Issue 943, April 30 - May 6, 2015

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News canada eases rules

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April 30 - May 6, 2015 Free Issue 943

Cuisine traditional mexican

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Holiday 5 de mayo

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Photo by Sandra Cesca

Lobster Claw

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 30 - May 6, 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

PEACEAnimals

By Gretchen DeWitt

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here are many kind, loving and generous individuals helping with rescues and many organizations that try to help and often are able to. With all the sad stories we hear and see, it is always a thrill and surprise to know that there have been so many rescues and adoptions. The rescue groups have Facebook (FB) pages, and these are the best locations to advertise lost/found/rescued/for adoption/wanted for adoption/financial help for sick or injured cats and dogs, etc. These groups are listed on the PEACEAnimals website under the "resource" tab. The focus of PEACEAnimals is to promote the need for spay/neuter. www.peaceanimals.org ADOPCIÓNES VALLARTA Adopt Me PV Adopta un Amigo ADOPTA UN AMIGO NAYARIT Adopta Puerto Vallarta Amigos de los otros animales Animalistas ANIMALISTAS DE PUERTO VALLARTA ANGELICAT AyudaMutt Centro de Acopio Animal Cuidando sus Huelitos Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals Helping Pets in Puerto Vallarta LADRA Match Dog Com MexPup NO BORDERS ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATION (NOBARS) Paraiso Felino PEACEANIMALS PERROS PERDIDOS PUERTO VALLARTA

Puro Gato PURR PROJECT PV Animal PV Dog News Rescate Animalista Huellitas Catninas

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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Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

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his past week was the wrap up to the Old Town Farmer’s Market and the La Cruz Farmer’s Market. The Marina Vallarta Thursday evening market is running until end of May, the Marsol Friday market across from the pier is set to run all year-round and the Tres Gallinas y un Gallo artisan market is still carrying on on Saturdays at 466 Venustiano Carranza in Emiliano Zapata colonia.

The Palm Cabaret is closed for the season but Act II has something planning for most days all summer long and they have air-conditioning.

We have Bugambilia Festival, Vallarta Pride and Restaurant Week all in the month of May. Restaurants are starting to offer summer specials – every Wednesday at Joe Jack’s Fish Shack is $85 peso hamburgers and 2 for 1 mojitos from 12-7pm every day.

cocktails in the tropical beachfront gardens at CasaMagna Marriott resort in Marina Vallarta. This is always a great event with plenty of happy faces and full bellies. A couple years ago I had an oyster with bacon foam served by chef Thierry himself that made my knees weak. If you are in town, don’t miss this event.

Gary R. Beck is once again organizing small dinner parties for Restaurant Week – which really needs to change its name to Restaurant Half-Month. Joining Gary on one of his hosted dinners is a great way to meet new friends and get even better service from the restaurants.

There is no additional cost you only need to reserve. You can see

the schedule and rsvp information for Gary’s Groupies on page 7 of this week’s Tribune.

It’s Patron Saint Week in La Cruz with plenty happening around the plaza each night. The Santa Cruz Patron Saint Festival has live music and free snacks in the Plaza, Charro Horse dancing, Maceualoyan Ballet Folklorico Group of La Cruz and the Taiyari Ballet Folklorico Group of Mezcales. Fireworks and fair.

The 2015 ISA World StandUp Paddle and Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC) will be held

Vallarta Altruism Festival coming May 17th

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And at the end of the month is the Bucerias Wind Festival with about 160 competitors in kite

area’s top dancing, musical and cultural groups.

Every year, over one thousand Puerto Vallarta residents and visitors turn out for this event, with all proceeds donated to Banderas Bay area charitable organizations who are in need of a little help, including: Amigos de La Cruz, Banderas Bay Cultural Association, Biblioteca Los Mangos, Breakfast for Children, Casa Hogar Orphanage, Down Syndrome Association, Paraiso Felino, Puerto Vallarta Food Bank, Puerto Vallarta Navy League, Rehabilitation Clinic Santa Barbara, R.I.S.E., Rotary Club, The Salvation Army,

SETAC, Torpedos Football of Vallarta, Visually Handicapped Association, Whale Ecological and Conservation While you will enjoy the cultural and entertainment portion of the event, everyone comes to watch the cooking preentations and enjoy the extraordinary culinary feats by some of Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants including: Barcelona Tapas, Café des Artistes, Café Gourmet, Daiquiri Dick's, Kaiser Maximilian, La Leche, Pie in the Sky, River Café, Vista Grill and more.

Tickets, which include food, drinks and entertainment, cost $350 pesos in advance or $450 pesos at the door.

surfing and wind surfing.

With all of these things going on I can’t believe how many people have already left town. But more for us I guess.

Get out and support the local businesses, markets and events.

With your support we will see more and more events and businesses thrive through the summer months.

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta Janice Gonzalez

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May 17th is the Altruism Festival which supports dozens of local charities. $350 pesos gets you in to sample local restaurants fare, enjoy live entertainment and sip

ne of the year’s most popular charity events, the 11th annual International festival of Altruism is once again hosted at CasaMagna Marriott Resort Puerto Vallarta and American Consular Agent, Kelly Trainor.

This popular event will be held once again in the beachfront garden at the Marriott CasaMagna Resort in Marina Vallarta at 6 pm on May 17, 2015.

Those who attend will not only have the opportunity to learn about some of the most important local charities and non-profit organizations, but they will enjoy food and drink served by the bay’s best restaurants and entertained by the

in Sayulita, from May 10th to the 17th. This event will mark the first ever ISA SUP World Championship to take place in the country. One of our own, Karen Jacobson from Puerto Vallarta will be participating.

e had a great finale today at the Farmers Market with lots of generous donations!

From our Canadian friend, Christine Patterson in Edmonton we received $3,000 pesos, the proceeds from a card night. Amy Ruf from California, donated $500 pesos. (You’ll see Amy’s dog in the calendar next year!)

Rita Leone donated two lovely dog beds and Gisela Araceli Arizmendi donated a large dog bed, a medium crate as well as brushes, coats, blankets and leashes. Gisela misses her little dog very much.

Donations totaled $4,300pesos and $67US. Thank you so much everyone.

Sales of bottle cozies went well again as it’s hotter than ever! We’re ready to stock up for next season.

We finished with a closing party with the vendors. Thanks to all who contributed the fabulous food, drinks and entertainment.

We’ll be back on the first Saturday in November.

Thanks to intrepid volunteers Michelle & Mark. Have a wonderful summer!” 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.

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.

news

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Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

President Applauds Grupo Vidanta Canada eases rules for for $1.3 Billion Investment in Tourism Mexican travelers Private developer Grupo Vidanta fueling job growth and attracting millions of tourism dollars with new luxury resorts, golf courses and theme parks animated

by Cirque du Soleil

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exican President Enrique Peña Nieto, Mexico Secretary of Tourism Claudia Ruiz Massieu and Governor of the Mexican State of Quintana Roo Roberto Borge Angulo were on hand Thursday April9, 2015 at the Vidanta Theater to help announce Grupo Vidanta's $1.3 billion investment in new tourism projects. The luxury resort and tourism developer will bring new attractions including premier golf courses, additional luxury resorts and theme parks animated by Cirque du Soleil to Mexico.

The site of JOYA by Cirque du Soleil – launched late last year

by Grupo Vidanta and already one of Mexico's fastest growing tourist attractions – served as the backdrop for Mexico's government leaders to share their vision for the future of international tourism growth in Mexico.

Grupo Vidanta, founded by Daniel Chavez Moran in 1974, has grown its workforce from 12,000 to 15,000 employees in the last three years and plans to add an additional 3,000 employees across the company's architecture, design, construction and operations practices by 2018 through jobs created in the development of new tourism projects.

Peña Nieto praised the investment of Grupo Vidanta and noted that Mexico needs more success

recruit the world's top brands in travel and entertainment as partners and create unique vacation dreams in Mexico that rival that of any destination in the world.

That strategy has allowed Grupo Vidanta to sustain annual visitation growth of 15 percent at our developments, serve more than half a million foreign visitors, and achieve revenues of nearly $700 million each year." stories like Grupo Vidanta and founder Daniel Chavez Moran, so that more Mexican people can find opportunity for personal fulfillment.

Annually, Grupo Vidanta attracts more than 700,000 visitors – 500,000 of which travel from foreign countries – to premier resort properties at Nuevo Vallarta, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Acapulco, Puerto Penasco, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Grupo Vidanta's development of the world's first theme parks animated

by Cirque du Soleil are expected to draw an additional 2.5 million annual visitors with the first park's inauguration in 2019.

Grupo Vidanta recently celebrated the grand opening of its newest luxury resort, The Grand Mayan Puerto Penasco, and Vidanta Golf – already the largest operator of golf courses in Mexico – will add a new premier golf course for visitors in The Greg Norman Golf Course at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta in 2015.

Said Grupo Vidanta founder Daniel Chavez Moran, "Mexico is a place for opportunities. With over 40 years of experience as a driver of Mexican tourism, Grupo Vidanta has learned the best results for Mexico are achieved when we work collaboratively to

Daniel Chavez Moran has been a leading visionary in the Mexico tourism industry for more than 40 years. Now retired, Chavez Moran founded Grupo Vidanta in 1974 after developing his first hotel, Paraiso Mazatlan, and grew the Grupo Vidanta to include expert practices in design, development, construction and operation for many of Mexico and Latin America's top luxury beach resorts, megaresorts and hotels. Under Chavez Moran's leadership, Grupo Vidanta diversified an influence in tourism infrastructure to include the largest collection of golf courses operated in Mexico, construction and sale of more than 2,000 vacation homes, and the first privately built and owned airport in Mexico, Mar de Cortes International Airport in Puerto Penasco. Forbes recognized Chavez Moran for his contributions in 2013, naming him one of the 12 most powerful investors in tourism in Mexico.

Daniel Chavez Moran was born in Delicias, Chihuahua, and graduated from the University of Guadalajara with a degree in civil engineering in 1971. He is recognized by CNN as one of the 100 most important businessmen in Mexico.

New Director is daughter of famous Vallarta artist

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arcela Lepe has been named the new director of the Institute of Culture in Puerto Vallarta, replacing Sergio Zepeda.

Marcela Lepe is a native of Puerto Vallarta and has been a promoter of arts in the area for thirty years, including local artists, musicians, and perfor-

ming arts.

She dabbed in painting early on in life and went on to study performing arts, formed music, choreography, and theater groups, including being a successful writer and director with her own performing company. Marcela Lepe also manages the museum for Manuel Lepe, which she is the heir to the

city’s most famous artist.

Lepe will continue to promote the arts throughout the city and as part of the tourism and culture experience in Puerto Vallarta.

She is also expected to strengthen working with kids in the arts through programs like ‘Mobile Workshops’ and ‘People’s Culture’ activities.

Electronic Travel Authorization will be extended to Mexico next year

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exican authorities have welcomed the relaxation of entry rules for Mexican citizens traveling to Canada.

The Canadian government announced recently in its annual budget that Mexico and three other countries will be included under the Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) program.

Mexicans who are in possession of a United States visa or have had a Canadian visa in the past can apply online for the eTA and avoid having to apply for a visa.

The option will be available in 2016.

The Foreign Affairs Secretariat welcomed yesterday’s announcement, which comes six years after Canada decided to require Mexican visitors to obtain a visa.

The new rule is a fundamental step toward elimination of the visa requirement, said the secretariat in a statement, observing that it comes as a result of diplomatic dialogue and the development of a deeper relationship between the

two countries in the last two years.

However, the relationship wasn’t deep enough that Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper thought it necessary to go ahead with the so-called “Three Amigos” summit in February. Canada postponed the meeting of the leaders of Mexico, Canada and the United States.

That decision has been blamed largely on the poor relationship between Canada and the U.S. as a result of the Keystone oil pipeline, which has been rejected by President Barack Obama. But the visa issue has been a serious source of concern for Mexican officials and it, too, has soured the relationship between the two countries.

In Canada there has been speculation that the postponement was due to concerns that Harper’s Conservative party might pay a price at the polls in the October federal election if there were a public spat with the U.S. and Mexico.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

news

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Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico: happy country Mexico’s Unemployment Rate and a happy language Falls to 3.9% in March

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orld Happiness Report puts Mexico in a very cheerful 14th place Lack of security and poverty are among the larger issues that negatively affect the lives of many Mexicans, but it sure doesn’t stop them from being a happy bunch.

The evidence is in the World Happiness Report, in which Mexico ranks right up there as one of the world’s happiest places, coming in 14th on the list of 158 countries.

The index is based on polls that asks questions relating to income, life expectancy, generosity, social support, freedom and corruption to produce a measurement between 0 and 10. Zero represents the worst possible life and 10 the best possible.

If you live in first-place Switzerland, which scored 7.587 on the index, you likely have the best possible; if you’re in last-place Togo (or almost anywhere else in Africa for that matter), whose score was 2.839, life is probably pretty miserable.

But in Mexico things are pretty cheerful, if the 7.187 score is any indication. In Latin America, only Costa Rica did better, placing 12th, while Brazil wasn’t far behind Mexico at 16th.

Mexico also came out happier than the United States, which was immediately behind in 15th place. Canadians, meanwhile, are happier than both: it was in fifth place.

After Brazil, the next Latin country on the list was Venezuela, in 23rd place, whose happiness has not been reflected in recent reports of decidedly unhappy economic conditions.

The report, which is published annually by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network, is not the first happiness study of the year. In February, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published one that concluded that the world’s happiest language is Spanish.

The result was based on an analysis that identified the top 100,000 of the most frequently used words across 10 languages.

Researchers then asked native speakers of the languages to rate whether the words were happy or sad on a scale of one to nine.

Spanish speakers, it turned out, use the highest number of happy words in their everyday speech.

Mexico, it would appear, is a very happy place.

Mexico’s Foreign Reserves Rise by $1.08 Billion

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exico’s foreign reserves increased by $1.08 billion to $195.91 billion last week, the Bank of Mexico said.

Gold and foreign currency reserves rose in the week ending April 17 mainly due to the federal government’s sale of dollars to the Bank of Mexico.

Reserves have risen by $2.67 billion since Jan. 1, the Bank of

Mexico said in a statement.

The M1 money supply, which includes currency, coins and demand deposits, fell by 1.66 billion pesos (about $108 million) to 1.04 trillion pesos (some $67.35 billion) last week, the central bank said.

The money supply has contracted by 24.86 billion pesos ($1.61 billion) since Jan. 1.

Lath.com

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exico’s unemployment rate was 3.9 percent in March, down from the 4.8 percent level registered in the same month last year, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI, said on Monday.

The unemployment rate last month was 4.2 percent, without adjusting for seasonal factors, down 0.20 percent from the February level.

The unemployment rate for males was 3.8 percent in March, compared to the 4.7 percent rate registered in March 2014, while the unemployment rate for females was 4 percent, well below the 5 percent rate reported in the year-earlier period.

The underemployment rate – defined as workers who wish to and are willing to work more hours but are unable to do so – was 7.5 percent in March, well below the 8.3 percent rate registered in the same month last year, the INEGI said.

The statistics agency, which considers a worker to be employed if they are older than 14 and work at least six hours a week in any job, said the labor force participation rate was 96.1 percent in March.

Some 58 percent of Mexico’s workers were employed in the

informal sector of the economy last month, a figure that was slightly below the 58.3 percent level registered in March 2014, the INEGI said.

About 43 percent of workers were employed in the service sector, while 19.3 percent were employed in retailing, 15.8 percent worked in manufacturing and 12.6 percent worked in agriculture.

Some 7.9 percent of workers were employed in construction

and 0.80 percent worked in other sectors, such as mining, electric utilities and water and gas distribution, while 0.60 percent were employed in unspecified occupations.

Mexico has a population of 119.5 million, according to the latest projections based on the 2010 census, of whom 53.3 million live in poverty.

Lath.com

Nayarit’s 2015 even better than 2014

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tats from January through March of this year indicate increases over last year’s percentages in the number of passengers arriving via air, hotel occupancy, room nights, revenue and online sales.

The Riviera Nayarit’s Renaissance continues and there’s no better proof than the numbers and stats from the first quarter of 2015, where the percentages in different areas surpass those recorded during the same time period in 2014. Revenue from January through March of this year reached US$546,238,905, which shows an increase of 19.47% compared to last year’s US$457,211,033.

Hotel occupancy rose by 7.7% compared to the previous period last year, moving up from 75.2% in 2014 to 82.8% in 2015. This year, the percentage of room nights also increased by 10%.

Online sales have been greater

thanks to seasonal promotions, campaigns and contests, which directly influenced the 11% growth this year over the same quarter in 2014.

The Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) announced the Licenciado Gustavo Díaz Ordaz International Airport, which serves both the Riviera Nayarit

and Puerto Vallarta, indicated an increase of 13.6% in tourist arrivals via air this quarter compared to that of last year.

The official Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) Poll is the source of the data contained in this release, all of which indicates the destination is on the right path to recovery.

literature

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Book Review: The Remittance Landscape: Spaces of Migration in Rural Mexico and Urban USA

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opez’s beautifully written, deeply insightful book captures an aspect of migration that few have seen before, namely the paradoxical ways in which emigrants’ continuing connections to their places of origin reveal the transformations that they have undergone as immigrants in the place of destination.

Based on the author’s ethnographic immersion in Mexican sending communities, The Remittance Landscape offers the reader an abundance of fascinating material, all presented skillfully and rendered in compelling fashion, thanks to Lopez’s acute powers of observation.

A book sure to have lasting appeal and a must-read for any serious student of migration.”

(Roger Waldinger, University of California, Los Angeles) Immigrants in the United States send more than $20 billion every year back to Mexico—one of the largest flows of such remittances in the world.

With The Remittance Lands-

cape, Sarah Lynn Lopez offers the first extended look at what is done with that money, and in particular how the building boom that it has generated has changed Mexican towns and villages.

Lopez not only identifies a clear correspondence between the flow of remittances and the recent building boom in rural Mexico but also proposes that this construction boom itself motivates migration and changes social and cultural life for migrants and their families.

At the same time, migrants are changing the landscapes of cities in the United States: for example, Chicago and Los Angeles are home to buildings explicitly created as headquarters for Mexican workers from several Mexican states such as Jalisco, Michoacán, and Zacatecas.

Through careful ethnographic and architectural analysis, and fieldwork on both sides of the border, Lopez brings migrant hometowns to life and positions them within the larger debates about immigration.

Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexican literature is often an after-thought

In response, the Scottish Book Trust recommends 10 books by Mexican authors

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he Vallarta Tribune is just one option for Spanish-challenged expatriates and others with an interest in reading about Mexico: the Scottish Book Trust has come up with 10 others. The 10 options offer readers the opportunity to take a tour through Mexico with some “fantastic works,” says the Trust: all are novels written by Mexican writers and translated into English.

This country has been producing some very good work, it says, but is often seen as an after-thought in Latin American literature. Colombia has Gabriel García Marquez and Brazil boasts Paulo Coehlo, for example.

Literature by Mexican writers, on the other hand, instead of hitting the English-speaking world with a huge splash, produces just a quiet ripple.

The 10 recommended books are described as “wonderful novels that you should get to know.”

Here, then, to help make a bit of a splash, are the books in question, along with some descriptions from the Trust and others.

Pedro Paramo by Juan Rulfo.

Described by Publisher’s Weekly as a surrealist novel that portrays a man’s quest for his Mexican heritage.

Rulfo’s extraordinary mix of sensory images, violent passions and unfathomable mysteries has been a profound influence on a whole generation of Latin American writers, including Carlos Fuentes, Mario Vargas Llosa and Gabriel García Marquez.

— Scottish Book Trust Down the Rabbit Hole by Juan Pablo Villalobos. A dark comedy about Tochtli, son of a drug baron on the verge of taking over a powerful cartel. Tochtli is growing up in a luxury hideout that he shares with hit men, prostitutes, dealers, servants and the odd corrupt politician or two. — Scottish Book Trust The Death of Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes. Hailed as a masterpiece since its publication in 1962, The Death of Artemio Cruz is Carlos Fuentes’s haunting voyage into the soul of modern Mexico. As in all his fiction, but perhaps most powerfully in this book, Fuentes is a passionate guide to the ironies of Mexican history, the burden of its past, and the anguish of its present. — Scottish Book Trust Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel. A sumptuous feast of a novel, it relates the bizarre history of the all-female de la Garza family.

Carlos Fuentes

Tita, the youngest daughter of the house, has been forbidden to marry, condemned by Mexican tradition to look after her mother until she dies.

But Tita falls in love with Pedro, and he is seduced by the magical food she cooks. In desperation, Pedro marries her sister Rosaura so that he can stay close to her. For the next 22 years, Tita and Pedro are forced to circle each other in unconsummated passion. — Scottish Book Trust The Story of My Teeth by Valeria Luiselli. One of the most unforgettable images in any book this year is that of Gustavo “Highway” Sánchez Sánchez, the protagonist of Luiselli’s delightfully unclassifiable novel, walking around the streets of Mexico City, smiling at people with the teeth of Marilyn Monroe installed in his mouth . . . surprising and charming . . . It’s difficult not to follow wherever it takes you. —Publisher’s Weekly Signs Preceding the End of the World by Yuri Herrera. Makina knows how to survive in a macho world. Leaving her native Mexico in search of her brother, she’s smuggled into the U.S. bearing two secret messages — one from her mother and one from the Mexican underworld. In this grippingly original novel Herrera explores the actual and psychological crossings and translations people make. — Scottish Book Trust The Book of Clouds by Chloe Aridjis. Tatiana, a young Mexican woman, is adrift in Berlin. Choosing a life of solitude, she takes a job transcribing notes for the reclusive Doktor Weiss. Through him she meets “an illustrator turned meteorologist” Jonas, a Berliner who has used clouds and the sky’s constant shape-shifting as his escape from reality. As their three paths intersect and merge, the contours of all their worlds begins to change . . . . — Scottish Book Trust

Silver Bullets by Elmer Mendoza. Tormented by past heartbreak and contemporary politics, for Edgar “Lefty” Mendieta the news of the murder of lawyer Bruno Canizales represents just another day at the office in the drug-ridden city of Culiacán. It soon becomes clear that there is no shortage of suspects in a city where it’s hard to tell the gangsters from the politicians. — Scottish Book Trust Leonora: A Novel by Elena Poniatowska. Born in Lancashire as the wealthy heiress to her British father’s textiles empire, Leonora Carrington was destined to live the kind of life only known by the moneyed classes. But even from a young age she rebelled against the strict rules of her social class, against her parents and against the hegemony of religion and conservative thought, and broke free to artistic and personal freedom. Today Carrington is recognized as the key female surrealist painter, and Poniatowska’s fiction charms this exceptional character back to life more truthfully than any biography could. — Scottish Book Trust Texas: The Great Theft by Carmen Boullosa. An imaginative writer in the tradition of Juan Rulfo, Jorge Luis Borges and Cesar Aira, Carmen Boullosa shows herself to be at the height of her powers with her latest novel. Loosely based on the little-known 1859 Mexican invasion of the U.S., Texas is a richly imagined evocation of the volatile Tex-Mex borderland. Boullosa views border history through distinctly Mexican eyes, and her sympathetic portrayal of each of her wildly diverse characters makes her storytelling tremendously powerful and absorbing. —Amazon

Source: Scottish Book Trust (en) Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

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Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Traditional Mexican Food and Drink

By Gary R. Beck

Originally published June 14, 2013

An old adage is that true Mexican meals must contain corn tortillas, beans, chilies and lime. This is the ultimate measure, dating back millenniums during which indigenous civilizations subsided by the grace of corn and beans.

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orn is the basis for tortillas [circular flat breads, not chips] which are served with meals like other cultures serve breads. Beans are often a side dish.

Flavors favored by Mexican cooks are cilantro and onions, but the two most common additions are chile and limón [lime]. From jalapeño to fiery habañero, chipotle to mild poblano, Mexico’s chilies are tasted everywhere, in anything from main dishes to salsas, even in chocolate bars.

Assess whether the particular chile is too warm for your taste buds.

Limón refers to the small green fruit well-known as lime. A bowl of cut wedges may be presented for use on any dish.

The migration of people with their cultures include French, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, South and Central Americas and of course Spanish. The resulting melding of cuisines has created a contemporary cuisine recognized as one of the most complex world-wide with UNESCO naming Mexican food "Cultural Heritage to the World" for its ingredients, culture and history contributing to the world's gastronomy. Breakfast in Mexico features eggs [huevos] served with tortillas, corn or wheat, beans and salsa.

Popular are eggs revuelto [scrambled] or frito [fried]. Three other creations are often offered:Huevos rancheros with a fried tortilla base covered with a fried egg and tomato salsa; Huevos divorciados [divorced] two fried eggs served creatively separated by a wall of refried beans with one half covered in red salsa and the other in green; Huevos a la Mexicana, named for the colors of the Mexican flag: white onion, red tomato and green chile, which are added to scrambled eggs.

Two very popular breakfast items are chilaquiles and tamales.

The former features corn tortillas

cut into quarters and lightly fried before added to rojo [red] or verde [green] salsa.

The mixture is often served with chicken, fried or scrambled eggs, then topped with queso fresco [shredded white cheese], crema [sweet Mexican cream] and onion.

Tamales may be served sweet or savory, made from masa [corn dough] that is wrapped in either a corn husk or a banana leaf, then steamed. Fillings may be pork, beef, chicken cooked in red or green salsa or rajas con queso, strips of mild poblano mixed with creamy cheese. Raisins, dried fruit and/ or sugar are added to make sweet tamales.

Antojitos [snacks and street food] please the budget traveler.

Order several dishes to make a satisfying lunch, snack or dinner.

Quesadillas [quekas] are comprised of large tortillas filled with meats or vegetables. Cheese is always added before the tortilla is folded and cooked, usually grilled.

Stuffing include chicharrón [pork rind], tinga de pollo [chicken in tomato chipotle sauce] or champiñones [mushrooms]. Sopes, huaraches and tlayudas are made from the same dough as tamales. Sopes are topped with refried beans, lettuce, onion, salsa, cheese and often meat.

They are small, while huaraches are typically bigger and oblongshaped, and tlayudas, native to Oaxaca, have a base of a very large fried tortilla. Tortas are an oblong white sandwich roll filled with meat [chicken, ham or pork], cheese and vegetables [cabbage, avocado, tomato, lettuce].

Torta Ahogada means literally "drowned sandwich" with the bun filled with shredded pork and covered in a chile tomato sauce, then topped with avocado, onion and radish. Originally from Guadalajara, popularity has spread throughout the state of Jalisco.

Like other countries, Mexican food has many regional variations with dishes as tacos differing greatly from one place or town to the next.

They are one of the most popular foods available in Mexico. Not the Tex-Mex version with the hard shells stuffed with chili con carne, Mexican tacos are small, soft tortillas filled with meat [chicken, pork, beef or chorizo], shrimp or fish, then garnished with onion, cilantro, lime, salsa and/or guacamole. The fillings and garnishes vary among taco stands.

“Al pastor” is pork cooked on a large skewer, pressed into an inverted cone, marinated, sliced off as it becomes done, then topped with shaved pineapple.

Mexican enchiladas are tortillas rolled around fillings covered in salsa or mole. Birria is a brothbased soup made from goat, sheep or beef meat and is often served with cilantro, onion and lime.

This soup and menudo are considered beneficial for hangovers. Pozole is another traditional soup, made with pork, hominy [dried corn treated with alkali] and chile. The soup is thicker than broth and is garnished with lettuce, onion, cilantro and lime. Mole dishes are popular at celebrations as weddings, birthdays and Christmas.

The sauce is a complex blend

of at least 20 ingredients including chile, cumin, garlic, tomato, cloves, anise and nuts. It comes in various colors as black [mole negro], green, red, pink and yellow, and are particularly native to the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, where it is thought to have originated. An unusual ingredient is unsweetened chocolate [cacao] added at the end of cooking. Mole is served over chicken and rice, poblano chilies or enchiladas or inside tamales.

For something sweet, gelato or helado [ice cream] is popular and cooling. Flan is similar to crème caramel, comprised of custard topped with a soft layer of caramel.

Tres Leche Cake [pastel de tres leches, "three milks cake"] is a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk: evaporated, condensed and whole. When butter is not used, the cake is very light with many air bubbles. This distinct texture is why it does not have a soggy consistency despite being soaked in the milk mixture.

Arroz con leche, rice pudding, is a milk-based dessert usually sprinkled with cinnamon. Churros aroma springs from the doughnutlike batter frying in hot oil. They are long, thin and often sprinkled with cinnamon sugar. The range of tropical fruits is impressive:

mango, strawberry, guava, pineapple, jack fruit, guayaba, many citruses, banana, melon and papaya, commonly sprinkled with lime, squirted with tomato salsa and sprinkled with chile powder.

The Mexican drinks menu is simple. In addition to international brands like Coke, aguas frescas are one of the most popular drinks.

Made from steeping fruit, seeds and/or cereals in water, these drinks are available on nearly every plaza corner.

Particularly popular are Jamaica, which is made from hibiscus flowers and is dark red, horchata, made from rice with a hint of cinnamon, tuna, a fruit, not the fish, often offered at the town's main square, served over chopped fruit and nuts.

Mexico is one of the world’s largest coffee producers having some excellent Arabica.

It is grown in Jalisco, Chiapas, Veracruz and other states. Alcoholic beverages feature tequilas of Jalisco and the country's wide selection of cervezas [beers].

Baja California is known as one of Mexico's top regions for grapegrowing and wine-making. Sangrita, a chaser for sipping tequila, contains lime and/or orange juice, hot sauce, tomato juice and pomegranate juice [or grenadine].

The 2015 May Restaurant Festival

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or the eighth year, Gary R. Beck, local foodie and a local restaurant guide book author will be organizing small parties to attend a fine restaurant nightly for anyone in town who wishes to meet some locals and visitors plus enjoy good food at discount prices. All dinners start at 7:00pm, please arrive beforehand.

Sunday, May 17 Altruism Fair – while not part of Restaurant Week, this charity event is a wonderful way to sample many of the area’s top restaurants along with entertainment in the beautiful gardens at the CasaMagna Marriott Resort in Marina Vallarta. Tickets are $350 each.

Monday, May 18 Trio Tuesday, May 19 River Cafe Wednesday, May 20 Hacienda San Angel Thursday, May 21 Cafe des Artistes Friday, May 22 Kaiser Maximilian Saturday, May 23 Fusion Gourmet Sunday, May 24 Bravos Monday, May 25 El Arrayan Tuesday, May 26 Layla's Thursday, May 28 Archie's Wok Saturday, May 30 Taste RSVP: The restaurant and number of people in your party. Gary R.Beck garyrbeck1@yahoo.com

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

The OTFM-TC: A Season Well Done!

Old Town Farmers Market-Tianguis Cultural

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By Erin Staley

T

ime flies when you're having fun, and that certainly applies to the OTFMTC's 6th season. It's been a “season well done,” and we simply couldn't jump into our summer break without saying “gracias” to those who have made the season so unforgettable.

A Word of Thanks Endless thanks to the “make it, bake it, grow it” vendors (90+), volunteers, entertainers and shoppers (125,000) this season.

Your dedication continues to inspire us! We wish you all the best in the summer months, and look forward to seeing your smiling faces on opening day -November 7th.

In June, the market became a registered non-profit/association civil organization, and we simply must thank our Board of Directors, Executive Director, Market Coordinator and the Vendor Selection Committee for their tireless efforts. We'd also like to say thank you to the city of Puerto Vallarta and the Emiliano Zapata Business Association. Without their support, there'd be no market.

And finally, we want to applaud the local

businesses around our Saturday location, Lazaro Cardenas Park. We are thrilled to partner with you in sharing the beauty, charm and talent of our community with national and international visitors.

But Wait, There's More If you're smitten by a particular product or service, you might be able to access it during the summer break. Many of our vendors sell online, deliver, make house calls or have brick-and-mortar stores to keep you happy and healthy. Simply visit our Vendors page of our website to connect with your favorite producer.

You're Invited!

Be sure to join us next in the fall for a power-packed 7th season. We'll have live music, warm weather, a cool downtown vibe and over 90 vendor stands and services to enjoy!

The OTFM-TC will be open from 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7, 2015, to April 30, 2016. You'll find us in Lazaro Cárdenas Park, Old Town, once again. And if you want to stay updated on market happenings, visit www.oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook.

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et - Tianguis Cultural

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

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Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

33 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.

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.

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

an art.

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real estate

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10 Reasons to Choose Colonia Emiliano Zapata West

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

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

T

he colonia Emiliano Zapata is probably one of the most accessible and vibrant areas of Puerto Vallarta. It goes by many names: Old Town, Downtown and, of course, the Romantic Zone.

A big and busy colonia which runs from the Rio Cuale to the North; down to Basillo Badillo on the South (now known as the South Side); to the fabulous Emiliano Zapata Mercado on the east, and of course down to Los Muertos beach on the West.

Because of the big size and varied character of Emiliano Zapata we think it’s wise to divide it into two distinct parts: Emiliano Zapata East (East of Calle Insurgentes), Emiliano Zapata West (which runs from Insurgentes down to the beach with Basillo Badillo and the Rio Cuale on either side. This week we focus on the west side.

Here are some of our favorite reasons for choosing Emiliano Zapata West: 1. Terrific accessibility. You don’t need a car, the streets are flat and easy to traverse. There’s fantastic bus and taxi service. In fact, owning a car in this neighborhood is not even worth the hassle.

2. Everything is here. Need a haircut? Shoes fixed? Key made?

Prescription filled? A pancake?

An espresso? A roasted chicken?

Within an 8 block square area every need or desire that you might have will be easily satisfied.

3. Great budget conscious dining. Here are a few of our personal favorites: Pollo Feliz (be sure to check out the 1 and ½ chicken special on Tuesdays) Casa Fantasia (best shrimp burrito), Fonda Dianita (there’s always a wait for some of the best comida corrida around), Page in the Sun (excellent coffee, books and carrot cake), and the Pancake House for an always generous and satisfying breakfast.

4. Need a drink? Bars galore.

Catch a game and try the artisanal brews at Los Muertos Brewery, or buy a bucket of beer for next to nothing at the VERY popular Sea Monkey on the beach. And for the strongest and tastiest margarita around swing into Daquiri Dick’s.

5. Need some gourmet snacks? Los Mercados is your one stop spot for good deli foods, wine and liquor, fresh veggies and pastries. Too, Xocodiva and Vinos America, over on Basilio Badillo, have superb gourmet offerings.

And don’t forget to stop by the Paris Bakery for a flaky authentic French croissant.

6. The Old Town Farmers’ Market. This seasonal local treasure brings together the finest cuisine, arts and crafts, produce and live music in Parque Lazaro Cardenas. Open Saturdays during the High Season.

7. Planning a special evening out? Some of Vallarta’s finest restaurants are in Emiliano Zapata, including: Coco Tropical, Kaiser Maximilian The River Café and Daquiri Dick’s.

8. Live entertainment and music. Fun spots include, Nacho Daddy’s, Cuates y Cuetes, The Act II Theatre, which is host to local and international talent, and of course the true treasure of Jalisco, wandering bands of Mariachis!

9. Staying healthy and happy.

There’s a spa located on virtually every corner, so you can seek out constant pampering. Emiliano Zapata is also home to some excellent yoga studios and gyms, to help you get back in shape after all of the eating and drinking that you’ll be doing. And don’t forget the numerous juice stands where they make revitalizing drinks to order.

10. Need a place to stay? Los Arcos on the beach is a classic favorite, and for the more budget oriented there a plethora of more inexpensive accommodations.

And as far as the real estate market goes, it’s literally exploded with new condo developments going up right and left— making Emiliano Zapata the new hot spot for investing in Puerto Vallarta.

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

Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

8 Reasons Not to Retire to Puerto Vallarta

By Madeline Milne

Y

ou woke up today and thought, enough is enough! 'Let's retire to Puerto Vallarta'. Or maybe you've been planning this since your first job at Sears-Roebuck, either way moving to Mexico requires some serious research and we want to make sure you're making the right choice.

Here's eight things you might want to consider before you retire to Puerto Vallarta.

1. Sun – Despite what people may tell you the sun doesn’t shine every day. Sometimes, usually in the summer months, there are a few hours where clouds come in and create spectacular sunsets. Or the skies part and rainstorms, complete with thunder and lightning, entertain you with a symphony of lights, leaving everything green and fresh.

2. Affordability – The pesos in your pocket can get heavy.

Enjoying excellent restaurants, buying fresh produce and seafood, along with a housekeeper who cooks and cleans in your ocean view condo can cost as little as $1500 a month.

With all the money you could be saving you’ll have no excuse not to buy your adorable grandkids flights to come visit.

3. Ocean – The constant lulling of the waves will only help to relax you whether you’re lying on a beach recliner, watching from your balcony or dipping your toes off the back of a catamaran. You can’t escape the diamond like twinkle of the sun off the waves, nor the daily sunsets that will invade your space each evening. Often you will have to stop what you are doing to take it in – maybe even be compelled to photograph it, again.

4. Culture – Puerto Vallarta is a working city with a population of about 300,000 Mexicans. Here you will be faced with near daily festivals and holidays, music on the streets, fireworks, art shows, culinary events and more as the Mexicans that live here go about their daily lives.

5. Choice – If making decisions is hard for you, Puerto Vallarta might not be a good fit. Life in Puerto Vallarta is full of choices. You will constantly be debating what restaurant to go to tonight, what live entertainment act to book tickets to, what beach to visit. Even in the markets you will be faced with daily choices – Pineapple or papaya or both! So many choices. Check out Vallarta Tickets for a nearly complete list of events going on around the bay.

6. New friends and experiences – New friends can be so much work. Always wanting to meet for dinner or drinks, looking to join you on a boat trip to watch the whales, or inviting you to another fundraiser for a worthwhile charity. They can take up your whole day if you let them. The International Friendship Club is not only a the place to make new friends but learn Spanish, help with charitable causes, movie nights, seminars on travel, food and culture and much more.

7. Nature – Nestled in the Bay of Banderas you will be accosted by nature as this is one of the most diverse places on the planet. (Mexico ranks 5th for most diversity on the planet) You will encounter 300+ native Orchid species, hundreds of migratory birds, butterflies and more. Get that camera ready again and visit the Vallarta Botanical Garden for some up close and personal contact with the native(species).

8. Sense of accomplishment & pride – Moving to Puerto Vallarta will make you want to shout it from the red clay tile rooftops, or at least across Facebook. Your sense of accomplishment will give way to pride as you share your knowledge with the newbies who are as mistaken as you to ever consider moving to Puerto Vallarta. Join such Facebook groups as Puerto Vallarta: Everything you want or need to know and On the Road in Mexico to learn more about fellow expats making the move.

Original: www.blog.mexi-go.ca

local / holiday

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Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Cinco De Mayo is not Mexican Paradise Independence Day

and Parenting Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

The Four Horsemen (And Some Things I’ve Learned)

I

wavered between calling this article “The Week Where I Was Visited by the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” or something more optimistic, like “The Week Where I Learned New Things So I Can Be a Better Person”.

Anyone who works with young children gets a front row seat to any interesting new viruses and bacteria going around. This time I was treated to nasty throat infection that knocked me off my feet for a few days. As you will soon see, I have decided to use this situation to learn things for the Betterment of Myself and Others.

First of all, I was reminded how, as soon as either my husband or I fall ill, the bike chain falls off the whole Family Apparatus. Things seem to be so precariously balanced in our busy lives that one cog missing has the rest of us wobbling dangerously into oncoming traffic. I honestly don’t know what a person can do to change that (besides begging Nana and Papa to just move here, already), but at least we have our bike helmets ready for future situations (not a metaphor). The other things I’ve learned are listed here.

If any of the following tidbits of newfound wisdom helps others, then it all will have been worth it.

1) Detoxification plans are super effective if you have strep throat and can’t actually swallow anything that could introduce toxins into your body. Unless you are really, really, determined to do so and have a good blender. But if you’ve ever had strep throat, you will know that determination isn’t really a defining emotion of the illness. I would call it more like deep despair.

2) There are some drawbacks to the current movement in medicine that frowns on the overuse of antibiotics. Like, for example, if you really do have a bacterial infection and the doctor won’t prescribe antibiotics until you are trying to breathe past tonsils the size of newborn kittens.

3) The next time I’m sick while hosting a sleepover, I will include a Pre-Sleepover Contract Signing where the invited child agrees to create a Minecraft Universe with my child on connected tablets. Quiet, time-consuming, and educational: the perfect triangle of parental recovery.

4) If you are able to go directly from your workplace to your sickbed without changing clothes because your outfit works equally well in either situation, something needs to be done about your wardrobe.

5) Within two hours of me falling ill, the mound of dishes on the sink’s drain board resembles an impressive, intricate modern sculpture, with actual moving parts and cutlery balanced in a way that simply defies gravity.

6) In a death match between Godzilla and our dog Max (who is eight pounds soaking wet), Max would definitely win. If he had a flame-thrower. This is not something we learned from experience, but through a great deal of heated discussion around my sickbed.

7) The quantity of patience that I possess when dealing with my children, who have lost one shoe and are late for music lessons, is inversely proportional to the humidity index.

8) The quantity of motivation that my children possess for looking for one lost shoe is inversely proportional to the humidity index.

9) A 2004 Chevy Tracker covered in bird droppings and surrounded by a general aura of deep despair is not your free ticket past the airtight security kiosk at the Grand Mayan complex. Even if you are just there to pick up your child from a birthday party.

10) A sense of humor, a doting husband and kids that make things interesting are great ways to ward off The Four Horsemen. That, and penicillin tablets about the size of your thumb.

Introduction Turned into an excuse to drink Mexican beer and eat tacos (like we needed an excuse) the holiday of Cinco De Mayo, The Fifth Of May, commemorates the victory of the Mexicans over the French army at The Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is primarily a regional holiday celebrated in the Mexican state capital city of Puebla and throughout the state of Puebla, but is also celebrated (again, we’ll celebrate anything and everything if it involves beer and tacos) in other parts of the country and in U.S. cities with a significant Mexican population. It is not, as many people think, Mexico’s Independence Day, which is actually September 16.

Setting the Stage

The battle at Puebla in 1862 happened at a violent and chaotic time in Mexico’s history. Mexico had finally gained independence from Spain in 1821, and a number of internal political takeovers and wars, including the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) and the Mexican Civil War of 1858, had mostly wiped out the national economy.

During this period Mexico had accumulated heavy debts to several nations, including Spain, England and France, who were demanding payment. Similar debt to the U.S. was previously cleared after the Mexican-American War. France was eager to add to its

empire at that time, and when Mexico finally stopped making any loan payments, France used the debt issue to establish its own leadership in Mexico by installing Napoleon’s relative, Archduke Maximilian of Austria, as ruler of Mexico.

Mexico Confronts the Invasion France invaded the Gulf coast of Mexico and began to march toward Mexico City. Although American President Abraham Lincoln was sympathetic to Mexico’s cause, and for which he is honored in Mexico, the U.S. was involved in its own Civil War at the time and was unable to provide any direct assistance.

Marching toward Mexico City from the coast, the French army encountered strong resistance at the Mexican forts of Loreto and Guadalupe. Lead by Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza Seguin, a small, poorly armed militia of about 4,500 were able to stop and defeat a well outfitted French army of 6,500 soldiers, which halted the invasion of the country.

The victory was a glorious moment for Mexican patriots and is the cause for the historical date’s celebration.

Unfortunately, the victory was short lived. Upon hearing the bad news, Napoleon had found an excuse to send more troops overseas to try and invade Mexico

again, against the wishes of the French populace. 30,000 more troops and a full year later, the French were eventually able to depose the Mexican army, take over Mexico City and install Maximilian as the ruler of Mexico.

Maximilian’s rule of Mexico was also short lived, from 1864 to 1867, ending as the U.S. began to provide more political and military assistance to Mexico to expel the French. Despite the eventual French invasion of Mexico City, Cinco de Mayo honors the bravery and victory of General Zaragoza’s small, outnumbered militia at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

Today’s Celebration

For the most part, the holiday of Cinco de Mayo is more of a regional holiday in Mexico, celebrated most vigorously in the state of Puebla.

Though there is recognition of the holiday throughout the whole country, it’s nothing like that found in Puebla. Commercial interests in the United States and Mexico have also been successful in promoting the holiday, with products and services focused on Mexican food, beverage and festive items.

Increasingly more cities in the U.S. and Mexico catering to a festive consumer are also more than happy to provide a venue to celebrate, so that Cinco de Mayo is becoming adopted into the holiday calendar of more and more people every year.

Casa Corona:

Offered at $369,000 USD

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

Flower of the week

Sandra Cesca

Lobster Claw Heliconia (Spanish) Heliconia stricta

T

he Heliconia family has almost 200 species native to the rainforests of the tropical Americas. Related to bananas, this herbaceous ornamental includes varieties Firebird, False Bird-of-Paradise and Parrot Heliconia which looks like the bright plumage of parrots. Flowers can be hues of reds, oranges, yellows, and greens and are pollinated primarily by hummingbirds.

This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

riviera nayarit

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Apr 30 - May 6, 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

Community Corner with the Amigos de Bucerias

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migos de Bucerias, A.C., is a Mexican-registered civil association, composed of energetic residents of Bucerias; uniting to make Bucerias a good place to visit, work and live.

Mission Statement: “The civil association Amigos de Bucerias AC is dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the quality of life in Bucerias, in cooperation with all residents, elected and appointed officials, business leaders and visitors.”

The Amigos de Bucerias started in 2005, with the legal AC created in 2007.

Veronica “Ronnie” Barker is the current president. The Amigos de Bucerias survives on annual memberships and fundraisers every year, like other non-profit organizations.

However, the Amigos de Bucerias are a different non-profit group, as they work to keep Bucerias a clean and healthy town. As they state, “We are dedicated to the protection and the enhancement of the quality of life in Bucerias”. Meetings during winter season are held the first Saturday of every month at Ixta Restaurant on Lazaro Cardenas; non members are welcome to attend. A self-serve buffet breakfast is available before the official meeting – which comprises updates on what is happening around town, in our Amigos committees and details of other nonprofit groups that need assistance. The next meeting will be held this coming Saturday, May 2nd.

Their website, www.amigosdebucerias.org, has a lot of basic town information listed as well as their different programs and events.

The “Essential Information” page

has just about everything you need to know regarding living in the Bucerias area, and there is also a referral page of recommended services. Ronnie does most of the writing for the website which also includes the popular “VIP Interviews” of local residents.

Amigos de Bucerias Recycling Program The Recycling program first started by the residents in 2006, and was then handed over to Peace in 2012. When they went bankrupt in April 2013 the Amigos took on the responsibility. The baskets were collected and repaired and put back out on the streets. E-Sun solar company also paid for materials for a further 40 baskets.

Ronnie said, “By an amazing coincidence our first day was Earth Day, 22 April! And we were applauded by all nationalities – it was very exciting!” The recycle pick up days are Mondays on the ocean side, and Thursdays on the inland side as well as the Los Picos playa area – Huanacaxtle district. They begin at 8am and finish around noon. They do not sort it out. They empty the trailer of the black filled sacks at the collection yard owned

by El Eden nursery /owner David Vargas, who generously allows the Amigos to use as their homebase, free of charge. The Amigos desperately need volunteers to help pick up, so anyone with a truck and a tow bar during the summer season would be very welcomed! In winter season they have a sizeable team of volunteers who work on a rotation basis, but in the summer there are only six people, all summer long.

The recycle baskets have been sponsored by individuals and businesses and have signs on them with their name as well as the Amigos de Bucerias name.

However, many baskets get stolen.

These are the wire baskets, inland side of highway. Ronnie states,

“The theft rate is 50%!! with the ocean side about 20%. I don’t know why. To keep roosters? To sell for scrap? But the nearest depots in Mezcales have not received them.

We did find one in yard storing leaves, emptied it and brought it back to the street for public use!

The residents, nationals, everyone all applaud this program, which is great, but the high theft rate is very discouraging”. Ronnie continues to say that, “We don’t mind so much people taking the cans… We also get plastic stolen FROM the baskets, don’t mind the obviously needy, but really annoying when local guy in fairly new white pickup truck just blithely goes along emptying the cans into his truck!”

Recyclables are very limited here in Mexico. All plastic bottles are great; only plastic containers that have number 1 or 2 in the triangle can be recycled. Broken patio furniture, paint buckets, all food and drink cans are perfect for recycling.

CAN NOT COLLECT: Glass, which is heavy and can be dangerous. Cardboard is also a NO as they carry cockroaches and they go mushy, however the depots at Mezcales will receive those. Other NO’s are items that are completely obvious to most, like dead fish heads, pineapple skins, left over take away dinners in Styrofoam boxes and diapers. The net amount of plastic that the Amigos collected in the year to Earth Day 2014 was 10,341 kilos! And to this year’s Earth Day it was 13,069 kilos! So in two years that’s a total of 23,410 kilos! This adds up to 23.4 tons!

TRASH BARRELS Trash is an ongoing issue and problem on the streets of most towns in Mexico. The Amigos de Bucerias members are encouraged to pick up six pieces a day. Leading by example is a good way to live, and showing the nationals to keep their

frontages clean helps little by little.

Ronnie states, “This is such a transient town, the nationals come here mainly to find work in the tourism industry. It is not their home town, their own back yard, and they don’t have their mother wagging her finger at them, so many who pass through, just eat and throw. And then when it’s on the ground, especially AFTER it’s been collected but fallen out of the Garbage truck, others say: “that’s not MY rubbish, why should I pick it up? “ Currently, there is education in schools for rubbish and recycling awareness. By starting with the younger generation it gives more hope for improvements.

The theft of Trash Bins purchased and provided by Amigos is another frustrating obstacle to keeping the town clean.

The Amigos paint AdB on them, and also make huge holes so they can’t be used as water troughs for farm animals; however, they are still stolen! In the last two years the Amigos have spent 6,000 pesos from their budget purchasing news

ones. Some have been cut in half and these seem to last a bit longer.

The Amigos place them at the bus stops.

Beach Clean-Up The Amigos started this in November 2013 with member Diana of Shala Ananda Yoga leading the way.

The group meets the second Saturday every month at 9:00am on beach at the El Buzo sculpture located in central plaza. Delegado Tony joins in on the Beach Clean-up. They like to ask that people bring supermarket plastic bags to fill, and they have black sacks that keep plastic separately.

The trash is then taken to designated points and garbage is picked up shortly afterwards.

All kids of all ages come to clean the beach voluntarily, and others seeing them making a point of putting trash/plastic in containers is a good thing! Ronnie states: “Nationals and returning visitors have all noticed a big difference, so we are really pleased about that, although one visitor thought

riviera nayarit

15 we were totally wrong and should leave it to the Municipality to deal with. She just didn’t understand how under-funded they are, nor the fact that if we didn’t do it, it wouldn’t get done. So there would be trash filled beaches and then the tourists, including her, would not return, and would take their money elsewhere, hurting the town’s economy.”

People beach walking also do pick up on their own, bless them! In May 2014 Riviera Nayarit Tourism Bureau joined in as well and now there is a network of clean-ups for all of the beaches on Banderas Bay. They provide sacks, disposable gloves, water, tee-shirts and hats, and liaise with local businesses and students to come along. Most rubbish is in the arroyo (River), highway to the beach, used as a main pedestrian access. Unfortunately, when it rains, this trash is washed down to the ocean. The rubbish bins and recycling baskets would be stolen if placed there and the garbage truck doesn’t come here to empty the bins. Extra clean-ups are scheduled just before and during rainy season. The new Ayuntamiento (town hall) this year been very helpful, cleaning up during Semana Santa and after each beach event.

Street Lighting The money raised from the recycling program paid for the repairs. All 732 posts numbered by Dick and Mary Carmen Pickup, and Ross Cable.

Dick regularly checks the light posts for non-functioning, as well as amigos and other folks write in to let them know. Dick also purchases supplies and meets with Obras publicas regularly. This good security feeling has made an amazing difference to the town! This project cost the Amigos over 60,000 pesos, and they were able to repair 290 lights. Ronnie states, “The New President Jose GP confirmed his government would take over, and they started a couple of weeks ago. Totally ignoring our numbers, the Delegado walks around at night and when they see a non-working light makes a spray paint mark on pole which the repair men look for the next day! (Imagine the wasted time since they are not removing the marks.)”

Street Signs The inland side of highway hardly has any street signs at all. Trying to find your way around is hard enough in a foreign country and even more difficult without street signs. This project is headed up by Tom and Glynda Ballinger. They mapped the outline framework of each colonia and put up new signs. Almost 200 signs

have been put up at the cost of about 5,000 pesos. They are now putting in signs on the streets at junctions. Some 400 forgotten signs found at the Mayor’s office were recently handed over, many of which will be incorporated into this second phase.

Amigos Emergency/Special Needs A fund of 10,000 pesos is set aside, primarily for emergency medical help. Applicants must live in Bucerias, provide a medical report and not be receiving assistance from anyone else. A committee then reviews the full report, and verifies the application.

Paws ‘n Claws Originally this program was called “Spay and Neuter” when the Amigos took this over in 2013. This program is specifically for ‘fixing’ street animals or those belonging to locals with low or no income. The town’s participating vets perform three surgeries free monthly, and the rest at a reduced cost which is paid by this committee. As part of their Animal Wellness Project, this is now expanding to cover costs of emergency medical treatments, especially animals hit by passing traffic. A very successful fundraiser this season held at the Tercera Edad facility; the Annual “Pets’ Picnic”. Ronnie had her doubts at first, envisioning dog fights and folks tripping over leashes. But to her surprise, “all the dogs were very well behaved, as well as their owners! …and it was a lot of fun”.

Tercera Edad - Bucerias Senior Center Tercera Edad actually means Third Age, and is the name given to all seniors facilities in every town throughout Mexico. The Bucerias senior’s facility is located on Canal Road opposite the charro (rodeo ring). These facilities have been set up under the Social Services Department, DIF, as a place for the seniors to meet. How much social activity they enjoy is up to the enthusiasm of their Presidents and members. DIF is totally under resourced and unable to provide any financial assistance, but they do send out people to advise on general matters such as hygiene and the importance of a good diet.

This year they also had a mobile clinic giving free mammograms.

The Amigos were asked for general assistance by the President of the facility, Sr. Cirino in March 2013, and upon verification, the Amigos agreed. Many donations of clothes, household items and money, and monies from fund raisers were used to help with medicines, medical aids and dental work. They have

about 120 members, of whom 50 are very poor with no supporting family, with their biggest problem being hunger. The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank (from Bucerias) distributes dispensas monthly to these 50 people, as well as extra treats from our generous community during Christmas time. The seniors meet every Monday afternoon at the Tercera Edad center if you would like to go. There was an outdoor oven created so bread is made for weekly distributions. Fruit and vegetables are grown on site for members – gardening help is urgently needed!! Winter harvesting crops of corn was grown nearby for members and was for sale to help this season.

A huge chicken coop was constructed by members that housed up to 1,200 chickens at one point!

Successful chicken and eggs sales are made with the money used to buy more chickens/medicines to support the project. Chickens and eggs distributed to the neediest and especially to any sick members, every couple of days. This does deplete the numbers, so more being purchased and reared is always needed. 60 chickens unfortunately drowned in unexpected November down pour as only a plastic covering was on the roof.

The Amigos will be diverting some funds towards putting on a roof before rainy season. Ronnie states, “We took them under our wing, and helped in various ways. They remain independent of our Amigos Association, but we continue to liaise with them and support them.”

The Tercera Edad venue is also available for hire for parties and events. It’s a great way to help the seniors! The Bucerias volunteers in the community rock it, and not only the Amigos that helped these seniors this season, but locals like

Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Todd Dalke, who organized two fundraisers: the February BBQ featuring music provided by Emma Hill and her father Rob, which raised over 30,000 pesos and the March Drag Race at Luna Lounge was seriously outrageous fun which raised over 22,000 pesos.

Money from last year and this will have paid for fillings and 17 people to get complete false teeth or partial dentures. Now that is just wonderful news! What is needed?

Gently used clothes, shoes, old spectacles, walking sticks, adult diapers, non perishable food is always greatly appreciated. You can contact the Amigos for pick up or directions.

Liaising With Others The Amigos liaise with other charities in town: The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank (John Ozzello was Amigos President starting 2009); Library Rey Nayar (Bucerias Childrens Library); Manos de Amor (Bucerias Orphanage); Conrad Community Centre; and Human Connections. The Amigos promote their events and call upon members for help. The Liaison Committee was just recently formed, led by two bilingual Mexicans, with the goal of presenting concerns of all English speaking visitors to Bucerias to local Government, specifically Bahia President Jose GP. Issues include security, crime, rubbish, ventanas al mar and other issues that may arise.

Reporting Water Leaks Generally speaking, most visitors do not speak fluent Spanish. Conservation of water is essential and any street leaks need to be reported. To help with this situation, the Amigos have written very basic forms in English at the offices of the water company Oromapas and the Delegado, making it easy to fill in

the names of the cross streets to locate the leak.

The Amigos next fundraiser will be at the Bucerias plaza on Saturday 02 May, 6pm: a Zumbathon, organized by Rachel, owner of Bahia Fitness Gym (at the Marilyn Monroe statue).

If you don’t know what Zumba is, come along and find out! This lively dance exercise is being held in the downtown plaza, Bucerias, on Saturday 2 May at 6pm. Entry is 100 pesos which gets you a tee-shirt. You can purchase in advance from the organizers, the Bahia Fitness Gym on the southbound lateral, or on the day at the plaza. Proceeds go towards the Animal Wellness Project, part of Paws and Claws project, specifically for emergency medical treatment for animals.

If you would like to become an Amigos de Bucerias member, donate your time and energy, or have any questions you may contact the Amigos de Bucerias at their email amigosdebuceriasac@ gmail.com or website at www. amigosdebucerias.org.

Thanks for tuning in this week!

Right now the La Cruz town festival is happening…come on over to the town square. It’s easy to find! Take a left at the only light and go down to the town square. Enjoy the week!

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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.

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 Sunday May 3rd Mama’s in PV Picnic: Pack up your kids and a picnic basket and join Mamas in PV at El Jardin de la Luna at12 Noon to 6:00 pm for an action packed afternoon filled with lots of love and tons of fun activities!

In the spirit of community, popular local facebook group Mama’s in PV have organized a picnic to benefit Pasitos de Luz, a local organization that provides vital services to disabled children and their families living in extreme poverty in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding communities.

Pack a picnic, your umbrella, sunscreen and anything else you might need for a fun-filled family day in support of one of Vallarta’s most needy charities. There will be events to amuse the children and plenty of mamas (and dad’s too) to chat with.

Admission is free, but Mama’s in PV ask that you support the Pasitos de Luz Association by either donating funds or muchneeded supplies, or by volunteering your time to help care for these children and their families.

At the entrance to the event Mama’s in PV will be collecting trash bags, toilet paper, baby powder, washcloths, liquid soap, detergent and other basic items to be put to immediate use at this wonderful facility that is helping kids, one step at a time.

El Jardín de la Luna is within the Puerto de Luna Hotel, located at Francisco Medina Ascencio Boulevard #2500 in the North Hotel Zone of Puerto Vallarta. For more information, call Mamas in PV at 322-137-3972.

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.

Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Making plans for may?

Plenty going on in Riviera Nayarit 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/

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... NIKO

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iko is one of our brightest stars and never ceases to amaze us. He is self-trained when it came to housebreaking; he has successfully completed three puppy training classes with outstanding reports regarding what a fast learner he is. In addition, Niko is well mannered, rarely barks, loves other dogs, ignores felines and is gentle

with children. A year old, 35 pound Lab-Shepherd mix, he is very playful and needs an active family who will ensure he gets lots of exercise. Niko has been neutered, dewormed and is up to date on all his vaccinations.

Looking for a smart, high energy companion to be part of your active family, contact us to adopt Niko at spcapv@gmail.com.

An evening of Gypsy Flamenco One Night Only - Wednesday, May 6, 2015 he Blond Gypsies come back to Tu Casa en Vallarta for an evening of gypsy rumba and flamenco guitar at No Way Jose! Special Dinner option. Show begins at 8:15 pm. Both of German descent, Latcho and Andrea’s music takes influences from around the world and back through time, authentically producing the mysterious and passionate sounds of Gypsy Flamenco music.

They have recorded nine albums and a DVD chronicling their long musical career. In 1996, Latcho & Andrea decided to leave Europe and relocate to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Since then, Latcho & Andrea’s local popularity has soared and they have been consistently performing throughout Puerto Vallarta and other parts of Mexico, the United States and Europe. We highly recommend advance ticket purchase for this show. These performers will likely sell out this evening!

No Way José! is on the south side of downtown Puerto Vallarta at 5 de Febrero 260, just over the Vallarta street bridge on your left heading south from the Malecón.

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

with Sandra

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f you want to learn more about the real Puerto Vallarta and enjoy walking in our great climate, be sure to take a walking tour with Sandra Cesca, of Learn Vallarta.

Sandra's love and appreciation for her adopted country shines through. Her knowledge of the city's history, various regions, and local merchants will get your Puerto Vallarta visit off to a good beginning. Knowledgeable and

energetic she is always happy to answer questions. She is also gracious enough to share her insights on living in Mexico for those considering retiring here.. Her tours are diversified enough to add to your experience even if you have been to PV many times - or to give the best type of introduction to the city to those new to the city or with only a day to explore. She has many recommendations of visitors

who have taken her tours on Trip Advisor.

Sandra says "I do love what I do and enjoy sharing my knowledge with visitors who want to learn more about the culture and points of interest here through immersion into the local neighborhoods.

I even find that folks who have lived here or visited many times can benefit from taking walks with me. My second guidebook about Puerto Vallarta has just been released!! “Tropical Plant Walks of Puerto Vallarta.” It contains 120 color-coded pages, 200 full color photographs, information, local folklore and medicinal applications used by generations of Mexican healers which also includes a walking guide to the Vallarta Botanical Gardens.Sandra also sells exceptional hand-drawn maps of many of the Banderas Bay areas by well-known cartographer Jeffrey Obser, or Mapa Jeff as he is known

in Vallarta.

These maps are so detailed, indicating every street name, stairs, trails, pathways, and points of interest, that they are THE maps to have for anyone who enjoys walking. Jeff does much of his research by physically walking every inch of the area he is working on and taking detailed notes so he can produce these wonderful maps as accurately as possible.

He updates the more popular Vallarta maps annually, reflecting the changes that have occurred during the year. Sandra has a table in two local artisan and farmers markets promoting her educational walking tours, guidebooks and hand-drawn maps.

Many vendors from the former Paradise Community Center can now be found at two of these markets, the Marsol Market near Los Muertos Pier Friday mornings all year long and Tres Gallinas y

Un Gallo Market in the old La Luna building on Carranza on Saturday mornings. These markets are popular for their friendly atmosphere, relaxed conversation, and the ability to have a cup of coffee and a scone, listen to live music, read the local Mirror or Tribune, and feel the warmth and laughter shared amongst friends while greeting and selling to both newcomers and those returning folks, many whom we know from years past. Be sure to meet Sandra Cesca and add to your appreciation and knowledge of Puerto Vallarta.

Kathleen Carrillo Galleries

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

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

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

Women dealing with many issues, being out of balance, learning to heal from abuse, divorce, working mothers, psychological,

spiritual and physical healing. In her Masters Thesis “Pathfinders”, she depicted woman of all shapes and sizes in Celebration of growth through these life accidents. The next series of works were reflections of a search for her spiritual truths.

Studies of the Goddess became her muse. Many of the images were empowered woman inspired by her studies of the Archetypical Greek Goddesses. Each painting reflected strengths and weaknesses of Diana, Persephone, Athena, Artemis, Demeter, and Hestia. Most recently Kathleen is exploring her personal connection with nature and

it’s healing powers.

She is living in the jungle just outside of town on the Rio Cuale at the base of the Sierra Madres in the little magical Colonia of Paso Del Guayabo. One of the most popular Collections to date is her Jungle Magic Collection which include women who are relearning the healing energies of being in touch with nature through message from animals.

Finally, as Kathleen softens and matures into the balance of her own masculine and feminine balance she has begun exploring her newest paintings, “Friends and Divas 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

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riviera nayarit

Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Lindo Mar. I was always thinking I’d like a restaurant in La Cruz, the hidden diamond of Bahía de Banderas.

The geographic location is perfect and the town has a charming atmosphere. All the people are very friendly; locals and foreigners. The mix of cultures is having a positive impact, for the locals and the community, I see a great future in this area.

The town is beautiful, the spectacular trees in the plaza, the mountains, the jungle, the ocean, the marina... we have everything to make La Cruz the prettiest town on Banderas Bay. We have the fisherman’s cooperative and the fish market with the freshest fish every day so it’s perfect for what I like to do... serve good food in a cool place. I love seafood, so when I saw the marina and walked around and found this nice palapa with a great view right next to the fish market I decided it was the perfect spot to invest and put my restaurant. I called it Oso's because my dad was a big guy and he was called Oso ("bear") as a nickname and my cousins and friends called me Oso too.

About my food… I think cooking is like painting, mixing textures, aromas, colours and as a result, wonderful flavors. I’m always creating and inventing new dishes with a variety of local vegetables, fruit herbs and food from the ocean.

I love Ángel’s prediction… “I think in a few more years la Cruz will be the number one spot in Banderas Bay”. The secret is out…

For the complete story of Angel visit http://www. villaamordelmar.com/ characters-angel-of-osos-in-la-cruz/

is that they take up less storage space than styrofoam.

When Jesus Garcia from El Pollo Surfo, which is located alongside the river on Pelicanos, was asked why he was making the switch from styrofoam to paper, he simply stated, “I understand that styrofoam is bad for the planet and I want to improve Sayulita.

I’ve been here for four years and I want to support Sayulita in becoming a better community.” Juan Antonio Jauregui from Roticeria Le Pechuga on Revolucion shared similar sentiments and said, “It’s a good idea. I want to help the environment.”

Other local vendors who have made the switch include Hot Dogs Kiosko in front of Kiosko, Ricos Tacos Ricki's on Calle Jose Mariscal, Taqueria El Tá Corriendo on Calle Jose Mariscal, El Chino on Punta de Mita Highway, Yolanda's Chicken on Calle Jose Mariscal, and Chilly Willy's on Ninos Heroes.

There are also things that both locals and tourists can do to help in this endeavor. “Question all of the food vendors and restaurants that you go to. If you want something to go, ask what type of container they use. If they use styrofoam, ask for it to be put on a napkin instead, or whenever possible, bring your own container,” suggests Eric.

“We want Sayulita to be a leader in the area on how to have a green community, and this is just one of the ways in which to achieve this,” said Lina Weissman, another member of Eco Sayuilta.

Volunteers are needed to help with this monthly endeavor.

If you would like to help with the next Biodegradable Night, contact Eco Sayulita on facebook (Eco-Sayulita)

Living

In La Cruz

By Cindy Bouchard Cindy Bouchard, an expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com Characters: Ángel of Oso’s restaurant in La Cruz Living a hop, skip and a jump down the beach we were thrilled when Oso’s opened in La Cruz! Ángel with his ever-present smile exuding his passion for people, food and for the village of La Cruz, tells us of the specialties of the house; seafood dishes, with a particular focus on oysters.

Forever the interior designer, my eyes scan the restaurant appreciating the great swaths of color on every wall and intriguing wood and organic decoration. After chatting with Ángel for only a few moments, it’s no surprise to me that his restaurant has turned out to be as colorful as its owner!

A snippet of Ángel’s story…

I grew up in Guadalajara; since I was a kid my life was involved in the hotel and restaurant business.

My dad used to run the "Fenix Hotel" and he owned a very well known restaurant in Guadalajara, Le Trianon. I helped him at the restaurant since I was 13 years old.

I was a dishwasher for summer vacations and weekends, and as I grew I worked in the kitchen, then in service, bar, cashier… in every position. I learned to value the hard work people do to offer service and make costumers happy. I like to cook and serve.

We use to come for vacations to Puerto Vallarta and I always loved the ocean and the seafood. As an adult I moved here and on my days off I would come to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Destiladeras beach, Punta Mita, etc.

The prettiest beaches are on this side of the bay! I worked at a hotel and in various restaurants in Vallarta: Le Bistro, River Cafe and

By: Stacey Elkins

Biodegradable Night with Eco Sayulita

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co Sayulita is making an impact in our Sayulita community by hosting a monthly Biodegradable Night. On these nights, Eco Sayulita, along with volunteers, visit local street food vendors and encourage them to give up their styrofoam containers in exchange for paper ones.

“It just doesn't make sense to eat or drink out of styrofoam anymore.

Even if you don't mind your food coming into contact with such a toxic material, think of all of the poor birds, fish, and other animals who will come into contact with it over the next thousand years,” shared Eric Steinman, a member of Eco Sayulita.

Tuesday, April 21st was the second Biodegradable Night and both nights were met with much success, particularly since Eco Sayulita is making it so easy for vendors to make the switch. Not only are they providing education, to start, they are also swapping styrofoam products for paper ones, free of charge. In the future, vendors can purchase paper products at several stores in town, which cost only slightly more than the styrofoam ones. An added bonus of using paper products

Original: www.sayulitalife.com

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Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Christina Stobbs Photography

Rincon de Guayabitos – Mexico’s Secret Vacation Getaway

I

n the Jaltemba Bay, nestled between the tropical vegetation of the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, hides the quiet seaside town of Rincon de Guayabitos. Named for the groves of guava trees that once lined the shore, the name translates to “corner of the little guava trees” and nowhere will visiting vacationers find a better value for a beach escape in authentic Mexico.

In the 1970’s the Mexican government decided that Guayabitos was to become a resort and an area where foreigners could own property. Since then, many North Americans have discovered the affordable pleasures of Guayabitos and its handful of neighboring coastal towns and villages. Visitors often rent or even buy vacation homes here, but others will find the offering of B&B’s and small independent hotels and resorts in this area some 40 miles north of Puerto Vallarta International Airport equally appealing.

For centuries the home of fishermen, farmers, owners of family-run restaurants and other businesses, Guayabitos, with a population of scarcely 2,000 permanent residents, is, for the visitor, an opportunity to immerse oneself in timeless Mexico before the rest of the world changes it.

There is only one main street, Avenida del Sol Nuevo, parallel to the beach stretching the entire length of Guayabitos. It divides the town into two areas: the Hotel and

Commercial Zone on the south and the Residential Zone on the north.

The Hotel and Commercial Zone is home to several mercados (grocery stores), pharmacies, boutiques offering Mexican handicrafts, clothing stores, discos and restaurants featuring Mexican and American cuisine. Many of Guayabitos’ modestly priced hotels, bungalows and condos are located in this area. During the low season, August to November, hotels are only half full and nightly rates range from US$14 to US$50; weekly and monthly rooms are available. There are several trailer parks with boat launches. The atmosphere here is casual, relaxed and “beach-y.”

The beach itself is the real protagonist of this destination.

Stretching about 1 ½ miles wide, the spectacular flat beach consists of golden sand with calm blue waters. It is lined with palapa-covered restaurants and bustling with beach vendors in colorful canopied carts selling everything from coconut drinks to shrimp on a stick. In fact, the water is so calm that Guayabitos’ beach is referred to as “The Largest Swimming Pool in the World.” The beach is perfect for walking, swimming, people watching or to simply sit and run one’s toes through the sand under the warm sun. Farther down the beach there is an area that is good for bodysurfing and boogie boarding. Afternoon winds make for good sailing and windsurfing.

The majority of restaurants in

Guayabitos are family-run. The local cuisine is seafood and Mexican dishes. Around town one can find a few fruit stands and stalls with fresh fruits such as mangos, pineapples, papayas and melons. Vista Guayabitos is a must-try when visiting the area; the restaurant sits atop one of the highest points in Guayabitos and offers a spectacular view of the entire Jaltemba Bay. At Tonita’s Restaurant, you’ll find Tonita and her family serving incredible Mexican dishes. La pina Loca, a popular local favorite, offers everything from tortilla soup and Enchiladas to Fajitas, coconut shrimp and locally caught seafood.

At Salvador’s, established in 1980, visitors can dine on nightly dinner specials on the beachfront patio.

If you are looking for something a little more casual, head down the main street to La Toscana, which offers tasty traditional Mexican fare with a warm smile; Pollo Alexandra known for its grilled marinated chicken; and George’s Tres Banderas Café to enjoy a sweet roll with a cappuccino or mango smoothie. There are many other small restaurants and stands where you can find fresh fruit and juices as well as tacos and tortas.

For the traveler who wants to do more than eat well and lie on the beach, Guayabitos and the surrounding region has a lot to see and do.

The deep sea fishing for marlin, sailfish and tuna is excellent yearround. In the winter months the

famous humpback whale migration provides ample opportunities for whale watching and three native species of endangered sea turtles – the Olive Ridley, the Leatherback and the Hawksbill – become the focus of hatchling releases. Birdwatching – Mexico is home to more species of birds than the U.S. and Canada combined – draws visitors from around the world while others come for horseback riding, hiking, cycling or trekking. The rugged Sierra Madre which protects the coastline provides plenty of opportunities for mountain adventures.

Horseback riding trips are available through the tropical rainforest of Los Ayala, through the mountains or through the beach. And, on Monday mornings, the town’s “tianguis” or market brings out the entire population.

Boat trips to Isla Coral, a small island visible from shore, go for just $5 per person. Glass bottom boats line the shore waiting to take people for a ride near this island where one can view marine life through the boat bottom and see frigate birds and terns nesting on the island.. There is a good spot offshore, Isla Cangrejo, accessible only by boat for people to snorkel or

scuba dive. Other nearby beaches include Playa los Ayala and Playa del Beso on a tiny secluded cove reachable by a path over the hills.

The often deserted beach at Punta Raza is another favorite, along with the lesser known La Peñita de Jaltemba and Chacala.

Art and culture lovers can visit the Altavista archeological site near Chacala with important petroglyphs. This area was home to the Tecoxquin culture and is now an important religious center for the indigenous Huichols.

Sports enthusiasts will find jet skis, water skiing, tennis and its mini-version, pickle ball, all available as well as Campo del Ensueño nine-hole golf course (though several signature championship courses are nearby in Punta Mita, Puerto Vallarta and other resort areas), yoga and massages on the beach.

Getting to Guayabitos is as simple as pointing your car north and heading past Sayulita about another 30 minutes. There is a well market turn off and stop light. Turn left and just follow the road to the beach.

Originally published in Mexi-Go! Magazine

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

21

Apr 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

I.F.C. – What’s Ahead?

By John Warren

L

ast week I.F.C. held its final meeting of the “season.” The new Board of Directors of the club was installed and Dan Grippo, the club’s President for the last two years, handed over the reins to the new President, Henry Golas. Henry moved from Toronto to Puerto Vallarta three years ago and lives here full-time.

He served as a Director of I.F.C. for the last two years and chaired the Education Committee last year. Henry is passionate about helping other people and has visited most of the charities that the club supports with money or with food and he wants the club to expand the help that it gives to the less fortunate Mexicans who live in the area of the Bay of Banderas.

As well as giving help to local people, Henry sees one of his roles as President as giving the members of I.F.C. a wide variety of activities. Residents of and

visitors to Puerto Vallarta want a variety of things from their membership in the club.

Some want to make new friends or meet old ones and they find that the Friday evening social hour from 5:00pm to 6:00pm followed by dinner afterwards is a great way to do that.

Others want to play a social game of bridge and they become occasional or committed members of the Social Bridge games on Friday afternoons.

Many people here have just retired and want to volunteer their time and their talents to a good cause and they help by serving on committees, delivering food to poor families, meeting with organizations that need our financial help and by operating the famous I.F.C. Home Tours.

Others want the stimulation of learning Spanish or listening to lectures on history, culture, medical matters, ecology, spirituality, finances or travel. Some like to relax with a bag of popcorn and

attend the Monday night movies.

And others just join for the discounts members get from the club’s preferred vendors. The club has close to 500 members and their needs are very diverse.

Henry, the new President, not only wants every one of the members to be satisfied with their membership but he is also committed to making the members more involved and better informed.

It’s a tough task but he and the new Board of Directors have the skills and the enthusiasm to take the I.F.C forward to an excellent future.

In other news from I.F.C., the club was pleased to celebrate the graduation of students from its English Outreach Program.

Every Tuesday and Thursday evening from January 20th to March 26th eight to ten volunteer teachers met with two dozen Mexican students who wanted to learn English.

The classes started with a 30-minute lesson and then split

into small groups to do exercises and activities related to the lesson. After each class, students were given handouts for homework that was then reviewed at the next session.

The students, who range in age from nine to fifty-two, come from all walks of life. Itzuri, for example, is a twelve-year-old who travels by bus for an hour and a half to attend class. She is taking these English classes to give herself a better future. Maricela is thirty, works in a pharmacy all day and wants to improve her English so she can better serve her customers. Yaneli is a sixteen-year-old student who attends regular classes at school during the day and then rides the bus for over an hour to attend the IFC English classes.

She and all the other students know that many of the best job opportunities are offered to those who speak English.

The students are not the only ones who gain from this

experience.

The teachers enjoy watching their students grow and love to see the huge smiles of pride on their faces after they have completed their first sentence in English or, after struggling with a word’s meaning, suddenly understands it.

The teachers also enjoy having a vacation where they can help someone, meet new and interesting people, and learn some Spanish from their students. All of them say that they have had a good life and it is time for them to give back something to society.

The I.F.C will offer the English Outreach Program again next January.

The International Friendship Club is a registered charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad de Puerto Vallarta A.C. It is located at the northeast corner of the Insurgentes Rio Cuale Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, 48300.

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 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092

classified and more...

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Apr 30 - May 6, 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 Local: 322-228-0128 US: 401-608-2600

Contact Lisa Wallace www.VillaMizpah.com

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

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

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 Bucerias Market - Monday Artwalk Plaza Guayabitos – Mondays year-round In the main plaza 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 Lo de Marcos Tianguis – Saturdays In the main plaza

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

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

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

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

Services Sunday 10:00 a.m. Air-conditioned Now! Services held each Sunday year around English-Traditional Holy Communion All faiths welcome-Casual Dress Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Father Michael cell: 044-322-303-3916 Father Jack jackandshirley1@att.net

www.ChristChurchByTheSea.org www.IglesiaCristoDelMar.org

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

23

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 30 - May 6, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com