Latest news with #Val
West Australian
6 days ago
- West Australian
The lessons to learn from this green hostel
Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre, a small village in the south-eastern Pacific region of Costa Rica, has everything its wild Osa Peninsula is well-known for: wildlife such as tapirs and scarlet macaws, quieter towns, and an incredible array of marine life, plus a truly authentic vibe and unique history. Dos Brazos became one of the most important gold mining communities thanks to the bounty of the Rio Tigre's exceptionally high-grade natural gold, which still uniquely accumulates on riverbanks in the form of sedimentary gold. It's hidden beyond this village that already feels like its own well-kept secret in Costa Rica's otherwise very exploited tourism industry, that travellers can find Bolita Hostel — a gem of true blue eco-sustainable accommodation rarely found elsewhere. There's no motorable road to Bolita. No shops, spotty wi-fi and electric power generated exclusively using solar panels. I don't think they are needed: follow a narrow trail up through the rainforest, and arrive sweaty, silent and surrounded by green on all sides. By then, you've already left a version of the 'modern' world behind, and you have stepped into true nature — and that's exactly how Ronnie Engel likes it. Founded by Canadians Ronnie Engel and Val Rosiana 20 years ago, Bolita ( ) is not just a beautiful solar-powered eco-hostel where everything is built and maintained by Ron and a group of rotating volunteers, but an excellent alternative to the Osa jungle experience at a fraction of Corcovado National Park's prices. It all started when Ronnie and Val, once a couple, came to vacation in Costa Rica from Toronto in 2001. By 2003, they had already sold everything they owned back in Canada and moved permanently to Costa Rica. They found Dos Brazos and the land where Bolita stands in 2003, and at first, the place was also their home for three years. Their original plan was to build a luxury eco-resort to be tentatively called 'Bola' (which means 'ball' in Spanish), 'but as it would have cost too much money and needed too many permits to open, we changed plans,' says Ronnie. 'At the same time, people had started coming and we thought that we could set it up as a hostel instead, and that's how we have been here for the last 19 years. With the downscale of a big ball, here came a little one: bolita . 'We really thought that either we needed to have a destination in itself, or we needed to be near one,' says Val Rosiana. Over the years, Ron and Val planted trees, dug trails, and built a hostel not on the land but with it. No square edges. No concrete scars. Just simple wooden (and sometimes, metallic sheet and concrete) buildings that breathe with the jungle. 'I think we managed to have both: we have the trails at Bolita, and of course, there's Corcovado National Park nearby. Other people have also opened more places to stay in Dos Brazos over the years, so it has become more of a destination in itself,' says Val. Bolita is awesome, but not for everybody. The first reason is because of its remoteness. Set on a lush hill on the westernmost limits of Dos Brazos, it rubs borders with the national park's limits and hence 'inherits' all its population of animals and birds. There's a small reception/office on the western end of the village — and this is where guests can leave their heaviest stuff — but one first has to walk 10 minutes to a river crossing, and then another 20 minutes uphill through a forest trail before reaching the accommodation. It's a mix of delightful partitioned doubles with mosquito-net draped beds, all with only three walls and with one side opened above lush rainforest and the sunset, or a cluster of dorm beds, all using communal bathrooms and showers. All food and everything you need must be carried up by yourself, no exceptions, and cooked at one of Bolita's two well-equipped kitchen areas. This far-off location is also a consequence of what sets Bolita apart from every other hostel in the region — something that Ronnie 'had in mind since I was ten years old,' he tells me. This eco-friendly hilltop hostel is, in fact, the only clothing-optional hostel in the whole of Costa Rica, and possibly Central America. In other words, at Bolita you may (and you will) come across other people in the nude. 'There's nothing sexual about it, it's just my way and vision to be one with nature, and that's pretty much all about it,' says Ronnie. 'It's a safe space where those who share this vision can feel at ease among themselves and nature,' he says. Even those who are not interested in taking their clothes off are absolutely welcome to stay — provided they have an open mind. Otherwise, Bolita's trails remain open to anyone for a lifetime access fee that Ronnie has set at just $10. Besides the abundance of birds and potential for animal sightings, including frogs and snakes, the beauty at Bolita is 15km of hiking trails that snake across the property's 60 sprawling and very wild hectares. They include four different waterfalls and two viewpoints with views stretching to the Baru Volcano in Panama. Ron will tell you which are best depending on the time of day and the weather. The perfect three hour-long loop starts right at the hostel, following the Banana and the Big Banana trails to the Valle Frijol junction and then proceeding upwards, snaking around a creek for excellent views of the jungle stretching to the Pacific. The southwestern junction leads on the Bonanza trail until the two namesake waterfalls (Bonanza 1 and 2), of which the 10m-high Bonanza 2 is the grandest. Remember, you have to walk into the water and up the creek to the left as soon as you reach the river. Slog back up, then take the Fila Quemada trail to the Go-to viewpoint, soak in the views, and descend to headquarters. Bolita isn't polished, as it's not meant to be. It's not curated — it's just what happens when there's little cell signal, no bar, and nothing to sell. But if you're willing to trade convenience for connection, if you don't mind ants in the sink and the occasional spider in your shoe, you'll find something here that sticks with you. At night, the hostel glows faintly with solar-powered lights, people speak softly as stars fill the gaps in the canopy. Just don't forget your headlamp — and when Ron tells you the sunset trail is worth it, believe him.
Wales Online
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Warwick Davis remembers 'leader of the army' Val Kilmer
Warwick Davis remembers 'leader of the army' Val Kilmer The 55-year-old actor played the titular role in the 1988 fantasy film and he told how his co-star (Image: LightRocket via Getty Images ) Warwick Davis has praised the late Val Kilmer for "getting [him] through" making 'Willow'. The 55-year-old actor played the titular role in the 1988 fantasy film and he told how his co-star - who died of pneumonia last month aged 65 - was the "leader of the army" among the cast, helping to raise morale when the shoot got tough. Warwick told Entertainment Weekly: "He's really the reason I got through the making of the film Willow. "Because if ever I was tired, exhausted, fed up, cold, he'd say, 'Come on, keep going!' And he'd be the kind of leader of the army, keeping us going. He was a beautiful man." Warwick is keen to tell as many people as possible his good memories of the 'Top Gun' actor. He said: "I always like to tell the world how great he was, because I often think the media gave the wrong impression of who he was as a person. He was a very warm, generous, kind-hearted person." Article continues below Warwick reprised his role in a 2022 Disney+ series and it had hoped that Val - who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 - would return as knight Madmartigan but he ultimately wasn't able to be involved due to his poor health. Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan previously told Entertainment Weekly: "We started building out the first season with the intent of having him appear. "[It wasn't clear we couldn't get him] until pretty late in the process, frankly." The show was cancelled after a single season. Warwick also admitted he was disappointed Val couldn't be involved with the series because he had been such a great source of support when they worked on the original 'Willow'. He told The Guardian newspaper: "Not a day went by while we were filming where I didn't think about him. What a cool guy he was. Article continues below "When you're 17 on a huge film like that, playing the title character, there's a lot of pressure, physically and mentally, to do a good job. Val was always there with a joke. Kind of picking my spirits up, saying, 'Come on, you can do this', you know, physically geeing me on. "I owe him a big debt of gratitude for that."
Perth Now
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Warwick Davis remembers 'leader of the army' Val Kilmer
Warwick Davis has praised the late Val Kilmer for "getting [him] through" making 'Willow'. The 55-year-old actor played the titular role in the 1988 fantasy film and he told how his co-star - who died of pneumonia last month aged 65 - was the "leader of the army" among the cast, helping to raise morale when the shoot got tough. Warwick told Entertainment Weekly: "He's really the reason I got through the making of the film Willow. "Because if ever I was tired, exhausted, fed up, cold, he'd say, 'Come on, keep going!' And he'd be the kind of leader of the army, keeping us going. He was a beautiful man." Warwick is keen to tell as many people as possible his good memories of the 'Top Gun' actor. He said: "I always like to tell the world how great he was, because I often think the media gave the wrong impression of who he was as a person. He was a very warm, generous, kind-hearted person." Warwick reprised his role in a 2022 Disney+ series and it had hoped that Val - who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 - would return as knight Madmartigan but he ultimately wasn't able to be involved due to his poor health. Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan previously told Entertainment Weekly: "We started building out the first season with the intent of having him appear. "[It wasn't clear we couldn't get him] until pretty late in the process, frankly." The show was cancelled after a single season. Warwick also admitted he was disappointed Val couldn't be involved with the series because he had been such a great source of support when they worked on the original 'Willow'. He told The Guardian newspaper: "Not a day went by while we were filming where I didn't think about him. What a cool guy he was. "When you're 17 on a huge film like that, playing the title character, there's a lot of pressure, physically and mentally, to do a good job. Val was always there with a joke. Kind of picking my spirits up, saying, 'Come on, you can do this', you know, physically geeing me on. "I owe him a big debt of gratitude for that."
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Learner driver who fled fatal crash scene jailed
A speeding learner driver who fled the scene of a fatal crash he caused has been jailed. Valerie Ayres, 65, was killed instantly when Khizer Ali, 24, collided head-on with her Vauxhall Meriva, in the crash in Worcestershire that also left her husband David, 70, with life-changing injuries. Ali, who only had a provisional licence, "recklessly" drove a Volkswagen Golf at 59mph in a 40mph zone, before he lost control and struck the couple's car on the wrong side of Alvechurch Highway on 23 April last year, West Mercia Police said. The defendant, of Farndon Close, Redditch, was sentenced at the town's crown court to 11 years and three months for causing death by dangerous driving. Footage later showed the Golf being driven at 62mph in a 30mph zone, as well as being involved in a near-miss with a car coming in the opposite direction under a railway bridge. Ali sped around a nearby roundabout twice and ignored the designated lanes before he exited on to the Alvechurch Highway at "full throttle", police said. It was then that he "finally lost control of the car and crossed on to the wrong side of the road" and collided with the Ayres' car, the force added. The force of the impact pushed the Meriva into another car behind it, before Ali left the scene. He was later arrested at his home by officers. In tribute to Mrs Ayres, her husband said: "Val was the life and soul of the party, we did everything together. "My life has been turned upside down, I can't express how much I miss Val and wish the whole thing never happened." Her daughter Lucy added: "Mum was the glue in our family and kept us going. "The times we spent together are now some of the most cherished memories I have. "I cannot put into words what this man has taken away." Ali was sentenced on Friday after admitting causing death by dangerous driving, causing serious injury by dangerous driving and causing death by driving a vehicle without a licence or insurance, at an earlier hearing in February. He was also banned from driving for 12 years and six months. Det Con Rose Hughes said: "He should never have been behind the wheel of this car as he did not hold a full driving licence. "Ali should never be driving again. Offenders like him have no place on our roads." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram. Man arrested after woman dies in three-car crash West Mercia Police HM Courts & Tribunals Service
Toronto Sun
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
A robot is coming to your home sooner than you think
Next generation robot vacuum cleaners like this one from eufy make cleaning more sustainable and less time-consuming. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. New generation of robot vacuums perform better and use AI technology This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account It's now a reality I never imagined would happen, even though I still vividly remember how Rosey the Robot of Jetsons cartoon fame used to care for the family home, clean the dishes, vacuum and even playing with the kids. It all seemed so futuristic at the time. Unlike Rosey, our Val doesn't have any arms or legs, only talks when necessary and doesn't do the dishes. Then again, there's no need for the latter – thanks to what was also once deemed a revolutionary cleaning solution which in the early years, consumers weren't quite sure they needed the dishwasher. What Val does well is use powerful suction to vacuum virtually any surface area of your home. Val can also (thankfully) wet or dry mop the dark hardwood floors we inherited from our previous owners, floors which much to my wife's chagrin, show every footprint and spec of dust. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. As you may have guessed, Val is a next generation robot vacuum. It's made by eufy, the same company we've turned to over the years for other forms of home automation including lighting and security cameras. Not unlike dishwashers, the first generation of robot vacuums dating back to the early 2000' had their shortcomings. They didn't have a lot of suction, lacked collision detection- and left unattended – could come to an untimely demise by tumbling down the stairs. What won us over with Val, eufy's X10 Robot Vacuum and Mop, is that it uses AI technology to automatically detect different surfaces (so it won't mop your carpet, just your hard surfaces). It also harnesses AI for collision detection, enabling it to avoid everything from kids, pets and furniture to (thankfully) stairs. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. All functions are pre-programmed, so that apart from adding water to the robot's home/charging station and initially sending the unit out to first map your floor's layout, it's pretty much a click and 'off you go' process.. When the job is done, the robot faithfully tells you it has finished cleaning and heads back home to recharge and enjoy a much deserved break. Some naysayers might argue that a robot vac is still an unnecessary luxury, what will inevitably win homeowners over is not only are they more efficient, they can save you precious amounts of time. Additional arguments in favour of embracing robot vacs sooner than later have to do with living more sustainability and striving for a healthier home. For starters, they draw far less energy – typically 60-100 watts than their vacuum cleaner predecessors, which suck up 500-1,500 watts of energy while operating. So while the physical footprint of robot vacs is larger, their carbon footprint is much smaller. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Apart from using a fraction of the energy, there's another sustainability angle one can't overlook tied to quality of living. In today's world Gig economy where a single source of income often isn't always enough to pay the bills, time is precious. So when a paying job beckons, all too often essential household chores such as cleaning invariably get pushed down the priority ladder. My prediction is that when you factor in the hundreds of hours saved cleaning our floors over years ahead, along with the benefit of making your home a healthier place to live, we'll soon view robot vacs in the same light as dishwashers as essential household device. As such, it's only a matter of time before you enlist the help of your own 'Val' to tackle the cleaning of your floors. And when you do, not only will your floors be cleaner but you'll have more time to devote to what you care about. And the cost of that is priceless. Mark Wessel lives in Ridgeway, Ont. and is a passionate advocate for living more sustainably at home and in the greater community. Visit
