Issue 1007, July 21 - 27, 2016

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Editors Note

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things to do

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July 21 - 27, 2016 Year 19 Free Issue 1007

Expats mexican will

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Riviera Nayarit la cruz kids

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Photo by Madeline Milne

Cajon de Peùas – Road tripping south to Tomatlan

welcome

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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

July 21 - 27, 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!

Day Ship Passengers 06-jul Carnival Miracle 2,124 12-jul Carnival Miracle 2,124 13-jul Carnival Miracle 2,124 20-jul Carnival Miracle 2,124 27-jul Carnival Miracle 2,124

In port this month

In the month of July Puerto Vallarta welcomes 10 620 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

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Editor’s

price points. A hand-tooled leather purse will last you a lifetime, a selection of wrestling masks will amuse your nephews, a basket of local sweets, coffee, and vanilla will impress those who scoffed at your trip to Mexico. From here you can easily head to the Emiliano Zapata Mercado where you can buy fresh produce, cheeses, meats and household items. I love to pick up a few wacky condiments to gift those who need nothing.

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

Things to Do

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re you wondering what sorts of things to get up to this week? When I travel, I often start my planning by scanning Trip Advisor’s Things to Do category where you can find all the top attractions but also often you can find some lesser known gems. Reading the reviews also gives you a more realistic idea of what to expect and often has great insider tips.

Here are some of my top ‘things to do’ in Vallarta and surrounding area.

Food as a reflection of culture If you love food, you love Mexico.

Puerto Vallarta boasts some of the top restaurants and foodie events in Mexico including the 10-day International Gourmet Festival celebrated each November and two week long Restaurant Week

in May. If you miss these gorging opportunities, then check out a food tour for a satisfying trip through the stalls and restaurants of Vallarta.

Vallarta Food Tours offers day and evening tours for those that want a guided experience through the taco stands of Puerto Vallarta. They offer three versions of a three-hour walking tour that offers a local’s view into Mexican culture through its delicious and intricate cuisine, rich history and stunning architecture. Experience off-the-beaten path eateries and their colorful owners and staff, taco stands and regional delicacies.

Tuba, birria, mariscos - this is your opportunity to try the wonderful (and maybe a little weird) dishes you were always too nervous to order. www.vallartafoodtours.com

Architecture

Unless you’re a real estate agent, or a social maven it’s not easy to see behind the walls of Vallarta’s most impressive homes.

It’s not just about the luxury villas but also the different architectural and interior design styles, the landscaping, the views and the history of this well-storied city.

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight...

MARIA

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e are talking about an absolute cutie here! Just look at that face and the floppy ear. Adorable! At just eight months of age, this Shepherd mix is very playful and energetic. She currently weighs about 25 pounds and will grow to be a medium size girl. Maria just wants to have fun and play with everyone she meets, and that even includes cats! Maria has been spayed, dewormed and current on all her vaccines. If you are ready to add some joy into your life, contact us for an application at spcapv@gmail.com.

July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Taking an IFC Home Tour gives you an all-access pass into some of the Vallarta’s most architecturally stunning homes, and it’s all for a good cause, supporting the many charitable programs administered by the International Friendship Club. Operating for over 30 years, the IFC Home Tours run November to April, excluding the weeks of Christmas and New Years. www. toursforvallarta.com

Shopping

From cheap trinkets to artesian crafts, there is a souvenir for everyone on your list. If you live here, learning where to find the best price or best quality items can be a challenge. In fact, entire Facebook groups thrive on a daily exchange of where to find what, for how much, when. With the new Isla Shopping Centre opening this fall Vallarta will have a new high-end shopping zone bringing with it many well-known brands like Victoria’s Secret, the Gap and Zara. But for a more authentic shopping experience, I recommend the streets surrounding the Rio Cuale. Here you will find small galleries, shops and the municipal flea market offering an abundance of items at all

by Janice Gonzalez

Adventure

If you are bored of the pool, and shopping isn’t your thing – then Vallarta has an activity for you.

For excitement try zip lining through the jungle, bungee jumping, skydiving, and parasailing. Immerse yourself in nature while walking the paths of the Vallarta Botanical Garden, playing with baby jaguars in the zoo, swimming with dolphins in the wild, snorkeling with giant mantas, watching the humpback whales, releasing baby turtles back to the ocean and horseback riding.

Work your muscles while hiking the streets of Vallarta, walking the dozens of beaches, checking out the participating art galleries during the Wednesday evening Artwalk or take in the Malecon tour and learn more about the statues that accompany you along the city’s boardwalk.

Excursions One of the best things about Vallarta, is how easy it is to explore other great places and experience authentic Mexican culture. From the world class bass fishing at the tiny ranchito of Cajon de Peña two hours to the south, to the rural pastoral lands rich in pre-Hispanic treasures of Mascota two hours east or the thriving villages of Bucerias, La Cruz, Punta Mita, Sayulita and San Pancho to the north there are dozens of easy to access points of interest up and down the coast. Want to go a bit further? Tequila, home of the eponymous spirit, is a great overnighter and the mega city of Guadalajara with its shopping mecca suburbs of Tonala and Tlaquepaque is a must for Mexican culture lovers with an extra couple of days to explore.

Whether you decide to enjoy a packaged tour or explore on our own, there are is a never ending supply of ‘things to do’ around Puerto Vallarta. Get out and explore!

Support local; small shops and corner stores can use your pesos through the summer months more than ever. Vendors, taxi drivers, and waiters rely on the riches of tourism to support themselves and their families all year round. Please be fair and generous.

Safe travels, Madeline

Summer Beach Bash

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heryl's Shoebox is pleased to announce our 1st Annual Summer Beach Bash to be held on Sunday, August 7th from 4 PM to 9 PM at the Oasis del Holi restaurant (Av. Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Hotel Zone.

• Entry cost is only $100 pesos per person with all proceeds going to Cheryl's Shoebox.

• Live music, team relay games by sponsors and a no-host food and beverage menu.

We also encourage businesses to sponsor teams to compete in the games. Business sponsorship will include a space on our banner and a shared table on which to display advertisements. The team sponsorship forms can be found at www.downloads.cherylsshoebox.org EVENT DETAILS When: Sunday August 7th 4pm – 9pm Where: Oasis del Holi Restaurant Admission: $100 pesos Purpose: To raise funds to provide School Shoes and Supplies to the 200+ Children in Colonias: Progresso, Lomas de Enmedio & El Satrillo.

We have realized we can do much more than donating shoes and this year we have expanded to assist primary and secondary students in low-income areas with school supply kits. This fundraiser will be our kick-off event raising funds for the 200+ students in the colonias of Progresso, Lomas de Enmedio & El Satrillo.

Learn more at www.CherylsShoeBox.org

The World on Your TV about everything on our website at

El Mundo en su TV is offering an www.elmundoensutv.com. If you internet streaming device that allows almost all TV channels in the world (over 100 from the USA, thousands from Europe; over 80 countries in total), that are being streamed live, to be available on your TV, with no monthly fees.

are interested in our device, that is completely portable, please contact us to offer a demonstration of the capabilities.

We offer to demonstrate the unit in your house or condo, free of charge.

If you wish a demonstration in our You would also have almost all live office, that is free of charge. sporting events, all movies and all TV series. Again, with no monthly fees.

The purchase price is 1800 Pesos.

If you decide to purchase it with a The most important aspect is this is personal installation and demonstracompletely internet-based; you have to tion, the additional charge is only 200 have 7 Mb/S of speed, more is better. Pesos.

In my office, we only have 7 Mb/S and it works fine.

If you are unsatisfied after 7 days, I will refund your entire amount paid. The With 10, it is like watching TV, Period. installation charge is not refundable.

I also offer a complete manual of how to truly enjoy this experience, as well Tel. 221 0111 Local 20, as instructions on how to even make Las Palmas 2, Marina Vallarta. it better for you. We provide YouTube todd@remaxinpv.com videos, as well as written instructions

w w w. e l m u n d o e n s u t v. c o m

beaches

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July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Majahuitas

Beaches of Vallarta

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his list offers a quick guide to the most popular beaches from the International Airport south to the village of Yelapa.

Boca de Tomates: A great spot to see crocodiles, eat fresh caught seafood and visit the Turtle Rescue Camp. The beach isn’t great for swimming as the Rio Ameca runs just north of it, making the waters muddy and the bottom silty.

El Holi: Located at the mouth of the Pitillal River in front of Plaza Peninsula this beach has a great oyster shack set up during season.

Playa Camarones: Sometimes rocky, sometimes sandy this beach hosts Barracudas and El Solar, two great beachfront places to hang, day or night.

Olas Altas: You may find the waters suitable for surfing or boogie boarding near the River Cuale. Olas Altas starts at Daiquiri Dick's excellent restaurant and runs north to the River.

It attracts fewer sunbathers then Los Muertos but gets lively during holidays.

Los Muertos: Puerto Vallarta’s original happening beach, Playa los Muertos (Beach of the Dead), is action central for both locals and tourists alike. The flat stretch of sand starts south of

the River Cuale and runs about 1.5 km (one mile) south while hugging the Romantic Zone.

There is a non-stop parade of vendors hawking grilled fish on sticks, jewellery, sombreros and sarapes. You can take a banana-boat ride, rent a stand-up paddle board, try out the jet boots or go para-sailing. A string of restaurants run the length of the beach, most with umbrellas and lounges for daytime and romantic tables for candlelight dining.

Las Amapas: Rocky with coves great for snorkeling. Not many vendors or services. Pack accordingly.

Conchas Chinas: South of Vallarta Playa Conchas Chinas features a series of rocky coves with crystalline water and millions of white shells broken and polished by the waves forming the sand. The individual coves are ideal for secluded sunbathing and snorkeling.

Garza Blanca: White pristine sand, beautiful beach in front of the ritzy Garza Blanca resort.

Playa Las Gemelas: The cleanest and most accessible beach south of Vallarta. A huge swath of fine white sand with lots of families having picnics on the weekends.

Playa Mismaloya: Where the movie, The Night of the Iguana was made. Located in front of the

Quimixto excellent dive and snorkel spot of Los Arcos you can book snorkeling and jet skis off the beach. A couple beach restaurants and vendors will keep you content throughout the day.

Boca de Tomatlan: Mostly a boat launch there is a small beach/ tributary. This is where you hire water taxis to the beaches further south. Beaches south of Boca de Tomatlan are only accessible by boat or hiking, depending on your fitness level.

South of Boca de Tomatlan Colomitos: Many in the know hike to this beach, which is moderate 45 minute hike. It’s also home to the popular Ocean Grill restaurant.

Reservations are a must to eat at Ocean Grill.

Playa Caballo: A relatively new edition to the beach club scene, Maraika Beach Club makes this a popular spot for beautiful people.

Reservations during the weekends if you want a beach table.

Las Ánimas: Because of its shallow waters, Playa last Animas is ideal for children and often fills up with families on weekends and holidays. A few seafood restaurants line the sand. You can also ride a banana boat or go parasailing.

Quimixto: Charming tiny town with just a couple restaurants and a beautiful waterfall hike. Rent horses and make a day of it.

Majahuitas: Often touted as the best snorkeling and dive spot in the Bay. The waters here are clear and there is plenty of fish and sea turtles to spy on.

Las Caletas: Former home of John Houston, this beach is the home of the Rhythms of the Night as well as a popular spot for weddings and a stopping point on many Vallarta Adventure tours.

Yelapa: This once tiny hippy haven has boomed in recent years and now sports both electricity and cell phone towers, but remains only accessible by boat.

Still a treat for a day or a week, the beach is lovely. The town is charming and there are two relatively accessible waterfalls. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the flora and fauna around Yelapa are amazing.

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local

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Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Lovestruck

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’ve been reading a lot lately about the need to raise children to be colorblind in our world today. What they seem to mean is that we should ignore a person’s obvious race and color and treat everyone with caring and respect.

This is a pretty impractical proposition in our particular family.

My husband is Mexican and quite dark-skinned. There’s never been a blonder, fairer human person outside of Scandinavia than I. I don’t remember really talking a lot about our contrasting skin colors, and yet when my daughter was about six years old, I overheard her telling the very “romantic”, yet shamelessly falsified story of her parents’ first meeting: My daddy saw my mom and said “I just LOVE peaches!” and my mommy saw my daddy and said “I just LOVE brownies”, so they got married.

So I think at that point I realized that being “colorblind” was never an option for our family. We have this beautiful blend of culture and language that is a big part of our daily lives.

And it makes them who they are, which is strong, brilliant, creative, measured, and proud.

Most importantly, it makes them compassionate human beings who respect and love others,

regardless of skin color, or culture, or sex, or belief system.

But also in view of these things, because part of the beauty of the human race is that we are so diverse, and there’s so much to discover about each other.

There are ways to promote this compassion and respect without thinking much about it, or making it into a big deal. After awhile, they can become part of the fabric of daily life. For us, 1) We talk about injustice in the world. We talk about current events. We ask them what they think, and we tell them what we think. They can form their own opinions coherently only if they are given the facts. Of course, we tailor this to their age and developmental level, but if you listen to

what they think, and answer questions honestly, they will surprise you with the depth of their thinking at a very early age. But they will also surprise you with some of the thinking that you might consider prejudicial… because children tend to form ideas based on absolutes. But parents are children’s first teachers, and we can take these ideas and broaden them.

2) We travel. As Mark Twain said, “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”

I’m a teacher, Gil is a musician, so our travel budget is more than just a bit limited. But traveling in a country like Mexico will absolutely change how you see the rest of the world. There’s so much to gain from letting them experience cultures and customs that are very different from their own, and the great thing about Mexico is that every state and region is so culturally diverse.

3) We disagree sometimes, but we listen and respect a variety of points of view. For example, when my son tries to convince me that he needs a cellular phone, and one that is more expensive that mine, even though he has no actual money of his own. I will listen, and then remind him that he will have to get a real job before that will happen. Then I will let him know that eleven years old is too young for a real job; therefore, he is too young for an iphone 6.

4) We try to go about life with the idea of being lovestruck, not colorblind. Because, as Cornel West said when he was speaking about Dr. King’s message to the world, “To be lovestruck is to care, to have deep compassion, and to be concerned for each and every individual…”

And a world full of color, one that we see reflected in our own family, is a beautiful place to be.

July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

From Here Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

N

o parties this week (well…).

I tried exercising different parts of what’s left of my brain but before I forget – a very important move is happening before the end of July: Ropero de Jovany will be opening their new locale at 300 Venustiano Carranza, Thursday, July 28th, right on the corner of Constitucion. Jovi told me of his exciting expansion plans for his new space (remodeling as we speak) over pizza and French fries at Los Muertos Brewing Company. We talked so much – and had a meeting with Kathleen Palmer at her super-busy Deja New store - that we created leftovers; I do love pizza for breakfast.

I’ll keep you posted on how the renos are coming in Jovi’s great Everything-Vintage store.

Wednesday mornings there is a Writer’s Group meeting at the library Los Mangos on Francisco Villa. I had hoped to meet Fred Jacobs but, alas, he was unwell and could not attend. I did come away, however, with the first three chapters of Fred’s autobiography, thanks to my dear OLD friend Frank Meyer.

Full report next week.

Back to the library the next evening for Paco Ojeda’s informative, serious-yet-fun talk/lecture on stringed musical instruments focusing on quartets. Paco is managing director responsible for the ubersleek Vallarta Lifestyle magazine

among others. Where he finds time to create these 90-minute pieces of monologue that include audio-visual, recordings, Q and A, and discussion and only asks a $30 peso donation for the library, is beyond me.

His deep love of music is evident in every aspect of his well-researched and interesting programs. Paco sets aside the first Thursday of each month to bring us his take on some aspect of music that you have quite possibly not even thought about.

Like: who invented the saxophone?

Find out at El Placer de Escuchar August 4th at 7 pm at Los Mangos library. I will see you there.

Earlier last Thursday, the day was sunny and bright so Sandra Cesca and I set out, with 50% off-coupons in hand, to the Sapphire Ocean Club. It had been weeks of colliding schedules that had kept us away from this quietly wonderful spot near the end of Los Muertos beach.

Our waiter kept our ice bucket full of bottled water and freshly blended agua de melon, all day long. Batteries recharged, vitamin D topped up, we left happily cooked by the sun and soothed with ocean sounds. No music, no screaming kids, no beach dogs running around (darling Anais is away with her papi in Italy); just blissful.

The coupons are good every day until the end of October and include beach towels.

On that note, that’s it From Here.

Lost Puppy Lost in the Amapas area, this sweet three month old puppy has been missing since July 3rd. She is wearing a collar and tags.

There is a reward offered for her return. Please contact Diana 222-5409 or editor@ vallartatribune. com if you have any information.

local

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Your Pet’s Foreign Bank Account Report

July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Wellness Latina Marcella Castellanos

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

info@wellnesslatina.com

The Wisdom of the Mexican Will

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ills are documents many detest. The mere act of putting one together recognizes that inevitable fact of life. I have known many who died without a will because they kept putting it off. Some thought they would live forever, leaving us unexpectedly.

My own dad is a case in point. I remember finding amongst his papers a book on “how to save money by writing your own will”, earmarked somewhere in the middle.

Having a cerveza while looking at the sunset is so much more fun! I know. But think about the folks you will leave behind.

There won’t be many fun episodes for them if you miss the opportunity to specify what you want done.

Many people ask if their stateside will is “good” in Mexico. It probably is.

But it would not be as efficient as a will made in Mexico that will get immediate recognition from local authorities. To be properly admitted in Mexico, a will from elsewhere will have to go through an extensive legal process to authenticate it.

Here’s my suggestion.

Consider drafting a “Mexico only” will. You may own here much more than you realize. Home, cars, furniture, money, heirlooms, pets…your college class ring… the list is endless.

I have heard from some that they consider themselves “taken care of” in locations where real property must be held in a Mexican Land Trust “fideicomiso” (zones close to the coast and borders). That may be true as to real property transferred according to fideicomiso instructions, but what about everything else?

Think twice about whom you appoint as executor. The obvious

What is detoxification or cleansing?

choice “back home” may be either unwilling or unable to come to Mexico to deal with matters in a completely unfamiliar system.

Logistics do matter.

It is not just a matter of saying on a will “this painting to Mary, this car to Peter”.

The executor inventories all assets; pays creditors; deals with taxes; accounts and distributes assets. It’s a handful in ordinary circumstances.

Throw in the “foreign” factor and the challenge may be formidable.

Of course, a “Mexico only” will should be coordinated with any other estate planning you have “on the other side”. Make a plan to deal with this. You’ll enjoy your cerveza far more knowing you are really taking care of our loved ones the right way.

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.

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e often think of this word to describe an addiction of some kind. But detoxing isn't just about eliminating alcohol or drugs. It's the term widely used to describe the lifestyle changes needed to purge and eliminate unwanted toxins and circumstances through the intentional use of certain foods, programs or products. Releasing toxic substances allows the body, heart and mind to function optimally; to thrive not just survive.

We live in unprecedented times with toxins and chemicals in everything around us. Consider our processed and many unprocessed foods with preservatives

and chemicals or genetically modified foods, our cosmetics, cleaning supplies, paint on our walls, personal care products, extermination products, petroleum products in many shapes and forms that make it into our ecosystems and into our bodies. We are exposed to these toxins every day by eating, breathing, sleeping - simply living.

Our bodies can't properly perform its many functions with full efficiency. Everything is affected from our immunity, metabolism, absorption of nutrients, elimination of waste, production of important brain chemicals, circulation, reproduction, respiration, even hydration.

Many symptoms may arise such as headaches, brain fog, excess weight, acne, allergies, poor moods, fatigue, coughing, and many other signs can signal that you may have a toxic overload and your body is trying hard to get rid of these toxins through various systems in your body and the symptoms could be mere side effects.

Actively detoxifying and preventing toxins wherever you can are necessary to being vibrant and healthy.

Here are ways you can proactively detox: 1) Eat detoxifying foods such as greens, cilantro, parsley, beets, lemon, and basically almost all natural foods you are already helping your body along greatly and supporting your organs.

2) Observe your thoughts, don't do things unconsciously. Realize where your actions are stemming from and try to react to situations constructively.

3) Consider who is in your life that may be adding to emotional toxicity and set boundaries or limit your association with them.

4) Seek out natural eco-friendly non-toxic items. You can even make them.

5) Integrate essential oils. They have unique properties when they are pure, therapeutic grade that support cellular health, including detoxing.

Adapted from The Essential Life Marcella is a bilingual certified wellness lifestyle consultant.

Her mission is guiding people to lead happier, healthier lives with attention to more compassion and sustainability. She looks at the whole picture and helps you incorporate plant-strong nutrition, soul work, movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health for vibrant, conscious living.

If you would like to be receive inspired, natural living updates go www.wellnesslatina.com.

Visit the Marsol Hotel Summer Market by t

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

travel

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July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Cajon de Peñas – Road tripping south to Tomatlan

By Madeline Milne

T

wo hours south of Puerto Vallarta is Tomatlan the largest municipality of the state of Jalisco. Here you will find the exclusive Costa Alegre coastline with its selection of some of the best hotels, resorts and estates in Mexico as well as lush farm lands producing banana, mango, guayaba, tomatoes, livestock and more.

Much of the area has rugged coastline with limited access, and across the 200 highway, huge orchards of banana and mango intersected with canals and rivers.

It’s idyllic to be sure. About 40 years ago a huge stretch of valley was flooded and a new landscape was created. The Cajon de Peñas dam filled the valley floor creating a massive lake that is dotted with islands and rimmed with wide grassy banks. There are only a handful of small ranchitos around the lake and it remains in near pristine condition with very limited cell service and no internet.

Driving from Puerto Vallarta it is about an hour and a half on newly paved roads. At the 130km marker there is a left turn heading to la presa (the dam) and the small ranchito of Cajon de Peñas. If you come upon an Oxxo/Pemex or the sign to turn for the town of Tomatlan you’ve gone about 5kms too far.

Following the road 18km straight back into the mountains you will find well marked signs for the dam and a slight right hand turn just past the Rancho Andrea Bass Fishing Eco-Resort will open up the lake in front of you.

It is surreal in its stillness. Dotted with tiny islands, it looks almost like a Japanese watercolour. A few minutes later you’ll being in the bustling metropolis of Cajon de Peñas, a ranchito of about fifty homes. The local school has a total of nineteen children.

Located on the banks of the river, there are a few restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day, generally tilapia, lobster and shrimp. There are two grocery stores and a couple of places with cabins for rent.

We stayed at Rincon de la Cieba in the centre of town. It’s not particularily well-marked. You may need to ask for a point in the right direction. The gardens are very well maintained; the eight cabins are well appointed, clean and comfortable. The service was friendly and accommodating. There is a small

restaurant on site offering simple Mexican food and beverages. The highlight is the spectacular Cieba tree watching over the banks of the lake. Be forewarned, there is no cell or internet service – and you’ll be glad for the break.

Cieba trees were revered by the ancient Mayans and used for medicinal and spiritual purposes.

Covered in thick imposing thorns, their limbs stretch into the sky and connect the thirteen levels of earth.

This one is draped in beautiful hanging lights that illuminate the lake in the evening.

The lake seemingly goes on

for miles. The landscapes are striking with the rising Sierra Madres mountains as a backdrop. For fishermen this lake is paradise with huge big mouth bass and tilapia and apparently deer and raccoon hunting in the forests.

Over 150 species of birds call this area home. There are boats and guides for hire. Be sure to pack a lunch and prepare for very rustic conditions.

We rented a boat for a tour of a small portion of the lake, stopping at a few of the nearest islands. Our guide, Adan, was a wise 17 year old who had excellent local knowledge

of plants and wildlife. There were eagles, ducks and vultures, and we also spotted a small brown fox dashing along the beach.

Adan took us into the forest to find a gum tree, which when nicked with his knife oozed a white milk that quickly formed into gum with a slightly floral flavor. Locals chew the gum and make crafts from it.

If you’ve ever been to Talpa de Allende, you’ll recognize the little trinkets they produce with this gum.

If you are adventurous; a couple kayaks, fishing pole and a hammock would make a great overnight camping trip on one

of the nearby islands. A couple islands even have palapas and small outdoor kitchens built on them.

Stop at El Tuito for supplies or drive a little further along the highway to Tomatlan for a much bigger supply of goods including a camping store.

If relaxation and a guaranteed dinner are more your speed Rincon de la Ceiba is highly recommended. With the relentless summer heat and humidity, this is an excellent escape for a couple days or longer.

riviera nayarit

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July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Call for help: Support the La Cruz Children

F

or those of you in La Cruz, you noticed that Friday was promotion day at the Elementary School (gr 1-6). For many students completing grade 6, they and their families will choose not to continue the child's schooling, even though the government has mandatory education through grade 8.

Carmen Tapia is a retired bilingual Reading Recovery teacher from Tucson,AZ. She has volunteers her time and energy in working with the La Cruz elementary school students. Carmen's goal is that children in the first and second grade, will be able to read and write Spanish at grade level by grade three.

Through donations from her former Tucson elementary school, and through the generosity of those who have read about Carmen and her work, she has acquired library books, rugs, chairs, tables, individual white boards (she needs more), and the list goes on. But in this struggling rural school, there is so much more to do.

Carmen is beginning to make change, but it takes significant

dollars and materials to help not only her classroom, but also those classrooms of the other teachers.

There are over 400 students in the morning session, and 200+ in the afternoon session. Teachers try to do their best, but they have no books and no materials to work with - they rely on the kindness of others.

Carmen's classroom is very popular with the children who, during recess even, visit to read books from her library. Even some of the fifth and sixth grade students visit Carmen's classroom, the library.

If you can purchase books, make a donation or otherwise help these children further Carmen has a few special requests.

Library books

I would like early chapter books that have some drawings intertwined with the story, they will be a good addition for the coming school year, these early chapter books would ease the transition into higher level reading for the children who have passed to third grade or higher.

I would like Fables with some kind of drawing that would introduce them to a new genre while providing a moral teaching and good values for students to reflect upon.

Reading program

I’m a retired teacher from the State of Arizona with a Reading and Writing Endorsement as well as Reading Recovery training. In Nov 2014, as a volunteer, I started a Reading and Writing program at the elementary school in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico.

This is a school with a low socioeconomic level population where some of the parents can’t read or write. The goal of the program is to target first and second graders with a two-year intervention program which will get them reading and writing at grade level by third grade.

This year 41% of the second graders reached this goal or higher, the more successful students started the program knowing only 33 letters of the alphabet in November 2014 and exhibited conduct problems; they finished second grade in June 2016 reading at fourth grade level with better than average behavior.

To get better results we need specific tools to help us increase

our success rate. Next school year we are faced with 10 students coming to second grade that do not know the alphabet.

To be successful, our program needs books for teacher instruction. These are leveled books in packs of six, each title specifically uses guided reading. Each packet gives us pre- and post tests to measure success. The cost of this collection from Scholastic is $2,135.95 US Dollars.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? If you can bring books for the library to La Cruz, great!

If you can mail books to an Amigo to bring down - please let us know.

If you can donate money for Carmen to purchase the Scholastic Collection or purchase library books - that's all wonderful.

Any help is appreciated.

Contact Amy Welch for more information on how you can help. Email: amywelchpdx@comcast.net

Original: Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C.

IV Sea Turtle Festival At Playa Platanitos

T

his year marks the start of a project to plant species that will serve as a natural food supply for hummingbirds, thus adding to the area’s attractions.

The IV Sea Turtle Festival is set to take place on July 23-24th at Playa Platanitos, organized by the Playa Platanitos Ecológico A.C. and the town of Platanitos.

This year’s guest of honor is the hummingbird.

“One of the festival’s objectives

every year is to help us create a new environmental project, without forgetting the sea turtles that are frequent visitors to our beach,” said Lourdes Santana, President

of Playa Platanitos Ecológico A.C. “We invite locals and tourists to come enjoy the free shows, dances, singers and music—and they can participate as well!”

The Hummingbird Garden is being set up in an empty lot next to the beach, where the group is planting several species of flowering plants that are a favorite of hummingbirds. This will attract them naturally while keeping them free, thus creating another attrac-

tion for this beach area. It will also become a feeding ground for other bird species.

The nature tours this year will include the beach and this new garden. The guides will be top quality specialists in the field, all members of businesses including Keikary, Uumbali, Safari San Blas, Onca Expediciones, the Patronato de Mejoras Materiales y Sociales de Compostela and Westwings, among others.This seven-month

long project will come to fruition at the 5 p.m. inauguration of the IV Sea Turtle Festival.

The Nayarit State Government via its Tourism Board is sponsoring the garden, as are local businesses and the Groups and Events office of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau.

For updates and more details on the program visit facebook.com/ Festival-tortuga-marina-playa-platanitos

VALLARTA SHOPPI

Three Hens and a Rooster Market News INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CLUB

Good people doing good things

If you’re looking to contribute to society in Puerto Vallarta consider volunteering for the IFC. Each winter (November to April) IFC needs volunteers to help run the Home Tours, teach English to Mexicans, contribute to our lecture series, serve drinks, teach bridge and many other activities.

This coming winter we will need good people to do good things. www.ifcvallarta.com 322-222-5466

O

ur Jewish Mama – Gloria Sue – has resigned herself (not quietly) to making matzoh ball soup for as long as her ingredients hold out. And, back by popular demand, her fried chicken shall also remain on the menu. To cool herself down between hot stove and deep fryer she is making side salads to go. These will vary week to week and can include Waldorf, potato, macaroni and chicken salads to choose from.

Pat Wagner has taken her incredibly moist peach (and other) bread to a smaller level. Instead of a whole loaf (although still available!) one may buy just three generous slices, carefully packaged with a separate container full of cream cheese icing.

Wow. For the summer, visitors to Three Hens can order brick oven Neopolitan pizza to take home. Carlos and Jessica offer four delightful varieties baked to order in their converted BBQ-tobrick-oven, while you shop. They are available for special events

and parties. Joining us with their superbly designed jewellery are Heriberto and Christel. Heriko Joyeria is known throughout Vallarta for their unique work in silver and 14k gold.

Talk to them about designing something extra special for you. Welcome, Christel! Check out her adjustable pearl bracelets.

The Mercado of Corazon de Niña continues to expand weekly. Now you can buy pasta, fresh fruit, salads, basmati and blended rices, coconut products including milk, oil, and sugar. Honey, vanilla and bee pollen complement the artisan tortillas and across the hallway their second-hand store is full to bursting.

You can rent a fishing boat, eat the most incredibly edible Dutch apple tarts and real bagels, buy a 100% cotton custom-made apron, pillow shams from Chiapas, shawls, wall hangings, found art transformed into curious wire creatures and lovely silk necklaces, along with creams and lotions and potions to beautify and enhance your life every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466.

Day Pass 50% off PRESENT THIS COUPON

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

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

Expires October 31, 2016

Malecon 1, Playa Los Muertos

ING AND SERVICES

www.vallartatribune.com

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

S

o…how’s your sex life? There is an herbal extract made from a bush native to northern Mexico that can alleviate and eliminate all kinds of sexual problemitas.

You can direct your questions to Ricardo Mazcal, a fourth-generation herbalist and naturopath who has the herbal extracts to eradicate obesity and cancer, crow’s feet and deep scarring and now carries extracto de Garañona that naturally enhances sex and can solve sexual problems.

You will find Ricardo every Friday at the Marsol Market from 9:30 to 1:30.

Juan Manuel is busy sourcing river stones and wire to fashion his iguanas

and other animals. All his artistry is shaped around found objects like pieces of coral and interesting rocks.

Have you ever used bamboo-fibre sheets? Then

you know what it’s like to sleep on pure cashmere.

That’s the feel you will get when you touch Ramon’s beautifully crafted bamboo fabric scarves.

The colors are softly muted and accented with Ramon’s handmade decorations. David and Elizabeth Ruesga literally light up Friday’s Market with hundreds of sparkling stones set in silver.

Some are semi-precious; others are manmade.

ALL are beautiful.

Marta is always on hand squeezing fresh orange juice and Marcia’s silk-wrapped beads look great around your neck or on your wrist as a bold bracelet!

Dozens of pairs of earrings starting at ten pesos a pair!

The Marsol Market by the Pier is open every Friday from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm in Old Town, Puerto Vallarta.

“Remodeling and Renovations”

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

entertainment

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July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Mae West – The Original Vixen

By Fred Jacobs

M

Cheryl’s shoebox

A

fter vacationing in Puerto Vallarta for over 15 years, Cheryl Schrean made Mexico her home in 2010.

Cheryl put a unique stamp on everything she did, including the many volunteer projects she was involved in around the city.

After many friends asking what they could do to help, she started suggesting shoes. Cheryl started collecting shoes for various fundraisers and in 2011 started her own charity, “Cheryl’s Shoebox”.

By 2013, Cheryl, with the help of many friends and the supportive local businesses, distributed over 4,000 pairs of shoes that year alone. Cheryl donated her time and

effort to many charities in Puerto Vallarta over the years she lived here.

Today we are continuing the shoebox in her memory.

Cheryl’s Shoebox continues to grow collecting hundreds of shoes a year from visitors around the world and we have expanded to work with schools in low income areas by providing school shoes, educational supplies and support to educators.

In 2016 Cheryl's Shoebox has also assisted the newly constructed Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter as well as assistance to families in need due to financial or disaster relief.

“To increase the quality of education in disadvantaged schools throughout the Banderas Bay region by providing shoes, school shoes and school materials to students as well as educational supplies to teachers. Our vision for a healthier and greater community also includes assisting families in need by direct outreach or by working with community leaders with established programs.”

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

C

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 appreciate it.

By Janice Gonzalez

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.

ae West was born in Brooklyn NY on August 17, 1893. Her father was a colorful character who supported his family as a “prize fighter”. Most of his matches were not in authorized boxing matches, but he built his reputation in underground street fights and in pick up fights at Coney Island Amusement Park. He later also worked as “muscle” for local crime bosses. Mae always loved attention and found herself popular by entertaining people at church socials at the age of 5. She had a talent for mimicking family members and friends. By the age of 7, Mae started appearing in amateur shows and she often won prizes at local talent contests at burlesque theatres. Mae began performing professionally as Baby Mae on the Vaudeville stage in 1907 at the age of 14.

Her mother made all her costumes, drilled her on rehearsals, and managed her bookings and contracts. Her father became Mae’s No. 1 fan and helped by dragging her costume case to performances and sitting in the audience cheering her on. Mae thrived on the Vaudeville circuit over the next few years. Mae perfected her unique walk after learning it from female impersonators she had worked with.

Mae’s first appearance in a Broadway show was in a 1911 revue “A La Broadway” which folded after just eight performances. While only 18 years old, Mae was singled out by the New York Times who wrote that a "girl

named Mae West, hitherto unknown, pleased by her grotesquerie and snappy way of singing and dancing."

West next appeared in a show called “Vera Violetta”, which also featured Al Jolson. In 1912, she appeared in the opening performance of “A Winsome Widow” as a "baby vamp" named La Petite Daffy. As more and more roles came Mae’s way, she began to shape her characters, often rewriting dialogue and characters, to better suit her persona. She eventually began writing her own plays and in 1926, Mae West got her first starring role in a Broadway play entitled “Sex”. Mae wrote, produced, and directed the play, which was a hit at the box office, but controversial for its explicit sexual content.

The play did not go over well with city officials, who raided the show and arrested Mae along with much of the cast. She was prosecuted on morals charges and on April 19, 1927, sentenced to 10 days in jail on Welfare Island in New York. The jail time was light for her and reportedly Mae dined with the Warden and his wife on a few occasions. She served eight days, with two off for good behavior. The media attention of the entire affair did nothing but enhance her status and her fame.

After she was released, Mae picked right up where she left off and she then wrote and directed her next play “Drag”. The play dealt with homosexuality and did well in Connecticut and was a smash hit in Paterson, New Jersey. But when Mae announced the play would open on Broadway, the Society for the Preven-

tion of Vice intervened and vowed ban it. The group was licensed by the state and dedicated to supervising the morality of the public, and monitoring compliance with NY state laws.

Mae decided not to push her luck again and kept the play out of New York.

Mae West continued to write plays over the next several years, including “The Wicked Age”, “Pleasure Man”, and “The Constant Sinner”. Mae did not play an onstage role in some of these plays, but was the driving force behind them. The plays dealt very adult subject matter for the time and were full of sexual innuendos. The productions were not easy ones to bring to the stage due to the constant changes needed to bring the dialogue and plot more in line with the moral codes of the day.

For several of these plays, the actors had learned two scripts. One for the general audience and a second version for the times when they were tipped off that vice agents might be in the audience. All of this drama only brought more publicity to her shows, and resulted in packed performances. By 1932, Mae was already 38 years old, but the growing Hollywood machine, was starting to take notice of her. Despite her advanced age to play a “sexy harlot” on the big screen, her persona and physical beauty seemed to overcome any doubt by the studios. Next week we’ll look at Mae West’s Hollywood years and her rise to icon status.

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

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

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July 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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