Issue 894, May 23 - 29, 2014 by Vallarta Tribune

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

News NEW IMSS HOSPITAL

May 23 - 29, 2014 Free Issue 894

Travel

trust fund

Reviews restaurant week

FR EE

Photo credit: Isai Castro

welcome 02

Friday May 23 - 29, 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 Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Community Manager / Sales Julie Mongeau juliemongeau@gmail.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cisandra@vallartatribune.com cysandra@gmail.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

www.vallartatribune.com

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 Immigration: 322.224.7719 322.290.0507 Consumer Protection: Fire Department: 01.800.468.8722 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

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

Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

Editorial 03

www.vallartatribune.com

Editor´s Note Editors note

fter Vallarta Pride this weekend I fear we will see tumble weeds rolling (soon to be floating) down Olas Altas. Contributors have dried up. Calendars are empty. Everyone is looking for an excuse to head to Costco, Galerias or the Casino. But don’t fear! There remains so many wonderful things to do in this town including two of the three live theaters in Old Town will remain open all summer – both offering air conditioning. The Vallarta Zoo is always a good time. If you’ve never had the opportunity to interact with zebras, lions and giraffes this is fun for the whole family. Pay a few more dollars and chill out with the baby monkeys, jaguars and tigers. Many local restaurants remain open throughout the summer and most of those offer great discounts. If you haven’t tried 116 Pulpito – do. They have a cheese plate with real cheese – almost unheard of in this country. And just next door is Maia which is fantastic plus has a back garden with pool to dip your toes in. And they have two for one tequila, mescal and raicilla every day from 5pm-7pm. Resorts from Punta Mita to Mismaloya offer locals deals and day passes for those of us who

need a lounge chair, some all you can eat (and drink) and a mindless day of doing absolutely nothing. On Tuesdays you can join Nicole Martin (Nicole@cupocity.com) on a free tour of the Puerto Vallarta SPCA. It’s a really wonderful spot that can use all your support. It can be overwhelming to see some of the suffering these animals have had to endure but they are in a better place now and will be well taken care of until they find forever homes. There are well over 100 dogs and cats at the shelter now. You can sit and cuddle or take your favourite(s) for a walk. They are always looking for volunteers, donors, and people returning to BC or Alberta to help transport some of the animals that have pending foster homes or adoptions in Canada. Email Nicole for more information or check out their Facebook page. There are many other charitable organizations listed at the back of the Tribune. Each of them would welcome assistance; either with your time or financial support. Consider contacting one that interests you to see how you can give back to this community that supports us so well. Enjoy Pride. It is an amazing long overdue transformation our societies have undertaken in the recent years to openly accept the LGBT community. And by supporting events such as this weekend’s Vallarta Pride, in a few years’ time it won’t even be a blip on our discrimination radar. So get out there and wave your rainbows! Madeline

In the Know A local weekly guide to places, people and things

o you have SEVEN great places you like to visit or tips you like to share with our visitors? As things slow down for the summer months, there are still plenty of great activities to do around the bay of Banderas. Share a weeks worth of your favourites with the Tribune readers and email editor@vallartatribune. com Include your brief bio, photo (if you wish) and contact info. This week according to Leza Warkentin. I am the preschool coordinator and nursery teacher at the American School of Puerto Vallarta. I am also both unsurprised and not a bit sorry that this list of my favourites is mostly about places to eat. If you can live in Vallarta without appreciating some of the good eatin’ around here, you have to be at least half Vulcan. 1) El Rio BBQ –We love the river. From October to May we

Around town with Julie

hings are getting hot and sticky. Wow is the temperature ever changing! I arrived in PV in August last year, it was hot but for some reason feeling the slow transition into a hot and humid sauna is pretty brutal. I was anticipating the heat but, maybe not this intensely. Anyways we are in paradise so I’ll put a sock in it; life could be worse. In order to make due with the rising heat, Steven (my husband to-be) and I decided to find a way to escape it and bring some locals

along. This past Wednesday, along with four other actors put together an improve night at The Boutique Theater. We decided to use the “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” formula, in which a panel of four performers create characters, scenes and songs on the spot, in the style of short-form improvisation games, many taken from theatresports. Topics for the games are based on either audience suggestions or predetermined prompts from the host. So much fun was had; lots of

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

spend our Fridays here eating French fries, swimming, catching tadpoles and watching Gilberto (my husband) and Bob play tunes from 4 to 6. 2) Sayulita – Whenever we want to slow things down, we spend a long weekend getting our hippie on in Sayulita. Love the jewellery, the reggae, and Casa Terramar, where we feel like Swiss Family Robinson in Style. 3) Old Town – To our family, this is what Vallarta magic is all about. We now live in the Vallarta ‘burbs, but miss the Romance of the Zone and visit often. 4) L’Olive – I can’t find the superlative to describe the pizza in this new little gem in Marina Vallarta. Friday nights I can go listen to Gil

play classic rock at 10pm. 5) Tianguis – We head to the tianguis in Barrio Santa Maria every Saturday along with many locals. We mostly go for the delicious quesadillas, but sometimes you’ll find me elbow-deep in the clothing piles, shoveling out the best bargains. 6) Lukumbe – Any parent will appreciate how I feel about a place with mom-sized mochas, great food, wonderful ambiance, and an indoor/outdoor supervised kids’ area. 7) The Roxy Rockhouse – Sentimental me, here’s where I met my guitar man. It’s still a date night favorite, ‘cause sometimes you just gotta dance to a song that has more than 4 words.

juliemongeau@gmail.com

laughter and giggles were heard from the audience and the cast, nothing is to be taken seriously of course as everything is improvised. If you missed the first edition of “Who’s Line is it Anyway”, brace yourself - it will be on all summer, very Wednesday night at 7:30 for only 50 pesos, laughter and A/C included, bar drinks just a little extra. Until next week, keep laughing. Smiles Julie

NEWS 04

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

Tianguis Turístico Showcased Vallarta-Nayarit

he recovery within North America’s captive markets during the first four months of 2014 registered an increase of 19 percent over the same period in 2013. The 39th Edition of Mexico’s Tianguis Turístico, hosted in Quintana Roo from May 6th through 9th, showcased the consolidation of the Vallarta-Nayarit brand on an international level. The results are visible just one year after the launch of the “Vallarta-Nayarit, Live it to believe it” campaign, which is a joint effort between the governments of Nayarit and Jalisco under the aegis of the Federal Government through the Secretariat of Tourism (SECTUR) and the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB). The convention and visitors bureaus of the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta held two dozen key business meetings to determine the current reach of the campaign, as well as its short, medium and long-term prospects. “Everyone we talked to during the meetings we held with operators from Canada and the United States confirmed there was a marked increase during the first four months of 2014 compared

to 2013, not to mention they had a higher sales conversion for summer 2014 as opposed to 2013,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director for the Riviera Nayarit CVB. North America increased room nights in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit by 19 percent during the first four months of 2014 when compared to the same time frame in 2013. The 14 US wholesalers saw a 32 percent increase and the five Canadian wholesale agencies saw a 12 percent increase. Thanks to these results, North American airlines such as Delta Airlines and Alaska Airlines are considering extending flights and increasing frequencies to the destination starting in October of this year, which is why both destinations are consolidating marketing campaigns to insure this growth. As for Canada, there are talks of increasing airlift during the 2013-2014 winter season, including a summer 2013 Air Canada increase in frequency from Vancouver. At least one more frequency is expected on the part of each of the Canadian charters: Air Canada, Westjet, Sunwing and Air Transat.

www.vallartatribune.com

Vallarta mayor IMSS Representative Discuss new 144 bed hospital

ommitted to the welfare of Vallarta, the mayor Ramón Guerrero Martínez, met with chief of the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) in Jalisco, Marcelo Manzano Castillero and the union leader of the Confederation of Workers of Mexico (CTM) in the region to continue dialogue on the the creation of a regional hospital with 144 beds for the care of residents of the bay. The delegate of the IMSS in Jalisco, Marcelo Castillero said that one of the most important issues in this region is that of medical services, so the reports are still being made to achieve the necessary infrastructure to meet the needs of the people who live in the Bay of Banderas. “We are working hard with the CEO, the state governor and the mayor of Puerto Vallarta, as the support of the municipality will be very important to see this project, here we are united Nayarit, Jalisco and the two governments, because this is not what we see on one side of the border, to us we are interested in the whole issue of the population of Banderas Bay. Services are overwhelmed at this time, the truth is that our citi-

zens need a hospital of this size, a hospital of 144 beds, “said the official. He noted that the relevant studies already made and suitable land is sought, whether in the area of Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta, “still manages itself is built in Nayarit or territory of Jalisco, but the important thing here is to be to solve a problem with the beneficiaries, because as you know IMMS Hospital 42 in Puerto Vallarta welcomes all residents of the whole area, so it is very important this meeting we had with the president, “said the delegate of the IMSS in Jalisco .

Meanwhile the mayor, Ramon Guerrero, described the meeting as “fruitful and cordial. We’re working with will and determination to help the citizens of the region with better development opportunities, and it is fundamental to achieve this healthy goal” , he said. The delegate said he expects to hear soon about where this hospital was built to give out more information about it. He welcomed the commitment of the municipal government of Puerto Vallarta to give citizens the medical services they deserve.

businesses, shared best practices in the lofty mission of protecting the lives and assets of families in Mexico. Because it is through prevention and coordination that we can and must mitigate the impact of a disruptive event. Through joint responsibility, it is possible to reduce the risks and damage associated with the

natural hazards and accidents that threaten the lives and safety of Mexicans. In the area of civil protection, society and government must work together, practicing and spreading a broad culture of prevention and timely response from their respective spheres of influence. Shoulder to shoulder, we are making our country a safer nation.

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

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

Alaska Airlines adds two new Mexican destinations National Civil Protection Convention www.routes-news.com

laska Airlines is seeking government approval to begin new services from Portland to Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta. An application has been submitted to commence non-stop flights between Portland, Oregon and the two popular Mexican resorts. The planned seasonal service will operate between Portland and Los Cabos from November 3 to April 27, 2015, and between Portland and Puerto Vallarta from November 4 through to April 26, 2014. Both routes will be operated by B737 aircraft and strengthens a Mexican network that already includes Guadalajara, Mexico City,

Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Loreto and Zihuatanejo. Alaska’s SVP of communications and external relations, Joe Sprague, commented: “Alaska Airlines is committed to offering the most non-stop services from the Pacific Northwest to places our customers want to explore, and Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta are hot spots.” In April the airline announced plans to resume its seasonal non-stop service between Seattle and Cancun from November 6, with the route granted approval at the beginning of May. It flew the Seattle-Cancun route for almost a decade before suspending flights in 2010 citing profitability issues.

Explore Banderas Bay

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

By Enrique Peña Nieto

n the field of Civil Protection, a far-sighted society with coordinated authorities will always be a safer society. For this reason, within the framework of the National Civil Protection Convention, several Mexican government officials met today to conduct the Ordinary Session of the National Council of Civil Protection. This National Council is a key forum, since it allows the government, authorities and society to align goals and coordinate actions. Here in Acapulco, those responsible for civil protection in the states, international specialists, social organizations and

you can witness the awe inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world. The fall brings renewed vigour to the mountains and rivers

NEWS 05

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Scientists discovered oldest intact skeleton in a cenote near Tulum

With Cartels On The Run, Mexican Lime Farmers Keep More of The Green

team of science divers led by Alberto Nava Blank from “Proyecto de Espeleologia de Tulum” (Caving Project Tulum), discovered the skeleton along with remains of giant ground sloths, gomphotheres, saber-toothed cats and many other extinct animals deep inside a submerged chamber in the Sac Actun cave system in the eastern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, in 2007. They named the girl Naia and the location ‘Hoyo Negro’ (Black Hole) because of the hole’s vast impenetrable darkness. The pit, described as a deep, massive chamber 61 meters in diameter, was so vast it absorbed all visible light from powerful underwater lights that could not see the other side of the chamber. Now, a team of scientists led by Dr Thomas Stafford Jr. from Aarhus University has accurately determined the Naia’s age. “Individuals from 9,000 or more years ago have morphological attributes distinctive from later Native American peoples. What we have here is the unique combination of an adolescent Paleoamerican skeleton with a Native American DNA haplotype,” said Prof Douglas Kennett of Pennsylvania State University, a co-author of the paper published in the journal Science. “The challenge, to date, has been finding a fossil of an adult complete enough to do the morphology work, preserved enough to have mitochondrial DNA, while at the same time having appropriate material for dating. Naia, the most complete human skeleton found, meets those requirements,” said co-author Dr Yemane Asmerom from the University of New Mexico. After traditional and well accepted direct-dating methods failed because the bones were mineralized from long emersion in warm salty water within this limestone cave system, the scientists built a geochronological framework for Naia using a unique

by Carrie Khan

combination of techniques. They used global sea level rise data to determine when the cave system, which at the time Naia and the extinct animals entered was dry, filled with water. The site is now 40 meters below sea level and sea level rise would have raised the groundwater level in the cave system and submerged everything between 9,700 and 10,200 years ago. So initial estimates of the latest that animals and humans could have walked into the cave system was 9,700 years ago. Naia was found deep below today’s ground surface in a collapsed chamber connected to the surface via a web of now flooded tunnels. Because the caves are limestone, mineral deposits continued to form while the cave was largely dry. The researchers noticed accumulations of calcium carbonate which could be accurately dated using the uranium thorium method. Because these drip water deposits formed on top of Naia’s bones, their date must occur after she fell in the cave. The oldest one dated so far is 12,000 years old. The radiocarbon dating of the DNA tooth enamel yielded a maximum age for Naia of 12,900 years ago. “Unfortunately, we can’t rule out that the tooth enamel is contaminated with secondary carbonates from the cave system,

Explore Banderas Bay Tourism Office every Tuesday and 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

Originally posted on www. theyucatantimes.com

f the prices of a margarita or guacamole have been too high for you lately, blame it on a key ingredient of the Mexican treats — the lime. Prices for limes, imported almost exclusively from Mexico, hit record highs this year, and demand remains high. But now the price is dropping and farmers couldn’t be happier. You can see it firsthand at the outdoor wholesale lime market in Apatzingan, Michoacan. Dozens of buyers stand in the dirt parking lot waiting for beat-up pickup trucks to roll in. The men rush to the backs of the trucks, filled high with crates of limes. Here the round fruit is known as green gold. Lime buyer Geraldo Fernandez scrambles up the back of the crates and peers over the top. “The trucks barely stop and the limes are sold ... they’re selling like hotcakes,” he says in Spanish. While Mexico’s other lime-producing states were hit hard by bad weather and a fungal outbreak earlier this year, as we’ve reported, the orchards in Michoacan have been flourishing, netting record profits for the state’s farmers. But with every boom comes the bust. And prices are falling fast. Better weather and a bountiful spring crop in the state of Veracruz have supplies back to normal. Fernandez thumbs through another box of limes. He tells the driver he’ll give him 80 pesos — about six bucks for the whole 40-pound box. He says just a month or two ago he was paying these guys as much as $35 a box. Prices in the U.S. are dropping, too. Last week the U.S. Department of Agriculture said consumers paid on average 30 cents a lime, compared with 90 a few months ago. Michoacan farmers aren’t complaining about the precipitous price drop, though; most are still enjoying their record profits. But the biggest boon to them is that for the first time in a decade,

many say they are no longer at the mercy of Mexico’s ruthless drug cartels. For more than 10 years, every part of the lime business was controlled by one drug gang or another. The last few seasons have been controlled by the Knights Templar cartel, says buyer and farm manager Efrain Hernandez Vazquez. “You’d make the money and they would take it, they charged so-called taxes, quotas on everything,” says Hernandez. The drug gang told farmers where and when they could sell their crops and — most important — at what price. He estimates he paid about $2,000 a week, or 10 percent of his sales, to the Knights Templar. But since a federal police crackdown in the state and the emergence of civilian militias, the cartel has been on the run. Several top leaders have been either killed or arrested, and three mayors and a former governor of Michoacan have been arrested on charges of colluding with organized crime. Hernandez says now, it’s just pure happiness. At his farm, about 20 minutes outside Apatzingan, a worker is plowing the fields. Hernandez says he just bought 30 more acres with his profits and will plant Persian limes here — the fat, seedless ones most favored by U.S. consumers. Hernandez walks over to a line of lush lime trees teeming with Persian limes. He tells me to take in a deep breath and smell the sweetness. They are the best, he says, and jokes, “and they smell like green dollars, don’t they?” Originally posted on http:// www.npr.org

offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants. Sunsets on the Malecon Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a

sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away. Once the sun has set, the malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment and later in the

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

but we removed potential contaminates using standard techniques,” Prof Kennett said. “We consider this a maximum age and when combined with the uranium thorium dates from the adhering speleothems, we argue that the skeleton dates between 12,000 and 13,000 years ago. Well placed as a Paleoamerican.” Naia’s skull shape does not look like those of Native Americans, but the Beringian-derived mitochondrial DNA D1 haplogroup directly links her to the modern Native peoples of the Americas. This is consistent with the hypothesis that her ancestors’ origins were in Beringia, a now partially submerged landmass including parts of Siberia, Alaska and the Yukon. Early humans moved into this area from elsewhere in Asia and remained there for quite some time. During that time they developed a unique haplotype that persists today in Native Americans. Genetically, Paleoamericans have similar attributes as modern Native Americans even if their morphology appears different. Source: www.sci-news.com/ othersciences/anthropology/ science-naia-skeleton-first-americans-01925.html

LOCAL 06 Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

of course i have a trust fund By Crystal Blue CrystalBlue100@yahoo.com

f course i have a trust fund. what else can fuel and finance such dreams as the ones i live? i get this question everyday. WRONG. this is how. dreams fuel themselves. hard work, determination, sacrifice, love, passion, motivation, strength, and committment. thats my trust fund. i wrote this to inspire the other normal people sitting around too, who think they are just normal and could never have the life i have. and who justify away their dreams by saying that they cant do what i do because they dont have the same trust fund… i am sorry to say that it is time for you to wake up and burst that bubble. because i am no different than you. and if i can do this, then by all means so can you. back to my first words here, maybe its time to explain as a source to inspire. because i am normal. i am not better, prettier, or luckier than any of you. one thing is maybe i am braver. maybe my dreams are bigger or maybe my pull towards the stars is stronger. but i am no different. and anyone can do what i am doing. i choose to kick ass. basically. end of story. no i do not have a trust fund. “then how can u live in paradise?” NO. for the millionth time. i am not a trust fund baby. but thank you for all of the votes of confidence and belief that women can actually do cool shit with the money they make from simply working hard and following a dream. when you become happy and successful in this world, and say, live in paradise, everyone assumes that you have a trust fund or else it wouldn’t be possible. and when you tell them no, they think you are lying to cover it up. i am just a girl with a dream and i don’t let anything stand in my way of living my dreams. i have little money. but really big dreams. so big that they take over and come true. i dream bigger than i don’t. that’s the difference. i give all i can for my baby, and i live the life we live abroad because that is how i choose to live. i make it a priority, and so i make it happen. when we live the way we believe, opportunities flood our soul. i have always been fine. things are always there when i need them. money is always there because i work hard and it appears. imagine that. work hard, have money, live in paradise. life is too short. come to think of it, i guess living a life so cool that people only think it is possible to do with millions of dollars is a.. compliment

two years ago… i was working in a university, had a huge house, loved to entertain, had a new car, had a nanny, never saw river, and was making my way as a young single mommy in america. the decision i made after my divorce was not to have that be the end of my life, but the beginning. and i used the life challenge to encourage me to get my life back and live my dreams, and to be the best damn mommy in history, to never leave her any room for wants, needing love, or with questions or confusion about anything in this universe. i wanted to grab life and charge it. i wanted to show her a happy mommy. smart, secure, loving, brave, adventurous, available, understanding, and real. which meant, that i needed to be me, the real me, for me, in order to be the real me for her. before i had river i was a research expedition guide in the himalayas. for five years. i had always lived abroad. just starting this career and being in director level by the age of 25, i was forced to give it up for her when she was born. ohhhh did i have resentment. and it took me awhile to figure out how to redesign my heart so that i wouldnt feel this resentment towards my beautiful baby, who i was also so in love with. so i made the decision right then. she didnt ask to be here. but she is here. that was my time then, and this is my time to be a mommy now. so, lets get on with the show. and that was that. from then on, after that squeeze, i have never looked back and she became my life. i say this because, the living abroad adventuring crystal was the real me. when getting divorced and having to support myself, i got a job at a local university and brought home the bacon. and one year turned into 5. before i knew it i was sort of successful, my daughter was old, and i was exhausted.

two years ago i took river and the nanny on vacation to cozumel for christmas. when i was there i loved it. i went home and emailed two schools on the island just telling that i am alive, and here is my resume, and if hell ever freezes over, look me up. yeah right. shoot for the moon. i mean who doesn’t want to live in paradise? bet they get like fifty resumes a day. three weeks later i was sitting in my office and got a magical email. i will never forget. i thought it was a joke. one of the schools emailed me and said they wanted me. but there was a catch: i had to be there in THREE days. hmm. i thought for a minute (just a minute!) about all of the… stuff! three days!? could i do it? i could have scared myself off by justifying to myself 5 million reasons why i shouldn’t do that or why it would be impossible. and then i could keep sitting at my desk bored out of my mind with my life, and continue on, discontent inside. or i could do it. and never have to wonder. never have to dream. for that moment i was staring my dream right in the face. and i wouldn’t back down. i stood strong. and i won. ‘yes,’ i said. i hung up the phone in utter disbelief. about what was happening, about how my life was about to change, about how i had good karma ;) and i got up and walked upstairs to the department chair’s office and told her, ‘i quit.’ ‘what, why?’ she asked. ‘i am moving. to mexico. saturday. to go live my dreams.’ i said. and i walked out, with the biggest shit eating grin i have ever had before in my life. so proud of myself. that i had just stood society in the face and said, “i don’t need you. i need myself.’ and so the three days went as you can imagine, in a blur, and of course, in my socialite style, including three going away parties in two days, wine, packing parties, and my share of

tequila. and, i got it done. my house, car, nanny, stuff, friends, family, and life. i figured it all out and got on that plane on saturday morning, with my coffee in one hand, and my daughter in the other. because i wanted it. and we set off on this journey. one and a half years later we are still alive. thriving even. blogging about a life unknown to most, and desired by all. finding successes in different places now. like writing. like y’all. like life. from the inside out. and little river is just so amazing. living with no fear, bilingual, sunshine freckles, the warmest heart, amazing mind, and fabulous spirit. we are best friends on an adventure. IT IS A PRIORITY. so you see, its amazing what you can do with a life when you want to. and i am not sure about other globe trekkers. i am not sure about their trust funds. but i am sure about mine. and please don’t look at me as different or better than you. look to me, that is fine. but don’t sell yourself out with laziness and justifications that you too can’t tackle those dreams and be happy. it has nothing to do with money.

and a trust fund is just that. money. it doesn’t make us happy. and it doesn’t even make our dreams come true. we do this. we are responsible. and my dreams are bigger than any trust fund would ever be. your dreams are yours. your demographic doesn’t stop you. your wallet doesn’t call the shots. you do. and only you. go be happy. don’t make excuses. think of me, flailing around out here. how i did it. if i did it without excuses, you can do it too. if i did it NOW. you can too. if i write about it all in an awesome way… you can… wait no. that parts mine!.. and i can do that for you. all day long now, go. and make life happen. crystal blue mascaro: writer, world traveler, professor, international educator, cultural anthropologist. globetrekking the world and sharing inspirational wisdom. from: wilmington, north carolina, usa. living in tulum, mexico. heading to, marshall islands, south pacific Originally posted at: http:// enlightenedglobetrekker. w o r d p r e s s . c o m / 2 01 4 / 0 5 / 2 1 / ofcourseihaveatrustfund/

LOCAL 07

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

Paradise and Parenting By Leza Warkentin

The Ides of May

big issue I have with the month of May is that, among all the holidays, we have Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day, and My Birthday. These are all celebratory days that, in our family, pertain just to me. And there’s no way to properly wallow in the spoiled decadence of each one of them when they are so closely spaced. For example, it takes several weeks of sighing and martyr-like eye-rolling to work up the appropriate amount of guilt needed for the proper Mother’s Day atmosphere. Then, just five days later,my children are to appreciate the work I do as a teacher So They Can Have Nice Things. And, ten short days after THAT, they must sing Mananitas yet again while I sit on my Royal Birthday Throne. It’s just too much to ask. I’m like that kid you knew who had his birthday on the Christmas holidays so everyone figured they could just roll his birthday and Christmas present into one gift. We all knew that kid was getting a raw deal. Not only that, with all the days off we’ve had in May, our family is

getting thrown way off our game. It was great to start off with, the kids all excited, plans made, friends visited, ice cream eaten. But now, after not ONE FULL WEEK of school since spring break, we are looking square in the eye of a full five day week. My son is usually a morning person, but needed the promise of breakfast from an overpriced box of Captain Crunch in order to get up and dressed this morning. My animal-loving daughter is usually NOT a morning person, and, upon hearing the happy, chirping creatures outside her window, said “I hate those birds” in a voice that may well haunt me in my dreams. With the increase in temperature (is it just me or is it about 1400 degrees hotter than last May?) and the routine so up and down, we are running things in our household like a three-le-

Flower of the Week by Sandra Cesca

Chinese Rose Obelisco Chino (Spanish) Hibiscus rosa-sinensis Chinese Hibiscus. This bushy, evergreen ornamental shrub can grow to 16 feet. Flowers are typically 4 inches in diameter and come in many colors. It has a long history including a number of medical uses in Chinese herbology. Research indicates some potential in cosmetic skin care. Flowers are edible and used in salads while flower extract may act as an anti-solar agent by absorbing UV radiation. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s new colorcoded 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.

gged race. We have no choice but to hobble through it together. Eventually, one of us is going to fall, refuse to get up, and be dragged by the other across the summer break finish line. We’re going to make it, but it’s not going to be pretty. C’monnn, you say, it may not be ideal, but sometimes isn’t it fun to break routine and just let them do whatever they want on their days off? The JOY on their little FACES when they can stay up until 11pm! The pure happiness when you let them eat donuts for their evening meal! It’s just one (or seven) days for pity’s sake! Goodness, we wouldn’t want our kids to think we are boring or consistent or anything! Oh, by the way, be sure to have a little chuckle when you drop your children off at the door of their classrooms this week and peel their tiny fingers from your leg as they bellow, “I WANT TO STAY WITH YOUUUU”, for you are leaving them (as quickly as possible) with a trained professional who just spent her last long weekend making that very same error in parental judgment.

www.vallartatribune.com

A Fond Farewell by David J. Rohde

ark your calendars for Thursday, May 29 at 8 p.m. This concert performed by the Orquesta Escuela de Puerto Vallarta will be the final appearance of maestro Miguel Almaguer leading it. Maestro Almaguer is one of the founders of this orchestra. His mission in taking up the baton in 2011 at the start of this group was to bring knowledge and appreciation of classical music to Puerto Vallarta. One example of this was to stage a concert at Plaza Caracol with the band and have each instrument explained and demonstrated. Maestro Almaguer is moving on in his career. He is going to Barcelona, Spain and compose scores for movies. The program will include “Homage to Cervantes” by Jose Pablo Moncayo, a composer from Jalisco; a Beethoven “Sextet for 2 Horns and String Orchestra Mozart`s 5th Violin Concerto, “Turkish”; and a Salieri “Sinfonia Veneziana” The soloists for these selections come from all over Mexico and the U.S.

The price of admission is 150 pesos and 50 peso tickets will be on sale for the cocktail reception to follow. The ticket covers the cost of one national drink or 2 beers. Please join fellow Vallartens and bid farewell to Maestro Almaguer or get to meet him if you have not had the pleasure.

Charming tranquility in the mountains San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco

his magical town was officially recognized as a Pueblo Magico in 2012. Originally settled in 1605, this secluded 17th century mining town reached its peak of prosperity in the 1700s, when over 30,000 people inhabited the area. Over the years, the town’s population fluctuated wildly as gold and silver were mined intermittently between the 1600’s and the 1930’s. A historic town with a rich past, this once booming mining town was the second city in Mexico to get electricity. Although those gold rush years are long gone and settlers have since moved on, this beautiful mountain village of just 600 residents has kept its true colonial heritage. A shining example of an ancient Mexican village and well known for its corn and cattle trade, San Sebastian is now cultivating coffee and agave in its lush mountainsides. It was also home to Hollywood celebrities and today is a haven for Guadalajarans and Puerto Vallartans looking for tranquil nature and a respite from the summer heat. The white and red buildings, cobblestone roads, stone bridges and stunning mountain vistas transport visitors to a time before iphones and flatscreen tv’s. But don’t worry, there is wifi in the town plaza and at most of the restaurants and hotels. The town continues to grow with the inauguration of the new business association. There are approximately ten hotels

Cumbre del Fraile

and twenty restaurants. Freshly prepared meals made from local ingredients, flaky pastries from the Italian bakery and warm, rich cups of coffee will give you the energy to spend the day exploring the town and surrounding hills and a couple raicillas will mellow you out after a long day. How to Get There From Puerto Vallarta take Highway 70 north past the airport. Watch for signs but as long as you stay straight you can’t get lost. The trip takes about an hour and a half. It’s 60kms of often single lane highway that winds through the farmland of the Ameca Valley, through the jungles, to the sierras of pine and oak forests at about 1,500 meters above sea level. The air can be a little thin but it’s humidity free which is a blessing in the summer heat. Enjoy the culinary tradition of this destination, offering treats such as huitlacoche stewed with onions and spices, or mixed platters that include a stuffed chili pepper, gordita, machaca and nance flavoured aguas frescas. And you can’t ignore the “chocorraiz”, a chocolate drink with “Raicilla” (a local moonshine) and, for desert, enjoy peaches with rompope and cinnamon. Above all, take advantage of nature’s generosity, offering guavas, lemons, plantains, oranges, peaches, arrayan and “faisan” berries. To truly enjoy the local fruits visit in May and June.

scaping the daily grind of our life and returning to nature is one of the ways we rest our minds and bodies. The Cumbre del Fraile Cabins located just outside San Sebastian in the mountains are the perfect escape. Completely secluded these luxuriously appointed cabins offer tranquility and peace to escape the distractions of city life. The leaves rustling on the trees and the birds evening song are the only neighbours that will visit you in this pristine location. Offering spectacular sunrises and rich sunsets, perched on the edge of a dramatic cliff, overlooking the forests, these cabins have two master bedrooms and a loft, along with well-appointed kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, fireplace and wide open spaces. Each cabin sleeps 6 and rents for 999 pesos a night. Bring all the fixings for a hearty BBQ on the grill. Perfect to escape the city and the heat of the summer months, Cabañas Cumbre del Fraile are a great location for friends or family get-aways or a secluded romantic weekend. Close to Puerto Vallarta it is an easy drive for the weekend and just minutes from San Sebastian for day-trips or supplies. CONTACT: www.cabanascumbredelfraile.com.mx Telcel: 322-120-9768 322-171-4075 cabanascumbredelfraile@gmail.com facebook: cabañas cumbre del fraile

High in the mountains, only one hour from Puerto Vallarta, San Sebastiรกn offers a different experience. Cool mountain air, tranquil nature and historical charm await you.

LOCAL 10

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Best Beaches in Mexico

o help you find the ideal Mexican destination for parking in front of the waves, U.S. News & World Report considered factors like scenery, water clarity, soft sands, crowd congestion and nearby amenities. Expert insight and user votes were also taken into account to create this list of the country’s best beaches from the Yucatán to Baja del Sur. There are obviously smaller towns and less crowded, cleaner beaches throughout Mexico. But this is a great beginner’s guide to further explore this beautiful, diverse country. 1. Tulum In the past decade, Tulum has grown into a coveted vacation for luxury travelers (or, as the New York Times says, the “Yoga tourist”). But it still tempts bargain-hunters who remember when this tucked-away jewel of Mexico’s east coast was more of a secluded getaway. Here, you’ll find some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in the Western Hemisphere, ruins that have the cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop. And there are other out-of-this-world wonders, including several cenotes (or underground water-filled caverns) and bioreserves. As an added plus: Tulum continues to be the tiny, quiet alternative to the other Riviera Maya resort areas during the Spring Break season. 2. Playa del Carmen Playa del Carmen has carved

its own Euro-chic niche along the Yucatán Peninsula. Sophisticated expats and vacationing Europeans relax at the beachside lounges, upholding this small enclave’s budding reputation as the place in Quintana Roo to see and be seen. The area’s nerve center is El Zócalo, and similar to Mediterranean beachfront towns like Nice, the funky little public square is within walking distance of the beach. Just off the square and running parallel with the shore, La Quinta Avenida features 20 blocks worth of delicious eateries and quirky shops. Cancún is so 10 years ago -- today’s savvy beachgoers choose the cosmopolitan “Playa.” 3. Puerto Vallarta This is more than just a coastal resort getaway. Somehow Puerto Vallarta -- also known as “Vallarta” or just “PV” -- maintains a small-town ambience, while still boasting one of the most unique and sophisticated oceanfronts in Mexico. The dining options and the hotel choices reflect more of the same -- you’ll find both elegance and efficiency mingled together within the hotel and restaurant areas. Most people associate this west-coast town with its boundaries -- the Banderas Bay that snakes along the coast, or the palm-tree tinted Sierra Madre Mountains that stand tall in the east -- but Puerto Vallarta is more

than its scenery. Take some time to discover its other perks for yourself -- through sampling the delicious food, discovering a hidden boutique in the Zona Romantica, sipping a signature cocktail at a

bar along the Malecón, or jiving to a salsa beat in a Havana-style nightclub. Other popular beaches include: (in order) Cancun

Cozumel Acapulco Mazatlan Cabo San Lucas Source: http://travel.usnews.com

Sites Marina

El Tigre Villa For Sale Located on the 10th Tee

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

www.remaxinpv.com

V LO

12:00 pm - La Magia de las Letras (MS) 8:00 pm - Los Fantastikos (BT)

SUNDAY MAY 25

1:00 pm - La Magia de las Letras (MS) 8:00 pm - Coral y Amigos: Noche Ranchera (RR)

FRIDAY MAY 30

8:00 pm - Coral: La Transformacion (RR) 8:00 pm - Los Fantastikos (BT) 10:00 pm - Jose Maria: Las Canciones de Mi Mente (RR) NOTE: These listings are based on information available at the time of publishing. You should confirm events with venues when possible. BUY TICKETS 24/7: www.VallartaTickets.com

a place to live and enjoy your present !

SATURDAY MAY 24

7:30 pm - Whose Line Is It Anyway? (BT) 8:00 pm - La Mujer en Tiemps de Colera (RR)

5,6,7 PM

m 5e m th fro y on nda u us o S t nd ay Fi esd u

7:00 pm - Voices Without Borders: PV Men’s Chorus (MS) 8:00 pm - Los Fantastikos (BT) 8:00 pm - Coral: La Transformacion (RR) 9:00 pm - Voices Without Borders: PV Men’s Chorus (MS)

WEDNESDAY MAY 28

FRIDAY MAY 23

Restaurant

feed your body, soul and spirit

VALLARTA WEEKLY EVENT GUIDE

Raicilla Mezcal Tequila

322 322 -22-2 2 -16 0-4 -597 8-0 4

Discover and enjoy our inspiration of the day on our Poetic-Cuisine WITH COLORS AND FLAVORS OF MEXICO

Pulpito # 120-A Col.Am Romantic Zone Betw Amapas & Olas Alt Puerto Vallarta

2 X 1 X 5,6,7 PM 1

p 1p ma - 1 e m5 th fro y on nda us o Su t nd ay Fi esd u

Raicilla Mezcal Tequila

322 322 -22-2 -16 2-5 0-4 97 8-0 4

a place to live and enjoy your present !

Restaurant

pe O

feed your body, soul and spirit

Discover and enjoy our inspiration of the day on our Poetic-Cuisine WITH COLORS AND FLAVORS OF MEXICO

Pulpito # 120-A Col.Amapas Romantic Zone Between Amapas & Olas Altas Puerto Vallarta

www.vallartatribune.com 2X

m p 11 p

mapas ween tas

Community Joins Together for Vallarta Pride 2014

Wanderings on Olas Altas By Poncho Davalos alfonso@tropicasa.com

he Puerto Vallarta community is joining together in support of Vallarta Pride 2014, a celebration of diversity and equality taking place from May 22nd to 26th, 2014. Local business associations and tourism agencies are joining in to lend their support to the LGBT community in creating an event that is seen not only as a positive celebration of LGBT rights but as a tourism draw for Puerto Vallarta. The Puerto Vallarta Fire Department will be on site with their equipment to monitor public health and safety during the Pride parade and at the Party at Lazaro Cardenas Park on May 24th, and they will also have a fire truck participating in the parade. To thank the Fire Department for their support, Gay Guide Vallarta made a generous donation of $3,000 pesos for their Pre-Hospital Bike Care Unit to allow for the purchase of equipment. The Emiliano Zapata Neighborhood Association is furnishing Vallarta Pride with all of the equipment for the Party in Lazaro Cardenas Park at no charge. As a gesture of appreciation, the Vallarta Pride Steering Committee has purchased a power washer to clean the park before and after the festivities to leave it in perfect condition for the community to enjoy. And finally, the Municipal Tourism Office is supporting Vallarta Pride by assisting in the procuration of necessary permits and traffic enforcement for the event and the Puerto Vallarta Convention and Visitors Bureau is helping to promote the event via their media outlets in Canada and the USA. If you would like to get involved in supporting tourism, diversity and equality in Puerto Vallarta, the Vallarta Pride Steering Committee is still seeking volunteers.

Alejandra Bogue in Puerto Vallarta

Contact them for details and a full listing of Pride events at www.vallartapride.com.

allarta Pride is here! You can’t miss the LGBT Warm-Up party featuring the Alejandra Bogue Show at Casa Cupula. In case you’re not familiar with Alejandra Bogue I had the opportunity to talk to her to learn more about her career and life. I was impressed to learn that she is not just an actress, she is a classical ballet dancer; her career started in 1990 with the show “Baal” by Berlot Brecht. At the beginning of her career she told me she was discriminated against when she tried to work as a model in the late 80’s but she kept trying. She said, “My work is has opened all the doors in my life.” Alejandra Bogue is a famous TV host on cable. You can watch her show called Que Show con la Bogue throught Telehit. This lady is not an amateur. She has a lot of experience on TV. In 2002 she was invited by Horacio Villalobos to be part of a Cable TV Show named “Desde Gayola” after she had the opportunity to co-host a TV Show with other great Mexican host, Alex Kaffie named “Guau” and then she was invited by Guillermo del Bosque, main producer for this cable channel, to have her own show. I really enjoy her show every week; she has many different characters:

THE BEST PHARMACY

Insurgentes # 293 Col. Emiliano Zapata. Phone: +52 (322) 222�1236

Betty Bo5: An old actress, she lives for her memories, she always wants to be young and be friends with Miley Cirus, Selena Gomez and other young international singers. Wendy Citlalli: is a make-up artist and she suffers discrimination because she is part of the working-class in Televisa.

She came to Puerto Vallarta ten years ago with her mom, now she is very excited to be here again and be part of Vallarta Pride. Girls and boys, see you tonight at Casa Cupula and tomorrow at the Parade!!

Madrota: is a madam. She takes advantage of women’s plight to her own benefit. Alejandra is proud of all the hard work she has done over the years. Also for her Pride means to celebrate all the progress that the LGBT community have in society. She is writing her book, she said “Write the real history about your life is not easy, because are some issues that hurts. The objective to write her history is to help other people not make the same mistakes she did and to show her successes. People can live a dignified life being different.

Looking for your dream home in paradise? Please feel free to contact me at alfonso@tropicasa.com I’ll be very happy to help you. Alfonso Davalos / Tropicasa Realty

local 15

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

Father Eloi and the Volcanes Children

priest with a big heart, A very generous town. Father Éloi Arsenault decided to retire and spend the cold winters in Puerto Vallarta. Little did he know he would be working harder than ever for a cause he believes in. He is from a small French Acadian village in Prince Edward Island, Canada, where he was the beloved priest in the Summerside church. Looking to retire and spend his winters traveling in Mexico, where he met Art Fumerton, who is also “retired”. Art invited him to see the charity program he is running in Puerto Vallarta in Colonia Volcanes, and Eloi always so kind, accepted the invitation. This visit changed his life and the life of the people in Volcanes. Colonia Volcanes is a poor

neighborhood in Puerto Vallarta Mexico. This beautiful oceanfront city sits on a narrow strip of land running along the Pacific with miles of expensive beaches and glistening luxury resorts on one side and by high mountains on the other. Volcanes is over 45 minutes from downtown and as far as city services can reach into the base of those mountains. Volcanes is among the poorest of these areas due where it is and the distances people need to travel for work. Volcanes has over 650 children attending its two kindergartens and the overcrowded Volcanes Primary school for grades 1 through 6. Like many primary and secondary schools in Mexico, the Volcanes Primary school does not offer English or Computer classes nor do they even have computers in the schools.

In order to fill that void, an after school program called the “Volcanes Community Education Project” (VCEP) was started to teach students in grades 3 through 6, English and computer skills. In our third full year the VCEP has over 250 primary school students enrolled along with another 40 grade 7 and 8 junior high students. The students who attend VCEP classes or programs do so voluntary but are required to attend their regular school classes either before or after the English and computer skills classes. The program also provides reading intervention classes for students who are in first to fourth grade and are not able to read. The program also has a library which is open to the public Monday through Saturday. The program is completely free for Volcanes and the

surrounding neighborhoods. Father Eloi was so impressed with the program, the children, the students, the mothers and the children, that he made it his mission to help VCEP. In 2013, he raised $20,000 CDN from about 120 people who live in the Summerside area. These people are not rich but have been very generous especially to children in need. Father Éloi plans to continue his fundraising activities once he returns to PEI for the summer. His incredible yearly fundraising effort to support the VCEP teachers is one of the main reasons for the success of our program. With the help of Father Éloi and of the good people of PEI, the program can be expanded to include grade 9 and grades 1 and 2. Some of these beginning Primary students already have difficulty reading

Spanish and they require additional help in reading and writing so as to not fall behind. The parents and children of Colonia Volcanes know that Father Éloi fundraising is the main sponsor of the Teacher’s Fund and are incredibly grateful for his tireless work. They and the teachers realize his support is critical to the long term success of our program and the children of Volcanes. He’s making a huge difference in all their lives and continues to be work tirelessly on their behalf. A great debt is owed to Father Éloi and his supporters in PEI Canada.

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

Events 18 WEEK 16 RESTAURANT

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

May Restaurant Festival, May 15-31, 2014

of the Italian version. Slivers of roasted garlic, rosemary, tarragon and cream blended into a creamy smooth tasty broth. State bread had been ground and incorporated. Our attention turned to the main course, requiring a choice from so many temptations. Rahmschnitzel was comprised of sautéed pork loin escalopes with house-made noodles and a creamy mushroom sauce, one of the very delightful dishes created here. Trout Fillet with white wine sauce, celery purée, topped with spinach and tomato-almond ragù. The pink trout was presented as very tender pieces with its distinct flavor. This fish is rarely

seen on local menus, and here so very fresh. A celery purée was dolloped on one side with a white wine sauce laying beneath the composition. Braised Rabbit has been avoided personally due to past experiences of many tiny bones in each bite. Here it is served boneless with pappardelle, macédoine de légumes (vegetable medley) and the intense rich sauce was Pinot Noir wine-based. Quality Reggiano Parmigiano was shaved over the entrée. Impressive, and again, an offering not often seen locally. Beef Tenderloin with creamy Gorgonzola, vegetables, mushrooms and potato gratin was a thick, large tender beef filet cooked to order topped with the creamy flavor-characterized cheese sauce. Two diners opted for the special Beef Stroganoff which was prepared at their Altruism Festival table a couple weeks ago: tender strips of beef in a creamy mushroom sauce. All desserts from the regular menu were pondered knowing that the Austrians are among the world leaders in pastries and other desserts, the decision was very important and personal. Warm Chocolate Gooey Cake with lemon verbena scented citrus and mint ice cream was a warm intense dark chocolate lava flowed from the cake upon cutting. The cake, dusted with powdered sugar, was flanked by a cup of chocolate mint ice cream, sliced oranges and

strawberries. Chocolate and mint is a match made in Heaven. Combination of Austrian Strudel Pastry and Sacher Chocolate Cake is a great ‘beginner’s crash’ into fine desserts. One side of the long white plate holds a beautiful slice of strudel with flaky crust, a better one difficult to imagine. It is balanced by a very dark dense chocolate cake. The Sacher torte is one of the most famous Viennese culinary specialties. Crème Brulée (burnt cream) was also beautiful, a French creation with a bottom layer of rich vanilla custard covered by a hard caramel crust. Here the result was near-perfection, creamy inside yet crisp and crinkly on top. Note that Kaiser Maximilian is offering their special May Restaurant Festival menu through June 6, with vacation starting on June 7 through July 16. A dining group of friends and family may sample many enjoyable dishes at one seating. Olas Altas 380 OT/SS. 223-0760/222-5058 www.kaisermaximilian.com maximili@prodigy.net.mx 6-11pm Closed Sunday and June 7-July 26.

tofu. When all others had received their starter, the waiter poured a milky green soup into the foam. Vapor spouting out showed that the soup was hot. Once again Thierry showed his masterpiece of creativity, venturing into untouched, unexplored territory. Flavors were light yet bold. All three of the Main Courses were special, imaginative and pleasing. Marinated Organic Salmón and Squid in Ink with broiled huitlacoche brought a fillet brushed with adobo, then grilled lightly, leaving the flesh moist, flaky and slightly sweet. The corn fungus was minced and mixed with the squid ink, making a wonderful compliment with a garlic foam cloud, cherry tomato sauce, chorizo cubes and edamame. This was yet another unique combination of texture, color and taste. Poblana-style Stuffed Organic Chicken arrived as a large boneless half chicken, except for the

drumlette, from which spilled rice, raisins, corn and chorizo accented by black mole sauce. A gratin christophine (chayote) supplied tropical softness. The meat was moist but not fatty. Grilled Argentinean Steak al carbón arrived as four thick juicy slices on a solid firm plate, not metal too hot to touch. The meat possessed a full rich beefy flavor. Many diners opted for this offe-

ring particularly due to receiving a large steak at a fantastic price. Alongside was a layered potato and bacon tarte tartin and a row of sparkling lightly grilled vegetables: red bell pepper, tomato, zucchini, nopales and wild mushrooms. In the center of the platter was a pinch of sea salt for accent and accompanied with a tall shot glass of red wine sauce highlighted by rich beef stock and

Kaiser Maximilian Restaurant and Café

his is the time of the year! We have our first place to sample and enjoy. Since 1995, chef/ owner Andreas Rupprechter, wife Cecilia and chef Juan Carlos Palomera have served European and Austrian cuisine in a lovely Euro/ Austrian-style bistro setting. This spot was awarded the 2012 5* Diamond Award from American Academy of Hospitality Sciences and recently the DIRONA, Distinguished Restaurants of North America. Dine inside the air-conditioned café-like upscale spot with white linen, outside in an open-air sidewalk area protected by wrought iron railings or a few doors down at their indoor/outdoor café whose menu features breakfast chilaquiles, luncheon sandwiches and full menu with the same fine desserts plus 20 specialty coffees. Through the glass in the wooden doors, the passersby may as well be European. The hills in the distance are green with palm trees or is that snow on The Alps? Waiters are attired in formal black and white, soft music lilts through the air with the space designed with massive solid wooden columns and bar; this cannot be Puerto Vallarta, but blessedly it is. Not only is the restaurant festival three course, three choice menu offered, ten starters and twelve main plates are available from the

regular dinner menu, along with a choice of any dessert off the menu. This policy enables diners to sample many dishes, all under the festival menu and pricing. Some visitors started with their Signature Cream of Red Cabbage Soup dolloped with potato dumpling with roast duck crust floating atop the purée. The red soup base was slightly sweet from lingonberry marmalade. Always a delight. Duck Confit Spätzele was composed of very fresh pasta, slices of crispy duck and thin fried onion rings. The mixture was rich yet soothing. This dish would be perfection as a main course, too. Bread soup, invented during difficult meatless times, is a cousin

www.vallartatribune.com

Café des Artistes

e visited this world-famous restaurant on Saturday, May 17, 2014. Long-reputed by many diners as Puerto Vallarta’s top spot, the 2012 International 5* Diamond Award from American Academy of Hospitality Sciences [14 straight years] owner/chef/Maître Cuisinier de France, one of Mexico’s top chefs, Thierry Blouet [also Café des Artistes del Mar] presents Mexican-French cuisine since 1990. World renowned, Gourmand Magazine 2011 Guide to Restaurants Best Restaurant in Mexico and Cocína de Autor Second Best, Condé Nast Traveler Magazine 2005 Hot Tables and Nestle Food Group’s one of the 80 Best Restaurants in the World, is formal and upscale with attentive, unobtrusive service. In the non-rainy season, enjoy dining in the beautiful terraced well-established garden area. Many exquisite choices were

offered on their May Restaurant Week festival menu. First was Beef Carpaccio with Caesar Salad. It was a combination plate of two “reliables”, here made to perfection. High quality beef was sliced thinly and served carpaccio with a huge Caesar salad dressed with a crisp, forward vinaigrette. Shavings of Reggiano Parmigiano provided sharpness to each forkful. Escargot Ravioli consisted of soft fresh pasta stuffed with minced escargot, garlic slivers, butter, parsley and poblano pepper. A light mushroom frittata complimented the pasta, drizzled with a red bell pepper-basil sauce. Never had some diners experienced this combination which worked smoothly and deliciously. The presentation of Light Cream of Brussels Sprout-Pea Soup was surprisingly fabulous. A wine glass half-filled with a mint emulsion foam laden with bits of

RESTAURANT WEEK 17

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Barcelona Tapas

ince 2000, chef/owner Bill Carballo from Chicago and trained in Spain and chef Francisco Arreola run the place he built from the ground up to the fourth floor to share various authentic Spanish cold and hot tapas. He has added intensive and fun cooking classes and live musical events to his offerings. Schedule changes, so a telephone call is in order. The view is spectacular viewed through the open sides, over 180 degrees around.

As the sun set spewing orange, pink, blue and red throughout the entire horizon, the various flavours on our plates were described. The fresh house-made breads were country-style and focaccia. Extra virgin olive oil and vinegar were inside bottles for dipping. Accompanying plates of aioli potato salad - garlic mayonnaise flavoured, always a huge favourite of guests here - while the menu of temptations was perused.

offered to pour over the meat. This was a top culinary exercise in the art of preparing beef. Desserts were, as expected, creative, attractive and refreshing, especially on this warm evening. In the garden, summer has arrived but not yet the cooling breezes. Bailarina Rouge-Exotic was composed of a raspberry mousse over a flourless chocolate biscuit surrounded by blackberries and

Three appetizers were offered to start the festivities. Cream of Asparagus Soup was creamy, rich and smooth but not filling. Tiny pieces of the vegetable floated through the purée. House Salad was composed of mixed lettuces, goat cheese, fresh and firm pear, tomato, onion, pecans and tossed in a balsamic vinaigrette. The salad was fresh and crisp with a wonderful crunchy texture from the pecans and pear slices. Each morsel was a combination of these flavours. Lastly, two luscious Cold Tuna Cannelloni were stuffed with ground fresh tuna, white wine mayonnaise and generously surrounded by an outstanding fresh chunky tomato-basil sauce with a touch of vinegar. For Main Courses, the choice was from three widely differing creations.

Paella-style Saffron Rice with shrimp, mussels and fish, with the rice moist and flavourful with herbs and saffron. Paella is the signature dish of not only this restaurant but Bill himself. Marvellous and round with various spices and textures. Angus Beef Brochette with caramelized red onion and aioli brought a number of skewers of very tender good beef cubes. Impressive was how moist and tasty the meat was, demonstrating the use of high quality product and attentive cooking. Three-Cheese Grilled Eggplant and Zucchini was made with mozzarella, goat cheese and Parmesan cheese and covered with house-made delightful creamy tomato-basil sauce enhanced with several fresh herbs and proved to be the night's show stopper. The dish resembled vegetarian lasagne where the

strawberries. Upside down and rising from the mousse was a crisp cookie formed as two dancer legs, which has become Thierry’s signature image on a yearly dessert. Hazelnut Mille Feuille Cake (thousand leaves) is a vanilla custard slice known as Napoleon which is layers of puff pastry alternated with pastry cream, topped with white chocolate icing and chocolate swirling

strokes. House-made ice cream was flavored with the essence of passion fruit, roses and litchi (lychee). Very light and delicate. Milk Caramel Crème Brulée came topped with guanabana (soursop) sorbet and fried buñuelos. The custard was creamy with its top crusted from a kitchen flame. Slightly tangy fruit flavors added dimension with the fantastic cookies reaching from the dish. Another option is to upgrade for 100 pesos more with dishes as dried fideo with shrimp and chipotle stew, traditional prawn and pumpkin cream soup (on the menu for 23 years), organic duck pasilla-hazelnut quinoa and roasted sea bass. For those persons in the Bahía de Banderas area wishing for a gourmet experience without the high prices, now is the time to make a reservation here for the interior dining area or outside garden. Then, sit back, relax and enjoy their fine cuisine. See the ad on page 7

eggplant and zucchini served as a pasta layers, teeming with cheese and tomato. Desserts included a smooth Homemade Orange-scented Flan which was creamy with a hint of orange. Soothing after a generous meal. Chocolate Profiterole: a large round puff pastry stuffed with house-made vanilla ice cream, topped with bittersweet chocolate sauce. Sautéed Banana drizzled with a homemade caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream pleased many taste buds. The banana was lightly cooked and then embellished with a caramel sauce and house-made ice cream, which is always a special treat here made in a large stainless steel maker. Some nights it may be coconut, bittersweet chocolate or vanilla. This restaurant holds a spot on the list of places to return often,

considering the good food and wine selection, wide gorgeous vistas during the day, sunset and evening and very fine professional service.

Barcelona Tapas Matamoros at 31 de Octubre DT. 222-0510/223-0831 www.barcelonatapas.net info@ barcelonatapas.net Noon-11:30pm; Fri., Sat.: 5:30-11:30pm; Sunday breakfast 9am-2pm.

Pulpito 116, Emilano Zapata, 322 1275513

RESTAURANT WEEK 18

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

River Café

ne of the most beautiful settings in Puerto Vallarta opened in 1997, a gastronomy landmark owned by Margarito Larios and Eva Sánchez Dueñas, and features open-air terraced seating overlooking Río Cuale, adorned with artwork by renowned local artists as Marta Gilbert. This spot is renowned for several yearly festivals especially the Mango and Garlic Festival which is unbelievable. Place is perched over the river with huge trees shading the property and look, there is a large family of iguanas living up in the branches, sunning then sleeping in limb crooks. Stroll inside past a shimmering pool and expansive bar area. All dining areas are roofed but airy, including the gazebo which is at the end of a walkway, jutting out right to the water's edge. Reservations may be made for the several tables inside it. Baskets of freshly baked rolls arrived, with many opting for the delightful flaky ones stuffed with cream cheese and served warm. The dining entourage selected from Appetizers and Salads: Genoese Minestrone Soup, an Italian-based soup, composed of organic basil pesto, chopped

vegetables and ricotta cheese ravioli. Very well-flavored, it represented the genre extremely well. Roasted Apple Salad resulted in gently cooked apple slices tender to the fork resting on organic baby greens, fried Camembert cheese and dressed with a raspberry vinaigrette. Yellow Fin Tuna Ceviche was at the top of its class. The cubes of very fresh tuna with mango, red onion, cucumber, habañero chile and cilantro were marinated in leche de tigre, a Peruvian creation based on the remainder of the juicy sauce combined with key lime, onion, garlic, cilantro, fish stock, spices and soy sauce.

The mixture was tangy and slightly sweet. Now the Main Course event. Grilled Sonora Beef Tenderloin Medallions was served over basil-potato purée with tomato chips, Brussels sprouts and red wine reduction. Meat was tender and all flavors combined well. Mahi Mahi with habañero-caramel-glaze arrived with roasted tomatoes, macadamia nuts and tiny mustard greens on top. The fish fillet was very fresh and flaky enlightened by the spicy Mexican-style glaze. Crab-Ricotta Cannelloni with melted Oaxaca cheese was covered by a creamy light

tomato crab-Pernod sauce. Delectable and tasty, it was a fine presentation. Choosing from the offered Desserts was difficult since all were tempting. Molten Chocolate Cake was served warm with fruit slices around it, then topped with vanilla ice cream and berry sauce. Mexican Coffee-Cardamom Cake resembled a tiramisú, an Italian coffee-flavored ladyfinger dessert. Soft and creamy, the utensil slid through the cake layers of cake and whipped cream. Lemon Trilogy: profiterole filled with lemon Chiboust cream (crème pâtissière), lemon tart and

cheese and pecan nuts, the patriotic chile en nogada with the perfect blend of ground beef, nuts and raisins and a very generous slice of flan. Other offerings include Black Bean soup, Empanadas, Chicken Chimichanga and Morelia style Enchiladas. Dinner was delightful. The food

was fresh and well presented. The wait staff were friendly and attentive. The sangria was crisp and tangy. Every night Gaby’s projects a selection of Mexican movies, videos, documentaries on the wall facing the restaurant. This offers a wonder distraction after watching the sun set.

lemon-lime sorbet. Three widely different concoctions were all flavored with lemon. Lightly tangy yet rich and creamy. Guests from all around the globe visit this wonderful oasis. Removed from being directly in a city, the soothing tropical setting relaxes oneself for a vast exploration of flavors with all courses marked by excellent attentive service. This beautiful destination should be on everyone's list. Isla Río Cuale L-4 OT/SS. 223-0788 www.rivercafe.com.mx info@ rivercafe.com.mx 8:30am-11:30pm

Gaby’s Restaurant

aby’s restaurant has been a go-to spot for authentic Meican food since its inception in 1989. Named after the daughter of the owner, Gaby’s started with humble beginnings as a small comida corrida. Over the years, their loyal clientele allowed them to build up and create the fine restaurant that is perched overlooking the malecon today. Three years ago, son and general manager, Lic. Julio Cesar overhauled the restaurant. Updating the menu and improving the décor, Gaby’s is now a sophisticated yet authentic Mexican fine dining restaurant. It is a wonderful spot for large groups with a number of spaces that offer group dining or enjoy a secluded romantic spot with your honey. The restaurant includes many well-loved staples such as mole, arrachera, tamales, Mahi Mahi Veracruz style, ceviche, enchiladas and tortilla soup. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, customers can enjoy the tropical lushness of the inside courtyard with water feature or outside on

one of the three levels of open-air patios. Gaby’s is participating in Restaurant Week with a $199 peso menu which includes your choice of an appetizer, main course and desert. The menu features a wonderful selection of local favourites including fresh spinach salad with beets, goats

Mina 252, downtown 222 0480 Cel. 116 2222 www.gabyrestaurant.com gabys.restaurantbar@gmail.com

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

Events 18 19 riviera nayarit

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com

hat exactly is Tamarind? Tamarind, (Tamarindus indicia, the genus Tamarindus, is a monotypic taxon, meaning that it is a single species. The name ultimately derives from Arabic tamrhindī, meaning “date of India”. Here in Mexico it is called called tamarindo. This edible fruit, that comes pods is used extensively around the planet in all kinds of cuisine, but is indigenous to South Africa and grows wild there. How did it come to Mexico? In the 16th century it was heavily introduced to Mexico, and to a lesser degree, to South America by the Spanish and Portuguese colonists. Now, tamarind is quite popular, as you may have noticed here in Mexico, and is a staple ingredient in many foods and flavored waters. Today,

Mexico and South America are the largest producers and consumers of tamarind. I have a huge tamarind tree on my property. It is towards the end of the fruit season for this tree, and there is a ton of fruit! The trees grow large, about 40 to 60 feet and very spread out. They grow well in full sun, and in acidic soil types that also have a high drought and a windblown salt, which are the exact weather conditions at my place. The leaves on the tree are long and elliptical. At night the leaflets close up, which is pretty cool! It does have pink buds, with red and yellow flowers, or with orange or red streaks when flowering. The fruit comes in thin brown pods, that have a sort of crispy texture, and in Mexico the pods can have up to six seeds inside.

(In other countries up to 12 seeds.) The seeds are sort of flat and glossy brown. High calcium, (unusual for a fruit) and high in B vitamins, which is very good for our brains makes tamarind a healthy option. However, I did not really like the taste of tamarind when I first came to live in Mexico three years ago. It has a very different flavor that took me awhile to acquire a taste for. Now, that I absolutely love tamarind, I can describe the flavor as sweet and sour, and delicious! How to Harvest Tamarind Tamarind is harvested by pulling the pods from its stalk. There are so many pods on a tree…its crazy…I am talking a crazy amount! Uncountable! A mature tree may be capable of producing up to 175 kg (350 lb) of fruit per year. When pulling the pod from the tree it will have a string like vine inside, so if you do not want it to have an open end, you will need to be careful when picking the pods. The pods are also thin and can be brittle. The ripened fruit is considered the more palatable than the green fruit, as it becomes sweeter and less sour (acidic) as it matures. Here in Mexico, it is used in jams and sauces; dried and used to flavor all kinds of dishes, and sold in various snack forms: dried and salted; in sweet, soft clusters, or candied snacks. Agua de Tamarindo, which you have probably noticed at the liquid refreshment stands around town, is a fresh beverage made from tamarind. They usually make it with sugar added like most of the agua fresca beverages. Iced fruit bars and raspados (snow cones, or shaved ice) is also very popular. Here, in Mexico, tamarind is plucked off the tree and eaten raw, and you can eat the flesh all the way down to the seed itself…which is also my favorite way to eat it. What a delicious dessert treat! Other uses also include tradi-

www.vallartatribune.com

tional medicine and, on the other end of the stick, tamarind concentrate can be used as metal polish to remove tarnish from brass and copper. In temples, especially in Asian countries, the fruit pulp is used

to polish brass shrine statues, lamps, and other objects, removing tarnish and the greenish patina. In south Indian homes and temples tamarind is widely used to clean the copper and bronze utensils. Good to know! The tamarind trees are large with the wood of the tree used in carpentry. Because of so many uses, the cultivation of tamarind is spread around the tropical and subtropical zones where it grows the best. If you have not yet tried tamarind, and get the chance to try it raw off the tree, I highly recommend it! Cat Morgan of the RivieraNayaritFun.com Regional Network is open to questions, comments and other Riviera Nayarit news and events. She can be reached by emailing her at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

CHARITIES 20

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday May 23 - 29, 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 Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Majisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. Children’s programs also. Tax-deductible in USA & Canada. Contact slw2014nv@gmail.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 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 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 Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 22 343 11 or 22 225 72 FB/desayunosninosvallarta Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. www.familiesatthedump. org or 297-7425 Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 www.fundacionpuntademita.org Grupo Ecológico de PuertoVallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez Alvarez cayro_13@ hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Horizonte de Paz: Shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with alcohol & drug addiction. Donato Schimizzi: 322 199 9523 or Roberto: 281 0644 dschimizzi@yahoo.com La Brigada de la Basur:a A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006 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.

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...SAILOR

New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and special support to their families. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/ neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478. Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-4495. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www. purrproject.com Refugio Infantil Santa EsperanzaShelter for Children. Tax-deductible. ccshf.ca

You surely remember the sad story of the eight “Angels in a Chariot”. It became necessary to rescue this pack of Poodles when the family had to leave the country due to health problems. Sailor is the only one remaining here in Vallarta still awaiting his forever home. Sailor is about two years old and weighs 6 kilos or a bit over 13 pounds. He gets along well with other dogs and cats. It has been very hard for all the Poodles to lose their beloved family, so you can understand that Sailor can be a bit shy initially upon meeting. However, once familiarity sets in he is very loving. Let’s find this Sailor a safe haven! Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

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 May 23 - 29, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS OFF

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

Deja New! CONSIGNMENT

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

You can get cash for your clothes in as little as a WEEK! Clean out your closet AND get some spending money!

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

NOW TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU Deja New Old Town Jacarandas 280 between Cardenas & Carranza Mon - Sat 10-8 Deja New Plaza Marina Local F9 - Mon - Fri 10-6

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

For more info on cleaning out your closet for charity contact Kathleen at dejanewconsign@hotmail.com

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

LIVE MUSIC VENUES 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, “Marina Vallarta” 322.209.0287 El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq. Matamoros 322.222.0743 El Rio BBQ Bar 322.222.2510 www.elriobbqbar.com Encore Lazaro Cardenas51, Bucerias 329.298.0140 La Bodeguita Del Medio Paseo Diaz Ordaz 858, Malecon” 322.223.1583 Tu-Sun 9:30-2:00 am Murphy’s Irish Pub Morelos 484 Altos 1, Centro

La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.5225 Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234 322.293.7778 322.113.0373

Nacho Daddy

287 Basilio Badillo nachodaddymexico.com

Emergency Phone for Sayulita

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

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.

Que? Pasa Aquiles Serdan 625, Col Emiliano Zapata 322.223.4006 The River Café Isla del Rio Cuale Local4 Centro 322.223.0788 Vitea Libertad Edificio Malecon 2, Centro” 322.222.8703

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT TOURISM OFFICES SATURDAY MARKET A PAGE IN THE SUN FREDY TUCAN´S PANCAKE HOUSE CONSULATE OFFICES YO-YO MO´S MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT

Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz Numbers for the Police Department in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666. Emergency number: 066 Police, Bucerias & La Cruz: 298-1020 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157

BRAIN TEASERS 22

Friday May 23 - 29, 2014

SUDOKU easy

www.vallartatribune.com

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

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. AIRBED, BACKPACK, BATTERIES, BINOCULARS, CAMPFIRE, CAN OPENER, CANVAS, COMPASS, FIRELIGHTER, FIRST AID KIT, FLASK, FOOD, FUEL, GRIDDLE, GROUNDSHEET, HIKING BOOTS, KINDLING, LANTERN, MAPS, MOSQUITO NET, PANS, PEDOMETER, POTS, ROPE, STOVE, TENT, TINDER, TOOLS, TORCH, WATER.

1. Olive - Orange - Fig 2. Doors - Paintings - Eye Glasses 3. Picnic - Pool - Coffee 4. Rose - Potato - Taste 5. The Olympics - Leap Year - Presidential Elections 6. Masking - Red - Duct 7. Index - Pinky - Ring 8. Ice - Sugar - Rubik’s 9. Jurors - Roses - Doughnuts 10. Seat - Whoopee – Pin

Commonym 8 Answers 1. trees 2. they have frames 3. tables 4. buds 5. happen every 4 years 6. tape 7. fingers 8. cubes 9. they come in dozens 10. cushions

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 8 Answers 1. Last Dance 2. For Crying Out Loud 3. Inground Pool 4. No TV for a Week 5. High Frequency 6. Sit Ups

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