Issue 914, October 10 - 16, 2014 by Vallarta Tribune

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News LOCAL TAXI FARES

October 10 - 16, 2014 Free Issue 914

Local

steve mCqueenÂ´s agony

Travel 4 ladies 4 mulas

FR EE

Photo by archive

Waiting for the whales

pg. 17

welcome 02

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014 Director noemi zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.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

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.

ACOPIO … Looking for Furr-ever Homes

uerto Vallarta’s ‘city pound’ is a no-kill shelter that runs solely on donations. Many of the animals wait months and even years to be rescued. Donations of money and food, volunteers and loving homes are desperately needed all year but particularly during these slower months. Open Monday-Saturday from 8 AM-2 PM. 293-3690. The Acopio is now holding adoptions every Saturday from 11 AM-2 PM at Plaza Caracól (back end of building near McDonald´s entrance) or Macro Plaza. Because of the pet store at Plaza Caracol that keeps dogs in small vitrines, the Acopio is no longer allowed to bring dogs to that location. Please check with the Acopio regarding their adoption schedules. Dogs are walked twice a

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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

week by volunteers organized by Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals.

Eighty-five dogs and dozens of cats are waiting for permanent homes at the Acopio.

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

Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

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Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

Editor´s Note

flew back into Vallarta last night and, man are my arms tired. And my brain. And my sense of humour. This week has a full paper for you with a couple new contributors gracing our pages. I shook a few trees and found some great information for you to enjoy. Marcella Castellanos is writing bi-weekly about healthy living in Mexico with her column, Wellness Latina. Marcella is a certified Health Coach in Vallarta and will share her experiences navigating the sugar- filled delicious pit-falls of life in Mexico. RL Avery bumped into me at an event a while back and told me how I influenced him to travel to Los Guachamontones, the circular pyramids about 1.5 hours south of Guadalajara. So when he reached out to me to offer his take on the stock markets, I thought,

“Of course! Something I always wish I knew more about,” and now we can, together. We also have another ‘almost’ new contributor, Kathleen Phelps who is writing her column Tales to Tell this week about long-time resident Frank K. Meyer who was a dentist to the stars. Kathleen is looking for juicy tales either attributed or anonymous that highlight just how diverse are the people of Vallarta. If you have a story to share, contact Kathleen at kphelps1948@gmail.com In the next few weeks you will see the return of some of our previous winter season contribu-

tors, some more new contributors and lots more local information as the winter season kicks-off. I am so happy to be here with all of you this season, my fourth in Mexico. I look forward to plenty of gallery openings, fundraisers, restaurant launches, live entertainment and sooooooo much more. If you have upcoming events you’d like to publicize please send us an announcement, we would be pleased to share it with our readers. Safe travels, Madeline

Letters to the Editor Dear Madeline,

ome fly from Puerto Vallarta to Vancouver to shop, and others from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta ... you are an example of the former, and I the latter. However this week I would much prefer shopping in Puerto Vallarta over Vancouver, rain or shine, for this is the best time in PV to find a rainbow, and the pot of gold on either side of town, with the lowest prices during the year. Near the northern end of town, at #7 and on the pier at the Flea Market, the house of the Cruise Lines, my pot of gold was a one and a half inch long by one and a quarter of an inch wide amber pendant enclosed in sterling silver around the outer amber edge, in

what looks like a feast by some predator over 25 million years ago. There is a leg bone, feathers, and what appears to be body parts covered with fuzz. Also a number of small bugs. Ask for Armando if you wish to see what else he has. Near the southern edge of town, at Jimmy-s Jewelry and Opal House at Venustiano Carranza # 367 Downtown ... well amber lovers will not believe this for I did not at first ... a one inch long by one half inch wide piece of blue amber in a silver pendant that looks like our milky galaxy from afar. Well, not exactly. Actually the main portion of the amber is clear and colorless, however the many very small bubbles are coated in a blue film of blue amber ... and there a lot of them. In the center of the amber

Looking for a few good…

is a large bubble one quarter of an inch in diameter also coated in a film of blue amber. From the front side of the pendant the scene looks like that of the milky way galaxy and the sun in the center. Turn the pendant around, and one sees the earth in the center in a light blue color, with the bright stars shinning all around. Turn the pendant on its side, and it looks like a side wise view of our galaxy with the bulge in the center. Ask for George at Jimmy-s if you want a good deal. Say Frank sent you or you read it in the Vallarta Tribune. Madeline, let us see if your pot of gold shopping in Vancouver can top this for uniqueness. Frank Norton San Francisco CA USA

Writers!

on’t be shy! Find your fame and fortune with the Vallarta Tribune!* We are getting ready for another busy winter season. If you have time for weekly or bi-weekly contributions, we have a couple openings for regular contributors. Do you have information you want to share with our readers? During peak months we have as many as 50,000 readers in print and on line... Send an email to Editor(at)vallartatribune.com with your ideas and we’ll talk. *Disclaimer: Fame and fortune are unlikely to find you at the Vallarta Tribune.

ctober is Adopt a Shelter Month. Help us continue our efforts. Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv.com/home or on Facebook. How to become a volunteer? Volunteers are needed all over! We have pawesome volunteers in Canada, the United States and of course here in Puerto Vallarta. Volunteers do many tasks from visiting our shelter and walking, cuddling or taking care for our animals, driving people to and from the sanctuary, social media and web site work, posting online "For Adoption" ads, airport transportation, crate management in BC and Alberta, home checks, animal delivery to new homes, foster home management, newsletters, adoption stands, Farmers Market booth, networking and fundraising. All types of talent are needed but most important is DEDICATION. This week we are honoring Fritz Hornung of Vancouver. Fritz comes to our sanctuary a couple times a week when he is spending part of his time during the winters in Puerto Vallarta. He also assists us with crate management and transportation in Vancouver! You too can come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned. Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time. 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 always have a need for used towels and bedding. Please contact us a spcapv@gmail.com if you can help. Are you or someone you know traveling 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.

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Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

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Cruise Ship Arrival to Puerto Vallarta increased by 43% in 2014

Taxi Fares in Vallarta and further

I get this question a fair bit and it is definitely posted on Facebook forums regularly. I thought I’d take a moment to offer some clarity to Taxi Fares in our little tropical paradise. For information online please visit http://vallartainfo.com/puerto-vallarta-transport.html They have rates of both airport and city taxis online, though they may need to be slightly updated. Dear Madeline

have been reading the Vallarta Tribune for a couple of weeks now, I just have one comment about the taxi rate your paper says is a set rate. That is not true. When we go from our resort in Nuevo Vallarta to the airport, the rate is set at 145 pesos. However, when we come to Puerto Vallarta and we ask the taxi drivers at the airport about the rate, it goes from $25 to $30 usd, so is the rate set? I DON'T think so. Even when we ask the taxi price inside the airport it is the same. Rip off. Can someone look into this, please? A tourist for 17 years Dear ATF17Y: Rates at resorts and at the airport are set and are much higher than hailing a taxi off the street. You can find these rates usually posted by the reception area of your hotel and at the taxi booths in the airports. If you are hailing your own taxi it is advised

that you always enquire and set the price for your ride PRIOR to getting into the taxi. Taxis on the street do have set prices depending on what zones you are traveling in and most carry the pricelist with them. Ask to see it if you are wary. Short trips around downtown are 50 pesos, Pitillal to downtown is 80 pesos, yesterday I paid 120 pesos to go from the airport to centro, but this is with a taxi outside of the airport and had I wanted to walk a short distance to Marina Plaza it would have been 80-100 pesos. Inside the airport gates I would have paid 215 pesos. I am not familiar with taxi rates from Nuevo Vallarta to the Malecon but I do know that from Bucerias it is 250 pesos and Sayulita is upwards of 600. I imagine at issue is the return leg of your trip. Consider that a Puerto Vallarta taxi is not technically allowed to bring passengers back into the city so because the trip is doubled, likely the fare is too. Like many things in Mexico there are rules, but whether they are followed is another thing. Best thing to do is set the price before getting in the taxi and shop around until you find one you are happy (satisfied) with. Or consider befriending a particular taxi driver or two and build relationships that will be financially satisfactory to both of you. Or consider riding the bus. For less than 20 pesos you’ll be in Vallarta in less than an hour and have a much more interesting story to tell folks back home.

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

The Puerto Vallarta Tourism Board announced that the Pacific seaport city of Puerto Vallarta will see 116 cruises visit its shores this year, 43 % over 2013 when 81 cruises called the port. The port will welcome 52 cruises from September through December of this year, which added to the 64 already touched Vallarta waters will reach a total of 116, 81 more than the received arrivals last year. International cruise ships arriving in Puerto Vallarta this year will leave an economic impact of $25.6, representing an increase

of 43% percent compared to 2013. The four cruise lines that most often visit Puerto Vallarta are Norwegian, Princess, Carnival and Holland America, in that order. As for passengers, Puerto Vallarta is estimated to end the year with the arrival of about 266,800. For the rest of the year will be two arrivals triples, eight double and three overnights. A total of 141 cruises have already confirmed stations to Puerto Vallarta for 2015, including Carnival Cruises will have a

ship arriving throughout the year. Carnival represents 34% of arrivals; Princess 20%; Norwegian 19% and Holland American 16%.

Security Study Deems Puerto Vallarta Safe for Tourists

s questions about Mexico's safety for tourists continue to circulate, Puerto Vallarta has hired a security assessment by the College Station Texas Police Department to determine the safety of the destination. The study was conducted in July 2014. Overall, the researchers found that Puerto Vallarta

provides its visitors, locals and expat populations a safe setting where people feel comfortable walking around town without perceived fear. The investigation was conducted using a combination of personal interaction and interviews. They conducted formal and informal interviews with members of the different police departments based in the destination, including the tourism police,

municipal police, transit police and the Federal police. They also spoke with members of the tourism industry, hotel industry, local media and more. It should be noted that the study reports that "if one is looking for trouble, it can be found, but if one stays away from locations such as these, then they should not impact a visitor's experience." www.travelagentcentral.com

SAT encourages invoice reporting

ax Administration Service (SAT) Secretary Aristóteles Núñez announced Tuesday that the tax authority will begin fining businesses and vendors who do not immediately give invoices to customers and submit the transaction to the online form. Núñez said businesses that engage in illicit practices can be fined up to 69,000 pesos ($5,125) and may also be subject to suspension or closure. To encourage reporting invoices to the online portal, businesses who fail to do so can now be punished, said Núñez at the “Growing Together” conference at the offices of the National Chamber of Micro Commerce in

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

Mexico City. “We have received complaints from many taxpayers who say that when they go shopping or pay for services they are not provided with a proper invoice,” he said. “Businesses must provide a ticket with their name and folio number so that tax payers can visit the web page and receive their factura.” Article 29 of the Federal Tax Code says that the service or material provider is obligated to provide a factura. But, when clients are required to solicit a receipt and input their facturas to the website, business aren’t fulfilling their responsibilities, he said. Businesses are required to

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.

create the invoice, fill out the form with the clients information, stamp the original document to validate the invoice and then give it to the client, said Núñez. Vendors and service providers who leave their clients to fend for themselves are not complying with the law, he said. In accordance with articles 83 and 84 of the Federal Tax Code, fines range from 12,070 to 69,000 pesos for every infraction and the tax authority has the power to shut down the business. The secretary said that electronic invoices should be delivered to individual tax payers without them needing to complete additional online forms. Original: The News

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Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

PVEM calls for cockfighting end By Yvonne Reyes Campos

he Green Party (PVEM) has announced it will expel any member who attends bullfights or any other event where animals are mistreated, such as cockfights or circuses. PVEM National Spokesman Arturo Escobar y Vega said that PVEM’s National Council will propose a series of reforms to its internal regulations allowing the party to immediately expel members who take part in event featuring cruelty against animals. “Any Green Party member that attends or participates in bullfights or cockfights will be automatically expelled from our political institution,” Escobar y Vega said. “To us, anyone partaking in public shows where animals are hurt, or even killed, cannot be part of our party’s ranks, therefore, they cannot be affiliated to

the Green Party.” Similarly, the PVEM has requested the Attorney’s General Office (PGR) to investigate its members to prevent organized crime to penetrate the party and influence its decisions. Escobar y Vega, also the PVEM coordinator in the Chamber of Deputies, said that the PVEM will make available a list of its members to PGR authorities to start hunting down members who have committed illegal activities in their personal or professional life. After the arrest of businessman and former PVEM member Germán Goyeneche Ortega, PVEM members decided to take measures to stop criminals from joining the party. “The National Honor and Justice Commission has expelled permanently Germán Goyeneche Ortega from our party,” Escobar y Vega said. Original: The News

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IMF Sticks with Forecast of 2.4% Growth in Mexico

he International Monetary Fund’s projection for economic growth in Mexico this year remains unchanged at 2.4 percent, the multilateral agency said Tuesday in its biannual World Economic Outlook. Having initially predicted a 3 percent expansion in Mexico, IMF economists adjusted the figure to 2.4 percent in July. The Mexican economy is recovering momentum, the report said, but not quickly enough to make up for first-quarter weakness caused by a slump in foreign demand and slower-than-expected growth in construction. The Fund said it now expects Mexico to grow 3.5 percent in 2015 thanks to a more solid recovery in the United States, a rebound in construction and gradual gains from ongoing overhauls of the energy and telecommunications sectors. President Enrique Peña Nieto’s

economic reforms “should begin to bear fruit” in 2015 as firms that have been in a wait-and-see mode start making larger capital expenditures, the report said. The IMF projections show Mexico will repeat this year as North America’s fastest-growing

economy, outpacing both the United States, with an expansion of 2.2 percent, and Canada, 2.3 percent. The trend will continue in 2015, according to the IMF.

Original: www.laht.com

Mexican Rights Activist Awarded Prestigious International Prize

exican activist Alejandra Ancheita was honored on Tuesday with the Martin Ennals human rights prize, which recognizes individuals whose work demonstrates “deep commitment” and places them at “great personal risk.” The recipient of this year’s award is the founder and director of ProDESC, a Mexican non-governmental organization that works to defend and promote economic, social and cultural rights. Its specific actions include providing protection to migrants and supporting the rights of indigenous communities whose traditional lands are being developed by transnational mining and energy companies. The Web site of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders describes Ancheita as a “Mexican lawyer and activist who leads the fight for the rights of migrants, workers, and indigenous communities of her native country to dramatically raise their stan-

dard of living.” The chairwoman of the Martin Ennals Foundation, Swiss former President Micheline Calmy-Rey, said the selection of Ancheita serves to highlight the wide variety of threats that human rights defenders face. The specific case of the Mexican activist, she said, shows that the collusion of “local governments and courts ... with powerful economic interests has led to public defamation and physical attacks” against those who are merely working to defend the powerless. Ancheita “is also one of the pioneers in seeking accountability for transnational companies in Mexican courts when local communities’ rights are not taken into account,” Londonbased Amnesty International said Tuesday in a statement. In remarks to reporters, Ancheita said she hopes the recognition will raise public awareness about rising violence against indigenous communities and

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.

their advocates, adding that the problem has worsened over the past two years. “The government is not providing an effective response to this problem nor the right conditions for (human rights) defenders to carry out their work,” she said. ProDESC has recourse to the relatively new Federal Protection Mechanism for Human Rights Defenders and Journa-

lists in Mexico, but this has not significantly changed conditions for rights activists, according to Ancheita. “We filed a complaint in November and the government still has not conducted a risk analysis, which we’re still waiting for ... and this is just one example of what happens with the vast majority of organizations that are trying to use this mechanism,” she said.

Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbourhood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican families. Along the main streets you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful authentic crafts, clothing,

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

One of the reasons Ancheita was chosen among numerous other rights defenders is that she and her organization have been threatened with violence and been the target of defamatory attacks. She said that she and her associates – ProDESC has 17 employees – have received death threats and are followed when they travel inside Mexico and that their homes and offices are under surveillance by unidentified individuals. “The aim of the award is to provide protection through international recognition,” organizers of the prize say on their Web site. But the Mexican rights defender said “these types of awards never guarantee anyone’s safety. We’ll always be victims of attacks, at times openly and other times with more sophisticated methods.” The award, conferred annually, carries a cash prize of $32,000 that is partially financed by Geneva’s city government.

Original: www.laht.com

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

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Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

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10 million people in rural Mexico need a new home or improvements to meet international standards By John Converse Townsend

nternational human rights law recognizes that everyone has a right to an adequate standard of living, but rights to adequate housing are rarely guaranteed, especially for those living on the margins of society. “Millions around the world live in life- or health-threatening conditions, in overcrowded slums, and informal settlements or in other conditions which do not uphold their human rights and their dignity,”according to United Nations, which recognizes that a home is more than four walls and a roof. There are up to 10 million people in rural Mexico — most of them agricultural workers and their families — who need a new home or home improvements in order to meet internationally recognized standards for adequate housing. In areas like Campeche, many families huddle together in a single bedroom — tin roof above, dirt floor below. “They live in shacks, carton or stick shacks,” said Raffaella Piazzesi. But not after Piazzesi and her team from the for-profit housing development company ¡Échale! a tu Casashow up in town. Since 2006, they’ve built and sold 30,000 new homes and made 150,000 home improvements. The ¡Échale! story is one of positive social disruption. It begins in 1997 after Hurricane Nora ripped through southwest Mexico. The Mexican government asked ¡Échale! — then a not-for-profit — to help with reconstruction by providing houses for one of the affected communities, providing disaster relief and effective charity work. “It was pretty successful,” Piazzesi said. “We did the homes, people were happy, everyone was happy. We wanted to do another program with other people affected by the same hurricane, but the government decided their help had stopped. They didn’t want to continue giving away houses.” So ¡Échale! went ahead without help from the Mexican government. They raised the funds needed to continue providing displaced and underserved people with housing solutions. Rather than building temporary, prefab houses, they created more long-term solutions: houses made of cement, steel, and their own eco-friendly, sun-baked Adoblocks.

Business was good. But when ¡Échale! sent a team to check-in with some of their families, what they found surprised them. “Some of the houses were literally abandoned,” Piazzesi said. “Others were not treated right. People did not see the great benefit they had by having a house, because it was handed down to them as charity. We didn’t like that.” The company regrouped, nine years after its first housing project. “The way that we were working, and the impact we were having, was great — but it was really small,” Piazzesi said. “We were not growing fast. So that’s when we

decided to spin-off as a for-profit.” Profit is often considered a four-letter word in the development sector. But since ¡Échale! switched to a for-profit model — focusing its operations on offering the best houses possible at the lowest prices rather than fundraising — the company has made three times the impact, Piazzesi said. There was a hidden benefit, too. “When we started charging for houses, we started seeing a completely different mindset from the participants,” she said. “They saw it as something they were creating, not as something given

to them — it was their work, their effort, their home. It was amazing to see.” ¡Échale! does more than just sell housing units, it uses a holistic approach to build communities, Piazzesi said. The company’s staff, architects, and engineers get to know their customers on a personal level — they move in next door during the construction process. Staff advise rural farming families about the benefits of owning a home with a foundation, especially for families with children, and the comforts of services like running water, sanitation, and energy (solar power is a new option).

Once there is enough interest from the target community, ¡Échale! hosts a design and financial training workshop. The company showcases a basic model and allows the participants to add or remove key elements before they settle on a single blueprint to be used throughout the community. ¡Échale! home buyers are also trained to build their own doors and windows, while they master the construction process with Adoblocks, produced on-site with local resources like adobe, sand, and cement. New homes cost between $6,000 and $12,000 a piece, and customers are asked to pay 10 percent of the total cost up front. That’s quite an investment for families who earn, on average, $8,800 per year. Traditionally, ¡Échale! home buyers would qualify for a government subsidy, disbursed by thirdparty financial intermediaries that charged interest rates as high as 80 percent. Four years ago, the Mexican government capped those rates at 30 percent, but, as Piazzesi explained, “they still charge commissions and fees, making the actual effective annual interest rate somewhere between 60 and 70 percent — it’s huge.” ¡Échale! has designs on disrupting that system. They just launched their own non-profit finance company with pro bono support from American Express, to provide their hard-working customers with bigger housing credits and lower interest rates, helping them pay off their homes in a more timely manner. “We’re not profiting from these credits,” Piazessi said. “We just charge an interest rate to be sustainable. The idea is that with this financial arm, we will be able to reach those who cannot meet the harsh conditions that other financial intermediaries impose, and we’ll be able to grow faster and reach new markets. “Customers are excited that a ‘friend’ is the one that lends them the money — someone they already know and trust.” When asked what the established (profiteering) financial intermediaries think about ¡Échale!’s latest program, Piazzesi laughed. “We don’t really know,” she said. “We haven’t asked them.” Original: www.theyucatantimes.com

NEWS 07

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

Los Cabos proves to be ‘unstoppable’

ourist facilities are recovering quickly after Hurricane Odile The cost of the damages inflicted by Hurricane Odile have been put at 7.8 billion pesos, says Baja California Sur Gov. Marcos Covarrubias. The amount is less than had been anticipated, and more than 95% of it is covered by insurance, according to reports. The costs of the hurricane, which struck Cabo San Lucas on September 14, will not have a significant effect on the national economy and the year’s growth estimate, says Finance Secretary Luis Videgaray. In other post-hurricane news: • Los Cabos schools are still in the process of reopening — 45 were scheduled to do so yesterday. The state’s Public Education Secretary said late last week that 45% of the municipality’s schools sustained minor damages, while four were demolished. Temporary classrooms are being brought in to serve the students of those schools. • Agrarian Development and Urban Planning Secretary Jorge Carlos Ramírez Marín said the possibility of buying housing through the housing agency

Sad sight at Pitillal clinic By Gretchen DeWitt PEACEAnimals.org

A Infonavit is being analyzed as a means to replace that which was totally lost during the storm. At least 8,000 homes were initially reported damaged, but no official figures have been given since. A census is still under way to determine the extent of the damage, most of which occurred in the municipality’s poorer neighborhoods. • A meeting in New York earned a positive reception from businesses such as Sunwing, Alaska Airlines, Funjet and other air carriers and travel agencies. Los Cabos businesses and authorities

assured the meeting that there would be at least 7,000 rooms ready by the end of November. • At the Los Cabos airport, which reopened on the weekend, Delta, United and WestJet are set to resume flights again tomorrow. • As of last week it was anticipated that cancelations for December due to the hurricane would amount to no more than 5%. • A US $5-million marketing campaign is getting under way in the U.S. and Canada, appropriately named Los Cabos Unstoppable. Source: Mexico Daily News

Mexico City plans to beat Jalisco in number of Mariachi musicians f there’s a Guinness record for the country with the most Guinness records, México might be on the way to qualifying. On Sunday, 1,721 antique automobiles turned out in México City and broke the Guinness record for the largest number of antique vehicles in a parade, beating the record set by Holland with 949 vehicles in 2002. Vehicles must be more than 30 years old to qualify, and have 80% of their original parts and their bodywork in good condition. Estimates put the crowd of onlookers Sunday at 250,000, both Chilangos and visitors who turned out for a festive day in splendid weather to enjoy the spectacle and applaud the vehicles on display. Leading the three-hour parade, organized by the government of the Federal District (DF) and the History Channel, was a 1903 REO; it was followed by a variety of vehicles from public transit buses to vintage Corvettes.

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It was México City’s third Guinness record this year but that, it seems, isn’t enough for ambitious city politicians. Cuauhtémoc borough chief Alejandro Fernández and DF Tourism Secretary Miguel Torruco announced plans to go for the largest number of mariachi musicians playing together at the same time. That record is currently held by Guadalajara, as one might expect — the state of Jalisco has long been associated with mariachi music. The city recaptured the record from the state of California last year with 700 musicians, two months after 560 mariachis played together at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. México City’s bid for the honor will take place on November 22, saint’s day of Cecilia, patron of musicians, in the Plaza de Garibaldi. Meanwhile, lawyer Menahem Asher Silva Vargas, 37, won

the record last week for the largest collection of Harry Potter paraphernalia. The México City resident has spent 13 years gathering Potter memorabilia: the 3,097 pieces fill two rooms. He beat a previous record of 807. In May, two other records were set in the capital: the largest number of chefs — 3,634 — in a single place, and the most waiters running an 800-meter race with a tray of drinks. But it’s not just México City that’s been celebrating records in 2014: Yucatán earned the honor of preparing the largest pulpeada — an octopus feast — earlier this year. It weighed in at 326 kilos. In 2010 the state earned gastronomic fame for the largest preparation of cochinita pibil, a slowroasted pork dish. Lest we should break the record for the longest report about Mexican Guinness records, the story ends here. Original: Mexico Daily News

fter dropping off their pets and lunches, Anais del Valle and her husband returned about 10 minutes later with a dog they had just found on the street rooting through trash for something to eat. After seeing her, the vets immediately said they couldn´t spay her because of her emaciated condition. I gave her some kibble, but she only ate half a cup. This trusting and gentle dog - part Pit Bull - has a beautiful face and someone may have loved her once upon a time. I twisted a tick off of her neck and she immediately started to bleed. I couldn´t think of a solution for her, as all the refuges and rescue organizations are full, there no foster homes available, and I leave Mexico October 5 for a month. I thought she would stay by the gate while I registered a pet, but when I looked back, she was gone. When I arrived home, I felt overcome with sadness. Am not sure why. I have seen and continue to see so many dogs that look like this one. Maybe it was because it was the way she looked at me as I petted and talked to her. So I drove back to Pitillal to try to find this sweet and starving dog who was destined to die if not rescued. I couldn´t find her. When I returned home a second time, I sent out an SOS to about a dozen animal rescue sites on FB. I received a response twenty minutes later from Magdalena Sanchez Jimenez, who had noticed this dog in back of the church in Pitillal. After boarding the bus, Magdalena got off the bus she had been on one block later and returned for the dog. She called Angelica

of AngeliCAT for a ride home and then saw the photo I had posted on a dozen animal rescue sites. The dog was taken to Dr. Peña´s the next morning, where she tested negative for parvo and distemper, but diagnosed with non-contagious mange and low blood platelet count. She has been dewormed (Dr. Peña said she had an enormous quantity of them as a result of eating garbage), received an injection and special bath for mange and vaccinated for parvo and distemper. I picked her up Friday afternoon and delivered her to Magdalena with a new collar and leash and two bags of Kirkland puppy food. Magdalena, who has a home full of family and cats had originally committed to take care of Nena for two weeks. She emailed me Saturday afternoon to say her family had fallen in love with Nena and she preferred to care for her until I return in a month. Needed: Rides from Magdalena´s to Dr. Peña´s for weekly injection and special bath for mange. Please contact Magdalena if you can help with a ride - Nena Love via FB or email: magda2344@ gmail.com Donations: If you would like to help with vet expenses, please take donations to: Dr. Manuel Peña´s at Mascotas - 109 Melchor Ocampo - one block south of Plaza Caracól off of Avenida México. 224-0319 Spaying will be free at a PEACEAnimals clinic, which will take place when Nena´s blood platelet count is up. The biggest issue is not vet bills, it is a permanent home in a month. Nena is a very sweet and grateful dog. She is perfect with cats and dogs and people. She is loving and is lovable.

LOCAL 08

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

My Life In Vallarta

Of Markets and Men

By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

The long ride home

o you know how long it takes to drive from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara and on to Lake Chapala? Well, neither did we, until we decided to make the trip this summer. If you ask a dozen people, you’ll likely get a dozen different answers. Check some sites on the internet and voila, more answers. The range is usually anywhere from 4 ½ to 6 hours. Then there is the debate about which route is best: Highway 200 past Compostela and then on the cuota (toll road) or the route through Mascota. Many prefer the former, even though it is longer distance wise, because you can really make time on the cuota. Others swear by the latter for its shorter distance and great scenery, even though it is two lanes most of the way on some rather marginal roads. Never mind that some of the internet sources say that route takes up to 8 hours. On the way up, we chose the first route, thinking the roads would be better and faster. It was an interesting ride, even though if you get caught behind a bus or truck it takes an hour just to get to Sayulita, a distance of only 25 miles. Further on there was one stretch of road construction but traffic kept moving. Oh yes and our GPS routed us straight into the heart of Guadalajara in the late afternoon, instead of using the Guadalajara bypass. It took us almost 7 hours. When it came time to return home, we really wanted to come

back through Mascota but it had rained a lot and we were concerned about rockslides. If we got stuck behind one, there wouldn’t be any options except to wait until it was cleared. After much deliberation, we decided to go back the way we’d come, but we’d ignore the GPS and take the loop road around central Guadalajara. My satisfaction at outsmarting the GPS was short-lived when miles of construction on the bypass slowed the heavy traffic to a crawl. As we inched our way to the other side of Guadalajara, I had the sneaking suspicion that this would be a very long day. Thankfully, the scenery is varied and spectacular much of the way. Near Jala the now dormant Ceboruco volcano has decorated the ground with lava rocks. Next, the road takes you through lush mountains, broad valleys and ultimately to the low lying coastal areas starting at Jaltemba Bay. Near Jala we saw evidence of the ongoing construction for the highly anticipated Jala-Puerto Vallarta highway. That didn’t slow us down but starting on Highway 68 and continuing on Highway 200 almost all the way to Sayulita, we got stuck in at least four major road construction projects. Not just stuck but totally and completely stopped for what seemed like interminable amounts of time. During each of these stops, traffic was reduced to one lane at a time in alternating directions.

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By R.L. Avery

Did I mention how hot it was that day? At each end of the stopped traffic, men stood with hand held signs to alert drivers when to stop or go. They must have shed several pounds just sweating under the blistering mid-afternoon heat. Adding to their misery, a nearby hillside fire belched choking smoke into the air. In the midst of all this, an entrepreneurial young man with a push cart appeared selling ice cream to the not so patient travelers sweltering in their cars. It was the kind of moment that makes you pause and reflect on the indomitable spirit of the Mexican people. We finally arrived home, hot, tired and very cranky after a 7 ½ hour drive. Adding insult to injury, the renovations on our home were not complete. Lots of our furniture was piled high on our bed and we had to check into a hotel. So here’s our take on the drive from Guadalajara. Even without all the road construction, it’s got to be at least a 6 hour ride. The new road is being advertised as reducing the “4 ½ hour drive by 1 ½ hours”. Hah. If you believe that, I’ve got a bridge I can sell you.

This column explores the irrationality of the Stock Markets, the men that make and work in them with a literary leaning. R.L. is a reformed yacht racer, avid reader, raconteur and trader in the markets. He is in no way certified to offer investing advice but will attempt to shed light on how to live and breath with Mr. Market. he title of this column suggests a certain amount of male chauvinism and is an allusion to author John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. I hope the reader will take that with a grain of salt although I will try occasionally to speculate on “How it’s going to be Lenny?” We live in a world that has been shaped in large part by the men that precede us. That being said, we have a woman that jumped out of a cake two weeks ago and announced that she would be “accommodative.” That woman is Janet Yellen (the head of the Federal Reserve Bank) and as far as I can tell she is little different than her male predecessors. She single handedly sent the American Stock Markets to new highs, yet again. Other Stock Markets around the world responded in kind although are far from making new highs. The party was the latest Fed announcement and the word “accommodative” refers to the Feds attitude toward interest rate policy and continuing to spike the proverbial punchbowl. There was an awful lot of speculating as to whether or not that one word would be included in the announcement. The thinking is that “accommodative” in Fed speak means the Fed will remain “dovish” and should there be any bumps in this economic recovery, they will do whatever it takes to smooth the road, so to speak. Another woman that hit the news that same week is Christine LeGaurd, the much touted head of the I.M.F. She is being investigated for improprieties in her dealings prior to accepting the

gauntlet at the head of another central bank. There are many more woman heading fortune 500 companies today, than just a few short years ago but I’m afraid if anyone was hoping a female perspective might have an impact on the corporate agenda I think they will be sorely disappointed. The corporate agenda, as I understand it, is simply to increase profits for shareholders, period. So with the increasing financialization of the world we live, I suggest we can expect little change regardless of which gender is leading the charge in financial markets. The party did not last very long. In fact the market rallied for two more days and has been in decline since. Last week saw a very exciting ride down (3.5%) at one point and a very nice bounce into the close Friday. Could this be the beginning of something bigger? A bear market perhaps? It has been a very strong bull market from the bottom (spring of 2009) to this point. My uncle who is a buy and hold kind of guy says he is “almost even.” If the market transfers wealth I think this may be a signal of sorts. I believe it was J.P. Morgan who whilst having his shoes shinned received a stock tip from the man. He promptly went back to his office and sold everything. The year, 1929. I will leave you with this quote from a favorite author, F. Scott Fitzgerald. “The test of a first rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in the mind and still retain the ability to function.” I suggest that is why good traders, not withstanding hedge funds, embrace the sell as well as the buy side. Good night, and good luck.

local 09

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

mation from the graph to design a treatment plan for you. Well, I tried to not get nervous as I didn't want my anxiety to show up on the graph. I held a narrow, metal, tube-like device attached to the monitor by a chord while Mari placed an energy conductor on various pressure points that sent a numerical reading to the software program. The end result was that all-in-all my chi energy (life force or drive) is quite normal -pheww! However, the Acugraph did detect that my small intestine and pericardium meridian were a bit low and my small intestine meridian was split. Translation: I have a bit of emotional stress that I need to address. And well, I must now go get a tissue and confront my issues... sniff, sniff.. My next session will be biomagnetism. I wonder if she can magnetize more money my way.

Wellness Latina By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

Did you know your “chi” can be measured? ( Your what? You might ask)

ager is a good way to describe how I felt when I went in to see a health care practitioner named Mari through the recommendation of Pam Thompson Webb. Pam described a session with her as nothing short of WOW and encouraged me to meet her. Wow? This is not a word Pam throws around lightly.

I had to meet her. I had no expectations as to what this meeting would be like, but I did have a skin rash that needed to be addressed. This would be the perfect opportunity to find out for myself what this well-respected lady was all about. Located just past the goldenish arches (no, not McDonald's) on Cerrada de Cardenal, her office was inviting and clean with a sunny, yellowish decor throughout. One of the walls is embellished with various certifications from various schools. Mari Torres de González who does acupuncture, biomagnetism and hypnosis explained to me

Paradise and Parenting Leza Warkentin

Mascota Day Trip

ometimes I get this claustrophobic sort of feeling and I know it’s time to get out of town for the day at least. My husband and I both have a real travel bug, which is inconvenient when you make a teacher’s salary, and it’s downright discouraging when you make a seasonal musician’s salary. However, you can get around this a bit when you live in a place where you can drive one or two hours and end up in a different world. When our family takes a road trip it is guaranteed that at least one adult (me) and one child (take your pick) will need to be medicated in order to avoid the hasty release of the previous meal. The first time my children both got carsick, I comforted myself with the assumption that they would both

nap all the way home once they have had a dose of Dramamine. However, I was greatly mistaken, because it appears to have the opposite effect on my son. I started counting the number of questions he asked me in a 15 minute period after the medication took effect. Fifty. He asked me fifty questions in 15 minutes. I started wondering if dealing with used sickness bags was really that bad. However, the trip to Mascota, a little town about 90 kilometers past Ixtapa, Jalisco, is really worth the Q&A session. I can give you many reasons why you should go there. But first you should know an important fact: 90 kilometers on this road is not 90 kilometers on the TransCanada highway. This is a 2 hour drive on a two lane highway with switchbacks, cattle trucks, and signs indicating jaguar, snake, and

upon arrival that the first thing she does is conduct an Acugraph Digital Meridian Imaging evaluation. A what? Evidently, this report shows your relative energetic balance in each of the

acupuncture channels, or meridians, as well as the relationships between the channels. Various colors shown on the graph may show energetic disturbances. Mari, then incorporates this infor-

Marcella Castellanos is a certified Health Coach working with people to increase their vitality by adopting healthier habits through detoxing and shedding unwanted weight. To jumpstart your health & vitality get your 7 Days of Smoothies FREE at www.wellnesslatina.com

tractor crossings. It is a colonial town, located in an agricultural area nestled in the Sierra Madres. It was founded in its current location in the late 16th century. The architecture itself will bring you back to a different time, many of the buildings still standing from the 1700s. You may feel a little sore thumb-ish if you arrive in tank tops and shorts, because no one else is wearing such casual clothing. In our case, our family is used to being frankly observed, with my husband’s long hair, my extreme blondness, and our children’s tendency to Be Real anywhere we go, so we smile a lot and tip generously. We make new friends all the time. I can think of many reasons why Mascota is a great place to explore, but here are a few: 1) It is several degrees cooler than Vallarta due to its elevation (about 1,200 meters above sea level). I’m pretty sure I can stop right there, because if you live in Vallarta in September, this is a Really Big Deal. I promise it is true. 2) You will become conscious of how long it has been since your brakes have been checked as you make some hairpin turns on the way up. You may even make an appointment on your cell phone as you drive. However, this also

means that the views are panoramic. The beauty of driving in this mountainous region is unmatched. 3) There is an honest to goodness archaeological museum that is sponsored by National Geographic. It is free (there’s a donation box at the entrance/exit). There are samples to touch, petroglyphs, human remains, and many fascinating, completely intact artifacts such as pottery and jewelry. Some of it dates back before Christ, and all of it has been discovered just a few miles from the town itself. It’s a must see. There is a guide who says that he can provide an English tour. 4) Other sites such as the ruins of the Unfinished Temple of the Precious Blood, a Raicilla museum (What? What?), El Pedregal Stone Museum (where everything is made out of rocks), and even a museum of art.

All of this and so very much more in a town of 8,000 people… not bad! Take a trip and enjoy another unforgettable part of Mexico.

LOCAL 10

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

Banderas Bay Initiative By María del Mar Zamora fundacionpuntademita.org

Understanding non-profits in Mexico

he world of non-profits in Mexico is varied and can be a little daunting to wade through when we are trying to make a donation in our community. The non-profit world and terminology of the United States and Canada don’t translate directly to their Mexican counterparts. I hope this article helps you untangle some of the uncertainties if you are thinking about making a donation to a local organization. In Mexico we talk about “Organizaciones de la Sociedad Civil.” Literally this translates Civil Society Organizations which refers to community groups which are taking collective action to have an impact on the public sphere, generally on issues that affect all citizens. Most non-profit organizations in Mexico (upwards of 80%) will constitute themselves formally under the figure of an Asociación Civil, or Civil Association. You might have noticed most philanthropic organizations in the area end their names with A.C. which identifies them as a Civil Association. However, not all A.C.s are philanthropic. The figure may be used for any communal activities which don’t have profit as a primary aim. Many condominiums and trade associations for example are formally organized as A.C.s. Philanthropic organizations, such as those whose aim is cultural, ecological or social assistance focused, can achieve another status which will differentiate them from a standard A.C.

This status is “donataria autorizada” or authorized donee which is akin to the English “tax-exempt” status. Organizations which have achieved this status generally have several years of work under their belt, have a letter of recognition from a renowned national organization relevant to their line of work, and follow strict accounting guidelines to maintain this status. The work of a cultural organization for example, needs to be recognized by the National Council for Culture and the Arts (CONACULTA) or another relevant institution. This status is difficult to obtain and organizations must work diligently for many years to achieve it, so don’t let it discourage you from contributing to their cause if they do not have it, but if they do, you can have even more confidence that your donation will be having the impact you desire. If you are paying taxes in Mexico, the donataria status shouldn’t only give you peace of mind, it can also decrease your tax burden. Donations you give to these organizations will get you a tax-deductible receipt which is deducted from your base income/ profits before calculating your tax responsibilities. Since our community has such a large contribution from Canadian and American citizens you will also find that many organizations have found a way to give the pertinent Canadian or U.S. tax-deductible receipts. They will have either incorporated a sister organization in the respective country, or will work with another organization to set up a fund for their Mexico-based organization. Whatever your philanthropic cause of choice may be, make sure to be an informed donor. Any organization will be glad to give you the information on their status, as we all strive for deeper and deeper transparency and accountability in the Mexican non-profit world. Thank you for becoming an involved member of our community and happy donating/ volunteering!

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

his is a huge invitation to all of our old friends and some new ones we have made during our Eleven Week run at Coco's Kitchen. Saturday, October 11th, will be our last Market at Coco's lovely garden. We will all be on hand so come and make our last Market Day a festive and happy one. We are all planning to go back to the Paradise Community Center as soon as all the renovations are completed and all the regulatory ducks have all been put in a row so, hear this: WE ARE NOT CLOSING! We are simply on vacation for the next Saturday or two...maybe not even that long. We are working hard to make everything right so be patient and keep your eyes in this space for news and updates and if you have any questions email me. So. With that all said, let's have a PARTY, people, at Coco's Kitchen this Saturday, October 11th starting at 9 in the morning. Yes, the bar will be open! With gratefulness beyond words to Coco, Reuben and the great staff and love and hugs to everyone who came and bought and helped us get through this long and hot summer - thank you doesn't begin to cover it... We are: Barbara Peters, owner at Galeria Vallarta, found artist, creator of lovely cotton clothes for women painstakingly handpainted and jewelry to match. Gorgeous Art to Wear. Mark Peters, Barbara's son, of Smokin' Good Meats, with meat, cheese, condiments like 3 or 4 kinds of pickles, and pickled beets, dips, sauces and much more. Mark Hughes, Leek & Thistle Pie Company, with a great assortment of traditional British meat pies and quiches and amazing tarts stuffed with mixed berries. Just awesome! Mark has also been handling Lorene's breads from the Artisan Bakery while she has been away. Peter Hardy, Vallarta's Bagel King. Kind of says it all, doesn't

it? Except his Cinnabuns deserve an extra-special mention. Sinfully delicious. The last three: Mark Hughes, Lorene Rivera and Peter Hardy will all be available November 1st in the Old Town Farmer's Market in Parque Lazaro Cardenas. We will see them NEXT summer!

very cool tee-shirts you will not find anywhere else. For sterling silver at the best prices in Vallarta, Jorge can make whatever you want if he hasn't already made it!

Krystal and Ana of Organic Select, two of the prettiest organic farmers in Jalisco, will be busy harvesting their crops in El Tuito. Their store in Versalles is packed full of good things. Pay them a visit.

Oscar and Veronica, our textile experts from Oaxaca. If you see something and want it made bigger or a different color, chances are good their family can do it for you. The kiddie clothes Veronica makes are exact replicas of mama's dresses and papa's shirts. Darling.

Bill and Alejandro have discovered an incredible artist outside of Guadalajara and are selling his exquisite masks - you have to come and see them to appreciate the work. And there are the famous cooling ties that grace half the necks in Vallarta and lots of doggies, too! Darling aprons and

As for me, stop by Guerrero 326, Monday through Friday 10 to 2...lots going on. See you Saturday 9 to 1, maybe 2, at Coco's Kitchen, Pulpito 122, across from the Paradise Community Center...it's going to be a party so don't miss it! Thanks everybody....

LOCAL 11

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Tales to Tell

Perceptions

of Art

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

outique Theatre is moving right along with renovations, a bit behind schedule which is par for the course in our beloved city. Lots going on on their stage...Freddy and Paul are busy with Nunsense on Vacation in Vallarta set to open the end of October, also David Guilmette is revamping his Asylum Improv Comedy Company. They will be performing every other Tuesday, 7 to 8:30 pm. David will be directing The Vagina Monologues; check upstairs at Nacho Daddy's on Basilio Badillo to see if he still needs cast members. The Boutique will be Vallarta's ONLY dinner-theatre. Good luck to everybody involved at the B! Paco Ojeda was pleased with the turnout for his two lectures on Opera at Teatro Vallarta last weekend. So pleased the Editorial Director of Lifestyles Magazine has created a series of nine lectures to be held at the Los Mangos Library beginning the 23rd of October at 7:30. He will be discussing some interesting themes like the use of classical music in cartoons and pop music. Paco is knowledgeable AND interesting and fun at his lectures. He will be continuing to speak about opera before performances of Live from the Met series this season at Teatro Vallarta. Go early and learn, you'll be happy you did! The Red Room was graced by Daniel Vives last weekend with his incomparable tribute to Maria Felix. My word he is so beautiful! As was Maria Felix, of course. And, at Encore, Bob Bruneau, the creator and musical director for the PV Men's Choir was roasted (to a turn!) by friends and members of the choir on (yet another) retirement! And with that, Act II Entertainment has officially closed their Summer Season for the next two weeks. For vacation? Um?...no. Everyone is planning, writing, rewriting, scheduling, making

Kathleen Phelps kphelps1948@gmail.com.

Steve McQueen’s Agony

phone calls, spending hours on the computer getting ready for the start of Audtions for Voice of Vallarta Season Two that begin this Saturday on the Main Stage at 2 pm, and doing rehearsals for the upcoming season that opens in about 4 weeks time. Two weeks ago, I mentioned meeting Ron Spencer at a party on the beach. He is a playwright, actor, director (and singer, dancer...) and cast me then and there (in his head!) as Margaret in his play that opens November 6th

on the Main Stage. So, boys and girls: I am going to do it! Rehearsals are underway and I cannot say if they are going well or not having never rehearsed anything in this century. We have read the play aloud a few times - it is so funny - and has parts in it that will make you cry. I won't make you cry; rather my character won't. What my character has to DO in this play has already brought tears to MY eyes....stay tuned. Maybe I'll tell you why.

rank K. Meyer has been a resident of Puerto Vallarta for over 20 years. He and his Mexican wife live in Conchas Chinas in the former home of the French Ambassador to Mexico. Prior to living in Mexico, Frank had a dental practice Palm Springs. Frank’s such a good writer, that I’ve taken the liberty of printing his story as he’s provided…. As I was finishing up with one of my regular patients, my wife, who was also my dental secretary, told me there was a lady calling about her husband. He was in a lot of pain in a tooth that had just finished having endodontic therapy, and his lower jaw was swollen. His endodontist had recommended me for emergency treatment. Naturally, I took the phone. “Oh Dr. Meyer, can you see my husband right away? I have never seen him in such agony.” “Yes, Mrs.….” (Neile Adams) “McQueen. My husband’s name is Steve” “Your husband is Steve McQueen? The Steve McQueen?” I asked. “Yes, that’s right, and he will be there in 10 minutes” I looked over at my wife Nancy, and she was in a state of shock. She looked like she was about to faint. “Please get room two ready; we will need an x-ray of the problem tooth.” “Oh God, you want me to take an x-ray in Steve McQueen’s mouth? I really will faint.” “OK, I’ll take it, just get everything ready, he is on his way over now.” Steve McQueen arrived right on time, and his lower jaw looked like a large balloon. He confessed that he had only the first appointment, and got busy shooting “Wanted Dead or Alive,” his weekly television series, and never got back with his endodontist. “Doctor, please get me out of this mess, and I promise that I will be in Dr. Frank’s office first thing Monday.” “No problem, but this will hurt just a bit for a minute” “Do it Doc.” I opened the tooth as quickly as I could, and as I finished, I thought he would be on the ceiling. He let out a whoop, and yellow fluid gushed out of the tooth like oil out of a new well. The swelling started to diminish, and in less than five minutes, he was out of pain. I left the tooth open to continue to drain, and gave him a prescription for an antibiotic. Steve told me that he was leaving to fly to London to start a movie over there, but he would wait until he was sure that his tooth problem was solved. He left the office after leaving a hundred dollars with Nancy. She told him the fee was only $40, but he said that was the smallest bill he had on him; so just go have a good dinner on him. I saw a lot of Steve after that, mostly out on the desert where he loved to ride his motorcycles. We were so sorry to hear of his passing. HELP! I’m running out of Tales to Tell! We have so many interesting people living in Puerto Vallarta! Let’s hear your story! Share your Tale to Tell anonymously or by name by e-mailing me at kphelps1948@ gmail.com or call me at 322-142-2245.

The history of Oktoberfest

t was a wedding of epic proportions that celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig, later to become King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on October 12, 1810. The people of Munich were invited to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates to celebrate the happy royal event. Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event that was celebrated as a festival for the whole of Bavaria. The decision to repeat the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the Oktoberfest. Today, Oktoberfest is the largest festival in the world, with an international flavor characteristic of the 21st century. Around 6 million visitors from all around the world converge on Munich for Oktoberfest every year and food is a big part of the party. In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, you can celebrate Oktoberfest all month long at Kaiser Maximilian restaurant. There’s a special menu featuring dishes from Germany in addition to the traditional Austrian fare served at this very popular south side restaurant. Kaiser Maximilian Oktoberfest Menu • • • • • • •

White wine soup with cinnamon croutons and sabayon Spätzle with duck confit, cheese and Austrian onion rings Celery salad with mushrooms and sautéed veal sweetbreads Smoked sausage with sauerkraut and sautéed potatoes Roasted duck with red cabbage and dumplings Veal goulash with spätzle Cottage cheese strudel with peaches and vanilla ice cream

Enjoy the Oktoberfest menu all day long. Come out and celebrate Oktoberfest at Kaiser Maximilian through October 31st. Whether dining al fresco at the European-style sidewalk café or in the intimate air-conditioned dining room, you'll enjoy the fabulous cuisine, professional service and elegant atmosphere that have made Kaiser Maximilian one of Puerto Vallarta's favorite fine dining restaurants.

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

Looking for something specific?

uerto Vallarta has a great selection of places to shop and dine and the best place to find that special item you are seeking or that wonderful restaurant for the type of food you crave is to go online to the VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY—<vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot. com>, select from 20 pages of categories and browse to see the logo, address, telephone, website link, email, hours and description of the services or products offered.

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

There are lots of photos of each business, maps of the areas so you can easily find the stores and restaurants. Don´t rely on finding the unique and local favorites only on the Malecon since Puerto Vallarta is a large city with businesses scattered all over the areas such as Downtown, South Side, Emiliano Zapata, Hotel Zone, Marina Vallarta, Fluvial, and several towns in Nayarit. We are in process of setting up a website for dining and shopping which will be announced soon but our very successful blog will continue to exist. The categories you will find are: Best Restaurants, Cafes, cyber cafes and books, Boutiques, clothing and accessories, Food, organic products, pastries, catering, Interior Décor, furniture and accessories, Jewelry in silver, bold, gems, fantasy and repair, Beauty shops, spas,

fitness and massage, Sportswear and equipment, Handicrafts, Leather , glass and ceramics, Art Galleries and studios, Florists, Entertainment, theaters, bars, Real Estate companies, Eye glasses and optical, Boutique hotels, Services, travel agencies, tours, Drug stores and nutrition, and a page for Bucerias, Nuevo Vallarta, Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita area. This site can be translated into 50 languages with the click of a button and is a great way for new visitors to get to know our vibrant city and all it has to offer. Some of our members are advertising on this page but we have a total of 185 local businesses listed that depend on your finding them so they can continue to serve your needs and desires. Please recommend this site to your friends who are planning a trip to our Paradise. http://vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.

com and www.facebook/ Vallartashoppingdirectory. We always have great events in town so we invite you to attend the Celebration of World Tourism Day from Sept. 25 to 28th Downtown at City Hall with the opening cocktail and ART EXHIBIT by local galleries and artists at 7 p.m. on Sept. 25th continuing through the 28th, a Salsa Festival at Los Arcos Outdoor theater at 8 p.m. on Sept. 26th, a Gastronomic Festival at City Hall at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27th with all the best restaurants offering their specialties accompanied by Mariachis , and a Tourist Race starting at the Sports Stadium at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 38th, followed by the closing of the tourism event at the patio of City Hall on Sunday night. Be sure to attend if you are in town and invite your friends.

DI VINO DANTE Wine & Tapas Bar – New Menu Disfruta de un -40 % de Descuento del 1-15 de octubre 2014 Enjoy a -40% Discount from October 1-15, 2014 *Descuento no incluido en botellas de vino *Discount does not include bottles of wine Basilio Badillo 269 A, Puerto Vallarta Jal. Mon-Sat: 2pm -11 pm – New Hours (322) 2233734 From USA or Canada 1-(269) 282 9550 info.divinodante@gmail.com www.divinodante.com

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

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10 Reasons to Live in Mismaloya

By Fabien Madesclaire Fabien@g3mex.com

ne of my favorite spots around the Bay has always been Mismaloya. I have to admit that a big reason for my moving to Puerto Vallarta was the crazy and brilliant drunken mess of a movie, The Night of the Iguana, which was filmed in Mismaloya and is responsible for making Vallarta the tourist spot that it is today. How could you not love a film directed by John Huston and written by Tennessee Williams, starring Ava Gardner, Richard Burton, Deborah Kerr and Sue Lyon!? When I first arrived in Vallarta I made a pilgrimage to the film’s location, and found no real evidence of the cinema classic, but what I did find was even more astounding: A verdant jungle paradise! Here are my top 10 reasons for recommending it as a perfect spot to some of my more adventurous real estate clients:

.Views, views and more views.

Especially if you’re perched above the breathtaking Los Arcos rock formations.

.A jungle paradise. Flowers,

.Playa Mismaloya may be sma-

ll but it’s lovely. With a deep-water cove protected from winds and rough surf. Perfect for families and novice swimmers.

If you LOVE to fish, like I do, then you can’t throw a rock without hitting some of the best fishing and water sports pangas around. Also the snorkeling and scuba diving in and around Los Arcos is totally breathtaking and exhilarating.

.Quaint palapas on the beach

for enjoying seafood or just a cool beer.

.The Barcelo beach resort is

a great spot for both visitors and locals who can buy a one-time pass and enjoy a day of resort luxury.

.One of the craziest zoos Mexi-

co, or anywhere else for that matter. Feeding pink flamingos, a hippo and an ostrich is a thrill not to be missed.

. A sweet and very friendly litt-

le village, with a couple of fun restaurants and a laid-back atmosphere.

.A big expat community at su-

rrounding condos La Iguana and in the exquisite homes on the spectacular hillside of Lomas de Mismaloya.

. And believe it or not, you

can actually make it into downtown Vallarta within 15 minutes!

Restaurant recommendations:

Juan and Only Main road towards zoo, in village of Mismaloya. Terrific fresh seafood, and amazingly friendly staff. Tony’s Hideaway Main road in town. Delicious shrimp, seafood, steak and you can get a flaming coconut drink! Maria Bonita Located at the La Jolla Mismaloya condos. Tasty food and a pretty view of the Bay of Banderas.

Fabien Madesclaire, of G3MEX Real Estate Group, has been working as a real estate agent here in Vallarta for the last 9+

years. For question about Mismaloya and surrounding areas, feel free to give him a call. Cell: 044-322-135-0424.

birds and nature abounds.

More about Mismaloya

ismaloya is in some ways responsible for the Vallarta boom. In 1966, famed Hollywood director John Huston chose the area as the location for his film adaptation of Tennessee Williams’s play The Night of the Iguana (which if you haven’t seen, you should). At the time, Mismaloya could only be reached by boat, but nonetheless an entire crew set up on the sand and surrounding cliffs for a weeks-long production. The biggest splash involved the movie’s cast, which included Deborah Kerr and notorious partygirl Ava Gardner, as well as the hard-living Richard Burton, who in

turn brought his wife, none other than the legendary Elizabeth Taylor. Tales, tall or otherwise, abound regarding the late nights, low blows, love affairs and other thespian follies that took place during filming, and you can almost hear echoes of the mad carryings-on as you poke about the film’s sets, now in ruins, that line the cove. Whatever happened, it must have been fun—“Liz and Dick,” then the world’s most famous couple, fell in love with PV, built houses and lived there till well into the 1970s. The glam and paparazzi blitz that followed them put Puerto

Vallarta on the map. While there is the Zoo, popular beach restaurants and the tequila factory on land, just off the beach is the popular dive spot of Los Arcos. One of Mexico's most popular marine reserves, Los Arcos is a cluster of granite islands that perch out of the water in the southern part of Banderas Bay. With depths ranging from 30-1600 feet, the waters surrounding Los Arcos are the deepest in the entire bay. Here you can discover the thrill of diving in the Devil's Canyon and El Bajo, the fascinating underwater mountain range, while witnessing the abundant lobster, octopus, rays, eels, morays and a lot of other marine life.

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Four ladies, four months on four mules by Wendy Rains

an you imagine riding up the entire Baja Peninsula on a mule? Well, that’s what four brave ladies decided to do, inspired to re-create the same 1,000 mile trek on the little used mountain trails of the Meling Expedition over 50 years ago. Tagged as La Mula Mil, or Mule 1000, it was the brainstorm of Leslie Pringle, a Canadian journalist who approached Trudi Angell, who leads pack mule rides, among other adventures out of Loreto. As Leslie wrote in her blog, Wrrldgrrl, they had four goals: 1) to successfully re-create the Meling Expedition of 1963/64 as a 50th anniversary tribute, 2) to produce a coffee-table book of photography and stories that overlay the two expeditions, 3) to celebrate the people and the pueblos of Baja California and thereby promote tourism in Baja California Mexico, and 4) to raise awareness of and funds for their three favorite non-profit associations. Coins for Classrooms, Living Roots Baja and Mujeres del Golfo . In Leslie’s own words, her personal goals included, “wanting to be one with the land I was walking, riding, sleeping on. I wanted time to reconnect with myself.” After much planning with fellow riders, Trudi’s daughter Olivia Angell, 24, was put in charge of the evening meals and monitoring supplies. As a Genealogist, Teddi Montes’s mission was to do some DNA testing on the families they encountered and trace their heritage back to the original Spanish settlers. She also took on the tasks of wrangling, saddling and unsaddling the animals, pitching the tents and loading the pack animals. On November 4th, 2013 in San Jose del Cabo, they began what would be a four month journey to Tecate, full of challenges, colorful stories and adventures all the way. They had a wonderful guide along, too… Don Nacho Chiapa, to help move the mules and gear. They were able to cover from 8-15 miles a day. One might think this would be a “once in a lifetime” experience, but for Eve Ewing, who rode with the original expedition 50 years ago, this was an opportunity to do it again. So at 78 years old, Eve also joined them on parts of the trip. By the end of November they were in San Javier in time for the town’s annual festival with horse races and cock fights, and joined the hundreds of riders who showed up for the grand Cabalgata on December 2nd, riding from out of

Yellow Flowers: Photo by Leslie Pringle.

town up to the Mission. Even though there was very little communication with the outside world, as well as between each other when separated, Olivia kept up a blog as often as possible, and Leslie also had her blog, and was in charge of La Mula Mil’s facebook page and photographs, so people could keep up with their progress and read their stories. One of Olivia’s early blogs tells about how they had to stuff all their food up into the mesquite trees at their campsite to keep the wild pigs from eating it all. Whoever made it to camp first, set it up. At one point Don Nacho’s mules had run off and the ladies boldly proceeded without him for a couple of days on unfamiliar trails, while he tried to round them up. They ate pretty well, with favorite dishes being chicken mole tostadas, chicken tamales and beans, and salads. The kind people from the various villages they passed through brought them fresh ingredients along the way. I believe a La Mula Mil cookbook is in the works to share their camping recipes. When you think about the physical trials, tribulations, and responsibilities four ladies on mules were dealing with, one might wonder how they fared emotionally. Well they were very wise in how they handled that and each other. Every Monday evening, they formed a “touch base” circle when each person expressed how they were feeling, good or bad, and worked through issues that needed solutions. It was cold, foggy, and drizzly at times, but they toughed it out, sometimes without much water for themselves or feed for their mules, which was a concern. Some friends and various researchers joined them for different parts of

the journey. By mid January they were half way, and Leslie had gotten pretty sick with the flu and had to stay in San Ignacio Springs for a couple of weeks before re-joining the group. Mules were changed at times and had to be trailered back to where they came from. Trudi also told a great story about her having to hitchhike home with a bunch of mules, waiting for the right trailer to come along. It took two days! Even though there were some paying guests along the way, by the end of February, expenses ran higher than expected and a call went out to raise some money to keep them going, and to help pay their support team. Donors came through and they were able to finish the trip. By March 27th, the riding was over. There was a joyous reunion at Rancho Ojai in Tecate with some members of the expedition of 50 years ago, who hadn’t seen each other since. Trudi talks about how touched she was by the back country rancheros’ and guides’ support, hospitality and generosity. Sometimes their wives would accompany them on horseback for a while. Her favorite part was when she found herself completely alone on the trail. Would she do it again? “Yes!”, she said. “I think I will wait two years, though, when I turn 62.” Why do this, you ask? Trudi and Leslie both wish for people to see that the world is not as scary as we are led to believe it is. It is their hope that humans can recognize each other’s humanity and learn to enjoy the world outside their own boundaries, both physical and emotional. Leslie said it best, “The more I go “outside” into the physical realm, the more I discover of myself “inside” in the spiritual realm.

Siesta: Girly hats.... Photo by Leslie Pringle

On the road: Photo by Leslie Pringle

Mula Mil riders. Photo by Christian Torres

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Whale watching - This seasons don’t miss event

P EVENTS Would you like to include your event announcement in the Vallarta Tribune? Please send details directly to editor@vallartatribune.com Maximum 50 words. Deadline is Monday for Friday distribution. Vallarta – Nayarit Gastronomica October 22 - 25, 2014 Seminars, cooking demonstrations and events held at various locations around the Bay of Banderas with respected industry professionals, primarily in Spanish. www.vallartanayaritgastronomica.com Día De Los Muertos Oct. 31-Nov. 2, 2014 A celebration of life in death, this colourful Mexican tradition remembers loved ones who have passed with festivities. In the main plaza of Puerto Vallarta you will find an altar competition along with many events around town. International Sailfish & Marlin Tournament Nov. 12-15, 2014 Sponsored by the Puerto Vallarta Fishing Club, the Puerto Vallarta International Sailfish and Marlin Tournament celebrates its 59th year. In effort to recognize conservation efforts changes have been made to this year’s event including only marlin of over 220 lbs, sailfish of more than 77 lbs, tuna over 66 lbs, and mahi-mahi over 22 lbs will qualify. Exciting prizes and events surround the tournament. International Festival Gourmet Vallarta Nov. 13-23, 2014 Vallarta’s most popular gourmet festival celebrates its 20th anniversary this year with 29 restaurants participating in Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. Local chefs work alongside international chefs to create exceptional meals on specially priced menus. Watch the Tribune for more information about participating restaurants, chef’s and events or visit FestivalGourmet.com.

erhaps the most spectacular event of the season is the arrival of the humpback whale. While we still have some time before their arrival, you may consider booking your tours soon as the influx of Cabo diverted vacationers has many agencies crying ‘Sold Out!’ Between the months of December - March, whales can be seen from the coast; a short walk on the beach will produce the sighting of a blow hole erupting, a slapping fin or the most spectacular view of them all: the male back flip. The annual whale migration from the cold waters of Alaska brings them as far down as the coasts of Vallarta-Nayarit where they procreate and raise their young in the warm waters of Banderas Bay. The newborns don't yet possess the required amount of body fat to isolate them from the cold water in the North pacific. Spending the winter in our area gives them time. In March, they will be strong enough for the journey back to Alaska. While females nurse the calves, teaching them behaviors such as breaching, spy hopping, pectoral fin and tail slapping, the males sing in long, repetitive voices to court females, and mate when possible. Many boats will drop a micro-

phone into the water so you can hear firsthand the enchanting, hunting, songs from under the water. Males keen on impressing females with their size will jump entirely out of the water, roll in the air and land on their back in a big splash - no small task at a weight of 30 Tons. Of course, this show is much more thrilling when done just dozens of feet away while you're sitting in your boat, hence the enormous popularity of the whale watching tours. The Humpback Whale is a protected species so there is no touching or feeding but many times the whales will put on a show for the boat's strange inhabitants, with their clocking cameras and the "oohs" and "awes" from all.

A typical whale watching expedition will take between 2-4 hours and will combine breakfast on board. Once a whale has been spotted in the distance, the boat will race towards it, stopping at the required distance to allow cameras to roll: The human cries of joy and astonishment, the sounds and streams of water coming out of the from the blowhole near you, the playful splashing of the mothers and young, the smiling faces, because of the curve of their mouth, you would swear they're smiling at you, makes for an unforgettable experience. When the giant mammals disappear under water, the photo comparing and the existed chatter resumes until the next whale appears in the distance and the whole show repeats itself again.

Tierra Alta presents first annual Vallarta/Nayarit Paint Out and Plein Air Festival

ierra Alta is a pristine ecological cabin development in an oak forest on the edge of the Sierra Madre Mountains less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta near the town of El Tuito. Featuring numerous and yet undiscovered views, the site is the perfect location for inaugurating what will become a Vallarta – Nayarit community artistic tradition. The time honored practice of recording the immediate beauty of a time and place in the open air and natural light is commonly given the French term: En Plein Air and its roots can be traced to the Impressionists and various 18th and 19th century schools of art. At Tierra Alta, artists will choose their sites from which to paint in a variety of mediums including oils, acrylics, pastels, charcoal and graphite. The event will cover a

two-day period with registration taking place on Saturday morning the 17th of January, 2015. Completed artworks will be viewed and judged on the following day, Sunday the 18th of January 2015 by a panel of three judges. Awards and honorariums will be given to several of the artists whose works will be considered to have best captured the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The event will be open to all regional and visiting artists as well as to the appreciating public at large who will have the opportunity to enjoy seeing the artists at work. Festivities shall include farmfresh and organic regional food and drink to be provided by regional restaurants and caterers. A Call to Artists will follow this announcement in the coming weeks that will specify all of the

details and scheduling needed for participation in this exciting event. WHAT: The First Annual Vallarta – Nayarit Paint Out and Plein Air Festival WHERE: Tierra Alta Ecological Development on the edge of the Sierra Madre Mountains less than an hour from Puerto Vallarta. WHEN: Saturday, January 17th and Sunday January 18th, 2015 Proudly Sponsored by: Tierra Alta, an Ecological Cabin Development 222-9180, 322-294-2141: info@tierraaltatuito.com Tropicasa Realty: 322-222-6505, info@tropicasa.com The Loft Galeria: 222-6353, sales@theloftgaleria.com

...FIND YOUR DREAM HOME Vallarta - Nayarit Advertise your properties with the Vallarta Tribune. Contact Sales Office 225 4982

USD $ 595,000

USD $ 149,900 Bucerías, Nayarit

USD $ 369,000

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit

USD $ 339,000

Casa La Kasbah La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nay

Beachfront Condo Bucerias, Nayarit

USD $ 2,250,000 BEACHFRONT HOUSE Punta De Mita, Nayarit La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Nayarit

This is the best of pueblo living and beachfront bliss. Condo Los Alebrijes provides the ultimate oceanside lifestyle for those who desire beach walks, stand-up paddle boarding and kite surfing right at your doorstep while being able to step outside its tranquil oasis into the Golden Zone’s most popular street where galleries, shops and restaurants abound. One of only 10 exclusive condos located in a gated, low profile building directly on the long sandy beach of Bucerias, it has an elegant pool, entertainment palapa, barbecue area and its own tennis court. The unit has three bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom and a service quarters with an additional fourth bathroom. Two covered parking spaces and a storage locker are deeded with the condo. This property sells furnished excluding artwork and some decorative items. It has a private locker and additional common storage for paddleboards, kayaks and surfboards. www.mexi-go.ca/bucerias/house/685

USD $ 249,000 Bucerías, Nayarit

USD $ 329,000 Casa Carola Bucerías, Nayarit

México

USD $ 549,000

Villa Coral 32 – La Isla Mazatlán, Sinaloa

USD $ 449,000 ENCHANTING VILLAGE Ajijic, Jalisco

CAD $ 400,000 PH with rooftop terrace Huatulco, Oaxaca

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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...INDIA

Will you check out those ears! We have been told she is a very good listener and has not been known to leave the ground (yet!). India is about 8 months old and 40 pounds. She is such a sweetheart…very calm and cuddly but also just loves to play with her housemates. She is good with other dogs and even cats. India will charm you the minute you meet her. Just a love. 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 20

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS 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

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

Hospitals 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

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

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

Vallarta´s only English newspaper

ADVERTISE HERE Ask for better prices!!

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

Emergency Phone for Sayulita

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

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 21

Friday Oct 10 - 16, 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.

TRIBUNA de la Bahía Sábado 25 de febrero de 2012

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