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Lemus
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Letter from the Editor Welcome back to the second edition of Let’s Go México Travel Magazine! In this issue we once again give our readers some interesting articles brought to you by our reporters, who have a great passion for discovering new things and sharing it with the world. Our mission is clear we want to give our readers original and interesting content, but also want our magazine to focus on our cause of how SAFE México really is. Our current city is Puerto Vallarta and we plan on doing the next issue in the city too. why? Well, there is so much! We haven’t even scratched the surface we want opur readers to learn about the many places there are to eat and explore. So, for this second issue I invite you to check out Lets go México Travel Magazine. We are proud and dedicated professionals working on this magazine doing what we can to spread the word about a safe and beautiful México. Enjoy I.M.
Sales Director Patricia S Moreno Marketing and Creative Director Israel Moreno Designers April Shanahan Jason Miller Steve Gile Photographer Claudia Olmos Contributing Writers Graham Ross Cook Israel Moreno Creative Assistance Development Monique Moreno USA publisher 4ugraphix.com Canada Representative Rosa Thompson Story Contributer Estella Badillo
PUERTO VALLARTA
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Celebrities in Mexico Caballito de Mar
pg.10
Totanac man of warm EARTH Featured Recipe
pg.8
pg.17
pg.17
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Whales in Mexico! Humpback Whales
Humpback whales are an amazing part of the Puerto Vallarta experience. During the winter humpbacks are seen off the coast of Puerto Vallarta, traveling through the world’s oceans. Whales are affectionate mammals, as they take really good care of their young, keeping them close during their yearly migration. Singing, these creatures communicate with each other as they travel long distances to reach warmer waters. But what is the migration all about? Well, studies show that they migrate to warmer waters in the winter to breed. So, it is safe to assume that even whales appreciate the romantic Mexican coasts. Be sure to go whale watching if you’re in Méxicoduring the right season, watching these majestic animals really shows us that the vast oceans creatures rule and we should respect the ocean and protect the lives of these loving mammals. Let’s go México Travel Magazine Loves Ocean Life and so should YOU! Like us on Face book @ Lets go Mexico Travel Magazine.
Spiders
Employed by the God’s to ensure that the ceremonies and traditions are carried out properly. The fear of a spider bite ensures the God’s that the ceremonies will be carried out.
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EVERYONE
LOVES MEXICO
ESPECIALLY CELEBRITIES When it comes to having a good time celebrities know that Mexico is a place to go. Just in case you didn’t know many celebrities pick Mexico as their number one vacation spot. Why? What do you mean why? Have you ever been to Mexico? It is a very romantic place that is filled with locals that are also in love with their small towns and cities. There seems to be so much passion in Mexico and Celebrities really show their love. So check out the following list and see what these celebrities did in Mexico.
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Paul McCartney had free concerts in Mexico! One in Guadalajara and the other in México City. México citizens have shown immense support for the iconic Beatle throughout his career, and McCartney is well aware of this. His first concert was in Guadalajara where he performed many great songs from his very long playlist. Once he arrived to Mexico City he played at the famous “Estadio Azteca” which is the place where Mexicans gather
and make the stadium rumble when their favorite soccer teams are playing. México loves Paul, and Paul loves México as he chanted “Viva México Cabrones” or “Long Life México Bithces”; which made the crowed go wild. It was nice to see Paul show so much love for México and for that he should know that México has his back.
Lady Gaga is a very well-known artist. Her style may seem a bit odd to
many, but when you see her down to a small bikini taking on some waves in Puerto Vallarta you might not think that the 25 year old super star was capable of being a surfer chick. Lady Gaga is not only a true artist but a person that’s not afraid to ride a wave in México’s beautiful warm beaches. You Rock Lady Gaga.
Kim Kardashin you wonder why Kim is such a superstar? Well, many peo-
ple do, but I wonder why Kim is such a Mexico fan? The answer is obvious, she likes to relax in the beautiful beaches, she loves the people and culture, she loves the cuisine and service, and most importantly she loves our magazine. Kim is said to be a sweet person that has great taste and it shows since she’s a frequent Mexico Vacationer. Kim we love you.
George Clooney and Stacy Keibler
He has a record of only dating the finest of women; like wine he chooses the best in this case Stacy Keibler. Now, Stacy is not your ordinary gal, she is has made a name for herself in the WWE (world wrestling entertainment) and as a model. These two have been spotted enjoying the sun rays in Mexico a few times. George is a very smart guy, he knows the Mexican ambience can help set the mood for many romantic unforgettable evenings. George knows and so should you.
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O
ne day as sculptor Rafael Zamarripa was at one of Puerto Vallarta’s Beaches; he observed a child building sand castles. Suddenly, a seahorse rode a wave into the shore and invited the boy to ride it along the bay and visit its many beautiful beaches. The imagination of Rafael Zamarripa gave him the vision to create the sculpture that now represents the beautiful Puerto Vallarta. In 1966, Rafael Zamarripa created a beautiful sculpture of about 3 meters high; this is the representation of a child riding a seahorse. The sculptor chose the combination of the child and sea horse, because he imagined that if a person was to mount a sea creature, a seahorse would be ideal due to its resemblance to the terrestrial horse. He also imagined that it would create an amazing silhouette when the sun was directly behind it.
The sea horse or as it is said in Spanish “El Caballito del Mar” was officially inaugurated in 1968. The Statue was placed in a group of rocks called “The Pilitas” located at the end of “Playa de Los Muertos” or beach of the dead. The statue one day
disappeared mysteriously after it fell because of high winds and the constant impact of waves. It wasn’t until 1976 that Zamarripa created a new version of the sculpture and was placed in the malecon/boardwalk in front of what use to be a lighthouse.
The original sculpture reappeared and then was lost again in 2002 due to Hurricane Kenna , however, as strange and mysterious as it seems, it has once again been found. As if the mischievous imagination of Zamarripa had become a reality, because of the unknown disappearances and sudden appearances of the original sculpture. Had the seahorse and child really explored the bay of Banderas as Zamarripa imagined? Today, the original sculpture can be observed against the City Hall, on the Paseo Diaz Ordaz, all this due to the expansion of the Malecon in 2011. El Caballito del Mar reminds one of the symbols that represents the city of Puerto Vallarta.
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Discovering
QUIMIXTO
A Tour Turned into a Place to Reflect and Think I have always wanted that feeling of adventure when I travel, and one place that I found was beautiful Quimixto. I was not expecting it, since the plan was to take a boat trip to some waterfall and go snorkeling next to some big giant rocks. When we arrived to Quimixto I felt peace, as we all waited to get on the small speed boat that was transporting us to shore, I couldn’t resist.
I jumped off the side of the tour boat and swam along with a few others. It was as if we were in some remote part of the world where technology was limited and people had to live off the fruits of the earth; I was in love. The first thing that stood out was a nice restaurant on the beach, behind it was the path leading us to an area where they had horses waiting for visitors to take them up to the famous waterfall.
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I
felt tranquility while passing by the small village whose path of dirt seemed as it has been groomed by wooden made brooms of wicker. As many began to mount horses I decided to hike and enjoy the nature around me. I had a lot of time to think, and have to say that it was a memorable moment in my vacation. As we got closer I was able to hear the powerful waterfall, and once I arrived I could feel an energy coming from the impact of the waterfall, its surrounding area and the people. It was as if there there was a strong energy being concentrated into this small remote place; it was brilliant. Immediately I embraced it by getting into the water to swim. There were some local kids that were climbing the rocks and getting under the waterfall and then diving off, very dangerous, but had to try it. The rocks were very slippery and were used as slides, so climbing them was a challenge and it took me about four times until I was finally able to climb under the waterfall. . I was connected to this energy, I felt part of it, I looked down and felt compelled to jump, however I hesitated. What if I was sucked in by the waterfalls force? Suddenly, the energy filled me with courage and I dove off‌ For more check out www.letsgomex.com and like us on facebook.com/letsgomexico
Graham Ross Cook Hola Amigos, When I first arrived in Mexico, although I was a seasoned traveler, coming for an
extended stay required recapturing my common sense, using extra caution and most importantly learning and respecting the Mexican culture and the local mojo “El Mixo” You know, fitting in instead of expecting an entire country change for me. It wasn’t long before I felt safer in Mexico than I did in my home country of Canada and Canada is a relatively safe country. Living six blocks from the beach where I perform in Puerto Vallarta, I have the privilege of walking everywhere, so I do. Fitness is natural here everybody walks, talks, smiles, and every gesture is a genuine nod of good health. Mexicans, Canadians, Americans and all other lucky foreigners that have ended up blending and living life as they dreamed it would be, Perfecto! There is no city in Canada or the United states where I would feel safer than I do here. That being said, here is the story of my
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absolute scariest moment. I decided to move up the Rio Quale and found myself on the top of the hill in a little old Mexican town called Paso Ancho.
There were a handfull of grinro’s hanging out in the hills, mostly artists
and because it is a very inspirational I picked my nest, set up camp and stayed for two years. There will be more stories in future issues and this first one is about HONESTY. One evening around 1:00am, I was returning from work, and as always, I hailed a cab to get me to the town square, where I would make my way up the 278 Mexican steps to my studio in the bamboo Jungle. Mexican steps are different than the steps I grew up recognizing because one will be 10 inches high, the next one maybe 13 inches, and then there won’t be one at all, and so on and so on. This night, when I left the cab, I dropped my wallet without realizing it and made my way up to my loft. It was not till the following morning that I realized I was without a wallet!
Graham’s Spot So, I did what everybody does, Freak-out! Going over and over the route home, in my mind, until I accepted the obvious, it was gone FOREVER. I had a minor meltdown as I realized the magnitude of a wallet lost in the Mexico that I had read so much about. Needless to say it ruined my day and week as I phoned, emailed, and was put on hold by every agency contacted. By the weeks end, I was no closer to being legal in Mexico, or anywhere else than the day the wallet left my hands. My credit cards were successfully canceled, leaving me with only the money I had in my pants and on my dresser. I still had my passport and thought, Oh well the rest of the identification replacement can wait until I return to Canada. Three weeks later and once again returning from work in the wee hours by taxi, I was walking from the town center to my street when I heard, what I was programed to believe, was the five worst words to hear in Mexico
“Amigo, I got what you need,” which meant to me ,TROUBLE. Not good, I thought and picked up my pace after returning with a quick, “No you don’t amigo;” I was scared. It was 2:00am, pitch black out, one street light and I was all alone in old Mexico, with a streetwise Mexican behind me... I was taught to be scared so I was acting as programed, the second time he spoke he was much closer sounding more aggressive. I thought to myself, if he comes any closer or says anything more to me, I am going to turn around and prepare to defend myself. Now right behind me he says one more time and with conviction, ”Amigo, I got what you need” and as I turned with my heaviest
Gringo look, fists in the air and said “No you don’t have what I need!” I saw that in his raised hand was MY WALLET. As he gave me back my moldy untouched wallet complete with exactly the cash count that was in it when it was lost three weeks previous, all I could do was laugh through my embarrassment and apologize humbly in Spanglish, for my ignorance. I tried to reward my Mexican friend, but he insisted it was unnecessary and flatly refused. I said thank you and sorry in my finest Spanglish several times as my Mexican friend went back to where he came from and I continued making my way up the 278 stairs. Do you think though, maybe, some of our Canadian American beliefs and/or disbeliefs, combined with our negligible foreign language communication skills may foster some of the negative situations we find ourselves in when traveling in foreign countries. I will tell you this, I was prepared to kick that guy’s ass, whose cousins, quite likely would have come in from the darkness and taught me a lesson. Sometimes even a seasoned idiot is just an idiot. My friends name is Paco and he works for me now. You think I trust him! You think I believe everything I hear NOW! G. the Entertainer For more on Graham check his website out at www.grahamcookmusic.com see him perfrom live at The Blue Shrimp Restaurant in Puerto Vallarta
Rituals of the
Totanac MAN OF WARM
EARTH
Totonac Culture inhabited the coastal and mountainous regions of eastern Mexico at the time the Spanish arrived in 1519. Their roots of ancient times and currently associated with the city of Papantla, Veracruz. They were the builders of the pre-Columbian city of El Tajin. It’s Culture stands out for its wide ceramic, stone sculpture, architecture and for its advanced urban perception. According to the Mexican Dictionary language, the word Totonacatl refers to the inhabitants of the province Totonacapan. Some authors have suggested that the term “Totonac” means “man of warm earth.” Thier culture is characterized by performing the ritual ceremony of the Flyers (also known as Flyer’s game) is an indigenous Aztec tradition performed by Totonac. The ritual consists of dancing and climbing a 30 meter pole which four of the five participants tied with ropes throw themselves and slowly descend in a Lets Go Mexico 16
circular motion, until they reach the ground.
ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severe drought The tip of the top post is equipped with a drum of 25 cm in diameter, the frame rotates, giving the the priest the ability to dance. The fifth remains at the top of the pole, dancing and playing the flute and drum. The priest who wears red and white (represents the sun) carries a coat of many colors representing the rainbow. According to myth
the rainbow, according to myth, ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severe drought. The pole represents the connection between earth and heaven, four ropes become entangled representing the umbilical cord, the four flying ascend to the tip harnessed by the waist with a rope, then the priest ascends to the drum also on the tip of the pole, standing on the drum he dances and plays a flute,as he dances on the drum the sounds of his steps travel into the earth and the sound of the flute ascends to the heavens. The dance is done four times in four directions (north, south, east and west) as part of their ritual prayers.
The connection between earth and heaven
The priest sits on the drum and the four flyers gently fall back and allow gravity to slowly guide them to the ground as the frame of the top rotates in a circular motion and their descend is smooth and graceful .The mastery of this ritual allows them to know exactly how many times they will rotate before the reach the ground; it is13 revolutions around the pole before landfall, the number of 4 (flyers) x 13 (rotations) equals 53 represents Venus, the morning star and its influence on the earth. Mr. Crisanto, native Totonac, shares it has been nine years since installation of the the “Papantla Flyers� on the Puerto Vallarta boardwalk. Find thes Flyer’s at the baordwalk in Puerto Vallarta and witness a ritual that has been practices for many years as a way to be in tune with earth and heaven.
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CHILE RELLENOS CHILE RELLENOS A TRUE MEXICAN TRADITION
C
hiles Rellenos are a very im8 chiles poblanos grilled, clean the inside portant Mexican tradition. ½ kilo of ground beef One of the reasons is that ½ kilo de ground pork (optional) chilies are used in almost every 4 garlic cloves finley sliced Mexican dish, being an import1 chopped onion ant element in Mexican cuisine. 3 chopped carrots This dish is very traditional, goes 1 chopped potato back to the XVII century, and has ½ cup of Chopped parsley evolved as people from different 1 cup of tomato puree regions of Mexico have includ½ liter of cream ed their touch to the traditional Chiles Rellenos. Some ingredients used inside include: Mexican Cheese, Tuna, Shrimp, and other ingredients. So, as we all know the Chile Relleno we cannot assume that every Chile Relleno will be what we are accustomed to. Besides the outside chili the inside stuffing can differ in different parts of the country so as common the name Chile Rellenos is as a dish, in Mexico expect differences in different regions of Mexico.
The Chile Relleno 1.Start with grilling the Chiles Poblanos (clean the inside) 2.Fry the chopped garlic cloves along with the other vegetables 3.Add the tomato puree 4.Add salt and seasoning and Parsley 5.Continue cooking meat and vegetables until golden brown. 6.Stuff the poblano chiles with the meat mixture and use
SALSA Boil Chilis with tomatos place in blender and liquify (add the garlic clove and some seasoning and chili avanero if decided to use) next pour sauce into a pan with a small amount of oil let the sauce fry the add sliced onion. Let it boil and make sure the taste is of your liking.
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Julia and J. Juan from San Martin Tilcajete, Oaxaca
Next biggest Stars in Mexican Folk Art Juans demonstration of wood carving is exceptional and Julia’s paintings are so much more refined to the traditional primitive paintings and are adding a new level of depth to Mexican Folk Art. These two very talented artists prove their mastering of the craft by the amazing angles of their pieces and precise painting techniques that simply give each piece a unique look compared to many other traditional pieces. Huichol art is passed down from many generations, continues to thrive and is evolving as younger generations are beginning to master the craft. It takes many years of learning the techniques from previous masters, but once learned the imagination is the limit. Here is a finished piece made by the two. Look at the color variation and the patterns. The piece itself is very smooth because of the many hours spent carving it into perfection.
Wolf
The Huichol believe that their ancestors were wolves, powerful shaman can become shape shifters turning from human to the animal form of a dog or a wolf
To keep up with Julia and Juan visit www.peyotepeople. And like us on Facebook Peyotepeople
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STARTING OFF
Wolf
The Huichol believe that their ancestors were wolves, powerful shaman can become shape shifters turning from human to the animal form of a dog or a wolf
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TO OUR
READERS
Hello, I hope you enjoyed this issue of Let’s Go México Travel Magazine. We have received multiple emails regarding the magazine and website. Some want to know exactly what we are doing and why we exist. Well, Let’s go Mexico Travel Magazine was created to promote the many beautiful and SAFE areas of México. We have been working non-stop in getting more supporters of our cause and encourage all of you to also participate, and tell us your México vacation story. Teaming up with people and spreading the word about what is
really happening in places like Puerto Vallarta is important to take away the fear many have when thinking of traveling to México. We have teamed up with photographers of Puerto Vallarta Hoy to photograph EVERYTHING Puerto Vallarta! So, as they get set up check out their Instagram @puertovallartahoy and start following them! All of their pictures will also be featured on our Facebook page and website.
Other stuff to know we are hurrying and will be releasing the Let’s Go México Vol.3 in earlier than expected and are updating our website and will be launching it early August. So keep checking in with us subscribe to the magazine on our site, Follow us on Facebook, and visit our website www.letsgomex.com. Israel M.
Next Issue Vol.3
FRIDA
Find us on
@puertovallartahoy
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
CONSULATES - CONSULADOS
American Consulate (consulado Americano) 222 0069 - Fax 223 0074 Canadian Consulate (consulado Canadiense) 293 0099 & 293 0098 - Fax 293 2894
NORTH NAYARIT COAST BUCERIAS
EMBASSIES - EMBAJADAS
American Embassy (Embajada Americana) 01 (55) 5080 2000 Canadian Embassy (Consulado Canadiense) 01 (55) 5724 7900 British Embassy (Embajada Britanica) 01 (55) 5242 8500
NUEVO VALLARTA
EMERGENCY NUMBERS - TELEFONOS DE EMERGENCIA
AIRPORT
BANDERAS BAY
HOTEL ZONE
N W
MARINA VALLARTA
PUERTO VALLARTA E
DOWN TOWN MALECON RIO CUALE
S
VIEJO VALLARTA LOSARCOS
CONCHAS CHINAS
TO BARRA DE NAVIDAD
SOUTHERN COAST PV
Ambulance, Red Cross (Ambulancia, Cruz Roja) 222 1533 & 065 City Hall (Palacio Municipal) 226 8080 Consumer Affairs (Profeco) 225 0000 Fire Department (Bomberos) 223 9476 or 223 9478 Immagration (Migracion) 224 7970 Police (Policia) 060 or 290 0507 Port Captain (Capitania de Puerto) 224 0427 Regional Hospital (Hospital Regional) 299 5600 State Tourism (Turismo del Estado) 221 2676 Telegraph Office (Telegrafos) 222 0212 Traffic Police (Transito) 290 0507 or 290 0512
AIRLINES - LINEAS AEREAS Airport (Aeropuerto) Air Transat Aero Calafia Aeromexico Aerotron Alaska Airlines Aviacsa American Airlines Continental Airlines Delta Airlines Interjet Northwest Airlines United Airlines Us Airways Volaris
221 1537 221 0547 & 01 (800) 716 9547 222 0486 224 2777 & 224 2778 226 8440 221 1350 & 01 (800) 426 0333 221 2624 - Fax 221 3095 01 (800) 904 6000 221 1025 & 221 221 2213 221 2524 & 01 (800) 123 4710 01 (800) 011 2345 01 (800) 900 0800 221 3262 & 01 (800) 003 0777 221 1333 - Fax 221 1522 & 01 (800) 122 8000
Juarez 450 Juarez & Mina
224 5454 & 224 0297 222 3501 & 222 3500 01 800 226 2663
Peru y Nicaragua 303 Plaza Genovesa Banco Inverlat Juarez 374 Plaza Marina Banorte Fco. Medina A. 500 Paseo Diaz Ordaz 690 HSBC Libertad & Miramar Francia 100
222 6120 & 01 800 501 0000 224 1402 & 224 1207 223 1224 & 221 223 1225 221 0493 & (800) 221 0460 224 9744 & 224 9755 222 3833 & 222 1987 222 0027 & 222 0227 224 8800
American Express MasterCard Visa
221 3530 001 (800) 307 7309 001 (800) 257 3381
Amerimed Plaza Neptuno Hospital CMQ Basilio Badillo 365 Hospital CMQ Premiere Fco. Villa 1749 Hospital Cornerstone Av. Los Tules 136
226 6500 223 1919 226 6500 226 3700
BANKS - BANCOS BBVA Bancomer Villas Vallarta
Banco Santander Serfin Morelos y Encino
CREDIT CARDS - TARJETAS DE CREDITO
MEDICAL SERVICES - SERVICIOS MEDICOS