VOL 2. SUMMER-2013
VISIT IT ● LIVE IT ● SPEAK IT
ALL MÉXICO
The Pacific Coast
Visit México
Speak Spanish
THE PACIFIC COAST. THIS ISSUE: ●
●
The Towns of Costa Alegre Tenacatita La Manzanilla Cuastecomates Melaque Barra de Navidad Puerto Vallarta
Live México ● ●
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● ● ● ●
CD recorded by native speakers to get the right pronunciation Useful expressions The Present Tense Spanish Idioms Special contribution from Lynn Welburn, read a WorkSafe BC bilingual article with Spanish and English appearing side by side
Day to day Cultural Hints Retire in Mexico
SPANIS LESSONH S
CD
INSID [1]
E
CONTENTS
Introduction ____________________________________ Security concerns
Speak Spanish! ____________________________________ Expresiones útiles*
____________________________________ Historical Overview of Costa Alegre ____________________________________ Getting there by air* ____________________________________ Getting there by ship*
____________________________________ Tenemos una Reser vación* ____________________________________ En el Hotel* ____________________________________ El Presente*
____________________________________
____________________________________ Un día en la vida de mi tía Yola* ____________________________________ Spanish Idioms* ____________________________________
The Towns of Costa Alegre* ____________________________________ Tenacatita* ____________________________________ La Manzanilla* ____________________________________ Cuestecomates* ____________________________________ Melaque ____________________________________ Barra de Navidad
B.C farms reap benefits of health and safety / Granjas de B.C. se benefician del programa educativo en salud y seguridad
____________________________________ Off to Melaque and Barra de Navidad ____________________________________ Puerto Vallarta* ______________________________________ Retiring in Mexico
______________________________________ Fiestas and Festivities of Costa Alegre ______________________________________
______________________________________
* Available on printed version only
By Lynn Welburn, article Reprinted with the permission of WorkSafe Magazine, WorkSafeBC.
[2]
other laws. This publication and its content may not be copied, imitated, reproduced, republished, uploaded, posted, transmitted, modified, His founder has 10 years indexed, catalogued, background as a university professor at the University of mirrored or distributed in any way, in whole or in part, Mexico in Mexico City. without the express prior Jesús Rivera has been teaching Spanish in Canada written consent of Spanish since 2006 in institutions like World. Malaspina University College now Vancouver Island All Mexico endeavors to provide current and accurate University and group and private classes. In 2010 information on the Jesus Rivera started Publication. However, Spanish World, a place misprints, errors, where anyone interested in inaccuracies, omissions or other errors may sometimes the language can find instruction, supportive occur. All Mexico cannot learning material, guarantee that products and translations and interpreting services included or services. advertised on the publication will be available. All Mexico All Mexico, the Pacific Coast does not warrant that the is intended for your general content of the publication knowledge only. The including, without limitation, information included in the descriptions or photographs, is accurate or complete. publication has been gathered from personal observation and different Spanish World reserves the sources that are right to: correct any error, acknowledged thorough the inaccuracy or omission at text. Any similarities are any time without prior notice coincidental. All content, or liability to you or any other images, other information in person. Spanish World text, graphical, video and welcomes any comments audio forms, designs, etc. related to content that may are property of Spanish help to improve its accuracy. World, and is protected by All contributions will be Canadian and international properly acknowledged. copyright, trademark and Spanish World is a Canadian Company located in Beautiful British Columbia, Canada.
[3]
All Mexico, The Pacific Coast is published by Spanish World™
General Director: Content Coordinator: Content Editor : Text Contributors:
Cover design: Cover pictures General Designer: Contributing Designer: Photography: Voices:
Jesús Rivera Iliana Correa Rita Levitz Eileen Strap Anna Aparicio Alex Starr Rob Johnson Lynn Welburn Tomas Guzmán Iryna Spica Erika Diaz Roberto Correa U. Tony Freeman Rob Johnson Photo Tepeji 57 Sara Alvarado Iliana Correa Jesús Rivera Ricardo Cárcamo Stephanie Bell
For advertising and sales, please contact: Jesus Rivera: Spanish World (250) 585-1888 spanish.world@hotmail.com Iliana Correa Product development and distribution www.facebook.com/pages/Spanish-World(250) 244-1724 Nanaimo-Parksville-Errington/ 334383589929742?fref=ts Cli
INTRODUCTION
sense of pride and national
equally high among Americans.
know how to have fun and easily
identity, regardless of economical Mexico is one of the most popular status. Family values are very destinations for Canadian important and respect and care international travelers and ranks for the elders is a given. Mexicans Tourists are drawn by the country’s amazing beaches, native ruins, colonial architecture and folklore, combined with great weather and hospitable people.
Tony Freeman ®
only adds value to the whole
Order online! Visit: www.spanishworld.ca for details.
make it into a fiesta with dancing and singing. Musical traditions are rich and varied. Frequently passionate and romantic, music is
a fundamental component of The strong Canadian dollar makes Mexican lives. Many Mexicans are hotels, villas, restaurants and rather formal and very polite when most tourist services across the dealing with strangers, especially country very affordable, which
Did you miss out on previous issues of All México?
take a simple Saint’s Day and
experience that Mexico has to
older citizens; they appreciate strangers to also be respectful,
especially when visiting churches offer. According to statistics, 97% and participating in traditional of international travelers to activities. Mexicans are friendly Mexico plan on returning; this is a and outgoing. They readily significantly higher return rate welcome foreign visitors and than to other popular
appreciate those sensitive to
destinations.
cultural differences. Knowing a bit
The Mexican people are a vibrant and complex group with a strong
Tony Freeman ®
[4]
of the language may take you a long way, as every effort you make will be celebrated.
Costa Alegre or Costalegre is
Barra de Navidad and Melaque
the series of beaches, capes and bays located along the
are a perfect destination if you are looking for some relaxing
Pacific Coast of Mexico, the
time, good food and
area between Puerto Vallarta
opportunities to socialize with
and Manzanillo. The distance
other travelers. Like Bucerias,
between these two points is
located north of Puerto
less than 200 kilometres as the
Vallarta, these towns offer you
crow flies, but 286 kilometres
the chance to mingle with the
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by road. The area is a necklace locals, but there is also an of perfectly strung beaches,
adequate number of tourists
one right next to the other, all the way up the coast. There is
and ex-pats to make you feel at home. There are many
not one, but several long,
tourists that travel to the area
sandy and stunning beaches
every year or stay up to five
like Careyes, Tenacatita, La
months during the winter.
Manzanilla and Cuestecomate, as well as the towns of Barra
The weather of Costa Alegre is
de Navidad and Melaque which balmy year round. Daily highs we are featuring in more detail range from 25˚C (77˚F) to 32˚C in this issue.
(89˚F), with nightly lows from 15˚C (61˚F) to 22˚C (72˚F).
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Temperatures rarely drop below 15˚C, making heavy jackets unnecessary. The nicest weather is during the high tourist season, from mid-December through mid-April. Summer may be a little too hot for tourists, but temperatures don’t usually go higher than 32˚C. The rainy season runs from June through Mid-October with virtually no precipitation the rest of the year. Rain in Mexico usually falls in short bursts, frequently at night, with most days being hot and dry. The Costa Alegre offers a natural barrier from hurricanes, making it virtually immune from this phenomenon. The area is very casual--bring your shorts and Tshirts, a good sunblock, insect repellent and perhaps a dress or long pants if you are into fine dining.
Tony Freeman ®
[5]
SECURITY CONCERNS
The CBC News travel advisories website, as of March 2013, recommends avoiding the Northern states of Mexico and
Some security concerns have
gives Mexico the same advisory
arisen in the past couple of years in regards to Mexico; however, as
level as countries like Japan, India or Thailand.
explained on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Caution should always be
website, this coastal area remains exercised when traveling abroad. relatively safe. Advisory concerns Getting into unknown areas or focus on the Northern states, states like Chihuahua and
traveling at night could be dangerous in any city or country;
Coahuila (north-central), or Nuevo Mexico is no exception. Le贸n and Tamaulipas (north-east) Advisory concerns focus on the Northern states, states like Chihuahua and Coahuila (north-central), or Nuevo Le贸n and Tamaulipas (north-east) in yellow -
while the states of central and eastern Mexico have no travel
Costa Alegre is definitely
warnings. According to Canada
Barra de Navidad, exercise
Foreign Affairs, 1.5 million
caution at night and avoid dark
Canadians travel to Mexico each
areas, as in any other city. The
year, the vast majority of them
beach street Legazpi stays well-
considered a safe place to visit. In
without incident. Visit this website lit, as does Avenida Veracruz since there are eateries and taco for updates and information regarding each state of Mexico.
stands open late with lots of people around.
States of the Pacific Coast were colored in pink
Costa Alegre Tony Freeman 庐
[6]
HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF COSTA ALEGRE
by Eileen Strap
The history of Costa Alegre dates back to the mid-16th century when the Spanish explored the area trying to find their way to the riches of Asia. They were especially interested in finding a route to the Philippines and China. Hernán Cortes was possibly the most important Spanish conquistador of New Spain (present-day Mexico). Born in the Spanish city of Medellín, he arrived in “America” early in the 16th century. He went first to the island of “La Española,” which today is the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and then to Cuba. In 1519 Hernán Cortes arrived on the Yucatan mainland with 11 ships, 500 soldiers, 16 horses, 14 canons and some handguns. He fought the communities of the area, and his first success was when the Totonacas, a small community occupying Tabasco, surrendered to the Spanish army. The Totonacas provided Cortes and his army with food and a female translator named Malinche. Success is sometimes related to timing; Cortes’ could not have been better. The Aztecs were one of the most powerful native cultures of Mexico, dominating the central and south-eastern areas of the country. They were very well organized and religious. The Aztecs were waiting for their most important God to return to
Earth to teach them more about their land, crops and society. Unfortunately for them, this God looked a lot like Cortes. The Spaniard used this to his advantage and with the support of the people from Tabasco and other communities ruled by the Aztecs, he defeated the Aztecs and founded New Spain. In keeping withBased on their colonization model, the Spaniards wanted to use the natives as labourers to extract resources from their new-found territories. They were eager to send gold and silver back to the King and Queen of Spain. Following the example of Hernan Cortes, other Spanish conquistadors traveled to New Spain and took on new enterprises. These men founded many of the towns of the Costa Alegre. Manzanillo Bay, for instance, was discovered in 1527 by the navigator Alvaro Saavedra and it soon became a departure point for important expeditions. Cortes visited the bay twice to protect his galleons from Portuguese pirates. Over the next 300 years, the Pacific Coast’s history is filled with accounts of pirates from Portugal, England, France and even Spain looting and burning ships for their rich cargos.
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La Malinche
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La Malinche, also known as Malintzin, acted as an interpreter, advisor and even lover of Cortes. She gave birth to his first son, Martin, considered one of the first mixed-race babies born in New Spain. La Malinche is still considered a potent icon, but there are conflicting aspects to the roles she played. Some consider her the embodiment of treachery since she was key to the Aztec’s defeat. Some think of her as a quintessential victim, or simply as the symbolic mother of the Mestizos, the mixed race that now constitutes 93% of the Mexican population.
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The Barra de Navidad area was discovered by the Viceroy Antonio de Mendoza on December 25th, 1540 and named to honour the day on which he arrived—the word “Navidad” means “Christmas” in Spanish. Antonio de Mendoza was the first Viceroy of New Spain and governed for 15 years. During this time, the first University was founded, and the first book was printed in America.
Miguel Lopez Legazpi was a Spanish conquistador who established one of the first Spanish settlements in the East Indies. He arrived in New Spain to start a new life after the death of his parents. After a few years and the passing of his wife, he got ready for his new enterprise. On November 21, 1564, armed with five ships and 500 soldiers, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi and his sail-captain Andres de Urdaneta sailed from Barra de Navidad was used by the the port of Barra de Navidad Spaniards for shipbuilding, ship towards the Philippines. After repairs and as a jumping off point obtaining peace with various to Baja California and the indigenous tribes, Lopez de Philippines. For example, Ruy Legazpi made the Philippines the Lopez de Villalobos (1500-1544) capital of the Spanish East Indies with a fleet of six galleon ships-in 1571, where he lived and the Santiago, the Jorge, the San governed until he died just one Antonio, the San Cristobal, he San year later. A monument to honour Martin and the San Juan--left Barra the journeys made by these early de Navidad with 370 to 400 men explorers has been erected at the on November 1, 1542. end of the jetty in Barra de Navidad.
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N q w ku / R j knkr r g " E t † r kp "
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In the following centuries, the economy of the Costa Alegre was based on agriculture, farming and fishing. Different towns were considered important ports in the area, but with time, shipping traffic and interest in shipbuilding became concentrated in Manzanillo. It is now the largest port in Mexico; it can accommodate ships of more than 30,000 tons, leaving even Puerto Vallarta’s port behind. In the early 1980s, Bo Derek and Dudley Moore starred in the popular movie “10” which was filmed at Las Hadas Resort and La Audiencia Beach in Manzanillo. Who can forget Jenny, played by Bo Derek, running on the sandy beaches of the area or the vicissitudes of George, played by Dudley Moore, following Jenny on her honeymoon in Mexico? This movie put the Costa Alegre on the map for US tourists who also wanted to indulge in romantic fantasies like George’s. In recent years, the Costa Alegre has seen advancement in infrastructure and investment. Several highways have been built to connect the area to larger cities such as Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. The development of
huge hotel chains, golf courses and different resorts, along with the balmy weather of the area from Puerto Vallarta to Manzanillo, has made it an attractive destination for tourists, both national and international. Costa Alegre offers you a variety of aquatic sports, hiking, fishing, amazing beaches, world class venues, Mexican folklore and much more. Some tourists prefer the ambiance and comfort of the luxury hotels in Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo. Other tourists, looking for quieter towns and the complete Mexican experience, have found it in places like Barra de Navidad and Melaque. The Costa Alegre has shown the ability to adapt to different preferences and new global circumstances while remaining true to its identity and its
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www.facebook.com/babysalsa205
Money Exchange
The “Casas de Cambio” in Barra de Navidad and Melaque will change both CAD and USD traveler’s cheques as long as you have picture ID (like your passport). The banks may not exchange your dollars unless you have an account there. There are also two ATMs in Barra and two more in Melaque.
The community of approximately 12,000 inhabitants is located in the by Eileen Strap Municipality of Cihuatlan. Melaque is only four kilometres northwest of San Patricio Melaque is located Barra de Navidad and shares the just over 200 kilometres south of same long curving beach. You can Puerto Vallarta and about 70 walk from one town to the other kilometres north of Manzanillo. San along this beach of blond sand. Patricio Melaque is a community that was formed by the combined Melaque, as it is commonly known, villages of Melaque to the west, has an abundance of with its main tourist area; San accommodations, especially along Patricio, in the middle, with its the beachfront road Avenida Las business district and town plaza; Palmas, along Gómez Farías, and and Colonia Villa Obregon, located Abel Salgado Velasco in the more more to the east, a mainly residential area on the eastern end. residential area. This town has been a popular holiday destination Las Palmas Avenue terminates in for Mexican families for decades an informal trailer park area that and has just recently become marks the end of the beach. A popular with foreigners, especially hiking trail, Andador Punta Canadians looking for small, Melaque extends further along the traditional towns with a real coast. Unfortunately, there is not a Mexican flavour. suitable place along the beach for
MELAQUE
boats to dock and the lagoon does not extend to the ocean.
In the unlikely event that you encounter any problems with the ATM, report the incident immediately to your issuing bank, as the ATMs are not related to the local bank where they are located. Credit Cards are accepted in many stores, so this is also a good option in case you are running low on cash.
Tony Freeman ®
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Four blocks back from the beach is the central plaza where you will find a pharmacy, newsstand, post office and municipal building. Between the plaza and the beach is a large market. A traveling market also comes to Melaque on Wednesdays.
explains why the town is famous for its week-long St. Patricks Day celebration. The Fiesta de San Patricio is a blast with parties, rodeos, carnival music, dances and fireworks.
Playa Melaque, oriented east – west, is a popular spot for The main square is colorful, swimming. The waves are gentle genuine, and cheerful. Facing it are here, especially on the eastern some cenadurías, casual dinner side. Along the beach you will find spots selling shrimp pozole, concessionaires that rent kayaks, enchiladas, tacos and other bogey boards, and snorkeling and snacks. There are also ice cream skim-boarding equipment. shops, internet cafes, the town’s church and corner grocery stores. Opportunities to go fishing are also available in Melaque. Fishermen When in Melaque, don’t miss usually leave port at 6:00 AM from viewing the magnificent sunrise the waterfront, taking anglers from the Malecón Panorámico. around the rocky headland for From there you will have a full view about nine hours of fishing for of the bay. wahoo, swordfish and mackerel. Make arrangements with the local Strangely enough, the Patron Saint fishermen to rent a boat or be part of the town is St. Patrick, which of the expedition of the day.
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Rob Johnson ®
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Cooking Classes in Puerto Vallarta
BARRA DE NAVIDAD by Eileen Strap Barra de Navidad is a small farming and fishing community located on the east end of the Bahia de Navidad, about 60 kilometres north of Manzanillo and 216 kilometres south of Puerto Vallarta. Barra is located in the Municipality of Cihuatlan. It has about 3500 inhabitants.
What could be better then learning how to cook the cuisine of the country you are visiting. Learn the easy way of preparing the National dishes of Mexico, e.g., Chiles en Nogada, Pork Posole in Green Sauce, Chiles Rellenos and homemade corn and flour tortillas. Impress your friends not only with your tan but the exciting cuisine of Mexico. Experience the full flavors of Mexico and the wondrous atmosphere of this charming cooking school.
Most of the town is situated along parallel streets--Calle Veracruz facing the long lagoon and Isla Navidad and Avenida Miguel de la Madrid, both of which overlook the Pacific. Up and down these streets are family-owned and operated restaurants and small, funky hotels. Restaurants in Barra offer a wide variety of options, including Italian, French and American cuisine.
The Malecón was opened in 1991 and from there you have a fantastic view of the bay and the lagoon, The town offers a relaxed separated only by a portion of land. atmosphere, ease of shopping, a There is a sculpture of the Greek variety of restaurants and the natural god Triton and Nereid, the latter one surroundings that create a very similar to the one along the picturesque setting in a tropical Malecon in Puerto Vallarta. These paradise. No doubt this is a true sculptures commemorate the 400th Mexican treasure, the perfect year of the discovery of the hideaway just waiting to be Philippines in 1554. From the Barra discovered. Malecon, you can see what is commonly referred to as Navidad The beachfront along the sandbar Island. However, this is not an island arcs towards San Patricio-Melaque, and you can get there either by car about 4.5 kilometres to the west. or by boat.
www.essenceofcuisine.com Tele: +51 (322) 222-7017 Classes are in English Rob Johnson ®
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Barra to Isla Navidad and the Grand Bay Hotel, recently voted the Number One hotel/resort in Mexico by the Travel Channel. Grand Bay Hotel was originally built in 1992 on the hillside next to the entrance of the natural bay. The Spanish colonial architecture gives a Mediterranean feel to the resort. This luxurious but not pretentious destination offers good food, clean and quiet rooms, excellent service and a fantastic, caddy mandatory, 24-hole golf course. This golf course, designed by Robert Von Hagge, received a gold medal from “Golf Magazine.” Navigating the lagoon, you can also learn more about the shrimp farm located there. If you are spending the whole day, you can
have lunch and try fantastic fish dishes in the small Colima Community of Colimilla where restaurants line the shore. You can also do some fishing for grey mullet, Mexican barred snapper, sea bass and sea bream, among others. The San Antonio Church, located in the main square, displays an interesting sculpture called “The Fallen Arms Christ.” The story tells that on September 1, 1971, the town was threatened by Hurricane Lily. Many people went to the Church to seek refuge. Those that survived indicated that the sculpted figure lowered his arms and at that exact moment the rain and strong winds stopped.
Tony Freeman" ®
Different scholars have studied the Christ and they have not found any explanation for this change in the sculpture, as it has not had any water damage or dents that could have caused this movement. Ever since, locals have believed that this Christ has miraculous powers. Right across from the Church there is a replica of the Santa Cruz del Astillero. The original Cross was placed here in 1557 by Hernando Botello to protect the people building the ships that were to take Miguel Lopez Legazpi and Andres de Urdaneta to the Philippines. Snorkeling is decent in Barra de Navidad; arrangements for fishing, snorkeling, sunset cruises and whale watching can be booked directly at the marina area. Jose (044-315-100-3232) has fishing boats that can be rented.
Tony Freeman ®
[13]
OFF TO MELAQUE AND BARRA DE NAVIDAD? by Rob Johnson Do thoughts of grey skies, days of rain or snow, and cold weather make you want to go to warmer places? If so, then for and many other residents of Vancouver Island the call of Mexico could be calling you. When you are winter bound and the snow is starting to fall the sunny warm days, the surf and sand of Mexico's beaches are hard to resist. If you want to go you are not alone, for last year almost 1.5 million Canadians succumbed to lure of Mexico. Many of them from the Island. Often your first thoughts of winter in Mexico are of large resorts in places like Puerto Vallarta , Cancun, Mazatlán or Cabo San Lucas. But there is an other choice. You can do what so many resident of the Island do, and that is to visit and stay small real Mexican villages along the coast. Such a place is located about 3 hours south of Puerto Vallarta, it is called Melaque Bay. It is an area
of Mexico that many Canadians have never heard of. The bay has two small fishing villages of about 6000 residents each. They are friendly communities that invite visitors to become part of their community, and enjoy what they have to offer. They don't have the trappings that are typical of the large resorts. It is this non commercial, non all inclusive atmosphere that has been drawing Canadians, especially those from the Island for years.
Rob Johnson ®
areas of Mexico they are inexpensive. They have RV parks, filled with cars and trucks from Canada, specially from BC and Quebec. They area, also have a good supply of rental bungalows The villages are Melaque and Barra allowing people to stay for months de Navidad. These quaint villages, at a time or for even short stays. have changed over the years from As a result, they have become a being just fishing communities into haven for snow-birders and others escaping from our weary winters. communities that cater to a significant number of tourists, both As a result is not uncommon to see many Canadians hanging out in the Mexican and non Mexican. Canadian tourists have discovered various restaurant and bars and relaxing on the warm sandy the charm that both these beaches. Canadians and communities have to offer. In Americans will gather for happy comparison to the larger tourist
Rob Johnson ®
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hour at some of the better known drinking establishments. A good example of this is the “Open Mike” held each Saturday afternoon the Selertino Restaurant in Melaque. The restaurant/bar's 100 or so seats are filled with both Canadians or Americans enjoying the fellowship and good music. The crowd has been estimated to make up to be half from British Columbia, with more that hall of that number just from Vancouver Island, and the majority of those from the area from Duncan to Parksville.
month or more enjoying the sunny sky’s of Mexico as compared to the Islands grey and depressing skies with it's rain or snow.
Peter and Kathy Barter, resent retirees from their Ladysmith business, are typical t of some of the Islanders staying for the winter. Peter says “I like it here because it is not filled with concrete jungles it is not such a tourist area, its is much more the old Mexican style it has fell of being a strong family area wither you are Mexican or Canadian”. Wayne Jessie, who has spent his five winters here says ”that one of the best features that Those from the Island are mainly retired people who want to spend a is a relatively short flight to get
Rob Johnson ®
[15]
Tqd"Lqj puqp Born and raised here on the Island and is from a pioneering family, here on Vancouver Island. Age 68, Married, two children and two Grand children. Educated in Ladysmith graduated from BCIT in Business Administration specializing in Marketing. Has travel a fair amount over the past 10 years visited over 15 countries, including Peru, Spain, Italy, Cuba and Mexico. Rob is a photo journalist with Take 5 Newsmagazine in Ladysmith for 15 years. Has had photo published in the Times Colonist and shown on global Television Past President of Ladysmith Historical society and have done the Ladysmith Harbour Historical Harbour tours for 6 years. I also do walking tours for the historical Society and the Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce of Ladysmith's Historic Down Town.
here and the cost is not prohibitive” He also feels that the Canadians especially the Islanders have a sense of community that is supportive while not taking away from the Mexican experience. His believes that his fellow Canadians have developed a strong network that helps to spread the word of best things to see and do. On the question of safety, Greg Plumber also of Ladysmith feels “that this area, and most of Mexico is as safe as if you were back home. You just have to be aware of your surrounding same as if you were in Nanaimo or Vancouver”. That feeling is also expressed by Marge Clancy of Cassidy who has been coming down for 3 years says” Just don't do any thing stupid”, she also says “the weather is great and the beach is perfect”. She also feels that people are so friendly, and it gives her a chance to use her Spanish.”
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Other Islanders that I spoke to agree that Melaque is great. Sandra Pederson of Nanaimo believes “Melaque is a small town where you can relax, and have fun”. Pauline List from Errington, who has been coming down for 17 years and has built a home in the area, notes that “you won't find an other Mexican town that is as friendly as Melaque. So why do so many Islanders go to Melaque and Bara de Navidad? I don't know for sure but it likely is the combination of warm weather, reasonably priced accommodation, that small town feel that so many islanders love, along with the friendly people both non Mexican and the locals. Why don't you visit the area, it is drawing more and more of your neighbours and friends, and it's well worth it.
Rob Johnson ®
[16]
RETIRE IN MEXICO One of the best places in the world to retire is Mexico Are you considering retiring in some place warm and exotic without giving up life’s conveniences? Then you should definitely consider retiring in Mexico. The U.S.’s southern neighbor consistently makes International Living’s list of the 5 top countries to live in. Mexico boasts a great quality of life, natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and safety. You should also consider retirement in Mexico because it offers you proximity to the United States, which in turn gives you more flexibility in making your retirement move. You could scout for property in Mexico during long weekends as you consider your move, and once you are here, you could drive
Foto Tepeji57 ®
back to the U.S. or Canada to spend holidays with your friends and family. And because of great cellular coverage and widely available high-speed Internet, Mexico is also appealing to an increasing number of professionals and business people who semi-retire to Mexico while continuing to work and manage their companies…while sitting on a beach with a laptop. http://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/ retire/
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[17]
Retiree Benefits in Mexico With either an FM-2 or an FM-3 residence visa, you can: R
Time to think about your Permanent Vacation
Mauricio Butron Sanchez
Tel: (250) 729 7544 ext. 2240 Cell: (250) 755 5068 5800 Turner Road, Suite 2020 Nanaimo, BC V9T 6J4
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LETS TALK
RRSPs/RRIFs Annuities GICs Tax-Fee Savings Personal Health
mauricio.butronsanchez@sunlife.com
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•
Sign up for Mexico’s national health insurance coverage, called IMSS. This has a top rate of less than $300 a year— for both medical care and medicines. Get a senior citizen’s card once you’re 60 years old through INAPAM, Mexico’s national senior citizens’ organization. With an INAPAM card from your Mexican state government, you can get discounts off a variety of
Photo Tepeji57 ®
[18]
•
•
goods and services, including medical care and devices; airline and bus tickets; entrance fees to concerts, museums, and archaeological sites; and even get a discount on your property taxes. With an FM-3 you can bring your foreign-plated car to Mexico and keep it here. If you switch to an FM-2 you’ll need to get a Mexican-plated car. With the FM-2 you can be exempt from capital gains tax when you sell a Mexican property, just as Mexicans are.
http://internationalliving.com/countries/ mexico/retiree-benefits-in-mexico/
EL TURISTA TORPE (The Bumbling Tourist) by Tomás Guzmán
Follow-up Question: But is there any chance that I will understand my Mexican victim’s response to my blathering?
Question: My “command” of Spanish is really pathetic. Should I even attempt speaking it at all when I’m in México? After all, if a Mexican even figures out what I’m trying to say, I certainly won’t know what she/he is saying in response. Answer: Actually, there is a clear answer to your question. Absolutely, do speak your clumsy Spanish. You are making the effort to meet Mexicans on their terms and they deeply appreciate that. You will find most people to be incredibly patient with your Spanish, far more patient than they would be with your English (even if they have some). There’s an expression in Spanish “meter las patas” which means, more or less, “to just jump in with both feet”. You’ll thrash around a bit but I assure you, you’ll stay afloat, and slowly but surely, dog paddle toward to your destination.
Answer: It’s a whole lot easier to make sense out of a foreign language when you have narrowed down the possible subject that is being discussed. You begin to predict what the answer might be and listen for words that come close to your prediction. Facial expressions, body language, good will, a smattering of English words, and the promised joy of understanding go a loooooong way to finding success. If all really does fail (highly unlikely), shrug your shoulders, smile, shake hands, and wish each other ¡Buena suerte! (good luck). You’ll be walking away from a newly-made amigo.
Contact Spanish World for information and to access fantastic discounts and promotions at the best schools in Mexico, Guatemala and South America (250)585-1888
www.solexico.com
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Tony Freeman ®
B.C. farms reap benefits of health and safety
By Lynn Welburn
program), aims to reach out to the nearly 4,000 Mexican workers who come to the province annually to work on its farms, ranches, and vineyards. The program involved prospective agricultural workers receiving health and safety For B.C.’s seasonal, non-English- education in their native country. In November 2012, B.C. employers speaking agricultural workers, took part in phase 2: employer occupational health and safety education. This B.C.-based regulations exist to protect them program is designed to benefit against injury and disease while employers, many of whom could working on local farms and benefit from the resources and orchards. support required to better convey But in reality, unfamiliar and health and safety information to complex rules at work can provoke workers. greater anxiety than they do a Agriculture, and Service Canada sense of well-being. What’s more, provided the employer sessions. employers face the challenge of The purpose was to review communicating these requirements employer responsibilities under the to workers who may not speak the Workers Compensation Act and same language. the Occupational Health and To address this cultural gap, a Safety Regulation, the Employment coalition of stakeholders — Standards Act and Regulation, the including WorkSafeBC — are Labour Relations Code, and working to educate employers and Agriculture Canada to gather employees about their health and feedback from employers and safety roles and responsibilities in prepare for safer working order to reduce on-the-job risks conditions in 2013. and allay fears. “These workers are some of the Workers learn to expect safe most vulnerable in the workforce,” working conditions Phase 1 of says Patricia Fair, a WorkSafeBC this program took place early last occupational safety officer based year in Mexico through the in Kelowna. “Most of them don’t Mexican Consulate: the federal speak much English. program, known as SAWP (the seasonal agricultural worker
Mexican farm and orchard workers took part in an education program last February in their home country to prepare them for working safely in B.C.
Lynn Welburn is a Vancouver freelance writer and editor with many years of journalism experience. She worked as the arts and entertainment editor of the Nanaimo Daily News. lwelburn@gmail.com
Tony Freeman ®
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Granjas de B.C. se benefician del programa educativo en salud y seguridad Por Lynn Welburn
Trabajadores mexicanos de granjas y huertos formaron parte de un programa de educación el febrero pasado en su país de origen para trabajar seguramente en la Provincia de la Columbia Británica (BC).
Para los trabajadores agrícolas temporales que no hablan ingles, existen regulaciones relacionadas a la salud y seguridad que deben tener en sus ocupaciones para protegerse contra lesiones o enfermedades mientras estén trabajando en los huertos y granjas locales. Pero en realidad, el no estar familiarizado con reglas complejas en el trabajo puede provocar una gran ansiedad en lugar de crear una sensación de bienestar. Lo que es más, empleadores enfrentan el reto de comunicar estos requerimientos con trabajadores que quizá no hablen el mismo idioma. Para atender esta brecha cultural, un grupo de inversionistas –incluyendo WorkSafe BC- están trabajado para educar a los empleadores y empleados acerca de sus roles y responsabilidades para reducir los riesgos laborales y apaciguar temores.
Track
Traducido por Spanish World
8
Trabajadores aprenden a esperar condiciones de trabajo seguras. La fase uno del programa tuvo lugar a inicios del año pasado en el Consulado mexicano: el programa federal conocido como Programa temporal de trabajadores agrícolas (SAWP por sus siglas en ingles), pretende alcanzar a los cerca de 4000 trabajadores mexicanos que vienen a la Provincia cada año a trabajar en sus granjas, ranchos y viñedos. El programa incluye la expectativa de que los trabajadores recibirán, en su país natal, educación sobre salud y seguridad. En Noviembre de 2012, los empleadores de BC participaron en la fase dos: educación patronal. Este programa con base en BC está diseñado para beneficiar a los patrones, muchos de los cuales se pueden beneficiar de los recursos y el apoyo requerido para transmitir la información de una mejor manera a sus trabajadores sobre salud y seguridad. El Ministro de trabajo, Turismo y Entrenamiento de Habilidades y Responsabilidad Laboral, el Ministro de Agricultura, y Service Canada (Oficina de vinculación entre el gobierno y
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los ciudadanos) fueron quienes dieron las sesiones a los patrones. El propósito fue el de revisar las responsabilidades del patrón de acuerdo al Acta de Compensación a los trabajadores y las Regulaciones de Salud y Seguridad Ocupacional, Regulaciones y el Acta de Estándares laborales, el Código de Relaciones Laborales, y Agricultura de Canadá para reunir la retroalimentación de los empleadores y prepararse para condiciones laborales seguras en 2013. “Estos trabajadores son una de las fuerzas de trabajo más vulnerable”, dice Patricia Fair, una oficial de seguridad ocupacional de WorkSafe BC ubicada en Kelowna. “La mayoría de ellos no hablan mucho ingles.
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They are leaving their families behind to earn money to educate their kids and secure their kids’ futures — and they often put that before their own concerns.” These concerns, she says, can include workers’ own health and safety. “This program is aimed at making sure they understand their rights and responsibilities, and know they’re protected here if they need to stand up for their rights.” Fair says employers and workers she encounters during routine inspections say they’re pleased with the education program. “And the workers say it makes them feel more empowered, and more secure.”
they have problems and not get into trouble for doing that.” prepared workers David Geen, WorkSafeBC agriculture industry president of Coral Beach Farms, specialist Doug Pasco says says he and his employees are already seeing the benefits of their employers appreciate efforts to prepare workers in Mexico before increased knowledge and awareness of workplace health and sending them to B.C. “The awareness sessions are really safety. The Kelowna-area orchard comprehensive,” he says. “They employed about 220 Mexican cover geography, cultural workers last year. “We like anything that helps orient information, and protection the workers to working conditions agencies workers can access here, plus what these workers need to in B.C.,” Geen says. “Some of bring with them, the rights and these workers have worked under responsibilities of workers and conditions that foster a built-in employers, potential job hazards, distrust of employers or and injury prevention.” government. Pasco says about 3,000 Mexican “This program is a step in helping workers took the educational them. They can see we’re looking sessions, including workers after their interests, and they feel destined for other parts of Canada. they can go through channels if Employers appreciate well-
Foto Tepeji57 ®
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Patrones aprecian a Dejan a sus familias para ganar dinero, educar a sus hijos y asegurarles su futuro – y con frecuencia ponen esto por encima de sus propias inquietudes.” Estas preocupaciones, ella dice, pueden incluir la propia salud y seguridad de los trabajadores. “Este programa está dirigido a asegurar el entendimiento de sus derechos y responsabilidades, y que sepan que están protegidos aquí en caso de que necesiten defender sus derechos.” Fair dice que los trabajadores y patrones con los que ella se encuentra durante inspecciones de rutina dicen que están contentos con el programa educativo. “Y los trabajadores dicen que los hace sentir más fortalecidos, y más seguros.”
los canales si tienen problemas y no trabajadores bien preparados. meterse en problemas por hacerlo.” David Green, presidente de las Doug Pasco, especialista en la Granjas Coral Beach, dice que Industria agrícola de WorkSafe BC sus empleados ya están viendo dice que los patrones valoran los los beneficios de su mayor esfuerzos encaminados a preparar a conocimiento y concientización los trabajadores de México antes de sobre el lugar de trabajo sobre mandarlos a la Provincia de BC. salud y seguridad. El área de “Las sesiones de concientización huertos de Kelowna empleó a 220 son muy fáciles de comprender.” trabajadores mexicanos el año dice. “Cubren geografía, pasado. información cultural, y agencias de “Nos gusta cualquier cosa que protección que los trabajadores ayude a orientar a los pueden acceder aquí, además de lo trabajadores sobre condiciones que los trabajadores deben de traer laborales en BC.” Dice Green. con ellos, los derechos y (group or private) for all “Algunos de estos trabajadores responsabilidades de los Vast experience university levels and needs. Includes han trabajado bajo condiciones trabajadores y los empleadores, professor in international programs supportive learning que fomentan una desconfianza peligros potenciales en el material lugar de First language Spanish (text books, dictionaries, intrínseca entre los empleadores trabajo, y prevención de lesiones.” (also French, Portuguese and Italian) DVD’s)de 3000 y el gobierno. Pasco diceCD’s queand cerca “Este programa es un paso para trabajadores mexicanos tomaron las ayudarlos. Ellos pueden ver que sesiones educativas, incluyendo estamos cuidando sus intereses, trabajadores que tuvieron como y sienten que pueden utilizar destino otras partes de Canadá.
Spanish
WORLD
Group or private for all levels and needs. Includes supportive learning material (text books, dictionaries, CD’s and DVD’s) https://www.facebook.com/ Websites translations pages/Spanish-World-
Interpreting
Hola!
SPANISH CLASSES www.spanishworld.ca
JESUS RIVERA
ph: 250.585.1888
Nanaimo-Parksvilleservices Errington/ 334383589929742?fref=ts
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Learn a language
www.wentworthlanguages.ca
Tony Freeman ®
“Having an informed workforce is better for employees and for employers,” Pasco says. “Workers who understand their rights and responsibilities about safety have a big impact on safety in the workplace.” “They can see we’re looking after their interests, and they feel they can go through channels if they have problems and not get into trouble for doing that.” —David Geen, president of Coral Beach Farms in Winfield, B.C.
expanded to include information about employment standards in B.C. “We want to make sure nothing gets lost in translation,” he says. “I believe these educational sessions are critical to ensuring employers understand what their obligations are under the Employment Standards Act. This affects all workers they engage with, regardless of where these workers are from.” Edgar Hurtado, Mexican viceconsul in Vancouver, says his Program a model for future government is delighted with the partnerships Fair would like to program. “The level of cosee the program explore more specific health and safety issues in operation that WorkSafeBC has developed with Mexican agencies future years, and in particular, provide more education on the use has been, to say the least, outstanding. We are most certain of pesticides and tractor safety. that investing in human capital has Geen agrees with expanding the increased workers’ personal program down the road, but says confidence and has created getting all workers to cover the basics of occupational health and awareness of a culture for occupational safety.” safety is his first priority. “We have regular health and safety meetings with all our workers, and we do stress their rights and responsibilities and encourage them to speak up if something bothers them,” he says. “But what really helped this year was the fact that their education began in Mexico before they got here.” Andy Wichary, regional manager of the Employment Standards Foto Tepeji57 ® Branch for the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training and Responsible for Labour, says he Reprinted with the permission of sees the value of an education WorkSafe Magazine, WorkSafeBC. program being offered in two different countries and being
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“El tener una fuerza laboral informada es mejor para los empleados y los patrones.” Dice Pasco. “Los trabajadores que entienden sus derechos y responsabilidades sobre seguridad tienen un gran impacto en la seguridad del lugar de trabajo.” “Ellos pueden ver que estamos cuidando sus intereses, y sienten que pueden utilizar los canales si tienen problemas y no meterse en problemas por hacerlo.” David Green, presidente de las Granjas Coral Beach en Winfield, B.C.
inició en México, antes de que llegaran aquí.” COMING UP SOON Andy Wichary, gerente regional de la rama de Estándares de Empleo Also Published by para el Ministerio de Empleo, www.spanishworld.ca Spanish World Turismo y Entrenamiento de Habilidades y Responsabilidad SPANISH HISTORIAS Laboral, dice que él ve el valor en el programa de educación que se Wrien in Spanish and English ofrece en los dos países y que se appearing side-by-side, Spanish está expandiendo para incluir Historias will help you improve your información acerca de los Spanish while reading funny, wiy, estándares en BC “Queremos and capturing stories. Stories are asegurarnos de que nada se also recorded by Native Spanish pierda en la traducción,” dice. Speakers to help you with your “Creo que esas sesiones listening and pronunciation. educativas son fundamentales Programa modelo para futuras para asegurar que los patrones colaboraciones. Fair quisiera ver entiendan cuales son sus HISTORIAS PARA NIÑOS obligaciones bajo el Acta de que el programa explorara Estándares Laborales. Esto afecta asuntos más específicos sobre SOBRE LA HISTORIA DE a todos los trabajadores con lo salud y seguridad en los MEXICO que se relacionan, sin importar de próximos años y en particular, Wrien 100% in Spanish, this den más información sobre el uso donde sean estos trabajadores.” Edgar Hurtado, Vice-consul book was originally designed for de pesticidas y procedimientos mexicano en Vancouver, dice que de prevención de riesgos en el Mexican children growing up away su gobierno está contento con el uso del tractor. from México and whose parents programa. “El nivel de Green está de acuerdo en would like to transmit our history, cooperación que ha desarrollado expandir el programa con el language and WorkSafeBC con las agencias tiempo, pero dice que lograr que culture . todos los trabajadores cubran las mexicanas ha sido fantástico, por https://www.facebook.com/ decir lo menos. Estamos seguros pages/Spanish-World- If you already bases de salud y seguridad Nanaimo-Parksville- know a bit of de que invertir en el capital laboral es su primera prioridad. Errington/ humano ha aumentado la Spanish and “Tenemos reuniones sobre salud 334383589929742?fref=ts confianza personal y ha creado would like to y seguridad regulares con todos nuestros trabajadores, y hacemos concientización sobre una cultura improve it while de la seguridad laboral.” énfasis en sus derechos y learning about responsabilidades y los Mexican History, this book could motivamos a levantar la voz si be right for you! Reimpreso con el permiso de algo les molesta” el dice. “Pero lo WorkSafe Magazine, que realmente ayudó este año fue WorkSafeBC. el hecho de que su educación
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The richness of Latin-American folkloric music is amazing, with a mosaic of rhythms, styles, instrumentation, and languages that are colourful, passionate and surprising as one scans through the Latin-American geography.
FEATURED ARTIST https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Raices-Band-Nanaimo/ 362132167231725?fref=ts
Venezuela & Uruguay. Featured alongside our vocals are string instruments such as Spanish guitar, Mexican jarana, requinto jarocho, Venezuelan cuatro, and charango, wind instruments such as zampoña, cicus, and quena, and Latin percusions such as congas, bongos, and Peruvian cajón among many other instruments.
A tribute to the Latin-American Folkloric Music
Lotus Johnson ®
Lotus Johnson ®
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ Raices-Band-Nanaimo/ 362132167231725?fref=ts
We had our first rehearsal in the fall of 2012 with the common vision of growing as a group to become The chief motivation behind the creditable ambassadors of this formation of RAICES was sharing beautiful music and in that way this cultural legacy with the people enhance the multicultural richness of of Nanaimo, the city where all six Nanaimo, British Columbia and members of the band reside, work, Canada. Our first official concert and enjoy our lives. RAICES is a Spanish word for “roots”, which we took place on May 18, 2013 at the Vault, in downtown Nanaimo, where thought encompassed our identity we witnessed firsthand, the power as Canadians with family and of music that transcended borders cultural roots that go deep into Latin-American soil. The members of and languages and brought people together from different backgrounds RAICES are Antonio Vélez, Rodrigo with the single purpose of having a Moreno and Bill Smith Nuñez from great time. We also had a blast Mexico, Artemio Velazquez from playing with a full house and the Guatemala, Antonio Barroso from presence of many Nanaimo Bolivia, and Ben Giordano from residents of Latin-American origin Monaco. You may be righteously that graciously support our efforts. wondering what Monaco has to do with this endeavour. Well, Ben grew We really hope to make Latinup in France, and after lots of American folkloric music known to traveling developed deep connections with the Latin-American the people of Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, and if doors open, culture. beyond this gorgeous island. We feel fortunate that all who hear it, are The repertoire of music covers a taken to another place and time and vast number of styles of folklore, have the opportunity to celebrate roots and traditional music from and explore the songs and rhythms Latin-American countries such as of Latin America. Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Guatemala, Argentina, Bolivia,
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Long live roots music!!
FIESTAS AND FESTIVITIES IN COSTA ALEGRE January La Manzanilla Art Walk, last Sunday in January, every year
March Fiesta de San Patricio--Melaque, Jalisco, Religious St. Patrick feted for a week preceding his feast day with a fair, processions, fireworks and special Masses.
April Easter Week, usually in April, gathers international and local tourists - different open air activities are held, as well as religious ceremonies and special events.
June June 5--13 (annual) Barra de Navidad, Jalisco. Fiesta de San Antonio de Padua - Religious Feast day of St. Anthony of Padua celebrated with parades, fireworks and religious events
August August 30 & September 1 (annual), Barra de Navidad, Jalisco Fiesta del Cristo de los Brazos Caidos Religious Town festival honors revered crucifix with parades, Mass and other events.
September Mexican Independence celebration - Mariachi bands and other cultural activities take place (September 15th-16th, at the port).
November Polo Season opens with an exhibition and continues with polo matches running until May (November 1st, Town of San Francisco). Sailfish and Marlin Tournament - three days of fishing in some of Mexico’s finest waters (second week in November).
December Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe - considered to be the most important religious celebration in Mexico, where thousands of people congregate in the sanctuaries all around the country to celebrate the apparition of the Virgin in 1531. This celebration features all types of food, mariachis, singers and other religious activities (December 12th).
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