Issue 878, Jan 31 - Feb 6, 2014

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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Charreada mexican rodeo

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Jan 31 - Feb 06, 2014 Free Issue 878

Rehabilitation

CLINICA SANTA BARBARA

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Super Bowl live from new york

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Photo courtesy of Barbara Nettleton

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Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014 PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona Director Victor Falcon victorfalcon@Outlook.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Editorial Board Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver Sales Team SALES ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Ma. Yolanda Meza yoly@vallartatribune.com Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Community Manager / Sales Julie Mongeau juliemongeau@gmail.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. (322) 226-0829, 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

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

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

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 $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus.

There are no “transfers”.

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

MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine.

Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.

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

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

COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated.

For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun!

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

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

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

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

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

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

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

You need to dial a different prefix.

To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

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Editorial 03

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Around Town with Julie

juliemongeau@gmail.com

Editor´s Note My mommy’s coming!! he’s only here for a few days before she heads to other destinations in Mexico and in these few days we have to decide what to do with our time. She’s a nature person - and author of the weekly Banderas Bay Butterfly column. So we are going to do some exploring that we haven’t had a chance to do together.

I sent her a list of activities for this weekend that included the San Blas Birding Festival, the 3rd Annual Charro Championships, road trip to Mascota to find the petroglyphs, head to Barre de Navidad in the south, a day at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens smelling orchids, butterfly hunting in Mismaloya and a longer trip taking the scenic route to Guadalajara so we can stop in Mascota (petroglyphs), Talpa (cathedral), the Guachimontones (pyramids), and then spend a day cruising the city. If it was your trip, what would you do? Where would you go?

Along with all these adventures Vallarta has some great things to do right here this week including lots of live shows, musical acts, charity fundraiser events and more. Or maybe head out on the water… I went out last week on the 45’ sailboat, Red Dolphin out of La Cruz, and Capt.

Mike delivered a wonderful after-

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noon with dolphins, whales and delicious rum punch drinks. If you are looking for a little luxury, this is the boat for you. If you invite me along, I promise I’m a good luck charm.

Next week we’ll have some great places to consider for Valentine’s Day including the amazing Villa Amor del Mar that hosted me for a night. Sigh….. What’s your most romantic destination here in Vallarta?

Enjoy.

Madeline

Around the Banderas Bay, there are plenty of functions that focus on raising funds for the less fortunate, and most of them know how to put some spice and fun into it. Every Wednesday, Nacho Daddy hosts a Charity BINGO Night in the spirit of raising funds for two charities: Pasitos de Luz and the Colina Spay & Neuter Clinic. It is said to be the biggest and most entertaining BINGO night in town. The game starts at 6:30 on the nose, so please come and join in on the fun and hopefully you’ll get the chance to yell BINGO! And maybe even bring some great prizes home; by the way it is also a great way to make new friends. Join the game for only $50 pesitos.

Mind you, if you are looking for a more relaxing way to get involved in fundraising, there is a Breakfast this coming Tuesday, February 11th. The Old Town Bistro, will be hosting the International Children with Cancer Day, for the Children of Canicas. This event was created to help raise funds to allow children suffering

with cancer to be given the proper treatment and medication. This a great opportunity to meet new people and discover ways to get more involved in the community.

Do you have health questions? Why not attend Medical Matters Conference on Monday, February 10 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Hotel Marriott CasaMagna in Marina Vallarta. Meet physicians, ask questions, and learn about local labs and diagnostic centers, hospitals – anything and everything to do with your health and well-being. The day will feature a vast array of healthcare-related providers including international insurance representatives, local

map of your newspaper you are labeling the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe here in Vallarta as a “cathedral”.

William J. Moorhead

Dear Editor, believe today the world is learning that in Mexico, Mexican Nationals have won a new freedom of self-protection, in an action that has some 20,000 plus and growing member “self -defense” groups in the state of Michoacán that have been essentially legalized.

The self-defense force leader in the town of Coalcoman, Misael Gonzales, said leaders had accepted the government proposal that authorizes them as

private hospitals, clinics, physicians, spas, diagnostic centers, labs – to name a few. Hosted and organized by Pamela Thompson, our local medical guru.

On a meet and greet note, during the month of February the Expats in Vallarta will be gathering at Langostino’s on both Tuesday, February 4th and 18th from 5 to 7 pm for some special expat priced refreshments, another great way to socialize and network.

Please remember anything I should know about and be sharing with the community, my email is always open Smiles Julie

Cruise Ship Arrivals Ahoy! Welcome to Puerto Vallarta Norwegian Star, Carnival Miracle, Sapphire Princess

Letters to the Editor Dear Ms. Milne, his is a misnomer that has been bothering me ever since I have been living in Vallarta, some 15+ years. The church in the center of town is not a “cathedral”. It is the Iglesia de Nuestra Signora de Guadalupe, a parish church.

A church designated as a “cathedral” is the seat of the diocese - where the local “ordinary” or bishop resides.

Puerto Vallarta is part of the diocese of Tepic and that is where

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the cathedral is located - in Tepic, where the bishop resides.

St. Peter’s in Rome isn’t a cathedral, but rather, a basilica.

The cathedral of the diocese of Rome is St. John Lateran, which is where the Pope’s chair or “cathedra” is - as the bishop of Rome.

I have heard tourists refer to Iglesia Guadalupe as “the cathedral.” I have also heard tour guides taking folks on a tour of the city calling it a “cathedral.”

I noticed that on the center fold

Dear Mr. Moorhead, I am too am guilty of calling it a cathedral.

Thank you for the clarification and interesting information. I’ll see what I can do about the map.

Best, Madeline

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a Rural Defense Corp, and allows them to maintain their military type weapons.

This is yet another case where the people could do what the government could not.

Frank Norton San Francisco, CA USA

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Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

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Best Hotels in Mexico 2014

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.S. News & World Report’s travel editors sifted through a wide array of guest reviews and expert recommendations, and analyzed accolades and industry information to come up with the most complete list of the best luxury hotels to help travelers heading to Mexico. From beachside retreats to city boutiques rankings cover the crème de la crème of Mexico’s lodging.

The only hotel making the list in Banderas Bay is the St. Regis in Punta de Mita. Congratulations to the St. Regis for coming in fourth in a very prestigious list of resorts.

The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort

Punta de Mita

At The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, travelers will find a host of entertainment and accommodation options to suit their needs.

The hotel boasts three infinity pools, a 10,000-square-foot spa, a children’s club, two neighboring Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and a daily schedule of complimentary activities such as guacamole-making class, bike tours and Spanish lessons.

This St. Regis resort’s scenic location along Mexico’s Pacific coast is a also source of praise from guests — the hotel sits along the soft sands of Punta de Mita, offering picture-perfect views of Banderas Bay. The resort’s amenities and primo lodgings don’t go unnoticed by travel experts: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is a 2014 AAA Five Diamond Award winner, and it made the 2014 Travel + Leisure 500 World’s Best Hotels list.

Agreement to incorporate self-defense groups into municipal police forces

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n Monday, the government reached an agreement to allow self-defense groups to continue operating if they integrate themselves with the government’s Rural Defense Forces, allow oversight from the army and work in collaboration with municipal authorities, with whom the self-defense groups have, until now, maintained an antagonistic relationship. The government had initially called on the self-defense groups to disarm, but they refused.

Interior Secretary Miguel Ángel Osorio Chong announced on Monday that the federal government had captured a leader of the Knights Templar and would

continue the fight against organized crime across the country, the same day as it reached an agreement to incorporate self-defense groups into municipal police forces.

The arrest was confirmed by Monte Alejandro Rubido García, technical secretary of the National Security System, who said that the drug lord was found in possession of a restricted weapon at the time of his arrest.

The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) said security forces arrested Dionisio Loya Plancarte, known as “El Tío” (‘The Uncle’), a top member of the Knights Templar, which has clashed with self-defense groups in the western

state of Michoacán this year.

He is the most senior member of the gang to be arrested so far.

According to Attorney General Jesús Murillo Karam, Loya Plancarte’s arrest shows that the federal government’s security strategy in Michoacán is working.

Murrillo Karam added that the presence of federal forces in the state and the results they have provided is allowing the citizenry to regain trust in the authorities.

Osorio Chong said that those self-defense groups that wish to continue participating in the fight against organized crime must do so in accordance with the law, adding that vigilante actions are unjustifiable.

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...Blossom

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lossom is a beautiful Dalmatian we rescued after she had been abandoned and left to fend for herself.

Some concerned friends observed her rummaging in the garbage along the canal near the sanctuary.

The poor girl was infested with ticks, very dirty and scared.

We were happy to give her a temporary home with us.

She is such a calm, sweet girl. Blossom gets along well with all the other dogs and just loves people. She is about three years old and would make a loving addition to any family. Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

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Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

National Charro Championship Returns to Vallarta

By Carlos Contreras Valdez Translation by Michelle Mayer-Fulfer

Originally published in Tribuna de la Bahia

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he best of the best will compete in the Third National Charro Championship at Arena Vallarta. This competition is also known as the Gran Premio 2014. The country’s best teams are expected, led by current national champions Hacienda Tamariz, hailing from Puebla. Also featured are the Charros Tequila Don Roberto, champions at the inaugural year of this event along with crowd favorites the Three Colts Charros representing musician Vicente Fernández’s ranch.

The cultural event started this Wednesday and finishes Sunday night with two final awards ceremony and the musical horse show.

The event’s economic impact to the area and the attractiveness to visitors are significant. This prestigious event promotes tourism to the entire nation and beyond. As further enticement, there will be a compact car raffled off to paid ticketholders on Sunday at the Arena Vallarta.

“It’s a very important event for Puerto Vallarta, particularly because of its high quality. Puerto Vallarta, a complete destination, hosts this very professional event that is of great caliber,” Gerard Carlos Guzman stressed in the

press conference.

The municipal official said they expect an economic benefit about 25 million pesos in the four-day event. This event stands with other high profile events such as the Gourmet Festival and the International Fishing Competition as one of those that generates the most revenue to the area.

Officials stressed that along with the top teams, champions and great talent, this event has experienced much growth. In fact, the future remains bright.

“It is an international event. In the future, we would like to organize a championship with 70 teams - an event spanning 10 days or so. Vallarta Arena has the amenities to house and organize first class events,” said Mr. Romero Bernal.

José Bernal Romero said that city buses from Vallarta to Las Palmas will run every 15 minutes.

This will help the event reach its highest number of visitors to date.

The “Gran Premio 2014 “ will be on Wednesday, January 29 through Sunday, February 2.

Tickets will cost 80 pesos per person both Thursday and Friday, 300 on Saturday which will feature three charreadones and a Julio Preciado concert and 150 pesos Sunday for the double final.

Attendance of international tourists from the United States, Canada, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Argentina and other countries are expected.

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

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Charreada: Understanding the Events

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charreada is a Mexican rodeo, and in Jalisco it is very popular professionally recognized sport with strict rules.

Both men and women compete, wearing colorful Mexican cowboy costumes trimmed in silver studs.

The horsemen show off their lasso ability and dance their horses to live Mariachi, the mood is festive and the level of skill is impressive.

Years of training make this event art, sport, and an extension of the culture that is Charreria.

Charro Events Cala de Caballo (Test of the horse); The charro puts his horse though various commands to demonstrate his ability and the horse’s training. Controlled slide, left and right half, full, and triple turns, dismount and mount, and reverse walk are performed.

Piales en Lienzo (Roping of the feet); a horseman must throw a lariat, let a wild mare run through the loop catching it by the hind legs. Three opportunities are given. Points are awarded for distance needed to stop the mare.

Colas en el Lienzo, or Coleadero (Arena bull tailing) similar to bull dogging except that the rider does not dismount; the charro rides alongside the left side of the bull, wraps its tail around his right leg, and tries to cause the bull fall and roll as he rides past it. Points are given for technique, time, and roll of the bull.

Jineteo de Toro similar to the rodeo event. Bulls are smaller, between 990 and 1320 pounds, and are ridden until they stop bucking. Two hands can be used on the bullrope. Points are given for technique. The charro cannot fall off, he must dismount and land upright. After the charro dismounts the bull he must remove the bullrope and bellrope so the Terna en el Ruedo can follow.

Terna en el Ruedo (Team of three); a team roping event in which three charros attempt to rope a bull - one by its neck, one by its hind legs, and the last then ties its feet together. They have a maximum of 10 minutes. Points are

awarded for rope tricks and time.

Jineteo de Yegua (Bareback on a wild mare); similar to bareback bronc riding. Yegua means mare. A wild mare is ridden with a bullrope.

Two hands are used and the legs are held horizontally to the ground.

Manganas a Caballo (Roping from horseback); a charro on horseback has three opportunities to rope a wild mare by its front legs and cause it to fall and roll once.

The wild mare is chased around the ring by three mounted charros.

Points are awarded for time and rope tricks as long as the horse is roped and brought down. Points for all three attempts are cumulative. Eight minutes are given.

El Paso de la Muerte (The pass

beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world.

The fall brings renewed vigour to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation.

No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you. Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

of death) a charro riding bareback, with reins, attempts to leap from his own horse to the bare back of a wild horse without reins and ride it until it stops bucking. The most dangerous part of this is if the charro performing the pass falls under three other mounted charros that are chasing the wild mare around the arena ring. This is done backwards at times for show.

Charra event Escaramuza (Skirmish): Since the 1950’s, this breath-taking event adds beauty and elegance to the Charreada. During this event a team of 8-12 women riding sidesaddle and dressed in colorful Adelita dresses perform a variety of precision riding techniques.

Third National Charro Championships Schedule of Events Friday January 31st 12:00 Hennessy de California, San José del Valle, Hacienda de Triana 16:00 Rancho Las Cuatas, Tres Potrillos, Rancho Agua Santa y Perla del Pacífico 19:30 Pialadero de Las Estrellas

Parade on the Malecon. Starts at 11pm

Saturday, February 1st 11:00 Tamariz CYM (National Champions), Rancho El Edén, Tres Regalos y Rancho el Pitayo 15:00 Tequila Don Roberto, Rancho La Biznaga, Puente de Camotlán y Valle de Saltillo 18:30 Regionales de la Villa “oro”, Tamaulipecos, Rancho el 50, Hacienda Tamariz

Concert by Julio Preciado. Starts at 8:30pm Sunday, February 2nd 10:30 Santa Misa Capilla Hacienda Serena 12:00 – 16:00 Final 19:00 Awards and Raffle 20:30 Concert by Beto Peña and his band

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LOCAL 06

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Vallarta and the Aquatic Environment

Paradise and Parenting

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

A Recent Letter to the Editor

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his is my third extended visit to Vallarta; everyone has given me the opportunity to appreciate and understand more of the city and its people. I live in Europe and South Africa and travel a great deal as an orchestral conductor. I have enjoyed your publication and as you highlight in every issue, there is so much to relish and treasure here - social, cultural and environmental. I love and know Mexico quite well and find the Vallartans a delightful people. I have walked almost every corner of this city - both the centre & outer areas, ride the buses everywhere and wish to pay tribute to so much that is good here. Vallartans are rightly proud of their heritage and the gift of natural wonder that enfolds the city.

In the central plaza near the Church of Guadalupe at this moment is a city sponsored exhibition of local art aimed at raising consciousness about how we might better protect the local and aquatic environment. There is a wall to write concerns and many citizens are contributing. The city must be commended for their efforts to raise consciousness of the environment and the effect we have on it in our daily lives; we have to hope it takes note of the several excellent suggestions and comments.

For my part, I hope Vallarta and its people will accept my contribution in the spirit of consciousness and communal concern in which I offer it.

Like many of your readers and others who simply enjoy the sea, beach and marine environment, I am conscious of the extreme impact humanity is having on the oceans - which we depend upon as a species as much as oxygen or any other life sustaining habitat.

Over weeks of walking on the beach and the roads of the city, however, I am troubled by the amount of plastic, polystyrene and other toxic waste that I observe daily thrown in the river, on the beaches and on the streets. I am a surfer and environmental activist - we all need to be the latter these days to ensure our beautiful world does not pass

irreparably damaged onto our children - and the state of our seas worries me deeply. Every day, anybody out and about can see the enormous quantity of cleaning fluids poured onto the pavements & streets of the urban areas of this beautiful bay. I have tried to discover without success whether the cleaning products in general used are biodegradable and I have certainly observed chlorine products being liberally used to clean the pavements and swept into the road.

Of course the likelihood is that these fluids go directly to the beach and into the sea; there seems to be at least one pervasive product with a perfume that pervades the city. Local stall holders and households all over the city use products to clean their areas but, whilst we all appreciate cleanliness and the need for hygiene, where does it all go?

Directly into the sea through the storm drains and seepage? .... Or am I unaware of a city solution to this problem? I greatly fear that most of it is non-biodegradable and toxic to the marine environment. The recent thunderstorm demonstrated the extent of the problem clearly. We all watched the inevitable rush of pollutants from over flowing sewers and the storm drains into the sea, along with a deluge of plastic bottles and polystyrene from the river into the river mouth and into the sea. This morning some of us took our customary walk on the Malecon and beach - we managed to collect a giant bag of plastic and broken up polysterene food containers from the high water mark.

Of course, plastic and polysterene provide an extreme danger to the aquatic life and environment and do not biodegrade; these end up in the stomachs of whales and dolphins and fish - and inevitably the whole food chain. Recently a dead whale was washed up on the coast of Spain, killed by plastic. Its stomach was over 60% full of plastic pollutants.

We all know that plastic and polystyrene washed up on the shores are only the visible part of the effect we are having on the oceans. What we cannot see is the amount of toxic

chemicals and parabens and heavy metals we are unthinkingly discharging into our oceans - and inexorably killing them and the aquatic life we all need - and wish to enjoy. I am no marine biologist and it is no doubt is a question of education for all of us, but there really is no excuse these days for not knowing how catastrophically we are polluting the oceans and the land.

Apparently here in Vallarta the hotels are monitored closely by the city - and at least one Manager has told me they use biodegradable cleaning products to clean, but they still throw the waste cleaning water out on the street. Where does this contaminated water go?

Into the town sewers and to be treated? Or into the storm drains waiting for the next thunderstorm and into the sea? It would be good to know what the city is doing to monitor other products in general use.

In order to assist Vallarta and its authorities, I suggest it is not only the city residents who need to be concerned about this issue - but also the many visitors who also need to take responsibility for this beautiful place. If we come here to enjoy it, then we have a responsibility to be part of the effort to preserve it and be part of the solution.

We all know in general terms that we need to make an effort to reduce our impact on this earth AND we need to be part of a community response and ethic of responsibility; picking up plastic on the beach when we see it, rather than simply walking by would be a small but good start.

The commercial sector also needs to take responsibility and it seems to me that the only real solution is not only educational and social, but also a political and commercial one - and that is a region-wide general and commercialized transfer to products that are completely biodegradable.

Vallarta has the opportunity to become a leading city in Latin America in the protection of the aquatic environment; that would look good on the city publicity!

Carpe Diem!

With respect and hope.

Graham Lea-Cox

By Leza Warkentin

La Zona Romantica

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t the beginning of a relationship with the sweet local guy whom you met as a new expat, it’s all Earnest Feelings and Breakfasts On The Terrace and Sunsets and Staring Into His Eyes (without even laughing).

There’s nothing more likely to cause you some serious distraction than a new romance with someone whose accent makes “Don’t step in that,” sound hot.

I think the whole “courtship” phase lasts much longer in a bicultural relationship than in a monocultural one, likely due to all the mystery and excitement of an unfamiliar culture (and also to the fact that this guy must surely be your soul mate).

In Manitoba, for example, you will pretty much know without asking that your new boyfriend is going to spend at least 4 months of the year watching sporting events and that his mother makes the same crushed cornflake topping as your mom does on her tunanoodle casserole.

Everything about men that is probably unremarkable to a Mexican girl was a startling discovery to me, who had never been to Mexico before moving here in 2000.

For example, I didn’t realize that walking down the street with your Mexican boyfriend meant having him run circles around you to avoid having you walk on the street side of the sidewalk, which of course would leave you unforgivably vulnerable to horrors which I am still trying to imagine.

I have a responsibility here to say to anyone else in that exciting, brain-damaging part of your relationship: you eventually do have to live in your real life.

It can still be a great, wonderful thing, but it’s hard to stare into each other’s eyes when your two children are trying to disembowel the TV remote.

My friend described that transition to me in a very articulate, Vallarta kind of way: “There was a moment when my man and I stopped going to the Zona Romantica and started hanging out in Old Town.”

This week, my husband and I had a nostalgic moment of reflection on the moment we came back down to earth from La Zona. You see, our washing machine broke down; the one we bought nearly a dozen years ago when we decided a) we couldn’t live without each other and b) eventually we would need do something as mundane as washing our clothes.

My husband recalls that I told him, as we signed the delivery papers in Coppel for our new little Samsung silver 10kg model, “Now you’re stuck.” He assures me I was smiling in a slightly unsettling fashion when I said it.

As they hauled it away this week and brought in our new and dazzling 17kg machine, I have to say I got a little twinge over that dusty old Samsung.

I knew I wasn’t the only one when Gilberto turned to me, grinned devilishly and said “Don’t worry, I’m still stuck.”

Looks like there’s still some Zona Romantica in Old Town after all. Tune in next week for the dish on our Sayulita Second Honeymoon (I know you will all appreciate a good, old-fashioned cliffhanger. It’s not “Who Shot J.R.”, but it’s not bad).

local 07

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

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A compelling reason to visit Clinica Santa Barbara

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aty can walk today thanks to the Clinica Santa Barbara! The future didn’t seem so bright for Katy a few years ago. She was born with infantile cerebral paralysis affecting her arms and both legs.

Resources were scarce; she lives in a one-parent family with her brother.

It seemed impossible for her mother to get treatment for Katy’s handicap due to the cost of rehabilitation and her low income from cleaning houses and growing vegetables.

The Santa Barbara Rehabilitation Clinic became aware of Katy’s plight and agreed to treat her for free. The treatment involved almost 600 painstaking sessions over a four-year

period (2 to 3 sessions per week) accompanied by unfailing support and encouragement from Katy’s mother and grandparents.

The success is there for all to see.

Today Katy is 6 years old and can walk! Katy is just one of the subsidized and free treatment patients who represent about 35% of the average 45 patients treated daily by the clinic.

The clinic provides quality physical therapy care for patients suffering from physical or brain diseases, victims of accidents, or children born with malformations.

The clinic, which is registered as a non-profit organization, has a

Environmental Park Aims to Begin Development

By Doraliz Terron Moreno Translated by Michelle Mayer-Fulfer Originally published in Tribuna de la Bahia

W

ith the aim to create a consciousness about caring for the environment and protecting the endemic species and protected areas, a project to create a museum-theme park in Puerto Vallarta was born.

Ricardo Diaz Borioli, Director of Xihutla, spoke to Tribuna de la Bahia about this project which after years of struggle begins to consolidate and take shape.

He said that in the quest for preservation and environmental protection, the possibility of establishing the theme park Parque – Museo Agua Azul (Museum Park Blue Water) was fostered. The idea is 15 years in the making and was deeded by the Trust of Puerto Vallarta.

He said that sidewalks would be created, as well as cultural and environmental aspects. It is estimated that over 12,000 children would visit the park

annually, enormously helping the aim of developing environmental awareness among the public. .

He added that the park is about 70 acres. The museum would cover 3 million square meters. Within the museum, there will be interactive education centre where children will learn about deforestation, removal of soil, the importance of vegetation and micro climates, amongst others important topics.

He stressed that he already has an association interested in developing the project.

The first phase, based on the projections, would require a million and a half pesos. The second phase which would include the construction of a suspension bridge would require 3 million pesos. The third phase which would include building the museum requires a total investment of 8 million pesos.

He added that in addition to the museum and park, the attraction will have a botanical garden as well as a macaw center, which will provide enhanced protection and reforestation of this endangered species in the entire region.

policy that low-income patients pay just a small contribution towards the cost of their treatment and some who cannot afford anything, pay nothing at all.

The clinic relies on donations to finance the subsidized and free treatment it offers.

Come and see for yourself how we achieve so much with so little.

We are organizing two visits to the clinic (located near Plaza Peninsula in Puerto Vallarta) to show first hand the work we do.

The first visit is on February 27 and the second on March 13, both at 11am. Please register your interest with David Brodetsky by phone or email (mobile) 322 150-5057 david. brodetsky@gmail.com) indicating the date you prefer and the number of people who will attend.

If you are unable to attend but would like to help people like Katy, your contribution will be very much appreciated. As a guide, a contribu-

tion of just 450 pesos (34 USD) will cover the cost of treating a patient for one week and 1,800 pesos (137 USD) one month’s treatment.

To make a donation you can pay into their Scotiabank account: 3904-7; Key 044375032000390479.

Send the clinic your address by email and they will send you a tax-deductible receipt.

If you have any questions about the clinic or its work, contact either Laura Lopez or Ely Torres Tel: 322 224 2754 vallartarehabilitacion001@hotmail.com (Spanish) or David Brodetsky (mobile) 322 1505057 david.brodetsky@gmail. com (English). Visit the clinic’s website for more information: www.rehabilitacionfisicapv.com.

LOCAL 08

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Hungry? The OTFM-TC Serves Up International Favorites

Vibe Yourself to Fitness

I

f you are looking to get healthy the easy way, now is your opportunity. There’s a healthy fitness studio conveniently located in Old Town, Puerto Vallarta. It’s different and it’s easy. And it only takes 10 minutes a day!

T Zone studio offers Full Body Vibration Technology, originally developed for the astronauts who were losing lean muscle due to weightlessness in space. This technology has been refined since the days of the Russian Cosmonauts and is now available to everyone here at our T Zone Mexico studio conveniently located in Old Town.

Discover how easy it is to get fit and toned while whittling away those unwanted inches wearing your everyday clothes.

As you stand on the oscillating vibration platform for just 10 MINUTES, your small muscle groups from head to toe are stimulated by vibrating movement. Your body works against gravity (greater than normal) in tandem with your muscles, which are naturally reacting, keeping you in balance.

Any age group can benefit, as it is very low impact. If you suffer aches and pains from fibromyalgia or arthritis, you may find amazing relief in a very short time.

The vibrating action not only trims inches by burning fat, but builds lean muscle, expands flexibility, amps up blood circulation, oxygenates you, burns calories, promotes peaceful sleep, and helps keep you looking young by stimulating collagen production.

The benefits you gain are

considered the equivalent to working out an entire hour in the gym.

In addition, we encourage you to do spot training as you become more proficient with the vibrating process.

Our studio has two complete workout videos running at all times, which highlight the use of various 30 second to one minute exercises, some using light hand weights, others with resistance bands.

Come in and try our healthy T Zone Vibration Technology.

Now starting our second year in PV, our members have given us great feedback.

Several report going down a size or even two. One member lost an overall 17½ inches in a month; another in her 80’s has regained much needed balance and stability over a 6 month period.

People are reporting feeling more energetic, ridding themselves of aches and pains, gaining better sleep, recovering sensation in previously numb extremities, and just plain having fun, all while getting fit.

Your first visit is always free. We offer daily and weekly Membershps.

If you are interested in a T Zone full body vibration machine for your home, come by or contact us for more information on how you can acquire a machine.

Find us at Aguacate 314B, just around the corner from CMQ Hospital on Basilio Badillo.

Open Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat 9-1, closed Sundays. For further info phone 222 3931 We look forward to making you a part of our healthy, happy family!

By Erin Staley oldtownfm.com

T

he OTFM-TC has been a Saturday morning favorite for five seasons. And while our “producer only” market offers farm-fresh produce, artisan foods, home décor, fashions and accessories, our on-site food area has won the hearts – and taste buds – of tourists and residents alike.

El Taco Ranchero – If you love tacos and burritos, make a beeline for Angela Quintero’s El Taco Ranchero stand. There you’ll find fresh tortillas, quality meats and all the trimmings which have been prepared using century-old recipes. lamancha90(at)hotmail.com El Torito World Famous BBQ Sauce & Ribs – Tender, juicy and prepared in a special BBQ sauce, El Torito’s lip-smacking ribs will more than satisfy your cravings. http://torito.com or Facebook India Gate Puerto Vallarta – Made with a special blend of spices and prepared in a traditional Indian oven, India Gate offers authentic – and unforgettable – Indian cuisine. For a full menu, visit their Centro Vallarta

location (Allende 124). Facebook or (322) 223-2424 Jugos y Aguas Gloria – Gloria Lopez Salazar hand-selects fresh, locally grown fruit and mixes it with purified water, ice, and sugar to create her all-natural aguas frescas (fresh waters).

Flavors include jackfruit, jamaica, orange, passion fruit, pineapple, rice and watermelon.

Xocodiva Artisan Chocolates – Treat yourself to Xocodiva’s luxurious truffles, barks and bars. (Ice packs are available for transport.) Also try their gourmet bananas which are freshly dipped in premium chocolate right there on site. For a full product selection, visit their Zona Romantica shop (168 Basilio Badillo). Facebook or (322) 113-0352

Narisa Thai Kitchen – Narisa Moros shares the traditions of her homeland with her Thai Kitchen cuisine. She maintains the authenticity with hard-to-find Thai ingredients. Moros’ dishes are great if you’re ready for something extraordinary! narijoe123(at) gmail.com or (322) 293-5983 Tamales Empanadas Angel – Maria de Los Angeles Garcia de Zambrano’s tamales and empanadas burst with flavor. She uses long-time family recipes, local ingredients and several days’ worth of preparation to create these Mexican favorites. So grab a bite, order a drink and enjoy dessert this Saturday at the OTFM-TC. And after your meal, stop by the information booth, fill out a customer feedback survey and earn a chance to win a raffle basket overflowing with “make it, bake it, grow it” products donated by our OTFM-TC vendors. This lavish basket is valued over 1000 pesos. Impassioned by responsible food production, entrepreneurial development and the “buy local” movement, our OTFM-TC is a North American style market celebrating the tradition of Mexico’s tianguis markets. Located in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, the OTFM-TC is open every Saturday from 9:30 am to 2 pm from the first Saturday in November to the last Saturday in May. Visit us on www. oldtownfm.com or Facebook.

NATURE 09

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Banderas Bay Butterfies

Flower of the Week

by Moralea Milne

Great Southern White Ascia monuste

by Sandra Cesca

Datura Floripondia Datura candida

A

T

he females of this medium size (2.5in to 3.5in) butterfly exhibit dimorphism, whereby the dry and wet season forms are different. The dry season form is very similar to the male, a clear white with an upperside forewing that has a black margin, slightly more extensive in the females. However, the wet season females are clouded with dark scaling, especially along the veins, contributing to a grey aspect. The clubs at the end of the antennas are quite noticeably turquoise.

Great Southern Whites are found year round throughout most of Mexico. The caterpillars are somewhat hairy, light brown with green longitudinal lines and rows of conspicuous black spots interspersed with smaller ones. In coastal areas, the females lay their multiple yellow eggs on the upper leaf surface of native members of

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the cabbage/mustard family, using beach cabbage and saltwort, the eggs and caterpillars apparently not being harmed by salt water.

Throughout the rest of their range they use other members of the cabbage/mustard family, favouring pepperwort, and including cabbage and other garden brassicas. They also use plants in the Capparaceae family with includes the horticultural flower nasturtium.

One of the many reasons I love Mexico is the endless parade of these winged beauties that delight throughout the year.

ngel’s Trumpets, Thorn Apple. A genus with nine species of night-blooming fragrant flowering plants closely related to Brugmansias and commonly known as daturas.

Brugmansias are woody trees or shrubs with pendulous flowers and spineless fruit.

Daturas are herbaceous bushes with non-pendulous flowers and spiny fruit.

Flowers are yellow, white, purple, orange, and pink. Plants contain important medicinal alkaloids such as scopolamine which render them very toxic. Some indigenous cultures use as a hallucinogenic narcotic to communicate with their ancestors.

This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s new color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plant Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available now at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org, Page in the Sun Bookstore and from Sandra at the Paradise Commu-

nity Center Farmer’s Market on Saturdays. Information on her

many walking tours can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

SPECIAL!

Irma Griza’s “ Altamar” Exhibition at Galeria Contempo

F

eaturing the ocean – or waves and underwater scenes- the paintings of Irma Grizá share a force that not only lies in the themes she develops, but in the vision they offer us.

Paintings made to endure, to live with, to widen and illuminate our existence, making every day as splendid as them.

Her seascapes reveal the borderline coexistence regarding different zones of emotion. These are palpable works about the emotive alternation that we all live.

In its patchwork, that is a work

whose harmony is composed by diverse parts or patches, the seascapes constitute a profound artistic continuity of what is apparently discontinuous, a composition of initially isolated forces.

Thus, these unfolded landscapes are naturally suited to create diptychs and triptychs.

Grizá is faithful to the visual powers that she convokes. And those of us who see her canvases are the spectators of her act, the guests invited to witness (in the scene of the seascapes) the proof that our gaze can see more than

what meets the eye; thanks to the artist who reveals it to us.

Irma Grizá was born in Mexico City, where she studied painting and etching at the National School of Fine Arts (Academia de San Carlos) at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM.) She has more than 50 years of experience as a fine artist, and her work has been exhibited in a vast number of solo exhibits, as well as in many group shows, in galleries and museums in Mexico, France and the United States.

In 1991, she won the presti-

gious Paris Award, presented by Grupo de los Dieciseis, A.C., which exhibited her work in Paris, France.

Grizá’s work has been reviewed by many prominent Mexican writers and art critics, including Raquel Tibol, Luis Ignacio Sáinz, Miguel Ángel Echegaray, Alberto Ruy Sánchez, Hugo Hiriart, Eliseo Alberto, Francisco Serrano and Alfonso Alfaro, among others.

Her paintings that say yes to life and proposes, in the clear, sharp language of color and form, that being human is a responsibility and compromise, and that

the fact of being alive is much more astonishing and much more simple, than what the horror of the present times leads us to believe.

GALERIA CONTEMPO is proud to cordially invite you to meet Irma Grizá at the Opening Reception for her “ ALTAMAR” exhibition on Friday the 7th of February from 6pm to 10pm.

This airy two-story Gallery is located at Basilio Badillo 252, in the South Side. Phone: 223 19 25, www.galeriacontempo.com

Visit these excellent locations and more at Plaza Caracol Plaza Caracol is the most established shopping centre in Puerto Vallarta with over 25 years in the community.

At Plaza Caracol you will find more services, shops and events than any other shopping centre in the city.

W

ith businesses to serve all your needs including a major grocery store, media and design, gym, dental care, healthcare, beauty, fashion, first run English and Spanish movies, arcades for the young at heart, and international and Mexican cuisine, plus the services you need like cable, internet and telephone. It is truly a one-stop shopping centre.

Plaza Caracol holds regular community oriented events including musical presentations, pet rescue, art shows and holiday festivities.

There is always something exciting going on here! Visit Plaza Caracol today to experience the warmth and hospitality of a truly Vallartense destination. We welcome you to Plaza Caracol.

Optical Alvarez: is the top vision care provider serving Puerto Vallarta since 1990. We give your eyes the best care possible using advanced equipment. Same day on-site service for most eyeglass and contact lenses.

Dr. Carlos Diaz-Medical Spa is a health and beauty medical center that offers: anti-aging treatments, Botox, facial fillers, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), micro-peels, facial rejuvenation, mesotherapy, massage, laser hair removal, vein removal, diminished sun and age spots and homeopathic medical services.

Located across the street from Canto del Sol and the Cornerstone Hospital, Plaza Caracol is centrally located in Puerto Vallarta’s Versalles neighbourhood, Only minutes from downtown, Fluvial and the hotel zone.

LOCAL 11

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Vacation Rentals: Tips on Protecting Yourself

This is Paradise...

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

By Fabien Madesclaire Fabien@g3mex.com

V

acation rentals abound in the Bay of Banderas area. The growing trend in travel is to look for a unique property, a little more off-thebeaten-track, which will accommodate your family and friends, and provide you with more of a residential experience than the usual hotel vibe (such as being forced to watch people doing the Macarena around the pool, while sipping watered-down cocktails).

Vacation rentals are a terrific way of finding out about different areas of Puerto Vallarta.

Even if it’s just for a week, you have the advantage of learning a little bit more about local culture, and can provide you with a much less expensive vacation. For instance, a condo or villa for 6 people, can rent at a daily per person rate of $30-80 USD (depending upon the type of rental)—up to a 50% savings compared to a hotel reservation.

So you may not get daily maid service, but there are a lot of other pluses, including more privacy, and a fully equipped kitchen—which can equal huge savings on your meal budget. A condo or villa will also provide you with aesthetic and homey touches normally unavailable in a hotel environment.

With vacation rentals you HAVE to take some additional steps when reserving a property, which means much more personal interaction from the very get go. Frequently, the property owner or rental agent will request that you sign a rental agreement—even if it’s just for a short stay. This helps protect both the renter and owner by laying out all of the specific rules and regulations of the rental.

Make sure that this document covers all considerations.

As a rule, it’s an excellent idea for the owner/agent and renter to be in touch on a regular basis, and that everyone is responding to everyone’s inquiries and questions in a timely manner. This will indicate how serious all parties are about making sure that the vacation rental is a good fit. If

you suddenly start getting the brush-off, and a general lack of responsiveness, this is a red flag, and the rental should be reconsidered.

Here are some additional tips: As a renter, be sure to check out the property yourself, or ask a local to do it on your behalf, if you can. Otherwise, rely upon sites that offer you the opportunity to read reviews from previous guests to get more of an idea of the location and quality of the property. The internet is a terrific tool for both the owner and renter to do a little snooping. Look at social media sites, like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you see a lot of selfies of people doing shots of Jagermeister in their underwear you might consider looking for another property/renter, or doing some more research.

Google is another great tool and luckily with TripAdvisor and Yelp, people will often post a warning about a negative rental experience that they’ve had with a particular person or property.

But, these review sites have their downside as sometimes reviews are bogus, or do not tell the whole story.

IMPORTANT: Finally, when it comes to payment, use special care. I recommend the use of a credit card or PayPal, whenever possible. If something goes array, your will have vastly more protection and security than a cash transaction.

Contact me anytime at my office, G3MEX Real Estate Group, if you have questions about property in Puerto Vallarta.

Our direct office number is: 322-209-0832.

www.vallartatribune.com

D

id you hear the latest incredibly good news from the Paradise Community Center?

If yes, then go ahead and skip this paragraph. If no, then read on....

Pastor Ric and wife Joy are going to open an orphanage (as if they don’t do enough already). This is a huge undertaking - an orphanage with a twist: this is going to be a home (they have the house picked out) for seven children that don’t have one for whatever reason. This will NOT be an “institution” with an age limit where they celebrate a certain birthday and get to pack up and leave on the same day; this will be a HOME with parents (they have chosen them as well) who will care for all the kids until they finish college or university or trade school. Now

think about this for a minute...it’s a lot of money to raise one child for 10 or 20 years. Multiply by seven. Okay, so the math is staggering. To make this possible Pastor Ric has a simple solution and you will hear about it at every event taking place at the PCC until he reaches his goal. I won’t spoil the surprise and please remember the COMMUNITY (that would be YOU) that spends money at the PCC for show tickets, a couple of beers and a sandwich, you already have helped raise these kids - all profits get plowed back into the myriad of causes that spring from the PCC. So spend your money wisely knowing it carries on doing good things.

Live entertainment continues every week with some of the finest musicians, singers and actors in

the Bay of Banderas: Latcho and Andrea, the Blonde Gypsies, every other Wednesday with their next concert February 5th; Thursday, Luna Rumba. Look for an in-depth review of this group’s second concert next week in the Tribune. And every Friday at 8, (TGIF) we present the Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars. I am having a hard time finding new superlatives for these guys. I am leaning towards the BBJA SELLOUTS. Oh no, it doesn’t come out right! But they will sell out. Get tickets early!

Every Tuesday is the Democrats Abroad Film Series - always avant garde. On Sunday, Pastor Ric has two services in English at 9am and 10:30. Our Saturday Co-op Market had more than 2,000 people come through our doors at the PCC!!!!

Thank you all for coming and thanks for not coming all at once!

That’s it for me this week. Take care of a tourist - most of them are pretty obviously from somewhere not tropical so, say hello and ask them if they need directions or just make sure they are enjoying our wonderful city.

The Paradise Community Center, Pulpito 127 between Olas Altas and Amapas Streets in Old Town Puerto Vallarta smack in the middle of the Romantic Zone (aka the Theatre District...just repeat after me).

Sites Marina

El Tigre Villa For Sale Located on the 10th Tee

The Best Price $/m2 in El Tigre Fully Furnished 4 Beds 4.5 Baths This stunning home includes maids quarters, stunning kitchen and majestic living room that looks on to a glorious pool and outdoor entertainment area. Enjoy magnificent golf course and heavenly views from this divine residence. If you are looking for a Million dollar home, but not the price, this is your only option.

www.remaxinpv.com

CHURCH

TOMATELO

Every Sunday

All You Can Eat Outdoor BBQ buffet From 1:00 to 4:00 pm Live Music 2 to 4 pm “Mariachi Vallarta 80” All for 150 pesos

A PECHO

it’s important that you know

Facebook.com/ElRioBBQ 322.222.2510 www.elriobbqbar.com

TOMATELO

A PECHO

it’s important that you know

TOMATELO

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it’s important that you know

Join us in the fight against breast cancer If you are over 40 and still have not had a mammogram Book your appointment with the most professional team!

Av. Francisco Villa 1459, Los Sauces Tel. 224 8622 rp_diagnostik@outlook.com * www.div.com.mx

RIVIERA NAYARIT 14

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

A Mexican Sweat Lodge

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have had the wonderful experience of sitting in many a sweat lodge, not to mention all kinds of sauna’s and steam rooms. There is nothing better to help facilitate a cleansing program than a good sweat! Most of the types of sweat lodges I have been to are Native American sweat lodges in Colorado. A Mexican sweat lodge is very similar in the fact that is a very spiritual experience that cleanses emotionally, physically, mentally and connects you intuitively.

There is drumming and singing, and a holding of intention of why you are there. In Mexico, they are called a Mexican Temazcal.

A Mexican Temazcal The actual word Temazcal comes from an Aztec word Teme (to bathe) and Cali (meaning house).

In ancient Mesoamerica it was used as part of a curative ceremony to heal the sick, giving birth, after a battle or ceremonial service and the cleansing of the body, mind, emotion and spirit.

Experiencing a Temazcal in Mexico is quite popular as more people seek spiritual growth and a more natural way of cleansing and maintaining health.

Very much like the Native American traditions, the four directions are used, as well as above and below representing earth, water, wind, fire, (father) sky and mother earth.

The hot lava rocks are heated with wood in an external furnace that faces east, to our father, the sun, where he rises. (The moon has feminine energies). Drinking water of cucumber and other natural fruits are suggested for the help of detoxification.

The placement of the hot lava rocks inside the “womb” symbolizes the moment of conception.

Everything has meaning and intention from the beginning to end.

The Ceremony The Mexican Shaman will do a blessing with everyone; a preparation meditation and ceremony before entering the Temazcal using the directions and usually a smudge pot or stick. You are given basil or rosemary to smell the earth which helps one to stay present.

We ask for permission to enter, going clockwise in a circle from left to right and sit in a circle, wrapped in a sarong. Most folks usually have on their swimsuits underneath.

The door and the top are closed and we begin the sweat lodge ceremony. It is completely black inside.

We start with the Shaman asking each of us why we have come to the lodge today.

Everything is sacred in this space.

What is said in the lodge stays in the lodge.

Water is being poured on the

rocks as you hear the sizzle and feel the heat rise. You will breath and release in and out your nose, and as your heart beats faster and you begin to sweat as the drumming and singing takes you down to mother earth, and the shifting begins.

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Nayarit once again Recieves International Tourism Award

Medically Speaking Medically, it is good to be in decent general health for a sweat lodge.

Sweat lodges have been studied by many medical researchers, and it is reported that the body temperature during a sweat bath can rise to 40 C or about 104 F. This temperature results in increased blood circulation, and a more intense heartbeat that promotes the release of toxins from the body. It has been said that for every litre of sweat lost in a temazcal equals a full day’s work for your kidneys After the four doors, you either cool down slowly in a shower, or a cooling pool. Some will wrap you in a sheet after the cooling down, and lay you down to gaze at the stars and moon, and to continue to release as your heart slows down to a regular and normal pace. It’s a very beautiful experience!

There are a couple of temazcals located on the Riviera Nayarit that I know of, one in Bucerias, and another in Sayulita.

Why not try an authentic Mexican Temazcal experience while you’re here? They truly do work to release not only physically, but on all levels; be ready to release….and LET GO! You may contact Cat Morgan for more information or questions at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

Translated by: Michelle Mayer-Fulfer

T

he State of Nayarit’s delegation received the International Tourism Fair’s (FITUR) “Spirit of Excellence” 2013 award thanks in large part to the Nayarit Quality Center (NCC) which is located in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle in Nayarit.

For the fourth consecutive year, Nayarit received an award.

On these four occasions, the awards bestowed on the state have an intrinsic connection to Riviera Nayarit and its successes.

In 2011, the state won the 2010 Excellence Award for “the best promotion of a destination in Mexico”. In 2012, Nayarit, along with Puerto Vallarta, received the Achievement in Excellence award for the celebration of the Tianguis Turistico. In 2013, another award was handed to the state. This time, Nayarit was

awarded for successful complementary campaigns.

These branding campaigns focused on areas in Riviera Nayarit, namely the Enchanted Lakes, Sierra del Nayar and Colonial Nayarit.

The main goal of the Nayarit Quality Center (CCN) is to unite farm products directly to tourist services in the region.

This unification is seen by the state as a step forward in the important sectors of agriculture and tourism. The CCN ensures that the state’s agricultural production increases, is of a guaranteed excellent condition and enables access of hotels and restaurants in Riviera Nayarit to these goods and services. This allows better reach for fresh agricultural products to the local population and the state’s visitors.

In addition, revenue that previously went to other destinations now stays in Nayarit.

RIVIERA NAYARIT 15

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Marina Riviera Nayarit: The Best of the Mexican Pacific

T

he Marina Riviera Nayarit boasts 18 thousand square meters, 354 slips, docks that hold vessels from 31 to 400 feet in length, a dry dock capacity for boats weighing up to 150 tons, a slew of services and the ability to host international events—and that’s only 30 percent of what will be a very, very grand 100 percent when the project is finished.

The Marina Riviera Nayarit was already considered the biggest and most modern on the Mexico Pacific back when it was built in 2007 thanks to its services and capacities, not to mention the geographical and biological blessings Mother Nature heaped upon its bay.

Indeed, it lived up to its slogan of “El sueño hecho marina,” loosely translated to mean the “marina that dreams are made of.”

It was Mexican engineer Pedro Fernández’s dream to develop a marina that would turn the destination into an icon

of nautical tourism, much like the Riviera Nayarit is already a leader in beach tourism. Today it’s a reality according to Harbor Master Rafael Alcántara.

Its more than 18 thousand square meters of construction both on land and water make it the largest in the Mexican Pacific.

“We have 354 slips and docks that range from 31 feet for smaller boats all the way to 400 feet,” he said.

The largest marina in the country is in Cancún, with five additional docks, but as far as capacity for larger vessels, the Marina Riviera Nayarit has it beat.

“We are the only marina with a dry dock that has such a large lift,” added Alcántara. “We can lift vessels up to 150 tons in weight, these are the ones that are up to 100 feet in length.”

The marina services include a fueling dock, commercial lots, the Port Authority building, the Environmental and Natural Resources Department,

a marine shop, three sailing schools, three restaurants and a seafood market, which showcases the daily catch brought in by the fishermen of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle who still make their living out on the water.

Currently the Marina is only operating at 30 percent of what the complete development will encompass, as there are areas designated for hotels and condos.

It has already hosted events such as the Bicentennial Edition of the Mexico Cup Regatta, which will celebrate its 2014 edition in March. It will also play host to the 2nd Latin American Boat Show and fishing tournaments; it’s the site of the largest ever marlin capture on record for the Bay at 325 kg.

The Harbor Master assured that it has the capacity to dock cruise ships but to date has only hosted private vessels as opposed to commercial ones, so they are currently missing a

It’s Time for the 10th International Migratory Bird Festival

S

an Blas is hosting a celebration to raise awareness for the conservation of the species, promote tourism and admire the 546 bird species—428 of which are endemic—from January 26 – February 2.

The 10th edition of the International Migratory Bird Festival will take place from January 26ththrough February 2nd in San Blas. The Riviera Nayarit is at the top of the list for birdwatchers around the world.

The Board of the International Migratory Bird Festival of Nayarit (Pafiam, but its acronym in Spanish) has informed that the region is home to 546 species of birds, 428 of which are endemic.

There are currently seven routes created for the observation of different groups of birds: Singayta, Zoquilpan, Isla Isabel, La Bajada, Chacalilla, La Tovara and La Papalota.

Among the birds that can be sighted are shearwaters, pelicans, collared falcons, chachalacas, gray falcons, bluefooted boobies, osprey hawks, antbirds, herons, egrets and a long list of species.

Besides attracting both national and international tourism, the Festival also showcases artistic and cultural activities to complement and further the theme of environmental consciousness. There will be activities for kids including workshops and camping in order to get them excited about conservation.

Birds began arriving at the port of

San Blas since November of last year and they will continue to arrive through May of this year, when they continue on their usual route.

They arrive from Alaska and Canada from the north and Patagonia from the south.

San Blas is one of the most important stops in their migration corridor and it’s where they find the right conditions for mating, nesting and hatching.

The work undertaken these past few years has united environmental groups, civil associations, government offices, private organizations, universities and more, including other festivals that are part of these migration corridors.

To find more details regarding the available services and dates for the festival please visit www.avessanblas.uan.mx or www.facebook.com/flamsanblas.

special dock to generate maritime tourism.

“The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau has always been focused on the events we’ve hosted in order to promote them,” said Rafael

Alcántara. “This is a big plus for the Riviera Nayarit, because when we receive FAM trips and VIPs, we are one more shining jewel in the crown of a destination that has so many beautiful things to offer.”

LOCAL 16

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Consider the Empanada Seller

By Thomas Swanson

www.ColibriDesignVallarta.com

A

while back a young man stepped into the entrance of our shop asking if we wanted to buy some empanadas (meat filled pastries). He tells us “They’re really good. My mom and my sister make them casera (fresh homemade).” We hardly pay him any attention because encountering people selling unsought products is now such a daily occurrence that we barely took notice of him and besides, we had customers in the back.

I waved a “No”, but there was something in the fleeting appearance of the man...his ingenuousness, maybe, or the tone of his voice or perhaps a gesture... that the scene came back to me and regretting having not bought one of those home-baked empanadas of his.

I try to imagine the circumstances of his existence. For starters, an unemployed person going out into a cold and unfamiliar world to sell things is a sign of a decisive entrepreneurial spirit, as well as the disconcerting feeling of just how desperate a person of unfortunate means can be.

When you have a shop, any customer who steps over the

threshold has already demonstrated something of a desire to acquire one of the items that you display in the window or proclaim on your sign, or at the least to admire your wares.

However, if you venture forth in attempt to sell something to the first people you come across, without prior agreement and almost completely at random, the most likely thing to happen is that, time and again, you will be met with moderate to the most complete indifference, if not open hostility. In that instance, when nobody cares about all your hard work and effort, it would have to be devastating to any human being. Worse still, if you and your family baked your empanadas,

which you know are really good, and you take to the streets in the hope that people will buy them, it means that you sincerely want to earn your daily living, to have a bit of money in your pocket and provide for your loved ones.

Nothing more. Nothing less.

www.vallartatribune.com

The challenge becomes to not be made to feel challenged, to stay positive and maintain your faith in your product and your business plan.

That is just the way life is for over half of the people in this country. Tens of millions of Mexicans, with no future to speak of, work long and difficult, often dangerous hours. They often work at home, because that’s all they have. Maybe they “rent” a piece of sidewalk to daily set up shop.

They have no benefits, no union or employer protection, they live their lives one day to the next.

The usual small mishaps in life often become disastrous occurrences. Often their children work alongside them, abandoning an education in order to help the family survive. That’s a pretty precarious existence for those of us who believe in life insurance.

Yet life goes on, and never does it cease to amaze me how happy and friendly the people of

this wonderful country are. Who was it that said “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”? In this case that strength must refer to the human spirit.

VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY The only complete guide for Vallarta´s best galleries, boutiques, spas, restaurants and more. vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.mx

Online Directory Makes Shopping in Puerto Vallarta Easy

P

uerto Vallarta offers a great shopping experience with merchandise from all over Mexico, a country noted for unique handcrafted items and artworks, as well as locally made jewelry, clothing, crafts and food products.

The easy way to find exactly the specialty shop you want in Puerto Vallarta is to sit down at your computer, open a browser, and visit the online Vallarta Shopping Directory, the only complete shopping and dining guide for Puerto Vallarta. vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.com Here you will find the best and most unique specialty stores, sorted by categories such as art galleries, craft galleries, boutiques for women and men, restau-

rants, jewelry stores, beauty shops and spas, leather goods, specialty foods, real estate companies, boutique hotels, natural products, drug and nutrition stores, folk art, Huichol art, books, interior design, florists, ice cream, glassware, ceramics, consignment shops and more.

These businesses are located all over the Bay of Banderas. Many visitors miss these specialty stores who offer personalized service and attention if they only walk the Malecon, as our city has grown and new areas open up. Check the restaurant page for their specials and contact information to make reservations or just stop by while shopping.

The idea behind the Vallarta Shopping Directory is to

promote local merchants and help you find unique products and personalized service in places you might not ordinarily find. Each business in this directory has a description of their products, a photo of their store or merchandise, contact information, a link to their website, and the hours they are open. If they close certain months or work by appointment only, this is noted The Vallarta Shopping Directory website is kept up to date and modified every 6 months, so you won’t be looking for places that have closed or moved. So enjoy your shopping while helping our local stores and keeping Puerto Vallarta’s reputation as the ‘Heart of Culture, Shopping, Dining and Fun on Mexico’s West Coast’ alive.

Basilio Badillo 269 A Puerto Vallarta, Jal Mon - Sat 4-11 pm (322) 223 3734 From USA or Canada 1-269-282-9550 info.divinodante@gmail.com www.divinodante.com

287 Basilio Badillo in old town 322 223 0838 www.nachodaddymexico.com

MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY

Nacho Daddy Mexico is the place in Puerto Vallarta where American, Canadian and European ex-pats and tourists across the globe gather to drink, eat, dance, listen to great music,watch football and having a rip-roaring good time.

EVENTS 18

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

IFC Lecture: Genetically Modified Organisms: Science vs Capitalism

By Janie Albright Blank

Plant Biologist Eric Davies, Ph.D. at the IFC Thursday, February 6, at 7 p.m. $50 peso donation

T

he use of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) is one of the most hotly debated issues in the United States and many other countries including Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Europe and much of Asia. Plant biologist and IFC member Eric Davies, Ph.D. comments, “The opponents of GMOs use terms such as “Frankenfoods” to deter people from their use, whereas proponents point out the benefits especially in terms of crop yield and enhancing the world food supply. However, the potential dangers and benefits of GMOs have been massively overshadowed by the role of agrochemical companies in their relentless pursuit of profit, lack of regard for the environment, damage to the livelihood of farmers and indigenous people, and bribery of politicians and government agencies.”

Davies will explain in lay terms the science behind the controversy. “Genetically modified crops are crop plants that have had

(usually) a single gene added to their regular complement. This is usually done by mimicking a natural process achieved by a special bacterium which inserts its own genes into those of a plant.”

“The science that was done to decipher the mechanism used by the bacterium is fascinating and I happen to know many of the major players,” says Davies. “The technology developed to mimic the bacterium is equally fascinating and bypasses the conventional breeding methods which often take 40 generations or more to achieve the same goal.”

However, Davies adds, “The tactics being employed by major agrochemical companies and the quest for profit via monopoly and lobbying Congress to pass laws in their favor is rather less than commendable.”

As a plant biologist working in the area of molecular biology Eric has used GMOs and generated novel GMOs for scientific purposes and has met and worked with many of the scientists involved. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with constructing GMOs, he argues, the ethical questions are raised by how they are used and who profits from them.

VALLARTA WEEKLY EVENT GUIDE presented by VallartaTickets.com FRIDAY, January 31 7:00 pm - Fosse - All That Dance (BT) 7:30 pm - Amy and Freddy (TP) 8:00 pm - Banderas Bay (PC) 8:00 pm - Steel Magnolias (MS) 9:30 pm - Dirty, Sexy (TP) 10:00 pm - Nightlife w/ Kim Kuzma (MS) SATURDAY, February 1 7:30 pm - Coco Peru (TP) 8:00 pm - BeDazzled Broadway (PC) 8:00 pm - Steel Magnolias (MS) 9:30 pm - Dirty Diva (TP) 10:00 pm - Dueling Drag Divas (RR) SUNDAY, February 2 7:30 pm - Acustico w/ Kim Kuzma (RR) 7:30 pm - Coco Peru (TP) 8:00 pm - The Voice of Vallarta (MS) 9:30 pm - BohemiaViva (TP) MONDAY, February 3 7:00 pm - Joseph (BT) 7:30 pm - Best of Broadway (RR) 7:30 pm - Viva Mexico (TP) 9:30 pm - Dirty Diva (TP) 10:00 pm - Simply the Best! (RR) TUESDAY, February 4 10:30 am - IFC Home Tour 7:00 pm - Remembering (BT) 7:30 pm - The Judy Show (RR) 7:30 pm - Coco Peru (RR) 8:00 pm - The Metamorphosis Show (MS)

9:30 pm - Dirty Diva (TP) 10:00 pm - Hollywood Legends (RR) WEDNESDAY, February 5 10:30 am - IFC Home Tour 7:30 pm - The Judy Show (RR) 7:30 pm - Coco Peru (TP) 8:00 pm - The Blonde Gypsies (PC) 8:00 pm - Katmandu w/ Don Pope (MS) 9:30 pm - Dirty Diva (TP) 10:00 pm - Dueling Drag Divas (RR) THURSDAY, February 6 10:00 am - IFC Botanical Gardens 7:30 pm - The Judy Show (RR) 7:30 pm - Coco Peru (TP) 8:00 pm - A Billion Years Too Soon (MS) 9:30 pm - Forever Elvis Tribute10:00 pm Simply the Best! w/ Miss Conception (RR) FRIDAY, February 7 7:00 pm - Ellen Langer (BT) 7:30 pm - Forever Elvis Tribute (TP) 7:30 pm - The Judy Show (RR) 8:00 pm - Banderas Bay Jazz Allstars (PC) 9:30 pm - Dirty Diva (TP) 10:00 pm - Nightlife w/ Kim Kuzma (RR) BT=The Boutique Theatre • TP=The Palm Cabaret • RR=The Red Room - Act II • MS=Main Stage - Act II • PC=Paradise Stage & Community Center For TICKETS and event information, please call: 222-4198, or visit http://VallartaTickets.com or http://facebook.com/ vallartatickets or Skype: vallartatickets

When used properly, Davies says, GMOs can generate plants with resistance to heat, cold, drought, flooding, insects, herbicides, and many other environmental factors and can be done much more effectively than

conventional breeding.

They can be used to generate biomass (as bio-energy producers), and can absorb valuable ions (gold, silver, platinum) as well as toxic heavy metals from soils or streams. Davies was

born and raised near Liverpool, England and did a BS in horticulture at London University and a PhD in Botany at McGill University in Montreal (Canada). He was a professor at the University of Nebraska and North Carolina State University and has worked in England, Holland, Belgium, France, and Japan. He is currently a partner in a small company that makes a biological, non-toxic product that gets rid of fungal problems on golf greens and other lawns The lecture will include ample time for questions and answers so audience participation is welcome. The $50 peso donation at the door helps fund IFC charities. Please join us for what should prove to be a very interesting and informative evening!

IFC located at the northeast corner of the Rio Cuale Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta 322-2225466 www.ifcvallarta.com ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

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 La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Oso’s Restaurant Philos Realty Ikuai Restaurant Hotel Zone Villa del Palmar - Vallarta Bucerias DeCameron Resort Global Real Estate Yo-Yo Mo’s Sports Bar

Marina RE/MAX Marina Café Cup Casa Velas Weekend Markets Old Town Farmers Market Saturday Co-Op Market La Cruz Farmers Market Old Town & Centro Paradise Community Centre Fredy Tucan Restaurant Timothy Real Estate Page in the Sun

Tourist Offices: • Rio Cuale • Main Plaza • Lazaro Cardenas Park American Consulate Canadian Consulate Nuevo Vallarta Paradise Village La Estancia Vallarta Adventures

CHARITIES 19

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support 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.

141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com

Acción En La Cruz: aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed. www.landon5120.wix.com/ accionenlacruz

Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 www.recoverpv.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities 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 - 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. www. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. www.puerto-vallarta.com/amf Bucerias Bilingual Community Center: Supporting families, seniors in Bucerias. www.buceriasbilingualcommunitycenter.org Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322)

Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 or paco@setac.com.mx

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town.

Only open Sundays, arrive by 8am, no reservations are taken. Contact: cez@rogers. com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency food, medicine & clothing. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or 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 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers.

22 343 11 or 22 225 72 FB/ desayunosninosvallarta Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another.

Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. www. familiesatthedump.org or 297-7425 Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez Alvarez cayro_13@hotmail. com grupoecologico.com

Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit www.friendsofpvanimals.com Horizonte de Paz: Shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with alcohol & drug addiction. Donato Schimizzi: 322 199 9523 or Roberto: 281 0644 dschimizzi@yahoo.com La Brigada de la Basur:a A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. www.vallartanavyleague.org.

New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs.

Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - 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. Tax-deductible. www.peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478.

Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-4495.

Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. www.vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children.

Tax-deductible. 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: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. www.kids. romamexico.com

The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-2225466. www.ifcvallarta.com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for less-advantaged kids in the Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or Lourdes Bizarro lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com.

Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show.

NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. is a Calif. 501.C.3 nonprofit corporation that raises funds to help feed and clothe the poor in Vallarta, as well as provide school supplies, a prison ministry, and baby blankets for the newborns at the Regional Hospital.

It is affiliated with Christ Church by the Sea, an Anglican church in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 www.fundacionpuntademita.org

EVENTS 20

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Democrats Abroad Presents: US Senator Tom Hayden

A

New US Foreign and Domestic Policy Based On All the Americas Monday, February 17 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Hacienda San Angel Chapel Miramar 336, El Centro Senator Tom Hayden has played an active role in American politics and history for over three decades, beginning with the student, civil rights and antiwar movements of the 1960’s.

Mr. Hayden was elected to the California State Legislature in 1982, where he served for ten

years in the Assembly before being elected to the State Senate in 1992, where he served eight years.

He is the author of over 175 measures including reform of money in politics, worker safety, animal rights, school decentralization, small business tax relief, domestic violence, lessening gang violence in the inner city, stopping student fee increases at universities, protecting endangered species like salmon, overhauling “three-strikes-you’re-out” laws, and a measure signed into law that will assist Holocaust

survivors in receiving recognition and compensation for having been exploited as slave labour during the Nazi era.

Ticket Information: $12 USD (150 pesos)/person. Seating at this unique venue is limited.

To purchase tickets email G OT V f r o m A b r o a d @ y a h o o. com with the quantity of tickets needed. You will receive a PayPal link and a written notification once your payment has been processed. Note: You do not need a PayPal account.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with TIME 2 PLAY

B

ack by popular demand, Vallarta's band of merry musicians return for two nights February 13 and 14, at the Boutique Performing Arts Centre.

"From the Heart", this year's Valentine's Day program again promises an eclectic variety of upbeat classics, romantic favorites, and belly shaking humor.

Founded in 2011 by Canadians Garry Carson and Mary and Don MacLachlan while Wintering in Vallarta, the band has grown and performed for two years to raving audiences in several Old Town venues.

New highlights in "From The Heart's” versatile repertoire feature Canadian classics with

songs by Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot and Joni Mitchell.

Don't miss Time 2 Play, Feb 13 and 14 at the Boutique Performing Arts Center in Old Town on Basillo Badillo. Tickets are 250 pesos and available at VallartaTickets.com and The Boutique Box Office. Net proceeds are donated to local charities.

Sweethearts and Lovers Unite: ROMANTICA Hits the Red Room

T

odd & Gaye Ringness have been happy in love for more than 14 years. They met through what they believe was a bizarre twist of destiny, carefully orchestrated at just the right time and place when two hearts could meet as one. Their story is a unique one… perhaps they'll share some of the details with you, if you join them on February

14th in The Red Room Cabaret.

ROMANTICA has partnered with the La Fonda Steak & Seafood Restaurant. You can enjoy a romantic pre-show dinner right across Basilio Badillo in the Zona Romantica, and then make your way over to the concert.

The special dinner and show package price for ROMANTICA is only USD $24 or $300 pesos per

person, or the show only for US $16 or $200 pesos.

There are two seating times to choose from for dinner: 5:30 pm and 6:15 pm, and the concert begins at 7:30 pm in The Red Room. Tickets are VERY limited, so don't delay and purchase your tickets online 24/7 at www.VallartaTickets.com or call 222-4198 for more information.

“Every Song Has a Voice”- The Birth of a Chorus

T

he Puerto Vallarta Men’s Choir (PVMC) has begun filming a documentary on the founding of the first gay chorus in Mexico. The film follows their unique path that includes the challenges of being multi-cultural and bilingual.

Every song has a voice, the Birth of a Chorus, is a feature documentary on the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Chorus, the first gay men’s chorus in Mexico.

The mission of the Puerto Vallarta Chorus 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 its audience and members while building bridges of understanding, acceptance and love between communities, cultures, families and friends.

Award-winning filmmaker Brian Barnard’s documentary will cover the birth of the Chorus until the present.

Filming began in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, in October, 2013, and will wrap in February, 2014, with a final cut of the film slated for March.

Please help us document this historical moment in Gay Mexican history. The film is not

4th Annual Every Tuesday Night Film Series Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad February 4 Salmon Fishing in the Yemen For more information, go to the following website: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1441952/ Films are shown at the Paradise Community Center 127 Pulpito.

Gates open at 6:00 pm and all films begin at 7:00 pm.

Advance tickets are available for a donation of 60 pesos at the Paradise Community Center. 70 pesos at the door.

only meant to record but, to be an inspiration to those who might want to walk these steps in the future and to honor those who have helped forge this path and make it possible.

The funds will not only cover the production and post-production cost but will also fund an exciting program called Hands Across The Border, where a Mexican national will travel to Canada and work with a mentor and the filmmaker on post-production, gaining valuable experience to bring back to Mexico.

Support www.indiegogo.com/ projects/every-song

ERIK A. FULFER, D.C. CHIROPRACTOR Quality affordable chiropractic care at your: Home, Office, Resort or Spa by appointment only Mon-Wed-Fri 10am to 6pm

Call Now! 322 182 5045 Vonage (404) 719 4744

bahiachiro@gmail.com www.bahiachiropractic.com

CLASSIFIEDS 21

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS

UROLOGIST Dr. Pedro López Cueto Tel. (322) 22 5 11 83 www.anku.com.mx

Emergency Phone Numbers Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

The police station or the fire department is 060. For Non-Emergency calls, dial (322) 290-0507 for the Police Dep & (322) 224-7701 for the Fire Department.

Ambulance Services Red Cross Ambulance: 222-1533 Global Ambulance: 226-1014

Hospitals Ameri-Med Hospital: 226-2080 Cornerstone Hospital: 224-9400 San Javier Hospital: 226-1010 Medasist Hospital: 223-0444 C.M.Q. Hospital: 223-1919 I.M.S.S. Hospital: 224-3838 Regional Hospital: 224-4000

Other Important Phone Numbers American Consulate: (322)222-0069 or 01-333-268-2145 Canadian Consulate: (322) 293-0098 Motor Vehicle Dept: 224-8484 Consumer Protection (PROFECO): 225-0000 Immigration Office: 221-1380 National Telegraph: 224-7970 Electric Company (CFE): 071 Water Company (SEAPAL): 223-1516 Municipal Services: 223-2500 Tourist Protection: 223-2500 Ministerio Publico: 222-1762 Animal Protection: 221-0078 Wake-Up Service: 031

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

Emergency Phone for Sayulita

El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq.

Matamoros 322.222.0743

La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.5225

El Rio BBQ Bar 322.222.2510 www.elriobbqbar.com

Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234 322.293.7778

Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias 329.298.0140

Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro 322.113.0373

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

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

287 Basilio Badillo nachodaddymexico.com

El Dorado Pulpito # 102, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.4124

Paradise Stage Concerts ParadiseCommunityCenter.com Pulpito 127 at Olas Altas 322.133.7263

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

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

Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Mon-Sun 10:pm -3:00 am Beboteros Diaz Ordaz 565 Malecon 322.113.0099

Nacho Daddy

Paradise Stage Paradise Community Center Pulpito 127 322-133-7263 Que? Pasa Aquiles Serdan 625, Col Emiliano Zapata 322.223.4006 The River Café Isla del Rio Cuale Local4 Centro 322.223.0788 Vitea Libertad Edificio Malecon 2, Centro” 322.222.8703

Dial 066 from any standard land line. Dial 080 from Mexican cell phones. To report suspicious activity in Sayulita, please dial 045-322-141-5994.

Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz Numbers for the Police Department in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666.

Emergency number: 066 Police, Bucerias & La Cruz: 298-1020 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157

BRAIN TEASERS 22

Friday Jan 31 - February 6, 2014

Random thoughts from the Tribune Sports desk

SUDOKU

www.vallartatribune.com

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.

By Joel Hansen

W

ell, I am in here in New York, reporting live at the Vallarta Tribune Booth on radio row at Super Bowl XLVIII. “Media Day” is all about entertainment. Countless credentials are granted to organizations from all over the globe. The questions asked aren’t coming from your traditional Mike and Mike-type sports reporter.

The word “circus” can quickly come to mind, and there were certainly some circus-like questions on the day, here are some thoughts and some of the worst questions from New York.

• Marshawn Lynch does not like the media. He is clearly uncomfortable with the podium, however check out his interview with Dion Sanders, he is much more comfortable and gives some great answers.

• Sticking with Marshawn for a second - it was announced Skittles have now released a special limited edition of his favorite pre-game snack.

Skittles have also announced that Lynch’s charity, Family First Foundation, will receive $10,000 for every touchdown he scores in Super Bowl XLVIII. • Meanwhile cannabis growers Zion Gardens in Washington State –where marijuana has been legalized – have named a new extra-strong strain “Beast Mode”.

• Skittles, Football and weed; the perfect storm?

• Did you happen to see Mariana Gonzales? Like me, she is a well respected member of the Mexican media and works over at Azteca on the TV side, she was looking good and was the talk of media day. Not sure why she was is on TV but then, I am a print man.

• Back in Puerto Vallarta I am happy to announce that the local chapter of the Florida State Seminoles alumni has grown by one with a new addition to the Mayer household. Congratulations to Paul and Lindsay.

Twelve most ridiculous questions overheard.

12. “Does your hair factor into your play?”

To quarterback Russell Wilson, on his curly and lengthy locks.

11. “People think you look like the actor Owen Wilson, what do you think?”

Directed at head coach Pete Carroll, who replied, “I think...my nose isn’t nearly as crooked.”

10. “What advice would you give Justin Beiber?”

Directed at defensive tackle Brandon Mebane.

9. “Can you re-enact Richard Sherman’s postgame interview?”

Directed at strong safety Kam Chancellor.

8. “The Seahawks have a lot of players with long hair. You have long hair, can I interview you?”

Directed at Seahawks Public Relations intern Myron Beck, who played linebacker at Washington State University.

7. “Who has the better beard?”

Directed at center Max Unger and defensive end Michael Bennett, who fielded questions side-by-side.

6. “Do you have sex on gameday?” Directed at linebacker Heath Farwell.

5. “Who was your favorite 90s boy band?” Directed tight end Zach Miller.

4. “Can I have a hug?” Directed at tight end Zach Miller.

3. “Who do you like better, Seattle women or New Jersey women?”

Directed at fullback Michael Robinson, who replied, “I like my wife.”

2. “With Dick Clark’s departure, do you consider yourself the world’s youngest teenager?” Directed at head coach Pete Carroll.

1. “Are you hoping to win this game?” Directed at cornerback Walter Thurmond.

And that is all from New York. I will see you at the game but right now I am about to be interviewed by The New York Times for their article entitled “Thoughts on the Super Bowl by a random Canadian guy living a life of leisure in Mexico and bragging about picking all of the playoff winners for the last two weeks.”

After that I will be heading to 30 Rockefeller Centre to meet with Al Michaels and Bob Costas and a few other of my esteemed media peers for wings and beers. I hope they have Corona and I hope Mariana Gonzales is there.

Number Blocks What’s a number block you ask?

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.

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.

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