Issue 844, June 7 - 13, 2013

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Nuevo Vallarta

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AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

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Wildlife Adventures EXPLORING MEXICO

June 7 - 13, 2013 Free Issue 844

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Vallarta Torpedos GO ALL THE WAY

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

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Welcome

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

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from San Blas in the north.

Cover Photo Madeline Milne

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona DIRECTOR Lic. Arturo Martinez Rojas EDITOR Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@vallartatribune.com SALES ventastribuna7@yahoo.com EDITORIAL BOARD Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver DESIGNER Cynthia Estela Andrade G. cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host.

We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error.

We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment.

Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. (322) 226-0829, 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com

www.vallartatribune.com www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

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BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $6.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus.

There are no “transfers”.

TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first.

Price is per trip not person.

MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport.

Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.

DRINKING WATER: For the 17th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.

EXPORTING PETS: Fall in love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-todate information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com.

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere.

If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that 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 in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assitance.

Calling in Mexico

Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance.

Long-distance calls from within Mexico For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (for the U.S. and Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number).

Calling Cell Phones (from a land line) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the 10 digit number including area code. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number.

Emergencies: 060 Municipal and Transit Police: 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Red Cross - Ambulance: 322.222.1533 Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145

Phone Cards Phone cards (“tarjetas telefonicas”) for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments.

Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not.

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

Red Cross: 065 Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006 Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

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

While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous.

And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking.

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Editorial

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June 7 - 13, 2013

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Dead Editor, wanted to sincerely thank you for publishing the article about Erlichiosis in last week’s Vallarta Tribune. My Dachschund dog had been having eye problems for the last few weeks and his vet was unsure of

the cause. After reading your article, I called my vet, took him in and he tested positive for Erlichiosis.

He’s now on a month treatment plan and doing much better. Without treatment the disease is very serious and could have been fatal.

Thanks again for inadvertently saving my sweet dog Shorty who’s like a son to me!!!

Best regards, Kathryn Garcia

Editor’s note:

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hat’s that saying? “In like a lion out like a lamb”… not in Puerto Vallarta apparently. The light misting that we started out with did nothing except give me an afro and allow even more dirt to stick to my car. But now after a few consecutive nights of actual rain, I guess can safely assume I don’t need to water my (outdoor) plants anymore and I should set reminders to take in the laundry.

Rainy season in Puerto Vallarta brings with it many changes. The roads wash away, the waters get murky with sediment, the roof over your bed inevitably leaks but, it also brings with it the invigorating lushness of the jungle, the millions of sand crabs, the cooling breezes and of course I don’t need to wash my car every other day.

clothing, carpets etc. Be sure to open cupboards to allow the air to circulate. A few precautions today will make for a worry free summer.

Next week we will begin our series of interviews with those of us that call Mexico home in the summer. If you would be interested in sharing your story with the readers of the Tribune, please send me an email. We can

grab coffee, lunch, one of those margaritas at La Palapa…

I wish you all a wonderful weekend. Don’t forget to support the many wonderful vendors at the farmers markets. Your support ensures that we continue to enjoy the wonderful (real!!) bagels, cheeses, organic peanut butters and more, year round.

Madeline Milne

Summer in the Bay of Banderas is a beautiful time to be here.

We still offer nearly all the same activities but the crowds are less.

There are many wonderful deals at restaurants and resorts for the summer season. People are less busy and have more time to get together and reconnect. Exploring the mountains around the bay and visiting the many waterfalls in the area is once again an awe inspiring trek into tropical jungles.

There are a few precautions you should take in the rainy season though. Take the time to waterproof your home. Clear the drains of leaves and garbage to prevent (more) flooding. Also be aware of the moisture/humidity and how this can affect your

APOLOGIES My dear friend and co-conspirator, Gary R. Beck was excluded from his rightful recognition in last week’s India Gate restaurant review. We are sorry Gary.

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Dear Editor: he first annual Bugambilia Festival is over and a wonderful precedent has been set. The Tribune did excellent job informing your readers of the schedule as we knew it.

Some of our events were changed at the last minute and some added that we didn’t know about until it was too late to publicize them.

This is the nature of a “first year”. Next year will be even better!

The following people were extraordinary in their dedication to the festival’s success: Ana Elena Martin del Campo Carrillo, Ale Flores Tino, Enrique Barios y Lemon, Professor with Xuitla Grupo Folklorico, Vianey Sanchez, Eduardo Covarrubias, Julie Guerrero, Caryn Crump, Alberto Del Paso, Carlos Mendoza, Sandra Cesca, Bonnie Mott, Kimberley Bennett, Stephen Clay, Dee Daneri and Janice Chatterton of Hacienda San Angel.

Thank you for staffing the garden club booth and helping promote our mission: B.J. Etchepare, Jim Dumke, Zuled Ventura, Matthias Vogt, Luis Valencia, Ann Collins, Ginger Carpenter, Roberta Seeburger, Carolyn Little, Laura Espinosa, Pam Greenwood, Chuck Silberstein, Patty Listz and Holly Wright.

A special thank you to our Bugambilia Festival King and Queen, Rosie Bernal and Carlos Villaseñor.

We deeply appreciate the special contribution and patronage of Petron Tequila.

Bob Price saw the first year of his vision realized; and for the enthusiasm, optimism and leadership he always demonstrates,

we are enormously grateful and proud to be associated with him.

First place in the beautiful balcony contest was awarded to Bill and Mary Platzer. Runner-up was Mary Elizabeth O´Connor.

This award is meant to encourage private citizen beautification to augment what the Puerto Vallarta Garden Club is doing throughout the city.

We hope residents will get an early start and plan on entering their balcony or façade to the contest next year.

Thank you to those who purchased bougainvillea at the garden club table and especially those who turned around and donated them to our beautification projects.

Thank you to all who have purchased tiles and sponsored planters and supported us as members of the club.

Thank you to our sponsors and event participants.

The profits from the festival will be directly reinvested in new trees and bougainvillea and their maintenance.

Everyone can feel great pride in their contribution to making Puerto Vallarta more beautiful for residents and visitors alike.

Please go to www.vallartagardenclub.com for further information and photographs of the events as well as updates through the summer.

With my gratitude, Suzanne Kirkpatrick President Puerto Vallarta Garden Club

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

News

National News Tidbits While still not official, the German luxury auto maker, Mercedes Benz, is evaluating the possibility of establishing a plant to manufacture it’s A Class model in Mexico.

Lowe’s, the second largest global retailer for home and business building and decoration, invested 25 million dollars to open its third store in Monterrey, Nuevo León, and sixth in Mexico.

YouthSpark, Microsoft’s initiative to attract young people to education, jobs and entrepreneurship will support 17.1 million young Mexicans in the next six years.

Amat Escalante, the Mexican filmmaker and screenwriter of Heli, received the award for Best Director during the 66th edition of the Cannes Film Festival in France.

Coca-Cola Femsa (KOF), bottler of the world’s most famous brand of soda, will place stock certificates for a total value of 7.5 billion pesos on the Mexican stock market.

Crate & Barrel, the US home furniture and accessory company, will invest close to 32 million pesos to open three stores in Mexico in 2013.

BBVA Bancomer and Bancomet plan to launch a credit of close to 1 million dollars for Mexican small and medium-sized businesses(SMB), mainly exporters, between July and August 2013.

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Mexico In The News “Mexico City official pitches business in Chicago,” Chicago Tribune, 05/15/2013 uring a visit to Chicago this week, the secretary for economic development in Mexico City, Salomon Chertorivski is telling business leaders and local officials that his country is poised to grow economically and willing to do so in partnership with companies here. “Many stars are, today, aligned in Mexico,” Chertorivski said in an interview.”I want to put the message out that Mexico is a great place to invest.”

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“Mexico and Germany vow to promote tourism,” Xinhua, 05/22/2013 exico and Germany pledged to promote bilateral tourism, air connectivity and the flow of visitors, Mexico’s SECTUR said in a statement.

Germany is the fourth largest tourism market in Europe for Mexico, behind Britain, Spain

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and France, according to the Integral System of Migratory Operation. The number of German visitors to Mexico in 2012 reached 172,841, an increase of 4.7%year-on-year.

“Mexico renews its appeal for foreign investment,” Wall Street Journal, 05/27/2013 DI in Mexico is on track to recording an important leap this year and in coming years, as multinationals take advantage of tax and trade advantages offered by the country. Mexico’s SE published last week its preliminary FDI calculation for the first quarter, which almost reached 5 billion dollars and recorded a 14% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This is the best quarterly result since 2007. The body also increased 2012 numbers, which were below expectations, leaving them close to 13.4 billion dollars.

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The United Kingdom will seek to double trade with Mexico between 2013 and 2015, which would imply 7 billion dollars in annual bilateral trade, informed the British Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mexico and Panama will negotiate a free trade agreement to diversify exports, stimulate bilateral trade and multiply investments.

Mexico made the 10th highest investment in research and development in 2013, according to a study by Grant Thornton’s International Business Review (IBR).

The unemployment rate in Mexico was 5% in March 2013, still the fourth lowest among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development(OECD).

President Enrique Peña Nieto presented the National Development Plan 2013-2018, which has 31 goals, 118 strategies and 818 lines of action, and for the first time includes indicators to measure Mexico’s major goals.

Governor Protects Puerto Vallarta Mountains

Baja California hosted 84 film productions in 2012, including shorts, feature films, music videos, television programs and documentaries, producing an economic spill over in excess of 23million dollars, informed the state’s Ministry of Tourism (SECTUR).

The Tourism Promotion Council of Mexico (CPTM) will invest close to 4 million dollars in 2013 to promote Mexico as a world business destination.

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ecognizing the significant benefits that the natural landscape of the bay provides its residents, Jalisco State Governor Aristoteles Sandoval declared that going forward the Puerto Vallarta Mountains will be protected and all efforts will be made to ensure further development is sustainable and sensitive to the areas resources.

During the recent anniversary celebration of Puerto Vallarta’s 95 years as a Municipality and 45 years as a City, the Governor Sandoval stated his commitment to declare the Puerto Vallarta Mountains as a protected zone.

“I see the better quality of life that people of this area enjoy due to their relationship with the mountains and the ocean.”

In his speech to commemorate the city’s formation, the Governor also informed the crowd of the recent agreement to co-promote Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit which brings with it ten million dollars to assure better co-development and cooperation between the destinations.

Original reporting by Lourdes Martinez, Tribuna Translated by Carlos Soto

Old and New World unite in an exquisite five course menu..

Blanca Blue Restaurant, with the largest wine cellar in Mexico, and Vino Cava proudly invites you to an exclusive international food and wine pairing.

Enjoy a five course dinner paired with Australian, Californian and Italian wines Treasury Wine Estates, the world´s largest listed wine company with over 80 brands, is visiting Puerto Vallarta to introduce their prestigious portfolio.

Designed to seduce and pamper connoisseurs and wine lovers

with extraordinary dishes from the Blanca Blue menu, and the flavours to transport you around the world with a taste of wine, masterfully selected by Abril Llanes, Garza Blanca´s in-house sommelier.

Save the date next Wednesday 12th, 8:30 pm at Blanca Blue.

Make your reservations now!

322 176 0700 ext. 3013 pr@garzablancaresort.com.

WANT THE NEWS IN PUERTO VALLARTA?

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{ Latin America’s Largest Solar Plant Will be Located in Mexico Renewable Energy

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auss Energía, a Mexican business development firm specialized in the energy sector, will begin operations in its 100 million usd30 megawatt (mw) Aura Solar I photovoltaic plant in August 2013.

The company closed financing on the project after signing deals with Nafin, the Mexican development bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) for about 75% of the cost.

Mexican investment fund and project owner Corporación Aura Solar will fund the remainder.

Aura Solar I is expected to be the largest photovoltaic plant

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MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT CINEPOLIS’All-Time Box Office Cinépolis, the largest movie broadcaster in Mexico and Latin America has officially launched Cinépolis Klic, its new online streaming service, which arrives to compete against other VOD providers such as Netflix, AxtelTV, Clarovideo, Totalmovie and Vudu.

With 3,100-plus screens, Cinépolis ranks among the world’s leading exhibitors.

in Latin America. The plant is located on a 100-hectare site in La Paz, Baja California Sur –a region where average daily global horizontal radiation tops 5.7 kilowatt-hour per square meter, one of the most suitable for solar energy generation in Mexico.

With Cinépolis Klic, the company will be able to buy broadcasting rights to movies, shortening the time between online and theatre premiere dates. In addition, the company is planning to expand the online services to the 11 countries where it operates. www.cinepolis.com

It will consist of 131,800 polycrystalline modules with single-axis trackers, to produce an estimated 82 gigawatt-hour per year –enough to supply energy to 164,000 people, roughly 64% of the population of La Pazgauss. com.mx

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ABOGADO O PARTIDO SIN ABOGADO Mendocino County HHSA/Social service Family & Children´s Division PO Box 839 , Ukinh CA 95482 Teléfono 707-463-7990 Fax 707-463-7748 Superior Court Of California County of Mendocino 100 Nort State St. Ukiah CA 95482 NOMBRE DEL CASO: Isabella Leigh Rangel LA CITACION DE COMPARECER PUBLICADA POR EL DEPARTAMENTO DE BIENESTAR Y SUS INSTITUCIONES DEL CODIGO ARTICULA 294 (F) (7) (A) NUMERO DE CASO: SCUK-JVSQ-12-16505-01 1. Para Arturo Vargas Rangel y cualquier otra persona que esta reclamando ser el padre de Isabella Leigh Rangel, nacida el 8 de diciembre del 2004 en Santa Rosa, California, EEUU. 2. Habrá un junio de Departamento de Bienestar y sus Instituciones el 6 de agosto del 2013 a las 9:00 a.m. en el Departamento F localizado en la corte superior mencionada arriba.

3. En el juicio, las recomendaciones de la trabajadora social serán consideradas por la corte.

4. La trabajadora social va a recomendar que la niña este libre de la custodia legal de usted, para permitir que sea adoptada. si la corte sigue las recomendaciones, todos sus derechos paternales serán terminado.

5. Usted tiene derecho a estar presente en este juicio y presentar evidencia, y tiene el derecho de ser representado por un abogado. Si no tiene un abogado y no tiene manera de pagarlo, será nombrado por la corte para usted.

6. Si la corte termina sus derechos paternales, la orden podría ser final.

7. La corte procederá con este juicio este usted presente o no.

Fecha: 5 de junio del 2013 CARYN A. DOWNING. Empleada Provisional por PEGGY MELLO. Diputado La Citación de Comparecer Publicada por el Departamento de Bienestar y sus Instituciones Del Código Articulo 366.26 será publicada en las Siguientes fechas: 10, 17 y 24 de junio y el 1 de Julio del 2013.

Mexico City sees record number of tourists Translated by Michele Mayer

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ith an estimated 3.1 million international tourists, Mexico City will be the destination in Latin America with the largest number of foreign visitors in 2013, according to the MasterCard’s Global Destination Cities Index.

These international tourists are expected to spend 2.2 billion US dollars.

The study ranks 132 cities according to international visitor traffic, consumer expectations and growth forecasts for next year.

Within Latin America, Mexico City ranks first, by number of visitors, with an expected 3.1 million, followed by Buenos Aires (2.6 million), Sao Paolo (2.4 million), Lima (1.8 million), and San Jose (1.4 million).

Further down the ranking in the sixth position is Rio de Janeiro, with an estimated 1.4 million tourists, Bogotá is next with 0.9 million, Montevideo, with 0.7, Quito, 0.6, and closing the top ten is Caracas with 0.5 million.

Together the 10 cities are estimated to receive about 15.4 million international tourists and have an economic impact of close to 14.7 billion dollars in 2013.

MasterCard said that more than half of the spending forecasPromote Your Next Event

ted will be concentrated in three cities, Sao Paolo will receive 2.9 billion dollars, Buenos Aires will have an outlay of 2.7 billion dollars, while Mexico City is estimated to capture 2.2 billion. The Mexican capital has an influx of tourists mainly from its northern

neighbor, the United States.

Many come from some of the largest cities in the US, including Miami (324,000 tourists), New York (301,000), Los Angeles (284,000), Dallas (223,000) and Houston (211,000).

The ranking is likely to chan-

ge over the coming years, mainly because some cities grow faster than others. Case in point, Lima will garner more international visitors with 12.7% growth, followed by Sao Paulo with 10.7% growth in 2013, said Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, global economic

advisor to MasterCard. Extrapolating the average annual growth between 2009 and 2013, Sao Paulo could overtake Mexico City and Buenos Aires in 2017, and Lima could pass Buenos Aires in 2018, Hedrick-Wong concluded.(Mexican Business Web) Visit vallartatribune.com

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

News

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Time to Waterproof!

By Carlos Soto

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he light & sudden drizzle this past week makes us wonder if this year’s rainy season is sooner than expected.

Once the rainy season is in full swing, heavy tropical downpours are the norm in Puerto Vallarta and bring with them a new set of concerns.

Unique new restaurant AT MARINA VALLARTA

EL MOLCAJETE GRILL

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fabulous new restaurant opens on the Marina Vallarta malecon. On Saturday May 25 “The Molcajete Grill” celebrated their grand opening with an exclusive cocktail event.

The esteemed guests were treated to their delicious and creative dishes. Based around a traditional Mexican foods served in the ancient volcanic stone mortars called Molcajetes, the samples and the cocktails were excellent. General Manager, Ulysses Tiscareño granted Vallarta Tribune an exclusive interview, explaing that Molcajete Grill was designed to fill an need for the to locals and tourists to enjoy a unique truly Mexican dining experience at affordable prices in a desirable location.

Customers will enjoy delicious meals ranging from Mexican breakfasts to Traditional Molcajetes Mar y Tierra (Surf and Turf) can be enjoyed during lunch and dinner made with marinated beef, shrimp, chicken,

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chorizo, chile relleno de queso (cheese stuffed pepers), nopales (cactus) and roasted onions in delectable house sauce. Molcajete Vallarta is prepared with shrimp, dorado fillet and mussels, bathed in tomato sauce and peppers, sprinkled with octopus.

If you own property in the Bay Area; it’s WATERPROOFING TIME. Before sealing or applying any coat of waterproofing material: VALLARTA TRIBUNE makes the following recommendations:

Location: Condominio Marina Golf Local 4, Marina Vallarta Phone number: 322 178 49 49 Horario: 8:00hrs – 23:00 hrs.

Manager: Ulises Tiscareño

The following works will depend on the planning and budget of each specific situation but, the three above mentioned recommendations should be strictly followed if you want to get results.

Keep in mind, if you don’t have enough money for a complete and throughout waterproofing job.

Doing something is always better than doing nothing. Most of all, don’t feel like you’re spending, but rather of making an investment. An investment that will save you money and prevent headaches in the long run.

VALLARTA TRIBUNE strongly recommends that you don’t wait until the last minute to get it done.

Many treatments require a few days waiting between the application of the first and second coat.

Try to use professional manpower and quality brands. Remember; waterproofing is not an expense – it is an investment.

Motofiesta returns to Riviera Nayarit

The Chef Molcajete with skirt steak, chicken, chorizo, shrimp, nopales and onions, baked with gouda cheese, chiles and mushrooms, is highly recommended, as well as their extensive menu of salads, fine cuts of meat, seafood and their 2 x 1 happy hour for cocktails and beer from 1- 5pm.

During weekends customers will also enjoy Menudo and Pozole, very traditional mexican dishes. All this in a superb setting overlooking the magnificent yachts moored in Marina Vallarta.

1.The surface should be perfectly clean and dust-free. Crusty stuff, moss as well as greasy and oily spots must be removed.

2.Fix loose pieces or unstable structures.

3. Use an asphalt-plastic sealer to fix joints, cracks, chafers, plumbing, domes, watertanks and antenna’s foundations.

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pproximately 500 bikers and thousands of fans will meet at Rincon de Guayabitos on June 7 – 9 in a fun-packed weekend.

In Riviera Nayarit luxury means adventure, and it is this sense of adventure what draws hundreds of bikers from all over Mexico and abroad to meet year after year at Motofiesta.

This year the event will take place on June 7 – 9, and it promises to be a fun ride.

According to Rossana Araujo Silver, president of the Hotel and Motel Association of Compostela, approximately 500 bikers and thousands of fans are expected at Guayabitos.

They’ll participate in a parade with their bikes and the event will also feature concerts, shows, gatherings, and contests at a recreation area.

“This is the seventh consecutive year that we’ll be hosting this event, and it has certainly become a great attraction in Rincón de Guayabitos, as it’s a large party that welcomes hundreds of bikers and lots of fans.

This weekend we’re expecting to see 100% room occupancy in the area, with an associated economic downpour that is very important to the Riviera Nayarit area.

This will undoubtedly reactive the economy of all the people of Nayarit”, stated Araujo.

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Naya-

rit celebrates this achievement together with the hoteliers of Compostela, and congratulates the organizers of this event, as their enthusiasm contributes to the promotion of our destination, not only because it attracts tourists that are drawn by the Motofiesta, but also because of the coverage by specialized media resulting from this event.

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Locals

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PV Sea Dive

By Erin Staley oldtownfm.com You are looking for something unique this Saturday, you’re sure to find it at the Old Town Farmers’ Market-Tianguis Cultural. Traditional shopping can’t quite compare to the variety of fresh, locally grown foods, handcrafted artisan products and exceptional services available at one of Vallarta’s favorite weekend stops.

Along with an impressive supply of “make it, bake it, grow it” goods, the Market will be featuring Shining Sprouts and Chantel~Vintage Spoon Jewelry this week. Fabiola Lopez, owner of Shining Sprouts, is happy to share her spread of homegrown sprouted lentils, homemade organic basil and olive oil dressing as well as Zancudoff, an all-natural mosquito repellent.

“I’ve always had a passion to go back to the origins of healthy food,” says Lopez who worked with a food scientist to learn the 3-day process of growing sprouts. They make a great topper to any salad, soup or sandwich, giving your body a boost of protein, iron and potassium. In fact, sprouted lentils are known to reduce the risk of diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and obesity.

“The basil and olive oil dressing was serendipitous, really,” says Lopez. “My basil plant was overgrowing, and I thought it would make an amazing dressing. Before I knew it, customers were lined up to buy the basil and olive oil dressing as it enhances the flavor of any dish.”

Zancudoff repellent – a musthave during the summer months in Puerto Vallarta – is made with all-natural ingredients which are good for the skin.

Lopez explains, “My customers can’t wait to come back to the Market each week to tell me Zancudoff has traveled the world

By Sue Keevil pvseadive.com

From Unusual to Deserted It’s a Beach Day

Vintage Spoon Jewelry and Sprouted Lentils

warding off bites from pesky mosquitos.”

While you’re checking out all the goodies at the Old Town Farmers’ Market, be sure to look for the pink and black table topped with jewelry made from silver cutlery. There, you’ll meet Chantel Mann, owner of Chantel~Vintage Spoon Jewelry.

“I started my jewelry line four years ago after receiving a spoon ring from my father,” says Mann. “All my friends wanted one, so I learned how to make them and started expanding the line.”

Mann works out of her home studio using tools fabricated by her father. From silver plated cutlery, she creates her signature rings, bracelets, watches, earrings, key chains and necklaces for clients of all ages.

Chantel~Vintage Spoon Jewel-

REACH LOCALS AND VACTIONERS

ry is a favorite Market stop for those looking for gifts, souvenirs and custom work. Many come to Mann when they want to refurbish heirloom silverware into something truly extraordinary.

“Because of the Old Town Farmers’ Market, I have an international business,” says Mann who is enjoying her fourth season as a Market Vendor. “Two of my customers – complete strangers – met up on a train in Toronto. Each was wearing a vintage spoon bracelet bought from me right here at the Market. It really is a small world!”

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lthough I love to scuba, there are day’s during the summer months, when we are beach hopping.

We leave the marina and head off to the Marietas islands.

On a clear day, you can see these islands 22 nautical miles out to the west of Vallarta.

These islands were once used as a firing range by the Mexican navy until Jaques Cousteau petitioned the government in the 1960´s to protect them. The Marietas were finally pronounced a national park in 2005, and rightly so. They are the fantastic result of volcanic activity many thousands of years ago, and I think they host one of the most stunning beaches in the world, the Hidden Beach.

The only way to access this beach is to swim through a tunnel, but don´t be alarmed, it is a large tunnel with breathing space above the water line. Swimming through the tunnel, you will notice the water is crystal clear and icy blue in color.

Once inside the island, you will find a pretty little beach and some tunnels to investigate. The really fascinating part of this island sanctuary is the huge crater in the roof, allowing sunlight in!

It-s a magical place.

Asides from this, the islands are stunning underwater and on land.

The missiles have created some superb tunnels and caves underwater, while on the surface, it is a sanctuary for many thousands of birds, including the unusual Blue Footed Boo-

bie. Google these birds and you will find some amazing facts.

My favorite fact is about their blue feet. As the male birds get older, their feet become a lighter shade of blue, so the ones with the brightest feet are the most soought after by the females, proving cougars exist in all species!

When we leave the Marietas, I like to go to my favorite place on the south shore, Caballo (horse) beach. We moor up here and take lunch to the beach. There are no restaurants, in fact, there is nothing there. Just soft golden sand, palm trees and the back drop of the jungle. There are large granite boulders to sit and do nothing on.

The ocean is calm, and paddle boarding around is a great way to pass the time.

The contrast of these two beaches makes for a perfect day out on the ocean. From one of the most unusual beaches in the world, to a beach you usually only see in travel magazines.

No one is ever in a hurry to leave Caballo, but when we do, we are blessed with the view of Vallarta from the ocean. Guests always enjoy seeing the cliff side homes and resorts. Seeing the mountains fall into the ocean, with the bay hugging the town is pretty special. Trying to point out your hotel, condo or your favorite restaurant is always a great game to play.

Vallarta has so much to offer.

Take time to explore and create some great beach memories.

Check out all the “producer only” goods and services this Saturday at the Old Town Farmer’s Market–Tianguis Cultural. Located along Basilio Badillo between Olas Altas and Pino Suarez, the summer Market is open 9:30 am to 2 pm until the last Saturday in July.

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

Locals

{ Parenting and Paradise

This is Paradise...

By Marcia Blondin

T

he rains are hovering and the days are rivaling those of Victoria, B.C. but Saturdays are dry as a bone at the Paradise Community Center´s Co-op Market.

Our huge palapa roof not only keeps the rain off our heads, it´s a super-size sunscreen with fans to keep you cool while you shop.

We have a few new vendors to introduce you to: “Torri by Sea” - Torri - another found artist specializes in sea glass that she finds and creates lovely pieces to wear using the finest silver.

Wanda from “John Henry Sausage” offers homemade unsalted butter, beef jerky, Mennonite sausages and much more.

Gabriel sells “La Querendona” raicilla from El Tuito. Stop by, have a taste and take your own handmade bottle filled with his excellent liquor.

Italian baguettes, paninis, filones and now pizza! available by the slice brought to you by Roberto.

Do you ever get frustrated shooing flies away from your fruit bowl or - heaven forbid - your drink? See Patty and Elba at Market who have crocheted the answer - delicate but weighted covers for your bowls and favorite cocktails.

Fresh AND organic veggies, oils, yoghurt, peanut butter and more are available every week from Kystal Frost´s Organic Select.

Morgane´s handcrafts are lovingly made for gift giving - just as

By Leza Warkentin rhythm2rain@gmail.com

The Birthday Bash

prized as her colorful jewelry.

Surprises every week from Miguel Angel - one week it´s delightful ceasar salad...the next? Come and find out!

Michelle weaves exquisite scarves from natural wood fibers.

Days and days of labor are needed to make just one. Gorgeous and so soft!

Mavi´s salad dressings make lunch yummy!

Mark´s smoked meat menu continues to grow...new dips, too! Italian handmade licores from Marcela include chocolate, lemon,delish orange and strawberry.

Jewish Comfort Food Lives! Just see Mama Vallarta Ms. Gloria Sue. Lisa Love, author of two books, painter of medieval style tiles has now branched into Pallazzo Wear airy clothing superbly sexy for Vallarta!

Homemade ice cream anyone? see Leticia and try to make up your mind what flavor to try!

Armando creates soaps to make you smell good, to exfoliate and generally make your skin sing.

Also check his body oils and natural mosquito repellants.

Jorge´s selection of silver jewelry is huge! His chunky turquoise rings are awesome!

The best in happy-bee-honeys are brought to you by Jaime and Jordi and also the finest, blackest happy-agave honey I have ever had.

The only English paper in the Airport

I

refuse to move. Voices are coming through the fuzzy edges of my brain, but I can’t seem to answer them. My entire body is aching and each limb feels like a burro is taking a siesta on it. Do I have the flu, you ask?

Nope, I have just said adios and gracias to the last party guest from my daughter’s Garden Tea Party Birthday and I am not ready to face the kitchen. Or the living room. And quite possibly the downstairs bathroom.

I don’t feel that I’m normally One of Those Moms. You know the ones. You can find them on their own Mommy Blogs all over the internet. They make their own soap, bake bubble bath-themed cake pops for their daughters’ spa parties (for their sixth birthdays), and will either call you or shun you if you don’t RSVP to their hand-made origami invitations.

However, when my daughter turned four and asked me for a princess cake for her birthday, I decided to do a little research. I found castles! I found crowns!

I found lovely princess-y skirts!

Next thing I knew, I had banished my husband to our upper bedroom to put together a silver castle made entirely from giant boxes, and I was glue gunning tulle to hand-painted pink party hats covered in glitter. I still

have scars. My daughter is turning seven this month and I decided it was time for a tea party. My friend Dennise offered to help. We´ll keep it simple, I told my friend, who is either the kindest person on the planet or is someone who just didn’t realize that by simple I meant not as extravagant as the Royal Wedding.

Two weeks before the party she asked me if I wanted her to make half of the food and I began to sob with gratitude. Yes, I am now One Of Them. Perhaps you might wonder if I was raised with these expectations of the Perfect Girly Party. What I recall is that my mother would invite a few of my friends to our house. The party theme was always Birthday Party. I usually wore a dress with matching socks that I was never told not to hike up in such an unflattering manner. The cake theme was called Chocolate and

was always deliciously homemade (store-bought would have brought shame upon our entire family). There was usually entertainment as well, such as Balloons as Tall as You Are, or The Swing Set in the Backyard.

Guess what? I could never sleep the night before out of pure excitement and I was always the happiest girl in Small Town, Manitoba for the whole darn day. So what is causing me to switch gears every year from Laid Back Mom to Mom Who Makes Paper Flower Lollipops for Centerpieces?

I can’t really answer that question but I will tell you that having 8 girls and their moms for tea in their ruffly best and watching them enjoy being the little ladies that they are with lots of giggling and hide and seek was pretty satisfying.

Seeing them ooh and ahh over the flowery fondant cupcakes and put big blossoms in their hair for dress-up time heady stuff indeed. The dance my baby girl did when she saw her rose piñata was pure gold.

Would she have been this happy with a swing set and chocolate cake? Probably. Will I do this again next year? Well, let’s just say my son’s birthday is in October and I just saw a link for a Star Wars dessert table.

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{Riviera Nayarit{ Fun on The Archaeological the Riviera Nayarit Site of Los Toriles June 7 - 13, 2013

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Vallarta Tribune 844

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

P

art of Ixtlán, and also one of the most studied archaeological zones in the state of Nayarit, the Los Toriles ruins located just outside the town of Ixlan del Rio, are part of the Aztlán culture that flourished in this region from 300 BC. Once inhabited by a Mesoamerican civilization thought to be predecessors of the Cora and the Huichol Indian tribes, this ancient city is the only comprehensive site of Mesoamerican ruins in the north region of Mexico.

It is an easy drive from the coast and a great place to stop on your way to Guadalajara.

Los Toriles was a thriving metropolis consisting of more than 85 buildings.

There are 15 structures that remain today, one of the most popular which is a round shaped temple that historians believe was built for Quetzalcoatl, the god of wind.

The city’s tombs, Tiros de Tumba, are unique shaft graves, where the dead were buried on the sides of deep holes.

The site sits in the centre of a fertile valley that would have undoubtedly inspired and sustained the residents of Los Toriles as is evedened by the extensive structures and the artifacts recovered at the site.

Los Toriles ruins are located in southeast part of the state of Nayarit, in the town of Ixtlán del Rio, two kilometers inland off of Highway 15 between Tepic and Guadalajara.

This archaeological site includes a museum containing unearthed artifacts aided with descriptive information.

The museum and the archaeological site is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is $30 MXN to the general public, and free to the disabled, seniors, children, students and teachers. On Sundays, entry is free for everyone!

Discover an adventurous, educational, and historical journey while on your Riviera Nayarit Vacation… it’s definitely fun for the entire family or if you are a resident here in Jalisco or Nayarit, get a group together and enjoy a visit to the archaeological site of Los Toriles.

For more Riviera Nayarit Fun attractions, visit www.RivieraNayaritFun.com Cat Morgan is founder of the RivieraNayaritFun Regional Network; a vacation and relocation portal. She can be reached at: Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

Original 90210 Star Vacations in Punta Mita

F

amous actress and author Tori Spelling who has been vacationing with her family at the luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita.

“Tori Spelling enjoyed a romantic Mexican getaway with us in The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort with her husband Dean McDermott while the pair were on holiday celebrating her birthday and their seven-year wedding anniversary,” states the St. Regis

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION

website. In the past few months, Riviera Nayarit has become one of the preferred destinations for celebrities, with visits from the likes of Thierry Henry, Kate Hudson, Felicity Huffman, Gerry Lopez, Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Courteney Cox, Charlie Sheen, Mario Lopez, Sofia Vergara, Kristen Dunst, Juliette Lewis, Eva Longoria, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and most recently Kendra Wilkinson.

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

The Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Nayarit were recently in Vancouver, Canada where they participated in the Eat! Vancouver Food + Cooking Festival, which had over 30,000 attendants on May 24 to 26.

The destination known as Mexico’s Pacific Treasure used the opportunity to introduce Riveria Nayarit to the Canadian media and to present its diversity of travel options throughout the more than 180 miles of coast.

“We fully utilized our time in Canada, working hard with the wholesaler Sunwing for almost 15 days, and upon finishing we participated in the Eat! Vancouver, where we handed out more than 1,000 guides of the destination to the public”, stated the Managing Director of

{Riviera Nayarit{ Riviera Nayarit is being promoted in Vancouver

The 9th edition of the Texas Music Festival

the CVB, Marc Murphy. “With these efforts we’re expecting to generate more visits in the following months and contribute to achieve the objectives to bring

more work and better conditions for the people of Nayarit”, explained Marc Murphy.

Nuevo Vallarta beaches receive excellence award

By Michelle Mayer

W

ill take place on June 11 to 18 in Nuevo Vallarta at the Marival Resort & Suites and at the Marival Residences & World Spa. The Tejas Brothers, Mark David Manders, Max & Heather Stalling from Blacktop Gypsy, Matt Hillyer & Jordan Hendrix from Eleven Hundred Springs and Texas Daze are some of the performing artists this year. Two beach parties with these bands, performances every night, a Texan gastronomy event directly

from the restaurant “Love and War in Texas”, and lots of fun await tourists visiting this summer. The event is free for guests of Marival Resorts & Suite and Marival Residences & World Spa, and it’s also open to the public and will be available through at $50 USD Night Pass, which will grant them access to the hotel and its entertainment centers between 18:00 and 24:00 hrs., or through a $25 USD Drink Pass, which will allow them to enjoy the show for 3 hours.

R

eceiving the Blue Flag certification, five Mexican beaches were recognized for excellence worldwide. This certification takes into consideration important conditions including water quality management, environmental management, security, infrastructure and environmental education. One of these Blue Flag-certified beaches is found in Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit.

One of the most influential international certifications in the world, Blue Flag grants certifications to beaches, marinas and boats that achieve “excellence” in their services, particularly those promoting sustainable management of coastal destinations in the world.

The beaches that were recognized are: Chahué (Huatulco), Oaxaca Chilean (Los Cabos), Dolphins, (Cancún), El Palmar (Zihuatanejo) and Nuevo Vallarta North (Nayarit).

The Blue Flag program has the support and validation of the World Tourism Organization (WTO), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the European Environment (EEA), among others.

Through a press release, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARVallarta Tribune

NAT) stated that the event unveiled the 3100 beaches and 625 marinas receiving certification.

The event was held in Copenhagen, Denmark.

“These certifications are the result of a coordinated effort of the three levels of government and the participation of civil society in favor of the conservation of natural resources.

They are clear evidence that Mexican beaches are in great operating conditions at an international level,” he said.

This distinction, SEMARNAT added, shows that Mexico is ready to compete on an equal footing with world’s best destinations.

Your best source for English news in the Bay of Banderas

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

{

{

Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide

BECK’S BEST

NOW UPDATED FOR

2013!

BUY YOURS TODAY!

Vallarta Tribune 844

To download Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide Beck’s Best, Kindle e-book: www.amazon.com/dp/B004NEVX7I Apple iPad: http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/becks- best- puerto-vallarta/id429588300 B & N Nook: www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1106980846 2013 Bound print: www.cafepress.com / vallartaguide

June 7 - 13, 2013

390 Restaurant Reviews in over 130 pages. The largest restaurant guide in Puerto Vallarta by long-time resident and dining connoisseuer Gary R. Beck.

India Gate

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Vallarta Tribune 844

13 MONDAY Main Courses

$99 pesos from 6-11pm

WEDNESDAY Martinis & Appies

Restaurant Bar

2x1

Allende #124 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Tel.223.2424

from 6-11pm

FRIDAY

House wine

2x1

from 6-11pm indiagatepv India Gate Puerto Vallarta

Vancouver ● Puerto Vallarta

2012-2013

Vallarta Tribune 844

trip

June 7 - 13, 2013

{

“The authentic tasteJune of 7India” - 13, 2013

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Shopping Restaurant Guide June 7 - 13,&2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

{

{ 多PLEASURE OR BUSINESS?

RESERVACIONES 293.09.00 / ZONA HOTELERA NORTE, PUERTO VALLARTA / WWW.LALECHERESTAURANT.COM

Francisco I Madero # 202, corner Pino Suarez, Emiliano Zapata Olas Altas Reservations 222 6593 www.latiavallarta.com e-mail latiavallarta@hotmail.com

{ Originally published at journeymexico.com Photography

by Journey Mexico

Travel

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June 7 - 13, 2013

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Vallarta Tribune 844

Mexico’s Top Wildlife Adventures

Across this country there is a rich diversity of wildlife, nature and adventures to be had. Roll them all together and you the experience of a lifetime. From the docile whale sharks off Isla Mujeres to the millions (or is it billions) of Monarch butterflies that migrate each year to the forests of Michoacan, wildlife adventures in Mexico are plentiful and are accessible from age seven to seventy and beyond.

Here in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit we have excellent hiking, snorkling and diving, beachcombing, surfing, and petroglyphs, cave paintings, indigenous peoples and wildlife. We asked the good people at Journey Mexico to share with us their top four wildlife adventures.

T

he Huffington Post recently published an article called Mexico’s Top four Wildlife Adventures which featured some spectacular experiences with nature.

It just so happens that Journey Mexico is an expert in leading these adventurous experiences, so here is our take on the Top Four Wildlife Adventures they list:

Swimming with Whale Sharks In the open waters just off the Yucatan Peninsula’s coast, docile whale sharks gather every summer for feeding. Posing no threat to humans, it allows the opportunity to swim and snorkel alongside them. On our Swim With Whale Sharks and Visit Ancient Ruins Trip, guests are taken to the open waters just 1 to 2 hours from Isla Mujeres where they will find some of this year’s largest congregations of whale sharks.

The Great Gray Whales of Baja The longest known mammal migration in the world, the Pacific gray whales migrate 5,000-miles every year from the frigid waters of Alaska’s Bering Sea to the warm water lagoons of the Baja Peninsula. These great animals have been hunted nearly to extinction but with Journey Mexico on the San Ignacio Whale Watching Trip, you’ll interact with conversationalists to learn about what is being done to preserve these incredible creatures and their mating grounds. Travelers experience up-close meetings with these magnificent creatures and experience one of the world’s most memorable wildlife encounters.

Mystical Migrating Monarchs Every October through March, the Monarchs Butterflies of North America embark on an annual migration to Mexico that is unmatched by any other butterfly in the world. They travel much farther than most butterflies and are the only butterflies to make such a long, two way migration every year. On our Magical Mexican Migrations Trip, travelers visit the highlands of Michoacan and Mexico State where amazingly, the butterflies arrive in the masses to the exact same trees, transforming them into a fluttering, vibrant-orange spectacular.

Sea Turtle Conservation

For generations, sea turtles have played a key role in Mexican culture in native coastal communities. However in past 20 years, a combination of factors, including the low percentage of hatchlings which survive to adulthood, and environmental degradation, have resulted in the turtles becoming endangered in Mexico. On our Sea Turtles and Whale Watching Tour, travelers stay at a sea turtle monitoring base camp on Conchalito Island for 5 days and can participate in hatchling releases, monitoring, and open ocean sea turtle viewings.

The only English paper in the Airport

Journey Mexico offers unique luxury, adventure, natural and cultural tours throughout Mexico.

They create custom itineraries to surpass the expectations of even the most sophisticated traveler.

Republished with permission.

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

Bittersweet to the palate, there’s nothing equivocal about the health benefits of this exotic fruit.

And spring is the season when it comes into its own.

By Ignacio Pérez Vega

T

he pitaya grows in Vietnam, Colombia and the Caribbean. The Japanese eat it too. But it is in Mexico where this colorful exotic fruit takes on the subtle flavors of the land and has a loyal following.

Rich in fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C, pitaya can be eaten fresh or can sometimes be found in punch, pastries and infusions.

It is also used to make jellies and juices.

Unlike its cactus-fruit cousin, the prickly pear, which has 50% fiber content, pitaya are 90% pulp. It has small seeds and a thin skin and takes from 55 to 60 days to mature. Once picked, it lasts five days at most, or up to 12 if refrigerated.

In April, May and June, trucks laden down with pitaya fill the district of Nueve Esquinas in Guadalajara, turning its colonial streets into an explosion of color. On the sidewalks, large baskets called chiquihuites brim with between 200 and 300 pitaya of all shapes and sizes. Originally from Techaluta, Amacueca, Zacoalco and Sayula in Southern Jalisco, and arid parts of Oaxaca and Puebla in Central Mexico, the word pitaya is of Caribbean origin and means “thorny fruit”.

The Spaniards documented it and brought it to Mexico during the Conquest, although there is evidence to suggest it has always grown here. Legend has it the Aztec emperors ate fresh pitaya, ferried to Teotihuacán from Puebla and Western Mexico by messengers who made the 500-kilometer journey on foot.

There are many types of cactus plants that produce pitayas, some 19 edible species in all, according to the Internet site dragonfruitpitaya.org.

“I never dreamed that the world of fruits could produce something as wonderful as the dragon fruit. Its pulp has the color and appearance of rolled up rose petals and its juicy flesh tastes of a passionate lover’s kiss. Never before had I held in my hands a piece of red earth,” said French poet André Breton on tasting a Mexican pitaya for the first time.

Unfortunately, this tasty exotic fruit isn’t keen on traveling.

To taste it, you’ll have to visit Mexico, where it can be found often on the side of the road in

Food

{

Thorny Exterior, a Nutritious Interior :Underneath the Pitaya woven baskets, or at local fruit markets. However, cactus experts like Eulogio Pimienta Barrios and Pedro Puente Ovalle, who work as researchers at the University of Guadalajara (UdeG), believe the pitaya can broaden its horizons, provided it is kept refrigerated. Super fruits such as Pitaya and xoconostle can help people with Diabetes control their blood sugar levels.

Since 1998, Miguel Ángel Armella, an academic at the Department of Biology at the Iztapalapa campus of the Autonomous Metropolitan University (UAM), has been researching dragon fruit, sweet xoconostle and jiotilla.

“All three are cactus fruit varieties and share similar properties. In the case of dragon fruit, we have found that it absorbs glucose derivatives. It doesn’t reduce glucose levels per se but it does prevent it entering the blood stream.

That is because it adheres to the films of glucose in the digestive tract, making it harder for the human body to absorb them.

So even though dragon fruit doesn’t contain any molecule or element that directly reacts with glucose, it does have a positive effect,” says Armella.

The red color of dragon fruit and jiotilla is due to the presence

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of betalains, a powerful class of antioxidants that are beneficial to the human organism.

All three fruits have as much vitamin C as citrus fruit, which also makes them useful allies in warding off respiratory diseases.

The Pitaya in Eight Bites:

1. Average weight: 100 - 120 grams.

2. Fruit maturity period: 55 - 60 days.

3. Picking season: April, May and June.

4. Pitahaya is a Caribbean word meaning “thorny fruit”.

5. Grown commercially on a small scale.

6. Easily identifiable by its distinctive red, purple or white skin.

7.Produced in the Central Mexican states of Hidalgo, Morelos, Guerrero, Puebla, Oaxaca and Jalisco.

8. Major producer states: Oaxaca, Puebla and Jalisco.

Visit vallartatribune.com

{

By Peg Steley

W

hen I think about my annual escape to Mexico, my mouth begins to tingle with anticipation, my mind wanders to tranquil settings, golden sunsets suspended over restless waters, waves lapping, balmy breezes wafting. I am dressed in lilac and orange silk and as I hasten over the warm sand to one of my favourite spots – there is only one thing on my mind – “un Margarita fresco por favor” I’Il say with a smile but a sense of urgency. “Con sel, en las rocas” I add just to be sure.....for there can be no misunderstanding....no wish-washy, ersatz substitute for perfection. I may compromise on a few things in life – BUT NOT MY MARGARITAS! A dictionary definition of a Margarita is “a cocktail made of tequila, lime juice and an orangeflavoured liqueur, usually served in a salt-rimmed glass”. That’s it folks. If you find that a little rigid, within this definition there is ample opportunity for experimentation – the precise ratio of ingredients, the type of tequila, the type of orange-flavoured liqueur

Food

{

Don’t mess with my Margarita!

and the shape of the glass may all vary, Key limes or Persian limes, salt or no salt; these all provide for expressions of personal style. Alright I will allow the addition of ice – it does, after all, provide a delightful cooling sensation in the mouth and a pretty tinkling sound in the glass – but

it had better tinkle - Outside of this, DON’T MESS WITH MY MARGARITA. Given such a simple, straightforward definition you would think it would be easy, but I find all sorts of deviants and provocateurs in flagrant violation of the rules. Please note that the

definition refers to “juice” – not a “pre-fabricated mix of high fructose corn syrup, yellow dye and preservatives” – a mawkish melodrama of misguided ingredients. Anyone serving a Marg with a “mix” should be flogged with a cherry stem or stoned with olive pits. How hard is it to squeeze a lime? Nor does the definition refer to “sugar” or “sugar syrup”, the sweetness of the orange liqueur provides enough sweetness without the need to add more. If you find a Margarita too strong, wait till your rocks melt. And remember please, anything whizzed in a blender is not a cocktail, it’s a slushy!

The definition also refers to a Margarita being served in “a glass”. It does not refer to a swimming pool or small boat made “out of glass”. Size does matter, especially when it comes to Margaritas. As a frequent sampler, I prefer a standard old fashioned or cocktail glass, having noted that the quality of the concoction is usually inversely proportional to the size of the serving chalice. Beware of Mar-

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Vallarta Tribune 844

garitas served in vessels more suited to transportation.

While the ingredients matter, I find the setting equally important. Favourite sipping spots in Puerto Vallarta include “peoplewatching” at La Palapa on the beach at Playa Los Muertos in the “Romantica Zona”, or watching the sunset and the waves lap at Lindo Mar, an idyllic 20 minute walk along the beach from town.

My absolute favourite though, is at any one of the number of the pop-up restaurants along the sand, after the 2 hour hike from Boca De Tomatlan (20 minutes south of Puerto Vallarta by local bus) to Las Animas.

The strenuous hike works up a mighty thirst and my sense of fair play tells me that I deserve a little extra indulgence, especially as I don’t have to drive home, just pile my body into a local panga (water taxi) which delivers me safely to my very own beach. Home is just a short stagger up the sand.

Viva La Margarita! Viva la Mexico!

Originally published in Mexi-Go! Magazine

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{

Events

MMMMMM…Good…. Vibrations

{ PRIVATE ART COLLECTION

Estate Sale & Silent Auction Rufino Tamayo, Jose Luis Cuevas, Manuel Felguerez, Joy Laville and more

ONE NIGHT ONLY WEDNESDAY JUNE 12

5 – 9 PM

322.222.5125 webart@prodigy.net.mx

GALERIA VALLARTA Calle Guerrero 187, 110 up Centro, Puerto Vallarta

by Marcia Blondin

L

ast Thursday at the elegant Boutique Hotel Casa Cupula, a group of us gathered together to meet Humberto Alvarez, one of Mexico´s most prolific and important composers and sound healers. After introductions from friends and colleagues including Paco Ojeda from Lifestyles Magazine and Casa Cupula owner Don Pickens, Humberto began to speak.

All of us were riveted as he talked about our beautiful tropical surroundings – the towering trees, the closeness to the sea, the breeze cooling us as the day drew to a close.

In essence he said the ele-

Promote Your Next Event

ments of the universe are each gods unto themselves and if we use the harmonies of the vibrations of earth, air, fire and water we will find plentitude, happiness and peace.

A short time later we arranged ourselves comfortably around Casa Cupula´s pool and awaited the beginning of Humberto´s Sunset Meditation performance.

Señor Alvarez uses Tibetan and quartz bowls from which he gently coaxes crystal clear notes that rise and hover then blend and fade into the next sound. Native drums accompany Humberto in his mantras written in Nahuatl, the ancient Aztecan language.

At his encouragement everyone chanted and sang along

with him; he was very kind in his appreciation of our efforts!

After the concert Humberto was easily accessible to all who wanted to thank him for his performance, to welcome him to Vallarta and for me to give him a great big hug.

He is wonderful!

I hope many Tribune readers were lucky enough to attend Humberto´s full Concert the next night and that he will return to Puerto Vallarta soon and offer more workshops and evenings of inspired harmonies. To quote a line from an old, old song, ¨Oh, the sounds of the earth are like music!

The sounds of the earth are like music.¨

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Sports

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Vallarta Tribune 844

Vallarta Torpedos predicted to go all the way!

his week I had the pleasure to sit down with 11-yearold Maxwell Hansen-Milne the starting running back for your 2013 Peewee division Puerto Vallarta Torpedoes.

Maxwell or the “Blanco Tortilla” as he is known on the gridiron, graciously took time out from his busy schedule of playstation, school, guitar lessons and poptarts to sit down with this reporter and let us know his thoughts on the upcoming season.

(Ok I have to be honest I threatened to take away his playstation privileges for a week if he didn’t do the interview) Me: What are you looking forward to the most this season?

Max: I think the travel to other cities will be cool and learning a new sport, I played lacrosse back in Canada and I think that will help with playing football and I think the opportunity of meeting other kids is pretty cool.

Me: Who would you say is your biggest rival?

Max: Dad how would I know? This is my first year and we haven’t even played any games yet Me: How many games do you play and against who?

Max: Our season is 6 games

long and we play three home and three away, we travel to Colima, Nuevo Vallarta and Manzanillo and we host Mazatlan, Guadalajara and Querétaro. It is pretty cool.

We travel to the city for the weekend by bus all together as a team and we home-stay with one of the players on the opposite team and of course we will host one of the players on home games.

Me: What kind of blocking scheme will you be using this season? A trap zone or a 2-gap scheme?

Max: Ah, dad what are you talking about? I don’t really know what that means Me: Never mind, what is your favorite thing about playing football?

Max: I know this might sound weird because it is a rea-

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lly complex game, but I like how simple it really is, I mean you run and catch, its fun to me, and I like that anyone can play, no mater what size or shape you are there is a position for you and I think it really can bring out the best in you, practices are hard work but……I don’t know? Its fun and rewarding, I guess.

Me: Who would be one of your biggest heros? and you had better mention me. (pointing towards the playstation menacingly) Max: Well of course you would be one of my biggest influences dad (eyeing this reporter skeptically) but coach Manuel and coach Rojo have taught me so much about football and they are so into teaching us the game and about being better people, about the discipline it takes to

succeed in football and I guess life too. They always give us these great motivating speeches at the end of practice….ahhh off the record how many more questions are there?” (trying to look onto my computer screen) Me: Ummm… Just a few more. Can you tell us about a typical practice?

Max: A typical practice.

Well we start by running laps, then a session of stretching, followed by a couple more laps.

Then the fun starts, we break into our positions and work on plays for the game, this is what I like the best, then a little more running and a meeting at the end with the coaches….really how many more questions dad?

If you have a son or daughter who would like to play American Style Football for the Puerto Vallarta Torpedoes please contact Coach Manuel at 322.889.3300

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{ Philanthropy{

June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to do a good deed for the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor @vallartatribune.com

Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT - provides essential services to the GLBT community, including physical & mental health treatment and referrals, education & recreation, free AA meetings, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 or paco@setac.com.mx

American Legion Post 14: contributes to the community through fund raising and providing resources and manpower to improve Day Cares, Senior Homes, Schools for the Disabled and Deaf, Public Schools in rural areas and other private institutions needing building maintenance www.americanlegion14.org

Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

Asilo San Juan Diego home for the elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias Tel. 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or visit the website www.mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - The Foundation for assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Catalina Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. Enables women to become financially independent through jobs, education and non-interest micro loans, professional counseling for them & their children. www.compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – provides scholarships to approximately 300 high school and university students. Donations are tax-deductible in Mexico and the USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. www.puerto-vallarta.com/amf Bucerias Bilingual Community Center Support local families in Bucerias. 16 de Septiembre at calle Matamoros www. buceriasbilingualcommunitycenter.org Casa Hogar - a shelter dedicated to improving the lives of orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.- Contact: Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com

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CompassionNet Impact - forms strategic partnerships & initiates programs that provide opportunities for people living in chronic poverty to transform their own lives. Bookmobile, homes, jobs creation, loans, English & computer classes, emergency food, medicine & clothing, etc. Taxdeductible in Canada & the U.S. Cell: (322) 133-7263. ric@4compassion.org Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street, transport them to their facility or other ones indicated by the injured person.

Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) A municipal service, part of the federal System of Family Services that assists not only in times of emergency, but also with ongoing education, health, and training programs for the whole family.

Contact City Hall 222-0058 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Contact: Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

GrupoEcològico de Puerto Vallarta – Contact: R.C. Walker at 222-0897, rc_ walkermx@yahoo.com.mx

Navy League - Meets and greets visiting Naval vessels from all nations, assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair schools and other public/charitable facilities, and operates the local Toys for Tots program.

Contacts: Bill Clark at 222 3616 or Jerry Lafferty at 221 6156. www.vallartanavyleague.org.

New Life Mexico - a British Charity working in Mexico. Challenging Child Poverty with Health and Education Programmes. Contact: Philippa.VernonPowell@facebook.com Pasitos de Luz (Mamas Unidas por la Rehabilitación de sus Hijos) - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and special support to their families.

299-4146. www.pasitosdeluz.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - raises fundsfor Los Mangos Public Library. Taxdeductible receipts for Mexico and USA. Contacts: Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478.

Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children who need society’s help. Contact: 299-4495.

Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. Open to all: Mtgs held at Paradise Community Center, third Thursday every month at 11am from October to May. www.vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - a no-kill cat shelter with approx. 250 resident felines living in a natural environment, un-caged, kittens in the Kitten Nursery, on-site clinic with daily veterinarian services. www.purrproject.com

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza Shelter for children. Donations are taxdeductible in Canada and the U.S. Contact: Madre Mari at 222-7857 or Sudy Coy at 222-5765. www.ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area, to provide them with the skills necessary to become employable by the major industry here in Puerto Vallarta – tourism: math, English and computer programs a priority.

100% goes to the kids. www.kids.romamexico.com Toys for Tots Vallarta - is a non-profit organization that is celebrating 15 years in Puerto Vallarta. Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for less-advantaged kids in the Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Contact: Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or Lourdes Bizarro lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com.

SPCA PV – provides private vet costs for rescued animals, volunteers to create & maintain a data base of adoptions, to walk dogs at the foster home, Casita de Guadalupe, foster homes for dogs & cats, trap & release program for feral cats, etc. www.spcapv.com Un MañanaBrillante (A Brighter Tomorrow) - partnership of Americans and Canadians to support the ColegioMexicoAmericano. Contact: Margi Baughman mach1@prodigy.net.mx or David Bender dbender@prodigy.net.mx Vallarta Botanical Gardens - To build Mexico’s greatest botanical, rwesearch & education of plant life, city beautification programs, bird watching, etc. Donations to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens are tax deductible in the USA. Contact: 223-6182 or info@vallartabotanicalgardensac.org.

The International Friendship Club (IFC) - a registered charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad de Puerto Vallarta A.C. The IFC supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. Funds are raised through Membership & Home Tours.

- Contact:322-222-5466. www.ifcvallarta. com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

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{ If you would like to have your music or cultural event added to this calendar please email editor@vallartatribune.com The Tribune is published on Fridays and all events need to be submitted by the preceding Wednesday.

June 12: VALLARTA EN BICI 100’s of bicyclists ride from the Whale sculpture at the Marina to the Malecon. 9 pm. Bike rentals are available in Marina and around Puerto Vallarta June 13: Ladies Night 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook. com/laingratapv

June 14: MUSICAL Brothers in Song by the PV Men’s Choir 8pm $250p at the Boutique Theater, Naranjo 330, Old Town www.boutiquetheater.ca June 15: MUSICAL Brothers in Song by the PV Men’s Choir 8pm $250p at the Boutique Theater, Naranjo 330, Old Town www.boutiquetheater.ca June 16: MUSICAL Brothers in Song by the PV Men’s Choir 5pm $250p at the Boutique Theater, Naranjo 330, Old Town www.boutiquetheater.ca June 19: VALLARTA EN BICI 100’s of bicyclists ride from the Whale sculpture at the Marina to the Malecon. 9 pm. Bike rentals are

{

available in Marina and around Puerto Vallarta June 20: LADIES NIGHT 10pm 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv June 26: VALLARTA EN BICI 100’s of bicyclists ride from the Whale sculpture at the Marina to the Malecon. 9 pm. Bike rentals are available in Marina and around Puerto Vallarta June 27: Ladies Night 10pm - 2am $50 pesos all you can drink $20 pesos with a short skirt - La Ingrata, Mariano Abasolo 169, Puerto Vallarta www.facebook.com/laingratapv

VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDENS

June Events

June 7 - 13, 2013

VALLARTA EN BICI

SUNDAY JUNE 23rd Ladies that Lunch…

1pm-5pm After the success of our first lunch we are back again!

Wear your best hat! $350 pesos per person (gratuity not included) Includes entrance to gardens

SUMMER SPECIAL A wine and cheese reception Tour of the gardens Sit down lunch Invite a friend and it´s 2 for $600 pesos For more information Call Steve at 322-223-6182 or stephenclay@vbgardens.org

WANT THE NEWS IN PUERTO VALLARTA?

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Vallarta Tribune 844

LIVE MUSIC VENUES Please be sure to contact the venue to confirm all events.

La Bodeguita Del Medio Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858, Malecon” 322.223.1583 Tues-Sun 9:30 2:00 am El Jardin del Pulpo Coral 66, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle” 329.295.5071 10:30 am 12.30 pm La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.5225 Mon-Sun 8:00am 1:00pm

Tue-Sun 11:00 am 7:00pm Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234 322.293.7778 Beboteros Diaz Ordaz 565 Malecon 322.113.0099 Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Mon-Sun 10:pm -3:00 am Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro 322.113.0373

Oso’s Oyster Bar Del Mar 4, Marina Riviera Nayarit, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle” 329.295.5426

Benito’s Paninoteca Bar Nima Bay, Local 12, Marina Vallarta” 322.209.0287

El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq.

Matamoros 322.222.0743

Philo’s Delfin15, La Cruz de Huanacaxle”329.295.5068 Thu-Sat 8:30 pm

Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias 329.298.0140 Wed-Mon 9:00 am 10:00 pm

Don Pedro’s Marlin 2, Sayulita 329.291.3090

The River Café Isla del Rio Cuale Local4 Centro 322.223.0788

Vitea Libertad Edificio Malecon 2, Centro” 322.222.8703

Friday June 21st The Summer Solstice 11-4pm with a Ritual Ceremony at 12:30 Enjoy the gardens and your fortune told in the Hacienda de Oro

By Donation

Calendar Events

El Rio BBQ Bar Felipe Angeles 245 Col Paso Ancho 322.184.1200

Barcelona Tapas Matamoros esq 31 de Octubre Centro 322.223.0831

Daiquiri Dick’s Olas Altas, Playa Los Muertos 322.222.0566

El Dorado Pulpito # 102, Playa los Muertos”322.222.4124

Que? Pasa Aquiles Serdan 625, Col Emiliano Zapata 322.223.4006 Trio Guerrero 264 Centro 322.222.2196 Mon-Sat 7:30 pm

SPCA ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...BUDDY Buddy is one of the sweetest lab mixes we have had at the sanctuary. He is approximately two years old and weighs 23 kilos. He would like to be your buddy for life. Doesn’t everyone need a buddy!?!?! Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com. Our sanctuary is preparing for the difficult summer months when Vallarta’s economy that depends on tourism is at a low and many animals become homeless. Help us continue our efforts. To use your credit card to make tax deductible donations through PayPal, go to our website www. spcapv.com/donate/.

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22

June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

SUDOKU easy

{Brain Teasers{ Challenge your brain! Sudoku is easy to play and the rules are simple. Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain only one of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

medium

HUB-WORDS How many words can you make from the letters in the wheel?

Each word must contain the hub letter G. Can you find a 9-letter word and at least 20 other words of five letters or more avoiding proper nouns?

ENIGMATIC Some other words of four letters or more containing the hub letter G: cage, gain, gait, game, gate, gent, geta, gnat (UK), giant, icing, image, magic, mange, tinge, acting, aiming, citing, eating, enigma, ignite, magnet, mating, taming, timing, imagine, mintage, teaming, magnetic.

How many words can you make from the letters in the wheel?

Each word must contain the hub letter H. Can you find a 9-letter word and at least 20 other words of five letters or more avoiding proper nouns?

hard

EXPLORERS

Can you find the hidden explorers? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. AMUNDSEN, BARBOSA, BASS, BOONE, BURKE AND WILLS, CABOT, CARTIER, COLUMBUS, COOK, CORTES, DIAS, DRAKE, ERIKSSON, FAWCETT, FLINDERS, FROBISHER, GRAY, HAWKINS, HERIOLFSSON, HUDSON, KINGSLEY, LIVINGSTONE, MAGELLAN, MARCO POLO, PARK, RALEIGH, SCOTT, SHACKLETON, STURT, TASMAN, TENZING, VANCOUVER, VASCO DA GAMA, VESPUCCI.

PARACHUTE Some other words of five letters or more containing the hub letter H: chart, cheap, cheat, chert, chute, earth, hater, heart, parch, patch, peach, perch, ratch, reach, retch, teach, theca, preach, chapeau, chapter, chateau, trachea.

{

{

VALLARTA May 23, 2013829 June 7 - 17 13,-TRIBUNE 2013 Feb 25 - March 3, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844841 Vallarta Tribune

The Natural Beauty of OUR Mountain

Plants

2000

Mammals

80

Birds

300

Amphibians and Reptiles

23 23 23

Butterflies

85

500

50% of these species are endemic to MĂŠxico.

We propose the area to be designated a

Natural Preserve Because for Vallarta,

Without the Mountain...

There is no future

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June 7 - 13, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 844

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