ADIP DEC 2009 by ADIP

paradise another day in

December 2009 / 62

M E X I C O

A RT H I S TO RY F O O D R E A L E S T A T E ENTERTAINMENTSPORTS MUSEUMSGALLERIES TRAVELARCHITECTURE DESIGNBUSINESS E C O N O M Y R E A L E S TAT E L I S T I N G S R E A L E S TAT E N E W S R E A L E S TAT E L AW R E A L E S TAT E F I N A N C E BOOKSCOMMUNITY C U LT U R E P E O P L E SHOPPINGSOCIALEVENTS RESOURCESCLASSIFIEDS

M E X I C O

December 2009

paradise

Letter from The publisher

another day in

Welcome to Another Day in Paradise! It`s December and as always this time of year, things are really speeding up around here: parties, events, and a lot more visitors. (Some days you might feel like a tree frog in a tempest —you really need to grip with your toes to keep from being swept away.) Keeping in tune with our 10-year anniversary celebration, we offer you this month`s top ten list, Top 10 Holiday Dishes to help you celebrate the season Mexican style! Plus a plethora of other tantalizing delights to help you ring in the new year. Check out the upcoming events section—we`ve got your social calendar penciled in for months! So come on out and join the fun and support all the community projects. But in the midst of all this fun and frolic, sun soaked activity, and airport pickups …please remember not to get so caught up in the bustle of places to be, people to see, that you forget to stop and bask in the view. Zihuatanejo Bay has been especially sparkling lately—a real jewel of the pacific coast. It never ceases to amaze.

COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Brady Page Cameron John Glaab Kenny Jones Ed Kunze Linda Neil Hans Nystrom Nancy Seeley Maura Taylor Gregg Thompson ADIP OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (755) 544-8023 space is limited, deadline for materials and payments is the 1st of the month previous info@adip.info, publicidad@adip.info SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Check out our web page for more info: www.adip.info WE WELCOME ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSIONS editor@adip.info FOR GUIDELINES www.adip.info www.adipdigital.info www.youtube.com/wwwadipinfop

Here´s hoping 2010 brings you even more than you hoped for, and many happy returns to paradise, Until next time,

On The Cover: Tejocotes

Photo by Catherine Krantz

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PUBLISHER Catherine Krantz info@adip.info

Fredrick Catherwood, illsutrator of Mayan ruins

table of contents History 6

Events: Virgen de Guadalupe Day, Decemebr 12

New Money Commemorates 2010

Food 8

Top 10 Mexican Holiday Dishes

Sports 12

World Record Roosterfish

Art & Entertainment 16

Frederick Catherwoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lasting legacy

Community Project Directory 20 WEDDINGS 21

Getting Married in I-Z

Community Profiles 22 ZScene 24 Culture 30

Celebrating the Holidays in Mexico

Shopping 34

Colors of Mexico

Upcoming Events 38

Classifieds 41

Zacatecas Travelogue

Travel 42

Zacatecas Travelogue

Home & Living 46

Top ten Mexican Holiday Dishes

Celebrating the Holidays in Mexico

Real Estate News 48 BuĂąuelos, Photo By Richard Gunion

Opening a Bank Account Conferences & Real Estate Tours

Real Estate Law 50

Property Taxes on your Vacation Home

Real Estate Listings 52

For Sale, For Rent

another day in paradise

commemorates By Page Cameron

History

New money

2010

The year 2010, marks the 200-year anniversary of the beginning of Mexico’s fight for Independence from Spain and the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of the Mexican Revolution.

Commemorating the centenary of the Revolution and the bicentennial of the Independence of Mexico there are new

banknotes of 100 and 200 pesos.

Adelita, it represents the women revolutionaries and their plight. There is also a fragment of a mural by David Alfaro Siqueiros, about the revolution against the dictatorship of Porfirio Diaz.

The Bank of Mexico Governor, Guillermo Ortiz, said that the new paper money will have the dual mission of serving as circulating money and collectors’ items. To reinforce the latter, he made the important decision to issue only 50 million copies each of these two new bills.

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The face of the new 100 peso note is illustrated with the image of a typical locomotive carrying the Revolutionary troops during the armed movement that began in 1910. On the back is the image known as the

DID YOU KNOW: Software designers, digital camera and scanner manufacturers have gotten together with governments to voluntarily put limitations on their programs or products ability to reproduce money, to help combat counterfeiting. Professional graphic design programs recognize even photographs of money and pop-up a warning that sends users to an informational website explaining the laws related to reproducing legal tender in print, by country. In Mexico, it is legal to publish copies of money in whole or in part, s long as they are more than 125%, or less than 75%, actual size.

Mexiico`s New 100 peso note commemorates the mexican revolution Top, a typical locomotive carrying the Revolutionary troops. Above, left, on the back is a fragment of the mural, “Del Porfirismo a la Revolucion,” by David Alfaro Siqueiros depicting soldiers of the revolution. Above, right, The faint image of the Adelita is visible from both sides.

Mexiico`s New 200 peso note commemorates mexican independance Opposite page, Priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, shown here on the 200 peso note, led the call to arms for independence in the town of Dolores in the state of Guanajuato, in the early hours of September 16, 1810. Called El Grito de Dolores, his call started the fight that led to Mexican Independance from Spain three years later.

The face of the 200 peso bill is the Independence Memorial. It was reproduced from an image by Dr. Jesus Helguera, showing Father Miguel Hidalgo summoning the people to liberation, clutching a banner with the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe. On the back is the Angel of Independence, one of the most representative symbols of México City and the whole country. Built in 1902 to pay tribute to the heroes of Mexico’s Independence, this statue stands majestically in the center of the round-about on Paseo de la Reforma in downtown.

Felipe Calderón, who joked a bit and tried to put them in his pocket, prompting laughter from the audience. The president continued in good spirits, to say that those who choose to treasure these notes will help reduce the circulation of banknotes in the country, helping contain inflation. Then, with a more formal tone, he urged the people to be united at this juncture. And like the heroes of the past, “without distinction, we have to fight under the flag of Mexico,” and deploy public policies that the country needs for the population who have less.

When circulation started, Guillermo Ortiz presented copies of the new bills to the president

another day in paradise

food

By Page cameron

The holidays are different for everyone. Some like

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to make their home the center of the festivities and some like to be a guest. Many of our readers come here to get away from it all and enjoy the Mexican ways of celebrating amongst the sun and the sand. As for me, I have spent most of my adult life enjoying holidays with my family of friends, some in San Francisco, California, and most recently here in Zihuatanejo. In San Francisco the choices were: an invite for a friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; home cooked meal, Tommyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Joynt (which serves a mean turkey with all the trimmings year round and for the

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HOLIDAy

holiday has a line out the door all day), or something untraditional like sushi, Chinese or Mexican! Christmas here in Zihua is usually some form of potluck affair with friends and their families. The food is always an outstanding mix of traditional Mexican and personal favorites from all over. No matter what, we all have a great time, stuffing our faces until we can eat no more. Sound familiar? In the spirit of the holidays, I thought I would share some of my friends Mexican holiday favorites to add to the table for your friends and family to enjoy.

Ensalada de Noche Buena.

Leaves of Romerito, a wild growing dandelion used in cooking, that tastes like rosemary, Photo by Andres Balcazar.

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DISHES

Nopals, Photo by Alan Toby.

CHAMPURRADO Even though the weather here is superb during December (warm days and breezy nights), during the holidays sometimes there is a craving for a warm beverage. Made with cornmeal, chocolate, cinnamon, brown sugar, milk, cream and water, a cup of this warm chocolate drink is perfect to sip on and enjoy the fact there isn’t snow on the ground!

BUÑUELOS The traditional buñuelos are thin flour tortilla-type crunchy fried goodness, drizzled with syrup made from melting piloncillo (you may have seen them in the market, large cones of sugar cane sugar) cinnamon and a small amount of water. These sweetened deep fried tortillas are a favored snack popular during Mexican holidays, festivals and fairs.

CAPIROTADA (MEXICAN BREAD PUDDING) Capirotada has a very long history with recipes on record from the mid-seventeenth century. The list of variations to the traditional bread pudding is enormous. Every self-respecting Mexican cook will have their own version. But there are a few staples that must be included; stale bread, a spiced sugar syrup, raisins, and cheese. Many recipes include tomatoes and onions, adding a rich and delicious complexity. For many Mexicans, the smell of this dish bubbling in the oven is the smell of home. Capirotada is definitely comfort food, Mexican style.

PONCHE Ponche is made with a selection of fruit such as oranges, tejocotes (small golden or orange apples native to Mexico) guavas, prunes, raisins, etc. Sugar and cinnamon are added to taste. All these ingredients are carefully macerated until you get amber colored liquor, sweet and velvety with a distinctive smell that is able to satisfy the most discerning palates. For an alcoholic version you just add your favorite brandy or rum to the ponche. It is beverage that you can have at any time of day and a thousand different ways hot or cold, and not just at Christmas.

ENSALADA DE NOCHE BUENA In this salad the ingredients vary according to taste, but the following is what the mother of my friend Memo (fabulous cook and owner of El Manglar restaurant) puts in hers, more or less: Cooked 10

Tamales. Photo by Pablo de Aguinaco.

carrots and beets mixed with fresh orange, pineapple, plantain, apple, lime, jícama, candy-coated peanuts, and marshmallows, which together are an explosion of colors associated with the colors that are in piñatas and Christmas trees. The dressing can be light and creamy or a sweet rice vinegar. But like most salads, you can put whatever you like in, just make it festive.

TAMALES/NACATAMALES Tamales and Nacatamales have been made throughout the American continent for over 5000 years. Developed as a portable food, this corn based, polenta-like burrito filled with meat, cheese, or sweet raisin mixture, wrapped in a corn husk or banana leaf for steaming, is as common and varied as the sandwich is today. A favorite dish in Mexico, street vendors can be seen serving them from huge, steaming, covered pots. They are a perfect food for the holidays and you have to open them like a little present.

ROMERITOS Romeritos is a dish consisting of dried shrimp, leaves of romerito (a dandelion growing wild in cornfields and tastes like rosemary, which you can substitute) with nopales (cactus), potatoes, and garlic, served in a mole sauce. There are many variations, but the flavor is still distinct, as the shrimp, romerito, and mole are always used. Serve with toasted baguette rounds for appetizer or as a side for your turkey, ham, or choice of main dish.

Champurrado.

BACALAO Bacalao is the Spanish term for dried salt cod. The dried fish is white, delicate, and tender once it’s re-hydrated. This dish requires a bit of planning because the cod needs to be soaked in water for one day, changing the water two or three times to rehydrate and de-salt it some. Then you have to heat it just to a boil in fresh water, drain, and remove skin and bones. After this, it’s like a simple stew. Tomato puree, chile ancho, onion, garlic, and olive oil make the base. Then the cod, potatoes, bay leaf, cinnamon, pepper, red peppers, almonds, raisins, olives, capers and parsley make it stew. Out of all the dishes on this list, Bacalao seems to be most common amongst my friends as a Christmas holiday favorite.

PAVO (TURKEY) Even in Mexico, turkey is a holiday favorite. The difference is in the stuffing. There are many versions, but I was told that picadillo stuffing is very popular here. The basics are onion, garlic, carrots, potatoes, and spices. Add some ground beef and pork, ham and bacon, along with olives, capers, pecans, peanuts, raisins, apples and peas and you have yourself a meaty stuffing with a little zing for your turkey.

PIERNA (PORK LEG) For many families, pork is on the menu during the holidays, usually in the form of a honey-glazed ham. In my neighborhood where I grew up, there were families who would get together to buy and roast a whole hog on a spit. (It takes forever, but well worth it.) And I remember the leg being the most sought after chunk of meat, and here in Mexico it is popular as well, and it comes in so many different ways I can’t begin to name all the recipes. But as a special treat, thanks to Rosa Arizmendi the chef at El Manglar restaurant on Playa La Ropa, here is her (soon to be world famous) recipe for Pierna.

Pierna, Photo by Juan Monino.

PIERNA (PORK LEG) 8 to 10 kilos of pork leg (or you can use rib eye if preferred) 3 tablespoons onion powder 3 tablespoons garlic powder 1 tablespoon black pepper A dash of oregano juice of 1 orange 1 cup brandy 5 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 3 tablespoons Maggi sauce (you can find this at your local Mexican market) 1/2 cup melted butter 1/2 cup white vinegar chicken and beef boullion cubes to taste Mix all dry ingredients and the liquids. Inject some into the meat (use a hypodermic syringe plunger, without the needle) and use the remaining liquid to marinate the meat overnight. When ready, preheat oven to 250 degrees. Place the meat in the oven covered for about an hour. About five or ten minutes before removing the meat, uncover to let it brown a little bit. Serves 15-20 people. - Rosa Arizmendi, chef at El Manglar.

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About the Author Page Cameron first came to Zihuatanejo in 1985 as a teenager. Although things have changed dramatically since then, over the past five years she has returned numerous times and is here to stay. Making a life for herself in Zihua and enjoying every minute of it!

A special thanks to Memo Armenta and his staff at El Manglar Restaurant on Playa La Ropa, and my boyfriend J.C. for helping contribute their favorite holiday dishes (and moms’) for this article. If you haven’t eaten at El Manglar, it’s a MUST! Rosa cooks some of the best food on Playa La Ropa. They are located across a small bridge, near the end of the beach where the river reaches the bay, nestled next to a wild-life preserve (or manglar) where you are likely to see iguanas, herons, cranes, and the occasional crocodile. There is also street access and parking behind, follow the signs on the La Ropa road that say El Manglar/ RV park. Open noon-10pm (closed Wednesdays). HAPPY EATING!!! 11

another day in paradise

By Ed Kunze

Sports

World Record

Roosterfish Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is almost centered in an area on the West Coast of Mexico known as the Costa Grande. This approximate 200 mile stretch of coast is renowned as a world class fishery. Many tourists come here to sample it, because Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo is a great family destination, where the casual angler can fish with world class captains for a pittance of what it would cost in other world class destinations.

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Generally assumed to be a world class fishery for sailfish and blue marlin in the winter months, few people know about the incredible fishery the Costa Grande has for roosterfish, especially from late May through December. We are talking about record sized fish on any line class you want to fish with. Because the roosterfish potential is relatively unknown, few fishermen are coming here specifically looking for world records. Most fish caught here are caught by the casual fisherman. Many “could have been” world records have been either released, disqualified because the rod was handled by the captain or deckhand, or eaten. It is a learning curve. The casual fisherman rarely gets many chances to fish for roosters, and usually lets the captain or deckhand set the hook for them when using conventional gear. This automatically disqualifies the fish. To qualify for a world record only the angler may touch the rod from the moment the hook is set until it is in the boat. Plus, most of the captains here don’t yet know enough about what to do when encountering a potential record, to understand the specific rules. There are three captains here, who have earned reputations as being excellent roosterfish captains, and are beginning to understand what needs to be done to make a potential record catch. Adolfo on the panga Dos Hermanos is the most noted, with Cheva on the Dos Hermanos II, and Arturo on the Janeth being right behind. But even they occasionally set the hook for the inexperienced client, Continues on Page 14

World record honeymoon made the one and a half hour drive A great story with a very successful ending happened during the week of August 10-14, 2009. On Monday the tenth, fly fishing clients David and Sarah Henry of Langley, British Columbia, fished with Adolfo and Cheva on the Dos Hermanos, near the Pantla area, and wore themselves out catching jack crevalle. Then on Wednesday the twelfth, I picked them up at their rented condo in Ixtapa in my Suburban. We then picked up Cheva in Zihuatanejo, and

south to Puerto Vicente, Guerrero. I fish there because it is essentially virgin waters. In the two days we fished at Vicente, we never saw another fisherman. This first day was more of a learning curve day for David and Sarah. The waves were huge and fairly dangerous, and we only raised eight roosters. We couldn’t get in close enough to cast with the teaser to the area where they were aggressively feeding—just on the back side of the foam. On Friday the fourteenth, the waves settled down, David and Sarah were

Above, Sarah Henry with her 8kg tippet record roosterfish, August 2009, Photo by Ed Kunze

now experienced at casting a hook-less surface popper, and we raised about twenty roosters. There were so many fish Cheva made the comment, “If there were hooks on this popper, we would have caught ten more roosters.” Several of the roosters were in the forty-pound class, with one of them being huge. It appeared to us the rooster was between sixty-five and seventy-five pounds. However, aggressive as he was on the popper initially, he did not come close enough to the boat for Dave to make the cast.

Then it was Sarah’s turn. Only a couple of minutes and few casts later, four very aggressive roosters followed the popper to the boat. With the engine in neutral, Sarah made the cast and hooked one, which will be submitted for an IGFA eight kilo line class record. The amazing thing about it was this was also their honeymoon. When asked where she wanted to go, Sarah said she wanted to fish for roosterfish on the fly in Zihuatanejo. And she wrapped up her honeymoon with a pending world record.

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and that has shot themselves in the foot for world records the instant the hook is set. Some fairly recent examples of this was when Adolfo’s deckhand set the hook on a rooster that was well over one hundred pounds, using thirty pound line and a surface popper. Another was when Cheva had a fly fishing client, who set his own hook, but the fish died. The angler was experienced and usually releases all of his roosters; however this one had the double hook setup down in the gills. After it lay for ten hours in the hot tropical sun they finally decided they should weigh it. There is no doubt it would have surpassed the current twenty pound tippet record, but in this case the angler was unaware of what he had caught. Between the three of the above mentioned captains, on conventional gear, they catch several sixty-five pound plus monsters every year. When I fly fish for roosters with clients, I always make them aware of the possibility of a record. I am the IGFA Representative for this area and I always check their class leaders, bite tippets, and connections. There is no need to have lost a chance for a record the instant you make the cast, so if the leader is not IGFA legal, we change it. If you are serious about a world record, join the IGFA and study up on the regulations pertaining to the type of fishing you will be doing. Then come on down here to the Costa Grande, and you will have as good of a chance, or probably better, to catch your record(s) here as you would have anywhere in the world, from Peru to the upper reaches of the Sea of Cortez.

About the Author Ed Kunze is Zihuatanejo’s IGFA

Representative and a charter fishing boat captain. He lives in IxtapaZihuatanejo year-round and can be reached at 755-553-8055 or edkunze@gmail.com For more information on Captain Ed and his boats go to www.sportfishing-ixtapa.com. Ed has also written a book about fishing the West Coast of Mexico.

Roosters Best time for

Not as many people come here in the summer months, which is the prime time for these huge roosters, as the winter months.

What would the best month be to fish for roosters and your best chance for a record? June, This is mostly because it is July, November, and possibly the rainy season. Most people December, would be the envision monsoon type rains, with months with the least chance few days available to get on the of discolored water, and high water. As Dave and Sarah saw, concentrations of fish. The month nothing could be further from of May can be a bit early, but the truth. Our normal rainfall there will be a few roosters and comes at night. We have almost fantastic jack crevalle action 350 days of sun a year, with in this month. The months of only about six or seven days a August, September, and for a year with rain and wind in the couple of weeks into October, can daytime that can cause a port get a lot of hard rain, discoloring closure. However, it is true some the coast line. December (if a of our late evening rain storms cold water current does not move can dump a lot of water in a in) can be fantastic, not just with short time, and this will send a the local roosters but with fish tremendous volume of muddy being pushed down from colder water out of the coastal rivers— water up North. discoloring the coast line. Until the coastal water clears up again Generally the chance for a huge this does hurt our fishing for a rooster is gone from about the day or two. But these intense first week in January, until they storms do not come often. return in May.

Roosterfish, Photo by Douglas Atmore.

Roosterfish are considered to be the West Coast permit. And like the permit, they are tough to catch with the fly rod. If you are in an area where thirty to forty pounds is considered an average catch, and fifty to sixty pound fish are caught every week on conventional gear, it is a given that the fly fishing records are going to fall.

another day in paradise

By gregg thompson

Arts & Entertainment

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Idol at Copan, image courtesy of Casa Catherwood.

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Gateway at Labnah, image courtesy of Casa Catherwood.

In the early 1840’s, two haggard men on mules

emerged from Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula telling stories of a lost civilization discovered and unknown cities explored, long before the days when Nikon cameras and National Geographic magazine told us of these things. Between the years of 1839-1842, American John Lloyd Stephens and Englishman Frederick Catherwood, spent many months uncovering the mysteries of Mayan civilization and carried with them hundreds of Catherwood’s superb drawings showing what they had seen.

Stephens and Catherwood explored more than forty Mayan ruins, most of them completely unknown to the outside world, and they were also the first to produce a book describing their travels in a mass market edition. They discovered the ruins of Palenque, Uxmal, Chichen Itza, Kabah, Sayil and dozens of lesser known sites across central and southern Mexico. The publishing firm of Harper and Brothers thought the astonishing account would sell. And when, Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatán, came out in 1841 they had a blockbuster

FREDRICK

Catherwood’s Lasting Legacy Las Monjas, Chichen Itza, image courtesy of Casa Catherwood.

They were not the first non-natives to have explored Mexico’s Mayan ruins. During the mid-1500’s, these finely engineered pyramids and beautifully carved stone statues had been briefly described by Catholic missionaries and Spanish colonial officials, and a few European antiquarians had visited some Mayan sites. Strangely, many of the sites were unknown to even the residents of Mérida, the capital of Yucatán. Desolate and overgrown with trees, the only evidence of these structures appeared as grass-covered mounds. To the untrained eye, it would take a wild stretch of imagination to visualize the former palaces and temples.

on their hands, the book ran through twelve editions in just three months. The 20,000 copies sold was an extraordinary sales figure for the times and attested mightily to the public’s awakening interest in foreign travel and archaeology. Accompanying Stephen’s lively prose were hundreds of views, sketches and line drawings executed by Catherwood. A trained architect, the 40-year-old Catherwood (like the younger lawyer Stephens) was well travelled in the Middle East, and was perhaps the first Westerner to have surveyed the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Continues on next Page

Well at Bolonchen, image courtesy of Casa Catherwood.

His attention to detail was meticulous and his proportions precise. As a topographical artist, he perfected a technique using a camera lucida, a small portable device which can be described as an artist’s microscope. It was an optical device, containing a prism or arrangement of mirrors, that superimposed an image of the physical object or scene onto the drawing surface, allowing him to meticulously capture the finest detail. Without a doubt, his beautiful drawings helped vault their book into the bestseller that it became. Following the publishing success of a subsequent Mayan collaboration with Stephens in 1843, Catherwood independently published in 1844, a special folio edition (what we would call today a coffee table book). It contained twenty-five hand-colored lithographic prints on Mayan art and architecture. A collection which remains much prized today, copies in fine condition may fetch upwards of 75,000 dollars. In these lithographs, Catherwood depicts the ruins with a style that exudes a sense of peace and gracefulness. Through shadow and sharp lines, he reveals how the Maya juxtaposed shallow relief carving with elements that extend fully from the surfaces of the buildings. He skillfully uses the placement of figures to draw the viewer’s eye back into the scene, up the stone steps, past the pillars, to the structures beyond. Some of Catherwood’s views, isolated in scrubby desert settings, evoke a moment in time and a place far from twenty-first century tourist experiences. His keen eye for architectural detail, with emphasis on the physical labor involved, also creates a romantic perspective on the mysteries of the Mayan people and depicts an image of a magical place.

Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatán, endured and is still in print 168 years after its first publication. For the armchair adventurer interested in pre-Conquest Mexico, and the country as found in the 1840’s, it is a must read. Edgar Allan Poe recognized this at the time of the book’s publication, when he suggested the book might prove to be, “the most interesting book of travel ever published.” For hundreds of years, we have been fascinated with the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and this a common theme in National Geographic, North America’s famous natural history magazine. Year after year, through dozens of articles and TV specials, the iconic National Geographic continues to present the fascinations of the Mayan world to millions of readers and viewers around the world. The magazine knows it’s on to a good story, as did two guys on muleback, hacking their way through the jungles of the Yucatán so many years ago, bewildered by what they had seen, and determined that the world should know.

Dec 4-Mar 31 Arte de Cuba, Merida, Yucatan. Ten of Cuba’s bestknown artists, whose work is owned by serious collectors worldwide, will exhibit their curated art at Soho Galleries from December to March. Six of them will be present at the opening event on December 4. The opening is at 7 pm, on Friday, December 4. Soho Galleries, Calle 60 #400A x 43, Centro. Tel. 928 5710. www.sohogalleriesmx.com Artes Mérida, Yucatán. (JAN TBA) Almost three weeks of nonstop cultural festivities. Every year this festival is held in celebration of Mérida’s anniversary, in 2010 Mérida will celebrate its 468th anniversary. Each year the festival hosts a guest country. Enjoy this arts festival featuring concerts, dance, theater, fine arts, photography, food, and fun. http://www.merida.gob. mx

Images courtesy of Casa Catherwood

For the first time, the stunning hand-colored images Catherwood himself selected for publication in, Views of Ancient Monuments in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatán--a portfolio of twenty-six lithographs considered to be his masterpieces—are on view at Casa Catherwood. The museum, located in Mérida, Yucatán, is a tribute to artist Frederick Catherwood, a major figure of the nineteenth century who inexplicably remained in the shadow until recently, and whose splendid work is almost unknown to the general public. Please visit their website for more information: www.casa-catherwood.com Idol at Copan - The overgrown jungle of Copán is the backdrop for a formidable stone statue erected in the early eighth century and it is accepted that this is one of Copán’s most famous rulers, King Waxaklajun Ub’aah K’awiil, in the guise of a maize god. When Stephens and Catherwood excavated this sculpture, the dress and the absence of a beard led them to believe this was a woman.

Well at Bolonchen - The town of Bolonchen (“The Village of Nine Wells”) is located on the Yucatán peninsula and is known today for its magnificent caves. One can hardly imagine the labor involved in building this ladder which provides the only access to the well below. However, this 80-foot-tall wooden ladder shows more than a glimmer of the past. Like their ancestors, the Maya of the 19th century were quite capable of using raw materials in a skillful and functional manner.

Las Monjas, Chichen Itza - Today Chichén Itzá, where this structure stands, is the most heavily visited of all Maya archaeological sites. The moment Catherwood captures in this print is certainly an idyllic perspective on Las Monjas, that invites us to imagine a magical place, in a time where no one hurries.

Temple at Tuloom - (today Tulum), This scene depicts the labor required to uncover each monument chronicled in the expedition of Stephens and Catherwood. This lithograph includes the only known portrait of Catherwood, shown to the right measuring the temple, and he notes that Tulum was especially challenging to Gateway at Labnah - As put into words uncover because it was “so blocked up by Stephens…This structure emphasizes with trees, that it was by mere accident Labnah as a place of “…decaying but still that this building and several others were proud memorials of a mysterious people.” discovered.”

Temple at Tuloom, Chichen Itza, image courtesy of Casa Catherwood. Special invited guest Director Quentin Tarantino signing autographs. Photo Francisco Suarez.

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Community

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Community Directory

Get Involved ! Baby Bundle Project A group of ex-pat women initiated The Baby Bundle Project three years ago to create bundles of baby products required by new mothers. The group meets at an ex-pat’s home in Ixtapa every 2-3 months (year-round) for snacks around the pool and social time all-the-while creating bundles to help economically challenged, unwed teenage mothers living in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo community. The group donates approximately 300 bundles per year. The next meeting will be on December 11, at 10am. All are welcome to join in. To contribute products for the bundles, for the address of the next meeting or for more information about how to get involved, contact Joan at 553-1618 or playaobispo@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth at bnfotografia@hotmail.com

Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C. A group comprised of sport fishermen and sport fishing captains concerned with the conservation and protection of their natural resources, they support projects of conservation, preservation, catch and release in sport fishing, the ill effects of over fishing and education on these themes.

For more information you can contact Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C., founder and president, Capt. Ruben Lopez, at 755-1086506, 755-554-6839, or by e-mail: ruben_lopez43@hotmail.com

Fundación Rene Ferguson A.C This Foundation was set up in memory of Rene Ferguson and its objective is to support able young women, who are suffering financial hardship, through a degree course by assisting them with the expenses of college tuition and books.Donations to the foundation are tax deductible in the United States through The Rene Ferguson Foundation. Please contact Erica Islas at La Quinta Troppo or at mexdrop@prodigy.net.mx

Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC. A community-based, non-profit association, founded by the Zihua SailFest, to provide educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged children in Zihuatanejo. Por Los Niños supports learning and school repair projects at more than 12 under-funded primary schools and kindergartens. Contact: Lorenzo Marbut, home: 755-554-2115, cell: 755-102-4463, Lorenzo@porlosninos.info

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The Rotary Club A world-wide service organization with the purpose to help those in need. In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo there are two groups: Club Rotario Ixtapa - Nuevas Generaciones New Generations Rotary Club Ixtapa, meets at 8:30 P.M. on Thursdays at Dal Toscano Ristorante in Ixtapa. Club Rotario de Zihuatanejo, A.C. Zihuatanejo Rotary Club meets at the Hotel Catalina, on Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Phone: (755) 554-9321

The Netza Project The Netza Project is a U.S and Mexico registered non-profit organization that works to advance literacy, education and economic opportunity for all, in particular supporting the vision and expansion of The Netzahualcoyotl School and Kindergarten for Indigenous Children in Zihuatanejo, which today educates over 400 migrant, native and street children - many of whom speak Nahuatl, Mixteco, Amusgo and Tlapaneco, and who otherwise might not be in school. The Netza Project also advocates equality and social justice through dormitory shelter, health programs, women’s micro-finance, adult literacy, scholarships, and international volunteerism by fostering respect for diversity and celebrating native culture.

See www.netzaproject.org; contact Lisa Martin info@netzaproject.org; US cell 508-284-0078; Mexico cell 044 755 10 01173.

S.O.S. Bahia, A.C. Local non-profit group dedicated to the rescue and long-term preservation of the ecological integrity of the Bay of Zihuatanejo. Promotes environmental awareness, advocates the sustainable development of the bay’s surroundings, and works to stop water pollution and the destruction of wildlife habitat in and around the bay. Collects and distributes information about the issues concerning the bay and organizes periodical beach cleanups. Gladly accepts volunteer contributions and donations. www.sosbahia.org, info@sosbahia.org.

SPAZ-HKP “Helene Krebs Posse” Humane Society of Zihuatanejo (Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Zihuatanejo Helene Krebs Posse) Offers sterilization clinics, free adoptions, educational out reach programs, treatment and rehabilitation for wounded, homeless or abandoned animals. Sells t-shirts and memberships to raise funds, gladly accepts donations. Located at Casa Marina, next to the basketball court facing the bay in central Zihuatanejo.

Casa Marina, Paseo del Pescador #9, Col. Centro 40880 Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México, Tel. (755) 554-2373. http://www.zihuatanejo.net/spaz/, animales.zihua@hotmail.com

ZI-GUITAR-FEST A.C. - THE ZIHUATANEJO INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL Now in its seventh year, the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival brings international musicians to Zihuatanejo from all across the world. The Festival is a registered not-for-profit association in Mexico and a percentage of festival proceeds go toward supporting Music, Art and Cultural Education in the community. Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers always needed. www.zihuafest.info, info@zihuafest.info

If you don’t see your organization listed here, please send us your mission statement and contact information to get on the list, info@adip.info.

Getting

Married By elizabeth brady

in paradise

It can be quite warm, especially during the summer months of July, August, September and October. In the winter months of November, December, January, February, and into March it is slightly cooler in the evening. I have photographed many weddings in Mexico and have seen entire wedding parties literally melt in front of my camera. Things I recommend to my clients: wear the lightest weight wedding dress you can find that is made from natural material and that is breathable. I recommend the same for bridesmaids’ dresses. Choose comfortable shoes that have air flow. If your feet get sweaty in tight shoes, the result can be nasty blisters (I’ve seen it happen...not too nice). Also, if you are getting married on the beach, consider flat shoes or no shoes at all. If you have long hair, as beautiful as it is down, it will be much cooler with it up. If the groom, groomsmen or guests wear jackets, long sleeved shirts or the color black, by the end of the ceremony they will be standing in a puddle of their own sweat. Men might consider wearing a thin undershirt to reduce sweat marks. I am from Canada so I understand North America fashion sense for weddings but I also now live and work in Mexico, so I can safely say that when it’s hot try to think functional (i.e. how can my fiancé and I keep cool, how can my wedding party and guests keep cool) over what would be appropriate in the USA or Canada. The heavy and/or luxurious materials and formal, layered attire that are certainly appropriate for North American weddings are simply not practical for weddings in Mexico. I hope you find my advice helpful. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help out. If you would like to submit a question, contact Elizabeth or Juan at bnfotografia@hotmail.com

Photos by Elizabeth and Juan, BN Fotografía

My fiancé and I are getting married in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. We have heard that it can get hot. Do you have any suggestions regarding clothing?

About the Author Elizabeth and Juan, a Canadian and Mexican couple, met and fell in love in Canada in 2007. They moved to Mexico and later married. They have lived in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for about 2.5 years and run BN Fotografía (a division of Navarrete-Brady Company). BN Fotografía provides a full range of photographic and video services and can be found online at www.bnfotografia.com.

another day in paradise

By elizabeth brady

Community Profile

Baby Bundles & Holiday PROJECtS

Above: Some members of the Baby Bundle Project, back row: Janice, Sharon, Lisa, front row: Gloria, a visitor to the group, Joan, Francis, Barbara, Elean and Susan, Right and Below: Baby Bundle stuff, Photos by M. Elizabeth J. Brady, BN Fotografia.

Rose Cavenagh, wife of an

lots of fun.) Each bundle includes: Ixtapa Christian Fellowship minister and diapers, baby powder, bible in Spanish, three months of vitamins, baby soap, a Mexican-Canadian nurse, has been mommy soap, shampoo, body lotion, involved for many years in a ministry onesies, tooth brush, tooth paste, all at the Zihuatanejo General Hospital. wrapped in a receiving blanket and tied About three years ago, the Chief of with a ribbon. Social Work at the General Hospital asked Rose if she would give classes to pregnant teenagers, to assist them with Once the bundles are complete, they making good decisions in life. She said are dropped off at the Social Services Department of the General Hospital. yes. These classes are now presented Social Services determine who receives by Rose, Racquel Viveros and Alisa the bundles, based on their educational Duncan, weekly to a group of twentyclass attendance, economic situation five to thirty young women. Rose and need. Approximately 300 baby asked the hospital’s social workers if anything was provided to the economi- bundles are produced per year and it is estimated that the cost to produce cally disadvantaged young mothers one bundle is 25 US dollars. The when they left the hospital. When she group’s goal is to increase production discovered the answer was no, Rose to approximately fifty bundles more per presented her friends with a challenge month in order to keep up with demand to reach out to the pregnant teens in the Ixtapa – Zihuatanejo community in a in 2010. meaningful way.

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Patti Long and Carol Walters took up the challenge and initiated the Baby Bundle Project, which is now co-coordinated by Patti and Joan McKay. About every two to three months, a group of full-time and part-time expats, visitors and locals alike, gather to socialize, have some snacks and make bundles. (The author has attended a few gatherings herself and can attest to it being

How you can help The next baby bundle gathering will be December 11. All are welcome to join in. To contribute products for the bundles, for the location of the next gathering, or for more information about how to get involved, contact Joan at 553-1618 or playaobispo@yahoo.com or Patti ixtapapatti@hotmail.com. In the future, educational classes, outreach and nurturing of pregnant teens, could be a full time ministry for someone. Also, teen mothers need more follow-up. Contact Rose at cavenaghster@gmail.com about perusing either of these possibilities.

Tanya Jones and Page Cameron distribute gifts for Christmas in 2008, Photos by Kenny Jones

Captain’s Daughter Christmas Project Initiated by Zihua business owners Tanya and Kenneth Jones, the project was set up to collect new and used, nonbattery operated toys and to distribute them within economically disadvantaged communities and schools. In 2008 about 120 children received toys and gifts in Colonia El Embalse. Last year 130 children received gifts at the Miguel Hidalgo School in Colonia Lanoria and this year the organizers hope to distribute gifts to 400 children through Miguel Hidalgo and perhaps one other school. Teachers at the school also set up the gifts as a reward for good grades. From Dec 26, 2009 - Jan 3, 2010, wrapped or unwrapped gifts can be brought to Captain’s Daughter Restaurant, or Bar la Playa, both located at Nicolas Bravo 39, Zihua. Gift donors are invited to a big party on Dec 26, 2009 (which also coincides with Bar La Playa’s anniversary party) there will be

treats and one free cocktail. While there check out photos of the project from previous years posted in Bar la Playa. Gifts are distributed on Three Kings’ Day, Jan 6. For further details, contact Tanya Jones at 112-2175 or magyjones@ yahoo.com.

The Angel Tree program This is a worldwide program, a branch of which was started Zihuatanejo seven years ago. The project organizes gifts for the children of people incarcerated in the local jail. Gifts are delivered on January 6th of each year (King’s Day). The inmates also create high quality hammocks which are sold through local churches including Zihuatanejo Christian

Fellowship and at Ixtapa Christian Fellowship. The revenues of the hammocks go to offsetting their expenses while incarcerated and to supporting their families. If you are interested in making a donation, in buying a hammock or in learning more about the many facets of the program contact Patti at ixtapapatti@hotmail.com. 23

another day in paradise

Zscene

Clemenica Igartua`s BirthDay

1- Cristina & J Luis Arriaga, Clemencia & Bernardo Igartua, Alejandro Ajurria 2- Carmen & Tim Sullivan, Clemencia, Raymond Massry 3- Lorena & Luis Rodriquez, Lupita Garcia, To単o Guillen, Clemencia, Lupita Morales, Laura & Vanessa Mariscal 4- Miquel de Quevedo & DJ Doro 5- Fernando Cobian, Clemencia, Alejandro Ajurria

restaurant coconuts season opening

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1- Isabel Fortune, Linda Fox, Tania Scales 2- Bill Underwood, David Brown and David Jr. 3- Helmut Leins & Patsy LoGiudice 4- Jeff & Ericka See, Chuck Sale 5- David Brown and David Brown, Jr. 6- Debbie Mione, John Murphy, Terry, Linda Fox, Carol Juk 7- Margo Chipman, Sandy Messenger, Tifany Wetherby 8- Dan and Cindee Leo

another day in paradise

Zscene

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halloween at che mangiamo

1- Florian & Odi 2- Cristina Tapia 3- Rita Salas, Claudia, and Clemencia Igartua 4- Noe Verboonen & Linda Miller 5- Silvia Sotelo, Lilli & Tere Diaz, Christina Tapia 6- Marlon de Quevedo, Rosario, Josh 7- Jeffrey & Maggi, Hans Nystrom 8- Marcela Galvez 9- Francisco Ochoa & Rocio Madrazo 10- Richard & Marta 11- Alejandro AjurriaA& Andrea Camacho 12- Luis Vilaplana, Hortencia, Marta Valle, Arq Carlos Alonso, Lily 13- Eloisa and Claudia

The Netza School celebrates its 15th Anniversary with their annual Parade on Avenida Cinco de Mayo, in centro zihuatanejo, Nov 23, 2009

1- Netza school teacher, Silva, with students parading in traditional dress 2- Netza ni単as at the parade 3- Netza Project founder, Lisa Martin, parading with the jaguars 4- Shirley Dean with Netza School Director, Marina Sanchez

another day in paradise

Culture

Cel Ho

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Christmas Turkey, Photo by Jacom Stephens.

Mexico is predominantly a Catholic country, although

During the Christmas season, Mexico’s craft markets sell thousands of figures for the nacimientos, the every possible religion is very likely elaborate nativity scenes created in represented here. Mexico has many homes, churches and even offices of the same Christmas traditions found the world over in Judeo-Chris- throughout the country. If you want tian countries, but like all places they to create your own, take this opportuhave their own versions and regional nity to pick up some Mexican-crafted pieces. The nativity scenes created on differences, with unique customs tabletops often resemble whole vilparticular to Mexico. Independent lages, with mountains, rivers and lakes of religious celebration, the holidays in Mexico are a time for gatherings of surrounding them. There are models friends and family, and if you will be in of markets, musicians, children playMexico during the holiday season you ing, dancers and women making tortimight enjoy taking the time to learn llas. Look out for the figures unique to Mexican culture, such as the rooster about Mexico’s holiday traditions.

that announces the birth of Christ, and Lucifer lurking in the bushes to distract the shepherds. One of the biggest markets takes place in the city of Guadalajara, Mexico’s second city, north-west of the capital. Markets are usually held December - February on Sundays and Thursdays, but check with the local tourist office first. Throughout the country, neighborhoods and households host vibrant parties and processions, known as posadas, in remembrance of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The term posada refers to the lodging Continues on next Page

ebrating the liDays IN MEXICO

Poinsettias, Flor de Noche Buena, (“Christmas Flower”) in Spanish, are native to Mexico, Photo by Catherine Krantz.

Santa and other piñatas in the market, Photo by Catherine Krantz.

ContinueD From page 31

that the couple sought in the city. Guests and hosts alike re-enact the tale of their search by singing traditional carols at the doors of the party. Traditionally the host may only open the doors once they have guessed the identities of those outside. It is common for children to be dressed up as Joseph and Mary and for there to be a genuine donkey present. Once the guests have entered the house, children break open piñatas. In the past these were seven-pointed stars representing the seven deadly sins, but they are commonly being replaced with vessels in the shapes of plants and animals. In Mexico the piñata is perceived as a demon with his belly bursting with evil. Children must break the object open in a symbolic gesture to let good overcome the evil. When broken the contents of the piñata reveal a broken earthenware jar bearing sweets, toys and fruit for the children to gorge on. These celebrations happen during December 16-24, and have long been a part of Mexican culture. Their version of the Passion plays quite often feature devils as well as the traditional characters. At the very end of the evening an aguinaldo (bonus) is handed out to the children present, consisting of dried fruit and other goodies. On Christmas Eve, Roman Catholic Mexicans head to their local church to celebrate the late night Misa

de Gallo. This literally translates as rooster’s mass, but is usually known as midnight mass. Afterwards, families celebrate with a traditional meal. The mass is celebrated with the arrival of the final procession, or posada, of the season, where locals honor the new born messiah in his manger. There are traditional indigenous dances, music and hugs of love and peace are shared throughout the congregation. After the mass, the celebrants head off for a traditional meal. There are gifts for the children, the smashing of the piñata, the lighting of sparklers and general merrymaking throughout the night. Christmas Day is quiet as everyone recovers and eats the leftovers. A few days after Christmas on December 28, a holiday called Dia de los Inocentes,(The Day of the Innocents) is said to be a religious commemoration of the day that Herod sent out his troops to kill all newborn children in an attempt to eradicate the threat of a new king. Actually, the day is more akin to April Fool’s day, with gags and jokes being played. Mexicans ask to borrow objects of value or money from friends, creating elaborate stories, problems or tragedies to convince their prey. If someone falls victim to this, they are given sweets, miniature toys or a silly gift in return but they also have to face the jokes and name calling for the rest of the day. So, you have been warned. Don’t

fall for your friends’ stories and don’t lend anything to anyone, but if you do...just remember, it’s only a little harmless fun! The final holiday of the Christmas season is on January 6, Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day), celebrating the Epiphany (as it is usually called in English) the Mexican way, with gifts for the children and a feast with family or friends. Roman Catholics celebrate the arrival in Bethlehem of the Three Wise Men; Melchior, Gaspar and Baltazar, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh for the newborn Son of God. Mexican children

receive presents, having filed their letter of request a few days before (in the same way children often write to Santa Claus before Christmas). In Mexico City, the children often go to the Alameda Park, where they can have their photograph taken with the Three Kings. The park is lined with food and toy stalls. Helium-filled balloons are also on sale, so the children can attach their letters to them and let their wish be carried up to the sky. The night before, they leave their old shoes under their bed or in the living room and hope to find presents next to them in the morning. Often they leave cookies and milk for the Three

Figures for a nacimiento, including the Christmas rooster, Photo by Catherine Krantz. Nativity scenes for sale in the market, Photo by Catherine Krantz.

Kings and even hay and water for the animals. While the children play with their new gifts, the adults prepare the Merienda de Reyes, the meal that friends and families have on this day. It is traditional to have a Rosca de Reyes, a round sweet cake/bread decorated with crystallized fruit. A plastic baby (representing Jesus) is hidden in the cake (symbolizing being hidden from King Herodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s men). Whoever gets the plastic figure is expected to play host to all those present (and make tamales for all) on February 2, for Candelaria (Candlemas).

So, no matter what your beliefs or religion may be, there is always a reason to celebrate this time of year. And if you decide to participate or just happen upon one of the many Mexican celebrations, I hope we all find some way to enjoy this time with our friends and family. Whether here on the beach, or in your home town, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make this a holiday season to remember.

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34 Shopping

another day in paradise

A|Toshina mini-notebook, super portable less than 1Lb., INTERNET PLUS B| Gold jewelry by Daniel Espinosa, FRUITY KEIKO C|Set of 3 decorative art prints on canvas, INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO D|Alligator boots, available in three colors, MARIO’S LEATHER SHOP E|Advertising Posters, art prints on canvas, INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO F |Resin and leaf sculpture, INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO g|Drawstring purse with sandals and leather accessories, MARIO’S LEATHER SHOP h|Emilia Castillo Silver inlay vase, GALART

m 36 www.adip.info

barefoot elegance at its finest

its good to be home Whole Ownership Beach Front Villas. A new concept by Enrique Zozaya, luxury appointed villas with all the amenities of a boutique hotel. Located on a pristine stretch of beach in an authentic Mexican village, just 20 minutes from Zihuatanejo and 10 minutes from ZIH international airport. Villas Las Palmas on Playa Blanca. www.villaslaspalmas.net OFFERED BY 118 Real Estate, Paseo de la Ropa 118, Zihuatanejo, Gro Tel. 755-103-6013, www.118realestate.com, info@118realestate.com

another day in paradise

Upcoming Events

Dec - Jan

Christmas Festival, Mexico City. Stages fun events and entertainment in the capital every December and January. Past attractions include an ice rink in the Zócalo (town square) with ballets, musical concerts and festive nativity scenes on the ice.

Dec 4-6

Rucco Surfer Reunion 2009, Ixtapa. The annual Rucco reunion is a three day event focused on surf and fun at Playa Linda. There will be teams from Mexico, Texas, California, Florida, and more! Also good food, beverages, music, doctors, nurses, ambulance service, oxygen, stimulants for the elderly and a beach fashion show! For more info, or if you want to compete: Catcha L’ola (755)553-1384

Performances of prehispanic dance in front of the Basilica in Mexico City for the day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Photo by Nadine Markova.

Dec 8

Pilgrimage to Juquila, Oaxaca. In the village of Santa Catalina Juquila, approximately one kilometer from the city of Oaxaca, is the statue of the Virgen Morena de Juquila to which are attributed many miracles. Every year hundreds of thousands make a pilgrimage to Juquila, some on foot, on bicycle Dec 4-Mar 31 and by car or truck. There are many Arte de Cuba, Merida, Yucatan. Ten of Cuba’s best-known artists, whose legends about this small statue which, when taken to a neighboring village, work is owned by serious collectors mysteriously reappeared in its original worldwide, will exhibit their curated art home. When a flash fire destroyed most at Soho Galleries from December to of the village, including the house where March. Six of them will be present at the opening event on December 4. The the tatue was kept, the statue was found opening is at 7 pm, on Friday, December unharmed, simply with its skin darkened. 4. Soho Galleries, Calle 60 #400A x 43, Dec 9 Centro. Tel. 928 5710. Taste of Ixtapa Food Crawl and www.sohogalleriesmx.com Guitar Fest Fundraiser in Ixtapa. Support the international guitar festival Dec 5 and sample select dishes from area Primera Travesia a Nado de la restaurants. For $200 pesos you can Bahía de Zihua, Zihuatanejo. sample foods from several Ixtapa Quite a mouth full, but basically it is a swim across the bay to educate people restaurants, all within walking distance of each other and conveiently located about the delicate ecology of our bay. All ages and skill levels can participate. off Ixtapa Boulevard. Frank’s, Tocu Tucan, Chile Salsa Brava are only a few Starts at Playa La Ropa. Prizes and medals given to winners. For information of the restuarants particpating. For and registration, call (755)554-6223 or more information email info@zihuafest. info, Info@adip.info, or talk to Frank at (755)544-6667 www.travesiabahiaziFrank’s in Ixtapa 755-553-2777. www. huatanejo.blogspot.com zihuafest.info

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Dec 5-12

Fiesta de la Virgen de Guadalupe, National. A celebration of the holiest figure of Mexican Catholicism, and Mexico’s Patron Saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. Many lively processions happen all across Mexico, but the main pilgrimage on December 12 is directed to the home of the miraculous image of the Virgin, the Basilica in Mexico City. The square in front of the Basilica is a stage for singing, dancing and celebration.

Dec 11

The Rene Ferguson Foundation fifth Anniversary, Zihuatanejo. Come and celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the Foundation with us. The foundation helps young women attend college by assisting with the cost of tuition and books. Donations to the foundation are tax deductible in the United States. The program, starting at 6:00 pm, will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, an

introduction to the six Scholarship winners, a presentation of Ballet Folklorico Calmecatl, the premier Ballet group of the State of Guerrero, live music by Michelle, and raffles of professional tennis lessons, beach days and boat trips for up to six people, and decorative art objects. $200.00 pesos per person entrance, La Quinta Troppo is a small boutique hotel on the road to Playa La Ropa, on the right hand side, 50 meters before the Dolphin fountain. For further information please call David Ferguson or Erica Islas at La Quinta Troppo, 755-554-3423, or by e-mail at troppo@ prodigy.net.mx

Dec 12

Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, National.

Dec 12-13

Festival Infantil de Surf, Playa Linda, Ixtapa. Definitely this season there is something for the whole family, including a competition for the younger surfers. The Children’s Festival of Surfing is presented in three categories: 6 to 8 years 9 to 12 years and 12 to 14 years. Besides lots of fun, those attending will enjoy a demonstration of surf in a natural environment that invites you to rest and relax with your family. Around the world there are excellent surfing spots and events, but few are as accessible, fun and exciting. For more information or to sign your kids up, please contact catchalola333@prodigy.net.mx or phone 755 55 3 13 84.

Dec 13-22

Feria de la Piñata, Alcoman, Mexico State. In the small town of Alcoman, only a few miles from Mexico City, there is annual celebration of the children’s favorite party favor, the piñata. Among the piñatas on show are those made from clay, traditional models with seven points that symbolize the seven deadly sins, and those made from cardboard with popular children’s designs. This is a great festival to celebrate with families where you can learn to make your own piñata. Continues on Page 40

Jan 15

Another Day In Paradise Magazine 10 year Anniversary Party & Community Fair, Zihuatanejo. Come celebrate 10 years of Another Day in Paradise magazine and the vibrant Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo community. Cocktails, live music, art exhibitions by local artists, and community project information, with representatives on hand from many of I-Z’s art, cultural, education and philanthropy groups. To be held at the Museo Arqueologico de la Costa Grande, Centro Zihuatanejo, (Archeology Museum), located on the Fisherman’s walk at the end furthest away from the pier, next to the walkway to Playa Madera. Everyone welcome, Free admission. 6:00 – 10:00 pm. Contact ADIP at info@adip.info, Tel. 755-544-8023, for more information or to have your community project included.

another day in paradise

latest book, now in progress. Coconuts Restaurant, Pasaje Agustin Ramirez, Centro Zihuatanejo, 7pm. Info@adip. info for more information

Upcoming Events

Dec 19-21

Arthur Koby necklace, Photo by Epitacio.

Dec 15

Arthur Koby jewelry exhibit, Ixtapa. Direct from New York exclusive from GALART international jewelry designer ARTHUR KOBY at the exhibition of his latest collection of necklaces 2010. Galart at Villa de la Selva Restaurant, Ixtapa, 6:00 p.m. RSVP galart@prodigy. net.mx For dinner reservations: 755 5530362

Dec 16-24

Posadas, National. Throughout the country, streets and households host vibrant parties and processions, known as posadas, in remembrance of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem.

Dec 18

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Day of the Virgin of Soledad, Oaxaca City. The state pays homage to its patron saint in style every year. Watch fireworks and Oaxacan dances outside the 17th-century Basílica de la Soledad and feast on fritters and fruit ices. The Basílica de la Soledad, 107 Independencia,(five blocks west of the Zócalo, or town square), springs to life with bell ringing, religious processions, song and fairground rides. Oaxaca’s vivid Danza de la Pluma (Feather Dance) is not to be missed. It is a symbol of pride for the Zapotecas (people from Oaxaca) and danced every year in July at La Guelaguetza (Monday of the Hill celebration) too.

Fusion Art & Design Christmas Bazaar, Mexico City. Stock up on shoes, clothes, jewelry, art, bags and other accessories by independent Mexican designers at the Fusion Art & Design Christmas Bazaar Parque México, D.F. www.proyectofusion.com.mx

Dec 23

the “Annual Program of Preservation of the Sea Turtle” with a massive release and with the participation of tourists. Locations: Playa La Ropa, La Madera and Principal (Zihuatanejo) and Playa El Palmar (Ixtapa). Time of release may vary. Highly recommended for adults and children.

Jan 6

Los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day), National. Celebrate the Epiphany (as it is usually called in English) the Mexican way, with gifts for the children and a feast with family or friends.

Zihuatanejo 56th Anniversary, Zihuatanejo. Celebrate the Anniversa- Feb 15-19 3rd Annual Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo ry of the founding of our town in 1953. There will be a fiesta in the main square Real Estate Fair. Everything you need to know to buy real estate in of Zihuatanejo. Mexico, with property tours and open houses. Information on how to attend or Dec 23 La Noche de Los Rábanos, (Night be a sponsor, email: info@adip.info of the Radishes), Oaxaca City. Radishes are lovingly sculpted into everything from animals to saints and nativity scenes at Oaxaca’s curious annual Radish Festival.

Dec 24

Misa de Gallo and Christmas Eve Supper, National. Roman Catholic Mexicans head to their local church to celebrate the late night Misa de Gallo. This literally translates as rooster’s mass, but is usually known as midnight mass.

Los Pistoleros, Guitar Fest 2009, Photo by Steve Johnson.

Mar 17,18,19

7th Annual Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. he 2010 fest will be smaller than past years’ events, but will have three days of Dec 28 live music with 3 concerts: 1 in Ixtapa & 2 in Zihuatanejo showcasing popular Dia de los Inocentes,(The Day of the Innocents), National. Said to international artists from past years’ events. The fest needs your support this be a religious commemoration of the year more than ever to continue to bring day that Herod sent out his troops to kill world class music to Zihuatanejo and raise funds to support arts & educaall newborn children in an attempt to tional projects in the community. ZIGF eradicate the threat of a new king. Actuanticipates being back to full size in ally, the day is more akin to April Fool’s 2011. Confirmed artists for 2010: Los Pistoleros, Doug Towle & de la Tierra, day, with gags and jokes being played. Roger & Valerie Scannura, Nick Vigarino, Dec 19 Eric McFadden, among others TBA Dec 31 ADIP Local Author’s Series, www.zihuafest.info, info@zihuafest.info HOWARD ENGLANDER, Zihuatanejo. New Year’s Eve celebration, Zihuatanejo. La cancha (basketball When old age hits you can either fall court) in downtown Zihuatanejo is the down or hit back. Howard Englander, nationally recognized advertising writer, place to listen to music, dance, watch fireworks over the Bay. Fun for the whole acclaimed commercial director and archetype of the new retiree, reads from family! his first book of fiction, 73, about the Dec 31 adventure of aging for those who have lived long and who ain’t done living yet. Liberation of the Turtles, Eric McFadden, Guitar Fest 2009, Photo by Zihuatanejo. Symbolic closing of He will also read selections from his Wendy Ogle.

another day in paradise

Classifieds

Mother Nature/My Nature. Owen Lee`s new book on ecology now available through amazon.com, Prisoner in Paradise also available on amazon.com. For delivery in Zihuatanejo, call Owen 755-102-7111, owenzih@yahoo.com

CARPENTRY IN IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO We have 27 years experience working with wood and wood derivatives. We build integral kitchens, closets, doors, dining room sets, armchairs, staircases, handrails, shelves, and design furniture by computer. We also do restoration and carpentry maintenance in general. Guaranteed quality, all woods, call now !! Juan Pimentel: arqpimentel@hotmail. com Cel. 044-755-113-27-80

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, interior decorating and consulting services. If you are building, remodeling or thinking about building in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area, let us take the stress and worry out of your construction project. Please contact us on the web @ www. zihuaid.com by telephone: 044 (755) 101 9711 or via email: info@zihuaid.com

HAVE FUN LEARNING SPANISH! Private

IXTAPA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

BOOKS

classes, short and medium length courses by bilingual, experienced teacher. $60-100 pesos/hour. Topics include doing business in Mexico, communicating with vendors, medical professionals, traveling, emergencies, shopping, interacting with domestic assistants and gardeners, asking for information, socializing, etc. Contact Juan at navarretebrady@yahoo.com

MARBLE & GRANITE – Kitchen, Fire places, Baths, Counter Tops, Fabrication, Installation, Free estimates, English Spoken. Gonzalo Blanco, Cel. (044) 755-100-9554 , (044) 755-105-1684

Non-denominational English language service every Sunday at 10am at Villas Paraiso in Ixtapa. Contact Ron 755-554-5919 or John & Joan at 755-553-1618 for more information.

PHOTOGRAPHIC & VIDEO SERVICES

ZIHUATANEJO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

BN Fotografía is a locally based company that is operated by my husband and I. We are a Mexican and Canadian couple who provide professional, creative and efficient photographic and video services. We are bilingual and bicultural. Contact Juan or Elizabeth at 755-120-3633 or bnfotografia@ hotmail.com or visit www.bnfotografia.com.

Non-denominational English language service every Sunday morning in Zihuatanejo, Contact John & Betty 755-554-7178 for more information.

SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS GATO Property Management, Payment of Services, Maintenance, Repairs, Assistance with any Permits, Personalized and Translated Services, General Consulting for foreigners. Guaranteed quality and efficiency. Honesty and Responsibility. Absolute confidentiality. “we will Gladly Attend TO all your housing needs” Eloisa Rodrìguez Cell: 755-100-83-29 serviciosgatozihua@hotmail.com

ZIHWATTS - Having trouble? Or just need an upgrade…Computers, Dish TV, sound systems, security, telephone, electrical, and Intelligent Home Technology. We can install new, change the old, or trouble-shoot existing problems. For more info contact J.C. by email: zihwatts@ yahoo.com , or by cell: 044(755)102-9093

RECOVERY 12 STEP HOUSE English speaking recovery groups. Directly across from the biblioteca (library) on Cuauhtemoc, AA-Monday and Friday 6:00 PM NA- Wednesday 6:00 PM. Additional meetings November - April. For more info call or email Bob P. (755) 554-2034, Qigongporvida@yahoo.com, or Mike cell 044-755-104-4544

ADIP NOTICES

Fishing Photos needed – Had a great day on the water? Send us your photos… Tell us who is in the photo, who took it, what you caught and when you went out. Send photos by e-mail in high resolution jpg to: info@adip.info subject line: FISHING PHOTOS Z-SCENE PHOTOS needed, send us photos or your parties, events, business and social gatherings and we’ll put them in the Z-Scene! Send photos with first and last name of each person, what event they were attending and when to: info@adip.info subject line: ZSCENE

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42 By Nancy seeley

Travel another day in paradise

zacatecas Travelogue

The gorgeous colonial architecture invites inspection, and the baroque cathedral downtown is perhaps the single finest example of the ornate Churrigueresque style to be found in Mexico. Zacatecas had never been particularly high on our list of cities to visit in Mexico, but not long ago it was on our way to somewhere else, so we decided to spend a night or two there. When it was time to leave, we wished we didn’t have to go. The climate was delightful, clear, sunny, verging on arid, and refreshingly cool, which made for comfortable walking conditions in a postcard picturesque city nestled between two hills. One isn’t constantly dabbing sweat off one’s brow and wondering whether the morning’s application of deodorant is still doing its thing, though the nearly 8,000-foot altitude and narrow, twisty, cobblestoned streets which rarely traverse flat ground can be aerobically challenging.

Zacateces at night Photo by Carlos Sanchez.

Zacatecas’s glory days as the hub of the country’s mining industry in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries have long since passed. Nevertheless, this colonial city of about 150,000 people boasts a sprawling university, a still-functioning mine, an amazing cathedral, an impressive array of museums, and a European-built teleferico (cable car) that flies over the downtown area from 500 feet up, treating its riders to a thrilling five

minutes hanging above the city for a third of a mile. Founded in 1546, Zacatecas is a Nahuatl word meaning a place where grass (zacate) is plentiful. We got there by taking the overnight La Linea Plus bus to Guadalajara from Zihuatanejo (around eight hours, 540 pesos), then hopping on an Omnibus de Mexico coach for the five and a half hour ride (about 325 pesos) to Zacatecas. The final curvy descent into town is quite impressive. By a bit after 1 p.m., we were looking for the #8 combi (microbus) to cover the final three kilometers into el centro (downtown), where numerous well-equipped hotels are located. Visit in spring during the off season, and you’re likely to find deeply discounted accommodations in this Unesco World Heritage site. If you’re feeling flush, stay at the Quinta Real Zacatecas, constructed around the ruins of the oldest bull ring in North America and next door to the photo op sixteenth century aqueduct, Aqueducto El Cubo. Some consider this to be Mexico’s most beautiful hotel. Have a drink at the bar situated near where toreadors (bullfighters) once waited their turn to dazzle crowds and you decide. Continues on Next Page

ContinueD From previous Page

Wandering around town, nets you opportunities to visit about ten different museums, including two named after native sons of Zacatecas--the Coronel brothers. Both twentieth century artists who donated their extensive collections, Pedro Coronel’s museum features a worldwide collection of ancient and modern art, while Rafael Coronel’s is dedicated to Mexican masks. The displays change often given that there are around 4,500 pieces in the collections.

Zacatecas Cathedral Photo by Carlos Sanchez.

The gorgeous colonial architecture invites inspection, and many guidebooks tell you the baroque cathedral downtown with its oodles of statues, built from locally quarried pink stone, is perhaps the single finest example of the ornate Churrigueresque style to be found in Mexico. Interestingly, the color of that stone seems to change as the sun goes down. Check out some of the old mansions and palaces as well, many of which are painstakingly and elaborately decorated. One of the websites I checked before we embarked on our trip said buildings often took years to complete because the architects wanted to leave something special and memorable behind. Be sure to take a walk around the many downtown plazas at night, when they’re clogged with locals strolling about, way past dark. You’re likely to get stared at quite openly since foreign tourists are not that common. Little garbage and few beggars add to the appeal. This is one of several Mexican towns boasting strolling callejoneadas, raucous little ragtag music bands often accompanied by a burro carrying a cargo of mezcal for the thirsty entertainers. Find something to pound, clank, blow or strum and join the group if you like. Local lore says miners used to end their work week on Saturday afternoons this way. Now about the mining: There’s still an active 200-year-old mine called El Bote in town, but the biggest tourist attraction is Mina El Eden, which for 400 years was the area’s major source of wealth. The city of Taxco, in Guerrero, is more popularly known today for “working” silver and its many silver designers, but this Zacatecas mine once was the largest silver-producing mine in Mexico, in addition to yielding quartz, copper, gold, calcium, zinc, and iron. To get there, hike up to the Cerro del Grillo (Cricket Hill) cable car station 44

or take a taxi. The mine entrance is nearby. Pay your 70 pesos, don your gauzy “shower cap” and helmet, and follow your guide along lighted walkways on the fourth of the mine’s seven levels. The lower ones are flooded, and the tour makes no attempt to sugarcoat the awful conditions faced by employees, as young as twelve, in past centuries. (Excavating operations ceased in the mid-1950s.) Adults often worked sixteen hours a day, and too many of the workers (we were told as many as five a day) left by way of slings, fashioned to transport the dead back out. But it’s eerily beautiful too, enhanced by underground pools, a waterfall, and narrow passageways literally chopped from the earth’s innards, walled by stone on both sides.

In the “olden days,” Spanish treasure ships and Manila galleons sailed away with the lion’s share of this silver, much of it made into coins fancifully named, “pieces of eight.” Today there are two shops selling silver pieces as well as mineral samples inside the mine; I bought several incense holders at bargain prices. A narrow gauge railway brought us back up from 1,700 feet deep inside Cerro del Grillo, where I emerged above ground with a new appreciation for unfettered space and fresh air. For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, come back to Mina El Eden late on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night to enjoy the revelry at Disco El Malacate. Although the disco opens its doors

at 9:30 p.m., we’re told the joint really starts rocking after midnight and doesn’t wind down until dawn. Ladies get in free on Thursdays; otherwise plan on forking over a 150 peso cover charge. We also took the cable car ride to the top of the city’s second (and higher) hill, Cerro de la Bufa. The car holds fifteen people or 2,640 pounds. I admit to being a tad leery when one of our fairly large group turned out to be a fellow who must have weighed in at around 400 pounds all by himself, but we made it intact despite his jokes midway across that perhaps this particular ride should have been limited to just half a dozen live bodies.

La Bufa (as the locals call it) is lighted up at night, and our room at Hotel Condesa (430 pesos for a double) offered a great view. It looked so high from our window that we were surprised when it took only twenty minutes to walk all the way back down to street level after we saw the chapel, the museum, and the three largerthan-life equestrian statues up top. There are varying explanations for La Bufa’s name, but my favorite claims the Spanish, arriving in the mid-sixteenth century, thought the unusually shaped rock at the crest of the hill looked like a pig’s bladder, which back then was an object often used for holding wine, in which case it was dubbed “una bufa,” hence the name that stuck. The little chapel is dedicated to the patron saint of miners. Both the museum and the three statues commemorate Pancho Villa’s 1914 victory over Mexican President Huerta after fierce fighting on the hillside, giving the revolutionaries control of the city and a shot at taking over the nation’s capital city. There’s also a meteorological observatory and a mausoleum of heroes from the mid-nineteenth century to the present decorating La Bufa. All in all, we’d recommend a visit to this high plateau several states north of Zihuatanejo, which has almost nothing in common with our sea level paradise. Cable car over Zacatecas, Photo by Jacom Stephens.

About the Author

Quinta Real, Zacatecas, with the Aqueducto El Cubo in the background, Photo by Carlos Sanchez.

Nancy Seeley moved down to Zihuatanejo from Wisconsin late in 1995 with the intention of staying for a 3-year sabbatical...but once she got here, she found there was no turning back. Traveling throughout Mexico has become a passion, and avoiding winter weather in the Midwest has become a goal. So far, she claims a pretty high success rate on both fronts. 45

another day in paradise

By Maura Taylor

Home & Living

Opening

a Mexican Bank Account Most of us extranjeros (foreigners) want to make our lifestyle in Mexico more convenient.

One of the first steps towards doing so is opening a Mexican bank account. The ability to pay bills and have easy access to cash makes a big difference when you are residing in a foreign country. A local bank account alleviates the hassle of costly international ATM and credit card fees. It also eliminates the need to make international wire transfers, which often end up getting lost or take days to finalize, leaving you in a potentially precarious (and cashless) situation. Most local banks allow you 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, online access to your checking and savings account along with the ability to pay certain bills online such as utilities, phone or internet. If you need to make payments to persons or businesses, many online banking services allow you to make direct deposits or direct transfers from your account into any other Mexican account, and you can also request physical checks which can be cashed at the issuing bank or deposited in any Mexican bank account. This article aims to provide you with the basic information and “how to” for opening a bank account here in Zihuatanejo.

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First and foremost, there are certain documents you will need to bring in order to open a bank account. 1.Forma migratoria, whether it be an FMT (the tourist card which every foreign passport holder is given upon entry into Mexico), FM3 or FM2. For FM3/FM2 visa holders, you will need to make a copy of all of the pages within the visa even if they are completely blank. 2.Comprobante de identificacion official, in other words, your passport. Here as well you will need a copy of the entire passport including all of the pages, even if they are completely blank. 3.Combrobante de domicilio, proof of residence, which can be in the form of a recent (up to three months prior) utility, phone,

cable or Telcel bill. Most banks will accept proof of residence even if it’s not in your name. This is generally the case for anyone who is renting and receives a monthly bill in the name of the landlord or owner. In this case, the recommendation is to bring along your current rental contract (original and copy) because although it’s not required they may ask you for it. As each bank operates independently, additional documentation may be requested. Nevertheless all banks require you to deliver at minimum what is listed above. Each bank will also require you to fill out an application packet which is fairly comprehensive. The procedure for processing all of the paperwork is often lengthy; it can take up to a month or more to get your account set up. Once your account has been approved, you should be issued an ATM debit card (and PIN number). If the ATM card carries a Visa or Mastercard logo then you can also use it wherever credit cards are accepted. This is especially handy when buying groceries, eating out and paying for gas (at selected Pemex stations). Should you want to set up online access for your account, you will need to submit a request to your account executive. Regarding account fees, online access, check writing privileges and bill payment services, each bank has established their own policies so for the most up to date information it’s best to check directly with an account executive at the local branch. Some things that are helpful to keep in mind when filling out the required application packet is that your signature must be consistent and must be signed exactly the way it appears in your passport. Any small disparity will have you back at the bank filling out an entirely new application packet and starting the process all over again. It’s also important to fully understand your bank’s check writing policies. For handwritten checks, orthography is crucial. Misspelled

names or peso amounts (which must be written out in Spanish), will result in check refusal. Also any corrections or cross outs on a check may result in its refusal. This is extremely inconvenient for whoever is trying to cash or deposit your check as wait times at the bank are often lengthy. As with any checking account, always verify you have sufficient funds as each bounced check can cost you up to 80US dollars, depending on the bank policy. Another advantage to opening a Mexican bank account is that you can begin to establish a financial history. Although Mexican credit cards come with very high interest rates, in order to apply for one you will need to have had a Mexican bank account for at least six months to a year. Similarly if you are interested in taking out a loan or mortgage in pesos, part of the approval process will be based on your account history. Additionally if you have a business here it is required that you open a Mexican account for tax reporting purposes. Although a time consuming and arduous process, opening a Mexican bank account can save you a lot of grief, time and money in the long run and if you plan on residing in Mexico for any extended period of time, it will be one of the first steps towards making this country feel more like home.

About the Author Maura Taylor is a Zihuatanejo

resident who provides highly personalized construction management, interior design and relocation services for expatriates emigrating to Mexico. You can find Maura on the web @ www.zihuaid.com, by phone #044 (755) 101 9711 or via email: info@zihuaid.com.

another day in paradise

real estate

By John K. Glaab, CIPS

Real Estate news

Patzcuaro, Michoacan, was one of the featured stops on the, A Glimpse of Michoacan, real estate tour, Photo by Maria de Lourdes Alonso.

NEWS Mexico Has Become the BestCost Country for Manufacturing Mexico is now considered the best country for the United States to do business with, according to the business advisory firm AlixPartners’ recent study on manufacturing and outsourcing costs index. The study provides American companies who do international businesses, with more accurate and understandable information of foreign direct investment in manufacturing and which countries qualify as a Best-Cost Country (BCC).

48 48

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The Mexican Competitiveness Agenda in Logistics Mexico has a strategic geographical location with coastlines on the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and shares a border of more than 1,800 miles with the United States, the largest economy in the world, leading it to become a world-class logistics hub. For that reason, the Mexican government released a plan called, Competitiveness Agenda in Logistics, with the aim of increasing the productivity and competitive edge of Mexico’s economy.

class instructors, AMPI members and representatives from the media. The event was addressed by Raùl Figuerola, past President of AMPI National and AMPI Acapulco, also AMPI Los Cabos President Lisa Laborde, who had this to say, “We are proud of our members who attended the study sessions and took the exam. I would like to thank the instructors and especially Susana Bueno, who is a member of our Advisory Board and our education Coordinator.” Passing the CENEVAL exam is one step towards earning the professional education certification, a certification available to attorneys, dentists, accounts, doctors, among others. These professionals have what is called a Cedula Professional. An individual number is given for each Cedula and most professionals use them in their advertising.

Warm Up to the Global Marketplace Excerpts from an article written in, Global Perspectives in Real Estate, by Barbara Schmerzler, Chair of NAR®’s International Operations Committee: “My first thought was to wish for more NAR members to warm up to the idea Real Estate Education in Baja of a global market place and the assoCalifornia Sur ciated business opportunities. Having Two significant educational events talked with industry leaders around were recently staged in Baja California the world, I know this is not a unique Sur. Members of AMPI Los Cabos desire. Many real estate professiontook the CENEVAL exam. CENEVAL als, regardless of their country, simply (Centro Nacional de Evaluacion Para cannot see opportunities that are right La Educacion Superior) is a departin front of them. The minute they ment of the Mexican Department of hear, “international,” they think “this Education, who recognized real estate is not for me; my business is local.” as a profession only two years ago. Its One-on-one, I’m able to point out the purpose is to create and implement international aspects of [every] local exams that will test the knowledge business and how to grow that part and experience of professionals on of a practice, but of course I can only the science and technology of real reach a few [members] that directly.” estate. Study groups were formed with “Like the current NAR television professionals from real estate related commercial says: It’s time to get off activities donating their time to prethe fence! While many of the global pare students for the examination. Fol- second home markets have been devlowing the exam, a reception was held astated by this economy, Spain’s Costa in the Casa de la Cultura in San Jose del Sol and Mexico’s Mayan Riviera are del Cabo. Attending were civic leaders, just as beautiful as they were two years

ago, perhaps just a little less crowded. And if that retirement fund isn’t worth what it once was, there are many markets worldwide where less money still buys more.” (That’s some good positive thinking!) NAR® International News The National Association of Realtors® has announced the appointment of Jeff Hornberger as Director of Global Alliances (GBA). Jeff has been with NAR for over ten years; eight of which were in the International division where he managed international business development for Spanishspeaking markets. During the past two years Jeff has been the Managing Director of Member Development in NAR’s Commercial Real Estate division where he conducted outreach to local associations and worked with a team to develop specific products, programs and services for the commercial real estate industry. Jeff will now “re-join” NAR’s Global Business and Alliances group. His expanded role will reach far beyond Spanish-speaking markets and will include managing NAR’s eighty plus partnerships around the globe.

The National Association of Realtors®, is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries. A Glimpse of Michoacan A Glimpse of Michoacan was an added attraction to the Annual Conference of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professions (AMPI). The event was a real estate tour of the area surrounding Morelia, the capital of Michoacan, organized by Mexatua Realty of Morelia, The Settlement Company® and Linda Neil Properties. It brought together a group of Realtors®, mainly from the Texas Association of Realtors (TAR), but also from Manzanillo, in the state of Colima, Chapala/Ajijic in the state of Jalisco, and Morelia and Uruapan, both in Michoacan. John Gormley, Director of Communications for TAR led the Texas contingent.

The morning of October 11th, members of the tour assembled for breakfast at a painstakingly restored colonial home in downtown Morelia. Many positive comments were made about the architect and the crafts people who did the work. Next, was a brief tour of the Centro Historico (historical center) of this sixteenth century jewel, followed by a trip along the ancient aqueduct built by the Spanish, ending up at a lookout high above the city in the neighborhood of Santa Maria. Leaving Morelia for Patzcuaro and Zirahuen, the bus headed down a highway lined by tall pine trees and a view of Lake Patzcuaro, further along was Lake Zirahuen, the deepest lake in Mexico, which is fed by spring water without any rivers leading into it. A coffee break was held at a chalet in the small village of Zirahuen on an acreage that overlooks the lake, twenty minutes outside of Patzcuaro. Patzcuaro is a picturesque village which has become home to many artists and writers from outside of Mexico. It is also renowned for its special type of ice cream and shops selling the various crafts from the surrounding villages. We had lunch, typical Mexican fare, at

a restored home with a large back yard and a casita, (cottage). After lunch we viewed audio visual presentations about several others nearby developments. Then we were off to a very special place, Tzintzuntzan (Place of Hummingbirds, in the ancient Purépecha language), which was the Capital of the Imperial Purepecha Empire during the pre-Hispanic era. The first monastery was built by the Franciscans in Michoacan during the sixteenth century, el convento de Santa Ana, which now serves as an informal museum. There are yacátas (ruins) of five large Purépecha temples that are an important part of Mexican archeology. Also, the local cemetery is one of the favorite places for tourists to be for Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) on November 1, which is a mixture of Purepecha and Christian traditions. When we arrived back at the hotel around 7 p.m., it was time to download photos and take stock of our purchases. Members of our tour took advantage of the myriad of hand-made crafts in the local market. Among the

most popular purchases were Christmas decorations woven from tule grown on the banks of Lake Patzcuaro. When asked about the tour and Michoacan, Barbara Boyd, an Austin, Texas Broker exclaimed, “Michoacan has got it all and you can quote me on that.” Ward Arendt created a web site about the trip and on his site he wrote, “Spectacular properties and countryside were seen. Surprising to us was the high altitude of above 7,200 feet. Pine and oak forests along with beautiful lakes dot the region.” A great way to promote tourism and real estate and to educate international brokers about all the beauty Mexico has to offer foreign home buyers.

About the Author John Glaab has been a member

of NAR’s International Section for over a decade. He has earned the Certified International Property Specialist designation (CIPS) and is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos. John writes real estate articles for publications in three countries and for several web sites.

john.glaab@settlement-co.com

another day in paradise

by linda neil

Real Estate Law

PROPERTY TAXES on your vacation home Just as in any other country, Mexico depends upon income from the annual tax on property to keep local governments functioning and provide important local services for the region.

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The good part is that the annual tax assessed on Mexican properties is often less than it might be for property in many other countries! And, if the tax is paid in full during the first two months of the year, a discount is available in many municipalities. Property taxes are calculated each year using a basic value for the property which has been established by the department. Rates vary throughout Mexico. A typical charge however, for a residential dwelling is 6.5 pesos per 1,000 of assessed value; for commercial, rental properties or residential dwellings used seasonally, the rate is 13 per 1,000 and for unimproved lots the rate ranges from 6.5 to 52 pesos per 1,000, depending upon whether the property is urban or rural. A rate may be modified if the lot is very deep, access is poor or other factors give more or less value to the property being assessed. Request for consideration of a lower tax rate must be presented in writing to the tax department for its review. Property taxes can be paid in up to six installments; due the first ten days of each second month (i.e. January, March, May, July, September, and November). This is a helpful payment method for many who

are on tight budgets. For those who can pay the tax in one payment at the beginning of the year, it makes sense to make the payment prior to the end of February, if a discount for early payment is offered. Not only does it save money for the property owner but also it helps the local government with its cash flow and in planning for its important activities. Property taxes in Mexico must be current prior to transfer or sale of a property. A certificate from the Property Tax department is a prerequisite for the preparation of a deed (escritura). It makes sense to pay taxes on time. The penalties can be high for late payment, up to 3% per month for past due taxes. In the event property taxes are not paid for several years, a tax lien is placed on the property and fees and penalties for removal of the lien can triple the normal tax amount very quickly. Unfortunately, property tax departments throughout Mexico do NOT send out annual tax bills. Thus the foreign property owner will either go to the property tax office with a previous tax bill, or have someone else do it. It is essential that

View from Casa El Capricho, Photo courtesy of Paradise Properties.

the owner have the Property Tax Number (Clave Catastral) for the property. The billings are filed by number, not by name. One of the inevitable duties of property ownership in any country is the payment of taxes. Better to do it right and avoid headaches and penalties later! Important note: Property tax amounts are often NOT available before mid-January to early February of the year the tax is due.

About the Author LINDA NEIL is a partner in Linda Neil Properties and founder of The Settlement Company, the first escrow company in Mexico, which is dedicated to processing the trusts and title transfers of Mexican real estate for foreign buyers and sellers for properties located anywhere in Mexico. Ms. Neil is also licensed as a Real Estate Broker in California, is an Accredited Buyer Representative through NAR, and has over thirty five years of hands on experience in all aspects of Mexican real estate.

Real Estate listings

another day in paradise | www.adip.info

Executive Style Home on a 1633 m2 beachfront lot at Playa Miramar Mexico 45 min. N of Ixtapa. This home is newly constructed with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, solid timber doors, aircon in all bedrooms, modern kitchen and with 180 degree sea views. It is ready for occupancy right now. If you want a new home or an investment look no further. www.playamiramar.net Ph 753 537 4174 Mex Cel, Ph 254 258 8800 US cel glennmexico@hotmail.com

NEW! Villa Festiva ~ the jewel at the waters edge Brand new beachfront hideaway for RENT. Loose yourself in the luxury and comfort of a resort with the barefoot tranquility and authentic charm of exotic traditional Mexico. Three private and romantic king size suites. Palapa bar and infinity pool. Wifi. Full size kitchens in each villa. A/C. www.villafestiva.com or call 916-997-7669 US.

For Rent. Penthouse Costa Bella. Prety P.H 80m2 with I BDRM, king size bed & I twin, A/C. Open air Jacuzzi, open air dining with room for 6 persons dining , cable T.V. cable, wireless internet, maid service available. Just 50 metros to playa La ropa. www.costabellazih.com Tel. 755 554 49 67 and cel 755 120 2730

Beach Lots For Sale. Playa Miramar is a beach front development 45 min. N of Ixtapa. Lots from $45,000 to $250,000 and from 870 m2 to 1800 m2 w/ water and power. Can be for a new home or pure investment property values in the area have seen dramatic increases in the last five years. Is an amazing opportunity. www.playamiramar. net Ph 753 537 4174 Mex Cel, Ph 254 258 8800 US cel glennmexico@hotmail.com

Welcome to Paradise. 2-story Condo with beautiful Ocean Views at Selva Del Mar in Ixtapa. (near Las Brisas)Â Very private and tranquil. Caretakers on premises. Master Suite upstairs, Sleeps 4, Rates: $700/wk high season Dec-Apr, $350/wk low season, $1100/wk Holidays nicatnit@aol. com US Tel. 001 (574) 320-1160.Â

For Rent Suite Costa Bella. Beautiful suite with 2 double beds, kitchen & terrace dining room, A/C, Cable T.V, wirless internet, maid service available. Just 50 meters from playa la Ropa. www.costabellazih.com Tel. 755 554 4967 and cel 755 120 2730

Executive Style Home on a 1633 m2 beachfront lot at Playa Miramar Mexico 45 min. N of Ixtapa. This home is newly constructed with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, solid timber doors, aircon in all bedrooms, modern kitchen and with 180 degree sea views.. www.playamiramar.net Ph 753 537 4174 Mex Cel, Ph 254 258 8800 US cel glennmexico@hotmail.com

Troncones Beach Bungalows, For Rent, from $98.00 per night. Surf Shop, Gourmet Dining, on Pristine Manzanillo Bay. Visit our website at www.manzanillobay.com or call 755-553-2884

For Rent bungalows Costa Bella Wonderful bungalows costa bella, in a nice private development, only 7 rooms on playa la ropa. By the month special rates week or day. www.costabellazih.com Tel 755 554 4967 and cel 755 120 2730

Tim Sullivan, Ixtapa Real Estate

Paseo de las Golondrinas #19, Col. Club de Golf, Ixtapa 40884 Tel. (755) 553-3218, Fax. (755) 553 - 3219, Cel. (755) 108-5071 www.ixtaparealestate.com, ixtaparealestate@prodigy.net.mx

Bay View Grand #703N: 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 7th. Floor, beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, ample dng-lvg areas, large terrace w/ hot tub & year ‘round sunset views. An excellent rental income producing property with a proven record. Offered furnished & equipped. $399,900 USD

Villas Playa Blanca Villa 4: 3 bdrm, 3 bath Villa located

Paseo de los Viveros #17: 4 bdrm, 4.5 bath, 2

Marina del Sol #502A: 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 5th. Floor,

on the expansive Playa Blanca area south of Zihuatanejo w/ easy access to both Barra de Potosi & the International airport. An excellent option for the prospective buyer looking for prime location, quality construction and panoramic vistas. Offered furnished at $390,000 U.S.

storey single family residence constructed on a double lot located in the Viveros residential section of Ixtapa. Property includes secure, off-street parking, screen covered swimming pool and AAA quality construction. Offered furnished & equipped. $8,710,000 Pesos

beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, ample dng-lvg areas located within Ixtapa’s premier condominium complex, Marina Del Sol. Amenities include underground parking, Paddle Tennis, large pool and garden areas. Offered furnished & equipped. $495,000 USD

Bay View Grand #1001N: 4 bdrm, 4 bath, 10th. Floor,

Playa Blanca Lot #58A: This Beach front lot measuring nearly 2,000 square meters in total surface area with over 75 feet of beach frontage is located just a few hundred yards from the idyllic village of Barra de Potosi and the Laguna Potosi. The lot is suitable for single family or condominium development. Asking price $397,000 U.S.

beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, spacious dining, living & TV areas, full-width terrace w/ hot tub & year ‘round sunset views. The Bay View Grand complex boasts 2 large pools, snack bars, tennis courts, gymnasium and expansive beach frontage. Offered furnished & equipped. $735,000 USD

Tesoro Resort Ixtapa #619: Two-bedroom, one-bath

w/ shower, sixth-floor, beach front apartment with ample, equipped kitchen, living-dining areas, 2 balconies with western exposure and sunset views. Offered as is with furniture and equipment. $215,000 U.S.

Paseo Golondrinas #189: Single-family residence located within The Palma Real Golf Course neighborhood of Ixtapa. The house consists of 2.5 bdrms, 2.5 baths, dining & living rooms, dip pool, secure off-street parking and fenced yard. Offered furnished & equipped. $2,500,000 Pesos.

Villas Ixtapa Casa #3: Single family home located

within Villas Ixtapa Condominium which consists of just 3 residences sharing a common pool and gardens. The 2 storey house has 3 bedrooms each with private bath. Large living & dining area, newly remodeled kitchen and 2 covered terraces. Fully furnished and equipped. Asking price $317,500 U.S. 53

Real Estate listings

Apartment in pleasant prívate complex, Real de Palmas, with a tranquil environment and extensive green spaces with beach. The apt is just what a small family or couple needs to spend a long season enjoying the sun, sea, and tranquility of this Mexican paradise. 1 BDRM, 2 bath, living room, equipped kitchen, balcony. Contact M. Sylvia for information cel. 755-108-2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx

VILLA in Condos Tesoro: Comfortably decorated, excellently maintained interior: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, living room, dining room, equipped kitchen, wash room, covered car port, terraces, jacuzzi in master bedroom.

Contact M. Sylvia for information cel. 755-108-2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx

Zihuatanejo Bay Views -  Selected lots located above La Ropa Beach.  All with unobstructed views of the Zihuatanejo Bay and Pacific Ocean.  For information call (755) 553-3221, or cell 044 (755) 104-6220. or email gone2zwhat@aol.com

365 Sunsets-  Enjoy the sunset year round from the

Beachfront lots at their lowest prices in years. Troncones offered at $240,000. Pantla offered at $149,500. Other beaches from $110,000. Off beach lots from $30,000. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 554-0719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.

Beachfront home in Troncones offered at $445,000 negotiable. Owners are anxious to sell, make offer. Other discounted homes available. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 554-0719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.

private terrace overlooking Ixtapa beach, Sierra Madres and Pacific Ocean.  Three bedroom/ two bath with all modern conveniences.  Priced to sell.  Financing available to US citizens.  For appointment call (755) 553-3221, or cell 044 (755) 104-6220 or email gone2zwhat@yahoo.com.

another day in paradise | www.adip.info

Apt with garden & pool view. 2 Bdrm, 2 bath, dining

room, equipped kitchen, terrace in nice private condo complex, Real de Palmas, with a tranquil environment and extensive green areas, pool and beach. Just right for an pleasant vacation or for a long stay enjoying sun, sea and tranquility in paradise. For more information: M. Silvya al cel. 755 108 2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx

Villas Zitlala is home to twenty-two full-ownership luxury bay view apartments, nestled on a privileged hillside overlooking Playa La Ropa with sweeping views of beautiful Zihuatanejo Bay. Villas Zitlala, simplicity in ultimate luxury. www.villaszitlala.com for more information.

Amazing architecture. Seven luxury suites in this boutique hotel overlooking Playa La Ropa. Palapa, tropical hardwoods, pool, office, kitchens, laundry, managers apartment and more offered at $2.5 million. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 554-0719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.

Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties, jude@prodigy.net.mx, Tel. 52-(755) 554 6226, 52-(755)-557-0078 www.paradise-properties.com.mx Find us at our new location at Paseo de los Delfines No. 6 (across from the entrance to “The Tides”), Col. La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Gro.

Judith Whitehead

Paradise Properties

For Sale - Cerro del Vigìa Model Home - Another Enrique Zozaya jewel! 2 or 3 BR, 3 Bath designer home perched above the bay, or build your own on a lot of your choosing with views to Las Gatas or Barra de Potosi and Playa Blanca. Listed at US$615,000

For Sale - Las Palmas Condominiums - A new development of only 18 two or three BR lovely condos, located within close walking distance to La Ropa Beach. Be one of the first to own while they are in pre-sales prices. Starting at US$150,000.

For Sale - El Secreto del Mar - The most interesting new house on the market in a very private setting overlooking the the Bay and La Ropa Beach (above “The Tides Hotel”). Just a hop, skip and a jump to the sandy beach. A creation of noted architect Luis Treviño, this 2 BR, 2-1/2 bath with large infinity pool and adjoining wood deck is unique in design as well as price. Listed at US$695,000.

For Sale - Casa Zih - Only 6 condos in this new development above The Tides and La Ropa, lrg. terraces w/perfect views and only 5 min. walk to beach. 3 available: a PH, a 3 BR and a 2 BR & studio. Gated and secure, elevator bldg., large infinity pool with sunning terrace and shaded pool leisure area. PH: US$575,000, 3 BR: US$775,000 & 2BR w/Studio: US$650,000

For Sale - Finestre Penthouse - 5 BR + maid’s rm., 6 BATH, 2-Flr, decorator designed & furnished. In private, prestigious, secluded, gated community in Ixtapa. A divine hideaway with a lap pool and jacuzzi on terrace overlooking a dramatic cove and the ocean. Private beach and beach club w/restaurant and pools. Includes 2 family cars. Listed at US$1.650.000

For Sale Casa Cielo - Simply the most extraordinary house in the whole of Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa. 5 bedrooms, plus maid’s room and bath, 5 small pools on bedroom terraces, state of the art entertainment and house control systems. With a view to die for overlooking the bay, La Ropa and to the ocean. Listed at US$3.5M furnished

For Sale - Playa Blanca - Oceanfront lot with fresh water well, 2,500 sq. meters (almost 3/4 acre). Within walking distance to the Barra de Potosi and all the wonderful little eating establishments near the lagoon. Listed at US$150 per M2. US$375,000

Residencias Villa del Sol - The most prestigious address

For Sale - Villa Giorgia - Totally eclectic and romantic 4-BDRM house complete with fountains, gargoyles, Corinthian columns and aesthetic details. On the golfcourse in Ixtapa, with a large pool set in a beautiful garden, wonderfully furnished. Second floor can be a selfcontained suite in itself. This house is just fun to enter. Listed at US$700,000 (for a lucky buyer)

in La Ropa Beach and a charming 1-bedroom condo that is the perfect hideaway with all the services of The Tides, including beach rights, pools and restaurants. This one is completely furnished and priced to sell at US$250,000.

Real Estate listings

Ixtapa rental: Condominios Pelicanos. Four-bdrm apartment in quiet, clean and green setting. Two bathrooms, parking, 24-hr. security. Long-term occupant preferred. Price negotiable. Call Gregg or Angela 1122191. Email: angelashostel@hotmail.com

Long-term/Short-term rental, Ixtapa, Club de Golf

Fully furnished, fully equipped, 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath home w/mother-in-law’s apartment in Ixtapa. Jacuzzi tub, beautiful blue tiled pool, large palapa covered entertaining area, washing machine, walled for security and privacy. 18,000 pesos or 1,500 US per month. Contact patrickcrosby@verizon.net for more information

Monte Cristo Zihuatanejo - See full page ad for more information. www.montecristomexico.com, Tel. 755-102-7728

Beautiful House For Sale In Exclusive Boutique Condominium Ensueño 10. This House Is Currently Under Construction And Has 3br, 3baths & Amazing Views Of La Ropa. Located Above The Tides Hotel. Private Pool, Palapa & Green Roof As Well As Top Of The Line Appliances. Condominium Amenities Include Gym, Common Pool And Palapa. Only Six Units Total. Pre-Sale Price $598,000. Contact Ryan Bagdonas At (755) 109 0075, Or Ryanbagdonas@Gmail.Com

Absolutely Gorgeous! For Sale Troncones – Eight lots

on a small swimmable bay with lagoon, secluded and set apart from the rest of Troncones. Most private and beautiful lots you will find in Troncones, approx. 8,000 - 9,000 sq. ft. $175,000 - 295,000 USD. Also, two commercial lots available on the water in Troncones. Contact patrickcrosby@verizon.net for more details.

Monte Cristo Zihuatanejo - See full page ad for more information. www.montecristomexico.com, Tel. 755-102-7728

another day in paradise | www.adip.info

portalegre ixtapa - 20 exclusive apartments & 4 penthouses. Private Terrace with jacuzzi and ocean view. A large variety of options, locations, and sizes. Complex has ample gardens, pool, onsite laundry facilities, elevators, snack bar, gymnasium, parking, secuirty. www.portalegreixtapa.com, contacto@portalegreixtapa.com, Cel. (755) 114-4251 - 3411189

For Sale/For Rent – Beachfront Hotel in Troncones. 4 bungalows, 5 king suites, 3 family suites and one 2 bedroom executive suite, all with great views, steps from the beach. Restaurant, Full gym, Parking $75 US - $150 US / night. For info: www.micasasucasa.ws

Monte Cristo Zihuatanejo - See full page ad for more information. www.montecristomexico.com, Tel. 755-102-7728