Issue 926, January 02- January 08 , 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

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Culture Mexican spirits

Jan 2nd - 8, 2015 Free Issue 926

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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable. TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from 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. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere. EXPORTING PETS: Fall in love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com. COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Rebeca Castellón Rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

Spanish Bloopers

his new biweekly column is for all of us who are still struggling with the Spanish language…and for those who just want to enjoy a good laugh! Although I have lived here seven years, I still make many mistakes with words that sound the same but are entirely different or with the same word that has double or triple meanings, some resulting in various degrees of embarrassment. Reader Luisa Yim writes me this week: VIDRIO (GLASS) VASO (DRINKING GLASS) In need of those small circles, the size of a dime, that fit between a glass tabletop and its iron base to prevent movement of the glass, I went to the neighborhood hardware store. “Tiene cosas plastico pequenas por debajo el vaso?” I asked. Perplexed look from the clerk. “No entiendo,” says he. Then an explanation from another customer, much laughter, and the little circles (bumpers) appeared! A

Sandra Cesca sandra.learn.vallarta@gmail.com

Vaso (drinking glass)

small package for only pesos, my glass patio tabletop (VIDRIO) is now level and safe for dinnerware and glasses (VASOS)…and guests! Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them. I will even credit you if you wish. Let’s share the fun, have some laughs, and perhaps learn a bit more.

Vidrio (glass

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. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

editorial

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

appy New Year’s everyone! Let’s hope 2015 is bigger and better than 2014, though this past year did bring some amazing memories. New house, new kitten, new love, new hair colour, trips to Canada, Tulum, Mexicaltitlan, Tlaquepaque, Mayto, Yelapa and more. I have been here in Mexico fulltime for about 3.5 years and it is just now that I feel like I found my rhythm. The flow of my day seems to be smoother; expectations more realistic; relationships, professionally and personally, more sincere. Whereas before I ran from one place to another and then back three times because I forgot something or the rules changed while I was in transit, now I know to just bring ALL the papers, photocopied three times, use a black pen and practice my signature over and over and over again. Before, I needed to hurry, hurry, hurry, now I know that time just keeps passing and things will get done, or they won’t. And when it is done, it’s can’t be undone so accept the results and move on, perhaps learning something in the process for next time. Try registering your vehicle without this attitude and your will suffer a mental breakdown. Before I would emphatically say ‘NO!’ and now I say yes, but occasionally mean no. Or maybe. Or later. I have stopped asking why, because the answer never makes sense. Instead I try to turn the situation around, upside down and inside out to see the point of

view from the Mexican perspective. Occasionally, I get it. This might all seem a bit lackadaisical but it’s actually very liberating and much more in tune with life in Mexico in general; which is probably why the City of Vallarta spent six months promoting a 10 day fireworks festival and then failed to tell anyone that it had changed into something else entirely. I won’t ask why and I’ll accept what done is done. But being the good Canadian I am, I feel like I need to apologize for the misinformation we published for the past couple months about the events. As a weekly newspaper we are typically 3 days from production to publication and then the paper is on the streets for the next week – so a 10 day window for things to change. And they do, often dramatically with no advance notice. Hopefully, you’ve had the chance to catch some of the fireworks shows this past week, and of course the free concerts at the stadium that were very well produced. My hope is that Luminafest continues in 2015 and on because it is a great draw for both tourism and those of us who usually avoid the crowds in high season. Supporting live entertainment is one of the goals of the Tribune in 2015. This week you’ll see some changes in the paper as we do some redesigning and re configuring and over the next few weeks you’ll see some more changes. Hopefully they are well received. Please let us know what you think, as we try to make the paper more relevant for both the tourists and the expats. Enjoy your week, Madeline

Letter to Editor Dear Editor: I have followed the Flower of the Week in the Vallarta Tribune for some time. Sandra Cesca conducts tours throughout our area and snaps pictures of flowers seen along the routes. Last Friday at the Marsol Market, I purchased her updated "Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta". This is

an information and photo journal useful to anyone with an interest in the various plants viewed here. I have two degrees in Horticulture and this guide is a perfect addition to my library of books on flowers and plants. She states the book is also available at our very fine Vallarta Botanical Gardens. Gary R.Beck

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

he holidays have been most enjoyable at the Old Town Farmer’s Market with lots of visitors. Stop by and say hello. From all of us at the SPCA we wish you a very happy and healthy New Year. 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 couple this week is Carole and Bruce Thom who provide an invaluable service to us by coordinating the recovery of our crates used for transporting our rescues to Edmonton. 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.

Old Town Farmers Marke Bagels Come to the OTFM-TC Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

By Erin Staley

eady to discover something new and flavorful this Saturday? Come on down to Vallarta's favorite attraction: the Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural. We have 90+ producer-only vendors with all sorts of “make it, bake it, grow it” goodies and services to wow you and your loved ones. One such gotta-try is Vallarta Bagel World with its freshly baked, y u m m y- fo r- t h e - w h o l e - fa m i l y bagels. Traditional, sesame, poppy seed and whole grain which is sprinkled with sunflower and flax seeds – .they've got 'em all. Exotic flavors are also available, including the jalapeño and cheddar cheese.

Bagels: Great Flavor without the Guilt We all know that whole grains and vegetables are the basis of a healthy diet, and bagels offer a wealth of vitamins and minerals to keep you in tip-top shape. But if you're thinking, “A crunchy, just-toasted bagel sounds heavenly, but it can pack on those unwanted calories,” then

worry no more. Only 11 calories come from fat with an average plain bagel. Compare that to the 54 fat calories that come with an average croissant! Plus, bagels are cholesterol and fat-free. None of the ingredients contain fats or any animal-derived products such as milk, eggs, butter, shortening or fat-based preservatives

History of the Bagel

Bagels have been a food staple since the beginning of Egyptian civilization. Its round shape and hole-in-the-middle are not only distinct, but handy for transport. The popular boiled bagel, which is the preferred bagel of today, was first made in the 17th century by the Eastern European Jewish community. With migrations to America, bagels became a hit in New York as traditional breakfast menu items. Its simple, yet scrumptious flavor, spread throughout the world, thanks to the frozen food revolution. Fresh or frozen, each bite is full of flavor, texture and healthy properties.

Tip-Top Bagel Toppings There are endless ways to top a Vallarta Bagel World's freshly baked bagel. Sweet butter or cream cheese and smoked salmon are always popular choices. We'd also suggest trying additional options from fellow OTFM-TC vendors: nut butters, jellies, Mexican cheese,

lentil sprouts, farm-fresh vegetables and sliced deli meats. Stop by this Saturday to pick out your favorite Vallarta Bagel World bagel. On weekdays, visit their shop which is located at Revolucion 353, Las Juntas, behind Home Depot. (+52 322-146-7180 or vallartabagelworld(at)gmail.com)

Meet the Market

Ours is a festive “make it, bake it, grow it” North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. We are a registered non-profit/association civil organization that focuses on the “buy local” movement as well as entrepreneurial and community development. We're open every Saturday

(9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town) from November 1 through April 25. We offer everything from woven textiles to fashion accessories and from specialty décor to non-profit organizations, live music and on-site services. Don't forget to visit our International Food Court (located under shaded pergolas on the eastern side of Lazaro Cárdenas Park). You'll find Thai, Indian, traditional Mexican favorites (tacos, empanadas, burritos and green pozole) and vegan dishes, such as hamburgers, al pastor and falafels. See you this Saturday! For market updates, 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

06 Compensation plan to protect Vaquita

rogram worth $37 million would protect world's most endangered mammal species The federal government has proposed a US $37 million compensation plan that would ban gillnet fishing in waters inhabited by the world’s most endangered mammal species. The government’s new initiative would compensate fishermen who stop using nets, according to a report by the Associated Press, and could take effect in a couple of months. The CSG says aerial photographs taken December 5 over the vaquita refuge in the Sea of Cortéz show 90 small gillnet boats inside its boundaries; three are deploying nets and 10 are recovering them. Another four nets are unattached to a boat. Source: Mexico News Daily

news

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

With only 100 left, the small vaquita porpoise is on the verge of extinction By Darryl Fears

ittle is known about the shy vaquita porpoises that spend long periods feeding under muddy coastal waters off Mexico, but this much is certain: They are the world’s smallest porpoise — cute as a button — and they could soon disappear forever if they keep turning up dead in fishing nets. The latest stock assessment by a panel of international scientists showed that there are fewer than 100 left and that they are declining at a rate of nearly 20 percent a year. U.S. officials have pressed Mexico to close their habitat in the upper Gulf of California to all fishing, and they expressed exasperation recently when the Mexican government did not announce stricter regulations as expected. If vaquitas vanish, they would be the first known cetacea in North America to do so and the first in the world since the Chinese river dolphin was declared extinct in 2006. Dolphins differ from porpoises in their noses, namely that bluntfaced porpoises do not have much of a snout. But the vaquita overcomes that shortcoming with a starlet’s beauty. “It’s got the goth look going on, the black lipstick and

heavy mascara around the eyes,” said Barbara Taylor, a conservation biologist for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, run by the U.S. Commerce Department in San Diego. Timid and elusive, vaquitas — Spanish for “little cows” — are four to five feet long and weigh up to about 120 pounds. They get caught in the gill nets of Mexican fishermen casting for large blue

shrimp, a delicacy American restaurant-goers crave. They also drown in the nets of poachers in pursuit of the endangered totoaba, a large sea bass prized for its bladder, which is cherished by the Chinese as an alternative medicine. A pair of totoaba bladders can fetch $8,500 in China, officials with the National Marine Fisheries Service said. In recent weeks,

385 bladders were confiscated in Mexico City. To rescue vaquitas, international scientists are hoping for a collaboration between the United States, where the shrimp is consumed; China, where the bladders are boiled into a soup; and Mexico, where fishermen are trying to feed families.

Original: www.washingtonpost.com

Senators oppose gas increase in 2015

ATTENTION: READERS, ADVERTISERS, CONTRIBUTORS A fresh new look to start off 2015

By Víctor Mayén

ational Action Party (PAN) senators led by former Treasury and Public Finance Secretary Ernesto Cordero Arroyo, called on President Enrique Peña Nieto to cancel the 3 percent increase in the price of gas programed for January of the coming year because of the severe economic impact on families. The increase in fuel prices will push inflation, increase the cost of goods and services and limit the development of all economic activity in the country, said the lawmakers. The PAN legislators

also called on the Treasury and Public Finance Secretariat to implement permanent mechanisms for the revision and fluctuation of international combustible prices. Legislation should allow the government to determine a monthly fixed rate of gasoline prices, they said. In the last quarter of 2014, the price per barrel of Brent oil fell from $102 to $70.5 and continues to fall, while a barrel of West Texas oil fell from $90 to $66, said the PAN senators. The price of gas in the United States has fallen congruently with the price per barrel of oil, which

has not happened in Mexico, said the senators. Legal conditions exist that allow the government to adjust the price of combustibles according to the international market. The federal government would be wrong to not only fail to lower the price of gasoline but to also raise the price, they said. If the trend continues for the next year, gasoline in Mexico will be at least 50 percent more expensive in Mexico than in the United States, creating negative effects on the inflation rate and transportation cost, said the lawmakers. Original: The News

In the coming weeks you will see design and editorial changes as we tweak the paper to better appeal to our readers and advertisers. If there are changes you think we should consider, please send us an email to editor@vallartatribune.com

STARTING JANUARY 8th WE WILL PUBLISH ON THURSDAYS Probably the MOST IMPORTANT CHANGE will be the new dates for distribution. We are adjusting our day of distribution to THURSDAYS to better accommodate the many events around the bay that happen on the weekends. This extra day will give everyone just a little more time to make plans for the weekends. This will also affect advertising and editorial contributions.

culture

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Five Mexican Spirits to Lift the Spirits Similar in origin but produced using different methods, the subtle flavors of these spirits speak to a long Mexican tradition of distilling alcoholic beverages by Diana Osuna Additional reporting by Joel Hansen

heir common denominator is the maguey or agave plant, whose juices, transformed into mezcal, tequila, raicilla, sotol and bacanora, are synonymous with Mexico, where those plants grow from the deserts in the north to the jungles of the south. The five spirits are similar but definitely not the same. Their unique aroma, flavor and color depend on the type of maguey they are made from, which in turn depends on the soil and weather conditions in that particular region and the distilling process used, among other factors. Many roads lead to the fruits of the agave plant. Sometimes it’s best to sample them in the towns where they are produced; other times they’re best accompanied with a traditional dish in a fine Mexican restaurant. It all depends on your mood, curiosity and how much time you have on your hands. But there is no doubt that these spirits will delight even the most discerning of palates.

Mezcal They say the best mezcals are produced in Oaxaca, where an age-old tradition of distilling the beverage and the type of maguey it is made from have earned the region appellation of origin. Some brands have a maguey worm suspended in the liquid at the bottom of the bottle, which is supposed to go down with the last swig. Needless to say, Oaxaca is the best place to sample mezcal, although it’s also produced in Guerrero, Durango, San Luis

Potosí, Zacatecas, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas.

A trip includes numerous attractions.

One option is to book a room at the Azul Oaxaca boutique hotel in the city center and order a shot of the king of mezcals: Casco Legendario. If a trip to Oaxaca is out of the question, there are some great establishments in Puerto Vallarta that can serve you a top-notch mezcal. Head to Solar, the bar side of Barracuda on Playa Cameron. Ask to talk to Puin, the owner. He will act like he doesn’t speak much English but once you start talking mezcal he will open right up. Try the house special cocktails made with Union Mezcal. The one with pineapple, tajin and smoky mezcal will give you the energy you need for an all-nighter. They also have an excellent selection of racilla and tequila. Tequila By far the most popular spirit in Mexico, its appellation of origin demands compliance with strict standards: if it wasn’t produced in Jalisco or certain municipalities of Nayarit, Guanajuato, Tamaulipas and Michoacán and doesn’t contain at least 51% blue agave, it isn’t tequila. iIf you really want to get to the roots of this particular spirit, a visit to Casa Cuervo in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, is a must. Here you’ll also find La Capilla, where

Javier Delgado converts his visitors into tequila disciples with concoctions like “La Batanga”. For one of the best selection of Tequilas, Mezcals and Racillas in the region pull up a stool at El Mezcalito in Sayulita. The owner Arturo Gangoiti provides a friendly atmosphere and is passionate about the traditions of Mexico and his love of all things agave. He will walk you through all the great options and as a bonus they have some of the best tamales. But just make sure you are up for it. Many have slipped into this little hole in the wall a few times with the idea of just having one… Raicilla There are records going as far back as the 16th Century of raicilla being made by indigenous communities, which equated its consumption with mystical experiences. The method for distilling raicilla is similar to that used for mezcal and tequila, the only difference being the type of plant and its age. The agave it is made from is known as lechuguilla and must be at least six years old before it is cut. Lechuguilla is native to Jalisco, which explains why raicilla is produced exclusively in that state. Raicilla is a popular beverage in Puerto Vallarta, especially among foreign visitors to this tourism destination of breathtaking scenery that lies within the beverage’s appellation of origin.

The best Raicillas are found off the beaten path. You can find some great Raicilla at side of the road distilleries on the way to San Sebastian and El Tuito. But the best Raicilla I have ever had is at the Rinconcito Hotel in Mayto Beach in Cabo Coriententes. Fernando, the owner of the hotel, gets it from a friend who makes it in a small town close to Mayto called Chacala (not the one in Nayarit). It is smoky and smooth with that slightly wild taste that makes Racialla so enjoyable. Head to Mayto for the day to enjoy the secluded beaches and if you talk sweet enough, Fernando might be willing to sell you a jug from his personal stash. Sotol This spirit is obtained from a maguey known as sereque, a desert variety of the plant that is so fragile it was classed as an endangered species just over a decade ago. In 2002, the states of Chihuahua, Coahuila and Durango were granted appellation of origin, resulting in a considerable increase in its consumption and distribution. Sotol is an organic beverage and has an alcohol content of between 38 and 45%. Made using traditional methods, it has a strong smoky flavor. There are several brands on the market and its varieties include young, aged and rested sotol. You can also find cured varieties made with damiana, wereke, golden shower tree flowers and green apple. The perfect accompaniment to fresh foods, its aged version is an excellent digestive, especially after eating red meat. One of the more traditional, well known brands is El Excéntrico, produced by a distillery located

between Coahuila and Durango. Tours of the facilities are available and you get to sample the end product. Bacanora Bacanora is produced in North Mexico from the vivipara agave. A colorless spirit, it is similar to mezcal –many consider the two distant cousins. There is evidence to suggest bacanora was consumed as far back as the 16th Century by the indigenous communities of Sonora, the state that produces the greatest volume of the spirit. Like raicilla and sotol, bacanora was once prohibited and was also associated with otherworldly experiences. In recent years, bacanora distilleries have sought tighter regulation in an attempt to reach a larger market. Word has it the best bacanora is found at its source. We recommend you stay at Hacienda Los Magueyes in Bacanora, Sonora. Here you can visit the nurseries where the vivipara agave is grown, the bottling factory and warehouses. Containing up to 40% alcohol, bacanora is a spirit for seasoned throats only. The best brands include Puro Chuqui, produced by Hacienda Los Magueyes, and Bacanora Pascola. Sotol and bacanora aren’t commonly found in restaurants and bars around the bay but they do sell both sotol and bacanora at Le Europa in the Marina so perhaps stick your head in there and see if you can find a bottle to try something new. You can tell your friends you drank the drink that was the tequila of 20 years ago! Happy drinking!

Vallarta-Nayarit: Shopping guide and events vallartashoppingdirectory.blogspot.com

Choice Live Music by Los Bambinos Tuesdays and Fridays

hether you are just arriving to Vallarta for the first time, come every year for decades or live here year round, we have perfect night out for you! For over a decade, the four brothers comprising Los Bambinos’ have delighted listeners with their tight harmonies and heart-felt instrumentation. This season however the guys can confidently boast that their show is “Like you have never heard us before.” Why? You may ask. Lázzaro, lead guitar player’s response “For the first time, we offer

our original music: both Latin fusion rock and acoustic selections for the two different shows. People have really seemed to like what they hear!” What better way to celebrate this holiday season in paradise than enjoying the fabulous music of Los Bambinos? Their show offerings for the 2015 season include a Tuesday night Beach Boys show and a Friday night Unplugged Latino show, both at Roxy Rock house at 8pm. In their Tuesday night show, Los Bambinos take you on a walk down memory lane… to 1960s California with

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.

the Beach Boys and their Surfin’ Safari album. The fine harmonies of this feature group put the Morales Brothers to the test. “I love the Beach Boys, I was singing all the words with the guys. Their harmonies were perfect!” – Miriam, Toronto Canada On Fridays, Los Bambinos present a popular show for Latino music lovers. Los Bambinos UNPLUGGED brings to the stage the well-loved sound of their acoustic performances in the serenade or tableside setting. This two-hour show runs with the same theme of the year: Los Bambinos Original songs, rounding out the show with International and Latino selections for a feel-

good evening out with friends and loved-ones. Trained in classical guitar by their musician father, Los Bambinos have learned an amazing diversity of Latin and International songs perfect for special events and private parties. Through years of disciplined music practice, the group has finetuned their very compatible voices bringing a memorable harmony of sound to over a decade of listeners. The best part is that the group loves to sing, thus their music is genuine and rich, enlivening any celebration. “You plan the party, we’ll bring it to life!” Roxy Rock House has live music every night and is located at Ignacio L. Vallarta #217, Old Town Vallarta.

Los Bambinos perform Tuesday and Friday nights 8-10pm throughout the 2015 season. TICKETS & BOOKING: www.losbambinosmusic.com | (322) 222-4357. ENGLISH SPOKEN. SEE YOU AT THE SHOW!

MishMash

287 Basilio Badillo in old town 322 223 0838 www.nachodaddymexico.com

by Marcia Blondin “First of all playing with her is NOT work. Because of her we get what every musician wants: people LISTEN to what we play.” Eduardo Leon, classical/flamenco guitar, fourth season. “We are friends on and off the stage. A mix of magic with passion;

the feelings and emotions of five different styles merge in the same song.” Enrique Jimenez, drummer, third season. “She is such a professional; we are like family. It’s magic and it’s fun.” Roberto Falcon, six-string bass guitar, third season. “It is so much fun to work with partners; it feels good to work with each other.” Fernando Gonzalez, Rumba guitar, first season. Bobby Tansen, flautist, saxophone, back-up vocals and not available for comment due to a conflicting gig on Christmas Day. He plays flute on Mana’s albums.

Enough said. She says about the musicians…”I don’t know what I would do without them. Personally they have been there for me, held me up through tragedy and professionally they rehearse so hard and they are all so good individually – I am like wallpaper on the stage.” She, is of course, Kim Kuzma and with the above mentioned musicians creates ACUSTICO every Sunday night on stage in the Red Room Cabaret. The title “Mishmash” refers to Kim and the band blending a couple of tunes that share enough in common musically to combine in the most interesting ways. Kim’s vocal range used to be easily four octaves but now that she has ‘her boys’ three octaves are, for the most part, sufficient. Acustico meanders through many musical genres and languages and each musician is singularly a star. The combination of such a degree of professionalism and the talented beautiful Kim Kuzma creates an explosion of energy that will keep your whole body humming for hours. This concert Acustico is almost diametrically opposed to Kim’s Wednesday night concert also in the Red Room. She LOVES disco, loves to sing it and loves to dance to it and so will you…sing along and dance along with her Wednesday Night Fever. Feel free to wear hot pants, boots and big hair. Just be prepared to MOVE and have fun!

UPCOMING EVENTS JAN FEB & MORE Friday January 9th – 10am Breakfast for a Good Cause at Casa Fantasia Join Corazon de Niña for breakfast and help support this home for abused children. $250 pesos with 60% going to the charity. Tix at Carol’s Boutique, Kristina’s Salon in the Marina and at Corazon de Niña. January 9 – 11 4th Annual Puerto Vallarta Organic Stretching®: bodymind movements Workshop Founder Pat Henry presents the ten-hour course at InkarriVallarta (across from Mega) once each year. Discounts available until Jan 5. Details and registration online at:http://bit.ly/1vqmPcw

Saturday, January 10th Second Annual Becas Classic Golf Tournament A fun and unique golf tournament of Modified Stableford at the Marina Golf Course. Call Barrie Page at 322-110-2666 (cell) or Alex Whiteside at 322-117-3870 (cell) or Carlos Fregoso at 221-0789 for information and reservations. $800/$1400(non-members) Saturday January 10th 5-9pm Paella Competition – May the best Paella win! at Eddie’s on the River (on Isla Cuale) in support of Corazon de Niña $300 peso suggested donation. Tix available at Carol’s Boutique, Kristina’s Salon in the Marina and at Corazon de Niña. Great prizes for the best paella! Open to public and professional. January 14 - 18th Second Annual Festival Sayulita - a five-day culture and food fest in the chilled-out coastal town of Sayulita. Tickets and packages start at $1,250 pesos - visit FestivalSayulita.com Saturday, January 17 at 12:30pm Fashion Charity Function Held at the River Café in support of Pasitos de Luz. Have fun visiting and watching a fabulous

Leslie Jordan to present all new show in Vallarta

ctor, comedian and Emmy Award winner, Leslie Jordan returns to Puerto Vallarta for the third year in a row with a new show titled: ‘Say Cheese: My Life in front of the Camera!’ Leslie Jordan is perhaps best known for his raucous, outrageous recurring role as Karen Walker’s nemesis Beverley Leslie on the television comedy Will & Grace, having won the coveted Emmy Award for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2006, as well as his career defining role as ‘Brother Boy’ in both the original film Sordid Lives and the Logo TV prequel sensation, Sordid Lives the series. Leslie returns for a three-week run at The Palm Cabaret and Bar on Sunday, Jan. 4th at 7:00 p.m. in his all new show ‘Say Cheese! My Life In Front Of The Camera’, which humorously examines his life in front of the camera; more specifically, his relationship with the camera of good friend and professional photographer Jim Cox. Cox’s photos of Leslie and friends are featured prominently, as the show’s subject matter. ‘An Evening At The Birdcage’ starring Joe Posa and Thirsty Burlington, also returns to The Palm on Sunday, January 4th at 9:30 p.m. With incredible voices and likenesses, Posa and Burlington impersonate celebrities Joan Rivers, Cher, Judy Garland, Michael Jackson, Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand with uncanny precision. They were at huge hit at The Palm last season, and they just completed a very successful sold-out run in Provincetown, MA. Dates, times and tickets can be found on The Palm Cabaret’s website www.ThePalmPV.com.

fashion show while helping these’s wonderful children and their needs! $300 pesos. Tickets include Appetizer, lunch, desert and coffee, tax and tip. Please email Barb condo211@yahoo.ca for tickets! Wednesday, January 21st Becas Breakfast at Daiquiri Dick’s at 9:30am $150 pesos must be purchased in advance.Lots of raffle and Silent Auction prizes. Your participation insures that bright young Vallarta girls and boys have a chance to get the educations they want and deserve. For tickets to upcoming Becas events call Polly Vicars, at 223-1371. Saturday, January 24th, 2015 4th Annual TASTE OF LA CRUZ Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle 3-7pm will feature restaurants, businesses, artisans and musicians from Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta. Thursday, January 29, 2015 XV ART AUCTION in support of Los Mangos Library Local and international artists auction off unique pieces of art and donate a minimum of 50% towards the library fundraising efforts. Los Mangos is funded solely by donations. January 29th to February 1st 4th Annual Arena Vallarta International Charro Championships Twenty six teams of Charros, Mexican horseman, from all over the country will compete in a series of events such as bull riding, high speed challenges, and fore footing among others. The winning team will receive $100,000usd. Many events in addition to the daily Charro will be held around Puerto Vallarta. Stay tuned for more information. Tuesday, February 17 at 9:00pm Mardi Gras – Puerto Vallarta Mark this date in your calendar. Join up with friends and build a float or plan on hitting the street to watch this fantastic spectacle. Plenty of other events happening in support. More information can be found at www.mardigraspv.com/ May 17-25, 2015 Vallarta Pride Focusing on the theme of Unity, this year’s weeklong event is one of the best Pride events in Mexico. More information at vallartapride.com

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

local

Paradise

Wellness

and Parenting Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Latina

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

New Year’s Resolutions 2015 4 Easy Changes You Can Make to Transform your New Year !

M to make things more interesting and myself more intelligent, like referring to raw vegetables as “crudités” instead of “vegetables”. 4) Learn to pronounce “crudités”. 5) Stop writing “2014” on everything. 6) Lose the five pounds that stops me from wearing my favorite jeans (OR) 7) Decide the jeans aren’t really my favorite and buy a bigger size 8) Watch less TV (because, Netflix) 9) Learn actual verb conjugations in Spanish so that I am not constantly saying things like “Yesterday, I eat too much cake”. 10) Stop feeling guilty about not spending enough time with my children 11) Stop feeling guilty about not giving my children enough space and opportunities to be independent 12) Find things to feel guilty about the children that don’t contradict each other 13) Be vigilant of children using my purse to dump their refuse or keep their personal items. No more hauling out old mushy sandwiches or lid-less Hello Kitty Lip Balm tubes on a romantic outing with my husband. Well, unless it’s MY lid-less Hello Kitty Lip Balm. 14) And, finally, continue to order my own ice cream. The kids won’t let me “help” them lick off the drips on their cones anymore, and they never order chocolate peanut butter anyway. Happy New Year to you all! May you find your own resolutions just as delicious.

any of us around this time begin to self-reflect and make a new list of goals or resolutions that too many times end up being too challenging or we aren't able to keep because we forget or get lazy. What if we didn't put so much pressure on ourselves and simply adopted small, sustainable changes that cumulatively add up to a healthier, happier version of ourselves? Poco a poco. Here are a few tips: 1) Rediscover veggies! Get a little adventurous. Have you tried chayote (pear squash), what used to be a staple to the Aztecs? The chayote can be eaten raw in salads, or stuffed and baked, but requires a lot of seasoning as it can be bland without it. Nopales or cactus is another staple in Mexico. It's an excellent source of manganese, vitamin c, and

magnesium and typically found in huevos con nopales (eggs with cactus), tacos de nopales or just a nopale salad. My mother used to make a nopale salad that I still really enjoy. It's boiled nopales, with chopped onion, tomato, garlic, salt and lemon or lime juice. It may be an acquired taste for some, but I thought it to be delicioso! 2) Drink lots of water. C'mon you can swap that margarita for another glass of water can't ya? Did you know that our body consists of over 70% water and we're constantly losing water via urine and sweat.. Many experts claim that if we don’t stay hydrated throughout the day, our energy levels and brain function can start to suffer and there is plenty of evidence to support those claims. So drink up and ask for another vaso de agua (awa). 3) Get out into nature. It's all around you. Breathe in the oxygen

Vallarta’s Jewish

community celebrates Chanukkah

he Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community once again sponsored its Chanukkah Party at the beautifully elegant River Café. This is not just a dinner; this is a traditional affair where we share and experience in miracles. Before the Chanukkah Festivities, there was a gathering so everyone could meet new people as well as mingle with old friends and family. This became the beginning of our own Chanukkah ¨miracle¨. The traditional Chanukkah party began as many of us lit our menorahs while we said the prayer over the candles together and then joined in song with smiles and laughter. A traditional Jewish dinner

Lyudmila Brener

love the idea of being a responsible adult person even while procrastinating. What I should be doing is preparing for my parents’ arrival, and what I am doing is writing this article so I can meet my deadline. This is the more pleasant responsibility and I’ll tell you why. My parents’ room has become the place where important receipts, broken kites, and used schoolbooks have gone to die. There is a layer eight months thick, and it’s all got to go before 4:30pm on December 31. I have been reflecting on 2014 and I’ve got lots of great things to say about it, but I am ready for 2015. I looked back on my New Year’s resolution article from one year ago. I wrote a list of resolutions for my children, some of which were: learning some decent knock knock jokes, not asking me for things when I am in the bathroom, and saying hi to their own mother at school, no matter how embarrassing it might be. I have to tell you that we didn’t find a lot of success with any of these things, even with the purchase of a knock knock joke book and a fashionable update to my school wardrobe. I’ve decided to let my children choose their own resolutions (sigh) and make my own. I started the list last night but realized I was setting the bar a bit low with resolutions such as “eat one cup of peanut butter-chocolate ice cream from Devil’s Ice Cream each week (can be substituted for one cup salted caramel ice cream from Xocodiva)”. This is probably too easy. Plus, I’m already doing that. So, here are my resolutions/ challenges for 2015: 1) Separate my laundry into colors and whites (my mom is crying happy tears). 2) Never use any social media acronyms, because a) they are turning us into an illiterate, lazy society and b) I can’t decode any of them after “lol” 3) Change up my vocabulary

near the beach, a park or a hiking trail. There are plenty of places to get fresh air, exercise and connect with madre tierra (mother earth) all at once. The beach, the malecón (boardwalk), the botanical gardens or the various sites along the river or the jungle trails are all good options. Sitting in silence and breathing clean oxygen help to nourish your cells and keep you feeling energized and happy. 4) Connect with others. Start a conversation with someone new. This is a good opportunity to practice a little Spanish - or not. Ask about their dog or ask the lady on the corner selling tamales how she made them. Sometimes a simple, "Cómo está?" ( How are you?) does a lot to start a dialogue. Take an interest in other people and how their presence and gifts add something to your world. We often find that other people have the same aspirations, challenges, fears, and joys as we do. Taking the time to connect with others oftentimes reminds us that we're not that much different from each other. Cheers to a Feliz Año Nuevo! Marcella Castellanos is a bilingual certified Health & Wellness Coach. She works with expats to help spice up their vitality by adopting healthier, sustainable habits with natural, whole foods nutrition and medicine. For her blog or a list of her upcoming holistic programs and workshops visit www.wellnesslatina.com.

was served surrounded by candlelight and traditional Chanukkah decorations. It started with smoked salmon on canapés, braised chicken or fish, organic vegetables, enough latkes for all, with sour cream and apple sauce, followed by a fabulous chocolate molten cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberry puree. The evening ended with a drawing and Chanukkah

gelt. Three generations consisting of Canadian, Mexican, and American Jews said their ¨good nights¨ ... not good bye as we celebrated a Chanukkah of ¨miracles¨. Please mark your calendar to join the Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community for Passover on Friday, April 3, 2015. Also, mark your calendars for Chanukkah.

real estate

Things are

Different in Mexico

Fabien Madesclaire and Ariel O’Donnell

Fabien@g3mex.com

ack when you were living in the US/Canada or Europe, I’m sure you never thought that one day you’d be paying a man a peso outside of the bathroom for a little handful of toilet paper, and then after utilizing it, you would then toss in the wastebasket instead of flushing down the toilet. Well, things are different in here in Mexico. And after over 15 years of spending time in Puerto Vallarta, it’s all just become part of my daily reality. Here are a few other things that are bits of the local color: Utterly Random Traffic Rules No one makes a full stop at a stop sign. Traffic lights are honored, but they seem to be strangely timed, so never expect to catch all green lights on your journey as you sail down Francisco Villa. Too, don’t be surprised if someone uses the oncoming traffic lane for passing— it will keep you on your toes.

Gas Cylinder Trucks They are loud, big, and on a mission. The drivers are so highly skilled that they can easily traverse a street with a two-inch clearance on either side of their vehicle. Too, these men are STRONG. Imagine lugging full cylinders of propane up and down stairs all day long during the hot and humid summer! Tip them well. Electricity is a Very Capricious Concept It’s on. It’s off. It’s dim. Or everything is fine. You just never know. The currents are a little wild, so if you have a precious appliance/computer, be sure to plug it into a currency regulator. And never expect a toaster to last more than a year. Water Water comes, and then it goes. They still have those bizarre tinaco water tanks everywhere. They are ugly, but they come in handy when the city water flow stops for some reason. They also work with gravity, and help increase

your water pressure, in theory. You can drink the tap water. I’ve done it. But the locals don’t really totally trust it. I understand that the quality of the water is on par with larger U.S. cities, though I think the taste of filtered and bottled water is so much better, so get used to having a big water garrafón taking up space in your kitchen. Though, many gated and condo communities now have a filtered water system throughout, so you don’t need to think twice about it. Bats, Insects and My Pet Opossum I have a no kill policy, except for spiders and mosquitos. I use mosquito netting and a fan to keep them away during the rainy season. Luckily my blood type is A+, which is the least desirable to the pesky mosquito. My house is very open, so I have all sorts of visitors: Harmless fruit bats that deftly fly inches from the whirring ceiling fan, butterflies, hummingbirds and we now have an opossum that has taken a liking to the cat’s food. Homeless Dogs and Cats I love all animals, and it’s sad to see so many wandering around town. Luckily people are getting better at spay/neuter practices. And we have some amazing local organizations that work to help get these lovely creatures adopted. You Will Never Find the Cooking Ingredient That You Want If you are an avid chef, ingredient hunting will drive you crazy when you first

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

cashier will inevitably ask you for a smaller bill, or reject your transaction outright. Break large bills down at any opportunity, and count your change! For some reason stores will round up in their favor, a strange custom, so be insistent about getting correct change.

arrive in Vallarta. But after time, it becomes a challenging scavenger hunt and local expat obsession. You’ll find yourself, instead of discussing current events at a party, talking about where you last saw cranberry sauce or a chocolate chips. After a while you learn to improvise, substitute, or in my case throw in the towel. We eat tons of local fish, vegetables and fruits. I admit that I fall into a depression if Costco runs out of the large blocks of Tillamook cheese. Utility Bills Sometimes you receive them and sometimes you don’t. Sometimes the amount is correct, and sometimes not. Be sure to check them closely. This is still a cash based country and people physically go to the business office on the very last day possible to pay for things, so plan accordingly. Prior to the bill’s due date you can pay at OXXO, or other outlets, for a small fee. Too, CFE and Telmex will allow you to pay a chunk sum in advance, if you want to avoid some of the hassle. No One Will Ever Have Change Whip out a crisp $500 peso bill, and be prepared for rejection. The

Everyone Shares If you’ve brought along some food you MUST offer other people some of it FIRST!!! Food is part of the social fabric and is SHARED. Even a small child with a couple of pieces of candy will offer you one prior to digging in. This is truly one of my favorite customs! Chile and Limon Everything has one, the other, or both. Get used to it. My son will now only eat popcorn with a squeeze of lime and some Valentina hot sauce. Which is actually REALLY yummy. Too, we always have the staple Tajin (chile, salt and dehydrated lime) around for Jicama, cucumber and fruits. Once you’ve had it, there is no going back. This is Not a Discount Culture Coupons, discounts and two for ones are frequently just advertisements for products. Read the fine print.

If you have questions, about living in Vallarta, call or stop by and chat with me at our G3MEX Real Estate office, just one block from Playa de los Muertos at Calle Amapas 114-B (near the Hotel Emperador), Zona Romantica. Phone: 044-322-1350424. www.g3mex.com

Facts to know about Taxation when renting your condos, houses or villas in Mexico David Connell

“Paradise”…..a land where life is worry-free and simple. We all seek a place where all responsibilities are left behind, where having-to is forgotten and replaced with not-having to.

any foreigners found this “Paradise” in beautiful Mexico where they find pleasant surroundings, affordable living and a wonderful lifestyle! Several years ago the Mexican Federal Government made it possible for foreigners, non-Mexicans, to acquire the “rights of ownership” for properties in the “forbidden zone” opening the door to the coastal regions where many a foreigner has purchased his “own piece of paradise”. Many of these foreign owners

partially subsidize their paradise by renting their property to visitors who desire a vacation rental over the traditional hotel experience. The rental income helps offset the cost or ownership and provides a great incentive for having the property while also using it personally. All seemed well with this arrangement until a recent issue on rental income tax requirements began to surface. While the Mexican Federal Government welcomes foreigners to purchase the “rights of ownership” on properties in Mexico, it also expects the owners to abide by the Mexican laws governing these rights. The pressure is on to get these owners legal and paying taxes as the law requires. The current situation in Mexico is that many foreign owners are not complying with the laws either due to not knowing about them, getting bad advice about them or choosing to

ignore them altogether. Regardless of the reason, lack of compliance is risky at best. The law in Mexico is simple; any income from a rental property located in Mexico is taxable in Mexico….period! It is important to know that in accordance with Mexican law, at the moment of acquiring property and the rights to use and enjoy it, if via fideicomiso or another title, (regulated by the Secretaria de Relaciones Exteriores, SRE) you will be considered Mexican in every respect concerning the fideicomiso. In case of any failures to comply with Mexican laws, you may lose your rights as the holder of a fideicomiso and the related property, to the Mexican Government as beneficiary (so it is ruled under the Second Title of the Foreign Investment Law and Regulations). The SRE gives permission

to foreigners to be holders of a fideicomiso this allows foreigners to acquire property in any zone. This brings with it the obligation to comply with all laws concerning the property as the object of the fideicomiso. If you rent the property you have purchased in Mexico you do have tax obligations in Mexico. Many people believe that if they rent rooms in Mexico but receive the money in the US or Canada that they do not have any tax obligations in Mexico. This is not true. If you rent a property that is located in Mexico, the income generated by this rental is taxable in Mexico. The Mexican tax authority is getting tougher each year and recently has been reviewing web pages to determine what properties are being rented. If you rent your property and do not pay taxes you are running the risk of having

the tax authority put a lien on your property or worse. If you rent property, contact a certified public accountant, get registered and start filing and paying taxes. It is not worth losing having your property encumbered for a tax debt and having to pay an attorney to defend you.

David Connell has been living and working in Mexico for over 16 years. He is a licensed Mexican attorney and the managing partner of the firm Connell & Associates with offices in Mexico City, Ixtapa/ Zihuatanejo and Puerto Vallarta. Mr. Connell sits on the board of several organizations and corporations including non-profit and charitable organization, real estate and development companies, Home Owner Associations, hotel, time-share and fractional companies. Original: www.theyucatantimes.com

Love Cats? Here’s a unique tour for you!

hale watching, zip-lining and dolphin shows are great ways to create memories of your vacation here in Puerto Vallarta but for those of you looking for something truly unique and memorable how about a day trip to the Purr Project Ranch? In addition to meeting all 150 cats and kittens up close and personal at this non-profit animal, they including a short stop in San Juan de Valle, a charming little Mexican town near the ranch. Only four-hours long, you be back at your pick-up point by 1:30pm, with plenty of time to hit the beach. These tours have been completely funded so every peso of your donation goes directly to care of the cats now residing at the ranch. There will be tours on January 7, January 21, February 4 and 18,

March 4 and 18, and April 1. You can sign up now for any of those dates. Reserving your spot is a breeze. Just go to their website (www. purrproject.com), click on ‘Shelter Visits’ at the top of the page. You’ll find all the info you need about visiting the ranch, including a link to Superior Tours Vallarta’s website where you’ll find easy sign-up instructions, or you can contact the Tour Director, Pam Sullivan, at toursoftexas@hotmail.com. The cost is only $250 pesos ($20us). Come out and pet, cuddle, hug, nuzzle, pamper, and snuggle to your heart’s content! The 10-passenger air-conditioned van will leave Superior Tours’ office at Plaza Romy in Old Town at 9:00am, or VIPS Restaurant by the Marina Walmart at 9:20am.

travel

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Explore Banderas Bay

uerto Vallarta is located in the middle of Banderas Bay, one of the largest bays in Mexico at nearly 100km in length. It is bounded in the north by Punta de Mita and in the south by Cabo Corrientes. It straddles the states of Jalisco and Nayarit, divided along the Ameca River. The bay is home to many wonderful communities and an abundance of natural wonders. In the winter and spring seasons you can witness the awe inspiring beauty of the humpback whales as they calve in the warm waters of the bay, in the summer you can experience the majesty of the sea turtles hatching and returning to their watery world. The fall brings renewed vigour to the mountains and rivers with the fresh rains and revived vegetation. No matter when you visit, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will share their wonders with you. Here is a selection of some of the many things you can do while visiting us.

Walking Tours Take a tour through Puerto Vallarta’s Historic Downtown to learn about this city’s rich history, famous people, architecture, and cultural and ecological heritage; all this on an easy to moderate two-hour stroll led by a certified guide. Tours leave from the Municipal Tourism Office every Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m and Saturdays at 9:00 a.m. Shopping in the Zona Romantica – this charming neighbourhood is also called Old Town and is a popular residential area for expats and Mexican families. Along the main streets you will find shops galore, filled with wonderful authentic crafts, clothing, jewelry, excellent restaurants, spas, theaters and more. Vibrant and friendly, this area offers an excellent day or two (or more!) of exploring. Close to Los Muertos beach, consider ending your day with a sunset margarita at any of the many beachfront restaurants. Sunsets on the Malecon - Sitting on the edge of the Pacific Ocean never fails to give us a sunset each night. Grab a seat at any of the number of excellent bars and restaurants along the malecon, order your favourite cocktail and let it all slip away. Once the sun has set, the malecon comes alive with families out for a stroll, plenty of live entertainment

and later in the night, the nightclubs beckon. Sayulita – A short 45 minutes north of the Puerto Vallarta International Airport, Sayulita is the surfers mecca of Riviera Nayarit. A funky town with a wonderful protected beach, this laid-back town has a hippie vibe with the organic cafes and the yoga studios to prove it. Visit the Huichol Cultural Centre for some wonderful handmade beaded jewelry or grab a surf lesson from one of the many vendors on the beach. Cooking Classes – Recognized as one of the world’s leading cuisines, there are a number of great schools in the Puerto Vallarta area that will teach you how to master tortilla soup, enchiladas, salsas and more. Fresh seafood, abundant fruit and veggies and a sophisticated community make Vallarta a foodies dream destination. Look for a school that will take you to the markets or introduce you to the farmers and fishermen for a truly cultural experience. Don’t want to cook? Try one of the Food Tours available. Eat like a local and for three hours you will enjoy everything from Tacos to Pozole. Art Galleries – It is said there are more galleries per capita in Puerto Vallarta than any other place in Mexico. Many of these galleries are along the side streets that run through Centro. Stop at the Tourism Office in the Main Plaza for a map or take advantage of their free walking tour. Many galleries carry high quality local crafts, established Mexican and international artists and more. Volunteer - There are many wonderful organizations across the Bay that can use your help. Both time or money will be appreciated. On Sundays, the Brigada de Basura does a morning clean-up with the local children and then they all head to Que Pasa restaurant for breakfast, activities and friendship. Ride the bus - Buses in Puerto Vallarta are an experience all their own. You can tell the general destination of the bus by what is written on the window. Costco, Sheraton, Centro, Mismaloya you can go just about anywhere in this city on the bus. Only seven and a half pesos (per bus - there are no transfers) this is a great way to explore the neighbourhoods. Head south on the bus and get a front row seat on

some spectacular scenery on your way to the Vallarta Zoo. Or hop the Bucerias bus in front of Walmart and 30 minutes later you are exploring a charming beachside town. Tip: Sit on the non-sunny side of the bus. Trust me. It gets hot. Support Local Business - One of the most popular reasons visitors love Puerto Vallarta is because it’s a thriving city not just geared towards tourists. A fine example of this is the many small businesses that you can find in ‘Centro’ including galleries, restaurants, clothing stores, spas and more. Venture off the malecon to find the perfect souvenir. Conchas Chinas The south of Puerto Vallarta is a thick jungle full of adventure and excitement. Head south along the 200 highway and you will find the architecturally inspiring community of Conchas Chinas. The beach cove here is excellent for snorkeling. Nogalito The first town South is that of Nogalito. Set back in the jungle it is a charming Mexican village that also is home to one of the most popular day tours - the Canopy Mundo Nogalito Tour with the only tunnel zip-line in town. If you’re feeling the heat, stop at the Punta Negra bridge and take a drip in the river. Lovely fresh water, lots of little pools to splash in and rocks to dry off on. If you’re lucky, a vendor will come by with snacks and drinks - otherwise pack your own. Mismaloya 15 minutes further is Mismaloya, a small town set back from the water along a river that leads to the ocean and a number of beach restaurants. This bay looks onto Los Arcos and is a great place to grab a panga boat for a tour of the impressive rocks. If you have time, book a snorkel or dive trip. This is one of the deepest ocean valleys in the world and

home to turtles, whales, dolphins and the blue-footed Booby. Back behind the town, check out the Vallarta Zoo where you can play with baby monkeys, tigers and lions. Boca de Tomatlan Boca de Tomatlan is the last town

along the ocean and the place to grab a boat to the small beach communities of Quimixto, Las Animas and the very popular Yelapa. Looking for romance - book a table at the nearby Le Kliff for spectacular views and sunsets.

ROMANTIC ZONE / OLAS ALTAS

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. 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

Frankies

Newly opened, Frankie’s is fast becoming the new favorite Italian restaurants. They sell delicious, thin crust pizza. They also have incredible artisan pastas and salads. Their Italian chef, who definitely knows his way around the kitchen and their Italian owner guarantee you are eating an authentic Italian Mangiare. Prices are low to moderate. Try their Italian wines; the list is small but carefully selected.

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

entertainment

Charity

Live from the

in Vallarta

Red Room

By Frank K. Meyer Pastor Ric and Joy Lehman started CompassioNet Impact as a vehicle to move Puerto Vallarta’s Paradise Church members out of the church and into the streets. “Love God. Love People. Period.” But now the ministry is so much more. Yes, the network is full of Paradise Church members but, now it carries other churches, charities, pastors, families and individuals into service as well. It is a growing network of compassion. Ric and Joy’s hope is that the network of compassion will continue to attract partners and co-laborers — and spread to other cities.

uerto Vallarta’s Hope Kids, Colonias, Careers, Co-laborers Puerto Vallarta has a striking divide of people who have and people who have not. Within minutes of Vallarta’s beach resorts and condos are severely impoverished colonias (neighbourhoods) of families low on hope. Alongside other charities and churches, CompassioNet Impact delivers hope to both these groups; to the haves, new ways to share their time and talents; to the have-nots, a chance to overcome generations of poverty. They set up libraries, nurture orphans, build communities, teach English, serve nutritious meals, and replace dirt floors. All help reduce poverty’s immediate burden on kids — and the long-term generational cycle of hopelessness. CompassioNet Impact welcomes co-laborers who love kids. Colonias, the tight-knit neighborhoods with multiple generations of families, are the hubs of CompassioNet Impact’s activities. They work with local pastors to transform church buildings into community centers. Many of their services to kids take place in these centers. In addition, they distribute emergency food, medicine and clothing, and provide interest-free

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

loans to small businesses. They also help families build clean, affordable homes. CompassioNet Impact’s engine is its corps of volunteers. Some are local Puerto Vallarta residents and business owners. Others are visitors from around the world including church mission teams and vacationing families. They come from all walks of life and financial circumstances. All desire to make their world a little better. CompassioNet Impact welcomes mission teams and families as boots on the ground in PV’s colonias. Would you like to make a difference in Mexico. Some of the typical volunteer needs include teaching (English, business skills, art, sports, music), construction and food service. Spanish-language fluency is helpful but not critical. Want to change the world? Write hope@4compassion.org.

by Marcia Blondin

orking backwards during an exceptionally diverse week at Act II Entertainment: I sat through Cashetta’s last show of 2014 and was as bewildered afterwards as I was her opening night. The Red Room was packed with almost all ‘newbies’… the result of Scott appearing in Old Town…all seven feet of him in glittery drag and FM pumps and huge hair. At the end of her show Cashetta held court in the Encore bar for dozens of ‘New Believers in Magic’ and read tarot cards for free. Her last show is Friday, January 2, so run for tickets! Vallarta’s own Bob Bruneau

accompanied his friend and cabaret partner Arnaldo!, also from Seattle, in a stylish, sophisticated mini-concert prior to Cashetta’s show. I happened to be sitting with Kim Kuzma tucked in a corner and able to quietly exchange comments. For Kim to be impressed - first with Bob’s impeccable piano playing – and second, with Arnaldo’s! perfect pitch is high praise indeed; I concur. Arnaldo!, drag chanteuse extraordinaire, will be back next season. With gladioli or gladioluses (pick one, Possums) abundantly displayed behind her, Ms. Dame Edna, exploded onto the Red Room stage last Saturday night, resplendent as always in mauve hair, fabulously feathered, sensationally sequined frock and suitably blinged with sweetly sharpened

tongue lashings ready for all and sundry: What Aussie Glory! In only his second season in Vallarta, Michael Walters already has a fan base that expanded exponentially with his appearance the next day as Dame Edna as Guest Judge for Week #4 of the VOICE of Vallarta. For those of you who think Mr Walters is only an extremely funny drag queen, think again. His brilliant baritone voice will stun you with its richness and warmth. He KNOWS music and besides being comedic, his commentaries during Voice were erudite and helpful to those in the competition. Juan Pablo Hernandez, the V of V Em-Cee, tried to translate into Spanish the foreign English (Aussie), with often hilarious results. The audience loved it, the competitors loved it, Dame Edna enjoyed herself. Bottom line is: can we convince her to come back and judge some more? How about a good bribe: Fill the Red Room Saturday night and she will have no choice but to show up Sunday at 8pm at the judges table! Be there (both rooms!) to find out!

START THE NEW YEAR WITH LAUGHTER AT THE RED ROOM CABARET SHARRON MATTHEWS

SOLID GOLD HITS, SIDE ONE JAN 6, 8, 13, 15, 20, 22, 27 & 29 AT 7:30PM SOLID GOLD HITS, SIDE TWO JAN 5, 9, 12, 16, 18, 23, 25 & 30 AT 9:30PM “She proved once again that she may be the most exciting thing to have happened in cabaret since Bette Midler at the Continental Baths.” - NiteLifeExchange/NYC Sharron Matthews gets around...and in the interest of clarity...without being tongue in cheek or chatty...here are the facts: Grew up in Hamilton, ON....Moved to Toronto when she was 20....Always wanted to be Cher, Marie Osmond, Carol Burnett and Dawn...from Tony Orlando and Dawn...and if you are too young to know who Dawn is...sigh. So she set out...to be all of those people...as well as Tim Curry from Rocky Horror and Dame Edna.

DAME EDNA FINDS HER VOICE UNTIL FEB 14: TUES & SAT AT 9:30 PM WED & FRI AT 7:30 PM “Renowned vocalist and actor Michael L. Walters takes the stage by storm in a critically acclaimed full-scale homage to Dame Edna’s fabulous Broadway shows! This fun-filled evening of glamour and side-splitting laughter features incredible glittering gowns, outrageous comedy, original musical numbers, and of course a floral finale with Edna’s signature gladioli! It’s a show that’s been hailed as “SPECTACULAR” by Dame Edna’s original creator Barry Humphries, so get your tickets today.

VIVA LOS VEGAS

TWO SHOWS ONLY January 7th and 10th at 4:00 PM Come and celebrate the KING’S 80th Birthday! Two time champion Elvis Tribute Artists, Rob Knight and Dino Macris, perform together.

CASHETTA

JAN 2 AT 9:30PM JAN 3, 5 7:30PM Cashetta has delighted audiences for over 18 years with her outrageous wit, charm and crossover appeal and remains one of America’s most beloved, unique and sought after female impersonators. As a Singer, Comic, Emcee, Magician and Fabulous Psychic Medium, Cashetta is a one of a kind entertainer that is not to be missed!

KIM KUZMA ACOUSTICO - SUN AT 7:30 PM WEDNESDAY NIGHT FEVER - WED AT 9:30 PM Kim Kuzma and her live acoustic band is a Sunday evening tradition in Vallarta. Join Kim for Wednesday Night Fever for a high energy disco show. The Red Room Cabaret @ ACT II Stages Insurgentes #300 Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes Act II Stages (322) 222-1512 www.facebook.com/Theredroomcabaret

ELVIS FOREVER S IS M ’T M DON AYS AT 4P WEDNESD

charity

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune. com. Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120. wix.com/accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. Contact slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance 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

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.

CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. 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. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

larships 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

Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org

CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688.

Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053

Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals,

“Taste Of Nuevo/Cruisers Chili Cook-Off”

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

Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scho-

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

Two Local Charities Benefit From Succesful

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 A cayro_13@ hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with

amilies at the Dump and the Navy League’s Toys for Tots programs each received a check for $33,790.00 pesos as a result of the 2nd annual “Taste of Nuevo / 14th annual Cruisers Chili Cook-off. This is a significant increase from last year’s event and could not have been possible without

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

the generous support of all the participating restaurants, chili cookers, bakers, and all of the volunteers who donated of their time and talent. Thanks are also in order to the folks at Marina Nuevo Vallarta who donated tables and chairs for the event and to the Nayarit Visitors Bureau who provided

Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 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 Proyecto Pitillal, “Busca un Amigo” - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-4495. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com

signs and music. This event is sponsored by the Vallarta Yacht Club and was held on the Malecon in Nuevo Vallarta. Plans are being developed for next year’s event which is tentatively scheduled to be held at the same location on Saturday December 5, 2015.

Refugio Infantil Santa EsperanzaShelter for Children. Tax-deductible. ccshf.ca Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com The International Friendship Club (IFC) - Supports the Cleft Palate Surgery Program & families in need. 322-222-5466. ifcvallarta.com Toys for Tots Vallarta - Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or lourdes. bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com

games

SUDOKU easy

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

medium

hard

Number Blocks

Word Search

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

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

VASCO DA GAMA, VESPUCCI.

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

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

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

Wuzzles

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

Commonym

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.

riviera nayarit

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Get Involved in the Sayulita Community By: Stacey Elkins

egardless of whether you live in Sayulita or are simply vacationing, there are many ways for one to get involved in our community. KO Marshall, a Sayulita local, put together an impressive pamphlet of volunteer opportunities. The idea originated for her rental property guests so that they could “live it like a local” during their stay in Sayulita. “Guests would see me volunteering, going to a fundraiser event, or ask about our dogs, who are rescues from SayulitAnimals, and they would want to know how they could get involved too,” shared KO. This project has evolved over the last few years. At first KO would relay volunteer opportunities verbally and then later put together a sheet of information, adding more ideas as they came to mind. “This year I decided to just go for it and make this a pamphlet ever-

yone could use. Tourists can make a great contribution in Sayulita and this helps bridge the gap,” said KO. Inside this pamphlet is an abundance of information. “This is a great resource for other property owners to place in their rental properties, and I hope they do! Tourists can read about volunteering here and maybe find something that suits them. All of the information is current and all of the contacts speak English,” stressed KO. One will find information about volunteering for SayulitAnimals, The Mercado del Pueblo, Costa Verde International School, Eco Sayulita, Sayuparke, Campamento Tortugero, the Sayulita Catholic Church, Pro Sayulita, and MexiTreks. There is also information about volunteering for annual events, such as Festival Sayulita and a community toy drive for needy children in our pueblo. There are suggestions for financial donations, as well as a map

with the organizations marked on it. KO’s daughter, Indigo, helped to complete this project. She made recycled holders for the pamphlets

to go in and also helped fold the pamphlets. If you are in Sayulita and would like a pamphlet, you can pick one up at ChocoBanana,

La Esperanza Café, Coffee on the Corner, or the Mercado del Pueblo. Originally published on Sayulitalife.com

Boardwalk project for San Blas announced

ith an investment of 100 million Mexican pesos, beginning in 2015 with a tentative end date of 2016, the Director of the Maritime and Port Authority, Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, announced plans for the construction of a boardwalk (malecón) in San Blas, Riviera Nayarit. This will facilitate the development of nautical tourism and both recreational and sports activities and will spur economic growth. The project includes a boardwalk and complementary structures, including four docks, a loading

ramp and several sports installations such as a beach volleyball court and play areas. The boardwalk will be located on the seafront extending from the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar) to the Fueling Dock along one side of the Fonatur building, which houses the offices of Mexico’s national trust for the promotion of tourism. According to the Director of the Maritime and Port Authority, the boardwalk will be 1300 meters long, 850 of which will be set aside for an 8-meter wide avenue, with 450 meters reserved as a pedestrian walkway.

Riviera Nayarit kicks off the year with the Vallarta Cup Race Series

pproximately 25 boats will get together the first four Saturdays of the year to enjoy the camaraderie that comes with the sport of sailing in Banderas Bay. As happens every year, the traditional Vallarta Cup Race Series will be celebrated on the first four Saturdays of the month of January (3, 10, 17, 24) and will signal the start of the activities for 2015 in the Riviera Nayarit. Organized by the Vallarta Yacht Club (VYC), the event will include the participation of approximately

25 boats mostly from the Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, the Marina in Puerto Vallarta and the Marina Paradise Village in Nuevo Vallarta, which will also serve as headquarters for the race. This nautical event was created to be more than just a competition, as it welcomes participants to fully enjoy and take advantage of the natural bounty of the Banderas Bay. In fact, new participants can register even after the competition is already underway. After each competition a theme

party is held that includes a dinner serving dishes from local restaurants and plenty of music to create

a fun ambiance. For registration and more information, please contact the VYC at 01 (322) 297

2222 or by email: office@vallartayachtclub.org. Their official website is www.vallartayachtclub.org.

riviera nayarit

Friday Jan 2-8, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit By Cat Morgan

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

If you have any comments, questions or would like information on rentals, tours or restaurants and entertainment please email Cat Morgan at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com

eliz Año Nuevo a todo! Wow! What a holiday season. The beaches filled up with everyone here to celebrate the New Year. The parties have been so much fun…laughter with friends and all the good food and entertainment...WHEW! I made it out on the bay with lovely friends Andy and Liz¬¬¬¬¬ in their sailboat for the fireworks on the 29th which was super fun! Good friends, yummy food and drinks and fireworks. Perfect! I think that this was a big hit and I do hope they will be doing this again next season. With all of the partying, eating a ton of rich foods that we normally do not eat, and excessive alcohol intake, it may be time to start thinking about any New Year’s resolutions you may be having around your health: mind, body and spirit. Detoxing all aspects of the self is a good thing! Clearing away the junk…you know, that bag of “stuff” you have been carrying around with you forever….that “stuff” that gets in your way, makes you feel like crap and potentially holds you back! All of those issues that keep wanting to express themselves on physical levels forcing you to pay attention to them, which they will eventually if not released or integrated. Detoxing is also an important part of cellular health. Liver cleansing, energy healing work, massage, blood cleansing are all great ways to clean out your system and restore to optimum health. Cleansing every 6 months is a good idea. Getting into a fitness program is also a great idea. (GET FIT new location at Breakers Beach Bar Mondays and Fridays 10:30 to 11:30) Raising your heart beat creates oxygen to circulate in your cells. Oxygenating your cells creates

health. If you’re a smoker please consider stopping. Oxygen deprivation creates disease. Addictions are tough. I know! I quit smoking cigarettes about 20 years ago and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself. If you smoke, make it your New Year’s resolution to quit and stick with it.

Sweat Lodge Ceremony

Another way to accomplish clearing out old emotions and toxins is with a sweat lodge ceremony. In Mexico sweat lodges are called Temezcals. The Aztec ceremonies are very much the same, yet different than a Native American sweat lodge, as the rocks are heated outside, and the fire is also outside of the kava and not brought into the circle as in Native American customs. This is actually quite nice

as it is much easier to breath in the lodge without the ashes and smoke that can occur. Both have one or more shamans leading the ceremony. There are four doors in a sweat lodge ceremony. Doors refer to rounds. Each door has a specific intention. The actual door to the lodge is opened in-between each “door”. Before entering the kava, you can put aloe vera on your body and hair to protect it from the heat. It also is makes your skin so soft afterwards. After all four doors have been completed, you are then guided outside for blessing, a shower, and wrapped up in a big towel and lay down on the grass for a few minutes to star gaze and what I call “come back onto the planet”! It’s a very wonderful experience. Fruit water and fruit is

shared. During the sweat it can get intense. It gets hot, obviously. Not too hot, but hot! Also, issues cling to their hosts and most certainly do not want to be cleansed! I have cleared a couple of very deep issues during a sweat lodge. My mind kept trying to tell me to “get the heck out!” but I stuck it out each time, and very amazing things happened. I could feel the old issues and energies clearing from my body. It was very intense for me. I was very amazed after the first time. If anyone would like to know more about my experience email me. No one has the same issues. Whether you want to sweat for a physical cleaning up, or emotional / mental release, ¬¬¬¬¬¬ or all of the above, a sweat lodge ceremony can work wonders.

There is a Temezcal at Los Arroyos Verdes in Bucerias. The next ceremony is on Monday, January 5th, and every two weeks during the high season, making the next one after that on Monday the 19th. They begin at 5:30 and are a couple of hours long. You will want to wear a swimsuit that does not have any metal clasps on it, and bring a sarong to wrap in or sit on. There are also showers if you would like to shower afterwards. This girl is ready to get back into the groove. There is a lot of fun going on around the bay. Check out the allBucerias.com calendar as well as the allLaCruz.com calendar for the events and entertainment happening on the northern part of the Banderas Bay. Wishing everyone a healthy and happy New Year in 2015!

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Vallarta Bird Festival

he Vallarta Bird Conservancy announces the Annual Vallarta Bird Festival March 5-8, 2015. Featuring 4 days of guided tours, presentations, and lectures for a wonderful opportunity to view, learn and enjoy the wonderful birds in Puerto Vallarta and Cabo Corrientes area whether you are an avid birder or just beginning, there is something for everyone, young and old. Space is limited on all tours so register early. Tours include Vallarta

Botanical Gardens, Rancho Primavera, Bioto Road, Provincia Road, Laguna del Quelele, El Salado, Boca de Tomatlan, Las Carmelitas, Isla Marietas and El Jorullo Military Macaw. These tours encompass a wide variety of areas and birds, a privately owned wildlife sanctuary, scenic rural roads high in the mountains with tropical dry forest and ranchlands, a little-known mangrove ecosystem in Nuevo Vallarta, the protected wildlife reserve in Puerto Vallarta, Island

Sanctuary and the hunt to spot the magnificent protected Military Macaw. These tours are sure to please every level of birder. For those that would like to learn about shorebirds, there is a two day workshop where we will review 40 species of shorebirds, migratory and native, including some rare birds. Shorebirds are inside the top 5 of the longest flyway for migratory birds on earth. For more information and to sign up for tours visit www.vallartabirdconservancy.org

Tianguis and Farmer´s Markets All 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 Tianguis - Year-round Sundays In the arroyo La Cruz Sunday Mercado Sundays At the La Cruz Marina Bucerias Market - Monday Artwalk Plaza Guayabitos – Mondays year-round In the main plaza Nuevo Vallarta Farmers Market –Tuesdays San Pancho Market / Tuesday in Main Plaza La Cruz Tianguis Year-round Wednesday Below the glorietta La Penita Tianguis – Thursday year-round In the main plaza Marina Vallarta Market – Thursdays In the main plaza Marsol Market to the pier - Friday Sayulita’s Farmer’s Market - downtown Friday Tres gallinas y un gallo - Saturdays 466 Venustiano Carranza Old Town Farmers Market – Saturdays Lazaro Cardenas Park Lo de Marcos Tianguis – Saturdays In the main plaza

Important 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 (322)223 9476. Ambulance Services Red Cross Ambulance: 222-1533 / (065) 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

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

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 * 224 7719 01.800.468.8722 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 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145 Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900 Emergency Phone for Sayulita Dial 066 from any standard land line. Dial 080 from Mexican cell phones. To report suspicious activity in Sayulita, please dial 045-322-141-5994. Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz Numbers for the Police Department in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666. Emergency number: 066 Police, Bucerias & La Cruz: 298-1020 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157

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Adorable Dog in the Spotlight...Mercy

by Janice Gonzalez

woman and her friend came to the sanctuary with Mercy, a beautiful Boxer girl. The woman explained that she was looking for a home or safe place for Mercy because her husband didn´t like her and was mistreating her. What a sad scenario and not a bit incongruous considering her name. When one thinks of mercy we think of compassion, kindness and understanding. It’s about time for Mercy to find her perfect fur-ever home where she will be appreciated for the charming lady she is. She is an absolute sweetheart and totally friendly with everyone. Mercy is a little over a year old and

Live Music

N e w Y e a r ’ s s p e c i a l W H I T E S A L E ! 2 5 % o f f a l l w h i t e c l o t h i n g a n d j a c k e t s . Hours: Tuesday to F r i d a y 1 0 t o 5 ; Saturday 10 to 2pm 497 Francisco Madero & Naranjo Emiliano Zapata 044 322 100 1577

Café Roma Encino 287 Centro Beboteros Diaz Ordaz 565 Malecon Benito’s Paninoteca Bar Nima Bay, Local 12, “Marina Vallarta” El Dorado Pulpito # 102, Playa los Muertos” El Patio de mi Casa Guerrero 311 esq. Matamoros

weighs 30.8 pounds. She would even make a fine addition to any family with other dogs. Her loving disposition has

made her a favorite with us and we can only hope there is someone out there ready to take her home with them.

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