Issue 975, December 10-16, 2015 by Vallarta Tribune

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News PASSPORTS & TAXES

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 Free Issue 975

My Life in Vallarta GUADALUPANA

Riviera Nayarit TOP SURFING BEACHES

courtesy JHOVANA RAMIREZ

welcome

Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

and Riviera Nayarit Here is some advice to make your trip a little easier and more enjoyable. TIME ZONE: The entire state of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit starting from Guayabitos in the north. BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes can bring you from one end of the bay to the other and all the spots in between. Current fare is $7.50 pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”. TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver first. Price is per trip not person. MONEY EXCHANGE: Although you may have to wait in line for a few minutes, banks will give you a higher rate of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio). You will need your passport. Better yet, use your bank card to withdraw funds from any ATM machine. Note that ATM’s in the banks are the safest to use and generally charge lower fees. DRINKING WATER: For the 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.

Dec. 10 - 16, 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 by Sandra Cesca

EXPORTING PETS: Falling love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you. The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com. COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated. For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun! DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking. LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven. This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance. Director Noemi Zamora noemizamorareynoso@gmail.com Editor Lic. Madeline Milne mmilne@Vallartatribune.com Sales Team Rebeca Castellón rebeca.castellonn@gmail.com Information office ventastribuna7@yahoo.com Designer Cynthia E. Andrade G. cysandra@gmail.com cisandra@vallartatribune.com

PECHUGA (BREAST)

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

LECHUGA (LETTUCE)

double or triple meanings, some resulting in various degrees of embarrassment. Today’s story: PECHUGA (BREAST) LECHUGA (LETTUCE) Stopping by the daily market, I calmly asked the chicken lady for a kilo of “lechuga de pollo.” First she looked puzzled, than

she burst into a broad smile. I then realized my mistake! I wanted a breast of chicken, not a lettuce of chicken. Seems my mistakes are the best way for me to remember new vocabulary words.

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

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

editorial

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

up a blender and a toaster and a waffle maker and put them under the tree. Christmas dinner likely won’t be a turkey, but maybe I can pull off a ham; with one of those polka dot aprons I can’t fail! Because I was moving I missed the Christmas Bazaar, the Paso Ancho Art sale at Oscars and the Hurricane Patricia fundraiser at El Rio. My timing sucks! I hear last weekends events were amazing. Plus – the shopping. Sigh. But do not despair for me; I am going to attend a sugar Guadalupe making class at ArtVallarta this Friday. Virgins made out of sugar. Love this country! So, lots going on around town, plenty of live shows, theater, markets, tours and fundraisers. You can read all about them and much more in this week’s paper. Also the December 12th Guadalupe processions run all day and night. The festivities are enormous. If you get a chance bring yourself downtown and experience something that is truly unique to Mexico. It’s lovely and entertaining. It showcases some of what makes this country so intriguing and charming. Safe travels, Madeline

Letter to Editor Thanks, Madeline, for your wonderful coverage of the River of Art event. It was a huge success... great crowd....your exposure

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SPCA of Puerto Vallarta Courtesy:FabFabricFellows

his week brings us that much closer to Christmas. It’s hard to celebrate the holidays while living here. On one hand I’ve uprooted my life and changed just about every aspect of it, on the other I love Christmas and long for the Christmases of my childhood. So we celebrate here with a little empty space in our hearts for the friends and family that we left behind and some modifications. Like the white artificial Christmas tree I bought on sale last year. I’ve secretly always coveted the all white Christmas tree and after buying dud after dud of ‘fresh’ trees down here I’m sticking with my kitsch. Maybe I’ll finally pick up one of those adorable aprons from the Friday Marsol market and play 50’s housewife while making an elaborate Jello mold. Whereas presents used to spill out from under the tree into the other room, things are a little leaner around here. Of course we’re older and our wants are more refined but the BUY! BUY! BUY! messages from up North just don’t seem to make it this far. My kid has yet to ask me for anything in particular. Except for a new cell phone but he’s been asking for that for a year now. I can’t tell you one thing I truly want. Don’t get me wrong if there was a Winners (Nordstom Rack for all you Americans) around the corner from my house I’d be there, with bells on! I have to confess I miss shopping. Mexico has some great artisans and fun shops to poke around in and of course almost everything you could want can be found, but they lack the sales and selection, and the sales, did I say that yet? I miss sale shopping! But lucky me. I’ve moved, again. This time into an unfurnished house with a massive yard and lots of space to buy things for and the perfect corner for my glorious white Christmas tree. I’m going to wrap

editor@vallartatribune.com and support was an important contribution! Virginia and Paso Ancho Art Association

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 By Erin Staley

Treat Your Body at The Spa By Sal

eed to work out the kinks? We’ve “got your back” with the OTFM-TC's very own US-certified massage therapist, Sal Trujillo Denova of The Spa By Sal and Wellness Center. Get to Know Sal For 15 years, Sal has been soothing the aches and pains of guests from all over the world. His experience training includes the Alpha Institute School of Massage (Port St. Lucie Florida) and the Universidad Autonoma de Chapingo (Mexico City, D.F.). Sal has worked in some of the most well-known resorts in the Banderas Bay area: St. Regis, Hotel des Artistes, Mantamar Beach Club and Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort and Spa. Today, Sal takes care of market goers with on-site massage treatments. Treat-Your-Body Benefits Massage offers powerful emotional and physical benefits that will help you feel better – both long- and short-term. Treat yourself to the following love-your-body benefits: • Boosts energy • Alleviates back pain • Reduces carpal tunnel symptoms • Lowers blood pressure • Enhances the immune system • Increases circulation • Relieves headache and migraine pain • Reduces stress, anxiety and depression • Improves flexibility • Releases endorphins and enhances mood On-Site Massages This Saturday, indulge in one of Sal’s rejuvenating 15- or 30-minute massages: • Foot massage • Deep tissue massage • Therapeutic massage • Shiatsu Make a Massage Appointment If you would like a more personalized massage, you are welcome to visit Sal's studio at Francisca Rodriguez 156-B or make a private home or room service appointment (+52 322-121-8193, thespabysal@

gmail.com or Facebook). There you can receive the full treatment, including facials, body wraps, exfoliations, aromatherapy as well as Alphabiotic Alignment and Medical Biomagnetism. Alphabiotic Alignment is a 30-second approach to the alignment of the body, mind and spirit forces. As a result, the brain is synchronized, reducing stress and releasing muscular tension. Medical Biomagnetism is a non-invasive therapy known for preventing and treating chronic illnesses, degenerative health issues and numerous diseases. It uses a magnet to balance positive and negative cellular charges in the body’s cells. No matter what service you select at The Spa By Sal and Well-

ness Center, you will be invigorated and ready to soak up all the festivity that awaits at the OTFM-TC. Love yoga? Every Saturday for the rest of the season, join us for yoga classes in the kiosk (9:3010:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Colectivo. Participation is by donation. Meet the Market The OTFM-TC is a North American style market that celebrates the tradition and culture of Mexico’s outdoor tianguis markets. It is also a registered non-profit/ association civil organization that focuses on nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit of Puerto Vallartans. All OTFM-TC products are either locally grown or handmade within 75 kilometres of the city.

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

et - Tianguis Cultural

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

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

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Get Involved! Interested in becoming a new vendor? 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

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Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

San Francisco tops list of travelers to PVR

he final stops for the 2015 Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta Road Show were Sacramento, San Jose and San Francisco. California is the top state of origin for tourists from the United States to the Riviera Nayarit: over 20% of US tourist who arrive in the destination are from that area. San Francisco is the number one city of origin for tourists to the Riviera Nayarit for the first half of 2015. The Promotion and Sales department of the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Trust (Fidetur) lead the California Tour during the first week of December, reaching 175 travel agents.

This Road Show—the last of the year to be held in North America— was very important, as California is the favorite natural market for this region of the Mexican Pacific. The first seminar was held in Sacramento on Tuesday, December 1st, before 55 travel agents. On Wednesday the caravan moved to Palo Alto, near San Jose, where they held a seminar for 45 travel agents. Last Thursday they repeated their presentation in the San Francisco Airport area for 40 participating agents. That same afternoon they held a training session for 35 agents at the Classic Vacations Call Center. The participation of 16 hotels from both destinations was key,

helping to boost the tourism offer. Wholesale tour operators such as Apple Vacations, Classic Vacations, Delta Vacations, MLT Vacations and Funjet Vacations also participated, as did Alaska Airlines and Aeroméxico. The Mexico Tourism Board (MTB) lent their customary support to this activity, which stemmed from the Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit Joint Promotional Tour. Aeroméxico, Alaska Airlines and Apple Vacation gave away free airline tickets during the three main events, which were raffled together with free hotel stays on behalf of the participating resorts from both destinations and served to incentivize the agents.

Historic cross-border airport terminal opening Wednesday Elliot Spagat

he U.S.-Mexico border is one of the world's most fortified international divides. Starting Wednesday, it will also be one of the world's only boundaries with an airport straddling two countries. An investor group that includes Chicago billionaire Sam Zell built a sleek terminal in San Diego with a bridge that crosses a razor-wire border fence to Tijuana's decades-old airport. Passengers pay $18 to walk a 390-foot overpass to Tijuana International Airport, a springboard to about 30 Mexican destinations. The terminal is targeting the estimated 60 percent of Tijuana airport passengers who cross into the United States, about 2.6 million travelers last year. Now, they drive about 15 minutes to a congested land crossing, where they sometimes wait several hours to enter San Diego by car or on foot. The airport bridge is a five-minute walk to a U.S. border inspector. "It seems so much easier, so liberating," said Daniela Calderon, who flies from Tijuana four times a year to visit family in the central Mexican city of Morelia and has a friend drive her across the border from Riverside, California. The only other crossborder airport known to industry experts is in the European Union — between Basel, Switzerland, and France's Upper Rhine region — but it carries none of the political freight of San Diego and Tijuana. Mexicans who ran across the border illegally overwhelmed the Border Patrol until the mid-1990s, when new fences and additional agents heralded a massive

surge in U.S. enforcement on the 1,954-mile line with Mexico. Cross Border Xpress, one of the largest privately-operated U.S. air terminals, wouldn't have happened if Tijuana didn't build its airport a few steps from the international line in the 1950s or if it wasn't surrounded by undeveloped land in a barren, industrial part of San Diego. "It's an amazing accident of geography," said Stanis Smith of Stantec Inc., the terminal's architect. "It could never happen again." The terminal is one of the last works by the late Ricardo Legorreta, whose bold colors helped bring Mexican modernism to a world stage and attracted a strong following in the American Southwest. The stone exterior mixes purple stucco and red limestone that takes on a deep, inky

hue when it rains. Stone gardens sprout agave and other desert plants. Passengers enter a courtyard with a reflecting pool to an airy building with ticket counters and kiosks. High, white ceilings have large orange circles of recessed lighting. Sparse decorative touches are onyx, including high-hanging black slabs near ticket counters and white spheres atop the escalators. Aesthetics are more dated in the Tijuana airport but passenger flow is the same. Ticketed passengers must carry luggage across a bridge with frosted glass windows to border inspectors in the receiving country and a wall in the middle to separate the two directions. The idea isn't new — San Diego leaders proposed an airport with a runway on each side of the border in

the early 1990s to replace the city's constrained Lindbergh Field — but it didn't gain traction until a Mexican couple invested in 2005 in a company that runs airports in Tijuana and 11 other Mexican cities. Carlos Laviada, whose motherin-law lived in San Diego, had experienced the hassles of crossing the border after flying to Tijuana for decades. The view of San Diego from Tijuana's control tower convinced him he had to act before the vacant land was developed. "Oh, my God, it's right here," he recalls saying. Laviada said Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico SAB's board deemed it too risky but allowed him, his wife and another company director to invest privately. Zell and another Mexican investor joined them.

The privately-held consortium, Otay-Tijuana Venture LLC, doesn't release financial projections but expects to make money on a dutyfree shop, rental car companies, restaurants and other concessions. The $120 million terminal occupies less than half their 55-acre parcel, and the city of San Diego has approved a 340-room hotel, shopping center and gas station. Parking costs $10 a day, which is competitive with lots near land crossings and Tijuana's airport. The terminal fee will go largely to pay U.S. border inspector salaries, one of the nation's few privately-funded ports of entry. Laviada, echoing views of airport officials on both sides of the border, doesn't consider Tijuana a threat to San Diego's airport because they share few routes. Both are primarily domestic airports, and Tijuana has shown no sign of expanding international destinations beyond Shanghai and Oakland, California. Cross Border Xpress officials say they hope to capture half of Tijuana passengers bound for the U.S., which sounds realistic to nervous Tijuana airport taxi drivers who charge $13 for a ride to a land crossing. Nearly all cars in the Tijuana airport garage have California plates. Passengers joke that they spend more time crossing the border than they do on the plane. "No more driving around so much," Maria de Jesus Gonzalez said after arriving in Tijuana from a family visit to Guadalajara and waiting for her son to drive from Southern California. "This will be much more direct."

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Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Passports and Delinquent U.S. Taxes by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

y now you may have heard about the passport provisions of the Transportation Bill currently being considered by Congress. This is the most recent attempt by Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT) to take passports away from people who have “seriously delinquent” tax debt. If enacted into law, those who owe more than $50,000 could be in for special treatment. Under the bill, the IRS could choose to let the Treasury department know a person was seriously delinquent. This means over $50,000 in debt (interest and penalties are included in arriving at the dollar amount) and having a previously filed lien or a levy to collect the tax.

Orlando Gotay Tax Attorney

Those with installment agreements, offers in compromise or collection due process hearings would not be includable as “seriously delinquent”. However – this is not explicit in the bill but I can tell—liabilities labeled “currently not collectible” by the IRS could be “seriously delinquent” despite being uncollectible. So, on one side, the IRS could acknowledge that the debt is not currently collectible because the taxpayer doesn’t have the means to pay—and on the other hand, report it away to the Treasury Department. Names reported to Treasury would be turned over to the State Department. State, in turn, would not authorize issuance or renewal

of passports for those on the list. It also can, but is not required to revoke previously issued passports. As a side note, not providing a social security number would be grounds for denial of a passport. There are many U.S. citizens out there—especially abroad— who do not have a social security number, an exceptionally difficult thing to get residing overseas. Especially in the expat context, where huge penalties arise quickly for failure to file something as simple as an information return, these developments are cause for alarm. Thank Sen. Hatch for his diligence. Meanwhile, the Transportation bill has another gem that should not go unexamined.

It also requires the IRS to turn over to private debt collectors, part of its old inventory of uncollected tax liabilities. The IRS had authority to do this, but the new bill would instead

require the IRS to contract with outside bill collectors. The Congress is clearly mad at the IRS. Some in Congress are mad at expats in general. Stay tuned.

Guadalajara book fair builds a bridge between Mexico and the UK Jethro Soutar

he giant event put a large contingent of Britain’s finest on display, and should provide an invitation for English-language readers to explore an unfamiliar new world of reading The Guadalajara international book fair, or FIL as it’s better known, is a huge and hectic event: think the London book fair meets an Amazon warehouse, with thousands of schoolchildren thrown into the mix. Now in its 29th year, FIL is the most important book fair in the Spanish-speaking world, and the second largest anywhere – on two counts: number of publishers, after Frankfurt; and number of visitors, after Buenos Aires. This year, the UK was the guest of honour, a reciprocal gesture after Mexico was Market Focus at the London book fair in April. In Guadalajara, the British Council endeavoured to make the UK delegation fully representative of the UK and its cultural diversity, delivering 30 writers spanning all regions, backgrounds and genres including Salman Rushdie,

Philippa Gregory, Irvine Welsh, Owen Jones, Joanne Harris and Jeanette Winterson. The programme was an undoubted triumph, creating a buzz and a sense of prestige. Salman Rushdie, making his second appearance at FIL – he previously attended in 1995 opened the festival with a keynote speech that was enthusiastically received. Irvine Welsh was the literary rock star: his events were standing-room only and he was mobbed by readers wherever he went. While FIL booksellers sold a storm of Rushdie and Winterson, the bestsellers were still JK Rowling and Ken Follett, neither of whom were there in person. But there was a general willingness to see the lesser-known authors among the crowds: Reading in the Digital Age drew a strong crowd, the majority of whom knew little of panellists Jon Ronson, Owen Jones and Sunjeev Sahota. Likewise with young folk – and it is worth emphasising what a youthful audience FIL attracts – queued around the block for The

Psychological Thriller, though most of the people I spoke to confessed they’d never heard of Louise Welsh or Philip Kerr. Children’s author Kevin Brooks had a following, but there was still some confusion: I was asked to autograph a number of his books, for wearing a cap similar to the one in his author photo. To mark Mexico’s appearance in London back in April, Mexican essayist Enrique Krauze wrote

about the Mexico portrayed by British writers of old: DH Lawrence, Graham Greene and Rebecca West. Writing more recently about Guadalajara, Rafael Vargas noted in Nexos magazine that Shakespeare referenced Mexico twice in The Merchant of Venice. But what of British writers writing about Mexico today? Krauze observed that British writers of the past tended to focus either on the light or dark side of Mexico; Vargas

says these days it is exclusively the dark side. Looking at recent publications, it does look like the only English writing on Mexico, or Mexican writing translated into English, revolves exclusively around narco-trafficking and violence. It’s true that very few Mexican novels make it into English, but that can be said of any country in the world. But British writers would do well to seek out the light: Mexico has much beauty to behold. There is some way to go before the complexities of Mexico and the UK are understood by each side – but this year’s FIL felt like a demonstration of genuine good will. Over the week or so at Guadalajara, the UK pavilion’s walkway frequently had to close for sound and safety reasons, due to the sheer weight of numbers and interest in what was on show – a literal bridge of understanding. With FIL finished for 2015, it is now up to readers and writers to keep crossing it, and for institutions to ensure the bridge gets proper support. Original: www.theguardian.com

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Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

very family I know has holiday traditions of some kind, regardless of personal belief systems. Some place plastic toy elves on shelves, pretending that they are engaged in humorous and compromising situations. Some count down the days until Christmas by presenting their child with a small pre-Christmas present each day because the thousands of pesos they spend to obscure the decorated tree on Christmas morning just isn’t doing the job (I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: If you have enough time to create

a whimsical advent calendar out of twigs you’ve gathered on your meditative morning walks and dollar store sand pails that you have spray painted silver and filled with handcrafted delights such as antiqued letters from Santa and hand sewn gingerbread people, then you can either a) make me one too or b) not call me ever). In my house, we have some very specific advent traditions that we always enjoy: 1) Complete a Random Act of Christmas Kindness advent calendar. Every day they complete

a R.A.C.K., such as letting someone ahead of them in line, or bringing their teachers coffee (the ultimate kind act that really should earn them an A). 2) Pick up the Christmas tree at Walmart on my husband’s birthday,

also December 1. This traditional family activity involves: choosing the tree that someone else already picked out, choosing another tree that someone else already picked out, picking the last available tree that is almost as tall as our youngest child and needs a little extra love. It receives this in abundance, which causes most of its needles to fall out. 3) Bake Christmas cookies. My entire family only wants candy cane cookies (without the peppermint flavoring), so I make about eleven dozen of those plus fudge, which I eat by myself, standing by the freezer (so as to save calories). 4) Go to the peregrinations downtown. Because tamales. And also music, parades, lights and wonderfully festive feelings. But mostly tamales (oh, and atole). But I think my favorite tradition is Tree Decorating Night, despite the fact that most of the tree’s needles are gone. My husband and I spend the first part of it looking for the decorations, because every year we put them away in a different place that we immediately forget about. Once we find the decorations we have a little ceremony called “Untangling the Lights” in which we painstakingly unravel lights that we finally realize do not work anymore. By this time the two adults of the family are sweating and not so interested in Decking the Halls anymore (although the Decking part still sounds ok). But once that part is over, and we’ve convinced the two children that “What Does the Fox Say?” is not a Christmas carol, the fun begins. We start pulling out the tree decorations. We start telling stories.

Because, if you can believe it, there is a story for every bell, every angel, every shining star. There are the brightly painted tin figures that I bought on my trip to Oaxaca when I first fell in love with Mexico. There are the plastic gold musical instruments that Gil and I bought when we moved in together, when love was sweet and exciting and brand new. There is the pretty glass baby angel that my mom brought with her when she and my dad came to meet our month old little boy. There is the handprint Santa of our little girl, too tiny to believe. There are the homemade ones both children brought home from preschool every year, each one completed with pride, unsteady hands, and more glitter than is probably appropriate. Our Christmas tree is an impossible jumble of ornaments and not one of them matches. It’s never going to make the cover of Good Housekeeping (but, then again, “good” and “housekeeping” have never been two words put together when discussing my life). But it tells our story, with all the plot twists, suspicious characters and high drama. Our Christmas tree tells a love story. And it’s so beautiful.

local

Cases of Real life

Surviving Spousal Rights By Lic. Gloria Gonzalez Lic. Laura Joachin www.legaladvicevallarta.com

nce upon a time, there was a couple who had a long, solid relationship. Sue and Tom lived very happy together. After several years they decided to get married. But within a few months of marriage, Tom passed away. "I married him," Sue said, “and I loved him so much... we were really

happy for all these years. But I can not say the same for his children, with whom I never had a good relationship. Despite all my attempts to get along they never accepted me. They were distant and often gave answers out of tune to me. Tom who was aware of the situa-

What Is arthritis?

rthritis is inflammation of the joints (the points where bones meet) in one or more areas of the body. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, all of which have different causes and treatment methods. The symptoms of arthritis usually appear gradually but they may also occur suddenly. Arthritis is most commonly seen in adults over the age of 65 but it can also develop in children and teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is more common in women than men and in those that are overweight (CDC).

What Are the Signs of Arthritis? The most common symptoms of arthritis involve the joints. Joint pain and stiffness, mostly in the morning, are typical signs, along with swelling of the joints. You may also experience a decrease in range of motion of your joints or redness of the skin around the joint. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis you may feel tired or experience a loss of appetite because of the inflammation caused by your body’s attacking immune system. You may also become anemic (experience decreased red blood cells) or have a slight fever. Severe rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformity if left untreated.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of arthritis will start with your physician performing a

physical exam, during which he or she will check for limited range of motion in the joint, the feeling of fluid around joints, or warm or red joints. Extraction and analysis of your bodily fluids like blood and joint fluid can help your doctor determine what kind of arthritis you have by checking for inflammation levels. Imaging scans such as X-ray, MRI, and CT scans are commonly used to produce an image of your bones and cartilage so your doctor can better determine whether something like a bone spur is the cause of your symptoms.

tion, asked them to be respectful to me, but as I said before, I was never able to improve that relationship.” Sue is 73 years old, Tom was 79. One day, last summer, Tom proposed and sue accepted. “It was the best day of my life!”, she says with obvious glee. “Our honeymoon was in Puerto Vallarta, where my husband had a beautiful condo with a great view of the bay. Can you imagine? Walking on the boardwalk; enjoying those wonderful sunsets as the artworks appear before our eyes every evening; these bluish pink skies that seem taken from a fairy tale. We had a few restaurants that were our favorites; we ate so many delicious meals! Even those desserts which incidentally are my weakness.

How Is Arthritis Treated? The main goal of treatment is to reduce the amount of pain you’re experiencing and prevent any additional damage to the joints. Improving your joint function is also important, and you may be prescribed a combination of treatment methods to achieve the best results.

Medication

Medications that can help arthritis symptoms include: Medications that control pain can help, while Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help control both pain and inflammation, but they have been linked to a higher risk of stroke or heart attack.

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Every morning we went out to the balcony to see the almost imperceptible movement of very calmed sea. What else can I tell you!..., I can say that I lived my whole life with him, despite the short time we had of living together as a married couple.” Everything was a beautiful dream but was too short. He died 2 months after marriage. There was no time for both to think about preventing any legal issues. Tom had a will in the US, and after the shocking time of his departure, the problems started with his children. Sue was not included in the will, but he decided that all his properties would be for is children. The property that Tom owned in Mexico is in a trust as Mexican

law states. In that trust, he named as beneficiary his children. He purchased it 20 years ago. “Without Tom it has been very difficult to deal with all the problems regarding his estate, but more difficult is to be alone, without him.I was told that I have rights as a surviving spouse in Mexico, despite not being included in his testamentary dispositions ... now what should I do?" This is a real life case, she actually has property rights in Mexico, which she could enforce in the Mexican courts. The moral of this story demponstrated that if you have a problem with your relatives for a property in trust ... ask your lawyer. There may be more to the situation than you are aware of.

Menthol or capsaicin creams may be used to impede your joint’s pain signal transmission. If you have rheumatoid arthritis your doctor may put you on corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that suppress your immune system.

perform a joint fusion. In this procedure, the ends of your bones are locked together until they heal and become one.

Surgery

Surgery to have your joint replaced with an artificial one may be an option. This form of surgery is most commonly performed to replace hips and knees. If your arthritis is most severe in your fingers or wrists, your doctor may

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy involving exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint is a core component of arthritis treatment. Weight loss and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the symptoms in those that have osteoarthritis, and they are also effective in reducing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

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My Life In Vallarta By Lois Ellison

What a Night

o matter where each of lives, over time we all tend to fall into routines. This is human nature. My husband and I are not immune from this, even though during the winter season here in Vallarta, there are a myriad of things to see and do. So every once in awhile, we get up out of those comfy chairs and head out to experience some of the multitude of things to see and do around town. Last Friday was a perfect example. It was the fourth night of the Guadalupana, a twelve day celebration in honor of Mexico’s patron saint, the Virgin of Guadalupe. In years past, we never missed a single day, but here we are on day four and we haven’t even been once. Sitting on our terrace, the church bells beckoned to us and we are finally on our way. Approaching the plaza, we hear the sound of bugles and drums filling the air and mingling with the voices of pilgrims sending their songs heavenward. This always sends chills down my spine and

brings tears to my eyes. Soon we’re wending our way slowly up Calle Juarez all the way to Woolworth’s. Normally about a ten minute walk, we take a good hour, pausing countless times to watch dancers, floats and bands performing. Vendors line the streets, selling food, toys and homemade Christmas caps. Children squeal with delight as they chase bubbles. Outside Woolworth’s we watch as groups of pilgrims gather, awaiting their turns, lighting candles in preparation and straightening out their costumes one last time. After all that walking, we’ve worked up quite an appetite so we opt for a place that’s been on our list for some time. Just half a block from all the festivities, we find ourselves in a peaceful oasis with colorful murals adorning the walls. The hubbub on Juarez seems a million miles away. As gracious servers help us with our selections, we unwind over a glass of wine. Next stop, the plaza. Every year at this time, families of people with disabilities set up booths to sell a wide variety of homemade foods and crafts. This gives them an opportunity to offset some of

Photos By Bud Ellison

loell87@yahoo.com

their expenses and also helps raise awareness of the disabled in our community. Even though our stomachs are full from dinner, there is always room for a slice of

pay queso or tres leches cake. Crossing over to the Malecon, a different world awaits us. Clowns cavort in the shadows of Los Arcos amphitheater as wide eyed tourists

pass by, oblivious to the pageantry unfolding in the streets leading to the Church. Heading south towards home, we are pleased to see so many tourists and seasonal visitors. This is great for our economy. Street performers have returned, mesmerizing passersby with their ability to stand immobile for hours on end, coming to life only when someone leaves a coin or two in the little box. It’s always great to find our old friends Maria and Vicky roasting up some corn. You will find these two eloteras about five booths past the Friendship Fountain. Rinse the corn down with some tuba, a somewhat tart drink served from a gourd and topped off with chopped apples and nuts. We’re almost home, but wait, it’s Friday night. The rhythmic clatter of shoes against wood reminds us that Vallarta’s own Xiutla Folklorico are performing their weekly free dance show in Lazaro Cardenas park. They are winding up but we’re not too late to see the finale: a rousing performance of Jalisco, and an encore of Guadalajara. Rounding out the evening, the Southside Shuffle is drawing to a close with just the soulful wail of a blues harmonica wafting along Basilio Badillo. In just four short hours we’ve been immersed in religious tradition, dined in style, sampled street food, felt the sea breezes, watched traditional dancers and heard the blues. As fireworks burst just off our terrace and then fade into the night, we drift off to sleep, happy to have been out of that rut. The Guadalupana ends at midnight on the twelfth. If you hurry you can catch it. If you miss it, don’t worry. Just turn any corner. You never know what awaits you.

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South Shore

Temptations

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

By Nicole Martin

Tropical Fashion for the Holidays

anadian-born designer, Kim Martin, founder and owner of the Myskova Beach Boutiques in Mexico. With stores on Puerto Vallarta’s famed Malecon boardwalk, on Basilio Badillo and recently at Garza Blanca Resorts Boutique, Kim Martin’s Myskova brand has already been a great success in Banderas Bay, providing chic beachwear and stylish causal solutions for women looking for an original yet comfortable look at the beach. A Little about Kim Martin Kim Martin grew up in a family of designers and sewing geniuses, spending her childhood in Canada before moving to Mexico to escape the cold and start an acting and modelling career. It was her background in modelling that brought her to fashion design. Having spent many years struggling in and out of impractical and uncomfortable bathing suites and beach wear, she decided to see if she could do what many designers seemed to have failed to do: design swimwear and clothing for the beach that you can actually swim in and sit comfortably in while looking both sexy and classy. The point about the Myskova brand is is to feel and look great! Made in Mexico All of the clothing in the Myskova collection are carefully designed by Kim Martin for all kinds of women (short, tall, big, small) of all ages and are sewn here in Mexico by a team of passionate and talented seamstresses and tailors. Small quantities of each design are manufactured to ensure unique designs, avoiding the cookie cutter type clothing that is created in large quantities in places like China, Taiwan and Thailand. Many of the designs you will find are one-of-a-kind. Inspiring Designs With over 15 years designing swim and resort wear, Kim takes

Flower of the Week

by Sandra Cesca

Crown of Thorns Corona de Cristo (Spanish) Euphorbia milii

her inspiration from her customers and her travels. She spends time travelling, looking for different prints and fabrics that will flatter all kinds of body shapes, choosing materials that feel gentle on the skin. Her collection has featured in a number of beauty, fashion and lifestyle magazines, including Elle, Harper’s Bazaar and Marie Claire. Choosing the Right Swim Suit Buying a bathing suit when you come from a cold winter climate can be terrifying but Kim has recently

added a courtesy bathing suit evaluation and can spend quality time with you to find that perfect suit so that you razzle dazzle on Puerto Vallarta´s beaches in style and comfort. So, next time you are in the shopping mood, there really is no excuse if you have forgotten your sarong or a present for your kids or husband or wife’s Christmas or anniversary gift! Take a look at the Myskova collection and you will find the fashion solution you never knew you needed.

Christ Plant or Crown of Christ. A succulent climbing shrub with multiple woody stems growing to 6 feet tall with dense slender spines and flowers of red or pink. A native to Madagascar, it’s sap is mildly poisonous, especially to animals and children. Introduced to the Middle East during ancient times, legend associates it with the crown of thorns worn by Christ. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at the Vallarta Botanical Gardens’ gift shop www.vbgardens.org, Page in the Sun Bookstore, and from Sandra at the Marsol Farmer’s Market on Fridays. Information on her many area walks can be found at: www.escaperoutevallarta.com.

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Marlon Brando – Icon Of The 20th Century By Fred Jacobs

arlon Brando was born in 1924 in Omaha, Nebraska but spent most of his youth growing up in Illinois. His early years were anything but stable. His mother was an incurable alcoholic and his parents were divorced when he was 11, but later remarried. He was expelled from military school, readmitted and ended up dropping out. Marlon’s’ father thought the military may provide him the structure he lacked, but he was classified 4F because of an injured knee. Marlon ended up following his sisters to New York and try his hand at acting. He first studied under the renowned Stella Adler and found that in the acting world he “was accepted”. His father ended up paying for his entry into Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio in New York. He learned “Method Acting” that eventually made him famous and unique as an actor. Later in life, Marlon stated that he was not actually a fan of Strasberg’s’ teaching style. He mainly went to the classes because a lot of good looking girls were there. Marlon credits actually learning acting to Stella Adler and Elia Kazan. Marlon started in 1944 on Broadway in “I Remember Mama”. In 1947 he acted in the stage version of “A Streetcar Named Desire” which was also his first movie role in the 1951 film adaption. New York drama critics even voted him "Most Promising Young Actor". But on the stage, Marlon was no easy to work with. From producers, to writers, to fellow actors, Marlon quickly gained a reputation of being “good” but difficult to work with. Marlon also liked to use cue cards

rather than memorize his lines. He stated it helped him act and gave the viewer the impression he was “searching” for what to say on screen, rather than reciting some writers’ script. Marlon’s work as Stanley Kowalski in “A Streetcar Named Desire” is often credited as his greatest onscreen performance and earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor. A year later, Marlon starred in “Viva Zapata”

(1952) with Anthony Quinn. It was the tale of a Mexican peasant who became a revolutionary. He spent a week living in Mexico in the very town Zapata was born in, to study the mannerisms and speech patterns of the locals. This role earned Marlon his second consecutive Best Actor Oscar nomination. In 1953 he made the “Wild One” with Lee Marvin. Marlon was the tough leader of a waterfront motor cycle gang dressed in a leather

jacket and jeans. The role inspired teen rebellion and was a role model for the Rock-and-Roll revolution, as well as for future stars like James Dean and Elvis Presley. After the movie was released, sales of leather jackets and blue jeans skyrocketed. In 1954, Brando made “Julius Caesar” with James Mason and John Gielgud as well as “On The Waterfront” with Karl Malden and Vivian Leigh. It was a crime drama about a New Jersey longshoremen union and its corruption and violence in the 1950’s. The role almost went to Frank Sinatra. It had record budget of $9 million for the time and earned Brando his second Oscar for Lead Actor. The 1960’s saw a dark period for Marlon’s acting career as he was distracted by his personal life. In 1962 he made “Mutiny On The Bounty”, which critics loved, but was a box office flop. So went the rest of the 1960’s with box office failure after failure, mostly due to bad role choices by Brando. In 1967 he and Charlie Chaplin filmed “A Countess from Hong

Kong”. It was Chaplin’s last film and Sophia Loren was Brando’s costar. The film was not a success. In 1972 came “The last Tango in Paris, with the French star Maria Schneider. It was an X rated film. 1972 brought us “The Godfather” with Brando and Al Pacino. It was the film of the century and Brando’s top acting job. Brando was again chosen over Frank Sinatra for the lead. He won his third Oscar of his career, eight nominations for the work and the film grossed $269 million. It is still popular today. In his personal life, Marlon had three wives officially and five legitimate children. But in his accounts to friends, he had many other “wives” who were all lovely young ladies and a reported total of sixteen children. Three children reportedly with his Guatemalan housekeeper even! Brando fell in love with Tahiti in 1960, while scouting locations for Mutiny on the Bounty. He even bought his own island there. Much of his later “recluse” years were spent on his island paradise. Brando was not the best father, but in 1991 he was generous in taking care of the legal defense of his son Christian. Christian was eventually convicted and sentenced to ten years for the murder of his sister Cheyenne’s boyfriend. In 1995 Cheyenne ended up committing suicide in Tahiti after many years in drug rehabilitation centers. By the mid 1990’s Brando’s weight was over 300 pounds and his movie making days were over. He died in 2004 from pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 80. He overcame a troublesome youth to become a top actor of the 20th century. He left many fans behind and his movies will never be forgotten. Fred Jacobs is the author of three books and is a full time resident of Puerto Vallarta.

A Shining Light to Show the Way by Marcia Blondin

onight a little Broadway got splashed all over the stage. In front of a packed house, Alain Perreault got to sing some of his favourite songs, tell some of his favourite stories, act and act up in the first Rising Star production. The idea was formed last summer when Tracy Parks, Paco Ojeda and Alain spent a couple of days together in San Pancho, kicking around ideas, passing a bit

of vodka and some tequila back and forth and from that beginning: voila! "My Broadway, Anyway" sprang to life this afternoon. And now Alain can add "Solo Cabaret Performer" to his portfolio following playwright, director, set designer, producer, actor, singer. He began with "Sweet Transvestite" from Rocky Horror. Having seen the musical at the Palm a couple of years back, I missed the glorious make-up, bustier and

boots that pushed his height to nearly seven feet but the voice and the attitude? Both perfectly right on! On stage with Alain was ever-lovely Renee Armand singing harmony and a solo from Les Mis that gave her voice full rein despite microphone screams. She will be back in Vallarta in March with Paul Aleman in their amazing John Denver show. Jean Guy Comeau also lent his voice in harmony as well as his

brilliance at the piano. On drums, Mario Garcia, a young man so accomplished and professional, never, ever overplayed. Kim Kuzma sang as did Cesar Bravo, teaming up with Alain in a duet from "Rent". Alain covered his Broadway faves from fun to tragic; joyous to pissed off and the show was - as he said he wanted it to be at the beginning - like we, the audience, had joined him in his living room. A few drinks, some laughter; one

story fell into the next one, in song. All in all, it was a hell of a great way to spend a late afternoon in the company of friends and music. Alain will reprise this show, with some changes on January, 2016. With "My Broadway, Anyway", Alain can say he is the first Rising Star of the series - many I hope we will see in the New Year. And, as he sang with Renee tonight from "Barnum", he is also the "Shining Light to Show the Way" for other Rising Stars.

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Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Non - Profit and Charitable Organizations

For visitors to Puerto Vallarta who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, this is a list of some of the many organizations that could benefit from such kind gestures. If you would like your organization recognized here, please email details to editor@vallartatribune.com. Acción En La Cruz aid residents of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle by providing provisions in exchange for community services performed. landon5120.wix.com/ accionenlacruz Alcoholics Anonymous: In English Puerto Vallarta Alanon Club - Basilio Badillo 329 recoverpv.com Amazing Grace Missions Assisting families in Magisterio & Progreso with necessities and job training and English. slw2014nv@gmail. com American Legion Post 14: raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org Amigos del Magisterio Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. Also, food to New Beginnings, Pasitos de Luz, and Caritas. 100% of donations to the people, no overhead.amigosdelmagisterio.com lysephilrioux@ hotmail.com Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the Elderly - Contact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 222-1257 or malupita88@ hotmail.com or mexonline. com\asilosanjuandiego.htm Asociación Down - Assistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 224-9577. Banderas Bay Women’s

Shelter - Safe shelter for women & children victims of domestic violence. compassionforthefamily.org Becas Vallarta, A.C. – Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at (322) 223-1371 or Buri Gray at (322) 221-5285. CANICA - Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322-123-5688. Casa Hogar - A shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 221 1908, c a s a h o ga r _ m a x i m o c o rnejo@hotmail.com Centro Comunitario SETACGLBT – Services the GLBT community, including treatment and referrals, education, English classes, HIV testing and counseling. Paco Arjona 224-1974 Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara - Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 224-2754. COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic - Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322-104-6609 CompassionNet Impact – Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Cell: (322) 133-7263 or ric@4compassion.org Corazon de Nina A safe, loving, home-environment for 40+ children and youth rescued from high-risk situa-

tions. Donations & volunteers always welcome! Totally selffunded. www.fundacioncorazon.mx Cruz Roja (Red Cross) Handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 222-1533, 222-4973 Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 2234311 or 22225 72 Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Ivan Applegate at 221-5153. Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC. National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Biol. Astrid Frisch Jordán, Arce #541. Col. La Primavera Puerto Vallarta, Jal. 48325, Mexico, Tel/Fax: (322) 29 37 851 fibbcatalogo@yahoo.com Families At The Dump: Supporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump

thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org Fundacion Punta de Mita LDG. Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053 Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals. com Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Arq. Luz del Carmen Pérez A cayro_13@hotmail. com grupoecologico.com Horizonte de Paz: Welcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/ alcohol & drug addiction.In great need of cash or material resources Contact MAYNOR Tel 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com International Friendship Club - Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta. www.ifcvallarta.com La Brigada de la Basura: A weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa

223-4006 Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack+ 044 322 229-1129 christchurchbythesea.org Navy League - assists in the transportation of donated medical supplies from the U.S., organizes work groups to paint and repair facilities New Life Mexico - Challenging Child Poverty with health and education programs. Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and Adoption Centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Luis Donaldo Cel. (322) 120-4092 Pasitos de Luz - substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 299-4146. pasitosdeluz.org PEACEAnimals Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta Raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible

Ricardo Murrieta at 224-9966 Proyecto Pitillal, Busca un Amigo, A. C. - Association created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 299-0976. Puerto Vallarta Garden Club: Beautify and protecting the environment. vallartagardenclub.com PuRR Project - A no-kill cat shelter, a natural un-caged environment. www.purrproject.com Roma’s Kids - Educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area: Math, English and computer programs a priority. 100% goes to the kids. kids.romamexico.com Toys for Tots Vallarta Distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for Puerto Vallarta area during the Christmas holiday period. Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156 or lourdes.bizarro@marriotthotels.com. Vallarta Saludable (Healthy) – Healthy living through organics, stevias, cooking workshops, serums reversing dialysis and reality show. NAOTF.org Suzy Chaffee suzynativevoices@aol.com

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Singer/Songwriter Spencer Day returns Paul Fracassi brings to The Palm in ‘A Rebel Without A Claus’

ack for his third season at The Palm Cabaret and Bar, this popular singer-songwriter is proving he’s as much a fan of Vallarta as we are of him! Spencer Day returns with a mix of contemporary favorites, holiday classics and original songs just in time for Christmas, with an all-new Holiday Show for five performances beginning December 14. Jazz singer, crooner, songwriter are all ways in which busy musician and showman Spencer Day is often described by his fans and contemporaries. He, however, describes himself simply as a torch singer and a balladeer. Whatever the title, he’s fast becoming the fresh face of smooth jazz, and has spent the last year performing all over the United States and internationally, including opening for Rufus Wainwright, conjuring notable comparisons like Chet Baker meets Paul Simon. Others have compared Spencer to the U.K.’s Jamie Cullum, U.S. jazz great Harry Connick Jr., and Canada’s Michael Bublé. He is all that and so much more.

Raised in the small town of Pinetop, Arizona by his mother, an accomplished music teacher and soprano vocalist, her talent and love of music encouraged and influenced him to become the singer and musician he is today. Spencer found inspiration in the works of Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Roy Orbison, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and many others. These artists are the foundation of Spencer’s creative process and continue to influence his writing and performance style. Audiences around the world have enthusiastically supported Spencer for over ten years at venues as diverse as Birdland in New York, the Hollywood Bowl, Jazz Alley in Seattle, the Pacific Rim Jazz Festival in Manila, the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, Tanglewood Music Center in Boston, The Craig Ferguson Show, The Palm Cabaret and Bar, and most recently at Feinstein's at the Nikko in San Francisco, where he has long been a perennial favorite in the bay area. Spencer is widely

regarded for his original songs that infuse elements of cabaret, storytelling, and comedy, blending his piano and vocals with smart lyrics and lush arrangements. “I really have come to believe that my job as an artist is to help people access their emotions. My first job is to help people feel something; anything. I want us all to be able to celebrate our shared humanity, regardless of where we come from.” – Spencer Day. Now with several albums under his belt, including the very successful ‘Daybreak’, released in May 2014, Spencer is currently working on his sixth album, ‘Angel City’, due out this spring. Spencer Day returns to The Palm for a limited run of ‘A Rebel Without A Claus’ beginning December 14 - 20.

Now Playing at The Palm

Kim Kuzma and her sensational LIVE band in ‘Acústico’ continue to entertain audiences with their unique musical adaptations. A blending of new and classic pop songs with old favorites, Kim Kuzma plays every Wednesday and Sunday at 7:00 all season. Bohemia Viva!, Vallarta’s Argentinian sweethearts, continue to thrill audiences with their sizzling Latin rhythms and sensuous, steamy harmonies. They will also collaborate again with Vallarta’s Dirty Diva, Amy Armstrong, in her new show ‘Spanglish’ later this month. Bohemia Viva! plays all season, please refer to the Palm’s show calendar for specific dates and times. Comedienne Shawn Pelofsky keeps her audiences in hysterics with her over-the-top holiday themed stand-up comedy in ‘Here Comes Shawna-Claus; Stand Up Comedy To Jingle Your Bells’, now playing through December 19. And the hilarious sequel to last year’s hit, “Greater Tuna’, ‘A Tuna Christmas’, starring Terry Dale Parks and Tracy Parks, recently premiered to rave reviews and is now playing through January 5. The Palm is non-smoking (a patio is provided for smokers) and is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica. Tickets may be purchased online 24 hours a day, and at The Palm’s box office, open at 10:00 am daily. A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www. ThePalmPV.com. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at The Palm Cabaret and Bar.

two shows to Vallarta By: D. White

ast season when I saw Paul Fracassi's Walk Like A Man show featuring the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, I was so mesmerized by his voice, his incredible enthusiasm and his amazing choreography, I rushed out to see his. Legends of the 50's and 60's show. That performance featured the music of Elvis, Frankie Valli, Frank Sinatra, Davy Jones, Buddy Holly and Bobby Darin and was superbly entertaining as well! They'll include Vegas style costume changes along with two female backup singers, including last year's Voice of Vallarta winner, Ana Adame. Paul is bringing new songs, new choreography and spicing things up with some incredible PV talent. And in case you've forgotten, no one can match Paul's fabulous falsetto voice! (well, maybe Barry Gibb back in the 80's) Paul Fracassi is a 24 year old singing sensation and former Star Search and Canadian Idol semi-finalist. He is a graduate of Toronto's famous St. Elizabeth School for the Performing Arts. Paul created, choreographed and performed Walk Like A Man for audiences throughout North America. That's impressive, for someone in his early 20's. Over the past few months, Paul has been very busy touring, along with producing and recording his first original CD and new CDs from his shows, Walk Like A Man and Legends of the 50's and 60's. Over the summer, Paul's show set a box office record at the Regent Theatre in Toronto for number of tickets sold. From private events in New York's swanky enclaves to sold-out venues, Paul's momentum over the summer never stopped! Paul returns this season with two shows. Legends of the 50's and 60's, a show that he exclusively developed, rehearsed and presented last season to his Puerto Vallarta audiences. This show takes a nostalgic look at the best-loved hits of some of music's most iconic stars. It showcases not only the music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, but also other favorites like 'Old Blue Eyes' and The Monkey's frontman, Davy Jones along with songs from Elvis Presley, Bobby Darin and the legendary Buddy Holly. This season's show includes more dancing and lots of incredible costumes. Paul's other show, Walk Like a Man was inspired by Jersey Boys, the hit movie and stage play about the life and times of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons and the well-known music that brought them international fame. Paul communicates their beats, harmonies, style and showmanship along with their thrilling sounds. Every show includes a variety of Four Season favorites and the signature song, "Walk Like A Man." This season Paul is adding the romantic, hit song, "My Eyes Adore You." Paul Fracassi is an incredible performer. He effortlessly reaches those soaring high notes that send chills and thrills to his audience. He cleverly maneuvers his fantastic dance moves and has added new excitement to his shows with backup singers. With a superb command of his voice and the stage, Paul returns as one of Vallarta's best entertainers. You'll love the adorable and very talented Paul Fracassi!

VALLARTA SHOPPING DIRECTORY ‘Married and Looking’ not to be missed! By: D. White

layful, charming, sweet and a little naughty could sum up the personalities of Vallarta's newest entertainment stars, Lorena Peril and her husband and sidekick, Ray Jon Narbaitz III. Their show, Married and Looking has taken PV by storm this season and last Friday's performance was amazing! For those of you who haven't yet heard of Lorena Peril, she's been a headliner in some of Vegas' top shows for the past 10 years. Lorena has made it to the top as a Vegas entertainer. She and Ray Jon were looking to take a little break from "Sin City" when by chance, in walks Nathan Frye, the new manger of PV's Red Room. Nathan and his partner, Allen McMullen, looked them up at the Golden Nugget in Vegas where Nathan offered them an interesting proposition. He invited them to join him in Puerto Vallarta to perform their own show. Well, sometimes, you just have to throw caution to the wind, and that's just what Lorena and Ray Jon did. They turned down a lucrative job offer in Las Vegas and

joined the Puerto Vallarta entertainment scene for the winter. No one knows if Lorena and Ray Jon will decide to come back for more seasons of entertainment in PV or if it will just be this one season. So my advice is to see them as many times as you can while they are in Puerto Vallarta this winter. So just how good are they? Well, imagine buying a ticket to hear Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez, Adele or Shakira and you're sitting there absolutely thrilled listening to one of these goddesses of song. Well, Lorena Peril is just that good! And her electric guitar playing, soulful singing honey isn't any slouch either! He's an accomplished musician with years of experience performing in the trenches of the Vegas Club scene. I think my favorite songs that Lorena performed in her show on Friday were several Spanish numbers. This latina gal loves her Mexican Mama and she pours out her heart in the songs that remind her of Mom. Other songs that moved me

and connected with her audience. She and Ray Jon were obviously enjoying themselves and having great fun and interaction with the audience. And don't let the title of the show mislead you. Lorena and

were, Etta James' "At Last," Susan Tedeschi's "Hurts So Bad" and Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bijou". Ray Jon rocked the show with Billy Joel's "She's Always A Woman to Me," "Footloose" and "My Girl." We all watched Lorena as she got her "sexy on" with songs like Shakira's "My Hips Don't Lie," Selena's "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," "I've Been A Bad Bad Boy" and the burlesque style number, "Long John Blues." With multiple sexy costume changes and a hot body to hang them on, Lorena had her audience totally captivated. She glided down the aisles as she teased, touched

Ray Jon are Married and Looking adoringly at each other! (No Las Vegas style swinging here!) Lorena Peril is a star and I'll be very surprised if she isn't show biz royalty in a few years!!!

Home Tours!

Supporting local charities Home Tours depart every Tue. & Wed. at 10:30 a.m. from Sea Monkey Restaurant (just south of Rio Cuale and Molino de Agua condos on the beach at Aquiles Serdán)!! $500 pesos

Tickets for all tours go on sale at 9 a.m. the day of the tour at Sea Monkey Restaurant. For advance ticket purchases and more details go to : ifctoursforvallarta.com or call

(322) 222 5466

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

riviera nayarit

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

Top 10 Surfing Beaches In The Riviera Nayarit

he Riviera Nayarit has waves breaking all year round for every level of surfing, from those who are standing on a board for the very first time to those who defy Mother Nature’s extremes. Compiled below are the destination’s Top 10 surfing beaches as chosen by the surfers themselves.

10.- Platanitos

Located right on the border between San Blas and Compostela, Platanitos is a beautiful beach break to chill out on and enjoy.

great for those who do—they have lots more room to play. Worst case scenario you’ll share the waves with some seven people, max.

7.- Ola Lola in Chacala

La Ola Lola in Chacala, Compostela, is a hidden gem: to get to the bay you have to jump in a fishing boat for 20 minutes due north. This wave isn’t for beginners, in fact, it’s strictly for pros.

6.- Burros, La Lancha and El Anclote

9.- Santa Cruz de Miramar

These waves are powerful and dangerous because of the rocks but they’re very, very fun for those who know what they’re doing.

This area of Punta de Mita has several breaks that are a favorite of the destination because they’re calm and laid back, ideal for longboards.

8.- Lo de Marcos

5.- San Pancho

This beach has high waves best for intermediate level surfers. Many people don’t know about it but that’s

In San Pancho you can start to sense the open sea beyond the bay. It has strong waves recommended

for intermediate and advanced surfers—left-hand breaks that can go as high as four meters.

Beginners on the verge of becoming intermediate surfers will appreciate Veneros—it’s a strong, good-sized wave and there aren’t many people around.

is here: it’s very straightforward and you can ride it for almost an entire kilometer. At some point it was the longest wave in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records, but they’ve already spotted others and the longest one is now in USA. At its peak this wave is over two kilometers long and spans the bay at Matanchen.

3.- Las Islitas

2.- Sayulita

This is a great beach for beginners

This is strictly for the advanced surfer: it’s only available in the summertime with the southern swells and is famous around the world for its strength. It’s located between the beaches at El Borrego and Matanchen in San Blas.

December 17 PVGC First Annual Christmas Carol Sing-Along commences at 1 p.m. Bob Bruneau will accompany on the piano. Imagine yourself in the beautiful setting of the Vallarta Botanical Gardens, singing White Christmas surrounded by palm trees and bougainvillea while thoughts fly north to friends and family stuck in the snow. An Optional Lunch at the Botanical Gardens at 11:30. 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. January 12 Purr Project’s Fashion Show and Brunch 10:30 a.m. at Daiquiri Dick’s $300-peso ticket price will include a three-course brunch (with mimosas!), beautiful fashions from Sucesos Boutique, La Santa Boutique, Serafina, and Flirts Skirts, jewelry by Sonia Bormann—and a raffle for great prizes! Tix at Daiquiri Dick’s or by contacting Marilyn Khan at exkhan@usfamily.net. Saturday January 16 Deja New Fashion Show Luncheon at River Cafe 12:30 pm $300 pesos - advance tickets only. Fashions, three course meal, raffle, silent auction, 50/50, door prizes. Guest entertainer Lorena Peril. All proceeds to Pasitos de Luz - a non-profit providing free therapy

and care for disabled children from low-income families. Tickets: Deja New, Alexander A Salon, Cassandra Shaw, River Cafe, Nacho Daddy or email Barb at condo211@yahoo.ca January 19 Fiesta Blanca will be the Vallarta Garden Club’s biggest event of the year. It will be a dream in white, flowers, candles, table clothes, and all the glitter and glamor you’ll want for an elegant evening. A leisurely cocktail hour, auctions, music, and a seated dinner at Oscar’s on Isla Cuale. January 27-31 Festival Sayulita – Weekend long event with film, music, surf and tequila! So much to do and see this festive weekend in the charming village of Sayulita.

4.- Veneros

The longest wave in the region

Events Around the Bay If you have an event you would like to publicize, please email editor@ vallartatribune.com. 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 December 13 Chamber Orchestra Puerto Vallarta Christmas Concert Hotel Krystal, Puerto Vallarta 7pm $150 pesos December 14 Chamber Orchestra Puerto Vallarta

Christmas Concert Salon Paraiso beside Hospital San Javier 8pm $150 pesos 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.

all the way to pros, since it has three different breaks coming in from the left, the right and a special section for learners.

1.- Stoner Point Break

riviera nayarit

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

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

ood day to all! As folks continue to stream in for the season many do not come to their paradise get-a-ways until after the Christmas holiday. They enjoy spending time with their children and grand babies! Family is the most important thing in our lives, and in Mexico I have really enjoyed the energy of family here in the Mexican culture. After the holidays, we should be seeing a lot more folks coming in for the season and vacations.

Community Corner Gecko Rojo in La Cruz with Sharon Carroll This is the third season for the Gecko Rojo bar and restaurant in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Owner Sharon Carroll keeps the Gecko Rojo open all year around bringing fun games and entertainment to the locals and visitors. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Sharon retired from the corporate banking world and bought a 1973 45 ft Columbia sail boat she named “In the Vortex”.

After some sailing lessons she sailed down to San Diego, and then came down on the Baja HaHa, spending time in La Paz and Mazatlan. She wanted to continue on to the Caribbean, but she laughs, saying, “I got caught “In the Vortex” here in La Cruz!” An opportunity presented itself to create a new bar and restaurant and the Gecko Rojo came to life in 2013. When shopping for tiles she saw a tile that became the inspiration for the name - Gecko Rojo.

On the Calendar…

Darts are on Mondays and Thursdays and Mexican Train (Dominoes) on Wednesdays, all beginning at 5pm. Live music and entertainment 4 days a week with the PV band Trez Cuartoz rockin the house on Tuesday nights; Funkswagen on Fridays; Saturdays is 3-2 Rock with the bands beginning at 8pm. Coming up is the Chili Cook Off

Fundraiser in mid January. This Chili Cook Off is only for individuals who are donating their chili for the good cause with eight contestants so far. Sorry, but no restaurants are allowed! All of the ticket sales will go to La Cruz PEACE Spay and Neuter Clinic. Tickets will be 100 pesos and each person will be able to taste all of the chilis and vote for their favorite. Tickets on sale after the New Year’s festivities. Another fun party coming our way at the Gecko Rojo after the New Year will be a Hawaiian Luau Pig Roast. Their menu varies with specials every day. When asked what the inspiration is for her specials Sharon replied, “Whatever I feel like eating! I get bored easily and I like a lot of variety...That’s why I started a restaurant. I love international cuisine and Asian food is my favorite.” After living aboard “In the Vortex” for 5 years, Sharon is selling her sailboat and moving to land as she does not have much time for sailing as operating the Gecko Rojo

is a full time endeavor. Beach Time is a favorite for many. For beach fun and good food check out Nahui Beach Restaurant at my favorite beach Destilideras which is just outside of La Cruz proper towards Punta de Mita, Las Palapas Grill in La Cruz with excellent food from Chef Lalo and the New Coyotes on Sundays, Breakers Beach Bar in Bucerias with Prime Rib Tuesdays with Trio Enlace; Wednesdays and Sunday live entertainment and all you can eat BBQ on the playa. There is no way to list everyone! There is a BEER FEST coming on December 15th at the Black Forest Restaurant in La Cruz and check out the new Bucerias restaurant JAX with live entertainment and tasty food and some items on the menu I have never tried before like deep fried pickles! Located just down from the Duck. Also, our Banderas Bay Diva Brittany Kingery will be celebrated at Breakers Beach Bar in Bucerias for three Top Rock Music Awards on December 11. The entertainment continues to grow and change and morph… hahaha…so check the allBucerias. com and allLaCruz.com calendars for fun and entertainment. Many shows can be last minute here in Mexico, so check the RivieraNayaritFun Facebook page for the latest! Why not give us a LIKE? Thanks for tuning in. For any questions or comments please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com . See ya around town!

community

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

I.F.C. offers a lecture, a party and Home Tours By John Warren

he International Friendship Club (IFC) offers something for everyone next week. If you are in town for just a few days or a few weeks this would be a great time to take one of our Home Tours. They are consistently rated as “Excellent” on Trip Advisor and they cost $500 pesos. Tickets and more information are available here: http://www.toursforvallarta. com On Friday 18th at 10:30 to noon the IFC continues the tradition of Friday morning history lectures. The first topic historian Dan Grippo is tackling is “The Doctrine of Discovery,” a series of assumptions about the divine right of European powers to colonize lands they “discovered” and to enforce their will on the native people who inhabited those lands. Dan became intrigued by this topic after reading a series of articles calling for the repeal of papal documents issued by the Catholic

church some 500 years ago which granted dominion over colonized lands to Spain and Portugal. What assumptions were at play 500 years ago that made such attitudes and claims possible? How did biblical metaphors such as the Chosen People and the Promised Land become metaphors for European conquest of the Americas? Beyond that, how did such assumptions become encoded in international law, to the extent that even today they are used by legislatures and courts around the world to claim jurisdiction over the lives and lands of indigenous peoples? These are some of the concepts taken up in lecture series, which presents history as “an ongoing dialogue between the past and the present,” in the words of British historian E.H. Carr. This lecture will take place at the IFC clubhouse. (See below) At 10:30am for three Friday mornings in January (the 8th, 15th and 22nd) Dan will be discussing

The World of 1898 and especially the Spanish-American War. On April 25, 1898 the United States declared war on Spain following the mysterious sinking of the Battleship Maine in Havana harbor on February 15, 1898. The one-sided war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Paris eight months later. As a result of the U.S. victory, Spain renounced all claim to Cuba, ceded Guam and Puerto Rico to the United States, and transferred sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for 20 million dollars. The Spanish-American War was an important turning point in history. Spain’s defeat decisively turned the nation’s attention away from its overseas colonial adventures and inward upon its domestic needs. The victorious United States, on the other hand, emerged from the war a world power with far-flung overseas possessions and a new stake in international politics that would soon lead it to play a deci-

sive role in Latin American affairs. In this series, Dan will utilize some excellent videos produced by PBS and the History channel as gateways into a discussion of the forces at work that fueled the conflict, as well as the legacy of U.S. intervention in Latin America in the 20th century. Christmas Dinner and Dance A Christmas Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, December 17, 2015 at the San Lucas Restaurant (Insurgentes and Lazaro Cardenas). The festive evening will begin at 6:30 pm with dinner served at 7:00 pm followed by a small gift exchange and dancing. Music provided by Armando Silva Gomez. There will be a non-alcoholic sparkling champagne served as you arrive followed by your choice of red or white wine, or a soft drink at the table. The dinner menu is salad with vinaigrette and a roll, your choice of either either chicken or fish for

your entrée (to be selected at the time you purchase your ticket) served with rice and vegetables, followed by dessert and tea or coffee. The price per person for the evening is $300 pesos including tip. There is a maximum number of 60 guests so get your tickets early. Each person attending the dinner should bring a small wrapped gift valued at approximately $50 pesos for the gift exchange. Tickets can be purchased at the IFC Clubhouse. Office is open Monday-Friday 9:00 am until 1:30 pm. The International Friendship Club is a registered charitable organization in Mexico listed as Club Internacional de la Amistad de Puerto Vallarta A.C. It is located at the northeast corner of the Rio Cuale Bridge above the HSBC Bank, Colonia El Centro, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico, 48300. Phone: 322-2225466. Hours: 9 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. M-F. Website: ifcvallarta.com Email: ifcvallarta@gmail.com.

events

June Rosen Lopez Open House

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

his December 19th and 20th from 2 to 8pm you are invited to attend the Galeria June Rosen Lopez annual holiday open house. If you are new in Vallarta this is a must attend event. It is a fun, unique concept that we hardly see anymore. June opens her home for new and old friends to view her latest work and to join in the holiday cheer. une has been living in Vallarta for the past 35 years. This year June traveled to India, Alaska and Italy and also took some wonderful trips in Mexico. Her collection has a variety to influences. If you have never been to one of her open houses you should put it on your schedule, it is a true experience to see the silver work and designs. Considering the workmanship, the prices are excellent and very reasonable. She also carries the work of other Mexican craftsmen and there is something for all tastes. Her gallery is on the same street as the new pier. Cross Olas Altas, up the hill on the corners of Pino Suarez and Francisca RodrĂguez # 200. The gallery is open Monday thru Friday from 12pm to 6pm. Tel. 222 5049 or cell 044 322 779 6491

now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

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

22 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.

games

Dec. 10 - 16, 2015 www.vallartatribune.com

VALLARTA TRIBUNE 829 Feb 25 - March 3, 2013

The Natural Beauty of OUR Mountain

Plants

2000

Mammals

Birds

300

Amphibians and Reptiles

Butterflies

500

50% of these species are endemic to MĂŠxico. We propose the area to be designated a

Natural Preserve Because for Vallarta,

Without the Mountain...

There is no future