Howler Magazine February 2018

C o s ta R i c a L i f e s t y l e , T r av e l & A d v e n t u r e

since 1996

L A V I T S E F ENVISIONparty with a purpose

free copy

Dominical Area Special february / Mar 2018

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FEATURED

CONTENTS

Cover Story

12

Envision

A Celebration of Art, Music and Culture Feature Story

Envision - An Orchestrated Experience

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7 Days in Costa Rica

22

Whale Watching

26

Envision Musicians

36

Featured Adventure

Cool Adventure

18

Entertainment Spotlight

Quepos

CR History in Photos

66

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DEPARTMENTS

CONTENTS 42

RIP Bruce Brown August Odysseys

22 Travel & Adventure 22 - Featured Adventure: 7 Days - Arenal, Dominical, More 24 - Off the Beaten Path: Nauyaca Waterfall 26 - Cool Adventure: Whale Watching in Costa Rica 28 - Surf Spot: Playa Dominical 30 - Waves You’ve Missed 32 - Creature Feature: The Toucans of Costa Rica 34 - What to Expect: Currency Exchange 35 - Travel & Adventure Directory

36 Arts & Entertainment 36 - Spotlight: Envision Showcases Top Musicians 38 - Dos Locos: TTZ - Fiesta Time!

39 - Simply Spanish: Bad Words 40 - Locos Dos: Surviving CR - Drugs!

42 - August Odysseys - Remembering Bruce Brown 44 - Happenings: Get Out and Do Something 46 - Arts & Entertainment Calendar

Nauyaca Waterfall

24

48 Lifestyle 8 - Spotlight: A Lifestyle Worth Fighting For 4 50 - Fashion Flash: To Be or Not To Be-kini 52 - Photo Tips: Making an Image 54 - Spanish: Leveling Up - the 20/90 Challenge 56 - Surf Science: What Makes a Wave Spit?

58 - Wellness: Superfoods - Hemp Yourself 60 - Lifestyle Calendar

of 32 Toucans Costa Rica

64 Community

50 Fashion Flash

64 - Feature: Envisioning an Eco-Friendly World 66 - CR History in Photos: Quepos - A Brief History 68 - Building CR: The Importance of a Home Inspection 69 - Simply Spanish: Tico Expressions 70 - Pet Care: What to Expect from a Vet Visit 71 - Insurance Nuggets: Marchamo - Ouch! What’s This?

72 - Legal Ease: Applying for Costa Rica Residency 74 - Community Directory

77 Dining Guide

HOWLER

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92 - Contributors 93 - 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

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POLICE & LAW ENFORCEMENT

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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

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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

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EDITORIAL

L

iving in “paradise” has its challenges.

We all want to experience the culture and way of life, yet we still want the conveniences that we had in our home countries. That is not so often the case. The ease of life is created by learning how to deal with the issues that we face daily.

Getting uptight about the process does no good. Frustration is not going to help move things along faster, and getting upset and impatient is a waste of time. Sometimes we just must laugh at how simple things turn into big issues. Hearing the clicking keys of the computer at the bank’s platform desks makes me think they are playing games like solitaire. The need to move traffic through and get all issues handled doesn’t seem to be a big priority. Customer service is very different here.

I was party to an issue that took place with a local bank regarding a real estate purchase.

The total amount was not lots of money, just $24,000. The bank made it seem like a multimillion-dollar transaction.

The USA has its hands so heavily in the banking system here and in most countries.

Transactions that are simple back home are nearly impossible here. Transferring money from U.S. accounts should be easy when you show a purchase agreement.

HOWLER

The

T r o o p

clean. Yet the bank held up the transaction and refused to allow the money to be deposited. With frustration, it was returned to Merrill Lynch.

So, does Costa Rica want investors to come here? Why are they making it so difficult for people to transfer money to purchase properties? We have a problem here, as in many places in the world, with individuals laundering money or hiding money to avoid taxes. Last month we had an article written by Ivan Granados, a leading attorney in our area, about the apostille. This is now required by the banks to affirm the origin of the funding documentation.

The answer to getting money here is to follow the procedures outlined. But the U.S. has made this such an issue and can cause problems for individuals who want to transfer monies here.

Knowing this procedure up front is the proper way to avoid the above issue. But we should be able to accept the instructions from the bank and not have to waste time and effort pursuing our dreams and finding only discouragement. Always ask in advance what procedures need to be followed to avoid having to deal with inept people giving wrong information, costing time and money. We should be able to trust the advice we’re given, but knowing before you enter into a deal is very wise. The U.S.’s long-reaching arms and control affect many of us here. Ask questions from qualified, knowledgeable financial or legal professionals to avoid problems.

Getting upset and impatient is a waste of time.

Easy to purchase… hard to pay The attempt to do things right per the bank’s instruction even failed. The lady selling the property and awaiting payment was told by the bank to send information about the purchaser’s life and banking history. All was given as requested. Once the bank received that, it proceeded to ask for three years of tax returns. The funds were sent from a managed investment account. All funds were clear and

February 2018 Vol. 23 No. 02 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 Art Director - Martin Svoboda Design Consultant - Debbie Bride Design Layout - M. Alauddin Photo Procurement - Marian Paniagua WEBMASTER Maria Focsa Cover Photo Manuel Pinto Photography @nomad.ness Artist: Benedigital @Benedigital Painting Title: The Dawn of Ixhel C o n ta c t John Quam: headmonkey@howlermag.com Martin Svoboda: martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave message) F a c e b o o k : 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 © 2018 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

STEP INTO THE SPLEND OR THAT IS THE PACIFIC COAST

Party With a Purpose

by Karl Kahler

E

nvision is a music festival, a dance party, a yoga, wellness and spirituality retreat, a four-day rave in the jungle by the sea — and yet it is none of those things. Because it is far more.

The organizers of the Envision Festival, which takes place Feb. 21-25 on the central Pacific coast near Uvita, are not just looking to throw Costa Rica’s biggest party. They’re looking to change lives.

“The vision is to create an experience that allows people to taste how sweet it is to be living surrounded by like-minded

12 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

people,” said co-founder Stephen Brooks.

“It’s a community where everybody cares about each other. We try to create that vibe so that when you come you feel that and you don’t want it to be any other way.”

Now in its eighth year, Envision is hoping to welcome upwards of 5,000 people this month to a private finca between Uvita and Dominical that is transformed for four days into a mecca for yogis, fire dancers, tattooed people in tattered beachwear and other members of a far-flung tribe that considers itself a “conscious community.”

Greetings, Earthlings. Now take me to the party.

THE FOUNDER

Brooks has been in Costa Rica for 22 years, and has long attended the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert.

“I used to try to bring my Costa Rican friends to Burning Man to see what’s possible,” he said, “but I couldn’t bring all of Costa Rica to Burning Man. So I thought we’d bring Burning Man to Costa Rica.”

And so was born Envision, which has

Sol Stage, photo: Eric Allen

morphed into a mega-event that attracts musical and artistic talent from all over the world, with ticket prices ranging from $282 to $675.

“It’s extremely hard,” Brooks said.

“There’s nothing easy about it.”

But it’s worth every drop of sweat.

Close to 100 musicians, mostly of the electronic genre, will be performing on three elaborately decorated stages. Yoga classes will be conducted from another stage. Carefully vetted food vendors will be selling mostly organic food. Workshops

will be held on permaculture, wellness and a great many other topics.

Brooks says his wife organizes a workshop on herbalism and also sets up an herbal clinic that sees hundreds of patients. There’s an elixir bar, featuring tinctures made from plants on the property, and an herbal education series.

“We’re a music festival that also boasts a full-scale yoga and wellness festival,” says cofounder Josh Wendel.

Practically every hotel room and vacation rental from Quepos to Palmar

Norte will be full, Brooks says, and most attendees will camp on the property where the event is held.

“Envision has become the most important festival in the country, attracting a great number of tourists who come for this experience, just to be at this festival a few days,” said Luigi Jiménez, who is responsible for lining up Latin American musical talent. “And each time more Ticos are interested in this movement, on an artistic and musical and cultural level. … It generates an economic

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Photo: Eric Allen

impact that is unrivaled the rest of the year.”

The venue, a place called Rancho La Merced owned by a Costa Rican family, was formerly deforested cattle pasture. But Envision workers and volunteers have planted so many trees over the years that it’s once again a jungle. In fact, a troop of howler monkeys has moved into some of the trees, and the monkeys appear to enjoy watching people on the dance floor.

The stages are redesigned and rebuilt every year with the help of local workers. Area farmers provide organic produce and operate food stands. Others benefit by providing transportation, and local artisans set up stands to sell their handicrafts.

Even the indigenous Boruca community shows up to perform its famous “Dance of the Devils,” an imaginative re-enactment of the Spanish invasion in which men wear devil masks to scare off the Spaniards, who are represented by a man wearing a bull costume.

All food waste is composted and returned to the earth or donated to local farms.

THE BUILDER

Degan Wilcox, 44, of Denver, has been living in Costa Rica for 16 years and is co-director of operations at Envision and director of “the build.”

He says the part of “the Village” where the staff stays consists of Couple doing aerial yoga, photo: Eric Allen

| HM HOWLER MAGAZINE Photo: Jacob Avanzato

bamboo huts, with a commissary that serves food, and it stays up year-round.

Degan said the workers here range from “admins with computers” to “Tico guys with machetes.”

And you can’t spell “party” without “art,” so …

“The stages are torn down every year and then put back up with entirely new art,” he says. “We try to reuse old art, then deco out the other parts of the festival with completely new stages and other art installations every year.”

By the time they do the “apex build,” about 10 days out from the start of the festival, Degan said there are probably 30 to 50 Costa Ricans working onsite, mostly from local communities.

“There’s a whole cooking staff, cleaning staff, cleaning ladies,” he said. “Toward the end the extranjeros come in, and there’s usually some big lifting on some of the stage builds, the design, the big art pieces.”

So how does Envision feed 5,000+ people, a great many of whom will be arriving by airplane from other countries, and will not be bringing their own food, Burning Man-style?

“We source the food, which is mostly organic, a farm-to-table concept, specifically for the staff,” he said — and “the staff ” might be up to

Photo: Eric Allen Group yoga, photo: Jacob Avanzato

Woman on stilts, photo: Aaron Glassman

Photo: Eric Allen

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Sol Stage, photo: Andrew Jorgensen, Live horn band, photo: Amir Weiss

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1,500 people, including the artists.

For the larger masses, there’s a food court.

“At the event itself, all the humans mostly eat at the food court, which is almost entirely made up of local restaurants, or in some cases a family that does it once a year,”

It’s worth every drop of sweat.

Degan said.

The same vendors are used every year, 90 percent of them local, he said. Food that’s 100 percent organic is not possible in this country at an event of this scale, he said, but organizers work directly with farmers and ranchers to ensure that the food is as pure as possible.

HAPPY HOUR IN OUR SPORTS BAR WITH EVERY NHL GAME

HAPPY HOUR Everyday 11am to 6pm

CLEAN AND GREEN

Then there’s the issue of sustainability.

Envision starts with the tenet “First, do no harm.”

Where some festivals leave behind piles of trash, this one strives for a net positive impact on its environment. Single-use plastic is prohibited, and there are no trash cans in the camping area. Elsewhere, there is recycling with several sorting options, and all food waste is composted and returned to the earth or donated to local farms.

Among the initiatives that strive for a positive impact on the community is an investment in clean water.

“Every year for five or six years now, we have made large donations to the water system for the Uvita watershed,” Degan said. “We helped them build one of the new water tanks for Uvita, and since then we’ve donated on two or three pipeline jobs from other nacientes, other springs. We do that every year because water is primordial and we double the population of Uvita for a week.”

Degan said Envision also contributes every year to some kind of education, be it a youth center, an after-school program or some other opportunity for Uvita youth. It also sponsors environmental education and beach cleanups as part of its community outreach programs.

Also, it plants lots and lots of trees.

Which can’t be a bad thing.

“We strive to walk lighter and be shining examples of another way to do things,” Brooks said.

For more information and tickets: howlermag.com/envision

WEEKLY SPECIALS FRIDAYS

ITALIAN NIGHT All you can est pasta and pizza $12+Tax MEXICAN NIGHT All you can eat - $13+Tax LIVE MUSIC Tonny Puttaggio 7pm a 9pm MUSIC DJ CIRO 5pm a 8pm

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FEATURE STORY

Photo: Daniel Zetterstrom

An Orchestrated Experience

by Mariana Castilla

W

hen Josh Wendel helped found Envision in one of the most idyllic venues in the world, he had one thing in mind: nothing ordinary, nothing average. He wanted to create something that would bring an audience together and open hearts and minds through inspiring individual expression and community evolution. He wanted to bring people a unique and lifechanging experience of connecting with nature in a sensory, psychotropical popup village where each stage was designed with a purpose in mind.

Envision is a yoga and wellness festival that happens to provide a fullscale music festival. There is something for everyone and every interest — from families with little ones to devoted yogis, environmentalists, entrepreneurs, activists, artists and world wanderers.

Envision is a carefully orchestrated experience where every stage tells a story.

SOL STAGE

It represents all elements of Envision Festival. If you can only go to one stage,

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come here and you will understand the essence of the gathering. This stage is all about the fusion. It is the most accessible stage, yet nothing about it is mainstream.

Here you will find interesting, eclectic artists who are funky and local. Here is where electronic meets live music.

During the day it has a beautiful communal-family fun vibe that slowly evolves into a crazy, unique late-night vibe.

Every stage tells a story.

LAPA STAGE

This is an adult playground. The purpose of this stage is to connect with each other through the language of love and movement. Here you will see so many people communicating without even speaking. The sound of laughter blends with the contagious beats and the satisfying jungle air of freedom

and liberation. There is a unique buzz of energy in Lapa, which makes it the perfect place to recharge your energy and feel blissful. Lapa is the transition in and out, to and from, and it is the only daytime stage where people stop by for an energizing dance session on their way to the beach or on their way back from an inspiring workshop. Here is also where the wellness and educational aspects of Envision meet with the live music and dance party aspects of the festival.

“We want to make sure the creativity and depth of musical inspiration is represented. It is absolutely not runof-the-mill party house. It’s deep and interesting, even for people who don’t typically operate that way,” says Wendel.

LUNA STAGE

This stage lights up the nights of Envision, going all out in terms of sound quality and production. Here is also where the festival gathers to watch the epic sunsets. Every night is lined up to be an experience. Here is where Envision gets the most experimental and exciting

— no music lover would ever get bored. At Luna, they really want to take you on a journey, they want to make you lose yourself and spiral away into a musical and sensory trance.

Wendel described this stage as “swirling flow, deep spiritual connections and celestial blast-offs.”

CHILDREN & FAMILY DREAM OASIS

This space is designed to honor the core of the festival’s vision and inspiration, which is a utopian community.

Community is not possible without families, therefore Envision has gone to great lengths to provide your child (and your inner child) with the complete experience. The Family Dream Oasis hosts a variety of spaces for learning, discovery, entertainment and play. There is also a designated quiet family campground which is a great place for a long nap, even if you are not a child.

Children on stage , photo: Daniel Zetterstrom

EARTH TEMPLE

“Templo de la Tierra” is meant to be a grounding place where you can come and connect with yourself and process what the Envision experience means to you personally. There are no programs or workshops in this temple, only a space to harness your inner wisdom. Outside this temple lies the eternal fire, which is ceremoniously lit the first night of the festival and keeps burning until the end. Sarah Wu describes the importance of fire as “the primal element of regeneration, destruction and transformation, beating in our hearts and through our blood.”

SUN AND MOON TEMPLES

Lapa Stage, photo: Eric Allen

These are dedicated to men and women, respectively.

There are gender, identity, sexuality, health, empowerment and healing workshops in these temples that aim to bring both genders to a peaceful balance and harmony.

ECO VILLAGE HUB

This is a progressive and meaningful space where people get together to share their community models and ecological projects, and to connect with organizations. Nothing comes closer to the phrase “be the change you want to see in the world.” Here you will get to see active examples of living in harmony with our planet and meet communities seeking to connect with new members.

COMIDA ATIPICO - THE ENVISION CAFE

Envision holds true to its sustainable values in every aspect of the festival, and food is no exception. Artisanal, organic, diverse, healthy, responsibly sourced and waste-free can accurately describe Envision’s culinary offer. There are no disposable containers, and you are supposed to bring reusable bottles for water and drinks, while containers for the food are rented for the entire weekend and then returned to be reused.

Meals are affordable, delicious, good for you and probably full of flavors you have never had before.

Luna Stage, photo: Jacob Avanzato

GLOBAL MERCADO

Don’t miss the chance to grab a beautiful and unique treasure from the global market. Meet the artists you are buying from and take a piece of their story home with you. The Mercado is a great opportunity to meet people from around the world and share conversation, stories and talent.

Group yoga , photo: Diana Bartos

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

7 DAYS IN COSTA RICA Arenal, Dominical and More

A woman is about to get wet on the Gravity Falls waterfall tour. Photo: courtesy of Desafio Adventure Co

FEATURED ADVENTURE

Howler Staff

T

here’s something to be said for traveling with no plans, no reservations, no transportation — just blindly plunging forward from one day to the next to wherever you feel like going, wherever a bus or a thumb can take you.

Our advice is: If you absolutely, positively can’t be talked out of it … go for it!

There’s a saner, safer approach, less “Indiana Jones” But there’s a saner, safer approach, less “Indiana Jones” and more “Driving Miss Daisy” — you book a package where everything is already figured out, hotel rooms are booked, transportation is included and tours are pre-arranged. All you have to do is show up and enjoy. The bush-whacking vagabond’s daily concerns — where to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to do — have already been resolved.

That’s the case with the “Adventures in Wellness” tour offered by Desafio

22 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Adventure Co., a 7-day visit to some of Costa Rica’s greatest destinations. See what you think of this plan: Day 1: Fly into San José and a private shuttle takes you to Finca Luna Nueva Lodge in Arenal. Luna Nueva is an organic farm and ecolodge with nature trails, swimming pool, hot tub and spa, where you can explore the organic gardens, do some bird-watching and take a yoga class.

Day 2: Get your adrenaline pumping with the Gravity Falls waterfall-jumping tour, a canyoning adventure that starts with a rappel down a 140-foot waterfall and continues with a series of jumps off 20- to 30-foot falls and cliffs.

Day 3: Go stand-up paddling on Lake Arenal, balancing on a surfboard while taking in the spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and Central America’s secondlargest lake.

A sloth waving on a nearby hike, photo: courtesy of Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

Photo: courtesy of Finca Luna Nueva Lodge

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Costa Rica’s Most EXTREME Tour

COSTA RICA CANYONING

Day 4: Head to the coast. A private shuttle takes you to Herradura, where you’ll go ziplining with Vista Los Sueños, flying through the air along 10 cables that are up to 1,475 feet long. Then you’ll be taken to Villas Rio Mar, an ecolodge nestled among resplendent tropical gardens, 10 minutes from the beach in the surfing mecca of Dominical.

Day 5: Hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, a two-tiered catarata considered one of the most beautiful in the country. But bring your game face: The round-trip hike is 12km, over 7 miles. Or you can spring for a horseback ride or a lift in a pickup truck.

MOUNTAIN BIKING

STAND UP PADDLE

ARENAL SINGLE TRACK MADNESS

ON LAKE ARENAL

Day 6: Chill out, relax and go to the beach. No big plans, unless you want to make some. Remember, even God took one day off.

Day 7: Back to San José, where you’ll check into the Adventure Inn, which features 34 air-conditioned rooms, 60 channels of cable TV, a solar-heated swimming pool, a gym, and great food and drink in the MoonGlow restaurant and bar. Your ride to the airport will be waiting in the morning. ¡Hasta la próxima!

But surely all this is really expensive? At $1,075, it’s surprisingly accessible. Breakfast is complimentary every day, and on some days lunch and dinner are included. If you’d like to try to piece this package together yourself for less, give it a try.

Or you could always just hitchhike, eat fruit you find on trees and sleep on the beach….

For more information or to book this tour: desafiocostarica.com/howler

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Nauyaca Waterfalls

by Horseback

RIDE, JUMP, SWIM!

by Karl Kahler

OFF THE BEATEN PATH

Photos: courtesy of Don Lulo/Nauyaca Waterfalls

C

osta Rica is renowned for its incomparable waterfalls, which spill from dizzying heights into cool pools where you can swim, take photos and even leap from the cliffs if you dare.

Costa Rica is also known for its horseback riding — gentle mounts, experienced guides and no end of terrains to get in touch with your inner cowboy.

And there is perhaps no place here that offers both with such a stunning destination as the Nauyaca Waterfall between Dominical and San Isidro.

This $70 adventure begins at Don Lulo’s, a horseback tour operator on the main highway. Visitors are taken down a steep road to the trailhead, where they are matched up with horses.

The first stop on the 4km trail is a house with an outdoor dining area where a snack is served, for example fried corn patties, fruit, muffins, juice and coffee. You will eat lunch here on your return from

24 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

the waterfall — ours consisted of stewed chicken, potatoes, rice, beans, tortillas and salad.

But the main event is the waterfall, Nauyaca, which means “venomous snake.”

It’s a two-tiered waterfall, with a narrow top fall that’s 45m high and cascades into a small pool. The bottom fall is 20m, but it’s spectacular, spilling over a wide cliff face and into a big, swimmable pool.

I noticed that one of our guides took a big rope and disappeared into the thick of the cascade, climbing the rock face sideways. I wondered what he was doing, and shortly afterward he reappeared, holding the now-anchored rope in one hand and offering the other hand to me.

Yes, he wanted me to jump off the waterfall. But first I had to climb through it, completely blinded by the pounding water, holding onto the rope and/or the guide’s hand, as he instructed me where to put my feet.

We emerged on the other side and I could see again. Now it was a simple matter of climbing a bit higher. Well, not a simple matter — it was steep and scary. The guide held my hand like a little child, telling me to be careful, as if I needed to be told.

There’s one ledge that’s about 25 feet high, another about 30 feet. Take your pick.

The cool, deep pool beckons below. All you have to do is jump.

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

A WHALE’S TALE Whale Watching in Costa Rica

by Tom Schultz

COOL ADVENTURE

Tom Schultz

C

osta Rica has long been known as a destination to see wildlife such as birds, sloths, frogs and monkeys. But in recent years, a new attraction has emerged: whale watching.

According to the Costa Rican Institute for Tourism (ICT), whale watching is one of the fastest-growing segments of tourist activities in the country, with the number recorded going from fewer than 30,000 a year in 2008 to now well over 150,000 a year.

The health of the species is improved by cross-breeding of the two whale groups, which occurs only here.

It is a surprise it took so long. Costa Rica is blessed with being the only place in the world where you can find two 26 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

different populations of humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrating to the same location. One group, native to the Pacific coast from Baja California, Mexico, up to Alaska, reaches Costa Rica between December and March. The second group, in one of the longest of any animal migration, comes here all the way from Antarctica during July through October. Both whale species head to the warmer, nutrient-rich waters of protected bays around Golfito in the Golfo Dulce, and the Gulf of Papagayo, but mostly the

BahĂ­a Ballena area to the north of the Osa Peninsula. This extends from Dominical down to Sierpe and Drake Bay, centered in Uvita and the Parque Nacional Marino Ballena.

Ballena National Marine Park, best known for its appropriately shaped whale tail sandbar, was created in 1996 to protect these important waters where the whales come to breed and deliver their calves.

The health of the species is improved by cross-breeding of the two whale groups, which occurs only here, underscoring the

Three photos of humpback whales breaching in Ballena National Marine Park.

importance of protecting this part of the coast.

You can take whale-watching trips seasonally between Jacó, Dominical and Golfito, but Uvita is the only area that runs whale watching almost all year round. On these boat trips you can also see migrating green and hawksbill turtles, and sometimes catch a glimpse of pilot whales (actually a member of the dolphin family). Other dolphin species in the area include spotted (Stenella attenuata), bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) — Flipper was a bottlenose — spinner (Stenella longirostris) — which amazingly corkscrew themselves in the air — rough-toothed (Steno bredanensis), and commo (Delphinus delphis).

The main event, however, are the whales.

Males are slightly smaller than females, which can reach 18 meters (about 50 feet) in length and weigh 40 tons. The young grow from about 7 meters long at birth to double that length while remaining with their mothers in the safe and warm bay waters.

From tour sites, you can spot whales on the surface in a variety of actions: spouting or blowing (they are air breathers), spy hopping — they actually come up to look around for others — fin slapping, fluke flipping and breaching — throwing their entire bodies into the air.

Scientists believe these behaviors may be a form of communication. Another theory is that the whales leap clear of the water trying to rid themselves of parasites and barnacles.

It’s also not hard to believe they leap and breach simply because they can … out of sheer fun and joy.

So venture out to watch and be in awe of these behemoths. You can go right now, and also attend a special festival that’s held every September in Bahía Ballena: Festival de Ballenas y Delfines. For more information: www.festivaldeballenasydelfines.com

Humpback whale fluke slapping, photo: Tom Shultz

This whale tail shaped sandbar is a distinctive feature of Ballena National Marine Park.

Photo: courtesy of José Gerardo Suárez Monge

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

SURF SPOT

PLAYA DOMINICAL

P

laya Dominical could be called the mini-Tamarindo of Costa Rica’s South Pacific zone. It offers not only waves of all types, but also amenities for surfers and tourists.

Beachside restaurants, bars and small shops abound, with laid-back vibes and lush tropical surroundings. The waves, however, cannot be remotely compared to Tamarindo. Dominical is not for beginners. Even on smaller swell days, large, heavy, barreling waves are still found up and down the beach. Rip currents and heavy waves have caused many drownings, so this beach is for intermediate and expert surfers only. For beginners, Dominicalito is recommended, just 10 minutes south of Dominical.

How to get there

From the Liberia airport in the Guanacaste region, it’s a long six-hour drive south on the Pacific highway.

You will pass many waves on the way, including Hermosa, Esterillos and Quepos, so take your time and surf your way south. From the San José airport, it’s a shorter drive of about four hours.

Dominical is right off the highway after the bridge and police checkpoint. There are lots of signs and it’s hard to miss the

28 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

turnoff. From the beach where the road ends, take a left to find less crowded waves to surf. However, be mindful of leaving anything in your car unattended, as you will be walking. The safer bet, for your belongings, is to take a right where the road ends and surf where most of the crowds are in front of the parking lot.

Where to surf

Dominical is a very long beach with dozens of peaks spread along the shore.

The most popular surfed waves will be found directly in front of the car park, where your non-surfing friends and family members can enjoy restaurants and shopping. However, by walking either north or south along the beach, you will likely find your own secluded peak. Near the river mouth of the Río Barú, the surf gets even bigger. Be careful of rip currents, found here in abundance, and there is a risk of crocodiles, as in any Costa Rican river mouth. Dominical also has its own point break, aptly named Punto Dominical, to the far south of the beach.

This is a left-breaking wave and normally for advanced and expert surfers only.

However, on “smaller” days, beginners and intermediate surfers can have fun. It can hold over double head and works best on southern swells.

by Howler Staff

Surf times

The beach breaks of Dominical work during all tides. However, each part of the beach will be working at a different time. In front of the parking lot, it’s best to surf during mid to high tides. The river mouth can be surfed from low tide to high tide, but is much more tubular on lower tides. The point should only be surfed after mid tide. Although it is surfable at lower tides, the nearby rocks make it much more dangerous with big swells.

Local companies

The small town of Dominical has everything you need for catching waves.

Surf shops with boards for sale and rent also typically offer surf lessons at nearby beaches. Be sure to stop by Costa Rica Surf Camp and thank Kaitlin for these photos. You’ll find restaurants of all types, bars, hotels and shopping in abundance. Despite all of the local amenities, Dominical is very peaceful and laid back, surrounded by jungle, rivers and waterfalls. Check out the hiking and waterfall tours nearby, or launch a kayak from one of the more southern beaches. That is, of course, only if the water is flat and there are no waves to surf!

All photos courtesy of Costa Rica Surf Camp, Playa Dominical

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

We even had a couple uncommon rainy and cloudy glass-offs, which is quite odd for this time of year.

WAVES YOU'VE MISSED

by Jarryd Jackson

W

elcome to high season! This last month of waves was typical for January, including smaller-sized waves, offshore winds and crowded lineups.

New Year's especially blessed us with a fun south swell and lots of people to share it with. Most of our beach breaks had headhigh waves on the better days. Other smaller days lent themselves to a longboard. We even had a couple of uncommon rainy and cloudy glass-offs, which is quite odd for this time of year. Otherwise beautiful sunny days were predominant with clear blue water and perfect conditions. ¿¿Que más quiere??

Photos by Crusty Oldies Surf Club 30 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

by Tom Schultz

CREATURE FEATURE

THE TOUCANS OF COSTA RICA

P

robably one of the first things you hear from a new visitor is, “Where can I see the ‘Fruit Loops’ Bird”?

Toucans are the quintessential bird of the tropics: big, bold, colorful and always a treat to see. Not surprisingly, they are known for their unmistakable beaks, which can be as much as 30% of the total size of the bird.

After wondering for years why toucans had such huge beaks, researchers finally determined that they act as huge radiators for the birds, with a system of blood vessels in them for cooling. Toucans are omnivores, meaning they will eat anything, and while you may see them at fruit feeders, they are as comfortable eating baby birds out of nests. Nature is harsh.

There is no single location in Costa Rica to see all six species of the toucan family that live here, but no matter where you are, you can see at least one of them.

Of the six birds in the family, two are called toucans, two smaller species are called aracari, and the two smallest are called toucanets.

The largest member, measuring almost 2 feet, or half a meter, is the yellow-throated toucan. You may know him as the black-mandibled or chestnut-mandibled. International bird organizations keep changing his name as they uncover more DNA studies, so now he is the yellow-throated toucan. These toucans are found on both the Caribbean and southern Pacific slopes of Costa Rica.

In some places you can find yellowthroated toucans living alongside the second largest and more colorful family

member, the keel-billed toucan. This species is found in the northern part of the country, down through the Central Valley and commonly in the Nicoya Peninsula.

The two aracari bird species have no range overlap. In Nicoya or the north over to the Caribbean, you will see the collared aracari.

In the central and southern Pacific slope areas you will find the fierybilled aracari, special for being the only regional toucan endemic to Costa Rica. So if you want to see the fiery-billed aracari, you must go to the central and southern Pacific. Birders from around the world come here to add this toucan to their “life lists.”

The two smallest species, toucanets, live only in the mountains. The emerald toucanet has been renamed the bluethroated toucanet. The smallest family member, it can be seen fairly easily if you know where to look. I’ve found the Cinchona restaurant and its feeders near the La Paz waterfall to be a regular hangout for blue-throated toucanets.

The lovely yellow-eared toucanet is the most difficult to find and even harder to photograph well. It lives only in a narrow band in the foothills of the Caribbean.

Your best chance of seeing the yelloweared toucanet is via Sky Adventures near Braulio Carrillo Park, where some of the birds appear to have nested and stayed.

Regardless of the size, species or location, a glimpse of a toucan flying by reinforces why I live here and love it so much. Enjoy a toucan today if you can!

A glimpse of a toucan flying by reinforces why I live here and love it so much.

32 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Fiery-billed aracari

Blue-throated toucanet

Collared aracari

Keel-billed toucan

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

CURRENCY EXCHANGE Knowledge Worth Every Penny

WHAT TO EXPECT

by John Brockmeier

E

xchanging money anywhere is usually tricky. Most of us are accustomed to our own currencies and not dealing with flexible exchange rates, so it’s easy to get confused and taken advantage of.

For the typical traveler, confusion is almost a certainty. Many are so eager to travel, they want to be fully prepared before reaching their destination. Hitting the currency exchange at your departure or arrival airport might seem like a good idea. Well, that, for sure, is not the case.

Less favorable exchange rates at airport sites, often with commission fees tacked on, can make a difference of 20% or more when it comes to whittling away your pura vida trip money. (That means less to spend here on souvenirs emblazoned with "Pura Vida".)

When traveling, I try to use my credit card as much as possible because the exchange rate will match what the banks reflect. This is also a good way to keep track of your spending.

Costa Rica is widely a cash society.

The money is pretty and it sure seems to be spent faster than other money imprinted with bad hair presidents.

Wait … I think almost all money around the world depicts bad hair presidents or other ancient rulers. Costa Rica’s money is beautiful, with designs incorporating monkeys, sharks, birds and more.

Once situated at the place where you’ll be staying in Costa Rica, it’s a good idea to visit a bank or ATM to exchange

34 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

your money for colones. You will be assured of the best exchange rate at that point. Keep in mind that U.S. dollars are accepted here, but your change will be in colones. Legally, establishments are required to post their exchange rate visibly. Most times, however, this is not the case.

For those who are not on a budget, I will gladly help you exchange your money for my fee.

Smaller places love to give you an exchange rate of 500 when the actual bank rate is 570 or so. This makes a big difference when making larger purchases.

It might not seem like much at first

until it starts to erode your vacation travel funds. On the other hand, many establishments come close to the bank rate when you pay for something in U.S. dollars. I have recently seen some at 550 or 560. I certainly would not waste time changing your money at the bank to save a difference of that amount. Changing $100 at the bank is a reasonable amount; for sure, you will spend that much in colones.

Also, it’s worth mentioning that the local coins are actually worth something here. At today’s spot rate, the value of the 500 colon coin is about 88 cents.

Knowing where to change your money and the current exchange rates keeps you in check if you are on a budget. For those who are not on a budget, I will gladly help you exchange your money for my fee.

Happy travels to all. Enjoy the wonderful people, places and items to purchase in Costa Rica. This is a special place on the planet.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ENVISION SHOWCASES TOP MUSICIANS

by Luigi Jimenez

SPOTLIGHT

COSTA RICA - CHILE - ARGENTINA - COLOMBIA Photo: Andrew Jorgensen

A

s a platform beyond the experience, Envision has opened a window on the best music from Costa Rica, Latin America and beyond. Envision made an extensive search from Mexico to Argentina, finding rhythms that transport us from the Andean jungle to the Caribbean, with musical mixtures that would make everyone dance, including diverse audiences. Envision's commitment to Latin America made it become an exotic and unique festival for the world, adding to the cultural wealth of all who attend.

Here are some examples of the Latin American talent we will enjoy this year at Envision.

La BOA: La Bogotá Orquesta Afrobeat, a music ensemble from Colombia, with afro beats, cumbia and a vibe that will make you dance all night.

Matanza: A fusion of the traditional electronic house culture and electrodub with the Andean and Latin American highland cultural legacy.

Patterns: An Indie pop band from Central America, which just released its new single, NEON, introducing an ’80s vibe & groovy sound.

36 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Photos: courtesy of each band unless noted

COSTA RICA Chancha Vía Circuito: Their music is a fusion where rhythms that originated in Brazil are processed.

Paraguayan harps, Andean mysticism, the pampas solitude of the Argentine folklore and the spatial projection of futuristic electronic music.

Un Rojo: One of the best reggae bands in Costa Rica, they have the vibe and the roots, a must when it comes to Costa Rican AfroCaribbean culture.

DINNER ADVENTURE Short Estuary Trip to Dinner at The Great Waltini’s in Bula Bula Hotel

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Voodoo: With a characteristic sound of ’70s rock, Voodoo, from San José, turns up the volume of its guitars and shows up with a solid rock and roll sound.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TTZ (T

ico Time Zone)

FIESTA TIME!

by Johnny Lahoud

DOSLOCOS

Photos: Abi Acuña, DigitalPhoto CR

T

his is the time of year in Guanacaste when we all gear up for the transition into full-blown high season. With that comes the annual migration of snowbirds and the musicians that follow the flocks.

It’s also fiesta fime. For anyone who hasn't been to one, it's a must see and do when you’re here. Here are a few tried-andtested rules you are wise to follow when entering the fiesta zone.

Timing

Good timing is the way to assure a good time. Ask a local resident to find out when and where the weekly fiestas are being held. Once you know dates and locations, check the daily lineup of activities. Opening processions, bull riding and dances (in that order) usually start around 2 p.m.

Placement

Pick your place carefully. Once you’ve arrived at the fiesta site, be very aware of where your person and your vehicle are placed at all times. At a local fiesta in La Garita one time, I had backed up my truck close to the bull-riding ring, thinking it was the perfect tailgating spot to view the event.

Unfortunately, I didn't realize this was right next to the exit chute until one bull got loose.

38 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

After breaking through the ring and into the crowd, he bounced off my truck and proceeded to charge through the frantic throngs of spectators and headed straight for the cantina. When the cowboys finally managed to rope him, the bull had left a scattered trail of food, beer and churros in his wake. So if you are daring enough to be in the bullring, in the stands or around the ring, be aware of the fluid nature of it all.

After the bull stuff is over, the party is not.

Dance with eyes open

After the bull stuff is over, the party is not. Almost every fiesta is followed by a dance (Baile) held in the local hall next to the ring. This is a loud and boisterous affair … definitely for the adults. Don't be afraid to dance it up, but always keep an eye out for the loco locals who have had too much guaro to drink. It's the local adult beverage and must be taken with caution.

Another great thing about high season is that great musicians show up and mix it up with local bands. Be sure to check out the

local listings and the entertainment calendar in this magazine to get the scoop on who's performing on any given night. There are lots of venues for blues, jazz, acoustic jams, DJs and live rock ‘n’ roll.

Bottom line — high season means it’s high time you stepped out to enjoy all that the Tico Time Zone has to offer. So don't be shy.

Get out and have some fun in the sun and the moonlight.

SIMPLY SPANISH

Bad Words

asqueroso — disgusting. Asco means disgust. cabrón — big goat. Popular in Mexico, this can be a vulgar insult or a term of endearment, like “buddy.” In Costa Rica it’s usually used of someone who does something to screw someone else up. comemierda — an eater of excrement. Obviously not a compliment. May be used of a vulgar or useless person, a bum. hasta que me sale el botón — “until my button sticks out.”

Botón is a euphemism for “anus,” and the expression implies great physical effort, like climbing 10 flights of stairs. hijo de puta — son of a whore, sometimes shortened to hüeputa. This expression is not as vulgar in Spanish as in English and is widely applied, sometimes as an adjective. Este hüeputa carro no sirve — “This damn car doesn’t work.” Use with great caution if referring to another person who is not your friend, as these can be fighting words. le pica el culo — literally “his/her/your butt itches,” this means, for example, that some woman wants to have sex, or somebody is being really bothersome, or does risky or dangerous things. me cago — I soil myself. Me cagé de risa — “I pooped my pants laughing.” Si tengo que hacer ese Tarzan swing, me cago — “If I have to do that Tarzan swing, I’ll crap my pants.” me vale mierda — I don’t care, it doesn’t matter to me. mierda — excrement. When something gets screwed up or your car breaks down: Qué mierda! no jodás — Don’t screw around. The verb joder literally means to have sex with someone, but it’s usually used to mean to mess with someone. When a friend says something funny and unexpected, you might laugh and say, No jodás — “Don’t mess with me.” pavorosa/o — fearful, distasteful, something to be avoided.

Qué cosa más pavorosa! — What a terrible thing! pichazo — somewhat vulgar term for a physical blow of some kind, like a knockout in boxing — ¡Qué pichazo! Also used to mean “a lot,” like un pichazo de gente — “a bunch of people.” playo — queer. Do not call a gay person this unless you know him really well. But it’s considered a mild put-down among good friends. ¿Qué pasó, playo? — “What’s up, homo?” puta — whore, a woman who has sex for money. Obviously, this is never a compliment. repugnante — repugnant, disgusting; the Spanish word is used much more commonly than the English equivalent: ¡Qué repugnante! ¡Su madre! — Your mother! Use with extreme caution — these are fighting words. zorra/zorrona — slut, big slut. Words to be used with caution, though if one woman is telling another woman about her lust for some random man, the other might laughingly say, ¡Qué zorrona!

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

DRUGS!

SURVIVING Costa Rica

by Jesse Bishop

LOCOSDOS

I Betcha That Got Your Attention

M

y band at the time, Sackweed, pulled into Austin, Texas, on Jan. 10, 1974, to a beautiful springlike day that boded well for the future. The previous night, we had left behind the winter rain and sleet in Lawrence, Kansas, and headed south to where “our kind of music” would be appreciated. All was well for a while until our girl singer rode off on a harmonica player’s Harley seeking greener pastures, causing her husband in the band no small amount of distress.

Things went downhill fast after the band’s clarinet player broke his hand doing construction work, and I found myself as the only member left in Austin.

Seeking something to do while re-establishing my life, I responded to a volunteer recruitment poster for the city-funded drug crisis intervention center known as Middle Earth. It had been a mainstay of the Austin counterculture for several years, offering a telephone hotline and counseling rooms.

Volunteers worked four-hour shifts on the telephone hotline once or twice a week. Besides “counseling,” the job involved identifying pills out of the huge Physician’s Desk Reference (PDR) and responding to would-be abusers with advice such as, “It says here not to take more than five at once.” The counselors were an interesting mix of University of Texas students getting psychology course credits and hippie types of all ages. I became the resident hippie guitar player.

I guess one reason for Middle Earth’s “success” was the very thin line between the people phoning in and the so-called counselors answering. If someone called in having a bummer LSD trip, the counselor might go to the caller’s house, put on some Moody Blues and just stay there being mellow and helpful till the acid wore off.

Over the years, LSD’s popularity

40 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

gave way to much more sinister hard drugs. All that telephone counselors could do then was instruct callers to check the pockets of overdose victims before reaching the closest hospital emergency room.

I’ve been able to boast that I sued Willie Nelson!

Occasionally, Middle Earth went out in the field to provide medical and first aid at the annual Willie Nelson picnics.

Thanks to one of these Cosmic Cowboy Woodstock events, I’ve been able to boast that I sued Willie Nelson! An analogy for anyone who ain’t from Texas or doesn’t recognize the name: That’s like saying I used to date Margaret Trudeau or I punched Charles De Gaulle in the nose.

It seems that Middle Earth was seeking payment for additional expenses after the latest picnic-partydisaster. As the token hippie musician member of the Board of Directors, my name was listed as one of the plaintiffs.

Alas, Willie Nelson’s lawyers outnumbered our one ponytailed (you guessed it) hippie lawyer, with notunexpected results.

Now, some 40 years later, I sadly confess that drugs continue to be a big part of my life. Much of it can be attributed to living as long as I have.

Thanks to the Caja, Costa Rica’s version of Social Security, I’m supplied with Metformina, Lovastatina, Tamsolin and orange-flavored baby aspirin … all for a variety of old-guyish ailments we needn’t go into.

One of my two favorite drugs is Excedrin extra strength tablets — not available here and so must be brought in clandestinely by the matronly mules I engage. Then there is my favorite intoxicant— and possibly also yours — among the sedative drug family: alcohol.

Some of you six or seven regular Surviving Costa Rica readers out there may be disappointed that I’ve made no mention of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, magic mushrooms, peyote enemas, heroin, mescaline or Hawaiian baby woodrose seed.

Are you crazy? Trying to get me busted? The Howler is a fine, upstanding, family-oriented magazine, and your humble scribe is here to represent.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Robert August, Mike Hynson and Bruce Brown in 1963

by Robert August

E

ven when we were youngsters, Bruce Brown was one of my best friends in the neighborhood, always hanging around my parents' house in Seal Beach, California. Everyone seemed to gravitate there because my dad was sort of a mentor for all us kids who were getting into the then-new sport of surfing.

Bruce's dad had a little camera shop down on Belmont Shore called Brownies Cameras, so Bruce followed a natural path of creativity from a young age.

When we reached our teens, Bruce and a few other guys started putting together some very basic, 16mm surf films that would premiere in our local high-school auditoriums.

Bruce would sit on the stage with a microphone and proudly narrate his surf film in front of the audience. At this point in surfing, these were really the only social events focused around the sport. Posters stapled to telephone poles around town advertised, "Surf Movie! Tonight at Newport Harbor High School." So of course, we all went. It was something fun to do! I was generally featured in a substantial section of these surfing films

as well (said with a grin).

Bruce's movies always stood out from those of other filmmakers at the time for two reasons: His editing techniques were exceptionally creative and his narration was second to none.

The movies featured all the best local surfers, including myself in many. There was no money involved; we just did it for fun.

After a few successful surf flicks, Bruce came up with the idea of chasing waves and summertime around the world in a film called “The Endless Summer.” Everyone who has seen the movie knows what a great success it was, and for us it was truly the trip of a lifetime. When the opportunity came up, I was 18 years old, valedictorian of my high school, and unsure whether or not I wanted to attend dental school. I talked to a few respected teachers and my parents, who advised me that dental school could wait.

Traveling the world would be a better education than anything I could receive in the classroom.

To this day, the “Endless Summer” trip still resonates with me because I was

AUGUST ODYSSEYS

Bruce and his camera

42 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Bruce and I, filming "The Endless Summer"

with my best friend, Bruce.

After the movie was picked up by a Hollywood distribution company and blown up into a 35mm film, it could be shown across the nation. People responded very favorably to this new concept of traveling for the sake of surfing. I think the movie truly brought surfing into the mainstream.

It inspired a whole generation to get out of their comfort zone

and try something new.

On the evening of Dec. 10, 2017, I got a phone call from Robert “Wingnut� Weaver, who broke the news that Bruce had passed at 80 years old. I am still feeling very emotional today. Memories of Bruce continue to flood my mind as I reflect on our genuine friendship and the iconic surf trip we were lucky enough to share with the world.

NIGHT AT THE CIRCUS BOCAS Dinner Party

saturday, march 10th hotel cala luna 6pm to 10pm $25 pre-sale / $30 at the door includes dinner and entertainment dj ciro performing!

Rest In Peace Bruce Brown 1937 - 2017

azul profundo, educarte, cepia, nimbu, cria, la paz, surfbox, abriendo mentes

tickets

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

HAPPENINGS

GET OUT, DO SOMETHING!

F

FIESTA FIESTA FIESTA

estival season continues throughout Costa Rica.

Much of the excitement comes from bull riding.

This has been an important cultural tradition in every little town in Costa Rica since the colonial period, when animal breeding was influenced by the Spanish in the San José and Guanacaste areas. Festival celebrations also feature local music everywhere, lots of traditional food, rides for kids and cultural activities galore.

Don’t miss out!

Calendar of Events Feb 8-11

Lagunilla, Guanacaste

Feb 14-18

Brasilito Beach, Guanacaste

Feb 22-25

27 de Abril, Guanacaste

Feb 23-Mar 4 Liberia, Guanacaste Mar 1-4

Los Ranchos, Guanacaste

Photos: Abi Acuña, DigitalPhoto CR

Charity Benefit Education in Guanacaste 15TH ANNUAL HAVE A HEART GOLF TOURNAMENT

A

migos de la Educación invites you to enjoy a fun and relaxing day on the greens with family and friends. It starts with a continental breakfast before tee time and concludes with an awards and prize ceremony during the Taste of Tamarindo event.

Where: Golf Tournament:

Hacienda Pinilla Golf Course

Taste of Tamarindo:

Pacific Park Condos When: Sat.,Feb. 24

7am: Continental Breakfast

8am: Tee time shotgun start

6pm: Golf awards and prize ceremony

6-9pm: Taste of Tamarindo Costs: Golf Event: $125 per golfer, $150 after Feb. 15.

Includes green fee, breakfast,

lunch, drinks and more.

Taste of Tamarindo: $20 presale, $25 door.

Contact: amigoseducacioncr@gmail.com

44 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

th Saturday February 10, 2018 - Costa Rica Sailing Center Potrero Beach, Guanacaste All day, All ages, Outdoor event 11am - 11pm

Tickets: $30* www. crbluesfest.com

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3 Smokin Mo & Blues Devils Smokin Pig, Potrero, 7pm No cover

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 8 Annika Chambers Teatro Eugene O`Neill Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano San José, 8pm

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 Blues Brunch with Joe Hrbek and Luis Jam with the Blues Fest Musicians Lucy`s, Brasilito, 11am.

No cover

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 11 Mardi Gras, Drag Race The Craig Thatcher Band The Mariner Inn, Flamingo, 4pm.

No cover

*

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 9 Arrival of the King and Queen and Blues Festival Meet and Greet Los Neotics Funk and Soul Marie`s, Flamingo Plaza, 7pm. No cover

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 10 Costa Rica Blues Festival The Sailing Center, Potrero 11am-11pm -$30

MONDAY FEBRUARY 12 Blues, Brews and BBQ The Jake Levinson Band Smokin Pig, Potrero, 7pm.

No cover

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 13 Mardi Gras Parade and Celebration The Sparky Parker Band Marie`s, Flamingo Plaza, 5pm.

No cover

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT M

Music

Events

T

ONDAYS

LA PALAPA Happy hour all day National beers & cocktail specials Fire show 7:30-8:30pm LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Club day pass, happy hour, 4-6pm CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7 pm Margarita & tequila specials ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am

Food & Drink Specials

W

UESDAYS

Happy Hours

EDNESDAYS

COCONUTZ

Happy hour, 4-6pm

Karaoke night, 7:30pm

Daily special: 1/2 price wine

Beer bucket $14 ZI LOUNGE DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am

TAMARINDO/LANGOSTA

All you need in one spot: restaurants, bar, beach access with ocean activities, spa and fitness center. The perfect place for a perfect day. Restaurants always open to the public, facilities require a day pass.

Beachfront, 400m from Pacific Park Daily, 9am-10pm 2653-1127 / 8372-7244 info@langostabeachclub.com langostabeachclub.com Daily: Happy hour, 4-6pm, 50% off selection

Day pass for all facilities 9am-6pm Tue: Live music, 7-9pm Thu: Sunset music, 5-7pm Fri: Live music, 7-9pm Sun: Live DJ, 2pm-sunset Activities: Pool, spa, beach, kayak, surf, 46paddleboard | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

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

MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Margaritas and tacos—50% off tacos with margarita purchase LA PALAPA Happy hour all day Fire show 7:30-8:30pm LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Club day pass, happy hour, 4-6pm Live music, 7-9pm CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris

Langosta Beach Club Beach Club, Restaurants and Bar

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

when paired with ceviche

Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm

T

HURSDAYS

MARINER INN

Daily happy hour until 7pm

Karaoke

LA PALAPA Happy hour all day Live music, 5:30-9pm, Joe & Luiz Fire show, 7:30-8:30pm

LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Happy hour, 4-6pm LA PALAPA Happy hour all day

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

Fire show, 7:30-8:30pm ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, 6:30-9pm

CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Sunset music, 5-7pm Happy hour, 4-6pm

DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, Will Matthews House whiskey specials, 6:30pm

TAMARINDO

LA PALAPA Beachfront Seafood Grill & Bar

TAMARINDO

CRAZY MONKEY RESTOBAR Bar, Restaurant & Night Club

Dine and drink on Tamarindo’s best beachfront with your feet in the sand enjoying the life. The perfect sunset spot.

Boasting spectacular ocean views, great pizza, a huge pool, waterfall and a swimup bar. Great for groups and birthdays!

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

Inside the Best Western Tamarindo Vista Villas Daily, 7am-2am 2653-0114 ayd@tamarindovistavillas.com CrazyMonkeyBarTamarindo

Daily:

Thu: Sun:

Fire shows, 7:30-8:30pm Happy hour all day, every day National beers & cocktail specials Live music, 7pm Live music, 7pm

Daily: Happy hour, 4-6pm,

$4 margaritas and daiquiris 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

CALENDAR A weekly glance for February

F

RIDAYS

LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Live music, 7-9, happy hour, 4-6 MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Wings & brews, a free beer with your order of wings

S

ATURDAYS

ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Live music, Charly Lopez, 6:30-9 COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, Flor de Caña and chiliguaro special

CRAZY MONKEY Happy hour, 4-6pm $4 margaritas & daiquiris Ladies’ night, live salsa music DJ, free drinks at 9pm LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day Fire show 7:30-8:30pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Live music, bucket of 6 beers, $14 ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm

CRAZY MONKEY All you can eat pizza & salad $10+ tax per person, 5-9pm MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: Sangria Saturday 4 sangrias for the price of 3 LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Happy hour, 4-6pm LA PALAPA Happy hour all day Fire show 7:30-8:30pm

Live music, Latin Trio, 6:30-9pm

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 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 chef’s special & glass of wine Feb 11. Drag Race Feb 13. Fat Tuesday and Kids Party

LANGOSTA

BEACH

CLUB

S

UNDAYS

CRAZY MONKEY Afternoon pool party, noon-6 MARINER INN Happy hour, 4-6pm Daily special: $20 chef’s special with a glass of wine LANGOSTA BEACH CLUB Live DJ 2-sunset, happy hour 4-6 LA PALAPA Happy hour, all day National beers & cocktail specials Live music, 5:30-6:30pm Fire show, 7:30-8:30pm COCONUTZ Daily happy hour until 7pm Sports all day Super Bowl Feb. 4th ZI LOUNGE Daily happy hour, 11am-7pm Super Bowl Feb. 4th

PLAYAS DEL COCO

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

Avenida Central, across from El Coco Casino Mon-Sat, 2pm till late Sun, 11am till late 2670-1982 pete@coconutzbar.com coconutzbar.com Daily: Happy hour until 7pm; all NHL games Mon: Margarita & tequila specials Tue: Karaoke, 7:30, bucket of 6 beers, $14 Wed: Live music with Will Matthews,

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

Super Bowl - Feb. 4

WELCOME

SEE ADS THIS PAGE & PG 79

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-2:30am Tue: DJ, 9:30pm-2:30am Wed: Live music, 6:30-9pm Thu: Live music, 6:30-9pm

Ladies’ night, 9:30-11pm Fri: Live music, 6:30-9pm Sat: Live music, 6:30-9pm Sun: Super Bowl - Feb. 4

LIFESTYLE This lifestyle choice resonates around the globe.

LIFESTYLE SPOTLIGHT

ENVISION PILLARS

A Lifestyle to F ight For W hile serendipity plays a large role in bringing strangers together, it isn’t the operative word to describe the undeniably powerful community that converges at Envision Festival in February. The presence of forward-thinking people is almost impossible to ignore during and surrounding the event. The empathy that courses through the international community is palpable, reflected in the bits and pieces of conversations that populate Rancho La Merced, Uvita and Dominical. It’s something akin to the unspoken understanding that we are in this together. It’s the commitment to better ourselves and each other through hard work and discipline.

While some may wax philosophical about the cosmic nature of our convergence in Costa Rica, the personal and professional relationships that create the majesty of the Envision Festival community do not happen by chance. Worldwide ripples are created by this community because of the unwavering dedication to the 8 Pillars which serve as the guiding ethos for the festival.

The 8 Pillars of Envision are the most concise summary of a lifestyle that this complex community has

48 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Aerial yoga, photo: Daniel Zetterstrom

by Lane Undhjem

decided to fight for: Permaculture, Spirituality, Movement, Art, Music, Community, Health and Bioconstruction.

Only eight words make up the mission statement of an event that summons thousands of people year after year. Everyone who builds and attends Envision interprets these concepts differently, but the

subjectivity and simplicity of the message has resulted in a global network of movers, shakers, and unapologetic seekers of happiness.

Active intention in the direction of sustainability is paramount, and this lifestyle choice resonates around the globe. As globalization comes to a head in the 21st century, the importance of actively pursuing a

Artist painting Lapa Stage, photo by Arzi Khan

cleaner, more humble lifestyle take precedence over all else. This is the urgency that fills the hearts and minds of the wanderers who explore Envision. We fly in the face of the status quo so that in the future there may still be a status quo to challenge.

For Envision Festival, the 8 Pillars are the enduring bedrock of this event’s importance. We come from many countries and we do not compromise on these values.

We can be both warriors and lovers, depending on your perspective.

Envision village trail, photo by Azi Khan

THE 8 PILLARS Envision identifies with eight pillars: 1) Art: “For 2018, our artist lineup is decorating the canvas of our venue with the colors of eco-conscious sculptors, magnificent muralists and sustainable crafters from all over the world,” writes Graham Berry, one of the organizers.

2) Music: “Envision is curated by music lovers for music lovers to experience something new they have never experienced before,” says cofounder Josh Wendel.

3) Spirituality: “Exploring our own spirituality brings us closer to our soul’s purpose and toward the beautiful and freeing vibrations of pure love, joy and serenity,” writes Andrée Pontbriand.

4) Bioconstruction: “Nature teaches us many things and in the quest for a sustainable event we’ve learned to protect her by minimizing our impact on the environment,” writes Berry.

5) Permaculture: “Permaculture is the foundation of Envision Festival because in this vast multidisciplinary practice we believe in whole systems design and regenerative strategies,” writes cofounder Sarah Wu. 6) Community: “We strive with Envision to offer everyone that gets to experience it a taste of what it feels like to live surrounded and supported by true community,” says Brooks.

7) Health: “Maintaining good health is a key component to becoming the best version of ourselves, and thus leading our most inspiring, rewarding lives,” says Pontbriand.

8) Movement: “Our 2018 event will be introducing more therapeutic meditations, partner acro and hearty handstands,” says Berry. “All skill levels are welcome.”

Dragonfly Smiling, photo by Eric Allen Envision yoga tent, photo by Jacob Avanzato

Photo: Jamieson Mulholland

Photo: Jamieson Mulholland

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LIFESTYLE

To Be or Not to Be-Kini

FASHIONFLASH

by Patricia Sterman

50 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

T

he original two-piece bathing suit invented in 1946 by Louis Reard was named “bikini,” after Bikini Atoll, where nuclear bomb testing was taking place. So, is the bikini the nuclear bomb of the last century? Is the female body as powerful as that?

The answer is YES! In many countries, the bikini was banned from beaches and public places, and it‘s still a symbol of different cultural idiosyncrasies.

How bikinis are worn varies from country to country: more cover, less cover … top cover, bottom cover … NO cover. As travel has become increasingly global, such trends have become more distinctive but not always easy to keep up with. So a conservative bikini wearer might find herself right beside someone wearing next to nothing on the beach. This is especially noticeable in some European locales where the “style” is to go topless!

But what really matters is your own attitude when wearing a bathing suit, be it a two-piece, one-piece, tankini, trikini or skirtini. The way you wear it is everything. It’s all about your self-confidence and selfesteem. If you’re looking to feel good in your bathing suit, it will last a season. But if you look and feel beautiful in your skin, well, that lasts forever. Celebrate those parts of your body that help you achieve and sustain a positive attitude, and let the other parts quietly deal with themselves.

My advice is to be aware when trying on bathing suits in a store. If you are scared to leave the changing room when you see yourself in the mirror, definitely don’t buy that one! Keep looking; there are so many options.

I’ve seen plus-size women wearing bathing suits like a queen, while others with perfect bodies can look unattractive wearing a style that doesn’t work for them. Pick a style, pick a print, and make your own combination. There have never been more mix-andmatch options for customizing.

Showing more is not always hotter, and the onepiece bathing suit is a hot style this year. It emphasizes your curves, but at the same time diminishes the threat of waves snatching your bikini. It’s generally flattering to women of all shapes and sizes, and has special appeal for the timid.

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I waited until sunset and played with the internal elements of my zoom lens to produce this wild image of a hummingbird in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains.

LIFESTYLE

PHOTO TIPS

MAKING AN IMAGE U

pon hearing that I work as a professional nature photographer, most people respond, “Oh that's so cool. You get to travel around taking pictures!”

Now I know the comment is wellintentioned, and it certainly is a privilege making a career out of something I love to do. But taking pictures? That's what any camera or smartphone can do. It takes a photographer to make an image, and that's what I strive to do whenever I'm out photographing nature.

All right, you might ask, “OK, mister fancy artist, how do you go about 'making your precious images'?”

Point taken. My intent here is not to sound pretentious, but to suggest

A strong neutral density filter (like solar eclipse glasses) allowed me to take this 10-minute exposure shot at midday of a waterfall in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains.

52 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

ways that your own vision, planning and photographic knowledge can help you produce photos that stand out from the

Imagine how to draw viewers into the scene for an intimate glimpse. crowd.

In previous Howler articles, I've discussed the technicalities of camera settings such as aperture, shutter speed and ISO, as well as filters and exposure methods. I've also touched on more artistic aspects such as composition and the

by Gregory Basco

interplay between light and shadow.

It's time now to talk about the possibilities of a scene … how you, as the camera master, can make it look the way your mind’s eye imagines, as opposed to literally. Here are three brief tips on how to realize your vision and go beyond the simple snapshot.

First, imagine and plan. Taking a picture is relatively straightforward. We see a great scene but maybe the light is no good. We shoot it anyway and we're done. Making an image involves imagining how that scene would look at sunset, and deciding in advance exactly how to take that shot. We plan when and where we

Photos by

A fisheye lens, a remote camera release, and two flashes let me bring the viewer into the tiny world of a purplebibbed whitetip hummingbird in a heliconia grove in the Ecuador highlands.

want to be, using the right camera, lens and exposure.

Second, try to conceptualize a photo as a combination of elements, rather than a particular subject. Think in terms of lines, for example, or light and shadow, as an artist would. It can elevate even a common subject to the level of a great image.

Third, know your gear and use it —

along with patience and knowledge of your subject — to make special images. For instance, we're walking along and see a cool bird feeding on some fallen fruit. We could just take a quick snap and move on, or we could imagine how to draw viewers into the scene for an intimate glimpse. Perhaps using a wide angle lens and triggering our camera from a distance would allow us to

do that.

Going beyond simply taking pictures is not easy, with so many technical and logistical challenges to overcome. The trick is to think outside the box and try to envision new possibilities. Even those with limited photographic gear — yes, even smartphones — can learn to make images like no one else has.

I employed a mix of slow shutter speed and flash to portray the busy action as passion flower butterflies laid eggs on a passion flower vine in a cloud forest in Ecuador.

I used a very wide aperture and flash with a softbox to draw attention to the eyes of this emerald glass frog, photographed at night in a Costa Rican cloud forest.

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LIFESTYLE

LEVELING UP The 20/90 Challenge

SPANISH

by Sylvia Monge

T

here seems to be a plateau in all learning experiences … a lull when you stop seeing results and might start thinking it’s hopeless. The brain, being a muscle, mimics the same kind of leveling effect that workouts have on other muscles in the body. Daily practice is the only solution for getting past plateaus and continuing to make lasting change. The 20/90 Challenge is a daily practice for leveling up.

Creating a habit takes time.

Likewise, it takes time to reach fluency by creating a whole new mental database connecting to all the other parts of your thinking. The rule of thumb is 20 minutes a day for 90 days. The 20 minutes is arbitrary, but it’s a short enough time commitment not to be daunting. The 90 days is not arbitrary. Social scientists have found that it takes 90 days of repetition for an activity to become second nature, a habit. I dare anyone to defy this, and dare say I challenge Howler readers to create a new habit for 2018. As always, I am here to help. Here are some tips to survive the 20/90 Challenge for Spanish learning.

Don’t call it studying! It’s been said that studying is the abbreviation of “student dying.” It’s commonly regarded as a boring interruption from real life. Instead, call your 20 minutes a day “Engaging with Spanish,” “Chillin’ with Lingo” or “Living the Vida Loca” … anything that doesn’t weigh down the process with years of traumatic school memories.

54 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Carve out time. Designate a time of day when you are alone and quiet. It could be your morning coffee time, or evening when all the little creatures are asleep.

It doesn’t matter what time. Just find a quiet spot and create a comfy nook with a drink, a snack and a computer. Take 20 minutes out of this time and focus on your new habit.

20/90 Challenge 20 MINUTES A DAY FOR 90 DAYS.

Make it fun. Engagement is the key to learning. Otherwise, it can seem like being on a treadmill. Engagement means you are inherently interested in what you are doing. It also means not doing the same thing every day. All reps and no fun makes learning impossible. Change things up … do something different each day and see what makes you engage.

Learning should not be boring. If it is,

you will take three times longer to make a true memory.

Variety is everything. Learning a language is nuanced and complex.

Tackling it actually requires a bit of chaos to deal with the complexity. Every day, just do something. It doesn’t need an end goal other than fulfilling your 20 minutes and experiencing Spanish. Listen to music in Spanish for 20 minutes, translate a song you like, sing along to it, explore other songs by that artist or by other artists in the genre, learn the words to one song … that was one week right there. Take the same approach watching the news and reading the news, or reading anything that interest you. You can watch soap operas, game shows or that movie you know by heart.

Take a class or play online games. These are all valid ways to spend your 20 minutes each day.

Be nicer to yourself. Adults tend to hold a very high bar for themselves.

We want to see results and we want them now. Some learning doesn’t work that way; the mind and the body need time and patience. Psyching yourself out is one of the biggest learning pitfalls. Relax and embrace language learning as a lifestyle change, not a subject. Stop focusing on your success and focus on what you like. Practice with people and enjoy the new experiences.

Finding yourself having a 20-minute conversation in Spanish means you have arrived at another level. Then it’s time to keep plugging away until it’s not plugging anymore; it’s just a part of your daily life.

LIFESTYLE

Air and foam will come spewing out through the path of least resistance.

SURF SCIENCE

WHAT MAKES A WAVE SPIT?

P

ulling into a wide-open barrel is one of the most euphoric moments for a surfer. Time stands still as you race through your very own aquatic cylinder of joy, encapsulated by a room of moving water. Perhaps the only feeling that rivals pulling into the barrel is immediately coming out afterwards, your body tingling from the wave spitting behind you.

From the beach, a spitting wave may go unnoticed to the untrained eye. But to a seasoned surfer, spitting waves can be anticipated before the wave itself even starts to break. It's a weird kind of sixth sense that is only acquired by analyzing thousands of individual breaking waves.

Not quite a superpower, but pretty close!

So let’s explore ‌ what makes a wave spit?

As a wave breaks from top to bottom and creates a hollow barrel within, a mixture of foam and spray is created from the falling lip, impacting the ocean surface below. Most of the foam immediately turns into white water in front of the wave, and fizzles out as it propels towards the beach. A smaller percentage of foam and spray is steadily collected within the hollow tubing section of the wave. As the wave stays open and swiftly barrels

56 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

down the wave face, more and more air and spray is being accumulated within the barrel. At a critical point when the pressure becomes too high for the limited space within the barrel, the air and spray are discharged by taking the path of least resistance and "spitting" out the open end of the wave.

The physics are very similar to shaking a bottle of carbonated beverage or champagne. As air is released within the limited-sized bottle, the pressure inside accumulates to a critical point where it must be released. The bottle will either explode, or you can remove the cap or cork to relieve the pressure. Either way, air and foam will come spewing out through the path of least resistance.

So do all barreling waves spit? The answer is no. Only waves that break swiftly and maintain an open barrel will spit. The idea is to raise the pressure inside the barrel very abruptly so there is more force to expel the air. Furthermore, not only big waves have the ability to spit.

Waves as small as one foot can spit, as long as the pressure gets high enough within the confined space.

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Yourself

Hemp

LIFESTYLE

SUPERFOODS

by Valeria Gonzalez

L

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

Hemp is the common term for a variety of plants in the cannabis family. This beneficial and versatile plant can be turned into fibers, oil, wax, resin, cloth, fuel, and a wide range of other useful products.

Hemp is one of the most widely utilized and diverse industrial crops in the world.

Its fibers are considered the longest and most durable of all natural fibers, and it can even be grown without herbicides and pesticides.

Hemp seeds are regarded by some to be one of nature’s perfect foods — a superfood.

The human dietary benefits have been associated with improved heart health, digestive health, immunity and organ function, as well as lower blood pressure.

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

58 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

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

Hemp seeds are also available as hemp nut butter, which you can enjoy in the same ways as peanut or almond butter. Also, much like almond milk, hemp milk can serve as a milk substitute.

Hemp offers an alternative for meeting your daily nutritional needs • A complete protein source, with a concentrated balance of proteins, essential fats, vitamins and enzymes, and a relative absence of sugar, starches and saturated fats • High fiber content • An excellent source of omega 3 and omega 6, without containing any of the eight main allergens: milk, egg, fish, crustaceans, wheat, soybeans, peanuts and nuts • Contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a necessary building block for some prostaglandins, hormone-like chemicals in the body that help smooth muscles, control inflammation and regulate body temperature, and are vital to other body functions • Contains all 20 amino acids, including the nine that our bodies cannot produce Where to buy Hemp seeds are available at Almacen Organic & Natural in Tamarindo, and at various supermarkets in the area.

Hemp seed hummus Hummus is doubly virtuous as both a taste bud-friendly and nutrient-dense snack food. It’s a source of protein and various essential vitamin and minerals. Although high in fat, hummus contains mostly the “good” kind — heart-healthy unsaturated fat. Adding chickpeas and hemp seeds to this hummus recipe makes it all the more healthy as a delicious, finger-licking, snacka-thon worthy dish.

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

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

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

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

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ONDAYS

LIFESTYLE Greater Tamarindo, Flamingo, Potrero Area

W

UESDAYS

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

EDNESDAYS

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

YogAlegria Private classes available

YogAlegria Hatha yoga, 8:45am

Hatha yoga, 8:45am

La Botella de Leche Hostel 8:30-9:45am - Restorative aerial yoga 10-11am - PiYo 5-5:45pm - TRX Training Farmers Markets Flamingo - Moonlight Market

HURSDAYS

Private classes available

YogAlegria Private classes available

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

T

Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande La Botella de Leche Hostel 9-10:15am - Aerial yoga 5-5:45pm - TRX training 6-7pm - Zumba 7:15-8:30pm - Aerial yoga

Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

Candlelight yoga, 6:15pm The Jungle Gym, Flamingo

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

MS Tennis Academy

YogAlegria Private classes available

Reina’s Chocolate

Yoga workout, 8:30am

appointment, Tamarindo

Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment Chocolate workshops by La Botella de Leche Hostel

Reina’s Chocolate Chocolate workshops by appointment, Tamarindo

La Botella de Leche Hostel 8:30-9:15am - TRX training 9:30-10:45am - Aerial yoga

9-10:15am - Aerial yoga

Farmers Markets LaPaz Farmers Market

7:15-8:30pm -Restorative aerial yoga

M

ost days, not far away, a local Costa Rican marketplace is waiting to welcome you. Stop by, stroll around and browse to your heart’s content for bargains and higher-end merchandise galore. Grab a snack or some fresh fixings for tonight’s dinner. Celebrate the culture and lifestyle to the beat of live music. Take home the perfect gift, something to wear or a one-of-a-kind art treasure.

Moonlight Market When: Mon, 6-9pm Where: La Plaza, Flamingo La Paz Farmers Market When: Wed, 3-6pm Where: La Paz Community School, Mar Vista entrance, Flamingo Tamarindo Night Market When: Thurs, 6-9pm Where: Plaza Palma, 200m east Banco Nacional

Potrero Night Feria When: Fri, 6-9pm Feria de Quepos When: Fri, 2-10pm Sat. 7am-2pm Tamarindo Market & Feria When: Sat, 9am-3pm Where: Beach next to Pescador, Alfaro Bus Terminal Santa Cruz Feria del Agricultor When: Sat, 7am-12pm Where: Campo Ferial

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Feria de Junqui When: First Sat of month. 3-6pm Where: Junquillal Eco Resort

5-5:45pm - TRX training 6-7pm - PiYo Farmers Markets Tamarindo Night Market

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

Playa Flamingo, Playa Conchal, Tamarindo Tennis Club Daily: 6am-9pm 8455-5488 mstennis.academycr@gmail.com mstennisacademycr

Coco Sunday Market When: Sun, 10am- 2pm Where: Coco Consignment Building at Las Palmas.

Daily: Lessons 6am-9pm

Tilaran 5 Esquinas Feria When: 1st and 3rd Sun every month. 9am-2pm Where: 3 mi. north of Tilaran, Rico Realty lot.

• Flamingo Beach Resort & Spa • Residents of Reserva Conchal at the Westin Golf Resort & Spa • Hacienda Pinilla • Tennis Club Tamarindo

After school program for age 4+ - develop new skills, stay fit and be social

Discount for two or more lessons a week Adults are welcome for lessons as well

ACTIVITYCALENDAR

A weekly glance of classes, workshops, lessons & farmers markets

F

RIDAYS

S

ATURDAYS

Reina’s Chocolate 8am-2pm

S

UNDAYS

Reina’s Chocolate By special arrangement

Tamarindo Farmers Market MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment YogAlegria Private classes available La Botella de Leche Hostel 10-11am - PiYo (Pilates yoga intense) Farmers Markets Potrero Night Feria Feria de Quepos

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment

10-11am - PiYo (Pilates Yoga Intense) Farmers Markets Tamarindo Market & Feria Santa Cruz Feria del Agricultor Feria de Junqui Feria de Quepos

HOSTEL LA BOTELLA DE LECHE Aerial yoga & fitness classes Tamarindo, 500 Avenida Central Mon-Sat, 8:30-11am, 5-8:30pm 2653-0189 / 6305-2883 stephyzumba@gmail.com www.labotelladeleche.com labotelladelgeche Classes offered: Restorative aerial yoga Pilates yoga intense (PiYo)

TRX training Aerial yoga Zumba Private classes SUP yoga - equipment included

Prices:

Classes: $10 ($6 Residents) Monthly: $20 (1x/week)

$40 (2x/week)

$55 (3x/week)

KAMBUCHA™ is AWESOME

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

11 Awesome Flavors

YogAlegria Private classes available La Botella de Leche Hostel

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

MS Tennis Academy Tennis lessons, 6am-9pm - by appointment YogAlegria Private classes available Farmers Markets Coco Sunday Market Tilaran 5 Esquinas Feria 1st & 3rd Sunday of month

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 and workshops available Tue: Hatha yoga, 8:45am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande Thu: Hatha yoga, 8:45am Rip Jack Inn, Playa Grande

Candlelight yoga, 6:15pm The Jungle Gym, Flamingo

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

Where to find

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

Community group hug, photo: Ron Worobec

ENVISIONING AN ECO-FRIENDLY WORLD COMMUNITY FEATURE

by Graham Berry

E

vent producers don’t always know Supporting local communities the challenges they’ll face starting a Environmentally, the event is putting destination festival. Knowing who belief into action to organize in support will show up, what they’ll need to execute of the local community. In a recent water successfully and how it will impact the shortage the Uvita Water Board asked for lives of locals isn’t always clear in the donations to cover the completion of beginning. For Envision, it started out with a dream and a mission to reset the bar with an actually sustainable event ... one that could regenerate the area and foster an intermingling between cultures with a positive ecological footprint. Its founders also had the hope of teaching a love of plant medicine and permaculture to anyone who participated in the event, whether they be Ticos or tourists.

Fast-forward to the present day.

Envision is at the precipice of its eighth year in Costa Rica and despite there being a big focus on blending Couple enjoying planting a tree, photo: Jamieson Mulholland cultures, the event still pays homage musically to many fine aspects of Costa Rica. Local legends Patterns and Santos a brand-new water line accessing four & Zurdo will be featured as part of a springs. It was a huge endeavor with a Latin American Showcase, also featuring lot at risk. The cost of the work that the Chilean funk sensation Matanza, an Asada de Uvita needed tallied to over authentic afrobeat group from Colombia, $13,000, but without it Uvita would have La BOA, and top-shelf South African no water in the coming season. With house producer Chancha Vía Circuito. the hope of making a far-reaching local impact, Envision stepped up to cover the cost. It wasn’t the first time, either.

64 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Envision donated $4,600 previously to complete a new mother tank.

The efforts haven’t been limited to water, either. As part of an ongoing reforesting initiative, the festival organized and funded the planting of more than 54 species of native Costa Rican trees, over 10,000 in number, from Playa Hermosa to Playa Guiones.

In a recent beach cleanup effort, the festival began a new goal of cleaning up about 10 kilometers of beach from Playa Colonia to Playa Dominical.

After the first meet and covering about 5 kilometers, the group emerged with more than 1,300 kilos of rubbish that is now no longer littered across the coastline. More beach cleanups are planned to continue this effort.

Improving the Envision site All this is outstanding for the area, but the charm of Envision isn’t the work it puts into the community.

It’s the example it shows to those who travel from afar to attend the event.

With permaculture classes every day, no single-use plastics permitted at the venue, and a staff that is fed completely on the food produced at local farms, the festival instills a sense of duty about the Earth.

An Envision two-story bungalow, photo: Azi Khan

Festival goer with a leaf plate, photo: Leo Carvajal

Even the structures built at the event are constructed by Costa Ricans with bamboo harvested about 10 kilometers down the road. The reforesting efforts mentioned above also extend to the site of the event. Over the last eight years, more than 2,000 trees have been planted at the site. With efforts to improve Envision’s venue happening each year, returning Envision-goers get a chance to witness the end of an ecological metamorphosis, where an area that was a barren cattle pasture has become another beautiful reason to experience Costa Rica.

For tourists, it’s a reminder that Costa Rica has more to love about it with each passing year, but it’s also a stark reminder that events often have a negative impact on the Earth and through the dedication of our community we can offer a better model to travelers who need to take those ideas to other parts of the world.

Adopt a tree, photo: Matt Love Local food vendors, photo: Amir Weiss

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COMMUNITY

QUEPOS: BANANA TOWN NO MORE

Downtown Quepos, with rail lines, in 1929

CR HISTORY IN PICS

by Karl Kahler & José Gerardo Suárez Monge

T

he port of Quepos, gateway to today’s resort-rich enclave of Manuel Antonio, was first noted in recorded history in 1519 by the Spanish explorer Hernán Ponce de León, a nephew of the more famous Juan, the searcher for a fountain of eternal youth who discovered Florida.

The younger Ponce de León must have been captivated by the tranquil, aquamarine bay in Quepos, and surely longed to anchor and come ashore. But the welcoming committee waiting on the shore was less eternal youth and more like instant death — a band of angry natives shouting defiantly and brandishing weapons.

These were the Quepos, also known as the Quepoa, a warlike tribe believed to have emigrated from Colombia. Ponce de León never landed, leaving the job to Gil González Dávila, who led an expedition here on foot in 1523. He managed to exact tribute from the Quepos and reported to his superiors that this land was rich in gold.

Forty years later, the Spanish crown asked Costa Rican governor Juan Vázquez de Coronado to occupy and pacify this coast, and he led 70 soldiers overland in

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1563. He managed to establish friendly relations with the Quepos, but the catch was that the Quepos wanted the Spaniards’ help in vanquishing their enemies, the Cotos (or Coutos, Coctos or Coctus).

The Quepo chief, Cacique Corrohore, said the Cotos had raided his territory and captured his sister, Dulcehe. After a couple of tough battles, the Spanish overwhelmed the Cotos and liberated Dulcehé and other captives.

The Spanish subsequently became masters of this coastline, and the Quepos soon died out. By 1604 there were only 250 Quepos left, and a 1659 census recorded only 18 Quepo “slaves.”

Yet the difficulty of access Downtown Quepos in 1935 to this remote coast meant that centuries passed before the area began to be colonized by Costa Ricans from the Central Valley in the late 19th century.

A major milestone came in 1923, when a man named Agathon Lutz Steiegele (or Stiequelle) established the Pirrís Farm Trading Co. to grow bananas — formerly a huge cash crop on the Caribbean that had been devastated by blight. By 1926, Pirrís was shipping bananas to San Francisco and Vancouver, as well as moving them to

A passion for historical photos

P

hotos are provided courtesy of José Gerardo Suárez Monge, author of “San José: 280 Years of History.” Suárez is a professional photographer and graphic designer with a degree in electrical engineering from the Tecnológico in Cartago, but his passion is collecting and analyzing historical photos — he has over 14,000. He has six books for sale, which are available at Librería Lehmann and the University of Costa Rica bookstore, or by calling 7062-3086 or 8794-7679. Facebook: Costa Rica Antigua e Inedita

Puntarenas for rail transport to Limón, where they were exported to the eastern U.S. and Europe.

In the early 1930s, the United Fruit Co. (later Chiquita) bought out Pirrís and made Quepos a major center of operations on the Pacific coast. Workers by the thousands migrated here, and soon there was a dock, an “American zone,” a hospital and schools. Mangroves were replaced with landfill, and what is today downtown Quepos sprang up.

But in the mid-1950s, massive flooding destroyed banana plantations, and then a combination of banana blight and labor

strife spelled the doom of the banana industry in Quepos.

A new crop was discovered, African palm oil, that remains the region’s agricultural cash cow to this day.

But the real gold mine here would be tourism. In 1972, Manuel Antonio was declared a national park, and in the decades that followed, a string of high-end hotels sprang up on the breezy ridge between Quepos and the park. The economic impact of tourism dollars soon surpassed all other industries, and before long

Manuel Antonio had become the most visited national park in Costa Rica.

The resplendent Marina Pez Vela, after a series of reversals related to the 2008 recession, was mostly complete by 2014, with restaurants, tour agencies, rent-a-cars and an airline.

The hostile, impenetrable coast that Hernán Ponce de León laid eyes on 500 years earlier was now open for business and ready to welcome the world.

And it’s never looked back.

Port of Quepos under construction, 1938

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Port of Quepos, 1945

Passing Boca Vieja at the entrance to Quepos, 1947

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COMMUNITY

BUILDING COSTA RICA

KNOW BEFORE YOU BUY The Importance of a Home Inspection

by Jarryd Jackson

ongratulations! You have decided to buy a home in Costa Rica. You have narrowed the choices or even decided which home you want to buy. Be careful, though — you are well advised to know exactly what you plan to buy before making an offer on the home. In almost every case, the amount spent on the inspection report will save you at least 10 times that amount for necessary improvements in the near future. An inspection will likely reveal that repair work is needed, with an estimated cost that enables you to negotiate a better price on the home. This also gives you a better idea of how safe your investment will be in the future, and peace of mind knowing you have purchased a well-built home.

Structural aspects such as concrete walls and beams should be checked for strength and quality, as well as structural damage. Inspection of the roof ’s condition makes it possible to estimate its remaining lifetime calculated in years. Inspection of the flooring and wall finishes is also important, including showers and bathroom tile. Commonly reported flooring deficiencies include broken or loose tiles and lack of grout sealant.

electrical systems are often found to lack protected outlets or have undersized electrical lines. All A/C units, fans and lights should be tested to see if they are working.

In many instances, woodwork in the home will need refinishing and metal work repainting. Roof repairs may be necessary, and exterior wood on fascias and overhangs almost always needs refinishing due to lack of maintenance. If rotting wood is found, replacement is expensive.

In addition to reviewing the quality of home construction and finishes, an inspection can bring to light potential drainage and runoff issues that may present themselves in the near future. It can also provide an indication of construction costs and replacement value of buildings and structures.

Arming yourself with a complete understanding of the Costa Rican home you plan to buy will help you make the best investment possible.

Avoid surprises and additional costs in the future by spending a small amount before purchasing. It’s certain to save you money in the long run.

C

68 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Costa Rica is known for its faulty plumbing. A thorough inspection of plumbing throughout the home, and also the septic tank when opened, will likely uncover issues such as

Costa Rica is known for its faulty plumbing. lack of venting or an undersized or improperly built septic system.

Costa Rica’s electrical code has been updated many times in recent years. So unless the home is brandnew (and possibly despite being new), findings of ungrounded outlets, switches and even entire electrical systems are not surprising. That may be fine and need not prevent you from buying the home. However, rewiring costs hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars, and neglecting to do so can cause issues with appliances, computers and other electrical devices. Besides missing grounds,

ll

SIMPLY SPANISH

a Serving

e Guanacast

Tico Expressions agüevado — bored, bummed out, sad, dissatisfied, driven to distraction. agüevazón — a situation that makes you feel agüevado, like waiting in line at the bank for two hours: ¡Qué agüevazón! a eso voy — “That’s what I’m getting at,” “That’s what I’m saying.” agarrar de maje — to trick someone. Me dijo que su hermana era bonita, pero me agarró de maje porque no tiene hermana. — “He told me his sister was pretty, but he tricked me because he doesn’t have a sister.” al chile — literally “to the chile.” Usually this means fast, right now, right away, but it’s also used to mean “really.” ¿Al chile? — "Really?" al final de cuentas — “at the end of the day,” in summation, to sum it all up, end of story. comehuevos — egg eaters. Refers to frugal Costa Rican families who take cheap vacations on the beach, bringing boiled eggs to eat so they don’t have to pay for restaurants. ¡Güácala! — Yuck! le patina el coco — literally “her/his head is skating,” this means someone is crazy. manda huevo — literally “send egg,” this means, “It’s easy, just do it, what’s the problem?” Tienes 10 mil dólares y quieres comprar un carro usado? ¡Manda huevo! — “You have $10,000 and you want to buy a used car? Just do it!” me extraña — “I’m surprised.” Sometimes used sarcastically to mean “Obviously,” as when something expected happens and you’re not really surprised. me pega el ombligo a la espalda — “My navel is sticking to my back,” meaning, “I’m hungry.” meter la pata — literally “to stick your foot in it,” this means to screw something up. Ya metió las patas means a woman has gotten pregnant by accident. por dicha — Luckily, thank goodness. An unreligious way of saying Gracias a Dios, “Thank God.” Qué pereza — What laziness. An expression used when you’re feeling lazy and don’t feel like doing anything. ¡Ufa! — Expression used when something smells bad, like when you smell a skunk.

Property and Mold Inspections Residential and Commerical Infrared Inspections - Moisture intrusion - Thermal efficiency

+506-8478-4767 US: 1-773-562-5722 www.puravidahomeinspections.com Read. like. share. | online howlermag.com | 69

COMMUNITY

PET CARE

What to Expect from a Vet Visit

W

hen seeking veterinary care for your pet, knowing what to expect is beneficial for all concerned. Both pet owners and patients deserve a good examination.

Many findings can result from a single visit, enabling veterinarians to suggest measures to take right now and those that can wait until later.

Most visits to our clinic start with the pet owner telling us what the problem is or is believed to be. What we expect from you is to tell us the whole story of what really happened or could be a factor … anything that might help in diagnosing, treating and healing your friend. Maybe he ate a toy or some table food he shouldn’t have. Perhaps it involves access to garbage or a car accident. Do not withhold any details for fear of being judged or blamed. What we need to give a diagnosis is good information and a thorough physical examination.

Adequate time, privacy and space are also in the mutual interest of patient, pet owner and doctor. Privacy does not mean you can not be in the consultation room when your pet is examined. It means space for our initial meeting and getting to know

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each other enough to feel comfortable.

That includes letting you know what to expect in terms of your pet being touched and examined.

Even if your pet’s health condition appears to be confined to a specific area, the examination should be comprehensive.

Whether your vet proceeds from head to tail or vice versa does not matter, as long as the entire body is checked. Depending on findings, a collateral test might be required

Preventive medicine is always less expensive than curative medicine. such as blood tests, x-rays or ultrasound.

We suggest a complete blood workup for all patients at least once a year, due to the high incidence of tick fever in our area. In addition, a 4DX snap test for heartworm, a relatively new disease here, should be performed annually..

Physical examinations also include cardiac auscultation, ideally when patients

By Dr. Gilberth Cavallini and Dr. Leticia Cajal

are calm, made to feel more comfortable by their owner, and used to the veterinarian.

When heart anomalies are detected, a cardiologist might be consulted to diagnose and treat a pet’s heart condition, including an appropriate diet for optimal life quality and expectancy.

Another objective of physical examinations is to determine eye conditions for possible referral to an ophthalmologist.

Starting at the onset of their senior stage, older pets require a more thorough examination to assess their current condition and their future needs. This complete checkup, in addition to the routine aspects covered above, would include urinalysis, kidney function, ultrasound and x-rays.

Some veterinary clinics, including ours, offer health care packages covering different procedures during different visits or geared to your pet’s specific priorities.

Loving your pet means taking care of its needs. Preventive medicine is always less expensive than curative medicine. Time does not forgive … early is much better than late. A good vet is not just someone who knows all diseases, but who knows what is not normal.

COMMUNITY INSURANCE NUGGETS

by Phil Eitman

MARCHAMO

OUCH! What is this?

A

s many are aware, all vehicle owners in Costa Rica are legally required to purchase a minimum level of liability insurance, billed annually as part of their marchamo registration payment.

Knowing what is and is not covered by this mandatory insurance, known as Seguro Obligatorio de Automóviles (SOA), will give you a better idea of what optional coverage may be advisable.

The purpose of SOA is to insure victims of vehicle accidents resulting in injury or death, regardless of whether they are pedestrians or vehicle occupants, and whether there is driver liability.

The amount covered is up to 6 million colones per person in medical and funeral services. In addition, the law establishes three specific cases in which that amount can be doubled to 12 million: When the affected party is a minor.

When the person requiring medical attention is not insured in the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social (CCSS).

When the injury puts the person's life at risk.

Some benefits of SOA coverage include: Surgical, hospital, pharmaceutical and rehabilitation medical assistance.

Prostheses and medical devices that are required to correct functional deficiencies.

Benefits in cash, corresponding to compensation for disability, temporary or permanent, or death as detailed in the law.

Payments for transportation, lodging and meals, when the injured person due to the provision of medical or rehabilitation services must move to a place different from their habitual residence and the INS cannot provide the service.

Costs incurred for the funeral and the transfer of the body, according to the terms established by the law.

If this doesn’t seem like much in return for your marchamo dollars, find out what additional vehicle insurance coverage and roadside assistance services are available. Your insurance broker can provide details and help you decide.

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COMMUNITY

Applying for COSTA RICA RESIDENCY

LEGAL EASE

by Ivan Granados, Attorney at Law

T

he application process for Costa Rica residency can seem daunting, even if you have a general sense of what’s expected. Specific questions are likely to arise at various stages, which is when legal expertise and support are invaluable. Many Costa Rican law firms offer services to residency applicants in a “one-stop shop” manner. Our offices can provide step-by-step guidance and assistance in meeting the requirements outlined below. A comprehensive client information page elaborates on the details and types of help you might need and want.

Legal expertise and support are invaluable.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS Application letter to immigration authority: Individual family members each require a separate file. Parents sign on behalf of minor children.

Fingerprints taken at the Costa Rican Ministry of Public Security: Must be done in person in San José.

Required for applicants 12 years and older.

Complete copy of applicant’s passport certified by notary public: Required for all applicants,

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including minors. All passports and tourist visas must be valid and current.

Registration at applicant’s consulate in Costa Rica: Waived if applicant’s country of citizenship does not have a consulate or embassy in Costa Rica.

Birth Certificate * Marriage Certificate * If the applicant is married and wishes to include spouse as a dependent.

Criminal record*: Applicants 12 years and over must provide any record of convictions for criminal activity from their country of origin or last country of residence for more than three years.

8 passport size photos A requirement for applicant, spouse, and dependent children. * All of these must be apostilled, or if your native country is not a signatory to the Apostille Convention, duly legalized and submitted to the Costa Rican consulate in your country of origin.

(See LegalEase article in the December 2017 Howler at http:// howlermag.com/2018/01/4345/.)

Certification expires 6 months after issue date.

FINANCIAL STABILITY This requirement for the main applicant also qualifies the applicant’s spouse and dependent children younger than 25 years.

Proof is required for one of the following income sources: Pension Certification that applicant receives a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month from a qualified source abroad, including a retirement plan or Social Security Proof that this income was converted into colones in a nationally recognized bank Investment Applicant must demonstrate a real estate investment in Costa Rica with a value of at least $200,000 Fixed Annuity Certification that applicant has received a guaranteed annuity of $2,500 per month for at least two years Proof that this income was converted into colones in a nationally recognized bank OTHER All documents not in Spanish must be duly translated into Spanish by an official translator approved by the Costa Rica Ministry of Foreign Affairs Once the residency has been approved, applicants must register with Costa Rican Social Security (CCSS)

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

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

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

2653-4354 info@pacificsmilecr.com

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

CASA NOVA INTERIORS TAMARINDO DENTIST Home & Commercial Furniture First Dentist in Tamarindo Turnkey packages, window treatments, Tipografía 3 Tipografía 1 Implants • Orthodontist • Endodontist • design services and much more HELVETICA NEUE LIGHT ITALIC SF INTELLIVISED BOLD ITALIC Tipografía 2 Cosmetic Dentistry CENTURY GOTHIC ITALIC Tamarindo Paseo Del Mar #13, Huacas 24/7 for emergencies Mon-Sat, 9-5 2653-2020 2653-9060 smile@tamarindodentist.com www.casanova.cr B/N CMYK

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

FITNESS

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

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

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

ISOLOGOTIPO PACIFIC COAST

LA URUCA, HUACAS Supermarket Food, liquor, fishing gear, and much more - delivery service available

HOME DECOR

PURA VIDA HOME INSPECTIONS Certified Home Inspector Property and mold inspections, residential and commercial, specialist in moisture intrusion Serving all Guanacaste Daily, call for appointment 8478-4767 / US +1 772-562-5722 puravidahomeinspections.com

PACIFIC SMILE DENTAL CARE Kids & Adults - English Speaking Highly experienced staff— orthodontics, implants, endodontics, gums

CENTRO DE CARNES VILLA MAR Freshness & Quality is Our Priority Beef, frozen seafood, chicken, pork, sausages. We have San Martin meats Villarreal: 250m to Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8am-7pm 2249-0710 express service carniceriavillamar@hotmail

GROCERY STORES

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

8735-1402 info@puravidaenergysystems.com

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

DENTAL SERVICES

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

BEACH COMMUNITY CHURCH Visit and Socialize Love, hope, peace

CHURCH / COUNSELING

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

ARCHITECTURE, CONSTRUCTION & HOME SERVICES

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

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

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast

DEEP GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY Fine Art Nature Photography Fine art nature photography prints for home or office deepgreenphotography.com 24/7 8396-0363 greg@deepgreenphotography.com

CRIA School Education Accredited grade school and high school education

SCHOOLS

PHOTOGRAPHY

ALL INSURANCE CR - TAMARINDO Health, Auto, Homeowners and More Offering the best coverage with customer service a priority Across from Auto Mercado Mon-Sat, 8-5 2653-4300 / 973-536-1191 (24/7) info@allinsurancecr.com

HOSPITAL METROPOLITANO PANTONE 138 C Clinic Primary Care Best PANTONE medicine at the best price; 2965 C emergency care, lab, pharmacy; all PANTONEaccepted 7544 C insurance

DigitalPhoto CR Inspired by Love!

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

5km south of Huacas Mon-Fri, 8-3:30 2653-6363 info@educartecostarica.com

LA PAZ Private School All grades, international baccalaureate program

MV CONTA Accounting Services Full service accounting, tax and auditing

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

Tamarindo- Plaza Conchal Call for appointment 2653-4423

GM ATTORNEYS Legal Services Full service in all areas of law Tamarindo and Flamingo Mon-Fri, 9-1, 2-5 2654-4367 / 2653-2155 info@gmattorneyscr.com

REAL ESTATE

8794-7679 / 8466-6484 costaricaantigua@gmail.com

SCHOOLS

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

COSTA RICA ANTIGUA E INEDITA José Gerardo Suárez Monge Photographer and historian, collects and analyzes historical photos

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

EDUCARTE Preschool, Primary, Secondary Private bilingual school

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

PHOTOGRAPHY

MEDICAL

INSURANCE

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

KRAIN Luxury Real Estate Member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World Flamingo, Potrero, Ocotal Daily 8-5 2654-4010 info@kraincostarica.com

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY: Gold Coast Tamarindo, Langosta, Villarreal, Huacas, Playa Grande, Brasilito, Flamingo, Surfside/Potrero All times AM to PM unless noted

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

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

REAL ESTATE

Plaza Palmas #3, Tamarindo Mon-Sat, 8-5 8351-9910 / 4702-5106 thedogtortamarindo@gmail.com

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

REAL ESTATE

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THE DOGTOR Vet, Grooming & Pet Shop Export proceedings, delivery, pickup and dropoff service

COMMUNITY

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 2654-5460 kwcostarica.com

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

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)

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

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

VETERINARIAN

REAL ESTATE

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

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

REAL ESTATE

Tamarindo & Flamingo Mon-Fri, 8-5 2654-4004 / 8407-1898 info@plantacionproperties.com

SCHOOLS REAL ESTATE

CHRISTIE'S International Real Estate Specializing in Costa Rica real estate for over 27 years

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

Playas del Coco All times AM to PM unless noted

ECO-COCO Community Organization Our mission is to raise awareness and educate the community by organizing cleanups and recycling

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

REAL ESTATE

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

COMMUNITY

DINING GUIDE

Photo courtesy of

El Barco has an onsite organic garden that grows many of its herbs, spices and vegetables Read. like. share. | online

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DINING GUIDE

TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA

Hotel Capitán Suizo, Playa Tamarindo Hours Daily, noon to 9:30pm Mon, 7-9pm, Live marimba Wed, 7-9pm, Avelino Dos Santos Fri. from 6:30, beach BBQ with live marimba Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante@hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products.

El Barco Del Capitán: European-Tico Fusion, Beachfront Restaurant El Barco Del Capitán is nestled in the beautiful garden of the Hotel Capitán Suizo and offers a modern, healthy and fresh cuisine.

The restaurant is open to the public for lunch, snacks and dinner. The chef, Jujo Molina, created his dishes inspired by his European roots and the incredible nature that surrounds him here in Costa Rica. Using products from the on-site organic garden and local producers, he creates entirely homemade plates with no additives or preservatives to offer healthy meals every day, every time.

MENU SELECTIONS Ensalada Pulpo (Lunch) $18 Octopus, capers, green olives, tomato carpaccio with paprika vinaigrette

Croquetas del Chef (Snack) $9 Homemade Spanish croquetas with octopus, fish, chicken or spinach

Tartar Capitan (Dinner)

$13

Tacos Carne (Lunch)

$15

Calamares Crujientes (Snack) $13

Rollo Pollo (Dinner)

$20

The Veggie (Lunch)

$15

Pâté Marino (Dinner)

$12

Linguini (Dinner)

$23

Fish Pita (Lunch)

$17

Tres Vegetales (Dinner)

$10

Lomito (Dinner)

$28

Beef, tortillas with mixed cabbage salad, guacamole and tamarindo sauce Grilled portobello, tomato, zucchini, chilealmonds-garlic sauce, homemade bun Pita, grilled mahi-mahi, cucumber, carrot, dill yogurt, green leaf side salad

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Crispy calamari with homemade green pesto and a honey, red onion escabèche.

Fish pâté made with a light napolitana sauce with toasts and coconut mayonnaise Roasted eggplant-red peppers-onion tartare with homemade garlic bread

Tuna and mango tartar with capers and a cilantro, ginger and soy dressing

Chicken stuffed with mango, asparagus and bacon, potato puree

Calamari, jumbo shrimps, mussels, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, white wine

200gr of tenderloin with a tamarind sauce over Swiss Roësti and vegetables

Beachfront, 400m toward Langosta from Super 2001 Hours Daily, 9am-10pm Phone: 2653-1127 info@langostabeachclub.com Specialties Right on the beach Live music Daily happy hour, 4-6pm

Langosta Beach Club: Two Beachfront Restaurants: French and Sushi Langosta Beach Club is the only true beach club in the Tamarindo area. Always open to the public. Uniquely offering two outstanding restaurants. The finest French cuisine in the area and the freshest sushi, made only upon ordering. Served on the beach or poolside or in your own private cabana. The atmosphere is a mix of Costa Rica casual during the beach club day, but very classy and romantic by night. A nice variety of very delightful cuisine. Day passes are available to have access to the pool, fitness and lounge chairs. Sporting equipment also available: surf , SUP, kayak and more.

MENU SELECTIONS Tuna Tartare

Lomito Gorgopepper

Poke Salad - Sushi

Crispy Jumbo Shrimp

Marcus Chicken

King Rolls - Sushi

Goat Cheese Caprese

Tuna Napoleon

Mussel MariniĂŠre

Langosta Salad

Seabass Champagne

Mozzarella and Avocado Tartare

Yellowfin Pacific raw tuna delightfully marinated with the finest ingredients

Tenderloin served with lyonnaise potato, green peppercorn and gorgonzola sauce

Fresh shrimp rolled in a pasta filo with Chicken breast served in a creamy coriander fried and served with spicy sauce gorgonzola sauce with mashed potatoes Brioche bread with fresh goat cheese with vinaigrette, balsamic reduction and more

Pacific tuna served with crispy potato, arugula, caviar and mousseline sauce

Poached langosta with caviar in white sauce, Seabass filet with a champagne and white toasted brioche, arugula and vinaigrette mushroom sauce with balsamic reduction

Tuna, onion, avocado, seaweed, hot pepper, sesame seeds Shrimp tempura, cucumber, avocado covered with crab mixture with tempura crispy Cooked in white wine, leek, onion, parsley and garlic, served with our signature fries Freshly diced mozzarella, avocado, tomato, onion, capers, lettuce served with vinaigrette Read. like. share. | online

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TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA

DINING GUIDE

LANGOSTA

25m south of Naxos Playa Langosta Hours Daily, 6pm-midnight Phone: 8562-5432 bokaslangosta@gmail Specialties Happy hour, 5:30-7 - 2x1 Moscow mule cocktail - National beer c1000

Boka's: Wine Bar

Restaurant

Hours Mon-Sat, 7am -8pm Sun, 8am-4pm

Tapas bar, French fusion, fine wine. A delightful inviting environment. French chefs create new menus daily with fresh ingredients.

Phone: 4701-3291 Specialties Natural foods vegetarian & vegan

Happy hour menu and specialty cocktails. Come and enjoy!

MENU SELECTIONS

Traditional Ceviche

c4000

Cordon Blue

c5000

Topped with a fresh cucumber mousse

Served with a creamy cheese polenta on the side

TAMARINDO

200m E, 800m N of Banco Nacional, on top of the hill Hours 7am - 10pm Phone: 8366-1576 / 4700-4747 Specialties Mixed French and Argentinean cuisine.

Wonderful view and fresh breezes.

Happy hour 4-6pm

Healthy - Easy - Delicious Special breakfasts, lunches and dinners, coffee & dessert Salads, sandwiches, falafel, fruit juices and green juice,. We also provide vegetarian and vegan options

MENU SELECTIONS Falafel and Tabboleh Pad Thai - Vegetable Shaka Tacos (Friday only)

Vista @ Esplendor: Fresh and creative food

An alliance between a French restaurant and an Argentinean touch. Come up and see why we are called the vista, and enjoy the fresh ocean breezes. For lunch, dinner or just a drink, you will enjoy our wonderful view of Tamarindo Bay. Happy hour from 4 to 6 and live music on weekends.

MENU SELECTIONS Chicken Lime Salad

Chicken, tomato, lettuce, red onions, sweet pepper, candied lime vinaigrette

$12

Sea bass filet with white butter and pink pepper sauce, mashed potatoes

Sea Bass Meuniere

$13

Roastbeef King

$12

Tuna Pesto Sauce

$14

XL Burger

$15

Veggies Pasta

$14

Homemade bread, roast beef, onions, tomato, lettuce, mustard, french fries

Homemade bread, beef, bacon, onions, cheese, tomato, lettuce, bbq, french fries

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Shaka Food

3km from Villarreal, Tamarindo Road

Tuna, tomato, red onions, capers, virgin olive oil and vinegar vegetables sautĂŠ

Pink peppercorn sauce, capers, choice of two sides

TAMARINDO

DINING GUIDE

25m from Tamarindo Rotonda

Pikatas: Food - Bar - Coffee Enjoy our menu in a fusion of multicultural food highlighting the most important Lebanese, Venezuelan, Mexican, Asian and American cuisine. Excellent cuts of meat and the best wood-fired pizza. Pikatas is a special place to share with families and friends. Enjoy excellent cocktails and wines. We also have the best desserts and high altitude coffee.

Hours 11am-2am Phone: 8539-6632 pikatastamarindo@gmail

MENU SELECTIONS Pikatas Mix

Wood-Fired Pizza

Paella

Seafood

Steak - Premium Cuts

Hookah Service

Spanish-style rice with vegetables, chicken and seafood Delicious New York and ribeye cuts, served with a side of your preference

VILLARREAL

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

Lobster, fish, salmon with dill sauce, tuna filet in sesame crust The best selection of tobacco flavors to enjoy the best hookah experience

Black Stallion

Rustic Outdoor BBQ

Hours By reservation Phone: 8869-9765 Specialties Zipline and BBQ buffet for only $85.

Available for private parties and events.

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.

Available for private parties and events.

Mixed BBQ Buffet

$45

Seafood Buffet

$45

A delicious array of seafood and sides dishes

Flamingo - 100m south of road to Potrero

Vaca Loka

Italian Restaurant

Hours Thurs-Tues 11:30am-10:30pm Phone: 8532-8613

True Italian cuisine.

Pasta like you are in Roma!

Fresh bruschetta served when you arrive. Buon appetito!

Specialties Pizza - Pasta - Meat - Fish

MENU SELECTIONS

MENU SELECTIONS Baby back ribs, chorizo and chicken, sides included

Specialties Karaoke Live music 8pm Happy hour 11-6pm Hookah service Wood-fired pizza

Different options of pizza with the special house sauce and mozzarella cheese

House Lasagna

c6.500

Ribeye c6.500

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FLAMINGO

Mixed dishes to share with the best elements of Lebanese, Mexican and American cultures

TAMARINDO

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

BRASILITO

Main corner, Brasilito Hours Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight Phone: 8688-0651 costarica@ lucysretiredsurfers.com Specialties Only for the brave: Our infamous scorpion shot

Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar & Restaurant: Coastal Cuisine Beachfront restaurant and bar serving unique coastal fusion dishes and cocktails featuring the freshest ingredients in Guanacaste!

Lucy’s is more than just a restaurant, it’s a lifestyle. With locations in some of the most tubular spots around the world (New Orleans, Key West, Costa Rica and Aruba), we know how to have a good time. Let the sea breeze and sound of the waves remind you that when you’re here you’re always on vacation. At Lucy’s we’re serious about our grub – we’ve got all your classic favorites like burgers and nachos, as well as our signature coastal bites with a touch of Pacific flair. Our one-of-a-kind drinks are the perfect way to cool down after a long day at the beach, and we keep them flowing all day (and night!) long. Lucy's’ daily food & drink specials are boat-to-table and will give you something new to try every day, and with live music, a radical bar scene, and six large-screen TVs, Lucy’s is Guanacaste's hottest new bar and restaurant!

MENU SELECTIONS Shaka Ceviche

c5,500

The Juicy Lucy

Avocado Fritas

c5,500

Bacon Brie Chicken Sandwich

Cheese Quesadilla

c5,000

Tsunami Tuna Salad

Serious Nachos

c6,700

Blackened Fish Tacos c6,000

Delicious fresh local fish and shrimp in a citrus marinade topped with avocado

Beer-battered avocado slices served with black bean salsa and homemade ranch

Flour tortilla overflowing with melted cheese, served with pico and guacamole

Fully loaded nachos topped with beans, pico, sour cream, and our rockin’ guac

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c7,500

Our famous 8 oz. burger served on a brioche bun with Lucy’s special sauce

Grilled marinated chicken breast topped with bacon, brie, tomato, and spinach

c6,500

Freshly seared yellowfin served over spring mix with fresh fruit and feta

Blackened local fish topped with mangopineapple slaw and avocado crema

Pao Pao Shrimp Tacos c6,500 Fried or grilled shrimp tossed in a sassy pao pao sauce, topped with cabbage slaw

Flank Steak Tacos

c6,500

Marinated flank steak topped with jalapeño chimichurri and queso fresco

Whole Red Snapper Casado c8,000 Served with island rice, black beans, and a side salad

N’awlins Surf n’ Turf c10,000 Marinated flank steak served with head-on Cajun BBQ shrimp and roasted potatoes

Palm Beach, next to the estuary Hours Breakfast: 7:30-2:30 Lunch: 11-3 Dinner: 5:30-9 Phone: 2653-0975 frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com Specialties

The Great Waltini's - Bula Bula: American Fusion Cuisine

Daily:

Enjoy casual fine dining and experience “A fusion of the Americas” in a tranquil and inviting setting. At the Great Waltini’s, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in an attractive dining area or choose to sit under the stars and enjoy your meal on the garden patio. Choose from houseaged steaks, seafood dishes, and down home fare. Top with cocktails and desserts—the complete experience.

Located in beautiful Palm Beach Estates next to the estuary. Easily accessible from Tamarindo via boat taxi (complimentary with dinner reservations). Pickup time 5, 5:30 and 6 pm. Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975).

Happy hour – includes domestic beer, well drinks, giant famous Bula margaritas and appetizer specials.

PALM BEACH

DINING GUIDE

Sunset happy hour 50% off appetizers 4-6pm

Monday:

Mexican all you care to eat buffet 5:30-8:30

Wednesday:

Italian All you care to eat Buffet 5:30-8:30

MENU SELECTIONS Ahi Tuna

Annie's Salad

Double Cut Pork Chop

Hand Carved Turkey

Blackened Shrimp Salad

Aged Filet Mignon

Mahi-Mahi

Baked Lasagna

St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

Mixed Seafood Combo

Aged New York Steak

8oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Oven roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and house made gravy 8oz filet prepared tropical, blackened, sautéed or fried Tuna, mahi-mahi, jumbo shrimp, calamari, & mussels in a white wine saffron sauce

Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

Italian sausage, beef & pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese

Baked tender and served with our famous tropical Bula Bula BBQ sauce

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

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DINING GUIDE

HUACAS

La Playita: Poolside Dining

3km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo

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.

Hours Daily, 7am-9pm Breakfast 7am-10am

MENU SELECTIONS

Phone: 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

Broken Yolk Sandwich

$12

Pasta

Specialties Food cooked to your taste — con mucho gusto Friday Night Texas Barbecue

Breakfast Quesadilla

$12

Open Grill

BLT La Playita

$10

Pineapple Flambé

Fried egg, bacon or ham and cheese on toast, served with seasonal fruit Eggs, tomato, onion, sweet pepper and cheese, served with seasonal fruit Always a favorite for a light bite to eat: bacon, lettuce and tomato

SURFSIDE / POTRERO

Hwy 911 just east of Bahia del Sol Hours Daily, noon-10pm Phone: 4702-8689 Specialties Vegan and gluten-free

$14

Build your own pasta bowl, with 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 vanilla ice cream

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

MENU SELECTIONS Pad Thai

c4000

Numu Angus Burger

Numu Roll

c4500

Grilled Tenderloin

Kung Pao Chicken

c5000

Seabass

Noodles, sauce, red pepper, green beans, red onion, bean sprouts Salmon, mango, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, unagi sauce

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

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c4500

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

c10000

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

c9800

Pink peppercorn sauce, capers, choice of two sides

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 Grilled Scallops

c5000

Onion Rings

c3500

Catch of the Day

c9000

Jambalaya

c7500

Pesto Tuna Sandwich

c7000

Grilled in a bath of Cacique liquor, lime and garlic With tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice

Angus Tenderloin

c11000

Grilled to perfection with vegetables & rosemary potatoes

Thick-cut battered with a subtle blend of spices, served with garlic mayo and rosada sauce

MENU SELECTIONS Tico Ceviche

c5000

Linguine Frutti di Mari

Seabass marinated with lemon juice, onion, bell pepper and coriander, served with chips

Linguini pasta with fresh sea tast in pomodoro sauce

Caribbean Chicken

c6000

Dorado on banana leaf

c9000

Filet Mignon

c9000

Quinoa cake stuffed with parmesan cheese on lettuce salad, tomatoes with potato sticks

Specialties Fresh seafood Epic sunset view

Pesto seared tuna on fresh bread served with lettuce, tomato & pesto aioli

The Sugar Beach restaurant has a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean. Here you can enjoy Costa Rican comfort food, or our lighter fare prepared with locally sourced tropical fruits and vegetables. Our daily specials feature a fresh catch of the day. You can also count on classic beach favorites and the spectacular sunset. A special place for everyone in your party.

Veggie Burger

Phone: 2654-6203

Sausage, shrimp & chicken with onions, tomatoes & peppers in Cajun sauce over rice or linguini

Sugar Beach Restaurant: Costa Rican Comfort Food

Grilled chicken in coconut sauce with pineapple, papaya and curry served with white rice

Hours Daily, 1 -9

c8500

3km north of the Potrero Soccer Field Hours 7am-9:30pm Phone: 2654-4242 2654-6214 Specialties Breathtaking sunsets Coconut breaded shrimp

Fish fillet with zucchini, carrot, oregano and garlic in olive oil served with patacones Premium cut served with a side of hunancaina style potatoes and sauteed vegetables

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LAS CATALINAS

Potrero, 800m north of Banco Nacional

The Beach House Beachfront Dining

SURFSIDE / POTRERO

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

LAS CATALINAS

At Casa Chameleon, 4km north of the Potrero soccer field Hours Daily, 7am-10pm 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

Casa Chameleon Burger

French Toast

$12

Ceviche $14

Knife & Fork Tortillas

$12

With almond milk, yogurt, fruit, cashews, local honey or tapa dulce

With sweet plantains and coconut milk cream

$17

Angus burger with arugula, Swiss or goat cheese and aioli Fresh fish ceviche, leche de tigre, homemade "chilero"

Grilled Chicken Wrap

$12

ChicharrĂłn or vegan huevos rancheros

Vegan Omelettes

Vegan Bowl

$6

$10

Octopus & Mussels

$25

Grilled Skirt Steak

$29

Fresh Tuna Poke

$20

Hearts of palm ceviche, avocado & tomato

Octopus and mussels wok-sauteed in garlic butter and white wine

With greens, avocado & tomato, spicy aioli

With asparagus, mushrooms and caramelized onion

Guacamole and Salsa

$19

Quinoa, mushroom and squash picadillo salad, spicy garbanzo beans

Skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, salad, french fries

Raw tuna, mango, avocado

Prices shown include 13% tax and 10% service / Prices subject to change

86 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Pacifico Retail Village, Playas del Coco Hours Mon-Sat, 5:30pm-10:30 pm Closed Sunday Phone: 2670-0942 Specialties Outstanding international menu, with indoor, air-conditioned seating or outdoor, breezy setting

Citron Restaurante: Latin Fusion, Mediterranean and Thai Food Bold flavors, intimate surroundings and Old World hospitality are the hallmarks of Citrón, where for seven years we have offered the finest dining in Playas del Coco. We specialize in Latin fusion and Mediterranean cuisine, with a splash of Asian spice, and we serve the finest wines and cocktails. Our servers will make you feel like family, whether you choose our elegant dining room or pleasant outdoor setting.

We strive not just to serve dinner, but to offer our guests an unforgettable experience in a unique place. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion, spending quality time with friends and family or just having a drink after work, Citrón brings passion and flavor to everything we offer. We prepare all our dishes from fresh, local ingredients and we guarantee a full-spectrum dining experience for the most discriminating palates.

MENU SELECTIONS Venezuelan Tequeños

$9

Quinoa Salad (Chicken option)

$11

New York Steak

$17

Goat Cheese Salad

$10

Octopus Tiradito

$11

Vegetarian Risotto

$17

Seared Ahi Tuna

$10

Grilled Salmon

$20

Seabass Fideuá

$16

Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli

$15

Bangkok Shrimp

$23

Crunchy (fried) bread rolls filled with melted cheese served with homemade sauces

Premium mixed greens, caramelized nuts, goat cheese & honey mustard vinaigrette Pepper-crusted tuna steaks, pineapple chutney, curry mayonnaise & wakame

Beef Tenderloin Carpaccio $10 Thinly sliced raw beef, mushrooms ragout, basil mayonnaise & fresh parmesan shaves

Fresh spinach, quinoa, mango, cherry tomatoes & avocado with ginger vinaigrette Fresh octopus, marinated in passion fruit dressing served with dill, red & green pepper Tender salmon with quinoa & vegetables served with a homemade dill sauce A homemade sauce with tomatoes & roasted red pepper over artisan ravioli

Flavorful New York Steak (10 oz.), served with french fries & chimichurri sauce

Slow-cooked arborio rice and fresh vegetables, served with a goat cheese fondue Spirit of the Mediterranean with orzo pasta, white cream and chunks of fresh seabass Fresh shrimp served in a Thai-style sauce with coconut milk, curry and cilantro

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PLAYAS DEL COCO

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

TAMARINDO

Inside Hotel Luamey Calle Del Parque at the curve Hours Daily, 5:30pm-9:30pm Closed Tuesdays Phone: 2653-1510 Call for reservations barefoot.tamarindo@gmail.com hotelluamey.com/barefoot.html Specialties Fresh seafood, fish and vegetarian dishes with gluten-free and vegan options.

BAREFOOT Restaurant-Lounge: Poolside and Garden Deck Dining A tropical oasis apart from the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo where you can experience a great vibe, healthy food and great service.

Located on a quiet road with access from all parts of Tamarindo, Barefoot is inside the lush and beautiful boutique Hotel Luamey, serving a healthy combination of vegetarian, fish and seafood dishes with gluten-free and vegan options. We offer a modern palate of international flavors that includes recipes from Asia, Europe and Latin America. Our lounge area serves a variety of cocktails, including our signature Barefoot mojitos, made 100% natural, and many specialty drinks while you enjoy music and appetizers in this Barefoot environment.

Vegetarian (V), Gluten Free(G), Vegan (VE)

MENU SELECTIONS Pico Poke (G)

Seared tuna with mango and avocado, over seaweed salad with ginger soy sauce

$9.50 Pad Thai (V/G)

Fine rice pasta noodles sautéed with vegetables and served with peanut sauce

Buddha Platter (V)

$13.50

Venus & Uranus (V)

$8

Octopus Sautéed in Garlic $9

Ocean Potion

$15

OB1 Quinoa Salad (VE/G) $9.50 Tropical Spring Rolls (VE/G) $8

Grilled Local Trout (G)

$16

Barefoot Reef Salad (G)

Trident

$19

Fried risotto spheres filled with spinach, fresh herbs and béchamel sauce Quinoa mix with avocado, cranberries, pineapple, almonds, red Peppers & more

$12

Grilled octopus or shrimp “Al Ajillo” (sautéed with garlic)

Rice wraps filled with fresh vegetables, mango, avocado, and fresh herbs

$16 Grilled Mahi-Mahi (G) $15 Fresh seafood & fish with octopus, mussels, Grilled mahi-mahi over a bed of Spinach shrimp, calamari, & crab meat topped with caramelized onions 88 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Vegetarian delights. Lentil croquettes, quinoa, spring rolls, eggplant & plantain Seafood & fish soup in coconut cream served with avocado, plantain and risotto

Grilled Costa Rican trout served with our house coconut and almond sauce Our abundant blend of local grilled/tempura seafood and fish

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

LA PLAYITA RESTAURANTE Poolside Dining Located at Seis Playas Hotel. Quality food and drink for friends and family at Seis Playas Hotel 3 km S of Huacas toward Villarreal 7 days a week, 7-9 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

Nuevo Arenal Noon-8pm 2694-5005 ummo66@yahoo.com

ROCK RIVER BY BRASOV Restaurant, bakery & lounge Our best recipe is quality.

Homemade,fresh,healthy. Best bread and divine desserts Rio Piedras, Tilaran Mon-Sat, 8-6, Sun, 8-5 8550-7762 transilvaniatila@gmail.com

CAFE MEDITERRANEO Homemade Pasta & Wood-Fired Pizza The finest Italian foods, plus meat, chicken and fish, with takeout La Fortuna Daily, 11:30am-10pm 2479-7497 restaurantemediterraneocr@gmail

RIO PIEDRAS, TILARAN

LOS PLATILLOS VOLADORES Italian Food The worst restaurant in the world!

Good food just for alien people

LA FORTUNA

SENTIDO NORTE RESTAURANT Fine Dining All food & drinks are inspired by the country’s bountiful abundance 4 km N of Potrero soccer field Daily, 7-9:30 2103-1200 concierge@casachameleonhotels.com

HUACAS

Pacifico Retail Center Mon-Sat from 5:30 pm 2670-0942 reservations@citroncoco.com

Hotel Capitán Suizo Daily, noon-10pm 2653-0075

LAS CATALINAS

CITRON RESTAURANTE Best Fine Dining Experience Upscale restaurant delivering refreshing energy through flavorful food

PLAYAS DEL COCO

From anchor, 200m E, 700m S Daily, 8-8 4031-7707 reservations@villabuenaonda.com

EL BARCO AT CAPITAN SUIZO Beachfront Restaurant Entirely homemade dishes, no additives, healthy meals every time

TAMARINDO/LANGOSTA

PORO PORO at Villa Buena Onda Amazing Food, Amazing Views!

Ocean-view dining experience in a luxurious and secluded environment

PLAYAS DEL COCO

MARACUYÁ RESTAURANT More Than Dinner, It’s an Experience Pamper your palate with culinary excellence in our secluded piece of paradise Beachfront at Bahía Pez Vela Resort Daily, noon-9 2670-0901 guanacastechef4u.com/maracuya

NUEVO ARENAL

All times AM to PM unless noted

Open Daily 7am to 9pm

Located between Matapalo & Playa Grande Phone: 2249-0387, Email: wesone2020@yahoo.com

Open Daily 7am to 9pm

Club Card Member

±ĎįíçįPØÙįĉĽğqÀPĤ ĥįŊÃıÁį ØĽdį Pğ

:Pʼn į

Simply Cut out card and bring in for lamination Start to save on all your purchases

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

Costa Rica International Academy’s

TOP 10 THINGS YOU MAY

NOT KNOW ABOUT US!

Graham Berry. Festival Writer @ Festival_Writer Jesse Bishop. Small time rock legend and theoretical humorist.

John Brockmeier. Writer inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences.

Mariana Castilla. Local writer, teacher and graphic designer.

10

We offer over 15 different after school activities on our 16-acre campus. Activities include swimming, basketball, soccer, karate, STEM, and many more!

9

We are the only U.S. Accredited K-12 school in Guanacaste.

8

Our student body is comprised of 22 nationalities.

7

92% of our parents believe CRIA’s program will help their children reach their long-term goals.

6

We have a House System (similar to Harry Potter) to create a close community within our school.

5

We have a bilingual program for Toddler thru Grade 1 (expanding to Grade 2 in August 2018).

4

Our high school students are required to do 40 hours of community service for graduation.

Jarryd Jackson. Owner of J&M Architecture and Construction, Jarryd is passionate about building and surfing.

3

We offer services for Learning Support, English Language Learners, Guidance & College Counseling, and have a FIELD STUDIES Program that includes over 50 field trips per year.

Luigi Jimenez. Costa Rican Resident, Musician + Latin American Talent Buyer

2

90% of our graduates attend university right after high school.

1

We raise an average of $30,000 per year for local non-profit organizations, including Matapalo Public Schools, a Senior Center, Brasilito Park, Surf for Youth, and several more! We also donate over 100 children’s gifts to CEPIA AND relief donations for hurricanes and Mission Trips.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR the 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR!

CONTACT US! (+506) 2654– 5042 • www.CRIACADEMY.com 92 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Gilberth Cavallini. Veterinary doctor, owner Cavallini Veterinary Services, Villarreal (MegaSuper Plaza). tamarindovet@gmail.com Phil Eitman. Broker for Prisma Corredor de Seguros. Call 26534300, visit allinsurancecr.com or e-mail philcostarica@gmail.com Valeria Gonzalez. Owner of Almacen Organico & Natural, Tamarindo almacenorganicoynatural@gmail. com WhatsApp +54 9 223 5415383.

Ivan Granados. Managing partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com

Patricia Sterman. Owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, jewelry manufacturer, and co-founder of SalveMonos animal protection group.

José Gerardo Suárez Monge.

Professional photographer, graphic designer and author of six Costa Rican historical photo books. Call 7062-3086 or 87947679 Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com Lane Undhjem. Adventure journalist + Co-Founder at Good Vibe Getdown. facebook.com/ Goodvibegetdown Ryan Waldron. BS Atmospheric Science, surfer. ryan@witchsrock. com PHOTOGRAPHY Abi Acuña. Dreamer-photographer inspired by love in capturing magic moments to tell your story.

Contact: 8737-3885. digital. photocr@gmail.com Gregory Basco. Award-winning professional nature photographer and environmentalist. www. deepgreenphotography.com, www.fotoverdetours.com ENVISION PHOTOGRAPHERS Eric Allen Diana Bartos Jacob Avanzato

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.

Leo Carvajal

Johnny Lahoud. Owner/broker of Pura Vida Realty, Playa Grande.

He loves Costa Rica a lot. pvrealty@gmail.com

Jamieson Mulholland

Sylvia Monge. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishfhorexpats23@gmail.com

Daniel Zetterstrom

Michael Córdoba Aaron Glassman Andrew Jorgensen Azi Khan Amir Weiss Ron Worobec CORRECTION In our January 2018 issue, the article SalveMonos - Bridging Tragedy to Hope, was missing a photo credit on page 64 for Isabel Amador.

TIDE CHART

FEB 1 - FEB 28, 2018

DAY

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

1 Thurs

3:00 AM 9.95'

9:13 AM -1.06'

3:31 PM 9.83'

9:36 PM -0.64'

2 Fri

3:50 AM 10.11'

10:03 AM -1.27'

4:21 PM 10.10'

10:26 PM -0.78'

3 Sat

4:40 AM 10.03'

10:49 AM -1.23'

5:09 PM 10.12'

11:16 PM -0.68'

4 Sun

5:28 AM 9.73'

11:35 AM -0.95'

5:55 PM 9.90'

5 Mon

12:04 AM -0.37'

6:16 AM 9.23'

12:21 PM -0.46'

6:43 PM 9.47'

6 Tues

12:54 AM 0.11'

7:04 AM 8.59'

1:09 PM 0.18'

7:33 PM 8.92'

7 Wed

1:44 AM 0.66'

7:56 AM 7.90'

1:57 PM 0.87'

8:25 PM 8.33'

8 Thurs

2:38 AM 1.20'

8:52 AM 7.28'

2:51 PM 1.51'

9:19 PM 7.81'

9 Fri

3:38 AM 1.61'

9:54 AM 6.82'

3:49 PM 2.01'

10:19 PM 7.45'

10 Sat

4:42 AM 1.82'

11:00 AM 6.63'

4:55 PM 2.28'

11:21 PM 7.32'

11 Sun

5:46 AM 1.78'

12:04 PM 6.70'

5:59 PM 2.27'

12 Mon

12:19 AM 7.40'

6:44 AM 1.54'

1:00 PM 6.99'

6:57 PM 2.03'

13 Tues

1:11 AM 7.65'

7:30 AM 1.18'

1:46 PM 7.38'

7:45 PM 1.67'

14 Wed

1:57 AM 7.97'

8:12 AM 0.80'

2:28 PM 7.82'

8:27 PM 1.25'

15 Thurs

2:37 AM 8.29'

8:50 AM 0.43'

3:06 PM 8.23'

9:05 PM 0.84'

16 Fri

3:17 AM 8.56'

9:26 AM 0.13'

3:42 PM 8.59'

9:43 PM 0.48'

17 Sat

3:53 AM 8.74'

10:00 AM -0.07'

4:18 PM 8.85'

10:19 PM 0.23'

18 Sun

4:29 AM 8.80'

10:34 AM -0.16'

4:52 PM 9.01'

10:55 PM 0.08'

19 Mon

5:07 AM 8.73'

11:10 AM -0.14'

5:28 PM 9.06'

11:33 PM 0.07'

20 Tues

5:43 AM 8.55'

11:46 AM -0.02'

6:04 PM 8.99'

21 Wed

12:13 AM 0.17'

6:23 AM 8.27'

12:24 PM 0.21'

6:46 PM 8.82'

22 Thurs

12:57 AM 0.37'

7:07 AM 7.94'

1:08 PM 0.51'

7:32 PM 8.57'

23 Fri

1:45 AM 0.63'

7:59 AM 7.58'

1:58 PM 0.85'

8:26 PM 8.29'

24 Sat

2:43 AM 0.89'

8:59 AM 7.30'

3:00 PM 1.16'

9:30 PM 8.07'

25 Sun

3:49 AM 1.02'

10:09 AM 7.22'

4:10 PM 1.30'

10:40 PM 8.03'

26 Mon

5:01 AM 0.92'

11:23 AM 7.45'

5:24 PM 1.15'

11:52 PM 8.25'

27 Tues

6:09 AM 0.56'

12:31 PM 7.96'

6:34 PM 0.73'

7:11 AM 0.04'

1:31 PM 8.61'

7:36 PM 0.16'

28 Wed

12:56 AM 8.66'

SUNRISE

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 FEBRUARY 28, 2018

6:01 AM 5:54 PM

SUNSET

FEBRUARY 1, 2018 FEBRUARY 28, 2018

5:44 AM 5:49 PM

Full Moon

February 7

February 15

February 23

3 Quarter

New Moon

1st Quarter

Full Moon

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

Connie López 8572-1957

QUALITY CUSTOM MADE

FURNITURE

NEW INVENTORY WEEKLY

• Open 7 days • 8am-5pm • English Spoken Main Road Huacas to Tamarindo 1200 meters 94 | HM HOWLER MAGAZINE

Overseas Pacific Realty is proud to announce the opening of our brand new office in Flamingo

www.overseaspacificrealty.com Overseas Pacific Realty is a team of real estate professionals with over 28 years experience servicing Flamingo and the surrounding areas. We are proud members of the Costa Rica MLS, a real estate network of hundreds of real estate agents across the county, providing world wide reach for all our listings in 7 languages.

The Overseas Team

Fritz Mayr fritz@overseas.de

Pennye Wheeler pennye@overseas.de

Jack Osborne jack@overseas.de

Donna Osborne donna@overseas.de

Wally Beck wally@overseas.de

Chantal Batter chantal@overseas.de

Located on the main road into the north ridge of Flamingo, right across from the marina.

Featured Listings: January 2018 Amazing Panoramic Ocean Views

NE W Exclusive Playa Potrero, Guanacaste Ref. Listing ID: rs170060

Building Lot in Hacienda Pinilla

For Sale $1,800,000 3 bedrooms / 2 bathrooms 3 hectares of land

10 RM Hotel & Restaurant

For Sale $170,000 Near Tamarindo, Guanacaste Ref. Listing ID: ll1700262

Cleared and ready to build 2,000 square meters

North Ridge Ocean-View Mansion

Kim Trefcer kim@overseas.de

Mike Shannon mike@overseas.de

+506-2654-6070 Toll-Free: 888-597-3126 info@overseaspacificrealty.com For Sale $1,700,000 Playa Grande, Guanacaste Ref. Listing ID: cs1700037

10 rooms / Large Pool Large Capacity Public Restaurant

For Sale $3,950,000 Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste Ref. Listing ID: rs1800027

25 m sur antes del puente Flamingo Marina | 50308 95

6 bedrooms / 6 bathrooms online howlermag.com 18,000 square metersRead. like. share. | Guanacaste, Playa Flamingo

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ta Cos a Ric

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Costa Rica’s

EXTREME Tour

TURE PIONEE VEN RS AD SINCE

1992

BOOK online see our internal ad desafiocostarica.com/howlermag