Issue 860, September 27 to October 3rd, 2013

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

CHANGE iS COMING

FR EE

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ID

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Car Insurance

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Diving in Mexico

underwater wonderland

Sept 26 - Oct 3rd, 2013 Free Issue 860

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PV Men´s Chorus MUSIC TO OUR EARS

Welcome

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 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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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

Our Supporters 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.

Maximilians Chasers Christ Church By The Sea Cinemex Galerias y Macroplaza Isima Re/max Marina Restaurant Que Pasa Teatro Vallarta

!

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 Mexican Fiesta Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board

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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Editor’s Notes

Rain Rain Go Away!

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his week finds my laundry heading into day six on the line. It looks like I might have to concede and drop it off at a Laundromat to get rewashed and DRIED! Holy rain and humidity.

But it is important to remember that if damp laundry is your only problem, you have a blessed life.

The tropical storms Ingrid and Manuel are being called the worst storms in Mexico’s history. Over 100 people have died, whole villages are washed away, infrastructure has disintegrated and people are resorting to extremes just to save themselves and their families.

Explore Banderas Bay

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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 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

In the Know

There are many, many agencies that are collecting funds, food and supplies. Take care to support legitimate organizations that will truly benefit the communities affected. Perhaps one of the best known with a secure international presence is the Red Cross (Cruz Roja). At the best of times, Mexico’s Cruz Roja operates on fumes and the financial toll these storms have left in their wake will affect everyone. On page 9 we have a great article supplied to us by Luis Melgoza that outlines how and where you can make donations to the millions of affected people.

In addition, it is important to remember that in major disasters like this many pets and farm animals become separated from their families. Agencies that help look after these animals are often overlooked for the more pressing need of human suffering. Understandable of course, but in our efforts to help please don’t forget about our furry friends.

A quick glance at weather.com tells me we have more grey days ahead but, for those of us on the ground, it is clear that the typical summer weather of afternoon showers is on its way back and as such, tourists should be tanned again on time and my laundry should be dry soon.

1. Bucerias. Hop the bus to Bucerias, pack your beach gear and spend the day working on your tan on the beautiful 8km long, nearly pristine beach.

2. Stroll along the Pitillal River.

From Francisco Medina all the way to the beach there is an excellent path, perfect for jogging, bike riding, dog walking and nature watching.

3. Go shopping! Venture into downtown Pitillal where there are hundreds of small shops selling clothing, shoes, accessories plus excellent restaurants and things you didn’t know you had to have.

4. Road Trip! If you have a car, consider hitting the road for a couple days. Whether you head north towards San Blas, east to Guadalajara, or south to Cabo Corrientes, around every corner is an adventure. Take the free road and you might find a pyramid, the perfect roasted chicken or a sweet B&B to call home for the night.

5. Sunday Night Malecon. Start at the beginning and take your time. Appreciate the sunset, the

world-class sculptures, stop for a cervesa, listen to the live music in the plaza and just maybe try out your Danzon moves. Head all the way to the new pier for some great nightime photo ops and a delicious dinner at any number of the beachfront restaurants.

6. Cool off in the river. Personal fave is Rio Cuale back in the Buenas Aries neighbourhood, but head south towards Mismaloya and jump in at Puente Negro for fresh, clean water. Great for butterfly hunters too.

7. Micheladas. If you haven’t, you must. It’s basically a Ceasar made with beer instead of vodka.

It’s the perfect afternoon ‘snack’ as it is often served with fresh cut veggies, boiled shrimps or Aguachile. Strangely enough my

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 local weekly guide to places, people and things

Madeline Milne

go-to spot is a carwash/michelada stand that blasts Banda by Bobadilla Stadium in Pitillal.

Originally from Vancouver, Canada I am into my third year (full-time yeah!) in Mexico. I have had the pleasure of living in Bucerias, Ajijic and finally settling in Puerto Vallarta. As editor of the Vallarta Tribune and MexiGo! Magazine, I travel constantly around this beautiful country for pleasure and work.

Would you like to share your favourite things to do in Banderas Bay? Each week we feature a local resident who shares their insider tips with us. Send your 7 Things to mmilne@vallartatribune.com 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.

Free calendar listings in the Vallarta Tribune

NEWS

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

Driving Confident In Mexico Mazda Motor Corp. will invest about 120 million usd in a new engine manufacturing plant in Mexico. The engine factory will be onsite at Mazda’s vehicle assembly plant under construction in Salamanca, Guanajuato, with a production capacity of about 230,000 engines a year. Vehicle production at the site is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2014. The Salamanca plant will assemble the Mazda2 and Mazda3 for the US and Central and South American markets.

Coffee Scented Deal Mexico restaurant operator Alsea has reached an agreement with Starbucks Corp. to take full equity control of the world’s biggest coffee chain’s stores in Argentina and Chile.

Alsea bought 82% of Starbucks’ Chilean operation and the 18% it did not own of Starbucks’ Argentine business, to own 100% of both.

Alsea will operate 66 stores in Argentina and 44 in Chile, along with the 382 it controls in Mexico, all of them carrying the Starbucks brand name. The company expects to open 130 stores in Argentina and Chile in the next five years, while it plans to invest 75 million usd opening 170 new stores in Mexico, Starbucks’ fastestgrowing Latin American market, over the next three years.

Unity Makes Energy Tenaris, Ternium and Tecpetrol International have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly build and operate a natural gas-fired combined cycle electric power plant in Mexico, which would supply Tenaris’s and Ternium’s respective Mexican industrial facilities –together, both companies are one of the largest private energy consumers in Mexico. The power plant would be built in the Pesquería area of the state of Nuevo León, and would have a power capacity of between 850 and 900 megawatts (MW). The total investment is estimated at 1 billion usd. The plant is expected to be operational in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Vallarta Tribune

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Huge three year plan to boost tourism

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n an effort to regain the growth of the tourism sector in Mexico, the federal government and the private sector have joined to invest in the development of various infrastructure projects.

However, the largest investment in tourism will focus on international promotion to counteract negative international press, including in the United States, Canada and Spain.

During the Declaratoria de Instalación del Gabinete Turístico, President Enrique Peña Nieto, explained that the goal is to position the country as a world class tourist power.

To this end, entrepreneurs in the tourism sector will invest 8.631 billion dollars to develop 176 projects over the next three years, said Peña Nieto.

Among the projects to be developed is the construction of new hotels, resorts, restaurants,

golf courses, sports centers and improve airport infrastructure.

The infrastructure projects will be undertaken in 17 Mexican states with 27 destinations, of which 11 are cities and 16 beaches.

With this investment, tourism is expected to increase. An impressive 33,107 rooms will be added to the current number with new hotels being built in Baja California, Campeche, Colima, Distrito Federal, Guanajuato, Guerrero, Jalisco, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Oaxaca, Puebla, Querétaro, Quintana Roo, Tabasco, Sinaloa, Sonora and Yucatán.

In order to bring the tourists to fill these new rooms, airlines will put 272 new aircraft into operation.

Pablo Azcárraga Andrade, President of the Consejo Nacional de Empresarios Turísticos, said that more than 100 companies in the tourism sector are involved in this goal.

Although the investment currently focuses on the development of infrastructure and tourist services of high quality, the end goal is for Mexico to regain its global position. In 2005 it was in seventh place; in 2007, tenth, and currently occupies the thirteenth place in attracting foreign tourists, according to the ranking of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).

According to official data of the last administration, private investment in tourism grew 60% over the period 2000-2006.

With private investment announced yesterday by President Peña Nieto, the forecast is that tourism will continue as one of the engines that drive the national economy, and that Mexico will again be one of the most visited countries in the world.

Translated: Judith Santiago / Mexican Business Web

Compulsory car insurance for federal highways and roads The Federal Bridges and Highways Law was recently amended to require automobiles that use federal highways to be insured with coverage for any liability for damages and injuries caused to third parties by the motor vehicle. The amended law is expected to expand automobile insurance coverage across the nation, as only a few states in Mexico have compulsory car insurance policies in their local laws (eg, Baja California, Jalisco, Yucatan, Chihuahua and Morelos). In the past Mexico City had attempted to make car insurance compulsory, but the efforts proved unsuccessful when public transport and taxi operators protested the measure. This new provision will have an important effect nationwide. At present, only three out of every 10 cars in Mexico are insured.

With the opinion of the National Insurance and Surety Commission, the Ministry of Finance will issue the rules governing this insurance, which will include a compulsory minimum amount of coverage for all motor vehicles. The decree provides that the reform will come into effect 180 days after the Ministry of Finance has issued these rules.

The Ministry of Finance has yet to issue these rules.

Along with the Ministry of Finance, the Transport and Communications Ministry will issue its own rules and guidelines in order to verify compliance with this new obligation.

The law also states that motor vehicle owners who drive on federal highways or roads without the compulsory insurance will be subject to fines of up to $220.

The fine may be overturned if the owner of the vehicle provides evidence that he or she acquired an insurance policy within 45 days of issuance of the penalty.

However, the amount of the fine is too low to compel compliance with the law. Given recent amend-

ments to federal labour law, liability (including liability arising from the use of motor vehicles) is substantive where wrongful death or manslaughter is caused (and may amount up to $300,000). Therefore, the premium for such coverage is not expected to be low.

The Insurance Contract Law has also been amended to require compulsory insurance policies to be paid in a single instalment. The amendment states that compulsory insurance policies cannot expire, terminate or be rescinded before expiry of the agreed term.

Originally posted at http://www. internationallawoffice.com

Your best source for English news in the Bay of Banderas

NEWS

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Country at a Crossroads

For Migrants, New Land of Opportunity Is Mexico New York Times - By DAMIEN CAVE Published: September 21, 2013

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Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

Aeromexico Launches Frequent Mexico-US Travelers’ Program Mexican carrier Aeromexico has launched its Aeromexico Contigo program aimed at travelers residing in Mexico or in the United States who travel frequently between the two coun-

tries. The flights will increase connectivity between Guadalajara and Tijuana primarily with Fresno, Sacramento and Chicago among other destinations also receiving increased flights with members

benefiting from special services and discounts. The program will begin on October 1st, with tickets available through the Aeromexico website and travel agencies.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico, whose economic woes have pushed millions of people north, is increasingly becoming an immigrant destination.

The country’s documented foreign-born population nearly doubled between 2000 and 2010, and officials now say the pace is accelerating as broad changes in the global economy create new dynamics of migration.

Mexico ‘really mad’ at Canada over imposed Slim buys Loreto Bay travel visa, says ambassador The Canadian Press September 15, 2013 OTTAWA - The Mexican ambassador to Canada says his country is “really mad” at the Harper government for the continued imposition of a visa on its travellers here.

Ambassador Francisco Suarez told The Canadian Press in an exclusive interview that Mexico is so upset that if the issue isn’t resolved by next year, Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto might have to postpone a planned visit to Canada.

That would cast a shadow over the festivities that Mexico and Canada are planning for 2014 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the 70th anniversary of bilateral relations.

The Carso Group, headed

by Carlos Slim – often listed by Forbes as the world’s richest man – has acquired the Loreto Bay project in Southern Baja California. Loreto, once the capital of all the Californias, decades ago was designated as one of Mexico’s new vacation destinations.

The others were Cancun, Los

Cabos, Ixtapa and Huatulco.

At Loreto the fish are jumping and the palm trees grow high. To one side, hawks soar over the desert, to the other, pelicans skim the sea. The Sierra La Giganta rises up, jutting out of a placid cobalt sea.

Yet in spite of many efforts, Loreto has yet to catch on. Most famous failure was a Canadian developer, David Butterfield, who started the Loreto Bay project in hopes of selling homes to the soon-to-be-retired. But Loreto can be chilly during winter, sizzling during summer, and is not easy to reach. Airlines suspended service due to lack of demand. But Slim is not known for making bad investments.

The artist of the cover image from Issue 853 is Daniela Ramos Mayorga. The whales can be found across from MacroPlaza on Calle Sebastian Allende and Melchor Ortega. Email Daniela for more information. daniemayorga@hotmail.com

El Foco on C7 Radio: OVERVIEW

Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board Re-Launches Website

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uerto Vallarta has updated its official website, www. visitvallarta.com. The latest update is an effort to take advantage of trends in the digital world and offer its visitors the latest tools to learn about the destination’s diverse tourism opportunities and book travel to Puerto Vallarta.

In addition to updating its website in the past year Puerto Vallarta has introduced a comple-

tely new look, with a pedestrian and handicap friendly modern boardwalk and downtown area as well as Los Muertos Pier.

Visitors to the new site will find that the new www.visitpuertovallarta.com features a new layout designed to help consumers to plan and book their ideal vacation.

The new site will also be 100% smart phone friendly, Retina display ready, and offer the oppor-

WANT THE NEWS IN PUERTO VALLARTA?

tunity for content to be shared via all popular forms of Social Media.

Content management system tools will also allow users to upload information to the site to share with visitors to the site and a Blog section will provide a platform for the destination to publish different campaign promotions the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board is undertaking.

This week at “El Foco” we had the pleasure of receiving Carlos Hernández, Public Accountant and head of the accounting firm Hernández Álvarez to discuss what it means to be a “donataria autorizada” and what it takes to get there.

Donatarias autorizadas are tax-exempt non-profit organizations which can issue Mexican tax-deductible receipts.

We discussed the various checks and regulations organizations must follow in order to achieve this status. Donatarias autorizadas should give donors a certain confidence that money is used properly and for the ends described in the organizations founding paperwork.

You can find a list of tax-deductible organizations at the tax office’s website at: http://www.sat.gob.mx/sitio_internet/ servicios/donatarias/autorizadas/30_1635.html

Don’t forget to tune in next week at 4:00 pm on C7 Jalisco Radio 91.9 FM or at 4:50 to tune into the English summary brought to you by the Vallarta Tribune.

Visit vallartatribune.com

LOCAL

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

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PV Sea Dive

By Sue Keevil pvseadive.com

Bizarre Scuba Records & Activities

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s it a man? Is it a plane? No, it’s wild and wacky scuba diver.

In the world of scuba diving, there are those who like to push the limits, some in pursuit of science and some who are just chasing a record for the fun of it.

Here are some of my favourites.

Seventy-two Australian scuba divers hold the world record for ironing underwater. Yes, you read that right. They took their shirts and linens into ten feet of less than clear water and set up their ironing boards. Using irons that had their electrical cords removed (for safety issues) the group pressed the drip dry shirts and found their way into the Guinness Book of Records.

Yet another Australian, this time a marine biologist, spent thirteen days living fifteen feet underwater in a capsule. He rode a bicycle to provide electricity, and urinated on algae to provide air. This was done in an effort to experiment with a few scientific ideas for the possibility of living underwater and being self-sustaining. This all took place in a BioSub that was just 6 feet high and 10 feet wide.

If you ever get the opportunity to visit Port Vila in Vanuatu, be sure to visit the world’s first and only underwater post office. Postal workers don diving gear to sell postcards that are waterproof, and they even have an underwater franking machine to emboss the plastic coated postcards. It is open 1 -2 hours per day, depending on how busy it gets.

Ever wished you could dine underwater? Well 500 people did just that to raise money and to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. This was a formal sit down affair that happened in a suburb of London, England.

In twenty sessions, 500 people were served a three course meal.

Each meal consisted of just one mouthful of food which, to prevent disintegration under the water,

was encased in a clear jelly. Each participant had to sign a lengthy health waiver and take lessons on how to eat while under the water.

Would you believe a there is such a thing as a diving barber?

He has set a new world record for cutting hair underwater. David Rae managed to cut the hair of thirty-three people in one hour, breaking the old Guinness Book of World Records mark of eleven haircuts in sixty minutes. It was all done at the bottom of a pool in London, England as part of a charity fundraising event. Incidentally, if you check out my Facebook page you will find photos of me getting a hair cut on my boat with a whale breaching in the background!

My scuba club in England had regular games nights including, underwater monopoly, checkers and chess. I often take salsa classes, and think underwater dancing could be a fun thing to do on the up and coming cold winter nights. I am English with Australian roots, therefore slightly crazy!

Anyone care to join me?

REACH LOCALS AND VACTIONERS

By Erin Staley oldtownfm.com

Salt Spring Island – A Favorite Stop on the North American Farmers’ Market Tour Giddy with excitement, the Old Town Farmers’ Market-Tianguis Cultural (OTFM) team made our way straight for the Salt Spring Island Farmers Market and the island’s annual fall fair. It is one of our favorites, a highlight on our idea-collecting North American Farmers’ Market Tour.

This long-time Salt Spring Island weekend attraction dates back to the mid-70s, a time anyone could sell anything.

Vendors were known to “park and sell” peddling just-picked produce, handmade crafts and even furniture pieces from the hood or trunk of their cars. Although vendors have now traded their vehicular display cases for tables and tents, the Salt Spring Island Farmers Market (SSIFM) continues to spotlight the ingenuity of the Island’s entrepreneurial residents. It is a major social event built around the “make it, bake it, grow it” philosophy. In fact, it is this philosophy that inspired our own producer-only market.

“The SSIFM is one of my favorites because it focuses on local producers. Only individuals who live on the island are permitted to vend at the market.” says Char-

lotte Semple, a Canadian native and the OTFM founder. “Visitors select from endless varieties of fruits, vegetables, artisan crafts and homemade baked goods either grown or made by local farmers and venders.”

After grabbing a bite and listening to the toe-tappin’ tunes of local musicians, we wandered through the aisles of artisan crafts and goods. Homemade soaps, pottery and glass work displays were at the top of our must-see list. Weavers amazed us by fashioning sweaters and scarves made from sheep’s wool, and we loved the entrepreneurial kids who sold cookies or performed Vegas-style magic tricks.

Because our mission is to gather innovative ideas to help our OTFM vendors and community, we visited with SSIFM vendors and volunteers. We always knew the Market stimulated the local economy, but we were surprised when we did the math – an estimated $3 to $4.8 million each year.

Wow! No wonder the community is prospering and vendors are able to fulfill their dreams by opening a store or becoming a wholesaler for off-island businesses. We were proud to be a part of the SSIFM’s success and wished them the best for the remainder of the season.

The Salt Spring Fall Fair was

next on our fun-filled itinerary.

This year’s theme was “Pirates of the Carrots and Beans,” and everyone got into the spirit with creative costumes and colorful decorations. Kids made a beeline to the petting zoo, the fair rides and the zucchini car races while adults “oohed and aahed” over the antique cars and farm equipment. Cheers went up for the best baking, photography and sewing competitors, but it was the “biggest pumpkin” and “best wine” that brought the crowd to its feet.

As expected, the Salt Spring Island Farmers Market and annual Fall Fair was a huge hit. The Island’s sense of community and entrepreneurial spirit continues to inspire us. With only two more months until our season opener, we are more excited than ever to share these new ideas with our vendors and “make it, bake it, grow it” shoppers just like you.

Stay tuned as we bring you more juicy tidbits from the North American Farmers’ Market Tour.

And be sure to join us as the Old Town Farmers’ Market-Tianguis Cultural starts its new season on Saturday, November Second.

Located along Basilio Badillo between Olas Altas and Ignacio Vallarta, the Market is open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 2 pm from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in May.

For more information, visit www.oldtownfm.com or “like” us on Facebook.

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By Leza Warkentin rhythm2rain@gmail.com

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

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Confessions From the Hovercraft

S much appreciated by all of us!

Speaking of market places here’s a cool thing to do at 6:30 in the morning. Walk by the Emiliano Zapata Market (back by the tunnel) and watch the place open. It is still pitch black outside with the odd light coming from the butcher store and Baca, the big veggie/fruit market that has been there for years. The short side street (between Venustiano Carranza and Lazaro Cardenas) has half a dozen shops selling more or less the same things.

Coming from Canada it still amazes and thrills me to see an old pick-up truck carefully stacked to overflowing with fresh pineapples. I have grown a few of these plants and I know the amount of time they take to mature, how carefully one must cut off the ripened fruit (scorpions LOVE living inside those sharp, spiky leaves). It is impressive to think of the work of carrying box after box over to the truck, driving into town, unloading all the fruit, getting back in the truck, going home with some cash and doing it all over again the next day. All that work, all that time spent and we lucky Vallartenses can just walk up and buy one for a buck. Amazing....

Support your local Market and take care of our tourists. Please e-mail me a quick story of how you helped steer one tourist or a whole flock of them in the right direction to better experience this incredible place we call home.

Until next week, ciao!

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Paradise and Parenting

This is Paradise...

elcome everyone to the Saturday Co-op Market held each and every week of the year at the Paradise Community Center on Pulpito in Vallarta’s Romantic Zone. I have been bumping into locals lately who are surprised to learn we are, indeed, still up and running. Now HEAR THIS! Other Markets may come and go, some open then close quickly; some go on vacation (whatever THAT is?!) and just ONE is open every Saturday.

You don’t have to forego your favorite coffee with your favorite bagel smothered in your favorite jalapeno jelly...just because it’s raining? Of course not! Come on in and come hungry!

I am reading with great interest in the Vallarta Tribune, the travel logs of our ‘sister’ marketeers who are in the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia visiting various farmer’s markets and fall fairs. I spent years (decades ago) in Victoria and it was never a question of “if” I would be going to Market; it was a necessity to support that community effort.

And, my neighbors in James Bay felt the same way; even though we ALL grew some of our own food we still, ALL of us, went to Market every week. That built-in consciousness has not quite trickled down from our foreign community to that degree but with the increasing numbers of permanent residents in our lovely bay, this will likely grow. The moral of the story is: don’t miss a Saturday!

We (the vendors) actually miss you when you don’t come and we talk about it. We wonder if you are okay; maybe sick with a cold, or out of town for the weekend or gone for the summer or whatever.

The conversations circulate until one of us possibly has an answer.

So, the moral of THIS story is: we miss you! And to those of you who take the time to come by each week just to say hello, share a hug here and there, know that your presence is duly noted and very

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ometimes I wonder if I’m over-thinking this whole parenting gig. I quite often find myself in the office of our beloved primary director, meeting her eyes earnestly and asking if my kids really are ok. She respectfully changes her mental hat from supervisor and friend to compassionate school principal.

We generally chat around in circles until I come to the conclusion once again that the axe-murderer gene is still recessive, and I go away feeling better (for a while). I always imagine her sitting in her chair with a bemused expression for a few minutes after I leave.

Have you ever heard of the term “helicopter parent”? Wikipedia defines it as “a parent who pays extremely close attention to a child’s or children’s experiences and problems, particularly at educational institutions.

Helicopter parents are so named because, like helicopters, they hover overhead.”

I would say “pays extremely close attention” is polite for “is stifling and overprotective” but otherwise it’s a pretty apt description. When I read it, I became incapable of taking in oxygen for several seconds while I gazed into the Wikipedia mirror.

I would, however, add that in my professional experience, helicopter parents are generally unaware and/or unapologetic of their hovering status. Perhaps I could be more adequately termed “hovercraft parent” or “heli-lite momma”, because I am neither unaware nor unapologetic in any possible sense. While I have an overpowering need to know why my child needs to stay in at recess, I pretty much know that all my digging around is probably a Bit Much, and there is well-deserved water-cooler humor that could be had at my expense (thank good-

ness for that whole teacher ethics thing).

I try to channel the voice of one of my good friends, who always tells me that she lets her kids figure out most of this stuff for themselves and learn through these experiences. So I always think to myself (in this cool sort of Southern accent), “Honey! Just leave it BE this one time. You can do this, mama!”

But then this other, crazier, higher-pitched voice chimes in and I know I’m probably going to ask the music teacher if he knows that a certain child told my daughter she looked puffy in her new pink vest and now she won’t wear it (I know, heart-breaking, right? Right? Well, maybe you had to be there).

Plus, being an early childhood teacher, I’m aware that children are not usually born understanding the nuances of social interaction, so finding the balance between independent learning and swooping in like a falcon on speed when someone keeps eating my kid’s dessert without permission… well it’s been a challenge, let’s just say. So how do I manage without having restraining orders

laid against me (knock on wood)?

I can tell you that what has taken me from 60 to 0 in the shortest amount of time is just talking to my kids and realizing that they have a lot of smarts and can handle a lot more than I sometimes (maybe ever) give them credit for (pretty sure it’s genetic).

Ahem. It’s also possible that my principal had already mentioned that in one of our heart-to-hearts.

Teacher friends, are you dealing with helicopter, hovercraft or heli-lite parents (besides me)?

Take some comfort from the fact that these are the same parents who are going to know exactly what an amazing job you do (for the simple reason that they are always hanging around).

They will tell every other parent in the room how much their child’s teacher really, truly listens. They will never miss a meeting, they will always be there at every performance and event and they will cheer the loudest.

Then, at year’s end, you will be rewarded with a smiling, gratifyingly tearful set of hovering parents and you will know that a) it’s over and b) it was worth it. I’m almost certain.

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Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

Miguel Fernandez www.g3mex.com G3MEX Goes to Vancouver:

Tuning Into the Canadian Perspective of Mexico Is Vallarta Safe?

This is a valid concern for most people planning a trip or a move to Puerto Vallarta, or anywhere else on the planet, for that matter.

To get the real scoop just ask a regular visitor or resident of Vallarta.

They will probably tell you that they feel just as safe or safer here than they do north of the border.

Of course, it’s essential to exercise common sense anywhere that you travel or live, and keep valuables, and large amounts of money in secure and locked locations.

Is the cost of a high-quality lifestyle really cheaper in Puerto Vallarta?

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MEX Real Estate Company just returned to Vallarta from the Mexi-Go Expo! in gorgeous Vancouver, BC. Mexi-Go! is a travel, Real Estate, investment and retirement website and magazine for Canadians considering traveling or moving to Mexico.

This was our first year at the Expo that they host in Vancouver.

We thought it was time to find out more about what our friends to the North want when looking for a property in Mexico.

Here are some of the questions and concerns that we heard at the conference: How would the new proposed legislation regarding Bank Trusts effect foreigners when they purchase in the restricted zone?

At this point the legislation has not been passed, so, foreig-

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ners purchasing land within 60 miles of the U.S. Border and within 30 miles of the ocean have to continue using the Fideicomiso (Bank Trust). In fact, many Mexican Nationals prefer using Bank Trusts, as they view them as more secure.

They are renewable every 50 years, and another advantage is that you can pass your investment on to a 3rd party by simply naming them as a secondary trustee.

Thus the property would pass without risk of probate, inheritance taxes, etc.

Fideicomisos are very secure as the Mexican Bank has a fiduciary responsibility to the trustee.

You, as the beneficiary, have all of the rights related to the property and can sell, lease, rent, build on, or do pretty much anything that you want, as long as you follow local zoning requirements.

The answer is a resounding YES! The Huffington Post reports: “Puerto Vallarta is more expensive than other places where you might consider living or retiring overseas, but in Puerto Vallarta that’s not the point. This isn’t developing-world living.

This stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coastline has already been developed to a high level.

In Puerto Vallarta, you can buy a world-class lifestyle in a region with beautiful beaches and ocean views that is supported by world-class golf courses, marinas, restaurants, and shopping.

This is a lifestyle that is comparable to the best you could enjoy in southern California, if you could afford it.

Here you can afford it even on an average budget!”

You can also keep your expenses at a minimum by using the local resources such as the

Mexican run markets and fishing co-ops, and by taking advantage of public transportation. Also, Puerto Vallarta has a plethora of high-quality and inexpensive medical care resources, which on average are a tenth of the cost of the USA or Canada. This coupled with very low property taxes makes Puerto Vallarta a perfect retirement location.

What are the immigration requirements for people who want to retire in Mexico?

A lot of things have changed this year regarding Visas and Migratory Status. For the latest and greatest go to the official INM site at: www.inm.gob.mx/index.php/ page/Migrantes Essentially, we recommend that you first spend some time in Puerto Vallarta on a Tourist Visa, which is valid for 180 days, to get a feel for the area and to find a location that you love.

Once you’ve decided that yes, this is the spot for you, you will need to go to the Mexican Consulate in your native country to apply for any residency status in Mexico.

Are there constraints, limitations, costs, and new laws for bringing foreign vehicles into Mexico?

The laws have changed quite a bit if you’re a resident of Mexico, though, if you are just traveling in the country on a Tourist Visa you can still bring in a car with foreign plates. We found some extremely helpful information regarding Nationalizing a foreign car on this site at:

www.mexicoonmymind.com/ permanently-importing-your-vehicle-into-mexico-2013/ We were really impressed with the passion for Mexico that the Vancouverites attending the conference have. In many ways Vancouver feels like a Sister City to Puerto Vallarta.

Both areas offer an incredibly high-quality lifestyle, friendly people, great food, beautiful views of the water and the mountains, and world-class recreational activities for both young and old alike.

Many thanks for your hospitality and the wonderful experience!

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Off the beaten track: pt2 Ingrid & Manuel: Worst disaster in Mexico’s history

by Todd Bates

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roudly Canadian, and I have lived in Puerto Vallarta for almost seven years. I recently moved to a more traditionally Mexican neighbourhood.

In Part two of this on-going series of articles about a foreigner living in a traditional Mexican area, we continue the discussion about making improvements in your local community.

Please go to www.vallartatribune.com and click on Columns for the previous articles.

My first installment was about my efforts to beautify the area, simply by white-washing the bases of the trees. This one is how, with minimal cost, the area became much tidier.

After white-washing, or simply applying white paint to the trees, I decided to tackle the build-up of trash on the streets.

First I asked my neighbours, the ones that have been supportive of my efforts and live here year-round, if they would work with me by taking a garbage container, that I would purchase for them.

Second, I asked them that on the garbage collection days, of which we have three per week, to place the containers in an easily seen area a few hours before the truck normally arrives.

This was for three reasons.

First to not have the garbage bags on the ground, where some local dogs, inevitably, open them in search of food, second to show the other neighbours that there is a garbage can that they can use, and finally, to allow the garbage

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pick-up personnel to perform their job even more efficiently; less time collecting from several areas, etc.

On my little section of street that I have adopted, there are sixteen neighbours, so I calculated that if I bought only four containers, and that the containers were about five houses apart, this should work well.

Low and behold, on the first day, all four containers were on the street and completely full!

I had expected it to take weeks or longer for full participation, but no, everyone really made the effort to come together as a community.

While there is still some garbage around, the amounts are dramatically less.

One noticeable aspect in many areas of Puerto Vallarta is the lack of public containers for people on the street.

I will confront this by purchasing two more, permanent garbage containers, so that the recurring amounts will be even reduced further.

For this, I have asked two local businesses if they would care for the containers (keeping them clean) and replace the bags, when needed.

They whole-heartedly agreed and are simply awaiting the containers.

Again, this is more evidence that a small effort and very little money, but most importantly, community involvement; a large improvement is easily achievable for anyone that wishes to make their small corner of paradise, better for everyone.

Stay tuned for the next installment.

By Luis Melgoza week after the devastating simultaneous landfall of Hurricane Ingrid on the Gulf coast, and Tropical Storm Manuel on the Pacific coast –and the second hit of Manuel, this time as a hurricane, earlier this week--, Mexico has declared that the damages caused by these two storms are the worst disaster suffered by the country, ever.

Most of the international media attention has been focused on Acapulco, due to its global recognition; however, countless localities throughout the country suffered even worse damages.

Mexico’s armed forces, federal police and the Mexican Red Cross have yet to reach by land all those affected by these storms. The ongoing bad weather has downed at least one Blackhawk helicopter, killing its crew of five federal policemen.

There is an immediate need for ongoing help, it will take months for most of the victims to regain some stability.

Most retailers in Mexico are accepting donations at the registers, including Soriana, Mega and Comercial Mexicana, Chedraui,

A

Walmart and Costco, and other members of the National Retailers Association (ANTAD for its Spanish initials). Feel free to ask your retailer of choice if they are accepting donations.

Walmart is also receiving non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies donations, and matching the donations pound for pound.

Aside from the immediate need for food and shelter, the cash donations will help rebuild homes and infrastructure, as well as to reactivate productive employment sources.

The official death toll is now 110. The actual number of casualties is probably much higher; there is at least one particular locality that was largely swallowed by a major landslide, 68 of its 475 inhabitants have been officially declared missing because their bodies have yet to be recovered.

Never before so many in so many places needed so much from us.

Please help. As much as you can, when you can. Every item and every peso count.

HOW TO DONATE Banamex, the Mexican Citi Bank subsidiary, established special account 15 (branch 100) to receive donations which the bank will match peso for peso, donations to this account may be made at any Banamex branch. You may also transfer from other Mexican banks using CLABE: 002 180 010 000 000 154. The account is in the name of Fomento Social Banamex, A.C. If you want to donate to the above account from abroad or through your foreign bank: BANK: CITIBANK N.Y. U.S.A. NEW YORK, N.Y. ABA 021000089 SWIFT CODE: CITIUS33 ACCOUNT: 36206844 BENEFICIARY: DIVISION FIDUCIARIA

A constantly updated list of donation centers and ways to help is at www.sumateya.org/ To donate directly to the Mexican Red Cross: Cruz Roja Mexicana account 0404 0404 06 at BBVA Bancomer (Branch 683), you may make a deposit to that account from any Bancomer branch.

To transfer money from other Mexican banks to the Mexican Red Cross’ account in Bancomer, use CLABE: 012180004040404062. For transfers from abroad, this is what your bank needs: Account holder: Cruz Roja Mexicana Account # 0404040406 Bank: BBVA Bancomer Branch: 683 Branch Address: Mexico D.F., Palmas, Plaza Mexico SWIFT/BIC Code: BCMRMXMMPYM

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An Underwater Wonderland

By Patricia Peña

N

orth to south, east to west, all paths lead to the ocean. Like the song of the mermaid, Mexico’s crystal clear waters have enamoured many a soul with their enigmatic beauty.

The dolphin noticed the diver and started swimming in circles.

But before he could react and take a photo of the 300-kilo animal, it swam off, flashing its white belly and gray tail. The diver followed it, waving his right hand to attract the attention of the group he was with.

To his surprise, it came back, this time accompanied by another six of its species, which dipped under the water when their leader shimmied up to the diver.

Diver and dolphin stared each other in the eye with an inexplicable mutual curiosity in the placid waters of the Maya Riviera. It is a moment that Arturo Ramírez Martell, a Mexican who has spent 30 of his 48 years as a Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) Instructor Development Course (IDC) Staff Instructor for the Mexican Diving Federation, will never forget.

Arturo knows how lucky he is to be able to explore the depths of Mexico’s seas, rated among the most beautiful in the world by colleagues as prestigious as the father of modern day diving, Jacques Cousteau, after whom an island in the Sea of Cortés in Baja California Sur was named. The

Frenchman was a regular visitor to these waters, which he dubbed the “world’s aquarium”.

Like Cousteau, for many diving is a lifestyle, an adrenalin-packed passion born of an ethereal connection with nature.

But it doesn’t take great physical strength and you certainly don’t have to sign up for a daunting ocean expedition to experience the thrill of coming face to face with the monsters of the deep or discovering the microscopic organisms that bring life and color to this fascinating underworld.

Mexico has an abundance of seas and oceans brimming with unique flora and fauna, not to mention specialized instructors and world famous dive sites like the Sea of Cortés, the Revillagigedo Islands and the Maya Riviera, whose best known spots include Cancún, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel-Isla Mujeres.

MAYA RIVIERA Ideally located on the Mexican Caribbean in the southern Mexican state of Quintana Roo, it is no coincidence that at least one of the Maya Rivera’s 26-plus dive sites appears on every list of the best diving spots in the world.

Solitary reefs, cenotes (underwater sinkholes), islands, shipwrecks, walls and underground river systems have earned the Riviera a reputation as the best cave diving destination in the world. Plus tourists can dive

with sharks, turtles and dolphins, snails, sea urchins, starfish and lobster.

Then there is Xel-Há, an eco-park where you can dive or snorkel in the lagoon or explore the caves of its underground river. The Tres Ríos eco-park has eight cenotes, while budding underwater archaeologists can visit the remains of ancient Maya civilizations at Xcaret, which features 600 meters of caves, tunnels, natural pools and underground rivers swarming with tropical fish. Playa del Carmen, host to the Great Maya Reef, has coral reefs and underground rivers that connect with the cenotes Chac Mool, La Ponderosa, Dos Ojos, Nohoch-Na-Chich, El Gran

Declared a World Heritage Site, this natural aquarium never ceases to amaze with its colourful marine vegetation, shoals of tropical fish, sea lions, giant manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks Cenote, Car Wash, Chikin Ha, Taj Majal and Angelita.

Also in the Maya Riviera is Majahual, whose coral reefs provide a refuge for starfish, seahorses, dolphins, turtles and sponges. Isla Mujeres has virgin areas and quiet beaches like El GarDepending on the depth and time of year, visibility averages 20 meters, increasing to 40 meters in summer and fall.

Some of the region’s more famous dive sites are Aktun Chen, a natural park with a 12-meterdeep cenote, and Xpu-Há, an ecopark with a route that takes in 61 cenotes, including one called Manatí, which boasts an enormous lagoon. In the same area is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve, whose 47.5-kilometer strip of coastline is home to the second largest barrier reef in the

A Great Museum for a Great Civilization

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f you happen to be in Mérida, the capital of the state of Yucatán, don’t pass up the chance to visit the Great Maya World Museum and learn more about that fascinating culture.

The museum has four exhibition halls spread over 17,500 square meters, while its 1,200piece permanent collection boasts everything from textiles to religious artifacts and household items that give the visitor insight into the modern day Maya lifestyle, in addition to engravings, books, historic documents and works of art dating from colonial times and Pre-Columbian sculptures, pottery, trousseaux and offerings in gold, jade and mother

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of pearl.

Due to its diverse content and interactive format, the Great Maya World Museum could well rate among the most visited in Mexico before long –after opening its doors in late December 2012, it is already receiving 500 visitors on weekdays, 500 a day on weekends and organizing itinerant exhibitions.

A joint venture between Mexico’s public and private sectors, the museum was built and will be maintained with private funds for the next 20 years, although its cultural policies will be dictated by the government.

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world, populated by tropical fish, sponges, pink rafón, El Farito and Manchones, whose crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling. Finally, there is the island of Cozumel on the Yucatán Peninsula, a diver’s paradise famous for its coral formations, shallow walls and mysterious freshwater cenotes, with packages to accommodate all levels of expertise and every budget.

RIVIERA NAYARIT Winding along Mexico’s Pacific coast, the Riviera Nayarit has a great selection of diving programs for both amateurs and experts with “magical” spots like the Marieta Islands Marine Reserve, part of an underwater mountain whose peak emerges above the surface, marking the entrance to Banderas

Bay. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau’s underwater expeditions of the 1970s, the reserve is ideal for beginners, with depths of 7.5 to 23 meters and average visibility of 12 meters.

On the shores of Banderas Bay, some 10 kilometers west of the Marieta Islands, is El Morro, whose rocky pinnacles conceal tunnels and caves. This site is suitable for small groups of certified divers, with depths of 45 meters below sea level.

Another option for certified deep-sea divers is Los Anegados off Banderas Bay, halfway between the Marieta Islands and El Morro. Just 10 meters below the surface are caves and rock formations that beg to be explored.

Here, you’ll see giant manta rays, sharks, eels and tuna. Depths go from nine to 25 meters, with visibility ranging from nine to 28 meters.

Some five kilometers away is La Corbeteña, recommended for experienced divers only due to its strong currents flush with marine life and depths of 40 to 60 meters. In the same area, opposite to Rincón de Guayabitos, are the islands of El Cangrejo and El Coral, whose coral reefs are rife with manta rays, turtles, starfish and rainbow colored fish. Isabel Island is another popular destination in the Riviera Nayarit for a diving holiday and a mandatory point of call for migratory birds and humpback whales as they make their way south to repro-

Banderas Bay Butterfies

by Moralea Milne

ELF (Microtia elva) These small, approximately 1-1.5 in (2.5–3.5 cm) butterflies can be found flying throughout the year along both coasts of Mexico, often in open areas in lowland tropics. Like most butterflies, they select certain plants on which to lay their eggs, in this case on members of the Justicia family (shrimp plants), which have tubular flowers. They can be found nectaring on a variety of flowers; I have often found them on the small wild marigolds. They are very alert and it is not easy to catch them at rest for long.

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duce. On the beaches of Monas and El Cantil del Faro and the walls of El Cerro Pelón, you can spot the world’s largest fish, the whale shark.

BAJA CALIFORNIA The Sea of Cortés is a watery Pacific paradise in North Mexico.

Declared a World Heritage Site, this natural aquarium never ceases to amaze with its colourful marine vegetation, shoals of tropical fish, sea lions, giant manta rays, whales and hammerhead sharks.

Jacques Cousteau was so fond of diving at Cerralvo Island that it was renamed after him in 2009.

Measuring 29 kilometers long and seven wide, it lies just 65 kilometers from La Paz, Baja California.

Also in Baja California, some 400 kilometers south of Cabo San Lucas, is the Revillagigedo Archipelago, formed by four

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

islands –San Benedicto, Socorro, Roca Partida and Clarión– that are sometimes referred to as the Galapagos of Mexico. Experts say this is the best place to dive with large species like the giant manta ray of the Pacific, which can measure up to seven meters from fin to fin.

Sharks are a major attraction and, if you’re lucky, on one single expedition you’ll get to see the hammerhead, whitetip, silvertip, silky, gray, Galapagos and tiger varieties. And if you’re even luckier, the whale shark, especially if you visit in November, December, April or May. Pods of dolphins invade the beaches between January and March, when humpback whales come to the islands to mate and give birth.

and 350 shipwrecks concentrated in an area near the port of Veracruz, this is a favourite spot for adventure seekers, with flora and fauna you’d be hard pressed to see anywhere else in the world, like green moray eels, whiprays, silky sharks and whale sharks.

According to the experts, the best time of year to dive in the Gulf of Mexico is between May and September, when visibility is on a par with that of the Caribbean Sea. Veracruz has programs and expeditions for divers of every level, from beginners to the more experienced. Other good dive sites in South Mexico include the Montebello Lakes, a national park in the state of Chiapas, and the Pacific waters that lap the coast of the state of Oaxaca.

THE VERACRUZ REEF SYSTEM

Originally published in Negocios ProMéxico, September 2013

Comprised of 17 coral reefs

Layla´s Restaurant

KEY DISTRIBUTION POINTS You should be able to find the paper at these locations. If you’ve missed this week’s paper you can always download the current copy at vallartatribune.com Tourist Offices: • Rio Cuale • Main Plaza • Lazaro Cardenas Park American Consulate Canadian Consulate

Old Town & Centro Paradise Community Centre Freddy Tucan Restaurant Los Mercados Timothy Real Estate Page in the Sun

Nuevo Vallarta Paradise Village La Estancia Vallarta Adventures

Hotel Zone Villa del Palmar - Vallarta

Bucerias DeCameron Resort Elements Realty Yo-Yo Mo’s Sports Bar

Marina RE/MAX Marina Café Cup Casa Velas

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

VALLARTA´S ONLY ENGLISH NEWSPAPER FIND ALL THIS GREAT INFORMATION AND MUCH MORE ONLINE

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Wanderings on Olas Altas

By Poncho Davalos alfonso@tropicasa.com

Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus: Big plans

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uerto Vallarta is not just the most romantic place in Mexico to say, “I do”, Puerto Vallarta is also the first city in Mexico and across Central America to have a gay choir.

Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus, Artistic Director, Bob Bruneau says, “This has been a dream of mine from the moment the idea of a gay men’s chorus in Puerto Vallarta first came to me early in 2012. With the help of my dear friend and co-founder Joyce Ericson, we laid out a roadmap of how we’d get from an “idea” to our first performance. We made history. We are the first ever gay men’s chorus in Mexico... Our audience received the show and the Puerto Vallarta Men’s chorus with warmth and enthusiasm. We entertained, and hopefully moved some hearts and minds with our music and stories.”

Despite the wide public support they have received over the years

they still face challenges similar to most volunteer organizations.

Things like forming a leadership team, recruiting volunteers, fund raising and becoming known in the community are regular challenges. More uniquely the PV Men’s Chorus is also a multi-cultural and multi-national group so communicating and learning how to work together has required extra time for all of them to learn about each other’s heritage and values.

Their mission is: “To present quality male choral music in Spanish and English using the voices and talent of gay Mexicans and ex-patriots to entertain, enlighten and unify our audience and members while building bridges of understanding, acceptance and love between communities, cultures, families and friends.”

Any man who supports their mission is invited to a basic audition with Bob where he deter-

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mines an individual’s vocal range and ability to match musical notes.

Most of their members are NOT trained musicians and they have been providing musical training in addition to their regular rehearsals.

Interested?

They are actively auditioning new members right now!

The next event will be hold a “Welcome Back Party, Sunday, September 29, 2013, 4 – 8 PM, at C. C. Slaughter’s, for all past, present and potential future members. There will be free food, karaoke and drinks at happy hour

prices after 6 PM. The PVMC in Puerto Vallarta has many dreams for the future, including going on tour, making a video of their founding and producing a CD. Right now, they have their hands full developing as a musical group, getting organized and becoming known in Puerto Vallarta and Mexico.

PVMC is a member of GALA, (www.galachoruses.org) an association that leads the North American GLBT choral movement with 8,000 singers from more than 170 choruses in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

They would love to be able to attend the next GALA choral festival in Denver, Colorado in 2016.

Who me?

To be honest I’m too shy to sing in public. The only time I’ve done this was at karaoke because my friend Gustavo asked me (nicely) to joined him. But if you aren’t shy as me they’re actively auditioning new members right now.

Guys for more information feel free to e-mail me at alfonso@ tropicasa.com

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RIVIERA NAYARIT

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Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

Non Profit entreamigos in San Pancho Summer Success

I

t was entreamigos biggest summer ever with 215 kids participating in events and 98 volunteers. It was four weeks of summer fun for the San Pancho kids all of ages in a variety of classes with the ages of children ranging from 4 to 14. They had crazy adventures like Xtreme sports, paddle boarding, art, and swim lessons with just about everything in between.

There were more than 45 classes all taught by volunteers who joined them from Canada, United States and all over Mexico.

These programs would never have made it if not for all of these amazing volunteers. Kudos to all of you who made this possible for the kids of San Pancho!

This summer 18 university students from the prestigious private Mexican mniversities, Iberoamericano, located in Mexico City and ITESSO located in Guadalajara came to volunteer.

They joined entreamigos to do their 480 hours of practical social service required for graduation.

This amazing and diverse group of kids brought their skills in product design, marketing, architecture, engineering and education to work on ongoing and new entreamigos projects. These kids made a fun video about their experience. This video really shows off all of the aspects of entreamigos, and volunteers at work. Check it out! h tt p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=l8HgSIDpKN8 50 SAN PANCHO KIDS VISIT CIRQUE DU SOLEIL! A HUGE THANK YOU goes out to Gilles Ste. Croix and Monique Voyer for inviting 50 San Pancho kids to see the preview showing of the Cirque du Soleil show, Varekai

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that just opened in Guadalajara.

What an amazing treat for these kids. The kids took a deluxe bus to Guadalajara, many visiting for their very first time. They enjoyed front row seats and pizza afterwards.

Back to School In Mexico, school started in August and the kids are back in school.

This year, thanks to the many who donated backpacks and school supplies to entreamigos. These donations were able to help nearly 200 kids get a fun, fresh start to the year! So many people brought in school supplies, and special thanks go out to Dream Trips volunteers from World Ventures, who have donated nearly 100 backpacks in their recent visits.

Way to go Dream Trips!

The Scholarship Program…

There has been 71 Scholarships dispersed to local students, and now 9 are attending university These programs would have never made it if not for all of the donations, and the time and energy of the amazing volunteers.

A special thanks to the Director of entreamigos, Nicole Swedlow, who had a vision back in January of 2006, and continues to put in endless time and energy for entreamigos children and adults alike.

A Fun Journey Started with a Vision Nicole Swedlow began teaching arts and crafts on her old kitchen table in front of a little storefront that she had rented. Nicole’s idea was to invite local artists to sell their crafts in the store and in turn for a reduced commission rate on sales they would be asked to teach an art class to children or adults in the San Pancho community.

The store sat empty and was

not getting off the ground until a cash gift of a friend, John Arner helped buy inventory to make the store look more like a store. This and “the project” began to attract visitors, artists and began to gain more interest.

In the summer of 2006, entreamigos had two breakthrough events with the start of the Summer Workshops and their first Planta San Pancho reforestation day. In 2007 Indira Santos and Plantate Baronio joined entreamigos and together they expanded the upstairs of their storefront to create a small library.

The Recycling program and the Recicla Parque initiatives took off; the Scholarship program was launched and by the end of 2008, it was clear that the activities of entreamigos could no longer be contained in the small space or on the street.

In April of 2009 the State Government granted entreamigos the use of an abandoned warehouse. With an amazing response from the community, along with funding from the Three Swallows Foundation, the building was remolded and has expanded into the San Pancho Community Center it is today.

Entreamigos enjoys the use of the spectacular facility as a platform, and they continue the work that began with Nicole back in 2006, seven years ago. So many changes have been made since then.

Although there are many ways to donate, like sponsoring a child in summer, or a scholarship student or a special project, the truth is that all of those things wouldn’t exist without the everyday, normal hard work of the entire entreamigos staff. What a wonderful success for the San Pancho Community. Entreamigos hours are: Monday to Friday 9am – 6pm and Saturday 10am – 2pm Special events and classes may

have different schedules.

If you would like to help with a donation, please visit: entreamigos.org.mx/ get-involved/donate/ Cat Morgan owns the Riviera Nayarit Fun Regional Network. http://RivieraNayaritFun.com For comments or information, or if you have any events on the Riviera Nayarit, contact her at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

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riviera nayarit 16

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

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La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: Sun, sand, and culture in a Mexican fishing village B

aseball-capped fishermen spread out their sierra fishing nets on the college soccer pitch. In the hot siesta sun, they run their fingers along the lines checking for snags and breaks. The thin cords appear as a semi-translucent tangle over the dry grass.

With rich stocks of sardines, red snapper, shrimp, and sierra—a mackerel-like fish, the fishing industry has quietly fed the village of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle since the 1930s. Called simply “La Cruz” by locals and pronunciation-hesitant visitors (it’s roughly pronounced wha-nah-CAX-slee), the small Pacific town is tucked in a corner of Banderas Bay. The bay’s name—Bahía Banderas in Spanish—fully translates to Bay of Flags and it is the world’s second largest, trumped only by the Bay of Bengal.

“It is a favourite area with all Mexicans,” says Eric, a taxi driver.

“People come here from all over.”

To the south, the castle-like resorts of Nuevo Vallarta and the dark Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains emerge above the saltwater haze. La Cruz is only 20 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). At Bucerias, the closest town to La Cruz, the four-lane Mexico 200 meets the two-lane Punta de Mita Highway. Besides the 2 kilometres of paved road, the two communities are also connected by a stretch of soft-sand beaches.

Nayarit (its state border with Jalisco is just north of the airport) has re-branded itself in recent years as “Riviera Nayarit” to attract increasing numbers of tourists to the 309 kilometres of coast and beaches. “It is on the license plate,” says Eric, pointing out the state’s moniker.

Over the Christmas holidays, families in beach gear arrive by the busload to enjoy a day of sun and sand. But at present, La Cruz remains fairly untouched by the wave of large vacation resorts that have swept along the bay, north from Puerto Vallarta and east from Punta de Mita.

The town’s busiest district is the commercial strip along the Punta de Mita highway. Filled with gas-station conveniences like refrigerated clamato juice and tequila mixers, the by-pass keeps

traffic away from the beaches and the town’s shady streets.

Quiet Langosta Street leads from the highway down to a small waterfront plaza. A plain huanacaxtle-wood cross in the traffic circle is a literal representation of the fishing town’s name. Huanacaxtle trees, also known as parota and guanacaste, can grow 40 metres high and 3.5 metres in diameter at the base. The huanacaxtle is so prized Costa Rica has made it their national tree.

More common in La Cruz, however, are the almond and fig trees that provide a soft shade over the cobbled streets. Local families sit in garden chairs, the women minding children while perhaps running a convenience store or a small two-table restaurant. Roosters roam an odd vacant lot and dogs sunbathe in streets named for the sea—Marlin, Tiburon, Sierra, and Coral.

In this slow-speed town, the most delightful attraction—the La Cruz beachfront—is practically sanctioned off for families and quiet enjoyment.

“We have the sun, and the sand, and the culture,” says Michael Murphy, a realtor who splits his time between Vancouver Island and Bucerias. “You have to

various Latin rhythms: ranchera, norteño, vallenato, trova, bolero, banda, cumbia, and bachata.

On the beach, vendors walk the hot sand in flip-flops to sell cotton candy, blankets, jewellery, and fake tattoos. Commercial-fishing-turned-tour boats bob outside the swimming area, the decks stacked with fluorescent orange life jackets and fishing

“These little towns, they are adapting and changing,” says Murphy.

get below the Tropic of Cancer to get the weather.”

The Tropic runs just north of Mazatlan, about 7 hours up the coast, and in Banderas Bay there is no shortage of tropical beaches.

La Cruz’s finest stretch of sand is at La Manzanilla, a sheltered beach that caps the western edge of town.

Clustered together in a snug block, a few palm-thatched palapa restaurants provide shade, as the waiters—often Spanish-English bilingual—serve whole pineapple and young coconut cocktails. The menus are limited almost exclusively to fresh local mariscos, be it skewers of grilled shrimp, smoked red snapper, or marlin tacos.

The jukeboxes are plugged with

poles. The water temperature in Banderas Bay remains swimable year-round (by Canadian standards), ranging from about 18°C to 30°C. Fishing, too, offers a catch in most months, while the stiff Pacific breezes please sailors and windsurfers.

Behind the beach the town’s deluxe homes seemingly cling to the hillside overlooking the sands and marina. The hills around La Cruz allow for more residents to enjoy ocean views from the breakfast table and at night-time, the lighted properties look like jungle tree houses.

From packed La Manzanilla in the west, a rockier stretch of beach divided with breakwaters serves as a pedestrian throughway to the

marina near the town plaza.

Within a 10-minute walk from La Manzanilla, a barcode of yacht masts breaks up the buildings and coconut palms along the waterfront. Marina Riviera Nayarit, which opened in 2008, is the one of the largest and deepest on the Pacific coast. And with its own restaurant, bar, and concierge, the marina has become a comfortable gateway to Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta.

The influx of world-traveling sailors has also brought an international vibe to the town. Town restaurants range in fare from Italian to Asian fusion, often with local La Cruz seafood as the key ingredient.

“Before the marina was here, all the fishermen used to clean the fish on the beach, and sell the fish on the beach,” says the harbour

master at Marina Riviera Nayarit.

Part of marina includs a fish market and dock. “We built some storage rooms with walk-in fridges and areas where they can clean the fish,” he says.

Add in the weekly farmers’ market and “you can cook an entire meal with products we sell here.”

While the connection to the local fishing heritage is not lost with the influx of tourism, it also doesn’t stay the same.

“The fishermen don’t necessarily totally rely on going out and catching fish now, they take tours out to catch fish,” says Murphy, noting the shift in the local economy.

The fishermen’s wharf and market mean the local launches dock near multi-million dollar yachts. It is a resounding contrast.

Charities

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

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,

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Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.- Contact: Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tax-deductible in Canada & the U.S. Cell: (322) 133-7263. ric@ 4compassion.org Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street.

Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) A municipal service, part of the federal System of Family Services that assists not only in times of emergency, but also with ongoing education, health, and training programs for the whole family. Contact City Hall 222-0058 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers Candelaria 143 Col. Barrio Santa María Phone: 22 343 11 or 22 225 72 www.facebook.com/ desayunosninosvallarta

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

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Navy League - Meets and greets visiting Naval vessels from all nations, assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair schools and other public/charitable facilities, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. Contacts: Bill Clark at 222 3616 or Jerry Lafferty at 221 6156. www.vallartanavyleague.org.

New Life Mexico - A British Charity working in Mexico.

Challenging Child Poverty with Health and Education 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 PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. 90-100 cats and dogs sterilized weekly, doing the greatest good for the greatest number of animals. 501 (c) (3) status with tax-deductible status in Canada and Mexico. www.peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible receipts for Mexico and USA. Contacts: Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478.

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

Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. Open to all. Mtgs held at Paradise Community Center, third Thursday every month at 11am from October to May. www.vallartagardenclub.com 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. 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.

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.

Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) - Preventing a collapse of Mexico’s healthcare system by cutting Puerto Vallarta’s diabetes costs in half through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. Donations NAOTF.org U.S. tax deductible, Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com

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EVENTS

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October is International Breast Cancer Awareness Month A series of events are being held around the city to promote awareness.

October 17 Vallarta Garden Club Meeting Bob Price will speak on Beautification in the Current Political Climate of P.V. Paradise Community Center at 11 a.m.

October 17-20 Vallarta-Nayarit Gastronomica 2013

Please be sure to contact the venue to confirm all events.

La Bodeguita Del Medio Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858, Malecon” 322.223.1583 Tu-Sun 9:30-2:00 am

October 5 – Live Opera Broadcast Opening The live opera broadcasts by New York’s Metropolitan Opera Company (The Met) in Teatro Vallarta will begin the season with the screening of Tchaikovsky’s Eugene Onegin. A complete opera performance schedule is available on Teatro Vallarta’s website.

October 12 Mariana “Barbie” Juarez vs.

Buakaew Onesongchaigym One of the most important boxing matches of the year in Mexico will see Mariana “Barbie” Juarez, ranked first in the World Boxing Council (WBC) face off with Thailand’s Buakaew Onesongchaigym on Saturday October 12 at Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta.

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

A gourmet weekend bringing together some of the world’s best chefs, sommeliers and gastronomy experts. Held at various locations around the bay. More information is online at vallartanayaritgastronomica.com November 14 Act II kick-off with A Chorus Line Act II Entertainment’s kicks of the season with its newest production, A Chorus Line, opening November 14th.

November 14-17 Engage Mexico Social Media Conference #5 Held at the Puerto Vallarta Sheraton Engage Mexico is a social media conference with experienced International Speakers.

November 14-23 XIX Festival Gourmet International Thirty top level chefs arrive in Puerto Vallarta from different cities around Mexico and the world to participate. There will be special happenings all week long, including the opening at the Los Muertos Beach Pier, and the farewell at the St. Regis and Café des Artistes Punta Mita.

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

El Jardin del Pulpo Coral 66, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle” 329.295.5071 10:30 am 12.30 pm

October 4 - Hair Spray Night 2 A charity fundraiser for SETAC, Puerto Vallarta’s GLBT Community Center at Mandala Sky Bar. Top stylists will be showcasing fabulous up-dos and more at this annual charity event.

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

El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq.

Matamoros 322.222.0743

Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias 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 Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Mon-Sun 10:pm -3:00 am Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro 322.113.0373 Philo’s Delfin15, La Cruz de Huanacaxle”329.295.5068 Thu-Sat 8:30 pm Barcelona Tapas Matamoros esq 31 de Octubre Centro 322.223.0831

El Dorado Pulpito # 102, Playa los Muertos”322.222.4124

Que? Pasa Aquiles Serdan 625, Col Emiliano Zapata 322.223.4006

SPCA de PV ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT... CARMEN Carmen is such a beautiful lady. The poor girl was abandoned on the streets and left to fend for herself. Upon arrival at the sanctuary she tested positive for Moquillo (distemper). She has successfully recovered from her ordeal and the only reminder is a slight tick in her jaw which we happen to think is adorable!

She is a year old and weighs 16 kilos or a little over 35 pounds.

She is a great dog and will make a wonderful family member!

Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

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Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

PURR PROJECT FEATURED FELINE

If you look up “maternal” in the dictionary, it says ‘…motherly; pertaining to motherhood; see also Miss Clayton.’

Last March, PuRR was approached by an Australian lady who had found a very pregnant cat on the street. This kind lady was scheduled to return to Australia, but agreed to feed, shelter and provide vet services for the cat (by then named Miss Clayton) until her kittens were born and

weaned. PuRR, in turn, agreed to take Mama and babies and try to find them homes.

All six kittens found forever homes, but Miss Clayton remains at our ranch—acting as surrogate mother to the tiny, orphaned kittens we often find at our gate.

She cuddles and comforts them, making their transition through the adoption process quicker and less traumatic. For adoption info, email: adopt@purrproject.com.

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.

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CLASSIFIEDS

Garage Sale

Last Weekend - Good Prices LG frig, new DVR, Farberware grill, large entertainment center, clothes, linens, much more Central location 222-5505

HOROSCOPE

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Horoscope Aries Look over your financial paperwork on Monday. You might be overdrawn at the bank! A partner will send you mixed signals on Wednesday. Decoding this individual’s true desires will be very difficult. You might be extremely impulsive when the Moon squares Uranus in Aries on Friday. It’s important to think first and take action later. Search for spiritual enlightenment on Sunday. Read a book by a religious leader, learn how to meditate, or walk a labyrinth.

Taurus You may experience mental confusion when the Moon in Taurus is quincunx Mercury on Monday.

Separating fact from fiction won’t be easy. A health matter may spring up on Wednesday. It might be wise to schedule a regular medical checkup. You’ll be in a very upbeat mood on Thursday. Get ready to smile at everyone you meet! A family member may ask for your advice on Saturday. Say so if you don’t feel competent to counsel your loved one.

Gemini You’ll shine with a special glow when the Moon enters your sector of self on Tuesday. It’s a great time to mix and mingle. Harmony will flow on the job on Thursday. A co-worker might invite you out to lunch! A friend may ask for a large monetary loan on Friday. Check that you have the funds necessary before agreeing to it. Put your brain to good use on Sunday. Think up ways to bring joy into your life.

Cancer You could face a setback on Monday. A certain situation won’t work out as planned. It’s time to start over! Your intuition will be spot on target on Tuesday. Follow your sixth sense in all life circumstances.

A loved one may try to control your actions when the Moon in Cancer opposes Pluto on Friday. Explain that you have the right to live your own life. Avoid gambling on Sunday.

It’s possible that you could lose big time.

Leo Demonstrate your leadership skills while at work on Monday. A higher-up will take notice! You’ll waver between two options on

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Wednesday. Wait until you’re sure of what you really want before making a decision. A lover could be in a quarrelsome mood when Venus squares Mars in Leo on Saturday.

Give this person plenty of personal space. Unfinished business might need to be dealt with on Sunday.

Take steps to bring the matter to final closure.

Virgo A new acquaintance will enter your life on Monday. This person will expand your mental horizons.

It’s possible that you’ll travel to a foreign country together. Play by the rules on Tuesday. If you run a red light, you will get caught! Be true to your beliefs on Thursday. It isn’t wise to blindly follow the opinions of others. New vibrations will surround you when your ruler Mercury enters Scorpio on Sunday. Your heart will lead your head this weekend.

Libra Stick to your budget on Tuesday. If you have the urge to splurge, ask a friend to hold on to your wallet.

An associate may try to deceive you when the Libra Sun is quincunx Neptune on Wednesday. Be on your guard when interacting with others.

Family matters could interfere with

your work schedule on Friday.

Finding the right balance between home and career will be a struggle.

An admirer may try to impress you on Saturday. This person values your good opinion!

Scorpio Surround yourself with nature on Monday.

Putting plants in your living space will restore your spirits.

Check your insurance policies on Tuesday. You could be paying for unnecessary services. Love will be lovely when Venus in Scorpio trines Jupiter on Thursday. If you’re single, you could meet a soul mate.

Say what you mean and mean what you say on Saturday. If you don’t clearly state your intentions, you’ll be misunderstood. A lost object will finally be found on Sunday.

Sagittarius Making use of stateof-the-art technology to increase your income could take up your time and energy today, Sagittarius. You might be starting a new business or enhancing the efficiency of a current one, but in order to do it your brain will have to process a lot of information. Don’t be intimidated by the technical stuff.

Just take it step by step and you’ll catch on.

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

Capricorn Adventure is always one of your main priorities, Capricorn. Today you might have your mind on a type of adventure that you’ve never tried before. You might consider climbing a mountain, exploring Rome, or visiting the South Pacific. Whatever it is you want to do, you’d better start making serious plans now or you’ll be too antsy for words.

Aquarius The study of astrology and psychic disciplines might be your primary focus today, Aquarius. You might even take a class in whatever subject interests you. You can also expect to meet some intriguing new people who may be a bit weird but nonetheless could become close friends. If it isn’t too dangerous, walk home after class. You’ll need to clear your head so you can sleep.

Pisces

Friends, group activities, and social events could take up a lot of your time today, Pisces, so expect to spend your day interacting with people. They could range from any kind of social, ethnic, educational, or national background.

Friday Sept 27, Oct 3rd, 2013

SUDOKU easy

BRAIN TEASERS

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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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Number Blocks What’s a number block you ask? A number block is group of numbers formed in a block. The numbers in each row add up to the totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right.

Some of the numbers are missing. Try to fill in the missing numbers between 0 and 12.

hard

Wuzzles

What’s a wuzzle you ask? A wuzzle is a saying/phrase that is made up of a display of words, in an interesting way.The object is to try to figure out the well-known saying, person, place, or thing that each wuzzle is meant to represent.

Time to Learn Spanish At the Airport

Commonym 1 1. A Ball - A Fish - A Cold 2. A Ball - A Salad - A Coin 3. A Cork - A Question - A Balloon 4. A Bottle - A Baseball Player - A Mushroom 5. A Bell - Mouth - A Shoe 6. A Tug of War - The Nightly News - A Boat 7. Seventeen - Time - People 8. A Basketball Court - A Highway - A Bowling Alley 9. Fog - A Jack - A Body Builder 10. A Hockey Game - A Restaurant - A Bank

Commonym 1 Answers 1. they are caught 2. they are tossed 3. they are popped 4. they have caps 5. they have tongues 6. they have anchors 7. they are magazines 8. they have lanes 9. they lift 10. they have checks

What’s a commonym you ask? A commonyms is group of words that have a common trait in the three words/items listed. For example: the words; A car - A tree - An elephant.. they all have trunks. These will make you think!

Wuzzle 1 Answers 1. Falling Temperature 2. Two Under Par 3. Fat Chance 4. Broken Heart 5. Hot Under the Collar 6. Head in the Sand

Commonym

Below are lists of 25 important words and 10 useful phrases.

Important Words la maleta suitcase el equipaje baggage el boleto ticket el guardia de seguridad security guard el detector de metals metal detector el seleccionador de rayos x-ray machine la banda conveyor belt el carrito de equipaje baggage cart el maletero porter la sección de no fumar non-smoking section el pasaporte passport el talon baggage claim ticket el maletín carry-on bag la aduana customs office el reclamo de equipaje baggage claim area el pase de abordar boarding pass el, la sobrecargo flight attendant el compartimiento de equipaje luggage compartment la mesita tray table el pasillo aisle la terminal terminal building

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May 31 - June 6, 2013 Vallarta Tribune 843

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