” Giancarlo said. “And maybe seven years ago after many years of working in business-oriented positions … it got to a point where I felt I needed something more meaningful, and not that I wanted, but that I needed a change, a

colorful bright flowers really caught my attention,” he said. “I was chasing these trees all over Guanacaste, not only corteza amarilla but any new color that I saw. If I saw one on a mountain, I would go there, climb over fences, ask people what is that tree, why is it called that?”

Giancarlo would tell his father and brother, who were living in San José, that they should come and photograph these trees.

“I think it was a bit of frustration of not being able to capture those moments, and then just a need to share those beautiful, incredible trees, that I bought a camera and started taking pictures,” Giancarlo said. “Of course I had the advantage of two mentors at home, so that accelerated my learning curve.”

Out of this arose “Magical Trees,” published in 2010, with photos mostly taken by Giancarlo, and others from Juan José and Sergio. Sergio said the three family members had never foreseen that

EYE IN THE SKY

But the family’s greatest hit would come from the sky. Sergio had the idea of doing a book of aerial photography — even though both he and his father had a fear

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of flying. Sergio said he hates flying but Giancarlo loves it, and he knew that his brother’s enthusiasm for the idea would allow them to take it much further.

Their father bowed out of the project, at least the photography phase. “I don’t like to fly in those things,” Juan José admitted.

“And I felt that they were so passionate with this, and it was time to do something without the father.”

The brothers started chartering small aircraft, including helicopters and ultralights, and eventually logged some 75 to 80 hours in the air.

“I really am afraid of flying, even in a commercial big plane,” said Sergio, “so flying these helicopters and ultralights and autogyros … every time until today, I’m very scared. Right before flying I’m tense and nervous.”

To make matters worse, they had to remove the door of the aircraft to shoot an unobstructed photograph, and sometimes the plane had to turn sideways to get the right angle.

“We remove the door and you go right next to the door, one leg is out of the plane, you have to lean out,” Sergio said. “Some of the time we do it with a harness, and I have to acknowledge that sometimes we didn’t, we just use the safety belt, or we would improvise something, like tie something.”

Juan José joined the project to assist with the photo selection — and sometimes to serve as referee, when the brothers

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disagreed on which photos to use.

“We had something that we call dynamic tensions — sometimes we have to choose among a lot of pictures, and sometimes it’s not easy,” Juan José said. “So sometimes if they were alone, the tension was a little bit higher. When I participated, probably it was a little bit easier.

But I try not to work as a father, just as someone that has a little bit more experience.”

The result, “Costa Rica from Above,” is a stunning collection of photos that show off Costa Rica’s beauty from an entirely new perspective — volcanoes, rain forests, waterfalls, cities, even whales. Published

in December 2014, it has become the bestselling photography book in Costa Rican history. It’s 300 pages, 10.5 x 10 inches and sells on Amazon for over $100 in hardcover, $50 in paperback.

And by the way, there’s a sequel coming in December 2017: “Costa Rica from Above: Landscapes in Time.”

“We wanted it to be more than just a cool book,” Giancarlo said of the first version. “We were intentional about what’s the purpose of this book. It was about recovering our capacity to be amazed by our country.”

For details about Pucci books: visit www.howlermag.com/pucci

“When we would go on these adventures, his mood would really change.”

Top photo: Blue boats at rest on the beach in Tárcoles, by Giancarlo Pucci Bottom photo: The Pucci family at Nancite during an arrival of olive ridley turtles, by Mayra Bonilla

WHAT’S YOUR PROCESS FOR TAKING A GREAT PHOTO? Juan José:

“When you’re more mature you start to pre-visualize, you start to see things before you are looking at them with your eyes. You have to do your homework. That means knowing a lot about the place before you go, which is the best time of the year, a lot of stuff like that.

“And then you just have to be lucky because nature plays a big part. But you have to be there, you have to go, you have to do whatever to be in the place you want to be. … You have to love what you do….

“The camera is not the most important thing, the most important thing is the photographer. You don’t have to have a great, very expensive camera to take great pictures. What you really need is to have a lot of patience and be there no matter what. … And you have to have the sensitivity, you have to have a lot of imagination and creativity to do new things.”

Sergio:

“In my opinion there’s two key things.

One is to know that light is everything.

Light, light, light. That’s key because it determines when you shoot something.

And then the other thing is to try to connect with the place or the public that you’re shooting, like from a sensibility point of view….

“It’s important to take a moment to feel the place first, to breathe and be present for a moment before you start shooting, because that’s a moment where you can connect, and that will guide you to shoot from the right angles and make the right technical decisions to capture the essence of what you’re shooting.

There’s

infinite ways of shooting something, so you don’t want to just do it randomly.”

Giancarlo:

“I would categorize it in two different approaches to the same question. One, a lot of pictures are planned with the perfect moment, or the moment of the most potential at a specific place.

And that is exciting, to dream with that

moment, sort out the logistics, try many times and eventually being at a moment where it feels very special in terms of lights and what’s happening….

“The other approach takes you to the same moment, but it’s unplanned. And with aerial photography it happens a lot. Maybe you take 35, 45 minutes to get to where you’re going, but on the way there’s many things happening that you didn’t think about. Maybe you cancel the original plans with the flight because you run into something amazing….

“I would definitely say you have to have an intention on why you’re taking that picture, and also on what that picture is saying. It’s not just a moment, it’s not just capturing something, but it’s what that picture can say to somebody. Different people can interpret a picture differently, but be intentional about that picture.”

Top photo: The Talamanca mountain range viewed from Mount Chirripó, by Juan José Pucci Bottom photo: A leaping spider monkey in Guanacaste,

by Sergio Pucci

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SEA SHEPHERD SERIES

Without the Blue

by Ben J. Harris

THERE CAN BE NO GREEN

I

n the August Howler article “Behind the Green Mask,” Captain Paul Watson, founding president and executive director of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, shared his perspective on Costa Rica’s facade of marine eco-friendliness. The grim plight of sharks in this country should send the same hard-hitting reminder: without the blue, there can be no green.

Costa Rica’s Isla del Coco was the inspiration for the lush tropical island in the movie Jurassic Park. It’s a place of unparalleled beauty above and below the surface, one of Costa Rica’s greatest assets. Streaked with waterfalls and swaying palms, the islands are supposed to be a protected area for inhabitants.

But sadly, little protection, if any, actually exists.

The shark population here has been in serious decline for years due to illegal longlining by poachers. Resident park rangers, who witness the incredible biodiversity on a daily basis, desperately want proper protection with adequately funded and equipped boat patrols. Yet, lack of government will seems to allow

20 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

the continued presence of poachers inside the park.

Below the surface, shark species have a pecking order for endangerment.

Oceanic whitetips and silvertips are the most vulnerable, being victims of their own speed when reacting to a baited line.

These sharks have all but disappeared from the Cocos islands in recent years. The more cautious hammerhead sharks, although

If the oceans die, we all die.

endangered, remain relatively abundant.

However, with the United Nations predicting the death of our oceans by the year 2048, and current fishing practices being unsustainable, it won’t be long

before the hammerhead shark follows its cousins into obscurity and eventual extinction.

The Cocos islands are vital to the survival of our oceans. If respected and left alone with the protection they deserve, the surrounding waters could be a sustainable source of fish for years to come. If not, future generations will ask why their parents did not stop the carnage when they had a chance.

Too often, the excuse is, “Fishermen need to feed their families.” Instead, we should be asking, “What about the next generation of fishermen’s families? What will they eat if we continue down this self-destructive path of unsustainable, unpoliced fishing?”

If poachers and government could only understand that a properly patrolled park works like a boiling pot. The excess spills over so the patrolled area’s fish know no borders.

Hundreds of miles away from the Cocos open waters, hammerhead sharks along Costa Rica’s shallow coastline shores may be facing a more dire threat to survival. The quiet mangroves lining

these coasts are where pregnant females release their pups. Year after year, local fishermen have been netting off the shark nurseries before taking and killing most of the babies. The result is a rapid decline in hammerheads surviving to sexual maturity, which for females can take 15 years.

Shark finning remains another key endangerment factor. It’s a violent and wasteful practice that continues unabated in Costa Rica. Sharks suffer the removal of their fins while

still alive before being hurled back in the water to die.

As a haven for shark finners, Puntarenas is where many of the largest private docks are located, along with storage warehouses. Just down the road are the offices of the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture

(INCOPESCA). Despite its mandate to regulate and promote sustainable fishing on the advice of scientific authorities, this autonomous government agency is motivated less by ocean protection than protecting the profit interests of its board members.

While Costa Rica exports shark fins to other countries, domestic shark meat

remains here for cheap sales to restaurants, bars and unsuspecting patrons, typically served as ceviche. Big-name supermarkets are implicated in retail consumer deception through product mislabeling.

This disregards the known human health risks of shark meat containing high levels of mercury and other toxic compounds.

The shortsightedness of greed can never be understated by Captain Watson, who has warned, “If the oceans die, we all die.�

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE_Feature

Cocos Island

Costa Rica’s Treasure

J

acques Cousteau called it “the most beautiful island in the world.” Others called it Treasure Island, based on legends that pirates had hidden a fortune there, though treasure hunters never found it.

The real treasure of Isla del Coco, or Cocos Island, lies in the pristine waters that surround it, which are teeming with sharks, whales and myriad other tropical species. This remote Costa Rican island, 340 miles from the mainland, is also home to 235 species of plants and 362 of insects, plus two endemic reptiles.

The volcanic Cocos Island was declared a national park in 1978 by SINAC, and a World Heritage Site in 1997 by UNESCO. In many ways, it is Costa Rica’s Galapagos.

The main visitors are scuba divers, marine biologists, professional photographers and volunteers from all over the world who help with research and safety around the island.

To get there, you generally have to spend several thousand dollars on one of two companies that operate charter boats to Cocos. These live-aboard boats depart from Puntarenas and take 36 to 42 hours to make the trip.

On arrival, scuba divers venture out

22 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

in smaller boats to explore the depths.

Visitors can also go ashore and walk the hiking trails that crisscross the island.

Along these trails you can see engraved stones that date to the 16th century, including one inscribed by the notorious pirate Capt. Henry Morgan. There’s also one engraved by Jacques Cousteau, the French explorer, researcher and

by Adriana Blando

documentary host, who visited in 1976.

During the 36-hour journey to the island, passengers spend their time getting to know each other, sharing diving experiences, playing board games and enjoying the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. A typical tour includes all meals during a 10-day excursion and a total of 24 dives.

Photos courtesy of Undersea Hunter, Photographer: Avi Klapfer - all except opposite page bottom

Dive trips are for advanced divers only with experience using nitrox. This is because of the depth of the dive sites and the number of dives made.

Popular dive sites are known as Isla Manuelita, Punta Maria, Dirty Rock, Los Amigos, Viking Rock, Alcyone, Lobster Rock, Manta Corner, Pyramid, Cabo Barreto. These sites offer great visibility and the opportunity to see an abundance of corals, fishes, mantas, turtles and sharks.

The dive guides are great at pointing out tiny creatures.

You are allowed to do three dives per day and three night dives.

Cocos Island is visited by an average of 3,000 tourists per year, and 90 percent are divers. It’s no exaggeration to say Cocos has some of the most thrilling and exhilarating diving the world has to offer.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Diving encounters with large wildlife in calm seas are most frequent in June and July, with conditions getting rough from July through November. Still,

Photographer: Shmulik Blum

hammerhead sharks are usually seen in greater numbers during this period. The dry season lasts from December to May and conditions are much better.

Cocos Island National Park also offers volunteer programs, and for those who want to work as volunteers, any time is good.

It’s no

exaggeration

to say Cocos has some of the most thrilling and exhilarating diving the world has to offer.

The volunteer program is in charge of recruiting and selecting appropriate volunteers, taking into account their personality, skills, abilities and police record.

If you are interested in volunteering,

you’ll need to fill out an application form and provide various documents, including a medical report, a police record and proof of insurance. For information, go to www. cocosisland.org/voluntariado or contact the Isla del Coco Marine Conservation Area (ACMIC) at 2291-1215.

Volunteers must remain on Cocos Island for 30 days. Food, accommodations and boat transportation from Puntarenas are provided.

One of the most important programs on the island is the Control and Surveillance Program, which monitors and patrols the park to prevent activities that threaten the integrity of its natural resources. The biggest threats are illegal fishing and the introduction of exotic species, which threaten marine and terrestrial biodiversity.

This program also provides security for the various types of visitors (tourists, volunteers and researchers), the officials who work in the park, and infrastructure and equipment.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

WAVES YOU'VE MISSED Photo by Emiliano Ras

by Jarryd Jackson

I could only imagine what an awesome chocolate milk commercial we could have made out there Photo by Emiliano Ras

24 | by HM HOWLER Photo Mike Murphy MAGAZINE

W

aves during the last month can be described in a few words: stormy, dirty, choppy, yet fun! All that rainy weather meant very brown water, and I could only imagine what an awesome chocolate milk commercial we could have made out there. Willy Wonka and the chocolate barrel factory came to mind on a few occasions, while enjoying some fun, short-period swell and trying not to swallow any water.

For those wanting the waves that badly, they were out there. We had a solid mix of short-period wind swell, which provided peaky conditions at some local beach breaks. A few longer-period south swells mixed in to provide consistent head-high surf most of the month.

I just hope everyone took precautions as the water was very dirty; on a few days it was just not worth the risk of venturing in at all.

Now that we are entering dry season, we can look forward to clean blue water, offshore wind, and perfect surfing conditions. And those are the waves you will certainly not want to miss!

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

_SURF SPOT

by Howler Staff

W

elcome to Lobster Beach, aka Playa Langosta! It’s home to the Barceló Hotel, a beautiful white sand beach and a variety of surfing waves spread along two kilometers of coastline.

How to Get There

Just a short walk or drive from the center of Tamarindo, Playa Langosta is also very well known in the area for its luxury homes and a horrible road that rarely gets fixed.

Where to Surf

This beach has at least five waves you can surf at any given time. The first wave you will come across, on the north side of the beach, is named Sapo (Toad).

This is the place to surf on big swells. It’s a reef that provides both left and rightbreaking waves, best at low to mid tide on large south swells. Due to the rocks, this wave is not for beginners or surfers whose leash is in poor condition. Care should be used when going over the falls. It can be shallow, with many rocks scattered around the lineup during lower tides.

Racetracks is a right-breaking wave, directly in front of the Barceló hotel and very close to another scattering of rocks.

This fast wave can be epic on the right days if you get lucky. Just like Sapo, be careful of the rocks, which are a lot closer

26 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

to the takeoff zone than you would like.

The river mouth is Langosta’s most commonly surfed wave, normally at mid to high tide, with a medium-sized south swell. This is a typical river mouth A-frame wave, which breaks both left and right. Because of the shifting river mouth sandbars, the wave frequently changes and moves around. It’s a very fun wave and can provide anything from barrels to vertical walls and carve sections. It does get crowded, and there is a local crew that I would advise respecting at all times.

Have a good attitude and you will have a great time!

Surf Times

The rivermouth and racetracks work best at mid and high tide, while Sapo works best at low and mid tides.

Local Companies

Many surf shops are in Tamarindo including Witch’s Rock and Kelly’s, where you can get boards, wax and anything else you need for your surf. The best place to eat in Langosta after a surf session would have to be Matty’s Deli or El Sapo Ristopizza, both serving delicious food right near the parking area for Langosta.

This fast wave can be epic on the right days if you get

lucky.

Photos by Mike Murphy

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howlermag.com | 27

Going Deep: Barra Honda

Exploring Costa Rica’s most magnificent cave

by Karl Kahler

A ladder inside Caverna Terciopelo leads to a lower chamber. Photos this page courtesy of Grupo Espeleológico Anthros

TRAVEL & AVENTURE _COOL PLACES

T

here’s an unwritten rule that all adventures in Costa Rica have to be a little bit scary, and so it is with visiting the spectacular Terciopelo Cave at Barra Honda National Park.

In the U.S., there would probably be an elevator. Here there’s a 56-foot aluminum ladder attached vertically to an underground cliff. It’s the only way in and the only way out.

You’ll be harnessed, helmeted and roped, of course, and any fool can climb down a ladder — but picture a ladder that is straight up and down, and you have to start at the top of a 5-story building. This is not for the faint of stomach, and you may be drenched in sweat by the time you reach the bottom.

Caverna Terciopelo is the centerpiece of Barra Honda, the only national park in Costa Rica created to protect caves. Some 42 caves have been discovered here, but only 19 have been explored, and only this one and a small cave for children are open to the public. The others are filled with bats whose guano can cause life-threatening lung disease.

Terciopelo is filled with stalactites, stalagmites and columns that resemble ordinary things — a mother hen and her

In the back of this main room there is another ladder to a lower part, but it’s short and it actually leans, so no ropes are needed. This will take you to the Fried Eggs Room, named for a hardened puddle in the middle that looks like a pan of huevos fritos.

There’s even one brown stalagmite that looks like a dark, robed woman — and is known as La Negrita, Costa Rica’s patron saint, after the legendary statue in the Basilica of Cartago.

At one point your guide will have your group turn off all the lights and soak in the sensation of total darkness and the total absence of sound.

This entire mountain was originally a coral reef in the ocean that once separated North and South America, and you can still see fossilized coral on the wall.

Perhaps 70 million years ago, Barra Honda rose above sea level because of tectonic plate shifts, and the coral died and became limestone.

Rainwater fell and combined with carbon dioxide as it seeped into the soil, and it turned into a

Imagine their surprise when they found the remains of in a cave called Nicoa.

beings

28 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

six human

chicks, a papaya, a family, grapes, teeth, and “el organo,” which is hollow and makes different notes when tapped in different places, like an organ.

Human remains found inside Nicoa Cave.

mild carbolic acid that over millions of years dissolved and eroded the interior of the chalky mountain, creating the caves.

Since the early 1900s, locals were aware of deep holes in the ground where you could drop a rock and barely hear it hit the bottom. They could also hear a rumble inside (which turned out to be bats), and they assumed that these were volcanic craters.

The caves were not explored, at least in modern times, until 1967, when spelunkers with mountaineering equipment began entering what turned out to be the largest network of caves in Costa Rica.

Imagine their surprise when they found the remains of six human beings in a cave called Nicoa. They are thought to be Chorotega nobles who were buried here close to 2,000 years ago.

Archaeologists theorize that Nicoa was originally filled with water, and that the Chorotega would burn their dead and float their remains on a raft into the cave because it was thought to be a gateway to the afterlife.

Carlos Goicoechea, a founding member of the Anthros Speleological Group, was one of two people who first discovered Terciopelo in 1968. At the bottom they found a dead rattlesnake, but he mistook it for a terciopelo, a fer-delance, and that’s how the cave got its name.

“We had a fever,” he said. “We were like 15 to 20 people with very limited resources, and we would all go in a Volkswagen, five people with all the gear on top and up front and on the back, and the road to Guanacaste was dirt. The trip

IF YOU GO Hours: Cave tours are conducted from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. every day, and the park is open for hiking until 4 p.m.

This formation gives the Fried Eggs Room its name. Photo by Karl Kahler

took nine to 10 hours. We had to take a gallon of water each, or more. From 1967 to about 1973, we worked very hard, and the park was created in 1974. We had a lot to do with that.”

Getting there: Buses do not travel to Barra Honda, but you can take a bus to Nicoya and hire a taxi for about $24. (One bus can also drop you off 1km from the Barra Honda entrance.)

With your own car, take Highway 21 east from Nicoya and follow the brown signs to Parque Nacional Barra Honda.

Admission: Entering the cave costs $29 for foreigners and $19 for nationals, and you must pay cash.

What to bring: Closed-toed shoes — you cannot enter the cave in flip-flops.

Barra Honda National Park is about 30 minutes from the city of Nicoya. In addition to the caves, the 2,997 hectares of dry tropical forest here contain a significant number of birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals (half of which are bats).

Good walking trails abound, and there is a great mirador, a lookout called Nacaome, with a spectacular view of the yellow and green plains below and the Gulf of Nicoya in the distance.

A visit to Caverna Terciopelo starts with descending a 56-foot ladder. Photo courtesy of Grupo Espeleológico Anthros

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

QUICK TRIP

So much to do, so little time ... ... places where you can enjoy a few hours .

by Christian Barrantes

TAMARINDO ESTUARY

A

n estuary tour is a must if you are in the vicinity of Tamarindo, where a mangrove-lined river of coastal saline water ends its short, but spectacular, journey southwest from Playa Grande to the Pacific.

Guided tours year-round provide an opportunity to view many distinctively Costa Rican animals such as crocodiles, iguanas and monkeys, as well as birds representing some 175 different species.

The estuary is part of Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, within the Tempisque Conservation Area of Guanacaste. Covering approximately 271 square kilometers, this national park supports the largest nesting colony of leatherback sea turtles on the Pacific coast of the Americas. Female leatherbacks often come ashore at Playa Grande between October and May to lay their eggs.

As a Ramsar (Convention on

Wetlands) site, the Tamarindo

estuary houses the largest statuary mangrove forest in Latin America,

spanning about 700 square hectares.

Mangrove trees, also called halophytes, are salt-tolerant and thus well adapted to growing in brackish water and harsh coastal conditions.

Mangroves are also environmentally beneficial. They contribute to the filtering of impurities in the water, while also offsetting carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and the impact of greenhouse gases.

Whether your preferred mode of sightseeing is a motorized boat cruise or paddling a kayak, the two-way estuary trip takes about 2.5 hours. You can book a tour directly with a boat operator near the estuary mouth in Tamarindo, or through a tour company.

Tour departures are within walking distance from most Tamarindo hotels.

Some tour companies may provide transportation to and from your hotel, condo or villa.

The Tamarindo estuary houses the largest statuary mangrove forest in Latin America.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

SIMPLY SPANISH

BASICS Good morning — Buenos días Good afternoon — Buenas tardes Good evening — Buenas noches Hi — Hola How are you? ­— ¿Cómo está?

Good, thank you — Bien, gracias Please — Por favor Thank you — Gracias Nice to meet you — Mucho gusto Do you speak English? — ¿Habla inglés?

I want — Yo quiero I don’t want — Yo no quiero I would like (more polite) — Me gustaría Where is — ¿ Dónde está?

How much does it cost? ¿Cuánto cuesta?

What time is it? — ¿Qué hora es?

Do you have? — ¿Tiene?

I have — Yo tengo I don’t have — Yo no tengo I understand — Yo entiendo I don’t understand Yo no entiendo Do you understand? — Entiende?

Where’s the bathroom ¿Dónde está el baño?

30 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Photos courtesy of Abi Acuña, Digital Photo CR

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

CREATURE FEATURE

LEATHERBACKS

by Vern Veer

An estimated one-third of adult turtles have ingested plastic bags, mistaking them for food.

T

he leatherback sea turtle is the largest of all surviving turtle species.

It’s also the fourth heaviest reptile, with three species of crocodile weighing more.

Leatherbacks are differentiated from other sea turtles by their lack of a bony shell. Instead, the top shell for which they are named is covered by skin and oily flesh.

Leatherbacks nest along beaches extending as far north as Alaska and Norway, and as far south as Cape Agulhas in Africa and New Zealand’s southernmost tip. Their primary food source is the jellyfish, which helps keep the jellyfish population down.

However, coastline pollution from discarded plastic bags — Californians alone use upward of 19 billion plastic bags every year — poses a manmade risk to leatherbacks. An estimated

one-third of adult turtles have ingested plastic bags, mistaking them for food.

The leatherback is designated as VU (vulnerable) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Various benevolent groups such as Earth Watch are working with scientists to conduct important environmental research in this regard.

The Leatherback Trust was founded specifically in the interest of its namesake sea turtle conservation. The foundation established a sanctuary in the TamarindoPlaya Grande area of Costa Rica, the Las Baulas National Marine Park. This is one of the most significant leatherback nesting spots in the world. If you want to get involved in helping these turtles, visit www. leatherback.org for information.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

WHAT TO EXPECT

by Howler Staff

AVOIDING ROUGH RENTAL RIDES

R

enting a car and driving in Costa Rica have their challenges. Many assume that when they book a vehicle and receive the rental fee quote, that’s the total amount due and all is good.

When arriving at the car rental office to pick up your vehicle, expect an upcharge for insurances. Costa Rica does have a mandatory vehicle insurance requirement.

However, there are also supplemental fullcoverage insurance options that are more expensive but cover most situations. Some visitors assume they are covered under either their regular car insurance from their home country or the car rental insurance that comes with many credit cards if used to book rentals. Well, that is not the case here.

32 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Be sure to read your rental agreement carefully to know what the insurance does and does NOT covers. The rental company will charge a deposit hold on your credit card of between $500 and $2,000, to be released once you return the vehicle.

Gas stations are NOT available on every corner.

Selecting an appropriate vehicle for the area you will be visiting in Costa Rica may make your visit more enjoyable.

My suggestion is to get something with clearance for the possible adverse road conditions and rivers you might be passing through.

I would recommend some sort of SUV. Once you secure your rental, walk around the vehicle before getting inside. Make note of what you see and take pictures if necessary. Also make sure the vehicle comes with proper equipment to change tires.

Renting a GPS with

your vehicle is also a good idea. There are many cool roads to explore, and knowing where you are at all times is important. It’s also essential to fill up with fuel before you take off on any adventure; gas stations are NOT available on every corner as you would expect back home.

Always wear a seatbelt and drive carefully within the speed limits. Fines in Costa Rica are much higher than they are back home, and the car rental company will charge you for any incurred.

Don’t be surprised if you are waved over by a transit police officer to inspect your documents. This is common. Always carry your passport and driver’s license.

The transit police are generally checking for seatbelt use and to make sure that your documents are in order. Don’t panic; stop when requested, be nice to the officer and you will have no problems.

Always drive with extra care, especially at night. Many people walk on the side of the road and may be very difficult to see, especially at dusk or when it’s raining.

Caution always beats speed.

When taking your vehicle back to the rental office, be sure the attendant signs off on the return. You should be present when the attendant does so after confirming all the items that came with the car are still there.

Get out and see this beautiful country, and have a blast!

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE DIRECTORY Gold Coast & Gulf of Papagayo All times AM to PM unless noted

DIAMANTE Eco Adventure Park

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TAMA TRANSFERS & TOURS Transfers & Tours Tamarindo Transfers & Tours: Your best option in Guanacaste

Coco-Ocotal, 200m S of bridge Daily, 7-6 2670-0110 / 8369-4836 rockdivers@gmail.com

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BRASILITO

Across from BCR, Coco Daily, 9-5 2670-1878 www.elcocotours.com

THE BEACH CHOCOLATE FACTORY Unique Costa Rican Adventure Divine, rich chocolate, workshops, private events and more

Guanacaste Per your schedule 6029-6270 william_tours@yahoo.com

PURA VIDA RIDE SUP, Mountain Bike, Kayak, Snorkel Rental, Sales, Service, Coffee, Gelato Costa Rica’s Premiere Outfitter!

Downtown Tamarindo Daily, 8-8 2653-4444 / (929) 800-4621 reservations@tamarindoshuttle.com

PLAYAS DEL COCO

EL COCO TOURS Tours & Transportation Vacation rentals, transportation, tours and concierge services

Downtown Tamarindo Daily, 9-8 8425-4181 / 8711-9061 cristian@goadventurescostarica.com

LAS CATALINAS

ROCK DIVERS COSTA RICA Awesome Costa Rica Adventure Come dive with us, we know the best dive spots!

WILLIAM TOURS The Best Costa Rica Adventure Tours Fishing, scuba diving, ATV, horseback riding & national parks

GO ADVENTURES Zipline, Waterfall, Combo We make your dream vacation a reality

TAMARINDO

Main road, near Super Compro Daily, 7-6 2670-0176 / 4031-6457 www.richcoastdiving.com

PLAYAS DEL COCO

RICH COAST DIVING For Beginners or Aspiring Pros We are the only PADI 5-star Career Development Center in Costa Rica

FLAMINGO

Matapalo Beach Daily, 8:30-5 2105-5200 info@diamanteadventure.com

PLAYA MATAPALO

100m from beach - Main street Open daily, all day 8789-8199 / 8393-0670 cocobeachadventurestravel.com

PLAYAS DEL COCO

COCO BEACH ADVENTURES Adventure Tours & Transportation Let us show you our country the way Costa Ricans see it!

The Village, Brasilito Tue-Sat, 8-5 4701-0536 / 8876-4242 hb@beachchocolatefactory.com Read. like. share. | online

howlermag.com | 33

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Music

/

POTRERO

/

PERLAS Happy appy, 5 pm Live music, 8pm Charlie Lopez, Nov 20 & 27 CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day National beers & cocktail specials

Food & Drink Specials

FLAMINGO /

TAMARINDO

FLAMINGO / TAMARINDO

MATAPALO

Joe & Luiz, 5-7 at Walters

EL COCO CASINO Monday Night Madness: $25 Sit ‘n’ Go Texas hold-’em poker, 7pm

Daily happy hour unitl 7pm, 6 beers, $14 EL COCO CASINO

MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day American breakfast, 8am-noon SANDBAR Happy hour, 4-6pm, 10-11pm,

2x1 cocktails

CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer ­— 6 beers for c5,500 Daily food special JOE HRBEK - MUSICIAN

W

Joe & Luiz 5-7pm at Walters

UESDAYS

Karaoke night, 7:30pm, bucket of

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am Monday Night Football

LA PALAPA Happy hour all day National beers and cocktail specials

CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris

COCONUTZ

Poker tournament, $45 poker, 6:30pm ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm, DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am

34DEL | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE PLAYAS COCO / PLAYA HERMOSA

PLAYAS DEL COCO

LA PALAPA Happy hour all day National beers & cocktail specials Live music, 7pm, Joe & Luiz

CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 Margaritas & daiquiris CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer ­— 6 beers for c5,500 Daily food special

T 3-

EDNESDAYS

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HURSDAYS

COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm, Live music with Will Matthews, 6:30pm, house whiskey specials

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6pm-9pm Ladies’ night, 9:30-11pm

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6pm-9pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am

COCONUTZ Daily happy hour unitl 7pm Thursday Night Football Vodka lemonade specials

MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day American breakfast, 8am-noon

EL COCO CASINO Live music, guitarist extraordinaire Dave Martin, 9pm

SANDBAR Happy hour, 4-6pm, 10-11pm,

2x1 cocktails Karaoke, 9pm-2am

/

PLAYA HERMOSA

MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day American breakfast, 8am-noon SANDBAR Happy hour, 4-6pm, 10-11pm

2x1 cocktails Thursday Night football

EL COCO CASINO Cocktails and trivia, 6pm

/

FLAMINGO /

PERLAS Happy hour, 5-7 Latin dance night, local band, showcase of original music

PERLAS 50-cent wing night CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris

Joe sax solo 5-7 at El Be Joe & Luiz 7-9 at El Be

American breakfast, 8am-noon

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NFL, Thursday night football

JOE HRBEK - MUSICIAN

MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day

POTRERO

5

COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7 pm NFL, margarita & tequila specials

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MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6 Daily Special: Loco Thursday, 10% off all food and beverages

PERLAS Happy hour , 5-7pm Karaoke, 8pm

T

Karaoke

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MARINER INN Smoothies & yoga, 8:30am Happy hour, 4-6 Daily special: 1/2 price wine when paired with ceviche

LA PALAPA Happy hour all day National beers & cocktail specials CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer, 6 beers for c5,500 Daily food special JOE HRBEK - MUSICIAN

Happy Hours

CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer, 6 beers for c5,500 Daily food special

ONDAYS

PLAYAS DEL COCO / PLAYA HERMOSA

/

MARINER INN Happy hour 4-6 Daily special: Margaritas and tacos—50% off tacos with margarita purchase

/

POTRERO

/

MATAPALO

TAMARINDO

Events

/

PLAYAS DEL COCO

/

PLAYA HERMOSA

CALENDAR A weekly glance for November

TAMARINDO

/

MATAPALO

/ FLAMINGO

PERLAS Taco night Live music, 8pm Chase the Ace, 8:30 JOE HRBEK - MUSICIAN

/

POTRERO

/

CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer ­— 6 beers for c5,500 Daily food special Karaoke, 8pm

TAMARINDO /

MATAPALO

CRAZY MONKEY Afternoon pool party, noon-6

4:30-6:30 at El Coconut

LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day

National beers & cocktail special

CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6 $4 margaritas & daiquiris Ladies’ night, live salsa music and DJ, free drinks at 9pm

SANDBAR Happy hour, 4-6pm, 10-11pm,

2x1 cocktails

PERLAS Rib night; Live music, 8pm JOE HRBEK - MUSICIAN

Joe sax solo, 4:30-6:30 @ El Be Joe & Luiz, 7:30 @ Hotel Pasatiempo

CRAZY MONKEY All you can eat pizza & salad, $10+tax per person, 5-9pm MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6 Daily special: Sangria Saturday, 4 sangrias for the price of 3 LA PALAPA Happy hour all day National beers & Cocktail Specials

S

ATURDAYS

EL COCO CASINO Bingo, 2pm, $250 guaranteed; all-night party with DJ till 5am ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6pm-9pm

PERLAS Pasta night, 5pm LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day National beers & cocktail specials Live music, 7pm, Joe & Luiz CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer — ­ 6 beers for c5,500 Daily food special

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UNDAYS

COCONUTZ Daily happy hour unitl 7pm NFL and NBA all day SANDBAR Happy hour, 4-6pm, 10-11pm NFL & NBA, open at 11am

COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, Flor de Caña and chiliguaro special COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music,, bucket of 6 beers, $14 EL COCO CASINO Ladies’ night, 11pm-1am, ladies drink free; afterparty till 5am ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6pm-9pm MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day American breakfast, 8am-noon

MUSICIAN

MARINER INN Happy hour 4-6 Daily special: $20 chef’s special with a glass of wine NFL, Sunday Night Football

5

RIDAYS

SPOTLIGHT

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HRBEK pg. 44

MARINER INN Happy hour 4-6 Daily special: Wings & brews, a free beer with your order of wings CHARLIE’S BAR Happy hour all day Bucket of beer -­ 6 beers for c5,500 Karaoke, 8pm

JOE

Be sure to

MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day American breakfast, 8am-noon SANDBAR Happy hour, 4-6pm, 10-11pm,

2x1 Cocktails NBA & college football, open at 4pm

EL COCO CASINO Canasta games group, 11am ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm NFL and NBA all day MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Happy hour all day American breakfast, 8am-noon

/ PLAYAS DE COCO / PLAYA HERMOSA / PLAYAS DEL COCO / PLAYA HERMOSA / PLAYAS DEL COCO

Catch the Gold Coast’s “iron sax man” this

month.

Music

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Events

FLAMINGO

MARINER INN Hotel, Bar & Restaurant Across the bridge in Flamingo Tue-Sun 4pm-10pm, closed Mon 2654-4156 themarinerinn@gmail.com marinerinn.com themarinerinn Daily: Tue:

Wed:

Happy hour 4-6pm Margs & Tacos 50% off tacos with margarita 8:30am, smoothies & yoga 1/2 priced wine when paired with ceviche Thu: Loco Thursday - 10% off food and beverages Fri: Wings & Brews - get a free beer with your order of wings Sat: Sangria Sat - 4 sangrias for the price of 3 Sun: $20 cfhef’s special & glass of wine

Food & Drink Specials

Happy Hour

POTRERO

PERLAS Restaurant, Entertainment & Sports Bar The premier sports and entertainment bar in Potrero: dartboards, free pool table and all the TV sporting events. A complete menu from local fare, tasty pub food and amazing seafood.

HWY 911 (main corner in Potrero) Daily, 7am - Midnight 2654-4500 perlas.potrero Mon: Happy appy 5pm, live music 8pm, Charley Lopez Nov 20 & 27 Tue: Happy hour, 5-7, karaoke, 8pm Wed: 50-cent wing night Thu: Happy hour, Latin dance night,

local band, showcase of original music Fri: Taco night, live music, 8pm

Chase the Ace, 8:30pm Sat: Rib night, live music, 8pm Sun: Pasta night, 5pm

PLAYAS DEL COCO

PLAYAS DEL COCO

COCONUTZ Restaurant & Bar The iconic bar of Coco Beach. Always cold beer, entertainment, sports and good food.

EL COCO CASINO Casino & Sports Bar Poker, blackjack, roulette, slots, bingo, sports betting and weekend parties till 5 a.m., with A/C and a lively bar.

Avenida Central, across from El Coco Casino Mon-Sat, 2pm till late Sun, 11am till late 2670-1982 pete@coconutzbar.com coconutzbar.com

Avenida Central, across from Coconutz Daily, 10am-2am, Fri & Sat till 5am 2670-0555 elcocopoker@gmail.com elcococasino.com CasinoElCoco

Daily: Happy hour until 7pm; all NHL games Mon: NFL, margarita & tequila specials Tue: Karaoke, 7:30, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Wed: Live music with Will Matthews,

6:30pm, house whiskey specials Thu: NFL, vodka lemonade specials Fri: Live music, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Sat: Live music, Flor de Caña and chiliguaro specials Sun: NFL football, all day

Mon: Monday Night Madness: $25 Sit ‘n’ Go Texas hold-’em poker, 7pm Tue: Poker tournament: $45 poker, 6:30pm Wed: Cocktails and trivia, 6pm Thu: Live music with guitarist extraordinaire Dave Martin, 9pm Fri: Ladies’ night, 11pm-1am, ladies drink free; afterparty till 5am Sat: Bingo, 2pm, $250 guaranteed; all-night party with DJ till 5am Sun: Canasta games group at 11am

Karaoke TAMARINDO

CRAZY MONKEY RESTOBAR Bar, Restaurant & Night Club Boasting spectacular ocean views, great pizza, a huge pool, waterfall and a swimup bar. Great for groups and birthdays!

Inside the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villa Daily, 7am-2am 2653-0114 ayd@tamarindovistavillas.com CrazyMonkeyBarTamarindo Daily: Happy hour, 4-6pm,

$4 margaritas and Daiquiries Fri: Our famous ladies’ night, live salsa music and DJ,

free drinks at 9pm Sat: All you can eat pizza and salad, $10+tax per person, 5-9pm Sun: Afternoon pool party, noon-6pm

PLAYAS DEL COCO

ZI LOUNGE Restaurant and Sports Bar Food, drink, entertainment and the longest happy hour in town.

Avenida Central, 200m from beach Daily, 11am-2:30am 2670-1978 info@zilounge.com Zi.Lounge Daily: Happy hour 11am-7pm,

DJ, 9:30pm-230pm Mon: Monday Night Football Tue: DJ, 9:30pm-2:30pm Wed: Live music, 6pm-9pm Thu: Live music 6pm-9pm

Ladies’ night 9:30-11pm Fri: Live music, 6pm-9pm Sat: Live music, 6pm-9pm Sun: NFL football, all day Nov. 23: Thanksgiving dinner - all day

CALENDAR

26

5

3-

LA PALAPA Beachfront Seafood Grill & Bar Dine and drink on Tamarindo’s best beach front with your feet in the sand enjoying the life. The perfect sunset spot.

On the beach, 25m before rotonda Daily, 8am-10pm 2653-0365 lapalapacr@hotmail.com Daily:

Thu: Sun:

Happy hour all day, every day National beers & cocktail specials Live music, 7pm Live music, 7pm

Weekly Fire Shows

Ask for this week’s schedule.

We are preparing for high season.

More events coming soon.

PLAYAS DEL COCO

MURPHY’S BAR & GRILL Restaurant & Bar The quintessential neighborhood bar and grill, with American breakfast, daily food specials and happy hour all day.

Avenida Central, next to Hotel Savannah Daily, 8am till late MurphysPlayadelCoco Daily: Happy hour all day,

American breakfast 8am-noon Nov. 23: Thanksgiving dinner - all day

65

11

M ATAPALO

CHARLIE’S BAR Tico Tico Sports Bar and Karaoke Classic Costa Rica bar, fútbol and karaoke. Come experience the “real” Costa Rica. Famous for karaoke contests and awesome food.

In front of soccer field, Matapalo Daily, 4pm-2:30am 2653-6511 Charlies Bar Guanacaste Daily:

Fri: Sat:

Happy hour all day, Bucket of beers, 6 for c5.500 Food specials Karaoke, 8pm Karaoke, 8pm

PLAYA HERMOSA

SANDBAR Restaurant & Sports Bar Hermosa’s only sports bar & grill with a scenic balcony serving local fare, American comfort food and craft beer.

Hermosa Heights, in front of the cinema Mon-Sat 4-10, Sun 11-10, closed Tue 2672-1276 contact@sandbarcostarica.com sandbarcostarica.com sandbarcostarica Daily: Happy hour 4-6pm, 10-11pm

2x1 cocktails Mon: Monday Night Football Wed: Karaoke, 9pm-2am Thu: Thursday Night Football Sat: College football from 4pm Sun: NFL all day Nov. 23: Thanksgiving dinner - all day

E V E N T C A L E ND A R

MATAPALO

TAMARINDO

HOWLER

A weekly glance for November

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HAPPENINGS

GET OUT DO SOMETHING!

SAN JOSÉ TRAVESÍA POR LA ISLA DEL COCO (Voyage to Cocos Island)

S

ince the 16th century, Cocos Island (Isla del Coco) has been visited by pirates, explorers, whalers and traders. The first scientific expeditions took place in the 17th century, and the first Costa Rican expeditions were carried out by the Instituto Físico-Geográfico and

the National Museum of Costa Rica in 1898 and 1903.

This marked the beginning of a series of explorations to study its biological and geological riches, as well as its atmospheric phenomena.

Where: National Museum of Costa Rica - San José

Calle 17, Avenidas Central y Segunda | Antiguo Cuartel Bella

Vista, San José, in front of the Plaza de la Democracia When: Nov 23, 2017, to Aug 19, 2018 Hours: Tues-Sat 8:30am-4:30pm. Sun 9am-4:30 pm Admission:

Free for kids under 12

2,000 colones - Costa Ricans

$9 - Foreigners

$4 - Foreign students

Free Sundays for Costa Ricans and

residents with ID Contact: museo@ucr.ac.cr (tel. 2283-9705),

cimar@ucr.ac.cr (tel. 2511-2200)

38 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

SANTA CRUZ

TAMARINDO 7TH ANNUAL BLACK & WHITE PARTY

T

he famous Black & White party is an amazing community event that raises money for 450 children living in poverty who need school supplies and backpacks for the coming school year in February 2018!

Where: Pangas Beach Club, Tamarindo When: Fri. Nov 17, 6:30pm Costs: $50 pre-sale / $55 at event

dinner, cocktail drink, photo booth, silent auction, DJ, contemporary dance Contact: 8712 8504 Tickets available at: Almanara Spa, Surfbox, LaPaz, Cria, Nimbu, CEPIA, Educarte, Pangas and Lola’s

TAMARINDO ART WAVE

T

he innovative, collaborative festival unites artists and the community in one single event and theme.

The art collection will be the stepping stone for a larger, permanent showcase of Costa Rica’s artistic culture.

Volunteer help needed with: installation of art works, lighting, posts, banners, etc. We also will need free bartenders, free lodging, free food for artists and volunteers, free transportation.

FESTIVAL DE MURALES SANTA CRUZ VIVE 2017

C

ome and watch participating artists create 16 murals on the walls throughout Santa Cruz. Artes Visuales Santa Cruz created this festival to promote the cultural values and identity of the local community.

When: Nov 25-Dec 12 8am-5pm daily Where: 400 meters north and 125 meters east of La Peninsula hardware store, central area of Santa Cruz City Inauguration: Nov 25, 8am-6pm Parque Bernabela Ramos Cost: Free

Contact: José Jackson Guadamuz

8973 3205

guadamuzdesantacruz@gmail.com Facebook: ArtesVisualeSantaCruz

PLAYA FLAMINGO WINE AND CHEESE PARTY

Where: Playa Tamarindo Center When: Nov 29-Dec 3, 4-10pm Cost: Free Contact: info@tamarindoartwave.com

HOWLER

P

lease join us at a Wine and Cheese Party hosted by the Sociación Pro-Mejoras de Playa Flamingo. All proceeds are to improve and maintain Playa Flamingo.

Where: Marie’s Restaurant, Flamingo Plaza When: Wed, Dec 6; 5-7pm Cost: $20 entrance.

Receive two drink tickets and delicious bocas from Flamingo restaurants.

Contact: donna@overseas.de

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT DOSLOCOS

TTZ (T

ico Time Zone)

It was amazing to see the twinkle in her as she became 12 years old again.

eye

BUS STOP OF LIFE

T

his month’s subject was going to be a subject turned to myself, I told Isabella I few bus tales about all my adventures was now a lifer with a Tica daughter. So traveling back and forth from San then she told me about her childhood. It José. I was still pondering the best ones, only was amazing to see the twinkle in her eye to get lucky and stumble upon a new tale one as she became 12 years old again, relating day while waiting for a bus back to Matapalo. stories about how she grew up in the old I was listening to Klove radio, singing and school days. smiling at all the passersby. That’s when a Isabella continued on about her lovely older women walked up, smiled and sat down to wait for the next bus. I smiled I´ve been in back with a “Buenos días” to and that boot. Thinking that was that, I noticed she was asking me a question, so I removed my headphones. She asked when through my being. the next bus was coming and our chat was off and running.

What a blessing to meet Isabella! children, grandchildren, and finally about Struck by her lovely disposition and Tica how she was now a widow but blessed to smile, I asked where she was heading. She have had a great life and children who love was going to see family in Liberia after her. I just sat and listened and saw her beam visiting her niece in Tamarindo. She had with the love of a life well lived. It made me traveled from southern Costa Rica and was proud to have made and be making a life for enjoying her trip. Now this is a woman of 85 myself here. all alone at the bus stoP ... I know, I know. I Eventually, the bus came and we wished didn’t ask; she offered up the information each other pura vida as we parted ways. willingly.

As I waved goodbye, I experienced a truly Our chat continued, and when the enlightening moment. I saw life through

25 years

Costa Rica

sentiment resonates

40 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

by Johnny Lahoud

another’s Tico eyes without an opinion — only listening, enjoying and loving the life God has given me.

As I put my headphones back on and switched to my playlist, the selection was Kenny Chesney´s timeless song “Don’t Blink.” It’s all about enjoying the moment and being present to others around you.

Then the next song came on and truly summed up the moment — Sir Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer.” Singing softly to myself and thinking of all the precious moments past and future with my daughter, an iconic line from the movie “Almost Famous” came to mind. When the young teen journalist on the tour bus tells Penny Lane, “I need to go home,” she replies, “You are home.”

I´ve been in Costa Rica 25 years and that sentiment resonates through my being.

Living here and knowing these great people and our relationships has been a blessing.

One thing is for sure, we are only at the bus stop of life for a short time. And it’s our attitude and how we treat each other that ultimately defines who we are. It affects other human lives around us now, and will transcend countless generations. ¡Pura vida y viva Costa Rica!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

SURVIVING Costaby Jesse Rica Bishop

LOCOSDOS

CHAPTER MCXVII

A BLAST FROM THE PAST

G

reetings, folks of the future!

Time travel has always been a favorite sci-fi subject of mine, so I’ve decided to take advantage of the fact that my Howler submission deadlines seem to be getting earlier and further ahead of actual publication dates. That means those of you who are reading this are in the future — perhaps November 2017 — and I hope, living in a much safer and more harmonious world. Therefore, think of this column as a kind of literary time capsule from a time you now consider “awhile back.”

So how did that whole North Korea thing work out? I can only assume cooler heads prevailed and the rogue commie country is now the 51st state, taking its place proudly next to North Dakota and North Carolina.

Did President Trump ever finish firing everybody who needed firing?

And is former San Antonio Spurs basketball legend and tattoo prodigy Dennis Rodman somewhere in the new mix? I’m thinking attorney general, vice

then I’m curious if you ever cut that weird beard of yours? I know the only reason you have it is because your wife demands you keep it. Did you ever grow the cojones to defy her? I doubt it.

Speaking of wives, did she ever get rid of that whole “just getting better and better looking” thing? I doubt it.

I betcha my not-so-distant future self is pretty excited about how the Dallas Cowboys are doing early into the 2017 season. Most of their opponent teams will have already surrendered, keeping the loss column at a consistent zero.

The coach has surely taken my advice to reinstate Roger Staubach as quarterback.

Ultimately, the Cowboys will be drafted to represent the United States in the 2018 FIFA World Cup “football” tournament in Moscow. Eat your hearts out, Patriots fans of the future!

Closer to home, I’m guessing the new paved road between Tamarindo and Villarreal has been dug up and

Did

President finish

Trump ever

firing everybody

who

needed

president or possibly governor of the newest state.

What about Canada? Did they ever build that 5,525-mile-long wall along the U.S. border to keep out fleeing Democrats? And did Prime Minister Trudeau really get the U.S. to pay for it? I’d gladly sneak into Canada and stay awhile myself, if only the language wasn’t so difficult to pick up.

If you’ll indulge me, I have a few questions for my future self. First, are you still alive? (You younger readers may not appreciate this, but we “60s are the new 30s” types have a slight mortality phobia.) If the answer is “yes,”

firing?

replaced with an even newer paved road. And has a new batch of carswallowing potholes imploded on the dirt road to Langosta? Presumably, the local water suppliers (Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados) have figured out how to service the continuing spasm of future home construction. I hope there’s no objection to the salty taste.

Closer to our hearts, is the Howler being honored with that well-deserved Nobel Prize for Cumulative Literature?

Hope my humble writings have helped in some small way.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

by Robert August

B

efore she moved to Costa Rica, Kristen Brown was a very dedicated athlete on the basketball court. Kristen is a strong, talented girl who actually received a full basketball scholarship to Providence College, then transferred to Emory University after two years to focus on her business degree and play basketball there as well.

After playing ball and whizzing her way through college, she moved to New York City and was offered a job with Citibank on the 25th floor. She did it … how cool!

Then one day in February, when it was freezing cold in New York City, Kristen and some friends decided to come down to Tamarindo and stay at Witch’s Rock surf camp. She re-visited a few times after that and we eventually became close friends.

When I headed back to the United States a few months after Kristen’s first visit, I invited her to fly down and meet me on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, where I was doing an event. A huge surf shop down there, Real Water Sports, runs an annual Memorial Weekend festival where I show up

42 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

AUGUST ODYSSEYS

and we have an “Endless Summer”-themed weekend. A full-size movie screen is set up outside and we show the film while I narrate.

A question-and-answer session follows.

It’s an amazing event at a truly beautiful location.

Kristen was so impressed that she proposed the idea of quitting her Citibank job and moving to Costa Rica full time. Here, she could help with my social media and website and continuing to build my business.

So I said, “Sure!” Kristen had a genuine spirit and lots of motivation, so I gave it a shot. She moved into my house in Tamarindo, where my daughter and I had lots of space to share with an extra person. Plus, Kristen became a big sister to Christine, coaching her school basketball team, helping her with academic work, and

surfing with her early every morning before school.

I have nicknames for everybody, but only after really getting to know Kristen, I nicknamed her Waimea after the famous surf spot in Hawaii.

For those who don’t know, Waimea is a big-wave spot with very tall, very beautiful waves.

And that’s how Kristen Brown took an adventurous leap from the concrete jungle and moved down to Tamarindo. After being down here for about five years now, she’s become a really good surfer! Kristen is also an entrepreneur with her own company, Samba to the Sea, using her passion for photography to capture incredible moments around Tamarindo, from sunsets and family sessions to destination weddings. She has taken some of the most stunning Tamarindo sunset pictures I’ve ever seen.

So every once and awhile, I like to go up to the macho surf instructors, point to my friend Kristen and ask, “Do you think you’re man enough to handle Waimea?”

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Spotlight

JOE HRBEK Gold Coast’s “iron sax man”

by Johnny Lahoud

It’s hard to

describe, but the

universe sort of led me here.

I

f you’ve been in Tamarindo over the past few years, chances are you’ve heard the crispy notes and brass licks of Joe Hrbek resonating through the streets.

Since his arrival in 2013, Joe has gained a loyal following playing solo, duets and in bands. Having been known to play two and sometime three gigs in one day, he’s reputedly the hardest-working musician on the Gold Coast. So, let´s see what makes him tick.

Where are you from?

I grew up in New Jersey and started playing clarinet at 8 years old in the school band. In 1992, I moved to New York City to pursue a professional music career, performing in really cool places with some of the best musicians in the world.

What are your musical influences and instruments played?

I was a classically trained clarinetist, and then started playing the saxophone.

Now I play alto and soprano saxophones and still have my clarinet. New York was an amazing place to be a working musician for over 20 years ... playing music at some of the best venues and getting my butt kicked by some the greatest musicians in the world.

At 8 years old, I started listening to

44 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Benny Goodman and his big band. From there, I developed an appreciation for all types of music, from jazz, classical and pop to soul and rock and roll.

This has afforded me to play all kinds of styles and keep me working.

My biggest influences are saxophonists Charlie Parker, Cannonball Adderley, Maceo Parker and Dexter Gordon, to name a few.

Why Costa Rica and Tamarindo?

I have always had a passion for the ocean and beach life. It’s hard to describe, but the universe sort of led me here. I came here on vacation, went home and I just could not let Costa Rica go.

When I moved here four years ago, I had no idea I would be playing so much music.

Tamarindo has opened its heart to me and my music, and I am so ever grateful.

You’re known as the Gold Coast’s “iron sax man.”

It’s because that’s what I do. I have been fortunate to work just about every

night my whole career. I LOVE IT! I still get excited at every gig. I will play every chance I get — life is short.

Will you do Costa Rica forever?

I have fulfilled a lot on my bucket list. Walking and swimming on the beach by day and playing music at night in such a magical place for the rest of my life sounds like a plan for me!

What are your upcoming shows and schedules for 2017/18?

I am very excited about the coming season. I have a solo show and lots more going on. I play as a duo with Luiz Paes Leme, who sings and plays guitar. The chemistry between us is awesome. We can be found at La Palapa, El Chiringuito, El Vaquero, El Be Beachclub, Walter’s, Hotel Pasatiempo, The Shack in Potrero for brunch, and many other places. Also, I´m playing with the legendary rock band The Leatherbacks. We kick off the 201718 high season at the Hotel Pasatiempo Halloween Party. Be sure to check my facebook page and the new calendar section of the Howler (pg. 34) for November show information.

Bruce Scott 506-8379-0168 brucescott.scott@hotmail.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NOVEMBER 2017 FORECASTS

HOROSCOPE ARIES

With your ruling planet, Mars, moving through the Venus-ruled sign of Libra, your edge is softened. You are more inclined to use your words first rather than your ever-sharper sword to make your point. So just enjoy being less aggressive than normal! Venus moves into your sign on the 7th so there’s magnetic attraction between the sexes after that. If you’re looking for love, the best days to do it are November 1, 2, 28, 29 and 30 (am).

TAURUS

With Venus moving through Libra until the 7th, you should be enjoying some harmonious relations and social events. Then Venus enters Scorpio and passion may enter the landscape. Relationships go well at this time also because Jupiter is in Scorpio in your 7th house of partnership. Enjoy the harmony of this special time as love can really take root in your life. Your best days for getting your way are November 3, 4, and 30 (afternoon).

GEMINI

Mercury, your ruling planet, finishes its transit through Scorpio on the 5th and moves into Sagittarius for the rest of the month. Mercury tends to scatter a bit so you may feel harassed by too much information coming in. When Mercury meets Saturn at 27 degrees on the 29th, feelings of fear and frustration may be very intense. Do your best to show up and maintain your integrity at this time.

Your most powerful days are the 5th and 6th.

CANCER

With several planets in your sister water sign of Scorpio for most of November, you get things accomplished and have fun. It’s a time to enjoy your natural creativity and ability to nurture others, particularly children and animals. People will get a glimpse of these qualities as Jupiter transits Scorpio, and can advance your career. The 7th and 8th offer a good foundation for self promotion.

46 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

by JEANNE CALLAHAN

LEO

third time this year, you can gain some insight into the big picture of the last 2 years. Mercury joining Saturn at the end of November will give you a bout of worry, but if you are living with integrity there’s nothing to worry about. Don’t do anything that undermines your path of truth.

November 18 (afternoon), 19 and 20 are your stellar days.

VIRGO

With Saturn transiting your 12th house of self-undoing, you must be careful where you exert your energies and the company you keep. There is truth in the saying, “your friends reflect who you are” so you need to rely on truth and integrity at all times. You generally tend to embody that belief, but now is the time, more than ever.

Pluto is in your sign for the next seven years so you must stay grounded about who you are and what you want to accomplish. Best days to state this are November 21, 22 and 23 (morning).

With the Sun, Venus and Jupiter moving through your 4th house of ancestors, family and home, you should make family connections, host a party or make decisions about home improvements. All bodes well for solidifying family relationships as Jupiter, the benefic and optimist, is transiting this place for about a year.

Best days to do this are the 9th and 10th.

Your ruling planet, Mercury, enters your 4th house of ancestors, family and home on the 5th, bringing in information and family contacts.

You may also want to broadcast information about your career and public image now, so go for it. Your stellar days are November 11, 12 and 13 (morning).

LIBRA

With Mars in your sign as well as Venus until the 7th, you are primed and ready to assert yourself. There’s no reason not to, as Jupiter is now transiting your 2nd house of assets and resources, so you can actually make bank! Venus gets in there too after the 7th, so watch your spending through the end of the month. This transit of Venus and Mars adds more magnetism to your personality so make the most of it. Your best days are the afternoon hours of the 13th, 14th and 15th.

SCORPIO

With several planets now in your sign and Venus about to enter it on the 7th, you get the power of attraction’s positive effects. You are under a rare and beneficial spotlight and can gain attention from those you want to attract.

So make the most of it and promote yourself and/or whatever you are selling. This is an opportunity to launch something that could have a good long run so why not? Your best days are November 16, 17 and 18 (morning).

SAGITTARIUS

With Saturn still in your sign and crossing the Galactic Center for the

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

With all the visible planets transiting above the horizon and four in your 10th house of career and public image, you’re being called upon to advance and share your wisdom and expertise.

There will be challenges as always, but you have Jupiter’s support all year to overcome all of them. Positive days to push your agenda are November 23 (afternoon), 24 and 25.

PISCES

Jupiter, your ruling planet, is now transiting your 9th house of beliefs, higher knowledge, education, justice and foreign travel. There’s a lot of support for continuing your education or maybe even an exotic vacation.

Tight finances could get in the way as Mars is creating a few additional expenses this month. But the vibes are mainly positive with Venus in a sister water sign as well. Your best days are the 26th and 27th.

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LIFESTYLE

Feature

_By Debbie Bride

FLOCKING SNOWBIRDS

T

he snowbirds are descending on Costa Rica once again for a long winter stay. And reciprocated or not, the fondness of northern refugees for this idyllic hot spot shows no signs of cooling.

Costa Rica ranks at or near the top of favorite deep-freeze escape destinations outside the United States. The website canadianbucketlist.com — whose whimsical Latin nomenclature for snowbird is “escapus wintersnowus” — explains: “Some species of snowbirds prefer a bigger change: a difference in culture, a difference in language, currency, and scenic beauty.

Costa Rica has the beaches, but it also has beautiful rainforest, and peaceful mountain communities. The country enjoys the third highest life expectancy in the western hemisphere, is affordable, accessible, and even offers Canadian-run health insurance for expats.”

“Paradise meets convenience” is how tripping.com describes Tamarindo specifically, on its list of non-U.S. winter escape hubs: ”There isn’t any other tropical gem like this one out there. An array of hotels, stores, bars, restaurants, and tour companies are just a short saunter

from the seashore. So stargaze, sightsee, and zip-line, all in the confines of a remarkable rainforest within Central America.”

For Pam Graham and her husband, Larry, the warmth and openness of local Ticos are what give Costa Rica an edge as their chosen home away from home for six months during their Canadian winter.

“The people in the community are

Costa Rica ranks at or near the top of favorite deep-freeze escape destinations outside the United States.

48 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

the best,” Pam said during a telephone conversation from Edmonton, Alberta, where the couple lives during the other half of the year. She was busy preparing for their early November departure to the condo they purchased in 2014 near Matapalo, Guanacaste.

“We’re very happy with our decision to spend winters in Costa Rica,” said Pam, adding that she and Larry plan

to eventually make it their year-round permanent home. “We have no regrets.”

Where snowbirds choose to live in Costa Rica depends on personal preference. Differences in climate, accessibility of urban amenities and degree of exposure to local culture may be factors. Some snowbirds get a feel for different locations before making a longterm decision. They might live in a variety of places one season at a time, or during the same high season visit.

Many snowbirds determine it’s not only affordable, but also profitable, to invest in a secondary residence in Costa Rica. They can live in their tropical home as desired, make it available as a vacation house for visiting friends and family members, and rent to others the rest of the time. A portion or even all of their rental income might come from other snowbirds.

With no room for doubt about Costa Rica’s appeal to snowbirds — including those who may ultimately settle here full-time as “sunbirds” — is the feeling mutual? By all appearances, locals seem eager to put out the high season welcome mat.

Clearly, snowbirds are a driving force in Costa Rica’s real estate and property management sectors. Related upturns in building trades activity stimulate consumer markets for design consulting and household furnishings.

“A lot of very nice homes are being built for part-time use by snowbirds who might eventually live here year-round,“ said Bruce Scott, proprietor of Scott Furniture near Huacas. “We are fortunate in being able to provide furniture that appeals to this consumer market.”

Otherwise, on a more concentrated tourist-season basis, the economic boost from snowbirds is far-reaching.

From sunset cruises and live entertainment to happy hours and karaoke nights, snowbirds enjoy being out and about. They appreciate that there is more to do here than kick back in a hammock and improve their tans. Nothing pleases them more than a new restaurant discovery, except for being welcomed like a regular at the spot where they’ve dined countless times.

As the owner and general manager of Sandbar in Playa Hermosa, Kent Scantland has made a point of getting to know the restaurant’s patrons, including whether they are snowbirds, tourists or expats living in the area year-round.

“The December to March period is normally a very busy time of year,” he said.

“Snowbirds have an impact on business but are usually on a budget and do not spend as much or tip as well as tourists do.

However, our snowbirds do come out and support nights where entertainment is available. Or they take advantage of happy hours and discount days.”

Beyond their importance to the hospitality industry and retail businesses, snowbirds are often keen to embrace Tico culture and engage with their adopted local community. From local

classes and workshops to charity events, they participate and contribute with enthusiasm.

“I love my snowbirds and can’t wait to see them all again soon,” said Sylvia Monge, owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. “They have an incredible energy to learn and also have the time to get into it.“ Describing her business income as “a rollercoaster” following the habits of snowbirds and sabbatical families who come for the school year and then leave, Monge said the base clientele are these newcomers or returning snowbirds.

“Classes hover around five people until January, when the birds return after the holidays. Then it goes up to 10 to 14 people in class.”

Certified yoga instructor Marian Paniagua typically sees attendance in her classes increase by about 30 percent during snowbird season.

Local volunteer-run organizations benefit from big-hearted snowbirds such as Pam Graham. Her involvement with two pet rescue groups includes fundraising and assisting with neutering programs.

Although only about 10 percent of all snowbirds have permanent homes outside the United States, 80 percent of those international snowbirds are from Canada. Complications relating to health insurance coverage and income tax rules dissuade many Canadian snowbirds from spending their winters in the United States, making tropical destinations like Costa Rica more appealing.

BOOMERS CHANGED THE RULES

T

hat snowbirds in Costa Rica have become increasingly good for business reflects shifting demographics. There’s no denying snowbirds are at the older end of the general population spectrum. The majority are baby boomers, in the 50 to 70 age range. But having retained lifelong majority status with every passing decade, this is the generation that’s changed the rules for getting older, and is now leaving senior stereotypes in the dust.

Today’s baby boomers are known to be physically active, mentally vibrant, welleducated and informed, and financially secure, if not wealthy. Studies have shown snowbirds consider themselves to be in better health than non-snowbirds do.

Avoiding winter deterrents to outdoor activities — namely ice, snow and bitterly cold temperatures — is a great strategy for keeping fit and injury-free.

A related phenomenon has blurred the lines between retirement, semi-retirement and post-retirement work. And at younger life stages, career paths have become less singular and linear. The new normal also encompasses full-time, part-time, and flextime jobs, as well as work-from-home or any-place-on-earth scenarios.

Once considered feasible for only entrepreneurs or freelancers, “work-ations” are enabling a growing number of full-time professionals to travel the world without sacrificing their careers. There has been a proliferation of online resources for people with job-in-a-suitcase aspirations. An example is dowhatyoulove.com, promoting the enjoyment of “freedom and passive income anywhere in the world.” Not surprisingly, it recommends Costa Rica as the ideal place to do just that.

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LIFESTYLE

_PHOTO TIPS I used a long exposure and two flashlights to photograph a highland swamp at night on Cerro de la Muerte high in the Talamanca Mountain Range.

Long exposures produce noise, and shooting in RAW allowed me to reduce the noise in the computer.

SHOOTING RAW

by Gregory Basco

50 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Landscape shots are challenging because of the difference in brightness between sky and foreground. Besides using a graduated filter to ensure the best exposure possible for this photo of the Poás Volcano, shooting in RAW meant I could lighten shadow areas where necessary without degrading my image.

B

eginning photographers may hear bits. Using the same math as above, we have a lot about the RAW image format.

12 possible binary outcomes for each color Professionals shoot RAW. Should you? channel. So, 2 to the 12th power is 4,096. If we The most common image format out take those 4,096 possible tonalities for each there is JPEG. If you’re a hobbyist and want to color channel and look at all of the possible produce pictures ready to print and share, get color values for the three color channels out there and shoot in JPEG. Just because you combined, we can take 4,096 to the 3rd power. don’t shoot RAW doesn’t mean you can’t take This yields over 68 billion color possibilities. good photos.

So, a RAW file has over 4,000 times as much But if you’re looking to take your nature potential color value information as a JPEG photography to the next level, RAW is for you. file. Put another way, if you shoot JPEG, Why? JPEG files don’t you’re only using about 2.5 make use of the vast percent of the possible color majority of information files take information your camera is modern digital cameras capable of recording! of are capable of capturing.

In addition, JPEG files are RAW files do, and that compressed in a lossy fashion, your camera’s translates ultimately into which means some of the more control over image sophisticated relatively limited information optimization and highercaptured in the first place is quality large prints. thrown away to keep file size Here’s how it works. smaller. So, on top of the fact capabilities.

Each pixel on your that JPEG files start with less camera’s sensor consists information than RAW files, of three color channels — red, green, and blue. some of that information is then discarded JPEGs are 8 bit files, meaning 8 bits of binary during the compression process. RAW information (1s or 0s) are possible for each files also are compressed, but use lossless color channel. Raising 2 to the 8th power (for mathematical algorithms so no image data are each channel, either a 1 or a 0 is possible 8 thrown away. times) gives 256 possible combinations for Most pros want to be in control of how their each color channel. Since there are three images look when they go on the web, for fine art colors, we take 256 to the 3rd power (red, printing, or for a magazine or coffee table book. green, and blue), which yields a total of around RAW files take advantage of your camera’s 16.7 million possible color values in a JPEG sophisticated image capture capabilities and image. Sounds pretty good, right? allow you to stay in control of optimizing your But now let’s look at RAW files. Most computer images. You can even shoot RAW cameras these days capture RAW files with 12 with many smartphones on the market today!

I loved the dreamy background in this image of a tiger heron in Tortuguero National Park. JPEG files are susceptible to posterization in photos like this because the lack of color information can result in abrupt transitions throughout a smooth background. RAW helps keep things clean.

RAW

advantage

image capture

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Buenas Hola Buenos días

PURA VIDA!

When you meet someone, say:

In a pinch, say:

LIFESTYLE_SPANISH

Adiós Hasta luego Hasta pronto

When you leave, say:

BANTER A PURA VIDA LIFE SKILL

C

osta Ricans take politeness very seriously. Politeness comes before truthfulness, before anything else you need to say. But if the language of politeness is their cultural banter, then why is the service in Costa Rica so bad?

That’s what I used to wonder until the answer came to me. It was “me” all along.

It was my insistence that I was going to teach Costa Ricans how to do things right. Now when I see newcomers bound into a store and go up to an employee and directly ask for what they want, I see myself and wince. There is nothing — absolutely nothing — more annoying than hearing a newcomer tell us about how things should be done around here. It took me only a few years to be annoyed by that. Imagine someone who has lived here all his or her life. No wonder they looked at me like I was the jerk. I was.

Growing up in New York meant not looking other people in the eye. We were polite but curt and to the point. No one likes an overly friendly person — what are you, from the South or something?! In schools, we were taught to write letters and later emails with a opening line that

should include the point of communication.

Getting to the point is paramount in a fastpaced world of timetables and deadlines.

In Costa Rica, if I am patient and give myself the extra time to interact with my servers and smile — even try to make them laugh — they have lovely smiles. I like to quip that locals have a resting bitch face, but when you engage it’s like a toothpaste

Politeness is half good manners and half good lying.

Mary Wilson Little

52 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

YOU: Hola. ¿Cómo está?

TICO: Muy bien, gracias. ¿Y usted?

YOU: Bien, gracias.

commercial. I am forever amazed by little things like that.

As a recovering New Yorker this has been the most difficult aspect of assimilation for me. Similar to the way Southerners or small-town people in the United States relate to each other, Tico politeness involves quite a bit of small talk.

Even in emails, getting directly to the point is considered abrupt and rude. I normally write my email first, the way my New York mind was trained, then go back and add an

Start a conversation, say:

by Sylvia Monge

opening paragraph of politeness.

When I first arrived here, my Tico husband started saying, “Let me do the talking” all the time. My staccato, to-thepoint way of speaking pissed off everyone around me and the service we got was noticeably worse. It reminds me of him trying to assimilate to New York, where he would drive locals crazy with his slow, meandering stories.

Now I refuse to be in a hurry. I smile first and offer some banter before asking for a favor … something I once would never have even considered to be service. The Guanacasteco may not be quick with a smile until you offer one first. The smiles you get back are genuine, wide and warm.

Slowing down and taking the time to talk to people who help me daily are the biggest personal changes I have made since immigrating here. Instead of something I do when I have time, if my schedule allows, I make time. I give myself the extra five or 10 minutes that politeness and chitchat involves. No matter how well you speak the language, it’s the face-to-face friendliness that is most important. It allows for your blundering Spanish to be received with a welcoming smile, pura vida style!

LIFESTYLE

by Ryan Waldron

O

n September 18, 2017, six separate tropical systems were spinning somewhere within the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific basins. And from October 4 to 6, Tropical Storm Nate left a wake of death, flooding and widespread destruction nationwide. Although events like this are unfortunate for many, it makes sense from a climatological standpoint as September and October are the peak of hurricane season in the Northern Hemisphere.

With all this tropical activity, how is it possible that Costa Rica is continually spared from the direct impacts of major hurricanes? Many of us remember the (almost) historic Hurricane Otto last November, which brought heavy rains and winds across Costa Rica’s northern region. But if you remember correctly, Otto officially made landfall — the location where the eye of the storm first strikes land — along the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, not Costa Rica. Doing your homework on the subject, you will find that a true hurricane, defined as a tropical cyclone with winds over 74 mph, has never actually made direct landfall on Costa Rican territory.

How is this possible? The answer lies within the realm of the Coriolis effect. This phenomenon is a bit difficult to verbalize, so I suggest doing further research yourself. It’s important to understand that the speed of earth’s rotation varies depending on your location.

At the equator, the earth is rotating at 1,018 mph, while at 30 degrees north latitude (roughly the Florida/Georgia border), it’s rotating at 882 mph.

Imagine this: A plane takes off in

54 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Miami heading true north to New York north latitude, Costa Rica is too close to City. Because the earth is rotating faster the equator for the Coriolis effect to come at the equator and slower towards the into play. In fact, between 10 degrees south poles, the plane will actually be deflected latitude and 10 degrees north latitude, from its course if the Coriolis effect is hurricanes are practically unheard of. not taken into account before takeoff. In The earth is simply too flat for the wind the Northern Hemisphere, objects are to be deflected from its destination and deflected create the spin. to the right And with our while in the A true has never northernmost Southern border sitting Hemisphere, actually made direct at 9.55 degrees they’re north latitude, Rican territory. deflected to Costa Rica has the left. been graciously So how does this relate to hurricanes? spared from every recorded land-falling Well, a hurricane is just a center of very hurricane. deep low pressure that high pressure But you can never be certain. As our around it is trying to fill in the form of climate spirals out of control and “black wind. As the wind travels above the earth’s swan” weather events are becoming more surface towards the core of the hurricane common, the possibility of Costa Rica (the eye), the wind is always being slightly being directly impacted by a hurricane is deflected, giving the storm its signature not out of the question. The best solution spin. is to always stay informed and have a plan.

Sitting comfortably at about 8 degrees

hurricane landfall on Costa

Top photo: ticotimes.com/costa-rica/hurricanes en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coriolis_force

HURRICANES IN COSTA RICA?

WELLNESS Health

LIFESTYLE

by Dr. Herbert Weinman

DO YOUR PARENTS NEED HELP?

A

s children, we look to our parents for guidance and support, and as we grow up, we become more independent. Throughout our maturing adult and senior years, we continue to display the fierce independence that characterizes the older generation. Yet, we may not consider how our parents are functioning as they get older. At what point do parents need our help?

dressing and eating, don’t assume the symptoms are part of normal aging. There are many correctable causes of apparent faltering in the aged.

It’s also very important to enlist your parents’ help, so they know you’re not trying to take away their independence or take control of their lives.

The following questions can be a basis for discussion with your parents, assuring them you will act in their best interests should they become incapacitated: • Where would you like to live if you become ill or disabled?

• How do you take care of routine home maintenance?

• Do you have trouble climbing stairs?

THE DOCTOR IS IN • Can you comfortably meet your expenses?

• Do you have adequate health insurance? Serious

illness could wipe out savings if parents don’t

have supplemental coverage.

• Who will handle your affairs if you become incapacitated?

Raising the idea that parents may someday be physically or Unopened bills, bounced checks and bouts of forgetfulness mentally unfit to make their own decisions can be disturbing. are among the first tip-offs that an elderly person has become What is worse is the time, expense and process of petitioning less mentally alert. Changes in a parent’s mental ability, energy a court to declare them incompetent if they have not assigned levels and mobility often occur so gradually that children remain power of attorney to a trusted loved one. unaware. When one spouse covers up for the other, problems can go • Where do you keep important documents and who is your undetected for years. attorney? Trying to uncover this information during an If you suspect that your parents are losing control of their emergency can be a nightmare. lives, you might start paying closer attention. Signs of trouble often It’s not easy facing the fact that our parents get older and the include moldy food in the refrigerator, unfilled prescriptions tucked likelihood that they may become somewhat incapacitated at some away in a drawer, or an overdrawn bank account. If your parents point. Preparing in advance can minimize the family’s stress during appear less able to perform simple activities such as walking, these transitions.

Signs of trouble often include moldy food in the refrigerator, unfilled prescriptions tucked away in a drawer, or an overdrawn bank account.

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Chocolate Healthy Say What?

A

s a chocolate maker, I began “infotaining” tourists and visitors to Guanacaste more than five years ago. One of my favorite parts of the workshops I give is about nutrition. We are all bombarded almost daily with news and information on the latest nutritional discovery when it comes to wonder-food properties. Chances are, they will be raving about some vegetable or root, and more often than not, consuming these foods can be a bit of a struggle as they tend to have a bitter or even foul taste.

So whenever my guests hear me pointing out that cacao is the healthiest food on earth, I immediately get their full attention! Roughly 90 percent of the population in the modern world eats chocolate at least once a week. That’s why so many people are surprised to learn that what we’ve always considered to be candy may actually be good for us.

Important distinction: The healthy part of chocolate is not the milk, the sugar, the soy lecithin or any of the other additives. It’s the cacao. If you want to eat healthy chocolate, you will have to focus on chocolate with a high percentage of cacao.

There is plenty of packaging information to help to figure this out. Chocolate makers are required to state the percentage of cacao on every bar they sell, so just read the declaration and pay attention.

by Henrik Bodholdt Dark chocolate with

By Henrik Bodholdt a low sugar content and a high cacao percentage is the healthiest. Or you can f I have awoken your curiosity – just eat the cacao all by itself! You may be or if you just crave good chocolate surprised just how delicious roasted cacao – you can find me in The Beach nibs are. Try them in a smoothie, on your Chocolate Factory in Brasilito ice cream, tossed in a salad or as a healthy Tuesday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. addition to your breakfast cereal.

So what is it exactly that makes cacao Visit the healthiest food on earth? Amazingly, beachchocolatefactory.com cacao contains most of the nutrients and malekuchocolate.com vitamins we need on a daily basis. It’s a very complete food — high in a number of minerals, high in dietary fiber, and contains a good amount of protein. And when it comes to magnesium and antioxidants, cacao is the best source in nature, hands down.

I

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LIFESTYLE

WELLNESS _Superfoods

WELLNESS _SPIRITUALITY

LIFESTYLE

STORM OF UNCERTAINTY

T

he phone rings, the pause gives it away, the prognosis … known.

Within your mind, a flood of thoughts swell up. Fear starts to build as the unknown haunts you. Numerous questions come to that council room in your head, demanding answers, seeking relief. So much of your time and energy is extinguished as you build bridges over all the “what if,” “what about” and “why” questions you don’t dare try to answer.

Sleep escapes you in the grips of fear, while you search for peace and resolution.

The words of family and friends are so well intended, yet seem to only suppress the agony of the unknown for a brief moment.

If there is the reality of this — this circumstance, this sickness, this situation of anxiety and stress — then could there be ... is there the reality of peace, rest and calm while in this storm?

A few years ago, my son was lying there on a gurney in pre-op, prepared for aortic

by Perry Carlile replacement surgery that would take eight hours. As I kissed his forehead, the talk, the words and the prayers were done. But the “test” was still to come. Do I carry this over into worry and anxiety? Will my mind race to all the percentages and issues that the doctor spoke about? My son will be

58 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

under the knife while Dad is left in this room. Will time stand still?

As I left the pre-op, I turned around at the door and looked back with tears in my eyes. I lifted up my hands, a gesture made

Is there the reality of peace, rest and while in this storm?

calm

on the day he was born, and I said, “Into Your hands, I trust.”

I wasn’t speaking to a ritual, or a dead religion based on guilt, condemnation and control. I was speaking to the Creator, the Author, the great Physician. Nor was I just throwing some positive words out into the air. I had left the situation with Him. I had given up in surrender that He is … and I’m not. I knew there was no level of “worry” that I had to bring to the table to hopefully make it good enough.

A picture was taken of me in the private waiting room during my son’s ordeal. I’m asleep. Can you manufacture

peace? For those who dwell in the “me” philosophy of themselves, where can they place their trust during the storms of life?

There is a story of some guys out on a boat. A terrible storm had arisen, with the wind and waves crashing on top of them.

But asleep in the boat was the guy whose idea it was to go out in the first place. It was Jesus, who had said, “Let us go to the other side of the lake.” The other terrified men on board awakened him with fear and a worrisome question. He calmed the storm and then asked why they were so afraid. It wasn’t their human tendency to fear, but rather they refused to see Him for who He was — His presence, His promise, His power and purpose.

So how to “leave it?” When you’ve come to the point of exhaustion with worry, and are trying to manage the chaos by attempting to be stronger, “mind over matter” doesn’t work. But it’s only at this point that you will finally be able to “let it go.” In self-defeat, we can acknowledge the God who is — not with lip service but with absolute release — to experience peace in the storm. I wonder how long we will go through the storm before coming to the “end of ourself,” then go awaken the One who cares?

LIFESTYLE

FITNESS4Life

by Marian Paniagua

Interoception and Self-Awareness

T

he human body has its own intelligence. We can connect with it if we learn to intuitively be aware of it and breathe with it.

In 2004, at the age of 20, I had my first encounter with the practice of yoga.

A young woman from the United States started teaching a one-hour class three times a week in my hometown, Brasilito.

I would not miss a class! I thought I had finally discovered the ultimate “fitness class” for getting my body fit in a gentle way. Little did I know about the depth and the power of this ancient practice.

For sure, I started perceiving myself to be more aware and present after each class. My breath was slow and deep, and there was a sense of ease and peace emanating from me. But this state of being lasted only a few hours after each practice of yoga. I was not integrating it permanently.

Once I became a certified yoga instructor, my understanding of the practice of yoga and self-awareness was taken to a wonderful new level. I discovered interoception — the capacity everyone has to feel the messages our body gives us, such as changes in heart rhythm or a subtle muscle contraction.

I started integrating interoception into my practice of yoga as I went into each posture, during the posture and as I went out of the posture.

Various group experiments have shown that people who have developed

the capacity to detect, process and decode the messages from their body are more likely to make life decisions with a positive impact. As I learned to apply this principle to the way I teach yoga, as a

naturally

I was and effortlessly taking interoception my own life

from my mat to experience.

fundamental part of crafting my classes, it was inevitable for me to realize how I was naturally and effortlessly taking

Photos by Abi Acuña

interoception from my mat to my own life experience. I constantly find myself pausing and consciously feeling what my body is conveying. This happens before I reply to others in a conversation, respond to an email or meet with a client. As a result, my connections with the people I interact with have become stronger and better aligned.

My intention as a yoga instructor is to help practitioners come to the same realization themselves. There is no greater advantage for an individual overall than to acknowledge the body’s responses moment by moment to access information that might otherwise be overlooked. Nature’s intelligence is everpresent at a quantum level. It is always available to us whenever we become more present and silent.

Yogalegria offers mindfully crafted yoga classes and workshops for all levels. Check the Howler Lifestyle Calendar (pg. 60) for scheduled classes and workshops. Private classes are available.

For private classes 8914-0199 | marianpania@gmail.com or Contact: Marian Paniagua, 8914-0199, marianpania@gmail.com Read. like. share. | online

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M

ONDAYS

YogAlegria Private instruction available Nov 6 - Yoga & macrame bracelets workshop, 8:30am - Sage Brush Nov 20 - Yoga & dream catcher workshop, 8:30am, - Sage Brush MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm KOA Training Center Group fitness classes 7am, 8am, 4pm, 6pm Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo Seido Karate Costa Rica Karate class, 8:30am The Jungle Gym, Flamingo Mermaids and Sailors 9-10:15am - Vinyasa 10:30-11:30am - Barre sculpt 6-7:15pm - Restorative

T

LIFESTYLE Greater Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero Area

UESDAYS

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm Kids lessons, 4pm Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa KOA Training Center Group fitness classes 7am, 8am, 4pm, 6pm Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo YogAlegria Private instruction available Hatha yoga, 8:45am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande Mermaids and Sailors 9-10am - Barre sculpt 10:30-11:45am - Gentle flow 5:30-6:45pm - Vinyasa

MS TENNIS ACADEMY Offers a full-service program that fulfills the needs of all players, regardless of age or ability level.

Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal Daily: 6am-9pm 8455-5488 mstennis.academycr@gmail.com mstennisacademycr Daily: Lessons 6am-9pm Tue & Thu: Kids lessons, 4pm

Flamingo Beach Besort & Spa

60 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

W

EDNESDAYS

9-10am -Barre sculpt 10:30-11:45am - Gentle flow

Nov 29, 7am

5:30-6:45pm - Vinyasa

KOA games competition

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm Kids lessons, 4pm Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo YogAlegria Private instruction available Yoga workout, 8:30am Mariner Inn, Flamingo Mermaids and Sailors 9-10am, Beach body fit 10:30-11:45am, Vinyasa 4 surfers 5:30-6:45pm, Gentle flow

The Jungle Gym, Flamingo Mon & Fri, 8:30am US +1 (646) 281-9645 seidocr@gmail.com Seido Karate Costa Rica Mon: Seido Karate, 8:30am Fri: Seido Karate, 8:30am

HURSDAYS

Mermaids and Sailors

KOA Training Center Group fitness classes 7am, 8am, 4pm, 6pm

SEIDO KARATE COSTA RICA Traditional Japanese karate taught by Sensei Brett Gartner, fourth-degree black belt.

T

KOA Training Center Group fitness classes 7am, 8am, 4pm, 6pm YogAlegria Private instruction available Hatha yoga, 845am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande Candlelight yoga, 6:15pm The Jungle Gym, Flamingo

YOGALEGRIA Marian Paniagua (Owner) is a certified yoga instructor who offers mindfully crafted classes and workshops.

Gold Coast from Hacienda Pinilla to Danta Beach By request 8914-0199 marianpaniagua@gmail.com Daily: Private classes by appointment Tue: Hatha yoga, 845am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande Wed: Yoga workout, 8:30am Mariners Inn, Flamingo Thu: Hatha yoga, 845am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande

Candlelight yoga, 6:15pm The Jungle Gym, Flamingo Events: Location: Sage Brush Art Studio Nov 6: Yoga & macrame bracelets workshop, 8:30am Nov 20: Yoga & dream catcher workshop, 8:30am

ACTIVITYCALENDAR A weekly glance of classes, workshops and lessons

F

RIDAYS

Seido Karate Costa Rica 8:30am The Jungle Gym, Flamingo

S

ATURDAYS

S

Kombucha is a delicious fermented cold tea beverage with tremendous heath benefits to your heart, brain and especially stomach.

By special arrangement

*My * KAMBUCHA is Awesome

UNDAYS

Reina’s Chocolate 8am-2pm Tamarindo Farmers Market

Reina’s Chocolate

Handcrafted, brewed and bottled with the fruits and vegetables of Costa Rica and Central America.

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm

11 Awesome Flavors

KOA Training Center Group classes 6am, 7am, 8am, 4pm, 6pm YogAlegria Private instruction available Mermaids and Sailors 9-10am - Mat pilates 10:30-11:45am - Vinyasa 5:30-6:45pm - Gentle flow 5:30-6:45pm, Gentle Flow

Maracuya and Lavender Aloe Chamomile Spirulina Mint Mango Mango Pineapple Beet Mango Pineapple Mango Papaya Turmeric Ginger Fireball Tamarindo Pineapple Pineapple Ginger Beet Carrot Cucumber Lime Ginger

Raw cacao bean

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm

YogAlegria Private instruction available

YogAlegria Private instruction available

Mermaids and Sailors 10:30-11:45am, Vinyasa Private classes by appointment

Mermaids and Sailors 10:30-11:45am, Gentle flow Private classes by appointment

MERMAIDS AND SAILORS We are a community of yogis, fitness and fashion enthusiasts committed to sharing our passions.

Tamarindo, beachside at intersection before rotonda Mon-Fri, 8am-8pm Sat-Sun, 10am-5pm 2653-2280 info@mermaids-and-sailors.com mermaidsandsailors Schedule: 3 classes weekdays Mon - Fri: 9-10am, 10:30-11:45am Evening class, Mon, 6pm, Tue-Fri, 5:30pm Full schedule:

mermaids-and-sailors.com/class-schedule

Classes offered: Yoga: Vinyasa,Gestorative, Gentle flow, Prenatal Barre: Barre sculpt Fitness: Beach body fit

KOA TRAINING CENTER Functional training for keeping a healthy lifestyle or as a complement to other sports.

Paseo del Mar, Huacas Mon-Fri 8863-2172 koatrainingcenter@gmail.com KOACR Daily: Mon: Tue: Wed: Thu: Fri:

Group classes 7am, 8am, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm 6am, 7am, 8am, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm 7am, 8am, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm 6am, 7am, 8am, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm 7am, 8am, 6pm

Event: KOA Games Competition

Wed, Nov 29, 7am

Where to find

My * Kambucha is Awesome: kambucha.co/locations

To distribute: Call 8822-3419

REINA’S CHOCOLATE Costa Rican craft chocolate maker.

Intensive 3.5 hour workshop:

All Things Chocolate Tamarindo - Google or WAZE By appointment 8883-5832 ron@reinaschocolate.com Reina’s Chocolate Daily: Workshops by appointment Fri: Closed Sat: Tamarindo Farmers Market 8am-2pm Sun: By special arrangement

Community Feature

Lake Ditkevi, Chirripo National Park.

by Thomas Casitllo Photography

F

or a country covering .03 percent of the earth’s surface and boasting 5 percent of its biodiversity, Costa Rica’s endowment of natural wonders is extraordinarily generous. Protected areas include some of the most beautiful national parks in the world, teeming with wildlife, bursting with foliage, featuring jungles, volcanoes, beaches and more.

Being this close to paradise leaves little room for improvement.

Or so it might seem if you haven’t heard about ProParques, a little-known nonprofit that spends hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to improve trails, build bathrooms, create signage and train park rangers. Thanks to this group, nature’s legacy coast to coast is being protected and showcased like never before. Success in overcoming geographic and bureaucratic barriers has underpinned two mutually achievable goals — enhanced vibrancy of Costa Rica’s 26 national park habitats and an enriched visitor experience.

Guayabo National Monument, Costa Rica’s most treasured archaeological site, offers a remarkable example. A new bridge over the Calzada Caragra, a pre-Colombian cobblestone road, gives visitors an unprecedented view of this ancient wonder.

On Chirripó, Costa Rica’s tallest

mountain, new bathrooms and plumbing make it unnecessary for park rangers to haul 800,000 liters of water a year up the mountain so that people can flush toilets.

And at Carara National Park, ProParques has broken new ground for handicapped accessibility. Visitors in wheelchairs can now roll down a 1.2-kilometer universal access trail, while the blind can read signage in braille and touch sculptures that depict local animals.

These and multiple other ProParques initiatives are a testament to what can be accomplished through consensus building.

“Everyone’s got an opinion about

Protected areas include some of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

62 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

the national park system,” said Steve Aronson, the organization’s founder and president.

“There’s all these different fights — people want to buy more land, people don’t want tourists there, etc. Everybody has a different view. Let’s try to figure out a way to get all these people to talk and find a common ground between the tourism industry and the ecologists and

the government guys.”

Aronson is perhaps best known as the founder of Café Britt, Costa Rica’s premier coffee brand. ProParques was created 12 years ago as one of three nonprofit groups under the umbrella Demain Foundation (“demain” being French for “tomorrow”). This extended the social responsibility program of Grupo Britt, which Aronson had established in 1985 to sell roasted coffee to domestic and foreign markets. But in 2009 he turned this business over to his sons to focus on some personal passions.

ProParques successes are small projects from signage upgrades to larger initiatives of park ranger training.

And the socio-economic impact of ProParques-funded improvements extend well beyond the tourism sector.

“We trained turtle egg thieves in Tortuguero to be turtle spotters, gave them walkie-talkies, put them on a payroll,” said Aronson, “And now when turtles lay eggs, these guys say there’s a turtle that’s about to lay an egg here.”

One thing everyone involved with ProParques seemed to agree on from the start, Aronson said, is that park rangers should be more professional and better supported. “Park rangers at that time didn’t even have uniforms, and they had to learn English,” he said. “It’s all little stuff.”

Rocío Echeverri, executive director

of ProParques, said, “We work with the National University, and we just graduated 29 park rangers that got a diploma in park management, and 20 others just started the new program.

It’s a two-year university program with students from all over the country, even Cocos Island.”

Training of park rangers remains a major focus of ProParques — what Aronson called one of its three pillars. A focus on visitor experience is another. A third, he said, is “Get things done.”

Alejandro Masís Cuevillas, treasurer of ProParques, described the organization as an ally of the National System of Conservation Areas that helps it fulfill its mission.

“More specifically,” he said, “what ProParques wants is to help visitors have a better experience visiting national parks, as well as to help the national parks themselves and the staff achieve their goals.”

Asked about the organization’s accomplishments, Masís said, “It ranges from staff being trained in say, CPR and first aid, to building of trails. There’s a long list of things in between, from purchasing equipment for specific tasks that are required at the national parks to purchasing materials to make the electric system better in the park ranger’s house.”

A universal access trail recently opened at Santa Rosa National Park with the support of ProParques. “It’s a very nice trail,” said Masís, who is also director of the Guanacaste Conservation Area.

“It goes through regenerating dry forest and it’s also very close to the national monument, La Casona Santa Rosa, so you get both the natural history and the

Informative signs donated by ProParques at Manuel Antonio National Park. Photo courtesy of ProParques.

historical side of Santa Rosa.”

Trails and bathrooms are also going to be improved this year on San Lucas Island in the Gulf of Nicoya, formerly the site of an infamous prison. ProParques is also responsible for a new lookout at Tenorio

‘We trained turtle egg thieves in Tortuguero to be turtle spotters.’

National Park. There’s a lengthy list of completed projects at www.proparques. org.

Echeverri said she recently visited Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean to explore the possibility of building a ramp that would allow people in aquatic wheelchairs to actually enter the ocean.

She said the group works closely with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities to provide access to national parks for the disabled.

“This means that anyone — a blind

Carara National Park, The first universal access path built by ProParques in 2012.

by Marcello Hernández

person, a person in a wheelchair, someone who is deaf or cannot talk — gets the same experience that someone with all five senses can enjoy,” she said. For example, she said, the group has installed audio stations for the blind and sculptures where the blind can feel the difference between a toucan’s beak and a hummingbird’s beak.

Aronson said ProParques spends between $500,000 and $700,000 a year to support work like this. It also generates contributions of supplies like building materials, and it recruits volunteers, for a total impact of close to $2 million, he said.

“So far this year we’ve taken 4,000 volunteers, both Costa Ricans and foreigners,” said Echeverrí. “For instance, we tell them we need to build a picnic table in Santa Rosa. Or we’re doing a new trail in Braulio Carrillo. So someone donates the wood or the stones that we’re putting in the trail.

“We’ve been able to do a lot of minor projects that have a huge impact.”

For more information, to donate or to volunteer: www.proparques.org

Volunteers install donated trash cans at Manuel Antonio National Park. Photo courtesy of ProParques.

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COMMUNITY

BUILDING Costa Rica

Neglected roofs result in higher maintainence costs

by Jarryd Jackson

STORM PROTECTION FOR YOUR HOME

W

e are all at the mercy of Mother Nature, which means many things are simply out of our hands and living in a tropical paradise isn’t always easy. There are measures we can and should take to prepare our homes and properties against heavy rains, flooding, wind and falling trees.

When building a new home, some key design considerations include elevation above ground level, proximity to trees, streams and rivers, and natural drainage.

The quality of construction and materials is also very important, including the roof, windows and exterior wall surfaces such as painted and/or stucco. High-quality paint, windows and roofing protects your home much better than a cheaper alternative.

It’s always best to build your home at least six feet above ground level to prevent flood water from entering.

Depending on the home’s natural drainage and slope, I sometimes advise clients to build up to a foot off the ground to provide better flood protection. Nearby streams or rivers mean your home is in a potential flood zone, where it’s best to be on the safe

other weather events that can cause damage. Using high-quality exterior paint will also prevent mold and fungal growth when the walls are wet; the higher the paint quality, the better for the outside of your home.

During dramatic rain events, your roof will be put to the ultimate test. That’s when any leak will make itself noticeable.

The better condition your roof is in, the less water damage you will incur during storms. I recommend checking your roof once a year and making sure it’s in good condition before the rainy season or potential big storms. Replace rusting screws, repair flashing and patch holes as needed.

Cleaning out the gutters and downspouts is also very important to deflect rainwater away from your home.

Keep the trees around your home

Nearby streams or rivers mean your home is in a potential flood zone.

64 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

side and build it up a full meter above grade.

Roof overhangs of at least three feet are advisable to prevent raindriven water damage to exterior walls, windows and doors. Your roof overhangs not only provide shade and keep the home cooler, but also protect your home from UV exposure, rain and

J&M Architecture & Construction trimmed to reduce the chances of a broken limb or trunk falling onto the roof during a storm.

Poorly designed septic systems are bound to fail during sustained periods of ground saturation, so be proactive in having them drained soon after a lengthy bout of rain. Also keep in mind that underground utilities are susceptible to water damage. Electrical

problems that occur soon after a flood event are likely caused by water entering and remaining inside the plastic conduits.

If you have any culverts or other drainage channels that move water away from your home and property, keep them as clean and free of debris as possible to prevent blockage, water buildup and additional flooding.

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COMMUNITY

PET CARE

Part 1: Paperwork

By Dr. Gilberth Cavallini Dr. Leticia Cajal

HAPPY LANDING FOR PETS I f air travel for your pet to or from Costa Rica is a new experience, thorough preparation will ensure you both have a happy landing. It all starts with planning carefully and as early as possible to avoid complications and last-minute chaos.

Keep in mind the paperwork relating to your pet’s health status has some datesensitive aspects. Certain windows of time are critical for either not acting prematurely or not acting soon enough.

Costa Rica’s National Service for Animal Health (SENASA) requires an international health certificate for all dogs and cats upon arrival at San José or Liberia airport.

Originating with the national animal health agency in your departure country, the certificate must be completed by the licensed veterinarian you choose to examine your pet and administer any vaccinations, testing or treatments as needed.

Completion of your pet’s health certificate, and subsequent endorsement by an official government veterinarian in your home jurisdiction, must occur within two weeks of your flight to Costa Rica. However, airlines typically request the certificate be completed within 10 days of your departure date. Some might ask you to submit a copy in advance.

Be sure to clarify this with the airline when booking your flights.

All dogs and cats older than three months old require a rabies vaccination at least one month prior to their departure flight date. Dogs must also be vaccinated against distemper, hepatitis, parvovirus and

leptospirosis.. Treatment for external and internal parasites is also necessary within a specified time period.

Dogs or cats traveling to Costa Rica from a European Union country must have an EU passport and rabies antibodies test report, in addition to the international health certificate.

The test report requirements can add up to three extra months to the health paperwork processing timeline.

Your pet’s health certificate for air travel to Costa Rica is valid for 30 days from the date stamped. If your departure flight after visiting Costa Rica is within that time period, no more paperwork will be necessary.

For visits exceeding the health certificate’s expiry date, or pets living here to leave the country, a similar paperwork process is followed in reverse. There may be some differences, however, depending on the destination country. A veterinarian in Costa Rica examines your pet and completes a certificate of health for stamped authorization by SENASA, again valid for 30 days. In some instances, a lawyer’s stamp may also be necessary.

For trips planned outside Costa Rica, consulting with your veterinarian here is a good place to start, and may save you time and effort in taking further steps. Our clinic, for example, can look after the entire examination and documentation process, including stamping and fees. As always, we advise making arrangements as far in advance as possible to avoid complications and inconvenience.

Keep in mind the paperwork relating to your pet’s health status has some date-sensitive aspects.

66 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Learn More

T

he following are useful sources of information about health certificate requirements for pet travel to and from Costa Rica.

National Service for Animal Health (SENASA) in Costa Rica www.senasa.go.cr/senasa/sitio/ files/290113030042.pdf US Embassy in Costa Rica cr.usembassy.gov/embassy/sanjose/ sections-offices/animal-and-planthealth-inspection-service/wantbring-dogcat-costa-rica/ U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ pet-travel/by-country/pettravelcosta-rica Costa Rica Embassy in Canada www.costaricaembassy.com/faqs. php Canadian Food Inspection Agency www.inspection.gc.ca/animals/ terrestrial-animals/imports/ policies/live-animals/pets/ eng/1326600389775/ 1326600500578 International Air Transport Association (IATA) www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/ live-animals/pets/Pages/index.

COMMUNITY _ENVIRONMENT

INTERESTING TIMES

by Tom Peifer

W

ho says life along the Gold Coast is boring this time There was no shortage of irony as Hurricane Harvey of year? I just unplugged my modem and computer inundated Houston, the petroleum industry’s global mecca, and hid in the corner with the dog as the third with 50 inches of rain. Ditto Hurricane Irma swamping the thunderstorm of the day rolled overhead. In a number of towns, state whose governor is an ardent denier of climate change. traditional torchlight parades for Independence Day were Readers may recall that the current Denier in Chief swept into cancelled due to widespread rainfall. The fact of the matter is that the Oval Office aided by 29 electoral votes from the recently “interesting” doesn’t come close to capturing the ongoing tumult ravaged Sunshine State. on so many fronts.

That humans may be capable of wilder mood swings, quirkier Locally, it’s hard to reconcile our not-so-distant drought behavior and more outright violence than Mother Nature comes memories of tanker trucks hauling potable water to thirsty homes across in recent news headlines. and hotels with this year’s daily spectacle of flooded urban areas Several gun freaks in Houston posed with their automatic throughout Guanacaste. weapons in front of a sign threatening “Lotters will be shoot.” In Elsewhere, Houston has garnered the most Florida, one amateur meteorologist suggested recent news coverage of flooding. But people could simply avert Irma through Argentina’s 8 million hectares under a coordinated gunshot volley of water, and millions of people hollow-point bullets. displaced in Bangladesh, surely While more than 1,000 belong on the long global list of Houston churches refused weather-related chaos. As I write, shelter to the masses of Ancient Chinese Curse the western Pacific is serving up a Harvey’s homeless victims, dose of double trouble. Typhoon Talim faith groups in Florida gathered apparently decided to spare mainland China on the beach, hands aloft, channeling and instead is heading north towards Japan. Typhoon Doksuri the power of prayer to calm Irma’s wrath. Having labeled the ripped through Vietnam and is currently deluging Laos also with approaching hurricane a left-wing hoax, Rush Limbaugh saw life-threatening amounts of rainfall. the light and high-tailed it out of harm’s way in the nick of Meanwhile, back at the ranch — specifically, the western time.

United States’ vast rangelands and forests — there are currently The more left-wing, techno-conspiracy crowd contended 137 wildfires raging across 7.8 million acres in what might be the the hurricanes were caused or steered by the ancient radar/ worst fire season in recorded history. According to reports, ash weather experiment HAARP, or an ionic ray satellite somewhere fell like snow in Seattle for the first time since the eruption of Mt. over the Atlantic. Those concerns were put to rest by an MIT Saint Helens almost 40 years ago. scientist who patiently explained, “The total energy released …

It was an intrepid amateur photographer from Oregon who best in an average hurricane is equivalent to 200 times the worldwide captured the weird zeitgeist of the interesting times we live electrical generating capacity.” It’s like shooting BBs at an in. She managed to juxtapose a group of nattily attired golfers, incoming asteroid. calmly putting on a manicured green at Beacon Rock Golf Course, The take-home message was aptly expressed by farmer/ against the backdrop of the Eagle Creek fire raging through a philosopher Wendell Berry: “Whether we and our politicians copse of tinder dry conifers. As the photo went viral, comments know it or not, Nature is party to all our deals and ... she has more zeroed in on the irony of golfing during a maelstrom of nearby votes, a longer memory, and a sterner sense of justice than we do.” destruction.

May you live in interesting times.

68 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY Insurance Nuggets

HEALTH INSURANCE

for the time bomb you don’t hear ticking

by Phil Eitman

“We are healthy and we never need to go to the doctor.”

O

ver the years as a health insurance provider in Costa Rica, I have heard this more often than not from clients applying for coverage. It’s led me to conclude that most people would not move to Guanacaste unless they were healthy.

I have also come to the conclusion that most people are overdue for a health problem that needs attention. Maybe it’s the pura vida life that lets us put our guard down — more activities, no sidewalks and holes everywhere.

We are all ticking time bombs … we are just due.

After giving this more serious thought, I started to realize how important it is for my clients and friends to have insurance that provides excellent service, especially when an emergency occurs. Consider that the 9-to-5, Monday-to Friday time period, when most

family members are at work or school, accounts for only 23.8 percent of the week. Therefore, the majority of illnesses and emergencies take place during evenings and weekends.

Whoever you choose as an insurance broker, make sure there is someone who will answer your call outside of business hours. That is when you need an advocate most!

Allinsurance CR.com 1BROKER 11 INSURERS

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COMMUNITY _LEGAL EASE

COMMUNITY

SIMPLY SPANISH

LOCAL LINGO

POWER OF ATTORNEY IN COSTA RICA by Ivan Granados, Attorney at Law

I

n Costa Rica, there are four types of power of attorney (POA) that one person or corporation can grant to another person.

Poder especial (Special or Limited POA)

As per article 1256 of the Civil Code of Costa Rica, a special or limited POA empowers a person to conduct a specific diligence on behalf of the person granting the power. For example, the legal representative of a company that recently bought a condo may grant special POA to staff members at her lawyer´s office for them to update the name of the water meter associated with her condo. A special POA does not require registration at the Registro Nacional, but the signature must be duly legalized. However, if the special power is to be used to transfer title to property, real estate or vehicles, then the law requires that the special POA be executed before a Costa Rican notary public or a Costa Rican consular officer and logged in their Protocol book.

provide the appropriate receipts, as well as execute any legal deeds necessary to preserve the business. A general POA must be executed before a Costa Rican notary public or a Costa Rican consular officer and logged in their Protocol book.

Additionally, the general POA must be registered at the Registro Nacional.

Poder generalísimo (Full POA)

As per article 1253 of the Civil Code of Costa Rica, a full POA empowers a person to effectively dispose of all the assets belonging to the person granting the power. The empowered person may sell and mortgage properties as well as execute any legal deeds on behalf of the person, with a few exceptions. This type of POA can be limited to a specific amount of money or a specific type of asset, such as cars but not properties. A full POA must be executed before a Costa Rican notary public or a Costa Rican consular officer and logged in their Protocol book. Additionally, the full POA must be registered at the Registro Nacional.

A judicial POA can only be granted to a lawyer.

Poder general (General POA)

As per article 1255 of the Civil Code of Costa Rica, a general POA empowers a person to administer all or some assets belonging to the person granting the power. The empowered person may conduct negotiations necessary, rent out properties for up to a year or the specified time frame, sell assets other than properties, charge for services and

70 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Poder judicial (Judicial POA)

As per articles 1288 and 1289 of the Civil Code of Costa Rica, a judicial POA empowers an attorney to file or answer a lawsuit complaint, attend hearings, file appeals and conduct other legal actions within the judicial trial on behalf of the person granting the power. A judicial POA can only be granted to a lawyer.

This type of power can be special or general.

Dude mae Expression of well being Pura vida Nice tuanis Native Costa Ricans ­ ticos Small town grocery store pulpería Farmer’s market feria Local market mercado local Where locals go for a drink or two! el bar Where’s the beach? ¿Dónde está la playa?

Soccer game between locals la mejenga Weekend fin de semana Typical Costa Rican dish casado Smoothie batido or licuado Typical breakfast dish gallo pinto Bus stop parada de autobuses What? ¿Que? Delicious ­ Delicioso, or muy rico What’s up? ¿Qué pasa?

Let´s go party! ¡Vamos de fiesta!

Hello, my friend Hola, mi amigo (male) Hola, mi amiga (female) Hello beautiful Hola guapo (male) Hola guapa (female)

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COMMUNITY

ACTIVITIES

&

INFORMATION

In Memory — Don Machum November 18, 1960 - August 24, 2017

PLAYA GRANDE The Clean Wave - Playa Grande Beach Clean Up

J

oin the Clean Wave eco awareness movement for this beautiful initiative to help keep our beaches clean! Gloves and bags will be provided.

on quickly became a beloved member of Playa Grande and the surrounding community. We lost a very special soul recently. Don will be dearly missed by his wife Karalee, son Max and the communites he loved in Canada and Costa Rica.

Special words from Don’s family: We will forever be listening for the breeze at dawn (Don) to gently whisper his loving messages in our ear.

His vibrant light will rise each morning and seal the canvas of the sky with his radiant lessons of sincere generosity, passion, and fulfilled connections.

Our hearts will endlessly be filled with his sweet smile, which radiates down and contagiously touches the world surrounding him. Eternal reminders to open our hearts and homes to our neighbours, ensuring all and everything feels welcomed, cherished and cared for.

The warmth in his eyes will graze the deepest part of our souls through the blazing colours of his free spirit.

Encouraging each of us to live fully, live freely and live peacefully in joy.

And when evening comes, his beautiful essence will safely ground us in unison. We will rejuvenate in his strength for forever happiness, knowing that Don will engulf all that was dark with the gift of his glorious bright heart.

PLAYA DANTA 7th Annual Pura Vida Ride Paddle Battle

A

fun -filled day of stand-up paddle board races to enjoy with competitiors, friends and family.

Where: Las Catalinas, Playa Danta, 4 km north of Potrero When: Sat, Nov. 11 7am Registration 9am Elite Race - 2 laps 8km 11:30am Sprint Race - 1 lap 3 km 1:30pm Family Race - 1 lap 2:30pm Awards Cost: $30 fee to compete in Elite and / or Sprint Race Family race is free of charge Contact: contact@puravidaride.com

2654-6137 Follow us on Facebook The Clean Wave

7

TH

PADDLE BATTLE $1000 cash prize for elite race !

www.puravidaride.com

D

Where: Meeting points (before 9am) Tamarindo in front of the

Estuary and Playa Grande in front of Hotel Las Tortugas When: Sat, Nov 18 Starts at 9:30 am Contact: Andy Bermudez: 72414506

email: humansofpv@gmail.com FB/The Clean Wave

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH, las catalinas playa danta

72 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

TROPICAL STORM RELIEF Angels Among Us

L

ate Sunday evening, October 8, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nate, Edwin Campos called the Howler. He told us a group and a gentleman from Sarapiquí, Heredia, on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, had collected a large amount of dog food for Guanacaste communities in need.

Monday afternoon, German Sibaja from The Meso American Animal Rescue called to explain he and his group raised funds to buy 450 kilos of dog food, as well as clothing and blankets for those in our area who lost everything.

Tuesday, October 10, an ambulance marked Meso American Rescue Center arrived at the Howler office. We were so impressed that German and his

volunteer associates had taken the time to make a seven-hour drive one way because they cared. German told us of his quest to help rescue animals and take care of people. He recalled that during a time of crisis for communities in his area, the people of Guanacaste had got together and sent items of need.

He felt it was his turn to repay the favor.

He went to the local feria and put out a donation jar. With the money collected, he bought the dog food. Donations of clothing and blankets came in as well.

We got the shipment of these items out right way with the help of Nikki Griffith, Barbara Deppe from Barbara’s Animal Rescue, Sylvia Elena Bolaños Zamor, and Linneth Matamoros.

Linneth is carrying on the legacy of Dawn Scott, the angel to animals whose recent passing saddened so many in the

Flamingo area. To all of you, and any other helpers we’ve missed mentioning by name, you are deeply appreciated!

After the donations were distributed, we were called and tagged on Facebook with messages conveying the gratitude of those who were helped. Some came out with their dogs and were crying with joy that someone cared enough to think of them.

Thank you for entrusting Howler magazine to connect with everyone who made this possible. We covered communities in need from Tamarindo through Potrero.

mesoamericanrescuec@gmail.com

Mesoamerican Rescue Center

FLAMINGO — MAR VISTA­ Feria La Paz

E

veryone is always welcome at the Feria (Farmer’s Market) at La Paz Community School. Bring your neighbors and friends to buy locally grown products and a variety of artisan goods.

When: Every Wednesday, 3-6pm Where: La Paz Community School. On the road to Flamingo take the right turn at Mar Vista.

Contact: ferialapaz@lapazschool.org

New Business Opening Soon Storage Units

S

afe Storage at Mar Vista is a service offering flexible, do-it-yourself storage for residential and business customers. We provide clean and dry, secure and climate controlled, self-storage rooms. Taking reservations now!

Where: Entrance to Mar Vista Contact: 8508-1543

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COMMUNITY

Howl IT Dear Howler Readers, Some familiar Howler content has been rearranged, starting in this issue.

Throughout high season, you’ll find Travel & Adventure department in the front section of the magazine, followed by the Arts & Entertainment, Lifestyle and Community departments. Dining Guide remains in the last section.

The Community Services listing of emergency phone numbers and other important contact information moves up to the introductory section followed by the Editorial page. The Tide, Sun, Moon chart now appears in the back next to Contributors. Let us know what you think of how the Howler Troop is doing!

Howler Troop

Any comments, ideas or personal experiences you think Howler readers might enjoy reading? This is your page, so drop us a line: editor@howlermag.com.

Dear Howler, I just wanted to pass along some words of appreciation for a job well done [in the May 2017 issue] with the challenging task of objectively sharing the wide variety of educational opportunities available on the coast of Guanacaste. We at La Paz Community School sincerely appreciate your efforts and applaud you for your commitment to shining a positive light on all that our community has to offer!

Abel M.

Dear Howler, I would like to thank Dr. Cavallini and Dr. Leti for their great work. They always put the dog’s well being first over money or inconvenience. I have personally witnessed their kind and generous ways with strays and even dogs that have so-called owners. I can’t say enough good things about them both. Many dogs would have been put to sleep if it weren’t for their care.

I just want everyone to know about their big hearts for any animal that comes into their care. Drs. Cavallini and Leti are amazing veterinary doctors and we are very lucky to have them here.

Mari J.

Dear Howler, I am always happy now when the NEW Howler comes out. It’s truly a fantastic magazine, well designed and always full of great information about Costa Rica, both near and far. I am planning a hot springs trip soon, thanks.

But I have one critisim: I absolutely love the dining guide, but I want MORE!!! It is just good information about what I can expect. And so far, the restaurants I’ve visited are exactly as I expected. Please add more restaurants.

I want to try some new ones, but want to know something before I go.

Karita M.

74 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Dear Howler, I was very pleased to see a feature story about the amazing surfer and mom Lisbeth Vindas in the recent issue of the Howler. With 12 national surf titles, and now the Ironman under her belt, she is an athletic inspiration, but more importantly, a spiritual and loving person with tremendous drive. I really appreciate these kind of stories as they touch me personally.

Ellen Z.

Dear Howler, I really appreciate the very wellwritten and concise article about net metering [July 2017 issue]. I am sure that this article will go a long way in clarifying net metering in Costa Rica and dispelling the misinformation that abounds.

Cham B.

Dear Howler, I totally agree with the writer who likes Sylvia Monge’s Spanish articles.

I thanked her via email last month.

I work on my Spanish every day by reading, listening and writing. And I have a Tica tutor teaching me the local lingo. Sylvia’s articles offer the academics I need to become more proficient. I am a visual learner and appreciate reading her articles.

Thank you Sylvia! I believe if you live here you should speak the language out of respect. And it’s fun!

[So is the Word Search puzzle.] I have not done one of these puzzles in many years. But because it was a Spanish exercise, I was all over it. Completed in less than 10 minutes. Didn’t know three of the words but now I do. Fun exercise.

Wendy T.

Dear Howler, I noticed that two very important phone numbers are missing on your Community Services page: Cartagena Red Cross ambulance 2675-0897, Huacas Fire Station (Conchal) 22019079.

This came to my attention yesterday when we had an emergency. A man working on a rooftop sustained an electrical shock by accidentally touching a high tension line.

I also would like to suggest an article about the gold rush in Abangares, Guanacaste, from the end of the 19th century to the early 20th century.

Dennis E.B.

Note: We presume that letters to the editor can be published unless you tell us otherwise. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gulf of Papagayo & Liberia

ECO-COCO Community Organization Mission is to raise awareness and educate the communities : Organize cleanups and recycling

REAL ESTATE / PM

VETERINARIAN

Playas del Coco Mon-Fri, 8-5 8706-7963

VETERINARIAN DRA. JIMENEZ Full veterinarian services Surgery, ultrasound, export papers 300 W entrance Playas del Coco Mon-Sat 8-6 2670-0791 / 8566-3600 jimenezveterinarios@gmail.com

GIM Property Management & Rentals An exclusive portfolio of elite residences and condos in Pacifico Pacífico Retail Village #18, Coco Mon - Sat, 9-5 2670-1607, U.S. (305) 515-7193 reservas@gim.cr

SUN

REAL ESTATE OUR COSTA RICA REAL ESTATE Rentals and Sales We characterize ourselves by helping our clients based on trust and kindness Main road, Playa Hermosa Mon-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 9-1 2672-1234 bobbyblu2@gmail.com

RE/MAX OCEAN VILLAGE Exclusive Buyer's Agents Roland & Nadene Tipper: Helping buyers find their piece of paradise Pacifico Village, Playas del Coco Daily, 8-5 8371-1520 thetippers@me.com

SUMMER TIME Management & Rentals Property management, vacation homes, long- and short-term rentals Pueblito Sur #3, Coco Mon-Fri 8:30-5 2670-0415 / 2670-1712 info@summertimecr.com

SUN REAL ESTATE Commercial and Residential Leading real estate near the airport and Discovery Park area in Liberia

REAL ESTATE / PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Do It Center, Liberia, near airport Mon-Sat, 8-5 2667- 0818 www.sunburstcoffee.com

REAL ESTATE / PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

SUN BURST COFFEE Gourmet Coffee & Gifts Roasting the finest Costa Rican coffee for 25+ years at factory prices

REAL ESTATE / PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

COMMUNITY

COFFEE & GIFTS

Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Panama, Liberia and surrounding areas All times AM to PM unless noted

5km east of Liberia airport Mon-Fri, 8-5 2668-1133 / 8387-2017 www.costaricarealestate.eu

TROPICAL GARDENS Condo Rentals Source for "home away from home" in Costa Rica Pueblito Sur #1, Coco Daily, 8-5 2670-1261 / U.S. (844) 310-1001 www.tropicalgardenscr.com

BROKERS COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals We specialize in luxury rentals and property management Hermosa del Mar Plaza #7 Mon-Fri, 8-5, Sat, 8-noon 4702-7098 / 2665-8746 info@costarica-brokers.com

SUNSET PROPERTIES Rentals, Management & Sales Various condos with beautiful amenities, close to beaches!

Pueblito Sur #4, Coco Mon-Fri, 8-4, Sat, 8-1 2670-1453 / 8497-9376 crbeachproperties.com

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero, Las Catalinas All times AM to PM unless noted

PACIFIC COAST GYM Stay Healthy - Join Today Training, therapeutic massage, rehab, physiotherapy and nutrition Huacas - next to Super La Uruca Mon-Fri 6-8, Sat-Sun 9-5 2653-9026 / 8718-6872

CENTRO DE CARNES VILLA MAR Freshness & Quality is our priority Beef, frosen seafood, chicken, pork, saucsages. We have San Martin meat.

Villarreal: 250m to Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm 2249-0710 fuller811@gmail.com

300m W of Flamingo turnoff 7 days a week, 7-8 B/N 2653-8714

CASA NOVA INTERIORS Home & Commercial Furniture Turnkey packages, window treatments, design services and much more Paseo Del Mar #13, Huacas Mon-Sat, 9-5 2653-9060 www.casanova.cr

CERACSA Flooring and Tile Local showroom offering the quality and value that your luxury home deserves 3K past Huacas intersection towards Tamarindo, on the right Open Daily 2653-9117 / 8926-6905

HOME DECOR

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CENTURY GOTHIC ITALIC

Near Auto Mercado, Tamarindo Mon-Fri 9-6, Sat by appt.

2653-4354 CMYK info@pacificsmilecr.com

LA URUCA- HUACAS Supermarket Tipografía 3 NEUE LIGHT ITALIC Food, liquor, fishing gear, HELVETICA and much more - delivery service available

HOME DECOR

Huacas Mon-Sat 2653-8365 cepiacostarica@gmail.com

PACIFIC SMILE DENTAL CARE Kids & Adults - English Speaking Highly experienced Tipografía 1 staff- orthodontics, SF INTELLIVISED BOLD ITALIC implants, endodontics, gums Tipografía 2

GROCERY STORE

CEPIA Nonprofit Organization We promote culture, health, sports and education for children

Main road to Brasilito Sun, 10am 8621-6273 perrycarlile@gmail.com

FITNESS

Hotel Capitán Suizo Mon-Fri, 9-5 8319-4015 adi@playatamarindo.org

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

ADI Community Development ADIT is a group of volunteers interested in the welfare of Tamarindo

ISOLOGOTIPO PACIFIC COAST

LA BODEGA MARKET-TAMARINDO Organic Produce, Meats, Coffee Market specializing in fresh, local, organic foods and local products Across from Hotel Pasatiempo 7 days a week, 9-5 8395-6184 labodegacostarica@gmail.com

GROCERY STORES

We sell and install all over CR Any time you need us!

8735-1402 info@puravidaenergysystems.com

BEACH COMMUNITY CHURCH Visit and Socialize Love, hope, peace

DENTAL SERVICES

PURA VIDA ENERGY SYSTEMS SOLAR MADE SIMPLE! Reduce your electric bill by 90% & produce 20% ROI over 20 years

CHURCH / COUNSELING

Huacas Mon-Sat 8877-0178 jmconstructioncr@gmail.com

ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION

J&M ARCHITECTURE & CONST. Free Consultations & Estimates 30+ years of experience designing and building homes and pools

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

PHOTOGRAPHY

Huacas: Next to fire station Daily, 8am-8pm 4000-3822 Cabovelas@metropolitanocr.com

DigitalPhoto CR Inspired by Love!

Families, couples, weddings and real estate Guanacaste Area Call for appointment 8737-3885 digital.photocr@gmail.com

Playa Negra Mon-Sat 8982-4971 costaricasurfphotography@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

MEDICAL MEDICAL

150m West from Post Office 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 2653-3939 praviamed@icloud.com

REAL ESTATE

EYE ART PHOTOGRAPHY Contact for the Best Prices Professional surfing photos, weddings & events, lifestyle photos

EMERGENCY 2000 - VILLARREAL 24-Hour Emergency Care General health care adults and children, minor ambulatory procedures

HOSPITAL METROPOLITANO PANTONE 138 C Primary Care Clinic Best PANTONE medicine 2965 at C the best price.

Emergency care, lab, pharmacy PANTONE 7544 C All insurance accepted

www.deepgreenphotography.com 24/7 8396-0363 greg@deepgreenphotography.com

Tamarindo- Plaza Conchal 2nd fl Call for appointment 2653-4423

GM ATTORNEYS Legal Services Full service. All areas of law.

Tamarindo and Flamingo Mon-Fri, 9-1, 2-5 2654-4367 / 2653-2155 info@gmattorneyscr.com

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST Dr. Rocío Villalobos Psychotherapy for children, adolescents, adults and families Brasilito, The Village Call for appointment 8341-6879 / 2540-0959 rociovillalobosm1@gmail.com

ABC REAL ESTATE Fine Selections by the Beach We offer personalized service and a full range of real estate services Plaza Tamarindo Mon-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 9-1 2653-0404 tamarindo@abccostarica.com

AMIGO REALTY Vacation Rental & Real Estate Playa Grande's real estate and property management company

MV CONTA Accounting Services Full service accounting, tax and auditing.

REAL ESTATE

Across from Auto Mercado Mon-Sat, 8-5 2653-4300 / 973-536-1191 (24/7) info@allinsurancecr.com

DEEP GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY Fine art nature photography Fine art nature photography prints for home or office

PSYCHOLOGIST

ALL INSURANCE CR - TAMARINDO Health, Auto, Homeowners and more Offering the best coverage with customer service a priority

PHOTOGRAPHY

INSURANCE

Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero, Las Catalinas All times AM to PM unless noted

Playa Grande Mon-Sat, 9-5 8705-4588 / 2652-9053 info@amigorealtycostarica.com

CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate Specializing in Costa Rica real estate for over 27 years Tamarindo & Flamingo Mon-Fri, 8-5 2654-4004 / 8407-1898 info@plantacionproperties.com Read. like. share. | online

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero, Las Catalinas All times AM to PM unless noted

EDUCARTE Preschool, Primary, Secondary Private bilingual school 5km South from Huacas Mon-Fri, 8-3:30 2653-6363 info@educartecostarica.com

WAYRA SPANISH INSTITUTE Spanish School Spanish immersion programs since 1996 Calle Real, Tamarindo Mon-Fri, 7:30-5, Sat, 10-4 2653-0359 info@spanish-wayra.co.cr

CAVALLINI VETERINARIAN Animal Hospital Full-service veterinarian hospital for all animals and wildlife Royal Palms Plaza, Santa Rosa Mon-Sat, 8-noon, 1-7, Sun, 9-2 2652-9009 / 8815-5713 (24/7)

THE DOGTOR Vet, Grooming & Pet Shop Export proceedings, delivery, pickup and dropoff service Plaza Palma #3, Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8-5 8351-9910 / 4702-5106 thedogtortamarindo@gmail.com

VETERINARIAN

Brasilito Mon-Fri 2654-5042 info@criacademy.com

Flamingo / Mar Vista Mon-Fri 2654-4532 paz@lapazschool.org

SCHOOLS / LANGUAGE

CRIA School Education Accredited grade school and high school education

LA PAZ Private School All grades, international baccalaureate program

SCHOOLS

SMART TECHNOLOGIES Security, Audio, Visual Automation Home automation — control your home from anywhere Main road Huacas to Tamarindo Call for appointment 4001-2084 office@smartechcr.com

SCHOOLS

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Flamingo and Playas del Coco Mon-Sat, 8-5 2654-4493 / 2670-2198 specialplaces@crvr.net

SECURITY

Playa Tamarindo 7 days a week, 9-5 2653-0073 www.remax-oceansurf-cr.com

REAL ESTATE

RE/MAX OCEAN SURF & SUN Nobody Sells More Real Estate Sales of residential condos, homes and single-family home sites

SPECIAL PLACES COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals Full management, rental and concierge services

REAL ESTATE SCHOOLS

Flamingo, Potrero, Ocotal Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com

REAL ESTATE

KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World

REAL ESTATE

KELLER WILLIAMS COSTA RICA BEACH PROPERTIES Helping your dreams be a reality. Sales of homes, condos, land and businesses Tamarindo- Sunrise Plaza Flamingo - North Ridge Road Mon-Fri, 9-5, Sat, 9-1 22654-5460 kwcostarica.com

REAL ESTATE

HORIZON PACIFIC Property Management and Rentals A leader in quality properties and services: Vacation rentals, management, association administration Tamarindo, Plaza Palm #17 Mon-Sat, 9-5, Sun 9-2 2653-0390 horizonpacificvacations.com

KNOW YOUR RESTAURANT BEFORE YOU GO

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Photo courtesy of

Playas del Coco

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DINING GUIDE

Playas del Coco

Pacifico Retail Village, Playas del Coco Hours of Operations Mon - Sat 5:30pm - 10:30 pm Closed Sunday

Citron Restaurante: Latin fusion, Med. & Thai food For seven years, we’ve strived to offer the best fine dining experience possible for our customers. Our casual yet chic environment beckons families and friends to come together for any occasion. Enjoy a great meal and friendly service while relaxing in our indoor or outdoor ambiance.

MENU SELECTIONS Phone: 2670-0942 Specialties Full air-conditioned seating area, plus outdoor seating

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio

Sea Bass Fideua

Seared Ahi Tuna

Tenderloin Dijon

Goat Cheese SaladMixed greens,

Bangkok Shrimp

Thinly sliced raw beef, mushroom ragout, basil mayo & fresh parmesan Pepper-crusted fresh tuna steaks, pineapple chutney, curry mayo, wakame caramelized nuts, shredded goat cheese, honey mustard

Orzo pasta, white creams and chunks of fresh sea bass Juicy tenderloin filet served with mashed potatoes, vegetables & Dijon sauce Fresh shrimp served in a Thai-style sauce with coconut milk, curry & cilantro

Huacas 3Km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo Hours of Operations Everyday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm Breakfast 7:00am to 10:00am

La Playita: Poolside Dining Located at the Seis Playas Hotel, La Playita restaurant and bar is open to hotel guests and the public, and is known for its friendly and inviting environment. It is the ideal setting for sharing good food and drinks with family and friends, or a romantic dinner poolside while enjoying the convenient distance to our six local beaches.

MENU SELECTIONS Phone: 2653 6818 info@seisplayashotel.com Specialties Food cooked to your taste — con mucho gusto Friday Night Texas Barbecue

Broken Yolk Sandwich

$12

Pasta

Breakfast Quesadilla

$12

Open Grill

BLT La Playita

$10

Pineapple flambee

Fried egg, bacon or ham, and cheese on toast and served with seasonal fruit Eggs, tomato, onion, sweet pepper and cheese.

Served with seasonal fruit Always a favorite for a lite bit to eat bacon, lettuce and tomato

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$14

Build your own pasta bowl, includes a mixed salad

From $16

Pork tenderloin, chicken breast, Ribeye, New York Strip, Beef Tenderloin & catch of the day

$4

Our most popular dessert served hot with vainilla ice cream

Main road to Tamarindo, in front of El Tesoro Hours of Operations Monday to Saturday Noon - 10:00 pm Sunday 10:00 am - 10:00 pm Phone: 2653 0024 pangasbc@gmail.com Specialties Costa Rican cuisine taken to another level, freshest seafood, sizzling volcanic rocks

Pangas Beach Club: Beachfront Restaurant With rustic driftwood lounge chairs, fresh gourmet dishes and pumping surf breaks right at your fingertips, Pangas is the perfect place to get lost in Tamarindo’ s laid back tropical lifestyle.

Located on the sands of north Tamarindo beach, Pangas is a breezy beach club by day and a relaxed restaurant and bar by night.

Whether grabbing an afternoon beer in your board shorts or enjoying a candlelit dinner in the dining room, Pangas has something for everyone.

Chill out with an invigorating blended fruit drink, or sample our standout seafood. Our chefs use the area's freshest local seafood caught straight from the region's best fishermen with all-natural, local ingredients to accent the beachfront flavors of the Costa Rican coast in every bite.

MENU SELECTIONS Wahoo Carpaccio

Mixed Seafood Platter

Catch of the day

Avocado and Cucumber Soup

Pangas Tuna Tower

Smoked Salmon Lasagna

Goat Cheese Salad

Imperial Ribs

Grilled Rib Eye

Pangas Chef Salad

Grilled Octopus

Pangas Mariscada

Drizzled with olive oil, finished with parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and capers A healthy and refreshing blend garnished with finely chopped pico de gallo Mixed greens with goat cheese, mango chutney, and balsamic honey vinaigrette With grilled shrimp and choice of seared yellow fin tuna or beef tenderloin

SautĂŠed calamari, octopus, shrimp, mussels, clams, and catch of the day Fresh yellow fin tuna, mango, and avocado, stacked delicately Black Angus short ribs braised in Imperial beer with a natural reduction sauce Served with extra virgin olive oil, salad, and pico de gallo

Fresh Mahi-Mahi or Sea Bass with the preparation of your choice Layered with heart of palm, fresh herbs and white sauce Prime beef cuts (12 oz.) served rare on sizzling volcanic rock A selection of the best of what the local waters of Costa Rica have to offer Read. like. share. | online

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TAMARINDO

DINING GUIDE

tamarindo

3 km from Villarreal, Tamarindo Road Hours of Operations Daily, 6:00 am -10pm Phone: 4701-3291 Specialties Natural Foods Vegetarian

Shaka Food

Healthy - Easy - Delicious Italian Pizza Special breakfasts, lunches and dinners, coffee & dessert Salads, Sandwiches, Naturals & Green Juice, Falafel and Vegetarian Options

An 8 min. drive from Tamarindo, 2 km S Villarreal

Black Stallion

Rustic Outdoor BBQ Dine with the stars of Guanacaste on a private ranch. Enjoy a delicious BBQ Buffet with sides. Wine, Beer and sangria included! Call for reservations.

Hours of Operations By reservations

Available for private parties and events.

Phone: 8869-9765 Specialties Zip Line & BBQ Buffet for only $85 Available for Private parties and events.

MENU SELECTIONS

MENU SELECTIONS Salad Bar

c7,000

Mixed BBQ Buffet

$45

Menu of the Day

c3,500

Seafood Buffet

$45

Build your own custom salad; large variety of fresh products Every day a different option (chicken, tuna, salmon)

surf side / potrero

Hwy 911 Just East of Bahia del Sol Hours of Operations 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm Phone: 4702-8689 Specialties Vegan and gluten-free

Baby Back Ribs, Chorizo and Chicken. Sides Included A delicious array of seafood and sides. Sides Included

Numu: International Cuisine Numu’s pool side restaurant is a wonderful modern setting that has an eclectic fusion of international cuisines like pad thai, sushi and red curry. Also offering of selection of vegan and gluten-free alternatives. Numu’s uses as many locally sourced ingredients as possible for the richest flavorful dishes.

MENU SELECTIONS Pad Thai

c4000

Numu Roll

c4500

Kung Poa Chicken

c5000

Noodles, sauce, red pepper, green beans, red onion, & bean sprouts

Salmon, mango, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, unagi sauce

Stir-fried with vegetables, peanuts and chilli peppers over jasmine rice

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Numu Angus Burger

c4500

Premium Angus ground, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, fresh cut fries

Grilled Tenderloin

c10000

8oz chargrilled tenderloin, chimichurri sauce on the side, choice of two sides

Seabass

c9800

Pink peppercorn sauce, capers, choice of two sides

Villarreal

DINING GUIDE

800 M Norte Banco Nacional Potrero

The Beach House Beach Front Dining

Hours of Operations 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Phone: 2654-6203

Private residence on the beach transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar, renowned for its fresh seafood. Come and enjoy incredible food and awesome sunsets and views of the Pacific Ocean.

MENU SELECTIONS

c5000

Onion Rings

c3500

Catch of the Day

c9000

Jambalaya

c7500

Angus Tenderloin

c11000

Pesto Tuna Sandwich

c7000

Grilled in a bath of cacique liquor, lime and garlic

Tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice Grilled to perfection with vegetables & rosemary potatoes

Thick cut battered with a subtle blend of spices, served with garlic mayo and rosada sauce

Sausage, shrimp & chicken-onions, tomatoes & peppers in Cajun sauce over rice or linguini Pesto seared tuna on fresh bread served with lettuce, tomato & pesto aioli

brasilito

Grilled Scallops

Specialties Fresh seafood, Epic sunset view

Tiki’s Seaside Grille: International Cuisine

180 Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Conveniently located on the main corner in Brasilito

Tiki’s Seaside Grille is a beautiful location with a spectacular ocean and sunset views.

The perfect place to enjoy fresh-made foods from breakfast to dinner. We feature 12 local beers on tap.

Hours of Operations Daily 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

MENU SELECTIONS Cacique Mussels

c4000

Tiki Burger

c7000

Avocado Shrimp Salad

c6500

Churrasco Steak

c9500

Cuban Sandwich

c6000

Pargo

c9800

Sautéed with Cacique liquor, garlic and parsley

Tossed with veggies. Served with toasted garlic bread Braised pork, mustard, Swiss cheese, pickles, and ham

surf side / potrero

DINING GUIDE

Topped with Swiss cheese, mushrooms & onions

Phone: 2654-9028 Specialties Sunday Brunch 9:00 am -1:00 pm

Delmonico cut, rosemary potatoes & grilled vegetable skewer

Whole snapper in garlic sauce with rice and sautéed vegetables

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DINING GUIDE

flamingo

Angelina's: Fine Dining

Commercial center "La Plaza" Playa Flamingo

Angelina's captures the essence of the love of family and fine dining. Angelina's specializes in Himalayan Salt Aged Beef, sustainable fish and seafood, and hearth stone artisan pizza.

To make reservations or see our full menu visit our website at www.angelinasplayaflamingo.com.

Hours of Operations Daily, 5 pm - 10 pm

MENU SELECTIONS

Phone: 2654-4839 Specialties Dry aged beef Sustainable seafood Artisan pizza

Pulpo

Guiseppe Pizza

House Buratta

30-Day Dry Aged Ribeye

Grilled octopus, smokey eggplant, sweet potato, harissa

House sausage, roasted peppers, mushrooms, caramelized onion, sesame crust

Cherry tomato confit, aged balsamic, grilled baguette

Goat Cheese Ravioli

Camote hash, arugula, house demi glaze

Brodetto Italian Seafood Stew

Almond basil pesto, spring vegetables, oyster mushrooms, aged pecorino

Lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, octopus and sea bass in a lobster tomato broth

flamingo

DINING GUIDE

SIMPLY SPANISH

ORDER UP

100 m south of the Potrero crossing Hours of Operations Thurs-Tues 11:30 am-10:30 pm Phone: 8532-8613

Vaca Loka

Italian Restaurant True Italian cuisine.

Pasta like you are in Roma!

Fresh bruschette served when you arrive. Buon appetito!

Specialties Pizza-Pasta-Meat-Fish

MENU SELECTIONS Lasagna of The House

C 6.500

Rib-Eye

C 6.500

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I am ready to order — Estoy listo (a) para ordenar I would like... — Me gustaría...

One more, please — uno (a) más, por favor When you have a moment — Cuando tenga tiempo More ice, please — Más hielo, por favor One extra order of… — Una orden extra de...

Please without... — Por favor sin...

One glass of water, please — Un vaso con agua, por favor One bottle of water, please — Una botella de agua, por favor No sugar — Sin azúcar I am allergic to… — Soy alérgico (a) a.....

The check, please — La cuenta, por favor Separate check, please Cuentas separadas, por favor How much is the check in dollars? ¿Cuánto es la cuenta en dólares?

The food was really good La comida estuvo muy buena

At Casa Chameleon 4 km North of the Potrero Soccer Field Hours of Operations Daily, 7:00 am - 10:00 pm No children under 12 years Phone: 2103 1200 concierge@ casachameleonhotels.com Specialties Fresh Fish, Sunset Cocktails "Boquitas" Menu

Sentido Norte - Fine Dining Sentido Norte, a restaurant and bar at Casa Chameleon, proudly offers an adult fine-dining experience that celebrates the best of Costa Rican cuisine. Your drive through winding roads above the quaint beach town of Las Catalinas is rewarded by an unforgettable, but affordable, taste of luxury.

Just a few steps uphill from the bright and welcoming entrance, your table awaits in a gorgeous, open-air perch framed by a panoramic view of the Pacific. A design motif incorporating responsibly sourced teak adds a sense of warmth and well-being to the romantically lit atmosphere. All food and drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance, combining uniquely local and native ingredients in the glass and on the plate.

MENU SELECTIONS Overnight Oats

$10.00

Casa Chameleon Burger $17.00

Guacamole and Salsa $10.00

French Toast

$12.00

Ceviche $14.00

Octopus & Shrimp Cevich $25.00

Knife & Fork Tortillas $12.00

Grilled Chicken Wrap $12.00

Grilled Skirt Steak

$29.00

Vegan Omelettes

Vegan Bowl

Fresh Tuna Poke

$20.00

Almond milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews, local honey or tapa dulce

Sweet plantains and coconut milk cream

Chicharron or Vegan Huevos Rancheros

$6.00

Asparragus, mushroom, and caramelized onion

Angus Burger with rocket lettuce, swiss or goat cheese, aioli

Fresh Fish Ceviche, leche de tigre, homemade "chilero"

Greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli

$19.00

Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans

Hearts of Palm Ceviche, avocado & tomato

Octopus and Mussels wok-sauteed in garlic butter and white wine

Skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, salad, french fries

Raw tuna, mango, avocado

Prices shown include 13% tax and 10% service / Prices subject to change

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las catalinas

DINING GUIDE

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY: Gulf of Papagayo & Liberia

PLAYAS DEL COCO

Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, Panama, Liberia and surrounding areas All times AM to PM unless noted

PORO PORO at Villa Buena Onda Amazing Food, Amazing Views!

Ocean-view dining experience in a luxurious and secluded environment From anchor, 200m E, 700m S Daily, 8-8:30 2674-1410 reservations@villabuenaonda.com

Across from El Coco Casino Daily, 9am till late 2670-1982 www.coconutz-costarica.com

COCO SUSHI Sushi & Asian Cuisine The best sushi in Coco, plus Chinese and Japanese food for the whole family.

Across from El Coco Casino 8448-4116 cocosushiexpress@gmail.com FB/ cocosushiexpress

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Pacifico Retail Center Mon-Sun, noon- 1am 2670-1317 info@hrcguanacaste.com

TAQUERIA ARTESANAL LA FAMILIA Mexican Restaurant & Bar Serving authentic Mexican cuisine by a Mexican chef in a relaxed family environment At the Flor de Itabo Hotel Daily, 2:30pm-10pm 2670-0287 / 8662-1884 kitchenrgr@hotmail.com

GINGER RESTAURANT BAR Asian Inspired Tapas The flavors of Southeast Asia, tropical cocktails, craft beer and wine Main Street, Playa Hermosa Open daily from 5pm 2672-0041 GingerCostaRica.com

SANDBAR Restaurant & Sports Bar Innovative drinks, stellar cuisine and sports. What more do you need?

HARD ROCK CAFE Burgers, Brews and Breezes High-energy rock ‘n’ roll vibe, serving burgers and American classics

PLAYAS DEL COCO

PLAYAS DEL COCO

COCONUTZ Restaurant and Sports Bar The best sports bar in all Coco, great food, showing all the sports

DONDE CLAUDIO Y GLORIA Beachfront Restaurant & Bar International cuisine specializing in seafood, with unbeatable beachfront breezes and views On the beach 100m E of Coco Park Daily, 7-8 2670-0256 pionerosdelcoco@gmail.com

PLAYA HERMOSA

Pacifico Retail Center Mon-Sat from 5:30 pm 2670-0942 reservations@citroncoco.com

Hermosa Heights Fri-Wed, 4-10, Sun, 11-10 2672-1276 Contact@sandbarcostarica.com

LIBERIA

CITRON RESTAURANTE Best Fine Dining Experience Upscale restaurant delivering refreshing energy through flavorful food

PLAYAS DEL COCO

PLAYAS DEL COCO

RESTAURANTE

LIBERIA SOCIAL CLUB #PLACETOBE International cuisine, fine dining, wine bar and club Downtown Park 300m E, 50m N Daily, noon-midnight 2665-4050 liberiasocial@gmail.com

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero, Las Catalinas All times AM to PM unless noted

3 km S of Huacas towards Villarreal 7 days a week, 7-9 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

La Plaza Flamingo Daily, 5pm-10pm 2654-4839

SODA GUAYMY Typical & Rustic Food Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks 200m W of Super Compro Daily, 6-9 7028-3264 / 8911-2191 Jimemurillo98@hotmail.com

SENTIDO NORTE RESTAURANT Fine Dining All food & drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance 4 km N of Potrero soccer field Daily, 7-10 2103-1200 concierge@casachameleonhotels.com

LAS CATALINAS

SODA GUAYMY

ANGELINA'S Fine Dining Dry aged beef, sustainable seafood, artisan pizza

FLAMINGO

LA PLAYITA RESTAURANTE Poolside Dining Located at Seis Playas Hotel. Quality food and drink for friends and family

HUACAS

Linderos, 2km S Villarreal Daily, 9-9 8869-9765 blackstallionhills.com

VILLARREAL

BLACK STALLION Exclusive Eco Tours & BBQ Tropical ranch with prívate canopy zipline, horses, pool and café

HUACAS

3 km from Villarreal to Tamarindo 7 days a week, 6-10 4701-3291 shakafoodrest@gmail.com

TAMARINDO

SHAKA FOOD Healthy, Easy, Delicious Our team takes pride in preparing Coffee, breakfasts, lunches and dinner

HOWL! howlermag.com

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

Christian Barrantes. Bilingual Costa Rican naturalist, tour guide and surfer. discover.pesado@gmail. www.discovertamarindocr.com Jesse Bishop. Small time rock legend and theoretical humorist.

Adriana Blando. Costa Rican-born business professional with alternative therapy practice. Also works in real estate and vacation rentals in Jaco Beach.

Henrik Bodholdt. After half a lifetime of searching Henrik finally has found his calling as a \world quality chocolate maker. Has entertained and spoiled celebrities and movie stars and intends to continue on that path Debbie Bride. Canadian continuing to create and communicate in Costa Rica.

Jeanne Callahan. Astrologer. Aware, smart, funny and interested in everything under the Sun! jeanne@celestialadvisor.com. www.celestialadvisor.com Perry Carlile. Pastor of Beachside Community Church.

Gilberth Cavallini. Veterinary Doctor, owner Cavallini Veterinary Services, Villarreal (MegaSuper Plaza). tamarindovet@gmail.com Phil Eitman. Broker for Prisma Corredor de Seguros. Call 2653-4300, visit www. allinsurancecr.com or e-mail philcostarica@gmail.com Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com Ben Harris. Dive Officer with Sea Shepherd crews, assisting with local logistics, deck and media. Dive experience in Galapagos, Cocos, Malpelo and Coiba.

Jarryd Jackson. Owner of J&M Architecture and Construction, Jarryd is passionate about building and surfing.

Karl Kahler. Author of “Frommer’s Costa Rica 2017,” former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California’s San Jose Mercury News.

Johnny Lahoud. Owner/broker of Pura Vida Realty, Playa Grande. He loves Costa Rica a lot. pvrealty@gmail.com Sylvia Monge. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishfhorexpats23@gmail.com Marian Paniagua. Certified yoga Instructor and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste. 8914-0199. marianpaniagua@gmail.com Tom Peifer. Ecological land use consultant with 20 years experience in Guanacaste.

2658-8018. tompeiferecv@gmail.com Vern Veer Jr. Retired reptile specialist, Denver zoo. Owner of V3 Reptile breeders.

Ryan Waldron. BS Atmospheric Science, surfer. ryan@witchsrock.com Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA. thedoctorisinsharkfm@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY Abi Acuña. Dreamer-photographer inspired by love in capturing magic moments to tell your story. Contact: 8737-3885. digital.photocr@gmail.com Avi Klapfer and Shmulik Blum. Photographers with Undersea Hunter, offering world-class luxury live aboard dive expeditions to Cocos Island since 1990. www. underseahunter.com Gregory Basco. Award-winning professional nature photographer and environmentalist. www.deepgreenphotography.com, www.fotoverdetours.com Thomas Castillo Herrer. Passionate photography student. Active, beach, mountain and sports lover. 6050-6456 thomas10castillo@gmail.com CORRECTION We regret a photo credit on page 56 in the Sept/Oct issue of Howler was not sufficiently visible. The top image (behind title) for the Travel & Adventure Feature on Stand Up Paddle was courtesy of the Costa Rica SUP and Surf Club.

TIDE CHART DAY

HIGH TIDES

NOV 1 - NOV 30, 2017

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

1 Wed

12:02 AM 8.00 '

6:11 AM 1.31'

12:27 PM 7.80 ‘

6:26 PM 1.11 '

2 Thurs

12:48 AM 8.63 ’

6:59 AM 0.63 ’

1:15 PM 8.35 ‘

7:14 PM 0.58 '

3 Fri

1:34 AM 9.28 ’

7:45 AM -0.03 ’

1:59 PM 8.89 ‘

7:58 PM 0.07 '

4 Sat

2:16 AM 9.85 ’

8:29AM -0.60 ’

2:45 PM 9.34 ‘

8:44 PM -0.34 '

5 Sun

3:00 AM 10.26 ’

9:15 AM -1.00 ’

3:29 PM 9.65 ‘

9:28 PM -0.57 '

6 Mon

3:46 AM 10.45 '

9:59 AM -1.18 '

4:15 PM 9.76 '

10:16 PM -0.60 '

7 Tues

4:32 AM 10.40 '

10:47 AM -1.11 '

5:03 PM 9.68 '

11:04 PM -0.40 '

8 Wed

5:22 AM 10.09 '

11:37 AM -0.82 '

5:55 PM 9.42 '

11:56 PM -0.02 '

9 Thurs

6:14 AM 9.59 '

12:29 PM -0.35 '

6:51 PM 9.05 '

10 Fri

12:54 AM 0.47 '

7:12 AM 8.98 '

1:25 PM 0.19 '

7:51 PM 8.67 '

11 Sat

1:58 AM 0.95 '

8:16 AM 8.40 '

2:29 PM 0.70 '

8:57 PM 8.39 '

12 Sun

3:08 AM 1.29 '

9:26 AM 7.99 '

3:37 PM 1.05 '

10:07 PM 8.30 '

13 Mon

4:20 AM 1.38 '

10:36 AM 7.82 '

4:45 PM 1.19 '

11:11 PM 8.40 '

14 Tues

5:30 AM 1.23 '

11:42 AM 7.88 '

5:49 PM 1.15 '

15 Wed

12:09 AM 8.62 '

6:28 AM 0.96 '

12:38 PM 8.05 '

6:43 PM 1.03 '

16 Thurs

1:01 AM 8.85 '

7:20 AM 0.66 '

1:28 PM 8.26 '

7:31 PM 0.89 '

17 Fri

1:45 AM 9.05 '

8:02 AM 0.41 '

2:12 PM 8.44 '

8:13 PM 0.80 '

18 Sat

2:27 AM 9.18 '

8:42 AM 0.23 '

2:54 PM 8.56 '

8:51 PM 0.75 '

19 Sun

3:05 AM 9.22 '

9:20 AM 0.13 '

3:32 PM 8.60 '

9:29 PM 0.78 '

20 Mon

3:43 AM 9.17 '

9:56 AM 0.12 '

4:10 PM 8.57 '

10:05 PM 0.88 '

21 Tues

4:19 AM 9.02 '

10:32 AM 0.22 '

4:48 PM 8.45 '

10:43 PM 1.06 '

22 Wed

4:57 AM 8.77 '

11:08 AM 0.41 '

5:28 PM 8.25 '

11:21 PM 1.30 '

23 Thurs

5:35 AM 8.43 '

11:46 AM 0.69 '

6:08 PM 8.01 '

24 Fri

12:03 AM 1.58 '

6:17 AM 8.05 '

12:26 PM 1.02 '

6:52 PM 7.76 '

25 Sat

12:47 AM 1.85 '

7:01 AM 7.66 '

1:10 PM 1.36 '

7:38 PM 7.56 '

26 Sun

1:37 AM 2.07 '

7:51 AM 7.32 '

1:58 PM 1.64 '

8:30 PM 7.46 '

27 Mon

2:31 AM 2.16 '

8:47 AM 7.10 '

2:52 PM 1.80 '

9:24 PM 7.53 '

28 Tues

3:31 AM 2.07 '

9:47 AM 7.07 '

3:48 PM 1.80 '

10:20 PM 7.79 '

29 Wed

4:31 AM 1.77 '

10:49 AM 7.27 '

4:46 PM 1.60 '

11:16 PM 8.22 '

30 Thurs

5:29 AM 1.28 '

11:47 AM 7.66 '

5:42 PM 1.23 '

SUNRISE

NOVEMBER 1, 2017 NOVEMBER 30, 2017

5:29 AM 5:40 AM

SUNSET

NOVEMBER 1, 2017 NOVEMBER 30, 2017

5:15 PM 5:15 PM

November 3 November 10 Full Moon

3 Quarter

November 18 November 26 December 3 New Moon

1st Quarter

Full Moon

Open Daily 7am to 9pm

Located between Matapalo & Playa Grande Phone: 2249-0387, Email: wesone2020@yahoo.com

Open Daily 7am to 9pm

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