Issue 907, August 22 - 28, 2014 by Vallarta Tribune

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Environmental protecting wetlands

August 22 - 28, 2014 Free Issue 907

Cuisine

quintana roo

Art & Culture Burnish pottery

FR EE

Photo Barbara Nettleton

welcome 02

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014 PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fernando Gonzalez Corona Director DAVID ROJO sjcbcs@yahoo.com.mx Director noemi zamora noemi_zamora_reynoso@hotmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Editorial Board Marcia Blondin Raymond C. Beaty Lois Ellison John & Christie Forget Landon Hollander Nancy Van Landingham Robina Oliver Sales Team FERNANDO AYALA 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

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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit

Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from San Blas in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the 17th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.

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

COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance. Long-distance calls from within Mexico For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (for the U.S. and Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number). Calling Cell Phones (from a land line) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the 10 digit number including area code. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number. Phone Cards Phone cards (“tarjetas telefonicas”) for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments. Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not. You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police Immigration: 322.224.7719 322.290.0507 Consumer Protection: Fire Department: 01.800.468.8722 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145 MONARCH LEGEND: Mexico’s native Purépecha Indians believed that within each monarch butterfly, is the soul of a returned loved one!

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

appy birthday to me. As an adult, birthdays are usually a time for getting together with friends and family. And in 2014, it also means you get a million posts on your facebook page. It’s all very lovely and

a bit overwhelming, especially for those of us who are so far removed from friends and family. Here in Mexico birthdays are celebrated less with gifts and more with expressions of love. No one has sung ‘Happy Birthday’ to me yet, but I have had two serenades of Las Mañanitas and its not even noon. A much prettier and heart-

felt song than “Happy Birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, you look like a monkey and you smell like one too.” At least, I think that’s how it goes. I also appreciate the tradition of the Piñata, blindly swinging sticks around trying to bash paper mache Sponge Bob’s is always fun . Personally, I’d like mine filled with little airline bottles of vodka and rum but, tamarind candies and cheap plastic toys are fun too. It’s a busy day for me and a full paper for you this week so I’m cutting this one short. Enjoy your week and because it’s my birthday I want you to buy the SPCA raffle tickets (7nights as Hacienda San Angel and flights?! Sounds divine!), support your local theaters and businesses and check out the new/repositioned Co-op Market at Coco’s. Abrazzos!

Las Mañanitas is a traditional Mexican song that is sung on birthdays and other important holidays. It is often sung as an early morning serenade to wake up a loved one. At birthday parties it is sung before the cake is cut. As a traditional song with a long history, there are variations of Las Mañanitas, with many different verses. At most Mexican parties only the first two verses are sung, but here are included some additional verses that are occasionally sung, particularly when the song is performed by mariachis. Las Mañanitas Lyrics: Estas son las mañanitas, que cantaba el Rey David, Hoy por ser día de tu santo, te las cantamos a ti, Despierta, mi bien*, despierta, mira que ya amaneció, Ya los pajarillos cantan, la luna ya se metió. Que linda está la mañana en que vengo a saludarte, Venimos todos con gusto y placer a felicitarte, Ya viene amaneciendo, ya la luz del día nos dio, Levántate de mañana, mira que ya amaneció. El día en que tu naciste nacieron todas las flores En la pila del bautismo, cantaron los ruiseñores Quisiera ser solecito para entrar por tu ventana y darte los buenos días acostadita en tu cama Quisiera ser un San Juan, quisiera ser un San Pedro Para venirte a cantar con la música del cielo De las estrellas del cielo tengo que bajarte dos una para saludarte y otra para decirte adiós

Translation: This is the morning song that King David sang Because today is your saint’s day we’re singing it for you Wake up, my dear*, wake up, look it is already dawn The birds are already singing and the moon has set How lovely is the morning in which I come to greet you We all came with joy and pleasure to congratulate you The morning is coming now, the sun is giving us its light Get up in the morning, look it is already dawn * Often replaced with the name of the person who is being celebrated Additional verses: The day you were born all the flowers were born On the baptismal font the nightingales sang I would like to be the sunshine to enter through your window to wish you good morning while you’re lying in your bed I would like to be a Saint John I would like to be a Saint Peter To sing to you with the music of heaven Of the stars in the sky I have to lower two for you One with which to greet you and the other to wish you goodbye Lyrics from gomexico.about.com

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

uring these summer months we are suffering from a shortage of donations but, of course, no shortage of dogs/cats in need of our help. To use your credit card to make tax deductible donations through PayPal, go to our website www. spcapv.com/donate/. Also you can simply go to our Facebook page (www.facebook. com/spcapv) to contribute to our cause by simply clicking on the DONATE button which allows you to help via PayPal or any credit card. You 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. We have scheduled tours each week starting at noon. We ask everyone to meet in the Costco parking lot beside the large tree. You can either caravan in your own vehicle 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! Are you or someone you know returning from Puerto Vallarta to Canada and want to help us get more animals to fur-ever homes? Please contact us if you can be a travel companion spcapv@ gmail.com.

Letters to the Editor Dear Madeline,

our Editor's Notes Editorial was heart-warming, and while you may not be Mother Tressea of the sick, poor and downtrodden, you are the Mother Madeline of the Hounds of Puerto Vallarta; in this case the poor , tick ridden and lost little Scuffy-Muffin-Face. It is so sad when people let loose of their unwanted dogs ... and yes children and also wives. Today in America, children and mothers from Mexico and the South American countries are streaming across the U.S. southern border looking for help and a new life. Families are taking

them in, and the public schools are accepting enrollment of the children. The President has asked Congress for over $4 Billion to house and feed them, but Congress has reduced the money to under some $3 billion. Irresponsibility for one's decisions is no excuse for what has happened to Scuffy-Muffin Face or those people who are responsible for all the heartache of the immigrants to America. Fortunately for the dogs and these people, there are caring people like you and the American taxpayers.. Frank Norton San Francisco CA USA

NEWS 04

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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Mexico in Int’l News

News Bites The German car manufacturer Audi announced that the new production plant for the Q5 model in Mexico will begin operations mid-2016. It aims to manufacture up to 150,000 cars a year.

What's Driving Mexico's Growth? in Forbes, July 22, 2014.

exico’s increasing purchasing power, as well as key reforms passed by recently elected President Enrique Peña Nieto, have contributed to what economic experts at HSBC say may become the world’s eighth-biggest economy by 2050. While it hasn’t received the recent media attention of other emerging economies like Brazil or India, Mexico has quietly positioned itself to be a major economic force in the long term.

Mexico takes a much-needed step towards oil investment in The National Business, July 24, 2014. Automotive companies Daimler and Nissan inked a joint partnership agreement to manufacture compact Mercedes and Infiniti models in Mexico. UTC Aerospace Systems and Dishon are investing 400 million USD in Mexico to underpin their aerospace projects.

ecently, Mexico has made a giant stride towards enhancing and opening its hydrocarbons industry, which was nationalized about 75 years ago, just as Abu Dhabi’s first concession was being awarded to international oil companies. The Mexican Congress in December approved the energy bill to change Articles 25, 27 and 28 of its constitution, allowing both domestic and foreign private companies to invest in the energy sector.

Carlos Slim to Dismantle Mexican Empire Amid Government Pressure

General Electric founded an aerospace engineering campus in Querétaro to support its operations in Mexico.

in The Washington Post, July 8, 2014.

Cinemex wants to become the fifth largest company of its kind and will embark on a strategy to penetrate the United States.

illionaire Carlos Slim is bowing to imminent antitrust legislation by planning a breakup of América Móvil SAB’s phone operations in Mexico rather than risk profit- crushing restrictions if his company did nothing to curb its dominance. América Móvil, the Americas’ largest operator with 272 million wireless subscribers, decided to divest some assets to a newly formed independent company, reducing its market share in Mexican landlines and mobile phones to below 50% to appease regulators.

Over the next two years, Hilton plans to open 20 new hotels around the Gulf of Mexico and Bajío areas. The Federal Electricity Commission (CFE) announced the bidding for five energy projects requiring investments of 2.807 billion USD in the north of the country; two combined cycle thermoelectric plants, two gas pipelines and a transmission line. Alpura and Lala strengthen their business with new categories. In ten years, Mexico has gone from three to more than 21 milk options including light, lactose-free and flavored. In 2013, Mexico was the world’s third biggest exporter of organic honey; 85% of production goes to Europe. Major Mexican companies will invest 27.45 billion USD this year in sectors including construction and infrastructure, auto parts, telecommunications and information and technology, announced the Mexican Business Council. Mexico is the tenth biggest receiver of FDI and will be between the fifth and eighth largest world economy in the next few years, due to its solid macroeconomic environment, among other factors. According to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), Mexico will have an upturn in economic growth from 2015 due to greater public spending, FDI and the structural reforms.

Explore Banderas Bay

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

It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River. The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders. In the winter and spring seasons

Mexico to auction off 16 power projects worth $4.9 bn Investors can now bid on 16 power projects expected to draw about $4.9 billion in investment, the Mexican Federal Electricity Commission, or CFE, said. The projects will allow the power agency to "offer better quality service at a lower cost for the benefit of all Mexicans," CFE chief Enrique Ochoa said. This is the second package of

projects announced by the CFE since last month. Two gas pipelines, two gas lines and three combined-cycle power plants will be put out to bid, Ochoa said. One project involves the upgrading of a hyroelectric power plant, as well as the overhaul of three transmission lines, Ochoa said. The CFE put five projects worth

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.

$2.8 billion up for bidding in July, pushing total expected investment aimed at reducing electricity losses, which are estimated at 8 percent, to $7.7 billion. "The latest projects up for bids will benefit industry, the service (sector) and households in 13 entities in the republic," Energy Secretary Pedro Joaquin Coldwell said. EFE

NEWS 05

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

Exploring the South Shore

Tourism: From Portugal to Mexico

By Madeline Milne

Portuguese corporate group Mota-Engil plans to build a major new coastal resort complex in the western state of Nayarit via investment of 2.2 billion USD. Initial plans include a golf course, two beach clubs and over 7,000 hotel rooms.

From Conchas Chinas to Cabo Corrientes

eading south from Puerto Vallarta will find you winding along a jungle highway with spectacular views to the ocean. The south is an area of tranquility and lush natural spaces. One of the most diverse areas of the world, the mountains in the South Shore offer perfect viewing for birds, butterflies, orchids and other flora. Fantastic homes cling to the cliffs, luxurious resorts nestle into coves and ever charming beach towns offer water activities, fresh seafood and plenty of welcoming smiles. Looking for something to do? Consider exploring south of Vallarta this week.

bathing in the waterfall, it’s a great way to escape the summer heat.

Punta Negra

This little river offers fresh water and a small beach to set up on. Lots of Mexican families here on a Sunday grilling arrachera and eating ceviche. Park on the highway after the bridge and walk down the path.

Mismaloya

Start your Sunday right with the scrumptious buffet breakfast overlooking the Bay at El Set Restaurant. The sunsets are pretty delicious here too. The beaches below offer little coves perfect for snorkeling.

You can spend a couple days in Mismaloya exploring the beach, the town and the hills behind. Check Bungee Jumping off your bucket list at Encore Bungee & Adventure Park. Build up your courage with a Tequila tour at Tequila Mama Lucia. Recover at Casa Iguana All Suites Resort. Or for something entirely different spend the day at the Vallarta Zoo where you can hang-out with monkeys and baby tigers and help feed most of the animals. Fingers beware.

Nogalito

Boca de Tomatlan

Concha Chinas

With 10 lines, prime river location and a great little restaurant you can spend the whole day enjoying the the Canopy Mundo Nogalito Tour. From ziplines to

Last town before the highways turns inland; this is a stopping point for those wishing to visit the beach towns that are boat accessible only. There are galle-

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.

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ries, restaurants and shops for browsing. Just past Boca you will find the stunning Le Kliff Restaurant under a giant palapa with proposal inspiring ocean and bay views. Just around the corner you will find the Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Recently recognized as one of the best botanical gardens in North America, it has a huge selection of Orchids and Agave plants. One of the best hideaways in the south shore is Chico’s Paradise. Located on the river, there are excellent swimming pools, waterfalls, a great Mexican restaurant and cool jungle to shade you through the hot summer days.

El Tuito

Set inland about 20kms, El Tuito is a typical Mexican village primarily based on ranching. Here you can stop for some excellent BBQ chicken, fill up your tank and chat with the locals. Along the river you will find Villa Azalea, a small boutique hotel and organic farm that takes all the worries off your shoulders. Build on the philosophy of sustainability and luxury comforts, this recently renovated home offers solitude and sophistication. Perfect for a weekend with your love or your ladies.

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,

Automotive: Mexico: the first choice overseas South Korean automotive components manufacturer LG Innotek inaugurated its first overseas production plant in the central Mexican state of Querétaro. The site will produce brake

motors, steering systems and gearshifts, among other products. The 34,000-square-meter plant will hold around 600 workers and will begin full operations with the manufacturing of Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) motors.

Manufacturing: Lego’s New Brick in Mexico Danish toymaker Lego inaugurated a new expansion at its production plant in the northeastern state of Nuevo León, increasing the company’s total investment in the site to 580.7 million usd.

Renewable Energy: Borderless Energy IEnova, the Mexican subsidiary of US natural gas utility Sempra Energy, has obtained 270 million USD in financing for the construction of a wind power generation

park on the Mexico- US border. The cross-border site is planned to provide power to San Diego Gas & Electric for twenty years.

Art:Take Care of Yourself in Monterrey Monterrey Museum of Contemporary Art will be hosting Prenez soin de vous (Take Care of Yourself), an installation by the conceptual artist Sophie Calle (France, 1953). Presented at the Venice Biennale in 2007, the premise for the installation was a break-up e-mail Calle received from her boyfriend at the time, which ended with the phrase “Take care of yourself”. The artist invited 107 women from different fields –journalists, editors, actresses, singers, dancers, philosophers, psychoa-

nalysts and others– to analyze the meaning of this blithe farewell. The result is a necropsy of a break-up, a compendium of photo portraits, essays and video clips on love, pain, sex, work, intimacy and identity. Prenez soin de vous will be on exhibition parallel to an installation that forms part of Calle’s True Stories series, featuring a room with a collection of her personal effects –two bridal dresses, a wig and a portrait of Sigmund Freud, among other items. Both will run until August 31, 2014.

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

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

LOCAL 06

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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Banderas Bay Initiative

Don´t Tell Mom

By María del Mar Zamora www.bbini.org

By Terry Connell

Importance of Wetlands and El Quelele

he Banderas Bay region has long been known for its beautiful and varied beaches, and it is almost impossible to neglect the beauty of the mountains which embrace our community. However, there are also habitats which are less visible. Our inability to see and value them has inched them towards decay. One of these habitats are the wetlands. Between 50% and 75% of wetlands have been lost in the Nayarit municipality of Banderas Bay, and the percentage rises to more than 75% for the municipality of Puerto Vallarta. Thankfully, not all has been lost and steps are being taken to preserve the remnants of estuaries which still survive in our region. In our city a treasure trove has been preserved in the shape of the Estero El Salado, or The Salty Estuary. We hope you have taken advantage of the opportunity to take their guided boat tours and escape quickly urbanized Vallarta, all within our city limits. There is another treasure in our region which is has struggled to survive the urban sprawl. Thankfully, concrete steps were recently taken to protect it. La Laguna El Quelele, named after one of the many birds that visit it, will hopefully soon be a Natural Protected Area. The Secretary of the Environment for the State of Nayarit (SEMANAY), Dr. Jaime Cuevas

Tello, and Angélica Aguilar Beltran, director of the Instituto Tecnológico de Bahía de Banderas signed, as representatives of their respective institutions, an agreement to begin the technical justification study needed in order to declare Laguna El Quelele into a natural protected area. The document created after 5 months of study will present the current state of the area, the benefits of protecting it, and will propose a vision for the protected area. Many species depend on the presence of estuaries for food and shelter sources as well as for migratory stop-overs on their long treks. In addition to being home to a myriad of species of flora and fauna, wetlands provide important ecosystem services that contribute to human well-being including recreational opportunities, water supply and purification,

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

coastal protection, flood regulation, climate regulation, commercial fish nurseries, and tourism. These services provide real value to populations not only in the region, but the world at large. It has been estimated that the annual worth of mangrove ecosystem services across the world is more than $1.6 billion US dollars. A recent study by the Scripps Institute of Oceanography estimated the productivity of a hectare (10,000 m2) of mangrove fringe generates a value in fishing between US$25,000 to US$50,000 per year . We should applaud these efforts and ensure that other vulnerable areas are protected; the remnants of estuaries in the area are fragile and need efforts like these, and our continued interest, vigilance and support, to recover some of their splendor.

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

ne of my favorite stories from my mother’s younger days was how she used to sneak cigarettes in her bedroom, “With my head hanging out the window, I’d blow the smoke out as far away as I could. When I was finished, I’d flick the butt into the street and shut the window,” with her thumb and middle finger of her right hand demonstrating the action. There was a certain amount of pride in her voice when she shared that story, a sense of nostalgia as well. I like knowing that at one point in her life, my mom was a bit of a bad-ass! I am happy to say that her children, to varying degrees, have managed to uphold the tradition. And every transgression began with the same phrase. “Don’t tell Mom” became a warning, a reminder, and in many ways an invocation, as me, or one of my siblings, crossed the line into breaking the rules – and sometimes, the law. Driving under age, skipping church, sneaking to see boyfriends, getting served alcohol at 16, late night sex in the Rec Room. In homage to my mother’s younger days, on occasion, I smoked a joint out of the third floor bedroom window. There was a lot to not tell. And we didn’t. Not too long ago, I sat with my mom after Thanksgiving dinner,

just the two of us in my sister’s living room. She was thin, and weak from both chemo and cancer, and traveled with a portable oxygen tank with the plastic tubing clipped under her nose. While trying to get comfortable, mom took a moment to adjust her wig and the oxygen tube got caught under her arm. There was a bit of a struggle to untangle herself, as I reached in to help. Before I could do anything, she shrugged, pulled off the wig, and said through quick, shallow breaths, “It doesn’t really matter, does it? None of it does.” They were her last words to me. Was it a surrender, a revelation? I thought about responding, offering some profound words, maybe even apologizing for whatever problems I caused over the years. But she was right….it didn’t matter. We sat in the living room quietly, listening to everyone in the kitchen laughing and talking as they cleaned up after dinner.

Terry Connell is a licensed acupuncturist and yoga teacher practicing in Old Town, Vallarta (www.eastmeetseast.net). In his spare time he walks his dog and reads and writes. His first book, “Slaves to the Rhythm” was a Cowley Literary Award Finalist (www.terryconnell.net).

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

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

LOCAL 07

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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Goodbye, Adios but Mostly Aloha

My Life In Vallarta

by Marcia Blondin

marciavallarta@gmail.com

By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

Three Weeks at the Lake Part 2

f you read my last article, you probably realized that Ajijic is a pretty small town, albeit an interesting and charming one. We’d only been there once before, about six years ago, and on that trip we came perilously close to buying a house. Then we noticed that almost every house had a fireplace. Hmmm, relatively cold in the winter and rainy/buggy in the summer. Not my kind of place. After a few days exploring Ajijic, it was time to branch out and see some of the other towns along the north shore. To the west, in San Juan Cosala, is an enormous cactus nursery. We weren’t in the market for cacti but after we got home a friend told us it is well worth a look even if you don’t want to purchase anything. Maybe next time. San Juan Cosala is known for its fine thermal baths, very popular with the locals on weekends. Furthest to the west is Jocotopec. Once a stagecoach stop between Mexico City and Guadalajara, it retains a very authentic Mexican flavor and has very few ex-pats. On Sundays, the town of Chapala is the place to be. The area along the water teems with weekend visitors from Guadalajara. Many wander through the myriad of booths that sell clothing, crafts and food. Others choose boat

rides on the water. The sounds of laughter and music fill the air. It is a wonderful experience. We also love to roam the streets around the downtown area. Look for the Quinta Quetzalcoatl Inn. DH Lawrence stayed here in 1923 and started his novel Plumed Serpent. In the 1940’s, Tennessee Williams came to Chapala to work on A Streetcar Named Desire. Maybe I should move there to write my novel. After we’d grown bored with Ajijic, we decided to take a vacation from our vacation and head to Tlaquepaque for a few days. Bud popped in the GPS and we put our trust in her. Once again, it proved misplaced as we sailed right by the turn we needed. Thirty minutes and about a dozen one way streets later we finally reached our destination. Simply stated, I love Tlaquepaque. If you like Mariachi music, you must visit the Parian. Occupying an entire block, the exterior is ringed by open air restaurants, many offering very similar traditional food. You can tell where one ends and another one starts by the color of the chairs and tablecloths. Each one has a big screen TV and, during the afternoon, locals gather to watch football. Because our visit coincided with the World Cup, the Parian was packed. Shouts of joy and sorrow punctuated the otherwise quiet afternoon. In the evenings, diners are seated in the interior section, also open

air, surrounding a huge gazebo. Of course Guadalajara is the birthplace of Mariachi and on any given night there may be as many as six different groups, competing wildly as they play simultaneously at various tables. It can get pretty crazy but there is nothing that compares. Tlaquepaque has a large concentration of well restored colonial architecture. These buildings house government offices, restaurants, hotels, and shops offering all kinds of furnishings, accessories, art and clothing. To find true colonial architecture you need to get away from the coast and visit the interior of Mexico. During our three day stay, we did our best to improve the Tlaquepaque economy. Ceramics, textiles, arts and artifacts can easily be found at prices well below those in Vallarta. After scoring a magnificent arbol de vida, we started on a quest to get two new bedspreads and some decorative pillows. The go to place is Mona’s. They have enough bedspreads, pillows, mats, napkins, and tablecloths to make your head spin. We spent at least two hours evaluating the choices, but not wanting to rush into anything, we opted to check all the other shops and return another day. All this deliberation over a couple of bedspreads. Are we really the same people who once bought a house 2000 miles away from our long time home after spending only a few hours in the area? Despite the deliberations, we were disappointed with our choices when we got home. Must be time for another quest. During the winter season, there are lots of tours to Guadalajara and Tlaquepaque. Let someone else drive and you won’t even need a GPS.

hen I saw Judith Ewing Morlan’s post on Facebook in mid-June that she was leaving Puerto Vallarta forever to be with her family I burst into tears. I immediately jumped to confusions that maybe something was wrong with my friend. My friend of 23 years…as long as I have lived here and loved her and her magnificent paintings. Within 24 hours we were sitting in her house on Guerrero over a bottle of wine catching up and getting the story straight about why she was leaving. When it turned out happily all the way around there was packing and coffee and what to do with her beloved animals and the accumulation of 25 years of stuff. Lots of talking and decision making including mine to move in to her house when she moved out. The months of planning turned into weeks and then we were just days away from her leaving. She was quite firm she would not stand for any teary, weepy long sad goodbyes so she planned her own going-away party: marching half a block from her house to Trio Restaurant to make a reservation for dinner for ten of us on Thursday, August 14th. When we were all settled and had our drinks, Bernard the owner of Trio came to our table, stood with Judith and said to her, “Exactly 17 years ago today, you walked into this restaurant with friends, sat down on the plastic Corona chairs and wanted dinner. I explained we were not opening until the next night. You stood up to leave, Judith, but I asked you to stay and eat.

You said you only had $500 pesos on you; I insisted you stay and be our ‘rehearsal’ dinner for Trio.” The Lebanese Salad was first served to Judith that night and remains on the menu to this day, 17 years later. She flew to Maui to be with her family 48 hours after that incredible dinner. So Happy Anniversary to Trio and Bernard and to dear Judith – aloha…we will miss you more than you will ever know. Happily your paintings keep a part of you here with us. Garden well, paint a lot and maybe try some red.

local 08

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

Paradise and Parenting

Perceptions

of Art

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

Leza Warkentin

My Minute

riday, 6:00pm – I am still on Canadian soil, standing outside of my son’s summer camp teepee. He has spent five days here, living a joyously soap and mother-free existence with 7 other equally grimy boys. His rucksack and its contents are soaking wet, and this is something he can’t/ won’t explain. Most of the clean clothing inside is still rolled up inside and he is wearing his (filthy) favorite dinosaur t-shirt. He greets his sister and me by telling us that there’s a mean kid named James and that I should make that dough thing they cooked over the fire. You know, that dough thing. Friday, 11:35pm – I am standing in front of my sister-in-law’s washing machine, trying to decide whether to throw in the entire rucksack and hope for the best, or actually try to extricate clothing from the rest of the sodden mess, most of which appears to be mud, or at least mud-related. I realize that I do plan on visiting again in the next two years and thus need to consider family relationships. This isn’t going to be a short night. Saturday, 3:59am – I have one minute to turn off the alarm before it wakes my child, who slept for at least 3 hours with her foot planted in the small of my back. I am devastated over that lost minute. This is not my finest moment. Saturday, 6:57am – I am running to catch our flight after a visit to a tiny, airless room because a customs official did not have an accurate photo of our luggage, or our luggage was not properly tagged, or we looked far too carefree. Ok, actually I just don’t really understand why, but I totally get her. I need another cup of coffee this morning too. The good news is that the older child understands what is happening and is running behind me, carrying his backpack plus his sister’s. The bad news is that his sister is a teeny replica of my morning self and has not had her chocolate milk yet. Saturday, 10:00am – We have landed in Denver, and we are

eating at McDonald’s instead of at Wolfgang Puck’s. We are eating exactly what we would have eaten had we been in the McDonald’s anywhere else on the planet. This seems to comfort my kids, who finally get something normal in a day that feels distinctly apocalyptic. I gaze longingly over at Puck’s, where they are featuring something that smells exactly like brown sugar and love. Saturday, 11:35am – I ask the lady behind the desk of the airline what time we would be boarding the flight to Vallarta and she points to my boarding pass at the time that says 11:38. Then she gives me a look which pushes a button in my brain that tells me to say something unpleasant. My daughter is beside me, holding my hand. I apologize for the thing I was going to say and sit down. We do not board until 11:51am. Saturday, 11:52am – We are ushered into the business class section of the plane for reasons that I do not know. Quite frankly, I don’t need to know. The flight attendant looks away discreetly after she gives us all hot towels, home-baked cookies and blankets, because I burst into tears. Saturday, 5pm – My husband greets us at the gate, smiling and asking about the trip. He looks happy, well-rested and energized. He brings me flowers. He’s very intelligent. Monday, 6:29am – I have one minute to shut off the alarm before it wakes my husband, because it is the first day of school. I go right back to sleep. That is my minute.

www.vallartatribune.com

s predicted last week in this space, the Summer Music Fest at Act II Entertainment was the best, loudest and THE most important party of the summer. Ex-pats I hadn’t seen for months showed up as well as the regulars – meaning those of us who turn up to see/hear/ enjoy everything that Act II has to offer. This was one of the most successful fundraisers in Vallarta with all the money going straight to Corazon de Nina for upcoming school supplies for the 24 resident girls and now four boys. The appetizers were served by some of the girls and Mikki Prost strutted her stuff everywhere laden with free shots of tequila. A lot of tequila. The entertainment started early and went late. Kicked off by Sean, John, et al from Nacho Daddy’s, Texas Embassy Band. Some fine, fine blue’s was enjoyed by everyone. Adriana Quinto couldn’t resist the beat and flew out on stage to dance and enticed all the Corazon girls up to join her. It was an interesting counterpoint to her performance later as Mary

Magdalen in the preview of the upcoming production of Jesus Christ Superstar. A partner in Act II, Elisabeth Ensor took a chair center stage and with a five-year-old girl on her lap and the rest of the Ninas gathered round, sang “Not While I’m Around” in her sweetest soprano. Danny Mininni was watching from backstage and commented later on the little girl’s face opening with sheer joy as Elizabeth’s voice soared through the song. Vignettes from A2E’s Serendipity Café (Dancing Queen….hilarious), El Me Mintio followed what was probably the worst duet ever performed on the Main Stage. It cost some money to see and hear Danny Mininni and co-host Kathleen Palmer perform Sonny and Cher’s I Got You, Babe. Let me say first: Kathleen was great… Danny – protesting all the while that he could not sing a note – proved himself to be absolutely correct. This man can direct, produce, dance, do Improv like a pro but he sure can’t sing. Nope.

He can’t. He did, however, “sing” and Corazon made some more money and our ears will stop bleeding eventually. The funniest part of the entire evening had the (in)famous Mr Jim Lee on stage as part of Whose Line is it Anyway? sketch that required him to stand still while Adam Bishop stood behind, becoming his hands, and, unable to see what he was doing, stuffed banana, pizza and a chocolate concoction from OXXO not fit for human consumption somewhat close to Jim Lee’s mouth. What didn’t end up on the floor Jim wore on his face. The audience bid more and more money to watch this extravagant mess. At the end, with a drop of pride still intact, Jim matched the money raised and challenged - successfully - those in the audience to do the same. And they did…all for Corazon. At the end of the night – every silent auction item had been purchased, everyone left smiling and the girls and now a few boys can sleep knowing their school supplies – uniforms, books, tuition, everything – is paid… for the entire year. Over $50,000 pesos was raised by the kindness and generosity of the incredible people of Puerto Vallarta. This Summer Music Fest will become an annual event thanks to all who participated in front of and, more importantly, behind the scenes to make this happen. To everyone who helped, thank you; to Juan, Melissa and your extended family, there are no words…

LOCAL 09

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

The 100th Birthday of The Panama Canal

ugust 15, 1914 marked the 100th year of the running of the Panama Canal. Originally owned and controlled by the U.S. government, especially in the light of its strategic importance during the then nacent WWI. The U.S. congress (after months of contentious debate, during which time I was one of the unfortunates stuck there who couldn’t buy a ticket out) magnanimously returned the canal to Panama back in the early 1970s. Though there is still a strong U.S. military presence at both ends, things seem to be running smoothly. In fact, the canal is expanding dramatically with the construction of a new parallel set of locks due to open for business this year. Much larger and more efficient, this new addition includes a capacity to handle modern mega-container ships. This will allow Panama to compete directly with Suez for the lucrative container ship business to ports on the U.S. east and gulf coasts. The Egyptian government, for its part, just announced an ambitious project to enhance the Suez Canal, already capable of handling the big freighters. One major advantage Suez already has is that it is a sea-level canal. The lack of the need for costly and timeconsuming locks

make transit time quicker and less expensive. The Egyptians’ new idea is to construct a two lane, thus two way, canal that will speed shipping dramatically. It is yetunknown when exactly this project will start, let alone when it will be completed. The reason for all this expansion is simple. Shipping freight by water is between 3 to 5 times cheaper than by rail and 5 to 10 times cheaper than by road. That being said, the shortest distance, by sea, between two points, is going to get the business. The same reasons apply when one wonders why U.S. corn and soy are so competitive on the world markets. They are brought to deep sea ports using the extensive Mississippi River system, running far up the Missouri and Ohio River Valleys, and ending at the huge ports in New Orleans on the U.S. gulf coast. Another player in the “Canal Game” is now Nicaragua, or so they hope. Last year Daniel Ortega, Nicaragua’s president, introduced a bill before his congress to approve the construction of a cross-Nicaragua canal. After about an hour... that it took to wake everybody up... it was overwhelmingly approved. Even though it would destroy much ofthe Indio Maiz Biological

Preserve and severely contaminate Lake Nicaragua, the only source of drinking water for the capital city Manaus and other major towns around the lake. Its construction would be basically at sea level, therefore not requiring expensive locks and their time consuming use and maintenance. The project is being backed by a relatively unknown group of private Chinese investors, who plan to sell bonds for the actual construction funding. Though the Nicaraguan government seems to have no concern over environmental impact, a feasibility study is planned for next year in order to attract would-be investors. Planning to dredge and concrete line over 200 kilometers (170 miles) of tropical rivers and part of the lake, it is an ambitious project, akin to the U.S. border fence in feasibility Engineers over 100 years ago rejected the route, not for any of the above reasons, but because of the proximity of active volcanoes and accompanying seismic activity. Even China seems dubious. Last week the China Harbour Engineering Company, a state owned enterprise, announced they were looking into funding and perhaps co-constructing a fourth set of locks in Panama. For China this is a no-brainer. With the fourth set of lock, China to New York becomes 10 days shorter than using the Suez canal. This could dramatically influence companies moving their operations away from China to México and other locations closer to the U.S. market. Surely, Panama would look favorably on the fourth set of locks, allowing them to continue to ramp up competition with the new Suez improvements. Panama also sports duty-free zones at both ends of the canal, greatly facilitating free trade in the transfer of cargo to smaller coastal vessels once the cargo has passed through the canal. In this way it has been likened to Singapore, now one of the richest countries in the world per-capita. Though it may be years in the making, an American Singapore could have profound consequences for one of the poorest and most unstable regions on both of our continents. With private wealth comes stability and the desire for the rule of law, which Central America now sorely lacks. A modern, wealthy, independent global logistics hub is on the horizon. Happy birthday to the Panama Canal, a true world game-changer 100 years ago that continues to be so today and tomorrow.

www.vallartatribune.com

A Castle in a Paradise

By Miguel Fernandez Miguel@g3mex.com

f you know Puerto Vallarta, you know we are renowned for fun beaches, great food, a beautiful Bay and a hot nightlife. But we are also graced by a plethora of fine craftsmen and artisans. Walk by any building construction site and you see that everything is created by hand. Our local construction workers, brick layers and craftsmen take tremendous pride in having built this town. They will gladly point out houses that they, their fathers or their grandfathers helped to construct. Casa de la Torre is one of the best examples of this phenomenon. All of the locals know it as the “castle” in Old Town Vallarta. It is absolutely a testament to how skilled and creative our local craftsmen are. The entire house is built of mortared stone and you can spend hours studying the ingenious masonry of the main column in the living room. Or recline on the sofa to take in the ceilings mortared with small rocks and pieces of brick. The house also boasts unique Spanish influenced ironwork, a cheerful Talavera tiled kitchen, grand and colorful stained glass windows, carefully carved woodwork and lush hanging gardens. There’s not a corner of the villa that doesn’t have a surprise architecturally or decoratively. Casa de la Torre was completed in 1970 for señor Salvador Escalante, a local Vallarta businessman. His vision was splendidly whimsical. The signature three- story tower provides you with a 360 degree view of the Bay of Banderas and the surrounding Sierra Madre Mountain range. A grand feat of construction and design, especially considering that the spiral staircase was soldered together piece-by-piece inside of the narrow main tower structure Another exquisite feature is the handmade Medusa fountain, which greets visitors upon arrival. The water from the shell-shaped basin cascades directly into the swimming pool, making you feel as though you’re lounging around the Baths of Caracalla in ancient

Rome. Today, the villa it is owned by an American couple who fell in love with its unusual Colonial Mexican style and central downtown location. They’d decided on Vallarta as a permanent vacation spot, but also wanted a property that could easily be used as a villa rental and event location. Fabien Madesclaire, a top agent at our company, G3MEX Real Estate Group, heard that this house was on the market, and knew instantly that his client would be enchanted and thoroughly appreciate the incredible architectural integrity of this villa. Fabien worked with both the buyer and seller, skillfully negotiating the sale which also included the beautiful antique handmade furnishings and custom designed decorative features, such as two crystal chandeliers; one which graces the handsome wooden stairway and one which hangs above the master bath’s tiled tub. Rental guests at the villa are pampered by two full time staff members, generous margaritas upon their arrival, and a daily breakfast of local tropical fruits and strong and delicious cappuccinos from the authentic European espresso machine. Casa de la Torre is available for rental via their website at www. casadelatorrevilla.com.

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

Summer Sale at Galleria Dante

alleria Dante is having a Summer SALE! If you've been eyeing one of more than 1700 gorgeous works of art on our webpage, now is the time to make it yours! Until September 30, 2014, all Gallery works are 20 - 30% off, www. galeriadante.com Estate Sale items are 20-60% off the listed price. Alejandro Colunga, Patrick Denoun, Alejandro Mondria, Guillermo Gomez, Luis Espiridion, Israel Zzepda and Jesus Tellosa are just a few of the artists represented on our Estate Sale, so take a look! Want to make an offer? We will entertain those, too! Just email galeriadante@ gmail.com, or call 322 222 2477 or Cel: 044 322 229 6648 Galeria Dante and DiVino Dante (the lovely wine and tapas bar located above Galeria Dante) will be closed for the month of September, but please visit them on October 1st Di Vino Dante

Vallarta Shopping Directory News

opens from 2 to 11 p.m. Monday –Saturday. Basilio Badillo 269, Zona Romantica Remember to join us for the Southside Shuffle block party starting November 14th on Basilio Badillo.

Southside Shuffle Nov 14 & Nov 28, 2014 Dec 12 & Dec 26, 2014 Jan 9 & Jan 23, 2015 Feb 6 & Feb 20, 2015 Mar 6 & Mar 20, 2015

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 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 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

New Market Co-op by Marcia Blondin newmarketcoopvallarta@gmail.com

ur third week as a new co-op and it makes me wonder why and how people shop and what makes us so different from a “box” store, say. Or are we any different? Just for exercise let’s use Wal-Mart as a comparison and forgive the cheek of a handful of vendors going up against the world’s largest retailer. Everything you could ever want to buy is at Wal-Mart, every single thing for your kitchen including food, light bulbs for every room in your house, tires for your car, clothes for your kids, pretty cakes and pastries, electronics. There’s lots of parking, tons of employees that are trained to be helpful, the place is air-conditioned, clean. There are rows of blue jeans, stacks of bathing suits, glass cases full of jewelry, aisles and acres of…everything. And their prices are on the low side of similar markets. When you shop there you are helping to guarantee that tomorrow the cashier and the woman who cleans the floors will have a job come morning. So what’s the difference? Caring. That’s it. And artistry, whether it be a loaf of bread, a bracelet or a dress. Each part of whatever it is we choose to make starts with an idea and that leads to actual work; figuring out how to do it, how to make it better or prettier or brighter or something that separates what we make from the

laden aisles at Wal-Mart. And we remember you when you come and buy from us. If you are a repeat client then you are actually being thought of when the dough is rising or the new fabric arrives from Fed Ex. We get to know where you are from, we stop and chat if we bump into you on the street or at the movies. You become an integral part of our very lives. The important part; you support us. You put food on our tables and clothe our kids and allow us the freedom to create products that are new, fresh, well made and more importantly made with care. You aren’t a stranger when you walk into our Market. You aren’t interrupting our work day at all. We work for YOU and you are always, so very welcome. Stop by every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm at Coco’s Kitchen, Pulpito 122. We are Yolanda, Alicia, Yazmin, Christel, Mark Hughes, Krystal and Ana, Mark Peters, Bill Kelly and Alejandro, Lorene, Barbara and Marcia.

Charming tranquility in the mountains San Sebastian del Oeste, Jalisco

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

Celebrating the 3rd Paper Lantern Festival

Reviving the ancient tradition of paper lanterns, on September 27th San Sebastian del Oeste will being hosting their third Paper Lantern Festival in the main plaza. Organized by the local Business Association for this beautiful town, locals and visitors are invited to participate in the making of a traditional lantern and setting it free along the streets of this Pueblo Magico. The top three lanterns judged on creativity, flight duration and use of symbols to illustrate this magical town will win tours from Vallarta Adventures. The Third Paper Lantern Festival will be held on Saturday, September 27, at 5 pm; Registration for participation closes half an hour before the start of the launch of the lanterns in the main square. San Sebastian del Oeste is located 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta along the road to Mascota.

Hotel del Puente: the place to rest

f you seek refuge from nature, tranquility and the magical town, no better place than the “Hotel del Puente”, located one block from the Plaza de San Sebastián del Oeste. It is a large house, dating back 300 years. Beautifully restored 14 years ago it now offers nine clean rooms, a common room and a spacious patio where guests find tranquility. The “Hotel del Puente” has capacity for 36 people; each room with its own bathroom. There are no televisions to break the peacefulness of this space but there is wifi in the common rooms for those who must stay connected. With its strategic location and private rooms, it is a great place for groups, whether friends celebrating a special event or families looking to reunite. The room rate is 180 pesos a night per person. Many guests return time and time again and recommend the hotel to their friends and family who then explore the streets of this beautiful area of the Sierra. Festivities of San Sebastián del Oeste, Holy Week and Easter and the holidays are the best time to stay in this beautiful house, opposite the curved bridge. To book call Esther Trujillo Ramos, manager of this beautiful hotel, the phone number (322) 227 2834, or also through their facebook page: Hotel del Puente. It will be an unforgettable experience!

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.

10% off

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

CUISINE 16

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

Yucatan: The stuffed state

www.vallartatribune.com

Quintana Roo, and its eating points.

By Ramiro Lopez

measure of the advancing years, I must say, is that we become recalcitrant practitioners of the art of good eating, and you, dear reader, will surely agree. Bite by bite, we dutifully sample the passionate gourmet world. I confess to have eaten, as José N. Iturriaga says, “from inns, porches, sidewalks and markets”, and I add other unique places like the “palapas”, that I found in the Yucatan Peninsula (Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo) while enjoying the Mexican Caribbean, sitting on a hammock drinking a coconut to my health. Quintana Roo, despite being the youngest state in the country, has gradually been gaining a place in the culinary world. With the attractiveness and magnetism of the Riviera Maya, lots of influences are felt in this cosmopolitan land, where people from all over the world come looking for a tropical version of the American dream bringing their ingredients and traditions that flavor and give personality to the new Mayan cuisine. But no doubt the largest influence is still the Mayan food. The avant-garde cuisine of the big resorts in Cancun, Cozumel, and Playa del Carmen still exalts the deep roots of regional cuisine, as it uses basic ingredients such as corn, beans, chaya, achiote, and chili peppers in innovative formulas which are adapted to the times, stomachs, and delicate palates of the tourist.

Meeting point for adventurers, melting point of flavors The flavors of the food from

Quintana Roo display a clear Spanish influence which is felt in the cooking techniques and ingredients such as wheat, mint, pork, and beef, that are fused with native flavors, making authentic expressions from a traditional kitchen. A delightful example is quibes; wheat buns baked and stuffed with cheese or meat, chopped onion and chili habanero. Another strong influence is the Belizean food, with dishes like rice and beans, the bread boom, and recipes prepared with plantain, pineapple and coconut. Many dishes are shared with the neighboring state of Yucatán, especially the stews made with hunted animals like deer, wild boar, brush turkey, etc., as well as items such as the relleno negro (1), panuchos, salbutes, and papadzules, not to mention some of the cooking techniques like pibil, whose version here is made with chicken.

Base point

Chetumal, the quiet capital, offers all the services of transportation, communication and accommodation that are required for your adventure. Every day guided tours lead to the tourist sites of natural beauty, such as Bacalar, Mahahual, and Xcalak, and archaeological centers like Kohunlich, Dzibanché, and Kinichná. In those tours, between jungle and ruined pyramids, one may perceive a culture that refuses to go away, and it is precisely in the cuisine where it continues to maintain its greatest traditions. The religiosity with which the people live with their calendar, is far from our wester-

nized customs. They have inherited the sacred value of traditional foods, and still celebrate customs like their Hanal Pixan, setting up altars in their homes or cemeteries, in honor to their dead beloved ones. Mucbipollo, which means “buried chicken” is the quintessential dish of their Day of the Dead celebration. Another of the kitchen highlights in Quintana Roo are the “tamales colados”, made with corn dough strained through cheesecloth, served on banana leaves and stuffed with meat and a sauce of chiltomate (a wild tomato). These tamales are characterized by their white color and a delicate and smooth texture. Beans are one of the ingredients that usually fill your tamales. But undoubtedly the most renowned tamales are the Quintana Roo, the state representative dish which is made with corn dough and chaya in banana leaf, stuffed with achiote marinated seafood, accompanied with a topping of onions and habanero.

The point of sail Thanks to the abundance of the seas in Quintana Roo, the local cuisine has benefited from a wide variety of fish such as barracuda, catfish, boquinete (2), dogfish, mackerel, mullet, white marlin, grouper, barracudas and rajiformes. Dishes like dzic (3),

empanadas, chirmole, meatballs, poc chuuc and ceviche (with spicy chili habanero) are all prepared with the fish. Among the

type of ceviche that has tomatoes, radishes, habanero pepper, cilantro, avocado (all chopped), and topped with olive oil, sour

Many dishes are shared with the neighboring state of Yucatán, especially the stews made with hunted animals like deer, wild boar and brush turkey many plates we found dishes like “pipián”, and finally my favorite, the most famous dish of Quintana Roo; the tikinxiic fish, which is marinated in achiote, sour orange and spices, and finally roasted on the grill, you can´t miss this one. The important amounts of lobster are caught in the area along with octopus, both are some of the most important products of the state´s economy; contributing 8.5 percent of the national volume. Both are consumed in ceviche, roasted, or in tacos and in dzacol, which is a dish of shredded lobster, tomato sauce spiced with garlic, oregano, and black pepper, thickened with corn and finally served with a ‘tamulada’ sauce. The sea snail is recommended for those who love exotic tastes; prepared in ‘buut ‘, a kind of black mole. With the pink, white and red varieties they make the ‘zicks’, a

orange or vinegar and seasoned with salt and pepper to taste. The shrimp there is cooked in a variety of forms, of which the most traditional is curry.

Equilibrium point

Visiting traditional markets is a delight for all the senses; the outlets are full of a variety of typical fruits such as cainito, cocoyol(4), fruit bread, yellow currant, guayas, nanches, annon, cashew, key lime, bitter orange, dragon fruit, pinecones, ramon (5), clammy cherries, sea grapes and mountain papayas. Among them two fruits stand out: the first is the sac pah (wild sour white nanche) which prepared in brine, with dried chili that is eaten as a snack, and the second is the chicozapote, a brown fruit whose sweetness is prized in the region. From the resin of the Chicozapote tree is contained the natural

CUISINE 17

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

chewing gum, as has been done since pre-Hispanic times. In 1869, Thomas Adams industrialized and introduced this gum to the world. For many years gum was an important resource for the regional economy, until it was eventually replaced by synthetic rubbers. Today, it is produced by the Chicza brand, and marketed as an organic product in different stores in Quintana.

Drinking point

As for drinks the balché liquor is highly recommended; prepared with the bark of the balché tree and honey, or if you want something without alcohol, chaya water is your choice, made from the chaya plant which has been used since prehispanic times by the Maya. Another option is the pozol, which unlike the Chiapas pozol, uses ground coconut in its preparation. In Playa del Carmen, you can visit “Ah Cacao”, a delicatessen where you will find a range

of products made from cocoa, vanilla, and coffee, and there you can try a traditional hot chocolate or an unusual spicy chocolate in water. Quintana Roo is no less than a colorful paradise to discover; where this varied indigenous cuisine incorporates a rich mix of different flavors, which have been transmitted from generation to generation. Enjoying the cuisine of Quintana Roo is as exciting as exploring its land. Its essence remains intact beyond Cancun and the popular archaeological sites of Tulum and Coba. There, where natural sites are located, sometimes forgotten, but exceptionally beautiful, like the coral reefs that lie under the stunning turquoise beaches, you might feel like the point men, diving into the guts of the thick, lush jungle, discovering the unknown beauties, there, in the small village of houses still roofed with palm and grass, therein lies the point where the spirit of Mayab lives. Endpoint

Culinary Points 1 Relleno negro: is turkey meat stew cooked with a black paste made from roasted chilies. 2 Boquinete: Beautiful fish caught per dive due to the depth of their habitat, for connoisseurs is a delight to the palate. 3 Dzic: Cold entrée made of cool roasted mackerel fish, crumbly and accompanied by onion, tomato, cilantro, radishes, chopped habanero chili and a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon. 4 Cocoyol: Fruit from a palm that grows in Mesoamerica. This fruit is used in preserves an alcoholic beverage called “chicha coyol” or “wine coyol” 5 Ramon: Fruit of the Maya region that has a protein content ten times greater than corn.

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ART & CULTURE 18

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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An Ancestral Technique Applied to High-End Art By Rogelio Villarreal

he states of Tlaxcala, Oaxaca, and Puebla are all famous for their burnished pottery, which combines contemporary ceramic making with a tradition dating from Pre-Columbian times to create object art whose luster outshines each finished piece. Burnishing is an ancient technique associated with the primitive world, one that turns porous clay into a water resistant material, making it possible for our ancestors to store liquids and maintain their freshness when they made the transition from hunter-gatherers to farmers. Practically every indigenous culture in what is today Mexico experimented with this technique to make not only utilitarian objects, but also works of great beauty that expressed their world vision. To remove the pores from the clay, the piece is rubbed with a hard object like a stone before being fired. This results in a glossy, water resistant finish that is both pleasing to the eye and that has a practical application. Another characteristic of burnished clay is that it is more resistant than ordinary clay. Many burnished clay recipients have been found at archaeological sites in Mexico. Scientists have analyzed them to identify the compounds and techniques that have enabled them to withstand the test of time. Aside from the aforementioned states, Michoacán, Chihuahua, and Baja California are also home to potters who use this technique as a form of artistic expression, creating burnished clay objects in a myriad of designs and colors that are admired by visitors from all over the world. One such potter is Ángel Santos. Versed in the art of burnishing, Santos is a prolific artist from Tonalá, Jalisco, who masterfully draws on well researched traditional techniques, while experimenting with different materials and forms to create collections that imbue this age-old craft with new meaning and help preserve it for posterity. When he isn’t at the potter’s wheel, Santos is busy giving conferences and workshops, helping other artisans gain exposure for their work and advising small scale potters on how to set

Burnishing is a traditional pottery-making technique that Ángel Santos applies to experimental shapes and designs to create award winning contemporary pieces.

up cooperatives to further their goals as artists and secure an income. Santos has been working with his hands since the age of seven. At 17, he already had his

own workshop, which continues to churn out plates, carafes, bowls, and other commonplace objects that bear the unique seal of his hands and genius. A champion of Mexican

culture, the artist’s in-depth knowledge of native pottery and design stems from personal experience and his design studies at the University of Guadalajara.

His pieces, large and small, have won prizes at more than 25 competitions in Mexico, participated in exhibitions abroad, and even been shown at galleries in New York.

RIVIERA NAYARIT 19

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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Mi Riviera Nayarit, Mi Destino (My Riviera Nayarit, My Destination): A Campaign on the Cutting Edge

he latest campaign from the Riviera Nayarit CVB is underway: this one seeks to reinforce the identification of its citizens with their destination, conceptualizing knowledge and putting it into practice in a comprehensive and organic manner. The Riviera Nayarit CVB is ready to launch their latest campaign, Mi Riviera, Mi Destino (My Riviera, My Destination), on Monday, August 18th in order to promote tourism and environmental values, as well as reinforce locals’ identification with their destination. When the tourism product improves, the quality of life of its inhabitants improves as well. “We’re looking to reinforce the population’s identification with the area, we want them to feel the Riviera Nayarit belongs to them, whether they were born here or have come to live here,” stated Liliana Lara Guzmán, Marketing Manager for the Rivera Nayarit CVB. “We want them to be proud of their natural surroundings, of their traditions and their customs, because this is what sets us apart as a destination in the eyes of the visitor.” The idea is to achieve a sustainable development in harmony with the community, thus creating natural brand ambassadors and promoters for the Riviera Nayarit.

“This is a region with authentic micro-destinations, each one with its own identity; we want to embrace this identity and put it on display,” explained Lara Guzmán. Before the campaign was launched the Riviera Nayarit CVB had already put into place activities to incentivize the community and the tourism industry workers. For example, the coordination of beach cleanups began in June with only two non-profits on board; today nearly 10 micro-destinations have joined in this monthly effort. The hotels have

begun to do the same with their own beach areas. The CVB has also held various seminars including topics such as: Motivation, Image and Productivity; Leadership Abilities and Responsibilities; Professional Ethics; and Hotel Management Associates Degrees. Seminars for taxi drivers will begin in September and October and will include: Ecology and the Environment; Knowledge of the Tourism Product; Quality of Service; plus Basic, Intermediate and Advanced English courses.

Riviera Nayarit’s Golf Makes Headlines

press trip for golf journalists sponsored in May by the Riviera Nayarit CVB has already resulted in seven published pieces generating over one million impressions—and all from just one of the writers that visited the destination. The purpose of the FAM trips organized by the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) through their public relations department is to position the destination and its products within specific markets. In order to determine the productivity of these trips one must analyze the ROI, which in the case of the press trip for golf journalists held to promote

the Riviera Nayarit’s courses in North America—its natural market—is already showing unmistakable results. The author in question is Jason Deegan, who has become an opinion leader on the topic; therefore what he publishes this summer will no doubt attract foreign golfers for winter games on the greens of the Riviera Nayarit. The Tigre, El Nayar, Flamingos, Litibú, Pacífico Punta Mita and Bahía Punta Mita greens each received a detailed review; there was also a special article titled “Four magical days of golf in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico,” in which the author makes a series of

special recommendations. “Generally a journalist comes to the destination with a single assignment, finds more than what was expected and, in most cases, ends up generating more than one article; this is usually influenced by the hospitality he or she enjoys,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director for the Riviera Nayarit CVB. According to information collected via tourist surveys conducted by the Riviera Nayarit CVB’s research department, over 14% of all the foreigners that visited the destination in June of this year played golf during their stay.

Festival Sayulita

he second annual Festival Sayulita will take place on Wednesday, January 14th through Sunday, January 18th. This four day festival is a celebration of film, music, spirits and surf and will be even bigger and better than its successful debut last year. However, your help is needed to back this project through Kickstarter, which will result in the creation of a world class community center in Sayulita. Over 40 films, made throughout the world will be shown at Festival Sayulita 2015. These films include action, documentary, feature films and short feature films. A 70 foot cinema screen will be set up on the beach, giving you an amazing viewing experience. There will also be indoor, matinee viewings. There will be Mexican and international bands performing throughout this festival. This includes a one day music fest with 8-10 bands onstage. There will also be live music each evening in the plaza. Enjoy spirits, such as tequila, mezcal, Mexican wines and craft beer. You’ll have the opportunity to sample Mexican artisian spirits and eat delicious multi-course food pairing dinners made by local chefs.

Friday, January 16th will be children’s day and will include festivities in the plaza for the whole family. There will be games and prizes, music, crafts and a children’s feature film at the Casa de la Cultura. There will also be a surf competition. Opt to compete in the competition or sit on the beach and watch the surfing talent. All proceeds from this event will go toward building a local community center. This center will be used for activities throughout the year, including films, shows, performances and classes. These activities will be free for community members and will be a great asset to Sayulita. To help reach the funding goals of Festival Sayulita, the founders are using Kickstarter to help raise the funds. “We are leveraging the international community to support our local community. This will be a great event for all,” said Gabbi Villarrubia, one of the founders of Festival Sayulita. To learn more about Festival Sayulita and to help back this great event, check out this festival’s Kickstarter page. Make sure to watch the amazing video featuring Festival Sayulita 2015. https://www.kickstarter.com/ projects/471505161/festival-sayulita-look-listen-drink-and-surf

TRAVEL 20

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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Hot in Mexico: Sweating it out in a Mayan Temazcal steam bath BySavita Iyer Ahrestani

arti Aziz and her husband Moosa are locked inside a pitch-black concrete dugout in Mexico, sweating in unbearable heat. With them is a shaman who has been chanting ceaselessly for the past two hours as strange vapors swirl around them. It may sound like a harrowing ordeal, but it's one the couple volunteered for. This is the world of Temazcal, a practice dating back centuries to when Mexico's Mayan Riviera was wilderness and the Mayan civilization was at the height of its power. Temazcal entails entering a stone igloo with little or no clothing on and sweating it out to the sound of chanting and the fragrance of herbs. Typically carried out for small groups by a shaman who's usually a member of one of the Mayan communities in the surrounding area, the process lasts two hours.

It can be a tough experience.

Anyone with diabetes or heart disease should forget it, while those susceptible to claustrophobia or skepticism, might think twice.Even skeptics, however, can rest assured that they'll come out from their two-hour session feeling refreshed, invigorated and a probably a few pounds lighter. During the session, rosemary, basil and peppermint and other scents waft over a vapor created by the shaman as he or she gently throws water over a pile of hot rocks in a pit in the middle of the floor. Visitors are kept hydrated with herbal tea and are permitted to lie down, walk around, or sit still -whatever it takes to cleanse body and mind. But once they check in, they can't check out. "I did freak out a bit when the shaman covered the dugout's door with a thick blanket," says Aziz, who experienced a Temazcal in Tulum, on southeastern Mexico's Yucatan Peninsular.

Inner child Her eyes soon adjusted to the darkness and she enjoyed a comfortable two hours. "The only light we ever saw were the brief sparks from the rocks when the water was poured on them," she adds. Her husband says he found the shaman's constant chanting

-- urging him to direct his woes and pains toward the smoldering rocks to rid his body of hatred and lighten his mental load -- a tad hokey, but the ambiance eventually caught up with him. When the shaman told him to "let his inner child out," he laughed loudly as directed, carried away by the mood. The couple emerged from their session feeling refreshed and lighter -- physically and mentally. "My skin felt amazingly soft," adds Aarti. "The ancient Maya respected the steam bath's efficacy and power for treating both physical and spiritual diseases," says Rosita Arvigo, author of "Spiritual Bathing: Healing Rituals and Traditions from Around the World." A doctor of naprapathy -- a science similar to chiropractic manipulation -- who's trained in Central American traditional medicine, Arvigo says steam bath buildings made out of stone were a part of every major Maya ceremonial center.

Some are still intact in various parts of Mexico. Hallucinogenic drugs While technically the word Temazcal is not Mayan, but Aztec, ancient Mayans -athletes, priests, kings -- regu-

larly engaged in these sweaty detox sessions and took hallucinogenic drugs such as peyote to further enhance the experience. Visitors are unlikely to be offered any peyote today, but just about every hotel in the touristy cities of Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum offers a version of a Temazcal. Many actually have a stone dugout, or sweat lodge, on their premises. They're the main attraction for most travelers, says Barbara Varicchio, head of sales and promotion for Dos Palmas Eco Tours, an organization that arranges Temazcals and works closely with Mayan communities in the region around Playa del Carmen. Varicchio attests that the physical benefits are many. She says the vapor created by the mix of essential herbs clears the digestive tract, improves blood circulation, energizes tired muscles and clears the skin. And finally, partaking in the experience helps develop tourism, in the best way. "By keeping the ancient steam bath practice alive, we are encouraging sustainable tourism and enabling traditional communities to earn their livelihood by doing what their ancestors did," she says. Originally posted on www.cnn. com

CHARITIES 21

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Friday August 22 - 28, 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.

victims of domestic violence. www.compassionforthefamily.org

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

Bucerias Bilingual Community Center: Supporting families, seniors in Bucerias. www.buceriasbilingualcommunitycenter.org

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

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

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...RYDER

Ryder was rescued from a near miss with a bus and brought to our sanctuary. We must say we think he is one of the most photogenic babies we have run across. Ryder loves having his picture taken. We took dozens of shots and with each click Ryder changed pose. It was the most adorable thing. He could be a dog in Hollywood! He is about 9 months old, weighs 24 pounds and is a real sweetheart. He is great with other dogs and would make someone a perfect companion! Please contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 20+ girls rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.corazondenina.mx abundancia@corazondenina.mx

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 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities, and operates the local Toys for Tots program. www.vallartanavyleague.org. New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@ newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and special support to their families. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org

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

Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 or Jimmie Ellis at 222-1478. Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-4495. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza- Shelter for Children. Tax-deductible. ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. ifcvallarta.com. ifcvallarta@gmail.com. Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or Lourdes Bizarro lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com

CLASSIFIEDS 22

Friday August 22 - 28, 2014

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IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS OFF

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

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

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

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

Other Important Phone Numbers

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

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

Vallarta´s only English newspaper

ADVERTISE HERE Ask for better prices!!

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

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

BRAIN TEASERS 23

Friday August 22 - 28, 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

Number Blocks

hard

Word Search

What’s a number block you ask? The numbers in each row add up to the totals to the right. The numbers in each column add up to the totals along the bottom. The diagonal lines also add up the totals to the right. Some of the numbers are missing. Try to fill in the missing numbers between 0 and 12.

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

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

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

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

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

Commonym

Wuzzles

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