Quepolandia

Sloth Speedways: Race to Freedom

Three fingered sloth mom & baby crossing via Sloth Speedway

By Seda Sejud, Chief Sloth Ambassador, The Sloth Institute Costa Rica

At The Sloth Institute, we are excited to begin progress, slow as it may seem (but how appropriate!) towards the 3rd tenet of our mission statement: CONSERVATION. As we help negate human encroachment issues that impact sloths’ welfare and habitats.

We all witness the expansion of development projects everywhere. Our world is getting more crowded and many of us are seeking less developed places to escape to and live. The downside of this is that in so many places, like Costa Rica, there is a large negative impact on wildlife created by human encroachment. A single tree removed can create a life-threatening situation for a sloth and can prevent them from getting to much needed food or shelter. Unable to reach the next tree, sloths are forced to come down to the ground, where they are most exposed to danger, to travel across. Once on the ground, sloth’s encounter dogs, snakes, ocelots, and cars, all a certain threat to the safety and livelihood of the individual. While monkeys can easily jump to another tree, a sloth has no choice but to go to the ground to travel where gaps in the trees are present.

Heartworm Disease

(en español)

Heartworm infection, caused by Dirofilaria immitis parasite, through a mosquito bite (mosquitoes can bite your neighbour´s pets and then yours), it affects both cats and dogs. Although prevalence is higher in some areas than in others, the disease has been widespread, it was diagnosed in Quepos and in almost the whole Pacific area in Costa Rica. Dogs and cats that are heartworm infected may or may not be symptomatic.

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Gusano del corazón

(In English)
La infección del gusano del corazón es causada por un parasito Dirofilaria immitis, y se transmite por la picadura de un mosquito (este pude picar a varios perros e infectarlos), es un gran problema que afecta tanto a perros como gatos. También hay ciertas zonas que son más afectadas que otras, aquí en Quepos se ha diagnosticado y es un problema así como en casi toda la región del Pacifico en Costa Rica. Los perros y gatos afectados pueden o no tener síntomas y usualmente son detectados en los controles de rutina que realizamos los veterinarios.

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What’s Shaking at Marina Pez Vela? – August 2017

MAMA, MADRE, MOM, MAMI..YES MAAM, SI SEÑORA!

While there is a lot to report and update everyone for here at Marina Pez Vela, nothing is more important than extending our thanks, congratulations and love for all the Mothers out there in our community. We have a fantastic month of activities in the project and in the waters just outside and we hope that everyone can share and create some memories with their mothers here at Marina Pez Vela.

MOTHERS DAY EVENTS AT MPV

Saturday, August 12 at 6:00 pm in the amphitheater at Marina Pez Vela we will have a live concert with Roger Morales and company. Roger made national news with his amazing run on a program on Teletica, Cantando por un Sueno, and his amazing voice and personality which exemplifies the best our community and has blessed our community ever since. Access is FREE and we encourage you to reserve in advance for seating at our restaurants which will have a great view and setting so you can have a special dinner with your Mom and listen to the best voices from our community.

That’s Fishin’ – August 2017

By Benn Gilmour

Welcome to the fishing promised land, a.k.a. Quepos, Costa Rica. If you’re new or just visiting, make sure to go down to Marina Pez Vela and check out all your fishing choices. There’s plenty there. We’ve got a world record bite, world record holding anglers and captains—the only thing missing is you, and unfortunately me. That’s why after 3 years of writing the fishing article for Quepolandia, I am stepping down and handing over my fishing article to Benn Gilmour. It’s one hard thing to do, but I feel happy that my readers will be entertained now by a close friend and very well respected fisherman in our community. I love you all and greatly miss the good friends that I’ve made while living in Quepos. Don’t get too upset though, because Sarah has big plans for the fish and otherwise. You’ll be seeing me sooner than you think! Until then, I leave you in Benn’s most capable hands. Tight lines friends. See you on the water! Sarah Munro

MARLIN, MARLIN, MARLIN!

Blue Marlin

If catching a Marlin is on your bucket list…do not stop reading! Some years ago around 100 miles Offshore from Quepos, the BEST BLUE MARLIN FISHING ON THE PLANET was discovered at the area known as the Seamounts/FADs. The area possesses an incredible series of underwater mountains where the Sport Fishing Industry has worked together to deploy FADs (Fish Aggregating Devices) on top of these underwater Seamounts creating artificial structure to attract baitfish, which in turn attracts the big predators…namely, Blue Marlin!

I got to experience a FAD trip for myself just a few weeks ago aboard CARIBSEA, a 46’ Guthrie and a real classic Sportfisher based here at the Marina Pez Vela. We did a 2 night trip which included one full day (around 13 hours!) of fishing at the FADs, non-stop from the moment it was light, until the sun dipped over the horizon. And wow, those sunsets when you are bobbing around 100 miles off the coast, simply breath-taking!

¿Qué Pasa en Quepos? – August 2017

Bienvenidos… Welcome and let the fun begin.

Our amazing beaches to stroll, surf or just tranquilo await you. For an over the top view of Manuel Antonio National Park try parasailing with Aquas Azules. World class sport fishing and a fleet of boats to get you there are waiting at Marina Pez Vela. We have tours from skydiving (Skydive Costa Rica) to snorkeling (Sunset Sails) and everything in between. Whether you want to relax and enjoy the nature with Kayak Lodge or Tucanes mangrove tours, or for a little more adrenaline try white water rafting with Quepoa Expeditions. Our mangroves and rivers are as magical as our coastlines. To experience the jungle canopy try zip lining with Titi Canopy Tours. Or the first of its kind the Eco-Tram at Hacienda Baru (tell Jack we sent you) where you can get up close and personal with nature. August is the beginning of whale season so while enjoying your cocktail at our many fine restaurants with a view, pay attention off the coast. You never know when a pod of Humpbacks will swim by.

We want to thank Gaia Hotel & Reserve for the mommy Sloth cover. We also want to wish all you ladies a wonderful Mother’s Day (Aug 15). We would not be possible without you. So don’t make mom cook take advantage of our incredible selection of restaurants in the area. I am sure she would also love a massage or a family portrait (Sarah Yunker Photography). Moms… ENJOY YOUR DAY!!!

We would like to welcome our new advertisers that help make this magazine possible: E&T Escrow and Trust, Manuel Antonio Estates/Palmas Pacifica, & Get It Here Jerry.

We hope you enjoy our magazine and it helps guide you through this enchanting paradise we call home. You can always follow and share us here and on facebook.com/quepolandia. We appreciate your comments and photos.

Peace and Enjoy…D

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The Sloth Freedom Project®

Female three-fingered sloth

By Sam Trull, Co-Founder and Sloth Director at The Sloth Institute Costa Rica

Definition of Freedom—”the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint.”

One of the main tenants—of The Sloth Institute is to improve the welfare of sloths. Providing proper enrichment and wild foods are a great way to improve the lives of captive sloths on their journey through rehabilitation. But ultimately, there is no greater way to enhance a sloth’s welfare (or really any creature’s welfare) than by giving them their freedom. As humans, we are sometimes so arrogant to assume that other creatures aren’t smart enough or aware enough to have desires beyond being well fed and safe but in reality the ability to make your own decisions creates feelings of relief that pass species boundaries. From a scientific perspective, the assets of freedom can be explained by detailing the benefits of a life in their natural environment. For example, with sloths it is stressful to not live in a habitat where they can climb high and find adequate hiding locations. This behavioral desire can be explained by a need to avoid predators and find shelter in a storm, but what if it also just ‘feels right’? What if they have an ‘unexplainable’ urge to make decisions for themselves and there’s no scientific proof to make it valid? What is curiosity and why do so many creatures have this drive to explore? Sloths are curious and enjoy exploration and only freedom in a natural jungle environment can satisfy those needs.

Reiki

Universal Life Energy

By Danni Coyote

You have probably heard the term reiki at some point, andperhaps your immediate reaction was, Yeah, whatever, as you rolled your third eye to dispel images of healers laying hands on terminally ill patients. Admittedly, it
does sound preposterous and illogical when you consider that we live in a time in which we are so conditioned to disconnect the body from the spirit. So, what exactly is reiki, anyway? The truth is actually a lot less magical and more simple than you would imagine.

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TOP KITCHEN MUST-HAVES

Design Wise
By Shelagh Duncan

The two most important areas in any home are the kitchens and the bathrooms—especially to potential home buyers. Those two rooms will have a biggest influence on any purchaser. You know that feeling when you walk into a friends’ kitchen that is fabulous—you just stand there, and experience it. Then you lust after it!

We would all love to have huge fully tricked out kitchens, but often we are not that lucky. We don’t have the space, the money or sometimes even the ideas on how to make that happen.

Including some “must haves” into our kitchens can greatly increase its functionality, beauty and of course its value.

These are some of my must-haves:

Appliance Garage

These are great for storing small appliances and can fit into corners or at the end of your work space. Add an electrical outlet too if possible, to add to the convenience. Think about what you want to go in there and you will have an idea of the size you will need. If you have lots of counter space—or lots of small appliances—you could have two!

Stan Astrachan

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Anthems

Fiddlin'Around Like many of us, I watched the sickening images from the terrorist attack at the Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, then I watched the benefit concert that she and other musicians played after the dust had settled a bit. The spunk and attitude from the mostly young girls who are Grande’s fan base was inspiring, and I was moved by her closing rendition of ‘Over the Rainbow’. I’ve played or heard that song being played a million times, usually in positive and happy settings, but the sweet and kind of naïve lyrics will never be the same for me. It is, of course, from the 1939 movie “Wizard of Oz”, and was sung by a young Judy Garland about 5 minutes into the film when she’s trying to tell her aunt and uncle about a bad experience she had with the local mean old spinster.
She’s told to “Find yourself a place where you won’t get into any trouble.” So Dorothy says to her little dog, “Do you suppose there is such a place, Toto? There must be. It’s not a place you can get to by boat, or a train. It’s far, far away. Behind the moon, beyond the rain…..somewhere over the rainbow…..” A lovely song full of youthful innocence, is now an anthem because of an ugly thing. A profound and sad loss of innocence. It did get me thinking about how songs become anthems—and I figure I should fess up to my anthem experience.

KSTR – July 2017

By Lexi Baca and Cameron Dabbiere

Hello again, ladies and gentlemen! And of course, any monkey or other type of Costa Rican animal that has come across this article. I hope your day is going well! I feel like it has been awhile. Today I get to talk about a new and exciting thing that happened while I was away.

Last April, there was a huge yacht parked in the Marina Pez Vela. Did any of you notice it? It was probably the biggest boat we’ve ever had at the Marina!

On that boat, believe it or not, lives a 10-year-old boy with his twin brother, younger brother, older sister, mom, dad, teacher, and nanny. His name is Cameron, and he came to visit us at KSTR during his trip here. Cameron shared that he loves animals and that because of inspirational experiences like visiting KTSR, he wants to be both a naturalist and a crew member when he grows up!

His family left Costa Rica a few days later and headed for the Galapagos Islands, followed by the French Polynesian islands including the Marquesas and the Tuamotus among other exotic places – we can’t keep up with them! This month, Cameron sent us a travel journal reflection from his time at KTSR in Costa Rica.

PLANTING SEASON HAS ARRIVED!

H2O Escuela Villa Nueva Tree Planting

The Titi Conservation Alliance was founded over 15 years ago to promote the sustainable habitat of the Squirrel Monkey, or Mono Titi, and other species as well, by focusing on 2 major areas-reforestation of lands within the Naranjo River Biological Corridor and environmental education of school children in the area. Every year since 2001, we have planted between 3000 to 5000 trees on properties owned by more than 40 collaborating local landowners. The trees are planted by school children as part of the education program and by our member volunteers. TCA also donates trees to individuals and partner organizations who are interested in reforesting areas of their private properties.

This year we started our planting program for 2017 in early May with a celebration of Earth Day at the Escuela Villa Nueva. Villa Nueva is a small community located outside of Quepos, at the base of Cerro Nara where the watershed for Quepos and Manuel Antonio is located. This school has received the Blue Flag award for several years and also has an active nursery greenhouse for teaching plant biology to the kids. The school planted 200 trees on property owned by Guillermo Rodriguez.

All In The Family

memoirs of a massuer header Depression, feeling alone, constant fatigue, poor sleep, and heaviness within our heart and soul is a human state that everyone goes through. The best counter to this type of malaise is pulling yourself up by the shoestrings and to get moving. Drinking alcohol and poor diet selections only further the descent into a black hole. Beyond the physical change the best remedy can be socializing. Although we are far removed from primates (or are we?) an alone primate is a sick or troubled one. Humans need to be among others, we have forever been tribal animals that flourish when we feel important and are part of a whole. In my younger years it never occurred to me that this aspect of day to day life was so important. Granted, I rarely lived in one location for more than a year or two, but only until I moved to Manuel Antonio was I able to feel the love of so many. Even before social media (which is a false family) the pure act of running into people in Quepos, at the gym, or on the beach was usually delightful. Holing up in an apartment or home benefits nobody. As we lose ourselves to Netflix, the comfort of over-eating, and then despair, it is important to remember help is always available. The simple act of calling a friend can heal. We must remind ourselves that when we are at our lowest, we must reach out and get involved with others to increase our energy.

Spanish Sucks – July 2017

¡Happy New 70 Verbs!

¡Happy New Flashcards!

Parte V

¡Hola amigos! How did you do filling the previous seven verbs? Remember to check your answer on this link: printable-spanish-flashcards/

This month there are seven new verbs. Fill the boxes with the conjugations of the verbs in present tense…

Remember that I chose those 70 verbs based on the frequency of use, the importance of complexity and the pattern of conjugation… Every month I will give you seven flashcards to feel! Go to my website and compare your fillings with mine: oscostarica.com/printable-spanish-flashcards/

Spanish Sucks

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