Howler Magazine May 2017

HOWLER SERVING COSTA RICA SINCE 1996

MAY / JUN 2017

COSTA RICAN SINGING SENSATION Pg 12

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Feature

CONTENTS 18

Gold Coast Education Options Community Feature

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12 cover story

Playa del Coco & Ironman Lifestyle Feature

Costa Rica

Singing Sensation

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Scuba Diving Costa Rica Travel & Adventure Feature

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Building CR

New Column - Community

HOWLER

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Waves You've missed

Travel & Adventure

CONTENTS Departments

18 Community 18 Education in Guanacaste 26 Building Greener in Guanacaste 28 Surviving CR: San Jose 30 Environment: To Bee or Not to Be 31 Young Voices 32 Pet Care: More Bad News 34 Legal Ease: Estate Planning 36 Community Information 36 Taco Festival & Ferias 37 Community Directory

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Young Voices

32 Lifestyle 46 48 48 49 50 51 52 53 54

Yoga: Giving Back - Seva Wellness: Benefits of Reiki Wellness: Kombucha Wellness: Medical Misuse Spanish: Beware of False Friends Photo Tips: Polarizing Filters Surf Report Tide, Sun & Moon Chart Surf Science: Cold Water in CR

50 Travel & Adventure 56 60 62 64 66 68 69

Scuba Diving CR Off the Beaten Path Surf Spot: Witch’s Rock Waves You’ve Missed Cool Places: Marino Ballena What to Expect: Scuba Diving Travel & Adventure Directory

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Wellness: Superfoods

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Guanacaste Trail Building Off the beaten Path

64 Entertainment 70 72 73 74

Happenings - Community Events Spotlight: Perla’s Horoscope: May 2017 Bookshelf: Two Poems

75 Dining Guide 82 Restaurant Directory 83 Contributors 84 Tamarindo Tattoo

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Marino Ballena Cool Places

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HOWLER

The

Editorial Whew… Semana Santa is over and we are moving forward into the next phase of the year. May is considered the beginning of green season; things start to get green and the dust is less for a short period once again. This is a wonderful time of year, not so busy with traffic, and a good time to take advantage of attractions locally and restaurants.

THEY HAVE FOUND OUR PARADISE -- DID WE LOSE IT? We are in for some huge changes in our area. It was announced in April that The Discovery Channel is spending one billion dollars in our area for an eco-adventure park. Our slice of Pura Vida is going to change. Many of us want solitude but also yearn for the economic growth. This will be bringing millions of tourists into our area. Can we have both solitude and growth? We will see as the changes take place. We will be writing many follow-up stories as this progresses.

“Change is the Only Thing Constant” -- Heraclitus Embrace it or not it’s happening Anyway We are going to be inundated with some very fit people next month. The Gatorade IRONMAN Triathlon Costa Rica 70.3 Coco, is being held on June 18th. This is very exciting, as it puts our locale on the world stage. The economic impact to the community is impressive! See the article and what is outlined in way of numbers. The event organization is giving back to the community as well. Healthy fit people running, swimming and riding bikes, whilst bringing economic impact to our area. I see a big upside for us.

On a note about the trash mentioned last month, MINAE (parks and wildlife agency) was operational at Playa Grande monitoring the visitors to make sure that they picked up their trash.

Local groups had awareness pamphlets handed out for cleanup. I think that locally we were all aware this year and hopefully the impact will become less and less as people become more aware of what they are causing in upsetting the natural balance.

And as happens sometimes with media organizations, we need to print a small retraction. I want to apologize for the print error last month in the Wildlife Sanctuary Article under Diamante.

We printed $20 per adult entry but in actuality it is $39.

May / Jun 2017 vol. 22 No. 5 PUBLISHER / EDITOR-in-CHIEF John B. Quam BUSINESS DEVELOpmENT Martin Svoboda M A N A G I N G PA R T N E R S John B. Quam Martin Svoboda D i r e c t o r o f O p e r at i o n s Marynes F. Chops ART DIRECTOR M. Alauddin WEBMASTER Maria Focsa COVER PHOTO Debi Nova's new album cover C o n ta c t John Quam: headmonkey@howlermag.com Marty Svoboda: martin@howlermag.com Editor: editor@howlermag.com CR Office: (506) 4701-5942 US Office: (720) 507-7596 (leave Message) Facebook: The Howler Magazine Costa Rica T w i t t e r : @thehowlermag The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A.

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

Copyright © 2017 by The Howler Gold Coast CR S.A. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to: info@howlermag.com The Howler Magazine does not assume responsibility for the content of its advertisements

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cover story

DEBI NOVA Costa Rican Singing Sensation

by Nicole Loría

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Nova has collaborated with an array of famous artists including Sean Paul, The Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears and Ricky Martin.

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ulticultural, bilingual and extraordinarily talented, Debi Nova has been making her imprint in the musical world at international levels. Born and raised in Costa Rica, the pop star first began playing the piano when she was 4 years old. By age 14, Nova had become a multi-instrumental singersongwriter on a path towards greatness. In pursuit of her dreams, Nova moved to Los Angeles when she was 17 years old and signed her first record deal.

Nova has collaborated with an array of famous artists including Sean Paul, The Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears and Ricky Martin. In 2004 her single “One Rhythm” scored the #1 track on the Billboard Hot/Dance Music Club chart and in 2014 her album “Soy” received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Vocal Pop Album.

As if being musically gifted isn’t enough, the Costa Rican singer can also dance. In 2010, Nova made her first appearance on US television by participating in “Dancing with the Stars”. Last year she joined the Columbian version of the program and won!

The opportunity to interview the artist was thrilling, not only because she released her third album just over a week ago, but because Nova is part of the Tamarindo community. Nova resides part time in the area and in her downtime you may find her walking the beach, surfing or watching the sunset. The artist tells us about her newest project, what she loves about Tamarindo and her efforts to join our voices to bring about change.

Congratulations on your new album! What inspired it?

The album is called “Gran Ciudad”, Big City, and it tells the story about how I got to Los Angeles when I was 17. It’s about how I moved to the big city with a suitcase full of dreams and what happened when I got there during those first few years—the exposure I got through new types of music that I hadn’t been exposed to before and also of course the mix of emotions such a big move represented for me.

Can you tell us what it was like adapting as a Costa Rican in L.A.?

It was a big shift. It was definitely a mix of ups and downs and that’s what the record talks about. A big part of the album talks about freedom and finding your own voice and rebelling and also going after what you really want, but of course that comes with a lot of loneliness, longing and heartbreak.

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Dancing with the Stars Photos courtesy of ABC/ADAM LARKEY

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DEBI NOVA GRAN CIUDAD New Album

Now that you have 3 albums out, how have you evolved as a musician and what makes this album different from the others?

One amazing thing that happened with this album is that I got to fulfill a dream that I’ve always had, which was to record an album fully live, how albums were done before. So we went to Río de Janeiro where that album was recorded and for 6 days we recorded every song. It was a very fast and furious process, but also very relaxed and very organic and just brought me so much joy. I hadn’t experienced that with any of my other albums because the other ones were a little bit more thought-out and everything was recorded separately and it’s just a very different process.

And of course as a person you change and evolve, so you know there’s obviously a difference in the way I wrote and composed this album.

And what did you do to stay sane and grounded while busy recording?

Well, while I was in Río it was hard to do anything but be in the studio. But I have been meditating for over 10 years every day of my life so that’s kind of like my life support, that’s what keeps me sane. I meditate about 15 to 20 minutes each day and some days are harder than others, but just the exercise of sitting in silence when I wake up is something that has kept me afloat for sure. And yoga of course, but it can be hard when I’m traveling.

What are some of your favorite aspects about Tamarindo?

I love the ocean, I think that’s number one. The fact that we have that amazing ocean, warm and clean, most of the time haha. And I think the community has managed to conserve a healthy balance in Tamarindo. What has happened in other beaches in Costa Rica is that they’ve had super fast growth, which has happened in Tamarindo, but I think the locals have wanted to keep a low profile and more relaxed vibe.

And what do you miss most when you’re away?

The ocean, really, of course without counting my family and friends, that’s obvious. But if you take that out of the equation I would say it’s definitely the ocean.

We’re living in politically charged times where a celebrity’s voice and message can really make a difference. What message do you want to put out there?

I think what these last few months have taught me is that we really do have the power. Our voices, when they unite, are more powerful than anything else. When we’re in the face of injustice and a power system that perhaps isn’t listening to all of us, when we unite and raise our voices, we can make changes happen. That’s what hard times create, they create a need to raise our voices and I actually think this is a good lesson for all of us.

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feature

by Martin Svoboda

COMMUNITY

GOLD COAST EDUCATION OPTIONS

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n area’s educational institutions form a critical part of the local community fabric. Educating it’s youth lays the groundwork for the area’s future, placing supreme importance on youth education.

Here in the greater Tamarindo area, the private school network provides local and expat kids and their families with a variety of unique opportunities for personal and educational development within a multilingual and multicultural environment.

When considering family life in Guanacaste, parents can choose from an array of options for their children’s schooling. Each school in the area offers a unique educational philosophy, specific student support services, and curriculum features that set it apart.

Parents can decide, according to their priorities for their children’s scholastic and personal development, whether to focus more on creativity, language and culture, or stricter academics with an eye to returning home for future university study.

At The Howler, we thought that nearing the end of the academic year would serve as a perfect time to explore and feature the local private schools and what each offers its students. This would give the area’s new families opportunities to review and compare all available options for this very important decision while allowing families continuing in the area’s school systems to acknowledge other options if a change is being considered.

By drawing information from the local educational institutions, we dove deeply into the components of a child’s education that matters to parents. We talked to all of them about their educational philosophies, curricula, teachers and teacher training, extracurricular activities, special needs accommodations, and services.

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Here you’ll find a thorough overview of the local private education options in the Tamarindo area.

EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

We first asked all schools about their educational philosophies. Through their educational philosophy, a school demonstrates the beliefs that influence approaches to education and the way students learn and develop.

A school’s educational philosophy translates into the curriculum, teacher selection and training, and services provided. It is the foundation upon which every scholastic decision rests and the gauge against which all academic and extracurricular choices are calibrated. A school’s educational philosophy articulates its very essence.

EDUCATION CHOICE

Having a variety of options available for children’s education is a critical part of a healthy and thriving community. Freedom of choice in education gives families the options for educating their children in line with their values and beliefs. Whether parents prefer that their children have primary influences in the arts, language and culture, or the college-preparatory track, or perhaps need to ensure transferrable credits for the child to return home without missing a beat, the greater Tamarindo area offers schools with each of these options.

EXPLORING THE AREA’S SCHOOLS

The following is a synopsis of 6 of the area’s private educational institutions, covering preschool to primary to secondary education, that focuses on educating expat students. By highlighting their educational philosophies, curricula, teachers and teacher training, and the services and student experiences offered by each, we hope to provide parents with critical information in this very important decision about their children’s education. We present parallel information among the schools while highlighting the nuances that make each unique.

Happy Garden Day Care & Preschool is the area’s Early Years education institution and daycare center. Located in Huacas, Happy Garden provides young children a SpanishEnglish immersion experience as part of their preschool education.

Educational Philosophy: Happy Garden operates on the educational philosophy that the early stimulation that a child receives today will have more impact in the growth and development of his/her brain than in any other moment.

Happy Garden’s approach to education focuses on three main concepts: principles, practices, and results (i.e. evaluation) of learning. The school recognizes that all three must work in harmony to make up a well-rounded pedagogy (the method and practice of teaching) that supports a child’s early learning.

About the Teachers: The educators at Happy Garden are all Costa Rican, and are certified teachers in Costa Rica. They are equipped to educate per US Core Curriculum Standards.

Language(s) of Instruction: The language of instruction at Happy Garden is 50% Spanish and 50% English. The young children who attend Happy Garden are from many nationalities and languages, giving each young child an exposure to and appreciation for different cultures.

Student Support Services & Student Experience: While Happy Garden has no formal special education program that accommodates mental and physical disabilities, they accept children with mental challenges and integrate them into their regular programs. They also offer speech pathology training for students requiring that specialized attention. Fifty percent of the students who attend Happy Garden are government sponsored, allowing Costa Rican families to place their young children in a healthy educational environment. This provides a rich setting for expat students to integrate with Costa Rican children, expanding their perspectives and developing an appreciation for different cultures.

Unique Curriculum Features: Happy Garden Day Care & Preschool focuses on learning a second language and incorporates healthy activities such as yoga into daily curricula. The school includes yoga with the belief the practice will help young children grow strong values in a happy and caring environment.

Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA), located in Brasilito, is the only fully U.S. accredited preparatory school in Guanacaste. Representing 23 different nationalities, it focuses on serving expat students but also has a population of local (Tico) kids within its student body. CRIA strives to inspire a passion for learning and provide children with the skills, values and courage to be responsible leaders in their communities and the world.

Educational Philosophy: CRIA focuses on providing students with cultural understanding and a realistic knowledge of the complexities of the global world. The focus is on teaching and modeling virtues such as honesty, compassion, fairness and the “Golden Rule�. The school also focuses on preparing students for a world in which continuing education, creative thought, the ability to use technology, and the acquisition of skills is essential.

About the Teachers: All teachers at CRIA are required to hold teaching certification and represent many different nationalities including Canada, U.S., Costa Rica, Colombia and Bolivia. They are trained to follow the Virginia State Standards of Learning.

Language(s) of Instruction: Both English and Spanish are the languages of instruction, but courses are separated by language. For primary age students including grade 1, a bridging technique is used where they can learn content in both languages before taking English or Spanishdesignated courses in Grade 2 and beyond. At CRIA, some courses are taught exclusively in Spanish while some are taught exclusively in English, depending on the subject.

Student Support Service & Student Experience: CRIA provides a fully accessible campus for their disabled students and is prepared to work with mild to moderate learning differences with the backing of a Learning Support Teacher. For learning and development support, students have access to a Guidance Counselor and a College Counselor, as well as supports like homework club and peer-tutoring.

Unique Curriculum Features: CRIA provides students with a large selection of AP (Advanced Placement) courses, where each student will take an average of 2-3 AP courses through their high school years.

Extracurricular Options: CRIA offers a wide variety of extracurricular activities such as Model United Nations, student government, National Honor Society, yearbook, chess club, choir, community service, and SAT preparation.

Sports include varsity soccer, varsity volleyball (girls), competitive track, swimming, surfing, and basketball.

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Educarte is a bilingual preschool, primary, and high school located near Huacas towards Villarreal. It focuses on the process of learning and encourages creativity through its curriculum, and on Spanish-English bilingual development.

Educational Philosophy: Educarte describes their philosophy as constructivism, where children create their own learning through their experiences and situations they are placed in. Though these approaches, the students become active agents in their education, and facilitators of their own learning while the teacher acts as an important guide.

About the Teachers: Most of the teachers at Educarte are educated in USA, Canada and England. The Spanish teachers are from Spain. All teachers have degrees in teaching.

Language(s) of Instruction: All students and staff are supported in ESL (English as a Second Language) and SSL (Spanish as a Second Language) so to achieve the bilingual environment Educarte offers.

Student Support Services & Student Experience: Educarte offers a psychologist on staff to help students with learning difficulties or personal issues happening within the home. They also offer private tutoring.

Unique Curriculum Features: Educarte follows the Common Core standards for the English subjects such as language arts. For the Spanish subjects they follow the programs by Costa Rica’s Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP). Educarte celebrates creativity, which shows in their languages and music programs offered at the school.

Students can also participate in dance, music and theater as well as swimming and other athletics as part of their curricular and extracurricular activities.

Educarte also offers pre-college programs that follow the South Carolina programs for English to ensure that students are adequately prepared to transfer back home or to study at Canadian or U.S. universities.

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Guanacaste Waldorf School (GWS), located in Canafistula, near Villarreal, is open to pre-Kindergarten to Grade 6 students.

The school focuses on developing the rhythm of a child’s life through prepared activities and daily celebration of life.

Educational Philosophy: GWS focuses on providing a vibrant, natural learning environment that focuses on holistic education. They strive to inspire learning, curiosity, courage, imagination and joy in the developing human being. The school offers small class sizes and tailors learning to the needs of each child. They focus on arts, experiential learning, and developing children in a thoughtful way.

About the Teachers: All teachers at GWS are Waldorf Trained Teachers, which is a 2-4 year, post-graduate program offered around the world. Some teachers are currently completing training in the Waldorf Training programs offered in Mexico and Columbia. GWS holds the Waldorf certification as central to embodying and teaching with the Waldorf educational philosophy. Teachers at GWS are from North America, Central/South America and Europe.

Language(s) of Instruction: GWS is truly a bilingual school, where they alternate language of instruction between English and Spanish every 2 days. As a result of this approach, the school reports students gaining fluency in both languages regardless of any previous experience.

Student Support Services & Student Experience: For students with physical and mental disabilities, GWS, in collaboration with families, makes a plan for support to ensure students’ needs are met. These can come through learning supports or a classroom aide.

As part of the daily activities, a vegetarian, gluten-free lunch is prepared daily for students. The schools discourages students use of electronic devices.

When dealing with challenges, rather than use a traditional counselor route, the teachers of the school work individually with students and families who need extra support. This process ensures that the emotional and physical needs of the students are met.

Unique Curriculum Features: Waldorf education integrates arts and music into the curriculum more than essentially all other educational pedagogies. Every day students paint, draw, dance, sing and all students learn to play music. It is first introduced through a wooden recorder until 4th grade, when violin is learned.

This year they offered aerial silks, tennis, circus arts, jewelry making, piano, guitar, swimming, violin and soccer. While currently only serving students up to Grade 6, GWS is considering adding Grades 7 and 8 in the 2018-2019 school year.

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La Paz offers educational programs from kindergarten to Grade 12. Located in Brasilito, La Paz is a private, nonprofit International Baccalaureate school that emphasizes dual immersion and experiential education.

Educational Philosophy: La Paz focuses on educating the culturally diverse youth of Guanacaste through bilingual experiential learning and enrichment that integrates the local community and ecology, while preparing students to become thoughtful, creative and active stewards of their environment and future leaders of the world.

About the Teachers: As a bilingual institution, half of the teachers at La Paz are English-speaking and from Canada or the U.S. while the other half are Costa Rican or from other Latin American countries.

Languages of Instruction: As a bilingual school, La Paz teaches half the content in English and the other in Spanish. They plan to move to a Two Way Dual Immersion (TWDI) program to focus on maintaining both languages.

The student body is made up of 50% native Spanish speakers, 35% native English speakers, and the remainder natively speaking other languages.

Student Services & Student Experience: La Paz has a Special Education Department known as the Behavior and Education support team that includes a Special Education Teacher, a psychologist and a counselor. The campus is fully handicap accessible and can accommodate students with disabilities. As a non-profit, 45% of students at La Paz are supported through the school’s annual operating budget or an international scholarship program. La Paz offers over 25 different after-school programs to meet the interests of students and the needs of families. Programs range from knitting, to language, to sports. La Paz places arts and athletics as key components of their program.

Unique Curriculum Features: They principally follow the standards from the International Baccalaureate program, referencing the standards from Common Core and the Costa Rican Ministry of Education during curriculum development to ensure that any student arriving from or returning to a US or Costa Rican accredited school may do so in a relatively seamless manner. La Paz offers three years of mandatory college preparatory sessions between Grades 10 and 12. A school counselor can work individually with students to make choices about school selection and understand and work towards admissions requirements.

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TIDE Academy, located in Tamarindo, follows a different format of education that expands the traditional academic structure and is flexible to each student.

Educational Philosophy: TIDE Academy believes that each child learns differently and this should be celebrated.

TIDE caters to those students with interests outside of school who need flexibility to incorporate their traveling, practices, and internships in their life.

About the Teachers: The teachers at TIDE Academy are from the U.S., Costa Rica, and Europe. Most have degrees in teaching and degrees in the field they are teaching. The teachers believe that as educators they must have the flexibility to work and celebrate each child’s learning style and pace.

Language(s) of Instruction: Classes are offered in Spanish, English and French. Students are supported with extra language help as needed.

Student Support Services & Student Experience: TIDE has an Occupational Therapist able to work with all students who need extra assistance throughout the day and after school, if necessary. They also have a Homework Club class after school once a week to help students needing extra help. For students who may learn at a different pace and/ or may need additional assistance, TIDE’s small class sizes (max. of 6 students) allow the teacher to work with each child at a pace that is customized to his or her needs.

Unique Curriculum Features: TIDE does not follow the US Common Core Standards but states that every student returning to where they are from should be at the same level as their peers, or ahead. It offers a set of very unique courses and programs, including construction, ninja warrior, dance, cheerleading, computer coding, ocean awareness, surf analysis, movie discussion, surf fitness, theatre, and environmental awareness. Extracurriculars include surf academy and dance academy, with music academy to soon be added.

A RANGE OF CHOICE

By featuring the preschool, primary, and secondary education programs available in the area, we were able to see why so many families from all over the world educate their kids in the Tamarindo area. The array of curricula, educational philosophies, languages, extracurricular options, student services, and experiences offered by our schools is certainly something to value and celebrate.

For families currently educating their children within one of these schools, we encourage you to share your child’s experience with other area families interested in the various options. For families considering a move to the area, we recommend taking adequate time to visit school websites, make contact with school liaisons, visit the school, and pay attention to the curriculum and what your goals for your child are now and in the future, both in Costa Rica and beyond.

The Howler wishes all students, teachers and staff at area schools an enjoyable summer and a successful academic year!

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BUILDING COSTA RICA

by Jarryd Jackson

BUILDING GREENER IN GUANACASTE

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any of us come to this luscious paradise wanting to make it our homes. As part of fulfilling that dream, we may want to build our dream house.

But here, in the jungle, we want to respect what’s here and not leave an ugly or damaging mark on this beautiful place. So different questions might arise for us here than in the city. How can we build with less impact to our surroundings? How can we make our home more energy efficient, last longer, and use fewer environmentally damaging materials? How can we prevent our property from causing erosion, runoff and adverse effects to our watershed? Is it possible to reuse the water that comes out of our home, rather than wasting it? Those questions must be asked and addressed if you wish to build a more sustainable home.

I say “more” sustainable, because it’s not practical to build a completely sustainable home. This would imply that not a single earthworm will be killed during construction! In Costa Rica, the typical materials used in building are block, concrete and steel. Those are known not to be the most ecologically friendly materials, as they are full of chemical compounds and very energy intensive to fabricate. The positive of these materials however, which we all see in the finished product, is a solid, structurally sound and long lasting building.

These are the go-to materials to use in Costa Rica due to their longevity, earthquake resistance and termite protection. And they’ve been used in construction here for decades.

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So how can we mix the use of concrete, perhaps with other materials and design techniques, in order to make a home more sustainable?

The first question is about energy use. How much energy will your home need to consume? Of course you need to use electricity; there is no way to live without it. The question is how to use less. Insulation in the walls and the ceilings, double pane windows and high quality doors will keep your air conditioning inside your home. Using energy efficient appliances always pays off in the long run. Even the type and color of your roof plays a part in how hot your home will get. This all comes down to the “R value” of each material and how well it insulates the home. The higher the R value the more insulation the material provides. The idea is to use materials with higher R values wherever possible: in your roof insulation, ceiling insulation, walls and even in the floors.

We are lucky to live in Costa Rica, where most of our electricity already comes from renewable sources such as wind, hydro and thermal sources. That being said, our overall ecological footprint is less in Costa Rica even if we use electricity from the grid. Of course it’s still possible to install your own solar array; however, currently the ability to sell your electricity back to the grid is not possible, thus complicating the “storage” aspect of the system. Currently, a battery bank system or Tesla “power pack” would be needed to store energy produced in the daytime for use at night time. That may change in the near future when Costa Rica

could allow “grid-tie”, which will allow a free way to store your excess energy and access it later using the grid. It’s all become much cheaper at time goes on, so I currently advise clients to wait before installing a solar array.

Another aspect to consider is how to use the naturally occurring wind patterns to ventilate your home. The key word is “cross ventilation” and the idea is to position the home, windows and open areas to best utilize wind to cool the home naturally. It does not take much effort to incorporate these aspects into your new home. It’s a matter of planning and execution. And in most cases the additional investment pays off in the long run with reduced electric bills.

As for construction materials, you can even substitute out some of the concrete with natural materials. A relatively new product on the market in Costa Rica is construction grade, treated bamboo poles. These can be used in various ways and are a completely sustainable, renewable resource grown here in Costa Rica. Entire homes can be built using this material and you can’t get more ecologically friendly than a plant stronger than steel that grows in just a few years. Even just incorporating its use in some aspects of the home, such as posts, beams and ceiling rafters, can provide a beautiful, tropical feel and at the same time reduce the use of steel in your roof structure, thus building your home with less impact on the planet.

Some tropical hardwoods found in Costa Rica have both an ecological advantage and disadvantage. A commonly used hardwood, which is both beautiful and highly sought after in world markets, teak is grown in our local Guanacaste surroundings. Teak is considered a “green” wood because it’s grown on plantations, which tend to be sustainable in that old growth forests are not being cut down. The negative aspect of teak is that the plantations tend to acidify the soil where they are planted. However, this beautiful wood can be used on floors, handrails, ceilings and the roof structure and though not as “green” as bamboo, it provides a more sustainable alternative to steel and galvanized steel.

Another important thing to consider is the recycling of waste water from the home. Water from the toilet is considered “black water” while all other water is “grey water”.

Black water must be treated before it can be reused. Grey water can be used directly in certain irrigation purposes with very little additional cost. However, the system must be designed to not store the water but rather directly irrigate certain plants. There are quite a few wastewater treatment plants on the market today in Costa Rica, and they can treat both black and grey water for reuse in your garden. This water can be stored and used in irrigation with no negative health consequences, saving and recycling water that would normally be wasted.

When designing and building your new home in Costa Rica, you have the opportunity to incorporate as many “green” aspects into its construction as you wish.

Combining those things, you can have an energy efficient home utilizing sustainably sourced building materials, thus minimizing the ecological footprint of your home, saving money on energy costs, saving water, and recycling waste materials, and at the same time have the stunning, tropical home of your dreams!

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27

SURVIVING COSTA RICA

Chapter MMMCMLXXIX

by Jesse Bishop

SAN JOSE I

f you’ve finally made that momentous decision to live here in Costa Rica, it’s necessary to come to grips with needing to go to the country’s capital city of San Jose. Chances are you’ll be requiring something you just can’t find here in Guanacaste, like a garden hose that actually sprays or an electric appliance that doesn’t smell weird, or maybe you’ll be needing special services such as fingerprinting or emergency embassy visits.

You can only find them in San Jose.

Please don’t think that this is necessarily a bad thing and personally I look forward to what has turned into a monthly routine, especially in the hotter time of the year, (right now) when it’ll always be about twenty degrees (Fahrenheit) cooler there. And sometimes it’s just good to get away from Tamarindo for a few days.

According to my sources at WikiLeaks, the capital was first founded in 1739 and became the capital city in 1823. This may be so, but my impression is nobody really lived there til about 1890 or so when they started erecting buildings that are still standing.

Many years ago when the Spanish Conquistadors disappointingly discovered a lack of gold and indigenous personnel to turn into Catholics, a few colonists were left behind with assurances that “we’ll see you again in a couple of centuries”.

Most of them were stranded on the Caribbean side of the country where the beaches aren’t nearly as nice as those here on the Pacific Gold Coast and the mosquitos and various plagues were a much greater nuisance.

The colonists soon realized that the mountain plateau, which covered a large portion of the as-yet-unnamed country, was a much nicer place to be as well as a lot healthier.

San Jose, at least in 2015, had a population of 333,981.

This however doesn’t factor in the five adjoining provinces whose boundaries aren’t particularly well defined and the metropolitan area probably contains about two thirds of the entire country’s inhabitants.

This becomes very evident if you have to drive there.

The drive to San Jose from our part of Costa Rica is usually about four and a half hours. Then again I know some people who claim to have done it in three hours, and after

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

barely surviving a ride into town with them, I believe it.

Others have left and have never been heard from again.

There are now two ways to get there after the thirty-year construction of the now not-so-new coastal toll road, (which incidentally is up to 2080 colones as of our last trip), and the older route, whose winding mountain two-lane highway is shared with huge tractor trailers driven by people with recently purchased driver’s licenses.

Don’t get me wrong, they’re on the coastal road too, but the highway is much straighter and the trucks are easier to dodge.

Things have gotten a lot better for the average Tico and it shows with the number of new shiny Hyundais, Toyotas, Great Walls (China), and Mahindras (India) on the roads, not to mention more than a few BMWs. However they are all competing for space on a road system designed forty years ago that still includes special lanes for coffee mule carts.

Our plan is to drive opposite the flow, getting to San Jose right after morning rush hour and actually driving into town until about 3 pm-ish, after which time we use taxis or the public buses during rush hour, (hora de pita). Taxis and the buses take about the same time to reach a destination; the taxi will probably cost ten dollars and the bus maybe forty cents. You do the math.

San Jose is not exactly a tourist destination but we always find something to do after spending the day dashing from one spending location to another.

Susan and I usually head for a restaurant, some of which we’ve been going to for years and others that are still new to us. Just within walking distance of our hotel is the Peruvian Restaurant Machu Pichu, where we’ve been getting our anticuchos (marinated beef hearts) and Pisco Sours (very strong) for about fifteen years and right down the street is a Lebanese place where you dine on a couch and sample very un Middle-Eastern margaritas that are almost as good as the ones at El Fogon de Brazil.

For the purist there are plenty of “Costa Rican” restaurants serving a variety of dishes all of which include black beans and rice.

So my advice to any person contemplating living in Costa Rica is: embrace the capital as a not-so-necessary evil. Enjoy it while you’re there and try to get back to Tamarindo in one piece.

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29

ENVIRONMENT

by Tom Peifer

TO BEE OR NOT TO BE….

W

ith all due respect to Hamlet, a bit of a twist on the question posed by Shakespeare’s self absorbed worrywart takes us right into one of the hottest environmental issues of our time. And it’s got the word ‘existential’ written all over it. In some ways it’s just the latest chapter in that encyclopedic work, “The Law of Unintended Consequences.”

Researchers for Shell and Bayer came up with synthetic versions of nicotine to use as insecticides. The advantage: the new compounds had lower toxicity to humans and birds. However, over time it became clear that they were severely toxic to bees and were implicated in the widespread occurrence of “colony collapse disorder,” where the whole hive of these social insects simply goes belly up…and ceases to perform the crucial function of pollinating plants as they travel around gathering nectar.

Looking at the numbers, we can thank the busy bees for an entire alphabet soup of the ingredients in our daily diet; starting off with apples, almonds and apricots, through beans and brassicas, in the tropics we can count coconuts, coffee and chili peppers, and round out with watermelon and zucchini.

If you like numbers, experts estimate that crosspollination is vital for at least 30 percent of the world’s crops and 90 percent of our wild plants to thrive. It does not take a genius to reach the conclusion that a threat to wild and domesticated plants on that scale is a threat to our continued existence on this planet. It’s really a simple equation: Less food plus no forests equals no future.

I recently had cause to harbor severe doubts about my own personal future, as I was running through the trees just ahead of an angry horde of honeybees. Apparently, as far as they were concerned, the getaway driver in shorts and a tank top was just as guilty as the 4-man crew in protective

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

clothing doing the actual harvest of honey from their hive.

By way of explanation, part of our work on watershed restoration in the Nandamojo River Valley, south of Tamarindo, involves providing farmers with alternate sources of income from their land as an incentive to planting more trees. The aptly named “Bees for Trees” project helps with the hives, the extraction equipment and the distribution of the finished product. As I tried convincing my pursuers yesterday, I was just helping out with the transport and occasionally stealing a bite of freshly harvested comb. Our version of the equation would be: More bees equals more trees plus more water and tons of honey from the forestcovered hills of our valley.

Hopefully Costa Rica will follow the lead of the European Union which, according to reports published recently, is poised to enact regulations that prohibit all insecticides that cause ‘acute risks to bees’. The timing could not be better both to ensure the continued growth of our Bees for Trees efforts and comes just when the countryside of Guanacaste bursts into bloom with a spectacular rainbow of flowering trees, most of which owe their continued existence to the diligent work of the busy little bee.

Francis Bacon compared the work of the bee to the musing of a philosopher: “it gathers its material from the flowers of the garden and of the field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own. Not unlike this is the true business of philosophy; for it neither relies solely or chiefly on the powers of the mind, nor does it take the matter which it gathers from natural history and mechanical experiments and lay it up in the memory whole, as it finds it, but lays it up in the understanding altered and digested.”

In the case of the bees at least, the end result is oh, so sweet.

YOUNG VOICES

by Isabella Gregory

I

am a student of La Paz Community School. My name is Isabella Gregory. I am wanting to address the problem of non-organic material being disregarded on the beaches and in the ocean. When this occurs it pollutes many of the ecosystems that live in our environment. There is any easy solution to this problem; a foundation can be formed to educate individuals of this issue.

This needs to be noticed because, as stated earlier it is polluting the area for many inhabitants. Not only those on land are harmed but also the ones that soar the sky. Center for Biological Diversity had stated: “60 percent of all seabird species have eaten pieces of plastic, with that number predicted to increase to 99 percent by 2050” (Center for Biological Diversity). We must act now to prevent this at all costs.

There is a solution to this problem. A foundation can be formed to educate people of it. If we act by setting up

teams to clean up the shores and visit associations, then this will help to educate the tourists that visit Guanacaste to be able to see what Costa Rica’s mission to helping wildlife is all about. Then they can spread word to their communities. We need to act now or the life that we find as majestic and awe inspiring will go extinct and unknown.

To my conclusion this non-organic material is killing many species in the wildlife. A foundation can prevent and give the knowledge needed to reveal the truths of this problem.

We are taught to love and not harm others. We must do the same for the other life that inhabits the earth. It may not seem as important but these lives are at stake everyday.

Saving one can save many!

Works Cited “A Global Tragedy for Our Oceans and Sea Life.” Ocean Plastics Pollution. N.p., n.d. Web. 08, Feb. 2017.

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31

PART 2

Pet Care

Dr. Gilberth Cavallini Dra. Leticia Cajal

Sponsored by

MORE BAD NEWS

L

creatures for your pet

ast month in The Howler we examined how snake bites can be harmful, or even fatal to your pet. This month, we are featuring three groups of creatures that are common in this area and can prove to be bad news for your pets.

Bufotoads There are two concerning bufotoad species: Bufo alvarius and Bufo marinus, the latter more poisonous. If exposed, dogs will die if left untreated. Profuse salivation occurs within seconds of mouthing a toad; mouthing or ingestion can result in toxicity and death. The toxin is produced at the toad’s parotid gland and rapidly absorbed across the victim’s mucous membranes. The toxins of both parotid glands can kill a 10-15kg dog. Toads sitting in a dish of water for several hours can leave enough toxins behind to make a dog ill after drinking the water. Affected systems include: gastrointestinal (hypersalivation), respiratory (increased respiratory rate within just 15 minutes after absorption), neurological (stimulation raging on ataxia to full seizures in 15-20 minutes) and cardiovascular (bradicardia or tachycardia with arrhythmias at any time). Usually it occurs more often in dogs than cats. All ages can be affected.

The main risk factors are living close to rivers and pool areas, and risk increases during the humid season. Encounters often occur in evenings, at night and early morning hours.

Most common symptoms are: crying, ataxia, seizures, hypersalivation, hyperexcitability with vocalization, vomiting, diarrhea, congestive mucous membranes, hyperthermia, recumbency, collapse, heart arrhythmias, respiratory distress and neurological signs. The treatment consists of rinsing the mouth immediately with water at the house and then repeated at the Veterinarian office; emesis (vomit) might be done when dogs swallow a complete live toad. In this case of intoxication it is a true emergency and death is common.

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

Scorpions

There are over 1500 scorpion species living all over the world except in Antarctica. Envenomation causes release of neurotransmitters that affect systems causing tachycardia, hypertension, mydriasis; and hypersalivation, bradycardia and hypotension. Pain and pruritus is found with the initial sting, followed by hypertension. The affected systems are: nervous (paresthesia, tremors and ataxia), cardiovascular (hypertension, tachycardia, possible inverse), respiratory, ophthalmic (nystagmus) and gastrointestinal (salivation).

Geriatric or pediatric patients may be more at risk of systemic involvement. Scorpions are usually nocturnal and they will attack if threatened by a curious animal. Treatment depends on the symptoms and systems affected. The goal is to provide symptomatic and supportive care and never forget the possibility of an allergic reaction. Coma and death are rare complications.

Wasps, hornets and bees The venom in these insects promotes histamine release which under the right circumstances can lead to vasodilation and blood pressure loss. Different components in the venom are responsible for the immediate pain, localized and regional reactions, and potential anaphylaxis experienced by some animals. The systems affected include: skin (wheals, erythema, edema, pruritus and pain), cardiovascular (collapse secondary to anaphylaxis), renal/urologic (acute renal failure secondary to anaphylaxis) and DIC (Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy). Certain terrier breeds and boxers seem to be more sensitive. These insects will look for any water during the dry season, even attacking one of our patients in the yard after a fresh bath! Death in sensitive patients is more common than we think.

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33

LEGAL EASE

REAL PROPERTY TAXES

A

s a real property owner in Costa Rica, with no business conducted on your property, you should be aware about taxes that need to be paid. Failure to pay them would generate penalties and lead to a collection process.

by Ivan Granados Attorney at Law This property tax and garbage collection fee can be paid a year in advance or quarterly. However, if paid quarterly, you must pay before the end of each quarter in order to avoid interest. The first quarter of the year ends on March 30th.

Owners must fill out a form to update the value of the real property every five years. Failure to do so can lead to a Municipality assessment and fines.

PROPERTY TAX & GARBAGE COLLECTION FEE

LUXURY TAX

Real property owners must pay the Impuestos Bienes Inmuebles (Property Tax) to the municipality/county where the real property is located.

The Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda (Solidarity Tax for the Strengthening of Housing Programmes) law 8683, also known as “luxury tax”, applies to both houses and condominiums but not to vacant lots. This tax is based on the construction value. If the construction value is equal to or greater than the amount defined by the Tax Office for a given year, then the property is subject to the luxury tax. For the year 2017, the Tax Office set the taxable construction value at 126.000.000 colones, approximately US $229,0000.

This property tax is 0.25% of the registered value of the property, which is either the purchase price paid or the value assigned by the Tax Office.

The garbage collection fee is a fixed amount, adjusted yearly, that must be collected along with the property taxes. The municipality determines the fee based on location and whether the property is used for residential or commercial purposes.

The Municipality of Santa Cruz does not always charge both in the same statement, causing confusion and problems to owners. The municipality has attributed this to “lack of updated records and/or to administrative errors within the system”. Therefore, please review your statement carefully to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Those liable for this tax need to complete a form called ‘Formulario Único de Inscripción, Declaración, y Pago de Impuesto Solidario para el Fortalecimiento de Programas de Vivienda’ every 3 years. This tax must be paid annually on or before January 15th of each year to avoid interest and penalties.

Proper guidance from a licensed appraiser to determine the proper amount to be paid is highly advisable.

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COMMUNITY INFORMATION EMBASSY CONTACT INFO: UNITED STATES +506 2242 4000 EU & CANADA +506 2519 2002 TOURIST POLICE +506 2654 6136

POISON CENTER +506 2223 1028

FIRE UNIT Filadelfia: +506 2688 8733 Santa Cruz: +506 2680 0090

Taco Festival

T

he first ever Tamarindo Taco Festival will feature ten of the area’s best restaurants showcasing their most delicious and creative taco creations. Complemented by craft breweries, pop up performances, live music, art, beach games, a taco eating competition, and more, this action-packed day will offer a fun foodie experience for adults and kids alike.

Entry is $10 and includes 2 taco tickets, a welcome shot, ADI raffle ticket and one bounce house ticket for kids or adults. Kids are free. For more information go to Facebook @TamarindoTacoFest.

Sunday, June 11th 12-6 pm at Selina Tamarindo

OIJ CONFIDENTIAL 800 800 0645 TAMARINDO POLICE +506 2244 6173 ACCIDENT REPORT 800 800 8000 VEHICLE ASSISTANCE 800 800 8001 HIGHWAY PATROL 1117 ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS TAMARINDO

Waves of Sobriety Monday / Thursday 5:30 pm Wednesday / Saturday 10:30 am Behind the Tamarindo circle, through Pedro´s Surf Shop Contact: Ellen Zoe +506 8484 1360

•

•

FLAMINGO / POTRERO

Beach front Serenity Group Tuesday / Friday 5:30 pm Upstairs Costa Rica Saling Center Contact : Craig +506 8699 0254 36

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Farmer's Markets Around

J

Organic and healthy products

ust a friendly reminder we have good farmer’s markets in our neighborhoods (Feria). Go get you and your family some fresh local vegetables and fruit. They also have lots of other goodies.

Tamarindo Farmers Market & Feria

When: Saturday 08:00 am - 01:00 pm Where: On the beach next to Pescador/Alfaro Bus Terminal

Feria Potrero

When: Thursday 9:00 am - 01:00 pm Where: Communal Salon of Potrero

Villarreal Farm Market

When: Daily 7:00 am - 07:30 pm Where: 200 meters south of the Tamarindo turnoff

Feria La Paz School

When: Wednesday 03:00 pm - 06:00 pm Where: At La Paz Community School / Mar Vista Entrance

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LAUNDRY SERVICE Laundry Service

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GROCERY STORE

Pacific Smile Dental Care

DENTAL SERVICES

Main Road to Brasilito Sunday 10am 8621-6273 perrycarlile@gmail.com

CHRUCH / COUNSELING

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Tune up your PC Certified Technicians, Printers and Accesories

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Next to Kike's Place M-F 8am-5pm Sat 8am-12m 2653-2767 dr.gazel@playagrandeclinic.com

Pickup and Delivery Mon-Sun 8:00 am-5:00 pm 8353-1275 Cleandelivery1@gmail.com

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All electrical solutions for commercial and domestic use

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Suplidora Huacas Electrical Solutions

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DOMESTIC SERVICES

Pura Vida Energy Systems

ARCHITECTURE & CONSTRUCTION

Huacas Monday - Saturday 8877-0178 JMConstructionCR@gmail.com

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Deep Green Photography fine art nature photography

fine art nature photography prints for home or office www.deepgreenphotography.com 24/7 8396-0363 greg@deepgreenphotography.com

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Doctor´s Office Tamarind

150mts West from Post Office Daily 24Hours 2653-3939 praviamed@icloud.com

Huacas Mon-Fri 9:00am - 5:00pm 2653-8519 jygfurniturestore@gmail.com

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PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

MVCONTA

Accounting and Auditing Full Service Accounting and Tax Plaza Conchal 2nd floor Call for Appointment 2653-4423

GM Attorney GM Attorney Legal Services

Full Service. All areas of law.

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Dr. Rocío Villalobos

Psychotherapy Children, Adolecents, Adults & Family Brasilito, The Village Call for appointmet 8341-6879 / 2540-0959 rociovillalobosm1@gmail.com

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Overseas Pacific Realty

La Paz

Our team's focus is on you, the client.

All Grades International Baccalaureate program

Canafistula 6 km SE Villarreal M - F 8651-8301 info@gws.ed.cr

ISLS

5 km calle Huacas Tamarindo from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm 2653-6363 info@educartecostarica.com

Happy Gardens

Day Care / Preschool Caring while Teaching Huacas M - F 2653-7036 happygarden_huacas@yahoo.es THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

Learn Spanish

SCHOOLS / LANGUAGES

SCHOOLS

Brasilito M-F 2654-5042 info@CRIAcademy.com

40

Flamingo / Mar Vista M - F 2654-4532 paz@LaPazSchool.org

Royal Palms Plaza 7:30 am 2652-9009 / 8815-5713

The Dogtor

Vet, Grooming & Pet shop

Accept the children with reverence, educate them with love

Accredited Grade School and High School Education

Private Bilingual School

Full Service Veterinarian Hospital All Animals and Wildlife

Education K -12

School Education

Preschool, Primary, Secondary

Animal Hospital

Waldorf

CRIA

Educarte

Cavallini Veterinarian

The Center of Tamarindo Beachside.

Lodging, Spanish and Surf programs.

Center of Town on the Beach M-F 8am to 5pm Toll Free 866-391-0394 dana@isls.com

WAYRA Spanish Institule Spanish School

Spanish Immersion Programs since 1996 Calle Real, Tamarindo Mo-Fr: 7.30-5pm / Sa;10 - 4pm 2653-0359 info@spanish-wayra.co.cr

Export proceedings, delivery & pick up/drop off service

VETERINARIAN

Flamingo Beach Mon-Sat 9:00am - 5:00pm 2573-3294 info@overseaspacificrealty.com

Cavallini Veterinarian

Private School

Property Specialists

SCHOOLS

REAL ESTATE

COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

Plaza Palma, Local numero 3 Mon-Sat 8:00am - 5:00 pm 8351-9910 / 4702-5106 thedogtortamarindo@gmail.com

TRANQUILA VET Tranquila Vet Mobile Vet

Mobile Veterinary Services US Trained Veterinarian Tamarindo to Los Catalinas Call For Appointment 8482-9230 tranquilavet@gmail.com

TUANIS VET Tuanis Vet

Full Service Vet

Full Service Veterinarian and Grooming.

Villarreal 9:00 am - 5:00pm 2653-4119

may feature

Playa del Coco IRONMAN 70.3

LIFESTYLE

by Michael Simons

Not so far up the road from the Tamarindo beach area lies another beautiful and popular beach town area—Playa del Coco. Coco is one of Guanacaste’s oldest beach communities and one of the fastest growing tourist areas in this beautiful country. Increasingly, events and activities that enthrall national audiences and direct the world’s attention to our little corner of the world happen in Coco. In June, Coco is hosting the Gatorade IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Rica, presented by Kolbi.

PLAYA DEL COCO OVERVIEW: Playa del Coco is part of the beach area known as Papagayo, which also encompasses the small beach towns of Playa Hermosa, Playa Panama and Ocotal. It was once one of the largest fishing villages in Costa Rica.

Liberia International Airport (LIR) is just 20 minutes away.

Coco has come a long way over the past 40 years.

Talking with some of the early arrivals is always interesting.

So many stories of the old days. Like most other places in Costa Rica, In the '70’s Coco was all dirt roads, with no electricity. Water was drawn from local wells and the closest shopping for groceries was over an hour’s drive away. Travel in and out of this area was tough; getting supplies was always a challenge. In a wicked deluge the local residents could be stranded for a month at a time, waiting for the roads to be passable.

In the early days, fishermen going out for their evening catch would leave lanterns on the beach so they could find their way home. There was not one single light within miles of the town that they could use as a landmark.

Today, with Coco having grown leaps and bounds in the last couple of decades, fisherman no longer have to consider hours-long burning lanterns as essentials to pack with their fishing gear.

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

The Coco of today doesn’t look a lot like yesteryear’s Coco. Now every major road in the town is paved, and even many of little side roads in the local barrio are getting black-topped. Modernization has arrived here, with ample sidewalks and street lights, stop signs and medians. The electricity almost never goes out. The infrastructure has been upgraded and the municipality has improved the beachfront area with installations of a new boardwalk, basketball and volleyball courts, and fountains and showers beautifully landscaped with palm trees and local plants, flowers and concrete walkways: excellent for an afternoon stroll.

Boating life has not lost its luster on this beach. The calm waters attract many boaters to moor their boats here. Party boats, catamarans, snorkeling tours and diving boats fill the bay. Tours in this area abound. Half-day adventures are very easy to book and well worth the time.

The area is lined with dozens of restaurants and bars, and offers the perfect mix of locals, expats, and tourists enjoying a social time. Costa Ricans place huge emphasis on the family, a cultural value that becomes very evident when spending a couple hours at Coco Beach “people watching”. Children are playing in the surf while the grandparents are relaxing on the sand. Young mothers push baby carriages while fathers gather around the gigantic matapalo tree, putting back a few cold beers.

The competition on the courts is at a fever pitch, while the tourists gather out front of the bars soaking up the sun or watching the gorgeous sunsets. It is truly paradise. Just 50 meters from the sand is the local soccer field, right in the middle of it all, where every evening and Sundays teams compete for the bragging rights of the town; in some years, they work their way up into the National Championships.

Far from perceptions as a sleepy little beach town, Coco is loaded with action. Some of the best bars in the country attract tourists, expats and Ticos alike, and they party every day and rock ‘n roll all night. The Famous Coconutz Sports Bar, with over a dozen TVs, is packed all day long, while Zi Lounge and the Lizard Lounge keep the dancing hot well into the wee hours. Live music abounds along with movie

nights and karaoke, and the newly renovated casino is a first-class operation for those who dare a dance with Lady Luck.

As the only large town servicing the entire Papagayo area, you can find almost every service that you need in Coco. There are 5 grocery stores, 2 hardware stores, 3 pharmacies, 4 banks with ATMs, 3 gyms, 3 spas, cell phone kiosks and a computer store. As expected in a vacation town, the streets are lined with boutique stores and street vendors, offering plenty of shopping choices. There are hotels and B&Bs, cabinas and hostels, all for rent at very reasonable prices.

Don’t worry if you need some medical care as Coco has a 24-hour emergency care center, doctors’ offices and dental clinics, and some of the best veterinary care in the country.

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43

Home to 4 private bilingual schools, Coco even offers plenty of educational opportunities as more and more families are relocating to paradise. These schools provide an education better than many North American schools, and they are accredited so that your child can further their education beyond here, even if their dreams include some of the best universities in the USA or elsewhere.

SAFETY tops the list of many people’s concerns for traveling and moving abroad. Don’t worry! Playa del Coco is often considered the safest town in Costa Rica, and in my opinion it’s one of the safest in the world. You can walk the streets at any hour of the night here and feel secure, as it is very well lit and almost no serious crime of any kind happens.

As Coco continues to grow into a huge expat and tourist community, it will become the hub of action over the next decade and turn into one of the most thriving destinations in Costa Rica.

It is often commented how Coco has a great mix of Ticos and those from the developed world. People. I love that there are local markets on every corner, with meat and fish vendors, along with fruit and vegetable farmers, selling right out of the back of the truck. Often local vendors come with truckloads full of huge pots for plants and handmade custom furniture, and just park on the side of the road vending their wares. Massive fiestas consume the entire town every holiday week. IT IS AWESOME! Bull runs and rodeos, carnivals and events, topes (horse parades) and music. Costa Ricans know how to party. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

IRONMAN PICKS COCO Coco will proudly host the the Gatorade IRONMAN 7.3 Costa Rica June 18, 2017, presented by Kolbi. This major international event represents something huge happening in Coco. There are 2000 registered athletes, 100 registrations for professional athletes and 30 relief athletes. We opened this up for registration and sold out within eleven days. The event draws in a wide mix of competitors from around the world. Competitors include 57% foreigners and 43% Costa Ricans. It will be an epic race!

The race needs 800 volunteers, drawn primarily from the different schools in Coco and surrounding towns. The economic impact to our area will be substantial. This is by far the largest event to ever hit here. The event attracts more than 2000 athletes plus their families and companions, which comes to about 8000 visitors plus the spectators.

There could be as many as 15,000 in total with an expected impact of over $8,000,000 during the week of the event. IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Rica has been declared an event of great economic and social impact by the Municipality of Carillo of Cultural Cantonal Interest.

Monetary donations of $5.00 for each competitor enrolled over the next three years will be used for improvements in Playa del Coco. The first year’s donations will build a bridge that joins the north part of Playa del Coco with the Malecon “Seasonal love”.

Wilber Anderson, the CEO and Race Director, is Costa Rican born and has worked very hard to get this race established in Costa Rica. He has a passion for the event and also brings with him the responsibility of being charitable to the community. In that effort, he will be donating 150 sports balls (footballs, basketballs and volleyballs) to the local public schools within the Canton of Carrillo specifically in the towns of San Blas, Sardinal, Libertad and Playa del Coco.

As if the race itself weren’t enough of a draw, many additional activities will also be highlighted through the IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Rica exhibition fair to be held from June 16 to 18 in Playa del Coco. Artisans from the region will be promoted with 20 donated spaces so they can exhibit and sell their craft work within the framework of this event. IRONMAN wants to help promote local brands to the world stage of participants and spectators that will land here shortly.

FOUNDATION: FUNDACIÓN ENDURANCE The CRC Endurance Foundation began in 2011, with the mission of becoming a tool to empower young male athletes in conditions of social vulnerability, to maximize their skills and values and convert them into leaders of their communities. The foundation has management and administrative support provided by a small multidisciplinary group specializing in responsibility and social work, psychology, management, business and sports. This select group of coaches is the heart of the foundation. Not only are they dedicated every day to polishing the talent of each of the boys, but also serve as mentors of life.

Gatorade IRONMAN 70.3 Costa Rica presented by Kölbi will sponsor the registrations of two young people of the foundation for the participation in the event.

Sponsors and level of sponsorship: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Gatorade - Title Kölbi - Presented by ICT - Essential Costa Rica - Gold The Nation - Gold Pacific - Gold BAC Credomatic - Silver

7. Toyota Rent a Car - Silver 8. MATRA - Silver 9. Breeze - Silver 10. GNC - Bronze 11. Hard Rock Café - Bronze

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45

THE STUDY

YOGA OF

BY MARY BYERLY

S

GIVING BACK : SEVA

pring has sprung here in Guanacaste, and the hoopla of Semana Santa has passed. As we all have fewer visitors as it warms up in the North, we residents of Costa Rica contemplate: "What do I do with my free time?" Well, maybe not everyone has to ask that question; after all we live where there are always beautiful beaches to walk on, great waves to ride, and the abundance of nature to enjoy. However, for many of us who live here, the desire to be part of our local community calls.

This is actually a part of the yoga tradition as well. The concept of Seva is considered as much a part of our practice as are the asanas, or postures.

Seva comes from two root words of Sanskrit, saha (meaning “with that”), and eva (meaning “too”). The word seva means “together with”; it describes actions that uplift us through an understanding of the needs of others, based on togetherness and integration (not just coming into a community and deciding what is best for them based on our opinions). Seva is an expression of compassion.

As many people experience, the physical practice of yoga purifies the body. We initially find that the postures are difficult, our bodies are stiff, our muscles need to build to be able to hold poses, and our mind goes through all kinds of thoughts (about the inane instructor, or wanting to never come back to class

46

THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

again, or fear of not being as good as the person next to us, etc.). Yet over time, the body and mind adjust, understanding that quivering muscles and angry thoughts will arise and fall, and we are able to watch them come and go without getting attached to them. We learn to come more from our place of wisdom and compassion.

It is the same with doing seva, providing compassionate service together with others.

Initially, our bodies and minds may rebel at doing something a different way than we would, or in a different order, or with an unknown purpose. Yet over time, we begin to realize that working with others, while letting go of the desire to be recognized for our service, or letting go of wanting a certain result of the actions, is purifying for our hearts. Seva helps us to be there in the moment with others, within their world. It is being in a helpful presence that invites union, or yoga.

For those of us who live here full time, there are a number of organizations who could use some seva, some of your service, your working together with them. It will bring you that much closer to the culture of Costa Rica, that Pura Vida that attracted you here. And it will make you feel transformed, just like a good yoga class.

Namastè, Mary

Contact us for group and private classes

(506) 2653-0708 (Local) (949) 891-7385 (US & CAN)

Plaza Tamarindo A11, Tamarindo, Costa Rica

WWW.HIDDENCOASTREALTY.COM

Wellness

Spirituality, Superfoods, & Health

THE HEALING BENEFITS OF REIKI THERAPY

Kombucha!

by Patricia Vieira

I

accidentally found Reiki many years ago when a friend’s mom noticed my severe back pain and offered to give me a Reiki treatment. She told me to lie down and then placed her hands on my back. I felt a cozy warmness on my whole back. Then I suddenly felt like my emotions were being unwrapped and I started crying. Then, I felt peaceful and calm again, relieved and... pain free!

Today I’m a Reiki Master/Teacher. I both practice Reiki on others, and teach it.

Quantum physicists discovered that physical atoms are made up of vortices of energy that spin and vibrate creating specific patterns or frequencies. This means that everything is and has its own energetic frequency.

Reiki practitioners identify and manipulate some of these frequencies for healing.

Reiki is an alternative and complementary—gentle and non-invasive—energy healing therapy. It is a form of hands-on healing with origins in India and the East many centuries ago. Reiki is a holistic therapy, meaning it heals body, mind, emotions and spirit, stimulating a person’s natural self-healing abilities. Totally safe and harmless, it offers only benefits to our health and wellbeing with no recorded side effects. In Europe, USA and Australia, Reiki is used in hospitals, hospices and medical centers as a complementary healing tool and its fame is only growing.

It has been shown to help with a considerable variety of illnesses and ailments, including:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Provides very deep relaxation, releasing anxiety, stress and insomnia; Relieves physical pain including migraines and headaches; Prevents progress of disease; Increases mobility, relieves arthritis and sciatica; Helps infections and inflammations to heal faster; Helps with symptoms of asthma, chronic fatigue, and menopause; Speeds recovery from surgery, accidents and long-term illness; Helps in adjusting to medicines/treatment and tends to reduce their side-effects; Helps terminally ill patients cope and have a better quality of life. Also helps families through the illness and grieving process; Energizes and detoxifies the body; Helps to bring mental clarity and peace and reduce depression; Dissolves energy blockages and promotes a healthy energy flow; Unblocks and releases emotional trauma; Helps change negative conditioning & behavior.

You should try it! It might even change your life!

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

A modern elixir

by Janet Park

K

ombucha is a fermented, slightly effervescent beverage of tea and cane sugar. It ferments with the help of a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). After being fermented, kombucha becomes carbonated and contains B-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are tied to the following effects: • Improved digestion, Weight loss-Increased energy, Cleansing and detoxification • Immune support, Reduced joint pain, Cancer prevention, Improved pancreas function • Improved mood, help with anxiety/depression How can one beverage do so many things? It’s not so much that the beverage does something to our bodies, like a medicine targeted at curing specific symptoms. It’s more that this beverage promotes health by giving your body what it needs to heal itself by: • Aiding your liver in removing harmful substances • Promoting balance in your digestive system • Being rich in health-promoting vitamins, enzymes & acids The general consensus seems to be that with regular, daily consumption (on an empty stomach then leaving the stomach empty for it to process through), you’ll notice improvement in immune system functioning and energy levels within about a week, the healing of more minor ailments within a month or so, and the healing of more radical illnesses within a year or so.

Originating over 2000 years ago in China, many cultures around the world enjoy their own version of this antioxidantrich probiotic beverage.

As a fermented beverage, kombucha takes on between .05-1% alcohol. If you want more of a kick, add some vodka for a delicious and healthy cocktail!

To make kombucha at home, you simply need a SCOBY, a large glass container, some starter kombucha or vinegar, and an extremely sterile environment. All but the glass can be found at the Tamarindo feria on Saturday mornings. You can leave it plain or flavor it with fruits and/or herbs for a bit of a twist.

MEDICAL MISUSE

P

roperly prescribed and administered medication plays an important role in protecting, maintaining, and restoring health.

The benefits of drug therapy are unquestionable, and when used appropriately should maximize benefits and minimize unwanted side effects.

When prescribing drugs, physicians and patients should ask: What is the most costeffective and simplest regimen? Is there an understanding of all aspects of treatment?

This is all the more important when we realize that approximately one-third of all prescribed medicine is taken improperly, and a large percentage of hospital admissions are the result of improper use of medication.

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Statistics concerning medication noncompliance are both enlightening and frightening. In general, 40% of patients will skip doses for greater than two days of short-term therapy, 50% make mistakes in the timing of taking medication, 10% overdose, 100,000 prescriptions usually go unfilled or refilled, and 30% of patients will change doses on their own without consulting a physician.

The statistics for the elderly are even more staggering.

Approximately 250,000 hospital admissions per year are due to drug misuse.

Taking medication improperly can result in dangerous outcomes, errors by physicians who assume the patient is taking medicine properly, accidental poisoning, and unnecessary hospitalization, treatment, and diagnostic costs.

by Dr. Herbert Weinman

In terms of improving patient compliance, I think one of the most important aspects is for the patient and the physician to understand the differences, attitudes, and concerns about taking prescription medication.

It is important to know that patients are busy and have a life other than dealing with their illness. In fact, many people don’t take their medicine properly because they subconsciously don’t want to acknowledge their illness. Patient compliance will improve by keeping the regimen simple, making sure that the least expensive and most effective medicines are prescribed, and using special patient-friendly reminder aids.

For other solutions to patient noncompliance, I suggest that physicians give simple instructions and have the patient repeat them before leaving the office. If the patient is not completely mentally competent, dispensing advice should be done in the presence of a family member or friend (a medical advocate).

Patients should be encouraged to ask questions and should bring all of their medications to the physician’s office at each visit so that the physician will know what medicines they are taking and how many doses they have left. Patients should check expiration dates on medicines, avoid sharing prescriptions with family and friends, and keep all medications in a safe place.

Finally I believe one of the most important aspects of prescription dispensing and utilization is the relationship that exists among the patient, the physician, and the pharmacist.

刀䔀䄀䰀 䔀匀吀䄀吀䔀 䤀一嘀䔀匀吀䤀一䜀 䤀匀 伀唀刀 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀Ⰰ 伀唀刀 伀一䰀夀 䈀唀匀䤀一䔀匀匀

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49

spanish

Un poquito más....

SPEAK Spanish

BEWARE OF FALSE FRIENDS

by Silvia Monge You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means. -Princess Bride

C

ognates are words that sound or are written the same and mean the same in Spanish and English. For example garage. The cognate is your friend right up until it really is not, at which point it becomes a false friend. Taking the time to learn cognates is a great way to expand your Spanish skills very quickly. It is worth the effort. But lying under this expansive list of words you’ll find some landmines, quietly awaiting to create hilarious conversations.

As an immigrant to the US from Paraguay, my Spanish was better than my suburban classmates’ but certainly not even close to native-like. When I returned to my home country in my twenties I had no idea how much I had yet to learn. There was this one conversation that in retrospect must have been a riot to watch. It went something like this: I stated “I hate condoms in English Correct Spanish my food.” The retort was Word Word quick and accompanied with recoil. “Who the hell likes actually en realidad condoms in their food?” I assist ayudar answered back: “Americans attend asistir love condoms in their food, bizarre extraño they put them in everything!”

At this point he stopped, carpet alfombra focused on me for a moment choke estrangular with a perplexed look and deception engaño finally asked, “What do you think a condom is?” Now I embarrassed avergonzado answered confidently “You exit salida know, chemicals in food.” He laughed and laughed, told the guy next to him and they laughed together. Finally I learned a lesson that I would never forget.

Preservativos -- Condoms; Preservantes – Preservatives.

I also teach English to locals and they are constantly asking me to translate some weird things English speakers say and do. When I get around to teaching adjectives we have a good laugh about the word excited. They then realize that expats are not the horny toads they thought they were. Exitado in Spanish looks like excited but it really means horny or turned on. The locals have forever wondered why these visitors are sexually excited by going to the beach, getting dinner or going on a trip.

Exitado – horny; Emocionado – excited Both of these situations will invariably make you embarrassed and you will impishly offer “Estoy tan embarasada.”

A treat for onlookers for sure but only further digging your 50

THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

proverbial hole. Let me elaborate with some hearsay. Some time ago there was an article about a woman in Nosara that got very drunk and fell over into a table of glasses, tumbling them onto the floor in an explosion of broken glass; thankfully she was unharmed but still ended up in an ambulance.

When she got up from breaking the glasses she declared “Lo siento, estoy tan embarasada.” In her drunken state she kept repeating this until the ambulance showed up. They were called because a very pregnant woman was drunk and maybe going into labor in their restaurant. My personal favorite is when a guy declares his embarrassment and everyone just looks blankly at the medical miracle.

Embarasada – Pregnant; Avergonzado – Embarassed.

When you want to introduce someone to someone else you do not say “Quiero introducirte a mi mamá.” This was my mistake and my mother quipped that she had no intention of getting inside the young man.

Confused With

English Translation

actualmente

currently

asistir

to attend

Introducir-to put something in something else; Presentar – to introduce someone.

Finally there is the pesky ser and estar phenomenon. bizarro gallant They both mean “to be” but carpeta folder have different uses. Basically ser indicates permanence like chocar to collide your nationality or gender and decepción disappointment estar is for things that change, embarazada pregnant for example emotions or state éxito success of being. Misusing these words can cause some hilarious outcomes. If you say “Estoy borracho” you are stating that you are drunk; if you say “Soy borracho” you are saying you are a drunkard. I was teaching a class about this once and a student looked up from the example sheet looking pale and distraught and said in a strained voice, “Please tell me ‘No estoy rica’ means I am not rich.” I explained that “Yo no estoy rica” means “I am not tasty.” Her eyes widened and she explained her situation. While building her house she had many workers milling about and she would joke that she wasn’t rich. This became her little joke with them and they would laugh and laugh. She realized she spent two years telling the guards and workers “I am not tasty but…” atender

to attend to

Learning a language has as much to do with attitude as skill.

Learning to laugh and have fun with it makes fluency more graspable. All of these mistakes made for a memorable learning experience and I assure you the lesson was learned immediately and permanently. Add cognates to your tool box of language and go out there and speak to anyone who will listen. You never know when a verbal blunder will make you a new friend.

By Gregory Basco

POLARIZING FILTERS

A polarizing filter is great to saturate the colors in typically wet and shiny rainforest leaves. I used one for this dramatic image of Costa Rica’s Toro Waterfall in the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.

P

hoto filters are everywhere these days.

On any smartphone or computer, there are dozens of apps and programs that will let you apply digital photo filters (from supersaturated to grungy to black-andwhite to old-timey sepia) to change the look of your photo after you take it. But there is one filter that absolutely cannot be replicated after the moment of image capture.

I’m talking about the polarizing filter.

As with polarized sunglasses, polarizing filters used in photography work by selectively blocking light particles vibrating in a certain direction while allowing light particles vibrating in an opposite direction to pass through in a normal fashion. In easy terms, polarizing filters help to cut reflections on shiny surfaces and to deepen blue skies. Using a polarizing filter is key for many landscapes in Costa Rica as you’ll likely be including water, blue skies, and green foliage in many of your photographs.

A circular polarizing filter—which screws on to the front of your lens on more advanced cameras— will help you to capture all of the lushness that Costa Rica’s forests and beaches have to offer. Even when you’re in the forest and A polarizing filter helped to saturate the blue sky and slow down the shutter speed for this midday shot of a beach in Cahuita National Park on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.

not including the sky in your photo, a polarizing filter will cut the reflections on wet and shiny rainforest leaves. Keep in mind that polarizing filters, which are made of dark glass, will cut some of the light hitting your sensor. You may need to raise your ISO level to keep your shutter speed up.

If you’re using a smartphone or a simple point-and-shoot camera that won’t take a polarizing filter, try shooting in HDR mode. This may help you to reduce some of the bright highlights in your photos.

PHOTO

TIPS

Photos by

Even though I was shooting from a rocking boat and worried about movement, I still deemed a polarizing filter essential for this photo of waves crashing against the forest coast in Costa Rica’s Gandoca-Manzanillo Wldlife Refuge.

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51

Surf Report Competition Results

by Serena Nava

Results of Nationals (CNS) was held in Cocles Puerto Viejo, March 25-26, 2017. The waves were 3-4 on the first day with light offshore in the morning, then led to about 3 mile per hour onshore around 10:00 am. Same for the second day, except for finals it was very small: 2-3 ft. Although the conditions were rough, everyone still did their best and got some wins.

Open

Girls

1. Jair Pérez 2. Maykol Torres 3. Anthony Fillingim 4. Jason Torres

1. Paulina Summers 2. Valentina Resano 3. Rubiana Brownel 4. Coral Wiggins

Open Women

Grommets

Junior

Minigrommets

Junior Women

Minigrommets girls

1. Emily Gussoni 2. Valentina Resano 3. Zulay Martínez 4. Serena Nava

1. Gabriele Córdoba 2. Francisco Coronado 3. Sean Foerster 4. Samuel Reidy

1. Emily Gussoni 2. Valentina Resano 3. Paola Rodriguez 4. Coral Wiggins

1. Tao Rodriguez 2. Isauro Elizondo 3. Kai Galé 4. Kendal Rosales

1. Kalani Abrahao 2. Teo Galé 3. Ethan Hollander 4. Leo Apreda

1. Valeria Ojeda 2. Candelaria Resano 3. Auxiela Ryan 4. Rachel Agüero 5. Máxima Resano

Boys

1. Oscar Urbina 2. Samuel Reidy 3. Isauro Elizondo 4. Gabriele Córdoba 52

THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

Results of Copa Lola’s Kia Costa Rica Otis Eyewear CGS was held in the rivermouth of Avellanas on April 8-9, 2017.

Waves were 3-4 feet, offshore all day Saturday, and offshore until about in the middle of boys u16 final on Sunday. The waves then turned onshore, with windchop.

Open

Boys U16

Open Women

Boys U14

Juniors

Girls

1. Malakai Martinez 2. Jair Perez 3. Jose Lopez 4. Olman Morales

1. Valentina Resano 2. Rubianna Brownell 3. Candelaria Resano 4. Serena Nava

1. Oscar Urbina 2. James Beshore 3. Aaron Ramirez 4. Malakai Martinez

1. Oscar Urbina 2. Malakai Martinez 3. Josh Dawson 4. Tiago Leao

1. Aaron Ramirez 2. Sam Reidy 3. Tiago Leao 4. Rubiana Brownell

1. Valentina Resano 2. Valeria Ojeda 3. Candelaria Resano 4. Rubiana Brownell

Groms

1. Candelaria Resano 2. Kalani Abrahao 3. Pietro Garroux 4. Valeria Ojeda

TIDE, SUN & MOON Day

Sunrise Sunset

Moonrise MR Moonset MS

High Tides

MAY 2017 Low Tides

1 Mon

5:21am 5:50pm

10:25am 11:19pm

6:24am-9.16’ 6:45pm-9.26’

12:06am-(-)0.87’ 12:27pm-(-)0.07’

2 Tues

5:21am 5:51pm

11:22am MR

7:22am-8.72’ 7:45pm-8.62’

1:00am-(-)0.32’ 1:27pm-0.49’

3 Wed

5:21am 5:51pm

12:11am MS 12:17pm MR

8:26am-8.31’ 8:51pm-8.07’

2:00am-0.26’ 2:33pm-0.99’

4 Thurs

5:20am 5:51pm

1:00am MS 1:09pm MR

9:32am-8.06’ 10:01pm-7.71’

3:04am-0.75’ 3:43pm-1.29’

5 Fri

5:20am 5:51pm

1:45am MS 1:59pm MR

10:40am-8.01’ 11:09pm-7.60’

4:14am-1.05’ 4:55pm-1.33’

6 Sat

5:20am 5:51pm

2:28am MS 2:47pm MR

11:42am-8.14’

5:20am-1.14’ 5:59pm-1.17’

7 Sun

5:20am 5:51pm

3:10am MS 3:34pm MR

12:11am-7.69’ 12:36pm-8.35’

6:18am-1.08’ 6:55pm-0.90’

8 Mon

5:19am 5:51pm

3:50am MS 4:21pm MR

1:03am-7.86’ 1:24pm-8.58’

7:08am-0.96’ 7:41pm-0.63’

9 Tues

5:19am 5:52pm

4:31am MS 5:08pm MR

1:51am-8.06’ 2:06pm-8.78’

7:52am-0.83’ 8:21pm-0.39’

10 Wed

5:19am 5:52pm

5:13am MS 5:54pm MR

2:31am-8.23’ 2:44pm-8.91’

8:30am-0.74’ 8:59pm-0.22’

11 Thurs

5:19am 5:52pm

5:56am MS 6:42pm MR

3:11am-8.34’ 3:22pm-8.97’

9:08am-0.70’ 9:35pm-0.11’

12 Fri

5:18am 5:52pm

6:40am MS 7:30pm MR

3:49am-8.38’ 3:58pm-8.93’

9:44am-0.73’ 10:11pm-0.11’

13 Sat

5:18am 5:52pm

7:25am MS 8:18pm MR

4:27am-8.34’ 4:34pm-8.79’

10:20am-0.83’ 10:47pm-0.21’

14 Sun

5:18am 5:53pm

8:12am MS 9:06pm MR

5:05am-8.21’ 5:12pm-8.56’

10:58am-1.01’ 11:23pm-0.40’

15 Mon

5:18am 5:53pm

9:01am MS 9:54pm MR

5:43am-8.02’ 5:50pm-8.24’

11:36am-1.25’

16 Tues

5:18am 5:53pm

9:50am MS 10:41pm MR

6:23am-7.79’ 6:32pm-7.89’

12:03am-0.68’ 12:18pm-1.51’

17 Wed

5:17am 5:53pm

10:39am MS 11:27pm MR

7:07am-7.58’ 7:18pm-7.55’

12:43am-0.99’ 1:04pm-1.75’

18 Thurs

5:17am 5:53pm

11:30am MS

7:55am-7.44’ 8:10pm-7.28’

1:29am-1.28’ 1:54pm-1.91’

19 Fri

5:17am 5:54pm

12:12am 12:20pm

8:47am-7.43’ 9:08pm-7.16’

2:19am-1.49’ 2:50pm-1.93’

20 Sat

5:17am 5:54pm

12:58am 1:12pm

9:45am-7.60’ 10:10pm-7.23’

3:13am-1.57’ 3:52pm-1.76’

21 Sun

5:17am 5:54pm

1:44am 2:05pm

10:41am-7.95’ 11:10pm-7.52’

4:11am-1.47’ 4:52pm-1.37’

22 Mon

5:17am 5:54pm

2:31am 3:00pm

11:37am-8.46’

5:09am-1.19’ 5:52pm-0.83’

23 Tues

5:17am 5:55pm

3:20am 3:58pm

12:08am-7.97’ 12:31pm-9.06’

6:05am-0.77’ 6:46pm-0.20’

24 Wed

5:17am 5:55pm

4:13am 4:58pm

1:02am-8.50’ 1:21pm-9.64’

6:59am-0.30’ 7:38pm-(-)0.40’

25 Thurs

5:17am 5:55pm

5:09am 6:01pm

1:54am-9.03’ 2:11pm-10.13’

7:53am-(-)0.15’ 8:28pm-0.90’

26 Fri

5:17am 5:55pm

6:08am 7:05pm

2:44am-9.48’ 3:01pm-10.43’

8:43am-(-)0.48’ 9:18pm-(-)1.22’

27 Sat

5:17am 5:56pm

7:09am 8:08pm

3:34am-9.77’ 3:53pm-10.51’

9:35am-(-)0.63’ 10:08pm-(-)1.31’

28 Sun

5:17am 5:56pm

8:11am 9:08pm

4:26am-9.88’ 4:43pm-10.35’

10:27am-(-)0.58’ 10:58pm-(-)1.17’

29 Mon

5:17am 5:56pm

9:11am 10:04pm

5:18am-9.79’ 5:35pm-9.96’

11:19am-(-)0.33’ 11:50pm-(-)0.82’

30 Tues

5:17am 5:57pm

10:09am 10:56pm

6:12am-9.53’ 6:31pm-9.42’

12:15am-0.07’

31 Wed

5:17am 5:57pm

11:04am 11:43pm

7:08am-9.18’ 7:29pm-8.81’

12:44am-(-)0.32’ 1:13pm-0.55’

Moon Phase

1st Q 8:48pm

Full 3:43pm

3rd Q 6:34pm

New 1:46pm

SURF SCIENCE

COLD WATER IN COSTA RICA?

by Ryan Waldron

I

’ve had a handful of surf sessions this past Summer (Dec - March) that had me shivering. And not just a “this isn’t so bad” shivering, I’m talking about teeth chattering, lips turning blue, nipples hard enough to cut glass, type of shivering. As my mind wanders between waves, I can’t believe that I am surfing in this tropical paradise only 10 degrees latitude away from the equator while still freezing my huevos off!

How is it possible that the water can go from a bathlike 85 degrees Fahrenheit to a chilly 65 overnight? A more complex explanation would take us deep into the world of hydro and thermodynamics, but that is a little further than my saltwater brain is willing to go right now.

The simple answer can be explained by the phenomenon of upwelling. Imagine this: If there was no wind, our ocean layers would be heated very uniformly— warmest at the top where the most sunlight hits, and cooler as you increase depth. But once you add surface wind into the mix, our perfectly layered package starts to lose its normalization. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), when the surface wind blows strongly from land to sea, warm surface waters are pushed offshore and water is drawn from below to replace the water that has been moved away. The upward movement of this deep, colder water is called upwelling. Instead of the water temperature dropping 20 degrees, the water is simply 54

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replaced by water 20 degrees cooler. And as we learned previously in the article focusing on the Papagayo winds, the strong offshore breezes between December and March is the culprit behind the phenomenon in Northern Costa Rica.

Not only is the replaced water much cooler, it is also nutrient-rich. The Costa Rica Thermal Dome is an area of water located directly off the coast of Northern Costa Rica and Southern Nicaragua. Cooler waters from lower depths are rich in nutrients like nitrate and phosphate. As the cooler water rises to the surface, the phytoplankton concentration increases exponentially, thus generating a great concentration of fish, marine mammals, and other organisms.

Interestingly enough, the connectivity between habitats in the the coastal areas in Central America is critical for migratory species such as sharks, cetaceans, rays, billfish, and sea turtles.

It’s a fair trade overall.

I can deal with some cold water if that means offshore winds and an all-day surf session. I’d rather be shivering all day doing what I love than watching the wind switch onshore at 8am.

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

feature

Scuba

Diving in Costa Rica All photos courtesy of Scuba Dive Costa Rica

B

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by Phil O'Shea

ordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is a prime ecotourism destination and boasts some of the world’s most biologically diverse habitats—including rainforest, volcano and mangrove ecosystems. While the Caribbean coast has yet to develop a serious scuba diving infrastructure, diving off the Pacific Coast has become extremely popular. The underwater volcanic rock formations and pinnacles are home to small hard corals, sponges and gorgonians.

live-aboard to make this happen and dig deep into those pockets.

Guanacaste, the giant bay off the northwest coast, provides access to Las Catalinas, Playa Coco and Bat Islands which are key dive areas. One of the big draws to this area is the likelihood of seeing giant manta rays over the winter months. The southern area is a protected biological reserve and offers the chance to see rays, turtles, and white-yip reef sharks. Plus, you’ll see large schools of fish swimming overhead on almost every dive. You can also get out to Cocos Island off the Pacific coast to dive with its hammerhead shark schools, whale sharks and manta rays. This requires some serious commitment as you need to get onto a

• Bat Islands – What better way to get your heart racing then by diving with bull sharks? You’ll also have the chance to spot other large pelagics like manta rays, sailfish and the occasional whale or dolphin. This dive site drops to more than 30 meters/100 feet and can have a strong current. It is best suited for advanced divers.

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• Catalinas Islands – The unique underwater structure is what draws divers to these islands. The area boasts huge volcanic rock formations within everybody’s recreational limits, with the opportunity to see white-tip reef sharks, devil rays, eagle rays and seasonally the giant manta Ray and humpback whale. In between those treats, the rommon Latin grunts and big eye jacks will surround you.

• Caño Island – Expect to find a large number of reef fish species on the pinnacles and coral reef that surround the island. You’ll also likely see bigger creatures such as manta rays, free-swimming moray eels and sharks.

Mammals, such as orcas, dolphins, humpback and pilot whales are known to cruise through.

•

Cocos Island – Because reaching Cocos Island National Marine Park requires a lengthy boat trip, most divers visit on a live-aboard dive vessel. Besides the pelagic species such as marlin, sailfish, rays and sharks that are drawn to the area, you’ll find more than 25 endemic fish species, including the red-lipped batfish.

Whales also use the Cocos Island as a place to congregate and calve.

Depending on the area you dive, visibility usually ranges from 10-40 meters/30-120 feet. May through September generally brings the best visibility with blue, clean and warm conditions. This is by far the best time of year to dive as cooler less inviting waters occupy the region from October to April.

Water temperatures generally range from 26-29ºC/7884ºF. From December through March, cooler currents bring water temperatures as low as 19ºC/68ºF along with large animals such as humpback whales, pilot whales, giant manta rays, whale sharks, and more.

Diving in Costa Rica for the most part is good all year.

Seasoned divers will appreciate that you cannot have perfect conditions every day and like just about anywhere in the world, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast at times can be home to poor visibility and cooler that preferred water temperatures.

In these waters you’ll find eagle and devil rays, turtles, manta rays, white-tip reef sharks, bull sharks, enormous schools of both grunts and jacks, parrotfish, moray eels, octopus, dolphin and more. During whale season (July to September) you can hear the haunting songs of humpback and pilot whales underwater.

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Most dive centers offer 2 dives in the morning wrapping up their activities by early afternoon. You can find some operators that are willing to make 3 dives in a day, but they are not common. Diving with nitrox is still in its infancy in Costa Rica and you will find only a few centers with nitrox or other mixed gas options.

In the still developing diving Industry in Costa Rica there is an inconsistency in standards from one dive center to another. If you are a certified diver or one looking to dive for the first time you need to follow a simple rule of thumb: Look for a PADI-certified dive center. This should signal that minimum diving industry standards are followed and the diving equipment and staff should be reliable.

There are still quite a few uncertified centers in Costa Rica, so steer clear of those. Also, there is plethora of street vendors and re-sellers in the touristic regions of Costa Rica.

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These vendors will sell you an experience provided by a dive center to pocket a little commission. This means that you could get passed from pillar to post before you end up at your dive center and you never really know who the actual service provider is until the day of your dive. The best thing to do is always deal directly with the dive center and you will get exactly what you want.

The good news is that the diving industry is growing in Costa Rica and more PADI Centers are opening each year.

Those that have been around for a few years are becoming 5-Star and PADI Instructor Development Centers.

So, whether you are a certified diver, looking to try this sport for the first time or pursuing further diving education and even thinking of becoming a diving professional, Costa Rica has it all.

Here are a few premier dive centers in Costa rica Scuba Dive Costa Rica is located in Playa Flamingo and an office in Tamarindo. SDCR is a PADI Dive Center and dive daily to Las Catalinas Islands which is home to some of the best diving in the area. SDCR offers range of PADI courses including Discover Scuba experiences for those without a certification.

SDCR has all levels of training up to instructor.

Contact Scuba Dive Costa Rica: Playa Flamingo Tel: +506 8602 6581 Address: Local #B2, Flamingo Plaza, Playa Flamingo Email: Info@scubadivecostarica.cr Webiste: www.scubadivecostarica.cr Tamarindo Tel: +506 8602 6581 Address: Local #B8, Plaza Conchal, Tamarindo Email: Info@scubadivecostarica.cr Website: www.scubadivecostarica.cr

Oceans Unlimited is a 5 star PADI IDC and technical dive center located on the central pacific coast of Costa Rica in Manuel Antonio. They have a new shop location in the Marina Pez Vela Quepos. For visiting scuba divers they offer local dive trips around the Manuel Antonio National Park as well as full day trips to CaĂąo Island. Manuel Antonio Park is the location for a half day dive tour: offering various dive sites for all levels of divers .

They offer a comprehensive selection of scuba dive training in Costa Rica specializing in professional courses including divemaster and instructor programs, as well as full resort training and technical dive programs. They also offer a first time jump in with a Discover Scuba Dive experience.

Contact Oceans Unlimited: Puntarenas, Quepos Tel: +506 2519 9544 Address: Local #209, Marina Pez Vela, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos Email: Dive@scubadivingcostarica.com Website: www.scubadivingcostarica.com

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Off the Beaten Path

by Riley Seebeck

GUANACASTE TRAIL BUILDING

O

cean views, jungle canopies and river crossings are just a handful of features Guanacaste bike trails have to offer. Whether you’re riding below a volcano or cruising the coast on some smooth single track, biking in the Guanacaste peninsula is growing.

Mountain biking is a billion dollar industry and has exploded around the world, recently beginning to gain speed in Central and South American countries.

The hills surrounding the coast are a builder’s paradise, offering great terrain and options for a more advanced way to build sustainable and steep trails. Trails can often take more than a couple months to build as there is a lot of clearing to be done in heavy vegetation sections. Often the land is surveyed to identify the best way to incorporate the land just as it is. A well-built trail never forces a trail to be something it’s not; for example, professional builders look for flow in land that creates a natural trail defined by the land’s curves and definitions. A deeply cut trail, fighting the flow of the land, often proves detrimental in the long run and causes extensive erosion issues as water enters the trail design. This is caused by a “fall line” design, meaning the trail was cut to direct the least resistant path for water to flow. A great trail is often like a roller coaster: not only is it fun to ride but it sheds water through the pitch of the trail. It’s a win-win!

The Guanacaste peninsula has around 200km of mountain bike trails available to riders. In the north I just finished building a trail at Las Catalinas, a small ocean community that supplies all your outdoor needs. This hiking/biking trail system offers around 30km and about three hours worth of

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riding. What makes Las Catalinas unique is they are right on the beach with restaurants you can hang at after a great day of riding. The trails are smooth and mostly three feet wide making it welcoming for any skill level and different kinds of bikes. If you don’t have your own bike, Pura Vida Ride offers all ranges of rentals. You can rent just the bike if you want, or get a trail package including mountain bike, helmet and instruction for around $100/1.5 hours on the single track short loop or $150/2.5 hours on the single track long loop as well as a $15 trail pass. Prices are reduced for multiple riders.

The Guanacaste Peninsula is a unique place in itself and can only grow through mountain biking. Very few trails have ocean views, making the Las Catalinas trail truly exceptional.

The industry is exponentially growing and attracting more people to the beauty of two wheels. As I see it, it’s only an economic boost that Costa Rica has to gain from building more trails.

␀㐀㔀

攀瘀攀爀礀 匀甀渀搀愀礀

䄀吀嘀 吀漀甀爀猀 簀 吀甀爀琀氀攀 吀漀甀爀猀 簀 䠀漀爀猀攀戀愀挀欀 刀椀搀椀渀最 簀 䴀椀爀愀瘀愀氀氀攀猀 䠀愀渀最椀渀最 䈀爀椀搀最攀猀 䈀甀攀渀愀瘀椀猀琀愀 䌀漀洀戀漀 簀 䄀爀攀渀愀氀 嘀漀氀挀愀渀漀 漀渀攀 䐀愀礀 簀 䴀漀渀琀攀瘀攀爀搀攀 䌀氀漀甀搀 昀漀爀攀猀琀 倀愀氀漀 嘀攀爀搀攀 一愀琀椀漀渀愀氀 倀愀爀䬀 簀 吀栀攀爀洀愀氀 䠀漀琀 匀瀀爀椀渀最猀 簀 䌀愀琀愀洀愀爀愀渀 䌀爀甀椀猀攀猀

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Surf Spot

WITCH’S ROCK

by Howler Staff

Photo by Jose Madrigal

T

his beautiful, secluded and world-class surf spot backed by the mystical rock formation known as “Roca Bruja”, Witch’s Rock, is legendary. Its waves have been documented in such films as Endless Summer II, where its epic tubes were showcased to the world. Since then, people from all over come to enjoy the perfect barrels groomed by offshore winds most of the year.

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to Witch’s Rock is half of the fun, as it’s either a short boat ride from Playas del Coco, a longer boat ride from Tamarindo, or a long 4x4 trek via the Santa Rosa National Park. If you take a boat, you will also get to surf some other really fun waves in the area, and you will get to experience Witch’s Rock up close and personal as your boat can take you right up to the rock where you can snap some pics. You can even climb up the rock and jump off! You can enjoy multiple surf sessions with breaks in between on the boat with your friends, sharing beer, food and good times in between surfing the perfect waves.

There are many boat operators in the area, and it’s just a

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matter of asking around to find one. Typically the trip costs between $300 - $400 for the boat, and split between 5 friends, it’s an affordable way to get out on the ocean, surf great waves, and see the coastline.

The other way to get into Witch’s Rock requires a 4x4 vehicle and a 3-4 hour drive from Tamarindo. You need to bring in all your supplies (and bring it all out again). You access the road through the Santa Rosa National Park which is about 30 minutes north of Liberia. There you will need to pay the park entry fee and the camping fee (if you plan to stay the night), and you may have your car searched before entering.

They are looking for fishing gear, hunting equipment, and even perhaps your ganja stash—so be warned. Also no animals are allowed in the park. The drive from there takes around 2 hours, on one of the worst roads you will ever experience. Watch out for wildlife as deer, monkeys, and even wildcats can be seen in the park. Often in the rainy season the rivers are so high that you can’t get through so it’s recommended to call the national park in advance to check on road conditions. Once you arrive at the parking lot, you

have reached the campground and can set up camp or get ready for the hike down the beach to surf.

WHERE TO SURF

The campground is about a 30-minute walk from where the waves break towards the north end of the beach. Bring lots of sunscreen, water, some food, and whatever else you may need while surfing your brains out for hours on end.

There are 3 main places to surf at Witch’s Rock. The first spot you will come to is nicknamed “El Burro” (The Donkey), which is a fast tubular wave that also breaks at lower tides.

A combo swell will really light this place up. Quick drops into long, fast barrels is the name of the game. It can get heavy, so make sure your surfing is up to par with the quality of the waves otherwise you may face brutal wipeouts, broken boards and lots of sand in places it doesn’t belong!

The other breaks are found near the rivermouth. There’s the south side and the north side, each with its own peaks which break both left and right. This wave can vary from long, big barrels to mellower waves for turns and cutbacks depending on swell size, direction and tide. And of course respect the locals, which also include giant croc’s that roam the lineup frequently!

SURF TIMES

Its best to surf Witch’s Rock between mid and high tides.

However, if you are camping and really want to surf the low tide, you can do so at El Burro and The Rivermouth depending on the swell direction.

LOCAL COMPANIES

There is nothing here, so bring your supplies. Stock up in Tamarindo or Coco. Find a boat at Playas del Coco or ask around. There are many boat operators in the area.

FOOD AND DRINK

Bring your own. Most boats supply a simple lunch of sandwiches, fruit and drinks. However it’s a long day and most people choose to bring additional snack food and beer.

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WAVES

YOU'VE MISSED

by Jarryd Jackson

I

n the last month, we have received many different swells and enjoyed many days of offshore wind. One of the most noteworthy swells to hit in a while came at the beginning of April in the form of a strong north swell which lit up many spots in the Tamarindo area.

Tamarindo itself was “All Time� with all the breaks on the beach working. In front of the main parking lot, an incredible left hand wave was providing long barrel rides for those in the know. Some people say it was the best Tamarindo in a couple years, and I would agree.

Avellanas also received its fair share of waves from that swell, with Little Hawaii and the rivermouth having fantastic waves. There was a contest in Avellanas as well which was blessed with great waves and lots of great surfing going on.

Besides that epic north swell which is now embedded in our memory for the time being, we also had one SSW swell after another, meaning nonstop waves at beaches like Playa Grande. Though during Semana Santa those waves had to be shared with hundreds of people, you could still catch some fun waves anyway.

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Photos by

Welcome to playa grande

Contact us today... Mobile +506-8705-4588 www.amigorealtycostarica.com With over 3 km of pristine shoreline for you to explore, friendly waves for surfers of all levels, and many nice restaurants, Playa Grande is rated one of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Come discover this special place with us!

We specialize in Vacation Rentals & Real Estate.

Fabulous Furnished Home FOR SALE: $450,000

Walk to the beach in 7 minutes from this beautiful and spacious 3 bedroom, 3.5 bath home in a gated community. 3,000 sq ft on a double lot

Tropical Boutique Hotel FOR SALE: $625,000

8 Individual villas with a large swimming pool, swim up bar and more! Within a short walk to the beach, surrounded by nature.

1.25 acres!

COOL PLACES

BY MARCET ARAYA

MARINO BALLENA NATIONAL PARK

A whale of a good time

H

itting the highway headed south toward the central coast, you’ll find the Marino Ballena National Park (Parque Nacional Marino Ballena) in Puntarenas.

Located 10 miles south of Dominical and 112 miles southwest of San Jose, the park offers all sorts of natural wonders to inspire awe and appreciation.

Turtle nesting season is May through November, with the largest number of turtles arriving with the waning moon in September. The beach is not closely monitored or regulated so please conduct yourself responsibly around the turtles, giving them space and quiet, and using only red-covered lights (and no camera flashes).

Established in 1990 with 5510 ha of beach, mangrove estuary, and lowland rainforest, the park is named for the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that migrates here to mate. They come north from Antarctica July through November, and south from California and Canada December through April. Other whale species here include the false orca and pilot. This park offers the best place in Costa Rica to view whales from shore. Green marine iguanas, bottle nosed and common dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, turtles (olive ridley, hawksbill, leatherback and green), corals, sponges, anemones, lobsters, and many more sea creatures also call this place home. Land life is also abundant, with howler, capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sloths, pizotes and an occasional puma or ocelot. In the air you can see roadside and white hawks, chestnut-mandibled and keelbilled toucans, gulls, sand pipers and pelicans.

Snorkelers can revel in the underwater beauty found here, though watch out for currents and riptides. Waves are reported as generally gentle and the sea calm.

Beachcombers find great rewards, especially when the tide is low enough to allow a walk to Punta Uvita Tombolo, the sandbar that extends 1 km into the Pacific where the rock reef forms, appropriately, the shape of a whale tail.

Boat tours to Ballena Island, 1.9 miles offshore, offer a wonderful opportunity to see plenty of marine life and get much closer to the whales.

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Central America’s largest Pacific coral reef, which forms a crescent with the three small islands called Las Tres Hermanas, grows here. It contains a total of 18 coral species, rendering it one of the best places to observe corals in the area. Snorkelers and divers can easily see 8 coral

communities and 2 coral reefs, mostly of stony coral (Porites lobataI), star column coral (Pavona clavus), and cauliflower coral (Pocillopora elegans). Between Marino Ballena National Park and nearby Cano Island Reserve, snorkelers and divers will find some of the best spots anywhere.

Uvita, at the north end of the park, is a small community with beautiful beaches and clear blue water. Popular for horseback riding, scuba and skin diving, swimming, and beach walks, this beach lies inside the park’s protected area, meaning no marine hunting is allowed. South of the park are the famous sea caves of Ventana Beach.

The park has 4 official access routes, all found from the South Inter-American Highway: Uvita, Colonia, Ballena, and Piùuela. It’s open daily 8-4 and carries an entrance fee of $12 per person. A park ranger station with restrooms is here. No overnighting is allowed in the park but the Uvita area offers many hotels. Canyoning and waterfalls give you additional choices for things to do.

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What to Expect

WHAT TO EXPECT: A thrilling adventure outside your comfort zone, with amazing sites from the underwater world. For this experience you should expect to pay between $120 and $175.

WHAT TO WEAR: A bathing suit and a change of clothes is a must. Board or quick dry shorts or a surfing rash vest are also helpful. Lots of sunscreen!

NECESSARY PHYSICAL CONDITION: Averagely fit. Medical history statements are required.

by Phil O'Shea

DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING ADVENTURes

NECESSARY ATHLETIC ABILITY: As you are planning to dive in the open ocean you should be able to swim and feel comfortable in deep water.

That said you do not need to be a very strong swimmer but it helps.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN: Poolside briefings followed by a pool dive followed by supervised sea dives.

WHERE DOES THIS TAKE PLACE: Briefings and pool dive are at or close to the dive center; sea dives in real diving locations.

All photos courtesy of Scuba Dive Costa Rica

D

iscover Scuba Diving (also sometimes offered as a resort course) is a great way for one to experience how exciting scuba diving really is without a huge time or financial commitment. It is definitely classed as a thrilling adventure even though it does not include high speeds or high altitude. It is a slow and relaxing activity but at the same time for beginners it is extremely exciting and unique.

You need to be averagely fit for this activity. It does not feel like you are exerting yourself but some ocean conditions at the surface and under water can have you looking to catch your breath like you just walked up a steep slope. Also for scuba diving you will need to sign a medical history statement indicating that you do not currently have certain health issues or take medicines that could be contradictory to diving. You should check this medical statement before making a firm booking. Ask your dive center for a copy of the release forms.

The whole activity can be completed in a long morning over 5 hours, which includes your pool dive and up to 2 sea dives. You will begin with a poolside briefing from your Instructor, followed by a short and shallow pool dive to get you acquainted with the Scuba gear. You will perform some basic skills to prepare you for open water dives. These include clearing a mask, removal and clearing of your regulator and swimming around using fins while getting used to buoyancy control.

Following the pool dives you will head out on a dive boat to complete one or more sea dives with your Instructor. You will get to dive on real dive sites just like the other certified divers on your boat but you will be restricted to a maximum depth 10m/30ft. Your experience will be closely supervised by your Instructor and in most cases expect to be grouped with two to three other novices unless you booked a private course.

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

Costa Rica is an excellent place to try diving as there is much to see and for the most part the waters are favorable. Nearly all dive centers will offer Discover Scuba Diving or a resort course.

A couple of important things to remember: as you will be at sea for several hours, if you suffer from motion sickness, you should take appropriate measures well before getting on the boat, since Discover Scuba Diving is a non-certifying experience.

To get certified as a scuba diver requires additional training.

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Adventure Tourist Transportation Playa Grande Kiki's Place Call 8466-3482 costavidacr@gmail.com

Eco Adventure Park

Reliable Transport at Great Prices Flamingo 24 Hr 2654-5151 reservas@ecotranscostarica.com

Pura Aventura

A PADI Dive Center offering daily dives to Las Catalinas Islands. $100

11 cables, swing bridge, and rappel Shuttles from Tamarindo daily

Zip Line, Horseback Mt Bike

Dive Today

Plaza Conchal Tamarindo 7:30am - 5:00pm 8602 6581 info@scubadivecostarica.cr

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Tamarindo Transfers & Tours. Your best option in Guanacaste

Shuttle Express & Tours

Transportation, Tours & Visa Runs Liberia Airport, various tours: ATV Horse, Volcano, Turtle, Bridges, more Tamarindo Per your schedule 8315-8432/6920-0485 info@shuttleexpresstamarindo.com

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Fishing, Scuba Diving, ATV, Horses & National Parks

Downtown Tamarindo Daily, 9:00 am - 8:00 pm 8425-4181 & 8711-9061 cristian@goadventurescostarica.com

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Downtown Tamarindo 8 am to 9 pm 2653-4444 / 009298004621 reservations@tamarindoshuttle.com

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Zip-line, Waterfall, Combo

15 miles from Tamarindo First 8:30am , last 4:00pm 8883-5703 / 2658-0781 info@CanopyPuraAventura.com

TRAVEL / ADVENTURE

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ECOTRANS

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4701 5942 / ads@howlermag.com

Playa Flamingo Daily 9:00am - 4:00 pm 8496-9289 majortourscr@gmail.com

Diamante

Zip Line, Animal Sanctuary, horseback riding, ATV off road tour & more

DIRECTORY

The Best Costa Rica Adventure Tours

Guanacaste Per your schedule 506 6029-6270 WIlliam_tours@yahoo.com

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69

Happenings

by Mariana Castilla

Bringing people together in the community

This month, The Howler is featuring some of the exciting events happening around town, from charity events, to galleries, to theater, to athletic events. This area of Costa Rica always has a full calendar of events that encourages community to come together for a cause, interest, or in the name of fun.

ENTERTAINMENT

Art Wave Children’s Exhibit

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Art Wave is back with an event full of art, music, dance, and activities. Westin, Sur and the Tamarindo Art Foundation joined hands to bring over 50 talented children in from low income backgrounds for the chance to participate in this exhibit. Come join them and support the cause!

When: May 19th and 20th Hours: 4pm-10pm Where: Chiringuito and Selina Cost: Free Contact: info@tamarindoartwave.com / Ann Vervoort (8842-8094)

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Events aren’t open just to those that live here! We encourage those passing through the area to join some of the Happenings in town to gain a sense of life here in Guanacaste.

Check out some of the meaningful community events happening in the area in the coming week:

Romeo and Juliet Street Theater

A talented group of teens from iRen School are bringing Street Theater to Tamarindo! They are currently presenting Romeo & Juliet at different venues around town. You can contact them directly to get the latest update on their schedule.

Cost: Free (donations accepted) Contact: 8729-4857 / www.irencr.com

TIDE Academy Annual Fundraiser

You are all invited to TIDE’s annual fundraiser! There will be delicious food, cocktails, a silent auction and a raffle.

Come have fun in the name of education!

When: Saturday May 13th Hours: 6pm - 10pm Where: Matty’s Deli Cafe Cost: . Adults are $15 presale/$20 at door and kids are $10 presale/$15 at door.

Contact: Emily at tidaldancers@gmail.com

ge Beach Edition Intrepid Challen new l be a big challenge, with

This obstacle race wil and the ocean. Come to obstacles involving sand weather and stunning participate or just enjoy the scenery with the athletes.

When: May 7th Hours: 6am - 4pm Catalinas Where: Playa Danta - Las llenge.com cha pid tre @in info Contact:

Tamarindo Street Food Fiesta

This open local gathering has quickly made its way into people’s hearts. Here you can breathe in the community spirit while you enjoy live music, delicious food, socializing with friends and meeting new people. It is also 100% kid-friendly and pet-friendly.

When: the first Saturday of every month Hours: 6pm - 9pm Where: behind The Shrimp Hole, next to 2001 Supermarket Contact: 8726-0359

Zen Cafe Zen Cafe is finally open! Here you can enjoy Costa Rican and International food in a relaxed envi ronment. Come try their amazing barista coffee, their delic ious brunch menu and their amazing vegan and vegetaria n options. They are kid-friendly, pet-friendly and have a great workspace.

When: Monday-Saturday Hours: 7am-9pm Where: 200 m towards Langosta from Super 2001 (former Kahiki) Contact: zencafecostarica@gmai l.com

FIND HAPPY HOURS

FIND LIVE MUSIC

Scan QR Code

Scan QR Code

Get your event in the HOWLER HAPPENINGS Let the community know CONTACT THE HOWLER: INFO@HOWLERMAG.COM

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71

Spotlight

Before

by Johnny Lahoud

So about a year ago, Mel and Ray Gertz decided to step up and make a community save. They purchased the property and not only did they know they were filling some big shoes but also that preserving this local landmark was the right thing to do.

Their story reads like a lot of long time expats that have made this country their home.

They had traveled the world in search of a quiet little place to settle down. They started coming to the area in 1995 for a vacation to get away from the cold in Alberta, Canada.

And like many Canadian snowbirds, they flocked to Potrero to chillax, talk story and enjoy a cold one at Las Perlas.

Mel aptly described it best by simply stating: “Once we came to Potrero and met the locals we knew we wanted to make it our home.” As Potrero and Surfside started to grow into a town in the mid 2000´s, they decided to pull the cord and left Canada to live the ¨Pura Vida¨ lifestyle in 2005.

Even though Perlas is the most famous local bar and located in the heart of surfside, it was a little rough around the edges after four plus decades of wear and tear. It had 72

THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

changed hands once from the original Perlas, who also hailed from Canada. Then Mel and Ray purchased the bar a year ago which was slated to be torn down for a development. Ray told me: “We knew it needed a facelift, but it turned into a full makeover!”

Now Perlas is better than ever. They refurbished the whole place and have a great new menu that features daily specials. The bar is as good as ever and you can still get the best chili guaro in town and chase it down with an ice cold Imperial. They also have live music 3-4 times a week and pride themselves on finding new local talent and giving them a place to show what they got.

One of the coolest events happens every Monday with a local charity drawing called “Chase the Ace”. It´s a raffle drawing that the winner gets to pick a card, for which you need to be present. Half of all the money collected goes to a great local charity dedicated to helping local children called Abriendo Mentes. It´s just another way that Mel and Ray give back to the community they love.

So if you´re reading this article and are in the area, make sure you head down to Perlas for a cold one, great food, live music and talk story with Mel and Ray. Pura Vida!

Photos by Paul German

A

nyone living in the area knows that Las Perlas has been a staple bar in Playa Potrero for many moons. For the past 42 years, locals and tourists alike have been hanging out and talking story at this famous watering hole.

HOROSCOPE This month’s major planetary changes involve Jupiter going into retrograde motion on the 6th and staying that way for 4 months.

Jupiter’s retrograde period in the sign of Libra generally means one must review behaviors regarding relationships. Venus and Mars

ARIES

The month holds some promising vibes for love and romance as Venus is in your sign the entire month! The first week could be quite exciting as Mercury goes direct on the 3rd, close to the position of unpredictable Uranus! Drive carefully and don’t forget to backup your hard drives as technology devices could be funky at that time.

The whole month looks good for you but the 21st and 22nd are exceptional.

TAURUS

You will have some unusual experiences with some new and possibly shocking information coming to light in the first two weeks of the month. Something is going on behind your back which will start coming to light around the 17th and at the end of the month.

Most of it can be straightened out in June but be cautious about spending money all month. Your best days are the 23rd and 24th.

GEMINI

Mars is in your sign all month making a flirty sextile aspect to Venus so that’s something to get excited about! You’ll be busy, busy, busy with lots of invitations, events and things to do—a situation every Gemini enjoys. You might have an upset with a female friend at the end of the month so choose your words carefully at that time. Keep things light and enjoy the favorable vibes of the new Moon on the 25th and the 26th.

CANCER

The career and public image sector of your chart is very active this month with many opportunities finally starting to show up for you.

Resist the urge to take the first one as signing any contract works out better if delayed until after the 17th. Honor your inherent need for security and negotiate the best terms for you. Give your need to take care of others some time off and take care of yourself first.

Best days for this are the 1st, 27th and 28th.

LEO

This could be a great month for an adventure or two! You may get several surprise offerings for travel locally and abroad this month so make sure your passport is up to date. You have been very busy with the public lately and you do need a break, but part of this travel vibe might have to do with expanding your business. The beginning of the month is likely to be chaotic but it settles down after the 17th. Your stellar days are the 2, 3, 29th and 30th.

VIRGO

The month may start with some strange revelations or unusual circumstances regarding your career or public image. It may take a couple of weeks for you to straighten out the misunderstanding but you will. Be careful what you say to the women in your life at the end of the month as they will be very sensitive to perceived criticism. Things will get easier in the relationship department very soon so hang in there. Your best days are the 4th, 5th and 31st.

MAY 2017 FORECASTS

By JEANNE CALLAHAN

will be traveling through Aries together all month and visible in the evening sky after sunset. Saturn will be transiting over the Galactic Center in Sagittarius this month as well. Talk to your astrologer if you want to know what that means for you personally.

LIBRA

Though Venus is in Aries all month opposing your sign, it is not considered negative as Jupiter in your sign offers some protection and blessings coming due. If you are in a relationship, pay special attention to your loved one as they are likely to be hypersensitive during the last week of the month. Use your compelling grace and charm to smooth any ruffled feathers or hurt feelings. The 6th, 7th and 8th are your days to shine.

SCORPIO

Relationships need some TLC from you this month as 2 planets transit that part of your chart. Your creativity is still heightened but you need to pay more attention to the mundane aspects of time management and delegation of tasks. Finances get a little stressed as some unexpected expenses come up at the end of the month.

Don’t freak out, it will all work out. The 9th and 10th, which is a full Moon, are your best days.

SAGITTARIUS

While you are still feeling like you are burdened by life and juggling too many responsibilities, there’s some reason to feel upbeat as Venus in fiery Aries enters your house of romance, creativity and fun. So get out of your bathrobe and go have some! You will once again feel desirable and attractive and who can’t use a dose of that! Your days to sparkle with wit and charm are the 11th, 12th, and 13th.

CAPRICORN

With Saturn in your house of solitude and karma, you are probably feeling tired and overworked. There’s a little bit of drama happening in your home that spills over into your work life so I can’t recommend you take any time off to rest just yet. Some unexpected news comes in at the end of the month which will cause you to make some changes in your professional life. The women in your life will be testy at the end of the month so be mindful and gentle in your dealings with them. Your best days are the 14th and 15th.

AQUARIUS

There will be some opportunities for some travel and fun this month and you should take advantage of them. There may be some unsettling news coming at the beginning of the month regarding your siblings or neighbors so that may have an effect on what is possible for you in the middle of the month. You get a boost of energy at the end of the month but don’t over exert yourself.

Things should go well for you on the 16th, 17th and 18th.

PISCES

Life picks up the pace this month with some interesting information regarding money, taxes, insurances or legacies coming in at the beginning of the month. You may also need to have some maintenance work done in your residence this month requiring some cash outflow. Nevertheless, it should be a pleasant month with lots of social gatherings and parties. Why not have one yourself! Best days for that would be the 19th and 20th.

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THE HOWLER BOOKSHELF

Two poems Marcet Araya

Responsible Us We come from all over the States Pura vida entwined in our fates.

We say “It’s so dope!”

And build lots of hope.

One by one, we come through the gates.

This beauty is rare to be seen.

Few places remain so pristine.

Yet as we enjoy We also destroy Transforming Mom’s gifts once so clean.

We must show respect for what’s here.

Plants, peeps and all wildlife near.

It’s all someone’s home So our presence—not known!

Our traces should all disappear.

And let us enjoy in good grace Strong conscience, kind heart and good face.

No mark at all Is the best of them all.

Sh-shh. Please respect the whole place.

Turtles’ Rights

I went to the playa to play.

The weather so perfect today!

The scene was serene No souls to be seen Only me and my own unique way!

I headed straight into the sea.

No one else there, only just me.

I took off my clothes Naked down to my toes!

Twists and turns, ups and downs, o yippee!

Then out of nowhere a sight Entered my view from the right.

Two men headed near Uniforms and belt gear.

O crap! All exposed in the light.

“Buenos Días” they said, staring full-on by now Unable to avert their gaze.

“Hola” said I and turned right around Protecting my skin from their rays.

“Qué hace?” said they, speaking still from behind Attempting to lure me their way.

“Nada” said I and kept walking along Attempting to enjoy the day.

Turns out I couldn’t be there, one finally said Recovered enough for clear speech.

“Closed for the turtles” they told me that day As they guided me off of the beach.

So much for my play day alone— I thought the beach I did own!

But I enjoyed the day In my usual way— Then got scolded and off the beach thrown.

Welcome to The Howler bookshelf! If you come to know of books we may be interested in publicizing, or if you write creatively and would like The Howler to consider your work for publication, please email: editor@howlermag.com.

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DINING GUIDE

GOOD FOOD GOOD TIMES

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75

TAMARINDO-LANGOSTA

DINING GUIDE

El Barco - Restaurant del Capitรกn Suizo: Beachfront Restaurant

Hotel Capitรกn Suizo, Main Road to Langosta Hours of Operations Everyday 12:00 am - 10:00 pm

Our objective is to provide fresh, healthy and balanced dishes, which showcase the flavors of Costa Rica with a European twist in a peaceful atmosphere. Our beachfront restaurant offers an oasis with impeccable and friendly service. Come relax and enjoy your experience with fantastic food and drinks.

Phone: 2653-0075 concierge@hotelcapitansuizo.com Specialties Mon & Wed Marimba music at dinner

MENU SELECTIONS Superfood (lunch)

$16.00

Tuna Tartar

$15.00

Shrimp Tacos (lunch)

$15.00

Caldereta de Mariscos

$21.00

Chifri Capitรกn (lunch)

$12.00

Lomito

$29.00

Chickpea salad - Organic goat feta, avocado, grilled chilies and chia

Served with coleslaw, pineapple & basil guacamole and orange teriyaki

TAMARINDO

Fried pork bits with beans, rice and homemade tortilla chips

HiR Fine Dining:

Tamarindo / Pinilla Hours of Operations 4:30 pm - 11:00 pm Phone: 8416-1010 Specialties Fish & Seafood Exotic vegetables & fruits Fine dining experience

Discovery Menus

MENU SELECTIONS

Beef tenderloin with a ginger and tamarind gravy served with Rรถsti and vegetables

Off the Tamarindo Circle

Burgers, Wings and Fries

No Hurries, No Worries, No Rice and Beans!! Burgers, Wings, Fries and Milkshakes (The Best In Town).

Hours of Operations 11: 00 am - 8:30 pm Thursdays Closed Phone: 2653-2346 Specialties Burgers, wings and milkshakes

MENU SELECTIONS

7 Plates Fish Menu

$75

Blue Ribbon Blue Cheese Burger

c4,550

Michelin Star Chef

$75

Boneless Wings (8 Pieces)

c4,000

Raw and cooked fish in the jungle of Costa Rica

6 Plates menu with meat, fish or vegetarian

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Octopus, calamari, mussels & shrimp stew in a tomato & thyme sauce with rice

The Surf Shack

4 days a week international chefs like Michelin star Quentin Villers create discovery menus at HiR. Every dinner has 6 to 10 plates. 8 guests per dinner.

Tuna tartar with capers & mango with a cilantro, ginger & soya vinaigrette

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Blue cheese, bacon, sauteed onions and garlic

Sauces include mild, medium, hot, mango or honey BBQ

DINING GUIDE

Phone: 2244-4915

Tony's Pizza

Italian Pizza

New York Style Pizza and Pizza by the slice, Lasagna, Meatball Parmigiana

Specialties New York style pizzas and by the slice, Meatball Parmigiana, Lasagna

VILLARREAL

Hours of Operations 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

TAMARINDO

Tamarindo, located beside Mr. Toms

La ReinaPepiada

50m NW from Gollo store Hours of Operations Mon - Sat 8:00 am to 9:30 pm

Areperia, fast-food

Venezuelan arepas, empanadas, tequeĂąos, pabellon, chifrijo and vegetarian plates. We also have the best hamburgers and burritos in town.

MENU SELECTIONS

Phone: 702-4054 Specialties Arepas Reina Pepiada, Llanera, empanada, tequeĂąo, burrito, DoublePlay hamburger

MENU SELECTIONS

Pepperoni Pizza

c6,900

Pernil Arepa

c2.800

Lasagna

c3,500

Pabellon

c4.200

Pepperoni Pizza New York Style

Lasagna mozzarella, ricotta, ground beef

GlutenFree maize arepa filled with porc, fresh tomato

Shredded beef, rice, beans, platain and avocado

Outside dining under a Costa Rican Rancho. Specializing in Argentine Barbecue: Fresh seafood and the highest quality meat: beef and chicken. A true barbecue feast!

Also offering pastas, pizza and salads. Come on Friday night to enjoy great music and drinks with friends. Free boat rides to and from Tamarindo throughout the night!

200 meters West of Bula Bula next to Wil-Mart palm beach Hours of Operations Daily 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

MENU SELECTIONS Ceviche Frsh Special

Casado: Beef, Fish, Chicken or Pork

Hamburger and Fries

Grilled Chicken Breast

Pizza Made Fresh to Order

Served Tico Style

Chicken Breast in Amazing Mushroom sauce and great sides

Phone: 2249-0387 Specialties Sunday night BBQ $10 Platters

BBQ Platters

Beef tenderloin, Surf & Turf Ribs or Mahi Mahi With amazing sides

PALM BEACH

Seven Cave Bar and Grill: Barbeque, Pizza and Costa Rican Seafood

Black Oyster, Fish or Shrimp

Homemade Fresh Burgers

Homemade fresh ingredients

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77

PALM BEACH

DINING GUIDE

Palm Beach - Next to the estuary Hours of Operations Breakfast: 7:30 am - 11:00 am Lunch: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Dinner: 5:30 am - 9:00 pm Phone: 2653-0975 Email: frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com Specialties Daily: Sunset Happy Hour 4:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday: Mexican All you care to eat Buffet 5:30 am - 8:30 pm

The Great Waltini's - Bula Bula: American Fusion Cuisine Enjoy casual fine dining and experience “A fusion of the Americas” in a tranquil and inviting setting. At the Great Waltini’s, you can enjoy a sumptuous meal in an attractive dining area or choose to sit under the stars and enjoy your meal on the garden patio.

Choose from house-aged steaks, seafood dishes, and down home fare. Top with cocktails and desserts—the complete experience.

Located in beautiful Palm Beach Estates next to the estuary. Easily accessible from Tamarindo via a boat taxi (complimentary with dinner purchase). Pick up time 5:00 pm 5:30 pm 6:00 pm. Please call before 2:00 pm to reserve boat taxi (2653-0975).

Happy Hour – includes domestic beer, well drinks, Giant famous Bula margaritas and appetizer specials.

MENU SELECTIONS Ahi Tuna

Annie's Salad

Double Cut Pork Chop

Hand Carved Turkey

Blackened Shrimp Salad

Aged Filet Mignon

Mahi-Mahi

Baked Lasagna

St. Louis Style Pork Ribs

Mixed Seafood Combo

Aged New York Steak

Mango Duckling

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

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THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

Blackened chicken breast with avocado over crisp greens and fresh vegetables Blackened jumbo shrimp, sliced avocado over fresh lettuce and fresh vegetables Italian sausage, beef & pork, tomato, ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese 10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce

10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au Poivre in brandy cream sauce 10oz cut prepared charbroiled, blackened or au poivre in brandy cream sauce Baked until tender and served with our famous Bula Bula BBQ sauce Crispy half duckling with a spicy mango glaze and house made tropical chutney

DINING GUIDE

BRASILITO

Tiki’s Seaside Grille: International Cuisine Tikis Seaside Grille is a beautiful location with a spectacular ocean and sunset views.

The perfect place to enjoy fresh-made foods from breakfast to dinner. We feature 12 local beers on tap.

MENU SELECTIONS Cacique Mussels

c4000

Sautéed with Cacique liquor, garlic and parsley

Tiki Burger

Phone: 2654-9028

Topped with Swiss cheese, mushrooms & onions

c6500

Churrasco Steak

c9500

Cuban Sandwich

c6000

Pargo

c9800

Braised pork mustard, Swiss cheese, pickles, and ham

Hours of Operations Daily 8:00 am - 10:00 pm

c7000

Avocado Shrimp Salad

Tossed with veggies. Served with toasted garlic bread

180 Brasilito, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Conveniently located on the main corner in Brasilito

Specialties Sunday Brunch 9:00 am -1:00 pm

Delmonico cut, rosemary potatoes & grilled vegetable skewer

Whole snapper in garlic sauce with rice and sautéed vegetables

Angelina's captures the essence of the love of family and fine dining. Angelina's specializes in Himilayan Salt Aged Beef, Sustainable fish and seafood, and hearth stone artisan pizza. To make reservations or see our full menu visit our website at www.angelinasplayaflamingo.com.

Commercial center "La Plaza" Playa Flamingo Hours of Operations 5 pm - 10 pm open 7 days a week

MENU SELECTIONS Pulpo

Guiseppe Pizza

House Buratta

30-Day Dry Aged Ribeye

Grilled octopus, smokey eggplant, sweet potato, harissa

Cherry tomato confit, aged balsamic, grilled baguette

Goat Cheese Ravioli

Almond basil pesto, spring vegetables, oyster mushrooms, aged pecorino

PLAVA FLAMINGO

Angelina's: Fine Dining

Phone: 2654-4839

House sausage, roasted peppers, mushrooms, caramelized onion, sesame crust

Specialties Dry aged beef Sustainable seafood Artisan pizza

Camote hash, arugula, house demi glaze

Brodetto Italian Seafood Stew

Lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, octopus and sea bass in a lobster tomato broth Read online, like and share

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79

SURFSIDE POTRERO

DINING GUIDE

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

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

MENU SELECTIONS Pad Thai

c4000

Numu Angus Burger

Numu Roll

c4500

Grilled Tenderloin

Kung Poa Chicken

c5000

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

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

SURFSIDE POTRERO

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

HWY 911 (Main Road) intersection Avenida Tres Hours of Operations Daily 7:00 am - 12:00 am Phone: 2654-4500 Specialties Live bands, DJs or Karaoke

Seabass

c9800

Pink peppercorn sauce, capers, choice of two sides

The premier sports and entertainment bar in Potrero: dartboards, free pool table & more. A complete menu from local fare, tasty pub food and amazing seafood. Food and drink specials every night. Light menu after 11 pm. Friday night - Chase the Ace raffle for Charities

MENU SELECTIONS Eggs Benedict

c4000

Perla’s Double Cheeseburger c7500 Two beef patty, cheddar, onions, lettuce, tomato

Beef, Fish or Pork Casado

c4800

Served with rice, beans, salad & plantain

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c10000

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

Perlas: Sports and Entertainment Restaurant & Bar

Served with bacon and hash browns

80

c4500

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

Fajita Lava Bowl - beef or chicken c8000 Peppers, onions, mushrooms & cheese in lava bowl

Blackened Tuna Steak

c8000

Tenderloin Steak Dinner

c9000

Served with Perlas’s special potatoes & veggies

8 OZ choice beef, grilled onions, peppers & potatoes

DINING GUIDE

Private residence on the beach transformed into a quaint restaurant and bar, renowned for its fresh seafood. Come and enjoy incredible food and awesome sunsets and views of the Pacific Ocean.

Hours of Operations 11:00 am - 9:00 pm Phone: 2654-6203 Specialties Fresh seafood, Epic sunset view

MENU SELECTIONS Grilled Scallops

c5000

Onion Rings

c3500

Catch of the Day

c9000

Jambalaya

c7500

Angus Tenderloin

c11000

Pesto Tuna Sandwich

c7000

Grilled in a bath of cacique liquor, lime and garlic

Tropical salsa, grilled vegetables & potatoes or rice

Grilled to perfection with vegetables & rosemary potatoes

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

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

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

Located in a beautiful garden setting, great pool table for the adults, and lots of room to run around for the kids. Cater to all eaters, veggies, kids, meat eaters, and even non eaters. We are now open for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, until 8 pm, daily.

420 Aveinda Tres, Surfside Estates, Playa Potrero, Costa Rica Hours of Operations 7:00 am to 8:00 pm Phone: 2654-4319

MENU SELECTIONS Bacon, cheese, grilled onions and homemade chile verde sauce

Vegi's Gone Wild

Specialty salads will amaze you

c6500

c5500

Homemade Sausage Sandwich c5000 Made with real maple syrup

Hand Cut Fries

c2000

Appetizers

c Vary

Traditional Mexican Food

c Vary

The best fresh hand-cut fries

A great selection of Items to pick

Taco, burritos, enchiladas, salads

SURFSIDE POTRERO

Maxwell’s: California Cuisine

Ultimate Burger

SURFSIDE POTRERO

800 M Norte Banco Nacional Potrero

The Beach House

Specialties Breakfast, Burgers and Beer

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Main Road to Langosta Everyday 12:00 am 10:00 pm 2653-0073 concierge@hotelcapitansuizo.com

International chefs, Michelin star Quentin Villers 8 guests per dinner

BBQ, Pizza and Costa Rican Seafood

The Great Waltini's

Surf Shack Burgers and Wings family friendly at reasonable prices

Great Restaurant Bar, Happy Hours and Specials

Best Restaurant in the Jungle

Burgers and Wings

Follow Signs M - Sun Break, Lunch, Dinner 2653-0975 frontdesk@hotelbulabula.com

Pura Vida Flavours More than exquisite meals Discover Pura Vida Flavours Across for Witch's Rock Tues - Sunday 2653-0086 katharina.elcoconut@gmail.com THE HOWLER MAGAZINE

PLAYA GRANDE

Off Tamarindo Circle 11am to 8 pm Closed Thurs 2653-2346

EL Coconut

Brisket, Ribs and all the Fixins

Mordo's Fish and Chips Fresh, Hot and Alot

Fresh, fast and delicious, Open late Friday for live music at Wil-Mart Playa Grande next to Wil-Mart Tue-Sun 11-3 and 5-9 Fri Late 8577-4054 smdrm23@gmail.com

At BW Hotel Huacas Daily 2653-6818

SODA GUAYMY Soda Guaymy

Typical & Rustic Food Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Drinks Huacas Daily 06:00 am - 09:00 pm 7028-3264 Jimemurillo98@hotmail.com

200 W of Bula Bula 8am to 9pm 2249-0387 adreinapepiada@gmail.com

Surf Shack

EL COCONUT

BBQ

Restaurant

PALM BEACH

TAMARINDO

50 mts N/O de Gollo Store 11:30 am to 8:00 pm 4702-4054 adreinapepiada@gmail.com

Seven Cave Bar & Grill

Tamarindo / Panilla 4:30 to 11:00 pm 8416-1010

TEXAS BBQ

Hidden treasure of the most traditional Venezuelan foods

HiR Fine Dining Specialty Experience

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Venezuelan Comfort Food

HUACAS

Fresh healthy cuisine with a European twist

La Reina Pepiada

BRASILITO

Beachfront Restaurant

Tikis Seaside Grill International Cuisine

International Cuisine / Sunday Brunch / 12 local Beer on tap Main Corner Brasilito 8am to 10 pm 2654-9028

PLAYA FLAMINGO

El Barco

VILLARREAL

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Angelina's Fine Dining

Dry aged beef Sustainable seafood Artisan pizza Commercial center "La Plaza" 5 pm - 10 pm open 7 days a week 2654-4839

CONTRIBUTOR

Perlas

Sports and Entertainment Sports, Entertainment Restaurant and Bar Hwy 911 Main Road Av, Tres 7am to Midnight 2654-4500

NUMU

International Cuisine

SURFSIDE POTRERO

Eclectic fusion International cuisines pad thai, sushi and red curry.

East of Bahia del Sol 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm 4702-8689

Marcet Araya. BA English Lit, UC Berkeley.

Former writing instructor. marcet.araya@gmail.com.

Johnny Lahoud. Owner/broker of Pura Vida Realty, Playa Grande. He loves Costa Rica a lot. pvrealty@gmail.com

Gregory Basco. Award-winning professional nature photographer and environmentalist. www.deepgreenphotography.com, www.fotoverdetours.com

Phil O'Shea. Owner of ScubaDive Costa Rica

Jesse Bishop. Long-term Guanacaste resident.

Mary Byerly. HIghly certified yoga instructor.

Guiding others to live vibrantly, creating positive change one person at a time. panaceacr@gmail.com Jeanne Callahan. Astrologer. Aware, smart, funny and interested in everything under the Sun! jeanne@celestialadvisor.com. www.celestialadvisor.com Gilberth Cavallini. Veterinary Doctor, owner Cavallini Veterinary Services, Villarreal (MegaSuper Plaza) tamarindovet@gmail.com Anne-Marie Fischer. Canadian freelance writer and owner of The Drifter’s Ink Tattoo in Tamarindo annemarieefischer@gmail.com Ivan Granados. Managing Partner at GM Attorneys. He specializes in real estate and corporate law. igranados@gmattorneyscr.com

BEACH HOUSE Fresh Seafood

Best Sunset Cocktails and Beach Food

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

Patricia Vieira. Intuitive Holistic Therapist & Teacher. theempoweryourselfproject.com Sylvia Monge. Owner of Spanish for Expats, a tutoring and translation service. spanishfhorexpats23@gmail.com.

Serena Nava. 14-year old competitive surfer with her eyes on the prize. Her father’s email: jetty-rat@hotmail.com Tom Peifer. Ecological land use consultant with 20 years experience in Guanacaste.

2658-8018. tompeiferecv@gmail.com Riley Seebeck. Trailbuilder, photographer and bike advocate often found on a mountainside somewhere. flowphotoco.com, rileyseebeck@gmail.com, Susan R. Smith. Student of Zen Master Venerable Thich Naht Hanh. Co-founder of Pura Vida Sangha: Sundays 10:20a.m., Rip Jack Inn yoga studio, Playa Grande. meditationcostarica@gmail.com Ryan Waldron. BS Atmospheric Science, surfer. ryan@witchsrock.com Herbert Weinman, MD, MBA.Herbert M. Weinman, MD, MBA. thedoctorisinsharkfm@ gmail.com

Road to Surfside 11am to 9 pm 2654-6203

DIRECTORY

Maxwell's

Breakfast, Burgers and Beer

4701 5942 / ads@howlermag.com

Lovely jungle garden with an occasional musician playing 420 Av Tres 7am to 8 pm 2654-4319

Help us better serve you!

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TATTOOING TAMARINDO Look around Tamarindo area and you’ll see very colorful people: Tattoo culture is thriving. From long-time tattoo enthusiasts, to those searching for “pura vida” in permanent form, to first-timers under the needle, Tamarindo has become a popular destination for those interested in putting ink into their skin.

The Tamarindo area is home to some very talented tattoo artists and well-established tattoo studios, including The Drifter’s Ink. Our role as artists is to blend advanced artistry and customer service with tattoo procedures that put the health and safety of the client at the forefront.

When visiting Tamarindo’s tattoo studios, we recommend you ensure clarity on safety procedures and sterilization. Shop cleanliness and customer service should be visible the second you walk in the door.

Make sure you build a rapport with your artist before getting tattooed.

Be mindful about how your new tattoos can be negatively affected by the Costa Rican sun, sand and surf – for tourists, we recommend booking your tattoo appointment for a day or two before you leave.

The Drifter’s Ink Tattoo

Plaza Tamarindo #20 driftersinktattoo@gmail.com www.driftersinktattoo.com Facebook & Instagram: @driftersinktattoo (located across from Sharky’s, beside Nordico Coffee & Pura Vegan)

100% Disposable Materials

• Custom

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Bloodborne Pathogens Certified Designs • Walk-Ins Welcome • Now Featuring 2 Artists!

•

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MOSQUITOS AREN'T IN THE DREAM FOR LOCAL SOLUTIONS CALL 8595 3569

BRUCE SCOTT 506-8379-0168 bucescott.scott@hotmail.com

CONNIE LÓPEZ 506-7572-1957

QUALITY CUSTOM MADE

FURNITURE

NEW INVENTORY WEEKLY

DIRECTORY

4701 5942 / ads@howlermag.com

Designers Welcome Magazine

• Open 7 days • 8am-5pm • English Spoken

HOWLERMAG.COM

Main Road Huacas to Tamarindo 1200 meters Read online, like and share

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Open Daily 7am to 9pm

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

Open Daily 7am to 9pm

Club Card Member

±ĎįíçįPØÙįĉĽğqÀPĤ ĥįŊÃıÁį ØĽdį Pğ

:Pʼn į

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

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