Issue 988, march 10 - 16, 2016

Catch us online @ vallartatribune.com

Art & Culture

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galleria dante

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March 10 - 16, 2016 Year 19 Free Issue 988

Virginia Fox IN MEXICO WE TRUST

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Events all things el rio

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Yelapa! Courtesy of Madeline Milne

now distributed in sayulita!

welcome

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Welcome to Puerto Vallarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

DRINKING WATER: For the 18th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption.

The quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up bottled water just about anywhere.

EXPORTING PETS: Falling love with the street dog outside your hotel or a puppy on the Malecon doesn’t mean they can’t come home with you.

The process is fairly inexpensive and only takes a day or two. You need a certificate of health from a local vet among other things. The time of year that pets can travel in the cargo section of the plane may be your biggest challenge. For the most up-to-date information contact the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at spcapv@gmail.com.

COMMON SENSE: Just as you wouldn’t walk around your hometown drunk and beligerent, it is not acceptable to do that here. While Mexicans are a forgiving bunch, basic politeness is appreciated.

For the guys, peeing in public is a major faux pas and if you are caught, can get you tossed in jail or an expensive fine. Pay attention to your surroundings. Pay your bills. Be courteous. And have fun!

DRINKING AND DRIVING: First off – just don’t. The consequences are not worth it. Taxis are cheap and plentiful. Fines are as much as 10,000 pesos. You can be taken to jail and your vehicle impounded. There are many checkstops on the weekends and you will be asked to blow if they suspect you have been drinking.

LEGAL SYSTEM: Not knowing the law is not an valid excuse in Mexico or anywhere. If you find yourself caught in a legal situation be aware that guilt is presumed until your innocence can be proven.

This is a very difficult lesson to learn if you are visiting from the United States or Canada in particular. Immediately contact your consulate for assistance.

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

March 10 - 16, 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

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

Ahoy Cruisers!

Day Ship Passengers 15-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 15-mar Crown Princess 3,120 16-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 17-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376 18-mar Maasdam 1,258 21-mar Ruby Princess 3,080 23-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 24-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376 29-mar Westerdam 1,916 30-mar Carnival Miracle 2,124 31-mar Norwegian Jewel 2,376

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

In port this month Day Ship

Passengers

In the month of March Puerto Vallarta welcomes 38,566 passengers!

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

editorial

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Editor’s

Note

editor@vallartatribune.com

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his past weekend I joined 700 other attendees at El Rio in support of Riverfest. I saw so many recognizable faces and a bunch of friends I haven’t seen since the start of high season, what an excellent excuse to get out and socialize. I don’t think the hard numbers have been announced, but it's expected to raise well over 200,000 pesos in support of Pasitos de Luz. Pasitos de Luz is a rehabilitation facility that offers therapies for children with physical and mental challenges along with daycare, meals, and support for the families. It is 100% supported by donations and offers all of its services without any cost. There are approximately 140 children and another 200 on a waitlist.

To tour Pasitos and see what they accomplish with so little, it is both a no-brainer and inspiring to see how many people here in Puerto Vallarta and around the Bay open the hearts, wallets and give their time.

With such need in our bay, a new facility is being built in partnership with Pasitos de Luz– Casa Connor. This facility, when completed, will service upwards of 400 children and their families daily. I toured Casa Connor a few weeks ago and was blown away by the facilities. It’s an extremely ambitious project that is nearing completion. There is still a substantial financial need to finish Casa Connor as well as to support the day-to-day operations of Pasitos de Luz. For more

information on how you can help visit casaconnor.org and pasitosdeluz.org We are in for another weekend of spectacular events, fundraisers, and shows. There truly is something for everyone here.

Last Sunday I took a drive out to B Nayar, which is just before La Cruz de Huanacaxtle where I enjoyed the day at their beach club. Very laid back with almost no one around; the attentive service, excellent lunch, and generous drinks make this a hidden gem. If you’re looking for some beachfront pool time, I highly recommend taking advantage of the pre-crowd pricing. Call them direct for promotions and reservations.

Having heard of the Ribs and Tortilla soup at Ernesto’s Good Grub, I finally went to check it out, and there're no complaints from my side except maybe from my waistband. Delicious, huge portions and a great price. And this wasn’t on Thursday when they serve All-You-Can-Eat. Definitely worth adding Ernesto’s to your dining schedule.

There are some new events happening in the next week or so including: the Health and Wellness Festival in Lazaro Cardenas park in Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town, the book launch and reading of Rafiq’s memoir ‘Days of Shock, Days of Wonder: The 9/11 Age, the Ways of the Mystics, and One Man’s Escape from Babylon in the Belly of a Whale’ at Pachama in Sayulita, both taking place on Sunday.

We have the Regatta and Hot Air Balloon Festival in Nuevo Vallarta, the upcoming Reggae Concert happening on Good Friday in downtown Vallarta as well as daily shows, live music at clubs and restaurants from La

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

Cruz to Old Town. You can read more about the myriad of events happening throughout the pages of the Vallarta Tribune.

As we roll into our nineteenth year of publishing, it is because of the support we have received from our readers and advertisers that we continue to be the longest publishing English paper in Puerto Vallarta. Thank you for your support, and please be sure to visit our advertisers so we can keep this up for another nineteen years!

Have a great week.

Safe travels, Madeline

Old Town Farmers Marke Coffee, Marmelades, Dressings,

By Erin Staley

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

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et ready for a cultural extravaganza at the OTFM-TC! Bring your loved ones – and a few eco-friendly bags – to scoop up a wide assortment of “make it, bake it, grow it” goodies. Select from farm-to-table ingredients, ready-to-eat foods, artwork, tropical flowers, apparel/accessories, traditional Mexican handcrafts, artisan chocolates, handmade body products, and the fresh flavours of locally roasted coffee, marmelades, dressings, chutney and salsas from El Fortín de San Sebastián.

Locally Grown Coffee

Seventeen years ago, Gabriel Cardenas landed in the charming community of San Sebastián del Oeste (over an hour east of Puerto Vallarta). He opened a restuarant, and set out to serve the area's freshest coffee. Cardenas bought a roaster as well as green beans that had been harvested around San Sebastián. He then devoted himself to the art of roasting. His beans were a hit, and Cardenas began selling his coffee to hotels and restaurants. Now in his sixth season at the market, Cardenas continues to impress coffee lovers with what many claim is “the best coffee they've had in Mexico!”

You, too, can enjoy El Fortín de San Sebastián coffee. Choose from ground or whole coffee beans in three tones: medium, medium dark or dark. Then be

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.

sure to try his version of Café de Olla, an old-world style of coffee preparation using cinnamon and chocolate. Cardenas also sells coffee by the cup: • Americano • Capuchino (Cappachino) • Moka (mocha) • Latte • Espresso

But That's Not All! Cardenas also sells his savory marmelades, dressings, chutneys and salsas. Each is made from organic or wild-grown fruit trees in the San Sebastián community. The fruit is carefully collected, prepared on site, and then brought to the market for artisan food lovers just like you! His product line makes the perfect addition to breads, bagels, salad fixings, deli meats and tradi-

et - Tianguis Cultural Chutney and Salsas

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

Artisan Bakery

tional Mexican foods – all sold here at the OTFM-TC! Stop by this Saturday to meet Gabriel Cardenas. You can also connect with him at three El Fortín de San Sebastián locations: Sayulita, Bassillo Badillo, and Avenida Mexico Col. 5 de Diciembre, Puerto Vallarta. For more information, visit Facebook (El Fortín de San Sebastián) or TripAdvisor (Restaurant & Galeria el Fortín de San Sebastián).

Cardenas' highly-reviewed restaurant, El Fortín de San Sebastián, is located at Amado Aguirre 14, Col. Centro San Sebastián del Oeste. +52 (322) 297-2856

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.

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).

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.

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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

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Spring break travelers paying less for air this year

By Jamie Biesiada

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n Expedia analysis shows that average air ticket prices to popular spring break destinations are down from a year ago.

Expedia defined its most popular spring break spots as markets that showed higher demand this spring over the rest of the year.

The top five domestic destinations had lower fares: Orlando was down 14%; Miami, 14%; Phoenix,

2%; Fort Lauderdale, 17%; and Tampa, 9%.

Four of the top five international locations had lower average airfares. Cancun fares were down 14%; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, 6%; San Juan, 15%; and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, 10%.

San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, was the only top five international destination with higher airfares, up by 1%.

Original: Travel Weekly

Mexican Tycoon Carlos Slim Launches Takeover Bid for Spain’s FCC

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exican multi-billionaire Carlos Slim launched a takeover bid for Barcelona-based FCC on Friday, a move required under Spanish law after his stake in the construction company climbed above 30 percent.

Slim’s offer values FCC at roughly 2.88 billion euros ($3.17 billion), or 7.60 euros ($8.20 at the current exchange rate) a share, a 15.36 percent premium to the company’s share price at Thursday’s close.

In a filing with Spain’s CNMV securities regulator, Slim’s holding company, Inversora Carso, said its current stake had risen above the 30 percent

threshold after it bought into the company’s latest 709.5-millioneuro ($772-million) rights issue, which ended last week.

Slim and the second-leading shareholder in FCC, Esther Koplowitz, the daughter of the company’s founder, agreed last month to modify a pact they had signed on Nov. 27, 2014, that blocked the Mexican magnate from lifting his stake above 29.9 percent.

Inversora Carso became FCC’s largest shareholder with a 25.6 percent stake in late 2014 after buying the majority of a previous 1-billion-euro rights issue in a deal with Koplowitz.

Original: laht.com

Heineken announces $2bn in new spending

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eer maker optimistic about growth potential in Mexico.

The Mexican beer market can only get bigger as far as the Dutch brewer Heineken is concerned, which is why it is doubling its investment spending to US $2 billion between now and 2019. The new spending, $500 million of which has been allocated for the current year, will bump production capacity and move the firm into new market segments such as cider, said the CEO of Cuauhtémoc Moctezuma-Heineken, Dolf van den Brink, at a press conference.

The investment represents 15% of what it plans to invest at the global level. The domestic market amounts to 16% of the firm’s volume worldwide, 13% of its sales and 17% of its profits.

Van den Brink sees strong growth potential in Mexico due to the average age of the population: at 27 years, it is the lowest among member countries of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Mexico is the world’s sixth largest beer market even though its annual per-capital consumption, at 59 liters, is half that of Germany’s 103. Heineken

Peña Nieto Condemns Trump’s Comments Because They “Hurt” Bilateral Ties

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will be “absolutely respectful” of the U.S. presidential vote, adding that his administration will maintain a climate of “mutual respect and joint agreements” with the president-elect, whoever it may be, to “build a better relationship.”

Amid criticism by international organizations about human rights violations in Mexico, Peña Nieto said that although the country admits that “challenges” exist surrounding the issue, it must also be acknowledged that “the government has taken action and decisions to assume a commitment in the matter.”

Original: laht.com

exican President Enrique Peña Nieto on Monday lamented and condemned remarks on immigration and Mexico by Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump, saying that they “hurt” bilateral relations.

“I condemn these kinds of statements. It seems to me they hurt a relationship that Mexico has sought with the United States of bridges, of dialogue, of rapprochement, of seeking solutions to shared problems,” he told the daily El Universal in an interview.

Trump has announced plans to deport the 11 million undocumented foreigners living in the

United States and to build a wall between the two nations, and he has called Mexican migrants rapists, criminals and drug traffickers.

He has also proposed imposing high tariffs on vehicles made in Mexico and preventing U.S. firms from investing south of the mutual border.

Despite the fact that Trump is ahead in Republican voter surveys as the GOP political convention approaches, Peña Nieto downplayed the probability that the real estate magnate would ever become the U.S. president. He said that Mexico

expects that rate of consumption to increase.

Van den Brink said the company is growing so fast in Mexico that it decided it was necessary to increase capacity at its plants in Tecate, Toluca and Guadalajara and invest in new distribution systems. A new plant in Meoqui, Chihuahua, announced a year ago, is scheduled to begin operating next year, producing 5 million hectoliters annually to begin with.

The company will introduce one of its European brands in northern Mexico today. Van den Brink said Amstel Light, which is now being brewed in Mexico, will be the first European light beer in the domestic market.

Original: mexiconewsdaily.com

Remittances to Mexico Surge Nearly 19% to a Record $1.93 Billion in January

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emittances sent to Mexico by emigrants totaled $1.93 billion in January, up 18.76 percent compared to the same month last year, the Bank of Mexico said. Total remittances came in well above the $1.62 billion received in January 2015, making it the biggest January in terms of remittances ever, the Bank of Mexico said in its monthly report. The average remittance was $298 in January, up from the $279 average registered in the same month last year. The number of transactions climbed from 5.83 million in January 2015 to 6.48

million in January of this year, with the majority of remittances sent via electronic funds transfers, the central bank said.

Mexico received $24.77 billion in remittances in 2015, a figure that was up 4.75 percent from 2014, when remittances totaled $23.64 billion. Remittances sent

by Mexicans living abroad, mainly in the United States, are the country’s second-largest source of foreign exchange, after oil, and help cover the living expenses of millions of people.

Original: laht.com

local

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From Here

by Marcia Blondin marciavallarta@gmail.com

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ears ago in Vallarta, it was impossible to leave the house to go shopping, run errands, whatever and not bump into at least one person you knew.

To go to Rizo’s to buy groceries was a good half-day trip; not to get there, but to get out! And if you hadn’t seen someone for three months it was because they were out of the country. Otherwise, you would have seen them at Rizo’s.

Now, the reverse is true. I go to a party or the theatre and it amazes me how many people I don’t know.

It took all of that to say this: last week I met two, well, three new business owners: Debbie at Wheeling

Vallarta Segway Tours, Jovi and partner Anthony from Ropero de Jovani and C.O.R.E Dog Training and Boarding, respectively. And this week, I met two more! Next door to Jovi’s sensational shop on Lazaro Cardenas, you will find Red Gate Pottery and inside a way cool gal named Joan Kagan. She and I are friends on Facebook and now we have finally met! Check out her store – she makes fabulous things and teaches pottery making but not for beginners. I am grateful for that; I am on a downward-learningcurve-slide anyway. But, it is something I wanted to try years ago. The other person I met is Troy Powell

Health and Wellness Festival Lazaro Cardenas Park March 13 9am-3pm The first edition of the Health and Wellness Festival being help on March 13th in Lazaro Cardenas Park is an event that aims to inform people about healthy alternatives ranging from food and exercise to medicine and alternative therapies.

The idea is to create a commu-

nity in the park where people can "interact" with the participants through talks and workshops, tastings and more.

Organizers of the event, Stratos Media, intend to continue building on the success of recent festivals to generate interest and enthusiasm for these community events in Puerto Vallarta.

Love Patience Unity

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ri Swami Vishwananda, an enlightened spiritual master from the island of Mauritius, is the founder and inspiration behind the Bhakti Marga movement. His aim is to help others find and realize the utmost, unlimited, unconditional Divine Love already

present within every human being.

Join us on this special visit to Puerto Vallarta on March 17th at "Villa Ananda" in Punta Burros (Punta de Mita) For more information visit: www. bhaktimarga.org

who is currently into so many interesting ventures we will take them one at a time starting with the next issue of the Tribune. Look for it!

I am going to the Palm Cabaret Thursday, to witness for myself, Kevin Levesque’s new show “Miss Conception Goes to the Movies”. I have heard/read/ listened to people rave that it’s the best show Kevin has ever done. I find it hard to believe, quite frankly.

I saw Kevin last season and what I saw was so inventive, different, extraordinarily off-the-chart clever, entertaining and…okay. I will stop. I will let you know in this space next week if indeed Miss Conception has outdone herself!

Saturday night el Rio BBQ welcomes Tom Jones, aka Dave LaFame. Last week, I had the privilege to meet Bill Cayley and chat with him before and after his tribute show to Johnny Cash.

The conversation was lively, to say the least – many stories about

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

meeting Johnny Cash and the late, great Roy Orbison. Closer to Bill’s home in Ontario, more tales about Gordon Lightfoot and Ronnie Hawkins. (Bill was Mr Hawkins’ Road Manager in a past life.) And, between Bill and Merv Buchanan, the producer of all these great Tribute shows, all I will say is: what is said in Puerto Vallarta stays in Puerto Vallarta, and I didn’t stop laughing the entire time! Outrageous stories! Incidentally for those who were there and perhaps wondered what the hell was going on with Bill’s guitar, I’ll tell you. Bill flew into Puerto Vallarta – his first time - 24 hours before his show at El Rio. In that time he worked with Merv and Julio, Merv’s super sound and light tech, to put together tracks for the show; Bill had never worked without a band before. That went just fine but nobody told Bill’s guitar about tropical heat and humidity and it pretty much refused to stay in

tune. Bill handled what could have been a disaster with professional aplomb and the audience loved the show. He’ll be back next year for longer than two days, just so his guitar can adjust, of course!

I have so much more to say about this wonderful place, look for “All Things El Rio” in this issue.

CK Productions is having yet another outstanding concert at Terra Noble to celebrate Spring.

Go to: https//youtu.be/pGaRiZhRo and have a little listen to what will be on stage March 23rd, overlooking all of Vallarta, the moon full, Jim Lee catering and, voila! Spring will be sprung. A brilliant line-up of musicians.

Please help our tourists – if you are on a bus, for example, and overhear questions about where something is, turn around and tell them. Make one tourist happy every day. If we all make a point of doing that, our beloved city will be busy all year round.

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entertainment

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Fab New Shows to the North Shore

By Debbie White

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una Lounge in Bucerias continues its winning season of incredible shows throughout the month of March. Last Thursday, March 3rd, Canadian singing sensation, Paul Fracassi returned once again to Luna Lounge with his original show, Legends of the 50's and 60's, that took a nostalgic look at some of the best loved hits of music's most iconic stars.

On Friday, March 4th, Luna Lounge presented, the Johnny Cash tribute artist, Bill Cayley, as The Legend in Black. This performance featured the classic sounds and songs of the iconic hero of the "working man." Bill performed over 2 hours of Johnny's music with his deep rich vocals and fascinating background stories about the 'MAN' and the MUSIC! The lady sitting in front of me mouthed the words to every song, with such enthusiasm and delight, that it added another layer of enjoyment to the show! The audience was clearly loving the music!

On Saturday night, The John Ozzello Memorial Food Bank, hosted a very successful fundraiser, Bucerias' Got Talent, at Luna Lounge. With 10 acts, great food, John Forgot as MC and celebrity judges, Brittany Kingery, Keith Montgomery and

Diva from The Crazy Bitches, it was a well-attended, successful night of fun. Congratulations to Suzanne for winning 1st prize in the talent competition!

On Sunday, March 6th, Annette Lafond returned for an Encore performance of her Shania Twain tribute show, Shania. With the perfect look, sound and performance of Canada's favorite country/rock star, Annette Lafond once again brought us an extraordinary evening of entertainment

COMING UP AT LUNA LOUNGE

Coming up on Thursday, March 10th, is Dave LaFame’s Tom Jones tribute show, This is Tom Jones. Dave captures the glamour, excitement and sizzle of one of the entertainment's biggest musical stars. And LADIES, don't forget to bring your lace panties to toss at him during the performance!

Dave LaFame began his career in music more than three decades ago, playing bass guitar and singing with numerous bands in London, England. From there he moved to Canada and built up a successful career as an actor, singer and bass player along with achieving numerous television, film and stage credits. Dave is considered one of the top Tom Jones impersonators in the world and has received an impressive list of awards, including the "2012 Las Vegas

“Rocky Mountain High” The Definitive John Denver Tribute Starring Paul Aleman & Renee Armand

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lthough John Denver tribute “Rocky Mountain High” is a relatively new venture for Paul Aleman and Renee Armand, they perform it in such a polished and heartfelt way you might think they have been performing it for years. And you would be half right.

Besides being a popular backup singer for album, concert and movie soundtrack work, including the theme song for “Posideon Adventure”, Nashville resident Renee Armand also spent 6 years as a backup singer, on tour with John Denver.

Her singing partner, Los Angeles based guitarist, pianist and composer Paul Aleman, also a seasoned studio and concert performer, has performed John Denver's songs in concert countless times.

From the southern US, to New England, Mexico to the mid-west, Renee and Paul have brought Denver's music to thousands of appreciative fans with a clarity and soul-

fullness that underlines both their talent as entertainers and their love of the late star's words and music.

The duo are regularly featured at the annual John Denver memorial concerts in Aspen Colorado and their performance in Puerto Vallarta last year was heartily endorsed by Denver's former wife Annie.

From “Annie's Song” to “Thank God I'm A Country Boy”, the Rocky Mountain High tribute is performed with a heartfelt enthusiasm and grace that draws audiences in and has them singing along after the first few bars. In the hands of Renee Armand and Paul Aleman, a guitar, a piano and a pair of harmonizing voices create musical magic.

On Friday, March 18th, the couple will perform a dinner show at the Luna Lounge, in Bucerias. Complete information about the show is available on the venue's web site.

Merv Buchanan www.trendtributes.com

09 Celebrity Impersonators Award for Top Male Entertainer."

On Friday, March 11th, Luna Lounge is delighted to introduce Frank Rondell to Bucerias with his incredible show RAY - A tribute to Ray Charles. Portraying one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, Frank doesn't just sing like Ray Charles, he exemplifies him in every way with the look, movement and the voice!

Rocky Mountain High, The Music of John Denver, featuring Paul Aleman and Renee Armand, will be presented, live at Luna Lounge for one night only on Friday, March 18th. This show has been a hit worldwide and features two incredible voices with guitar accompaniment.

Paul and Renee (a John Denver band member who performed with John for six years and who appeared on the DVD "Thank God I'm A Country Boy" and "Rocky Mountain High") together present the incredible music and wonderful background stories of John Denver.

Renee also sang the Academy Award winning song "The Morning After" from the movie The Poseidon Adventure and wrote the song "One Day In Your Life" recorded by Michael Jackson.

As a tribute, this show provides a musical performance of the highest quality. I love this show and recommend it as one of the BEST! Rediscover the beautiful and heartfelt music of legendary songwriter/musician, John Denver!

On Thursday and Friday, March 24th and 25th, Luna Lounge presents Soul Man, a Blues Brothers tribute show. Canadian brothers, Chris & Geoff Dahl, bring the insanity of The Blues Brothers back to the stage

entertainment with their exciting tribute to those lovable Chicago delinquents, Jake and Elwood Blues.

Audiences find it hard to take their eyes off these "men in black" as they dance and jump around, belting out the best rockin' blues you've ever heard, on their "mission from God". You will clap, sing and laugh till you cry at this action packed show!

And finally on Thursday and Friday, March 31st and April 1st, Luna Lounge has added Truly Tina, a tribute to iconic musical star, Tina Turner. Truly Tina is performed by Samira, who provides full on energy, sweat and a powerful voice that will have you standing and dancing in the aisles. With the big hair and all the energy of the 70s and 80s, with wild and provocative costumes and of course Tina Turner's hit songs like "Proud Mary" and "Private Dancer." The stage will come alive with electricity as Samira brings Truly Tina to the Luna Lounge Stage.

Samira travels the world and is rated as one of the TOP "Tina Turner" tribute Impersonators in the look-a-like industry. In fact, Samira was invited to perform in Tina Turner's former high school for the official opening of her museum. Don't miss Las Vegas veteran and world class entertainer, Samira in Truly Tina, as Luna Lounge closes out its season.

Fantastic food and first class entertainment continue this month at Luna Lounge.

Don't miss out on some of the best entertainment of the season throughout March.

For tickets or more information about the dinner/shows and Luna Lounge's weekly schedule of events go to: www.lunaloungebucerias.com.

Murphy's Hosts Pre-St. Patty's Benefit Party

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urphy's Irish Pub on the malecon is hosting a Pre-St. Patrick's Day Benefit Party on Wednesday, March 16 from 12- 5 p.m. Cost is 250 pesos, which is good for a full menu of holiday offerings, including: corned beef & cabbage, shepherd's pie, fish & chips, mashed potatoes, garden salad and dessert.

It also includes two domestic beers or two well drinks, or bottled water or house wine.

A free bottle of vanilla also goes to each customer.

Live music will be going throughout the afternoon. There will also be a Donation Raffle and a 50-50 Drawing from 2 to 4 p.m.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Torpedos, which is an American football team for kids, Beta Sigma Phi, a worldwide community service organization for women and a myriad of other American Legion charitable community projects.

The Torpedos are local kids from 5 to 16 years of age.

The program, now in its 10th year, focuses on football skills, discipline, teamwork and family ties. It has had excellent success

in helping teammates reach their goals, through positive attitude and perseverance.

Beta Sigma Phi is a non-educational women's organization of over 250,000 members worldwide.

Their goal is to provide social and cultural opportunities and charitable contributions in their communities. This local chapter serves the Jalisco and Nayarit region. For more information contact Dennis2Rike@aol.com or call 322-138-8891.

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Galleria Dante Opens New Show

Friday March 18 Cocktails 6 to 10 pm Yvan Genest

Yvan Genest’s Career as a painter had unconventional beginnings. At first, his artistic temperament drove him to music. From the age of 17, he traveled throughout Europe as a singer performer until his return to Montreal, many years later. But without the tradition of coffee shops & bars where one can sing, as in Paris, Yvan couldn't make a decent living as a singer. So he started selling watercolors, door to door and on the street. This survival activity was the beginning of an unforeseen but fertile ground for his unique imagination. Since his first watercolors, 31 years ago, Yvan has lived, painted and exhibited in many cities and countries, while building his unique iconography. He has created thousands of original paintings, drawings, watercolors,

Letters to the Editor

A

bout three months ago I wrote to you about the valuable contribution you were making to charitable organizations in PV by publishing their names and contact information so people could contribute in some way to them. I mentioned that I had been coming here for ten years but never stayed for longer than twelve to fourteen days due to my busy life in San Diego, CA. This year I stayed for three months.

I sadly depart on Tuesday before this edition of the Tribune comes out. I thought I would share some reflections on PV, and its community since I have been here.

This is an incredibly vibrant and friendly place to be. Despite the occasional discourteous behavior of some tourists, the people here remain steadfastly polite.

The beach vendors accept the

pastels, etchings, engravings and digital works.

An international painter, he now shares his time between Montreal and Puerto Vallarta. This tall, gentle-natured man created his first exhibit in 1976, at Galeria La Chamade in Rennes, France.

Eight years later his reputation followed him to Montreal, where he exhibited at the Galerie Au Coin des Artistes. In the mid 90's his work was introduced to Vallarta and ever since he has been one of the main artists of the Vallarta Art scene. His experiences with different cities, other people and their customs are reflected is his paintings - airplanes, fish, trips, people. In Mexico he is particularly inspired by the freedom he finds in Mexican crafts and the colorful life here. With his light, luminous and eye-catching colors, his distorted and imaginative forms and figures, Genest brings to life a fascinating world which parallels our own..

He will tell you that he was greatly influenced by expressionism of different periods, such as Francis Bacon, Picasso, Satin and Chagall.

Yvan has an incredible sense for color. His paintings are bright and cheerful, all combined with sense of freedom and fun. Even if you do not understand them, you want to see more of his paintings and are compelled to purchase one.

To celebrate his thirty years of

non-stop creation, Yvan Genest is publishing a fabulous table book about his art, an illustrated anthology that will cover three decades of his art, including his European, American and Mexican periods.

It will include many quotes (from Yvan but also from artists he admires) about art and the practice of art in general and in particular as well as a biography. The anthology will be illustrated with hundreds of photos of Yvan’s works and studios over the years. The book is scheduled for release in fall 2016! This show will represent two of his bestknown styles: “abstract iconography” & “street scenes”. NEW to his collection this year are also collages and watercolors!

Colors, movement, depth, light and colors again: Jean-Gabriel’s paintings are thrilling and explosive. From his first ink and pastel scribbles to his most recent acrylic canvases, this artist is telling us a story that has begun more than two decades ago. A self-taught painter, Jean-Gabriel first studied Pharmacy. He then enrolled in theater school upon earning his degree.

Jean-Gabriel has performed on stage and has also starred in a few movies. He later added singing to his artistic accomplishments.

Driven by an irrepressible desire to create, it’s finally in the

visual arts that Jean-Gabriel finds his true passion. Drawing and painting opened up the possibility for an unimpeded daily practice: it’s this great freedom that Jean-Gabriel has long sought. From the moment that he began painting, he knew that he’d pursue this endeavor for the rest of his life.

For the following three years, Jean-Gabriel devoted himself seriously to painting and took a few technical courses. He first acquainted himself with largeformat oil painting before switching to acrylics. As he had always desired, he starts practicing his art daily and gradually asserts his distinctive style. His numerous trips to Mexico, which has become his second home, provide much of his inspiration.

Jean-Gabriel continually finds in his Montreal studio the same energy that propels him towards his daily ritual: his improvised movements are triggered by music and meditation.

A tangible context stemming from reality is at the core of each of Jean-Gabriel’s paintings. Whether it’s Mexico’s colors or an emotion related to friendship or love, each painting is the realization of a simple concept. It is sometimes through series that the artist, with thoroughness and wonderful freedom, creates his artwork such as his “Piedras preciosas”, his finely

I cannot imagine this happening where I live, particularly after declining his sales offer.

I explored so many parts of El Centro that I had previously missed. I went to the fair at the hotel by the pier on Francisco Rodriguez each Friday and the wonderful displays each Saturday at the square between Carranza and Cardenas.

The people from so many different cultures offering their different cuisines and products in this wonderfully friendly atmosphere.

I sampled the best vegetarian burger at a stand at the fair. It was so good, I searched out and found the wonderful little restaurant on Guerrero, a block off of Morelos. It is run by a lovely woman and her female cook who could not have been more inviting.

Every time I went there, I watched as she greeted her little

girl who got off her school bus at around three o’clock and ran excitedly into the restaurant to report her day’s activities.

The women at the Tea Cup on Rudolfo Gomez are amazing. I learned that they open at 7 a.m. and work until 10 p.m. each day.

Their friendliness never wavered.

Several doors away there is a mini mart right on the corner of Olas Altus.

Stephanie and her mom, Liticia were incredible. They were invariably kind enough to order my favorite yogurt each Martes and Jueves. They always made me practice my Spanish and had me recite my bill in Spanish correctly.

Stephanie is having her first baby in June. I am hoping I will get a photo.

I watched a beautiful sunset tonight here in upper Amapas. I realized how much I will miss PV

Jean-Gabriel Lambert

crafted and colorfully sparkling gems.

Holding the secret to the personal story that he has been telling from the very start, Jean-Gabriel gives us the clues through his canvases’ titles: El Espejo, La Fiesta, Reforma, La Pura Vida, Madeleine, Volver, etc. The beauty in Jean-Gabriel Lambert’s art rests in the multitude of layers in his paintings. There is the artist’s story and all the stories of each spectator. If they differ, there is always however an emotion as powerful that Jean-Gabriel’s artwork infuses to its public.

Since 2000 Jean-Gabriel has been represented by several art galleries in Mexico and Canada.

He sells on average sixty paintings yearly to American, Mexican and Canadian collectors. His public has remained faithful throughout the years which Jean-Gabriel greatly appreciates. He enjoys meeting people and sharing with them. "Love that we never tire of", says the artist, enriched from these exchanges. Galleria Dante is located at Basilio Badillo 269

editor@vallartatribune.com

rejection of their wares with grace and dignity. I marvel at how these wonderful people can walk the beaches daily with the staggering loads of their possessions for sale in withering heat. I watched a young man with no legs below his knees pad along every day with a pile of blankets that would challenge a person with two healthy limbs.

Today, as I sat at the foot of the stairs at the end of Los Muertos Beach, I noticed a stack of sombreros next to me. The vendor of them came down the steps and asked me if I wanted one. Pointing to my baseball cap, I politely declined. He asked how I was and I responded “mui bien.”

He asked if I was happy to which I said “very.” We chatted about his life and my love of PV and then exchanged a great fist bump.

and its people. Take care of this place. It is special.

Mario

"Not In W/ Flynn"

I

enjoyed Fred Jacobs' profile on the fascinating life of the late 40’s Hollywood actor Errol Flynn, but I was surprised he would omit a final, stunning "brushstroke" to a portrait of a scheming, duplicitous, anti-semite "pirate" who flatly pirated America's trust.

Jacobs & your readers need go back to the history books, for it is well documented that Flynn was an active Nazi spy & even tricked USA's beloved 1st Lady Eleanor Roosevelt into securing visas for one of WWII's most dangerous spies.

Dhani Schimizzi, Traveling Buddha"

writer-"My

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Vallarta Pride confirms events

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he Organizing Committee of Pride Vallarta has confirmed the dates for the highlight events during the fourth edition of the festival of pride for the LGBTTIQ community, scheduled to take place from May 16th to 30th , 2016 in that popular tourist destination on the Mexican Pacific.

Under the slogan “We Are One Family” during the sixteen day festival, a series of events have been planned that include: art & culture, film, gastronomy, tea dances on the beach, reading, health fair, exhibition, marches through of the city and for the first time, legal marriage between same sex persons in Puerto Vallarta. As the date approaches, the Organizing Committee will reveal the names of national and international VIP guests who will lead the festivities.

Undoubtedly, one of the events that has more drawing power is the International March Against Homophobia, which this time will be on May 17th and will begin at 6:00 pm.

The starting point will be on Avenida Francisco Medina Asencio, outside of the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias before concluding in Los Arcos open air theater.

One of the most fun festivities is the Drag Derby, where drag queens race and this can be enjoyed on the streets Pilitas & Púlpito, Olas Altas area on May 26th at 7:00 pm. This event has a social cause, since it will serve

to raise funds to help the Colonia Amapas.

On May 27th, at 8:00 pm, Hot & Sexy Party will take place at Casa Cupula, where the coronation of Vallarta Pride Ambassador 2016 will be held. Members of the Organizing Committee will be present and there will be live shows and much more.

As its name implies, the Women’s Party is a unique and exclusive space for women during Vallarta Pride. For the third consecutive year, it will be hosted by Pink & Proud, presenting live entertainment, DJ, domestic bar and other surprises. Although the location is yet to be confirmed, it will begin at 9:00 pm on Friday, May 27th.

For the first time, the Organizing Committee welcomes you to The Circuit Party, scheduled for Friday May 27th with hours from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Puerto de Luna hotel. There will be DJ, domestic & international bar and many surprises for all attendees.

And as it has already become a tradition, at 5:00 pm on May 28th the Gay Pride Parade will start from the Hotel Sheraton Buganvilias going towards El Malecón, to finally arrive around 6:00 pm to Lázaro Cardenas Park. Everything will be ready for this park to be the meeting point of the largest celebration of this Pride Vallarta 2016, including a stage for live show, exhibition stands, food & beverage area, live DJ and loads of fun.

More information at vallartapride.com

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

More of your favorites and exciting new shows in March!

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t’s been aanother record-breaking season at The Palm Cabaret, with acts that have included established favorites and newcomers alike. Cabaret, Live Music & Comedy at its best, now playing through April 7.

Amy Armstrong and Bohemia Viva Vallarta favorite Amy Armstrong, affectionately known as the gal with ‘the voice of an angel, and the mouth of a sailor’, performs both music and comedy in her show, ‘Spanglish II’, with Argentine duo Bohemia Viva. Amy is best known for her brassy, bawdy comedy and powerful vocals. Coupled with the beautiful harmonic vocals and acoustic guitar of Luis and Andrea, they have created magic on stage show after show. Amy also stars in her all new show, ‘Mama’s Big Ones’ The Life and Music of Cass Elliot (Mama Cass). This show was an instant hit and Amy, accompanied by Jean-Guy Comeau at the piano, sings Cass Elliot’s classics beautifully. Bohemia Viva also continues to star in their own shows, now through early April (see calendar).

Miss Conception ‘Goes To The Movies’ Kevin Levesque (a.k.a. Miss Conception) stars in ‘Miss Conception Goes To The Movies’. Miss Conception’s incredible talent shines through once again this season in this over-the-top stage extravaganza! With all live singing and high-energy dance numbers coupled with Vegas-worthy original costumes, and rapid-fire costume changes, this show is extremely popular. To date, Miss C. has sold out every single performance. Now Playing every Monday and Thursday at 9:30 p.m. through April 7. Added early shows: Thursday, March 10 @ 7:00 & Monday, March 14 @ 7:00 p.m.

Kim Kuzma Kim Kuzma stars with her band of very talented musicians in ‘Acústico’.

They play their signature ‘mashups’ of popular modern hits and classic favorites. Kim’s amazing vocal range and the ‘Acústico’ band, featuring Eduardo Leon, Fernando Gonzalez, Roberto Falcón, Jeronimo Martinez and Bob Tansen, continues to be one of the Palm’s most popular shows. Kim plays every Sunday and Wednesday through April 3 at 7:00 p.m. Kim also stars in her all new very popular show, ‘Diva’ Celebrating the Music of Annie Lennox with Jean-Guy Comeau at the piano. Next performances March 11, 18 @ 9:30 p.m., March 22 @ 4:00 p.m. & March 25 @ 7:00 p.m. (added show).

Zoë Lewis ‘Vaudeville to Vallarta’ Appropriately known as 'A Band in a Body', Zoë Lewis plays jazz, jump jive, Latin grooves, swing, international folk, and funk originals on everything from the piano to the spoons! Troubadour, vaudevillian, storyteller, world-traveler, singer-songwriter, and the list goes on! In addition to her wonderful music, Zoë is an amazing storyteller, weaving intimate personal experiences, which are the basis for many of her original songs, into her performances. She immediately puts her audience at ease with her likable, casual, and charming demeanor. Zoë's ability to reach her audience through story and song is the true essence of a cabaret performance, and she does it beautifully. Zoë Lewis plays through March 22 (see calendar).

Luna Rumba

Award-winning live band Luna Rumba’s popularity in the Banderas Bay area has soared recently, playing to large crowds and selling out show after show. A tapestry of Latin Fusion, Gypsy Flamenco and more, their shows are a celebration of creativity, warmth and virtuosity.

Featuring Cheko Ruiz on vocals and guitar, George “Geo” Uhrich on violin, mandolin and guitar, Alex Gonzalez on percussion, and Luis Rascon on bass, flute and backup vocals. This band is on fire! Next performances March 18 & April 1 at 7:00 p.m.

Latcho & Andrea

The Blond Gypsies are European recording artists who perform Gypsy Rumba and Spanish Flamenco Guitar music. Both of German descent, Latcho & Andrea

take influences from around the world, authentically producing the mysterious and passionate sounds of Gypsy Flamenco music. Their shows have thrilled audiences and their popularity continues to soar.

They have one remaining performance this season at The Palm on March 15 at 7:00 p.m.

The Palm is well-known for bringing high-quality, cutting-edge entertainment to Vallarta. Inside you’ll find an intimate 90-seat cabaret with outstanding sound and lighting, creating the ambiance

of cabarets from days gone by. Two shows are scheduled nightly seven days per week, with matinees at 4:00 p.m. on select shows through mid-April, 2016. The Palm is located at Olas Altas #508, in Zona Romantica. Tickets may be purchased online and at the box office, open at 10:00 a.m. 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 Cabaret and Bar on Facebook at www.facebook. com/ThePalmPV/

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art & culture

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Galeria Uno presents works by painter Victor Hugo Perez

Photos: Brenda Beltrán

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aleria Uno will be presenting works by Guadalajara painter Victor Hugo Perez titled “The Man and his Soul”, which represent the emotions that tell the mental state of the artist and build the diary of his life.

Galeria Uno, located in the Romantic Zone, is showing the most representative works of artist Victor Hugo Perez, whose career has spanned more than 20 years as a painter and sculptor.

“In my work I rely on my emotions mainly and use animals like a metaphor of those emotions that tell my mental state, for example if I paint a brave dog, it might be that to me means the fear that I have inside of face to the realities,” he explains.

Perez knew he had to be a painter to express his feelings when words were not effective, “for me, words were not enough, I wanted to show graphically the physical object of my emotions.”

Original: Brenda Beltran TRIBUNA DE LA BAHÌA

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Paradise

and Parenting

Wellness

Latina

Leza Warkentin

Marcella Castellanos

mommyinmexico.wordpress.com

info@wellnesslatina.com

Putting the MIS in Adventure

Three Amazing Mostly Mexican Plant Proteins

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feel like I could probably start every weekly article with “last week was quite an adventure.” Something is always going on around here that is either a) exhausting b) unexpected or c) disastrous. It’s probably based a lot around the fact that our family machine is about as organized as a well-oiled ferret. But this particular week we took things up a notch.

Our son’s excellent taekwondo teacher, Professor Lauro Perez, invited all the students in his class at the American School to a tournament in Guadalajara.

Our son really wanted to go.

More than he wanted to play Xbox.

More than he wanted to play Xbox while reading Harry Potter’s Goblet of Fire for the third time. We decided to be supportive and go, traveling in a caravan with two other families going to the tournament.

On the way to our hotel, we all decided to stop at El Trompo Magico, which is a really great children’s museum with tons of activities and exhibits. We went around 4pm on a Saturday and had most of the place to ourselves. Admission was a super cheap 40 pesos per person. The children spent a couple of wonderful hours in workshops such as news casting and animation, and got to pretend they were in a supermarket and a hospital, among other activities.

We stayed in the Centro Historico, right in the heart of the city. The Centro Historico is rich with colonial architecture and history. Our hotel sat right beside the Cathedral of the Assumption of Our Lady, which sits on the central plaza or zocalo, buzzing with buskers and artists of every type.

Right on the zocolo is a restaurant we almost always visit, called La Antigua, a family-friendly Mexican restaurant with great views of the four hundred year old cathedral. It’s been open for over a hundred years and has a rich and interesting history, and also has

M

any of us who are trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle do so for a multitude of reasons that vary from personto-person. Living a healthy lifestyle oftentimes means eating more plants. And those of us who have moved to a plant-based, or all plant diet often get asked, "So where do you get your protein?"

an astonishingly tolerant attitude toward groups with children.

This was all both wonderful and chaotic (we were traveling with six adults and five children, so chaos wasn’t entirely unexpected). But the real fun happened on the way home while making some pretty steep climbs. Our car decided that it was hot and tired and sent us smoke signals right in the middle of a particularly steep ascent. We immediately pulled over, as did our friends who were kindly following us.

I have lived in Mexico for nearly sixteen years, and I’ve never broken down on the highway. Most people ask me if I feel comfortable driving in Mexico, and my answer has always been an unhesitant yes.

This was put to the test while standing at the side of a busy four-lane highway, engine steaming and burbling merrily.

We tried calling the emergency number you always see on the highway signs, 074. They were very nice and very firm about us calling the “Angeles Verdes”, 078.

This number rang and rang, but ultimately cut us off every time.

The folks at 074 told us that this problem actually had nothing to do with them, and good day, before hanging up.

At that point, one could certainly start feeling a bit hopeless. I spent some tense moments squinting at the long brush beside the road, wondering what type of shelter I

could fashion for the night. It was all a bit grim until we heard a shout and looked over at the truck of a Green Angel, who had been driving by on his regular route, looking for hapless folk in grass shelters and broken-down vehicles.

As soon as he jumped over the cement meridian barrier, a tour bus stopped and the driver came out to lend a hand.

Long story short, these two wonderful humans got us back on the road (after being gifted with precious Krispy Kreme doughnuts).

The Green Angel promised to keep behind us until his route ended.

He said that, on all toll highways, the Angeles Verdes (a service provided by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism) are on the road from 8 – 6pm, looking for folks to help, and the hotline is open 24 hours.

He also said that it usually works, but that it was probably just busy, so we should keep trying if we got cut off. Not only did we have the Green Angel’s support, our friends never left our coolant-dribbled wake. The world can be such a marvelous place to live.

Our family very often puts the capital “MIS” in adventure. But thanks to the Green Angels and some very kind Samaritans, this particular story ended well. Travel in Mexico? Absolutely. With the same car? Well, that might be another story that begins with “last week was quite an adventure.”

Here is a list of three powerhouse proteins:

Beans

Beans are varied and many of them are a part of a Mexican diet.

There are black, pinto, mung, kidney, garbanzo, navy, lentil and so many others. Legumes are powerhouses of nutrition providing us with plenty of fiber and protein.

Some of my favorite dishes are hummus with veggies, black bean and avocado tostadas topped with salsa, bean/veggie/guacamole burritos, vegetarian burgers which were made from usually a type of bean and quinoa, and nice bowl of lentil soup topped with a bit of lemon or lime and hearty piece of bread.

Chia seeds

Chia seeds are ancient. They go back to Aztec and Mayan times and were used often. In fact, this tiny powerhouse, is named "strength" in Ancient Mayan.

Back in the day, these seeds were consumed to provide sustainable energy or stamina. Just two tablespoons or an ounce contain considerable amounts of fiber, protien, Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, phosporus, manganese, magnesium, calcium and decent amounts of vitamin, B1, B2, B3 and Zinc. As if that wasn't enough they are usually non-GMO, grown organically and naturally free

of gluten. A couple of my favorite ways to consume chia seeds is to put in my smoothies, in my fresh fruit water or make a chia pudding with almond milk. The chia becomes gel-like when in a liquid and forms a pudding-like substance.

Pumpkin seeds:

Pumpkin seeds, or "pepitas" as they are called in Spanish cuisine are a very good source of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and copper. They are also a good source of other minerals including zinc and iron and protein.

One-quarter cup of pumpkin seeds has nearly half of the recommended daily amount of magnesium and has loads of Omega 3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seed oil has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and have anti-diabetic effects. One study according to mercola.com even found it worked as well as indomethacin in treating arthritis an anti-inflammatory drug, but without the side effects. Ways to consume pumpkin seeds are by themselves, in a trailmix, in a smoothie, sprinkle on salad or veggies, make energy balls with them. Truly there are many ways to eat 'em...

Think gorilla.

This big guy got all of his protein eating plants...

Marcella is a certified Wellness Lifestyle Coach interested in helping people lead healthier, more compassionate, sustainable lives. Her mission is to empower you to become the best most vibrant version of yourself so that you are unstoppably fulfilling your dreams! She looks at the whole picture and helps you incorporate plant-strong nutrition, movement, and essential oils to support physical and emotional health. If you want to receive health and wellness updates about vibrant healthy living in Vallarta sign up for her newsletter at www. wellnesslatina.

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

In Mexico We Trust

by Virginia Fox v@vcfox.net

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his is not a sappy love song, or hate rant or political prodding. After fifteen years in Mexico, I’m still discovering deeper layers to this enchanting place I call “home” six months of the year.

A growing love story making it even more mystifying to realize how many people in U.S. and Canada would “never go to Mexico for fear of being shot, getting sick or ripped off. And what about attitudes of many who visit?

“It’s Time to hear some “Tourist Truths”, I tell myself, grabbing a beach towel and going down to our pool to get the scoop from tourists spreading the gossip of the condo complex and Mexican lore. I swim slowly toward the “pool chatterers,” a circle of women gathered like a gaggle of chacalacas. Treading water, I pretend I’m focused on exercising, while engrossed in eavesdropping.

“It’s so hot,” Zelda from New York complains. “I don’t know how people stand it. “ I want to ask, “Did you not come here to get away from Arctic temperatures and hail storms?” but dare not start a debate.

“It’s so noisy,” Barbara chimes in. “How can you sleep?” “You’re one step from a Nursing Home,” I want to say. “Mexico is known for color, texture, and sounds. You’d be happier in a gated community

in Florida where people go to sleep at nine and everyone looks and sounds like you,” but I don’t.

“Don’t you love the colorful clothes here? I ask the circle” “Nothing like what we have back home, a spikey haired woman answers. “Why would you shop here?” Several nod their heads muttering, “We have so many great malls.”

“I’m looking for those cute embroidered dresses for my little grandchildren,“ I say. “Any idea where to go?” I ask like I, too, am one of them.

“My dear,” says a red head with a large brimmed straw hat and rhinestone glasses.“ I went with a friend to a store and was appalled at the choices. The dresses were so..so..ethnic.”

“You’d love Walmart . “ I answer. “I hear they have a kid’s section with Disney T shirts.” I quickly swim away hearing “there are too many Mexicans who don’t speak English.” and the beginning of their listing restaurants where all the waiters speak English and the food is what they’re used to.

Am I so different? When I travel I want to see something new? Something that inspires me to get out of my “comfort box?”

“In Mexico we trust,” reminds me I’m free to do anything I want.

It’s a place where I can be more “me” than back home. Take risks

I’d never take anywhere else.

The other day. “wham” without warning , I woke up sick. My body was aching and my hacking cough could be heard three blocks away. If that wasn’t enough, my right eye was running down my cheek. All I wanted to do was sleep. It wasn’t the usual PV Grunge, but what was it ?

I did what everyone “in the know” does down here; I emailed Pam for a doctor. Her voice mail said she was only returning non-emergency calls. I turn to Plan B. The Fountain of Truth, for all information. Posting a note on Facebook, I detail my symptoms, asking for remedies from Vallarta friends.

Within seconds I had an answer from Richard. He was my perfect source, with opinions on everything. He should know, he’s an actor, artist, collector of masks and aprons. He knew nothing about medicine, but he was fun to talk to and he’d be my chosen source.

“Go to a pharmacy and get “Xuzal,” he writes. Doctors are prescribing this for everyone who’s sick. Half of Vallarta has what you have.”

Not knowing myself what I had, I wondered how he knew, but I was seduced by his engaging selling techniques.

Cal, my husband, dutifully went to Farmacia Guadalajara and bought a package of tabletas for $250 pesos. “How often should I take these,” I

asked. “What are they?” “What are they for?”

“I don’t know” he says. I opened my mouth to ask why he had hadn’t asked the pharmacist, but closed it quickly.

Cal’s a manly man. He doesn’t ask questions. Ever. “Read the package,” I suggest. He’s been studying Spanish for years, but sees no dosage on the package.

“I’ll ask Richard,” I said. “He knows everything.”

“One twice a day,” he writes back.

I quickly swallow the tableta with a prayer to “Please help me get well and stay out of the hospital in a critical condition.” Three days later a miracle happened! Most all my symptoms had disappeared. Just as quickly as I was felled, I was healed. My trust was rewarded, the drug wasn’t addictive and I was coughing less often.

Would I have done this in the U.S.? Not! And they wouldn’t have sold it to me without a prescription after a $ 100 doctor’s appointment.

“I can’t believe I did that,” I said. Then I remembered. Six years ago on a trip to Patzcuaro, I was barely able to walk with receding cartilage in my right hip. Watching the young boys dancing with old men masks on their faces, I was feeling as old as the masks. The trip was turning into a nightmare.

I had to get help and had no doctor. “I’m going to find something to dull this pain,” I said to Cal. “They’ll give me anything

I want,” I said walking into the farmacia in the Plaza.

Facing the Spanish-speaking pharmacist I pantomimed my best rendition of pain, stopping short of falling on the floor.

Maggie Smith would have been proud. “Take this,” he says in halting English handing me a packet of tabletas with no explanation of what they were.

“How much do I take? “I ask.

“Whenever you need it,” he says.

He was my kind of doctor.

Grabbing a bottle of water, I swallow the pill, not sure if I’d live to see Vallarta again. In hours I was feeling better.

I can’t say I was “high,” but it reminded me of “the good ole’ days” in the Haight Ashbury in the 60’s with Dr. “Feelgood” where I stocked up on his magical pills every week. But I’m not in my twenties. I obviously didn’t have any more sense than I did then.

Maybe that’s what I love about Mexico. I don’t have to think “sensibly.” It’s about personal freedom and responsibility. You take it, you die, your fault. You don’t see the step, you fall. It’s your fault for not looking.

And how far will I go? I make an appointment in three weeks to go out to a home beauty salon located in a Mexican colonia ten miles away. “The only Gringas who visit here come for “cosmetic enhancements,” I’m told I’ve got a burning desire to get my own uplifting tattooed eyebrows that I see all over town.

I stop and think. I’m travelling far from the safety of our “Old Town bubble” to have my eyebrows stuck with needles?

Really?

“In Mexico we trust “ is getting a whole new meaning. Twenty or seventy, I’m taking this journey further…in Mexico, where life is best on “the Wild Side.”

Virginia Fox is a storyteller, writer, actor, producer in Puerto Vallarta and Chicago. She’s working on a story collection, “Moon Lady’s Wild Rides.”

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Butterfly of the Week Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) Painted Ladies are the most common butterfly in the world and can be found on almost every continent. You might be familiar with them from Canada, where this medium sized arrives in mid-summer from their migrations from the southern US and Mexico. There is some indecision as to whether they stage a return migration, with some indications

Moralea Milne

that they might fly at a high altitude and have thus been migrating unnoticed.

You can run into them almost anywhere in Mexico, especially near their favourite host plants of thistles, burdock, nettles and mallows, where they lay their light green to grey eggs, usually just one per plant. The caterpillars are dark and bristly with white stripes along the sides. Adults will nectar on many species, and apparently, on aphid honeydew!

The Real BBQ

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local The Offer to Purchase Real Estate in Mexico: Is it a “Conquistador Complex”?

Roberto Ortiz de Montellano

roberto@ortizdemontellano.com

W

hen I first moved to Puerto Vallarta and I came across a documented offer to buy real estate, as a Mexican lawyer I was intrigued, to say the least. In all my years of legal practice throughout Mexico, I had never seen an offer the way it is used here. At a first glance it seemed to me like a rough attempt to “tropicalize” a U.S. and Canadian legal instrument.

This is because an “Offer to buy Real Estate” as we know it here in Puerto Vallarta, is only used in Mexican cities where usually buyer and seller are foreign (such as

Puerto Vallarta, Cancun or Cabo).

In the rest of Mexico, the contract that is used when you are planning to buy or sell real estate, is called a “Promissory Contract” and, unlike the offer, it is specifically regulated under Mexican Law. So is an Offer to buy Real Estate, a binding contract under Mexican Law? In order to determine if an offer is a valid and binding contract under Mexican Law and not just the product of what I like to call the “Conquistador Complex”, I decided to study the document in more detail. I

Clark Gable – The King of Hollywood

By Fred Jacobs

C

lark was born in Ohio in 1901. His father was an oil-rig worker and his mother passed away when Clark was just two years old. His father remarried to a woman named Jennie. Unlike many “step-mothers”, her relationship was warm and loving with Clark.

She made sure he was always well dressed and well groomed and Clark always stood out amongst other children. She even taught Clark to play piano. Clark also liked to do mechanical work with his father and they were often found repairing cars together. Despite this, Clark secretly had a passion for Shakespeare and studied it on his own.

By age sixteen, Clark’s father wanted him to work their farm, but Clark was having none of that, choosing to work in a tire factory instead.

At age twenty-one, Clark inherited some money and was free to choose his own destiny. After seeing his first play a few years earlier, Clark knew this was his passion.

For the next few years, Clark toured onstage with small stock companies, but continued working odd jobs as well. In Portland, Clark came across an acting coach, Josephine Dillon, who took him

under her wing. She paid to have his teeth fixed, a new hair style, and build up his physique.

In 1924, Josephine then paid for the two to go to Hollywood and try to get Clark established with Josephine as his manager. The same year, she became Clark’s wife-at fourteen years his senior. After several years of Hollywood working as extras and bit parts, Clark decided to return to the stage. While on the stage, he had befriended Lionel Barrymore who helped Clark get screen tests for movies.

By 1930, the stage work paid off and Clark got a contract with MGM Studios and appeared in a low budget movie “The Painted Desert”.

He also divorced Josephine and

then concluded that even though it is an “atypical contract” in Mexico, the offer does have the elements of a binding contract: there is consent of the parties (signature), there is a purpose (the commitment to buy and sell) and there is an agreed price. It is important that the offer includes, just like the “Promissory Contract”, a time limit to sign the final purchase deed (closing date), otherwise the offer could lack legal validity.

But there is a catch…

Something that you must be aware of is that Xerox copies or PDF copies in Mexico have NO legal validity, so even if you have signed an offer and have a PDF copy, you should always get an original signed by the parties, otherwise in case there is a breach of contract, you will have a hard time trying to enforce the offer or trying to collect penalties.

So now you know that the “Offer to Purchase Real Estate” is legally binding contract in Mexico, but you still have to make sure that it contains certain elements, otherwise it can be declared null and void.

married a Texas socialite named Maria, just a few days later. Unlike his personal life, Clarks’ career path moved much slower. It took six years of knocking on Hollywood doors for him to make his first movie with Joan Crawford in 1931 “Dance Fools, Dance.”

But now Hollywood was taking notice of Clark and his unique voice and pencil moustache were turning him into a leading man. In 1934 he filmed “It happened one Night” with Claudette Colbert, which won five Academy Awards. He also made “The Call of the Wild” with Loretta Young. Their hot off screen romance produced a daughter. In those days this scandal would have ruined the promising careers of both of them, so they kept the pregnancy secret and Loretta went to Europe to give birth to their daughter.

In 1939 Clark made his greatest movie: “Gone with the Wind” with the British star Vivian Leigh. It won an Academy Award for her and started a phenomenal thirty-year theatrical run. The film spawned Clarks’ infamous line “frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn” which was voted the number one line in a movie, by the American Film Institute.

Clark again divorced in 1939 and then married wife number three that same year. She was fellow actress, Carole Lombard. Unfortunately Carole died in a plane crash in 1942

Continued on page 26

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Of Monkeys

and Marriage

By Molly Williams http://inmylifebymolly.blogspot.com/ I am a semi-retired history teacher, a part-time lawyer, an optimistic writer, a contented wife, a forever mom, and a joyous and open-eyed traveler.

Visit my blog at http://inmylifebymolly.blogspot.com/

T

hey say in space no one can hear you scream. I hope the same is true for 300 feet up in a Mexican jungle, flying between the mountain tops, tethered by a seat harness and hanging on for dear life. If not, I left some terrified monkeys in my wake.

After over 20 years of Mexican beach trips, I thought I knew what to expect: sunny days with my family under the palapa, foo-foo drinks in carved out fruit topped with umbrellas, haggling in the flea market if we really wanted to step out. But last year a friend with whom we frequently travel, an otherwise very predictable and fairly proper woman, suggested we go zip-lining. After more than a bit of persuading, my husband and I, our 15-year-old daughter, and my friend and her husband booked a day trip for the mysterious sounding “canopy tour.”

Although the tour company guaranteed our safety, it was considerably out of our comfort zone.

The canopy in question is that of the jungle rooftop. We climbed straight up the sides of trees, on skinny slat steps, rounding through the jungle on stepping stones that took us ever higher. We were helmeted, harnessed, and wrapped in safety gear, with heavy duty leather gloves for gripping the hooks, cables, and pulleys that were the only things between us and the river winding through the rocks nearly 100 meters below.

The activity leaders were expert, patient, and took every precaution. When I was finally pushed out from the safety of my tree perch, the jungle fell away behind me, the lush valley opened out before me, and my heart leapt into my throat.

It was gorgeous, wild, insanely exhilarating, and at least for me, very loud, as I didn’t even try to keep the shrieks in. Fourteen incredible swings from station to

station later, we finally descended near the ground, and the adrenaline hadn’t even started to cool.

My husband, behind me, was equally pumped by our adventure.

He described it well, though.

He said that if he had known what it entailed, he probably wouldn’t have gone, but he was thrilled that he had.

That, to me, sums up so much.

I realized that afternoon that the wildest adventure of all isn’t the excursion we sought out for vacation diversion, but the one he and I embarked upon over 20 years ago, having no idea what it would entail.

When we set out on our future together, we looked forward to champagne and tuxedos, followed by setting up a merry home filled with family and friends. If someone had told us then that we would occasionally have to hold on for dear life, cursing our impetuousness and screaming into a jungle that couldn’t answer, we probably would’ve stopped in our tracks down the aisle.

But we would have missed the excitement and fulfillment of saying yes to things unpredictable and out of our comfort zone.

Life together often feels like swinging free-style through the canopy. Sometimes the monkeys get terrified.

But I wouldn’t have missed this adventure for the world. And even now knowing what it would entail, I would have gone.

events

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

All Things El Rio

By Marcia Blondin

S

tart with typical winter weather in Vallarta, a beach on the Rio Cuale, some well-placed umbrellas, cool things to buy – paintings, jewelry, a haircut (?), silent auctions, clothes, delish paella and barbeque, icy cold beer, homemade French fries and eight different bands playing over seven hours for more than 700 people who came to eat, drink, swim, dance, listen to music and shop. Where and why was this happening?

Riverfest 2016 is now history and will be talked about until the 6th Annual Riverfest comes around next year. I asked some questions of Barb Bremner, the organizer of this event. I was curious about the massive amounts of energy and time involved to pack hundreds of people together for hours and hours with lots of alcohol and not have any problems. The answer to that, of course, is the reason behind Riverfest itself.

So, a little background (I am paraphrasing Barb here): Five years ago, Kurt Sinner of El Rio BBQ had a vision. He wanted to run an event that would benefit a charity and make a difference in the community. Through discussions with friends, he asked Pasitos de Luz (Little Steps of Light) to partner with him for an annual fundraiser and the rest is history. The location is amazingly beautiful; there really isn't any place quite like it. Kurt is a huge supporter of charity, running numerous events each year. He regularly supports musicians and has live music available, free of charge, several days a week throughout the winter.

El Rio has a unique beauty and Pasitos de Luz is blessed to be the beneficiary of an event that stands out each year as one not to

be missed. Kurt has also included accessibility for all which really is important for Pasitos de Luz kids and their supporters.

Sixty volunteers sold tickets, answered questions, took people to their reserved tables, and smiled and smiled the whole day long.

Final numbers are not in yet but $200,000 pesos is the anticipated amount that will be given to the children of Pasitos de Luz who suffer from severe psychological and/or physical illnesses. By the way, Pasitos de Luz receives no government funding. At all. And, Pasitos de Luz doesn’t charge anyone, anything.

Casa Conner is a new project being built on donated land in neighbouring Nayarit and is very nearly done. One of the biggest issues Pasitos de Luz faces is a lack of facilities to accommodate the numbers of children who need their services. Once Casa Connor is complete, the board of directors will be expanded to include the oversight of the additional facility.

A determination as to whether the original site and the Casa Connor location will both be open is under discussion. Both sites will serve the Bay and Casa Conner will have additional services that will allow for respite care for families to be able to have temporary relief.

A final word from Arturo Ayala, the director at Pasitos de Luz: “Pasitos’ kids cannot have a normal life by themselves, life gave them good parents but with many adversities... life has ways to keep balance. For me, Pasitos de Luz is one of those ways of how life equilibrates the opportunities. And what is Pasitos de Luz?... Pasitos is all of US. Every time we do something to give balance on a less fortunate life, we are adding balance to ours… I love the way it works… we need those children as much they need us…”

Teena Oudman (she and her husband Peter are the ones behind the Casa Connor initiative) Arturo Ayala (Pasitos de Luz director) and volunteers Frank and Lorraine Benson

entertainment

20 SPCA of Puerto Vallarta

F

or those of you curious about how Conejo the famous burro is doing these days, we are happy to report he is having a ball romping around freely at Rancho Primavera. He recently had his shoes removed now that he is “retired”. He doesn't need shoes on the soft pasture and can play with the horses more safely. There was a lovely photo posted on his Facebook page that shows Conejo playing with a young horse at his new home.

Everyone reports that they have never seen Conejo so happy and full of energy and doesn’t seem to miss Muñeco one bit!

Thanks Bonnie Juregaui and everyone at the beautiful birdwatcher's paradise, Rancho Primavera in El Tuito for giving Conejo such a wonderful home. (www.ranchoprimaveramexico.com) And speaking of Muñeco, he is still looking for his forever home.

Send us an application if you are interested in adopting this lovely boy (spcapv@gmail.com).

We are also making a plea to our friends and supporters. There was considerable encouragement from the community when the SPCA stepped up to rescue both Conejo and Muñeco after Juan passed away. Along with the encouragement came pledges of financial support which unfortunately has not materialized. If you have not yet honored your pledge to help with the expenses we’ve incurred rescuing Conejo, we ask that you please do so in order for us to continue with our rescue efforts. You can go out to our Facebook page (SPCA Puerto Vallarta) or our website (spcapv.com) to donate.

Come and spend a rewarding afternoon cuddling the animals at

Puerto Vallarta’s SPCA Sanctuary.

Our dogs and cats are awaiting “forever homes” and your help is needed to jump start their socialization. The goal is to get these animals adjusted and ready to interact in the real world. The majority of the SPCA animals either come from extremely abusive situations or they have been abandoned.

Your love and attention can make up for that sad history. During your visit, you can interact with the animals and even take a dog (or two or three) for a walk.

Tours will be each Tuesday and Thursday leaving from the Costco parking lot at noon. Please note that reservations are required and space is limited. To make a reservation, contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. We appreciate any donations you can bring for our rescues and also please feel free to bring treats for sanctuary staff as they truly appreciate it.

To see our animals available for adoption, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/spcapv.

Go to Photos where you will also find individual Albums for all the animals available as well as a bit of their history.

To make donations via PayPal, select the "Donate" option on our Facebook page www.facebook. com/spcapv or on our website at http://spcapv.com/donate/.

You can drop off any donations for the SPCA at Hacienda San Angel located at Calle Miramar 336, above Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in El Centro.

Get involved…rescue, adopt, foster, volunteer, donate or educate. Contact us at spcapv@ gmail.com. You can learn more about the SPCA Puerto Vallarta by checking us out at www.spcapv. com/home or on Facebook.

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

artwalk

21

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Galeria de Ollas Exclusively Dedicated to Mata Ortiz Pottery

M

ata Ortiz is a small rural village in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. There, over 400 of the villagers are creating the most beautiful, individually designed and handcrafted works of pottery.

Creating Museum Quality Pieces First, they press into a plaster mold a tortilla of clay to shape and support the bottom. Then they pinch a clay sausage around the edge of the tortilla. To form the pot, the potters continually turn, pinch, and pull the clay of the sausage to give the pot its desired shape. As they form the pot, the potters smooth and compress the clay by scraping it with the back of a blade or similar tool.

Then, after drying, they sand the pot and polish it with a smooth stone. The potters do not draw out the painted designs in advance; instead, they create the designs painting freehand.

The last step is to fire the pot in an electric kiln or under a tent of cottonwood bark for half an hour.

GalerĂ­a de Ollas was established in February 1998 and since then has been dedicated to displaying and selling the works of the finest Mata Ortiz potters.

Corona 176, Centro Phone (322) 223 1045 www.galeriadeollas.com

MIRIHAM-GALLEGOS

VIDAL CORONA

ELVIRA-BUGARINI

JOSE-LUIS-LOYA

riviera nayarit

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

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

H

ey everybody! It certainly was another week of fun on the north side of the Banderas Bay! Normally on Saturdays when there isn’t any theatre dinner shows you can come and have fun singing Karaoke at the Luna Lounge in Bucerias. This last Saturday, however, was the John Memorial Fundraiser / Luna Lounge 1st Annual “Bucerias Got Talent” show which raised a whopping total of 27,700 pesos! Without any overhead.. Now that is the way to rock it!

There were ten contestants, with with Suzanne Robillard taking first place..wow, what a sultry voice! And second place went to a guitar / singer who plays his guitar and sings all over Bucerias beach, Fausto. Third place going to Elaine Camieno who works at La Postal; beautiful singing, and fourth place went to Michael Benton who also sang. The judges / commentators were Keith Ashwood, with Brittany Kingery who performed during intermission and DEVA…that super “Crazy Bitch” who also gave a fun performance! First place took home 3000 pesos, not a bad day!

Maureen Leslie and Hugh Gaffney from Luna Lounge came up with the brilliant idea one night over some cocktails. Maureen and Dave were the “leaders” in this event. What a super idea and a great way to raise money for food

and other supplies these folks who are trying to get back on their feet after the hurricane. Way to go EVERYONE! The Fundraiser for Manos de Amor kids at Breakers Beach Club was also a great success and a very fun day with 12,060 pesos that was raised for the kids! Way to go BREAKERS! Another fun and successful event!

The 1st Annual La Cruz Street Party also rocked La Cruz all day last Wednesday. The street was closed down between The Octopus Garden and Britannia and filled with a stage, tables and chairs.

Mike Curlette hosted a long line up of musicians as they blessed the stage with amazing music.

The last performance was special as Oscar Fuentes and drummer Carlos (who played almost all day!) came up and played with the famous base player Carlos Aviles from the Mexican rock band, CUCA, which is short for Cucaracha (cockroach).

This was part of the name of their first album on February 14th, 1990 named La Invasión de los Blátidos. ("Blátidos" is the scientific name given to cockroaches.)

Carlos came up from Guadalajara especially for this event. Thank you Carlos! A fun time had by all drinking and eating and dancing the day and night away…and the monies raised went to two chil-

dren in severe medical need. A WIN-WIN! I am still waiting for the dollar amount raised and will let you know as soon as I find out!

I checked in at Xocolatl by Robertos in La Cruz on Sunday to hear Havy Rodriquez playing amazing Cuban music. He has a very rich voice and plays different percussions with his feet; very talented! From 7-10pm you can enjoy Havy along excellent Mexican fare and service with a terrific view of the La Cruz Marina and bay. I also popped in at Esquina Bar and Lounge in Bucerias. Great food every time!

New Events

The Chacala Music Festival is happening March 10-13th. Chacala is just beyond La Penita and is a small charming village. It takes about 20 minutes from the 200 Hwy to get to the town. Remember you gain an hour as you pass Lo de Marcos. The festival includes art exhibitions and workshops every day. Thursday is Jazz Night, Friday

is International Night, Saturday is Mexican Night and Sunday is Kid’s Day. You can check out their entire line up on their FB page.

The La Cruz Amigos present “The Patsy Cline Review”, which is another terrific fundraiser for the kids in La Cruz to attend summer school for three weeks for free.

The show started Wednesday, on March 9th and runs the 10th and 11th. Tickets are 150 pesos. One beer, wine or soda is included.

Cash bar with me bartending on Wednesday and Friday! There are also desserts, spiked coffee drinks and other beverages available for purchase. Doors open at 5pm with the show at 6:30 at La Cruz restaurant La Cascadas, on the opposite corner of Pub Britannia. There is also a Pre-Theater Dinner option at the Octopus Garden. Please contact Amy Welch at Amywelchpdx@comcast.net …. See you there!

Black Forest Restaurant in La Cruz….Latcho and Andrea play at the Black Forest Restaurant every

Friday, a show not to be missed!

Black Forest is also having a Beer Tasting Fest on March 15th! It’s so much fun! Taste traditional German Hofbräuhaus Beer, Colimita, a Pilsner Beer or Tícus, a Porter Beer from Microbrewery Cervecería de Colima. Siegfried Rothfuss is the Beer Brew Master and will be there to talk to you about brewing.

It’s a good time with friend’s beer testing / tasting to see which beer you prefer. I’m a Porter girl myself!

There is a special menu to go with the beers. It’s a very good idea to make reservations! Good Times!

Thanks so much for tuning in! As usual, so much to post, so please visit the allLaCruz.com calendar and the allBucerias calendar with new music and events every week.

Also, check out the FB page RivieraNayaritFun for more Riviera Nayarit Fun! If you have any comments or questions please email me at Cat@RivieraNayaritFun.com.

Have a super week everyone!

riviera nayarit

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

XXIV International Banderas Bay Regatta

Bucerias Art District Beat

By Gordon Mayer

The Founders – Christy Beguesse and The Bucerias Art Walk

C

an art really be the catalyst for change? Does the energy it possesses have the ability to transform places and people for the better? As we have introduced the BAD, we have talked about the power of art to create community but can it truly bring change?

Christy Ann Beguesse, Artist and proprietor of A Broken Art and the Bucerias Art Walk Plaza would say a resounding, “Yes!” Christy found herself disenchanted with the corporate life. Working for a large food corporation, she would sit day after day in church praying for a change, for something to transform the daily grind that was weighing her down and bring light and life back to her. As she sat and prayed, it was as though the Divine intervention she had sought was waiting there for her all along.

All around her the art in the sanctuary whispered to her energy and strength until a statue of St. Joseph in mosaic lifted her head. Seizing on the inspiration, she purchased a book on mosaics and starting with a simple terra cotta pot she fashioned her first art. She was ecstatic with the result, feeling the wind of change filling her sails and when a friend who saw the piece said they had to have it, purcha-

sing it on the spot, Christy knew her destiny was to release the artist within her. Six months creating art in her garage led to her opening her own gallery which then six months later led to her first major commission, a mosaic of the Virgin of Guadalupe that is on display in Nevada. Art had made a massive and positive change in Christy’s life.

Coming to Bucerias when the road her gallery is on was still cobblestone and without streetlights, Christy was compelled to not only share her art personally, but to share art to the public. After attending the Puerto Vallarta Art Walk, Christy was inspired to bring the idea back to Bucerias and the Lazaro Cardenas where she and thirteen other galleries were situated. What could be more perfect than thirteen galleries with artists and entrepreneurs who are passionate about promoting art gathered in an area that could be easily covered in an evening?

Nothing could be more perfect, save for the cobblestone and darkness, which to the galleries were seemingly crippling obstacles and put the start of a Bucerias Art Walk on hold. It wasn’t until artist and neighbor Peter D’Adio quipped to Christy that they should share an opening one evening and promote it together that things changed.

One evening in October 2006, they did just that, inviting patrons and the public to attend at both galleries just a short distance across the street from each other.

The night was a huge success as

I five times the people they invited showed up and, to Christy’s great surprise and wonder, the patrons spent the evening walking back and forth between the galleries carefully negotiating the cobblestone, but establishing that the previously thought insurmountable obstacles were not obstacles at all!

The very next day Christy set out to establish the Bucerias Art Walk (www.thebuceriasartwalk.com) which saw near 300 people its first night in November 2006 and is still going strong today, on a paved and well-lit Lazaro Cardenas illuminating the positive changes in play.

There are few that would argue that the most positive change that can be realized is that which benefits the next generations. Children have always been our greatest source of hope and the most significant opportunity to effect wholesale and global innovations. After establishing the Bucerias Art Walk and cementing the artistic community, Christy then went on to establish a world class event dubbed, “The Bucerias Chalk Art Walk” or the “Chalk Walk” as it has become known. Notable in the event that brings chalk artists from around the world to transform the pavement along the Lazaro Cardenas to compete is the last day of the event. After clearing the ‘canvas’ hundreds of children are brought to the venue to take to the street, chalk in hand and world-class artists overseeing, to let their crea-

tivity reveal itself and develop their heart for art. Having experienced how art can transform, Christy, along with her associates and the patrons she gathers to fund the event, give this unique opportunity to these children and send them home equipped with their own set of chalk, instruction to develop their gifts and talents and a keen awareness that they can create, they can achieve and that they are truly significant. Not a bad return for a short closure of the thoroughfare. Marry that with the charities that benefit from any profit from the event and it is clear that Christy and the artists, artisans and businesses of this art hub are serious about community and invest themselves to develop for today and generations to come.

After a hiatus from the Chalk Walk, I am pleased to be able to report that Christy is committed to re-establishing it this year and will actively be seeking patrons and assistance to literally cover the district with art.

Art is still a positive energy for Christy, one that she passes on to everyone who visits her plaza.

There you will always find artists using her offered space that she shares freely to display, promote and create their art. There in the midst you will find Christy, a footing for what has been built and become the Bucerias Art District and a staunch and energetic supporter for how art can change lives.

nteresting stats about the oldest regatta in the Mexican Pacific include the involvement of some 50 boats with more than 280 participants and over 800 attendees, which will generate over 9 million pesos in revenue.

Riviera Nayarit will welcome the XXIV International Banderas Bay Regatta with a boat parade; the competition will take place from March 9-13, 2016 in Nuevo Vallarta, hosted by the Vallarta Yacht Club.

This is the oldest and largest regatta on Mexico’s Pacific Coast making it one of the top regattas in the world. Cruising sailboats, racers and some categories of small boats will enjoy four days on the beautiful Banderas Bay, known around the world for its excellent sailing conditions.

There will be approximately 50 participating boats, which equal 280 competitors.

This year’s edition will take place within the framework of the FMV Cup 2016 Vallarta-Nayarit as one of its regattas.

This competition seeks to encourage sailing among the younger generations, which is why it urges participants to include novices in their crews. The YVC’s youth program is the oldest and largest in the region, making it ground zero for the training of Mexico’s best sailors.

Besides the regattas there will also be several social events on the schedule for participants to enjoy the Riviera Nayarit’s many attractions. www.banderasbayregatta.com

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Life

In La Cruz

1st Hot Air Balloon Festival

T

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

The Ballena Blanca

I

t was exciting to watch the location that is now La Ballena Blanca transformed into a restaurant. I marvel at what can be done with a blank, semi-outside space in Mexico. Due to very little rain for months during the high season, a ceiling or roof structure isn’t mandatory, as proven with the sail shades hung decoratively yet serving a much-needed function. The delightful bar that is made from a speedboat gets much attention! The creativity only starts with the design; chef Edwin’s meals are equally artful with the blue corn tortillas filled with shrimp or fish and red cabbage.

The owners, managers, chef and bartender are Edwin and Kareli.

They honoured Edwin’s grandfather, Rosendo Robles, by using the name La Ballena Blanca [translated to The White Whale] which was the grandfather’s restaurant’s name.

Bleached bones from a whale that washed ashore and back in the 1980s were in the previous restaurant and are now in the new incarnation. Assisting in the restaurant

are cousins Eva and Irvin, creating a fabulous vibe for all who visit.

As their success has grown, so has the menu. Filling a much-requested desire for fish and shrimp tacos (which at the time wasn’t easily attained in our fishing village of La Cruz) they’ve expanded to an even greater menu.

They now serve a variety of really yummy burgers and as my friend Maryjane noted, “They even make their own hamburger buns.”

Rounding out the menu with good French fries, delicious ribs, Aztec soup and fajitas. The tacos come with a red-cabbage coleslaw on the side and a choice of sauces.

Edwin, who studied cooking says “”Honestly I love cooking and hearing all of the great comments coming from the customers.”

Some of the recipes come from a family matriarch but Edwin loves cooking and creating saying,“My favorite thing to cook is everything!

I enjoy making all kinds of plates along with learning something new everyday. Kareli helps me in the kitchen and has learned to cook because she is a great wife who helps me out in times of need. She

just enjoys hearing that everything is going well.”

Kareli is in charge of the bar, always with a smile, often dancing and creating new and interesting concoctions. She makes a tasty, hand-shaken margarita, often delivered to the table by Irvin, the dancing waiter!

La Ballena Blanca also supports live music.

• Wednesday; "The Trio" Ajim, Alesandra and Bill play Rock and Roll covers.

• Friday; "The Breeze" made up of Ajim, Alesandra, Dave and Bill play a mix of Rock and Roll, Swing Tunes, Beatles and R&B; alwaysgreat dance tunes.

• Saturday; across the street at the plaza there is live music and dancing. Get a front row seat while enjoying one of Kareli’s drinks accompanied by those great tacos.

• Sunday; "The Traveling Band" a much loved Rock and Roll duo. Ajim

sings most of the songs and plays amazing guitar. Alessandra replicates Stevie Nicks with passion and excellence and plays the djembe drum impressing all with her magnificent drum solos!

Occasionally other musicians come through town and perform.

When in La Cruz, I highly recommend you stop in, say hi and enjoy!

his grand aerial spectacle arrives in the Bay of Banderas for the very first time; Nuevo Vallarta will host the event, which includes tethered flights, free flights and flights aboard a blimp.

The 1st Riviera Nayarit Hot Air Balloon Festival arrives in Nuevo Vallarta from March 18-20, 2016 and everyone is invited to celebrate the upcoming spring season with this newest event.

“This destination is all about events—we have anchor events that take place every year and they've been very successful,” said Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. “We also look for attractive new events such as the Riviera Nayarit Hot Air Balloon Festival.”

The area for takeoffs is located on the Avenida México in Nuevo Vallarta on the field between El Tigre and the Universidad Tecnológica. General admission is $50 pesos. There will be three different types of flights: tethered flights, free flights and flights aboard a blimp.

The tethered flights cost $300 pesos and will take place on all three days; these flights only go up 13 meters, or 43 feet. They’re great for picture taking and will happen in the mornings and in the evenings.

The free flights will take off in the mornings of March 19 and 20th at approximately 7 a.m. The cost is $2,300 pesos per person. There will be between 15 and 20 balloons available with a capacity for 70 people total, meaning there will be 140 spots available over the two days.

There will also be flights aboard a blimp available at a cost of $2,300 pesos per person. This is about a 20-minute flight and will only be available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and then from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

“Basically we brought this festival here because it’s something totally different in the area. We wanted to bring something new and the facilities and support offered by the State Government and the Riviera Nayarit CVB were ideal,” commented Edgar García, the festival organizer.

For details call (045) 55 6972 8479 or (045) 33 1136 2604 or email luergapa@hotmail.com.

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Chacala Music Festival this weekend

O

ne night in March, 2012 at a Friday night roof-top reception, a group of attendees began to break out in song, regaling the crowd spontaneously with music from Broadway Musicals.

The group began to realize that Chacala might just be a perfect place to celebrate music and other arts: thus was borne the Puerto de Chacala Festival de Musica y Arte.

The general feeling was that Chacala was destined to grow,

and it was felt that an ideal growth trajectory was to see this quaint Mexican village evolve into a high quality locale where people could develop in body, mind, and spirit.

This could potentially develop the sea-side village into a center of artistic values, similar to models achieved in other places such as Carmel, California and San Miguel Allende, Mexico.

This annual Festival de Musica y Arte is intended to represent

Easter and Holy Week Promos in Riviera Nayarit

2

7 hotels in Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos, Bucerías, Punta de Mita and Rincón de Guayabitos are participating with discounts of up to 50%, free amenities and much more.

The Riviera Nayarit’s Easter and Holy Week promos are in

full swing from March 3-15, 2016 offered to the traveling public by the members of the Riviera Nayarit Hotel and Motel Association and the Riviera Nyaarit Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB).

“Launching promotions during high season sends a message to

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

a component in moving in that direction and will feature a variety of musical genre from which future Festival de Musica y Arte selections will evolve.

Each day of the festival features different genre of music starting Thursday, March 10 with Jazz, Friday is International, Saturday is Mexican and Sunday is Kid’s day.

Popular local bands include Moruno and Luna Rumba, singer Elisabeth von Trapp of the famed von Trapp family as well as a number of local and international artists who will be creating and showing their works during the event. our visitors that the Riviera Nayarit wants to help their budgets all year long and not only when there are less tourists around,” commented Marc Murphy, Managing Director of the Riviera Nayarit CVB. The promotions include resort credits; free Internet; unlimited calls to Mexico, the United States and Canada; free tours; unlimited rounds of golf; free babysitting; up to 12 months interest free; free parking and discounts of 17, 25, 45 and 50%.

Of note: there will be several important events taking place during this vacation season including the Circo de Niños in San Pancho, the Martial Arts Open, the Hot Air Balloon Festival and #RoxyFitness in Nuevo Vallarta, as well as the traditional Judea festivities in the villages.

The 27 participating hotels in the destination include: Bel Air, Decameron Los Cocos, Dreams Villamagna, Grand Palladium, Grand Velas, Hard Rock Hotel,

Las Palomas, Iberostar, Imanta, La Tranquila, Marival Residences, Marival Resort, Occidental Grand, Ocean Breeze, Paradise Village, Rancho Banderas, Riu Jalisco, Riu Palace Pacífico, Riu Vallarta, Royal Decameron, Samba, St Regis, Palladium, Villa del Palmar, Villa La Estancia, Villa Varadero and Vista Vallarta.

There’s no excuse for staying home this Easter Week! The Riviera Nayarit wants your vacation stay to be unforgettable.

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

March 10-13 Chacala Music Festival Four days of music, art and events in the charming village of Chacala.

March 11 Breakfast Fundraiser in support of Corazon de Nina at the Marriott Casa Magna. 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.

Sunday March 13 Health and Wellness Festival Lazaro Cardenas Park - 9am-3pm This free event that aims to inform people about healthy alternatives ranging from food and exercise to medicine and alternative therapies.

March 13 Health and Wellness Fair Park Lazaro Cardenas, Zona Romantica 9:00am to 3:00pm Yoga classes, healthy food, music and much more!

events calendar March 13 Book launch at Espacio Pachamama, in Sayulita at 8pm for Robert Lewis’s new book, Days of Shock, Days of Wonder, a memoir about his confrontation with the spiritual and cognitive dissonance of the 9/11 age.

The launch will include music, art, documentary film, and handcrafted vegan food and chocolates.

Tuesday, March 15 Mystical Evening - 6:00 p.m.

The Mystical Evening Fundraiser held at Daiquiri Dick’s is in support of the Purr Project. Tarot cards, consult the I Ching, have your caricature drawn—all while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a glorious Vallarta sunset! Raffle prizes! Tickets: $400 pesos and include tarot and I Ching readings, a caricature sitting, two drinks, and an array of yummy appetizers. Get your tickets now at Daiquiri Dick’s or at exkhan@usfamily.net.

May 16-30 Vallarta Pride – Themed One Family, this two-week event has events splashed around town. More information at vallartapride.com Wednesday March 16 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s are every other Wednesday with

at the age of thirty-three. Clark took her death very hard and considered suicide. He enlisted into the US Air Force. He started as a private and returned home three years later with the rank of major. He flew bombing missions over Germany and kept up the morale of the troops.

When he returned from the war new actors were popular like Gary Cooper, Spencer Tracy, Walter Pigeon and John Wayne. The studio was smart enough to costar him with rising new starlets like Lana Turner, Sophia Loren and Greer Garson.

The media loved his extra marital affairs and his (ultimately) five marriages. In between his one night stands and making more movies he found time to marry his fourth wife, Sylvia Ashley, a British actress and recent divorcee. She was also the widow of Douglas Fairbanks. That marriage lasted until 1952.Then came wife number five in 1955 - Kay Speckles. She was a former fashion model and was with Clark until his death. Kate informed Clark that she was expecting a baby and Clark was thrilled but did not live to see the birth of his son, John.

His last movie was “Some like It Hot” with Marilyn Monroe. Clark

card sales beginning at 3:00 pm. and bingo .at 4:00 pm Bingo bags over 1400 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 & Neuter March 16 St. Patrick’s Day Benefit Party at Murphy’s Irish Pub on the malecon. 12-5pm $250 pesos includes live music, full Irish buffet, raffles, 50-50 and great time in support of the many charitable causes of the American Legion. For more information contact Dennis2Rike@aol.com or call 322-138-8891.

Havre No.111 Col. Versalles Fluent English Spoken

March 17 Sri Swami Vishwananda Villa Ananda – Punta de Mita 3-5pm $200 pesos March 17 Puerto Vallarta Garden Club March Meeting De Vino Bar on Basilio Badillo at 5 p.m. The guest speaker will be Mike Laking, artist and photographer. He was the grand prize winner of 2010 Vallarta Botanical Gardens Photography Contest and third prize winner of the 2011 event.

Friday, March 18 SHABBAT SERVICE Shabbat Services presented by Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community at 6:30pm at Casa Carmen, on Calle Jesus Langarica, directly behind the Hotel Rosita at the end of the first block going toward the ocean.

Volunteers to read English and/ or Hebrew as well as to help with the kippas and prayer books are appreciated. Please check our facebook page at Puerto Vallarta

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March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Jewish Community or email Donna at helth1@sbcglobal.net.

Join us for dinner at Pan y Que? located right behind Hidalgo Park near the little church. Reservations are needed. Please RSVP

by Tuesday morning, March 15, to Donna.

Wednesday, March 23 Jalisco Art Expo 2016 At the Marsol Hotel Lobby from 11 am to 5 pm Art Auction (viewing closes at 2pm), artists showing their new works, live music and food prepared by local restaurants.

Friday, March 25 Church Service - English Congregation at the First Baptist Church will have a Good Friday service at 11 am. Church is located next to Park Hidalgo.

Wednesday, March 30 Bingo at Nacho Daddy’s All bingo games at Nacho Daddy’s are every other Wednesday with card sales beginning at 3:00 pm and bingo at 4:00 pm. Bingo bags over 1400 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 & Neuter.

April 13 Becas Vallarta Breakfast at Coco’s Kitchen 9:30 a.m., $200 pesos info and tickets: Suzanne Erikson 221-5599 or Terry Prill 221-5465, or Mariel or Carlos Fregosa 221-0789

Christ Church by the Sea Worldwide Anglican Communion

Gable died at the age of fifty-nine in November of 1960 from a blood clot, after a severe heart attack ten days earlier. His son John Clark Gable was born four months later, in the same hospital where Clark had died.

Clark Gable’s funeral was a major affair. Everybody who admired or respected him was there. Life Magazine called him “All man… and then some.” Many fans and love interests agreed.

Fred Jacobs is the author of three books and is a permanent resident of Puerto Vallarta.

Services Sunday 10:00 a.m.

Palm Sunday March 20 /Easter Sunday March 27 Maundy Thursday March 17 at 5 p.m.

English-Traditional Holy Communion All faiths welcome-Casual Dress Across from airport, northbound service road next to Sixt and Thrifty Car Rental Blvd. Fco. Medina 7936, Puerto Vallarta Questions? Call Father Jack Wehrs 322-209-0895 cell: 044-322-229-1129

www.ChristChurchByTheSea.org www.IglesiaCristoDelMar.org

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Canadian Ex-pat Launches PoliticalSpiritual Memoir in Sayulita

By Rafiq

Sybaritic Indulgences at Terra Noble

By Anita Draycott

W

ant to spend an idyllic day in Puerto Vallarta far from the madding crowd? After breakfast, take a taxi to Terra Noble Spa, Art and Healing Center high up in the Vallarta hills surrounded by an ecological reserve called Agua Azul. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you see an old car covered in white stucco with the words, Terra Noble, written on the side of it.

The brainchild of Mexican “lifestyle designer,” Jorge Rubio, this holistic retreat has a very organic and natural ambience. Rubio has travelled the world seeking inspiration and spiritual growth in far-flung places such as Nepal, Turkey and Tibet. His extensive portfolio includes architecture and designer projects all over the world, some of which have been featured in Architectural Digest. Rubio has also designed palaces and arranged for weddings for his friend, a Saudi Prince.

The day I visited, a busload of tourists on a house tour had

stopped to visit Rubio’s home beside the spa.

From the expansive terrace at Terra Noble, visitors enjoy spectacular views of Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas on one side and nothing but the lush jungle of the Sierra Madre on the other.

Most of the buildings are made of whitewashed adobe with flowing forms and all sorts of twists and turns. Throughout the property one encounters works of art and statues peeking out from their jungle homes.

Healing and beauty indulgences include hot stone, shiatsu zen and reflexology massages.

You can be wrapped in seaweed or exfoliated with sea salt or chia.

There are also treatments using chocolate and wine. All take place in open-air cabanas with birds-eye views down to Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas.

I booked the “Deep Relaxing Experience” consisting of a hot stone massage, facial, manicure and pedicure (only $150 U.S.) I was in good hands with my masseuse and aesthetician,

Juanita. She choreographed the massage and the facial together.

All I had to do was mellow out to a background song of tropical birds and rustling palms. Groups may also take part in an ancient Aztec sweat lodge ceremony called a temazcal. Drums, chants and medicinal herbs are part of the purifying ritual that lasts about two hours inside a mud “igloo.”

More offbeat treatments include: acupuncture facelift facial, chakra alignment, flower balancing and the ancient art of ear candling. For the artistically inclined, Terra Noble also offers clay, painting and sculpture workshops at its Villa Kenya, a hand-sculpted house built with adobe and indigenous materials.

Earthly, artsy and organic, Terra Noble is a unique and perfect place to mellow out for a few hours.

Call in advance to book your treatments: 322/223-0308. www.terranoble.com Anita Draycott is a freelance travel journalist from Toronto who has chosen to spend her winters in the Puerto Vallarta area for the past decade.

A

t 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13, at Espacio Pachama in downtown Sayulita, I will be hosting a book launch and reading of my new memoir, Days of Shock, Days of Wonder: The 9/11 Age, the Ways of the Mystics, and One Man’s Escape from Babylon in the Belly of a Whale — a memoir about my confrontation with the spiritual and cognitive dissonance of our times.

My documentary Khanqah: A Sufi Place will screen at the launch alongside an exhibit of video stills from the film, and there will be handcrafted vegan treats and chocolates for everyone. No charge.

My new book chronicles a thirteen-year spiritual and political journey from the morning of 11 September 2001 to mid-June 2014.

This journey carried me to a job at an Islamic university in Indonesia and then to northern India in search of the mystical. It pulled me into the trenches of 9/11 activism in Montreal and then immersed me in the peyote ceremonies of Mexico’s Huichol shamans.

That I finally found solace — my home and my tribe — in Sayulita will not surprise those who know her reputation as one of Nayarit’s pueblos magicos. To illustrate the point, I offer an excerpt from my new book’s closing chapter, where I reflect on my experience of the divine in life over the course of my travels and on the things that Sayulita taught me.

Book Excerpt

Back in Sayulita, I walked the streets barefoot. The earth was always between my toes. Life was slower that way. I noticed more.

Hens and their chicks came to eat from the compost pile behind the bamboo trees in my yard. I watched them through the kitchen window. I got to know the different mothers by their markings. When April rolled into May and it started getting humid, Dani said that the rains were going to be early. She could tell because the cicadas were already singing at dusk. That night I listened for them. They were loud. Each night they got louder.

Then the first big rains came. Just

like Dani had said. She was tuned in to things like that.

Some days I went to the beach to drum and chant. I loved the vibe of the ecstatic divine. And I kept meditating in the morning. For the bliss of the serene divine. Whatever my experience of God, I had no doubt that it was a property of the universe. In Montreal I’d seen God in eerie interconnections with others. In Indonesia and India I’d seen it in spooky coincidences. On the road across Canada I’d seen it in how the current always carried me to what I needed. On the Baja I’d seen it in how life brought me back yet again to the Sufi path. In mainland Mexico I’d seen it in how things that I wanted kept showing up out of nowhere as if by magic.

The phenomenon of oneness within our experience of division was God. Sayulita showed me this too. If I looked for people that I wanted to see I wouldn’t find them. It didn’t matter that the town was small.

But if I thought about them, we would meet “by chance” within a day. Usually a few hours. And I was always crossing paths with people who had things to give me before I even knew that I needed them.

I called these things this week’s answers to next week’s prayers.

But this “magic” also made Sayulita a hard teacher. If I didn’t give, I didn’t receive. If I forgot that life was abundant, my experience matched that belief. Sayulita reminded me every day how a holistic universe worked. I saw more than ever what it meant to be both the creator and the created. To manifest my own experience.

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healthcare

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

Working with a Nutritionist

D

espite the plethora of fresh fruits, veggies and seafood in Puerto Vallarta, the weight can creep on with the excessive alcohol or taco consumption, and sitting in the beach chair all days doesn’t help either. So, when you seem to be yoyo dieting and not getting to your weight loss goal, or you are losing weight and then gaining it back faster than you put it on, it’s time for professional help.

There are several ways to approach the problem.

1) Try a commercialized diet plan like Weight Watchers 2) Go to a “Diet Doctor” and receive some sort of pills, or shakes that work when you are taking them.

3) Consult with a nutritionist Here are the pros and cons of each of the above: Diet Plans PROS: They can be very flexible and adapted to many lifestyles, and some of them have pre-packaged foods as part of the program.

CONS: The commercialized diet

now open for dinner Enjoy Live Mariachi All Week except Saturdays

plans are not tracked and supervised on a weekly basis. Basically they are self-monitored so if you are not losing weight, you might stop following the plan for lack of motivation. Also, do you really want to eat all those chemicals when you have fresh mango in your fridge?

Diet Doctors PROS: This method can provide some people with a sense of “security” because the regiment is administered by a doctor, and sometimes, the doctor will perform blood tests to see what the underlying issue are.

CONS: Going to a diet doctor can be a quick fix. Often, you will be given a calorie restricted meal plan along with pills and shakes or, sometimes, an injection. All of which work during the course of the regiment and stop working when you stop taking the prescribed products. Expensive, even in Mexico and sometimes all is not as

it seems. Be sure to research reputable clinics.

Nutritionists PROS: Consulting with a nutritionist can be the best solution. A nutritionist will plan out and customize an appropriate meal plan based on your lifestyle, your height, weight, age and your activity level.

This method will also provide careful and regular supervision, coaching, and motivation for the client to stay on course with their meal plan and encouragement when they need it. Nutritionists will take your food allergies, preferences, and family history into consideration.

For long term results, working with a nutritionist is the best solution.

CONS: No short cuts. Only sustainable, long term results.

Which is tough when each day is a beach day, but you will feel better, live longer and thus, enjoy that many more beach days.

Adorable Dog In The Spotlight... HONEY

Diners familiar with Hacienda San Angel's stunning views, outstanding cuisine and topnotch service will feel right at home at The Iguana, the new Mexican specialty restaurant at the new Casa Kimberly Hotel; the former homes of Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton that have recently undergone a meticulously luxurious renovation.

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

I

t just breaks our hearts when this type of situation occurs. It also boggles the mind. This sweet girl was adopted from us about three years ago when she was just a puppy. Now after all that time she is being returned because the family is moving and can’t or won’t take her along! Honey is a shy, timid Labrador mix. She has the sweetest disposition and just loves people and gets along with everyone including other dogs and even cats.

The family who adopted her had small children so we know she is fine with them and we know she is also house-trained. She is still a playful little girl who enjoys playing fetch with her ball. Weighing 37.4 pounds she had been spayed and is now up to date on all her vaccines. We really want to get Honey adopted as soon as we can and we are looking for the right loving family who would never consider abandoning her again. If you are interested, contact us at spcapv@gmail.com for an application.

VALLARTA SHOPPING AND EVENTS www.puertovallartadining-shopping.com

Fab new Jalisco Art Expo and Auction MARSOL FRIDAY MARKET Open Every Friday 9:30-1:30 p.m.

Specialty Food, Pastries, Art, Handicrafts, Jewelry, Clothing, Leather, T Shirts, Dog Treats, Gifts, Home Décor

S

ave the date of Wednesday, March 23, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a fabulous exposition and sale of original art by artists from the state of Jalisco, including Puerto Vallarta and Guadalajara.

Many of these artists are graduates of The University of Guadalajara in plastic arts and may be the upcoming stars of Mexican contemporary art. Also included will be well known artists who reside in Puerto Vallarta who will be showing paintings, sculptures and one of a kind jewelry creations.

This is your opportunity to meet them and see their latest creations.

A highlight of the expo will be an auction (subasta) of a private art collection which includes many famous names and is not to be missed.

Opening bids will be very reasonable so come to look over the selection after 11 a.m. before the 2 p.m. auction.

This Jalisco Art Expo will be held in the lobby of the HOTEL MARSOL, next to the Los Muertos Pier at Calle Francisca Rodriguez 103.

There will be food and drinks for purchase from local restaurants as well as live music for your entertainment.

Please put the date on your calendar and help support our Jalisco artists.

Marsol Hotel Lobby Fca. Rodriguez 103 Next to Las Velas Pier, Olas Altas

Wheeling Vallarta Segway Tours

Located across from McDonald’s

322-223-8014 31 de Octubre 107 Col. Centro Puerto Vallarta Malecon

“Remodeling and Renovations”

Fine Art and Furniture

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

30 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

games

March 10 - 16, 2016 www.vallartatribune.com

charity

By John Warren

I

like this statement… The educated differ from the uneducated as much as the living differ from the dead. It encompasses one of the goals of the International Friendship Club (IFC): to help kids living here get a better education and a better life.

Life is difficult for many Mexicans living in Puerto Vallarta and is especially so for those who cannot read or write. IFC uses all of its profits from Home Tours, membership dues and fees charged for lectures and classes to improve the health and education of local Mexican residents.

This year, IFC’s Education Committee has decided to support seven educational organizations.

Each year, one or more members of the committee visit each institution to discuss with the staff which of their programs would be enhanced if they were to receive a single donation from the IFC. All proposals are discussed by the committee to ensure that each is appropriate and a follow-up visit

is made to ensure the funds have been spent appropriately.

This year, IFC cheques will be sent to: Corazón de Niña – The number of abused and/or abandoned children now calling Corazón home is now 48. Some of them simply cannot attend the crowded classrooms and the open security situations in the public schools because of the trauma they have suffered in their lives and they now need the relative safety and serenity of a private school. The IFC cheque will cover a small part of these costs.

American School – The school has an outreach program with small, isolated, rural schools around PV. Like last year, this year’s contribution from IFC will be used to buy and distribute Spanish books to these schools. It will also finance a training program for the teachers to encourage their students to read at school and at home.

Volcanes Community Education Project- Kids in the public

Spanish Bloopers

T

his column is for all of us who are still struggling with the Spanish language…and for those who just want to enjoy a good laugh!

Although I have lived here seven years, I still make many mistakes with words that sound the same but are entirely different or with the same word that has double or triple meanings, some resulting in various degrees of embarrassment.

Today’s story: TALLAR (CARVE) TALLER (WORKSHOP) These two words are hard enough to pronounce with the double “ll” as “y” but then the endings sound only slightly different.

Enunciation is the challenge… keep practicing.

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

schools in Puerto Vallarta often share their classroom with fifty others and attend school either in the morning from 7:00 to 12:00 or in the afternoon from 1:00 to 6:00.

Consequently, even completing high school is problematic. The Volcanes Project provides free, supplementary education in math, English, computers and remedial Spanish. IFC supports the vital role of paying full-time teachers at the project.

British American School – The BAS participants will use IFC’s financial support to supply Spanish books to impoverished schools and provide a school food program for very poor kids.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens – This wonderful garden, about 20 minutes south of town, has a symbiotic relationship with IFC. The garden promotes our IFC Home Tours to its visitors and we provide educational signage that describes, in detail, some of the plants to be found in the gardens.

ALAS, Escuela de Canto – was formed a couple of years ago by Kharla Barragan to provide music

by Sandra Cesca

and dance performance opportunities to children of Vallarta who, until then, had been hard to handle.

Kharla’s success can be seen at any performance of ALAS. This group is electric! It is also expanding and has asked IFC to help in the purchase of some percussion instruments and of a sound system.

Biblioteca Los Mangos – Vallarta’s major public library receives less than 10% of its annual operating budget from the City and has, in the last year, made the decision to become self-sustaining, financially. In an imaginative and bold move the library’s management has decided to transform a room, previously used for music lessons and performances, to a coffee shop and this is expected to produce substantial profits for the library. That’s the good news.

The better news is that each year a budding, young entrepreneur will be chosen to run the coffee shop on a profit-sharing contract and

so will receive a hands-on education of running a business for a year. After twelve months a new entrepreneur will be chosen, thus generating a small stream of experienced young business people for Vallarta.

BTW, the quote at the top is from Aristotle; an old, smart, Greek guy.

Next week will be your absolutely last chance of the season to take an IFC Home Tour. The last ones will be on Tuesday 15th and Wednesday 16th. The tours leave the Sea Monkey restaurant at the foot of Aquiles Serdan and visit four different and lovely homes each week. The tours are raved about on Trip Advisor. Details of the tours and booking information are at www.toursforvallarta. com. Tickets are also available at our office located above HSBC Bank, downtown, at the corner of Libertad and Insurgentes. Tickets are limited, so please book early.

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