Issue 1001, June 9 - 15, 2016 by Vallarta Tribune

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News

marietas clean up

June 9 - 15, 2016 Year 19 Free Issue 1001

Riviera Nayarit bucerias art district

Shopping local SOUVENIRS

Courtesy: Sandrinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant and Boutique

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable. TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare in Puerto Vallarta is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the 18th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere. EXPORTING PETS: Falling love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com. COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance. Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance. Long-distance calls from within Mexico For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (for the U.S. and Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number). Calling Cell Phones (from a land line) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the 10 digit number including area code. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number. Phone Cards Phone cards (“tarjetas telefonicas”) for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments. Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476

Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Consulates American Consulate Immigration: Nuevo Vallarta: 322.224.7719 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: Consumer Protection: 333.268.2145 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Canadian Consulate Jalisco: 322.221.2676 322.293.2894 Nayarit: 322.297.1006 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

Ahoy Cruisers!

In port this month

Day Ship Passengers 01-jun Carnival Miracle 2,124 08-jun Carnival Miracle 2,124 16-jun Carnival Miracle 2,124 21-jun Carnival Miracle 2,124 22-jun Carnival Miracle 2,124 29-jun Carnival Miracle 2,124

In the month of June Puerto Vallarta welcomes 12, 744 passengers!

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

editorial

Editor’s

Note

Trimming the Coconuts

June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Flower of the Week

by Sandra Cesca

editor@vallartatribune.com

Madagascar Periwinkle Teresitas (Spanish) Catharanthus roseus

did everything in my power to make it rain but to no avail. I did laundry every day and hung it to dry, only to find it… dry. You know how Facebook shows you memories from this day in years past? Well, all my memories are complaining about the weather – how Canadian. Not much to report this week. We went from a huge month of events and festivals to sleepy streets and quiet beaches. The Riviera Nayarit has a few events in June they are promoting, and there has been plenty of chatter online from people planning trips to San Sebastian, Mascota, Talpa de Allende and even higher to San Miguel and Mexico City. For those of us who live here (or are on vacation and want to explore something other than the beach) consider a trip to Sierra Lago which is about two hours east of here in the hills outside of Mascota. It is a ‘ranch-style retreat’ located on a lovely lake with cabins. You can have them take care of everything for you, or you can pack in your groceries and serve yourself, either way, it’s a beautiful natural spot in the high pine forests with very little humidity and temperatures considerably less than the bay. If you keep an eye on Cupocity.com, you may find a 50% off (or more) coupon for your next stay. Many restaurants have extended their Restaurant Week specials so if you did not get to try them all, this is your chance. Cucco's, Fusion Gourmet, Seasons PV, Coco Tropical, Barrio Bistro and El Arrayan are some of the ones still offering a special discounted menu. I was out Friday for a walk around the Centro ‘hood and found myself in a wedding at Captain

inca. A perennial herbaceous ornamental with numerous cultivars spreading to 2.5 feet. Grows easily in poor soil like sidewalks and cracks in walls. Flowers in many shades of pink, red, lilac, and white. Some apply leaves or petals directly to the skin to stop bleeding, relieve insect bites, wasp stings, and eye irritation, infections and swelling. Chinese medicine extracts have been used

Photo by Linda Carlson

to treat diabetes, malaria, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Plant contains over 70 alkaloids, including vincristine currently used for cancer treatment. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

C Don’s - the place was packed. The band was great, and everyone was having a fantastic time. So while things are not as heavily advertised this time of year, there are lots of great live music venues – Murphy’s Pub and the Jazz Foundation come to mind – along with Roxy’s and Nacho Daddy’s on the other side of the Malecon. You will

not find much AC, but the music will be super cool. On a sad note: Luis Melgoza whom I met a number of times to discuss legal issues and general around town news, but likely you know him from his fantastic legal advice column in the PV Mirror, passed away this week in Guadalajara. Luis was always very helpful to this community and so kind to me when I first came to Vallarta. I always appreciated his no excuses attitude for doing the right thing, all too infrequent around here. It was a refreshing perspective. He will be very much missed. My condolences to his family and friends. Que descanse en paz, amigo. Safe travels, Madeline

ome and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. During the low season (May through October), reservations to visit the sanctuary need to be made in advance. To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly

By Janice Gonzalez

appreciate it. To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history. Please be aware that our adoption fee within Mexico is $1,500 pesos. To make donations via PayPal, select the "Donate" option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/. You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro. Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv. com/home or on Facebook.

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June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Preparing for Rainy Season

T Mexicans will help fight huge wildfire 100 firefighters leave this week for Canada to fight The Beast

ne hundred Mexican firefighters are scheduled to leave today or tomorrow for Canada where they will join the fight against a major wildfire in northern Alberta. Two brigades from the National Forest Commission (Conafor) and three from the state of Jalisco will be flown by Canadian authorities from Guadalajara to Edmonton before they are dispatched to fight The Beast, a 500,000-hectare fire that burned through 20% of the city of Fort McMurray and continues to burn. More than 80,000 residents of the city were evacuated earlier this month. Today, the first of the evacuees are returning home, where they will

find out what’s been left. The fire destroyed 2,400 structures, nearly 20% of the city. Mexico’s firefighters are expected to be sent to Fort McMurray, joining 300 of their counterparts who arrived this week from South Africa. They have been trained under the same standards used by the United States and Canada, said Juan Ramón Cruz of Conafor. They have taken up to 23 different courses, two to seven years of study in the form of fieldwork and participated in annual drills. In Canada they will work for 14 days, take three off and work another 14 before returning home.

Original: MexicoDailyNews.com

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... MOLLY by Janice Gonzalez

ging vegetation has been cleared from around the house. This will reduce the risk that they will fall during a storm and cause damage. If you have a swimming pool, remember to drain it around halfway so that it won’t overflow and ruin your landscape or enter your home. When your home is constantly exposed to rain unprotected, it can lead to foundation damage. Don’t forget to run these checks and make the necessary repairs to prevent them from getting worse. Many leave Puerto Vallarta for the summer months. If you do, it is imperative that someone is physically checking your property regularly. A good management and maintenance service can assist you during your absence. A

member of your hired team should visit your home or condo weekly. That way they can make sure all repairs for water damage, mold, mildew and other items are taken care of promptly so you don't have to worry about your property. With the proper preparation you can enjoy the awesome rain and thunderstorms without keeping towels and buckets ready. Laura Gelezunas is an agent at Boardwalk Realty who has lived and worked in Puerto Vallarta full time since 2002 and knows Banderas Bay and its neighborhoods. When you start thinking about making the move to paradise or if you are thinking about selling your investment property, contact her at Laura@BoardwalkRealtyPV. com

New Passenger Ship Service Between Mazatlan and La Paz, Baja California Sur Shipping company Baja Ferries expands its La Paz-Mazatlán Route with the launch the new passenger and cargo ship "Low Star"

e are talking one mellow lady here! Molly was discovered wandering down a busy highway with another female we are assuming is her mommy. Molly is about a year old and is a medium sized girl weighing 44 pounds. She is a gorgeous Bloodhound mix with a great nose! We just love her relaxed disposition. She is friendly, playful and good with other dogs. If you are looking for a lovely lady with a medium energy level to take for nice long walks, Molly is your girl. She has been spayed and is current on all her vaccinations. Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com

he first of the summer rains will arrive soon. There is no better time than right now to get your home ready for the annual deluge and checking it for drips and leaks. The average amount of rainfall in the Puerto Vallarta area between the beginning of June and the end of September is about 47 inches/119 centimeters. That's a good deal of rain in a relatively short amount of time, so being prepared is key. Start at the top and work your way down. Thoroughly check the roof for cracks. Remember that the crack may not correspond to where the drip is located in the home below. Look for places where the water pools and make sure all drains are free of debris. If you have roof tiles, make sure to replace broken or cracked ones Inside your home, check for spots that look damp or other signs of water leakage. This could be water rings, mold or wall or ceiling discoloration. Make any necessary repairs to fix the issue and prevent it from happening again during the upcoming rainy season. Tackle your doors and your windows. Make sure they close and seal properly. Then make any repairs or improvements as necessary. These openings and other parts of the house made of wood can sustain water damage if it’s constantly absorbing it. Remember to apply a fresh coat of waterproof varnish for protection. Do garden maintenance and be sure dead branches and overhan-

T if you think your home would be perfect!

he Pearl of the Pacific will have a new tourist route between La Paz, Baja California Sur to Mazatlán with the launch of the new “Baja Star.” The ship will be able to transport up to 700 passengers and travel between the two destinations in approximately 12 hours. The shipping company “Baja Ferries” invested 230 million pesos into the project, as it works to expand service up

to 10,600 passengers per month -- tripling its passenger capacity, resulting in a 120 percent increase. The “Baja Star” service will operate tourist passage, with modern facilities and amenities aimed at increasing tourism on the route. The opening of this new route will have a direct (and indirect) increase of jobs.

Currently, Baja Ferries operates the Mazatlan-La Paz route with the ship “Peace Star.” With the entry into operation of Baja Star, the aim is to double passenger loads compared to 2015, increase the tourist flow by more than 25,000 passengers during the summer of 2016, and grow annually by 60,000 passengers on the Mazatlán - La Paz route.

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June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico Warns, Leave the Peso Alone By Isabella Cota and Nacha Cattan

exico is tired of seeing the peso picked on. It’s depreciated as much as 13 percent against the dollar this year in intraday trading, making it the worst- performing major currency of 2016. Weak economic fundamentals aren’t what’s sapping the peso’s strength. Inflation in Mexico is near a 47-year low, and annual growth is expected to accelerate for a third consecutive year, to 2.6 percent. The peso is vulnerable because it’s the most- traded currency in emerging markets, which makes it an ideal hedging instrument for speculators who are betting on the direction of other developing economies. The peso’s daily trading volume of $135 billion a day is $15 billion higher than that for China’s yuan, the next-most- traded among developing countries, according to data from the Bank for International Settlements. The peso also trades on global markets 24 hours a day, five days a week. That’s true of only two other emerging-market currencies—the South African rand and the Turkish lira, both of which have far lower daily trading volumes. So if there’s bad news out of Brasilia on a Friday evening, after the markets there are closed for business, it’s the peso instead of the

real that takes a beating. “The peso was being used to hedge not only Mexico risk but everything else,” says Eduardo Suarez, a Latin America strategist at Bank of Nova Scotia. Just days after the peso flirted with an all-time low of 20 to the dollar in February, officials swung into action. On Feb. 17, in a rare joint announcement, the central bank governor and finance minister said Mexico would scrap its system of predictable dollar auctions and start selling greenbacks directly to banks, at any time and in undisclosed amounts. (Dollar sales bolster the peso by removing some

of the local currency from circulation.) “We are trying to anchor the value of the currency” to economic fundamentals, Minister of Finance Luis Videgaray said in an interview two days later. That’s a polite way of telling speculators to back off. “What the government is saying is basically, ‘Hey, if you’re going to choose a currency as a proxy for emerging-market risk, lemme just tell you, there’s a risk the central bank will be on the other side of your trade,’ ” says Benito Berber, senior economist for Latin America at Nomura Holdings in New York. To drive home the point, Bank

Massive Cleanup at Islas Marietas

he cleanup will happen on the surface but specialists will be underwater cleaning the seabed. The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Research and Environmental Programs Office, the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (Conanp, by its acronym in Spanish) and different groups of tourism service providers conducted a massive cleanup of Islas Marietas on Monday, June 6, 2016. “This is part of the efforts we’ve had in place for more than a year,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “New service providers join in each time we have a cleanup, which points to the commitment they have to the conservation of the Marietas.” Service providers from Sayulita, Punta de Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto

Vallarta joined in this cleanup. Besides picking up the trash that littered the islands there are a crew of professional scuba divers from Vallarta Adventures and Vallarta Under Sea to help clean up the seabed. The Riviera Nayarit CVB provides the supplies to the participants, who will fan out over the area to cover as much ground as possible. The service providers will supply their own boats, gasoline and elbow grease. “The idea is for this activity to take place on a continuing basis and to be replicated in other iconic areas of the bay,” added Murphy. It’s important to point out there are currently agreements between the Conanp and the tourism service providers to improve and coordinate the management of the tourist visits to the Islas Marietas, an icon of the Banderas Bay.

of Mexico Governor Agustín Carstens jolted the markets by raising the benchmark interest rate by a half-percent, to 3.75 percent, on Feb. 17—the first time the bank has raised rates outside of a scheduled meeting in at least 13 years. A higher interest rate makes it more expensive for speculators to borrow pesos to buy other assets. The volume of such trades has exploded thanks to high-speed computerized trading, which is a reason the peso has been at the mercy of events far beyond Mexico’s borders. “Mexico has drawn a line in the sand with high-frequency firms,” says Alejandro

Silva, a partner at Silva Capital Management in Chicago. “If you are a high-frequency firm, you have to constantly be wondering if someone is going to come in and intervene in the currency.” The peso has gained as much as 5 percent since the moves. If investors thought Mexico’s economy in serious trouble, maneuvers of this type would have done little to slow the peso’s slide. Not all of the peso’s weakness can be blamed on external factors, however. The price of oil, which provides one-fifth of public revenue, has tumbled, and the state-run oil giant Petróleos Mexicanos posted a record loss in 2015, the 11th consecutive year in which it logged a drop in crude output. Absent any signs of deeper trouble in the economy, the central bank’s rate hike and the new method for dollar sales should continue to buoy the currency. What they did was “very intelligent,” says Nova Scotia’s Suarez. “What is going to change is that the peso will no longer be the most bullied kid in the class.” The bottom line: Mexican policymakers have unveiled measures to discourage speculators from using the peso as a hedging instrument.

Original: Bloomberg BusinessWeek

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June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

From Here Marcia Blondin

Photos: by Kristian Pentangeli

marciavallarta@gmail.com

his week I will combine this column with Comings and Goings… I was walking down the Malecon around 11 in the morning last week, taking care to not stray into the bicycle lane that needs paint/ roping off/something to make it more distinct for bikers. At any rate, a young man was coming towards me on his bicycle with an attached child seat so not sure if he was a local or a tourist who maybe rented the bike. As he was aiming straight for me, I pointed to the bike lane and said in Spanish, something like “this is where you should be riding.” He flew by me and said in perfect English, “I so don’t care.” Apparently not. Our city, over the past four years, has made major strides to encourage bike riding, which is great but we all – walkers and bikers – need to share the space we live and move on. Be aware, please: don’t walk in the bike lane and the reverse goes without saying. I headed to the Krystal Hotel last Friday to catch the continuing Michael Jackson Tribute show at the X-Tine Nightclub. I had no clue what to expect: Someone imitating Michael Jackson? Someone singing a bunch of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits? Dancers and/ or acrobats? What happened on the relatively small stage at X-Tine was a minor miracle. Parts of this production made me feel like I was in Disneyland. The one in

Anaheim, California that I didn’t get to until I was in my late 20’s where everything around me shouted out happy childhood memories. The expense of costuming and puppetry alone cannot begin to be covered by the relatively high entrance fee (about $400 pesos per adult and slightly less for kids) and paying for a dozen professional dancers and then there is the actor/dancer who so skillfully portrayed Michael Jackson. Lip-synced, of course, but ask any drag queen if it’s easy and then do it in a foreign language (I am assuming he is a Latino). I did not catch an error right down to and including the fact that the King of Pop almost never got through an entire song without adjusting his microphone with his band-aided fingers. I really appreciate those small but significant touches. The video work in this project was extensive and must have taken weeks of research and editing. Without giving any magic away, the finale was so big, so bold and ultimately so sweet it could have been – and should be – played in Vegas. The song was on the list that Michael Jackson would have performed in “This Is It”; the Tour that never happened. Take a walk on Friday night, starting appropriately with the Jackson Five, through nearly five decades of ground-breaking/ award-winning music and visuals that will knock your white socks off: “Will You Be There?”

Robert Redford – Actor, Director, Producer By Fred Jacobs

obert Redford was born on August 18, 1936, in Santa Monica, California. His father was a milkman and studied to eventually become an accountant. The family was of English/ Scottish/Irish heritage. The family eventually moved to Van Nuys, California where Robert went to high school. One classmate of Robert’s was the soon to be baseball great, Don Drysdale. Redford has described himself as having been a "bad" student and very bored with classroom settings. From an early age, Redford was always more interested in art and sports. After graduating high school in 1954, Redford went to the University of Colorado-but only for a year and a half. While in Colorado, Redford began drinking heavily, and as a result lost his scholarship and was kicked out of school. Later he traveled in Europe, living in France, Spain, and Italy. Once back in the US, Redford settled down in New York. He studied painting in Brooklyn and took classes at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. The big apple was a hot training ground for actors in the 1950’s and they could always find work on TV and the stage. Redford’s dashing good looks, lead to many guest appearances on popular TV shows of the day. Starting in 1959, he appeared on “The Untouchables”, “Perry Mason”, “Alfred Hitchcock Presents”, “Route 66”, “Dr. Kildare”, “Playhouse 90”, and “The Twilight Zone”. Redford even received an Emmy nomina-

tion in 1962, as Best Supporting Actor for his role in “The Voice of Charlie Pont” (ABC). Redford made his big screen debut with a small role in “Tall Story” (1960), alongside Anthony Perkins and newcomer, Jane Fonda. Redford also had respectable performances on the New York stage, with his biggest Broadway success, in Neil Simon's “Barefoot in the Park” (1963). But Redford had bigger dreams and soon left the small screen and stage behind. 1965 saw Redford breakthrough on the big screen with “Inside Daisy Clover”, playing opposite Natalie Wood and also won him a Golden Globe for best new star. 1966 saw Redford again opposite Natalie Wood and also Charles Bronson in “This Property Is Condemned.” The same year saw Redford on the big screen with equal billing opposite Jane Fonda and Marlon Brando in “The Chase”. 1967 saw Fonda and Redford together again in the popular movie version of “Barefoot in the Park.” After decent success on the big screen, Redford was getting worried about being typecast as an all-American blond actor and turned down roles in “Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf” and The Graduate”. Redford chose instead to star opposite Paul Newman in “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” (1969). The film was a huge success at the box office and Redford became a major “bankable” star. Over the next 4 years, Redford appeared in a series of movies, but none really had much box office success-until 1973. That year we saw Redford opposite Barbra Strei-

sand in “The Way We Were”, and audiences loved the movie. 1973 also brought Redford back together with Paul Newman playing con men, in “The Sting”. It would be the biggest box office hit of Redford’s career and earn him an Oscar nomination. The next couple of years, Redford hit box office gold time and again. His hits included “The Great Gatsby” (1974), “The Great Waldo Pepper” (1975), and “Three Days of the Condor” (1975). Redford then starred in the popular and acclaimed “All the President's Men” (1976), alongside Dustin Hoffman, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook and Jason Robards. The movie portrayed the journalism that lead to the breaking of the Watergate scandal and the fall of Richard Nixon from the presidency. The film was nominated for 8 Oscars and won 4 statues. Redford had always wanted to get behind the cameras as well. 1980 saw his directorial debut in “Ordinary People”. The movie showed the collapse of an upper-middle class family, after the sudden death of a son. It was one of the most critically and publicly acclaimed films of the decade, winning four Oscars, including Best Director for Redford, and also Best Picture. Next week we’ll look at more of Redford’s later hits both on and behind the camera as well as the start of his passion to support the independent film industry, with his founding of The Sundance Festival.

Fred Jacobs is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta and the author of 3 books.

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

American School Founders

hen I first arrived in Mexico, nearly sixteen years ago, it was a particularly sweaty August. My first impression was that it might be a good idea to turn around and go home. I didn’t understand how a person could sweat simply by moving an arm to brush the perspiration out of one’s eyes. Also, my hair had curled itself into something resembling my grandmother’s home perm, and I found this to be an unacceptable way to leave my new apartment. Except that I had to leave my new apartment because it was about two thousand degrees inside. Also, I had to make an appearance at my new place of work so they knew that their new kindergarten teacher had survived the first night, even though I was pretty sure I’d be handing in my resignation once I got there. I got onto the school campus after some very wrong turns (can I get a “hey” from anyone who, on his/her first day in Vallarta, was humiliated by the locals for not using the lateral lanes correctly?). I was sweating, scared, and shaky. I was probably constantly touching my hair and frowning. I did not look like a successful professional, ready to confidently take on a full class of energetic kindergartners. To be honest, I did not look like I could confidently take on a plate of spaghetti even if the pasta was cut

in half. Immediately my elementary school principal, Kathy Selitzer, strode up to me, smiling. She introduced herself. She told me how glad she was that I had arrived. She even looked like she meant it. Quickly she guided me to the office of the director, Jerry Selitzer, who had recruited me at a job fair in Ontario earlier that year. Seeing him grinning at me from behind his desk was a very relief-inducing sight, and I breathed out just a little. This was the first time, but not even close to the last time, that these two people saved me from dropping everything and running for the nearest hill. Jerry Selitzer is one of the founders of the American School of Puerto Vallarta. He’s been an integral part of the Vallarta community, involved in education in the bay and, really, all over Latin America. Also, he’s been a mentor and guide to an unbelievable number of teachers over the years (some of whom might have referred to him affectionately as Papa Smurf. I’m not sure who). His wife, Kathy, has served as principal for nearly seventeen years at ASPV. She is my professional mentor and also my very dear friend. And now, in June, they will retire and hand the reigns over to others. Happily, the new administration is ready and more than capable of taking on the task of leading our school. Not only that, Kathy and Jerry Selitzer are handing them a legacy of love for learning, for inno-

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June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

vation, and for community. Speaking as a teacher who left her own country many years ago in search of a professional and personal adventure, I can tell you that I’m still here largely because of that legacy. I know many international teachers, and most tell me that ASPV will always hold that feeling of home in their hearts. Most of that feeling is thanks to our leaders, people who were often more like dorm parents, priests, counselors, and professional hand-holders (which is not even supposed to be a real thing). In my life I am grateful to them on many levels. And I’ve learned so much from both of them. I have learned things like: 1) You don’t need to ask someone if they are ok when you know they aren’t. Sometimes you just need to go to their homes, pick them up and take them to the beach. After awhile, they will be ok. 2) When someone comes to your office with a concern, listen hard, have a box of tissues on hand, and try to make them laugh at least once. 3) When you trust someone, and they know it, they will do great things. 4) If you really want to do something incredible with your life, throw caution under a big blue Ixtapa bus and just do it. 5) Building a legacy means loving what you do without reservation, without hesitation and without regret. It means loving those around you who believe in it too. It means letting someone else take the credit a lot of the time, and it means lifting up those who are losing the vision. And at last it means handing it over, gently and with all the love you have, content now to watch it grow.

Are They Talking Behind Your Back? Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney tax@orlandogotay.com

here is a renewed emphasis on US tax authorities talking to their counterparts in other countries. There are many international agreements or conventions that enable exchange of information about…you guessed it, you and your financial matters. The Foreign Tax Account Compliance Act and the agreements between the US and various countries to enforce it are but the latest example. Did you know that the IRS has agreements with states and even some local jurisdictions? Yes, María. I just finished reviewing some of them, obtained by colleagues from Tax Analysts. Here are my key takeaways. Your address of record is key to information sharing. The feds do not share more than they are allowed to under federal law. Because of that (and for practical reasons), the IRS selects and shares records that match the area administered by the state (or local) counterparts. It makes sense for example, that California would be interested in California taxpayers. That’s why addresses may matter. Here’s a sample of what the IRS shares. A “state to fed” list also exists, so one can expect states telling the IRS about what they know, too. Audit results: As soon as a tax deficiency is determined, the IRS will tell your state tax authority so they can expect your amended state tax return. You can imagine them doing

this. Information about appeals filed, pending or resolved. This is shared so all concerned know what issues are lurking out there with respect to specific taxpayers, and to be also on the lookout for <drum roll> more revenue. List of “potentially dangerous” taxpayers: Yes, there is one. I really recommend not being in it. Forms “1099” and “W-2” income or wage reporting are also low hanging fruit, as that is how the states know that income is properly reported to them. The same goes for “under reporter” data, liens, levies and other enforced collection actions, “refund offsets” and many others. Because of the importance of some of this information, it is shared on an ongoing basis. Some is exchanged almost real time, or at most the next day. Interestingly enough, there’s one interesting gap: the IRS says it cannot share information obtained via international tax conventions. Who knew. I’ll file that for future reference. Just remember. They can and do talk. Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@ orlandogotay.com.

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

Services Sunday 10:00 a.m. Air-conditioned Now! Services held each Sunday year around English-Traditional Holy Communion All faiths welcome-Casual Dress Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Questions? Call Father Michael cell: 044-322-303-3916 e mail kpadresoy@outlook.com

www.ChristChurchByTheSea.org www.IglesiaCristoDelMar.org

Visit the Marsol Hotel Summer Market by t

the Pier every Friday 9:30 am to 1:30 pm

riviera nayarit

June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Bucerias Art

Fun on the District Beat

Riviera Nayarit Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

By Gordon Mayer

Sandra Neumann – Sandrina’s Restaurant and Boutique

itting in the offices of a feared government official, Sandra Neumann is determined. It is 2001 and after originally granting her and her husband a liquor license for a small internet café and deli, notice that the license has been revoked has caused Sandra to spring into action. Her tenacity paying out after a day and a half of waiting, she finally has opportunity to speak to the official and plead her case. Sandra thought she knew enough Spanish to communicate but as she desperately tried to sway the official the reality was she did not. Dismayed she went to speak to the receptionist to find out she was successful! Not only had she overcome the public perception that she would not be seen through her pure persistence, but she has communicated well enough in her new language to win the day… or so she thought until the receptionist told her that the official had not understood her at all but that he instead, “read your eyes”. With a chuckle Sandra left with the needed license and gratefully accepted that her eyes had indeed been a window on her soul that day and that her soul had possessed the passion for their

little business enough to change the mind of a hardened politician. Starting from that humble beginning, it has been that kind of persistence, a passion for pleasing their clientele and a desire to share the unique colours and art of Mexico that has made Sandrina’s a cornerstone of the BUcerias Art District (BAD) and a huge success. Perhaps it was the rugged environment of her Manitoba, Canada birthplace that gave her the patience and intestinal fortitude she possesses or simply a commitment to doing what she loves with those she loves in a place she loves or a combination of the same, regardless, Sandra has never let hard work hold her back from moving forward. Crediting “blood, sweat, work and tears” for bringing Sandrina’s Restaurant and Boutique to its sanding and reputation today, you can still find her there almost every night ensuring her guests are well fed, comfortable and happy. Her work ethic even led to the proliferation of art found therein. After watching the artists in nearby Puerto Vallarta, Sandra took to painting herself to adorn the walls of the

restaurant. Curious clients appreciating her craft were soon purchasing her works and she kept creating to meet the décor needs as well as the appreciative consumers of it. As the restaurant grew in size and business, Sandra turned to the art of Mexican nationals and soon filled the establishment with art. Even the flatware has artistic flare and national roots with such quality and style that guests’ requests to purchase it from underneath their meals (when done of course because Sandrina’s cuisine is definitely delicous) that Sandra opened a boutique to support the artists and satisfy the guests who wanted to take home their experience. “I never thought I would have a store.” she quips as she recalls the early days of the boutique, but if the customers want it, then Sandrina’s will provide it of this you can rest assured. With family and long-term staff working together, the experience of dining at Sandrina’s is not “walk in – walk out” but more that of visiting friends or family. Guests often spend time chatting with Sandra and staff and the atmosphere exudes the love and concern poured into everything they do. Sandrina’s is real in a world where much is contrived and fake. You will find everything from what Sandra calls, “Canadian art classes whipped up with Mexican verve and energy” to the Mediterranean menu drawn from generations of her husband’s family experience, to artisan flatware, national art, original art and the energy of passion and persistence that pervades every corner. All this accomplished with a simple plan and hard work and the inimitable spirit of a woman named Sandra.

spectacular light. The larvae of the lightening bug are carnivorous and dine of slugs and worms. Once they grow up some move on to cannibalism, but most subsist on pollen and nectar. You will find them in humid tropical climates, near ponds and other bodies of water, but they don’t need actual bodies of water to survive. Firefly

populations are on the decline. This is due to a combination of pesticides, habitat destruction and light pollution. If a field where fireflies live is paved over, the fireflies do not simply migrate to another field, they just disappear forever. You may also be moving out the population every time you mow the lawn. Fireflies make me feel wonderful every

time I see them. They always bring out the “kid” in me. Thanks so much for tuning in this week. Enjoy life on the Banderas Bay…we are all so blessed to live here! If you have any questions or comments please write to me at: Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness. com . AHO!

ola a todos! I finally went and got my Mexican driver’s license in Mezcales and it was super easy! The location is off the 200Hwy at the main light in Mezcales, turn left as if you’re headed to PV – it’s in the two-story building just north of the corner. The office is located upstairs. Coming from Bucerias, you will need to make a U turn, then right on the first street where you will find a large parking lot directly behind the building. You will need a copy of your passport, your current or expired driver’s license, and copy of a utility bill. If the bill is not in your name then you will need a copy of your lease with that address. The cost was 620 pesos. You may be asked to take a written test. They take your photo right there, and make the card. VOILA! My favorite PV band is coming to play in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle on Saturday, June 11th at Las Palapas Beach Restaurant…La Tres Cuartoz! I LOVE this band…with a song list with over 200 songs!! The lead singer Wario Liam Hernandez has such an amazing voice and is a super bass player and one of the best lead guitarists around! Las Palapas Beach Restaurant is always a fun party right on the playa. Lucky for us folks on the North of Banderas Bay they are coming to jam in La Cruz. They have a huge song list with a large variety of tunes, often playing one song right into another. The music and dinner begins at 6pm-10pm. You can get your tickets by calling the restaurant at 329-2955605. THE SUMMER PARTY IS ON.. And I am hoping they will continue to come out to play all summer long! If you live in Puerto Vallarta you will want to catch them play at Murphy’s Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Meanwhile, back at the Ranch… For the last couple of weeks, hundreds of fireflies have really been putting on a show as they look for their mates. It feels like I am at Disneyland or something! I enjoy lounging on the roof deck to watch

the amazing light show immediately after the sun goes down and into the evening. They are nocturnal, and during the day they spend most of their time on the ground. At night, they crawl to the tops of the blades of grass and fly into tree branches to signal for mates. These insects are actually beetles and are members of the family Lampyridae with over 2000 species. Their light is usually intermittent flashing patterns that are unique to each species. Each pattern is an optical signal that helps them find their mates. Scientists are still not sure how they regulate turning on and off the lights. Their light also deters predators as a signal that they taste awful! The larvae are also luminescent and foul tasting. Most are winged which differentiates them from other luminescent insects. It seems like magic when they light up, but what really happens is when a chemical called luciferin that is inside their abdomen/tail combines with oxygen, calcium and adenosine triphosphate and chemical reaction occurs that creates their

riviera nayarit

June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Plenty of great summer promotions in Riviera Nayarit

njoy discounts from 20 to 57% off, tons of amenities and free services from 29 hotels including the new W Punta de Mita, which is open for reservations. Promotions range from discounts of 20 to 57% off to resort credits, free WiFi, one free tour of the guest’s choice, unlimited rounds of golf, free babysitting services and kids stay free. Participating hotels include the Belair, Decameron Los Cocos, Dreams Villamagna, Four Seasons, Grand Palladium Grand Velas, Hard Rock Hotel, Las Palomas, Iberostar, Imanta, La Tranquila Marival Residences, Marival Resort, Occidental Grand, Ocean Breeze, Paradise Village, Rancho Banderas, Riu Jalisco,

Riu Palace, Riu Vallarta, Royal Decameron, Samba, St Regis The Royal Suites, Villa del Palmar, Villa La Estancia, Villa Varadero, Vista Vallarta and the W Punta de Mita. The new W Punta de Mita will open up its room inventory for

online reservations on June 7 and will include the Summer Sun Promos. For reservations and details on these new promos, visit: http://rez. rivieranayarit.com/Riviera-Nayarit/ hotels.

San Blas Launches “All To Be Discovered” Promotional Campaign

ll the information on what to do, where to stay, events, tours, maps, blogs, videos, and more are available at the new www. sanblasrivieranayarit.com domain. The San Blas Hotel and Motel Association (AHMSB by its acronym in Spanish) launched its latest promotional campaign, “All To Be Discovered,” a series of strategies that show the new image of the Riviera Nayarit’s most historic destination. The new domain—www.sanblasrivieranayarit.com—will host all the information on what to do, where to stay, events and everything

waiting to be discovered in San Blas. Visitors can also find tour information, maps, blogs, videos, links to social media and a media kit for the press. The objective is to showcase the port’s natural surroundings, its gastronomy and its colonial past. We deserve a better San Blas and we’re working towards it,” declared Betty Vázquez, Culinary Ambassador for the Riviera Nayarit. “To be in front of a microphone and be on national television right now gives me a great opportunity—every time I talk about San Blas I speak with pride and love for my hometown.”

Riviera Nayarit Ends May With Highest Occupancy Rate In Years

ay 2016 leapfrogged over May 2015 by over 3% in occupancy; Holy Week and Easter brought an increase in tourists in 2016 compared to 2015 with 47% more visitors. According to the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau’s Barometer the preliminary hotel occupancy numbers for May 2016 were the highest they have been for years at 72.1%. The growth trend in the Riviera Nayarit is evident especially when considering the closing numbers for occupancy in May 2013 were at 60%, growing to 67.08% by May 2014 and reached 69.52% by May 2015. “We’re talking about a more than 3% increase in occupancy in one of the months where the dip in

the number of tourists in the region is the most noticeable. If we look farther back in time the numbers were even lower because we were in crisis mode. Now there’s no doubt the Riviera Nayarit is experiencing a surge,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. Another example of the increase in the number of tourists played out during Holy Week and Easter this year: from 47,952 tourists arriving in 2015 during that period of time to 70,477 visitors arriving during that period this year, a 47% jump. Consequently the income derived from this favorable vacation period also increased by 56.7%, jumping from nearly US$50 million in 2015 to over US$78 million in 2016 just within that 15-day period.

UPCOMING EVENTS If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com. June’s Events in the Riviera Nayarit There is something for everyone this month in Mexico’s Pacific Treasure, including Navy Day, the 56th San Blas Fishing Tournament, the Guayabitos Motofiesta, the Riviera Fest VW in La Cruz, the celebration of the Batalla de Santos (Battle of the Saints) in Mexcaltitán and the Texas Music Festival in Nuevo Vallarta. The events around Riviera Nayarit June will take place in different locations from Nuevo Vallarta all the way to the Isla de Mexcaltitán.

VW Riviera Fest (June 19) La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is another magnet for classic and modified Volkies. Over 150 vehicles will be displayed at the Marina Riviera Nayarit during this family-friendly event. h t t p s : / / w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / clubwagenvolks/likes.   Batalla de Santos in Mexcaltitán (June 29) This patron saint feast commemorating saints Peter and Paul includes one of the most iconic traditional ceremonies on the Isla

de Mexcaltitán, the birthplace of Mexican heritage: a pilgrimage that emulates the Mexicas, or Aztecs, who left Aztlán to establish the great city of Tenochtitlán. http:// www.santiago-ixcuintla.gob.mx/.   Texas Music Festival (TBD) This Texas-sized cultural and musical festival returns, bringing with it dozens of Texan artists and plenty of visitors who flock to Nuevo Vallarta to celebrate the traditions of the Lone Star State. St. Regis resort hosts Punta Mita Beach Festival

St. Regis Punta Mita is gearing up to host the fourth annual Punta Mita Beach Festival, July 7 to 10. The four-day extravaganza combines surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, yoga, sandcastle building for the kids and gourmet cuisine. The summer festival will also welcome Chilean surfer Ramon Navarro and showcase his film, “The Fisherman’s Son,” which centers on his mission to protect the culture and environment of the Chilean coast. The property is offering

packages for the festival that include a deluxe room, all drinks during gourmet events, admission to all activities, two lunches, Sunday brunch and a closing dinner. Packages without accommodations are also available.

VALLARTA SHOPPI INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Investing in Puerto Vallarta

Members of IFC raise hundreds of thousands of pesos each year from Home Tours, lectures and social events. The club invests part of that money in the community of Puerto Vallarta by supporting many local charities including the library, orphanages, a daycare for disabled kids and schools in poor areas of the city. www.ifcvallarta.com 322-222-5466

Marsol Summer Market by the Pier Puerto Vallarta’s

ontinuing to introduce a few of the vendors that dedicate every Friday to be at the Marsol Hotel Summer Market… What if you could lose weight safely, ward off cancer and aging, boost your energy levels significantly, get all the nutrition you need and only spend $40 PESOS a day, would you do it? Why would you not! Every Friday Ricardo Mazcal

Day Pass 50% off PRESENT THIS COUPON

Towel service / Pool / Lounge chairs Delightful cocktails / Superb Bistrot menu Pet-friendly www.sapphire.mx

Expires October 31, 2016

Malecon 1, Playa Los Muertos

sets up his single-serving packets of super-food that one mixes with water; two of these per day – at $20 pesos each is all you need! Great to have on hand when you are too busy or too tired to cook. And it tastes good, too! Ricardo is a fourth generation herbalist/naturalist. Talk to him; he has answers. Juan Manuel is a Found Artist. He mixes stones, shells, feathers and creates unusual creatures and also jewellery adding found objects to fine pieces of Italian glass and coral beads. He sometimes comes across ancient stones that have obviously been hand-drilled. Take your time looking at each piece he makes; everything tells a unique story. Gabriela sells beautiful traditionally made dresses and blouses

for women. They are 100% cotton with silk embroidery in a variety of colors. Gabriela often comes with other artisan products only she creates. Jump on a Segway and tour Vallarta’s gorgeous Malecon! Don’t have a clue how to manoeuvre on one? No problem – all Wheeling Vallarta Tours come with lessons, safety gear and a guide. Even kids can ride a Segway and there are special Sunset Tours available; just ask. Marcia has new silk shawls and necklaces every Friday. Also, fashion watches and a few antique pieces to add to her eclectic mix. The Marsol Hotel Summer Market is held every Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm…always live entertainment!

Three Hens & a Rooster Market News

aturday is Market Day on Upper V. Carranza from 9 to 1 pm; if you remember fondly the Paradise Community Center’s Market you can be assured the wonderful ambiance has moved uptown with many of the same vendors…to whit: Gloria Sue, our Jewish mama serving up boxed summer fare that changes weekly; Bill Kelly with cooling ties and fab aprons; Mark Hughes with sweet and savoury pies; Lisa Love with art-of-theweek! Jeanine and Barbara’s pastries; Marcia’s flowing silky scarves and jewellery; deli goodies by Corazon de Niña and sausages by Alex Duarte to name just a few. Besides the old-timers, we have a shamana, candle makers, found artists, fishing charterers and those that smoke the caught fish! Great cups of coffee and a bazaar to poke through for incredibly

low-priced bargains on gently-used products that change weekly. Anne Bryant who is an Internationally Certified Aroma Therapist sells therapeutic-grade essential oils and fabulously chic clothing made from imported fabrics and 100% Mexican cotton. Anne’s online business (www. buddhafullthreads.com) is available immediately and exclusively at Three Hens & a Rooster Market with substantial savings to you. Anne also has Buddha Beads which are a combination necklace/ bracelet. Don’t forget to say hi to Mimi! Three Hens & a Rooster Market is held every Saturday 9 am to 1 pm on upper Venustiano Carranza 466 between Jacarandas Street and El Brujo restaurant, across the street from the ice factory. Like us on Facebook: Tres Gallinas y un Gallo – Three Hens and a Rooster.

Wheeling Vallarta Segway Tours

Located across from McDonald’s

322-223-8014 Fine Art and Furniture

MEXICO

31 de Octubre 107 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Malecon

By Madeline Milne The very word "souvenir" evokes visions of cheesy trinkets destined to fall apart before you get them home. The Spanish word, recuerdo, is an improvement. It translates to "I remember" — what a souvenir ought to be. The best are specific to the place you visit and, ideally, made by local people. You can still find gaudy shot glasses and donkey figurines dressed in serapes and sombreros (usually made in China), but there are many more sophisticated items to purchase. Once you delve into the many rich artisan traditions, the problem

Butterfly of the Wee

Giant Silk Moth Rothschild

oth butterflies and moths belong to the order of Lepidoptera. I think of moths as the cryptic nighttime cousins of the sun-loving butterflies; many species of moths rival the colouration and beauty of the most exotic butterflies. Giant Silk Moths or Atlas moths are members of the Saturniidae family, of which there are many very large and showy species. A number of species of Rothschildia occur throughout Mexico, looking much

ING AND SERVICES

s Souvenirs

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your favourite poison at mere pesos on the dollar. Coffee: Mexico is the world's largest producer of certified organic coffee and a leader in fair-trade coffee. Oaxaca, Chiapas and the Coatepec region of Veracruz are the prime growing areas, but in the hills of Nayarit and Jalisco there are a number of local growers – Look for El Fortin coffee from San Sebastian del Oeste and Capula from the San Blas area. Glass: Colourful margarita glasses, juice jugs and hand blown hearts of many colours are made in the towns outside of Guadalajara. For a wonderful selection visit Mundo de Cristal in Old Town or the Mercado along the Rio Cuale.

becomes how to choose (and maybe how to get it home). But somewhere between the decorated margarita glass and the hand-carved wooden bed lies the recuerdo for you, or for your friends and family at home. Here are some of our favorite souvenirs you'll still love just as much when you get it back on home soil as you did when it called to you in the plaza or market: Tequila: Mexico’s signature spirit originates just a few hours from the shores of Banderas Bay. While a trip up to the town of Tequila might not be in your plans, walking into any of the local tequila shops will afford you a unique brand and often artisan bottle, or stop at one of the big box stores for

Huichol Art: Beaded figurines, bracelets, paintings made from colourful string; the Huichol people live in the mountains above Vallarta and create unique art based on their shamanic culture. While you can find vendors in the plaza, a trip to Peyote People in Vallarta or Galleria Tanana in Sayulita will ensure your dollars are buying the finest quality. Pottery: Artisans around Mexico create hundreds of different styles depending where they live. Talavera from Puebla and brown clay dishes from Michoacán are the most popular and easily found in the markets (knockoffs) and fine galleries. Note: pottery must be packing in your checked luggage – take care.

Happy Hour 6-9pm all pizzas are only $89! Special not available for take-out.

Open from 6-11pm Wednesday - Saturday Venustiano Carranza 276 Zona Romántica 223 2267

by Moralea Milne

dia cincta guerreronis alike but with small variations. The species featured has a wingspan of 10-11 cm. They have a short adult life since they emerge from their cocoon with no mouthparts. Their only focus is to find a mate and reproduce. Females will remain quite close to their emergent site and produce a “come thither” pheromone that the males, with their sensitive feathery antennae can scent for long distances. Females are said to active from 11 pm till 12:30 am and males from midnight till 2:30 am. They use oak trees

“Remodeling and Renovations”

and possibly other plants on which to lay their eggs. I photographed this species at Mt Alban, Oaxaca, in early August, but they can be found in the Jalisco region as well.

Juarez 599 El Centro 322 222 1383, 322 111 6359 www.colibridesignvallarta.com galeriacolibri@gmail.com

travel

June 9 - 15, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico, an Underwater Wonderland

Pelón, you can spot the world’s largest fish, the whale shark.

By Patricia Peña

BAJA CALIFORNIA

orth to south, east to west, all paths lead to the ocean. Like the song of the mermaid, Mexico’s crystal clear waters have enamoured many a soul with their enigmatic beauty. The dolphin noticed the diver and started swimming in circles. But before he could react and take a photo of the 300-kilo animal, it swam off, flashing its white belly and gray tail. The diver followed it, waving his right hand to attract the attention of the group he was with. To his surprise, it came back, this time accompanied by another six of its species, which dipped under the water when their leader shimmied up to the diver. Diver and dolphin stared each other in the eye with an inexplicable mutual curiosity in the placid waters of the Maya Riviera. It is a moment that Arturo Ramírez Martell, a Mexican who has spent 30 of his 48 years as a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Instructor Development Course (IDC) Staff Instructor for the Mexican Diving Federation, will never forget. Arturo knows how lucky he is to be able to explore the depths of Mexico’s seas, rated among the most beautiful in the world by colleagues as prestigious as the father of modern day diving, Jacques Cousteau, after whom an island in the Sea of Cortés in Baja California Sur was named. The Frenchman was a regular visitor to these waters, which he dubbed the “world’s aquarium”. Like Cousteau, for many diving is a lifestyle, an adrenalin-packed passion born of an ethereal connection with nature. But it doesn’t take great physical strength and you certainly don’t have to sign up for a daunting ocean expedition to experience the thrill of coming face to face with the monsters of the deep or discovering the microscopic organisms that bring life and color to this fascinating underworld. Mexico has an abundance of seas and oceans brimming with unique flora and fauna, not to mention specialized instructors and world famous dive sites like the Sea of Cortés, the Revillagigedo Islands and the Maya Riviera, whose best known spots include Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel-Isla Mujeres.

MAYA RIVIERA

Ideally located on the Mexican

Caribbean in the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo, it is no coincidence that at least one of the Maya Rivera’s 26-plus dive sites appears on every list of the best diving spots in the world. Solitary reefs, cenotes (underwater sinkholes), islands, shipwrecks, walls and underground river systems have earned the Riviera a reputation as the best cave diving destination in the world. Plus tourists can dive with sharks, turtles and dolphins, snails, sea urchins, starfish and lobster. Then there is Xel-Há, an eco-park where you can dive or snorkel in the lagoon or explore the caves of its underground river. The Tres Ríos eco-park has eight cenotes, while budding underwater archaeologists can visit the remains of ancient Maya civilizations at Xcaret, which features 600 meters of caves, tunnels, natural pools and underground rivers swarming with tropical fish. Playa del Carmen, host to the Great Maya Reef, has coral reefs and underground rivers that connect with the cenotes Chac Mool, La Ponderosa, Dos Ojos, Nohoch-NaChich, El Gran Cenote, Car Wash, Chikin Ha, Taj Majal and Angelita. Also in the Maya Riviera is Majahual, whose coral reefs provide a refuge for starfish, seahorses, dolphins, turtles and sponges. Isla Mujeres has virgin areas and quiet beaches like El GarDepending on the depth and

time of year, visibility averages 20 meters, increasing to 40 meters in summer and fall. Some of the region’s more famous dive sites are Aktun Chen, a natural park with a 12-meterdeep cenote, and Xpu-Há, an ecopark with a route that takes in 61 cenotes, including one called Manatí, which boasts an enormous lagoon. In the same area is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, whose 47.5-kilometer strip of coastline is home to the second largest barrier reef in the world, populated by tropical fish, sponges, pink rafón, El Farito and Manchones, whose crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. Finally, there is the island of Cozumel on the Yucatán Peninsula, a diver’s paradise famous for its coral formations, shallow walls and mysterious freshwater cenotes, with packages to accommodate all levels of expertise and every budget.

RIVIERA NAYARIT Winding along Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Riviera Nayarit has a great selection of diving programs for both amateurs and experts with “magical” spots like the Marieta Islands Marine Reserve, part of an underwater mountain whose peak emerges above the surface, marking the entrance to Banderas Bay. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau’s underwater expeditions of the 1970s, the reserve is

ideal for beginners, with depths of 7.5 to 23 meters and average visibility of 12 meters. On the shores of Banderas Bay, some 10 kilometers west of the Marieta Islands, is El Morro, whose rocky pinnacles conceal tunnels and caves. This site is suitable for small groups of certified divers, with depths of 45 meters below sea level. Another option for certified deep-sea divers is Los Anegados off Banderas Bay, halfway between the Marieta Islands and El Morro. Just 10 meters below the surface are caves and rock formations that beg to be explored. Here, you’ll see giant manta rays, sharks, eels and tuna. Depths go from nine to 25 meters, with visibility ranging from nine to 28 meters. Some five kilometers away is La Corbeteña, recommended for experienced divers only due to its strong currents flush with marine life and depths of 40 to 60 meters. In the same area, opposite to Rincón de Guayabitos, are the islands of El Cangrejo and El Coral, whose coral reefs are rife with manta rays, turtles, starfish and rainbow colored fish. Isabel Island is another popular destination in the Riviera Nayarit for a diving holiday and a mandatory point of call for migratory birds and humpback whales as they make their way south to reproduce. On the beaches of Monas and El Cantil del Faro and the walls of El Cerro

The Sea of Cortés is a watery Pacific paradise in North Mexico. Declared a World Heritage Site, this natural aquarium never ceases to amaze with its colourful marine vegetation, shoals of tropical fish, sea lions, giant manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks. Jacques Cousteau was so fond of diving at Cerralvo Island that it was renamed after him in 2009. Measuring 29 kilometers long and seven wide, it lies just 65 kilometers from La Paz, Baja California. Also in Baja California, some 400 kilometers south of Cabo San Lucas, is the Revillagigedo Archipelago, formed by four islands –San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida and Clarión– that are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Mexico. Experts say this is the best place to dive with large species like the giant manta ray of the Pacific, which can measure up to seven meters from fin to fin. Sharks are a major attraction and, if you’re lucky, on one single expedition you’ll get to see the hammerhead, whitetip, silvertip, silky, gray, Galapagos and tiger varieties. And if you’re even luckier, the whale shark, especially if you visit in November, December, April or May. Pods of dolphins invade the beaches between January and March, when humpback whales come to the islands to mate and give birth.

THE VERACRUZ REEF SYSTEM Comprised of 17 coral reefs and 350 shipwrecks concentrated in an area near the port of Veracruz, this is a favourite spot for adventure seekers, with flora and fauna you’d be hard pressed to see anywhere else in the world, like green moray eels, whiprays, silky sharks and whale sharks. According to the experts, the best time of year to dive in the Gulf of Mexico is between May and September, when visibility is on a par with that of the Caribbean Sea. Veracruz has programs and expeditions for divers of every level, from beginners to the more experienced. Other good dive sites in South Mexico include the Montebello Lakes, a national park in the state of Chiapas, and the Pacific waters that lap the coast of the state of Oaxaca. Originally published in Negocios ProMéxico

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