Issue 958, August 13 - 19, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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News DENTAL CARE

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Aug 13 - 19, 2015 Free Issue 958

Mascota a step back in time

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Cuisine mexican salads

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Archive

dancing On the malecon

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.

Aug 13 - 19, 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 peaceanimals.org 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 Friends of Puerto Vallarta Animals

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

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

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Editor’s Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

God whispers etched in Stone

By Kandelaria

This past weekend I went to my first Mexican funeral.

Mexico has a lovely way of celebrating and remembering those who have died with their Day of the Dead celebrations in November, but death, no matter what, is always difficult for those left on the ground.

Thankfully, I haven’t had to deal with death much. A few friends making poor decisions when I was younger and my step-father passing away from the ravages of lung cancer. But I have never attended a church service or even gone to a cemetery for anything other than taking ‘interesting’ photos.

As you would expect, the service was in a Catholic church with songs (hymns?) and prayers and wafers – all of which I have zero experience with. From my sociologist eye it was very interesting. Not at all like the movies.

I was confused if I was supposed to stand or sit or kneel.

There was a brief awkward (for me) period where everyone started shaking hands and hugging, like we were meeting for the first time. I kept saying “Hola!” which I’m pretty sure wasn’t appropriate.

From the church we went to the cemetery. I find cemeteries in general very interesting. There are so many stories here. And not just of those buried but of those who keep returning to leave fresh flowers and clean up the graves

Cortez was my father and my Eagle.

Huicholes deem the Eagle the spirit closest to God. The words of Tagore, Kahlil Gibran, and my father…, All three, edified me throughout the looming passing of time and gave me wing to fly.

In the 60’s the drunken pilot would land the little red Cessna on a make-shift airstrip of cow dung and dirt.

We embarked in Vallarta where everything seems soft, the breeze caresses your face, the humidity curls your hair and the sand melts beneath your feet.

For once the dust of Mexico settles in your soul you will find peace in no other land! We always hung our spurs and the Oceana at night, the incandescence of candlelight and mornings on our balcony, we would relish the Banderas Bay ocean breezes, enhanced by the brays of donkey and crows of rooster.. a lone taxi the only transport in sight.

to those who don’t.

The news had warned us that there would be a big storm today and as we pulled up the sky dramatically darkened and so much rain poured from the sky as we made our way through the cemetery to inter abuelito. One hundred years old. The oldest living person I had ever seen.

It's not like it was unexpected.

He was a 100, bed ridden and cared for by his six daughters.

But still, the crying, the fainting, the gritos, were all a bit much for my Canadian sensibilities. The rain pouring down my back and my lack of adequate Spanish as family member after family member came up to introduce themselves and say hello made the experience overwhelming.

As the Banda played lamenting

Upcoming EVENTS Saturday August 15th at 7pm: Party Vallarta Exhibition highlighting many of the best local artists including Tony Collantez, Misael Lopez, Bren Sue and Adrian Rojas.

Aquiles Serdan #387 in Centro along the Rio Cuale starting at 7pm.

Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30pm: a charity event for Cheryl’s Shoe Box and the Young Actors Workshop Scholarship will be held at Act II Entertainment. Musical festivities start at 6:30pm in the Encore Piano Bar with the Voice of

Vallarta performers and Ms. Mikki Prost providing the entertainment.

The main show opens at 8:00 pm, featuring Piel Canela; Elvis, Back from the Dead Tour starring Anthony St. Martin; excerpts from Voice of Vallarta, The Concert; Mikki Prost; Rob Knight and more!

There are a number of raffle and auction prizes to be won. General admission tickets cost $250 pesos and VIP seats (first 3 rows) are $300 pesos. For more information visit the MUSIC FEST 2015 to benefit PV Children on facebook or contact Act II box office.

tune after lamenting tune and the youngest family members sang along, arm in arm; the weather, the lack of sleep faded in the background. Here lies a man with seven living children and dozens of grand children and great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; many of whom have come to pay their respects.

The bond of family is so strong here it even pulls this cynical blonde guerra in a little from the sidelines.

On to happier things. We have a couple of events this week and it’s almost my birthday in case you need to go shopping. Enjoy the weather, the beaches and the last few weeks of summer vacation!

Safe travels, Madeline

Guadalupe Church was always the first on our prayer list, never completed for tax reasons… to date it is still deemed to collectors a ”work in process.” She is crowned with the corona of the Hapsburg queen Carlotta, a gift to the nuns from Richard Burton to appease for his torrid liaisons in the nearby Casa Kimberley.

White doves flew in stained glass belfries as devout worn wrinkled worshipers clad in black lace mantillas crawled in snail like pace to the altar for penance, blessing and salvation while a gaunt old blind man swept and woefully held back one tear.

The nearby market was destination exotic, the only other attraction in town aside from a starlit movie house with only one wall and a rickety antiquated projector.

Hawkers would pitch aromatic fruits and legumes from Vallarta’s opulent soil while local fisherman iced Marlin, Huachinango and El Dorado for famished onlookers.

The highlight of my day was when we’d ride the blue bus known to its straggling passengers as el burro, to our nearby destination Los Tules.Daddy, an avid horseman, eyes would cloud as he told me how the architect had taken his own life with a gun and his prize Arab mares had died of neglect.

Yet undaunted daddy would take my hand of ten devoted years and lead me to one of Tules six swimming pools past the five stone banquets each etched with the ill-fated architects most cherished poets… dichos {sayings}… for the world to savor after the benevolent architects untimely demise…and now with great love I affectionately share his lore with you…!

God Whispers in Stone For You I thought them mad because they traded their days for gold; they thought me crazy for I knew my days were precious.

-Kahlil Gibran.

Inspiration sings it never explains! -Tagore If you always speak with a song in your voice you will find someone to listen even though your heart is a desert. -Gibran Nothing happens in an instant says the voice of eternity!

-Tagore If the night cries for the sun there would be no stars. -Tagore

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Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

More crews join in the beach cleanup New Wyndham hotels, flights for Phoenix

Hotel chain expansion continues; Volaris opens Phoenix-Hermosillo route

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he different sectors that contribute to this movement that is slowly improving the conditions of local beaches and simultaneously generating awareness in the populace continue to come together.

The monthly activities of the Beach Cleanup Network (RLP by its acronym in Spanish) coordinated by the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) are now in their fifth edition, with the cleanup set to take place on August 8, 2015.

This activity has been completely inclusive since its inception over a year ago and new groups from different sectors continue to join in.

This time around the Fundación Careaga and the Hotel Cactus Inn

will be part of the cleanup in Playa Bucerías.

“Truth is that since we’ve begun this work we had no doubt that it would grow enough to create a significant and positive impact.

However, it’s been even more successful than we anticipated,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “Outside the group effort we’ve seen people participating even though they aren’t associated with a hotel, a business or an association. These are fellow citizens who are doing this out of love for their communities and that’s a major change.”

The game-changing efforts of the RLP extend from Nuevo Vallarta

all the way to La Isla de Mexcaltitlán.

They include over 15 communities with more than 600 volunteers and endless kilos of trash that are no longer polluting the Destination.

“Practicing what you preach” has also influenced the mentality of the coastal villages, especially the attitude of the children and teens that form part of the RLP. For more information and comments, if you’re interested in more details about the project including the hours and meeting places or would like to propose your community join the Riviera Nayarit Beach Cleanup Network, please call 2 97 25 16 ext. 108, and someone from the Riviera Nayarit CVB will be happy to help you.

New mall to open in Puerto Vallarta

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uerto Vallarta will soon have a new upscale shopping center on the main avenue into town. At 68,000 square feet it will become a popular destination for tourists

and residents alike.

La Isla Shopping Centre is scheduled to open in September with 45 stores and restautants including Sanborns, Starbucks and the highly aniticipated, H&M.

Built in front of the XXX along the Pitillal river, the project has been under planning for the past three years. It is projected to employ over 500 when it opens its doors in September.

he world’s largest hotel chain will open another seven properties in Mexico in the next few months.

Wyndham Hotel Group will have 40 hotels in Mexico following the expansion, which will see the Wyndham Garden, Ramada and Microtel Inn brands opening in Culiacán, León, Puebla, San Luis Potosí, Ciudad Cuauhtémoc and Guadalajara.

The new facilities will represent an additional 1,000 rooms.

The new investment is part of an expansion plan in Latin America and the Caribbean in

which 11 new properties opened from April until June.

Wyndham has more than 7,700 hotel franchises throughout the world, making it the largest hotel chain in terms of the number of properties.

Its second-quarter income was US $1.4 billion, up 4.1% over the same period last year.

In other travel news, Mexico’s second-biggest airline will begin offering direct flights between Hermosillo, Sonora, and Phoenix, Arizona, beginning in November.

Volaris will fly twice a week between the two cities.

- Mexico Daily News

Diving with whales photo wins contest

Mexican photographer wins National Geographic's first prize

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Mexican photographer has won a National Geographic prize for his shot of divers swimming near a humpback whale and its newborn calf in the waters off the Revillagigedo Islands.

Anuar Patjane took the photo in January and entered it in the National Geographic 2015 Traveler Photo Contest where it was named the first-prize winner from a field of nearly 18,000 entries.

Patjane named the photograph Whale Whisperers and in the accompanying caption urged that the islands where it was taken be designated a protected area.

“This is an outstanding and unique place full of pelagic life, so we need to accelerate the incorporation of the islands into UNESCO as [a] natural heritage site in order to increase the protection of the islands against the prevailing illegal fishing corporations and big-game fishing.” The whales were swimming off Roca Partida, one of the four islands in the archipelago, which are officially part of the municipality of Manzanillo. The only inhabitants are about 50 sailors posted to a naval station.

The islands are located between 720 and 970 kilometers west of the city of Manzanillo in Colima.

The photo contest’s first prize is an eight-day National Geographic photo expedition to Costa Rica and the Panama Canal with airfare for two. The annual contest offers 10 prizes in all.

On his website, Patjane says he looks for images with strong meanings and emotions. “I tell visual stories with them, stories that show the power of empathy . . . stories that focus the attention into places and moments, which usually escape unnoticed. I cannot photograph the staged, the arranged, I just can’t. I need reality flowing, that is my element and that is what I enjoy photographing.”

Whale Whisperers was taken with a Sony DSC-RX100 with focal length at 10.4 mm, shutter speed of 1/1000 of a second and aperture at f/1.8.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

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Summit encourages border cooperation Energy, trade, border wait times on the agenda at 2015 U.S.-Mexico Summit

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hile U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump continued building his Mexico border wall last night, Mexicans and Americans who had gathered for a meeting in El Paso, Texas, were looking back on a day spent discussing the removal of border barriers. Trump repeated his message that a wall was needed to keep out the bad people during the Republican party presidential debate held last night in Cleveland.

But at the University of Texas in El Paso, politicians, business people and others had been discussing the importance of a harmonious relationship at the 2015 U.S. Mexico Summit. Senators from Mexico, Congressmen from Texas, the New Mexico governor and municipal leaders were among the participants, who exchanged business and education ideas and partnerships, and discussed issues ranging from trade and energy to border wait times. The executive director of the Presidio Municipal Development

District referred to the bonds forming among four cities, two in Texas and two in Chihuahua.

“Presidio, Odessa, Ojinaga and Chihuahua City are all coming together now and I think we’re on the verge of something really, really big,” said Brad Newton. “Conferences like [this] just reinforce that we’re barking up the right tree.” “We have some tricks that they don’t have, but they have manufacturing we don’t have . . . it’s a perfect partnership.”

One issue that works against that partnership came up during a panel discussion yesterday. Rep. Beto

O’Rourke said the U.S. State Department travel advisory is harming the image of the El Paso-Ciudad Juárez region and making travel difficult for universities and visitors. O’Rourke said a lot of progress has been made in Juárez, at one time the world’s murder capital, since 2011, yet the State Department is unwilling to modify or lift the advisory.

The exchange of ideas continues today in El Paso before moving across the border into Juárez this afternoon for the second part of the meeting. The event wraps up tomorrow with the U.S. Mexico International 10K run which begins in El Paso and finishes in Juárez.

Texas and Chihuahua businesswoman Alejandra De La Vega Foster, who expressed surprise at Donald Trump’s popularity in the polls, observed it was important to talk about the issues and try to work together, “and not let the sometimes negative political rhetoric damage that relationship.”

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

Mexico’s Foreign Reserves Rise by $48 Million

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exico’s foreign reserves rose by $48 million to $190.75 billion last week, the Bank of Mexico said.

Gold and foreign currency reserves rose in the week ending July 31 mainly due to a change in the value of the bank’s foreign

assets and transactions that were executed, the central bank said.

Foreign reserves have fallen by $2.48 billion since the end of 2014, the Bank of Mexico said in a statement.

The M1 money supply, which includes currency, coins and

demand deposits, rose by 16.49 billion pesos (about $1.02 billion) to 1.07 trillion pesos (some $66.42 billion) last week, the central bank said. The money supply has increased by 10.55 billion pesos ($653 million) since Jan. 1.

Lath.com

Mexico Enacts New Law to Protect Journalists and Activists

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new legislation came into effect in Mexico Monday aimed at protecting journalists and human rights activists.

“We are committed to provide safety, protection and ensure the fundamental right to freedom of expression and the right to exercise journalism freely,” said Miguel Angel Mancera, Mayor of Mexico City. The Law for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders and Journalists will set up a decentralized public body with “autonomy, legal personality and independent assets,” he explained.

The new law also provides for an advisory council, which will assist in designing prevention programmes and work plan, a council of evaluation and a comprehensive protection fund for journalists and human rights defenders.

The legislation strengthens the framework agreement invoked in 2012 in Mexico City and will implement preventive measures of protection as well as social, labour and housing related measures, Mancera said.

He added since the beginning

of his term (2012-2018), security measures have been established in 77 of the handled cases and pointed out the new legislation must have an immediate decision-making clause and the required budget.

A total of 102 journalists were murdered between 2000 and 2014 in Mexico, making it one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, the Special Prosecutor’s Office for Crimes against Freedom of Expression said.

Lath.com

Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Facing rising dental costs, seniors head to Mexico

By Astrid Galvan ark Bolzern traveled 3,700 miles to go to the dentist. The 56-year-old Anchorage, Alaska, native left home this spring, made a pit stop in Las Vegas to pick up a friend, and kept heading south, all the way to Los Algodones, Mexico, a small border town teeming with dental offices.

About 60 percent of Americans have dental insurance coverage, the highest it has been in decades. But even so, the nation's older population has been largely left behind.

Nearly 70 percent of seniors are not insured, according to a study compiled by Oral Health America.

A major reason is because dental care is not covered by Medicare and many employers no longer offer post-retirement health benefits. What's more, the Affordable Care Act allows enrollees to get dental coverage only if they purchase general health coverage first, which many seniors don't need. At the same time, seniors often require the most costly dental work, like crowns, implants and false teeth.

As a result, many are seeking cheaper care in places like Los Algodones, where Mexican dentists who speak English and sometimes accept U.S. insurance offer rock-bottom prices for everything from a cleaning to implants. Dentists in Los Algodones say a large portion of their clients are seniors.

In the desert outpost near the border of California and Arizona, men in white shirts stand outside of offices with signs advertising root canals and teeth cleanings.

Other signs advertise prescription drugs like muscle relaxers at low rates - no prescription needed.

For Bolzern, seeing a dentist in Los Algodones meant a savings of up to $62,000. He was told the extensive dental work he needed - his teeth needed to be raised and he needed a crown on every molar - would cost $65,000 at a private dentist. He looked for lower rates, finding a dental school where the work was less expensive because it

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was performed by students. But it still cost $35,000.

He paid $3,000 in Mexico and has been back several times.

The cost of dental care has surged in the last two decades and continues to increase at a rate of 5 percent annually. Many dental plans have high deductibles and don't offer extensive coverage. Many people opt out.

Mexico has lower costs because of cheaper labor and fewer regulatory requirements.

Residents in border towns like El Paso, Texas and Nogales, Sonora, often make the short drive to the Mexican side for basic medical needs and prescription medications that are much costlier in the U.S. Some businesses even offer shuttle services from the Phoenix area to Los Algodones, a nearly 200-mile ride.

Going abroad for cheaper health care is nothing new.

Americans have been doing it for years, for everything from elective, cosmetic procedures to major, life-saving surgery.

Matthew Messina, a practicing dentist and consumer adviser on behalf of the American Dental Association, said Americans who visit dentists in foreign countries should do a lot of research before they go.

Different countries use different types of equipment, and some items, such as implants, may not have warranties.

Malpractice lawsuits may not be an option.

Dentists in Los Algodones say they attend less school than their counterparts in U.S. but spend more time practicing clinical work.

They say they practice the same safety standards as American dentists and have offices that are just as clean.

José Obed Zuñiga has been a dentist in Los Algodones for a decade and found business was so good he opened his own shop about two years ago.

"Everything, the quality, is very similar to the United States," Zuñiga said. "We see the work from the United States, and it's very competitive."

-Associated Press

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Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

President Announces Policy to Promote Mexico’s Culinary Industry

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resident Enrique Peña Nieto is promoting an effort to make Mexican gastronomy “a great source of inclusion and prosperity, as well as of international standing.”

In unveiling his policy for the promotion of national gastronomy on Tuesday, Peña Nieto said the sector accounted for more than 5.5 million jobs and was “one of the main sources of income for Mexican households, and one of our major tourism attractions.”

The president said the culinary industry’s chain of value was one of the most widespread and diverse since it runs from smallscale farmers to food services, such as groceries, supermarkets and restaurants.

Peña Nieto said the sector had enormous potential to improve and grow in coming years.

The National Productivity Committee listed gastronomy as one of the eight strategic economic sectors to promote,

saying that although gastronomy supported millions of jobs, “it is not structured and its productivity is very limited.”

Peña Nieto signed the National Gastronomy Promotion Policy Agreement.

The agreement seeks to “speed up the transformation of our gastronomy to a more dynamic and comprehensive sector, with a strong economic base and broad social benefits, and a key element of our country’s brand,” Peña Nieto said.

To achieve the program’s goals, Peña Nieto said the Ven a Comer (Come and Eat) brand would “help create a badge of quality and authenticity for products and markets, vendors, utensils, restaurants and even cooks, both in Mexico and overseas.”

UNESCO declared Mexico’s cooking part of the world’s cultural heritage on Nov. 16, 2010.

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... SAMMY

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local Mexico Consumer Prices Up 0.15 Percent in July

ammy is a playful but well behaved 8 month old Labrador mix weighing 35 pounds. He is a very sweet little guy and good with other dogs. He is curious about cats but doesn’t chase them.

Sammy would be a wonderful family dog. True to his breed Sammy needs plenty of exercise so is the perfect companion for an active family. Sammy has been neutered, dewormed and is current on all vaccines. Ready to adopt Sammy? Contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

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exico's consumer price index rose 0.15 percent in July compared to the previous month, bringing trailing 12-month inflation to 2.74 percent, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI, said Friday.

Core CPI, which excludes items - such as oil - with high price volatility, rose 0.17 percent last month, bringing core inflation for the 12 months that ended in July to 2.31 percent, the institution said in a statement. The

biggest price hikes occurred in the fruits and vegetables sector, which rose 2.15 percent relative to June, and "other services" such as restaurants, mobile and fixed-line telephony and tourist packages, up 0.67 percent.

The steepest price declines occurred in the livestock sector, down 0.96 percent, and non-food merchandise, which fell 0.20 percent. The price of the basket of basic goods, which rose 2.01 percent for the 12 months that ended in July, fell 0.10 percent

last month. The INEGI also said Friday that the producer price index rose 0.57 percent last month compared to June and climbed 3.31 percent for the 12 months that ended in July.

Mexico's inflation rate came in at 4.08 percent in 2014, slightly above the central bank's tolerance band.

The Bank of Mexico has established an inflation target of 3 percent for 2015, with a one-percentage-point tolerance band.

Lath.com

3 Mexican authors for a summer reading list Latin American writers are often absent from recommendations

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atin American authors are often absent from suggested English-language reading lists, wrote Maria Sanchez Diez for Quartz June 28, despite a demographic shift that has been taking place in the United States for many years. Diez set out to rectify the imbalance by offering a list of nine that she recommended be included on summer reading lists.

For Mexico News Daily readers who might enjoy reading the work of the new generation of Mexican authors, here are the three Mexican writers from the Quartz list and some recommended reading.

First up is Yuri Herrera, whose Signs Preceding the End of the World is described as a breathtaking novel that tells of the mission of a young girl sent to track down and rescue her brother, who has disappeared in the U.S. “Makina’s character encapsulates the Mexican immigrant’s Odyssey toward the north, as Herrera explores the symbolic and psychological dimension that every transition carries,” writes Diez.The book was Herrera’s third. His fourth, The Transmigration of Bodies, is due to be published in English next year.

Novelist and short story writer Guadalupe Nettel has created a mosaic of unforgettable characters in Natural Histories. Among them, the pregnant woman who spends her days observing how two fishes fight, the bourgeois family whose apartment is taken over by cockroaches or the couple of musicians who share a genital infection.

The tales explore the intersection between animal and human behavior, and how biological instincts influence relationships.

Another more recent book by Nettel is The Body Where I Was Born, an autobiographical novel in which the narrator recalls her childhood and

Yuri Herrera

Guadalupe Nettel

an eye anomaly from the couch of a psychoanalyst.

Valeria Luiselli is one of the youngest “and most talented” figures in Mexican literature, says Diez. Her Faces in the Crowd is an award-winning tale about the Spanish-speaking literary diaspora in New York. For non-fiction, Diez suggests Luiselli’s collection of essays entitled Sidewalks. Her latest book is the novel The Story of My Teeth, which relates the tale of a man who tries to replace his repulsive teeth.

Original: Mexico Daily News

Valeria Luiselli

local

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Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Friendship Across the Miles

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t must be pitiful to watch my face when I suddenly realize, usually around 12:03am, that someone’s birthday has just passed and that I have forgotten it again. I am very grateful to Facebook, which senses my inability to recall important things and sends me birthday reminders every day. Bless that social media giant. There’s one birthday, however, that isn’t hard for me to remember at all.

Every year on June 12, I stop calendar time in my kindergarten classroom and ask my students to send out a happy birthday wish to a very special someone.

They don’t mind if they do, shouting “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MELODIE!” with all the joy and enthusiasm that they would yell

out “MORE COOKIES NOW!” That’s the joy of teaching kindergarten, by the way. Yelling a birthday wish to someone not physically present and whom they have never met makes perfect sense to five-year-olds, if only because screaming is fun.

You see, my friend Melodie has been in my life since we were in Grade 5 and discovered that a) we both found ourselves very funny and that b) no one else did. She became that friend who walked into my house without knocking, because she just belonged there.

She was the one who knew everything about me that was worth knowing, including my varied and colorful sock wardrobe in seventh grade. She was the one who told me the straight, loving truth about my choices, good or bad, solicited or not so much. When things went wrong,

it was unthinkable to tell anyone else first, mostly because we were usually together during the unraveling of a perfectly good situation.

We endured exams, car accidents, pet deaths, family problems and general teenage angst together.

We celebrated the happy times too, including weddings, graduations, and Things Only We Find Hilarious.

When you pick up and change countries, friendships either stretch or they fade. Making new friends is fun, for sure, and I treasure my friendships here in Vallarta. But there’s something about a friendship that’s been an important part of your life since you were in elementary school.

It can’t be replaced, because there’s no one else who would care if you got new socks.

There’s no one else who remembers that you don’t like eating cold fruit. But if you have a friend like my girl Melodie, she will swat away the miles and that pesky extra country between you and still find a way to make you an essential part of her life.

She’ll send you chai latte ingredients that warm you up when you are blue. She’ll go shopping for you at the outlets because she knows both your size and your aversion to deep v-necks.

She’ll send you videos of dogs playing musical instruments and you’ll find a way to snort laugh using emojis. She’ll be the cool aunt to your children just like you will be to hers. She’ll buy little crazy things for them all year long and send them in one big happy random care package when your parents come to visit.

She’ll plunk herself down across from you when you make a somewhat unpopular life decision. She will grab your hand and look into your eyes, the ones you are having trouble meeting in the mirror. She’ll tell you that, no matter what you do or where you decide to live, she can always be found sitting across the table from you, squeezing your hand. And then you will both ugly cry, which will provoke a round of helpless, wheezy laughter. And that will make you cry again.

Most of the time, our table is about 2600 miles across, too far for our hands to meet in the middle of it. But every year on June 12, twenty five-year-olds shout out a wish as far north as they can and I imagine that we really aren’t so far away.

Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Ramon Navarro - an early Mexican star

By Fred Jacobs amon Navarro was born in 1899 in Durango, Mexico.

He was one of 13 children of a well-to-do family. His father was a dentist. During the Mexican Revolution, Ramon’s family lost their standing and fled to Los Angeles in 1913. He supported himself as a singing waiter and as an usher in a movie house.

He wanted to become an actor and his early advantage was that he looked like the great Rudolf Valentino. In his pursuit of acting, he also changed his name from Samanriego to Navarro.

After 5 years pursuing his acting dream, he finally landed his first role in “Scaramouche” in 1923.

His first major hit was in “Ben Hur” in 1925. In 1926 Ramon’s idol and competitor, Rudolf Valentino, died and Ramon was now sought after as a swashbuckling and romantic lead actor. He co-starred with Norma Shearer in “The Student Prince of Heidelberg” in 1927.

Joan Crawford was his leading lady in “Across to Singapore” in 1928. That was the end of the silent film era for him.

He made the transition into talkies without any problems. He was attractive with a good voice to boot. Ramon’s first talkie was “The Devil may Care” in 1929.

He had a singing role in the 1930 “Call of the Flesh” and he was earning a good salary by then.

He was never married and kept his private life private. He was on top of his career when he made “Mata Hari” with Greta Garbo in 1931 and “The Barbarian” with Myrna Loy in 1933. At his peak he earned $100,000 per picture that he invested into real estate.

Ramon was very popular in the 1950’s in hit TV shows like Bonanza, Dr.Kildare and the Wild, Wild West. When his movie career slowed down he was able to maintain a comfortable life style. His fans did not know that he was a homosexual. On October 30, 1968, Ramon called an escort service. He was sent two young brothers to his spacious villa for a tryst.

The brothers mistakenly thought the actor had money hidden in his home, but after hours of torturing Navarro, they finally strangled him and fled. He was 69 years old when he was murdered.

The two young brothers had

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visions to make a big score but it turned into a senseless death, as they left with a mere $2O that was in Ramon’s bathrobe.

They were caught, convicted and sentenced to seven years each in prison. They got away with murder, but it meant a horrible end for a talented actor. Ramon was also the cousin of Dolores Del Rio. They both came from the same hometown. Both families were uprooted by the Mexican Revolution and emigrated to the USA. Dolores returned to Mexico to become a symbol of Mexican culture and her fame spread all over Europe and South America.

Her English was never good enough for the talkies but she spent her final years as friend of Marlene Dietrich and a lover of Orson Welles. She passed way in 1983 aged 78.

Fred Jacobs is the author of 3 books and a resident of Puerto Vallarta for over a decade.

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

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

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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

Janice Gonzalez 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, 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 or on Facebook.

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

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Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mascota – A step back in time This little town just two hours from Puerto Vallarta offers fresh temperatures, exciting exploration and a glimpse into Mexico’s ancient cultures.

By Madeline Milne he town of Mascota is a short two-hour drive from Puerto Vallarta, 103 kms into the mountains behind the Bay of Banderas, where it’s slightly cooler and there is less humidity. Located in the state of Jalisco, the town has a population of about 14,000 and is primarily based on agriculture. Settled by the Spanish around 1530, the town has a long history that predates the Spanish by at least 2,000 years.

HOW TO GET THERE Driving north towards Bucerias, you take the Ixtapa exit just past Home Depot, and drive straight. You can’t get lost if you stay on that road.

The drive takes you through the town of Ixtapa, past the jail (in case you ever need to know where it is), through a number of small towns and ranches. The scenery is stunning, with rolling hills, lush farmland, and thick jungle. As you climb up the mountain, the jungle disappears and the pine and oak forests start to emerge. This is one of my favourite landscapes and makes me nostalgic for my childhood home near the Okanagan Valley.

Just before the town of San Sebastian del Oeste there is a very impressive bridge that spans a drop that is over 1000 meters. Stop and walk to the middle of the bridge just to see how far a kilometer looks from above. Once you get back on the road you are about 30 - 45 minutes outside of Mascota.

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WHERE TO STAY We stayed at Rancho Esmeralda, which is at the entrance to the town.

It is situated in a beautiful setting, with a number of charming cabins, an outdoor pool and amenities set among fields and surrounded by the embracing mountains. Rancho Esmeralda is set up for self-sufficiency and you should at the least bring snacks to tide you over in the morning and evening. It is a great place for families, reunions, or even romantic vacations. Each cabin is set far enough apart for privacy and all come with lovely verandas where you can watch the birds in the morning.

There are a handful of other charming hotels towards the centre of town and around the plaza. All seem to be built in the traditional hacienda style, with inner courtyards. They range from $400 to

$1000 pesos a night and may, or may not, include breakfast.

Early in the morning on our way to check out some of the surrounding towns, we stopped at an inviting café and I had one of the best mochas I’ve ever tasted, along with a perfect coconut cookie. Around the main plaza there are a number of coffee shops, most selling locally grown coffee and fresh baked galletas.

EXPLORING CLOSE BY We decided to hit the road early to visit the nearby towns of Yerbabuena and Navidad. Heading out of town towards Guadalajara, as you reach the Pemex, you can stay right and head to GDL or you can lean left and head towards a number of smaller towns. They are a total of just a few kilometers from Mascota along a tight one-lane road that in rainy season should encourage you to exercise caution.

Yerbabuena is as cute as they come. About two kilometers from Mascota, the town is clearly enjoyed by affluent weekenders from Guadalajara and the grand homes are all set with clay tile roofs and stone

foundations. The tiny plaza has a lovely rose garden and the church is postcard perfect. Apparently there is a very good restaurant along the river but it was early and we had our coffees in hand. Next time.

From Yerbabuena, we carried on to Navidad. This village was settled years ago by French immigrants escaping religious persecution and today the population is tall and slender with fair hair and light green or blue eyes. The town itself is extremely small (pop. 230) and appealing with some interesting mural work at the entrance to the town.

We stopped for a short time to visit the plaza and church, which was renovated in the 1980’s, and clearly looks like it was renovated in the 80’s. We headed back to Mascota, taking in some spectacular vistas of volcanos, valleys, and farmland.

THINGS TO DO IN TOWN Once in town we stopped at the Museo Estatal de Arqueología . It is co-sponsored by National Geographic and is very well done. As is to be expected in a Spanish speaking country, the displays are entirely in Spanish. I thought we were

out of luck but we were thankfully found by the only English-speaking guide, who was pleased to share his knowledge and practice English with us.

The most prestigious item in their collection is a cut quartz stone that was exhumed from an ancient burial site found by a local farmer when tilling his fields one day. The quartz is fascinating because it is likely the earliest known cut stone in Latin America and believed to be 5,000- 8,000 years old. The hole that has been drilled through the stone suggests it comes from another culture, as the technique is not known in this region – or really anywhere at this point in history.

The placement of the stone signifies its value among the peoples of the valley who lived here approximately 2,500 year ago.

Personally, I found the exhibit on the petroglyphs absolute fascinating. Unfortunately we were short on time when we learned of their existence. On my next visit – and there will be many – I intend to spend the day hiking around looking at the petroglyphs. There is something so tangible about seeing rock carvings.

This is apparently one of the most prolific petroglyph sites in Mexico and there are also some fascinating cave paintings in the vicinity, which is odd for this region.

Casa de las piedras Having asked around about things we should definitely check out, the Casa de las piedras kept coming up. Just around the corner from the Museum of Archeology, we had the extreme pleasure of visiting with the artist, curator and local resident Senor Francisco Pena. For the past 25 years, he has made it his life’s work to cover his home in stones that he collects from the river. He sorts them based on size and colour and then applies them to everything.

Literally everything; including his bed, the television, the fish tank, the telephone. He is a charming man who speaks wonderful English and will warmly invite you to enjoy his creations. A town treasure, Francisco also has an impressive collection of archival photographs of Mascota and he writes books on local history and genealogy. Very likely this will be

culture

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Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

10 Things you have Mexico to be thankful for

1.- Chocolate The first recorded evidence of chocolate was found in Mesoamerica, in the region that later became Mexico. Yes, you have Mexico to thank for Hershey kisses, Abuelita hot cocoa, German chocolate cake, and French silk pie.

2.- Tacos Do you really want to live in a world without tacos? While the precise origins of the taco are unknown, Jeffrey M. Pilcher, a professor at the University of Minnesota and taco expert, believes that they date back to 18th century Mexico when men working in the silver mines invented the delicious food.

3.-Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (aka the BEST chip of all time) were invented

the best $10 pesos you have ever spent. We then moved on to the Temple de la Preciosa Sangre which is an unfinished ruin of a church that was to be built in the late 1800’s for the local residents of the town, who had been pushed out of the central church by the newly arriving Spaniards. The ruins felt otherworldly and ancient, with crumbling mortar, winding flowering vines, and the setting sun dappling the walls through

by Richard Montañez, a Mexican immigrant and janitor at the Frito-Lay plant in California. He pitched his idea for a chili powder coated chip to the president of the company, who loved the idea. Now, Montañez leads

the overgrown trees. It seemed as though the castles and churches of Narnia had come to life.

WHERE TO EAT For a late lunch we headed to Laguna de Juanacatlan home to the world’s largest Mocajeta. A mocajeta is a lava stone mortal and pestle that you can purchase in many tianguis (markets) throughout Mexico. Typically used to grind the ingredients for

the Multicultural Sales & Community Promotions branch of the company!

Talk about a great product -- and an even better story.

4.-Colour TV While you’re snacking on your Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and watching endless episodes of Orange Is The New Black on your LCD 40” screen TV, remember: the inventor of the color television was a Mexican.

Guillermo González Camarena was the first person to patent the product when he developed an “improved chromoscopic adapter” for color television transmissions.

5.-Tequila There would be fewer sloppy nights without Mexicans, and don’t you forget it. It’s believed that tequila was first produced in the 16th century, although the Aztec people had previously brewed an alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant -- long before the Spanish arrived on this continent.

6.-Piñatas Fiestas would be a whole lot less fun (and less violent) without piñatas. Okay, so originally piñatas

are from China, but the tradition took on new meaning when it was introduced into Europe in the 14th century and later brought to Mexico.

Mayan tradition called for a pot filled with decorative feathers to commemorate the birthday of Huitzilopochtli. The Mayans would then blindfold themselves and break the pot with a stick or club, causing the treasures to fall to the floor. This festive ritual later became the basis for the piñata as we know it today.

7.-Caesar Salad Que? Yes, it’s true: your favorite diet go-to was invented in Mexico.

An Italian immigrant named Caesar Cardini operated restaurants in both the United States and Tijuana, Mexico. During one Fourth of July rush, he depleted the kitchen supplies and had to make do with what he had on-hand. Thus, the Caesar Salad was born on the Mexican border.

8.-Corn on the cob Do you want to live in a world without corn on the cob, cornbread, or corn tortillas? I didn’t think so. So, next time you dig in to a delicious

cup of esquite, be sure to thank the Olmec and Mayan Indians who first cultivated the vegetable in Mexico.

9.-Birth Control Birth control was invented by a Mexican? Claro que si. When Luis Ernesto Miramontes Cardenas was just 25-years-old, he co-discovered the compound which became the chemical basis for the first oral contraceptive. In other words: he invented the world’s first birth control!

10.-People Louis C.K., Salma Hayek, Lupita Nyong’o, Selena Gomez, Alfonso Cuarón, Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez, Paulina Rubio, Jessica Alba, Sara Ramirez, Diego Boneta, Thalia, Ryan Guzman, Michael Trevino, Kid Cudi, Miguel, and many more talented actors, singers, rappers, dancers, comedians and more have roots in Mexico!

Have fun, and remember to celebrate all the amazing contributions Mexico has made in your life as you celebrate Cinco De Mayo this year!

Original: www.latina.com

salsa, it is also used to serve a widely varied dish called Mocajeta which is similar to Fajitas but served in an oven-baked Mocajeta.

Just a few weeks before rainy season, the lake was quite dry, but some imagination and the clearly visible high water mark suggests the lake laps the base of the restaurant patio. Satisfied with our meal, we headed back to Rancho Esmeralda where the

sun was setting on the valley and the golden hues added vibrancy to the landscape. This valley was a culture-sustaining paradise for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived, and today continues to nourish the local communities.

A visit to Mascota and the nearby towns is highly recommended for those of you who enjoy driving the back roads.

Spanish would be helpful but

not necessary, as signs are well marked and a polite smile will get you a helping hand, if needed. Bring a phrase book and prepare your maps prior to setting out as cell phone service can be spotty in the mountains.

Mexico is so much more than the strip of sand around Bandaras Bay; the ancient cultures rival anything you will find anywhere else in the world and are worthy of your exploration.

cuisine

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Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Crispy and Crunchy Mexican Salads Mexican Grilled-Corn

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ow’s this for an awesome lunch: a heaping bowl of beans, avocado, shrimp, corn, tomatoes and tortilla chips all tossed together with a tangy vinaigrette. Don’t go skipping off to the nearest salad-ery just yet— making your own hearty Mexican salad is super easy. Here are four delicious, flavor-packed recipes to get you started

Mexican Chopped Salad This bright and colorful take on the classic chopped salad includes charred peppers, tangy tomatillos, crunchy jicama and creamy avocado.

INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons canola oil 7 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 1/2 tablespoons minced garlic 1 small jalapeño—stemmed, seeded and minced Kosher salt 6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves 2 red bell peppers 1 green bell pepper 6 corn tortillas, cut into 2-by-1/4inch strips 1 cup tightly packed coarsely chopped cilantro 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon cider vinegar Freshly ground pepper 2 tomatoes, seeded and diced 2 ripe Hass avocados, cut into 1/2-inch dice 1 medium red onion, finely diced 1 small jicama (1 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2-inch dice 5 large tomatillos, husked and cut into thin wedges

1. In a large nonreactive baking dish, mix 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of the canola oil with 3 tablespoons of the lime juice, the garlic, jalape—o and 1 teaspoon of salt. Add the chicken, turn to coat and let stand at room temperature for 1 hour or refrigerate for up to 4 hours.

2. Roast the red and green peppers under the broiler or directly over a gas flame, turning occasionally, until charred all over, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let steam for 10 minutes. Peel the peppers, discard the stems and seeds, then dice.

3. Meanwhile, in a medium skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the oil until shimmering. Add the tortilla strips and fry over high heat, turning frequently, until golden, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt.

4. In a blender, combine the remaining 3/4 cup of oil with the cilantro, sugar, vinegar and the remaining 1/4 cup of lime juice and puree until smooth. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper.

5. Heat a large cast-iron grill pan and lightly rub it with oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and

Avocado, Orange and Jicama Salad Feta is a fun, briny addition to this salad's Mexican mix of jicama, avocado and cilantro.

INGREDIENTS 3 navel oranges 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Pinch of cayenne pepper Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 small jicama (1 pound)—peeled, quartered and thinly sliced 2 Hass avocados, quartered lengthwise and thinly sliced 1 cup crumbled feta cheese 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1. Using a sharp knife, peel the oranges, removing all of the bitter white pith. Working over a small bowl, cut in between

the membranes to release the sections.

2. Squeeze the membranes over a bowl to extract the juice. Whisk in the lime juice, vinegar, oil and cayenne; season with salt and pepper. Add the jicama and let stand for 15 minutes. Fold in the orange sections, avocado, feta and cilantro; serve.

scrape off any garlic and jalapeño bits. Grill the chicken over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.

Transfer to a work surface and let stand for 10 minutes, then cut into 3/4-inch dice.

6. In a large bowl, combine the roasted peppers with the tomatoes, avocados, onion, jicama, tomatillos and chicken.

Add the vinaigrette and toss gently to coat; season with salt and pepper. Transfer the salad to a large platter, scatter the fried tortilla strips on top and serve.

Salad with Citrus Aïoli This sweet, salty corn salad is the perfect picnic side. Bonus: You can make the aïoli the night before and fold it in right before serving.

INGREDIENTS 10 ears of corn, shucked Salt Pepper 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest plus 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest plus 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1 garlic clove, finely grated 1/8 teaspoon cayenne 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 2 ounces queso fresco, crumbled (1/2 cup) 2 ounces cotija cheese, finely crumbled (1/2 cup) 1/4 cup chopped parsley 1/4 cup chopped cilantro 1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the corn and a generous pinch of salt and return to a boil. Remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 5 minutes. Drain the corn and let cool slightly.

2. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lime and lemon zests and juices along with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil, the mustard, garlic and cayenne. Season the citrus aioli with salt.

3. Light a grill or preheat a grill pan. Brush the corn with olive oil and season with salt. Grill over high heat, turning occasionally, until lightly charred all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and let cool slightly, then cut the kernels off the cobs; discard the cobs.

4. In a large bowl, toss the corn with the softened butter. Stir in the citrus aioli. Add the queso fresco, cotija, parsley and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

MAKE AHEAD The aioli can be refrigerated overnight.

Recipes: www.foodandwine.com

Mexican Shrimp-and-Avocado Salad with Tortilla Chips This super-fast salad is tossed with a tart and creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and lime zest.

INGREDIENTS 1 pound shelled and deveined medium shrimp 2 romaine hearts, coarsely shredded 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 small seedless cucumber, diced 1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro 1 Hass avocado, diced 4 ounces tortilla chips (about 4 cups) 2 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lime zest Salt

Freshly ground pepper 1. Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil.

Fill a bowl with ice water. Blanch the shrimp just until white throughout, 3 minutes.

Drain and chill the shrimp in the ice water, then drain again and pat dry. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl. Add the romaine, tomatoes,

cucumber, cilantro, avocado and tortilla chips.

2. In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream with the mayonnaise, lime juice and lime zest and season with salt and pepper.

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat. Serve right away. www.foodandwine.com

riviera nayarit

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Fun on the

Life

Riviera Nayarit

In La Cruz

By Cat Morgan

By Cindy Bouchard

www.rivieranayaritfun.com

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

Characters; Roberto creates Mexican fusion at Xocolatl

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he view at Roberto’s is breathtaking and gets even better as the sun sets, the sky darkens and the twinkly lights around the bay emerge. The food is scrumptious, the staff attentive and Roberto checks in at each table to make sure everyone is content.

My hubby and I let Roberto select his favourite items and serve us; “Riquisimo” as they say in Mexico, translated that means delicious! Each time he brings us a plate or two of all the best that is on the menu, I highly recommend you go with this strategy!

With great delight I interviewed Roberto Castellon Diaz; here’s some of what I learned.

“I always wanted to have a restaurant with a view” so when a friend suggested he open a restaurant in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and a place became available Roberto checked it out.

“Every inch I moved up the hill the view got better and better, I knew this was where I wanted to share my food with others”. In October of 2009, he opened Xocolatl by Roberto’s specializing in seafood using Mexican spices and chiles; not picante (hot) only flavorful and aromatic. If seafood is not your choice dive into the fajitas; beautiful displayed with abundant tasty options to fill the tortillas.

When asked how La Cruz’ers accepted him, “Wonderfully, the people of La Cruz are very nice!

They welcomed me; they are just so nice! I am very happy here. People share friendship and show me how much they care”.

His clientele is a combination of locals - both expats and Mexicans, and tourists. Mostly, they are return and word of mouth customers of which he’s very grateful. “I want my place [restaurant] to be where people who want to feel at home come to. I love to create; every

Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

person is special. No isn’t a word at my restaurants.”

When I asked Roberto what locals might not know about him; “That I’m married with children and that is my favourite part of my life”.

Roberto was born in Tijuana and raised in San Diego, a dual citizen of Mexico and the United States.

At the age of twenty-one, on spring break vacation, Roberto came to Puerto Vallarta and never left. “I love it here!” He took a job at a restaurant; starting as a busboy and moving up to waiter. He told me he was super crazy… in a good way and grew his original section of four tables by putting a chain around ‘his exclusive customer area’. People outside that area asked if his area was special, he said yes and serviced the heck out those he waited on. More and more people wanted to be served

by Roberto in his exclusive section.

His section grew, he got more and greater tips and he loved his job!

I asked Roberto what inspires him. “People and their smiles. I love to make them happy, that’s my tip that I share with my family and with God.” Roberto says, “I’m a lucky man because God let me do what I love to do in the restaurant business. God is Good!”

You can reserve your table at Roberto’s in La Cruz and enjoy exquisite flavors and a fabulous view by calling 329 295-6080.

Roberto’s restaurant in old town can be enjoyed at Basilio Badillo 283, phone 322 222-6210.

For more on Roberto and his life in Vallarta; http://www.villaamordelmar.com/blog/

Grace through Gratitude

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hat is Grace? The energy of grace is like cosmic Crisco. It allows everything to flow. Grace is an energy that is already with all of us. How can we allow ourselves to express our grace? Gratitude!

Gratitude is one of the easiest ways to allow our grace to shine in our everyday lives. Grace is when we allow ourselves to feel for free and at home. We can allow grace to permeate every aspect of ourselves. This is a natural state for all beings. When we can live in wholeness we can become complete. The more complete we are the more grace resides.

By expressing gratitude you will begin to see the bigger picture. Make gratitude the new role in your life and watch you life miraculously change. You will be able to see your own personal story unfold on a much larger scale. You will begin to have a wider perspective than before.

When you look around you will begin to see how everything is inner connected.

Try starting with your attitude.

Show your generosity of spirit in all of your encounters, even with the strange and unusual ones.

The generosity of spirit activates the grace that already resides within you. Grace can exist in every moment.

Try being open with everyone.

Accept everyone with kindness.

Show appreciation.

This will make you know that grace is real. You will not need to strain yourself…grace happens naturally. When you extend help and aid, or to be there for someone emotionally, it is a way to become an agent of grace. It is the highest form of the phrase “pay if forward”, and is the most fulfilling way to live.

Now, I know life is not always roses! Things do happen that do not feel that great. This planet can be a crazy thing. But, when

you can find a way to focus your energy on being grateful in every situation, your grace will emerge.

For example, I had just finished a grateful meditation. I felt great. I indulged in a deep fried ice cream at Roberto’s. Feeling totally super, I am driving home, and three young dudes on a motorcycle start harassing me. They are sticking out their tongues…etc…you get the picture. They are following me, and pulling up beside me on the wrong side of the road. I am on my way home and do not want them to know where I live, of course. I let them get far enough ahead thinking I have lost them.

NOPE! They turned around and found me. So, now, I am out of the car, telling them to get the hell away, etc. They finally leave, and I go park my car.

I put the keys in my purse and end up locking everything in the car including my spare car keys. Now, I am upset. But, I have the house keys, so, I am very grateful. I go into the house and I actually have old wire coat hangers! Once again, the energy of being grateful comes into my present moment. I ask for ease and grace (cosmic Crisco) to get the car unlocked. It takes about 5 minutes. So, yes, there are many rocks in the river. When I am rafting, do I try to move the rocks? No. I have fun going over or around them. (My rafts name is Grace, by the way.) Try not complaining, even for one entire day.

Make a list of everything you can be grateful for. Sure the big stuff, like eating, having a place to live, a working toilet. But also the little things, like noticing new flowers emerge, children playing, your pets, and friends. Change your attitude, and your life changes.

Practice being grateful…. You’ll be so happy you did!

Spay and Neuter Free Clinic Last Saturday I took a dog to a free clinic in Bucerias. (I have a lot of unsterilized animals at

the new place I live). They did a horrible job. Not only horrible, but he almost bled to death. It was a very incorrect procedure, and they did not put any stitches in!

I called Ross Cable, uncertain where to take him. He told me to get him over to Dr. Edwardo, which is where I go. Dr. Edwardo also works with the Amigos de Bucerias spay and neuter program. He had to do surgery to another dog that was at the same free clinic, with the same issues. Luckily, both of our dogs lived. Supposedly they are doing another one for the females this Saturday. I would not recommend this for your pets if it is still happening. So, again, I was able to feel so much gratitude for Ross, and Dr. Edwardo for saving my pet, and other animals.

However, there is a PEACE Animals Free Spay and Neuter clinic that has been created this weekend, who have a wonderful record with their spay and neuter programs.

PEACE Animals, in Valle Dorado, August 12 - 15. Enter Valle Dorado on the main road past the Chedraui supermarket, also known as calle Estaciones.

Go to Valle National (has high voltage line towers, go 4 blocks to Valle Hermoso, turn right to Valle Atemajac #81.

Thanks for tuning in everyone! If you’re looking for FREE jello shots and live music, you can find them this Sunday at the Gecko Rojo in La Cruz, but you have to wear a sarong! If you’re looking for a rental or other open fun things to do, check the allLaCruz and allBucerias calendars.

Ready for an Energy Medicine treatment? Email me at Cat@ NewEnergyConsciousness.com Have a super weekend everyone!

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

Aug 13 - 19, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

charities

15

Aug 13 - 19, 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, disadvan-

taged or vulnerable children.

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

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

Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Sundays, Contact: cez@ rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 20+ girls rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.corazondenina.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) - Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another.

Ivan Applegate at 221-5153.

Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the

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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: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.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