Issue 949, June 11 - 17, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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Life in Vallarta the morning after

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June 11 - 17, 2015 Free Issue 949

Travel exploring tequila

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Local Artists lourdes valdes

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Art Courtesy Harkness Institute

art auction in support of bucerias orphanages

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

Jun 11 - 17, 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

Gretchen DeWitt he mission of PEACEAnimals is to prevent the suffering of animals. We reduce, but do not eliminate, the suffering of animals by sterilizing approximately 4,000 cats and dogs annually. Many thousands of kittens and puppies are born here every year, and an enormous number are born to starve, become diseased, injured or killed by vehicles and often become victims of abandonment and abuse. Please contact any or all of the animal rescue organizations if you need help for an animal or would like to adopt one. That list is on our website on the “resource” tab.

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 Puro Gato Centro de Acopio Animal PURR PROJECT Cuidando sus Huelitos PV Animal Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals PV Dog News Helping Pets in Puerto Vallarta Rescate Animalista Huellitas Catninas LADRA Match Dog Com NOTE: A recent law was passed in Jalisco that MexPup requires all pets be sterilized after the age of eight NO BORDERS ANIMAL weeks. To not comply with the law means a fine of RESCUE ORGANIZATION (NOBARS) 5,400 pesos.

Paraiso Felino This information is being given out by our educaPEACEANIMALS PERROS PERDIDOS PUERTO VALLARTA tion director at schools and at our clinics.

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

editorial

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Editor’s

Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

Note

Janice Gonzalez

editor@vallartatribune.com

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his weekend I am heading to a wedding in Mexico. This one will be in Tepic, Nayarit.

My first thought was, “I don’t own shoes high enough”. And I stopped wearing arcrylic tips because they were destroying my nails. And my hair is never straight or luxuriously shiny. It’s hard to compete with Mexican women when they’re out for a party. It’s one big tight fitting, shiny, sparkly fiesta.

This wedding has forced me to go shopping just weeks before I head back to Canada where sizes and sale pricing abounds. It’s true that shoes in Mexico are ridiculously cheap (and often cheaply made). But they are made for women with dainty Cinderella feet, not my solid Scottish farmer feet.

I routinely glance in the windows of the one million shoe stores in Caracol Shopping Centre and try to catch the eye of the sales girl who is avoiding me because she knows.

“Hi, do you have these in a 27?”

Cue sad pity face as she glances down to my beast feet. “No, we only go to 25.” Lucky for me shopping for a dress is easier since most are made with plenty of spandex. (I’m kidding. Sort of.)

Now, I could head to Liverpool for some American brands – Nine West and the like but there they cost 2 or 3 times what I would pay (on sale) in Canada and it’s hard to justify it. Or over to Flexi – generous sizing and comfortable. Perfect for my grandmother. And not helpful in my pursuit to compete with the señoritas. To top it off the offending shoes need to be at least 4 inches high and preferably dripping in jewels – like they were found in the caves of Aladdin.

Once I find a pair that fits, I feel compelled to buy them just because I don’t know how long it will be until I find another pair. Kind of like jeans. Another near impossible purchase in this country despite it being one of the world’s top producers of jeans.

“Do you have these without the bejeweled pockets?” is a ques-

tion I stopped asking long ago as the answer is invariably always a “No,” accompanied with a look like I’m crazy.

I have a socioeconomic theory about the level of bling one wears and it helps explain the ridiculous amount of cheap sparkle the fashions of this country come with.

But I digress.

The highlight of my shopping has to be air-conditioning and the huge sales the big department stores are running right now. With prices like this how can I say no?

So wedding or not, it’s hot as hades right now, though rain is projected in the next few days. If you don’t have a pool or walk-in fridge, head to the shops or the movies or the cooler in Costco for some much need respite. Say cool and hydrated.

Until next week.

ome and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary. Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned.

Your love and attention can make up for that sad history.

During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk. You can also play with the animals, assist the vet or help with dinner time.

Are you ready to get involved? Pack your bag for an amazing afternoon at the SPCA! Please bring water, a sack lunch and any treats you might enjoy during your visit. Sharing food with the animals is prohibited.

We encourage you to bring your camera. Take as many photos as you like, and share them with us and your social media community.

Your photos and videos can help these dogs and cats find their forever homes with people who will treat them with the love and

care they deserve.

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.

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.

Unforgettable Puerto Vallarta My destiny is undoubtedly tied to the ocean, it is there I find the balance of my being

By Marcelo Alcaraz Hotelier by profession, passionate about tourism, committed to Puerto Vallarta, currently General Director of the Hotel Rosita.

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n the heart of one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world, Bahia de Banderas, in a idyllic corner of paradise on the Mexican Pacific coast, lies #PuertoVallarta, one of the favorite tourist beach destinations for both national and international visitors.

Framed by the majestic Occidental Sierra Madre mountains, offering a wide range of green hues, we find this typical Mexican town, with its cobblestone streets, white-walled houses, and terracotta ceramic tile roofs, a place where exceptio-

nally warm people live. For some years now, it has been named the “Friendliest City in the World” by the Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

At this seaside destination, it is a delight to swim in the warm waters of the Pacific Ocean. Its golden sand beaches and emerald green waters, reflecting its mountains, create the ideal scenario for framing the spectacular multi-colored and magical sunsets that transport you to another dimension, as if it were a programmed event. This daily happening captivates and makes you fall even more in love with this destination. #PuertoVallarta is more than sun and beach, it is a comprehensive destination offering a great variety of activities and attractions to be experienced. Among the highlights are gastronomy, adventure, ecotourism, water sports, art, culture, golf, wellbeing, romance,

covering as well the needs of groups and conventions, etc.

The Malecon is one of the most popular places to visit, as its more than 1km long boardwalk and the streets that flow into it, offer action and entertainment 24 hours a day: restaurants, cafés, ice cream shops, night clubs, discos, artisan markets, shops, boutiques, jewelry stores, art galleries, museums and almost twenty small plazas with sculptures. The “Voladores de Papantla”, sand sculptures, sunset, free shows at the open air theater of “Los Arcos”, the kiosk, the main plaza, City Hall, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and many other things can be found here as well. This stroll along the seashore is magical, and can be enjoyed morning, afternoon and evening as at each of these times it will be a different experience. #PuertoVallarta is a destina-

This stroll along the seashore is magical, and can be enjoyed morning, afternoon and evening as at each of these times it will be a different experience tion that has to be explored and enjoyed through your senses so as to discover each of its colorful and flavor-filled corners. You will taste, smell, see, hear and feel all the wonders it offers, and you can only achieve this by coming here; live it to believe it.

To be a Vallartan, either by birth or adoption, involves a serious

professional commitment to give the best of yourself, with both passion and enthusiasm, every single day. Each of us is a piece of the jigsaw puzzle to be experienced by visitors; the goal is to have that image, that memory, that trip, become a long lasting unforgettable memory.

Original: visitpuertovallarta.com

news

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Forces train dogs for marine rescue work Docky and SAR are the first two graduates of the program

Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Independent’s win is one for history books

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he Mexican Armed Forces are pioneering the training of dogs in marine rescue, second only to Colombia in terms of the advances they have made.

The Mexican Navy and Army have created a pilot program in which two Belgian Malinois shepherds, donated by the Boy Scouts, went through a two-year training program that allows them to help with the Army’s water rescue maneuvers. ”We came up with this idea after one of our lifeguards had to rescue five people. The rescue was successful, but he ended up on the brink of hypothermia. This made us curious: ‘Could we train dogs to help lifeguards in these situations?’” said Frigate Captain José Waldo Baños Vázquez.

His inquiries showed that historically dogs have been included in rescue missions, but only in mountainous areas and snow conditions.

After a long investigation, the Navy decided in 2013 that the Belgian shepherds were the ideal breed of dog the task required, and luckily they had just received a pair of pups as a donation.

Part of the project included the creation of lifejackets with a special mechanism that, once activated by a lifeguard or the dog itself, would make the animal more buoyant and

capable of doing more.

Docky and SAR (the second was named using the English acronym “search and rescue”) are the two first graduates of the program and are now part of the water rescue unit of the Mexican Navy.

Both dogs were part of an exhibition last week called Expo Mar 2015, entertaining visitors such as 10-year-old Silvia. “It’s like a St. Bernard, but in the sea,” she marveled as she listened to an explanation given by the dog’s handler, a Navy scuba diver.

Corvette Captain Luis Bernardo Villarreal explained that the Navy’s high command is tasked with keeping people safe at sea through its 19 search, rescue and surveillance stations, manned by highly qualified human — and now canine — personnel.

The Navy also monitors the

coast, protects endangered species and conducts patrols at strategic facilities. It is also one of the first responders in natural disasters.

The Expo Mar 2015 event was intended to strengthen the ties between the Navy and the public through 10 interactive modules that highlight its attributions and missions, all focused on guaranteeing the rule of law and national sovereignty.

Most of those who attended were children and teenagers who were given the chance to try tying intricate knots, while studying the skeleton of a pilot whale that had become stranded on a beach.

They also had the opportunity to operate a ship on a simulator and learn about marine species.

Source: Milenio (sp) mexiconewsdaily.com

Mexico elections: President's party set to retain power

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n Mexico's elections for Congress, President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party and its allies look set to retain control. On current projections, the PRI will win around 30% of the vote and see its number of seats drop slightly. An independent candidate has won a state governorship for the first time since legal change allowed that. The head of the National Electoral Institute, Lorenzo Cordova, said that the president's party and its allies look set to win between 246 and 263 seats in the 500-member lower chamber.

The opposition conservative National Action Party has won around 22% of the vote, he said.

The government suffered some setbacks. It lost the governorship of

the northern state of Nuevo Leon to an independent, Jaime Rodriguez Calderon. The outspoken rancher, also known as "El Bronco" or the gruff one, is the first independent to win a state governorship.

His victory is seen as a wake-up call for the country's traditional parties, says the BBC's Katy Watson in Mexico City.

Ahead of the elections, there was a great deal of pessimism - the feeling among many that votes do

not really matter, politicians here are all the same, and violence will continue no matter what.

But at a polling station on Sunday, in relatively peaceful Mexico City, there was a sense of duty among many - that voting was the only way to make a difference.

Asked what their main concern was and almost without exception, the response among voters was: 'Security.'

Original www.bbc.com

El Bronco wins Nuevo León governor's race with large majority

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istory was made in Nuevo León yesterday when an independent candidate was elected a state governor for the first time in Mexico. Just as energy reform opened the oil industry, electoral reform opened the political class to newcomers without a party structure behind them, and so Jaime Rodríguez Calderón got on the ballot and went on to win power with a very comfortable majority.

Preliminary results as of this afternoon gave El Bronco, as Rodríguez is commonly known, 49% of the vote while his nearest rival, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) candidate, trailed with 24%.

Six years ago, voters in the highly industrialized state elected a PRI governor, who also won with 49% of the vote.

But this year’s cowboy candidate, seen as an outspoken straight-shooter, changed everything, and promises to continue doing just that.

“Nuevo León will be the start of a second Mexican revolution,” he said in a brief telephone interview with the New York Times.

“It’s a sign that you can have a revolution at the polls; we are giving the parties that had been governing a six-year vacation,” he added.

Rodríguez is not a stranger to politics, having served as mayor of the wealthy Monterrey suburb of San Pedro Garza García and sat as a local and a federal deputy in the days when he was a PRI stalwart.

He earned his nickname during an election some years ago for party president in the

state. “I’m tough and I’m going to make decisions as we northerners make them, we’re scrappers in the best meaning of the word.

It annoys me, it irritates me, it angers me when the politician who wins shutters himself in his air-conditioned office and battles against whatever’s outside,” he was quoted as saying at the time.

He made a name for himself as mayor of García, particularly as a result of two assassination attempts in 2011. After “a clean-up” of the local police force he offered his cell phone number to citizens should they wish to report cases of extortion or protection rackets by organized crime.

He invited citizens to do the same through Facebook and Twitter, social networks that he employed to his advantage in the campaign for governor.

The 57-year-old Rodríguez is an agricultural engineer by training and a farmer by occupation.

He is also fond of horses, and often showed up riding one at campaign events.

His election win yesterday is being seen as a signal to the established parties that they are not in the public’s good graces.

“The triumph of El Bronco is a warning to the parties, renovate or die, and the presage of a citizen candidate in 2018,” wrote political historian Enrique Krauze on his Twitter account.

By citizen candidate he meant an independent running for president in three years.

If an independent can win a governor’s office, can the presidential residence of Los Pinos be far off for a politico who is not weighed down by the baggage of the existing main parties?

Source: New York Times (en), Milenio (sp) Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

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Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico leads LatAm in luxury goods sales Sales of luxury clothing, jewelry and other goods rose 11% last year

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hat sector of the economy grew five times faster than the economy itself last year? Sales of luxury goods.

Those sales drove Mexico for the first time into the No. 1 spot in the luxury goods market in all of Latin America, pushing Brazil into second place. Sales of goods such as beauty products, liquor, clothing and more totaled US $14 billion, an 11% increase over the previous year, and almost a billion dollars more than Brazil.

“The Mexican market is without a doubt at a stage of maturity where consumer behavior shows a growing awareness of luxury

goods,” said Abelardo Marcondes, manager of Luxury Lab, organizer of an annual forum for luxury brands that will take place Monday

in Mexico City. That awareness is leading to more purchases. He said beauty products, perfumes, liquor and clothing saw double-digit

Mexico set to become a gastronomic force Tourism secretary has high expectations after three restaurants rank among top 50

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hat Mexico has three restaurants rated among the top 50 in the world is recognition that Mexican cuisine is world class, says Tourism Secretary Claudia Ruiz Massieu. Interviewed by Adela Micha of Grupo Imagen, Ruiz Massieu said she has no doubt that Mexico will become “the gastronomic force of the decade.”

The restaurants that made the Diners Club/San Pellegrino top-50 list were Pujol, No. 16; Quintonil, No. 35; and Biko, No. 37. All are located in the Polanco district of Mexico City.

“The three are restaurants that have a distinct offering of what is Mexican gastronomy,” said the tourism secretary, adding that the awards have a lot to do with how the world is coming to see Mexico.

She said Mexico will host the Latin American version of the awards event as part of a strategy to position the country as a culinary capital.

Another strategy is the inclusion of women in poor regions of the country into tourism value chains.

Ruiz Massieu said meetings are planned with UN Women, an agency of the United Nations, to determine the means to incorpo-

rate such women into those value chains through Mexican cuisine. “. . . women are the custodians of so many of our traditions . . .” she said. The top-50 list of restaurants is based on a poll of 972 experts in gastronomy who form what is called the Diners Club Best Restaurants Academy. Each member casts seven votes for their favorite restaurants of the previous 18 months and the results are compiled by an independent firm.

The academy offered a written description of each of the winners; here are excerpts from what they had to say about those from Mexico. At Pujol, chef and owner Enrique Olvera uses modern techniques and native ingredients to recreate ancient dishes and invent new ones showcasing unusual

flavor combinations.

Huitlacoche, or corn fungus, and powdered ants are among the ingredients.

Jorge Vallejo at Quintonil, who trained under Pujol’s Olvera, focuses on fresh seasonal ingredients, forgotten herbs and grains and indigenous produce. Many of the restaurant’s ingredients come from its own urban orchard, 30 meters away.

At Biko, French-born Mikel Alonso and Bruno Oteiza and Gerard Bellver from Spain fuse Basque flavors with Mexican ingredients that result in “a dazzling but fun repertoire,” such as foie gras candyfloss and geometrical milk origami.

Source: Excélsior (sp) Original: Mexico Daily News

increases while sales of vehicles and watches were not far behind.

Brands are becoming more aware that Mexicans are disposed to pay more for better-quality products and a better buying experience, Marcondes said.

Mexicans are also buying more luxury goods at home rather than traveling to the United States for them, lured in part by credit facilities offered by stores such as Liverpool and Palacio de Hierro.

Sales of designer clothing and shoes make up 40% of sales in the sector, followed by jewelry and watches with 27%, accessories with 18%, alcoholic beverages at 8% and beauty products at 6%, according to Euromonitor, a consultancy.

Marcondes also notes a shift in consumer preferences: more are

basing buying decisions on the design of the product rather than the logo it bears.

The only thing missing in the luxury goods sector, he says, are Mexican businesses. It is dominated by international firms, although this country has the talent to exploit fashion, silverware or gastronomy.

The luxury expert suggested public policies are needed to promote the development of businesses in the sector, a strategy he believes is justified because it offers the possibility of good pay for employees, it’s a resilient market and it hasn’t stopped growing at a good pace in recent years despite weak growth in the economy as a whole.

Source: El Economista (sp) Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

The Best of Vallarta Recognized

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ike some of the celebrities who have visited Puerto Vallarta, most recently Gwyneth Paltrow, Chris Martin, LeAnn Rimes and Selena Gomez, the destination has continued its annual awards season celebration with a number of accolades from consumers, media and trade in the United Stated and Canada.

With sales to the destination continuing high, American Express placed it as the number 3 most popular destination for this summer season. Earlier this month, Puerto Vallarta was also placed in the Top 2 “Best Honeymoon Destination" at the Bay Area Reporter Besties 2015 reader poll.

Tripadvisor’s consumer base of more than 2 million monthly users have once again voted Puerto Vallarta onto their list of overall best destinations, this year coming in at #2 overall best Mexican destination and Playa Los Muertos as one of the top 10 Beaches in Mexico for the 2015 Traveler’s Choice Award.

Rivera Del Rio Hotel entered the list of Best B&B at #4 and six of the top 10 Travelers’ Favorite Fine Dining Restaurants are in Puerto Vallarta – Café de Artistes, Vista Grill, Ocean Grill, Bistro Teresita, Le Kliff and Trio.

The Traveler’s Choice Awards are of great significance because each destination must earn the award as a result of maintaining at least a 4-star average score from consumers in both their hotels and restaurants over the course of 12 months.

With a variety of places to fit any budget, the destination’s lodging options include leading hotel chains,

all-inclusive resorts, haciendas, boutique hotels and much more.

AAA has renewed the Four Diamond Award rating for the Barcelo Puerto Vallarta (2008), CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa (1991), Casa Velas Hotel Boutique (2003), Fiesta Americana Puerto Vallarta (2001), Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort (2013), Now Amber (2013), Secrets Vallarta Bay (2013), Sunset Plaza Beach Resort & Spa (2011), Villa Premire Hotel & Spa (2006) and the Westin Resort and Spa, which has held the distinction for over 22 years in a row. For over 79 years AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property inspections. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities.

Puerto Vallarta is one of the most acclaimed destinations in Mexico and continually receives accolades from the media and visitors alike.

US News & World Reports selected Puerto Vallarta in Jan 2015 as "#2 Best Place to Visit in Mexico "#5 Best Beaches in Mexico and #4 Best Spring break Destination." The destination was also named Mexico's #4 under the "Top Cities in Mexico and Central and South America" category in Travel + Leisure's World's Best Awards in 2013. Puerto Vallarta’s CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa was also rated #8 in the Top 10 Resorts in the Pacific Riviera as chosen by readers of the prestigious magazine Condé Nast Traveler.

Original: visitpuertovallarta.com

local

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Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Dealing

Paradise

with Your Crazy Expat Neighbor

and Parenting

By Ariel O’Donnell

arielod@hotmail.com

Leza Warkentin mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

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f you’ve lived in Puerto Vallarta for any length of time, you’ve probably had a crazy expat neighbor. They’re the ones who are always complaining about the noise, garbage, fireworks, chickens, dogs barking and illegally parked cars. When not complaining they’re usually found discussing low prices, drinking heavily, and gossiping about other expats.

Here are some of my suggestions for dealing with your crazy expat neighbors:

Not Thinking About Elephants

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1. Ignore them completely.

I find that completely and utterly ignoring something or someone is the strongest tool in my arsenal.

Find a special happy place in your mind and go there when your crazy neighbor attempts contact with you.

2. Act crazier than them.

Trust me, no one will want to deal with you if they think you are genuinely crazy. Not only will they steer clear, you will also become part of their regular gossip repertoire.

The downside is that you’ll need to deal with the searching and quizzical looks from other people in the neighborhood and around town. Here are some crazy acting suggestions: Have loud and violent conversations with an imaginary friend; walk around in the nude; talk a lot with people about either interstellar travel, the Lizard People or the End Times.

3. Keep $40,000 pesos on hand.

Sounds weird, but having just gone through springing someone from the penitentiary due to a crazy spiteful neighbor’s wrath (true story), I cannot emphasize this tip enough.

4. Stare crazy neighbor down.

My mother has a couple in her apartment complex who perch on their terrace sipping vodka all day long monitoring pool area and yelling at anyone who dares to go for a swim.

Even though the complex is small, they have the perception that they

are the king and queen of the common area. Every time I visit I make a point of staring directly at them for an uncomfortably long period of time. They inevitably become self-conscious, get up and skulk back into their apartment.

5. Buy a Chihuahua.

There is no greater revenge than owning any mixture of this breed.

As a rule, they are a grumpy and prone to hysterical and high pitched barking fits.

6. Sponsor a Quinceañera The Mother of all-nighter fiestas.

Your standard Quinceañera should include: children, loud music, booze, and truckloads of food. Consider hosting one for a Mexican friend.

Fill your common area with balloon bouquets, plastic chairs, tables, an enormous sound system, and let the games begin!

7. Have an Exorcism.

How can anyone complain about your need to expel Satan from your premises? Your average exorcism is a loud and lively affair. Too, a true

exorcism can take weeks and/or months of priestly visits for expulsion of the demon and to have your soul reclaimed.

8. Buy a rooster.

There is nothing that says Mexico more than a rooster. Put him in your yard and enjoy his daily or hourly crowing sessions.

If you purchase a young one you have the added bonus of listening to his defiant struggle to find his voice and perfect his crow.

9. Take up an instrument.

Preferably something socially irresponsible such as the tuba or the accordion. Practice early in the morning and late at night.

10. Buy a Parrot Teach the bird to repeat a particularly annoying phrase that includes the name of your neighbor, for example: “Donna wants a hot date!” “Donna owes me money!” or “Donna stole my water dish!”

For other tips and tricks on handling naughty neighbors, just contact me at arielod@hotmail.com

was gifted the other day with a spa experience that involved a massage, a facial, and a hand and foot treatment. This was very special because I don’t go to the spa if I’m spending my own money, because I no longer have my own money.

Most of my husband’s and my money is spent on the children’s upkeep. After that we provide for our animals’ upkeep. If we have something left we can then do a little car or house upkeep. What we spend on ourselves is pretty much for personal survival so we can continue to provide for at least the first two things.

It had been awhile, then, since I had gone to a spa and just enjoyed a guilt-free hour or two being pampered. I was ready for it. At least I thought I was.

The trouble started when I remembered what I had promised my friend after she gave me the certificate. I had said (without thinking) “I am going to completely empty my mind and just enjoy the experience”.

As it turns out, saying you will empty your mind has a similar effect as the experiment I saw on the movie “Inception” when one of the actors told the other NOT to think about an elephant.

“Empty” is a magic word that causes your head to immediately fill with thoughts similar, in both volume and style, to a tambora band at a quince años party.

At this time of the year, there’s a lot to think about. As the fiesta really got going up there, I started remembering things that I was supposed to finish by yesterday and forgot about. There were the kids’ summer camp registrations. There were my daughter’s birthday plans. There was my deadline for this very column.

I almost got off the table and ran for it. I remembered just in

time that my clothes were on the other side of the room.

I decided to get things under control instead.

As I grabbed a thought trombone and tried to wrestle it away from its owner while kicking a snare drum of worry off its base, I tried to keep my face perfectly still so as not to alarm my massage therapist.

This concentration helped me to move my thoughts from the chaos to the more physical task of self control.

Working on keeping my face expressionless started me wondering if the therapist ever imagined that her unmoving, unsmiling clients looked like cadavers. I began to worry because I know that I look a lot better (and more alive) when I smile, but then I considered that a smile in this situation might seem inappropriate (creepy). Especially because my eyes were closed.

Fun fact: it’s not that easy to keep your eyes closed once you think about your eyes being closed. I’m pretty sure she saw my lids flutter frantically, because just then a warm cloth dropped over my eyes, smelling of everything that’s ever smelled nice. I smiled in thanks but quickly shut THAT down, remembering the thing about trying not to scare the therapist.

But that heavenly smelling cloth did a lot for my level of relaxation. With one sniff, I finally realized two things: a) My column had basically just written itself b) I had been lying in silence for almost an hour and no one had knocked to ask me to prepare any food items or talk them through a complicated clean-up situation So I laid back and gave myself permission to not think about elephants, which, naturally, conjured up a whole herd.

At least they weren’t carrying brass instruments (although they are now).

local

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Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

My Life

in Vallarta

By Lois Ellison loell87@yahoo.com

The Morning After

Bud Ellison

T

oday is Sunday, June 7th.

Last night Hurricane Blanca passed by Puerto Vallarta far out to sea. Nonetheless, high tides and huge waves generated by the storm left quite a mark around Banderas Bay. We live about four blocks inland and were blissfully unaware the waters had begun rising and pounding our shore around 10 p.m. last night. Setting out on our morning walk around 7:00 a.m. we reach the beach at the base of Basilio Badillo. It is immediately evident that something had happened.

Sandbags in front of Daquiri Dick’s, lots of sand on the walkway.

Nothing alarming or particularly unusual.

Thing got really interesting after we round the corner and head north. Lazaro Cardenas Park to the Sea Monkey, there i so much sand on the sidewalk, we feel as if we we’re walking on the beach.

You may recall that the Langosta Loca restaurant was wiped out by Hurricane Norbert last year and then rebuilt built at twice the size, violating lots of rules and generating much controversy. Well, as they say, what goes around comes around. Blanca took most of the equipment from the ground floor and the restaurant is in a state of semi-collapse.

There is so much sand that the benches in front Vista del Sol look like they were made for children. Sit there now and your knees will be in your chest. As for the Sea Monkey, their palapas are all on the ground up by the entrance, perhaps taken down ahead of the storm. Sadly their beach has been obliterated and now lays several feet below the level of the sidewalk.

Up and over the pedestrian bridge, the walkway is littered with stones and rocks. Big ones. It’s amazing what water power can move. The breakfast crew at ViteA surveys the mess and asks us if we think anyone will show up to for breakfast today. My husband shakes his head and suggests they all take the day off. This gets a

good laugh from everyone.

From Los Arcos amphitheater up to the Rosita it is a mixed bag.

Some areas are just wet. Others have been changed dramatically.

The first two sand sculpture areas we come to are wiped clean, with no trace of the beauty that had been created there. When and if they can rebuild remains to be seen, as these stretches of beach are now solid with rocks, no sand

to be seen. Amazingly, the sand sculpture of the Virgin of Guadalupe is intact.

As for the Malecon itself, in one section near El Faro about two dozen of the concrete capstones from the seawall are tossed about on the ground, as if made of Styrofoam. I guess the developers underestimated the power of Mother Nature.

Along the way, we stop to chat

and exchange observations and rumors with various folks.

From one we hear that the Barracuda restaurant is totally gone. True?

We didn’t walk up that far, but it is certainly possible. Hurricane Kenna destroyed pretty much everything along that street in 2002.

Heading home, the crew at ViteA is busy clearing the rocks

from in front of the restaurant.

Crowds of people have gathered along the way and valiant surfers have taken to the water.

I head home and my husband returns to take photos. Sure enough ViteA is open and a couple of stalwarts are having breakfast.

And so, almost as quickly as the waters rose, life returns to normal here in Vallarta. Well, maybe not normal, but it’s getting there.

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

T

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

meat and fish, honey, a variety of pickles, beets, and other tasty condiments.

The selection of jewelry is awesome with all styles and types of creations in sterling silver with natural stones, beads, and other metals, bracelets, earrings and souvenirs.

You will find beachwear, hand painted clothing, T shirts, Oaxaca textiles, original art, cards, masks, sculptures, accessories, bird feeders, handmade leather goods, handbags, cooling ties, aprons, fused and blown glass, free optical exams, decoration services, tours, maps, books, healing massage and products, & essential oils and more.

This is a great place for our vendors to promote their busi-

Sandra Cesca

Oyster Plant / Pico de Pollo Rhoeo spathacea

“EXPO FIESTA ERÓTICA GAY” EROS 69

M

oses-in-the-Cradle, Boat Lily. An herbaceous ornamental grown for its attractive purple and green foliage in borders and rock gardens.

The name comes from the small white flowers nestled in purple boat-like formations. A decoction of the flowers and leaves has been used for colds, sore throat, whooping cough, nasal bleeding, bacillary dysentery and blood in the stool. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol

he Marsol summer market continues to be well attended by our permanent residents and many new tourists who are here enjoying our great weather and the beauty of this port. In addition to many of our regular vendors who have been with us all season lots of new merchants have joined us from several other area markets that have closed for the summer.

You will find several types of homemade bread, bagels, cinnamon rolls, fine pastries, quiche, shepherd pies, gluten free products, corn flan, special condiments, fresh sprouts, organic coffee, sausage, hummus, Italian products and salsas, sea food tostadas and tacos, pizza, spicy chili, rich fruit and nut cookies, cool fruit drinks and refrescos, smoked

S

Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

tarting June 6th at Utopia Restaurant and Bar on Rio Cuale is the erotic photo exposition called Eros 69 presented by Elke Gonzales. The exposition features a homosexual perspective with explicit photos to create dialogue and promotion of the gay community in Vallarta.

While recent history has been favourable for gay rights, there is still much to attain and little by little our actions create equality.

It is for this reason that the exposition creates an introspective on our perceptions of society and the individual, demostrating we are all equal and the same.

Elke González Fotógrafa

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

nesses and where their clients can find them every Friday from 9:30 to 1:30 all summer.

Many of our members of the Vallarta Shopping Directory have tables here in addition to their stores and restaurants, as our aim is to promote our local merchants.

Be sure to check the listings on the online shopping directory at www.puertovallartadining-shoppig.com where you will find 20 categories of local businesses with photos, information about their products and all contact information.

We welcome all residents and visitors to join us every Friday, from 9:30 to 1:30 in a fun atmosphere with live music at the Marsol Hotel by the Las Velas pier in the Romantic Zone.

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Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Exploring Tequila, Jalisco

F

rom Puerto Vallarta to Tequila is a 3 hour drive east towards Guadalajara along the cuota (toll-road). There is the Tequila Route that you can follow that brings to life the agave landscape.

Jumping off the cuota at the town of Magdelena, which is famous for its rich opal mines, gives you a slower and equally scenic route to Tequila.

Just before you get into the town of Tequila, there is a mirador (look-out) that overlooks the Oblatos Canyon, that is similar in appearance to the Grand Canyon. The vista is breathtaking and inspiring. Mexico is so much more than happy hours and all-inclusive hotels. Explore.

Tequila Volcano stood watchfully over us as we traveled down Federal Highway 15; it was about 6:00 p.m. and the sky was clear. A ring of clouds formed around the hill's peak: the ancients say that it is angels that come down to drink from the agave plant. What I'm personally certain of after visiting this Magical Town is that this liquor is no longer the same for me. I now drink tequila very slowly, tasting the history that went into each and every one of its distinct flavors.

Friday

6:00 p.m. Not falling in the trap As soon as we got into town people started running alongside our car offering cheap tequila. We had already been warned: they tend to sell liquor that does not meet any type of quality standards.

Our hosts awaited us at Casa Rural Los Abolengos Grand Class, which is part of the Jalisco Haciendas y Casonas (Haciendas and Mansions) program, located just a couple blocks from downtown.

Although it has a discrete facade, the surprising interior conserves the architecture of an old farm.

8:00 p.m. Some tequila in Tequila We ventured out into town. The main plaza is crowned by a central gazebo surrounded by colorful benches. At night the whole area

is lit up, inviting you to sit and stay a couple more hours. The plaza also serves as atrium to the Santo Santiago Apostol Church, which has a pyramidal base and is finished in stone.

Just around the corner from the church is a place that got our attention: the El Legado de Don Carlos cantina. The place has everything you'd expect from an old cantina including leather chairs, wood paneling, and even a urinal underneath the bar, which fortunately is no longer used. The cantina has a collection of 1,200 bottles of all types of beverages from around the world. There we ordered two of the most emblematic drinks: the house tequila (Cofradia brand) served in a cold ceramic glass and the mango margarita made using the pulp of fruit from the La Cofradia hacienda garden.

Saturday

10:00 a.m. Warming up We had breakfast at Cafe El Palomar in front of the church. I ordered chilaquiles con frijoles (Mexican-style breakfast nachos

with beans), which were served with coffee, milk, and Jalisco-style birote bread. From here we admired the Santo Santiago Apostol Church.

Next-door is the Los Desamparados ('The Foresaken') Chapel, which was the area's first religious center.

Both were once connected to one another.

11:00 a.m. The history behind the drink Our goal was to learn about the tequila manufacturing process from step one and so had to begin with the jimador, the person responsible for sowing, watering, and cutting the agave. For that purpose we went to Jose Cuervo's Campos Buenos Aires.

Don Isma was waiting for us there with his machete to show us his secrets. Curiously, he doesn't drink tequila because his work requires a lot of concentration: you have to be very careful at the moment in which you cut the agave in order not to kill young offspring. When the plant is ready you then have to remove its spines and other parts, leaving just the core behind. This core, also called a piña (pineapples because they resemble this fruit), is the raw material for distillation.

From there we went to the La Rojeña distillery in downtown Tequila where they explained how the agave core becomes a beverage. It is first put into an oven to cook, then ground down to extract the sap, and later distilled. The process occurs as rain does: first the extracted liquid evaporates, then it rises, and later condenses and falls.

At the end of the tour they served us excellent margaritas. It is best to reserve the tour (which includes the

agave fields) a day beforehand. If you don't, you'll run the risk of not getting a spot.

3:00 p.m. A restaurant with a lot of salsa When we could no longer stand the hunger we went straight to the closest restaurant: La Fonda Cholula is next door and is owned by the same family that makes Salsa Cholula (as a matter of fact the logo is the same).

Dishes aren't expensive and we tried the traditional alambre agavero, which consists of a baked agave stalk served with rice, plantains, and adobera cheese.

You can also order it with chicken or beef.

6:00 p.m. Grab the bottle It was literal and it didn't involve a hangover: we 'grabbed the bottle,' a huge bottle-shaped vehicle that brought us on a tour of the town's most emblematic destinations. We first passed by the majestic Finca Sauza.

Then we continued on to the street of old taverns where vino mezcal ('mezcal wine') - as they used to call tequila - was produced, sold, and drank. The Los Abuelos tequila distillery is still located there, the only place that still makes tequila by completely artisanal means: they still even use a tahona, or stone wheel moved by mules.

The distillery is open to the public and does not require prior reservations.

On the outskirts of town we found some old washing basins. They are very well conserved and include benches where you can take a seat and watch locals drinking their evening tequila.

Sunday 10:00 a.m. Getting to know the surroundings Although it is Tequila itself that has been named a Magical Town, the whole area is organized as a tourist route and so there's a lot to do everywhere. We decided on heading to Magdalena, which is 20 kilometers from town using Federal Highway 15.There you'll find that it isn't distilleries that are the mainstay, but rather opal stores; the area is rich in this precious stone. We got to the Opalos de Mexico store on a tight budget and so even though we couldn't buy anything, the saleswoman taught us a lot about the rock.

12:00 noon. Archaeological remains From there we went on to the town of Teuchitlan, which has the Los Guachimontones archeological area. The site consists of concentric circles made using earth and sand.

It is believed that they were build to honor Ehecatl, the wind god. In addition to these pyramids, both a ball court and shaft tombs remain intact.

• You can visit the area aboard the Tequila Express, which leaves Guadalajara every weekend but does not go to the town of Tequila itself. It stops at the Herradura distillery in Amatitan.

• In order to find out more about the history of tequila without having to enter any distilleries, check out the National Tequila Museum (Ramon Corona 34).

• The agave landscape has been a UNESCO world heritage site since 2006.

Original: visitmexico.com

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Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Getting from A to Ă‘ - Cheap travel options in Mexico

Travel options in Mexico and around the world

By Madeline Milne

T

he internet? Is that thing still around? - Homer Simpson Probably my favourite benefit of the internet is the ability to search for travel options in Mexico. Clearly here to stay, using the internet to save a few bucks isn't rocket surgery but searching for cheap flights can be a tedious task. Checking one site against another, not really sure what airline flies out of what airport. Comparing various airports, days, and airlines can be time consuming but not anymore. Apparently around since 2011, I have just recently found Google.com/flights. It is similar to Kayak.com in that it aggregates all available flight info/ pricing to give you the best options but it goes one step further (or backwards) with the most awesome travel map in the world.

I know - big words, but it's true.

Travel for me is usually based on last minute plans and a small budget. Because I travel primarily within Mexico - this map feature lets me see what airport is the best cheap travel option on any given day. Flying out of Puerto Vallarta with a budget of $500 gives me about 15 locations, zoom in and I’ll see even more - some

San Luis Potosi is my new obsession. There is so much to see and do in this area. Can't wait to explore! Notice that Google Flights shows me cheaper dates in case my schedule is flexible. of the most beautiful cities in the country - perfect for a few days of exploration.

Of course, the map is of the entire world and I can also see that from Puerto Vallarta I can travel to just about anywhere if money is no object. Once you've made your choice, you can change details, view all available flights and airlines - backtrack and double check with the competitors sites and even-

tually realize that google is giving you the best possible price.

From here you can book directly with the airline with all your pre-determined data auto-filled for convenience. It's so slick.

You're welcome. Safe Travels.

If you like this info - also follow our facebook page that is Mexico Travel specific at Life and Travel in Mexico.

Original:www.mexi-go.ca

local

12 Interview with Lourdes Lulu

by Alex Gómez Writing is what I do best. It’s usually creative writing that I enjoy most. As a part of the Puerto Vallarta Writer’s Group my story A Distant Drum won In & Out Magazine’s Short Story competition in English. Even though my writing has never made me rich, I have gradually come to accept that is not what my gift is for. It’s for sharing.

L

ulu and I just had a very interesting exchange—She in Miami and I in Vallarta, she on her iphone and I on my brother’s computer. The fantastic painting in this article is hers, from a few years back. It might be one of the biggest paintings I’ve ever seen of hers— called Corazon (Heart). Even though I can’t remember the first time I saw it, I do remember that I wanted it--that I was greedy for it.

Thanks to Lulu, I acquired a new appreciation for abstract art— the art that confuses, upsets and disturbs people into thinking about things more closely; it confronts and humbles us at the same time.

That must be one of the reasons why we love good art… One important thing it does to us is humble us.

When Lulu and I first met, it was hate at first sight. The friend

Corazon

who introduced us to each other saw it as a clash of personalities: “You two are exactly the same and you just gave each other a taste of your own medicine.” We did eventually come to adore one other. We became in a way like a piece of her art, confusing, thought- provoking and upsetting to others. We celebrated the first sales of her paintings in Vallarta with gusto—we had dinner at Café des Artistes.

I was soon to learn that this was the way that Lulu did almost everything-- with gusto.

“I had a solo exhibition once in Houston, Texas.” answers Lulu. “I was part of three different collectives in Miami a few years before coming here to live.

“I was also invited to a show in Hungary and another in Italy. Don't forget I had shows in Guadalajara,

Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

“

What is real is not the external form, but the essence of things… it is impossible for anyone to express anything essentially real by imitating its exterior surface” Constantin Brancusi

San Jose del Cabo, Ensenada and Puerto Vallarta.

“When I was in Mexico I had a big house where I used to host exhibitions, not only mine but other artists’ as well. The whole process is mainly the same thing, and the people who go to art shows are always interesting. Being able to show my work and people coming to see my work is always a fascinating experience. I love talking to people about my paintings and explaining the process directly to the ones who are interested.

When people see the work and they relate it in their own experience, I feel that's when the piece is actually born. When it makes contact with the observer. It is the most important part of the creative process-- the delivery.

“My dream would be to show my work in the Middle East like Dubai, Beirut and Kuwait. I would be very interested to see how it translates there.”

On the back of her boyfriend’s Harley, Lulu crossed Canada to Vancouver and she wrote to me that while crossing the Rockies she realized that they were the most spectacular, wonderful place (and/ or experience she had ever seen and/or had.) “We were so tiny in comparison. For me it was like seeing God. The trip was my own personal

Odyssey and it transformed me forever.”

I will never forget the way in which Lulu made me a part of her world, in a way that was simple and profound to me. She asked me to write something about her art when she was first displayed in the restaurant Trio.

I compared her art to the music of my favourite band of all time, Cocteau Twins whose lead singer Elizabeth Fraser has a voice with a very wide range and often sings melismatically—that is, by uniting several different notes into one syllable.

Elizabeth sings lyrics that not even she can translate. They will not be understood on a literal level, but rather an emotional one. Let us just say that she sings in vibrant colours.

So this is how I understood Lulu’s painting—not on a literal level or in a figurative sense (and by ‘figurative I mean the most common style of visual art—the art that is used to represent traditional forms, such as the human body— or rather the kind of art that needs no interpretation, for which there is no single kind of interpretation).

I suppose the same could be said of my love for Lulu and her love for me in turn.

To see more of her work visit: www.luluvaldes.com

I have always thought of my paintings as internal landscapes; as windows to another world, an intimate world that is ever changing, always in constant movement.

I construct my works so that they have a sense of depth, of space.

I don’t want to represent anything that we can see in our world.

I look at the world and everything can be an inspiration, sometimes a trip to a beautiful place, or a “negative” intense experience.

I take notes or sketch if I need to, but I always wait for the initial shock to wear down a few days and then I paint with the intention of connecting with my inner true feeling about the moment. It is a very intimate process of introspection, to go inside myself and discover the variety of possibilities.

The process is like a war, filled with struggle and doubt, in a quest to express purity and truth.

It is very important to suspend any judgment hard to reach a real state of mind in which judgment is completely suspended and the reality of the moment starts to flow in the canvas.

Some paintings take three to five hours to get to their moment and some take months, some never get there, that is why I always work on two or three paintings at the same time.

The process of painting is a continuous search of the reality of every moment. Every painting becomes a conversation with the evanescence of that particular moment in experience.

This search also wishes to touch the spectator in a different point in everyone. It is never an answer, but a suspended question that depends on each one to define. It is not about seeing with the eyes of the artist, but with our most intimate eyes.

Lourdes Valdes

13

riviera nayarit

Fun on the

Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Life

Riviera Nayarit

In La Cruz

By Cindy Bouchard

By Cat Morgan

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

H

ola a todos! Here are a few nonprofit events going on.

There are many ways to help. See what fits for you.

Beach Clean Up with the Amigos de Bucerias June 13 @ 8:00 am - 9:00 am The cleanup will be starting at the El Buzo sculpture, plaza playa as usual, but for the summer we will meet at 8 a.m. Bring plastic supermarket bags to fill, water, hats and a sweat rag!

There is also another beach clean-up at 6pm at Playas de Huanacaxtle. Everyone will be meeting at the beach in front of Buzzos / Suites Princess. For more information about that cleanup you can contact the Facebook Page “Vecinos Playas de Huanacaxtle Neighbors”.

5th Annual Silent Art Auction for Manos de Amor and Loving Arm A.C. On June 17th, the students at Harkness Institute will be getting together to give back to the community. Harkness is hosting its 5th annual silent auction, benefiting orphanages in Bucerias. This year, the proceeds will be used to purchase food and necessary supplies for the children at Manos de Amor and Loving Arms A.C. The silent auction will be held on Wednesday, June 17th from 4 p.m.

to 6 p.m. at the Centro Empresarial (the building where the Casino is) in Nuevo Vallarta, on the second floor. The bidding begins at 150 pesos. Every year, students at Harkness Institute complete a painting as part of their Art course, under the guidance of their teacher Mrs. Gloria Bender. After months of work, the students donate their piece of art to the silent auction.

Harkness students recognize the importance of selflessness and generosity. Thanks to the generous people, most of them would not be able to attend Harkness Institute if it wasn’t for the financial aid they receive through donations.

Join them on Wednesday! Add a unique piece of art to your home, while simultaneously filling another with much needed provisions and support. Contact Kim Grenier on FaceBook or email at kim.grenier@ gmail.com for more info! Thank you!

Rancho Los Arenales Horse Rescue and Shelter in Bucerias A new nonprofit project, Rancho Los Arenales, located at Carretera Valle-Bucerias Km7, (owned by local restaurant owners Alain and Arturo of Esquina 22 Bar and Lounge here in Bucerias) will be accepting abandoned, rescued and mistreated horses for rehabilitation and care for them. They are going to need all the support from you

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 and your friends. Please share the word and help them collect donations. They need to build at least 10 stalls and adapt the land. They have already received 2 horses.

Rancho Los Arenales Horse Shelter’s mission is: “To Rescue, rehabilitate and facilitate the adoption of abused, abandoned and neglected horses throughout Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas.”

Alain states, “First and foremost, we are dedicated to providing a safe, healthy environment for rescued horses and because we believe in the humane treatment of horses, as well as all other animals, we will provide food, shelter, medical care, rehabilitation, adoption services, a permanent home when necessary, and lots of love and attention so that they may enjoy the dignified life they deserve.”

Your present donations will be put towards the construction of a new stable building so that shelter horses be housed in solid stalls, protected from the elements and to adapt a 10 acre field on an adjacent lot to the ranch. They will also serve for the hiring of a larger crew and create awareness in the area.

“We thank you in advance for your support and are grateful for the horses that you will be helping.”

Feel free to ask for a visit on the weekends by sending them a Facebook message to Alain J. M. Chalut. Or you may stop by Esquina 22 Bar and Lounge on the Corner of Mexico 22 (where the Shamrock use to be) and meet Arturo and Alain to see what you can do to help their mission in saving these horses. Spread the word to all your friends. Thank you!

Thanks to all for tuning in this week. More rain is scheduled for this weekend; hope it cools things down a bit! If you have any news, looking for a long or short term rental, or have a comment please send me an email to Cat@CatMorgan.me or Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com Enjoy the week!

Happy Birthday, Philo!

E

very year on June 26th, Philo throws a combination birthday and anniversary party. He turns another year older as does his bar known simply as, Philo’s.

The bar celebrates 14 years which is apropos as it seems like its been around forever, an institution of sorts. Visitors and locals hang out there during the day sharing stories, checking email and enjoying pizza and cerveza. At night the place is abuzz with music and dancers and if you love ribs, they’re the best!

Three nights a week Philo and his Mexican shuffle band, including our own washboard playing, Leon, entertain. Other nights Philo gives up the stage to various talented bands or to instrument-packing musicians for ‘open mic’.

Spend any time around him and you’ll agree Philo most certainly seems younger than his soon to be ’70 years’. His golden hair, happy eyes, kind smile and effervescent musical talents evoke someone much younger, that’s for sure.

I asked Philo a few questions: You have 4 fundraisers per year whereby you support local causes at Philo’s bar. How did each of these come to you?

While living and working in California my band was asked to participate in many benefits. When I came here I saw so much need and since I knew from experience how to help out, it just came as second nature to me. Several ladies from the village came to me one day and asked me if they could get on the microphone and ask for donations for a senior center that they wanted to build. I told them yes but asked them if they wanted to have a benefit to raise a lot of money. Naturally they said yes and so that was how the senior center benefits started.

After doing several big benefits we raised enough money, (along with money from the Municipality) to build a center here in town. Now every year we do a benefit for their operating expenses and maintenance on the building.

Philo didn’t mention that at Christmas, he enrolls many to donate, to shop, to be elves, etc, then calls in Santa to hand out the goodies to the many adoring kids.

It’s your birthday, is there anything you’re especially grateful for?

Friends and family. I know that fame and fortune has passed me by and that I am who I am and that is enough for me. As long as I have my friends and family I am happy.

Do you have a favorite quote?

Yes. “Don’t worry be hippy.” This is a quote from my good friend Oscar Fuentes. It’s a play on the quote “Don’t worry be happy.”

Please join Philo and all the rest of us celebrating him and his bar on Friday, June 26th.

14

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.

brain teasers

Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

charities

15

Jun 11 - 17, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed.landon5120.wix.com/accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. 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

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

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 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org PEACEAnimals - Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta - Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 Proyecto Pitillal, Busca un Amigo, A. C. - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-0976.

Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com