Free Digital Magazine in Costa Rica #88
Dear readers,
The year 2023 has arrived, and life continues serenely in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. This summer, many of us enjoyed the spectacular full moon in January and the nights studded with stars.
According to Amanda Ellis (2023 World Predictions), this will be a year full of changes for which she advises: "Keep the strength, especially through the ionic vibration of the ocean-atmosphere and the energy of the jungle." 2023 is forecast as a great year, and it is about feelings, including some disappointment from time to time. Learn to deal with these challenging times. If there are ideas you need to share with the world, go ahead and create!

Our paradise attracts more and more people who flee the daily life of the big cities to settle in this beautiful place experiencing significant urban growth.
Hundreds of native Costa Rican bird species live with us and others on their journey to warmer fields. We also enjoy exceptional fauna and flora, but this ecosystem is fragile.
We must protect it from continuing to enjoy the positive energy from the forest and the ocean. Dear reader, if you visit us or are already part of the Costa Ballena community, contribute your grain of sand to protect our forests, flora, fauna, rivers, and beaches from contamination.

In this issue #88, you will find articles about the phases of the moon and their influence on living beings. Our regular contributor Jack Ewing writes about a new species of bird inhabiting our place: the Blue Ibis. One of the German volunteers, collaborators of Ballena Tales, narrates her experience enjoying a fantastic kayak tour through the Térraba mangroves.

In our community, there are inspiring and fascinating stories of neighbors. Ben Bodzak from We Sell Paradise has been participating in one of the toughest races in the world for many years: The Coastal Challenge. It will be 227 kilometers through the Costa Rican South Pacific jungles, long sandy beaches, mountains, and rivers. The Coastal Challenge is madness that every trail runner will never forget.
And then Boruca, with its New Year's Eve Dances of the Little Devils, had the most incredible display of masks, costumes, creativity, and joy.
Pura Vida!
Dagmar Reinhard, Editor
Ballena Tales Magazine and Travel Guide


This was the last editorial written by our Founder and beloved Dagmar. Thank you very much for your voices of encouragement in these difficult circumstances. We are certainly dismayed by the event. It is a harsh void to fill, and all the support of friends and clients will be critical to continue moving forward.
Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, valid for travelers, residents, and investors covering Costa Ballena in the Canton of Osa in the South Pacific of Costa Rica. It is a fully bilingual, bi-monthly, and full-color digital magazine.
The magazine introduces the reader to the life of the local community, with interviews of pioneers, writers, and artists, as well as extensive information on restaurants, hotels, experiences, natural attractions, and wildlife of the South Pacific of Costa Rica.



Free Digital Magazine in Costa Rica #89
Ballena Tales is an essential free digital magazine in Costa Rica, valid for travelers, residents, and investors



Sierpe mangroves
The mangrove forest and its massive maze and the intertwining of trees and roots is considered to be a critical component acting to subdue tidal surge, reduce erosion, provide opportunities for recreation and serve as nurseries for fisheries.



Back to the Earth
In each magazine edition, writers often relate to a topic relevant to the particular timing of the publication. Unfortunately, we are all writing with heavy hearts about the loss of Dagmar in this issue. Her vibrant personality and dedication to this magazine will surely be missed.



An unforgettable Tour to Caño Island
I had the opportunity to take a Caño Island tour. Since I was a little kid, I have loved swimming in the ocean and looking out for all the sea creatures.



The Bees – a Beautiful Example
In Costa Rica, we have over 50 species of bees. From the Apis melifera (an introduced species), to many others that have co-evolved with native plants.



Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor
Birth of the environmental movement in Costa Ballena.
At the beginning of the last century, tapirs, jaguars, white-lipped peccary, red brocket deer, harpy eagles, giant anteaters, and others wandered freely through the forests in the area that today is known as the Costa Ballena and the Path of the Tapir Biological Corridor.



Stone Veneer Decorations
Deco Rock is a family business based in Costa Rica. It opened its doors in 2007 with the passion of creating luxurious stone veneer decorations that create unique spaces that give an atmosphere full of elegance.



Work in the garden pays off… twice!
Imagine that millions of people – also many in Costa Rica – pay good money to visit a gym or do other physical exercises using expensive gear while in air-conditioned rooms. But it can be so easy and liberating to work (out) in your garden or on your farm and not go somewhere else.



Hotel El Tecal and Restaurant La Colonia
Do you need a break from your stressful life? Then you should come to Costa Rica and try the “Pura Vida” lifestyle for once. Come to Uvita in the South Pacific of Costa Rica and see how easy life can be.



MYTHS ABOUT THE USE OF BOTULINUM TOXIN
Botulinum toxin type A is a protein produced by a bacterium, which has a neuromodulatory, or relaxing effect on the muscles of facial expression.



Flutterby House…Once Again
Well telling our story Flutterby House after years of being one of the favorite places for both locals and tourists after overcoming together as humanity and taking a break from this virus called CO-VID 19.



Breaking the circle of poverty
The Family Support Center of Ojochal is a not-for-profit corporation in Costa Rica. FSCO provides food and other services to families at risk for hunger, economic marginalization, and poor education. We are currently providing food to 36 families (that’s 129 people)
What to do, Where to eat and Where to stay…
- Activities and Tours
- Whale Watching Tour
- Natural Attractions
- Marino Ballena National Park
- Restaurants
- Hotels and Accommodations
South Pacific Costa Rica Beaches,
Looking for business directories, maps or other printouts? We’ve got that too!
Dare to Discover and Enjoy…
Check out…
Need help planning your next trip? Let us help you with your Costa Rica vacations!
Email: carlos@ballenatales.com
Phone: +(506) 8946 7134 or +(506) 8914 1568
Skype: ballenatalestravel