Issue 852, August 2 - 8, 2013

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

EXPLORE VALLARTA

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Summer Secrets

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Weavings

MEXICAN TEXTILES

August 2 - 8, 2013 Free Issue 852

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Travel

JALTEMBA BAY

Welcome

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

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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 Nuevo Vallarta Agencia Reforma

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

For Up-To-Date Information Visit VallartaTribune.com

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.

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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-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com.

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.

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 assistance.

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.

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

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 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

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

Editorial

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Editors Note: What I have realized over the past few months is just how generous and kind the community is in Puerto Vallarta. We are truly blessed to live in this beautiful bay and enjoy the neighbours we share.

When I took on the arduous task of reviving the Vallarta Tribune I knew I had to reach out to the community that supports the paper and ensure that what we are publishing is what our readers

Explore Banderas Bay Puerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north by Punta de Mita and in the south by Cabo Corrientes. It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River. The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders.

In the winter and spring seasons you can witness the awe inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world. The fall brings renewed vigour to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation. No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you. Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbour-

and advertisers want to see. As a relative newbie to Puerto Vallarta, and a bit of a homebody to boot, it wasn’t for me to assume but rather to engage.

This past week I had the pleasure of sitting down with our fabulous Editorial Board comprised of volunteers from all ends of this bay.

We tossed around some ideas, came up with some new concepts for the paper and affirmed the direction of the editorial. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve. Stay tuned for some great new initiatives, some new sales programs perfect for the summer and small businesses and a big distribution announcement. It goes to show you that nine heads are better than one.

In the meantime, I am going to encourage you all to give the paper a read and send your feedback directly to me. Good or bad – I can take it! Have a great week.

I’ll be thinking of you while I sip my way through the Mescal’s of Oaxaca.

Madeline Milne

hood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican families.

Along the main streets you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more. Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants.

Sunsets on the Malecon Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away. Once the sun has set, the malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment and later in the night, the nightclubs beckon.

Fresh Seafood – The bay is generous and each day we enjoy plentiful fish and seafood. Head to Bucerias where there are a number of excellent seafood restaurants on the beach serving the days catch.

The beach in Bucerias is a pristine eight kms long and an excellent beach to practice Stand-Up Paddle Boarding. During whale season it’s not unusual to see whales breaching and putting on a show just off the beach. Fresh oysters, a shrimp

KEY DISTRIBUTION POINTS You should be able to find the paper at these locations. If you’ve missed this week’s paper you can always download the current copy at vallartatribune.com Tourist Offices: • Rio Cuale • Main Plaza • Lazaro Cardenas Park American Consulate Canadian Consulate Old Town & Centro Paradise Community Centre Freddy Tucan restaurant Los Mercados Timothy Real Estate Pages in the Sun Hotel Zone Villa del Palmar - Vallarta Starbucks – Peninsula Marina Starbucks – Marina RE/MAX Marina Café Cup Casa Velas Nuevo Vallarta Paradise Village La Estancia

cocktail or grilled red snapper are some of our favourites.

Sayulita – A short 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Sayulita is the surfers mecca of Riviera Nayarit. A funky town with a wonderful protected beach, this laid-back town has a hippie vibe with the organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it.

Visit the Huichol Cultural Centre for some wonderful hand-made beaded jewelry or grab a surf lesson from one of the many vendors on the beach.

Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there are a number of great schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more. Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies and a sophisticated community make Vallarta a foodies dream destination. Look for a school that will take you to the markets or introduce you to the farmers and fishermen for a truly cultural experience. Don’t want to cook? Try one of the Food Tours available. Eat like a local and for three hours you will enjoy everything from Tacos to Pazole at the food stands and small comidas around town.

Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico. Many of these galleries

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Vallarta Adventures Starbucks – Paradise Village Bucerias DeCameron Resort Elements Realty Yo-Yo Mo’s Sports Bar

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Oso’s Restaurant Philos Realty Ikuai Restaurant

El Foco on C7 Radio: OVERVIEW Last Monday on “El Foco” we were joined by Indira Santos, Environmental Education Coordinator for “Entreamigos” in San Pancho, Nayarit.

Entreamigos is a community center and non-profit organization in San Pancho working to strengthen their community through educational support and changing the way they see themselves connected to the environment. We discussed the importance of taking environmental education a step further: although the clean-up and recycling programs spearheaded by Entreamigos have been a huge success, they are now working on an education program called “Descubriéndonos en la Eco-Red” (Discovering ourselves in the Econet) which aims to bridge the disconnection we feel from our environment, making us aware of our place within the environmental network, and create responsible consumers from an early age. We invite you to visit the Entreamigos Community Center in San Pancho and be inspired to become involved (more info at www.entreamigos.org.mx).

Don’t forget to join us this Monday on “El Foco” at 4:00pm on 91.9 FM or online at http://c7jalisco.com/c7radiopvr to find more about community participation in the Banderas Bay region (English summary at 4:50pm).

are along the side streets that run through Centro. Stop at the Tourism Office in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour. Many galleries carry high quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more.

Canopy Tours, Bungee Jumping, Jet Skis – There is something for every daredevil in Puerto Vallarta. The jungle-mountains lend the perfect back drop to zipline canopy tours while the warm ocean waters below are perfect for diving, snorkeling, swimming or renting a jet ski and exploring the coast line.

Ride the bus - Buses in Puerto Vallarta are an experience all their own. You can tell the general destination of the bus by what is written on the window. Costco, Sheraton, Centro, Mismaloya you can go just about anywhere in this city on the bus. Only six and a half pesos (per bus - there are no transfers) this is a great way to explore the neighbourhoods. Head south on the bus and get a front row seat on some spectacular scenery on your way to the Vallarta Zoo. Or hop the Bucerias bus in front of Walmart and 30 minutes later you are exploring a charming beachside town. Tip: Sit on the non-sunny side of the bus.

Trust me. It gets hot.

Support Local Business - One of the most popular reasons visitors

love Puerto Vallarta is because it’s a thriving city not just geared towards spring-breakers.

A fine example of this is the many small businesses that you can find in ‘Centro’ including galleries, restaurants, clothing stores, spas and more. Venture off the malecon to find the perfect souvenir. Looking for something specific check out the handy vallartashoppingdirectory. blogspot.com Volunteer - There are many wonderful organizations across the Bay that can use your help.

Both time or money will be appreciated. On Tuesdays the SPCA de PV opens up to the public and you can visit with the many animals they have rescued.

On Sundays the Brigada de Basura does a morning of neighbourhood clean-up with the local children and then they all head to Que Pasa restaurant for breakfast, activities and friendship.

They are always looking for more help. Check out the back of this paper for many of the most deserving organizations.

With all of these things to do and much much more, you’ll be wishing you had more time. Don’t despair. We will be here, awaiting your return. Enjoy your time in the beautiful bay and please come back again.

NEWS BITES

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

Head South

The south of Puerto Vallarta is a thick jungle full of adventure and excitement. Head south along the 200 highway and you will find the architecturally inspiring community of Conchas Chinas. The beach cove here is excellent for snorkeling and El Set restaurant has an ample sunday breakfast buffet.

The first town is that of Nogalito.

Set back in the jungle it is a charming Mexican village that also is home to one of the most popular day tours - the Canopy Mundo Nogalito Tour with the only tunnel zip-line in town. If you’re feeling the heat, stop at the Punta Negra bridge and take a drip in the river.

Lovely fresh water, lots of little pools to splash in and rocks to dry off on.

If you’re lucky a vendor will come by with snacks and drinks - otherwise pack your own.

15 minutes further is Mismaloya, a small town set back from the water along a river that leads to the ocean and a number of beach restaurants. This bay looks onto Los Arcos and is a great place to grab a panga boat for a tour of the impressive rocks. If you have time, book a snorkel or dive trip. This is one of the deepest ocean valleys in the world and home to turtles, whales, dolphins and the bluefooted Booby. Back behind the town check out the Vallarta Zoo where you can play with baby monkeys, tigers and lions. It is the most hands on zoo I have ever visited.

Boca de Tomatlan is the last town along the ocean and the place to grab a boat to the small beach communities of Quimixto, Las Animas and the very popular Yelapa. Only accessible by water, each town has fresh seafood restaurants, large clean beaches and a number of tours to keep you busy exploring. Looking for romance - book a table at the nearby Le Kliff for spectacular views and sunsets to propose to.

Vallarta Tribune

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Jalisco passes tough Mexico sees 54% drinking and driving laws increase in tourism A new transportation law that allows annual increases in public transportation fares and introduces mandatory detentions for DUI’s has been approved unanimously by the Jalisco State Congress.

Under the new ‘Mobility’ law police officers with breathalyzers will patrol all areas of Jalisco, more speed cameras will be set-up around the state, speeding fines will increase and vehicles will require third-party liability insurance.

Drunk drivers will no longer be let off with a small fine or verbal warning. Fines will be applied for anyone caught driving with a blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of more than .050. This is similar to recent changes in laws across the United States and Canada.

Very large fines will range from 9,714 pesos ($776 usd) to

12,952 pesos ($1,035 usd).

In addition, the new penalties have made compulsory detention for 12 to 24 hours for any driver who registers between .08 and .13. Anyone found with a BAC of more than .13 will be remanded to jail for 24-36 hours.

Under the new Jalisco law the vehicles of all offenders will be impounded while second offenders will have their licenses revoked for two years. Public transportation drivers will have their licences revoked indefinitely if found driving under the influence.

The Transportation agency will also create a registry of all traffic offences commited in Jalisco. This registry will be made available to third parties such as businesses that want to check the driving records of potential employees.

Sec’y urges the establishment of a tourism cabinet

By Yvonne Reyes Campos The News

MEXICO CITY – Mexico has lost its competitive edge in the tourism market and policies to aid its recovery are urgently needed, Tourism Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu said on Thursday.

Tourism makes up 8.6 percent of Mexico’s Gross Domestic Product, directly creating 2.5 million jobs and indirectly creating approximately 5 million more.

Ruiz Massieu said that the 23 million foreigners and 68 million Mexicans who visited Mexico’s tourist destinations in 2012 generated $12.7 billion. Mexico has nonetheless lost ground in the global tourist market, Ruiz Massieu said, adding, “Mexico does it well but our competitors

Mexico, Canada strengthen ties

By Rocaño Zayas THE NEWS

Mexico’s relationship with Canada goes beyond their common ties with the United States, according to Foreign Affairs Secretary José Antonio Meade Kuribreña. Meade Kuribreña, who arrived in Ottawa on Thursday ahead of a scheduled meeting with Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird, said that the two countries are “friends” and “associates” with a shared goal in making North America the “most competitive” region in the

world. Meade Kuribreña said that the two countries have a great opportunity to work together in international organizations such as the G20 and the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership.

He added that Canada is the fourth-largest foreign investor in Mexico and that it has invested in 18 different sectors, including the mining, aeronautical and telecommunications industries.

The trade relationship between the two countries was worth more than $35 billion in 2012. “More Canadian companies are picking Mexico as a place to do business owing to its growth in investment

opportunities, geographical proximity and political and economic stability,” Meade Kuribreña said.

The relationship is not merely commercial, Meade Kuribreña added, saying that more than 1.6 million Canadian tourists visit Mexico each year. Canada is second only to the United States as a source of tourists for Mexico.

Meade Kuribreña said that a cultural understanding was key to the Canadian-Mexican relationship. “I understand the respective cultures first hand … it’s the best way to deepen our mutual understanding,” he said.

During his visit, Mexican offi-

do it better.” She said that Mexico can improve, taking advantage of its privileged location next to the United States, where the largest number of international tourists originate.

Ruiz Massieu went on to say that while Mexico’s tourism revenue has increased by 54 percent from 2000 to 2012, Australia saw its tourism revenue increase 243 percent.

Ruiz Massieu called for the establishment of a tourism cabinet that would promote federal policies to increase tourist revenue. “(The tourism cabinet) would have various elements,” she said.

“One is public safety, so that national security strategies complement the needs of (Mexico’s) tourist destinations, but it also has other elements like providing medical attention, roadside service, information and people available to help tourists at popular destinations.”

cials want Canada to ease its visa restrictions on Mexican citizens traveling to the country.

In 2009 Canada reintroduced tough visa restrictions for Mexican nationals to stem the flow of immigrants into the country. The visa process is both costly and complicated and has lead to a fall in the number of Mexicans traveling to Canada. In 2014 the two nations will celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations. Meade Kuribreña said that this presents a great opportunity for both countries to show “how far we have come in our economic integration, cooperation and friendship, and everything we can achieve together.”

Published originally thenews. com.mx

Your best source for English news in the Bay of Banderas

NEWS

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The role of the Closing Agent It is commonly believed that an attorney, in addition to a Notary Public, is required when buying property in Mexico. This is not necessarily the case. In fact, it may make more sense to seek out a Closing Agent to handle the many details of the transfer, such as: • Ordering and reviewing the title investigation • Obtaining the certificates and trust permits • Explaining the nuances of the transfer process • Overseeing the payment of funds for these services and expenses • Reviewing the deed to be sure names and addresses are correct • Being sure it is registered in the public registry of property • Making sure it is delivered to the buyer

• Providing tax receipts to the seller and more!

A good Closing Agent can be an attorney with expertise in title transfers, or they can be part of a company with experienced closing officers and attorneys on its staff for consultations in the event that there are title issues.

Closing Agents are becoming more and more commonplace throughout Mexico, as they are specialists in titles and transfers.

THE ROLE OF THE CLOSING AGENT An experienced Closing Agent is a key person in the real estate purchasing process.

Hiring a good Closing Agent who understands the ins and outs of the Mexican legal system and the requirements of the law as it

relates to foreign investment will make the real estate transaction go much smoother.

The Closing Agent should be involved in drawing up a promise contract and reviewing all documents including Title, Certificate of No Encumbrances, and permits.

A Closing Agent can also order a complete title search before the transaction reaches the notary public, which will save the Buyer valuable time and money should there be a problem with the title.

The prudent buyer will always insist upon using a neutral third party closing agent to protect his or her interests.

Professional Closing Agents will have bilingual and experienced closing officers on staff to review the legalities of the transaction and to ensure that all the documents received are in order.

They can also oversee the permit process, review the draft of the deed being used in the transfer of title and order the title investigation - identifying any problems before the title has been transferred and money exchanged.

FINDING A TRUSTWORTHY CLOSING AGENT Clients should never hesitate to ask for details of the professional experience and references of a Closing Agent.

This is even more important

when the Real Estate Agent in the transaction is representing BOTH buyer and seller.

Dual agency is still common in Mexico, and the Buyer should definitely seek out a Closing Agent.

Layla’s Restaurant

By Madeline Milne ayla’s has been open only a short while but it has seen early success. When told to wait until the winter season, owners Rodrigo Villar and his wife Isabel said, “No, we wanted to ensure that the locals in the summer had a chance to appreciate our food and to then share this message with their wintering friends and family.

Word of mouth recommendations are the best compliment we can receive.”

And compliments you will hear around the table. At a recent Gary’s Groupies dinner, guests enjoyed a three course meal with choice of Cream of Mushroom Soup, Apple BBQ Chicken Lollipops or Caesar salad with a tamarind chipotle sauce. The main course was a difficult toss-up between the Pollo Asado that is marinated in a chili brine for 24 hours to give it a sweet/salty crunch, the

L Starwood increases its hotels in Mexico The U.S. hotel operator Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced 30% growth in its hotels in Mexico to strengthen its expansion strategy in Latin America.

Starwood will remain as the main hotel firm in the luxury segment in the country with the construction of eight new hotels that will add 1,100 rooms, it said in a recent statement.

The New York-based company said that with 24 hotels (4,800 rooms), Mexico is its biggest Latin American market, and added that eight of the nine brands of the company are already operating in the country.

Osvaldo Librizzi, co-President of Starwood, said that

Mexico is a central point of the expansion strategy of the company in Latin America, where it is expected to have 100 hotels at the end of the year.

Moreover, Frits Van Paaschen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the operator, declared on July 19 that a rise in the tourism sector in Mexico is being observed, since U.S. travelers are returning to the country and business travel is increasing. Starwood has noted a strong demand in the development of new hotels of all its brands, after the global economic crisis of 2008.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide operates the hotel brands: Le Méridien, Four Points

by Sheraton, The Luxury Collection, St. Regis, W Hotels, aLoft, Westin, Element and Sheraton.

(Mexican Business Web)

WANT THE NEWS IN PUERTO VALLARTA?

popular Skirt Steak or Mixed Enchiladas including a vegetarian choice served with a red and green Pipian sauce.

Unfortunately we were forced to choose (and then begrudgingly share) either the hardto-get Fried Ice Cream, Quatro Leche Cake (the fourth one is coconut milk) or the delectable Buenas Noches chocolate bread pudding.

Highly recommended, Layla’s is a wonderfully cozy and affordable spot to enjoy a casual but fine dining experience. Try it out now because once all that word-of-mouth starts in November it will hard to get a seat.

Layla’s Restaurant Venezuela 137, centro Call 222-2436 laylasrestaurante.com

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REAL ESTATE NATURE

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10 Reasons to Choose a Gated Residential Community

By Miguel Fernandez www.g3mex.com www.pvlifestyle.com

O

ver the past few years I’ve lived in the Las Moras residential community. The reason that I chose Las Moras is because of the tremendously high quality of grounds maintenance and administration. When you pass through the gates, you are greeted by an array of tropical fruit trees and flora, which is a testament to the quality and care taken here. Also, as a father, I’m able to provide my children with the same experience of freedom that I had while growing up. They come and go as they please, and can ride their bikes to a friend’s house, without my having to worry about their safety and security.

We are the type of family who loves to spend a lot of time at home, and at Las Moras we can enjoy a beautiful setting and terrific amenities at our doorstep.

Our neighbors are from Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. The dues are very reasonable at $1500 pesos a month, which covers all of the maintenance and administration of the grounds. And you can’t beat the location in Vallarta.

We are minutes from shopping,

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schools, work and our favorite spots around the Bay of Banderas.

To be “gated” or not to be “gated”, that is the question. Lots of people have LOTS of different opinions regarding the advantages and disadvantages of living in a gate community. Here are 10 reasons I’ve chosen for living a gated residential lifestyle: 1. Safety and 24 hr Security.

To enter some gated communities, one must be a registered resident with photographic identification or must have a friend in the gated community who gives specific permission (via telephone or internet) to the security guards at the gate. No strange people loitering or wandering around your property 2. Great Common Areas.

Lots of green space for you and your family to enjoy. Usually a communal pool, with a club house, which is great for the weekend, or a hot day, and can also serve a party venue, if you make some pre-arrangements with the management.

3. Fitness Center. And sometimes tennis courts, golf courses

and marinas, depending upon location an price point.

4. Worry-free Neighborhood for your Children. They can bike, play at the neighbors, and hang out without you having to worry about strangers lurking around.

5. Clean and Tidy. Homeowners in gated-communities need to meet certain requirements regarding their property. Which means that though you can’t be super creative with your yard, you have to keep it looking good.

6. Helpful Neighbors. Usually people in gated communities like to carpool with kids and will help you in a pinch.

7. Nicely Designed Homes. As a rule, the homes are designed with a particular aesthetic in mind.

So you won’t have to deal with

overly creative neighbors painting their house purple.

8. Parking. You will always have a parking space or garage adjacent to your home. Easier with family, groceries and for deliveries 9. Professional Landscaping Staff. Normally the front exterior area of your house is maintained by the staff of you community. So, no lost weekends mowing and trimming, though, if you want to garden, you are usually afforded private space the create you own personal haven.

10. A Great Investment. Especially in Mexico, as we have one of the world’s largets number of gated community dwellers They believe that 56.8 million Mexicans were living in gated communities as of 2010. Gated communities in Mexico are substantially cheaper than in countries such as the United States while retaining houses of similar size and quality due to the commonness of the communities and the lower cost to build them and are priced lower to attract middle class residents.

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LOCALS

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Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

My Life In Vallarta: Summer Secrets

By Lois Ellison

Here we are in the middle of our longest season, summer. Formerly known as the “low season”, the powers that be recently determined that just maybe that might have a negative impact on our #1 industry; tourism.

Anyway, we do have four seasons but they aren’t the same as in most other places. Summer season lasts about 5 ½ months, from June until mid-October.

The next 2 months are what I call “waiting for the humidity to leave”; followed by winter (originally the “high season”) from mid December until the end of April.

Lastly comes “waiting for the rain”.

And so it goes. You could also call them the rainy season, the dry season and the dusty season, but that’s only three.

There is nothing like the first big storm of summer.

Huge clouds towering above the mountains, then flashes of lightening that seem to strike right on your doorstep.

Deafening thunder; then the skies open up drowning everything in torrents of raging water.

Stairways turn into cascades, storm drains back up, taxis race home before the streets become impassable, and maybe the power goes out.

You cancel your dinner plans, pop open a bottle of wine, grab some snacks and sit on your terrace, enjoying the show.

It stops, almost as suddenly as it started and, while crickets and frogs serenade you, you breathe in the fresh aromas and cooler air that follows.

The next morning, freed from layers of dust, the streets seem almost to sparkle.

Crossing the pedestrian bridge on the Cuale River, you marvel at the way the water has cut a new swath where the mouth of the river meets the ocean.

A few days after the rains begin; you notice the first hint of green in the mountains surrounding town.

Then suddenly everything is lush, trees almost bowing over under the weight of their new leaves. Flowers are everywhere, a riot of color.

Birds of Paradise and other summer bloomers put on quite a show. If you leave your car parked in the street too long, you may find it surrounded by grass and weeds.

Great fresh fruit is always available here but early summer brings us mango season.

Be careful as you walk around town, you might get a bump on the head as the trees begin to drop their delectable treats.

On almost any corner, you can buy them for about $10 pesos (80 cents) for a huge bag. When mango season ends, pineapple season begins. Slice one up and throw it on the grill with your steak or chicken, top it all off with mango salsa. What a treat.

There are plenty of tourists in

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town, mostly Nationals.

They come with their extended families to enjoy the beaches, the Malecon and all that Vallarta has to offer. As you walk around town in the summer, hearing their laughter and seeing their smiles, you get a completely different feeling about what a privilege it is to be a guest in their country. It is wonderful.

If you like to eat out, and who doesn’t, summer is the time you never need reservations. Of course some restaurants close for all or part of the summer, but those that are open welcome you with special menus and prices.

Summer is also the perfect time to catch up on reading, watching movies and taking siestas.

As for the legendary humidity, like most things in life, there is an upside.

During the summer you will never need moisturizer. In fact your skin will feel positively youthful.

Just last week my doctor remarked that I had the skin of a woman 20 years younger. Music to this grandmother’s ears. Hah! He should see me in January.

Summer has always gotten a bad rap but if you give it a chance, you just might find that you love summer here, just as I do.

But please don’t tell too many people, we don’t want to wind up needing dinner reservations tonight.

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Since I moved to Puerto Vallarta I have wanted to do something memorable that reminds me that Puerto Vallarta is the place I love and now I think is the time to do it. I had the opportunity to meet Jose San Juan where he along with Kiki Guerrero and Walker, had an idea to do a special event to help the kids of Casa Hogar Maximo Cornejo, a tattoo fundraising event.

Working with a local charity whose mandate was to assist the children of Casa Maximo Cornejo, Jose told me that he had the idea for more than a year. One day while discussing his thoughts with his friends, Kiki and Walker, they decided to make the idea of Tatts for Food come true.

“Tatts for Food” is a unique concept, helping a worthy cause and you get a free tattoo. The idea is very simple, in exchange for a food donation you will receive a tattoo. On August 17th from 10 am to 8 pm on 247 Lazaro Cardenas, Emiliano Zapata there will be 8 artists from Mexico City, Tepic, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta all coming together to help. For the cost of 350 pesos to 500 pesos in non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies or coloring books you will receive a tattoo of three

different - 5 x 5cm, 7 x 7cm and 9 x 9cm.

Also, if someone you know is interested in piercings, Walker will be donating around 100 piercings.

If you feel brave, I think this is the time to take a leap and get that body part pierced!

The same day, an after party starting at 10pm will be hosted on Basilio Badillo 336, where the local band Los Bambinos will perform.

The cover charge for this event ($30 pesos) will be donated to support the children. On Sunday, Jose San Juan, Kiki Guerrero and Walker will be delivering all the food and supplies collected along with vegetables and fruit they will purchase from the money raised during the after party.

As I mentioned, I want something memorable, something that reminds me that Puerto Vallarta is home. I have some ideas in my mind but I have to think carefully about which one will be the best one to define my beautiful life in Puerto Vallarta. What about you?

Poncho Davalos is a sales agent for Tropicasa Realty. In addition to helping you pick out your new tattoo, he can help you to find your dream home. Contact him or visit www.tropicasa.com for more information.

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Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

Lo recorrí por años enteros, de mercado a mercado, porque México está en los mercados.

“I went from market to market for years, because Mexico is in its markets.”

Wanderings on Olas Altas

By Poncho Davalos

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- Pablo Neruda,

Chilean poet, diplomat and Nobel Prize Winner

By Erin Staley oldtownfm.com

Tianguis Markets: A Vital Part of Mexico’s Cultural Fabric Bursting with activity, vibrant colors and unforgettable flavors, tianguis (street markets) have long been a vital part of Mexico’s cultural fabric. Pre-Hispanic in nature, this highly anticipated weekly event was commonly found in community plazas both great and small. Vendors would travel in on certain days to set up and peddle fresh produce and specialty goods. Townspeople would flock to this cultural soiree, not only to stock up on weekly groceries, but to connect with others. The tianguis provided the ideal venue for gossiping locals, weary travelers, political activists and those who wished to worship at various shrines within the market.

It is believed that the Olmec civilization was the first to establish trading networks within the region. Tianguis were set up in various communities along the routes, but it was the Aztecs who turned them into a community staple. Tradespeople traveled the Aztec Empire collecting a variety of everyday and exotic goods to bring to the tianguis. Thousands of shoppers eagerly anticipated market day in order to buy and trade produce, game meats, seafood, turtles and a variety of honey and octli (fermented cactus juice). Exotic items such as cotton, jade, cacao and precious metals

were among the most valuable items for sale.

When the Spanish arrived in the New World, they brought with them innovative agricultural techniques and tools as well as new produce. This, of course, greatly impacted the tianguis scene. The workload was lightened allowing indigenous farmers to cultivate apples, figs, peaches and pomegranates. The wheel extended trade routes, and coins replaced the cacao beans as currency.

Innovative craft techniques helped to develop a class of tradesmen specializing in pottery, carpentry, iron working and canoe making.

Tianguis thrived for generations until supermarkets and discount warehouse stores offered convenience and bulk pricing.

Thousands of tianguis across the country ceased to exist. Even Puerto Vallarta’s once flourishing tianguis scene was a thing of the past. But thanks to a resurgence of “back to the land” values, a

door has been opened for tianguis to reemerge in Vallarta. Shoppers are eagerly turning to markets such as the Old Town Farmers’ Market–Tianguis Cultural for “make it, bake it, grow it” options.

You can jump into the tianguis community by joining us for the Old Town Farmers’ Market– Tianguis Cultural reopening on Saturday, November 2. Embrace one of Mexico’s finest cultural traditions as you shop for farmto-table produce, artisan breads, freshly cut flowers, organic skincare products, handcrafted décor and custom made clothing and accessories.

Located along Basilio Badillo between Olas Altas and Ignacio Vallarta, the Old Town Farmers’ Market-Tianguis Cultural is open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 2 pm from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in May. For more information, visit www.oldtownfm.com or “like” us on Facebook.

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By Leza Warkentin rhythm2rain@gmail.com

By Marcia Blondin marcia.blondin@ymail.com

The Great Unveiling

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Mark this on your calendars:

5 pm, Wednesday, August 21, at Los Alcatraces Restaurant.

If you’ve never played Loteria – Mexico’s answer to Bingo - be there, have a blast, win lots of prizes and help support the Purr Project, the no-kill feline shelter north of Vallarta.

Kathleen Palmer of Deja New Consignment Store has come up

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Paradise and Parenting

This is Paradise...

ll year long at the Paradise Community Center, artisans get together and share their wares with local residents and tourists at the Saturday Co-op Market, open from 9 am to 1 pm. We have a huge palapa roof to keep the rain off and fans to keep you cool and a wide variety of goods to take home for yourself or to give as gifts. Lively music and a helpful, friendly atmosphere take the pain out of shopping; this means you MEN-WITH-A-PHOBIA! Here is a complete list of Jan’s Specialty Condiments available every Saturday: Jalapeno Jelly, Strawberry / Jalapeno Jam, Peach /Habanero Jam; Cherry, Raspberry, Blueberry, Blackberry, MixedBerry Jam; Mango Chutney, Pear Chutney with Molasses, Rum Raisin Sauce, Pickled Green Beans, Pickled Ginger, Pickled Okra, Marinated Mushrooms, Marinated Brussel Sprouts, Honey Mustard, and Chipotle Salsa. Take home two or three!

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with a novel concept to help people contribute to her growing list of charitable organizations. It’s called “Muling for Charity”. If you are driving to Puerto Vallarta for this coming fall and winter seasons, fill your vehicles with donations for the charity of your choice. If you are in Vancouver, for example, and are driving to Vallarta, let your friends and neighbors know you will make room in your vehicle for their contributions...and yours too, of course! While you’re at it, stop in at dollar stores and/or thrift stores on your way south and buy things like school and craft supplies that are – comparatively speaking very expensive in Vallarta.

To everyone at the Saturday Co-op Market – I miss all of you and the wonderful camaraderie your creativity has made and nurtures every week rain or shine.

Save my place!

Saludos de Canada.

Paraiso Felino This is Cupcake. She is 11 months old and has already had 5 kittens. One died and three have been adopted and one is with us at the shelter. She’s spayed and has had her first feline vaccine. She’s friendly and has nice coloring. To adopt Cupcake or assist with the rescue of Cats in Banderas Bay email: paraiso_felino@hotmail.com

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o, after 7 years, my children are sleeping in separate rooms. This is a very big deal for our family, because they have always wanted to share. I admit that I have happily gone along with it. I mean, c’mon, the reason why I went through the whirlwind adventure of having babies 20 months apart was because of my unwavering vision of siblings as best friends and happy playmates. I’ve had to alter the vision a bit to include hair-pulling and wild, largely unsubstantiated accusations, but the overall truth is that they genuinely are best of friends. I loved that they didn’t want to sleep separately, that when they were together the horrors of the open closet at night weren’t quite so terrifying.

However, this summer my 7 and 8-year-old decided it was time and my husband, triumphant, took them to the paint store to pick out chips. I conceded when it was promised to me that I would regain the majority of the living room territory and say goodbye to the Lego and Paper Mache Chic that had been forced upon me as décor. I was further convinced when my daughter picked out a

gorgeous lilac color and I began to see mounds of pink tulle and flowery paper lanterns in our near future. I realized then that deep down I wanted the girly room for her. I wanted it bad.

Since our children were attending the ASPV Sharks Day Camp this year, we thought that it would be the perfect opportunity to take a week to transform what was my husband’s studio into a purple paradise and the children’s original room into blue boy land. We would do this at a leisurely pace along with (our children were at camp for crying out loud), frequent breaks for lunch in restaurants that we could actually choose ourselves. On Monday we would begin, and by Friday of that same week they would arrive home to the Great Unveiling and we would pop open a bottle of grape juice or something.

My husband and I will pretty much consistently underestimate the amount of time and effort involved in most of our DIY projects, mostly because he is incapable of seeing the dark side to anything, and I am easily pulled in by his unfailing optimism.

Unfortunately for us in this case,

this meant that we were woefully ill-prepared for the epic nature of what we had set out to do. This room change set off a chain reaction similar to the events that unfolded after the President of the United States pressed The Button or pulled The Lever in all of those 80’s movies about a nuclear holocaust.

First the studio had to be completely cleaned out, and I discovered a collection of boxes full of random items that had to be painstakingly separated and dealt with. Then I had to store the newly organized boxes in the area under the stairs, which was full of boxes of the same random nature. You see where I am going with this.

During this frantic activity, my husband (bless him) was patiently painting walls that were unbelievably porous and needed a painter that could go back over the same spot over and over again without the aid of medication and who wouldn’t mind returning to the paint store at least three times for more paint.

The Great Unveiling did take place on Friday after camp, as it happens. Nearly three weeks later. With my husband spread-eagled on the bed in a swoon from paint fumes and 5 garbage bags overflowing in the Lego-free living room.

The children set down their backpacks and ran up to their rooms as though running to the tree at 5am (true story) on Christmas morning. I watched my daughter twirl around in her candy-colored heaven and my son run to his new Star Wars Lego shelf, beaming like Luke’s light saber. I left them there to prepare for bed and then smiled to myself as I eavesdropped on the best thing of all: My children, each in his/her brand-new room, describing it to the other over their tin can phone.

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Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

The Tradition of Mexican Textiles

By Marianne Menditto www.ColibriDesignVallarta.com

Mexican handmade textiles are a perfect example of what constitutes ‘folk art’...made by everyday people, for everyday use, crafted & embellished with love & pride. Decorative inspiration is drawn from the artisan’s surroundings, tribal legends, and customs.

There is a weaving tradition going back many centuries in every indigenous group in México using many types of loom. But textile art is not only about weaving. Embroidery with cotton or silk threads is a big part of the decorative process.

The tying of shawl fringes is another specialized skill that can even incorporate beads and feathers. Rugs, hand towels, pillows, tablecloths, napkins, tortilla & bread warmers, table-runners, wall-hangings, blouses, shawls, ponchos, aprons, blankets, the list goes on & on...

In the case of Zapotec rugs, every material used is made by the artisans. Families work together, each member learning a new step of the process as they grow up.

The weavers of Teótitlan del Valle & Santa Ana del Valle, Oaxaca are considered among the best in the world.

Patterns described by the color changes in the rugs are inspired by nature and the geometric stone mosaics on the walls of the ruins at Mitla & Monte Albán. Some of the named patterns are ‘agave’, ‘candles’, ‘god’s eye’, ‘greca’, ‘lightning’ & ‘stepped fret’. Although, the entire workload of rug weaving is not necessarily borne by members of an individual family.

Buying raw materials from community members is a more practical option for some artisans. In the rug weaving villages and their surroundings are farmers who raise the sheep and shear the wool, others who gather plants & insects to make the dyes, some who spin & dye the yarn, & carpenters who build the looms.

In the coastal village of Pinotepa de Don Luis, Oaxaca are a select few men who are officially designated to gently harvest the ink from the mollusk ‘purpura pansa’, turning the yarn skeins a lovely purple. Great care must be taken to replace the shells in their original positions on the rocks, only using the most mature animals in the proper season.

Fortunately, the Zapotec weavers are quite a success story, so this art-form is not in danger of disappearing any time soon, as are some of the other folk arts of México.

Hand-made clothing is an especially vulnerable branch of the textile craft, as the global economy offers cheaper options to clothe a family. Social pressures, desires of the younger generations to modernize, to no longer be identified as ‘Indian’ and therefore on the bottom of the social ladder, also contribute to the loss of heritage skills.

Several organizations all over México are attempting to preserve precious examples and patterns by recording methods, materials & languages. They do important work by

educating collectors & artists from other cultures with tours of the indigenous villages. As the world becomes a smaller place, let us hope that humanity will learn to treasure its irreplaceable diversity.

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Hand-made clothing is an especially vulnerable branch of the textile craft, as the global economy offers cheaper options to clothe a family.

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ONLY PAPER AVAILABLE IN THE PUERTO VALLARTA AIRPORT REACH MORE LOCALS AND TOURISTS ASK ABOUT SUMMER SPECIALS dora@tribunadelabahia.com.mx

Beat the Heat Looking to escape the heat of Summer in Puerto Vallarta?

Look no farther!

Vallarta Tribune will bring you refreshing articles, tips and deals all summer.

Isn't that so cool?

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

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Layla´s Restaurant

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Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

VALLARTA ZOO EL SET

Todd Bates Broker/Owner

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VALLARTA BOTANICAL GARDENS

odd Bates was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada and proceeded to enter university in Hamilton, Ontario, at McMaster University and after completing his Bachelor of Arts degree, went to Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, for a second Bachelor of Arts degree.

After owning and operating his two successful businesses in Whistler for twelve years, he met his (soon to be) wife on a trip to Puerto Vallarta and decided that would be his new home in Paradise.

Both Todd’s mother and mother-in-law have properties in Puerto Vallarta, so he understands the needs and expectations of the foreign purchaser, as well as a Mexican purchaser. Growing up around real estate in Toronto,

If you are thinking about real estate in the Puerto Vallarta area, please remember REMAX Sites Marina as your source of advice and expertise.

Canadian owned and operated, we understand your needs and expectations!

Local 20, Las Palmas 2, Marina Vallarta Office (322) 221-0111 www.remaxinpv.com

Todd’s mother and brother ran a very successful real estate company in Toronto, he fully understands the work needed to be successful.

“Living here full-time has been an incredible challenge and opportunity and I am so fortunate to be able to live where people only think of vacationing”, Todd said.

He upgrades his real estate knowledge through continuous training in the multi-faceted business that´s buying and selling real estate in Puerto Vallarta. Ensure that his clients receive the most professional representation possible.

He lives by the motto of “Treat this person as you would treat your mother and always expect more of yourself”.

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May 31 - June 6, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 843

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JALISCO

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Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

Girl With Wheelbarrow of Red Radishes

Grafitti mural “Jovenes” (“Youth”)/ teenagers doing hip-hop moves in plaza

1930s rusted Deere tractor

“So this is where Heaven leads!”

By Dhani Schimizzi I’m a male North American who migrated to Mexico three decades ago, so I have many “memoirs” to tell. Currently I live in the small, sleepy and, depending on the season, either muddy or dusty agricultural village of Ixtapa, located off the west coast of Mexico in the state of Jalisco. (Not to be confused with the famous resort town of Ixtapa-Zihuatenejo, located much further south in the state of Guerrero.)

For travelers who enjoy savoring the best of both worlds, this rustic and foreigner-friendly pueblo is only a 40 minute jeep ride to or from all the glitter and glamour the Charlie Sheens and Kardashians of the world dash to: the Mexican Riviera. Its crown jewel, Puerto Vallarta, tops a long, must-visit list of paradises one can stumble upon in Mexico.

An ideal nature “hideaway”, the quiet village is relatively crimefree. You can walk or bicycle the unlit cobblestone streets at night without fear. If there is a murder, and there have been a couple recently, it’s almost always drug-related.

Ixtapa closes down around eleven in the evening when you can hear a pin drop. Under the plaza’s gazebo there may still remain a small group of male teenagers, a boom-box blaring while they practice their hip-hop moves copied from American dance movies.

Weekends during national or reli-

gious holidays can be a boisterous event lasting into the wee hours of the morning, with the natives, some from outlying areas, joining to celebrate with food, fireworks, dancing and loud music.

Surrounded by the Sierra Madre Mountains, the air is crisp and unpolluted, and was the wise choice for the location of the University of Guadalajara’s extension, named CUC. Few know that the area is rich in as yet undiscovered pre-Columbian treasures, as evidenced by several excavations begun by North American archeologist Joseph Mountjoy in the 1980s. Alas, for lack of government and private funding, they were never completed.

Ixtapa was also the location of Montgomery Bonanza, a large American-owned banana plantation later confiscated by the Mexican government during the Agrarian Revolution of the 1930s.

A Deere tractor, totally rusted out, was, until most recently, still standing at the spot it was left some eighty years ago in front of the original administrative office and hospital for their elite foreign employees. (It’s now a private hacienda rumored to house a friendly Mexican mystic.)

A block away, the company’s large, box-shaped concrete vault still stands locked and naked a few yards from a basketball court and an area overgrown with weeds.

Montgomery regularly paid their employees each Saturday with

Montgomery Bonanza original company vault

coins, and the mounds of pesos, accompanied by armed Mexican soldiers, were wheel-barrowed into the vault.

Ixtapa is now a village of a few thousand souls northeast of P.V. I’m guessing there may be a mere ten or more foreigners living here (one in particular is Jan Lavander, legendary co-owner of P.V.’s pioneer art gallery “Galeria Uno”), but rarely do you see them. If you happen to spot a white person wearing a baseball cap sitting on an iron bench in the plaza in the late afternoon it’s most likely this writer!

One early morning as I was leaving my walled-in, ramshackle house I spotted two little, shoeless girls, most likely sisters, riding a horse together bareback. They

quickly passed me by, riding down the empty cobblestone street, their bodies swaying naturally with the horse’s gait. The girls were emanating a contagious carefreeness, and the dog and cute puppy who followed them accentuated that sense of “life without worry”.

(I’m thinking “So this is where Heaven leads!”)

But one of my richest Mexican “moments” was the day a young “guera” or light-skinned Mexican girl of around eleven years old came by the house pushing a wheelbarrow filled to the top with bunches of freshly harvested radishes for sale. (Natives relish the radish and it’s a standard spicy condiment in most Mexican dishes, including the humble taco.)

The child, standing in front

of her parked wheelbarrow, was lovely, with long, freshly brushed hair. Her pyramid of radishes appeared as reddish-pink globes that seemed to vibrate in the morning sun.

As I was standing inside to retrieve my wallet to pay her, I turned to notice that my open door had become the perfect wood frame for what to me –“Girl With Wheelbarrow of Red Radishes”- looked like a beautiful nineteenth-century master oil painting

by Renoir (an image stuck in my Memoir). *This true tale originally appeared in a slightly revised version on Larry Smith’s famous Six Word Memoir site: www. smithmag.net

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

local / RIVIERA NAYARIT

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PV Sea Dive

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Sue Keevil pvseadive.com

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

Sea Turtles

Cruisin’ La Cruz de Huanacaxtle

Sea turtles are beautiful creatures which often grace scuba divers with their presence, and it’s a lovely experience swimming alongside these endangered animals. You don´t need to scuba dive to see these turtles up close and personal, but it is really cool to swim with them.

If you take a trip out on a boat, you will be unlucky if you don´t see one surface for air. Take a walk along the beaches at night between June and December and you could be lucky enough to see one laying its eggs.

As turtles are endangered, great lengths have been gone to to protect their eggs and to keep the turtles coming to the bay.

This is because sea turtles have an internal satellite navigation system onboard and they will always come back to the shore they began their life on to lay their eggs.

The male turtle never returns to the shore once he leaves it.

Maybe they don´t have a sat nav and obviously, never ask directions! So, the poor female has to drag her heavy body up the beach in the evening to lay the eggs all on her own! She has poor eyesight out of the water, so this job is not an easy one.

Once she has struggled far enough up the beach, she digs a one and a half foot hole with her back flippers and lays her eggs.

She will lay about 100 eggs. She will then fill the hole back in and pat the surface down, usually covering a larger area so as to disguise where the eggs are. I have seen this many times, and it is a wonderful sight, but I defy anyone not to join in when the female has tears running down her face.

Maybe they cry because they know the outcome of most of her little ones. Statistics state

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle means the “Cross of Huanacaxtle”. Now, I don’t know this for a fact, and would love it if someone could confirm this, however, it’s such a fun story I thought I would write it down. This story came from an old timer local from the United States.

She told me that she heard the name La Cruz de Huanacaxtle came about when lightening hit a very large Huanacaxtle tree, and it ended up making the mark of a cross. Hence, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.

Now, another story emerges, and was told to Lisa van Thillo and my friend Lori Wilson from La Cruz, who had the pleasure of interviewing La Cruz’ Delegado Angel Alberto Garcia de Haro recently. This is a another very cool story, and to say that it is more confirmed than the last! It’s about the history of the La Cruz Cross, located at the Round’ a ‘bout in the center of La Cruz’s main avenida, which is also known as the glorieta. Here are her words... thanks to my amiga Lori Wilson!

“When Lisa and I (Lori Wilson) asked Angel (La Cruz’ Delegado Angel Alberto Garcia de Haro) if he had any interesting and/ or humorous stories about life in La Cruz he told us a story about the glorieta. About 300 years ago pirates built a dungeon in the area that is now under the cross with a connecting tunnel that had an entrance at the old Enrique’s Restaurant. The dungeon had chains attached to the walls and to this day the remains of the prisoners can be found. Apparently only the old timers knew about this and many years ago when the streets were being built a group of young boys found the tunnel and entered. One boy, who went in farther than the others discovered the remains. Can you imagine his surprise? The boys ran home and

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that only 1% of all hatchlings will survive to adulthood. This is an alarming fact when we know turtles have outlived dinosaurs and have been on our planet for 100 million years! There are many reasons why the sea turtles are vulnerable or endangered, and humans are responsible for them all. Oil spills, marine pollution, fishing and poaching being the main areas to be addressed.

The turtle sanctuaries around our shores increase this number tremendously as they protect the eggs from being dug up and eaten by humans and animals.

They also release the hatchlings in daylight. Due to much of our coastline being built upon, if the hatchlings were to hatch at night, they would head towards the bright lights of town and not the ocean.

We have many turtles in our bay and on our shores, which is heart warming. The main turtles we can see are the Olive Ridley turtle, but we also see the Green turtle, the Hawksbill and occasionally, the enormous Leatherbacks.

If you want to get involved in the local turtle projects, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer. Go online and take your pick and help save these great old creatures.

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told their parents who immediately blocked the entrance. The parents have since died, but many of the boys are still living in La Cruz.”

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle sits between Punta de Mita, to the north, and Bucerias to the south, and about 50 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, depending on the traffic and catching the green lights of course!

The La Cruz Marina For those people with a penchant for long-term sailing, the town of La Cruz is particularly attractive.

Much of this charm can be traced to a mixture of modern facilities and the traditional way of life. It can be compared to time travel, imagined by boat lovers.

Completed in 2008, the La Cruz Marina can dock up to a 400 foot vessel. La Cruz Marina is a favorite among those who have visited and it likely has a prominent placement on the to-do lists of all those who know about it but haven’t visited, yet. There is a clubhouse for members and a wonderful restaurant with the best Sunday brunch around.

La cruz huichol art gallery

unique art gallery with an amazing collection of traditional and modern Huichol art. Large and smaller Yarn Paintings, beaded objects and jewelry, weaving and embroidery can be found. The Huichol set up and create their artwork at this unique cafe. Drop by to learn more about the Huichol people of Nayarit and Jalisco, one of the most expressive shamanistic tribes in the world.

Fine dining abounds

La Cruz has a number of excellent restaurants in the Marina and in town. From fresh seafood, to BBQ Ribs, Italian, Mexican, German and more, dining out in La Cruz is a wonderful experience. With a thriving live music scene, La Cruz is often the place to be on any given night. From jazz to salsa to rock and the classics, in the winter season there is live music nearly every night. Many of the local faces are well respected successful recording artists that now call La Cruz or the Bay home.

During the high season, the La Cruz Marina also offers the La Cruz Market every Sunday, starting in October and usually ending in May, where vendors from Puerto Vallarta to Lo de Marcos and some from as far as La Penita and Guayabitos come to sell their wares and fresh home grown herbs and wonderful food items including breads, pizza, baked goods, sauces and speads, sweets and smoked meats.

You can find out more about the Riviera Nayarit at www.

RivieraNayaritFun.com and the new upcoming site allLaCruz. com Cat Morgan is owner of the RivieraNayaritFun.com Regional Network and can be reached for comments, questions, or if you have news on the Riviera Nayarit; Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

The Octopus’s Garden hosts a

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RIVIERA NAYARIT 17

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First official Turtle release of the season

As a part of the Environmental Educational Program developed for the Blue Flag Certification in Nuevo Vallarta, In order to preserve the environment the first turtle release was held on Friday, July 26th at the Nuevo Vallarta Camp, located on the beach beside Bahia del Sol Hotel, as a part of the Environmental Educational Program developed for the Blue Flag Certification.

Nuevo Vallarta beach, despite its huge tourist developments, has historically registered the ,most number of nestings in the region. According to the Sea Turtle Preservation Program of the

National Natural Protected Area Commission during 2010 a total of 51000 nests were registered all over Mexico’s Pacific Coast, at least 6,000 of them in the coast of Nuevo Vallarta The beaches at the hotel zone is an excellent arrival areas for sea turtles, and the only thing you have to do is stay up all night to catch a glimpse of turtles laying their eggs.

Biologist Adrian Maldonado, from the Technological Institute of Banderas Bay (Instituto Tecnológico de Bahía de Banderas or ITBB), stated that the results of a study show that Nuevo Vallarta holds a higher number of arrivals than less developed areas like El Naranjo Beach, which is close to la Peñita de Jaltemba.

The historical data analysis for the past 10 years indicates that sea turtles set an average of 403 nests per mile in Nuevo Vallarta’s 8.7 miles of beaches. In 2007, about 6,000 Olive Ridley turtles arrived at this location.

The numbers presented by Maldonado are not exaggerated.

In 2009, official evaluations at the turtle camp in Nuevo Vallarta estimated by October, close to 4,000 nests had been recovered and 200,000 turtle hatchlings released. “At this camp, the

numbers grow every year. What I can say for sure is that the number of recovered nests has grown 600% in the eight years that we’ve been working here”, said biologist Antonio Razo, who was in charge of safeguarding these beaches.

Once the incubation period is over and the eggs hatch, the Nuevo Vallarta camp offers the general public the opportunity to release a hatchling. The release program includes afternoon sessions that start around 6:00 pm. Cost is a small fee which is used to keep the camp running.

Nuevo Vallarta isn’t the only developed beach that offers the general public this privilege; other beaches include El Anclote, Punta Mita, Bucerias, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and other developed areas. At Las Tortugas beach, where a nature-conscious development is taking place, 2,400 nests were saved in 2009.

Even though hotels located in Rincon de Guayabitos don’t have the largest arrival numbers, the experience is especially exciting at El Naranjo Beach, where one of the most committed protection and education programs has been established. Visiting El Naranjo is not only a delight for tourists, but it’s also a truly enlightening experience.

Nayarit and Oaxaca lead growth Nayarit and Oaxaca states led statewide growth in the first quarter of 2013, with an annual increase of gross domestic product (GDP) of 6.9 and 4.7%, respectively.

In contrast, Zacatecas was the weakest, contracting 3.9%, according to economic indicators from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI).

The sharp slowdown in manufacturing presented affected the industrial states.

However, the growth of these remained above the average of the economy, with exceptions such as Coahuila, which fell 0.5%, and Tamaulipas, which contracted 0.1%.

Seven states rebounded with above national average growth: Baja California, 2.4%; Chihuahua, 1.3%; Jalisco, 1.8%, state of Mexico, 1.3%; Nuevo Leon, 1.4%; Queretaro, 1.3% and 2.5% Sonora, being is the most dynamic industrial entity.

(Mexican Business Web)

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TRAVEL TRAVEL

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

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Jaltemba Bay: Venture off the beaten path of Mexico’s Pacific Coast

By Allyson Williams ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON jaltembabaylife.com

Jaltemba Bay is made up of three small and colorful towns – Rincón de Guayabitos, La Peñita and Los Ayala. It is located 40 miles north of Puerto Vallarta in the heart of the beautiful Riviera Nayarit, which stretches nearly 200 miles along Mexico’s spectacular Pacific coast and includes Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, La Cruz, Punta Mita, Sayulita and many other small towns worth exploring.

Jaltemba Bay is the perfect place for those who want to experience the “real” Mexico – little towns with friendly people, dusty narrow cobblestone streets and cement block houses in various states of repair. The people who live here are kind, hard-working, generous and proud, and their lives are filled with long-standing traditions and strong family values.

Rincón de Guayabitos, La Peñita and Los Ayala offer just about everything a traveler could need or want. They are close enough to the bustle of the big cities of Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara for convenience, yet still far enough away so you can escape and experience the relaxed way of life. Jaltemba Bay boasts nine beautiful beaches, hosts a wide variety of flora and fauna, and the fact that we enjoy over 320 days of glorious sunshine per year makes it even more appealing.

As I often say… “come, before the rest of the world finds out!”

The Towns and Beaches

Rincón de Guayabitos Rincón de Guayabitos is a small resort and fishing village nestled between the rugged Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains and the gentle Bay of Jaltemba. It is widely known as a safe, friendly and family-oriented beach town, and it is quickly gaining popularity as a vacation and second home destination for Americans, Canadians and Europeans.

The Hotel and Commercial Zone is jam-packed with hotels, bungalows, condos and trailer parks that draw Ameri-

cans and Canadians during the winter months, and vacationing Mexicans over the summer, Christmas and Semana Santa (Easter) holidays.

The main street is lined with grocery and liquor stores, pharmacies, gift shops, jewelry and clothing stores, discos, and restaurants and stands featuring authentic Mexican cuisine.

The atmosphere here is casual, relaxed and “beachy.”

In contrast, the Residential Zone consists of vacation homes large and small

with beautifully maintained pools and gardens situated on winding cobblestone streets lined with manicured shrubs.

There are several rental homes, a handful of hotels, bungalows and quaint B&Bs, as well as community tennis, pickle ball and bocce ball courts.

The 1½ mile beach is lined with palm trees, palapa-covered restaurants and beach vendors with colorful canopied carts selling everything from coconut drinks and coconut macaroons, to grilled fish and shrimp on a

stick. The ocean water is typically warm and calm making it safe for swimming, boogie boarding and other water sports.

There are two small islands off the coast, Coral and Crab Island, which undeniably provide a physical and visual anchor for the entire bay.

You can kayak to the large island, dock and swim in the shallow water – or paddle along the coast and enjoy the spectacular views of the shoreline and the Sierra Madre mountains beyond.

the end of this summer.

This charming fishing village is quiet, friendly and the epitome of “real” Mexico. Locals congregate along La Avenida (main street) and in the plaza, which sits at the center of town adjacent to the newly renovated church. The bullring, located a few blocks away, is a popular gathering place for

rodeos, roping, riding practice and musical events. If you venture across the highway and over the hill to the back side of La Peñita, you’ll discover a whole other world with cowboys on horseback, goat and cattle ranches, bird refuges and fields planted with sugarcane, pineapples, yaka, mangoes and other agricultural crops.

Head a little further north and you’ll come to La Colonia. While driving through this small suburb of La Peñita, one can’t help but notice the brightly painted homes, the unmistakable smell of fresh tortillas and the sound of roosters cock-a-doodle-dooing. The beach in La Colonia, called El Playón, is basically uninhabited and conti-

nues north for over 5 miles. The waves are not good for water play due to the strong undertow, so pack a lunch, your beach chairs and a good book. The main entrance to El Playón is secured by guards as it is slated to become a new tourist development… so go enjoy this pristine beach while you still can.

La Peñita de Jaltemba La Peñita de Jaltemba is the largest of the three towns and provides the commercial and public services including a new private hospital, ATMs, post office, bus stations, as well as several small hotels and bungalows, a few trailer parks, B&Bs, rental homes, condos and apartments.

The beach in La Peñita is great for shelling and quiet long morning walks. A new malecón is being constructed near the center of town and should be completed by

TRAVEL

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Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

Los Ayala photos by Christina Stobbs

www.vallartatribune.com

Los Ayala Los Ayala is the smallest and southern-most town in Jaltemba Bay and is located just a stone’s throw from Guayabitos. It is a quiet beach community that is especially popular during Mexican holidays.

There are numerous small hotels,

bungalows and trailer parks, as well as a few small mercados, gift shops and plenty of palapa restaurants where you can get a cold drink and bite to eat.

Playa Los Ayala is flat and the water is always calm attracting both locals and vacationers who enjoy

spending the day swimming or hanging out at the beach.

There is a walking path at the very south end of the beach that goes up and over the steep hill towards Playa Freideras. This tiny protected bay is only accessible on foot or by boat. The one small rustic

restaurant here is usually open on the weekends and offers traditional Mexican dishes. Continue walking on the rugged narrow walking path and you will eventually come to Playa Freideritas, a lovely little uninhabited beach. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike from Los

Ayala to Playa Punta Raza and El Monteón. This 2½-3 hour trek is not overly strenuous, however, you do have to contend with barbed-wire fences, a guard shack, rocky terrain and a herd of very large Brahma bulls along the way.

The Food

What to Do There is so much to do in the Jaltemba Bay area – fishing, kayaking, whale and bird watching, horseback riding, golfing, tennis and even yoga classes.

For the adventurous, you can hire one of the local tour guides to take you to a nearby coffee plantation, hot springs or waterfalls, the petroglyphs at Alta Vista or a jungle boat ride in San Blas. Of course, you can also just hang out and work on your tan, read a good book, stroll the miles of secluded beaches, swim in the warm Pacific, take a relaxing afternoon siesta, feast on authentic Mexican cuisine, shop for handmade crafts, experience the local culture or simply relax and unwind.

One of the main attractions is the Tianguis (open-air market), which is held every Thursday in La Peñita. For those who really like to shop – and even for those who don’t – the Tianguis is a must.

People come from miles around to attend. From pickup trucks overflowing with poblano peppers and watermelons; homemakers displaying fresh pastries and jumbo shrimp; vendors selling table

linens and beautiful Oaxacan wool rugs; to local artists displaying handmade accessories, silver jewelry, pottery, glassware and the famous Huichol Indian art – you name it, they’ve got it here. http://jaltembabaylife.com/blog/2013/06/jaltemba-bay-venture-off-the-beaten-path-of-mexicos-pacific-coast/

You don’t have to look far to find wonderful restaurants serving everything from authentic Mexican food to Italian, Asian and even German cuisine.

You will find fresh homemade salsas and guacamole, tortilla soup, fish and shrimp tacos, jumbo garlic shrimp, spicy chiles rellenos, chicken enchiladas with salsa verde, handmade tamales, coconut shrimp with mango salsa and sizzling fajitas served in lava bowls just to name a few.

Or if you prefer, you can eat at one of the many taco, torta (sandwich) and ceviche stands along the streets, which serve up some of the most popular and tasty Mexican fare.

The food is always fresh and made to order, which may mean you have to wait a few extra minutes to get your meal – and

the fact that you can dine on the beach and run your toes through the sand while eating, somehow makes it even better.

• Custom built furniture for your home or office • Quality tropical woods, formica and laminates • Delivered on time and suited to your designs 568 Sonora St., col, La Floresta Office (322) 299 7493 / Cel: 044 (322) 229 9588 mymproductosmaderados@hotmail.com

EVENTS

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

HealthCare Events Hot Topic Mondays All are no charge events Time: 10:00 am Location: Hospital Amerimed (across from Plaza Marina). Take the elevator to the 3rd floor. After you exit the elevator, veer to your right and you will see a large lobby.

Go to the far end of the lobby and the meeting room is located behind the reception area.

Due to limited seating, RSVP is mandatory. pamela@healthcareresourcespv.com Phone 322 107-7007 August 5, 2013 “Jungle Critters” Dr. Fernando Marquez We have lots of funky bugs/ insects in the area – different than what you have “at home”. Which ones are dangerous? Which ones are not? What if you are bitten?

August 12, 2013 “Mixing Medications Dr. Fernando Marquez What happens when you take Medication X with Medication Y? There must be some interaction, no? Let’s

talk about the dangers of mixing medications! Important topic!

August 19, 2013 “Mexican Insurance – What the Heck Is This Policy in Spanish?!”

Roberto Castellaños – Mariner’s Insurance Do you have a Mexican Insurance policy? If so, this talk is for you!

Or perhaps you are looking for a policy. Mexican policies are even more confusing to understand than International policies! Learn how Mexican policies work – and options!

August 26, 2013 “Your Gut!” Dr. Armando Joya – Gastroenterologist/Gastric Surgeon Do I really need a colonoscopy?

If so, why? Are anti-parasite meds ok to use? I have H-Pilori – why won’t it go away? These questions and many more will be covered – learn how your gut works and how to deal with “local parasites”.

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Celebrate Puerto Vallartas Summer Rain Forests with the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.

A Rain Forest Environmental and Conservation Festival will be held from 9 am to 6 pm every day from August 18th through August 31st at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Fun for the whole family, daily activities throughout the festival include guided tours of the garden, bird watching, workshops, children’s activities and film screenings. Free admission on August 18th only. More info at www. vbgardens.org Announcing a new festival that celebrates the summer rains that bring so much life to Banderas Bay. The Bailando Bajo la Lluvia (Dancing in the Rain) Festival will bring together local restaurants, hotels, artists and more celebrating the life-giving rains.

From August 15-17th, activities include a performance by the Orchestra School of Puerto Vallarta, restaurants preparing special dishes and menus in honor of the rain, a Canoe Expo at City Hall, an exhibition of Julien Levau’s photographs of rain, thunder and lightning at the Naval Museum, and environmental talks, poetry workshops, and films alluding to rain at Los Mangos Library. A fantastic ‘Dancing in the Rain’ party, with DJ music, dancing, batucada,

raffles, games, and lights will close the new Festival at Los Arcos del Malecon and the Main Plaza in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

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.

Acción En La Cruz: aid financially burdened residents of la Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions to their families in exchange for community services performed. Originally called Work for Food, is funded through private contributions and is administered by the FUNDACIÓN PUNTA DE MITA, A.C. http://landon5120.wix. com/accionenlacruz American Legion Post 14: Contributes through fund raising 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 Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@hotmail.com or 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 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 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - free and by-donation sterilization clinic for cats and dogs in Old Town, Puerto Vallarta. Only open Sundays, arrive by 8am, no reservations are taken. Located at 491 Venustiano Carranza Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact - Strategic partnerships & programs that provide for people living in chronic poverty to transform their own lives. Bookmobile, homes, jobs creation, loans, English & computer classes, emergency food, medicine & clothing, etc.

Tax-deductible 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.

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 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers Candelaria 143 Col. Barrio Santa María Phone: 22 343 11 or 22 225 72 www.facebook.com/ desayunosninosvallarta Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. - Contact: Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Families At The Dump, Foundation Supporting the families living in the landfill or garbage dump in Puerto Vallarta thru eduation and sustainable opportunities. FAD is tax deductible in Canada, USA & Mexico. www.familiesatthedump. org info@familiesatthedump.org or 297-7425

Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta, Contact: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez Alvarez cayro_13@ hotmail.com www.grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Offers a safe, gay-friendly healing shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with alcohol & drug addiction. Need non-perishable foods, clothing, shoes, school & art supplies, gym equipment. Contact Donato Schimizzi: 322 199 9523 or Roberto: 281 0644 dschimizzi@yahoo.com La Brigada de la Basura A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets.

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 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

EVENTS

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

MEXICAN LOTERIA!!

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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

Fundraising Event for PuRR Project Wednesday, August 21 at 5:00 p.m.

Have fun playing Loteria, the Mexican version of bingo, win prizes—and improve your Spanish all at the same time.

Join us in air-conditioned comfort at Los Alcatraces Restaurant (behind Costco) at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, and play for great prizes (restaurant and Starbucks gift certificates, bottles of adult beverages, haircut/

massage gift certificates) — and a 50/50 raffle. Our loteria caller will be Elizabeth Ensor, one of the founding partners of ACT II Entertainment, Vallarta’s newest theatrical entertainment company.

Elizabeth will share info about ACT II’s exciting upcoming theatre season.

Proceeds benefit the 120+ cats residing at PuRR Project,no-kill feline sanctuary north of Vallarta.

Donations 501(c)(3) tax-deductible in the U.S.

Programmes. Contact Philippa.

VernonPowell@facebook.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

Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Colosio #5 La Esperanza San Juan De Abajo, Nayarit Cel. (322) 120-4092 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 funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible 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

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children.

Donations are tax-deductible 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 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. 322-222-5466. www.ifcvallarta. com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.5225 Mon-Sun 8:00am 1:00pm 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 Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias

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, volun-

329.298.0140 Wed-Mon 9:00 am 10:00 pm India Gate Allende 124 Centro 322.223.2424 Mon-Sat 3:00 pm 11:00 pm The River Café Isla del Rio Cuale Local4 Centro 322.223.0788

Vitea Libertad Edificio Malecon 2, Centro” 322.222.8703 El Rio BBQ Bar Felipe Angeles 245 Col Paso Ancho 322.184.1200 Tue-Sun 11:00 am 7:00pm Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234 322.293.7778 Beboteros Diaz Ordaz 565 Malecon 322.113.0099

teers 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

www.vallartatribune.com

Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Mon-Sun 10:pm -3:00 am Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro 322.113.0373 Philo’s Delfin15, La Cruz de Huanacaxle”329.295.5068 Thu-Sat 8:30 pm Barcelona Tapas Matamoros esq 31 de Octubre Centro 322.223.0831

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

Vallarta Botanical Gardens - To build Mexico’s greatest botanical, research & 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.

SPORTS

www.vallartatribune.com

Hunter’s Million-Dollar Baby

By Joel Hansen

I am sure by now that most people are aware of the story of 3-day-old Zoe Olivia Mahan.

Last Saturday her dad, professional golfer Hunter Mahan had a two-stroke lead before the third and final round of the July 27

tournament in Oakville, Ontario,

while on the practice range after his round he received a phone call from his agent that his wife had gone into labor.

“My agent, Chris Armstrong, gave me the phone and said, ‘You’ve got great news,’” Mahan said during a Skype interview with Good Morning America from his

22

home in Dallas, Texas. “Her water broke and she was ready to go.

The best news about it was that her water broke.

It was so definitive. If she was having contractions and going back and forth, it would have been a difficult decision.”

“We had discussed this over and over again,” Kandi Mahan said. “My first concern was to make sure I was in labor. My doctor thank goodness was on call, and sent me in triage and said, ‘You’re in labor.’

So we called Hunter immediately. The doctor assured me she wouldn’t be there in a few hours, so he’d have time to make it.”

Mahan, 31, did indeed arrive on time, leaving behind the possible victory and a $1 million check in order to see their first child, Zoe Olivia Mahan, be born at 3:26 a.m. on July 28.

“Once he arrived it was just perfect,” said Kandi. “It happened when it did and I made it back,” the proud father said. “And gosh, I got to see it, which was the amazing thing.”

Great story with a happy ending, but what makes this even more incredible is that Mahan made the choice to leave a tournament he was winning and leave a One million dollar payday on the table. An honorable decision from a pro athlete.

MOVIES

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

SPCA de PV ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...

RILEY Not quite living the life, he was seen dodging traffic and trying to make it out on the street. Someone with a heart didn’t turn a blind eye to his plight but brought him to us. Riley is about a year old and weighs 6 kilos or a bit over 13 pounds. His demeanor is sweeter than sweet and he is loved by all our furry inmates and Riley just loves playing with everyone! Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

I think they are expecting quite the hefty baby gift from fellow golfer Brandt Snedeker.

Snedeker won the $1 million Canadian Open golf tournament

on July 28 after Mahan withdrew from the competition.

Maybe Snedeker could kick in for Zoe’s college fund.

BRAIN TEASERS 23

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SUDOKU easy

Friday Aug 2 - 8, 2013

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 I. Can you find a 9-letter word and at least 20 other words of five letters or more avoiding proper nouns?

EDUCATION Some other words of five letters or more containing the hub letter I: actin, adieu, antic, audio, audit, canid, cited, coati, cutie, dicot, dicta, edict, indue, nicad, tenia, tonic, tunic, unite, untie, action, atonic, auntie, coined, detain, induce, induct, notice, united, untied, aconite, auction, caution, conduit, noctuid, noticed How many words can you make from the letters in the wheel?

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

hard

TRAVEL LIGHT. Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. AIRBED, BACKPACK, BATTERIES, BINOCULARS, CAMPFIRE, CAN OPENER, CANVAS, COMPASS, FIRELIGHTER, FIRST AID KIT, FLASK, FOOD, FUEL, GRIDDLE, GROUNDSHEET, HIKING BOOTS, KINDLING, LANTERN, MAPS, MOSQUITO NET, PANS, PEDOMETER, POTS, ROPE, STOVE, TENT, TINDER, TOOLS, TORCH, WATER.

IMPARTIAL Some other words of five letters or more containing the hub letter A: alarm, altar,apart, atria, atrip, maria, matai, plait, prima, raita, riata, tiara, tapir, tiara, trail, tramp, trial, armpit, impair, impala, impart, lariat, primal, air-mail, marital, martial, partial.

TIZOC COMIDA MEXICANA

Authentic Mexican Food!

Seafood & Steaks Mention this ad for ONE GUACAMOLE per table with dinner

Olas Altas 474 , Romantic Zone Reservations 222 8382