Issue 1064, August 24 - 30, 2017

NEWS

EVENTS

EXPAT

Pitillal gets letters

Motown at Incanto

Import your car or not?

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Page 16

Page 08

VallartaTribune.com

DE I U G

a or Ah en l ño pa Es

E E FR

August 24 - 30, 2017 Year 20 Free Issue 1064

Pelicans at Playa Mismaloya!

Creative Hands of Mexico Page 10

Featured Property Page 04

Buying a TImeshare

Page 14

welcome

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

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

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

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

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

TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person unless there are more than four passengers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

COMMON SENSE: Just as you would not walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 15,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded.

There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking.

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not a valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that the system works much differently here than you are likely used to. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

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

August 24 - 30, 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 02/08/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 09/08/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 16/08/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 23/08/2017 CARNIVAL MIRACLE 3,200 30/08/2017

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 August Puerto Vallarta welcomes 16, 000 passengers!

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and 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 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

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

PechaKucha, Baach Clean-Up and Shopping for shorts!

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his is my last week in Canada and lucky me I’m back just in time to go see Paco Ojeda’s newest production PechaKucha at Incant on Saturday.

Will you join me?

The summer rush should be over but I’m hearing it’s still quite busy in Vallarta. Seems we don’t have much of a low season any longer.

This time of year typically businesses shut down to do repairs and have a much needed break. If you’re in the smaller towns of Bucerias and La Cruz, this becomes more apparent as options narrow for dining and drinking!

Cindy wrote this week a wonderful list of the businesses in La Cruz you can still visit during the summer months. If you haven’t been to La Cruz (lately) maybe

Letter to the Editor:

D

o you have a story to share with the readers of the Vallarta Tribune? Or comments on something happening around Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit? Feel free to send an email to editor@vallartatribune.com On Aug. 18th I was returning home to Canada at the end of a short 10 day stay. At the airport and outside the entrance I reached for the comb in my pocket. A few steps later, after replacing the comb, I was tapped on the shoulder by a large local fellow.

He opened his palm and asked my if the 300 pesos was mine. I

head over there for a ‘day trip’.

Also the beach just past La Cruz – La Manzanilla and further, Destiladeras are both excellent places to pull up an umbrella for the day.

I see Vallarta Pride is hosting a Beach Clean up on September 2nd from 9am-11am Here is from their FB event post: Please come join us for our very first, every other week, clean-up efforts. Our first host location is Blue Chairs Resort where you will receive complimentary coffee and agua fresca. All bags, gloves, etc. will be donated. We will have some very cool swag for you! 50 peso donation.

The next few weeks are fairly quiet but then we have Mexican Independence on September 16 th. This is a week-long event with plenty of fireworks and the iconic shouting of the Grito by the Mayor on the evening of the 15 th. If you’re in town on those dates, be sure to mark your calendar.

Whatever you choose to do, I trust you’ll have a blast!

I’m cutting this week’s editorial comments short as I have a ton of things to get done here. (Shopping for Asian spic-

confirmed that it was and he gave it to me. It had obviously come out of my pocket with the comb.

I thanked him enthusiastically but felt that wasn’t enough but he quickly turned around to go about his business. I called to him but he was already out of earshot and I was too burdened with luggage to chase him down.

I’d like to let your readers know how touched I was with this individuals honesty. I’m sure that it would have been easy for him to just pocket the cash.

I’ve been going to PV since 1982 and have never been disappointed with the good nature and honesty of the citizens. Kudos to all.

Warmest regards Dale Edwards

es, and Canadian candy, plus the end of the summer sales are on, so I have to elbow my way into the shops for 75% off shorts and flip flops!)

Be kind. Tip well. Say no to that silly straw and don’t touch the turtles.

DO YOU REALLY NEED

THAT STRAW?

Safe travels, Madeline

MUST ATTEND EVENT THIS WEEKEND Pechakucha at Incanto Saturday Aug 26 Presenters will share their ideas, projects and more with you in a fun and interesting format called PechaKucha (chitchat in Japanese).

Each presentation gets 20 images and 20 seconds for each image to share their story. Engaging and informative, this sounds like a fantastic new addition to the arts scene in Puerto Vallarta.

See you there!

You can read more about the history of this event in this week’s paper.

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

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

Enjoy this miracle of nature!

August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Featured Property of the Week

Great home in a family friendly neighbourhood CASA DENNIS 3 bed, 3.5 bath 1,883 Sq Ft. Asking Price $ 175,000 usd

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asa Dennis is drastically reduced!

Nestled in a cul d’sac, where you can find the peace and tranquility you desire.

This charming and spacious house has many upgrades to make this lovely home your personal oasis.

Casa Dennis features a gorgeous backyard and truly defines the al fresco lifestyle. The kitchen features a large bar seating, with custom solid wood cabinetry.

The comfy living room and open living plan is great for entertaining, windows in the dining room looks out to the garden.

The utility area was enlaraged and covered and a curved wall adds character to the façade.

The stairs to the bedrooms have a wooden trim and on the second floor there are three bedrooms. The master bedroom has a terrace that looks out to the front yard. http://www.boardwalkrealtypv.com/ properties/casa-dennis/

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

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.

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexicans Protest against NAFTA Pod hotel concept to Mexico City Talks, Say It Hurts Their Country comes izZzleep hotel offers capsule-type rooms to travellers at Terminal 1

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housands of members of social and trade unions protested last Wednesday in Mexico City against the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), claiming the pact marginalizes local farmers and hurts the country. A few hours after Mexico, the United States and Canada began the first round of renegotiation of the treaty in Washington DC, protesters gathered around the Angel of Independence Monument in central Mexico City and marched nearly three kilometers towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the march, the unions, which joined together under the slogan “Mexico Better Without NAFTA,” held posters saying “The NAFTA Hurts You.” Several trade union leaders took the occasion to criticize issues

B

concerning the treaty, which was meant to be signed for the benefit of Mexicans, such as the loss of purchasing power of local workers, the import of food products and seeds from the US and the loss of Mexican sovereignty.

As the march concluded, the protesters read a manifesto, which was later delivered to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stating that the government did not have enough social support to renegotiate the NAFTA.

Mexico Cannabis Fair Focuses on Plant’s Medicinal Uses

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he America Expoweed cannabis fair, which took place last week in Mexico’s capital, was primarily focused for the first time on the plant’s medicinal uses and also offer free-ofcost consultations for patients.

The drug’s medicinal benefits are center-stage at this year’s fair after medical marijuana legislation was signed into law by Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto in June.

In a press conference last Friday, Dr. Gady Zabicky said this year’s edition of America Expoweed was extraordinary from a psychiatric and medical point of view.

“It’s not often that doctors have such a close connection with society, with its demands and concerns,” he said.

The psychiatrist told EFE that last year’s fair had already delved into the subject but that the 2017 event marked a turning point.

“We can think of a before and after Expoweed, because from this point forward medical use of cannabis has been legitimized,” he said.

Six doctors from different Mexico states are offering free consultations to patients during the three-day fair, and the number

of appointments made thus far already has exceeded expectations.

For now, doctors in Mexico cannot prescribe cannabis, although they can assist patients with a complete medical consultation and afterward an attorney can help obtain the necessary medication legally.

Zabicky stressed the importance of the coexistence of both recreational and medicinal uses of marijuana, adding that the former has contributed to the discovery of the uses and benefits of the plant.

“Doctors and patients have

benefited from citizens’ recreational use,” he said.

The fair will take place at Mexico City’s World Trade Center through Sunday and include 42 speakers, 34 exhibitors and even six musical performances.

Companies from Spain, the Netherlands, India, the United States and Mexico are taking part in America Expoweed.

The fair’s ultimate objective is to achieve acceptance of cannabis as a normal part of society and not just as a medical alternative.

udget travellers who don’t mind close quarters have a new accommodation option at the Mexico City airport. izZzleep is the name of a new hotel at Terminal 1 that offers the Japanese pod or capsule concept, in which each room consists of little more than a bed, high-definition television, a safe and USB charging ports.

Guests have access to a private bathroom with shower, storage lockers and free wifi.

The new hotel has been picking up high ratings on travel websites, where travelers have raved over the convenience and price.

Designed for single occupancy, the pods can be rented by the hour during the day for 140 pesos (US $8), with a two-hour minimum, while a full night costs 605 pesos. Travellers can shower

for just 130 pesos.

The 40-room hotel represented a 5-million-peso investment for a group of Mexican business people who have plans to invest another 25 million pesos in pod hotels at Mexico’s Terminal 2, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana and Cancún, said izZzleep director José Martín Alonso. izZzleep, which describes its hotel as “intelligent accommodation,” expects to host 12,000 guests this year.

Pitillal has a name of its own

T

he small town of El Pitillal located to the east behind Vallarta is a hidden gem with shops, restaurants and other services, especially for those of us who live here year round. This week the town was recognized by the local municipality with large letters of its own. These brightly painted letters help to attract tourism and strengthen the identy of this traditional town.

The ceremony took place in the main plaza with local dignitaries including Father Job Contreras,

parish priest of the church of San Miguel Arcángel, as well as Regal Magaly Fregoso Ortiz, Social Development Coordinator Juan Carlos Rodríguez Robles, and local merchant Liliana Camacho Rentería.

60,000 pesos were raised through donations from local merchants and the citizens of Pitillal and the occasion was used to present the family of the late Professor Martin Meza Sendiz a posthumous award for his contribution in the chronicling of Pitillal.

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ hotel celebrates 15 years

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asa Cupula, Puerto Vallarta’s legendary boutique resort hotel, is set to celebrate its 15th birthday with a threemonth celebration of the property’s history, present, and future, culminating in a grand Mexican-style quinceañera celebration.

Casa Cupula gained notoriety in 2002 when it became Mexico’s first high-end LGBTQ property. In the years since the then-five-bedroom guesthouse and oasis for gay travelers has grown into an 18-room full resort complex and an integral part of elevating the reputation of Puerto Vallarta as Mexico’s gay vacation Mecca.

“I don’t think anyone would have

imagined how the LGBT community has gained so much acceptance over the last 15 years,” said Casa Cupula founder Don Pickens, who still owns and manages the property. “Back then, Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as a leading LGBT destination was not as well-known.

Today it is celebrated by the city and is a major driver of Puerto Vallarta’s tourism-based economy.”

“We have been part of a great movement to modernize the image of Puerto Vallarta by showcasing the contemporary and luxurious offerings found in our Romantic Zone, Puerto Vallarta’s ‘gayborhood,’” Pickens added. “Today, Vallarta is proud to be one of the

most important international gay destinations, and Casa Cupula is still rated among the top hotels of any kind in Vallarta.

During the property’s 15-year run, it has continuously updated its offering, adding rooms and suites of various sizes, as well as three pools; a Jacuzzi and sauna; full concierge services that refer guests to hand-selected LGBTQfriendly activities; Pump Gym & Spa; and Taste Restaurant, one of the top dining venues in Puerto Vallarta.

Any 15-year-old deserves a great present and Casa Cupula is no exception. This year the new “Frida Suite,” will honor iconic early

20th century Mexican LGBT artist Frida Kahlo. Designed to reflect Kahlo’s love for Mexican traditions and culture, the suite’s debut will be part of the extended quinceañera celebration of Casa Cupula’s birthday.

A quinceañera is one of the most important Mexican celebrations, presenting a birthday girl or boy to society at the age of 15.

Casa Cupula’s grand celebration of its own 15 years will include multiple events throughout the season, starting with a quinceañera party on November 24. A drag queen contest at the event will see a brand ambassador crowned to represent Casa Cupula for the

season.

This will be followed by a banquet on December 2 to celebrate the boutique property’s leading role in Puerto Vallarta’s thriving LGBT community, inviting both local leaders and Casa Cupula alumni to celebrate together. The festivities will culminate with a major event in January, to be headlined by an as-yet-to-benamed world-famous “hostess.”

Casa Cupula invites past and new guests to join in on the celebration, enjoying a fourth night free on stays from November 27 to December 19. For more information and to book, please visit CasaCupula.com.

The world’s leading cruise reviews site and online cruise community, based its ranking on consumer ratings submitted with reviews on the Cruise Critic website.

The awards go out to destinations across 15 regions worldwide.

Puerto Vallarta is home to the most hotels with Diamond Awards in Mexico; including: Hotel Mousai which has a Five Diamond Award,

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta, CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, Casa Velas Hotel Boutique, Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta, Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa, Hacienda San Angel, Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort, Hotel Grand Miramar Puerto Vallarta, Hyatt Ziva Puerto Vallarta, Now Amber, Secrets Vallarta Bay, Sunset Plaza Beach Resort & Spa, Villa Premiere Hotel & Spa and the Westin Resort and Spa, which has held the distinction for over 23 years in a row.

As Mexico’s leading culinary beach destination, Puerto Vallarta has over 350 restaurants. Home to two AAA Four Diamond Awarded restaurants: Emiliano at Casa Velas and Vista Grill; visitors have also enjoyed and placed three Vallarta restaurants in the top 10 TripAdvisor’s Favorite Fine Dining Mexican Restaurants – Bistro Teresita, Le Kliff and La Leche.

Puerto Vallarta on Track for Another Record Year

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he Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board announced that the city has reported an increase of over 6% in hotel occupancy for the first six months of the year, with an average occupancy rate for January to June of close to 90% compared to 73% in 2016 and 70% in 2015.

Similarly, the Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR) handled 1,843,600 international passenger arrivals, in the first half of the year, 12.1% more than the same period in 2016. In addition, 189,324 passengers visited the destination while on cruise calls to the Puerto Vallarta Cruise Port, a 2% increase compared to 2016.

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board credits the success of

its consistent and proactive promotional and communication campaign in its primary markets including as Mexico, the US and Canada as well as emerging markets in South America and Europe for the continued increase in visitor arrivals. In addition, the tourism board’s strategic PR efforts targeting specific niche markets have played a role.

Puerto Vallarta is Mexico’s second most popular destination and one of the most celebrated, continuously receiving accolades from the media and visitors alike.

US News & World Reports’ Best Vacations 2017 selected Puerto Vallarta as #9 Best Place to Visit in Mexico, #7 Best Beaches in Mexico and #5 Best Spring Break

Destination. In addition, TripAdvisor’s consumer base of more than 2 million monthly users ranked Puerto Vallarta as #3 overall best Mexican destination for the 2017 Traveler’s Choice Award.

In 2016, Puerto Vallarta’s Cruise Port Terminal was named the top Mexican Riviera & South America Destination at the Cruise Critic® first-ever Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise My Fitness and Journey

Two Expats in Mexico

Parenting

Paul Kurtzweil

Leza Warkentin

Paul Kurtzweil (Q-Roo Paul) is a former lieutenant from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in Florida. During his 25-year career, he received numerous commendations to include two of the agency’s top honors: a Meritorious Service Medal and a Medal of Valor. In 2015, Paul retired and moved to Mexico with his wife. He now spends his day’s blogging from the beach.

I am the preschool coordinator and nursery teacher at the American School of Puerto Vallarta. I am also both unsurprised and not a bit sorry that this list of my favorites is mostly about places to eat. If you can live in Vallarta without appreciating some of the good eatin’ around here, you have to be at least half Vulcan.

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

www.qroo.us

Homecoming Woes

M

oving to Mexico: The One Thing that Many People Wish They Had Done Differently we’ve received tons of emails from our readers, many of whom are fellow expats living in Mexico.

The expats normally write me to share their personal experiences or ask for advice.

Those emails have definitely accelerated my learning curve when it comes to Mexico and they have also been the inspiration for many of my articles.

Here are two very interesting facts about those emails: 1. I’ve never corresponded with a single person who regretted their decision to move to Mexico.

2. Of the people who say they wish they had done something differently, more than 80% name the same thing.

So, what was that one thing?

The majority wishes that they had not brought their car to Mexico.

A Common Problem Importing a vehicle into Mexico is not as simple as merely driving it across the border. Mexico has strict regulations when it comes to importing a vehicle, especially when it comes to importing one permanently.

Many expats from the United States or Canada begin their new lives within Mexico with a temporary resident visa, which allows them to temporarily import their vehicle into Mexico for the duration of that visa.

Depending where you go in Mexico, you may be required to get a Temporary Import Permit (known commonly as a TIP). The TIP decal is attached to your windshield and it clearly shows the date the expiration.

This makes it easy for the police at the checkpoints to see if your vehicle has been in Mexico too long.

For the next four years, they happily motor around Mexico with a car that still bears the tags from

O their former home. This is where the headaches and legal problems begin for many of them.

You are only permitted to have a temporary resident visa for a maximum of four years, after which, you have to apply for a permanent resident visa — or leave. The problem is that Mexican law prohibits you from continuing to “temporarily import” a car once you get a permanent resident visa (Ley Aduanera, Art.106).

This leaves most expats with only two options: 1) remove their car from Mexico prior to obtaining the permanent resident visa, or 2) permanently import the vehicle, also known as nationalizing it.

The second option sounds great, right? Well, that one may not even be an option for you, depending on the age of the vehicle and where it was manufactured. I told you Mexico was strict when it came to permanently importing a vehicle.

By now, I think you can see why many expats say they would have done this one thing differently.

My advice for anyone who wants to permanently move to Mexico is to sell your old car and buy a car in Mexico. It will make your life so much simpler in the long run. **Additional notes: 1) the import rules are different for RVs; 2) a temporary import permit (TIP) is nor required to drive in the baja peninsula, the free zone of Sonora or within 25 km of the border.

ur family has been home in Vallarta for exactly one week and in that week we have accomplished very little. In general, we came back from Canada feeling sort of spent. This is because we spent the entire summer engaged in constant activity and interaction with friends and family, and quite frankly we don’t usually speak to that many people in an average day.

Another reason for the inertia is because we had to catch a 6:30am flight from Winnipeg, which meant we were up at 3:30am in order to get ourselves to the airport on time.

Finally, the second we got off the flight we were hit with a wall of tropical humidity that rendered us almost immediately immobile. I had forgotten what back sweat felt like, but the last thing it feels like is invigorating.

The other thing that stopped us from getting anything done this week besides the lack of energy is that our daughter fell down the stairs at my brother’s house the second to last day we were in Canada. It happened at midnight when she, as most children do when they want to cause irreparable trauma to their sleeping parents, decided she needed to tell me something.

She was at the top of a bunk bed and up three flights of stairs at the time of this great necessity. She made it halfway down all these dark stairs to my bed in the basement, but missed an important one and attempted to fly the rest of the way.

This was unsuccessful.

The good news is that she landed on one foot. The bad news is that her foot did not hold her up but instead crumpled under her weight.

I am bad in a crisis. Whatever.

We all know that. Well, probably you didn’t know that until now, but this has always been fairly obvious to the rest of my family.

In my defense, I was half asleep and afraid of the suddenly noisy

dark. When I heard the crash and then the moaning sound in the pitch black, my first reaction was to mostly accidentally elbow my husband in the stomach.

Then I realized that the crashing and moaning wasn’t the sound of an unholy creature dragging itself from the depths of the earth to retrieve me, but my daughter weeping in terror and pain. So I flew up the basement stairs, flicking on lights and ramming into immovable objects and finally pulling her to me.

I saw her ankle morphing quickly from ankle to horrifying purple globe. Right then I had to lie down because everything around me was rapidly returning to black.

Yes, I was losing consciousness because my daughter hurt her ankle. Sorry people, but it looked really gross and it hurt all the way to MY ankle.

Yes, I was the only person (including my daughter) to lose consciousness because she hurt her ankle.

To my credit, I held her hand while my husband iced her poor ankle for the rest of the night. I had to remain horizontal or with my head between my knees while I did so. I choose to see it not as weakness but as deepseated empathy that I’ve carried with me all my life when I see the suffering of the world, and even more so when it is my very own child. Ok, probably a bit of weakness.

Her ankle was not broken, thanks be. It was severely sprained and she couldn’t walk from her bed to an Ipad, so you know it was bad.

That meant wheelchair assistance all the way in the airports and a BREEZE through immigration, because she was adorable AND injured. This isn’t a bad combination when you’ve been up since 3am and you just want to be home already.

So this week’s been a bit of a wash. And that’s ok, because next week school starts and all the madness begins. Well, at least the NEW madness begins.

Katy Saunders

tksaund@gmail.com

My name is Katy Saunders, I’m a certified personal trainer. My journey to become healthy and fit has been nothing less than an amazing life changing journey.

I want to share with you that it is never too late to begin living a life of health, infinite happiness and well-being; just commit to starting. Remember, stay healthy, stay happy, stay fit!

Seriously Sculpted Abs!

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f you want to achieve more serious results from your workouts the secret to getting the most out of any exercise is this: you need to change up exercises for every muscle group. I know the topic of abs is a game changer when it comes to working out. I don’t want to discard other muscle groups, but if I can get you seeing results by reducing belly fat, fitting into those jeans and toning muscle, then let’s get started!

Earlier on, I talked about doing sit-ups and the plank, one predominantly targets the rectus abdominals while the other targets transverse abdominals, yes, that’s right, we have two kinds of abs muscles and they require different types of exercises. In fact we could say three kinds, because to get that amazing six pack we have to train the upper and lower abs with different sets of exercises. The best news is that almost all ab exercises can be done at home, with no or little equipment.

While classic exercises such as the sit-up and the plank are good exercises, the best are the ones you’re not doing and that’s because changing up your routine means getting the best results. Varying the way we exercise helps avoids plateaus (little results for the efforts we put in) and boredom.

If you’ve been doing sit-ups and planks, that’s fantastic, but I’m also going to share a few new exercises that will help kick start the changes you’re after.

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09 1. Mountain climbers – Start from a push-up position with your arms straight, bring one knee up to your chest while maintaining your push-up form, switch feet and alternate for one minute at a slow to fast running pace. Rest 15 seconds. Repeat 3x. (Rectus abdominals, Transverse abdominals.)

2. Toe touches – Lying facing up with your back flat into a mat, bring your legs and arms straight up and lift up to touch your feet with your hands. Return to lying position and repeat 10x. Rest 15 seconds and repeat 3x. (Rectus abdominals – Upper half) 3. Windshield washer – Lying facing up with your back flat on the mat bring your hands above your head. Raise your hands and feet at the same time to meet mid-air. Then slowly (in slow motion) lower them down back to start, repeat 10x. Rest 15 seconds. Repeat 3x. ( Rectus abdominals – Upper & Lower.)

Getting seriously sculpted abs doesn’t mean spending countless hours at home or the gym doing the same exercises over and over again. In fact if you want REAL results, the secret to awesome abs is spending a few minutes each day on your living room floor, or the beach at sunrise, doing a few simple exercises. You can get results fast by being consistent, following my advice, and changing up your routine every four weeks.

The more variation you add the better results you’ll get. The only key to getting results is consistency and variety. Of course, the better you get, the more you’ll want to challenge yourself, and we’ll get to that soon. If you want more challenging exercises email me tksaund@ gmail.com, I’ll send you new ones!

As for always my peeps, stay healthy, stay happy, stay fit! May exercise be a part of your healthy, happy you!

August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Medical Matters

From Here

Pam Thompson

Marcia Blondin

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

marciavallarta@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

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he Vallarta Garden Club meeting was held last week at Incanto. After drinks,we gathered in Incanto’s theatre to learn the latest projects that the Garden Club plans to tackle in the coming months. Some very ambitious ventures to be sure; that boils down to needing your support peso-wise and your time and energy getting planting and pruning done.

I will let you know when the next meeting is being held and hope you will come. You don’t have to be a member (but it isn’t expensive to become one!) and it’s a great way to meet new people in our city.

Also at Incanto – two important, fun events to wind up the month of August: Paco Ojeda presents the first Vallarta PechaKucha this coming Saturday, the 26th, at 8:20 (that’s 20:20…Google PechaKucha and it will all make sense!) then next Thursday, the 31st, Paco helps Salvatore, el Maestro Rodriguez, celebrate his 38th anniversary of playing piano. Other special guests will be there; check the box office and see if there are tickets available…then get them fast!

I received an invitation last week to Tercer Llamada, a theatre that opened two years ago across the street from Macroplaza. (Tercer Llamada means Third Call: a traditional announcement in most theatres that the production is about to begin.

And, please, be IN your seat after Second Call!) I met owner Victor Jimenez, originally from Mexico City, for a tour of his theatre prior to the performance of “Soy Frida. Soy Libre” (“I am Frida. I am Free”). I met the cast of two, including La Llorona, as they were getting ready for the monologue.

I was surprised at first to learn that Frida would be played by a man – Raul Cruces Najera. The reason? Director Victor could not find a woman strong enough after auditioning a dozen actress-

A Little (Local) Info on Zika

O es. I must say Raul presented a believable, powerfully heartbreaking, self-obsessed Frida, quite mad by the end of her short life due to her tremendous amount of physical pain and suffering.

The production itself took more than a year to put together with hundreds of photographs, many of them taken by Victor in the famous Blue House that belonged to Frida and husband Diego Rivera in Mexico City.

I know many theatre-goers in our expat community who don’t go to local Mexican productions because they don’t speak Spanish well enough to understand fully.

That is no longer an issue: Tercer Llamada is now providing English subtitles on a TV screen unobtrusively and well-placed on the stage so your eyes don’t miss much action. It is one of the many improvements in local theatre presentations that will no doubt catch on and, I am thinking too, of the many English performances that Mexicans don’t go to because of language.

Tercer Llamada has also added ‘Video Mapping’ to create interesting changeable backgrounds to “Soy Frida. Soy Libre.” Also, coming to this 90+ seat-theatre: a bar will be available this fall/winter season. Air-conditioned - NOT freezing! – comfy seats, very congenial staff. Lots of parking available across the street and a bus will drop you right at the front door.

And that Tercer Llamada is it, From Here.

n the average, I am receiving approximately three to four emails per week from people planning a vacation to Puerto Vallarta, asking about the “danger/incidents of Zika”. As well, I see an abundance of posts on various Facebook groups/ pages, some with correct information and some with incorrect information. As I usually do, I figure it is best to go right to the proper source and obtain the facts. So, I asked Dr. Jaime Zayas who is the Director of the Salud (Health Department) for the Puerto Vallarta area some specific questions: How many cases of Zika have we had in Puerto Vallarta in the past two to three months?

There have been two reported and confirmed cases here. (Confirmed is a key word!). Several months ago there were three other cases, one of which was a pregnant woman who thankfully, delivered a healthy baby.

If someone wants their area/ neighborhood sprayed, what do they do?

They can call 222-1104 and make the request. It is important to remember that not all mosquitoes are the type that carries Dengue, Zika and/or Chikungunya. It is the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The Salud sets traps for mosquitoes in a wide variety of areas and then the mosquitoes are tested. If the tests are positive for the Aedes mosquito then those areas are sprayed. That being said, year round spraying has been done throughout the area (with more spraying during the rainy season) as well as a large campaign by the Salud to clean up areas that are more attractive to mosquitoes such as places with old tires and places with old, standing water.

What is the spray that is used when they go through my neighborhood?

It is FICAM W and the active

ingredient is Bendiocarb.

It is non-pyrethroid.

What can we do to help to prevent these mosquito-borne diseases or viruses?

Remove any standing water in all areas, inside and outside of your home. Change frequently water dishes for pets being sure to wash and dry the undersides of the dish as the mosquitoes lay eggs there.

The same for plants and plant containers. Screens on windows and mosquito nettings over beds are helpful. Cover drains especially if you are going to be away. Use a repellant containing DEET. If you have any specific questions for Dr. Zayas regarding any of this, you are more than welcome to contact me as I can always reach him.

Back to the emails from tourists – what do I say to them? I always say it is a very, very personal decision! No one else can make the decision for them. The emails are nearly always from a couple planning a trip here and are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon. As well, many are going to resorts in Nayarit and unfortunately, as per Dr. Zayas, there is basically no collectable data from the state of Nayarit.

I would never assume to tell the requesting person “oh sure, come on down, no problem” and then, have them be bitten and diagnosed with Zika, as slight as that chance would be!

Working to prevent these mosquito-borne viruses is not only the responsibility of the Salud, it is the responsibility of each and every one of us and even more so during our rainy season!

Here’s to a very enjoyable week!

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Creative

On the Road in Mexico

hands of Mexico Leigh Thelmadatter

Chuck Bolotin

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.

The Drive, Part 1

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t is impossible to go straight into a talk about the beautiful lacquer ware of Olinalá without talking about just how isolated this community is.

Olinalá is a small community in the Mexican state of Guerrero. While I have met a couple of their artisans, I had also been told that not many travel to sell their merchandise because of the area’s roads. So a decision had to be made…

Really, really, really rural area? – check Tiny, singular “highway” for much of the ride? – check 5hr 20min to travel 260km (according to Google)? – check 1999 Ford Escort with rebuilt motor and transmission? – check Only $2800 pesos between my husband and I until payday? – check A couple in their mid-fifties that really ought to know better? – check We have driven slow roads before. The culprits have been either really rugged terrain with a LOT of sharp curves, (mountains of Oaxaca), or a ridiculous number of topes (highway between Toluca and Zihuatanejo). Yes, poor road condi-

tions have caused some headaches in the past, but they were NOT kidding about the road into Olinalá.

The first leg of the drive, from Mexico City to Cuautla, is no problem. Heading east and south from Cuautla to Axochiapan is pretty straightforward, too. Our first issue was the area around Chiautla.

Google tried to direct us twice to two short cuts to avoid the big bend of highway to the town, but our car was not cut out for either of them. To be fair to Google, the highway heading south from Chiautla was really bad for a stretch.

Continuing on Highway 23 and crossing into the state of Puebla, we were soon rewarded by much better road and by some of the nicest scenery we have passed in Mexico, as the photos below show.

We even got treated to views of eagles and buzzards.

Most of the drive on Highway 23 (from Chiautla) is in the state of Puebla proper, ending in the municipality of Ixcamilpa. Road quality did go down noticeably as we traveled south, but the views and the feeling of having the road to ourselves more than made up for swerving

around the bad ones. While definitely mountainous, the curves were gentle. It’s not a super highway, but we did not see the reason why the drive should take so long. Until we crossed into Guerrero…

Our first warning was that immediately upon exiting the town of Ixcamilpa, the road turned to dirt/mud for a few hundred meters, then we entered a modern bridge to cross the river. There was no traffic, and we felt quite safe stopping in the middle of the bridge to take photos.

The mountains do get a bit more rugged here, forcing significantly more cuts into them. But this is not really the problem. The problem is that … well, to say it is poor maintenance would be the understatement of the year. The rock is this area is particularly crumbly and the cuts are all pretty much vertical. Not a good combination. Where the Puebla issues were easily overlooked, the road conditions degraded to dangerous as we approached Olinalá.

Average speed… about 30kph…. 60 felt like flying. Rock falls everywhere, in places closing a lane and lots of evidence of where a very large rock had fallen previously.

The scenery was still beautiful but unfortunately the road took almost all of our attention. We made a short stop in the other lacquer town of Temazcalcingo, but time and the need to meet contacts, pushed us onto Olinalá proper.

Then the trip was worth it again.

Our first reward was the town church. Average colonial style rural church, but the inside is covered in evidence of the town’s creative hands. Walls, columns and more are covered in the designs of the lacquerware, using the same techniques and materials. We also discovered a second traditional handcraft here, the making of items with fine wood inlay.

The people inside were busy preparing the image of the patron for her Day of Assumption on Aug 15, but several were happy to talk to us about her, the lacquer and the woodwork, giving us a couple of contacts.

To be continued….

Photos by Alejandro Linares Garcia (the other 50-something that ought to know better)

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.

Chuck Bolotin

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he Drive from Mazatlan to Lo de Marcos, Nayarit: Confusion, No Shortage of Dried Shrimp, and Then the Prize in a Disneyland-like Jungle So there we were, in our van, after taking the Baja Ferry from La Paz and disembarking at the port at Mazatlán.

Given that we had just spent more than six weeks in the Baja California desert, even in the parking lot of the harbor in Mazatlán, we were struck by the profusion of plant life. Palm trees, vines, and other types of jungle shrubbery seemed to be growing everywhere, sometimes on top of each other, successfully utilizing any amount of even the smallest patch of what looked to be very rich soil and plenty of moisture. We couldn’t tell if they were planted, or just grew. The hills in the far distance were completely covered with greenery. Even in the parking lot of this typical harbor in which “create beautiful surroundings” did not appear to be a high priority, parts of it were indeed beautiful.

It was also very noticeably more humid, which of course, you need in order to get all the plants.

Very unfortunately, our plans in Mazatlán fell through at the last moment, which is a big shame, because from the little we could see of it, Mazatlán looked beautiful and interesting. Our next stop would be Lo de Marcos, a small, mostly Mexican seaside town in the state of Nayarit, about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta and about four hours from where we sat, a bit lost already, at the port in Mazatlán.

Jet and I looked at each other.

It was time to go.

After several guesses, we figured out where to exit, and made

a right onto a busy two-lane road.

Now what?

As we had so many other times in Mexico, we found our way through a combination of “The Five Methods”: Several paper maps, none of which were especially good, useful, or even accurate.

Google Maps (doesn’t work without a cell signal, so good luck with that if you have Sprint / Moviestar as we did) and / or Sygic, which is an app for your smartphone that’s supposed to work without a cell signal. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t.

Sometimes it’s accurate, and sometimes it takes you on route so strange that it strains credibility so much that you wind up not trusting or using it.

Asking people. Some know where things are, and some don’t.

Some who don’t, admit it, while others just tell you to “continue derecho” (“continue straight,” which we heard all the time and is a good laugh, especially when there are dozens of choices to make along the “straight” path other than just “continuing”). “Asking people” was also a bit of a challenge for us, given that our ability to speak and understand Spanish is limited.

Knowing and applying basic geography, which works great for general directions. For example, we needed to go south, so we just kept keep the Pacific Ocean to our right.

Dumb luck, combined with being observant. We used this a lot, and it was amazing how often it worked. More than once, we would be blithely driving right past our intended final destination, discovered that we had indeed already arrived, and made a hasty turn into the closest parking spot. Success!

By employing each of our Five Methods to various degrees, we eventually made it to the turnoff to the entrance of the toll road.

The sides of the entrance were jam-packed, shoulder-to-shoulder, with vendors hawking everything

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Que Paso at UDG CUC Michael Nolan

104.3wakeupshow@gmail.com

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

Given that many of them appeared to be selling the same exact same type of mangoes and dried shrimp as the others and there was no real reason to choose one vendor over another, each one would try to make eye contact and motion me over, as if they were hailing me as a long lost friend.

These are very hard working people with lots of stamina and a great attitude.

After paying our first toll and being let through, it appeared before us: a beautifully maintained, un-crowded, smooth highway, with not a pothole or errant cow as far as the eye could see. Upon fully comprehending the full ramifications of this, Jet searched for and found her Andrea Bocelli CD, which we could now enjoy, given that, rather than bumping along on roads alternating between each imaginable state of repair and disrepair, this one was almost silky (or at least, after experiencing a lot of the opposite for almost two months, it appeared that way).

I don’t know if the highway had signs displaying a speed limit, but if it did, it didn’t seem to matter.

Evidently, our 70+ miles per hour was way too slow, if we were to judge by the quantity of vehicles passing us.

On this toll road, they had devised a new game to play. There were shoulders on each side of the highway and any vehicle that is not going well over 70 miles per hour would drive slightly to the right and straddle the combination of the shoulder and their one lane. When you come across one of these slower moving, straddling vehicles, you are expected to pass to the left, which of course, would cause you to take up about half of the lane coming in the other direction. The result would be a virtual middle lane, jointly shared by traffic in the process of passing in both directions.

We continued like this for a few hours, until we got off the toll road

and onto a public road with the more familiar very small or non-existent shoulder setup. After traveling through a highland area through what looked to be the good-sized town of Tepic, we began to descend towards the Pacific Ocean.

As we got closer back to the ocean, the vegetation got more dense, as we plunged deeper into the jungle. Along our path in many places, the trees from each side of the road formed a canopy for us to drive through, gently but fully engaging our senses. We not only saw the jungle, but as we rolled down our windows, we could feel its wonderful dampness infused with fresh oxygen and smell the combination of musky, decomposing old growth and many times, sweet and fragrant flowers, all while being serenaded by an Italian tenor.

Given the sheer, almost shockingly beautiful area we were experiencing, a great calmness overcame us. As the yogis would say, we took a “cleansing breath,” as our minds cleared, our anxieties melted into the profusion of various palm, mango, papaya, and flame trees all being climbed upon and clung to by jungle vines, and our desires turned to just relaxing and enjoying the drive.

After passing by the beach towns of La Peñita and Guayabitos, we came across a single sign that announced Lo de Marcos. We turned right and peered for the first time down the main street of the little town where we would be staying for the next week.

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he University of Guadalajara Centro Universitario de la Costa radio station is happy to announce that ‘The Good Morning Wake Up Show’ hosted by Michael Nolen, just began its third year on the air.

The show is aired from 9:00 to 11:00 every Saturday morning.

Listeners can tune in at 104.3 FM or via the Internet at udgtv.com/ radio-puerto-vallarta/en-vivo.

Started in August 2015, The Good Morning Wake Up Show is broadcast as part of the University of Guadalajara’s 104.3 FM radio station at the Puerto Vallarta campus. The main purpose of the show is to get the English-speaking community of Puerto Vallarta involved with the activities and events of the university. The show, however, isn’t solely about the university; it is dedicated to all types of events and news in the Banderas Bay area.

Michael regularly does updates on weather, safety and entertainment. He gives advice on such things as transferring money to Mexico, to how to take the correct buses around town, where to eat, shop or just have fun. You can also expect great music, exclusive interviews, and Michael himself just loves to talk about what he’s been up to and what’s been on his mind.

Michael summarized: “I just try and inform the English-speaking population on how they can make their lives a little better, a little easier, and how they can get involved with all the great stuff that is going on, as a lot of the people down here are retired and looking for a sense of community. We’re very grateful to the president of the university Marco Antonio Cortez, who has been very generous, not only with his time but also offering us the opportunity to work here at the radio station.”

The Good Morning Wake Up Show is broadcast every Saturday from 9:00-11:00 am. For more information on the show, events and activities you can email Michael at 104.3wakeupsho@gmail.com.

You can also call in and be on the radio show at (322) 226-2200, listen to it live on Saturday mornings at udgtv.com/radio-puerto-vallarta/ en-vivo.

The Fall Semester Has Begun Classes began last Monday and there are record numbers of students enrolled this year. The numbers will go up greatly starting September 4th when the SUAM program begins.

SUAM is a program designed by the university specifically for older learners. The offer courses and workshops in a variety of different and interesting areas, such as: Computing and Languages: The intention is to develop skills in the use of languages. Students in the computer program learn how to use the computer and basic programs and the internet.

Art and Culture: Students develop skills with recycled materials and aquire basic skills in drawing and painting. There is also a dance class available.

Health and Psychology: The objective is to provide practical tools to care for both the physical and mental health of of the aging population.

Humanities: The objective in this program is to introduce the pleasure of reading books and their authors. It offers an approach to oral history and an opportunity to gain knowledge in the legal area.

Enrollment for this program is still open. For more information contact.

Lic. Erandy Mariel Cruz Castelo. at erandy.cruz@cuc.udg.mx or call the SUAM Program at (322) 226-2290 or 226-2222 The web site is suam@cuc.udg.mx.

Free Movies: Each week in the Auditorium “Juan Luis Cifuentes Lemus” for free. Open to the general public.

August 25th at 1 pm - Gueros Director: Alonso Ruizpalacios Actors: Tenoch Huerta and Leonardo Ortizgris Shadow and Santos live in an apartment where the light is cut for not paying the rent. They are visited by the younger brother of Shadow, Thomas, sent by their mother because tshe can no longer support him. The arrival of the boy changes things and the decide to embark on a journey to pay tribute to a legendary musician they believe is the father of Shadow and Thomas.

Wednesday Aug. 30th at 1pm Concert Rio 2011 Duration: 60 min Rodolfo Páez, better known as Fito Páez (Rosario, 13 March 1963) is a singer-songwriter, composer, musician, and director of Argentine cinema, Member of the so-called Rosario Trova, and one of the most important exponents of Argentine rock. In addition to his career as a musician he has dabbled as a filmmaker, scriptwriter and novelist.

With over 30 years of experience.

After the first countercultural stage critically acclaimed, the artist attained its definitive international projection at beginning of the nineties when he published the albums love after love (1992) and circus beat (1994), which became commercial hits, selling more than one million copies only with the first. and Please Remember…

Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you’re a mile away and you have their shoes.

V National Playa Guayabitos Volleyball Festival 2017 Rincón de Guayabitos, the Heart of the Riviera Nayarit, will host this exciting tournament from August 23-26.

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incón de Guayabitos is getting ready to host the V National Playa Guayabitos Youth Beach Volleyball Festival 2017—the first of its kind held outside southwestern Mexico— which will take place from August 23-27. Teams from nearly every

state in the Republic are expected to attend.

Sun, sand, adrenaline and plenty of fun are just some of the ingredients of this tournament that promises to be a top-notch sporting event in search of national volleyball champions in the junior and youth categories.

The “Las Escolleras” neighborhood of Rincon de Guayabitos will once again host this event.

The location offers one of the best views of the Isla del Coral (the icon of this micro destination) and some

very spectacular sunsets, as well as the best sand conditions for beach volleyball in the area.

The Festival is organized by the Mexican Volleyball Federation (FMUVB by its acronym in Spanish) together with the Nayarit Volleyball Association and presented by the Compostela Hotel Association. It also has the support of the Nayarit Tourism Trust (Fiprotur) and the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

The event has confirmed the participation of teams from the

states of Veracruz, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Durango, Coahuila, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, Colima, Michoacán, Jalisco, Chihuahua, Baja California, Sinaloa, Sonora, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, Querétaro, Estado de México, Baja California Sur, Puebla, Mexico City, Morelos and Hidalgo.

Attendance is free and open to the general public.

For more details please email eventosnacionales.fmvb@gmail.com

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PRIMARY CARE SPECIALISTS HOSPITALS LABORATORIES DIAGNOSTIC CENTERS OUT-PATIENT FACILITIES AND PHARMACIES

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Tel 01 800 681 9396 / 322 293 1553 www.lakemedicalgroup.com

expat Buying a Timeshare: The Pros and Cons

August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

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The 330Day Itch

By Ron Kelemen

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Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney tax@orlandogotay.com

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.

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hear it all the time, and goes something like this: “If you spend 330 days of the year outside the United States, then you have a tax exemption”. Of course, this refers to the federal Foreign Earned Income Exclusion “FEIE”. In tax law, generalizations can be dangerous. Oftentimes they may lead to misunderstandings and “suboptimal results”—audits, assessment of tax, penalties and interest. This is just an outline.

Today I will explain one of the tests to be eligible for FEIE (there’s another test; “bona fide residence”—to be explained another day). First, some preliminaries: the exclusion refers to foreign earned income. That means income is from foreign sources, using rules that determine the “source”. Things such as wages and self-employment income are sourced where the work is actually done. If your income is realized in a foreign country, voilà—it is foreign sourced.

FEIE income must also be “earned”. Pensions, royalties, interest and dividends are “unearned”.

If you can sit in the couch all day and the income arrives anyway, it is probably “unearned” and doesn’t count.

Not everyone with foreign earned income can exclude. Only individuals that meet tests that look into their presence in a foreign

country or countries qualify. One of the tests is “physical presence”. A person must be physically present in a foreign country or countries for at least 330 days out of a 12-month period. People generalize this as a “year” but this is not so. The 12-month period can begin anytime but months must be consecutive.

The first day of the “month” can be any day, ending 12 months later.

They don’t have to be the first day of a month.

The 330 days need not be consecutive but must be full 24-hour days spent in a foreign country or countries. Also, you could be in the foreign country for any reason—even vacation.

Your 12-month period does not need to be the same in subsequent years. In fact, your 12-month selections can overlap. This allows flexibility in travel to the US. Documentation needs to be kept to prove the day computation.

How much is this hassle worth?

For 2017 the maximum FEIE amount is $102,100 of excludable income. Other details: If applicable, you would still be on the hook for Self Employment tax.

States may not care about FEIE, requiring you to add it back to their own tax computations. Claiming FEIE makes you ineligible for child tax credits. IRS Publication 54 has all the details. Easy Peasy!

he purchase of a timeshare — a way to own a piece of a vacation property that you can use, generally, once a year — is often an emotional and impulsive decision. If you’re considering buying a timeshare, so you’ll have a place to vacation regularly, you’ll want to understand the different types and the pros and cons.

FOUR TYPES OF TIMESHARES First, a little background about the four types of timeshares: 1. Fixed Week The buyer usually owns the rights to a specific unit in the same week, year in and year out, for as long as the contract stipulates. There is predictability, but also little flexibility and the potential for long-range boredom.

With a fixed-rate timeshare, the owner can rent out his block of time or trade with owners of other properties. This type of arrangement works best if you have a highly desirable location.

2. Floating The buyer can reserve his own time during a given period of the year. This option has more freedom than the fixed week version, but getting the exact time you want may be difficult when other shareholders snap up many of the prime periods.

3. Right-To-Use With this arrangement, the buyer leases the property for a given amount of time each year for a set amount of years.

The developer maintains ownership of the property, however.

4. Points Club This is similar to the floating timeshare, but buyers can stay at various locales depending on the amount of points they’ve accumulated from buying into a specific property or purchasing points from the club. The points are used like currency and timeslots at the property are reserved on a firstcome basis.

FIVE ADVANTAGES OF TIMESHARES 1. Unlike a vacation home which may be vacant part of the year, you only pay for what you use. Thus, the use of a very expensive property could be more affordable; for one thing you don’t need to worry about year-round maintenance.

2. If you like predictability, you have a guaranteed vacation destination.

3. You may be able to trade times and locations with other owners, allowing you to travel to new places.

4. You may be able to rent out

your block of time if you can’t use it, although some timeshare contracts may not permit this and website exchange services may charge you to play matchmaker.

5. You might enjoy letting your friends or family use their timeshare for free or offer it at a charity auction.

THREE DRAWBACKS OF TIMESHARES 1. While you don’t need to worry about maintenance, you may need to worry about the annual fees and your lack of control over their annual increases. The average annual maintenance fee for a timeshare is $660, according to Howard Nusbaum, CEO and president of the American Resort Development Association. In most cases you pay that fee whether you use the property or not.

2. Timeshares are hard to sell, and used timeshare units are sold at a steep discount because there are so many on the market. Thus, it might be a better deal to buy a used timeshare on the secondary market. Bear in mind that the Better Business Bureau has been warning about timeshare reselling schemes that defrauded victims out of thousands of dollars.

3. If you sell your timeshare at a loss, the Internal Revenue Service doesn’t let you claim a capital loss as you would with other investments and real property.

POINTERS FOR POTENTIAL TIMESHARE BUYERS Still interested in buying a timeshare? Here are a few pointers: Think of a timeshare purchase as a lifestyle purchase, not an investment. When you consider travel costs and maintenance fees the concept of “prepaying” for your

vacations may not pencil out. Run the numbers.

Analyze your vacation patterns over the past few years. Does this property suit your needs?

Be wary of timeshare salespeople who answer your questions with a question and won’t be upfront about the purchase price. Another tip along these lines: it’s a good sign if you are offered a grace period allowing you to change your mind and cancel before committing to buying. In Mexico you have five days after signing the contract to change your mind.

You will have more protections if your unit belongs to what is called an owners’ club or association. This is similar to a condominium board, giving the property’s owners a collective voice and strength in numbers. The owners’ club may also be helpful when you try to sell your unit.

Ron Kelemen is the author of The Confident Retirement Journey and a certified financial planner with The H Group in Salem, Ore. His website is TheHGroup-Salem.com. www.forbes.com

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

10 Things You Have Mexico To Be Thankful For

Chocolate The first recorded evidence of chocolate was found in Mesoamerica, in the region that later became Mexico. Yes, you have Mexico to thank for Hershey kisses, Abuelita hot cocoa, German chocolate cake, and French silk pie.

Tacos Do you really want to live in a world without tacos? While the precise origins of the taco are unknown, Jeffrey M. Pilcher, a professor at the University of Minnesota and taco expert, believes that they date back to 18th century Mexico when men working in the silver mines invented the delicious food.

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (aka the BEST chip of all time) were invented by Richard Montañez, a Mexican immigrant and janitor at the Frito-Lay plant in California. He pitched his idea for a chili powder coated chip to the president of the company, who loved the idea. Now, Montañez leads the Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions branch of the company! Talk about

a great product -- and an even better story.

Colour TV While you’re snacking on your Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and watching endless episodes of Orange Is The New Black on your LCD 40” screen TV, remember: the inventor of the color television was a Mexican.

Guillermo González Camarena was the first person to patent the product when he developed an “improved chromoscopic adapter” for color television transmissions.

Tequila There would be fewer sloppy nights without Mexicans, and don’t you forget it. It’s believed that tequila was first produced in the 16th century, although the Aztec people had previously brewed an alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant -- long before the Spanish arrived on this continent.

Piñatas Fiestas would be a whole lot less fun (and less violent) without piñatas.

Okay, so originally piñatas are from China, but the tradition took

on new meaning when it was introduced into Europe in the 14th century and later brought to Mexico. Mayan tradition called for a pot filled with decorative feathers to commemorate the birthday of Huitzilopochtli. The Mayans would then blindfold themselves and break the pot with a stick or club, causing the treasures to fall to the floor. This festive ritual later became the basis for the piñata as we know it today.

Corn on the cob Do you want to live in a world without corn on the cob, cornbread, or corn tortillas? I didn’t think so. So, next time you dig in to a delicious cup of esquite, be sure to thank the Olmec and Mayan Indians who first cultivated the vegetable in Mexico.

Caesar Salad Que? Yes, it’s true: your favorite diet go-to was invented in Mexico. An Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini operated restaurants in both the United States and Tijuana, Mexico. During one Fourth of July rush, he depleted the kitchen supplies and had to make do with what he had on-hand. Thus, the Caesar Salad was born on the Mexican border.

Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas was just 25-years-old, he co-discovered the compound which became the chemical basis for the first oral contraceptive.

In other words: he invented the world’s first birth control!

Birth Control Birth control was invented by a Mexican? Claro que si. When Luis

People Louis C.K., Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o, Selena Gomez, Alfonso Cuarón, Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez, Paulina Rubio, Jessica Alba, Sara Ramirez, Diego Boneta, Thalia, Ryan Guzman, Michael Trevino, Kid Cudi, Miguel, and many more talented actors, singers, rappers, dancers, comedians and more have roots in Mexico!

Have fun, and remember to celebrate all the amazing contributions Mexico has made in your life as you celebrate Cinco De Mayo this year!

Original: www.latina.com

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Motown, “The Mexican Liberace” and PechaKucha Arrives at Incanto

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ntertainer Dwight Blake is an accomplished pianist/singer/ composer who is well-known for bringing heartfelt passion and energy to his performances. In this special one night only performance of Motown-Latin Fusion, Blake partners with popular local group Piel Canela, featuring guitarists Eduardo Leon and Fernando Huerta Gonzalez. Both are highly respected musicians. They will blend Dwight’s classic Motown favorites with a spicy Latin flare on Friday, August 25th at 8pm.

Presenter Paco Ojeda introduces PechaKucha’s Nights at Incanto. A new alternative to make your ideas and projects known to the people around you and to the world. They began in the early 2000’s in Tokyo, when two British architects began organizing meetings with their colleagues to present and share their most recent projects. They soon realized, however, that putting a microphone

in the hands of an architect or creative person, could have unfortunate consequences – not everyone has the gift to present an idea in an interesting way.

To solve the problem, they designed a very simple format using only 20 images and speaking 20 seconds for each one. They called it pechacucha, a Japanese word that describes the sound of whispering.

Also referred to as “20x20”, these bi-lingual events are new to Puerto Vallarta, with the first one being held on Saturday August 26 at 8:20 pm (20:20). If you are interested in presenting and/or attending, please email Paco Ojeda at paco.ojeda@gmail.com. You can also visit the official website, www. pechakucha.org and explore other presentations. The cost is $40 pesos per person. Tickets are available at Incanto’s website.

Salvatore Rodriguez, professional musician and teacher, will

celebrate his 38th year in music with his own show on August 31 at 8pm. Also known as the “Mexican Liberace”, he will present an evening of classical piano music, featuring Special Guests including vocalist Estela Rosas, singer/guitarist Gabriel Reyes, and presenter Paco Ojeda. Hailing from Tepic, Salvatore has played piano since age eleven, ultimately earning a degree in music at the University of Guadalajara.

He has since played for some of the biggest names in music, including icons Juan Gabriel, Rocio Durcal, Lila Downs, Vikki Carr and many others.

He is the only Mexican who has won the prestigious Yamaha Piano Award, and in 2016, he was named “Best Lyricist Pianist of Latin America”, an award given by Mexico’s Secretary of Culture. His vast repertoire of various musical genres is very impressive. Most recently, he has been teaching

piano, accompanying other artists, and playing piano daily on Incanto’s riverside terrace.

Sylvie & Jorge of The Zippers play Classic Rock Tuesdays at 8pm. Carlos & Tongo play Latin/ Cuban rhythms on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. Open Mic is on Thursdays at 7pm hosted by Tracy Parks with Chris Kenny on guitar. Bingo with Pearl fundraisers are on Satur-

days at 5pm. Singer/songwriter Chris Kenny plays Saturdays at 8pm, followed by Spanish guitarist/singer Gabriel Reyes at 10pm (also on Fridays at 10pm). Azúca plays Gypsy Swing at 7:30pm on Sundays, with Salsa dancing and lessons at 8pm.

Enjoy Incanto’s cold A/C and 2x1 house tequila cocktails/shots all day/night in August. No cover.

also search the most popular ones or those highlighted by the organizers.

The first PechaKucha Night in Puerto Vallarta (Puerto Vallarta

Vol. 1) will take place on Saturday, August 26 at 8:30 pm at Incanto, located at Insurgentes 109, Col. Emiliano Zapata, next to the Rio Cuale. There will be a cover charge

of $40 pesos per person.

You can visit PechaKucha’s official website, pechakucha.org, where you will find thousands of presentations, for inspiration.

PechaKucha in PV

By Paco Ojeda

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new type of event, PechaKucha Nights, has arrived in Puerto Vallarta as a unique opportunity to share your ideas and projects with those around you and the whole world, for that matter.PechaKucha Nights began in the early 2000s in Tokyo, where two English architects, Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, began organizing gatherings with their peers to share their latest projects at a bar or similar space where informal mingling was possible. However, they quickly realized that arming an architect with a PowerPoint presentation and a microphone (or any type of creative person, for that matter) could have lamentable consequences - not everybody has the gift of presenting an idea in a clear, concise way.

To solve the challenge and level the opportunity to share presentations in a well-balanced fashion, they came up with a simple format: those who wanted to present could only use 20 images, speaking for 20 seconds per image (20x20), which resulted in presentations of six minutes, forty seconds.

They called the format

“pechakucha,” a Japanese word equivalent to “chit-chat” in English.

Almost 15 years later, PechaKucha Nights have become a staple at more than 1,000 cities around the world, in which any person has the opportunity to present a project or idea in front of a diverse audience, as long as they are willing to take on the challenge of summarizing it with 20 images, and speaking 20 seconds per image.

PechaKucha Nights usually take place at bars or public places where mingling is encouraged, they are either free of charge or a small contribution is suggested, and feature an average of six to 10 presenters, who also get to answer questions from the audience.

The impact of PechaKucha Nights goes beyond a night of social and cultural exchange.

Each PechaKucha - that is, each presentation - is videotaped and uploaded to the organization’s official website, pechakucha.org, where it can be enjoyed by people all around the world.

The website allows visitors to search presentations by topic, language or city. Since you can “applaud” presentations you enjoy with the click of a button, you can

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

10 Hotels in the Riviera Nayarit that Will Make You Feel at Home

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hen we travel we usually look for that feeling of being at home—only with all the luxuries and services of a hotel. Though we may at times travel to escape the day-to-day, it’s always nice to arrive at our hotel room and find ourselves in a comfortable place to call home, even if just for just a few days.

This time around we’ve put together a list of places to stay that not only meet the highest standards of quality, but also have that elusive attribute that makes us still “feel at home.”

1 Mar al Cielo Eco-Retreat Mar al Cielo is a private beachfront refuge completely committed to protecting its gorgeous environment, located very close to the village of Lo de Marcos. It’s ideal for those looking for a vacation experience that’s very close to nature, but doesn’t lack in creature comforts. Mar al Cielo offers its guests specialty menus with traditional Mexican dishes with a fusion twist, created with fresh, organic ingredients from the establishment’s own garden. Besides the culinary experience, visitors can also enjoy birdwatching and boat tours of the vicinity. www.maralcielo.com 2 Vallarta Gardens Far from the madding crowd is a place where the waves of the Pacific lap at a golden beach, a place that offers the highest standards of quality and service: the exclusive and spectacular villas of Vallarta Gardens Resort & Spa, a boutique beach resort located at the entrance of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The property offers three different concepts that are all fully furnished with high quality finishes. Its two semi-private beaches are spectacular, with breathtaking sunsets and a breakwater that creates a perfect natural pool brimming with crystal clear water. www. vallartagardensresort.com 3 Refugio del Mar Refugio del Mar is made up of 15 grand luxury apartments, beautifully decorated and completely equipped for stays of anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, just a block from the beach. The complex is situated in the town of Bucerías on Banderas Bay by a clean and safe white sand beach.

Seven of the rooms have a private balcony overlooking the street.

There’s even a pool with incredible

views on the rooftop of the first building, and the second building has a garden with a barbecue area and pool. www.refugiodelmar.net 4 Garza Canela Located in the historic Puerto de San Blas, the Garza Canela hotel is, as its literature says: “The perfect place to escape from your routine.” Chef Betty Vázquez, Culinary Ambassador of the Riviera Nayarit, owns the property along with her family, and together they offer their visitors a warm welcome that makes them feel right at home.

They also offer incredible dishes created with the freshest seafood and local ingredients prepared with international techniques in their El Delfín restaurant. The Garza Canela has ample gardens and a children’s playground area for the kids, as well as a wading pool.

It also has a chapel for religious ceremonies and, as if this weren’t enough, pets are very welcome! www.garzacanela.com 5 Mesón de Mita The Mesón de Mita hotel offers an ideal ambiance for relaxation and privacy, and the prices are very accessible to enjoy with your family, your friends or your loved one. It’s located in the tourist-restaurant zone known as El Anclote in Punta de Mita. The hotel has a beautiful view: an expanse of white-sand beach, the blue sea and the Islas Marietas in the distance. The beach is ideal for watersports, plus there’s the added pleasure of enjoying whale sightings during the months of November through March. www. hotelmesondemita.com 6 Casablanca Resort There are few hotels in Rincón de Guayabitos that offer such a perfect balance of quality and price as the Casablanca Resort. This four-star property has 29 Junior Suites, nine Junior Suite Premium and seven Master Suites, all private, ample and well equipped

Cabañas El Capitán

Hotel and Bungalows Guayabitos with kitchenettes. Every room has its own balcony with beautiful views of the sea. The Casablanca Resort is located on the main street, just two and a half blocks from the main entrance to Rincón de Guayabitos. www.casablancaguayabitos.com 7 Real Villas The Hotel Real Villas is located in the residential zone of Rincón de Guayabitos. This five-star hotel puts on its very best every year to greet the hundreds of Canadians that come visit this corner of paradise. Their guests speak highly of the great service and the typical cuisine, as well as the Mexican culture and folklore. Real Villas offers a warm welcome in this tranquil spot, ideal for a relaxing and enjoyable time with family on one of the best beaches in the Heart of the Riviera Nayarit, just across from the Isla del Coral. National visitors will also find it’s very well priced. www.hotelrealvillas.com

a new and spectacular image. It’s known for its excellent service both by its national and international clients, but what really makes it stand out is the personalized and very professional service offered by its staff. It has two categories of rooms to please even the most demanding clients, be they a family, a couple or a group, for anywhere from two to four people. The Hotel and Bungalows Guayabitos is located on the Sol Nuevo Avenue just a few steps from the beach and a few yards from the main plaza and church. www.hotelguayabitos. com.mx 9 Cabañas El Capitán Located in Rincón de Guayabitos, the Cabañas El Capitán is a combination of hotel, bungalows and suites with fully equipped kitchens. Its design is a natural and semi-ecological concept, for those who seek a relaxing ambiance for their vacation. It has all the basic services, from air conditioners

8 Hotel and Bungalows Guayabitos Located in the heart of Rincón de Guayabitos, the Hotel and Bungalows Guayabitos is a great place to enjoy the charms of this seaside village in the Riviera Nayarit. It was recently remodeled and is sporting

Mesón de Mita

and fans to satellite TV with LCD screens, helping visitors to unwind, leave behind their routine and enjoy a different experience at one of the calmest beaches in the region with the most amazing sunsets. www. cabanasdelcapitan.com 10 Estancia San Carlos A pioneer in its class, its architecture is colonial in tune with its surroundings, with comfortable, functional spaces for the enjoyment of the vacationing visitor. It has ample beachfront facilities, comfortable rooms and qualified personnel to guarantee each guest an incredible experience. Estancia San Carlos is different from other area hotels in Rincón de Guayabitos because it welcomes pets, so visitors can bring their “best friend” along. The hotel offers 68 double rooms, bungalows and junior suites, some with kitchenettes and all with air conditioning. www.estanciasancarlos.mx/rincon-de-guayabitos

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Life

In La Cruz

By Cindy Bouchard Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Discover La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

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ften, Chris and I venture out to neighbouring towns to discover, explore or to just experience new things.

I invite you to discover La Cruz de Huanacaxtle! If you live in our inspiring town, try something new.

If you’re a drive away I invite you explore and visit one or more of our marvelous eateries.

Many take a much deserved summer break; its hot and fewer people are around… what that means is La Cruz has a more intimate vibe. Admittedly, I too, leave for most of the summer yet when I’m there my experience is of a small Mexican town serving and treating guests at ‘a summer pace’, sometimes trying new menus for

the following season and relaxing with you One could begin their day enjoying coffee and breakfast at Ana Banana’s or walk the beach and have lunch at Oso’s Marina restaurant. You could park at the Marina, walk the boardwalk, the malecon, and treat yourself to lunch at La Peska/Frascati’s who share the upper floor overlooking the lovely boats moored at the marina.

Stroll the 5-minute walk to La Cruz’s colourful plaza, look up to the trees where magnificent iguanas camouflage themselves among the leaves; with patience you’ll spot the grand creatures lounging on the branches. The six-foot long vegetarians are spectacular!

Choose between coffee and home cooked delights at Café Shulel or have home made ice cream, muy rico (very rich), across the plaza;

chocolate and coconut are my favourites with vanilla an amazing contender for most amazing flavor!

Park around our only street light and go up the hill to Mare Nostrum or down the hill to Langosta Diez.

In either you’ll be pampered and feel like you’re on the European Mediterranean with a Mexican flare; both giving life to summertime in La Cruz.

Mare Norstrum has best view of the Bay, where you can enjoy true Spanish Sangria and tapas or lounge in their new book exchange library, where there’s a small museum of handicrafts supporting artists to sell their crafts. Open Tuesday to Sunday with happy hour from 5 to 7 pm. Mediterranean cuisine includes delicious rice dishes, fish and seafood, as well as grilled meats.

Langosta Diez where Italy meets Mexico in a marvelous inside garden paradise with a twist; their unique concept, in addition to dining in this interior courtyard, is that guests can purchase absolutely anything you see in the restaurant. From dishes to furniture to goods on the shelves like the gorgeous hand blown glass, you like it you can buy it, just ask your waiter!

Some say their Margarita Pizza is the best in the world! Their cooks literally perform; imagine having frozen Greek Yogurt Popcorn made with liquid nitrogen at your table… that’s only one option.

Eat in or place your order ahead. Kiki and Sara, owners and chef extraordinaire’s of Enrique’s make one of the best ceviche’s in the bay. They’re happy to make you a take away order and would love to serve you!

Patio closed for the summer as they rejuvenate and create new and exciting menu items, Michael and Yolanda of My Cakes would be delighted to hear from you, order your cake ahead of time and they’ll have it ready for you to take home!

Enjoy the best music, or bring your instrument and join in at Britannia La Cruz. Every Monday they’re open for game night.

Tuesday is the best with open Mic, food specials and Happy Hour, come jam with The Turn or just enjoy the music.

La Cruz has so much for your day of exploration whether walking, dining, sipping, and shopping or take away… the options are many.

You come back you hear!!

Feel free to email me for more info on La Cruz, you may inspire a future article. Cindy@VillaAmorDelMar.com

August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Crispy and Crunchy Mexican Salads

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he Bay of Banderas is famous for its succulent shrimp. Stop by your local pescaderia and grab a ‘medio kilo’ of the days haul. They’ll skin and devein them for you on the spot, making this summer salad even easier to whip up in your kitchen. Perfect for a light dinner or great at a potluck gathering, this shrimp and avocado salad is what Mexico is all about.

Mexican Shrimp-and-Avocado Salad with Tortilla Chips This super-fast salad is tossed with a tart and creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and lime zest.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound shelled and deveined medium shrimp 2 romaine hearts, coarsely shredded 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 small seedless cucumber, diced 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro 1 Hass avocado, diced 4 ounces tortilla chips (about 4 cups) 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest Salt Freshly ground pepper Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Fill a bowl with ice water. Blanch the shrimp just until white throughout, 3 minutes.

Drain and chill the shrimp in the ice water, then drain again and pat dry. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl. Add the romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, cilantro, avocado and tortilla chips.

In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with the mayonnaise, lime juice and lime zest and season with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Serve right away.

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

Pandamonia Boutique

Women’s X-Size Tops & Shoes Decorative Pillows Wine Totes

All things “Cat Lover”

Three Hens & A Rooster Market V. Carranza 466 Saturdays 9 to 1 Contact Pat Thunherst Wagner at ptwagner@comcast.net

Sherry Vallarta HOME DE’COR

Personal Shopper

Buy & Sell ~ Anything & Everything

sherryvallarta@yahoo.com 044 322 137 7063

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Three Hens & A Rooster Market on Saturdays 7

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier Three Hens & A Rooster Market on Saturdays

mexicasupplement@gmail.com 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

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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.

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Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... POGO

Three Hens & A Rooster Market News

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hings go better with Coke” or how about a hand-beaded bag with the famed ‘CocaCola’ logo on it? See Bill Kelly’s newest addition to the Fab Fabric Fellows Boutique – gorgeous and in different trendy colors. Just be prepared to be stopped on the street by people wondering where in Vallarta they can buy one, too!

Cat lovers rejoice at Pat’s Pandemonia Boutique, overflowing

with tee-shirts, trays, kitchen towels and wine bags dedicated to all things feline.

Pat is also having a sale on women’s plus-size tops, sandals, and shoes.

See Alex for his homemade frozen sausages; dozens of different varieties and he will deliver free!

Perogies rule in Grama’s Kitchen – cooked on the spot to order. Teo

and Lola join up with Gloria Sue during the week to bring you fine pastries, and entrees to take home every Saturday.

Besides loads of food items, Three Hens has jewelry, fine art, clothes, and much more.

Three Hens & A Rooster Market is open Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm at Venustiano Carranza 466 in Old Town Puerto Vallarta.

Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

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a Dulce Vida – The Sweet Life – is a different kind of bakery; leaving you with the decision of having exactly what you want… when you want it! Order cakes, bread, cupcakes – almost anything baked with or without gluten and pick up your finished product every Friday at the Marsol Market - baked very early that morning!

Talk to Andrea if you have a birthday/wedding, going-away or

a welcome-back party coming up and she will make what you want.

Shopping ‘local’ has never tasted so good.

Ricardo’s “Maz Mix” is fueling a lot of folks in Vallarta and indeed, around the world. Mixed with one or two liters of water/day depending on your size and requirements, will give you all the amino acids, vitamins and minerals you need to shine.

Your energy levels will increase and you will feel and be better.

The tapping sound you may hear at the Marsol Market is David Ruesga making a ring larger.

Skilled as a gold and silversmith, repairing jewelry is also part of his job. Bring treasured pieces you cannot wear and see if he can fix them for you.

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

by Janice Gonzalez

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ogo is a mixed breed two-year-old weighing 15.4 pounds. Nothing gets this sweetheart down! He lost his leg in an accident but he doesn’t even seem to notice. He can do anything a 4-legged doggie can do! Pogo is such a calm and well behaved little boy. He has the cutest trait of sitting

on his hind legs and begging to be cuddled. He gets along well with all other dogs but loves his humans the most. Pogo is even okay with cats. He has been neutered, dewormed and vaccinated. If you are searching for a sweet, loving and calm little boy you need look no further. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com for an application to adopt Pogo.

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

By Janice Gonzalez Please spread the word that we now have an excellent full-time, paid position available right here in Puerto Vallarta. We are looking to employ an Executive Assistant to the Director of the SPCA. We are looking for someone bilingual (Spanish/English) with excellent verbal and written skills.

This individual needs a working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Excel and Word. The job requires someone who is a selfstarter with good time management skills and the ability to work unsupervised. We need someone who is detail oriented and skilled at problem solving. Compassion for animals is a must!

If you would like to be a part of a team of hard working, loving and compassionate animal advocates, we invite you to send your resume or curriculum vitae to the attention of Janice Chatterton at spcapv@ gmail.com.

The SPCAPV has started a new opportunity for businesses to contribute and become sponsors.

We thank all our sponsors who are dedicated to making a difference. If you are interested in helping, write to clare23leach@gmail.com to join us. During these hot summer

months, we have limited tours of our sanctuary. If you are interested, 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.

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August 24 - 30, 2017 www.vallartatribune.com

Christopher Reeve American Actor Part 2 – Stardom To Tragic Accident

By Fred Jacobs hen we left off last week in 1975, Christopher had a regular leading role on the long-running CBS daytime television soap “Love of Life”, while also appearing In the Broadway play “A Matter of Gravity” as Katharine Hepburn’s grandson.

In 1977, a new big budget film was being planned and in the end, it would make Christopher a huge star. The lead role of the movie version of comic book hero Superman was up for grabs. Even with Christopher’s 6’4” height, good looks and blue eyes, he was not the producers’ first choice. In fact the casting director put Christopher’s resume on the top of the actor pile for the producers to review three times, before he was eventually given a chance to read for the role.

Once he did get the chance to read for the role, the choice was obvious, even to producers. But

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costar with Jane Seymour in “Somewhere in Time”, which was a romantic fantasy set in both the 1800’s and present day. While receiving excellent reviews from critics, movie goers did not feel the same.

Producers were so optimistic that the first “Superman” would be a hit that they actually shot many of the scenes for “Superman II” (1980) at the same time as filming for the first movie.

Although still a hit, this sequel only brought in $190 million at the box office.

After his second Superman role, Christopher decided to stretch his acting range and played a homicidal novice playwright trying to kill his lover and mentor Michael Caine in the dark comedy film “Deathtrap” (1983). The film was based on the long running Broadway play, and was well received by critics.

For “Superman III” (1983), producers decided to mix things

up by adding Richard Pryor as a costar. The film barely recouped its costs and brought in just $80 million US. “Superman IV” (1987) did even worse with just $40 million US at the box office.

Christopher began horse riding in the mid 1980’s after learning to ride for a film role. He eventually bought a 12-year-old American thoroughbred horse named Eastern Express. He then trained intensely in 1994 and planned to do competitive events in 1995 and move up to major competitions in 1996.

While at a training session on May 27, 1995, Christopher’s horse refused to make an obstacle jump.

Witnesses said that the horse began the third fence jump and suddenly stopped, which sent Christopher falling forward off the horse.

He landed head first on the far side of the fence, shattering his first and second vertebrae. The

cervical spinal injury, paralyzed him from the neck down and also halted his breathing.

Paramedics arrived three minutes later and immediately took measures to get air into his lungs. He was taken first to the local hospital, before being flown by helicopter to the University of Virginia Medical Center.

After about 5 days, Christopher regained full consciousness, but had no recollection of the accident.

His doctor explained to him that he had destroyed his first and second cervical vertebrae, which meant that his skull and spine were not connected.

Next week, we’ll look at the long road to try to recover some semblance of a normal life, and the political struggle with research into spinal injury.

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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at the time, even though a good all-around athlete, Christopher physique was rather slim for his height. Christopher went through an intense two-month training regimen supervised by a former British weightlifting champion.

The training regimen consisted of running in the morning, followed by two hours of weightlifting and ninety minutes on the trampoline.

In addition, Christopher received double his normal calorie intake and a high protein diet. He added thirty pounds of muscle to his thin 189 pound frame.

“Superman” (1978) was a box office hit and took in over $300 million US worldwide. Critical reviews were actually very good for his role of the superhero, despite films of this type having never been favorites of critics.

Christopher had now made it to the heights of Hollywood with this role.

In 1980, we saw Christopher

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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. 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

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by Roger & Kathy Wienberg / Ed. Rich Norris

© 2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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DEA agent Traveller in London's Tube With 15-Across, Apple media player since 2005 Over the hill Colorado-based brewery See 9-Across *Feature of gated community entrances Sprouted Like checks, when splitting the tab Dungeness and Alaskan king *GEICO product "I got a great break!"

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