Issue 858, Sept 13 - 19, 2013

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the guide to tequila

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Sipped or Shot

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Real Estate

RENTING YOU HOME

Sept 13 - 19, 2013 Free Issue 858

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Jesus Lopez Vega PAINTING THE TOWN

Welcome

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

EDITORIAL BOARD Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver STAFF SALES Dora Luz Luna Sales Manager Cel. 044 322 105 0183 dora@vallartatribune.com Sara B. Luna Cel. 322 157 7550 sara@vallartatribune.com M. Yolanda Meza Rojas Cel. 322 134 4191 yoly@vallartatribune.com

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.

For Up-To-Date Information Visit VallartaTribune.com

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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of error.

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.

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

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This free Publication is brought to you with the financial support of our advertisers. Without them, we would not be informing you, our kind readers, of all the weekly wonders of the Bay of Banderas and points south and north.

Please take the time to support the advertisers in our paper.

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EDITOR Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@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”.

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.

AS

PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona

Calling in Mexico

AC I

COVER PHOTO VIVA MEXICO BUD ELISON

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.

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.

GR

Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

Editorial

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I

t is pretty hard to beat Vancouver, BC on a sunny September afternoon. The air is warm but lacking humidity. The mountains leap off the blue sky and the ocean sparkles with light waves. The air smells crisp and clean, everyone is riding a bike or driving an expensive import. There are no topes or potholes. My hair is smooth and my make-up still where I put it eight hours ago. I can literally throw a rock from my window and hit a Starbucks. Feels good be back.

When I get off the plane in Vancouver I have a couple of go-to items on the top of my listTimmies, Vietnamese food, end of season sales (hello Aldo Outlet!).

Trips back to Canada mostly involve eating and shopping with a little friends n’ family thrown in but the pressure to get it all done is intense. All the things to see, do,

Explore Banderas Bay

P

uerto 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

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Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

eat and people to visit in a short ten days is overwhelming; almost enough just to stay. in Puerto Vallarta. Which, if I was in town, would have me making plans that are just as busy with this week’s Independencia celebrations. Lots of restaurants, galleries and public events this weekend to ring in the 203rd anniversary of Mexico’s independence from Spain.

Be sure to head to the Malecon on Sunday evening for the El Grito.

Monday is a national holiday so head to the beach (or river) early to claim your spot. Sample a chile en nogada and wash it down with a lime margarita and you will be filled with patriotic glee.

If you have a few days free, or the Monday holiday gives you the freedom to get out of town, consider a trip to Tequila, featured in the Tribune this week. It is a beautiful time of year to travel into the mountains. The butterflies alone are enough to keep you entranced but the tasting tours will probably help too.

This weekend I’ll be hanging out at the Mexi-Go! Expo here in Vancouver, talking to fellow Canadians about my love of our adopted country. We have lots of

great prizes, art, destinations, real estate and retirement seminars, food and a tequila tasting area.

Please come visit if you are in town. www.mexigoexpo.com Next week, the Tribune is running a great travel piece on

exploring the back roads of Jalisco along with a look at Mexico’s spa industry and the get-away destination of Bucerias.

We are also officially launching the small-business classified section which we hope will grow

into a great resource for visitors and residents alike. Have a great week!

Viva Mexico, Viva Mexico, Viva Mexico!

Madeline

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 neighbourhood 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.

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 handmade 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 Pozole 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 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.

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 tourists.

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.

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The Great Transformation of Mexico Is Possible and Already Underway Originally published on http:// en.presidencia.gob.mx

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resident Enrique Peña Nieto urged Mexicans to, “Be part of a Mexico that is not afraid of transformation; of a Mexico’s determined to transcend and leave its mark.”

During the presentation of his first State of the Union address, the President declared that the coming months will decide what story we will write in the following decades, “It’s that simple and that important,” he added, stressing that, “We have 120 days for 2013 to be remembered as a year of great change, a year in which Mexico dared to take off.”

“Moving Mexico forward and profoundly transforming it will demand the best of us, but it’s worth the effort,” he stated, adding that “We have clarity of purpose, and we have the energy and determination to move our country forward and transform it.”

At the official residence of Los Pinos, and in the presence of his wife Angélica Rivera Peña, and their children, President Peña Nieto said that during the first

nine months of his administration, strategic sectors have begun to be transformed to give space to Mexicans’ talent, creativity and options. “The great transformation of Mexico is possible and already underway.”

He said that major decisions have been taken with specific reforms to improve education, combat monopolies and anti-competitive practices, “We have done this, because in Mexico, quality education, wealth and opportunities should no longer be the privilege of a few.”

He noted that there are still changes to be made. “In order for Mexico to thrive, we must advance the pending reforms and changes.” In this regard, he acknowledged all those who have contributed to enabling the reforms and asked the Mexican Congress to enact the part that has already been advanced of the Professional Teaching Service Act and Financial Reform.

“We also need to support Congress so that in the coming months, it will analyze, debate and where appropriate, pass the Energy and Tax Reforms, in

addition to the Regulatory Laws on Telecommunications and Antitrust.”

“If we can implement these reforms, Mexico will have taken a major step towards ensuring that there is more economic growth and that this benefits the vast majority,” he said, after stating that “as president, it is my responsibility to continue to push for these reforms in Mexico.”

He declared that he will therefore not make use of the presidential faculty to submit reforms so that Congress can focus on these reforms, which are of national priority.

President Peña Nieto congratulated the leaders of the main political forces on their maturity and willingness to reach agreements, “They have shown that our society is able to transform itself in a democracy and that plurality is not an obstacle, but rather an opportunity to make substantial changes.”

He noted that thanks to the positive environment encouraged by the Pact for Mexico and, above all, the responsible work of the country’s legislators, constitu-

tional reforms have materialized in education, telecommunications and antitrust. “They are aware of the historical moment they are experiencing and have acted with firmness, realizing the urgency of implementing the reforms Mexico needs.” He added that in order to improve the national democratic system in the context of the Pact for Mexico, a political and electoral reform proposal is being designed to modernize institutions.

The President said he knew that achieving a major transformation of Mexico would be complex because there are inertias and resistance to overcome, and said, “As President I will respect the rights of all, but I am determined to use all the instruments of the democratic state to drive the transformation demanded by the vast majority of Mexicans.”

The president urged Mexicans, “To trust our potential, dare to be bold and take a big leap in our development,” adding that while “No one will conquer the summit for us, we are the ones who will have to take the path to the top, working in teams and wearing Mexico’s colors.”

The President explained that the government has decided to cope with several challenges at the same time.“We are doing so because the window of opportunity is open and we should take advantage of this.” “It’s time to believe. Let’s make history together,” he urged.

After recalling that the Mexican government and Mexicans are working on “five major national goals: achieving a Mexico at peace, achieving an inclusive Mexico, building a Mexico with quality education, promoting a prosperous Mexico and consolidating a Mexico with global responsibility.” President Peña Nieto stressed that his government’s agenda is simply to ensure the well-being of Mexicans.

The president said that today, it is clear that the country has chosen the path of transformation, “It is an arduous, demanding journey, which requires an enormous effort, but also the only one that will take us to the Mexico we want to build.” “We have everything we need to be a prosperous nation with better living conditions for every family,” he said.

Peña Nieto Submits Socially Committed Tax Reform to Congress

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resident Enrique Peña Nieto submitted the Fiscal Reform Bill, designed to amend Articles 4 and 123 of the Constitution, to Congress. “It is a social reform that establishes Universal Social Security and increases public investment in strategic sectors such as education and infrastructure,” he declared.

He stressed that this is a reform that establishes a fairer, simpler and more transparent tax system for all Mexicans.

“Taken as a whole, it will help reduce the high levels of inequality among Mexicans, those that earn more will also pay more while those with least will also obtain more benefits.”

He declared that the proceeds of the tax reform must serve two main purposes: trigger higher economic growth and uphold the social rights of Mexicans. “With the Tax Reform, we will all do more for the country and Mexico will do more for all Mexicans.”

He explained that it contains two protection schemes that are essential compo-

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The major objective of the government’s social policy is to ensure that all Mexicans enjoy the rights enshrined in the Constitution in their everyday lives. nents of the new Universal Social Security System: the Universal Pension, which will benefit all Mexicans aged 65 years or over, with a basic income for their livelihood; and Unemployment Insurance, which will protect workers and their families by providing a temporary income when they face the plight of losing their jobs. This bill, he continued, is designed to make the shift from Social Security as a labor right to social security as a human right.

THERE WILL BE NO TAX ON FOOD AND MEDICINES President Peña Nieto explained that the Tax Reform is a comprehensive, fair reform, “Because it will not affect Mexicans who have least,” while acknowledging that

the economy, “is growing at a slower rate than expected and, consequently, a tax on basic products at this moment would have an adverse effect on consumption and people’s well-being.”

In this regard, he highlighted his decision to ensure that the Tax Reform Proposal does not include VAT on food and medicine, “This is a socially just and economically responsible decision at this point,” he declared.

He said that the amendment proposes that the VAT rate should remain at 16 percent, adding that medical services, urban transport, books and magazines will continue to be exempt from this tax.

TAX REFORM WILL PUT AN END TO UNJUSTIFIED AND UNWARRANTED

PRIVILEGES “The Tax Reform will put an end to unjustified and unwarranted privileges,” he said, proposing to eliminate three quarters of preferential treatments and almost half the special regimes.

“We will only keep those that provide broad social benefits and have proven effective in supporting the growth of the economy,” he declared.

The president also said that the Tax Reform is a fair reform because it is extremely progressive, “In other words, those that earn most will pay most.”

Therefore, among other measures, taxed will be levied on the profits companies pay their owners, and the profits obtained from the Stock Exchange.

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Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

Cruise ship arrivals increase

Mexico’s 203rd Independence Day

M A greater number of cruise ships are expected for the upcoming season. 110 cruise ships are scheduled to arrive in Puerto Vallarta until May 2014. Miguel Angel García Beltrán, General Director of the Port Authority said that the recent promotional efforts being made between Vallarta-Nayarit have created buzz in the destination and an increase in cruise ship arrivals.

According to García Beltrán, this season will see the number of cruise ship arrivals increase by as much as 30 percent when compared to the same period of 2012.

In addition, the agreement with Puerto Vallarta-based Ruta Pacífico to promote the cruise ship industry are likely to exceed the past three years’ recorded figures by up to 50 percent.

Influx of Cruise Ships Exceeds Expectations With a more than 30% increase in the number of cruise ship arrivals, the expects this year to consolidate this area in a definitive manner.

Carlos Gerard Guzman, the head of the Municipal Tourism Department, said that the port expects to receive about 230,000 visitors in the 2013-14 season.

“Everyone is devoting extraordinary attention to providing warmth and quality services, because the best advertising is word of mouth, so I foresee a very good season,” he said.

Gerard Guzman noted that the positive growth we are experiencing now will result in more tourism for years to come.

illions will kick off the celebration with “El Grito,” the traditional cry of: “Viva México!” But how many understand the actual history of this ritual? Here is a brief, yet interesting, description of the historical events that sparked Mexico’s war of Independence.

Just before midnight on September 15th, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo, a priest from the small town of Dolores near Guanajuato in Mexico’s Colonial Heartland made an impulsive decision that revolutionized Mexican history and resulted in the war that led to Mexico’s independence. Ordering the church bells to be rung, Hidalgo cried out to the native Mexicans and the lower classes of mixed blood urging them to stand up and take back the lands stolen from their forefathers and ending with the now-famous Grito: “Long live Mexico!”

What is not always understood about the start of Mexico’s war of independence is that the upraising enfolded much differently than was planned. After three centuries of Spanish rule in Mexico, the ruling class had bred itself into a hierarchy of two levels: the Gachupines (Spanish born aristocrats) at the top and the Criollos (Mexican-born Spaniards) just below.

Before the night of Hidalgo’s cry, a movement of political revolution had already begun when Napoleon conquered Spain. The Criollos, of whom Hidalgo was a member, saw this instability as an opportunity to overthrow the Gachupines and claim ruling stature.

They planned to begin their push for power in December of 1810; however, the Criollos were betrayed, and Hidalgo was forced to make a quick decision – flee to safety and begin forming a new plot or turn to his parish, starving for freedom from Spain altogether, and seize the opportunity to spark a true revolution for independence.

Choosing to stay and fight, Hidalgo sped to his church, ordered the bells to rung, and delivered the famous cry that will be heard round Mexico just before midnight this Thursday: “Long live México!”

El Foco on C7 Radio: OVERVIEW

Monday, on El Foco, we decided to do things a little differently.

Celebrating that we have been on the air for 4 months now, the show was focused on remembering and analyzing the common themes that have been brought up with our various guests. One of the main themes that has come up is that of Identity. Not only have our guests shown us how a “Banderas Bay identity” can have a multitude of facets, they have also shown us that they shape and mold this identity through their work and their passion. Another of the commonalities all of our guest shared was the interest in making active citizenship a part of our communal identity. We spoke about the many ways in which these organizations and individuals found their path to getting involved in their community, and the importance of fostering these paths and opportunities for new generations.

Follow us on @C7ElFoco and listen in on 91.9 FM C7 Radio on Mondays at 4:00 pm (4:50 pm for the English summary sponsored by Vallarta Tribune).

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By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

T

oday is glorious. After a week of overcast weather the sun is out, sky is blue with a touch of haze, a gentle breeze is blowing and all seems right with the world. A great day to shop but WAIT! The Saturday Co-op Market is still four days away. Check your cupboards and fridge and start making a list of must-haves and get over to the Paradise Community Center at 9 am this Saturday.

We are located in the middle of Old Town Vallarta’s Romantic Zone on Pulpito across from Coco’s Kitchen.

Winter season is coming up fast and all the Co-op vendors are creating new and improved items to be ready for the tourists and returning residents.

Rumor has it that Vallarta will have its busiest season in years.

All I can say to that is “AMEN!” We can all participate in that happening by being extra kind - look for the forlorn tourist stranded on a corner, map in hand, looking up and down streets for somethinganything! - familiar. Save them!

Do one good “Tourist Deed” a day and Vallarta will once again wear the “World’s Friendliest City” crown. Our Market hummed along last week with great tunes and great tarts and pies made by Mark. Thank you! Take a couple of large(ish) Tupperwares to load up on incredible baked goodies

by Antonio and Sasha; the milehigh carrot cake tastes better

REACH LOCALS AND VACTIONERS

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

PV Sea Dive

This is Paradise...

unbruised! Enrique the Gorgeous, has his photographs of Vallarta ready to frame.

While you are looking over his amazing photos, don’t overlook his already-framed-and-also-amazing watercolors!

Our Italians hand-made fruity liquors were flying out the door as were bags and bags of exotic coffees. If god made anything smell better than freshly ground coffee, she kept it for herself.

Mark is smoking and curing anything that moves with terrific results - the new breakfast sausage with a delayed-reaction chipotle bite is terrific! Lisa has introduced a women’s top made of the same lightweight fabric as her palazzo pants. Very chi-chi.

Found Artist, Paco Ojeda has added ingenious repurposed cardboard photograph frames to his repertoire - all at good prices for his time-consuming pieces of art.

Lovely silver and precious stone pieces, luxurious aromatic soaps and Oaxacan textiles are next to handmade sandals and soft baby booties.

Hand painted clothes with coordinated jewelry next to hand embroidered table runners. Jams and jellies galore to top the best bagels outside of New York City are side by side with way cool tee shirts, aprons, cooling ties and recycled silk necklaces.

Put everything together and you have an idea of what to expect at the Saturday Co-op Market.

See you each and every Saturday morning at 9 am at the Paradise Community Center.

Come hungry!

Stay tuned for hints of what’s in store at the PCC coming soon.

Don’t forget to take tourists under your wings and show them why we all love this city so much.

Until next week, ciao!

6

GETTING WET IN PUERTO VALLARTA I am often asked about the best places to dive, snorkel and generally spend a great day in the bay, so here are some pointers.

LOS ARCOS Everyone who comes to Puerto Vallarta will at some point see or hear about Los Arcos, those great big rocks sticking out to the south of Puerto Vallarta. They are so called because all of the rocks have arches in them, apart from turtle rock, which some people say looks like a turtle, and I say looks like a rock! Los Arcos is quick and easy to get to and is perfect for everyone to jump in and have fun.

This marine reserve has plenty of wildlife on the rocks including the rare blue footed boobie birds. The arches are great for photography as well as swimming through and the water is teaming with an array of tropical fish to entice you to jump in it. Above water, there are clearly four larger rock formations, but underwater, there are many different formations and sites to explore. The Devils Canyon is the most popular dive site here, as it

has a drop off at 80 ft that drops down to 1800 ft! This is a part of the Banderas Trench that links to the San Andreas fault line, and is a very dramatic dive site.

MAJAUITAS Going down the coast a tad, there is a favourite site called Majauitas.

Covered in beautiful coral, packed with fish and rays, it is home to lots of little critters. There is a sand patch at 70 ft where you can see thousands of garden eels swaying like long grass to the rhythm of the ocean. Majahuitas is literally translated as ‘long grass’, so I think these eels really are at home! It is also a sweet spot to snorkel with its resident school of king angel fish and plenty of other fish to keep you amused. BONUS: You can snorkel along the coast line until you reach a stunning sandy beach to relax on and take it all in.

EL CHIMO If you take a boat for one and half hours south, you will hit El Chimo.

This is a not a snorkelling site and is only for the more experienced divers as it has currents, but it a sight for sore eyes, above and below the ocean. The tropical rain

forest holds you on the surface, but once you are released in the underwater world, the inactive volcanoes are equally as stunning.

From the tiny nudibranchs (my favourite pretty little sea slugs), to the giant mantas, you will be talking about this until eternity, of that I promise.

ISLA MARIETAS Looking directly out to sea from land, you can see Isla Marieta´s on the right side of the horizon. It takes over an hour to get there, but the islands, fish, birds and coral make the extra effort worthwhile.

The Marietas is a protected reserve, and rightly so. Diving there this week was a joy as the water was warm and blue, the fish were in abundance and the coral was healthy and stunning in midday sunshine. The tunnels are a blast to explore with one for the snorkelers that takes you to a secret beach!

So, all in all, get into the water, see it for yourself and spread the word. Vallarta has it all, on land and in that wobbly wet stuff.

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Paradise and Parenting

By Leza Warkentin rhythm2rain@gmail.com

By Erin Staley oldtownfm.com

Viva!

L

ast week, the Old Town Farmers’ Market-Tianguis Cultural (OTFM) said “hasta luego” to Santa Monica’s farmers’ markets. It was the first stop on our North American Farmers’ Market Tour. This week, we headed north to the land of pine trees, fresh salmon and the world famous Space Needle.

Seattle, Washington, greeted us with open arms, and we quickly “got lost” in two of her most prominent, year-round markets: the Ballard Market and the Fremont Market. We were on a mission – to immerse ourselves in what these markets call a “taste of real community” and to get ideas for our own OTFM. With eco-friendly shopping bags in hand, we made our way to the Ballard Market. Here, they feature “unique and tasty” fruit and veggie varieties not commonly found in big box groceries. Red and yellow carrots, purple Goddess pears, Westside sweet corn, banana cantaloupe, Red Hiromi plums and Korean garlic were at the top of our shopping list. Vendors told us that this growing season has been one of the best for berries. Boy, were they right as deep red, blue and purple berries burst with juicy sweetness.

The vendors also explained the Market’s environmental efforts.

Visitors are asked to bring their own shopping bags in conjunction with the city’s ban on single-use plastic bags. The Market also provides organic and plastic waste receptacles to properly dispose of trash. Furthermore, we learned that the Ballard Market has become a test market for new ideas and products. Much like our own OTFM, many farmers’ market entrepreneurs have gotten their start as vendors at this Seattle hotspot. Today, they own thriving businesses with storefronts and online stores to meet the demand for their unique products.

We continued on, eager

to stock up on organic honey, cheese, natural meats, wild fish and shell fish. The flavors were out of this world, reminding us just how scrumptious locally grown ingredients can be. We pushed on, collecting all sorts of handmade keepsakes for ourselves and loved ones. To celebrate the end of our Ballard Market excursion, we toasted mini sample cups filled with Washington State wine and cider. Salud!

The Fremont Market was our next must-experience stop.

Flanked by a chocolate factory and an English-style pub, this European-style market promised an unforgettable day. We chit chatted with many of the 180 vendors. They pointed out that while the Fremont Market offers typical market produce and goods, it has a bazaar-like quality. World imports, antiques, post-Columbian artifacts and estate sale treasures entice shoppers in search of great deals and “look what I found” stories. It reminded us of our OTFM where thousands of visitors are thrilled with the “make it, bake it, grow it” treasures they find every Saturday.

Exhausted by our two-day Seattle farmers’ market adventure, we couldn’t help but be a

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little giddy. Our notebooks were full of fresh ideas to share with our OTFM vendors and market volunteers. And while the list is long, one thing always remained at the top – to continue nurturing the sense of community between Vallarta-based producers and international shoppers.

Join us in supporting the “taste of real community” here in Puerto Vallarta. You can do this by visiting local markets and supporting the talents of Vallarta farmers, artisans and restaurants.

Stay tuned as we continue on with the North American Farmers’ Market Tour. Next stop – Vancouver Island, British Columbia. You can read all about the island’s bustling market scene in next week’s issue.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars as the Old Town Farmers’ Market-Tianguis Cultural will reopen on Saturday, November second. 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.

S

eptember 15 is coming up on Sunday, and it’s time to make plans for ringing in Mexican Independence. Our family’s celebrations always begin at school the Friday before. Our school, ASPV, has always done a great job of including the students in one of our biggest events of the school year. We gather as a school community in the common theatre area and transform the space into a wondrous sea of red, white and green with traditional costumes and colors. There is always a reenactment of El Grito, and the students perform folkloric dances. It’s impossible not to join in the flag-waving when all those earnest little people begin to shout “Viva Mexico”.

This year we have also decided to go as a family to the plaza to participate in El Grito on the 15th.

This is a Really Big Deal because normally I do a lot to avoid letting my kids stay up late. You might think that this is going a bit far and is really rather Canadian of me, but I imagine then that your kids are capable of sleeping past 6:30am on a weekend. Mine, I promise you, are not. If they go to bed at 8:30pm, they awaken at 6:30am. If they go to bed at 11pm, they awaken at 6:28am.

The 8:30pm children wake up smiling and chattering, and I can mutter back almost coherently while I finish my first cup of coffee.

The 11pm children wake up with a great deal of animosity toward life in general and their parents in particular, and the coffee doesn’t reach the part of my brain that can actually reason.

However, we are going to let them stay up for the fireworks for the first time ever, because this year they are aware that I can easily delete their Club Penguin memberships and that doing this will certainly bring me some caffeine-free cheer at 6:29am.

Also, they are fascinated by the history of Mexican Independence, which is something as a parent and a teacher that I sort of think I’m supposed to encourage. They ask me every year about Father Hidalgo and the bell. And, every year, I tell them to ask their father because I think he should be in charge of All Things Mexican (and, also, I confess that I have trouble remembering even my Canadian history. It will take my very best effort just to make sure they know who Jacques Cartier is if they ever want to know).

While I certainly love my Canada Day with all of the neighborhood barbeques, the maple leaf face paint and Family Fun Days, it cannot hope to match the ferocity of pride that you experience when crammed into the small plaza at 11pm along with a lot of other red, white and green folks who are also making as much of a racket as possible. I’m trying to imagine us Canadians on July 1, dressing up in sombreros and wearing our ammo Emiliano Zapata-style and I just really can’t see it. But here, that’s just one of many ways to show some national pride.

So this year, we will head on down to the plaza on Sunday night and eat some good food, watch some fireworks, shout until we pop a chord and become a part of it all. And I will set my coffee machine timer to kick in at 6:28am on Monday morning. Maybe we can all meet at 10 at the Charro Parade on the Malecon… we’ll be right in front of Starbucks.

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Sipped or Shot: The connoisseurs guide to Tequila

By Gabriel Jones

O

f all of the bottles in mankind’s great bar perhaps the most interesting is Tequila. However to truly appreciate this complex and intriguing spirit we have to dispense with the salt, shot, lime version of imbibing most of us grew up with and start from scratch. To do this, my editor and I headed to where it all started–the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. What we learned will change the way we feel about tequila forever.

Like any good pilgrimage, the town of Tequila (pop 25, 000) is a long (3.5 hrs from Puerto Vallatra) but extremely beautiful journey.

Located approximately 300 km inland from Puerto Vallarta, Tequila reveals a side of Mexico that many miss during their typical beach-centric Mexican holidays.

Day trips by bus as well as overnight trips that also include a sleepover in the nearby city of Guadalajara are possible from Puerto Vallarta and surrounding areas.

In 2003, because of its rich history and its contribution to the national identity, Tequila was named a Pueblo Magico or Magic Town by the Mexican government.

On this trip we had arranged to meet with Sauza, who in keeping with their tradition of innovation, have created a refined tequila tour for our educating pleasure. Our tour started at Sauza’s demonstration agave plantation on the outskirts of town. We met our friendly and helpful guide Karina, and Sauza’s most experienced jimador, Pepe. Jimadors are essential to the production of

tequila and they continue to use techniques and tools similar to the ones used by jimadors of centuries past. They tend to the agave plants, nurturing them to maturity from small “pups”. This process takes six to fourteen years, which makes tequila the world’s most time consuming spirit to produce. As we walked through a field containing younger plants progressing up to rows of mature plants we noticed pieces of glinting black volcanic glass called obsidian mixed in with the soil, a reminder that Tequila Mountain and the others in its chain were once active volcanos.

Tequila’s life blood comes from the heart of the agave…the central bulb called pina, which is the Spanish word for pineapple.

Once the agave’s spiny leaves are cut away, the core looks like a giant green and white pineapple; mature pinas can weigh up to 65 kilograms. We each had a turn removing a few leaves with a large, flat bladed hoe called a “coa”. As I hacked clumsily, the exertion instantly made me aware of the noonday heat. As I stepped aside to catch my breath and let Pepe continue the work with lightening fast precision, I noticed turkey vultures circling in the blue sky above. As Pepe finished with the pina, the air was full of a fresh, crisp agave aroma hinting at what was to come.

With the hard work completed, we were rewarded with a baby agave pup which now lives happily in my editor’s backyard.

We boarded the tour bus to head to Sauza’s distillery “La Perseverancia” built in 1873. Having

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written guidebooks about beer, I have toured countless breweries, in part to get to the tasting at the other side. The fermentation process for beer and tequila is very similar and the shiny, silver vats and smell of yeast brought back fond memories.

Modern day tequila production owes much to Sauza’s innovations. It was Sauza who first started cooking agave with indirect heat rather than in clay ovens and this differentiated the taste of tequila from its smoky country cousin mescal.

Sauza also employs one significantly different technique from most other tequila producers. The standard method has the pinas cooked and pressed to extract the sugar and carbohydrate juice, which is then mixed with yeast and fermented. Sauza instead shreds and presses the agave while it is still raw, soaks the fibers in hot water to collect more of the juice, before removing the material, and only then cooking the agave juice. The theory is that by leaving out the more bitter plant material from the cooking process they create fresher, more flavourful tasting tequila.

We had our chance to taste the cooked pina juice, and the earthy honey-like flavour combined with the smell of the fresh cut agave from earlier started to give me a better idea of the flavours that are the foundation of good tequila.

After fermentation, tequila is then double (or for premium brands, triple) distilled going through

stages of heating, cooling and filtering, eventually creating a 55 - 60% alcohol. That is then equalized by adding demineralized water to make tequila either 40% alcohol for sale in Canada or 38% for Mexican consumption.

The final process is what creates the various types of tequila. Blanco goes straight from stainless steel vats into glass bottles, with no additional aging, while other styles of tequila are aged in wood barrels. The aging room at Sauza is full of neatly stacked barrels and larger wooden vats.

Most tequila is aged in American oak. At one time the oak casks were used bourbon barrels, imported from the US, and to this day some tequila is aged in used whiskey barrels as well as in virgin oak. To add additional flavour and color, some barrels are charred, from lightly toasted to almost black on the inside, before filling with tequila.

Victor Martinez, Sauza’s chief mixologist, started by explaining that the worst possible way to taste and appreciate tequila (or any spirit) is by downing it in one shot. While your taste buds go through the shock of the alcohol content, most of the flavour misses your tongue, going straight to your stomach. He added that using salt prior to tasting increases salvia, which lessens the shock from the alcohol, but blocks the flavor to the taste buds, and lime right after simply washes away and further masks the taste.

Fine tequilas have a variety of subtle flavour profiles and are best enjoyed as a sipping drink served straight up, in its most authentic form or, in some circles, over ice or with water. The next time you have a good tequila in your hand remember these steps.

TASTING TEQUILA ONE: choose the right glassware.

Either the classic Caballito - a two to three ounce glass, three to four inches tall (most commonly used in Mexico), or a flute or bowl shaped glass (champagne, port or brandy) with a stem, approved by wine tasters around the world and best for capturing aromas. When pouring your glass, don’t fill it all the way, leave room to swirl and smell.

TWO: observe the color of the tequila. Clear implies that it went straight from vat to bottle, while a range of golden hues are imparted by the amount of time aged in oak.

Swirl the tequila in the glass and observe what is known in the wine world as legs, or in tequila tasting, as tears. Blanco tequila will typically be less viscous (thick), with the tears dissipating faster. Oak aged tequila will be thicker, will long lasting, more pronounced tears.

THREE: smell the tequila.

Scent and taste are closely linked, with 60% of taste actually coming from scent, so this process will add to your appreciation of the taste. Depending on what type of tequila you smell, look for aromas like fresh cut grass, fresh fruit and herbs, or dried fruit, spices and even leather, tobacco and wood notes.

FOUR: The most important step. When tasting, take a very small sip and let it bathe your tongue. This is not meant to be a taste but rather to prepare your tongue for the taste that will follow.

Allow the tongue to experience the sparkling burning caused by the alcohol. As this subsides you are now ready for the taste experience.

FIVE: Breathe out and then take a larger sip. Hold it in your mouth and allowing it to roll over each part of your tongue. The tip of the tongue experiences sweet or salty flavours, the sides will discern sour, and the back of the tongue, bitterness.

Before swallowing, breathe in through your nose to gain more aroma.

Repeat and enjoy.

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Los Abolengos Where to Stay: Tequila, Jalisco

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Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

Types of Tequila

To taste true tequila find a bottle that states 100% agave then decide between these varieties:

Blanco (White) also called Plata (Silver) Tequila Agave in its purest form, straight from a stainless steel vat to the bottle, without aging. Clear in color, light in body with sharper alcohol and true agave flavors and intensity as well as the natural sweetness. Fresh cut apple, pear, citrus and vegetal fresh herb notes like fresh cut and lemon grass.

Reposado (Rested)

By Gabriel Jones

H

istorically most of Tequila’s visitors came only for a day visit, rushing from a tasting to a souvenir shop and then back onto their bus. As a result the town was limited in terms of great accommodation options. That changed in 2010 when Jorge Diaz and his brothers opened their luxurious twenty room boutique hotel. This “new” hotel is created from the original Diaz family home and buildings, built 137 years ago.

Famous for their great hospitality, their house was renowned for fantastic fiestas, which were often so well attended that overflow guests would spend the night in the stables.

The Diaz brothers are the great grandchildren of Carolina Cuervo and Vincente Orendain (another well know tequila producing family). The couple’s happy union produced a dynasty that would go on to start sixteen different tequila distilleries. The name Los Abolengos means ‘lineage or family tree’ and bottles from each of these distilleries are displayed in impressive fashion along the back wall of the dining room. It is fair to say that Jorge has hospitality and tequila in his blood

and Los Abolengos is wonderful homage to both. The hotel is comprised of a main hacienda and two converted building that were once stables and are once again hosting overnight guests.

The buildings surround a beautiful courtyard with lush landscaping, an outdoor dining area and a gorgeous swimming pool. The renovation and restoration are remarkable and both the rooms and common areas combine the feel of a heritage home with modern amenities.

Fans of great food and drink will delight at the beautiful restaurant located in the main floor of the hacienda. The menu offers contemporary takes on classic Mexican dishes supported by a great wine list and as you would expect, a superb tequila list. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner it is regarded as the best restaurant in Tequila and will be sure to be a highlight of your visit.

The hotel’s bilingual staff can arrange tours to local distilleries and one can also visit the Guachimontones archaeological site, several great museums, temples and traditional houses or you can enjoy a few rounds of golf at the Santa Sofia and El Rio Country

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Club. Best of all you can take a guided horseback tour of Tequila and the surrounding agave fields and volcanoes, riding the Diaz family horses.

Our trip was guided by Jorge himself who loves horses and offered a wonderful insight into Tequila and how it has changed in his lifetime.

Of all the great stories that Jorge told us the one that resonated the most was his own. He had spent most of his life working at a successful but pressure packed family business of real estate development. Then his life as he knew it came to an abrupt halt when he suffered a serious stroke. This was a life changing experience and after his recovery was complete he chose to step back and reexamine his lifestyle and follow his dreams.

Now mainly retired from developing Jorge is doing something he loves and his passion for life is infectious. If you get a chance to raise a glass with him, you will feel it too. At Los Abolengos you can quench your thirst for excellent tequila and delicious food, indulge your need for a little pampering and immerse yourself in the history of this remarkable family.

Aged in wooden casks or tanks from two to eleven months.

The most popular style of tequila in Mexico. Golden hued with a robust, spicy, peppery taste balancing agave and wood with hints of almond vanilla, butterscotch, honey and oak.

Añejo Aged in oak for a minimum of one year (three + for extra anejo). Darker colors, smoother, fuller mouth feel and long finish imparted by oils from the oak. Agave may be almost hidden.

Chocolate, caramel, stronger butterscotch, burnt honey, sweet potato (yam), vanilla and sometimes tobacco or leather tastes.

Extra Añejo Aged more than three years. Even darker, more mahogany color, and is so rich that it becomes difficult to distinguish it from other quality aged spirits. Frowned upon by many tequila purists for lacking most of the agave flavour but loved by others it is the most expensive tequila available.

Beware of tequila not labeled 100% agave. These are “mixtos” or blends comprised of as little as 51% agave (the minimum amount required by law to be called tequila) and 49% alcohol made from other sugars usually corn or sugar cane.

Also avoid tequilas labeled “gold” as these are typically mixtos that are colored with caramel. This artificial color implies that the tequila was aged in oak but instead only causes hangovers.

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Viva Mexico! The Patriotic Dish: Chile en Nogada

By Gary R. Beck

E

very year in late summer and early fall, the chile en nogada appears on restaurant menus across Mexico. The star ingredients, walnuts and pomegranate seeds, are not readily available any other time of the year. So it’s a festive time. With Mexican Independence Day right around the corner (on Sept. 16) the dish is pretty much the culinary centerpiece of the celebration.

The name comes from the Spanish word for walnut tree, nogal. It consists of poblano chiles filled with picadillo topped with a walnut-based cream sauce, called nogada, and pomegranate seeds, giving it the three colors of the Mexican flag: green for the chile, white for the nut sauce and red for the pomegranate.

The traditional chile en nogada is from Puebla. It is tied to the independence from Spain and is said they were prepared for the first time by the nuns of the convent of

Santa Monica for a feast to celebrate Emperor Agustín de Iturbide.

He was a military commander who fought in Mexico’s War of Independence, and the celebration was on the occasion of his naming as Agustín I in 1822He was travelling back to Mexico City from Veracruz after signing the Treaty of Cordoba which granted Mexico its independence.

The season for making and eating this dish is in August and the first half of September when pomegranates appear in the markets and the national independence festivities begin. It is not a usual combination, many will turn their noses up at meat and fruit as a combination, but it is a traditional dish and one that is worth a try. Difficult and time consuming to prepare, chili en nogada is a proud example of the tradition and complexity of much of Mexico’s cuisines.

Read more about the origins and history of chiles en nogada. http://gomexico.about. com/b/2012/08/13/chile-en-nogada-season.htm?nl=1

Aguachile de Cameron

Margarita de Pepino COURTESY OF SAUZA TEQUILA

CHEF ROSSANA ASCENCIO

INGREDIENTS 2 lb Prawns – of your choice cleaned, deveined, butterflied 1 medium red onion – halved and thinly sliced 1 cucumber – sliced lengthwise, and then in half moon slices 1 tbsp dried Piquin chile, or Chiltepin chile 1 Serrano chile – veins & seeds removed, thinly sliced 2.5 cups lime juice 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp black peppercorns Coarsely chopped cilantro, to garnish, Salt to taste Fresh tostadas or crackers METHOD: 1. In a Molcajete (mortar & pestle) or a spice grinder, grind the Piquin chile and the black pepper to a fine powder. Reserve 2. Place the cleaned prawns in a bowl, cover with the lime juice and Worcestershire. Refrigerate covered for 20 minutes (they should start changing colour to a pinkish hue)

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INGREDIENTS: Hornitos Plata Tequila [2 parts] Triple Sec [1 part] Sliced cucumber (without seeds) [1/2 piece] Lime Juice [2 parts] Slice of kiwi [2 pieces] Green grapes [6 pieces] Plain ‘lima’ juice (sweet lime) [4 parts] Agave honey [3 parts] Mint leaves [ 7 pieces] Ice cubes [8-10] Fine salt [to taste] 3. Add the ground chile and black pepper and the sliced serranos, stirring well. Return to fridge for 10 more minutes 4. Place the cucumber half moons around the edge of each plate (individual plates or serving platters) 5. Remove the prawns from the fridge, adjust seasoning. Place inside the cucumber edge, garnish with the red onion slices and cilantro.

6. Serve with tostadas or crackers TOSTADAS: Corn tortillas, fried “flat” to be served “open faced” -

Heat up vegetable oil, enough to cover tortillas.

Fry them until golden brown, careful not to burn or allow them to “balloon”. Use tongs to flip them.

Reserve over paper towels to remove excess oil. **There are different versions of Aguachiles, some incorporate a variety of seafood, including fish, scallops and octopus. It’s quite similar to a ceviche, what makes it different is the addition of freshly ground Piquin chiles and the presentation on the plate.

GARNISH Thin slice of cucumber [2 pieces] Mint leaves [2 pieces] Hibiscus leaves [2 pieces] PROCEDURE Blend all the ingredients (in blender) for 20 seconds PRESENTATION Frost the margarita glass rim with whole grain salt and pour the mixture into the glass. Garnish the edge with fine cucumber slice and insert a mint leave. To finish, add one dried hibiscus leaf. Add plenty of ice

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The neighbourhoods of Vallarta Off the beaten track

By Todd Bates

H

aving lived in Puerto Vallarta for seven years and after living on the beach, in an amazing condo in Marina Vallarta, I recently moved to a more traditional Mexican area. I wanted to enjoy the complete experience of life in this country and the opportunity arose to make this move.

Removed from the comforts of the tourist areas, Puerto Vallarta is a vibrant city with a population approximately 200,000 that welcomes you to explore and experience in many ways.

I am only two blocks to the beach, but a world away.

The first few days were spent learning the lay of the land.

Getting up to speed on garbage days, flow of traffic, local noises and the myriad of normal things ones needs to learn regardless of which city or country.

I was thrilled to learn that I was living in a mixed community; with some new families, but with many more existing or original owners - some almost forty years!

This sure lends to the flavor of the neighbourhood.

As well, as per Mexico, there is this great blend of small businesses right beside homes; the root and proof of Jane Jacobs’ theories. After a few days, I noticed the amount of detritus on the sidewalks and decided I would

take action.Basing my actions on the “Broken Window” theory proposed by Wilson and Kelling; the theory being that if no windows were broken in a building, no one would break one, but it there was a broken window, persons would break more. I started by picking up the garbage on the streets. Each

Banderas Bay Butterfies

The Mexican Silverspot is another beautiful member of the Heliconian family that can be found over much of Mexico, flying throughout the year. The female will lay her eggs on species of passionflower vines, so be wary of removing caterpillars. Perhaps the sacrifice of your passionflower leaves is worth the price to see these glorious butterflies in flight.

day collecting two or three bags.

But I soon realized that this was a drop in the bucket and took it upon myself to go further with my plan.

I needed to engage the local residents into seeing the personal value they share in the neighborhood. Purchasing a gallon of white paint, I started to paint the

trees, from the base to about 140 cm or 5 feet. In total there were about 40 trees to be painted. The neighbors were interested in my efforts, but silent and polite.

That first gallon only lasted for about five trees; as I had no reference point. I went back and purchased two more and conti-

nued on. Suddenly, my neighbors were seeing that this was going to continue and were very happy with my efforts; so much so that even the children came out to assist with their tree! Here we were working together to improve the community overall; a wonderful start to my latest adventure.

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Buying a Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rental Property: Part II

By Miguel Fernandez www.g3mex.com

N

ow you own your dream property in Puerto Vallarta!

Of course you would love to spend all year here, but you still have a job and a life elsewhere and are not ready to become a full-fledged ex-pat. As we discussed last week, buying a vacation home is an investment that can both pay for itself and become a revenue producing endeavor.

Where to start?

If you want to handle the rentals yourself, many folks choose Homeaway/VRBO or Flipkey/Tripadvisor. These popular sites offer excellent exposure and rankings on the web. This is extremely important, as this is where most everyone shops around for dream vacations.

As an owner, the sites guide you easily through the set-up of a page dedicated to the promo-

tion of your property. You can list rates, post a calendar, add pictures of your property and accept reviews from your delighted clients. They will also handle the payment process.

VRBO/Homeaway offers a non-refundable “insurance” fee (paid by the renter) which covers damage to your property. For instance $69 USD will buy you up to $3000 USD of damage protections, which is more than ample compensation for even the wildest drunken piñata accident. And, speaking from experience, the claims process is quite seamless, as long as you provide all of the necessary documentation of damage and repair work.

Cost: From $200-$900 per year.

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FlipKey/TripAdvisor is a trusted travel information company. About the same as VRBO/HomeAway, as far as your listing goes. Good internet ranking, and fair customer support. Personally, we had some hassles when we purchased a property that was already listed, and tried to get the listing changed. We never actually had the good fortune of talking to a human being.

Cost: $299 per year, with a monthly $25 fee.

Airbnb is all the rage now, and it also allows you to set up a nice profile and calendar for your property. It tends to attract bargain hunters, and a more adventurous clientele. The great thing about this site, is that it allows the owner to also post a review of the renter, which helps keep everyone on their best behavior.

Cost: A percentage of the rental amount when you get a successful booking, the renter also pays a fee.

Craigslist, in our opinion, is more of a crapshoot. There are renters out in that vast wonderland, of free sofas and one-nightstands, you just need to be more

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

cautious and weed true clients out from the scam artists. It’s also a free service, so, in other words, you get what you pay for.

Cost: Free, save for the time you spend Googling the newest and most creative vacation rental scam.

one of your staff is there to meet them upon arrival, with the keys and a few treats.

No one likes to arrive after a long a flight, with kids and luggage in tow, to find out that the management had their arrival day wrong.

It’s a Business

Lease Agreement

If you go with a full-service management company, the fee can be 20 percent or more of rental income. If you handle booking and marketing on your own, and hire people for specific needs such as housekeeping, be prepared to devote a lot of time to the endeavor. If you’re not willing to handle e-mail inquiries promptly -- checking e-mail at least once a day -- you’re bound to lose out to more proactive homeowners.

A must for both the renter and the owner. People like to see the rules and regulations in print.

VRBO/HomeAway has templates that you can easily modify.

They also offer access to a handy Member’s Forum, for newbies, or even seasoned owners who need a bit of help from their peers.

Ask for a nominal refundable security deposit if you are not using insurance protection. It makes everyone feel more confident in your professionalism. Also, spell out your policies on smoking, pets and number of people, etc.

Once you have a prospective renter, take time for a chat.

There’s plenty you can hear in a phone conversation that can help you vet a client.

In the end, renting can be an amazing experience. We’ve made friends, and established relationships with people from every part of the globe!

A Warm Welcome Vacation renters are looking for a fabulous experience. Look upon your guests as potential friends and treat them like royalty.

Answer all of their questions promptly and go out of your way to make their experience memorable. Many will want help with tours, private chefs, airport pick-ups, restaurant ideas, etc.

Put together a comprehensive local guide of your property and your area. Vacationers don’t like surprises. Be sure that you, or

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Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

RIVIERA NAYARIT 16

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

An Adventure at the La Cruz Tianguis

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a Cruz de Huanacaxtle is on the north side of Bucerias, in Nayarit. Every Wednesday there is the La Cruz Tianguis which hosts many different vendors with a plethora of products, from fruit and veggies to kitchen items and clothing.

I was not aware that La Cruz had a tianguis until recently! I continue to discover many fun facts about this charming Mexico pueblo! Many of my friends did not know about it either. Visiting the tianguis during the off season was quiet surprising, as there were more vendors than I had anticipated.

La Cruz is nestled down off of the Punta de Mita Highway, which is off of the 200 road. To find the La Cruz Tianguis, take the exit off of the 200 road towards Punta de Mita and the La Cruz Marina.

There is only one light in the town of La Cruz.

Take a left at the light, and go around the glorieta (round-about) and continue down the street.

The next street is where you will find the La Cruz Tianguis, with booths lined on both sides going down the street, which has been blocked off to traffic.

The name of the street is

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called, “Huachinango calle”.

Huachinango is the Spanish name for Red Snapper, as you have probably seen this on many a menu. Deep fried Red Snapper, with garlic or other spices, and is one of my favorite dishes here. All of the La Cruz town street names are named after fish!

Walking into the La Cruz Tianguis I experienced the vendors to be very friendly. There were not very many English speaking vendors, which gave me a good opportunity to practice my Spanish. Meeting and talking to the locals really made my day.

It’s super fun for me to take their photos. I also took several shots of the cutest kids. Dang, those kids are cuties!

There were the usual tianguis items of clothes, shoes and belts, pots and pans, movies, natural remedies, and fresh fruit and

veggies. Also, a very large selection of stove replacement items that I have not noticed before elsewhere.

I looked through some clothes and purchased a few cute shirts for only 10 pesos apiece. Wandering down the food market section I purchased a ripe pineapple for 12 pesos.

There is a carniceria called Kenny Butcher Shop on Huachinango calle. They are open from 7am to 4pm daily.

I cruised on in and met the owner Marta. She spoke some English, and she was very informed about her meats! She offers beef, lamb, chicken, and pork in every cut you can think of.

She offered me a Filet Mignon (to try for free) which I thought was very nice of her, and was also quite unexpected! I will cook it for supper this evening and let you know how it turns out!

As I was ending my experience at the La Cruz Tianguis, I knew that I needed to go back to the fresh coconut guy, who was in the front.

As I walked up, he was smiling, as practically everyone was here today.

Edwardo harvests his coconuts off of his land. He had a large container of fresh green coconut juice, no sugar added.

Nice! When I ordered a cup, he cut three fresh green coconuts and put them in a large to-go cup with coconut pieces in the bottom...all for 20 pesos! I try to drink a green coconut a week to keep my digestive track clear and healthy.

It was a fun day meeting and La Crusin’ around the La Cruz Tianguis. They open early in the mornings, and close about 2pm every Wednesday all year long.

Check out more fun photos in the RivieraNayaritFun.com photo gallery. You will also find a list of almost all of the markets, with fun photos, in the Riviera Nayarit Photo gallery as well.

See ya at the market!

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Riviera Nayarit, highlighted during Apple Vacations annual Trade Show The spotlight was on Riviera Nayarit during Apple Vacations annual Trade Show that took place September 10 in Chicago.

Announcing new flights from five cities in the US and the Apple Award bestowed on seven properties attracted the attention of travel agents.

“Adding world class infrastructure to the natural environment and the warm service of the people in Nayarit has been a successful formula to make this an outstanding destination. Last year we received the Crystal Apple Awards as Best Beach Destination, now seven hotels in our destination are being recognized”, said Marc Murphy, from the Conventions and Visitors Bureau (CVB) of Riviera Nayarit.

Royal Decameron, Riu Palace Pacifico, Dreams Villamagna, Marival Residences, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and Paradise Village received the Golden Apple Awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in Tourism Industry. These awards are voted on by hundreds of thousands of Apple Vacations travellers.

“New flights from Philadelphia, New York, St Louis, Rockford and Lansing got travel agents very excited because they can see better selling opportunities”, said Murphy.

You can reach Cat Morgan, owner of the Riviera Nayarit Fun Regional Network, at Cat@ RivieraNayaritFun.com with any questions, comments or Riviera Nayarit News.

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ART

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

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Painting the Town of Ajijic: Jesus Lopez Vega

By Moralea Milne

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ike many stories, the beginning is difficult to define. Does it start with the indigenous Coca people who lived and fished and worshipped along the shores of Lake Chapala many centuries ago? Or perhaps with the invasion of the Spanish conquistadores and their Catholic religion that heralded momentous changes to the landscape and the people of Mexico? Perhaps we can narrow the focus to the arrival in Ajijic of Neill James in the early 1940’s, an intrepid world traveler and author who settled on the shores of Mexico’s largest lake, charmed by the culture and people. Neill James started art classes for the local children and here, finally, is where Jesus Lopez Vega enters the story.

Born in 1962, Jesús and his older brother Antonio were some of the children whose natural talents for the arts blossomed under the tutelage provided by Miss James.

Many of Jesús paintings involve the landscape and culture of Ajijic today, the church, the village square and the celebrations and festivities that are a joyous expression of Mexican culture. Although his art is represented well on the small canvas or in sculpture, it is his larger than life murals which have captured the essence and soul of Mexican folkloric tradition, imbuing space with bold colour and a sense of magic realism.

In an article by blogger Judy King, of Ajijic, Jesús states: “When I look at the murals here in Ajijic I think of how we have brought back the spirits of masters of the Mexican mural, each in our own way. We Ajijic artists express

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the same types of feelings and comments. Diego Rivera was the most historic muralist. Orozco was the most artistic; Siquieros was political and Rufino Tamayo, my mentor, was the cosmic one.

His composition of color and figures transmits the pre-Columbian spirit.”

Jesús explained, “Mexico’s mural movement began right after the Mexican Revolution (about 1920), and there was a lot the great muralists needed to say. Murals are more than large paintings that make ecological, political and social statements.

It is about our culture; it is about expressing our feelings -- most of the time what murals say goes against the system”.

“Remember,” he said, “it is a way of communication that comes through from your soul, from your spirit. It speaks the truth. That is not always pretty, but it needs to be heard.” His series of paintings that depict the ecological devastation of Lake Chapala, once world renowned for its plentiful and delectable fish, are a statement to the effects on the local communities.

In a recent conversation Jesús stated that “most of my paintings have to do with pre-Columbian imaginary; they are vivid in color, a link of communication between the ancestors’ world to modern times, often focusing on the archeological artifacts which have been found in Lake Chapala.

The breathtaking mural that Jesus created in the Centro Cultural in Ajijic describes the myths of this area. Jesus explains the meaning of the mural: TEO-MICHICHIUALLI (TEO - deity, MICHIN - fish, CIHUALLI – princess) “This mythological mural represents the fertility of Lake Chapala as a young princess. Thousands of pre-Columbian artifacts were thrown into the lake in her honor, to give thanks for abundant water, fish, birds, and to maintain the good climate and the rainy season. They say that she sends the winds from the four different directions - north, east, west and south, to keep the waters circulating and in harmony.

Teo-michicihualli was furious, especially when the moon was

full. She would punish the lakeside inhabitants by taking (absorbing) water from the lake through a water spout, creating a big dark long cloud, known by the local people as a “water snake”. This phenomenon would hit the mountains causing a huge thunder storm with lightening. In it’s path, this water spout would destroy the nearby villages.

The moon, the lake and the woman were a common trilogy because of their monthly cycles.

Each month the moon becomes full. Women have their menstrual period. Sometimes local people still get scared at the month of May’s full moon, just before the rainy season starts, afraid that a disaster could happen. The lake gets choppy, eventually creating big waves, throwing out from its waters organic waste, some dead animals or human remains, thus turning the water crystal clear.

People created calendars of agriculture especially cycles of corn crops from this trilogy.

Their ceramics show cycles of corn cults, painted with oxide red paint and some engravings with symbols of water on ceremonial ceramics.

There also are other minor deities represented, like “cihualli” the corn god who is a feminine figure shown with corn around her body.

“Tlaloc” the rain god is throwing a water spout from his mouth and giving birth to his daughter “Teo-michicihualli”.

“Tlaltecutli” a feminine goddess represents the earth and the universe. The skulls and bones signify the underworld which is where the universe was created and settled at the beginning of times. The rest of the mural is the immigration of the first people to settle Ajijic.

The art of Jesus Lopez Vega is at once joyous and recriminating as he celebrates the enduring legacy of his ancestors and love he has for his family and community, while reminding us of the sometimes toxic effects of modern life.

You can visit Jesus at his newly expanded Galeria de Arte Axixic, or through his website at: arteajijic.net

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EVENTS

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

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The Palm Cabaret and Bar Announces Star-studded Lineup for Another Great Season!

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ocated on busy Olas Altas Blvd, The Palm Cabaret and Bar is currently undergoing some exciting changes in preparation for the upcoming season.

Returning for his third season, Tracy Parks, entertainment director at The Palm, is joined by publicity director Eric Vann (aka Beverly Fairfax) and House Manager, Ken Cook. Audience members will be more comfortable than ever in the intimate 90 seat cabaret space with renovations planned for the lobby and restrooms and new, upholstered furniture for the audience. Opening night is set for early November 2013.

Some familiar acts returning this year include the ever popular and amazing singing and comedy duo, Amy and Freddy. They are well known and very popular in Puerto Vallarta, selling out night after night. After their duo act, Amy Armstrong will stay over two

more weeks to launch the debut of her one woman show, Buffets and Bad Ideas.

Also returning this season is the iconic comedian and Emmy award-winning Leslie Jordan, most well known as Beverly Leslie on Will and Grace and from Sordid Lives (film and TV series). Leslie just announced he’ll begin filming soon in New Orleans for the upcoming season of American Horror Story. Mr. Jordan’s two-week run last season sold out each of 8 performances. Early reservations are highly recommended.

Also scheduled to appear at

The Palm this coming season are: recording artist Spencer Day, comedian and film star Coco Peru, female impressionist Randy Roberts, Toni Tripoli (head writer for Joan Rivers), comedian and singer Varla Jean Merman and flight attendant extraordinaire, Pam Ann. Many local favorites like Diamante Negro, Pedro Islas and Fanny Gonzalez are developing a special Mexican themed show after the popularity of their appearances last season as guest artists. Talks are under way with comedian and ‘gaysian sweetheart’ Alec Mapato headline

Vallarta CELEBRATES WORLD TOURISM DAY A three day special event at City Hall to celebrate World Tourism Day will be held from September 25 27th. A display of paintings from Vallarta´s art galleries, including Galeria Vallarta will take place in the courtyard of the City Hall located in the heart of Vallarta on the main plaza. Music, Salsa dancing, & more with selections of gourmet food from the top restaurants on Sept.

27th. Stay tuned for more details.

Thanksgiving week in Vallarta.

Having established itself in recent years as the most popular cabaret entertainment venue in Vallarta, The Palm had its most successful run to date last season and was ranked #1 in Puerto Vallarta nightlife entertainment

by TripAdvisor users. Even with the scheduled facelift, you’ll still find an intimate cabaret with outstanding sound and lighting that creates a cozy ambience, reminiscent of the iconic cabaret clubs of days gone by.

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 SETACGLBT - 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

Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta, Contact: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez Alvarez cayro_13@ hotmail.com /grupoecologico.com

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

Friends of pv animals Volunteers workingk to enhance the lives of shelter animals. They supplement food, medications and socialization for unwanted and stray cats and dogs housed in PV´s city pound. For info and donations visit www.friendsofpvanimals.com

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

Horizonte de Paz: Offers a safe, whealing 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

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

La Brigada de la Basura A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets.

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006

Families At The Dump, 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

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

EVENTS

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

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

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

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

New Life Mexico - A British Charity working in Mexico.

Challenging Child Poverty with Health and Education Programmes. Contact Philippa.

Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.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.

Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias 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

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

Donations are 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.

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GALERIA VALLARTA CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO VIVA MEXICO! ART EXPOSITION OF MEXICAN THEMES REFRESHMENTS AND BOTANAS FRIDAY, 13TH OF SEPTEMBER, 2013 6-9 P.M. GALERIA VALLARTA GUERRERO 187, #110 webart@prodigy.net.mx 222 5125 artbygaleriavallarta.blogspot.com www.galeriavallarta.net

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

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.

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.

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CLASSIFIED AD

GRINGO BINGO !!

Thursday, September 26 5:00 p.m.

Proceeds benefit PuRR Project Los Alcatraces--Fluvial Join us in air-conditioned comfort and play Bingo at Los alcatraces on Thursday, September 26, beginning at 5:00 p.m. Compete for great prizes. There’s free parking, great food and drink…and did we mention air conditioning??

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

SPCA PV – Provides private vet costs for rescued animals, volunteers to create & maintain a data base of adoptions, to walk dogs at the foster home, Casita de Guadalupe, foster homes for dogs & cats, trap & release program for feral cats, etc. www.spcapv.com Un MañanaBrillante (A Brighter Tomorrow) - Partnership of Americans and Canadians to support the ColegioMexicoAmericano. Contact: Margi Baughman mach1@prodigy.net.mx or David Bender dbender@prodigy.net.mx

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

Do you have an event you’d like to promote to the readers of the Vallarta Tribune?

Send your events to editor@vallartatribune.com

TRAVEL HOROSCOPE

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

Horoscope Aries You may find it hard to relate to others verbally, Aries. You may have everything figured out in your head, but the words get in the way as soon as you share your ideas. Talking with someone else may add confusion instead of clarity to the situation.

The other person’s energy seems to affect your perceptions. Stay grounded despite your frustration.

Taurus You may be coming to a point of reckoning in something you set into motion years ago, Taurus. This is a time of hard work when you may need to either salvage the mess you’ve created or start reaping the wonderful rewards of the success you’ve become. Your ego is wrapped up in this scenario.

You may be frustrated by people wasting your time with problems that seem insignificant.

Gemini Your thoughts may be scattered and confused, Gemini, especially

regarding responsibilities that are important to you. You need to be disciplined and focused, but frivolous chatter may fill your brain.

This kind of mental muddle limits you in many situations, making it difficult to express what you feel.

Ask someone who knows you well to help you make sense out of these thoughts.

Cancer There’s a chance that incredible luck will befall you, Cancer, but nothing will come without hard work on your part.

Don’t expect someone else to hand you the treasure chest. You have the map in your hand, so follow it. Once you start, you may realize that you’re much closer than you think. It’s up to you to make the journey. There’s a great deal of help for you along the way.

Leo You may feel like someone’s trying to pin you down before you start, Leo. Perhaps these obstacles are self-imposed. Maybe you’re restricting yourself from doing the things you want to do because you’re afraid they won’t work out. This fear of failure is the pain you feel. Overcoming it is the first step. If you try

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and fail, you’ll be no worse off than cycle. Awareness of your energy patterns is half the battle. Don’t if you never try at all. force yourself into feeling something you don’t. It’s important that Things should be you not overexert yourself or take running smoothly for on more responsibilities than you you, Virgo, and you’ll accomplish can handle. a lot with surprisingly little effort.

Although there may not be any Earth-shattering developments, You may find it hard you should find that things go well. to admit that you can’t Maybe you won’t win the lottery do everything, Sagittatoday, but the few dollars you invest rius. There are some jobs that you now will turn into megabucks later. aren’t cut out to do. Why pretend Be patient. Success may not come when a better option would be overnight, but it will come. to delegate the task to someone else? If you don’t feel a strong connection with something or You may feel like you’re someone, don’t force it. Pretending being tested in some way, that you’re capable of something Libra, like you’re on trial and must will only cause frustration for you defend yourself, including what and everyone else. you believe and how you operate.

This feeling is unsettling, but soon you’ll realize that it’s strengthening Your hard work is in many ways. Questioning your paying off in ways that behaviour patterns is healthy, so may not be noticeable to you now, open up in a way that you may not Capricorn. Things are flowing natuhave considered before. rally, and you seem to have all your responsibilities under control.

You may not be aware that this is Your vitality is low. It so since it’s easier to see when may be difficult to fight something’s wrong than when adversity, Scorpio. Try not something’s going well. Take time to get discouraged. Instead, realize to appreciate the incredible things that this is part of the natural you’ve created for yourself thanks

Virgo

Sagittarius

Libra

Capricorn

Scorpio

to all your effort.

Aquarius You may feel like it’s your responsibility to take care of everyone, Aquarius. If you love someone, your brain translates this into thinking that you need to be the caretaker.

If you don’t take someone under your wing, maybe you see yourself as selfish or unkind. Dismiss this notion. Other people’s feelings aren’t your responsibility. Don’t let another’s well-being become your project.

Pieces There are opportunities for achievement, so stay open to new energy coming your way, Pisces. If you don’t turn at these fortuitous junctions, you may never find this spot in the road again. What comes your way may not be a pot of gold, but it will certainly be the rainbow that leads you to it. If nothing else, you’ll find opportunities that strengthen your spirit, preparing you for adversity later

Paraiso Felino: Summer Donations Needed

W

ith the summer season well along and few people in the area, things really slow down in the Bay of Banderas area. This change of pace really affects the shelter as their income plummets but the need of the residents continues. 220 kitties eat a substantial amount of kibble in a given day (11-12 kg.). This previous week they withdrew the last of the money that had been saved up during the

high season. Therefore any and all help will be appreciated.

The needs consist of dry cat food, canned food or pouches, kitten food and milk, cleaning supplies, medicine and vet visits, and transport to and from vet, spay clinics and adoption days, water, electricity, etc.

Monetary donations as well as donations in kind are greatly appreciated. Be part of The Friends of Paraíso Felino club

where you donate a bag (or more) of Kirkland cat food or the equivalent ($250 pesos per bag) each month. Why not join theclub today and help us keep all the kitties feed and healthy.

Because of the over-population problem of cats, especially here in Mexico, shelters find themselves over loaded.

Therefore cat adoptions are important and Paraíso Felino has a weekly arrangement starting

(Nov. - Apr.) at La Cruz’s Sunday Market (Cooperativo Huanacaxtle) where people have been able to see and adopt kittens. All of the cats are sterilized before they are adopted to help break the chain of over reproduction.

They will also have a variety of handmade objects for sale; 100% going to Paraíso Felino.

“Volunteer” Public Relations/ Fundraiser- Paraíso Felino really needs someone with a little time every day to be on the computer and motivate people to donate and/or volunteer their time and effort.

They are looking to expand their Friends of Paraíso Felino

club and would need volunteers to take kittens to adoption sites for example. Bilingual is good but not necessary.

On site drop off at Paraíso Felino in San Juan of food or funds can be done daily by phoning first and confirming. Salon Diva’s in Bucerias will also forward donations.

Their website has a Paypal button for online donating and deposits can be made to the official bank account at BANORTE or a non-official account in Canada. www.paraisofelino.com Contact: paraiso_felino@hotmail.com

BRAIN TEASERS 21

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SUDOKU

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.

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GONE FISHING Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical or diagonal, forwards or backwards.

ANCHOVY, BARRACUDA, BASS, BREAM, CARP, CATFISH, CHUB, DOGFISH, FLOUNDER, GOLDFISH, GROUPER, GUPPY, HAKE, HALIBUT, HERRING, JELLYFISH, KRILL, LAMPREY, MARLIN,

MINNOW, MULLET, PERCH, PIKE, PIRANHA, ROACH, SALMON, SARDINE, SEAHORSE, SHARK, SNAPPER, SOLE, STICKLEBACK, STINGRAY, STURGEON, SWORDFISH, TROUT, TUNA, TUNNY.

SPCA de PV ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT... SANDY Sandy is a short haired lab mix we rescued after finding her abandoned and wandering the beach at Los Muertos a couple of months ago. She was confused and sad and we were happy to be able to get her to a safe refuge.

She shows her gratitude every day with kisses for all who come to say hello. Sandy is approximately a year old and about 13 kilos or a bit over 28½ pounds. She is just a sweetheart who definitely enjoys treats! Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

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Starting Sept. 20th Great Prices!

Contact dora@vallartatribune.com

Free listings • Lost and Found • Garage Sale • Non Profit Events

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Tourist Offices: • Rio Cuale • Main Plaza • Lazaro Cardenas Park American Consulate Canadian Consulate

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Small Business Listings

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

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VALLARTA´S ONLY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER

Friday Sept 13 - 19, 2013

Old Town & Centro Paradise Community Centre Freddy Tucan restaurant Los Mercados Timothy Real Estate Page 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 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

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

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

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