ADIP Jan 2007 by ADIP

paradise another day in

January 2007 / 48

M E X I C O

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

M E X I C O

paradise another day in

EDITOR - PUBLISHER Catherine Krantz info@adip.info COLUMNISTS - CONTRIBUTORS Larry Abrams Gustavo Calderon Carina Carriedo Raul Cedeño Epitacio John Glaab Michel Janicot Wibke Langhorst Lorenzo Marbut Jason Merritt Jill Metcalfe Hans Nystrom Nancy Seeley Priyanka Sharma Dyana Pari Verdoni Amber Workman

DESIGN

Jorge Luis Delgado picassojld@hotmail.com jorge@adip.info Tel. (755) 554-6525 Cel. (755)104-5057 WEB DESIGN & HOSTING

elcome to Another Day in Paradise.

It’s January and if you are not feeling like that proverbial snowball barreling downhill—just wait a moment you will be. But we’re in the tropics, so maybe we shouldn’t use snowball or even skiers out-running avalanches, analogies. Let’s think surfing. Imagine a tiny dot of a surfer about two-feet ahead of a mountain of a wave, crashing down behind them, that’s January, the wave—December. Relax, stay focused, keep your eyes on the beach, and don’t look back. If you are feeling a little weak in knees, a little overwhelmed, not quite up to the challenge… it’s probably cause you went to too many holiday parties last month—didn’t get enough

sleep. And well, whose fault is that? …hmm, I threw a few parties…perhaps its mine. But no matter who’s to blame, it’s January now, so there’s no time to waste. Now is when the season becomes one big blur of frenzied activity, and it doesn’t matter if you are leading the parade of running behind it with a shovel, the parade is marching on. And I, for one, am scrambling to keep up…but that’s just January. So get back to work grasshopper. And if you are here for fun, well then that’s your job, so take it seriously. And since we all have important work to do I won’t hold you up any longer. Gotta go—Enjoy!

Zihrena Sistems La Ropa, Zihuatanejo webmaster@zihua-ixtapa.com (755) 554-0719 ADVERTISING INQUIRIES, (755) 554-6525 and (755) 544-8023 (spaces are limited, deadline for materials and payments is the 1st of the month previous) info@adip.info SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES,

ON THE COVER COFFEE

$35 US a year, mailed anywhere in Mexico, the US and Canada, $5 US more for everywhere else. Check out our web page for more info: www.adip.info WE WELCOME ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSIONS, info@adip.info FOR GUIDELINES. Photo by Epitacio ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

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Photo by Nadine Markova

Photo by Pablo de Aguinaco

Photo by Raul Cendeño

JANUARY 2007 /48

6 History

32 Travel & Tips

Aztec Mythology Basics

Bus Travel in Mexico, leave the driving to them

8 History

Quetzalcoatl – The Feathered Serpent God of the Aztecs

35 Upcoming Events

10 Food

38 Home & Garden

Central Mexican Cusine 14 Food

Café Zihuatlan – new café highlights organic locally grown coffee 16 Sports

Birding 101 – everything you need to get started. 18 Community

Por los niños 20 Community

Sailfest 2007 22 Z-Scene

Real Estate Guide

Decorating with House Plants

40 Real Estate News

AMPI & NAR Invade New Orleans 42 Real Estate Law

The differences between Mexican Notaries and American Notary Publics 44 Real Estate Financing

Preparing for Retirement 46 Real Estate Listings For Sale, For Rent 50 Classifieds & Resources

28 Art & Entertainment

Fashion Week Mexico City

By Amber Workman

he Aztec empire, which once dominated what is now Central Mexico, fell to the Spanish conquistadors in 1521. Yet, to this day we are constantly reminded of Mexico’s Aztec past in many ways. Among the most visible examples are the replicas of the Aztec Sun Stone (commonly known as the Aztec calendar) and other works of Aztec art to be found in virtually every tourist market throughout the region. Key chains, jewelry, wall-hangings, t-shirts, terra cotta figurines often bear Aztec-inspired decorations, allowing both Mexican nationals and foreigners alike to take part in Mexico’s Pre-Hispanic roots. But what is the significance of the mythological beings that are depicted in the Sun Stone and other Aztec designs? One of the most important Aztec symbols to appear on the Sun Stone as well as in many other artistic creations is the sun/war god, Huitzilopochtli, who is typically represented either as a hummingbird or as a warrior dressed in hummingbird feathers. According to legend, the Aztecs were once a group of hunters who inhabited a mythical area located in the far north known as Aztlán. But with Huitzilopochtli as their guide, they later migrated southward in search of a place where Huitzilopochtli claimed they would see an eagle perched on a cactus and devouring a serpent. When the Aztecs arrived at the islands of Lake Texcoco, they indeed found such a sign and there they established Tenochtitlan (presentday Mexico City) in 1325, later to become the heart of the Aztec empire. Today, the Mexican flag bears the emblem of the eagle, the cactus and the serpent as a reminder of Huitzilopochtli´s prophecy. Aztec mythology played a role not only in the establishment of the Aztec empire, but also, ironically, in its downfall. When Hernán Cortés and other Spanish explorers arrived in Tenochtitlan in 1519 with the hope of conquering the empire for the Spanish Crown, they found the Aztecs to be quite a superstitious people, a trait that worked to the Spaniards´ advantage. The Aztec emperor, Moctezuma, for example, mistakenly took Hernán Cortés to be the plumed serpent god Quetzalcóatl and likewise presented the Spaniards with gifts in order to appease them. The Aztecs´ guess was not an illogical one, ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

however. Quetzalcóatl, bearded and of fair complexion, just like Cortés, had previously been exiled from the region and was expected to return around the time of the Spanish arrival. Fortunately enough for the Spaniards, the possibility that Cortés was Quetzalcóatl and his men were gods provoked great fear in the Aztecs and therefore played a role in their destruction in the hands of the conquistadors. Another important Aztec deity is Tláloc, the god of water. This masked god with google eyes and fanged teeth was popular not only among the Aztecs, but throughout much of Mesoamerica (including the Mayan region), and along with Huitzilopochtli, was one of the Aztecs´ most important mythological figures. Tláloc, due to his powers to bring rain or provoke drought, and to even cause certain diseases, such as leprosy, was a highly feared and respected god who required the most unusual of human sacrifices. In times of drought, some of the most preferred offerings to Tláloc were not experienced warriors, but babies and small children. Although to us such a sacrifice may seem particularly cruel and unjustified, to the Aztecs, it was a rational choice. They believed that the tears from the crying children would please Tláloc and cause him to bring rain. In Mexico City´s Templo Mayor, we can still find the ruins of the sanctuaries dedicated to Tláloc and Huitzilopochtli, both figures of utmost importance in the Aztec pantheon and whose place of honor continues to attract numerous visitors to the present day. Despite the end of the Aztec empire centuries ago, the role that Aztec mythology has played in Mexican history and culture is hardly a forgotten one. As a reminder, we only need only to visit a local market, pass by a street vendor selling artesanías, stroll through the rooms of the National Museum of Anthropology, check out the ruins of the Templo Mayor, or simply take a moment to observe a Mexican flag such as the one that proudly waves in the heart of Mexico City´s Zócalo. To learn more about Aztec mythology and to see photography of Prehispanic artifacts depicting various mythological figures, you can visit Mexico City´s National Museum of Anthropology or the Templo Mayor in person or on the Web.

National Museum of Anthropology Paseo de la Reforma y Gandhi Polanco Del. Miguel Hidalgo México 5, D.F. República Mexicana Tel. 55/5 286-2923 Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Website: http://www.mna.inah.gob.mx/ Templo Mayor (Museum) Seminario # 8, Col. Centro Historico Del. Cuauhtemoc, C.P. 06060 MŽxico, D.F. República Mexicana Tel. 542-02-56 Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Website: http://www.conaculta.gob.mx/ templomayor/

Photo by Nadine Markova

By Jill Metcalfe

hen you think of Mexican mythology, you might not think of flying dragons, but nevertheless in Mexico’s pre-Hispanic recollections there exists a mythical god who was symbolized as a flying dragon, or also called, a feathered serpent, or the Quetzal-like flying snake. In the native Nahuatl Aztec tongue, the name was Quetzalcoatl, also known in the Mayan mythology and history as Kukulcan, and other names attributed to him are Gucumatz, and Votan. He may have been called a feathered serpent because he was envisioned as a flying serpent, which brings to mind the flying dragons of mystic Chinese paintings. This symbol of the flying serpent represented one of the greatest gods of ancient Mexico. In the eyes of the Aztecs their religion is their philosophy, their science and their life values. Aztec mythology explains that Quetzalcoatl, god of the morning star, was born with his twin Xolotl, god of the evening star, or Venus, to Coatlicue—goddess of fire, fertility, life and death—in a virgin birth, and that she was impregnated by a ball of feathers that she swept into the Temple. To the Toltecs, Quetzalcoatl was considered the god of arts

and all knowledge but thought to be the god of dying and resurrection, as well as the patron of the priests to the Aztecs. He was also the creator of books, knowledge and the calendar. It was believed by the Aztecs that he brought corn to mankind, much like Prometheus brought fire to humankind. The doctrine that Quetzalcoatl brought to the Aztecs was the belief in only one god and he did not approve of human sacrifice. Quetzalcoatl, the man of the myth, is described as a man of golden hair and a golden beard, with light eyes and skin, and is thought to have been a Caucasian. Some of the depictions of this Quetzalcoatl paint a white mask on him to portray the color of his skin. This Quetzalcoatl is believed to have been a Viking by some historians, who had traveled to the American Continent before Columbus. Legend says he arrived on the shores of Mexico and traveled through the Mayan and Aztec worlds. Very much like a messiah of the Aztec and Mayan world, he promised he would return when he sailed away on a raft of snakes, and this has led some historians to believe that this promise was what confused the Aztec emperor Moctezuma on the persona and intentions of Hernan Cortez when he arrived in Tenochtitlan. Cortez and his men appeared

riding fantastic beasts and bearing blond beards, leading many to believe the Aztec culture was annihilated because of a belief in the prophesy of the return of Quetzalcoatl, their messiah. Another Quetzalcoatl was a man, who has a historical presence in Mexico’s past. Quetzalcoatl the man, was born in a beautiful town, Amatlan, nestled on a ridge of jutting mountains called the Tepozteco in the Valley of Cuauhnahuac, near the City of Cuernavaca, Morelos. Legend says that these mountains are inhabited by highly illuminated souls that will one day give the world advanced knowledge. His birth is also attributed to another renowned religious center in the State of Morelos called Xochicalco. His father was a strong leader and conqueror of the Toltecs called Mixcoatl, which means “Cloud Serpent,” and there is a huge statue in his honor in the commercial center of Cholula in the State of Puebla, as recognition to his feats as a warrior. Quetzalcoatl’s mother was Chimalman, a princess of the Toltec aristocracy, and it is said that he emerged from her womb in full military attire when she gave birth to him. His mother died four days after his birth, and he was named Topiltzin Quetzalcoatl. Together with his father Mixcoatl they conquered all

The most Mexican of symbols would be the eagle in the center of the Mexican flag. It represents a royal eagle standing on a cactus devouring a serpent. The significance of these symbols is directly related to the Aztec mythology, the eagle representing Huitzilopochtli who was the Sun God and the rival of Quetzalcoatl. Hutzilopochtli would turn into an eagle at night and would hunt down stars in an attempt to fight against the night. In the most classic symbol we see the eagle devouring the snake that represents Quetzalcoatl. This also takes us back to the Aztec prophesy that said: when the Aztecs where wandering the lands of the North and they found an eagle that was devouring a snake they had come upon the place that would be the site of their new city. When they came to the Valley of Mexico they saw the eagle of this prophesy, and it determined their settlement in what today is Mexico City.

Photo by Guillermo Aldana

of the Valley of Mexico. These military campaigns took place around the year 950 A.D. The conquests continued to expand taking in all the territory from the Valley of Mexico to the Gulf Coast and into the Yucatan peninsula. He created an army of Jaguar and Eagle warriors that dominated all of the States of Hidalgo, Puebla, along the Gulf Coast into the State of Veracruz, and the Yucatan Peninsula. As he led his troops from victory to victory he conquered the Mayas and also befriended priests of the region, who would later record his triumphs in the Popol Vuh. He is said to have died in what the Mayas refer to as the land of the Red and the Black, in the Yucatan peninsula.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jill Metcalfe was born and raised in Mexico and studied history at the UDLA in Cholula, Puebla. She represents the City of San Antonio,Texas, in Casa San Antonio Mexico City, one of three trade offices the City of San Antonio holds in Mexico

By Priyanka Sharma

uisine from central Mexico is probably the best known of all regional Mexican cuisines internationally. The region includes states that have a long and sophisticated culinary tradition. As with other Mexican cuisines, the foods eaten today in central Mexico are essentially hybrids that are the result of hundreds of years of gastronomic evolution. In states such as Puebla and Queretaro the contribution of the Spanish nuns has been pivotal in providing the foods of these states with their trademark elegance and complexity. Central Mexico is comprised of states that encompass a variety of geographical influences and contain mountains, valleys, rivers and an impressive coastline. Corn and its byproducts, along with fresh, dried and smoked chilies of various kinds dominate the cuisines of the central Mexican states. There is also a strong baking tradition that can be traced back to the Spanish as well as to the brief French occupation of Mexico. As in other parts of Mexico, here too frijoles and tortillas, along with two or more salsas are eaten on a daily basis. Numerous small restaurants across Mexico City offer a ‘comida corrida’ or set lunch menus, which usually consist of five courses – a sopa or soup, followed by either rice or spaghetti or a salad, after which comes the guisado or main course, and finally postre or dessert, all washed down by large quantities of agua de fruta - a diluted fruit drink. The custom here, as in most of the country, is to eat an early big breakfast; an enormous late lunch and a small snack- usually pan de dulce or sweet rolls - accompanied with hot chocolate or milk for dinner. A proliferation of American foods - especially fast foods - has found its way into Mexico. However, Mexican fast foods of various kinds are available and extremely satisfying. These include tamales, tortas of various kinds, tacos, and cut fruits that are sold seasoned with a variety of topping and addons including chilies, limes, honey, thickened cream, granola and amaranth. Also sold all over are various semillas- literally seeds but the category includes nuts of all types as well - that are eaten plain, salted or with chilies, the small munchies that one might pick up and savor at any time. Durango Durango is bound by the Sierra Madres Occidentales mountain range and has a pleasant, dry climate. The ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

Photo by Pablo de Aguinaco

Chiles Enogada

Aguascalientes Aguascalientes, named for the famed hot thermal springs, is one of the smallest Mexican states and is located in the high central Mexican plain. In addition to the springs, major attractions of the state include colonial style haciendas and churches as well as museums and the Feria de San Marcos.Which brings us to food, and specifically the signature dish of the fair and maybe the state – pollo de san marco or saint mark’s chicken – a delightful concoction of chicken with local fruit. Being a livestock raising area, meat is the mainstay of most meals here, and

Queretaro Queretaro is one of the smallest Mexican states that is best known for its charming colonial architecture featuring many plazas, archeological sites, spas and colonial mansions. The capital of the state, Santiago de Queretaro, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culturally, the colonial period has had a lasting impact on all aspects of life here, including cuisine. The state cuisine is elegant and sophisticated, as is exemplified by the famed pollo en huerto which literally means chicken in an orchard. This is an unusual and delicious dish of chicken cooked with a combination of fruits such as apples, pears and peaches, in addition to spices and seasonings. Acamayas, or sweet water shrimp in a chipotle sauce is another unusual dish from the region. Other staples include taquitos de carnitas which is a slow cooked shredded pork taco garnished with sesame, sopa queretana which is an interesting concoction of chicken with eggs, sweet potatoes and spices, and lengua mechada, tongue cooked with jamon serrano (Spanish cured mountain ham), sausages, capers, almonds and

Photo by Pablo de Aguinaco

Zacatecas Zacatecas is a landlocked state that features arid highlands with a mostly dry weather. The state was an important mining area during the colonial era, and is today Mexico’s largest producer of many of the staples including beans, chilies and nopales which is an edible cactus and a favorite of Zacatecans. As in many of the central Mexican states, meat is the mainstay of the Zacatecan diet and is prepared in a variety of delicious ways. Head and shoulders above most preparations is the caldo or cocido which is a satisfying and nutritionally balanced stew featuring meat, pork and chicken cooked with vegetables, garbanzos and rice and flavored with saffron. Other typical dishes include red pozole – a hominy and pork stew, asado de boda, literally wedding roast, sopa de tortilla or tortilla soup, and pollo alcamparrado, a chicken dish flavored with chilies and capers. The desserts from the state include cicadas or coconut sweets, camote or candied sweet potatoes and a Mexican style bread pudding called capirotada. Aguamiel is a thirst quenching honey flavored drink from the region.

Photo by Pablo de Aguinaco

San Luis Potosi San Luis Potosí is geographically placed at almost the center of Mexico, and is the only Mexican state that has borders with nine other states. It has a tropical climate that supports the production of tomatoes, maize, beans, papaya as well as meat and poultry. Tourism-wise, the state offers unique architecture, handicrafts, waterfalls, hiking, and cave diving. As with other states, the food eaten in San Luis Potosi today hints at the indigenous as well as the colonial influences. Amongst the signature dishes of the state are the enchorizada or tortillas stuffed with chorizo, enchiladas potosinas, fried corn tortillas in a tomato, tomatillo and chili sauce served with cheese, cabrito al pastor or roasted goat, carne en chile rojo which is a stew like dish of meat in a red chili sauce, and tamal de carne zacahuil which is an enormous chicken or turkey tamal. For the sweet tooth, there are the jamoncillos - best described as milk fudge - and cajeta, which is a syrupy goat milk candy.

some favorite meat preparations from the region include birria de barbacoa de carnero or barbecued mutton, lechon al horno or baked suckling pig, sopa campesina a soup made with potatoes, carrots and ham, and the region’s famous enchiladas rojas or stuffed tortillas in a red sauce. Aguascalientes produces a fair amount of grapes and also some wine and brandy. A typical sweet of the region is charamuscas.

Photo by Pablo de Aguinaco

state is famous for the large number of Hollywood westerns that have been shot there as well as for its archeological sites, ecotourism, colonial era architecture and gastronomy. The state produces chilies, grapes, guavas, peanuts and maize, and these are also some of the key ingredients that are used in duranguense kitchens. Game is often included in the state’s culinary repertoire, usually served in the form of venado aasdo or grilled venison. Other famous dishes from the region include gallinas borrachas or drunken chicken, which is a chicken cooked with ham, sherry, chorizo, raisins and spices, and pipian – a pumpkin seed and chili sauce served over chicken, beef or pork. Durango produces a high quality queso asadero or grilling cheese, as well as chorizo which is a spicy sausage. One of the most popular sweet dishes from the state may well be torrejas de miel, an elegant desert of bread crumb and egg fritters in honey syrup with almonds and raisins. Bigotes de Pancho, named after Pancho Villa who was born in Durango, are a chocolate or fruit stuffed sweet bread that are worth a try.

Nopales y Calabazas

Sopa de Tortilla

Mole

sherry. The region also serves up nieve de leche con fruta which is a local ice cream and limones rellenos de coco or candied limes stuffed with coconut. Estado de Mexico and Distrito Federal The state of Mexico lies at the highest point of Mexico, and as such is a region beset with pine trees and mountains. The state is home to two of Mexico’s famed live volcanos – the Popocatepetl and Iztaccihuatl. Other attractions of the area consist of museums, monuments as well as archeological and ecological sites. The staple foods of the state include chorizo en salsa verde which is spicy sausage simmered in a piquant tomatillo and green chili sauce, and mole verde which is a tongue tingling sauce made of serrano chilies, lettuce, tomatillos and pumpkin seeds, usually served over chicken. For those looking for ‘something different’ there is the sopa de huitlacoche which is a black corn fungus soup with an intensely earthy flavor. The best of mixiotes – exquisitely spicy steamed lamb ‘moneybags’ flavored with axiote, a typically Mexican spice with a brick red color and a slightly bitter earthy taste - are also to be had here. The most important gastronomic contributions of Mexico City are probably street foods such as tacos of any number of permutations, and tortas stuffed with a myriad of fillings. Favorites amongst these are tacos al pastor, and tacos de suadadero. Tortas are hot sandwiches made with mayonnaise, a liberal spread of warm frijoles refritos (refried beans), tomato, onion, pickled jalapenos and a hot stuffing – such as chrizo, egg, breaded chicken, sausages or

hams, and cheeses. Also made popular by the city are a large varieties of antojitos which is a name given to snacks made from masa and many different kinds of stuffings and toppings. Hidalgo The first things that come to mind when thinking of Hidalgo are old mining towns with their famed red-tiled roof vistas, historical haciendas that now serve as luxury hotels, and camping and the outdoors, thanks to the temperate year round climate. Gastronomically, the state has been influenced by its prehispanic roots, its colonial past, and to a lesser extent by the British mining bosses who came to live there. And the British influence has lingered in the form of pastes (pasties), the venerable meat and potato turnovers that were originally eaten in Cornwall and are now a culinary staple all over the UK, as well as all over Hidalgo! Some of the other less historically symbolic, but equally tasty dishes from Hidalgo are a large variety of tamales, including tamale de anis – anise tamales, and tameles de queso (cheese) con epazote (a pungent Mexican herb). Hidalgo is also infamous as the state where a variety of insects – gusanos de magauey or the larvae that infest the maguey cactus, and escamoles or ants larvae – are relished. Local fare from Hidalgo that is enjoyed all over Mexico also includes tinga de pollo – shredded chicken smothered in onions and tomato sauce, mixiote de pollo or chicken steamed in maguey leaf bags with spices, and palenquetas or taffy made with various nuts and seeds.

Puebla Gastronomically speaking, Puebla, Yucatan and Oaxaca form the ‘nexus of eating’ in Mexico, and the cuisine from these states is renowned the world over for its variety, depth of flavor, complexity and sheer sumptuousness. And when these luscious meals are enjoyed in elegant buildings decorated with charming azulezos - glazed blue and white tiles – the meal becomes a favorite memory. Perhaps more than any other dish, chiles en nogada, a poblano delicacy, can be described as Mexico’s national dish. The dish consists of poblano peppers stuffed with a sweet and savory meat, fruit and nut mixture, dipped in whipped egg whites, fried, and served with a sauce of cream cheese, walnuts and sour cream, garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds. Another signature dish from the region is the famed mole poblano, a complex sauce made with a dizzying forty plus ingredients that include bread, tortillas, various chilies, sesame, almonds, raisins and chocolate! Also native to Puebla are rompope, an egg liquor and camotes con crema which is a simple dish of sweet potatoes cooked with cream. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Priyanka Sharma is a mother, trained social worker and a food and writing aficionado. She lives in Mexico City with her Economist husband and her 2 and a half year old daughter. She has worked in local and international NGOs in India and Mexico. Priyanka is currently working on a series of articles on regional cuisines from her native India. She is also taking an advanced Spanish language course at the UNAM. Her other interests are travel, cooking, reading and cinema. She can reached at priyanka.mex@gmail.com

Things may be about to change though.

By Wibke Langhorst

hey say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

But Juanita is furious. Someone in town is trying to take advantage of the recent popularity of Juanita’s certified organic coffee and has the nerve to copy not only her packaging but also her registered trademark, “Café Zihuatlan,” almost to the letter. She is right to be upset. The Café Zihuatlan Growers’ Co-op, to which she and her husband Dario belong, has worked hard for decades in order to survive. Following the catastrophic collapse of coffee prices on the world commodity markets in the early 90s, Juanita and Dario convinced their fellow growers that the only way to survive for them meant that they had to place their coffee in a distinct category and become certified organic growers. It has been an uphill battle, but their efforts are beginning to pay off. Last year, the Palomar Hotel in San Francisco, flagship luxury property

Photos by Epitacio

For years, Juanita sold her beans and served her coffee in a tiny, unassuming locale a little too far off the beaten tourist track. To hide the rather less than polished looking neighborhood from her customer’s view, she placed huge potted palms in front of her café. As a result, only “insiders” found her. Three months ago, she decided to open a second locale in a small treeshaded pedestrian alley. The move has proven to be excellent, and the new coffee bar has already attracted a loyal following even among the locals.

of the Kimpton Hotel Group, decided to serve exclusively Café Zihuatlan’s organically grown coffee and helped facilitate the importation of 20 tons of Café Zihuatlan’s beans through San Rafael-based specialty roaster, Equator Coffees. The coffee has been getting rave reviews from the hotel’s clients. Only locally, it seems, the word has still not spread. “Don Cesar, Dario’s father, founded the coffee growers’ colony in the mountains of Zihuatanejo in the fifties,” Juanita says. “Can you believe that most people in Zihuatanejo still do not know we even exist?!” Only a handful of hotels in Zihuatanejo – the Club Intrawest, Villas Mexicanas and La Quinta Troppo – are buying Juanita’s superb beans at this time; none, so far, in Ixtapa. “The Hotel Las Brisas in Ixtapa has expressed some interest recently,” Juanita mentions. “They had no idea there were coffee plantations in Zihuatanejo, let alone certified organic ones!”

“We are trying to really emphasize the organic and ecological aspect of our business,” Juanita says. The coffee bar’s décor tries to reflect this by featuring table and bar countertops encrusted with colorful shards from recycled glass bottles and a “crystal” chandelier made with recycled glass coke bottles. Coconuts are turned into small pendant lamps, and old coffee bags serve as “wall paper” on one wall. A lifesize driftwood “tree” in the entrance displays jewelry made with natural coffee beans. The colors used on the floor and walls – a vibrant red like ripe coffee berries, a rich dark espresso brown and a soft cream – contrast nicely with the sleek chrome furniture and stainless steel appliances. Juanita and Dario are also exploring new production and processing methods in order to improve their coffee’s quality even more. “We have just joined the Specialty Coffee Association and plan to focus on selling more specialty coffee. For example, through a very special selection and quality control process we found out – to our own surprise! – that the individual lots produced by our different growers present very distinct flavor and aroma attributes. Some of them have very distinct notes of spice or caramel, others of nuts, and our own coffee actually smells like chocolate!” The aroma of Juanita’s “special selection natural gold” beans is indeed amazing. But she is not about to rest on her laurels just yet. During the tourist high season, she plans to offer totally organic breakfasts consisting of organic

milk, cheese and eggs produced by some of the other growers in the mountains, organic fruit, and her own organic wild honey. During a recent trip to Chiapas, she discovered a source for organic cocoa and some special organic oatmeal, corn, and cocoa-based drinks. She has long dreamed about making her own organic chocolate truffles using the traditional recipes and methods handed down to her by her mother and some dear friends and neighbors from the mountains. If her fellow growers get truly motivated, she would like to eventually start a small organic farmers’ market.

Juanita’s eyes are sparkling as she excitedly spells out all of those new ideas. “I feel very happy,” she says, “because I think we will be able to survive after all. Many growers were getting so desperate that they were ready to abandon their plantations. But now, with the new interest in everything organic, I think there is new hope.” It is almost midnight now and Juanita is getting ready to close. A few guests are still lingering at the tables outside, and the town is getting quiet. “Yes, this place is great because there are no cars going by…,” Juanita has barely finished her

sentence as a stereo starts piping up with loud Mexican music. People look startled – it seems to be coming closer down the pedestrian alley! Finally, a bicycle goes by with a huge boom box strapped on the back. Everybody is laughing. “Typical Zihuatanejo,” Juanita says, giggling so hard she is almost crying. “There is only one Zihuatanejo, just like there is only one Café Zihuatlan. -- With a “Z”!” Café Zihuatanejo’s new coffee bar is located in the pedestrian alley Hermenegildo Galeana, between Nicolas Bravo and Ejido streets. Open every day from 8:00am to midnight.

By Larry Abrams neighbor asked me the other day, “How did you get started looking at birds?” I have no idea.

Growing up in an apartment in Chicago, we knew what pigeons were, we knew that robins arrived in the spring and they ate worms and that there were sparrows.That’s all I can remember. I moved to the suburbs in my late teens and became somewhat responsible for watering and mowing the grass, and digging holes for trees and plants. That’s where I found out that cement did not cover everything, and that there were lots of plants and animals that we never saw in the big city. I’m sure that Blue Jays and Cardinals and Crows appeared along with a skunk or two to wake me up to “rural” life. Anyway my first real interest in birds arrived with our moving back to the suburbs with a wife and kids. Now I guess I was old enough and rich enough to own a pair of binoculars and a bird book, and I started looking…..not as a hard core birder, up before dawn, driving hundreds of miles to see a “rare” bird. It was mostly looking in the yard to see if there were different birds to see as the seasons changed. Nowadays I still won’t get up before dawn but I have been known to drive 50 or 75 miles to see birds that don’t visit me now, at home, in Tucson. So, is anyone interested in looking at birds? Even though you’re down in Mexico with no binoculars or bird books, I can get you started. All you need is paper and pencil and a few minutes of your time.You need the paper to jot down what you are seeing… .and we can start on the beach, which is where you spend most days anyway. See, no driving 50 miles. Let’s start with one everybody knows, the Pelican. You don’t even need paper for this one, but when you get home and check a bird guide you’ll see that there are two kinds, the Brown Pelican that we have here along the ocean, and the White Pelican that is more a bird of lakes and rivers. And as a point of

interest, besides the color difference the Brown, as I am sure you have seen, has a spectacular plunge dive into the water to eat, while the White just floats on the water and ducks its head under to grab a fish. Up there along with the pelican is another diving bird, a little smaller, the Brown Booby. Now I know I’m giving you the “answer,” but what you want to do with your paper and pencil is take a note or two. Still a large bird but smaller that the pelican, dives to feed like the pelican, mainly brown with a sharp line between the white belly and neck, has a rather long bill. This should be enough information for you to find this bird in a guide book when you get home. Another bird up there…. start taking notes now…. seems rather large, mostly black, some with a red

pouch, with long pointed wings, not diving into the water to feed, has a long forked tail….and then note the other large black bird soaring up there that is completely different from the forked tailed one, and try to describe what this one looks like. One trick to remember for size when it won’t hold still for you to measure it with a ruler is to think of it against something you already know. Is it the size of a sparrow, a robin, a chicken, a bread box etc? It also helps to note foot and beak color, and what it is doing while you are watching it, running along the beach, up in a tree, in the grass etc. Don’t bother with the Gulls and Terns you see flying over the water, you’ll have to get much too close to

Photos by Epitacio

When you get home and want to get start working towards birding 102, here are a few things you can do:

see differences for you to identify which ones they are, save those for a later year. However, there are still two more birds along the water that you’ll be able to watch without binoculars, one is that black bird that is looking for food around your table at the beach and the other is that brownish bird that runs back and forth along the waters edge.

Buy a pair of binoculars. I know you can save a lot of money by buying them over the internet but I think it’s very important to actually try them first to see how they “feel” when you use them. My wife has a wonderful pair (hey, come on guys, I’m talking about binoculars here) that just doesn’t have the right spacing for my eyes and I feel clumsy when I use them. You can use most any pair if needed, but one that will close focus is best.You’ll find that many times you’ll be able to get quite close to a bird and the pair that you use for the football games just won‘t do a proper job. Binoculars, like most things, come in many prices, and usually, the more you pay, the better the item will be. The more you pay for binoculars, the sharper the image, the lighter in weight, and more light will be available to make the colors brighter.

Bird guides come in different shapes and sizes too. The one I think you should start with is the National Geographic BIRDS OF NORTH AMERICA. I like it because the pictures are sharp and the map of their OK, here are five new birds and one old one so you territory is right along side the bird to make it easy can start building your bird list. Another place to to tell if your bird lives where you are birding. But see birds up close without binoculars is in the canal before you do buy one, check at your local library that empties into the ocean at Playa Madera. Last to see what they have available for you to try first, year (2006) there were probably 10 more birds that you might find one that you like better than what I were easy to spot and take notes on. If this exercise suggest. Another suggestion, and one that you can begins to get interesting, there will also be a few do with many of you’re reference books, is to take more that you’ll see on the way back to your hotel, it to Office Max or Office Depot and have them cut apartment, bungalow, room, tent or wherever you’ll off the spine and spiral-bind the book for a couple sleep tonight. ��

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of dollars. This makes it easy to lay out the page that you’re using rather than having it close on you when you let go of the page. And last but not least, see if there is a printed bird list of the area that you’re going to be in, a very useful guide even for the experts. Last, if you can, find some “live” help to get you started. There are chapters of Audubon all over the country and they all have birding field trips that are free, (except, some request gas money if you share someone’s car). The Nature Conservancy has nature preserves where bird trips are offered. You also might Google “free bird outings” in your local area to see what, if any, is available. Another advantage with Audubon is that, at least here in Tucson where I volunteer, the members get a 10% discount from their nature store and because we are non-profit we do not charge sales tax. Also if you go on an Audubon field trip, and you do not have to be a member to do so, I’m sure you’ll have a chance to try other participant’s binoculars if you ask. We always like to help out fellow birders… because we remember that we were all beginners once….And now you can become one of the over 50 million other birders up north. If you have questions or comments, I’m always available at lardor@yahoo.com and, if I’m lucky, here in Zihuatanejo, eating my daily shrimp cocktail at Paty’s on Playa La Ropa, every year in January and February…because I can’t take those cold winters in Tucson, and I like her shrimp cocktails…

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By Lorenzo Marbut

he 170 impoverished students at the Nueva Creación primary school still attend classes in wood and tarpaper shacks perched on a dangerous cliff face, but their future is beginning to brighten. Ground has been broken for a safe new school on 5,000 square meters of land donated, and cleared, by the city of Zihuatanejo. The construction project is a community partnership that includes the City of Zihuatanejo, providing building materials; Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo ,AC (a Mexican nonprofit), providing the labor, Los Niños, Inc. (a U.S. non-profit), providing computers and teaching materials; and International Rotary Clubs, providing the classroom furnishings.

Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, the charity founded to administer and distribute the funds raised by our annual SailFest events, has established the Nueva Creaciòn Building Fund to solicit additional contributions for this project. Nearly 50% of the necessary funds for construction labor have already been raised through local and international efforts. The local community response to the new school project has been especially gratifying. Zihuatanejo’s finest musicians have donated their talent to produce a CD featuring 20 of their favorite songs; all proceeds will go to the building fund. An All-Star benefit concert, celebrating the release of the CD, will be performed on February 1st at Club Blue Mamou. An elite group of Zihua gourmet chefs is planning a Fiesta Gastronòmica, an evening of fine dining, music and dancing, to benefit the new school. The date and venue of the event are still pending. Even the kids! The eleven Nueva Creaciòn sixth grade students crafted bracelets from donated beads, sold them at SailFest 2005 events and raised an astonishing $1,450, which they promptly donated to Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo. The volunteers of Los Niños, Inc, have dedicated themselves to addressing the day-to-day needs of the school; providing uniforms, shoes, backpacks, books, school supplies, teaching materials, scholarships, teacher salaries and nearly everything else necessary to keep the doors open at this poorest of schools. Most of these impoverished children would not be attending school without your generous and compassionate support. Many walk more than a mile each morning, past their unaffordable neighborhood school, to attend Zihuatanejo’s only “free” school. They, and their parents, are sincerely grateful for the opportunity that your donations provide. For additional information; lorenzo@ porlosninos.info, www.porlosninos.info, www.losninos.us, www.zihuasailfest.com

By Michel Janicot

or the sixth consecutive year, Zihuatanejo will be host of the annual SailFest Regatta, an event whereby sailors (cruisers), locals and tourists participate in a fun-filled week of races, raffles, auctions and sailing-related activities designed to benefit the city’s poorest schools. The fun begins January 31st at Rick’s Bar on Cuauhtemoc Street, home of the cruisers’ watering hole, with a kick-off party, a live auction and a raffle drawing for gifts and services donated by more than 200 local businesses. On February 1st, a beach party and games day at La Madera’s MJ & Richie’s restaurant will feature a second raffle drawing. A pursuit sail race will take place on February 2nd, followed by a dinghy poker chase on February 3rd and a chili cook-off and street fair. A silent auction and raffle drawing are also scheduled for that afternoon. Sunday, February 4th, will be the highlight of the event as the sailboats invite tourists onboard for a colorful procession around the bay and Ixtapa island. Later that afternoon, at MJ & Richie’s, a wrapup barbeque, beach party, awards and a final raffle drawing will end the festivities. Weekend work parties—composed of cruisers, parents, neighborhood volunteers, gringo expatriates and tourists—gather to repair, build, plant trees or repaint school structures. Volunteers may sign up at Rick’s Bar. Each year, the amount of money raised is matched by the Bellack Foundation, and new donor Peter Boyce, who have founded a Mexican non-profit corporation, Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC, to administrate and distribute the funds raised by SailFest activities. Last year’s proceeds, more than 57,000 dollars, were dedicated to nine schools, as well as for student and teacher scholarships. Por Los Niños’ nine-member

advisory committee, composed of both international and bilingual Mexican residents, has distributed over one million pesos to various educational projects during the past two years. In addition, eleven other schools have approached the organization for funding, which according to Lawrence “Lorenzo” Marbut, the general administrator for Por Los Ninos, will be based on a clearly defined need and availability of funds. Furthermore, requests that include supplementary funds from other sources, and parent-provided labor when appropriate, will generally receive a higher priority. Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, in partnership with SailFest, the city of Zihuatanejo and the Zihua Rotary Club International, have established the “Nueva Creación Building Fund” to help build a new, permanent primary school for 170 of the poorest children on 5,000 square meters of land donated by the city. On Thursday, Feb 1st, a concert and CD release party will be held at the Blue Mamou Blues Club at seven p.m. to benefit the fund. Last year’s concert raised 4,800 dollars. The CD, featuring blues, jazz and Latin music was recorded locally by a dozen of Zihuatanejo’s finest musicians who have donated their talent to help build the school. So, dear readers, we count on you to support SailFest to help with whatever monetary means you can afford—even a ten peso raffle ticket—for those children in need. They’ll thank you. Additional info: the bulletin board at Rick’s Bar; www.zihuasailfest.com, www.losninos.us, lorenzo@ porlosninos.info.

Z-Scene

Photos by Epitacio

Thanksgiving Dinner - Playa La Ropa

Esmeralda, husband Jimmy, mother-in-law Estella May Graff

Hostess Carol Juk with nephew Patrick Murphy

Grace Relfe & Jeff Wilcox

Ed & Rebeca Kunze

Photos by Hans Nystrom

Alejandra, Eloisa, Hans

Barbara & Ernesto Balmar

Thanksgiving Dinner - Rick´s Bar

John Vanderburg, Pat McMurray, Bill Fraser, Josie Kuhn, Rob Wogsland, J. Mary Kelly, Bev Fraser, Lisa McMurray

Kurt Berger, Michelle Lavoie, Josie Bills, Lupita Macias, Margarita Berger

ARTE EN LA PLAYA

Exhibition of painters from Ixtapa Zihuatanejo Alfredo Tapia

Rubi Quintana

Z-Scene

Reyna Radilla

Owen Lee & Trudy Licht

Guadalupe Gaytan

Daryl Longlitz & Diane DeWitt

Roberta, Francisco Garza, Alejandra de Avila, Roselio Ponce, Rob Wogsland & Josie Kuhn Socorro Lee Niebla, Roberto Sonnenberger, Clay

GalArt presents Emilia Castillo. Jewelry fashion show and art object exhibition “jungle” concept, at Villa de la Selva Restaurant, Ixtapa.

Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival Martini Tasting, Fund raicer

Dorothy

Glenda, Leigh and Dorothy

Josie and Linda

Dave and Jeanne

Dawn and Carol

Catherine and Chicago Mike

Luis & Haydee Cave Photo Exhibition, Race to the Center of the Earth Expedition, ZIH Galeria.

ZIH Galeria owner Luz Machado and Catherine Krantz

Marina and ZIH Galeria director, Karina Orozco

Photographer Jose Angel Soriano

Maria del Carmen & Carlos

By Carina Carriedo

ver 10,000 persons, press, celebrities, designers, models, buyers and ordinary folk- descended on Mexico City’s Hotel Camino Real during the last week of October to witness close to 40 fashion shows. The event, Fashion Week Mexico, has been occurring twice yearly (in October the Spring-Summer collections are presented, in April the Fall-Winter) for the past eight years. This recent edition featured the international designer Luis Verdad, favored by, among others, Madonna, as well as a slew of up-and-coming and established local designers. Here are some highlights from the shows.

Jorge Luis Salinas

Photo by Sergio Bejarano

Fashion Forward The week kicked-off with Fashion Forward, a showcase for new local talent. Anna Terrazas, Edgar Sandoval, Jonathan Morales, Natalie Trejo and Misael Medina were the chosen newcomers. Capes, spidery leggings,

Photos by Raul Cedeño

cigar pants and lots of gathered, close-fitting fabrics in velvety hues of marine blue, wine red, and forest green made Anna Terrazas show a stand out. Edgar Sandoval’s huge napoleonic collars, huge belts, and huge bags were a playful twist on an otherwise classic men’s line. And short, short skirts that the models had to constantly tug at in a pastel palette reminiscent of baby-clothing (big plastic buttons on many pieces contributed to that effect) characterized Jonathan Morales’ line. Sergio Alcalá This show was just a lot of fun, although I don’t know if I would personally wear any of the clothes (well, maybe to a wild party). Alice in Wonderland, or rather Sergio in Dflandia, was the theme. The mix of musical accompanimentcumbias to feminist punk- perfectly reflected the clothes- neon colors and madhatter hats woven from the same synthetic materials that many indigenous communities use in Mexico City to make baskets. Alana Savoir If Sergio’s show was the epitome of irreverence, then Alana’s was the bastion of refined elegance. Navy green, deep blues, creams and greys interspersed every now and then with a jolting purple. Small swaths of geometric patterns tucked into larger swaths of patternless color. A snakeskin-patterned white bodice on an elegant wedding gown.

Fashion Forward

Julia & Renata

Not able to make it to Fashion Week Mexico? You can still experience cutting edge design in person and support local talent. The following is a list (in no particular order) of where you can find clothes by some of the designers featured in the latest edition of Fashion Week Mexico. Des folies de mon corps Orizaba 101-C, México, D.F Features designs by Julia y Renata, among others. Julia y Renata López Cotilla 2061-3, Guadalajara, México www.juliayrenata.com Features designs by Julia y Renata

Julia & R

enata

Alana Savoir Moliere 54, México, D.F. www.alanasavoir.com Features designs by Alana Savoir Dime Tienda Alvaro Obregón 130-9, México, D.F www.dimetienda.com Features designs by Sergio Alcalá and Malafacha, among others ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

Alana Savoir

Sergio Alcala

Bombshell Industries This is going to sound silly, but here it goes: ranchero space. Metallic space boots, traditional Mexican braids in ribbons, primary colors, cake-layer white dresses, Mexican catholic imagery of skulls, crosses and flaming hearts.

Fashion Forward

Alana Savoir

Fashion Forward

Maria Peligro The 50’s, the 70’s, the 80’s- they’re all back. The Maria Peligro show was unabashedly retro; opening the show, a model dressed as a french maid walked out onto a runway lined with old rugs, antique-looking lamps, and other furniture and preceded to dust off the old, thus setting the tone for the show. Lace leggings, shiny black high heels, white-men’s shirt dresses, t-shirt bathing suits, blacks and greens all characterized this show. Julia y Renata One of the highlights of the last day of shows was Julia y Renata’s collection. These two tapatías are veterans of Fashion Week Mexico who have made a name for themselves on the international scene. Well-made clothes, artistically made clothes, made this show beautiful. Non-symmetrical drapes over lacey, subtly polka-dotty leggings in white (mainly) reminded me of ancient Greek elegance.

Photos by Epitacio

By Nancy Seeley

f you’re ready for a little adventure, one of the great joys of traveling in Mexico is going by bus. During the past decade, service has improved by leaps and bounds. Today, you can catch a bus in Zihuatanejo and make it to Cancun in a day and a half. If you’re really determined, you can get all the way to the Tijuana border in about 52 hours.

that regularly scuttle between Ixtapa and Zihua, often taking on passengers until the aisle is packed with wedged-in bodies and a few stragglers are hanging out the doors. Mercedes-Benz and Volvo conveyances comprise the majority of first-class buses on the road in 2006, with the comfort level far surpassing that of their U.S. and Canadian counterparts.

As for shorter trips, overnight service will deposit you in Mexico City eight – nine hours after boarding in Zihua, and our last trip to Guadalajara took only seven hours. Thanks to major highway improvements, you can hop aboard a coach for enchanting Patzcuaro and enjoy the scenery for about five hours of inland travel, while Acapulco is just over four hours down the Pacific coast. (For your own peace of mind, always tack on about an extra hour beyond what you’re told these shorter trips should take so you don’t get antsy if detours, traffic jams, and military checkpoints slow your progress.)

First-class coaches almost always show movies on trips of three hours or more, although many of these flicks are totally forgettable. And on some routes, if first-class service isn’t good enough for you, there are lessfrequent executive-class buses complete with stewardesses, larger seats featuring more leg room which recline to a nearly horizontal position, complimentary snacks and separate bathrooms for men and women.

Zihua now boasts three major bus stations: Estrella Blanca, Estrella de Oro, and a third next door to Estrella de Oro which services a number of bus lines including La Linea, TAP, Autovias, Parhikuni, and more. All three are located within a block of each other on the right hand frontage road as you’re heading from Bodega (one of Zihua’s two supermarkets) out towards the airport on the main drag. If you’ve never tried an inter-city bus trip in Mexico, don’t think you’ll be traveling on something akin to the rattletrap combis

Primera clase travel from here to Acapulco currently costs the equivalent of about 12 dollars. You can’t get to Patzcuaro using just one bus, but a coach from Zihua to Uruapan runs about 23 dollars, and then it’s another 3.25 dollars for a second class bus to Patzcuaro, which will be a bit bumpy but takes only about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Figure on 41 dollars for Guadalajara or Mexico City, keeping in mind you can upgrade to the executive class service mentioned earlier for another 10 dollars and fewer departure time options. You could make the trip to Cancun for about 130 dollars, while Tijuana would set you back about 160 dollars. (I used an exchange rate of 10.8 pesos to the dollar for these calculations.) Given the hassles of air travel these days, some

of these longer bus trips don’t seem half bad anymore. A 21st century extra is being able to buy many bus tickets using credit cards, plus you can often get a refund if you need to cancel your plans. The amount usually varies between 25-100 percent depending on how far in advance you turn in the ticket, and you’re out of luck when departure time is less than two hours away. Buying tickets via the Internet is becoming more popular as well. (For website addresses, do a “google”search online.) Another 21st century enhancement is ofertas (sales) on some routes. Just this past year, we traveled from Zihua to Acapulco and from Guadalajara to Puerto Vallarta for half-price. Being an older bus traveler has its advantages as well if you have an FM-3 immigration document. Although I don’t relish hitting 60 a few years hence, I am looking forward to getting the government-issued card that offers 50 percent off long distance busfare throughout Mexico – in addition to such frills as free metro (subway) rides and free museum admission in Mexico City ALL THE TIME. If you get one of these senior citizen cards, buy your bus ticket ahead of time because there are only a limited number available per trip. Admittedly, bus travel isn’t for everyone, so here are some things to keep in mind. For many Mexicans, personal autos are an unaffordable luxury, so be prepared for lots of babies and small children on board. Bring a warm jacket, as the air conditioning is often going full blast. If you’re traveling during the holidays, expect

delays. Remember that the driver of the bus has full control of your ride, so if he decides you’re going to watch a movie at midnight, that’s what’s gonna happen! If you’re on the bus to Tijuana and the driver pulls off at a roadside restaurant, that’s where everybody’s gonna eat. Remember that armed soldiers will come on board now and then to meander down the aisle and poke at your luggage. But, hey, it’s Mexico, and these things are all part of the experience, right? Many long-distance routes from Zihua require one or more connections along the way, and you generally can’t plan for them in advance. Although some bus companies now offer websites, our experience has taught us that online schedules are often wrong, so we never buy connecting tickets until we reach our interim destination. Some routes that come through Zihua are de paso, which means they start elsewhere, so the posted departure time is only approximate – depending on when the bus makes it into town. Hijackers? This has happened occasionally in the past, but precautions against it have improved as well, and overnight buses sometimes “convoy” on Highway 200 if there have been warnings of suspicious activity. In general, using Mexico’s bus system is a great way to see the country at a darned good price. There’s almost nowhere that’s inaccessible these days, and you can even shop along the way. Vendors selling everything from tacos and cold drinks to medicine, sewing kits and books will board the bus at scheduled stops and disembark after hawking their wares. Buen viaje!

All month long JAN: “Hear From Mexico” - Online English Radio Program. Art and Culture from around México, current events and interesting guests are all a part of this weekly show broadcasted on the President of México’s Website. Every Tuesdays from 5pm –6pm and via podcasts. www.mexicoenlinea.com.mx Arte en la Playa – Exhibition of Zihuatanejo Pianters, Zihuatanejo, Gro. 16 of Zihuatanejio’s finest painters exhibit portraits, tropical studies, landscapes, ethereal moonlit and sunset beach scenes. www.aretenlaplaya.com Museo Arqueologico de la Costa Grande, at the far end of the Paseo del Pescador, just before the canal. Open daily, 6pm – 10pm, Free. Painting Classes also offered nightly, 6:30pm – 8pm, 100 pesos a week, ask for Alfredo Tapia. Archeology Museum Open 10am-6pm with exhibits. Cooking Classes with Chef Gabriela Braña, Ixtapa, Gro. Enjoy a morning cooking class with Mexican trained Chef, Gabriela Braña, known for her Asian – Mexican fusion and her lovely restaurant, Al Cilantro, located inside her B&B Tres Puertas in Ixtapa, where she focuses on authentic Mexican dishes. A two-hour demonstration and lesson is followed by a sit down luncheon with wine to enjoy the fruits of your labors. Classes are held on Tuesdays, 10:30 – 2:30, and occasionally by special arrangement; contact Gabriela at 755-553-0610. Art Classes with Patricia Webber, Zihuatanejo, GRO. Starting Jan 9, Internationally known artist Patricia Webber opens her Zihuatanejo graphic art program with classes in: Natural drawing, Color psycology, Art History, Art introduction, pencil, charcoal, pastels, oil, acrylics, oil pastels. Children from 7 to 12 years. Teenagers from 13 to 16. Adults: from 17 on. For further information contact Patricia Webber, ruizwebber@hotmail.com tel. (755) 5549218, cel. 045 871 156 9705 DEC 14: Blue Mamou Re-Opens, Zihuatanejo, GRO. Live Music, open 7 nights a week, 9pm-2am. Juan Carlos Blues Band from Morelia will open. Big blue building on the road to Playa La Ropa. JAN 1: New Year’s Day (Año Nuevo)-Nationwide. Mexico rings in the New Year with celebrations featuring music, dance, food and fireworks. Streets are filled with revelers, and friends and families congregate for parties that often last till dawn. One tradition calls for eating twelve grapes, one with each stroke of the chiming bell at midnight, for luck during the next 12 months. JAN 5-22: 2nd Merida International Art Festival “Merida Cultural City” (2do Festival Internacional de las Artes “Merida Capital Cultural”)--Merida, Yucatan. In celebration of the city’s founding more than 464 years ago, this festival features music, dance, poetry readings, photography exhibitions as well as films and exhibits of local and international artist. http://www.merida.gob.mx/festival/ JAN 6: Three Kings’ Day (Dia de los Santos Reyes)--Nationwide. The Feast of the Epiphany recalls the arrival in Bethlehem of the three wise

men (reyes magos) bearing gifts for baby Jesus. This is the day of traditional gift-giving for children in the central and southern regions of Mexico. Rosca de Reyes, a crown-shaped sweet bread decorated with candied fruits with a small doll baked inside, is served on this day. Whoever is lucky enough to find the figure in his slice of bread must host a party on February 2, Candlemas Day, offering tamales (stuffed cornflour cakes wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves) and atole (a hot, sweet drink thickened with corn flour) to the guests. JAN 14 – FEB 8: Leon State Fair—Leon, Guanajuato. Leon City, located just 45 minutes outside of Guanajuato, hosts this annual fair which features concerts, dance, food and much more. Some of the highlights for this year’s fair is Robert´s International Circus, The traditional Palenques, Dolphins exhibition and more. http: //www.ferialeon.org/ or info@ferialeon.org JAN 15-23: St. Sebastian Fiesta (Fiesta de San Sebastian el Martir)--Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas. This fiesta is famous for its “Parachicos” tour, which features a dancing procession from San Jacinto church throught Santo Domingo church back and fordward, ending in a delectable food festival featuring traditional dishes such as “Pepita con Tasajo” made of beef in a creamy pumpkin seed sauce. On the night of the 21st, a traditional nautical battle takes place on the Grijalva River which concludes in a spectacle of fireworks. JAN 17: Feast Day of de San Antonio de Abad. Is a religious holiday during which the Catholic Church allows animals to enter the church for blessing. JAN 28: The Rural Tourism Fair—Oaxaca, Mexico. The sixth such regional event co-created by Amigos del Sol and Planeta.com in Oaxaca City, Mexico. This alternative to traditional mass tourism allows travelers to visit rural areas. Options include hiking and biking,visiting community museums and buying crafts. Mexico considers rural tourism a critical feature in its promotion of travel alternatives, including adventure travel and ecotourism. For more information visit: http://www.planeta.com/ecotravel/ mexico/oaxaca/feriarural2006.html JAN 31 - FEB 4: Zihua Sail Fest 2007, Zihuatanejo, Gro. Five days of fun and frolic to raise funds for Zihua schools. See web site www.zi huasailfest.com for more details. Feb. 1: All-Star Benefit Concert & CD Release Party, Zihuatanejo, Gro. Zihua’s finest musicians jam to help build a school for disadvantaged children. A new CD featuring 13 Zihua groups performing 20 of their favorite songs will be available. All proceeds benefit the Nueva Creacion Building Fund. Club Blue Manou. 7:00pm. A SailFest event. FEB 14: Valentine’s Dinner/Dance, Zihuatanejo, Gro. Flowers, music and romance at Rick’s Topside Steak House. Dinner, wine, roses and fun $300 pesos (Zihua Cruisers Club $250). Rick’s Topside Steak House upstairs at Rick’s Bar, Av. Cuauhtemoc #5, Central Zihuatanejo Tel. 755554-2535. MAR 11 - MAR 18: 4th Annual Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival, Zihuatanejo, Gro. Live music from great international artists; see website for details www.zihuafest.info ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

By Jason Merritt

n this climate, I find it hard not to use house plants. We live in a climate where plants are plentiful and beautiful. Plants will add liveliness and freshness to your abode. Plants are less expensive than furniture and will add pizzazz to any setting in home. And remember that plants, like books, can be the secret to having that final lived in touch you are looking for. One of the greatest things about plants is that there is virtually no space they can’t fill. There is no piece of furniture, no corner that cannot be softened, and no setting that cannot be improved upon by the complimentary placement of stunning local foliage. Would you be better getting an artificial plant? Some people won’t be here for months at a time or are only here a few months a year. If you don’t have a staff to care for your home, and water your plants, this could be a solution. Artificial plants give the illusion without the maintenance. Real or artificial, plants can be an important design element. Tall plants can divide rooms and create walls where there aren’t any and give you ultimate privacy in close quarters. I have seen plants of all sizes placed in containers that make them mobile room accessories (and in pots they are easy to clean). For a dramatic ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

effect, place lights behind your plants to throw shadows and to illuminate the foliage day or night. Other options for lighting might include the placing of spots or down lighting on top of them. Many designers will place plants or massed flowers under down light to add brilliance and intensity to any room. Sample Project In a recent project we placed plants on either side of the home to keep the mirror balance between the two sides. We also used them to rope off a huge patio. This patio was about 1000 square feet. The trouble with 1000 square feet was the fact that it was just too big and boring. The plants gave this space a new life. There was a small pool on the terrace so we blocked that off with bushy plants and left just enough space to allow an access to the pool. On the adjacent side of the terrace we did the same thing, only in blocking a bedroom to allow for a suite. The terrace was reduced to about 800 square feet and gave us a small canvas to work with. We allowed for the

necessary furniture arrangements and then continued this mirroring process with one plant on either side of the balcony for building balance. Below is a drawing diagram of before and after design of this project. That’s all for this month, don’t be afraid of plants. There are few things that can bring so much life into your home. Try moving a few plants around and you will surprise yourself with all the possibilities. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason Merritt is owner of Interiores Zihuatanejo – IZ, a custom, hand-made furnishing and home accessories store in Zihuatanejo, backed by 32 years of experience in the home furnishing and décor industries. IZ stocks a wide assortment of fine furniture and art prints in many styles and price ranges. They also offer custom design services through their extensive network of artisans and suppliers across Mexico. They are located on Calle Benito Juarez in central Zihuatanejo and can be reached at 755 544-8420.

By John Glaab, CIPS

t was the largest invasion, including foreigners since the French troops arrived in 1815 for the Battle of New Orleans. A big difference, this group was here to “help rebuild New Orleans.”

The Conference set attendance records with over 25,000 Realtors® attending. This resulted from a year long campaign by NAR. Fifty countries were represented at the event. The reason was to help rebuild New Orleans. NAR’s Board had major concerns about holding its gathering in New Orleans post-Katrina, but after a December visit with local hospitality, political and health officials to receive assurances there were enough rooms in the city… the group decided the show would go on as planned. Over 3,000 arrived a week early to work on rebuilding projects. In addition, NAR through Habitat for Humanity is building

some 54 homes in the Gulf Coast area. Early in the week of the Conference more than 350 Realtors® converged on the ninth Ward to hand over the keys for a Habitat for Humanity house for Tyisha Jackson and her two children. Combined NAR® is donating 75,000 dollarsfor each of the 54 homes to be built along the Gulf Coast. AMPI, The Association of Mexican Professionals, had a booth in the International Networking Center, sharing a time slot at the networking tables with France, Brazil. Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Portugal and Spain. International AMPI memberships were being promoted at the booth. Mitch Creekmore of Stewart Guaranty Title made a presentation in the Global Theatre. “Make the Global Market Your Market!” and it was an excellent outline on Title Insurance around the world. Courses for technical skills, marketing skills

and in other special areas of activity, including International real estate, were offered. The course, “Doing Business in Mexico,” was presented for the first time last month at the AMPI Congreso, and was a sell out. Adrian Arriaga from Texas and Linda Neil of Linda Neil Properties, from La Paz, Baja California, two of the class authors, were the class instructors. The feed back on the class was very positive. The International Reception and International Night out were two popular social events. Saturday evening, thousands of Realtors® paraded on Bourbon Street wearing special t-shirts in Mardi Gras colors. These had been included in the Conference registration kits. Another international feature was the signing of the AMPI/NAR Joint Venture agreement by NAR President elect Pat Vredevoogd and AMPI President Gallo Blanco. (This was a

reenactment of the formal signing that took place earlier at the AMPI Conference.) It was truly “win, win” for the international real estate community and the citizens of New Orleans. As one delegate commented, “we have sent a very clear comment to the world that New Orleans is open for business.” “Serving others as REALTORS® have done in helping to rebuild New Orleans is more important than partisan politics,” 41st U.S. President George H.W. Bush Sr. told a sea of applauding REALTORS® at their Annual Conference in New Orleans. Bush and his “partner”, 42nd U.S. President William J. Clinton came to New Orleans to brief REALTORS® on the efforts of the Bush-Clinton Katrina fund and to praise all Americans –big cities and little towns, rich and poor – for their commitment to rebuild the Gulf Coast communities. “If millions of you care about the same thing at the same time, you’ll have more power than Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, anyone. You can change the world,” Clinton told the crowd. First brought together to represent U.S. support to victims of the 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia, the two former chief executives found a mutual goal of assisting disasters worldwide. They founded the BushClinton Katrina fund to assist Americans affected by the Gulf Coast disaster of 2005. To date, the fund has received 129 million dollars in donations from more than 60,000 donors. “After the skies opened up, so did the hearts of the people.” said Bush. The fund sent monies directly to state governments as well as to local colleges and universities sand places of worship. The Bush-Clinton fund has helped shrimpers in Alabama get their boats back in the water and repaired the sewage system in Waveland, Miss. It’s also sponsored two new green schools in New Orleans, an initiative Clinton is now focusing on world-wide. New Orleans provides an opportunity to integrate green technology that saves energy without increasing costs, the presidents believe. . ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John Glaab has been a member of NAR’s International Section for over a decade. He has earned the Certified International Property Specialist designation and is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos. He spends half the year in La Paz, Baja California Sur and the other half in Uruapan, Michoacan. For further information john.glaab@settlement-co.com

By Gustavo Calderón

hroughout my professional practice I have noted several times that foreign clients—especially those who come from a country with a “Common Law” legal system, such as the United States—believe that Mexican notaries are very expensive, in comparison with a U.S. notary’s fee. There is a very good reason for this. Although notaries in both countries are invested with some kind of public faith, the main difference is that American notaries, in most states, are regular people who after a simple process have obtained a license to act as a notary in a determined area or state, and his or her duties are basically to identify, witness and acknowledge something that has happened before them, (i.e. the signing of a contract) but they do not need to know or understand the legal scope or duties that the parties are acquiring through that contract.

the parties involved, or whoever is acquiring any obligation, understands what they are doing, and understands and acknowledges that any false declaration in front of a notary is against the law and could be punishable with jail. One of the biggest differences between Mexican and U.S. notaries is the liability. Mexican notaries are subject to harsh penalties if found to be acting incorrectly, their license can be revoked and they can even be legally prosecuted. All documents passed before a notary must be written in Spanish: no other language is valid. If any of the parties do not speak Spanish or are not fluent enough, it is the notary’s responsibility to make sure that this person is assisted by a translator (at the client’s expense) who must also legally sign the same document. In some cases (i.e. a house purchase) you are required by law to use the services of a notary: you do not have a choice in this.

On the other hand, a Mexican notary is more than an average person who identifies parties, witnesses and acknowledges something. The Mexican notary is an expert of the Law. They are an attorney who has gone through a lengthy and difficult process to obtain a license (patente) to act as a notary. They have the obligation to make sure that whoever is requiring his or her services understands the legal scope of the act or fact that is passed before them. Notaries in Mexico also must make sure that the action that it is being performed before them is legal according to the current laws. They must make sure that

There are many more differences, but in order to understand better, it is helpful to understand where the Mexican notary comes from. Since México has a “Civil Law” tradition, the Mexican notary is similar to figures found in many Latin American countries and some countries in Europe. In Mexico, the Notary Law is a state affair, therefore every Mexican State can decide how to rule and name notaries. In the area of Ixtapa – Zihuatanejo there are four notaries and they are subject to the Notary Law of the State of Guerrero. Although it is a State Law, notaries in this State can perform their duties

Photo by Nadine Markova

only inside a determined area, which in the case of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo’s notaries is the “District of Azueta”, which encompasses the municipality of José Azueta and the municipality of Petatlán. This does not mean that you must hire their services if you are purchasing a house in the area; you can take your case to a notary serving in a different area and even in a different State, but in the end this could be more expensive.

the signed document, which is almost as valid as the original because it was issued by the notary. Once the document is signed by the parties and the notary, the document is authorized, all the taxes are paid, and all the requirements of the law have been fulfilled, the notary is able to issue a “Testimonio” which is the most effective and legal document, second only to the original, that is kept in the book.

All the acts, deeds, by-laws, faith of acts or any other document passed before them must be printed into a book, which after it is signed can not be modified in any way. Once all of the parties or their legal representatives sign the book, and once the notary has reviewed and explained the legal scope to the parties, the notary must also sign the deed. Depending on the kind of document passed before the notary he or she will have to proceed to make sure that all the taxes are paid to authorize the document and if the document is subject to any kind of registry will have to record it in the corresponding Public Registry.The original document will always remain printed in the book. Notaries here have several books and once there are no more pages to print on, they close it and keep it in their offices for a few years, after which they will send these books to the General Notaries’ Files Office of the State of Guerrero, where the books will remain. Despite that there is only one original, after all the parties and the notary have signed the book, the notary is able to issue immediately a copy of

After reading the above, some of you might think that since the notary is an expert of the law and often you are required to use them, perhaps you do not need to hire your own attorney. This is not actually a very good idea; having your own attorney looking out for your best interest is always better. The notary certainly has the obligation of explaining to you the legal business you are entering into, but he or she also has the same obligation to the other party as well, and must be impartial. Your own attorney, on the other hand, is there solely to take care of your interests, which can not only save you time and money but can help make sure you have made the right decisions. Having good and personalized advice from your own representative is always the best way to avoid a bad experience. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Gustavo Calderón is an independent Mexican attorney licensed to practice law in all parts of Mexico. He specializes in real estate, migratory, and corporate law. You can contact him at gus.calderon@gmail.com

an an instrument called Permanent Insurance. As the name implies, the purpose of these policies is to stay in force until the policy endows, or pays out the death benefit. Under this category there are two main product lines: Universal Life and Variable Universal Life. In general, these policies are also called Cash Value Life Insurance.

By Dyana Pari Verdoni

Photo by Nadine Markova

Permanent insurance policies are like a motorcycle with a side car and there is more that just the death benefit in these policies. During the life of the policy, both Permanent Life products involve the owner paying a premium that goes into a “bucket.” At the bottom of the bucket is the cost of insurance, so that gets paid first, and of course, the next place the money goes is for administrative costs. The excess premium paid into the policy (that over just the cost of insurance + administrative costs) goes into the bucket as well as earns interest in a tax sheltered environment. Most cash value life insurance policies also have a loan provision allowing the owner to borrow the Cash Value of the policy, usually in a tax free, zero-interest environment.

hen we sit down to plan our retirement, we often contemplate beautiful sceneries, times with our family, and perhaps even a new business or career. However, it is just as important to consider the risks associated with growing older, especially the biggest one: Death.

20. That means that they have life insurance for a period of 20 years as long as they continue to pay the annual premiums. In this case, the insurance would provide an asset to the surviving parent to make-up for the loss of income if one parent were to pass away during the growing years of the child. Also, the premium, or the cost, is the same for the entire term.

Let’s face it. Life insurance can be a pretty depressing subject. Basically, we are planning for our death, which is something that we don’t usually care to focus on during our living years! This planning also forces us to consider the state of our family after we pass on. Of course, taking care of our family is an important subject regardless of our age. And thus, the potential to make an investment in the future of our family is of utmost importance.

When the term of the insurance is completed, many policies give owners the option to continue coverage as an Annual Renewable Term where the premium would increase annually. This premium will get larger and larger as we grow older since, statistically the chance of our death increases. Many people who have term insurance may choose to buy a new policy at the end of the term and will have to re-qualify through additional medical exams. In theory, a Term Life policy is very cheap because if the insurance company reviews my health and approves me for the policy, they feel that the chance is relatively low that I will die over the term of the policy. In the past, if you the insured didn’t pass away, the insurance company would “win” outright. However, today, many companies offer a Return of Premium rider on the policy that will rebate the owner the premiums (sometimes with interest!) if the insured survives the period of the term.

Before we can start to compare prices of insurance policies and determine our insurability, we first need to understand which type of life insurance is appropriate for us. In general, there are three main types of life insurance: Term, Universal and Variable Universal. Each type of insurance is unique and appropriate for a specialized set of circumstances. The type of insurance that we often see advertised on television and online is called Term Life. Term life is very inexpensive as it will provide coverage for a certain number (a term) of years. For example, usually when a couple has a baby, they buy Term

If we want to assure that our beneficiaries will receive a death benefit regardless of when we die, we will want to invest our annual premiums into

The simple version of a cash value policy is called Universal Life. Universal Life insurance is for persons who simply want to have a death benefit go to their beneficiary when the insured passes away. In a Universal Life Insurance policy, the excess premiums (that over the cost of insurance and the administrative cost) earn a certain level of interest, usually calculated quarterly by the insurance company. At the time of purchase, the insurance company will state a guaranteed minimum interest rate for this money, usually around three percent. The theory with this policy is that we will pay one flat premium during our entire life. When we are younger and we pay this premium, the excess money will go into the savings account and earn interest. When we are older, we pay the same amount into the premium and the deficit on the cost of insurance and the administrative costs will be funded via a sweep of funds from the cash value account. There is a risk that the percentage that the excess money is earning in the policy might drop in times of low interest rates and therefore, there would not be enough money in the cash account to cover the cost of insurance when we are older. For example, many persons who purchased Universal Life policies during the high interest rate times of the 1980’s did not take into account the possibility that the interest yield on the cash value account would go down as low for as long as we see in current times. As a result, many of these policies required significant additional premiums to stay in-force or simply imploded in the mid-2000s. If the policy implodes, the money from the cash account what was used in the past to pay the premiums is taxable to the owner since they received the benefit of the insurance over a period of time. Many persons have ended up with no insurance and a tax bill - that did not make many happy customers! To address the consumer concerns about such events reoccurring in the future, many insurance companies recently introduced a No Lapse Guarantee rider. This rider is a guarantee from the Insurance Company that as

long as one pays a certain premium (usually referred to as the No Lapse Guarantee Premium) the policy will stay in force until it endows or pays out the benefit. Variable Universal Life Insurance works in a similar way to Universal Life; however in Variable Life Insurance, the risk associated with the growth of the money in the cash account is transferred from the insurance company to the policy owner. Many persons like this type of policy because they can invest in the market in a tax free environment and they may earn returns in significant excess of those the simple interest instrument in a universal life policy. Most Variable Life insurance policies offer a vast portfolio of investment options for policy owners. The investment options usually include a range of choices including the large, midsize and small company stocks, international investment options as well as fixed income options such as bonds and real estate. These funds are called separate accounts and look and feel similar to mutual funds; however they are not traded on the open market. In most cases, the money in this account grows in a tax free environment and may be loaned to the policy owner in a zero interest non-taxable environment. For example, one use of a variable insurance policy is to fund a private executive pension plan. A variable life insurance policy is not for everyone. It may seem like a great way to participate in the market in a tax free environment, but there is more to it than meets the eye. Unless the owner of the policy plans on paying a premium significantly over the base of the cost of insurance + administrative costs, the alleged value of the “tax free earnings” will be eaten up by policy fees. Since these policies pay the highest commission to agents, many sales of variable policies are unsuitable. Additionally, the Security and Exchange Commission and state insurance commissioners are working on specific guidelines to protect consumers. Life insurance is an instrument to protect those who depend on us in case of our death. When we are younger, we might be insuring our “untimely death” using Term Insurance. However, as we grow older, many of us will include Permanent Insurance in our portfolio. In most cases, life insurance will provide tax free money to our beneficiary when we pass away, and this money may be used to fill the void our income once held, pay off a large debt, such as a mortgage, or fund a specific financial goal such as estate planning or business continuation. Most of all, it is important to understand the variety of options in a general sense so that when we look specific policies offered by companies, we have a general understanding of what we are looking for, what department we are shopping in. This piece of our retirement planning process may not be fun for us today; however, it is something that will help preserve our families’ standard of living once we pass away. And for that peace of mind, there is no price. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: After many achievements as a Financial Consultant and Tax Shelter Specialist for one of the largest financial services companies in the world, Dyana Pari Verdoni now works with the Expat and Expat “to be” community in Mexico. She works with her clients to create a financial portfolio poised to meet their retirement and legacy planning dreams. Based in Mexico City, Dyana Pari Verdoni may be contacted via email at dyanapari@mac.com or phone 415-287-3337 for additional information and client interviews.

FOR SALE – Penthouse, 3 BDRM en suite 2-story condo with stunning view of La Ropa Beach and Zihuatanejo Bay. Satellite TV, telephone, washer/dryer, a/c & ceiling fans, fully furnished. Large pool, 24 hour security. 5 min. walk to beach. Excellent rental history. US$395,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties, jude@prodigy.net.mx, Tel. 52-(755) 554 6226, 52-(755)-557-0078,. www.paradiseproperties.com.mx

FOR SALE - Punta Peñasco Zihua Bay View Studio 80 sq mts, furnished w/Jacuzzi, pool in complex, $130,000 US. Also 1 lot with same view, 271 sq mts, sacha2001mx@yahoo.com.mx Or DF Tel. 0155-528-24356

URUAPAN – QUINTA MAGNOLIA. A forest within the city. 3 suites, rental by day, week or month. www.quintamagnolia.com tel. (01) (452) 523-8223 zebrauruapan@hotmail.com

FOR SALE - Porto Ixtapa Villas Marina No. B3. This 2 BDRM, 2 BATH Condo located in Villas Marina section of the exclusive gated community of Porto Ixtapa. A spacious split-level layout, picturesque and nautical setting with Marina and Ocean Views. $255,000 U.S. dollars .Tim Sullivan Ixtapa Real Estate (755) 553-3218, www.ixtaparealestate.com

Casa Puesta del Sol at Barra de Potosí Bungalow and duplex accommodations located on a beautiful, quiet beach with safe swimming, kayaking, hiking and fishing. Established rental business with onsite caretakers. Website: www.casa-puesta-delsol.com e-mail: info@casa-puesta-del-sol.com

FOR SALE - Airy and clean 2 bedroom condo in Las Bugambilias, on the Palma Real Golfcourse with nice view to the fairway. Well maintained gardens, pool, 24 hr. security. Listed at US$150,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties, jude@prodigy.net.mx, Tel. 52-(755) 554 6226, 52(755)-557-0078,. www.paradise-properties.com.mx

Mexico Beach Property - Beachfront and beachview lots, homes, condominiums in Zihuatanejo and the surrounding beaches. Contact John Murphy at (755) 554-0719 or email: john@mexicobeachpro perty.com

Punta Ixtapa Condominium with private pool - This ground floor 3 bedroom 4 bath apartment is located in the most exclusive neighborhood in Ixtapa. 24 hour security, private club and beaches, $630,000. Contact John Murphy at (755) 554-0719 john@mexicobeachproperty.com

100 meters of beach frontage with over 1 acre of total land in La Saladita. This lot is suitable for investment, development or subdivision. Priced to sell at $400,000. Contact John Murphy at (755) 5540719 or email: john@mexicobeachproperty.com

CASA BONITA, IXTAPA 230M2 construcción 4 recamaras, 3 baños, 1 estacionamiento, cuarto de lavado, vestidor, amueblado, a/c, salón de juegos, vigilancia, áreas verdes, alberca, cancha de tenis, terraza, elevador, vista al club de golf. Tel. 544 87 87 , 544 87 88 Cel. 755 102 8147 $230,000 USD www.propertyshop.com.mx

Lots For Sale – at $200 US/sq mt, all services, inside Punta Peñasco complex. Magnificent view of Zihua Bay, overlooking Playa La Ropa. soflozano@yahoo.com, tel. 0155 37-31-3345

FOR RENT – Punta Peñasco Zihua Bay Views Apts , 1 Bdrm bungalow, furnished, with kitchenette, and terrace and 1 furnished Studio w/Jacuzzi and pool, from 350-600US/week. sacha2001mx@yahoo.com.mx Or Call locally Tel. 755-554-4225 or DF Tel. 0155-528-24356

BEACH FRONT CONDOMINIUM164M2 construcción, 2 recamaras, 2 baños, 1 estacionamiento, area de lavado, cocina integral, a/c, vigilancia, areas verdes, alberca, terraza, playa. www.propertyshop.com.mx Tel. 544 87 87 , Cel. 755 102 8147 Pre-sale $ 240,000 USD

Dazzling views of the beach, bay, & beyond! This 2 BR/2bath Playa La Ropa luxury condo at La Casa Que Ve Al Mar is magical. Infinity pools, A/C, security, fitness room,Wi-Fi, easy beach access, parking. Short or long term rentals. www.zihuatanejo-condos.com

FOR SALE - Paseo de las Golondrinas No. 66 A must see, one of a kind single story residence. Consisting of the house, an ample 3 BDRM with 3 Full Baths, independant guest APT and lareg swimming pool which borders the 2nd fairway of the Palma Real Golf Course $245,000 U.S. dollars.Tim Sullivan Ixtapa Real Estate (755) 553-3218, www.ixtaparealestate.com

Resort Ownership on Playa La Ropa Club Intrawest *1,2 & 3-bedroom Vacation Home *Sweeping ocean views *Spacious floor plans

Club Intrawest - Zihuatanejo *Private terraces with plunge pool *Zi - The Restaurant at Club Intrawest Tel. 755 555 0382

Club Intrawest – Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo *Visit the Discovery Center. Open daily. *Variety of ownership opportunities available Tel. 755 555 0382

FOR SALE - Marbella Penthouse No. 1 - If location is important to you, then this luxury condo is what you have been looking for. From this 2 BDRM/2 BATH furnished APT you will savor an impressive panoramic view of Ixtapa Beach, as well as the Palma Real Golf course with the mountains in the distance. $325,000 U.S. dollars. Tim Sullivan Ixtapa Real Estate (755) 553-3218, www.ixtaparealestate.com

CASA DE LA SIRENA - Beachfront Vacation Rentals, Troncones, Mexico *Private villa with pool *2 story Bungalows *Mini Villas Open air kitchens/ living rooms, a/c, Pool w/swim up palapa bar, WiFi www.casadelasirena.net

Bernie’s Bed & Breakfast “Playa Calli” on the beach at Playa Blanca, For Rent. ECOLOGICALLY BUILT 5 BDRM Home with separate lounging, dining, kitchen area over looking fresh water pool, right on the beach in Playa Blanca (near Barra de Potosi.) For Rent, Rooms $110 USD per night. www.zihuatanejo.net/playacalli

Casa de Los Espejos – Club de Golf – Ixtapa. Vacation Home, perfect for large groups, family reunions: Accommodations for up to 18 persons, 6 Bedrooms with A/C and private bathrooms. Fully equipped kitchen, pool, daily maid service, rates by the day, week or month. Contact Yolanda Tel. # (755) 553-0082, (755) 554-0813, cell: (755) 558-5138

Zihuatanejo – Town Living with Style, Charming 1 BR + loft, 2 story home with garden. Centrally located, close to transportation and shopping. Fully furnished down to the computer. US $95,000. Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties, jude@prodigy.net.mx, Tel. 52-(755) 554 6226, 52(755)-557-0078,. www.paradise-properties.com.mx

Casa Frida- Unique home for sale Barra de Potosi – Custom built 4 bed 5 bath, 3 separate buildings.ain house with master bedroom, dining, living, kitchen and terrace with ocean view. Lush tropical garden with swimming pool, open aire kitchen and dining room and separate caretaker’s house. Can be used as a B&B or private residence. $350,000 US www.casafrida.net, casa-frida@zihuatanejo.net Tel. 755-557-0049

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@yahoo.com

Panoramic beach & bay views, pools, Gym, 24 hour security and parking in “La Casa Que Ve Al Mar” overlooking La Ropa Beach. Gourmet kitchen, A/C, Satellite Plasma TVs, phones, marble & teak finishes. Rentals from $150.00/day and Special Rates available. Contact: Tel: US toll-free (866) 358-5268, www.beachviewzihua.com or mollie@eagle2.net

ZIHUATANEJO OCEAN VIEW LOT 455m2 Superficie, vigilancia, areas verdes, cancha de tenis, casa club, uso de suelo habitacional, Tel. 544 87 87, Cel. 755 102 8147 $75,200

Lake Zirahuen Chalet Cerrito Colorado for rent – 15 mi. from Patzcuaro on picturesque Lake Zirahuen. Duplex on its own 5-acre private estate, each side has double BDRM, bath, living and fully-equipped kitchen. Perfect for famlies, both units rent together. Surounded by pine trees and panoramic lake and moutain views, it’s a perfect retreat. (Also Land For Sale) Tel. (01) 443-3144569, 443-315-8345 www.mexonline.com/zirahuen

Lake Zirahuen Rincon de San Miguel Cabañas for rent – located on the slopes of Copandaro, each cabin has 1 king, 2 full and 2 twin sized beds, with fully equipped kitchen, chimney, terrace and spectacular view of the lake. Fishing, swimming, kayaking, boating, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking available. (Also Land For Sale) Tel. (01) 452-524-9855, cel. 452-102-5678, rincon_ sanmiguel@hotmail.com, www.lagozirahuen.com

Lake Zirahuen Meson Maracuya Cabins for rent – Enjoy the beauty of the lake and its natural surroundings while being in the center of a culturally rich region. Rent three star quality cabins daily, weekly, or monthly. Restaurant service, tours w/private driver, or guides for mountain biking, boating or hiking. Tel. (01) 452-5209160, (33) 3208-2010, info@mesonmaracuya.com.mx, www.mesonmaracuya.com.mx

Flamingo Golf Villa’s on Paseo Ixtapa, 150 mts before Marina Ixtapa. This 3 BDRM, 3 BATH + maids room with BATH. Professionally decorated w/individual mini split A/C in each room and fully furnished. $234,900 USD. Search “Flamingo Golf Ixtapa” for more info.

Troncones beachfront private home rental. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, ac, pool, Satellite TV, High Speed Wireless Internet, Kid and handicap friendly. Housekeeper and Gardener. Cooking available. Contact Ginger Caraway at thelamorada@aol.com or www.lamorada.com

With the mountain behind, in the residential area of Troncones beach this home was built to benefit from the friendly nature, opened to the cooling sea breezes. Four separate units have a thatched roof. Spacious dining, living with its loft, 2 bdrm, one with a terrace. 2 kitchens under tiled roof. Pantry. Storage. 3 bathrooms, 2 washrooms. Pool. A garden with lots of palms & trees provide generous shade. To be sold with all the furniture designed for this home. (755)554-0719 or email johnmexicobeachproperty.com

HERE

FOR SALE - CLUB DE GOLF. 4 BDRM unique home in the most exclusive neighborhood on the golf course in Ixtapa. Ocean view, fuly furnished, large Pool, 5 min. walk to beach. Tel. (52) 755 544 8384 Fax. (52) 755 55 4 61 85 Cel. 755 115 09 20 Hotel Tentaciones on the road to Playa La Ropa next to Casa Cuitlateca. canjunso@yahoo.com

FOR SALE 5 BDRM/5 BATH unique home. Ocean front on Zihuatanejo Bay. 2 min. walk to La Ropa Beach. Designed by Desormaux Arquitectos Tel. (52) 755 544 8384 Fax. (52) 755 55 4 61 85 Cel. 755 115 09 20 Hotel Tentaciones on the road to Playa La Ropa next to Casa Cuitlateca canjunso@yahoo.com

LAND FOR SALE 1,600 M2, La Ropa Beach. This lot is suitable for investment, development or subdivision. Magnificent view of Zihuatanejo Bay. Tel. (52) 755 544 8384 Fax. (52) 755 55 4 61 85 Cel. 755 115 09 20 Hotel Tentaciones on the road to Playa La Ropa next to Casa Cuitlateca canjunso@yahoo.com ©Another Day in Paradise ®, Mexico 1999. All Rights Reserved.

Classifieds: ¡Learn Spanish! Centro de Idiomas Mesoamericano - David Román, M.A, (University of Georgia, UGA) Over 26 Years Teaching Spanish as a Second Language! Address: Edif. O Depto. 101,Villas del Pacífico (next to Bodega Aurrerà) Tel. (755)112 20 42 Cyber: www.davidroman88.com Email: davidroman88@hotm ail.com www.paseosculturales.com Ixtapa Christian Fellowship. 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.

365 Sunsets- Enjoy the sunset year round from the 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.

Zihuatanejo Christian Fellowship. Non-denominational English language service every Sunday morning in Zihuatanejo, look for the signs, stop by La Casa Cafe in La Madera or contact John 755-554-7178 for more information. Troncones Christian Fellowship. Non-denominational English language service every Sunday in Troncones. Contact Ron 755-554-5919 for more information. HELP WANTED - Receptionist for real estate office. Must speak and write English and Spanish fluently. Computer Savvy. Experienced. References Required. Call (755) Call 554 6226 or 554 0406 ADVERTISING SALES AGENTS, Another Day in Paradise magazine needs ad sales agents. Commision based pay, flexible hours, bilingual a plus. 755-544-8023, info@adip.info JAZZ DUO - Bringing something new to live music in Zihuatanejo. Jazz vocals and guitar with Rai and Aikeke for private events. Contact: 044 755 104 8654 or isarai.azaria@mac.com SALSA LESSONS - Need a reason to break out your dancing shoes? Come join us for bimonthly salsa lessons. Minimal cost (to cover teacher and location rental). Space is limited. Go to www.weheartzihua.com/salsa for more information.

FOR SALE - New beach front condominium, 90 m2, 1 bedroom, 1 bath, living dining area, fully equipped kitchen, laundry center, A/C, terrace, 1 parking space, 24 hrs. security, pool in common area, spa, gym, Jacuzzi, beach club, snack bar by the pool, game room, unbeatable location on playa del Palmar, Ixtapa. $ 200 000 USD Best Properties Real Estate 553 - 1428 & 553 - 1429 bestproperties.com.mx

Mexican Consulates in the US and Canada: www.mexicoline.com/consulate.htm Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mexico: www.sre.gob.mx Immigration Mexico: www.inami.gob.mx Electronic Guide to Mexican Laws: www.llrx.com/features/mexican.htm Mexican Tourist Board: www.visitmexico.com For the latest security and information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the American State Department’s Internet web site at http: //travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov For any emergencies involving American citizens, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-50802000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000. You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx The Embassy’s Internet address is www.usembassymexico.gov/ Elizabeth Williams, US Consular Agent Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo US Consular Agency Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo: Hotel Fontan, Ixtapa. Tel: From U.S: 011 52 755 553 2100 (FAX 553 2772) From Mexico: 01 755 553 2100 Locally: 553 2100 Cell: Locally 044 755 557 1106 From U.S: 011 52 755 557 1106 eMail: lizwilliams@diplomats consularixtapa@prodigy.net.mx Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m to 5:00 p.m. Closed for all Mexican and American Holidays: www.lizwilliams.org for information and resources.

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