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SPECIAL EDITION 2021

IN TE RN ATIONAL Cos ta Ric a T O T H E W O RLD

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Whether you’re considering or have already booked your reservation, we’re glad to have you as our guest. Use this digital magazine link for when you arrive to assist you in planning your meals and adventures if you have not already done so. Our region has so much to offer you with adventures, events, tours, national parks and experiencing the pura vida culture. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. a furniture store—filler text makes it look like someone is home. The same Wordpress template might Qui dolorem ipsum, quia dolor sit amet consectetur adipisci[ng] velit, sed quia non numquam [do] eius modi tempora inci[di]dunt, ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem.

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Whether you seek the serenity of a lounge chair under a palm tree or a heart-pounding zip-line adventure through a rainforest canopy, a little time in paradise will free your soul and fill it with Pura Vida! Contact us with any questions or to book an event, transfer, spa treatment, or tour! GENERAL INFORMATION Free hotel only reservations U.S. and Canada - 1-844-569-8851 / International/Europe: 1-682-606-8352 Hotel Direct: (011) 506-2-654-4444 Hotel Direct : (011) 506-2-654-4076 Reservations & Guest Services Email: info@ MargaritavilleCR.com Tour Desk / Operated by Swiss Travel. Open daily from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm. For tour pricing and information please email salesmargaritaville@swisstravelcr.com Snorkeling, Scuba & Fishing Trips / SEE ABOVE UPDATE To Arrange Airport Transfers & Transportation - Call the hotel directly or email our guest services concierge at guestservice@ MargaritavilleCR.com OnZen Spa - spa@MargaritavilleCR.com

WEDDING GROUPS Wedding Groups and Catered Events Tel: (011) 506-2654-4444 x3248 Email: Events@ MargaritavilleCR. com MEETINGS & CORPORATE GROUPS North America and Europe Email: Tkramer@dhmhotels.com Costa Rica and Latin America: Email: Corpsales@MargaritavilleCR.com AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION Transportation to the resort can be arranged from anywhere in Costa Rica! The resort's transportation company features comfortable, air-conditioned vans and SUVs with professional drivers. Rates below are from the two airports, but transportation can be arranged from/to anywhere in Costa Rica. To arrange transfers, contact the resort's transportation desk at 011-506-2654-4444 or send an email with flight arrival and departure information to: guestservice@ MargaritavilleCR.com. For regional jet transportation from San Jose to Tamarindo, via Sansa Airlines, click here. Transfers From Liberia International Airport - Flat rate per van - $100 one way; $200 round trip (1 to 5 people) Transfers From San Jose International Airport - $250 one way; $500 round trip (1 to 5 people) Transportation To Tamarindo - $25 on way; $50 round trip (1 to 5 people) Please add 13% sales tax to total transportation costs.

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OnZen Spa Oceanfront Restaurant & Lounge Complimentary Wi-Fi Huge Outdoor Pool & Swim-Up Bar Covered Children's Pool & Playground Family Center With Movies & Games Lighted Tennis Court Tour & Fishing Charter Concierge Scuba Diving Kayaks & Paddleboards Fitness Center Event & Meeting Space Daily Activities & Fitness Classes Privileges At Local Golf Courses Margaritaville Souvenir Shop Photography Studio Car Rental Babysitting Services ($)

L WITH MARGARITAVILLE ESCAPE TO COSTA RICA P M FLAMINGO PACKAGES A BEACH RESORT PLAYA X E R U E O H It is always a great timeY to escape to T O R the warm hospitality and breathtaking N O A of CostaFRica’s famed Northern scenery

Pacific Coast. A place where rainforests and volcanoes give way to picture-perfect beaches and warm, sapphire seas. Escape to the natural tranquility of Costa Rica and indulge in blissful spa treatments, romantic experiences, scuba diving adventures and family celebrations with our collection of Flamingo Beach hotel

packages. Embrace the pure spirit of Guanacaste, whether you want to lounge on golden sands, explore the waves of the Pacific or savor vibrant cuisine. CHECK OUT ONE OF OUR FIN-TASTIC OFFERS, CLICK HERE.

TOURS Our country's varied terrain, temperate climate, and diversity of wilderness and wildlife provide an abundance of outdoor activities for people of all ages and interests. From dizzying and adventurous canopy walks and rugged, winding hiking trails to relaxing warm mineral springs and stunning flora and fauna, no visit to Costa Rica is complete without sampling one or more of these beautiful adventures. Each of the following eco tours in Costa Rica is available for purchase upon your arrival at Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo. CHECK OUT ONE OF OUR FIN-TASTIC OFFERS, CLICK HERE.

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HOWLER T r o o p

owler is excited to congratulate Costa Rica on its bicentennial anniversary of Independence Day, September 15, 2021. Check out our commemorative cover stories highlighting Tico national symbols, with a special tribute to the beloved sloth’s new status as number 16 on the list. Links are provided to many past magazine articles about specific national symbols, including this month’s Cultural Heritage feature on Costa Rica’s flag and coat of arms. Several business leaders join us in saluting the country’s proud achievements and bright future. Travel & Adventure takes you to two historical hot spots, where unearthed discoveries still leave many unanswered questions about Costa Rica’s Pre-Columbian indigenous legacy: the Diquis spheres at Finca 6 and the Guayabo national monument site. Continuing our “wildlife in flight” theme from last month’s overview of beautiful birds, our September Creature Feature is “Written on the Wings of Butterflies.” We also look at why, how and where surfing and yoga belong together in Costa Rica, along with many other ways to enjoy wellness experiences here. Another article revisits the country’s consistent “happiest in the world” ranking. Sweat lodge rituals are the focus of a four-part Mindfulness series starting this month, while Entrepreneur Costa Rica offers resilience-building tips and LegalEase examines the real estate registration system known by the acronym SIRI.

WRITERS Sylvia Barreto Benites. Writer, teacher, tutor and founding director of IREN Renaissance Institute, a Costa Rican nonprofit organization focused on innovative learning solutions for children and adults. To this role she brings a Masters degree in education and more than 25 years of experience in public, private and alternative classrooms, both in New York and Costa Rica. Joanna Blanco. Integrative nutritional health coach who helps clients embrace wellness in five interconnected areas of life: relationships, livelihood, physical activity, spiritual awareness and diet. Debbie Bride. Canadian continuing to create and communicate in Costa Rica. John Brockmeier. Writer and activist inspired by diverse interests and international life experiences. Maria Laura Charles. Digital marketing strategist, content creator, experience designer and empathy activist. Creator of Casa Narime & La Marea. WhatsApp: +506 8879-2145. Karl Kahler. Author of “Frommer’s Costa Rica 2017,” former travel editor of the Tico Times and former national editor of California’s San Jose Mercury News. Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breathwork experiences, cacao ceremonies & other activities. hello@ puravidavibrations.com Mario Molina Salazar. Sustainable traveler and cultural manager of my art organization Costa Rica en la Pared. Street art and its impact to transform communities. costaricaenlapared@ gmail.com

HOWLER

SPECIAL EDITION 2021 Vol. 30 No. 9

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam

Jenn Parker. An avid writer, traveler, and nature lover on a mission to surf the earth and share her stories. Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Jorge A. Russell. Professional photographer from Chile based in Jaco beach. Does outdoor photography and studio photography. 8836-6475. Jorgerussellphotographer @gmail.com

C r e at i v e & a r t Terry Carlile m a r k e t i n g d i r e c t o r - Terry Carlile account executive Mary Fernández

E d i t o r i a l S ta f f Debbie Bride - Editorial Coordinator Laurie Quam - Copy Editor G r a p h i c D e s i g n - Terry Carlile c o v e r p h o t o d e s i g n - Terry Carlile Business Development John D. Lane. jdlanelcm@gmail.com H OW L E R ( ™ ) 2 0 1 7

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John Quam - Managing Partner headmonkey@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com Advertising: ads@howlermag.com Design: design@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 Howler Magazine Costa Rica @howlercostarica @thehowlermag @howlermagazine The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. Ced. Juridica: 3-101-725213 The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this publication do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Howler organization or its advertisers. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests write to: info@howlermag.com. The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements. Images not credited are acquired from stock photography services.

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UP FRONT

COVER STORIES

COSTA RICA’S BICENTENNIAL NATIONAL SYMBOLS OF COSTA RICA SLOTH BECOMES AN OFFICIAL NATIONAL SYMBOL FELIZ DÍA DE LA INDEPENDENCIA COSTA RICA!

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE COOL PLACES Finca 6 and the Mystery of the Spheres FEATURED PLACE Guayabo: History of a Mystery CREATURE FEATURE Written on the Wings of Butterflies

SURFING CR SURF FEATURE Surfing and Yoga Go Hand in Hand

ARTS, CULTURE & ENTERTAINMENT CULTURAL HERITAGE Costa Rica’s Flag: Proudly Waved, Carried and Worn

PURA VIDA/LIVING CR MINDFULNESS Inipi and Temazcal: Understanding the Sweat Lodge Ritual WELLNESS FEATURE Beyond Yoga LIFESTYLE FEATURE Happiest Country on the Planet

CR BIZ ENTREPRENEUR CR How To Build Inner Resilience

UP FRONT

National Symbols of

Costa Rica

Two-Way Mirrors to the World

COVER STORY

here is nothing arbitrary or spontaneous about the declaration of a national symbol. The right time and circumstances reveal themselves naturally as a country’s unfolding history keeps fine-tuning its national identity. On 16 such occasions, Costa Rica has held up a two-way mirror of self-representation to the world by adopting a national symbol that is “new” only in this official figurative sense. Without exception, their iconic significance is timeless, effectively anchoring the natural and human legacies of this magnificent land to the past, present and future.

Truly, it’s the people that make Costa Rica the treasure it is to the world.

As Costa Rica proudly celebrates its bicentennial anniversary of independence, we are pleased to feature the following national symbols overview in chronological order. Links direct you to related Howler articles in this e-magazine and past issues.

1. Flag Inspired by the colors and ideals of the French Revolution, Costa Rica’s flag was designed by then-First Lady, Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, in 1848 and declared a national symbol the same year.

2. National shield Originally created and declared a national symbol in 1848, alongside the Costa Rican flag, the country’s shield (synonymous with emblem or coat of arms) has undergone changes over the years. Key elements of geography, socioeconomic progress and patriotic values are vividly depicted in the unifying imagery.

3. National anthem Nearly a century after the music was composed and performed for an auspicious international occasion, “Himno Nacional de Costa Rica” attained official national symbol status in 1948. June 11, 1852 marked the national anthem’s debut performance for visiting diplomats from the United States and England. President Juan Rafael Mora Porras had asked the military band director, Manuel María Gutiérrez, to compose the music for this purpose. It wasn’t until 1903 that the current lyrics were written as the winning contest entry of José María Zeledón.

video

UP FRONT

4. Guaria Morada The exquisitely beautiful guaria morada orchid was chosen as Costa Rica’s national flower in June 1939, an outcome of Argentina’s initiative to create an international peace garden featuring a representative flower from each participating country. Associated with the beauty of Costa Rican ladies, the prized purple flower adorns church altars during Lent and Easter, as well as the building roofs, walls and trees where it grows. It is considered a traditional symbol of luck, peace, love, hope and harmony.

5. Guanacaste tree

COVER STORY

Declared Costa Rica’s national tree in 1959, with special importance to botanical conservation efforts, the majestic guanacaste has a commanding presence on flat landscapes with its imposing size and umbrella-like shape. Guanacaste is the indigenous Chorotega word for “human ear,” which the tree’s seed pods resemble.

6. Yigüirro Revered for its beautiful song rather than its plain plumage, the yigüirro was designated as Costa Rica’s national bird in 1976. By signaling the coming rainy season and bountiful harvest, the little brownfeathered bird makes up vocally for what it lacks in stature and color. Besides being a symbol of the earth’s fertility in that sense, it represents humility and the hardworking nature of rural Ticos.

7. Oxcart Few could argue that Costa Rica’s ornately decorated oxcarts have long been the most eye-catching national symbol, even years before being officially designated as such in 1988. Their cultural significance to the country’s economic and social development, not to mention as a form of artistic expression, was further recognized 17 years later. In November 2005, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared the oxcart a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Their iconic significance is timeless.

UP FRONT

8. White-tailed deer Ambitious conservation efforts have saved the white-tailed deer from near extinction due to illegal hunting and human habitat encroachment. Found mostly in the Santa Rosa National Park area of Guanacaste, and Puntarenas, this beguiling creature became Costa Rica’s first national wildlife symbol in 1995.

9. Marimba Declared Costa Rica’s national musical instrument in 1996, the marimba is a sweetly resonating symbol of culture and tradition that transcends generations. Believed to have originated in Guatemala, the percussion instrument consists of a set of wooden bars, arranged as a keyboard and struck with mallets to produce musical tones. Inextricably linked to Costa Rica’s legacy of traditional music, particularly in religious observances and folk festival performances, the marimba has a special place in the authentic Guanacastecan culture.

COVER STORY

10. Independence Torch Costa Rica’s independence torch was declared a national symbol in conjunction with Independence Day celebrations on September 15, 2005. It represents the ideals of freedom and sovereignty that unite Costa Rica with its sister countries of Central America. As a prelude to Independence Day each year, the lighted torch is carried on foot from the Nicaraguan border to Cartago, the capital city at the time of independence. Cheering the torch bearer in each town along the way is a highlight of this annual patriotic and cultural celebration.

11. Crestones As an extraordinary emblem of Costa Rica’s natural and ecological wealth, the crestones in 2011 were the first tourist site to be named a national symbol. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these spectacularly rugged rock formations in the Talamanca mountain range are named for their resemblance to rooster crests. Showcasing both Chirripó National Park and La Amistad International Park, they include Costa Rica’s highest peak, Mount Chirripó, at 3,800 meters above sea level

12. Manatee The manatee’s recognition as a national symbol in 2014 sent two vitally important messages about Costa Rica’s legacy of endangered wildlife conservation. First, vulnerable marine species deserve as much protective attention as land fauna, particularly when facing near extinction as the manatee was. Second, children can significantly influence government policies, as demonstrated by a pivotal manatee protection proposal by elementary school students from Limón province.

UP FRONT

Sweet and

COVER STORY

S L O W

Sloth Becomes an Official

National Symbol

by John Brockmeier

COVER STORY

UP FRONT

They sleep, mate, and even give birth upside down.

n July 2021, the universally popular sloth was officially designated as a national symbol of Costa Rica. Of all the country’s ideally representative icons, none is more endearing than the lovable slow-moving creature with its somewhat alien appearance and cute smile.

On many more counts, sloths are among the most extreme animals on the planet, and not just due to the fact they poop only once a week. Sloths cannot see well, in fact, they are almost completely blind during the daytime because of the light. This is one of the reasons they are so sluggish. Not being capable of seeing makes them more careful shifting around.

People come from all over the world in hopes of seeing sloths in Costa Rica. Not all sloths are alike, but both three-toed and two-toed species Moving slowly can additionally sound like a are found here. What’s the difference, other than the obvious extra toe? Find out in this Howler liability — in particular if you are almost blind. However, shifting slowly is actually beneficial article. to sloths. Using much less energy than other mammals commonly do is vital, considering With no shortage of interesting and their diet consists of only leaves. The sluggish surprising facts about sloths, it’s easy to motions of sloths allow them to be less understand why these engaging creatures captivate the attention of people seeking to view detectable to predators like jaguars and eagles. them. First of all, they really are extremely slow. In fact, their pinnacle pace of 0.25 kph makes them the slowest mammal on the planet.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Finca 6

and The Mystery of

the Spheres

by Tom Shultz

osta Rica is home to only two protected pre-Colombian archaeological sites, including the larger and better known National Monument of Guayabo. But the less familiar Finca 6 holds greater interest as a subject of study due to its major feature, the mysterious Diquís stone spheres.

COOL PLACES

Although spheres exist at four different sites in Costa Rica, Finca 6 is the only one open to the public. Located in the flat alluvial plain and wetland of the upper Osa Peninsula, near Sierpe, the land area is characterized by heavy sedimentation. Fortunately, this enabled the spheres and other structures to be very well preserved below a 1.5-meters-thick layer before they were unearthed, usually by farmers clearing or digging a field.

one

knows

their

purpose

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE As one of the few places where spheres were discovered “in-situ” (undisturbed), Finca 6 was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014. Why did they exist? The most fascinating fact about the Diquis spheres: no one knows their purpose. There are many theories but little proof. Some believe they denoted rank or kingship, others think they were merely status symbols or perhaps tribe symbols.

COOL PLACES

Astronomical importance has been suggested by a set of spheres discovered at Finca 6 that align themselves with the sun in mid-April and mid-August. This alignment on what is called the subsolar point — the sun is 90 degrees directly overhead — occurs only in tropical latitudes and is most noticeable for the total lack of shadows.

Photo by Pura Vida Blonde

But for all these and other theories, mystery still surrounds the spheres. What is known for certain is that they are old — about 2,000 years old. Their surface is polished and their shape is perfectly spherical, ranging in size from that of a bowling ball to two meters or more in diameter. The spheres are comprised of volcanic basalt, Andesite or sandstone, none of which are found at the Finca 6 site, but much further into the mountainous Dota region. This is where scientists believe the spheres were quarried before being either carried, or floated down streams, to the settlements below. Visiting Finca 6 Finca 6 is a National Museum-run site located at Finca 6 de Palmar Norte in the Osa Peninsula. Take route 34 eastbound or route 2 westbound to Palmar Norte, then cross the big bridge heading south. Turn right onto route 223 towards Sierpe. Drive seven kilometers before turning left onto a dirt road (marked by a sign), right before a blue bridge. Continue until you reach the museum parking lot. Public bus transportation from San José is available via TRACOPA (Sierpe destination). Phone 506 22214214 or visit tracopacr.com

The Spheres and The Simpsons Costa Rica’s legendary Diquis spheres have a new claim to fame after being featured in episode no. 669 of Fox TV’s The Simpsons. Aired on Sunday, November 17, 2019, “Livin’ La Pura Vida” took the yellow cartoon family on the kind of Costa Rican adventure only the show’s creators could dream up. Over the years, the relocation of many uncovered spheres in Costa Rica has made them anything but a well-kept secret. They can be found in front of government buildings and even hotels, while the black market for spheres has also given rise to modern notoriety.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

COOL PLACES

by Karl Kahler

Guayabo:

History of a Mys

stery

he strange thing about Costa Rica’s richest archaeological site is that nobody knows who lived there, where they came from or why they went away.

An unknown civilization inhabited what is today Guayabo National Monument, about two hours east of San José, between 1000 BCE and 1400 CE. These people vanished a century before the arrival of the Spanish, and nobody knows why. The inhabitants of this site were prodigious builders who left behind several stone mounds, cobblestone roads, petroglyphs, graves, aqueducts and water storage tanks that still work. The site was declared an “International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark” in 2009. Archaeologists say this was a cacicazgo, a chiefdom ruled by a cacique, a chief, and a shaman, a spiritual leader. One or both of these men are thought to have lived in centrally located, cone-shaped wooden homes on top of mounds of stone. The stones are still there but the homes are long gone.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE The approach to this power center was an uphill cobblestone road with steps that were short in height but broad in front, requiring an approaching person to keep looking up, as if to a higher power. The base of this road was flanked by identical rectangular structures dubbed “checkpoints” that controlled access to the central village.

COOL PLACES

Today most of these ancient wonders have eroded to rubble that could be mistaken for random boulders in a field. But one feature — the old cobblestone road called the Calzada Caragra — was reconstructed in modern times to show what it might have once looked like. The modern restoration is just 100 meters long, though the ancient road is believed to have been 4 to 5 kilometers long.

The central settlement is thought to have been the administrative and spiritual center of an array of villages that supplied the labor to build the mounds, homes, roads and aqueducts. “The great monuments at Guayabo reflect a centralization of political and religious power, suggesting this was the capital of a chiefdom,” reads one of the signs along the trails here. “Power must have been exercised as a result of the main leader’s sacred investiture with warrior support,” the sign says. “Territorial dominance must have involved settlements with varying importance under Guayabo rule. Cobblestone roads suggest this was a ceremonial center visited by people from other communities and also connected

There was no written language, or else we might know what these people called themselves.

to subsidiary sites and lesser chiefdoms. The distribution of sites with architectural works shows this chiefdom ruled a 15-kilometer radius.” Axes and other agricultural tools found here suggest that the people were peaceful farmers, though some of these implements may have been used in battle as well. Tombs of important people can be seen throughout the site, as well as petroglyphs depicting animals. There was no written language, or else we might know what these people called themselves. Guayabo is open to visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To get there in your own car, take Hwy. 2 east out of San José and follow the brown signs to “Parque Nacional Volcán Irazú” and “Monumento Nacional Guayabo.” There’s a turnoff to the right next to a big statue of Jesus. Guayabo is about 85 kilometers east of San José, and four-wheel drive is recommended for the final stretch of steep and rugged gravel. Guided tours by bus are also offered out of San José and Turrialba.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Written

on the Wings of B

CREATURE FEATURE

hen visitors come to Costa Rica, they are often thinking more about monkeys and toucans and sloths, rather than one of the most plentiful creatures to see here — butterflies and moths. Costa Rica boasts 90% of all butterfly and moth species in Central America, and an astonishing 18% of ALL butterflies on the planet. The number of species to be discovered here is quite frankly overwhelming — somewhere between 1,500 and 1,800 butterfly species and over 8,000 moth species!

Blue morpho butterfly

Butterflies

by Tom Schultz

The butterfly’s colors and life cycle has made it the symbol of beauty, rebirth and transformation in so many cultures, from the Mayan and Hindu to Celt and Christian. Few cultures lack the influence of these wonderful, colorful and beautiful insects. Costa Rica is no exception: we even have butterflies on our money!

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Monarch butterfly larvae on tropical milkweed

National symbol

CREATURE FEATURE

That species appearing on a currency note is known and sought after here as one of the country’s unofficial national icon: the blue morpho. It’s unmistakable as the most easily recognized of all the butterflies in Costa Rica. The blue morpho’s wonderful color is actually due to an optical effect rather than pigmentation, similar to the impact of refracted light on the waters of Rio Celeste. It’s commonly associated with the rainforest here, but can be seen along water in many parts of the country. Among the many other butterfly beauties to see in Costa Rica is the also-famous monarch. These butterflies are known for their 4,000 mile migration from north to south to breed. In the winter months, you can see monarchs by the millions in the mountains of Mexico. But there is something a little different about Costa Rican monarchs — they are resident and do not migrate. They travel up and down elevations in conjunction with the dry and rainy seasons, feeding on their favorite plant, tropical milkweed. Other than the best known species, there are so many different butterflies and moths to see, from the transparent glasswings, to the swallowtails, malachites and longwings, each beautiful and special in its own way. Photos: Tom Schultz

Red postman butterfly

Tiger longwing butterfly

You can visit butterfly gardens in many of Costa Rica’s larger tourist areas, from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio. They are all worth a visit, especially as they help breed endangered species. However, it only takes a little time in a flowering garden here, simply watching, to see butterflies. In most gardens you can see the common banded peacock, the red postman (named for traveling the same route to the same flowers in order every day), the orange julia and yellow sulphurs.

“Nature’s message was always there and for us to see. It was written on the wings of butterflies.”

You can spend a lifetime studying butterflies, and I know some people who have. But for me, a great part of the joy of living in this country is just marveling at the beauty of these colorful creatures — one of nature’s better efforts. Go out, relax and enjoy watching butterflies as part of your Costa Rican experience!

— Kjell B. Sandved

Glasswing butterfly

Blue-patched eyed-metalmark butterfly

Owl butterfly

SURFING COSTA RICA

Surfing and Yoga Go Hand in Hand by Jenn Parker

SURF FEATURE

et’s take a moment to reconnect to our breath. Inhale deeply through your nose. Fill your lungs down to their very tips. Let your ribcage expand to where it feels as if it might open and take flight like a seafaring yellow butterfly. Slowly exhale through your mouth. Take another deep breath and feel the fresh air swirling like the wind down into your diaphragm, causing your chest and belly to rise like the tide. Let this ebb of air slowly flow out through your nose as you slightly constrict your throat. Take notice of your breathing sounds to understand why this so-called ujjayi breath in yoga is also known as the ocean breath. The audible hush of ujjayi breathing is undeniably similar to the sound of the salty fingers that claw the seashore as each wave reaches its end, and then retracts to be reborn again. Our breath is as powerful as the waves we surf, and it is this sea-sounding breath — our pranayama — that helps us to create balance on the earth and in the sea.

There is a certain flow and meditative mindset that many surfers seek when they paddle out. There is this understanding that the ocean demands the attention of the present mind. In complying, which takes practice as any yogi also knows, a sort of enlightened moment might occur. This time-standsstill, one-with-the-wave moment slips into the past as you move forward on the wave. You can ride the waves, but you can’t catch them. And there is something beautiful, and I daresay spiritual, in this fleeting attempt to be one with something so wild and unruly.

Both surfing and yoga require practice, patience, and perseverance.

Tide Chart

SURFING COSTA RICA Mental and physical preparedness The practice of yoga can help us prepare for these attempts on a mental and physical level. Between the practice of present-mindedness, pranayama, strength and balance building, and promoting a flexible mind and body, yoga is the perfect complement to surfing. Yoga can also teach us to be calm and clear-headed despite the charged and chaotic energy that generates the swells we chase.

SURF FEATURE

Surfing is also an incredibly demanding sport. Surfers need core, shoulder, back and leg strength, stamina and breath-control. The lower back, hips, shoulders and neck are vulnerable to overexertion, stiffness and injury from surfing. And if we want to be able to surf for the better part of our lives, we need counter stretching and movement to balance out the demands we place on our physical selves in the sea. This is yoga.

Both surfing and yoga require practice, patience, and perseverance. They both need us to be here and in the now. The strength you acquire from surfing will surely show in yoga postures that utilize shoulder and spine strength. And the balance you build from postures like eagle or tree pose will definitely translate to better balance on your surfboard. The backand-forth benefits of each are immense.

Surfing and yoga are Google buzz words certain to yield a lot of results that include “Costa Rica.” Costa Rica has become globally synonymous with both. And in more recent times, it has become synonymous with retreats that include both surfing and yoga. That’s because, let’s face it, yoga and surfing go together like rice and beans, and they do so effortlessly in Costa Rica.

Nosara and Santa Teresa have become the main hubs of these highly sought-after surf and yoga retreats. Those two hot spots, as well as Montezuma and Playa Grande, attract likeminded participants from otherwise diverse backgrounds around the world. Surf and yoga retreats create a unique space to share days that include daily movement, time spent in nature, healthy eating, rest, reflection, learning and friendships that might not happen otherwise. They create the opportunity to experience firsthand how these two practices and ways of life balance and enhance one another — like yin and yang.

ARTS CULTURE ENTERTAINMENT

Costa Rica’s by Sylvia Barreto Benites Photo: José Gerardo Suárez Monge

here is nothing more symbolic of a country’s heritage than its national flag. The flag represents a cultural identity that unites all the people and values it stands for. Costa Rica’s flag is an important element of civic events as well as cultural ones. It is the pride of athletes who wave it after winning international sports events, and its colors are worn every four years by Tico soccer fans everywhere on earth during the World Cup championships. The Costa Rican flag embodies the ideology of the people and the land that holds them. It also represents the establishment of a sovereign and peaceful nation.

CULTURAL HERITAGE

Throughout the country’s history, Costa Rica has adopted eight flag designs reflecting different stages of independence. Initially, it was the Spanish flag and after independence, a Mexican flag. From 1823 to 1848, there were variations of a flag with two sky blue bands and a white band. Doña Pacífica Fernández Oreamuno, the wife of Costa Rica’s first president designed the flag we know today. She was a great admirer of France’s liberal ideas, revolutionary principles and inspiration for independent countries. Depicting the beauty of Costa Rica’s people and land, each color has its significance. Blue is for the skies of Costa Rica, white represents the reigning national peace and red stands for life — the spilling of blood for liberty and the Tico’s generosity of heart. As an important component of Costa Rica’s flag, the shield, or coat of arms, in the center has also changed over time, from stars and symbols to the current design with waters, stars and land.

Prou The shin

The country’s geographic, cultural, economic and political vibrancy shine through in the coat of arms imagery. At its center are the three most important volcanoes in Costa Rica: Arenal, Poás and Irazú. In front and behind are two vessels portraying the commercial and cultural exchange with the rest of the world, while the blue ocean represents the Caribbean and Pacific ports. Silver stars above correspond to the seven provinces; San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Heredia, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limón. To the left, a rising sun on the horizon symbolizes modern Costa Rica’s free and prosperous republic. The green valley depicts the Central Valley as a hub of population and economic vitality. Lastly is the gold frame representing coffee production, since Costa Rica was the Latin American pioneer in establishing this industry.

Some distinct laws pertaining to the Costa Rican flag are interesting. It cannot be flown permanently outside a home, although houses can be adorned with flags, colors and coats of arms during civic festivities. The flag is not allowed to be used in advertising representing a product or political parties. It is flown outside all public buildings and outside the president’s house, and is allowed to be placed on licence plates and cars of particular public officials. Both the flag and coat of arms are significant Costa Rican symbols. They reflect a common history and are a reminder of the importance of independence and sovereignty, something Ticos are very proud of.

udly Waved, Carried and Worn e country’s geographic, cultural, economic and political vibrancy ne through in the coat of arms imagery.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

Inipi and Temazcal:

Understanding the Sweat Lodge Ritual by Laura Méndez

he Lakota term for sweat lodge is inipi, which means “to live again.” Inipi is a purification rite, considered necessary to help the vision quest seeker enter into a state of humility and to undergo a kind of spiritual rebirth. The word temazcal, on the other hand, comes from the Nahuatl word temāzcalli [temaːsˈkalːi], which means “house of heat.”

MINDFULLNESS

Both words refer to very similar ceremonial principles with different traditional backgrounds. Participating in “sweats” has enabled countless generations of people to deepen their spiritual connection and feel closer to the earth, to seek wisdom and to ask for advice.

Part 1 of 4 It’s important to understand that each sweat lodge experience stands alone, unique from previous or future sessions. Therefore, it is best to keep your expectations in check. Let’s start with a basic understanding of this sacred ritual. The temazcal obeys a sacred geometry that is made by sowing and tying wood rods in a ritual way, symbolically representing the universe and its forces. When this geometry is activated during a ceremony, these forces “shelter” not only the people but all kingdoms. The four rows of horizontal branches surrounding the cabin symbolize the four worlds: mineral, vegetable, animal and human. The last rod, intertwined on the ceiling with all of the 16 vertical branches, forms an eightpointed star representing the planets and the universe.

In this way, the cabin symbolizes all of creation and the sacred womb of Mother Earth. In her navel are placed the grandmother’s stones, wise possessors of the genetic code of the history of our planet. The following are some benefits of this sacred ceremony. La Cabaña de Sudor (sweat lodge), temazcal or inipi can all refer to a powerful therapy of connection with the earth, opening the door for us to awaken our ancestral memory. Currently it is known that the temazcal stimulates the lymphatic system, helping to eliminate toxins. When the temperature rises above 40 degrees Celsius, the skin essentially serves as a “third kidney.”

The high temperature inside a temazcal causes the body to sweat, while the humidity does not allow the sweat to evaporate. So the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic self-regulation system responds. Circulation is accelerated and sweating increases even more, eliminating toxins to the maximum. The skin reddens, indicating that excessive heat and cold are being expelled. In this way, the harmony required for health is achieved. During this process, the amount of sweating is greater than for any type of exercise. As a result, the body’s metabolism during and after the temazcal reaches a pace similar to running or swimming for a long period of time.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

Y d n o Bey

Immerse Yourself in a Costa R

WELLNESS FEATURE

by Mario Molina Salazar and Maria Laura Charles

Yoga

Rica Wellness Experience

ention wellness in Costa Rica and yoga readily comes to mind: practising poses on a wooden deck, surrounded by tropical plants or breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscape. But beyond yoga, there is also much more than you likely ever dreamed in the way of diverse wellness experiences! Endless versions of paradise exist here for anyone seeking places and ways to decompress. Pristine sites for cleansing and rejuvenating abound in this idyllic country. The most obvious example is water — the ultimate source of purification. Whether it’s the ocean, rivers, waterfalls or hot springs, Costa Rica may be one of the easiest places on earth to access and enjoy any or all of the above. And there are more than a few special spots in lesser-known locales, with or without water, where wellness energy emanates. The following are some of our favorites.

It’s how you experience Costa Rica with every cell of your body.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR La Senda

Finca 6 stone spheres

Close to Tamarindo in Guanacaste, La Senda is home to the world’s largest cacti labyrinth. Its creation on this site is associated with a strong vortex of positive and negative detected on the property.

More than 500 pre-Columbian stone spheres remain intact on one of Costa Rica’s most important archeological sites, Finca 6 in the southern coastal Osa Peninsula region. However, the purpose and indigenous cultural significance of the Diquís stone spheres remain shrouded in mystery. There are many theories, some related to astronomy and the alignment of the spheres being a means of scheduling agricultural cycles. The spheres are also believed to be sources of energy and wellness for those who visit and spend time in their midst.

The labyrinth design was inspired by sacred geometry that symbolizes the harmonious balance between masculine and feminine energy. Lake Coter

Located near La Fortuna in the Arenal Volcano vicinity, this small heart-shaped lake is surrounded by a magnificent forest, Click this Howler article link to learn on land that belonged mostly to the Malekus more. indigenous people. The lake name Coter translates as love and peace in their native From this sampling of some special language. Costa Rican corners where visitors can derive invigorating energy, we now shift Legend has it that for many centuries, our focus to activities that can recharge groups of indigenous people from different the body, spirit and mind. Below is a cultures and countries of Central and South list of relaxing, if not healing, wellness America came to Lake Coter in preparation experiences you can choose to enjoy in this for becoming shamans, traditionally heavenly land. described as men of medicine.

LIFESTYLE FEATURE

Click this Howler article link to learn more.

La Senda cacti labyrinth at Santa Rosa, near Tamarindo. Photo courtesy of Trip Advisor

Cacao ceremony

The master plant of cacao has feminine energy, believed to expand the heart and allow for introspection. It is a meeting point for the awakening of our ancestral memory, to honor our lineage and thus open and expand the heart to connect with Mother Earth.

Just like many primitive tribes in other parts of the world, countless generations of indigenous people in Costa Rica have practiced sacred rituals for healing and alignment with the higher self. These Cacao ceremonies are intended to help ancestral traditions were inspired by elements participants forgive, release and understand of nature: plants, animals and sounds. from a loving and expanded heart through music. The historical significance of cacao as a medicinal plant for the Bribri and Cabecar tribes in Talamanca dates back centuries. The cacao ceremony is a subtle and profound ritual, performed by a shaman. He shares the drink of pure cacao with a group of people and guides them through the ceremony while singing and playing ancestral instruments.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR

Happiest Country o T

he rooster often crows before the break of dawn, a dark hour when many farmers, fishermen and families in Costa Rican rise to seize the day. There’s a rare coolness at this time of day, as multiple generations share a labor-of-love breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs, sweet plantains, bread or corn tortillas, fresh fruit and coffee.

LIFESTYLE FEATURE

In fact, any mealtime is likely family time, including a home-cooked lunch that many Costa Rican children and breadwinners return home to enjoy every day. Coffee signifies community, work offers camaraderie, and a town is just an extended family. Active living is how most waking moments are spent, whether at work, commuting or tending to household chores.

Natural light and nature overpower fluorescent bulbs and concrete walls. Nearly everyone in the country can read, health care is denied to no one, and there is always a celebration of a saint, a town, a food or a victorious event taking place somewhere. However overgeneralized such timelessly wholesome depictions of lifestyle and culture may seem, Costa Rica stands up to modern scrutiny on multiple “good life” counts. While small in size, it has a happiness stature second to none when certain measurable attributes are compared with other more populous, developed and wealthy countries.

on the Planet For the third time in less than a decade, Costa Rica holds the prestigious title of World’s Happiest Country, scoring higher than 139 others on the 2016 Happy Planet Index (HPI). As a self-proclaimed measurement of “what matters,” this global index of sustainable well-being was introduced in 2006 by the Londonbased New Economic Foundation, whose initiatives promote international reforms to social, economic and environmental policy.

by Jenn Parker Original Howler publication date: August 2018

The HPI score has four main components: experienced well-being, life expectancy, inequality of outcomes and ecological footprint.

PURA VIDA / LIVING CR Data from United Nations, Gallup World Poll and Global Footprint Network sources are factored into the HPI score, which has four main components: experienced wellbeing, life expectancy, inequality of outcomes and ecological footprint. Annual HPI reports provide a snapshot of how well nations are doing as habitats for enjoying long, happy and sustainable lives. In simple terms, this is the equation used to calculate a country’s overall score (see illustration below).

For example, current World Health Report data puts Costa Rica in 30th place for its average life expectancy of 79.1 years. Yet this takes nothing away from the Nicoya Peninsula’s boasting rights as one of only five so-called blue zones in the world, where a disproportionately large number of centenarians thrive in health and happiness. (Learn more in the Howler article “Breaking 100,” about contributing factors such as diet, sense of purpose and community, strong familial relationships, sun exposure and activity level.)

Costa Rica’s winning score in 2016 (the most recent HPI year) was 44.7. This number on its own tells us nothing useful in percentage or “highest possible” terms. It suffices to know that all the other HPI countries had a lower overall score in 2016, even if some rated higher than Costa Rica in specific categories.

HPI

Well-being

Life Expectancy ncy

LIFESTYLE FEATURE

Ecological Footprint

Inequality of Outcomes

How to Build Inner

Resilience by Joanna Blanco

Get strong to fight against stressful situations

CR BIZ

elcome, my fellow entrepreneurs, to a new month with new challenges, situations and expectations among others. As business owners, we know our plans, but we never know the actual events in our future. The best way to confront an uncertain situation is by putting a smile on your face — let's always try to keep practising positive thinking. This will seem more critical as you continue reading.

ENTREPRENEUR CR

Those of you who have read my previous Howler articles might know that I love to write based on my own experiences and situations. These bits of advice are what I believe to be essential for any entrepreneur in this changing world. The reality I was recently forced to confront is that complicated and robust situations can take over your life and plans in an instant! This can lead us to fall and hit a wall that none of us ever want to encounter: the wall of stress. I hate being stressed, mostly because I am an anxious person by nature. That is why I work every day to be resilient and overcome any adverse situation with tools and techniques to keep me positive and productive. This is essential to maintain a good performance that will keep my business going.

As entrepreneurs, we depend on our energy to keep up with the tasks and actions in our plan to attain the income that sustains our business and personal life. So, let me suggest a few ways to build resilience. Let's begin with its meaning: RESILIENCE [rəˈzilyəns] Noun: the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness. 1. Fight the stress Recognize and analyze the situation. Why do you feel anxious, angry, frustrated, in pain or depressed? You need to understand your emotions, why they are taking over your mind, and your ability to function as usual. So, calm down! Take big breaths, cry, take a walk, talk with someone you trust, and liberate your mind from the stress's oppression. We don't make good decisions when we are under pressure, so it is essential to be calm. Sometimes it is easier, sometimes not, so take your time!

As entrepreneurs, we depend on our energy to keep up with the tasks and actions. 2. Create solutions Building resilience is about creating this character in your mind to build new plans out of difficult circumstances. Be critical of the situation, but not of yourself! You are human, and we can all make mistakes. We have the right to fall apart and then rise again. So, think about how you psychologically can regain your energy and continue with your life and plans. Find again the positive attitude that helps you to be focused and productive. Then, make a plan to resolve the issue. There is always a solution; maybe you like it better than another solution, or maybe not. But finding the answer to your problem will give you peace of mind. 3. Work for the future It is essential to have healthier habits in our life, to build physical and psychological strength. A healthy lifestyle will make you resilient faster.

A physical activity routine, eating healthy most of the time and sharing time with your loved ones and friends are a good start. You can also work on loving your job, practising gratitude, taking self-care time and healthier sleep habits. These are some of the actions that complement a lifestyle to help build inner resilience character. Our plan should be to create the best version of ourselves to become a warrior — a strong human who can fall and rise again even in bad situations. Remember to give a hand to those who are going through difficult situations and demonstrate that together we are stronger. More importantly, we should lead our children to have a healthy and balanced life so when growing up, they create inner resilience in their character. This will equip them to win over any problem in their future. Do you want to be more resilient? I am more than happy to help you.

Contact me any time: joannablanco@vivesattva.com and follow me on Instagram

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