HOWLER Troop
Howler looks skyward, to Costa Rica’s rainforest treetops and beyond, in our August cover story. For one of the world’s most richly blessed countries on so many biodiversity counts, being right up there as a favorite birding paradise seems only natural. We revisit five of the many bird species featured in past magazine issues: toucans, oropendolas, motmots, scarlet macaws and cuckoos. Discover more birds and other creatures on land and underwater in this month’s Travel & Adventure section. First explore three of Costa Rica’s most exquisite yachting destinations: Cocos Island, the Osa Peninsula and Gulf of Papagayo. Then take a boat tour through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, teeming with non-human life during rainy season to delight visitors.
As surfing makes its Olympic debut this summer, we celebrate Costa Rica’s global prominence with two iconic contenders: Brisa Hennessy and Leilani McGonagle.
Nicoya’s longevity renown as one of the world’s five Blue Zones is the subject of our Cultural Heritage feature, while the Artist Spotlight is on Fernán Salazar’s glass fusion talents. CR Biz offers entrepreneurial advice on resetting your mindset, and information on joint tenancy property titles and the new law promoting foreign and investment and relocation in Costa Rica. In our Pura Vida section you’ll learn about ginger’s health benefits and mindfully embracing peace and abundance. Also find out from our featured contributor, Chuhan Zhou, what a big impact one small-scale community composting project can make by setting the right dynamic example for waste management.
Jessie Rowan. Multimedia journalist and photographer originally from California. Former Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting grantee and global health reporter. Passion for surfing and traveling. jessierowan2929@gmail.com
Laura Méndez. Founder of Pura Vida Vibrations. Offering sound journeys, breathwork experiences, cacao ceremonies & other activities. hello@puravidavibrations.com
Mary Martin Mason. Published author whose latest book, Casa de Doloros, was inspired by her experiences and adventures as a U.S. expat living in Atenas, Costa Rica. A regular writer for the Mango Musings blog, and also an awardwinning former columnist with The Southwest Journal in Minneapolis, who also taught high school English in Houston, Japan and Minnesota.
Nora Walsh. Award-winning journalist and copywriter specializing in luxury travel, hospitality and Latin America. She writes for national newspapers, magazines and online publications focusing on experiential travel, destination guides, luxury hotels, spas, dining and design.
Rick Philps. Canadian who practiced law in Victoria, BC before moving to Costa Rica in 1998. He has practiced law here for 17 years, having continued his education in civil law and notary and registry law. Offers legal due diligence seminars and consultations in the Gold Coast area for expats moving, or considering moving to Costa Rica. Contact rick@costaricacanadalaw.com or visit www.costaricacanadalaw.com
Tom Schultz. BS Biology and Geology, avid birder and nature photographer, retired software executive. tom@pananima.com