Issue 973, Nov. 26 - Dec 2, 2015

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

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News visa requirements

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 Free Issue 973

Southside Temptations Mexican Wine

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Entertainment Calendar of Events

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courtesy Virginia Fox

welcome

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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable.

TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos in the north.

BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between.

Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”.

TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person.

MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees.

DRINKING WATER: For the 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.

Local artist Quetzal working on his brilliant chalk drawing that can be seen in City Plaza exhibition. He’s showing other art works in “River of Art 2015” at Oscar’s on Dec 6, from Noon – 6pm

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

Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Calling in Mexico Calling phones in Mexico can be tricky as it is different than in the US or Canada. There are different codes you need to use depending if you are calling landlines or cellular phones and if they are local or long distance.

Long-distance calls from within Mexico For national long-distance calls (within Mexico) the code is 01 plus the area code and phone number. For international long-distance calls, first dial 00, then the country code (for the U.S. and Canada the country code is 1, so you would dial 00 + 1 + area code + 7 digit number).

Calling Cell Phones (from a land line) If you are calling from a landline within the area code of the Mexican cell phone number dial 044, then the 10 digit number including area code. Outside of the area code (but still within Mexico) dial 045 and then the 10 digit phone number. Cell phone to cell phone only requires the 10 digit number.

Phone Cards Phone cards (“tarjetas telefonicas”) for use in pay phones can be bought at newstands and in pharmacies in denominations of 30, 50 and 100 pesos. Pay phones do not accept coins. When buying a phone card for pay phone use, specify that you would like a “tarjeta LADA,” because pre-paid cell phone cards are also sold in the same establishments.

Calling Toll-Free Numbers Some toll free numbers work from Mexico to the US and Canada, but many do not.

You need to dial a different prefix. To call the following toll free prefixes, dial as follows: 800 numbers Dial 001-880-then the number 866 numbers Dial 001-883-then the number 877 numbers Dial 001-882-then the number 888 numbers Dial 001-881-then the number

Spanish Bloopers

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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: PESCADO (FISH) PESADO (HEAVY) These two words get a little tricky as they sound so much alike. Then you can also have a heavy fish thus….pescado pesado!

Try saying that fast.

Send me your bloopers and a little story to go with them: sandra.learn.vallarta@ gmail.com

by Sandra Cesca

PESADO (HEAVY)

PESCADO (FISH)

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

editorial

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

A

whole slew of friends and family flew in last week for my wedding which we held at the El Cielito resort in Villa del Mar which is next door to Tehuamixtle and down the road from Mayto. It was a really great weekend and I only have to make two more trips to the airport. It was the perfect location, the sunset on Friday was spectacular and then we released olive ridley turtle hatchlings. The females will return in ten years to lay their first batch of eggs and the plan is to be there to welcome back our baby turtle cousins.

In this week’s edition there is a repeated article about El Cielito and the surrounding area that we printed in the summer. I though we should reprint it now when more readers can enjoy learning about some of the outlying areas around Puerto Vallarta and see why we choose this adorable resort for our wedding venue.

December first marks the start of the Guadalupe processions through Puerto Vallarta. Until December 12th, each night thousands of devout Catholics, parade through downtown to the main church for a special mass. There are dancers, fireworks and so much amazing street food.

The processions begin each evening around sunset and last a few hours.

The processions get longer and longer as the days go on with the December 12th processions lasting all day and night. This

makes driving and navigating the streets downtown tricky. Prepare yourself for some delays but don’t miss the festivities, it’s a truly cultural experience.

The theaters continue to promote some very popular shows.

Lots of great music, variety shows and cabaret acts happening now.

Check inside for some of the best shows in town. Galleries are throwing open their doors for new artists, and the charities are running full steam ahead with a number of very popular fundraising events. I’m very excited to be going to the new Casa Kimberley this weekend for the Evening under the Stars event in support of the PV SPCA. And one final note: I found our wedding rings at the Friday Marsol Market (support local!) and they needed some adjustments which lead us to meeting up with the designer at the Riviera Market in Nuevo Vallarta. It is so lovely. Really fresh with breezes off the marina, tons of excellent vendors and different ones than are in the downtown markets. It’s outside in the parking lot behind the casino and there is a ton of space, lots of parking.

I highly recommend getting out on Tuesday mornings and exploring it and help support the local markets that add both much needed dollars and entertainment into our economies.

Have a great week.

Safe travels,

Gastrointestinal Surgeon Gastrointestinal Diseaases.

Weigth loss Surgery (Gastric sleeve, Gastric By pass)

Abdominal Pain Gastritis Gall Bladder Appendicitis Colitis Hemorrhoids Hernia Certified by the mexican Council General Surgery

www.drsergiodelhoyo.com Appointment: (322)223 55 21

Facebook.com/Dr.SergiodelHoyo

Emergency: (322)1506291

dr_sergiodelhoyo@me.com

Av. Los Tules 160 int.9 Col. Díaz Ordaz, Pto Vallarta.

Madeline

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta - Adopt a Senior Pet

W

e just love our visitors to town and the sanctuary.

They are all so very generous.

The Balsiger family recently visited the sanctuary and gave their tour guide, our imitable volunteer Robin McCaffry, a donation of 700 pesos. Good friends Suzanne Deaton and Darryl Rhoades donated $100 US. Thanks so much to everyone!

And don’t forget to stop and see us at the Farmers Market each week.

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 extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned.

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

By Janice Gonzalez

your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk.

Are you ready to get involved?

Pack your bag for an amazing afternoon at the SPCA! Please bring water 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.

Old Town Farmers Marke

Chilean Whole Wheat Bread

By Erin Staley

G

et ready for the ultimate “make it, bake it, grow it” destination! This Saturday the OTFM-TC is open once again, sharing artisan foods, farm-totable produce, handmade body products, organic coffee, traditional Mexican instruments, whimsical decor, fashion-forward apparel and decadent cheeses.

While you’re there, don't forget to pick up a loaf or two of Hans Casanova’s healthy and hearty Chilean whole wheat bread!

Meet Hans Casanova

Casanova learned to make his heritage recipe from his mother.

She lived in the cold Chilean Patagonia, and started baking her robust bread to feed her family.

Casanova’s mother went through many trial-and-error batches before perfecting the texture, flavor and consistency. She eventually began baking her bread to sell in the neighbourhood.

Casanova mastered the recipe by helping his mother. When he came to Puerto Vallarta with his son and daughter, he missed making the tasty loaves. Casanova began baking it for friends and family. A serendipitous visit to the OTFM-TC led him to an entrepreneurial idea: sharing his bread with the thousands of national and international shoppers who visited the market every season. Casanova's bread was a big hit, and this season will mark his fifth as a must-meet vendor.

Power-Packed Food Source

Made with fresh linseed, sesame and whole-wheat flour, Casanova’s Chilean whole wheat bread is a power-packed food source.

Its long-time fermentation period allows the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and complex carbohydrates to develop, leaving you with good taste and better health. The loaves are then baked just before they arrive at the OTFM-TC. You’ll love the nutty flavor and hearty texture of Casanova’s Chilean whole wheat bread. It’s healthy, delicious and an extra special treat when toasted and topped with your favourite jam and nut butters. And don’t forget that these baked loaves will make the perfect sidekick to our other ready-

You’re Invited! to-eat foods. Pair them with handmade Mexican cheeses, salsas, dressings, dips and more!

Welcome to the Market!

Come on out and enjoy the live music, wonderful weather, farmfresh produce and artisan goods!

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.

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

Swimwear and beachwear made ​​to order!

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 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).

Tel. 224-6670 Cel: 322-116-9908

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

news

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Justin Trudeau formally commits to lifting visa requirement for Mexicans Puerto Vallarta celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe

By Susana Mas, CBC News

P

rime Minister Justin Trudeau has formally committed to removing visa requirements for Mexican citizens entering Canada, a policy imposed by the Conservative government in 2009 to stem the flow of Mexicans seeking asylum here. Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto said that Trudeau confirmed the commitment during a face-to-face meeting with Canada's new prime minister at the G20 summit in Antalya, Turkey.

"Justin Trudeau confirmed that he has signaled his cabinet to remove in the future the Canadian visa requirement for Mexicans," Pena Nieto wrote in Spanish in a post on Twitter Sunday.

A statement from the Prime Minister's Office said Trudeau discussed mutual issues with Pena Nieto, including climate change, and "reiterated the [election] platform commitment to lift the visa requirement on Mexican citizens."

The requirement had become an irritant between the two countries with the Mexican ambassador saying in 2013 he was "really mad" at Stephen Harper's Conservative

government. Olivier Duchesneau, the deputy director of communications for Trudeau, could not say when Mexicans would be able to travel to Canada without a visa, but told CBC News by phone today that the prime minister had instructed members of his cabinet to move forward with the change.

Top priorities for Liberal government Trudeau instructed Foreign Affairs Minister StĂŠphane Dion in a mandate letter made public last Friday to lift the Mexican visa requirement.

The prime minister said he expected Dion to work with other cabinet colleagues to "strengthen trilateral North American co-operation with the United States and Mexico."

A top priority for Dion, according to Trudeau's mandate letter, is to "support the minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship in lifting the Mexican visa requirement."

Another top priority is to "work with relevant ministers, including the ministers of international trade and environment and climate change, to prepare for the North American Leaders Summit in Canada."

Three Amigos summit soon?

The Mexican president also said he and Trudeau discussed the

trilateral annual summit between the prime minister of Canada, and the presidents of Mexico and the U.S., which Canada was set to host by year's end.

"We agreed on the importance of realizing before long the North American Leaders' Summit," said Pena Nieto in a subsequent post on Twitter.

The last North American Leaders' Summit was held in Mexico in February 2014. Canada hasn't hosted one since 2007, when it was held in Montebello, Que. Duchesneau, the spokesman for the prime minister, told CBC News today that no date or location has been set for the meeting.

The so-called Three Amigos summit had been scheduled for February but was postponed indefinitely by the Conservative government.

The decision to push back the summit came as a general election loomed in Canada and a decision by the U.S. president on the approval of TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL pipeline was still pending.

U.S. President Barack Obama recently rejected the pipeline application, ending a seven-year saga that became an irritant in Canada-U.S.relations.

Pena Nieto also said on Twitter that he concluded his meeting with Trudeau by inviting him to visit Mexico.

The Guadalupe Processions

During the first twelve days of December processions take place through the centre of Puerto Vallarta with thousands walking, singing and praying through the streets each night to the main church that bears the name of the patron saint of both Puerto Vallarta and of Mexico. Businesses, hotels, restaurants, neighborhoods and civic associations as well as prominent local families take part in these processions to the church for a special mass they have devoted to the Virgin whose birthday is celebrated on December 12th.

The streets are lined with people watching the processions, people come from the mountain

Photos by Bud Ellison

Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto met with Canada's PM at G20 summit in Turkey

For those of you lucky enough to be in town from the first to twelfth of December you are in for a treat.

villages to take part and bring with them crafts and traditional foods for sale. It is an excellent time to enjoy tamales and atole on the street as well as many other wonderful treats.

Processions begin each night around nightfall and last until all have passed through the doors of the church. As the twelve days go on the processions get larger until the December 12th procession which last six or more hours with thousands paying their respects to the Virgin of Guadalupe.

It’s a wonderful spectacle steeped in the glorious Mexican and Catholic traditions.

travel

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Road Tripping South: El Cielito and Tehuamixtle, Jalisco

O

riginally hailing from the interior of British Columbia, I know long drives. As a kid we’d make the six-plus hour drive to Vancouver half a dozen times every year, stopping for grilled cheese, fries and a milk shake at this truck stop just past Hope. After bouncing around we finally settled on Vancouver Island near Sooke, which if you don’t know is at least a 45 minute drive anywhere. Fond memories now, but I hated every minute it of it back then. Something I truly love about this place, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is just how much (or how little) you can see if you point your car in any direction but west and drive for two hours.

In two hours you can be in an orchard of guayabas and mangos, eating fresh banana bread and spying birds, butterflies, surfers and fisherman. Or you can be in a farming valley, once home to indigenous people who left behind pottery, petroglyphs and cave paintings to remind us of their time here. Or you can be on 22kms of pristine beach, just you and the nesting turtles and migratory birds. Or you can be on one of the largest reservoirs in Mexico, horseback riding up to the falls, stopping at a small puebla for a rustic meal prepared by a woman who couldn’t be younger than 105.

Or two hours back into the hills to a ranch owned by generations of the same family, where there is no power and running water is the stream and a bucket nearby.

Back in April we headed north and ended up in San Blas after spending the evening in Miramar.

Then a few weeks later we went south to El Cielito in the tiny puebla of Villa del Mar and the next day we explored the Tehuamixtle (tey-wahmixt-ley) the only slightly larger fishing village along the Pacific coast half way between here and Manzanillo.

El Cielito is nine cabins on a beautifully landscaped piece of land overlooking those 22kms of pristine beach. There is also a pool and restaurant, essentially making your need to leave non-existent. Off to the side between the village and the beach is a small estuary, home to a number of species of birds. I could identify the snowy egret, night heron, great heron and the swallow but I’m sure you could do much better. A quick paddle around in the sea kayak was the perfect workout

(for the person paddling).

The hotel is on a hill overlooking this never-ending swath of beach that is sandwiched between the estuary and these massive awe-inducing 10 foot waves of turquoise green. Apparently there are times you can get into the ocean, but I certainly wasn’t going to. There were a handful of fishermen on the shore pulling in Gallo which would shortly be ceviche, some families at the beach for the day and one lone skim boarder, flipping in the waves.

Once I briefly heard an ATV but for the most part it was complete silence.

The food in the restaurant was excellent. Nothing fancy but you wouldn’t want it to be. The service was friendly with the on-site manager Penny completely

bi-lingual and full of information.

It’s a very casual place, with no pretensions.

The palapa style cabins are simple with comfortable beds, ceiling fans and mosquito netting.

Some of them have terraces and some are more private than others.

I knew of this place for a while because a friend had booked it out entirely for a birthday party – which you can do because it’s so affordable and the perfect size.

There are 9 cabins but about 25 beds in total so depending on your configuration you can squeeze 50 of your closest friends in for the party of a lifetime. Both the phone and internet can be spotty so just showing up without a reservation will usually be fine as long as it's not Semana Santa or a long weekend

or you can visit www.elcielito.com. mx for more information.

If you have heard of Tehuamixtle, or perhaps its popular neighbor Mayto, then you’ll likely have also heard, “oh, but the roads are so bad.” And I’m hesitant to share this with the masses but in truth, it’s been paved most of the way and aside from a couple of huge potholes, the drive is easy; in fact so easy that I did it instead of my husband.

When we left, we stopped in the town of Tehuamixtle and had a lunch of oysters and shrimp ceviche at one of the beachfront restaurants overlooking the boat launch where a mother was teaching her two young boys how to fish with a simple line attached to a coke bottle. (Nice to see the upcycling, wish we saw

more of it) All the restaurants were filled with families enjoying their Sunday off. The beach here is excellent for swimming as evidenced by the shrieks of children splashing each other.

Along the way to El Cielito you pass through beautiful country: fields of Echinacea, corn and sugar cane, river valleys, pine forests and little pueblas. Plan for a quick stop in El Tuito to pick up some locally made Raisilla (a rustic version of tequila) to keep you warm in the evenings and anything else you might need as supplies are sparse past here.

Also fill-up the gas tank and check your spare tire, just in case.

Pack your translator as most everyone beside Penny spoke Spanish only.

cuisine

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Christmas on the Mexican dinner table

By Gary R. Beck

T

he usually bustling markets all over Mexico become even busier in December when displays of fruit for ponche navide単o (Christmas punch) leading to the posadas intensifies.

For nine days before Christmas, friends and neighbors get together for posadas which are reenactments of Mary and Joseph's search for shelter in Bethlehem for the baby Jesus.

The group ends up at the home of whichever neighbor lets them in, where pi単atas are broken, fruit and candy are devoured by the children and Mexican punch, tamales and deep-fried fritters called bu単uelos are offered.

When Noche Buena(Christmas Eve) arrives it one of the most festive dinners of the year is served. A Mexican Christmas dinner is varied with foods ranging from tamales to tortillas to turkey

and tejocote.

The dishes served at this meal vary from region to region in Mexico: mole and romeritos in the central areas, tamales in the north, pozole in the western states with the south favoring chocolate with churros and bu単uelos. But in modern day Mexico, turkey is the main attraction, stuffed with ground meat, olives and raisins

or with nuts and bread, regardless which dishes accompany it.

Not unlike back in the US or Canada, Christmas is a time to get together with family and friends to celebrate and food plays a big part. It is not unusual for Christmas Eve dinner to last until three in the morning and this is why Christmas Day is a quiet non-event in most Mexican towns.

Many families attend the Misa de Gallo (Christmas Eve Midnight Mass) and do not begin feasting until afterward.

Here are some of the foods that are traditionally eaten at Christmastime in Mexico, either at Christmas Eve dinner or during the festivities leading up to Christmas (posadas). If you are in Mexico for Christmas, be sure to sample these holiday dishes and if you cannot be in Mexico during this time, add a Mexican touch to your celebration by including some of these foods:

its broth with chile and garlic. It is served with garnishes of shredded lettuce or cabbage, thinly sliced radishes, avocado, oregano, and lime wedges. It makes a hearty meal and a great party food.

Romeritos

A green small leafed vegetable resembling rosemary, for which

Ensalada de Noche Buena

The Mexican Christmas Salad is particularly festive and attractive being composed of beets, lettuce and seasonal fruit with more tropical versions found in the warm coastal areas. Recipes may include apple, carrot, orange, pineapple, jicama, pecans, peanuts and pomegranate seeds, varying according to availability and the chef's preference.

it is named, is often served as romeritos en revoltijo, with shrimp cakes and drizzled with mole.

Bacalao

Cochinito pibil

A Spanish influence, is a dried then reconstituted codfish traditionally served as a first course. The fish is soaked to remove the salt in which it was cured, then flavored with olives, chiles and tomatoes.

Pozole

Pork, chicken or both (surtido) and hominy stew is seasoned in

Stewed pork (also puerco pibil or cochinita con achiote) is traditional slow-roasted pork recipe from the Yucatan Peninsula with Mayan background. Preparation involves marinating the meat in citrus juices, adding annatto seed and roasting, wrapped in banana leaves.

cuisine

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Pavo Native to Mexico, turkey is another popular choice for a Christmas Eve dinner. Turkey may be roasted and stuffed and often served with mole.

In Oaxaca, chile-rubbed turkey is a holiday time treat. Roast one hour, then flip so that the breast is on the bottom. The result is juicy white meat and wonderfully tender legs and thighs.

Chiles rellenos

Most commonly made with poblano chiles, sometimes ancho, they are stuffed with either ground beef or soft Oaxacan cheese which melts as pierced. Thin tomato sauce may be plated first with the chiles atop.

Menudo

Usually eaten with tortillas or bolillos, this stew is made with beef tripe and red chiles, often with chopped onion, lime, cilantro and oregano. It is believed to be the medicine for a hangover.

Bu単uelos

Served with a hot drink, they make an excellent treat. This crispy fried

creation is like a sweet tostada which is sprinkled with sugar or doused in syrup. Holiday times, stands appear selling bu単uelos and atole. Some towns are fortunate to have a stand year-round.

After enjoying the fritter, some Nationals make a wish and throw the clay plate onto the ground, smashing to bits. This tradition is thought to have arisen from a Prehispanic festivity when all the dishes were broken at the end of a calendar cycle.

Churros

Known as the Spanish doughnut, dough is fried until crispy and coated with sugar. The pipe used may be tipped with a star-shaped nozzle resulting in a straight prism pastry. They are best eaten immediately when hot.

Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

beverage, with or without a splash of alcohol.

Other popular traditional drinks are Jamaica which is brewed from dried dark red hibiscus flowers, caf辿 de olla, chocolate caliente, rompope, atole, spiced cider and Chimayo cocktails (cold apple cider spiked with Tequila, creme de cassis and lime).

now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

Ponche Navide単o

This hot fruit punch is made with seasonal fruits like tejocote (Mexican hawthorn fruit), prunes, apples, tamarind, guava, pear and orange flavored with cinnamon and sweetened with piloncillo.

Served at the Noche Buena dinner. This is a good warming

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

local

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

South Shore

My Life In Vallarta

Temptations

By Lois Ellison

By Nicole Martin

Wine 101 with Sommelier Miguel Jauregui

F

or snowbirds travelling to Mexico this winter and year round PV homeowners, deciding which wine we should pair with our meals and dinner parties welcoming our new found friends can be a daunting task, especially as you may not be able to find the labels you are used to at home.

Add to that all those wonderful new Mexican flavors you will be adding to your dishes, and you might be stumped over which wine to serve.

Never fear, Garza Blanca Resort’s expert sommelier, Miguel Jauregui shares his top tips for wine pairing in Puerto Vallarta to suite your budget and lifestyle.

loell87@yahoo.com

How can one pick a good wine in Puerto Vallarta?

There are so many options in Puerto Vallarta for great wine.

Contrary to what people might think, Mexico is a great wine producers too. The first thing to consider is what type of wine you want to serve with your meal: white or rose can be a great option for the warm weather. Likewise, when it is really hot, you should check the vintage of red wines and choose a younger wine, the fresher the better for the heat.

Amongst the Mexican wines, you might want to try a good cabernet sauvignon, nebbiolo or tempranillo from Baja California, and a syrah from Coahuila is a smooth option too. Most people have heard of the vineyards in Baja California, but there are also great vineyards in other states like Mexico, Chihuahua, Zacatecas,

Guanajuato, Aguascalientes and Queretaro that you might want to try.

How much does one have to pay to buy a decent bottle of wine?

The price is not always the best indicator of quality. You can find a good wine from a quality vineyard for around 150 pesos. Usually, if you spend between 200 and 500 pesos, you can find some really amazing Mexican wines.

What is your education and why did you choose to educate people about wine?

I graduated with a tourist management degree from Guadalajara University and then went on to study a diploma in wines with ONSOM, the National Sommelier Organization. Wine has been my passion since I first tried it with dinner as a teenager. It is such a complex and fascinating area of knowledge which opens up the doors to an incredible lifestyle. As for Mexican wines, I love to share good food and great wine with anyone who is interested and show the world that Mexico is not just about tequila and cactus.

If you would like to learn more about great wine and consult Javier on your own wine questions, you can join him at Garza Blanca Signature Residences for a complimentary wine tasting at Blanca Blue Restaurant each Thursday evening. Be sure to make an appointment and meet other like minded expats and locals in Puerto Vallarta joined together by their love of good wine.

Limited space and subject to reservation.

Dress code: Smart casual (collar shirt, no shorts or sandals permitted) Reservations via email: Nicole.m@garzablancaresidences.com Direct 52 (322) 176 0728 Mobile (322) 137 3972

Giving Thanks This is the week that we Americans typically gather with friends and/or family to give thanks for the special things in our lives. Although this year has been more of a mixed bag for me than I would have predicted, the scales are strongly tipped to the positive side.

For starters, we have two new granddaughters, bringing the total to six, all girls. Their arrivals gave us a chance to visit Oregon three times and Italy once.

There is nothing that renews my sense of wonder quite like holding a new baby.

How great is that? We also spent Father’s Day in Kansas with our twin granddaughters.

So even though we won't be going to the States or to Italy for the holidays, I give thanks for all those special moments we shared: the first smiles, the tiny hands grasping my finger, the laughter, the hugs, the kisses, (even the tears), reading and being read to and all the special art work that now adorns our refrigerator. In many ways, quality time beats the total chaos of everyone being together.

On my birthday I passed another significant milestone.

They seem to come more frequently now. As the years fly, I am certainly thankful for my health.

Every breath is a reminder of the miracle of life. This coming year I plan to stop and smell the roses every chance I get.

Here in Vallarta, my life is a veritable cornucopia. So as I pause to say thanks, these are some of the many things for which I am grateful.

• The sunrise over the mountains, and the sunset over the ocean.

• Walking along the Malecon first thing every morning; hearing the waves, smelling the ocean and seeing the beauty of the entire Bay. What a way to start each day.

• The smiling faces of the people I pass and our exchanges of greetings.

• Children laughing as they play in the streets, with little more than a

stone or empty water bottle to kick around.

• My neighbor Maria who sells fresh squeezed orange juice from a stand in front of her house. Her cheerfulness knows no bounds.

• The infinite warmth, generosity and positive attitude of the Mexican people. We can all learn a lesson from that.

• The extraordinary bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

• The lush landscape, the jungle, the mountains and the birds that serenade me.

• The vibrant palate of colors that surrounds us.

• My friends, near and far, who laugh with me, provide invaluable advice and keep me sane in a crisis.

• The many opportunities to give back to this community where we’ve made our home.

• And above all, my husband, who is always there, through thick and thin. A true partner in all things.

These are just a few of the things for which I give thanks this week.

When life deals me a tough hand, as it will from time to time and when we least expect it, I will think about this list and the many other positive things in my life. Why wait for trouble?

From now on I’m going to start and finish every day reflecting on how fortunate I am.

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting

Wellness

Latina Leza Warkentin

By Marcella Castellanos info@wellnesslatina.com

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

My Husband the Muse

I

Vegan Lunch in Vallarta

I

'm coming out of the closet. No, I'm not gay, but I am gay about joining a new movement of compassionate, concerned people vying to take a stand for the future of our planet through more conscious food choices.

It was refreshing to be invited to a vegan luncheon this weekend hosted by the lovely Candace Shaw and her daughter Savannah.

Laura Gelezunas was the other partner in crime as she was the master behind the totally plantpowered main dish - vegan lasagna made with cashew cheese, freshmade pesto and other scrumptuous ingredients. We had roasted veggies, salad, kimchi, guacamole, hummus, other luscious side dishes all with the intention to live with more consciousnesses over good company and our glasses of wine -ha! We didn't say we were going alcohol-free. The icing on the cake was literally strawberries over vegan chocolate cake and a to-die-for vegan carrot cake.

In a group of approximately ten, not all guests were vegan or even vegetarian, but all had the curiosity, and/or the intention to adopt more veggies into their life whether little-by-little or all at once.

And the reasons are vast. Some of us have seen documentaries such as Forks over Knives or its lite-

rary brother - The China Study by T. Colin Campbell speaking of the benefits of a plant-based diet for our health, the movie about human exploitation of animals produced by actor Joaquin Phoenix called Earthlings or the latest to hit Netflix called, Cowspiracy - funded by Leonardo DiCaprio about the tremendous environmental impact eating animal products has on our planet. And some hadn't seen any of those movies, but felt compelled to be there for their own reasons.

Vegan or vegetarian cuisine used to be touted as bland, plain and uninteresting. But today we're seeing more innovation with plant-based eating than ever before. Could it be that there is a growing number of people who are making the connection that what we choose on our plates affects so much more than just filling our bellies? It's unclear what the reasons are, but as I see it, onward and upward. Education is empowering and when put into practice, exhilarating.

In just three years, many places have popped up in Vallarta to feed the growing numbers of conscious consumers and most of them are Mexican owned. Whether it's for your health, your love of animals or helping to protect the planet for other generations to thrive, you can find your veggie needs at places such as Salud Superfood on Olas Altas 534 , Veggie Table on

Guerrero 182, Planeta Vegetariano on Iturbide 270, and Playa Detox on De Los Tules 294, Mary's Vegetarian Buffet at the bottom floor of Hotel Paloma del Mar, Honduras 309. You can also find great vegetarian products at Organic Select on Francia 167, Vallarta Organics on Popa in Marina Vallarta, VSN on Constitución 204 and Holistic Biospa in Plaza Marina Local B-10.

Cheers to a life of color, vitality and sexy compassion and sustainability!

I’m a bilingual, bicultural Certified Wellness Coach, who is passionate about natural, plantbased living, sustainability, animal welfare, and eating avocados. I can often be seen walking my dog Mambo, dancing salsa or doing yoga under a tree. My mission is to empower you to be the BEST version of yourself so that you can do more of what makes you feel ALIVE with the people you love!

I work with busy women and a few awesome men, who want to be healthy, radiant and abundant through incorporating plant-strong nutrition, fun movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you’re wanting to feel more vibrant and youthful again quickly but in babysteps you can download my FREE guide “Revamp, Reset Your Body in Three Days by clicking here or visit my website at www.wellnesslatina. com

n honor of the 46th anniversary of my husband’s time on this round planet, and in honor of the fact that he cannot currently rise from his bed due to his indiscriminate eating practices, I would like to dedicate this week’s article to him.

Right now he is completely immobilized, so I can easily observe him and become inspired to write. If at any point he begins to feel any better he’ll probably try to get up and go to work, at which point I’ll be forced to place my foot in the center of his chest and push him gently back down. I certainly would hate to have to do that, but darned if the man isn’t deathly ill from food poisoning and darned if he hates to admit that he feels like a grease stain that’s being vigorously removed from a shirt lapel.

I suppose I’m enjoying it a little.

I’ve gone into the spousal nurturing zone, to which I’ve added my own special touches: I’ve made him some bland, salsa-free rice soup that appears to be offending his sentido de gusto mexicano.

I’ve bought him about five liters of pedialyte in his favorite flavor (limon, what else). I’ve shushed the children, even though I keep finding him and my daughter all bundled up in the bed, giggling over the Ipad, watching Yogi the Bear on Netflix. I’ve threatened him with bodily harm if he gets up one more time. I’ve actually heard myself tsk-ing.

I have to admit that it’s pretty nice to have him around, even though he’s moaning a lot and last night he was asking me about what time the penguins would be arriving. He doesn’t get sick a lot, but when he does he ascribes to the “go big or go home” philosophy; high fevers, fainting spells or hacking coughs that render him helpless and annoyed. During this particular episode he had to cancel all his weekend gigs, which, to him, is similar to the world ending in fire and lava. I always take the irritation as a sign that the antibio-

tics are taking effect and propelling him into fits of drama.

You can probably tell that I enjoy writing about my man. If you can buy into the idea of a column writer having a muse, then he is mine. The reason for this is that a) there are so many hilarious things that happen when your partner’s primary language isn’t your own, b) he helped me create two beings that are unending, abundant sources of humorous material, and, most importantly c) There is no other person who takes up more space in my head.

The good thing about being completely taken with someone like my husband Gil is that he is such a fundamentally good guy that he will never use your weaknesses against you. I admit that I am not always the easiest person to live with. But he does. He has for the last thirteen years. He even seems happy about it most of the time.

He deals every day with: 1) My inability to remember dates, times and flights.

2) My lack of skill in organizing a refrigerator, a desk drawer or a wallet.

3) Coffee grounds in the sink.

4) Family hunts for mommy’s shoes.

5) Family hunts for mommy’s keys.

6) Family hunts for mommy’s wallet.

7) The t-shirts that are my favorites long past an obvious expiration date.

8) My Spanish. I have lived in Mexico for fifteen years, and yet I continue to expect him to understand what I mean when I say in Spanish “I have 200 pesos yesterday. I have no pesos now.

You give me pesos, please.”

Of course, I’ve also accepted some of my dear one’s foibles, such as his refusal to admit that a round of typhoid fever could get a good man down.

Today I’m grateful for a spouse who sees beyond the issues and deep into my heart, which has never loved anybody more.

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The Real BBQ

Find us. You’ll be happy you did.

Slow Smoked Ribs • Live Music • River & Beach www.elriobbqbar.com elriobbqbar RED = Pantone PMS 485 C BLUE = Pantone PMS 289 C YELLOW = Pantone Yellow C

Butterfly Moralea Milne ELF (Microtia elva) These small, approximately 1-1.5 in (2.5–3.5 cm) butterflies can be found flying throughout the year along both coasts of Mexico, often in open areas in lowland tropics.

Like most butterflies, they select certain plants on which to lay their eggs, in this case on members of the Justicia family (shrimp plants), which have tubular flowers.

riviera nayarit

14

Fun on the Riviera Nayarit

By Cat Morgan www.rivieranayaritfun.com Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com

H

appy Thanksgiving to everyone! Whether it’s an American or Canadian Thanksgiving, it’s always a great opportunity to give thanks; on these holidays and every day! The daily focus of the energy of gratitude builds energy around more of what you love and honor, which in turn is more likely to come into your experience in comparison to a fleeting thought. Try focusing on being grateful on a daily basis for yourselves in your meditations and prayers, or just in your thoughts throughout the day and build energy around the things you love, and watch your life change! When we are in a group, such as a Thanksgiving dinner, we hold hands and offer thanks. When we hold hands, or sit around a table and hold the intention of offering our gratitude, we are building this energy together, as a group energy. As we give thanks together, we are also raising the vibrations of the food we are eating, which sits in the middle of our table; our circle. Group energy is a very powerful tool as we use our intention together, as well as on your own. We have so much to be thankful for.

Community Corner The Journey of Wayland, Aruna and the Octopus’s Garden in La Cruz The journey of Wayland Combe Wright, from Kent England, and Aruna Piroshki, from Worcestershire England is a wonderful story of strength, passion, creativity, fearlessness and love. Wayland and Aruna first met in London when they studied architecture in 1969 at the University College, where they both received their BA degrees.

They soon came to the realization that mainstream architecture did not resonate with their ways of thinking and creating at that time. They thought of themselves as artists and free thinkers. Wayland joined the theatre group. Being creative, they decided that they could make fortunes by selling Indian foods at markets; curries and other delicious creations. They wore special outfits and played theatric roles they created. Aruna continued her story telling me that they felt that the people wanted more from them, so they took it a step further and decided to create an act to go along with their food. They bought horses and created a show. They

also bought a wagon and gave the kids rides.

They became quite busy working the fairs and markets.

They were invited out to a special fair far out in the country. They took the wagon and the horses and did their show, selling their cooking and also making ice cream. It was then that they met many of the country people that knew a lot about fine horses, and began to learn more about them. This, of course is another story, and it has been said that Wayland has a very special talent with horses and is somewhat of a “Horse Whisperer”.

They had become very successful in their venture, and had known for some time that they wanted to come to America. This is when they started to look at sailboats; to either purchase one or be a passenger aboard another boat.

They finally thought “that we could build a boat”, and this is exactly what they did! They built a 36 foot sailboat from paper, canvas and tar.

They used the Ash wood timbers from the baseboards of their house and got free tar from the charcoal makers. The custom made sailboat ended up looking like a cross of an Irish Curragh and a Polynesian multi hull. They named her Taulua.

They sold their horses and began their sailing journey across the Atlantic in 1982 from the River Seven, travelling with their 7 month old baby daughter Kaerolik Combe Wright. Aruna says, “The scariest part was the first part of the trip across the Atlantic” which took them 17 days to reach the Bristol Canary Islands. Aruna had previous sailing experience as her father was a “king sailor” and she sailed regularly with him. Aruna made me laugh when

Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

she told me, “When people looked at our boat they looked like they thought it was from another planet!”

Their journey took them from the Canary Islands to Barbados, to the eastern side of Panama, and through the Panama Canal; to Costa Rica and then to Mexico, where they found the Banderas Bay and landed in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle eight years later. A movie is being made about the creation of Taulua and will be coming out soon.

I am excited to see it!

The Octopus’s Garden…..I’d like to be, under the sea, in an Octopus’s Garden with you. (The Beatles) Wayland and Aruna moved into what is now known as the Octopus’s Garden in 1994. It was two apartments back then. They started a tee-shirt printing company and a carpenter wood shop for Wayland.

They purchased the building in 2001 and began building the garden and Huichol gallery. The name “Octopus’s Garden” was created because the carousal printers are called pulpos due to the many arms that come off of them, and pulpo is also the Spanish name for octopus.

Holding Hands at the Islands of Loreto Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto, five star resort There is nothing more romantic than holding hands as you stroll along the beach of a secluded cove, embracing the natural beauty that abounds and reveling in the amorous ambiance that permeates the air. For lovers who choose Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto for their destination wedding, that magical feeling of romance is just the beginning of what will be an amazing wedding celebration. The diversified wedding packages, in addition to the five gorgeous sites available at the world class resort are dreamy, intimate and perfect for creating the wedding of your

dreams.

Villa del Palmar at the Islands of Loreto offers couples a magical resort with upscale luxury, picturesque landscapes and five-star hospitality to make all of their wedding dreams come true. The resort’s wedding packages start with simple, yet elegant, inclusions such as a beautiful beach ceremony preformed by a minister or judge, Romantic turndown service on the night of the wedding, a special wedding gift for the bride and groom, scintillating discounts on all spa services and the aid of a professional wedding coordinator who is eager to make a special day as unique as each couple who says their “I do’s” at the resort.

Being from England, they loved the Beatles, and the Octopus’s Garden came to be the name.

Since then, the Octopus’s Garden has become an amazing place filled with peace and tranquility serving a delicious organic breakfast and lunch every day (closed on Sundays) from 9-1pm created by a great gal named Alice.

Alice also offers fresh fruit juice smoothies with homemade almond milk or organic rice milk, and honey from Javier in Tepic. You can also get extra ingredients such as Spirulina, Moringa and bee pollen.

Wayland had a horrific life changing accident and incurred a neck injury falling off the roof during a repair three years ago this May. He is making good progress on his recovery every day. The Octopus’s Garden has Organic Coffee for sale that Wayland still oversees the roasting to make sure it’s done correctly.

Their coffee is delicious, as they also have the coffee bar where you can have lattes and other coffee delights, along with pastries, or for purchase to take home for your own casa.

Due to the change in daily life,

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history

Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

PANCHO VILLA PART TWO

A REVOLUTIONARY GENERAL AND A MEXICAN FOLK HERO

By Fred Jacobs

L the Octopus’s Garden has created the first La Cruz Hostel, Octopus’s Garden Hostel. Currently, they have three rooms available at $25 a night with more rooms being made. Classes will be opening soon, beginning with the Octopus’s Garden Groove Dance, which is freestyle type dance class on Saturday evening’s beginning on November 28th. Dinner is served before class at 6:30 of a three course menu. You may bring your own beverages and there will also be juices and sodas available for sale. Other classes will also be starting soon on the dance floor upstairs.

Come and visit the Octopus’s Garden. Take a left at the only light in La Cruz, and left at the round a bout and the Octopus’s Garden is a few blocks down on the right side. There is so much going on! To find out more about live music and entertainment and other free events and markets around the North end of the Banderas Bay check out the allBucerias.com and the allLaCruz.com calendars. Feel free to contact me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com for any questions and have a super week!

ast week we followed Pancho Villa’s life from childhood to a General for the northern states in the Mexican Revolution. With the assassination of the democratically elected President Madero in early 1913-a mere year after taking office, Victoriano Huerta proclaimed himself President of Mexico.

Huerta as head of the majority of the military in Mexico and had the nephew of the former dictator Diaz on his side as well as the US Ambassador, Henry Wilson.

Meanwhile Venustiano Carranza gathered politicians and military leaders to form the Constitutionalist Army of Mexico. This group included Zapata and his armies from the south and Villa with his forces from the north.

Pancho Villa was no fan of Carranza, but his hatred of Huerta led Villa to make an uneasy alliance with Carranza. Newly elected President Woodrow Wilson dismissed the US Ambassador to Mexico and started to support Carranza’s cause.

Arms started to flow to Mexico from the US. All was not rosy for US/Mexican relations and in April 1914 nine American sailors were arrested by the Mexican government for entering off-limit areas in Tampico. The unarmed sailors were arrested when they entered a fuel loading station. The sailors were released, but the U.S. naval commander demanded an apology and a twenty-one gun salute.

The apology was provided but not the salute. In the end, the response from U.S. President Woodrow Wilson ordered the U.S. Navy to prepare for the occupation of the port of Veracruz. At the height of tensions, there were over 4000 US soldiers occupying the city of Veracruz and things almost escalated into a full blown US-Mexico war.

But being in the middle of the Mexican Revolution, neither Huerta nor Carranza, who hated the US being on Mexican soil, could afford to fight the US as well as each other.

The whole mess was cleaned up by a peace treaty signed at Niagara Falls in November 1914.

Pancho Villa had an incredible run of successful battles in the central and north, including Ciudad de Juarez.

Carranza’s efforts let to Huerta being ousted in 1914. Villa wanted

some recognition for his efforts and was elected by his military generals as provisional Governor of Chihuahua, despite Carranza wanting someone else for the job.

August 1914 marked Carranza taking Mexico City and solidifying his control.

Pancho Villa’s distrust of Carranza was growing by the day. A National Convention was convened with a series of meetings in Aguascalientes.

This National Convention set rules for Mexico’s path towards democracy. None of the armed revolutionaries were allowed to be nominated for government positions.

Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa met at the convention. Zapata was sympathetic to Villa’s distrust of Carranza and told Villa he feared Carranza’s intentions were those of a dictator and not of a democratic president.

Carranza decided to oppose the

agreements of the National Convention which set off the next stage of the civil war. Fearing that Carranza was imposing a dictatorship, Villa and Zapata broke with him. While Convention forces controlled Mexico City, Carranza retreated to Vera Cruz and Tamaulipas. At the time, these states had the biggest ports in Mexico and Carranza could generate a lot of revenue from there.

But by 1915, Villa was forced to abandon the capital after a number of incidents involving his troops.

This helped pave the way for the return of Carranza and his followers to Mexico City.

For years Villa got strong support from Germany to maintain his army but Villa and Zapata always seemed to have financial problems. Villa even printed his own money and anybody in Mexico who refused to accept it was arrested.

The final battle between Villa and Carranza was called the Battle of Celaya. Villas forces were badly

beaten and the civil war was almost over. In 1917 the new constitution was created and Mexico was a step closer to Democracy.

In his final years and after Carranza’s assassination in 1920, Villa made peace with the Mexican Government and he was given amnesty in return for his “retirement”.

He received a General’s salary for life and a large Hacienda for his harem (upon Villas death, 5 women claimed to be his widows.) Villa was assassinated in 1923 and to this day his killers were never known.

Villa is regarded as a Revolutionary Hero to most Mexicans.

He was a killer, a bandito, a great soldier/general. Today a hundred years later you find many monuments of Pancho Villa on his white horse. He made his mark on Mexican and world history.

Fred Jacobs is the author of 3 books and a fulltime resident of Puerto Vallarta.

expat

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Renting out your condo in Mexico?

Careful! All that salsa could go out the window

by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

M

any expats who own condos in Mexico actually spend only part of the year in them. Rather than keeping them empty when away, many logically choose to rent them. That makes sense.

It also makes sense that the SAT, the Mexican Tax Authority, would also be eager to become your ever present, silent partner.

The second that you derive income from rentals, the SAT expects to get its share. That is ostensibly fair.

It is also fair that when those condos are income-producing properties, a deduction against that income is allowable for some things. Condo fees are available

Orlando Gotay Tax Attorney

as a deduction.

Here’s where it gets murky. The latest Mexican income tax regulations came out in October.

Expenses for condo maintenance have to be made by an administrator, on behalf of the condo association.

Payment of condo fees have to be made via deposit to a bank account kept by either the condo association itself or the administrator.

Fiscal receipts (“facturas”) for condo maintenance expenses have to be made out to the condo association. Monthly, the administrator must provide each condo owner a document outlining the

expenses for that month, breaking out VAT paid, along with a breakout of the expense according to each owner’s percentage share of the condominium. The administrator must also turn over copies of all facturas to condo owners.

Administrator’s fees must have a separate factura made out to the condo association (and of course, broken out in owner’s shares, like other facturas).

Mexican tax law specifies that to allow deductibility, the administrator must have specific authority

in writing to make expenditures on behalf of the Condo association.

Make sure you get these things on an ongoing basis and whenever the association changes administrators.

The last thing you want is to have to include your rental income in your Mexican income tax computation, only to be denied a deduction as important as the condo maintenance fees.

And….<drum roll> if you are a person subject to U.S. income taxation and your condo is in a

fideicomiso, you may want to keep the fideicomiso people away from managing any of this for you.

Keep as much salsa as you can!

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.

medical

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Are you ready for a Medical Emergency?

A

few year ago, a client was vacationing in a small coastal town in Mexico, when she developed a severe health problem and needed emergency surgery.

The local hospital lacked the facilities to perform the surgery, and she wanted to return to their home hospital in Canada as soon as possible.

Luckily the couple had a medical evacuation membership plan.

They called the company's service center, located their doctor and made arrangements for her to be admitted to the hospital there.

She was transported to an airport and then flown that evening to Canada, and transported her to the hospital for surgery.

The cost of the medical evacuation today would be over $30,000 Canadian dollars.

Could you afford a travel medical emergency?

Could you afford such a last minute expense? With Americans and Canadians traveling abroad in record numbers, the odds of a travel medical emergency happening keep growing.

Some health plans will pay for emergency hospital charges abroad, very few will pay for a medical evacuation back to the US. Medicare does not cover foreign care.

There are exceptions, but few and far between. Same for Canadian Provincial card carriers.

Add to this, that many hospitals and doctors operate on a, “pay first, treat later” basis and you can find yourself in a financial mess on top of your health issues.

Many people ask, “I have a travel policy, a credit card plan, am I covered?” Not necessarily. If you read the actual policy, you will find that the coverage is very limited.

Many basic medevac plans may only take you to the nearest appropriate facility, (in Puerto Vallarta this

could be down the street !) not to your own doctor and hospital.

Some plans might send you to the closest US facility across the border.

This could cause you to incur out- of network charges and be treated in an unfamiliar health care system far from your doctors and family.

What is the best medical evacuation plan?

Our firm has decided to work with Travel Medevac. It is the plan that will take you all the way home in the event of a serious illness or accident,even if you can be treated locally. No copays, no deductibles, no out of pocket costs.

The company maintains a dedicated fleet of air ambulances with annual permits ready to fly to Mexico and access to carefully selected partners with an additional 51 aircraft.

You can be assured your care is not compromised by bidding out your air medical transport to the lowest priced provider.

Something that is an issue for many other companies that are merely third party brokers. Join us for an informational meeting to find out more. Significant seminar discounts will be offered.

See our ad in this weeks paper for times and location.

Aldis Barsketis WeExpats Insurance Solutions

river of art 2015

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

“River of Art 2015”, Vallarta’s biggest art and entertainment event at Oscar’s Restaurant, December 6, from Noon – 6 PM

O

ver 50 juried artists, live entertainers, and more than 25 premium raffle and silent auction items , highlight this year’s “River of Art 2015,” one afternoon only on Oscar’s spacious grounds in Old Town for one afternoon only, Sunday, Dec. 6, from 12 Noon to 6 PM. A worthy cause for a worthy non-profit, Colina Free Spay and Neuter Clinic for cats and dogs.

Presented by PAAA (Paso Ancho Art Association), this year’s annual event moved to it’s new location to accommodate the growing number of requests from artists to participate. “Banderas Bay is Mexico’s favorite art destination,” says PAAA members Carolina Archer, Ada Colorina and Veronica Rangel. “We’re thrilled to be able to offer such a wide range of quality art for sale to the community in one place in an event for the family. All the artists are graciously donating a portion of their sales to the Colina Clinic.”

“River of Art 2015” presents a wide range of painting media and styles from Mexican folk scenes to portraits, contemporary, primitive, abstract, collage and mixed media. Also on sale are signature sculptures, designer made art wear and collectible accessories.

Artists will be on hand to talk directly with art collectors and attendees.

Professional entertainers include Lorena Peril and Ray Jon Narbaitz, and Mikki Prost who performs at the Boutique Theatre and around the Bay. Local youth performers include Alas, Escuela de Canto (song and dance students), Circo de los Ninos (Circus arts) and Los Polvitos de Jalisco (young mariachis.).

Raffle and silent auction items include architecturally stunning luxury accommodations, gourmet dinners, fishing and recreational boat tours, clothing, popular activities, and one- of- a kind accessories.

Colina Spay and Neuter Clinic, located PV’s Romantic Zone, provides spay and neutering services for cats and dogs.

Services are offered free to those who otherwise would be unable to get their pets

Left to Right. PAAA Paso Ancho Art Association artists and producers of the River of Art 2015, Veronica Rangel, Carolina Archer and Ada Colorina neutered. The Colina Clinic was founded in 2012 when Colette, the owner of Langostinos Restaurant and a friend teamed up to open Puerto Vallarta's first stationary, free animal sterilization clinic. Since then the Clinic has sterilized more than 3,500 animals. The clinic operates on owned pets as well as many homeless dogs and cats to reduce the immense suffering that overpopulation

creates. Colette runs the clinic with help from individual donations and fundraising from special events. “ We’re grateful to the PAAA for producing such a wonderful event raising significant funds to help the clinic,” she says. “We have a wonderful team but always need more volunteers, money and supplies to keep up with the need. Prevention is our passion. We are not a shelter, we

cannot keep stray dogs, but we try to do our part to ensure they don't produce any more homeless animals… One Snip at a Time!¨ Don’t miss the one afternoon only extravaganza of art and entertainment at Oscar’s, Dec. 6 from Noon-6 PM where you can treat yourself and…give back.

For more event information, contact Carolina at (doggonegoodcarolina @ yahoo.com)

December 5 – A very special Christmas Bazaar You are invited to join us for a very special Christmas sale and more!

You will find all your favourite vendors with their artisan crafts, jewelry, clothing, accessories, holiday decorations, gourmet foods and much more. Come to try the delicious artisanal food and deserts. Enjoy the seasonal music, get your photo taken with Santa Claus and embrace the Christmas spirit!

Saturday December 5th from 10am-5pm at Utopia Restaurant on Isla Cuale. A portion of proceeds will benefit the PV SPCA and Project Pitillal/Busco un Amigo. On Facebook: Christmas Bazar Navideño or Kimberly McDaniel Email: Kimberly@kimberlyrei.com or call 322-150-5189

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

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Events Around the Bay Events Around the Bay If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@vallartatribune.com.

November 28 One, Two, Cha-Cha-Cha Paco Ojeda returns to the stage for another series of musical showcases, an exploration of the fiery rhythm that first took America by storm during the 1950s through film clips and live song and dance performances. ONE MATINEE PERFORMANCE ONLY! 4pm at The Palm 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 1 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 1 Corazon de Nina kicks off their Humanitarian Tours with guest chefs from Vista Grill and La Palapa preparing brunch with the children. Please visit our website for more information www.fundacioncorazon.mx or call 224-9209 for reservations.

December 2 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 4 Breakfast Fundraiser in support of Corazon de Nina at La Palapa Restaurant. Tickets available at Carol’s Boutique, Basillo Badillo #250, Zona Romantica #250, 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon & Boutique, Paseo de la Marina #165, 322/2213256.

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.

December 5 10th Annual Pet Picnic at Daiquiri Dick’s Fundraiser in support of PeaceAnimals from 11am - 1pm $350pesos at the door.

December 6 Chanukah Celebration Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community will sponsor a Chanukah Party at the River Café at 6:30 PM. Cost is $525 pesos. All are welcome.

December 6 River of Art 2015 6:30pm Oscars Restaurant Isla Cuale Art for sale from more than 50 juried artists, adult and youth professional performers, over 25 premium raffle and silent auction items in Vallarta’s biggest art extravaganza. Proceeds from art sales, raffles and donations benefit Colina free spay and neuter clinic. Art for collectors and fun for all ages. One afternoon only!

December 8 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 9 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

Wednesday December 9 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s at 4:00 pm Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s will be every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm.

Bingo bags over 1000 pesos, raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

December 11 3rd Annual Luau on the Beach with a special Polynesian dance performance by Academia Danza de Moorea $300 pesos - very limited tickets 5:00 p.m. at the Sea Monkey Restaurant in support of the 150+ kitties in the Purr Project

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

December 15 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

December 16 IFC Home Tours - These fabulous tours that are rated “Excellent” by most reviewers on Trip Advisor and run every Tuesday and Wednesday during the season. The tours leave at 10:30 from the Sea Monkey (next to the beach at Aquilles Serdan) and cost $500 pesos.

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.

Wednesday December 23 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s at 4:00 pm Bingo card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm.

Bingo bags over 1000 pesos, raffle tickets for great prizes, final game is a cash blackout bingo with the winner taking home half the pot. All proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter.

Fundraising Event

Frida Kahlo; an irrevocable woman, a woman in a single piece.

Kahlo impressed, transformed and captivated all who were fortunate enough to share with her in her life. Even today, Kahlo´s art still touches very sensitive nerves in society.

Frida Kahlo transformed her personal and physical struggles into a ght in favor of social rights; in order to create change, promote progress, and end with aristocracy. Thanks to her relationship with the revolutionary movements, in many of her works Khalo mirrors her freedom ideals, shaping what she considered a ght.

Pain touched her body, and her body was broken into pieces, but still her heart remained strong, indomitable, appreciating every second of your life. in her art Kahlo shows her desire to live and the value that gave to life itself. Her work represents the woman, the artist, the wife; but above all, it shows herself in one piece.

Dinner, Theater, Live Music 044 322 105 01 83

SienteFrida

Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias Friday, December 4, 2015 Tickets $900 MXN or $60 Dlls.

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Jeffrey Scott is... “ROCKET MAN” The international hit tribute to Sir Elton John Merv Buchanan merv@trendrecords.ca

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effrey Scott has been performing the music of Sir Elton John for more than 15 years.

His stage show features dazzling costumes, skillful piano playing and of course the distinctive Elton John vocals we all know and love.

Combined with the flamboyant personality and mannerisms, the visual impact of the show is spellbinding. It’s like seeing Elton John in his prime.

The musical repertoire of the Rocket Man show is equally stunning and features songs from 4 decades of Elton John hits. The

show has been performed all across North America in theaters, nightclubs, casinos, arenas and stadiums, including The Calgary Stampede, as well as on numerous radio and television shows.

The response has always been

overwhelming. Next week's Stage & Forum appearances will be his first in Mexico. For anyone living outside Nuevo Vallarta, well worth the drive.

A native of Toronto, Canada, Jeffrey began playing piano at age 7 and studied at The Royal Conservatory of Music for 11 years.

He began his professional career in the 1980s, working in nightclubs and piano bars, while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree at York University. Besides his talent as a stage performer, he is also an accomplished songwriter and recording engineer, operating his own state of the art digital recording studio, in Toronto.

Julio Hernan: Painting Peace

By Marcia Blondin

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ne of Mexico’s finest photographers, Julio Hernan specializes in capturing nature’s landscapes with flowers being his favourite subject. And not just any flower will do; Julio is passionate about the lotus. Not content to simply find and record the beauty of this symbolic plant, some years ago Julio created a pond on his ranch in Veracruz, planted a variety of lotus water lilies and watched them rise from the muck to delight his camera’s lenses and then to his easel to be further enhanced by his paints.

Julio uses this centuries-old technique of hand-painting photographs to his own ultra-personal

level. A purist by choice in all aspects of his life: he took tiny lilies, set them afloat in the freshwater pool he dug on his land, nurtured, photographed, enlarged, printed them, then painted the images… an amazing evolution. To see the end result is at once startlingly beautiful and instantly calming.

As an artist, Julio feels respon-

sible to create beauty rather than confusion and torment; he so dislikes seeing darkness and conflict depicted on canvas and chooses our living viable Earth to express his joy and love of life.

Through his photographs, paintings and painted photographs he wants to send just one message: Peace.

Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus Presents Festival of Lights

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n December 16, 17 and 18, at 7 PM, the Puerto Vallarta Gay Men’s Chorus lights up the holidays with its very first concert, “Festival of Lights”! Wait a minute! Isn’t this the Chorus’s fourth annual holiday concert?

Yes, it is. But we recently changed our name! We now proudly call ourselves the Puerto Vallarta GAY Men’s Chorus to more clearly reflect our founding mission. In this season of love, peace, and wonder, what better time to bring the gift of an incredible holiday concert to our community. As always, expect a

few surprises along the way. After all, it is the season of secrets and surprises. e guarantee a fun time for you and your friends – our gift to you from our national, ex-pat residents and seasonal community singers.

PVGMC is a year round chorus and partners with many local non-profits to build bridges of understanding in our diverse community through our music. We support the efforts of organizations like the PuRR Project, the Bucerias Children’s Library, Pride Festival,

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Bugambilia Festival and do free performances at a variety of local venues. Every year, PVGMC brings its inspiring message of love and understanding through quality choral music performed to an ever widening audience.

No holiday season is complete without the gift of music. So brighten the season with us, and bring your friends — what better gift could there be than a PVGMC concert ticket for someone you love?

For more information, visit our website at www.pvmenschorus.org

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Amigos Available Here

By John Warren

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riends are made for a lifetime, a season or a reason.

If you would like to make a new friend or two then the International Friendship Club (IFC) is the place. It offers you the chance to meet new people and to make new friends whatever your interests. At IFC you can learn new things, teach English, volunteer, eat and drink, watch a movie, practice yoga or meditate and you will have fun doing it. It doesn’t matter whether you are here for a good time, a long time or both; IFC is a good place to check out. The clubhouse is located in Col. El Centro just above the HSBC bank at the corner of Libertad and Miramar streets and our office is open Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 1:30 pm.

If you like a good party with good food, drink and dancing IFC is having one at Christmas.

It will be held at the San Lucas Restaurant on the corner of Insurgentes and Lazaro Cardenas on Thursday 17th December at 6:30pm. Tickets are just $300 pesos. But if you are in the mood for relaxation and quiet moments then come to the clubhouse on Saturday mornings. Mindful Meditation takes place from 9:15 to 10:15.

This is followed by 45 minutes of Dharma Yoga.

A few words of Spanish are always helpful in Puerto Vallarta.

IFC offers Spanish classes to not only the totally inept but also to those who have an advanced level of comprehension. The classes last an hour and are held at clubhouse on

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings. After class why not invite the person sitting next to you to join you for a coffee, a cerveza or lunch and make a friend.

On the three Fridays of 27th November, 4th December and 18th December the entertaining and knowledgeable Dan Grippo will be presenting lectures at IFC about “The Doctrine of Discovery” and how it affected the history of the conquest of Central and South America. If you’re interested in the history of this beautiful part of the world you don’t want to miss the opportunity to learn something new and, perhaps, to meet someone new who has a similar interest.

Have you always thought you’d like to learn to play bridge and never had the chance? IFC bridge classes for beginners and anyone wanting to brush up their skills start on Monday 14th December, last from 9:00am to 12:00pm. If you’ve never been “doubled and vulnerable” this is your chance. Being able to play bridge is a great social skill and it opens all sorts of avenues for making new friends.

As well as the bridge classes, there are games of “Social Bridge” that take place at IFC on Fridays between 2:00pm and 5:00pm where you can practice your newly learned skills. These start on Friday 11th December.

Enough of the classes! If you’d just like to have a beer or a margarita and to meet some new friends come down to our outdoor pub at the clubhouse on Friday’s at 5:00pm. Say "Hello" and make some new friends.

Afterwards, you can complete

your evening by going with the group to one of our preferred restaurants. Enjoy excellent company and a great dinner.

This IFC Social Hour starts on Friday 11th December.

If you like to visit spectacular homes with great art and sculptures, take some photographs and get some ideas for decorating your own place then you can’t miss the world famous IFC Home Tours that are ranked “Excellent” by most people commenting on Trip Advisor.

The tours, led by our knowledgeable and helpful docents, run on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and leave from the Sea Monkey Restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30. Tickets are available online at http://www. toursforvallarta.com All of the income from the Home Tours is used by IFC to support a myriad of local charities and programs including our cleft palate program, the orphanages Corazon de Nina and Refugio Infantile Santa Esperanza (RISE), humanitarian and service organizations such as CANICA, SETAC, Biblioteca Los Mangos, Clinical Santa Barbara de Rehabilitacion, Pasitos de Luz, and The Salvation Army food kitchen. This good stuff happens because people like you volunteer a few hours of their time. We are always looking for volunteers.

Full details of IFC activities and membership can be found on the website : ifcvallarta.com Friends do make life a lot more fun. You are invited to IFC to volunteer, to play, to socialize and to have fun. Everyone is welcome.

Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Teatro Vallarta has another go at classical Broadcasts

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fter abruptly discontinuing the Saturday live opera transmissions from New York’s Metropolitan Opera, Teatro Vallarta has announced another attempt at providing opera and ballet enthusiasts with a place to enjoy quality programming.

This time around, however, the theater will present productions made available

by London’s Royal Opera House.

In similar fashion as The Met, the Royal Opera House makes available some of their fine programming to be broadcast live at movie theaters around the world. Unlike The Met, however, the Covent Garden opera house and performing arts venue broadcasts both opera and ballet performances.

Royal Opera House broadcasts will begin at Teatro Vallarta with Romeo and Juliet, a ballet in three acts.

This is Kenneth MacMillan’s famous version of Shakespeare’s romantic tragedy set to Prokofiev’s magnificent score. Romeo and Juliet, will be

presented on Saturday, November 28 at noon, and Monday, November 30 at 6 pm. Other upcoming performances include: Le Nozze di Figaro An opera in four acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart * Saturday, December 12, at noon (English subtitles) * Monday, December 14, 6 pm (Spanish subtitles) The Nutcracker Ballet in two acts with music by Pyotr Ill’yich Tchaikovsky * Saturday, January 16, at noon * Monday, January 18, at 6 pm Cavalleria Rusticana / Pagliacci Two operas by Pietro Mascagni and Ruggero Leoncavallo, respectively * Saturday, January 30, at noon (English subtitles) * Monday, February 1, 6 pm (Spanish subtitles) Originally posted at http://virtualvallarta.com/

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Gypsy Rumba & Flamenco, ‘One, Two, CHA-CHA-CHA’, and ’Sinatra at 100’ take the stage at The Palm

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atcho & Andrea, The Blond Gypsies return to The Palm for the season with their earthy Gypsy Rumba and Flamenco guitars. Paco Ojeda’s Musical Tribute Series begins with a look back at the influence of 1950’s movie music in ‘One, Two, CHA-CHA-CHA, and cabaret singer and entertainer Brian De

Lorenzo celebrates the music of Frank Sinatra, commemorating his birthday in ‘Come Fly With Me Sinatra at 100’.

Latcho & Andrea: The Blond Gypsies Earthy Latin and Gypsy Flamenco rhythms and sultry harmonies

capture the hearts of Latcho & Andrea’s audiences at every show. The Blond Gypsies are back at The Palm with their high-spirited, real inspired gypsy music, that includes original songs and stories from their past, when they met traveling with Wild West shows and the circuses of Europe, and playing music with the likes

of The Gypsy Kings. Now in their second season at The Palm, Latcho & Andrea’s popularity in the Banderas Bay area continues to soar. Watching and hearing them is part spiritual, part musical, and audiences often end up dancing in the aisles, which the artists enthusiastically encourage. Their traditional heart-pounding tempo and beautiful melodies make them one of the most popular and sought after musical duos in Vallarta.

Enjoy the untamed power of real inspired Gypsy Flamenco Music.

Fast-paced or romantic, a rough authentic sound. Latcho & Andrea will play throughout the season (Nov.- April), with a recently added show on November 30, at 7:00 pm.

Paco Ojeda’s Musical Tribute Series: One, Two, CHA-CHA-CHA! Vallarta Lifestyles’ managing editor Paco Ojeda returns to the stage for another series of musical showcases, the first one to take place at The Palm on Saturday, November 28, at 4:00 pm. “One, Two, CHA-CHA-CHA!” will be an exploration of the fiery rhythm that first took America by storm during the 1950’s, through film clips and live song and dance performances.

In One, Two, CHA-CHA-CHA you will enjoy carefully-chosen moments in movie history that brought cha-cha-cha to mainstream audiences. Local Latin trio ‘Piel Canela’ will provide the musical foundation for vocalists Kim Kuzma and Juan Pablo Hernández to truly shine through a few Latin rhythm favorites made popular by Peggy Lee, Nat King Cole and others, along with Piel Canela frontman, Fernando Huerta.

To keep things lively, Ojeda has also invited an award-winning ballroom dancing couple to demonstrate competition-level cha-cha-cha dancing.

“Who knows, by the end of the event, we may all end up learning a basic step or two,” he chuckles. Paco will present other musical salutes throughout the season. Watch for announcements on The Palm’s website and Facebook page.

Brian De Lorenzo – ‘Come Fly With Me: Sinatra at 100’ As a seasoned cabaret entertainer, with a rich voice and a strong connection to his audiences, Brian De Lorenzo takes you back in time to commemorate the 100th Birthday of Frank Sinatra and his music. A nostalgic musical journey down memory lane, with personal stories and anecdotes added along the way, De Lorenzo is in true cabaret form as he belts out some of Sinatra’s most famous tunes from his extensive songbook, including favorites like “The Best Is Yet to Come”, “Come Fly with Me”, and ‘Luck Be A Lady’. These classics and wellknown Sinatra ballads from stage and film make this an ‘Old Blue Eyes’ fan favorite. While Sinatra tribute shows are nothing new, De Lorezno brings something special to the stage, a real connection that leaves audiences clamoring for more!

Brian De Lorenzo is equally at home in theatres, concert halls, and cabaret rooms. He has performed in such places as Israel, Wales, Spain, Scotland, Italy, and England. He has sung at clubs such as The Metropolitan Room, Eighty-Eight’s, 54 Below, The Iridium, Birdland, Don’t Tell Mama in New York; and at The Palm Cabaret and Bar in Puerto Vallarta. ‘Come Fly With Me, Sinatra At 100’ will have two performances only, December 4 & 6 at 7:00 pm.

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Markets and More – Weekly Events in Banderas Bay If you have an ongoing weekly 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.

IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes. Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Cost is $500 pesos. ($30USD) Riviera Farmers Market – Nuevo Vallarta from 9am-2pm WEDNESDAY Forever Spring Farmers Market - 50 Lazaro Cardenas, opposite Sandrinas, Bucerias 9am-1pm Three Hens and a Rooster Market on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta 9am to 1pm IFC Home Tours - Visit 4 magnificent homes. Buses leave Sea Monkey restaurant, at the foot of Aquiles Serdan, at 10:30am. Cost is $500 pesos. ($30USD) 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 –Join in a group bike ride from Marina to the Malecon and back every Wednesday evening starting at 8:45.

THURSDAY Live Music and dancing in the Main Plaza, Puerto Vallarta – 6pm Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Puerto Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Puerto Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Puerto Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm Saturday – Artisans, organics, food Live Music in the Main Plaza, Puerto Vallarta – 6pm SUNDAY La Cruz Farmers Market – La Cruz Marina 9-2pm Recreactiva – 8am-noon – 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.

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Nov 26 - Dec 2, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com