Issue 923, December 12-18, 2014 by Vallarta Tribune

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Local MARKETS AND MEN

Dec 12 - 18, 2014 Free Issue 923

Holiday Shopping gift Giving ideas

Entertainment barbra streisand

Photos courtesy of OTFM

Deck the halls with these â&#x20AC;&#x153;make it, bake it, grow itâ&#x20AC;? goodies from the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural

welcome 02

Friday Dec 12-18, 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 Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com RAMIRO LOPEZ ventastribuna7@yahoo.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 Guayabitos 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.

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-todate 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!

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 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.

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.

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.

Flower of the Week Pigeon Berry Duranta erecta

www.vallartatribune.com

olden Dewdrop. This perennial flowering shrub is often used as a ground cover. The tiny purple flowers are attractive contrasts in any ornamental garden. Native to Mexico, it grows well in tropical and subtropical regions. Its leaves and yellow-orange berries are toxic although not to birds who eat the berries. It attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. From Sandra at Vallarta Farmer’s Markets on Fridays and Saturdays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

Sandra Cesca

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

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

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

Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

Editorial 03

www.vallartatribune.com

Editor´s Note

This past week has been one of decorating and shopping. My mom and I scoured the markets and boutiques of Vallarta looking for the perfect gifts for her to fly with back to Canada. I bet my sister never knew she needed tamarindo candy, but she will soon! Usually, I avoid the Flea Market because it’s too much work to shop and answer (politely) the same leading questions over and over again. Typically I save it for specific items (a Rasta hat with detachable dread, for example) and I’m in and out, but this past week, I dove right in and there are a few people in my family that will come out the

otherside of Christmas morning better for it. There are also a number of really great boutiques outside of the market stalls mingled between candy shops andTequila purveyours. There is a leather purse shop called Yeo from Tlaquepaque (which is a great word to say) that has the most gorgeous hand tooled bags, and next to it is a new boutique with items imported from Bali called Lemongrass. If you need a new purse, dress, bracelet, sandals, belt, scarf, or basket, run don’t walk to this adorably chic shop. I’ve also hit up Liverpool, Lans and this weekend maybe the streets of Pitillal. If you are looking for something in particular, let me know I may have seen just the right thing in my travels. My mother would tell you that given the opportunity, I would have been an excellent professional shopper. Happy shopping. Please support local where you can. Until next week, Madeline

There’s a new guy in town By Madeline Milne

his winter there is another producer coming to Vallarta to showcase their best acts. Vallarta has many top notch venues for professional stage productions and that is what draws Canadian, Merv Buchanan to put together his first of many shows here at the Act II Entertainment with ‘Walk Like a Man’, a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute from December 17th through 24th starring a Canadian Idol semi-finalist Paul Fracassi. I asked Merv to tell us why he landed in Vallarta. “My main attractions to Puerto Vallarta are the people, the climate and the active entertainment scene. I feel comfortable here, not just because the city is full of Canadians, but also

because of the friendly, local culture. I think I can be of service to the community by bringing some of the shows I produce here. I believe that while visitors definitely enjoy Spanish-flavoured entertainment, having access to familiar entertainment from home is a valuable attraction for the community too. I want to spend 6 months of the year in Puerto Vallarta, but I need to stay active and involved. Having a “PV office” to handle local appearances by my performers is the ideal situation.” My “Walk Like A Man” show is appearing next week at Act II Stages. Next month, I also have “Elvis! Elvis!”, “Buddy Holly Lives!” and “The Legendary Patsy Cline” coming to the new Stage & Forum theatre, in Nuevo Vallarta. If you get a chance please welcome Merv to town at one of his upcoming shows.

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

e invite everyone to stop by the SPCA table at the Old Town Farmers Market. For you ladies, we will soon receive a shipment of scoop neck t-shirts that you requested in both black and white. We will also have some aprons and bags which Lisa Love makes for us. If you have any leashes, collars or dog/cat accessories you would like to donate, you can drop them off at the SPCA table. We have an ongoing need for help transporting dogs to the States and Canada. The SPCA will take care of all the details and cost of transporting the animals. All you have to do is show up at the airport in Vallarta and one of our volunteers will meet you with the animal and get it checked in for the flight. Another SPCA volunteer will meet the plane at your destination and pick up the dog. Stop by our table and we will answer any questions you might have. Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. 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. Our special volunteer of the week is Nicole Martin…. our own “energizer rabbit”. Nicole is a supreme marketer and is responsible for a number of our successful fund raising campaigns. She does the weekly tour to the sanctuary as well as maintaining our high presence on Facebook. We love her to death! 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 and vehicle space is limited. We ask everyone to meet in the Costco parking lot beside the three large trees in open grassy area. 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 anywhere from one to four hours in length. Please feel free to bring donations and treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it. And now, we have begun scheduling tours from Nuevo Vallarta so don’t hesitate to 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.

parties of the year. “We hope people take advantage of this very unique opportunity to see this many world-class stars on one stage,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “Many of them

had already hung up their guitars and are coming out of retirement just for these concerts. You really can’t miss this event!” You can also purchase tickets on line at the events official website www. vallartanayaritclassicrockfest. com or through TicketMaster.

Everything is a go for the Classic Rock Fest

n information and ticket sales booth is now set up at the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta and will be open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for this can’t-miss event! Every rocker has his day and the stars are already gathering

and fine-tuning their instruments while those in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta are busy finalizing the details to kick off the most important artistic event of the year: the Vallarta-Nayarit Classic Rock Fest. The organizing committee has

announced that everything is a go. The region’s hotels have blocked off rooms for guests to make their reservations for the weekend of December 11-15, when the destinations will celebrate the coolest decades of rock with one of the hottest

news 04

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

Mexico will replant 8.5 million hectares

www.vallartatribune.com

More new flights coming to Mexico Los Cabos and Cancun plus flights out of Houston, Montreal, New York

irlines continue to add new flights between Mexico and the United States and Canada. Air Canada announced yesterday it will offer a new service linking Mexico City and Montreal beginning May 2, with up to five flights a week. The airline will operate an Airbus A319 on the route. Its leisure carrier subsidiary Air Canada Rouge will provide the service. Over on the Pacific coast, Los Cabos has new service from Portland, Oregon, and Seattle, Washington. Alaska Airlines began operating a 181-seat Airbus 737-900 on November 20, with four flights a week running until April 27. Delta Air Lines also begins offering new flights this month to Los Cabos. Non-stop flights will run seven days a week out of San

exico will lead the way in reforestation projects pledged during a climate change conference this week in Lima, Peru. Eight Latin American countries will replant 20 million hectares of degraded land by the year 2020 in a project known as Initiative 20×20. Of those 20 million hectares, Mexico will plant 8.5 million under the plan, which will be financed by five private investment funds that have committed a total of US $365 million. The pledges were made yesterday at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, where the project was announced by one of the conservation groups behind it, the World Resources Institute in Washington, DC. Walter Vergara, a senior fellow at the institute, says Latin America has

lost about 36 million hectares of forest and grassland to agriculture in just 14 years. The region is growing more food but it is being done at the expense of virgin forest and grassland, said Vergara. Converting that land for agriculture and livestock accounts for nearly half of all greenhouse gas emissions in the region, the institute says. Instead of funding the project with grants from charities, it is turning to investment funds looking to make a profit. The largest contribution will be made by Luxembourg-based Althelia Climate Fund, which invests in agro-forestry projects near protected areas. “We want to build a credible business case so that bigger tickets will follow,” said a managing partner of the fund, Christian del Valle. The idea is to plant trees on land currently used for

agriculture, helping the land retain water, thereby adding to its productivity and providing shelter for animals. In the long term, the trees can be harvested to provide farmers with more income. That process can produce significant results, says the technical director of the Moringa Fund, which also invests in Latin America, as well as Africa. Clement Chénost said a patch of trees can improve pasture land by as much as six times, which means less acreage can sustain more livestock. Other countries that have pledged to join the initiative are Peru with 3.2 million hectares, Guatemala 1.2 million, Colombia 1 million, Ecuador 500,000, Chile 100,000 and Costa Rica 50,000 hectares. Source: mexiconewsdaily. com

Angel Needed - Volunteer Baking!

ose has three daughters and sells pastries to support them. He takes three buses every day to get into town. You may have seen him standing across from the Sea Monkey with his tray of goodies. He is there every day, year round. A couple of years ago, an ex-pat angel named Teresa decided to help

him boost his profits by bringing him two dozen brownies to add to his offerings. It was a big success so now she does this a couple of times a week. They have become friends. Last month Teresa had to have emergency surgery. When Jose learned of this he cried. Now Teresa must leave her beloved Vallarta forever and return to the

US for further surgery. She hasn’t told Jose about this yet and she is very concerned about him. Would you like to become Jose’s next angel? Teresa hopes that someone will step up to meet this need. She says it is very easy and you don’t need to be a Betty Crocker. To learn more contact Teresa at WOLHLGA@aol.com.

Diego, California, and four days a week from Seattle, Washington, until January 10, following which the flight will operate only on Saturdays. Delta will also launch a flight to Los Cabos from JFK in New York on Saturdays until June 27. All three new Delta flights will begin on December 20. Earlier this year the airline announced it would expand its service to Mexico by 25%. Spirit Airlines will improve connections out of Houston, Texas, next year, with new flights to Los Cabos and Cancún. The Los Cabos flights will operate twice a week beginning May 7, increasing to four a week on June 11. The Cancún flights will run three times a week to start, increasing to daily, on the same dates as Los Cabos. Source: USA Today www.mexiconewsdaily.com

Canadian firm, Alfa talking joint venture Firms are eyeing oil and gas projects in Mexico

anadian energy firm Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp. has signed a preliminary agreement with the Mexican conglomerate Alfa to create a joint venture to participate in energy projects in Mexico. The accord is in line with Alfa’s strategy to participate actively in the petroleum and gas industry in Mexico, said its chairman, Armando Garza Sada, in a news release. Based in Monterrey, Alfa produces a wide range of goods from auto parts to bacon strips, and has a 19% stake in Pacific Rubiales, whose focus is moving to Mexico from Colombia and Peru, where it has been active for a number of years in oil and natural gas extraction. Analysts and Pacific Rubiales shareholders had been anticipating a takeover by Alfa, but yesterday’s news is being seen as a sign that that’s not going to

happen soon. Pacific shares fell 13% in Bogotá today, its biggest drop in five years, while Alfa gained a point. A joint venture between the two firms would give Alfa access to heavy oil expertise. Pacific Rubiales is the largest independent oil and natural gas producer in Latin America. The company signed an agreement with Pemex in October to analyze potential oil and gas projects. Sources: mexiconewsdaily. com

www.vallartatribune.com

NEWS 05

Peña Nieto’s New Security Policy to Put Emphasis on Cities

exican President Enrique Peña Nieto on Thursday announced a series of measures intended to stem the infiltration of organized crime into municipalities and city halls around the country after the wave of protests over the disappearance of 43 teaching students two months ago in the southern state of Guerrero. In a national address, Peña Nieto made clear that the states with the greatest institutional weaknesses are Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan and Tamaulipas, where he will concentrate security efforts during the first phase of his plan. He said that he shares in “society’s demand for justice” after the events in the Guerrero town of Iguala, which he called the “most cowardly and cruel attack by organized crime” in complicity with corrupt police. That incident resulted in the confirmed deaths of six people, some 20 wounded and the disappearance of 43 teaching students. “These acts of barbarism cannot remain unpunished,” the president said and those who have taken to the streets “are right: after Iguala, Mexico must change.” Peña Nieto committed himself to doing everything necessary to free the country “from criminality, (and) combat corruption and impunity,” calling on Mexicans not to become pessimistic and not to resort to violence or vandalism to demand justice. Peña Nieto also announced that on Monday he will present to Congress three constitutional reforms, one to create single police forces in the country’s 32 states, another to combat the infiltration of orga-

nized crime in the municipalities and the third to define the responsibilities and jurisdictions of all authorities in the fight against crime. The first reform is aimed at “going from more than 1,800 weak municipal police forces, which easily can be corrupted by crime, to 32 solid state security bodies that will be more trustworthy, more professional and more efficient,” he said, adding that the focus will be in the four states in question. The second reform will result in “dissolving” a city hall “when sufficient indications exist that the local authorities are involved with organized crime,” as happened with Iguala Mayor Jose Luis Abarca, who is under arrest as the intellectual author of the attacks on the teaching students. Regarding the third initiative, Peña Nieto explained that it will redefine the responsibilities of the authorities in the anti-crime fight, “taking into account the institutional strengths of the different levels of government,” federal, state and municipal. “When everybody has responsibility, in reality nobody has it,” said the president, complaining that the “complex system of penal responsibilities” in Mexico “creates dispersed responsibilities, confusion in enforcing the law and, the most serious thing, impunity.” The president also revealed the creation of three special economic zones including Guerrero, Michoacan, Chiapas and Oaxaca, the country’s poorest states, via a legal initiative to spur development, trade and infrastructure that will be sent to Congress in February 2015. Source: lath.com

Carlos Slim Plans to Invest $3.9 Billion in Mexico in 2015

rupo Carso, which is owned by billionaire Carlos Slim, said it planned to invest 54.7 billion pesos ($3.92 billion) in Mexico next year. The funds will be invested in subsidiaries operating in different industries, including telecommunications, industrial infrastructure, real estate, retailing, construction and mining, the company said in a statement. Grupo Carso said it had adhered to the operating principles of efficiency, competitiveness, investment and commitment to the markets it operates in since its founding. The company also has “health, nutrition, education, research, environmental, cultural, sports and social justice” that it supports to help society, Grupo Carso said. Slim’s fortune totals $77.4 billion, making him the world’s second-richest

person behind only Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, Forbes magazine reported. Grupo Carso is one of Latin America’s largest conglomerates and Slim also owns America Movil, a telecommunications company that operates in 18 countries and serves more than 260 million customers. The billionaire controls Grupo Financiero Inbursa, the financial arm of his vast business empire. Source:www.laht.com

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

June Rosen Lopez annual Holiday opening!

or the last 13 years June has been opening up her Gallery and her home for a holiday party. June is a local jeweller and designer who has lived in Puerto Vallarta for 35 years. This opening has become a holiday tradition. You can visit, have a toast, say hello to old friends and make some new friends. Opening days are Saturday, December 13th and Sunday, December 14th from 2 to 8. Her gallery has a great new holiday collection, in all price ranges. June’s work, the use of semi and precious stones is worth a look. Plus she represents other crafts people here in Mexico. Once again she is donating 10 % of her sales to two charities ... Becas Vallarta and New Life Mexico. June’s Gallery is in her home at 200 Francisca Rodriquez, the same street as the pier, one block up from Olas Altas, corner of Pino Suarez. Drop by and say hi! junesjewel74@hotmail.com 2225049 / Cell 322 7796491 U.s line 1646 291 6852

LOCAL 06

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Off the Beaten Path

Paradise and Parenting

By Ariel O’Donnell arielod@hotmail.com

Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

La Guadalupana

f you have never been to Vallarta during the first twelve days in December, then you are missing a huge part of what it means to spend the holiday season in Mexico. Every evening for those twelve days there are peregrinaciones, or pilgrimages, to the Church of Guadalupe in El Centro, to pay homage to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Many individuals and organizations create elaborate floats that recreate the moment that the Virgin of Guadalupe appeared to the Aztec Juan Diego. Aztec dancers also make processions to the cathedral and you will hear the song “La Guadalupana” sung by the hundreds of pilgrims that are walking in candlelit solidarity. Some of you will tell me that you are leaving your home country at Christmas in order to get away from all of the holiday madness. You will say that you are tired of the materialism and selfishness that has begun to permeate the season. You will say that you came to lie on a beach and allow the sun to turn your brain into bread pudding for just seven blessed days. You’ve chosen to travel during this time of year to escape something: stress, weather, numbing routine, the growing materialism. I challenge you to embrace that feeling of escape, and discover everything Mexico has to offer during our December celebrations. For our family, Christmas cannot begin until we have spent one evening in El Centro during December 1 to 12. Here is my personal list of events for the evening: 1) Find parking 2) Find parking while asking the children to let daddy concentrate on driving 3) Find parking while discussing with the children which thing they may no longer be able to purchase unless we make some changes around here 4) Race to watch our favorite Aztec dancers

5) Find out that the Aztec dancers actually start in two hours, at the exact time that we will be (if there’s any justice in this world) climbing into bed 6) Watch a spectacular reenactment taking place on a float of The Virgin of Guadalupe appearing to Juan Diego 7) Look for the vendor selling the same glowing, blinking, twirling thing that that other kid has 8) Find all the other vendors selling glowing, blinking things but nothing twirls 9) Find the vendor selling the glowing, blinking, twirling thing, only to be told that they are sold out 10) Make a tough but unanimous group decision that twirling is way overrated and that glowing and blinking is where it’s at 11) Watch another spectacular reenactment on a float of The Virgin of Guadalupe appearing to Juan Diego 12) Begin the agonizing search for That Perfect Snack among the countless stalls of Perfect Snacks (all of which are available only once a year during La Guadalupana) 13) Finally settle on tamales for the grownups and elote con crema for the children. Sit down on a step in the main plaza and get ready to dig in 14) Buy more snacks after the dogs jump into our laps in order to spill and subsequently eat the first ones 15) Be informed by the children that their very survival depends on a crepa with nutella 16) Line up at the crepa stand 17) Realize that, after the crepa line, we are just in time to

Rivera del Rio Boutique Hotel

F see the Aztec dancers. How can it possibly have been two hours already? 18) Spend what is probably in the top ten of the most beautiful moments in our lives. The noise of the drum is actually beating inside us while we take in all the grace and reverence of the dancers. The lights shining from the Cathedral’s jeweled crown is bathing the whole scene in a light that we will be unable to describe to anyone else. No one is angry; no one wants another snack or a glowing thing. We are just here, right now, part of a bigger family that is the community of Vallarta. Come and join us. .

or a number of years now, I’ve gazed across the Rio Cuale and always wondered about the mysterious building with a life-size statue peering over the balcony. After some asking around I was told it is the boutique hotel Rivera del Rio. Curious for more details, I went online to check out the website, and was even more intrigued. Crazy rooms with names like: Carlotta, Candelaria and Cortez. Eight guest accommodations in total, each decorated in a unique and utterly whimsical style. It turns out that my friend, Kandace Andriadis, a longtime resident of Vallarta, is the mother of the owner and operator Alexander Andriadis. She handed me a flier and told me that I absolutely had to see her son’s wonderful hotel! After a flurry of emails and phone calls I was finally able to catch up with Alexander the Rivera del Rio’s proprietor. This was no easy feat, as this man is BUSY! He’s dashing, young and incredibly energetic. We met in the main salon, which hosts (amongst other curiosities) an indoor duck pond (stocked with wooden decoys), trompe-l'œil wall paintings, moose antlers, and wall sconces held up by sculpted arms, very reminiscent of one of my favorite classics, Jean Cocteau’s Beauty and the

Beast. Alexander is a dynamo and seamlessly answered two Smartphones, checked-in two parties of guests, made margaritas, served guacamole, and made vacation recommendations to new arrivals, all the while keeping everything totally engaging and together. I was shocked to learn that this was his first time as a hotelier as he seems to have been born to the vocation. The house itself was built in the late 1970’s by Alexander’s grandmother Silver. She was one of the first expats to build on the opposite side of the Rio Cuale. The construction was accomplished over the course of many years, in a piecemeal and idiosyncratic way. “Strange rooms with bathrooms in the middle. Stairways and doors that made no sense. My grandmother was getting older towards the end of construction, and I don’t think she had the time or energy to continue with the project.” Alexander was born here in Mexico, and spent much of his life traveling back and forth here from his home in Arizona, where he studied and worked, specializing in working with persons with disabilities. “My Grandmother passed away a few years ago, and the house was in ruins. I was continuing to spend time here and my mother Kandace, an avid animal lover had set up a veritable zoo. She had cats, birds, rabbits and a resident opossum.” “This type of lifestyle, at the time, seemed completely normal. You know how it is when you’ve been living in the same place for so long—you stop looking at the big picture and just accept everything the way it is.” “When my grandmother passed away I had a big dilemma regarding the property. We had a few realtors take a look, and they were pretty horrified with the disrepair, and scoffed at its marketability. That’s when I decided to just refurbish it and turn it into a boutique B&B!” “Everyone thought I was totally

LOCAL 07

www.vallartatribune.com

insane. They were skeptical that anyone would want to stay in this area, which is very much a local scene. To top it all off, the neighbors were very much against the project.” But Alexander forged ahead, and redesigned the house from the ground up. Combining new hand crafted elements, along with some of his grandmother’s touches. “Since then there has been an amazing transformation. Now all of the neighbors have become our biggest supporters, and see the area surrounding the Rivera as an excellent location to open their own businesses and revitalize the neighborhood.” And as we are going to print construction has just started to refurbish the street and build a linear park. This is great news as it is on the heels of two years of neighborhood association meetings. This is a pivotal turning point, showing that the neighborhood and Rivera de Rio can work together to get the city’s attention. “Just two doors down Martha Alicia Ramirez Pena own’s the restaurant Girasoles. She’s just unveiled a set of charming picnic tables right above the Rio Cuale. The other neighbors see the potential and have become active collaborators in working with the city to the repair the main road and make it more visitor friendly.” During our interview a couple had just returned from the Vallarta Eats food tour. Alexander likes to promote the tour, which features street food from all around the neighborhood. The visitors loved the tour, and were heading up to their room for a siesta and to recover from the generous quantities of tacos. A huge portrait of Silver graces the salon. She’s adorned in a glamorous evening gown. Too, the salon has photos of Alexander’s mother Kandace looking stunning and vivacious, and a sweet photo of Alexander as a little boy with their maid Chayo, who still works at the hotel. The staff here is clearly

part of his family. Lean and elegant Diego Bedini, Alexander’s partner, works constantly to keep the atmosphere fun and engaging. “ Our clientele of River del Rio is varied and adventurous. They are people who want to experience Mexico, and not be ensconced in an all-inclusive resort. We really develop a relationship with them, and have many, many repeat customers. Our service is very personal and people book far in advance now.” Diego is originally from Buenos Aires, Argentina, studied and worked in the theater, and clearly loves the aesthetics and beauty of both the hotel and Vallarta. He’s widely traveled and fun to talk with. “We really like to spend time with our guests, and they become more like friends. Running a hotel is very personal, but I love to meet all of the new people. We have guests from all over the world, so it is never boring.” Too, they’ve hired Rocio Martinez Quintal a marketing expert and local concierge, who’s working with them to promote the hotel within the Mexican National market. To find out more, visit their amazing website at: http:// www.riveradelrio.com/. Truly a gem of Vallarta!

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

Old Town Farmers Marke Work Out the Kinks with Golden Hands Massage Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

By Erin Staley

eed to work out the kinks of a busy lifestyle? We’ve “got your back” with the market’s very own US-certified massage therapist, Sal Trujillo Denova of Golden Hands Massage. For 14 years, Sal has been soothing the aches and pains of guests from all over the world. His training experience includes the Alpha Institute School of Massage (Port St. Lucie Florida) and the Universidad Autonoma de Chapingo (Mexico City, D.F.). Sal has worked in some of the most well-known resorts in the Banderas Bay area: St. Regis, Hotel des Artistes, Mantamar Beach Club and Garza Blanca Resort and Spa. Today, Sal takes care of market goers with on-site massage treatments. “At the Market” Massage This Saturday, indulge in one of Sal’s rejuvenating 15- or 30-minute massages: •Foot massage •Deep tissue massage •Therapeutic massage •Shiatsu Make a Massage Appointment If you would like a more

personalized massage, you are welcome to visit his studio at Francisca Rodriguez 156-B or make a private home or room service appointment (+52 322-185-1969, goldenhandsmassage01(at)gmail.com or Facebook). There you can receive the full

treatment, including facials, body wraps, exfoliations, aromatherapy as well as alphabiotic alignment and medical biomagnetism. Alphabiotic alignment is a 30-second approach to the alignment of the body, mind and spirit forces. As a result, the brain is

synchronized, reducing stress and releasing muscular tension. Medical biomagnetism is a non-invasive therapy known for preventing and treating chronic illnesses, degenerative health issues and numerous diseases. It uses a magnet to balance positive and negative cellular charges in the body’s cells. No matter what Golden Hands Massage therapy you select, you will be invigorated and ready to soak up all the festivity that awaits at the OTFM-TC. Meet the OTFM-TC We’re a fun-filled North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. Every season, over 100,000 national and international shoppers stop by to pick up fine “make it, bake it, grow it” products, get to know local non-profits and take advantage

of wellness services. Holiday Shopping Must - Haves A foodie, fashionista or buy-local fan? We have the best gifts to share with those on your holiday shopping list! Don’t miss over 80 booths featuring everything from farmfresh produce, baked goods and homemade salsas, dips and moles to customizable clothing, artisan goods and whimsical home décor. You are Invited Join us this Saturday (9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town) for live music, artisan products and International fare (including vegan options). We’re open every Saturday from November 1 to April 25. For market updates, please visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook.

et - Tianguis Cultural

Find us at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas Romantic Zone Saturdays 9:30 - 2:00 pm

Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery

…where bread is an art. Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s …where bread is ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

an art.

Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

…where bread is an art. Na tu rally leave ne d sou rd ou g h s pe cialt y b r ead s ba ke d in ou r ow n ma so nry ov e n.

Swimwear and beachwear made to order! Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-13-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

local 10

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

Don’t Tell Mom By Terry Connell

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

Banderas Bay Initiative By Minerva Zamora minerva@fundacionpuntademita.org

dinner, just the two of us in my sister’s living room. She was thin, and weak from both chemo and cancer, and traveled with a portable oxygen tank with the plastic tubing clipped under her nose. While trying to get comfortable, mom took a moment to adjust her wig and the oxygen tube got caught under her arm. There was a bit of a struggle to untangle herself, until I reached in to help. Before I could do anything, she shrugged, pulled off the wig, and said through quick, shallow breaths, “It doesn’t really matter, does it? None of it does.” They were her last words to me. Was it a surrender, a revelation? I thought about responding, offering some profound words, maybe even apologizing for whatever problems I caused over the years. But she was right….it didn’t matter. We sat in the living room quietly, listening to everyone in the kitchen laughing and talking as they cleaned up after dinner. Terry Connell is a licensed acupuncturist and yoga teacher practicing in Old Town, Vallarta (www.eastmeetseast.net). In his spare time he walks his dog and reads and writes. His first book, “Slaves to the Rhythm” was a Cowley Literary Award Finalist (www.terryconnell.net).

Islas Marietas National Park

y now, most of us have seen that picture on social media of a pristine, hidden beach, set underneath a wide naturally formed crater, with white sand and turquoise waters washing up on its shores: la playa del amor. What started out as a picture taken by the son of smallboat tour operator to promote their tours on Facebook, spread like wildfire, not only being shared and liked on the site, but being picked up by important websites, being listed as one of the twenty magical beaches to visit before you die, etc. In an impressive demonstration of what social media, viral marketing (although unintended), and good photography can do, in less than two years, the number of visitors to this idyllic “love beach” increased by over 300%! Unfortunately, what the image and the websites it is posted and reposted on usually fail to tell their readers, is that this beach and the Marieta Islands on which it is located are part of a National Park. Why is it important to include the full name of the site, Parque Nacional Islas Marietas, you might ask me? Well, because, as a National Park, under the

PV Poker Tour Fundraiser by American Legion Post 14 The American Legion Post 14 of Puerto Vallarta announces their Annual “P.V. Poker Tour Fundraiser,” a charity event benefiting Corazon de Nina 40%, Torpedos American Football (Pop Warner 6 to 18) 40% and American Legion Community Relations Projects 20%. A $100 peso donation from participants to take part in the event which starts at 1:00 pm at Steve’s Bar, American Legion Post 14 headquarters. The tour begins at Nacho Daddy. There are 7 stops where a card is selected and the best 5

www.vallartatribune.com

is the final hand. There are many gifts given away during the event. We’ll stop in at Thirsty Cougar, Monchis/Pour Favor, Escondida Sports Bar, Que?Pasa, and will finish up around 4:30 at Murphy’s Irish Pub on the Malecon with a raffle drawing and the poker hand winners. A taxi bus will be provided by the participating bars; players can ride in these buses or walk. The charities benefiting are: Corazon de Nina, a local non-profit children’s shelter dedicated to providing housing, education, food, medical care,

and love to young girls who have been removed from shockingly abusive situations; Youth Sports, which is highly supported by American Legion Post 14, features Futbol Americano in the Banderas Bay area and includes Vallarta’s “Torpedos “ They operate similar to US Pop Warner football with ages 7 to 18 boys and girls playing. The American Legion is also working through the Jay Sadler Project, the Recreation Director of the municipality, the Navy League of Vallarta and DIF.

custody of the CONANP since 2005(Mexican National Commission of Natural Protected Areas), it means it has special ecological importance, and therefore, there are important rules and regulations that govern our interaction with it to keep it beautiful, pristine and ecologically sound before the world discovered its magic. It is important and exciting to note that this site is also recognized internationally as a RAMSAR wetland site, a World Heritage site, and a Man & the Biosphere Reserve site by UNESCO; we have a true treasure in our own backyard! This week, the CONANP is launching an awareness campaign of good behaviors to observe when we visit the Marietas Islands National Park. Please keep an eye out for it on their Facebook (Parque Nacional Islas Marietas), and maybe together we can make it as viral as the original photograph. Meanwhile, here are some rules we can follow, and make sure our tour operators follow when visiting the various sites of the Marietas Islands (remember, the customer is always right, and we can make a difference in how our guides behave): Ask for your bracelet!- This is the most important, as it ensures

there is a limit to how many people can visit the islands, it also certifies that your tour operator has paid the appropriate fees and taken the workshops on good practices. Take only photographs, leave only footprints- It is important we don’t take shells, rocks or wildlife from the islands, these are part of the ecosystem here. Likewise, wrappers, bottles and other garbage is not, please take care to take back all your garbage to the mainland. Protect the coral- The colorful coral underneath you is a grouping of hundreds of living animals. Touching them and standing on them damages them greatly, try to avoid it. These animals are the basis for much of the underwater life at these islands. Follow navigation and mooring rules- Only tie-up on the designated buoys, don’t throw anchors overboard or tie-up directly to the island. There are restricted areas were only swimmers are allowed, please respect them. Finally, if you are visiting on a private boat, take the time to visit the CONANP offices in Plaza Marina to obtain your day-pass. You can call them at 22-13-549 for more information.

www.vallartatribune.com

riviera nayarit 11

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

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

OLA! The Christmas season is in full swing with beautiful trees and colorful decorations adorning the town plaza, businesses, homes and the neighborhoods. Restaurants are busy planning their Christmas Eve menu feasts (and New Year’s). It’s that happy time of the year where Christmas carols are played and singing voices fill the air and the markets are brimming with holiday foods! The Bucerias Singers will be singing around town again this season. You can catch them at the Beta Sigma Phi Christmas Boutique on Saturday, December 13th 10:30ish Lazaro Cardenas #52, Bucerias, Thursday Dec 18th during the Bucerias Art Walk (which starts at 7pm) as they stop at various art galleries, and on the 22nd at the Monday Market at the Bucerias Art Walk Plaza at 10:30. Come and sing along! If you would like to create a recycled Christmas tree it’s not too late yet! Check in with Floydilou at the Bucerias Art Gallery and Studio in Bucerias just down from Mark’s Bar and Grill. For most of us it is a time of joy and happiness as we spend time with our families and friends during the holiday celebration. There are so many choices for live shows, musical entertainment and good food during the high season. Please check out the allBucerias.com calendar as well as the allLaCruz.com calendar for your outing pleasures, as well as fundraisers, fitness programs and everything in-between! Some folks are not as lucky, so let’s be aware of everyone and help those in need. Buying from local stores and markets help!

Looking for a gift? Be it small or large, both Jan Marie Boutique’s (next door to Mark’s Bar & Grill, and across the street) have a nice variety of collections that make perfect gifts. A lot of fun girlfriend gifts! FARM MERCADO- The new Friday Artisan Market F.A.R.M (Friday Artisanal Regional Market) by Sandrina’s on Lazaro Cardenas # 50 from 8am-1pm. F.A.R.M is a whole team effort of local artisans enjoying what they do. It is their way of living. F.A.R.M. states, “This is not just a market, it is a project and it is growing. We welcome more artisans and producers.” You can look them up on their Facebook page “Farm Mercado”. This new market is filled with fresh baked breads and all sorts of homemade goodies and food, baskets, jewelry, clothes, purses, and other items made by hand that make great Christmas gifts whilst helping support your local community. The Octopus’s Garden in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is now open! 10-6pm Monday through Saturday. Aruna and Wayland have come a long way since Wayland’s terrible accident last spring. Wayland has had wonderful progress on his healing path and continues forward with amazing spirit, faith and hard work. And so it is my greatest pleasure to announce their re-opening at this time! The Octopus’s Garden is selling their organic roasted coffee beans and serving coffee and breakfast cakes. Salsa dance lessons with Hugo Lopez are also began on Monday, December 8th. There are different levels of classes for kids and adults. The Garden is also

available for private celebrations on weekends and evenings. The La Cruz Huichol Art Gallery is open as well with an incredible selection of Huichol art, home décor, handbags and jewelry. There are more than 90 indigenous groups in Mexico today, each with its own language. Of all these, the Huichol Indians stand out as being one of those with the most evolved artistic and shamanic traditions. Their culture predates any religion. With their richly embroidered costumes and their flamboyant manners they now move in the cities of Mexico almost as confidently as in the wide mountain spaces that they cover in their pilgrimages. For the Huichol, everything is sacred; the earth, the air, water, and fire, but most particularly the trilogy of maize, deer and peyote. Part of a pre Hispanic culture that once spread over a large part of northern central Mexico, the Huichol language is of the Yutoazteca family, together with the Cora and Nahuatl languages. Their strong community traditions and rich oral history are vividly expressed in their yarn paintings. The placing of certain offerings is considered vital to the continuance of life on earth. Before the Spanish arrived the Huichol embellished their offerings with colored seeds and broken seashells. When the Spanish brought bright colored glass beads and yarn, the Huichol, who enjoy color, adopted the new beads and colored yarn. Enjoy a fascinating introduction to the timeless Huichol world with this brilliant collection of indigenous art from Nayarit and Jalisco by renowned artists Jose Benitez and Crescencio Perez. It is from these works of art that inspired the Huichol Art T-shirts that are printed and also for sale. The wide range of beaded jewelry and brilliantly beaded masks and carved animals, especially jaguar heads of all sizes will amaze you. There are also several books on the Huichol peoples available. What a great idea for Christmas gifts! Shambhala Meditation Class

Cat’s La Cruz Fun Picks of the Week: Tuesday’s - Open Mic Night at Pub Britannia Wednesday- Bingo at 3pm Britannia – Night out at Ana Banana with R&R Hardly Strictly Blues Thursday- Masala Bar & Grill 3 course special with Tatewari Flamenco guitars Friday- Ana Banana Bar & Grill - Rock and Roll Donny and the 5 Months Blind Band Saturday- BEACH DAY…a day of rest and relaxing on the playa… Destilideras is my Favorite! Sunday- La Cruz Sunday Market - Las Palapas Grill -2X1 Margaritas- Live music with the Hangars

Cat’s Bucerias Fun Picks of the Week: Every Day makes a good morning with Tim Horton’s Coffee on the Playa at Breakers Beach Bar Monday- Luna Lounge 2X1 Rib Night with live music Tuesday- Esquina 22 Bar & Lounge - live music with Piel Canela Happy Hour & food specials Wednesday- Breakers Beach Bar Sunset Party with What’s Up Band Thursday- Bucerias Art Walk 7-9 Friday- Breakers Beach Bar Salsa Dance Lessons - Late Happy Hour Esquina 22 & Live music Saturday- Luna Lounge - Banderas Bay Country Band 8:30 Sunday- Sunday Bucerias Market in Arroyo / Los Arroyos Verdes Pool Party 12:00-6 Live Music

Brus and Jean Westby are offering their popular Shambhala Meditation Class beginning this Sunday, 12/13, 10-11 A.M., at the Bucerias Bilingual Community Center building on 16 de Septiembre Street, just off Matamoros. Shambhala Meditation is designed for folks who lead busy, engaged lives. “Through this meditation, we develop mental and emotional stability, leading to insight, wisdom and compassion for others.” Experience is not necessary. Join in this Sunday. A 50 peso donation is requested. Thanks for tuning in! Please check the calendars (listed

above) for detailed information on fundraiser events, live music, shows and entertainment, and the markets. You may also want to check out our Facebook page RivieraNayaritFun (www.facebook. com/allrivieranayaritfun) for all kinds of fun local information, as well as some Mexico news. If you have any questions, please contact me. Looking for a rental, fishing boat or fun tour? Happy to help! Write to me at Cat@ RivieraNayaritFun.com or Cat@ NewEnergyConsciousness.com . Have a super fun week! Many Blessings of loving kindness and gratitude. Cat Morgan.

Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra’s Annual Christmas Concert

unday, December 14 at 4 pm at Teatro Vallarta. How fortunate we are to have our very own dedicated orchestra with whom we can celebrate the festive Holiday Season! This year’s concert will open with SYNG! – Vallarta's mixed-voice choir – and special guest singers presenting uplifting vocal ensembles, harmonic choral numbers, and a lively mix of traditional carols, many with unique classical arrangements. Under the direction of founder Lois Rogers, the 16-member choir will perform seasonal favorites like "Dona Nobis Pacem" and "Joy to the World." Other highlights of this first act include a memorable performance of the “Bell Carol,” starring the soaring voices of Sharon Baughman White, Kathy Overly and Lizzy Hewitt, with Shanti Doelger and Lois Rogers on the piano. Adding to the festive mix, a lively arrangement of “Deck the Hall,” and a female ensemble will sing a moving rendition of "Bring a Torch Jeanette Isabella,” with Garry Carson on guitar. In the second half of the program, the Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra takes us on a heartwarming musical voyage

through time, from the past to the present. Amongst the heart-soaring selections conducted by Daniel Oliveros, masterpieces from some of the greatest composers of all time: “Romeo and Juliet” by Tchaikovsky – inspired by Shakespeare's play of the same name; an extract of the 6th Symphony "Pastoral" by Beethoven; an original composition, "Prairie Song" by Carl Strommen – its majestic harmonies and catchy rhythms transporting us to the countryside of yore; and oboist Kathy Overly’s exquisite interpretation of “Ave María” by Vavilov. Of course, the orchestra will also present a beautiful selection of your favorite Christmas music, both traditional and modern. You will even have an opportunity to raise your voice and sing along, which is sure to put you in the Christmas spirit. During the second act, SYNG! returns to the stage to add their voices to the orchestra's popular Irving Berlin holiday-medley arrangement. Come rejoice with us this holiday season! And why not make a day of it and enjoy lunch before or dinner after at one of the many atmospheric restaurants in the area, some of them right on the beach.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

LOCAL 14

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

To Botox or not?

Of Markets and Men

Submitted by -Vallarta4Real

By R.L. Avery avery1@mac.com

was sick this past week and darn near bed-ridden for two days. I took the opportunity to watch a BBC series, The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire. It documents roughly six centuries and although none were nearly as bloody as our last century, they had a pretty good go at it. Human nature has not changed fundamentally and I find that more than a little unsettling. China has officially become the largest economy in the world. That managed to stay in the headlines for about ten minutes before some economist was questioning it’s validity based on a different set of data of coarse. Economists don’t seem to be able to agree on very much it seems. I happened to bump into an economist at a coffee shop and we had an entertaining conversation. I found this man to be quite a philosopher and for the most part an idealist. It’s hard to fault anyone for being thoughtful and optimistic. I think the fault lies in their thinking and the model on which they base their actions. It is flawed and the more they meddle the more it will unbalance economies. Nature has a way of routing out what works and what doesn’t and when men reward men for performing badly it is unnatural. Barron’s ran a front page that stated, “It’s different this time.” Referring to the Tech industry fourteen years on. That reminded me of the BBC series as well. Of coarse Rome was not burnt in a day and I personally I wouldn’t consider the current president as fiddling, but some might. Nero actually did debase the currency as he ran into serious debt, but that was only discovered long after the fact. He also placed the blame for the fire on the Christian’s doorstep. We know how that turned out and it seems strikingly similar to how the Islamic population is being

www.vallartatribune.com

treated today. The Saudis are being blamed for the current oil price war and deflating America’s nascent fracking independence. A story that ran in the New York Times is maybe most supportive of my association with Roman times and current. The leader was, Energy firms in Secret Alliance with Attorneys General. The piece was put together with documents obtained under the freedom of information act. I encourage you to take a look. All the documents are there to see, if you like. The bottom line is twelve Attorney generals from their respective states are in bed with the lobbyist from the most powerful industries in those states. Not surprising, but I think most of us assumed this was back room dealing, when in fact it seems to be much more commonplace. One of the reason’s sited for the fall of Rome (there are many) was that corruption had entered into the political arena. I think that Wall Street got their three hundred and eighty million dollars worth during the midterm elections so wages might not be going up for most of us but my guess is, that a lobbyist is seeing his stock rise, so to speak. I think what Corporate America is doing bears some similarity to the Rape of Lucretia. I realize that’s a stretch but here’s the upside. That violation inspired Brutus to march into the Roman Forum and start a revolution. He consequently unseated the King Superbus, and there was never a kingdom again. It is a testament to what the people are capable of doing when they have had enough. I leave you with this quote from Benjamin Franklin. Justice will not be served until those unaffected become as outraged as those who are.

o Botox or not? Over 6 million people did so in North America in 2013. Kind of funny, because back in the early nineties Botox was done more for special events like picture taking for glossy magazines. (Now all the famous and those not so, can just get Photoshopped…), but we, vanity driven creatures and antiaging longevity advocates, reality stars or not, want to keep be wrinkle free forever! Right? Like a lot of drugs, the initial purpose of Botox was developed for something other than wrinkles; it was for muscle control and to limit spasms, eye problems, muscle twitches, and even to control profuse sweating. But further experiences by Californian doctors and even more by Canadian doctors brought forth the cosmetic applications to “relax” facial tissue, smoothing away wrinkles and frown lines. We are a smiling culture after all - and if we only had that money, we´d all get a face lift anyway. So, why not go for this affordable, quick, effective, fact acting, no down time solution – you can even get it done on your lunch break. Who wants to go through life frowning anyway? Now, let us pause and address that we are dealing with a major toxin – related to botulism, which is lethal. There can be some undesired and inconvenient results, like droopy eye lids, or floating eye brows… but usually due to too much Botox and unskilled application. However, vanity wins, and actually Botox is time proven, and beside the treatment wears off because the effect is a “partial paralyzing” of muscles that dissipates after 4 – 6 months. The one big drawback is it has to be injected under the skin in specific areas to take effect. But still, it is almost painless and along with the other “looking better” reasons, it is almost a no brainer; why not do it? It’s now as trivial as getting a manicure or dyeing your hair hair! It is quite safe; the side effects mainly inconvenient, if any, and while pricey, it is much more affor-

dable than a face lift, and it’s not surgery! But some sensible considerations: go to a skilled doctor with experience for top notch results; be an “under doer” instead more, more, more (most of you can skip the under arm pits); focus on smoothing wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet; remember others see you as a whole person and don’t really look at you that closely; follow the philosophy of “learning to relax muscles” instead of the avatar mask look; consider appearance enhancing skin conditioning treatments, moisturizing, and you “must” always use sun screen: SPF 15 minimum, and better SPF 30 in the summer – for long exposures. So, are you in or are you out? For information, the Amerimed,

CMQ, and San Javier Hospitals here in Puerto Vallarta all have excellent qualified Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeons. Certain Dermatologists also are skilled and popular with the locals. Remember don’t wipe away all of your character and become faceless (in general your face shouldn’t out match your hands)… eat healthily, exercise, practice skin and face care, and limit alcohol and smoking. So here’s to you, good looking!

Vallarta4Real… a source of tips and comments from real estate and health providers, with interesting local information and stories to help understand and appreciate the area. Share your questions, discoveries, & experiences, at: vallarta4real@yahoo.com

ADORABLE DOG IN THE SPOTLIGHT...POLLY

ne of my favorite breeds so I may be a tad biased, but Polly is just a dream doggie. Polly is on the smaller side for a Shepherd mix, just 28 pounds, so she is the perfect size to snuggle with you on the sofa. She is just three years old so still playful and would love to go on walks visiting the neighborhood. She is good with other dogs and cats. Did I say perfect? To adopt Polly, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com.

LOCAL 15

www.vallartatribune.com

Living In La Cruz By Cindy Bouchard

Eating out in La Cruz

eyond the music venues I shared last missive, other dining options where music may or may not erupt include over thirty opportunities to dine in La Cruz... mas o manos, an abundance of great food for sure. Venture off the highway at our ONLY street light and you’re on La Cruz’s main drag, Calle Langosta, leading to the town square and the marina. The Rotisserie chicken entices you first, then Casa Hula’s pizza and then our town art piece, the grand cross (La Cruz) made from the Huanacaxtle tree, high upon the earth set in a garden circle. Around the circle on one corner is Asadero providing

tacos of all kinds and across the street is Carlo’s Mexican fare. A couple of doors down is Ernesto’s traditional Mexican restaurant specializing in treasures from the sea, and across from the town square Shulel Shulel serves smoothies and coffee where she’s surrounded by family serving tacos and more. Poke your head in a few doors and you’ll find Mama cooking… if you see a few tables set up restaurant style there’s a chance you’ll get a delectable treat!! Our historic fishing village boasts the best fish market in the bay. Sunday’s from ten until two there’s the cultural artisans market and music festival with something for everyone. On the Marina Riviera Nayarit property some prefer to enjoy great Italian food at Frascati’s, others pack into Oso’s Oyster and fish restaurant lulled by the waves lapping the shore and the local music while others embrace market day and buy from vendors and eat as they meander and shop. The Little Hot Grill on Sierra Street serves breakfast, lunch and fresh squeezed juices, a few more steps and you’ll happen upon Charlie’s Place,

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

Journey to Ixtlán

he restaurant and cultural forum Iyari opened a month ago and since they have been showcasing a new way of living culinary experiences. They host many types of shows that include theater, dance, music, poetry and, of course, cuisine. This December 21, Iyari Restaurant and Cultural Forum will host Dance Academy Studiopalu and the most representative artist from the ancient city of Ixtlán del Río, Nayarit, an old city, famous for pyramids and their ancient traditions. The event will include a tequila tasting by two small tequila houses - Real Ixtlán and

Los Toriles, a menu with chicken Picha, Goat Birria and tacos Talamantes style; a traditional Taqueria with more than 60 years in business. They will have also the homemade ice cream and traditional “ Don Miguelito” candies. The cost of the ticket is just $250 and includes the dinner,

prepared by Chef Ramiro López from Vallarta Gourmet. A portion of the funds will go to the ballet of Studio Palu. This is a festival of tradition and culture that will bring the best of Ixtlán del Rio Nayarit to Puerto Vallarta, and will help to build relationships between both cities.

our local sports bar, serving great food from fire pit ovens and down the street is Falconi’s pizza which you can enjoy in the courtyard or delivered. On Delphin Street you’ll encounter the quaint Mexican taco stand aptly named Red Chairs, up the street is El Rey Bon Bon with a fish ball soup I

crave and ceviche that you can eat in or take away. Soon Tito and Sandra will be back with Tacos pastor, I’m drooling in anticipation! On Coral Street saunter into The Octopus's Garden offering coffee, cakes and freshly roasted coffee beans, Huichol Art and dance and exercise

classes in the Salon. Tacos on the Street on Huachinango is world famous for their rib eye tacos, quesadillas and tostados! As well as the above, almost every corner has tacos and other Mexican fare cooked and served by locals, yumm and more yumm!!

December 29

Let the Fireworks begin!

eginning on December 20 and continuing through New Year’s Eve, the first International Fireworks Festival in Puerto Vallarta will highight many cultural events, concerts and opportunities for locals and visitors alike to join in the holiday festivities in town. Each nigh starting at 9:30pm the skies above the bay will be alit with fireworks displays from one of the five participating countries: Canada, Mexico, USA, Italy and Spain. The show will last about 20 minutes and will be the kick-off for the nightly show held at the municipal stadium each night at 10pm. With three launch locations spectacle will be viewable from across the bay and most of the performances will be held at the Municipal Stadium, Teatro Los Arcos and Park Hidalgo. The freshly released list of events and venues is:

December 25 Pyromance 9:30pm Municipal Stadium

December 26 El Forito 6:00pm / Teatro Los Arcos Mapping 8:00pm / Iglesia Plaza Hidalgo Mike Laure 8:45pm / Plaza Hidalgo Castillo 9:30pm / Municipal Stadium

December 27 Lila Downs 10:00pm Municipal Stadium

December 28 Pancho Madrigal 6:00pm Municipal Stadium El Forito 6:00pm Teatro Los Arcos Los hijos del Sol 6:30pm Municipal Stadium Orquesta Sinfónica de la Marina 7:30pm Municipal Stadium Plástiko 8:30pm Municipal Stadium Santiago Cumplido 8:30pm Municipal Stadium Castillo 9:30 MunicipalStadium La Cuca 10pm Municipal Stadium

Orquesta Ti 6:30pm Municipal Stadium Municipio de Talpa 7:30pm Municipal Stadium NOVUS AER 8:30pm Municipal Stadium Los 3 Zenzontles 10pm Municipal Stadium El Forito 6pm Teatro Los Arcos

December 30 Malvolia 6:30pm Municipal Stadium Galgo 7:30pm Municipal Stadium National Theater Company 8:30pm Municipal Stadium. Castillo 9:30pm Municipal Stadium Azul Violeta 10pm Municipal Stadium

December 31 Ballet Folkrórico de Tomatlán 7:30pm Municipal Stadium Mariachi Tipico de Tecolotlán 8:30pm Municipal Stadium Sonora Dinamita 10pm Municipal Stadium

Vallarta-Nayarit: Holiday Shopping guide vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.com

The Insiders

ith Christmas and the Holidays only days away, The Vallarta Tribune and the Vallarta Shopping Directory have joined forces to present to you some great shopping ideas. Here in Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas you will find the most variety of dining, shopping, entertainment and fun of any

tropical destination. Click on the website vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.com and you will find the most unique shopping and dining experiences with photos of the various restaurants and shops, links to their websites and Facebook, contact information and write ups about their products and services.

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

By Larissa Magee

Holiday Shopping in Puerto Vallarta

h, Christmastime! A season for creating special memories with loved ones, partaking in caloric over-indulgences and imbibing at too many holiday parties in a row. It’s also a time for stressing out over what to get that special someone who is impossibly hard to shop for. If you live here in Puerto Vallarta or are just visiting for the holiday season, have no fear! There are countless unique, local shops and boutiques that sell fantastic gift items where you are sure to find something for everyone on your holiday gift list this year. One of the best places to start your search is in Old Town on the lively street of Basilio Badillo, a strip known for its fabulous restaurants and funky boutiques. A few doors east of famous Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, you will find Shazel, which specializes in hand embroidered designs. You will be blown away from the pashmina shawls that have been imported from India and then sent to Oaxaca to be hand stitched with stunning and intricate patterns. The distinctive pieces are sure to please even the most discriminating of tastes. Continuing east about a block further along Basilio Badillo is the sweet headquarters of Faith Colectiva. This is a women-only collective that sells creations from designers throughout Mexico. It also has a team of local ladies store who make the store’s signa-

Hand Embroidered Shawls at Shazel

ture pieces from natural stone mala beads, which are eastern prayer beads used during mediation to find calm in the mind, body and spirit. Just a few doors down is Banderas Soap Blends which crafts hand-made soaps, lotions and sea salt scrubs using unique

Los Muertos Beach Mx T-shirt

blends of essential oils and botanicals. All of their products are made here in Puerto Vallarta and have names such as Mango Smoothie, Margarita Lime, and Fight the Bite, which is a body lotion that is created not just to moisturize but also to prevent mosquito bites. If you head one street north of Basilio Badillo you’ll hit Venustiano Carranza and the home of Los Muertos Beach Mx, a clothing company that sells t-shirts, hats and bags all bearing different variations and designs of the Day of the Dead skull. Their hip creations can be seen around town and are perfect to give to someone as a stylish Vallarta souvenir. Heading out of Old Town and into Centro, you’ll find some hidden gems that are off the beaten path. Located on Calle Pipila is the incredible workshop of Sigifredo Contreras, a local jewelry artist who makes one of a kind pieces that you won’t see anywhere else. His bold and bright statement necklaces are perfect for that special woman who wants to stand out in the crowd. Just around the corner on Guadalupe Sanchez is the showroom of Cecilia Ulloa, a local fashion designer that specializes in simple handbags, shoes and bikinis. In a town like Vallarta, you can never go wrong with giving a bikini for Christmas. Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Then I suggest you head on over to the Old Town Farmers Market that is held every Saturday at Parque Lazaro Cardenas from 9:30 am to 2 pm. All the products that are sold at the market are made, baked, or grown by vendors living within a 70 km radius. One of my favourite stalls showcases the original and fabulous designs of Erica Maree, which include handbags, clutches, beach bags redesigned from traditional Mexican hand-stitched dresses. Another great stall to check out is Torri by the Sea, which sells jewelry made from sea glass collected on local beaches throughout the Bay of Banderas. Also don’t miss Chantel Vintage Spoon Jewelry, where ornate silver spoons are recycled to create stunning watches, bracelets, necklaces and rings. Finally, don’t forget this holiday season that one of the greatest

FUN mexico FACTS

Erica Maree Handbags

gifts that you can give is a donation of time, goods or funds to one of the many local charities that help with those in need throughout our community.

Corazon de Nina is a local non-profit that is dedicated to providing housing, food, education, medical care and support to young girls who have been removed from abusive situations in their family homes. Pasitos de Luz assists low-income families with day care and support for disabled children. To help with the annual Toy Drive, drop off gifts for children between the ages of 4 – 13 at Que Pasa restaurant. Santa will arrive on Christmas Eve to distribute the toys to underprivileged kids throughout the neighbourhood. These are just a few of the community organizations that need our support this holiday season and throughout the year. For a complete list of local charities, please visit pvangels.com. About the author: Larissa Magee works at Agave Villas Mexico, which specializes in Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta Villa Rentals. Looking to visit the area for your next vacation? Get in touch with the experts at www. agavevillasmexico.com.

HOLIDAY FIESTA AT MARASOL FRIDAY MARKET BY THE PIER

We are celebrating the opening of the new Friday market located in the lobby of the Marsol Hotel at the foot of the pier in the Zona Romantic with a Holiday Fiesta featuring many local businesses and vendors. The grand opening is on Friday, December 12, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature specialty foods from restaurants and local vendors, unique jewelry, clothing for your holiday parties, Tshirts, men`s wear, Christmas gifts, toys, artworks, handicrafts, services and more. The market will continue every Friday through April, 2015 conveniently located by the beach. There will be music and a festive atmosphere where you can shop and visit with your friends . The idea of this market is to help bring more visitors to our local businesses, artists, artisans and creative people. Please hold the date of Friday, December 12 from 9:30 to 2 and do your holiday shopping with us. Hotel Marsol at the foot of the pier.

150+ years of Vallarta Hospitality Puerto Vallarta was founded in 1851 with the first ad for vacations to Puerto Vallarta in 1942 and in 1964 after the filming of Night of the Iguana, tourist started to flock into town.

Cacti don’t grow everywhere That’s right – cacti don’t grow everywhere in Mexico.To be honest it’s kind of hard to find them in big cities, unless you visit a northern part of the country or go to a desert. However, finding a cactus (called nopal) to eat is pretty easy and tasty.

Street food is the best Mexico is often likened to Asia in terms of street food. The best tacos are the ones that you buy from street stalls, not a posh restaurant. Choose the busiest stand on the street and chow down. Also Mexican cuisine is one of two in the world classified as a world heritage by UNESCO – the other is French.

MEN AND WOMEN’S JEWELRY AND ACCESORIES. CASSANDRA SHAW JEWELRY 223 9734 BASILIO BADILLO 276 OLD TOWN OPEN DAILY

Phone numbers are complicated For instance, let’s say my cell-phone number in Mexico was 322 129 9495 (it’s not!). Now, if you’re calling or texting from another cell phone you dial this exact number. If you call from a local phone you need to add (0-44) before the number. If you text from a foreign cell-phone you need to add (+52), however if you want to call from a foreign number you need to add (+52 1).

Basilio Badillo 269 A Puerto Vallarta, Jal Mon - Sat 2pm-11 pm (322) 223 3734 From USA or Canada 1-269-282-9550 info.divinodante@gmail.com www.divinodante.com

There are many words for corn When it comes to the meaning of words that describe corn Mexico is like the North Pole and the words for snow. However the corn in general is called maiz, but there are various words for corn in different forms including elotes, panizo, millo, nixtamal. Also important to note- Mexico introduced corn, chocolate and chillies to the world.

Mexico is in the “Ring of Fire” This area is one of the world’s most violent earthquake and volcano zones. The Ring of Fire, contains more than 450 volcanoes and has approximately 75% of the world’s active volcanoes. Popocatépetl is considered to be the most dangerous volcano in Mexico, located only 70 km southeast of Mexico City, from where it can be seen with the right weather conditions.

Mexican children do not receive presents on Christmas Day Don’t worry, kids do receive gifts, and they might even get them twice. The bigger celebration, however, is on the day of Three Kings on January 6th.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS Happy Shopping

eNTERTAINMENT 18

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Perceptions Constant Conversation

of Art

By Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

ove Letters created a new benchmark in ticket sales at the Main Stage of Act II Entertainment last Friday and Saturday nights. An enormous public thank you to Linda Purl and Gregory Harrison who gave Vallarta a taste of Broadway then had drinks and appy’s with their fans in Act II’s bar, Encore. Both Linda and Gregory were delighted with…everything…and have promised to come back and bring friends – big stars - to entertain us and keep bumping up the Live-Performance-bar in Vallarta. I will keep you posted! Greater Tuna has extended its hilarious run at the Palm. It is an unapologetic gentle poke at so many politically incorrect thoughts and actions I can’t begin to list them. However, ‘gentle’ is the operative word in that sentence – a rural delight that criss-crosses life. Period! Latcho and Andrea return next week to the Palm. This German duo has enamoured Vallarta with their fiery flamenco guitars and sweet harmonies for decades. Catch them next Wednesday at 9:30pm. They really are gypsies by choice and lived with them in southern Spain and France years ago. Their music reflects their personal travels and lives. I love them. And you will, too. The Red Room at Act II is oozing talent. Mark Allen Smith continues his homage to some of his favourite singers and Rocky Mountain High requires more space so please look for a separate article in this issue. Kim Kuzma and her amazing band is playing to full houses

every Sunday night and, if you like hearing the music of the 70’s and 80’s as much as Kim enjoys singing the songs, catch her Wednesday Night Fever at 9:30pm. Back to the Main Stage: The PV Men’s Chorus sang their first concert last week under new dynamic director Alfonso Lopez. They are moving and dancing on stage while singing and doing it well. Two more chances to hear them this year – December 12th and 13th. What a Winter Celebration! What has become my very favourite thing to do on Sunday evening is back! Voice of Vallarta opened to yet another full house last weekend. Twenty-four contestants – terrified, hopeful, terrific and not-so-good poured into the theatre singing and filling the aisles and our hearts. Kudos to producer Danny Mininni who put together the explosive and exciting first ensemble number. Coral, last year’s winner, sang two songs, the last one penned by Voice’s esteemed Judge Kharla Barragan and will be on Coral’s new CD. It was the consensus that this year’s line up of possibly great talent exceeds that of last year. And Alain Perrault was back… adding further terror and lovely drama. Actually all the judges were happily out-of-hand on occasion. Believe me; I do not have enough space to explain! Just be there, every Sunday at 8 and vote on Facebook for your favourite. A note (okay warning) to the contestants…Alain will be back this Sunday.

by Marcia Blondin

he opening night “Rocky Mountain High” concert in the Red Room had just ended. As I dabbed at recurring tears, I overheard Paul Aleman answering a woman who had asked him how long he had been performing with Renee Armand. When he said, “We’ve known each other for close to three months”, I stood up, pushed my way into the conversation and asked him how that was even possible? Three months!? To those people who were in the audience that night an explanation was absolutely required. We all heard the magic and not one person left that room untouched. Paul and I continued to chat; Renee made her way over to join us and the constant conversation began… He is in his late forties; she, late sixties. As a teenager he fell in love with John Denver’s songs and learned how to play guitar just like him. Renee, while all this was going on, was touring and singing with John Denver around the world in concert. And, in retrospect, Paul caught one or two of those concerts with Renee singing back-up which is not what she normally does. She is a singer in her own right and a prolific songwriter and poet. Some extraordinarily famous people have sung her songs…the late Michael Jackson is but one. When John Denver died tragically 17 years ago, tributes began to pop up everywhere – imitators, impersonators, would-be replacements and tons of wanna-be’s. Steve Weisberg, JD’s lead guitarist and friend of Paul Aleman, wanted to join forces and produce their own. It never happened. Jump forward to September 2014. Paul’s father, Pablo Aleman, lives part of the year in Puerto Vallarta and knows Danny Mininni and Mark Rome of Act

II Entertainment. Pablo dearly wanted his son to come from California to visit and to possibly perform a John Denver Tribute in the Red Room. Just for fun, Paul recorded a “Rocky Mountain High” audio in his home-based studio in California, and posted it on Facebook. At 6:15 am a Friend Request popped up on Paul’s computer screen with this message: “I don’t know who you are, but this is the best Rocky Mountain High I’ve heard since John Denver. WHO ARE YOU?” That friend request from Renee Armand who lives on a farm in Tennessee, planted a tiny seed. Messages flew back and forth trying to figure out how they could get together given their disparate distances and disparate lifestyles – she comfortably living alone on her farm raising goats and writing songs; he currently working as composer and lyricist on two musical dramas in New York City with Joel Gross. He flew. She flew. Then they came to Vallarta, rehearsed a few John Denver songs and a couple

of other favourites of Renee’s and opened December 2nd in the Red Room. By all appearances – their gentleness and sheer delight with each other; their timing and superb harmonies – they have been singing together forever. I saw them for the second time tonight – a few program changes - they are slightly more polished and more comfortable with each other and with us as their audience. Renee asked me a couple of days ago what I liked best about the concert. I couldn’t answer. Tears welled up in my eyes first, then hers and I couldn’t speak. I shook my head hoping something reasonable would break loose and I could tell her and Paul in words what their voices, that combination of harmony with all its meanings, did to me. I know how to spell M-A-G-I-C but I can’t explain it. I will see their final concert, Monday the 15th and hope this will encourage some of you to join me then or catch their second-tolast show on Friday the 12th.

La Cruz Sunday Mercado Sundays At the La Cruz Marina La Cruz Tianguis Year-round Wednesday Below the glorietta La Penita Tianguis – Thursday year-round In the main plaza Lo de Marcos Tianguis – Satur-

days In the main plaza Marina Vallarta Market – Thursdays In the main plaza Old Town Farmers Market – Saturdays Lazaro Cardenas Park Riviera Nuevo Vallarta Farmers

Market –Tuesdays San Pancho Market / Mercado del Sol Tuesday in Main Plaza Sayulita’s Farmer’s Market – Fridays Tres gallinas y un gallo - Saturdays 466 Venustiano Carranza

Tianguis and Farmer’s Markets

ll the towns have some type of weekly market. In Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit we are blessed with many excellent farmer’s, artisan and co-op markets. Most are open from 9am – 2pm unless stated.

Bucerias Monday Market Artwalk Plaza Bucerias Tianguis - Year-round Sundays In the arroyo Guayabitos – Mondays yearround In the main plaza

EVENTS 19

www.vallartatribune.com

Would you like to include your non-profit event announcement in the Vallarta Tribune? Please send details directly to editor@vallartatribune.com Maximum 50 words. Deadline is Monday for Friday distribution. Friday, December 12th at 5:30pm Purr Project Pig Roast & Beach Luau at Sea Monkey $250 pesos tickets include dinner, two margaritas or beer and Polynesian dancers from Academia de Danza Moorea. Raffle prizes. Proceeds support the 150+ cats and kittens at the Purr Ranch, a nokill shelter for cats in Banderas Bay. Tickets call Marcia at 322-159-9675 Sunday, December 14th, 4pm Puerto Vallarta Chamber Orchestra Christmas Concert Held at Teatro Vallarta. Cost is $250 pesos. Monday, December 15th at 10am Fairways to Heaven Charity Golf Outing at Vista Vallarta Golf Club $150usd includes lunch, cart, prizes. Fundraising for DIF Tickets and more info at vallartanayaritclassicrockfest.com Tuesday, December 16th 5-7pm Expats in Vallarta at Lagostina’s Restaurant Wine and Appetizer evenings are scheduled for Friday, December 12th in the Marina area and on Wednesday, December 17th 10-2 Holiday Bazar – Int’l Friendship Club Shopping for the perfect holiday gift at the IFC clubhouse. Friday, December 19th 5 -10pm Sunset Christmas Party at Mango’s Beach Club Enjoy buffet dinner, hors d’oeuvres and cocktails (Open Bar from 5:30 to 6:30 pm) along with door prizes and raffle items and the best music mixed by the winner of the PV DJ Fest 2014. Celebrate the Christmas spirit with Mango’s Beach Club & Stratos Media at the most beautiful tropical paradise. Cost $250 pesos vallartatickets.com or call 322-199-5081 Saturday, December 27th in the Hotel Zone. For more info and to rsvpwww.expatsinvallarta.com December 26 – 31st, 2014 International Fireworks Festival This fireworks festival will play host to five countries as well as five states. Each nightly display will last 20 minutes and be launched from three locations to ensure optimal viewing across the bay. See this week’s edition for a list of events and times. January 24th, 2015 4th Annual TASTE OF LA CRUZ Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 3-7pm TASTE OF LA CRUZ will feature restaurants, businesses, artisans and musicians from Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. Wednesday February 4th, 2015 John Ozzello memorial food bank fundraiser Enjoy a day of Whale Watching as well as helping to support the local food bank. $650pp 9am-4pm leaving Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta Tickets: Sandi or Randy Nystrom 322-103-2828

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

Barbra Streisand – A Star is Born in Vallarta

teven Brinberg is an acclaimed vocalist and impressionist who is best known for being the premier impersonator of music legend Barbra Streisand. He literally appears to transform into her, both physically and vocally, in an extraordinary musical experience. Many have tried to impersonate Barbra Streisand over the years, but Steven Brinberg takes it to an entirely new level with all-live vocals, and by having perfected the voice, mannerisms and nuances of the mega-star. In fact, he’s so good that many find it difficult to tell them apart vocally. “When you hear Steven’s Simply Barbra CD, for the first brief moment, you almost think, ‘My God! Is that really her?’ It’s so captivating! Not only does he have a wonderful take on her — not at all mean-spirited — and this ability to imitate

her, he also captures a lot of moments and nuances that are terrific. It was very impressive.” Marvin Hamlisch award winning composer. Steven is thrilled to return to Puerto Vallarta and

The Palm with the talented Chris Denny, who will accompany him at the piano. Performances of Simply Barbra will be in the evenings beginning December 18th through January 7th, 2015..

Puerto Vallarta’s Red Room Cabaret Presents: Puerto Vallarta’s RED ROOM CABARET Presents:

Four Amazing Ladies! FOUR AMAZING LADIES! HELEN HONG Dec 16 at 9.30pm Dec 17 &18 at 7:30pm

Helen Hong is a comedian, TV at personality, and&18 starat of TV Guide NetHELEN HONG Dec 16 9.30pm dating coach, Dec 17 7:30pm work’s “Count it Down”TV series and Logo Channel’s reality seriesNet“Setup Helen Hong is a comedian, personality, dating coach, and stardating of TV Guide Squad.” Helen’s has and adorable stageChannel’s presencereality and mischievous of view work’s “Count it Down” series and Logo dating seriespoint “Setup Squad.” has andand adorable stage presence and mischievous pointevent of view Helen Helen’s is the creator host of a popular comedy-matchmaking called Helen is the creatorShe andstars host of comedy-matchmaking “Laugh Match.” as aapopular professional wing-woman in event Logo called Channel’s “Laugh stars series as a professional in LogoWhen Channel’s “SetupMatch.” Squad,”She a reality about a Newwing-woman York dating agency. she’s not “Setup Squad,” series about a New Yorkenjoys datingkaraoke, agency. When not playing cupid aorreality making people laugh, Helen NPR, she’s and cheese. playing cupid or making people laugh, Helen enjoys karaoke, NPR, and cheese.

THE AMAZING CASHETTA December 18th at 9:30 PM THE AMAZING CASHETTA at 9:30wit, PM Cashetta has delighted audiences for over 18 December years with her18th outrageous charm

Cashetta has delighted audiences for overone 18 of years with hermost outrageous wit,unique charm and and crossover appeal and remains America’s beloved, and crossover remains oneA ofSinger, America’s most beloved, uniqueand andFabsought after appeal female and impersonators. Comic, Emcee, Magician sought female impersonators. Emcee, Magician Fab-to be ulous after Psychic Medium, Cashetta AisSinger, a one Comic, of a kind entertainer thatand is not ulous Psychic is credits a one ofinclude a kindThe entertainer that Late is notwith to be missed! Her Medium, numerousCashetta television Today Show, Conan missed! numerous television credits include The Late withCho. Conan O’BrienHer and the Outlaugh Festival – Wisecrack onToday Logo Show, with Margaret O’Brien and the Outlaugh Festival – Wisecrack on Logo with Margaret Cho.

ALSO APPEARING IN THE RED ROOM - Don’t Miss them! ALSO APPEARING IN THE RED ROOM - Don’t Miss them! EDIE- Legs - Legsofof Las Vegas Dec14th at 9:30pm EDIE Las Vegas Dec14th at 9:30pm

Direct from Las Vegas, where she stars as, the Mistress of Sensuality, in Cirque du Direct from Las Vegas, where she stars as, the Mistress of Sensuality, in Cirque du Soleil's Zumanity, Edie (famed drag Christopher Kenney) performed Soleil's Zumanity, Edie (famed drag divadiva Christopher Kenney) has has also also performed Broadway Threepenny Opera Cumming Cyndi Lauper, ononBroadway in in TheThe Threepenny Opera withwith AlanAlan Cumming and and Cyndi Lauper, on on MTV Video Music Awards Roseanne on HBO's the City. thethe MTV Video Music Awards withwith Roseanne andand on HBO's "Sex"Sex and and the City.

Sundays Wednesdays KIMKUZMA KUZMA Sundays andand Wednesdays KIM KimKuzma’s Kuzma’s extensive vocal range sassy stage presence earned Kim extensive vocal range andand sassy stage presence havehave earned her her a reputation a dynamic performer. perform her sold-out a reputation asas a dynamic performer. KimKim andand her her bandband perform her sold-out hit hit Acoustico show Sunday nights at 7:30 Wednesday Acoustico show onon Sunday nights at 7:30 PM PM andand Wednesday NightNight FeverFever showshow Wednesdays 9:30 absolute hit with audience! an on eye on ononWednesdays at at 9:30 PM.PM. An An absolute hit with the the audience! KeepKeep an eye thisname! name! Mister Marcus, Area Reporter this —— Mister Marcus, BayBay Area Reporter TheRed RedRoom RoomCabaret Cabaret ACT II Stages The @@ ACT II Stages Insurgentes Badillo and Insurgentes Insurgentes#300 #300Basilio Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes Act ActII IIStages Stages(322) (322)222-1512 222-1512 www.facebook.com/Theredroomcabaret www.facebook.com/Theredroomcabaret

www.vallartatribune.com

SUDOKU easy

BRAIN TEASERS 20

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

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

medium

hard

Number Blocks

Word Search

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

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

Wuzzles

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

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

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

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!

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.

ROMANTIC ZONE / OLAS ALTAS

House Red Wine Glass 2x1 Venustiano Carranza 276 Tel. 322 223 2267

Yogen Früz

Galeria June Rosen Lopez

ne block up from the pier at Los Muertos Beach, Galeria June Rosen Lopez is located at Francisca Rodriquez #200, on the same street as Archies Wok, continue up the hill until you reach the corner of Francisca Rodriquez y Pino Suarez. Here you will find June’s charming gallery located in her home on the bottom floor. June has been creating one of a kind jewellery since 1973. She studied both in New York City and Taxco, Guerrero, Mexico’s silver capital. June’s world travels are reflected in her unique designs, often inspired from the beautiful gems that she collects along the way and the aesthetic of the places that she visits. All this adds up to a collection of jewellery known for its unsurpassed craftsmanship , delightful originality and reasonable prices. June carries work of other artists as well. If you are looking for that special something , look no

further than Galeria June Rosen Lopez . From December through April ,Junes hours are 12 to 6 , but best to call ahead to check with her first. Why not make a visit to the gallery an event and combine it with dinner plans ? Galeria june rosen lopez is located at Francisca Rodriquez #200, in old town. It is one block up from the pier at Los Muertos beach, on the same street as Archies Wok.,

across Olas Alta's, passing the Cafe San Angel and continue up the hill until you reach the corners of Francisca Rodriquez y Pino Suarez, where June's charming gallery is located-in her home on the corner. Mexico gallery number:322 2225049 Mexico cell : 322 779 6491 U.s line:1 646 291 6852 U.s cell:646 3387373(ideal to call from u.s cell phones) Email:junesjewel74@hotmail.com

our favourite frozen yogurt, Yogen Früz, the world leader in the frozen yogurt, with over 1400 locations operating in 46 countries around the world can be found in Old Town Vallarta. Yogen Früz has delicious and nutritious frozen desserts, just what you need to live a healthy and active lifestyle. You can combine your favorite flavours of yogurt with fresh fruit to customize your order. Made fresh before your eyes, each serving is low in fat, high in fiber, with vitamins, probiotics and/or antioxidants. Besides its unique flavors, Yogen Früz is also committed to the health of their customers. They import all the yogurt from Canada in order to meet their quality standards. With as little as 110 calories per serving, and offering both sugar-free and lactose-free options, high fructose corn

syrup is not used to sweeten the products. I have tried all of them and have my personal favorite. Have ü tried it?

charity 22

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

www.vallartatribune.com

Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations

or visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune.com. Acción En La Cruz: aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed. landon5120. wix.com/accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 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 mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. www.compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or

Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. puerto-vallarta.com/amf CANICA - Centre for Children with

Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688. Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 or paco@setac.com.mx Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754. COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency food, medicine & clothing. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org 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 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 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 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, 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 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

Charity in Vallarta By Frank K. Meyer

International Friendship Club – Part two

n addition to all the wonderful programs the IFC provides such as the cleft palate, feeding the poor, and providing much needed medical and dental care, they have an extensive social calendar open to all who wish to join. Social Bridge: Enjoy the afternoon, from 2 to 5 PM, playing bridge with friends. Free to members Non-members $50 pesos each. Bridge Classes: Learn to play bridge 9 AM. Free to members Non-members $50 pesos each. Social Hour: Every Friday come and say "Hello" and make friends at our 5:00 PM Social Hour. Complete your evening by going to one of our preferred restaurants. Enjoy a great dinner at our discounted rate with an individual bill. A different restaurant is chosen every week. This is a wonderful way to start the weekend. Spanish Classes - Intermediate 1, 9:15-10:15; Intermediate 2, 10:30-11:30; Advanced, 11:4512:45; Tourist Spanish, 1:00-2:00 (Beginners, short term vacationers, or anyone who wishes to drop in). Cost: - packet of 4 classes (Good for any class during the season. No returns or refunds) $240 pesos IFC members / $300 pesos non-members. Single class tickets - $65 IFC members / $80 non-members per class. General Meeting 2nd Tuesday at the Clubhouse, Doors open at 6:00. Meeting starts at 7:00. Beyond Vallarta Travel Presentation - "Magical, Mystical Majestic--MEXICO!" -- Photos

and information about Mexico Destinations presented by Jeana Dunphy at 7 PM. $40 pesos or 3 canned goods donation at the door. Wednesday Night Democrats Abroad Movies- Tickets: $60 pesos in advance, $70 at the door. Doors & bar opens 6:00 PM. Movie starts at 7:00. And starting in January we will again have: The IFC Movies- Same Price (35 pesos) - Same free popcorn and cash bar.Doors open 6:30 PM. Movie starts at 7:00 President Dan Grippo goes on to tell us that over the summer the Education Committee sponsored and committee chair Henry Golas coordinated a one day outing to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens with guided tour, lecture, and sandwiches and snacks for more than 40 economically challenged students in the Volcanas area. School supplies were distributed again this summer thanks to the hard work of Susan Davalos, who also manages our Rice and Beans and Community Aid programs which are active year round. As well, our new IFC Dental Outreach Program under the direction of Christina Martell continued over the summer to help needy students from the Boca de Tomatlán region to receive dental care. If you email dangrippo@yahoo. com, he´ll be happy to connect you with the area of your interest. The all-volunteer club is only as strong as the all-volunteer base. All best wishes for another great season of caring and sharing! PRE HOLIDAY BAZAAR… WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 17, FROM 10 AM TO 2 PM AT THE CLUB HOUSE Dan Grippo / President

www.vallartatribune.com

CLASSIFIEDS 23

Friday Dec 12-18, 2014

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

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

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

Other Important Phone Numbers 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

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

Come to Cobblestones for your Christmas shopping or fiesta wear. Say “Feliz Navidad” or “Merry Christmas” to Colleen and get 10% off all purchases! 75% discounts still in effect. Hours: 10 to 5 Tuesday - Friday and 10 to 2 on Saturday. 497 Francisco Madero & Naranjo in Colonia Emiliano Zapata 044 322 100 1577

497 Francisco Madero & Naranjo Emiliano Zapata 044 322 100 1577

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

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

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT

PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET A PAGE IN THE SUN FREDY TUCAN´S

PANCAKE HOUSE CONSULATE OFFICES DECAMERON RESORT ELEMENT REALTY GROUP

YO-YO MO´S MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT LA CRUZ FARMERS MARKET OSO RESTAURANT