I Have Great Words

Written by Mike Shannon Province: Puntarenas Population: 500-1000 (dep. on season) Location : Southern Pacific Coast Type: Small Beach Town Climate :           28˚C Avg. High Humidity: 80% at sea level Seasons: Dry Season November to April           Rainy Season May to October Attracts:      Surfers, retirees, nature enthusiasts, adventure seekers Wedged between the gorgeous beaches of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast and the coastal mountains is the sleepy beach town of Dominical. In a nutshell, Dominical is known for its beaches, surfing, wildlife, waterfalls, National Parks and its stunning natural beauty. But the first thing you’re met with is the sleepy, laidback vibe of this diminutive beach town, which is, for many, the most alluring feature. Location Dominical sits at the mouth of the Barú River that flows down from the mountains and into the sea. Like most beach towns in Costa Rica, Dominical was first established as a fishing village decades ago, acce

This article originally appeared in the Howler Magazine in the August, 2020 issue Written by Mike Shannon | August 2020 Rarely a person come along that has an immediate positive effect on the world around them. Steve Bakunas is that guy. Steve is an artist, musician, actor, activist, world traveler and philanthropist. He and his wife have just purchased a home in Guanacaste, and his story is worth relating. The Formative Years Steve’s resume of life experience reads like a grab bag of antidotes… born in 1957 in Milford, Connecticut, he enjoyed a typical childhood surrounded by 1 brother and all of 7 sisters. After his father’s untimely passing when he was 13, the house was full of girls and Steve, at the ripe age of 16, felt the need to “broaden my perspective”, and bravely ventured out on his own. His enterprising spirit and sense of adventure produced a laundry list of unusual vocations, such as driving a limo for the Grateful Dead, selling used cars, tending bar, becoming an upholst