Issue 1056, June 29 - July 5, 2017

LIVING IN LA CRUZ

art & culture

Masala on the beach

Talavera Vazquez in Dolores, Hidalgo

Page 19

Page 16

VallartaTribune.com

E E FR

vacation giveaway

Celebrate summer with Puerto Vallarta Page 07

June 29 - July 5, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1056

DE I U G

YELAPA FOR THE DAY Page 16

ROCK ART SANCTUARY Page 14

Featured Property of the Week Page 12

INTRODUCING TOGETHERMEX Page 06

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 29 - July 5, 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

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editorial

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Editor’s

June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

W

oke up this morning to find that Uber has officially launched in Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta. A quick search has me saving about 13 pesos to get to the beach and 30 pesos to get to work. Not a lot of money if you’re here on vacation but it will be a big savings to those who earn pesos for a living. Uber also offers safety and accountability by sharing the driver’s information directly with the rider as well as maintaining a record of your trip in case of lost items and such.

Hopefully this will spur the local taxi unions to sharpen their pencils and to provide better service.

A heartfelt Felicidades! to all my fellow Canadians on Canada’s 150th birthday! Lori Lori is hosting s birthday party at Escondida Sports Bar, Jacarandas 210 in col. E. Zapata.

This week we have a new contributor, John and Susy Pint

are longtime residents outside of Guadalajara and have written some excellent books on Western Mexico including their Guide To West Mexico’s Guachimontones And Surrounding Area and the recent 2nd edition called Outdoors In Western Mexico 2. These guides discuss archeological and natural sites, hikes, camping and picnicking areas throughout Western Mexico. Both books are available for sale off their website at www.saudicaves. com/mx/

What to do if you see a turtle laying eggs

They are a welcome addition to the pages of the newspaper and I hope you’ll enjoy their detailed accounts of the culture and natural history of Mexico.

Last Friday I kept myself busy with a day at Los Veranos Canopy Tour. This fun filled day includes a zip line of over 1700 feet crossing a canyon, over a river, in the jungle. It’s amazing. They are located just south of Vallarta, close to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

They have a wonderful restaurant that serves the largest lagostinos (similar to lobster but smaller), caught fresh from the river, I’ve ever seen and it may have been the best mango margarita I’ve ever tasted.

All in all a wonderful experience.

I highly recommend adding it to your ‘things to do when in Puerto Vallarta’ list. Look for a longer review in next week’s Tribune.

If heights aren’t your thing, consider spending the day at the restaurant and their private beach on the river that includes kayaks and waterslides. As long as you’re consuming, you’re welcome to use the amenities for free.

Then on Sunday, I joined a friend at Paddle Zone in Mismaloya for a morning of Standup Paddle Boarding. With the brief

lesson and guidance from Alberto I did 100 times better than my one time before; it’s not as hard as it looks. Plus, any opportunity to swim in the ocean is a good thing. As a ‘not skinny person’ I was worried about hoisting myself back onto the board but that didn’t cause me any trouble (except important to note: don’t wear a strapless bathing suit unless you want to flash your wares…) and I managed to get up and paddle around for a couple hours. Another excellent way to spend the day in Banderas Bay. Paddle Zone offers local rates and have a monthly pass that is a great deal if you go more than 2-3

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

Enjoy this miracle of nature!

Alegre Tours Calendar:

times a month. You can find them on Mismaloya beach towards the south end.

This weekend is the RHA Festival, two days and nights of electronica music in the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz, along with some standalone parties in Punta Mita. We’re sending a team to check it out and they will report back and live blog the events on our Facebook page.

As always, respect the wildlife, don’t use that straw if you don’t have to, tip well and enjoy all that Banderas Bay has to offer! Safe travels.

Madeline

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

spca

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June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

By Janice Gonzalez

T

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

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.

extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your

love and attention can make up for that sad history.

During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk.

Reservations to visit the sanctuary need to be made in advance.

To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv.

Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history.

Please be aware that our adoption fee within Mexico is $1,500 pesos.

To make donations via PayPal, select the “Donate” option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro.

Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate.

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

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

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June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico just legalized medical mariguana

By Amanda Erickson exican President Enrique Peña Nieto signed a decree this pastweek legalizing medical marijuana.

The measure also classified the psychoactive ingredient in the drug as “therapeutic.”

The new policy isn’t exactly opening the door for medical marijuana dispensaries on every corner.

Instead it calls on the Ministry of Health to draft and implement regulations and public policies regulating “the medicinal use of pharmacological derivatives of cannabis sativa, indica and Americana or marijuana, including tetrahydrocannabinol.” It also tasks the ministry with developing a research program to study the drug’s impact before creating broader policies.

The measure had broad support from Mexico’s Senate and Lower House of Congress, where it passed 347-7 in April.

Marijuana legalization advocates are celebrating the decision and calling on the government to do more. Sen. Miguel Barbosa said the legislation was “well below the expectations of society.” Sen. Armando Rios Peter called it a “tiny” step away from a failed drug policy.

For decades, Latin America has struggled to address the rampant corruption and violence wrought by the drug trade. Lately, many places

M New membership program aims to help local charities and save you money

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new membership program called TogetherMex successfully launched in Cabo San Lucas, BCS earlier this year and is now opening a branch in Puerto Vallarta/Banderas Bay. This Membership program brings together savings and charity to benefit the local communities and visitors. TogetherMex is a new social media discount program, providing members discounts at local restaurants, activities, services, shopping and more while donating a portion of the total proceeds to local charities.

With expansion plans to offer their membership in all major destinations in Mexico and currently operating in Cabo San Lucas, TogetherMex is launching July 1 in Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and La Paz. Bill Page, tasked with opening the TogetherMex offices in Puerto Vallarta says, “This is a unique new service that benefits everyone, from tourists to the people most in need. It’s had great success in the short time we’ve been operating

in Cabo. It’s a win-win program and I’m excited to be bringing it to Puerto Vallarta.”

Become a TogetherMex Member and you save money while helping local charities. When you register to become a member your first restaurant outing or excursion will pay for the cost of membership and as a TogetherMex member you get a vote on the charities you prefer to support.

“We are looking to register local businesses to participate in the program and help expand the offerings so that we have a wider base to support the local charities,” explains Page. “Businesses interested in joining should contact me through the website.”

As member you receive a TogetherMex Ecard which allows you to receive the discounted rates through the network of altruistic businesses, locals, and tourists supporting local charities in the most popular destinations in Mexico. Learn more at TogetherMex.com

have focused on a particular strategy: decriminalization. As my colleague Josh Partlow wrote last year: “Uruguay has fully legalized weed for sale. And a large chunk of South and Central America, including Brazil, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Costa Rica, have made marijuana more available in varying ways, whether it is for medicinal or recreational use.”

It’s a recognition, he wrote, that “years of violent struggle have failed to stem the flow of narcotics into the United States.”

Even so, conservative Mexico kept its tight drug laws in place. In part, it was because legalization was unpopular. One poll found that about 66 percent of Mexicans oppose decriminalization of marijuana.

Also, violence around drug trafficking has had a tremendous impact on the country — experts estimate that 100,000 people have been killed in the past decade because of the cartels.

The Catholic Church also remains staunchly opposed. “A drug is a drug even if it’s sold as a soft medicinal balm. Bad Mexican copycats emulate the neighbor to put on the table of ‘sane democracy’ a bleak, absurd and counterproductive debate,” the church wrote in an editorial.

“Recreational marijuana is a placebo to ease the pain of the

social destruction in which we irremediably wallow.”

That’s beginning to change, though. Recreational marijuana is still broadly prohibited in Mexico, but the government is considering a measure that would let citizens legally possess up to an ounce of it. In 2015, Mexico’s Supreme Court granted four people the right to grow their own marijuana for personal consumption.

The ruling set a precedent that could accelerate efforts to pass legislation permitting broader use of pot. “Absolute prohibition is excessive and doesn’t protect the right to health,” Justice Olga Sánchez Cordero said at the time.

Peña Nieto, who once was a vocal opponent of drug legalization, has undergone a similar shift in thinking. He has said that addiction should be thought of as a “public health problem” and that users should not be criminalized.

He has also advocated for the United States and Mexico to follow similar policies on drug use and marijuana legislation.

“So far, the solutions [to control drugs and crime] implemented by the international community have been frankly insufficient,” Peña Nieto told the General Assembly Special Sessions in April. “We must move beyond prohibition to effective prevention.”

Original: Washington Post

Plant offers hope for treating breast cancer Researchers working with plant used on cancer patients in Chiapas

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plant called chan, or pignut, used in a Chiapas community to treat cancer has caught the attention of researchers at the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN).

An analysis of the tropical plant has led to the discovery of compounds that, in the laboratory at least, appear to eliminate cancerous breast tissue.

In Hyptis suaveolens the researchers have found a component that eliminates tumorous cells related to triple negative breast cancer, one of the hardest to treat.

Mexico News Daily InCopy LinkText Treatment is complicated and combines the parallel use of chemo and radiotherapy, with severely aggressive effects on the body, said team leader José Rubén García Sánchez.

Using chan for treating cancer originated among the people of Copainala, Chiapas. The IPN

team, whose main goal is to find alternatives to treat breast cancer, applied scientific analysis

to discover what, if any, active compound in the plant had anti-cancerous properties.

Once in the lab, several molecules were isolated, with the most promising being a terpene compound.

“We were amazed by the selectivity properties of the terpene: it eliminated cancer cells but was innocuous with healthy ones,” said García.

The team believes the discovery could well mark the beginning of new medical treatments with less severe secondary effects on patients.

García told the newspaper Milenio that the discovery has drawn the attention of several pharmaceutical firms and could well mean a future exchange of technology. “This is encouraging, because these firms have their

own research teams and they seldom pay attention to advances made by schools.

They did it this time because it is difficult to find an effective compound against the most resilient cancers,” said the researcher.

He explained that in order to obtain just a few grams of the promising compound several kilograms of H. suaveolens are needed. Despite the extraction process being fairly complex, his team has already standardized it.

Synthesizing the compound chemically is still a very difficult process, so it will still be a long time before a treatment reaches patients.

After testing the compound extracted from the chan plant in vitro, García and his team will test its effects on rats and will study its toxicity.

news

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June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Puerto Vallarta Celebrates Summer with Vacation Giveaways

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he Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is celebrating the beginning of the summer season by giving away three trips to Puerto Vallarta. Each trip is tailormade for each of the destination’s niche markets and will all end on October 1, 2017.

For those looking for a summer getaway, the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board has worked with its partners to provide the best deals to visit the destination.

Family Getaways

Spanish classes, cultural events, zip lining, paddle boarding and baby alligators are just some of the few reasons why Puerto Vallarta

continues to be one of Mexico’s top family destinations. Summer time is a great time for visiting Puerto Vallarta allowing a less crowded destination for families to play together.

The city’s downtown, which maintains its small-town spirit alive makes it the perfect playground for family members who want to enjoy a bike ride around town or take a cooking class, while the many hotel kids clubs provide a controlled environment where children can be entertained.

Romantic Getaways

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most romantic places on earth offering

a unique combination of classic Mexico world-class resorts, the majestic beauty of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the spectacular Bahía de Banderas, the world´s 7th largest bay.

This beautiful city has become the perfect setting in which to celebrate love with a unique and unforgettable wedding, honeymoon or anniversary.

One lucky winner can experience Puerto Vallarta’s romantic side with a 3-night-stay in one of the destination’s all-inclusive properties, including air for two.

LGBTQ Getaways

One of the few locations in Latin

America that can claim to have a gay village, Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica, is home to many LGBT owned and managed hotels, restaurants and tours.

This welcoming community, proud member of the IGLTA and openly supportive of associations such

as GLAAD, HMI and the GMHC, embraces all its visitors. The winners of this promotion will enjoy an all-inclusive stay in one Puerto Vallarta’s top gay-friendly hotels.

To enter any or all of these great giveaways, visit visitpuertovallarta.com

Happy

Fourth of July Legion Event

** 150 **

CANADA

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he Puerto Vallarta American Legion Post 14 invites all veterans and their families to enjoy the free Independence Day event, and if interested, to learn more about the benefits of Legion membership.

Steve’s Sports Bar will host an Independence Day event, offering hot dogs, chili, chili dogs and more to every military veteran in Puerto Vallarta, along with their spouses and any friends who wish to come.

Sponsoriing the event the Puerto Vallarta American Legion Post 14 invites veterans and their on Tuesday, July 4 fromNoon to 2 pm at Steve’s Sports Bar, 286 Basilio Badillo in the Emiliano Zapata colonia.

The American Legion is a non-profit, nonpartisan organiza-

tion devoted to the needs of military veterans, their families, and their communities.

Operating under the umbrella of the Punta de Mita Foundation, the Puerto Vallarta Legion Post 14 supports numerous charities and rebuilding projects in the greater Banderas Bay area, with emphasis on women and children in need.

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

PV American Legion meetings are held the 1st Thursday and 3rd Tuesday each month. Visitors are welcome.

For more information and meeting locations, visit AmericanLegion14.org

KFC Changes Name To K’ehFC For Canada 150 OK, KFC ...

Or should we say, OK’eh?

Hoping to capitalize on Canada’s 150th birthday celebration, or something, the company best known for finger-lickin’ chicken announced it’s changing its name to K’ehFC for the summer.

“Canada Day is about togetherness — for the country, our communities, and for our friends and family, and bringing people together over a bucket of chicken is what K’ehFC stands for,” said Stephen Scarrow, senior marketing manager for K’ehFC, in a news release.

Exactly as the fathers of Confederation envisioned.

A brand new sign is going up on

Saskatoon’s 8th Street restaurant — the first-ever Canadian location, which opened in 1955.

The new logo will also be featured on buckets of chicken sold across the country.

Be sure to hold onto those babies once you’re done eating; you never know how much a grease-stained, commemorative fast food bucket could fetch on Ebay.c’eh in the future.

KFC has been known to come up with some pretty wacky publicity stunts. Who could forget their edible nail polish? Or their special Mother’s Day chicken-flavoured chocolate?

Original: huffingtonpost.com

FELICIDADES CANADA

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Driving Highway 5 South in Baja from San Felipe, and the Lake that Wasn’t There

local

June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Chuck Bolotin

Chuck.bolotin.writer@bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com

Chuck Bolotin is the Vice President of Best Places in the World to Retire and he had never tried living outside of the US... until now. Follow the journey of Chuck and his wife, as they take their large, overstuffed, white van from Los Angeles through Mexico for a year long road trip.

M

ost people think that the most important Spanish phrase you could learn is “Dónde está el baño?” (Where’s the bathroom?), “Cuánto cuesta este?” (How much is this?) or even, “Camarero, dos margaritas más, por favor (Bartender, two more margaritas, please). While all these are very good to know in appropriate circumstances, my view is that the most important phrase to learn while driving south from San Felipe through Baja on Highway 5 (pretty much the only road you can take south from San Felipe) is “Tanque lleno” which, loosely translated, means “Fill ‘er up.”

The reason is that, in this area, there are long stretches with few gas stations, so we made sure our “tanque” was very much “lleno” before we left.

It’s not that we weren’t warned about taking Highway 5 south. Many people warned us, including the owner of the Sandollar Beach Resort in San Felipe, where we stayed and which we highly recommend. But could we discount this man’s warning? Was he some type of dilettante who

scared easily? Not likely, given that he had made his living crop dusting in Northern California and currently rode dirt bikes for a hobby. 99%+ of the people driving through Baja take Highway 1, but we took Highway 5 because it took less time overall and we wanted to see things off the beaten (or even paved) path.

We weren’t disappointed.

Upon leaving San Felipe and heading south on Highway 5, you pretty much immediately lose whatever cell signal you may have had. At this point, you don’t care.

The Sea of Cortez is on your left, as you come upon a series of beautiful, secluded and seemingly untouched beaches and bays with white sand and blue ocean, almost always completely empty of people, many times with islands dotting the horizon and sometimes with islands close enough for an easy kayaking trip from the shore.

You just can’t see and experience these gems if you don’t drive it or sail to it, and it’s hard to keep your eyes on the road as you are treated to one spectacular and inviting beach and bay after

another. This stretch of the road is not maintained flawlessly, but it is paved well enough, given the small amount of traffic it carries.

After being treated to these delights, Highway 5 and the coast diverge, as the highway heads almost directly south while the coast turns slightly eastward. A little while later, with very little fanfare (and just a little sign with an arrow on it), you’re directed onto a bone jarring, teeth filling-loosening, rutted, rock and dirt road that continues this way for many miles.

Along the way, there are cut-offs that either 1) you should take; or, 2) are meant for construction equipment and may terminate in a dead end or in a sharp decent down a ravine that, if you make a wrong move, they may not find you for months.

Given that there are generally no signs to let you know

which road to take and it is so deserted that there is no one to follow, you make the call. If you’re wrong, don’t worry; you won’t be subjected to ridicule from other drivers, because there are virtually no other drivers there to honk and point. You just find a place wide enough to turn around. I’m not certain if I remember vultures circling above, but I may have.

On one such fork in the road, my wife and I made a full stop right in the middle before one such fork and were debating which one of two roads to take. We essentially flipped a coin and then started on the one to the right. As out of a Twilight Zone episode, two men appeared over a hill, walking towards us. They were well dressed, in polo shirts and long pants with crisp creases. Both looked completely fresh, in stark contrast to their dusty surroundings. They called for us to come over, so we bumpily approached at our normal speed in this area, which was about 10 miles per hour.

The men said their car had blown a tire some ways back (which is really not hard to imagine), and they were walking for help. (Yes, it’s that deserted.) We asked if we could give them water or food, which they declined, but they asked if we could give it to the first man’s wife and the second man’s father, who were back at the car.

We all agreed, so we bid farewell, and they passed behind us, disappearing in my side view mirror, as we jarred forward in the opposite direction. About 5 minutes later, we came upon the broken down car and delivered the breakfast bars and water, which, although they didn’t speak English, it was clear that the recipients were very grateful to have.

Depending on your religious

beliefs or lack thereof, you will either pray or hope real hard in this area that you don’t break down like the people we passed.

It’s not that no one will help you. Of course they will; it’s the nature of the people in this area to help. It’s just that breaking down would be really inconvenient.

Irrespective of language or culture, many things are the same, like how people respond when driving about 20 miles or so on a deeply rutted, rocky road. For example, about half an hour later, we came across another car going in the opposite direction, at about the same speed as us.

Given our less than race car velocity, that we hadn’t seen another human for 10 minutes, and the fact the driver had rolled down his window and was waving at us to stop, we stopped. In broken English, the man driving (who was clearly the husband and father) asked, “How much further to the end?” It’s at times like these when you have a choice to make: tell the truth, or something that will encourage people and make them feel better. We chose the truth.

“About an hour,” we said.

The groans from the unseen children in the back seat and the wife in the front were unmistakable, in any language. The man driving looked crestfallen, as would any father and husband who had promised his family a nice drive in the country only to subject them to miles and miles of bumping.

“But it’s worth it!” I said, trying to make the best of it.

Then I asked, “How much further until we reach the end?”

The husband / father said, “About half an hour.”

Immediately, the chorus of wife and children let it be known, in any language, that it was their

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From Here Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

opinion that it was much further than half an hour. The husband / father grimaced, nodded at me (one husband / father to another), waved meekly, rolled up his window, and soldiered on.

One of the advantages of going so slowly in this area is that we were able to grasp the enor-

mity and engineering complexity of the construction project we were seeing in the making. They had already built immense concrete structures to move water; there were gigantic drains, huge trucks, etc.

On the map, we knew that, to mark the end of our unimproved

ordeal, almost exactly in the middle of Baja from side to side, we would see a pretty good-sized lake on our left, marked as “Lake Chapala”, which would be where Highway 5 terminated into Highway 1 in a very distinct “T”. We would simply make a left onto Highway 1 (the highway taken by those 99%+ of the people who drive south through Baja) and merrily be on our hopefully very smooth way.

There is no lake. There isn’t even a swamp. It’s bone dry in every direction. There was, however, a distinct “T”. It was so unremarkable (and so unsigned) that, even though it was unmistakably a T in the road, I needed to make sure we were in the right place. The only sign of civilization I could find in which to ask, was a tire workshop just off the road facing the T on Highway 1, with three dogs guarding the place and two men working in the back, all of whom looked surprised when I approached.

I made friends with the barking dogs and asked the men if we were in the right place. One spoke very good English and told me that we were.

I pointed to the map I had brought out of the van for verification. “Where is the lake?” I asked, as if, if it were on the map, it just had to be there.

The man looked at the map, showed it to his friend, and they both laughed a knowing laugh. “It dried up decades ago.”

When I remarked that it might have been a good idea to remove the lake from the map, of course, he agreed, and told me the story of a woman who had driven for hours just to paddle on the lake that was not there.

I then offered that it would be a good idea to have a sign at the T. He agreed again.

So, with nothing to mark the successful completion of our ordeal and safe passage other than three dogs, two men and an incorrect map, onward we drove on Highway 1 south, on a very good road, towards San Ignacio.

T

he summer’s first ‘tormenta’ was last night. The lightening and the rain I love; the thunder not so much. My cats, if not glued, trembling, by my side, find a place where they feel safer.

Like under the bed. It’s dark there. A heavy brocade bed skirt keeps the space pitch black. I would join my kitties if I could fit; they are always smarter than me.

So, I sit on my bed in the dark and wait it out with every primal fear imaginable running through my brain. Every storm-based disaster I have actually lived through recurs and the ones that I sit there and think about making the real ones pale by comparison.

What does thunder mean?

I mean, what is the point of it?

Enough of it would have to knock the Earth just a tad off-center, no?

When my house trembles like a bomb has gone off close by (yes, I have lived in the Middle East and know what I am talking about); how many of those can happen without damaging our poor Mother Earth’s

axis? And why does thunder sometimes sound downright suggestive like heat making a mirage on a highway? And then make such an explosion that even cars scream out STOP IT in the night. As if there wasn’t enough racket.

Also with our tormentas come buckets of rain and leaks. It doesn’t matter if you live in a two-dollar house or a two-million dollar one, the inside of your house will get wet if it’s in Vallarta. Might be a simple thing like the vibration of the bloody thunder throwing open a window or moving a door slightly.

KNOW WHERE YOUR LEAKS ARE and from now until October 25th (the anniversary of Hurricane Kenna), learn how to walk about in the dark and step OVER the buckets and step gingerly on the fluffy towels doing yeoman’s work sucking up the water. And, don’t forget Thunder’s best friend “Lightening” will destroy your computer, Smart TV and anything else you keep plugged in during a tormenta.

Unplug, people. Those dollar store “surge protectors” are crap as are many of the really, really expensive ones. Unplug: Mother Nature appreciates knowing that you know you cannot win when SHE is TORMENTING you.

I was, I am, I will be unplugged, From Here. .

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Creative A family tradition with innovation in hands Dolores Hidalgo

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.

O

n a recent visit to the pottery town of Dolores Hidalgo, we inquired at the local tourist office for a recommendation of a producer to visit.

Without hesitation, the answer was Talavera Vazquez, only a few blocks from the main plaza on the corner of Puebla and Tamaulipas streets.

Despite the fact that the name “Talavera” refers only to majolica

pottery produced in Puebla (according to Mexico’s demoninación de origen law), neither the Vazquez family or the rest of the town accepts that they cannot call their work or their businesses by that name.

The story of how the family came to prominence in this field started in the very early 20th century with Felipe Vazquez, whose parents moved to Dolores Hidalgo from

Puebla. During the Mexican Revolution Felipe began by walking the streets of the towns of Dolores Hidalgo and San Miguel de Allende selling the family’s pottery. The business grew enough that he was able to sell as far away as Guadalajara and taught ceramics classes in San Miguel for thirty years. His work became a fixture in San Miguel, eventually bringing it to the attention of U.S. expats who began to arrive to study there after World War II. Today, the workshop is run by 4th generation Roberto Vazquez but the workshop’s current status in the market is due to the work done by his parents who ran it from 1986 to 1996. Prior to the 1980s, the bulk of the ceramic produced was tile. His parents anticipated a change to the making of dishes and other individual pieces, in part due to San Miguel’s growth as a retirement haven for foreigners. This not only resulted in higher local sales, but also articles about the business in English language publications with several specialty stores in the US taking interest in importing their wares by the end of the decade.

Foreign markets have been a profitable mainstay of the business ever since.

For better or worse, the majolica “talavera” of Dolores Hidalgo is not as constrained by tradition as the wares of Puebla in style, color or method. However, most pieces do keep the colonial feel to them. This is very evident in the inventory available for sale at the workshop itself, open to the public. Items include plates bowls, tiles, and large jars called tibors, but also include less traditional items such as coffee mugs, multicolored lizard figures to hang on walls, modern bathroom sinks and small fountains.

The clay used is still mined from areas around Dolores Hidalgo.

Vazquez principally uses three kinds; red, black and white, with two or all three mixed depending on what is being made. The most traditional method of forming pieces is by pottery wheel, but the market for Dolores wares has made this impossible. This majolica does not command the prices of that of Puebla, so Vazquez and competitors form the majority of their pieces using molds, which allows for faster creation of multiple

items, which most orders require.

It also has the benefit of making pieces less prone to defects. Only a few pieces are made by hand at all, which include oval platters and box-like containers.

Glazes and pigments are commercial, but colors are created by the workshop. The most traditional and most popular color scheme remains blue-on-white, but the Vazquez workshop also experiments with various shades of green, black, orange and brown, combining them in various ways.

The molding and initial firing of pieces is done in another location, but the glazing, decoration and final

firing is done in the main family workshop.

All designs are penciled on by hand, no stencils, and no two are exactly alike. While almost all of the designs are based on tradition, the exact interpretations have been developed by the workshop to create its own style. There are some pieces with more modern designs, but these are almost always the result of special orders.

Roberto proudly states that almost all the dishes and other ceramics in San Miguel hotels and restaurants are from their business, and they even have clients in the city of Puebla, home of Talavera.

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Medical My Fitness Matters Journey

Pam Thompson

Katy Saunders

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

tksaund@gmail.com

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

Up Periscope – Having a Colonoscopy

I

often say that it is important that those that work in healthcare should be on “the other side of the table” so to speak; that we should be a patient now and then to understand how it truly feels as a reminder.

Last week it was my turn!

I schedule literally hundreds of the ever-dreaded colonoscopy.

Seriously, who really looks forward to this? I schedule them, sending the time and instructions to the patient right and left. My turn!

To be honest, I have had several so it wasn’t like I did not know what was going to happen. I was not nervous and I was not at all afraid but I did dread the prep. The stuff that you have to drink (four whole packages), to me anyway, is vile.

This time I decided to mix it with a tropical fruit flavored juice in the blender with ice. To be honest it did not make me gag but drinking four liters of liquid in a fairly short period of time is not an easy task.

After the first liter, I began to feel as if Mt. Vesuvius had taken up residence in my abdomen and was preparing for eruption. By the end of the fourth liter I would guess that items I had eaten six months ago had been emptied. I will now add to my very detailed instructions to patients scheduled for a colonoscopy: baby wipes, air freshener, magazines or at least a good charge on your Kindle.

Arriving to Dr. Joya’s office/procedure room, I knew the drill. Changing in to the oh-so-attractive openin-the-back gown with my aging butt showing I climbed up onto the gurney. The big difference between your “average patient” and me is that I see these people every day and your average patient doesn’t.

I know what happens during a colonoscopy because I have been in the room when many are going on. It is a symphony of gas passing, every tone and pitch. Will I blast them out with mine? Will they laugh at me? Will they now see me

June 8 - 14, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

at work and snicker to themselves thinking of Pam’s pedos? And then I think, really? You are worried about this and they are going to stick a scope and camera up your butt? Who cares? They have seen all of me in surgery anyway! Bring on the Propofol and let’s get this party started!

The nurse starts the IV (and she does a very good job I might add!).

I turn over on my side with my butt facing Dr. Joya who has seen it before as I am babbling away. The anesthesiologist says “Ok Pam, are you ready?” I say “Ok – hit me!” and the next thing I know I wake up in another room feeling warm, fuzzy and comfy. I snooze off and on for about an hour or so and really do not want this soft feeling to end. But end it does, and a short while later I get up, get dressed and leave. I am hungry! I head across the street and grab a sandwich and inhale half of it (quite a feat for me) and actually return to work.

So you see folks the entire procedure is really quite simple. I did have some abdominal grumblings and racket later in the day but probably because I really should not have eaten a salami sandwich instead of eating something bland (as per the instructions). This is a very important procedure to have done for a variety of reasons after a certain age and especially if one has a familial history of colon cancer or if you is having some abdominal issues.

You are more than welcome to email me for information and pricing. Just do it! It’s not nearly as bad as as you think it is!

Superman to the Rescue, of Your Lower Back

S

uperman, the superhero is also an easy at home exercise when performed correctly using one’s body weight.

Grab an exercise mat if you have one and find a wide open space.

Start by lying face down, flat with your arms by your sides and your feet approximately shoulder width apart.

Bring your hands above your head as if you were superman flying above the Empire State building on a mission. With your hands and feet are still on the ground, inhale, taking a deep breath and lift your hands and feet in the air six inches above the ground. While still in the air hold for 2-3 seconds, and release. It’s important to remember

to slowly lift your hands and feet into the air, pause at the top and exhale before you come down.

You may be wondering “How do arms and legs benefit from such a small movement?” and you may also be thinking this exercise doesn’t feel strenuous enough or compare to your cardio treadmill routine! Well the answer is that they don’t, because the muscles you are targeting aren’t the ones in your arms and legs but rather in your lower back and glutes.

Anything that requires bending, jumping or lifting or sitting for long hours will cause you to have a sore back. Sitting for long periods of time, is the primary cause for lower back pain, and this is where Superman

comes to the rescue! Performing two sets of fifteen repetitions will strengthen the lower back muscles and help to reduce pain. These will improve your fitness routine if you’re just starting or already have one. Include them in both cases at least twice a week!

I highlight this exercise as being one of the most important to add to our training because while we usually remember to work out our chest, shoulders, arms, legs and core, we often forget about those muscles in our lower back which are important to help support us while standing, sitting, walking, running and lifting.

Without a strong lower back, you may as well be sitting at Los Muertos beach under an umbrella, enjoying the waves and sipping frozen margaritas but if you want to strut your stuff and flaunt that sexy bod, trust me, these will improve your workouts.

I recommend in addition to your Supermans that you complete two sets of fifteen sit-ups. As you strengthen the back it’s equally important to keep the core strong and vice versa!

Questions or comments? Send them to me! I’d love to hear from you. Email me at tksaund@gmail. com. Until next week, stay healthy, stay happy, stay fit!

L

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Petroglyph calendars and

rock art in Jalisco John Pint

ranchopint@yahoo.com

John and Suzy Pint lived near Guadalajara, Jalisco, for 31 years, and authored “A Guide to West Mexico’s Guachimontones and Surrounding Area” and co-authored “Outdoors in Western Mexico.” Find out more about John and Susy Pint’s books at RanchoPint.com

Rock-Art Sanctuary discovered in 2006 has more than 850 petroglyphs

M

ore than 850 petroglyphs have been discovered along the shores of La Presa de la Luz, a small, dammed up lake located some 100 kilometers east of the city of Guadalajara.

Archaeologists Rodrigo Esparza and Francisco Rodríguez have reason to believe that the site may have been used as an astronomical observatory over 1,000 years ago.

The two archaeologists have described their findings in scholarly articles and recently in an elegant 154-page hardcover book in Spanish entitled El Santuario Rupestre de los Altos de Jalisco (The Rock-Art Sanctuary of the Jalisco Highlands).

With the help of nearly 200 color photos and diagrams, they reveal — in laymen’s terms — some of the secrets of this extraordinary site, while simultaneously raising new questions about it.

The discovery of the petroglyphs took place in 2006, the book tells us, when Don Lupe, foreman of a ranch next to the dam, was clearing an area of the shore to make a corral. The tractor scraped away a rather thin layer of topsoil covering the flat, underlying rock and Don Lupe noticed some curious marks on the newly exposed surface.

He got a shovel and carefully removed the dirt, revealing not just one ancient engraving, but also a whole collection of them, covering an area of some 25 square meters.

This spot is now known as “El Planchón Principal,” or The Big Slab, and contains some 40 individual designs.

Dominating the rock art on The Big Slab are two pecked crosses, each set in the center of a pair of concentric circles. As their name indicates, all the lines in a pecked

cross consist of dots (also called cups) drilled or pecked into the rock. These crosses have been found in other parts of western and central Mexico and are principally related to the Teotihuacan culture.

The arms of the crosses are oriented toward the four cardinal points and some researchers think they are solar calendars.

In the opinion of Esparza and Rodríguez, the engravings on The Big Slab represent the movement of the sun and other stars over the period of a year and mark seasonal changes, such as the solstices and equinoxes.

However, they stress that scientific studies still need to be carried out to corroborate this theory.

The same holds for dates. The archaeologists estimate that the petroglyphs may date back to the year 500 but, they say, “We need

to carry out a far more detailed study of the engraving techniques, which should tell us whether all the designs have the same age or whether they were made at different periods by different societies.”

A total of 16 pecked crosses have been found at the Rock Art Sanctuary.

“Figuring out what the pecked crosses mean has been a headache for researchers,” say the archaeologists. Pecked crosses have 260 points which coincide exactly with the number of days in the Mesoamerican calendar, so perhaps they were used for keeping track of time.

However, the cross in the center of the circles is usually oriented toward the four directions, so perhaps they constitute a kind of pre-Hispanic compass, divided into 260 degrees, just as

our modern compasses have 360 degrees, roughly the number of days in our own calendar.

The designs around (and sometimes within) the pecked crosses might indicate when to carry out practical activities such as hunting, planting and harvesting or the beginning of the rainy and dry seasons. It is even possible that they are records of astronomical events, the alignment of the planets or even the explosion of a supernova.

The spiral is the most common design found in rock art, from Alaska to Patagonia, and around 150 have been registered at Presa de la Luz. Much speculation is made on what the spirals represent: lakes, springs, mountains, wind, gods and the very circle of birth and death have been suggested.

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Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Birthday Fairies

W I should note that a simpler explanation is given by archaeologist Joseph Mountjoy, author of the book Arte Rupestre en Jalisco (Rock Art in Jalisco), who suggests that each spiral is basically a prayer requesting rain.

A similar meaning might apply to the many pocitos or little pits carved into the rock all around the area.

Mountjoy suggests they may be an uncomplicated way to depict the sun god, making them also a kind of prayer, although some of the larger pocitos have been described as “fixed mortars” for crushing plants and grain.

It is surprising to note that among the 857 designs at Presa de la Luz, only two represent human anatomy. One is a fulllength figure of a woman and the other is a foot. A great many of the designs might be described as elaborate and maze-like, with

several elements connected by a single, often meandering line.

Esparza and Rodríguez are now working with a third archaeologist, Teruaki Yoshida of Tokai University in Japan.

Their most recent project is a dig to investigate the ruins of an ancient ceremonial center located in a field of agaves near Presa de la Luz. “Dating petroglyphs is very difficult,” says Esparza, “but nearby we have found the remains of several structures which ought to tell us a great deal about who did the art work and when they did it.”

In May, four test pits were dug resulting in the uncovering of a rectangular altar located in the middle of a wide, sunken patio.

“The first thing we noticed was that this altar is closely related to those found in the Bajío culture, which flourished in this area from

600 to 900 A.D., so it appears to be part of this tradition.

This has encouraged us to do another dig, hopefully this coming January.

So we now have high hopes of learning much more about the people who carved the petroglyphs at this rock-art sanctuary.”

Unfortunately, the fact that these horizontal petroglyphs can easily be stepped on and that the rock they are carved in is rather soft means that the place is not open to the public and may never be.

This makes Esparza and Rodríguez’ book all the more valuable to people interested in fathoming the secrets of the ancient inhabitants of Mexico.

It can be purchased for 400 pesos by contacting jresparza@ yahoo.com.

hen I was a young mother I enjoyed creating new traditions for my children. I think I believed that the more exhausted you were every night, the less likely your children would have to be bailed out of prison some day.

So every time my children had a birthday, they would wake up that morning and found that the “birthday fairies” had arrived sometime during the night and decorated the house with their favorite Disney characters.

So the birthday fairies are up way past my bedtime on every October 27th and June 22nd, and I am unwinding streamers and blowing up balloons as quietly as I can even though it HURTS my FINGERS to tie those dang things after the fifth one. It’s all about the love and the traditions and the remembering what your mother did for you so you’ll feel a bit guilty about asking for a loan just until payday.

The Boy’s birthday is easy. It’s almost Halloween, and nothing’s more wonderful than turning your home into a House of Horrors even if it’s not someone’s birthday. The birthday fairies are pretty twisted anyway, so they love stuffing Daddy’s clothing into life-like poses with a Jason mask perched on the tippy top of the whole mess. The Boy has a great collection of cool Halloween weaponry, so the whole scene pretty much makes itself.

My Girly, on the other hand, has a fairly sophisticated sense of fashion and décor. She had a brief obsession with Shrek at the age of two, but since then she requests things like “how about pastels only this year” or “what about a garden tea party theme” or “think Pinkalicious”.

Here’s the thing. No one has accused me (aka Head Birthday Fairy) of a lot of sophistication. But God bless me, every year on June 22nd you will find me hanging flowers from light fixtures and sprinkling glitter into tea cups and giving all the credit to the small winged creatures I made up because childhood should be magical, darn it.

I expect that some day, when my daughter has her own child and has

made the same foolish promises about fairies breaking into the house with princess birthday banners at 2am, she will remember what I did.

She’ll maybe wonder how I managed to get the decorations at least twelve hours ahead of time and didn’t have to run out to Wal-Mart at 9pm with my eyeliner around my ankles (let’s just keep that to ourselves, how ‘bout).

She’ll be blowing up those balloons wondering why I spent over eleven years dedicating myself to an exhausting fabrication. She’ll think about a good way to break it to HER little girl about how the birthday fairies was a Lie Grandma Told, so she won’t have to keep up this charade, because it’s killing her, this birthday chaos that comes with a magical childhood.

But you know what? The next morning her little girl is going to be shaking her awake around some ungodly hour and asking her if They came. My daughter will go downstairs with her and there will be the result of the Fairies’ hard labor: a crooked banner that’s coming off the wall because gum doesn’t substitute packing tape, some half inflated balloons because those are easier to tie, and some glitter spread around her plate.

My daughter’s heart will sink and she’ll realize she should have done a better job and not been in such a hurry to sleep by midnight, but her little girl will interrupt that thought with a scream of pure joy and a clatter down the stairs with widespread arms in an attempt to physically take in all this wonder.

And then she’ll know something that I finally figured out too. We don’t create the magic of childhood. It’s already there, in the eyes of a child who sees a crooked pink banner and knows for a fact that the fairies put it there. That’s why I did it. And that’s why she’ll keep doing it, as long as her baby believes in magic.

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Yelapa for the day

By Madeline Milne

A

bout 40 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by boat only you will find the village of Yelapa. Somewhat of a ‘popular’ spot, Yelapa used to be considered off the beaten path. Accessible only by boat, though that is rumoured to be changing, and now alive with electricity, cell phone coverage and 4G internet service, Yelapa is as about as modern as anywhere in Mexico. But it retains a sweet hippie vibe that harkens back to earlier times.

There are rustic cabins and five star luxury villas for rent. There are no chain restaurants or major shops, and you wouldn’t want there to be, regardless.

Perfect for a day trip, even better overnight, Yelapa is easy to access from the Los Muertos Pier via water taxi or from the pier in Boca de Tomatlan for a shorter (20 minute) trip.

The boats leave throughout the day all week long. Depending on your plans for the day the 9:30am or 11:45 boats are probably the

best. The 11:45 is usually less full.

The last boat returning is at 3:45, so plan accordingly. If you’re lucky you’ll see turtles and dolphins in transit and the boat ride is a great way to see the extraordinary homes along the south shore cliffs.

Once you arrive in Yelapa you can get off at the hotel pier, directly on the beach or in the town. The town pier is great because then you can explore and grab lunch at one of the many charming restaurants before heading up to the ‘small’ waterfall. The water is cold and relatively shallow. It’s safe to venture in and stand behind the waters.

There is a small restaurant at the base of the waterfall for a drink and snacks. Vendors line the path if you are looking for a new sarong, pipe or woven bracelet.

After a quick run through town, head over to the main beach where you can set up at one of the many beachfront restaurants.

Getting to the main beach may mean crossing the river where it

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

W

even okay around the felines.

Blue has been neutered, dewormed and up to date on his vaccines. Be sure to check out the video of this beautiful boy.

See https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=KaNEiJoQlSM. If you are interested in adopting, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

meets the beach.

There is a bridge crossing about 15 minutes up the river and it’s a lovely walk with plenty of nature to appreciate.

The beach restaurants all offer fresh fish and cold beverages. Pull up a lounger and relax for the rest of the day. A couple of the restaurants offer paddleboards for rent and the hotel on the north end has sea kayaks.

If the ‘pie lady’ comes by – be sure to grab a slice of each flavour.

They’re divine.

The water in the bay is fairly calm and perfectly safe for swimming.There is some snorkelling on the southern side of the bay and a rumoured resident sea turtle.

If you arrive early you may want to rent horses and check out the ‘big’ waterfall. It’s about an hour up the river passing through

fields and crossing the river. It’s a wonderful way to peek into the simple rural life of those who live here and the waterfall is impressive. You can hike the distance as well but leave yourself two hours in each direction.

Yelapa is a natural gem with near pristine lands and bay. It’s great for a relaxing day on the beach or stay for a couple days to truly disengage and unwind.

riviera nayarit

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Living In La Cruz Cindy Bouchard

cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

A dream come true… Masala on the beach!

D

on’t we all just want to achieve our dreams?

It’s especially wonderful watching others achieve theirs!

After a group of us dined at Masala on New Year’s Eve we invited Julio and Rita back to our rooftop to watch the fireworks. Julio shared with me his big dream… to have an oceanfront restaurant where his guests could dine while the sun sets. Rita and Julio are now living their dream; working and living in an oceanfront village with two separate restaurants located on the beach. One is private and the other is open to the public at

the StarBay resort on the beach at Playa Huanacaxtle.

I popped in for lunch last week and Julio greeted me with exuberance.

Shining that great big smile of his, I knew Julio had found his place. I enjoyed their special bacon wrapped shrimp and my girlfriend had fish tacos.

Masala Restaurant is all about the spice!

Folks often ask if Masala is an Indian restaurant, as the name seems to imply. It’s not. When I asked Julio about that he said they named it that as they created their

own Masala spice using 7-8 custom ingredients.

What I know is that our guests rave and so do we. “Have you had the pork chops?”, “Oh the scallops, they were divine”, “The presentation…”, “That tuna!”, “I’d have paid at least double what I spent there to enjoy such a marvelous meal in my city” and more.

When pressed to define the food Julio says “Masala Restaurant creates a fusion of flavors; interpretations of Mexican/Mediterranean/ Asian cooking.” Originally only Rita did the cooking and creating of the

menu but Julio says Rita taught him and now he loves to cook too.

At home he’ll create a meal and Rita will judge it and vice versa and that’s how the new creations make it to the restaurant… or not.

Julio says that seafood is definitely his favourite and that while he recommends everything, he most loves the seared tuna and the Masala prawns with ginger, citrus and saffron.

Although he enjoys working in the kitchen Julio says greeting their guests makes him most happy.

If someone leaves something on

their plate he wants to find out if there was anything wrong.

In La Cruz, we’re blessed with an abundance of great restaurants and Masala gets top praise from our guests and tops the list as one of our faves!! We’re told time and again from our hotel guests that Masala is better than top restaurants they visit all over the world.

Visit them at the Starbay Resort and experience their breakfast and lunch options until the end of October when Masala will again be open for dinner.

Their location in Punta Esmeralda, exclusive to those who live in the development or by invitation only, is also a praised.

They serve breakfast and lunch and although I haven’t eaten there yet I’ve only heard great things from my friends who have.

Julio says they enjoy life here and hope La Cruz never gets too crowded. He and Rita invite you to come and enjoy Masala Restaurant!

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Kicks-off Reforestation Campaign

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t’s the start of the rainy season and with it the Riviera Nayarit’s Reforestation Campaign begins once more. Adding more trees to help with air quality, erosion and climate. The tree planting will begin in the Riviera Nayarit to take full advantage of the recent start of the rainy season. The first activity of the year was on Wednesday, June 28 at Cetmar 06.

There will be two areas in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle that will receive tree species native to the region, both are near Cetmar 06 on the way to Playa La Manzanilla: one is on a

stretch of Federal Highway 200 right before the old road to Punta de Mita, near the Centro de Calidad Nayarit.

The other is near Pescador Street, the one that leads to the water on the same beach.

Since 2015, this project continues thanks to the collaboration of several entities within the Riviera Nayarit. To date it has benefited the communities of Punta de Mita, Sayulita, Lo de Marcos, San Vicente, Valle de Banderas, Jarretaderas and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Participants in the activity include Grupo Vidanta, Iberostar,

Decameron, Dreams Villamagna, Dolphin Discovery, Fundación Punta de Mita, La UTBB, Piratas de la Bahía A.C., La Costera A.C.,

Fonatur Delegación Nayarit, Café la Lancha, la Red Tortuguera A.C., S.O.S por el Bienestar Animal A.C. As well they have the support of

the National Forest Commission, the Bahía de Banderas City Hall and the delegates from La Cruz and Valle Dorado.

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND SERVICES FABFABRICFELLOWS Aprons - Pillows Masks - Cooling Ties Three Hens & A Rooster Market V. Carranza 466 Saturdays 9 to 1 Contact Bill Kelly at

unonumerobomb@gmail.com

Sherry Vallarta HOME DE'COR

DIGITAL AND PRE-PRESS

PRINTING

For all your printed needs - Business Cards, Brochures, Menus, Flyers, Magazines, Calendars, Invitations, Books and more!

WE CAN PRINT YOUR IDEAS! Service available in English.

Tel. 225 4982 Ext 115 Tribuna de la Bahía

Personal Shopper BUY & SELL ~ ANYTHING & EVERYTHING sherryvallarta@yahoo.com 044 322 137 7063

Farmer’s Markets

M OLD FURNITURE, NEW BEGINNINGS WE PICK IT UP AT YOUR DOOR!

Hand-made Mexican Tiles, Talavera, Saltillo, Mosaico

599 Juarez, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322 206 2536 sales@colibridesignvallarta.com

English Spoken Puerto Vallarta & Banderas Bay Real Estate * Trusts * Wills * Inmigration * Civil Criminal Specializing in Immigration.

Real Estate. Condominium Law

Cell. 322 278 6694 felixzaratelawyer@gmail.com

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

BY DONATING, YOU ARE HELPING US CHANGE THE COURSE OF HISTORY ONE GIRL AT A TIME!!

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: 224 9209 322 217 2401, 322 180 8086 CASAHOGARCORAZONDENINA@HOTMAIL.COM WWW.FUNDACIONCORAZON.MX

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!

www.vallartatribune.com

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

J

uan Manuel makes exciting creatures out of metal bits and wire. He incorporates shells, pieces of driftwood, smooth stones, and brightly coloured feathers to decorate his menagerie.

Animals can be recognizable – like his iguanas (in three sizes), flamingoes and giraffes. Others MIGHT be frogs or men or dragons.

They are all fanciful, well made and all contain something to soften the hard edges of the metal, although one does have to take care “patting” the top of a recently-made iguana whose hair style can only be referred to as ‘spikey’!

His jewelry also encompasses found objects – an old spoon, a piece of coral, some precious gems get mixed in to create

lovely, one-of-a-kind bracelets and necklaces.

Another wonderful aspect of Juan Manuel’s artistic touch is his way with mending appliances – refrigerators, clothes dryers, microwaves, vacuum cleaners, rug shampooers; he never gives up restoring something that can be saved! His prices are fair and he speaks English.

Another of our bilingual vendors at the Marsol Friday Market are the Ruesgas – David and Elizabeth.

David was trained as a goldsmith but has switched to working in silver when the cost of gold escalated out of reach of most people.

Elizabeth sets a beautiful table layered with sparkling gems and gleaming silver bracelets, rings

and necklaces. Both are endlessly patient and kind and will take whatever time is needed so their clients fully understand what they are paying for.

They carry man-made gems

as well as precious and semi-precious stones.

They love both and are quick to point out the difference between (for example) a man-made opal and a natural one; the price also

reflects the origin.

For ‘first-timers’ buying stones in Mexico, both David and Elizabeth can be extremely helpful. The Marsol Friday Market by the Pier is open from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm .

Three Hens and A Rooster Market News

R

ain brings out the ‘best people’. So many newcomers to last week’s Market who read this column on Facebook and ventured out to meet us. The open rained-splattered courtyard was cleared of vendors who found other spots to set up to keep them and their products dry.

We fully expected a dull, boring, wet and soggy day but customers strode in, delighted at what they had found, spent freely and left us smiling in their wake. Do let our vendors know how you found us and then tell us how we can improve our Market to make Saturdays wonderful, even on a rainy, grey day; and, yes, a roof is coming!! So wonderful to see Marilyn Kahn out and about, gathering goodies from Pat Wagner and Bill Kelly for a special Purr Project event coming up. Marilyn is recovering from emergency brain surgery – healing fast and well, as beautiful as

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!

ever and anxious to get back into the swing of all things C-A-T. She was ogling Bill Kelly’s stash of designer Laura B. handbags….

Pat Wagner is back July 1 bringing lots of new clothes and more cat-inspired items to sell in her Boutique.

Peter Hardy – our Bagel King – has created a cinnamon bun/loaf.

Imagine half a dozen of his cinnamon buns stacked then laid in a loaf pan like bread, baked and not iced. One word: FABULOUS! Find Barb upstairs in her new gallery painting and painting. Fish, whales, jellyfish and wonderful abstracts in brilliant oils and acrylics.

Small enough to tuck into your suitcase or removed from the stretchers and rolled up to take home. Well worth the flight of stairs! Three Hens and A Rooster Market is open from 9 am to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

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

June 30 - July 1 RHA Festival Lovers of electronic music—particularly the house style—will surely enjoy this festival in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, which

presents a stellar lineup headed

by Green Velvet, Claptone, Dimitri From Paris and the Purple Disco Machine, with over a dozen additional Djs. July 1 - 1st Annual Mango Festival Enjoy food, beverages and other interesting products that celebrate the mango and tropical life in Mexico at the First Annual Mango Festival to be held at Lazaro Cardenas Park from 4-9pm. Food and beverages to sample, vendors, musicians and more!

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 It’s San Blas’ turn to host this itinerant tournament, which visits different coastal villages of Nayarit in search of new talent in this sport.

July 17 – August 11 La Patrona Atlética Madrid Summer Camp will be holding a Summer Camp - San Pancho Campus.

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.

July 21-23 Abierto Mexicano de Surf (AMS – Mexican Surf Open) Mexicans and foreigners, professionals and amateurs: all surfers are invited to participate in this competition, which offers 100 thousand pesos in prizes and will take place in San Pancho.

entertainment

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June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

SEAN PENN Actor, Filmmaker, Political Activist

By Fred Jacobs

S

ean Penn was born in Los Angeles, California on August 17, 1960. His parents were actor/director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan. Despite his bad boy image onscreen, his early and school years were relatively calm.

He went to high school at Santa Monica High School and he began making short films with some of his childhood friends, including actors Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen, who lived near his home. Sean was never a fan of the Hollywood pomp and ceremony he witnessed growing up, but admired the industry in which he grew up in.

In 1974, Sean’s father was directing some episodes of the “Little House on the Prairie” television series and that’s where Sean got his first onscreen exposure as an extra. In 1981, Sean got his film career started with the actiondrama “Taps” (1981), where he played a military high school cadet.

Appearing with George C. Scott and Timothy Hutton was no small feat for his first big screen role.

In 1982, Sean got the lead role in the hit comedy “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” (1982), in the role of surfer-stoner Jeff Spicoli. His character helped popularize the word "dude" in pop culture. In 1983, Sean landed the starring role in the drama “Bad Boys”. The role would be his first tough guy role.

In the film, Sean played an Irish-American hoodlum from Chicago, whose crimes involved snatching purses, vandalism, and getting into brawls. The film earned Sean very favorable reviews and launched his career as a serious actor.

In early 1985, Sean met pop star Madonna and after a short romance ended up marrying her in August of that year. This would be the start of a highly toxic and public four year marriage. Allegations of alcohol abuse and physical

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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.

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Sean was again nominated for an Oscar for his comedic role as a jazz guitarist in the movie “Sweet and Lowdown” (1999). He received his third nomination after portraying a mentally handicapped father in “I am Sam” (2001). Sean finally won his first Oscar for his role in the drama “Mystic River” (2003).

Sean then took a career risk and took on the role of real life gay rights icon and politician Harvey Milk, in the film “Milk” (2008). The film was a hit with critics and would earn Sean his fifth Oscar nomination and second Oscar statue.

Sean married actress Robin Wright in 1996 and would have two children with her, before divorcing, remarrying and divorcing her the final time in 2010. Sean’s outspoken political views and activism, has gotten him in hot water more than once. In December 2002, Sean visited Iraq to protest the Bush

Administration's apparent plans for a military strike on Iraq. In June 2005, Sean made a visit to Iran, pretending to be a journalist for the San Francisco Chronicle. He even attended a Friday prayer at Tehran University while in Iran.

After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Sean founded the J/P Haitian Relief Organization, which has been running a 55,000 person tent camp there. Sean was also a fan and friend of the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez and even called for the arrest of those referring to him as a dictator.

Closer to us down here in paradise, Sean has made news recently in Mexico. A day after Mexican officials announced the capture of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán in a bloody raid, Rolling Stone Magazine revealed that Sean had conducted a secret interview with El Chapo just prior to his arrest. The

goal was to talk about producing a biographical film about Guzman.

El Chapo apparently did not know who Sean Penn was, but he reportedly loved the idea of a film about himself.

The interview was criticized by some, including the White House and Mexican authorities who were seeking to question Penn over the interview, which had not been approved by either the American or Mexican government. Sean Penn’s meeting with Guzman and its circumstances are under investigation by the Attorney General of Mexico.

Sean Penn has given us no shortage of great onscreen performances as well as real life drama over the years. What is next, is anyone’s guess.

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

Where can I find the Vallarta Tribune?

8 222 667 .net : 322 Office@ronmorgan net an. info

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violence were common for the couple. One famous incident in the news was when Sean was arrested for assaulting a photographer on a film set.

Madonna has said privately that, “the passion and fireworks between them were unlike anything she's ever experienced, before or since.” The couple finally divorced in 1989, but friends say Madonna is still in love with Sean to this day.

While all this personal drama was going on, Sean had a string of well received roles in various movies. But in 1990’s, Sean hit the big leagues, with a string of outstanding performances. Sean would play a racist murderer on death row in the drama “Dead Man Walking” (1995) opposite Susan Sarandon.

Sean would be nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor for the role and Susan would go on to win an Oscar for Best Actress.

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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, Barra-

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

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June 29 - July 5, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com