Howler1505may

Volume 20, No. 5

May 2015

Issue No. 222

Founded 1996

THE HOWLER Ced. Juridica: 3-101-331333

FEATURES

Publisher, editor and production David Mills

dmills@racsa.co.cr Tel: 4702-5771 8323-2795 Howler • Mono Congo

8 Dining Out

Kahiki is still there, but is serving a comprehensive tapas menu in addition to its regular fare.

14 Around Town

CONTRIBUTORS JEANNE CALLAHAN JESSE BISHOP MARY BYERLY ROBERT AUGUST KAY DODGE LYNDA ESPADA

ELLEN ZOE GOLDEN TONY OREZ TOM PEIFER JEFFREY WHITLOW BARBARA DEPPE SUSAN SMITH

Deadline for June: May 15 Howler advertising

The Howler offers a wide range of advertising sizes and formats to suit all needs. Contact David Mills • dmills@racsa.co.cr

Advertising rates & sizes Size

1/8 1/4 Banner 1/2 Full

Dimensions (cms) Width Height 9.4 9.4 19.2 9.4 19.2 19.2

x x x x x

6.15 12.70 6.15 25.80 12.70 25.80

Openings, closings, parties, music. The Gold Coast has it all, and bar-hoppin’ David is in the groove.

15 Surf Report

New surf events at Jacó; Copa COBIAN at Dominical; Riviera Paddlesurf at Tamarindo.

38

Surviving Costa Rica

Sackweed ain’t a drug. No, it’s the name of an ancient hippie rock and blues band renowned in Key West, Boston and The Big Apple.ß

39

Pontifex - Building Bridges

Tom tries his hand at building bridges for the monkeys, and learns a lot about the business.

Price $ 100 140 140 230 400

Discounts For 6 months, paid in advance, one month is deducted.

For 12 months, paid in advance, two months are deducted.

DEPARTMENTS 10 Book Review

34 May Forecasts

11 Theatre Review

36 Yoga

12 August Odysseys

40 Sun & Moon

17 Dharma Corne

41 Shape Up

30 Word Puzzle

42 Tide Table

Ads must be submitted on CD or e-mail attachment, JPG or PDF format at 266 dpi, at the appropriate size (above).

All comments, articles and advertising in this publication are the opinion of their authors, and do not reflect the opinion of Howler Management.

www.tamarindobeach.net

www.tamarindohomepage.com

Cover Caption: Costa Rica International Academy Cover Photo: CRIA Cover Design: Joseph Chopite/David Mills

Feliz Dia del Trabajador - 1 Mayo Happy Workers’ Day - May 1 We welcome to our columns Dr. Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA, who will keep us in touch with our bodies with his series “The Doctor Is In”. Dr. Herb is a general practitioner in Pennsylvania, PA, and pays frequent visits to Costa Rica.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

We are on the brink of winter, and it sounds promising, with rainfall expected to exceed normal levels in May by 10 or 20 percent, falling off a little in June. Rain has been falling in Pacific South since early April; Pacific Central and Valle del General will come later; Valle Central early May; and Pacifico Norte expected later again. Expected dates for first rainfall are:

Pacific Sur

Valle del General Pacific Central Valle Central Pacific North ` •

•

•

•

1-5 26 - 30 26 - 30 6 - 10 16 - 20 •

•

April April April May May •

•

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Barry Lawson, a much-loved resident of Langosta. Barry was here longer than most; I well remember visiting for morning coffee when he lived in a container while his bed-and-breakfast was a hole in the ground amid rabbit warrens. He, and his wife Suzye, ran Villa Alegre, and headed up Amigos de le Educación, to bring good things to the children of Guanacaste. They also played a major part in the organization of the Have a Heart golf tournament. Barry always had a big smile on his face, and his life touched many. He will be sadly missed. His obituary appears on page 26 of this issue.

A commemoration service and paddle-out was held in his honour at Capitán Suizo.

Casa Brasilito

helping the community Casa Brasilito is a project that works closely with and for the community in Brasilito to deliver a range of educational and social support programs. There are free English and technology classes for youth and adults, art, swim, sports and surf clubs for the children, and a variety of economic and social support programs for the families who need it most. Casa Brasilito also offers free appointments with an on-site psychologist, particularly for children and young people who need extra support.

In the six months since Casa Brasilito opened its doors, as well as regular programming there have also been surf competitions, swim meets, soccer matches, various community celebration, six days of ‘camp’ during the school holidays and a number of Brasilito beach clean-ups. This is all thanks to local and international volunteers who contribute their time energy and skills to making these activities happen and who are committed to supporting the community.

The ‘Casa Brasilito’ project has a varied but cohesive range of programing, thanks to the support of its founding organizations, three non-profits that you will probably have heard of before; Abriendo Mentes, CEPIA and La Paz School. Through the Casa Brasilito project the three organizations combine their skills, experience and program offerings to deliver a sustainable and diverse community development initiative that aims to help everyone in the community achieve their social, cultural and economic potential.

Kahiki Restaurant We dined out at Kahiki’s again. I say again, because we have dined there under different administrations several times.

This time the owner is Bastien Mestrallet, from Normandy in France. Prior to owning a restaurant he was in the cattle farming business, decided he wanted to see what happened to them when he sold them. He operates the restaurant assisted by chef Stephen, a Costa Rican.

Kahiki’s is very much about Tapas, French, Spanish and Costa Rican, a n d it is more about fun dining than fine dining. Choose from a comprehensive menu of tapas, and your selection is delivered on a wooden platter.

Menu includes a veggie category: bruschetta with tomato and basil or bellpepper and tomato; grilled mushrooms; toast with goat cheese; patacones; Spanish tortilla; tomato and mozzarella pie; bell pepper pie; potato salad.

The meat menu has baby ribs; gizzards confit; meat balls; bacon tortilla; chicken curry; BBQ chicken: sausage; boudin; potato omelette.

Fish selection is calamari; dorado ceviche; fish balls; shrimp ceviche; grilled shrimps; shrimp blinis; mussels chorizo, mariniere, curry, virgin sauce, or hot.

For conventional dining there is a menu of five pastas, six bagel combos with fries, burgers, wraps, and comida tipica. Plus a huge “makeyour-own” salad – delicious.

We had a plentiful selection of everything, plus a salad heavily loaded with salmon and a tuna burger with fries, and ended up with a fresh mango pie with ice cream. Service was excellent, and the whole experience enjoyable.

Kahiki, tel: 2653-4263, Fb at kahiki tamarindo.com. All credit cards accepted, live music Thursdays.

Book Review

Tony Orez

Coffee as an Ingredient

I

t is no mystery that Costa Rica is renowned for its highquality coffee production.

Certainly, the cultivation of this bean has permitted opportunities for independence in this country and enjoying a café with friends and family is as much a part of Costa Rican culture as gallo pinto. Thanks to the publication of a new book, “The Coffee Cookbook”, the status of the coffee bean has been elevated even higher. The book is by authoress Yazmin Ross, with recipes by Camille A. Ratton, who is currently the chef at Restaurante Kalu. I must admit that I never thought of coffee as an ingredient in a recipe, but “The Coffee Cookbook” is so much more than just that.

In her foreword, Yazmin explains to the reader that the coffee bean has not only body, but memory as well, and after reading this book I believe her. There are informative sections about the physical, biological construction of the bean itself, the various growing regions & roasting techniques. It reminds me of my winemaking experiences in California; connoisseurs of coffee are similar to aficionados of cheese or wine.

There are informative chapters in this book that deal with the many different styles and mechanisms to brew coffee at home. It is also an invitation to experiment with the art of coffee brewing. I truly learned a lot about the many facets of coffee by reading “The Coffee Cookbook”.

Chef Camille Ratton was born in Costa Rica and was trained at Cordon Bleu Paris. Her creativity in the twenty recipes offered in “The Coffee Cookbook” is impressive, to say the least. The asparagus quiche with coffee crust looks scrumptious and the Brochettes of Chicken Satay served with a Coffee Sauce (pictured on the cover) are mouth-watering.

There are sections devoted to appetizers, main dishes and postres and a final section with a variety of coffee beverages.

The photographers from the Green Photo Group, Karin Puschendorf and Estaban Fernandez, are also to be commended. I have friends who are professional photographers and they all tell me that getting a food shot correct is more difficult than working with a Rock Star. But the photos are not just of the “finished product”; there are also photos of coffee throughout its life: from seedling to flowering to drying seeds and all the shots are pristine and seem to have a soul of their own. Or a memory.

I also really like the black & white photos at the beginning and end of the book that were provided by Coffea Diversa, snapshots of famous people enjoying a cup of coffee: everyone from Obama to Chaplin to Fidel to Groucho to Sinatra to Che to Marley to Dylan to Einstein. And the point is provided in the pictures & Yazmin’s words: think of the political decisions, songs written, scientific theorems solved and historic decisions made alongside a cup or two of coffee. The book is available at all three Jaime Peligro book stores. Buen provecho!

The publishers at Ojalá Ediciones made a point of recognizing ICAFE for their support in putting this important book together. While I was writing this article, the book was shortlisted for the Gourmand Award, with the winner being announced on June 8 in Yantai, China. Yazmin told me they are surprised because it is their first endeavor at a cookbook and that they simply being recognized and shortlisted is an honor in itself.

Theatre Review Tony Orez Mirror, Mirror

F

airy Good, Fairy Heart & Wonderwings enter stage left, proceeding to centerstage, then expertly instruct us in their 9-year-oldvoices. They’re giving us our “prompts” for the Beach Nuts production of “Mirror, Mirror”. And the girls are wonderful in their pink wings & tutus.

As always, we’re to “boo” the villains and applaud the heroes, a mainstay with BeachNuts productions. But this time, we need to acknowledge the triplet fairies too, calling out “Fairies!!!!!!!” every time they appear to size things up and move us into the next scene. Neila Eichler as Fairy Good was particularly impressive. She’s a natural. Lucie Gouttenoire and Margaux La Point really rounded out the trio, too.

This is the 10th Beach Nuts presentation and I couldn’t help but notice all the new talent, the new wave of young actors & actresses. All the gnomes – Diego, Jojo, Sofia, Pearson, Jamie, Rodrigo & especially Kai as “Honk” with his impeccable timing - did such a great job! I also loved Lauren Barnes as The Butcher, Carlie Jenkins as The Baker & Hudson Harris as The Jester. These budding actors all deserve a big round of applause. And the forest animals were wonderful.

I hate to sound technical, but things like set lighting & sound (by vets Kristi Akin, Jim Levy & Darwin Akin) pull the whole night off. And the sets & props, particularly the jungle set, by Brenda & Tatiana were beyond incredible. It’s so much fun to watch this incredible community project evolve.

I also need to mention some of the seasoned vets of BeachNuts, Bogwort & Stinkwort, I mean Rebecca Akin & Grace Herman, who assumed minor roles as the fumbling assassins & later accomplices of White Snow. On two separate occasions I marveled as they captured the entire audience as the only actors onstage. You guys are incredible!

More kudos go to Lily Guinaldo as Black Wing, who definitely embraced her role. Andre Thompson as Fang took on a difficult non-speaking role & pulled it off. Good job! And Katy Norton on her “horse” as Prince Frederick did a great job, as did Ayla Eichler as White Snow – you did a great job keeping the story together along with Billie Jenkins who had the perfect attitude for the “bad” Queen Evilynne. Jaqueline Loftin, as the librarian, deserves recognition as well.

As always, Pablo at Mr. Tom’s & Pete at DJP Design deserve a big round of applause for their hard work & timing, as does Toh Gouttenoire for his ad campaign & Mandy for her costume design. Nice gnome-caps!

The presentation was directed by Paul Belanger, the founder of BeachNuts, who should be very proud of his blossoming theater.

So, what’s on the slate for BeachNuts? Well, a little birdy told me that there will be a casting call the first week of September for a Christmas pantomime.

And, don’t tell anyone, but there might be another comedy night slated for early 2016. But you didn’t hear it from me…

August Odysseys

Robert August kristenmattoxbrown@gmail.com

Lights, Camera, Action!

I

n the early to mid ‘50s, during the Korean conflict, the military draft was initiated. It was the first time after WWII that there was a draft. Everybody who was physically able got drafted into the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. Being that Hawaii was the stop-off for Korea and there already were military bases in place from WWII, a lot of young American guys were stationed there.

A bunch of these guys were lifeguards and surfers from Southern California. These watermen were used to surfing big waves during the winter in California. These guys were adventurous in comparison to the Hawaiian “beach boys” who really only surfed in Waikiki, and they explored and surfed a lot of different new spots. One of these surfers was Jon Severson, who started Surfer magazine years later. He was in the Army and stationed in Oahu with a bunch of other surfers. At the time, they were the better surfers and they soon started surfing the North Shore regularly.

My brother-in-law, Harry Schurch, was drafted in the Navy and was stationed in Honolulu. Harry was a lifeguard in Seal Beach and was lucky enough that the Navy placed him as a lifeguard in the officer’s pool. During my summer and winter breaks, I got to go over and visit him. During the winter the waves are giant on the North Shore and I got to witness these guys surfing these new spots.

Since I wasn’t riding the big waves and I had my family’s 16mm video camera, I volunteered to film the guys. The camera was simple to work; you manually wound-up the camera and looked through the viewfinder. One day I was on the beach filming the guys at Sunset Beach ride 15-foot waves. The surfboards at time were pretty crude and difficult to ride. Many of the surfers were taking big chances that they normally would not take in hopes of seeing themselves on film.

I did my best to film the good part of the day and afterwards I took the 10-15 rolls of film to a camera place in Honolulu to get developed. When it came back a week later, all the rolls of film were unexposed and black. Since with this camera you looked through a viewfinder and not the lens, I did not realize that I had forgotten to take off the lens cap. I did not capture any of the guys surfing!

Well, the guys were all looking forward to seeing themselves and when they found out that I did not take off the lens cap, they were not just a little bit upset...I was afraid that they were gonna beat the hell out of me!

However, to be a kid of that age to witness a serious part of surf history was fantastic!

dmills@racsa.co.cr

The Tico Eduardo Li is the new member of the executive committee of FIFa in the representation of Centroamerica (CONCACAF).

Costa Rica will play friendlies against Spain (possibly June 11), and Mexico (Date to be defined).

In the fight for the presidency of FIFA, Sepp Blatter has received praise at the CONCACAF congress. Blatter received pledges of support from 10 federations as his bid for a fifth term as the head of the governing body.

One federation chief compared the FIFA president to Nelson Mandela and Jesus, with Trinidad and Tobago FA chief Raymond Tim Kee also praising him as the “father of football”.

The president of the Dominican Republic federation, Osiris Guzman, compared the 79-year-old to Moses, Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill and Martin Luther King Jr. as well as Jesus and Mandela.

The heads of football federations from Jamaica, Haiti, Turks and Caicos, Cuba, Panama, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Puerto Rico also expressed support for Blatter.

The head of CONCACAF, Jeffrey Webb, said: “CONCACAF membership is sending a clear message that we will continue to support President Blatter.”

Blatter is running against Jordan’s Prince Ali bin al Hussein, former Real Madrid and Barcelona star Luis Figo and Dutch FA chief Michael van Praag.

But Maradona, Argentina superstar, believes the upcoming FIFA election offers a chance ‘’to kick (Sepp) Blatter in the rear end – without a doubt.’’ Maradona said Blatter had “done a lot of damage’’ to the game.

Maradona, who has had a long-running feud with Blatter, said he is supporting FIFA vice president Prince Ali bin al-Hussein of Jordan.

AROUND TOWN Sports Bar and Restaurant, Mariner Inn is in Playa Flamingo to enjoy with your friends at The Inn Place to Party. Daily from 6 am to 10 pm. See ad on page 11.

For maintenance on your house or business, the best plumber is Dr. Leak. See ad page 23.

In the Circle in Tamarindo is Natural Spa. New administration and special packet: 90 minute massage – exfoliation – facial – for $50. See ad on page 7.

Kahiki is serving Tapas, as well as delicious main dishes, under new ownership. Tel: 2653-4263. See review on page 8.

CRIA School develops your children in leadership qualities and offers high expectations, high achievement with accountability. Fully accredited K-12. See article on page 22.

Visit the new store of Oliva, at The Village in Brasilito, for a much more spacious locale, and take beverages in the coffee shop.

May 8 is Bingo Night at Mar Vista from 6 pm, with great prizes. Fundraiser for Abriendo Mentes, food and drink specials and kids’ menu. See ad page 18.

Do you need a mural painted, a sign, or your house painted. Call Rafa at 8361-3912.

At Tiki’s if you order one breakfast entrée, you get another free, with your ad on page 29 of this magazine. In Brasilito with ocean view.

Get a free appetizer with the purchase of an entrée, at Beach House, with the ad on page 29 of this Howler. On the ocean at Playa Potrero.

Surf Report

In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.

Robert Frost

Ellen Zoe Golden ellenzoe@aol.com

Photo: Alfredo Barquero

W

hile Tamarindo is a great base for surfers who want to visit Grande, Langosta, Avellanas, Negra, Marbella and even Nosara, many argue that Jacó is the Costa Rican surf mecca. For the longest time, that’s where the majority of professional surfers lived, and of course, still do. And during the course of a year, many competitions take place in Jacó or Hermosa, including the Circuito Nacional, Volcom’s Totally Crustaceous Tour, Reef Costa Rica (Asociacion Latinamericana de Surfistas Profesionales or ALAS), the Costa Rica Open of Surfing, Central American Surfing Championships, and even once the International Surfing Association (ISA) World Surfing Games.

You’d think that would be enough events for the local surfers, but no.

In June 2007, Costa Rica promoter Cesar Vargas (Reto 4x4 Jacó, Doble Corona Mountain Bike, Speed Demolition Cars), created the Surf Series Expression Session in Playa Hermosa. The contest originated behind Terrazas Hotel, which has lights for evening competition. Surfers from the area would gather together, hit the water in a two-hour heat, trying to win the one prize.

Eventually, the Surf Series evolved. Vargas (photo) moved it to the waves behind Backyard Hotel, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and is now able to reward four winners with money and prizes from the sponsors.

“The format is different because we don’t have a lot of hours,” Vargas explains. “So we decided on an expression session with every surfer together in one heat. They have a lot of fun. You’ll see Jason Torres, Angelo Bonomelli, Ronald Brown, Diego Naranjo, Luis Vindas, Noe Mar MacGonagle, even Carlos Muñoz at different times.”

Spectators have even gotten to watch international names like Brazil’s Allan Saulo, United States’ Carissa Moore, Hawaii’s Rob Machado pro surf, Argentina’s Brandon Todd, and members of surf teams from Japan, Germany, South Africa, and the USA. “The Surf Series is great for improving your level,” he adds. “If you practice alone, that’s okay, but if you practice together with the pros it’s great because your level is going to be better.”

In sports, a dynasty is a team that consistently wins time and time again and becomes a force to be reckoned with. Our surfing competitions have individual dynasties. Of course, 11-time national champion Lisbeth Vindas qualifies. And Gilbert Brown, with four national championships under his belt certainly fits the bill.

So, as we come to the halfway point of the Circuito Nacional Kolbi 2015, it seems that some very familiar guys are holding the rankings leadership. After Anthony Fillingim won the Copa COBIAN in Dominical in March, he notched his second 1st place win of the year, and is at #1 of the Open rankings.

The current ALAS Latin champion, said after the Dominical win: “This translates into happiness and motivation for me for all the work I have been doing in recent months. I went through a knee injury that made me absent on the date two, but knew it was nothing and could return equal or stronger. So I want to keep focused and get more results.”

At #2, is our friend, Brown, who is not finished with national competition yet.

Here’s the Open Top 5 so far: 1) Anthony Fillingim 2) Gilbert Brown 3) Ramón Taliani 4) David Herrera 5) Jason Torres In the Women’s, it looks, at this point, like Lisbeth might be passing the torch. After all, Leilani McGonagle (photo), a dynasty in the Junior Women’s before, has mathematically landed in the #1 spot after 3 dates.

Top 5 Women’s: 1) Leilani McGonagle 2) Emily Gussoni 3) Lisbeth Vindas 4) Coral Wiggins 5) Paula Duarte The new blood is flowing in the Juniors division Top 5, so far.

These kids have grown up in the Circuito Nacional system: 1) Leonardo Calvo 2) Joseph Méndez 3) Dennis Picado 4) Dean Vandewalle 5) Aldo Chirinos

(continued page 28)

By Susan Adams

Some enchanted evening!

(This month Colette Chiodo-Homes… florist, leading lady, and Harper’s mom shares a monkey encounter).

A few months ago, my husband , my daughter and I were returning from our daily sunset walk when we noticed a momma monkey and her baby on what we thought was a monkey bridge. This was not so odd, as we often see monkeys near our house (lucky us!) as we live at Balconeys Del Pacifico near Diria condos. But as we got closer we realized that the monkeys were not on a monkey crossing, but on the electrical wires. And the baby was not moving!

The mama was howling loudly and the little one was dead.

It was such a horrible thing to witness.

My husband rushed my daughter inside while I tried calling anyone who could possibly help. The poor mamma would not leave her baby. It was heartbreaking. Eventually the owners of Luamey Hotel came out and assisted in trying to locate someone who could possibly help. Within a few hours it was removed and the mamma eventually moved on.

This incident has stayed with us. For weeks, every time we passed the spot, my daughter would say “what happened to the baby mono, mamma?”

I hope as a town, Tamarindo can take the correct measures to insure safety on all the electrical wires. These beautiful animals deserve to be safe!

(This was actually last September and what should have been an enchanted evening, but was turned into a horrible memory prompted the beginning of Tamarindo’s Original Residents).

The 10th Anniversary of SalveMonos was an enchanted evening. Held at Reserva Conchal, April 12, my friend Mary described it as …Elegant, white piano, white piano, pianist clothed in white, tables draped in white…against a backdrop of color from the setting sun on the ocean.

(continued page 19)

Dharma Corner

Sue Smith

In Tribute to a Friend This edition of Dharma Corner is written in honor of Barry Lawson, whose big smile, compassionate heart and generosity embodied all that the Dharma is about. He may no longer be with us but certainly our friend goes on.

[Untitled] Clouds softly pillow the mountain peak.

The breeze is fragrant with tea blossoms.

The joy of meditation remains unshakable.

The forest offers floral perfumes.

One morning we awaken, fog wrapped around the roof.

With fresh laughter, we bid farewell.

The musical clamor of birds sends us back on the ten thousand paths, to watch a dream as generous as the sea.

A flicker of fire from the familiar stove warms the evening shadows as they fall.

Impermanent, self-emptied life, filled with imposters whose sweet speach hides a wicked heart.

The affairs of this world are merely a dream.

Don’t forget that days and months race by as quickly as a young horse.

The stream of birth and death dissolves, but our friendship never dies. ......by Zen Master Venerable Thich Nhat Hanh

Pura Vida Sangha is a Buddhist Sangha in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh. The Sangha meets for meditations every Monday at 4:00pm at the CEPIA Building in Huacas. For info contact meditationcostarica@gmail.com.

(from page 16 Manuel Obregon, one of Costa Rica’s premier pianists played on the lawn for hours. He is known for his Papaya Orchestra, studied in Madrid and Switzerland, and performs across Europe and America. His Symbiosis DVD features ethereal piano music and video of diverse ecosystems from the rainforest to dry savanna and jaguars to the smallest birds.

Shambalah, an aerial acrobatics duo, performed a dramatic ballet suspended on a silk scarf high in the branches of a tree under a starlit sky while Mr. Obregon played on. An excellent buffet, photo exhibits, children everywhere, and eventually DJ Relux Sauce ended the memorable night. Larry Graziano, SalveMonos spokesperson, announced new programs, such as a push to put transformer covers and wire insulators on electrical equipment, an adopt a monkey program ($130 a month for 18 months, raises a baby monkey to adulthood) emphasis on buried electrical cables, and taking SalveMonos nationwide. What a wonderful way to help the Monkeys!

Last year we were in the third year of drought. Howler monkeys get their water from leaves, but were forced down to the ground and entering people’s gardens in search of water. This leaves them vulnerable to electrocution and dog attacks. You can help by contacting SalveMonos on Facebook, Tamarindos Original Residents on Facebook . Hopefully, Guanacaste will have an abundant rainy season.

Numbers to call if a monkey is in distress: Larry Graziano: 8835 2977 Simona Danielli at Hotel Luna LLena: 2653 0082 Jairo Arroyo at Capitan Suizo: 2653 0075 If you need to report an injured monkey: Simona at Luna Llena Hotel (2653-0082; 8718-0632); Larry Graziano (8835-2977).

Sistemas de Riego

Irrigation Systems

Don’t Be a Statistic

Learn to Identify Rip Currents

Riding for a lifetime… safe and smart.

“I might need a little help getting on the horse because I have had a hip replacement, but I ride two or three times a week and have my own horses.”

“I have had a lot of experience riding and want to go fast and really want to ride on the beach; it has always been my dream.”

R

ip currents are the leading surf hazard for all beachgoers.

They are particularly dangerous for weak or non-swimmers. Rip current speeds are typically 1-2 feet per second. However, speeds as high as 8 feet per second have been measured--this is faster than an Olympic swimmer can sprint!

Thus, rip currents can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea.

Over 100 drownings due to rip currents occur every year in the United States. More than 80% of water rescues on surf beaches are due to rip currents.

How to Identify Rip Currents Look for any of these clues: a channel of churning, choppy water an area having a notable difference in water color a line of foam, seaweed, or debris moving steadily seaward a break in the incoming wave pattern None, one, or more of the above clues may indicate the presence of rip currents. Rip currents are often not readily or easily identifiable to the average beachgoer. For your safety, be aware of this major surf zone hazard. Polarized sunglasses make it easier to see the rip current clues provided above.

Never swim alone.

Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!

Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.

Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.

Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.

If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.

If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1 . Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape.

Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

NOAA

For over eighteen years my husband Esteban and I have been offering horseback riding tours from our ranch at Finca Casagua, known as Casagua Horse Tours. We offer day tours to visitors coming to the local hotels and residents with their clients, friends and family, as well as operating the Painted Pony Guest Ranch offering complete equestrian vacation itineraries that run from 4-14 days.

Over the years, we have become good at matching riders to our many horses, most now born and raised on the ranch. Asking information on the experience, height and weight of each rider has helped us from problems created by mismatched horse and rider pairs we often see on the beaches and mountain tours. We have a weight limit for each horse (which experienced riders appreciate) and try to judge the rider’s real experience level which is difficult at times. We stress that “riding a horseº” is much different than “going for a ride”. And clearly, going for nose-to-tail rides, even if the rider has done a lot of them, does not qualify them as an experienced rider.

Safety is number one when around horses, no matter your experience. I am always asked if a 4- or 6-year-old can go on our two-hour trail ride or “can my child ride in front of me on my horse”. The answer is no.

Young children should have a lesson, or as we call it “the introduction to the horse”,

The Super Facial March 2, 2015

For the Clinic or Spa

The Spa at Four Seasons, Toronto, now offers Pollogen OxyGeneo 5-in-1 Super Facial treatment, the most advanced facial technology in the market.

The Pollogen OxyGeneo technology is a cutting-edge anti-aging solution that redefines cosmetic treatments. So gentle and so effective, OxyGeneo Super Facials simultaneously provide the essential skincare treatments: exfoliation, natural skin oxygenation, and infusion of revitalizing nutrients. “we immediately recognized that OxyGeneo is an advanced anti-aging facial technology in the market that offers a gentle treatment with immediate visible results� - Todd Hewitt, Senior Spa Director.

Introducing geneO in Costa Rica. ProVell Soluciones Medicas offers you the Training, Clinical Advice and Technical Service. www.provellcr.com.

Tel: 8937-0397 - Heredia, Costa Rica.

Inspiring Young Lea Costa Rica Internationa Dr. Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA thedoctorisinsharkfm@gmail.com

Asthma Asthma is a disease of the small airways in the lungs caused by sensitivity to external (outside the body) or internal stimuli or “triggers.” These cause the airways to go into spasm and become narrower resulting in mucus or secretions build-up creating further blockage.

The results of this process are wheezing sounds, shortness of breath, cough and a tight feeling in the chest.

Not everyone has all the symptoms, and cough may be the only manifestation of mild asthma especially in young children.

Once asthma is diagnosed, it is important to treat even minor symptoms, because once an asthmatic attack worsens it is harder to treat.

As more and more pollutants and chemicals enter into our environment, an ever-increasing number of people develop this disease. Sometimes symptoms decrease with age, but they may persist for life. Asthma is an allergic condition and may coexist in the same person with other allergic conditions such as eczema, sinusitis, stomach and intestinal upset, headaches, and others.

The following are common “triggers” that can initiate an asthma attack: pollens, tobacco smoke, animal hair, exercise, weather change, strong odors, molds, certain foods and household dust.

Keeping a personal diary of symptoms and the times of their occurrence can help asthmatics and their physicians identify patterns of events leading to his asthmatic episodes.

Unfortunately most asthmatics cannot be permanently cured.

However, attacks can be controlled to a large extent by avoiding the “triggers” that lead to an attack. Also, since asthma is a chronic disease, the patient must learn when to properly use prescribed medication.

There are many different medications for asthma. The “stateof-the-art” in medical therapies revolves around inhalation therapy rather than the old-fashioned regimens of taking oral medication. Inhalers are of two main types: bronchodilators that open the spastic airways, and inhalers with cortisone to prevent attacks by decreasing the reactivity of the airway.

C

osta Rica International Academy (CRIA), an age 2 to grade 12 day/boarding school located in Brasilito, has a 15-year history in Guanacaste of inspiring young leaders within a college preparatory program for international students and the local community. Responsible leadership is part of our core mission. CRIA provides opportunities to students from 20+ nationalities to identify their special areas of interest and talent and to become responsible leaders in these areas. Our co-curricular programs include competitive sports teams, team building and leadership skills within field studies to promote sustainable development, and opportunities for students to make a difference in the local community through leadership opportunities in Student Government.

CRIA continues to have great results, including the nomination of scholars to the National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) in the US. This summer, five of our students have been awarded scholarships to attend leadership conferences in the United States, further helping them to prepare to attend top-tier universities in the near future. For 26 years, the NSLC has invited a select group of outstanding high school students to participate in its fast-paced, high-level, interactive summer sessions.

In addition, the National Honor Society (NHS) is a premier organization that recognizes outstanding secondary school students from grades 7-12.

More than just an honor roll, NHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since CRIA’s inception. More than one million students worldwide participate in NHS activities. CRIA chapter membership not only recognizes our students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.

The Model United Nations Conference at UN Headquarters For over 40 years, the NHSMUN has promoted a peaceful global citizenry though global issues education and is the largest gathering of MUN student leaders in the world today. With consultative NGO status at the United Nations, our CRIA Delegates engaged in real life resolutions to global issues from human rights to economic, social and security issues to make the world a better place. In early March 2015, our CRIA Delegates had an additional private meeting in New York City with the honorable Costa Rican Ambassador to the United Nations, Juan Carlos Mendoza.

Ambassador Mendoza gave valuable advice to our young leaders when asked about issues of regional conflicts and threats of terrorism worldwide. “Cost Rica believes in a multilateral approach to regional conflicts and issues. We do not promote unilateral actions to resolve

aders at al Academy these issues.” He encouraged CRIA students to stand up for human rights globally, especially in areas of conflict where terrorist groups want to severely restrict the rights of woman. By focusing on human rights globally and locally, peace will be more achievable and sustainable long term.

When asked by CRIA delegates about Costa Rica’s views on how world leaders can resolve issues of gender inequality and violence against women, the Costa Rica UN Mission counseled CRIA delegates to focus on human rights as a priority for all, working in partnerships with other countries to promote peace through focus on the protection of human rights. Ms. Adriana Murillo, Minister Counselor, pointed out the achievements that Costa Rica has made over the years to achieve gender equality and suggested, “one of the most effective ways to achieve gender equality and protect against violence against women is through women’s participation in government within countries. In Costa Rica, we have achieved a 39% women’s participation rate in the legislature and we seek to improve that number in the coming years.”

The Model United Nations is motivating to young leaders. One of the fourteen CRIA Delegates, Nicola Sassi, reflected on the conference, “It was a remarkable experience and we are all truly grateful for the opportunity CRIA has given us. We all had an amazing time!”

High Expectations, High Achievement with Accountability CRIA’s vision is to be a world-class college preparatory school with high expectations, high achievement and accountability. To fulfill this vision, we continue to be fully accredited K-12 with the Middle States Association of College and Schools (MSA), the only US accredited school in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. The MSA is a highly respected accrediting association in the US, recognized by the US Department of Education. The MSA accredits highly competitive universities, including 4 of the 8 Ivy League schools and 528 universities and colleges overall. US accredited, standards-based education leads to accountability and recognition from admissions officers at universities around the world. The rigorous CRIA Advanced Placement (AP) courses offered in high school also provide ambitious students with the opportunity to earn university credits for their AP high school courses.

Combining these high academic standards with leadership skills, CRIA prepares students to be responsible leaders and a success in their chosen areas of interest and talent at university and beyond.

The Streets of Tamarindo

by Jeffrey Whitlow

T

his month I want to talk about the importance of unity.

It’s not an accident that the word is spelled “c-o-m-m-un-i-t-y”. That means unity for the common good.

A lot of people lost a very close friend in Barry. I did not have the privilege of knowing him that well, but the outpouring of emotion from the community is a clear indicator that he was a man of great substance. As I have been saying for some time, the grand problems that exist in our community can all be traced to the fact that most of us have chosen to live in a bubble. We have heard of someone who got robbed, or we’ve been robbed ourselves, but we don’t do anything except pray that we don’t get robbed again. We bounce over the same potholed “road” to Langosta every day. We cross the street when we see “the street trash” in one of their gathering spots. Something has changed now though, and there are over 250 people who are witness to that fact. It makes me so angry though, that it took such a horrible and senseless event to make this so, and my heart goes out to the family and friends of this man.

We have to seize on this moment though, and make some meaningful changes in this community. Most of you ex-pats are from places where you can pick up a phone and the police respond. Most of you are also from places where basic civil services are covered by your tax dollars. I have spent extensive time in areas where the police don’t answer the phone.

I also lived in St. Maarten for 10 years, starting right before Hurricane Luis in ‘91. Back in that day, the quality of the infrastructure there basically resembled what we see here now.

When the police are incapable of responding in a reasonable time to calls for help, it is up to the individual to secure himself and his family. It is then the responsibility of the all of the individuals in a neighborhood to reach out to each other and form a community watch and response team. I don’t have the space here to spell out the framework of this apparatus.

There will be papers that have already been circulated by now that will put the meat on the bones of this announcement. One of the best things about the big ADI meeting was that there is finally a database that contains the e-mail addresses of a significant percentage of the people who live in this community. This will make it much easier to disseminate important information and to gather complaints, suggestions, and ideas. If you have not given your e-mail address or some other type of contact information to ADI, please do so at your earliest opportunity.

In regard to the issues with infrastructure, it is important to have a proactive and can-do attitude. I lived on the hill overlooking Simpson Bay Yacht Club, and the road was extremely steep and very bad. There were a few houses in front of me on either side further down the hill and one house behind me. One day someone bought some land further up the hill and built a huge house. He is an architect and the house he designed and built is an unofficial St Maarten landmark. One day we noticed that people were fixing and paving the road. It took them a couple of days to finish it. Wow! For somebody like me especially, who had been driving this bad road for years, it was Heaven. Peter, the architect, knocked on my door a couple of days after they finished. He said, “I got tired of that damn road and I got tired of waiting for the government to do something, so I paved it myself. If you want to give me some money, fine, if not, fine. But that’s the story.” I didn’t have any money to give him, and I didn’t ask him what he spent. But I was very grateful. I should go pay him when I go back there next year!

Just like I’m willing to spend some money on some meals and walk the streets and make sure everyone is smiling, just like Urs and the rest of the volunteers at ADI have put in long hours to bring positive change to the community, it is time for each person to reach outside of themselves and find their own best way to serve this town. And we should all do it in honor and in reverent memory of Barry....

ADIT Updates Associación Desarrollo Integral de Tamarindo Security

A meeting was held at Langosta Sports Bar on the subject of security in the area. The mayor of Santa Cruz, Jorge Chavarria, made certain promises to the community, these being signed publicly. 1. Have an audience with the Ministry of Security to discuss the problems of Tamarindo and Langosta, 2. Send municipal police to Tamarindo 3. Buy a garbage truck excusively for Tamarindo.

On April 14 several members of ADIT went to Santa Cruz to follow up on these promises. They were assigned 10 minutes to explain the problems of the community, but finally spoke for one hour on the subject, just time enough to expose such a sensitive issue.

To report incidents of security please call 70140408 or e-mail: aditseguridad.

Always call 911 first in cases of emergency.

Costa Rica Goes Green

C

osta Rica is one of the world’s most solicited tourist destinations in the new millennium. Famed for its lush forests, exquisite gastronomy and top notch, sustainably grown coffee (whose sales represents 15 per cent of the country’s total exports), the country is also fast becoming known as one of the greenest nations on the planet.

For the first 75 days of the year 2015, the country has produced the totality of its electricity without resorting whatsoever to fossil fuels.

Heavy rains in the first trimester provided a welcome hydropower boost to wind, solar and biomass energy, and, according to the Electricity Institute of Costa Rica (the ICE), this has led to a 12 per cent decrease in electrical rates. Reuters notes that the renewable energy boost has enabled Costa Rica to lower its electrical rates by approximately 12 per cent from April, 2015 onwards, meaning that some 1.5 million households and companies will pay between seven and 15 per cent less on their electricity bills for the next quarter.

The ICE estimates that thermal generation could fall to seven per cent of the total electricity generated in 2015, reducing costs by the equivalent of 14 million US dollars.

Shifting rainfall patterns may affect Costa Rica’s capacity to generate power; therefore, the Costa Rican government recently approved a $858 million geothermal project, to reduce the reliance on hydropower. The Rincón de la Vieja volcano’s surrounds will play host to four power plants, set to produce power at five cents per kilowatt hour.

Oneida Children’s Park

Artist Soledad de la Riva has donated her work and is decorating the park with a beautiful mural. We thank her and the people who have donated paint and materials.

Lifeguards

A lifeguard tower is being constructed in front of Witch’s Rock, thanks to Patagonia Restaurant, Witch’s Rock and LSD Architects.

Crocodiles

A presentation was held on the subject of crocodiles by crocodile expert Iván Sandoval. It is illegal to kill any wild animal in Costa Rica, and the relocation of crocodiles is not permitted without a preliminary study.

While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.

John Taylor

Costa Rica is taking a green stance in another important area: the preservation of its 124 national parks, reserves, volcanoes and wildlife refuges, which make up 25 per cent of the country. The country boasts a high level of biodiversity and an array of distinct ecological zones. Efforts such as the National Bamboo Project of Costa Rica have done plenty to reduce deforestation by replacing timber with bamboo for the purpose of construction. The new bamboo forests provided the required material for thousands of homes for the impoverished, and simultaneously boosted the bamboo building industry. Many previously endangered areas have been reforested, and profits garnered from ecotourism have also done their share to protect the forests.

The central government, meanwhile, has developed a system that offers protected status to 25 per cent of the national territory and decentralization efforts have resulted in greater local-based biodiversity conservation management. The protected areas were divided into 11 conservation areas, each of which has enough independence to establish and enforce policy for the protection of areas within their jurisdiction. Today, over 65,000 hectares of forests and forest plantations employ environmental certification management schemes.

Finally, let’s not forget the coffee: Café de Costa Rica is registered as a Geographical Indication, its eight production regions have been deemed Origin Denominations; all boast a unique sustainable production process which respects the nation’s biodiversity and ecosystems; the key is to protect the unique volcanic soils that bear distinctive characteristics in each established region.

by Gemma Berry

Barry Martin Lawson Barry died on April 7, 2015 from a heart attack related to complications from head trauma received during a violent robbery of their home and hotel in Tamarindo, Costa Rica.

Barry was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 23, 1941, by Estelle and Jack Lawson (formerly Jacob Lazowsky). His grandparents emigrated from Poland to Detroit via Montreal. He is survived by his older brother Jordan and younger brother Richard; both retired.

The brothers and their family enjoyed celebrating their traditional Jewish holidays and attending their local synagogue. Barry was Bar Mitzvahed at age 13.

Barry graduated from Berkley High in Detroit and soon after married his high school sweetheart Shirley and moved west to Los Angeles, California. Later in their twenties, they had two children, Michelle & Jered.

and lifestyle change of running a Bed & Breakfast somewhere aside the warmer tropical oceans. Their son came back from a trip to Costa Rica in 1989 and recommended it as a possible location. They went and toured the various coastal towns and felt the genuine “pura vida” cultural pride throughout.

In 1991, Barry and Suzye found a site just south of Playa Tamarindo, in Langosta, and set out to build their small business, Villa Alegre, with the help of many Ticos, Nicas and new expat friends. It didn’t take long for Barry to become known for his bountiful breakfasts as well as his and Suzye’s generous hospitality. Barry also had a tremendous community spirit, helping with town betterment projects, playing the annual role of Santa Claus, and joining Suzye in her pursuit to improve the quality of educational opportunities for local youth in the Guanacaste region with Amigos de la Educación.

Thinking that becoming an accountant would provide stability, Barry attended Cal State University at Northridge in Business Administration with a focus on accounting. Realizing, though, that he was more of a people-person, rather than a spreadsheetspecialist, Barry decided to become a manager of tenant properties. After working for five years for a company and obtaining his real estate license he branched off and started his own company, Lawson Management.

Whether you were a guest in their B&B, a neighbor, an employee, friends or simply passers by, you likely experienced Barry’s big smile. Many will also remember his bear-hugs, sage advice, and jovial spirit.

Five years after Barry and Shirley parted ways, he met Sue Maycumber, married in 1984, and with whom he’d share the remainder of his days, almost 40 years. Together they enjoyed traveling, entertaining friends, and going camping with family. Barry also enjoyed ceramics, skiing, body-surfing, racquetball, playing poker with friends, and most memorably, he loved making and eating food.

A memorial service and a “paddle-out” circle to spread a portion of his ashes into the Pacific was held on Sunday April, 12, with generous support of Hotel Capitan Suizo and many local friends.

After 20 successful years of running Lawson Management and, tired of navigating traffic on the freeways of LA, he and Suzye set out to fulfill a dream

His two children each married -- Michelle to Jon Carne, and Jered to Nancy Vail -- and each brought forth Barry’s five grandchildren (Jacob, Ethan & Christian; Lucas & Rosa respectively) who will also miss their “Poppi.”

A second memorial service is being planned for June 27th in southern California for family and friends.

A Barry Martin Lawson Memorial fund and Amigos de la Educación fund has been set up to receive on-line donations. Please visit the site and consider making a contribution in his honor.

Surf Report (from page 15)

Copa COBIAN March 21, 22, 2015 Dominical Open 1. Anthony Fillingim 2. Carlos Muñoz 3. David Herrera 4. Manuel Mesén

Boys 1. Aldo Chirinos 2. Tiago Carrique 3. Samuel Reidy 4. Dean Vandewalle

Women’s Open 1. Leilani McGonagle 2. Emily Gussoni 3. Lisbeth Vindas 4. Coral Wiggins

Grommets 1. Oscar Urbina 2. Malakai Martinez 3. Tiago Carrique 4. Dean Vandewalle

Junior 1. Aldo Chirinos 2. Leonardo Calvo 3. Dennis Picado 4. Joseph Méndez

Minigrommets 1. Samuel Reidy 2. Darshan Antequera 3. Eshel Orion 4. Valentina Resano

Junior Women’s 1. Leilani McGonagle 2. Emily Gussoni 3. Zulay Martínez 4. Paula Duarte

Minigrommets Girls 1. Valentina Resano 2. Candelaria Resano 3. Paulina Summers 4. Emily Anderson

Costa Rica’s own super grom Malakai Martinez is going to have some major competition in the waves here. Kyllian Guerin, a 12-year-old from France, (photo), is now making regular trips to Costa Rica to enjoy the warm water. Surfer magazine calls him a “barrel mini-magnet,” and asks if he could be the next Tom Curren.

Casagua Horses The greatest variety of tours and riding experiences for all ages, featuring spectacular countryside, howler monkeys, colorful small towns and fun-filled fiestas.

According to the RipCurl sponsored surfer: “When you are dreaming about something special, sometimes it happens! In my winter games, you will travel with me in hot water and in the ‘pura vida’ country. Costa Rica is such a nice place and, for sure, a small paradise, but you can also find your own paradise everywhere. You just need to dream about it.”

Check out the rides of Guerin, right here: http://www.surfingmagazine. com/video/kyllian-guerin-age-11-citizen-world/

Cantina Tour - Nature Tour Fiesta & Tope Rental - Old Tempate Trail Tour Located near Portegolpe on the main road, opposite the Monkey Park, just 20 minutes from the beach.

Phone us at: 2-653-8041 • kaydodge@racsa.co.cr www.paintedponyguestranch.com The best horses on Guanacaste’s Gold Coast!

(continued page 37)

Riding...

Riding... (from page 20)

which creates learning experience based on safety and respect for the horse with a responsible adult along often learning as much as the child. So many adults have had a bad or frightening experience around a horse when young, so carry with them a life-long fear of horses and riding. And riding with a young child in front of an adult, on a strange horse, can be a recipe for disaster on a trail ride. Unexpected things happen, an iguana rushes across the trail or something new on the trail spooks the horse and the child can be thrown off the horse.

The tourist industry world-wide has created a problem with the romantic images of barefoot riders cantering fullthrottle down remote white sand beaches‌a dream of many beginner riders. In reality, most tourists ride in long lines of other tourists wearing flip-flops, shorts and a helmet designed for a canopy tour. Unfortunately, the opportunity to ride some of Costa Rica’s wonderful criollo and Spanish mixed horses is limited. But experienced equestrians, taking the time to check Trip Advisor or searching the web, will be rewarded with a more positive riding experience.

Recently, we had four senior riders book a weeklong riding vacation with us. All riders were between 65 and 77 with years of riding their own horses and having the opportunity to take a variety of riding vacations all over the world. Most appreciated a mounting block to help get on their horses because of a bad knee, or adjusting the riding times to beat the heat.

They were experienced and smart riders who appreciated well-trained and well-cared-for horses.

But we all have to start somewhere and most people today do not have the opportunity to grow up with horses.

There are a couple of simple things to do to and questions to ask, before getting on someone else’s horse. First, ask for recommendations and check review by other riders. Before getting on any horse there is a check-list for safe riding.

Ask how the horse has been trained, and the aides to ask the horses to go, and more importantly, to stop. Make sure the

(continued page 31)

Word puzzle B o d i e s o f Wa t e r

All words from the list below can be found in the word block on the right.

Answers may be forward, backward, upwards, downwards and diagonal. adriatic andaman aralskoye arctic atlantic baltic bering black caribbean columbia danube eastchina erie ganges gulfofmexico

hudsonbay huron indian irrawaddy mackenzie mediterranean michigan north okhotsk ontario pacific red southchina superior yellow

Riding... (from page 29)

horse is not nervous or has scarring on its face from severe training. The horse should match the rider’s experience, height and weight. A horse should not have to carry a rider more than 20% of its own weight. For instance, a 900 lb. horse which is common on tours can carry a 180 lb. rider, but we often see them on tours with a rider of 230 lbs. or more.

Once the rider has the correct horse, make sure to adjust the stirrups for the rider’s leg length – too short and knees will ache, too long and the rider cannot keep their heels down or keep their feet in the stirrup, both making it easier for the rider to fall off. Next, have the cinch checked to see if it is tight enough. Then, after mounting (asking for help mounting is smart to prevent pulling the saddle off center), ask how to hold the reins and what amount of contact is correct for your horse.

As you start the ride, practice slowing or speeding up the walk to get a feel for your horse’s mouth and reactions. As in driving a car, keep a horse-length from the horse ahead to prevent an accidental kick. Horseback riding etiquette when riding with others is essential. The least experienced rider dictates the speed, and respect for the horse is essential. And running full-out is always dangerous. Trotting and a controlled canter should be based on experience and terrain.

Often we hear, “I ride six hours a day back home….” Or “I’m a beginner, and want a four-hour ride… and can I bring my six-year-old?” Riding in the tropical heat is hard on the horses and riders, so it is important to take in consideration the length and difficulty of the ride as well as the real experience of the rider. There is no pleasure in being hot, tired and sore.

Horseback riding can be for a lifetime, and whether starting your equestrian experience at five or fifty, a horse can bring you so many wonderful experiences, so it is important to start off right and ride safe and smart.

A human life is a story told by God. Hans Christian Andersen

Barbara’s Pet Stories Animal Protection - news

The little puppy from last month, Bienchen, she recovered pretty good from her mistreatings, and she can walk. Not perfect, her joints will stay stiff, but with being still a small dog with only three pounds of weight, she can run around and play with her new little “buddy” Olli, another dropoff from about three weeks ago, also a small doggie and it looks that they are related. So a family reunion of two lost souls.

Good or bad? A pregnant dog was seen wandering around in front of the old Country Day school buildings for some days, got almost hit by the cars...someone then called me so I went to pick her up. She is a beautiful looking dog, she is good with cats, with chicken, and with people... even though she must had been without food for a while, as she is so skinny...by the time you will read this she will have given birth already to several puppies. Well: good that someone saw her and called me, bad that someone had abandoned her. If one of you like to adopt one of those puppies, come in.

BUT: these puppies will be spayed / neutered as soon as we can get it done.

tierefuerbarbaraforanimals@gmail.com

Gotcha!

Free diver Rafael Chavarría, 52 years old, known as Gato, pulled a monster grouper from its lair in a submerged boat near Punta Leona, in the Central Pacific.

Breathing only the air in his lungs, he had to dive three times to a depth of 30 meters before despatching the fish with a spear to the head.

The fish weighed 180 kilos, and is very well-prized for eating. He was able to sell all its meat on his return to his home in Cañas.

Ode to Barry Lawson The ODDEST of COUPLES

you were there to PLAY cards you were there to fill the stage you were so reminding me of my L.A - my realtor same named; “Barry” you reminded me with your SuZye / what it “should” look like! feel “like”! / in a marriage what an ODD COUPLE You played with my EX! R.I.P Barry pleeze

by Gerreta Gerretta

Selected Poems from “Tell me about the Telaraña”

by Diana Renee

the stories I do not tell lie in my belly like unborn kittens with blinded eyes and soft of claw when they slip from me i shall become the mother of tigers. they will grow up to hunt me with their yellow eyes and twitching tails.

tengo historias de todos colores tengo rojas y blancas y unas azules tengo historias amarillas del sol y unas negras de noches que no contaré

all around us, the universe is large we shrink smaller and smaller into the night cradled by the mountains to the east and the river to the west the moon watches us through a curtain of unfallen rain we become tiny as ants in this giant world full of dark air

“Tell Me About the Telaraña” is available at Jaime Peligro’s Bookstore in Tamarindo.

CCTT News Meeting with the Ministry of Security in Tamarindo On May 18 at midday an important meeting was held in Tamarindo with the Minister of Public Security, Lic. Gustavo Mata.

Present were the mayor of Santa Cruz, don Jorge Chavarria; the regional director of Fuerza Publica, Rigoberto Rodriguez; the sub-director of Fuerza Publica, Jimmy Cervantes; the director-general of Policia Turistica, Fulvio Fernandez; the director of the Policia Turistica, Luis Sanchez; Mr. Wolfgang Gollas, president of Grupo Diria; Mr. Mauricio Villalta, assistant to the president of Grupo Diria; Mr. Hernan Imhoff, president of the Camara de Turismo y Comercio de Tamarindo; and various members of the different police forces involved.

This meeting was to confirm the donation of a piece of land by the Grupo Diria for the construction of the office of the police delegation of Tamarindo, to be located beyond Auto Mercado 300 meters towards Villarreal.

For the moment and until the completion of the new office the police will operate out of a building next to the old Ferreteria Fertama, which also has been donated kindly by Grupo Diria.

The work done by the Camara de Comercio y Turismo, as well as other local organizations, is reflected in the success of this meeting and its focus on a major security for our community.

Anyone wishing to communicate with the Camara de Comercio y Turismo of Tamarindo can e-mail to info@ccttamarindo.org

Your Stars in May

Aries: 21 March - 20 April

Libra: 23 September - 23 October

Taurus: 21 April - 21 May

Finances and your partner’s assets are under scrutiny now as Mars and the Sun transit your solar eighth house. This might go on for the next six weeks as Mercury goes retrograde on the 18th. It will be difficult, but be patient with the process. Venus enters your tenth house of profession on the 8th indicating good news and money coming in that aspect of your life.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself at this time. Libras need to look good, ya know! Best days for that are the 1st, 2nd, 28th and 29th.

Gemini: 22 May - 21 June

Pay attention to your partner at this time as they will be needing some TLC in the worst way. With Jupiter transiting your solar tenth house you have a lot of work and responsibilities to attend to. Use your ample charm to work out the balance. Presents are always appreciated! The next two years are a time that you will increase your business presence and your asset base if you use your abilities wisely. Best times to formulate the plan are the 3rd, 4th, 30th and 31st.

Cancer: 22 June - 22 July

Your ruling planet, Jupiter, is now in your solar ninth house of education, travel, higher mind and foreign affairs. This is its natural house so all things regarding those matter should go well. If I were you, I’d call my travel agent! Saturn in your sign is curbing your latent wanderlust a bit as it is bringing to your attention some responsibilities that you might have neglected. Watch your words over the next month as you could offend people in authority. Best days to get your way are the 6th, 7th and 8th.

Leo: 23 July - 23 August

With Saturn retrograde in your solar twelfth house there is a certain kind of reclusiveness you must be feeling. This is actually a good month for you to take a little time off and enjoy life a bit as Venus is transiting your solar fifth house of fun. If visiting relatives, however, be aware that some kind of problem could be revealed that takes the wind out of your sails a bit. Homeowners could also find the need to have something repaired.

The 8th and 9th are days to get your way.

This is a good month for money but you need to be careful about spending, too, as temptation is everywhere and the things you have been delaying to buy are screaming for your financial attention. Be judicious about this and don’t go in whole hog or you will regret it. Your attention will be drawn in many directions after the 19th so life gets really interesting then. Best days are the 14th and 15th!

The month begins with lots of fun as with the sun traveling through your sign there are sure to be many opportunities to indulge into the world of sensual pleasures. Have at it as this only comes around once a year!

There might be a tendency to overindulge so don’t lapse into bad habits you’ve struggled to overcome. Pay attention to your professional life as Pluto is doing its retrograde dance there in your solar tenth. Something needs to be revised. Your best days are the 16th and 17th.

Scorpio: 24 October - 22 November

With your ruling planet, Mercury, now in your sign along with Venus, the month should have some entertaining social events. On the 19th, Mercury goes into retrograde motion so something has to be renewed, revisited or redone. Mars enters your sign on the 13th so you will be eager to get something started. You will gain traction in early June. Saturn opposing your sign wants you to make sure you are up for responsibility.

Excellent days to make the best of it are the 18th, 19th and 20th.

Sagittarius: 23 November - 21 December

This is a great month for you to socialize, make connections and network for your business. Don’t be surprised if people from you past contact you after the 19th, but do make sure you know who you want in your life.

Some people just pass through, though it’s hard for Cancer’s to accept that, collectors that they are. Anyway, just keep doing your best, which will get better after the 8th when Venus enters your sign. Get new photos or a makeover at that time. Good days for that are the 21st and 22nd.

Capricorn: 22 December - 21 January

With Jupiter still very powerful in your sign, that’s a green light for anything you put you attention on. So, what is it that you want to accomplish next? Think back to twelve years ago for a clue on how it can unfold. This is an unusually rich time for you so don’t squander it on things that don’t matter of make a difference in the long haul. You have an opportunity to surge ahead of the pack, just know what pack

Aquarius: 22 January - 19 February

you want to lead. Best days are the 23rd an 24th.

Virgo: 24 August - 22 September

Your ruling planet, Mercury, will go retrograde on the 19th in your solar tenth house of profession so you need to revise something you are working on. Or it could be that a former client or project comes forward for your advice or attention. This is not a negative, but you need to make sure you are still in alignment with their business this time around. You have to make choices about your professional alliances over the next two months. Excellent days to ask questions are the 25th, 26th and 27th.

by Jeanne Callahan jeannecallahan007@gmail.com

Utilize your talents as planets transiting your third house make for a good time for ideas and insights to come in. With Venus in your solar fourth, it’s also a great time for having guest or entertaining, so enjoy that particular sweetness of life. Your ruling planet is transiting your solar tenth house of profession so there could be more responsibility at work, however, this is a time with Saturn is Rx to decide if that’s what you want to do. Great times to ponder that are the 10th and 11th.

Pisces: 20 February - 20 March

Money matters are on your mind this month with both the Sun and Mars in your solar second house. Both are hot and dry planets so you might have to spend more money that you anticipated on something. Be careful about that and stay away from extravagant items that will not prove to be valuable in the long run. It’s a good time to entertain after May 8th when Venus goes into your fourth house. Time to enjoy your home and family.

Great days for that are the 12th and 13th.

Namasté Visit Jeanne’s site at CelestialAdvisor.com

Now Begins the Study of Yoga A Historical Perspective, Part 1 The history of yoga encompasses about five thousand years, as compared to two thousand years for Christianity.

Its roots lie in archaic shamanism, and its evolution is tied to the unfolding of the different cultures and spiritual lineages of India. To get from where it started to what yoga is today is a long journey. In this first part, here is a very brief outline from the first signs of yoga to the writing of the Bhagavad Gita.

The oldest evidence of yoga was discovered in the Indus valley by archaeologists back in the 1920s. Seals made of metal found there depict men in yogic posture. These seals are believed to be from the Indus civilization of around 3000 BCE, which would make them the contemporaries of those who built the pyramids in Egypt. Early ideas and practices related to yoga are reflected in the Vedas – the sacred early collection of Hindu spirituality. The oldest of the Vedas, the Rig Veda was believed to have been written around 1200 – 1500 BCE. Newer evidence is changing this to be more in the range of the 3000 BCE years, and perhaps some parts of it from the century before. Suffice it to say the basic concepts of this art and science have been around for a very long time.

The Vedas (meaning “knowledges”) were hymns, verbally passed along through song and chanting. The language used was Sanskrit. The Vedas were believed to have been “seen” by the rishis, in other words transmitted initially from a higher source. They later were refined into the Upanishads – sacred teachings passed from teacher to student, and not to be disseminated to the general population. The word “Upanishad” translates as “to sit close to one’s teacher”. Some of the oldest Upanishads predate Buddhism (from the middle of the 2000s BCE)

to the latest being composed in the 1900s CE. They are believed to be a bridge between the Vedic and Vendanta periods. Georg Feurstein (a recognized scholar in the area of yoga) writes that the Upanishads reflect four main themes which themselves are a distilling and refining of the spiritual teachings of the Vedas. The four themes are: 1.

The Self (Atman) is identical with the universal Self (Brahman) 2.

Repeated embodiment of humans 3.

Karma and retribution 4.

Karma and future reincarnation can be prevented through spiritual practices, mainly through renunciation and meditation.

It is clear from these earliest sources that yoga was a spiritual pursuit.

The Taittriya Upanishad was the first place to reference the actual word “yoga”.

The Mahabharata, one of India’s national epics believed to be written around 400 BCE, contains many references to yoga. At the time of the Mahabharata, the word yoga was being commonly used to indicate the Hindu tradition of spiritual discipline, incorporating different approaches to self-realization. A part of The Mahabharata is The Bhagavad Gita. In this story, Krishna guides Arjuna in understanding the paths of yoga. The Bhagavad Gita is still one of the most studied writings today for its relevance to how we can be present in our lives and live fully, yet with meaning. At that time, yoga was a way of life, not just physical postures. There are many interpretations of the Gita, so if you are curious, find one that you like and delve in. Discover the philosophical roots of your practice.

Namaste, Mary Mary Byerly is one of the owners and the yoga teacher at Panacea.

An oasis of tranquility and health 10 minutes from Tamarindo.

Discover Paradise and Bring a Peace Home www.panaceacr.com • 2653-8515

Surf Report

He kept at true good humour’s mark The social flow of pleasure’s tide: He never made a brow look dark, Nor caused a tear, but when he died.

(from page 24)

For the second time this year, Tamarindo hosted a Federación de Surf de Costa Rica event, this one in April, the Circuito Nacional Masters & SUP & Longboard. And at the podium at the end of the weekend, were some very familiar names.

Already riding a comeback was Alvaro Solano, who after years of inactivity scored his second Masters win. It’s been a while—Solano was a 2-time national surf champion on the Circuito Nacional de Surf, but has lain low since 2003 and his last title. Yet, he seems to be recovering his stride, and that weekend in Tamarindo he bested other over-35 surfers including Cristian Jimenez, Christan Boos, and Erlyn Farrier.

Then there’s Andrea Díaz, who also picked up her 2nd Women’s Master trophy this year. A former national Women’s champion, Andrea was #5 in the international rankings in her last two appearances in the World Masters Surfing Championships. She is determined to make the Costa Rica National Masters team that will compete in the Canary Islands, Spain, in early November. It looks like she and Solano are well on their way to making the team.

The SUP competitors really demonstrated why this is the fastest growing water sport. Erick Antonson (photo), who was 2nd place in the last date at Bahia Ballena, came in 1st this time, and it’s interesting to note that Solano also got up on the SUP to paddle. He came in 4th.

According to event director Gustavo Corrales, consistent off-shore wind factor was vital in this part of the competition both those SUP who rode waves and those who raced distance.

“In my opinion this race has all the factors to be the most challenging and strong Circuito: the 9k trajectory is designed from the exit from the river mouth to the first buoy, to then return through strong surf with waves 3-5 feet, out into the open sea and paddling in strong windy conditions until the third buoy in Playa Grande,” said Corrales.

Photo: Carlos Arias

Thomas Love Peacock

Riviera Paddlesurf Circuito Nacional Masters SUP & Longboard April 11, 12, 2015 - Playa Tamarindo Masters 1. Alvaro Solano 2. Cristina Jimenez 3. Cristian Boos 4. Erlyn Farrier Women’s Masters 1. Andrea Díaz 2. Sonia García 3. Verónica Quirós 4. Edith García Grand Masters 1. Erlyn Farrier 2. Andres Flores 3. Adolfo Gomez 4. Gustavo Castillo Kahuna 1. Roberto Miranda 2. Alejandro Monge

Grand Kahuna 1. Roberto Miranda SUP Surfing 1. Erick Antonson 2. Rolando Herrera 3. Brian Sandoval 4. Alvaro Solano SUP Race 9 Km. 1. Geovanny Espinoza 2. Rolando Herrera 3. Christian Hernández 4. Kevin Díaz 5. Ramón Díaz SUP Race 9 Km. Women’s 1. Valeria Salustri 2. Edith García

That’s all I’ve got. Looking forward to hearing what you think.

Keep those emails coming at EllenZoe@aol.com. Send your comments, information, errors or praise, because I can’t do this column without you, the real surfers.

Surviving

C hapter MMCCCLXI

COSTA RICA

I

’ve written about Sackweed in past columns, a semi country-rock outfit that started as street musicians in Key West, Florida and ended up in Austin, Texas, as a full-fledged band. People thought the name was somehow drug-oriented when in fact it was a combination of the nicknames of the two founders who were both named Gary, Sack (Sackett) and Weed (Weidner). We met while sharing the stage in a Key West coffee house on Duval Street named Crazy Ophelia’s where we also recruited a woman named Chris.

This was a long time ago when Richard Nixon was still president and the Beatles were still together and most of the people currently living in Tamarindo were yet to be born.

I do believe we were HIPPIES!

We were probably more like a tribe than a real band; we eventually moved our act to the streets, or in the case of Key West to Mallory Pier where multitudes of other Hippies as well as tourists gathered for the sunset. We’d pull out our two acoustic guitars while Sack wailed on either the harmonica or clarinet and Chris would chime in on the four-part harmony, and pass the hat around, usually making enough money to buy that night’s dinner and beer. We shared the pier with a host of jugglers, magicians and street hustlers and generally had a great lifestyle. It didn’t hurt to be nineteen with low expectations from life.

It was on one of those nights that we ran into a fellow and his wife vacationing from Fort Lee, New Jersey (the gateway to New York City), who became quite enamored with our scene and, much to his later dismay, invited us to come and stay with them if we were ever up that way.

By that time Chris had hooked up with Weed, Sack had hooked up with a girl from Kentucky to whom he is still married, while I remained single, and it was decided the group would head up North to “be discovered”.

Sackwood Takes Manhattan

Logistics were a little sketchy, I owned a 1962 Ford Falcon which could carry what little equipment we had and three people, not particularly comfortably. Since it was my car I got to drive while the two couples flipped a coin to see who would hitch-hike and who got to ride.

The plan was to rendezvous somewhere near Boston and then hit Beantown to try our luck.

Several days and mishaps later we achieved our goal and soon found ourselves involved in the thriving Boston street music scene. The biggest problem we encountered there were the Hari Krishnas whose assembled hordes of chanters and tambourine pounders were hard to compete with volume-wise.

Nonetheless we were eventually “discovered” by a “New York Music Type” who told us if we headed to the Big Apple he would make us stars. We called our fan in Fort Lee and reminded him of his invitation and before he knew it he had five hairy funky kids living in the attic of his very middle-class suburban abode.

After his wife walked in unannounced on several acts of coitus it was decided that he would relocate us to an apartment of a friend in Manhattan in exchange for us painting the inside of her abode during her absence.

We made the move, did the painting and pursued the offer of stardom, meeting the music bigwig who actually started to get the ball rolling by setting up several showcases at local venues like Max’s Kansas City and Greenwich Village’s The Other End, as well as a recording session at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Ladyland Studio. We took our act out to Broadway accompanied by a bevy of press agents where we would play for the lines waiting to get into the various plays and musicals. To our surprise we made a lot of money, probably due to fact that since we had a press entourage we must be famous.

Story by Jesse Bishop owlhumm@hotmail.com

Things were going great for Sackweed until the day we were offered “the contract”, which seemed to us to be rather one-sided and would require us to be told what to do for three years without any real chance of financial compensation. Please remember we were also a bunch of Hippies with little understanding of how the biz really worked.

After turning the contract down we went back to Broadway sans agents and received a much colder reception, not to mention our fellow street musicians were unhappy about our stealing their territory, some evening threatening a “turf war”.

The street music scene in NYC was quite different from the peace, love and panhandling we had been used to in Key West and Boston.

The competition was more classical musicoriented, and after seeing a three-piece flute ensemble also doing a brisk sale of handguns to street urchins we decided that it was time to split.

This meant going back to the attic in New Jersey, much to the chagrin of our now lessthan-enthusiastic host who, lined us up with one final gig so we could have enough money to head back South… or wherever.

This turned out to be playing for the Fort Lee Democratic Party street dance, one of whose leading members was none other than Alan Alda who was riding the crest of his groundbreaking TV series M.A.S.H. and to this day continues to be a mainstay of Democratic Party liberal thought. I remember meeting him and thinking he was just another uptight old guy, much like yours truly today.

Fortunately for our benefactor this did the trick. The Falcon was reloaded, coins tossed and we were back on the road… Maybe to Key West, Lawrence, Kansas or Austin.

Anywhere but New York City.

Lif Pontifex - Building Bridges Tom Peifer Tom Peifer (peifer@racsa.co.cr) tompeifercv@gmail.com

I think that I shall never see…anything so cool as monkeys in my trees. (apologies to Joyce Kilmer, 1886-1918)

I

owe a lifetime debt of gratitude to a former neighbor, don Pedro. During the hectic construction of my house in the woods, he pointed out a small sapling a few steps from the future front porch. Given the frenzy of trying to get a roof on before the rains, the farthest thing from my thoughts was the genus, species or whatever of a waist-high stem no bigger around than my thumb.

“This is an almendro del monte,” advised Pedro, “good for shade in the summer.”

What Pedro failed to mention is that the ‘mountain almond’ is also a super “monkey tree”. Unlike most of the deciduous trees in our eco-region, the almendro has the handy habit of shedding its leaves at the beginning of the dry season; they promptly re-sprout new ones to provide the welcome shade that Pedro had advised me to conserve.

As the tree grew and began to provide the much-desired microclimate at the edge of my home, other advantages began to become apparent. Similar to new growth on mango trees, the magenta-hued canopy of young leaves provides a seasonal dose of color in the landscape. For the monkeys, the bright display might as well be a neon sign at the neighborhood diner. They swing by for a meal on a regular basis, stripping off the tender leaves and shoots, returning only when there is sufficient foliage to warrant the round trip from the nearby forest. (Those with an ecological bent might want to brush up on the concept of ‘optimal foraging behavior’ at this point.)

Quite by accident, rather than ‘intelligent design,’ I had plugged a gap between the forest and the growing almendro tree with a guaba tree. Not guava, the fruit, but guaba, an important tree in agroforestry not simply because of the ‘ice cream bean’ that it produces, but for its hosting of parasitic wasps that help in insect control. As luck would have it it’s also an evergreen; the monkeys seem to eat both flowers and the young fruit, and it is literally humming with dozens of hummingbirds during its rather prolonged flowering in the late dry season.

Around the back of my home the approach was a bit more methodical. Fast-growing bamboo served to fill the gaps between a couple of citrus trees and a cashew, the source of much-needed moisture in the months of March and April. OK, the monkeys might be a bit challenged in the table manners department. They clamber throughout the cashew canopy, squeezing and sucking up the astringent juice of the cashew fruit like ‘optimal foraging’ beer drinkers during Happy Hour at the beachside bars. For more than a month this pleasant diversion is taking place just outside a window where I’m hacking away into the wee hours on the latest contribution to Tamarindo’s homegrown literary gazette. Connecting up to the next stop in the simian smorgasbord involved another set of techniques.

Anyone with functioning eyesight knows by now that the ‘bigbang’ flowering strategy of the corteza amarilla lights up the local landscape in the mid-to-late dry season. But having one next to your home is a real treat. Not only do you find yourself experiencing the heavenly glow of filtered or reflected light depending on the angle of the incident sunlight. The Howler monkeys’ appreciation of this specie’s showy display is perhaps more utilitarian than aesthetic. A bit of variation in taste, color, texture and no doubt nutritional value ensure that the canopy of the corteza is ‘hanging room only’ for the month or so of its flowering phase. In my landscape the trick was in ensuring the aerial tramway to the existing tree.

Having taken out a ‘high canopy’ of the 20-year old gmelina trees for lumber, we needed to select and guide the smaller established cocobolo trees to fill in the voids in the canopy. In the back of my mind I remembered a visit to the Howler exhibit at the world-famous San Diego Zoo. “Threatened by Habitat Fragmentation” read the ominous sign at the entrance to the enclosure. As the last big gmelina crashed to the ground a few feet from my house, I realized that the corteza amarilla needed a dose of ‘landscape connectivity’ in a hurry.

As anyone who has planted a live fence of hibiscus around his property can tell you, there’s a time of the year here when you really can “just stick stuff in the ground and it grows.” The technique is known locally as pega pega, and hundreds of plants can be inexpensively propagated in this way--including live posts for living fences. Commonly used for live fences are madero negro, jińote jocote, matapalo and pochote, but they are usually cut just long enough to support the 3-strand fences which are the norm in cattle pastures. I decided to push the envelope.

We installed several 12-15 ft. tall, forked poles of jínote, at 3-4 meter intervals. With successful establishment and 2-3 years of growth, these trees were able to fill in the gaps and provide an aerial highway for the monkeys to the succulent flowers of the corteza amarilla. My take on the topic is that the pega pega technique can come in very handy for homeowners who want a bit more instant gratification in their efforts at landscaping and wildlife habitat restoration.

At this point it bears emphasizing that the true experts on restoring landscape connectivity for our long-lost arboreal cousins are Patricia and Larry at Fundación Salvémonos. They have the appropriate species list, guidelines, and contacts for installing the all-important aerial bridges that allow the Howlers to safely traverse above the lethal mayhem of the local roads and highways. (continued page 40)

M a y ( a l l

t i m e s

2 0 1 5 l o c a l )

Sun

1st - rise 5:25; set 5:55 15th - rise 5:22; set 5:58 31st - rise 5:21; set 6:02

Full: Last quarter: New: 1st quarter:

Moon

3rd 11th 17th 25th

9:42 p.m.

4:36 p.m.

10:13 p.m.

11:19 a.m.

Pontifex... (from page 39)

On the topic of building bridges, I can’t resist referring to one of my favorite writers, Aldous Huxley, who argued elegantly in a short essay that the role of pontifex—or bridge builder—was one of the most needed in the contemporary world. Huxley was referring to constructing lines of communication between the academic disciplines, and between science and normal people, to avoid the narrow-minded outlooks that so often prevail even amongst the supposedly welleducated elites. On a personal level, my efforts at bridge-building have taken two main directions.

Linguistically, the topic of a future article, I somehow find myself in a daily attempt to improve communication between locals and the non-Spanish-capable foreign hordes that have settled in this neck of the woods.

As per the theme of this article, with a background both as builder and agro-ecologist, trying to find a fit so that both homes and gardens enhance, rather than deplete, the natural world around us that both nourishes and delights us on a daily basis.

A case in point, a small project I’ve been managing was just visited

by Coopeguanacaste, to plan the location of the first of many ‘monkey bridges’ that will restore the connectivity across the roads. The inspector detailed to me the ropes, cables and mesh that they were planning to use and indicated the trees to which they’d attach. What I didn’t tell him was that as soon as they drove out the gate, I’d be planting vines to rapidly take over the assembly, provide it with a more natural look, and, just possibly, another source of flowers and food for the enjoyment of all the residents in the project.

For anyone interested in looking to somehow ‘marry’ the disciplines of building and biology, of construction and conservation, I’d urge them to watch any number of the videos that are available on the “Living bridges of Meghalaya, India.” The term ‘inspirational’ falls short of the mark, believe me.

Alcoholics Anonymous Schedule of Meetings

Flamingo

Tuesdays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm (open) Fridays: 5:30 - 6:30 pm (open)

Location: Hitching Post Plaza Unit 2, Brasilito Contact: Don H. at 2-654-4902

Tamarindo

Saturday: 10:30-11:30 - Open General Meeting Monday: 5:30 - Open Meeting Wednesday: 10:30 - Open Meeting Thursday: 5:30-6:30 - Open Meeting Location: Behind Pedro’s Surf Shop Contact: Ellen - 2-653-0897 / Steve - 8377-1529

Returning to mull over the monkeys, one is tempted to ponder at times, as they languish in the security of their lofty perches, if they look down with wonder or with scorn at the frenzied pace and relentless consumerism of their supposedly superior ‘sapiens’ cousins.

Do they thank their lucky stars that they never came down out of the trees, took stock of the situation, and decided to embark on the suicidal mission of rearranging nature to suit their self-centered whims? It seems like the least we can do is help them stay up in the trees, enjoying the view and truly experiencing what Costa Rica is supposed to be all about: Pura Vida !

Tom Peifer is an ecological land use consultant with 18 years experience in Guanacaste. 2658-8018. peifer@racsa.co.cr El Centro Verde is dedicated to researching and promoting sustainable land use, permaculture and environmentally sound development. www.elcentroverde.org/

Shape Up! A Sense of Balance Lynda Espada

C

an you stand on one foot? Sit on a fit ball extending one leg out straight and one arm extended overhead without toppling over? Can you walk on the curb of a sidewalk without losing your balance? These exercises may sound like child’s play, but they’re actually sophisticated movements that build up physical balance, a skill that’s essential well into adulthood. To most under the age of 50, balance training is viewed as something “old people do”. While that is true to a certain extent, some balance training should be included in weekly exercise routines. Balance training programs have been shown to be effective for reducing injuries, and increasing strength and range of motion.

The ability to balance depends in large part on sensory, muscular and motor systems. The three most influential sensory systems are the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems. In addition to the three sensory systems, muscle strength plays a role in balance and mobility. Understanding these systems is essential to providing exercise programs that target balance.

The visual system is a major contributor to balance, providing information about the environment, the location of the person and the direction and speed of the person’s movement in the environment. The vestibular system, located in the ears, provides information about movement of the head, independent of visual cues. As the head moves, fluid in the canals triggers receptors and information is sent to the brain where it provides input about head orientation. The somatosensory system provides information about the body’s position and contact from the skin through pressure, vibration and tactile sensors, as well as joint and muscle proprioceptors.

Balance exercises involve maintaining standing and postural stability under a variety of static and dynamic conditions.

Activities in a balance-training program can include standing with one foot in front of the other to alter the base of support, shifting the body weight in different directions and lifting the feet from the floor. Exercises can also be performed with the eyes closed, while moving the head and/or while standing on foam to target the visual, vestibular and somatosensory systems respectively. A variety of activities are used to increase strength using body weight or equipment such as cuff weights or elastic resistance bands. Exercises which simulate activities of daily living, such as reaching forward to put something on a shelf, can then incorporate resistance and dynamic balance to challenge balance further. Including Pilates, yoga, tai chi, dance, walking, and combinations of exercise modes are also suitable activities for improving balance. Balance discs, foam pads and rollers, balance boards, and stability balls are training systems that may add variety and challenge to balance training programs.