Issue 1019, October 13 - 19, 2016

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Entertainment

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El Rio BBQ Opens

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October 13 - 19, 2016 Year 19 Free Issue 1019

Art & Culture Creative Hands

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Riviera Nayarit Rancho Mi ChapaRrita

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Photo by Gloria Angélica Martínez González

The adventure of life at Rancho Mi Chaparrita

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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

October 13 - 19, 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 02-oct 04-oct 05-oct 05-oct 06-oct 07-oct 07-oct 08-oct 08-oct 09-oct 11-oct 12-oct

Ship Passengers Crown Princess 3,120 Carnival Miracle 2,124 Carnival Miracle 2,124 Norwegian Jewel 2,376 Norwegian Sun 1,936 Zaandam 1,432 Norwegian Sun 1,936 Zaandam 1,432 Norwegian Pearl 2,394 Grand Princess 2,600 Celebrity Infinity 1,950 Carnival Miracle 2,124

Day Ship Passengers 12-oct Norwegian Jewel 2,376 17-oct Norwegian Sun 1,936 18-oct Norwegian Sun 1,936 18-oct Ruby Princess 3,080 19-oct Norwegian Jewel 2,376 20-oct Island Princess 1,975 26-oct Westerdam 1,916 26-oct Norwegian Jewel 2,376 28-oct Norwegian Sun 1,936 29-oct Norwegian Sun 1,936

In port this month

In the month of October Puerto Vallarta welcomes 47,391 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

October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta “EVENING UNDER THE STARS”

Note

By Janice Gonzalez

T editor@vallartatribune.com

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espite the oppressive heat, I found myself out and about this weekend albeit a little sweaty. I hope many of you did the same. Even in ‘low season’ there are so many wonderful activities around the bay and in our communities.

It’s a good time of year for turtle releases and if you are in Puerto Vallarta we have the Campamento Tortuguero Boca De Tomates (look for them on Facebook) that looks after the turtle eggs in their nursery until they hatch. Also, many hotels and beachfront establishments up and down the coast offer turtle release events. Be sure to ask your concierge for more information.

It’s a wonderful experience that you can’t have just anywhere.

For those of you into art and cultural events the new Gil Garea show at the Oficina de Proyectos Culturales (OPC) gallery downtown is excellent. Very evocative but accessible. It runs until January 2017. The next season of the Vallarta Artwalk starts on October 26th running through May. There are a number of galleries with both local and international artists of all mediums open to the public from 6-10pm each Wednesday evening. They are all situated within walking distance so it’s a fun evening stroll. The kickoff coincides with the city’s Day of the Dead festivities – so expect lots of tricks and treats.

More details and the downloadable map are available on their website – vallartaartwalk.com If live music and great food are your pleasures, then you are in luck – La Bodeguita del Medio on the Malecon offers live Cuban music and a wonderful menu – I highly recommend the mojitos and even if you aren’t a dancer – get a table by the dance floor and watch the pros. Stunning. Patio

de Mi Casa on Guerrero 311 in Centro often has live music and delicious food – yummy flat crust pizza. I caught Murano there last weekend and it was packed! Nacho Daddy on Basilio Badillo in Old Town is a local’s favourite and with their recent renovations it’s sure to impress even more. You can catch a number of live acts as well as dinner and a show at the Boutique Theater upstairs.

El Rio BBQ is opening for the season this weekend. They always have live music and will be hosting Merv Buchanan and his productions again this year.

If you haven’t been to El Rio it is one of Puerto Vallarta’s hidden gems. Amazing fall off the bone BBQ in one of the most spectacular settings I’ve ever been to.

Set along the Rio Cuale back in the Paso Ancho neighbourhood – it’s a little tricky to get to the first time – either catch the No. 4 Paso Ancho Bus and ask the bus driver to let you off at El Rio (they know where it is) or grab a taxi. It’s about 60 pesos from Old Town. Make an afternoon of it.

A new addition to the already decadent restaurant scene is Michel Ferrari’s new Deux Mec opening where Michel’s was on Olas Altas. It’s a new concept in dining in Puerto Vallarta and one that is close to Michel’s heart. He has brought in Chef Fisher from Germany who will be creating a new menu every two weeks and is partnered with the hospitality school at the university to offer

European-style training to the students.

There will be dozens more announcements of opening and renovations and other announcements in the coming week. Stay tuned for more great updates.

On the pages of the Tribune this week you will see another new face – Leigh Themadatter who writes extensively about Mexican art and crafts. She is a respected authority on the many unique traditional arts we can find across Mexico.

And finally, a huge welcome to Ron Morgan and his team of real estate agents across Banderas Bay. Ron has offices in Old Town at Olas Altas 509 and on Lazaro Cardenas in Bucerias. Ron has been a huge part of the Puerto Vallarta community for many years and we are thrilled to have his real estate offices as our new back page anchor. In supporting the Vallarta Tribune, Ron is supporting the local communities with news, events and everything else the Tribune brings with it. We hope you will support Ron and let him know you appreciate his support of the Tribune each week.

There is so much to share with you, but alas, I am out of space.

Next week we will have the full Day of the Dead schedule of events (it’s five pages long!) so be sure to get your costumes ready sooner than later.

ickets are now on sale for an extraordinary “Evening under the Stars”.

This special event is the annual fund raiser for the SPCA de Puerto Vallarta. This year’s festivities will be held on Saturday, November 26.

Guests and press representatives will gather in Puerto del Cielo, the gorgeous event room across from the main entrance to Hacienda San Angel. Beginning at 6:00 pm, attendees will be treated to cocktails and appetizers followed by a delicious four course meal at 7:30 pm.

This year we are offering a special entrée for our vegetarian guests. Please be sure to let us

know if you prefer the vegetarian entrée when you purchase your tickets.

Entertainment will be provided by "LA JOYA DE MEXICO” the superb Mariachi band. There will be a number of items available as part of a silent auction, as well as items auctioned off by the renowned auctioneer, Robert Burkheimer.

Tickets to this annual event are much sought after so don’t hesitate to get yours. There is limited seating and we have already sold more than three-quarters of the tickets. For tickets or more information contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com.

Tickets are $120 U.S. or 2200 pesos.

Janice Chatterton has totally underwritten this event for the animals. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to the SPCA de PV. You don’t want to miss out on this event!

What to do if you see a turtle laying eggs Maintain a minimum 10m distance If you take photos, don’t use a flash Don’t block the turtle from returning to the ocean Don’t step on or dig around the nest area Report it to the Department of Ecology at 322 160 3279

Enjoy this miracle of nature!

Safe travels, Madeline

s! a i c Gra nk Tha !

You

It is with the generous support of our advertisers that the Vallarta Tribune is a FREE newspaper. Please support the advertisers that bring you this publication week after week. Gracias!

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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Preparing for Day of the Dead Festivities Puerto Vallarta's Musical Dynamic Duo

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he ever-popular Day of the Dead events in Puerto Vallarta will be celebrated for five days this years starting October 29th and continuing through November 2nd.

Throughout Mexico, Día de Los Muertos festivities will begin on the night of October 31 and continue through November 2.

This year coinciding with the XII International Congress of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World, the Vallarta Tourism Promotions Department has been planning since July for a much larger celebration.

The five days of festivities will be filled with food, music, art, parades, costumes and much more.

This is a wonderful time of year to be in Banderas Bay. Not only is the weather cooling down (fingers crossed no promises) but the crowds are smaller and many businesses will hold events of their own.

Some of the highlights of the five day Spooktacular Extrava-

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ganza are: the elaborate Day of the Dead altars and Catrina displays throughout public spaces; the Catrina parades from the cemetery to the municipal market, live music, dance and theater performances; a beer garden street party, costume

contests, and more.

The schedule of events is five pages long.

The Vallarta Tribune will publish the more popular events next week and post the full event schedule online at vallartatribune.com

hether Bob Tansen is covering a heartfelt rendition of John Lennon's "Imagine" or Gilberto Luna is shredding Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," together they form the group Bob & Gilberto, sometimes known as Gilbo. This unlikely duo got together eight years ago along the beach at Olas Altas to entertain passersby and wake up sleepy afternoon residents below the Vista del Sol condominiums.

Then, not everyone appreciated the "rock-n-roll de buena vibra" on Friday afternoons emanating from the restaurant known as época, but this dynamic duo has been going strong ever since, pulling in crowds over 200 in the high season at El Rio BBQ • Bar in Paso Ancho, twelve minutes from their birthplace along the beach.

"It's just fun," notes one of their first fans, Chicagoan Phil Bettiker.

"People of all ages get up and dance. We look forward to going to

El Rio every week."

What make Bob and Gilberto such an unusual pairing, though, are their varied backgrounds. Bob came to the Bay of Banderas from Glasgow, Scotland over 35 years ago and settled in Yelapa, starting a family and playing troubadour

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music on the beach. Now a longtime Vallarta resident, he's one of the most recognizable faces in town. Both composer and vocalist, he plays flute, saxophone and guitar. Prior to his work with Gilberto, he was mostly heard playing smooth jazz and lounge music at La Palapa and other beach venues. Bob also enjoys playing his original music, having

cut three records, while exploring calypso and reggae music as well.

Gilberto's roots and passion rest in Mexican heavy metal. Coming from Mexico City, he honed his skills as the lead guitar in various heavy metal bands there.

Once in Vallarta, he quickly signed on with the house band at The Roxy, anchoring that late-night venue for years with guitar licks

from Santana, The Doors and The Rolling Stones to name a few. But the dictates of family life and what he calls the "burn out" factor led him to explore other options. "Day time gigs and night time performances that end by 1 a.m., not start at that hour," he laughs.

The duo has been a fixture at El Rio BBQ • Bar since it opened its gates five years ago, playing recognizable, danceable rock-n-roll every Friday afternoon beginning at 4 p.m.

"It's my favorite place to play," notes Bob. Bob & Gilberto will kick-off season six at El Rio on October 14 and play every Friday through May. "It's a party every Friday," says Phil, "for families, and for kids 18 to 88-years-old."

El Rio BBQ • Bar is located along the Rio Cuale less than ten minutes from the Libramiento.

Felipe Angeles #245, Col. Paso Ancho, Puerto Vallarta. Bus route #04 to P.A. (Paso Ancho) or Paso de Guayabo drops you right at the gate. Ask the driver if he’s heading to Paso Ancho if you have any doubt. Taxis from Olas Altas or El Centro currently cost 60 to 70 pesos to El Rio BBQ • Bar.

The World on Your TV

El Mundo en su TV is offering an about everything on our website at 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.

www.elmundoensutv.com. If you 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.

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

The purchase price is 1800 Pesos.

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

If you are unsatisfied after 7 days, I will With 10, it is like watching TV, Period. refund your entire amount paid. The I also offer a complete manual of how installation charge is not refundable. to truly enjoy this experience, as well as instructions on how to even make Tel. 221 0111 Local 20, it better for you. We provide YouTube Las Palmas 2, Marina Vallarta. videos, as well as written instructions todd@remaxinpv.com

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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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Paradise

Medical

and Parenting

Matters Pam Thompson

Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

pam@healthcareresourcespv.com

Pamela Thompson operates HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a multi-faceted, independent, resource network that is here for your total health and well-being. We offer assistance to help find a physician, hospital and diagnostic service for any healthcare needs. www.healthcareresourcespv.com

Emergency Tips

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hanks to all that attended our Pink Wave Cocktail the other evening at Hospital San Javier Marina. It was a stunning event and we were thrilled with every single detail! A huge thank you to donors – you know who you are! We will close out Breast Cancer Awareness month with a Pink Ice Cream Social on October 28, 2016 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Vallarta Medical Center (south side of Plaza Caracol). Please join us!

Yum! Emergencies are bound to happen and one should be a good scout and be prepared! Here are a few tips!

• Register with your consulate!

No, this does not mean that the tax man will come looking for you. This means that if we have a disaster here, you will have someone searching for you. If you go missing, your family “at home” will go via your consular agent. You can do this on-line. To register with the US Consulate: https://step.state.gov/ step/ To register with the Canadian Consulate: http://travel.gc.ca/ travelling/registration • Please know how to give your address in Spanish including the cross street. Saying “I am a half a block from the beach, near the Oxxo and a palapa” won’t work. If you live in a condo, make sure the paramedics or police will be able to actually get to your condo especially if your main gate is locked.

Have a system worked out with

October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

your security guard/neighbors.

• Carry with you: Your emergency contact, your allergies, medications that you take, your blood type, a COPY of your passport.

• Make an emergency file.

Compile a comprehensive list of emergency contacts, local and international including names, emails, phone numbers, and relationship to you. Keep this list updated, and give a copy to a trusted friend or neighbor. If you’re a homeowner, make a copy of the first few pages of your escritura and add this to your emergency file.

• If you have pets, designate a trusted friend to care for them if you are unable to do so and let that friend know they are your designated care-giver. Compile a list of these care-givers, their contact info, your vet’s name and contact info, any meds your pets are taking, and any other necessary things to know.

The new “911” system is (supposedly) working in Nayarit and soon to be working in Jalisco. Honestly, who knows at this point? 066 and 060 for police/fire department.

A very good private ambulance company is Ambulancias Aura: 209 0622. I don’t have enough space here to write out the various ways to dial, so please send me an email if you would like that information.

An emergency can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere.

Be prepared!

Please send on your topic ideas and questions. Have a terrific week!

Do Something Nuts

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ublic speaking has never been something that I have gotten excited about.

Before you ask, I do not consider teaching to be a public speaking activity.

Speaking to five-year-olds is easy because a) if you don’t make it quick they will stop listening to you and b) even if they stop listening to you, you can start singing and you’ll have your audience back immediately. If you sing “These are things that start with Aa” to the tune of “London Bridge”, suddenly everyone needs to know RIGHT NOW about alligators and apples.

For those reasons and others, my passion for teaching has never translated over to the uncomfortable activity of standing up in front of a group of adults and trying to tell them something they don’t already know.

As the early childhood coordinator at ASPV, I often have to do it anyway, explaining why children should be playing as much as possible, or getting as much sleep as possible or NOT watching movies about scary clowns as much as possible. But it’s never been comfortable for me.

My colleague, the Spanish teacher, on the other hand, must have actually been born with a tiny microphone in one hand and a PowerPoint remote control in the other. She loves talking, and the more, the merrier.

Last year, our principal and curriculum coordinator asked us if we would consider co-presenting our decades-long work in project-based learning at the Tri-Association Conference in Guadalajara. It’s a large conference of nearly 1,000 participants from American Schools all over Mexico, Colombia, Central America and the Caribbean.

Co-presenting seemed okay to me, especially since my co-presenter would probably not let me get a word in edgewise, and I could stand by flipping slides and

looking interesting, yet harmless.

Because I enjoy writing far more than speaking, I volunteered to write our presentation proposal to the selection committee. I figured there would tons of applications and that we probably wouldn’t be chosen the first time we applied.

I figured wrong. They enthusiastically accepted our proposal for an hour-long presentation.

Casually I asked how I could support my colleague, as I spoke English and therefore would leave most of the speaking to my co-presenter.

The answer was simple: it’s an American School conference; therefore the presentation would be in English. Oh. How fantastic for me.

My principal was overjoyed. My colleague was excited. I was terrified. But there was no going back, mostly because I had written what had apparently been an airtight proposal and had no one else to blame for being accepted.

We prepared a solid presentation which involved audience participation and several new kindergarten teacher jokes.

However, I was still nervous once I had arrived at the conference and sent my now-retired principal the following text: “Do you happen to have access to a helicopter if I can get to a landing pad on the

roof of this hotel?”.

The only reply I received was the crying laughing emoji. Must have been a typo.

I attended a keynote speech the day of our presentation. The speaker, an educational consultant, described the idea of the word FAIL as an acronoym – First Attempt In Learning. She also talked about the fact that people, when presented with risk, would react in one of three ways: 1) Jump in the boat and chart the course to somewhere new and exciting 2) Stand on the shore and make sure the fearless wonder steering the boast didn’t tip over and drown before joining him 3) Hang on to the nearest palm tree and refuse to have his fingers peeled off the trunk I considered my own risk of failure I was taking with the presentation we were about to give.

Really, I had only a couple of choices (since the helicopter didn’t seem to be on its way): I could jump in the boat and do this thing or I could wrap my fingers around the doorframe and refuse to go inside the conference room.

Either way, I was about to have my very own First Attempt In Learning.

The last thing the keynote speaker had us do was write ourselves an email that contained one sentence only: “Do something nuts”.

I wrote the email. And then I did something nuts; I went in there and did my absolute best.

Three things happened: 1) We were a huge success.

2) I texted my principal and called off the helicopter.

3) I wrote myself another email just like the first one.

Stay tuned.

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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Creative

From

hands of Mexico

Here

Marcia Blondin

Leigh Thelmadatter

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Leigh Thelmadatter is a profesor at Tec de Monterrey, Mexico City, Wikipedian, and semi-professional researcher on Mexican handcrafts and folk arts. She has a blog called Creative Hands of Mexico and is working on a book on Mexican paper maché.

marciavallarta@gmail.com here are a hundred white ceramic skulls out there in the mix that is Vallarta. They are being painted, adorned, feathered, bejewelled and bewigged. Why? To make money for Los Mangos Library’s literacy program. Week by week, until the winner is announced at 8 pm, November 2nd, I will fill you in on more details. For now, remember this when you are sitting around thinking of a place to go to for a drink. Think Casa Karma. It isn’t by accident there is an immediate switch in energy to good, positive vibrations – but, back to skulls. Manager Bill Brooks had an idea, owner Georgia ran with it and, as it stands today (and, this is just the beginning!), the library is in the black for $25,000 pesos: 100 skulls sold in record time at $250 pesos apiece.

Casa Karma has assumed the entire cost of purchasing and shipping.

There are a dozen professional artists taking part in this contest…more in-your-face hints next week on how to improve your chances of winning a couple of free nights at this beautiful seaside resort…it’s all in the finagling of the voting process.

CK Productions is putting on Splash and Dance 2 on October 26th. Great live Latin music, huge dance floor and the “best ceviche on the planet” (in my un-humble opinion). Bring your bathing suit, grab some rays (the event begins at 4 pm), have a swim then change and dance. Or just dance; no dress code! To all my expatriate Canadians: Happy Thanksgiving. This mark on the calendar means SEASON is less than six weeks away.

Traditionally, prices go up (did I say that?) the Sunday following American Thanksgiving and stay there until the Sunday following Easter.

This Thursday, the 13th, at 7 pm, I am going to the Los Mangos Library to Paco Ojeda’s in-depth exploration of the harmonica. If you’ve never been to one of Paco’s Music Appreciation series at the library – do attend.

Paco, managing editor of uberglossy Vallarta Lifestyle magazine, fills 90 minutes of audio-visual magic every second Thursday of the month. I will let you know next week what’s coming up in November.

osomadre@hotmail.com

Get me to the market on time…

Birthdays – especially when one gets older – take on a different significance. Children see them as glorious, gay, fun parties with tons of presents, cake and ice cream… after 50, there are still celebrations; after 60 they become more grateful; as in, dodged another one, wow: thank you! Nacho Daddy’s wonderful, newly-renovated space with the Boutique Theatre hosted Tricia Lyman’s 65th birthday celebrations this past Sunday. Tricia is founder and administrator of Vallarta’s best go-to/online information group in this city with over 9,000 active members. So, because of her group my boy-kitty, Rayne, is still alive and thriving and because Tricia is exactly, precisely, one month older than me, I love her dearly!

If you have never ventured into the OPC Gallery on Juarez, you need to visit soon. (No, not THAT OPC.) Mexico City-born artist Gil Garea has a truly unique show that will be here until January. Rarely do I get “stopped in my tracks” in an art gallery. To say Gil Garea is ‘different’ is such understatement. You will be surprised, curious, amazed, amused, delighted and pissed off. In ART it doesn’t get better than that.

I made a one-set visit to El Patio de mi Casa, after a month of being dark, to welcome back Moruno, last Saturday night. What a comfortable, inviting space el Patio is and Moruno has added a couple of new pieces to their Mediterranean gypsy repertoire. Welcome back from vacation, Heidi!

De Los Rios shop on Venustiano Carranza changes constantly.

Proprietor David de los Rios has an eclectic collection of paintings and objets d’art to brighten any room in your home.

Change is everywhere in Vallarta and Tracy Parks has a bunch of them up both sleeves. Stay tuned…

On a quizzical note, that is it, From Here!

O

ne of the most important venues for Mexican artisans is the Feria Maestros del Arte, which is held each year in Chapala, Jalisco in November.

It is held by a volunteer organization of the same name and is supported by both expats and Mexicans in the area dedicated to promoting Mexican handcrafts and helping artisans obtain fair prices for their work.

Participating artisans are vetted to be sure that they are producers and not just resellers, and selected artisans are supported with transportation, lodging in members’ homes and food.

This activity is important to participating artisans because the Feria attracts many buyers, and most, if not all, of the participants are from some of the most economically marginalized areas of Mexico. Earnings from the event have allowed artisans and their families to make home improvements and invest in equipment for their work.

All of this, of course takes money, more than the members of group can pay on their own.

There are sponsors, local businesses and other handcraft organizations such as Los Amigos de Arte Popular. However, there are ways for other interested parties to support the cause.

Much of the transportation, especially from major handcraft producing areas is done by collective bus.

The state of Michoacan is one of Mexico’s major producers. It is not as well known for this activity as other areas, such as Oaxaca and Chiapas.

This year, however, it is perhaps even more important to support these artisans as political unrest in the state has seen

an increase… sufficient such that many commercial passenger bus lines have suspended operations in parts of the state.

The Feria Maestros de Arte have started a Go Fund Me page at https://www.gofundme. com/michoacanbus to help raise the money needed to transport Michoacan artisans and their wares to Chapala for this November. Or you can contact the Feria Maestros del Arte through their webpage at http:// www.mexicoartshow.com/ Original: Creative Hands of Mexico

Venecia 290, Díaz Ordaz, Fluent English Spoken

VALLARTA GARDENS

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CLUB

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Thousands of people have enjoyed IFC Home Tours over the last 30 years.

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Rated as “Excellent” on Trip Advisor.

All proceeds are used to fund free medical services for local children and educational charitable work.

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www.ifcvallarta.com 322-222-5466

Unique Design, Handmade in Mexico Accessories, Clothing, Crafts ...

Agustin Rodriguez 267 Downtown PV 2229033 & Rodolfo Gomez 108 Romantic Zone 2229360 Catedral Boutique Artesanal @CatedralBoutique

Restaurant El Mexicano Continental Coming Soon Próxima Apertura Aquiles Serdán 194

In front of Hotel Molino de Agua - a half block from the beach

A free glass of red or white wine with the purchase of any meal Open from Wednesday to Saturday from 5-11pm Venustiano Carranza 276 Zona Romántica 223 2267

riviera nayarit

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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

The adventure of life at Rancho Mi Chaparrita Sayulita

Beyond Punta Mita and Sayulita

By Meagan Drillinger

M

exico's Pacific coast is a beach bopper's playground, dotted with one sleepy beach town after the next.

And while surely you're familiar with the uber-luxe Punta Mita and boho chic Sayulita, there are several other beach towns -- minus all the crowds -- worthy of your time.

San Francisco Affectionately known to locals as San Pancho, this beach community is just a bit farther up the coast from Sayulita as you travel away from Puerto Vallarta. Picture Sayulita 15 years ago and what you get is San Pancho, a laid-back surf town that retains the soul of local Mexico.

The palm-fringed coastal community is 33 miles north of Puerto Vallarta, with a beach that stretches for about a half a mile, ringed in jungle. A small boardwalk runs along the shore with locals selling handicrafts. Beach bars line the shorefront, where sleepy surfers relax lazily under the hot sun. It's a similar vibe to Sayulita just down the coast, only without the hordes of tourists.

That said, many of the services that are available in Sayulita are lacking in San Pancho, namely higher-quality hotels and upscale shopping. But San Pancho offers a lively and local atmosphere, with local musicians, a performing arts center, a golf course, an annual music festival, local shopping and authentic Mexican cuisine.

San Blas Still farther north, about four hours from Puerto Vallarta, is San Blas, a tiny port city with a population of about 10,000. A haven for surfers, this coastal hideaway is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking a casual shrimp taco on the sand.

A trip to San Blas is like a trip back in time, where the lifestyle is guided by simplicity and nature. Canals are surrounded by mangroves and tiny islands dot the coast. Each year more than 300 migratory birds call this place home. Other natural wonders are the tropical marsh that includes the El Punta Mita

Pozo estuary and the San Cristobal River and the La Tovara National Park.

The main beach in San Blas is Bahia de Matanchen, which is often packed with surfers, water skiers, sailers and divers. But if you're looking for tranquility, then you ought to head to Las Islitas Beach. Nearby attractions are the ruins of the San Basilio Fortress, which was founded in 1530, as well as the ruins of the Nuestra Senora del Rosario Temple, built in 1769. A visit to the Isla de Mexcaltitlan is a must, as well, to see the floating mangroves that are supposedly where the Aztec civilization was born.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle This small beach town is a mix of both old and new. For generations La Cruz has been a fishing village, but because of the development of the Riviera Nayarit Marina, a luxe community has grown around the grassroots.

The vibe here swings more Mexican and less mainstream, with cobblestone streets, small boutique gallery scene, local art, and restaurants. The main beach here is La Manzanilla and is a wonderful spot to swim or enjoy a meal in a palapa-style restaurant. Tip: Try the tuna, marlin or mahi-mahi.

Still, because of the marina, which can accommodate 400 ships, a sophistication has breezed its way into the seaside village. The marina has a yacht club, business center, sky bar, restaurant and seafood market.

Bucerias Bucerias is one of the most charming towns along the Pacific coast -- with cobblestone streets, brightly colored homes, and a laid-back vibe -- and it is one of the best places to take in an iconic Banderas Bay sunset.

Visitors who come to Bucerias are in search of its calm surf, sailing and kayaking opportunities, or shopping the handicrafts at the communal market. On the corners of the main streets are restaurants and bars that serve up delicious ceviche and shrimp cocktails.

Original: TravelWeekly

By Angelica Martinez Gonzalez

R

ancho Mi Chaparrita is located in the jungles of Sayulita and run by the Verdin Rodriguez family. An ecotourism adventure perfect for the whole family. Over 90% of the visitors to the ranch are foreign tourists who come for the day to experience many of the activities available. In business for over 18 years and employing over 80 people, Rancho Mi Chaparitta is an established and well run facility that supports many in the local community.

In Rancho Mi Chaparrita there are many different activities, ranging from extreme thrills like the canopy tour where adventure lovers experience pure adrenaline through the 13 platforms that make up the Zipline circuit. Fly over the tops of the trees, along this 2 km route, 125 meters above sea level with panoramic views of the jungle and the ocean.The most popular activity on the ranch is the original tour of horseback riding. Perfect for any age or experience, this slow paced trek through the thick jungle and along the pristine beaches between Sayulita and Punta Mita showcases what Riviera Nayarit is famous for. As you go through the jungle along the stream beds you will hear and see many species of birds, butterflies and beautiful foliage.

"We are a family originally from the region who had a dream and we are committed to it. We want the development of our company to benefit the region economically and generate jobs, but also we are committed to respecting our environmental impact. We aim to give our guests quality service and satisfaction in their experiences with everyone on Rancho Mi Chapparita,� invites Luis Verdin Rodriguez, CEO of Rancho Mi Chaparrita.

A visit to Rancho Mi Chaparrita will leave no time for boredom.

If you want excitement take the ATV tour along the jungle and beach. You’ll come back dirty, but with a huge smile on your face.

It is a great way to explore the area.

Mi Chapparita also offers a beach club with a surfing lesson in the popular bay of Sayulita. Or you can take a tour to the Marietas Islands, a fishing excursion. They also offer Temescal, which is a type of sweat lodge local to Mexico. For all tastes and pleasures, the Verdin Rodriguez family offers something for everyone in the Riviera Nayarit.

Constantly innovating, in the coming months the ranch will offer guests self-sustainable cabins where you can experience the nature of the jungle, with sunsets and sunrises surrounded by greenery and cooler weather. www.michaparrita.com more information and reservations (329) 291-3112 or 298-2559.

Original:Tribuna de la Bahia

riviera nayarit

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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

The Neighbourhood Gordon Mayer

gord.mayer@gmail.com

It’s a BIG Neighbourhood

W

ow! Thank you everyone for the great responses and positive feedback about “The Neighbourhood” over the last week. As Teri and I have traveled around the north shore area, people have stopped us to suggest interesting people to interview, to comment positively, to playfully jibe (Jay I’m looking at you here) and also to let us know they commented online. Whatever the reason it is evident that we are not the only ones who believe that the north shore, like the rest of the bay area, is replete with amazing people and stories. This is great news!

Your input is perfectly aligned with the Vallarta Tribune focus; the communities of the Bay of Banderas. From Mismayola to San Pancho, the Tribune seeks to find the community building, people helping and just plain fun activities and promote them. In addition to the column, I am also pleased to announce that I have been offered a position with the Tribune to promote the businesses and groups, people and events in the north shore area. If you can excuse the less than proper wording here, I am super-stoked about this opportunity. Not only do I get to meet and write about the fascinating people in our north shore neighbourhood, but I also get to come alongside the entrepreneurs, groups and individuals who are making this area the bustling energetic neighbourhood we know and love. Again I have to say, “Wow!” It is a big neighbourhood and there is much to cover.

But over this last week has come the realization that as we support the neighbourhood, the neighbourhood will support us. I am buying a fedora. Yes, you read that right and no it is not a ‘cut and paste’ error from something else I am writing.

I am buying a fedora like the one that you see in my picture here in the paper. The one I was wearing when Teri took that picture belonged to her son so I had to give it back, but many of you have said, “I didn’t recognize you without the hat.” So be it. A hat I will wear if it means that you will know that you are welcome to stop us to tell us about that someone whose story should be shared or to ask how we can show you how advertising your event in the Tribune can reach the audience you want to reach. Introduce yourself! The Vallarta Tribune is your paper and we are your representatives on the north shore to make sure all the great community events are getting the attention they deserve. Tell us what you think should be shared and we will do our best to get the word out.

It is truly a big neighbourhood, but with your help we can bring it together so that we can all enjoy the diverse and deli-

ghtful happenings just down the street or just down the road.

Don’t worry if you don’t see us out and about. You can always send an email to: gord.mayer@gmail.com comment on the www.vallartatribune.com version of this column or any column and speak to the other fantastic Tribune writers in your area who every week bring to light their take on our wonderful communities. But if you prefer the in-person method, you can of course look for the tall guy with the fedora and his lovely fiancé who will likely be walking down a street near you soon, in the neighbourhood.

VALLARTA SHOPPI

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Over 50,000 readers each month with delivery from Mismaloya to Sayulita and the only paper distributed at the airport in International arrivals.

Contact editor@vallartatribune.com to learn more!

Three Hens & a Rooster Market News

J

eanine Frank, Head Hen and founder of the Saturday Market is a baker – among many other artistic pursuits.

Her chocolate brownies are so rich with their full quarter-inch of frosting, difficult – almost impossible – to finish in one sitting! Her ‘almond joy’ bars surpass the store-bought kind ten times over: sweet but not cloying, chewy but not sticky, crunchy but just a little. With a cup of Todd’s espresso?

Call it breakfast.

Carol-lynn’s boutique is filling up fast with her new/old recycled denim clothes mixed in with bits of this and that – also found – to create a comfortable shabby-chic/must-have skirt or pair of shorts. The stock changes weekly so look for her upstairs at Three Hens.

apero riche

THURSDAY-SUNDAY 5-7PM

This chic European custom arrives beachside Thursday, September 22 at 5 pm. Enjoy late afternoon sophisticated cocktails and help yourself to complimentary snacks at the bar. From 5 to 7 pm every Thursday to Sunday, nibble on delicious bites that will change daily. After work, after shopping, after a long day at the beach, indulge yourself in Sapphire Ocean Club’s casual, urbane atmosphere.

Bill Kelly is big into Kitties these days (lately it’s been roosters!) and you will find them on aprons, cooling ties and running all over cushion covers. What does his Doberman say? For sure the colors are bright and the patterns are different from anything you can find locally.

Pat Wagner’s plus-size tunics, tops and skirts continue to sell like mad, despite the fact she is away!

Lisa Love’s patchwork wall hangings are the result of hours and hours of carefully choosing fabrics, colors, and designs that complement each other and then more hours of meticulous sewing small pieces together. The results are stunningly beautiful – one of her many talents.

Three Hens and a Rooster Market is every Saturday 9 to 1 at Venustiano Carranza 466.

www.sapphire.mx Malecon 1 Playa Los Muertos

RESTAURANT-BAR SPACE

FOR RENT Large restaurant/bar space for rent,

semi-furnished, close to downtown. One year lease minimum; references required.

“Remodeling and Renovations”

Storage/office space and LIQUOR LICENSE included.

Serious inquiries to: marciavallarta@gmail.com

Fine Art and Furniture

MEXICO

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

ING AND SERVICES

www.vallartatribune.com

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

G

abriel Reyes is back at Market! His glorious voice fills the entire lobby of the Marsol Hotel with joyous Mexican songs. Shopping could not be more pleasant! Welcome back, Gabriel!

Also returning is Andrea with her mother who taught her everything she knows about making jewellery. The two of them have a wide range of styles and prices. David and Elizabeth feature sterling silver jewels with every color of natural gemstone and some gorgeous man-made stones.

Ciro will be roasting nuts every week and offering his array of candied fruits like kiwi, papaya, and mango.

Ricardo Mazcal has expanded packaging for his twice-a-day herbal mixes. It now comes in medium and large-size jars as well as the single-serving size.

Juan Manuel’s iguanas made of stone and copper look great on a coffee table or in your garden wherever in the world you live.

Marcia is clearing out shoes and handbags and creating more Mixto earrings and silk collars.

The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 to 1:30 pm.

Rentals, Sales, Management

Wheeling Vallarta Segway Tours

Located across from McDonald’s

322-223-8014 31 de Octubre 107 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Malecon

entertainment

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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

MERYL STREEP A Legend in her own time

By Fred Jacobs

M

eryl Streep was born in June 1949 in New Jersey.

Her father was a pharmaceutical exec and her mother was a commercial artist. From a young age, her mother was Meryl’s biggest cheerleader and Meryl often went to her mother later in life for advice for that extra confidence to make a life choice.

Meryl was gawky kid with glasses and frizzy hair, but she liked to show off in front of the camera in family home videos from a young age. At the age of 12, Meryl was selected to sing at a school recital. Her mother arranged for her to have opera lessons. Despite Meryl having a talent for singing, she didn’t feel and understand singing. She quit after four years of lessons to find something she did understand.

In high school Meryl was in numerous school plays but she was uninterested in serious theatre until she was in Collage at Vassar in 1969. Vassar drama professor Clinton Atkinson noted, “I don’t think anyone ever taught Meryl acting. She really taught herself”.

Meryl showed early on an ability to mimic accents and to quickly memorize her lines.

By 1971, Meryl was working on her Masters in Fine Arts from the Yale School of Drama. While at Yale, Meryl worked to make money for her schooling by waitressing and typing. She appeared in over a dozen stage productions a year, to the point that she became overworked and even developed ulcers. She seriously thought

about quitting acting and switching to study law. (We’re glad she didn’t change career paths.) Meryl graduated from Yale in 1975.

After graduating, Meryl moved to New York and found steady work on the stage almost immediately. Meryl appeared in 5 productions in her first year in New York and even won an Obie (award for off-Broadway theatre) for her work in “Alice at the Palace”. Having a movie career, was never a major goal for Meryl, but that would change.

After seeing Robert De Niro’s work in “Taxi Driver” (1976) the role had a profound impact on the

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight...

ROO

by Janice Gonzalez

R

oo is a fun loving little guy weighing just eleven pounds.

He is a Chihuahua mix about two years old. He is a well behaved little boy who is quite playful yet walks well on leash. Roo can be a bit discriminating when making new 4-legged friends but just loves his humans. As usual with this breed, Roo prefers to be snuggled in his human’s lap. Roo has been neutered, dewormed and he is current on all his vaccines. Now he is just waiting for that perfect lap to call his own! If you are interested in Roo, contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com for an application.

young Meryl, who later is quoted as saying, “That’s the kind of actor I want to be when I grow up”. Meryl began auditioning for film roles, and had a notably unsuccessful audition for the lead role in Dino De Laurentiis’s King Kong. Laurentiis mentioned in Italian to his son: “she is so ugly. Why did you bring me this?” Unknown to Laurentiis, Streep understood Italian and she answered back, “I’m very sorry that I’m not as beautiful as I should be but, you know—this is it. This is what you get”.

Meryl settled back into putting all her energy into the stage in New York and now on Broadway. But Hollywood did come knocking the

following year. Meryl’s first film role was opposite Jane Fonda in “Julia” (1977). She had a small role during a flashback sequence but most of her scenes were edited out. The brief time she was on screen, horrified Meryl: “I had a bad wig and they took the words from the scene I shot with Jane and put them in my mouth in a different scene.

I thought, I’ve made a terrible mistake, no more movies. I hate this business.”

Robert De Niro had seen Meryl on Broadway and arranged to meet with her. He suggested that she play the role of his girlfriend in a new war film “The Deer Hunter” (1978). Had anyone else but her

idol, Robert De Niro suggested to Meryl to try film work again, she would have ignored them. She did try for and got the role. It lead to Meryl getting exposure to a big audience and even earned her, her first Oscar nomination, for Best Supporting Actress.

This would be the first of an amazing 19 Oscar nominations, that Meryl would earn over her career. Next week we’ll look at how Hollywood would learn to bow down to onscreen talent and not just to onscreen “beauty”.

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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October 13 - 19, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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