Issue 970, November 5-11, 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

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Cuisine Que rico pv

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 Free Issue 970

Riviera Nayarit BRITANNIA LA CRUZ

Entertainment world-class tango

courtesy otfm

Old Town Farmers Market Tianguis Cultural

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

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

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.

SAVE THE DATE

DRINKING WATER: For the 18th year 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.

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

On November 26th join the Children with Cancer in Puerto Vallarta at their first Thanksgiving Dinner to be held at Le Bistro Jazz Café, on the Isla Cuale.

Spanish Bloopers

by Sandra Cesca

his column is for all of us who are still struggling with the Spanish language…and for those who just want to enjoy a good laugh! Although I have lived here seven years, I still make many mistakes with words that sound the same but are entirely different or with the same word that has double or triple meanings, some resulting in various degrees of embarrassment. Today’s story: MES (MONTH) MESA (TABLE) Here are words from me this week that always cause me to stop and think before I speak. In addition to the two here, there is MAS which

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 cisandra@vallartatribune.com

MESA (TABLE)

means “more” and MASA for the corn meal used in making tamales! Lastly creeps up the word MISA for “mass” as in Catholic church service! Oh well, the challenges

MES (MONTH)

of Spanish…not unlike English to others. Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them: sandra.learn.vallarta@gmail.com

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

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Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

his past holiday week is one of my favourite of all holiday weeks. The costumes, the spectacle, the symbolism and the artistic representations of Dia de Los Muertos are all such beautiful representations of this holiday. If you were in town, hopefully you managed to get our and see some of the events. I joined in the Catrina Parade on October 31st, clocking in at number 86 in the Guinness World Record attempt. I didn’t hear last count but I don’t think we made it passed the previous record of 500 held by Mexico City. It is a shame that we couldn’t all get together as I certainly did see 100’s of Catrinas along my stops throughout the evening. I stopped at the party on the pier where I enjoyed a few songs by one of the new acts in town, then we headed over to Nacho Daddy for some more live music with The Zippers, then to Solar for good DJ beats and some sand in my toes before heading to Bar Morelos for a little too much vodka. This weekend, the biggest news is likely the opening of the 7th season of the Old Town Farmers Market, Puerto Vallarta’s largest and most popular farmers market. Held every Saturday until the end of April, this market is different in that all the items sold

must be produced in some way by the vendors themselves. This means no mass produced goods and only items that are great for the local economy and for you to bring home as souvenirs. If you are looking for something special and unique – this is the place. There are other great markets in Puerto Vallarta including the Thursday Marina Vallarta market that happens from 6-10pm and the Friday Market at Hotel Marsol (9:30-1pm) in front of the pier on Los Muertos beach. Both of these markets have excellent crafts, food and services. Be sure to check them out and support our many local artisans, bakers, and entrepreneurs. See page 16 in this week’s paper for Nicole Martin’s run down on most of the areas markets. If

you see one missing, please send me an email and I’ll be sure to add it to our growing list of markets around the bay. We are coming up on the International Gourmet Festival for its 21st anniversary running from November 16-22 with 22 restaurants and hotels participating and 46 guest chefs coming from around the world including Germany,

of events, tastings, special menus, seminars and more to attend. Grab your napkin and visit www. festivalgourmet.com for all the details. Starting November 17th the International Friendship Club is starting their weekly (Tuesday and Wednesday) tours of local homes. For only $500 pesos you can see inside some of the city’s most gorgeous homes and all the money raised is used for their charitable works; more information in this week’s paper on page 7. And finally if you are a Tango aficionado then you have a huge treat in store. One of the world’s top tango couples are coming to town for demonstrations and workshops from November 11-22, more information on page 19. I hope you’re keeping your calendar in pencil as it is going to be full full full this season! See you Saturday at the market! Belgium, South Africa, the United States and around Mexico. Plenty

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta - Adopt a Senior Pet

ovember is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. Often overlooked, these senior canines and felines are so special. Anyone who has adopted a senior will tell you how rewarding it is to provide a warm and loving home for a wonderful animal’s remaining years. Come 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 extre-

mely 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. Tours will be each Tuesday and Thursday leaving from the Costco parking lot at noon. Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com. Please feel free to bring donations and treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it. Photos To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv. Go to Photos where you will also

Madeline

By Janice Gonzalez

find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history. Donate 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.

Old Town Farmers Marke

The OTFM-TC Welcomes 8 New Vendors for

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

Saturday, November 7th

By Erin Staley

his Saturday, November 7, marks our 7th opening day, and you're invited to enjoy every “make it, bake it, grow it” moment! Join us for our ribbon cutting ceremony (9:30am) at the top of the stairs across from Page in the Sun. Then shop from over 90 farmers, producers and artisans who share their talents with thousands each year. Also this Saturday, we'll be introducing 8 new vendors! Stop by to discover what exciting ware and fare they have in store for this season: · Male and female fashionistas will love the original, shabby chic clothing designs of Siruela Ropa de Autor. · Farm-fresh, organic produce is always in fashion! Get this season's bounty from Ranchito Del Mar. · Pick up a museum-quality clay piece from Tomas Esparza Leon of Barro Brunido. His works have been shown in distinguished museums and galleries around the world. · Fermented foods and natural vinegars from Small World Probiotics will improve digestion, immunity and bowel health. Choose from a variety of sauerkraut flavours and vinegars. · The beauty of Mexico comes alive with Melly Milagro's colourful photo-on-board pieces. Each photograph was taken by the artist during her travels. · Power-packed with nutrients, Chia Mexican Seed's locally grown black and white organic chia seeds are the perfect superfood. Add them to your favourite salad, smoothie, yoghurt or homemade dip! · Wow – that's the response you'll hear when wearing these handmade beaded originals from Frida Kahlo Necklaces. (Other designs available.) · If you love Indian food, be sure to stop by Bites of India for tasty tandoori chicken, samosas and more!

Food-Fabulous Hungry? Stop by our International Food Court – now in its new location across from the beach. Enjoy Thai, American, Taiwanese and Mexican as well as our vegan options, including hamburgers, al pastor and falafels. The “sweet stuff” located through out the market includes: · Sweet breads & sticky buns · Chocolate-covered bananas · Candied nuts · Peanut brittle

· Cakes & cookies · Artisan chocolates

Meet the Market

The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/ association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometres of the city.

You’re Invited! We’re open 9:30-2 every Saturday, from November 7 to April 30, 2016. We’re located at Lazaro Cárdenas Park in Vallarta’s Emiliano Zapata neighbourhood. For only 12 pesos an hour, you can park in the garage directly beneath park. Public buses and taxis also come this way with a Pino Suarez Street drop off.

et - Tianguis Cultural

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

r Opening Day Swimwear and beachwear made to order!

Artisan Bakery Artisan Bakery

Teresa Moreno Fb: TYBikinisYMas

Tel. 322-137-04-77 ty-bikinis-y-mas@hotmail.com Federalismo #1383 Colonia Lomas del Coapinole Pitillal, Jal

Artisan Bakery

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

an art.

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

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

Get Involved! Interested in becoming a new vendor or volunteer? Stop by the information booth for an application. For the latest in market news (both in English and Spanish), visit www. oldtownfm.com and “like” us on Facebook (Old.Town. Farmers.Market.PV).

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 3222.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

news

Canada is an amigo once more: diplomat

nd would be an even greater friend if Trudeau eliminates visa rule. The three amigos are back following the election in Canada of Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party, at least in terms of action on climate change. That’s how Mexico’s ambassador to Canada sees Trudeau, whom he described as a true continental amigo for having a different approach on the climate change issue. Francisco Suárez Dávila said in an interview with the Canadian Press that Canada lagged behind Mexico and the U.S. on environmental policy under the administration of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who is expected to resign next week after losing the October 19th election. “The green agenda of the Canadian government was behind the United States and Mexico. Let’s put it that way,” the ambassador said. “Mexico and the United States were very much in favor of pushing forward meaningful agreements, meaningful targets.” All three will have a chance to work together when they attend COP 21, the big international climate change conference to be held in December in Paris, and Suárez Dávila expects them to show a unified North American front. “I’m sure one issue we’ll be working on very, very closely with the prime minister is the COP meeting. Obama, Trudeau — the three amigos — will be acting as three amigos on climate change in Paris,” said Suarez Dávila. The three amigos designation goes back a decade when the leaders of the three countries began meeting annually, and relations were more cordial. The Keystone pipeline issue

became a thorny issue for Canada and the U.S. while Canada’s visa requirement for Mexicans soured relations between the two after it was implemented in 2009. But that could soon change given Trudeau’s election promise to repeal the visa rule. Suárez Dávila says it is the major irritant in an otherwise good relationship. He suggested Trudeau should make Mexico his second foreign visit after the U.S. and predicted he would get a hero’s reception. And should he announce in Mexico the elimination of the visa rule, Suárez Dávila said, he would get a standing ovation for what would be “an extremely successful” foreign policy move. The diplomat observed the two countries now share common ground on economic policy, Trudeau having said he would run deficits for three years to stimulate growth. A modest fiscal deficit to bring about investment in infrastructure, the ambassador said, creates jobs and grows the economy. Europe, he noted, took another route: “. . . austerity, austerity, austerity and everything deteriorated.” In an opinion piece today in El Universal, Suárez Dávila wrote Mexico and Canada have a significant historical affinity beyond their economic relationship. He recalled that former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Justin Trudeau’s late father, visited Mexico several times. At the time the two countries had converging positions on some international issues, such as relations with Cuba, he wrote.

Original: MexicoDailyNews.com

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Mexico puts magic into the F1 Grand Prix I

've never seen a crowd like this,' said champion driver Lewis Hamilton For the 135,000 auto racing fans who welcomed the return of the Mexico Grand Prix yesterday there were two heroes: race winner Nico Rosberg and Mexican driver Sergio “Checo” Pérez. But for the drivers, it might have been the fans themselves who were the big winners of the day. As Reuters’ Alan Baldwin wrote, Mexico provided the magic for Formula One’s return after a 23-year hiatus. “An absolutely awesome crowd,” said Mercedes team driver Rosberg after winning his fourth race of the 2015 season and earning chants of “Nico, Nico” during the trophy presentations. The fans also went wild for Mexico’s Pérez when he was presented before the start of the race, while the 40,000 seated in the circuit’s stadium section did so every time the Force India driver went by. The first Mexican driver to score F1 points on home ground since 1970, who finished eighth, said it was a weekend he will never forget. Pérez, 25, said he had not expected the level of fan support he received, “at every

moment” of the event. “For my country the results didn’t matter. What mattered was to see me here. I’m really grateful.” Those funs numbered 90,000 for the practice on Friday, 111,000 for the qualifying rounds on Saturday and 134,850 for yesterday’s big race, in which 20 drivers on 10 racing teams completed the 71 laps in just under two hours. Fans and drivers were full of praise. “The best I’ve ever seen in all my life. The best,” said Niki Lauda, a former driver and now part of the Mercedes team. “The magic is the Mexicans. The magic is the organizers who made this happen . . . Formula One got back where you can feel it and touch it and this is the most important thing.”

The atmosphere and the energy were unbelievable, he said. “I’ve never seen a crowd like this, it’s like a football game,” said Mercedes driver and world champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished second. “The fans have been amazing. I’ve never seen anything like this.” His comments were echoed by a Mexican fan who has traveled abroad for other races and found the atmosphere lacking. “In Europe, people are stiffer. Here, people are full of joy.” One observer said the race brought back memories of earlier, more passionate Formula One events. Others had memories of earlier races in Mexico, such as the time British driver Jackie Stewart had to abandon the race after hitting a dog. Gabriel Cerda said the event was better organized this year — he attended the last race back in 1992 — but lamented that ticket prices, which ranged between 1,500 and 19,000 pesos, were not more accessible. The race was run in a refurbished Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, and was the first of five that have been scheduled. Original: MexicoDailyNews.com

Mexican Economy Grew 2.4% in Q3, Preliminary Estimate Says

exico’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 2.4 percent in the third quarter, compared to the same period in 2014, the National Institute of Statistics and Geography, or INEGI, said in a preliminary estimate. The GDP figure was driven by 4.6 growth in the primary sector, which includes agriculture and ranching, and 2.9 percent expansion of the tertiary (service) sector, while the secondary sector (manufacturing and construction) grew just 1.2 percent, the INEGI said Friday. In seasonally adjusted terms, the economy expanded just 0.6 percent from the previous quarter, The primary sector grew 2.8 percent relative to April-June 2015, while the secondary and tertiary

sectors expanded by 0.7 percent and 0.5 percent, respectively. This is the first time the INEGI has released a preliminary estimate of quarterly GDP. Mexico’s economy grew 2.2 percent in the second quarter relative to the same three-month period of 2014. The GDP of Latin America’s largest economy after Brazil expanded by 2.1 percent in 2014, up from a 1.4 percent clip in 2013 but far from the government’s initial

estimate for 3.9 percent growth. The definitive third-quarter GDP figure will be released on Nov. 20. In August, the Mexican government cut its 2015 growth forecast to a range of between 2 percent and 2.8 percent, citing a decline in oil prices and crude production amid a “complex and volatile” global economic landscape. The Finance Secretariat is forecasting growth of between 2.6 percent and 3.6 percent for 2016. Original:LAHT.com

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November 2015 Festivals and Events in Jalisco

n Mexico, the month of November starts off with Day of the Dead celebrations in full swing; November 2nd is a public holiday (in some states). This is also the month in which the Mexican Revolution is commemorated.

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

The official holiday for the revolution is always held on the third Monday in November (this year, November 16); banks, post offices and government offices will be closed that day. Here are some of the important events you can look forward to this November: If you are a lover of the Mexican arts and crafts this is the premier festival to attend in Mexico. Get there early Friday morning for the best selection and deals! Maestros del Arte Folk Art Festival Chapala, Jalisco, November 13 to 15 Master artists travel from all over the country to bring buyers and collectors a great variety of folk art, ranging from ceramics and woodcarving to rug weaving and silver jewelry at this festival held at the Chapala Yacht Club.

Puerto Vallarta's finest restaurants participate in this gourmet festival. Now in its 21st year, the festival has attracted some of the top names in global gastronomy. Participants attend cooking classes, learn about wine pairing, taste the newest and best in wines and tequila, and dine out in fine restaurants offering unique and tantalizing menus.

Festival Internacional Gourmet - International Gourmet Festival Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, November 16 to 22

Dia de la Revolucion, 20 de noviembre - Revolution Day Throughout Mexico, November 20th This day marks the anniver-

sary of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. Parades and celebrations take place throughout the country. (Note: the official holiday is observed on the 3rd Monday of the month, but some civic ceremonies may be held on the 20th.) Guadalajara International Book Fair Guadalajara, Jalisco, November 28 to December 6 Over 1500 editorial houses from 39 countries gather for the largest Spanish-language book festival in the world, now in its 28th year.

Support Children with Cancer Fundraiser

ith a huge increase of children with Cancer needing financial support for treatments, CANICA is holding their first Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser on November 26th at the Le Bistro Jazz Café starting at 4pm. Family Style Thanksgiving Dinner with all your favourites! Stuffed Turkey, Cranberry sauce, Sweet Potatoes with Mars-

hmallows, Green beans, Corn, Pumpkin Pie and more! Cost is $43 usd and includes dinner, drinks, music and fabulous door prizes. 100% of the proceeds go to help the children of Puerto Vallarta with their cancer treatments. Please reserve your seat today! Call Le Bistro at 322-222-0283 or email lebistro.pv@gmail.com or auroradelatorrepv@yahoo.com

What are positive things people should know about Mexico?

recent question on Quora. com revealed some great things everyone should know about Mexico. It is often said that Mexico is more than beautiful beaches and cheap beer and very likely you know this to be true. Here are a few more great things about Mexico. Says Jaime Golombek: 1) The literacy rate, that was around 30% when the revolution started in 1910, stands now at over 95% for adults. 2) The strong separation of church and state, which allowed: 3) Reduction in the average size of a family, from slightly more than 7 children per family in the early 1960s to 2.3 children per family in 2015 Daniel Lopez Garcia says:

Based on misconceptions I know some foreign people usually have about Mexico, I would answer this breaking those myths and showing they are not only false, but the truth is a positive thing: 1) Weather. Weather is great and very bearable in most cities. Mexico city, for example, averages 17.5 C (63.5 F), with 24 C (75 F) as average high and 11 C as average low. (52 F). 2) Safety. Despite all the media attention on some truly embarrassing-now-historic events, and drug lords, more than 100 million people live their daily lives all across the country worry-free. 3) Cost of living and quality of life. While Mexico as a whole certainly cannot be considered a developed

nation, it may be said that just like it bares an incredible biodiversity, it does the same in terms of development, so you can find just about any lifestyle you are looking for. People from Spain and South America migrate to Mexico looking for better opportunities. Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, the country's three larger cities contain places whose development level is equal to that of cities in Europe, in terms of services. The best thing is that on average the country is cheaper, so we can see that as an economical advantage for an individual. Foreigners retire here. Given the weather, safety, and precisely the cost of living, they see their money well spent in the places they decide to retire.

4) Skilled people. After USA itself, Mexico is the largest provider of human capital in Silicon Valley, mainly engineers. Mexico's total population is one third of that of the USA, and yet it manages to create tons of undergrads from its almost 2 thousand higher-education institutions. It doesn't provide more because Guadalajara is growing as the Mexican Silicon Valley, as tech companies are slowly realizing that Mexico is a good place to grow their business units. To give some other numbers, it is the leading beer exporter, leading TV manufacturer and 4th largest car exporter. 5) Culture. Mexican cuisine is considered intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, 3rd place in cultural heritage cities, only after Spain and

Italy, etc. Rodrigo Nieves Avendaño provided these tidbits of info: 1) Same sex-marriage and adoption by same-sex couples were legalized this year. 2) There are more than 60 languages spoken in Mexico. 3) Mexico had an outstanding foreign policy in the 20th century. Gilberto Bosques, for example, got a lot of refugees in Mexico during the World War II and Alfonso García Robles earned a Nobel Peace Prize for the treaties of Tlatelolco. 4) You have color TV because of Carlos González Camarena. What are some interesting facts you know about Mexico? Visit www.vallartatribune.com or our facebook page to share your favourite facts about Mexico.

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Ifc welcomes the new season By John Warren

esidents, returning snowbirds and short-term visitors are all welcome at the International Friendship Club (IFC). Another season of fun, learning and helping the less fortunate people in local communities is now about to get under way. The Home Tours will be starting again on Tuesday 17th November and will run on every Tuesday and Wednesday until mid-March. Each tour visits four different houses, each of them architecturally unique, with fabulous interior furnishings and artwork and each home is located in an interesting part of Puerto Vallarta. Buses leave from the Sea Monkey Restaurant (Olas Altas #299) at 10:30 and return to the downtown area at around 1:00pm. The $500pesos ( $30 USD) that you give to the IFC for this wonderful tour is both low and good. It’s low because $35USD is an excellent deal for such a unique view of life

in Puerto Vallarta. Trip Advisor ranks the IFC Home Tours as “Excellent” 147 times out of 157. The other 10 rankings were “Very Good”. It’s a fact! Our friends love us! A reviewer wrote in March 2015… My motherin-law has lived in PV for a couple of decades, and she took a friend and me on this tour in March. We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to four AMAZING homes, and were impressed by the organization of the operation. I'd recommend this trip to anyone. There is walking involved, and one of our homes had dozens and dozens of stairs. Wonderful excursion! It’s good because the money is put to good use by the IFC. The club’s volunteers run the tours and costs are kept to a minimum. All profits are used to pay for our Cleft Palate program. For almost 30 years IFC has worked with a dedicated team of physicians, nurses and volunteers to correct cleft palates that occur in

babies in this region of Mexico at a rate far above the national average. Our teams work with these children from the time they are infants, through childhood to adolescence and adulthood. By taking a tour you can save lives and bring happiness to dozens of children each year and do so at no cost to the patients or their families. How cool is that? To kick IFC’s social season into high gear the club is having its first general meeting and brunch at 10:00am on Tuesday, 10th November. We will be eating the fine food and enjoying the great service of Casa Fantasia (Pino Suarez #230, Col. Emiliano Zapata in the “Romantica Zone”). Everyone is welcome and you don’t have to be a member to meet and eat. Tickets are available at our office (the corner of Libertad and Miramar,above HSBC) or at the door. Last year we sold out, so plan ahead. IFC supports a number of charities in Puerto Vallarta and

one of them, the amazing singers and dancers from Alas, Escuela de Canto, will be performing on the Main Stage of Stages (Basilio Badillo and Insurgentes in the Romantica Zone) at 8:00pm on Saturday 7th November. Their story and their performance will, I think, bring tears

to your eyes…for different reasons. Tickets are available at the box office for only $200pesos ($12USD) By supporting this amazing program for under-privileged kids you will enjoy a great evening of entertainment and have your heart touched. Don’t miss it!

Friday Market at Marsol on the pier has unique offerings and great food too!

e are so thankful that Hurricane Patricia passed us by and of course the market was closed that day, but we are open from now through the season every Friday from 9:30 to 1;30 p.m. in the lobby of the Hotel Marsol in Vallarta´s Romantic zone. You will find the hotel on the closed street of Fca. Rodriguez just before the pier. Since the market is inside you are protected from the sun and rain and you will find an amazing array of hand crafted products by our local vendors. Enjoy delicious pastries, Mexican specialties, chili, coffee, juices, organic vegetables, honey, a fabulous selection of unique jewelry such as sterling silver

rings, pendants, necklaces, bracelets, many set with natural stones, dramatic bronze jewelry, polyform, leather and artisanal creations from a number of jewelers, Huichol crafts and alebrijes, bone figures, leather bags, unusual Tshirts, aprons in exotic designs, masks, embroidered and hand woven clothing and textiles from Oaxaca, original paintings, prints, sculpture, bird feeders, candles, hand painted clothing, a new line of pants in exciting prints, cotton manta clothing, hand painted tiles, doggie treats, maps and tour information, recycled products, scarves, home decor and more. Invite your friends and enjoy live music and a fun ambience every Friday at the Marsol market.

cuisine

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Qué Rico! PV Local restaurateurs combine their talent Barcelona Tapas, El Arrayán, Michel's, Sapphire Ocean Bistro create common front to offer fun & unique culinary experiences

or the first time these four original restaurants in El Centro and Zona Romántica have joined forces for this new venture to promote fun, culinary culture and teamwork.

The owners of these restaurants William Carballo, Carmen Porras, Claudia Victoria and Michel Ferrari have together over 90 years of experience in the Food & Beverage field. This includes different stages of their lives, in positions as diverse as wait staff, hostess, cook or beverage representative, assistant managers and general managers in various destinations in Mexico, North America and Europe. To encourage and engage visitors and residents in exploring the culinary delights of Puerto Vallarta, this group of entrepreneurs are sharing their enthusiasm for the culinary arts by creating five events that reflect the quality of their respective businesses

Friday November 13 - 7:30 PM “Progressive Dinner” Tour of the four restaurants, including transport owners $ 1,150 Saturday November 14 - 7:30 PM El Arrayán “ Carmen Miranda cuisine/Casa Madero Wines” Five courses & five wines pairing $550 Sunday November 15 - 7 pm Sapphire “Beach Party at Sunset” dinner from the four restaurants, open bar, live DJ, fire show & fun for everyone! Live music at all events. All prices are in Mexican pesos For full information on each event & reservations please refer to the host restaurant or on Facebook at Que Rico PV

Each of the fQué Rico! PV events will feature live music and guest chefs. The five Qué Rico! PV events are:

FB Barcelona Tapas Puerto Vallarta tel. 222 05 10

Wednesday November 11 - 6PM Barcelona Tapas “Welcome” tapas tasting & sangria $ 395

FB arrayan tel. 222 71 95 FB Sapphire Ocean Club—Bistrot Local—Lounge tel. 223 32 64

Thursday November 12 - 7 pm El Arrayán”Raicilla, Mezcal & Modern Antojitos” with Carmen Miranda (Master Chef Mexico) $440

FB Michel’s Restaurant tel. 223 20 60

local

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Facebook

Finding

Finds

Your Purpose

Rhonda Zarate

here are some great facebook groups that can help you find answers to all your pressing questions. Each week we will share some of those Q&A’s with you from Puerto Vallarta: Everything You Need Or Want To Know (edited for clarity and bad grammar) Also check out the Vallarta Tribune on Facebook at Vallarta Tribune & Riviera Nayarit

rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

The Power of Gratitude

hat a few weeks this has been! I think we all share in the deep gratitude for Mother Nature’s kind protective hand over our beloved Puerto Vallarta and the shielding safety net, of the Sierra Madres surrounding us with all the strength and beauty that she bestows. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! It’s interesting how you can look at something every day and not see it for what it is. That was me with the Sierra Madres. Sure, I admired their beauty in the morning sunrise all dewy and pretty. Now, I have an appreciation for them, looking at the mountains with all their strength, power and natural beauty. I feel a sense of security when I look at them; my gratitude is real, authentic and heartfelt. When you experience that kind of gratitude, it fills your soul and is a heartfelt experience. This got me to thinking. When a powerful force that literally stops you in your tracks; like the possibility of a natural disaster, a health scare, a near death experience, loss of a family member, job or home, suddenly you take stock, you really note how precious your life is, how dear all that is important to you. It’s like the mountains; I saw them every day but never gave thanks or had any real appreciation. How many of us are guilty of doing this with countless things in our lives? When something goes so sideways in your life or when you truly believe something is going to go sideways, only then do we get clarity for what we appreciate and what is important to us. It’s almost like we have to get hit over the head to wake up! You stay up all night promising to the higher powers, if you just get one more chance, you promise to take better care of yourself and the ones you love. You promise and promise that you won’t squander

Jill writes: How would I get mail from California to Vallarta? Some of the popular answers included: • Mailbox Etc.! • I used registered mail...I was not in a rush....3 weeks .... • http://www.virtualpostmail.com/ is based in California • Have someone mule it down for you that is coming • US postal service. I use it all the time. Orange County to El Centro. • Mail it...I get mail every week from the U.S. It won't get here in two or three days...may take a couple of weeks...if it's urgent, then work on another way. • Mail Boxes Etc. for important stuff.

opportunities; you will make time for your family and friends. You plead to be given just one more chance; bartering to keep the security of what you have worked so hard for, the relationship, the home, your health. With utter conviction you declare that you will never ever, take one exquisite thing in your life for granted again. Why do we wait until a near crisis to really appreciate what we have? Seriously, we all do it. It’s crazy. We work so hard for something, then we get it, then we don’t take care of it until that point when we are completely freaked out when we might lose it. Well, I have some good news, a plan to be in the moment of appreciation every day. It’s truly easy-peezie, we all can do it! A simple gesture of practicing Daily Gratitude will keep you on the track and plugged into what you have been blessed with, whatever that may look like. A life filled with gratitude is a life well lived. I try to give thanks all day long every day. I thank the parking gods when I get the perfect parking spot. I thank the weather gods when an outdoor wedding proceeds on a beautiful sunny day. I thank the Cupid Gods, when I hear my Husband laugh at one of my jokes, the way he only laughs with me. You get

what I am saying: give thanks, shout it from the roof tops, get in the habit of doing it. It will forever enhance your life opening doors for more good things to come to you, that I can promise you. Thank everyone that crosses your path with a smile, a nod or a word of thanks before you know it, it will become contagious and everyone will be doing it. Can you imagine what kind of world we would live in, if everyone made conscious effort daily, to be thankful for all they have and love, taking deliberate action to be healthy in mind, body & spirit? Now that would be lovely world for all of us to live in, wouldn't it? It is not joy that makes us GRATEFUL. It is gratitude that makes us JOYFUL. Homework: Practice the daily practice of saying “thank you” for all the good things that come to you in your life. Until next time. Life is a delicious journey. Rhonda is here to help you make a difference in your life. She is dedicated to helping people discover and put into action strategies and resources to create an extraordinary life. She is a Realtor, Business/Life Coach and Speaker. You can find her at rhondazaratelifestyle.com or check out her Blog at rhondazaratelifestyle. Drop her a line and say hello.

John asked: So now that I have my permanent resident visa, where do I go to get my senior citizen card? Mexican Senior Citizen´s Card (Tarjeta INAPAM) This card is available to persons who have reached the age of sixty (60), including foreign nationals who have legal residency status in Mexico. It provides for significant discounts on a number of item such as bus and domestic airline fares, movies, museums, and some restaurant and retail purchases, including pharmaceuticals. The card is provided free, and it does not need to be renewed or replaced unless lost. This card serves the same purposes as the card formerly called the INSEN Card. The INAPAM Card is obtained by visiting the State Building, UNIRSE, at Av. Grandes Lagos No. 236, Fraccionamiento Villas Vallarta, very close to a bridge over the Río Pitillal.The cross street is Jongitud Barrios. The telephone number is (322) 226-1800 (this is a general information number for the building; INAPAM does not have its own telephone). The office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Following are the documents you need to have with you in order to acquire an INAPAM card. A kiosk is available where one may pay for copies on site if one hasn´t done so before arriving. A copy of your birth certificate; it does not need to be translated into Spanish. The original and a copy of your current Mexican residency document. The original and a copy of your U.S. or Canadian passport. Proof of your domicile (comprobante de domicilio), which can be satisfied by the presentation of an original and a copy of the most recent electric, water, or telephone bill. They understand that the name of the person on the bill may not be the same as the name of the applicant, i.e., you rent from an owner whose name is on the bill. Two recent photographs, child size (tamaño infantil), easily and inexpensively obtained at Farmacia de Guadalajara.

local

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting

Wellness

Latina

Leza Warkentin

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

Nothing to Fear…

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.

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

t all started on Halloween morning over breakfast. My kids began listing the most deadly and fearful things in the world and possibly the entire universe. After awhile, a top five list emerged: 1) Fear Itself 2) Nightshade 3) Black mambas 4) Sinkholes 5) Jeff the Killer The first item, Fear Itself, was contributed by my son. I was impressed, but kind of concerned about the possibility of one day seeing a beautiful, yet useless framed degree in philosophy on the wall of his ramshackle rented room. It interested me that the rest of the items were ones with which they were particularly familiar. My daughter was the one who mentioned nightshade, and when I asked her what that was she said (in vague terms) that it was something like a grape that made you see things and die painfully. Or something. SHE DIDN’T EVEN REALLY KNOW. The same deal with my son and his “sinkholes”. It’s possible that they are subconsciously avoiding what they really fear. Sometimes I’m asked if anyone could break through the bars on our windows with a grenade, for example. It could also be that their world is so low stress that they have to come up with stuff that they will probably never encounter (good thing, too, because I’ve heard our Killer Jeff is no one to be toyed with). When I considered this later that afternoon, I was intrigued, bemused and exceedingly envious. If only a grown adult could sit over her morning coffee and shiver over the idea of being jabbed by the spur of the Australian duck-billed platypus. Instead she gets to meditate on the very real fear that the car will overheat again on the drive to the mechanic who is going to charge half her paycheck to replace the radiator. Wouldn’t you love to have to

work at coming up with things you fear? I had no trouble making my own list: 1) That people will meet my son before they meet me and wonder why his mother wouldn’t care enough to take him for a haircut. 2) College tuition (especially for a degree in philosophy) 3) That I am not spending enough time with my children 4) That I’m smothering my children 5) That I will forget to read my email one day and my kid will be the only kid who didn’t bring an empty cereal box, and the teacher will roll her eyes and give him/ her the extra they saved for kids with parents who don’t read their emails. 6) That I will lose the last key we have for our car, because I’ve already lost the other two. And I never know what I’m going to do next. 7) That I will lose my debit card (see 6)) 8) That I will have to listen to the song “Space Unicorn” one more time 9) That someone really has died from an infected hangnail 10) That my children will desire to emulate their mother, become teachers, have brilliant careers changing lives and then realize, much too late, that they don’t have proper retirement plans and that their parents are living with them. The truth is, fear is a part of life, but should never control your life. And someday my children will have their own lists that are boring and all too real. We learn to live with our daily fears, and for the most part deal with them, work them out, and move on. For example, I told my son that if he really cares about me and my image as a competent mother, he’ll get a haircut. Done. For now, I am glad they have fears that are interesting, creative and easily debunked. Except sinkholes. We’ll just have to cross our fingers on those.

I Thought I Was Going to Say Something Stupid on TV

took a little hiatus to visit my immediate family in California. My mission was to try my best to be the good witch and help get my beloved parents' health back on track and my trip took some unexpected turns... I was met with a bit of resistance which was to be expected, but I was successful at helping repair my Mom's gastrointestinal tract by cooking with a lot of nourishing foods, making miso soups, fermenting veggies, and introducing her to the pure, therapeutic grade oils that I use. Particularly for her, Digestzen and Ginger helped with the gassiness (thank goodness she doesn't live here to see that published) she was experiencing, plus she just loved the taste in her teas. While in California, I led a group of participants through my 14 Day Clean Eating program, I have another one coming up to help detox the body from toxins and reconnect with food. I also did presentations on sugar addiction, clean eating and essential oils I was on fire! I was feeling pretty good.... And THEN, I got the invitation! Not just any invitation, THE invitation to be on "Al Despertar," at Univision studios in San Francisco to be interviewed LIVE on TV with the multiple EMMY award-winning journalist, Kira Vilanova. She wanted to interview me as a Certified Health Coach one day before I was going to be flying back to Puerto Vallarta. And that was two days away!! OMG. Adrenalin and nerves started to kick in. I accepted the generous invitation and knew that I had to hustle that day. What was I going to wear? What was she going to ask me? But my programs aren't in Spanish

yet. I forced my Dad and my sister to role play with me to practice what I thought might be asked and how I would respond. This was going to be a LIVE interview in Spanish and I feared I was going to say something stupid or worse, something in English! I could just see people laughing at me, hahahah, "GRINGA!!" They would tease. Then I decided to shut that crazy girl up. Instead, I started visualizing answering the questions with ease and trusted in the Universe that it would all work out. The day of the interview, I arrived at the forty-second floor of the Salesforce.com building where the Univision studios are and straight to the make-up room before my cue at approximately 6:45 a.m. in the morning. I peeked and saw Kira and her co-anchor, Barbara, doing their preparations.

They had already started the show well before I arrived for the health segment. When I was called to the studio, Kira shouted to me, "Did you bring the oils? " Dear Lord, I thought to myself, "I left them in the make-up room. I'll go get them." "You have 30 seconds," she shouted back. I literally ran to the dressing room about 40 feet away from the studio and ran back, sat my butt in the chair, mic was put on, my heart was racing and we were LIVE. And this was my approx. four minutes of fame, folks. To see my interview in Spanish even though you may not understand it (or maybe you will), you can click or visit this link : http:// wellnesslatina.com/univision-live-interview/. I won't tell you if I said something stupid or not. You'll have to guess and see for yourself. Hasta pronto!

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Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... Carlotta by Janice Gonzalez

She is super sweet and cuddly and gets along good with other arlotta is a pretty big dogs. She is not too keen on girl at 44 pounds, cats though. This sweetheart would which just means there’s more of her to snuggle! make a wonderful addition to She is about four years old any family who wants a fun and a Labrador Retriever – loving companion. Contact us Shar Pei mix which gives her at spcapv@gmail.com for an a pretty awesome personality. application.

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riviera nayarit

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

ou know high season has begun when the La Cruz Sunday Market opens! It’s so much fun to see all of your friends, saying a hello to your favorite vendors and hea their summer stories, see the growth of their business and their new wares, and the new vendors’ booths as well. I love tasting all of the delicious foods, figuring out which ones to purchase, buying fresh organic greens and all of the rest of the Sunday Market fun! Tatewari and Perla played excellent music for our listening pleasure. Something else that was new and fantastic this year is the tall wooden tables with the drink holders cut into them at the food court out on the end of the jetty. What a great idea for people to mingle and eat under the shade of the tarps! Don’t forget to bring your freezer bag to keep your produce fresh, and also if you’re purchasing something from the fish market to keep it chilled. Hurricane Update… Healing a community does not happen over night! Please continue to donate what items you can to help the hurricane victims. Sandi with the John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank is working directly with the DIF in Mascota. Drop off places in La Cruz are at the Pub Britannia Monday’s and Tuesday nights, and Wednesday days, and also at Philo’s Bar any time, or at Philo’s Real Estate next door. You may also call Laurel Wilson directly at: 329-295-5502. In Bucerias drop off places are at Breakers Beach Bar, Yoyo Mo’s, JD Tours and A Broken Art. You may also contact the Amigos de La Cruz. Thank you so very much for caring.

Beginning of the Season Restaurant and Entertainment Mini-Update Yes, the restaurants are gearing up for the season! Breakers opened up for the season last Sunday with live music all day

and into the evening. Esquina 22 Bar and Lounge are open every day at 3pm now for the season with daily specials. Mark’s Bar and Grill will be open for lunch on November 15th. The new restaurant JAX in Bucerias will also be having their Grand Opening in November with samplers’ of their menu and drink specials. The wall art is fantastic. Will keep you posted on which day! California Pizza is at their Estaciones location with the same great pizza and pastas. Luna Lounge has so much going on with the best of live entertainment just about all week long! Their new One Night Cabaret has been a huge success, and they continue with amazing live shows and new menus this season. Jan Marie Boutique has a very amazing collection of Dia de Los Muertos items. Although the holiday has passed you may still want a lovely piece for yourself or a friend. She has returned from shopping all over Mexico with a fun and beautiful variety of authentic Mexican art and dishware, so stop by to see all of the new items - it’s truly a very amazing collection!

La Cruz has been revving up for a couple of weeks now! Not only has the La Cruz Sunday Market began the party is on at Pub Britannia with their

Tuesdays Open Mic Night, Bingo also just started on Wednesdays and Game night on Mondays with Thursdays coming soon. Other live music Monday, Friday and Sunday at Ana Banana, and Gecko Rojo has free darts on Monday and Thursday and other games during the week with new live music for their Champagne Sunday Brunch serving Eggs Benedict. One of the best Banderas Bay and marina views in La Cruz is from Xocolatl by Roberto’s with amazing authentic Mexican seafood dishes, and they will be open for lunch at the end of November. Roberto loves to pamper you. Masala Bar and Grill opened their doors in October with their amazing cuisine and Thursday

special. Philo’s also has live music going on… Las Palapas Grill is open on the playa, and the Nahui Beach Restaurant on Destilideras Beach will be opening on November 13th. The Black Forest Restaurant is open daily serving up the best of German cuisine with Beer Tasting parties coming our way, and the Octopus’s Garden has a new hostel! And the only one in La Cruz as far as I know…also serving their amazing organic roasted coffee that Wayland continues to oversee to make sure it’s done correctly! La Cruz is definitely La Cruzin! Please check out the allBucerias calendar and the allLaCruz Calendar for more detailed events and all free fun around the La Cruz Marina!

Meanwhile…Back at the Cat Ranch in Bucerias….. Life on the ranch is amazing and forever changing! I am gearing up and preparing for Energy Medicine Courses this season, with the first Energy Medicine for Beginner’s class November 14th. This class is for everyone, not only practitioners. If you have an interest in learning energy medicine please send me an email to Cat@NewEnergyMedicineConsciousness.com for more information. For any other questions or comments about news around the north end of the bay please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com. Thanks everyone, and have a super week!

riviera nayarit

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

Places with character… Mandy and Britannia La Cruz

alking into the fortress that is Britannia in La Cruz makes one think they’re in jolly old England. The bar with its dark wood and grandeur with English beer steins hanging has one begging for a Guinness. The foreboding knights in shining armor guard us as we dance the night away. Never experiencing a rockin’ night like Tuesdays at ‘The Brit’ when I’ve been to England apparently that’s where we leave Britain behind. Tuesday is my favourite night

in La Cruz. Mandy has the house band ‘The Turn’ commence the evening playing favourites of the crowd where one by one the huge open-air dance floor calls folks to boogie. Every time I take guests I have to be careful of overselling it as nothing can always be that good, right? With rare exception it really is that good, most of the time! It’s hard to determine whether I prefer the nights when it’s ‘off season’ and locals turn up and the out of work musicians rock the house or in high season when open mic earns its name. Mike Curlette leads the open mic inviting folks on stage to play or sing. Week after week for six years now, I’m still in awe as he scans the crowd inviting those who often had only introduced themselves upon arrival as a bass player,

drummer, etc. Knowing nothing about music except how much I love dancing its amazing to me that three to eight musicians who never knew each other moments before can whisper a couple of letters to each other (notes) and then make sweet, sweet music. Not only are the musicians talented but Mike, too, in his putting together several bands a night impresses the heck out of me. The dance floor is usually packed indicating others are impressed too! Like many before her and since,

Mandy came to La Cruz on vacation and never left. Well that’s not quite true, her first vacation was in 1991 when she visited her parents, who had built their own home here. Then a few more visits and she decided to move here in 2002 and built her bar and opened in 2004. Born in Widnes, Lancashire and raised in Gunnislake, Cornwall, Mandy (Amanda) Delaney is a force. She’s itty bitty but knows what she wants and created a bar where everyone who shows up is welcomed and has fun. Weathering the seasons, literally and figuratively, Mandy has experienced the boom times and the lean. Committed to keep what she’s created successful she

opens three days a week for now until certain the tourists are back. Opening Hours for November; Monday at 7pm for Game night, Tuesday at 6.30 pm for Open Mic and Wednesday at 2.30 pm for BINGOOOO. Stayed tuned for various fundraisers, Mardi gras and so much more fun at Britannia La Cruz! Sharing drink specials and pub food; Cottage pies and fish and chips and much more, Mandy has created a gathering place where once you visit; I think you’ll be hooked! I hope to see you there on Tuesday night! For more stories about those making a difference in La Cruz, visit www.VillaAmorDelMar.com

events

XXI International Gourmet Festival Puerto VallartaRiviera Nayarit-Tepic

orty-six guest chefs from Mexico and abroad, 22 hotels and restaurants, seven theme nights and much more will all be a part of this high-end culinary extravaganza. In a recent press conference, Chefs Thierry Blouet, Heinz Reize and Roland Menetrey, also known as “The Three Musqueteers,” along with several tourism authorities, announced the details of the XXI International Gourmet Festival (IGF) to be held from November 16-22, 2015. The IGF has been positioning the region at the height of international gastronomic circles for the past 21 years; inviting renowned chefs from around the globe to share their experiences, their knowledge and their creations within the participating hotels and restaurants. This years event will feature 46 guest chefs from Mexico and abroad, 22 participating hotels and restaurants, seven theme nights,

pairing workshops, wine tastings, parties, demos, chats and much more. You can find details at www. festivalgourmet.com With very high standards, this festival has now become a culinary event that’s recognized on the world stage. During the conference, Fernando González Ortega, President of the Hotel and Motel Association of the Riviera Nayarit, pointed out that this year’s new additions would make an impact on the attendees. He also said the global reach of the IGF is a showcase for the world to see the region is well-prepared to welcome tourists and the destination is strong and growing with new product offers. “The people of this destination are the best in the country and we continue to encourage all culinary happenings as one of the cornerstones of the destination’s promotional efforts,” concluded González Ortega.

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Events Around the Bay

If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@ vallartatribune.com. November 7 Grand Opening! The Old Town Farmers Market opens for the season. Open every Saturday from November to April between 9:30 am and 2 pm at Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Colonia Emiliano Zapata. November 7-8 Purr Project 2nd Annual Garage Sale with all proceeds benefiting the 150+ cats at the Purr shelter. Sat. – 9:00am to 4:00pm and Sun. – 10:00am to 2:00pm Gaviotas #143 in the Marina November 11 Lest we forget. Join the Navy League and the American at Steve’s Sports Bar (Post 14 Hqd.) for 10 am with coffee, pastries provided and breakfast available for purchase. We will leave 10:40, walk to Lazaro Cardenas Park (Romantic Zone) for the service. November 11-14 60th Annual International Marlin and Sailfish fishing tournament www.fishvallarta.com November 12 5:30-9pm In support of the Navy League and American Legion All you can eat buffet dinner ($500pesos) at Coco Tropical and happy hour bar drinks at 50% off. Tix at the event or Steve’s Sports Bar, Carol’s Boutique or from any member of the Navy League or American Legion. November 14 Vallarta Botanical Gardens 10th Anniversary A weekend filled with events in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the award winning botanical gardens. November 14 Democrats Abroad Debate Night 7:30pm at Luna Azul, Lazaro Cardenas 308 November 16-22 Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival Celebrating 21 years. Specially priced menus. Visiting chefs. One week of culinary adventure. www. festivalgourmet.com November 17th - IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor start again on

Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th and will continue throughout the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos. November 19 Vallarta Garden Club welcome back party and membership kickoff. More details to follow. November 20-21 RisingHop Vallarta Festival 2015 - An event to enjoy craft beer Craft Beer + Food + Local products + Live Music + Ludoteca 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 pm at Puerto de Luna All Suites Hotel November 20-22 10th annual i Madonnari Chalk Art Festival & Contest will begin at 9am in the Municipal Plaza, and continue until Sunday, November 22 at 7 pm. November 26th Traditional Thanksgiving Dinner - Children With Cancer Fundraiser Le Bistro Jazz Café starting at 4pm $43usd includes dinner, music, wine and more!

December 4 Fundraiser for Pasitos de Luz, Casa Connor – The Life, Masterpieces and Humanity of FRIDA KAHLO At the Sheraton Bugambilias 6-10pm $900 pesos includes dinner, show and live music. November 28 SPCA de PV fundraiser At the remodeled Casa Kimberly, former home of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. Tickets are $120 US or 1950 pesos. Contact Janice@Haciendasanangel.com to get your ticket. December 5, 2015 10TH ANNUAL PET PICNIC at Daiquiri Dick's Fundraiser in support of PeaceAnimals from 11am - 1pm $350pesos at the door. Thursday, December 17, In support of the Vallarta Garden Club, kick off the Christmas Holiday Season at the Botanical Gardens with a sing-along featuring talented Puerto Vallarta musician Bob Bruneau. More details to come.

cuisine

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Sweet Tamale Cakes

ave you ever been to a restaurant and ordered something you loved and thought to yourself, “I bet I can make this at home”? One of the dishes I’ve been meaning to try my hand at is the Sweet Corn Tamale Cake from Cheesecake Factory. I finally got around to making these this weekend and thought they came out EXACTLY like the real thing. This was probably the closest I’ve ever come to recreating a restaurant dish at home. I looked online for a few recipes and modified one that I thought sounded like it would turn out well, and I was not let down. All in all, it was a pretty simple dish, but a little tedious since you have to make three separate sauces. Totally worth the effort in my opinion.

ready to assemble the dish.

Recipe adapted from Food.com

For the Cakes:

For the Tomatillo Salsa: 4 tomatillos, diced 2 tablespoons green bell pepper, minced 2 green onion stalks, minced 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, minced 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ¼ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt Chop up the tomatillo, pepper, green onion and cilantro. Dump all of the ingredients into a food processor and gently pulse to get a smoother consistency. Place the contents into a bowl and begin adding cumin, sugar and salt. Stir well, cover with plastic wrap and place the bowl in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to assemble the cakes.

For the Pico de Gallo:

2 medium tomatoes, diced 1 tablespoon minced Spanish onions 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, minced 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon green bell pepper or mild chile pepper like pasilla, seeds removed and minced 1 tablespoon salt 1 tablespoon grapeseed oil Dice up the tomatoes and add to a small bowl. Mince the onions and peppers and add to the bowl. Next, finely chop the cilantro and add to the bowl along with the rest of the ingredients. Stir well, cover with plastic wrap and place in the fridge to cool until you’re

For Southwestern Sauce:

½ cup mayonnaise (I used light) 2 tablespoons ketchup 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon water 1 teaspoon granulated sugar ½ teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper 1 garlic clove, grated ½ teaspoon salt Add the mayo, ketchup, water and vinegar to a bowl. Whisk well to combine the sauces and remove any lumps. Next add in the paprika, cayenne powder, chili powder, salt and garlic clove and whisk to combine all of the ingredients. Cover and put in the fridge to chill.

3 cups frozen sweet corn 1½ sticks butter, melted 2 tablespoons water 6 tablespoons sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1 cup Masa Harina-type corn flour ¼ cup regular flour Start out by pre-heating your oven to 400 degrees. Thaw out the corn kernels. They don’t have to be completely thawed, just tender enough to where they’ll blend in the food processor. Add the corn and the water to a food processor and pulse until you have a coarse chop. Transfer the corn to a large mixing bowl and add in the butter. Blend well with a spatula. Next add in the corn flour and the regular flour, the salt and sugar and blend well. You should have a sticky consistency. If it feels too dry, add a little water. Spray a nonstick cookie sheet with cooking spray and begin forming the cakes. You should have a shape similar to a crab cake. Place the cakes down on the cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes and remove the tray from the oven to flip the cakes. Bake for another 10-15 minutes.

For the Garnish: 1 Hass avocado 6 tablespoons sour cream 3 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro

To Assemble:

Spoon the tomatillo salsa along

the bottom of your serving platter. Place the cakes over the tomatillo salsa and then top with the pico de gallo. Next drizzle a little of the

southwestern sauce over the top of the cake. Cut the avocado into small chunks and place on top of the cakes. Dollop 1 tbsp. over each

of the cakes and sprinkle the top with some fresh chopped cilantro. For more of my recipes visit: www.theyucadiaries.com

NOW OPEN FOR DINNER Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

Diners familiar with Hacienda San Angel's stunning views, outstanding cuisine and topnotch service will feel right at home at The Iguana, the new Mexican specialty restaurant at the new Casa Kimberly Hotel; the former homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that have recently undergone a meticulously luxurious renovation. Reservations only - 322 222 1336 Open for dinner 6-11 pm Zaragoza 445, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta www.casakimberly.com

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Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Humphrey Bogart: a star dimmed too soon… By Fred Jacobs

ogart was born on Christmas day 1899 in New York City. His father was a famous surgeon and his mother a wellknown fashion magazine illustrator. Bogart and his two younger sisters grew up living in the posh Upper West Side, and he attended private schools including Trinity School. His parents planned on him to eventually going to Yale University. However, in 1918 Humphrey was expelled from school. Stories varied from having thrown the headmaster into a pond, to smoking and drinking, all the way to poor grades. His parents were devastated that their plans for Humphreys’ future had evaporated. With his future in doubt, Humphrey decided to join the Navy in 1918. Being the end of the war, Humphrey spent most of his time at sea ferrying soldiers back to the US. He was reported to be a model sailor, in contrast to his school days. When Bogart returned home after the war, he found his father in poor health and the family wealth lost, due to bad investments. After several failed jobs, he got an office job at the newly formed World Films. Here he got his first taste of the movies. Bogart had been raised to believe that acting was beneath a gentleman, but he liked the lifestyle and notoriety that actors received. A lot of Bogart’s spare time was spent in “speakeasies” and he became a heavy drinker. Bar room

brawls were common and one fight reportedly led to the scar on his lip and his famous unique speech. Bogart never took formal acting classes but between 1922 and 1935, he appeared in 17 Broadway plays. Criticcal reviews of this early work, ranged from “inadequate” to “effective performances”. With the stock market crash of 1929, Broadway shows closed and new

work dried up quickly. Bogart’s actual film debut happened in 1928 co-starring with Helen Hayes in “The Dancing Town”, making his move to Hollywood in 1929 an easy transition. He quickly signed a contract with Fox Studios for $750 a week. Shortly after signing with Fox, he met Spencer Tracey. Bogart had admired Tracey’s work on Broadway and

Lorena Peril and Ray Jon Bring Married and Looking to Puerto Vallarta By: Debbie White

howbiz professionals, Lorena Peril and Ray Jon, will star as headliners at The Red Room throughout the season. These accomplished, Las Vegas entertainers will present their new show Married and Looking to audiences starting in November. Lorena Peril is an entertainer who is sure to impress audiences in a big way. Her vocals, charismatic personality and moves have graced the Las Vegas stage since 2005. Born in San Francisco, Lorena never thought of becoming a singer, until she entered a guest talent show on a Carnival Cruise in 1999, and

her life changed forever! After being discovered on that cruise, Lorena Peril, a Latina from San Fransisco, California, became a professional singer, actor and dancer, with leading roles in Las Vegas shows. Lorena appeared on the first season of the hit television show, The Voice and had released some songs that have climbed the charts on Itunes. She recently released a new single, Hate Stand Aside, a song about equality. Married and Looking will amuse audiences with singing, dancing and improv. Lorena and Ray Jon command the stage and make people laugh. You won't want to miss this Las Vegasstyle show in an intimate cabaret setting.

the two became close friends and drinking buddies. Throughout the 1930’s Bogart appeared mainly in “B” movies and eventually made his way to Warner Studios. He found himself taking leftover roles from Warner’s leading men like Edward G. Robinson and James Cagney who had cherrypicked the best ones. Many of Bogart’s roles during this period were violent and often ended in his being gunned down by Cagney and Robinson’s characters. His breakout role finally came in 1941 in ”Casablanca”, costarring Ingrid Bergman. It also earned him his first Oscar nomination. The “Maltese Falcon” directed by John Houston, followed in 1942. Both films were great successes and moved him up at the studio. He met Lauren Bacall in 1944 while filming “To Have and Have Not”. Despite Lauren being 22 years younger than him, they married the following year. This was Bogarts’ fourth marriage with his previous wives all actresses as well. The first marriage only lasted for four months, the second one for nine years and the marriage that he ended in order to marry Lauren, lasted seven years. He claims he was only really happy in his final twelve years while being married to Lauren. He called her “baby” on and off the stage. In 1948, he was in” The Treasure of the Sierra Madre”, filmed on location in Mexico. The movie was directed by John Huston, who won the Best Director and Screenplay Oscars and Huston’s father won an

Oscar for best Supporting Actor in the film. Katherine Hepburn approached him in 1951 to film the “African Queen” on location in the Belgian Congo. Over four months in the jungle, everybody in the cast and crew got sick from dysentery except Bogart and his best friend the director, John Huston. The duos diet consisted of Scotch Whiskey, baked beans and canned asparagus. Bogart later commented “whenever a fly bit me or John, the fly dropped dead”. This film earned Bogart his only Oscar. In 1954, he made one of his last great films “Canine Mutiny”. In his final five years his health deteriorated. He had always smoked and drank too much. He finally went to a doctor in January 1956, who diagnosed him with throat cancer. Two months later he had his esophagus, two lymph nodes, and a rib removed, but it was too late to halt the disease, even with chemotherapy. Quickly, his health deteriorated to where he was down to 80 pounds and could not walk. Bogart passed away on January 14, 1957. At his funeral Huston gave the eulogy. Among the hundreds that attended were Ronald Reagan, Bette Davis and anybody who was anybody in the film industry. He left an estate of less than a million dollars. He died too young, but those he touched in his exciting life and his fans will always remember him. Fred Jacobs is the writer of three books and a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta.

entertainment

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Tango Performances and Workshops in Puerto Vallarta

iriam Gutiérrez and Froyamel Corro, semi-finalists in the World Cup of Argentine Tango, will be performing and teaching classes in Puerto Vallarta from November 11-22. The young couple represented Mexico in both Social and Stage tango categories in the 2015 Festival Mundial de Tango held in Buenos Aires. Their performance events begin Wednesday, November 11, during the weekly tango party at J&B Dancing Club from 8pm-10 pm. Thursday, November 12, Miriam and Froyamel will be dancing in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle at Restaurant Xocolatl by Roberto’s, at 8:00 pm. Saturday night the 14th they will be at The Jazz Foundation on the Malecon in El Centro, 8:00 pm, and Sunday, November 15, at 6:00 pm they will perform solo with TangoVallarta at Plaza Caracol. Finally, on Wednesday, November 18, Miriam and Froyamel return to J&B from 8-10 pm. All exhibition events are open to the public, free of charge. In addition Miriam and Froyamel offer a special series of workshops in Tango de Salon (social tango) from Friday, November 13 through Sunday the 22nd.These

will be held at Lo De Barbarita in El Centro, and at J&B. For further information about schedule, costs and location of the workshops, classes, etc. contact Barbara Garvey (322) 222-8895, email alybarbara@yahoo.com, or find Facebook group page TangoVallarta. Workshop space is limited, so please reserve in advance. Addresses of Exhibitions: J&B Dancing Club, Blvd.Francisco Medina Ascencio 2043 Xocolatl by Roberto’s, Monte Calvario 16,La Cruz de Huanacaxtle The Jazz Foundation, Calle Allende 116 Plaza Caracol, Blvd.Francisco Medina Ascencio Traditional Argentine tango is a social dance that originated in the streets of Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. From there it traveled to Paris and other northern capitals, gathering prestige and elegance, before reaching a Golden Age during the 1940’s back home in the “Paris of South America”. Characteristics unique to tango include its intimate embrace, varied and complex music, and a striking appeal to cosmopolitan people the world over. Although tango’s intensity

smolders on stage with passion, drama and occasional acrobatics, its allure as a social dance is due to the meditative concentration of two partners moving as one to the music with simplicity and subtlety. A minimum number of traditional guidelines are followed in “milongas” or tango parties in cities worldwide, wherever aficionados are found, making tango a truly universal dance of the 21st century. Argentine tango’s renaissance dates from the mid 1980s, when a stage production (Tango Argentino) travelled throughout Europe and North America leaving in each city a nucleus of enthusiasts. Thirty years later, it continues to grow slowly and steadily, transcending borders and language differences. The dance arrived in Puerto Vallarta in 2004 when Al and Barbara Garvey relocated from San Francisco, California, where they were founding members of the tango community. The Garveys teach regularly at J&B Dancing Club and host milongas there and in their home. For information about all tango activity in Vallarta, contact Barbara Garvey (322) 222-8895 or email alybarbara@yahoo.com

CAFÉ DES ARTISTES TUESDAY NOVEMBER 17TH 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wine Pairing and Luncheon Workshop Hosted by Eight Hands - Four Chefs An extraordinary cooking demonstration! Spend a day with great artists of the culinary scene, and on top of it all - enjoy a delicious luncheon with them.

$1,600 pesos Reserve: +52 (322) 222 2247 inform@festivalgourmet.com festivalgourmet.com

real estate

South Shore

Temptations By Nicole Martin

Farmer’s Markets to Visit in Puerto Vallarta

here is more to purchasing your dream home at Garza Blanca Signature Residences than enjoying luxury sea view apartments in one of the most exclusive resorts in Puerto Vallarta. Your investment opens up a colorful world of life in Mexico. One of the attractions of living in Puerto Vallarta is its lively social scene full of events and activities for expats, especially during the popular months between November and April. Puerto Vallarta and Bandera Bay’s range of Farmer’s Markets are sure to keep the shopaholic in you amused. Below is a great list of the top Farmer’s Markets in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay for you to explore, and you can also check the local website to find the current time and dates of the Farmer’s Markets. Old Town Farmer’s Market (Puerto Vallarta): The Old Town Farmer’s Market is open each Saturday from nine thirty in the morning until two in the afternoon. The Old Town Farmer’s Market usually runs until the end of April, and is one of the best Farmer’s Market to go to if you are looking for locally grown fruits and vegetables. You can also find amazing handmade jewelry, crafts that are gorgeous, and locally designed clothing too. The Old

Town Farmer’s Market provides live music and entertainment, so visitors will enjoy a great morning. All items are grown or made right here in Puerto Vallarta, and the items that are baked are prepared by local residents in Puerto Vallarta. The website for Old Town Farmer’s Market is www.oldtownfm.com. Marina Vallarta’s Market (Puerto Vallarta): The Marina Market is open from October and runs until May each Thursday. The hours of the market starts around six in the evening and stays open until ten. This farmers market is a great way to meet local residents and do some shopping at the same time. There are a variety of items that can be purchased here such as; handmade soaps and candles, delicious Artisan breads and baked goods, and so many other great finds. One special thing about the Marina Vallarta’s Market is the late hours that it is open. Visitors can arrive in the early afternoon before the market opens, and walk along the boardwalk and enjoy the ocean at the same time. When the sun starts to set, you can eat at one of the many vendors or restaurants, then finish your shopping. Mercado del Pueblo (Sayulita): The Mercado del Pueblo farmers market runs from October

until May, and is held each Friday. The Mercado del Pueblo Farmer’s Market starts at ten in the morning, then closes at two in the afternoon. This Farmer’s Market has almost eighty different vendors along with live entertainment. You can find organic products, natural products, and unique items here, which makes this one of the best places to do your local shopping. The vendors change their items each week, so you can always find fresh, homemade baked breads and desserts, flowers, fruits and vegetables, and delicious meats. The website for Mercado del Pueblo is: http://mercadodelpueblo.org/ Mercado Huanacaxtle (La Cruz de Huanacaxtle): The Mercado Huanacaxtle market is on Sundays and there are nearly 175 vendors. The Farmer’s Market is located in the La Cruz’s Marina, and there is plenty of art, clothing, homemade jewelry, baked items, and fresh fruits and vegetables. For more information, take a look at www.insidelacruz. com/articles/1041-la-cruz-sundaymarket-best-in-the-bahia.html Marina Nuevo Vallarta (Riviera Nayarit): The Marina Nuevo Vallarta Farmer’s Market is located on the Nuevo Vallarta Marina and is open each Saturday from nine in the morning and stays open until two in the afternoon. This Farmer’s Market offers dancing lessons, unique foods and handmade glassware. You can also pick up beautiful clothing, and beautiful jewelry. At this Farmer’s Market you can take dance or yoga classes and enjoy live entertainment. The website is www.bestofnuevovallarta.com. Marsol Friday Market (Old Town, Puerto Vallarta): The Marsol Market is the only one that runs year round. It is also within the Marsol Hotel lobby so you are shaded from the sun and rain. Located just steps from the pier on Los Muertos beach, this market has artisans, food, tours and live music.

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Ask a Realtor By John Swanson, Boardwalk Realty

Q: We heard a lot about Hurricane Patricia initially, but not much since the day it hit land. Are there relief efforts for the towns that were hardest hit? How can we help? – Billy T, Texas

A: Great question Billy, thank you! First, a little background. Hurricane Patricia, the largest hurricane to ever form in the Pacific Ocean made land on Friday, October 23rd at 6:15 pm near an eco-reserve named Cuixmala, south of PV approx. 120 miles, north of Manzanillo approx. 60 miles While Puerto Vallarta sits on a bay protected on three sides by the Sierra Madre Mountains, all precautions were taken for the safety and well-being of all our residents and visitors as the hurricane headed for land. Because of the size of Patricia (this was the Mother of all hurricanes) many small towns were damagedBara de Navidad, Mascota and Careyes being some of the more famous. Many small farming communities, too many to name, were also among the hardest hit. Mexico is being praised for the preparation by their emergency services which helped evacuate many people. This, and good fortune, amounted to very few deaths (six) and 30 hours later the storm had dissipated in the rugged, mountainous land. While the worst was over, thousands of farmers, small business owners and families that live in these areas now have dire living situations with much flooding, loss of all services and for many, a loss of everything they owned. While I cannot speak to

everything that is being done nationally, one thing I can tell you for sure is that the Puerto Vallarta community CARES! Many local businesses (including Boardwalk, Act II, local schools, Rotary, The Property Girl and many, many others) have had AMAZING support gathering much-needed cleaning supplies, food, clothing, personal items, etc. The contributors have been rich, poor and everything in between. They are all races, ages and genders. It has been very touching to see people from all walks of life putting their differences “in their back pockets” and coming together to help. So often we look at the negatives in life, the differences between us. The rally to help has shown me how many selfless, wonderful people there are in our community! If you would like to help, a great website to make contributions has been put together here: https:// www.gofundme.com/Patriciahelp . Great job Ron Pickens (Casa Cupula), Danny Mininni (Act II), Julie Guerrero (No Way Jose) and Bob Price (Botanical Gardens). We all have a message for the distressed towns; “Vallartans” from everywhere care and we are stepping up to the plate. I am so proud to be part of this community! John Swanson is the Co-Broker of Boardwalk Realty. Active in local and national Real Estate boards; guest star on HGTV’S hit television show “Beachfront Bargain Hunt and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate, John is also a very accomplished guitar player. You can catch him and his band on Friday evenings at Nacho Daddy. Email John at: tribune@boardwalkrealtypv.com

real estate

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

At the Crossroads of Nationality

and Taxation

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

Orlando Gotay Tax Attorney

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

ome U.S. citizens who have migrated to Mexico have gone beyond Residente Temporal or even Permanente “inmigrado” status. There are those who have chosen to acquire Mexican nationality. There are more than a few out there. I think it pays homage to the country that has welcomed us as home. The way I read it, Mexican nationality law allows dual nationality for Mexicans who also

acquired another nationality elsewhere, but that may not the case when a “non Mexican” acquires Mexican nationality. Mexico requires “express renunciation” to other nationalities held by the newly naturalized Mexican national. This becomes an issue because of differences in Mexico and United States nationality law. U.S. law deems U.S. citizenship as a highly valued condition. Therefore, it has

established a correspondingly high burden for it to be lost. The individual has to carry out an expatriating act, and it must be established that it was done with the specific intent of actually relinquishing citizenship. Why, you ask, would a tax lawyer be writing about this? Because citizenship does matter when it comes to U.S. taxation. And there may be some out there who think they may have ‘let go’ of their U.S. citizenship at the moment they acquired Mexican nationality, but it may not be so. Unknown to them, both countries may consider them as citizens. Ignoring this in the U.S. context could have disastrous consequences.

One wishing to relinquish U.S. citizenship must do so through a renunciation process administered by State Department officials, at consular offices outside the United States. The extensive process requires interviews and a hefty $2,350 renunciation fee. Until a person completes the process, documented by a Certificate of Loss of Nationality, he will still be considered a citizen by U.S. authorities. And that requires—you guessed it—filing federal income tax returns. The “express renunciation” before Mexican authorities does not strip you, under U.S. law, of citizenship and all corresponding

federal tax obligations. If a person intends to renounce, it is critical that accounts are squared with Uncle Sam beforehand. If you cannot certify to the IRS compliance with all federal tax obligations for the five years preceding the renunciation, you become a “covered expatriate”. From a tax perspective, that’s a really bad label to have. It taints you and your U.S. heirs. Most gifts or bequests from the covered expatriate to U.S. persons will have to pay gift or estate taxes (at the highest rate) simply because of the label. If you have too many assets when you renounce, or if your average federal tax bill is too high, you also become a covered expat. Luxury problems, I say. Special tax calculations must be done for covered expats. What really troubles me is ending up as a “covered expat” because of unfulfilled tax obligations one did not know about. In matters of nationality, it pays to understand the true nature of your status, enabling you to fulfill your tax obligations in a timely way.

Markets and More – Weekly Events Around the Bay

his is a growing list as regularily scheduled events and markets are announced. Be sure to check back each week. If you have an event you’d like to add – email editor@vallartatribune.com Tuesday Malecon Sculpture Tour – 9:30am Hosted by Gary Thompson. The tour starts at the “Millennium” sculpture next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the Malecon. Wednesday Artwalk – In the historic center of Puerto Vallarta 6-10pm Art collectors, local residents and interested visitors are invited to discover the great variety and exceptional quality of art available in Puerto Vallarta. Recreactiva – 8:45pm – Join in a group bike ride from Marina to the Malecon and back every Wednesday evening. Thursday Live Music in the Main Plaza – 6pm Friday Marsol Market by the Pier – 9:30 – 1:30 Saturday Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town Live Music in the Main Plaza – 6pm Sunday Recreactiva – 8am-12pm – the centre lanes of Francisco Medina are closed to traffic and open to anyone wishing to walk, skate, ride from Hotel Krystal to the Sheraton.

SU DO KU

brain teasers

Nov 5 - 11, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

charities

Nov 5 - 11, 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 Saturdays, 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 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally self-funded. www.fundacioncorazon.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. Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities.

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES A PAGE IN THE SUN - ZONA ROMANTICA FREDY TUCAN´S - ZONA ROMANTICA NUEVO VALLARTA RESORTS CONSULATE OFFICES

DECAMERON RESORT - BUCERIAS BREAKER´S BEACH BAR - BUCERIAS YO-YO MO´S - BUCERIAS MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT - LA CRUZ OSO RESTAURANT - LA CRUZ

familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail.com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: 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