Issue 942, April 23, 29, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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Residency PAYING TAXES

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April 23 - 29, 2015 Free Issue 942

Travel morelia, michoacan

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Shopping friday market

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Photo by archives

MEXICAN Woodpecker

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 cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

Apr 23 - 29, 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 This 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: MONA (MONKEY) MONJA (NUN) Reader Alvin writes, “While studying Spanish in Honduras, I met a woman teacher who was teaching poor children in the mountains.

Wanting to know if she was a nun I asked her, ‘Es usted una mona?’

Are you a monkey when what I meant was to ask if she was a nun!

It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them: sandra. learn.vallarta@gmail.com

by Sandra Cesca

MONJA (NUN)

MONA (MONKEY)

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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Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

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ou may have noticed it’s election season with Mexicans heading to the polls on June 7th. The exuberance is palpable. The roaming caravans with their speakers blasting co-opted pop songs, waving flags, stickering everything in sight; kind of like locusts but with much better humour. The door to my office downtown has been stickered with five different faces/logos/parties, all encouraging me to do the right thing and vote for: a new party, a party you can trust, a change, a solid platform. Yesterday my neighbor said with obvious distain in regards to one presumably offensive sticker, “Did you allow them to put that sticker there?” Ha! Allow them? How can you stop them?

For me, there is little I can say or do in regards to Mexican politics.

It’s illegal for non-citizens to engage in politics or vote. My Spanish isn’t good enough to truly understand the nuance of poli-speak and so for the most part I watch from the sidelines, bemused and a little jealous.

They look like they’re having fun!

Back in the home country I was moderately political with family actively elected into government and it was continuously heartbreaking election after election to see the lack of participation and of course the results didn’t help either. But here in Mexico – it’s amazing. The fever pitch that elections rise to is so unlike our own process in Canada (and presumably in the US). Now whether the crowds are paid for or not, that’s another debate.

A few years back when Peña Nieto was running for office, I got caught in a caravan that had swarmed Ajijic (which only has one road in and out so I couldn’t escape). The group of primarily middle aged women were chanting something along the lines of, “Vote for Peña Nieto, he’s so handsome and can sleep in our beds.”

Can you imagine anyone saying that about Stephen Harper, the V-neck sweater vest wearing Canadian Prime Minister, let alone a crowd of women?!

I have no idea who will win

Letters to the Editor Dear Editor, Just a quick note of thanks to you and the community for the services you provide for many visitors. Too bad more locals did not pick up the publication. Have you thought about a Spanish edition to benefit those businesses who assume this news is just for tourists?

I am a long term PV friend, lover, resident and honorary 'pata saladas' of which I hold dearly.

I FINALLY took the last Malecon Sculpture Tour of the season with my old pal, Gary

Thompson of Galeria Pacifico and Kevin of Colectiko, both of whom are most knowledgeable, entertaining, interesting and informative guides to Vallarta and its culture. They are so very generous with their time in educating us on the beauty that is within our own neighbourhood.

It was a delightful 2 hours spent learning about gossip, politics, history and above all, ART and its dedicated promoters, protectors and patrons.

I can highly recommend to

this round, but I do know it will likely mean a huge movement of government officials and all the contacts we worked hard to develop over the years will be quickly gone. Major projects will be placed on hold or kyboshed all together. The changing of the guard has major ramifications on business relationships but likely for the mundane day-to-day there will be little change, not unlike up North. If it was up to me, but it’s not, I’d vote for the one who will solve the garbage problem and fill the potholes a little faster, and protect the environment, and monitor development closer and crackdown on corruption and raise the minimum wage.

For now, I am thankful the stickers have cheap glue and come off easily.

There are a couple of worthwhile events happening around the bay and it’s the last weekend for the circus, which I hear is entertaining and making a valiant effort in the face of the recent no circus animals laws being passed in Mexico. (See change can happen for the better!)

Also most Farmer’s Markets are in their last weekend’s so if you need to stock up on items or get contact details for their summer locations, now is the time.

Enjoy your week, Madeline

editor@vallartatribune.com

everyone and will certainly have to check out the 'home tours' next season.

Peggy Fields

Punta Negra Ed. Note: Thank you Peggy. I believe the Tribune is well read by locals and tourists alike. I too have been meaning to but have never actually taken the tour – for me it’s the hour. Can’t do anything before 10am. It’s against my Mexican religion.

This weekend’s MUST DO EVENT

Salsa Mambo Festival this weekend 40 professional dancers from around the world will hold 42 workshops, there will be two live concerts and 12 DJs will energize the events to be enjoyed by the festival’s 1,200 participants; this is one of the top three of its kind

in Mexico. The liveliest event in the Riviera Nayarit—The Salsa Mambo Fest—is back from April 23-26 at the Marival Resorts & Suites Nuevo Vallarta, making an encore appearance for the third year in a row.

The Groups and Events Department of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau and the State Government are sponsoring this festival, which has positioned itself as one of the top three of its kind in all of Mexico

Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta Janice Gonzalez

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big thank you to all you generous people today.

The penultimate day of this season’s Farmers Market brought in over $1600 pesos in donations for the sanctuary in general and for puppy food. We also received $9USD & $5CAD. Kelly, from Collingwood, Ontario, and “Gibbs” donated a small soft carrier, a few doggy coats and a bunch of mixed-size collars and leashes. All very welcome and much needed gifts. Thanks Kelly.

We had several offers to transport adopted dogs to Vancouver.

Since we have several dogs waiting to go to their “furrever” homes there, you’re doing us a big favour!

The market has quieted down a lot since the highest part of the season, which sees thousands of visitors. Just like the swallows return to Capistrano, so our snowbirds return to north of the border.

Now we’re seeing many more locals, the year-round residents, who rarely venture out between January & March!

Thanks this week to volunteers Michelle, recently returned from Cancun and Mark, just back from Oaxaca.

See you next week. We’re having a party!” And thanks for this report Lynnette.

To see our 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.

To make donations via PayPal, select the “Donate” option on our Facebook page www.facebook.

com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

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.

Right now we have a serious need for puppy food. We are pretty overwhelmed with puppies at the sanctuary.

We have an ongoing need for help transporting dogs to the United States and Canada. The SPCA will take care of all the details and cost of transporting the animals. Stop by our table at the Old Town Farmers Market and we will answer any questions you might have.

You can come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary.

We have scheduled tours each week and vehicle space is limited.

We also have tours from Nuevo Vallarta. Contact Nicole Martin at nicole@cupocity.com to make a reservation.

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.

and is among the top 25 worldwide. This is also the first festival in Latin America to allow an all-inclusive format.

The event includes special pricing for residents: $1,800 pesos for an all-inclusive ticket four day pass. Daily access tickets are also available. All tickets will be on sale in the hotel main lobby.

The Salsa Mambo Fest has become such an established hit that even though this year’s event

has yet to start, next year’s event has already been confirmed.

For more details please visit: http://www.salsamambofest.com/.

news

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Stations drop gas prices

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Mexico Hails WTO Ruling in “Dolphin Safe” Tuna Dispute with U.S.

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he World Trade Organization has found that modifications to U.S. regulations on “dolphin safe” canned-tuna labeling still discriminate against Mexico, local authorities said.

A special WTO group found that changes to U.S. tuna labeling regulations continue to “restrict trade and do not meet that country’s objective to inform consumers about harm done to dolphins during the tuna-catching process,” Mexico’s Economy Secretariat said Tuesday.

“The WTO once again has sided with Mexico, finding that Mexico’s fishing method is able to certify and ensure protection for dolphins, whereas other methods cannot provide the same degree of certainty, and yet they carry the ‘dolphin safe’ label.”

The United States has said it will appeal. If the WTO special group’s findings are upheld later this year, Mexico would have the right to take retaliatory measures until the discri-

Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

minatory aspects of U.S. tuna labeling are eliminated.

Stricter U.S. rules adopted in 2013 barred tuna caught by setting on dolphins – the method used in Mexico’s Eastern Tropical Pacific, or ETP, large purse seine fishery – from accessing the “dolphin-safe” label.

They also imposed more onerous certification and tracking and verification requirements on tuna caught in the ETP to ensure no harm was done to dolphins.

In its latest findings, the WTO ruled against Mexico on one aspect, saying “the different harms caused by setting on dolphins on the one hand and other tuna fishing methods on the other hand justified the United States’ decision to treat those fishing methods differently.”

However, it agreed with Mexico that the United States’ different certification and tracking and verification requirements discriminated against the Latin American country.

Original:lath.com

agna dropped 17 centavos at 31 stations in Baja California The gas wars have started. As Mexico’s energy reforms redefine the petroleum industry, consumers are beginning to see some of the effects.

Several Pemex gas stations in Baja California have dropped their prices following the lead taken by two stations in Puebla two weeks ago. In Baja, prices were cut by 30 centavos, a rare occurrence in a country where gas prices used to

go up every month, a practice that ended in December.

One Puebla station has dropped its prices by seven and eight centavos, while the second began offering discounts of 17 and 18 centavos for Magna and Premium grades, respectively, on Sundays only.

The discounts were introduced to drive more sales, which were reported to be down.

Grupo Eco is the owner of the 31 Baja California Pemex franchises that have reduced prices. It has

stations in Tijuana, Mexicali, Tecate, Rosarito, Ensenada, Nogales, San Quintín and San Felipe.

New energy legislation establishes a maximum price for gasoline this year and next, after which the market will be open to all comers and Pemex franchisees will have the option of switching to new suppliers in the marketplace.

There is also a minimum price, that which the stations pay to Pemex Refining, below which they cannot go.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

IMF Trims Growth Forecast for Mexico

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he International Monetary Fund has slightly lowered its expectations for economic growth in Mexico, citing weak domestic demand and non-expansionary fiscal policies.

The World Economic Outlook, released Tuesday at the start of the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, projects 3 percent growth in Mexico’s gross domestic product this year, down from 3.2 percent in the Fund’s January forecast.

Mexican GDP grew only 1.4 percent in 2013 and 2.1 percent last year.

Despite its “sound prospects,” the Mexican economy must contend with “weak domestic demand and a more restrictive fiscal posture countering the positive impact of growth in the United States,” the IMF said.

The Fund’s economists expect Mexico to have an inflation rate of 3 percent in 2015.

In previous reports, the IMF said the ambitious “reforms” implemented by President Enrique

Peña Nieto since taking office in December 2012 would provide additional impetus to the Mexican economy.

Peña Nieto has implemented controversial overhauls of Mexico’s state-dominated energy industry and of the country’s labor laws.

Monterrey band finds fame on YouTube

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he three sisters aged 10, 13 and 16 released an EP of original music last week A new band from Monterrey whose videos have gone viral on YouTube has signed with a record company and released their first recording. And the oldest player is 16. The Warning — made up of three sisters — even found a fan in Kirk Hammett, lead guitarist of the heavy-metal band Metallica, who tweeted that The Warning’s 13-year-old drummer Paulina “kicks maximum ass.”

But according to Kate Beaudoin, writing on Mic.com, Hammett didn’t quite get it right:

all three kick maximum ass.

Paulina’s older sister, Daniela, plays lead guitar and sings. Her younger sister, Alejandra is 10, and plays bass. And according to YouTube comments, they rock.

Their YouTube cover of the Metallica song Enter Sandman has had nearly 6.2 million views, generated nearly 35,000 likes and earned 4,500 comments. That and other videos were uploaded

for family and friends and were never expected to go viral. The next break came when their mother invited the owner of a Monterrey-based recording studio to attend a show by the band at a local university.

“I attended the show, sat on the front row and got chills the entire time,” said Victoria Morales-Kuhne of Victoria Records. “Their original music was incredible, everything I could ever hope for and more . . . I knew this was one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments when you’re witnessing music history and music greatness, and if you’re lucky in this industry, you run into

one artist like The Warning once in your lifetime.”

Two weeks later the band signed with Victoria Records and an EP of original music, Escape the Mind, followed last Tuesday.

All three sisters began taking music lessons early, and all started on the piano.

Now they want to continue their studies by attending the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Supporters launched an appeal on gofundme.com and have raised over US $12,000 so far to pay for tuition, visas and further music lessons.

Original:Mexicodailynews.com

news

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Photo: Kia

Kia to open showrooms in Mexico

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outh Korean automaker Kia will open showrooms in 10 major cities this July throughout Mexico, El Financiaro reported last week.

Kia enters the Mexican auto market in advance of its first manufacturing plant in the country, which should begin production in the first half of 2016.The $63 USD million investment will bring Kia access to 68 percent of the domestic market, said Horacio Chavez, CEO of Kia Motors Mexico.

The showrooms will offer the Forte compact sedan, the small SUV Sportage and medium-sized SUV Sorento Each showroom will generate between 50 and 80 jobs with a target of 7,000 sales in the second half of the year.

Kia’s $1 billion assembly plant, in northern state of Nuevo León, will be the automaker’s largest and its first in Mexico when it opens early next year. It will have the capacity to produce 300,000 cars annually.The plant gives Kia a competitive advantage. Automakers making cars in Mexico are exempt from a 20 per cent import tariff within 10 per cent of their local

Mexico’s America Movil Shareholders OK Asset Spin-Off Kia’s Mexican plant will begin by producing the Forte and Rio subcompact. Photo: Kia output. The plant will also assist with demand in the U.S. market, where its sole factory is running at full capacity.Kia joins Mazda, Honda, Audi, and a Renault-Nissan-Daimler partnership, all of which in the past six months have either begun manufacturing vehicles from new Mexican factories or disclosed plans to do so, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Kia’s parent company, Hyundai, has been selling the Sonata,

Elantra, Tucson and i10 in Mexico since last year.Kia received a number of awards last year including being named “Best Value Brand” by Kelley Blue Book, being ranked 35th by Interbrand as a Top 50 Green Brand, becoming the highest-ranked mainstream brand in Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Index Study, and being ranked 6th in the J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Initial Quality Study.

Original: yucatanexpatlife.com

Mexico big winner at robotics contest

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exican students lead in medal standings at the Vienna competition Mexico was the big winner this year at the annual robotics competition, Robot Challenge 2015, one of the biggest such competitions in the world.

Students from three educational institutions were the medal champions, earning four gold, four silver and a bronze at the event held in Vienna, Austria, last weekend.

Teams from National Polytechnic Institute (IPN), the Meritorious

Autonomous University of Puebla and the Higher Technological Institute of Poza Rica, Veracruz, were among 150 that participated from 40 countries.

IPN students won first, second and third in the Micro Sumo class, first place in Nano Sumo and first and second in Mini Sumo. Puebla and Veracruz students won first and second in the Humanoid Sprint category and second in Mega Sumo.

In the Sumo categories, robots

are combatants that try to force each other out of the ring, as in the traditional Japanese wrestling sport.

Human-like robots must complete a course by walking or running as fast as possible in the Sprint category.

Italy placed second in medals, followed by Russia, Romania and Lithuania tying for third.

Mexico has been prominent in several international robotics competitions in recent years.

Original: mexicodailynews.com

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hareholders of Mexican telecommunications giant America Movil have approved the company’s plan to spin off its cellular towers into a separate, listed entity.

In an extraordinary general assembly, the plan was approved “with a favorable vote of 98.2 percent of AMX’s total ordinary shares outstanding,” the company said in a statement.

“Additionally, it has been approved to initiate the necessary and convenient processes to implement the spin-off approved” Friday, America Movil said.

The Mexico City-based telecommunications giant will contribute to a new company called Telesites “certain assets (mainly comprised of the passive infrastructure used by its wireless operations in Mexico), liabilities and equity,” the statement read.

America Movil shareholders will receive the same number and series of Telesites shares as they held in America Movil at the moment the spin-off is executed.

Telesites will be dedicated to “building, installing, maintaining, operating, and marketing, directly and/or through subsidiaries, different types of towers and other support structures,” the director of legal affairs and secretary of America Movil’s board, Alejandro

Cantu, said in a letter to shareholders earlier this month.

In March 2014, as part of a telecommunications and broadcast media overhaul, the newly created Federal Telecommunications Institute, or IFT, declared America Movil and its operating subsidiaries Telcel (Mexico’s wireless market leader) and Telmex (the dominant fixed-line player), as well as Grupo Carso and Grupo Financiero Inbursa, to be dominant in the sector and imposed certain specific asymmetrical regulations.

Those regulations included regulation on local-loop unbundling; regulation on the access and use of passive infrastructure, including wireless towers; elimination of mobile roaming charges; and regulation on interconnection, including the imposition of asymmetric rates to be determined by the IFT. In response, America Movil said in July of that year that its board resolved “to authorize measures to reduce its national market share in the Mexican telecommunications market under 50 percent in order to cease being a ‘preponderant economic agent.’”

To that end, the board “decided upon the sale of certain assets to a new and solid carrier independent from America Movil.”

Original: lath.com

local

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Wellness

Latina

Obsessively Compulsive

by Virginia Fox Virginia Fox is a storyteller, writer, actor, promoter and owner of Wild Side Productions in Puerto Vallarta and Chicago, She’s a member of the PV Writer’s group and is working on a story collection, “Moon Lady’s Wild Rides.”

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ou’re the most obsessive compulsive” person I know,” I said to my husband, Cal, as we sat at our hand painted equipale table luxuriating in the rich tastes of a Mexican papaya.

As a Gemini with a proud family history of A. D.D., I find myself often at odds with Cal’s behavior.

“I can’t believe we’ve lived so compatibly for 27 years,” I say staring at the iron cord wrapped more tightly around itself than the way it came from the store. Even if I could get it unwrapped, I’d break all my expensive acrylic nails.

Wrapping cords is just one manifestation of his obsessed behavior.

“We’ve got to do something to keep the rain from coming into our condo this Summer,” he says. ”We’ve lived in PV six months for 10 years, “ I say. “Never had a problem before. Those rains we had were unusual. Won’t happen again.”

“We’ve got new paned glass windows over a brick bench, and doors onto three terraces. The rains can creep into those small uneven spaces under them like they did in those March monsoons.

I don’t want our furniture ruined,” he counters.

It doesn’t matter what I might think. When Cal is onto a project he can “fix”, he’s focused, determined and as ravenous as a pit bull going after a bone. “How about asking others what they do,” I say. I ask everyone everything.

People I meet on the street, in stores, in nail salons, places where you know you get the truth.

Cal doesn’t ask anyone anything.

Just another one of those Venus / Mars quirks, I guess.

“What do you have in mind?”

I ask preparing myself to accept whatever vision is burning in his brain. “I think we should get some vinyl, have tubes made, and fill them with sand,” he says visuali-

zing he’ll be on Shark Tank next year with his sand bag invention.

“Really?” I say, “And where do we store them when we’re here?

Who fills them with sand?”

‘We can. It’ll work. You’ll see.”

Cal is always sure of the outcome of his “fix.”

That afternoon we stop at Parisina, select a lovely red flowered vinyl you see on plastic tables around town, then head over to Luisa, our favorite seamstress who caters to the whims of gringos every day.

“About this big?” she asks Cal. They agree on the length of the tubes and diameter which could easily hold tennis balls, and to keep the top open to pour in the sand. Our next step…get sand !

That night we sit listening to great gypsy jazz at CC’s with friends.

A large empty bucket with a plastic cup for a scooper sits under the table. Before going home we stop at the beach and sneaking around like two white collar Gringo criminals ,we fill the bucket with the Los Muertos playa in the darkness of night. Cal slowly hauls the heavy bucket up our steep hill looking like a burro long past his hauling days.

Three days later, we pick up the tubes from Luisa and we’re off to our beloved little boutique beachfront time share hotel to fill the tubes. Our “hermano” we’ve called “familia” for years greets us with his usual charm and makes no comments about our plan. I know him well and I can see that look in his eyes, “these crazy gringos are always up to something. What’s wrong with a maid and a mop?”

After thirty minutes of scooping the beach, the security guard arrives. “What are you doing,” he says smiling. We tell him about our invention we know will make

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com us millions. He just smiles and moves on no doubt eager to share his “what the tourists did next story” when he got off work.

It’s hot. It’s humid. I’m really tired of digging sand with a cup and expensive acrylic nails. And what about the saying “Take away memories. Leave only footprints”?

We’ve filled 1 ½ tubes and now even Cal is getting tired.

“This isn’t working,” he says.

“Let’s find another solution.” The filled tube weighs at least 60 pounds. The staff helps us schlep it to our car trunk where it will sit for a week.

A day later I’m getting my nails done and in comes a good friend and popular tour director. I tell her our ongoing saga. “I did that once,” she says. “Got boys on the beach to fill them. They lasted a couple years then disintegrated with sand all over the house. The next year I filled tubes with beans.

They sprouted. Last year I bought foam “noodles”, the tubes kids use in pools. I cut them up and squished them under our doors. Try that.”

“Let’s go to Home Depot,” Cal says, “we’ll find something there.

I would rather be anywhere, but in that “man cave,” but I go along.

Cal agrees to try foam “noodles” which are standing in a box. We find nothing better and buy two.

It’s hard to believe our season is coming to an end. Now we’ve got the rain blockers, it’s time to get serious about packing up.

To Cal, my loving Compulsive Obsessed partner, that means squeezing every garment with any spandex or elastic into space age bags, plus pillows and other items he thanks might be assaulted by high humidity.

Twenty bags later, hidden away in cupboards, art covered and refrigerator emptied, we’re ready.

And the rain protectors?

Our plastic tubes now filled with the minimum of sand, are carefully placed at the bottom of our folding glass panels. Whether or not the maid will keep them there, who knows. And who cares?, She does have a mop !!!

My mission as a bilingual Certified Holistic Health Coach is to empower you to spice up your vitality with health and wellness workshops and programs by incorporating whole, sustainable, plant-based foods and natural healthcare with essential oils. For my blog or a list of my upcoming programs and workshops, and for your free natural healthcare e-book visit www.wellnesslatina.com.

My Favorite Ways to Relax 1) The island. Going for a walk through the Isla Rio Cuale. This walk never gets boring to me.

Between the local, indigenous vendors selling arts and crafts, the gigantic intertwined ancient-looking trees that look wiser than Socrates, and the infinite number of abandoned and feral well-fed cats that inhabit the island, I am always refreshed and rejuvenated by a morning or evening stroll through there and stopping to pet the cats provides me with animal therapy for relaxation, not to mention getting color therapy from all of the colors that abound.

2) A walk or a run. I love doing this through the beachfront malécon with my dog, Mambo.

There I have no choice but to say THANK YOU. Thank you for nature, for the abundance around me, for being in front of this ocean, for the sand, for the sun. It's difficult to not be grateful when we are surrounded by so much beauty.

When I'm inspired I often find a nice spot to meditate.

3)Yoga. I love to participate in yoga classes at one of the fantastic yoga studios in Vallarta or simply do my own practice wherever I am with the poses that I already

know. Sometimes at home, sometimes at the beach. Once you know a handful or two of sequences or asanas, yoga becomes something you look forward to because it connects you with breath. Breath is life and when you become more conscious of it, it becomes your tool for energizing yourself or helping to induce relaxation, whichever you choose.

4) Hanging out with friends.

We are social creatures that need connections with others. Well, most of us anyway. It's nice to share a laugh or two with friends that you have some things in common with. Or to simply vent. Venting and laughing are good antidotes to stress and disease. It's never good to internalize feelings. If it's not friends, there should be another outlet for expression such as journaling or painting about great and not -so-great moments in our lives.

5) Just dance. Dancing has always been a part of my life as I continue to teach salsa dancing.

Whether a form of self-expression or a form of sensual, upbeat movement that I teach others, I have an affinity to Latin dancing, but most songs with an upbeat rhythm will get me going. And you don't need a studio to let your hair down. A room in your house will do. Just crank up the volume and dance like no one is watching.

Old Town Farmers Marke Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

by Erin Staley

“This is a bustling farmers market. So much to see and with so much variety!

Do not miss this!” ~777Deana777, TripAdvisor

The OTFM-TC Is Wrapping Up

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aturday, April 25, marks the last day of our best season yet! We've enjoyed record-breaking visitors, an estimated 125,000, with more than 90 vendors offering the largest selection of one-of-a-kind goodies and must-experience on-site services.

Get to Know the Market Known as Puerto Vallarta's favorite weekend attraction, ours is a fun-filled, “make it, bake it, grow it” North American style market. For the past six seasons, we've celebrated the tradition and culture of Mexico’s tianguis markets. Tianguis – outdoor markets – have been around long before the Conquistadors settled in the new land. The OTFM-TC market honors this history while providing a “back to the land” movement that supports local food and craft artisans.

A Producer-Only History When the “back to the land” movement caught on in Puerto Vallarta, community leaders recognized the ethical and economical significance of a producer-only market. One member in particular, Charlotte Semple, was inspired to create a venue in which shoppers enjoyed direct contact with farmers, producers and artisans. Thirty local vendors and a handful of volunteers joined the Canadian native, and within two weeks, the OTFM-TC opened its doors in 2010. It was a big hit with over 800 shoppers stopping by on the first day.

Market Governance In June 2014, the market achieved its long term goal to become a nonprofit organization.

It is now administered by a Board of Directors, Executive Director, Market Coordinator and a Vendor Selection Committee. In order to maintain the high quality and diversity the market is so famous for, the committee – comprised of vendors and community representatives – vet all new applicants and their products.

All of our vendors are registered, tax-paying business owners who live full-time within 75 kilometers of Puerto Vallarta. Since the market's inception, we have maintained a diverse vendor roster: 70 percent are nationals and 30 percent are internationals from Argentina, Canada, Chile, England, Thailand, Taiwan and the United States.

Money Matters When asked, "Where does all the money go?" we explain that revenues from vendor

fees are used to cover market operational costs (weekly permits, association dues, equipment, marketing and staffing).

This season the market paid a combined total of $140,000 pesos in permit and association fees to the city of Puerto Vallarta and the Emiliano Zapata Business Association.

Portions of these funds are returned back to the community for neighborhood improvements and development. The surplus is then dispersed between the growth of the market and the ongoing business development of our market vendors.

And what a development it's been! Many of our vendors are now self-reliant entrepreneurs, supporting their families with their talents. In addition, this season has been a market-wide success as vendors have reported sales increases of 20 to 50 percent.

Something for Everyone “Best way to spend Saturday mornings...I would suggest going early and stay till closing...there is something for everyone.”

~Elzbieta G This season, over 125,000 national and international shoppers indulged in an endless variety of producer-only goods and services. And now you can, too!

• farm-fresh produce • apparel • homemade dips and salsas • freshly cut flowers • handcrafted jewelry • artisan bread and baked goods • natural body products • fresh pasta • refreshing beverages • organic coffee • flavorful cheeses • baked goods • international foods to take home or enjoy on site • hand-rolled cigars • chocolates • live music

The Artisans of Madre Selva is a cooperative of women who produce handmade jewellery using Italian yarn and beads from the Czech Republic. These women live in an underprivileged community near the old garbage dump. The proceeds from the sales offer them an alternative to working on the garbage dump and offers them hope for a future for their family – a future free from the poverty their community currently experiences. Please visit them on Facebook at New Beginnings – Artisans of Madre Selva.

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• massage or chiropractic treatments • nonprofit organizations Sweets & Eats Be sure to save your appetite for our always-popular International Food Court (under the shaded pergolas on the eastern side of Lazaro Cárdenas Park). We're serving up tasty Thai, Indian, traditional Mexican favorites and vegan entrées (hamburgers, al pastor, falafels and sticky buns). Then satisfy your sweet tooth with cakes, cookies, artisan ice cream, chocolate-dipped bananas and candied nuts!

You're Invited!

Join us this Saturday, April 25, from 9:30-2 in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town.

The market will open again on the first Saturday in November and run through the last Saturday in April 2016. 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

p Its Best Season Yet

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Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

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Artisan Bakery

Artisan Bakery

…where bread is an art.

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

an art.

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

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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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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

My Life

and Parenting

in Vallarta

By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

Winding Down

E

verywhere you look, you can see signs that the high season is winding down. Fewer people walking on the Malecon in the early morning hours; considerably less traffic; and, one of my personal favorites, no more waiting for a table at certain restaurants. Actually, as a general rule, we never wait for a table anywhere. With so many great restaurants to choose from, you can always find a place. Ever hear of reservations?

We tend to eat out less frequently in the winter. For one thing there are those crowds to contend with. For another, I like being able to use the oven without having to run the air conditioning to counteract the heat.

There are still plenty of people around town. The number of cruise ships is up substantially. I think there were seven last week. In just a few short hours in port, those passengers manage to spend a fair share of money. That’s good for the local economy.

Can you imagine trying to live for an entire year on six months of income? Well, for many locals, that is exactly what they have to do. If you have never been here in the summer, believe me it is not uncommon for us to be the only diners in a restaurant on any given night.

Imagine the overhead costs for

Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com the owner. What about the tip you leave being shared by the six or seven people working? It doesn’t go far.

The same holds true for the taxi drivers, vendors, tour guides, service providers and shop keepers. For many it will be a long hot summer.

There are a lot of truly remarkable people living and working here. Many of them have overcome unimaginable obstacles to get to where they are today and yet they still struggle to endure during the slow times.

Getting to know your Mexican neighbors is an enriching experience, even if you are just here for a visit. Over the past several months in my column, I shared the stories of a few of these amazing people. Here’s a recap for those of you just arriving.

There’s Benny who started working at the age of ten shining shoes. Forty years, several jobs and many hours of hard work later, Benny runs his own tour business with three locations (no time share). His two sons are in college and his daughter owns her own small business. Quite an accomplishment. You can look for him along Los Muertos beach, next to Langostino’s restaurant.

And there’s Reina. She cared for her ailing husband for ten years, while raising two young sons and learning the family business. Since

his death at the age of thirty-nine just three years ago, she has spent countless hours crafting beautiful wood carvings. Her husband’s dream was for their sons to finish school and have a better life.

The oldest is just one year away from becoming a baker. You will recognize Reina by her beautiful smile as she sells her wares just across from the northwest corner of Lazaro Cardenas Park, her good friend and adopted grandfather, Juan, by her side.

Who can forget Felipe also known as The Greyhound? Despite years of being taunted, cheated and harassed he developed into one of the fastest runners in Mexico, taught himself English and became a certified therapeutic masseuse.

Meet him Sunday mornings across from the Sheraton for some free running advice or visit his studio on I. Vallarta next to V399 for an incredible massage.

There are many other success stories here. Talk to the people you meet as you wander around town and get to know them. Each one has a story.

But most of all help support them. Tip generously, shop ‘til you drop and always show your appreciation for a job well done. These few dollars don’t mean that much to you, but to someone struggling to get by, they can make a world of difference.

A Day for My Niños

O

n April 30, all of Mexico will celebrate Día del Niño, or Children’s Day. This is a day that was created to draw attention to international children’s issues, and it has been celebrated in Mexico since 1925.

It’s a day where you can hear the sound of children’s laughter everywhere. It’s a day of magic and fun for every girl and boy. It’s a day of games and shockingly spicy candy and clowns. It’s a day where you’ll find me, around 2pm, face down on my bed, begging the children surrounding me to let mommy just rest her eyes for one minute before we go on honoring their existence in this world.

The reason for this is that I work at a school. More specifically I am the early childhood coordinator and the kindergarten teacher at a school.

That means that Children’s Day for me is sort of what Christmas Eve is for Santa. It’s not that he doesn’t love his job, but come Christmas morning the guy understandably needs a little downtime.

The elves are just going to have to ask Mrs. Claus to take them to Peter Piper Pizza.

I am grateful for my children.

And I love that my days are spent with children. Twenty-four hours of them, and 365 of them each year.

But Children’s Day kicks it to a new level, and, honestly, I’m not getting any younger. So I am going to make a list of a few things I love about children and childhood. And then, if the clowns we hired are late, or the kids don’t like the bubble station even though there are bubble snakes (BUBBLE SNAKES!) to play with, I will refer to my list and enjoy the day with all the amazing kids in my life.

Kids are awesome because: 1) When you try being angry, they say things like, “Don't be upset, mom, we aren't complaining about your school lunches. It's called "feedback".

2) They make you sandwiches with Nutella and salt and bring them to you while you relax on the couch.

And then wait, right beside you, until you eat them. All of them.

3) When you wake them up in the morning they’re all warm and rumpled and still smell like babies.

4) They make friends with inanimate objects, name them Bob and then tell you that Bob isn’t talking to you because he doesn’t know you yet.

5) They see some strange logic (and fun) in showering with umbrellas.

6) They will spend hours looking at tadpoles/clouds/bugs/rainbows/ stars and make cool voices for them.

7) They won’t care that you are accidentally wearing your shirt inside out. If they notice, they might even join you.

8) They sing and dance and play like nobody’s watching. Actually the whole idea of anybody watching or not watching is pretty much irrelevant to them.

9) You will have to use your Teacher Voice to ask a sassy little student to stop planting her sandwich in the sand table. The very next day she’ll draw you a picture titled My Best Friends Ever and there you’ll be, front and center, with an improbably toothy grin and a purple crown.

10) They will ask you to go on the swing at the park. You won’t really feel like it, because you get vertigo.

But you will decide that vertigo is a small price to pay to avoid all the pleading that’s about to go down. So you’ll get on and your legs won’t be able to stop themselves from doing what used to come naturally. And then you will realize that you are soaring just like Wonder Woman in her Invisible Jet, just like the kid you used to be. You’ll smile over at that child in the swing beside you, because she’s brilliant. And always, forever, worth celebrating.

taxes Are you a resident of Mexico?

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Mexico, US, Canada groups ask UN to list Monarch butterfly reserve as in danger

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ctivists from Mexico, the United States and Canada are asking the U.N. World Heritage Committee to include the Monarch butterfly wintering reserve on a list of sites considered in danger.

UNESCO designated the 139,000-acre (56,259 hectare) reserve in the mountains west of Mexico City a World Heritage site in 2008.

Monarchs from the U.S. and Canada migrate 3,400-miles (5,470-kilometers) each year to winter in the forest reserve.

But the number of butterflies wintering in Mexico has dropped steeply in recent years, leading to worries the migration might end.

Writer and activist Homero Aridjis said Monday that adding the Monarch site to the list is needed to spur governments into greater efforts to protect the butterflies' habitat. Much of the milkweed the butterflies depend on has been killed by herbicides.

Original: FoxNews

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney Orlando Gotay is a California licensed tax attorney (with a Master of Laws in Taxation) admitted to practice before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court and other taxing agencies. His love of things Mexican has led him to devote part of his practice to the tax matters of U.S. expats in Mexico. He can be reached at tax@orlandogotay.com.

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isten long enough to any conversation between expats in Mexico, and sooner or later the conversation will turn to the subject of residency… Residente Permanente versus Temporal, and the quite generous 180 days allowed by Mexican immigration for an FMM card, at 295 pesos. That works out to 1 peso, 63 cents per day. Cheaper than tortillas.

Let’s talk instead of residency for Mexican tax purposes. Yes, Conchita, if you are a Mexico resident for tax purposes, we are not talking tortillas anymore.

Immigration “residency” has no direct bearing to tax residency. You may be in Mexico on an FMM, your 17th one in a row, and even though you are on paper a “tourist”, the SAT (the Mexican IRS) may consider you more Mexican than you ever thought possible.

Residency is a concept that exists in most tax systems. Why? Residents get taxed differently than others.

Residents derive more benefits, requiring more resources than the casual visitor. Non-residents are expected to pay tax on wealth

that has some connection with the State. Most Americans have the privilege of being saddled with two overlapping tax systems. The United States imposes responsibility for taxes solely because we are citizens or nationals. We call that citizenship-based taxation. The United States is the only industrialized country that imposes taxes this way.

States employ more traditional residency concepts. One can be a resident or a nonresident. For clarity, states often have “safe harbors” or bright line tests that are easy to figure. Either you lived in the state for, say, 181 days, or you did not. It is just a matter of keeping track.

The Mexico Tax Code does not quite do it that way. It’s fuzzy.

Here’s my translation of part of Article 9 of the Federal Tax Code: “The following shall be considered residents[…]: In the case of individuals… a) those who have established their place of abode [casa habitación] in Mexico. When individuals also have a place of abode in another country, such individuals

Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

shall be considered residents of Mexico if their center of economic interests is within national territory, when, among other situations, they fit within any of the following situations: 1. When more than 50% of the total income obtained by such person is from Mexican sources.

2. When the principal center of professional activities lies in Mexico. [my italics, my translation] If your only place of abode is in Mexico, guess what? You are a tax resident of Mexico. If you sold everything north and the only connection you have to the U.S. is your passport and that South Dakota plate, well, the Mexico IRS could be waiting to welcome you with open arms.

Notice carefully the “among other situations” bit. So this list is not exclusive. Mexico may assert you are a resident for other reasons, too.

You still have a home up north?

You may not be off the hook.

The second home elsewhere just allows the second prong of the inquiry, an analysis of your economic activity. Is your income or source of wealth more in Mexico than elsewhere? You’re in.

What about #2, the “principal center of your professional activities”? It could give some food for thought.

What’s the big deal? I’ll tell you. Mexican residents get taxed on their worldwide income, even that which did not come from Mexican sources.

Non residents only get taxed on what’s sourced in Mexico…like rents, wages in Mexico, self employment there, that sort of thing.

Before you drop your cup of

coffee in shock and despair, we need to talk about the U.S.-Mexico tax treaty (the “Convention”), an important agreement that trumps some important aspects of taxation between residents of either country.

Here’s what the convention says about residence [For clarity, I’ll add the word “Mexico” here and there. The convention refers to “this State” and “that State”…the terms can lead to a state of confusion]: “1. For the purposes of this Convention, the term "resident of [Mexico]" means any person who, under the laws of that State [Mexico], is liable to tax therein by reason of his domicile, residence […], or any other criterion of a similar nature.

However, this term does not include any person who is liable to tax in [Mexico] in respect only of income from sources in that State [remember that nonresidents are only subject to Mexico tax on Mexico sourced income].

2. [A “tie breaker”:] Where by reason of the provisions of paragraph 1, an individual is a resident of both Contracting States [this is the case of U.S. citizens who are also resident in Mexico (remember, citizenship based taxation)], then his residence shall be determined as follows: a) he shall be deemed to be a resident of the State in which he has a permanent home available to him; if he has a permanent home available to him in both Contracting States, he shall be deemed to be a resident of the State with which his personal and economic relations are closer (center of vital interests); b) if the State in which he has his center of vital interests cannot be determined, or if he does not have a permanent home available to him in either State, he shall be deemed to be a resident of the State in which he has an habitual abode; c) if he has an habitual abode in both States or in neither of them, he shall be deemed to be a resident of the State of which he is a national […]

The Convention has a method to sort out residence. Tie-breakers are applied in order.

First, Mexico has to deem you a resident. Because the U.S. already deems you a “resident” (by virtue of citizenship), we move to the other tie breakers, in order: Permanent home, personal and economic relations, habitual place of abode, and finally, nationality.

Check your passport…pour yourself another cup of coffee and smile…non-resident?

Events Calendar 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 Gentle Yoga on Saturday mornings at IFC 9:30 - 10:30, every Saturday through June (subject to further change or extension) Instructor: Adriana Bedolla Donation (minimum $50 pesos) supports charity 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 Restaurant Week (May 15- 31) This culinary celebration is a community event where over 30 restaurants from the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta come together to create a specially approved prix fixe menu during the entire two weeks in order to extend the region’s high season and promote its many amazing gastronomical delights. Find the menus at vallartatribune.com

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Morelia: A taste of the best in Colonial style

T

he colonial city of Morelia is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and from its breathtaking architecture, it's clear to see why. Besides being the capital of the State of Michoacan – and the state's largest and most populated city, at that – it is also the seat of government institutions and the most prestigious higher education institute in the region: the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (Michoacanan University of Saint Nicolas of Hidalgo).

Like the rest of the state, Morelia has an enormous amount to offer its visitors, from the colonial spectacle of its buildings and elegant, vibrant streets, to a delicious regional cuisine. Since 2003, the Morelia International Film Festival has also been held each October and has featured renowned directors such as Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, Quentin Tarantino, Pedro

Angangueo, Michoacan

T

his great town, famous for its mining past, can be found in the Sierra Madre Oriental of Michoacan. The name indicates the geographical features of its location and has several meanings: “town between mountains”, “entrance to the cave”, “very high thing” and “in the forest”. It is one of the fortunate spots chosen by the Monarch butterfly as a sanctuary, so during certain months of the year its skies are filled with the beating of golden wings ITINERARY DAY ONE 1:00 p.m.

Immaculate Conception After leaving our bags at the

Almodovar, and Guillermo del Toro among others.

All of this combines to make Morelia by far the most cultural city in Michoacan, offering its visitors a wide range of museums and art galleries, as well as cafés perfect for chatting over coffee while sharing pleasant moments. Like all cities, Morelia has stadiums, sports arenas, convention centers, colleges, restaurants and top-level hotels, as well as movie theaters and concert and entertainment venues. There are also activities for making the most of the natural wooded environment and for bringing you back to Mother Nature.

Just one example is nearby Lake Patzcuaro, which lies at an elevation of 1,920 meters above sea level, and whose basin is of volcanic origin. Some natives believe Lake Patzcuaro is the place where the barrier between life and death is at

its thinnest. The Anniversary of the birth of Don Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon, on September 30th, is one of the most important dates in the local calendar. It pays tribute to the man and commemorates the deeds that contributed to his becoming a national hero. Theatrical works are performed, and there are displays of Morelos's writings and photographs from his life.

The celebration, unfailingly accompanied by music, fireworks and flowers, is held every year in the museums dedicated to Morelos, such as the Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon House Museum and the Morelos Birthplace.

hotel we were anxious to begin our tour of this beautiful mining town filled with hilly cobbled streets and surrounded by the imposing silence of the mountains as soon as possible. From the moment we had arrived my attention had been drawn to a gothic style construction that stood out from the other buildings, so we headed towards it and began our tour there. This building is the Church of the Immaculate Conception and was built in the 18th century right in the middle of the town. Its altar was brought from Italy and the images of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and San Jose were brought from Paris. Facing it is the Church of Saint Simon, next to it is the Town Hall and in the middle, overlooking everything, is a small square with the mandatory kiosk where people meet to simply watch the afternoon pass.

3:00 p.m. A walk to the town heights Hunger called, so we went for a delicious and obligatory mole at the Los Arcos restaurant, one of the many places for food located around the main square. For dessert what we really wanted was an ice-cream so we decided to have one while seated on a bench from where we could watch people go by. Once our hunger had been satisfied we started our walk towards an observation point that promised an exceptional view of Angangueo. The climb began with a walk through alleyways before continuing up long stairs and finally ending with a dirt path. After a few minutes we arrived at the Mirador de la Cruz de Hierro observation point, and as if lifted from a postcard, we beheld a beautiful panoramic view of the town. We were told that if we continued our

climb we would come across some caves. This awoke our curiosity so we followed the path to the highest point from where we could see the region’s landscapes in their entire splendor. From these caves a pilgrimage sets off every year in honor of the Virgin of Guadalupe. That same afternoon as we set off for the hotel, while the light began to fade and it started to get cold, the weariness brought on by the walk started to get the better of us. However, before entering the hotel we still had time to visit the main square for a tasty corn in the cob.

Day Two 9:00 a.m. The Monarch Butterfly spectacle After a hearty breakfast we headed straight for the Sierra Chincua Sanctuary, home of the Monarch butterfly. The municipality of Angangueo borders Tlalpujahua

to the north, the municipality of Ocampo to the south, Aporo to the west and the State of Mexico to the east. It was precisely to the east we headed since the entrance to the sanctuary is in an area near the state border. After a trip of 8 km by highway and then a small dirt road we were enveloped by the natural atmosphere of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve with its forest of pines and firs.

Our guide offered us the chance to stop at an observation point to enjoy the majestic views and along the way the infotips provided information concerning the 4,500 km journey made by the butterflies from the Northwest of the USA and southern Canada to the colonies of El Rosario in Ocampo and Sierra Chincua in Angangueo. We were at an altitude of 3,000 masl and the spectacle of thousands of butterflies

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Purepecha Delights in Morelia

T

he traditional kitchens of Morelia prepare trademark dishes that fuse the ancestral culinary secrets of the Purepechas with the flavor of spices and cold meats brought by the Spanish at the time of the conquest.

The Purepechas not only forged an amazing culinary synthesis by combining the ingredients of both continents, but also modified the Spaniards’ long-established cooking techniques.

They continued to use their typical clay pots and dishes, and adapted new metal utensils to their traditional repertoire. This cultural melting pot is the origin of each of the recipes that distinguish the regions of Michoacan, and of the culinary fiesta that awaits your taste buds on arrival here.

Morelia's cuisine is varied, but any account of its traditional dishes must include pollo placero (chicken with vegetables), prepared by experts in the markets and corundas, these tamal-shaped parcels are wrapped in distinctive green corn leaves. It is commonly believed that this dish was served to the caltzonzin, leader of the Purepechas, during elaborate wedding banquets.

On the must-eat list are also: churipo, a broth prepared with red chillies, beef, and vegetables; atapakuas, a thick salsa accompanied by meat, cheese, and other ingredients; uchepos, tender corn tamales; and gorditas consisting of stuffed tortilla dough.

To toast this tasty banquet, there's nothing better than the

region's official drink: charanda, a powerful cane liquor that is sure to leave you ready for bed.

The internationally famous Candy Museum is not just a museum; it also incorporates its own sweet factory, located on the former Real Street (now Francisco I Madero), which displays to the curious visitor the different preparatory stages of authentic Morelia candies such as: laminillas, jellies, cajeta (goat's milk caramel), coconut candies, guava rolls, jamoncillos de leche (milk candy bars), coated fruits, tamarind

took our breath away. Some people decided to return on horseback (this option is available), but like many others we preferred to walk (the time needed for these tours varies according to the time of year and the location of the butterfly colonies, with the walk to see the butterflies lasting approximately an hour and a half.

For this reason it is recommended you take food and water).

1:00 p.m. Lunch and a breather Once back at the entrance to the sanctuary our friends who had returned on horseback were already waiting for us at one of the food stalls with some delicious quesadillas. While we finished eating they showed us the handicrafts they had purchased.

Back in the center of Angangueo we decided it was a good idea to take a short siesta and meet up later to see the other sights.

4:00 p.m. History painted on the walls Reinvigorated, we went to see the mural painted by Jorge Tellez in an alleyway next to the Church of the Immaculate Conception.

Divided into six parts, the mural tells the story of Angangueo. We were also informed that a document in the church archive indicates the date the town was founded: 1632.

However, the town really started to develop with the settlement known as El Mineral de Angangueo in 1792. Due to the abundance of gold, silver, copper and lead in the area, Michoacan was considered one of the country’s main mining centers during the colonial period.

As a result, Tlalpujahua and Angangueo became growth centers for the region and its adjoining areas.

After our little history lesson we wanted to watch the sun set and

Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Tlalpujahua, town of eternal Christmas

J

candies, chocolones, rielcitos, lollipops, fruit liqueurs, rompope cream drink, alegrias (nut and amaranth cakes), metate chocolate, custard natillas, chongos (a milk-based dessert), arrayan, sugared sweet potatoes, alfajores (caramel-filled chocolate cookies), huevos reales (egg cakes), borrachitos (sweet bread), squash seed and nut jamoncillos, bolitas de leche quemada (milk sponge cookies), almond paste, macadamia nuts, and glazed strawberries. The list quite simply goes on and on.

ust in time for the start of ‘hot’ season, we look at some cooler options in central Mexico, if you’re planning a get-away this summer.

Imagine a quiet village in the middle of the mountains where the clean air and blue skies welcome you with a smile every morning.

Tlalpujahua, Michoacán, is a unique place with colonial streets filled with life during the day, and which at night turns into mysterious passageways housing hundreds of legends; a place capable of combining the magic of Christmas with the mysticism of the Day of the Dead festivities, as if they had been created by Tim Burton.

Tlalpujahua is one of the eight Magic Town in the state of Michoacan and it could also hold the title of the “world capital of Christmas” because here thousands of Christmas glass blown ornaments are produced throughout the year, which are exported to several countries such as Spain, France and New Zealand, among others. Along its streets and alleys you will find traces of its mining past and present artisanal tradition as its primary activity. In the corners and shops around the main square it is easy to find clay pots full of delicious crystallized fruits and even crystallized vegetables; delicious fruit preserves, a large variety of artisan liquors, sauces and jams.

Tlalpujahua is also the closest door when you are coming from

Mexico City to the sanctuaries of the monarch butterflies which travel from Canada to Michoacan fleeing from the cold winter.

From November to March you will be able to admire the sanctuaries upholstered in an orange color due to the presence of these beautiful tenants.

How to get there?

Tlalpujahua is located to the east of Michoacan, bordering the State of Mexico, and the fastest way from Mexico City (approximately two hours) is the two-lane highway that goes from Atlacomulco to Maravatio, Michoacán.

If you come from Morelia, the approximate travel time is one hour and forty minutes.

By air, there are several important airports offering national and international flights from Mexico City, Toluca and Morelia.

the Monument to the Miner was recommended since this sculpture also serves as an observation point.

A little further up, the Chapel of the Conception is another ideal spot for watching the sunset.

Day Three 9:00 a.m. The Angangueo surrounding area After accepting advice to have barbacoa for breakfast, we headed to the market located to the side of the square. Happy and satisfied following breakfast we set off for the Museo Tunel Casa Parker. This was the home of Bill and Joyce Parker, an English-American couple who came to live here when Bill was named the administrator of the American Smelting & Refining Company mine.

Their furniture and personal objects have been preserved, along with a photo archive detailing the daily life of miners. In addition, the tour of the

Saint Simon Tunnel starts here. This tunnel recreates the interior of the Angangueo mines with a depth of 9.5 meters and length of 100 meters.

A few minutes away by car are the old mines, the old train station and the aqueduct, so we went out to see them. Further out, on the way to Ocampo, you will find the

Hacienda de Angangueo which has a small chapel still visited by people who live nearby. Finally, just before leaving, we collected our things and visited the stores offering regional handicrafts in search of a souvenir of our trip: here you will find items crafted in wood, jewelry and silver accessories.

events

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Vallarta presents the Art Exhibition UNITY Meet or retreat with

yogi Earle Birney

T

he third edition of Vallarta Pride has as its theme the value of UNITY, as associations, businesses and the entire LGBT community have come together to organize this festival, scheduled from 17 to 25 May, to celebrate the diversity of our destination.

The Vallarta Pride Organizing Committee is pleased to announce the Art Exhibition UNITY, which will take place from May 18 to June 18, 2015 in Galería Omar Alonso.

The opening cocktail is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, May 20 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and will welcome international artists Rogelio Manzo, Xawery Wolski, Claudia Alvarez, Davis Birks, Wouter Deruytter, Máximo González and Peter Greenham,

among others, who will express in a creative dialogue, their perception of UNITY. The gallery will be open daily from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 pm and everyone is welcome to attend this not to be missed cultural event. This Vallarta Pride event would not have been possible without the valuable support of MEXLend Mortgages, the most experienced mortgage broker in Mexico, who has been fighting for equal rights on the financial front for same-sex couples since opening their doors 10 years ago.

“We must all continue to advocate for the rights of the LGBT community and Senior Citizens for financial parity”, said Terence Reily, CEO and founding member of MEXLend Mortgages, who stated further that “MEXLend is

Webcams around the Bay

A

s many begin to head north for cooler temperatures, or if you are unlucky to only visit us for a few short day(s) you may be pleased to know there are a number of webcams set up around the bay, providing you with a snapshot of some of your favourite places.

Try checking in from July-October, you are bound to see some amazing storm footage, flooded roads and monster waves – but never fear, we’ll still be here. I found this list on the handy www.puertovallarta.net website.

Puerto Vallarta Puerto Vallarta Webcam at Hotel Rosita (Malecon and downtown) Hotel Suites La Siesta panorama webcam (Downtown from the hill) Cafe Roma webcams (Downtown) The Pelican's Eye (Cuates y Cuetes right by the Pier) Los Muertos Beach webcam (Seahorse statue and Las Pilitas) Dreams Puerto Vallarta Resort webcam (South zone) Nuevo Vallarta Grand Velas webcam (Nuevo Vallarta) Dreams VillaMagna webcam (Nuevo Vallarta) Villa La Estancia webcam (Nuevo Vallarta)

proud of the many mortgages that our gay customers have obtained through our direct efforts in changing policies at Scotiabank and BBVA Bancomer.

We thank these banking institutions with futuristic vision and hope to witness more permanent and sweeping changes across the industry.”

Galería Omar Alonso and MEXLend Mortgages invite you all to this art exhibition and to also visit the exhibition Fallen Fruit at the Office of Cultural Projects (OPC) located on the corner of Aldama and Juárez in downtown Puerto Vallarta.

For more information, news and updates, please visit http:// vallartapride.com/ or the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/orgullovallartapride.

A

unique opportunity awaits you to hear from a yogi who happily volunteered for a 3-year, 3-month, 3-day silent meditation in a desert in the USA .

May 23, 24, and 25 Earle Birney will be visiting Davannayoga offering a 3 day Retreat. He will also offer an informal community gathering on Sunday May 24th from 6-8pm where he will show a slideshow with images of his retreat and talk about his meditation time as well as living a yogic lifestyle in this busy world and the importance of retreat.

You can join Earle for just this informal gathering or the entire retreat.

During this 3 day retreat we will explore ideas on what makes a complete practice using the wisdom found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali as well as several different Buddhist lojong texts, asanas, meditation and other components that make up a

complete path.

By focusing on developing and enhancing one's spiritual practice through both inner and outer methods, we will see how to incorporate these ideas and ideals in a practical way into one's life.

Earle has extensively studied the yogic scriptures from both the Buddhist and traditional Hindu perspectives.

Now the goal has become making these teachings real through the integration of these systems into a modern yogic lifestyle and sharing these teachings and experiences with others.

Daily there will be a yoga asana practice on the rooftop, a delicious breakfast served on the rooftop and two lectures.

Each session is moderately paced for everybody to enjoy.

More info: www.davannayoga. com/YogaImmersions.php

Attention US Citizens Mr. Robert “Bob” Barnett Regional Federal Benefits Officer of the U.S. Embassy, Mexico City and Kelly Trainor de O. – U.S. Consular Agent Vallarta Invite the U.S. Citizen Community Residing in the Municipality of Bahia de Banderas, Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco to: A TOWN MEETING (Social Security & Veterans Benefits) Where: Paradise Plaza, Nuevo Vallarta (Office L-17 & L18) directly across from the U.S. Consular Agency.

When: Tuesday, April 28 9:00 a.m. – English Speaking Meeting 10:30 a.m. - Spanish Speaking Meeting Topics of the Meeting: • NEW APPOINTMENT SYSTEM • VETERANS BENEFITS

• DIRECT DEPOSIT • MANDATORY POLICY FOR CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO ALL BENEFICIARIES LIVING IN MEXICO • MEDICARE GENERAL INFORMATION • CONSULATE AND EMBASSY FBU INTERNET LINKS • INTERNET SERVICES • Q & A’s Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from and speak with the United States Social Security and Veterans Benefits Representatives.

Space is limited please reserve your seat in advance: ConAgencyPuertoV@state.gov If you have a question you would like addressed, please send it to the e-mail above by Monday, April 27th – 12noon.

Vallarta Shopping Directory and events www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com Marsol Summer Market By The Pier

G

reat news! The Marsol Friday market will continue all summer every Friday from 9:30 to 1:30 p.m. at the Marsol Hotel, so local residents and new visitors can find their favorite vendors and not have to wait until November for specialty foods, bread, pastries, art, crafts, beach wear, clothing, accessories and many of the products they normally find at this Indoor market. Some of the local vendors and businesses planning to participate are Peter´s Bagels, Smokin Good Meats, Artisan Bakery, Leek and Thistle Pies, Aroma Café Deli, Jan`s Jelly, Barbara´s painted clothing and jewelry, Juan´s Sculpture, Enrique´s art cards, Carla´s essential oils, Veronica and Oscar´s Oaxaca Textiles, Jorge`s sterling silver jewelry, bird feeders and

clay figures by Phil, Masks, T shirts and aprons by Bill, unique jewelry by Maria.

Andrea, Walter, Raul and Roberto, wall art and boxes

by Monica, free optical exams, pastries, handbags, regional live plants, leather goods, beach wear and accessories, home décor, handicrafts, original art and prints, condiments such as dill pickles, pickled beets, hummus, cheese spreads, sausage, sauerkraut, coffee, cool drinks, and more.

Since the market is located inside the lobby of the Marsol Hotel there is protection from the hot sun and possible rain.

There is always a breeze from the sea by the Los Muertos pier to keep you cool, so plan to join our family of creative artisans and food vendors every Friday this summer.

The Marsol Summer Market

By The Pier Every Friday 9:30 to 1:30 p.m.

All Summer

Specialty foods, bread, pastries, handicrafts, art, jewellery, beach wear, clothing, accessories, gifts by your favourite local vendors MARSOL HOTEL LOBBY, Francisca Rodriguez 103 Next to Los Muertos Pier

Kathleen Carrillo Galleries

K

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 Collec-

“Parasols” from The Friends and Divas Collection

tion”. 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

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

to embrace are own personal Divas!

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

KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com

riviera nayarit

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

For any questions, comments or information about tours, rentals, restaurant and entertainment please contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com

H

ola a todos! What a delight as I wake up in the mornings to the sounds of the many different birds enjoying their chat and morning meals…. and spring mating calls! Bright colored woodpeckers of all sizes, small multi-colored blue birds, orange and red birds, chachalacas, which look similar to pheasants, green parrots, and a variety of black and yellow birds; this morning I noticed a black bird with amazing long yellow tail feathers.

The frigates and hawks fly and circle over head. There is such a huge variety of birds here; it’s truly a bird watchers paradise!

What a fun end of the beach party at Breakers Beach Bar in Bucerias last Sunday. It was wonderful to see so many local year-around folks, as well as the few snowbirds who have not left yet. Breakers will be paring down

their days to Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with live music / Open Mic on Sunday. I will post the details as I receive them. Bits of this…and that…..

Bucerias Children’s Library Event Since the paper is out on Thursday …please note this event is the day the paper comes out.

Thank you.

On Thursday, April 23rd from 3pm to 6pm at the Biblioteca Rey Nayar (Children’s Library) enjoy live music and sip on wine. Come and spend an enjoyable afternoon at the Biblioteca Rey Nayar absolutely free of charge! (Unless, of course, you find that painting you've always been looking for) Featuring various art techniques for sale with part of the proceeds donated to the library Come meet Vidrio Palomera, Ada Colorina, and Luis Borzan - enjoy the live music and sip the complimentary wine as you browse the

art gallery.

Thank you for your community support! Directions to the Biblioteca Rey Nayar: From Highway 200, go north on Estaciones Street (corner of Famar Restaurant) until you get to California Pizza Restaurant.

From California Pizza turn left in front of the Corona Field and follow the little street signs pointing to Biblioteca Rey Nayar. Phone 329 298 3334 Friday’s have live music with Ceasar Medina at Esquina 22 Bar and Lounge in Bucerias along with daily specials along with the only restaurant I know in Bucerias with Air Conditioning! (Closed on Sundays for the summer season).

Head over to the Pub Britannia for “Open Mic Night” every Tuesday, or “Game Night” every Monday at 8pm. Have fun at the Castle in La Cruz!

Mark’s Bar and Grill are open all summer long, with dinner star-

ting at 5pm. They have a lovely patio with plenty of fans to cool you down. Their summer menu will be out soon.

Jan Marie Boutique, across from Mark’s has a wonderful selection of home furnishings ….this time of the season is perfect for shopping!

The Bucerias Art Gallery and Studio is offering their last GO BIG and GO HOME class for this season on April 27th and 28th. Contact Floydilou at the shop located just north of Mark’s Bar and Grill….or look them up on their facebook page…I took this class in the beginning of the season..What a super fun class!

Gloria’s Place in La Cruz is having a special on their men’s shirts until May 11th! Receive 25% off!! They are perfect for summer made from 100% cotton gauze, collared with short sleeves and a pocket; very nice! Gloria’s Place is still open 6 days a week right now from 12:00 to 4:00 pm, and closed on Sundays, but will be having limited summer hours soon.

The shop is so easy to find, located directly across from Philo’s Bar in La Cruz. Take a left at the only light, and left at the round-about, then right on the first street.

Easy!

Amigos de Bucerias Monthly Meetings are the first Saturday of each month. The group Beach Clean-up is every second Saturday, and everyone meets at

the Buzo sculpture at the Bucerias Plaza at 9am.

In last’s weeks paper, there was a typo on the email.. (sorry!)

Here is the correct Amigos de Bucerias Contact information.

Coming up in next week’s edition I will be posting more about the Amigos de Bucerias, what they do, and how their year went with their fundraising totals. Email: amigosdebuceriasac@gmail.com or you may visit their website at www.amigosebucerias.org and use their contact link there.

The weather is glorious! The Banderas Bay is beautiful. Get outside for some sunshine and relaxation and enjoy life here on the bay. I have a new Bucerias rental, 4 bed + with pool and views of the bay for long term…5-6 months or one year at an amazing pricing. Walking distance to the playa and town.

Los Arroyos Verdes is having their Waldorf Summer Kids Camp again this summer. It was a huge success last summer and the children really enjoyed themselves while learning. Contact Los Arroyos Verdes for more information…camp is filling up quickly!

They are also having children’s swimming lessons. You can find them on their facebook page for an easy contact.

Email me for more information, comments or questions at Cat@ RivieraNayaritFun.com Many Blessings for your week!

riviera nayarit

19

Amigos Give Back in La Cruz

By Susan M. Gierga

O

ne thing Philo Hayward, Owner of Philo’s Bar, knows how to do is organize an event. He used that skill, soon after his arrival in La Cruz thirteen years ago, to organize the folks in his neighborhood to clean up the local streets.

About the same time, Aruna Piroshki, owner of the Octopus Garden, saw an opportunity to improve municipal building codes.

Aruna found she was excellent at the administrative side of things.

The two friends put their respective talents together to create the organization known today as Amigos de La Cruz.

In 2001, Philo and Kathleen Dobek heard the story of a young girl in need of hearing aids.

Kathleen and Philo organized a benefit and with the additional help of a generous donor, made the hearing aid purchase possible.

They were so elated with the results they formed The Friendship Club, assisting more children and adults to meet their health care needs.

Eventually, the Friendship Club was absorbed into Amigos de La Cruz and is now known as the Amigos Medical Assistance Program. To this day, the program assists children and adults for whom they purchase medications and supplies on a monthly basis.

The program also purchases bus tickets when specialty treatment in Tepic, Guadalajara and/or Mexico City is needed.

The mission of both Amigos de la Cruz and the Medical Assistance Program is to contribute to the quality of life in the community of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle through cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. An organizing board of seven unpaid volunteers oversees the activities of the Asociación Civil, a non-profit corporation.

Over the years, the Amigos de La Cruz, Philo and the residents of the community have successfully worked together to complete several projects, including building a much needed bathroom at the La Cruz Primary School, supplying local schools with donated and refurbished computers and building the Club de la Tercera Edad (Senior’s Center) in La Cruz. It took two years and sevent benefits per year to raise the necessary matching funds to complete the building. Each year Philo conti-

Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Making plans for April and may? Plenty going on in Riviera Nayarit III Salsa Mambo Fest (April 23-26) Are you ready to party to the Latin rhythms of the Salsa Mambo Fest 2015? A series of presentations and dance classes with the experts, as well as a fabulous concert and plenty of fun. The event takes place at the Marival Resorts & Suites in Nuevo Vallarta. Reserve your spot at SalsaMamboFest.com.

5th Annual Open Water Competition 3-5K (April 25) nues to hold at least one benefit to raise funds in support of projects for the seniors.

Another yearly event held at Philo’s is a benefit featuring all-youcan-eat-ribs, music (a mariachi band and Philo’s Mexican Shuffle Band consisting of local and visiting musicians), folkloric dancers and charros (Mexican cowboys in full dress showing off their rope tricks). Philo’s provides refreshments, and the money raised from ticket sales goes to the Amigos Medical Assistance Program.

Historically, street cleaning with the more recent addition of plastic recycling, has been limited to the streets of La Cruz. Last year the Amigos “adopted” the La Cruz section of the La Cruz-Punta Mita Highway. They hired two full time employees, local to La Cruz, who provide landscape maintenance and trash/debris clean up. Street cleaning and recycling continues to be a function of the Amigos with the work being completed by the Amigos employees.

Some of the Amigos formed the Amigos de La Cruz Players’, an acting troupe, and this spring they produced Murder Mayhem and Green Marshmallow Salad raising a net profit of 33,546 pesos which goes into the Amigos environmental fund to cover the costs of their highway, street and recycling programs. Murder, Mayhem and Green Marshmallow Salad by Shelly Sellepack was produced by special arrangement with Contemporary Drama Service, Colorado Springs, Colorado.

To bring more awareness to the work being done, the Amigos organized the First Annual Zombie Fun Run which took place Saturday, April 11, 2015. Runners started the race with their “lives” (repre-

sented by streamers attached to their waists) fluttering behind them as they did their best to evade the “zombies” who were in hot pursuit.

Prizes went to the fastest runners and to the zombie who collected the most number of “lives.” All proceeds from the run go to the Highway Beautification project. To learn more about the organization and how you can contribute go to their website http://www.amigosdelacruz.org Going forward, the Amigos Medical Assistance Program has been invited to participate in the Altruism Festival to be held in the beachfront garden at the Marriott Casa Magna Resort at 6 pm on Sunday, May 17th. This festival offers everyone the opportunity to eat, drink, be entertained, win raffle prizes and learn more about the continuing and varying needs of some of our most important local charities and non-profit organizations. This year, for the first time, the Amigos Environmental Programs will also be featured.

Not only will your 350 pesos help to support those with unmet medical needs, you’ll be helping the highway, street and recycling programs of La Cruz. Contact the Amigos de La Cruz at lacruzamigos@gmail.com. Tickets also available at Philo’s, or call Laurel Wilson at 329-295-5502, Steve Cross at 322-191-5275, Carmen Tapia 322-127-5978 or Cindy Bouchard at 322-127-5813.

Philo told me in a recent interview, he feels grateful for the opportunities he has had through his life and he is especially grateful for the opportunity to live and work in beautiful La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. His work with the Amigos de La Cruz is his way of giving back.

The Annual Open Water Competition is turning into a tradition in the waters of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Hundreds of swimmers from around Mexico meet to compete, from the littlest ones to the most tested veterans. Categories include Child, Youth, Master, Special Needs and Professional.

More details at NadoSeguro.com.

Gran Fondo Riviera Nayarit Tour (April 26) This bicycle race is divided into two competitions: 150km for the Gran Fondo and 75km for the Medio Fondo. The tour begins in Nuevo Vallarta, continuing on through Sayulita, along the coasts of Punta de Mita and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, through the incredible landscapes of Fortuna de Vallejo ending in Bucerías. More info: BiciBucerias.com.

V Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic 2015 (April 30 – May 3) Punta Mita, Mexico's most exclusive development offers three days of extraordinary culinary experiences along with a two-day golf tournament on the Pacífico and Bahía golf courses. The event was created to pair the best wines

and local and international dishes with the best golfers and chefs.

Find all the details here: PuntaMitaGourmetGolf.com.

Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross (May 3) May 3rd, the Feast of the Cross, brings to a close an entire week of Patron Saint Festivities in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. During this time, the community celebrates cultural, sports, artistic and religious events.

ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship (May 10-17) The ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship is set to take place in Mexico for the very first time in 2015, and Sayulita—Mexico’s SUP Mecca and the Riviera Nayarit’s Surf Capital—is the place to be. Mexico’s SUP Team has already participated in three previous championships and is mostly comprised of paddlers and surfers hailing from the Riviera Nayarit.http://www.isasurf. org/events/isa-world-supand-paddleboard-championship-wsuppc/ Restaurant Week (May 15- 31) This culinary celebration is a community event where over 30 restaurants from the Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta come together to create a specially approved prix fixe menu during the entire two weeks in order to extend the region’s high season and promote its many amazing gastronomical delights. Find the menus at vallartatribune.com Riviera Nayarit Wind Festival (May 22-24) Bucerías, the Wind Capital of the Riviera Nayarit, is the ideal stage for kite surfing and other aquatic sports fueled by the ocean breeze; small wonder that approximately 200 national and international competitors are expected to flock to the Wind Festival. thekitezone.com/

VALLARTA TRIBUNE 829 Feb 25 - March 3, 2013

The Natural Beauty of OUR Mountain

Plants

2000

Mammals

80

Birds

300

Amphibians and Reptiles

23

Butterflies

85

500

50% of these species are endemic to MĂŠxico.

We propose the area to be designated a

Natural Preserve Because for Vallarta,

Without the Mountain...

There is no future

charities

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

U.S. Navy Continues to Spread Goodwill to Puerto Vallarta By: Jerry Lafferty

P

uerto Vallarta was honored to welcome the USS Lake Champlain, a US Navy Guided Missile Cruiser, to its waters last week. They were here mainly to deliver much needed medical supplies, as a goodwill gesture from Northcom of the U.S. Government.

The Lake Champlain is home ported in San Diego, and was making its first ever visit to Puerto Vallarta, though over the years Puerto Vallarta has hosted more than 150 other U.S. Navy/Coast Guard ships.

Each visit has included Community Relations initiatives, ranging from the painting of schools and other public and charitable facilities, to the delivery of donated equipment and supplies. All coordinated by the local Navy League and the U.S. Consular Agency.

The USS Lake Champlain is a 567 ft. long, 10,000 ton warship.

The crew numbers 365, both men and women. In fact the executive Officer, the 2nd in command, is a female full Commander. You likely saw the ship’s impressive profile while anchored in the bay off Marina Vallarta.

The donated medical supplies included wheelchairs, walkers, crutches, canes and other medical goods. Recipient organizations included the Red Cross, Regional

Hospital, General Hospital in Nayarit, Naval Hospital, DIVAC, and Visually Disabled de la Bahia. The goods were officially turned over at a public reception held at the Para-

dise Village Hotel in Nuevo Vallarta.

In addition to delivering donated medical supplies, the crew of the Lake Champlain enjoyed leisure time in our beautiful city, attended a reception at Murphy’s Irish Pub hosted by the Navy League, played a soccer match against the Mexican Navy (won by the Mexican team in a close match), and hosted an exciting ship tour for more than 50 members of the Navy League and American Legion.

If you’d like to participate in future ship visits, we encourage you to join the Navy League and/or American Legion.

Both organizations have no requirement for previous military service and we accept members from all nationalities, male or female. Annual membership costs are nominal, and you’ll enjoy not only the hosting of visiting ships and mariners, but active social programs and opportunities to assist the local community through programs such as the popular Toys for Tots over the Christmas holidays.

For more info, contact Jerry Lafferty of the Navy League (laffja@ aol.com) or Dennis Rike of the American Legion (dennis2rike@ hotmail.com.)

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune.com.

Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/ accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail.com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio - Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@ hotmail.com or mexonline.com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577.

Banderas Bay Women’s Shelter - Safe shelter for

women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students.

Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285.

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

Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children.

Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221-1908, Rita Millan (322) 141-6974. casamaximocornejo@gmail.com Centro Comunitario SETAC-GLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling.

Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped.

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 20+ girls rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.corazondenina.mx

Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street.

Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Shelter for men of all ages who are troubled with alcohol & drug addiction. Donato Schimizzi: 322 199 9523 or Roberto: 281 0644 dschimizzi@yahoo.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets.

Contact Que?Pasa 223-4006

classified and more...

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Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Sanctuary by the Sea

home for sale

3 level oceanfront home just south of Mismaloya Waiting the final touches to become your dream home Contact Lisa Wallace www.VillaMizpah.com

Local: 322-228-0128 US: 401-608-2600

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

SACRIFICE PRICE

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.

1 Studio week Villa del Palmar PV-Nuevo-Cabo-Loreto-Cancun 2 free pre-paid weeks $4,500 USD firm gingercarp@yahoo.com

Tianguis and Farmer´s Markets

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

Bucerias Tianguis - Year-round Sundays In the arroyo La Cruz Sunday Mercado Sundays At the La Cruz Marina Bucerias Market - Monday Artwalk Plaza Guayabitos – Mondays 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 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

brain teasers

Apr 23 - 29, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com