DECEMBER 2010
paradise
Letter from The PUBLISHER
another day in
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Correction: Last month Page was wearing a hand embroidered top made by local designer, Mariana Salas, available at Fruity Keiko.
Welcome to Another Day in Paradise! Here we are in December, at the end of another year, at the end of the 1st decade of the 21st century, already! Time flies when you are having fun. Seems like it was only yesterday we were celebrating the millennium on Zihuatanejo Bay, seems it has been nothing but a whirl of social events ever since. Take a look at our event calendar this month and you'll wonder how anyone gets any work done in Mexico, too many festivals, too many parties, too much fun... too much to choose from. Another Day in Paradise will be sponsoring a series of events every Saturday night during high season: art exhibition openings, a lecture series, book and poetry readings, hosted at Coconuts restaurant in downtown Zihuatanejo, starting December 9th. Presentation topics -much like our vibrant community -will range from the esoteric to the educational, the diverse to the dynamic, and often as not, the purely entertaining. Come out and
join us every Saturday night, and see what we do for fun in Zihuatanejo. Speaking of fun, starting in January, its time to bring back Unlimited Fun, free shows and concerts every weekday night, half the week in Ixtapa, the other half in Zihuatanejo, starting January 9. And since Decemeber will be gone before you know it: Don't forget January 15th is the Second Annual Another Day in Paradise Anniversary Community Fair, at the Archeology Museum, on the water in downtown Zihuatanejo. Once again, we will have music, entertainment and a museum full of information tables about all of the wonderful community and non-profit projects active in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, celebrating ADIP's 11th anniversary and the big hearted community it serves. So much to do, so little time -- my advice, stay hydrated. Hope to see you out on the streets!
Until next time,
Publisher Catherine Krantz info@adip.info
PUBLISHER Catherine Krantz Editor Page Cameron COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS Agustin Galindo John Glaab Ed Kunze Abigail Lovett Hans Nystrom Marie Oaks Nisa Salmans Epitacio Sanchez Nancy Seeley Maura Taylor Betty Walton ADIP OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Nisa Salmans (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.facebook.com/adip.ixtapa
On The Cover: la Flor de Noche Buena (Poinsettias) Photo by Epitacio Sanchez
content History 6 El petroleo en Mexico, David Alfaro Siqueiros
the Olmecs of Mexico
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Community Project Directory 9 Food 10
Tepache & Pulque
Books 14
Desserts in the Latin American Tradition
Sports 16 Raising Fish
ART & Culture 18
David Alfaro Siqueiros
classifieds 22 ixtapa - zihuatanejo activities guide 22 GETTING MARRIED IN PARADISE 24 Latin American desserts, Passion Fruit Tart.
Z-Scene 25
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Shopping Colors of Mexico
Shopping 28
Colors of Mexico
Mexico Abroad 30 Upcoming Events 32 tourism & living 34 INAPAM card for seniors
Travel 36
Guanajuato: El Museo de las Momias
Home & Living 40
Building Your Dream Home, Construction Phase
Real Estate NEWS 42 Real Estate Conferences
Real Estate Law 45 Capital Gains Tax
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Real Estate Listings 47 For Sale, For Rent
another day in paradise
By Page Cameron
History
Olmecs of Mexico
The Olmecs, which means “people of rubber” in Nahuatl (the language of the Aztecs) began their civilization in southeastern Mexico between 1600 B.C. and 1400 B.C.
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It wasn’t until this century that the Olmecs were acknowledged to be part of Mexico’s history. Researchers prior to this time attributed many of the discoveries now associated with the Olmecs to Mayan, Toltec, or even Chichimecan cultures. However, due to advances in scientific dating, scientists were able to determine that the art, artifacts, and miscellaneous objects found at archaeological sites were from a period of time earlier than the Maya. It is believed that the Olmecs created their first cities between the Grijalva and Papaloan rivers, in the present-day Mexican states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Chiapas, and Tabasco. The Olmecs had approximately forty-five different cities. However, there were three main cities. Some researchers claim that each city was a capital that controlled trade routes, provided defense from attacking tribes, and was responsible for the accumulation of natural resources in the area. The three cities were Tres Zapotes, La Venta, and Monte Alban. These cities were east of the Tuxtla Mountains and the Southern Mountain Range (Sierra Madre del Sur). The locations of these cities on a map show a triangle of control and power.
The geographical area of the Olmec civilization is varied in its features. It is close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean on the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. It was a humid area and contained a varied landscape of jungles, plains, and mountains. The Olmecs established cities, trade routes over land and water, and most importantly, an agricultural system that could feed those who lived in those cities. Corn, beans, and squash were planted and harvested. They lived in a society based on a theocratic form of government (government ruled by or subject to religious authority). Religion played a major role in the lives of the Olmecs. Scientists and historians have unearthed altars and other sculptures that support this. The most recognizable feature of the Olmec civilization is the creation of the enormous helmeted heads or “Colossal heads.” Infused with individuality, no two heads are alike and the helmet-like headdresses are adorned with distinctive elements, suggesting some leader, ruler or religious symbols. These enormous basalt portrait heads were carved from single blocks or boulders of volcanic basalt weighing up to twenty-four tons. The boulders were dragged or floated to their continued on page 8
PHOTOS Left Top: Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico, The Lynda and Stewart Resnick Exhibition Pavillion, Los Angeles County Museum of Art Conaculta-INAH, Photo: 2010 Museum Associates/LACMA Top: Olmec Colosal Head in Museo De Antropologia De Xalapa / Anthropology Museum of Xalapa, Veracruz, Photo by Carlos Sanchez Above: Monument 2 (‘El Bobo”) Mexico, Veracruz, La Merced, 100-800 BC Stone Centro INAH Veracruz Photo: Consejo Nacional para La Cultura y Las Artes- INAH- Mexico- Javier Hinojosa Next Page: Colosal Head 5, Mexico, Veracruz, San Lorenzo Tenochtitlan, Municipality of Texistepec, 1200-900 BC, Basalt. Museo de Antropología de Xalapa, Universidad Veracruzana, Photo: Consejo Nacional para La Cultura y Las Artes- INAH- Mexico- Javier Hinojosa
final destination from as far as sixty miles away. It has been estimated that moving a colossal head required the efforts of 1,500 people for three to four months. Another common art form of the Olmecs was figurines made of jade and greenstone. Much of their art is surprisingly naturalistic while other pieces are fantastic anthropomorphic creatures, often highly stylized, and reflecting some religious meaning. Common motifs include almond-shaped eyes, down-turned mouths and a cleft head, which are seen in representations of “were-jaguars,� artifacts made of jaguar faces combined with human bodies. Chosen because the Olmecs believed it was the most powerful and feared animal, the jaguar represented a complex array of religious beliefs associated with the gods of rain and fertility. Toward the middle of the first millennium B.C., the Olmecs mysteriously disappeared. Their disappearance was due to either another group gaining control over them or by changes in the climate that could not support their needs for food. However, the Olmecs played a very important role in shaping the civilizations that followed as many adopted their ideas, practices, and values. In addition to their influence on other Mesoamerican cultures, the Olmecs are credited by some researchers with many "firsts," including bloodletting and perhaps human sacrifice, writing and epigraphy, and the invention of zero and the Mesoamerican calendar, and the Mesoamerican ballgame, as well as perhaps the compass. Some researchers and art historians even suggest that the Olmecs worshiped the predecessors of many of the later Mesoamerican deities. See our Mexico Abroad section, page 32, for information about an Olmec exhibit going on now in Los Angeles, CA. Dec 1, 2010–Jan 9, 2011, Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
About the Author Page Cameron first came to Zihuatanejo in 1985 as a teenager. Although things have changed dramatically since then, over the past six years she has returned numerous times and is here to stay. Making a life for herself in Zihua and enjoying every minute of it!
another day in paradise
Community
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Community Directory
Get Involved ! 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 (Kings’ 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.
BABY BUNDLE PROJECT A group of expat 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 IxtapaZihuatanejo community. The group donates approximately 300 bundles per year. 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 playao-bispo@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 conserva-tion 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 755-108-6506, 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
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Islas at La Quinta Troppo or at mexdrop@prodigy.net.mx
Hablando Menos aMAndo Mas A. C. Hablando Menos Hablando Mas, means "Speaking less, Loving more." The goal at hand is to construct a home for seniors who have been abandoned and who are at risk living on their own. The 2 story hacienda style home is being built to house 26 residents as well as full time missionary staff and administration. The progress can be seen in Las Pozas at the site or online on facebook at "Hablando Menos Amando Mas A.C." For information , volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please contact Rosalind Hernandez Cavenagh at 755 554 5919 or Joan McKay at 755 553 1618 email : playaobispo@yahoo.com 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. See www.netzaproject.org; contact Lisa Martin info@ netzaproject.org; US cell 508-284-0078; Mexico cell 044 755 10 01173.
Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC. Mexico registered non-profit association, founded by the Zihua SailFest, now in its 9th year, 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. Volunteers are always needed as well as things that can be used in the schools. The dates of this years Sailfest are Febuary 1st through 6th. Contact: Lorenzo Marbut, home: 755-554-2115, cell: 755102-4463, Lorenzo@porlosninos.info, www.zihuasailfest.com
The Rotary Club is 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 Tuesdays 3pm at the Hotel Catalina, on Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo. Last Tuesday of the month, dinner at 8pm, Hotel Catalina, Phone: (755) 554-9321
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 sustain-able 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-forprofit 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.
another day in paradise
By Marie Oaks
food
Fermented Drinks
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Looking for a break from the normal cerveza (beer)? Mexico has a long tradition of fermenting alcoholic beverages. The two most notable drinks are tepache and pulque.
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Tepache is a mildly alcoholic pineapple wine that can be made with just a few ingredients and a little patience in any home. Pulque, requiring slightly more work, is the fermented agua miel, (honey water) that is extracted from the maguey cactus plant – the same agave plant family that produces mescal and tequila. Tepache and pulque are easy to make and apart from providing a refreshing change from normal bar-drinks, these beverages allow us to explore some of the traditional fermentation techniques of indigenous groups in Mexico. Tepache, fermented pineapple fruit, has an extended history in Mexico and today there are claims that
tepache is made by people in Mexican prisons. Originally tepache was made with corn as a base, making it more of a beer (made with grain) than a wine (made with fruit). Today tepache is made almost exclusively with pineapple, though there are variations which include other fruits such as apple or pear. If you are lucky enough to find a tepache vendor while you’re in Mexico - usually in a street market - be sure to stop and try this refreshing drink. Otherwise, you can easily make a batch of tepache in your kitchen, especially if you are near a supply of fresh pineapple.
Left: Collecting agua miel from a maguey at the Bosque. Above: Tepache seller in Zihuatanejo, Photos by Marie Oaks
Directions There are two important ingredients in tepache: pineapple and piloncillo – unrefined cane sugar. Traditionally tepache is made with the leftover remains of a pineapple – the skin and the core. If you have access to organic pineapple then tepache is a fantastic way to use up the scraps. Otherwise, plan on using the fruit of the pineapple in your tepache. Piloncillo is cone-shaped unrefined cane sugar, available widely in Mexico. In its place brown sugar can be used. Ingredients The fruit of 1 pineapple, or the skin and core of 2-3 organic pineapples. Fruit should be smashed or chopped finely. ½ kilogram of piloncillo, or 1 pound of brown sugar 2 cloves 1 piece of cinnamon (4 inches / 10 centimeters) Water to cover all ingredients Optional: 3 organic peaches/plums/
grapes which have not been washed. You can see a film on the outside of the fruit – this is yeast that will encourage the fermentation process. Optional: 1 live beer. Not widely available in Mexico, but beers with live yeast can also speed along the fermentation process. Process Combine all ingredients in a large ceramic, glass, or food-grade bucket. Cover with a cloth and let sit for 2 days. After 2 days, use a cheese cloth or fine colander to strain out the fruit and spices. Let the liquid sit for 1 more day. Test the tepache to be sure you like it. Serve the tasty tepache with a dash of chile powder and a squeeze of lime, over ice if available. Note that if you are not a fan of tepache, you can let the liquid ferment for a week or two and you will have a pleasing and mild pineapple vinegar. Continues on Next Page
ContinueD From previous Page
se vende pulque: The type of sign you might see where pulque is sold, Photo by Marie Oaks.
For those without maguey plants or time to invest in preparing the plants for the collection of the agua miel, pulque is widely available in most tourist areas in Mexico. In pulquerías tourists and locals can find pulque, both plain and flavored with a variety of fresh fruit – the fruit can offset the strong taste of the drink for first-time pulque drinkers. For those who live in rural areas, ask around and you might find a home scale pulque producer. Asking kindly for 20 pesos worth will result in 2.5 liters of pulque. A great deal for the opportunity to try one of Mexico’s fermented treasures!
Pulque, a fermented drink made from agua miel, Photo by Marie Oaks.
Pulque’s history in Mexico is extensive. During the Mesoamerican period, pulque was used ceremonially as drinking the beverage was limited to only high class people. It is unclear and controversial how Aztec pulque consumption and the Spanish conquest of Mexico were related. We do know that well after the Spanish conquest, pulque drinking has become a special Mexican tradition.
Directions To make your own pulque, you’ll need a maguey plant, sharp machetes, and a sharp forged spoon in order to collect the agua miel. For collection, a spot near the base of the maguey is cleared of stems so there is easy access to the heart of the plant. In the heart of a plant, carving a hole allows the sap to seep out into the hole. Pulque makers collect the sap every morning and afternoon, yielding about one liter per day per plant. Other than this, a food-grade container (not reactive metal) for fermentation. Ingredients 2 liters agua miel, or maguey sap
In the 1900s pulque became markedly less popular because of the introduction of beer and distilled drinks. Still, pulque has maintained popularity in rural areas where the production continues. And, with the popularized introduction of tourists to Mexico pulque has continued to have a market in both urban and rural areas.
Process Let the sap ferment for 7-14 days. Test daily after the first week to see if the pulque is ready – letting it ferment too long can easily lead to undrinkable pulque!
Pulque is the slightly fermented sap of the maguey plant. In Spanish, the sap is called agua miel, or honey water. Maguey sap is naturally very sweet, and is used to make agave nectar – the rich, sweet syrup that has recently become popular among vegans and diabetics looking for alternatives to cane sugar. The sap contains plenty of fructose and is ideal for fermentation.
About the Author Marie Oaks is a resident and head chef at the Bosque Village in Michoacán. She enjoys exploring traditional and new ways to prepare local ingredients. In her spare time, Marie runs a small web-design company, Parakata. Check out her websites for more info: www.cookingforcommunity.com www.bosquevillage.com
Tepache, a fermented drink made from pineapple, Photo by Marie Oaks
vegEtable fermenting Fermenting vegetables is easy too! Eating soured veggies provides your body with healthy probiotics – the good kind of bacteria – helping with digestion and general good health. And, because soured vegetables and pickles are food items some foreigners miss when they visit Mexico, it is nice to know that pickling and souring produce is easy to do in your kitchen.
sit in a room temperature, dark location for about 1-2 weeks. Check the cabbage daily to remove any white debris. Note that sauerkraut can get a little bit stinky while fermenting, so you may want to locate it in a low-traffic room! After a week, taste the cabbage to see if it is soured enough. In a mild climate, sauerkraut can continue to ferment without refrigeration for up to 6 months. For those living in hot climates, refrigerate the sauerkraut when it has the level of sourness that you desire.
For soured beets, chop beets into either thin slices or cubes. Cover the beets with brine – a For simple sauerkraut, you’ll need a mixture of sea salt and water. A good brine container – either ceramic, glass, or food grade mixture is 150 grams of sea salt to 4 liters of plastic – for the fermentation process, along water. Leave the beets for 4-5 days, covered by with a plate, just smaller than the opening of a heavy plate and weight to be sure the beets your container. Slice about 5 pounds (2 ¼ kilos) do not touch air. The brine will protect them and of cabbage thinly and place in a large bowl with help in the fermentation process. Check often to 2 ounces (50 grams) of sea salt. Mix well and be sure the brine is still covering the beets. let sit for an hour, which will give the salt time to draw out some water in the cabbage. Place For more information on fermentation, read Wild the cabbage into your container, and press with Fermentation: The Flavor, Nutrition, and Craft of a heavy ceramic or glass plate until the watery live-cultured foods, by Sandor Ellix Katz. brine covers the cabbage and the plate. A large weight will keep the plate in place. Cover the container with cloth to keep out bugs. Let this
another day in paradise
BOOKS
Dulce excerpts from:
Desserts in the Latin American Tradition By Joseluis Flores, with Laura Zimmerman Maye
Photos, Above: Latin Coconut Bars; Right: Goat's Milk Caramel Flan with carmelized nectarines and sugar coated nuts; Table of Contents Page: Passion Fruit Tart, © Ben Fink, from Dulce: Desserts in the Latin American Tradition, by Joseluis Flores, Rizzoli New York, 2010
Cajeta
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Cajeta is a goat’s milk caramel similar to dulce de leche (cow’s milk-caramel originally from Argentina) or manjar blanco (what they call dulce de leche in Peru). In Mexico, it is traditionally sold in small, thin wooden boxes, or cajas, on the streets or in the open-air markets. The boxes keep the cajeta fresh and seal in the flavors—typically either ron (rum), quemada (caramelized; it tastes like a slightly bitter burnt caramel), or vanilla. Cajeta is truly a staple in every Mexican home and is used for everything from a spread for toasted bread or fresh bolillo (like a Mexican baguette), to an ingredient for lollipops, candies, or turrones (nougats), to a stuffing for crêpes. The Morelianas, from Morelia, Michoacán, in Mexico, even make a deliciously thick cajeta mixed with pecans or almonds and wrapped in brightly colored parchment paper. Just as goat’s milk brings a certain richness and pleasant tang to some of my favorite cheeses, it also brings an unmistakable depth of flavor to this caramel. These days, it is fairly easy to track down goat’s milk at some of the specialty or more organic- or health-food-oriented groceries. And it is worth the time to find it, make a fresh cajeta, and taste one of the traditional flavors of Mexico.
Use it just as you might Nutella as a sweet spread for just about everything: bread, muffins, waffles, pound cake, croissants, or make Flan de Cajeta, which requires only 2 cups of this caramel, so thankfully you’ll have some leftovers from this recipe. Of course, you can buy it in a jar in a pinch. One of the favorite brands in Mexico is Coronado, and it’s certainly decent. You can find it and other brands pretty easily all over Mexico and in the United States. I still often have a jar of it at home to use for last-minute snacks. Yields 3 cups: 4 cups whole goat’s milk 950 milliliters 4 cups granulated sugar 800 grams 1 cinnamon stick 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup glucose or corn syrup 120 milliliters In a heavy, medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring frequently, until thick and golden brown (1 to 2 hours). The liquid will reduce to about 3 cups. Remove the cinnamon stick and chill the cajeta, tightly covered in the refrigerator, for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The cajeta can
be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 months or even at room temperature for about 10 days.
Flan de Cajeta (Goat’s Milk Caramel Flan) This dessert is at once rich and refreshing—a great one for any time of year. I like to use vanilla extract here, since the color of the flan is so light and the black speckles you get from vanilla beans can diminish the effect. It’s worth it to make the cajeta from scratch. The depth of flavor from a true cajeta really makes this dish. As a garnish, try your choice of sliced fresh fruit and toasted nuts. Serves 10: 1½ cups evaporated milk 360 milliliters 1¼ cups whole milk 300 milliliters ½ cup heavy cream 120 milliliters 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ¼ cup Grand Marnier 60 milliliters 1 pinch salt 2 cups cajeta (goat’s milk caramel) 455 grams 6 whole eggs 2 egg yolks In a microwave oven, bain-marie, or pan set over gently simmering water, slightly
reheat the caramel until just pourable. Pour 1/8 inch into the bottom of each of 10 (6-ounce) ramekins. Preheat the oven to 325° F.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the custards are set (a knife inserted in the center should come out clean). The center will still look a little loose, but the custards will continue cooking after they are removed from the oven. Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven, lift out the ramekins using tongs, and let them rest for at least 20 minutes. Move them to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
In a medium-sized saucepan over high heat, bring the evaporated milk, whole milk, cream, vanilla extract, Grand Marnier, and salt to a boil, whisking constantly, being careful not to burn. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cajeta until melted. Chill in the refrigerator until completely cool (about 30 minutes). When ready to serve, invert a ramekin onto each serving plate and gently tap In a large bowl, whisk together the the bottom with the end of a butter eggs and yolks. Continue whisking and knife to help undo the mold. slowly pour the cooled cream mixture into the egg mixture. Pour the custard through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, preferably one with a spout, to remove Dulce, Desserts in the Latin any bits of egg. Pour the custard over American Tradition, By Joseluis the caramel in the ramekins (fill to Flores, with Laura Zimmerman about š/8 inch from the top), place Maye, (Rizzoli, May 2010) them in a water bath, and cover the wwwrizzoliusa.com whole pan with foil.
another day in paradise
By Ed Kunze
Sports
the secret to
Raising Fish
Sailfish breaking the surface, Photo by Ed Kunze.
Do some boats raise fish better than others?
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You bet they do, but why? And, how can a 25 foot Mexican panga raise more fish than a “no expenses spared� 45 foot sport fisher? It is all about the Holy Trinity of Resonance, Vibration and the Horsepower to Weight Ratio. First you must understand how a blue water game fish finds his meals. He detects bait fish, which can be way beyond his visibility, by picking up the vibrations of the bait along the lateral line. This sensory organ, running along the mid-point for the length of is body tells him more about what is happening than his eyes ever will. Over the lifetime of the fish, it is imprinted as to the size of the bait and the size of the school from just the readings of his lateral line. With a properly tuned boat running a trolling spread, the bill fish senses the correct resonance and
vibrations, and goes over to investigate. The white water behind the propellers is creating white foam turbulence just like tuna in a feeding frenzy, and a couple of the desired sized baits are also coming in to investigate: No matter what the brain registers, the predatory feeding instinct takes over, and the fish has to strike at the baits. And, there you are. There is the answer 100%. Now, if you do like the boat manufactures (and lure manufactures too) and try to match those vibrations, you will have a fish raising machine. Unfortunately, with millions of dollars of research invested, the magical formula has yet to be found. A friend of mine did not spend quite that much money trying to find the right formula, but he did lose two seasons of fishing. Karl had a 24 foot boat with a nice wide beam and a single six-cylinder diesel engine. The numbers of blue marlin he raised was incredible. Twelve released blues in twelve days on the water was
The Super Panga, Huntress, in Zihuatanejo Bay, Photo by Ed Kunze.
not unusual, and it was only him and his Mexican Captain, Cuate. Plus, the 200 pound plus yellow-fin tuna were eating the trolled lures in the spread too. And, I am not even counting the eight to twelve raised sailfish a day he finally got tired of catching; even after switching to a fly rod.
four? What pitch and how much cup for a matched pair, or what diameter? The boat had the recommended manufacture’s propellers for the East Coast so he was in uncharted waters for the West Coast of Mexico fishing. Different vibrations (and different bait fish) were the problems.
He was working the areas out to 40 to 45 miles offshore and decided what he needed was a bigger boat (29 foot) with twin engines, a wider beam, tower, and enough room for a deckhand. Unfortunately, as far as fishing, he had just shot himself in the foot. We are talking the expense of buying another boat from a very highly esteemed manufacture, towing his 24 foot boat back to the States and taking a substantial beating on the sale, and bringing the other boat, via the Panama Canal, by barge from the East Coast of the United States to the West Coast of Mexico.
He did finally get it solved, but transporting two large propellers back and forth from Mexico to the United States and testing the propellers for at least a couple of weeks, only to do it all over again, was no small endeavor.
With his new boat, he could only raise a couple of fish a day, usually sailfish. The blue marlins were few and far between. Since it was a practically new boat, and no unwarranted vibrations were coming off the drive shaft, transmission, rudders, or engines, the obvious culprits were the propellers, and the RPMs of the engine verses speed. Will it give off better resonance with a three blade prop or a
How is it that a simple panga with a 75 hp outboard works so well from day one? It is a proven formula, repeated thousands of times every day in Mexico. The Holly Trinity of Resonance, Vibration and Horse Power to Weight Ratio are all there. More bill fish are caught by pangas, than any other style of boat in the world.
About the Author Ed Kunze is Zihuatanejo’s IGFA Representative and a charter fishing boat captain. He lives in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo 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, it is online at www.fishingthewestcoastofmexico.com
ART & culture
Courtsey of MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art)
another day in paradise
David Alfaro
Siqueiros
www.adip.info
Artist and political activist, David Alfaro Siqueiros (1896 -1974), was a vital member of the Mexican School of Painting along with Diego Rivera and JosÊ Clemente Orozco. He continues to be viewed as one of the most important Mexican artists of the twentieth century while his artistic influence spread far beyond Mexico’s borders.
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Siqueiros was not only a member of the Mexican Communist Party and veteran of the Mexican Revolution and Spanish Civil Wars, he also fought vigorously for the rights of laborers and on several occasions his political activities put him in jail and even led to exile. Throughout his life, he advocated the ideal that art, by its nature, had to be political in order to carry any substance, and that mural art should be used as a public service for el
pueblo (the community). Siqueiros went, perhaps, the furthest of all the muralists in his attempts to combine his political views and aesthetic ideals with modern technical means to create a truly "public art." Declaring his artistic and political views in public, arguing endlessly at conferences and in his writing, and organizing artists and architects in both Mexico and abroad to promote the idea of creating collective works.
Largely due to his mural painting, Siqueiros is represented in the historic standard of modern Mexican art as one of the leading proponents of public art for social action. But as an artist, it was through his easel painting that he studied an extensive variety of techniques and styles that allowed him to examine illustrative space, composition, light, shadow and color. In addition to his exploration of techniques and styles, Siqueiros constantly experimented with new tools and materials. After discovering various types of industrial materials produced in the United States in the 1930s, Siqueiros’ produced most of his easel works with uncommon materials which include Duco paint, a DuPont brand name for pyroxilin paint, a tough and resilient type of nitro-cellulose paint manufactured for the automotive industry. Also utilized was vinylite paint, a type of lacquer with a vinyl base used for easel paintings or as a primer for mural works. Rarely working on canvas, Siqueiros preferred to paint on various types of composite wood surfaces such as Masonite, because of its low cost, ease of preparation, durability and receptiveness to pyroxilin and acrylic paints. The use of these industrial materials, not commonly used as “fine art� materials, again
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another day in paradise
ART & culture
emphasizes the radical nature with which Siqueiros produced his art.
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Over the years, the toxic pyroxylin paints that he used had taken a toll on his health, but did nothing to change his political sympathies. He continued to attend protests, speak at meetings, file petitions and fought endlessly against the injustice of the Mexican political system and society. Though the painter continued to be productive through the end of the 60s and early 70s, he was already very ill with prostate cancer. A strong and stubborn man, however, Siqueiros refused to see the doctors, until the pain became too severe to endure. He was diagnosed in May 1973, by which point little could be done to help him. The verdict was given to him beneath his own mural, Defense of the Future Victory of Medical Science over Cancer (1958), painted more than a decade earlier. David Alfaro Siqueiros died eight months later in January 1974, putting a cap on a long and adventurous life. Hundreds of people from all walks of life attended his funeral, including fellow artists, politicians, political comrades and simply admirers of his art. He was interred in the Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres en el Panteon Civil de Dolores (Rotunda of Famous Men of the Civil Pantheon of Mourning), in Mexico City, a site that honors those
who are considered to have exalted the civic, national and human values of Mexico. The Rotunda contains the remains of three former presidents, many heroes from the Mexican Revolution, as well as politicians, musicians, poets, writers, journalists, painters, intellectuals, educators, scientists and military men. Sources: Press release from MOLAA (Museum of Latin American Art, Long Beach, CA, USA) for exhibition Siqueiros Paisajista/ Siqueiros: Landscape Painter David Alfaro Siqueiros Biography by Yuri Mataev. All works shown are part of ongoing international exhibitions, see Mexico Abroad section page 30, for more information..
Costa Grande
PREVIOUS PAGE, LEFT & THIS PAGE, ABOVE: David Alfaro Siqueiros Studies, 1941-1942, From the MOLAA Permanent Collection, charcoal and conte crayon drawings on paper, leather and copper bound sketchbook, Gift of Frank Mainzer and Lonnie Zwerin. PREVIOUS PAGE, RIGHT: David Alfaro Siqueiros - Anhelo, cárcel preventiva / Desire, Preventive Jail, n.d. Acrylic on masonite, 14 x 14 in Private Collection, Mexico. OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: David Alfaro Siqueiros - Pedregal con figuras / Rocks with Figures, 1947, Pyroxilin on masonite, 39 3/8 x 48 1/16 in. Acervo Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura / Museo de Arte Alvar y Carmen T. de Carrillo Gil, Mexico City. OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM: David Alfaro Siqueiros – Cain en los Estados Unidos / Cain in the United Sates, 1947, Piroxilina on Wood, 76 x 92.8, Acervo CONACULTA-INBA / Museo de Arte Alvar y Carmen T de Carillo Gil, INBA. TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE: David Alfaro Siqueiros El petróleo en México / Petroleum in Mexico, 1967 Acrylic on masonite, 48 1/16 x 35 7/16 in. Guillermo Fridman Collection, Mexico.
another day in paradise
Classifieds
WHAT
TO DO BOOKS Living the Dream in Mexico- by Linda Leonard- is a personal sharing of our travels and experiences while RVing in Mexico over several years. It tells about how we planned, how we included my elderly Mom to have the “times of her life,” and about how we came to settle in Zihuatanejo. Order on www.livingthedreaminmexico. com or phone Linda 755-103-6032 in Zihua.
OWEN LEE, Prisoner in Paradise, Mother Nature, My Nature - For info re Owen Lee's books and beach bungalows, please phone 755 1027111.
FELLOWSHIP
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 PHOTOGRAPHIC & VIDEO SERVICES 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 755-1203633 or bnfotografia@hotmail.com or visit www. bnfotografia.com.
RECOVERY 12 STEP house English speaking recovery groups. Directly across from the biblioteca (library) on Cuauhtemoc, AA-Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:00 PM NA- Thursday 6:00 PM. Additional meetings November – April. For more info call or email Bob P. (755) 554-2034, Qigongporvida@yahoo.com, or Nick cell: 044 755 112 2124.
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. Spanish and English spoken.
FOR SALE
MARIMAR SPA – Massage, 50 minutes - 30 USD, Pedicure SPA - 30 USD, Manicure SPA - 15 USD. Open daily from 11am to 7pm. You need to make an appointment: marimar_z@hotmail.com or at Tel. 554 22 13 or Cel. 755113 36 62, located at RESTAURANT & BAR PATY´S MARIMAR on Playa La Ropa, Next to Villa Mexicana Hotel
collectables made out of Mexican licenses plates. Map of Mexico- $450 USD, piggy banks- $15 USD, journals- $15 USD, and custom signs-$30 USD, by Artesanias 2 Gringos. Email Luis at joseluissantiagobrito@yahoo.com.mx or djkostrick@aol.com Call Cel. 755-116-2391, for more information. See shopping section.
FOR SALE: On-Demand Gas Water Heater. Bosch Calentador Instantaneo Confort II 13 Silver (Gas LP) 13 liters. Brand New (in the box, never opened. Purchased this August). Super efficient -- “saves up to 70% gas.” $4300 pesos. (In Z) Contact: Sherwin Harris: sherpeg@me.com or call US# 001-917-864-4690
SERVICES CARPENTRY IN IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO. We www.adip.info
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
IXTAPA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP nondenominational 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. ZIHUATANEJO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP nondenominational English language service every Sunday morning in Zihuatanejo, Contact John & Betty 755-554-7178 for more information.
Artesanias 2 GrinGOS signs and
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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, interior
build integral kitchens, closets, doors, dining room sets, armchairs, staircases, handrails, shelves. We also do restoration and carpentry maintenance in general. Guaranteed quality, all woods, call now !! Juan Pimentel: arqpimentel@hotmail.com Tel. 75555-2-69-56, Cel. 044-755-113-27-80
Community Activities guide
RESTAURANT & BAR PATY´S MARIMAR on Playa La Ropa, Next to Villa Mexicana Hotel. BREAKFAST organic coffee, SEAFOOD, MEXICAN FOOD, SALADS, HAMBURGERS AND PASTA Open daily 7am - 10pm, 2x1 HAPPY HOUR 5 - 7 pm, RESTAURANT, YOGA STUDIO & SPA We celebrate WEDDINGS (large and small) and PRIVATE PARTIES on our upper palapa covered deck. marimar_z@ hotmail.com, Tel. 554-2213 or Cel. 755-113-3662.
MASSAGE on the beach, Barra de Potosi Enjoy Swedish & Reflexology massage in shady, breezy beach front cabana, 200 meters from Hotel Barra Potoisi, on the beach in front of the school, between Hotel and La Condesa Restaurant, some English spoken. Señora Ana Cel. 755-124-3670
CLASSES art
Painting classes by renowned local artists Alfredo Tapia and Guadalupe Gaytan at Studio Arte Nativo, Thursdays and Fridays 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., and Saturdays 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 pm. Price per class: $120 pesos for 2 Hours. Located at Studio Arte Nativo, Juan N. Alvarez # 67-A, (Behind restaurant La Sirena Gorda) in central Zihuatanejo, Gro. For more information, contact Alfredo Tapia Tel. 755-1139371, or Guadalupe Gaytan, Tel. 755 104 54 04
COOKING
Al cilantro, A Taste of Mexico - fine food, traditional mexican Cooking Classes Spend a morning learning about history and art through Mexican cooking from a creative chef from Veracruz, who has 10 years experience offering classes in Ixtapa, contact Gabriela Tel. 755-102-6670, gabriela.pasquel@ hotmail.com Cooking School at Villa Casa Luna will be opening this December 6th. Classes are held in an elegant residence surrounded by lush tropical gardens, offering a unique culinary experience. We offer a varied menu … Mondays (Chile Relleno), Wednesdays (Enchiladas) and Fridays (Seafood) Located just steps from La Ropa beach. Call 755 554-2743, 755 554-2743 or Cel 044 755 101-9711.
SPANISH
HAVE FUN LEARNING SPANISH! Private classes, short and medium length courses by bilingual, experienced teacher. 60-100 pesos/hour. Classes cover topics including doing usiness in Mexico, traveling, medical professionals, emergencies,shopping, domestic assistants and gardeners, asking for information, socializing, everydayl anguage etc. Contact Juan at navarretebrady@ yahoo.com.
Sunset, Playa La Ropa, Photo by Frank Shepard
Spanish classes - Free Spanish Conversation Classes Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 - 6 pm at “The Gallary” in Marina Ixtapa. Each foreigner will be paired with a native Spanish speaker. ½ hour Spanish conversation ½ hour in English. Donation are accepted and used to assist locals in improving their English skills. Daily “coach” will provide instruction upon arrival. For more information, contact Yadira Rios: yadira@pruzi.com. mx, or Janet Galeana, janet@pruzi.com.mx, Tel. 755-5448787.
tAI cHi
Oceanfront Tai Chi Experience Certified instructor Hotel Irma, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Gabriela Tel. 755-102-6670, gabriela.pasquel@hotmail.com
YOGA
YOGA CLASSES on la ropa $10 USD per class In NOV: Mon - Fri 9-10:15 am, (From Dec - April MonFri 8-915am & 930-1045am, Sat & Sun 9-1015am). Mats and props avaiiable, ZIHUAYOGA Studio on Playa La Ropa, on the upstairs terrace of Restaurant Paty's Marimar, Tel. 755-554-2213, marimar_z@hotmail.com YOGA with Ana Scales. Practice in paradise! SUNSET YOGA at Bungalows la Madera. 5:30-6:45pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Morning classes! Zihua Yoga studio, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00-10:15am Mats and props are available. Schedule your own Private Session! For information e-mail anascales@yahoo.com or call Cel 755 111 0857.
TOURS
SPORT FISHING AND PRIVATE BEACH & SUNSET CRUISES www.fish-ixtapa.com We are a group of Real Owners and Captains of the top and most Popular Fishing Boats in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. We Cordially invite you to join us on a World Class Fishing Experience, We are the ones that make it happen, Deal Directly with us and meet us personally. Cell Phone 044 755 557 1093 E-Mail fish-ixtapa@hotmail.com
another day in paradise
Getting married in Mexico
Ixtapap
WEDDING SERVICE DIRECTORY hAir & Makeup
KIMBERLY NICHOLS For Hair and Makeup Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Cel. 755-108-2042 (locally dial 044-755-108-2042) Kimberly4hair@yahoo.com
Photography
BN FOTOGRAFIA Elizabeth Brady and Juan Navarrete Photographic and video services Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Cel. 755-120-3633, 755-121-1583 www.bnfotografia.com bnfotografia@hotmail.com ES FOTO Studio and Event Photography Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Cel. 755-116-1754 www.es-foto.com epitacio@es-foto.com
VENUEs foR weddingS & rehearsal dinnERs ixtapa Melia Azul Ixtapa Hotel, Resort, Convention center Punta Ixtapa, Ixtapa Tel. 755-555-0000 , From US 011-52-755-555-000 www.melia-azulxtapa.com ventas@meliazulixtapa.com Playa Blanca Hotel Las Palmas Beach Front Boutique Hotel with restaurant Playa Blanca, 20 minutes south of Zihuatanejo, Tel. 755-557-0634 www.hotellaspalmas.net TROncones Inn at Manzanillo Bay Beach Front Bungalows & Restaurant Playa Troncones, Troncones, 30 min. north of Ixtapa Tel. 755-553-2884 www.manzanillobay.com manzanillobay@aol.com
Zihuatanejo Bandido's Bar, Restaurant, Live Music Cinco de Mayo, Centro Zihuatanejo, Tel. 755-553-8072 Casa Sol Luxury Vacation Villa Above Playa Las Gatas and Zihuatanejo Bay, Zihuatanejo, www.casasolevents.com tonyandclaire@casasolevents.com Coconuts Fine Dining in a Garden Setting Pasaje Agustin Ramierez No. 1, Centro Zihuatanejo Tel. 755-554-2518 www.restaurantcoconuts.com info@restaurantcoconuts.com La Perla Beach Front Bar & Restaurant Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo Tel. 755-554-5095 www.laperlarestaurant.net
another day in paradise
Mexican Independence day Parade, Zihuatanejo, gro.
Zscene
September 16, 2010 Photos by Abigail Lovett
www.adip.info
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Zihuatanejo Centennial & BiCentennial celebrations
Revolution day Parade, Zihuatanejo, gro. NOVEMber 20, 2010 Photos by Abigail Lovett
another day in paradise
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FRUITY KEIKO SEASON OPENING PARTY 1. Manager Diana Pati単o, Lupita Bravo & Rob Whitehead 2. Judy Guererro
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VINOTECA Inaugurates new location on Cuauhtemoc at Ejido, Centro ZihuatanEjo 1. Andres Gurumeta, Maura Taylor, Nisa Salmans 2. Zayury Jimenez,David Dawson 3.Sommelier Miguel Quiroz pouring 4. Lily Mendoza, Veleria, Roberta and Alejandro Madrigal, Jose Gallego 5. Lily Mendoza, Minerva Luttrell, Sommelier Maricela Pi単a 6. Mark, Tedd & Tifany Wetherbee, Jason Miller, Andres Gurumeta
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A| All-leather overnight bag, Mario's Leather B| Hand painted, laquered wood bull from Erongaricuaro, Mich., La Casa Que Canta Galeria C, F|Hand sewn plush toys in animal shapes, FRUITY KEIKO d | Leather Belts for men and women, MARIO'S LEATHER E| Handmade leather purses in many styles and colors, Mario's Leather G| Men's lamb jacket, Mario's Leather h| Linen and cotton dress from Zacatecas, La Casa Que Canta Galeria I| Men's and Women's Leather Shoes, Mario's Leather J| Colorful necklace from Chiapas, La Casa Que Canta Galeria K| Custom Sign, made from license plates, 30 USD. ARTESANIAS 2 GRINGOS
another day in paradise
MEXICO ABROAD
DEC 1, 2010–Jan 30, 2011
MEXICO ABROAD
Siqueiros Paisajista/ Siqueiros: Landscape Painter, Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, CA. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is proud to join the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil (MACG), Mexico City, in presenting Siqueiros Paisajista / Siqueiros: Landscape Painter. This exhibition reveals the renowned Mexican muralist David Alfaro Siqueiros as a major landscape painter, a lesser known side of one the great Mexican masters of 20th-century art. The significance of the collaboration between MOLAA and the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil has been recognized by the Mexican Consulate in Los Angeles who has made this exhibition an official part of its Mexico 2010 celebration which commemorates Mexico’s Bicentennial of Independence and the Centennial of its Revolution. This exhibition, the first of its kind to be presented anywhere, includes approximately half of the 150 landscape paintings that Siqueiros produced during his lifetime. Featuring a selection of the most important landscape paintings and drawings, the exhibition reveals Siqueiros’ dynamic vision of futuristic cities, allegorical places and the environment. Utilizing an explosive color palette and experimental techniques, the landscape imagery is charged with the emotions of creation and destruction always present in the art of Siqueiros. Also at the MOLAA
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Dec 1, 2010–Jan 9, 2011, Four Views from the MOLAA Permanent Collection.. This new selection of works represents different aspects of MOLAA’s Permanent Collection and focuses on sculpture, drawing, photography and prints, from the 1940s to the present day. The exhibition is divided into four sections: Siqueiros: Sketches for the mural Muerte al invasor (Death to the Invader) and other Studies; Selections from the Mexican School 1945-1950; Highlights of Contemporary Cuban Art and Fluid Sculpture. The first two sections in the exhibition shed light on important chapters in the history of modern art in Latin America. They examine David
Alfaro Siqueiros’ (Mexico, 1896 -1974) studies for murals and other works made during his exile in Chile between 1941 and 1945, to prints produced between the mid 1940s and 1950s by artists from the Escuela Mexicana (Mexican school) such as Leopoldo Méndez (Mexico, 1902 - 1969), Pablo O’Higgins (Mexico, 1904 – 1983) and José Clemente Orozco (Mexico, 1883 – 1949). The last two sections are dedicated to contemporary works; one focuses on Cuban artists emerging in the 1980s and 1990s to the present day; and the final section showcases sculptures created from the 1970s to 2009 by masters such as Mathias Goeritz (Germany 1915 – Mexico, 1990) to emerging artists like Darío Escobar (Guatemala, 1971) from diverse regions of Latin America such as Brazil, Venezuela, and Guatemala. As part of the exhibition, a video, Siqueiros: A Muralist in Exile, with research by art historian Isabel RojasWilliams, will be presented to contextualize the sketches. The video includes murals from USA, Argentina and Chile and focuses on Muerte al invasor, by Siqueiros, the mural Rojas-Williams documented following the 8.8 magnitude that affected Chile on February 27th, 2010.
Dec 1, 2010–Jan 9, 2011, Olmec: Colossal Masterworks of Ancient Mexico, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA. This is the first West Coast presentation of massive works and small-scale sculptures produced by Mexico’s earliest civilization, which began around 1400 BC and was centered in the Gulf Coast states of Veracruz and Tabasco. Olmec architects and artists produced the earliest monumental structures and sculptures on the North American continent, including enormous basalt portrait heads of their rulers, which can weigh up to twenty-four tons. Small-scale jadeite objects, which embody the symbolism of sacred and secular authority among the Olmec, attest to the long-distance exchange of rare resources that existed as early as 1000 BC, and Olmec artists were unsurpassed in their ability to work this extremely hard stone with elementary tools of chert, water, and sand. The opening of Olmec will coincide with Los Angeles celebrations of the bicentennial of Mexico’s independence and the centennial of the Mexican revolution. The exhibition is co-organized by Mexico’s Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (National Institute of Anthropology and History), LACMA, and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and is curated at LACMA by Virginia Fields, senior curator of Arts of the Ancient Americas. http://www.lacma.org
Seated figure with head resting on hand Mexico, Puebla, Las Bocas. 1200-800 BC White-slipped ceramic Museo Amparo, Puebla Photo: Consejo Nacional para La Cultura y Las Artes- INAH- Mexico- Javier Hinojosa
Opposite Page: David Alfaro Siqueiros El árbol de la noche triste, Estudio para mi mural de Chapultepec, octubre de 1962 / Sad Night Tree, Study for Chapultepec Mural, October 1962 Acrylic on masonite, 23 5/8 x 17 11/16 in. Private Collection, Mexico
The MOLAA permanent collection features over 1,000 works and is internationally recognized as one of the most significant collections of contemporary Latin American fine art in the nation. www.molaa.com
Dec 1- 18, Shattered Glass: Rethinking the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil Collection, Americas Society, 680 Park Avenue, New York, NY. Through the study of contemporary art and Mexican high modernist masterpieces in the collection of the Carrillo Gil Museum of Art (Mexico City), the curatorial team reexamines the artworks in a new context relating to the phenomena of violence throughout history and its realization in the visual arts. Extremely brutal images, by such artists as Jose Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros, were frequently designed as a commentary on metropolitan modernity. Dr. Alvar Carrillo Gil had one of the most important collections of Mexican art from the first half of the twentieth century and was an active participant in the intellectual and cultural life of Mexico City. In 1969, Carrillo Gil entrusted the well known Mexican architect Augusto H. Alvarez with the project of designing a museum in Mexico City that would house his entire art collection, which includes paintings by Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. In 1972, Carrillo Gil and his wife, Carmen de Carrillo Gil Tejero, donated the collection and the museum building to the people of Mexico. In August of 1974 the Museo de Arte Carrillo Gil opened to the public.
another day in paradise
Upcoming Events
Dec 3, 4 and 5,
Dec 11, Another Day in Paradise Lecture series, Butterflies of Laguna de Potosi and Playa Blanca by Ana Luisa Figueroa Fernandez, Zihuatanejo, Gro. Butterflies are the world’s second most diverse group of insects. Mexico is home to ten percent of the world’s butterfly population with Guerrero qualifying as one of the most diverse states. Within the state, the area of Laguna de Potosí and Playa Blanca is rich with butterfly species. This is known because of Ana Luisa Figueroa, a UAM-Xochimilco biology student, hosted by El Refugio de Potosí, a wildlife refuge in Barra de Potosi. For the past year, she has been tramping through different habitats of Laguna de Potosi and Playa Blanca to catalog the butterfly species of the region. 7pm, Coconuts Restaurant, downtown Zihuatanejo, Pasaje Agustin Ramirez, No. 1, Tel. 755-554-2518.
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UPCOMING EVENTS Dec 18, Another Day in Paradise presents “Tropical memories, Tropical Recuerdos,” art exhibition opening by Zihuatanejo artist, Grace Relfe, Zihuatanejo, gro. Painting scenes seen in nature and surroundings in beautiful Zihuatanejo. Graciela uses acrylics and oils to express her vision. Many of her paintings are of la Ropa beach where she lives at Casa de las Piedras. 7pm – 10pm, Coconuts Restaurant, downtown Zihuatanejo, Pasaje Agustin Ramirez, No. 1, Tel. 755-554-2518
Segunda Travesía a Nado de Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, (Second Swim Contest in IxtapaZihuatanejo). Whether you are a swimmer in the race or a spectator, come out and cheer for ecology and protection for our sea-life and bays. This year there will be three different events, three consecutive days in three different places all within Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The races are all 2km long and will be held Dec. 3rd at Playa La Ropa, Dec. 4th in Ixtapa Bay, and Dec. 5th from Playa Linda to Isla Ixtapa. All ages and skill levels can participate. Prizes and medals will be given to winners. www.travesiabahiazihuatanejo. blogspot.com
Dec 4-5, Rucco Surfer Reunion 2010, Ixtapa. The annual Rucco reunion is a three day event focused on surf and fun at Playa Linda. There will be teams of surfers, all 40 years or older, from Mexico, Texas, California, Florida, and more! Also there will be good food, beverages, music, and more. For more info, or if you want to compete: Catcha L’ola (755)5531384 email: catchalola333@ prodigy.net.mx or xihomara@ hotmail.com Dec 5-12, Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Nationwide. During this week dedicated to La Virgen de Guadalupe (the Virgin of Guadalupe) millions of the faithful gather to honor La Reina de México (the Queen of Mexico).The main pilgrimage, on December 12, is to the home of the miraculous image of the Virgin, the Basilica in Mexico City. 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. There are many legends about this small statue.
Dec 31, Liberation of the Turtles, Zihuatanejo. Every year on New Years Eve, the Annual Program of Preservation of the Sea Turtle closes out its year with a massive turtle release with the participation of tourists. Locations: Playas La Ropa, La Madera and Principal in Zihuatanejo and Playa El Palmar (Ixtapa). Time of release may vary. Highly recommended for adults and children.
Dec 8, Taste of La
Madera Food Crawl and Guitar Fest Fundraiser in Zihuatanejo. Sample the menus of six restaurants in Colonia La Madera. Participating restaurants are Bristro del Mar, La Gula, Rufos, El Perla Negra sp?, Casa Vieja, Rana ReneMadera sp? 150 pesos per person. Advance ticket sales at Rafa’s (formerly Rick’s Bar in centro) only 100 tickets available.
Dec 12-21, Festival de San Cristóbal de las Casas, San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. This two-week festival in Chiapas includes a procession by the Tzotzil and Tzetzal Indians, Marimba music and a parade of horses. The annual festival is unique to this region and includes the Fiesta of the Virgin Guadalupe as part of its celebration.
Dec 12, Dia de
Tonantzin tlali (Day of Tonantzin, the earth godess). Along with the catholic celebration of the virgin of Guadalupe, among the indigenous population there is also remembrance for the earth goddess, mother of the gods and protector of humanity, Tonantzin.
Dec13-22, Feria de la Piñata (Piñata Fair), 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.
Dec 16-24, Posadas,
Nationwide. Throughout the country, streets and households host vibrant parties and processions, known as posadas, in remembrance of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. There are processions recreating their journey in which people holding candles go door to door to seek shelter. Festivities include piñatas, Christmas caroling and special foods and sweets.
Dec 15, Another Day in Paradise Lecture series CAPITAL GAINS TAX Q&A, Zihuatanejo, Gro. With attorney Agustin Galindo, fully bilingual, with a law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana, a Masters of Law (LLM) from Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas, a Tax degree from ITAM in Mexico City, Galindo is a certified court translator in English and Spanish languages, authorized by the Superior Court of Justice of Guerrero. Dec 21, YOGASANA & HOTEL IRMA WELLNESS CENTER PRESENTING ANGELICA TREVIÑO WITH A FULL MOON ASANA YOGA WORKSHOP. Connecting body &
mind, blessings from a sacred place!!!!!!! 6:00 TO 7.30 PM $100.00 Pesos per person, Hotel Irma's Terrace, entrance by teh Lobby.
Dec 23, Zihuatanejo’s
57th Anniversary, la cancha (basketball courts), downtown Zihuatanejo,Gro. Celebrate the pride and heritage of the Azueta population at the annual festivities in downtown for the founding of the Zihuatanejo de Azueta Municipality in 1953.
Dec 23, La Noche de Los Rábanos, (Night 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. Local artisans and sculptors set up stalls around the main square to display their elaborate pieces of art made entirely from radishes! The local crop is used for creating nativity scenes and famous Mexican figures. Dec 24, Las Calendas,
Oaxaca, Oaxaca. The districts of Oaxaca City prepare floats and costumes for processions held throughout the city. The parades feature marmotas (translucent paper spheres lit from within and carried aloft on poles) and giant paper maché people whose arms flop around as the person hidden inside dances.
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.
Dec 24, Christmas
Eve Service, Zihuatanejo Christian Fellowship, at Nardo's Restaurant, Calle Adelita 148, Colonia La Madera. Dinner will be available until 6:00pm. Program starts at 7:00pm. For more information, see www. zihuachristian.org or call 5547178
Dec 24, Christmas Eve Service, Ixtapa Christian Fellowship, at Villas Paraiso, Ixtapa (across from Ixtapa Palace) 6:30pm. Ixtapa Christian Fellowship wishes to extend a very warm invitation to our service. All are welcome. For more information, call 755-554-5919children.
Dec 31, Año Nuevo (New Year’s Eve) nationwide. Jan 15, Second Annual ADIP Community Fair, ArCHeology museum of Zihuatanejo, 7pm
By Nancy Seeley
another day in paradise
Tourism & Living in mexico
Getting the old broad's card Zihuatanejo Central de Autobuses, Main Bus Station. Photo by Catherine Krantz
Turning 60 earlier this year didn’t exactly find me turning cartwheels of joy. (And could I have even if I’d wanted to, one wonders?) BUT there was one very bright spot in becoming a sexagenarian, and that was qualifying for Mexico’s INAPAM card.
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INAPAM stands for Instituto Nacional de las Personas Adultos Mayores, and it roughly translates to the National Institute for Old Folks. Once you hit 60, you’ve made it to the Tercer Edad – that’s “third age” – in Mexico, and with the right paperwork, you can qualify for all sorts of discounts. For me, the biggest benefit of being an “old broad” is half-price intercity travel throughout Mexico on any bus line in the country. I’ll be going to Mazatlán soon, which will cost roughly 2,200 pesos round trip. I’ll save 1,100 pesos by showing my INAPAM card. A recent trip to León and San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato saved me 630 pesos, and all those tickets were purchased shortly before departure. During holiday periods and puentes (long weekends) in Mexico, try to buy your tickets a
day or two in advance, as there are quotas on the number of discounted travelers allowed per coach. When you board, make sure your card is handy in case someone wants to verify its authenticity. Don’t even think about lending your card to a younger friend, because if you get caught, the card will be confiscated and you may not be able to get another one. If your name is on your water bill, it’s discounted by 50% when you have an INAPAM card. If your name is on the deed to your house (not likely here in Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo where bank trusts show expat ownership), then your property taxes are also half price. Admission to museums and other historic sites throughout Mexico is either free or reduced in price. Friends recently bought tickets online for an Interjet flight and saved 20%. All they had to do was show their cards when they checked in at the airport. Display your INAPAM card at many pharmacies for a 5% discount on drugs. Comercial Mexicana, Bodega, and FarmaPronto accept them. The Cinema Flamingo in Ixtapa offers cardholders half-price on their 60 peso movie tickets every day of the week. If you’re feeling brave, pull out your INAPAM identification at other area businesses to see if you can negotiate a deal. It can’t hurt to try.
DIF Office Las Salinas, Zihuatanejo. Photo by Catherine Krantz
Sonia Flores staffs the DIF office on Calle Morelos, where you apply for your card. Heading west on Morelos, towards La Noria, go through the light at Cinco de Mayo street, where the road forks to the left, continue going straight, its just up on the right. Sonia told me to be on the lookout for additional discounts in larger cities. When in León, I found hotels offering 12.5% to 20% off for us ultra-mature expats. If my partner was only a few years older to qualify for “old geezer” status, he could have saved 50% on his entry fee for the Maratón de Independencia marathon. Sonia also advised going to INAPAM offices in those bigger cities to ask about current deals. To apply, you need (1) your original passport and a copy of the picture page, (2) a comprobante – meaning a Telmex, CFE (electric) or CAPAZ (water) bill – and a copy, (3) something indicating you’re living at the address listed on the comprobante if the name on it isn’t yours -- I brought a letter from my landlady, (4) your CURP card, and (5) two infantil size color photos, easily purchased for about 40 pesos at shops around town. The CURP card is a recent addition to the list of requisitos (requirements) as of Jan. 1, 2010, but it’s a snap getting this at Migración (immigration) in Zihuatanejo. All you need is your passport (and a copy of the picture page) plus your FM3, FM2, or inmigrante booklet (plus a copy of the picture page and – for the first two – the most recent renewal page to show you’re legally in the country). Show up at Migración between 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. any weekday, and you should have your CURP card in 3 business days or less. The INAPAM office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. and can be reached by land line phone at 544-6669. If you come equipped with the right stuff, it takes about 10-15 minutes to get your card. The only cost is for the enmicado (laminating) process, and that’s a scant $10 pesos at DIF. Under current regulations, the card is valid indefinitely, but Sonia reminded me rules often change in Mexico, so what’s true today could be old news by next month.
About the Author Nancy Seeley moved down to Zihuatanejo from Wisconsin late in 1995 with the intention of staying for a three-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.
By BETTY WALTON
another day in paradise
By Page cameron
Travel
Angelitos. I’ve heard this word referenced in Spanish songs and poetry lyrics. I always assumed the literal translation ‘little angels’ applied, conjuring pretty images…mostly chubby cherubs or wispy waifs with wings growing out of their backs: a metaphor for lofty sweetness and innocence in humans!
Photo by Adam Coster
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Angelitos El Museo de las Momias is located a short bus ride to the outskirts of Guanajuato. It is only one of many cultural offerings, galleries and museums to be visited in this beautiful labyrinthine mountain city. Located south of Trozado Hill, The Santa Paula Municipal Pantheon was opened on March 13, 1861 and although it was not yet finished, it began operations on this date. The crypts filled up quickly, because at that time life was usually short. Wealthy families paid for the remains of their deceased relatives to be buried, but those who did not have resources, their families were stacked in pits. That is, until they realized the existence of the mummies.
El Museo de las Momias, Guanajuato, Photo by Javier Arriola
in Guanajuato On June 9, 1865, to the amazement of the gravediggers, the mummified body of Remigio Leroy, a French doctor, was exhumed from Niche 214 of the Pantheonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first series. This is the first and therefore the most ancient of the Guanajuato Mummy Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection. Since then, whenever a body was removed from its crypt for not paying rent and was mummified in good condition it was doomed to be displayed. The bodies were placed in two rows on the sides of a hallway in the basement of the pantheon, creating a gloomy and morbidly attractive scene, which in 1979 German filmmaker Werner Herzog used as an introduction in his remake of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu.
Today the El Museo de las Momias of Guanajuato exhibits more than 100 mummies that have been found in the Santa Paula Pantheon and are an attraction for the City of Guanajuato. The Santa Paula Pantheon is a magical place with a mysterious atmosphere, and the beauty of its niches, tombs and mausoleums transport us in time and space, capturing the imagination of the wary and incredulous visitor. For more information go to: www.momiasdeguanajuato.gob.mx/ english -(PC)
another day in paradise
Travel
A visit to El Museo de las Momias in Guanajuato straightened me out. You would think the eeriest spectacle in a mummy museum would be a partially decayed body with flesh and musculature still attached imparting all too much humanity to it. You would think. To the first-time visitor, the display is educational, humbling and at worst, unsettling. A walk through dimly-lit sepulchral corridors certainly makes one think profoundly of death. The mummies here are not ancient: The first bodies were dug up in 1865. And the reason for this is there is an applicable grave tax and some people were so poor they could not even afford to pay the twenty to fifty pesos a year to keep the bodies buried. Exhumation only ceased after 1958.
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The cemetery is subject to soil conditions and a dry climate that work to embalm the bodies. I was told it was the proximity to silver mines and the chemicals used in extraction and refining that helped cause the conditions. A lot of bodies were found fairly intact, some fully dressed. Skin and flesh still cling to bodies in 118 showcases. One figure standing upright in a glass case, boasted as the tallest cadaver, still wears his suit. One poor woman was mistakenly buried alive judging from the position in which she was exhumed. She would never have been buried with her arms protecting her face the way she was found. I saw one cadaver with a lower set of teeth I coveted. There is one pregnant cadaver. One case holds the bodies of a mother and fetus, which is the smallest mummy in the exhibit. There is some controversy as to the ethics of the museum regarding desecration and disrespect. Exhuming is now illegal and at least proceeds from the museum help poor indigenes in the area. But, hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the thing. Just before entering the tomb-like corridors housing all these glassed-in bodies, there is a room with sepia and black-and-white photographs. These were families all posing with a young child or baby. The babies in every picture were dressed up like royalty or little saints in confirmation gowns. One portrait was a peasant family of three obviously wearing their best attire. Sometimes it was an older sibling (young children still) holding the baby. Mothers cradled babies.
Some babies wore ribbons, crowns with flowers or bonnets on their heads. Older babies wore little suits. Whatever the clothing it looked to be their church best. Sometimes the babies were sleeping. Sometimes eyes were open. However, I realized the babies were not holding themselves up of their own accord. When I saw a family of four with the baby laid out on a decorative bier, I looked closer at previous portraits. The open eyes of the babies were vacantâ&#x20AC;Ś lifeless. Those pictures still haunt me. When I took the time to read the explanation in this small portrait gallery, it turned out these babies had all died either before they had a chance to be baptized or just after, but they never lived long enough to lose their innocence. It is believed that their pure souls go to heaven and they become Little Angels, Angelitos. Maybe, I, like others will never be compared to an Angel. However, it is comforting that innocent souls may be somewhere floating around in the ether and maybe their purity will lightly brush by us.
About the Author Betty M Walton: writer, jewellery designer, addicted traveller hails from Toronto. She lives in two worlds physically and metaphorically. Just saying Zihuatanejo, which she discovered six years ago, makes her warm and fuzzy.
LEFT: El Museo de las Momias, Guanajuato, Above: Angelitos (baby mummies), Photos by Javier Arriola.
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another day in paradise
By Maura Taylor
Home & Living
Home Building Series, Part II:
Construction PHASE
& telephone installations are Assuming that the completed. Pipes and wires are still proper paperwork exposed, as there are a few more stages before the interior is complete. for your construction important during this phase to project (license, permits, It's check and double check the work done. Because once the walls insurance, etc) has been being are sealed, these installations become processed and approved, much more difficult and expensive to An engineer should also be you are now ready to see access. onsite to inspect all of the installation some ground-breaking work. work begin. Insulation & Sheetrock Here we've outlined the general steps you'll encounter once the construction phase of your project gets underway. Having a better understanding of the overall process will help you manage your expectations and hopefully give you some piece of mind as your construction project progresses.
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Foundation & Framing
The first of your ground-breaking work will be concentrated on the construction of the foundation, which, once completed will serve as the basic footprint, defining the layout of your new home or condo. Basic electrical and plumbing installations are laid throughout; the skeleton of your home is constructed, taking shape as walls, arches, entryways, ceiling, stairs and any structural elements. Your home's framing is also laid, deriving much of its stability and strength from the very fact that it rests upon a properly-installed foundation.
Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Mechanical "roughs"; electrical wiring, plumbing, home cooling system, cable
As homes in this region of Mexico are rarely treated with insulation, the next step towards a finished interior is the application of drywall/ sheetrock, which serves as interior walls & ceiling material. Once applied, your interior will begin to take on more of a finished form, allowing you to envision the layout of each room and if you haven't already, begin to think about furnishings and decor. Here is also where you can test color samples, textures and play around with different wall coverings. Exterior & Landscaping Exterior finishes such as roofing and facade, along with any trim or coverings (palapa, pergola, overhang, etc) are nearing, completion. Decks, terraces, walkways, fountains and other external elements are underway. If you are building a pool, this is likely when the process will begin. Landscaping elements such as trees, flowering bushes and grass are added.
Interior Finishes
In this phase, all the final details are taken care of, including installation and testing of electrical, mechanical
and plumbing systems and the installation of doors, windows, floor coverings, countertops, cabinets, tiles, appliances, mirrors, lights, faucets and fixtures. This is probably the most exciting and involved portion of the construction process, as your home is finally ready for the finishing touches. This is the perfect opportunity to get involved with an experienced professional who can help you furnish and decorate according to your taste, budget and lifestyle.
Sealing
Gaps are sealed from the inside out and a layer of waterproofing is applied to the exterior. This will prevent leaks and will also protect your home from humidity and heavy rains during the wet season.
Cleanup & Walkthrough
Any remaining construction materials and rubbish are removed and the area is cleaned and ready for inspection. It is recommended that you perform a walk-through inspection of your home with your architect/builder to allow time to fix any problems you find. During the walk-through you will have a chance to ask questions about the mechanical systems and appliances. At this time, minor repairs, such as paint touch-ups can be requested. Be sure to do a followup after repairs or fixes have been made to confirm that everything is as you want it.
Warranty Period
This period can vary, but generally extends a year or more after the
closing. The warranty should specifically reference what kind of problems the builder is responsible for and the builder should let you know what to look out for during the warranty period. Now that you have an idea of what to expect from the construction process, here are a few things to keep in mind; You will be asked to make decisions early in the construction process. This is because time is needed to order and receive materials and also because some units are too large to install in the later stages of construction. Each stage of the construction process has an approximate duration that builders strive to meet. However, a number of factors outside of the builder's control, such as adverse weather conditions and availability of labor and materials, can extend these durations. Keep in touch with your builder or construction manager, ask questions early and stay informed about the status of your building project.
Contruction Phase, Photos by Maura Taylor.
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 News
By John Glaab and nisa Salmans
Meetings, Developments, Investments, Retiring in Mexico
real Estate news
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The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) recently held its 39th Annual Conference and Trade Show in Monterrey, N.L. Members assembled from across Mexico to exchange ideas, hear speakers on various subjects of interest, network, socialize and hold AMPI’s annual meeting. Two special events took place during the week. The first was the signing of an agreement of cooperation between AMPI and four other real estate associations. These are Brazil, Colombia, Peru and the Federation of Central America, Panama and the Caribbean. The second event during the week was the annual meeting of the Mexican section of the International Real Estate Federation. (FIABCI) The home office for FIABCI is in Paris. I found three of the presentations, during the week, particularly interesting. Two were by personnel from banks and the third was a panel of international REALTORS® Everardo Elizonda, Chief Economist at BANORTE, addressed the subject, “The Mexican economy at the end of 2010, Accuracy and Guess.” He reported the descent in the Mexican construction business was rapid, but recent statistics indicated a turn around. Everardo echoed something we frequently hear in this country, “The Mexican crisis was not made in Mexico, but in New York and in the District of Columbia.” Employment in Mexico is 10-15 percent below the plateau of 2008. So far in 2010, 850,000 jobs have been created in this county. He predicted the GNP will increase by 3.9 percent in 2011,
Nisa Salmans, with author and Trendhunter.com founder, Jeremy Gutshce, and Realtor Randy Hassler.
(The Organization for Economic Cooperation and DevelopmentParis, projects Mexico’s growth at 3.5 percent) that inflation will be 3.7 percent, the interest rate will be 5 percent and the peso will be at 12.7 to the U.S. dollar. Concerning 2011, he stated that since the Mexican economy is export driven its health will depend to a large extent on the U.S. economic recovery. For this reason he sees growth in 2011 slower than in 2010. Everardo does feel positive about exports to Latin America, especially Brazil. Elizabeth Bermudez of BANCOMER came from Chicago to address the conference. She is Director of "Hipotecaria Mexicana" (a mortgage program). She opened her presentation by reporting that
Above: Social Media presentation at NARdi Gras, New Orleans. Left: International Networking Section of NARdi Gras, New Orleans, Photos by Nisa Salmans.
the Hispanic population of the United States is 333 million. Elizabeth presented a video about “BUSH” beans, the leading seller of beans in the U.S. She also cited other advertising campaigns aimed at Latinos. Mention was made of several companies such as Sara Lee that are owned in Mexico. Next she made a presentation on the bank’s program Tu Vivienda en Mexico (Your home in Mexico). The program was launched in the United States six and a half years ago. It is aimed at Mexicans living in the U.S. who may wish to purchase property in Mexico. The immigration status of those applying for mortgages is not an issue. Featured on the international panel of REALTORS® was Nelson Germanso of Brazil; Federico Estrada of Columbia; Juan Pareja, Peru: and Lucia Solorzano-Secasa, representing the Central America Federation and the Panama and Caribbean associations of REALTORS®. They were joined by Adrian Arriaga from Mc Allen Texas. He is the past ambassador of the National Associations of RALTORS® (NAR) to AMPI and the Chair of NAR’s Global Business Alliances, operations committee. Adrian is a member of the Texas Real Estate Commission. The discussion focused on real estate licensing (note: only a handful of states in Mexico have a licensing law at the moment, while several others will be presenting proposed legislation to their state governments in the near future) and the need for more cooperation among associations in Latin America. Nelson Germano stated Brazil has had licensing since 1964. In Peru, one wanting to sell real estate has eighteen months to register with the housing ministry. Adrian Arriaga pointed out that in the U.S. real estate, licensing laws are state controlled. All of the panelists felt they would feel more secure when referring their clients to another jurisdiction that has a licensing law.
There was a discussion on how Latin American associations could work better together. The countries represented on the panel had signed a agreement to cooperate a day earlier. There is a need for a group such as the International Consortium of Realtors (worldwide and known as ICREA) in Latin America. An organization to be known as ICREA Latin America should be established to foment cooperation between the countries. It was mentioned, “We all speak the same language,” (not Spanish but real estate.) At the Annual General meeting, seven members were elected to AMPI’s National Advisory Board. (Consejos) They replaced seven who had completed their two year term. The Consejeros represent a good cross section of Mexico. There are two in Mexico City and one each in Cancun and Tijuana. A new Vice-President was elected. The name of the new V.P. will not be announced until the inauguration of President Elect Adrian Larracilla Marquez (from Puebla, Puebla). That will event take place in Mexico City in January. Finally, Merida, Yucatan has been selected as the site for the Congreso in 2011
The National Association of Realtors, one of the United States largest business associations, held their annual convention in New Orleans, LA, from November 5th-10, 2010. The annual event, called “NAR”di Gras, brings together over 20,000 international real estate professionals, for conferences, networking, educational seminars, trends and buying and selling opportunities. Many of this year’s presentations dealt with the current economic situation affecting real estate worldwide and advances in technology, with a great emphasis on social media which was a topic of dozens of presentations, up from only a few at last year’s event. Some of this year’s highlights were: Trendhunter.com’s Jeremy Gutshce, also the author of Exploiting Chaos, which propose that great opportunity comes in times of upheaval; Top Producer and Realtor.com’s Technology instructors presented a series on technology trends in sales, focusing on social media; Ginger Wilcox, founding partner of the Social Media Marketing Institute, had great tips; plus a wide variety of marketing seminars with real estate specific tips and sales strategies. Not just a great educational event and a wonderful networking opportunity for Realtors, the convention also brings together the Realtor International affiliates such as AMPI, here in Mexico. The International Networking center had representatives from: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden. On hand from Mexico in the International Networking area were several attendees from Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, and Ixtapa. To see what you missed at this year's "NAR"diGras, go to www.Realtor.org/conferencelive. Mark your calendars for the 2011 REALTORS Conference & Expo, November 11-14, 2011, in Anaheim, California. Registration opens May 2011.
About the Author John Glaab is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos and currently a member of AMPI La Paz. A Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) he is active in the National Association of Realtors® Global Business Alliance
another day in paradise
BY Agustin Galindo
Real Estate Law
Photo by Frank Sheppard
Capital Gains Tax
on the sale of your vacation home Real estate investors always have a lot of questions about income tax on capital gains. Instead of writing an article giving a full explanation of how this tax is calculated, deducted, exempted and paid, I prefer to share with you the most frequently asked questions made by property owners and tax payers. I hope they are useful for you. What is the percentage of income tax on capital gains in Mexico? For 2010, 30%, 2011: 30%, 2012: 30%, 2013: 29%.
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Which expenses can be deducted from the income tax on capital gains? Updated fiscal value of the property Construction and improvements Notary fees and expenses at the moment of acquiring the property Real estate transfer tax (2%) at the moment of acquiring the property Cost of the appraisal used to acquire the property Commissions What do I need to do to deduct these expenses? You need to obtain official invoices for services such as construction or remodeling (improvements), materials, plus the notary public invoice that you used to buy the property or by getting an invoice from the realtor that you used to sell the property. The key words here are â&#x20AC;&#x153;official invoicesâ&#x20AC;?, or
Facturas. Please be aware that to get an official invoice you need to pay a 16% value added tax. What if I did not get any official invoice for deductions? The income tax law regulation allows you to obtain a referred appraisal to the date that you built or improved the property. For that reason, it is important to get the construction and remodeling licenses and the termination and occupation licenses so the appraisal can be referred to such date. Can I deduct other expenses different than the ones mentioned before? No, the tax law has a principle of strict application, which means that you can only deduct the expenses provided by the applicable tax law. Is there any tax exemption for selling your dwelling? Yes, and it is necessary to prove that the property to be transferred is your home by showing an elector badge, telephone or electric
bill, bank statement showing the name of the owner, his/her spouse and the corresponding address.
1995 crisis in Mexico, and the Central Bank (Banco de Mexico) establishes the value of an UDI on a daily basis.
Is the exemption for selling applicable to foreigners? This question unfortunately cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. It is very important to highlight the fact that you have to set aside the concept of foreigner since tax laws in Mexico provide for taxation based on the concept of tax residents or non-residents. As a tax resident having a home or a principal business center in Mexico, i.e., receiving more than 50% of your income from activities developed in Mexico, you are considered a tax resident (regardless of your nationality) in accordance to the Fiscal Code that adopts this concept from international taxation treaties designed to avoid tax evasion and/ or double taxation. Therefore, tax residents, regardless of nationality are entitled to a tax exemption when selling their home.
Is there any restriction about the size of the property for a tax exemption? Yes. The land on the property that you sell shall not exceed three times the size of the construction; otherwise, the exceeding part of the property will be taxed under a normal basis without the benefit of the exemption.
Do I need any type of visa to prove my residency? Tax laws do not provide for any type of visa, and it is also important to bear in mind that the tax laws are of strict application, requirements not provided in the law cannot be demanded of a tax payer. A visa is not required but if you have one, it will help the notary show the type of activity you are performing in Mexico and what is your home address. Please be aware that one criterion of the tax authorities may be that the document required proving your residency is the notice of tax residency given to tax authorities; however, there is no such requirement provided in the tax laws.
Is it better to acquire and sell my property through a Mexican corporation? No. If you create a corporation to own residential property you will definitively cancel the chance of being tax exempted. Corporations also pay the income tax at a 30% rate.
Is there any timetable of residence in order to be tax exempted? a)In case of the transfer of a property valued under 1,500,000 Investment Units (UDIS, for its acronyms in Spanish), there is no specific provision in the Income Tax Law or the fiscal code providing a term of residency to consider your property as your home; however, the local civil code of Guerrero, which is a supplementary law, provides that your home is the place where you have lived for 6 months as a minimum. b)In a case of a transfer of property valued at 1,500,000 UDIS or over, the Fiscal Code provides that you need to prove that you have inhabited such property for 5 years. The way to do so is by showing telephone or electricity bill for such years. The fiscal miscellaneous provides one (1) bill for each year. What does UDIS mean? UDIS are defined as Investment Units. They were created to refinance bank loans for the
What if I donate my property to my spouse or children? Donations to spouses or children are exempted from income taxes. Upon my death, will my heirs or secondary beneficiaries have to pay income taxes? No. Secondary beneficiaries that are recognized as main beneficiaries upon the death of the main beneficiary do not need to pay income taxes.
Please join Agustin Galindo for a Question & Answer session on Capital Gains Tax on the sale of your MExican vacation home, Wednesday, DECember 15, 7pm, Coconuts Restaurant, Downtown Zihuatanejo.
Is it better to put the property in the name of a Mexican so he/she can be tax exempted? This is illegal since we are talking about tax evasion. Please consider that there are a lot of variables here… such as, what if this person dies without leaving a testament or if he/ she was married under a system of common property and he/she is getting divorced, or this person just disappears? Please consider these factors carefully; even if you save some money, this is not only illegal, but also totally risky.
If I transfer the trust rights of my property, do I still pay income tax? Yes. It does not matter whether you transfer the property itself by canceling your trust or you transfer its trust rights. You still pay income taxes. Assuming I have to pay income taxes on capital gain, who is liable for paying such taxes? In Mexico, the notary public is liable to withhold and pay these taxes; however, it is very important to get the record of payment of these taxes because the tax law provides that if the taxes are not paid, the taxpayer (seller) is bound to pay for the principal and the notary public for the accessories, i.e., interests, surcharges and penalties. Who calculates the taxes? The notary public is responsible for calculating taxes. Please be aware that there are tax formulas to estimate taxes so you can always ask for another opinion from another notary, a tax accountant or tax lawyer. The seller wants me to declare a lower than actual purchase price to lower their capital gains, should I do it? This is illegal because is tax evasion. Additionally, it is a short term ‘’remedy’’ that only benefits the seller because in the long run, if you sell your property, you will end up paying these taxes. How can I legally reduce the tax impact of income tax on capital gain? By getting the real price reflected in your value, getting official invoices for construction, remodeling and materials, official invoices for commissions, obtaining construction, termination and occupation licenses so you can get a referred appraisal if it becomes necessary. Please bear in mind that tax calculations have a legal basis. There is no magic or mystery about it. Feel free to check with the attorney or accountant of your choice for any calculations and law benefits to see how you can legally reduce or even be exempt from taxes.
About the Author Agustin Galindo is an attorney at law fully bilingual, with a law degree from Universidad Iberoamericana, a masters of Law (LLM) from Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas, a Tax degree from ITAM in Mexico City and is a certified court translator in English and Spanish languages, authorized by the Superior Court of Justice of Guerrero.
Ixtapa Real Estate
Real Estate Listings
Tim Sullivan, Carmen Diaz de Sullivan Tel. (755) 553-3218, (755) 553-3219, Cel. (755) 108-5071 www.ixtaparealestate.com, e-mail: ixtaparealestate@prodigy.net.mx
Casa Que Ve al Mar #303B 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 3RD. floor, bay view apt w/ equipped kitchen, dng-lvg area, Conveniently located within easy walking distance to La Ropa Beach. Complex includes 2 infinity pools, parking & more. Offered furnished & equipped. $250,000 usd Reduced Price
Villas Playa Blanca Villa 4 3 bdrm, 3 bath Villa
located on the expansive Playa Blanca area of Zihuatanejo w/ easy access to both Barra de Potosi & the International airport. An excellent option for the wise buyer in search of proven return on investment. Value @ $390,000 usd
Amara Ixtapa #1201A 3 bedroom, 3 bath 12th floor, beach front apt in the heart of Ixtapa Beach with custom, expanded kitchen, spacious lvg & dng areas, with panoramic view of Ixtapa Beach, The Pacific Ocean and year-‘round sunset views. Slashed to $495,000 USD
Bay View Grand Marina Ixtapa’s newest Beach Front Condominium has begun delivering apartments in the first 2 of 3 towers. Ixtapa Real Estate is pleased to offer you a selection of new apartments in various configurations at affordable prices. Sales and Rentals available
Marina del Sol #502A 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 5th. Floor, 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. Buy it now @ $420,000 usd
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. Reduced to $179,500 usd
Bay View Grand #1001N 4 bdrm, 4 bath, 10th. Floor, beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, spacious dining, living & TV areas, full-width terrace w/ hot tub & year ‘round sunset views. The BVG complex boasts 2 large pools, snack bars, tennis courts, gymnasium and expansive beach frontage. Newly adjusted to $685,000 usd
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Vista de las Rocas #6 Unique 2 bdrm +2.5 bath townhouse villa in exclusive area of Ixtapa above the Villa de la Selva restaurant. Classic Mexican style architecture, ample spaces & spectacular views + private 1-car garage set this property apart from the competition. ew Listing $239,000 usd
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. Only $287,500 usd
IZ Properties
Real Estate Listings
Centro Comercial Ixtapa Plaza, Local #1, Ixtapa (across from Hotel Emporio) Tel. (755) 553-3322, US Tel. (213) 265-9654, Canada & Midwest US (651) 327-3606 www.izproperties.net, e-mail: info@izproperties.net
Bay View Grand Residencial 3 bedroom, 3 bath plus service quarters with additional bathroom and shower. This 250 square meter (2700 sq ft) condo has never been used. Huge living room with gorgeous view to the ocean has plumbing for wet bar. Incredible unobstructed ocean views. Priced to sell at $424,900 USD
Incredible unobstructed views of the ocean and Palmar Bay. This beachfront one bedroom condo comes with upscale tasteful furnishings.You not only have million dollar ocean views, but also majestic inland and mountain views from the Master Bedroom. Great Rental unit also. Priced to sell quickly at $210,000.
Beachfront 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with spectacular view of the entire bay. Granite countertops in kitchen and upgraded bathrooms with marble countertops. Soak in the jacuzzi on your terrace as you watch the sun sink into the pacific. Located in preferred North Tower. Priced at $385,000 (includes furnishings)
Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath charming condo in great quiet neighborhood just four or five blocks from the beach. Roomy bedrooms with King size beds and each with its own terrace. Separate laundry room beyond kitchen with washer and dryer (included with all furnishings). Terrific price at $110,000!
Magnificent 11,000 square foot designer home on the Promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its own private cove. Ocean views from every room make this one of a kind home the most spectacular in Ixtapa. For those with discriminating taste who want the best of the best. Price reduced to 4,900,000 USD.
Unique corner property with two homes on one lot. Located in the upscale professional section of El Hujal. Live in one home and rent the other, or, use as a business office. Plenty of private parking with access to two streets. Beautiful garden in center of lot. Priced at $225,000 USD.
Beautifully decorated 4 bedroom, 4 bath plus service quarters condo in 5 star Amara complex on the Beach. Best views in entire complex from this 10th floor condominium. Features galore in this condo from the motorized shades in the kitchen and living rooms to the large flat screen TV. $550,000.
Live the dream in an Aramara home in prestigious Contramar. Ocean views from every room. Each house with its own infinity edge pool. 24 Hour security and private beach access. From 475 square meters. Priced from $1,100,000 USD (includes furnishings).
Very private small complex Siete Lunas (Seven Moons) at the end of the cul de sac overlooking the Blue Pacific Ocean in prestigious Contramar. Seven luxury 3 bedroom condominiums with highly upgraded kitchens await your arrival. Your choice of floorplan in each 1800 square foot unit (no extra charge). From 456,333 USD.
IZ Properties
Centro Comercial Ixtapa Plaza, Local #1, Ixtapa (across from Hotel Emporio) Tel. (755) 553-3322, US Tel. (213) 265-9654, Canada & Midwest US (651) 327-3606 www.izproperties.net, e-mail: info@izproperties.net
SOLD The two level penthouse unit in Doce Soles, a small upscale complex in the hills of Contramar is now available. Recently renovated, it boasts marble floors, upgraded custom cabinetry in kitchen, and two terraces with killer views of all of Palmar Bay and the gorgeous sunsets. Priced $499,000.
Ground level 2 bedroom Boughambillas condominium with extremely upgraded furnishings. Custom wood cabinetry throughout. Large functional kitchen with separate storage room. Beautifully maintained pool and common area have best view of the the golf course. Only six units in the complex provides privacy and tranquility. This won't last at $195,000 USD.
3 Bedroom, 2 bath two level Club Costa condo nicely furnished. Two pools in well maintained and managed complex. Just a few short blocks to the beach and town center. Furnishings included at 1,600,000 pesos MN.
3 bedroom, 2 bath condominium in the Prestigious Marina del Sol complex on the beach. Beautiful views of the beach and ocean in front, and the Marina from the back bedrooms. Well maintained comfortable condo with A/C throughout (furnishings included) at $495,000.
Completely renovated from the marble floors up, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath Porto Ixtapa condo has what it takes for those looking for a more "residential" feel. Incredible Ocean and Marina views from the dual patios. Custom cabinetry in modern kitchen with stainless steel countertop. Inviting jacuzzi overlooking fantastic views. $475,000 USD.
Completely remodeled recently, this two bedroom, two bath Premium corner Monarca condo located on the sixth floor has the most expansive views. Custom cabinetry throughout. Beautiful etched marble floors. Unique indoor/outdoor living room/terrace with disappearing sliding glass doors. Priced at $415,000.
Single family home in Golondrinas area. Just a couple of blocks from town center and the beach. Approximately 200 square meters of construction. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,large living room leading out to the swimming pool in the backyard. Large 1200 square meter lot right along the golf course. Listed at $249,000 USD
3 bedroom, 2 bath 1820 square foot Zihuatanejo condominium overlooking LaRopa Beach and the Bay. Indoor/outdoor living at its best with tiled jacuzzi on enormous terrace with weather protected bar and kitchen. Huge living room with gorgeous views to the bay. Hand laid marble floors throughout. Great Rental! $419,900 USD.
This well-maintained stately custom 3 bedroom home with beautiful private yard and pool is located in the very prestigious Villas de las Garzas area of homes. Priced at $350,000 USD.
Sale - Casa Que Ve Al Mar Designer Luxury - 2 bedroom + studio/TV rm., private dipping pool on the terrace affording a to-die-for view of La Ropa and bay. 1-Flr. design, lg. living room, al fresco kitchen and dining. A/C, ceiling fans, turn key. Great rental history. Good investment property. Listed at: US$425,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties www.paradiseproperties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
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.
Charming 3 BR Town House - Adorable walled 2-story house with garden and patio to give you that feeling of being in a secret hideaway. A/C, ceiling fans, off-street parking. La Boquita area. Unfurnished US$140,000. Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties www.paradiseproperties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
Sale - Golfcourse Elegance - Designed by Enrique Zozaya, overlooking the lake on the Palma Real Golfcourse, own private golf cart garage 2-story home with all the design accoutrements you find in a Zozaya home. Walled for privacy, 3 BR, 5 bathrms, unfurnished ... Listed at: US$795,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties www.paradiseproperties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
Beautifully renovated and appointed inside; panoramic views outside, and full security make this 2 bdrm villa in a prestigeous gated community a very attractive option to buy, especially at a realistic price for the current economic climate. Pools, restaurant, tennis courts and lush gardens complete the picture. USD440,000 neg. villarojasb@gmail.com.
Ixtapa Palma Real Golfcourse - Villas Alondras Small community of 10 villas on the 9th hole. 2 floors with 2 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and has a large terrace facing the garden & balconies from the bedrooms. Manicured gardens surround the pool and palapa pool area. Off-street parking and caretaker on premises. Listed at: US$179,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties www.paradise-properties.com.mx
Sale Troncones - Casa Luciernaga Main house with 3 BR, 3 bath and 2 bungalows each with 1 BR, 1 bath, share a common area with luscious tropical gardens. Dip your toes in the pool with your eyes on the beach. A beautiful beachfront home for private residence or rental property. Listed at US$600,000. Judith Whitehead Paradise Properties, www.paradise-properties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
COLONIA LA MADERA- For Sale-New top quality construction, 3-story hilltop home on quiet street w/ stairs to Playa la Madera, 3 bdrms with terraces, 2 lrg. full bathrooms, lrg. modern kitchen, deck w/360 degree view of Zihuatanejo and bay, A lower fourth floor with foundation ready for in-law apt. Entire property can be 4 separate bungalows. For more photos and info: http:// zihuacasalinda.wordpress.com
Casa Que Ve Al Mar Penthouse - 2 floors of divine living space, designed for tropical comfort and beauty. Great kitchen, dipping pool, view of the bay and ocean. 2 bedrooms, Studio/TV room, Enrique Zozaya signature outdoor showers. Live in or rent out! US$695,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties www.paradiseproperties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
Real Estate Listings
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
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
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
El Secreto del Mar. Spectacular house For Sale with a great view, overlooking La Ropa Beach.3 Bedrooms, 2 bath and a huge infinity pool. Reduced price from 750K to 625K for few days only. Info: mobile phone 044 755 1216469. By appointment only.
Doce Soles. For Sale one of the best appartments in Ixtapa. Spectacular view.Fully equiped with top of the line appliances. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, TV room, laundry and a huge covered terrace facing the ocean. Info: mobile phone 044 755 1216469. By appointment only.
El Secreto del Mar. For Sale 3 residential and condominial lots on La Ropa Area. 579, 658 and 839 sq mts. Great ocean view. Only 500 steps to the best beach in Zihua. Business opportunities. Info: mobile phone 044 755 1216469. By appointment only.
SOLD Beachfront lots at their lowest prices in years. Troncones offered at $240,000. Pantla offered at $190,000. Other beaches from $110,000. Off beach lots from $30,000. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 5540719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.
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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) 5540719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.
Amazing architecture. Seven luxury suites in this boutique hotel overlooking Playa La Ropa. Palapa, tropical hardwoods, pool, office, kitchens, laundry, managers apartment and more, reduced to $2 million. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 5540719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.
CASA CONTENTA, A spectacular home with an amazing ocean view located in El Hujal. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, completely furnished, pool, garage, and large garden. This home is a great buy for anyone looking to spend time in Zihuatanejo $400,000 USD. Call Costa Grande Real Estate. 554 1999, Cell 044 755 100 7100 www.costagranderealestate.com
CASA LA ROMA, A large home with a breath taking view of the Zihuatanejo bay located in Los Romanceros. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, garage, jacuzzi, AC, 2,700 SQ FT. This cozy home is 5 mins walking distance to down town and priced to sell at $250,000 USD. Call Costa Grande Real Estate. 554 1999, Cell 044 755 100 7100 www.costagranderealestate.com
Breath Taking Condo located just minutes from the centro and right next to the beach. This affordable condo has 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, completely furnished, 2 pools, and parking. It's a steal at $199,000 USD. Hurry up and take advanage of this beautiful condo. Call Costa Grande Real Estate 554 1999, Cell 044 755 100 7100 www.costagranderealestate.com
Rent this residence located in Ixtapa behind Casa Bonita. Exclusive, private, with pool & palapa, totally furnished with all the services. 4 bedrooms & TV Room, can accommodate up to 16 people comfortably, perfect for large families. $8,000 pesos per night. Viva La Playa, Real Estate Services, vivalaplaya.realtor@gmail.com, Tel.+(52) 755 120 1496 US Phone (209) 210 3409
Apt for sale in exclusive Preciosa condominiums on the Bay, 2 bedrooms, studio, dining room, kitchen, living room, fully furnished. For sale at $480,000 USD, 124 m2 aprox. Impressive Zihua Bay view, Viva La Playa, Real Estate Services, vivalaplaya.realtor@gmail.com, Tel.+(52) 755 120 1496, US Phone (209) 210 3409
Sale: Beautiful property south of Zihuatanejo, 102 hectáreas with consessioned ocean front, lagoon potable water, roads, electricty, highway access, titled. For more information call 755 120 14 96, con Jacquie Rodríguez, Increible!! Viva La Playa, Real Estate Services, vivalaplaya.realtor@gmail.com, Tel.+(52) 755 120 1496 US Phone (209) 210 3409
For Sale/For Rent – Beachfront Hotel in Troncones. 4 bungalows, 5 king suites, 3 family
Long-term/Short-term rental, Ixtapa, Club de Golf Fully furnished, fully equipped, 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath
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.
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
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