ADIP JAN 2010 by ADIP

january 2010

paradise

Letter from The publisher

another day in

Welcome to Another Day in Paradise!

ADIP OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (755) 544-8023 space is limited, deadline for materials and payments is the 1st of the month previous info@adip.info, publicidad@adip.info

It`s a whole new year and that always gets me philosophical: Where have we come from, where are we going... what have I done?

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Check out our web page for more info: www.adip.info

2010 is a very exciting year, one we have been eagerly awaiting for oh so long. It’s a good round number, has strong cultural significance, and well it just feels old. Two thousand and ten years! Wow, that’s a big deal for us modern day Homo sapiens sapiens. Even though I must admit there are quite a few things I am not too impressed we haven`t figured out yet. You would think two thousand and ten years would be enough time to solve even the big mysteries of life, let alone the small ones. Whatever it is you wish we creatures had found a solution for already, just fill in the blank here: It`s the year 2010 and you`d think by now somebody would have found a way to___. (I, of course, have some thoughts but I`ll keep them to myself.) I am digressing and we really don’t have any time for that, do we? Its January, the season is in full swing and there is just too much to do in paradise to be sitting around staring at the ocean, pondering the mysteries of life. But a soft breeze is blowing and the ruffling of a palm frond is catching my eye, and off in the distance a shaft of sunlight is illuminating some emerald green patch of hillside...and there I go, distracted again. What was I saying? Too much to do? Palm trees? January 2010 A.D. …two thousand… Ah yes! This month we acknowledge thousands of years of human history and take a trip to the Archeology Museum of Zihuatanejo. We also honor our Top 10 commitment and bring you the Top 10 Rules for building your dream home in Mexico, and we start a two-part series on exotic tropical fruit, because there´s just too many delicious fresh fruits out there to fit into one issue, plus many non-edible delights for your peruse-ment and amusement.

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We hope 2010 is a great year for you and yours, and we hope you`ll come out and help us celebrate ADIP`s 10 year anniversary at the I-Z Community Fair fiesta on January 15, at the Archeology Museum of the Costa Grande. Until next time,

COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS Larry Abrams Elizabeth Brady Page Cameron Agustin Galindo Lorenzo Marbut Hans Nystrom Nancy Seeley Maura Taylor

PUBLISHER Catherine Krantz info@adip.info

WE WELCOME ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSIONS editor@adip.info FOR GUIDELINES www.adip.info www.adipdigital.info www.youtube.com/wwwadipinfop

On The Cover: Scented candles in fruit motifs Photo by Catherine Krantz

Flora & Fauna Family Pelecanidae

table of contents History 6

Zihuatanejo Sailfest

Zihuatanejoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Archeology

Food 8

Exotic Mexican Fruit

Sports 12

Pelican watching

Getting Married in Paradise 16 Community Project Directory 18 Community Profile 20 Sailfest 2010

Z-Scene 22 Shopping 28

Colors of Mexico

Upcoming Events / Mexico Abroad 32 Travel 36

San Miguel Botanical Garden

Home & Living 42

Blinds and window treatments

Shopping Colors of Mexico

Zihuatanejoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Archeology

San Miguel Botanical Garden

Real Estate Law 44

Top 10 rules for building a home in a coastal zone

Real Estate Listings 48 For Sale, For Rent Classifieds & Resources

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another day in paradise

By Page Cameron

History

Zihuatanejo’s Museum

of Archeology The Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande (Archeological Museum of the Costa Grande)

is located at the southern end of the municipal beach and the Paseo de los Pescadores (Fisherman’s Walk). The grey stone building that houses the collection was built in 1947 to contain and protect a collection of artifacts and materials of invaluable importance to this region. The exhibition and permanent custody of these objects are for all to enjoy Zihuatanejo’s heritage, showing a convergence of cultures from 200 A.D. and beyond, with representative pieces from all across Mexico.

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There are six rooms that document the history, archeology and culture of this part of the Guerrero coast.

Pieces in the collection of the Archeology Museum Photos by Page Cameron

The pre-Hispanic murals, maps, and archaeological pieces trace the paths and development of this region. In addition to the local items on display, the museum also spotlights ancient cultures and peoples. Many of the artifacts are from as far away as the Olmec and Toltec civilizations, as both explored this area. Room one of the museum displays artifacts from settlements established on the coasts of the states of Michoacan, Jalisco, Nayarit, Colima and Guerrero. Room two contains many ceramics and carvings from the area of Cerro de la Madera, in Zihuatanejo, among others. Room three features the archeological site of Tierras Prietas, the cultivation of food plants and use

of natural resources, and showing the generation of style and technological traditions in the manufacture of objects. Room four covers aspects of village life and cultural exchange from 200 to 750 A.D.; the introduction of ball games and new pottery techniques.

also regularly hosts art exhibitions and cultural events. Make sure and stop by the Museo Arqueológico de La Costa Grande to learn just a little bit about the fascinating history of this region. The museum is open Tues –Sunday, from 10am to 6pm, and costs a mere 10 pesos to enter.

Room five contains pieces from the Aztec period from 1487 to the 1520s, when the province of Cihuatlan was established, and tribute was paid to the Aztecs by the local population in shells, chocolate, basketry and textiles. Room six covers the colonial period and search for a maritime route to the west during the 16th and 17th centuries. During this time the ports of Zihuatanejo and Acapulco were important points of reference for Spanish and other navigators. The permanent collection is on display with information in English and Spanish, the museum

another day in paradise

food

By Page cameron

Starfruit, Photo by Alison Stieglitz

Mexico is blessed with an abundance of fresh tropical fruit. Beautifully arranged platters of fruit are served in restaurants, and disposable cups or bags of fruit on street corners and carts rolling by. No matter how humble the setting, these street-corner offerings are always cut into attractively uniform strips or wedges and served with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chile, if desired.

Exotic

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Avocados Photo by Stuart Taylor

Fresh fruit should be a part of everyone’s diet, and with so many choices you can’t get bored. Don’t hesitate to try something new, even if it looks or sounds strange, you might be surprised and find a new favorite. The fruits are listed below in alphabetical order by their Spanish names (the names you’ll see or hear in Mexican markets) followed

by English. And if something sounds good, go check out the produce in the market and vendors on the street, sometimes they let you taste before you buy… Aguacate: avocado

Avocado is a fruit and not a vegetable! It is actually a member of the berry family. They got their name,

Mexican fruit: Part one (A-L) aguacate, from the Spanish explorers who couldn't pronounce the Aztec word for the fruit, ahuacatl (testicle), called this because it was thought to be a sexual stimulant! (My granny in New Orleans, Louisiana called them “alligator pears” due to the pebbly, rough exterior.) The rich, pale yellow-green flesh of the pear-shaped fruit has a texture like a firm ripe banana, smooth and buttery, with a faintly nutty flavor. The avocado tree leaves are used in some parts of Mexico. Both green and dried leaves can be used for wrapping tamales, or seasoning for barbecues and stews. Dried leaves have a pronounced anise scent when crushed and will keep for several months in a tightly-closed container. Carambola: starfruit

Native to Southeast Asia, the

carambola is now cultivated in Mexico, where it can be found in late fall and winter in some markets and on the road side. The shape of the slices, when cut horizontally, is that of a five-pointed star. The flesh is sour, crisp and golden yellow. I have had margaritas made with this fruit, and when done right they are delicious! Also it makes a very attractive substitute for pineapple in an upside down cake which, when turned out of the pan, reveals the star-shaped slices. Coco: coconut

Available year round, coconuts are grown in Mexico's warm coastal region and used all over the country, both fresh and dried. Used in ice cream and desserts, coconut also goes well in many salads and main courses. The "milk" of fresh coconuts is actually more like water,

and is said to be the best remedy for dehydration due to extreme heat (or hangovers!). If you’re feeling adventurous, try a Coco Loco from one of your favorite beach front restaurants. It packs a punch for sure, close to a Long Island Ice Tea in content, except all the alcohol is poured into the coconut with the coco water and a splash of Blue Curacao for color.

Granada: pomegranate

This used to be one of my favorites as a child, staining my fingers and face bright red just trying to get the teeny edible parts out of the fruit. Pomegranate seeds, which are contained in the spherical, hard-skinned fruit, are not easy to use, but with patience pomegranate juice can be used in savory sauces and salad dressings as Continues on Next Page

Pomegranate, Photo by Giuseppe Porzani

ContinueD From previous Page

Lamut (Sapodilla)

Granada china/granadillas: golden passion fruit Sometimes incorrectly translated as "passion fruit" because it is related, the granada china does not taste much like a true passion fruit, although its unique flavor and consistency are much prized by aficionados, who call it "the caviar of fruits." An egg-shaped fruit with a hard yellow-orange rind is cut open to reveal a soft, grayish pulp, which is eaten right out of the shell with a spoon. Despite the hard outer skin, it is more perishable than most other tropical fruit, and is generally not used in ice cream and other confections. Granada china can be tested for ripeness by shaking it for the sound of the ripe flesh moving inside.

Visitors to Mexico will probably mistake the Lamut fruit for a potato. One of the most desirable and interesting of all tropical fruit, it originates from Mexico but was also introduced in the Philippines. Many have compared the sweet flavor of this fruit with cotton candy or caramel. Lamuts only becomes ripe after being picked, but when ripe they are extremely juicy, and incredibly tasty. But beware…the seeds resemble black overgrown beans with a hook at one end that can get caught in the throat if swallowed. The dried sap from its Sapodilla trees (chicle) is also used to make chewing gum (or chicles as it’s called in Spanish). Limón: lime

well as sorbets and drinks. Introduced by the Spaniards, pomegranate became an essential part of Mexico's patriotically red-whiteand green chiles en nogada(green poblano chiles filled with picadillo, a mixture usually containing chopped or ground meat, aromatics, fruits, and spices, and topped with a white walnut-based cream sauce and the red color provided by pomegranate seeds).

B2. The fruit, seeds, and leaves have a number of herbal medicinal uses among indigenous peoples of regions where the plant is common, used to treat illness ranging from stomach ailments to worms. Guanábana is a very popular desert ingredient in Mexico and countries around Central America, used in ice-creams, fruit-bars, sherbets or soft-drinks, and I hear it makes a delicious milk-shake!

Guanábana: soursop

Guayaba: guava

Native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and northern South America but these days it’s also being cultivated in countries in South Asia. Guanábana is a large green bumpy fruit with a white, creamy pulp. Very difficult to eat because of the large number of inedible seeds, but if you have the patience, you can enjoy a flavor that has been compared to strawberry and pineapple mixed together with a hint of coconut and banana. Wow! Nutritionally, the fruit is high in carbohydrates, particularly fructose. The fruit also contains significant amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B1, and vitamin

Native to tropical America, the guava is found in Mexican supermarkets year round and in municipal markets in late summer and early fall, and again in early spring. A thin yellow skin contains flesh that varies in color from white to pink. Because of its high pectin content, guava is a favorite for making jams, jellies and marmalades. Guava is often referred to as a super-fruit containing large quantities of vitamins A and C, Omega 3 and 6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and high levels of dietary fibers. Guava is a very aromatic fruit, with a pungent and penetrating odor, with lots of seeds (from 112 to 535) but great taste.

Libre, margarita, Capirinha (a personal favorite), and on the side with tequila and in beer. Used in aguas frescas, ices and served as a garnish with many dishes, and is squeezed liberally on many kinds of food, including other fruit. Now when shopping for fruit, remember…Mexican market stalls, stack their produce, so that the ripest is on the top. Do not hesitate to choose from underneath if you are buying a few days ahead of time. When you get home from the market, put the fruit into containers that allow it to "breathe", such as colanders, strainers and baskets. Here in Mexico, fruit is stored in the sturdy, all-purpose chichihuite, a basket woven of palm or tule which is used for everything from storing dried chiles to serving tortillas. Bananas, along with apples and stone fruit, emit ethylene gas as they ripen, and should not be stored where air cannot circulate. Unripe avocados can be placed in a paper bag with an apple or a banana to speed up the ripening process.

Is it me or are the limes you get in Mexico completely different in flavor to anything you can find in the US and beyond? Not only are they much more flavorful but they also have a different taste altogether. The Mexican lime is also known as the key lime (the one used in the pies) and the bartender's lime, for obvious reasons. In addition to fruit plates and It is irreplaceable in cocktails such salads, use just about any of as the gin and tonic, mojito, Cuba these fruits in aguas frescas (fruit

Photo by Ramon Grosso

Guava, Photo by Ricardo Azoury

waters), licuados (smoothies), sorbets and sherbets. For those with ice cream makers, there are some great choices for new flavors and some also make tasty fillings for desserts. Oh…and don't forget fruit salsas which are great with tortilla chips or to compliment grilled dishes, especially chicken and fish! Be sure to check out the magazine next month for Part 2: M-Z

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

Litchi: lychee Another fruit of Asian origin, litchi is a member of the soapberry family. At first glance, it is a fruit that looks like a strawberry with alligator skin, which is why some folks call them “alligator strawberries” in the Southern U.S. (like the afore mentioned alligator pear/avocado, I guess anything with bumpy skin is gator-like to southerners). The fruit is red like a strawberry, but the exterior is rough and tough. You must peel the litchi to get to the edible interior. Once peeled, it looks like a peeled grape, and has a similar pearly grape-like texture. The tasty flesh, surrounding a large inedible seed, has a delicious sweet flavor is likened to a fusion of strawberries, watermelon, and grapes and can be used in aguas frescas, sherbert, barbeque sauce…. or just get creative!

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another day in paradise

Sports

By Larry abrams

FLORA & FAUNA

FAMILY PELECANIDAE I bet most of you don’t remember when or how you started out birding….. When you were three or four years old you sat on your mommy’s lap and she read to you from the alphabet book. You know, A is for Apple, B is for Baby etc. and many times P was for Pelicans. (or maybe Penguins, Parrots, Peacocks, or Puffins ) or if you grew up in an Hispanic family, A es para Arbol, B es para Bicicleta and P es para Pajaro.

So let’s go with the “P is for pelicans“…

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The pelican we see here in Zihuatanejo is the Brown Pelican, one of eight species from around the world and one of three living in the Americas. The other two are the White Pelican and the Peruvian Brown Pelican. Besides a few minor differences, the easiest way to tell if that Brown Pelican is a Peruvian one or not is to look out the window and if you see the coastline of Peru or Chile… Our Brown Pelican, and Louisiana’s state bird, is found along the Pacific and Gulf coasts and sometimes as far north as Maryland and Virginia on the Atlantic side. They, along with the White Pelican, were near extinction in the early 1970s. After banning DDT, because it caused thin egg shells that broke from the bird sitting on them, they have made a great comeback. The smallest of the pelicans, the Brown, has a wing span of seven feet, is the only Pelican that plunge dives for its food and is primarily coastal. The White Pelican, with a wing span of nine feet and weighs about twenty pounds, is an inland bird of lakes and rivers (we do see a few of them on the lagoon at

Barra de Potosi at times). While swimming, they just put their head under water to feed. They also cooperatively feed, several of them herding a school of bait fish into shallow water. Both will, after catching a fish, put their highly elastic and expandable pouch down for the water to drain out and then lift their bill up to swallow their food. The White Pelican’s pouch can hold up to three gallons of water. A pelican in the wild can live for twenty-five to thirty years.

Both species will flap and glide in unison, the Brown also will gently rise up and down flying in a stately fashion low over the waves. The pelican may be the only bird to fly single file with a synchronized wing beat, when the leader sets its wings in a glide, the others do the same. When I’m in Zihuatanejo “in season” I always see pelicans waiting on the beach for a handout from the fishermen. But they are not Continues on Next Page

Top Photo by Alfredo Martinez

Bottom Photo by Jorge Sanchez

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always there twelve months of the year. They will find a small island off shore or an undisturbed nesting site in the treetops of mangroves to colonize nests and raise their young in late spring or early summer. The female squats on the ground while the male slowly and silently circles the female, gently lifting his wings and tilting his head back…probably a little moaning going on also from both but that’s just my guess. When the female is “ready” she’ll fly to the water and the male will follow… and you know the rest of the story…Their nest consists of a bunch of sticks, reeds, and grasses laid to make a platform in the tree or on the ground. The male gathers the nesting material and the female does the building. There is usually one brood a year and usually two eggs are laid. Incubation is twenty-eight to thirty days and both parents share sitting time on the nest. The young will stay in the nest between sixty-three and eighty days, which is about twice as long as birds that live on

the ground such as sparrows and robins. After the babies are strong enough to stand and feed, they will stick their heads deep into their parents’ throat for their regurgitated meal, sometimes looking like they are being swallowed alive by their parent. If their food supply decides to leave town, (usually because of water temperature change) they will also leave with them. We might not have any Pelicans in the bay for many weeks, because they can’t live on handouts alone, but they will eventually return. In the evening, they will go to one of several roosts to spend the night. Sometimes they pick out a boat that isn’t used much or will use a woody area, along with Egrets, Herons and Cormorants. You can see one such area on the east side of the boat basin on the naval property. Roosts are easy to spot in the daytime, a sailboat full of bird poop or a wooded area with “white washed” leaves give obvious clues…

Photo by Bruce Herman

Photo by Alejandra Platt Torres

Special invited guest Director Quentin Tarantino signing autographs. Photo Francisco Suarez.

About the Author If Larry is not birding while he is town you can usually find him at Patyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on La Ropa eating his daily shrimp cocktail or at lardor@yahoo.com â&#x20AC;Ś.and sometimes he is checking out birding stuff at www.tucsonaudubon.org

Getting

Married By elizabeth brady

in paradise

The Best Time to get Married

Which day of the week should we get married on?

mid-week wedding would definitely result in a more private event and you will have a better chance to It seems like Saturday is the most work with the vendors of your popular day to get married in Mexico choice. Also many local hotels drop for both local and foreign brides. their rates for mid-week accommoSaturdays and Sundays are the busi- dation and mid-week receptions. est days at most beaches... so if you don’t mind crowds of people, then At what time should we weekend weddings are ok. If you chose the weekend route, prior to ask the pastor to start booking your photographer, I would the ceremony? suggest asking them about the level Getting the timing correct for the of editing that is involved in their ceremony is one of the most impackages. Remember extra “beach portant parts of your wedding day, people” can in most cases be edited well that, and marrying your loving out. Please note, there are often partner! It can get very hot during wall-to-wall people at beaches on the day, so a start time that is too State and National holidays in which early will result in sweaty guests case you will invariably have lots and an uncomfortable bride. Start of “extra guests” in your photos. A 16

too late and your photos will be taken in the dark. I usually suggest determining the timing of the ceremony and building the wedding day around this time. In this region, the sunset times change quite dramatically during the course of the year. Your wedding coordinator and photographer should be able to refer to previous weddings to help you determine the best ceremony start time for a given month of the year. My husband and I always do a walk through for our clients 2-3 days before the wedding to study the light, to confirm the timing and to look for the best angles then communicate our findings to the bride and groom, wedding coordinator and/ or ceremony provider. Hopefully the pas-

tor/priest/ceremony provider will be a flexible to shift the ceremony start time a few minutes one way or the other. Pastors/priests/ceremony providers often have more than one wedding a day, so it is important to ask about their schedule in advance and with your wedding coordinator to determine if small time adjustments are possible closer to your wedding date. Another option might be to get married at sun rise. There are very, very few morning ceremonies in town so you will have no problem booking the time and service provider and vendors of your choice.

The ceremony provider we are using has multiple

bookings on our wedding day. We are very excited to get married in Zihua but are worried about the early ceremony time. Any suggestions?

You could ask your wedding coordinator about the availability of another ceremony provider, failing that, here are a few suggestions. Make arrangements for a canopy of shear material for the alter area and over your guests. The shear material will provide some shade from the sun and as a side benefit the shear material will diffuse the light evenly thereby decreasing the chances of photos with harsh shadows on people’s faces. Or, how about providing your guests with stylish Chinese paper umbrellas. Another option could be to provide fans for each guest (there are some nice natural fiber ones available locally).

I hope you find my advice helpful. If you have any questions, I’d be happy to help out. If you would like to submit a question, contact Elizabeth or Juan at bnfotografia@hotmail.com.

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

before

after

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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 (King’s Day). The inmates also create high quality hammocks which are sold through local churches including Zihuatanejo Christian Fellowship and at Ixtapa Christian Fellowship. The revenues of the hammocks go to offsetting their expenses while incarcerated and to supporting their families. If you are interested in making a donation, in buying a hammock or in

Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC. Is a community-based, non-profit association, founded by the Zihua SailFest, to provide educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged children in Zihuatanejo. Por Los Niños supports learning and school repair projects at more than 12 under-funded primary schools and kindergartens.

BABY BUNDLE PROJECT A group of ex-pat women initiated The Baby Bundle Project three years ago to create bundles of baby products required by new mothers. The group meets at an ex-pat’s home in Ixtapa every 2-3 months (year-round) for snacks around the pool and social time all-the-while creating bundles to help economically challenged, unwed teenage mothers living in the IxtapaZihuatanejo community. The group donates approximately 300 bundles per year. The next meeting will be on November 7, at 10am. all are welcome to join in. To contribute products for the bundles, for the address of the next meet-

New Generations Rotary Club Ixtapa, meets at 8:30 P.M. on Thursdays at Dal Toscano Ristorante in Ixtapa.

learning more about the many facets of the program contact Patti at ixtapapatti@hotmail.com.

ing or for more information about how to get involved, contact Joan at 553-1618 or playaobispo@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth at bnfotografia@hotmail.com

Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C. A group comprised of sport fishermen and sport fishing captains concerned with the conservation and protection of their natural resources, they support projects of conservation, preservation, catch and release in sport fishing, the ill effects of over fishing and education on these themes. For more information you can contact Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C., founder and president, Capt. Ruben Lopez, at 755-108-6506, 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 Islas at La Quinta Troppo

www.adip.info

or at mexdrop@prodigy.net.mx

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

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

Contact: Lorenzo Marbut, home: 755-554-2115, cell: 755-102-4463, Lorenzo@ porlosninos.info

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 Club Rotario de Zihuatanejo, A.C.

Zihuatanejo Rotary Club meets at the Hotel Catalina, on Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, 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 sustainable development of the bay’s surroundings, and works to stop water pollution and the destruction of wildlife habitat in and around the bay. Collects and distributes information about the issues concerning the bay and organizes periodical beach cleanups. Gladly accepts volunteer contributions and donations. www.sosbahia.org,

info@sosbahia.org.

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

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

ZI/GUITAR-FEST A.C. - The Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival Now in its seventh year, the Zihuatanejo International Guitar festival brings international musicians to Zihuatanejo from all across the world. The festival is a registered not-for-profi t 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.

By Lorenzo Marbut

another day in paradise

Community Profile

Zihuatanejo Sailfest

February 2-7, 2010

Photos by M. Elizabeth J. Brady and Juan L. Navarrete, BN Fotografía

SailFest 2009

Kids Beach Day, 2009

For the ninth consecutive year, Zihuatanejo will host the annual SailFest Regatta. An event where sailors (cruisers), locals and tourists participate in a funfilled week of music, auctions, raffles, games and sailing-related activities designed to benefit the city’s poorest schools and their deserving students.

guests onboard for a colorful procession around the bay and up to Ixtapa Island and return.

The fun begins on Tuesday, February 2, at Casa El Faro Bar on Cuauhtemoc Street, a favorite cruiser watering hole, with a kick-off party, live auction and a raffle drawing for gifts and services donated by nearly 200 local businesses.

SailFest wraps up on Sunday with a beach barbeque party, awards and raffle. Great food and wonderful raffle prizes.

Thursday features the chili cook-off and street fair on Cuauhtemoc Street with dozens of hopeful contestants and local crafts. A raffle and fabulous silent auction are also scheduled.

Zihua SailFest 2009 raised $634,000 pesos to support the educational initiatives of SailFest’s Mexican non-profit association, Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC. Previous SailFest funds have helped build twenty- three classrooms and have provided educational opportunities for more than 1,000 bright-eyed, though very poor, young scholars. International Rotary Clubs, two international children’s charities and the City of Zihuatanejo have been inspired by SailFest’s dedication and success and have also pitched in to help these lovely children.

Friday’s highlight is the Sail Parade as the sailors “dress ship” and invite

SailFest schedule of events, event & volunteer sign-up sheets, T-shirts,

Wednesday morning is the Pursuit Race, with crew spots available. The benefit concert/CD release party that evening at El Pueblito restaurant features many outstanding local musicians…A sold out event every year.

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Saturday is Kid’s Beach Day. Fun and games for all, including more than 100 local school children. Rediscover your inner child.

hats, benefit concert tickets, annual benefit CD, raffle tickets and additional information will be available at the tables on Cuauhtemoc Street beginning mid-January. For more information, please contact Lorenzo Marbut, lorenzo@porlosninos. info or cell:755-102-4463.

Chili Cook Off 2009

Zscene

another day in paradise

Taste of Ixtapa - Guitar Fest Fundraiser, December 9, 2009

1.Don, Carol, Joan, John enjoying dinner at Frankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a participating restaurant of the Guitar Festival fund raising event, Taste of Ixtapa 2. Frank Aiello and Catherine Krantz of the Guitar Fest committee selling t-shirts. 3. Victoria, Phyllis, Orie, Debbie, Eloisa, Glenda and Joe 4. Catherine, Hans, Frank, John and Leslie

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Netza School Ecology Concert

1. Netza performers shown in ecology themed costumes. The four-day artist in residence school music program culminates in theatre and concerts, bringing hundreds of young singers together to sing and speak out for sustainability. The Zihuatanejo project was sponsored by Royal City Rotary Club in New Westminster Canada. 2. Kevin Wright, Holly Arntzen and David Sinclair, of Victoria, BC, Canada, performing with Netza School children their award winning, Voices of Nature, music and science community outreach program in Zihuatanejo in November 2009.

Zihuatanejo Surfer to Compete in New Zealand

1. Pamela Verboonen Maciel, 17, from Zihuatanejo, training at Playa Linda to compete in the Juvenile World Surfing competition to be held in New Zealand, January 21-28, 2010. It will be her third time representing Mexico in an international competition, she has also competed in Colombia, France, and Costa Rica. She is looking for sponsors to help with the expense of the trip. 1

Sailfish Number 100 for Dee!

1. Deanna Bulkley, local resident of Zihuatanejo and Capt. Francisco Rauda about to release her 100th sailfish of the 2009 season. Dee is the wife of Capt. Michael Bulkley and co-owner of the sportfishing Panga “Huntress” based in Zihuatanejo, which has released over 450 sailfish this year. 1

3rd Annual RUCCO Surfer Reunion, December 4-6, 2009, Playa Linda 1. Jerry 2. Fritz 3. Amado Sotello, of La Ropa’s Little Suiza restaurant, before the judges

another day in paradise

Zscene

Netza School Inaugurates 2 new kindergarten classrooms

The Netza School Inaugurated two new Kokoyotzin kindergarten classrooms, November 24, 2009. The classrooms were built in partnership with the city of Zihuatanejo, The Netza Project, and Rotary International. 1. Kindergarteners in their new classroom 2. Parent, teachers and students cut the ribbon on two new classrooms

The Olympia-Zihuatanejo Dental Partnership Project at the Cuacoyul Health Center, annual project that provides free dental surgery to low income people in Zihuatanejo and the surrounding area.

1. Dr. John Deviny (project co-ordinator) and Dr. Rick Gadd examine a patient’s x-ray 2. Dental hygienist, Dayna Hayvaz, Dr. John Deviny (project coordinator), senior oral surgeon Dr. Jerry Dolgash and Dr. Rick Gadd discuss a young patient’s case. 3. Dr. John Deviny (project co-ordinator), Tamara Zapata (local translator) and senior oral surgeon Dr. Jerry Dolgash discuss a patient’s case.

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Mirta & Richardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wedding, Playa Madera, Zihuatanejo

1. Richard and Mirta with Zihuatanejo mayor Alejandro Bravo 2. Linda Bondy and Luis de Quevedo 3. Kris & John Vanderberg 4. Richard and Mirta

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28 Shopping A

another day in paradise

e D

A|Agenda and Calendar featuring nostalgic Mexican advertising posters, 250 pesos, FRUITY KEIKO B|Sheer blue dress or beach cover up by CINTA, light weight Indian cotton, FRUITY KEIKO C|2 MM Rattan dining room or desk chair, INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO D|Natural Cow Hide stool, MARIOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S LEATHER SHOP E| Loom Dining room or desk chair, INTERIORS ZIHUATANEJO F|One of a kind Arthur Koby necklace, GALART

G|Black leather trench coat, MARIO’S LEATHER SHOP H|All leather carry-on luggage, MARIO’S LEATHER SHOP I|Sheer Yellow dress or beach cover up by CINTA, light weight Indian cotton, FRUITY KEIKO

30 www.adip.info

another day in paradise

Upcoming Events 32

Dec 13 – Mar 1

GABRIEL OROZCO RETROSPECTIVE, Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), New York City, NY, USA. The Museum of Modern Art presents the first major museum retrospective of the artist Gabriel Orozco (Mexican, b. 1962), who since the early 1990s has forged a career marked by continuing innovation and has become one of the leading artists of his generation. On view from December 13, 2009, through March 1, 2010, this midcareer retrospective examines two decades of Orozco’s career in an exhibition of some 80 works, revealing how the artist roams freely and fluently among drawing, photography, sculpture, installation, and painting to create a heterogeneous body of objects that resists categorization. Works in the exhibition come from international public and private collections, including the collection of The Museum of Modern Art. For more info: www.moma.org

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MEXICO ABROAD

Kytes Tree by Gabriel Orozco

Jan 1-30

Dialogues in Mexican Photography, Mexican Cultural Institute, Washington, D.C., USA. The Mexican Cultural Institute is pleased to join FotoWeek DC with two exhibitions highlighting Mexico’s vibrant photographic scene. The first floor galleries will present an exhibition of photographs from one of the most important collections in Mexico, that of the Museum of Modern Art in Mexico City. The exhibition will include more than 60 works by over 30 artists, offering a comprehensive look at 20th century photography in Mexico from some of the century’s most important photographers, like Manuel Álvarez Bravo, Agustín Jiménez, Edward Weston and Tina Modotti, as well as contemporary artists like Graciela Iturbide, Pablo Ortiz Monasterio, and Lourdes Grobet. The images range in style, from avantgarde classical images, to late modern works and photographs that explore images as aesthetical constructions. The fourth floor galleries will feature the work of five contemporary photographers, Mauricio Alejo, Iñaki Bonillas, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Melanie Smith and Laureana Toledo. Together this exhibition allows the viewer to witness the wide range of Mexican photographic expressions and creates the possibility for dialogues between generations, themes and approaches to the medium. The Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C. is one of the most important artistic and cultural centers established outside Mexico. Its primary mission is to promote

and disseminate among the local community, the vast and rich traditions of Mexico’s cultural past and present.

Jan 1 – Feb 14

Rufino Tamayo and the Mixografía® Years (19741990): A Cross Border Journey, Meridian International Center, Washington D.C., USA. Artworks included in the exhibition represent a cross-section of an innovative and fruitful collaboration between a renowned artist and master printmakers. Tamayo had been earning acclaim since the 1920s, while living in Mexico, New York and France. In the early 1970s, he began twenty year collaboration with Luis and Lea Remba at their workshop in Mexico City, experimenting with techniques that yielded works on paper with volume and texture. This unique approach to printing developed by the Remba family is known as “Mixografía®”. Together with the Mixografía® Workshop and Landau Traveling Exhibitions in Los Angeles, California, they have installed nearly 40 signed prints by renowned Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo (1899-1991). For more info: www.meridian.org/ tamayo Meridian International Center’s mission is to strengthen international understanding and serves as a center of innovation for engaging the public sector, private sector and diplomatic community in an exchange of people, ideas and culture and its exhibits have traveled to nearly 300 cities in 44 U.S. states and 30 countries.

Jan-Mar

Whale watching, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo.

Zihuatanejo and what you as a visiting fisher can do about it, and he will also offer tips on fly fishing methods particular to our area while showing off some of his sample sailfish flies. Coconuts Restaurant, Pasaje Agustin Ramirez, Centro Zihuatanejo, 7pm. Info@adip.info for more information

Jan 16 One secret that the waters off the beach have to offer during winter months is the great whale-watching during their annual migration. In December and early January many of the fishing and sailing boats have already spotted great packs of dolphins, pods of whales with calves and quite a few sea turtles just floating along. You should be able to see whales if you go out in a boat just outside the bay of Zihuatanejo. There isn’t any guarantee, of course, but this is the time of year when they pass along our coast, and there are many ways to book boat trips here in Zihuatanejo. You can hire a boat straight off the beach, contact the fishing collectives down on the waterfront near the pier or along Playa Municipal, or just ask around the marinas…It’s worth it!

ADIP Local Author’s Series, Zihuatanejo. Author to be announced. Join us for book readings from local authors Saturday nights in January at Coconuts Restaurant, Pasaje Agustin Ramirez, Centro Zihuatanejo, 7pm. Authors will be reading from works of such varied themes as fiction, poetry, ecology, memoirs, fishing, cook books and more. Check in with Coconuts for updated schedule or email Info@adip. info for more information

Jan 17

El Día de San Antonio Abad (The Feast of St. Anthony), Nationwide. The Mexican people are certainly concerned about the fate of their animals, in life and death, because on January 17th, they bring their pets to be blessed at the local church. With the diversity of nature to be found Jan 8 Feb 2 in Mexico, you can guarantee some León State Fair, León, Guanajuato. León City is located just 45 unusual pets will be at the church. Don’t just expect to see pets either, minutes outside of Guanajuato and hosts this annual fair which features since for agricultural people in Mexico, concerts, dance, food and much this celebration is an opportunity to more. For more information: www. ensure the health of their livestock, ferialeon.com.mx donkeys and horses over the coming year. The feast is usually celebrated Jan 9 in a morning mass, at the local church ADIP Local Author’s Series, ED and then the priest emerges to bless KUNZE, Zihuatanejo. the assorted animals waiting bemusedGo fishing at Coconuts - ADIP fishing ly in and around the church. If you want writer Captain Ed Kunze, reads from a good vantage point, turn up early and his recently released e-book, Fishing, wait for the mayhem to begin! Methods, and Incredible Stories Fishing the West Coast of Mexico, Jan 17- 30 and offers tips on fishing options and 10ta Feria de Turismo Rural de methods particular to our coast for all Oaxaca, Oaxaca City, Oaxaca. species. Our area’s IGFA representa- The world’s largest small event, the tive Capt. Ed will also discuss his 2010 Responsible Tourism Fair is other passions: conservation through hosted for a tenth year by Planeta. catch and release, and fly fishing. com and friends. The colonial city of Ed will talk about tag and release in Oaxaca showcases the cultural and

Jan 15

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

another day in paradise 34

www.adip.info

Upcoming Events

natural diversity of rural Mexico. The event features many exhibitors, including travel providers, artisans and community representatives, activities including food tastings, walking with the weavers, a photo safari among the trees and video nights. Visitors will also have the opportunity to join hiking and biking trips, visit community museums and purchase Oaxacan handicrafts. For more info: http://planeta.wikispaces.com/rtfair2010

town a legacy of philanthropy and music. Visitors come to listen to music, view and buy the works of local and national artists, and eat good food. For more info: www.alamosmexico. com

Jan 23

ADIP Local Author’s Series, Zihuatanejo. Author to be announced. Join us for book readings from local authors Saturday nights in January at Coconuts Jan.18 Restaurant, Pasaje Agustin Ramirez, El Día de Santa Prisca (The Day Centro Zihuatanejo, 7pm. Authors will of Saint Prisca),Taxco, be reading from works of such varied Guerrero. themes as fiction, poetry, ecology, Parents in Taxco book their little ones memoirs, fishing, cook books and in for confirmation by the bishop in the more. Check in with Coconuts for ornate Church of Santa Prisca on this updated schedule or email Info@adip. day of Taxco’s patron saint. Celebrainfo for more information. tory fireworks and regional dances follow the morning mass. Hundreds of Jan 30-Feb 14 people from the state of Guerrero and Festival del Olivo y Amaranto even further beyond make the pilgrim- (Festival of the Olive & Amaage to Taxco on this day, to pay their ranth), Xochimilco, Mexico respects to the patron saint and to tell City. 10am-4pm. her their wishes. Amaranth and olives are savored and honored every year in Tulyehualco, Jan 20-28 in the west of Xochimilco neighborFiesta de San Sebastián el hood. Taste different olive oils, devour Mártir (Saint Sebastián the amaranth hotcakes and see tradiMartyr Festival), Chiapa de tional Mexican dancing and dress at Corzo,Chiapas. the popular Festival of the Olive & This fiesta is famous for its parachiAmaranth. Also known as pigweed, cos tour, a dancing procession, from amaranth was a vital grain to the prethe Santo Domingo church to the Hispanic people, used widely in cookSan Antonio Hermit, and ends in a ing and as a symbol of immortality in delectable food festival featuring religious ceremonies. Today it is used traditional dishes such as pepita con in granola and its protein-rich flour tasajo, made of beef in a creamy is used to make hotcakes, tamales, pumpkin seed sauce. On the night of bread, biscuits and other nutritious the 21st, a traditional nautical battle foods. It is also consumed on its own takes place on the Grijalva River which as a sweet snack, commonly known as concludes in a spectacle of fireworks. alegría (happiness). The Tulyehualco region of Xochimilco is also a key Jan 22-30 producer of olives and olive products. XXVI Annual Dr. Alfonso Ortiz The festival began in 1971 to preserve Tirado the production of these two foods. Cultural Festival, Alamos, Sonora. Every year, for ten days at the end of Jan 31-Feb 7 January, the sleepy town of Alamos, Danza del Pocho (Ceremony of Sonora, wakes up to the lilting strains the Pocho Dance), Tenosique, of guitars, the pounding rhythms of Tabasco. rock bands and the echoing arias of Dating back to pre-Hispanic times, opera stars, all part of this festival the traditional Pocho dance means honoring Dr. Alfonso Ortiz Tirado, a it’s almost Carnaval (Carnival) time beloved Alamos physician and tenor, in Tabasco. The Pocho consists of a who died in the 1950s leaving the series of dances and other ancient

ceremonies performed by masked dancers, many dressed as jaguars and tigers. The dance symbolizes the purification of man through the battle between good and evil. The Pocho performances begin on January 31st at the main park in Tenosique and on all subsequent Sundays prior to the commencement of Carnival. On the last day, the dancers dance backwards from the main square to the church where the dance began.

Feb 2

Día de la Candelaria (Candlemas Day)--Nationwide. Celebrated with candlelit processions and dancing in many towns throughout the country, this day marks the end of Christmas celebrations. On this day, Mexicans enjoy tamales and atole (traditional cornstarch-based hot drink). The musical events, parades and dances are common in some cities.

Feb 2-7

Zihua Sailfest 2010, Zihuatanejo, Gro. You are cordially invited to participate in the 9th Annual Zihua Sailfest fundraising for the education of disadvantaged children in Zihuatanejo. This annual event is held in the beautiful Zihuatanejo Bay. Cocktail parties, benefit concert, live auctions, sailboat and dingy races, poker chases, kids day, beach parties, seminars, ham radio tests, chili cook-offs, street fairs, regattas and work parties at the schools are just some of the events that highlight this gathering of “free spirits.”

Feb 5

Día de la Constitución (Constitution Day) Nationwide. Marks the day Mexico drew up and enacted its new Constitution as a free nation. Public and Bank holiday.

Feb 15-19

3rd Annual Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Real Estate Fair. Everything you need to know to buy real estate in Mexico, with education seminars, property tours and open houses. Information on how to attend or be a sponsor, email: info@adip.info

another day in paradise

Classifieds

CARPENTRY IN IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO

PHOTOGRAPHIC & VIDEO SERVICES

ZIHUATANEJO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

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

We are a Mexican and Canadian couple that owns a local company that provides professional, creative and efficient photographic and video services. Our goals are to provide individual attention and to create a product that is as unique as it is beautiful. We are bilingual and bicultural. Contact Juan or Elizabeth at 755-120-3633 or bnfotografia@ hotmail.com or visit www.bnfotografia.com.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ADIP NOTICES

CALLING All Fishermen - fishing Photos needed – Had a great day on the water? Send us your photos: trophy catches, blue water action, dancing billfish, wildlife spotting… we always need fishing photos. We like catch and release so photos on the boat are better than the dock, but send us what you got. Tell us who is in the photo, who took it, what you caught and when you went out. The best will be published and will send you a copy for your bragging rights! Send photos by e-mail in high resolution jpg to: info@adip.info subject line: FISHING PHOTOS Z-SCENE PHOTOS needed, send us photos or your parties, events, business and social gatherings and we’ll put them in the Z-Scene! Send photos with first and last name of each person, what event they were attending and when, to: info@adip.info subject line: ZSCENE

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36 By Nancy seeley

Travel another day in paradise

SAN MIGUEL

BOTANICAL GARDEN Photos by Nancy Seeley

San Miguel de Allende, steeped in colonial history and twenty-first century cosmopolitan allure, has much to recommend it, but whenever I visit this charming city in southeastern Guanajuato, I can’t wait to head over to the peaceful splendor of the area’s lovely botanical garden, situated about one and a half kilometers northeast of town.

You can lose all sense of time admiring the natural beauty

remains of Las Colonias, a nineteenth century hacienda (estate) now crumof your surroundings there. The city bling into oblivion...or the ruins of an seems far away, the paths allow time old water mill dating from the end of the 1500s -- said to be San Miguel’s for reflection, and sometimes the plentiful supply of cacti is flowering. first hydraulic work (in Spanish, The reddish fruit (prickly pear) of the ingenio). nopal cactus were abundantly obviOK. I’m getting carried away here, ous late in September, but there’s but it’s hard to tamp down my something to recommend these enthusiasm for a place so completely 220 carefully-tended acres during removed from the daily hustle, every season of the year. Virtually every time you round a bend in one bustle and nonstop noise that typifies Mexico. San Miguel’s botanical of the trails, another photographic garden – one of about eighty-nine opportunity presents itself. There’s throughout the country listed in a so much to see that if you come current inventory by the Mexican back several times in a week, you’ll government – showcases the native undoubtedly notice something you missed before – or what you DID see vegetation prevalent in the high cenwill look different approached from tral plateau, called the Bajio defining Guanajuato and its neighboring state another angle…like all those plants of Queretaro. hanging from the canyon walls as if they’re velcro-ed in place...or the Continues on Next Page

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The formal name of this special place is El Charco del Ingenio, referring to a freshwater stream deep in the canyon below the vantage points you’ll be traversing above. You can either take a taxi from town or embark on a rather strenuous thirty to forty-five minute aerobic workout hiking uphill past the Mercado El Nigromante and ascending through the Los Balcones residential development. Check out the directions in www.elcharco. org.mx, an excellent website loaded with helpful information and scads of pictures to whet your appetite for a visit. If you’re tuckered out by the time you arrive, not to worry. There’s a gift shop offering a plethora of possibilities, as well as one onsite

outdoor restaurant with juices, coffee, and breakfast items. Use your refreshment time to browse the map you’ll get after paying your 30 peso admission fee. (If you end up being enchanted by the place, you can become a member for 600 pesos a year.) Remember to follow the cardinal rule of the garden: “Enjoy this magnificent place. Take only memories, leave but your footprints.” During a 1995 visit here, the Dalai Lama called it, “a conscience of peace.” One of El Charco’s goals is the preservation of Mexican plants indigenous to San Miguel’s semi-arid chaparral setting, nowhere better illustrated than in the glass-enclosed Conservatory of Mexican Plants on the premises, where you’ll also

find aquatic plants and fish. Once you’re there, it’s but a short walk to the Plaza of the Garambullo with its striking vistas of the reservoir and the less-traveled northern section of the botanical garden. El Charco is a place to get educated about biodiversity, and on one of our visits, a class of primary schoolchildren were on a field trip doing just that. If you crave a guided tour, that’s also possible on Tuesdays and Thursdays for two and a half hours starting at 10 a.m. The cost is 80 pesos. Or…take some time to examine the website mentioned above before you get started on your own. You’ll find out Mexico has more varieties

Cactus garden showing many varieties… Photo by Nancy Seeley

Cactus Figs (aka tuna), fruit of the prickly pear (nopal) cactus, Photo by Nancy Seely.

of cacti than anywhere else in the world, more than 500 of which are on display here. Among them are the chubby barrel cactus, the familiar prickly pear cactus, the tall and slender organ cactus, and the eyecatching “old man” cactus covered with long white hair. Don’t worry about trying to figure out what’s what, the volunteer staff here have done a wonderful job labeling things so you leave smarter than when you arrived. Then there are many other varieties of succulents, among them bromeliads, their close relatives the orchids, and the ever-popular agave plants. We’re talking more than ninety varieties of the latter here. Think of twine…well, more likely you’ll think of mescal, tequila, and margaritas! Another interesting feature of the gardens is the Zone of Rescued Plants, consisting of specimens saved from places like residential and commercial building sites as well as ongoing highway construction and road-widening projects. Continues on Next Page

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The Plaza of the Four Winds, a notable spot along the upper trail on the south side of a scenic dam in the middle of the acreage, is used for ceremonial purposes. Here you’ll see the Holy Cross of El Charco del Ingenio, dedicated on the day of the solar eclipse in 1991 when this place was officially founded. The botanical garden is maintained by local volunteers who unstintingly give of their time to ensure that the three distinct areas on display here – the canyon, the wetlands, and the prevalent dry chaparral – continue to flourish. There’s a lower trail too, and from there the scenic overlooks to the west include virtually the entire city of San Miguel sprawled out below as well as the Guanajuato mountain ranges.

The Holy Cross of El Charco del Ingenio Photo by Nancy Seeley

Yet another feature of the area is the temascales, or sweat lodges, located in the northern reserves across the dam. Trip Advisor (online) says if you get a chance to go, “by all means, do it. The walk through the park in the moonlight alone is worth it.” Rather than writing more, I’m quitting now to allow extra room for photos.

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

San Miguel in the distance (vantage point in botanical garden) Photo by Nancy Seeley

Bird’s Eye View of Succulents Photo by Nancy Seeley

another day in paradise

By Maura Taylor

Home & Living

Blinds, shades & solar screens

for privacy, climate control and a finishing touch… Photos by Maura Taylor

Bamboo rollable shades

www.adip.info

Decorating interiors & exteriors can enhance or detract from a home and it’s those small details that can change the look and feel or add privacy and even lower the cost of cooling your home. Shades, blinds and solar screens make your living spaces more comfortable while adding a distinct finishing touch to your home. These decorative treatments come in a variety of materials and styles, some feature a light fabric such as linen or cotton blend, while others are made of natural fibers such as bamboo and wood. Choosing the best style and material to fit your individual needs depends heavily on the functionality and concept of each space you are decorating. There are many different types of window treatments that you can choose from, but the main styles are either roman or rollable. Roman shades are usually lifted and lowered by a single cord and the material collects in several folds as the blinds are lifted. Roman shades can be made of a variety of materials, even wood for example.

A lighter fabric such as a cotton or linen blend can be used to create a romantic breezy feel for a bedroom or cozy nook. The use of bamboo or thin wooden “slats” with the roman style is also very common. Rollable shades are lifted and lowered in a similar fashion to roman shades, although they are connected as one single shade and roll up around a main rod as they are lifted. These types of shades are more practical for a living area or exterior as they roll up completely out of sight. This is especially important when considering this type of shade for an area where it will not obstruct the view. It is common with these types of rollable blinds to install an attractive gallery or cornice that conceals the rod beneath. Some types of materials for rollable shades can diffuse or block light completely.

Natural Materials

Using natural materials such as bamboo or wood with either roman or rollable blinds can bring a touch of the tropics while still maintaining a refined overall look. Bam-

boo is ideal for interior spaces as it is susceptible to deterioration if left out where the material can get wet. Although we often think of wood as a heavier material it is commonly used for rollable or roman blinds or as louvers on windows and doors. The addition of wooden louvers to doors and windows can be a practical option for privacy and decoration. The louvers can either be fixed or movable so that in the case of air conditioning, a space can be properly sealed off from the outside heat and humidity. It also reduces the need to install a separate blind and makes for a much cleaner look.

Fabrics

Most blind & shade fabrics can be found in an array of different colors, patterns, textures & weight. Choosing the best fabric style depends heavily on the décor and overall brightness of each living space. Lighter weight fabrics and colors can illuminate a room that receives relatively low light throughout the day while a heavier fabric & color can help to diffuse and

Wooden louvers

soften a space that spends most of the day in direct sunlight. The right fabric can help you save on illumination and cooling costs so it’s important to do some planning before purchase.

Exterior Spaces

For exterior spaces that are exposed to the sun a tougher woven fabric or solar screen, commonly referred to as a “blackout” screen is recommended. Heavier duty fabrics such as Sunbrella or Phifer are better for the exterior as they are longer lasting and more resistant to the external elements. For an exterior space where there is ocean view, a semi see-through woven fabric is best for shading, climate control and privacy. These see-through screens typically allow for an unobstructed view looking out but looking in they are blocked for privacy. In addition to reducing the suns heat and glare, the screens (depending on their size) also serve as insect repellents.

Motorized Systems

Another factor to consider when installing blinds and solar screens is whether you want them to be motorized or not. Depending on the size and weight of the shade material, a motorized system may

be the best option for ease of use. Most motorized systems come with a separate remote control which allows you to raise and lower the shades with ease. The systems can also be programmed to lift and lower at certain times of the day when the sun is at its strongest point, saving you money on home cooling costs. If you are installing in an area that is close to the ocean, make sure you purchase a system that is corrosion-resistant. Also, with a motorized system it’s important to plan ahead so that when it’s time for installation, there’s an electrical outlet or wiring within reach.

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.

Exterior sun screen

another day in paradise

Agustin Galindo

Real Estate Law

Building your house in a Mexican coastal zone, a legal viewâ&#x20AC;Ś This is the way it is done in Canada or the U.S.! Yes, but you are in Mexico

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This article is addressed to those who have acquired property in a coastal zone in Mexico and want to build on it (and want it to be an enjoyable experience). Also, for

those who plan on having the right paperwork to avoid legal troubles and obtain tax advantages, the following information may be very useful:

TOP 10 Rules to building in Mexico 1. Use local people.

Take the time to get referrals about well established and licensed professionals such as architects, engineers, surveyors and (yes, why not?) accountants and lawyers. Normally, well established professionals would have an established office. It is no wonder that one of the basic principles of the Art of War states â&#x20AC;ŚWe are not fit to lead an army on the march unless we are familiar with the face of the country, its mountains and forests, its pitfalls

and precipices, its marshes and swamps. We shall be unable to turn natural advantages to account unless we make use of local guide(s). 2. Get a construction contract.

No matter how reliable your architect or engineer is, take the time to have a contract prepared. A contract should include, among other things: the construction procedure, budget, payments, schedules, penalties and liabilities in case of breach and/or delay, as well as guarantees for fulfillment. It is important that you have a very clear idea of what you are getting into right from the start, as well as the final result of the construction process. This contract shall include exhibits such as architectural, structural, electric and sanitaryhydraulic plans which are considered the executive project and which are necessary to obtain a construction license from the Municipality (applicable in Zihuatanejo de Azueta, Guerrero, Mexico).

3. Be aware of the use of the land as well as the rules and regulations for construction in your area.

4. Get supervision and guarantees.

Consider the need of having liability insurance for your construcAt the time of acquiring your proption and third parties. Also, you erty, be informed about the kind of can ask the architect to sign a land it has as well as the rules and con- bond or any other kind of guarstruction regulations in the zone and antee to guarantee completion of development where your property is the work. located. Once you have this informa- Consider the possibility of getting tion, make it part of your construction a second architect, engineer or contract. Also, make sure that your contractor just for supervision architect or engineer is fully aware purposes, both on the work and about height and density restrictions the proper use of the budget. Sign established in the use of the land and a supervision contract for that construction rules and regulations. purpose, too. Continues on Next Page

ContinueD From previous Page

5. Survey your property.

Survey your property to be absolutely sure that your neighborsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; property is not encroached by yours. Be careful not to build over federal zone or land gained to the sea. This survey is going to be useful for whoever builds for you, so consider the extra expense of a topographical survey. If as a result of the survey, you realize that you have land gained to the sea, it is important to apply for a concession permit additional to the federal zone concession in the case of beachfront properties.

6. Make sure you have all the permits.

Before you start building, make sure you get the construction license from the Municipality, permit from the Construction Committee of your development (if any), as well as an environmental permit (if required). Of note, there is a special requirement to file an Environmental Impact Study in order to build on beachfront properties which must be approved by the environmental authority (SEMARNAT); this same regulation provides that for residential single family houses, an Continues on Next Page

Environmental Impact Study is not required. Although some architects, engineers and contractors prefer to obtain it anyway just to be covered on that regard. If this is the case, then use an environmental lawyer or biologist. From my experience, this process may easily take six months. Also, bear in mind that the Environmental Impact Resolution may be conditioned upon the fulfillment of certain reports, if so, you will need to hire the services of a professional to comply with them. Finally, please make sure you get an occupation license, which is a kind of termination notice after you have finished your construction.

materials and payments for social security. For tax purposes, the architect is bound to provide you with an official invoice including his/her services and materials. In accordance to the current IVA (Value Added Tax) law and its regulation this invoice need NOT include this tax, which is 15% over the amount for the services and materials. Administration system - The architect, engineer or contractor services are limited to the construction and you will only pay an extra amount for specific services. You will need to get all the materials yourself and handle all social security obligations. Additionally, make sure to get an invoice for the construction services hired, as well as all the materials 7. Make sure that all the social invoiced in your name. security payments are settled. The ideal construction contract is Mexico is a country with one of the one that best fits your circumthe most restrictive labor laws in stances, based on your budget, the the world, so it is very important professionals you are hiring, and that your architect, engineer or the time you have available to be contractor binds himself to hold involved in your project. you harmless in case of any labor or In all cases, make sure you get administrative claim related to his official invoices so you can make deemployees or service providers. In ductions in your capital gains if you addition, my recommendation is to sell your property in the future. involve your own accountant so he/ she verifies that each employee has 9. Prepare yourself for a future sell. How to lower your a contract, handles the payment of social security obligations (IMSS tax impact legally. which is the social security institute Please consider that if for any reason you have to sell your house, and INFONAVIT which is the employees’ funding home institute) keeping all the permits issued may and payroll taxes. This way you can become very important. They be sure the social security has been buyer may ask for them, but what it is most important is your invoices paid so you will avoid any liability for services and materials may allow on workers’ compensation or administrative claim. Your accountant tax deductions from your capital gains. should make sure that once the In the worst case scenario, if for construction is finished all of your employees are legally compensated any reason you are not able to get official invoices, but you can show and have all social security obligayour construction and occupation tions completed. licenses, that may allow you to get a referred appraisal to the date of 8. Get official invoices such licenses. With this, as is profor your construction. vided by the current regulation of There are two systems: the Income Tax Law, an 80% of your Lump sum system - The architect, capital gain may be deducted at the engineer or contractor provides time of selling. his/her services and gets all the materials needed to build your 10. You don’t need to house upon the payment of a be rich to build safely. sole amount that includes his/her You may be thinking, how am I going services (design and construction)

to get through a construction project in addition to the cost of hiring all the professionals mentioned in this article? My response is, you can find very good local professionals to assist you: accountants, architects, contractors, engineers and lawyers who may be involved in the entire construction project or just one part: such as drafting the contract (in the case of a lawyer), making sure that your social security payment is made (in the case of accountants) or getting construction supervision from an external professional (in the case of engineers or architects). Of course, all of this will represent an extra expense, but nothing compared to having the peace of mind and confidence that no significant trouble will come up at the time of construction or in the future.

About the Author Agustin Galindo is a licensed

attorney at law in Mexico since 1995, with an LL.M (Master of Laws in Comparative and International Law) 97-98 by the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas U.S. He obtained a Tax Law degree in 2003 and a Taxes degree in 2007, by ITAM, Mexico City. He is a certified translator in English-Spanish languages authorized by the Superior Court of Justice of the State of Guerrero

Photos: The construction process, building Casa Linda. Photos courtesy of the owners.

Real Estate listings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tim Sullivan, Ixtapa Real Estate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Villas Ixtapa Casa #3: Single family home located

within Villas Ixtapa Condominium which consists of just 3 residences sharing a common pool and gardens. The 2 storey house has 3 bedrooms each with private bath. Large living & dining area, newly remodeled kitchen and 2 covered terraces. Fully furnished and equipped. Asking price $317,500 U.S. 49

Real Estate listings

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

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

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

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

365 Sunsets-  Enjoy the sunset year round from the

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

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

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

another day in paradise | www.adip.info

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

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

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

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

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

Judith Whitehead

Paradise Properties

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

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

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

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

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

La Casa Que Ve Al Mar - ReSale - A wonderful refuge in the prestigious development overlooking La Ropa Beach. This lovely 2 BR, 2 bath has fabulous views from all rooms. A/C, ceiling fans, equipped kitchen w/granite counters, turn key condition. Has good rental history. This property has 2 infinity pools for owners and their guests, 24 hr. security, assigned parking space and well maintained gardens. Listed at $295,000

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

Residencias Villa del Sol - The most prestigious address

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

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

Real Estate listings

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

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

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

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

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

Absolutely Gorgeous! For Sale Troncones – Eight lots

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

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

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

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

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