Issue 903, July 25 - 31. 2014

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July 25 - 31, 2014 Free Issue 903

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INTRODUCING DIVA

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Riviera Nayarit tourtle festival

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Photo Courtesy ColibriDesignVallarta.com

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Friday July 25 - 31, 2014 PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona Director DAVID ROJO sjcbcs@yahoo.com.mx Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Editorial Board Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver Sales Team FERNANDO AYALA salestribune@outlook.com Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@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

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.

Flowers of the Week

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.

by Sandra Cesca

White Ginger Jengibre Blanca (Spanish) Hedychium coronarium

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

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hite Ginger Lily, Butterfly Ginger.

A perennial flowering ornamental growing to 10 feet. The flowers have a lovely, intense fragrance that perfumes the air. Originally from the Himalayas of Nepal and India, it was brought to Brazil by African slaves who used its leaves as mattresses. During Spanish colonial times, women used to adorn themselves with these fragrant flowers under which they carried secret messages important to the independence cause.

The national plant of Cuba, its

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Ambulance: 322.222.1533

rhizomes are edible and also have medicinal properties. It is considered a noxious weed in some countries.

This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s new color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plant Walks of

Puerto Vallarta. Available now at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org and Page in the Sun Bookstore. Information on her many walking tours can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

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

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Editor´s Note Editor´s Note

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ith a much welcomed break in my busy schedule I jumped at the chance to go on a mini roadtrip this past weekend. Bags packed; cooler full. We hit the road Saturday afternoon bound for Tepic, a place I had only ever passed through, dismissing it as big and choatic.

For those of you who have been eagerly reading my editorials for the past year, you are bound to know I love road trips.

And that I love road trips through Jalisco and Nayarit in particular.

The way you travel from ocean to jungle to sierra blows my mind every time but even more so during the rainy season.

Around each bend is another brilliant shade of green I didn’t know existed.

Each hillside is resplendent in its lushness, every valley glistens with freshness. Trees hang heavy with fruits of a million flavours including Mango, Banana, Guayaba

and Jaka. It’s as gorgeous as any place on the planet.

Winding along the single lane highway from Vallarta we passed

by Sayulita and San Pancho opting instead for lunch in La Penita at this great hole-in-thewall chicken place called… wait for it…. El Pollito. Eager to get back on the road, we bypassed the local Michoacan Ice Cream shop (despite my apparently too subtle suggestion that we stop) and headed to Compostela where we turned towards Tepic.

This part of the highway was caught in the late afternoon sun with a light mist was falling, bouncing mini rainbows off every leaf.

It is rural farm land comprised mostly of fruit orchards. You have never seen so many mango trees in one place.

Driving into Tepic is always a little disconcerting because the highway turns into the town of Xalisco and you can’t help but wonder if you missed a pivotal turn. The central plaza of this farming town is worth a quick stop as the church and city hall are delightfully charming.

We hit Tepic just as the sun was setting and decided to stroll through the main plaza. Like most towns in Mexico, the plaza

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

holds court for the city hall and the cathedral. Both of which are excellent examples of colonial architecture. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised to see the Centro Historico to be well maintained with many beautiful facades. I was also pleasantly surprised to see a Fabricas de Francia department store and made note to return with some shopping pesos next time.

Speaking of shopping, I managed to squeeze a little in at a Sunday morning market back in a residential colonia as well as in the main plaza where I browsed through some very well made Huichol art and crafts (including a bag that I would sell one of my Chihuahuas for… just kidding.)

The next day, after a delicious breakfast of birria tacos (trust me), we drove around the town and found ourselves at some hot springs (aguas thermals) where a series of pools had been built and, it being Sunday, were packed with Mexican families splashing, cooking carne asada and enjoying their one day off.

The land was lovely with a mini waterfall and about a billion butterflies sipping at the edge of the water. It would be worth another visit during the week.

After this we decided to head

to the beach for an afternoon of fresh oysters and Banda music.

(Who have I become?!) Driving out of Tepic towards San Blas along an exceptionally windy road we passed through tiny little pueblos all centred around the massive mango, guayaba and banana plantations.

Once at the beach we were treated to a lovely cove called Playa Platanito, which is coincidentally holding its second annual Turtle Festival this week. Here we enjoyed fresh seafood including oysters that area fraction of the cost on the beaches here in Vallarta. Families spilled from the myriad of beach restauranst into to the ocean and general Mexican Sunday fun day mayhem ensued.

A couple of pesos brought the Banda right to our table and when we finally drove off into the sunset our bellies were full and our voices a little sore from singing along.

Early next morning was a hurried, though beautiful, drive back into the bay with a quick stop at a tacos de canasta fonda in Compostela that awarded us with some of the best tacos I have ever eaten, ever, in my life. Ever.

So, if you are looking for a getaway, and like me thought Tepic was just a big ‘govern-

ring him until he can be moved over to Rancho Primavera for more fostering next month.

Saashi reports that he is highly intelligent, very affectionate, well behaved, stands still for a bath and does his “business” at the back of the property. If interested in meeting or adopting this noble dog, please contact: saashi700@ yahoo.com.

Saashi thinks Cabezón (“Big Head”) is mostly a Blood Hound and needs a more dignified name. Pamela Evans suggested there be a “NAME THE HOUND” contest. Involved parties to the rescue will be the judges. Prize for the winning name will be two lunches at the gorgeous Rancho Primavera.

Winner will be announced August 31st.

Please submit names to: gretchen@peaceanimals.org.

HOMES NEEDED For the thousands of dogs and cats on the streets here and for dozens of healthy and beautiful dogs and cats at the Centro de Acopio, the city´s no-kill pound.

Open Monday-Saturday from 8 AM-2 PM. Call 293-3690. The Acopio is now holding adoptions every Saturday from 11 AM-2 PM at Plaza Caracól (back end of building near McDonald´s entrance).

Dogs are walked twice a week by volunteers organized by Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals.

ment’ town, don’t pass on a trip to Tepic. I highly recommend it for a weekend visit. While it is warm in the sun, the humidity is low and the afternoons enjoy light rains.

Have a great weekend. Get out and enjoy this beautiful country we are all privileged to be in; but maybe just in the morning because the afternoon heat is a scorcher these days.

Madeline

PEACEAnimals Name this Hound

Rescued and ready for adoption: “Cabezón,” is the large hound found on the street in el Tuito and brought to our mobile clinic there.

His right ear had been chopped

off with a machete for someone´s amusement and one of his paws had been run over while he was resting in the street. Cabezón´s food and vet costs are being paid for, and Saashi Rodriguez is foste-

RIDES FOR RESCUE DOGS NEEDED Looking for people returning to Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. There are adoptions and foster homes waiting for dogs in Canada. All expenses for dogs paid for. Please contact robin. nobars@gmail or patty@mexpup.

SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC SCHEDULE FOR JULY: July 23-26 UMA (New City Hall) - Los Portales, Calle Villa Colonial, next to the new Presidencia (UMA: Unidad Municipal Administrativa) From the Blvd.

Medina Ascencio turn at La Paloma Bullring. Go all the way in a straight line until the light, where you must make a right.

The next big building on the right is the UMA and we will be right behind it.

July 30- August 2 Colonia Mojoneras (TBA) Schedule, including directions and other clinic information are always on website: www. peaceanimals.org VOLUNTEERS Please sign up with Paulina Stettner. We need your help! infopeaceanimals@gmail.com

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Mexico is 3rd most diverse country for its mammals Jalisco boasts 2nd most diverse state with 177 species.

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here are more than 5,400 species of mammals to be found inhabiting most of the world’s ecosystems, from the tiny bumblebee bat, which weighs one gram, to the blue whale, which tips the scales at over 100 tonnes.

These might be commonly-known facts, but that Mexico is the number-three country in the world for the diversity of its mammal population is probably not. It is estimated that 564 species of mammals can be found distributed throughout the country, about 13% of the world’s total.

Of those species, 77% weigh less than 5 kg and belong primarily to the orders of rodents, bats and soricomorpha, or shrews and moles. These are among the species most studied. In general, their populations have been diminished as a result of human activities and some are in danger of extinction.

This information comes from an article that appeared in the Mexico Magazine on Diversity, published by the Institute of Biology of the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Researchers at the institute have identified 10 species of rodents and four of bats that are at risk.

Nine are indigenous to the country and four are found only on islands.

Some are in danger due to the introduction of non-native animals such as rats and cats into their habitat.

In terms of the distribution of mammals, Oaxaca is the wealthiest state in this respect with 199 species, followed by Jalisco with 177 and Chiapas with 171.

Even the Federal District, home to Mexico City, boasts 87 species, a figure that has risen from 63 in 2005.

But not only does Mexico already enjoy a wide diversity of mammals, there are probably more species yet to be discovered, according to the researchers. They estimate there could be as many as 2,000 more.

However, this wealth of diversity is threatened. In addition to the species in danger of extinction, distinct populations are in decline or have disappeared altogether due to illegal hunting and destruction of habitat.

Such is the case of the Mexican wolf, the brown bear (now found only in captivity) and the Caribbean monk seal, which is no longer found at all.

Also at risk are the Omiltemi cottontail rabbit, the Central American tapir, three species of monkey found in Yucatán, the vaquita, which is a rare species of porpoise, and the minke whale.

The authors of the magazine article point out the importance of the management, use and conservation of these mammals, a challenge that is continually growing. Source: Mi Morelia

Explore Banderas Bay

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uerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north by Punta de Mita and in the south by Cabo Corrientes.

It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River.

The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders.

In the winter and spring seasons

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Texas sends troops to border

By Christopher Sherman and Will Weissert The Associated Press

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ov. Rick Perry is deploying up to 1,000 National Guard troops to the Texas-Mexico border over the next month to combat what he said were criminals exploiting a surge of children pouring into the U.S. illegally.

Perry, a vocal critic of the White House’s response to the border crisis who is himself mulling a second presidential run, said the state has a responsibility to act after “lip service and empty promises” from Washington.

The deployment of National Guard troops, which may act in a law enforcement capacity under state authority, will cost Texas an estimated $12 million per month.

They will simply be “referring and

deterring” immigrants and not detaining people, Texas Adjutant General John Nichols said. But he added that the National Guard could take people into custody if need be.

Perry bristled at suggestions from some Democratic state lawmakers and business groups

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troops would be coming to his part of the border and questioned what good they would do if they did.

More than 3,000 Border Patrol agents currently work in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley, but Perry had repeatedly asked Obama to send the National Guard to the border amid an influx of immigrants.

I will not stand idly by while our citizens are under assault and little children from Central America are detained in squalor” the governor said

that his move means Texas is militarizing is southern border.

Still, Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said he didn’t know if

Since October, more than 57,000 unaccompanied children and teenagers have entered the U.S. illegally.

Mexico in Canada making energy sector pitch

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he Mexico-United States relationship is a complex one, and more often than not somewhat touchy.

Perhaps that’s part of the reason why Mexico reached out last month with the visit of a high-level delegation to Canadian energy firms in Calgary.

There, an undersecretary in the Energy Secretariat was reported to have said that Mexico can undertake the transformation of its energy industry “with many people, but we would rather do it with friends.”

It must be remembered that Mexico gave the boot to American oil companies in 1938, and certainly much of the current opposition to energy reform is based on the belief that the country is giving up the sovereignty it won so many years ago.

Carlo Dade, the director of Centre for Trade and Investment Policy of the Canada West Foundation, said, “Obviously, the opening of the energy sector

in Mexico cannot be seen as a reconquering by Americans.”

The visit to Calgary was the first international foray by Mexican officials to pitch the new opportunities in the energy industry.

A report earlier this year by the North-South Institute, a Canadian international development think tank, said Canadian firms with expertise in horizontal drilling, multistage hydraulic fracturing, offshore drilling and providing services and supplies to the energy industry are those that could profit from Mexico’s new energy strategy.

The institute also speculates about the possibility of Mexico, Canada and the United States forming an energy alliance that would make North America a net energy exporter.

Another study found that shale oil and gas offered the biggest opportunities for foreign investors. The Mexican government is already conducting studies on air quality, aquifers, biodiversity 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 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.

soil in those areas believed to have deposits, said Galo Galeana Herrera, director general of energy and extractive activities.

He said Mexico is learning from the U.S. experience with fracking, doing the baseline studies in preparation for new environmental regulations governing the procedure. www.mexiconewsdaily.com

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Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

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Mexican Business Council Announces El Centro, Vallarta to receive 500 million pesos 27.45 Billion Peso Investment

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n July 12th the Mexican Business Council announced investment projects amounting to 27.45 billion dollars, equivalent to approximately 356 billion pesos.

It is noted that this investment is higher than what the Mexican Business Council itself announced last year, “Which confirms the commitment and conviction that Mexico has a promising future,” and is equivalent to “Twenty auto companies agreeing to announce an investment of over a billion dollars.”

During the event, held at the Bosques Entrepreneurs’ Club, the president reported that in the matter of employment, “The data are extremely encouraging.” In June, the annual growth of jobs in the past twelve months was 3.5 percent.

In the month of June, 43,295 new jobs were created. This is a much higher figure than in June of last year, which undoubtedly reflects the confidence and dynamism of our economy, and above all, the conviction that the country’s economy is undergoing a recovery that will contribute to creating the conditions for greater prosperity for Mexicans,” he said.

He added that in this area, two sections stand out: transport and communications, where the increase in the number of jobs created was 4.9 percent; and construction, which increased by 7 percent.

President Peña Nieto said that the amount of investment announced today by the Mexican Business Council is significant, and based on three main pillars: ONE: The trust and preference of Mexican consumers for the products or services you offer, “Which have improved and become more competitive.”

TWO: The condition of macroeconomic stability that exists in Mexico. “We know we have macroeconomic stren-

gths, optimal conditions that will undoubtedly enable further development of our country,” he said.

THREE: The trust Mexico is creating as an attractive investment destination on the basis of the reforms that have been implemented, which have been a result of having a favorable political environment for this.

“As President, I wish to convey my appreciation and gratitude for the confidence you have in Mexico, for continuing to trust, and betting on the growth and development of our country,” he said to members of the Mexican Business Council.

INVEST, INNOVATE AND CREATING JOBS IS OUR MISSION: CLAUDIO X. GONZÁLEZ President of the Mexican Business Council, Claudio X. Gonzalez Laporte, explained that in 2104, the companies comprising this organization will make investments in the order of 27.45 billion USD. He noted that these investments are a result of the optimism and enthusiasm caused by the sweeping reforms, which are paving the way for stronger growth more in keeping with the great potential we have as a country.

“This very positive outlook is what motivates members of the Council to commit this large figure,” which, he added, is the result of the policy of the firms comprising it to invest in the medium and long term, regardless of the short-term situation.

He said that investing, innovating and creating jobs is their mission, “And that is what we do best.” He explained that investments are mainly being made in the telecommunications, mining, construction and infrastructure, auto parts and chemicals sectors, consumer products, and retail shops in

Explore Banderas Bay Walking Tours Take a tour through Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Downtown to learn about this city’s rich history, famous people, architecture, and cultural and ecological heritage; all this on an easy to

moderate two-hour stroll led by a certified guide.

Tours leave from the Municipal Tourism Office every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m.

the fields of information and technology.

A significant proportion of these investments are dedicated to increasing the capacity, quality, productivity and competitiveness of companies in the Mexican Business Council, he explained.

WE HAVE PLANNED THE LARGEST INVESTMENTS THAT HAVE EVER BEEN MADE IN THE HISTORY OF MEXICO: FIRMS IN THE MEXICAN BUSINESS COUNCIL Eduardo Tricio Haro, Vice President of the Mexican Business Council and Chairman of Grupo Industrial Lala, congratulated President Enrique Peña Nieto, “On the reforms that have been adopted, which are unprecedented in the history of our country,” and said that, “Thanks to them, Mexico now has a much brighter and more promising future,” since, “These measures provide the basis for becoming a more prosperous, competitive economy.”

Bernardo Quintana Isaac, President of ICA Group, said that the consortium is currently involved, with various investment percentages, in seven federal and two state highways; four water projects; a container terminal, and two prisons projects.

Juan Gallardo Thurlow, President of Grupo Embotelladoras Unidas, said that it is tripling the installed capacity of the sugar refinery in Benito Juárez, Tabasco, and said “this investment is by far the most important in this sector.

Moreover, this year, 10,000 new acres will be opened up for planting sugarcane, all with irrigation systems and modern technologies.

In Tala, Jalisco, the first stage of a cogeneration power state, based on burning bagasse, was completed.

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,

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recent series of financial meetings took place to review and evaluate all the sectors in the city in order to prioritize the spending of 500 million pesos earmarked by the federal government for the centre zone of Puerto Vallarta.

Enrique Ramos Flores, Minister of Tourism of Jalisco, said they have had about 10 meetings with entrepreneurs, representatives of agencies and media as well as locals who actively participate daily in city business.

He noted that after it was announced that a total investment of 500 million pesos would

be used for the improvement and rehabilitation of El Centro, it was determined that the spendinf og the money would be most effetive by analyzing all the current and future needs of the area.

Flores said that priority will be given to proposals according to their relevance to the growth of the city and he encourages local groups to submit proposals to be considered.

He stressed that additional meetings will be carried out in the remainder of July, so that by mid-August, an overview will be developed and a final plan for the use of the money will be determined.

Business practices improve, all states rate well, says study

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here are the best places in Mexico to do business? The question is answered in the latest version of Doing Business in Mexico, a study by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation.

Colima is number one, says the report, followed by Aguascalientes and Guanajuato, but all are better than the average of Latin American countries.

But the study also found that each of the country’s 31 states, along with Mexico City, improved in at least one of the areas looked at. The report focuses on federal, state and municipal regulations that affect four stages in the life of a small to medium-sized domestic firm: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property and enforcing contracts.

Its main findings: • The pace of reform has improved by 27% since the 2012 study.

• The State of Mexico and

jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more.

Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants.

Puebla improved most in terms of the ease of doing business.

• All states have improved the business environment, with the result that all perform well above the average of Latin American countries.

• States that make the most efforts to reach out to peers for knowledge sharing are the ones with better performance.

• The regulatory business environment is Mexico is converging towards the average performance of high-income countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. However, wide gaps continue to exist between individual Mexican states.

Another study, this one by the think tank CEPEC of the University of Rosario in Bogotá, Colombia, put Mexico is in second place for investment climate among all Latin American countries in 2013.

Chile was number one.

Sources: Doing Business in Mexico 2014 (esp), Doing Business (eng)

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

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Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

Mexican gray wolf making comeback?

www.vallartatribune.com

My Life In Vallarta

By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

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litter of Mexican gray wolf cubs sighted in the western Sierra Madre have raised hopes that the species is making a comeback after having been declared endangered in 1970.

Authorities have announced that the five healthy-looking cubs are the offspring of a couple that were raised in captivity, and released in the wild in December last year. It was in May that photos were obtained by the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (Conanp) showing the female with enlarged mammary glands, indicating she was feeding a litter.

An expedition into the area in June confirmed the birth of the cubs. It is the first known birth of wolf cubs in the wild in Mexico in 30 years.

Conanp said efforts to revitalize the species have been under way since 2007 through a joint

program with the United States.

“This first litter represents an important step in the recovery program, because these will be individuals that have never had contact with human beings, as wolves bred in captivity inevitably do,” the commission said.

Hunting, trapping and poisoning have been blamed for wiping out the population both in Mexico and the southwestern U.S. The last five survivors in the U.S. were captured between 1977 and 1980 and then bred.

The first of the offspring were released in 1998, mainly in Arizona and New Mexico. U.S. Fish and Wildlife officials say they have seen population increases in each of the last four years, and estimate there are more than 83 of the wolves in those two states.

Source: CNN (esp), ABC News (eng) www.mexiconewsdaily.com

Fathers to get paternity leave

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o guarantee fathers the right to assist in the postnatal care of their children and to contribute to gender equality in the society of Veracruz, the full state congress unanimously approved an amendment to article 51 of state civil service law allowing male workers to take paid paternity leaves.

In the ordinary session on Monday, deputies agreed that male employees will be guaranteed the right to take five days of paternity leave following the birth of a child.

The new rules also apply in the case that a father adopts a child,

entitling him to the same paid leave with proper registration.

Local Deputy Mónica Robles Barajas said that the amendment to the civil service law is another step foreword towards “de-stigmatizing” the role of the father in families. She said that fathers commonly shy away from the responsibility of caring for children, especially in their first weeks of life.

The case of women, beside from the usual right to paternity leave after birth, an additional article established that women can take up to six weeks of paternity leave with pay.

Explore Banderas Bay 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

Driving with a Stranger

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or several years my husband, Bud, yearned for a GPS. On the other hand, I have always been and will always be a map person. When we travel, I am usually the navigator and he drives. I love the feel of the map in my hands as I pour over it, plotting our course and observing the big picture, looking for out of the way places, seeing how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go.

Reading the names of the large and small towns along the way gives me a chance to fantasize and plan future trips. Sure the GPS tells you how to get where you are going but it gets so mad at you if you veer off the course you’ve chosen and it never tells you about the charming back roads.

When we lived in the States, many of our best road trips were the ones where we stayed off the freeways, selecting our destinations randomly, sometimes just by the odd name of a town. Bet the GPS wouldn’t take you to Hot Coffee, Mississippi or any one of a dozen strange and wonderful places we found by accident.

So it was no surprise that after we bought a car some months ago Bud finally got his GPS. He found one on the internet that worked for all of North America and had it shipped to our son in Portland who brought it down when he visited us in March. We couldn’t get one here because then “she” would speak Spanish.

Not so good for my husband.

Besides, we are the last two

the surfers mecca of Nayarit.

A funky town with a wonderful protected beach, this laid-back town has a hippie vibe with the organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it.

Visit the Huichol Cultural Centre for some wonderful hand-made beaded jewelry or grab a surf

people on earth without smart phones so an old fashioned GPS was the only choice.

It sat unused until we decided to go to Ajijic, a small town on the banks of Lake Chapala, for three weeks. We were having some remodeling done on our place that would involve some demolition followed by lots of tile work, all of which creates lots of dust.

Our kitchen and both bathrooms wouldn’t be usable, not to mention the weather had heated up; a perfect excuse to head for the mountains and some cooler temperatures.

Of course it would be possible (and fairly easy) to make this journey the old fashioned way with a map. Knowing of my passion for maps, Bud announced we would go buy a map of Jalisco. Have you tried to buy a map recently?

It’s not that easy.

After striking out at our first three stops, we finally settled for an atlas containing maps for all the Mexican states and major cities. The trip was uneventful until we got to the outskirts of Guadalajara. Before that, there weren’t many turns so the GPS was pretty silent. When “she” did speak, I ignored her, although we started noticing her strange pronunciations of some very familiar Spanish names.

As

lesson from one of the many vendors on the beach.

Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there are a number of great schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more.

we drove, I studied the Atlas trying to identify the best way to avoid going through the heart of Guadalajara and found what looked like a good option.

Suddenly the exit for the bypass road I had identified loomed on our right but “she” was sending us straight ahead, right into the morass of late afternoon traffic. As I tried to reconcile her directions with my map, it became clear that “she” had won this round and we’d be in the thick of things. At least we had some entertainment listening to her butcher the Spanish language.

If you know even a little Spanish you probably know that the word for street is calle (kah-ye) not “cal”.

But would you recognize “laser cards” as “Lazaro Cardenas”?

By some miracle, we got through the city and onto the “carry ajikjick” which is really the carretera (highway) to Ajijic (a-hee-jeek’). As we entered the town, she announced “boulevard ajikjick”. Have you ever heard of a boulevard in Mexico? Every street sign and every address calls it simply the carretera.

Luckily we’d been there before or we’d have been totally confused.

I do have to give “her” credit for helping us find our way to Tlaquepaque another day.

By then I’d learned to read the screen instead of listening to her bizarre pronunciations.

By the time we returned home, I’d say we’d reached some sort of peaceful coexistence.

My husband acknowledged that it was a winning combination of the GPS, the map, and my innate navigational instincts.

I still prefer the map but she can come along for the ride.

Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies and a sophisticated community make Vallarta a foodies dream destination. Look for a school that will take you to the markets or introduce you to the farmers and fishermen for a truly cultural experience.

Don’t want to cook? Try one of

LOCAL 07

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

Life in Mexican perspective

o the school picture man came to our school today. to take all the kids’ photos and capture this moment in time for all the mamas, papas, abuelitos and abuelitas. his setup consisted of a camera and a curtain for a backdrop. the photo shoot location was outside, near the palapa, on the concrete, under the caribbean sun. he called the grades one by one and they marched down, hair gelled, smiles ready, and uniform tucked in. he sat them down and stood them up and posed them with their schoolbooks. and they all smiled.

I sat there watching this and, of course, started thinking a bit and associating and relating this global scenario as I am known to do. it’s never just a school photo. what I thought was how, where I am from, the school photographer for picture day comes with an entourage. of assistants. and stuff. flashes and backdrops and umbrellas and tripods and stuffed animals and the whole nine. 5 different cameras and lenses that reach to china and cost $10,000. and you know what. the photos all turn out the same. if the child is smiling, it is a beautiful photo. if they aren’t, the parents cringe. but its all about the child. not the fancy equipment.

I come from a culture that has a preoccupation with extravagant everything, coupled by a justification as to why it is all necessary. and usually overcompensating for unhappiness and discontentment by displaying an image of perfection and being scared of flaws. fearing dirt. fearing natural. and fearing real. and that’s fine. to live like that. but, I don’t. and neither do the places I travel to and choose

to live. and this is one of the single most things I am thankful for. the fact that I am no longer a believer.

Mexico is a simple place. where school photographers have a camera. where all kids have a smile. and it doesn’t take a $10,000 camera to show that. it doesn’t take fancy laser backdrops or garden setting plastic roses or a $100 photo package with 50 options of sizes and fancy checks to write to make picture day perfect for the extended relatives that we never see. all the photos look the same. they capture the kids in the current year in school. lesson be told… life doesn’t require trappings. trappings are material images. or sources that we think will makes things look better, feel better, taste better, work better and will therefore, in some twisted way, make us better . faster, smarter, better. but without it all, life is fine. school pictures are beautiful. and the kids are smiling. escaping this cycle is the difficult thing. thinking we need and want as well. but if we don’t have, are we ok? yes. or if not, that’s a whole other article. in fact, without it all, we are way better. my baby got a beautiful photo taken today. by a school photographer with a camera. and she was smiling. the power was in the people to connect. and the happiness within to shine through. no fancy camera can put a smile on someone’s face. no laser background means your kid is better. no country you live in means you are more awesome. stuff doesn’t make life more awesome. we do.

I am proud to live in a place that does just fine with minimal stuff. it keeps me grounded and in check. and makes me realize how much money and time and thought is spent in other places, on equipment to makes things just perfect, and the best, but it all means nothing. unless you care. unless you are impressed by the façade. because meanwhile, those places that pride themselves on bigger, faster, smarter, better, best are far from best. because they do not tend to the

real things that make life perfect. like inner happiness and humility. contentment and patience instead of greed and excess and judgment and ego and disenchantment and perfection. the real things in society. and in self. a fancy camera doesn’t create better smiles. a smile comes from within. and the lighting doesn’t change that. a school photo tells a thousand words. river’s photo this year will tell of the year and a half when we were lucky enough to live in Mexico. and to experience having less but having more, and experience a complete redesign and reprogramming. an expectation shift, from the inside of our hearts out to our sparkling eyes and replenished compassionate souls, which we will keep with us always, keeping perspective true, values solid, and gratitude flowing from our pores that we now see life through this lens of Mexican lessons. we don’t want the photographer with all the stuff. that scares us. we want the guy with the camera and a smile. who does it all himself and doesn’t have assistants. we want the curtain backdrop propped on a rod attached to a palapa. we want the natural light of the beautiful sun outside, feeling its warmth and giving us life. instead of the manufactured ‘natural’ light that requires 5 umbrellas and 3 flood lights inside an air conditioned school. we want to smile at the green plants growing in the planters that we painted together, and the school dog running free, instead of the stupid stuffed monkey and annoying assistant assigned to the task of making unhappy children smile and making non-participatory attitudes come full circle. we want the dirty concrete ground beneath us and not the shiny hardwood of the stage floor, or the glistening mopped cafeteria linoleum. and we don’t want the fake smile. and outer layer of unrealistic and inaccurate perfection. we want real. again I end a post by saying, thank you, Mexico.

Ed. Note: Crystal writes in all lower case on purpose and who am I to change her purpose?

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

Art Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico. Many of these galleries are along the side

streets that run through Centro.

Stop at the Tourism Office in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour. Many galleries carry high quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more.

Volunteer - There are many

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

By Crystal Blue enlightenedglobetrekker.com

S

www.vallartatribune.com

Wanderings on Olas Altas

By Poncho Davalos alfonso@tropicasa.com

Coffee time with DIVA Divine

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his week I had the pleasure to speak with Vallarta’s own DIVA. Since she was a child DIVA always dreamed to be a famous singer. Luckily she came to Vallarta on vacation and decided to make it home, as some many of us do, and now we are blessed to have her fabulous personality in our little town.

The name of DIVA was a mistake, but a good one. About sixteen years ago at the club Balcones and she was running late for her show. The MC got a little upset because she wasn’t ready and instead of calling her Lolita de la Vergara, her name at the time, he called her DIVA. After that day she changed her name and started to gain more popularity in the community.

Looking to build her career to a higher level she decided to do something beyond to a regular performance and create ‘Diva Extravanza’ and it was during the creation of this new show that she decided to shave her head and use this as a canvas to express herself.

Diva explained to me that she feels Puerto Vallarta changed its perception about the LGBT

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

Only seven and a half pesos

community. She says it is more tolerant and open now than in 1996 when she moved to this paradise.

DIVA has travelled around Mexico and some other countries.

Once in Holland she was performing in a nightclub when the middle of the performance she saw a guy with a t-shirt that said something about Puerto Vallarta, at the end of the show he came and introduced himself. He said he had visited Vallarta before and when he heard she was performing that night he decided to wear the t-shirt he bought in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a small world!

Diva wants to be remembered as an ambassador of Puerto Vallarta. She feels it is a friendly place to live and to vacation in comparison other areas in Mexico.

According to her, Puerto Vallarta has a special charm.

If you haven’t seen her show, DIVA performs every Wednesday and Sundays at Paco Ranch. It’s a great time with a beautiful professional entertainer. Get out and support the local talent!

If you decide to go and see her perform don’t hesitate to e-mail me and give me your opinions.

See you around Olas Altas.

local 08

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

Paradise and Parenting

Perceptions

of Art

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

Leza Warkentin

Time to Fly

S

o it looks like the kids and I are spending the rest of our summer in Manitoba this year. My husband is going to Mexico City to spend the summer with his dad, who needs some extra help, and with his friends, who need him to play guitar and have fun. He informs me that this is a “work trip”, but I see him on facebook every night, setting up gigs and making playlists and writing a lot of jajajajajaja’s in his messages. I have reason to suspect that he won’t suffer our absence too deeply.

I, on the other hand, am merely pretending that I am unbelievably excited to get on that plane. Everybody knows that I am the most nervous flyer since the Wright brothers, who actually had good reason to believe they wouldn’t survive their maiden voyage.

The reason that I am such an anxious passenger is that I seem to be at odds with things like time and space. Not only do I have trouble navigating schedules, I get disoriented easily in unfamiliar (and, sadly, familiar) places.

I still get lost on my way to Zoo Fiesta Party Salon after at least 12 birthday parties.

In other words, I’m not at the top of my game in an unknown airport, trying to make a connection. I tried to find the technical term for my ailment on Google and one of the articles that popped up was “Understanding and Respecting a Person with Dementia”.

Originally, I was the one in charge of our family’s flight schedules. This all changed a few years ago when we were preparing for our flight from Winnipeg to Toronto so we could fly out the next day to Puerto Vallarta.

My brother, our driver, asked me what time we had to be at the airport. I checked the paper and said “8:40am”.

We headed to the airport with a caravan of family to see us off, and got there at precisely 8:39am.

Smiling but already feeling sentimental about saying goodbye, I absently put the tickets down on the counter.

The equally smiley desk clerk informed me that the airplane was currently taxiing down the runway, that we had officially missed our flight, and what a shame that was. I know that it’s hard to imagine that she continued to smile, but please be assured that she did.

My entire family sprang into action. My ears began ringing, and someone pushed my head between my knees.

My husband yanked the flight schedule out of my stiff, unbending claws, and confirmed for our gathering audience that the flight time, not the airport arrival time, was 8:40am.

My brother was behind me, unsuccessfully trying to muscle someone into checking our bags in order to force their hand, and my dad was waving his credit card around shouting “Who wants some?”

My mom and sister-in-law were trying to distract the children with overly cheery, loud chatter and (delicious) donut holes named TImbits. Soon the kids were trying to send themselves down the luggage chute.

Eventually we got on another flight with another airline, after enduring a lot more smirking and head-shaking than I felt was necessary.

No one is saying it, but I sense some dread as they anticipate next week’s flight, where I will have to change flights and navigate customs and immigration unassisted. My dad had me memorize his credit card number, and yesterday I walked in on what I’m pretty sure was Gilberto giving the “You’re the man now” talk to my 9-year-old son.

Although this is all a bit insulting, considering that I’m an educated adult with a Masters degree, I’ll let the boy hold the tickets this time.

Just to make everyone feel better, of course.

www.vallartatribune.com

I

have a prediction…Whose Line is it Anyway will become Act II Entertainment’s second smash after last season’s Voice of Vallarta and will play to packed houses once all the English-only crowd returns to our city. Improv is difficult; some comedians just can’t do it and that’s fine but when they CAN improvise, the end result is hilarious.

Often the ‘improv’ is by accident and is therefore even funnier.

This small troupe of actors with a bit of help from every audience has the balance of summer Wednesdays to sharpen their skills, get to know each other’s rhythms like they know their own and badda-bing, another hit for Act II. Every Wednesday night in the Red Room, check them out, be there for support and encourage this ever-changing and very funny genre. Oh, did I mention the A/C? Thursday evenings, Happy Hour at Encore starts at 6 and by 8 pm you will be ready to sing for 2 hours of Classy-oke.

Headed up by David (who is, btw, an excellent addition to WLiiA?... see above) and colleague Carol who will call your name when your song is in the queue. Friday is Ladies Night and this week is Jose Maria Caudillo’s farewell-for-now show. He will be back, ladies, no despair please.

Another prediction: Jose Maria is unstoppably talented and will go far beyond the edges of the Red Room stage.

Two dynamic shows last week that will not be continuing immediately deserve far more space to review than I have available.

The first starred Elvis Martinez who played to a packed Red Room - the audience sprinkled with members of the Puerto Vallarta Men’s Choir, including its new director Alfonso, and almost

the entire cast of Bedazzled Broadway; both groups were well enriched by the gorgeous tenor voice of Elvis last season who was backed this time by the uber-talented band Piel Canela.

Trova…for the uninitiated is nearly impossible to explain. It is Latin, it is Cuba. Guitar(s), Bolero, political and/or traditional lyrics. It is decidedly different and from the look of the fingering of guest artist Josue, extremely difficult to play.

Conversation later with Paulina, Josue’s wife, singing Trova is difficult as well. Josue’s entire face and body moves in accord with his exquisite guitar playing: An unrestrained lyricist in motion. I was stuck by Paulina’s delicate face and knew before she sang a note there was going to be a special quality to her voice.

Throughout the entire far-tooshor t-even-with-t wo-encores concert, her voice reminded me of the rustle of autumn leaves beside a rushing river.

Clear, haunting, with notes hanging briefly in the air then fading to something deeper.

Her soprano voice has become more mezzo with the coloratura driven by Trova.

Josue and Paulina’s vacation was interrupted by this concert suggested by their dear friend Paolo, distinguished guitarist in his own right and no stranger to Act II’s Stages.

Plans are already in the works for a reunion…I will keep you posted.

My Spanish is terrible; my only excuse is old age and I’m sticking to it. That being said, I still went to see Las Anecdotas del Miembro.

If it sounds to you like Entertaining Short Stories about Penises – your Spanish is just fine.

On stage three actors dressed the same represent youthful, mature and old penises and discuss in monologue the BIG Question…who rules here?

Man or his Member? (An aside here….puhleese!)

This show is funny, sometimes tragic and often hilarious and is closing Saturday night July 26th.

Get there early – it is sold out every performance. Another note from me: please get this translated just because…

Next week more Spanish with El Me Mintio…

Vallarta´s only English newspaper

ADVERTISE CLASSIFIED AD FOR ONLY $ 250 PESOS / WK INFO 226 0800 9am to 5pm

ART & CULTURE 09

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Tastoan, The Ancient Spirit Of Mexico

by Thomas Swanson and Marianne Menditto ColibriDesignVallarta.com

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t’s that time of year again... the tastoanes are preparing to take to the streets and plazas of their colonias. With their frightening spider and snake covered masks and savage garb, the Tastoan dancers commemorate the Battle of Tonalá every year on July 25, the feast day of Santiago (St. James), patron saint of Spain and of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. The battle marks the only major victory for native people in the Indian revolt against the Conquistadores that occurred in 1541, shortly after the Spanish, led by Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, conquered and occupied the old kingdom of the Tonaltecas.

This area is now known as Tonalá, a suburb of Guadalajara known for its artesanias, pottery, and strong native tradition.

The story goes that Queen Cihualpilli of the Tonalteca, knowing of Beltrán de Guzmán’s reputation for the committing of atrocities in conquest, had received the newly arrived Spanish troops with open arms and willingly converted to Catholicism.

However, her subjects were infuriated with the European invaders and their religion and banded together to revolt, with the aid of other cultures such as the Purepecha of Michoacan and the Cora of Nayarit, who had also been recently conquered.

A fierce and bloody battle ensued, Tonalá was sacked and burned, with many casualties on both sides.

Eventually, heavily re-enforced

from México City, a Spanish army, aided by their Náhua allies from around Mexico City, returned on the offensive and were victorious.

Kind of....

As legend has it, after the native rebellion was put down, many natives who fought and survived were found hiding in caves in the nearby barranca (the deep canyon through which the Santiago River flows to the Pacific), claiming that Santiago (St. James) had appeared as a great warrior on a white charger, brandishing his sword and spouting flames, killing many and routing the native rebels single-handedly.

They emerged from the caves covered with spiders, snakes, scorpions and the like. The terrified former rebels then consented to convert to Catholicism. So goes the Spanish legend, anyway...

The conversion, however, was not quite complete. The old gods, customs and beliefs still remain into the 21st century, evident in many such vibrant dances, mock battles, parades & pilgrimages throughout Mexico.

The feast day may be for a Catholic saint, but native dance troops command the lion’s share of the attention. The Tastoanes are symbolic of the fierce and undying spirit of the original Mexican people and the compromise of Spanish and native culture that makes up what Mexico is today.

The masks are built on a foundation of thick leather.

The leather (often with internal padding) allows for lightness and durability. The swords and spears used in the mock battle dance may be of wood, but the participants definitely take good whacks at each other.

The decorations can be made by many methods with experimentation encouraged.

Ceramic, paper pulp, seeds and pods, teeth, bones and horns combine with the new (20th century) acrylic paints. Cow and horse tails or the Maguey fiber ‘Ixtle’ are used for their wild wigs. A rare account of the original battle written by Beltrán de Guzmán himself, recalls that the rebels were so fierce as to appear like

demons.

This description inspired the use of horns on the Tastoan masks. The insects and other fearsome creatures are representative of their aspect, upon crawling out of those caves and brush-choked ravines.

Fancifully painted patterns of spots denote the plague of small-poxbrought by the Spanish, which killed more native people both during and after the conquest than all other causes combined.

Traditionally, after the festival most of the dancers, who make their masks themselves, soak them in water and strip them back down to the plain leather base, allowing the spirit of the Tastoan to be released, only to be built anew each year to return to battle.

The Tastoanes, a word that comes from the native Nahuatl word ‘Tlatoani’, meaning leaders or speakers, believe they repre-

sent the very real and living spirit of ancient México, never defeated and rising again every year to give battle to Santiago and his Conquistadores.

The masks are therefore rare and considered to be collectors items. If they have actually been used in the festival they are said to be jugada, or ‘played’, and can be rather beat up from the battle.

Prudencio Guzman, curator of the National Ceramics Museum in Tonalá, has become well known for the decorative masks he crafts out of ceramic and animal horns.

He is a dancer in the festival where of course he wears a leather mask.

He is considered a local expert on all things Tastoan.

A visit to the museum is a must for anyone interested in the Tastoanes and the wonderful ceramics that have made Tonalá internationally famous.

or ride with us out to the Sanctuary (reservations necessary).

The length of the tour is at the discretion of our visitors and can be from two to four hours in length.

Please contact Nicole Martin at nicole@cupocity.com to make a reservation. To see all the animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history.

We have an urgent need for used towels and bedding you longer need!

Please contact us a spcapv@ gmail.com if you can help.

To use your credit card to make tax deductible donations through PayPal, go to our website www.spcapv.com/donate/ or on Facebook https:// www.facebook.com/spcapv/ app_117708921611213

Are you or someone you know returning from Puerto Vallarta to Canada and want to help us get more animals to FURR-Ever Homes? Please contact us if you can be a travel companion spcapv@gmail.com.

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

W

e were visited recently

by Christine Laughlin of Edmonton and a few of her friends. It is a repeat visit

by Christine and she promises to make this a regular thing when she is in town 2-3 times a year. We want to thank Christine, Linda, Emily and two young ladies, Taylor and Karyssa, for visiting us and spending time with all our sweethearts. The staff also greatly appreciated the treats you brought.

You too can come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes”

and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time.

Every Tuesday at noon, we meet in the Costco parking lot beside the large tree. You can either caravan in your own vehicle

local 10

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

L

ocated in the heart of the historic center of Puerto Vallarta, is the Mercado Municipal Cuale, which offers visitors a wide variety of handicrafts, traditional clothes, jewellery and food typical of the country. The market was inaugurated on November 28, 1979.

Spread over two floors, there are 159 businesses. Two murals adorn the facade, “Typical Market and Its People” and “The Iguana Cuale” by Ernesto Garridos.

The environment surrounding the market is typical Mexican neighbourhood where you can hear laughter and the friendly banter of vendors and visitors.

It is a generational market with 70% of the tenants having their booths since inauguration.

In its halls you can find leather goods, sweets, silver jewellery, wooden toys, t-shirts, hats, Traditional Guayabera shirts, ponchos, swimwear and countless souvenirs of the city. On the second floor aromas lead you to the rich cuisine of Mexico.

Traditional comidas offer: shrimp consume, chicken mole, chile rellenos, fish fillet tacos, grilled onions and fruit water, to name some of the delicious dishes that visitors can enjoy.

“Traditional food markets will always be more nutritious and cheaper than that offered in the malls” says Mario N. Palma Montaño, who along with his wife, serves one of the most popular restaurants in the market, “Marusso” From the delicious food on the second floor to all of the handicrafts, souvenirs and the warm smiling faces of the vendors, vistors to the Mercado will enjoy a slice of traditional Mexican life.

www.vallartatribune.com

Color, quality and tradition in the Rio Cuale Mercado

The mural “Market Characteristic and Its People” by Ernesto Garridos

Crafts, typical Mexican food and crafts can be found here

A wonderful place to be visited

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

Vallarta Shopping Directory News

T

he Vallarta Shopping Directory is the best and most complete guide on the internet where new visitors and residents can find the top dining and shopping spots in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.

There are 19 pages of categories such as boutiques, jewelry stores, handicraft shops, art galleries, cafes, restaurants, beauty shops and spas, organic and specialty food, tours and travel agencies, boutique hotels, real estate offices, florists, sportswear, services, opticians, interior décor, leather goods, glassware, tile, bars and entertainment.

Each listing contains the logo of the business, address, contact information, link to their website and Facebook pages, a description and photos of their products and services.

Since the directory is always kept up to date you won´t waste time searching for businesses that

-Faith Colectiva

have closed or moved away.

A good idea is to keep a copy on your computer desktop for quick reference for telephone numbers and hours that businesses are open, and to find new places that have just opened. Go

to http://vallartashoppingdirectory. blogspot.com and browse through the pages.

There is also a Facebook page connected to the direct o r y — w w w. f a c e b o o k . c o m / vallartashoppingdirectory.

If you would like your business to be included in this online directory please email puertovallartashoppingguide@gmail.comfor more information, and if you would like to have an ad like those below for Elements of Design, Galleria

Dante, Cassandra Shaw, Galeria Vallarta, Colibri, Nacho Daddy, Faith Colletiva, Bumerang, Patricia Gawle Arte, DiVino Dante, Vallarta Food tours and Los Bambinos you can contact juliemongeau@gmail. com for more information about their very reasonable prices. This page is exclusively for members of the Vallarta shopping directory.

Remember the Vallarta Tribune is the only English newspaper distributed both in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.

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

Banderas Bay Initiative

By María del Mar Zamora maria@ fundacionpuntademita.org

I

love our rainy season. Whether it is a torrential storm with the stirring sound of thunder, or a drizzle so light drops seem to float rather than fall, the Banderas Bay during the rains is at its most beautiful. The heat gets hard to handle and I am sure we all engage in various degrees of complaining, but it is difficult not to be captivated by the lush mountains and the imposing rivers.

Witnessing the transformation of our region that comes with the first rains is amazing; highways narrow and become long tunnels of shade and light while rivers widen and rise to amazing proportions.

There are few better thinking times than as you soak up the refreshing drops this rainy season, or watch them from your favorite balcony and window and I’d like to share with you some of the other services that rain provides.

Rain does more than just bring down the heat for a few blessed hours.

Rain water replenishes our water reservoirs, it reduces pollution in the air we breathe, feeds our crops and brings essential nutrients to the ground and to our oceans.

Our reservoirs feed rivers and lakes, and they are where our drinking water comes from. Many important reservoirs are dwindling.

Close by, the levels of lake Chapala’s levels are monitored attentively in the hopes of regaining its health and glory. In some areas of Mexico City, the city on a lake, the depletion of the water reservoir is leading to sinking buildings.

A good rain is like a scrub for the air. It brings down dust, pollen and human-caused pollutants.

Unfortunately this doesn’t erase the pollution, it simply transfers it to our rivers and oceans, which is why we should all aim

Welcome to Vallarta!!

to reduce, reuse and recycle as well as adopt healthy habits such as walking, biking and public-transportation use to diminish pollution.

Rain also washes down essential nutrients, such as nitrogen, from their terrestrial sources to our costal ecosystems, helping them keep healthy and highly productive.

The brown waters around river mouths might not be too appealing to the eye but they are definitely appealing to the fish. Just ask the fishermen you see at the shore!

And if you have plants that won’t naturally receive the rain water, set out a bucket.

Rain picks up nitrogen-bearing molecules from thunder that are great for your plants!

So enjoy the rains this season, and don’t stay too dry!

Charming tranquility in the mountains San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco

T

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 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 now.

Bienvenidos Welcome Willkommen Benvenuti bem-vinpo

I

n any language the word welcome has the same meaning but few know its meaning as well as those who visit our charming town of San Sebastian del Oeste. New and returning visitors alike will receive the friendliest of welcomes when they dine at the popular Eva Maria Fonda located just off the main plaza opposite the church. A fonda is a small economical restaurant that is known for its traditional home-style cooking.

Start your exploration of the magical town of San Sebastian with a satisfying lunch of enchiladas or after a day of hiking the streets and hills

stop by Eva Maria Fonda for a dinner of traditional Mexican dishes and healthy fruit waters.

You can contact them by phone at 322-297-2820 or

on facebook at Fonda Eva Maria. They will be happy to welcome you to this pueblo magico of San Sebastian del Oeste.

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.

Lรณpez Mateos Nยบ 15, downtown San Sebastiรกn del Oeste, Jalisco Tel. (322) 297 2854 losarcosdelsol@gmail.com www.losarcosdelsol.com

REAL ESTATE 16

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

Let’s Hear from You: First Person Expat Interviews

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estate, but Yoga kept calling to me.

The hard part is making a living at it. Fortunately I owned my own condo, and had some flexibility.

So I started to teach at a couple of local yoga studios, and continued to hone my skills and obtained my advanced teachers certification in 2008. I also traveled to Chian Mai, Thailand in 2010 and became certified in Thai Massage.

Then I was able to open my own studio, Kupuri Yoga, this last year. Which really has been the fulfillment of a dream.

Maria Abad

By Miguel Fernandez miguel@g3mex.com

T

his week we sat down with Maria Abad owner of Kupuri Yoga, located at 239 Francisco Madero here in Old Town Vallarta. Maria originates from Caracas, Venezuela, is a seasoned yoga instructor and has had a life filled with travel, adventure and some amazing coincidences.

When did you first come to Puerto Vallarta?

It was in 1987. I was on a scholarship studying Business Administration at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA, where I met my future husband. He owned a sailboat, had a place in Yelapa and loved Mexico. Together we took a cruising adventure from Sausalito, CA to Puerto Vallarta. I liked Yelapa so much that I packed up and moved there for part of the year. The other part was spent up in Pittsburgh working on my second degree in Visual Arts at the Art Institute there.

after being in a quiet little remote village. You really had to prepare yourself psychologically.

Luckily there was a great local guy, here in Vallarta, who ran a very informal business called Tortilla Flats. He was a lifeline to the outside world for many Yelapa residents. He took message for us, received mail and kept our friends and family up-to-date on our status in the jungle.

How did you support yourself after graduating from art school?

We built a few huts and ran a B&B in Yelapa. The problem was marketing. Everything was very different than it is today. With no internet it was hard to publicize the business. Also, because Yelapa is ejidal, you need permission from the community to run a business there, but we never had problems with the local residents. Though, things were a little crazy in those days—the police would come over and raid Yelapa periodically, looking for drugs and other illegal activity.

How long did you live in Yelapa?

I was there for 13 years. I really enjoyed the solitude and the natural setting. But, things weren’t working out with my husband, so I decided to move into Puerto Vallarta. At that point I wasn’t quite sure what to do with myself, so I began working for Vallarta Adventures in Las Caletas. This gave me a chance to do a lot of art, crafts and watercolors.

The architect of the Las Caletas Vallarta Adventures project was impressed with my work and hired me to do the decoration of the Las Caletas structures. We then went on to do a number of interior decoration and mural commissions in Sayulita. The commissions dried up, so I picked up a job working as a cook for a woman who owned a restaurant over on Olas Altas.

She was forced to shut down after her kitchen caught fire in a gas explosion.

Coincidentally this was on the very day that I’d decided to give notice!

Now, being unemployed, and having some free time, I decided to take a walk over in Marina Vallarta. As I was strolling along I noticed a boat that looked very much like the yacht that a good friend of mine worked on. I walked up and inquired about her, and there she was! They needed someone to cook on the boat, so that was the beginning of my yachting career.

Did you come into Puerto Vallarta much?

Only about every two weeks.

It was like going to the big city

How long did that last?

About 4 years. The boat was a luxury yacht owned by a very rich Mexican. We traveled to the U.S.

How was Yelapa back then?

More remote than it is now. We really wanted to live off the grid, so it was perfect environment for us.

Back then Yelapa had no electricity or telephones and was populated with pirates, hippies and LSD trippers.

What types of classes do you offer at Kupuri?

Yin, Yang, Vinyasa, Restorative, Relaxation, and Teacher’s Training, which is very comprehensive. The curriculum for teacher’s training is highly structured and needs to be approved by the International Yoga Alliance. Currently I’m leading 200-hour trainings, but I plan to offer 500 hour ones in the future. Which would mean that I am one of the only people providing this advanced level of training in Puerto Vallarta. I love doing these trainings, it’s so satisfying to have your students go off and become teachers. It’s like planting little seeds.

and Europe and entertained celebrities, politicians and the superrich. I continued working on other yachts, but at one point and there were some personality conflicts with another crewmember, and I was fired—which in reality did me a big favor, I really needed to get my feet back on the ground. Luckily they let me go in San Remo, Italy, with severance pay. So I met up with my good friend and we headed on a tour of Italy!

Also, after working so long on a boat, I was able to save up a good amount of money, and decided to invest in a piece of property in Venezuela. I’d always dreamed of starting a B&B there. Unfortunately my timing was not great, and it was exactly at the same time that Hugo Chavez came into power, which basically meant that my project was a no go.

What did you do then?

I did what I often do when I come to a transitional point in my life. I asked myself “If you were going to die tomorrow, what would you most want to do?” The answer came to me pretty quickly, “Go to India and study yoga.” Which is exactly what I did. There I

immersed myself in the practice, studying under a yoga master and attaining teacher status.

Is that when you began teaching yoga?

No, but I continued to practice on my own. I returned to Vallarta and opened my own Mediterranean fusion café close to Café des Artistes. I loved preparing delicious food for people, but after 2 years I decided to sell the business. I also tried my hand at real

Do you see yourself returning to Venezuela?

The political situation in Venezuela is incredibly unstable; in fact, I’ve become a Mexican citizen, due to the fact that Venezuelan passports are almost impossible to renew. My hope is to travel more, teach yoga, and continue running Kupuri Yoga here in Vallarta.

Are you an expat, and do you have a story to tell. If so, please contact us a G3MEX Real Estate Group, and set up a time to be interviewed. Our helpful staff is always available.

The office number is: 322-2090832 or you can contact us via email at: info@g3mex.com.

TRAVEL 17

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

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The Pacific Coast: The Call of the Mermaid Mexico’s Pacific coast boasts 7,828 kilometers of luxury resorts, boutique hotels, fabulous beaches and colonial towns.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo

By Patricia Peña

I

t would take six days to travel Mexico’s Pacific coast from north to south by boat. Six whole days without stopping – something virtually impossible once you catch a glimpse of the irresistible beaches that line these 7,828 kilometers of coastline brimming with biodiversity.

Like the song of the mermaid, these warm waters draw you in, inviting you to relax in exclusive boutique hotels that commune with nature, take in the spectacular ocean-front view from your luxury suite or try your hand at an extreme sport for that much yearned for adrenaline rush.

From North California to Chiapas, the Pacific repeats its colors and landscapes, some of them barely touched by man.

Cabo San Lucas Every hue of blue Cabo San Lucas is located in the extreme south of the Baja California Peninsula, where untamed landscapes sculpted by the hand of God serve as a backdrop to the luxury resorts and exclusive boutique hotels of Médano and El Arco.

Here, the Gulf of California meets the Pacific, whose shimmering waters shift from deep blue to turquoise. Activities run the whole gamut, from yoga, whale-watching and water sports to shopping excursions and eco-tours.

Spend the day relaxing at the spa, explore the colonial town of San Lucas by foot or charter a yacht and enjoy the view from out at sea. The choice is yours.

Cabo San Lucas attracts Hollywood celebrities, intrepid millionaires, golfers and tourists eager to enjoy the golden beaches, world-class amenities, and trendy night spots of this stretch of Mexico’s Pacific coast.

Costalegre Luxury with a friendly face Costalegre stands on the Pacific coast of the western state of Jalisco and is home to both small hotels and large resorts.

But no matter your choice of accommodation, seclusion and

privacy are guaranteed. Bahía de Navidad, Bahía de Tenacatita, Costa Careyes, Majahuas and Cabo Corrientes are all beaches popular among tourists who want to get back to basics without sacrificing comfort, while the coastal towns of El Tamarindo, Las Alamandas, Isla Navidad, Barra de Navidad, Tenacatita, Chamela and Punta Pérula are where the chicest hotels and best beaches are to be found.

Also known as “Costa Bella”, Costalegre has something for everyone, whether you want to relax in a luxury spa or get your adrenaline pumping with an extreme sport.

In recent years, the number of access roads has multiplied, especially to the bigger hotels, but many still prefer to take the more traditional routes, where the sounds of the jungle welcome the visitor come to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and wind down in the peace and quiet of its virgin beaches, lagoons, rivers and islands.

Acapulco Cosmopolitan exclusivity Acapulco has inspired songs and films and seen more than its fair share of summer romances over the decades.

This world-famous tourist destination preserves a hint of the 1960s, when it was a favorite haunt of Hollywood legends and the international jet-set.

La Quebrada is a 45-meter cliff that crowns the port, a natural paradise surrounded by modernist-style luxury resorts, upscale residences, golf courses and a town happy to play host to its guests and entertain them until sunrise.

Accommodation ranges from the grand tourism hotels of the port, where luxury comes in inconceivable forms, to the large chains of the hotel zone and new projects, where exclusivity and intimacy converge in rustic settings.

In the smaller, more removed properties, comfort is the priority.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo A tourism twosome Discovered only recently by travelers who enjoy home comforts these twin towns on the Central Pacific coast complement each other perfectly.

Originally a tiny fishing village, Ixtapa has preserved its small town charm and is popular among surfers, while the cliffs of Zihuatanejo, its “bohemian brother”, harbor luxury retreats where all that can be heard are the cries of local wildlife wafting on the sea breeze and the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore.

Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo were

always intended to be one single destination, equipped to accommodate travelers of every bent, from those who prefer tradition and understated luxury to those who refuse to renounce five-star conveniences. Together, they have it all: paradisiacal beaches, shimmering waters, golf courses, endless shopping options, and water and adventure sports.

Both are an experience for the senses, immersed in the mystique of an ancestral culture going back to Pre-Hispanic times.

Still waters run deep and this is the essence of the Pacific. Expansive, benevolent and sensual.

Acapulco

Costalegre Cabo San Lucas

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

RIVIERA NAYARIT 18

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2nd Sea Turtle Festival at Playa Platanitos

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rom July 25-27, event goers will enjoy a turtle release; painting, drawing and photography contests; plus other sports, cultural and artistic activities, as well as an Environmental Tourism Fair. Turtle nesting and release season has begun on the beaches of the Riviera Nayarit and with it comes the 2nd Sea Turtle Festival at Playa Platanitos, in the municipality of Compostela, from July

P

rofessional surfers and paddlers Fernando Stalla and Javier “Bicho” Jiménez returned with top honors from their US tour representing Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit’s Surfing Capital.

Professional surfers and paddlers Fernando Stalla and Javier “Bicho” Jiménez each snagged two first place awards during their US tour this past June, in addition to other awards garnered during the five stand up paddle (SUP) and paddleboard competitions where they represented Sayulita, the Riviera Nayarit’s Surfing Capital.

“There are younger generations that surf very well and now that SUP is all the rage they’ve taken it very seriously and train hard.

We’ve had some great results on an international level that have put us on the map; now when they hear we’re from Sayulita they start to get worried!” said Fernando Stalla.

Stalla won The Payet River Games competition, one of the biggest events of the year with the largest purse in the history of the sport, with $100,000 USD in prizes. He also snagged first place in New York; two fifth places and a sixth place rounded out the stellar participation of this seasoned surfer and paddler.

Meanwhile, youngster Javier “Bicho” Jiménez—who has turned out to be a revelation as far as boards and paddles are

25-27. Taking place against the background of summertime vacation, this festival sports, cultural, artistic and, most especially, environmental activities in order to promote values, knowledge and practices that favor Mother Nature.

The Playa Platanitos Ecológico association has worked very hard along with the local population to put together a festival that’s well worth the visit.

Last year there were approximately 5,000 attendees.

The president of the non-profit, Lourdes Santana, considers it another “Holy Week.”

“The festival was created in order to bring tourism to our beaches and at the same time send a message to the people about not commercializing turtle products in exchange for money; we show them that by caring and

protecting the sea turtles they can get the economy moving and create sustainable environmental tourism,” asserted Santana.

The turtle liberation program is one of the main attractions of this family event, which helps to create an environmental consciousness in children. The Environmental Tourism Fair offers workshops and locally made products that reinforce the concept. Nature, dance,

music, traditions, cuisine, warmth, beach and sun are just some of the many qualities of the seaside communities that comprise the Picturesque Villages of the Riviera Nayarit. The townspeople from Tecuala to Banderas Bay through Santiago Ixcuintla, San Blas and Compostela all eagerly await a gathering of domestic and international tourists to come enjoy the summer season.

Sayulita Keeps the Riviera Nayarit’s Reputation as a Top Surf Spot on High

concerned—took home two first places during the South By Dozen and Survivor Beach competitions.

At the latter he fetched a second place award for individual technique, as well.

“Bicho” also brought home an additional second place plus two third place awards. Jiménez commented they were both very proud to represent Sayulita and the Riviera Nayarit. “And so we’ll just have to keep on training to

get better on a world-class level,” added “Bicho,” who also took the opportunity to thank his sponsors, such as Punta Sayulita.

Sayulita is known worldwide as one of the safest places to learn these two watersports.

The New York Times and other international media have placed it among the top ideal spots for beginners, always noting there’s also an area specifically for professionals.

CHARITIES 19

www.vallartatribune.com

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations

F

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

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...BANDIT

No, unfortunately little Bandit isn’t simply winking at you. This little guy was brought to us by someone in the same neighborhood where he had been wandering with a damaged eye. Bandit was a bit shy and it took our volunteers a few hours to coax him into accepting food and water. We were able to rescue him and get him to a vet but there wasn’t anything that could be done to save his eye. Bandit is about three years old and a Chihuahua mix weighing 4 kilos or 8.8 pounds. This poor sweetheart truly deserves a safe haven to spend the rest of his days.

Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 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 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez Alvarez cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.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

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

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

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

Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. www.vallartanavyleague.org.

New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@ newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and special support to their families. 299-4146. 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.

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children. Tax-deductible. ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need.

322-222-5466. ifcvallarta.com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

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

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

NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com

BRAIN TEASERS 20

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

SUDOKU easy

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

medium

hard

Number Blocks

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.

EXPLORERS Can you find the hidden explorers? They may be horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. AMUNDSEN, BARBOSA, BASS, BOONE, BURKE AND WILLS, CABOT, CARTIER, COLUMBUS, COOK, CORTES, DIAS, DRAKE, ERIKSSON, FAWCETT, FLINDERS, FROBISHER, GRAY, HAWKINS, HERIOLFSSON, HUDSON, KINGSLEY, LIVINGSTONE, MAGELLAN, MARCO POLO, PARK, RALEIGH, SCOTT, SHACKLETON, STURT, TASMAN, TENZING, VANCOUVER, VASCO DA GAMA, VESPUCCI.

1. A tennis racket - A marionette - An orchestra 2. Babe Ruth - Hank Aaron - Marge Simpson 3. Line - Pie - Bar 4. Carson - Bench - Cash 5. Bird - Jordan - Magic 6. Pantyhose - Candidates - Track Stars 7. Pay - Princess - Cell 8. Cane - Brown - Powdered 9. Monkey - Box - Crescent 10. Blood - Piggy – Sperm

Commonym 13 Answers 1. all have strings 2. they have Homers 3. graphs 4. Johnnys 5. basketball players 6. they run 7. phones 8. sugars 9. wrenches 10. banks

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 13 Answers 1. Decide 2. Spaceship 3. Multiple Choice 4. Floor Model 5. Noone Knows 6. Thunderstorm

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.

CLASSIFIEDS 21

Friday July 25 - 31, 2014

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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS OFF

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

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

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

Hospitals

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 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

PLACE YOUR AD HERE

La Palapa Pulpito#103, Playa los Muertos” 322.222.5225 Las Adelitas Av. Fluvial Vallarta 234 322.293.7778 / 22.113.0373 Nacho Daddy

287 Basilio Badillo nachodaddymexico.com Philo’s Delfin15, La Cruz de Huanacaxle”329.295.5068 Thu-Sat 8:30 pm 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

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

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ADVERTISE HERE FOR ONLY $ 250 PESOS / WK

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

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

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

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

Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz 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

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