Issue 956, July 30 - Aug 05, 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

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RIVIERA NAYARIT

welcome

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.

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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 PEACEAnimal RIDES FOR RESCUE DOGS NEEDED for Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. All expenses for dogs paid for. Please contact MEXPUP or NOBARS - patty@mexpup. com; robin.nobars@gmail.com HOMES NEEDED: For the thousands of dogs and cats on the streets here, for hundreds of cats and dogs in refuges and in foster homes, and for dozens of healthy and beautiful dogs and cats at the Centro de Acopio, the city´s pound. Dogs at the Centro de Acopio are only walked twice a week by volunteers organized by Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals. Food is always needed. The government contributes two weeks of food annually. Foster homes are needed for cats and dogs. Please contact the animal rescue organizations listed here. Most are found on Facebook or at 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

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

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 NOTE: A recent law was passed in Jalisco that requires all pets be sterilized after the age of eight weeks. To not comply with the law means a fine of 5,400 pesos. This information is being given out by our education director at schools and at our clinics.

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

Editor’s Note

Banderas Bay Butterflies ELF (Microtia elva)

hese small, approximately 1-1.5 in (2.5–3.5 cm) butterflies can be found flying throughout the year along both coasts of Mexico, often in open areas in lowland tropics. Like most butterflies, they select certain plants on which to lay their eggs,

leather goods but since I was last there 20 years ago, it has changed into an Americanized shopping extravaganza. We pulled into one such glittering mecca at about 7pm with 5 hours still to go to Tepic. I wanted to shop but I couldn’t. I felt the road calling and the realization that it would only get darker the longer I gazed lovingly in window after window. In a nutshell and with more elaborate details as the weeks go on, Carlos and I drove straight to San Luis Potosi from Puerto Vallarta. From here we visited waterfalls, rivers, lakes, colonial cities, went white water rafting, drove the scariest road in the history of all roads, saw many beautiful places, ate many delicious meals, met some wonderful people, and explored a part of this

country neither of us had really ever been to. Each place deserves a week of its own. If only time and money were no object. If you know me at all, you’ll know it’s a longstanding joke that I want to move to every place I visit. And for this trip it was almost always true. I could see the potential for a different life in each of the places we stopped. Some more sedate than others, but all with some appeal. Carlos on the other hand was so happy to see the Bay of Banderas again and kindly suggested we could always go back to visit. Stay tuned here or on my facebook page for travel called Life and Travel in Mexico for more details, photos etc. Happy to be home. Safe travels, Madeline

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

Janice Gonzalez

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. We have scheduled tours each week and vehicle space is limited. We ask everyone to meet in the Costco parking lot beside the three large trees in open grassy area. You can either caravan in your own vehicle or ride with us out to the Sanctuary (reservations necessary). The length of the tour is at the discretion of our visitors and can be anywhere from one to four hours in length. Please feel free to bring donations and treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it. Contact Nicole Martin at nicole@cupocity.com to make a reservation. 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,

By Moralea Milne

editor@vallartatribune.com

San Luis Potosi

ast night as the clock struck midnight, the odometer on the little rental car that could rolled over to 2000 kms. I was tired, the car was tired and we still had to get to Tepic, Nayarit where we were spending the night. This morning when I finally handed the keys back to lovely fellow from National Car Rental the odometer read 2450kms. From Tuesday morning last week to Tuesday morning this week, my boyfriend and I drove 2400 kilometers across and up and down Central Mexico. As you can imagine, I haven’t barely taken a minute to process the trip as I hurriedly scribble these thoughts minutes before deadline. It was an ambitious trip to be sure and an extra 4 days would have given us some breathing room and allowed me to shop ‘til I drop in Leon. Did you know it is highway to highway of outlet malls dedicated to shoes? Hundreds of shoe stores. One after another. I knew Leon was the place to go for

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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. You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro. 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

Flower of the week

in this case on members of the Justicia family (shrimp plants), which have tubular flowers. They can be found nectaring on a variety of flowers; I have often found them on the small wild marigolds. They are very alert and it is not easy to catch them at rest for long.

Sandra Cesca

Royal Poinciana - Tabachin (Spanish) Delonix regia

lame Tree, Flamboyant Tree due to its stunning red-orange flowers and green, lacey leaves. A summer-blooming ornamental shade tree growing to 40 feet and eye-catching when in full bloom. Its long seed pods are used for fuel and called “woman’s tongue” because of the rattling noise they make when the wind blows. Since it is a legume, the tree has nitrogen-fixating and soil-improving properties. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s new color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plant Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available now at the Page in the Sun Bookstore. Information on her many walking tours can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

news

Launch Of First National Spay/Neuter Campaign In Mexico By Gretchen DeWitt

aulina Stettner, former director and vet tech for PEACEAnimals, has been working in Guadalajara for the past several months as director of Calle Cero (literal translation is “Zero Street.” It´s also a play on words, as the name sounds like “Callejero,” which refers to a stray). The foundation supervises and facilitates communications and actions between government and non-profits, providing discounted supplies, human and financial resources, as well as veterinary training from experts in high-quality, high-volume spay/ neuter organizations. Paulina hopes to be able to provide support in the future to PEACEAnimals. They sterilize over 4,000 cats and dogs annually in the area of the Bay of Banderas, which includes the states of Jalisco and Nayarit. The costs are approximately $1,800 USD every surgery week. PEACEAnimals needs donations to continue their important work. Their mission is to help prevent the future suffering of animals. The Azteca TV publicity launch ( “Movimiento Azteca TV”) for pet sterilization was made possible by the generous sponsorship of MARS/Pedigree, which pays for the production of the media campaign. Pedigree has provided a team of consultants and is offering assistance with communications and has hired an agency to facilitate relationships with the government. Calle Cero is receiving support from pharmaceu-

tical companies and from the government. A work agreement has been signed with the health departments of the state of Jalisco and the Federal District. This partnership will allow Calle Cero to work in urban areas, as well as in conservancy areas to help prevent the decimation of wildlife due to feral cats and dogs. Paulina and her team have been meeting with senators in D.F. and with the governor of Jalisco, and is working closely with the Mexican staff of HSI (Humane Society International),which will provide a certified expert surgeon to train local vets. HSI will be involved in the educational aspect of the spay/neuter campaigns, providing a study the animal population in the areas where Calle Cero is involved. The first sterilization campaign

day will take place on August 31st in the disenfranchised outskirts of Tlaquepaque, Jalisco. Dr. Claudia Edwards, program director of HSI, will present the education elements of the sterilization campaign, and Pedigree will supply a theatre group and puppet show. Seventy vets will be operating, with an anticipated result of more than 600 surgeries in one day. The following campaign will be in D.F. on the Monumento a la Revolución. The Department of Health will provide 50 vets and 25 mobile surgery units, with the expectation that 2,500 animals will be spayed and neutered in six days. Simultaneously, there will be a small clinic in Ciudad Juárez. The goal of first sterilization campaign is to raise 2.5 million pesos ($154,000 USD). Funds raised will be via donations to Banco Azteca or by dialing a 1-900 number that will charge the donation to the next month´s phone bill. Azteca is a national network of banks and offers Azteca US for Latinos in the southern states. Calle Cero has US tax-deductible status through FOMAW (Friends of Mexican Animal Welfare) and also has Mexican donataria. Even more important than the number of sterilizations performed at these campaign is the heightened awareness of the importance of responsible pet ownership. www.callecero.org.mx

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Boaters will need to have papers in order

exico will enforce rules requiring boaters to have immigration and fishing permits Not only has Mexico pledged recently to bolster border enforcement on its northern land entry points, but also its enforcement off the Baja California coast where, historically, foreign boaters could venture undisturbed into Mexican waters. This is changing, says the federal government, which has launched an educational program throughout California. Sports fishermen, often from San Diego, California, have never needed to undergo inspections, passport checks or obtain tourist permits, fishing permits or other documents. Now, however, the Mexico government is warning foreign fishermen they could face a lengthy process if they ignore the new requirements, in which boats will be towed to Ensenada for processing and the deportation of crews and passengers. Authorities do not currently plan to charge violators with a crime, reports the Los Angeles Times. “It will be an inconvenience,” said María de los Remedios Gómez Arnau, head of the Mexican Consulate in San Diego. Mexican consulates throughout California, as well as in western Canada and parts of Arizona, are working to inform people of the new regime. According to the consulates, “Mexican Navy and immigration authorities are strengthening their presence in Mexican waters.” Some 40,000 to 50,000 tourist vessels cross into Mexico each year, says the federal government,

generally for fishing but also for racing and cruising. Having long required fishing permits, the Mexican government is only now pledging to step up enforcement of the regulations. While in Mexican waters — within 12 miles of the coast — boaters will now need to carry a passport and a tourist permit. Known as an FMM, the permit costs approximately $21. “I think the core of the issue in many cases is that people are willing to follow the rules; they’re just not sure what they are,” said Ken Franke, president of the Sportfishing Association of California. Mexican officials have teamed up with the San Diego boating community to clarify the requirements and launched an English and Spanish language website and app in March to explain fishing and visitor permits. “The bottom line is that nobody’s ever enforced it, so this is all so new; that’s my biggest concern,” said Sharon Cloward, president of the San Diego Port Tenants Association. “We want to make sure we’re getting the information out to everybody.” Many believe the Mexican government is doing a good job to inform Americans and Canadians of the changes. “The Mexican government is really doing outreach to the American public to make them feel comfortable to visit their country,” Franke said. “You need enforcement to make sure everybody is in compliance. That’s no different from the CHP [California Highway Patrol] monitoring speed on the freeway.” -Mexico Daily News

Mexico to Remove Se Caribbean Beaches

he government of Mexico announced a temporary employment program to remove seaweed from beaches in the southeastern state of Quintana Roo, including the tourist meccas of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The 12 million pesos ($742,574) provided for the program will pay for the equivalent of 175,000 work days. The funds will initially be directed to eight beaches with the largest accumulations of the brown algae known as sargassum, the federal environment and tourism secretaries, Juan Jose Guerra and Claudia Ruiz Massieu, said during a visit to Quintana Roo.

Preliminary studies have found that in some areas, sargassum beds extend as much as 80 meters (265 feet) offshore to a depth of up to 2 meters (6.5 feet). Guerra said the measures adopted to remove the sargassum are monitored to protect environmental harm and ensure that tourists are undisturbed. “This is a phenomenon we have not experienced before, neither on Mexico’s beaches nor those around the Caribbean,” he said. “It is a phenomenon that, unfortu-

news

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Mexico to implement new rules at border

exico will move forward with plans to fundamentally change its border operations, an official has confirmed, leaving many concerned that slower border crossings into the country could dissuade travelers, workers and family members from entering the country from the United States. Rodolfo Figueroa, Mexico’s top immigration official in Baja California, confirmed that Mexico is moving forward to implement a 2012 law requiring travel documents and fees from some visitors in order to enter Mexico, a vast difference from the no-questions-asked approach of today. “We are going to do everything possible to ensure that there are no obstacles,” Figueroa told reporters at the offices of the Tijuana Tourism and Conventions Committee. “We’re going to start applying the law gradually. We know there is going to be a learning period, we won’t be inflexible in applying the law, but certainly we’ll try to educate the public.” Baja California businesses and politicians have protested the law, claiming it will hurt tourism and businesses, and the Baja California economy. The protests started in November 2014 when Mexico tried to implement it for the first time. Activists blocked authorities’ first attempt to implement the law at the Otay Mesa border crossing east of San Diego. Under the new measures, visitors staying in Mexico for more than seven days, or those working in Mexico, will pay a 332-peso (US $20) fee. Enforcement will increase

eaweed from nately, affects all countries in the region.” Removing the seaweed requires “an almost surgical” process, as Quintana Roo’s appeal to tourists is based on its natural beauty, Ruiz Massieu said. “We must return to Mexico City with a clear diagnosis about what we can do to keep beaches clean, to make the tourists’ stay enjoyable, but also to preserve species that nest on the Quintana Roo beaches on the sargassum itself,” she said. www.laht.com

with a new pedestrian inspection station at San Ysidro, set to open in the coming weeks, according to Figueroa. Head of the Business Coordinating Committee, Humberto Jaramillo, told the San Diego Union Tribune he was not concerned. “I don’t think there will be an effect, and if there were, we’d be the first to approach authorities,” he said. Others worry the measure will dampen tourism already hurt by negative press about narco-violence. Officials anonymously told the press last year the move was a matter of national security. “This is more of a security measure,” a Mexican customs agent told El Mexicano. “It’s like saying to visitors: ‘We don’t want to bother you and we aren’t going to block your passage but we want to know who you are and where you are going.” Others are concerned about the law. “The idea that everybody has to carry a passport is totally ridiculous,” said president of SIMNSA Health Plan, Frank Carrillo, which serves U.S. workers in Mexico. “Many patients are Mexicans with permanent resident status in the

United States. Most of them have green cards; do they have to carry their Mexican passport as well? It’s totally inconvenient.” It appears the president of the Tourism and Conventions Committee, Miguel Angel Badiola, called Tuesday’s press conference in the wake of Matthew Suárez’s San Diego Reader article, entitled, “Welcome to Mexico, $22.50 please.” In that report, Suárez gives a first-hand account of Mexican nationals encountering a new effort to establish the program. “They stopped us because we used the ramp to get through the building that leads to the Mexican side,” Michael Acuña told Suárez. “They asked us for visas and passports, but when my wife showed him her resident card, he still asked her for her passport book, all in English. He asked us where we were going and how long we were going to stay in Mexico. “Funny thing is, he never stopped speaking in English, even when he saw my wife’s Mexican passport. After we showed all the proper documentation, they let us through.” - Mexico Daily News

Artists bring color to a city neighborhood Graffiti, mural artists create a mural on 209 houses in Pachuca

rban beautification and renewal projects are probably more likely to be removing graffiti than adding it, but that hasn’t been the case in a district of Pachuca, capital city of the state of Hidalgo. A dull and dreary looking hillside in Palmitas has been transformed into a celebration of color in a project that also had social transformation as a goal. Local authorities not only wanted to give the neighborhood a new look but a new lease on life as well: youth crime and violence were common and a source of alarm to residents. So an organization of young muralists and graffiti artists, Germen Nuevo Muralismo Mexicano, was invited to bring its talents to bear and work with the community to transform the face of the neighborhood, one that consisted of plain cement or brick surfaces. Over the course of seven months they created a “macro mural,” painting 209 homes, repre-

senting a surface area of 20,000 square meters, first with an undercoat of white and then the application of a riot of color. The result is not just a new façade but, according to residents, a reduction in crime, some going as far as to say that violence among youths has been eradicated, and that several jobs were created in the process. One of the artists has declared Palmitas as the first “barrio mágico,” or “magical neighborhood,” in the country, a play on the “magical town” designation awarded to more than 80 communities across the country as a tourist promotion. The Germen Crew, as the murals organization is also known, was founded in 2012 to revitalize public spaces and encourage new forms of murals to “regenerate the torn social fabric.” Its members consist of experienced graffiti and mural artists, social researchers and audiovisual documentarians, according to the organization’s Facebook page. Mexico Daily News

Mexico Trade Deficit Narrows in June

exico's trade balance deficit narrowed to $749 million in June from $1.0 billion in May. Mexico Trade Deficit Narrows in June Mexico's trade balance deficit narrowed to $749 million in June from $1.0 billion in May. The result was above market estimates, which according to the latest Bloomberg survey had forecast a smaller deficit of $503 million. On a 12-month rolling basis, the trade deficit widened to $6.6 billion, the widest since October

2009. Non-oil exports rebounded 4.0% in June after the steep 6.7% monthly contraction reported in May (seasonally adjusted, non-annualized). Manufacturing exports, which account for approximately 83% of total exports, rose 3.1% in June versus May, following a 6.8% monthly contraction in May. This increase was driven by a 4.6% month-over-month rise in non-vehicle manufacturing exports, followed by a modest 0.3% monthly rise in vehicle exports. Finally, non-oil imports also

rose in June versus May by a modest 0.9% mom, in seasonally adjusted terms. The result was above market estimates, which according to the latest Bloomberg survey had forecast a smaller deficit of $503 million. On a 12-month rolling basis, the trade deficit widened to $6.6 billion, the widest since October 2009. Non-oil exports rebounded 4.0% in June after the steep 6.7% monthly contraction reported in May (seasonally adjusted, non-annualized).

Manufacturing exports, which account for approximately 83% of total exports, rose 3.1% in June versus May, following a 6.8% monthly contraction in May. This increase was driven by a 4.6% month-over-month rise in non-vehicle manufacturing expor ts, followed by a modest 0.3% monthly rise in vehicle expor ts. Finally, non-oil imports also rose in June versus May by a modest 0.9% mom, in seasonally adjusted terms. www.laht.com

local

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Why You Should NEVER Take a Family Road Trip in Mexico

have spent my entire motherhood waiting to take my children on The Epic Road Trip. I have these incredible memories of my childhood in a car, driving to new and exotic locations (when you are five, new and exotic is the World’s Largest Easter Egg in Vegreville, Alberta). In any case, I couldn’t wait to give my kids the gift of the true family vacation: the views, the stops at weird tourist attractions, the carsickness, even the “I WILL TURN THIS CAR AROUND”. All of it. I imagine many parents wouldn’t have waited nearly eleven years, but then again, most parents tell me that their children are great travelers. Like beauty, I think this is a classic case of the eye of the beholder. I have a low whining threshold, and both of my children developed their early physical coordination skills through their untiring efforts to escape their car seats. So we waited while braver parents went ahead and Instagrammed their children’s hilarious seatbelt contortions. Some years we flew to Canada to see my family. Sometimes we

flew to Mexico City to see Gilberto’s family. Once, about four years ago, we made a short foray into the road trip world: a drive to Chapala to visit friends. We got lost on the highway. Our rental car was struck by a renegade motorcyclist in Guadalajara. We hung up our driving gloves and cooled our heels. This summer Gilberto had a musical commitment in Mexico City and I knew it was my big chance. I mapped out an entire two week tour on our way to his heavy metal gig in the Districto Federal (another term for Mexico City). I have learned so many things about myself, my partner and my family from two weeks on the road. I already knew these people better than anyone, and now I know so much more. For some of it, I am grateful. For the other stuff, well, its information I may be able to use at my children’s weddings during my speeches. It should get me a laugh. Here’s why (with tongue firmly in cheek) you should NEVER take your children on The Epic Mexico Road Trip: 1) Highways - Contrary to what some people think of Mexican highways, you will NOT get the full cultural experience of waiting and sweating behind

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a cattle truck that breaks down every forty miles on a two lane gravel road. Mexico’s federal “cuota” highways are up to eight lanes and 110 km/hr. You are going to get to your destination, maybe even ahead of schedule. Bummer. 2) Sights – Once you get to a city like Guanajuato, you will have a lot of trouble choosing what sights to see among the many incredible historical sites, museums, art galleries, and natural phenomena. You will have to prioritize. What a drag. 3) Security – We never once felt unsafe or experienced any sketchy situations on the road. Now I feel like I’m contradicting the advice I get from my own government to keep off the highways in Mexico, stay at the resort and not talk to people. It’s not very patriotic. 4) Common sense parenting – Unlike many places in my home country, many of the natural sites have been left as-is. There aren’t necessarily hand-rails on everything or warning signs or people to hold your hand while you walk on the paths. There might be an arrow painted on a rock or two so you won’t get completely lost. Hopefully. This is both crazy-cool and a huge responsibility to parent your kids through situations you can’t completely predict. Oh, like real life. 5) After experiencing life on the Mexican highway, you will want to drive it all night long. Or at least all daylight long. You will have to come back to reality in order to save up enough dinero to take another Epic Mexican Road Trip. Because the real danger here, my friends, is that you won’t be able to stop with just one.

Wellness

Latina

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com I’m a bilingual Certified Holistic Health Coach, and dance teacher who is passionate about natural health & wellness, sustainability, animal welfare, and eating avocados. I can often be seen doing a little salsa on the beach with my dog Mambo next to me ( I haven’t taught him yet). My mission is to empower you to look and feel your best so that you can do more of what you love. I work with clients to spice up their vitality with health & wellness workshops; group and individual programs and consultations incorporating whole, natural, plant-strong foods; emotional healing; movement; and natural solutions with essential oils. For my blog or a list of my upcoming programs and workshops, and for your free natural healthcare e-book visit www.wellnesslatina.com.

There's an oil for that!

n recent years, essential oils have been making a comeback with renewed respect even though they've existed for thousands of years. In today's modern world, many of these natural remedies had been replaced with mass-produced and marketed, synthetically engineered drugs that can produce a plethora of side effects. Essential oils are humanity's oldest medicine and it turns out, quite effective and safe too! Don't misunderstand, pharmaceuticals certainly have their place in our healthcare especially for acute conditions, but science is rediscovering the numerous powerful benefits found in natural aromatic plants, the essential oils contained in these plants have a multitude of ways to help our bodies regain or maintain homeostasis. Essential oils, especially if they are pure, therapeutic grade, can offer a safe, effective and cheaper option to synthetic medication, without uncomfortable side effects or unpleasant drug interactions. I personally use them for cooking, personal care, home atmosphere and to help my wellness clients depending on their health challenge. Really, the uses are widespread and endless. These are my top 3 DIY ( do-it-yourself) non-toxic personal care items: Deodorant: Our skin is our largest organ and contain so many harmful chemicals found in deodorant such as aluminum, parabens, propylene glycol and triclosan that

can contribute to disruptions in our health such as an increased risk of cancer. Here is a super easy, natural non-toxic deodorant recipe that I have been putting to good use. No one has plugged their nose in my presence, so I think it works well. ;) 1/4 cup of baking soda 2 tablespoons of coconut oil 7-10 drops of ylang ylang ( that's my favorite) or can be lavender, clary sage or (melaleuca) tea tree. It becomes a kind of paste. Store in a small glass container. It's invisible and works very well. Toothpaste: Many store-bought toothpastes contain fluoride. The dangers of ingested fluoride are widely reported, but what about topical use? It's been spotty at best. However, according to Dr. Mercola or www.drmercola.com research has shown that large doses of topical fluoride MAY have a positive effect on decay. At those levels, large doses are considered toxic. Even the toothpaste label says it's toxic. Here is a less obtrusive solution:

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07 For every tablespoon of baking soda, use 1 to 2 drops of On Guard ( a mix of cinnamon, clove, wild orange, eucalyptus, rosemary essential oil) or peppermint. Put it on your toothbrush and brush the germs away, safely. You can also store the paste in a small container just like the deodorant above. No Fungus Among Us: To keep mold away, you can diffuse On Guard or melaleuca ( tea tree oil) with a diffuser, a vaporizer, attach a cotton ball to your fan, or boil some water and add drops to it so that the molecules diffuse through the air. For skin issues, like athlete's foot or open wounds, you can apply tea tree directly. It's antifungal, antibacterial, antiparasitic and antiviral. You can even ingest it orally to fight candida or internal parasites (contact me for more details with this). You can also create a cleaning spray about 10 drops for every 16 oz ( 500 ml) of either of the two above or a blend called Purify blend. Visit my website for a description of the oil blends: http:// wellnesslatina.com/essential-oils/ I use them for so many other things besides the three aforementioned, but this is a good basic start. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions for beginning to incorporate these beneficial oils into your life. And remember, when in doubt, there's an oil for that! :) Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. The content has not been reviewed by a qualified health professional. The statements made in this article have not been evaluated by the FDA. The advice given and/ or recommended products are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.

By Fred Jacobs

nthony Quinn was born in CHIHUAHUA, MEX. in 1915. His family soon moved to El Paso and then on to Los Angeles. He went to high school in LA but did not graduate. He grew up to be a very handsome six foot one tall young man. He became a professional boxer which came in handy in later acting. Anthony married at the age of 22 to Cecil B. Demille’s adopted daughter Katherine. Cecil B. Demille was the world famous film making pioneer who created 70 films between 1913 and 1966. This was Anthony’s ticket into show business. The couple kept busy and had five children until their divorce in 1965. He struggled to be recognized because he was typecast as a Villain or ethnic actor in his first films in 1938 “Dangerous to know” and later in 1942 in “El Marroco”. Anthony appeared in over 40 movies between 1936 and 1940. He was not drafted during WW2 because he did not become US citizen until 1947. He moved to Europe and his best foreign made film made was “LA STRADA,” made in 1954. It was a Fellini masterpiece. His true Hollywood hit debut was in 1952 in “VIVA ZAPATA”. The role was perfect for him as he starred with Marlon Brando and Jean Peters. He won his first Academy Award for it and was the first Mexican actor to win this precious award. He won it again 5 years later in “LUST FOR LIFE” with Kirk Douglas. He now was an A-list actor and earned big money for the rest of his career. Anthony Quinn’s career in front of the camera spanned some 66 years. He worked right up until his passing in 2001. Some of most famous films include GUNS OF NAVARRO, LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, REQUIM FOR A HEAVY WEIGHT, ZORBA THE GREEK, THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN, SECRETS OF SAN VICTORIA. ZORBA was his proudest legacy and he was honored to work with acting greats such as Gregory Peck, Jackie Gleason, Peter O’Toole, Sir Laurence Olivier among many, many others. In 1966, he married his second wife Jolanda Addori. They had 3 sons and were divorced in 1997. In the Seventies, Anthony began his second career in Television and on Broadway. He was the star of the weekly Show, “The Man in the City”. Besides making 200 films he performed 362 times as ZORBA in “Zorba the Greek” on Broadway. He also played opposite Lawrence

Jul 30 - Aug 05, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

ANTHONY QUINN-Mexican born Actor, Boxer and Artist

Olivier in Becket. He did slow down in the 90’s as he retired to Rhode Island, to open a restaurant. He took care of his hobbies. He loved to paint, sculpt and design jewelry. Some of his paintings are displayed in a Carmel, CA museum. In 1997 he married his third wife when he was 82 years old. Quite an accomplishment in itself. He produced 11 children with his 3 wives and was known to have a mistress in the 70’s that he had 2 children with. He died at the age of 86 in Boston from pneumonia and suffering also from throat cancer. He had just finished his last film in 2001, “Avenging Angelo”. He left his estate to his third wife and nothing to anybody else. Fred Jacobs is the author of 3 books and a fulltime resident of Puerto Vallarta.

Vallarta Shopping Directory and events

www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com Gloria Angélica Martínez González TRIBUNA DE LA BAHÍA

Con Sabor a México in Puerto Vallarta

Photos: Gloria Angelica Martinez Gonzalez

on Sabor a México is a complete culinary delight that has recently come to call Puerto Vallarta home, with an extensive menu with traditional and innovated menu items including fresh vegetarian dishes. The menu offers a wide range of traditional dishes using fresh ingredients and with special attention to detail. A small restaurant in the Versailles neighbourhood, Con Sabor de Mexico is well priced and accessible for all. Chef David Schaffer takes the time from the kitchen to greet his guests, “From here begins the commitment to offer them something that more than satisfies the hunger and provides eating a special experience for your palate. We not only prepare food, but are dedicated to create healthy, fresh flavourful food.” Traditional style breakfasts are served from 9:00 am to 12:30. At lunch you can enjoy a three-course meal with a choice of options ranging from soups or salad, entree and vegetable side dishes accompanied by fresh baked bread or handmade tortillas. Traditional dishes include enchiladas and sopes while the vegetarian options include a Portobello Breaded Eggplant Ravioli. Every day is a surprise of flavours with a different menu, but offering the great same quality. Chef David and his husband and partner Eric

Schaffer feel it is very important to preserve high standards in quality without sacrificing its essence. What once started as an initiative with a couple of tables, today is a growing project with staff who are already part of one big family and who take pride in their pursuit of exploration and innovation to be one of the best healthy restaurant options in Puerto Vallarta. When you dine at Con Sabor a Mexico, you have the option to ‘pay it forward’ by donating a small amount towards the purchase of a coffee or dessert or meal for someone who might not otherwise be able to enjoy a fresh healthy meal. Con Sabor a Mexico, Liverpool Street 163. Col. Versalles between Hamburg and France just behind HSBC Bank Las Glorias. Tel. (322) 222 8916 Search the daily menu on Facebook/ consaboramexico Learn more at www. chefdavidschaffer.com Original: Tribuna de la Bahia

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

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Jul 30 - Aug 05, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

The best tortillas: Hot off the comal, with the right touch By Tim Carman The Washington Post.

he first time I worked with fresh masa, I was making tortillas for a Mexican feast that friends and I were preparing for New Year's Eve. I had bought the dough from Moctec Mexican Products, a Landover, Maryland, company that specializes in transforming dried maize into fresh, fragrant masa. I was smitten on first sniff, even after paying nearly $10 for the five-pound bag of white corn masa. Consciously or not, I had developed an opinion that fresh masa was virtually foolproof, far easier to turn into tortillas than dough made from masa harina, the corn flour available for about $3 for a four-plus-pound bag of Maseca. But as I pressed the dough into tortillas for the griddle, I quickly learned that this fresh product is not the masa equivalent of a Gabriel García Marquez novel, so magical that it's immune to the physical laws of the universe. No, fresh masa can produce frayed, dry, unforgiving tortillas just as easily as masa harina can. Both doughs, in short, require technique to achieve the supple, steamy, multi-layered round that can make or break your taco experience. I wholly endorse this statement from "Tacos: Recipes and Provocations" (Clarkson Potter, October 2015), the forthcoming cookbook from chef Alex Stupak and writer Jordana Rothman: "The difference between a great taco and a crappy taco is in the tortilla," they write. "It's that vital." That one sentence encapsulates everything I've been railing against with Washington's new wave of taquerias: You cannot prepare great tacos with tortillas pulled from a bag. But as with so many dough-based edibles, whether bread or pizza crust, tortillas are maddeningly difficult to make. The only true way to improve your skills is to put yourself in the hands of an expert and then practice, practice, practice. I turned to cookbook author and television host Pati Jinich for help. I explained my New Year's Eve masa mess and asked whether the fresh stuff requires specialized handling compared with dough made with masa harina. She said no, but then offered a confession: This native of Mexico prefers the taste of reconstituted masa harina over the full-throttle flavors of fresh masa. The former resonates deeply with

Jinich; it represents home, family, childhood. "To me," Jinich said, masa harina "still tastes nurturing." The difference between doughs is obvious by sight, smell and touch. Rehydrated masa harina from Maseca — Jinich gives the flour 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup more water than the manufacturer suggests — feels like a cross between soft Play-Doh and wet, compacted sand. It smells like toasted corn and looks like horchata reduced to a semi-solid state. Fresh masa has a thicker consistency, more like potter's clay, and it smells like slightly fermented corn syrup, especially if it sits out for 24 hours before you use it. It looks like brown butter ice cream spiked with the fattest vanilla seeds known to mankind. A day before our New Year's Eve bash, Moctec President Victor Vazquez Jr. showed me how the company makes its masa. Dried field corn — colorful varieties considered too hard and harsh for human consumption — are nixtamalized with an alkali solution of water and calcium oxide (known as the abbreviated "cal" in Mexico). The pre-Columbian process, dating back thousands of years to Mayan and Aztec civilizations, performs

acts of magic that seem Marquezesque: The solution loosens the outer layer of the kernel, called the pericarp, for fast removal; it transforms the starchy endosperm inside into a substance that can be easily ground and made into dough with the addition of water; and it improves flavor and unlocks important nutrients that our bodies otherwise couldn't absorb with non-nixtamalized corn. Depending on the manufacturer, masa harina follows the same nixtamalization steps, though some large producers have learned how to reduce the amount of water and energy required. But they take the process one step further by drying the masa into flour. Some argue that masa harina is not a whole-grain product because the germ is removed from the corn kernel to promote shelf-stability (a spokeswoman with Maseca told me its masa is germ-free), but the Whole Grains Council seems to give corn flour its blessing. Fresh masa is "fluffier. It's deeper. It just tastes better," said Joe Raffa, former head chef at Oyamel in D.C., which buys dough almost daily from Moctec. Raffa has since been promoted to executive chef within ThinkFoodGroup,

and he said that Jose Andres' company has been toying with the idea of making its own fresh masa. But the dough's production requires a large amount of space, which Oyamel doesn't have. "I don't think we'll ever completely replace Moctec," Raffa said. Given fresh masa's resource-heavy production and ancient bloodlines, it's not surprising that the dough is something of a prima donna, with the life span of a mayfly. I learned that when I took my "fresh" masa to Jinich's home for a tortilla lesson. By the time we could meet, the dough was already three days old, the outer limits of

its shelf life. (Oyamel, for example, won't use the dough after 24 hours.) Worse, I had stored it in the refrigerator (which some advise, but I don't), where it hardened into masa cement. Jinich reconstituted the dough with a little water and a lot of kneading. In the meantime, Jinich prepared a batch of dough with masa harina. Hydration is the key to both masas, she said. If your tortillas crack and fray at the edges while you're pressing them, the dough is too dry, a common problem with masa rounds (and my problem back on New Year's Eve). Just add water, a tablespoon at a

cuisine / culture

time, until the tortillas look smoother and less frayed when pressed. (Don't obsess about this: There will probably be minute fraying along the edges no matter how wet the dough.) To form the rounds, Jinich used a cast-aluminum tortilla press and two rectangles of plastic cut from leftover supermarket produce bags. The thin sheets, large enough to cover the surface of the tortilla press, were perfect for compressing masa into 5-inch rounds without clinging too tightly to the dough. Jinich jiggled the handle when pressing the masa, wiggling the lever ever so slightly to the

left and right. The technique, she said, makes for uniformly round tortillas of even depth. She pressed a 1 1/2-inch ball of masa once until it was about half the size she desired. She then flipped the partly formed tortilla and pressed again until it was ready for the comal. The comal, or griddle, was preheated to medium or medium-low. If the griddle is not pre-heated, Jinich said, your tortillas will stick to the dry, oil-less surface. She removed the top sheet from a formed tortilla and used the bottom sheet to transport the round to the griddle. She then lightly placed the raw tortilla against the bottom half of her hand and removed the second plastic sheet. Then, with one swift movement, she laid the tortilla on the hot griddle, sweeping her hand out of the way like a magician at the culmination of a trick. Jinich waited about 30 seconds before flipping the tortilla, then waited 60 seconds more before flipping it a second time. The only time she touched the tortilla was when she flipped it; otherwise the round remained undisturbed. After the second flip, the tortilla started to sport "freckles," or small brown spots. It also started to puff up into layers. If it doesn't puff, Jinich said, you can poke the tortilla with your finger, a technique called "teasing." It activates the puffing process. Once pressed, griddled, teased and puffed, the hot tortillas should be immediately placed in a warming container and eaten within 30 minutes, otherwise the endosperm starches start to harden, never to fully soften again, even when reheated. At the end of the lesson, Jinich and I started comparing the tortillas made with fresh masa vs. those made with masa harina. There was no comparison. The tortillas made from fresh masa were sweeter and fuller, and had a pronounced minerality, a remnant of the nixtamalization process. The others seemed like copies of copies of the real thing. "It's like they toned down everything," said Jinich. In the end, Jinich still sided with her beloved masa harina. "If we're going to be really picky," she said, "I don't like the minerally taste" of fresh-masa tortillas.

Jul 30 - Aug 05, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Tastoan, the Ancient Spirit of Mexico by Thomas Swanson and Marianne Menditto www.colibridesignvallarta.com

t’s that time of year again...the tastoanes are preparing to take to the streets and plazas of their colonias. With their frightening spider and snake covered masks and savage garb, the Tastoan dancers commemorate the Battle of Tonalá every year on July 25, the feast day of Santiago (St. James), patron saint of Spain and of the Spanish conquest of Mexico. The battle marks the only major victory for native people in the Indian revolt against the Conquistadores that occurred in 1541, shortly after the Spanish, led by Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán, conquered and occupied the old kingdom of the Tonaltecas. This area is now known as Tonalá, a suburb of Guadalajara known for its artesanias, pottery, and strong native tradition. The story goes that Queen Cihualpilli of the Tonalteca, knowing of Beltrán de Guzmán’s reputation for the committing of atrocities in conquest, had received the newly arrived Spanish troops with open arms and willingly converted to Catholicism. However, her subjects were infuriated with the European invaders and their religion and banded together to revolt, with the aid of other cultures such as the Purepecha of Michoacan and the Cora of Nayarit, who had also been recently conquered. A fierce and bloody battle ensued, Tonalá was sacked and burned, with many casualties on both sides. Eventually, heavily re-enforced from México City, a Spanish army, aided by their Náhua allies from around Mexico City, returned on the offensive and were victorious. Kind of.... As legend has it, after the native rebellion was put down, many natives who fought and survived were found hiding in caves in the nearby barranca (the deep canyon through which the Santiago River flows to the Pacific), claiming that Santiago (St. James) had appeared as a great warrior on a white charger, brandishing his sword and spouting flames, killing many and routing the native rebels single-handedly. They emerged from the caves covered with spiders, snakes, scorpions and the like. The terrified former rebels then consented to convert to Catholicism. So goes the Spanish legend, anyway... The conversion, however, was not quite complete. The old gods,

customs and beliefs still remain into the 21st century, evident in many such vibrant dances, mock battles, parades & pilgrimages throughout Mexico. The feast day may be for a Catholic saint, but native dance troops command the lion’s share of the attention. The Tastoanes are symbolic of the fierce and undying spirit of the original Mexican people and the compromise of Spanish and native culture that makes up what Mexico is today. The masks are built on a foundation of thick leather. The leather (often with internal padding) allows for lightness and durability. The swords and spears used in the mock battle dance may be of wood, but the participants definitely take good whacks at each other. The decorations can be made by many methods with experimentation encouraged. Ceramic, paper pulp, seeds and pods, teeth, bones and horns combine with the new (20th century) acrylic paints. Cow and horse tails or the Maguey fiber ‘Ixtle’ are used for their wild wigs. A rare account of the original battle written by Beltrán de Guzmán himself, recalls that the rebels were so fierce as to appear like demons. This description inspired the use of horns on the Tastoan masks. The insects and other fearsome creatures are representative of their aspect, upon crawling out of those caves and brush-choked ravines. Fancifully

painted patterns of spots denote the plague of small-pox brought by the Spanish, which killed more native people both during and after the conquest than all other causes combined. Traditionally, after the festival most of the dancers, who make their masks themselves, soak them in water and strip them back down to the plain leather base, allowing the spirit of the Tastoan to be released, only to be built anew each year to return to battle. The Tastoanes, a word that comes from the native Nahuatl word ‘Tlatoani’, meaning leaders or speakers, believe they represent the very real and living spirit of ancient México, never defeated and rising again every year to give battle to Santiago and his Conquistadores. The masks are therefore rare and considered to be collectors items. If they have actually been used in the festival they are said to be jugada, or ‘played’, and can be rather beat up from the battle. Prudencio Guzman, curator of the National Ceramics Museum in Tonalá, has become well known for the decorative masks he crafts out of ceramic and animal horns. He is a dancer in the festival where of course he wears a leather mask. He is considered a local expert on all things Tastoan. A visit to the museum is a must for anyone interested in the Tastoanes and the wonderful ceramics that have made Tonalá internationally famous.

riviera nayarit

Jul 30 - Aug 05, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit By Cat Morgan

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

inding the Slow Lane on the Riviera Nayarit Most of us who live around the bay area are here because we felt the attraction of the warmer climate, the easy lifestyle, and yes, the cost of living; the wonderful and affordable cost of living. When I made the decision to move to Mexico I had in my mind a vision of semi-retirement, living in a little pueblo, spending most of my time on a pristine beach; basically living in bikinis and sarongs and eating pineapples, papaya and mangos. Ahh… Mexico; where the pace of life is slow and the living is easy. After all, isn’t this what draws most of us to Mexico? And in all these ways, Mexico has delivered. (Although I work full time now!) I am thoroughly enjoying my life here. If you are retiring here be very prepared to slow it down. Nothing is in the fast lane but the taxi drivers! There are some things that I did not knowbefore living here about the Mexican culture. For one, time seems to

be almost nonexistent; meaning that I really never have a good feel for what time it is other than day time (Buenos dias) or afternoon, (Buenos tardes) or good evening, which is officially when it is dark. (Buenos nochas). Mexicans seem to move to their own speed, not to the hands of the clock. I make appointments with my clients, and I try to be on time for those. And most of the time these pan out. However, that is not always the case when trying to make an appointment with a garden worker, for example. Or, someone to help me work on the websites. They may show up hours late and act as all is well, and that they are right on schedule because they are there at that moment. They are on THEIR own time, certainly not mine! Or, maybe they will not show up at all and you will find yourself waiting, and of course becoming frustrated and possibly angry! Americans, and folks from other countries like Canada, are not used to be kept waiting. We are busy and have our expecta-

tions! Hahahaha! You may as well let those expectations and control issues go. They will cause you much suffering here in Mexico. And certainly not to say that all Mexicans are this way. I do not like to put all people into one group. However, this has been much of my experience around the Riviera Nayarit. And it will not help at all to become angry. In fact, you will find yourself standing alone, and angry. Mexicans have a great sense of pride and you will rarely see Mexicans yelling at each other in public. It is a great embarrassment for them. If you yell at a Mexican in front of his family or peers…well, that’s a big no-no. Always speak to them in private about a problem. Another cultural difference in Mexico is that it isn’t polite to say no when asking questions. This will also include giving directions. So they will agree to whatever time you say, and say yes, that they know how to fix, repair, rebuild whatever it is your talking about because that is what you want to hear. Although on that note, I can

definitely say they can make and remake things out of parts and scraps like nobody’s business! Now, about the word manaña… tomorrow. This word “manaña” does not necessarily mean the next day. It has more of a meaning of, “not today” and who knows when. So, when you find a good housekeeper, gardener or other type of worker that you can rely on, do what it takes to keep them in your lives. One of the things I love about living in the Mexican culture is their heart centeredness. Their relationships with their families are very important. Corazon grande! They have so much love and passion for life. I love to connect with these qualities and energies. Every single day my schedule has changes. Every day! I have finally become somewhat use to it after 5 years. It has certainly increased my level of humility and flexibility. Keep the relationships you know work for you. Have healthy boundaries. Sometimes letting go of an unhealthy rela-

Riviera Nayarit Hotels Showcased in the Expedia 2015 Insiders’ Select List

Riviera Nayarit Candidates For 2015 Food and Travel Reader Awards

arival Residences Luxury Nuevo Vallarta placed second among the Best of Mexico, while the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is in sixth place on the list where Expedia clients picked the best 650 hotels and resorts in the world. The Riviera Nayarit’s hotel infrastructure and services are acknowledged for their excellence once again. On this occasion the Expedia 2015 Insiders’ Select List placed the destination’s hotels among the best in Mexico and the world. Expedia.com is one of the largest online travel agencies in the world. Every year, the company puts together a list of the top 650 hotels on the planet according to the opinions and reviews of their over two million users.

When asked about Mexico, these users placed the Marival Residences Luxury Nuevo Vallarta and Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in second and sixth place, respectively. The Mexico list is comprised of only 15 hotels. Each one of the user comments was reviewed in order to determine the winners, which were recognized for their competitive pricing, pristine amenities and superior customer service. To be part of the winning hotel list the properties must maintain a minimum guest review score of 4.7 out of 5. Visit the url for a list of the best hotels in Mexico: http://www.expedia.com/g/u/ insidersselect?&langid=1033

ou’re invited to participate in the Internet’s largest touristic and gastronomic survey and compete for an all-expenses paid trip; use the hashtag #RivieraNayaritMeAsombra to invite your friends. The 2015 Food and Travel Reader Awards highlight the best of Mexico’s Gastronomy and Tourism. The nominations have begun and the Riviera Nayarit is in the running for “Best Destination” in Mexico and we need your vote to make it happen. There are also another seven candidates from the Destination seeking a top spot among the country’s best. The nominees are chosen by votes, which can be cast online at www.foodandtravel.mx/awards. Once there, all you have to do is

register your information, answer a few simple tourism-related questions and vote for the Riviera Nayarit and its candidates. Once you’re registered on the page you’re automatically entered to win an all-expenses paid trip on behalf of Food & Travel. The deadline for voting is July 31, 2015, and the nominees will be announced on August 14th of the same year. Use the hashtag #RivieraNayaritMeAsombra on Facebook and Twitter to invite your friends to vote and participate in the drawing for the trip. Below are the candidates: Best Destination in Mexico Riviera Nayarit. Best Chef - Chef Betty Vázquez, San Blas. Best new restaurant in Mexico

tionship is the best thing you can do for yourself. Fun in La Cruz Join in the fun this Friday for the free event at the La Cruz Marina with “Once in a Blue Moon Umbrella Downwind Regatta”. Create your own sailboat from a paddle board or other floatie and come to compete in the races that start at 3pm. Get creative for style points! Win prizes! The La Cruz Marina is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie classic “Jaws” on Thursday July 30th at 8:30! You can bring your kayak, dingy or paddleboard as the best seats will be on the water between docks 8, 9 and 12. If your too afraid…you can also watch it from the docks. I can hear the Jaws music already! Thanks for tuning in. Stay posted to the RivieraNayaritFun.com facebook page for summer fun and events. If you’re looking for a rental or an energy medicine session please write to me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun. com or Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com . Blessings a todo!

- Restaurante Azur, Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta. Best gourmet business in Mexico - Plaza Gourmet, Grand Luxxe Nuevo Vallarta. Best urban hotel in the interior of the country - Imanta Resorts Punta de Mita. Best beach hotel in Mexico Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Best eco-hotel in Mexico - Haramara Holistic Retreat, Sayulita. Best restaurant in the interior of the country - Restaurante Carolina, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort.

riviera nayarit

Life

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

Jesus Chavez Gonzalez

y favourite thing about living in an ‘away-land’ is that I get to meet a variety of people from all walks of life. During our second year in La Cruz we met a fabulous fisherman and ocean tour operator, Jesus; pronounced ‘Hey-zuice’. He and his son took four others and us to the Marieta Islands where we delighted in seeing the blue-footed booby bird and we got to swim in a crater.

Jesus Chavez Gonzalez, has lived in La Cruz all his life, growing up with 13 siblings. He started fishing at the age of seventeen, commercial fishing out of La Cruz, long before there was a marina here. Jesus’ business includes sport fishing, humpback whale watching tours and sightseeing. The most popular is taking clients to the Marieta Islands to explore. He started his business seventeen years ago with a small panga (boat) named Ivette I. He later bought the newer panga named Ivette II with all the gear he needed and more comfort for

his clients. When asked what he loves about his career… “I believe my specialty is providing a pleasant and fun ride for my clients. Depending on their taste I create a unique experience for each client i.e. some customers enjoy fishing and others like to walk the coastline or snorkel in the Marieta’s. There have been so many special moments with humpback whales breaching and the amazing sight of a whale mom giving birth or spending time with her young, that’s the reward of my business, sharing all that with my clients. It is a business that has brought livelihood to my family and also the pleasure of seeing customers return each year to hire me again for my services.” November thru April is when most tourists arrive in La Cruz when most of his clients are Americans and Canadians. In the summer months when many Nationals vacation here he gets Mexican customers. Growing up in a fishing village Jesus has always been exposed to the fishing and sightseeing industry, but Jesus’s dream was to always have his own business. His wife, Lety, is a cook and she’ll often prepare a dish with the clients freshly caught fish, they love that service! She has two specialty dishes, one is fish with cream sauce and the other is Nayarit shrimp. Jesus like the changes that the Marina Riviera Nayarit has brought to La Cruz “I like the change that brings more work and people and helps business grow”. He’d like to preserve the traditions and festivals in La Cruz like the Blessing of the fleet and the La Cruz days that bring music, games and lots of food to our town lasting for ten days and always ending on May 3rd. Jesus’ wish for La Cruz “To continue having friendly people in our town and fishing village.” His family inspires him and what he says most people won’t know about him is that when he gets a day off work he spends time with family and prefers to go to inland to the mountains. The greatest achievement in his life is that he has his own business and built his own home. “I consider La Cruz a quiet town where people live happily, where businesses grow every day with quality service provided. I recommend that every person who reads this visit La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. You won't regret it!”

Jul 30 - Aug 05, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

The Riviera Nayarit Diversifies its Environmental Duties

he Riviera Nayarit is a destination that is diversified and innovative when it comes to caring for the environment. Case in point: the cleaning up of the Islas Marietas and the reforestation of local communities. The latest cleanup effort in the Islas Marietas occurred Monday, July 20th, with the participation of 90 tourism service providers who collected 50 large bags of trash. The Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) supports this important effort in coordination with the National Commission for Protected Natural Areas (Conanp, by its acronym in Spanish) together with the Coral del Risco Cooperative, as well as the integration of the Ecology Department of the Banderas Bay

City Council. “We want to promote the conservation of the natural resources that we have and raise awareness in the communities regarding the importance and benefits it has for them. These environmental services include storm and hurricane protection, diet and job sources, among others,” commented Conanp Biologist José Luis Menéndez. The City Council and its Public Works and Services, Tourism, Urban Development and Ecology offices have unconditionally supported the reforestation activities that started on July 9, 2015 and are being coordinated by the EarthCheck Committee. They have planted 420 trees of their goal of 1,200 trees total during this rainy season.

Emergencies: 060 Red Cross: 065 Non-Emergency Police 322.290.0507 Fire Department: 322.223.9476 Ambulance: 322.222.1533

Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145

Immigration: 322.224.7719 Consumer Protection: 01.800.468.8722 Tourism Offices Jalisco: 322.221.2676 Nayarit: 322.297.1006

Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

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

Jul 30 - Aug 05, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

charities

Jul 30 - Aug 05, 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 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

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