Vallarta Tribune - Issue 1171 September 12 - 18, 2019

HOLIDAYS

Fiestas Patrias!

Mexico’s Independence Day

TRAVEL

Escape to Cajon de las Peñas

VIBES AND VICES

Pages 5-6

Page 10

Page 18

Fly Trampoline Park Fun for all Ages

September 12 - 18, 2019 Year 22 Free Issue 1171

FR EE

GU ID E

ALL-INCLUSIVE NEWS AND ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE FOR PUERTO VALLARTA AND RIVIERA NAYARIT

VIVA MEXICO!

MAP OF BANDERAS BAY

PAGE 12-13

VALLARTA SHOPPING PAGES 14-15

ENTERTAINMENT PAGES 20-21

CROSSWORD PAGE 22

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editorial

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Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

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have to start my interim-editor-speak with a shout out to Gary Beck for two things: the first, his delicious article on Chiles en Nogada the epitome of Traditional Mexican Food highlighted in restaurants all over the Republic in September. Secondly, for introducing me to Jennifer Mann from Kansas.

You can read her interesting new column – called “Starting over in Vallarta” – on page 9. Her words will give a few women just the right amount of gentle push to do what they think they might want to do. New this issue as well is Doctor Martin Rosenberg whose Insight column speaks of art in Mexico and Poland. Marty is the Director of Posters International Gallery here in Vallarta: Welcome to the Tribune Jennifer and Marty.

So much fun happening this coming

weekend - the Charro parade starts Saturday, the 14th around 11 am. Find a spot on the Malecon and be prepared for lots and lots of horses. They are all beauties, combed, brushed, braided, spit-shined, and they know how to strut their stuff. One command from a Charro’s simple movement and the horse will stop and slowly rise up as majestic as Pegasus.

And they dance wonderfully to mariachi or to whatever tune their ride wants them to do. Masters at their crafts: man and horse meld into one.

And then come the women with gowns covering most of their horses, riding side-saddle, of course. Beauty and grace; proud to ride with their particular association; these women train almost as hard as the men.

The Charro tradition is passed down from one generation to the next, and they start learning the craft by age three. Look for them – tiny boys on gigantic horses, dressed just like papa, look too, for the stout rope holding them firmly in place on the wooden saddles. This is the best parade in Mexico!

On Sunday at 10am, Christ Church by the Sea is welcoming everyone to a Mariachi Mass in English to celebrate Mexico’s Independence Day. You will find them in Plaza Genovesa in the Hotel Zone.

Sunday night at 11 in Vallarta’s Main Plaza, is the traditional Grito. It happens all over Mexico with the mayor reciting the incendiary words of Father Hidalgo to rise up and overthrow the Spanish. It is galvanizing. Viva!

Monday, the 16th is the National holiday celebrating Mexico’s Independence.

There will be a parade on the Malecon; be there early so you can see it all. There are usually a few Charros that stay over to ride again. And dance!

I just got home from the first “Heal the Planet” in Parque Lazaro Cardenas – a group of citizens collectively trying to raise world consciousness regarding climate change. A twenty-minute meditation focusing on positive changes – rain to put out the fires consuming the Amazon and just say Yes to leaving the Rio los Horcones alone.

There will be more of these gatherings, and the Tribune will publish dates so you can join in. In the meanwhile, be aware of our gentle earth and always walk softly and with care.

Saludos to all, Marcia Interim-Editor

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

Dear Editor,

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e would like to show our appreciation of your support of our Rio Los Horcones Canyon Project. This affects so many people that live and work in the area, that the river Horcones is a vital flow from it source to its’ mouth.

This simple little river has so much wildlife in its flow, and more along its’ banks of trees, plants and mountains that support life itself.

From its flowing mouth, it provides the village of Boca de Tomatlan’s local fishermen with fresh fish daily which supply not only our village, but for some of the various restaurants in the Puerto Vallarta area.

If you sit down to eat fresh fish, ask the waiter if that fish was some of the fish caught in the early morning hours from the village of Boca de Tomatlan. More than likely, the answer will be yes.

Not only will you find the biggest, tastiest Red Snapper in the bay, but you will also enjoy the many various delicious species of fish this area has to offer. Most importantly, if the Horcones River fails to flow, the people of Boca de Tomatlan will no longer be able to sustain their homes, schools, churches and the many stores, shops and restaurants that cater to tourists.

Quite plainly, the river is the main source for water for the residents of Boca de Tomatlan.

Please help us by standing behind our Petition to Preserve the Horcones River. The life that comes from its’ flow compared to what little electrical the Hydro Plant would provide is unparalleled.

Please sign our On Line Petition to protect the Horcones River Canon and river as a Natural Protected Area by going on line to Change.org and search for “Horcones”.

We all thank you in our effort to gain your support.

Read the first edition of the Best of Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit guide online www.vallartatribune.com

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pages of information designed to make your stay in the area the best! From the best beaches to the best activities and more, you can download and view online at www.vallartatribune.com and watch for copies at your favourite VallartaTribune distribution points.

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

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t the Vallarta Tribune we want you to have the best experience possible while you explore Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas and Riviera Nayarit. Here are some helpful tips for traveling.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco and the southern part Nayarit are on Central time – if you’re heading further north than Lo de Marcos, Nayarit, remember the time change so you don’t miss your flight.

BUSES: A system of urban buses can bring you from El Tuito in the south to San Pancho in the north and all the spots in between.

Fares vary according to distances travelled, but the base fare is 10 pesos. If you’re going further than San Pancho, head to the main bus terminal to catch a ‘Pacifico’ bus.

TAXIS: There are set fares within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver. Make a note of the taxi number in case you leave something behind.

Drivers typically do not carry change.

UBER: New in 2017 to Puerto Vallarta, Uber is still experiencing some growing pains particularly in the state of Nayarit. Uber is cheaper than a taxi usually.

GETTING AROUND: In many places such as Centro Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations.

MONEY EXCHANGE: The most hassle-free way to exchange money is to use your debit card in the ATM to withdraw pesos.

Exchange houses offer higher rates and banks are remiss to change dollars to pesos if you don’t hold an account with them. Best to use ATM’s that are affiliated with a reputable bank located in well lit secure areas.

TIPPING: In general you should tip 10-20% in restaurants and bars. Taxi or Uber drivers – 10-20 pesos. The person who bags your groceries or helps load your car – 10-20 pesos. Don’t forget to tip

your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment on your tour. And by all means, tip more if you want, wages are extremely low in Mexico.

DRINKING WATER: While Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two decades, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. Don’t wreck your holiday – buy bottle water.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling in love with the street dog outside your hotel is easy to do and it’s also easy to bring them home with you. The process is inexpensive and only takes a day or two.

You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and belligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here.

While Mexico is a tolerant culture, politeness is paramount. Don’t pee in the streets. Don’t flash your money or expensive gadgets. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Know where you are going. Pay your bills (and don’t forget to tip).

And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis or Ubers are cheap and plentiful. Fines are very expensive. You can go to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends, and you will be asked to take a breathalizer test 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 often guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Director Noemi Zamora noemi.zamora@cps.media Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team editor@vallartatribune.com Designer Cynthia Estela Andrade Gutiérrez cysandra@gmail.com

CALLING IN MEXICO

(UPDATED AUGUST 2019)

LOCAL CALLS WITHIN MEXICO All calls within Mexico can now be dialed using the 10-digit telephone number (usually a two- or three-digit area code plus an eight- or seven-digit number) from a landline or cell phone, eliminating the need for prefixes, such as 01, 044 or 045. In Mexico, most cities use a three-digit area code, notable exceptions being CDMX, Guadalajara and Monterrey.

LONG DISTANCE CALLS WITHIN MEXICO Same procedure as above applies.

LONG DISTANCE CALLS TO MEXICO FROM ABROAD If you are making a long-distance call to Mexico from abroad, simply add the country code (52) to the 10-digit number as described above.

Emergencies: 911 Red Cross: 065

INTERNATIONAL LONG-DISTANCE CALLS FROM MEXICO US & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + Number Elsewhere: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

CALLING TOLL-FREE NUMBERS

(The following procedure predates the August 2019 update. We are waiting for specific information regarding toll-free calls within Mexico and to numbers elsewhere.)

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

IMMIGRATION: 322.224.7719 CONSUMER PROTECTION: 01.800.468.8722

FIRE DEPARTMENT: 322.223.9476 AMBULANCE: 322.222.1533

TOURISM OFFICES Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Ahoy Cruisers!

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 September and October Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit welcomes 59,044 passengers! Bienvenido!

NAME

CARNIVAL CARNIVAL CARNIVAL CARNIVAL PRINCESS CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES CARNIVAL CRYSTAL CRUISES LINE HOLLAND AMERICA PRINCESS CRUISES PRINCESS CRUISES WINDSTAR CRUISES

PASS

DATE

3,200 04.09.2019 3,200 11.09.2019 3,200 18.09.2019 3,200 25.09.2019 1,974 25.09.2019 2,600 27.09.2019 3,200 02.10.2019 940 03.10.2019 2,106 06.10.2019 2,600 07.10.2019 3,600 10.10.2019 212 11.10.2019

NAME

NORWEGIAN CRUISES CARNIVAL PRINCESS CRUISES NORWEGIAN CRUISES CELEBRITY

DISNEY CRUISES LINE ROYAL CARIBBEAN HOLLAND AMERICA HOLLAND AMERICA PRINCESS CRUISES DISNEY CRUISES LINE

PASS

DATE

3,883 14.10.2018 2,680 15.10.2019 2,400 21.10.2019 2,240 22.10.2019 2,850 23.10.2019 2,500 24.10.2019 2,435 26.10.2019 1,820 27.10.2019 2,104 29.10.2019 3,600 30.10.2019 2,500 31.10.2019

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 * www.vallartatribune.com * https://www.facebook.com/VtaTribune/

Cut out and put near your phone for handy reference

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September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

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independence day

Viva! Mexico

Celebrating 209 years of Independence Mexico’s Independence Day September 16

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hile it might look like Christmas decorations threw up all over the city, Mexico celebrates its independence every September 16 festooned in the colours of it’s flag (Red, white and green) with parades, festivals, feasts, parties and more. You can find crowds of people in every town plaza and millions in the centre of Mexico City on the evening of September 15th, ringing in the 16th with much revelry. But what’s the history behind the date of September 16?

Why is this date taken so seriously?

Read on!

Prelude to Mexican Independence: Long before 1810, Mexicans had begun to chafe under Spanish rule. Spain kept a stranglehold on her colonies, only permitting them limited trade opportunities and generally appointing Spaniards (as opposed to native-born Creoles) to important colonial posts. To the north, the United States had won its independence decades before, and many Mexicans felt they could, too.

In 1808, Creole patriots saw their chance when Napoleon invaded Spain and imprisoned Ferdinand VII. This allowed Mexican and South American rebels to set up their own governments and yet claim loyalty to the imprisoned Spanish King.

Conspiracies: In Mexico, the creoles decided the time had come for independence.

It was a dangerous business, however. There might have been chaos in Spain, but the mother country still controlled the colonies.

In 1809-1810 there were several conspiracies, most of which were found out and the conspirators harshly punished. In Querétaro, an organized conspiracy including several prominent citizens was preparing to make its move at the end of 1810. The leaders included parish priest Father Miguel Hidalgo, Royal army officer Ignacio Allende, government official Miguel Dominguez, cavalry captain Juan Aldama and others. The date of October 2 was selected for the insurrection against Spain to begin.

El Grito de Dolores: In early September, however,

the conspiracy began to unravel.

The plot had been found out and one by one the conspirators were being rounded up by colonial officials. On September 15, 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo heard the bad news: the jig was up and the Spanish were coming for him. On the morning of the 16th, Hidalgo took to the pulpit in the town of Dolores and made a shocking announcement: he was taking up arms against the tyrannies of the Spanish government and his parishioners were all invited to join him. This famous speech became known as “El Grito de Dolores,” Or the «Cry of Dolores.»

Within hours Hidalgo had an army: a large, unruly, poorly armed but resolute mob.

March to Mexico City: Hidalgo, assisted by military man Ignacio Allende, led his army towards Mexico City. Along the way they laid siege to the town of Guanajuato and fought off the Spanish defense at the Battle of Monte de las Cruces. By November he was at the gates of the city itself, with angry army large enough to take it. Yet Hidalgo inexplicably retreated, perhaps turned aside by fears of a large Spanish army coming to reinforce the city.

Fall of Hidalgo: In January of 1811, Hidalgo and Allende were routed at the Battle of Calderon Bridge by a much smaller but better-trained Spanish army.

Forced to flee, the rebel leaders, along with some others, were soon captured. Allende and Hidalgo were both put to death in June and July of 1811. The peasant army had disbanded and it looked as if Spain had reasserted control over its unruly colony.

Mexican Independence is Won: But such was not the case. One of Hidalgo’s captains, José María Morelos, took up the banner of

independence and fought until his own capture and execution in 1815. He was in turn succeeded by his own lieutenant, Vicente Guerrero and rebel leader Guadalupe Victoria, who fought for six more years until 1821, when they reached an agreement with turncoat royal officer Agustín de Iturbide which allowed for Mexico’s definitive liberation in September of 1821.

Mexican Independence Celebrations: September 16 is one of Mexico’s most important holidays. Every year, local mayors and politicians re-enact the famous Grito de Dolores. In Mexico City, thousands congregate in the Zócalo, or main square, on the night of the 15th to hear the President ring the same bell that Hidalgo did and recite the Grito de Dolores.

The crowd roars, cheers and chants, and fireworks light up the sky. On the 16th, every city and town all over Mexico celebrates with parades, dances and other civic festivals.Most Mexicans celebrate by hanging flags all over their home and spending time with family. A feast is usually involved.

If the food can be made red, white and green (like the Mexican Flag) all the better!

Some people mistakenly believe that Cinco de Mayo, or May Fifth, is Mexico’s independence day. That’s not correct: Cinco de Mayo actually celebrates the unlikely Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Sources: Harvey, Robert. Liberators: Latin America’s Struggle for Independence Woodstock: The Overlook Press, 2000.

Lynch, John. The Spanish American Revolutions 1808-1826 New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 1986.

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

independence day

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September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

El Día del Charro: The Day of the Mexican Cowboy

I Chile en Nogada Gary R. Beck here exists a historical cloud concerning the lore of chile en nogada and how it became sewn into the annals of Mexico. Even two neighboring states lay claim to its origin: Puebla and Oaxaca. The most widespread and accepted historical acceptance follows.

News had arrived that Agustin de Iturbide, a War of Independence [from Spain] commander and future emperor, would be traveling through Puebla on his way to Mexico City after signing the 1821 Treaty of Cordoba in Veracruz. The town wished to honor him with a grand fiesta, so the nuns of the Santa Monica convent gathered any foods in-season and prepared a new dish. The creation became Chiles en Nogada, chiles in walnut

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sauce, which were a "hit" and the recipe spread throughout Mexico due to the significance of the flag colors and that the dish was invented for their independence and the new emperor. It became to be known as Mexico's national dish.

Traditionally served at room temperature with cold cream sauce, the name comes from the Spanish word for the nut tree, Nogal. It consists of poblano chiles filled with picadillo which is a mixture of shredded beef and pork, fruit [usually apple, peach and pear] and spices. A walnut- or pecan-based cream sauce coats the pepper and bright pomegranate seeds are sprinkled atop. The three colors of the dish represent the colors of the Mexican flag: green chile, white sauce and red seeds.

n Mexico, a country with hundreds of holidays, even the cowboys get a day to call their own. First celebrated in 1934, Dia del charro is observed every September 14 in the bullrings and along the streets of many towns.

Cowboy culture is especially strong in Jalisco, the home of Charro and in Puerto Vallarta that is no exception!

The holiday, which was sanctioned by President

Abeladerdo Rodríguez in 1934, arrives the day before the nation’s Independence Day eve celebrations, which take up not one but two (and sometimes three) days, so it’s often rolled into the week’s fiestas patrias. For the cowboys, it’s a chance to turn a two-day weekend into three, even if it falls in the middle of the week.

(Remember that in Mexico, most people work Saturdays and only get one day off a week.)

This time last year UNESCO added the Mexican sport-art of charrería to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Charro riders will parade down the malecon in Puerto Vallarta on September 14 from 11am – 12:30 before visiting the church to receive mass. Visitors and locals alike will line the streets to watch the parade of finely dressed cowboys (charros) and cowgirls (escaramuza).

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September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico proposes new rules to tax highly digitalized businesses

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bill was introduced to the Mexican Congress on August 21 to tax digital platforms this includes such global digital companies such as Airbnb, Uber and Netflix. Wat this means for consumers remains to be seen.

But it is a clear indication that homeowners who rent their properties through such services such as Airbnb are soon to be subjected to extra scrutiny.

Background of the bill In 2019, after the new administration was elected, there was an attempt to tax some highly digitalized businesses. This time, however, the government focused on the collection of taxes from users of some digital platforms under the argument that is merely updating the current tax legislation.

In a new effort to tax highly digitalized businesses, a bill was introduced in the Mexican Congress on August 21.

Mexico’s tax on highly digitalized businesses Introduced in the Mexican Congress, the bill intends to equalize competition between traditional and digital commerce.

The bill’s report states some multinationals operate in Mexico without being subject to taxation because they have put in place tax structures that do not create taxable presence.

The report adds that the non-taxed amounts that would otherwise be paid as income tax and VAT not only create issues for tax revenue but also could lead to tax avoidance through failure to report income or falsified invoicing.

Additionally, the report states that its purpose is to not only tax such activities, but also to integrate such actors within the current Mexico’s legal framework.

Amendments to VAT The bill incorporates as taxpayers for VAT, those “national and foreign” companies that “provide services as intermediaries through technological platforms for electronic commerce purposes”.

The bill defines technological platforms as “intermediaries that allow the exchange of goods and services to the final user, easing the selling process while using electronic payments mostly”.

The bill adds that such intermediaries are obliged to keep its accounting records.

Amendments to the income tax laws Further, under the bill, companies, both “national and foreign” that “provide services through a technological platform to provide goods and services” must pay income tax. For this purpose, companies must register a tax domicile in Mexico and have a legal representative in Mexican territory.

The amendment considers that such businesses will create a permanent residence for income tax purposes.

Antitrust amendments The bill proposes that the Federal Trade Commission will create a registry to evaluate compliance with the best commercial practices and antitrust practices for highly digitalised businesses.

Impact on highly digitalized businesses The bill mandates foreign companies to register a tax address in Mexico which will clearly subject foreign companies to Mexican taxation, whether for income tax or VAT purposes.

It must be added that the

consequences of such registration will create a permanent establishment in Mexico and consequently increase liability for the central office. If foreign companies register, it will also give rise to other legal obligations, like registering in the Mexican Public Registry of Commerce or filing notices in accordance to the Mexican foreign investment law.

Another aspect of the bill is that the definition of “technological platform” is mostly aimed at including businesses that act as a liaison between suppliers and consumers. This proposal does not take in consideration the different types of business models that exist, like social media platforms, search engines, or online marketplaces.

It appears that the Mexican government has finally taken its first steps to tax highly digital businesses, and it is important to be vigilant on the process to avoid unexpected surprises in the coming weeks.

– original by Fernando Juarez Hernandez, s a tax attorney in Mexico City.

Come Volunteer with us!!

By SCPA Puerto Vallarta

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e have lots of volunteer opportunities for dog lovers!

1. Come and visit the sanctuary and play and walk and cuddle the dogs, that helps us a lot in their socializing process.

This you can do pretty much any day or time.

2. Twice a week we take our dogs to local parks or a shopping centers etc to get them used to strangers/noises/kids etc. and we need help walking them there.

The more volunteers we have for that the more dogs we can take there and that helps them a lot in

their socializing process too. This is usually Sundays and Tuesdays.

3. We have started signing up volunteers for the high season already who can help at our Farmer´s market booth, we are at the Olas Altas Farmer´s market, every Saturday from November through April, we take donations and sell t-shirts and hats with our logo and such.

Time commitment 8am -2pm, you can sign up for once a month, or more often, or less.

Any day you can help, helps us.

And it´s usually fun and you meet a lot of people.

If any of that speaks to you, please email us to spcapv@gmail.com

Adorable Dog in the Spotlight: SERGIO

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ho doesn’t love a Labrador puppy?! Sergio is a 2.5 months old Labrador mix boy and as cute as they come! This sweet little guy´s mom was rescued right after giving birth to 9 beautiful puppies.

Sergio and his siblings are now 10 weeks old and will finish their vaccinations next week and are getting spayed and neutered then.

We are now accepting applications for Sergio´s adoption. Sergio is a peace maker and avoids conflict. He is a little shy at first but warms up when he gets to know his people, an ideal family dog. His mom Suzy is a beautiful

sweet natured Labrador mix girl weighing 50lbs, and we think her puppies will be about the same size when fully grown.

If you think little Sergio is the perfect addition to your family, please email us to spcapv@gmail.com

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Paradise and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Leza is a nursery teacher and preschool coordinator at the American School of Puerto Vallarta.

Viva Mexico!

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his weekend we will celebrate the Independence of Mexico, and I’m happy because this year it actually translates into a long, lovely weekend.

Last year it landed inconveniently on a Sunday, so we had to celebrate and then return to school the very next day. It’s always amazing to me that there aren’t laws against such travesties of human justice, but there aren’t, so let’s all just be grateful that time is on our side this year.

I love this holiday because it’s a day where Mexico shows off (more than) a bit. Sure, Mexican celebrations are very often quite colorful and flashy, which is one of the reasons why I live here.

But on September 15, right before midnight, she just lets her gorgeous hair down in an avalanche of exuberant noise and splashy fireworks.

Now, if you have young children, “right before midnight” might mean “the celebration in the afternoon at their school”.

You may have to tell a perfectly forgivable white lie; that Mexico is closed by 9pm and they have to go to bed. And that’s because otherwise September 16, the real

holiday, will be ruined by overtired little persons.

If you DO take your kids to the celebration on the Malecon, just understand that the noise,

crowds, and late night might create an overwhelming sensory situation for them, and thus for you as their primary caregivers.

But that’s ok, because if it’s going to be one night where Things Get Ugly, it might as well be on such a very special night.

The Mexican people make Mexico. They are the greatest gift of an already fantastic country.

To the people of Mexico and to all of you here reading this: celebrate this delicious, beautiful, friendly, absolutely tenacious nation. Long may she live, and long may I live within her borders.

Viva Mexico!

I’m glad to celebrate this country, who has given me so much, and who asks so little in return. Mexico demands a bit of tax, a bit of patience, and quite a lot of red tape. But that’s nothing compared to what this place has given me in return: 1. My husband, a son of Mexico and the best guitar player I’ve ever met in real life. He’s the number one reason I couldn’t quite leave all those years ago. Truth be told, I would stay anywhere he was a citizen, but I do believe that Mexico has made him one seriously super human being.

2. My children, who are Mexican and proud of it. They were born here, and, when we visit family in Canada, you can certainly tell. They don’t mind hearing a bit of noise and they really do like to make some too.

3. Tacos. They have given all of mankind the best food ever. Because of Mexico, we can eat a little piece of heaven right out of our very own hands. And it’s not just tacos. It’s enchiladas.

It’s quesadillas. It’s tamales. Shake a stick and you’ll hit somebody’s favorite meal. So be careful with that stick. Mexico, you are delicioso.

4. Sunsets and beaches – Yes. You can find these in many countries. But will you hear mariachi in the background while you watch a sunset so frightfully golden that you worry you might have accidentally died and gone to heaven? Can you jump into the ocean at midnight and not worry about some kind of cold-related illness?

5. People – the great, beautiful, loving, steadfast people of Mexico. These are the people that persevere through war, famine, injustice. They are the people who know when to work, when to rest, and when to party (with all the good food).

They are the people who have given me hope for the rest of the world, because they know the value of family and they know how to enjoy this life we all get to live.

Medical Matters Pam Thompson

pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com

Pamela Thompson operates HealthCare Resources Puerto Vallarta, a multi-faceted, independent, resource network that addresses all things related to your health and well-being. They offer assistance to help find a physician, hospital and diagnostic service for any healthcare needs.

Tiny Bump – Big Pain

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he diagnosis of “trigger finger” is extremely common.

How can such a tiny little ‘thing’ on a finger be so darned painful? Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and a sensation of locking or catching when one bends or straightens the finger. The condition is also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis”.

Most often, the ring finger and the thumb are the most affected by trigger finger but it can occur in other fingers as well. When the thumb is involved, then the condition is called ‘trigger thumb’.

Basically it is like your finger gets stuck in one position. And it can be very painful! For some it is more common in the morning, upon waking up. Sometimes there is a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.

It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. If it is severe, the finger can become ‘locked’ in one position.

Oftentimes people who have work or hobbies that include repetitive gripping are at a higher risk for developing trigger finger.

More common in people with diabetes. More common in women than men.

The treatment depends on the

severity. No extensive tests to make the diagnosis. Just a physical exam by the physician. Treatment should begin with medication (anti-inflammatories), therapy (stretching exercises). Sometimes injections of steroids is used. If nothing works and pain is substantial, then it is time to consider surgery which is fairly simple.

Our orthopedic, Dr. Joel Galindo treats this condition and as well, he will be doing a speakers program covering everything to do with trigger finger on October 8, 2019 at 9.00 am at Clinic Sanmare. To RSVP, just email me. There is no charge for the program.

SAVE THE DATE! We kick off October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month with our annual Pink Cocktail on October 4, 2019 from 6.30 pm to 9.30 pm at Hospital San Javier. Each year our event just seems to get better as we transform the hospital lobby into a lounge with pink drinks and delicious nibbles! And the raffle prizes are amazing!

This is a no charge event and we are so very proud each year to begin the awareness month with this Pink Cocktail. I am still in need of snacks, sweet or savory and raffle prizes for the event. Please contact me if you are able to assist.

Very much appreciated! And watch for the entire October Calendar of events, out soon!

Here’s to a placid week!

09

local voices Starting over in Vallarta

Jennifer Mann

jenniferwriter@gmail.com

Jennifer Mann is a long-time business writer who has covered everything from the maker of Twinkies to Hallmark Cards who now makes her home in Puerto Vallarta.

Life Begins at 60

M

y early December arrival to take up residence in Puerto Vallarta makes me a so-called “newbie.” Based on conversations in the ensuing months, anecdotally, it seems I have lots of newcomer company.

So recently, when I met a friend of a friend, a Canadian, who has lived in PV for 30 years, and was recounting my 2,208-mile journey from Kansas, she wondered aloud, how – of all the places to live outside of the U.S. - did I end up here?

We’ve all followed our own paths to PV, mine beginning with my grandparents, Frances and Clydie, world travelers who themselves made their way to PV in 1963 during the filming of “Night of the Iguana.”

One night at a bar they ran into Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, both very married and carrying on a torrid affair. La Liz, my grandmother said, was of an ethereal beauty, and Burton, she recounted, was the most charming drunk she’d ever met.

Thus, the scene of intrigue and adventure was set when my sisters and I four decades later made our own way to PV, visiting places like La Palapa and Hotel Rosita, scouring the old photos lining the hallways, wondering if Frances and Clydie, too, had once been there.

Like my grandparents, I’ve traveled, including to a half dozen Mexican destinations Cozumel, Cancun, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and San Jose del Cabo - but it was always Puerto Vallarta to which I returned. I was so smitten, I visited at least a dozen times between 2000 and 2008 – including three trips in just one year.

What kept me coming back is no secret to other expat PVers – the natural beauty, the charm of Old Town, the plethora of fantastic restaurants and the gracious and kind native Puerto Vallartans.

But I hadn’t really planned on

moving here or anywhere outside the U.S. until the political situation became, for me, unbearable.

Specifically, in late October of last year, the White House yet again did something that made my skin crawl. I don’t even remember what it was, but in a snap moment, I said to myself, “That’s it. I’m moving.”

I was in a position to make an on-a-dime decision. At 60, I was retired from a 35-year career as a business journalist, I was a widow, and my only child had died in 2015. I had no strong ties keeping me in the U.S. I’d been renting, and had already rid myself of many material possessions that, as I moved about to New York City and then Florida and back to Kansas, had became more albatross-like than comforting.

I found a place on Craigslist that, for me, fit the bill – a very Mexican-style casita dubbed the “Jungle Bungalow” in the foothills

of the Sierra Madres, in a local neighborhood above the Hotel Zone. At 250 feet above sea level, the posting showed sweeping million-dollar views of the city, the Bay of Banderas and the Pacific Ocean.

I packed my Toyota 4Runner to the hilt with my books, artwork, lamps, family photos and personal effects, and hit the road on my 2,208-mile drive.

Once I crossed the border at Nogales, and not knowing a lot of Spanish, was a bit nervous and uncertain of the road ahead.

But I’d planned well enough that I stayed on schedule, arriving in PV the afternoon of December 7.

It’s been mostly a fascinating learning experience, and also sometimes a little frustrating, like it taking five trips to los correos in Pitillal to get a post office box. I’ve found that humor and patience are good ways to survive and thrive in a new and unknown environment.

Escaping the political situation in the U.S. is mainly what drove me here, but immersing myself in a new culture and pushing my comfort zones, traits instilled by my grandparents, has become my own raison d’etre.

So we’ve all have taken our own roads to PV, and we all have our own stories. For me and my journey, everywhere I explore, I search for the ghostly traces of Frances and Clydie, who helped me pave my own path to Puerto Vallarta.

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

A Table in the Corner Bronwen White

walesbw@gmail.com

Originally from London, Bronwen White has moved to Puerto Vallarta from the US, where she lived in many of its great cities. She is presently embarking on her journey of discovering the local culinary scene delights.

W

hile many restaurants are closed, or their chefs, “resting,” I decided to write about a food dear to my heart – the lowly egg. There are three great breakfast countries, IMHO – the States, Britain, and Mexico. Mexican eggs are full of flavor and their yolks a lovely deep orange, often due to the addition of marigold petals in the chicken’s diet. Fried eggs are a fave of mine: eating them is easy, ordering them, not so; huevos estrellados are sunny side up, huevos estrellados volteados, over easy.

I’ve also heard huevos tiernos – tender eggs – and huevos buen cocidos or duros if you want them well done. Good luck!

With eggs, you think bacon, and for me, El Colera has the best bacon in town. I also like them at the Vallarta Factory with a dollop of their fine refried beans. Order them sin sal though, as the chef has a bit of a heavy hand with the salt shaker. This is a problem in general with eggs here, especially scrambled eggs. Adding salt while you are cooking them makes them hard. I do them in a saucepan with lots of unsalted butter (I use Lurpak) stirring very slowly with a bit of cream - just add fines herbes - et voila! I think scrambled eggs are best at buffets in Vallarta as they steam under the covered domes (try De Cantaro’s lavish weekend brunch!).

We Brits adore poached eggs.

I once spent a fortune on an egg poacher (sacrilegious I know but I can’t do the dropping-into-water method) and lived on them quite happily for months. Here they usually turn up in Eggs Florentine (The Pancake House) or Eggs Benedict which seems very popular in Puerto Vallarta. They’re a fetish in New York where they have a celebratory day in April (if you visit don’t miss them at Balthazar). Eggs Benny is a deceptively tricky dish to pull off, the four components must jive, otherwise the whole enterprise collapses. Eggs must be perfectly poached, Canadian bacon is the best, English muffins the essential

breadstuff and the hollandaise should be made at the last minute.

Bechamel is often used in Vallarta instead of hollandaise which will not do, you have to have that lemony tang. La Traviata does a good one, La Palapa adds chipotle to the sauce, and I do enjoy Vitea’s version with smoked salmon. I wish there were more smoked salmon/egg combos here - creamy scrambled eggs with smoked salmon is heavenly!

I must mention some of the great Mexican egg dishes – Huevos Rancheros (Coco’s Kitchen), Huevos Motulenos originally from Motul in the Yucatan, delicious with its black beans (Hacienda Carlota), Huevos Divorciados with its pretty red and green salsas (Bistro Co-Exist) and the ubiquitous chilaquiles with a fried egg on top.

Leaving the best for last – the omelet! It’s not just for breakfast anymore. I often eat them at lunch, and two seared into my memory, are the chicken liver omelet at the now-defunct Iron Horse in San Francisco and a cheese soufflé one in a tiny village in Wales – proving you never know where you will find phenomenal food! Lots of restaurants here have inventive variations (Fredy’s Tucan or El Andariego). And so as my word count (and cholesterol level) are getting dangerously high, I’ll make a speedy eggzit!

travel

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September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

La Presa Cajon de Peñas in Tomatlan: The ideal place to chill out

By Madeline Milne

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30 kilometers from Puerto Vallarta, two hours south along Highway 200, take a left and then head 18 kms down a local road, and you will find one of the most important man-made wonders of the region. The Cajon de las Peñas Dam is a paradise for fishing enthusiasts, and a unique destination for visitors looking to escape the heat, the big city, and internet.

(Limited cell service and no internet here).

Turning just after Gargantillo-La Cruz de Loreto and shortly before reaching the water reservoir visitors will happen upon the tiny village of La Presa. The journey of 18 kilometers off the highway back to the lake passes through agricultural lands ripe with corn, tomatoes and fruit orchards. Running along the side of the road is an aqueduct system coming from the dam and irrigating this fertile valley that supplies so many with food.

In the village of La Presa is the small Hotel Rincon de la Ceiba with it’s impressive Ceiba tree on the banks of the dam. It is one of the few places to stay in the area, but there is also rustic camping, and across the lake, you’ll find the fishing resort of Rancho Andrea.

Before the flooding in 1974-1976 there stood the prosperous fishing village of Cajon de las Peñas. It, along with several haciendas and even a church were submerged under the water. In those years, the dam was considered one of the largest in Mexico with a capacity of over 700 million cubic meters.

Today the dam/lake is a popular spot for locals from the nearby villages and larger town and seat of the municipality, Tomatlan, with families arriving for lunch on Sundays at one of the five lakefront restaurants.

The area around the lake is open to those who are adventurous. Rent a boat or a canoe and paddle to the nearby islands, the far shores or up the arm of the dam. There are small palapas built around the lake and on a couple of the islands where you can set up a campsite for a night or two.

This natural paradise is home to the famous rubber tree (ask about the chewing gum from Talpa de Allende) parotas, and primavera.

There are countless species of birds, among which are ducks, herons, cranes, orange-breasted finches, hummingbirds, and doves.

In the early morning, as the sun rises against the water, you can watch the birds come alive, roosting on the

submerged trees, like something from a movie. It’s very surreal.

On a trip there I spotted raccoons and a red-tailed fox in the trees on one of the islands. Presumably, they can swim!

The most popular attraction is the local restaurants on the banks of the dam. Kitchens prepare the day’s catch, including bass, tilapia, shrimp, and an exotic mollusk called tegololo, highly prized in the world market.

The waters are ideal for fishing and boating, and the local fishermen collective will rent small boats and provide a guide if you wish.

Among other activities, you can go kayaking, swimming, and diving or hike along the edges of the reservoir and the rivers and streams. As well in the area, there are archaeological petroglyphs, painted stones, and the most famous is “the painted cave.” It is a cave painting on the banks of the river Tomatlán, north of the dam.

It is located 12 meters from the river bed, the red pigment stone has a height of 40 meters by 8 long and 2 wide. This painting is estimated to be over 3500 years old and depicts the indigenous ways of life.

This river and valley system connects to the north with Talpa de Allende and is part of the ancient migration routes, which are today

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The kitchen features a peninsula counter, custom cabinetry, high-end stainless appliances, large adjacent pantry and service area with stack front loading washer/dryer.

The master suite with direct access to the terrace, showcases a ‘’spa-style’’ bathroom with built-in jetted tub, shower, large closet and double vanities. Two spacious bedrooms include private bathrooms, spacious closets and separate air conditioning zones.

Some other features of this beautiful home include: marble floors and zoned AC, two-car covered parking, private storage locker and beautiful courtyard terrace with fountain.

The complex includes secured entry, elevator, palapa-covered entertainment areas and two free-form swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens.

The high-end neighborhood of El Tigre includes secured, gated entrance and a membership to the world-class sport and racket club, spa and beach club.

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used by the millions of devout Catholics who walk to Talpa de Allende to receive the blessings of the Virgin of Guadalupe.

The dam is located in the municipality of Tomatlan. And a visit to the dam should include a stop in the picturesque town. Located close by are two other smaller dams, El Tambor and San Juan, along with the Tule Lake and more than a dozen rivers. The area is also famous for its forests of precious woods including pine, oak, and parota. Local crafts focus on leather working and wood carving. There are very skilled artisans in the area.

Tomatlan is also famous for its beaches along the Pacific coast.

There is Chalacatepec, a rugged beach with the largest turtle camp in Jalisco. Majuahua and La Cruz de Loreto are backed by estuaries and are extraordinarily beautiful natural landscapes. (one was once

home to one of the most exclusive eco-resorts in Mexico, which unfortunately was closed in 2015.)

Only a couple hours from Puerto Vallarta, the area around Tomatlan and the Cajon de las Peñas offer an escape to rural Mexico. The best time to visit is during and just after rainy season while the dam’s waters are replenished and the temperatures are a bit more comfortable than along the coast.

Some tips to make your trip better: The area has limited cell phone service, and the town of La Presa has no internet. The local people are very friendly but speak almost no English. It’s best to fill up your gas tank in El Tuito, just in case. The town of Tomatlan has restaurants, shops and a charming plaza with the church. The last time I was through, there was no bank machine, so bring pesos.

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www.christchurchbythesea.org mypvchurch@gmail.com

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2nd Annual Reader’s Choice Awards 3

1000’s of votes for the

ISLAS MARIETAS

‘best of everything’ in Puerto Vallarta, Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit Best

Restaurants

Best Hotels

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All the results are now online at: www.vallartatribune.com/best-of-banderas-bay-2019/

TOWNS & COLONIAS BEACHES

RESORTS MALECON SHOPPING/ARTWALK

BY SEA

LAND & AIR

1. MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT 2. NUEVO RIVIERA NAYARIT 3. MARINA VALLARTA MARINA 4. CRUISE SHIP TERMINAL 5. LOS MUERTOS PIER/ WATER TAXIS

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CUALE 15. LAZARO OLAS ALTAS FARMERS MARKET 15.

CARDENAS PARK 15. OLAS ALTAS FARMERS MARKET

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PARK 18. THREE MARSOL MARKET 17.

HENS MARKET 19. MARSOL MUNICIPAL MARKET 18.

MARKET 20. MUNICIPAL EMILIANO ZAPATA 19.

MARKETMARKET 21. EMILIANO CUALE CULTRAL 20.

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24. FOREVER SPRING MARKET 25. FOREVER BUCERIASSPRING ARTWALK 24.

MARKET 26. BUCERIAS RIVIERA FARMERS MARKET 25.

ARTWALK 27. RIVIERA MARINA FARMERS ARTISAN MARKET 26.

MARKET 28. MARINA MOVIE +ARTISAN PICNIC MARKET 27.

29. MOVIE RED CROSS 28. + PICNIC 30. RED LOS CROSS ARCOS NATIONAL PARK 29.

30. LOS ARCOS NATIONAL PARK

BANDERAS BAY SHOPPING AND SERVICES Insight Martin Rosenberg, PhD

martysanmiguel@gmail.com

Marty journeyed from Anthropology Lecturer at the Museum of Natural History, N.Y.C., President of Illinois’ CPA Society, CEO Tomorrows Software, film producer, and author of three books and many articles. As Director of Posters International Gallery in Puerto Vallarta he is surrounded daily by creativity and European history. www.rosenbergcollection.com

The Power of Public Art: Mexico and Poland

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rt can impact people’s passion, attitudes, values, culture and politics. This is especially true when it is designed to do so. Though continents apart, with different languages and cultural histories, Mexico and Poland have both used art to impact social change.

Governments played a major role in both countries to support visual art as a means of influencing social, economic and political objectives. The distinctively different art styles of these two countries shared common purposes.

Mexico’s world famous mural paintings from 1920 to 1970 contained strong social and political messages. Diego Rivera (1886-1957), Jose’ Clemente Orozco (1883-1949) and David Siqueiros (1896-1974) are the most influential muralists from the 20th century.

They are “the three great ones,” (los tres grandes). The walls of massive public buildings served as their canvas to reach all the people, not just elite art admirers.

Following periods of armed struggle, Mexico’s government established a mural program that wasn’t solely artistic. Able to reach much of the public, these murals presented ideals. Enlisting the great painters of the times captured the attention of the masses. The government made good on its promise of artistic freedom but the artists had many serious conflicts where their visualized opinions differed from that of the government.

Such conflict assured that these works would be designed with great passion yet also risked the freedom and very lives of the artists. The expressive murals were produced on large plastered walls of monumental structures. The

people had to be in the form of street posters. These were painterly designed visual art works on fragile paper to advertise events, deliver political messages and promote people were immersed within the large-scale paintings, their imagery, colors and historical messages.

Poland historically suffered many oppressive occupations and military struggles. As Germany’s defeat in WWII became clearer, the departing soldiers were ordered to destroy the principal city of Warsaw as well as any evidence of detention and death camps. The Polish people were then governed by the Russian victors and subjected to harsh Communist repressive regulations and laws.

The newly imposed government strategically understood that a massive re-building of a city was necessary but also sought to introduce its own socialistic culture and arts to the people. The street would be the classrooms and galleries. The government wanted to present its view of “populist ideals” using the credibility of Poland’s leading artists who survived the ravages of war. Henryk Tomaszewski (1914-2005), Tadeusz Trepkowski (1914-1954), and Tadeusz Gronowski (1894-1990) were the “three great ones” that founded the later to be internationally recognized art style called the Polish School of Poster Design. With construction ongoing everywhere, the city was filled with available walls and fences.

Mexico’s painted murals were on beautiful public buildings, Warsaw’s art medium for their working

social values.

As in Mexico, the artists founding this movement insisted on government’s concession to allow artistic freedom. The most

effective posters would inspire viewers artistically while through recognizable embedded visual messages the posters would also project hope and national unity.

The “art of the streets” of both countries influenced attitudes and cultural movements. There exists a paradox in having government commission public art to further its control. But within the works of these six great artists their interpretation and independent view of reality impacted their people’s behavior and values. Decades later, with many millions of worldwide viewers of Mexico’s magnificent murals and museum exhibitions of Poland’s fine art posters, we are reminded that courage may take different forms.

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Tuesday Market @ Nuevo Vallarta Thursday Market @ La Marina Vallarta

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local voices Curator’s Clippings Horticultural Tips

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

The Healing Power of Plants

Robert Price

Ricardo Mazcal

Founder and Curator of the Vallarta Botanical Garden

Ricardo is a fourth-generation herbalist from Nayarit and is available year-round at Marsol Friday Market by the Pier

mazcalteotl@gmail.com

www.vbgardens.org

Curing Your Sooty Looking Plants

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o you remember the song from Mary Poppins about chimney sweeping adventures in early 20th century London? You may have come across plants that look like they’ve been blasted by a “chim-chimmeny” and this is a sure sign of the fungus commonly known as “sooty mold.”

It’s hard to bear looking at a plant that appears to have suffered from an industrial revolution.

Furthermore, left unattended for even a little while, an outbreak can spread and quickly ruin a whole garden. Technically, sooty mold is just a cosmetic problem as it rarely if ever kills plants directly but rather just deprives them of their full potential to absorb sunlight. But for most gardens, aesthetics is everything—so take the mindset of vigilance and instant action!

Early detection is key to preventing a localized outbreak of sooty mold from becoming a garden wide blight. If you’re lucky enough to have a gardener, instruct him or her on what sooty mold is and what to look for, otherwise, stay on top of it yourself with thorough inspections at least on a weekly basis.

When you see sooty mold on a plant, trim the affected area(s) aggressively. Some plants cannot be saved once they have sooty mold and are best removed entirely to be replaced with a new plant when you are able. To be extra sure that the chance of spreading in your garden is minimized, you can discard your refuse in plastic bags sent to the trash and can wash or even sterilize your pruners and/or gardening gloves. At some point there’s a line between proper prevention and paranoia, but that’s for you to work out!

I’ve heard others recommend sooty mold removal by washing and scrubbing affected surfaces in soapy water, but for me, that isn’t aggressive enough. I would

much rather wait for a severely trimmed plant to recover or a new plant to grow in replacement than see a sooty mold infestation go from a controllable situation than something beyond salvaging.

A huge infestation in which an entire garden has been attacked might be an invitation for a whole new landscape to be created.

Keep that in mind when tempted to take the light handed approach.

Another concern regarding sooty mold is controlling insect infestations that precipitate an outbreak. Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects are the prime culprits for inducing sooty mold infestations.

These insects all specialize in consuming plant sap. Their resulting secretions, known as honeydew, are rich in sugar and provide the perfect food for sooty mold. And let’s not confuse this term honeydew with the melon. We’re talking about a fine dew-like substance that is usually sticky upon touch from all that under-processed plant sugar.

Getting up close and inspecting your plants with a loupe will usually reveal the menacing party. If you’d rather someone else try to ID the pest for you, macrophotography may be another option. The absolute worst way to ID plant pests and pathogens are to bring an infected leaf or branch to someone’s garden and ask for their help. That’s actually a good way to incite the very person you are hoping to provide you with a friendly answer—as you’ve just exposed their plants to something they may have already worked very hard to eliminate or avoid.

As far as controlling the insects themselves, a great safe organic approach is with formulations of neem oil. Other synthetic insecticides are available but may not be recommended, especially if you harvest fruits and vegetables from your garden.

So lots of happy sooty mold sweeping to you. As the Mary Poppins song says, “A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be.”

Allergies and Asthma

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he symptoms of an allergic reaction are often misdiagnosed but never ignored because allergies became obvious for their manifestations in the respiratory system and skin.

The skin may appear red, itchy, scaly, bumpy, swollen, and severe allergic reactions can affect your respiratory tract and sinuses.

After coming into contact with an allergen, you may experience sneezing, stuffy or runny nose; red, itchy, or watery eyes; a feeling of pressure in the face; coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. There are many types of allergies. Some are seasonal, and others are year-round. Some allergies may be life-long.

If you have a severe allergy, it may become anaphylactic - a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction as it can cause your airways to close, making it difficult to breathe and you can even lose consciousness.

An allergic response occurs when the body’s immune system reacts or overreacts to a trigger or allergen such as pollen – a substance released by every plant. When you come into contact with something you are allergic to, the immune system releases a chemical called histamine, which triggers the allergic reaction and all of the irritating symptoms.

Allergies cannot generally be prevented, but allergic reactions can. Avoiding allergens is the best way to prevent an allergic reaction.

There are many over the counter and prescription antihistamine medications that are effective for symptom relief but can cause nasty side effects such as drowsiness and nausea. As a result, some people try natural alternatives.

Here is a shortlist of natural foods and herbal remedies for elimination of allergies: Garlic has been used in the kitchen for thousands of years and for its ability to help reverse disease. It’s also an essential part

of any wellness regimen. Garlic is a potent anti-inflammatory and immune-system enhancer that contains histamine-lowering quercetin compound.

When it comes to fighting allergies naturally, quercetin is at the top of the list of natural compounds that have been proven to cure allergy symptoms.

Stinging Nettle Leaf is a perennial flowering plant that has been used medicinally dating back as far as ancient Egypt and Greece. Stinging nettle has excellent anti-inflammatory abilities as it contains bioactive components that can inhibit multiple inflammatory events.

Rosemary: Fresh, dried, tinctures and extracts are popular additions to culinary creations.

Rosemary’s ability to help fight allergy symptoms and also provide relief for asthma, this popular herb contains rosmarinic acid, which has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, rosmarinic acid is a free radical scavenger that can suppress the inflammatory responses of individual white blood cells, as well as allergic antibodies.

Turmeric is a common spice found in Indian and other cuisines.

It has an endless list of health benefits that make this tasty spice just as effective as many

pharmaceuticals. Turmeric has a potent active compound called curcumin.

Antihistamines are substances that block histamine activity in the body. Histamine is a protein that triggers allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, and a scratchy throat.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and acts as a natural antihistamine as a treatment for allergies and allergy-related diseases. It is present in many fruits and vegetables, including bell peppers, broccoli, cantaloupe, cauliflower, citrus fruits, kiwifruit, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and is a natural remedy for inflammation or swelling.

Probiotics are microorganisms that offer health benefits by helping the body maintain a balance of gut bacteria. Probiotics boost a person’s immune system, which can help the body fight off allergies; the best probiotics come from fermented foods.

Quercetin is naturally present in many foods and herbs, including apples, berries, black tea, broccoli, grapes, Ginkgo biloba, green tea, red onions, and red wine.

Spirulina is a micro-alga that helps fight pathogens and supports the immune system. It also reduces lipids in the blood and protects the liver.

The good news is that there are natural plants, herbs, and spices that can cure many types of allergies without ill side effects.

People with allergies may find relief by using natural supplements made from herbal formulas in the form of teas, capsules, extracts, and tinctures that act as antihistamines.

local voices

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Vanishing Earth/ Vanishing Home John Warren

john3984@me.com

John Warren is in charge of publicity for the International Friendship Club in Puerto Vallarta (IFC). During the summer, he writes about traveling while also raising environmental awareness. accept the status quo.

Already people in 150 countries are organizing for the global climate strikes next week. Some here comes a time when will spend the day in protest against one must take a position new pipelines and mines, or the that is neither safe, nor banks that fund them; some will politic, nor popular, but he must highlight the oil companies fuelling take it because conscience tells this crisis and the politicians that him it is right,” said Martin Luther enable them. Others will spend the King Jr. On 20th September, if we day in action, raising awareness have any conscience at all, it will in their communities and pushing be our time to take a position on for solutions to the climate crisis. the climate crisis and what to do On a grossly unequal planet, not everyone will be able to take a day about it.

It hasn’t happened in Puerto off or take part in the same way.

Vallarta before but, earlier this But we can all take a stand and year, from the South Pacific to the make our voices heard.

All-around Mexico rallies and edge of the Arctic Circle, students who got together by word of mouth strikes are being organized. In and social media skipped class Mexico City, Guadalajara, San to protest what they see as the Miguel de Allende, Tulum, Zamora failures by their governments to (Michoacan), in Parras de la take tough action against global Fuente (Coahuila) and in other cities, towns, and villages. Why warming.

In Canada, students blocked not in Puerto Vallarta? (For help schools and headed to Parliament in organizing an event see https:// Hill with signs saying, “There globalclimatestrike.net/start/ ) On 20th September, millions of are no jobs on a dead planet.” In India’s capital of New Delhi, people across the world will unite schoolchildren protested inaction to demand meaningful climate on climate change and demanded legislation. ( For full details see that authorities tackle rising air pollution levels in the country.

Thousands marched in Warsaw and other Polish cities to demand a ban on burning coal, a significant source of carbon dioxide. Speakers at the U.S. Capitol in Washington stood behind a banner that said: “We don’t want to die.”

Protests in Madrid and more than 50 other Spanish cities drew thousands because that country is vulnerable to rising sea levels and rapid desertification.

The students now they hope that everyone else will join them in action on 20th September. Going on climate strike means people everywhere walking out of their homes, their offices, their farms, their factories. Everyone is needed to disrupt business as usual: from sports stars, actors, and teachers to food industry workers, psychologists, delivery drivers, and everything in between. We can all take part, whatever our circumstances, by refusing to

The WHOLE world is going on strike!

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https://globalclimatestrike.net/ ) Up to now, youth have been striking alone, but the truth is we need everyone to stand up and say no, we will not stand by and let any more homes be destroyed.

We will not let any more people be poisoned by toxic air. We will not let our planet die. Because we are on Earth to take care of life.

We can protect life on this planet. We know what the solutions are — we just have to implement them. The problem is that governments have chosen to listen to fossil fuel billionaires rather than protect their people.

But we, by acting together, have the power to take our future back.

These Climate Strikes won’t solve the climate crisis. What this moment can do is demonstrate that people are no longer willing to continue with business as usual.

The urgency of the climate crisis requires a new approach and a just response centered on human rights, equity, and justice.

Last year, in Sweden, Greta Thunberg’s lone protest caught the world’s attention and spread to millions of school children who are sounding the alarm.

She proved that one person can make a difference! Now it’s everyone’s turn to stand with young people and show world leaders that we, the people, are demanding climate justice.

September’s climate strikes will kickstart a massive wave of action and renewed ambition all over the world. Our house is on fire - let’s act like it. On 20th September, #StrikeWithUs.

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

Sustainably Yours Emily Majewski

emilyannmajewski@gmail.com

Emily Majewski is Co-Founder of Phytostone, a small firm based in Nayarit dedicated to creating advanced natural materials for home and garden.

In Outer Space

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his very moment, you and I are parked on a crystal ball that is hurling through space at 107,000 kilometers per hour.

Our mission: to survive another trip around the sun. Just today we are rotating around our daily orbit at 1670 kilometers per hour. You and I undergo this whirling journey through inky black space everyday without giving it a second thought.

But we should think about it.

Everything we take for granted about this vessel we are perched on needs to be newly appreciated. The miracle of an atmosphere we can breathe, of water, of the wispy-thin biosphere that sustains life, is best appreciated from space.

Indeed, any new understanding requires that we transcend our own current perspective. Our experiential illusion is that the concert of factors sustaining our life right now has always been here and will always be here. This enormous assumption helps us get through daily life and, indeed, perpetuates a culture that makes trashing the planet as “normal” as a heartbeat.

But it is an assumption that dissolves away when viewed from space. The planet has happily carried on for billions of years in a way that is inhospitable to human civilization. Like all the other planets and floating rocks we know of. It certainly can carry on without us, no questions asked.

Which leads us to a fatal flaw in the environmental movement, the whole notion of ‘saving the planet’.

You’ve read it ten times today on canvas bags. The attitude of earth being a ‘damsel in distress’ in need of saving is a notion that grossly misrepresents this fact: that we need the earth, the earth does not need us.

This might seem like semantics but I would argue that navigating as an environmental movement, under an illusion this grand, is a warm and fuzzy directional error that could be fatal.

With the statement, ‘we need to save the planet’, we get to be the heroes and feel good about ourselves. With the statement, ‘We

need the planet’, a paradigm shift occurs: suddenly we are hitchhikers needing a ride through the galaxy that the planet does not have to give us. It’s us with our thumbs out. It is humbling.

Perhaps part of the illusion is a romanticized metaphor of ‘Mother Nature’ and ‘Mother Earth’, one exclusively focused on fertility and life. As evolutionary children of her life-giving capabilities, we feel entitled to expect this planetary nurturing forever. We think of it as our inheritance to do with what we will, like trust fund babies. The problem with this counterproductive metaphor is that motherhood denies life much more often than bestowing it. For example, the average female will make 1-2 million oocytes (eggs) compared to the average 2.5 children carried to term per woman around the globe. And according to Wikipedia on the topic of extinction, more than 99 percent of all species, amounting to over 5 billion, that have lived on earth are estimated to have died out. Which means that motherhood, according to Planet Earth, is a much less romantic affair than our Victorian notions. And we are naïve to think otherwise.

An even more comfortable world view to subscribe to is one focused on fatherhood. That a father-god has given us dominion to do as we please with the planet. If we mess up, a savior will extend his hand, whether it’s a spiritual intervention, a presidential strong-man or a “savior-billionaire” wielding a ‘saving’ technology.

This propensity to maternalizing or paternalizing our planetary reality needs to be seen for what it is: a distraction. A distraction from the fact that, so far, we have been buffered from the consequences of our actions by a planet that has only so much tolerance built into its systems. And that we need to re-design our culture using regenerative principals that promote life on this planet. Period.

I very much hope the next canvas bag you see that reads ‘Save Mother Earth’ will have a new meaning. More like, ‘Time to Save Ourselves.’

18

local voices Vibes & Vices: Fly Trampoline Park

AJ Freeman

cosmiccapt@gmail.com

AJ Freeman is an adventurous spirit, serial friend-maker, and general enthusiast. He lives his everyday life hoping to demonstrate the nearly infinite potential for discovery and wonder on this small wet rock orbiting a dim yellow star in the backwoods of the Milky Way

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ith all the decadent dining and drinking I do for this gig, a little exercise is an ideal way to ensure I remain only fat enough to retain credibility for professionally spotlighting deliciousness.

Apart from other physically active pursuits I’ve mentioned before and others I probably shouldn’t in this space, a good bounce at an all-ages trampoline park has to rank among my favorites. That’s why when I got wind of one opening in Macroplaza, the first thing I did was figure out how to make it as work-related as possible so someone would pay me to do it.

The Vibes: I accomplished this end by arranging a “networking event” at the park under another of my job titles, chief social coordinator at Vallarta CoWork. My duties in this role include ensuring people who work at the space actually talk to each other sometimes as well as helping to facilitate the coworking community’s engagement with Vallarta...I suppose you could say I deal with the goddamn customers so the engineers don’t have to.

Anyway, in the fullness of time the jumping-off point arrived and our party walked through the doors of the (wisely) air conditioned space to learn that we could purchase an hour of bouncy time for 120p, but could also have an unlimited session on the springs at the same price. Obviously we opted for the unlimited option, with collective fantasies of taking to the skies for an indefinite period through the thrust of the limitless arc reactor posessed by our inner child.

And so, the assembled coworkers and colleagues donned our required non-slip socks in preparation for our scheduled summit.

The Vices: The delight of discovery is at least as intoxicating as anything served in a bar, and it gives me great pleasure to report that learned a lot about the people I work with that afternoon.

Steve impressed everyone with some surprisingly competent gymnastics, including a standing

backflip with excellent form. Sasha turned out to be an aerial ace of a different kind, pulling out various high flying attacks lifted from the squared circle. John used his powerful legs to reach a height where he could put a firm bear hug on some apparatus suspended from the ceiling.

I also learned Rachel could do some weird, core-strengthy thing where she bounced high in the air from side to side on her aft end. Not sure what you call that, but I can’t do it at all.

Oh, but I did a special skill of my own to put on display. You see, my background in youth basketball makes me a highly experienced trampoline dunker, and happily the bouncing grounds were equipped with a couple of hoops built to withstand the fury of my finest skywalker stylings. There was only one feat worthy of the occasion: the 360 Vince Carter 2k Supreme.

Now, to draw a clear distinction between myself and an 8-time NBA All-Star, the namesake Mr. Carter performed these mind-boggling maneuvers from a standard hardwood playing surface to win the league’s annual dunk contest way back in the year 2000.

Nevertheless, the inspiration he provided enabled me to impress a room full of children in a bouncy house on this day. After relieving

some sleepy kid with slow reflexes of a ball, I faced the rim and prepared for liftoff.

One step, then another, then a Super Mario mushroom stomp to achieve the appropriate altitude.

The scarf I wore around my waist specifically to catch the wind as I bounced flowed obediently as I twisted my body into a full rotation at the peak of the bounce, transferring the ball betwixt my legs from left to right in midair before windmilling the arm and jamming the ball through the rim with the utmost enthusiasm.

Obviously the crowd went wild and I somehow lost one of the several party store rings I was wearing in the excitement, but at an appraised value of 10 pesos, the sacrifice was well worth the success of the endeavour.

As much fun as it was, after almost exactly 60 minutes, just about everyone had had their fill of frolicking for the day, reinforcing my belief that even if people could fly, almost no one would actually do it on a regular basis due to the level of exertion that would likely be involved. Think about it...according to the existing factory specs for our species we specialize in marathons, so you could probably jog to Bucerias...betting you won’t this year tho.

All that typed, it can be very adult to behave like a child every now and then.

The Verdict: If you’re looking for something different to do with a group of friends or a fresh idea for a date, a trip to the trampoline park could be just the ticket. It’s also a solid workout which is less torturous than something like running to nowhere, so fitness minded folks will find added appeal here. All told, there are plenty of high times to be had at Fly Trampoline Park...maybe I’ll catch you there.

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

Welcome Home Sheryl Novak

sa.novak@solutionsmexico.com

Sheryl Novak is an expat Canadian who has owned a home in Mexico for over ten years. She is the owner of SOLutions Mexico and The Furniture Store by SOLutions Mexico. She is an expert on sourcing all styles of furniture for all sizes of budgets, in Mexico.

Tips on buying a good barbecue in Vallarta, Part 2

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hen purchasing a barbecue or grill for your home in Vallarta, it is essential to find that lasts and fits your needs. Here are some more tips to get you the best value for your pesos.

When selecting the size of a barbecue, make sure that the grilling space will fit the type and quantity of food you usually prepare. Allow enough space for searing, slower cooking, finishing, and toasting. For reference, an average size grill is between 400 and 600 square inches and will enable you to cook for about eight people.

It is also critical to measure the space where it is going to be situated. Today’s plethora of options include side tables, and warming trays which you may find will not fit in your space after assembly. Before you buy any appliance or piece of furniture, always measure space allowance.

When it comes to construction, look for a barbecue made from stainless steel. These types of gas barbecues last the longest.

Avoid anything made from aluminum or sheet metal. Those types tend to rust and will likely break down in just one season in our climate. How to know for sure what material was used to make the barbecue? Don’t necessarily trust the advertising on the box. If it shines, it probably isn’t stainless. Use a magnet to test.

If the magnet sticks, the stainless steel is perhaps just a coating.

Stainless steel is the most durable and low-maintenance material for barbecues.

Also, check what material was used to make the grates. Cast iron grates capture, retain and distribute heat better than other materials. Porcelain coating, although great for keeping food from sticking, can chip easily and

rust. If you go for cast iron grates, remember they need regular oiling.

Once assembled, your barbecue needs to be sturdy.

A great way to confirm you are buying a good quality barbecue is to give the demo model a “shake” test. If it wobbles or rattles, it’s

probably not the one you should take home.

Regular maintenance is vital to ensure your barbecue lasts for a long time. Cover the grill when not using it and always clean the grates before and after each use. Remove any black build-up because that is what is carcinogenic. It also corrodes the grill. As a rule of thumb, remove and thoroughly clean the grates at the beginning and end of every season.

For a well-made gas barbecue in Mexico that ticks all the boxes, expect to invest about MXN 12,000.00 or more. In this price range, the brand and model I recommend is the Weber Q3200.

Its a great intermediate model with fantastic performance and reliability. If you are in the Bay of

local voices

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September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

On The Water Capt. Gregory Pilkington Greg@fishfc.com

With Capt. Greg Pilkington onboard TOPLESS II out of Marina Riviera Nayarit www.fishtfc.com +1(435) 901-4564

Big Game Fishing Season Has Arrived

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eptember may be low tourist season but it is big marlin fishing season. Black and Blue Marlin in the 500-800 pound range are scattered offshore along with Tuna, Sailfish, Rainbow Runners and Dorado. Roosterfish and Toro are available along the shoreline. Take your pick.

A single angler can easily spend tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars each year traveling around the globe in search of big marlin.

We are extremely blessed, as we don’t have to hop on a plane and travel half way around the world in search of these legendary fish.

Instead, each year from September thru December, these magnificent Marlin make our offshore waters their home. And, unlike other giant marlin hotspots, here you can fish for them without the crowds and at a small fraction of the cost.

But, giant marlin aren’t the only game in town this time of year. Pretty much everything is on the menu.

You want tuna - we got ‘em. Sailfish?

Roosterfish? Dorado? Yes, si, heck yeah!

BEST BET HARDCORE ANGLER With so many options it is hard to pick just one best bet this week.

If you have your sights set on a big Black Marlin then head to El Banco. These fish are averaging over 500 pounds and some much bigger fish are around.

If you want to target Yellowfin Tuna then head to Corbatena.

But, make sure your boat has a

Banderas area, you can order one from El Tio Sam who will deliver it at no extra charge. For a nominal fee, they will even assemble it and fill/deliver the tank of propane.

As always, check out the warranty on any item you purchase. Warranties can be for different periods depending on

the part. Some models have up to 10- or 20-year warranties which will speak to the quality and value of your barbecue investment.

Looking for a long-lasting barbecue for your home in Mexico? Contact me for more information at furniture@ solutionsmexico.com.

good sounder (fish finder). At this time of year the waters are at their warmest and Tuna prefer cooler water. Therefore, you won’t be seeing many of these fish break the surface. You will see them down deep on a good sounder and that is when you want to drop down some heavy metal. Not as in music, but as in 150-250 gram jigs. (Note: this kind of fishing is quite exhausting so perhaps a little heavy metal music on the boat could be useful).

As for me, I’d start at about 7 miles out from Punta Mita at the color change and see if I could locate a weed/trash line. Here you are likely to find some nice Dorado, Sailfish and perhaps a Blue Marlin.

The nice thing about fishing when no other boats are around is that if you find some floating debris you are likely to be the first to fish it on the day. Depending on results off of Punta Mita, I might run and gun towards El Banco and/or Corbatena.

Particularly if I was lucky enough to pick up a Sailfish and Blue Marlin and wanted to add a Black Marlin for a Grand Slam.

As always, it’s important to remember that this is fishing, not catching. These fish move around a lot and don’t get so big by being stupid. While a full day trip will give

you a shot at all of the above, the odds shift to your favor if you book a multi day trip.

After all, you are in Mexico, and 3 days here will cost you less than 2 days almost anywhere else. And remember, days spent fishing are added back onto your life.

BEST BET - WEEKEND WARRIORS AND NOVICE ANGLERS Wow! Again, spoiled with choices.

Toro have started to follow the bait into the bay and if you locate them they will provide some great fun on light tackle.

While not good eating these fish are about as strong pound for pound as anything that swims. Combine some Toro fishing with a lunch at Yelepa and a hike to the waterfall and you will have a day you never will forget.

As we wrote last week, the spectacular beaches south of Cabo Corrientes are firing with good size Roosterfish (and Toro). If you ever wanted to catch one of these trophies, that’s where I’d head.

Lastly, a 7 hour trip on a fast boat will get you to the grounds I mentioned earlier off of Punta Mita with enough time to target Dorado, Sailfish and Marlin. What more could you ask for?

CONSERVATION CORNER Plastic is destroying our oceans and killing our marine life. Our family no longer uses plastic water bottles in our daily life and we are in the process of eliminating plastic water bottles on our boat. We encourage you to do the same. It won’t only help save the ocean but will also save you money.

TOPLESS TIP

Most people book a charter fishing trip with a set number of hours. The number of hours is not number of fishing hours but total hours on the water. In most cases, the best fishing grounds are 15 to 50 miles offshore. It pays to look into which of our 3 marinas are closest to the grounds you plan to fish as well as the speed of the boat you intend to hire. This way you can compare apples with apples and determine how much time you actually will be fishing the most productive fishing grounds.

entertainment

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From Here Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

Aside from contributing regularly to the Tribune for several years, Marcia is a skilled artisan, specialized in repurposing jewelry and selling her creations at the Marsol Friday Market by the Pier.

“Energy”

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hat a delightful production of “Cats” we saw last week at Incanto!

The film was shot in London and produced by Andrew Lloyd Weber; wonderful to see again and to hear T.S. Eliot’s whimsical, fantastical words about cats. Thanks to Dennis Crow for enchanting an entire audience! This coming week, Thursday, September 12 at 4 pm (this is a time change from 7), the Summer Stock Series at Incanto takes a step away from musicals and presents Angela Lansbury and James Earl Jones in “Driving Miss Daisy.” The trailer looked amazing, and, no, this is not a movie remake. This is a 2013 Australian live-production film. I would go just to listen to Jones’s voice. A report next week.

Dear Sandra Cesca and I went out for dinner again! (We will likely see each other only in passing all season long so we are enjoying each other’s company while we can!) We settled on Serranos on the edge of Parque Lazaro Cardenas and the Malecon. We both wanted something on the light side, so Fettuccini Alfredo with shrimp won. Wow. Their salads are lovely as is the service, always.

So much happening this weekend! El Dia del Charro with a parade you cannot miss on Saturday morning, the 14th; Sunday the 15th is the Grito, and Monday, the 16th is Independence Day and a National Holiday so hit the bank machines early and don’t forget the parade that day as well.

Tonight is a special “Heal the Planet” event in Parque Lazaro Cardenas. I wonder how many people will tear themselves away from their air-conditioned environments and stand with neighbors and friends and

collectively send positive energy to help heal Mother Earth. To those who scoff at such things do remember a few years back when Hurricane Patricia was bound to hit Puerto Vallarta. The most brilliant meteorologists in the world had her tracked to the minute when she would smash us to bits – she was the largest ever. Facebook for days prior was nothing but prayers, comments; it seems everyone in the world knew at least one person who visited our beautiful city at least once in their lives. The wishes for our safety rolled in by the thousands, no one mentioned the new Prime Minister of Canada nor the U.S. President the FOCUS was on saving Vallarta. At a point south of us, Hurricane Patricia suddenly turned right and stopped.

Wreaked havoc on a far smaller scale and we were spared. Why do you suppose that happened?

It takes energy to move energy.

We ARE energy, and we can do anything, and collectively? Clear a path, From Here.

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

Summertime Music and More Christie Seeley

vezelay@mac.com

From Oakland, California to Puerto Vallarta…lured by music of guitars and sounds of the sea. vallartasounds.com

Agnes Varda and ‘Vagabond’

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am heading for France today and thinking of one of the country’s best film directors who passed away earlier this year on March 29, Agnes Varda. One of my favorites of her profound works was a poignant film called ‘Vagabond’, released in 1985 and revived as part of a retrospective on Varda’s 90th birthday in 2018. In today’s world with so much homelessness among young, seemingly capable people, this film comes back to me over and over again and fills me with sorrow as it puts so many things into question.

Starring the super talented Sandrine Bonnaire, the story tells of a young woman who, overcome with the monotony and hopelessness of her life as a secretary, casts the world aside and embarks on a life of drifting and hitch hiking, distancing herself from her previous identity; even changing her name to Mona. Along the way to her fate which we already know from the opening scenes, she encounters people who, not being able to comprehend her choices, try to help her back to the mainstream of life. Instead she becomes more and more detached making it difficult for the viewer to relate.

The story is told in flashback by people who encountered her along the way after her body is discovered frozen to death in a ditch in the wintery southern French countryside.

That scene is the tragic image of Justine become Mona that haunts me every time I see a young woman beaten by the elements, exposure and hardship of life on the road or in the streets with a cardboard sign scribbled with a message seeking food or work. When a psychologist who gave our protagonist a lift at one point in the story - tried to convince her to let her help her find a job, and Mona replied “je n’ai pas l’air,” I wept.

Truthfully, she did not have the “look” or attitude that would allow for that transformation.

These weather-beaten young people in many cases are simply too far gone to return even if they so desired. What can be done then?

one asks. There are many elements to consider: a youthful society of hopelessness; a lack of education; drugs; family; and reasonable choices. Of course, I always think “your mother would be crying to see you this way” but then again, maybe not. What we really need is a better understanding of the underlying causes and creative approaches to help. There are groups who offer lodging and counseling and perhaps a more comprehending group of adults and peers as a support system, and maybe Varda’s image of what is offered at the end of the line if they continue on their path would be helpful.

Andrea Kleine, a celebrated novelist, who grew up in the 80’s with a prevailing model of bubble gum-chewing, fluffy-haired girls who gave in to sexual advances from boys to increase their popularity, wrote a moving piece published in the Paris Review about her own reaction to Varda’s film. She tells of growing up saying “As a teenager, my view of the world was bleak. I was the only one of my small group of misfit friends to leave home and go away to college.

Not long before I did, I saw Agnès Varda’s film ‘Vagabond’... Agnès Varda finally gave me a female protagonist who didn’t compromise.”

As she moves along in the story, she finds it harder to understand the totally defiant Mona who in the end does not care at all what we think.

Amy Simmons writing for BFI. org has this to say about Mona’s character created by Varda, “As she attempts to remove herself from the social norms expected of her gender and class, Varda shows us how perilous and short-lived this zoneless space can be...”

Yes, this is a disturbing film, and Varda does not tell us what to think about it, but at the same time it is very moving and cinematically, it is astonishingly beautiful.

entertainment Live Music Calendar

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September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

This list features bars and restaurants that may have live music and ongoing acts. We do not take responsibility for misinformation. Listings are published free of charge but are subject to space availability.

Email editor@vallartatribune.com to update or add your listings.

VALLARTA

Aloha Bar (Plaza Parabien #16) Thur: Dr. Groove 10 pm BabelBar (Aquiles Serdán 437, Isla del Cuale) Every Sunday in September at 1 pm

Kelly’s Pour Favor Saloon and Cookhouse (Lazaro Cardenas 245) Mon: Hoochie Coochie Men 8 - 11 pm Wed: Tequila Rush 8 - 11 pm Thur: 3Tones 8 - 11 pm Fri: Dr. Groove 8 - 11 pm Sat: Soul Trip 8 - 11 pm Murphy’s Irish Pub (484 Morelos, Malecon) Thur: Adriana and the Freaks 10 pm Fri: Adriana and the Freaks 10 pm Sat: Adriana and the Freaks 10 pm

Captain Don’s (Honduras 126) Fri: Tequila Rush 8 - 11 pm Sat: Da Crew 8 - 11 pm Chasers Sports Bar (Avenida Mexico 570A) Fri: Gecko Band 8 - 11 pm El Oasis de Holi (River mouth by La Isla Mall) Sat: Dr. Groove 6 pm Incanto (Insurgentes 109) Thur: Open Mic 7:30 pm Fri: Renteria Bros & Eduardo Leon 7 pm Sat: Benji Gutierrez & Aaron Hernandez 7:30 pm Sat: Derek Carkner 7:15 pm Sun: Joby & Tongo 5 pm Sun: Benji Gutierrez, Piano 7:30 pm Fri, Sat & Sun: Dennis Crow 9:30 pm

Que/Pasa (625 Aquiles Serdan) Tues: The Change at 7-10 pm Sun: Sylvie&The Zippers 7 - 10 pm

BUCERIAS

Roxy Rockhouse (Ignacio L Vallarta 275) Nightly music after 11 pm with the house band

Drunken Duck(Avenida Mexico, Centro | Bucerias) Wed: The Gecko Band 9 pm Sun: The Gecko Band 5pm

Starwings (Avenida Fluvial 223) Wed: Black Mamba 9 pm

LA CRUZ

NUEVO VALLARTA

Ana Bananas (Tiburón #42 | La Cruz) Sun: Live Music 7 pm

Eddies (Boulevard Nayarit 70) Weekly - Live music 6:30 - 9:30 pm

OSO’s Oyster Bar ( La Cruz Marina) Sat: The Remedy 7 pm Britannia (Coral, La Cruz) Tues: Open mic with The Turn 7pm

SAYULITA & SAN PANCHO Don Pato (Marlin 12, Sayulita) Live music nightly

View these listings and more online at www.vallartatribune.com/eventos/live-music-calendar/

Upcoming Events September 14 Dia del Charro - Day of Charro A parade through the centro neighbourhood of Puerto Vallarta and along the Malecon featuring traditionally dressed charro riders and their dancing horses. Starts at 11am - 12:30pm September 15 and 16 Independence Day Festivities The celebration of the Independence Day Festivities is one of Mexico’s most treasured traditions, and in Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit makes the Grito, or yell, a very special occasion. The festivities begin on the evening of the 15th with the Grito de Independencia, a ceremony that’s replicated in nearly every plaza in nearly every Mexican town, along with fireworks and fairs. The

celebration continues on the 16th with a military and sports parade to commemorate another year of Mexico’s Independence.

September 18 Democrats Aboard Monthly Meeting Don’t miss this chance to reconnect with old friends and make new ones.

Join the PV chapter of Democrats Abroad on Wednesday, September 18 from 5:00-7:00 pm at La Dolce Vita’s new location at Basilio Badillo 206, in the heart of the Puerto Vallarta Romantic Zone.

September 20 Fridays For Future Global Climate Strike 11:30 am - 2:30 pm Organized by students around the world, Fridays for Future is a movement against global warming and climate change that began in when activist Greta Thunberg led a manifestation before the Swedish parliament in 2018. City Hall. Details at facebook.com/ events/404373453623018.

September 20 Joven Ballet HH 6 pm A young Guadalajara-based ballet company travels to Puerto Vallarta

to perform classics of the repertoire, along with a few selections that draw their inspiration from Mexico.

Teatro Vallarta. Details at facebook. com/events/525451278194854.

September 26 – October 04 San Francisco (San Pancho) Patron Saint Days Fairs, dances and jamborees with a special twist are a specialty in the charming village of San Pancho. These festivities honour San Francisco, also known as San Pancho, and are a very Mexican tradition.

September 27 Carlos Rivera in Vallarta 8 pm Mexican pop singer Carlos Rivera will present a concert at the city’s Convention Center. With a huge following throughout Latin America, Rivera rose to fame by winning the third generation of La Academia, a reality television singing competition produced by TV Azteca, has released four studio albums and participated in six theatre productions. Details at facebook. com/events/1552558258212321.

September 28 – 29 Riviera Fest 7th annual exhibition of VW cars organized by the ANCVM (National Association of Volkswagen Clubs of Mexico). Music, food, pop-up market and more details found at www.facebook.com/Rivierafest/ September 29 – October 03 11° Vallarta – Nayarit Gastronómica This is a gourmet week where professionals and lovers of gastronomy can come together to enjoy different events in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit.

There will be workshops, pairings, tastings, dinners and special events for academia, culinary professionals and the most demanding foodies. vallartanayaritgastronomica.com/

October 2-3 Mexican Pacific League Baseball Exhibition Baseball fans will be thrilled with the return of the two day event featuring the best teams in the Mexican Pacific League to be held at the Augustin Flores Contreras Stadium in Puerto Vallarta’s downtown.

Tickets to go on sale shortly.

November 14-17 American Express Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf For the ninth consecutive year, the ultra luxury residential community of Punta Mita, will host the American Express Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf, one of the most sophisticated culinary and golf events in the country.

The American Express Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf will feature international guests such as Craig “The walrus” Stadler and Lorena Ochoa, two golf legends.

Nayarit treasure and Chef Betty Vázquez and Antonio de Livier, founder and creator of the annual Pacific Cooks, as well 20 other nationally and internationally recognized chefs will create unique meals through the event as well as host cooking classes and more.

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games

September 12 - 18, 2019 www.vallartatribune.com

Anglican Church Puerto Vallarta

Iglesia Anglicana Puerto Vallarta

Worldwide Anglican Communion Anglican Church in North America

Puerto Vallarta (322)-308-0022

Read the first edition of the Best of Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit guide online www.vallartatribune.com

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pages of information designed to make your stay in the area the best! From the best beaches to the best activities and more, you can download and view online at www.vallartatribune.com and watch for copies at your favourite Vallar taTribune distribution points.