Issue 889, April 18 - 24, 2014

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Nature bUTTERFLIES OF MEXICO

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April 18 - 24, 2014 Free Issue 889

Events

local reviews

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Riviera Nayarit SAN BLAS BIRDERS

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Courtesy Doraliz Terron

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Friday April 18 - 24, 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 Fernando ayala lopez SALES manager salestribune@outlook.com JESUS ARENAS ventastribuna7@yahoo.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

Editorial 03

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Editor´s Note

G

ood Friday. To be completely honest, I have never been to a church service.

I have been to many churches; beautiful baroque churches in Puebla, breathtaking cathedrals of Mexico City and Guadalajara, crumbling convents in Oaxaca, and the serene simplicity of the mission in the Baja. There are many, many churches in this country of all sizes and shapes; from simple brick to elaborate gold leafed extravaganzas. In the town of Cholula, Puebla it is said there is a church for every day of the year.

I keep threatening to publish a coffee table book of the churches of Mexico, as they are as diverse as the culture and nature in this captivating country. So even if the religious ceremony of this week escapes you, I strongly encourage you to visit at least the beautiful Our Lady of Guadalupe in downtown Vallarta.

The corona (crown not beer) on the top is spectacular and is always good for a photo op. If you happen to be in Pitillal, the church in the plaza is home to an impressive ascending Jesus, definitely worth a moment of your time.

This weekend we will have many religious events around Puerto Vallarta celebrating Good Friday and Easter Sunday. Hopefully you get a chance to at least witness the spectacle if not attend a service.

There are a number of English services being held including at the inter-denominational Worship in Paradise Church at the Paradise Community Centre, (Pulpito 127, Old Town) the Anglican Christ Church by the Sea, located across the street from the Puerto Vallarta airport, the Catholic Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish at Hidalgo #370, Centro and the First Baptist Christian Church at 181 Argentina, Centro.

The crowds have arrived. Take care while driving and with your personal belongings. Go to the bank machine as they often run dry. Stock up on staples as the grocery stores are mad houses, but most importantly, get out there

Around town with Julie

R

eady, set, go was the first thing you heard on Easter morning in my house, followed by shuffling and giggles. We had been waiting for this moment since Christmas.

A Chocolate Easter Egg Hunt was the highlight of our Easter weekend, well at least for the kids.

Traditions change from culture to culture and from country to country and in Mexico, Semana Santa is the biggest Mexican holiday and it is ever! I am amazed with the crowds of people entering from all possible ways into Puerto Vallarta, to populate the beaches with colorful parasols protecting families, kids, toys, coolers, food, music, and most of all, laughter.

Once again I have fallen in love

with the Mexican culture, the simple ways of enjoying special holidays while their main goal is simply to be together and indulge in life’s pleasures.

I have been talking with some of my friends that have been here for many years and they warned me about this week and advised to maybe escape the madness, no can do, in a better a way I will take part of the many activities here in town.

Like for instance the Boutique Theatre is hosting a fabulous show, a must see Princesas Desesperadas, running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until the end of April, a fabulous comedy.

And if you are short of family or

and enjoy Puerto Vallarta.

There are many free events happening around town, particularly along the malecon in the evenings.

Enjoy yourselves, Madeline

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

HERE TO HELP!

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very year during Holy Week and Easter, Puerto Vallarta enjoys a huge influx of national and foreign tourists. The city of Puerto Vallarta has installed six tourist booths staffed with bilingual guides that can assist in questions related to events, tours, directions and safety.

These service points are located in the bus station, the offices of the Vallarta Plus bus line, Lázaro Cárdenas park, the walkway outside of City Hall, the Malecon and at the bridge in front of Agua de Molina.

Open from 10am to 6pm, every day of the holiday. The tourism office at the main plaza remains

open from 8am to 8pm to assist as well.

JOIN GARY R. BECK

DURING

juliemongeau@gmail.com

are looking for an Easter Sunday Brunch with a little kick, The Taste Restaurant is holding an Easter Bonnet Party from 10:00am to 4:00pm with an all you can eat buffet and a cocktail, but most of all, a decorated bonnet competition, with 3, 500 pesos in gift certificates that will be awarded for most original, most fabulous and for the best theme.

So if you can’t find the chocolate egg hunt I am sure you will find plenty of Easter or Passover celebrations around town. Until next week

MAY 15 - 31 AS HE REVIEWS HIS FAVORITE PLACES TO DINE AROUND PUERTO VALLARTA

ALL REVIEWS CAN BE FOUND AT VALLARTATRIBUNE.COM

Happy Easter Passover!

Smiles Julie

and

Happy

NEWS 04

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

NEWS BITES

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Sales to the US accounted for 78.8% of total Mexican exports during 2013, reaching 299.528 billion dollars. *USE GRAPH

Mexico In The World News

“The Jumex Museum becomes new cultural reference in Mexico” El País, 26/02/2014

The contemporary art center, 100 days old, is seeing higher than expected visits from the public and contributes to creating a pole of attraction away from the traditional tourist route.

BMW, the German automaker, is negotiating the construction of its first plant in Mexico with the local government. The investment is estimated at 1.5 billion dollars and would begin operations in 2016 with the assembly of Series 1 and Series 3 models, among others.

Honda Mexico began operations in its new factory in Celaya, Guanajuato, with an investment of 800 million dollars. The Japanese car maker will begin by producing the Honda Fit model and, in the second half of 2014, its compact SUV. Bombardier, the Canadian aerospace firm, is exploring the possibility of setting up a software center for trains and another for aviation engineering and design in Mexico.

Pemex secured the sale of the first shipment of Olmec-type extra light crude oil to India, as part of its market diversification strategy. The Mexican oil company also awarded a 1.4-billion dollar contract to the Norwegian Seadrill to install four drilling platforms in the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition, it resumed the export of crude oil to Japan sending a shipment from Salina Cruz, Oaxaca, with one million barrels of Istmo light crude.

The State-owned oil firm also announced the investment of 3.4 billion dollars over the next four years to produce ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD) in the Madero, Minatitlán, Salamanca, Salina Cruz and Tula refineries, and to build four new plants to process the hydrocarbon.

Microsoft, the US technology giant, opened its first fully

“Jobs on the line: A new era for autos dawns in Mexico” The Globe and Mail, 21/02/2014 mobile office in Latin America, located in Monterrey,Nuevo León, which switches desks and fixed telephones for home-like spaces.

Twitter has requested permission to be listed on the Mexican Stock Exchange (BMV), through its International Quotation System (SIC), allowing Mexican market investors to access the social network’s shares.

Carlos Slim is planning to double his share in The New York Times in 2014, with which he would control 19% of the US daily. The Mexican billionaire obtained securities in 2009 as part of an agreement to lend 250 million dollars to the publication during the global financial crisis.

Grupo Bimbo, the global baking firm, agreed to purchase Canada Bread, of Maple Leaf Foods, for 1.66 billion dollars, with which it could absorb a third of Canada’s packaged bread market.

Oxxo plans to expand the O’Sabor prepared food brand beyond the north of Mexico and into other regions of the country during 2014 bringing the number of taco production plants to 600, 100% more than in 2013.

Grupo Vidanta, Cirque du Soleil and Ocesa have partnered to operate a new entertainment brand in Mexico and Latin America. The Mexican luxury hotel and resort operator will invest 20 million dollars to provide

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

the infrastructure with the construction of the Vidanta Theatre on the Mayan Riviera; meanwhile, the Canadian entertainment firm will put on the show and Ocesa, the leading concert and show company, will market it.

By the middle of the decade, Mexico will threaten to overtake Canada as the largest exporter of vehicles to the United States.

Mexico Economy

To revive a trade bloc worth 28.2% of the world GDP, North American leaders are relying on an opening with Asia and the promising Mexican economy reforms.

Mexico’s sovereign debt rating was raised to “A3” from “Baa1” by Moody’s Investors Service, making it the second Latin American country in this category along with Chile, and sending a vote of confidence to international investors.

Bilateral trade between Mexico and the European Union (EU) has increased more than 230% from 2000 to date. The bloc is the second biggest investor in Mexico with an accumulated 100 billion dollars between 2000 and 2012, reported the EU Ambassador to Mexico.

The US and Mexico hit a new bilateral trade record of more than 506 billion dollars in 2013, 20 years after the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) came into force, according to the US Department of Commerce.

Exports from Mexico to Canada grew 18.2% in 2013 from 1.701 billion dollars in January to 2.11 billion dollars in December of that year, according to a report from Statistics Canada.

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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.

“Americans, Canadians and Mexicans are turning to Asia to boost NAFTA” Le Monde, 19/02/2014

“Bafta triumph for Alfonso Cuarón and ‘Gravity’” El País, 17/02/2014

Cuarón was awarded Best Director and another Mexican, Emmanuel Lubezki, took the award for Best Cinematography. The film also won in the sound, special effects and music categories.

Mexico was the third lowest among OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries in 2013, positioning at 4.9%, together with Austria, and behind only Korea and Japan.

Mexico will surpass Japan as the second largest car exporter to the US, sending 1.69 million vehicles in 2014 to its neighbor in the north. Mexico is expected to reach 1.9 million in 2015 taking Canada’s place at the top of the list.

More than 3.8 billion dollars have been invested in wind parks in Mexico. At the close of 2013, the country had 2,000 wind megawatts (MW) in operation and 25 functioning parks.

No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you.

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Six more wind parks will come into operation in 2014 contributing an additional 714 MW to the installed capacity, informed the Mexican Wind Energy Association (Amdee) Mexico is a world reference in tourism, having received 23.7 million visitors in 2013 that generated an economic spill of 13.819 billion dollars, 9% more than in 2012, said President Enrique Peña Nieto.

NEWS 05

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

Road blocks will be set up to check bus drivers are sober

BY MAURILIO SOTO

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resident Enrique Peña Nieto announced a road plan of action to keep both domestic and international tourist safe over the Easter holiday season on Monday.

During the opening ceremonies of the newly renovated stretch of the Jerez–Tlaltenango highway in Zacatecas, Peña Nieto launched a federal plan to provide for the safety of Mexican nationals and foreign visitors as they travel on the highways during these Holy Week holidays.

Peña Nieto said that the Tourism Secretariat will distribute specialized information in 75 strategic areas throughout the country to all visitors as they travel through the country.

He added that the Ministry of Communications and Transport will install road blocks that will verify that public transport operators are sober and alert enough to safely transport passengers. Peña Nieto also expressed his condolences to the families of the people who lost loved ones during a bus accident on Sunday. Thirty-six people died when a bus traveling from Acayucan to Cosamaloapan in the state of Veracruz was hit by a truck and burst into flames.

“We would like to offer our most sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of all those affected by the tragic accident,” Peña Nieto said.

He stressed that a road block system, where truck drivers are tested for their preparedness to drive, is essential for this type of

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Bank of America to cut 3,000 jobs in Costa Rica, the Philippines and Mexico The Associated Press

B accident to be prevented in future.

Peña Nieto added that 14,000 members of the Federal Police will be a part of this new plan to better assure for the safety of all those traveling on the roads during Easter.

Originally posted on The News

ank of America says it’s cutting about 3,000 jobs overseas as part of ongoing reviews of its global operations.

The jobs are located in Costa Rica, the Philippines and Mexico.

The Charlotte, N.C.-based company plans to close sites in those countries over the next nine to 12 months.

Bank of America Corp. spokesman Mark Pipitone says the cuts will have no effect on Bank of America Merrill Lynch, its global banking and markets business, which serves commercial,

corporate and institutional clients in Latin America.

The Foreign Ministers of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia held meetings in Mexico

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he Foreign Ministers of Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Turkey and Australia met in Mexico City for a two-day meeting that began on Sunday April 13th, 2014.

The purpose of the meeting was to exchange views on multilateral issues and strengthen their ties in various areas of the bilateral relationships.

At this meeting, the foreign ministers of Mexico, José Antonio Meade; Indonesia, Marty Natalegawa; South Korea, Yun Byung-se; Turkey, Ahmed Davutoglu; and Australia, Julie Bishop, discussed the current international political situation and international issues, including the post-2015 development goals, cyber-security, climate change, human rights, migration and the reform of the United Nations Security Council, among others.

The foreign ministers of these five countries met for the first time

in September 2013 in New York. At that meeting, they agreed to hold meetings twice a year, during the G20 summit and on the sidelines of each regular session of the U.N. General Assembly. It was also agreed that Mexico would coordinate the work of the group for the first year and would organize this meeting of foreign ministers in 2014.

For the Mexican government, this type of high-level meetings is consistent with the goal of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration to position Mexico as an actor with global responsibility.

The group conformed by Mexico, Indonesia, Republic of Korea, Turkey and Australia (informally known as MIKTA), analyzed global issues and strategies to promote their bilateral and group relations. They also discussed developing their dialogue and a common cooperation agenda. This is the second

Explore Banderas Bay Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

Walking Tours Take a tour through Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Downtown to learn

about this city’s rich history, famous people, architecture, and cultural and ecological heritage; all this on an easy to moderate two-hour stroll led by a certified guide.

Tours leave from the Municipal Tourism Office every Tuesday and

time the foreign ministers have met in the last six months.

The foreign ministers participated in two sessions. In the first session, they discussed the benefits of a dialogue for their countries.

The ministers noted that the gradual transformation of the international system has opened a window of opportunity for their countries to take on a constructive and conciliatory role for dealing with pressing international

problems, including frequent consultations on situations that may affect international peace and security.

They said that this dialogue and their commitment could help strengthen their relations and establish better cooperation, including on global governance, trade, and development.

During the second working session, the ministers discussed the current international political situation, including Syria, Ukraine

and the Korean Peninsula, and global issues such as the growing collective efforts to make development cooperation more effective, the post-2015 development agenda, cyberspace security, climate change, human rights and migration and reform of the United Nations Security Council.

They also agreed to expand their dialogue on trade and development in international forums such as the United Nations and the G20.

Source: http://www.sre.gob.mx/

Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.

Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbourhood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican families.

Along the main streets you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful

authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more.

Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring.

Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the

many beachfront restaurants.

Sunsets on the Malecon - Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away.

LOCAL 06

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

Banderas Bay Initiative

By Minerva Zamora minerva@bbini.org

The Power of Consumers

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reat news! On Monday, March 31st the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Japan must halt its whaling operations in the Artic, declaring that the whaling program was not for scientific purposes and was therefore not protected by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). It ordered that Japan withdraw all permits and licenses for whaling in the artic and refrain from issuing any new ones.

The Japanese government has publicly stated that they will abide by this ruling, and is halting its entire fleet from departing to the Antarctic this season (this ruling does not affect Japan’s costal or North Pacific whaling).

This is a huge win for the Australian government (which brought the issue up with the ICJ), Green Peace, Sea Shepard, and other conservation lobby groups that have been working tirelessly since Japan circumvented the IWC’s whaling moratorium in the mid-1980s by claiming their hunts to be scientific in nature.

However, I think it is important to highlight the role the Japanese public, as conscious consumers, have had in making the whalers take this ruling in a peaceful and respectful manner.

The fact is the general Japanese public has greatly reduced its consumption of whale meat in the last decade. Whale meat stockpiled in freezers almost doubled from 2,500 tons in 2002 to 4,600 tons in 2012, not because whaling efforts have intensified (on the contrary), but

because the market for the meat is shrinking rapidly.

Considering the Japanese government had projected, before the ICJ ruling, to subsidize the whaling program with $50 million dollars (up from $9 million in 2007) just to keep it afloat, it is becoming evident that whaling in Japan is no longer economically sustainable; consumers have spoken with their dollars (or Japanese Yens in this case).

Other recent examples of the public’s consumer habits changing company policies to benefit the environment include Lipton Tea’s agreement to stop animal testing, the increased number of places where shark fin soup is banned, and Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten prohibiting its online retailers from selling whale and dolphin meat through its platform.

So besides rejoicing in this good news for the whales of the Antarctic, perhaps we can all take note from our Japanese friends, and understand that we really can make a difference as consumers when we vote with our money. We really can make a difference as individuals by simply taking a moment to analyze what is in our supermarket carts, what companies and policies we are supporting with what we buy, and realizing that, while they may not listen to our voices, they will definitely listen to our pesos and dollars.

Once the sun has set, the malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment and later in the night, the nightclubs beckon.

Sayulita – A short 45 minutes

he islands really are very spectacular and extremely unique both on and under the surface. This archipelago (chain of islands) was formed by a huge volcanic eruption. Not all of it was made this way though as in the early 1900s the Mexican government began conducting military testing on the islands because no one lived there.

Many bombings and large explosions took place on the islands causing amazing caves and rock formations to be created.

After a huge international

outcry started by scientist Jacques Cousteau in the late 1960s, the government eventually decided to label the islands a national park which protects it against any fishing, hunting or human activity.

This extensive military testing damaged the flora fauna and wildlife on the islands for decades, but many years of peace have replenished it to what it is now, a wildlife sanctuary.

There is no denying that the islands are spectacular and are a huge tourist attraction, but that is not all good news. The biggest attraction is the hidden beach, or Playa Del Amor.

This beach is either a volcanic crater or a bomb hole depending on who you want to listen too. Anyway, over the past 18 months since the iconic photo of the hidden beach went viral on the internet, everyone wants to see it.

The beach is tiny and when there are 100´s of tourists there, it really does lose a lot in translation.

The only time to go and see it is before 9am as this is when the big booze cruises and catamarans arrive swiftly followed by panga after panga after panga.

I just see this as a quick money spinner and not something that will give tourism to the islands a sustainable future.

To get to the hidden beach you need to snorkel through a tunnel that is not always easy to navigate as there is often surge and high tides, and without the aid of a pair of fins, can be somewhat hazardous.

I used to live on a small island off the coast of Borneo which in comparison is a very primitive country. An hour away by boat was an island called Sipadan which was an uninhabited marine reserve for divers and snorkelers alike.

They restricted visitors to 120 per day and have a thriving tourist industry that will stand the test of time.

I feel that unless the government put these restrictions on the Marietas, then no one will want to go there in the long term.

I have read some very harmful reviews on the internet and as a tourist, it would not be on my bucket list.

I took some diving guests there last week and we were restricted to diving the tunnels and the wall to far left side of the island as there were just too many boats to dive the central reef. The tunnels and caves really are spectacular, but with the constant drone of boat engines above your head it does not make for the most relaxing diving.

I put my marker buoy up to surface under and it got shredded by a boat that went straight over it. I don´t think I will bother getting my permit renewed next year.

organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it. Visit the Huichol Cultural Centre for some wonderful handmade beaded jewelry or grab a surf lesson from one of the many vendors on the beach. Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there

are a number of great schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more.

Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies and a sophisticated community make Vallarta a foodies dream destination. Look for a school

that will take you to the markets or introduce you to the farmers and fishermen for a truly cultural experience. Don’t want to cook?

Try one of the Food Tours available.

Eat like a local and for three hours you will enjoy everything from Tacos to Pozole.

PV Sea Dive

By Sue Keevil pvseadive.com

Islas Marietas

T

Explore Banderas Bay north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Sayulita is the surfers mecca of Riviera Nayarit.

A funky town with a wonderful protected beach, this laid-back town has a hippie vibe with the

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LOCAL 07

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

Paradise and Parenting

My Life In Vallarta

By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

By Leza Warkentin

Expat by Choice

T

here are so many times that I am grateful for my expat life. Like the time that my sister-in-law told me that she yearns for the old days when peanut butter sandwiches were allowed in public schools. Like the moments I realize how much my job here allows me to follow my passion for teaching AND to spend so much time with my family. Like the April days when my Canadian friends post photos of the latest snowfall and I go to El Rio BBQ to cool off (I stopped posting tropical “selfies” in March. There is such a thing as too cruel). Those are the good days, and I am sure you all have them too.

There are some days, though, when I second guess the choice to live in a country where I wasn’t born. Like the days where I go from store to store looking for chickpeas which were easy to find a week ago and now are out of stock exactly everywhere.

Like the days when I wish I could understand for what purpose people are really using their signal lights, if not to announce a lane change or a turn.

Like the days where my children tearfully watch their grandparents (also tearfully) walk through airline customs, then turn to me and ask, with eyes huge, brown and beautiful, “Why do we have to live so far away from our family?” Ah. Yes. There’s the chink in my mothering armor that, when pierced, leaves me breathless and uncertain. I take a step back from myself during those moments, stare myself down with squinty eyes and ask, “Yes, mama, tell me, why do we?” And, in that moment, I have nothing to say.

The question wasn’t so difficult before we had our children.

With all the love, the romance, the language, the simpler life, the love (did I already mention that?), it was easy to stay and not easy to imagine life without Vallarta.

Even now, life here is still simple (well, as simple as life could possibly be with kids), our children are fully bilingual, and we have more family time than we would ever dream of in my home country.

But then I’m pulling my children, sobbing, from their grandparents’ legs, knowing they will grow a clothing size before seeing them again. That’s when I have to answer the question again.

I think that the big difference between living in a foreign country and living in your home country is that living as an expat is a life one must choose, and then keep choosing.

Being far away from family is a conscious decision you will need to make every time you say good bye to your parents and best friends, every time you go to immigration with the paper you forgot/didn’t know you needed last time, every time you fall into a stranger’s lap due to inertia on a Vallarta bus.

And so our choice means that we keep saying goodbye, and it never gets easier. But I can’t regret it for a minute. I enjoy watching my children loving life and the easy beauty that is Vallarta.

That’s our daily decision. And for right now, that’s enough.

Looking to connect with other parents? - Join Mamás in PV(facebook group) on April 26th at the El Rio BBQ where they are hosting a party for Parents and kids, tickets are free at cupocity.com!

Explore Banderas Bay Art Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico.

Many of these galleries are along the side streets that run through Centro. Stop at the Tourism Office

in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour.

Many galleries carry high quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more.

Volunteer - There are many wonderful

www.vallartatribune.com

Family Adventures

V

isitors always inspire us to get outside of our routines; in a good way. Now, thanks to our recent car purchase we can easily step outside the box and explore the area with friends and family.

It starts with a trip to the airport.

Wow, has that changed. What was once a small terminal with 4 gates, no jet ways, no computers and a bullhorn instead of a PA system, is now a huge modern facility. We arrive on time and join the throngs awaiting friends and family. Incredibly, 7 planes have landed in the past 15 minutes. We settle in for a long wait. Pacing restlessly back and forth, I check outside frequently to see if we’ve missed them. Finally, about an hour later, here they come; our son, his wife and their whirlwind of a 17 month old daughter.

The airport isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Today’s parents travel with a myriad of equipment.

After securing the car seat, we juggle the rest of it into the cargo space and miraculously it all fits.

Even Bob. If you’re wondering who Bob is, well, it’s not a “who” it’s an “it”: a huge stroller that weighs almost nothing and collapses nearly as flat as a pancake with the flick of your wrist. How did we manage to raise our kids without portable high chairs, car seats, and Bobs? I quickly learn that the huge stroller with a man’s name is one of the greatest inventions of recent times. Like nothing short of a miracle, it can navigate the cobblestone streets and uneven sidewalks of our neighborhood.

After settling in for a day, we are ready to head to the Zoo. My husband and I have waited to do this until we had a visiting grandchild to serve as an excuse. Not

organizations across the Bay that can use your help. Both time or money will be appreciated. On Sundays, the Brigada de Basura does a morning clean-up with the local children and then they all head to Que Pasa restaurant for breakfast, activities and friendship.

knowing what to expect, we load up the family and the stroller in the car and head south. At the entrance we purchase 2 bags of food, neatly labeled to tell you which animal gets what, and then we go inside.

Good thing we brought Bob along!

The zoo is beautifully designed around a meandering path, up a fairly steep hill and down on the other side but that miracle stroller allows us to maneuver with ease. The cages and habitats line both sides of the path, with good signage in both English and Spanish. The jungle surrounds and enhances everything. Our granddaughter is mesmerized.

Suddenly, as the creatures she knows from her books spring to life all around her, she squeals with delight. Her attention span waxes and wanes, then hits a high note when she sees her mother feeding some carrots to a giraffe. Who knows what goes on in the mind of a 17 month old?

We’ve made many trips to Sayulita by bus but now here we are piled into the car with all that baby gear. Our kids have rented a place way up on a hill for a four day getaway. Of course the town is packed so we circle the square a few times while they retrieve the keys. As we’re driving up the hill our car skids and slips, seeming

Ride the bus - Buses in Puerto Vallarta are an experience all their own. You can tell the general destination of the bus by what is written on the window. Costco, Sheraton, Centro, Mismaloya you can go just about anywhere in this city on the bus. Only seven and a half pesos

to complain about the barely navigable terrain. Sorry kids, you’ll have to find another way to get your gear up to the stratosphere.

Not even the miracle stroller can make this ride.

Four days later, we’re back in Sayulita to pick up the adventurers.

It was much easier getting the gear down the mountain. On the return to Puerto Vallarta, somewhere between Sayulita and La Cruz, a loud popping sound reverberates through the car and we all jump with a combination of surprise and panic. No one is hurt but we realize that a nut has fallen from a tree, breaking the windshield of our car, a mere 4 weeks after we bought it.

Now that’s one adventure we could have skipped.

We had other big adventures planned but our granddaughter is content to splash in the pool, read books and play with the pinwheel we bought on the Malecon. Those adventures will still be here when they return in December. I sure hope they bring my new best friend Bob.

(per bus - there are no transfers) this is a great way to explore the neighbourhoods. Head south on the bus and get a front row seat on some spectacular scenery on your way to the Vallarta Zoo. Or hop the Bucerias bus in front of Walmart and 30 minutes later you

LOCAL 8

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Spruce Up Your Home with Décor from the OTFM-TC

A

pril is National Decorating Month, and it’s time to spruce up your home with “make it, bake it, grow it” musthaves from Puerto Vallarta’s favorite weekend attraction.

Huichol Art

Deer, cacti, serpents, jaguars, peyote and the distinctive “eye of Gods” – Marcos Martin Jimènez’s has them all in his line of

distinctive Huichol art. His work reflects the spiritual beliefs of his people through colorful symbols and patterns. Jimènez takes great pride in sharing his people’s century-old tradition with new and returning friends to Puerto Vallarta. (322) 132-5862

Isabel Ramirez Woven Goods

A member of the Oaxaca-based Triqui Ribe tribe, Isabel Ramirez has been honoring her family’s 500-year tradition of weaving.

She learned the taller de cintura technique from her mother and grandmother and is now sharing it with her daughters and granddaughters. “Tethered” to one end of her woven piece, she moves closer to the other end which is tied to a post. When it’s time to cinch, she adds it to her selection of bags, shirts, table runners and small carpets.

THIS WEEKEND On the malecon at Los Arcos

Friday April 18, 7:00pm-12:00am, Alternative Fashion Festival 2014 Saturday April 19, 7:00pm Musical groups Nadane, Monda and The Three Circus, with pop and classic rock Saturday April 19, 10:00pm African dance troupe “Collective Alaraka” Sunday April 20 the singing group Confederación Regional

Explore Banderas Bay are exploring a charming beachside town.

Tip: Sit on the non-sunny side of the bus. Trust me. It gets hot.

Support Local Business - One of the most popular reasons visitors

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

A fine example of this is the many small businesses that you can find in ‘Centro’ including galleries,

Adriana Coss Vitrofusion Reciclado Artist Adriana Coss de Gortari uses Vitrofusión (a high-heat, glass fusion technique) to create unforgettable trash-to-treasure décor. Each piece is hand cut from reclaimed bottles and windows, painted with homemade paints and fused in a kiln. Coss’ suncatchers, stained glass ornaments and jewelry can be found at the market and at Entre Amigos in San Pancho. Facebook or (322) 229-9546

Wiki

An architect by trade, Liz Montejano followed her passion to become a wood working artist.

She uses high quality custom cut primavera wood to create everything from intricately carved fridge magnets to elaborate

boxes. After hand-cutting each piece, Montejano adds an original design, stain and varnish in order to capture the natural whimsy of Mexico. www.flumont.com And while you’re looking for beautiful home accents this month, be sure to visit OTFM-TC sculptor Patricia Gawle, Color Pod artist Kathryn Graves and glass blower Carlos Rosas.

Speaking of sprucing up spaces, we’ve done just that in our OTFM-TC “home away from home” – Lazaro Cárdenas Park.

We provided financial support to paint the plant pots and neighboring offices. As a thank you, Manuel Dieguez had this to say on Facebook: “The market is an important part of the Neighborhood Association, and we are proud to work with Charlotte Semple & Old Town Farmer’s Market – Tianguis Cultural.” Gracias, Manuel!

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.

architecturally inspiring community of Conchas Chinas. The beach cove here is excellent for snorkeling.

Nogalito The first town South is that of Nogalito. Set back in the jungle it is a charming Mexican village that also

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

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

Obrera Mexicana (CROM) will perform two shows at 7:00pm and 9:00pm Sunday April 20, 8:00pm Nayarit songwriter Perla Alarcón will sing from his latest album Horizonte Azul.

Sunday April 20, 10:00pm the Ballet Folklorico Azteca will perform traditional dance.

restaurants, clothing stores, spas and more. Venture off the malecon to find the perfect souvenir.

Conchas Chinas The south of Puerto Vallarta is a thick jungle full of adventure and excitement. Head south along the 200 highway and you will find the

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

OPINION 9

www.vallartatribune.com

A Little More on Mexico’s Teachers

by Thomas Swanson www.colibridesignvallarta.com

L

ast week I wrote an article trying to explain why the Indigenous peoples in Mexico have a special, if horribly neglected, educational system. It’s a system designed to teach the native people the rudiments of the Spanish language, math, history and geography that will allow them to deal with mainstream Mexican culture...if and when they come into mutual contact.

It is designed to keep out the facets of that mainstream culture that indigenous people feel is repugnant, the things that would redefine daily life as not being in the best traditional interests of the community. In many small indigenous communities, the community itself is all-important. It defines daily life.

Things such as evangelism, internet and Mexican political parties are seen as destructive to the traditional way of life.. These are choices internationally recognized as being basic human rights for an indigenous people.

I then attempted to explain some of the often confrontational and violent responses to state indifference and neglect, which is rampant, as the sole recourse to many of these people as the mainstream culture is evermore imposed upon their lives.

Low and behold, a few days later, INEGI publi-

shed an incredible census finding. INEGI is a very new thing here in Mexico.

Set up in the 1990s as a bureau of statistics, the Calderon government gave it some teeth in 2008, in particular it was granted autonomy from government oversigh and intervention.

One of the first things our new president, Enrique Peña Nieto, did was to order this census of the country’s school system. Education reform has been a major issue for the new government.

The result of this one survey is indicative, we hope, of what turning over rocks that have never been pryed up in this country can reveal.

The statistics are apalling. Keep in mind, what this reveals is what the teachers unions, the SNTE in particular, have gotten away with by taking advantage of the laws inacted to protect the indigenous people.

Here are some scary stats; There are 1,990,000 “teachers” covered by the census. of them: 65,800 teachers don’t teach, nobody knows them. They’re known as ‘aviators’, flying around out there somewhere, getting a paycheck.

97,479 teachers have 4 or more teaching positions, quite a feat! Another 41,000 get paid for 3 teaching positions.

Another 30,695 are paid as teachers, but actually work for the unions. Another 192,400 supposedly work at 2 schools.

In other words, nearly 300,000 Mexican teachers aren’t teaching.

They don’t teach for their pay, but they live “on the budget”. 300,000 low-lifes that feed off of México’s children.

A conservative estimate of the cost: $10,000 pesos [US$770] of monthly salary x 12 months x 298,174 people = $35,780,880,000 pesos [$2.7 billion usd every year].

With that money one could grant, 3,838,000 Opportunity Grants each year, [grants provided to poor families to keep their children in school] or rehabilitate 35,780 schools.

Meanwhile, nearly 45% of the schools in the south don’t even have water. Let´s not even visit sanitary facilities or food or electricity. Many have dirt floors.

By the way, many of the schools in Chiapas, Oaxaca and Guerrero did not participate in this survey, and more’s the pity.

They are the indigenous people who are suffering the worst from this farce. The federal government has said in response that they are going to stop paying the salaries of those who did not participate... Wow! What a threat!

Thanks to Laura Poy Solano from La Jornada and Claudio X. González Guajardo from La Reforma for making this census data intelligible.

NATURE 10

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Diversity and Abundance: Butterflies of Mexico

By Moralea Milne

N

othing ignites my passion more than butterflies and moths, those winged miracles of beauty and complexity that are found throughout the world.

Mexico is especially blessed with a diversity and abundance, home to approximately 1750 species of butterflies alone.

One of the greatest and most miraculous migrations on earth is the story of the Monarchs and their journey from their Mexican winter home to their third generation arrival and procreation in Canada. These Canadian born and breed monarchs emerge from their cocoons in late summer or early fall and begin their 4800 km trip to their forest hibernation site in Michoacan, where they overwinter before their flight into the southern states, to mate and die. The next generation will fly to the mid-states, laying their eggs and creating the generation who will complete the trip to Canada.

How does that Canadian cohort know to migrate south, to

follow routes that will take them to the same small forested area of one region of Mexico, even to particular trees? It is one of life’s mysteries that has captured the imagination of countless individuals and scientists. The monarchs have seen a number of challenges to their survival in the past, especially from logging in and around their hibernation site.

However this past year (2013) has seen a dramatic 43% decrease in the number of monarchs arriving in Mexico.

Biologist Karen Oberhauser of the University of Minnesota has pinpointed the increased use of Monsanto’s Roundup herbicides in the United States and Canada as a culprit. The Monarchs use only milkweed as the host plant on which to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillars. The increased use of Roundup in particular has had a devastating impact on milkweed populations, without milkweed, there

can be no Monarchs. Besides the popular Monarchs, there are few other common butterflies that you could soon come to know and appreciate.

Mexican Fritillary (Euptoieta hegesia) Fritillaries are in the large family known as brush-footed butterflies or Nymphalidae. Generally these are medium to large butterflies (Mexican fritillaries are 6.5-7.5 cm), most with a pair of small or reduced forelegs (appearing like they have only four legs instead of six). A great number of Nymphalidae are brightly coloured and often hold their wings flat when resting, providing an excellent photographic opportunity.

Frequently the underwings are dull or cryptically coloured and patterned. Caterpillars are hairy or spiky and in the case of the Mexican Fritillary, they have two projections from just behind their head, looking much like antennae.

Caterpillars are red (usually a sign to predators that they are toxic), with black spines and white longitudinal lines edged in black.

Mexican Fritillaries are found throughout Mexico at any time of the year, flying swiftly and erratically over low vegetation, nectaring on lantana and verbena as well as sipping at the occasional dung pile. Passionflower and morning glory families are host plants on which the single eggs are laid, and upon which the caterpillars feed. It is thought that ingesting the cyanogenic glyco-

sides (cyanide compounds) that are contained in the passionflower plants protect the larva from some terrestrial predators, such as the Anolis lizards. There are number of fritillary species that you can find around Puerto Vallarta, this one has the fewest markings on the top side of the hind wings.

Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus) Ceraunus Blues are members of the gossamer-winged butterfly family (Lycaenidae), which include the Blues, Coppers, Hairstreaks and Harvesters. Adults are usually under five cm and can be brightly coloured. Some larvae have an association with ants, being tended by them, on plants, or in the ant nests, even vocalizing with the ants. Apparently up to 98% of the world’s threatened butterflies belong to the Lycaenidae family.

The Ceraunus Blues are some of the smallest butterflies I have ever seen at 3/4 to 1 1/8 in (2-3 cm). They are easy to miss as they fly low over the ground, although they are widespread and common.

It has taken many photographs to get these shots, they are so small and often moving, alighting for only a few moments, that it is hard to get them focused in the viewfinder. I have seen them during every visit to Mexico, no matter the time of year or location.

The light blue eggs are laid singly on the host flower buds on members of the pea family, inclu-

ding indigo, and partridge pea.

Like other “Blues” the caterpillars are described as ‘slug-like’, these are small, oval-shaped, with a flattened underside and variably green to pinkish red. The males have stunning violet blue uppersides, which you do not often get to see; they generally alight and quickly close their wings, showing only the grey underside, with dashes and spots. Females are a dark grey on their topside with blue only at the wing bases.

You will need to get right down there at ground level to appreciate these minute gossamer-winged beauties.

Cloudless Sulphur (Phoebis sennae) Cloudless sulphurs are beautiful, yellow, large butterflies (wingspan over 3 in or 7.5 cm) butterflies that can be found throughout Mexico, at almost any time. The eggs are laid on plants in the Pea family, Senna genus, of which there are hundreds of species, including those known as Cassia; most plants have yellow, pea-like flowers. Young caterpillars are green with a yellow stripe on each side of the length of their bodies. More mature caterpillars are yellow/orange with horizontal, thin, dark bands.

During the day, they hide in a “tent” made of their host plant leaves webbed together with silk. The adult butterflies prefer to nectar on long tubular flowers such as hibiscus. If you notice that many of the postings repeat a common theme of “found throughout Mexico or over a wide range, throughout the year” that is because I am a novice and it is far easier to spy and photograph the more common species.

To a Canadian like me, just starting the exploration of Mexican butterflies, they are all unique and beautiful. I hope you will find this journey as fascinating and exhilarating as I do.

Originally published in MexiGo! Winter 2014

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

OLAS ALTAS 11

www.vallartatribune.com

Pride Schedule

Wanderings on Olas Altas

By Poncho Davalos alfonso@tropicasa.com

Todos al mar.

W

e are almost one month away for our second Vallarta Pride. I had the chance to talk with Raul Cruces, PR chair for this fantastic event, and he mentioned the event will take place this year from May 22nd to 26th, 2014. Vallarta Pride is now a five day-long cultural celebration including music festivals, beach parties, fashion shows, commitment ceremony and activities in participating bars and clubs.

Puerto Vallarta offers an LGBT inclusive

atmosphere in the Romantic Zone area which is home to many businesses that are LGBTowned and/or target the consumer, including beaches, tours, activities and restaurants bars and clubs to choose from. LGBT travelers have the option of choosing from gay friendly resorts, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and guest houses.

Perhaps you aren’t aware but on October 31st, 2013, the state of Jalisco, approved a civil union law that allows gay couples co-habiting to register their union with the state and allowing for certain rights, including that of

inheritance, property ownership, and medical rights. Awesome, you don’t think?

Are you interested in helping support Vallarta Pride? There are a number of fundraising events being held that can use your help.

Don’t miss Drag Race Vallarta every Sunday at 8 pm @ACT II Stages, a percentage of the cover will be donated to Vallarta Pride Let’s go to the Silent Auction on May 2nd at Villa Mercedes Petit Hotel at 8 pm.

The sponsorship levels starts on 2,500 pesos to 50,000 pesos if you’re interested to be part of the history of Puerto Vallarta and be part of Vallarta Pride contact Alberto Campos at litosboy@ hotmail.com or Bill Hevener bill@raulwear.com.

May 22 – Opening Party @ Mantamar Beach Club at 9 p.m.

May 23 – Puerto Vallarta Men’s Choir will be performing @ ACT II Stages at 7 p.m.

May 23 – Candlelight march - Starting at ACT II Stages and culminate at the new Los Muertos Pier, signifying the growth of acceptance of the LGBT community in Puerto Vallarta. Begins at 8:30 p.m.

May 23 – LGBT Party @ Casa Cupula at 9:30 p.m.

May 23 – Women’s Party @ El Arrayán Exclusively for women. There will be DJ, a bar and other surprises at 10 p.m.

Is it time to bring your relationship to the next level?

Join other couples in a group commitment ceremony on the beach.

May 24 – Commitment Ceremony @ Lido Beach Club at 11 a.m.

May 24 – Vallarta Pride Parade starting at 6 p.m. Enjoy the musical and artistic show at 7 p.m. and dance the night away in Lazaro Cardenas Park at 9 p.m.

May 25 – Fashion Show @ Blue Chairs at 5:30 p.m.

May 25 – Closing Party @ Mantamar Beach Club at 7 p.m.

May 26 – Pride by the sea. Enjoy the day at Los Muertos Beach at the beach clubs.

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

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

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.

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

Flower of the Week Passion Flower Pasiflora (Spanish) Passiflora sp.

A perennial vine of 500 species grown for its beautiful flowers. Folk medicine has used dried leaves as a sedative tea or smoked for insomnia, agitation and other nervous disorders and the edible fruit for making juice. Flowers attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. The name refers to the passion of Jesus in Christian theology. In the 15th and 16th

by Sandra Cesca

centuries, Spanish Christian missionaries adopted the unique physical structures of this plant as symbols of the last days of Jesus, especially his crucifixion.

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 Community Center Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.

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

REAL ESTATE 14

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

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Is a Timeshare the Right Choice for You? Miguel Fernandez Miguel@g3mex.com

W

e’ve all been there.

You’re walking along the Malecon, minding you own business, and seemingly from nowhere a salesperson jumps out offering all sorts of free enticements to get you to go on a day tour of a vacation property.

You either take the bait, and accept the invitation, or walk on, shrinking away from the thought of ever owning a timeshare.

In reality there are a lot of positive aspects to timeshare ownership. With fractional property arrangements you pay only for the time and services that you need and you won’t have to deal with maintenance and upkeep.

For families a timeshare can more economical and offer some revenue potential if you sublet.

Too, the opportunity to trade your timeshare with someone else may afford you the ability to check out other vacation spots around the globe.

Some of the negatives include: maintenance fees, fluctuations in the real estate market, restrictive rental contracts, not having access to optimum vacation times and the financial commitment.

Different Types of Timeshares: Fixed Week You, the buyer, normally purchase access to a property for a specific amount of time each year.

There are a number of ways that this can be done, but in essence you will get the property at the same time every year.

Floating Here you can choose the week that you want during the year, just be aware that the prime times get taken very quickly, so you need to be on the ball the get the dates that are appropriate for you.

Right-to-use In this case, you lease the unit for a certain amount of time for a certain number of years. With the right-to-use arrangement, the developer will continue to own the property.

When and if you decide to sell, work backwards from your purchasing process by referring to the people who sold you the property.

Also, advertising via the internet, or contacting other members of your timeshare might also be beneficial.

In the end, owning a timeshare is like anything else, you get back what you put into it.

If this appeals to you, a timeshare may be your perfect vacation option.

The majority of successful owners that I know, spend a lot of time planning and arranging for their vacation, and keep on top of dates, reward points and other details.

Contact the G3MEX Real Estate Group anytime, if you have questions regarding your real estate needs in the Bay of Banderas. Phone: 322-209-0832 and Email: info@g3mex.com.

Sites Marina

El Tigre Villa For Sale Located on the 10th Tee

Vacation or Points Club Not unlike the floating timeshare, this allows you to travel to different locations, using your points to secure vacation accommodations with the points that you’ve accumulated.

Again, you need to work quickly to get the dates that you want.

Important Considerations Look at a variety of locations, and do A LOT of research.

Make sure that the timeshare is part of an owner’s club or an association.

Do a search online to find out about their reputation. Make sure that the property is in good condition, and is legitimate.

IMPORTANT: Never pay an up front deposit without having first identified and approved the unit.

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

OLAS ALTAS, MALECON, AVENUE MEXICO

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Los Abuelos - Just like Grandma makes it

Los ABUELOS RESTAURANT-BAR

Auténtica Comida Mexicana y Mariscos Authentic Mexican Food and Sea Food 1

Olas Altas # 220, Col. Emiliano Zapata Nextel: 1862226 Cel. 322 138 8770 email: edward@puertovallartalimo.com

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pened as a little grill serving fish on a stick some thirty-four years ago, eighty-four year old Abuela Agustina still sits out front of the little restaurant on Olas Altas grilling fish and shrimp while behind her is the bustling restaurant that serves a much larger menu under a much grander palapa. Sandwiched in between a row of beachfront restaurants, Los Abuelos has a bar, about twenty tables under the palapa and beach chairs with umbrellas along the beach.

This friendly little spot has some of the nicest waiters in town.

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By your second visit, manager Edward Gonzales and the rest of the staff will recognize you and make you feel like you never left.

The menu is standard Mexican seafood along with hamburgers, pasta and a spectacular looking surf and turf plate.

The bar is well stocked and offers tropical drinks at two for one every day all day long. The $100 peso bucket of beer (6 Corona or Pacifico) is the cheapest on the beach. The food is excellent quality and if there is something you want but don’t see on the menu they will do their best to accommodate you.

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Roberto Flores Díaz Silver Jewelry Tel. 222 5920

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Olas Altas #250 Col. Emiliano Zapata www.internetpv.com/silver

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I recently had the shrimp burger overflowing with perfectly grilled shrimp, served with french fries.

We also enjoyed a chunky guacamole that had the perfect bite to it and fresh tortilla chips.

In the evening the restaurant is laid for more formal dining and there is a wide selection of grilled meat and seafood options.

The entire place can be rented for events and occasionally you will have live music to serenade you during the evening. Friday evenings there is the cultural dance show in Lazaro Cardenas park, afterward cross over to Los Abuelos to enjoy a romantic beachfront dinner.

Personally, this is where I stop on Saturdays after checking out the markets. They always have a cold bucket of beers ready and a couple of recliners to lie back on. A $100 pesos a cubeta for six cervesas and oceanfront seating can’t be beat. They also have a bucket and wings or ribs specials on all week that will satisfy your afternoon hunger. The prompt, friendly service and great prices make it the go-to place for a day of lazing about and an evening of good times.

Open seven days a week from 9-10:30pm they serve a 70 peso breakfast until 11am each morning. For those that like to watch sports at the beach there are flat screen TV’s set up showing the day’s events on American satellite feeds.

Events16 18 EVENTS

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Bugambilia Festival 2014

By Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

T Infidelity or Fickleness?

By David J. Rohde

S

ome of Mozart´s greatest operas were written in collaboration with Lorenzo da Ponte. These include “The Marriage of Figaro”, “Don Giovanni” and the slightly lesser known “Cosi fan tutte”. The title translates “they are all like that” or “all women are the same”. This is the next feature to be presented in the “Live from the Met in HD”

series at Teatro Vallarta on Saturday, April 26 at noon. The tickets are 250 pesos and all seats are reserved.

The plot involves two couples and some sideline manipulators.

Guglielmo and Ferrando are in love with Fiordiligi and Dorabella.

Their friend, “the old philosopher” Don Alfonso, warns that they shouldn´t be so trusting: women are all the same. A plot is developed to test this, invol-

ving masquerades and Despina, another accomplice in the trickery.

It´s all fun and not necessarily a put-down of one sex versus the other. For a complete synopsis go to www.teatrovallarta.com.

Join a growing number of opera fans who enjoy the operas with SUBTITLES IN ENGLISH and backstage interviews of the stars, conductor and support staff. The cameras put you in the orchestra pit and on the stage for an unequaled experience.

Need I repeat?..... the music is by MOZART!

hree weeks from now Puerto Vallarta will be celebrating its second Bugambilia Festival. We are still putting together more and more exciting things to see and do over the three days in May. Today I have to tell you about our Sunday Brunch on May 11th.

It’s Mother’s Day in the US and Canada so we are celebrating in grand style at one of Vallarta’s most popular meeting places: Le Bistro Jazz Cafe. Recently reopened and as beautiful as ever; the menu full to bursting, as ever and the river flowing by, muting all street noise, what a showcase.

One of the oldest restaurants in Vallarta and it still has that magic...walk in the front door and instantly calm down and get ready to be spoiled...

Without ruining all the surprises on the menu, I already know what I’m having...

Eggs Benny with Canadian

Perceptions of Art: Local Reviews

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

Desperate Princesses

I

had the good fortune to be invited to see Perro Bravo's production of Princesas Desesperadas at the Boutique Performing Arts Centre last Thursday night. As all productions are at Boutique, the setting was intimate... as in very close and personal. that gives this show even more kudos because the four princesses are not even princesses - they're guys! So, costumes were well done and fine details like muy fancy fingernails, shoes and makeup looked good, up close.

The acting by all four Mexican young men was well done - they never missed a beat when a full martini glass was accidentally knocked over or when a dress strap broke. No confusion or hesitation, just a few seconds of ad-libbing and back on track.

The pace was fast as the dialogue. Whew.

Oh, I didn't mention - it's all in Spanish. Before you stop reading, just think of this scenario for a minute: four really famous Engli-

sh-speaking gals get together after 15 years of marriage to shoot the shi-, drink some fine alcohol and bitch about their husbands and their lives now currently well out of the lime-light.

Would the dialogue be fast and furious?

God, yes. Would any Anglo passing by within earshot be able to pick out every word?

Fat chance!

So it is with our four lovely Desperate Princesses - go and see this play. I promise you will love it even if you don't have a word of Spanish. Men will love it because the (bitchy) female behavior is right on and women will love it because these four guys play US to a T! Rumor has it this show may re-surface in English. Don't wait!

Seriously: it could be in Chinese or Punjabi - it's that funny.

MC Juan Pablo did the countdown and the melee was on - no fur flew but just about everything else did! Five girls grabbing what they could in the allotted time then off stage to get themselves together.

Mid-way through the show the audience was treated to Sasha the drag queen for state of Colorado. Tall, willowy and simply put: drop-dead-gorgeous! To all the contestants and any wannabes in the audience: THAT, my friends, is how it's done!

Next Sunday the Drag Race for Gay Pride Queen starts at 8 instead of 10 pm and will be all about Drag Mamas.

Each contestant must bring a person of the male persuasion onto the stage and in front of our eyes dress and make up that puppy until he sings like a girl! Don't forget - 8 o'clock next Sunday.

What a Drag!...Lap Two

Frida

Act II's Main Stage was set up for the Scavenger Hunt: a table piled high with shoes, handbags and jewelry, a coat tree laden with wigs of all styles and colors and a couple of feathered boas and a clothes rack hung with costumes.

This amazing dance homage to Frida runs every Wednesday night starting this week. If all goes well I will review it for you next time.

For now, suffice it to say I have seen it twice already and was spellbound both times. Can't wait for thirds.

bacon on English muffins with real hollandaise...with a strawberry mimosa...or two.

Le Bistro will also be serving baskets of their wonderful freshly baked muffins and pastries to every table. Three other choices are on the menu and all include coffee and a mimosa.

Drink specials will be offered throughout the event which leads me to what happens after all the wonderful food is done.

A short walk from your table (with a fresh cocktail, of course) to view the spectacular fashion show brought to you by not one but two amazing Mexican designers.

Tickets for this terrific Sunday Brunch are only $350 pesos! And don’t wait for the Bugambilia Festival to have lunch or dinner at Le Bistro. It’s wonderful...as ever.

For more information email Kimberley at ziggy523@ comcast.net

cuisine 17

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MICHELADA T

he Michelada is like a Ceasar or a Bloody Mary depending from where you hail but made with beer. It’s the perfect afternoon snack on a hot day. I say snack because it’s a meal in a glass. Depending on where you are in Mexico they can be called by many different names including Cielo Rojo, and Chelada. Often it doesn’t come with Clamato unless you ask.

In Puerto Vallarta, particularly during Semana Santa you can find michelada bars set up on the beach, in parking lots and outside people’s homes. Many of these bars also serve botanas (snacks) such as shrimp, aguachile (spicy shrimp ceviche) cucumber and jicama, tamarind straws, and spicy peppers.

VALLARTA WEEKLY EVENT GUIDE powered by VallartaTickets.com FRIDAY APRIL 18 \ VIERNES 18 DE ABRIL 10:00 am - Southside City Walking Tour8:00 pm - Tapestry Carole King Tribute (MS)8:30 pm - Desperate Princesses (BT) [in Spanish]9:00 pm - La Gorda: Crazy, Funny Little Transvestite (TP) SATURDAY APRIL 19 \ SABADO 19 DE ABRIL 8:00 pm - Las Anecdotas del Miembro (MS)9:00 pm - La Gorda: Crazy, Funny Little Transvestite (TP) SUNDAY APRIL 20 \ DOMINGO 20 DE ABRIL 8:00 pm - Drag Race Vallarta (MS) MONDAY APRIL 21 \ LUNES 21 DE ABRIL 10:00 am - Architecture & History of Gringo Gulch Tour7:00 pm - Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (BT) TUESDAY APRIL 22 \ MARTES 22 DE ABRIL 7:00 pm - Still Crazy for Patsy Cline (BT) WEDNESDAY APRIL 23 \ MIERCOLES 23 DE ABRIL 7:00 pm - Frida: The Stage Show (MS) THURSDAY APRIL 24 \ JUEVES 24 DE ABRIL 8:00 pm - Tapestry Carole King Tribute (MS)8:30 pm - Desperate Princesses (BT) [in Spanish] BT=Boutique Theatre • TP=The Palm Cabaret • MS=Main Stage - Act II TICKETS & INFO: Call 222-4198 (2:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Monday to Saturday)

We like ours extra limey and spicey but each to their own!

3 limes, squeezed and with the pulp scraped loose Coarse salt 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce 1 dash soy sauce 5 dashes Valentina’s sauce 1 pinch black pepper or steak seasoning 1 dash Maggi seasoning, 12 ounces beer, preferably something Mexican 4-6 ounces Clamato Juice Salt the rim of your glass Add plenty of ice Add all the spices and sauces Add the lime and the lime pulp Add the beer and clamato.

Taste and continue doctoring until it’s perfect for you!

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

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riviera nayarit 18

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

San Blas’ Traditional Birders Come Home To “Roost”

F

or the past three years, the birding groups from England, the United States and Mexico that had come to San Blas for 30 years had been taking their binoculars elsewhere. Now they’re back, thanks in large part to James Currie’s productions in the area.

San Blas has been world-famous for years for its endemic and migratory populations, which is why different birding groups and companies dedicated to bird watching had visited the region for over 30 years. However, for the past three years there had been very few visits—but now they’re back, thanks to the new sense of security in the area.

This year birder groups from the US such as Borderland Tours that travel around the world returned to San Blas, as did the group from Alamos, Sonora in Mexico and Ecotours, which manages groups from Great Britain.

These very important tour operators had stopped coming to the area because of the travel warnings emitted about this region of Mexico. Fortunately, these warnings have been removed and bird lovers from around the world can once again come to enjoy the migratory flocks of the season.

Credit for their return—as well as the impetus for new visitors to the area—is also due to the work of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), which

has ramped up its marketing, promotions and public relations strategies.

The two shows taped by James Currie in San Blas and Isabel Island about the birds and their habitat are proof positive of the results of their efforts.

“Yes, we’ve had some people come to me after my chats (I

always mention the Riviera Nayarit) and they tell me they’ve either been there or are planning on visiting the Riviera Nayarit as a result of those episodes,” said James to the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “This is always good news.

Several of these people have gone with the bird watching groups that traditionally visited San Blas,”

he added. The promotion of the hospitality and the safety of the area, combined with the stunning natural wonders of the Riviera Nayarit have come together to help San Blas back on its feet and well on its way to recuperating its well-deserved place among the birders of the world and tourism in general.

Here are the links to the YouTube videos where you can enjoy the comments mentioned in the article: h tt p : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=nDnbyiI4x98 https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BL8fnOk6DyU https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MI_B46vOqDc

San Pancho Presents Beach Art Inspired By the Riviera Nayarit

A

rtist Miguel Méndez will present his work during Holy Week and Easter, all of which was inspired by the beaches of Nayarit. The showing will be held at Bodega 3; this exhibit will kick off its new permanent dedication to expos.

San Pancho, the Cultural Capital of the Riviera Nayarit, together with the San Pancho Collective, invites the general public to the expo titled “Graphic Activism, Art on Vacation” created by artist Miguel Méndez.

The exhibit will be held from April 17-27 at Bodega 3, which will now begin to host artists’ showings.

This exhibit, entirely inspired by the beaches of the Riviera Nayarit, is a turning point as it marks the first time an artist outside the Collective will use

the dedicated cultural spaces in San Pancho. Méndez, originally from Guadalajara and with 30 years of experience as an artist, explained that his work is primarily for tourists, but he was inspired by the cultural ambiance of San Pancho and the towns that dot this coastal region.

“Today, 30 years after my first visit to the Riviera Nayarit, I’m exhibiting the results of my Easter week vacations on Las Minitas beach in a series of drawings, paintings and engravings,” stated the artist in his manifesto. Luz Herrera, part of the San Pancho Collective, said the exhibit was a grand experiment that seeks to expand the number of artists they showcase, an inclusive initiative that will no

doubt pay off for San Pancho.

“This work is both an homage and an exercise in nostalgia for the landscape and the freedom of being able to enjoy sitting by the seashore accompanied by locals and vacationers to the Riviera Nayarit, to whom I am grateful for their company and their courtesy,” continued the artist in his manifesto.

The special event takes place on Saturday, April 19, when only a few of the pieces will be for sale. Other dates set for exhibits at Bodega 3 are April 30th and May 28th.

Because of the holidays and the expectation of more visitors than usual, San Pancho is also opening its Mercado del Sol at the Plaza del Sol on April 15th, 18th, 22nd and 25th.

Events19 18 TRAVEL

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

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Golden Age Backpackers: Petroglyphs near La Luz del Mundo Church in Los Ayala

by JOHN & DOREEN BERG ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON jaltembabaylife.com

A

wonderful day trip, Jaltemba Bay offers visitors and residents of Puerto Vallarta a look at a simpler and quieter version of Mexico. There are many wonderful activities to do in the area including visiting many archeological sites. Some are protected and well documents, but most are found through word of mouth.

Visitors and snowbirds wintering in the Jaltemba Bay area have probably visited or certainly heard of Alta Vista, a fabulous Tecoxquin (“Throat Cutters”) archeological site. What most visitors do not realize is that there are numerous, but smaller ancient sites displaying petroglyphs located right in our own backyard.

One such Tecoxquin site can be found just off Highway 200 and behind La Luz del Mundo Church in Los Ayala. Not having visited the goat field since the 2012 season, I decided to revisit

the field and update my notes prior to publishing. Well, part of the plan fell apart when I discovered that the goat pasture containing the ancient art had been left to the goats and the ancient stone carvings were difficult to view being hidden in tall grasses and vines. Fortunately, I was able to locate most of the spirals and mysterious carvings. However, one decorative rock segment containing a beautiful spiral shape had been chiseled free and carted off. A difficult feat because the missing stone slab must have weighed well over a hundred kilos!

The exact meaning of the rock carvings has never been fully explained, but the spirals have been interpreted to relate with the weather and the seasonal weather cycles. I’ve also noted that an article suggested a coiled snake or comet as a possible explanation. A few seasons ago a Huichal Indian convinced a friend and me that one rock shape represented an eagle in flight. At the time his explanation was convincing. You’ll have to decide what you want to

see! With each visit over the last four or five seasons, I’ve noticed that homes and pastures are slowly encroaching and damaging the number of boulders inscribed with petroglyphs.

Continued attrition is probably in the works because the ancient historical site is neither government protected nor guarded in any fashion.

It’s time to visit before the ancient rock art disappears.

If you have time, and don’t we all, take a stroll through the lower goat pasture to the top of the sloping field and you’ll find spirals and other shapes carved onto the large boulders.

The small site where you’ll find goats grazing is located in a grass filled pasture within easy walking distance from your parked vehicle.

As well as observing the ancient symbols you’ll be rewarded with a view of Los Ayala with the sparkling azure waters in the background.

Take Highway 200 driving toward Puerto Vallarta past the Los Ayala turn off and past the Oxxo store and church on your left. Continue on about a half kilometer from the traffic light and turn off to your left just past a large steel traffic sign and park at a new palapa restaurant, La Ceiba.

Walk up the gravel road passing on your left a home and goat pens until you reach a fence.

Follow the path along the fence line to an iron wire gate. Pass through the gate into the lower pasture and walk diagonally uphill to the left hand corner of the field.

Once you reach the green belt of palms and scrub growth look to your left for an opening in the fence into the next or adjacent field. It’s in this pasture that you can search out the large rocks with

the shapes cut into their surfaces.

While this is private property the owner has never minded us visiting the site. Just make sure you close the gate coming and going and a “gracias” or two will never hurt.

Running shoes, long pants, hat and water are suggested plus bring your camera! Enjoy the

ancient stone carvings before they completely disappear. Returning to your vehicle stop at the new birria restaurant and enjoy a cool beverage of your choice. Possibly a snack or a cerveza!

More Golden Age Backpacker stories and trip suggestions can be found at www.thegoldenagebackpackers.blogspot.ca/

CHARITIES 20

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Friday April 18 - 24, 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.

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 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) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com

Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@ fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 www.fundacionpuntademita.org

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

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

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

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays, 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

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

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

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

La Brigada de la Basur:a A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets.

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org 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.

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

New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com

Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. www.familiesatthedump.org or 297-7425

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...LUNA

What a cute little girl! Like so many, unfortunately, Luna’s tale is a familiar one. She had been abused, abandoned and left to live in the streets until she was rescued and brought to our sanctuary. She is just the sweetest, loving Maltese mix. Luna is about a year and a half old and weights 9 kilos or almost 20 pounds. Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478.

Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com

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

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

PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org

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. pasitosdeluz.org

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children. Tax-deductible. 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. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. ifcvallarta.com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for 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

CLASSIFIEDS 21

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS OFF

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

4th Annual Every Tuesday Night Film Series Costa Banderas Chapter of Democrats Abroad April 22 Chasing Ice 75 minutes.

For further information about this film,go to the following website: http://www.imbd.com/title/tt15793 Films are shown at the Paradise Community Center, 127 Pulpito.

Gates open at 5:30 pm and all films begin at 7:00 pm.

Tickets are available for a donation of 60 pesos at the door.

Films are shown at Paradise Community Center is located at 127 Pulpito, Puerto Vallarta, directly across from Coco’s Kitchen in the Zona Romantica.

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

Emergency Phone for Sayulita 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

LIVE MUSIC VENUES 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 Benito’s Paninoteca Bar Nima Bay, Local 12,

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

Friday April 18 - 24, 2014

SUDOKU easy

SPORTS / BRAIN TEASERS 22

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

medium

Number Blocks

hard

Word Search

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.

Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. BIRDS ALBATROSS, BUDGIE, BUZZARD, CANARY, CORMORANT, CRANE, CROW, DOVE, EAGLE, EMU, FINCH, FLAMINGO, HAWK, HERON, JACKDAW, KESTREL, KOOKABURRA, LAPWING, LARK, NIGHTINGALE, OSTRICH, OWL, PARROT, PENGUIN, PIGEON, QUAIL, RAVEN, ROBIN, SANDPIPER, SEAGULL, SPARROW, STORK, SWALLOW, TERN, TOUCAN, VULTURE.

1. Green - Moola - Dough 2. Playing - Time - Greeting 3. Punch - Hair - A Volleyball 4. High - Balance - Laser 5. Human - Rat - Relay 6. Cat - Dog - Gold 7. Toad - Foot - Bar 8. French - Eskimo - Hershey 9. Area - Fire - Zip 10. Gray - Red – Timber

Commonym 12 Answers 1. slang for money 2. types of cards 3. they can be spiked 4. beams 5. races 6. fish 7. stools 8. kisses 9. codes 10. wolves

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

Wuzzle 12 Answers 1. Better safe than sorry 2. Wheel of Fortune 3. Hard times ahead 4. Black eyed peas 5. Jumbo Jet 6. Minimize

Commonym

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.

TIZOC COMIDA MEXICANA

Authentic Mexican Food!

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

Olas Altas 474 , Romantic Zone Reservations 222 8382

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