Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter Edition no. 132

We felt it was important to pass on some information given to us by Karol Allard of Salve Monos in Playa Hermosa (Save the Monkeys) to everyone that might help save some monkey habitat and make it safer for them to live.  This is an article that was first published by the Nosara Refuge for Wildlife but it applies the same to our area.  Check out Salve Monos on their facebook page at facebook.com/SalveMonosHermosa or send them an email at salvemonosplayahermosa@gmail.com.  They really do a lot of work for the Monkeys and they always welcome volunteers and/or financial help.

Help Us Save Wildlife by Preserving Habitat & Reducing Deforestation

Wildlife, especially monkeys, use the trees to travel to and from feeding grounds. If even one tree is cut along their route, the natural tree bridge will be lost and the monkeys will be forced to find another way. This often means traveling along dangerous power lines and transformers or risking attacks from dogs or being hit by cars on the ground.

Pay attention to which trees are beneficial to wildlife and be mindful of cutting these important trees.

If you’re thinking about clearing your lot before selling or building, keep as many trees and plants as possible. Get an assessment of the types of trees on your property and leave mature trees and important food resources for wildlife.

Be careful where you plant new trees on your property. Planting a delicious papaya tree right under an uninsulated transformer or cable is sure to end in dozens of monkey deaths. If you’re planting trees that benefit wildlife, make sure they are away from power lines and transformers and in an area where they will not be harassed by domestic pets. Monkeys need a natural tree route that leads to these tasty trees otherwise they will risk their lives traveling on the ground or across wires. If you are reforesting a cleared area of land, plant fast-growing native trees and plants (not exotic, foreign species) that will provide shade, benefit wildlife and attract exotic birds and butterflies.

When designing your dream home, consider using an architect that will keep existing trees and habitat for animals. Moving your plans a few feet might save a 100 year old tree that provides essential food resources and habitat. Hire project managers and construction firms that care about wildlife and the environment. Many mature trees can be saved by simply instructing your crew to work around them.  Consider adding wildlife bridges for Monkeys and other animals.

Reprinted with permission from Refuge for Wildlife, Nosara, Costa Rica

Tank Tops Flip Flops Newsletter edition no. 127

Can you handle the heat of chiliguaro?

What is Cacique? It is Guaro. What is Guaro? We get asked this all the time. Costa Rica is not known for its world class rum, like Nicaragua, Guatemala or some of the Caribbean Islands. As a matter of fact, we drink more of theirs than ours. Don’t get me wrong: Centenario is a decent mix, but compared to Ron Zacapa, it doesn’t hold a candle; or a wooden pirate barrel. Guaro has a mixed reputation. It is known as the poor man’s rum, like moonshine or hooch; the traditional drink of the bums on the street. It is actually made with the left-over sugar cane juices: the stuff the rum guys threw away. By itself, it tastes horrible. You would not put this out on the table and offer to make your good friend a drink. But when properly mixed, with limes, sugar, hot sauce, or tomato juice, and rimmed with salt, it magically turns into one of the most enjoyable shots that has ever touched your lips. The chiliguaro. It was originally invented right here in Playas del Coco, as a local flame thrower to kick start a night of partying. It has since become a staple in our lives. Who invented it, is still in debate; but there is no argument that it was OUR town where it was created?

Everyone remembers their first chiliguaro. Everyone has their favorite.

All the bars and restaurants in town, spin their own special mix, and I have to say, I pretty much love them all. Very rarely do I go out for a night on the town, and not slam back at least a couple of these bad boys while hanging out with friends. Living the good life baby. The taste is not like anything you ever had before, and it has a fabulous little punch, that warms your entire blood stream. “Two ChiliGuaros please.”

As you can imagine, there is a very large debate; arguments sometimes; over just who has the BEST concoction in town. So, the only way to solve the mystery, was with a contest. The Hotel Puerta del Sol to the rescue.