Issue 1054, June 15 - 21, 2017 by Vallarta Tribune

NEWS

Puerto Magico new cruise ship port Page 06

tours

Realestate

Page 07

Page 14

Marigalante returns refreshed & ready for summer

VallartaTribune.com

E E FR

Market Report

June 15 - 21, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1054

DE I U G

Entertainment at Incanto Page 08

Featured Property of the Week Page 12

SHOPPING AT LOCAL MARKETS Page 21

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

June 15 - 21, 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 MIRACLE 3,200 07/06/2017 MS EUROPA 408 13/06/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 14/06/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 21/06/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 28/06/2017

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 June Puerto Vallarta welcomes 13, 208 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

editorial

Editor’s

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

id-June and we had our first rain. Wasn’t that awesome? Just removing the layers of dust made such a difference in the colour of the mountains. I’m not sure if its selective memory or early onset, but I can’t remember a previous year I looked so forward to the rains; mostly so I can stop watering my lawn. A few interesting developments in the past week have occurred. The reality dating show, Bachelor in Paradise, which is filmed in Sayulita and was recently in Vallarta filming a ‘date’ for an episode has been shut down indefinitely. Cast and crew have been shipped home and the Internet is alive with rumours. I’m not a huge fan of the genre so I don’t pay much (any) attention

On the Cover NEWS

Puerto Magico new cruise ship port Page 06

TOURS

REALESTATE

Page 07

Page 14

Marigalante returns refreshed & ready for summer

VallartaTribune.com

EE FR

Market Report

June 15 - 21, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1054

E UID G

ENTERTAINMENT AT INCANTO Page 08

FEATURED PROPERTY OF THE WEEK Page 12

SHOPPING AT LOCAL MARKETS Page 21

to this program but it was a great promotional tool to raise awareness of our little slice of paradise. I hope that those involved find a satisfactory resolution, whatever the issues might have been. We also had Uber announce they’re now accepting applications for drivers in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. This, of course, has everyone talking. The taxi unions in the Bay are very strong and have resisted Uber’s previous attempts. They have also resisted any efforts to modernise their fleet and add in much-warranted safety features. While the majority of taxi drivers in Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit are honest, hard working people who bring great serve to the area, with the implementation of Uber, perhaps we will see those few rotten apples tossed out. There has been talk in recent

Private Villa in La Cruz

Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2,680 Sq Ft. This beautiful private villa in a gated beachfront complex is just steps from a sandy beach. The lovely custom entry features double height ceiling and the light and airy downstairs floor plan features ocean views framed by manicured gardens and swaying palm trees! Listed by Boardwalk Realty

Letter to the Editor:

recommendation to all readers: read Pam Thompson’s column every week; it’s well worth your time. And email her if you have any medical needs. I am a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta, and

for many years Pam has promptly helped me---not only with her knowledgeable recommendations of consummate medical professionals and facilities, but also by arranging my appointments. Bill Weston

years of updating the buses as well to make them safer and more environmentally sound. Both new buses and improved taxi service would be a huge asset to Puerto Vallarta, residents and visitors alike. I stopped by the new Puerto Magico project that is rebuilding and expansion of the cruise ship port into a destination experience. Locals, visitors and passengers alike will enjoy the much-improved shopping area, ample parking, entertainment and events, spaces for families to gather and children to run and play. I had to don a hardhat and vest for a quick tour of the construction site, which is on schedule and slated for completion the summer of 2018. This is a cool new concept in the creation of ports and will be a model for the future. The modernization will include a cutting edge entertainment package that includes light and water shows, dancers, artists and more. It is certainly going to liven up that end of the city. Still plenty of live music and entertainment around the bay. The Friday and Saturday markets continue on and many great restaurants to choose from – get out and support local! Say no to that straw in your drink and don’t step on the turtles. 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:

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

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.

local

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Hotel Mousai Announces 2nd Edition of Omakase, A Chef’s Table Experience

SAT eliminates cash payments at customs

his year’s much awaited gourmet exploration of Japanese cuisine will launch on Thursday July 6th, 2017 and continue until the last sitting on July 29th, with the expertly prepared OMAKASE tasting menu available on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings and special additions to the Hiroshi menu designed by each visiting chef available from Thursday through to Wednesday.

Following the success of last year’s debut OMAKASE Japanese gourmet event at Hotel Mousai’s Hiroshi restaurant located on the Garza Blanca Preserve south of Puerto Vallarta, OMAKASE 2017 will once again be presenting a dazzling line up of the best chefs from worldrenowned Japanese restaurants each Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings during the month of July.

Hiroshi restaurant’s resident chef, Carlos Leyva, will collaborate each week with a different top Japanese cuisine specialist who will lead the kitchen to prepare an innovative contemporary feast to serve diners who order the OMAKASE chef’s table experience. Additionally, the guest chefs will design signature dishes to be added temporarily to Hiroshi’s regular menu.

“ Last year’s OMAKASE was a such an amazing success that we are really excited about what this year will bring ,” shared Hotel Mousai’s Experience Manager, Miriam Vazquez. “The chefs are so incredibly inventive and talented, bringing a wealth of experience and creativity to share with diners as well as sharing their secrets with our culinary team at Hiroshi restaurant. ”

assengers can now pay their taxes electronically. If you have to pay duties when you cross the border you won’t be able to do it with cash any longer. Starting today the Tax Administration Service (SAT) has removed the option to pay cash for passengers entering the country with more than their allotted amount of goods. Passengers who exceed their limit on imported goods can pay the duties through electronic transfer, with credit or debit card in the customs office or through deposit in the bank. Passengers arriving can bring in up to $500 USD without paying additional duties. In 2016, customs received more than 750 million pesos in cash from foreign trade contributions, which represents 74.5% of total self-declaration from passengers. The use of cash payments lead to a negative perception among payers, and it is hoped that with these measure passengers will feel more secure in the fees they pay.

THANK YOU, VALLARTA!

With your help, more than 500 meters of beaches were cleaned on 06 May 2017. On the same day, dozens of Intercam employees and their families throughout the Republic cleaned more than 10 kilometers of Mexico’s coastline. Just one way Intercam Bank is responsibly caring for our planet. CENTRO VALLARTA (322) 223-3080

MARINA VALLARTA (322) 209-0696

BUCERIAS/FLAMINGOS (329) 226-6162

news

Coming soon to PV: Uber vs. taxi drivers

Ride-hailing service looking for drivers, but taxis are preparing for battle

here’s a battle brewing in Puerto Vallarta: Uber’s coming to town. The app-based ride-hailing service announced on the weekend it would be setting up in the Jalisco city as well as in Nuevo Vallarta in the Riviera Nayarit. The company has begun looking for drivers in both areas but has not announced a start date. But as far as Puerto Vallarta’s taxi drivers are concerned, there won’t be one because Uber does not have the necessary authorization to operate in the municipality. “If it’s necessary that we have to demonstrate we shall do so in a peaceful and respectful manner, but we’ll do it with all our families,” said Jaime Aguilar Mejía, general secretary of a local taxi drivers’ union. He said there are some 3,000 taxi drivers in the municipality. Local politician and former mayor Ramón Demetrio Guerrero is on their side and warned Uber’s presence would create a negative impact for many area families.

He issued a statement last week advising that legislation in both Jalisco and Nayarit doesn’t permit the ride-hailing service. Only taxis are allowed, Guerrero said, and there is no place for any other configuration. Uber itself said it was “passionate about improving your city,” and promised to boost the local economy and make streets safer by reducing the number of drunk or distracted drivers. It would also promote an environment that was more connected and less congested, the company said. Another taxi union spokesman said drivers had been working with the state for three years to make sure they comply with certifications required by law. They are also developing a mobile platform to become more innovative, said Felipe Aréchiga Gómez. Uber has faced off against angry taxi drivers in various Mexican cities. Among the most recent was a spat in Mazatlán. Original: MexicoNewsDaily.com

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

New ‘Puerto Magico on track to open Summer 2018

uerto Mágico, will be the first port terminal open to the public in Mexico, offering a unique destination for tourists who arrive on cruise ships, and those who come by other means, as well as locals, national visitors and the expat community that call the area home. A combination of shopping, entertainment and the port authority ensure that this will be a destination visited by over two million visitors in its first year of operation. Puerto Mágico - encompassing both La Hacienda (the new area for passengers and tour services), El Nido (shopping, services and parking) along with the largest Aquarium to be built in Latin America, will be the new standard for ports in Mexico. Construction for the port terminal started two months ago, and will house the Port Authority, as well as provide a waiting area for passengers embarking on tours from the marina. Starting June 15 phase two will begin to build the new arrivals area for the

cruise ship passengers. Expected completion on the entire project is Summer 2018 with the phase one and two completing within the next six months. Designed in the style of an Old World Hacienda, but implementing the most advanced technologies, Puerto Magico is respecting and promoting the traditions of Jalisco and Mexico with the addition of a Tequila Distillery and Museum, 100+ storefronts that sell handicrafts, art, food, clothing, daily entertainment and events that reflects the culture and vibrancy of

Puerto Vallarta and beyond. The design offers outdoor and indoor spaces for the public to enjoy. This is being built with families in mind and will offer play areas and services for children. This port will be world-class and the idea is “to offer a unique experience that benefits the cruise ship lines and their passengers while highlighting the features of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco and Mexico. We are working on really making history and difference in Puerto Vallarta, “said Carlos Gerard Guzmán, General Director of Puerto Mágico.

Mexico Reaffirms Support for Paris Agreement

exico “maintains its support and commitment to the Paris Agreement to halt the effects of global climate change,” President Enrique Peña Nieto said on Thursday after the announcement by the United States government that it is abandoning the pact. “We will continue to implement the goals set out in our Nationally Given and Determined Contribution (NDC),” the president added in a tweet. Peña Nieto revealed his position towards the matter in a joint statement by the secretariats of Foreign Affairs and Environment and Natural Resources, which reiterated Mexico’s “unrestricted support and commitment” to the Paris Agreement. The two institutions affirmed that Mexico “will continue to implement the goals set out in its Nationally Given and Determined Contribution,” as well as its National Strategy against Climate Change. The text pointed out that global climate change is an incontrovertible fact, based on scientific evidence. “Counteracting it requires the cooperation of all countries, under

the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities,” he said. He said that the agreement contains the concrete commitments of all countries to address climate change and global warming, and that it has been negotiated for over five years. “It is one of the great successes of the multilateral cooperation of this century,” he emphasized. He also said that the instrument is “one of the most important pillars for a more stable, prosperous, just and sustainable world.” The two departments indicated that Mexico distinguished itself as one of the main leaders in the negotiation of the Paris Agreement, and assured that the country will continue “to encourage interna-

tional cooperation, without restrictions, so that the agreement is applied in its entirety.” Maintaining Mexico’s commitment to the agreement “is not only a demand of our society, but also indispensable to move towards a more sustainable, competitive and resilient economy.” “Actions to slow down climate change are a moral imperative because we owe it to future generations. They are socially necessary actions because they respond to the immediate interest of our societies and are economically viable because they foster new technologies that generate development and well-being in our countries,” they said.

news

Photos: Courtesy

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

The investment of 10 million pesos in preventive maintenance

The Marigalante Returns – Vallarta’s iconic pirate ship T

he most famous pirate ship of Puerto Vallarta, Marigalante, is about to return to sail again in the Bay of Banderas after a complete remodel and newly designed shows. After undergoing a 10 million peso maintenance and renovation in Mazatlan, Sinoloa for the past month and half, the Marigalante will be back in the Bay of Banderas on June 19, offering its day and night tours. Among the work completed was a new engine and generators, service to the transmission and propeller; total replacement of the bow and stern deck. They reinforced the keel, updated the look and feel of the public areas and reinstallation of dancing fountains and cold smoke machines. The boat is made of 100% wood and is an exact replica of the Santa Maria galleon, which was part of the Christopher Columbus expeditions. It has an approximate weight of 700 tons, includes three wooden masts with triangular sails and four

impressive decks with a total capacity of 240 passengers. The Pirates of the Bay Evening tour is approximately 3.5 hours and includes a full dinner and open bar. It tours the Bay of Banderas and offers a number of pirate shows, as well as a fireworks display. During the day, the boat tour is six hours and includes a 2.5 hour stop at the stunning Majahuitas beach which is only accessible by boat and includes a treasure hunt, breakfast and lunch, open bar, beach activities, snorkeling, banana boat rides and more. The trip to and from Majahuitas beach is approximately 1.5 hours each way and includes the pirate themed entertainment that the Marigalante On June 19, the pirate ship resumed its is renowned for. In full disclosure, the Marigalate day and night tours around Banderas Bay La Marigalante is equipped to serve up to 300 people is co-owned by the parent company of the Vallarta Tribune. As such, we are able to offer discounted rates for both the day and evening tours – visit vallartatribune.com for more La Marigalante is equipped to serve up to 300 people. And 200 snorkel and fin sets that are sanitized with each information and to book your tours. The ship includes for your safety and enjoyment: three tour.

Features of Marigalante

pangas for the show and to aid in navigation and aquatic activities. Eight kayaks. Ten paddleboards for playing in the waves. Two inflatable bananas with a capacity of eight passengers.

This summer the Marigalante will once again be one of Puerto Vallarta’s main tourist attractions with its refurbished boat and a refreshed pirate show. More information on www.pirateshipvallarta.com

This summer the Marigalante will once again be one of the main tourist attractions in Puerto Vallarta

The boat is made of 100% wood and is an exact replica of the Santa Maria galleon

entertainment

‘The Joanie Show’ a Big Hit at Incanto!

highlight of Incanto’s successful summer season is the collaboration between two of Vallarta’s most beloved entertainers, Joan Houston and Bob Bruneau. Now playing to full houses in Incanto’s popular piano bar, ‘The Joanie Show’ stars Houston singing blues, jazz and

classic favorites accompanied by Bob Bruneau on piano/vocals. Together they take audiences on a fun, nostalgic musical journey, blending interesting stories and comical banter with Joan’s sultry vocals. A Seattle native, Joan is the first cousin of late music icon Whitney Houston. While entertai-

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

ning has always been part of her life, Joan also spent time as a TV news reporter, and was an Arts and Entertainment correspondent in the late 70’s. She later became a director for the United Negro College Fund. She has performed in venues all over the world including London, Venice, and with the Harry James Orchestra. Joan retired to Puerto Vallarta five years ago, quickly establishing herself as an entertainment tour de force, appearing in productions of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, The Rocky Horror Show, Sordid Lives, and in another successful cabaret show with Bob Bruneau. She continues to follow her passion with some exciting new projects in the works. A native of Portland, Oregon, Bob Bruneau showed interest in music at an early age, eventually earning a degree in music. He played piano with a band in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war, and later helped form the popular group ‘A New Day’ in 1971. They performed through the 70’s disco era as one of the most popular dance bands of the time. Retiring from the group in 1983, Bob briefly performed solo, eventually moving to Mexico in 1985. He practiced real estate in Vallarta, and he and his partner operate ‘Flowers To Go’ located in the Romantic Zone. Bob also served as Musical Director for the Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus between 2012-2014. The Joanie Show plays on Fridays at 7:30 through June 23rd. No cover. Sylvie & Jorge of The Zippers play classic rock on Tuesdays at 8pm. Azúca plays Gypsy swing and Latin jazz on Wednesdays & Sundays at 7:30pm. Spanish guitarist Gabriel Reyes plays Wednesdays and Fridays at 5pm. Open Mic hosted by Tracy Parks with Chris Kenny on guitar is every Thursday at 7pm. Chris Kenny plays blues and classic favorites on Saturdays at 8pm. And BINGO with Pearl fundraisers are held on Saturdays at 5pm with special guests, including dancers from Ballet Folklorico Tradicionales and ‘Amber’ the sexy male belly dancer. Last month’s proceeds raised over 10,000 pesos for the IAMPV youth Orchestra School. No cover. Incanto’s is open 9am -11:30pm Tuesday thru Sunday, with piano music by Salvatore starting at 10am. Happy Hour is 2-6pm with 2x1 beers all day during June. They are located at Insurgentes 109 (at the Rio Cuale). Box Office opens at 10am. Phone them at 322 223 9756 for reservations. Closed Mondays.

pv beaches

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Beaches of Vallarta

are only accessible by boat or hiking, depending on your fitness level.

This list offers a quick guide to the most popular beaches from the International Airport south to the village of Yelapa. Boca de Tomates

Boca de Tomates: A great spot to see crocodiles, eat fresh caught seafood and visit the Turtle Rescue Camp. The beach isn’t great for swimming as the Rio Ameca runs just north of it, making the waters muddy and the bottom silty. El Holi: Located at the mouth of the Pitillal River in front of Plaza Peninsula this beach has a great oyster shack set up during season. Playa Camarones: Sometimes rocky, sometimes sandy, this beach hosts Barracudas and El Solar, two

Garza Blanca

great beachfront places to hang, day or night. Olas Altas: You may find the waters suitable for surfing or boogie boarding near the River Cuale. Olas Altas starts at Daiquiri Dick’s excellent restaurant and runs north to the River. It attracts fewer sunbathers then Los Muertos but gets lively during holidays. Los Muertos: Puerto Vallarta’s original happening beach, Playa los Muertos (Beach of the Dead),

Olas Altas

By Janice Gonzalez

Garza Blanca: White pristine sand, beautiful beach in front of the ritzy Garza Blanca resort. Playa Las Gemelas: The cleanest and most accessible beach south of Vallarta. A huge swath of fine white sand with lots of families having picnics on the weekends. Playa Mismaloya: Where the movie, The Night of the Iguana was made. Located in front of the excellent dive and snorkel spot of Los Arcos you can book snorkeling and jet skis off the beach. A couple beach restaurants and vendors will keep you content throughout the day. Behind the beach in the town of MIsmaloya you can find a tequila factory, the Vallarta Zoo and further up the main road a great waterfall and restaurant area. Boca de Tomatlan: Mostly a boat launch, there is a small beach/ tributary. This is where you hire water taxis to the beaches further south. Beaches south of Boca de Tomatlan

Majahuitas

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta he 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

is action central for both locals and tourists alike. The flat stretch of sand starts south of the River Cuale and runs about 1.5 km (one mile) south while hugging the Romantic Zone. There is a non-stop parade of vendors hawking grilled fish on sticks, jewellery, sombreros and sarapes. You can take a banana-boat ride, rent a stand-up paddle board, try out the jet boots or go para-sailing. A string of restaurants run the length of the beach, most with umbrellas and lounges for daytime and romantic tables for candlelight dining. Las Amapas: Rocky with coves great for snorkeling. Not many vendors or services. Pack accordingly. Conchas Chinas: South of Vallarta Playa Conchas Chinas features a series of rocky coves with crystalline water and millions of white shells broken and polished by the waves forming the sand. The individual coves are ideal for secluded sunbathing and snorkeling.

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.

South of Boca de Tomatlan Colomitos: Many in the know hike to this beach, which is moderate 45 minute hike. It’s also home to the popular Ocean Grill restaurant. Reservations are a must to eat at Ocean Grill. Playa Caballo: A relatively new edition to the beach club scene, Maraika Beach Club makes this a popular spot for beautiful people. Reservations during the weekends if you want a beach table. Las Ánimas: Because of its shallow waters, Playa last Animas is ideal for children and often fills up with families on weekends and holidays. A few seafood restaurants line the sand. You can also ride a banana boat or go parasailing. Quimixto: Charming tiny town with just a couple restaurants and a beautiful waterfall hike. Rent horses and make a day of it. Majahuitas: Often touted as the best snorkeling and dive spot in the Bay. The waters here are clear and there is plenty of fish and sea turtles to spy on. This is where the Pirates of the Bay day tour stops. Las Caletas: Former home of John Houston, this beach is the home of the Rhythms of the Night as well as a popular spot for weddings and a stopping point on many Vallarta Adventure tours. Yelapa: This once tiny hippy haven has boomed in recent years and now sports both electricity and cell phone towers, but remains only accessible by boat. Still a treat for a day or a week, the beach is lovely. The town is charming and there are two relatively accessible waterfalls. If you’re a nature enthusiast, the flora and fauna around Yelapa are amazing.

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT... BLUE by Janice Gonzalez

hat a gorgeous boy he is! Blue is a 3.5 year old Bluetick Coonhound mix weighing almost 62 pounds. He is a medium energy guy and enjoys his playtime with other dogs he meets. Blue is super friendly and just loves his humans. He is well behaved on leash when out on walks. Blue is even okay around the felines. Blue has been neutered, dewormed and up to date on his vaccines. If you are interested in adopting, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

local

June 8 - 14, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Crossing the US-Mexican Border at Mexicali (or is it Calexico?)

Chuck Bolotin

Chuck.bolotin.writer@bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com

As Vice President of Business Development for Best Places in the World to Retire, I had never actually lived abroad. Until now. Follow our story, as my wife and I take our huge white van with our two dogs and as much stuff as we can cram into it, as we drive from Los Angeles through Mexico, on our one year (and maybe more) adventure.

hoever chaired the city naming committee for the Calexico – Mexicali area was too clever by half. Calexico (a mash-up of “California” and “Mexico”) is on the US side, while Mexicali (a reverse mash-up) is on the Mexican side. Or is it the other way… In any event, what strikes you as you travel through the general area is how much blending there is of the two cities. We felt we needed one, final, all American act before crossing into Mexico, so we stopped at the Walmart about a mile or so from the border on the US side. In the parking lot, we passed perhaps two dozen people, all of whom were speaking Spanish. Once inside, I asked the cashier where they kept the caffeine gum. She looked at me with a quizzical look, but didn’t speak. Not only didn’t she understand English, but I guess she found it odd that I did. We had been told by the Mexican border official that we had to go to the next point of entry to the east. Unfortunately, it wasn’t on our map, and Google didn’t know it existed. After verbal instructions by a US customs official, an unanticipated detour and zero signage until about a half-mile from the border, we stumbled upon it. The temperature was rising

and we had a deadline. Pretty much everyone told us not to drive in Mexico after dark, so we had to completely clear the border and be on our way to San Felipe (about 120 miles away on a road I knew nothing about) within the next two hours. I pulled up to the Mexican border agent, rolled down the window, smiled, and prayed he wouldn’t ask us to take out all our cargo. “Hi,” he said, “I’m Jorge.” (So far, so good.) “Pull over there for inspection.” (Not so good.) We were entering under a temporary resident visa, so we had to go to Immigration at the border, and we weren’t sure where it was. When I asked Jorge, he became visibly pleased, broke out in a large smile and informed us that he would be the one helping us. The side arm-carrying female border official who came over to do the inspection was quite a bit more serious. I dutifully opened the back doors of the van, upon which, a high up and poorly placed bag fell out and almost hit her. While she didn’t burst out laughing, she didn’t handcuff us either, so I figured that was good. She asked very politely if she could look into various containers, and asked me if we were bringing gifts. My assumption is that the van

was so large and so incredibly crampacked that they were either looking to see if we were illegally importing goods to open our own well-stocked mid-sized store, or smuggling in items for some other purpose. I told her that all the items were ours and we were bringing them for our one-year tour of Mexico. She turned, tilted her head to one side, raised one eyebrow and, her eyes fixed on me, she paused. My assumption was that her look of incredulity was on account of the sheer volume of items. The first container she opened contained a portion of my wife’s shoes—about eighteen pairs. She looked down, then looked at me… and waited. Either she thought she had caught me in a lie, or otherwise was silently asking why one woman needed so many shoes. “Who are these for?” she asked. “They all belong to my wife.” She didn’t answer. She just looked at me behind her sunglasses, expressionless. I guess she was waiting for me to crack under the heat of the day and the pressure of the situation. Then, it hit me how I could prove that all these shoes belonged to one woman. “Look,” I said, “they’re all the same size!” OK. That container passed. Next, she climbed up and tried to look into several other containers in turn. She made a strange motion with her hand that needed no interpretation. She had cut her finger on one of our containers and was bleeding. When my wife quickly appeared with the first aid kit, applied antiseptic and carefully bandaged the border agent, we saw the agent smile. There would be no further inspections. We had passed. Next, it was time to visit Jorge. Jorge is one of those larger, jovial people who you just immedia-

tely like. On the other side of the counter, he carefully and deliberately placed two forms right side up for us on the counter, one in front of me and one in front of my wife. Then, he gave each of us a pen. “Number one,” said Jorge, pointing to the place on the form, “your first name.” He then patiently waited for us to finish writing before proceeding. “Number two, your last name.” I loved it. It went on like this for about 5 minutes, with Jorge making absolutely certain, with the patience of a saint, that we would fill in the form correctly. Then, he left with the forms. In about five minutes, Jorge returned, but with a sad look on his face. Evidently, we had filled out the forms improperly, and it was his fault. He apologized, brought out new forms, and then said, “Number one…” Even with the finger injury to the border agent and Jorge’s very patient, meticulous style, we were finished in less than twenty minutes. We pointed the big white van south, and entered Mexicali proper. You may remember the game “Where’s Waldo”, in which you try to find a goofy looking guy wearing a white and red striped Victorian England sleeping cap in a very

busy drawing with lots of people and lots of activity. It’s not easy, which is sort of the fun of it. In Mexico, the stop signs say “Alto” on them. I believe I stopped at the first two or three, but then, to my complete horror in pretty heavy traffic, I barreled right through the next one at about 35 miles per hour, with my wife yelling about half way through the intersection, “Alto! Alto!” I didn’t know how she had learned to speak Spanish so quickly. Perhaps I would have stopped a bit sooner had she yelled something like “Stop sign!”, but that’s another story. In any event, the drivers around me didn’t seem phased at all, and no one even honked. After I calmed down and the thought of being in an accident within minutes of crossing the border and / or having my first encounter with a Mexican police officer and / or Mexican jail had diminished, we decided to coin a new game: “Where’s Alto?” In addition to how the alto sign and Waldo’s hat shared the same red and white colors, the reason is that the stop signs in Mexicali are about 2 feet lower than we’re used to in the States, and placed further back off the intersection. Some are faded, and many of them can easily be obscured by a truck that isn’t even that tall. The second Spanish word my wife learned that day was “tope”, which she usually pronounced “TOW-PAY!!” “Tope” is Spanish for “speed bump”, many of which are not insignificant and not obviously placed, at least for an American. After you’ve hit a few topes at full speed, you’ll learn to respect them. So, we proceeded along, with cries of “alto!” and “tope!” periodically jarring my sensibilities. Lucky for us, we had cell service at the border, so we had Google maps well up until the time we hit the main highway, and it was very unlikely we would get lost on the way to San Felipe.

CabaĂąa Vista Del Valle lays over a hilltop that showcases the breathtaking views of the valley below. This cabin is built on the most beautiful location in the pueblo of Yerbabuena, approx 97 kms from Puerto Vallarta and 5 minutes from the quaint town called Mascota. The well maintained home boasts over 2,000 sq ft. (187.03 mt2) of living space with 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bathrooms! And the lot is over 7,000 sq ft. Entering from the front door, the home opens up with adobe construction making the home cooler during the hotter months. The open floor plan of the main living area glows with the beams on the ceilings and abode walls. The master suite has a big bathroom and tub. w w w . b o a r d w a l k r e a l t y p v. c o m / p r o p e r t i e s / cabana-vista-del-valle/

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Ask a Realtor

From Here

Michael Green, Boardwalk Realty Michael@boardwalkrealtypv.com

Michael Green is the Broker of Boardwalk Realty. Active in local and national Real Estate boards; published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, Mike moved here in 1997 to take advantage of the unsurpassed lifestyle PV offers and can be seen on the hit television program “Mexico Life” on HGTV.

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

P Leza Warkentin

Marcia Blondin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

marciavallarta@gmail.com

One Father’s Language

P A: How was your “high season” this year? (Ray Y. Miami, Florida) Q: We saw a significant increase in buyer interest and sales activity this year as compared to 2016. Condo sales are up an incredible 89% year over year and home sales are up 68%. Median sale price for condominiums was $254,000 USD and for homes $326,000. The divided politics in the United States seems to be large driver to our market, many buyers stating that they either want to escape or embrace the agenda of the new president; either way it is good news for Puerto Vallarta Real Estate. What’s Selling? The south side, (Zona Romantica, Olas Altas) and South Shore are leading the way with almost half the sales in the entire bay coming from this area. The Hotel Zone and Marina Vallarta areas are also surging with new and existing properties being snapped up quickly. New developments with great location, excellent price, superb design and a proven track record from the developer also did well. Several new south side developments have already over half sold out prior to even having model units ready! How Quickly? The absorption rate, or time it would take to sell the existing inventory has gone from over 60 months at this time last year down to 30 months currently. It is time for us to get some new listings and be ready with inventory for this fall and winter! Existing properties that were

well priced and well located are in high demand; as buyer’s really like to see, feel and experience the property first hand before buying and many buyers also are asking for a more “Mexican Style”. Why Vallarta? The government’s huge investment in infrastructure with improved roads, sidewalks and bike lanes, second bypass tunnel, beautification of “Restaurant Row, the new Malecon boardwalk and Los Muertos pier is paying off in attracting more new and upscale buyers to our market. This season buyers realized that the Real Estate market in Puerto Vallarta is strong, stable and offering excellent bargains for retirement and mid to long term investing. Vacation Rentals The rental market is also extremely active with many agents reporting that their properties are already fully booked for next season and the occupancy is much higher now and in the summer than they have previously experienced. So buyers can also make a nice income from their property when they are not in residence. In summary, I am very optimistic about the coming year; buyer confidence and urgency is at a very high level; we are rapidly moving from a buyers’ market to a sellers’ market. The natural beauty that surrounds us, the charm of this town and the friendliness of the local residents is truly inspiring. Now, if we can just figure out how to make it through the summer heat, we will be poised for a strong fall and winter!

“SCANDAL!” “ALLEGATIONS OF MISCONDUCT!” Do I have your attention? Just one week ago, about 80 of us filled Incanto waiting to become the audience of a segment being filmed at Tracy Parks’ new theatre on the Rio Cuale, for “Bachelor in Paradise”. Shooting was to commence at 9 pm but none of us were surprised by an inexplicable delay of two hours. Now, with the SUSPENSION and possible CANCELLATION of the very successful series (just beginning its fourth season) at hand, perhaps the delay now makes some sense…. perhaps the stars that we hoped (assumed) might be there, were um, otherwise engaged. (Ahem). Huffington Post says the scandal “involves alcohol and a sexual encounter caught on film”. Alcohol and sex in Puerto Vallarta?? And on film? Well, all I can say is what happens in Vallarta might not necessarily STAY in Vallarta. I will bring you updates next week. Pray the whole day doesn’t end up on the cutting room floor and we will all gather at Incanto on August 8th to see the season opener of the “Bachelor in Paradise” and look at the series with brand new eyes…. The above news broke last night at Incanto while a bunch of his friends were celebrating Tracy Parks’s birthday upstairs in the Piano Bar. Many of the same people who attended the B in P production were there Sunday night, including some of the performers like drag queen Angelica; Raul, aka “Ambar”, the skillful belly dancer; Azuca sang and played for us. Renzo, Santiago, Salvatore and Gilberto,

ran around like crazy taking care of everyone. New in the crowd for Tracy’s bday were his dad, who flew in from Oklahoma; Patrice White; Georgia and Gholi Darehshori; the incredible Latcho and Andrea; Gabriel Reyes, Andrea Winkleman; Tom and Luis, the owners of Frida’s Bar; Mike and Tricia Lyman; Barbara Ryan; Rhonda Twiddles, Paul Flippen, Kateri Brown, Candace Shaw and so many more I have missed, sorry. Tracy’s chefs created wonderful tacos and the most amazing charro bean soup I have ever tasted. The entertainment began with Tatewari Flamenco from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle – sensational musicians; we’ll be seeing them again at Incanto, I am sure. The finest mariachi in Vallarta offered up more than just Las Mananitas along with a duo of folkloric dancers; the latter are off to China to perform soon! Here’s a curious final note: while Tracy’s birthday cake was modelled after Aunt Pearl Buress’s new red frock with the white polka dots that premiered last week for the “Bachelor in Paradise” segment, she was nowhere to be seen amongst the partygoers. Tracy clearly stated in his Facebook birthday invitation that Pearl was not invited… and now with scandal afloat in Vallarta concerning excessive alcohol consumption and “alleged misconduct” could it be our beloved character Pearl is somehow implicated? We’ll have to see if she turns up at Incanto to call bingo on Saturday at 5 in the afternoon. Those are this week’s musings… From Here.

arenting is always a tough job, there’s no doubt about that. I have a lot of respect and admiration for people who do that on their own, because parenting with two people isn’t exactly a piece of cake. This is true especially when the parents speak different languages. Maybe you wonder how two people who speak different languages actually get together to have children. Here’s where I need to explain that the language of love is an actual thing. Also, when one of the people plays the electric guitar and looks mysterious while playing this guitar, getting together doesn’t seem like an actual decision so much as an inevitable situation. By the time you have children, most of the mystery is gone and all of the colossal cultural misunderstandings remain, which is probably why bicultural marriages have a slightly higher divorce rate than do mono-cultural ones. These are things you ponder as you wait outside the grocery store with a full cart and a toddler who is determined to run in front of a speeding motorcycle, waiting for your husband to arrive ten minutes ago. But for all rapid twists and turns that life takes after children, and all the frustration of trying to learn two sets of vocabulary for baby equipment, I really am so appreciative the father of my children. He has absolutely dedicated himself in the raising of these two kids, and he is completely committed to doing this alongside me, the Canadian who insists on a regular bedtime and who is not really flexible about it. I actually think there are some great benefits to a bicultural parenting approach. We tend to complement one other and provide a balance to the other’s extremes. What I admire in him are usually things that I lack in my own way of child-rearing, such as: The ability to see the bright side to every single situation, and the security in knowing that everything is going to work out just fine. The Boy ate lunch alone at school for

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Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

Pam Thompson

Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@orlandogotay.com, online radio at mixlr.com/orlandogotay or Facebook: GotayTaxLawyer.

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

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

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a couple of weeks straight back in first grade. My take: he is surely being bullied by his entire class and he will be traumatized forever. Gilberto’s take: he’s developing self-reliance, and he hasn’t met the right friend yet.

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Super-Star Radiologist

Guess what.

The skill to drive, eat, speak, sleep, and generally exist in a busy environment of noisy, exuberant children without suddenly snapping and emptying the room in a series of short, barked commands. He is totally unfazed by a car full of chatty tween girls, and actually finds it kind of energizing. I find him smiling to himself amid the chaos and wish for that level of sound tolerance. I still think that a lifetime spent next to a guitar amp has equipped him with enough auditory damage to allow him to block out the highest decibels of giggling. The stomach for any kind of crisis, especially of the medical variety. The kids go to him with any kind of physical complaint, and he responds with calm and a pair of nail clippers. I think he actually enjoys it. The fortitude to let go when things don’t go the way we planned. We have spent every single family trip stuck in the rain somewhere, and he’s always the first one to make a joyful run for it. The rest of us always end up following him, laughing until we genuinely can’t breathe. My children’s father is the kindest man I know. He loves without reservation, he listens with limitless compassion, and he forgives freely. He doesn’t hold on to anger or allow it to build walls between him and his kids. I have learned so much about what unconditional love is all about, just by watching him hold our children and tell them that it’s going to be ok. I have learned about letting go of my schedule when it’s time to play, and to laugh when our plans go completely sideways. Because love is his native language, and he speaks it to us every day.

ast year, Utah Senator Orrin Hatch’s brainchild, passport revocation for “seriously delinquent” taxpayers became law. It stirred quite a bit of controversy, and we now begin to see how the IRS implements this directive. To my readers who hail from Utah, I invite you to close your eyes and meditate! If you owe more than $50,000 in federal tax, penalty and interest, and have had a notice of federal tax lien issued, you are at risk of being labeled as “seriously delinquent”. Those folks are put on a list sent to the State Department. New passports will not be issued, or renewed, and existing ones may even be cancelled. This is, folks, a really harsh result. This is a copycat of the provisions that do something similar to folks that owe more than $2500 in child support payments. As some of my colleagues have observed, this may be compounded if IRS notices to you about this go to an address you have long left. They send a notice –maybe to nowhere—and you find out when your passport does not renew. The remarkable thing, it is actually easy to rack up $50k in federal tax liability. So if you are a full time expat that has not filed returns in some

O time (like since when you left the states) and left behind a debt, it may be time to look into it. The other issue that comes to mind is that when a taxpayer is outside the US for more than 6 months, the normal ten-year collection statutes of limitation stops. It then becomes indefinite, open ended until you return to the states. Short of outright payment, there are ways to deal with the odious label and its consequence. An installment payment agreement or an accepted offer in compromise gets you off the list. Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson writes in a blog that the IRS may expand the conditions that will enable relief (such as “currently not collectible” status), but that is not yet forthcoming. Prior to the law being enacted, I recommended folks to renew their passport immediately (even with time left on the old one), but I can’t do so anymore because of the risk that the renewal will not be processed. The important thing to understand is that the IRS is now sending notices to those who have been designated. And once on the list, writing a check to get you below $50k will not get you taken off the list. Forewarned is forearmed!

ftentimes the radiologist is a person behind the scenes but by no means does that make him/her less important. In reality, when it comes to diagnosing, they are the key people. One of the differences here, over NOTB, that I find great is that there seems to be much more interaction and involvement between the physicians (of all specialties) and the radiologists One of the most outstanding physicians we have in the area is Dr. Jose Riva Palacio Guzman (we call him “Dr. Pepe”). He supervises a gigantic Radiology Department covering several private hospitals and diagnostic centers, supervising staff, performing studies, putting out fires, troubleshooting and much more. He is ridiculously funny, intelligent, kind, professional and one of my all-time favorite people! We asked him a few questions: Where did you go to medical school and why did you choose Radiology as your specialty? I attended the Escuela Superior de Medicina IPN, Especialidad en Radiologia y Imagen in Hospital Medica Sur, UNAM. I became a radiologist because it is the most technological specialty. And I also because I love taking pictures! What is your position at DIV (Diagnostic Integral Vallarta)? I am the Chief of Radiology. What can you tell me about the new DIV building? (This is on

Francisco Villa) What are you the most excited about? It is a great building and it is huge! It will have state of the art equipment including a complete breast imaging center with a cutting edge mammogram machine. It is a comfortable facility. I am so excited about the new equipment and that it will be much more comfortable and have private areas for our patients. What is the favorite part of your job? Being accurate in the diagnosis so that we are able help the referring physician to be successful with his/her patients. Dr. Pepe specializes in biopsies, prostate, liver, lung and thyroid. If one needs a biopsy, he is your man! If you ever have a study being performed by Dr. Pepe and you really want to get the conversation going, just start talking about Nascar racing! He is extremely active in dog rescue in the area as well. He is married to the lovely Adry. We do tend to have some problems working together in that we cannot seem to get through a conversation without laughing about something or other. I am so very proud to work closely with Dr. Pepe. He is meticulous in his work and his standards are exceptionally high. Watch for the new DIV building to open in the next month or so and watch for the grand opening event with tours of the facilities! Here’s to a humdinger of a week!

art & culture

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

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.

A passion for recreating the past

t the risk of sounding prejudiced, I will admit that until now, I have not been a great fan of most of the contemporary handcrafts done with feathers or seashells. The vast majority is tourist junk and looks cheesy. I published an article on feather art in this blog some time ago, and indeed there was a long and very impressive tradition of “painting” with the fine feathers of tropical birds. The quality of the work heavily depends on the quality of the feathers, as well as the skill of the artisan. There is some feather work done in the State of Mexico and Michoacan, but at best it is OK… there is only so much you can do with colored chicken feathers and plumes of most common birds. Most shell crafts use the whole shell or broken bits. To get a serious work of art, shells must be masterfully cut and polished, such as the work done by Mario Gerardo Jaguey of Ixmiquilpan, which is not commonly found. Enter maestro Eduardo

Sanchez Rodriguez. His story is unusual in a number of ways. Although not from an artisan family, as a boy he became fascinated by Mexico’s tradition of making “paintings” by carefully placing the brightly colored feathers of tropical birds on a backing. This art reached its height under the Aztecs shortly before the arrival of the Spanish, where feather workers (amanteca) were the most esteemed of all craftsmen as they made the finery for emperors, priests and knights. However, Sanchez was born and raised in the north of the country, far from the old empire’s borders. His knowledge of this and the working of mother-of-pearl (shell) comes from constant research in books and museums for over 30 years. He has a personal collection of over 3,000 books. While there are a few others who try to emulate the featherwork of the past, Sanchez is by far the best. His feather “paintings” are almost exclusively reproductions of the techniques and styles of 16th

century post-Conquest Mexico. While the Spanish destroyed almost all of the iconography of the old empire and religion, they were impressed with effects of the feather work, and decided to adapt it to making images related to Catholicism, principally as gifts for kings and popes in Europe. For this reason, most of the best examples of original 16th century work is found in this continent’s museums. One example of Sanchez’s reproduction is a piece from 1550, with the original found in the El Escorial Museum in Spain. Sanchez’s research is not only aimed towards reproduction

of images, but also to the greatest extent possible, the materials and techniques used in that century. Much of his research uses books and documents from that time, as well as studying the few period feather works that exists in museums in Mexico. The feathers are applied to a kind of a very fine cotton paper called telaraña (lit. spiderweb) in Spanish. Sanchez prefers to call the works feather mosaics as they consist of placing tiny snips of feather in a manner similar to that of tiles. The pieces are so small, that he often must use a magnifying glass (much like a watch repair person) to do the work. He works almost exclusively with feathers from Mexican tropical birds, including some endangered species. These birds are neither hunted nor killed. Instead, he has arrangements with a number of aviaries in the country which collect molted feathers. He receives them dirty and does all the processing. Sanchez also has permission from Mexico’s environmental agency to work with the feathers of endangered birds, ensuring that no animals are harmed. The use of all the feathers of the 16th century is not possible as some species are extinct today. One species provided a brilliant blue that cannot match what is produced by any other bird. In cases such as these, Sanchez is forced to dye feathers to achieve

the same effect. But exceptions like this are rare. The glue to attach feathers to cotton is still a kind of mucilage extracted from peeled orchid bulbs which have been mashed in a molcajete (mortar and pestle) and the liquid pressed out. Most sources on Mexican featherwork state that the craft died out because of the disappearance of the birds and their feathers. But Sanchez does not believe that this is the main reason for the disappearance or the craft’s failure to revive, as he has little difficulty in obtaining the necessary feathers. Instead, he believes it has a lot more to do with the very slow and very tedious process needed to do the craft right. Sanchez was born in San Luis Potosi, but moved to the Monterrey area when he was very young. He lived there over thirty years and established himself as an artist/ artisan. Much of this included looking for collectors and educating them about the cultural worth of the works, as they are expensive to produce. He built up a clientele in the northeast of Mexico and into southern Texas. He recently moved to Mexico City and spends time in the city of Oaxaca where he has been collaborating with artist Francisco Toledo producing feather art designed by the maestro. This collaboration has been producing contemporary designs, including self-portraits of famous Oaxacan artists. Almost all of Sanchez’s works are in private collections, with a large percentage owned by a former mayor of Monterrey. However, his work has had temporary exhibitions in various museums including those at the Painting Archive of the State of Nuevo Leon (2010), the El Centenario Museum in Monterrey (2013), the Centro Cultural Tijuana (2016) and very recently a show and sale at the Franz Mayer Museum in Mexico City. He has also had pieces exhibited and for sale in art galleries in the United States. Sanchez’s work has earned him several prestigious awards and other recognitions. He received the Presidential Award in the popular art category from Felipe Calderon in 2007. The state of Nuevo Leon has officially named him a “contemporary amanteca.” The Mexican federal handcraft agency FONART named him a living legend, and the Fometo Cultural Banamex named him a grand master of Mexican folk art. All photos by Leigh Thelmadatter unless otherwise noted.

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riviera nayarit

MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT has their annual Summer Solstice Event coming our way on June 21 at 2pm. It’s time to get

Yaca (also spelled Yaka), or Jackfruit, and also known as Breadfruit is a super crazy looking bumpy fruit that looks like something that would be perhaps from another planet. It can weigh from 15-40 kilos. This fruit is actually native to Southeast Asia, not Mexico; however, it grows quite well here. One of the surprises is that it contains sildenafil, which is also the active ingredient in Viagra…jajaja. Although, I am not sure how much you need to eat to obtain the same effect! Other terrific health advantages is that Yaca has a lot of protein, ispacked with Vitamin A which is great for your hair and skin, also is a great source of Vitamin C and antioxidants, which can strengthen your immune system. Yaca also has antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids that provide protection from cancer. Antioxidants in jackfruit protect the body from free radicals; loaded with potassium that maintains the sodium level in the body which helps to maintain fluid levels to balance electrolytes. Hence, it is useful to reduce high blood pressure, stroke and heart attack and a lot more! The other surprise is that when you cut into Yaca fruit you are going to find first, it is one sticky latex mess more than any other food you have ever cut into! And about only 40% is edible. It has huge seeds and a sticky membrane that holds it all together. Slathering your knife blade and hands with oil will help with this issue, and be sure to put down

paper you can just throw away. (Use a lot of dish soap directly on hands and knife after.) The fruit is separated by membranes and each pocket of fruit has a large seed. The fruit itself has a very tropical flavor..sort of mango/ banana-ish…a flavor unique to itself for sure! You can pick it when its turns a nice lime green. It will only take a day or two to ripen. It will feel like a ripe avocado. Wait too long and you will know by the strong ripe smell. I have one Yaca tree on the ranch. One tree is all you really need for the year as they bear a lot of fruit; very large fruit. When you cook Yaca it has a texture the same as shredded beef. My girlfriend and I decided to make North Carolina BBQ with Yaca. She was the one who cut it all up, bless her heart! And we roasted the seeds in the oven. They came out pretty good! There are videos online to show you exactly how to get the fruit out easily. We put the fruit in the crock pot with garlic and onions and water allowing it to slow cook for most of the day while we went swimming and having fun. When we got back to the casa we then pulled it out and shredded it up a bit (just like meat) and added the BBQ sauce. We also made a yummy cabbage slaw. Getting the lightly toasted bread out of the oven we then made the BBQ Yaca burgers with the slaw… It really came out delicious and we certainly had a lot of leftovers. So, if you’re looking for a meat substitute and a really good BBQ dish that can feed a great many people try Yaca! And who knows, if you’re lucky it may have that other special effect on your guy as well! Thanks for tuning in this week. If you have any questions please write me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com. Have a super week everyone. AHO!

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 Az-

tecs, 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 Interna-

tional Sport Fishing Tournament celebrates its 57th year of adrenaline-pumping moments for lovers of deep-sea fishing. July 8-9 11th Bahía de Banderas International Fishing Tournament Organized by the Bahía de Banderas Fishing Club, this traditional event that focuses on catching marlin and tuna returns to the waters off of the Riviera Nayarit with a slew of national and international participants. July 15 San Blas Pee Wee Surfing League

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

ey Everyone! The summer is here and with the summer comes the rains, which are well needed at this time! The upcoming Summer Solstice 2017 will be on June 20 at 11:24pm in the northern hemisphere. What is the Summer Solstice? I know I am loving the longer days which will seem to continue through the summer. Although after the summer solstice the daylight will be waning. On Sunday, we celebrate the longest day of the year above the equator and it’s also the turning

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!

ready for the Downwind Regatta and the Starship 8-person SUP at the La Cruz Marina. There is no charge to participate and some terrific prizes too. It’s a fun day for everybody of all ages. For more information contact Catalina Liana on her Facebook page.

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point where the sun will begin rise later and slide into the ocean earlier. The word “Solstice” comes from the Latin solsitium, which means “sun stands still”. The illusion of the sun standing still as it reaches its highest point in the sky is because the Earth is tilted as far as it can go towards the sun. This day marks the official first day of summer.

YACA FRUIT

Adventure Tours i

he natural bio-diversity that infuses every corner of the Riviera Nayarit allows for a great variety of adventure tours— perfect for adrenaline lovers and those who enjoy close contact with Mother Nature. We’d like to point out there are plenty more tours that didn’t make the list but that are certainly worth a try, including a visit to the Orquideario Lo de Perla, the petroglyphs at Altavista, the thermal springs at Nuevo Ixtlán and the Jaguar Route through the Sierra de Vallejo. 10.- Bird watching Routes. This one poses a dilemma: how to pick a birdwatching tour in a destination that boasts over 500 endemic, resident and migratory species? This is why we’d rather recommend a few guides who we trust implicitly. In San Blas, talk to Mark Stackhouse from Westwings and Fernando García from Safaris San Blas; and if you’re in the Bahía de Banderas and Compostela areas, contact Luis Morales from the San Pancho Bird Observatory. 9.- SUP & Snorkel Tours. These activities can be pursued in many of the beaches around the Riviera Nayarit, but we’d like to highlight Xplore México in Lo de Marcos, owned by SUP national pick Oliver Cruz, as it combines two of the top activities to enjoy on water. The tour takes you on a paddle to the reef just 800 meters from the coast at a depth of up to three meters, a habitat brimming with underwater life. 8.- ATV Tours. Prepare to rev up the motor on four-wheel-drive ATVs at Sayulita’s Rancho Mi Chaparrita and enjoy all the fun cooked up by the staff on each and every activity. This tour takes you through lookouts, jungles and more during a two-hour trip to Malpaso, a unique virgin beach north of Sayulita. You can also make the trip on horseback. 7.- Tour to Isla del Coral . There are several ways to get to Isla del Coral: one option is with Nayarit

It’s San Blas’ turn to host this itinerant tournament, which visits different coastal villages of Nayarit in search of new talent in this extreme sport. July 17 – August 11 La Patrona Atlética Madrid Summer Camp Spain’s Club Atlético de Madrid will be holding a Summer Camp - San Pancho Campus in the Riviera Nayarit at the La Patrona Polo Club. This will include four weeks of training for kids and teens. For more information call 044 (322) 146 7714 or 01 (322) 297 2334 ext. 106.

riviera nayarit

in Riviera Nayarit Adventures, a Nayarit-based company that offers tours to the top spots in the destination. Once on the island you can snorkel, scuba dive, SUP or simply chill out on the beach. 6.- Swim with the Whale Sharks One of San Blas’ top attractions is the opportunity to swim with a Whale Shark, an enigmatic creature considered to be the largest fish in the world. These animals visit the Riviera Nayarit area during the summertime and they’re totally friendly. To ensure a seamless experience we recommend heading out with Ricardo Murillo’s Pipilas Team. 5.- Camping on Isla Isabel . The Isla Isabel Natural Protected Area offers visitors the chance to observe thousands of frigate birds and blueand brown-footed boobies, snorkel with multicolored fish and coral, hike along its peaks or, best of all, the opportunity to camp out with your family. We recommend doing so with Paseos Turísticos Sartiaguín. 4.- 1km Zip Line . At Rancho la Montalbeña, just across from Higuera Blanca, this zip line is the longest of its kind in the destination. It’s one kilometer long and part of the Vista Paraíso tour, which also has an 800-meter and a 900-meter line, among others, so you can enjoy spectacular views of Punta de Mita and the Islas Marietas. 3.- Sayulita Escape. Vallarta Adventures offers a bunch of different tours, making it hard to choose just one. However, their Sayulita Escape tour has become very popular recently as one of the destination’s best attractions. The magic of the Surf Capital, its many little shops and boutiques and its hippie-chic vibe make this tour an adventure, not to mention the included visit to Punta de Mita. 2.- La Tovara – Crocodile Farm After a visit to the mythical Contaduría, where you can view relics from previous centuries and other bits of history, take a classic boat tour of La Tovara. You can leave from the bridge at the town center or from the Islitas’ beach, but try to make it all the way to the Crocodile Farm for a grand finale to the tour. 1.- Marine Safari. The Riviera Nayarit’s star tour is a visit to Playa Escondida at the Islas Marietas National Park. We recommend going in the wintertime, when you might be able to spot humpback whales on your way there. To enjoy this experience to the max we recommend booking with Punta Mita Expeditions as your best option—they offer luxurious personalized service that guarantees an unforgettable adventure.

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Living In La Cruz Cindy Bouchard

cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Catch of the day at La Cruz Fish Market

feel incredibly blessed to live a hop, skip and a jump away from the best fisherman’s market in the bay! I cook a weekly meal for all our guests and select, buy and create something from there each time. Guests ask, “What’s on the menu”; I truly don’t know until I see what’s fresh that day. It’s one of the highlights of my week; the fishermen know me and point out what’s fresh that day. As is typical in Mexico, the whole family works together. Dad’s and uncles, slicing and serving, Mama taking the money and baby Roberto who’s learned to say “I love you” in English because I always tell him “Te Amo’ as I kiss and tickle him! It’s one of those experiences that remind me why I adore living where I do. Mercado del Mar or the Market of the Sea is open every day from 8:00 am until 3:00 pm with delightful

fisherman flinging, chopping and selling fish, shrimp, octopus and more all by the kilo. My personal favourites are tuna, shrimp and red snapper all at about a quarter of the price I pay back in Canada. You can buy the whole fish or have them filet it, I even ask for the scraps for my cats and they graciously oblige. For ceviche they say sierra is best and they grind it for me. Dorado, often referred to as mahi mahi is abundant and often is the fish of the day at local restaurants. Harbour master, Rafael Alcántara helped me with a few details. The market/mercado first opened in June of 2008. Before that fishermen use to sell on the beach out of small palapas. They had no running water, no sewer service, no garbage collection, and no parking area. Rafa told me the fishermen prefer it now. There are twelve spaces/ tiendas available with only seven vendors renting them currently. Approximately 200 people work at

the marina daily including vendors, fisherman selling their catch and all the folks helping to look after the customers. One of the vendors has added fresh veggies and condiments typical for meals created with fish, including everything you need to make sushi. Rafa told me that the three best selling fish in the bay are 1) tuna 2) red snapper and 3) wahoo. I haven’t tried Wahoo… hmmm, might be next on the menu. He said the fisherman’s favourite fish is Huachinango or in English, red snapper. One of my faves too! He said the seasonal fish from now until October are; Gallo, Toro, Pargo, Perico, Robalo, Bota. And Rafael’s favorite fish? Tuna! Good choice! The fishermen like to celebrate and, in my opinion, do it with passion!

Humpback Whale Sculpture Out of Recycled Material In San Pancho

he skeleton of the humpback whale is ready to receive recycled material to create not only a work of art, but also to raise awareness of the need to conserve the environment. San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit, is celebrating World Environment Day with a 10-meter high sculpture of a humpback whale made from recycled material as part of the Marina Metamorphosis Project. The project arose out of the interested and responsible citizens’ needs to continue encouraging environmental values with the younger generations; other entities such as the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) have joined in the movement, inspired by its sociocultural and community value for the destination. The invitation is open to all those who wish to join the Guardians of the Ocean; all are invited

to collaborate in the collective creation of the whale until June 28. The activity will take place on the lot next to the gas station at the entrance at the village entrance. Recycled materials such as

PET plastic and others will be welcomed in order to “dress” the whale and create its marine environment. Workshops on the impact of the trash we produce and how it

In January, the blessing of the fleet is a marvelous day to sit on the shore and watch the spectacle of decorated boats leaving from La Cruz, after being blessed by the priest. Then onward to Bucerias, our neighboring town, where they ram their boats onto the beach. A procession to the church follows for more blessings before returning to La Cruz. June 1 is Marina day; where those who make their living on the water, both the Mexican Navy and Mexico’s civil maritime sectors, celebrate. There are bands all day and a final celebration at the end of the day at the fish market. Make your way to La Cruz, any day, to experience all that is the Mercado del Mar! The fisherman will happily put your fish on ice leaving you time to enjoy a drink at one of the local restaurants!

affects marine life will be held for children ages three and older. The Marine Metamorphosis page on Facebook (https://www. facebook.com/metamorfosismarina/) offers details on other workshops held by artisans and artists for the co-creation of the piece. Donations of any unused items such as sandals, clothing, tarps, rope, hoses, tires, etc. are welcome to add to the materials for the sculpture. The humpback whale will be installed on San Pancho’s beach on July 1, 2017 accompanied by fun activities. There’s a plan for it to be an itinerant exhibit with a more permanent home at the Plaza del Sol. For more information please call Leyla Issa at 045 (553) 7074691 or email leylaissa@ gmail.com; or call Mariela Dueñas at the Riviera Nayarit CVB at 01 (322) 297 25 16 Ext. 108 or write to her at mduenas@rivieranayarit. com. For information on the work of the leading artist on the project please visit: www.brashka.com.mx.

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oin us as we celebrate our tropical summer fruit with the juiciest event: The 1st Annual Puerto Vallarta Mango Festival will be held at Park Lazaro Cardenas on Saturday, July 1 from 4 to 9pm. Enjoy various dishes of the ‘King of Tropical Fruit’ provided by local restaurants and vendors. Come celebrate the sweetest produce of the summer – mangoes! If you think you know a thing or two about this delicious fruit, think again. A visit to the festival will heighten your appreciation for what can be done in the name of mango. Try many dessert treats incorporating this Puerto Vallarta stable. See if you agree with who dishes out the best ‘el mangate’, a dessert typical of the region. Mangoes originated over 5,000 years ago in the Hindi-Burma region, which extends from eastern India and southern China across Southeast Asia. Around 300 A.D. mango seeds traveled from Asia to the Middle East, East Africa and South

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Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

here is nothing quite like the strong aroma of leather and Jesus and Maria provide loads of quality leather products to the Marsol Friday Market. Most of the processes – from making and decorating hand bags, purses and clothing are hand done by this husband and wife team. Maria designs, cuts, sews, and dyes their line of clothing and both of them paint; add some beadwork and, voila! – a piece of art to wear, made of Mexico’s finest cotton. Their handbags - over the shoulder Hobo’s, down to small change/clutch purses, are made with skill and care. The huge selection and array of colours and styles mean you will need lots of time to carefully look through to find that perfect piece. And… the organic smell of freshly tanned leather lingers. Marsol also welcomes Raul and his lovely hand-painted pottery dishes and decorative items. The reviews of La Dulce Vida’s baked goods are keeping

Andrea up late at night and early in the morning baking to keep up with orders for her moist, spiced zucchini bread, cupcakes, wedding cakes, gluten-free (upon request) bread and carrot cakes. Care to try before you buy? Of course, there are samples! The rest of the Marsol Market vendors continue to come up with new products and surprises weekly. See you soon! The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm.

Three Hens & a Rooster Market

ake a quintessential French food like a croissant and stuff it with fresh spinach and assorted cheeses and gently rebake…what do you get? In the hands of two young French chefs – Benjamin and Valentin – the result is: heaven! From their bakery in Versalles called O Croissant they conjure all kinds and sorts of French sweet and savoury delicacies and are available for private parties, cafes and restaurants. They will deliver; find them on Facebook and Three Hens Market! New to Three Hens…please welcome “Grama’s Kitchen, Perogies Are Us” selling freshly made perogies and specially canned jams and jellies. Run by friends Karen and Debbie, the aromas fill the air inside Three Hens. If you weren’t hungry when you walked into Market, you will be by the time you reach the Grama’s table. Enjoy! And, be sure to take some home. There is something about being a grandmother that seems to bring out the artistry in food: Jeanine, Mother Hen of our Market, often has her grandchildren at Market

offering up her amazing food to clients with one hand and hugging one of her grandbabies with the other. Her main courses change weekly from mac and cheese to lasagna to fettucini Alfredo. And her cakes and lemon bars are unsurpassed. Peter Hardy, our Bagel King, is experimenting with gluten-free bagels that are very close to being

perfected. If you have problems eating gluten-laden products, stop by and talk to Peter – the more feedback he gets from his potential customers, the faster he will be producing new and improved bagels. Three Hens & a Rooster Market is open Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

ouncing the First Annual Mango Festival

America. Cultivation of mangoes moved westward with the spice trade. The Portuguese, who landed in Calcutta in 1498, were the first to establish a mango trade.

Spanish explorers brought mangoes to South America and Mexico in the 1600’s. Mangoes were introduced to Mexico from the Philippines in 1775 as part of the Manila-Aca-

pulco Galleon Trade route which brought porcelain, silk, ivory and spices from China to Mexico in exchange for New World silver. At some point, along with the other exotica, mangoes made the

same East to West journey. Now the Manila mango is among the most beloved varieties in Mexico. Though there’s plenty of love for other varieties, including Ataulfo, Haden, Criollo, Petacon, Tommy Atkins, Keitt and Kent, to name a few. “Here, most Mexicans’ favorite way to eat mangos is to peel them and eat them, without even slicing them. It tastes better. That’s the most traditional way. People peel them and eat them whole. And people here eat them ripe. Very ripe. But I’ve seen people from other countries come and want to eat the green mangos.” The Mexican mango season starts in the spring, in the south, in the state of Chiapas with the Honey Manila variety. As the spring and summer months progress, the mangoes begin to come from the northern regions. Hadens and Tommy Atkins mangoes come from the states of Guerrero, Michoacán, Jalisco,

Nayarit, and Sinaloa. In the mid to late summer months the Kent variety becomes available out of the state of Sinaloa. The final variety of the season is the Keitt variety, which is also from the state of Sinaloa. The Mexican mango season lasts until the beginning of September. Anyone interested in participating or volunteering please visit www.jaysadlerproject.com. Click on Contact and send an email if you would like to participate or click on Volunteers and complete the information if you would like to volunteer for this event. The festival is sponsored by the Jay Sadler Project with the support of Highland Park, Illinois, Sister Cities Foundation, StratosMedia, The Municipal of Puerto Vallarta, DIF, Culture and Tourism Department. The Jay Sadler Project works with DIF, Navy League of Vallarta and the American Legion Post 14 PV on Community Relations Projects.

entertainment

22 By Fred Jacobs

figured this topic would tie in well with our last one. Angelina Jolie, was born on June 4, 1975 in Los Angeles. Her parents, Jon Voight and the late Marcheline Bertrand, were fairly big Hollywood actors as well. When Angelina was only a year old, her parents separated. Her mother gave up acting to raise her kids and would spend hours with Angelina watching old movies. Angelina had a fascination with movies and would watch hours upon hours of them. This led to her deciding at a young age that acting is what she wanted to do. She enrolled at the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute at the age of 13, where she trained for two years and appeared in several stage productions. She attended Beverly Hills High School, but had a hard time there. Her mother had a much more modest income than most of the others at the school and Angelina felt the pressure. She was often teased by other students, who targeted her for being extremely thin and for wearing glasses and braces. She transferred to a different high school and became a rebel punk outsider, wearing all-black clothing. By the time she graduated high school, she had fully transformed herself, including getting

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!

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. SAN PANCHO Mercado del Sol in San Pancho at the Plaza del Sol Tuesdays 10-2pm LA PEÑITA Mercado is every Thursday all year!

June 15 - 21, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Angelina Jolie Actress and Activist tattoos. After school, she rented her own apartment and has since admitted she struggled with an eating disorder around this time. Drugs also came into play by the time she was 20 years old. Depression also haunted Angelina, leading her to try committing suicide twice. Although dedicated to her pursuit of acting, Angelina had a hard time early on getting through the audition process for movies. She came across as “too dark” in her mood and character readings. Angelina finally began her professional film career in 1993, when she played her first leading role in the straight-to-video sci-fi bomb, Cyborg 2. She played a nearhuman robot designed for corporate espionage and assassination. She was so disappointed with the film that she did not audition again for another movie for almost a year. Angelina had better luck with “Hackers” (1995) and got good reviews from critics, but the film bombed at the box office. She then had a string of solid performances on screen in “Love Is All There Is” (1996), “Mojave Moon” (1996) and “Foxfire” (1996). Things cooled off again for Angelina, until she took on a role in a TV mini-series for HBO “George Wallace” (1997), in which she played the second wife of the Alabama Governor. The role earned her a Golden Globe statue. Angelina’s breakthrough has to be seen when she played supermodel Gia Carangi in HBO’s “Gia” (1998). Her portrayal of the model’s destruction of her life and career as a result of an addiction to heroin, and her death from AIDS in the mid-1980s, was amazing. The role earned her a second Golden Globe and she was nominated for an Emmy and also won her first Screen Actors Guild Award. In 1999, Angelina starred in the comedy-drama “Pushing Tin”, with John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, and Cate Blanchett. It was here she met Billy Bob and would go on to

shock the world by marrying him. Twenty-plus years her senior and an outward looking mismatch from the beginning, the marriage only lasted three years. Angelina then co-starred with Denzel Washington in “The Bone Collector” (1999) which was a moderate success, but later in 1999, Angelina would make Hollywood notice her. She would play a sociopathic mental patient in “Girl, Interrupted” (1999), opposite Winona Ryder. Angelina would win her third Golden Globe, her second Screen Actors Guild Award, and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. To date, Angelina’s films did not have wide audience appeal, but that changed with the film, “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” (2001) and it made her an international superstar. Of course 2005, brought us “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” which we talked about last

week and brought her and Brad Pitt together. 2006 saw Angelina opposite Robert De Niro in “The Good Shepherd” In “A Mighty Heart” (2007), Angelina played the wife of kidnapped and executed reporter, Daniel Pearlman. Again, award nominations poured in. By 2008, Angelina was the highest paid actress in Hollywood, earning over $20 million per film. She then took the lead role in Clint Eastwood’s drama “Changeling” (2008), about a woman reunited with her kidnapped son in 1928 Los Angeles, only to find him to be an imposter. Again award nominations including an Oscar nomination flowed in. After her mother’s passing in 2007, Angelina decided to work less in movies and dedicate more time to her six children (many adopted) and her personal life. Nonetheless,

she and Brad Pitt did separate after being together for eleven years and married for the last two. Throughout the years, Angelina’s humanitarian work has been tireless for women, children, the sick, poor, and abused in the world. She was a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Refugee program. She was also made an Honorary Dame by Queen Elizabeth in 2014, for her services to the UK’s foreign policy and campaigning to end sexual violence in war zones. Whether we will see much of Angelina on the big screen, or just know that she is one celebrity that goes above and beyond for worthy causes, we can be sure she will be bringing smiles to faces around the world. Fred Jacobs is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta and the author of three books.

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 ‘Three Hens and a Rooster Market, Venustiano Carranza 466, on Saturdays’ 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

CROSSWORD SOLVE!

games

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