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Check FAQAbout Karl
Hola! I'm a professional writer, editor and translator with 30 years of experience in journalism. I spent 25 years working at California's Pulitzer Prize-winning San Jose Mercury News, where I started as a copy editor and departed as national editor. I spent two years as travel editor of Costa Rica's English-language Tico Times and one year as senior writer at Costa Rica's Howler Magazine. I'm also the author of "Frommer's Costa Rica 2017," part of the renowned series of Frommer's guidebooks. I have extensive experience in newsgathering, reporting, writing and editing both news and features for print and online. I'm 100% bilingual in English and Spanish, and I once interviewed the president of Costa Rica. I live on Lake Arenal near the town of Tilarán, but I've traveled to and written about every major tourist destination in Costa Rica. My specialties include travel, real estate, adventure, profiles, local controversies, crime and all kinds of narrative nonfiction. In 2015, I was awarded top honors from the American-Costa Rican Chamber of Commerce for producing the best work of journalism in the country in any language that year: ******
Portfolio
Sarah Palin Rallies Conservatives in San Jose
Sarah Palin, the former vice presidential candidate, spoke at the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose, a city known for its Democratic majority. Sponsored by the conservative Liberty & Freedom Foundation, Palin addressed a crowd of 1,400, advocating for conservative values such as lower taxes, reduced government spending, and smaller government. She criticized President Obama's healthcare reform and the 2009 stimulus bill, while also touching on local issues like the water cutoff due to the delta smelt. Despite her popularity among conservatives, Palin faces unfavorable opinions from the majority of Californians. The event also featured a VIP reception and dinner. High-profile speakers like the Dalai Lama and Michael Moore also visited the Bay Area during the week. Palin's speaking fees are undisclosed, and she is set to attend a Republican National Committee fundraiser in Anaheim.
Bello Horizonte retirement home gives the elderly a new lease on life
Bello Horizonte Hotel & Apartments in San José, Costa Rica, sets a new standard for elder care with hotel-style amenities and a focus on active living. Officially opening on April 22, the facility offers private rooms, extensive social and therapeutic activities, and partnerships with nutrition professionals. The retirement home, directed by Ana Isabel Alvarado Cerdas and owned by Dean Paquette and his wife Anne Michele, aims to empower the elderly to live vibrant lives. Despite challenges posed by COVID-19, the facility has maintained strict protocols and continues to provide comprehensive care and services.
Costa Rica’s Flamingo Coast is a green, blue and gold microcosm of its greatest hits
The Flamingo Coast in Costa Rica is a picturesque and diverse region offering a blend of natural beauty, residential tranquility, and recreational activities. It features luxurious developments, hotels, and a range of outdoor activities like golfing, sportfishing, and scuba diving. The area is appreciated for its balance between development and nature, making it a preferred destination for families and those seeking a quieter lifestyle compared to more crowded tourist spots like Tamarindo. The community is optimistic about the revival of the local marina, which is expected to boost the area's economy and infrastructure.
My book, “Frommer’s Costa Rica 2017.”
El Mangroove
The article discusses the architectural design of a hotel in Costa Rica, designed by the country's most prominent architect, Ronald Zurcher. The design philosophy is described as 'casual luxury,' which emphasizes comfort over materials and finishes. The hotel's aesthetic is characterized by simple rectangles, clean lines, and a notable sculpture of a happy man with large toes. General manager Jose Monge provides insights into the design concept. The article focuses on the visual aspects of the hotel and the underlying design principles.
Hell Hotel: San Lucas Prison
The article describes a tour of the San Lucas prison island in Costa Rica, which is notorious for its brutal past. The prison, operational from 1873 to 1991, was known for its harsh punishment methods, including 'the hole,' where prisoners were subjected to standing in water for extended periods, leading to death or insanity for some. The tour guide, Vigdis Vatshaug, shared these disturbing details with the author's family. The island is also famous for being the setting of the novel 'La isla de los hombres solos' by José León Sánchez, a former inmate. The article paints a picture of the stark contrast between the island's dark history and Costa Rica's reputation as the happiest country in the world.
Dan Fowlie, ‘King of Pavones,’ asserts his land rights — and his innocence
Dan Fowlie, known as the 'King of Pavones,' asserts his innocence regarding past drug trafficking charges and claims his right to land in Pavones, Costa Rica. Fowlie, who spent 18 years in prison, argues that the evidence against him was flimsy and maintains that he built the town of Pavones into a surfing mecca. He recently returned to Costa Rica after a decade-long ban, aiming to reclaim property he alleges was stolen by squatters. Despite his controversial past, Fowlie expresses a desire to donate land to former employees and their families.
Chasing crabs at Uvita’s Ballena Marine National Park
The article highlights the unique and entertaining wildlife experience of observing red land crabs at Ballena Marine National Park in Uvita, Costa Rica. The park, known for its diverse fauna and the Whale Tale land formation, attracts many visitors, especially during long weekends. Park rangers manage the influx of tourists and enforce regulations to protect the environment. The narrative includes personal anecdotes of the author's attempts to chase the crabs, emphasizing their abundance and behavior.
The battle to save the Pacuare River
The article discusses the 10th anniversary of the 2005 plebiscite in Turrialba, Costa Rica, where 97% of voters opposed the construction of hydroelectric dams on the Pacuare River. Despite the plebiscite and a 20-year moratorium declared by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) in 2009, activists believe ICE still intends to build a dam, threatening the indigenous Cabécar community, the environment, and the rafting industry. A festival, JAKÜII/PACUARE+10, was organized to raise awareness, and negotiations are underway for President Luis Guillermo Solís to sign a decree to protect the Pacuare and Savegre rivers from hydroelectric projects. Experts and locals, including a filmmaker, a rafting company owner, indigenous representatives, and a rafting guide, express their opposition to damming the river, citing environmental, cultural, and economic reasons.
Pavones: Tiny surf capital up in arms about big condo project
Pavones, known for its world-renowned surf break, is facing controversy over a new 60-unit beachfront condominium project by a Texas developer. The project has divided the community, with some opposing it due to its size and zoning implications, while others believe it will bring jobs and infrastructure improvements.
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