Howler Magazine Costa Rica November 2018

HOWLER November 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

magazine

since 1996

f o s e t a m i l C e h t sta Rica Co Introducing

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ACE Arts Culture Entertainment

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HOWLER

CO N T E N T S CLIMATES OF COSTA RICA Cover Story

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6 Up Front 6 - Editorial 8 - Community Services 10 - Cover Story: Climates of Costa Rica 14 - Five Factors Figure into Climate Complexity

17 ACE: Arts Culture Entertainment

ART CITY TOUR ACE Feature

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18 - ACE Feature: Art City Tour 20 - Urban Tourism: Carpe Chepe!

22 - Cultural Heritage: Take a Step Back in Time, Twice 24 - Spotlight: Will Matthews

26 Travel, Adventure & Surfing CR 26 - Feature Adventure: Coco Fishing Adventure 28 - Cool Places: Parque Reptilandia 30 - Day Trip: Rainforest Adventures’ Sky Bridge Tour 32 - Surfing CR: Tide, Sun & Moon Chart

SKY BRIDGE TOUR Day Trip

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34 - Surf Spot: Jacó 36 - Profile: Nicolas Boos

40 Pura Vida / Lifestyle 40 - Tamarindo Loses a Founding Father 42 - Yogapedia: Ustrasana 44 - Fashion Flash: What’s Your Jewelry Style?

46 - Reason to Smile: When Dental Implants Go Wrong 48 - Pet Care: Back in the Swim for Turtle in Trouble 52 - Spanish: An Ode to Accents 52 - Simply Spanish: Things to Do with Your Hands

JACÓ

Surf Spot

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53 Dining Guide Flip Mini-Mag – CR BIZ Costa Rica Real Estate, Business & Investment

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EDITORIAL

HOWLER T r o o p

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November 2018 Vol. 23 No. 10

have to laugh looking back at my early years, filled with fun and amusing times.

An early memory is of my second-grade teacher at Lansing Elementary School in Colorado, Mrs. Birdie, writing this note to my parents:

“J.B. enjoyed making animal sounds so much that he continued after his name was on the board for a warning.

Second warning for anything means 15 minutes. So he stayed until 3:30.”

I can assure you they were monkey sounds. I was always enamored with monkeys. I even had dreams about them, once waking up my family insisting there was a monkey in the bathroom. They followed me, watching as I turned the light on, looked directly at my reflection in the mirror and said, “SEE.” I still laugh about it to this day. Now almost every day, howler monkeys wake me up as they play in the canopy of trees near my home.

It’s appropriate, if not inevitable, that I would one day be associated with something related to monkeys. Now, owning a magazine named after monkeys has made that connection.

About three years ago, while hanging out with my buddy Randy Nelson, we made an essential stop at La Uruca store in Huacas. He grabbed a copy of Howler off the rack and I asked him what it was. He said, “It’s a great free local magazine. You have to get one before they run out … they go fast.”

Little did I know then that I would soon be purchasing this iconic Costa Rican publication. From being the first of its kind

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

in Tamarindo, if not the country, Howler has since expanded in size and circulation to encompass the northern Guanacaste area from Tamarindo through Papagayo and Arenal, and entered the Central Valley this month.

The howler monkey’s renowned calls from the treetops inspire our magazine’s shout-outs to enjoy all that Costa Rica offers. We also aim to improve awareness of cautions for people living or traveling here.

It has been quite a ride, modernizing and shifting the focus from regional to more national content. We are grateful for the feedback from our loyal readers about articles they find interesting in each edition. It’s especially encouraging to know how many read the magazine from cover to cover.

Our writers are a valued asset in imparting special knowledge of topics to explore, with Costa Rica being a limitless resource. My commitment to Howler readers is to use our available ink to highlight what good business here looks like. I also have a duty to expose questionable and predatory business practices that can sabotage people’s pura vida quest.

With the start of high season’s influx of tourists and other visitors looking to move here, Howler continues striving to keep you informed and inspired with as much new knowledge of Costa Rica as we can deliver.

I was always enamored with monkeys.

HOWLER John B. Quam

Read all current and past articles online at howlermag.com

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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 Nicole Rangel - Managing Editor Debbie Bride - Copy Editor Marian Paniagua - Creative Director of Pura Vida and ACE departments Graphic Design Team Martin Svoboda - Art Director Debbie Bride - Design Consultant Adriana Zerpa - Layout Designer WEBMASTER Maria Focsa Covers CR BIZ Cover Design by The Chops Graphic Design C o n ta c t John Quam: headmonkey@howlermag.com Martin Svoboda: martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: ads@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave message) Howler Magazine Costa Rica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of 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.

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

Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

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COMMUNITY SERVICES

FIRE UNIT

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

POLICE & FIRST RESPONDERS

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FLAMINGO +506 2654-5086 VILLARREAL +506 2244-6173 PLAYAS DEL COCO +506 2670-0258 SANTA CRUZ +506 2680-0136 LIBERIA +506 2665-0609 LA FORTUNA DE SAN CARLOS +506 2479-9689

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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 VILLARREAL (Español) |Vida Real Jose Chops 8720-1984 FLAMINGO / POTRERO | Beach Front Serenity Group

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SANTA CRUZ +506 2680-0090 Tue / Fri • 5:30 pm Upstairs Costa Rica Saling Center

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+506 2690-0129 PLAYAS DEL COCO

SANTA CRUZ +506 2681-4000 Monday / Wednesday / Friday • 6:00pm LA FORTUNA DE SAN CARLOS +506 2479-1553 Sardinal Beach

TILARAN +506 2695-8475 Centro Plaza Sardinal(50 mts east from police), store N. 6.

SAN JOSE +506 2295-3851 Max 8917-2222 or John 2672-1163

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

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COVER STORY

CLIMATES OF COSTA RICA

by Tom Schultz

Some of the world’s most diverse and unique climate areas are just a day trip away.

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w

A cross-country learning trek

hat’s the weather like in Costa Rica?” Most of us are used to this question from first-time visitors or friends back in the places where we used to live. The only correct answer is, “It depends.”

It depends on where in Costa Rica you happen to be … meaning “where” in the most precise sense. Making general distinctions between beaches and mountains, or wetter versus drier regions is straightforward. But for a country that is so small in land area, Costa Rica has a dramatically disproportionate number of diverse climate areas.

Although 32 is the oft-quoted number of so-called “microclimates” Costa Rica boasts, that terminology is technically incorrect. In fact, a microclimate can be much smaller in area, even as small as the space surrounding a tall city building. My home, for example, sits on a Pacific slope at an altitude above 800

meters. We get 30 percent less rainfall than a nearby spot just 5 kilometers up the slope.

Friends a couple miles away might post that it’s pouring rain when the sun is shining on our yard.

Within each of Costa Rica’s climate zones — also known as life zones — is an extraordinary diversity of weather conditions and ecosystems. Among this country’s most astounding wonders is that you can sample almost all of them by traveling fairly short distances and by visiting certain national or private parks.

Some of the world’s most diverse and unique climate areas are just a day trip away.

Particularly notable — not just for Costa Rica but for the planet — are the contrasting tropical dry forests, coastal rainforests and barren alpine meadows, running the gamut from driest to wettest to coldest, respectively.

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One of the most popular systems used in Costa Rica for the classification of ecosystems is the Life Zone System developed by Holdridge. This system divides Costa Rica into 12 Life Zones and 11 Transition Zones based on environmental factors such as humidity, rainfall and temperature.

There are other ecosystems found in Costa Rica that are not categorized by the Holdridge system like coral reefs and dry forest.

Average hours of sunlight or heliophany is the measure of the number of hours that the ground receives direct solar radiation. Costa Rica has a large range of heliophany spanning from less than three hours to more than eight hours of direct sunlight.

In meteorology, the volume of rainfall is measured in millimeters, equivalent to one liter of water per square meter. Costa Rica again offers a diverse range of annual rainfall. The lowest annual rainfall is 1,200 mm recorded in the North Pacific region with the highest annual precipitation of 7,500 mm in the Slope of the Caribbean. Another important maximum (7,200 mm) is located between the Barva Volcano and the Sucio River.

Tropical thunderstorm approaching the coastal forest of Costa Rica.

With temperatures ranging from 32°F to 100°F, and rainfall from 40 inches a year in the dry forest areas of Guanacaste to over 17 feet of rain a year in the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica offers a diverse playground for anyone to enjoy.

Most of Nicoya and Guanacaste is covered by tropical dry forest, receiving less rainfall than anywhere else in the country. The region’s northern latitude and rain shadow effect, coupled with low altitude, contribute to its generally hot and dry climate. Some parts of northern Guanacaste receive only a few hundred millimeters of rain a year.

Santa Rosa National Park, in the far northwest tip of Guanacaste, offers a rare glimpse back in time before lumbering and cattle ranching transformed the landscape.

This park contains all that remains of Costa Rica’s original tropical dry forest — just 3

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The geographical location of Costa Rica between the tropics means there is a constant average temperature above 18 ° C. The warmest regions are located on the coasts and plains, where the average temperature is higher than 26 ° C. The lowest average temperatures are located in the center and southeast of the country, specifically on the Central Volcanic Mountain Range and the Talamanca Mountain Range, where the variation oscillates between 10 ° C and 16 ° C.

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Beach at Santa Rosa National Park — Guanacaste Province, northwestern Costa Rica. Photo: Geoff Gallice

Aerial view of Los Quetzales National Park, Cordillera de Talamanca, Costa Rica.

Photo: Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz

The remote and tropical Tortuguero National Park is home to a large range of habitats including rainforests and beaches.

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percent of untouched dry, dense forest. The rest of Guanacaste has long since been turned into cattle pasture and fields of rice and cane due to the unique arid, temperate climate.

The seasonal wetlands of Palo Verde National Park, on the southeast side of Guanacaste, make it a wildlife paradise. When the area dries up by end of April, the concentration of fauna populations intensifies, especially for birds.

Further south are Costa Rica’s wet and hot tropical wet zones — rainforests. The Osa Peninsula’s surrounding area holds some of the only remaining coastal tropical rainforests on the planet! Also remarkable is this region’s distinction as a habitat for 3 percent of the entire world’s biodiversity, due to its marine and freshwater systems. Annual rainfall in some spots here can be up to 5 meters. Corcovado National Park gives you a sense of this warm and wonderful climate zone while visiting its 13 major ecosystems, spanning in elevation from sea level to 745 meters.

Endangered by economic pressures from the forestry, agriculture and gold mining sectors, the park is a UNESCO world heritage site.

Many would agree that Costa Rica’s páramo, part of Los Quetzales National Park, is the least familiar and accessible climate zone for the same reasons it’s the most distinctively different. Straddling the Panama border across the highest Talamanca mountain peaks, this tiny spread of terrain — about 20 square kilometers in total — is sparsely populated by humans but on the global list of most unique ecosystems anywhere.

The páramo is aptly classified as a

tropical alpine region, with Andes counterparts in Colombia and Ecuador. Natural attractions include grassland meadows, dwarf shrubs and other unusual native species of vegetation, animals and birds. The páramo area is well worth the visit.

Be sure to bring warm, waterproof jacket.

As we travel up to the Central Valley, on the Pacific slope we get cooler, but not wetter, with most moisture falling on the Caribbean side or mountaintops. This area is sheltered by the ridge of volcanoes, drier than the northern and eastern parts of the Central Valley. For an example of this somewhat higher but still dry area, visit El Rodeo Preserve at the University of the Peace in Cuidad Colón. The Central Valley overall is a dynamic system where the western side is 500 meters lower than the eastern side. The weather difference between Tibás and Guácima is pretty dramatic in terms of rain and temperatures.

Heading more north, we find that warmer Caribbean waters feed moisture almost constantly, regardless of the season. As noted, the mountain slopes on the Caribbean or eastern side are wet, with premontane wet or moist forests. Arenal National Park and La Fortuna are good examples. Then we get into the large flat area of the northeast from around Upala to Límon, which experiences heavy rains and warm temperatures of the Caribbean tropical zone. A beautiful and remote place such as Tortuguero National Park, or the everglades-like wetlands of Caño Negro, are perfect to experience this region’s tropical wet climate.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Five Factors Figure Into Climate Complexity

by Tom Schultz

L

ike anywhere in the world, Costa Rica’s climate is affected by five key factors.

1. Latitude

Latitude has the greatest influence on the climate in Costa Rica, as it does in other countries compact in size with multiple climate zones, such as Colombia, Ecuador, Indonesia and Uganda.

Costa Rica extends from 8 to 11 degrees north of the equator in “the tropics” — between the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. Parts of the world in this latitude have at least one day of the year when the sun shines directly overhead. That means at noon, nothing casts a shadow. This happens here around April 14 and again around August 18.

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2. Rainfall

Being in the tropics also affects seasonal rainfall. Costa Rica’s distinct wet and dry periods, known here as winter and summer, are due to the latitude-related weather pattern in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). From ancient sailor lore, we’re familiar with trade winds blowing at certain times of the year, and the doldrums when those seasonal winds stop.

In Costa Rica, these wind currents cause rain to appear first in the southern zone, progressing north until finally, they reach the northern zones in Nicoya and Guanacaste.

Drying occurs in the opposite order; conditions and seasons are generally drier and shorter in the north.

This explains why Guanacaste is drier than Osa, and other parts of the country

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would have similar weather patterns, with a shorter or longer rainy season, if we did not account for the other climate factors such as elevation.

3. Elevation

With Costa Rica being approximately 10 degrees from the equator, why do people in San José sometimes wear jackets or sweaters? Elevation is the climate factor that can make the air chillier.

For every 1,000-foot increase above sea level, the temperature drops about 3.5°F (6.4°C per 1,000 meters). That is why in the mountains temperatures will be about 20 degrees cooler than in Costa Rica’s coastal areas.

The mountainsides that face prevailing winds from the east and northeast are wetter and the opposite slopes are drier. In other words, the Pacific slopes are generally drier than the Caribbean slopes.

4. Humidity

Moisture in the air — humidity — is the penultimate climate factor. The wetter the air, the less the human body can cool itself. That’s why 30°C (86°F) seems much hotter in humid conditions.

Besides affecting how warm it can feel, high humidity also affects the amount of sunlight and habitat conditions for plants and animals. At high altitudes, it feels colder and causes fog, which limits sunlight and at low altitudes the sun is unrestricted in its heat. So the warmer coastal areas of Costa Rica near water feel hotter, and the cooler higher-altitude places where clouds form, like Dota or Poás, will feel colder.

JULY ITCZ

JANUARY ITCZ

Winds in the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) generally blow from east to west at any given time. Meanwhile, the overall pattern shifts with the earth’s seasonal revolution around the sun: from south to north during the North American spring months, and reversing direction during fall. This corresponds with the seasonal heating of the northern or southern hemispheres.

ALTITUDINAL ZONATION

15000

TIERRA NEVADA

SNOW LINE

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TIERRA HELADA COLD, BARREN. SHEEP GRANIZING

12000

6000 2500

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TIERRA TEMPLADA

TREE LINE

UP TO THE TRELINE. HARDY CROPS: BARLEY POTATOES HIGHEST ZONE IN CENTRAL AMERICA. MOST POPULATED ZONE.COMMON IN CENTRAL AMERICA. COFFEE, CORN, WHEAT

TIERRA CALIENTE

HOT, TROPICAL, COASTAL, TROPICAL RAIN FOREST. TROPICAL AGRICULTURE: BANANAS, SUGAR

5. Ocean Currents and Temperature

Ocean currents are the fifth factor affecting our climate. With the Caribbean being generally shallower, prevailing warm water currents flow south. The opposite occurs in the deeper, colder Pacific currents flowing north.

Air flowing over cold water absorbs less moisture than it does when the water is warm. So generally, with much more moisture coming from the east than from the west, the northeast part of the country is the wettest.

These cyclical currents, especially in the Pacific, form what is commonly known as El Niño. Named by fisherman in Peru who noticed the pattern starting around Christmas time, El Niño occurs when cold Pacific currents oscillate. These currents slow down, the sea temperature rises and the warmer water causes climate changes.

El Niño's greatest warming impact in Costa Rica reinforces our normal dry season conditions while reducing rainfall during wet season. The last El Niño, ending in 2015, devastated Guanacaste with a severe two-year drought, record high temperatures and forest fires. Weather scientists predict a recurrence of El Niño here in 2019.

In equatorial Latin America, five different altitudinal zones characterize the types of wildlife and vegetation that can exist. Costa Rica has four of these altitudinal zones, lacking only the highest elevations with permanent frost or snow cover.

RISING AIR COOLS AND CONDENSES DRY AIR ADVANCES

WARM MOIST AIR

RAIN SHADOW

PREVAILING WINDS

Mountains not only affect temperature but also rainfall. Moist air rising over mountains creates rain. As the clouds move up above the mountains, they eventually lose their moisture, resulting on the other side in what’s called a rain shadow.

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ACE HOWLER

Arts Culture Entertainment

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#S earch F ind Howl Mural created during the Aliados Festival in San JosĂŠ, Costa Rica, March 2018. (Ezequiel Becerra /AFP)

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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Exhibition at National Gallery. Photo: Ronny Rojas

Departure point at Museum of Art and Contemporary Design.

Photo: GAM Cultural

ART CITY TOUR:

San José’s Best Kept Art Secret

Tour San José’s museums at night for free Workshop at the Museum of Art and Contemporary Design (Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo). “Chepe on Vacation” edition, July 2018.

ACE FEATURE

Volunteer explains evening logistics to visitors. Photo: Jose Tenorio

by Henry Bastos

The success of Art City Tour is like that of a marriage, creating a link between a vibrant city and its art and culture.

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I

n just over two square kilometers of San José’s Greater Metropolitan Area — known as Gran Área Metropolitana (GAM) — you will find most of the entire country’s museums, theaters, galleries, cultural centers, parks, squares and heritage buildings.

This area also houses 57% of Costa Rica’s population, bringing together many cultures and people.

Inspired by this diversity in culture, the GAM Cultural platform was born in 2009 as a kind of bridge for communicating and connecting all that the city has to offer.

For the ninth consecutive year, GAM Cultural has developed many programs to arouse public interest in discovering San José’s richness of arts and culture. That includes our Art City Tour, which has captivated locals and foreigners alike.

Since inception, this unique urban cultural experience has attracted more than

101,264 visitors to explore San José’s special places free of charge. In 2017 alone, more than 17,286 people participated in the six Art City Tours.

Art City Tour groups are guided through a selection of cultural spaces accommodating 15 to 40 people each, depending on the date, theme, and dynamics. These include museums, galleries, cultural centers, design stores, squares, restaurants and heritage buildings in San José Center and nearby neighborhoods such as Amón, Otoya, Escalante, Los Yoses and Sabana.

Specific geographic zones for each Art City Tour are connected by routes suitable for urban transportation modes such as a bus, cycling or walking. Visitors have free access to all participating spaces and transportation during the night. Meeting places are at well known public locations throughout the city.

Regular tour hours are from 5 to 9 p.m.

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Five different cycling groups at the Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano. Photo : GAM Cultural

The exception is "La Noche en Blanco" in November, extended until midnight.

As founding director of GAM Cultural, I think the success of Art City Tour is like that of a marriage, creating a link between a vibrant city and art and culture.

Being a cultural enterprise that integrates related initiatives and collectives, the program is financially supported by like-minded sponsoring groups. They too recognize the benefit of investment in culture and striving to revitalize San José’s attractions.

Next Art City Tour La Noche en Blanco

F

NOVEMBER 16, 2018 5pm to Midnight

or each tour, there are seven locations around the city, all points of interest and easily accessible, where free transportation is available to take visitors from one location to another.

Sector East • Museo Calderón Guardia, Barrio Escalante Central Sector • Museum of Art and Contemporary Design • National Museum • Jade Museum and the pre-Columbian culture • Museums of the Central Bank, Plaza de la Cultura Sector North • National Gallery and Penitentiary Museum Sector West • Costa Rican Art Museum, Sabana Este Contact: gamcultural.com facebook.com/ArtCityTour Download the App: GAM Cultural Visit: howlermag.com/artcitytour #s earchf indh owl

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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

by Marcos Pitti

CARPE CHEPE! A Local's Tour of San José

ACE URBANTOURISM

Carpe Chepe City Walk

I

was born and raised in San José, Costa Rica. For as long as I can remember, it’s never been hard to find something to do around here.

But I also grew up hearing that my hometown is ugly, dirty, unsafe and had nothing to offer, especially for tourists.

This is a stereotype that my friends and I really find offensive. We’ve always known everything that is hot, new and trendy in San José, where we have never known a dull moment.

Now I’m also in a position to speak from experience helping visitors make their own pleasantly surprising discoveries about San José. During my 12 years as a host on CouchSurfing.com, a social network for offering or booking free overnight stays virtually anywhere in the world, I’ve been shaken by the impact of seeing my birthplace through the lens of a tourist. Anyone crashing on my couch during their visit here has left

absolutely in love with “Chepe” — slang for downtown San José.

Eventually, on trips to unfamiliar places myself, I came to realize that every single traveler’s dream is to have a local friend who can unlock the hidden jewels of any town. This helped me understand

way suggested we try changing San José’s word-of-mouth reputation by sharing with visitors our favorite spots. That’s how Carpe Chepe was born five years ago.

Inspiration came from the old Latin lines of verse: “Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero," which translates to, “Seize the day, trust no tomorrow.” It’s that simple — we want locals and visitors alike to seize San José!

Even if it’s just for a brief one-night visit, we want people to have fun and beautiful memories of our city. So we developed all sorts of urban experiences to share our love for this place: from pub crawls and craft beer tours to Central Market and gastronomic tours to gourmet coffee tastings. For the last three years, we’ve been offering a free tour that runs from Monday to Saturday. The next time you visit San José, join us for a local's tour of the city.

Every single traveler’s dream is to have a local friend who can unlock the hidden jewels of any town. why so many San José tourists might have left with a negative impression of my beloved city without having the benefit of an authentic local experience.

I was not alone thinking all the trash talk about my home city was awful and needed to stop. Others who felt the same

Photos courtesy of Carpe Chepe

Far too many legendary spots go unnoticed in San José; I really could not pick only three if I tried. But rest assured, we do share all the cool and new places we visit in our social networks: instagram.com/carpechepe • facebook.com/CarpeChepe • TripAdvisor/Carpe Chepe For more information, call 8326-6142, email pitti@carpeChepe.com or visit CarpeChepe.com or howlermag.com/carpechepe

Carpe Craft Beer Tour

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Carpe Café - gourmet coffee tour

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ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Mariano, one of the Lopez Brothers says, "Each time I come here, I see something new. I find a different story.”

EL FARALLÓN PETROGLYPHS

Take a Step Back In Time, Twice ACE CULTURAL HERITAGE

Photos: Marian Paniagua

by Nicole Rangel

The images spring out at you, and then fade away, almost like your soul needed to see them to put your own story together.

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T

here is a place right outside Cañas, Guanacaste, where you can be transported not once, but twice, back in time and many would say that you can even have a spiritual connection to the past and nature.

El Farallón National Monument is located on the vast Las Lomas finca of the López Monge family. It’s a site you must see for yourself. The massive rock petroglyphs (drawings on rock face with incisions) provide insight into an extinct civilization, while the farm itself is a beautiful reminder that happiness is where the home is.

The time travel begins when you navigate the typical rocky roads of Guanacaste and come to the finca’s entrance on top of a vast mountain overlooking valleys and rivers with a spectacular view of Tenorio volcano. Here you enter the gates of the Las Lomas finca and come upon the amazing family farm with an orchard, cattle, stables and a farmhouse steeped in history.

The López Monge family settled on this land in the 1950s, building each of the farm structures by hand. Three of the nine siblings, Elías, Juan, Mariano and his wife, Giselle Elizondo, still live on the farm.

As you walk down the wooded path, guided by one of them, to the rocky riverbed of the Cabuyo River, you can feel a sense that you are more a part of this family and nature than just a visitor. With El Farallón on your right and the Cabuyo River on the left, you enter your second time travel.

El Farallón is a massive wall, approximately half a soccer field long and nine stories tall, with engravings from the Corobici people. This rocky riverbed of ignimbrite rock, created from volcanic activity millions of years ago ,was the home of this reclusive tribe of people who lived here over 1,500 years ago.

The artwork varies from animals to geometric shapes to celestial beings. You can see deep divots that are believed to have provided grounding for some type of scaffolding. The elusive Corobici people may have picked this place because it was protected and the rock was a perfect muse for their art.

As you look up at the massive wall you begin to see a variety of image engravings. Do you see a face? An animal? A person? A sun? The images spring out at you, and then fade away, almost like

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Elias, Giselle, Mariano and Juan (left to right) are part of the Lopez family that owns the private farm.

your soul needed to see them to put your own story together.

“You need to find your own wisdom in the rock,” Mariano says. “Each time I come here, I see something new. I find a different story.” He says that he prefers that people find their own images and develop their own interpretations instead of relying on him to show them. His family feels this place is spiritual and the Corobici people used this area for religious ceremonies and to communicate to the tribe. the echo reverberates quite far down the river walls.

As you sit there in peace, with the river flowing behind you, wind touching your cheeks, looking up at these drawings from people who sat in the same place 1,500 years ago, you get a sense that we are all connected by what is important to us, people and the earth. Maybe the Corobici people were telling us that time really is just a placeholder for our souls, and nature is an avenue for experiencing what is around us. At least that is the story we experienced on our visit. Maybe next time our story will be different.

Things to Know When Visiting El Farallon

Y

ou must call the family at least 24 hours in advance to arrange a tour. In the interest of safety, it is not recommended for children younger than ten years old.

Small groups of people are allowed at one time, and sometimes you can dip into the river. The family only speaks Spanish.

Cost: ¢3,000 ($5.30) Contact number: +(506) 2200-0073 Access: Via Arenal (route 142) or Liberia (route 1).

You will need an SUV, 4X4 or truck to navigate some of the rocky terrain and a couple of small water crossings.

What to Bring: Water, snacks, hiking/water shoes, camera, organic bug spray, swimsuit Land Information: In 1998, the Ministry of Culture

and Youth declared El Farallón a National Monument, with 100 of the 240 hectares of Las Lomas subject to the Payment for Environmental Services Program (PSA).

Surprising details: We found that if you took a photo with your camera and looked at it, you could see details of the petroglyphs much better.

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 23

ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Will Matthews

T

ACE SPOTLIGHT

he truth is, I didn’t know what to expect when I went to see Will Matthews. I knew he had been playing in the area for a while but our paths had never crossed. My recent opportunity to meet Will in person was during his first gig with a new band, the Vaqueros, at Perlas in Potrero. Hearing him play, I was impressed by his country roots from the get-go.

It turns out Will has been in Costa Rica for about four years, and ended up here for the same reasons many of us did. Here’s what he told me about his life and the journey that led him here.

Why Costa Rica and will you stay?

by Johnny Lahoud

“I left the corporate world to play music and haven’t looked back.”

I’m originally from Canada — mostly around the Toronto area in Ontario. I moved to Costa Rica in 2014 after spending two weeks here and loving it. I returned to Canada, sold all my stuff and moved to Playas del Coco seven weeks later. I lived and played in Coco for two years — I was the house musician at Coconutz during that time and played several other spots. Two years ago I moved to the Surfside area and started to play more in Tamarindo, Surfside and Potrero. Next year will be my 10th year playing music as a full-time job, and also the 10th anniversary of my first CD release. I left the corporate world to play music and haven’t looked back.

I immediately fell in love with Costa Rica. I was running from the cold and loved the climate, the people and the beaches. Along the coast, there are great groups of locals and expats who love music and support the local music scene, which we are super-fortunate to have in this area. That’s due in large part to all the venues that book a wide variety of acts. Kudos to all of them and everyone who comes out to support us! I love Costa Rica, so yes, I do hope to live here for the foreseeable future … to continue developing my music skills and become more involved in community activities.

Check out Will Matthews online: will.matthews.7927 willmatthewsmusic

24 | #searchfindhowl| online

What are your musical influences and instruments played?

I have a huge variety of musical influences, from classic country to electronic music. I like to compose and write songs, with and without words. I compose and record meditation and relaxation music in my home studio, and I also write and record instrumental surf rock. But almost all of my public gigs are with me singing and playing guitar, both solo and with my band, Vaqueros de la Noche. I play many other instruments, including harmonica, trombone and piano, and a few others. Big influences include Willie Nelson — he is an amazing guitar player — and the Doors; “L.A. Woman” is one of my top five albums because of its gritty blues-rock feel. Keith Richards, Walter Becker, the Band, the Ventures, Neil Young, Stone Temple Pilots and Avicii are others.

How would you describe a typical show?

My shows are typically a mix of my own songs and cover songs. I cover everyone from Johnny Cash to Lady Gaga. I enjoy presenting the cover songs with my own interpretation and get a lot of positive feedback from my take on classic tracks.

My own songs also get a good response, and crowd favorites like “Coffee Cream Blues,” “Weight of the Night” and”Monster” get requested often.

Every show is different — I never play the same set list twice — and I can take a lot of requests right off the floor. That helps draw people into the show and get involved. When people make requests, you know they are listening.

Will has an authentic vibe and country sound.

I was impressed by his wide range of styles from Steppenwolf and Chris Isaak to Led Zeppelin and Eddie Rabbitt, and by his own original songs.

Will’s show makes for a great night out. During low season, he plays regularly at Coconutz in Coco, and the Jolly Roger in Tamarindo, plus any private gigs that come along.

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 25

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

FEATURE ADVENTURE

Coco Fishing Adventure When you’re expecting something small and something big surprises you

by Karl Kahler

It was freaky, all of a sudden your boat does a 180 and takes off without the motor running.

26 | #searchfindhowl| online

A

fter reeling in three mahi-mahi in a row, I asked fishing guide Rob Gunselman if this is how it usually goes out here in the Gulf of Papagayo, mostly catching these 2-foot green fish.

“Karl, it’s a box of chocolates,” he said. “We could hook a sailfish next.”

We hooked a sailfish next.

I was shocked to see it jump — long, sharp bill, big sail, twisting in midair to try to throw the hook. It was maybe 7 feet long, perhaps 120 pounds.

“That’s a big one!” said captain Gerardo Reyes.

Gerardo son’s Benjamin, the 23-year-old doing the wet work in the back of the boat, handed me the rod, someone strapped a belt on me, and the fight was on.

The fish took off, spinning out my line. “He’s headed for Nicaragua!” I shouted.

Rob told me to lift the rod as far as I could, then reel quickly as I lowered it. “Relax,” he said.

“Feel it.”

Relaxing it was not. But after several minutes I pulled it alongside the boat and Benjamin grabbed its bill and quickly removed the hook from its lip.

“Sit down back there,” Rob said. “He’s going to pull it out of the water and put it in your lap.”

I thought he was joking. He had to tell me twice. I sat where he pointed.

And then to my amazement, Benjamin and Gerardo pulled the beast out of the ocean and put it in my lap! The sailfish, exhausted and no doubt shocked out of its mind, somehow lay still. We took some quick pictures.

And then Benjamin returned it to the water, holding it in place for a while to make sure it was upright and breathing, the water flowing over its gills. Then he let it go and it slid back to the depths.

“He’ll survive?” I asked. “Yes,” Rob said.

I pictured the fish going home and telling his wife, “You won’t BELIEVE what happened to me today!”

Marlin and sailfish have to be released under Costa Rican law, although the sailfish is common, ranked of “Least Concern” on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species.

Gerardo told me that lifting the sailfish into the boat is frowned on by some people, but he said a law to prevent this has never been passed. Rob

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Rob Gunselman, right, with a monster mahi-mahi and a happy client.

Opposite page, Rob with a another happy client and a large roosterfish.

Photos courtesy of Robert Gunselman

said you never want to bring marlin into the boat because they’re too aggressive, but he said most of the fishing operators here will lift a sailfish into the boat for a photo.

The pez vela was the highlight of a five-hour fishing trip out of Playas del Coco on a 27-foot boat, the Dario II. Gerardo, 52, has been in the sportfishing business for 30 years, and Benjamin has been doing this for five.

Rob, who in his previous life was a health insurance broker in suburban Philadelphia, came to Costa Rica in 2011. He stayed for a week and went fishing every day, trying out different captains, rounding up groups of guys to go out. And he’s been doing this ever since.

Now he works mostly with Gerardo, a licensed, insured, bilingual captain whom he calls “a special guy.”

“What’s cool about the captain is he’s eco-friendly,” Rob said. “He doesn’t want to over-harvest, he wants to leave some for tomorrow.

He’s not a fish pig.”

He said the fish they catch here are mostly mahi-mahi, snapper, jacks, roosters, tuna, wahoo, groupers, sailfish, #s earchf indh owl

marlin and bonita for bait.

I asked Rob what was the strangest thing that ever happened on a fishing trip here. He said they were anchored off the Catalina Islands a few months ago, fishing a school of yellowfin tuna.

“There was also a big school of 1,000-pound manta rays, giants, as wide as this boat is long,” he said. “One of them got caught in the anchor line, and the boat did a 180, it spun the boat right around and took off.”

The ray somehow got its wing wrapped in the anchor rope and attempted to flee the scene.

“If he had nose-dived, it would have capsized us,” Rob said. “We had to cut the line.

It was freaky, all of a sudden your boat does a 180 and takes off without the motor running.”

I’m glad we didn’t catch one of those.

Contact: Robert Gunselman www.crfishon.com U.S. (484) 881-3002 Spanish contact: Gerardo Reyes CR (506) 8356-2633 dariofishing@hotmail.es

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

PARQUE

COOL PLACES

REPTILANDIA

Herpetology heaven on earth

by Vern Veer

Immediately, we were impressed by how beautifully the exhibits are maintained.

28 | #searchfindhowl| online

M

y wife, Valerie, and I, both avid herpetologists eager to explore as many Costa Rican wildlife wonderlands as possible, found Parque Reptilandia was a highlight of our trip. In fact, our initial visit was so captivating, we made a second trip back to enjoy more time with the creatures in this magnificent habitat and their caregivers.

Reptilandia is easy and inexpensive to access by bus. Coming from San Isidro the first time, tickets for two cost 2,670 colones.

We were greeted by Roel, who invited us to stroll around the premises while waiting for his colleague Quetzal to arrive shortly.

Immediately, we were impressed by how beautifully the exhibits are maintained. Roel explained that the Reptilandia staff members work hard to maintain a clean, natural and attractive environment. They are always striving to make improvements such as simulated rock wall structures and planting

Photos: Valerie Vern

the exhibit spaces.

After Quetzal arrived, he spent a few hours showing us various areas behind the scenes, including where babies are raised. He also led us to the place where animals requiring the cooler temperatures of higher altitudes are kept.

While checking on the well-being of the animals, Quetzal told us about the history of his reptile zoo, which he established 21 years ago. His extensive knowledge about Costa Rica’s herpetological fauna, and reptiles in general, was apparent.

Visitors to Reptilandia can view species from many parts of Central America and other areas around the world. That includes both of Costa Rica’s native crocodile species, as well as venomous and non-venomous types of snakes and many different species of turtles and tortoises. There is also a wonderful variety of lizards from around the world, including one very impressive Komodo

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dragon, all of whom seem very content in their wonderfully warm and sunny tropical paradise.

The grounds of this living reptile museum, situated on just over one acre of mountainside, are beautifully maintained, well thought out and easy to negotiate.

The exhibits are organized by geographic regions, with easy-toread informational graphics in both English and Spanish.

Roofing over many of the displays can be rolled back to provide beneficial direct sunlight to animals requiring it. There is also a nice covered area with benches, where visitors can enjoy lunch or just sit and take in the surroundings.

During our first visit, Quetzal mentioned that Friday is feeding day, a very popular attraction for visitors.

They have a unique opportunity to

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watch him feed many of the animals while answering their questions.

Val and I decided to ask our host if he might like some help with animal care on Friday and he graciously accepted our offer. So that’s what brought us back to Reptilandia with the bus fare this time from Dominical only 500 colones for both of us.

Upon arrival, we were taken into various holding areas, shown where the equipment is located and given instructions on what to do. After we spent a few hours checking on and cleaning the animals, Quetzal drove us to Uvita, where we ate lunch at a New York Pizza restaurant.

Then it was time to say goodbye to our new friend, with the assurance that we will be back some day. We also invited Quetzal to join us in Colorado for a little herping on our home turf if the opportunity arises.

IF YOU GO Visitors to Reptilandia may want to bring: • Lunch or snacks — there is no food service, but drinks are available at the reception desk.

• A good camera with video, especially on Friday during animal feeding.

• An umbrella just in case it rains.

• Any questions you have about reptiles — they are sure to be answered.

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 29

Rainforest Adventures'

DAY TRIP

Sky Bridge Tour Adrenaline Rush Surrounded by Nature

by Jessie Rowan

The sights and sounds of the tropical wildlife amidst the roaring waterfall are so clear you feel an unparalleled connection to nature.

I

magine yourself completely immersed within the dense lush rainforest, as fresh tropical air fills your lungs. The sights and sounds of the tropical wildlife amidst the roaring waterfall are so clear you feel an unparalleled connection to nature. Now is your opportunity to experience Rainforest Adventures’ unique Sky Bridge Tour and Nature Hike.

It’s the chance of a lifetime for thrill seekers to trek high above and within Jacó’s exotic Pacific beauty, all just a short drive from San José or five minutes from downtown Jacó.

Begin your two-hour adventure by ascending up two sections of a rushing waterfall to reach the Sky Bridge. Here is where you soar above the jungle on a swinging bridge connected by zipline cables.

Make your return trip back on foot, guided by a professional naturalist who will point out various plants

and animals you might otherwise miss on their own.

The Sky Bridge offers a wild and wonderful way to witness Costa Rica’s rich jungle environment from vantage points unlike anywhere else. From adrenaline junkies to young families, this tour offer something for everyone.

With quality and safety a Rainforest Adventures priority, it’s the ideal day activity to enjoy with friends and family members, offering something for everyone.

Guests, who must be five years or older, will be delighted with the fun factor and the diverse species of birds, monkeys, sloths and scarlet macaws they will encounter.

“We wanted to make sure we added a really fun adrenaline component without risking the safety of our guests,” Nicolas Staton, Rainforest Adventures’ national manager says.

Reasons to Add the Sky Bridge to Your Itinerary Hang With Nature A series of hanging bridges provides one-of-a-kind views you won’t find anywhere else.

Learn While Trekking Through the Forest A naturalist guide accompanies you the entire journey to point out distinctive flora and fauna.

Incomparable Biodiversity It’s the ideal way to experience Costa Rica’s most diverse wildlife, in the shortest time – all from an extraordinary viewpoint.

Aerial Tram, Hanging Bridge, Zip Line, Gardens, Lodge and more

15% OFF Book online at

www.rainforestadventure.com Discount code:

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HOWLER

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Photo courtesy of Rainforest Adventures

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Cosmetic and General Dentistry

your

smile ... the best Souvenir from

Costa Rica Implants Laser whitening Cosmetic Dentistry Veneers and more...

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clinic@prismadental.com

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 31

HOWLER

SURFING

MOON PHASES

November 7 New Moon

COSTA RICA

November 15 1st Quarter

November 22 Full Moon

November 29 3rd Quarter

SUNRISE NOVEMBER 1 5:29 AM NOVEMBER 30 5:40 AM

SUNSET NOVEMBER 1 5:15 PM NOVEMBER 30 5:15 PM Surfer: Eva Woodland. Photo courtesy of Costa Rica Surf Federation

32 | #searchfindhowl| online

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TIDE CHART DAY

NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 30, 2018

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

LOW TIDES

HIGH TIDES

1 Thurs

2:04am 1.26 '

8:26am 8.11 '

2:39pm 0.96 '

9:09pm 8.02 '

2 Fri

3:16am 1.43 '

9:38am 7.89 '

3:49pm 1.11 '

10:19pm 8.16 '

3 Sat

4:30am 1.32 '

10:50am 7.93 '

4:57pm 1.01 '

11:25pm 8.51 '

4 Sun

5:40am 0.95 '

11:54am 8.20 '

6:01pm 0.75 '

5 Mon

12:23am 8.97 '

6:40am 0.48 '

12:52pm 8.56 '

6:57pm 0.43 '

6 Tues

1:17am 9.41 '

7:32am 0.03 '

1:44pm 8.89 '

7:47pm 0.16 '

7 Wed

2:05am 9.73 '

8:20am -0.31 '

2:32pm 9.13 '

8:33pm 0.01 '

8 Thurs

2:49am 9.89 '

9:04am -0.48 '

3:16pm 9.22 '

9:15pm 0.02 '

9 Fri

3:31am 9.87 '

9:46am -0.48 '

3:58pm 9.15 '

9:57pm 0.18 '

10 Sat

4:13am 9.66 '

10:26am -0.31 '

4:42pm 8.94 '

10:39pm 0.48 '

11 Sun

4:53am 9.29 '

11:06am -0.00 '

5:24pm 8.62 '

11:21pm 0.88 '

12 Mon

5:35am 8.82 '

11:48am 0.41 '

6:08pm 8.23 '

13 Tues

12:03am 1.35 '

6:17am 8.28 '

12:30pm 0.87 '

6:54pm 7.82 '

14 Wed

12:49am 1.80 '

7:05am 7.75 '

1:16pm 1.33 '

7:44pm 7.47 '

15 Thurs

1:41am 2.19 '

7:57am 7.28 '

2:08pm 1.73 '

8:40pm 7.24 '

16 Fri

2:39am 2.43 '

8:57am 6.96 '

3:04pm 2.00 '

9:38pm 7.19 '

17 Sat

3:43am 2.46 '

9:59am 6.85 '

4:02pm 2.09 '

10:36pm 7.35 '

18 Sun

4:45am 2.24 '

10:59am 6.97 '

5:00pm 1.98 '

11:28pm 7.67 '

19 Mon

5:39am 1.84 '

11:55am 7.25 '

5:50pm 1.72 '

20 Tues

12:16am 8.11 '

6:29am 1.32 '

12:43pm 7.65 '

6:38pm 1.36 '

21 Wed

1:00am 8.61 '

7:13am 0.76 '

1:27pm 8.09 '

7:22pm 0.95 '

22 Thurs

1:40am 9.11 '

7:55am 0.22 '

2:09pm 8.52 '

8:04pm 0.56 '

23 Fri

2:22am 9.54 '

8:37am -0.24 '

2:51pm 8.89 '

8:48pm 0.23 '

24 Sat

3:04am 9.86 '

9:19am -0.57 '

3:35pm 9.17 '

9:32pm 0.02 '

25 Sun

3:48am 10.00 ' 10:03am -0.73 '

4:19pm 9.31 '

10:16pm -0.04 '

26 Mon

4:32am 9.95 '

10:47am -0.70 '

5:05pm 9.32 '

11:04pm 0.06 '

27 Tues

5:20am 9.71 '

11:35am -0.50 '

5:55pm 9.19 '

11:56pm 0.30 '

28 Wed

6:12am 9.31 '

12:27pm -0.15 '

6:49pm 8.98 '

29 Thurs

12:52am 0.63 '

7:10am 8.83 '

1:21pm 0.26 '

7:47pm 8.75 '

30 Fri

1:54am 0.96 '

8:12am 8.36 '

2:21pm 0.67 '

8:51pm 8.59 '

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Sunset

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Daily, 4-6 2x1 cocktails 1000c beers Discount bocas menu

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 33

SURFING COSTA RICA

SURF SPOT

It’s the epitome of a small “surf city.”

by Jenn Parker

J

JACÓ

acó is a haven for backpackers, party animals, and surfers alike on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Sure, there are plenty of upscale accommodations and family-friendly activities, but if you are looking to surf all day and party all night, this is your spot. Conveniently located near several national parks, an array of pristine beache and plenty of other surf spots, Jacó is a great home base for your surf-geared vacation.

How to get there

Jacó is a short 100-minute drive from San José via route 27 and route 34, and just under three hours from Liberia. Both driving routes are easy to navigate. However, if you prefer not to drive, hiring a private or shared shuttle from either city is an option.

Make sure you stop, park, and walk across the Tárcoles bridge on your way to Jacó.

The opportunity to see the river's famous and impressively large population of giant crocodiles is not to be missed!

Where to surf

Jacó’s main beach is an ideal spot for beginner-surfers. There are peaks up and down the beach and the waves are very learner-friendly. The beach break has multiple peaks and a mostly sandy bottom.

34 | #searchfindhowl| online

What’s great about the Jacó area is the proximity to more advanced surf spots just minutes away, including Roca Loca and the famous Playa Hermosa. To the north and south of Jacó are dozens of other breaks easily accessible by car, such as Boca Barranca, Esterillos and Playa Bejuco.

Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast receives year-around swells. With Jacó being centrally located, you can easily explore this entire zone and all the amazing surf it has to offer. All you need is a car and a little surf confidence.

Local companies

Jacó has dozens of surf camps, surf shops, surf instructors, and surf accommodations.

It’s the epitome of a small “surf city.” Del Mar Surf Camp, Vista Guapa, Buddha House Boutique Hostel and Surf Inn Hermosa are all great places to stay. Whether you want to join a camp, take some lessons, or just do your own surf thing, these places come highly recommended.

Soda Jacó Rustico, Tacobar, Isaga Bar and Restaurant and The Pizza Shop are delectable, locally-recommended and cheap dining options, certain to satiate you after surfing all day long. If you are in the mood for extraordinary international cuisine, Ohana Sushi Tapas Bar and Jerah rank number one and two on TripAdvisor.

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Photographer: Jorge A. Russell About: A native of Spain, Jorge has been an avid photographer since he was 14 years old. He has been making a living as a professional photographer in Costa Rica since 2004.

Based in Jacรณ 8836-6475 jorgerussellphotographer@ gmail.com @fotografodeaccion

#s earchf indh owl

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 35

SURFING COSTA RICA

He joined his dad in the winner’s circle for the 2018 Guanacaste Dolphins trophy, winning all four individual contests.

PROFILE

NICOLAS BOOS

by Ellen Zoe Golden

I

t’s not easy getting 8-year-old Nicolas (Nico) Boos to talk about surfing, but it’s not difficult to watch him whip some turns on the waves at one of his favorite local breaks. Under the tutelage of his father, Christian, owner of Boos Adventures and himself the 2018 Guanacaste Masters surf champion, the youngster is already working rail to rail down the line. But he has loftier goals.

“I saw surfing and it looked fun,” the younger Boos explained of his desire to take up the sport. “I wanted to learn how to do aerials and get barreled.”

While airs are still to come, Nico

Athlete: Nicolas Boos Sport: Surfing Age: 8

started competing and winning local area surf contests when he was merely 5 years old based on his own style of power surfing.

This year he joined his dad in the winner’s circle with his podium visit for the 2018 Guanacaste Dolphins trophy, winning all four of the year’s individual contests. As a matter of fact, he has been competing so frequently that his family took him to Panama, where he ended up winning both the Under 8 and Under 10 categories.

When asked how it feels to win, he just said, “I surfed really good and had fun.”

Fun is the key for Nico, who is in the third grade at Tide Academy in Tamarindo.

Fun is the reason he decided to give surfing a try in the first place. That’s why he trains so much with his father, and alongside his mother in Casitas. That’s why he’ll take a Boos Adventures boat trip to Witch’s Rock

About: Nico’s surfing style is extremely natural, and very powerful for his age. Hard snaps and swift bottom turns.

Sponsors: Boos Adventures Surf & Fish Charters, Koa Training Photos: Marcel Fritez, Shaka Media

36 | #searchfindhowl| online

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and fearlessly tackle that wave. That’s why Pavones is his favorite surf spot.

“The most important thing for me is to spend quality time with my son, and we are lucky to be able to share the same passion, which is surfing,” said Christian. “After every wave we always share his vision and my vision and we talk about how to improve because for me what is important is that you learn

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to respect the sea, overcome your fears and realize that every wave is a new opportunity to do it better.”

In October Nico and his family traveled to California to experience some worldclass surf spots, learn how to surf with a wet suit and Nico placed in the finals of a Western Surfing Association Series. Maybe he mastered those aerials too.

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 37

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 39

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

Family dinner at Carolian's

TAMARINDO LOSES A FOUNDING FATHER

Russell Wenrich Passes at 79

A

Russell fixed the road one last time and is now fixing the roads in heaven for God.

Great grandson Kyan and pappaw sharing a smooch.

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s a promoter and developer for 54 years, Russell knew no equal. Russell and his wife, Lee, can surely be credited with creating the now-thriving mecca of Tamarindo and earning the support of residents and visitors for the surrounding communities.

Russell and Lee came to Costa Rica in 1982 and helped develop Flamingo during their first five years. In 1985, they relocated to Tamarindo, where they laid roots after deciding this was the place for them.

Their first endeavor in Tamarindo was to build the cabins known as Tamarindo Resort, now Selina’s, just south of Nogi’s.

They attended a surf expo in Florida where they first met Robert August. With the help of Russell and his connections, Robert came down to check out the surf. The rest is history, with August becoming one of the area’s most famous surfers and the movie Endless Summer II filmed in Tamarindo by Bruce Brown.

Russell was never idle; he moved into land development up and down the coast from Playa Coyote, San Juanillo, Hernandez and Tamara.

He also worked on completing phases two and three of condominium project Leora Pacifico in Tamarindo.

His business ventures also included a delicious eatery named Dona Lee’s Country Kitchen, now Utopia. In his later years, due to his healthy appetite for quality steak, Russell and Lee opened and operated Russell’s Steakhouse.

Russell’s ambition did not just stop at business but continued with his love and support for

Russell and former Costa Rican President, Oscar Arias.

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Brian, Russell and Lee's son they lost way too early.

Board meeting many years ago with Robert August , Russell, Rusty and friends.

the community. For many years Russell provided free water access to the residents and businesses of Tamarindo, now controlled by AyA. Christmas was always a great time for many in the community, thanks to Russell’s help. He founded and organized an annual party where 500 or more children from nearby villages, including Tamarindo, indulged in hot dogs, cookies and ice cream. Each child also walked away with a brand-new gift, wrapped with love and care with help from Russell’s family and local residents.

Russell understood what was needed and took it upon himself to repair roads because the municipality didn’t have the time or money. One time he was fixing the road to Villarreal and the

municipality wanted to put him in jail. The town rose up and stood behind him, saying, “If you put him in jail you have to take all of us.” The officials quickly backed down and let him continue.

Recently Lee told Russell how bad the road was from the corner to the condo. He said, “Get them fixed.”

So they did. Russell fixed the road one last time and is now fixing the roads in heaven for God. We at the Howler send our heartfelt condolences to the Wenrich family. We salute Russell and his family’s accomplishments and contributions to Tamarindo and the Gold Coast of Costa Rica. Thank you for sharing him with us. It was so touching to see the community come out to celebrate his life on Saturday, October 6.

Russell Edward Wenrich

Russell Edward Wenrich passed away at age 79 at the hospital in Liberia on September 28, 2018, with family at his side after a long illness.

Russell was truly one of Tamarindo’s tourism pioneers and will be missed by many near and far.

He is survived by his wife, Lee, of 44 years and his children, Rhonda Wenrich Haney (Vern), James (Valerie), Rusty (Rosita), Tony (Mari) and by his brother, Keith, and Sister, Sulyn. Russell will also be remembered by his 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, his beloved dog Sammy (Daddy’s Boy) and many extended relatives near and far. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Mary, and brothers, Kenneth, Virgil and son Brian.

Honor Russell

Russell loved animals and he proudly supported Dr. Cavallini's efforts for helping strays and wildlife. Please consider making a donation in Russell's name to Hospital Veterinario Cavallini.

Call: (506) 2652-9009 Paypal donations: tamarindovet@gmail.com #s earchf indh owl

Russell , Rhonda , Jimmy, Rusty, and Tony. "With their love I can carry on the legacy of Russell, with Brian in our hearts." – Lee

A Letter from Lee to Russell Lee Wenrich was unable to speak at the celebration of Russell’s life on October 6, but wanted all to know her passion was Russell and his family. This letter speaks from Lee’s heart.

I would like for all of his friends to know this story.

It’s one he liked to tell whenever he got the chance.

We were still living in the States and had this chest freezer. One day I was trying to get a chicken out that was frozen to other things. I went and got Russell's hammer (no one was to touch his hammer). He was not home.

I got distracted and left his hammer in the freezer.

The only thing is I would misplace things and could not remember where I put them. Over the course of three months at any opportunity, he would ask if anyone had seen his hammer. “No I haven’t seen it,” was always their answer. At some point, I was defrosting the freezer and at the bottom of it rested Russell’s hammer. I handed it over to him and he said, “Why is this hammer so cold?” I told him I found it in the freezer. We had a good laugh about that.

So when we moved to Costa Rica he brought his trusty hammer with him.

The last thing I would like to say is that Russell and I never had a harsh word for each other. We called each other Honey every day, except for him pointing out his missing hammer. He was a loving husband and a wonderful father to his sons and daughter: Rhonda, Jimmy, Rusty and Tony, his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

He will always be with me and I thank God that I have children by my side. Even if I am only their stepmom. They call me Momma.

Rest in peaceHoney, The love of my Life, I love you.

Wife, Lee HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 41

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

USTRASANA Camel Pose

YOGAPEDIA

ustra = camel / asana = pose

U

strasana, meaning "camel pose," is a backbend that stretches the entire front of the body. It strengthens the core and improves shoulder flexibility. If you are practicing this posture for the first time, it can feel uncomfortable. This discomfort may create unnecessary tension in your body and mind.

But it also allows you to develop a deeper awareness of your body limits and level of trust in yourself.

Remember to always focus on your breath as you move in and out of this posture, slowly and mindfully.

By being mindful, I mean being present in every step, observing every sensation that arises with every transition.

by Marian Paniagua

How to do the camel pose

1. Come to your knees and sit back on your heels. Place your palms together in front of your heart, thumbs pressed softly on your chest enough to feel your heartbeat. Engage your core, elongate your spine, lift your chest and relax your shoulders. Direct focus on your breath. Inhale deeply and pause, then exhale slowly and pause before repeating.

Breathe consciously like this 10 times.

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

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

4. To come out of the pose, release your hands one at a time and place on your lower back. Slowly lift up from your sternum using your thigh muscles, head and shoulders coming up last. Sit on your heels. Rest in a child’s pose for 10 breaths.

Benefits of the camel pose

Physically • Opens the entire front of your body.

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

• Strengthen back muscles.

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

To be mindful

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

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

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

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

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EAT • SLEEP • SURF • STRETCH

The Yoga Shala at RipJack Inn

Classes Workshops Retreats

www.ripjackinn.com

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•

(506) 2653-1636

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 43

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

What’s Your Jewelry Style?

FASHIONFLASH

by Patricia Sterman

I love jewlery ... from big chunky necklaces to tiny silver pendants.

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I

love jewelry! It makes me feel “dressed” even in pajamas. From big chunky necklaces to tiny silver pendants, jewelry completes your outfit and shows a bit more of your personality.

Is your style classic or more eccentric when choosing your jewelry? Trendsetter or minimalist? Do you like sparkling, shiny and sophisticated? Or yoga boho leather and feather pendants?

Whatever your personal preference and taste, something else is always going on in the way of trends. And in the fashion world, beach trends can be different from city trends, especially when it comes to jewelry.

Here are my recommendations for beachloving jewelry wearers.

1. Keep it small to keep yourself comfortable in sweaty situations.

2. Toe rings are fabulous … my favorite look for the beach.

3. Ear crawlers, also known as ear climbers, are a big trend right now.

Versatile and flattering, they follow the upward curve of your ear instead of dangling down. Unfamiliar with the look? Google for ideas galore.

4. Anklets are coming back in a multitude of shapes and styles. Keep in mind the importance of oceanproof materials and construction.

5. Rings really resonate with oceanrelated themes: waves, turtles, seashells and more.

6. Stackable bracelets — you can’t go wrong. Don’t be afraid to combine lots of shapes and colors at the same time.

7. Modern minimalist necklaces are another must — classics with a twist.

8. Genuine natural stone necklaces offer endless ways to mix up sizes and shapes as well.

Hope you find this useful and inspiring.

For more advice or any fashion topic or what to wear for a special event, contact me at fashionblogthehowler@gmail.com

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 45

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

REASON TO SMILE

WHEN DENTAL IMPLANTS GO WRONG

by Dr. Silvia Rivera & Dr. Dalia Vargas Guanacaste Dental

Two different types of complications can affect a dental implant: mechanical and biological.

S

cientific breakthroughs a halfcentury ago that made dental implants possible also help explain why 100 percent success rates cannot be guaranteed.

Osteointegration (also known as osseointegration) refers to the fusion of an implant surface and bone in the absence of any connective soft tissue.

Pioneering research on animals in the early 1940s focused on this occurrence using titanium implants, potentially strong and hard enough for future prosthetic applications.

Subsequent osteointegration discoveries, including by Sweden’s Dr. Per-Ingvar Brånemark, paved the way for his success with the first human dental implant in 1965. The impact

on restorative dentistry, as cited by Brånemark himself in 1983, was revolutionary. Dental implant systems, techniques, materials and indications have advanced so far that prosthetics (full dentures, crowns and bridges), supported by implants, are the number one dental rehabilitation treatment.

The predictability and high success rates accounting for this phenomenon do not mean dental implants are exempt from failure. Implant removal becomes necessary due to the loss of osteointegration. This can occur at any one of numerous stages from the implant’s initial placement, when primary stability is not accomplished, until it is restored with full dentures, bridges or crowns. Various conditions

GUANACASTE

DENTAL

Everyone Smiles in the Same Language!

www.guanacasteden tal.com howlermag.com

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can cause the loss of bone implant contact.

Two different types of complications can affect a dental implant: mechanical and biological.

Mechanical complications are directly associated with the implant itself — its components, the implant/prosthesis junction or the ensuing restoration.

Infection of periimplantar tissues is the most frequently occurring biological complication, according to the American Academy of Periodontics. Mucositis periimplantar refers to the inflammation of tissue surrounding the implant without the loss of supporting bone structure. Bleeding or pus are symptoms.

Periimplantitis is a pathological condition associated with plaque, present in tissue surrounding the dental implant.

Inflammation of the periimplantar mucosa and loss of supporting bone structure are characteristics.

Periimplantitis progresses in stages — early, moderate and advanced — reflecting the degree of probing depth, bleeding and pus, and the amount of bone loss. Different factors can facilitate the initiation and progression of periimplantar disease.

Risk factors associated with the patient include tobacco use, susceptibility to periodontal complications, and inadequate plaque prevention/control measures.

Implant-related risk factors include bad positioning, incorrect emergency profile, excess cement in the implant-crown junction, poorly contoured prosthetic restoration, absence of the keratinized mucosa, and excessive occlusal force.

Once a patient’s condition is correctly identified, a treatment plan can be determined to stop the progression of periimplantar disease and reintegrate the surrounding tissues and supporting bone structure.

HEALTY

UNHEALTY

Healthy Gum Tissue

Plaque Inflammation

Healthy Bone

Bone Loss

Guanacaste Dental

Just like natural teeth plaque will cause inflammation of the gym and bone loss if not removed correctly. Perrimplantis is classified as Early, Moderate and Advanced dependening on clinical signs/symptoms and radiological características.

Periimplantitis. Treatment: explant (removal of the implant).

Regeneration of surround hard and soft tissue are considered a palliative treatment.

GUANACASTE DENTAL Advanced family, implant and cosmetic dental services

Call or email to schedule initial consultation Tamarindo - Garden Plaza

(506) 2215-5715 • US Toll Free (866) 978-8305 • info@guanacastedental.com #s earchf indh owl HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 47

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

By Dr. Gilberth Cavallini

PET CARE

Back in the Swim for Turtle in Trouble

A

s some Howler readers may a piece of nylon fishing line caught in her be aware, my final year of fin. We had no idea how long she been in veterinarian training was focused this condition or the pain and distress on wildlife before I established my she must have suffered. current practice in Guanacaste. I was After receiving initial emergency interested in that specialty area for the treatment with appropriate disinfectant simple reason that it includes a wide and medication, our turtle patient was variety of large and small animal species, transferred to our Dog Hotel facility en with enough diversity that I would not route to Playa Grande. There, she was have to narrow my choice of practice placed in a salt water pool and kept under options at that time. observation. Ultimately, we decided to This early experience with amputate the damaged fin. According to wildlife management cases was at the the veterinary medical literature, this London Royal Zoo in England and at procedure offered good chances of a the University of Torino in Italy. It favorable outcome. turned out to be After performing the very helpful and fin amputation surgery, We were amazed at influential once we provided medication how fast and easily I had made the and monitored the turtle’s she was able to swim, condition once again. But decision to set up the first veterinary and she must have felt feeding her was not easy, hospital in this and that became our main the same relief! area of Costa Rica: concern. Therefore, we Hospital Veterinario Cavallini. decided to put our recovering patient Since 2007, some of our work has back into the ocean. Mr. Briceño made been devoted to programs supporting arrangements for everything needed: wildlife cases. Most common wildlife are a boat, volunteers to help and diving monkeys, found with injuries or other equipment in case the turtle was unable conditions and brought to our hospital to swim when she returned to the water. for treatment. Some recover fully in our Fortunately, this precaution proved care and are released back into their unnecessary. We were amazed at how natural habitat. Others are transferred fast and easily she was able to swim, and for extended rehabilitation at rescue she must have felt the same relief! The centers such as Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary weight of her missing fin was around 7 or Nosara Wildlife Refuge. Previous kilograms compared to 2 kilograms for a Howler articles have highlighted the normal fin. important efforts of SalveMonos, our This incredible case was gratifying primary source of support for cases and enjoyable for everyone involved. involving monkeys and other small We are thankful to all the people in mammals. the community who came together in It has also been our privilege to support. handle other remarkable wildlife cases of ocean creatures, such as turtles and Visit howlermag.com/turtleintrouble dolphins. The most recent example was a to view a video of the turtle’s surgery and green sea turtle brought to us by a client release back to the ocean. and friend, Robin Berger from Mermaids and Sailors, and Mr. Marco Briceño. This Photos and Video produced by Jacob Schantz and turtle had a serious infection caused by Schantz Studio Productions, Guanacaste Costa Rica

Help Stray and Wild Animals – Adopt • Donate • Volunteer call: 2652-9009 • email: tamarindovet@gmail.com 48 | (506) #searchfind howl| online

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 51

PURA VIDA / LIFESTYLE

An Ode to Accents

SIMPLY SPANISH

by Marian Paniagua

by Sylvia Monge

Things to Do With Your Hands acariciar — caress

SPANISH

agarrar — grab

S

pending time in the great white north, otherwise known as New York, has made me revisit my love affair with accents. Maybe it’s because I am an immigrant, and have lived my whole life surrounded by people with accents. Or maybe it’s a biological phenomenon based on the expansion of our gene pool. Either way, I love the sound of an accent.

In reality, most of us are affected by the sound of an accent. A French accent is commonly considered sexy, while your reaction to a British accent might reflect how you feel about the people or place of origin. Whether we love or hate certain accents seems to depend a lot on history, and perhaps cultural xenophobia — a fear of foreign people. In countries like Canada and the United States, negative connotations about accents may originate with our forefathers or current politicians. I’ve been aware of feelings that seem to come automatically when someone speaks with an accent, whether it comes across as not intelligent or all warm and tingly.

When learning a second language, accents and dialects create an added dimension of daunting unto themselves.

Spanish has numerous dialects, just like there are American, Australian, British and Canadian versions of English. Each of those places on the world map is subdivided into towns and groups of people with their very own sound. I need subtitles for “Duck Dynasty” just as much as I do for British television shows, and certainly for Mexican Spanish. Important note: Subtitles are your

friend! They can seriously diminish your fear of foreign sounds.

One of my favorite things about living in the Tamarindo area is the sound of accents.

We have collections of people from all over the world, each bringing to us a new way of hearing English and Spanish. We must be flexible and open to thrive in this miniTower of Babel. We must allow language to flow and move, never holding it down or looking for the right way to say it. There is no “right” way … just “a” way.

The same goes for each individual area of Latin America. I don’t understand everything that everyone with a different dialect says to me. I make lots of guesses and try to expand my vocabulary.

You can get the gist of what people are saying regardless of the language being spoken.

It comes from context clues, body language and stabs in the dark. People who are talented at learning multiple languages have this ability — getting the gist of what’s being said and then repeating the sounds in childish wonder.

Childish wonder seems to play a big part in adults being able to learn quickly.

Language is a celebration of who we are and an accent is a map to where we come from. Go out there yourself … have an accent and be tickled listening to who people are and where they come from. Listen, repeat and delight in your clumsy tongue trying to wrap itself around new sounds. Don’t stop at Spanish. Try out Italian, French, German or any of the many other cultures that have found a home locally. Stop being afraid of what you don’t understand, and you may find yourself understanding a lot more than you thought.

Subtitles are your friend!

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aplaudir — clap digitar — to type estripar — squeeze frotar — rub golpear — hit masajear — massage oprimir — press (like a button) or squeeze (like a strong handshake) palmear — pat (like on the back) pellizcar — pinch (like to hurt someone or to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming) prensar — press presionar — apply pressure to rascar — scratch saludar — greet signo de paz — peace sign sobar — rub tocar — touch tocar a la puerta — knock at the door tocar musica — play music torcer — twist tronar los dedos — snap your fingers

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HOWLER

DINING GUIDE

Happy

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 53

17

GRAND Openning!

November

TRADICIONAL FRENCH CUISINE GRILL - SEAFOOD

Etienne - first owner of Jardin del Eden is happy to receive his old costumers November 16 at 6pm for the inaguration of his new Restaurant "La Cave" for a welcome drink and bocas

P L AYA L A N G O S TA 6281-8200 54 | #searchfindhowl| online

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Reopening for the season NOVEMBER15 th

Join us for Thanksgiving, 5-8:30 pm RESERVATIONS SUGGESTED Located in beautiful Palm Beach Estates next to the estuary. Easily accessible from Tamarindo via boat taxi (complimentary with dinner reservations). Pickup times: 5, 5:30 and 6 pm.

Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975).

Hotel Capitán Suizo, Playa Tamarindo Hours Daily, noon to 9:30pm Mon, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Wed, 7-9pm, Avellino Fri, 7-9pm, Live Marimba Phone: 2653-0075 restaurante @hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Healthy dishes made from scratch with local and fresh products All taxes included in price

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El Barco Del Capitán: European-Tico Fusion, Beachfront Restaurant

El Barco del Capitán is nestled in a beautiful tropical garden within the Hotel Capitán Suizo and offers a modern, healthy and fresh cuisine. Our chef, Jujo Molina, has created the dishes inspired by his European heritage and the incredible products available in Costa Rica. Using our homegrown ingredients from our organic garden, we strive to offer an environmental friendly menu and an authentic experience to our guests.

MENU SELECTIONS Tacos Carne (Lunch)

$15

Tartar Capitan (Dinner)

$13

The Veggie (Lunch)

$15

Linguini (Dinner)

$23

Lomito (Dinner)

$28

Beef, tortillas with mixed cabbage salad, guacamole and tamarindo sauce Grilled portobello, tomato, zucchini, chilealmonds-garlic sauce, homemade bun

Calamares Crujientes (Snack) $13

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

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

Calamari, jumbo shrimps, mussels, Spanish chorizo, cherry tomatoes, white wine 200gr of tenderloin with a tamarind sauce over Swiss Roësti and vegetables

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 55

TAMARINDO / LANGOSTA

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

HUACAS 3km south of Huacas, road to Tamarindo Hours Daily, 7am-9pm Breakfast 7am-10am

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

MENU SELECTIONS

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

Broken Yolk Sandwich

$12

Pasta

Breakfast Quesadilla

$12

Open Grill

BLT La Playita

$10

Pineapple FlambĂŠ

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

HUACAS

New York Pizzeria

Pizzeria

New York Pizzeria is your go-to pizza spot in Guanacaste, for an authentic New York style pizza or calzone. Dine-in or take-out available. Enjoy!

Specialties Authentic New York style pizza and calzones. Freshly made breadsticks.

MENU SELECTIONS

From $16

Pork tenderloin, chicken breast, ribeye, New York strip, beef tenderloin & catch of the day

Always a favorite for a light bite to eat: bacon, lettuce and tomato

200m west of the Brasilito/ Huacas crossroads, Huacas www.nypizzeriahuacas.com @nypizzeriahuacas Hours Tues-Sun 3pm-11pm Closed Monday Phone: 2653-6296

$14

Build your own pasta bowl, with a mixed salad

$4

Our most popular dessert served hot with vanilla ice cream

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

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.

MENU SELECTIONS

Meat Lover's Pizza

Mixed BBQ Buffet

$45

House Special Pizza

Seafood Buffet

$45

Pepperoni, ham, salami, bacon, and ground beef.

Pepperoni, ham, mushrooms, onions, and sweet peppers.

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Baby back ribs, chorizo and chicken, sides included A delicious array of seafood and sides dishes

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VILLARREAL

Phone: 2653-6818 info@seisplayashotel.com

PALM BEACH

DINING GUIDE

Palm Beach, next to the estuary

Reopening for the season November 15th

Hours Breakfast available all day long: 7:30am-2:30pm Lunch: 11am-3pm Dinner: 5:30pm-9pm Phone: 2653-0975 frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com

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

Specialties

Daily:

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

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. We are easily accessible from Tamarindo via boat taxi (complimentary with dinner reservations). Pickup time are 5, 5:30 and 6 pm. Please call before 2pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975).

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

Specialty coffees and espresso

Join us for Thanksgiving, 5-8:30, Reservations Suggested 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

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

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Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables Italian sausage, beef and pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese

10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce 10 oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce Baked tender and served with our famous tropical Bula Bula BBQ sauce

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

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 57

DINING GUIDE

BRASILITO

Main corner, Brasilito Hours Mon-Fri, 11am-midnight Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight Phone: +506 4702-0826 costarica@ lucysretiredsurfers.com LucysCostaRica 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

howlermag.com

Hours Daily, 6:30am-9:30pm Phone: 2654-4671, 2654-5340 Specialties Fresh seafood and pasta

Nasu: Creative Tropical Cuisine Welcome to Nasu Restaurant, tropical creative cuisine. Join us oceanside, where the freshest catch is prepared every day by our acclaimed chef. Enjoy the culinary treasures of Costa Rica, where tradition and innovation meet.

MENU SELECTIONS Panzanella Salad

$13

Antipasto di mare

$24

Lettuce, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, artisan bread, jumbo shrimp in vinaigrette For two: octopus, crab, shrimp, clams, salmon, sea bass, tuna with vegetables

Mediterranean Snack

$14

For two: falafel, tzatziki, tomato pesto, baba ghanoush, feta cheese, pita bread

Potrero, 800m north of Banco Nacional Hours Daily, 11am -10pm Kitchen closes 9pm

Grilled Tenderloin

$24

Roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables and a mushroom sauce

Chicken Parmigiana

$12

Lightly breaded chicken, cherry tomatoes, arugula, Parmesan crisps, lime dressed

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

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$14

The Beach House Beachfront Dining

Phone: 2654-6203 Specialties Fresh seafood Epic sunset view

Ravioli della nonna

Homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster and mashed cauliflower, bathed in a champagne sauce with capers and tomatoes

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

Sausage, shrimp & chicken with onions, tomatoes & peppers in Cajun sauce over rice or linguini Pesto seared tuna on fresh bread served with lettuce, tomato & pesto aioli

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 59

SURFSIDE / POTRERO

1 km east of the Banco Nacional in Flamingo

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

$18

Casa Chameleon Burger

French Toast

$12

Ceviche $14

Knife & Fork Tortillas

$14

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

With sweet plantains and coconut milk cream

$19

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

$29

Grilled Skirt Steak

$30

Fresh Tuna Poke

$24

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

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Hours Daily, 5:30pm-10:30pm Closed Wednesday Phone: 8532-8613

Vaca Loka

Italian Restaurant True Italian cuisine.

Pasta like you are in Roma!

Fresh bruschetta served when you arrive. Buon appetito!

Specialties Pizza, pasta, meat, fish

Che Sirloin Steak House & Grill

Pueblito Sur #10, Las Palmas, Che Sirloin Steak House & Grill Playas del Coco is a meat lover’s heaven. Located steps from the beach in a tranquil Hours garden setting with indoor and Lunch/Dinner outdoor seating.

11:00-14:30 and 17:00-21:00 Closed Wednesday Specialties Prime Cut Steaks, Gourmet Phone: 8467-7664 Hamburgers, Brunch chesirloin@gmail.com

MENU SELECTIONS MENU SELECTIONS House Lasagna

Ribeye Steak c6.500

Ribeye c6.500

Avenida Central, across from El Coco Casino, Playas del Coco Hours Mon-Thu, 11am till late Fri-Sun, 9am till late Phone: 2670-1982 pete@coconutzbar.com Specialties Smoked BBQ Microbrewery Gourmet bar bites Sports bar Live music Private parties

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Served with salad or french fries

Animal Burger With chorizo, grilled pineapple, fried egg & bacon

Homemade Cheesecake With dulce de leche

COCONUTZ BAR & GRILL: Sports Bar Coconutz is your neighborhood sports bar and microbrewery in an exotic tropical setting, complete with gorgeous local hardwood, trees growing through the floor, license plates from all over the world, surfboards hanging from the rooftop, and of course ... our famous swing set! We feature the best tropical drink selection in the area, as well as our on-premise brewed Angry Goats beers on tap. Come visit the premier sports bar in Playas Del Coco.

MENU SELECTIONS Porky Piñas

Walking Taco

Smokey Shrimp Poppers

Chicken & Waffle Burger

Memphis Ribs

Al Pastor Pizza

Pineapple bites wrapped in bacon, topped with teriyaki and sesame seeds Fresh jumbo shrimp, sliced jalapeño and cream cheese, wrapped in bacon and smoked Half rack or whole rack, with choice of two sides

Shredded chicken or beef, cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, fried tostada, grilled in tortilla Buttermilk fried chicken with waffle bun, American cheese, heat and sweet sauce Adobe smoked pork, pineapple salsa, local fresh cheese, house mole sauce

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 61

PLAYAS DEL COCO

FLAMINGO

Flamingo - 100m south of road to Potrero

PLAYAS DEL COCO

DINING GUIDE

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

SODA GUAYMY Typical & Rustic Food Breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks 200m W of Super Compro Daily, 6-9 7028-3264 / 8911-2191 Jimemurillo98@hotmail.com

PLAYA MATAPALO

HUACAS

SODA GUAYMY

PLAYAS DEL COCO

PLAYA GRANDE

RipJack Inn Surfing, Yoga and Tree Top Dining 75m off the beach Eat, Sleep, Stretch, Surf Playa Grande Daily, 8am-9:30pm, Sunday Brunch, Happy Hour 4-6 2653-1636 ripjackinn.com

PLAYAS DEL COCO

PLAYA GRANDE

POTS & BOWLS Jungle Coffee Shop Breakfast, Lunch - with vegan options.

Organic wine - Cold Pressed Juice and New Smoothie menu, Plants nursery & Artisanal Boutique Playa Grande, Main Road Daily, 8am-5pm 4701-2394 potsandbowls@gmail.com

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

SEA BIRD SAILING EXCURSIONS #1 Boat/Water Tour on TripAdvisor!

Half day, full day, group or private sailing and snorkeling tours, with photos, open bar & snacks included Playas del Coco Hours and rates on website 8880-6393 SeaBirdSailingExcursions.com

SUMMER-SALT DIVE CEN­TER A Professional Dive Company We teach and share, creating unforgetta­ble moments 25­m E of Latin Beach Bar Daily, 7-6pm 2670-0308 / 8824-72­58 www.costaricadivecen­ter.com

10% OFF* Discount Code:

HOWLER Amazing Zipline Animal Sanctuary ATV Rentals Horseback Riding and Ocean Activities Book online at

www.DiamanteEcoadventurePark.com *Some restrictions apply if purchasing on-site at Diamante: Not valid with other offers or in association with third-party companies

62 | #searchfindhowl| online

Braulio Carrillo • Jacó

Aerial Tram Hanging Bridge Zip Line Gardens Lodge and more

15% OFF Book online at

rainforestadventure.com Discount code:

HOWLER howlermag.com

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Book online using

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*

Some restrictions apply if purchasing on-site at Diamante: Not valid with other offers or in associagtion with thrid-party companies

28 | #searchfindhowl| online

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10% HOWLER Visit us Today!

Book online using

*

Discount *

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Some restrictions apply if purchasing on-site at Diamante: Not valid with other offers or in associagtion with thrid-party companies

#s earchf indh owl

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 27

HOWLER

CO N T E N T S 12 4 REVOLUTION PRECRAFTED Cover Story

CASA STEPHANIE Architectural Design

10

CR Biz: Costa Rica

Real Estate, Business & Investment

4 - Cover Story: Revolution Precrafted Coming to Costa Rica 8 - Architectural Design: Casa Stephanie 10 - Investment Chat With Nativu: - Becoming a Successful Real Estate Investor - 10 - Investment FAQ: Build Your Investment Portfolio - 12 14 - Doing Business Right: - Pro Tips for Small Businesses Part 1 - 14 - People Make the Difference - 16 18 - Trailblazer Tales: DIY Micro-Hydro 20 - Building CR: When is a Good Time to Build in Costa Rica?

22 - LegalEase: Luxury Home Tax 24 - CR Business and Community Services Directories

14

HOWLER CONTRIBUTORS

PEOPLE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE Doing Business Right

Henry Bastos. Founder and director of Cultural GAM + Art City Tour. www.gamcultural.com. Or www. facebook.com/ArtCityTour

Marian Paniagua. Certified nurse and yoga Instructor and local artisan, born and raised in Guanacaste.

8914-0199. marianpaniagua@gmail.com

Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, an avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com

Gilberth Cavallini. Veterinary Doctor, owner Cavallini Veterinary Services, Villarreal (MegaSuper Plaza) tamarindovet@gmail.com

Jenn Parker. An avid writer, traveler, and nature lover on a mission to surf the earth and share her stories.

Tatiana Vandruff. Principal LEED GA, at Grupo Pacifico Architects and Builders, sustainable design and construction for over 30 years. www.grupopaciticocr. com or tvandruff@grupopacificocr.com

Laura Galvin. Founder Nomad Design House. 62826635 info@nomaddesignhouse.com Ellen Zoe Golden. Former entertainment biz PR flack, now living the dream as a travel agent and journalist in my long-time home of Tamarindo. And yes, I surf!

Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys.

He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com.

Karl Kahler. Author of "Frommer's Costa Rica 2017," former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California's San Jose Mercury News.

Johnny Lahoud. Owner/broker of Pura Vida Realty, Playa Grande. He loves Costa Rica a lot. pvrealty@ gmail.com Sylvia Monge. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishforexpats23@gmail.com

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Marcos Pitti. General Manager of CarpeChepe, has 12 years’ experience as a CouchSurfing.com host to San José visitors. Phone: 8326-6142, email: pitti@ carpeChepe.com or visit www.CarpeChepe.com Nicole Rangel. Managing Editor of Howler and freelance writer and editor. Making memories forever with her family. nicole.rangel@gmail.com

Dalia Vargas. Doctor in Dental Surgery and owner of Guanacaste Dental, with postgraduate training in cosmetic dentistry from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Colombia). Former member, Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and member, Costa Rican Board of Dentistry.

Fabricio Riggoni. Investment Consultant at NATIVU. 8301-0663. fabricio@nativu.com

Vern Veer Jr. Retired reptile specialist, Denver Zoo. Co-owner of V3 Reptile Breeders.

Silvia Rivera. Periodontics specialist, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Colombia.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Jessie Rowan. Multimedia journalist and photographer originally from California. Former Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting grantee and global health reporter. Passion for surfing and traveling. jessierowan2929@gmail.com Patricia Sterman. Argentinian fashion design graduate, living in Costa Rica for 20 years. Owner of Azul Profundo Boutique, jewelry manufacturer and cofounder of SalveMonos animal protection group.

Jorge A. Russell. Professional photographer from Chile based in Jacó beach. Does outdoor photography and studio photography. 8836-6475. jorgerussellphotographer@gmail.com Jacob Schantz. Onwer of Schantz Studio Productions, Guanacaste Costa Rica. jacob.schantz@gmail.com Valerie Veer. Co-owner of V3 Reptiles, with enthusiasm for herpetoculture and nature in general, paired with long-time interest in photography. howlermag.com

PL AYA F L A M I N G O • CO S TA R I C A

Playa Grande Waterfront Boutique Hotel, Restaurant & Bar

MOTIVATE D SELLER

Dramatic Price Reduction $1,299,000

Flamingo Ocean View Building Site

Conchal 4BR Golf Course Condo

Las Ventanas Ocean-View Home

OPR

OPR

EXCLUSIV E

EXCLUSIV E

For Sale $650,000

Playa Flamingo, Guanacas Guanacaste Ref. Listing ID: LL1700076

3,054 square meters Playa Conchal Conchal, Guanacast Guanacaste Utilities on site Ref. Listing ID: rs1700216

Las Catalinas Romantic Loft

OPR

For Sale $495,000

For Sale 475,000

Playa Danta Danta, Guanacaste Ref. Listing ID: rs1700675

1 bedrooms / 700 square feet Playa Avenellas Avenellas, Guanaca Guanacaste Secure community / walk to beach Ref. Listing ID: LL1800024

3 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms

Private Ocean-View Luxury Home

OPR

EXCLUSIV E

For Sale $699,000

4 bedrooms / 4 bathrooms Playa Grande Grande, Guanacaste Gated, secure, resort lifestyle Ref. Listing ID: rs1800557

.43 Hectares Walk To Beach

OPR

EXCLUSIV E

EXCLUSIV E

OPR

For Sale $215,000

EXCLUSIV E

For Sale $1,900,000

Near Playa Negra Marbella Marbella, Guanacaste Perfect for a Surfer’s Paradise Ref. Listing ID: rs1800546

4 bedrooms / 5 bathrooms 1 hectare of ocean-view land

+506-2654-6070 servicing Flamingo and the greater Gold Coast of Guanacaste. We are proud members of the Costa Rica MLS, a real estate network of hundreds of real estate agents across the country, providing world wide reach for all our listings in 7 languages.

Fritz Mayr fritz@overseas.de

Pennye Wheeler

#spennye@overseas.de earchf indh owl

Jack Osborne jack@overseas.de

Donna Osborne donna@overseas.de

John Logan john@overseas.de

TOLL-FREE:

888-597-3126

Located across from the new Marina in Flamingo

Chantal Batter chantal@overseas.de

Wally Beck

Mike Shannon

wally@overseas.de HM HOWLER MAGAZINEmike@overseas.de |3

COVER STORY

ROBBIE ANTONIO

REVOLUTION PRECRAFTED DISRUPTS THE HOME-BUILDING INDUSTRY

by Fred Denton

His eureka moment was coming up with the idea of “branded prefab” homes designed by famed architects, designers, artists and celebrities.

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H

ow would you like to live in a home designed by world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, or how about one developed by a rock star like Lenny Kravitz? It’s not out of the question… even in Costa Rica, if Robbie Antonio has any influence on the matter.

With client projects worth more than $8.7 billion being developed, Antonio’s brainchild company, Revolution Precrafted, is quickly disrupting the traditional $850 billion home-building industry around the world. It all started with a eureka moment sparking the idea of “branded prefab” homes through the intersection of technology, art and design. Collaboration with celebrated names in those circles, along with top architects and real estate developers, added up to a dynamically innovative value proposition.

Revolution Precrafted identifies

primarily as a “property-tech” company, delivering on its promise to homeowners of a meticulously designed and precisely manufactured end product. The homes are manufactured off-site and shipped around the world.

Real estate is in Antonio’s blood.

He got his start working as managing director of the family-owned Century Properties Group in the Philippines, where he spearheaded iconic fashion-branded properties in Manila with Armani, Versace, Trump and others. Later in New York, he founded Antonio Development. Recently, he founded Revolution Precrafted. He is the youngest person on the Forbes 2017 and 2018 list of 50 Richest in the Philippines.

Learn more at: www.revolutionprecrafted.com

howlermag.com

An artist rendition of Revolution Island, an envisioned beach resort project featuring the designs of Revolution Precrafted.

Photos courtesy of Revolution Precrafted

There is a reason why Robbie Antonio is often compared to Elon Musk, the founder of Tesla. As the billionaire CEO of Revolution Precrafted, Antonio has launched a home-building enterprise akin to a high-end automobile brand but with the added twist of accessible pricing.

Customers can personalize what they build and can afford it too.

Howler recently had an opportunity to ask the real estate mogul about Revolution Precrafted and its plans for entering the Costa Rican market.

What opportunities are you seeing in Latin America, and Costa Rica specifically, at this time?

We see Latin America as a potential growth area for Revolution Precrafted.

There is so much untapped land in the region that can be site-developed and landdeveloped to become unique residential

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We Home by AFGH.

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 5

Eden home by Marcel Wanders.

Polygonal Successions by Eduardo Calma, a prefab townhouse complex in Batulao Artscapes.

Artist rendering of a proposed development inside the $1.1 billion Batulao Artscape project in the Philippines.

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howlermag.com

Mr. Antonio working with designer Michael Maltazan.

developments — from affordable housing projects to premium villas and mansions.

We are in talks with several developers from the country who are interested in monetizing their land by converting them to residential and tourist accommodations.

We are in the process of finalizing the negotiations, but we expect at least one deal to be announced before the end of the year or early 2019.

What has it been like working with some of the top architects and designers in the world on some really iconic projects?

Working with some of the world’s best architects and designers is quite rewarding. You see, we work with them every step of the design process. We get to witness their brilliant technique and concepts come to life.

In business terms, what is the impact of this collaborative branding on sales turnover and the bottom line?

We are the only branded housing company in the world. Since we launched in December 2015, we have bagged over $8.7 billion in expected revenues. I’d like to believe that our branding proposition is one of the main reasons we receive so much business. After all, the branded prefab model separates us from other prefab companies.

Tell us a bit about the genesis of Revolution Precrafted — a pretty disruptive model for the industry, is it not?

I was living alone in New York and I wanted to create something related to real estate but something completely different. Then I thought of branded prefab. By the time of our launch, there were already several prefab players in the field. But there was no other company offering branded prefab, so that was our #s earchf indh owl

great market differentiation. Our first ever project was the $1.1 billion Batulao Artscapes in the Philippines. It perfectly captures the idea of combining art, fashion, design and architecture.

We have homes and museums designed by some of the best and most creative people such as Christian de Portzamparc, Jean Nouvel, Philip Johnson Alan Ritchie Architects (PJAR) and Tange Associates.

We also have homes designed by Helena Christensen and Camilla Staerk, David Salle, Kenneth Cobonpue and Eduardo Calma among others.

What does “property-tech” entail?

We consider ourselves a property-tech company primarily because of how we incorporate technology with production.

From the start of the line, we use advanced robotics in our fabrication and production.

This allows us to speed up production considerably compared to traditional home building. We have partnered with a Dubai-based company to engage in off-site fabrication technology. This is a gamechanger for us because it will hasten our production and delivery time.

What is the average price for your homes?

We have two classifications of homes.

We have our origin homes, designed by our internal team. Prices range from $10,000 to over $100,000. Then, we also have our curated homes, designed by our worldclass revolutionaries, with prices from $120,000 to $360,000.

Do you see Revolution Precrafted as the primary vehicle into the Costa Rican market or are you looking at development generally?

We are only focused on supplying homes to Costa Rica through local and international developers. That is our business model, which is B2B2C [business to business to consumer]. We are open to

Revolution Precrafted Founder and CEO Robbie Antonio poses with the late Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher.

working on both residential or tourismrelated projects in Costa Rica. We see so much potential in the market.

Where do you see Revolution Precrafted going in the future worldwide?

We expect to be present in 35 countries by the end of the year. We are now in 26 countries, so we expect to hit our target. By the end of 2020, we expect to be ubiquitous … present in at least 85 to 100 countries worldwide and in all continents.

Costa Rica has a worldwide reputation for environmentally sustainable development. What is your view and mindset as it relates to Revolution Precrafted and development in general?

We have plans for creating net-zero developments where the carbon footprint would be low. While wanting to supply homes and tourism-related amenities, we are very conscious of the need to be sustainable. No matter what kind of development we put up in any country, rest assured that it will be compliant with all environmental laws and policies.

If someone in Costa Rica wants to order a Revolution Precrafted product, is it possible right now?

Yes, this is possible. We have a global network of fabricators who can build the units. They will then be shipped to Costa Rica and installed there. The entire process takes two or three months, depending on the unit size and volume of orders.

Finally, do you have a message for our readers and to Costa Rica in general?

We are really looking forward to finally entering the Costa Rican market, where we are confident people will see the value behind our branded, limited-edition prefab structures.

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 7

CR Biz Mini-Mag

Paradise in Paradise

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

CASA STEPHANIE

W

by Howler Staff

8|

hat better way to describe this newly constructed ultra modern 4,000 plus square foot estate perched 500 feet up a private gated community in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, but paradise in paradise. The home was custom designed with major input from the owner's daughter – Stephanie – a premier architect/designer who also selected all of the high-end finishings. The home offers amazing views from every room, and direct views of Monkey Head Rock, Four Seasons hotel, and Papagayo Peninsula. The home is offered for vacation rental by Brokers Costa Rica.

Casa Stephanie is situated on 1.5 acres. The intent

was to create not only an eco-friendly home (and matching casita), but to also take advantage of the property to include amenities reserved for resorts – extensive landscaping, walking trails, sitting areas, outdoor recreational areas, a professionally designed putting green, practice area and a par 3 golf hole.

The focal point of the home is the two-story glass front facade with floating teak staircase. The main house has three bedrooms all with ensuite and ocean views. The master bedroom with designer bathroom occupies the entire second floor with personal outdoor balcony for lounging, dining, stargazing or listening to the sounds of Costa Rica's wildlife. All furniture was

Location: Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Rental Agent: Jennifer Campos • Phone: 506-4702-7098 • reservations@costarica-brokers.com #searchfindhowl| online howlermag.com Owner: Dr. Jay Bauman • jayhb43@aol.com

custom designed, and Luis of Comunidad Wood Workers, artfully crafted many unique pieces. Perfect for anyone, you can swim in the infinity pool, relax under the large covered patio with expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, read a book in any one of the sitting areas or spend hours honing your golf game.

Casa Stephanie is offered for vacation rental by Brokers Costa Rica, a Guanacaste

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based company with 14 plus years of luxury hospitality and property management experience. Brokers Costa Rica specializes in management of exclusive vacation rentals, condominiums, and an array of property management services (utility payments, accounting and taxes, landscape management to name just a few). They also offer specialty concierge services such as private chefs and personalized travel

vacation experiences that can include excursions to area sights and activities.

How you manage your property today impacts its future value. Brokers Costa Rica understands these principles and offers tailored services to maximize management of your assets. Brokers Costa Rica gives you peace of mind knowing professionals are taking proper care of your property without disruption of your daily life.

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 9

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

INVESTMENT CHAT WITH NATIVU

Becoming a Successful Real Estate Investor

by Fabricio Riggioni

W

ith any endeavor in life, one must put in the hours, effort and dedication to achieve greatness and success. Investing in real estate is no different, as it takes time to develop a special skill set to build your business identity and portfolio. Over the years, I have met with many successful real estate investors. These are five traits I believe most of them have in common, which may be helpful to you.

Be economically savvy

Saying “no” is key in this business.

Interest rates, government policy, tax policy and demographics are the four key macro-factors that drive real estate markets up or down. A successful investor constantly monitors them and tries to anticipate what changes in these drivers will mean for portfolio returns. Costa Rica is going through a lot of reforms in these areas. One new reform being discussed now would have a direct impact on the economy and real estate markets later.

Be good at saying “no” Having a detailed, wellthought-out investment plan

makes it easier to see the big picture. It’s then when you can realize most of the opportunities presented by people or institutions aren’t a good fit for your portfolio. It’s easier to say “no” to them, and actually take time to analyze and work on the opportunities that are a better fit for what you have previously laid as the backbone of your portfolio.

Saying “no” is key in this business.

Surround yourself with only the best

This is what separates the good from the great. By putting together a team of knowledgeable, trustworthy professionals who share your passion and are willing to work with you on every deal, you are halfway there. There are hundreds of lawyers, realtors, architects and business professionals, but it’s your job to identify those who will make you better.

Read, read, read!

Great investors devour books all year long. The more you learn, the easier decisionmaking becomes; it’s as simple as that. Look introspectively and

be aware of areas you need to improve on as an investor, then read books that will make you stronger. For instance, if you have a solid financial background, read more about human behavior and body language. This will make you better at the important negotiations.

Don’t be greedy In this game, greed can be a capital sin. I’ve seen lots of investors burn all their wealth through a couple of unstudied, greedy decisions. Great investors know that money is only an instrument in the investing world. However, it is not the ultimate goal. They know that positive returns aren’t only measured in dollars but in overall happiness and satisfaction.

In this bull real estate market we’re experiencing, play your chips smartly in hopes of setting yourself in a powerful cash positive position. That will enable you to sail through the bear markets once they arrive.

Always ask yourself: What can I be learning today that will make me a better investor tomorrow?

NATIVU • Investment Consultant: Fabricio Riggioni Phone: (506) 8301-0663 • Email: fabricio@nativu.com

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RELAX... WE GOT YOUR BACK.

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2 BED / 2 BATH POTRERO, GUANACASTE

MARBELLA, GUANACASTE

$ 149 K

VILLA MAGNOLIA UNIT #42 2 BED / 2 BATH POTRERO, GUANACASTE

$ 980 K

HOTEL LA MAREJADA PLAYA GRANDE, GUANACASTE

SAN JOSE PINILLA, GUANACASTE

I G IST N L NEW

T

IS WL

NE

ING

$ 300 K

LAND FOR SALE NEAR AVELLANAS

$ 369 K

FLAMINGO MARINA REAL 222 2 BED / 2 BATH PLAYA FLAMINGO, GUANACASTE

$ 299 K

CASA ALTA VISTA

2 BED / 1 BATH PLAYA PAVONES, PUNTARENAS.

www.kwcostarica.com / info@kwcostarica.com / www.costaricabeach.properties / Tel.: 2654-5460

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 11

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

FAQs - How Do I Build My Investment Portfolio?

SIMPLY SPANISH

by Howler Staff

INVESTMENT CHAT WITH NATIVU

by Fabricio Riggioni

Is it better to build a house or buy a turnkey home when considering rental income?

It really depends on the investor’s strategy. If you build a house in Costa Rica without any major issues, you could be looking at a smart financial decision.

You could save up to 30 percent from the final asking price on a turnkey home.

Needless to say, building a house or commercial building in Costa Rica has a steep learning curve if you’re doing it for the first time. I recommend surrounding yourself with a strong team of architects and civil engineers and learn the process.

On the other hand, buying a house allows you to start receiving rental income right away, which speeds up the return-on-investment timeline. However, you may encounter infrastructure issues along the way by not being involved in the building process.

Should I structure my properties with debt or equity?

Most people start their investment experience with debt and move towards equity as their assets start paying off. Debt can be a really useful instrument if used properly under the right circumstances. It can also be an investor’s worst nightmare if interest rates rise and the portfolio is overleveraged. When using debt to acquire a property, always ask yourself “what if?” What if my property is empty with no tenants? What if interest rates go up? What if my operating expenses rise?

These are just some questions to help you run a financial stress scenario and let you know how elastic your portfolio is.

Can I create my portfolio with other partners?

For sure. The easiest way to do it is by creating a corporation (Sociedad Anónima). This will be the owner of properties that you acquire with your

partners. Each partner owns a number of shares depending on the capital invested on those particular assets. It’s important to have a written agreement among the partners underlying different scenarios that will occur in the future, including asset selling prices, share purchase agreements among partners, external share purchases and managing fees.

How do I measure my real estate portfolio’s performance?

Hundreds of financial ratios may be used to compare the performance of different portfolios. Also, property location and the current economic environment may be deciding factors.

Capitalization (cap) rate is one of the main ratios to consider when analyzing a property.

Cap rate is the annual net operating income (NOI) divided by the property’s purchase price. This ratio allows the investor to forecast the cash inflows derived from rentals. For example: if a house purchased for $100,000 during that year received $10,000 of NOI (rental totals minus operating expenses), the cap rate would be 10 percent. A cap rate of 10 percent to 15 percent is considered very good in Guanacaste with current market conditions.

When is the right time to make changes in my portfolio?

Changes will derive from three major points: economic variations where the properties are located, opportunities to strengthen the portfolio and overall strategy variations. There can be long periods where no changes occur and you hold on current positions. At other times, fast, well-thought decisions can make a huge difference on the financial returns and structure of your portfolio.

A good investor is always analyzing the main variables in the market and making decisions accordingly.

NATIVU • Investment Consultant: Fabricio Riggioni Phone: (506) 8301-0663 • Email: fabricio@nativu.com

12 | #searchfindhowl| online

Business Terms Administracion - Administration Cedula Juridica - Company ID (legal identification number of the company) Contabilidad - Accounting Estado de Cuenta bancario - Bank Account Statement Factura - Bill Facturacion digital - Digital Invoicing (term currently used with the new billing system implemented) Ganancia - Profit Impuestos - Taxes Impuesto sobre la renta - Taxes on income (tax paid annually by those having some commercial activity, companies or individuals providing professional services) Numero de Cuenta Bancaria - Bank Account Number Nombre legal de la empresa - Company Legal Name Nombre de fantasia - Name used publicly/Trade name (This is used when the legal name of a company differs from the one used publicly.

For example, Howler Magazine is the name of fantasy, the legal name is The Howler Gold Coast CR.) Oficina - Office Permisos de operacion Operation Permits (All the legal permits necessary for a company to operate legally) Perdida - Loss of Money

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COMING SOON! 3 Br, 2.5 Bth, 2 story home with pool.

Corner lot, located in Surfside across from Maxwell's Restaurant.

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 13

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

PRO TIPS

FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS: AUDIENCE & BRAND IDENTITY

by Laura Galvin Nomad Design House

DOING BUSINESS RIGHT

Costa Rica is no longer just a retiree destination. People of all ages are moving here to start small businesses, and in this developing nation with mounting popularity for expats and tourists from around the world, the entrepreneurial opportunities are ripe; but the competition is growing. While many have dreams of running their own business, not all have prior business experience or knowledge to execute successfully. In this three-part series, we’re giving current and future business owners pro tips for small business success in Costa Rica, starting with defining your audience and developing your brand identity.

D

efining your target audience is essential before you make decisions about your business’ branding and marketing strategies. A target audience is the demographic of people most likely to be interested in your product or service.

Costa Rica is unique in that there are different markets for locals, expats, and tourists, yet they can and often will overlap. Your audience can also be defined by its demographics, location, interests, values, and opinions. It may change or become more refined over time after you have observed who your customers are, and this will help you to connect better with that group in the future.

Knowing your audience so intimately is important so that you can communicate and appeal to your customers in the most effective ways with your branding and marketing.

PART 1 OF 3 14 | #searchfindhowl| online

A brand is more than just a logo; it’s your business’ personality and identity.

It is your opportunity to make an impactful first impression and emotional connection with potential customers. In mere seconds, people make subconscious decisions about what your business represents, how trustworthy or professional it is, and the quality of your products or services – all based on your branding.

When considering your brand identity, put some thought into the values you want your brand to represent, and make a list of adjectives.

Your list might include descriptive words such as “luxury,” “natural” or “eco-friendly,” for example. It’s important to define this so you have guidance for your design, styling choices, and even the tone of voice you use in marketing.

You could also pick a theme (for example: an era, a place, or a sport) to carry throughout your branding if that helps form a connection with your audience and represents your brand values. A good way to organize these ideas is to create a mood board.

(Pinterest is a great tool for this!)

Next will be designing your logo, and all the visual elements of your brand in the style that you have defined.

The standards are being raised now that more small businesses are opening in Costa Rica, and having a professional appearance is a must to stay competitive.

Your logo should visually communicate your brand’s values in an instant. The rest of your visual identity (in signage, ads, decor, print material, website and social media channels) should support that message.

Creating a cohesive brand identity across all channels is important in building brand recognition. If you don’t have a design background, it’s best to seek out a professional designer with branding experience to help you at this stage, or even earlier.

It’s important that your visuals communicate effectively and are high-quality and cohesive.

Every interaction consumers have with your brand should be reiterating what your brand stands for and what you want them to remember about you, in order to build a strong relationship between your customers and your products or services. The importance of brand identity will be explained further in the following article next month when we discuss marketing and promotions.

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 15

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

People Make the Difference DOING BUSINESS RIGHT

Diamante Eco-Adventure Park

by Howler Staff

“An employee’s passion and happiness will translate across all language and cultural barriers.”

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C

osta Rica and adventure: this connection is immediate, real and known to travelers around the world.

With its incredible climate, mountains, oceans, and rainforests, Costa Rica is a world-class setting for those offering up sought-after adventure activities. But what makes the country a world-renowned destination and one of the happiest places on earth is its people.

Diamante Eco Adventure Park is well known for Costa Rica’s longest zipline with an ocean view, as well as a first-class animal sanctuary and wildlife education center. The park receives rave reviews from adventure seekers of all ages, including families with small kids. Reviewers frequently describe the thrill of the ziplines, the beauty of the animals and the hands-on experience making chocolate in the cultural learning center.

These reviews often stand out for another reason: they feature high praises to the Diamante employees for making their park experience memorable.

“The sheer volume of reviews and times employees are thanked by name or by activity tells you that Diamante has a special group of employees,” says Jesus Gonzalez, General Manager. “We make every effort in the beginning to align the right person with the right position. We believe anyone with a great attitude can be matched with a job that will allow them to excel. An employee’s passion and happiness will translate across all language and cultural barriers.”

Luciana Smania, Director of Activities, agrees.

“I was one of the first employees at Diamante,” Smania says. “We all had many jobs to do and I was in charge of finding and training 20 zipline guides. I had a few simple requirements — a great attitude, love of people and the outdoors and basic English.”

The hiring process turned out to be less straightforward than expected, Smania recalls.

“Staff were screening candidates by phone and we brought in those who we thought sounded the best. I soon realized that we had one guy who spoke no English and was not even on the list. I went to tell him that he would need to leave, but instead found myself trying to find a way to keep him because his energy, attitude, and desire were contagious.”

Smania seems to have made a good call in retaining that employee. Danny, nicknamed “Hancock,” is not only still at Diamante but speaks English and has become a leader on the zipline team.

Smania also speaks highly of Diamante’s zipline supervisor, Aristides Crilio.

“He was in the first group I ever hired.

He has worked his way into this leadership position with his attention to detail and respect among his peers for his hard work and great attitude.”

Biologist Valerie Valdelomar leads the animal sanctuary team at Diamante.

“I am proud to see the sanctuary staff thanked so frequently for sharing their passion and knowledge of the animals that they care for,” Valdelomar says. “We see Juan Jose [Juanjo] mentioned frequently.

Juanjo has been taking care of our jaguars,

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Photos courtesy of Diamante Eco Adventure Park

Nico and Sama, for years. He is consistently popular with guests who know him by name.”

Valdelomar says one of her guides, Bryan, was so popular with guests that she ended up having to promote him. “He was promoted to a new role within the park. I am always happy to see my staff improve, learn and grow within the company.”

Alejandro Guerrero leads the maintenance team at Diamante and was on the team that built the ziplines, Smania notes.

“Alejandro was instrumental in creating a safety device used at the park.

The owners were so impressed that they created the “Ali” award. This is given to any employee who shows initiative in creating solutions the park adopts.”

Alejandro also got special praise in a park review for an unusual reason, recalls Gonzalez. “We had a guest arrive at the park with a flat tire, and was really stressed.

That was until Alejandro calmly told the visitor, ‘just go enjoy the park … I'll take care of it.’ After finishing his tour, the guest was thrilled to see his car in perfect condition. He could #s earchf indh owl

not believe the staff cared so much.”

So much of its guest feedback affirms that Diamante truly is a place where you feel comfortable and cared for from the time you arrive until you leave. This is all because of the caring people at Diamante, and Diamante cares for its people by keeping local staff employed yearround, regardless if it is high or low season.

Some lucky visitors get to meet the famous Jorge “Gato” as everyone calls him. Gato started as one of the park’s first drivers and is now the transportation supervisor.

“There is no one better at welcoming you to Diamante than Gato,” Smania and Gonzalez agree. “His smile and energy radiate and you just know you're going to have a great day!”

Gonzalez encourages all park visitors to engage with their hosts.

“Feel free to ask questions and interact with the staff.

They love their jobs and sharing everything you are interested in knowing. You may soon find your own favorite employee connection at Diamante.”

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 17

FOREBAY

DIY Micro-Hydro

by Tom Schultz

POWERHOUSE

HEAD

Essentially, a micro-hydro installation consists of an elevated intake (forebay) connected to a powerhouse (turbine enclosure) by a pipe. "Head " refers to the difference in elevation from intake to turbines, which must be at least 50 feet.

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

TURBINE

TRAILBLAZER TALES

An ‘alternative’ alternative energy source

R

esidential electricity in Costa Rica is expensive. Rates are among the highest in Latin America and much higher than in North America. Even in a house without air conditioning or heat, our monthly consumption averaged 400 to 500 kWh, generating bills in the $150 to $200 range.

Wanting to save money and be more eco-conscious, we started looking at options to generate our own power. Based on our recent billing records, we needed a solution that could give us 10 to 14 kWh per day.

Solar power is the most obvious alternative energy source that comes to mind for Costa Rica consumers. It’s a good option for many people, in addition to being good for the planet.

But solar is not the only option, and we were interested in looking at other possibilities. In fact, more than 94 percent of Costa Rica’s electricity is derived from a renewable resource. But relatively little of that is solar or wind power; the rest comes from water. Hydroelectric power generates about 80 percent of the country’s electricity. On such a megascale, it’s no small production: enormous dams use water flowing through huge water turbines to create and store electricity. That’s why Lake Arenal was created.

18 | #searchfindhowl| online

Surprisingly hydroelectricity does not necessarily have to be such a big deal, even for an “ordinary” residential consumer.

Under the right conditions, you too can generate power the same way with your very own micro-hydro system.

I’m not saying micro-hydro is an easy solution. And it’s definitely not

You can’t build your own micro-hydro system in a stream you do not own. for everyone — literally — in terms of accessibility. That’s because first, you need water. Anyone can harness energy from the sun, but not so with hydro. It can not be just any water; it has to be water you can use … not as straightforward as it seems. Natural water resources like streams and rivers are considered public.

So you can’t build your own micro-hydro system in a stream you do not own.

What you might be able to do, however, is create one in a stream that flows through property you own on both

sides, with the intake and outflow also inside your property.

Second, you must have enough water.

A small seasonal trickle will not be useful; the stream must flow all year at a rate sufficient to generate power. If you can’t fill a 5-gallon bucket in under 5 seconds, you don’t have sufficient water.

Third, and probably most important, you require sufficient “head” to drive the system. Head refers to vertical drop from the water intake to the generator turbine.

You need a minimum 50-foot vertical drop to generate enough power.

Once we determined all of these requirements could be met on our property to generate about 12 kWh of electricity a day, we undertook to build a micro-hydro system in 2015. We worked with Osa Waterworks (osawaterworks. com) on the design and installation.

A major consideration was where the intake and turbine housing would be.

To maximize the 50-foot head drop, our intake and turbine housing are just over 150 meters apart, with 4-inch PVC pipe running from the intake to the housing, built into the ground mostly for esthetic reasons.

Our turbine is US built with a maximum output of 2.5 kW. It’s compact and works like a car alternator. The spinning magnets inside produce

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We built a bridge above the finished intake dam (forebay) and concealed most of the feed pipe underground to preserve the stream's natural beauty.

Photos: Tom Schultz

Also for esthetic reasons, our powerhouse was designed to be hidden underground.

Here, you see the turbine in the center attached to four nozzles. The increase in pressure to drive the turbine occurs when water flowing through the 4-inch diameter pipe is diverted through four two-inch diameter feeds, each connected to one of the half-inch diameter nozzles.

electricity. It uses what’s called a Pelton wheel, driven by the force and speed of water hitting it. That’s why the head drop is important. The water column weight creates pressure, increasing as water flows through the 4-inch pipe into half-inch nozzles. The faster the wheel spins, the more power.

We also sacrificed distance to our power inverter, running over 200 meters of cable via an underground conduit from the turbine to our garage, where the inverter and storage are. With electricity already running into the house, we are using a smart grid system. Any power we need in addition to the hydropower we use comes from the grid.

Reasons for not using a grid tie system with the national power company are a topic for a separate article.

The installation was not without complications, including sediment clogging of the original intake placement on the river bed to allow unobstructed water

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flow. Some trial-and-error modifications using a small dam have been working well.

Was it worth it? Our micro-hydro system has been operating for almost three years. It cost over $12,000, more expensive than a solar system of comparable size. But over a payback period of 10 or 12 years, this was not a concern. Our monthly electric bills now range between $20 and $25 since we do not generate 100 percent of our energy needs. But we’re saving $120 or more a month from what we used to pay, almost $1,500 a year. With the government looking at a new VAT charge on electricity our payback could come sooner.

We are happy with our micro-hydro system and its eco-friendliness. Besides, it has a “cool” factor! There are few residential systems like this in the country so lots of people are curious and want to come and check it out.

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 19

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

When is a Good Time to Build in Costa Rica?

BUILDING COSTA RICA

Key Points to Kick Off a Successful Project

by Tatiana Vandruff

For your piece of paradise, it is very important to do a bit of homework.

20 | #searchfindhowl| online

F

irst time visitors to Costa Rica are typically mesmerized by the wonderful weather and magnificent climate throughout the country, varying from scattered showers and tropical heat to cool ocean breezes. Nonetheless, this perception changes drastically when you decide to stay for a long time, especially once you decide to build here. For your piece of paradise, it is very important to do a bit of homework on Costa Rican weather patterns, holidays affecting labor availability, and other factors that can affect your plans.

Doing this research will reveal there are two very distinct weather seasons. Rainy season, or “winter,” (“invierno” in Spanish) runs from May through November, and dry season — “summer” (“verano” in Spanish — from December through May. Both are described as radical in behavior: lots of rain during rainy season and no rain in dry season.

You might automatically conclude that dry season would be best for any endeavor. In fact, while this time of year brings marvelous weather conditions for touring and enjoying Costa Rica, it may not be precisely the best for construction.

For any construction project, anywhere in the world, several aspects should be considered, not only related to weather but also efficiency of execution. To maintain costs under control, be sure to thoroughly analyze your timeline. When do you plan to start your project and why is that the best time?

Costa Rica is very diligent in the building permit process, so this timeline can be unpredictable and cause delayed start dates.

In the excitement of starting a project,

important factors may be overlooked. This can also contribute to delays and poor execution by builders, or by owners pushing the envelope with challenges that could have been avoided.

Whether you have a specific deadline for a business grand opening or completing a rental property or are simply eager to start enjoying your new home, it is vital to take into account these three key considerations: 1.

If possible, start building when dry season is clearly established.

Even though technically it begins in November, the soil could still be too soft in some locations, making excavation or earth movement difficult.

2. Be aware of labor law obligations in relation to Costa Rican holidays.

Avoid starting close to the yearend holidays or prior to Holy Week (Semana Santa). Costa Rica is considered one of the happiest countries on the planet for a reason.

People take these holidays very seriously to enjoy family time, as it should be.

3. Make sure you have established a good relationship with your builder, and the team of experts who will be executing your project. They are vital to the success of your project and should guide you moving forward.

Most projects are difficult to conclude in the timeframe one season, be it dry or rainy.

Planning and starting wisely will save you added costs, added delays and downtime.

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info@grupopacificocr.com

HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 21

CR BIZ MINI-MAG

Luxury Home Tax

LEGAL EASE

by Ivan Granados

C

osta Rica’s Solidarity Tax for the Strengthening of Housing Programs (Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda) was established under Law # 8683. Commonly known as Luxury Home Tax, it applies to houses, condominiums and apartments with a construction/ building value exceeding an exempt amount determined by the Tax Office.

The obligation to file and pay this tax falls to homeowners effective January 1 of the applicable year.

The tax amount payable is based on the declared construction value of your property.

In addition to the primary home building itself, this includes associated facilities such as palapas, swimming pools, perimeter walls, internal roadways and sport courts.

For assistance in determining the construction value to declare, The Manual of Unitary Base Values for Constructive

Typology and a related tool are available from the Tax Office at www.hacienda.go.cr/contenido/13173-impuesto-solidario If the property construction value you have determined exceeds the exempt amount for that tax year, another step is necessary. You must calculate the value of the associated land, following Tax Office parameters, and add it to the construction. The sum of these amounts is the total property value to be declared.

Non-exempt homeowners are required to pay the applicable tax amount every year, and must file this declaration form every three years: D-179 "Formulario Único de Inscripción, Declaración y Pago Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda, Ley 8683." The form and relevant details are available online at www.hacienda.go.cr/docs or visit howlermag.com/luxuryhometax Although these online resources are designed for taxpayers to complete the property value calculations and declaration forms on their own, it may be a good idea to seek help from someone with expertise or experience. For Tax Office locations and contact information, visit www.hacienda. go.cr/ The Luxury Home Tax exempt amount is adjusted each year by the Tax Office. For 2018, the exempt amount is 129,000,000 colones, or approximately US$230,000.

The next Luxury Home Tax filing deadline is January 15, 2019. Parameters for the following tax year will be published by the Tax Office in late December.

Amounts payable are determined on a sliding scale as shown in the chart at left. Rates range from 0.25 and 0.55 percent extra, depending on your home’s construction value.

The tax office will calculate the exact amount for you.

The next Luxury Home Tax filing deadline is January 15, 2019.

2018 Values (¢560 = US$ 1)

Tax Rate

Up to

¢323,000,000 (~ US$ 576,000)

0.25%

From and up to

¢323,000,000 (~ US$ 576,000) ¢647,000,000 (~ US$ 1,155,000)

0.30%

From and up to

¢647,000,000 (~ US$ 1,155,000) ¢970,000,000 (~ US$ 1,732,000)

0.35%

From and up to

¢970,000,000 (~ US$ 1,732,000) ¢1,295,000,000 (~ US$ 2,312,000)

0.40%

From and up to

¢1,295,000,000 (~ US$ 2,312,500) ¢1,617,000,000 (~ US$ 2,887,900)

0.45%

From and up to

¢1,617,000,000 (~ US$ 2,887,000) ¢1,943,000,000 (~ US$ 3,469,000)

0.50%

From and up to

¢1,943,000,000 (~ US$ 3,469,600)

0.55%

Professional legal and/or accounting advice is strongly recommended to ensure compliance with Luxury Home Tax requirements and avoid fines and penalties.

22 | #searchfindhowl| online

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HM HOWLER MAGAZINE | 23

CR BIZ DIRECTORY Real Estate, Property Management and Architects

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

SPECIAL PLACES COSTA RICA Property Management & Rentals Full management, rental and concierge services Flamingo and Playas del Coco Mon-Sat, 8-5 2654-4493 / 2670-2198 specialplaces@crvr.net

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

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

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ARCHITECT ORANGE Construction Design Management Full architecture design and construction management services Arenal - Flamingo - Nosara Mon-Fri, 9-5 2694-5100 info@architectorange.com www.architectorange.com

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COMMUNITY & SERVICES DIRECTORY

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MASSAGE THERAPIST

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INSURANCE

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DENTAL SERVICES

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

GROCERY STORES

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

DENTAL SERVICES

CHURCH / COUNSELING

BEACH COMMUNITY CHURCH Visit and Socialize Love, hope, peace

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BUILDING SUPPLIES

M&G DE HUACAS Marble, Granit and Quartz Custom countertop, highest quality and materials, free inspection and quote 50m east, 150m north, 75m west Huacas Community Center M-F, 7:30-5, Sat, 7:30-2 8840-3815 litomtz74@gmail.com

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COMMUNITY

ATTORNEY

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