Issue 937, March 19 - 25 March, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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News HAPPIEST EXPATS

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March 19 - 25, 2015 Free Issue 937

Riviera Nayarit red dolphin sailing

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Nature mexico’s butterflies

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Photo Moralea Milne

Malachite Butterfly

welcome

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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 18 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: Falling 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

March 19 - 25, 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

by Sandra Cesca

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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.

Today’s story: HAMBRE (HUNGER) HOMBRE (MAN) Reader Edmundo writes: While riding in a taxi, my wife Alice made this common mistake: The taxi driver asked her, “Como estas usted?” to which she responded, "tengo mucho hombres" instead of "tengo mucho hambre". Both the driver and I burst out laughing and when she realized what she had said, so did she. I am glad she had lots of hunger versus men! We have been married for 35 years!

HAMBRE (HUNGER)

HOMBRE (MAN)

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: sandra.learn.vallarta@gmail.com

Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host. We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error. We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment. Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. 226-0800 editor@vallartatribune.com * www.vallartatribune.com * www.facebook.com/vallarta.tribune

editorial

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

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hat a wild week! The rain, flooding and subsequent closing of the Rio Ameca bridges put a damper on our plans but not before we got to taste the all-you-can-eat chili at El Rio in support of the American Legion and its many beneficiaries.

Lots of great contestants showed up with an amazing variety of chili’s to sample. My personal fav was Casa Anita – probably because it tasted like home, but Nacho Daddy, No Way Jose and El Torito were delicious.

With four friends I had the opportunity to take part in the Great Vallarta Race, Vallarta’s newest attraction and based loosely on the popular Amazing Race television show.

We were three teams set loose in the city with a few pesos, a map and our wits. Our team, Los Cocos ( I was tired and can’t be witty under pressure) made up of Spanish speaking ‘locals’ had a distinct advantage but the two other teams were close behind.

We went from the Hotel Zone to the Romantic Zone and along the way (completing ten clues in total) we ate some grasshoppers, made a piñata and had a very interesting lesson on the history of the Huichol. Coming in at about four hours, it was a great way to learn about Puerto Vallarta and the history and culture we enjoy in the city. Geared more towards tourists than locals, it would be a super fun birthday or family reunion event.

Currently being run every

Wednesday, the organizers - who are also responsible for the popular Vallarta Eat’s Tour, are planning a night version that brings you through the clubs and hot spots of Vallarta. More information at greatvallartarace.com Over the past couple weeks we have been informally surveying readers and one of the most repeated comments was that you really enjoy our weekly crossword, but of course, we don’t have a crossword puzzle in the Tribune.

So, in an effort to retain reader loyalty and to bring more readers on board, we are launching this week a new Games page with the Washington Post Sunday puzzle.

That, combined with Sudoku should stave off the Alzheimers. I hope you enjoy it!

This weekend’s MUST DO EVENT

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his might be a bit of a stretch but Sunday morning is the 5th Seapal Half Marathon and the 15th Athletic Run. Open to the public this race starts and ends on Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue in front of "Unidad Deportiva Agustín Flores Contreras" across from the Sheraton.

The Athletic run is a short 5km and is open to anyone over the age of 12. There is a children’s run that is open to children under 13. The Half Marathon is 21km and you must be 18 or older to participate.

You must register by Friday end of the day ($150 pesos) and pick up your registration packet and chip Saturday between 9am-6pm. More information contact: mediomaraton.seapal.gob. mx/ and www.facebook.com/ mediomaratonseapal

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta This week’s report

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hat a difference today at the Farmers’ Market!

There was a very quiet start with hardly any visitors and rain clouds overhead. However, it soon started bustling and the clouds disappeared, turning into the hot, bright, sunny day that we’ve come to expect.

The tee shirts are proving very popular with a new design by Cassandra Shaw, our lovely sponsor and supporter.

We took donations from lots of passers-by, totaling over $1,000 pesos. Thank you, everyone.

A gentleman came by with some tiny dog coats but rushed off before we got his name. They’re lovely, perfect for Chihuahuas! We were also given a couple of large dog collars - they will all go to good use at the Sanctuary.

We had an offer of transporting kittens to Canada by a lovely family leaving next week. Many people also offered to help in this respect on future visits.

Sometimes they find out too late to help this time round but now they know! They can also help by bringing empty crates back to Puerto Vallarta.

See newsletter for contact details and keep in touch.

Thanks to Doreen & Michelle for another glorious day.” And, thanks for this report Lynnette.

SPCA NEEDS TOYS If you would like to make a donation other than money to the SPCA, here is a list of items we can ALWAYS use: Kong’s or very hard rubber chew toys (we cannot use soft plastic toys anymore due to ingestion worries); Chuck it balls ... hard rubber; stuffed toys for puppies; BLUE BAG Costco

dog food salmon – ONLY; all natural dog treats; towels, blankets, Lysol, powdered laundry detergent; office supplies such as paper, pens, clip boards, scissors, plastic cups for water for our staff and volunteers.

HELP TRANSPORT 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 at the Old Town Farmers Market 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.

VOLUNTEER HERE OR BACK ‘HOME’ 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

Janice Gonzalez and fundraising.

VISIT THE SHELTER – See it for yourself You can come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world.

The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned.

Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time.

We have scheduled tours each week 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.

We have also 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.

entertainment

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

This week at the Red Room Cabaret ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH – RENEE ARMAND AND PAUL ALEMAN March 20, 22, 27, 29 at 9:30 PM

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ocky Mountain High, the music of John Denver" featuring Paul Aleman with John Denver Band member Renee Armand. Hear the music and hear the stories behind the music.

Hear the music and the background stories from Paul Aleman and Renee Armand, a John Denver band member who performed with John for six years and appeared on the DVD Thank God I'm A Country Boy" and also on Rocky Mountain High. Renee is also known for singing the Academy Award winning song The Morning After from the movie "The Poseidon Adventure."

She wrote One Day In Your Life that was recorded by Michael

Jackson and also wrote I Dream of Highways with Hoyt Axton.

She performed with 'The Coyote Sisters' as well.

In 'Rocky Mountain High,' Paul and Renee will present the music of John Denver along with stories from the road and insights into the music.

With honesty and pureness, this duo recreates the magic of John Denver's music as their voices blend together in beautiful harmony.

With Paul on guitar, they deliver a performance that will sweep you away with the beauty and simplicity of the music.

To have John Denver's music communicated so eloquently by someone that worked and toured the world with him is priceless.

If you are a John Denver fan, you won't want to miss 'Rocky Mountain High - The Music of John Denver,'

WALK LIKE A MAN - PAUL FRACASSI March 19, 24, 26, 28, 31 at 7:30 PM AN EXCITING TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS “Walk Like A Man” pays tribute to hugely popular New Jersey – based recording stars Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

The show features 23 year old singing sensation Paul Fracassi, a former Star Search and Canadian Idol semi-finalist and graduate of Toronto’s famous St. Elizabeth School For The Performing Arts.

His vocal range and showmanship are always a big hit.

EVERY WEEK YOUR FAVOURITES AT THE RED ROOM CABARET MISS CONCEPTION - Mondays at 7:30 and 9:30 PM, Thursdays at 9:30 PM An all live singing show with your favorite story book characters with a twist.

KIM KUZMA - ACUSTICO Sundays at 7:30 PM, JUST KIM Wednesdays at 9:30 PM. Being her 10th year of performing in PV, Kim has learned to simply give what audiences want from her.

“Just Kim” is exactly that. Kim’s Acustico show features Kim and her fantastic 5 piece band.

ELVIS – ROB KNIGHT - Wednesdays at 4:00 PM Rob Knight holds the title of Pacific Northwest 2014 Division Champion as an Elvis Tribute Artist.

Forever Elvis is reminiscent of his lively and passionate Las Vegas stage shows and concerts.

After the Happily Ever After Wears Off – Desperate Princesses is

Vallarta’s newest comedy

By: Deb White

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my Armstrong (Puerto Vallarta's hilarious songstress) and Cesar Daniel Bravo Ramirez (of Equus fame) star in "Desperate Princesses," the smash comedy stage production of last season! This play is about four Disney princesses, who journey from 'happily ever after' to their current state of desperation.

Once upon a time, in a very prosperous and peaceful kingdom, four beautiful princesses lived a fairy tale existence. In a kingdom full of tradition, romance and big castles, these princesses married their handsome princes and expected to live blissful lives. Fifteen years after their 'happily ever after'

began, these princesses, who once were madly in love, are now four desperate princesses with a variety of marital problems.

These desperate princesses band together and commiserate, after their love lives fizzle.

Inspired in part by the popular television series, Desperate Housewives, and written for the stage in 2007 by Mexican playwright Tomas Urtusategui, this comedy follows Snow White, Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty years after they began their new lives as princesses. We know how their stories started and now we get to watch the outcome 15 years later as their marriages haven't quite worked out the way they had planned.

This Palm production of "Desperate Princesses" will

Perceptions

featuring Paul Aleman and Renee Armand in The Red Room Cabaret.

With the remarkable voices of Paul and Renee, rediscover the simplicity and beauty of John Denver's music and message.

be directed by Ramiro Daniel and will star cabaret music and comedy icon, Amy Armstrong and Cesar Daniel Bravo Ramirez.

Also starring in the production will be Juan Carolos Ramirez Ruiz, Juan Pablo Hernandez Salcedo and Cesar Trujillo.

The Palm Cabaret presents the English version of this hilarious twist on fairy tale princesses for a limited four day run, so don't miss it! The English version of the play will run each evening from March 24th to 27th at 9:30 pm.

The Spanish version of the play will run from April 2nd to the 11th at 8pm each evening.

Last year, each performance of the Spanish version sold out, so tickets are expected to be in high demand again.

of Art

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

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orever Plaid is a rare kind of musical for Puerto Vallarta.

It is in English, as it was written, but is performed by four singers whose first language is Spanish. Oddly enough (to me, anyway) is how Mexican-accented English goes out the window when the words are sung. The four gorgeous young men are ‘dead’ but have been given a chance to give a performance of their non-lifetime.

It is a period piece set firmly in the 50’s where guys actually said things like “jeepers” and wore bow ties and matching jackets.

Do a couple of the songs sound a bit off-key? Yes and rejoice in that! Do you have any idea how hard it is for trained musicians to sing off-key? The storyline cannot be forgotten: this is a quartet on their way to stardom when their lives are cut short. They would have ‘made it’ but, they didn’t.

The interactions with the audience are adorable and sweet and even cute and I reserve that last word normally only for babies and puppies. Families could go and see Forever Plaid together – it is about a time when families did that sort of thing-listen to the same music, watch the same shows on

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he world of drag lost a luminary on Sunday night when Scott Weston, better known by his drag persona Cashetta, died in his sleep of an apparent heart attack.

He was 44.

Playing to sold out audiences in Puerto Vallarta this season, Cashette was a favourite of many. Our deepest condolences go out to Scott’s friends and family.

TV. A sweeter time, perhaps. Our quartet captures that and shares with love. Go and see it and take your parents and your grandkids. It will be a moment to remember.

Voice of Vallarta was soggy – attendance was down no doubt due to the unusually cold torrential rainfall.

Paul Fracassi, starring in Walk Like a Man in the Red Room, chose the contestant’s songs and judged the first half of the show.

The only two that rose to the occasion, in my opinion, were Ana Adame and Roberto Duran. No eliminations required this week as Tashara Smith withdrew from the contest with tears and happiness – she is off to study in France on a scholarship!

While we will miss her more even after last week’s stellar performance, we wish her the very best at whatever she chooses to do. Your life is at your feet, mademoiselle.

Next week our five finalists of 2015 will join up with five favourites from Voice 2014 and perform duets.

And, Coral, winner of last year’s Voice, will have her CD officially launched on Sunday so be there and get a copy. She may even autograph yours!

entertainment

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Live From the Red Room

By Marcia Blondin

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saw the amazing Paul Fracassi on the Main Stage last year. He is back in the Red Room and I am planning to go see him Friday night. It will be interesting to see if he can corral his boundless energy on the Red Room stage.

If you liked Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, you are going to love Paul. And if you didn’t you will still love Paul, so go – you’ll have a blast.

Two people who took my breath away last year are backRenee Armand and Paul Aleman in their Tribute to John Denver.

This is not an attempt at impersonating a popular performer who has been dead for many years.

This concert is in celebration of all the good things that John Denver sang about and cared about, as do Renee and Paul.

After seeing them last year I asked my editor if I could have more space to write about their incredible meeting and subsequent run in the Red Room. I can’t wait to see/hear and hug the hell

Photo courtesy: Fishing with Phil, Puerto Vallarta (L-R) Olympian Suzy Chaffee, Mexican Alicia Partida, (R-L) English shaman Gayle Weatherly, Mayte Quiroz, fisherman Phil Kerr and Azteca Shaman Mexica.

Humpback Miracle in Banderas Bay

By Suzy Chaffee

out of them both.

The glorious Cashetta is no longer with us. Scott Weston died in his sleep Sunday night. We sat in Encore Saturday night planning to have lunch this week to talk about her future in Vallarta.

We talked about different venues and making money and she said, “You know what? I just love making people happy.” You did that, Cash. All that magic. There’s a new seven-foot tall angel…bye.

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s part of the UN’s Interfaith Harmony Week, held Feb 1-7, an ocean-dance ceremony was performed on Los Muertos Pier on February 5th, co-hosted by Cherokee fisherman Phil Kerr, to spiritually protect the bay’s whales after one washed up in Punta Mita.

Organized by Vallarta Saludable with the participation of Azteca-Huichol shaman Mexica and Mayte twenty-five whale lovers were led prayer and singing love

songs for the whales, ocean and Mother Earth.

A participant, Captain Juan Santana reported that ten whales and their babies spouted and jumped 300 yards away, stay close to the pier for next three days drawing big happy crowds.

In the weeks after the February 5th event Vallarta Saludable has been asked to host more of these joyful ocean-dances, in part to help clean the bay.

A benefit of the ocean-dance ceremony is that it is said to raise the vibration of the water, helping to

Forever Plaid Breaks Box Office Records

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orever Plaid, the heavenly musical hit has taken Vallarta by storm. What happens when you take four handsome and talented men who sing like angels and put them on a stage? Forever Plaid happens.

Relive an era when doo-wop was king, big hairdos were in, cars had enormous fins, and the harmonizing bands of the 50’s were all the rage. This hallmark jukebox musical comedy by Stuart Ross centers on a quartet whose dream of recording an album ended in a bus collision while on their way to their biggest gig. Now they’ve been miraculously revived for the show that never was.

You’ll be humming along with the great nostalgic pop hits of the 1950's and rollin’ in the aisles from the delightful patter of the original clean-cut boy band – The Plaids.

Featuring such hits as Sixteen Tons, Chain Gang, Three Coins in the Fountain, Perfidia, Cry, Catch a Falling Star, Day-O, Gotta Be This

or That, Matilda, and Heart and Soul.

The Plaids get a chance to look back at their lives, and they discover that they didn't just have wonderful lives; their lives were wonderful, because they lived them together. Together they can achieve the unimaginable, the unexplainable.

Forever plaid performs at 7:00pm in The Main Stage Theater at Act II March 19, 20, 21, 24, 26, 28, 31 April 2, 3, 4 Starring local performers, Elvis Martinez, Alfonso Lopez, Roberto Duran and Jose Maria Caudillo with Bob Bruneau at the piano, Forever Plaid is produced by Act II Entertainment and Mary Amelotte .

The Voice of Vallarta - The Return of Season One Favorites and Cd Launch of the Voice of Vallarta Winner 2014 - Coral Join us Sunday for a very exciting Voice of Vallarta on the Main Stage as we welcome back the five audience favorites from last year

to sing duets with this year's top five. Welcome back to the stage: Ofelia Uribe; Jose Maria Caudillo; Flor Hernandez; Agua Luna Mia (Dorys) and last year's winner, Coral. This week each of the top five have been paired up with last year's top five audience favorites to sing duets. Coral will be sitting in the judges chair and celebrating the release of her new CD “Coral, The Voice of Vallarta,” produced by Act II Entertainment and Carlos Santana. CD goes on sale Sunday March 22 only at Act II. One thing is sure The Voice of Vallarta is hotter than ever! The Voice is down to the top five and who goes home - no one knows. Join us every Sunday for Vallarta's favorite show THE VOICE OF VALLARTA 8:00 pm.

The Main stage theater is located in the Act II Entertainment STAGES complex at Insurgentes 300 (corner of Basilio Badillo & Insurgentes) 2nd Floor Zona Romántica Puerto Vallarta Tel: 322.222.1512

clean it. This has been extensively studied by Japan’s water guru Dr. Emoto. We all need to make a more concerted effort to keep the waters clean, particularly of plastics with their toxic chemicals that leech into the water and our bodies and the bodies of the oceans inhabitants.

Every time you recycle a plastic bottle or bag think of a baby whale jumping for joy!

A documentary of the event and subsequent ‘miracle’ is now being developed. You can see a preview here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=Ti7Otd6r32U

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EPN: Investors see Mexico’s potential

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ach day, more international companies are deciding to invest in Mexico, President Peña Nieto said during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Heineken brewery in Chihuahua.

His administration has fostered the necessary conditions for the development and growth of employment opportunities, he said.

“Mexico is a trustworthy partner for investment. The country has strengths that are attractive to investors. The investments will generate employment and contribute to social and economic growth,” he said. “The only thing that will help the country improve is to create an optimal environment for investment. This will provide more opportunities for employment and higher wages.”

Mexico offers a stable social and political framework which inspires trust, Peña Nieto said. The objec-

tive of the reforms his administration has enacted are designed to foster economic growth.

He praised Heineken for investing more than 7 billion pesos ($447 million) in the construction of its seventh brewery worldwide in Meoqui, Chihuahua. The construction will create an expected 2,000 temporary jobs. Once built, the brewery will hire 500 permanent employees and contribute to the local agricultural economy, with the harvesting of barley, rice and corn.

Five years after acquiring Cuauhtémoc-Moctezuma, Heineken decided on Chihuahua for its brewery because of the state’s talented people, quality of water, geographic location and improved security of the region, said the Heineken general director Marc Busain. Mexico was chosen out of the 120 countries where Heineken is currently operating.

Mexico ranks first for happy expats Sabrina Rodriguez

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elocating for any reason is a big decision. Assessments from local climate to job availability to the cost of living and schools for kids are only some of the common considerations. Being an expat also means fitting in and making new friends.

A recent survey conducted byInterNations revealed just where the happiest expats are these days.

They surveyed 14,000 expats across 160 countries and asked participants to focus mostly on family, their work life, ease of settling into the community and personal finance.

While several European cities made the list – Luxembourg City and Zurich were two top choices – New York City also made the cut.

The Big Apple came in fifth overall with expats saying they like the friendliness of the people, the endless entertainment choices and ongoing plenitude of career opportunities.

Expats living in New York also said they were able to fit in easily, and with a city of such cultural diversity and vast population, that’s a big deal for anyone considering the move.

Ecuador ranked the best overall with expat satisfaction being the highest in all categories.

In particular, expats enjoyed the city of Gayaquil – the nation’s financial center — for its low cost of living and ease in making new friends.

Many said that the increase in career opportunities is also a big draw.

Mexico City ranked first with expats saying they feel right at home giving Mexico an overall third place for globally content expats.

Their surveys reported an outstanding 91 percent of expats had no problem settling in and found the locals to be friendly.

Although the city has its fair share of safety issues, crime rates have been decreasing since 2011.

Zurich and Luxembourg may not provide as easy a time at making friends, but they did make the happy expat list for job opportunities.

According to the survey, nearly 40 percent of expats in Luxembourg moved there for work, while a majority of Zurich expats arrive for the banking and financial jobs.

Original: www.riviera-maya-news.com

March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico Central Bank Reports Economy Continues Recovery

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he latest regional report of economic performance from the Mexico Central Bank showed that all four regions of the country continued to recover moderately in the fourth quarter of 2014.

Industrial output in the north, center-north, and center regions of the country continued to trend upwards, mainly driven by manufacturing production and private construction, while activity weakened further in the south due to the disappointing performance of the oil sector.

The report also showed that the number of workers affiliated with

the social security institute (IMSS) continued to accelerate in most of the country in the final quarter of 2014.

Representatives of firms participating in the central bank survey noted that demand for their goods and services expanded in the fourth quarter of 2014 boosted by external demand and by the gradual recovery in internal demand. They were also moderately optimistic regarding the expected continued economic recovery for the next 12 months.

Upside risks to growth are related to the performance of external demand and to potential

greater dynamism in private investment. Meanwhile, downside risks are mainly associated with the possibility of a further worsening of the perception of public security.

Executives also mentioned that higher prices in inputs due to the recent depreciation of the peso were a risk to activity.

Finally, firms’ assessment of the inflation outlook was generally benign, with most of them anticipating lower increases in prices of the goods and services they offer, relative to the previous year, as well as limited inflation of input prices and wage costs, relative to 2014.

LAHT

Mexico’s Central Bank to Sell Dollars for 3 Months to Stem Peso’s Fall

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exico’s central bank will auction off $52 million per day for three months to provide liquidity to the foreign exchange market and halt a slide in the peso.

The Bank of Mexico and the Finance Secretariat said the measure was adopted amid volatility in financial markets and taking into account the country’s current level of foreign reserves, which on March 6 amounted to $194.9 billion.

The new auctions, which

have no minimum price, began Wednesday and will run through June 8, at which time the central bank’s Foreign Exchange Commission will “assess the advisability of extending this mechanism,” those entities said in a statement.

The goal in reducing the rate of reserve accumulation over the next three months is to prevent “additional pressures from disrupting the orderly functioning of the foreign exchange market,” they added.

The central bank also said it

will maintain a mechanism that was unveiled on Dec. 8, 2014, and consists of daily auctions of $200 million on days when the Mexican peso is 1.5 percent weaker than the previous day.

Since it was launched, that auction mechanism has been used on two occasions, most recently on March 6.

The Mexican peso has depreciated 6.6 percent over the past two months, falling from 14.59 pesos to the dollar to 15.62 pesos to the greenback.

Reforms improve employment rate

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avarrete reports 714,000 new jobs registered in 2014 The growth of employment, modernization of labor laws and employees’ right to decent work are the principle gains of Mexico’s labor reforms, Labor and Social Welfare Secretary Alfonso Navarrete Prida said during a speech Thursday.

Employment grew 2.9 percent in 2014, which was double the economic growth rate, he said.

Additionally, 714,000 jobs that provided benefits for employees were registered in the same year with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS).

The informality rate declined from 60.3 percent in January 2013 to 57.5 percent in January 2015,

according to data from National Statistics, Geography, and Information Institute (INEGI).

These changes have benefited 600,000 workers, Navarrete said.

The initial labor reform adjustments focus on providing all Mexican laborers with decent employment, ensuring safety and health at the workplace. The changes were also implemented as a means to increase the productivity of the country, as well as protect the rights of those in the most vulnerable sectors, he said.

These actions have brought about harmonious labor conditions in Mexico, which has attracted investors, Navarrete said.

He reaffirmed the importance of having decent employment,

protecting the rights of the elderly, handicapped and children. As part of the campaign against child labor, the government has prevented an estimated 500,000 children from working.

The report stated that the National Workers’ Credit Fund Institute (Fonacot) has worked with 60,000 affiliated companies for 40 years. In one year, the number has increased to 256,000 affiliated companies that provide credits to their employees while improving their living conditions.

The Labor and Social Welfare Secretariat has increased its monitoring activities by hiring more inspectors.

In 2014, it conducted 270,000 investigations.

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Oh my: lions, tigers and Two New, Nationwide TV bears and more Channels Awarded in Mexico

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o you have room for an elephant in your bag?

The circus may be able to carry on without the animals, but what will the latter do without a circus?

The federal government, which has passed legislation banning the use of animals by circuses, estimates there are 2,000 circus animals that will soon be unemployed. The circus owners’ association says there are more like 4,000.

Whatever the count, it remains a challenge finding homes that can provide for them.

Bruno Raffo is an Argentine animal trainer whose scarred and scratched arms tell something about his line of work. Like many circus workers, he no longer has a circus job because many municipal authorities, such as those in the Federal District, have already begun denying permits to circuses with animals.

Instead, Raffo is currently caring for 13 tigers, feeding and exercising them and cleaning their cages. The cost of feed runs to nearly US $200 a day. Add to that the cost of caring for the animals and veterinary services.

Circus owners don’t wish to foot that bill indefinitely, yet the likely destinations for the animals — they include elephants, giraffes, bears, jaguars, zebras, llamas, horses and camels — are zoos that aren’t all that keen.

Many of the animals, such as Raffo’s tigers, are accustomed to living together as a group, and there are concerns about splitting them up. The Chapultepec zoo in Mexico City has a plan to take some of the animals but it is not feasible for it to take such a large number.

So federal officials are looking for other zoos, public and private, research centers and ecotourism parks where the animals might go.

One such facility is Africam Safari

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rupo Radio Centro and Cadena Tres have been awarded licenses for two new nationwide, free-to-air digital TV channels in Mexico, the president of the IFT telecommunications regulator said.

In a process aimed at ending the duopoly of Mexico’s No. 1 broadcaster Televisa and smaller rival TV Azteca, Grupo Radio Centro obtained a perfect score and Cadena Tres received 83.64 points out of a possible 100, Gabriel Contreras said Wednesday.

Those companies were the only

two bidders. A third bidder, Centro de Informacion Nacional de Estudios Tepeyac – part of the media empire of Mario Vazquez Raña, who died in February – withdrew from the process in February.

Radio Centro bid 3 billion pesos ($197.7 million) and Cadena Tres 1.8 billion pesos ($116.9 million), while both offered to provide service to 106 million inhabitants, or roughly 94 percent of the population.

The concessions run for 20 years. The new networks are part of a broadcast TV overhaul aimed at opening up a sector dominated

by Televisa and TV Azteca, which together control nearly all of Mexico’s broadcast television market.

The IFT was created as part of that same overhaul, which was proposed by President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration and approved in 2013.

The overhaul established, among other things, that dominant operators in any sector will be subject to asymmetric regulation to avoid market distortion.

Televisa was declared a dominant operator in the broadcast television industry in March 2014.

Rower completes solo trans-Atlantic voyage near the city of Puebla, where the animals run free and visitors travel in vehicles to view the animals.

It has already indicated that it is interested.

The circus owners, meanwhile, many of whom are now out of work themselves, are waiting for answers. If homes are not found, they warn, the animals will have to be put down.

“We’re waiting for an answer from the government to hear what’s going to happen to our animals,” said Armando Cedeño, president of the National Union of Circus Owners and Artists.

While some circuses have closed others continue to operate, but as of July 8 they cannot do so with animals. That’s when the law, whose principal proponent was the Ecologist Green Party, goes into effect.

Anyone who might fancy keeping an elephant, a giraffe or what have you should contact Alejandro del Mazo of the environmental protection agency, Profepa.

He can be reached via twitter@ alexdelmazo mexiconewsdaily.com

The Mexican adventurer left Spain on October 21

A

braham Levy is certainly not the first person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean, but he is the first to make the voyage between Spain and Mexico.

The 34-year-old Mexican arrived at 1:00pm today in Cancún after leaving Puerto de Palos in Spain on October 21 aboard the Cascarita, an ocean-going rowboat 6.7 meters long and 1.8 wide.

The purpose of Levy’s 9,000-kilometer trip was to raise awareness of the importance of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, also known as the Great Mayan Reef, which extends from the northern tip of the Yucatán Peninsula all the way down to Honduras.

Upon his arrival today he admitted there were many difficult and dark days, but expressed his appreciation “for the generosity of the sea that brought me to Mexico...”

During a press conference he offered details of the expedition, during which he had contact with no one. During Christmas week it

rained five days straight with winds of 50 knots, or 90 km/h, said the adventurer.

“When you’re in the middle of the ocean all you can do is trust that the work you have done was done well.”

Levy took five years to prepare for the journey, which included selling his telephone business, he told the news agency EFE before leaving.

The boat was equipped with the latest in communications, navigation and security equipment, and was loaded with 700 kilos of food when he left Spain.

A part of the sponsorship earned

by the voyage will be donated to The Nature Conservancy, said Levy.

Another of his goals was to inform Mexicans over the importance of the oceans and “of our own strength to turn into reality those things that seem impossible.”

Levy was welcomed at a marina in Cancún by state Gov. Roberto Borge Angulo, the chairman of the board of the expedition’s principal sponsor, Invex Banco, and about 200 well-wishers.

Levy made history in 2008 when he became the first person to travel the entire coast of Mexico by kayak.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

who told me the tax he had to pay was $3000, and it couldn’t come from the cash he was carrying.

He wanted me to deposit money as the captain would tell me, and he would pay me twice as much as soon as he arrived in PV. Now I was concerned so I called the couple who I thought

they were in Canada, and James answered the phone. Immediately, I knew that I was almost the victim of the telephone scam that is now going around.

I wrote this as a warning so that if you get a phone call like mine, you would know it must likely is a scam.

Warning: Telephone Scam

By Frank K. Meyer

I

recently received a call from a man, who said, “Hi, how are you doing? I’m in Guadalajara and will arrive in Puerto Vallarta later today.”

“I’m sorry, I think I recognize your voice but…..”

“You know who I am. How many people are you expecting from Vancouver Canada? Here I am. Oh, they are calling me from Immigration I’ll have to call you back” And he hung up. True, I was expecting a couple from Vancouver in April, so I thought that their plans were changed and they came early.

About fifteen minutes later he calls back to tell me that he is in trouble. He got the red light and they found the $100,000 US that he was carrying in a suitcase He told me they seized the money and he needed to pay a tax on the $80,000 over that they had. He even put on the phone a captain of Immigration

Old Town Farmers Marke

Tamale Gourmet, the Story Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

by Adriana Basail

R

eady for something extraordinary? Our 80+ “make it, bake it, grow it” vendors are serving up must-see’s, must-have’s and must-experience’s! We feature live music, massage treatments, artisan décor, natural body products and fresh tamales from “The Tamale DIVA” of Tamale Gourmet!

Meet “The Tamale DIVA” (a.k.a. Adriana Basail) I was living in San Pancho, Riviera Nayarit, when the 2009 recession hit. To earn extra cash, I sold homemade muffins and pizzas. One day I was returning from the market and discovered a package of corn husks in my bag that I had not remembered buying.

I had never made nor watched someone prepare a tamale (the indigenous Náhuatl word for “wrap”), and honestly, had never been fond of the fare. But, I loved to cook and decided to make use of the corn husks anyway.

Traditional tamales are made from masa (corn dough), lard and skimpy portions of varied ingredients. Since I am an advocate for healthy food choices, I began thinking of unique flavors to please

the modern-day palette. I played with healthier ingredients, including freshly milled masa, butter and olive oil. Within a few weeks, I had created my first anisette sweet tamales. I gladly gave them away to close friends, and soon, they were calling for more. I was in business!

A Tamale Twist

When the OTFM-TC was getting ready for its first season, I was invited to submit an application. I decided to add my own “tamale twist” to their international food menu.

My tamales were made with less dough, no lard and more filling.

They were a hit and soon, I had my very own Tamale Gourmet stall.

Today, the quality of my hand-selected, seasonal ingredients make all the difference. Tamale lovers can taste the time and technique that is put into assembling each gourmet tamale and making sure it pops with flavor. I spend hours pairing the best ingredients from a long list of healthy ingredients: curry, lentils, carrots, plantain, raisins, coconut, peanuts, cilantro, spinach, pine nut, portobello, red roasted bell pepper, farmers cheese, black beans, zucchini, poblano, eggplant, basil, gouda and goat cheese, mahi-mahi, dill capers, almonds, chocolate and cranberries. I even have vegan gourmet tamales!

The fusion between prehis-

panic, contemporary and international cuisine – along with fresh, locally grown ingredients – is my trademark.

Warm Tamale Goodness

Stop by Tamale Gourmet this Saturday for your very own freshly made tamale. As you open the warm corn husk, the aroma and fluffy dough will capture your senses. You'll love the flavor and texture, knowing that each bite is delicious and healthy. Don't forget to try it with my fresh and mild house salsa. You will not regret each flavor-filled bite, and chances

are, you will be back for more!

Perhaps it was a coincidence or maybe a sign that that package "magically appeared" in my bag on that fateful day in 2009, but bless those beautiful corn husks!

Special Delivery

Tamale Gourmet is available for catering small events (minimum order of 24 and a maximum of 150). Simply make a reservation five days in advance. Special ingredient orders are available upon request. Small orders can be picked up on Saturdays at the market (9:30-2) through April 25.

Larger orders can be delivered.

Contact adrianabasail(at)gmail. com (preferred), 322-779-8037 or 322-224-1671.

Get to Know the OTFM

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.

You're Invited!

Join us this Saturday from 9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town. And be sure to save your appetite for the International Food Court (located under shaded pergolas on the eastern side of Lazaro Cárdenas Park).

We're serving Thai, Indian, traditional Mexican favorites and vegan dishes, such as hamburgers, al pastor and falafels. The market is open every Saturday from November 1 through April 25. For updates, visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook.

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et - Tianguis Cultural

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

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Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

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Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery

…where bread is an art.

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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.

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…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.

…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.

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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

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

Music

and Parenting

to my ears

Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

By Molly Williams http://inmylifebymolly.blogspot.com/

Our Daddy is a Rock Star

I am a semi-retired history teacher, a part-time lawyer, an optimistic writer, a contented wife, a forever mom, and a joyous and open-eyed traveler.

T

his past weekend was the National Harley Davidson Motorcycle Rally in Puerto Vallarta. This is already way. past. cool. But then, on Saturday, my husband Gilberto played guitar on the Malecon for said rally with the Chris Kenny Band. Up that cool factor 1000%.

I saw every season of Sons of Anarchy, and I wanted to just be a part of it, even if it was just as a biker mama bystander (yes, I know it was just a TV show, but yet it was not JUST a TV show, if you know what I mean).

So I took our daughter to Gilberto’s show. It was so much fun.

Except for the part where I realized that taking the kids to an ultra-cool rock n’roll show with a bunch of leather-clad Harley lovers was sort of like taking the kids to their dad’s office for kicks. For my children, this is sort of been-there-done-that.

And I can’t even blame them, because actually they HAVE been there and done that many, many times. Sure, my little girl enjoyed cheering her dad on as he played in front of Los Arcos. Many people in the crowd smiled to hear her “Yayyy DADDDDDYYYY” after he played his Suzy Q solo.

But after the first half hour she wanted ice cream. After forty-five minutes she REALLY wanted ice cream. After an hour she was draped across my lap chanting “Ice CREAM. Ice CREAM. Ice CREAM” in that charming way that only a sweaty eight-year-old can manage.

You see, they were born into a home with a musician for a dad.

Early on they were treated to photos of him from his days in a popular Mexico City heavy metal band, most of which included a lot of hairspray and certain eighties crimes of fashion involving patent leather.

I have overheard my children talking to other children about what their dads do. My kids say “My dad’s a rock star” the way most

I

kids say “My dad does taxes”. For them, it’s a matter of fact to see dad on stage, rocking out some Sweet Home Alabama, just as someone else’s dad brings home ink on his dress shirts every night.

I can understand this, in a way. When I met Gilberto I was completely hooked after one rendition of “With Or Without You” in Club Roxy in Old Town. I couldn’t imagine missing one single show and I couldn’t imagine being more attracted to another human being.

Now, I simply cannot keep those hours and be alive. But I still can’t imagine being more attracted to another human being, but not because of his Free Bird solo.

When he does homework with our daughter, I fall in love all over again. When he kicks the soccer ball with our son for hours, I’m breathless. When he cooks dinner before I get home from work, I am like a schoolgirl and her first crush.

After thirteen years and two kids, the day to day living outranks

the Carlos Santana guitar solos.

Happily, he’s also a rock star at being a dad and husband, and that counts for a whole lot more.

Our daughter had fun hanging out on a Malecon full of Harley Davidsons while her dad played CCR like a boss. But her real fun came later on when he came home and had a picnic date with her on the front lawn. And as I peeked through the window at them lying on the blanket and laughing over the crazy shapes they found in the clouds, I couldn’t imagine being more attracted to another human being.

P.S. If you are reading this on Friday, March 20, you have tonight or tomorrow night to come and enjoy the musical “Into the Woods” at the American School of Puerto Vallarta! It starts at 7pm and costs 100 pesos for general admission and 50 pesos for children under twelve. Check out the cute little peasant in the special chorus. We are related.

take the time today to try to slice through the layers of sound which make up part of the sensory immersion that is Mexico.

A few I have to listen hard for; some I hardly notice they are so present; all of them welcome me back here, tickling my ear memory.

The man-made ones are the most obvious, some more assaultive than others. Music, the constant.

There is the mariachi, of course, but a beach afternoon delivers more than guitar and horn. The sweet tenor from a pre-pubescent Romeo with his round shaker and stick travels down the palapas, blending evocatively with the strolling guitarist.

The most unlikely of beach serenades comes from the old gentleman wandering with his full size harp, trailing fingers seductively over the strings, tempting us to buy his classical lullaby. This morning the man who scavenges for empty beer cans from the beachside trash bins gave us a volunteer a capella performance, mainly for his own amusement.

Always in the background there is the lilting zampoña, floating on the air from an indistinct source.

Then there are the voices, in as many different forms as the people they belong to. The indistinct murmurings of the housekeeping staff working their way down the hall.

The hopeful “braids, lady?” of the squat woman in white, to which I reply no thanks again today, as I have every day for two weeks; maybe, she thinks, this will be the day I decide to spend an hour being tugged and combed into Bo Derek style plaits. The resonant bass rumble of Johnny, the impossibly

gorgeous schlepper of oysters up and down the beach, who moonlights as a Sinatra style crooner (of course he does.)

The chorus of overlapping demands and confirmations from the open kitchen of our favorite bistro. And my favorite, my daughter’s laughing request to go to the beach NOW. The traffic is constant, but changing.

The lumbering buses competing with scraping of the gears from an accelerating taxi, followed sometimes by the backfiring of a vintage VW. After dark there is the thwump of the dance bar, a sound which disappears near dawn but I can never seem to trace the origin of at midnight.

Under it all but always within range is the sound of the ocean.

Although nowhere in town is far from the sea, those in the buildings fronting on the water enjoy a ceaseless water song.

Our open balcony doors provide us with a constant soundtrack of waves advancing with a crash, then retreating with a gurgle to curl into the next roar.

It takes us a day or two to adjust to the sounds of the ocean, and even after a week a particularly fierce wave will startle us out of its hypnosis.

For several days after I return to my frigid north I will have the sense of something missing; it is the sound of the crashing of the surf off the balcony.

Add in the cacophony of the swooping chachalacas and the yipping of the tiny Chihuahuas on the sidewalk and the symphony is complete.

This morning I will close my eyes and bask in the enveloping opus that is Mexico, surrendering to this most luxurious of senses, laying its waves of sound on my soul.

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The Powder

Room

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

W

hen I was a kid, the Powder Room had two different meanings.

There was the soft and fragrant place one enters in a state of need and walks out with fresh breath and newly applied lipstick, like in my friends’ houses. Those Powder Rooms sat sweetly under the stairs, near the front door; a small bathroom for guests that welcomed you with tiny scented soaps cut like roses, and fringed little hand towels that matched the wallpaper, draped perfectly from brass rings.

Then, there was my family’s Powder Room. It seemed almost like an afterthought; a few square feet of the laundry room that were cornered off with paneling nailed to a couple of studs and backed with drywall. There was no softness in that little room wedged beneath

our kitchen. Instead of cute towels and wallpaper, we had the sharp corners of the furnace and the hissing hot water heater that filled the space like a sleeping dragons.

Still, for all of its lack of comfort, with eleven children moving constantly about, our Powder Room was the most used room in the house. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that toilet got flushed more than fifty times a day as we ran in and out from the backyard where a game of tag or kickball was always in progress.

I have no idea how many times my mom cleaned the Powder Room during the week, but I do remember that every Saturday, one of us had to get on our hands and knees and scrub the toilet and that nasty floor. Keep in mind, there were eight boys using that

bathroom, numerous times a day – often together, often engaged in “sword fights,” where piss splashed everywhere. Everyday. We all had a turn, holding our breath and pinching our faces as we reached down to scrub around the toilet, screaming at each other for being such pigs.

In spite of these conditions, the Powder Room was my father’s favorite room – especially when we were little. In fact, he called it his throne. It was the first place we’d look, whenever we couldn’t find him. After dinner, he’d literally run downstairs with the newspaper tucked under his arm and lock himself in that hot little space, reading while my mom supervised homework and made lunches at the kitchen table. The scent of newsprint (and other unmentionables) would hang in the hot air long after my father was finished in the bathroom.

Winter months were hardest on our Powder Room.

From November through March, there were from thirteen pairs of gloves and hats draped and planted on or near every hot surface to dry. To use the toilet required stepping through and around thirteen pairs snow boots lined up around the heaters, dripping onto brown paper bags.

Please note, that in spite of this ridiculous crowding of space, my father continued to skip down

March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

the steps with his newspaper after dinner and add several layers of unpleasant odors to the earthy scent of wet wool.

For a while, the Powder Room became a library. My mother, trying to add some small bit of charm and softness, decided to stack a long row of Reader’s Digest Condensed books on a makeshift shelf with pink-laced curtains she made herself framing the thick books.

During hot summer afternoons, I’d sit on the toilet and read stories that have stayed with me since I was eight years old; The Education of Little Tree, The Yearling, The Adventures of Mrs. Polifax. Eric.

I loved those books! Imitating my father, I’d sit with my elbows pressed into my thighs and read for so long my legs fell asleep.

It wasn’t until my oldest siblings moved into high school that the Powder Room’s morphed into something much more useful, and important - a phone booth. With a phone hanging on the wall right outside the bathroom door that had a cord long enough so that they could sit on the toilet to talk to their boyfriends or girlfriends – my siblings would occupy that little space for hours.

My poor father lost his throne to the turbulent love life of his teenaged kids, sending him up to the second floor after dinner where, thankfully, the scent of news-

Of Markets and Men

T

he Dow Jones has had a triple digit move six out of the last seven sessions.

Markets can only do one of three things: up, down or sideways. I’d say we are in a range.

My uncle used to say that politics was show business for ugly people. Like a hospital soap opera, this Wednesday the Federal Reserve will release its statement after a two day meeting and all eyes will be on the “patient.”

In the recent past we have been treated to Janet Yellen jumping out of a cake proclaiming she would be “accommodative.”

There was no cake of course but the market did react to “accommodative” as if it were a party. The “taper” words were party poopers, and I dare say, the patient is on life support at this point. It’s all very surreal.

Central bankers are even less attractive than politicians these

days. Janet who bears a striking resemblance to Yoda will crawl out of her grotto and deliver a speech laden with gibberish, as if she were some sage oracle.

It’s called ‘fed speak’ and anyone familiar with it knows how nauseating it can be. She, like her predecessors, act as if they are trapped in a Jean-Paul Sartre play, suffering existentialist angst at the thought of having “No Exit.”

Increasingly, that exit is getting more complicated and we wait with baited breath to find out if a rate increase will be, next month, next season, next year, a quarter point, a tenth, an hundredth?

Something nominally more than zero? I imagine some fellow somewhere will be betting hundreds of millions of dollars on the direction of some currency like the main character in the novel “Cosmopolis” by Don DeLillo.

The market has a cycle, the

print (and everything else) floated out the window high above the backyard.

When I finally moved into adolescence, it was no longer the Reader’s Digest that I wanted to read. I used the drop ceiling in the Powder Room to hide my Penthouse and Hustler magazines.

And later, when I was in high school, I would sit in the dark just like my older brothers and sisters, the phone chord pulled tight inside the door jam, and talk with my girlfriend for hours! When I’d finally hang up and join my family to watch TV in the Rec Room, I’d stand at the doorway, blinded, squinting into the light.

I broke up with girlfriends and got turned down for dates in that little bathroom/phone booth. With the heavy phone pressed into my ear, legs once again falling asleep.

I told secrets and lies, bought weed, planned vacations, got fired from a job and bought a car, all in the darkness of the Powder Room.

I also scheduled my first therapy session, whispering into the mouthpiece with only the hissing heater to hear, “I think I’m gay.”

It was only a little bathroom, added during renovations to accommodate our large family, but I like to think of the Powder Room as a half-bath with a whole lot of life; the smallest room in the house, where more happened than any of us will ever know.

By R.L. Avery avery1@mac.com

business cycle. During the cycle, businesses borrow and expand their balance sheets and then at some point the debt gets paid. Who are the debtors and lenders?

Margin accounts are at historical highs. Those margin calls come with a moments notice because both lender and investor reap tremendous benefits as the market goes higher.

Companies have been borrowing but it appears that in many cases that money has been spent buying back its own stock.

In two thousand and thirteen it was five hundred and forty billion, each consecutive year it increased considerably. Buying back shares of one’s company with extra cash can be a good idea, but in most cases it’s a ploy to increase earnings, or worse, a sign that the company has run out of good ideas.

The oil patch had been

borrowing and wrote fifty billion worth of junk bonds as of October last year. Then there are the leveraged loans. Scotiabank for example has a thirty-five percent exposure to the energy sector.

Many junk bonds were selling at eighty cents on the dollar in December.

So, do the banks end up owning the oil patch like they ended up owning houses?

Is the energy sector too big to fail like the auto industry?

Was the energy sector a case of irrational exuberance?

Speaking of debts, the U.S. government has reached its debt ceiling. Seventeen trillion and it needs to be raised, again. It’s been raised over a hundred times since it was implemented after the Second World War. What kind of ceiling is that?

Maybe congress will raise it without shutting down the government, proving what benevolent fellows they all are.

Who knows, but I’ll bet on one thing, it will be theatre in the round, full of sound and fury, strutting and fretting.

Casa Corona:

Offered at $369,000 USD

Casa Corona: a gem in Gringo Gulch, 2 + bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, fantastic views to town, walking distance to the Malecon, great open space, perfect for a B&B. Contact: alfonso@tropicasa.com

events

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Would you like to promote your event across Banderas Bay to over 6,000 weekly readers? Non-profit and charity events receive complimentary listings. Maximum 50 words. Contact Editor@vallartatribune.com deadline is Tuesday noon.

EACH WEEK

Puerto Vallarta Tourism offers free tours in Downtown Puerto Vallarta Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9:00AM and 12:00PM Saturdays 9:00AM. The local tourism office offers a free sightseeing tour of downtown Puerto Vallarta. Staff will take you off on a fabulous walking tour of the streets and legendary locations in the center area of Puerto Vallarta Tours start at the Tourism Office at City Hall. For more information call 222-0923.

ArtWalk in Puerto Vallarta’s Centro Wednesdays from 6PM to 10PM A self-guided tour of downtown galleries, art lovers can explore the streets of Centro stopping into select galleries for cocktail exhibitions every Wednesday evening from 6-10pm through May 27, 2015.

You can often meet the artists, gallery owners and other creative people. www.vallartaartwalk.com March 17, 18, 24, 25 IFC Home Tours Visit 4 beautiful homes and support the IFC Cleft Palate Surgery Program and other local charities. Tours conclude for this season on March 25. Tuesday and Wednesday - On tour days tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. at Sea Monkey Restaurant, Aquiles Serdan on the beach. Bus leaves at 10:30 a.m.

The cost: $500 pesos. Reservations can also be made ONLINE www.ifctoursforvallarta.com.

March 18-24, 2015: The 7th Annual Vallarta Wine Fest. This annual celebration honors wine. Each year a different country is invited to honor and learn from their wine history, experience, trade and creations. More info: www.winefest.mx Thursday March 19 IFC Presentation - Creative Aging - A presentation and dialogue with Norma Schuh and Dan Grippo.

Donation at the door: $50 pesos or 3 canned goods for community services. 7:00 PM Thursday, March 19th, Puerto Vallarta Garden Club meeting at No Way Jose! at 11am Join guest speaker Jane Peabody, a past V.P. of the San Francisco Garden Club. She will be speaking about and demonstrating floral arrangement. Jane was a flower arranger for 27 years at

Filoli Gardens in Woodside, California. Open to the public.

Sunday March 22 Half Marathon and Athletic Race Open to the ‘athletic’ public as well as institutions, sports clubs and such. Start and End on Francisco Medina Ascencio Avenue in front of “Unidad Deportiva Agustín Flores Contreras”. More information contact: mediomaraton.seapal. gob.mx/ and www.facebook.com/ mediomaratonseapal Wednesday, March 25th The First Culinary and Art Festival from 4 to 8 p.m. in the lobby of the Marsol Hotel next to Los Muertos Pier. There will be a number of your favourite restaurants presenting examples of their specialties and talented local artists showing their art for sale. Live music and raffles add to the fun of the afternoon.

Wednesday March 25th Bingo at NACHO DADDY’S at 6:00 p.m. Funds raised will be used to improve 32 senior care centres around Puerto Vallarta. Please come out to support some of PV’s most vulnerable citizens.

Thursday March 26th La Magia de la Dance at the Sheraton 8:00pm in support of the Los Mangos Library Enjoy 20% discount at the Sheraton restaurants the evening of the performance with your proof of ticket.

Tickets: 350 pesos in advance or 400 pesos at the door. Available at: Biblioteca Los Mangos (credit cards accepted); Hotel Belmar on Insurgentes; or by calling Cecilia at 226-4606.

Friday, April 3rd Good Friday services at 11:00 am Baptist Church, Argentina 180 across from Hidalgo Park Friday, April 3rd Traditional Seder at the River Café at 6pm Sponsored by the PV Jewish community, a dinner with kosher wine for $570 pesos including tip. Contact Donna at: helth1@ sbcglobal.net Please make your reservations by March 26th. Volunteers are needed for numerous tasks, if you can help please let Donna know.

Sunday April 12: IFC End of Season Brunch Casa Fantasia, Pino Suarez 203, at 10:00 am.

Tickets 200 pesos - available at

the IFC office M-F 9 - 2, or online at IFCvallarta.com under Special Events. 322-222-5466 for more information.

April 23-26 Salsa & Mambo Festival For the third year in a row the Salsa & Mambo Fest comes to Riviera Nayarit. The all-star lineups of international and national artists dance over to Marival Resort & Suites for the four day festival.

SalsaMamboFest.com April 30-May 3 V Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic The 5th annual Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic combines golf with gourmet meals and cooking courses taught by distinguished chefs at the most luxurious resorts in Riviera Nayarit.

The “Punta Mita Cup” is a two day golf tournament played on the signature Jack Nicklaus’ courses, Bahia and Pacifico. PuntaMitaGourmetGolf.com May 1, 2 & 3, 2015: Puerto Vallarta Bugambilia Festival 2015 Free event with many events in support of the beautifying of Puerto Vallarta and Zona Romantica in particular. Folklore, fashion, cultural events, floral exhibitions. www.bugambiliafestival.com May 17-25 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

March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

PEACEAnimals

By Gretchen Dewitt

W

hen PEACE first began its free mobile spay/ neuter clinics several years ago, there was a great deal of resistance to sterilization by pet owners. I used to walk door to door in poor neighborhoods asking if people would like their pets sterilized without any cost.

The men often said that they wanted their dog to be "macho," or that they wanted their dog to have "just one litter."

When I explained to one dog owner whose dog was loose on the street that it could get TVT (transmissible venereal tumor), he replied that it was "only a dog" and that he could get another one.

The women wanted their cats and dogs to have babies or they said they needed to ask their husbands´ permission to sterilize their pets.

Five years after I became involved in this program, I see an enormous change. Pet owners often line up at clinic locations as early as 6 AM for a 9 AM start time. They understand that this isn´t just about animals being born to suffer, but that their pets will avoid specific diseases related to non-sterilization.

They know that their neighborhoods will be cleaner, quieter and safer and that the decimation of wildlife will be reduced.

PEACEAnimals sterilizes approximately 4,000 cats and

dogs annually. This makes a difference.

For more information on PEACEAnimals and how you can help: www.peaceanimals.org; www.gretchen-peace-and-pv. blogspot.com

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

The best places in Mexico to celebrate the spring equinox

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wice a year, at the spring and fall equinox, the sun is positioned directly over the equator, giving everywhere on the planet 12 hours day and 12 hours night. The spring or vernal equinox, which heralds the start of spring, usually falls on 20 March or 21 March, and is celebrated in many parts of the world as a time of fertility and rebirth. Mexico is no exception, and here are the Eight Most Magical places in Mexico to celebrate the spring equinox: 1. Chichen Itza The Mayan archaeological site of Chichen Itza, between Mérida and Cancún, is a very popular place to witness the spring equinox. The Kulkulkan temple is a masterpiece, built according to precise astronomical specifications. At the equinoxes, the suns rays in the late afternoon dance like a slithering snake down the steps of the pyramid. Spectators may not realize that this pyramid has amazing acoustical properties as well.

The astronomical observatory known as El Caracol (“The Snail”) at Chichen Itza has features aligned so precisely that they helped the Maya determine the precise dates of the two annual equinoxes.

2. Teotihuacan Teotihuacan (“the city of the gods”) is the single most visited archaeological site in Mexico and an outstanding location to witness the spring equinox. Within easy day trip range of Mexico City, Teotihuacan was once a bustling city housing an estimated 200,000 people. It holds a special place in Mexico’s archaeological history since it was the first major site to be restored and opened to the public ~ in 1910, in time to celebrate the centenary of Father Miguel Hidalgo’s call for Independence.

The original inhabitants erected marker stones on nearby hillsides to mark the position of the rising sun at the spring equinox as viewed from the Pyramid of the Sun. Many of the visitors at the spring equinox today dress in white and climb to the top of the Pyramid of the Sun in order to receive the special energy of the equinox.

There is some concern about the problems that so many spring revelers may cause: 3. Dzibilchaltún Dzibilchaltún, in the state of Yucatán, about 20 km from Mérida, is much less well known but equally fascinating. The rays of the rising sun (spectators arrive before 5 am)

El Tajín, Veracruz

light up the windows and entrances of the Temple of the Seven Dolls in a spectacular display.

4. Great Temple, Mexico City The Great Temple (Templo Mayor) in Mexico City marks the spot where legend says the Mexica priest Tenoch saw the promised sign of an eagle on a cactus indicating the original site for the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan.

The city was renamed Mexico City when the Spanish conquistadors defeated the Aztecs and eventually became the largest city in the western hemisphere. As the sun rises at the Equinox, its rays shine precisely between the two major temples at this historic site.

This spectacle, probably once reserved for the priests, can now be enjoyed by all.

5. El Tajín, Veracruz The amazing Pyramid of the Niches in El Tajín, Veracruz, is another great place to visit on the spring equinox. Crowds gather here to celebrate the equinox, despite the fact that in this location, there is no particular solar spectacle to observe. Today’s celebrations continue an age-old tradition at El Tajín, which has long been one of the most important ceremonial centers in this region.

6. Malinalco There is no direct evidence that the ancients celebrated the equinox at this location, though the archaeological site certainly has a carefully determined orientation.

However, perhaps on account of its accessibility from Mexico City,

Teotihuacan

Malinalco, in the State of México, has become a popular place to see in the spring.

7. Xochicalco Xochicalco, in the state of Morelos, is equally easy to reach from Mexico City and was the site of a very important calendar-related conference in the 8th century BC. It attracts equinox viewers on account of its considerable astronomical significance from pre-Hispanic times.

The site‘s main claim to archeo-astronomy fame is not

connected to the equinoxes but to the two days when the sun is at its zenith (directly overhead) here each year, on 15 May and 28 July.

The vertical north side of a 5 meter long vertical “chimney” down into one particular underground cave ensures that the sunlight entering the cave on the day of the zenith is precisely vertical.

The south side of the chimney slopes at an angle of 4o23′.

Sunlight is exactly parallel to this side on June 21, the day of the Summer solstice.

8. Monte Alban Monte Alban, just outside the city of Oaxaca, was the first planned urban center in the Americas, and was occupied continually for more than 1300 years, between 500 BC and AD 850. Visitors from all over the world, many of them dressed in white, converge on Monte Alban at the spring equinox to recharge their energy levels.

Magical Mexico!

Original: geo-mexico.com

Vallarta Shopping Directory and events www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com

The First Annual Culinary Over 500 hungry And Art Festival people ate PV’s best Chili March 25th, 4-8pm at Hotel Marsol

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he Culinary and Art Festival is designed to promote local painters, and artists in all media as well as our fine restaurants, chefs and caterers.

We welcome our visitors and residents to try the variety of delicious cuisine offered in Puerto Vallarta, and to appreciate and purchase the artwork from our very talented artists and fine art galleries.

The Culinary and Art Festival will take place on Wednesday, March 25 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the large lobby of the Hotel Marsol, right next to the Los Muertos Pier on the closed street of Francisca Rodriguez.

There will be live music and

entertainment for your enjoyment.

There is no cost to enter, but tickets will be available for purchase of food and for the raffle.

Some of the participating restaurants are Barcelona Tapas, the River Café, Gaby´s Restaurant, Casa Tradicional, Sapori di Sicilia, Heidelberg, Aroma, Antojitos Gaby, and others.

Participating artists will be Ada Colorina, Edwige Pelletier, Nancy Van Landerham, Marta de la Peña, Cindy Fields, Juan Manuel Hernandez, Sheol Art Gallery, Cerroblanco Gallery, Galeria Vallarta, Arte Vallarta, Oswaldo Orozco, Shirley Preston, Monica Dolkar, Jorge Lopez, Bill Kelly and more.

Please put March 25th on your calendar, come and invite your friends for a fun filled afternoon of art, music and cuisine.

First Annual Culinary And Art Festival Wednesday, March 25, 4 To 8 P.m.

Marsol Hotel Lobby Francisca Rodriguez 103 By Los Muertos Pier Culinary Treats By Local Restaurants Art Exposition And Sale By Vallarta Artists And Galleries Live Entertainment-- Raffle Info Puertovallartashoppingguide@Gmail.com

CASA TRADICIONAL

Heidelberg

Sapori di Sicilia

By Frank K Meyer

A

t this past weekend’s 3rd Annual Chili Cook-off Festival at El Rio BBQ; featuring seventeen recipes from a broad range of sponsors, including restaurants and individuals, the American Legion Post 14 scored big again with over 500 people attending the fundraising event.

This always popular event was held on Saturday, March at El Rio BBQ Bar alongside the Cuale River in Paso Ancho. It was “all you can eat" chili plus one order of riblets and fruit water for only 200 pesos per person. El Rio regular menu items were also available for purchase.

Charities benefiting from the cook-off include Banderas Bay Women's Shelter, Youth Sports, benefiting Torpedos American Football (Pop Warner 6 to 17), DIF New Life Home for Boys and community relations projects of the American Legion and Navy League.

Mariachis performed from 12:30 to 2:00 then Mikki Prost, Murphy's Dave Whitty & Matt Cooke and finishing the entertainment with Nacho Daddy's Texas Embassy Blues Band.

There were two classes of judging. Popularity vote by the attendees to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd place trophies and also Professional judging to determine a "Grand Chef's Prize" trophy. And the winners were: Professional Judging 1st Nacho Daddy #1 2nd American Legion #12 3rd Murphy's Irish Pub #16 Popularity Vote

1st Hotel Casa Anita #17 2nd Escondida #15 3rd Nacho Daddy #1 Murphy's, Nacho Daddy and American Legion (Ron Abbe) have the secret as they were winners last year as well.

Everybody in attendance looked extremely excited and jovial, and it was obvious that they all were having a good time.

The crowd remained strong well into the afternoon; dancing and enjoying the entertainment.

“Parasols” from The Friends and Divas Collection

Kathleen Carrillo Galleries

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athleen Carrillo Galleries, Calle Constitution 325, half a block from Basilio Badillo, is in the old Puerco Azul space, next door to the Banderas Bay Trading Company. The Gallery is now showing the newest paintings from her Friends and Divas Collection.

Kathleen has been creating images of women since her college days.

Over the years they have reflected the experiences of her personal journey as a woman.

Women dealing with many issues, being out of balance, learning to heal from abuse, divorce, working mothers, psychological, spiritual and physical healing. In her Masters Thesis “Pathfinders”, she depicted woman of all shapes and sizes in Celebration of growth through these life accidents. The next series of

works were reflections of a search for her spiritual truths. Studies of the Goddess became her muse. Many of the images were empowered woman inspired by her studies of the Archetypical Greek Goddesses.

Each painting reflected strengths and weaknesses of Diana, Persephone, Athena, Artemis, Demeter, and Hestia. Most recently Kathleen is exploring her personal connection with nature and it’s healing powers.

She is living in the jungle just outside of town on the Rio Cuale at the base of the Sierra Madres in the little magical Colonia of Paso Del Guayabo.

One of the most popular Collections to

date is her Jungle Magic Collection which include women who are relearning the healing energies of being in touch with nature through message from animals.

Finally, as Kathleen softens and matures into the balance of her own masculine and feminine balance she has begun exploring her newest paintings, “Friends and Divas Collection”. These paintings are a reminder that we are amazing women no matter what shape, size or age we are. It is a reminder that we all need to embrace are own personal Divas!

To contact Kathleen: Mex. 044 322 141 8867, US 941 932 8543. www.KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com

Sunday Afternoon BBQ - March 22

By David Rohde

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an you think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon and also benefit a great cause? Sunday, March 22, 1-4pm at Eddies on the River join Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals for a deluxe BBQ. Included in the feast will be ribs, chicken and veggie kebabs. This will be accompanied by and a variety of sides...potato salad, cole slaw, corn on the cob and beans. One drink, a sangria or margarita will be included. A cash bar is always available. There will be live entertainment and a raffle.

Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals is a non-profit volunteer organization that benefits Centro de Acopio Animal, the city

pound for stray and unwanted dogs and cats. The city budget allows for only two weeks of food and that is where Friends steps in. They supply food, and all medicines. Twice a week excursions there provide walks for the dogs and a feeding that includes canned food along with their daily kibbles and some dogs are bathed if needed. Socialization is also a big part of what the program does. Improvements are always needed and funds must be secured for those also. Friends also has a standing account with Mascota Veterinary Clinic across from the large IMSS hospital. They do take out dogs that are not responding to treatment at the pound and give them a better chance of recovery. Please join Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals and help us continue the work we love to do.

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

riviera nayarit

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Living

In La Cruz

By Cindy Bouchard Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Meet Captain Mike Boss

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ed Dolphin Sailing Charters is a ‘must do’ when visiting La Cruz. Captain Mike Boss fits the profile of most transplants I meet in our fine town. He visited La Cruz with a plan of passing through and was enchanted by the kindness of the people; he loves the vibe… the music scene is second to none. Once friends, we stick together like family.

I asked Mike to tell me about his sailing vessel, what brought him to La Cruz and why he decided to turn his passion into a business. In his words…

Like many cruisers before me I had heard a little about La Cruz, but not a lot. Sailing from San Francisco, my daughter, son-in-law and I arrived in La Cruz in December 2010. We were pleasantly surprised at the buzz around town and amazed at the abundance of musical talent.

When Michelle and I became an item, I not only found the most perfect place to hang but I have also found love; what a lucky guy

I am! We now live aboard Indian Summer and life is sweet!

The sailing charter idea evolved as a product of settling in one place. Michelle and I discussed the possibilities and embarked on the arduous task of obtaining the charter permits to work the bay. One year later, an enormous amount of work by Michelle and much gnashing of teeth by me, we finally received our permits.

Red Dolphin Sailing Charters was born!

Indian Summer is the perfect vessel for cruising the bay, a Hunter Passage, 45ft long with a roomy centre cockpit and leather interior to the saloon. She sits high enough out of the water to afford passengers a great view of the surrounding sea, perfect for whale watching and sunset photography.

Ten people fit comfortably with ample shade on deck, there are two w/c`s on board with a swim platform and ladder plus fresh water wash down shower.

Charters we provide (complimentary bar and meals); Sunset cruises are most ever-

yone’s favorite. The bay provides us with the most spectacular sunsets and we create an atmosphere of relaxation for our guests, serving mimosas, canapés and cocktails, the perfect way to start the evening.

The cruise lasts three to four hours arriving back in the marina shortly after sunset.

Whale watching.There’s a high probability of seeing whales in the bay between the end of November through to the end of March.

Humpback whales come to the area to calve and teach their young their incredible acrobatic abilities. We offer the opportunity to witness them in their natural environment.

Full day Charters. We offer

full day charters to the Marieta islands or Yelapa for swimming and snorkeling.

Private Charters. We delight in special occasions. Ask us about birthdays, anniversaries or

weddings at sea. Thanks, Mike!

towns with plenty of ambience and unusual shopping and dining.

For instance, San Blas dates back to 1531 and offers plenty to explore in odd museums and markets in the town square. Some outdoor cafes provide the afternoon Cervezas but the real culinary treat lies at the Garza Canela Hotel where Chef Betty Vazquez whips up gourmet mole.

The Cordon Blue-trained chef worked with Michelin three-star chef Juan Mari Arzak in Spain and serves up “slow food,” locally sourced, seasonally concepted

dishes from a well-run kitchen in an unexpected place.

Top places to stay in this area include resorts in Punta de Mita where exclusive properties, such as Imanta, Hotel des Artistes del Mar, and the Palladium Vallarta carve their spots in the land without crowding. It also includes the private Punta Mita golf, resort and residence peninsula well known for the locations of the St. Regis and Four Seasons resorts.

For more information on Mike and Red Dolphin Charters; http://www.villaamordelmar.com/ characters-mike-boss/

Unexpected Luxury in Riviera Nayarit

By Lark Gould

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iviera Nayarit was barely a blip on the map until a decade ago. Now the 200-mile stretch of pristine Pacific coastline just north of Puerto Vallarta has sprung into a corridor of all-inclusives at the bottom end, a pocket of mucho-exclusives edging north and a sprinkling of precious backwater villages at the top.

All this is within easy reach of Puerto Vallarta International Airport for a trip that has it all: beach, shopping, art galleries and local cuisine,

all-inclusive or exclusive hospitality, and plenty of natural and local culture to explore.

Puerto Vallarta, also a popular cruise port, has a fabulous downtown, full of colorful design and textile galleries and museum-quality outlets selling delicate Huichol artifacts and artworks. It’s easy to spend a day here.

The town’s malecon is only 1.5 miles but packs in the color and action along an inviting beach.

Wander off along cobbled streets; find romantic out of the way bistros. This is traditional Mexico

wrapped in a package of possibility.

Travel north along the coast to the grand hotels and white-sand beaches of Nuevo Vallarta. This is where the tourist zone has migrated.

The hotels line the shore, one after another, each grander than the next. Beaches are busy and the party is non-stop.

However, continuing north, the finds become evermore precious as villages, such as the beachside hamlet of Bucerias, and the magic outposts of Sayulita, San Blas, San Pancho and San Francisco prove their value as colorful, sleepy

Original: www.washingtontimes.com

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Mud and Magic Part two of Four

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

(To read Part One see issue #936) "Then I got cold. Teeth chattering cold…"

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kin changing color to blue.

Without a word David scooped me up and carried me down a steep rock face and we plunged into the hot springs in the middle of a family of Mexicans enjoying the afternoon. The surprise from the change of temperature or knowing I wasn’t going to die from frostbite or whatever the hell it was, unleashed deep, wracking sobs. I could not stop. It occurred to me briefly that maybe I should try, but no. I heard David reassuring them in Spanish I would be fine, that he was a healer and not to be alarmed. But alarmed they were and as friend Karen said to me later, “You sure know how to clear a pool!”

One week later I went to Sayulita for my second massage. The sun was hot, clear skies, privacy ensured and my first question was why did I cry?

He said to me, “I don’t know any details, of course, but I would say you were sexually abused in your very early 20’s and have been physically abused in the last decade.”

Bingo and bingo.

(I have to say here I did not

undergo an “aha” moment, or a “rebirth”, or suddenly remembered some wretched thing from my past.

No. Not at all. A question I have asked myself a thousand times in my life kept looping through my brain: how can men who say they love me do this?)

On to the table face up into the blazing sun, naked (trust earned) and was slathered in cool bentonite clay-like, mineral-laden material mixed with the hot springs water. And then the treatment started from my feet up and ended up massaging my head, my face so I was literally encased head to toes in mud. He left me to dry in the sun saying he needed to be in the ocean to get rid of my toxins. I am a healer of tiny proportion compared to David’s abilities and I understand that whatever a healer takes away or off or out has to be thrown out somehow. For him, it’s water.

In the quiet I could feel my skin tightening and drying in the sun. I drifted off, idly wondering if I could get any color through the bentonite. Then the pain started. Only between my ankles and my knees and my wrists and elbows. Explosions of pains in small clusters sometimes a pinprick sometimes like a firecracker. It was like the only part of me that was alive and I could not move away from the pain.

And the colors! Sometimes fiercely bright pinks and purples but mostly dull, flat, dark mustard muffled

pings of pain. With a huge effort I finally could move my left big toe and eventually freed both feet and each leg slowly bent my knees but my hands were locked up.

I have no clue how long I laid there concentrating on moving my left hand; it was, however, the only thing I had to do. Just move my left hand and then only to pry open my right one! I am sure my hand must have sounded like a crypt door groaning open – on a molecular level, of course. Then, with two operating hands I began scraping hunks of clay off my eyes so I could open them, slowly sat up and gingerly slid off the table, touched the ground. Now I was ready for some water.

After a quick dip in the open ocean and a cool outdoor shower at Captain Cook’s restaurant on whose roof David does his magic I sat down with him.

He was obviously tired from working on me and he remarked that I looked better.

We will meet again for treatment #3 on Wednesday in Sayulita. As I walked to the bus blissfully tired and warm from the sun it occurred to me something was missing. I slowed down but kept on walking towards the bus going over everything I had brought with me from Vallarta and mentally checking that I did indeed have everything I came with.

What I had lost was any pain in my right hip. Gone. I am writing this five days later and it has not come back. I could bore you with the hospital visits, the prescriptions, the x-rays, the rehab, the traumatologist, the chiropractors and etc., over the last five years, but why?

The question is what will happen now? Can chronic pain just be ‘moved out’ of the body? Will it come back? And, what if it doesn’t?

To be continued next week…

March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Banderas Bay Initiative María del Mar Zamora

maria@fundacionpuntademita.org

Eagles and Birdies: Celebrate Conservation with Golf and Dinner

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olfers rejoice and Celebrate Conservation! You can play in one of the exclusive Punta Mita golf courses for a day of fun and a good cause.

The Punta de Mita Foundation and the Redford Center have organized a day of golf, dinner, movie night and cocktails to celebrate conservation and fundraise for environmental projects.

The Redford Center is undertaking the ambitious effort to reconnect the Colorado River to its Mexican delta and has paired up with Fundación Punta de Mita to support local conservations with this event.

The golf tournament begins at 1pm with a shotgun start and a scramble format. There will be prizes for Closest to the Pin and Longest Drive (both Men and Ladies). Then join them for a welcome cocktail at 6pm and

Dinner under the Stars at 7pm.

Relax with a movie night featuring the award-winning documentary Watershed about the Colorado River and the possible solutions that lay in its future. Round out the evening evening with a Q&A with Watershed’s director James Redford and conservationist Dr. Osvel Hinojosa-Huerta.

Proceeds will go to Redford Center’s Raise the River campaign as well as local conservation projects and organizations supported by the Fundación Punta de Mita such as ECOBAC (whale conservation), The Manta Project, Red Tortuguera (Turtle Network) and EntreAmigos, amongst others.

This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to our environment.

Whether living or visiting in the Banderas Bay, this place makes it obvious how much pleasure and services we derive from healthy ecosystems.

It is also an opportunity to experience the Jack Nicklaus Signature course and maybe meet some new golfing friends.

Tickets can be purchased at the Fundación Punta de Mita offices in Corral del Risco, Marlin #125 (around the corner from the OXXO). If you would like to attend but can’t make it out to Punta de Mita before then please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can arrange a solution.

Golf Tournament $200 US participation fee Movie Night & Dinner: $125 US Both Golf Tournament, Movie Night & Dinner: $275 US

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico’s butterflies: The Gold-spotted Aguna

By Moralea Milne

E

very time I visit Puerto Vallarta there are a number of things I must do, sample some homemade ice cream (Oaxacan Kiss is a new favourite), indulge my sweet tooth with a few hot, cinnamon-coated churros and most importantly, explore the butterfly habitats of whichever area I am in.

Soon I am jettisoning my friends and family and spending many happy hours engrossed in a search for butterflies.

With my much abused, chipped and worn camera in hand, I stealthily attempt to capture their form and beauty within a digital image.

Stealthily because they can sense my presence from metres away, too distant to enable a clear image.

To make photographing them more challenging, some species never seem to alight for more than mere seconds, or they show

remarkable cunning in evading my lens, just barely peeking around the side of a tree trunk or under a leaf. Still, that is the beauty of any passion, surmounting challenges, executing a flawless task, learning more than you knew before.

With butterflies the thrill is in accomplishing the perfect, evocative photograph; in the identification of the species (often impossible to do); in learning the secrets of their lives, "which plant do they use as a host on which to lay their eggs?"; and on sharing that information with others.

Recently I photographed what I believe is a Gold-spotted Aguna, not a butterfly gifted with extraordinary beauty, but one that has a more subtle resonance when captured in just the right circumstance. Agunas are members of the Skipper family, a vast array of generally small, nondescript but fast-flying butterflies that have hooked antennae.

The Gold-spotted Aguna lays its eggs on legumes, particularly in the Bauhinia family of trees, shrubs and vines, some of which are known as orchid trees. Like many skippers, the young caterpillars are green with a prominent, reddish head, the older caterpillars becoming paler as they mature and move into their astounding transformation to their butterfly form.

With over 1750 species of butterflies, Mexico has a great number of planet Earth's butterfly species, as well as thousands of moth species, many which rival the bejewelled magnificence of their day flying cousins.

Whether it is birds, butterflies or botanical wonders, Mexico has provided me with a wealth of photographic opportunities, although the talent and skill to capture their beauty and ephemeral nature is another matter entirely!

Banded Peacock

Fine-lined Stripe-streak White Morpho

Zebra Heliconian

real estate Ten Great Reasons to Choose the Marina Vallarta

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Fabien Madesclaire and Ariel O’Donnell Fabien@g3mex.com

M

G3MEX is currently looking for talented agents to become part of our team. If you love sales, and want to work in a welcoming and fun environment, contact Fabien Madesclaire at Fabien@g3mex.om.

any of you out there are probably saying, “The Marina? It’s so far from downtown, and so sleepy, why on earth would someone want to live out there?”

Well here are some great reasons to choose the excellent and underappreciated neighborhood: 1. The Marina is closer than you think.

Just a 10-15 minute car/cab ride into Old Town Vallarta. Or, you can save some money and catch the very tidy bus (really one of our town’s nicest bus lines) for a mere 7 ½ pesos.

2. Beautiful, well-kept properties. If you love fastidiously tended gardens, undulating green lawns, unique and elegant architecture and a true resort feel, it’s all here at your doorstep.

3. Terrific restaurants, cafes and bars.

To name just a few: The Sonoran Grill, Portobello, Benitto’s, Las Palomas, Victor’s, Starbucks, Coffee Cup and my personal favorite, Mariscos 8 Tostadas.

4. Golf anyone? It’s right here. The Marina Club de Golf course is a pretty 18-hole course situated in a residential area, and home to an amazing diversity of wildlife.

Tee off to an audience of iguanas, shore birds, turtles, and of course crocodiles.

5. Boats. Did you say boats? It is a Marina, after all, so if you own a boat this is a little piece of heaven. If you don’t own one, but love to look at them, nothing could be more relaxing than an afternoon cocktail while sitting beside the 450 boat slips. This is also the debarkation point for many sailing and fishing tours, so the convenience is unbeatable.

6. Excellent beaches. The beaches here are pretty, clean, quiet and very private.

Owners and visitors staying at the beachfront condos and hotels have exclusive access. Other folks can purchase day passes with one of the hotels, and enjoy a fun and relaxing resort day.

7. Shopping. Plaza Marina has Mega Commercial, which is a fully stocked supermarket. For the gourmet in the family, be sure to check out La Europea, with its small but fine selection of imported treats and an unbeatable wine and liquor selection. Too, the Marina is close to Walmart, Galerias, and Home Depot.

8. Need to catch a flight? Our International Airport is a mere 5 minutes away.

You can practically walk to the Airport - if you’ve packed lightly, and have a rolling suitcase.

9. Estero Salado. One of our favorite local attractions. This protected estuary is home to birds, reptiles, raccoons and gorgeous mangroves. Take a leisurely and educational boat trip to see another natural wonder of Puerto Vallarta.

10. Quiet and tranquil. None of the hustle and bustle of other areas of Vallarta. If you want peace and quiet, and no symphony of roosters to get you out of bed in the morning, the Marina may be the place for you.

If you have real estate questions, or want to know more about Marina Vallarta properties, contact Fabien anytime at G3MEX Real Estate Group email: Fabien@g3mex.com. Or visit us in our new office in Old Town on Calle Amapas, right near the Hotel Emperador.

HERE’S WHAT SKYMED DOES DO! •

illness, even a broken hip or a compound fracture. With our “not medically necessary” we will still take you home (most programs say “IF YOU CAN’T BE TREATED LOCALLY”...then “TO THE CLOSEST ADEQUATE FACILITY”. SkyMed out performs all assistance companies.

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If one spouse predeceases the other, the surviving spouse/partner or other eligible family member can take over the remaining full years left on a multi-year membership.

•

If you are a Mexico resident, you can choose any city in the US or Canada as your transport preference city. If you are a snowbird, then your hometown or closest big city with trauma center is your transport city. SkyMed takes YOU, your traveling companion, your car, motorcycle, boat, minor children, grandchildren, physical remains and even your pets ALL THE WAY HOME!

HERE’S WHAT SKYMED DOESN’T DO! •

We DON’T cancel you when you reach a certain age.

Your rate never goes up because you age.

•

We DON’T require annual medical reports for you to qualify for renewal when you reach a certain age.

•

We DON’T discriminate regarding marital status or sex.

Any two adults residing at the same address qualify as a family.

READ THE FINE PRINT – many other companies DO.

•

We DON’T restrict the length of your trips at a certain age.

•

We DON’T ask you to qualify again regardless of what medical conditions you may acquire in the future.

Upon enrollment you are automatically covered for sudden illnesses and accidents. You DO have to qualify in the beginning & there is a 90 day waiting period for pre-existing conditions; all else is covered from day one. Once enrolled SkyMed guarantees renewal for LIFE!

TAKES YOU HOME

Join WeExpats Insurance for one of 3 seminars in Puerto Vallarta

Special " Group/Seminar" pricing will be offered at these events.

Please RSVP with location you want to attend to Aldis@WeExpats.com

Cell 4151156589 or Vonage 4357147012

classified and more...

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March 19 - 25, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Tianguis and Farmer´s Markets

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent Englis Spoken

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

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

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

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

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.

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 yearround 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

Emergency Numbers for Bucerias & La Cruz Numbers for the Police Department in case of emergency are 291-0049 and 291-0666.

Emergency number: 066 Police, Bucerias & La Cruz: 298-1020 Civil Protection (Fire, Ambulance): 291-0295 Ambulance, Santa Rosa Clinic: 298-0157

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES OLD TOWN FARMERS MARKET A PAGE IN THE SUN - ZONA ROMANTICA FREDY TUCAN´S - ZONA ROMANTICA NUEVO VALLARTA RESORTS CONSULATE OFFICES

DECAMERON RESORT - BUCERIAS BREAKER´S BEACH BAR - BUCERIAS YO-YO MO´S - BUCERIAS MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT - LA CRUZ LA CRUZ FARMERS MARKET OSO RESTAURANT - LA CRUZ

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SUDOKU

brain teasers

March 19 - 25, 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.

easy

medium

hard

Solution on page 22

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... PANCHO

P

ancho is the cutest Lab mix and an all-around wonderful buddy. He is just a year old and weighs 29 pounds. Pancho is very social and gets along great with his roommates, both dogs and cats. He has a wonderful personality and would make a great addition to any family. Pancho has been neutered, dewormed and is current on all his vaccinations.

Ready to take Pancho home?

Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com if you are interested.