Issue 1051, May 24 - 31, 2017

SUMMER

nature

Into the Wild swim with dolphins

Tips to Cool Down this Summer Page 06

Pages 12-13

Office : 322 222 6678 info@ronmorgan.net

CASA ALEMAN

VallartaTribune.com

E E FR

www.ronmorgan.net

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May 25 - 31, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1051

DE I U G

’ s o ñ a e l p

m u C liz

e F ‘ LOCAL ARTISAN SHOPPING Page 21

Featured Property of the Week Page 21

Medical Matter - Palliative Care Page 14

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos to the Ameca River and including Nuevo Vallarta.

BUSES: A system of urban buses can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare within Puerto Vallarta is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board a bus. Hold on to your ticket. This is your proof and insurance should anything happen.

Bus destinations are typically written on the front of the window.

Those with a ‘centro’ sign will drive through downtown Puerto Vallarta and those with a ‘tunel’ sign will drive through the tunnel roads that go behind the city.

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 unless there are more than four passengers.

Take note of the taxi number on the outside door and where it picked you up. If you lose an item this information will be vital to attempting to get it back.

MONEY EXCHANGE: To exchange money you will need your passport. Best option is to use your bankcard to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.

USING PESOS OR USD: Businesses must display their prices in pesos and they may also post the prices in any other currency they choose. They cannot refuse to accept pesos. Some service staff may appreciate being tipped in USD and others in pesos. If you are concerned, ask.

TIPPING: How much and when you tip are personal choices and unless otherwise noted a 10-20%

tip on food and beverage and services is standard. Tip the kids and seniors who bag your groceries. They work exclusively for tips. Have change at the ready for musicians and clowns that ride the buses – typically tipping 5 pesos or less. Taxi drivers do not receive tips unless they go to extraordinary lengths.

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water (at the source) is certified pure enough to drink. For many who live here long term, we drink from our taps with no issues.

For those on vacation, it may be better to stick to bottled water.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love with a rescue animal is easy – and it’s easy to take them home with you. The process is quick and inexpensive. You need a certificate of health from a local vet with the appropriate inoculations, among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo hold of the plane may be your biggest challenge. Contact your airline to double-check their requirements.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you would not walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. 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 15,000 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 a valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that the system works much differently here than you are likely used to. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky. 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 (U.S. and Canada 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, the 10 digit number. 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 newsstands and in pharmacies.

Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a tarjeta LADA. CALLING TOLL-FREE NUMBERS Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. Those that do work are often not toll-free. 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: 911 Red Cross: 065 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Ahoy Cruisers!

NAME PASS DATE CARNIVAL 3,200 03/05/2017 CRYSTAL CRUISES 940 03/05/2017 DISNEY CRUISES 2,400 04/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 10/05/2017 CRYSTAL 1,070 13/05/2017 CELEBRITY 2,499 14/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 17/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 24/05/2017 CARNIVAL 3,200 31/05/2017

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Consulates American Consulate 24 hrs 01-332-268-2100 Canadian Consulate 322.293.0098 322.293.0099 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

In port this month

In the month of May Puerto Vallarta welcomes 22,909 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

Cut out and put near your phone for handy reference

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Editor’s

editorial

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

T

his week I’m in Victoria, BC eating the most amazing cheeses and ketchup chips.

And black liquorice. And raisin toast with (real) butter. For those of you who live year round, you know.

There are things you can live without (of course) but if you don’t have to, why would you? When I am back in Canada I hit up my favourite stores and generally bring back to my home in Mexico: bedding, workout clothes, brand name duds for my husband and speciality foods.

Sometimes it’s a matter of quality, sometimes it’s price and sometimes it’s just because you can’t (easily) find what you want in Mexico. I know it’s hard to imagine but sometimes you just don’t want chilli and lime flavoured candies or tacos. (!!!)

The weather is spectacular in Victoria, sunny spring days and all the flowers are blooming and my grandmother has the most amazing fluffy Garfield-like cat. It’s nice to have a change of pace but if I was in Vallarta this weekend I would be hitting some of the Vallarta birthday celebrations. This year Vallarta celebrate 99 years as a municipality and 49 years as a city and like any self-respecting birthday girl, it’s not just one day – it’s a whole birthday themed week!

There is live music each night on the Malecon at El Faro (lighthouse) and there are a number of events through the days at the municipal building in the main plaza. On the final evening (Wednesday, May 31st) the City of Vallarta usually serves slices of birthday cake and sets off a huge number of fireworks around 9 pm. All the details are on page 11 of this week’s Tribune.

Also happening all weekend are Vallarta Pride events including films,

pool parties, and special theme nights at clubs and restaurants around town. Check out VallartaPride on facebook for details on what’s happening.

If you haven’t grabbed one of the commemorative t-shirts for sale around town and you’re looking for that souvenir that no one else these shirts are emblazed with very cool designs and you’re supporting an important part of Puerto Vallarta’s community.

If Pride’s not your thing – then how about trying some of the special menus put together by the most popular restaurants in Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit for Restaurant Week, which runs now until the 31st of May. Details on the participating restaurants and their menus can be found on the Restaurant Week website.

The rains are coming and I have noticed a number of groups and people on Facebook making arrangements to clean up beaches and dry river beds in preparation for the rush of water we are about to get.

Awesome work people! If you are interested in helping out in Vallarta check out the facebook group Rubbish Rebels for where you can best help. They organise different cleanup days around the Centro neighbourhoods.

That’s it for me. I’ll be back in time for birthday fireworks. Have a great weekend! Enjoy all of the festivities!

Safe Travels, Madeline

DO YOU REALLY NEED

THAT STRAW?

IF YOU DON’T NEED THAT STRAW, THEN THE NEXT TIME YOU ORDER A DRINK SAY -

Sin popote, por favor!

Alegre Tours Calendar:

Learn to paint, play an instrument, or sculpt (Also what an interesting way to learn more and practice your Spanish) The Cultural Institute offers various classes all year round every day of the week but sunday and at different times. Located at the Cultural Institute on Isla Rio Cuale (437 Aquiles Serdan) drop by for more information. Registration is $100 pesos and $280 pesos monthly. Check it out!

Alegre Tours

Sept 29-Oct 09-2017 Argentina/ Buenos Aires/IguazuFall/Mendoza Wine Country November 04-11-2017 Cuba Havana and Varadero Beach November 28-December 05-2017 Mexico City/Cernavaca/Valle de Bravo/Xochimilco/Taxco December 15-2017 Mascota/Talpa 1 Day Tour January 13-19-2018 Guanajuato/San Miguel/Leon February 12-15-2018 Tonala Original Special “Shop Till You Drop” Tour Visit Tonala Marketplace and Furniture Expo March 17-24-2018 Merida/Chichen-Itza/Becal/Uxmal

Reservations & Information: Roberta Valdez 951.760.1068 rvaldez714@hotmail.com

Seize this unique commercial opportunity in the hottest section of Puerto Vallarta. Before someone else does.

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w w w . r o n m o r g a n . n e t

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May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

10 Tips for Surviving Summer in Puerto Vallarta

By Fabien Madesclaire and Ariel O’Donnell

T

he summer is coming quickly! As all of us year-rounders know, June-September (and sometimes October) can be pretty steamy in Puerto Vallarta.

I’ve lived here for over 15 years, and I still find aspects of it challenging, though you can survive and thrive without air conditioning.

Personally, I’m opposed to using A/C. It’s VERY expensive, and I think that you’re better served learning to acclimate naturally.

Here are some of my tips for surviving summer in Puerto Vallarta.

Rarámuri runner wins Puebla ultramarathon Indigenous woman ran the 50 kilometers wearing a skirt and very basic sandals

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t has taken more than two weeks for the word to get out, but today the news is circulating quickly about a 22-year-old Rarámuri runner who won an ultramarathon April 29 in Puebla.

María Lorena Ramírez, considered one of the fastest long-distance runners from the Rarámuri indigenous community in Chihuahua, won the females’ 50-kilometer category of the Ultra Trail Cerro Rojo, in which 500 other runners from 12 countries participated.

But unlike her fellow contestants, Lorena completed the course with neither sports equipment nor professional preparation.

For clothing she wore a skirt, hat and kerchief. For shoes, a pair of basic sandals with soles made from recycled tire rubber.1.

Carrying only a bottle of water, Lorena ran the 50 kilometers in seven hours and three minutes.

“She carried no special accessories,” said race organizer Orlando Jiménez. “She didn’t bring any gel, nor energy sweets, walking stick, glasses or those very expensive running shoes that

everyone wears to run in the mountains. Just a bottle of water, her hat and a kerchief.”

A Puebla community website provided even more details.

Lorena ran “without a hydration vest, without running shoes, without Lycra and compression socks, without any of those gadgets used by the runners of today.”

Nor were her kilometers published by Nike or on Facebook, the site added.

Lorena, whose job is herding goats and cattle, walking 10-15 kilometers with her livestock every day, won second place last year in the 100-kilometer category of the Caballo Blanco ultramarathon in Chihuahua.

Running is in the family of the young woman from Guachochi. Her father, her grandfather and various brothers and sisters run, too. One brother also ran on April 29, both of them having been provided support by organizers so they could attend, traveling for more than two days from the Chihuahua town to Tlatlauquitepec, site of the event.

Lorena’s win was accompanied by 6,000 pesos in cash.

1. Fans Fans are your finest friend. Not only do they move the air around effectively, they are much cheaper than running air conditioning, and you can strategically place portable ones all around the area where you live, work and sleep.

2.

Cool Down Quickly A wet cloth on the back of your neck is a fabulous and easy way to cool down fast.

Too, putting ice on your wrists can work magic within seconds. Even dipping your ankles and feet in the water will refresh you substantially.

3. DIY Air Conditioning Make a DIY air conditioner by positioning a shallow pan or bowl (a roasting pan works nicely) full of ice in front of a fan.

The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist.

4. Take a Walk.

Sure, it sounds crazy, but walking in the heat can make you acclimate faster. Sweating is great for your health and is a natural way of cooling your body down. Just be sure to carry some water.

5. The Trusty Hand Towel Shed your pride and carry a hand towel with you. You’ll see many of the locals toting them around.

They’re great for wiping sweat from your brow. Dip it into cool water, and drape the towel around your neck for some temporary heat relief.

6. Rest and Sleep in a Hammock Set a hammock up in a cool shady

spot. You’ll be amazed what a difference having all of the surface airflow around your body will make.

7.Rehydrate!!!

Drink lots of water, and intermingle your water consumption with something to restore the electrolytes. During the summer locals drink gallons of sueros (Pedialyte or comparable products). Also, fresh coconut water will work wonders. Not only restoring electrolytes, but also helping your tummy fight-off any unwelcome visitors (parasites or amoebas.) Many local stores now carry bottled coconut water, though, I believe that fresh is best.

8.

Eat Salty Foods You are losing a lot of salt in your sweat, so, if you don’t have issues with water retention, or other health concerns, be sure to make salty foods party of your daily diet.

9. Cold Showers I must take at least 4, sometimes 5 a day during the hot weather. It makes a world of difference.

10.

Take it Easy Most importantly, realize that during hot summer month you need to SLOW DOWN. Take frequent breaks. Sit by a window or door. Find some shade. Go to an air-conditioned café and treat yourself to a cold beverage. Have an ice cream and sit by the ocean.

Make a siesta part of your daily routine. You are in Mexico, after all!

If you have real estate questions, or want to know more about local properties, contact Fabien anytime at G3MEX Real Estate Group email: Fabien@g3mex.com. Or visit us at our office in Old Town on Calle Amapas, right near the Hotel Emperador.

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Creative hands of Mexico Leigh Thelmadatter

osomadre@hotmail.com

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.

Cut out to be gods

A

fter the Conquest, the Spanish introduced many European technologies to what is now Mexico. However, not all were completely new.

Amate paper had been produced in Mesoamerica for centuries and was a very important commodity reserved only for the ruling and priestly castes. For the former, it was used for record keeping, particularly history, and for the latter even the paper itself had supernatural qualities.

This supernatural connection prompted the Spanish worked to get rid of amate, made from the bark four different trees of the Ficus family. This tree is relatively abundant in central Mexico, but today amate paper production is limited to only a few small communities in the rugged mountains of northern Puebla and Veracruz. This is because the Spanish were able to stamp out the paper and the rituals surrounding it everywhere else.

It would be hard to underestimate the inaccessibility of these towns.

San Pablito is the best known of these, a tiny community of a couple hundred, poised precariously on a ledge on the side of a mountain. The area receives significant moisture from the Gulf of Mexico. Road conditions are poor overall and hard to maintain. Landslides are common; roadways are either covered by rocks and dirt or themselves have fallen down ravines.

This area is one of several to which the Otomis fled with the rise of the Aztec Empire in Mexico City, and later the arrival of the Spanish. What the area lacked in agricultural capability it made up for with the protection it gave from massive social changes going on elsewhere. It is only here that the making of amate paper for ritual purposes was able to survive until the latter 20th century.

Until the 1960s, the making of the paper was restricted to local shamans, who kept the process secret and used the paper only for

the making of cut-out figures of gods and spirits for rituals.

At this time, the shamans and their communities came into contact with anthropologists and others, finding out that the outside world had interest in their culture.

Economic pressures also necessitated the use of commercial paper (such as tissue paper) for rituals, making it acceptable, and the making of amate was in danger of being lost.

Commercialization of amate paper began sometime in the 1970s, with shamans and others traveling to Mexico City to sell cut outs along with other Otomi handcrafts.

This did not devalue the cut outs to the Otomi because the paper had no sacred quality unless the cutting was done as part of a ritual.

So the cutting forked, the sacred

still reserved for shamans, but now there was an opportunity for others to learn the making of amate paper and cutting the images.

The figures are usually symmetrical as the paper is usually folded before it is cut.

There are five different kinds of figures: those that represent kinship ties, those related to fertility of crops, those representing the forces of nature, those that represent elements that are in contrast to the values and beliefs of Otomi culture and intermediary figures (whose who intercede in the spirit worlds on behalf of the people).

Amate paper naturally can range from a dark brown to a near white, mostly depending on whether the older outer bark is used or the newer inner bark. Certain figures were traditionally made with certain colors.

While some ritualistic cutting of amate or other paper still survives in the San Pablito area, it has been overwhelmed by simple commercial production of the paper. Most now is made and sold to Nahua groups in the state of Guerrero, who use it to make folk paintings based on their traditional pottery. Commerically-made Otomi cut outs are usually mounted on a larger sheet of amate paper to be framed and hung, but images of gods and spirits now compete with more mundane and even modern designs.

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Two Expats in Mexico Paul Kurtzweil www.qroo.us

Will Moving to Mexico Affect My Social Security Benefits?

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t least once or twice a week, a reader will write me asking if he or she will be able to collect Social Security benefits while living in Mexico. In the interest of reducing my daily email workload, I decided to write an article on the topic.

U.S. Citizens Great news! If you’re a U.S. citizen, you can still receive your Social Security payments while living in Mexico. You can even have the payments deposited directly into a Mexican bank account.

Here’s an interesting statistic from the U.S. Social Security Administration: In the month of April alone, 58,710 payments were sent to beneficiaries in Mexico.

If you do have your payments sent to a Mexican bank account, you may be required to submit an annual report to the U.S. Government.

Non-U.S. Citizens When it comes to non-U.S. citizens, the answer is not as simple.

Whether or not the person will be eligible to receive payments while living in Mexico will depend on several factors. You can read more about this in the Social Security Administration’s educational guide Your Payments While You Are Outside the U.S. Maintaining Your Benefits It’s very important to keep an accurate mailing address on file with the Social Security Administration. Periodically, they will send you a questionnaire to determine that you are still eligible to receive benefits. If you don’t respond, the payments will stop. Some recipients will be required to complete a questionnaire every year between May and June. The annual requirement applies to recipients who reside outside the country and: Are age 90 or over; Have a representative payee;

or Are not receiving benefits as a spouse, widow(er), parent, mother or father, or disabled widow(er) I know the wording of that last line is a little confusing, but don’t blame me.

These were taken directly from the written guidelines provided by the Social Security Administration.

Benefits Offices in Mexico The U.S. government even has three federal benefits offices in Mexico to assist you: Federal Benefits Unit United States Consulate General Paseo de la Victoria 3650 32534 Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua Mexico Phone: 01-800-772-6394 (within Mexico only) Fax: 1-656-227-3501 Email: FBU.Ciudad.Juarez@ssa.gov Federal Benefits Unit United States Consulate General Progreso 175 44100 Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico Phone: 01-800-772-6394 (within Mexico only) Fax: 52-33-3268-0803 Email: FBU.Guadalajara@ssa.gov Federal Benefits Unit United States Embassy Paseo de la Reforma 305 06500 Mexico D. F. Mexico Phone: 01-800-772-6394 (within Mexico only) or 052-55-1102-6300 Fax: 052-55-1102-6301 Email:FBU.Mexico.City@ssa.gov Let’s Wrap This Up Mexico is a great retirement destination for Americans looking for a way to make their money go further without sacrificing their quality of life.

I know several expats who live very well in Mexico on just their monthly Social Security payments.

entertainment

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Incanto welcomes Opera Duo Vanessa & Jorge, Comedian/ Drag Artist Hugo Blanquet and Niños De Folklorico

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pera duo Vanessa Amaro and Jorge Echeagaray will perform on two nights, May 25 & 26 at 8PM. Vanessa has a Degree in Music and studied opera as a soprano at the International Society of Values of Mexican Artists.

She has won several awards, including Best Performance at the Carlo Morelli National Singing Contest in Mexico City. Jorge Echeagaray began his vocal studies as a baritone in the Agustina Monterde school choir, and later earned a bachelor’s degree in music. He has performed throughout Mexico, and made his debut with the Jalisco Philharmonic Orchestra in 2013.

Vanessa and Jorge will be accompanied by Salvatore on piano.

Hugo Blanquet stars in ‘Hot as Fire’. He is a multi-talented performer from Mexico City, known for his hilarious stand-up comedy and over-the-top drag performances. Having entertained all over Latin America, he appears regularly on Mexico’s TV version of COMEDY CENTRAL and has also appeared in many TV commercials.

He can also be found performing his comedy/drag show in nightclubs in the Zona Rosa area of Mexico City, where he combines comedy

with LIVE singing in both English and Spanish. Hugo will perform at Incanto as part of the P.V. PRIDE celebration for one night only, Saturday, May 27 at 8PM. Niños De Folklorico is the children’s version of Ballet Folklorico Tradiciones, who performed recently at Incanto. These very young and talented dancers will perform a series of traditional dances from various states in Mexico. Ranging in age from 6 to

14, the children’s ballet is made up of 10 members. They have performed more than 40 times in venues in the Vallarta area. So good, they have been invited to participate in national and international tours, including throughout the state of Puebla in June and Shanghai, China in September.

Niños De Folklorico plays May 30th at 7PM. Sylvie & Jorge from the popular local band The Zippers play on Tuesdays at 8PM. Alberto Cuevas ‘El Diamante’ stars in ‘One Night in Mexico’ accompanied by Salvatore on piano. Final show Wednesday, May 31 at 8PM. Azucar is a group of young musicians from various parts of Mexico. They play swing and gypsy jazz in the piano bar on Wednesdays and Sundays at 7:30PM. Moelle Jazz Quartet plays on Sundays at 8PM in the cabaret.

Singer/guitarist Audi Rodriguez plays in the piano bar on Sundays at 5PM. Singer/guitarist Gabriel Reyes plays select nights at 5PM. The Joanie Show, starring Joan Houston & Bob Bruneau, plays Fridays at 7:30. Singer/songwriter Chris Kenny plays jazz/blues/ classic guitar on Saturdays at 8PM. And BINGO with Pearl fundraisers are held on Saturdays at 5PM. For more information and online tickets visit Incanto’s website www.

IncantoVallarta.com.

Incanto’s cafe is open from 9AM -11:30PM. Tuesday thru Sunday, with piano music by Salvatore starting at 10AM on the riverside terrace.

Happy Hour is 2PM - 6PM. Incanto is located at Insurgentes 109 (at the Rio Cuale). Box Office opens at 10AM. Phone them at 322 223 9756 for reservations. Closed Mondays.

The World on Your TV El Mundo en su TV is offering an 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.

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

The purchase price is 100 USD or the The most important aspect is this is exchange rate of the day. If you decide completely internet-based; you have to to purchase it with a personal installahave 7 Mb/S of speed, more is better. tion and demonstration, the additional In my office, we only have 7 Mb/S and charge is only 200 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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local

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Que Paso at UDG CUC

My Fitness Journey Katy Saunders

Michael Nolan

tksaund@gmail.com

104.3wakeupshow@gmail.com

Michael Nolen is the host of ‘The Good Morning Wake Up Show,’ which is broadcast as part of the University of Guadalajara’s 104.3 FM radio station at the CUC campus in Puerto Vallarta. Every Saturday at 9 AM

What is a squat and how can I benefit from it?

I T

he last UDG Social Service Brigade for this semester will be held Saturday, June 3 at the prison in Ixtapa. The Brigade is a university program that is held once a month in a different community in the Puerto Vallarta area.

The University will offer health care, legal advice, self-construction of public housing, psychological health, nutritional, financial and accounting services, and physical fitness.

The Brigades helps disadvantaged communities in the region; even the unfortunate people who are down on their luck and end up in jail. University teachers, social service providers and students of UdG Central University Costa will be there to help.

The program’s goal is a commitment to social equity and improving the living conditions of the socially

disadvantaged, by offering basic services to those in need.

The program seeks to create a greater social awareness among students of the University Center of the Coast of the University of Guadalajara.

Science Saturday is back!

On May 27 in the main auditorium, all kids ages 2 to 18 will be welcomed to join MVZ, Nabor Larios Magdaleno (Veterinarian) for lots of fun. This week’s topic is “HOW TO MAKE YOUR DOG DAYS, GOOD DAYS” It will begin at 10 am and is free and open to the public.

Free Painting Classes On Thursday and Saturdays from 3 - 4:30 pm Dr. Claudio Vasquez will be

holding painting lessons at the UdG in room 102 Building K, for more information call 322 226 2295 or 044 322 138 5403 Don’t forget Cinema CUC Is Back!!!

Every Wednesday and Friday at 1 pm in the main Auditorium, we will be showing FREE movies.

The ones on Wednesday have a music theme.

These are concerts from around the world that have been filmed for our enjoyment.

The ones on Fridays are movies about almost anything.

Some are comedy’s, some dramas, and others are documentaries.

On Wednesday March 31, there will be a concert movie starring Oasis that was filmed in 2008 at the height of their popularity.

And on Wednesday March 31, there will be a concert movie starring OASIS filmed in 2008.

FY I After eating an entire bull, a lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.

The moral: When you’re full of bull, keep your mouth shut. ‘til we meet again, Michael

t’s the exercise we first performed as children picking up our toys and without even knowing it we were able to stay there for minutes at a time. In weightlifting, squatting dates back to 3600 BC in feats of strength and competitions for large audiences. The Squat is also known as the ‘King of Exercises’, it is one of three powerlifting exercises, which are the The Bench Press, The Squat, and The Deadlift . In strength training, as we know it today, the Squat is compound, full body exercise that trains the thighs, hips and buttocks. The trunk muscles, upper back, lower back, shoulders and arms are all involved in the exercise when performing it correctly.

The great thing is that power lifters and Olympians can perform them, as well as youths, seniors and everyone in between. These can be done at home, with or without weights. Proper technique is essential, especially when using weights and will help you prevent injury.

The movement begins from the standing position, by using the hips to bend down into a seated position while bending the knees. I suggest using a bench, placing it behind you to (almost) sit on, bending until you’ve almost reached it without sitting down.

Once you’re there, look at your knees, make sure they are behind your toes. Placing your knees past

your toes will place excessive strain and wear on them, so you want to be mindful of this especially when first starting out.

You can perform a squat to varying depths, ideally you want to strive to bring your thighs parallel to the floor. If you’re more advanced may want to squat down lower or use more weight, but in either case once there, you want to hold the position for two seconds. When returning to standing position, you want to come up slowly counting for two seconds, this will increase your glut strength, and give your buttocks that little extra ‘lift’.

Mistakes you may make at first are flexing your torso too far forward, or descending or standing too rapidly, pushing your knees past your toes, your knees should always be aligned with your toes, you can do this by placing your toes slightly outward to maintain alignment. The last one is by flexing the torso too far forward.

Over flexing will put a strain on the lower back and cause a risk of spinal herniation.

Finally, you are ready to start squatting! If you’re still not sure and want some extra guidance, or to learn new techniques, or would like someone to spot you check-in with Orson and Orssfit on Basilio Badillo or for ladies at their location in Marina Vallarta!

Good luck!

Email me with questions or comments tksaund@gmail.com

I love to hear from my readers.

Remember, stay healthy, stay happy, stay fit!

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Feliz Cumpleaños Vallarta!

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uerto Vallarta will celebrate its 99th anniversary of its beginnings as a municipality and the 49th anniversary as a city from May 26-31, 2017.

Each year in May, Puerto Vallarta has celebrated the city’s dual birthday in the EL Centro neighbourhood. This year’s celebration, called “Mayo Fest 2017,” will run from May 26-31 and includes free cultural and sporting events, as well as live music performances and fireworks to close the celebrations.

Mayo Fest 2017 Schedule of Events Friday, May 26th 9:00-11:30 pm - Trova concert featuring Fernando Delgadillo El Faro del Malecón (the lighthouse stage) Saturday, May 27th 8:00 am - Copa Aguas Abiertas, a qualifying competition for the Central American and Caribbean Swimming Championship (CCAN) and the 2017 World Championship in Budapest Cooperativa de Pesca on the Malecón 7:00-10:00 pm - Inauguration of the You Are Here: Dichotomies of Landscape contemporary art exhibition Oficina de Proyectos Culturales, Juarez #598, El Centro 8:00 pm - Regional music concert featuring “Cuitla Vega” El Faro del Malecón 9:30 pm - Pop concert featuring “Jenny and The Mexicats” El Faro del Malecón

Sunday, May 28th 8:00 am - “Oxxo COMUDE Athletic Race” walk and recreational race Vía Recreactiva 10:00 pm - Rock concert featuring “After The Night Fall” El Faro del Malecón 11:00 pm - Pop concert featuring “Matisse” El Faro del Malecón Monday, May 29th 6:00-9:00 pm - Chroniclers of Western Mexico Meeting Patio de Presidencia Municipal (Main Plaza) 8:00 pm - 1st Inter-Colonias Soccer Tournament Finals Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Stadium (across from the Sheraton) 10:15 pm - 1st Inter-Colonias Soccer Tournament Awards Ceremony Agustín Flores Contreras Sports Stadium

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Cooling Corazon de Niña

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n Tuesday May 16, members of the Navy League and Intercam Bank came together to finance the purchase and installation of five mini split air conditioners for Corazon de Niña. Add to that the three mini splits already purchased and installed by the Navy League/ Intercam partnership and the children of Corazon de Niña will now sleep comfortably during the coming summer heat. The pink sign says, “We are cool.”

Over the last 12 months, the Navy League and Corazon de Niña have been blessed by the arrival of a number of USCG ships and their crews; eager to help Corazon by painting many of the interior rooms, helping with the creation of the roof garden and the painting of the

famous “front façade.”

Donations from the Navy League and Intercam paid for the paint, materials and for the preparation of the front façade before painting. The partnership also paid for the purchase and installation of a camera system so that Melissa Cañez and Juan Meza can keep track of the activity of their 31 children and youths.

The next project is going to be the addition of Transitional Housing for their older youths as they move on to college or into the business world.

Already donations are coming in and Melissa and Juan are looking forward to a ground breaking in the near future. It is certainly possible that the Navy League/Intercam partnership will be nearby.

Tuesday, May 30th 12:00 pm - Children’s concert featuring the Federal Police’s “Sinfonica de Alientos” Teatro Vallarta, Uruguay 184, El Centro (across from Ley’s) 6:00-9:00 pm - Chroniclers of Western Mexico Meeting Patio de Presidencia Municipal 9:00-11:00 pm - Federal Police’s “Sinfonica de Alientos” concert with soprano Vanesa Amaro at El Faro del Malecón Wednesday, May 31st 6:00 pm - Solemn Session of the City Council, followed by the traditional anniversary cake cutting at Los Arcos del Malecón 8:00-9:00 pm - 5th Military Region Symphonic Band concert Los Arcos del Malecón 9:30-11:00 pm - Cumbia, Vallenato & Tropical concert featuring the “Celso Piña” band El Faro del Malecón

American Legion To Sponsor Free Memorial Day Event For Veterans at Steve’s Sports Bar

S

teve’s Sports Bar will host a free Memorial Day event, offering a hot dog, hamburger, chips and one free drink to every military veteran who wishes to attend.

The event is on Monday, May 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Steve’s Sports Bar, 286 Basilio Badillo in Old Town.

Puerto Vallarta American Legion Post 14 is the sponsor.

The purpose of the event is to honor the men and women who died serving in the U.S. and Canadian armed services, while still mixing in the traditional festive spirit and good times associated with the Holiday.

The American Legion is a

non-profit, nonpartisan organization devoted to military veterans, their families, and their communities. Legion Post 14 supports numerous charities and rebuilding projects in the Puerto Vallarta area, with emphasis on women’s and children’s causes.

The Legion encourages all veterans to enjoy the event, and if interested, learn more about the benefits of American Legion membership.

PV American Legion meetings are held the 1st Thursday and 3rd Tuesday each month. Visitors are welcome. For more information and meeting locations, visit AmericanLegion14.org or contact J.R. Wilson at JRinMX@Gmail.com.

Frankies has gone crazy!

20% Discount on all food (excluding drinks) Friday - Friday Promotion valid for all residents of Puerto Vallarta

Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 5-11pm Venustiano Carranza 276 Zona Romántica 223 2267

The Wild Side: Swim with Dolphins in their Na

D

olphins that live in the wild are some of the most enchanting and lovable animals in the world, known for their friendly nature and curiosity around humans. When they are allowed to live in their natural environment, they are free to exist as they always have, making for happier, healthier animals than those that are subjected to a life of confinement for the entertainment of aquarium visitors. Fortunately, you can have an even more rewarding and personal experience with wild dolphins in

Puerto Vallarta with Wildlife Connection. Jump in the water and get to know the local wild dolphins on a far more personal level!

Swim with dolphins in the wild Research began in Banderas Bay back in 1998, and thanks to their continued efforts, this talented team guarantees that they will guide you to dolphins on every single tour, during which you will get to know a Bottlenose dolphin pod that spends the entire year in the region’s waters. The incredible staff at WIldlife Connection includes a profes-

sional wildlife photographer who contributes to Animal Planet and National Geographic, science journalists, and biologists with Master’s Degrees in Marine Ecology. The researcher’s close ties with these brilliant creatures makes an interaction with them something you will never forget. Your interaction with the dolphins isn’t only a thrilling experience; you will personally be contributing to their ongoing research which allows the biologists to better understand and advocate for these amazing and highly intelli-

atural Habitat gent animals in Puerto Vallarta.

What to Expect of Wild Dolphin Tours In order to approach the dolphins in a calm and inviting manner, each tour takes place on a small shaded boat with a very limited number of participants (between 12 and 14), which makes for a highly individualized tour. You will be able to hear the magical sounds of the dolphins communicating with each other with the help of a hydrophone on board the boat. Every tour is different and although swimming with

the dolphins depends on several components such as how large

the group is, how old they are and what their temperament is that day,

you will certainly interact with them whether you are in the water or not. Oftentimes, young dolphins will steal the spotlight due to their especially curious and friendly behavior. Even though the Bottlenose dolphin pod is the focus of the tour, other sea creatures are often seen as well including sea turtles, giant mantas and other dolphin species, while the months from December to March feature Humpback whales, Orcas and False Orcas on occasion.

Tours last around 3½ hours each and can be experienced throughout the year. Your bilingual guide will share a wealth of knowledge during this fun and educational tour. Every

tour includes a light breakfast, snacks, bottled water and soft drinks, and lunch is also included on tours between December and March. This tour invites all ages to participate, and individuals with disabilities are more than welcome.

The entire family will treasure the memories of this remarkable experience for years to come!

Original: Garzablanca.com

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Medical Matters Pam Thompson

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

managed around 300 employees that cared for about 700 patients.

We had two 18-bed inpatient units, 3 main offices, and 2 satellite offices. We have been travelling to Mexico for about 23 years and absolutely fell in love with the people of Puerto Vallarta and decided that we wanted to live here.

It was at that time w e

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

and we continue to see more and more hospitals developing palliative care programs.

Triggers for considering palliative care include: advanced cancer, chronic diseases that are not responding to treatments (COPD, CHF, CRF), severe cognitive dysfunction, extended multiple ICU stays, as well as unexpected

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

Palliative Care Coming to Vallarta

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e are so very fortunate in that we have such a wide variety of medical services here in the area. One of the services sorely lacking though, is care for the terminally ill and palliative care. Yes, we do put together a caring team of caregivers for the patient for pain control, nursing and support system for both the patient and the family but an actual true and organized hospice; we have not had – until now!

And even better, this is not some “fly by night” company. This is a well-planned, well-thought-out and organized program. “Vallarta Hospice” is the brainchild of Michael Lindner and I asked Michael a few questions so that

we can all learn more about this exciting new project.

Tell me a little about yourself, where you are from and what brought you to Puerto Vallarta.

I grew up on a small farm in Iowa, moved to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University and remained in Dallas until 2011. At SMU, I studied music (organ and harpsichord performance), later directed the music program at a large Roman Catholic Church, and became a nurse in 2006.

My nursing career began in the ICU with a specialty in cardiology (within the Baylor Health System) and in 2008 I went into hospice. In 2010, I went to work for VITAS Hospice in Dallas and was transferred in 6 months to Chicago to be their Director of Nursing.

Subsequently, I was promoted and ended my time with them as Senior General Manager where I

conceived of bringing palliative medicine, and, in particular, hospice care to Puerto Vallarta.

Briefly, explain your concept for your hospice program. To me, hospice care is a human right that should be afforded all people. We use an interdisciplinary approach to our care in that different clinicians form a partnership with the patient and family to achieve the goals of the patient.

This usually involves a nurse, physician, counselor/chaplain, personal care aides, and volunteers. This team is flexible depending upon the needs of the patient and family. While palliative and hospice care is our specialty, we will provide home health care as well. Good hospice care is predicated by good preventative medicine. Palliative medicine has become a highly specialized area

p r o l o n g e d hospitalizations.

Will your hospice be in a “specific location” or in the person’s home?

The care we provide, at this time, will be wherever the patient resides.

Hospice is best thought of as a modality of treatment rather than a location.

It is comfort care, when a disease has progressed to the point that no matter what interventions are used, the disease continues to progress to the point of death. However, we are aware of the growing need for an actual

Puerto Vallarta: A Call for Help

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ecently, Mexico’s government adopted the phone number ‘911’ for all emergency services. ‘911’ has taken the place of numerous telephone numbers used to contact different emergency services such as police, the Red Cross, lifeguards, paramedics and fire services.

According to a police spokesperson, this new system is expected to greatly reduce critical response times from 10 minutes to 6 minutes and non-critical response times from 15 minutes to 10 minutes, in a time when minutes can determine whether someone lives or dies.

Currently, the Puerto Vallarta Police Department receives approximately 2,500 calls each day.

In addition to the 275,000 residents, the fifth most populous city in the Jalisco state, the city greets over 3.7 million visitors annually including 2.2 million domestic/

national tourists and 1.5 million foreign tourists.

Unfortunately City, State and Federal budget constraints are hindering the purchase of muchneeded equipment. As of today,

the following items have been purchased as a result of donations through GoFundMe as well as business and association donations.

Three REPEATERS purchased and installed in Las

Juntas, Carmelitas, and Shangrila; - Three ‘executive’ radios for Chief of Police, Transito and Civil Protection (Firefighters, lifeguards and paramedics); - Five ‘mini stations’ for emer-

place for people to go as their disease progresses and we are currently working with a variety of individuals that are interested in acquiring the

necessary real estate for such an endeavor.

Free-standing hospice units, such as a facility that could hold 12-16 patients require a considerable commitment to ensure its sustainability.

The need for such an enterprise is great in Puerto Vallarta.

We wish Michael and his team the best of luck and offer a huge “gracias” for bringing these services to the area. As well, we look forward to everyone working together, networking and learning from one another. I am strong in my belief of cross-training, cross “learning” and sharing information.

You can learn more about Vallarta Hospice at their website: https://www.vallar tahospicio. com/en/ and you can email Michael via the website for any questions or comments.

Here’s to a swell week!

gency service offices; - Fifty-three (53) radios for first-responders; Local business leaders have started a gofundme campaign that is only $1,500 (USD) shy of their $13,000 (USD) campaign goals.

That will bring the close to their 60 radio goal. They will have exciting news in two weeks regarding the Phase II campaign which should provide the remaining 50 radios needed for all the police, transit police, paramedics, firefighters, and other first-responders.

You wouldn’t want to be in a situation where you or someone close to you suffers an accident or involved in a crime and, because of budget restraints, help wouldn’t come in time. Remember, you are not only helping the local police and fire departments but also helping thousands of people that might need emergency services and potentially, saving many lives. For more information, visit https://www. gofundme.com/PV911.

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May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

From Here

and Parenting

Marcia Blondin

Leza Warkentin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Thirteen Reasons

T

here’s been a lot of buzz lately around the new Netflix series “13 Reasons Why”.

Some people thought it was a great, eye-opening series. Others thought it was dangerous and irresponsible. Either way, I should provide you with the following message before I go on: There are spoilers galore in here, so if you haven’t watched it and you don’t want to know what happens… maybe come back and read this after you’ve seen it.

It’s about a girl named Hannah Baker who decides, after a period of intense bullying by her classmates, to kill herself. She leaves a series of cassette tapes in the hands of one of her friends, who passes them on to the thirteen people who she felt contributed in some way to her decision.

It’s not an easy series to watch, especially as a parent. Hannah’s parents were completely oblivious to her growing despair and downward emotional spiral, and that was pretty shocking, because her parents seemed to love her dearly and no less than any other moms and dads I know.

I thought I was all big and tough having watched through several wrenching scenes in the show over the course of a couple of weeks. And then I watched her parents find her body in one of the final scenes, and all I can tell you is that I didn’t uncurl from the ball I was in until I could breathe again. It’s that painful if you have any empathy at all as a human being (and if you are a parent you are pretty much a walking empathy ball).

It’s gutting because we think we know our kids and we think those kids will come to us if they are being harassed or bullied or raped. We think we Will Just Know if something is really that wrong. As it happens, the author of this novel, the writers of this show, and many, many teenagers are telling us that we will not.

Not necessarily.

So that’s pretty much like having a huge body-sized band aid ripped off, all at once. That’s some raw skin, right there.

But let’s set that aside for just a minute, right after you take a moment to go hug your kid and remind them that they can trust you and that you will believe them always, and they can come to you with any secret. Once they give you the Mom’s Really Lost It This Time look, come on back, because I have another box to unpack right here.

Let me be a teacher now, a teacher of young children who spends a great big chunk of their waking hours with them. Even at five years old, children know a word that has been tossed around so much these days that we don’t always remember what it means. That word is bullying. It’s super charged, and it’s very often poorly defined.

But that’s ok, because MerriamWebster is online now, and they define bullying as: “abuse and mistreatment of someone vulnerable by someone stronger and more powerful”.

That means that bullying isn’t an argument or a disagreement between two friends. Bullying isn’t a fistfight in the school yard over a soccer rule dispute. Bullying happens anytime someone vulnerable is abused by someone in a position of power.

We all have a picture that jumps to attention in our minds when we hear the word “bully”. We think

of a bully as a huge, loud, angry kid with a big uni-brow who waits outside the school gate every day to torment those who are unfortunate enough to have been brought to his or her attention.

But guess what?

Bullies aren’t always big. They usually don’t have uni-brows. They aren’t bullies all the time. They often don’t even know that they are bullying.

Bullies can physically harm other people.

But most of the time they cause far more damage emotionally.

Bullying is social isolation, it is online torment, it is jokes at someone’s expense who isn’t in a good position to defend him/ herself.

Sometimes a bully is simply: someone who gives out invitations to everyone in the class to his party, except that one kid who isn’t really, you know, part of the gang. someone who tells everyone else not to friend the new kid on Facebook. someone who says cruel things to that quiet girl in front of his friends, because, come on, it’s funny.

Because when you’re a kid, those things are not always simple things. They matter. Sometimes they are everything. And they can completely devastate you.

A bully can be anyone’s child.

A bully’s victim can be anyone’s child. And, to make things more complex, the roles can change.

If we are honest, we are most afraid that our children will be victims. But if we really care about and truly receive the messages in 13 Reasons Why, we will protect everyone’s children from becoming Hannah Bakers.

We will do it by teaching our own how to never become one of Hannah’s thirteen reasons to die.

We will do it by teaching them that everyone’s life is precious. We will do it by teaching them to be kind.

W

hile coming home from the Marsol Friday Market last week, I ran into Andre Lategan of the Vallarta Garden Club – he was weeding and tidying up the new plantings on the Pier street. He had just come from REPLANTING everything on Calle Pino Suarez in front of Nat Moraga’s beautifully mosaic-ed wall by the elementary school – thieves in the night had stolen everything.

I don’t know how much money was lost; hardly the point. Andre’s frustration was – is – understandable; however, the Garden Club dug into its coffers and Andre went shopping and planted the street again. From comments made on the Vallarta Garden Club’s Facebook page, this is not unheard of all over North America. I assume the same people who steal newly planted things also steal puppies and children. Bastards.

While I am on a roll here – examples are being set all around us – of what to do and what NOT to do. Here’s another huge one from me: what NOT to say.

Ever. Actually, there are a bunch of words I would like to see eliminated from our citizen’s language and it goes like this: off-season, low season, slow season, shoulder season, no

season. All negative words and self-fulfilling prophecies. It’s just freaking SUMMERTIME! Use the joy that comes from summer when you speak. Quit bitching about the heat and the humidity – you MOVED here deliberately.

It’s the tropics; it’s hot. It’s humid.

It is gloriously warm all the time.

Every day. Remember Buffalo, New York. Minnesota in February and Canada almost any month of the year…there can be snowfall!

Vallarta is undergoing an enormous influx of Americans and Canadians moving here to escape a lot of things. We, as expats of decades, have a responsibility, the HONOUR, to welcome these newcomers with open arms.

And open markets, restaurants, bars, and stores. What will these poor expatriates do from March First to Thanksgiving?

Where will we put the sidewalks after we roll them up? Rejoice in our rain! Our incredible thunder storms. We only have one tormenta a month. Spread the word of how pretty Vallarta is after a good bath. How the streets and leaves shine after the rain and how sweet the air smells.

Change your attitude and it WILL – collectively - change our city’s future. And that’s the long version of my rant, From Here.

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spca of puerto vallarta

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

By Janice Gonzalez

W

e have been visited by an angel! Well three of them actually. Recently we escorted our friend Caroline Kelly O’Farrill and her two daughters Isabella and Paulina on a tour of the sanctuary. We were meeting at Caroline’s request as she had wanted to discuss making a substantial contribution to our rescue organization.

The young girls loved playing with the dogs and they presented us with their own donation of money saved from their allowance and the “tooth fairy”.

We promised to get back together again when the puppies are older so they might enjoy playtime with Isabella and Paulina.

In the meantime, Caroline informed us that she will make arrangements to transfer to our organization the sum of $200,000 US in the name of her deceased mother Hilda G. O’Farrill.

Hilda was a dedicated animal rescuer in her own right and would want her daughter to carry on her legacy. We are understandably overwhelmed by the family’s generosity and cannot thank them enough.

We are eternally grateful to Caroline, her husband Tony Pasquel, Isabella, and Paulina.

The SPCAPV has started a new opportunity for businesses to contribute and become sponsors. Write to clare23leach@ gmail.com to join us.

Come 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.

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. 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.

You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv.com/home or on Facebook.

Hello, we are here, to ensure your well-being.

We have come to Puerto Vallarta now to offer you the best healthcare and well-being that our 45 years of experience can provide.

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

riviera nayarit

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May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

H

ey everybody! I was absolutely delighted when my friend told me of a new organic vegan ice cream place in La Cruz called “Inspirato”. The 50-year tradition from Tocumbo, Michoacán.

All of their ice cream is sugar free and gluten free. Manager Waipy Balina is not only very friendly but also bi-lingual. Marlene Gomez also has great energy that goes into the creations of the ice cream, and I will contest it is amazingly delicious. I tasted five flavors, finally deciding on Mamey and my favourite coconut with pineapple.

They are located just above the round about on the main avenue.

Stop in and check out their ice cream menu and enjoy a ‘good for you’ ice cream! So now in La Cruz we have Organic Love and Inspirato to help us stay on the healthier track!

La Cruz Kids Club If you had the chance to read Cindy Bouchard’s column last week then you know about the new Kids Club headed up by one amazing gal; Carmen Tapia.

The Kids Club is located at: Club de Ninos y Ninas is at Coral 5 by the glorieta (the circle with the cross) in La Cruz. Carmen has sent out the news that they are running short of volunteers.

They need English speakers who what to come play board games in English with the kids.

If you can help out, even for just one time, please email Carmen at Carluctap228@gmail.com

Events Calendar Have an event you want to promote? Email the details: Where, When, Who and What by Monday 5pm to Editor(at)VallartaTribune. com to be included in that week’s paper.

All events can be found online at www.vallartatribune.com/events NOW ADD YOUR EVENT ONLINE – FREE ONLINE LISTINGS!

First RHA Festival on the Riviera Nayarit at Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz!

There is going to be more than 15 DJ’s from around the world spinning their electronic house music at the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz on June 30th – July 1st 2017.

RHA stands for “flowing water” in Wixárika, or Huichol, with more info about that on their site.

This is not only the first RHA Fest in the Nayarit, but also the first in the world. Organizers are DJ’s from Mexico and the U.S. The manager of the Riviera Nayarit convention and Visitors Bureau stated, “The organizers picked the Riviera Nayarit because we have everything they needed and it’s the trendiest destination in Mexico.”

The space is limited to 5000 people per day with continuous music for 12 hours from 3 p.m.to 3 a.m.

The opening DJ will be a very well known international DJ Claptone, with Green Velvet headlining on Saturday July 1st to close the show.

DJ’s not only from Mexico and the US, but also Canada, Germany,

Restaurant Week (May 15 - 31) This restaurant festival takes place for two weeks in the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, where some of the best restaurants in Mexico offer three-course prix fixe menus. It’s a fantastic opportunity to try out new eateries.

Riviera Nayarit Mountain Bike (May 27) Mountain bike lovers rejoice: this is your event, which combines the beach at Litibú with the mountain at Higuera Blanca for an amazing event. Cyclists 18 years and older are welcome to ride till the wheels come off!

Argentina, Poland and France with other big headliners: Dimitri from Paris, Purple Disco Machine, Catz n Dogz, Walker Royce, Doc Martin and Sandy Rivera. I checked out several of these DJ’s online, and it looks like it’s going to be quite the show!

They have some “Early Bird” specials, VIP and some that include your rental. Check out all of the info at https://rhafestival.com/.

Thanks so much for tuning in this week. For any questions please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com.

If you have an interest in some summer advertising drop me a line

at CatPVTribune@Gmail.com We have some terrific summer pricing

to get you noticed! Have a super week everyone. AHO!

May 26-31 Vallarta Birthday Celebrations.

Free live music each night on the malecon by the lighthouse. Events throughout the day. Fireworks the evening of May 31st.

June 1 Navy Day A grand military parade will take over the historic Puerto de San Blas, Rincón de Guayabitos and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by land and by sea, in order to commemorate the armed forces that protect and serve the Mexican nation.

June 16-18 Guayabitos Motofiesta This event was born of the desire

to give motorcycle enthusiasts a place where they can show off their spectacular machines to the general public and enjoy time together.

June 29 Batalla de Santos in Mexcaltitán This patron saint feast commemorating saints Peter and Paul includes one of the most iconic traditional ceremonies on the Isla de Mexcaltitán, the birthplace of Mexican heritage: a pilgrimage that emulates the Mexicas, or Aztecs, who left Aztlán to establish the great city of Tenochtitlán.

June 30 - July 1 RHA Festival

Lovers of electronic music—particularly the house style—will surely enjoy this festival in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, which presents a stellar lineup headed by Green Velvet, Claptone, Dimitri From Paris and the Purple Disco Machine, with over a dozen additional Djs. 57th Annual San Blas International Sport Fishing Tournament (TBD) One of the Riviera Nayarit’s signature events, the San Blas International Sport Fishing Tournament celebrates its 57th year of adrenaline-pumping moments for lovers of deep-sea fishing.

riviera nayarit

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RHA Festival Brings Renowned DJ’s to La Cruz

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he premier RHA Festival will entrance music enthusiasts from June 30-July 1, 2017 with some of the top electronic house music DJ’s spinning their best beats in La Cruz de Huancaxtle on Mexico’s Pacific Treasure.

The RHA Festival is organized

by DJs from Mexico and the United States who saw in the Riviera Nayarit the ideal place to unveil this new project, which they are sure will be repeated in the years to come.

RHA stands for “flowing water” in Wixárika, or Huichol, the local indigenous language.

The starring DJ on Friday, June 30th will be Claptone, while Green Velvet will headline on Saturday, July 1st, closing out the event.

Among the invitees are DJs from

the United States, Mexico, Canada, Germany, Poland, Argentina and France, including names such as Dimitri From Paris, Purple Disco Machine, Catz n Dogz, Walker Royce, Doc Martin and Sandy Rivera.

Space is limited to approximately five thousand attendees per day and the music will play from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m.

There are five kinds of tickets on sale from general admission to VIP and even some that include accommodations.

In order for the community to benefit economically from the event, area citizens will be selling local products during the festival.

For more details on this electronic music festival please visit: https://rhafestival.com/.

May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Riviera Nayarit readies for the next 10 years

By Meagan Drillinger

F

or years Riviera Nayarit lived in the shadow of nearby, booming Puerto Vallarta.

Sharing one airport, Riviera Nayarit was considered an add-on destination, or a day trip from the more developed, cruise-ready, coastal city.

But this year, the 10th anniversary of Riviera Nayarit’s designation as its own tourist zone, it seems the destination is doing just fine.

Designated a Virtuoso Preferred Destination, it has luxury spas, PGA golf courses, whale watching,

turtle releases, zip-lining, surfing, international cuisine, and local art, and accommodations ranging from top-of-the-line luxury resorts to eco-focused boutique hotels and B&Bs. And there is much more on the way, as Riviera Nayarit expands rapidly in preparation for the next 10 years.

Most recently, Riviera Nayarit debuted W Punta de Mita, which opened at the end of 2016. The resort has 119 guest villas as well as a multilevel Living Room, which makes its way down to the Living Room Bar. The Wet Deck has VIP cabanas and a DJ booth. The resort also has a 4,000-square-foot Away Spa, with five treatment rooms, outdoor therapy pools, showers, and waterfalls.

Still to come, One&Only is opening the One&Only Mandarina in Riviera Nayarit, with 145 villas as well as private residential estates, a Health Spa, and beach club. This resort is slated to open this year.

Next year, Grupo Vidanta will open a 300-acre immersive theme park in Nuevo Vallarta in conjunction with Cirque du Soleil. The experience will include a waterpark, a nature park, and an outdoor evening show for as many as 5,000 spectators.

Also coming next year will be the start of Costa Canuva, a luxury development that will sit on more than four miles of coastline with 630 acres of beach, estuary and

mountains. There will be five luxury hotels, the first of which is to be a Fairmont, more than 2,500 residential units, a golf course, specialty restaurants, mountain biking trails and a marina. More than $1.8 billion is being poured into the project.

The Riviera is also becoming a premier destination in Mexico for meetings and conventions. As such, Vidanta debuted a brand-new convention center in April with four main ballrooms with more than 32,290 square feet of space and capacity for up to 2,400 people.

Similarly, Bel Air Unique, in the nearby Flamingos area, will open a new convention center in June, which will host up to 3,600 people in its 33,906 square feet of indoor/convention space, making it the largest in Riviera Nayarit.

This debut comes alongside the completion of the resort’s extensive renovation and expansion, increasing the number of rooms from 215 to 419, adding five pools and expanding the number or restaurants from two to six.

Riviera Nayarit stretches along 192 miles of Pacific coastline, starting just 10 minutes north of the Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport in Puerto Vallarta. The region within the state of Nayarit includes the resort towns of Nuevo Vallarta, San Blas, Bucerias, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta Mita, Sayulita, and San Francisco (San Pancho).

Original: www.travelweekly.com

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND SERVICES

Hand-made Mexican Tiles, Talavera, Saltillo, Mosaico

for shows & times visit

www.BTPV.org

...come play with us!

Tickets available -Vallarta Tickets Online -Theatre Box Office

287 Basilio Badillo in Old Town 599 Juarez, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 206 2536 sales@colibridesignvallarta.com

Box Office Phone: 044-322-728-6878

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LET YOUR DONATION OF GENTLY USED FURNITURE / HOUSEHOLD ITEMS HAVE A HUGE IMPACT THROUGH US! WE MAKE DONATION AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE, PICKING IT UP AT YOUR DOOR AND ISSUING A RECEIPT ON THE SPOT. IT HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY! YOUR DONATIONS ALLOW US TO PROVIDE A SAFE, STABLE, LOVING HOME FOR 24 GIRLS - ALL FROM HIGH RISK SITUATIONS INCLUDING ABANDONMENT, ABUSE & EXPLOITATION - WHEREIN THEY NOW HAVE A SENSE OF PERMENANCE, ACCESS TO SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ALL LEVELS OF EDUCATION PLUS ONGOING COUNSELING, MEDICAL/DENTAL ATTENTION AND MORE

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Tel. 225 4982 Ext 115 Tribuna de la Bahía

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Three Hens and a Rooster Market News

T Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

H

ave you ever seen an “Australian Opal”? The colors are vivid, bright and bold and when surrounded by sterling silver they flash with a brilliance rarely seen in natural opals. These “Opals” are man-made…and on fire! You have your choice in rings for men and women, pendants, earrings, bracelets and brooches.

The prices are less than genuine opals and make wonderful gifts.

See either David or Elizabeth Ruesga every Friday at the Marsol Market for information in Spanish and English; the “Australian Opals” are a small part of their beautifully displayed inventory.

La Dulce Vida – The Sweet Life – had a well-received ‘opening day’ last week at the Marsol Friday Market. Andrea’s samples of chocolate and vanilla miniature cupcakes flew out the door. Tasty treats and wonderful marketing. La Dulce Vida’s zucchini bread sold out almost immediately and the carrot cake cupcakes are extraor-

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dinary! Andrea can and will bake anything to order including various types of bread. She plans to spend the summer with us so come in, browse around, get a cup of Chiapas-grown coffee and take your time perusing our small, dedicated Market. The crowds are gone and all our vendors have time to explain how our products are produced; we are committed to quality, not quantity.

See for yourselves every weekend at the Marsol Friday Market by the Pier from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

his amazing beachfront unit truly has it all. Located in the popular north tower of Peninsula Vallarta, this home has amazing views both to the bay, marina and the mountains. With pools, gym, theater room and concierge service, the lifestyle you want at a price you can afford. Some of the features of this home are private entrances to the bedrooms, a wrap-around terrace, granite kitchen with modern stainless appliances and even two malls out your back door! There are lovely lit walking trails up the adjoining river if you need some variety from exploring the sandy beaches. This lovely corner unit has lots of light, amazing views and is a tremendous value. It is sold unfurnished. http://www.boardwalkrealtypv.com/ properties/peninsula-16e/

ables at Three Hens Market are groaning under the weight of freshly baked/ cooked goods! With so few markets still open for the summer, we have added some of the finest bakers and cooks in the Bay of Banderas to our roster. Come for fresh bread and bagels; quiche and sweet and savoury British-style, individually-sized pies; croissants stuffed with spinach and cheeses; cinnamon buns; fried chicken and many different sizes and types of salads; handmade, frozen sausages; turmeric honey; chocolate and vanilla cupcakes; carrot cake by the gigantic slice; peanut butter fudge; paella loaded with clams, mussels and huge shrimp; top all of that with coffee beans grown and fire-roasted in Chiapas and peanut brittle from a hundred-year-old Louisiana recipe for dessert.

As well as food, we have a thrift store run by Corazon de Nina; Bill Kelly’s fabulous fabrics made into aprons, cooling ties and cushion covers; Pat’s brand new line of wine bags and a boutique full of women’s new clothes in plus-sizes.

Roman’s interesting jewelry and bamboo-fibre scarves; Ricardo’s chemical-free amazing lotions, creams and herbal extracts; Ticker’s hand-crafted jewelry and fishing wisdom; Lisa Love’s antique ceramic pieces from Europe; purple Mimi standing guard outside Marcia’s boutique with silk collars and MIXTO earrings and Juan Manuel’s fanciful wire-and-stone

garden dragons and birds. And, don’t forget the artist’s studios upstairs!

All the above served up with smiling faces and feet dancing to the beat of our new duo of guitars, voices and bongos. Cumbia, ranchero, salsa, bolero, rumba, flamenco – all the tropical tunes you know and love. See you Saturday!

Three Hens and a Rooster Market is open Saturday 9 am to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town Vallarta.

Featured Property of the Week

Turn-Key Vacation Property PENINSULA 16E 2 bed, 2 bath, 1,680 Sq Ft. Asking $359,000 usd

entertainment

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May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Ellen DeGeneres Comedian, Trailblazer, Humanitarian Fred Jacobs

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llen was born January 26, 1958 in the suburbs of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Her father was an insurance salesman and her mother was a speech therapist. Ellen revealed in 2011, that she had her genealogy done and found that she is a 15th cousin to the future Queen of England, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge-through a very distant great, great, great grandfather.

By the time Ellen was sixteen, her parents had divorced. Ellen went with her mother to Texas to finish high school but came back to New Orleans to go the University of New Orleans, where she majored in communication studies. Ellen was never a fan of the class room and dropped out after just one semester.

When she left university, Ellen did a bunch of different jobs, from clerical work in a law firm, working at J. C. Penney, being a waitress at T.G.I. Friday’s, a house painter, a hostess, and a bartender. Ellen comments many of these early

jobs helped her develop material for her observational style of comedy work.

Ellen started performing stand-up comedy at small coffee houses in New Orleans. By 1981, she was the host at Clyde’s Comedy Club in New Orleans.

DeGeneres says Woody Allen and Steve Martin were her main influences at this time. In the early 1980s she began to tour nationally, and in 1982 she was named Showtime’s Funniest Person in America.

In 1993, Ellen got a small part in the Saturday Night Live movie “Coneheads”, costarring Dan Aykroyd and Jane Curtain. This lead to a small series of other “B” movies, but more importantly got her noticed by TV execs. This led to her getting her own TV comedy show called “Ellen”. Ellen’s onscreen life in a book store and group of rag tag friends, including Jeremy Piven as a costar, ran for five seasons from 1994 to 1998.

1997 was a historic season for the TV show and for Ellen personally. Ellen’s TV character was one

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PUERTO VALLARTA Three Hens and a Rooster Market Saturday 9 – 1pm Year round at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Emiliano Zapata Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Friday 9:30 – 1:30 pm Year round at Marsol Hotel Lobby in Old Town.

Mercado at Los Mangos Library Saturday 9-2pm Marina Vallarta Night Market Thursday 6-10 pm SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO Mercado del Pueblo Friday 10-2pm on Revolucion Street Great local and organic market with many vendors available only here.

Mercado del Sol in San Pancho at the Plaza del Sol Tuesdays 10-2pm LO DE MARCOS, GUAYABITOS, CHACALA AND LA PEÑITA The Tianguis Lo de Marcos is held on Luis Echeverría street Saturday 9-2pm

including Best Talk Show.

So far, the show has been on the air for fourteen season, had 2234 episodes, won thirty-eight Emmy’s and shows no sign of slowing down. In January of this year, it was announced that the “Ellen” show had been renewed for three additional seasons through 2020.

As of May 2017, the Ellen show’s YouTube channel, which posts clips from the TV show, was charted as the fifteenth-most-subscribed YouTube channel online.

On the personal side, when Ellen came out in 1997, she was in a relationship with actress Anne Heche, but that ended in 2000. In 2004, Ellen started a relationship with Portia de Rossi, and the two married in 2008 at their Beverly Hills home.

Portia still wants to have kids, but to date, Ellen has not yet given in to the idea.

Ellen continues to break barriers professionally and has also hosted the Emmy’s and the

Oscars as the first solo female host. Over the years, Ellen has been a huge supporter of animal rights and been associated with the Humane Society, PETA and Farm Sanctuary. She has also been a tireless supporter and is now an ambassador for Global Aids Awareness.

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

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT... JULIET

Farmer’s Markets ost Farmers Markets run from November through April, though a couple are all year round. Typically they start about 9am and end between 1 and 2pm. Each is a little different and all of them are fabulous!

of the first with a main character, to come out as gay on US TV and had the show’s highest ratings to date. Ellen also came out as being gay personally in 1997, on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, just months before her onscreen character did the same. The coming out episode on “Ellen” received a great deal of media exposure, controversy, and prompted ABC to place a parental advisory at the beginning of the episode.

The fifth season of the TV show, had lower ratings. This was mainly due to much less promotion by “The Walt Disney Company” (ABC’s parent company) who had become uncomfortable with the gay subject matter on the show now that Ellen’s’ character was openly gay. The show was cancelled at the end of that 5th season.

But Ellen would not be off the small screen for long. In the fall of 1993, she came back with her own talk show called “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” (now just known as “Ellen”). The new show was nominated for eleven daytime Emmy’s in the first season and won four,

by Janice Gonzalez

J

uliet is a lovely Lab mix about 1.5 years old and weighing almost 42 pounds. This black beauty had suffered a broken hip before she was rescued and as a result she walks with a slight limp. She has had surgery and physical therapy and she gets around just fine playing with all the other dogs she meets. She has a wonderful personality and loves her humans too. Juliet is not a fan of cats however. She has been spayed, dewormed and fully vaccinated. Be sure and check out the video of this sweet girl. If you are interested in adopting this beautiful lady, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

Where can I find the Vallarta Tribune?

Over the past month we have been making small changes to our distribution locations; hopefully making it easier for you to find a copy. The Tribune will be available for pick up at the tourist offices in the main plaza as well as in Park Lazaro Cardenas, in Puerto Vallarta. You can shop and pick up

a copy of the Tribune at the Friday Marsol Market, the Saturday Olas Altas Market and at the Amigo’s de La Cruz table at the La Cruz Sunday Market. In addition to all of our advertisers, look for the Vallarta Tribune in restaurants, resorts, galleries and salons around the Bay of Banderas and north into

Sayulita and San Pancho. We distribute 10,000 copies in high season from Mismaloya to San Pancho each week.

Marina Vallarta: Benittos, The Coffee Cup, Re/Max, San Javier Hospital Nuevo Vallarta: Eddies, Barracuda’s, Nopalitos, US Consulate,

Chasers Sports Bar Bucerias: Mark’s, Sandrina’s, Yo-Yo Mo’s, Luna Lounge, Esquina 22 La Cruz: Oso’s Oyster Bar, Octopus Garden, Tescamala Sayulita: Don Pedro’s, Punta Sayulita, Choco Banana, Sayulita Wine Shop San Pancho: Hotel Cielo Rojo

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CROSSWORD SOLVE!

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May 25 - 31, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com