THE ODESSEY IS OVER, At least for now

THE ODESSEY IS OVER, At least for now

By Captain Paul Watson On July 22nd, 2025, Interpol informed me that the Red Notice against me was cancelled. I suppose I should have felt relieved, but in truth, I was simply tired. I had been on the run for thirteen years as a fugitive from Interpol, from Japan and...

Joan McDonald Vernon: Fishing Tournaments with a Purpose

Joan McDonald Vernon: Fishing Tournaments with a Purpose

Joan McDonald Vernon has cast a long line of influence across sportfishing in Central America and beyond. For over two decades, she’s been the driving force behind some of the most respected billfish tournaments in the region — from laid-back “fishing rodeos” to elite...

A Heartbreaking Loss: A Call to Protect Our Howler Monkeys

A Heartbreaking Loss: A Call to Protect Our Howler Monkeys

On the morning of June 11th, my son and I were forever changed by a heart-wrenching scene. As we were traveling up the hill from Playa Hermosa toward the Waldorf Hotel around 7:30 AM, a piercing cry shattered the morning calm. High above, on tangled power lines...

The Chisme Café: Why Gossip Is Practically a National Sport

The Chisme Café: Why Gossip Is Practically a National Sport

What does “chisme” mean in Costa Rica? In Costa Rica, chisme means gossip—but not the malicious, behind-your-back kind. It’s more like social glue, a warm cup of verbal espresso that connects neighbours, relatives, and strangers in the queue at the pulpería. “Chisme”...

The Lost Art of Hammock Living: A Humorous Ode to the Hammock Life

The Lost Art of Hammock Living: A Humorous Ode to the Hammock Life

Why do hammocks still matter in the modern world? Hammocks are more than just beach décor—they're horizontal sanctuaries for serious napping, lazy reflection, and expert-level loafing. While the world races ahead with smart homes and AI-generated calendars, Costa...

The Club at Coco Bay: Costa Rica’s Pickleball Paradise

The Club at Coco Bay: Costa Rica’s Pickleball Paradise

With 12 lighted courts, luxury villas, and all-inclusive retreats, Coco Bay is leading the country’s pickleball boom—Pura Vida style. As the sun slips behind the volcanic sands of Playas del Coco, the warm evening air fills with the rhythmic thwack of paddles on...

Regenerative Tourism: Buzzword or Breakthrough?

Regenerative Tourism: Buzzword or Breakthrough?

A critical look at whether Costa Rica's tourism industry is truly giving back to nature, or just selling the illusion. What is regenerative tourism, and how is it different from sustainable travel? Regenerative tourism goes beyond sustainability by actively restoring...

What IS infectious anemia in cats?

What IS infectious anemia in cats?

By Dr. Sharine Alice VMD, CMVCR1117  Infectious anemia in cats, often referred to as feline infectious anemia (FIA), is a potentially serious condition caused by a microscopic blood parasite. While the term may sound alarming, understanding what it is and how it...

Why Costa Ricans Are Proudly Called “Ticos”

Why Costa Ricans Are Proudly Called “Ticos”

If you’ve ever traveled through Costa Rica—or even chatted with someone who has—you’ve probably heard the term “Tico” tossed around with a smile. It’s more than just a nickname. It’s a source of national pride, a cultural fingerprint, and a charming little insight...