Issue 981, Jan 21-27, 2016 by Vallarta Tribune

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Entertainment

MS. CONCEPTION

January 21 - 27, 2016 Free Issue 981

Events ceviche & aguachile

Riviera Nayarit greg norman course

Orchid Tree Courtesy Madeline Milne

now distributed in sayulita!

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. 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.

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 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

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

Ahoy Cruisers! Day 21-Jan 27-Jan 28-Jan

Ambulance: 322.222.1533 Consulates American Consulate Nuevo Vallarta: 322.222.0069 24 hrs Guadalajara: 333.268.2145 Canadian Consulate 322.293.2894 24 hrs: 1.800.706.2900

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

In port this month

Ship Passengers Norwegian Jewel 2,376 Ruby Princess 3,080 Norwegian Jewel 2,376

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

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

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

his past week was the first week of distribution of the Vallarta Tribune in Sayulita. I went there Friday morning to drop off papers at the Farmers Market, met with a couple business owners and voila! The Vallarta Tribune is in Sayulita. You can now pick up your copy at the North Side Café, ChocoBanana, Don Pedros, El Espresso and Ya-Ya’s where I had a really amazing breakfast bowl and an excellent cup of coffee. Years ago, when deciding to move to Mexico we originally chose Bucerias for its small town feel and then found Puerto Vallarta suited our needs better. But when I find myself in Sayulita I often wonder why I didn’t choose this town. It is so charming, the people are always happy and healthy; there is great shopping, food, and sense of community. True, it has its problems, like overcrowding and terrible parking; a victim of its own success which I’m sure will be sorted out soon enough as the local community is very active in making the town better for all. Next weekend is the third annual Festival Sayulita, which is a four-day event of music, film, surf and tequila (and other Mexican spirits). There are a number of very popular bands playing, along with movie screenings and restaurants that have created special pairing menus. It’s a great time and one you shouldn’t miss. See the ad on page 25. Now if circumstance has you heading back to the cold North, then pout not, as this weekend we celebrate the first Ceviche and Aguachile Festival in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday. Ceviche and Aguachile are some of my go-to foods and I’ll be there with my bib on! There are 13 restaurants participating including my favourite, La Tia. Sunday from noon-8 at Lazaro Cardenas Park, free access, live music and lots going on! Don’t miss it. PS: Aguachile is the cure-all for what ails you after a long Saturday

night. Details on Page 12. On Monday at the crack of 9am I met with Tom Stickney, the new Golf Academy Director at Vidanta. He moved here with his wife in September from California and he is charged with getting the word out about the new Greg Norman course that is opening at Vidanta. If don’t you know Vidanta, you should. This company has massive plans for the property it owns in Nuevo Vallarta. They have now opened the first nine holes of the Greg Norman course on the south side of the Ameca River. To get there you have cross a breathtaking suspension bridge. I didn’t see any crocs, but it was early. They’ll be out in the afternoon. The course is beautiful and totally playable. Once completed, Vidanta plans on moving the Jack Nicolas course to the south side of the river and putting in the long anticipated Cirque de Soliel attraction. To help showcase this new course, they are offering a ‘local’s special’ with rates from $125 per round. More details on page 24. Within these pages this week you will find plenty of great information on places to visit, things to do and the weekly musings of our most fabulous contributors. Thank you for supporting the Vallarta Tribune. Have a great week. Safe Travels, Madeline

“Dr. Sergio del Hoyo is a wonderful surgeon! He saved my husband's life by performing emergency surgery to remove his large intestine. He is a very caring physician in every way. He kept us informed every step of the way. As another plus, he's very sweet!” Susan Bell

Letter to Editor Dear Editor: I have had the honor to run Los Mangos Library for more than three years now. This morning I greeted an amazing group of people at The Millennium sculpture that is the meeting point where every Tuesday the Free Malecon Sculpture Tour lead by Gary Thompson starts. The Library is all gratitude to you for providing a space in your newspaper, as it is to Gary for the extraordinary tour he has

editor@vallartatribune.com

put together and run for 10 years now, where people not only get unique data --as the Huichol symbols explained by Kevin from Peyote People-- but also have the chance to actually meet some of the artists and hear from them about the process involved in the making of those sculptures. The Free Malecon Sculpture Tour helps the Library to get the so much needed funds to continue serving the community. Gary through this initiative is the only businessman in town who

contributes to the Library in this way. Of course, all gratitude also to all the people who have attended the tour and have donated to the Library. Your support really means the world to us and to the hundreds of kids, young people, adults and senior citizens we serve each year. Best Regards Adriana García Los Mangos Library Executive Director

Old Town Farmers Marke

Get Your Sourdough at By Erin Staley

“

Cell. 322 134 4162 MEXICO, (952) 583 0329 USA & CANADA info@muchococo.com www.muchococo.com

Make it, bake it, grow it” market fun awaits this Saturday! The OTFM-TC features 90+ vendors with everything from farm-to-table produce, natural body products, paper mache figures, handmade jewellery, wine bags, pet food, live music, on-site services and so much more! While here, be sure to scoop up Artisan Bakery's fine breads. Get to know the owner, Ana Hernandez Naranjo. She is a “sourdough breadu-cator,” sharing the process of “real bread” for thousands of tourists and locals.

What is Real Bread?

Real bread is Old World style European breads that are handshaped and baked in a brick oven. They are 100% naturally fermented and made from only flour,

water and salt. Real breads are preservative and additive-free, made without oil, butter, eggs, sugar, powered yeast or commercially produced yeast.

Sourdough: The “Friendly” Bacteria Sourdough is a “friendly” bacteria, and contains a culture called lactobacillus bacteria. It produces lactic acid, and gives off that signature sour flavor we all know and love! Although Artisan Bakery's sourdough

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 14 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.

“starter” originated in the San Francisco Bay area, it has since developed its own culture from wild yeast spores here in Puerto Vallarta. In fact, this tropical destination is the best environment in which to grow wild yeast. And this is what has made Artisan Bakery a favourite since opening its Vallarta-based shop in 1998!

Artisan Bakery's Bread-Making Process

exceptional flavor and texture to its breads. Unlike that of commercial breads, naturally produced leavened breads take time and care through each step. They are carefully mixed, proofed and hand-shaped. The ability to control the fermentation for over 12 hours, the mixing, proofing and shaping is a process of artistry. In fact, each “rustic” loaf takes 30-40 hours to make from start to finish.

Artisan Bakery's sourdough starter has brought

Artisan Bakery breads are made in a Guilard-style

et - Tianguis Cultural

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

t the OTFM-TC body then absorbs minerals as the grains' acids are neutralized. With sourdough bread, complex carbohydrates are broken down into digestible simple sugars, and proteins are broken down into amino acids. The fermentation of quality bread helps to digest complex carbohydrates and restore the digestive tract.

Select Your Favourite

oven. The separate fire box and low-vault ceiling create an intense heat, causing gases in the bread to “pop.” This reaction gives the bread its distinctive holes. The brick hearth then gives the bread a fine crust and spongy texture.

Health Benefits of Sourdough Bread There are several health benefits to naturally leavened bread. Nutrients are released during the bread-making process. The

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).

Treat yourself to Artisan Bakery's variety of breads. Favorites include: sourdough (baguette, round or loaf), whole wheat, New York rye, filone, ciabatta, focaccia, rustic grain and multigrain. Other products include sourdough cinnamon rolls, sweet breads, scones and stuffed loaves including spinach & artichoke, 3 Italian cheese, apricot & raisin, jalapeno & cheese, and garlic &cheese. Connect with Artisan Bakery at +52 (322) 223-8233, artisanbakerypv(at)outlook.com or their Col. Versalles location at Calle Aldanaca No. 178 Local 9. You can also find Artisan

Bakery products in the following locations: • The Coffee Cup (Marina) • Frutas Vaca (near Mercado Emiliano Zapata) • Mikey’s Deli (Los Mercados)

Love Yoga?

While at the market, join us for yoga classes (9:30-10:30 am) taught by instructors from Yoga Colective. We meet in the kiosk every Saturday through April 30. Participation is by donation.

Artisan Bakery

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.

…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.

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

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

Authentic contemporary jewelry

Heriberto Saucedo Pérez Artista Diseñador Cel. 322.190 56 32 Fb: Heriko Joyeria herikojoyeria@hotmail.com Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

news

More good news for the tourism industry

ravel awards announced as Mexico gears up for another year of growth The new year is shaping up to be another very successful one for the tourist industry in Mexico The first piece of good news was the official announcement of record visitors to the Caribbean city of Cancún, and México City topping the New York Times’ list of 52 places to visit in 2016. The good news haven’t stopped coming since. Last September, Tulum, in the state of Quintana Roo, was designated a Magic Town by the Tourism Secretariat, giving it access to funds to improve infrastructure. Known for its “untouched” status, Tulum has now been named the world’s No. 1 destination on the rise for 2016 by travel website company TripAdvisor. Another city that has received international praise is Guadalajara: it was designated by Travel + Leisure magazine as the second best place to travel in 2016. Among its qualities, the publication said the city is a “hotbed of creativity thanks to an ebullient jazz scene, the popular Guadalajara International Book Fair, a prestigious film festival and a well-supported community of visual arts.” On the Pacific coast, the Riviera

Nayarit is an emerging destination for tourists looking for high standards of excellence, and a recently won Travvy Award is proof of that. The destination took home the gold statue for “Best Luxury Destination: México,” recognition that was well received by the Riviera Nayarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB). “It’s very important to kick off the New Year with something like this to keep us top of mind with consumers,” said Marc Murphy, managing director of the CVB, who added that the voting for the awards is done by travel agents, who are the ones who recommend and sell the tourism destinations. “This achievement is a result of all the work we’ve done to position ourselves as a luxury destination,” added Murphy. “There’s no doubt the backing of the state government has been key.” The Riviera Maya took home the silver and Los Cabos the bronze in the same category, while Mexico as a country won the gold Travvy Award in the category of “Best Luxury Destination.” Due to last year’s strong performance, Mexico could achieve its

highest ranking ever on the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) list of countries with the most visitors. In 2013, Mexico was No. 15. One year later, the country reached number 10. For 2015 it could be battling Russia and Thailand for ninth place. According to data compiled by Anáhuac University, about 32.1 million international tourists visited Mexico during 2015, indicating that the country is a strong contender for landing once again in the top

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

10. UNWTO’s final figures will be announced next May. Tourism officials are expecting 10% growth this year, pushing the total to over 35 million. Mexico will be getting some help from the Canadian entertainment company Cirque du Soleil. A new touring big-top show called Luzia and inspired by Mexican culture opens in Montreal in April and will tour Canada, the U.S. and Europe. But the strongest market for tourism in Mexico is still the domestic

one. Last year, 80 million Mexicans traveled within the country, representing 80% of tourism-generated GDP. The Tourism Secretariat considers the consolidation of domestic tourism in 2016 as one of its main challenges, and is preparing a promotional program to further stimulate the market. Tourism Secretary Enrique de la Madrid said that the program seeks to attract Mexicans to destinations during the low seasons with attractive package deals, focusing on destinations with the most potential, like Huatulco in Oaxaca, Loreto in Baja California Sur and Ixtapa in Guerrero. Also in Guerrero, a re-launching project is planned for the port of Acapulco. De la Madrid said that the Tourism Secretariat is working with hotels, airlines and bus lines in order to offer the best possible deals with the intention of keeping seats and rooms full during the low season. The secretary discounted violence as an issue, saying that most destinations are safe and able to receive both nationals and foreigners, including Acapulco, which reported occupancy rates of 95% during the Christmas season. Original: MexicoNewsDaily

Mexican peso sinks to new record low

exico’s exposure to a recovering US economy is offering little succor for its currency against the sell-off that is convulsing global markets this past Friday. The peso fell 1.4 per cent to a new record low of 18.12 per dollar as investors – spooked by the relentless sell-off in oil and heightened anxiety over China – rushed to cut their riskier positions. Although investors see Mexico as one of the few solid markets left that can weather the headwinds facing the global economy (as underscored by the resilience

in the country’s bond and equity markets), growing enthusiasm about Latin America’s number two economy is being overshadowed by jitters about the broader emerging markets. And the peso is bearing the brunt of this panic. As the world’s eighth most-traded currency, the Mexican peso is often used by investors as a proxy for less liquid EM currencies. This makes it vulnerable to large sell-offs during times of stress as a hedge against long positions in EM. The peso’s weakening – it fell more than 14 per cent last year against

the dollar and is down another 5 per cent so far this year – is not all bad news for Mexico. A cheaper currency makes Mexico’s exports (80 per cent of which go to the US) more competitive. It also helps keep the country’s energy bill down (Mexico imports a lot of petrol and gas from the US). These perceived advantages are probably why the country’s policymakers – for all their warnings about looming currency wars – have so far been happy to let the peso slide.

Original: http://www.ft.com

Ford investment will be biggest of 2016 $2.5 billion forecast in foreign direct investment in automotive

new Ford Motor Co. assembly plant is expected to be the biggest single investment in the automotive sector this year.

Although the US $1.5-billion plant has not been officially

announced by the automaker, the federal business promotion agency ProMéxico said this week that its investment would represent a big chunk of the $2.5 billion expected in foreign direct investment. The remainder of that amount will be invested in automotive parts manufacturing. The new Ford plant will be located in the state of San Luis

Potosí, according to reports, and produce 350,000 vehicles a year. Guido Vildozo of IHS Automotive Latinoamérica, a consultancy, described Ford’s decision as a logical strategy considering the company is operating at close to capacity in Mexico. The industry as a whole chalked up record output last year. Production of cars and light trucks was up 5.6% to 3.4 million units.

A big jump was seen in domestic new car sales; they soared 19% to more than 1.3 million vehicles, also a record. Total direct foreign investment in Mexico this year is expected to be $30 billion, up from about $28.5 billion last year, according to figures compiled by the Economy Secretariat. Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

news

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

59 Indigenous Corn Fashion show struts its Varieties at Risk as stuff for Pasitos de Luz Monsanto Eyes Mexico By Lorraine Chow

exico’s unique and treasured native corn varieties could be under threat as Monsanto, the world’s largest seed producer, vies to plant genetically modified (GMO) corn in the country. In August 2015, a Mexican judged overturned a September 2013 ban on GMO corn, thus opening more business opportunities for Monsanto and other agribusinesses pending favorable later court decisions. Monsanto even announced in October 2015 that it was seeking to double its sales in the country over the next five years. The GMO corn ban remains pending a ruling on the appeal, but a final decision could end up in Mexico’s supreme court. Monsanto, which is seeking five permits to grow GMO corn in five areas in northern Mexico, touts that the bioengineered crop is a ticket out of poverty for small farmers since the crops purportedly result in higher yields and profits, the Financial Times reported. “It’s incredible that we are not giving [small farmers] the option to cross the poverty line,” Monsanto’s chief executive for northern Latin America, Manuel Bravo told the publication. He added that the controversial multinational company has trouble “communicating” its message. “We’re the company that employs the most PhDs in the world after NASA. We’re good at talking to Petri dishes, but we were no good at communicating,” Bravo said. However, community advocates and chefs warn that Mexico’s 59 indigenous corn varieties could be under threat by GMOs. The country’s most noted chefs are speaking out against a possible takeover. Roughly 80 other Mexican chefs have also joined the fight against

GMO corn. “If we allow all these varieties of corn to be lost, we’ll lose part of our identity,” said Chef Pancho Ibanez of the world-renowned Pujol in Mexico City. “It’s as if we were cutting of our feet, cutting off the roots of a tree. It’s something that could seem so simple, so basic but it’s our past, present and future.” According to Rabobank, the prominent Netherlands-based food and agribusiness banking company, Mexico is second largest importer of corn in the world, as well as the sixth largest producer and the sixth largest consumer of corn in the world. Additionally, the bank said, Mexico has two different corn markets: one for white corn (mainly for human consumption) and the other for yellow corn (mainly for animal feed). Mexico imports its yellow corn from the U.S., and since 90 percent of U.S. corn is grown from Monsanto’s genetically modified seeds, this mean Monsanto is inadvertently dominating Mexico’s yellow corn market. EcoWatch reported in November that a staunch anti-GMO movement has swelled in the country in order to preserve the unique biodiversity of Mexico’s staple crop. As the World Watch Institute wrote: For years, scientists and environmental activists have been warning the Mexican government that GMOs in imported corn could harm Mexico’s exceptionally rich biological and cultural diversity. The known risks of GMOs include the creation of hard-to-control weedy relatives of crops through “crop-towild hybridization,” the development of insect pests or weeds that are resistant to the chemicals used with GMO crops, and the unintentional poisoning of beneficial insects and non-target species. Original: EcoWatch.com

Photo of several of the models with Kathleen Palmer from Deja New Consignments, and special guest powerhouse singer Lorena Peril (far right)

he 3rd Annual Deja New sponsored Pasitos de Luz fashion show luncheon was a huge success. 237 people bought tickets to attend a day to remember! The afternoon included a fabulous

River Cafe luncheon, fashion show, 50/50 draw, raffles and silent auction. A bonus highlight was a guest appearance from Lorena Peril who rocked the show! She had people up dancing! Pasitos de Luz made a

Photo of Arturo Ayala, director of Pasitos de Luz with attendee Cheryl Wheeler who generously donated her 50/50 share of the winnings back to Pasitos. record breaking $114,175 pesos!!! It was an amazing afternoon for attendees, all the volunteers and especially the children of Pasitos de Luz! Sincere thanks to everyone involved and see you March 5th for Riverfest!

New Tax Reduces Mexicans’ Taste for Sugary Drinks

exicans’ consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages fell 12 percent following the imposition in 2014 of a 10 percent tax on soda, according to a joint study by the National Public Health Institute, or INSP, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The results of the first comprehensive, peer-reviewed study of the impact of the new tax were published in the prestigious British Medical Journal, INSP director Mauricio Hernandez told a press conference.

While purchases of sugary drinks dropped 12 percent, consumption of beverages not subject to the new levy increased by an average of 4 percent, he said. “This indicates that consumers are substituting healthy beverages for sugary drinks,” Hernandez said. Dr. Tonatiuh Barrientos, from the INSP’s Center for the Investigation of Health and Population, released preliminary results of another study, conducted jointly with the University of Michigan, of the likely effect on health of a

reduction in the consumption of sugary beverages. The research found that a sustained fall in consumption of sugary drinks would lead to 183,000 fewer cases of obesity among Mexican adults and that by 2030, the number of people suffering from diabetes would be 400,000 lower. Approximately 71.3 percent of adults and 30 percent of children in Mexico are obese or overweight, while nine out of every 100 Mexicans are diabetic. Original: Laht.com

Mexico Launches Web Site Ahead of Marijuana Debates

exico’s government has launched a Web site with information aimed at facilitating a series of public debates on marijuana use, the first of which will be held on Jan. 26 in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun and focus on public health and prevention. The site, which seeks to promote a “broad and inclusive” discussion, was presented Tuesday at a press conference by Mexico’s deputy human rights secretary, Roberto Campa. In keeping with the goal of designing new public policy through the debates, the Web site will provide the public with information about relevant domestic and international legislation. The Web site will include links to information about marijuana legis-

lation in 14 countries and three U.S. states, as well as academic research and articles on regulation, public health, public safety, marijuana consumption, medicinal use of the drug, human rights, the prison system and economic development. It also contains hard data regarding marijuana use in Mexico and indicators on risky behavior related to the use of the drug. All of the information will be public, Campa said. A total of 15 Mexican and foreign experts have thus far confirmed their participation in the forum in Cancun, the deputy secretary said. The second forum will take place on Feb. 23 and focus on ethics and human rights, while the third will be held March

8 and address economic and regulatory aspects and the fourth is scheduled for March 22 and will examine public safety concerns. The fifth and final debate, to be held on April 5 in Mexico City, will analyze all the topics addressed at the previous gatherings. President Enrique Peña Nieto, who opposes marijuana legalization, called for the debates after Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled in November that a section of the country’s General Health Law banning people from growing and using the drug for recreational purposes was unconstitutional. For the time being, however, the ruling only applies to the four plaintiffs in that case. Original: LAHT.com

entertainment

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Vallarta Favorite Miss Conception ‘Goes To The Movies’ at The Palm Cabaret V allarta Favorite Miss Conception ‘Goes To The Movies’ at The Palm Cabaret One of Vallarta’s most beloved entertainers, Miss Conception (aka: Kevin Levesque), returns to The Palm in her all-new music and comedy show, ‘Miss Conception Goes To The Movies’, beginning January 25. Miss Conception, or Miss C as she is affectionately known, is an overnight sensation that has been 16 years in the making. In her very popular one-woman, ALL LIVE singing and costume-bedazzled shows, she always leaves audiences howling with laughter and leaping to their feet with applause! “The moment I walked out on stage at The Palm Cabaret on my opening night (four years ago), I knew this is what I was meant to do in life.” - Kevin Levesque (Miss Conception)

‘The #1 Selling Show in Vallarta for 2015’ - Vallarta Tickets ‘Miss Conception Goes To The Movies’ features many of your favorite characters from cinema past and present. Miss C takes you on an incredible musical journey through many of the characters from movies like The Wizard Of Oz, Mrs. Doubtfire, Austin Powers, Beetlejuice, Pee Wee Herman, Sister Act, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert. She also brings back Chicago, a fan favorite, plus much, much more! With stunning new costume reveals right before your eyes, hilarious comedy, and all the dancing you can handle. Audiences just can’t get enough

of Miss Conception’s incredible energy and talent. In 2012, Miss Conception kicked off her tour in Puerto Vallarta at The Palm, also travelling to the US, Canada, South America and Europe. Miss C has been the opening act for Leslie Jordan and Lorna Luft, as well as having performed with Courtney Act from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Along with having her own show with Second City (Toronto), and being featured on ‘Queer as Folk’ and ‘Degrassi, The Next Generation’, she was the first-ever drag contestant on Wipeout Canada. Last year’s show “The Wonderful World of Miss Conception” was a box office smash hit, winning the award for “Best Costume Surprises” from Vallarta lifestyles Magazine. Her show was also #1 in sales though Vallarta Tickets in 2015. Originally from Mississauga Ontario Canada and now based in Toronto, a young Kevin Levesque made his stage debut in “Babes in Toyland” as Bobby Shafto at the tender age of 12 with the Mississauga youth theatre. In May of 2000, at the age of 19, Miss Conception was created and brought to life at the Zippez nightclub, after a friend suggested that he should do drag. And the rest is history! Miss Conception Goes To The Movies will play on Mondays and Thursdays beginning January 25th through March 31, all shows at 9:30 pm. Tickets are already selling fast, so best to reserve early. Online tickets and more information can be found at the link listed below.

Now Playing at The Palm Amy Armstrong pairs with Bohemia Viva in their hugely popular music and comedy show ‘Spanglish’ now playing through Jan. 29. Amy’s powerful vocals blended with the acoustic harmonies of Luis and Andrea, plus a

healthy dose of hilarious comedy, make this show a must-see! Vallarta’s Argentinian sweethearts, Luis and Andrea, also continue with their own show, featuring sizzling Latin rhythms and beautiful harmonies. They will welcome Andrea’s younger brother, accomplished Argentinian guitarist Oscar Castellano to join them for a few performances in January (see calendar). Kim Kuzma and her ‘Acústico’ live band, with their hot Latin and pop music mash-ups, play every Wed. & Sun. at 7:00 all season. And HeldOver By Popular Demand through Feb. 29, is the second installment in the ‘Greater Tuna’ stage comedy series, ‘A Tuna Christmas’, starring real-life brothers Terry Dale Parks and Tracy Parks. This hilarious holly jolly good time, anytime of the year hit is the tale of simple Southern life in fictional Tuna, TX. With many of the same zany, fun characters

returning, it has played worldwide for over 30 years always leaving audiences in stitches. Also, on Monday, January 25 at 4:00 pm, Purr Project will hold another fun adult-themed BINGO fundraiser for their feline rescue/shelter organization with special guest host Amy Armstrong. Doors open at 3:30 pm. Shows are scheduled seven days per week with a 4pm matinee on selected shows and two different shows nightly through April, 2015. 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 opens at 10:00 am daily (322-222-0200). A full calendar of performances, information and online tickets are available at www.ThePalmPV. com. You can also find the Palm on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ ThePalmPV/

entertainment

“THE BIG O”

Brian McCullough’s tribute to Roy Orbison

olumbia, South Carolina, entertainer Brian McCullough’s career as a tribute artist began as a hobby, while he was a writer and radio host, in New England. At the time, he was the announcer with the smooth “voice of authority” in everything from car commercials to exhibits at the Smithsonian Institute. Being a busy touring entertainer was the furthest thing from his mind. But suddenly, the unexpected happened. One evening, while he was doing his on-air shift, Brian received a telephone call from John Stewart, the Las Vegas producer who created the hugely successful “Legends in Concert” tribute show series. Turns out a fan had secretly videotaped him singing at a club one night and sent John the tape. Brian's career changed overnight. Suddenly, instead of being a mild-mannered radio announcer,

he was “The Big O”, starring in a popular tribute to Roy Orbison. Since 1995, Brian has been travelling the world, singing Roy Orbison’s beautiful and challenging songs on a full-time basis. His repertoire includes everything from Orbison’s 50s and 60s hits, to his later work with The Travelling Wilburys. Orbison fans appreciate Brian McCullough's amazingly natural performances as much today as they did twenty years ago. And since his first gig at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, he has enjoyed repeat bookings in casinos throughout the US and Canada, extended runs in Nashville, Myrtle Beach, Branson, and Mexico. And as if he isn’t busy enough, he also appears up and down the eastern seaboard, tours with rock & roll shows on the west coast and across the sunbelt, and even spends months at sea, enter-

taining on cruise ships. Roy would be proud! On Saturday, January 30th, “The Big O” will be in Paso Ancho, for a dinner show at El Rio BBQ, the unique outdoor restaurant & bar, on the Rio Cuale. Tickets to the show are available on line from vallartatickets.com, or by phone, from venue owner, Kurt Sinner, at 322-111-4949. merv@trendrecords.ca

Kim Kuzma Returns to The North Shore With Acustico

By Debbie White

ward-winning Canadian vocalist and popular entertainer, Kim Kuzma is especially excited to return to Luna Lounge this season and present her highly popular, Acustico show to audiences on the North Shore. Known for her powerful vocal range and mesmerizing stage presence, Kim is celebrating her 10th anniversary of performing around Banderas Bay. Kim Kuzma and her extraordinary band return to Luna Lounge on Thursday, January 28th to perform her highly acclaimed show. The evening begins with a fabulous dinner at 6:30 pm followed by Acustico. Anyone that had the privilege of seeing their show on New Year's Eve can attest to the fact that this is entertainment at its BEST! Joining Kim for Thursday's show will be band members Eduardo Leon on guitar, Fernando Gonzalez on rhythm guitar, Roberto Falcon on bass, Jeronimo Guido Martinez on drums and Bob Tansen on flute. There will be new songs to go along wth this sassy, high-energy show! Kim Kuzma is no stranger to Bucerias and the Luna Lounge, having performed there over the years as both a solo artist and with her band. Her fame and notoriety

in Puerto Vallarta continue to soar as more and more people become familiar with her music and the gifted and talented musicians that accompany her. Many of us in Bucerias became fans when, Kim performed at The Twisted Rose, before Hugh and Simon opened Luna Lounge. Since that time, Kim has formed an incredible new band, released 3 new CDs and regularly sells out shows around the Bay. This season's Acoustic show features many songs from their new CD along wth other favorites. Acustico II is musically a very sophisticated body of songs, with creative mash-ups, soaring vocals and astonishing instrumentals. Kim's duets with Fernado will take your breath away. You will be enthralled by the genuine, charismatic showmanship of Kim and the band. With fun, personal warmth, enthusiasm, talent

and sex appeal, Kim Kuzma for 10 years has been Puerto Vallarta's darling diva of song and continues to demonstrate year after year her incredible music talent and creativity! With songs like, "Windmills of Your Mind," "This is My Life," "Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti", "California Dreaming", "Bamboleo" and "Sweet Dreams," Kim and the band lead their audience on a glorious musical journey won't be forgotten.. And when Kim sings her grandmother's favorite Edith Piaf song, " If You Love Me," I dare say, you won't find a dry eye in the audience. Whether you are visiting or live in the North Shore, you won't want to miss Kim Kuzma and her band perform Acustico this Thursday at Luna Lounge in Bucerias. For tickets or more information go to: http:// lunaloungebucerias.weebly.com/ calendar.html.

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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uick. Name five things that you love about Mexico. Undoubtedly, high on that list are: food, culture, the friendly Mexican people and the cocktails. With that in mind, Vallarta Food Tours (VFT) has done it again! Presenting VFT's fourth local tour: Mex-ology: Tequila, Tacos and Mexican Cocktails. If you are adventurous in spirit and interested in learning about Mexico's indigenous spirits and drinks, this tour is designed for you! Mex-ology is a 3-hour walking tour that takes you into the heart of the Mexican Cocktail, exploring Mexico’s native spirits and their deep rooted cultural ties. Featuring five tasting locations carefully chosen to highlight the best of the best Mexican Cocktails, made only from Mexican spirits including Mezcal, Tequila, Raicilla, Mexico´s signature beer cocktailthe Michelada, and more! Watch as Vallarta´s top mixologists show you a fresh take on indigenous spirits. Co-founder Lindsay Prime, along with her husband, Paul Mayer, started Vallarta Food Tours in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in 2011 after realizing that many people were stuck in tourist traps, missing the best that Puerto Vallarta had to offer. With high quality, hand-crafted cocktails becoming increasingly popular, Lindsay and Paul, added Mex-ology to their already impressive roster of culinary and cultural tours. We will discuss how the spirits are made, often in the same manner today as was done hundreds of years ago, their rise in popularity, and various ways

Vallarta Food Tours serves up Mex-ology: Tequila, Tacos and Mexican Cocktails Tour

Along the way you will also enjoy a sampling of mouth-watering food at family-owned restaurants and stands. This small group tour includes guide, cocktails and food

tastings in the ticket price. The Mex-ology tour runs Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 3:00pm to 6:30pm. The cost is $65 USD per person. Must be 18 years old. For more information on the Mex-ology tour, or any of VFT's tours, please visit www.vallartafoodtours.com or call 322-181-7196.

tion, prickly forest and secondary vegetation. Located behind Marina Vallarta, its connection to the ocean is permanent, through a channel almost 20 meters wide, 3 meters deep, and 2 miles long, which flows into the ocean. Its fresh and sea waters make it an ideal place for the development of many species of flora and fauna in extremely healthy conditions. So far it has a registered of more than 100 bird species, grouped into 23 families, of both aquatic and terrestrial habits. Over 29 amphibians, reptiles and mammals have been spotted as well. Among the reptiles are the green iguana, garrobo iguana and river crocodile. Among the mammals which have been observed in the mangrove are raccoons and opossums. There are abundant populations of fiddler and stone or Morrocan crabs in the

marshes and mangroves. The tours through the Estero el Salado are led by a biologist, traveling by panga about one kilometer to observe the great diversity of wildlife, the three species of mangrove and their main features. You can also climb the watch tower, where you can look out over all the Protected Natural Area. Tours are conducted Monday through Friday. Times: 9:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., and 3:00 p.m. Duration of the tour: 2 hours Meeting Place: Door 4, on Francisco Medina Ascencio Ave, facing the Naval Hospital. Recommendations: Wear comfortable clothes, shoes and a hat, and bring biodegradable insect repellent, a water bottle, and a camera or video camera. www.esteroelsalado.org Source: VisitPuertoVallarta.com

“We create an experience for people to not only taste traditional spirits, cocktails and bites, but also learn about their history of their importance in Mexican culture,” Lindsay enthusiastically explains. to incorporate them in your favorite drinks and recipes. Tastings include a Mezcal Cocktail made with fresh lime and cucumber and a special ingredient, a Jalepeño

Margarita, made by hand with fresh all-natural ingredients, Raicilla Cocktail in a “jarrito”, a traditional jar made of clay, and a Michelada, made with beer and fresh salsas.

Something else to do – Crocodiles! he Puerto Vallarta crocodile sanctuary is definitely an out of the ordinary stop for anyone. The Cipactli Crocodile Research Program is a fun and informative stop, especially considering that crocodiles are native to this region. When the sale of crocodile skin wallets, boots, and belts almost put the Mexican crocodiles into extinction, crocodile sanctuaries were set up all throughout Mexico. Puerto Vallarta's crocodile sanctuary is the Cipactli Crocodile Research Program, managed by the Universidad de la Costa, an offshoot of the University of Guadalajara. “Cipactli” is the Aztec word for crocodile. The Cipactli Crocodile Research Program's hands-on project allows

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

you even to touch the crocs—including babies—and other reptiles at the sanctuary, which also has wild pigs, turtles, coatimundi, and more. You will also see how the adult crocs are fed by the sanctuary staff. The crocodiles eat fish, red meat, and birds. Crocs in the wild generally eat only once a week. Like a snake, crocodiles swallow their food whole, without chewing. Their razor-sharp teeth are only for killing their prey with disabling bites. You'll learn all of this and more, plus all about Cipactli''s many amazing conservation programs, on a tour of the crocodile sanctuary. Your tour also includes a Professional Naturalist guide, who will explain all about crocodiles from mating to natural habitat and other neat facts about these impressive

cold-blooded reptiles. The tour also includes refreshments and snacks. Definitely wear bug spray, sturdy shoes, and outdoor clothes. Or head to Boca de Tomates at the mouth of the Ameca River where you can see dozens of crocodiles against the fence that separates them from you. Many people stop here to (illegally) feed than and the up close and personal aspect is both thrilling and terrifying. It’s recommended you keep the small dog home for this trip. If truly learning about the local eco-systems of the Bay of Banderas is more your style the Estero El Salado Protected Natural Area (is made up of marshes and mangrove along with rain forest bordered by aquatic and subaquatic vegeta-

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Charreada: Understanding the Events and the Culture

Photos courtesy of Bud Ellison

rom January 28-31 is the 5th Gran Charro Arena Vallarta International Event held in El Colorado about 20 minutes east of Puerto Vallarta on the highway to Mascota. This event features 30 national teams and 6 US teams in fabulous displays of artistry and skill. MCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d in both Spanish and English, it is a time of great festivity with plenty of food, music and revelry â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a great way to enjoy a truly Mexican spectacle. Visit arenavallarta.com/en/ for more information on the event including directions and where to purchase tickets. A charreada is a Mexican rodeo, and in Jalisco it is a very popular professionally recognized sport with strict rules. Both men and women compete, wearing colorful Mexican cowboy costumes trimmed in silver studs. The horsemen show off their lasso ability and dance their horses to live Mariachi, the mood is festive and the level of skill is impressive. Years of training make this event art, sport, and an extension of the culture that is Charreria.

Charro Events

Cola de Caballo (Test of the horse); The charro puts his horse though various commands to demonstrate his ability and the horse's training. Controlled slide, left and right half, full, and triple turns, dismount and mount, and reverse walk are performed. Pieles en Lienzo (Roping of the feet); a horseman must throw a lariat, let a wild mare run through the loop catching it by the hind legs. Three opportunities are given. Points are awarded for distance needed to stop the mare. Colas en el Lienzo, or Coleadero (Arena bull tailing) similar to bull dogging except that the rider does not dismount; the charro rides alongside the left side of the bull, wraps its tail around his right leg, and tries to cause the bull fall and roll as he rides past it. Points are given for technique, time, and roll of the bull. Jineteo de Toro similar to the rodeo event. Bulls are smaller, between 990 and 1320 pounds, and are ridden until they stop bucking. Two hands can be used on the bullrope. Points are given for technique. The charro cannot fall off, he must dismount and land upright. After the charro dismounts the bull he must remove the bullrope and bellrope so the Terna en el Ruedo can follow.

Terna en el Ruedo (Team of three); a team roping event in which three charros attempt to rope a bull - one by its neck, one by its hind legs, and the last then ties its feet together. They have a maximum of 10 minutes. Points are awarded for rope tricks and time. Jineteo de Yegua (Bareback on a wild mare); similar to bareback bronc riding. Yegua means mare. A wild mare is ridden with a bullrope. Two hands are used and the legs are held horizontally to the ground. Manganas a Caballo (Roping from horseback); a charro on horseback has three opportunities to rope a wild mare by its front legs and cause it to fall and roll once. The wild mare is chased around

the ring by three mounted charros. Points are awarded for time and rope tricks as long as the horse is roped and brought down. Points for all three attempts are cumulative. Eight minutes are given. El Paso de la Muerte (The pass of death) a charro riding bareback, with reins, attempts to leap from his own horse to the bare back of a wild horse without reins and ride it until it stops bucking. The most dangerous part of this is if the charro performing the pass falls under three other mounted charros that are chasing the wild mare around the arena ring. This is done backwards at times for show. Escaramuza (Skirmish): Since the 1950's, this breath-taking event

adds beauty and elegance to the Charreada. During this event a team of 8-12 women riding sidesa-

ddle and dressed in colorful Adelita dresses perform a variety of precision riding techniques.

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Sunday Funday! – Vallarta’s First Ceviche and Aguachile Festival!

oin us to celebrate Puerto Vallarta’s gastronomic culture with this unique festival where you`ll find 13 local restaurants including El Coleguita, Cuates y Cuetes, Restaurant Mauricio´s, Cheeky Monkey, Swell Beach Bar, Happy Burros, Mariscos El Güero, La Marinera, Mariscos La Tía, El Ceviche Vallartense, Lamara, Denis Restaurant Bar and Taco Wheels, each will showcase their most delicious ceviches and aguachiles. Ceviche and aguachile are traditional Mexican specialties made with fresh fish, shrimp and other seafood cooked with lime juice and often served with assorted vegetables and varying degrees of spice. Different regions prepare the items in different

ways, but all create a symphony of flavours. Don’t miss this opportunity to taste truly authentic Mexican cuisine. Don´t miss the chance and come to enjoy all the activities, the flavor and the music with "No soy Frida ni tu Diego" (folk music) and Lani ale kau iluna (polynesian dance academy). You´ll also find special promotions and more information from Emotion Casino, Spanish Experience Center, Vallarta Ink and Diamonds International. Mark on your calendar Sunday Jan 24th from 12pm until 8pm at Lazaro Cardenas Park in Old Town. Sponsored by: Stratos Media, AVECEZAP, Instituto Vallartense de Cultura and Fideicomiso Puerto Vallarta and Grupo Chalita

Flower of the Week

Orchid Tree Árbol de Orquídea (Spanish) Bauhinia sp.

amels Foot (from shape of leaves); Kachnar Tree in India. An ornamental growing to 40 feet, it often is mistaken for the Amapas Tree (Tabebuia rosae) when in full bloom. This tree is important in the healing practices of Ayurvedic medicine. Bark extract is

by Sandra Cesca

used to cure asthma and ulcers; the buds and roots for digestive problems; the leaves as flavoring in Indian foods. The flowers attract hummingbirds. This plant is one of over 200 found in Sandra’s color-coded guidebook, Tropical Plants and Walks of Puerto Vallarta. Available at 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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From Here by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

n nearly 25 years of living in Vallarta I have been to more gallery openings/shows/exhibitions/art walks than I can count. A couple were memorable; a few had mariachi play for a bit. Some galleries had food catered; others put a box of crackers next to the box of wine with a hand-lettered ‘help yourself’ sign. Then, last Friday night I went to Art VallARTa for their Fearless Fridas opening. Me and 700 (!) other people. Yes, you read correctly. In three hours that many bodies stuffed the house/studio/theatre/ gallery/school at the top of Olas Altas and were wined and dined with live music provided by none other than Moruno, the brilliant gypsy trio that opened for last week’s fabulous concert at Terra Noble. Women were asked to come dressed as Frida (and many did); men as Diego Rivera. Only a couple complied and there was at least one Leon Trotsky. And an unexplainable Andy Warhol. The volunteers were kept hopping – always smiling, making everyone - who could only move about in single-file throughout the maze that makes up this uber-ar-

tistic wonderful space – happy. There was not a single piece of artwork on display that lacked artistic merit. Not one finger-painting of Frida. I am so pleased that Fearless Fridas will run for an entire month. I will go back, hoping the sold artwork will still be there until the end of the run or there won’t be much to see. My only regret is that every gallery owner in this city was not there; this was one hell of a GRAND opening. Amazing art. Amazing, beautiful energy. Take a bow, Nathalie…outstanding. From Frida to food: Barbecued ribs to be exact. Where else but at El Rio BBQ Bar? This coming Saturday the 23rd at 6:30, Amberley Beatty takes the stage for sunset on the river in her tribute to Loretta Lynn. I have not yet had the pleasure of hearing Amberley’s voice but have heard nothing but rave reviews from those who have, so, can’t wait to meet her and hear her sing. What a great venue to host a country and western superstar – outside, stars overhead, the river moseying by between numbers, oh, and the barbeque. Full report next week! With all the crazy cons-

truction going on in Old Town there are still some very different shops open and trying to keep the dust down inside their stores. I went by to visit Richard at Muy Guapo on Venustiano Carranza; yes, he is and the store looks good, too! What an interesting great mix of old, new/ vintage home decor pieces he has. Check the store later this week; he is just returning from a major buying trip to Puebla. After leaving Muy Guapo, I happened upon a small shop a block or so away called Concreto – very cool vibe, delightful young man – David, who is the owner. He has just opened. Check it out. I hear from Kassiano he has a couple of sponsorships left for the gigantic Reggae Festival coming to Vallarta in March. The World Tour starts here; then it will go global. That’s it for me this week. Get it touch and let me know what’s new and exciting… I forgot something again! Just reading my friend Todd Ringness’s column and he reminded me of the importance of helping our tourists. A British couple were standing on a corner of Juarez the other day looking up and down the busy street, clearly not seeing what they were looking for. I stopped and asked if I could help. They were looking for “a silver shop right next door to a tequila-tasting store”. I didn’t speak for enough time for them to ask if I knew where it might be. I finally replied, ”You have just described nearly every street in downtown Vallarta!” Until next week, save a tourist!

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting Leza Warkentin

Lois Ellison

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

Sharenting

he other day I read an article about a new quirky, fun term used to shame those parents who “overshare” about their children on the internet. They call this “sharenting”. Clever, right? They say that we are unwittingly creating a digital identity for our children when we share information and photos about them on social media. By the time they are old enough to have a Facebook account (thirteen years of age, to all of you whose children are five and “liking” my status updates), everyone already knows where they go to school, how many times they’ve gotten on the honor roll, and what flavor of ice cream always ends up running down their chin. And probably a lot, lot more. There are some other undesirable products of sharenting. Experts warn that the photographs taken with digital devices contain meta data (time, location, device) that could bring up issues of security for your family. Plus, it can be really, really embarrassing. At this point in our lives, our kids are usually flattered by their starring roles in some of my articles and ask me to read them aloud. Once they are teenagers and consider me to be an extraneous person, they might not appreciate how I mentioned my son’s favorite stuffed animal “Beevie” and my daughter’s attachment to a tiny metal Christmas tree she named “Bob” (just hypothetically speaking). I do understand all these points and they are valid. But the experts need to see things from my point of view. I’m a teacher, a mom and a blogger who writes about what she knows: her own weird life. Just imagine if I tried to write a piece without mentioning my children or any children, for that matter: I woke up at 5 am. I drank coffee alone. I think I might have eaten some extra macaroni over the kitchen sink. I fell asleep watching “The Originals” on my Ipad at 9:07pm. See? No one wants to read that. If I’m going to write about my life, there’s going to be kids in there, because I haven’t passed through an entire day kid-free since the summer I turned

My Life In Vallarta loell87@yahoo.com

eighteen (because that’s when I officially was not a kid anymore, and that’s the summer before I started my university classroom teaching experience). And besides, wouldn’t you rather read about four and five-year-old conversations that I have heard while eavesdropping throughout my years as an educator? Child One: Hey! I have two bananas (licks both bananas with pride). Child Two: I don't even have one banana. Child One: (bites fork) Child Two: Don't bite your fork. Child One: (throws fork over his shoulder, quick teacher intervention) Child One: Did you know you are a palace? Child Two: Why did you say that? Child One: Because I'm kidding. Did you hear that by the way? That I said you are a palace? Child Two: I don't even know what the heck you are talking about. As you can see, no names were mentioned and no date, location or time was given. But this is still blogging gold. And it’s natural to want to share our family lives with others. That way we know we aren’t alone, and we can also get the occasional pat on the back when we post pictures of our children eating steamed kale. But it’s important that we keep in mind that they have their futures ahead of them, and that most things we share can follow them for a very, very long time. Like, all the way to the human resources department calling people for their first job interviews. So maybe just private message those very first potty successes. Or maybe don’t. So I will do my best to avoid “sharenting” my children. This is mainly because the prospect of them having lucrative careers is the only thing I’ve got stashed in my carefully kept folder called “My Retirement Planner”. But it’s also because I know that there are parts of their personal lives that are not my stories to tell. And it’s a little because I suspect they will, in about thirty years, have a quirky, fun term for the avenging children of the now-elderly “sharents”.

Then and Now

e each have a point of reference for our memories of Puerto Vallarta. Whether this is your first visit or your fiftieth, every time you return you will marvel at and/or complain about the changes to the area. For me, that reference point is 1987 and let me tell you the changes are coming a lot faster now than they did before. In my next few articles, I’d like to share some memories so you can get some idea of just how much things have changed. Recently I overheard a man telling his friend that when he arrived the previous day, eleven planes had landed within half an hour. Wow, back in 1987 no one would have imagined that could ever happen. The first airport at the current location opened in 1966, serving a mere 27,000 passengers in the first year. Roughly the same as the population at that time! Prior to that, a small dirt landing strip south of the Rio Cuale in Colonia Emiliano Zapata (aka Zona Romantica/Southside) serviced the few planes that came to town. Of course there were no bridges over the river and no road heading south of town, but that’s another story. By the time we arrived the population was up to around 100,000. Air traffic had increased somewhat but there were still just four gates and no jet ways. There were almost no flights offered during the summer months. At that time we lived in the San Francisco area and flew Mexicana direct to PV. In classic style, great food was served and the wine flowed freely during our flight. No, we weren’t in First Class; that was typical coach service for Mexicana. Maybe that’s why they went bankrupt some years later. As the plane landed, two buses sped out to meet us and ferry all of us eager sun seekers to the tiny terminal. Coming down the stairway on to the tarmac and walking to the bus, that initial blast

of hot humid air told us we’d arrived in Mexico for the very first time. The Customs and Immigration forms we’d been given were pretty primitive and all in Spanish but apparently we’d completed them correctly. After producing our birth certificates, our arrival was official and the sole officer on duty waved us through. No passports required in those days. I can’t remember if the road to town was two or four lanes, but it certainly wasn’t the eight lanes you see today. There were no palm trees or landscaped medians. There weren’t even any traffic signals. Small farms surrounded the bullring and dirt roads meandered off on both sides of the main road. It was quite pastoral and yet exciting at the same time. Sadly, it was soon time to return home. Upon arrival at the airport we got in line to pay our departure tax. This tax is now conveniently bundled with the airfare but in those days it meant standing in a long slow moving line and paying with

exact change. Pesos only. You had to plan ahead for this. The four gates were labeled A-D. All outbound passengers gathered in the small waiting area, most of us standing as there were few seats. No gate assignments were posted. Finally an airport employee raised a bullhorn and announced “San Francisco Puerta D”. The rest was in Spanish but we got the point. Most of the crowd surged towards Puerta D. Clearly the boarding would not be by zones or even rows. It gave new meaning to the term “cattle call”. Minutes later, the same employee announced a change to Puerta A. Why the gate changed remains a mystery to me. There was only one flight and the gates were all in a row. With no jet ways, why didn’t they just have us walk the short distance? As the years passed and Puerto Vallarta’s popularity grew, so too did the airport. I think it has been expanded four times since that first visit. Dozens of flights arrive weekly, year-round. The road to town has expanded to eight lanes with an abundance of traffic signals. The now abandoned bullring has buildings close by, including a modern shopping mall. With each visit we grew accustomed to the changes and after moving here, now we just take them in stride. Most people who come here fall in love with Vallarta. If this is your first visit, when you return you will have your own story of then and now. Until then, que les vayan bien.

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Wellness

Finding

Latina

Your Purpose

Marcella Castellanos

Rhonda Zarate

info@wellnesslatina.com

5 Amazing Benefits of Lavender Essential Oil

ssential oils have been around for thousands of years and used in some of the oldest civilizations, so it should come as no surprise that they are both beneficial and effective for our holistic health and well being. One of the most basic and primary essential oils you should have on hand is lavender oil. This magical oil has numerous benefits and will absolutely come in handy if you have little ones to watch over. The aroma from lavender oil is heavenly and calming and is great to diffuse in your home; you only need about 3-4 drops. You can also apply it to your hands, wrists, chest, neck, and feet. Some people find it best to dilute 2-3 drops of the oil with 1-2 drops of water when applying directly to the skin. You can also apply some to your hand, then cup both hands around your mouth and breathe deeply. Inhalation of lavender essential oil can be very therapeutic.

rhondazaratelifestyle@gmail.com

One of my favorite ways to benefit from lavender oil is from tea. Pour a couple of drops into your tea, or brew a lavender blend for a wonderful relaxing treat. It must be a pure, therapeutic grade quality. Using these methods of application, lavender essential oil can: 1. Help You Sleep Lavender oil has a soothing aroma that can ease insomnia and help you get an overall restful sleep at night. 2. Relieve Anxiety Using lavender oil can have a calming and relaxing effect that eases tension from stress, nervousness, and anxiety. 3. Ease Pain From Minor Burns Putting a few drops of lavender oil on a minor burn can help ease the pain from the burn, lower swelling, and even help guard against blistering. 4. Moisturize Your Skin Get relief from dry, chapped, sunburned, or eczema skin problems with the smoothing and moisturizing effects of lavender oil.

5. Clean and disinfect minor cuts/wounds Lavender oil helps to stop bleeding of minor cuts and scrapes. It is also an anti-bacterial so it will clean and disinfect these wounds as well. Apply 2-3 drops to the infected area. You can find pure, therapeutic grade lavender oil in Vallarta by visiting my website and clicking on essential oils. Essential oils are a wonderful way to enhance your health and wellbeing. If you have questions about the benefits or uses of the oils, please feel free to contact me.

I'm a bilingual, bicultural Certified Wellness Coach. My mission is to empower you to become the best version of yourself so that you are unstoppably fulfilling your dreams! My approach is holistic. I help you incorporate, visualization, plant-strong nutrition, fun Latin movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you want to feel like the amazing, vibrant person you know you are this year download my FREE guide at www.wellnesslatina.com.

The Art of being a Good Host

inally our beloved son arrived! It has been five long years since he has come for a visit. We have always been the ones making the trek up to the Great White North. So his arrival has inspired us to pull out all the bells and whistles to make this vacation the best. I have been lying awake at night plotting out the perfect vacation for him. What should we do? Sailing, golfing, zip lining, hiking, horseback riding, take in the Art Walk, Shuffle, all the while visiting all five markets in the Bay. Did I mention he is here for six days, two of those travel days? Yes I am ambitious at cramming events in! Upon his arrival, I was bursting at the seams to show him the Master Plan of all agendas. I handed him his itinerary with great anticipation and delight. Thinking he would be dazzled by his brilliant Mother’s scheduling abilities. Instead, I got a shocked, what the hell, look. He simply put my beautiful itinerary down on the table and said, “Mom, thanks for the suggestions, but all I just want to do is watch football, drink beer, eat tacos and catch some pool time.” WHAT!!!! My mind raced, thoughts darting, what about all the fun we are going to create, all the culture we would miss. For football and beer, seriously? I am proud to say, I pulled myself together, tossed the paper and went to search for my Bronco’s Jersey. Hey, when you can’t beat them, you gotta join them. What we learnt from this moment is, life does not have to be so rigidly

structured to be perfect. When we are in the flow of things, life just beautifully unfolds. Being together, just hanging was the most joyful moments we could have planned and it was not scheduled! When we think things have to be perfect, we forget that simply spending time together can just be what the doctor ordered. Getting busy with a schedule, that in itself can become stressful. Then the schedule can take on a life of its own, the bickering and stress can escalate, pretty soon everyone is exhausted and our guests need to go on a vacation to recover from their vacation. We make a conscious choice to live our lives with the philosophy of enjoying each other's company, letting things unfold as they are meant to. That's what we did with his trip, we shot some pool, caught a few games of football, ate a lot of tacos and just enjoyed each other. I thank our son for standing in his authenticity, saying it like it is. It taught me a lesson about being chill, enjoying our journey together. It’s so much more fun to live in the possibility of spontaneity versus rigid structure. Mexico is a great place to be in the moment, being open to stopping and smelling the roses, feeling the sunshine on your face, the sand between your toes and a cold beer in your hand! Homework: Schedule less and play more!  Rhonda is a REALTOR, Author & Motivational Speaker/Coach. She is the “Happy Heart Home Hunter.” Check her out at w ww.rhondazaratelifestyle or her Facebook Blog Rhonda Zarate Lifestyle & Real Estate.

The Real BBQ

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

David Bowie – Musical Innovator of the 20th Century By Fred Jacobs

ith the sad news of a true music trailblazer passing this past week, I thought it fitting that we look back at the man, the myth, and the innovative talent that was David Bowie. David was born David Jones in south London on January 8, 1947. In grammar school, David found he was drawn to music. At age 13 he was inspired by the Jazz music found in London’s West End and David became quite proficient with the saxophone while also studying art and design. At age 15, he joined his first group called “The Gophers” playing guitar based rock. They had minor local success, but still mostly played at weddings and social events. At age 16, David left Tech School and informed his parents he wanted to be a “pop star”. His mother was not impressed and sent David to work as an electrician’s helper. Some of the early bands David played with included The KonRads, The King Bees, the Mannish Boys and the Lower Third. After bouncing from band to band, David had a signature long hair cut and dreams of making it big. He landed manager Kenneth Pitt to help get his career going and David Bowie was born. In July of 1969, David released his first single “Space Oddity” which shot up to the top five in the UK singles chart. In 1971, David released his

first album “The Man Who Sold the World”. Many music historians point to this album as the early birth point of Heavy Metal Rock and the first signs of the coming Glam Rock revolution. Over a period of years, David explored himself, acting, love, Tibetan Buddhism and resurfaced to introduce the world to Ziggy Stardust in 1972. David was always fearlessly reinventing himself and this flamboyant and androgynous alter ego, Ziggy Stardust was proof of that. Ziggy became a phenomenon with his single "Starman" and the album “The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars”. 1972 was the year that David Bowie got his first taste of true pop stardom. Many reviewers of the July live performance at “Top of the

Pops” and his rock-n-roll creation Ziggy Stardust staged one of the most spectacular and innovative live shows to date. The craze that followed was the beginning of his superstar myth and GQ Magazine editor said “the sound of the suburbs suddenly got a whole lot louder.” The US “Ziggy” tour began in September, with sold-out shows full of theatrically inspired Japanese costumes and a bold approach to performance that took the audience into a rock-n-roll fervor. At the last show of the tour in June of 1973, David shocked the audience, the world and the band alike, by announcing this would be the end of Ziggy Stardust. David was always about reinvention and this was just part of his journey.

Through the 70’s and into the 80’s, he began caollaborating and producing music with the likes of Lou Reed, John Lennon, Queen (“Under Pressure” #1 in UK/US charts) and a host of music icons of the day. David also found new commercial success in the 1980’s with his own “Let’s Dance” album. Let’s Dance became David’s most commercially successful album of his career, selling over 7 million albums. The album also greatly influenced up and coming talent including Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Boy George. As always Bowie was at the cutting the edge with the first ever download of a song distributed through the internet in 1996, “Telling Lies”. 350,000 young Americans downloaded this song off of the internet. A new age of digital music had begun and hardly anybody realized the scope of the internet, especially the record company bosses at the time. Again, Bowie was at least ten years ahead of the crowd. David enjoyed acting as well and took occasional big screen roles including “The Man Who Fell to Earth” (1976), “Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence” (1983), “Labyrinth” (1986), “The Last Temptation of Christ” (1988), among other film and television appearances and cameos. David was married twice. First from 1970-1980 to American model Angie Bowie and the two had a son,

Duncan. Duncan is a successful film director, producer and screenwriter in his own right. David later married the world famous model Iman in 1992 and they remained together until his passing. David turned into an astute businessman in his later years, after almost falling into bankruptcy in the 1970’s. After some bad investments advice, David regrouped and amassed an amazing fortune. In 1997 Bowie issued “Bowie Bonds” which gave Bowie a flat fee of $55 million US and the investors received all the royalties to David’s music recorded up to 1990, for a 10 year period. In 2007, all rights to the music reverted back to Bowie. By the end, David amassed a tidy estate of $200 million US to be split between his wife Iman and his two children. The last 18 months, David kept his liver cancer diagnosis very private and only his closest family, friends and advisers knew of the illness. He continued to write music and even signed on to write the music for a new Broadway play. Despite his illness, he never fell into self-pity mode. David Bowie sold more than 140 million albums over his 40 year career, but more importantly, he was an innovative and forward thinking musical genius, whose influence will be missed. Fred Jacobs is the author of three books and is a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta.

David Bowie: astronomers give the Starman his own constellation By Bonnie Malkin

cientists have registered a constellation shaped like a lightning bolt in honour of David Bowie and his out-of-thisworld talent David Bowie has been given his own constellation, consisting of seven stars that shine in the shape of the lightning bolt. Belgian astronomers announced the registration of the constellation, which appropriately sits in the vicinity of Mars, following the artist’s death last week. It is a fitting homage to Bowie, who used the universe as a key inspiration throughout his career. Bowie first found success with the single Space Oddity and later crafted the persona Ziggy Stardust, an extra-terrestrial rockstar. His hits also included Starman and Life on

Mars. He appeared on the cover of the 1973 album Aladdin Sane with a red and blue lightning bolt painted on one side of his face. Belgian radio station Studio Brussel and the MIRA public observatory teamed up to register the constellation, but finding the right place for the legendary rock star in the heavens was a complicated task. Philippe Mollet from the MIRA Observatory said in a statement: “it was not easy to determine the appropriate stars”. “Studio Brussels asked us to give Bowie a unique place in the galaxy,” he said. “Referring to his various albums, we chose seven stars — Sigma Librae, Spica, Alpha Virginis, Zeta Centauri, SAA 204 132, and the Beta Sigma Octantis Trianguli Australis — in the vicinity of Mars.

“The constellation is a copy of the iconic Bowie lightning and was recorded at the exact time of his death.” The creation of the constella-

tion is part of the Stardust for Bowie tribute project, where fans can use Google Sky to add their favorite Bowie songs with a short note to a

virtual version of the constellation. Bowie died on 10 January aged 69 after an 18-month battle with cancer. Original: The Guardian

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Open Doors, Open Hearts

tion they make to others! Pat Bendix mentioned that she and her husband first started opening their two-bedroom home to the Home Tours in 1998 and have always appreciated all that IFC does in this community. Pat considers that she is a goodwill ambassador for Mexico and loves answering the many questions that people have about living here. During their travels around Mexico Pat and her husband bought many items of Mexican folk-art such as woodcarvings, textiles, ceramics and masks and she enjoys discussing these with visitors. “Casa Bendix” is used by the Home Tours about once a month for

an hour or so. Although IFC has wonderful support from our homeowners, we always appreciate any new homes that can be added to our inventory. If you, or someone you know, is willing to open your home to the IFC Home Tour for just an hour or two once a month please contact Ann Boughn at aboughn@yahoo.com. or Conrad Kostelecky at Hankandconrad@ yahoo.com. If you would like to take a Home Tour, see some great homes and meet some fascinating and very generous people please book a tour at www.toursforvallarta.com Thursday evening enrichment--the IFC is the place to be! Cultural enrichment and education is an important part of the mission of the International Friendship Club so we offer a series of presentations on a variety of topics. Everyone is welcome to attend some or all of these upcoming presentations on Thursday evenings at 7:00 PM. They will be held at the IFC clubhouse, which is above the HSBC bank in El Centro. At the corner of Miramar and Libertad. Thursday January 28 at 7:00pm – Elinor Florence will present A Bird’s Eye View about World War II Canadian women in uniform. Elinor is a career journalist who wrote for newspapers and magazines including Reader’s Digest and is an extremely entertaining speaker. Join us for a fascinating look at the important role Canadian women in uniform played during World War II.

all away. After seeing so many within the community lining up while still dark and cold to have their animals sterilized, we knew we had to step up. For example, there we an elderly gentlemen who trapped two stray cats in his neighborhood and brought them to us to be fixed. How can you turn someone away who so understands our objectives? What to do?!?! Start reaching out to friends for donations to cover the expense of an additional clinic! We could NEVER have done such a large number of animals without the assistance of some wonderful people. Due to the volume, we pulled our vet from the sanctuary (Javier) to assist Dr. Poli who was already scheduled to work the clinic. And were lucky to encounter a wonderful experienced vet from the US who was willing to tackle the gatos. Thanks to Tess Peavy and her husband from Neuter Scooter (https://www.facebook.com/NeuterScooter-134452713271544/). We

hope you come back again soon! We also need to give a shout out to two incredible volunteers. Rob Villegas, a qualified vet tech, was there all day along with his wife Emily. Rob assisted with the pre-op process. And kudos to Nancy Coates, a longtime volunteer with Colina Spay & Neuter, who trained us newbies on the proper post-op procedures. The number of volunteers who were available was incredible. I personally apologize for not gathering everyone’s name in order to thank them here. But we can name just a few of the incredible folks who stayed all day and donated money and/or their time to ensure a successful clinic: Sandra Briones, Leighton Devine, Lynnette Fairclough, Janice Gonzalez, Cathy Gordon, Livia Hevia, Margaret Kenefick, Tina Kunkel, Robin McCaffry, Brian Twigg, Wendy Urban and Luz Wong. Thanks also to Lisa Taron for her donation.

By John Warren

any people in Puerto Vallarta open their hearts and their wallets to support charities such as RISE, Pasitos de Luz and Corazón de Niña which in turn help the children of this city by providing love, a home, food, education and medical help. The International Friendship Club (IFC) has supported these organizations and its own cleft palate surgical program for more than twenty years by running its Home Tours. These tours are very well received by many of our returning clients as well as by Trip Advisor reviewers. But none of this would be possible without the generosity of the homeowners who open their doors to the Home Tour visitors and their hearts to those children of Vallarta who benefit so much from their kindness. Who are they? Why do they do it? Read on…. Jean-Daniel Kermelly told me “The reason why I open Villa Bahia to the International Friendship Club is because I believe it is important for everyone to give back to the community. We are very fortunate to call Puerto Vallarta home. Many people and organizations need our help so I like to help different charitable causes. The Home Tours have been very popular for many years. People like to discover different type

EXPAT Q&A Question: Does anyone know how to check vehicle permit status (and dates) on the SAT website. I entered Mexico with a 30 day visa and now hold a Residente Temporal. I went through the steps with Aduana to change the TIP, but am having trouble checking the status on the SAT website. Thanks!

Answer: This should be it: https://portalsat. plataforma.sat.gob.mx/ aduanas_cpitv_internet/ index.aspx

of architecture and interior décor. Villa Bahia provides a Mexican contemporary architecture with a transitional décor to accentuate the Mexican artworks through out the villa. Every year I open my doors to IFC. I’m very happy to help the community through them.” Jerry and Shelley Rapp retired twelve years ago and decided to spend six months a year in PV, so they bought the house of their dreams “Casa Ensueño”. Like many of us, they had always been interested in seeing other people’s homes during their travels and decided to open their own five-bedroom home for others to enjoy.

During the early years of retirement Shelley volunteered as a docent and Jerry was the publicity guy for the tours. Nowadays, they are happy to know that opening their home for an hour or so, three or four times a season, contributes to IFC’s work. Lionel Cunningham and Garin Bakel own two homes in Puerto Vallarta (Casa Owaissa and Casa de la Hoja). Not only do these gentlemen open their homes to the tours but also, when the medical team come to PV to operate on our cleft palate kids, their homes are used as accommodation by the surgeons and nurses. What a great contribu-

SPCA of Puerto Vallarta By Janice Gonzalez

OW! What a day. As you may have read here in earlier newsletters, there has been a big push to sterilize the cats that live on the Isla Cuale. This is a wonderful island within the heart of old town which unfortunately has been a favorite dumping ground for unwanted cats and kittens. Their population has created many problems within the community and we have all been concerned that drastic measures might be taken to reduce the population. So, not unexpected based on the animals lovers here, we all decided there had to be a better way to deal with the problem. Foremost, we need to sterilize the existing animals to eliminate future unwanted births. But further, we need to change behavior by educating the community. The first step

toward that goal was to encourage residents to sterilize their animals. No unwanted babies…no animals dumped on the island. To that end, a number of organizations and individuals have committed to making available free spay/neuter clinics once per month on the island. This past Sunday was the first, sponsored by the SPCA. We made our commitment to sponsor the initial clinic and sterilize 30 animals. Let me tell you the surprise we volunteers encountered when we arrived on the island at 7 am to begin registration. There was a very long queue of owners who had arrived as early as 6:30 am to ensure their cats and dogs were sterilized. We eventually had to turn people away after we doubled the number of animals we had allotted for this event. But, we could not turn them

art & culture

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Galeria Pacifico: A Leading Gallery Since 1987 T he 2015-16 Art Season marks Galeria Pacifico´s twenty eighth year of showcasing some of the most talented artists working in Mexico. These have been primarily from Mexico, but also from other Latin American countries such as Cuba, Chile and Argentina, as well as a few artists from the United States residing in Mexico. January has been devoted to the solo exhibition of Brewster Brockmann, a locally based painter and sculptor who grew up in Guadalajara with an American mother and a Mexican father. The next show will be with a painter still living in Guadalajara, Alfredo Langarica, who´s exhibit will be inaugurated on February 3rd during the weekly Wednesday Art Walk from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. This will be followed by an exhibition on February 24th for Hugo Barajas, an artist who splits his time between this area and Guadalajara. This show of paintings, bronze sculptures and fused glass pieces will be mounted through the

end of March. In early April there will be a collective exhibit of six artists from Central Mexico: Juan Ezcurdia, Magdiel Perez and Cati Demme of San Miguel de Allende; Alfonso

Sosa of Queretaro ; Angel Pajuama of Morelia and Aida Emart of Mexico City. The Free Malecon Sculpture Tours conducted by Galeria Pacifico´s owner/director, Gary

Thompson every Tuesday morning at 9:30 for the last ten winters will end for the season on April 19th. Galeria Pacifico represents three of the sculptors with bronzes on the Malecon: Ramiz Barquet with the

couple on the bench, “Nostalgia,”; Jim Demetro of the “Vallarta Dancers,” and Mathis Lidice of the “Millennium” sculpture where the tour starts next to the Hotel Rosita at the north end of the promenade.

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

riviera nayarit

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Exploring the towns of the Sierra Madre

s the fifth most bio-diverse country in the world, Mexico boasts a huge array of wildlife, cultures, ecological zones and more. If you’re looking to explore a little further past your beach chair, here are some of our top picks within a few hours (or maybe a little more) drive from the Bay of Banderas into the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Mazamitla

Hacienda Sepúlveda

Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco

The Historic Center of Lagos is not only one of the largest and richest in Mexico, but also the best-preserved in Jalisco and one of the most beautiful in the central region of the country. It is not by accident that it has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. At the famous Casa de Antigüedades Montecristo you will find antique furniture, paintings and lamps. Even if you aren’t buying anything, you should still visit to see the building and its amazing contents. This town is the center of one of the main dairy areas in the country and the local cheeses are fantastic. We recommend Productos Lácteos Thomsen, which are sold at a private residence at 375 Rita Pérez Street. Home of one of the 10 most romantic hotels in all of Mexico the Hacienda Sepúlveda is a spectacular example of the opulent

haciendas of years past and great place to spend a few days romancing the one you love. 485kms – 6.5 hours

Mazamitla, Jalisco

Mazamitla is a town surrounded by the Sierra del Tigre forest; it's perfect for lovers of the outdoors with plenty of hiking in the pinescented fresh air. The town's cool climate stimulates the senses and provokes sweet temptations, contented by the unbeatable traditional Mazamitla-style jellies and jams. There is much to do in this charming little town dubbed the Jaliscan Alps. There are tours into the Sierra that include horseback riding to waterfalls, touring a working ranch

or a trout hatchery and hiking through valleys of pine forests. At the end of your day you can head out and go dancing at La Malinche, a club that is said to be the biggest in all of Jalisco. 16 kilometers from Mazamitla is the Tierra Aventura Ecological Park: it's one of the best places for engaging in extreme sports. The park has a zip-line circuit whose lines get longer and longer until you get to one that is nearly 1,000 meters from start to finish. You can also rappel, rock climb, rent quads for visiting a nearby dam, and take a boat ride. Children aren't left out of the fun and you'll also find a special zip-line, horses for rent, barbeque grills, and a camping area. 382kms – 5 hrs 45 minutes

Jala, Nayarit Possibly you’ve driven past on your way to Guadalajara and thought little of this town but paused when you saw the fields of volcanic rock. Among the swathes of green and black that make up the foothills of Volcán El Ceboruco lies this adorable pueblo. Its perfect cobblestone streets and 18th- and 19th-century mansions have visitors hooked in an instant. Clean and well cared for this little town is an instant charmer. Volcan El Ceboruco is just under 10 miles away from the town centre but at 7,380 feet above sea level it looms over the valley. While it looks close, the road takes nearly an hour to

get you to the crater which is a lush green valley with fumaroles emitting jets of hot steam to the sound of hundreds of song birds. You do have to let the Jala Municipal office know if you are planning on hiking the volcano. There are a couple simple hotels and plenty of great hole in the wall places to eat. The town is home to a miracle, or so the locals say. When faced with a devastating drought about fifty years ago they carried the Virgin of Guadalupe statue through the village and miraculously it began to rain. The story was much longer in Spanish but I didn’t catch much more than that. 194 kms – 3 hours 12 minutes

San Blas: Bio-Diversity, Culture and History

t certain times of year you can expect a crowd in San Blas – eighty percent of the Pacific migratory bird population to be exact – but you’ll have to search hard for familiar resort brand names. This small fishing village nestled along the magnificent coastline of Riviera Nayarit is all about “local” – authentic, welcoming Mexico at its best – in a setting of extraordinary natural abundance. There is no place better to discover history, cultural traditions and the variety of nature while pursuing any manner of outdoor activity, including whale watching, boating and surfing to mountain biking, canoeing through mangrove estuaries and bird watching. One of the most enjoyable experiences is to visit La Tovara National Park. Take a small motorboat with guide into the waterways of the park through the mangroves,

then as the fresh water from the mountains meets the salt water from the sea, tall swaying reeds line your route. Be prepared to encounter the roseate spoonbill, the black-bellied tree duck and the bumblebee hummingbird among many other winged creatures. At the end of the journey, you can visit Crocodile Reserve to see hundreds of crocodiles from lively newborns to huge, sleepy older ones. Some visitors come to San Blas specially to experience one of Mexico’s most famous dining scenes – El Delfin Restaurant at the Hotel Garza Canela, whose chef, Betty Vasquez, studied at The Cordon Bleu School of Culinary Arts in Paris and with Chef Arzak in Spain. Chef Vasquez blends fresh Mexican fish and vegetables with international recipes to create her own matchless culinary style. Be sure to try the casual seafood restaurants tucked under

cooling palm awnings along the beaches known for the local specialty, marinated red snapper grilled open over the coals, and chopped ceviche. Other local restaurants include the San Blas Social Club, with its steaks and blue shrimp scampi, Billy Bob’s Café and there’s even a Chinese restaurant in town. San Blas is where Junipero Serra, the Spanish priest, sailed to begin his quest to build missions throughout California, a period of history marked by the still standing colonial fort in San Blas. Henry

Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem “The Bells of San Blas” is reputedly inspired by the village, even though the author never visited himself. Today, the beach from which Serra sailed is better known for having the longest surfable wave in the world, according to the Guinness Book of Records. Several top festivals are celebrated in San Blas. Each January, the International Festival of Migratory Birds and over 500 species of the region’s feathered friends attract visitors and professional ornithologists from around the

world . The International Fishing Tournament is celebrated each June, when the big game fish proliferate in the waters off the coast of the town. The colorful festival of the “Virgen de la Marinera takes place each year on October 7th. Nearby attractions include the tiny historic island of Mexcaltitan, known as the birthplace of the Aztec civilization and the ‘Venice of Nayarit” for the many canals throughout the island. Los Toriles in Ixtlan del Rio has interesting ruins of a temple and tombs, as well as a small museum for archeology buffs to explore. Whether your interest is studying Mexico’s rich biodiversity in the water or on land, or simply escaping to a place far removed from the cares of the world, San Blas is the perfect choice. For more information about Riviera Nayarit, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com or follow Riviera Nayarit's Fan Page on Facebook.

riviera nayarit

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

Why Should You Learn Spanish?

any people come to this beautiful paradise known as the Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit year after year; some relocating for life without ever learning Spanish past simple sentences like: Where is the bathroom?, Give me another beer/ margarita/taco! and What is your name? Although some may think that is all you really need to know (LOL)! When you don’t know Spanish you are limiting yourself from experiencing the Mexican culture along with deeper and more meaningful conversations and relationships. Let’s face it folks, we are in MEXICO, and this is the language spoken here. I know many folks from the states get angry when foreigners don’t speak English, so why would it be any different here? Sure, you can “get by”, but wouldn’t you like more Spanish speaking friends, or to understand what is being said? There are many other reasons to learn this beautiful language and here are a few: 1. The United States, known as “the melting pot”; Spanish is the second most spoken language in the U.S. (and growing) with an estimated 37.6 million people speaking Spanish as their first language and is the second largest Spanish speaking country in the world behind Mexico, but ahead of Columbia, Spain and Argentina. Projections indicate that the U.S. could even surpass Mexico by

2050 to become the world’s largest Spanish speaking country. WOW! Spanish is moving away from being a foreign language. 2. Learning a second language improves your brain and helps your mind to stay sharp longer. Being bilingual also can improve your cognitive skills which are not related to language. The University of Ghent in Belgium published a study that shows being bilingual can also delay the onset of Alzheimer’s and “contributes to cognitive reserve and postpones the symptoms of dementia”. Let’s face it; our brains need all the help we can get! 3. Do you like going to the movies? Learn Spanish so you no longer need to read the subtitles.. And you will also have a lot more choices of movies to watch here in Mexico. It’s also fun to understand songs in Spanish! 4. Do you get tired asking for help from your friends who do speak Spanish? OR..are they getting tired of you asking for help? Learning Spanish will help you to be more independent, whether you’re here in Mexico, Texas or New Mexico. 5. Are you single? Dating someone without being able to communicate efficiently can be a real drag for the both of you. Romance is a lot more fun when you take the time to learn their native tongue. You will also be able to speak to their family. 6. Travel the world! With approximately 329 million native Spanish speaking people on the planet, these folks also populate some of the most awesome destinations in

the world. Visiting somewhere less touristy is more fun when you can speak the language. Living here on the Banderas Bay can also be more exciting when you speak Spanish as it will help you to get off the beaten path and discover some real culture. 7. JOBS! Knowing a second language is always going to be beneficial. The pay scale is much larger. Make the investment in your future. 8. Get to know your neighbors. Gestures go a long way, and by attempting speaking Spanish with your Spanish speaking neighbors goes a long way with them. They really love it when you try! Speaking another language like Spanish not only makes you smarter, but will also improve your English and critical thinking skills. Who wouldn’t want that? Sure, learning a new language takes commitment and a little bit of time. Once you get over the initial “hump” and practice speaking every day, it gets easier and easier. Poco y Poco! I have lived here almost six years full-time. One would think I would (and should) be completely bilingual by now. But I am not, which is quite embarrassing! I only get by, and very poorly. I have Rosetta Stone (all 5 levels) and Spanish Synergy (which I love) online, along with workbooks. I also created flash cards. I just never fully committed to it. I am always so busy working …yada..yada…yada! So, I have began a Spanish class in La Cruz; committing to two times a week (Monday and Thursday from 11-12:30) at Ana Banana’s with instructor George Lions. His charge is by donation, which is very generous. He teaches at all levels. There are many ways to learn, and for me, it’s so much easier to learn by “doing”. There are lots of classes around the Bay area. The Amigos de Bucerias also offer a Spanish class with Sean, and from Spanish Professor Jorge Sonia in Bucerias (322-728-9252) and Ana at the La Cruz Marina also has a great class. Ask around and you will find one! Immersing yourself whilst in Mexico is the way to go. Just go for it and have some fun. If I can do it so can you! Be sure to check out the Calendars to find out what’s up! On allBucerias.com and allLaCruz.com …. And the RivieraNayaritFun.com page and FBook page too! Thanks for checking in and enjoy the week! For any comments or questions send an email to Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com ¡Nos vemos luego!

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

St. Regis Punta Mita welcomes new GM

tarwood Hotels & Resorts (NYSE: HOT), is pleased to announce that James Hughes has been appointed as General Manager of the iconic St. Regis Punta Mita Resort. A veteran of the luxury hospitality industry, Hughes has over 30 years experience and is the ideal person to take the leadership of the St.Regis Punta Mita; Hughes previously held the same post in W Santiago and replaces Carl Emberson. "With over thirty years of experience and nearly a decade with Starwood Hotels & Resorts, we are very happy to welcome James and his warm leadership to The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort," JeanMarc Janod, Vice President and Chief of Operations to Mexico and Central America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. "The precise understanding of James in hospitality management, sales and marketing, coupled with its long-term passion for personalized customer service and vision, will further enhance the luxury experience guests expect when they visit The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort ". Strategically located in Punta Mita, Riviera Nayarit, The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is positioned as one of the most prestigious hotels worldwide, being supported by customers and the press with the most acclaimed awards in the industry including Hotel No. 1 in Mexico by TripAdvisor World's Best Awards by Travel + Leisure, Reader's Choice Awards by Condé Nast Traveler, AAA Five Diamond and Best Hotels in the World by Business Insider, among others. "I am excited to return to Mexico and lead the team of The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, which is distinguished by its genuine and impec-

cable personalized service leading to new horizons the warmth of Mexican hospitality," said James Hughes. Hughes is widely recognized in the industry as a visionary and successful hotel. Before joining The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Hughes served as General Manager at the W hotel in Santiago de Chile, where he led its opening in 2008, including the arrival of the W brand to the Chilean market. Under his leadership, he was awarded the Best Business Hotel in Chile by the World Travel Awards, considered among the World's Best Awards by Condé Nast Traveler and included in the It List, the list of Best New Hotels by Travel + Leisure, among many other awards. Before joining Starwood Hotels & Resorts, James was Director General of The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, the first hotel chain in Latin America. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay and graduated from the University of Maryland in the United States, James Hughes has a celebrated career in various roles in the leading hotel chains like W, The Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt and Holiday Inn. His leadership and inclusive vision has led Hughes to occupy executive positions in various associations and institutions as President of the Association of Luxury Brands; Board Member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Chile; Vice President of the Office for the Promotion of Santiago, and Board Member of the Tourist Promotion of Chile. James Hughes, father of four children, lover of great wines and horses, a passion that you can share with the guests of St. Regis who enjoy the St. Regis Polo Cup organized around the world.

Looking For The Tribune? Delivered on Thursday and Friday to local restaurants, real estate offices and shops, you can also now pick up the Vallarta Tribune at the La Cruz Farmers Market every Sunday at the Amigo's de La Cruz booth. Located across from the music area.

riviera nayarit

Festival Sayulita

First 9 Holes Are Open At Vidanta’s Greg Norman Course

January 28-31

estival Sayulita remains committed to bringing in creative, artisan Mexican spirits and this year will be no exception. Throughout the festival, free tastings will be offered in different venues and it is a great chance to become familiar with the stellar spirits Mexico has to offer. Wahaka Mezcal will be showing off their five different types of Mezcal.

They produce this the traditional way, using three different types of agave plants. Los Cuentos Brewery is also a newcomer to the event and will show off their local, growing microbrew. Wine connoisseurs everywhere will love getting to know Decantos a new, artisan winery located in Valle de Guadelupe. To learn more about this popular weekend festival, visit www.festivalsayulita.com

FIND US IN SAYULITA!

he Vallarta Tribune is now available in Sayulita at the Friday Farmers Market as well as local cafes and restaurants around town including: North Side Café, ChocoBanana Ya-Ya’s Café Café El Espresso, Don Pedro’s Restaurant ALSO! We now have a permanent space at the Amigos De La Cruz booth in the La Cruz Sunday Farmers Market. We look forward to better serving the Sayulita and Riviera Nayarit communities.

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

onstruction on the nine remaining holes is expected to end around summer of this year; Vidanta Golf launched special rates to promote its golf courses. The first nine holes in the new Greg Norman in Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta are open for play to tourists, visitors and residents, who can now enjoy a game to preview the course. The new golf course is located just across the Ameca River inside the Vidanta complex. The course is still under construction and it’s expected to be complete this summer. Once it’s finished it will host an inaugural tournament. With this new course Vidanta unites two of the world’s top names in golf course design—Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman—each bringing their own unique construction characteristics. Tom Stickney, director of the

Vidanta Golf Academy, said that both courses would have certain differences among them, each with features peculiar to their designers. According to Stickney, the Greg Norman courses usually increase in difficulty the closer you are to the hole, while those designed by Jack Nicklaus tend to swing left to right with more undulations, to mention just a few outstanding characteristics. Players will have a view of the Sierra Madre from the

Greg Norman Golf Course and will be able to enjoy birds, crocodiles, trees, water canals and the lush nature surrounding the greens. Special Promotions The courses are available from 3 p.m. on via different promotional packages: the special rate for play on the Jack Nicklaus Course is $79 USD; it’s $125 for a round on the Greg Norman Course. This promotion includes golf club rentals.

2016 Mexican Beach Volleyball Tour

he beach at Rincón de Guayabitos will host 32 of the top doubles teams in Mexico; entrance is free for the general public. Rincón de Guayabitos will host the fourth edition of the Mexican Beach Volleyball Tour from January 22-24, 2016; among the players is Nayarit native Juan Virgen and Rodolfo Ontiveros from Sinaloa, the world-class doubles team that’s already in line to represent Mexico in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. The top 32 Men’s and Women’s categories doubles teams in the country will be seeking volleyball glory at the beach in Rincón

de Guayabitos (next to the breakwater). The winnings total 60 thousand pesos. Entrance is free to the general public and activities will begin at 8:30 a.m. This event has the backing of all three levels of government as well as the Comisión Nacional de Cultura Física y Deporte (CONADE), the Nayarit State Government and the Municipality of Compostela and it also received the endorsement of the Mexican Volleyball Federation. The participation of these entities and other sponsors is essential for the success of this national competition.

expats

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Mailing Stuff from Abroad-Tax Traps for the Unwary by Orlando Gotay, Tax Attorney

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure

ome time ago, I attended an event where I had the opportunity to listen to the concerns of expats. One was patently clear. People were concerned of what wrapping up their affairs be like, if they were to pass on while residing in Mexico. One of the things that people discover when the time comes, is that local authorities will require documents such as birth, marriage or divorce certificates from your home country. In original, of course. But here comes the rub.

Let’s take a birth certificate. In the United States, an original stands on its own, and requires no further authentication. Outside of the United States, by itself, it can be just about useless. Enter the Apostille [uh-pos-til]. An Apostille is a certificate issued by a designated authority in a country where the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents, Apostille Convention, is in force. Apostilles authenticate the seals and signatures of officials on public documents such as birth certificates, notarials (affidavits), court orders, or any other document issued by a public authority, so that they can be recognized in foreign countries that are parties to the

Convention. Mexico and the U.S. recognize documents with Apostilles. Sorry, Canada is not a member of the convention and therefore has an even more complex procedure to get documents authenticated. Eh? Each state has a designated procedure (and officials) to affix Apostilles to their own documents. The document has to be sent to them, a fee paid, the Apostille is attached and returned to you. Federal governments documents

t is not too soon to think about registering to vote in the 2016 US primaries and the November 8, 2016 general election from here in Mexico. Some states require you to re-register every year if you live abroad or will be abroad during election periods. On March 1st and on March 3rd from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm Democrats Abroad Mexico – Costa Banderas Chapter members will

be available to help you register to vote in your state’s primary and general elections. We will be set up at The International Friendship Club located at Libertad 105, Puerto Vallarta. We can assist people in signing up to become a member of Democrats Abroad, assist them in voting in Democrats Abroad’s Global Presidential Primary, or help them register to vote in the last state in which they voted.

US DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY VOTE FROM MEXICO ONLINE OR IN PERSON MARCH 1ST OR 3RD WHERE: INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CLUB TERRACE (Libertad 150, PV, across the street from the Municipal Market) WHEN: MARCH 1ST OR MARCH 3RD 9:30 TO 1:00 (both days) Read the article for more information

If you would like to vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary online you must first be a member of Democrats Abroad which can be done by going to: http://www.democratsabroad.org/join. Then once you are a member, you can request your ballot by going to: http://www. democratsabroad.org/global_ presidential_primary. If you would prefer to register to vote in your state’s primary and the general election and receive your ballots here in Mexico, you can go to: www.votefromabroad.org. Please request both an FPCA (Federal Post Card Application) and a FWAB (Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot). This system is set up to assist people regardless of their party affiliation. The exceptions to this process are those who last voted in Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina because their primaries will come before the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary. If you last voted in Iowa or Nevada (two of the states that

get Apostilles attached by the US Department of State. You can see that this multiple step process can take quite a bit of time. If you reside abroad, or are here frequently, this is precisely why I am a strong advocate for getting these documents apostilled ahead of time. I have come to learn that those types of documents are often needed right away. Depending from where one needs Apostilles, their cost varies. Getting an Apostille

on my own birth certificate by the Puerto Rico Secretary of State cost $3. Thanks Mom! 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.

www.vallartatribune.com hold caucuses), you must be present at your caucus center to have your vote count. OR… you can vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary by being a member of Democrats Abroad and requesting your ballot from the comfort of your home computer by going to: http://www.democratsabroad. org/global_presidential_primary. If you last voted in New Hampshire or South Carolina, and you wish to register and receive your ballot for that state’s primary, please do so today by going to www.votefromabroad. org and complete the forms (the Federal Post Card Application – FPCA and the Federal Write-in Absentee Ballot – FWAB) necessary for re-registering. Or, you can always vote in the Democrats Abroad Global Presidential Primary either online or in person on March 1st and March 3rd. You should have your ballots sent to 2163 Lima Loop, PMB 130-375, Laredo, TX 78045. Let us know you’re doing so, by emailing tjensen1942@hotmail.com and

we’ll call you when your ballot arrives. It's important to remember that you may vote for a Presidential candidate in either the Democrats Abroad (DA) Global Presidential Primary, or your home state’s primary or caucus. When you vote in DA’s Global Presidential Primary, you may not vote for a Presidential candidate in your voting state’s primary. You may, however, still vote in your home state’s primary for US House and Senate candidates and for other down ballot races as determined by your local election official. If this is the case, go to www.votefromabroad.org to fill out and submit your FPCA and FWAB in order to receive your state’s ballot at our special mailbox here. As members of Democrats Abroad we are committed to each and every U S citizen around the world who is living abroad to exercise their sacred right to vote, regardless of party affiliation. BE AN ABSENTEE VOTER NOT AN ABSENTEE CITIZEN

events around the bay

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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

January 26 IFC Home Tours. Visit four fabulous homes on a docent-guided tour. Tours start at 10:30am at the Sea Monkey on Aquiles Serdan. Tickets available online at www. toursforvallarta.com. or at the Sea Monkey. Limited seating. January 27 IFC Home Tours. Visit four fabulous homes on a docent-guided tour. Tours start at 10:30am at the Sea Monkey on Aquiles Serdan. Tickets available online at www. toursforvallarta.com. or at the Sea Monkey. Limited seating. 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. February 3 Bingo at Nacho Daddy's at 4:00 pm All bingo games 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.

February 8 Adult Bingo – held at The Palm Cabaret this naughty but nice bingo game benefits the Purr Project. Each bingo has a special guest and plenty of great prizes. Starts at 4pm

proceeds shared with Pasitos de Luz and Colina Spay and Neuter. February 22 Adult Bingo Held at The Palm Cabaret this naughty but nice bingo game benefits the Purr Project. Each bingo has a special guest and plenty of great prizes. Starts at 4pm February 23 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – ‘Girl’s Night Out’ in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come.

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Entertainment

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Art & Culture ArtwAlk

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The Colors of Coltrane by Wosene Kosrof. Courtesy of The Loft Galeria

January 26 Corazon de Nina Humanitarian Tour and Brunch - please visit our website www.fundacioncorazon. mx for more detailed information. Call 322/224-9209 for reservations.

February 5 Breakfast Fundraiser in support of Corazon de Nina at La Palapa Restaurant at 10:00am. Tickets are available at Carol's Boutique, Basillo Badillo #250, 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon & Boutique, Paseo de la Marina #165. 322/221-3256.

January 25 Monday night at the Movies showing ‘All about Eve - free popcorn, cash bar $40 pesos tix with funds going to the IFC charitable works. Doors 6:30, movie 7pm. At the IFC Clubhouse. More info: ifcvallarta.com

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

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January 25 Adult Bingo – held at The Palm Cabaret this naughty but nice bingo game benefits the Purr Project. Each bingo has a special guest and plenty of great prizes. Starts at 4pm

February 9 Carnaval - Parade starting at 8pm along the malecon and through Centro with other assorted events being held around town.

February 24 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – Girl’s Night Out in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come.

February 14 3rd Annual Open Your Heart Gala in support of Corazon de Nina Tickets available at Carol's Boutique 322/113-0073 or Salsa Salon 322/221-3256. For information, please visit www.fundacioncorazon.mx or Facebook: corazondeninapv.

February 28 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – Girl’s Night Out in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come. (matinee)

February 15 Medical Matters 2016 Beginning at 9 AM at CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa, this all-day event is open to the public. Come learn about healthcare in Puerto Vallarta. February 17 Becas Vallarta Breakfast at River Cafe 9:30 a.m., $200 pesos per ticket- info and tickets: Suzanne Erikson 221-5599 or Terry Prill 221-5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregosa 221-0789 February 17 Bingo at Nacho Daddy's at 4:00 pm All bingo games 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

March 1 Murder Mystery Dinner Theater – ‘Girl’s Night Out’ in Support of Amigos de La Cruz at Philos tickets and more information to come.

Property of the Week

pg. 20

Advertise all year in the largest English newspaper in the Bay - for only a few pesos a day! Published 52 weeks a year and distributed from Punta Mita to Mismaloya - the Vallarta Tribune has been your best resource for the past 19 years! Contact editor@vallartatribune.com or Call 225 49 82 for more information.

March 4 Annual Becas Ball at the Westin Regina. More information to come. March 5 5th Annual Riverfest at El Rio BBQ Music festival - 7 bands, exhibits, bbq buffet plus paella, silent auction, 50/50 and more. $80 peso donation at the gate or advance purchase VIP patron

ticket for $750 pesos. 12pm to 7pm New this year - patron table sponsorship! All proceeds to Pasitos de Luz. Information at the Pasitos table at The Old Town Famers Market January 2 and 9 or email Barb condo211@yahoo.ca

healthcare

What is arthritis?

Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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).

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. 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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Medication

now open for dinner

Medications that can help arthritis symptoms include:

Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

PICK UP YOUR COPY OF THE TRIBUNE AT PUERTO VALLARTA TOURISM OFFICES A PAGE IN THE SUN - ZONA ROMANTICA FREDY TUCAN´S - ZONA ROMANTICA REMAX - MARINA VALLARTA FAJITAS BANANA - MARINA VALLARTA NUEVO VALLARTA RESORTS PLAZA PARADISE - NUEVO VALLARTA CONSULATE OFFICES DECAMERON RESORT - BUCERIAS BREAKER´S BEACH BAR - BUCERIAS YO-YO MO´S - BUCERIAS MARINA RIVIERA NAYARIT - LA CRUZ PHILOS RESTAURANT - LA CRUZ

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.

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Reservations only - 322 222 1336 Open for dinner 6-11 pm Zaragoza 445, El Centro, Puerto Vallarta www.casakimberly.com

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AND 100’S OF OTHER LOCATIONS AROUND THE BAY OR ONLINE AT VALLARTATRIBUNE.COM

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND EVENTS www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com This page is dedicated to announcements and information about the members of the online Vallarta Shopping Directory - the most complete and up to date guide to the best restaurants and businesses in the Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas area. Visit

puertovallartadining-shopping. com to find out open hours, contact information, address, telephone, email and photos of the participating businesses in 20 different categories. This website is constantly updated to be sure the information is correct

and we are not advertising places that have moved or no longer exist. If you would like to be listed on this important directory please contact us at puertovallartashoppingguide@gmail. com. And please visit these local businesses.

Special Collection showing in Kathleen Carrillo Gallery

e sure to stop by the Kathleen Carrillo Gallery this Friday for the Southside Shuffle. There will be a dazzling array of works from the Architectural Whimsy Collection. Kathleen has returned from California with two of her works from the New York Whimsy and two brand new pieces from her San Francisco Whimsy. Kathleen was a Solo Award winning artist at the New York Artexpo with her Architectural Whimsy Collection. The works have been in the the United States and will now, for the first time be shown in the Puerto Vallarta Gallery.

They are magical interpretations of an era gone by, when things were a bit more glamorous. Along with the newly displayed works will be the paintings from the European Collection of Whimsy works as well works from other favorite collections. A real treat to be sure. Located at 325 Constitucion, just a half a block from Basilio Badillo, next door to the Banderas Bay Trading Company. www.KathleenCarrilloGalleries.com 322 141 8867 Mexico, 941 932 8543 USA.

“Remodeling and Renovations”

Juarez 599 El Centro 322 222 1383, 322 111 6359 www.colibridesignvallarta.com galeriacolibri@gmail.com

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

31 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. 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. Artwalk – In the historic center of 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. THURSDAY Bucerias Artwalk from 7-9pm Calle Lazaro Cardenas Marina Night Market – 6-9:30pm vendors and artisans set up along the marina FRIDAY Marsol Market by the Pier, Vallarta – 9:30am – 1:30 Sayulita Farmers Market – 9am-2pm SATURDAY Old Town Farmers Market - 9:30am-2pm Parque Lazaro Cardenas, Vallarta Three Hens and a Rooster Market - From 9am to 1pm, on Carranza 466, Old Town, Vallarta Lo de Marcos Tianguis - 9am - 2pm SUNDAY Live Music in the Main Plaza, Vallarta – 6pm La Cruz Farmers Market – 9-2pm

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Jan 21 - 27, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com