ADIP NOV 2009 by ADIP

paradise another day in

November 2009 / 61

M E X I C O

A RT H I S TO RY F O O D R E A L E S T A T E ENTERTAINMENTSPORTS MUSEUMSGALLERIES TRAVELARCHITECTURE DESIGNBUSINESS E C O N O M Y R E A L E S TAT E L I S T I N G S R E A L E S TAT E N E W S R E A L E S TAT E L AW R E A L E S TAT E F I N A N C E BOOKSCOMMUNITY C U LT U R E P E O P L E SHOPPINGSOCIALEVENTS RESOURCESCLASSIFIEDS

M E X I C O

November 2009

paradise

Letter from The publisher

another day in

Welcome Back To Another Day in Paradise! Hope you had a lovely summer, ours was very productive. ADIP took the summer off from printing and we used our time to rebuild the website, to add a staggering array of new interactive features and upgrade our digital magazine. Check out www.adip.info for ten years of magazine archives, informative guide books about the area, food, books, our own adipTV video section and adipRADIO, where you can listen to music of the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival, and don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list to keep up with what`s going on in Z. Each month you will be able to read the entire magazine online at www.adipdigital.info; take some time to get to know the digital magazine, you`ll be amazed with the new technology. You can even read ADiP on your iPod! 2009 marks our 10-year anniversary in paradise and since we are always looking for excuses to celebrate, we will be celebrating all season long. We thought you’d love to know the Top Ten Reasons to Visit Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo (see page 50), if you have your own list, send it to me at info@adip.info.

Until next time, Catherine

COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS Sierra May Bishop Page Cameron Agustin Galindo John Glaab Kenny Jones Ed Kunze Steven Miller Linda Neil Matthieu Pichenot Nancy Seeley Maura Taylor Raul Vega ADIP OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (755) 544-8023 space is limited, deadline for materials and payments is the 1st of the month previous info@adip.info, publicidad@adip.info SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Check out our web page for more info: www.adip.info WE WELCOME ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSIONS editor@adip.info FOR GUIDELINES www.adip.info www.adipdigital.info www.youtube.com/wwwadipinfop

On The Cover: Sugar Skulls for Day of the Dead Photo by Catherine Krantz

PUBLISHER

www.adip.info

Catherine Krantz info@adip.info

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine Country

table of contents History 6

A Brief History of Independence & Revolution

Food 10

Valle de Guadalupe, Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Wine Country

Sports 13

Bargain Fishing

Art & Entertainment 18 International Film Festival Morelia

Community Project Directory 22 Community Profiles 23 ZScene 24 Culture 26

Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead

Shopping 32

Colors of Mexico

Upcoming Events 35

Travel 38

Ajijic & Mazamitla Travelogue

Home & Living 42

Energy Efficiency & Air Conditioning

Top ten reasons to visit

Real Estate News 43

ixtapa-zihuatanejo

Perspectives on the Industry

Real Estate Law 44

50 Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead

Condominium Law in Guerrero

Real Estate Listings 46 For Sale, For Rent

Classifieds 50 5

By Page Cameron

another day in paradise

History

A Brief History oF

Independence & Revolution

The Mexican Revolution The year 2010, marks 200-year anniversary of the of 1910, remains one of a kind the beginning of Mexico’s fight for in 100 years of social uprising Independence from Spain and 100-year anniversary of the and anti-colonial struggle. the beginning of the Mexican Revolu-

tion, making it a very big year to celebrate, to remember and to revive the values and ideals that give sustenance to the Mexican nation. Many educational, political and social projects are planned for the upcoming year, using the anniversaries as an inspiration to look to the values and ideas of Mexico’s founding fathers for realistic and achievable solution’s to Mexico’s challenges today.

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Leading up to Independence

The years that followed the Spanish Conquest were devastating on the native Indian population of what is now Mexico. The epidemics that broke out & the merciless workload imposed upon the natives diminished the Indian population from approximately twenty million to one million in just 100 years of Spanish rule. In Colonial society there were Spaniards (born in Spain) who were privileged, followed by the Criollos, those born in Mexico of Spanish parentage, Mestizos, the mix-blood offspring, Indios (natives) and lastly, Negros (African slaves). In the end it was the Criollos that were the spark that ignited the Independence movement, because they were treated as second class citizens of the Spanish Crown just because they were born in Mexico. Influenced by the concepts of liberty, equality and democracy being proposed by the French philosophers The Angel of Independence Statue in Mexico City. Photo by Carlos Sanchez

Statue of Revolutionary Hero Emiliano Zapata in Toluca. Photo by Bill Perry.

Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire, and by the war of Independence in the United States, they decided to start a revolt. It was 1810, and their plan was to start the war on the 2nd of October. Unfortunately, their plans were discovered in early September. They had two alternatives: either abandon their plans, or move faster and start the revolt immediately. Fortunately for Mexico they decided upon the second course. Father Miguel Hidalgo gave the Grito which started the movement on September 16, 1810, saying “My children: a new dispensation comes to us today. Will you receive it? Will you free yourselves? Will you recover the lands stolen three hundred years ago from your forefathers by the hated Spaniards? We must act at once… Will not you defend your religion and your rights as true patriots? Long live our Lady of Guadalupe! Death to bad government! Death to the gachupines!” The war for independence was a bloody and destructive war. It was an urban movement and Father Miguel Hidalgo´s followers were comprised of those lacking status and social structure, those living on the edges of society. Because of a firearms shortage, both sides fought with lances, knives, slings, and clubs in hand-to-hand combat. The great expense of the war led to the erosion of the economy and commercial trading. On November 6, 1813, congress passed an act finally declaring independence from Spain. This

however, was not the end of the battle. Decades of instability and corruption continued with conflicts over disputed lands, high taxes, suffrage restrictions, and the removal of local municipal governments that led to more uprisings. From independence to the 1850’s Mexico and its states were governed by military leaders who had fought on both sides. Many liberal reformers claimed that church, army, and indigenous communities must lose their power if the nation was to prosper. The Mexican Revolution of 1910, remains one of a kind in 100 years of social uprising and anti-colonial struggle. Its effort to remake society and its campaign to create a just society by increasing available income and goods with economic development differs greatly from other social revolutions. As well, it has become known as the wars of national liberation because of taking the opportunity to experiment with social and economic programs that other revolutionaries never would have considered. Essentially, the Revolution was brought on by disagreement among the Mexican people over the dictatorship of President Porfirio Diaz, who stayed in office for thirty one years. During that time, power was concentrated in the hands of a select few; the people had no power to express their opinions or select their public officials. Wealth was likewise concentrated in the hands of the few, and injustice was everywhere, in the cities and the countryside alike. Francisco I. Madero was one of the strongest believers that President Díaz should renounce his power and not seek re-election. Also a new generation of young leaders arose who believed that they could assume their proper role in Mexican politics once President Díaz announced publicly that Mexico was ready for democracy. Unfortunately, peace was not to come to this country for a while. Several Revolutionary

Priest Miguel Hidalgo led the call to arms for independence. Called El Grito, his call is repeated every year in Mexico City by Mexico’s presidents and in Independence Day celebrations across the country at midnight on September 15.

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leaders couldn’t settle their differences, and many commanders wanted immediate change, which was impossible to accomplish.

Francisco I. Madero, called the Apostle of Democracy, was president of Mexico from 1911 – 1913 but was ousted by Victoriano Huerta and assassinated, shown on a 500-peso note from 1984. Photo by Georgios Kollidas.

In 1914 a new Revolutionary movement emerged with unprecedented force. It was called the Constitutionalist Movement. Many of the radical leaders lost their battles to the Constitutionalists. Using their experience, the Movement gained American support by opening the border for supplies, then persuading urban workers and

intellectuals by equating themselves with democracy and progress. In 1917, they successfully completed the first modern constitution, addressing not only the formal structure of government but also the unresolved social issues that had started the Revolution. Once the fighting between revolutionary groups ended in 1920, the Mexicans began the reconstruction of their nation under the Constitution of 1917, the crowning achievement of the Revolution.

Ruta 2010 1 2 If you have travelled the roads of Mexico recently, it is likely you have encountered signs that say, “RUTA 2010.” What does it mean? In 2010, Mexico will be celebrating the bicentenary of their National Independence and the centenary of the Mexican Revolution. To celebrate this, the Government has chosen six historical routes to commemorate these two great dates. Ruta (“route”) 2010 is a project to celebrate Mexico’s heritage and educate travelers about Mexican history. The offerings include exhibits of pre-Hispanic, Spanish, modern and contemporary Mexican art, historic routes, shows, publications, seminars, the opening of ten new archeological sites, maintenance of the country’s most important pre-Hispanic sites and the remodeling of thirty museums that will serve as venues for the Independence’s Bicentennial and the Revolution’s Centennial in the year 2010. The venues were chosen for their proximity to routes that retrace the steps of those who fought the battles of Mexico’s War for Independence and Revolution. For this great celebration, these routes combined are known as Ruta 2010. The Ministry of Communication and Transportation has put signs on these roads and provided tourism information in print at strategic points along the highways. More information can be found through its website: http://www.bicentenario.gob.mx/

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Path of freedom The first route was inaugurated by President Lopez Mateos in 1960. The route follows the steps priest Miguel Hidalgo took from the town of Dolores Hidalgo to Chihuahua.

Sentiments of the nation The second route is based on the route that José María Morelos and his allies went along through Michoacan, Guerrero, Oaxaca, Morelos, Mexico City, Puebla, Veracruz and Chiapas.

Route Trigarante The third route walks the path followed in 1821 by Agustín de Iturbide in his quest for Independence. This route starts in Iguala (Guerrero) and ends in Mexico City.

Path of democracy The fourth route follows the road traveled by Francisco I. Madero from Ciudad Juarez to Mexico City.

route zapatista The fifth route utilizes scenarios covering the operations of the Army of the South and covers the states of Morelos and Puebla, and Mexico City.

path of the constitutionalist revolution Finally the sixth route or, Path of the Constitutionalist Revolution, takes places in the North Country where Generals Villa, Carranza and Obregon, won a series of political and military actions that resulted in Mexico’s freedom.

another day in paradise

By Matthieu Pichenot

food & wine

The New World of Wine Today, Baja California is incontestably the major wine region of Mexico. Located northeast of Ensenada in the Mexican state of Baja California, the Valle de Guadalupe produces the majority of Mexican wineâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more than 90% of Mexican wine, in fact, comes from this area.

mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wine country:

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Valle de

Who would have thought

that this inhospitable desert could be turned into farmland? The colonizers of New Spain consumed wine as if it were an essential nutrient to their diet. The wine of old Europe did not withstand the long voyage to the New World, and thus there was no option but to produce the wine here in Mexico. The missionaries did the same thing, taking advantage of the pretext of â&#x20AC;&#x153;civilizationâ&#x20AC;? to exploit indigenous labor. We are forever indebted to Ugarte, who was able to create the first vineyard from provisions he brought from

Sonoma and the dam he built to water the plantation. The birth of this New World wine occurred in 1703, at the Jesuita de San Javier Mission. After the secularization of the missions in 1833 the vineyards were distributed among retired soldiers. From this followed an interminable series of property-owners during which time certain vineyards were not properly cared for. In 1907, a real development of viticulture began in the Valle de Guadalupe with the arrival of the Russian colonizers called Los Molocanes.

So far away, yet so similar

To study the composition of the soil, a special method of landscape mapping is used: The soil provides the support for the plant and the plant is a reflection of the soil. Tell me which plants you see and I will tell you what kind of soil is under foot. To observe the flora of the Valle de Guadalupe is to walk among oaks, pines, cedar, cacti, and thorny bushes. The vegetation, the fragrance, and the climateâ&#x20AC;Śall is reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea, an area well known for its aptitude

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Vineyards in Valle de Guadalupe. Photo by Raul Vega.

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Grapes growing in Valle de Guadalupe. Photo by Raul Vega.

About the Author Matthieu Pichenot is a wine maker

and French Sommelier, with diplomas from schools in Toulouse, Beaune, and Cognac. He has now turned over his Sommelier duties at VINOTECA (Av. Vicente Guerrero #22, in Zihuatanejo Centro www.vinoteca.com) to Maricela Pi単a, to return to France to continue winemaking. VINOTECA is open year-round and has an ample selection of national and international wines of all prices and for all tastes.

and potential for the production of wine vineyards. Thus, one is not surprised to find quality vineyards in the Valle de Guadalupe. At an altitude of 350 meters (1148 feet) that encompasses vastly varying topography, the Valle de Guadalupe is home to great diversity in the soil. The land is sandy and sometimes rocky, with great variation in the surface. On the ridges one encounters granite of brown and red clay while the valley is composed of silt-clay, which is much deeper and logically more

fertile. Running perpendicular to the Pacific Ocean, the valley enjoys a fresh ocean breeze that contributes to the climate. This breeze is the result of the cold Californian current which originates in Alaska and stretches the entire Pacific coast of the United States and Mexican California.

Photographer Raul Vega is a Brand Ambassador for Grupo Garvey (www.grupogarvey.com), representing a selection of Spanish vineyards in Mexico, such as Marques de Olivara Crianza, and Campo Burgo Cosecha, available in Zihuatanejo.

Some of the most popular wineries of the Valle de Guadalupe are Adobe de Guadalupe, Santo Tomas, Torres Alegre (Cru Garage), Casa de Piedra, Enzo (Sinergi-VT), Monte Xanic, Equua (Vineyards Malagon).

A selection of Valle de Guadalupe Wines: Santo Tomas (Sirocco) Monte Xanic (Sauvignon Blanc) Cru Garage (Tempranillo Petit Verdot) Monte Xanic (Cabernet Sauvignon) Equua (Vineyards Malagon) Monte Xanic (Chardonnay) Photo by Catherine Krantz.

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another day in paradise

By Ed Kunze

Sports

Zihuatanejo unbeatable for Bargain Fishing Photos Courtesy of Gordon Krantz

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has already proven itself a world class fishing destination. We were ranked the No. 2 fishing destination in the world by the noted Saltwater Sportsman Magazine. But, how do we compare in affordability to other world class fishing destinations? With the current world economic situation, getting the most bang for your buck has to be a top priority. You need to be able to experience fishing which is matched in only a couple of places in the world, yet not have to rob a bank to do it.

20% of the trip. The runs in and out are about two and a half hours each way and make for a twelve hour trip length. Some boats were adding a fuel surcharge last summer. Granted the boats are bigger, faster and newer than our local fleet but for the price, you can fly down here and fish two or three days with a better chance of hooking a billfish than at home. I catch And, it is not all about fishing. How more billfish in a week here than about the wife and kids? If the location you chose for great fishing doesn’t have I usually get all season there. The many amenities, are they getting a vacacheapest boat there books for 450 tion too? I believe you are about to find out how much of a bargain we really are. dollars for a half day trip and only targets flounder and rockfish. And One way to compare the cost of fishing they never leave the back bay.” here is by how much you are expected to pay for a tip and compare that to other destinations. Our crews here in Zihuatanejo are fine with a 10% tip, and 15% is great when they have a good day on the water. With the rate of a small four person cruiser at 350 dollars, a 15% tip is still less than 55 dollars. Several times I have had clients tell me “just the tip for the crew in other locations, is more than the charter for an entire boat here.”

Capt. Cheva of the panga Dos Hermanos 2 setting the hook, March 2009.

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Gordon Krantz with a Yellowtail, a hard fighting Pacific cousin to the Spanish Mackerel, March 2009.

Mike Buckley is a retired captain from Ocean City, Maryland, “The White Marlin Capital of the World.” He has moved to Zihuatanejo and owns the Huntress, which is one of only a few true twin engine super pangas here.

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This is what Mike told me, and I really believe it says it all:

“(At home)…boats were charging 1500 to 3000 dollars per day for a trip to the 100 fathom line about 60 miles offshore. That did not include any tip for the crew which was expected to be 15 to

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Left, Reeling in a Yellowtail, March 2009. Right, A Sailfish, March 2007.

Here are some comparisons to other destinations. All prices are in U.S. dollars:

And, it is not all about fishing. How about the wife and kids? If the location you chose for great fishing doesn’t have many amenities, are they getting a vacation too? I believe you are about to find out how much of a bargain we really are.

About the Author Ed Kunze is Zihuatanejo’s IGFA

Representative and a charter fishing boat captain. He lives in IxtapaZihuatanejo year-round and can be reached at 755-553-8055 or edkunze@gmail.com For more information on Captain Ed and his boats go to www.sportfishing-ixtapa.com. Ed has also written a book about fishing the West Coast of Mexico.

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CYO– Catch your own bait (during the charter’s fishing day) AI – All Inclusive

Author’s note: All above prices reflect an average of prices when the research was done in May of 2009. Actual prices may vary, but percentage differences probably will not. Nor was any consideration given to special promotions or group charters, which would obviously lower the researched prices. Prices were compared by using only the months of the high season for each location. The facts explain it all. No matter if you are just a couple of guys wanting world class hard core fishing, or a day on the water with your family, Zihuatanejo is the No. 1 destination in the world for a bargain fishing location

another day in paradise

Arts & Entertainment

For the seventh year Morelia, Michoacan, hosted the increasingly By Catherine krantz

prestigious international film festival, Festival Internacional de Cine de Morelia (FICM). This year the special invited guest was Quentin Tarantino and his movie, Inglourious Basterds, inaugurated the

7Annual th

week-long event.

morelia international film festival

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Photos Courtesy of the FICM, IMAGEN LATENTE / Paulo Vidales, Francisco Suรกrez

Quentin Tarantino screened his new film,

Inglourious Basterds, at its Mexico premier for the inauguration of the event.

As every year, there was a

wide offering of selections in many genres, with films and filmmakers from across the globe, and special features on the history of cinema. In competition were Mexican short films, Mexican documentaries, Mexican feature films and a special category for films from the state of Michoacan. The winners were, 5 Recuerdos, by Alejandra Márquez y Oriana Alcaine in the category of Mexican Short film, 1kg- $2, by Zoi Sucarrats in the category of Mexican documentary, Alamar, by Pedro González Rubio in the feature films category and, Barbara, by Ignacio Martínez Casares was the winner in the Michoacan Section. Beyond the films in competition, many other presentations were offered: A tribute to legendary diva and film star from Michoacan, Fanny Cano, who died tragically in a plane crash in 1983, after a string of films in the 60’s and 70’s; Cameras of Diversity, a forum and presentation on preserving Indigenous cultural heritage through film and communication technology, organized through UNESCO; A selection of films about Mexico’s Independence, with historic films from the early 1900’s, the 1940’s and contemporary films in honor of this year’s 200year anniversary of Independence; the annual section, Cinema without

Borders, which offers films dealing with Mexico/USA border and immigration themes; Imaginary Mexico, a tribute to the films of John Huston filmed in Mexico; A tribute to critically acclaimed Mexican filmmakers Julio Bracho and Roberto Gavaldon; a presentation on women in film with a screening of the 1940 film, Dance Girl Dance, starring Lucille Ball and directed by Dorothy Arzner—the first and one of the very few female directors to work in the early days of Hollywood; Selections from the Cannes Film Festival’s search for emerging talent, Cannes Critics’ week; For the first time in 2009, the FICM featured a guest country, Romania, and presented a comprehensive selection of Romanian short, feature and documentary films, with Palme D’Or wining director, Cristian Mungiu, acting as curator; A retrospective on influential French Director Alain Resnais; A presentation in conjunction with the Oberhausen International Short Film festival, after 50 years one of the world’s most respected film events; Mexican short and feature films, not in competition, international films in wide release and special screenings such as children’s films, films celebrating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Edgar Allan Poe, and even bring your own dog screenings Continues on Next Page

Quentin Tarantino’s Eloquent Defense of Violence, snippets from Tarantino’s press interview at FICM. Quentin Tarantino was the special invited guest at this year’s Morelia film fest, he screened his new film, Inglourious Basterds, at its Mexico premier for the inauguration of the event. Critically acclaimed and controversial, his movies are as often hailed for their vision and panache as derided for their blood and gore. Despite any personal feelings you may have about his particular vision (witty, kitschy and always violent), or his right to the legendary status he has carved out for himself in contemporary cinema, be assured he is a force, on screen, and in person. His bold story telling style creates unforgettable characters, unforgettable images (some perhaps you’ll wish you could forget), and it’s obvious he has a real passion for what he does. At the festival he was accessible and friendly and was very well received. During the press event, he spoke knowledgeably about Mexican cinema with a palpable enthusiasm for cinema of all kinds. He has obviously had much practice defending his love of blood, this is what he had to say:

Violence is an esthetic thing, part of your palette as an artist … like a color...like red. One person´s violence is another person’s action. I like action movies, I like horror movies! I have no problem saying I love violence in movies—I don’t like violence in real life…The reason we can enjoy it is because we know its fake…the fact that it is make-believe is everything. I don’t like real death in movies, not even killing a fly in a film. I didn’t pay to see real death, I didn’t sign on for that…I don’t think film has to be so serious or that the defining cinema of a nation has to be serious. I’m a big fan of genre films, B films…I like taking a genre and making it my own way for a new audience. Reservoir Dogs was a heist movie without the heist, Inglourious Basterds, is a war movie without the war…To make a well rounded cinema you have to have all types… –Quentin Tarantino Special invited guest Director Quentin Tarantino signing autographs. Photo Francisco Suarez.

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Actor & Director Eli Roth arriving at the screening of his film, Hostel.

Movie Moments and FICM quotes

celebrating canines in the movies, with films by Charlie Chaplin and Laurel & Hardy with live piano accompaniment, benefitting animal organizations in Morelia. As always, a very full week of incredible cinema and well worth the trip three hours inland into the mountains of Michoacan, an entertaining introduction to Mexican culture and a great venue for exposure to contemporary filmmaking.

“You don’t learn “Oomph” you are born with it” – Madame Basilova, of Lucille Ball’s character Bubbles, in Dance, Girl, Dance. ”The best films are like dreams you`re never sure you had “ –Tilda Swinton’s character in Jim Jarmusch’s Limits of Control.

Standouts 2nd prize winner >

“Everyone has to follow their own road, we are all living in different moments.” - Pedro Gonzalez Rubio, prize winning director of, Alamar, of his characters.

The Border Armadillo, by Mexican director, Miguel Anaya Borja, a delightful animated short film about a resourceful armadillo who has to find a way to cross the fence to find food for his growing family.

3rd prize winner > A documentary by Argentinean director, Shula Erenberg, Under the Same Sun, on the efforts of human rights legal activists to develop an international court of conscience to prosecute crimes against humanity, and all the diplomatic obstacles they face from within and without the perpetrating countries.

“To believe in a better world, is to acknowledge that [crimes against humanity] are everyone’s responsibility.” —Under the Same Sun, director Shula Ehrenberg on why legal activists are invoking Spanish or Belgium law to try crimes perpetuated in many countries against citizens of many nations.

Recommended > When you’re feeling lucky, go fishing. It wasn’t that kind of day for the wrestler & the prince in Alvaro Brechner’s Cannes Critics Week selected film, Mal Dia para Pescar (Bad Day for Fishing). Jacob is a washed up former champion wrestler who dreams of getting back in the game, and Orsini “the prince,” is his con man manager. They travel across the South American coun tryside putting on side shows, trying convince people in small towns to take on Jacob in the ring for a large cash prize they don’t actually have. No one ever wins but this time it might be different. A beautifully filmed and engrossing tale about the type of desperation that always follows fallen heroes, and those who dream above their stations.

“I believe Mexico is in a resurgence of its golden age, like was alive in the 40’s and 50’s.” –Fernando Carnillo, Venezuelan actor.

On the red carpet with FICM President Alejandro Ramirez, special invited guest Director Quentin Tarantino and FICM Director Daniela Michel. Photo by Paulo Vidales. Oscar winning documentary filmmaker and Soundtrack for a Revolution Director Bill Gutten tag with FICM President Alejandro Ramirez. Romanian Director Hanno Höfer presenting his award winning short films. A selection of Romanian Films, was presented at FICM. Shown here is Romanian Ambassador, Manuela Vulpe, presenting a 1912 film about Romania’s war for independence.

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another day in paradise

Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Community Directory

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Community

Get Involved ! Baby Bundle Project A group of ex-pat women initiated The Baby Bundle Project three years ago to create bundles of baby products required by new mothers. The group meets at an ex-pat’s home in Ixtapa every 2-3 months (year-round) for snacks around the pool and social time all-the-while creating bundles to help economically challenged, unwed teenage mothers living in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo community. The group donates approximately 300 bundles per year. The next meeting will be on November 7, at 10am. All are welcome to join in. To contribute products for the bundles, for the address of the next meeting or for more information about how to get involved, contact Joan at 553-1618 or playaobispo@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth at bnfotografia@hotmail.com

Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C. A group comprised of sport fishermen and sport fishing captains concerned with the conservation and protection of their natural resources, they support projects of conservation, preservation, catch and release in sport fishing, the ill effects of over fishing and education on these themes.

For more information you can contact Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C., founder and president, Capt. Ruben Lopez, at 755-1086506, 755-554-6839, or by e-mail: ruben_lopez43@hotmail.com

Fundación Rene Ferguson A.C This Foundation was set up in memory of Rene Ferguson and its objective is to support able young women, who are suffering financial hardship, through a degree course by assisting them with the expenses of college tuition and books.Donations to the foundation are tax deductible in the United States through The Rene Ferguson Foundation. Please contact Erica Islas at La Quinta Troppo or at mexdrop@prodigy.net.mx

Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC. A community-based, non-profit association, founded by the Zihua SailFest, to provide educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged children in Zihuatanejo. Por Los Niños supports learning and school repair projects at more than 12 under-funded primary schools and kindergartens. Contact: Lorenzo Marbut, home: 755-554-2115, cell: 755-102-4463, Lorenzo@porlosninos.info

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The Rotary Club A world-wide service organization with the purpose to help those in need. In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo there are two groups: Club Rotario Ixtapa - Nuevas Generaciones New Generations Rotary Club Ixtapa, meets at 8:30 P.M. on Thursdays at Dal Toscano Ristorante in Ixtapa. Club Rotario de Zihuatanejo, A.C. Zihuatanejo Rotary Club meets at the Hotel Catalina, on Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Phone: (755) 554-9321

The Netza Project The Netza Project is a U.S and Mexico registered non-profit organization that works to advance literacy, education and economic opportunity for all, in particular supporting the vision and expansion of The Netzahualcoyotl School and Kindergarten for Indigenous Children in Zihuatanejo, which today educates over 400 migrant, native and street children - many of whom speak Nahuatl, Mixteco, Amusgo and Tlapaneco, and who otherwise might not be in school. The Netza Project also advocates equality and social justice through dormitory shelter, health programs, women’s micro-finance, adult literacy, scholarships, and international volunteerism by fostering respect for diversity and celebrating native culture.

See www.netzaproject.org; contact Lisa Martin info@netzaproject.org; US cell 508-284-0078; Mexico cell 044 755 10 01173.

S.O.S. Bahia, A.C. Local non-profit group dedicated to the rescue and long-term preservation of the ecological integrity of the Bay of Zihuatanejo. Promotes environmental awareness, advocates the sustainable development of the bay’s surroundings, and works to stop water pollution and the destruction of wildlife habitat in and around the bay. Collects and distributes information about the issues concerning the bay and organizes periodical beach cleanups. Gladly accepts volunteer contributions and donations. www.sosbahia.org, info@sosbahia.org.

SPAZ-HKP “Helene Krebs Posse” Humane Society of Zihuatanejo (Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Zihuatanejo Helene Krebs Posse) Offers sterilization clinics, free adoptions, educational out reach programs, treatment and rehabilitation for wounded, homeless or abandoned animals. Sells t-shirts and memberships to raise funds, gladly accepts donations. Located at Casa Marina, next to the basketball court facing the bay in central Zihuatanejo.

Casa Marina, Paseo del Pescador #9, Col. Centro 40880 Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México, Tel. (755) 554-2373. http://www.zihuatanejo.net/spaz/, animales.zihua@hotmail.com

ZI-GUITAR-FEST A.C. - THE ZIHUATANEJO INTERNATIONAL GUITAR FESTIVAL Now in its seventh year, the Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival brings international musicians to Zihuatanejo from all across the world. The Festival is a registered not-for-profit association in Mexico and a percentage of festival proceeds go toward supporting Music, Art and Cultural Education in the community. Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers always needed. www.zihuafest.info, info@zihuafest.info

If you don’t see your organization listed here, please send us your mission statement and contact information to get on the list, info@adip.info.

another day in paradise

Cycling for Change By Page cameron

Community Profile

Alisa Duncan with a group of supporters escorting her on her way out of Zihuatanejo. Photo by Elizabeth and Juan, BN Fotografia.

HMAM Hablando Menos, Amando Mas A.C. (“speaking less, loving more”) is a non-profit association that was created after members of the community found that there were limited resources here or in neighboring states for seniors in need of special care or even just housing, and decided something needed to be done. HMAM already has 1,000 square meters of land on which to build in Las Pozas (a small town located between Zihuatanejo and Acapulco) and is now raising money to build a shelter for Zihuatanejo’s abandoned and at-risk seniors. Alisa Duncan, a Baptist American living here and volunteering with the Ixtapa Christian Fellowship, offered to help raise funds for the project. On August 29th, she began a monthlong trek, cycling from Zihuatanejo to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Netza School: By Lisa b. Martin

The Rocky Hill Story Visiting U.S. Teachers at The Netza School Learn, Share & Receive Lasting Impressions of Zihuatanejo & Its People. “What people lack in material wealth, the make up for in emotional wealth. I soon learned that people were very generous and deeply caring,” was one poignant observation of teacher-in-training Stephanie Bourquin of Colorado. Stephanie was one of nineteen visiting US educators who arrived in Zihuatanejo for two weeks in June, 2009, all working on finalizing their graduate degrees at The Bueno Center for Multicultural Education at University of Colorado, Boulder. Coordinated by Bueno Center instructor Raymond “Rocky” Hill working in partnership with The Netza Project, the journey exceeded all team members’ expectations, and created lasting impressions of the beauty, diverse culture, and enriching contrast of life in the region. The purpose of the trip was to gain first-hand experience with students and teachers in the Mexico education system, because of the large influence of Latinos, both migrant and resident, in the mountain areas of Colorado where these US teachers are working. Bueno teachers practiced in the Netza School classrooms several hours a day, doing both observation & participation as teaching assistants, and conducting daily ESL practice. Off campus, they Visiting teachers in training from Colorado pose with Netza School teachers at the school. Photo Courtesy of Rocky Hill.

Alisa rode 2,000 miles through Mexico, Texas, and Oklahoma, stopping in towns promoting the project and raising support. Along with a donated bicycle from Schlegel’s bike shop in Oklahoma City, she was helped by the Be The Change organization, who covered the expenses of the journey and handled donations. Be the Change paid for all promotional materials and donated several hundred t-shirts to be used for donation purposes. Also, Be the Change, is currently working with groups and individuals in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo to address unmet needs in this area of Mexico. www.hm-am.com and www.bethechangeok.org for more info.

took Spanish classes, continued their University class studies, and engaged in the local culture and the community. Several visits were made to the city’s only Special Education School, donating supplies and observing. The US teachers often marveled at how the local teachers, “manage to educate students with so little in terms of technology and supplies.” Rocky Hill and his group found, “extraordinary dedication and investment among the parents and teachers,” at The Netza School, and observed students learning and performing at higher academic levels than in some of their US classrooms, despite large class sizes. “Of particular note was the contrast of the positive energy and commitment to excellence in teaching at the Netza School, and the obvious poverty of the surrounding barrio where most of the students live. My own teachers from the US had never seen this kind of environment,” noted Hill. “We felt honored to be there, by the powerful and intimate relationships that we developed in just two weeks, and all were charmed by the beauty of the community. It was a very lovely and very wonderful experience on so many levels.” The Netzahualcoyotl (or “Netza”) School is Zihuatanejo’s first and largest government-certified equal-access multilingual public primary school and kindergarten serving over 500 of the region’s street, migrant and indigenous children, many of whom speak one of four different native languages. For more info, contact The Netza Project, a US-Mexico non-profit that helps advance the mission of the school, and coordinate international volunteerism and contributions. info@netzaproject.org www.netzaproject.org - in the USA telephone 360-697-5467. Amy Luckett working with students in the Kindergarten. Photo Courtesy of Rocky Hill.

21 21

another day in paradise

Zscene

2 3

Laura Bocatto’s baby shower. 1- Rocío Madrazo & Laura Bocatto, expecting Maddox! 2- Laura Bocatto, daughter of Helmut Leins, with friends at her baby shower at Araceli Galeana’s residence.

www.adip.info

3- September 29 - October 1, 2009, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo sent a delegation to the 2009 IT&ME Motivation Show, the industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest exposition fair for Incentive Travel and Executive Meetings, held in Chicago, IL. Terrol Baylis Baby Shower at Casa del Faro, Zihuatanejo 4- Rod Bishop, Terrol Baylis, John Murphy 5- Chanteuse Michelle Lavallee & Raul Garcia Altamirano 6- Linda Terri & Esperanza 7- Inside Casa del Faro 8- Billy & Josie

October 17-25, 2009, Zihuatanejo hosted the Mexican National Baseball Championship at the Municipal field in Zihuatanejo with 18 teams playing in front of more than 2000 spectators. 9- Our local players on the Guerrero state team.

The 23rd Annual San Jeronomito River Regatta was held October 10, 2009, on the San Jeronimito river, just south of Zihuatanejo. 11- Team Hotel Las Palmas navigate the rapids. 12- Team Hotel Las Palmas: Ricardo Garcia, Jason Miller, Luis Tenorio and Sebastian Ortega. 18

Caprichos Grill, Vinoteca, and Monte Xanic Wines presented a wine tasting of dry whites and young reds in pairings with selections from Caprichos new menu, October 8, 2009. 13- Tatiana Torres, Monte Xanic Ambassador, and Maricella PiĂąa, Vinoteca Sommelier. 14- Tifany Wetherby, Tony Piazza, Ted Wetherby, Eloisa Rodriguez, Claire Piazza, Lois Brown 15- Catherine Krantz & Isaac Salame 16- Ann McLaughlin, Anne Stinson, and Judith Whitehead 17- Andres & Ryan Saavedra 18- Goria Perez & Marcela 23

another day in paradise

By Linda Neil

Culture

Dia de los Muertos, Day of the Dead, celebrated in Mexico and other Hispanic countries, has considerable religious significance and predates the conquest of Mexico by Hernando Cortez.

www.adip.info

Catrina.

Dia de Los Muertos:

The of

Day of the Dead candy and alters. Photos by Grace Relfe.

The festive period begins

nation with the duality of life and death. “Our relations with death are intimate,” Paz writes, “more intimate perhaps than those of any other people.” He further described this almost ghoulish celebration as an escape On the night of October 31st, in from the difficulties of every day rituals that recall the ancestor worship of their Indian forefathers, existence – not only the poverty, many Mexican families erect altars but also a kind of blackness in the soul which perhaps has its roots to the dead in their homes, as well in the joining of two antagonistic as in the cemeteries where their groups, the Indian and the Spanish. loved ones are buried. Included in Whatever the reason, this Mexican these altars are ofrendas, offerings fiesta is a full-blooded affair, of the favorite foods and drinks of the departed, to be enjoyed by their colorful, highly emotional and it lasts for days. spirits when they return to visit on the night of October 31, and continues through All Saints Day and All Souls Day, celebrated November 1st and 2nd respectively.

Mexican Day the dead their loved ones. The altar is laden with bright orange marigolds (the zempoalxochitl, flower of the dead) and mota, a deep purple velvety flower, and is lighted with a multitude of candles. Traditionally, the altar is lighted on the evening of the 31st to await the arrival of the dead children, los angelitos. At twilight on November 1st until dawn of the 2nd, the altar is again lighted and this time the vigil is for the departed adults.

On Dia de Los Angelitos, (“Day of the little Angels”), the souls of the little children are said to return home. They find an abundance of candies, cookies, milk and honey and other favorite foods awaiting them. Nearby toys are placed for them to play with after they finish eating.

The following night, November 1st, is for the returning adult souls. They are greeted with more abundant fare; turkey with mole A happy time (chocolate and chile sauce), chayote of communion with death (a potato like vegetable), a favorite This is a time of happy communion drink and pan de muertos, bread with the dead, not a time of shaped in the forms of skulls and sorrow. Nobel Prize winner, Octavio skeletons. Paz, in his essay, The Labyrinth of Continues on Page 30 Solitude explores the Mexican fasci25

26 www.adip.info

About the Author Linda Neil, lover of rural Mexico,

Day of the Dead alter. Photo by Grace Relfe. Candy skulls. Photo by Catherine Krantz.

pleated skirts, embroidered aprons and blouses, their black braids adorned with yarn and ribbons carry ofrendas (offerings) of elaborately formed bread, to the graveyard where they will sit by graves of their loved ones to await the souls who travel through the ContinueD From page 27 pines and over the lake to visit with them. Sounds of violins and Additionally, tequila, pulque, or guitars drift across the waters say a mass for the recent dead. other local fermented drink is avail- This is followed by great amounts of to the mainland with melodies of able in abundance. These rememtequila, tamales for the living, and a ancient times. brances usually take place in the night of dancing, song and bonfires. local cemetery and in the homes Early on the morning of November an altar is prepared and is visited On the Island of Janitzio 1st, the Purepecha men climb in Michoacan by friends and neighbors of the into their dugout canoes and The most colorful celebration in newly deceased. paddle out on the lake in search Mexico is probably on the Island of wild duck. They circle around Friends and family usually celebrate of Janitzio, in the middle of Lake the ducks and hurl harpoon-like both nights, often talking with the Patzcuaro high in the mountains weapons, called atlatl, at the ducks. between Guadalajara and Mexico. departed ones in a very convincWhen this long bamboo spear, ing manner. They rarely partake of a prized weapon for the Indians As night falls the lights of thousands since 2000 B.C. hits its mark it the food prepared for the spirits, of candles are seen in the hands but later give it to friends or less stands upright in the water. fortunate neighbors. In rural Mexico of the Purepecha Indians as they The ducks are prepared in spicy make their way to the cemetery. it is not uncommon for the local sauces on open fires throughout The women, wearing heavy black curandero (healer or wise man) to the village and feasted upon by all.

28 www.adip.info

maintains homes in Uruapan, Michoacan and La Paz, Baja California Sur. The former is less than an hourâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drive from Lake Patzcuarao and the Island of Janitzio. Linda is the founder of The Settlement Company and Linda Neil Properties. She is a real estate broker and writes articles on real estate. She is in demand on both sides of the border, as a speaker. For further information: linda@lindaneil.com

Candy. Photo by Grace Relfe. Flower markets in Patzcuaro. Photos by Grace Relfe.

Death in the marketplace

For weeks before the celebration, death is marked in the stores and on the streets in Mexico in the form of tiny skulls of spun sugar, elaborately decorated sugar skeletons and many coffins of candy. Children are eager to have death’s head masks and amuse themselves with toy funeral processions and miniature altars made of wood or clay. Death is also the theme of the Calaveras (literally skulls, or skeletons) which are mock obituaries or satirical versus appearing in local newspapers at this time of the year. The verses and writings often spoof politicians and film stars and may touch on matters that cannot be otherwise discussed.

LIFE DEPENDS ON DEATH

While the Spaniards arriving in the new world brought with them the Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls days, the Indians they found in the

Americas already believed that life depended on death. The Mayans, who believed man sprung from the corn plant carved corn plants into the tombstones. The corn plant is the Mayan symbol of life and fertility. The Aztecs believed that the god Quetzalcoatl poured his blood over the bones of his ancestors gathered from Mictlan, (“home of the dead”), to begin the human race. Glimpses of the festivities can be found in towns and cities throughout the United States where there is a Mexican population. In Mexico, the most colorful celebrations are found in the states of Michoacan and Oaxaca. However the visitor has only to visit the cemetery in any small village on November 1st, to find it adorned with bright gold flowers, candles and the remnants of a feast prepared for a departed soul.

Caption Goes here. Photo by Here.

www.adip.info

30 Shopping

another day in paradise

A|Alebrije 1400 pesos, TROPPO B| Blouse, many colors, from Chiapas, 550 pesos, TROPPO C|Oversized Patio lounger with sun resistant fabric INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO D|Handmade accent cushions with mother of pearl, made in India, INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO E| Bold Orange & Purple slipper chair, part of a complete living room set INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO F| Decorative Pieces INTERIORES ZIHUATANEJO

J I

K G|HP Bright yellow mini-notebook MIA 80GB hard drive, super portable less than 1Lb., INTERNET PLUS, HP Store H|Paintings by Anna Karina Ferrer and Ivan Dominguez Roditi, ZIH Galeria I |Painting by Kirsti Alopaeus, ZIH Galeria J| Paintings by Anna Karina Ferrer and Ivan Dominguez Roditi, ZIH Galeria K|Aprons from San Miguel, 380 pesos, FRUITY KEIKO L| Multi-color glass fish, 3300 pesos, FRUITY KEIKO 32 www.adip.info

another day in paradise

NOV. 1

Tercer Festival de Playa Larga Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. With pro volleyball exhibitions, live music, traditional seafood dishes, and equestrian events.

Upcoming Events

http://www.mexicoguru.com/ mexican-events-and-festivals.php

Nov. 1-14

Christmas Bread Fair, Chignahuapan, Puebla. Beautifully shaped loaves, including the famous pan de hilo, which is made into little animal forms to decorate the statues of the Virgin on Candlemas, are for tasting and for sale at the fair. Also featured are the meat stews for which the town is well-known, and a variety of handmade Christmas ornaments. Pottery made from the red clay of the area is a cottage industry, and country roads are lined with a variety for sale.

NOV.13-16

kind in the Americas, an annual river speedboat race down the Balsas River along the border of the states of Michoacán and Guerrero, Mexico, ENDING in Zihuatanejo Bay, covers almost 500 miles in six consecutive days and welcomes international participants from all over the world.

www.festivaldelglobo.com.mx

www.federacionmexicanademotonauticas.org.mx

NOV.13-28

NOV.19-21

8th annual International Hot Air Balloon Festival -Leon, Guanajuato. Largest festival in Latin America with more than 60 balloons and pilots from all over the globe participating. And loads of other activities to check out, fun for the whole family!

International Musical Festival of Morelia, Michoacan. Created in 1989 this annual festival features performances by musicians from all over the world and takes place at beautiful settings throughout Morelia. http://festivalmorelia.com.mx/pag/programa.php

NOV.7-DEC.13

The Museum of Madness. (El Museo de la Locura) at Teatro del Pueblo, Republica de Venezuela 72, Col. Centro, Cuauhtemoc, D.F. This Tragicomic farce is a show that pays homage to the master of horror, Edgar Allan Poe on the 200th anniversary of his birth, and exhibits the dark side of the psychiatric history of Mexico. Premieres Saturday, Nov. 7th at 6pm.(Arrive thirty minutes early) Run continues every Sat.& Sun. in November & December at 6pm, FREE ADMISSION! http://www.cultura.df.gob.mx

NOV. 8

BG Triathlon World Cup, Huatulco, Oaxaca. Considered one of the toughest triathlons in the world, the Half Iron Man course consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike ride,& 10km run. Athletes from all over the world will compete for cash prizes. http://www.triathlon.org/events/event/ 2009_huatulco_itu_triathlon_world_cup/

www.adip.info

NOV.13-15

8th Annual Feria Maestros del Arte, Club de Yates de Chapala (Chapala Yacht Club), Paseo Ramon Corona, Chapala, Jalisco. The feria is a non-profit organization and hand-picks Master Artists from all over the country to bring buyers and collectors an astonishing variety of exceptional folk art. www.mexicoartshow.com

Metales M5: Mexican Bras

NOV. 15

METALES M5: MEXICAN BRASS 7pm, nternational Music Festival of Morelia, Palacio Municipal, Morelia, Michoacan. What do you get when you mix the shenanigans of the Blues Brothers with the musical seriousness of the Canadian Brass? Metales M5! Mexico’s leading brass quintet performs anything from the most beloved, and most famous Mexican melodies to Johann Sebastian Bach, themes from Gone with the Wind, Star Wars, James Bond-007 to George Gershwin and Dixieland music! Members of the Morelia Symphony, all are extremely talented musicians who love their craft, each member has a passion for being onstage and making people happy, and they have delighted audiences of all different cultural and social backgrounds. Check out their show in Morelia you won’t regret it. www.metalesm5.com

NOV. 15-20

(dates to be confirmed) XXXVIII Balsas River Nautical Marathon (Maraton Nautico del Rio Balsas) Bay of Zihuatanejo, Guerrero. Considered the most important jet boat marathon in Mexico and one of the most important events of its

Concert of Bells (Concierto de las Campanas) Cholula, Puebla. More than 100 bells from the different churches in Cholula participate in this annual celestial concert of bells. Townspeople sit atop roofs with lit candles to enjoy the harmonious spectacle. This 2009 is historic because it is the world premiere of a new musical composition for the event by composer Dr. Briana Banks, from University of the Americas Puebla. This unique and innovative event is held the Saturday closest to full moon and is complemented with artistic performances and fireworks. www.vivecholula.gob.mx

NOV. 22

Feast of St. Cecilia, patrones of musicians. Observed by local musicians who organize special masses at El Marquesado and San Felipe, followed by a big musical party. http://oaxacalive.com/calendar.htm

NOV. 26-30

Rodará Scenic Arts Festival. Puebla, Casa de Cultura, Teatro de la Ciudad and the Zócalo - Puebla’s main square. Clowns, pantomime, dance and all the magic of the circus comes to Puebla every year. http://www.whatsonwhen.com

NOV.26-DEC.5

XV Annual Jazz Festival San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. One of the most cultural and artistic towns in Mexico hosts this music festival. Sway to cool jazz and melancholic blues in the colonial plazas, the parks and the Angela Peralta Theatre. The open-air performances are free and theater events $100-$350pesos. http://www.sanmigueljazz.com Continues on Next Page

another day in paradise

NOV.27-29

Home & Garden Expo, World Trade Center , Ciudad de Mexico. Decoration and design conferences and workshops for home and garden. Fri&Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-6pm

Upcoming Events

www.tradex.com.mx

NOV. 27 - Dec. 5

72nd National Silver Fair (Feria Nacional de Plata) Taxco, Guerrero. Taxco is the region of the country known as Mexico’s “silver heartland,” as it is the source of much of the lucrative silver mining and export business. Every year Mexico’s best silversmiths compete against artists from around the world in this lavish festival including concerts, dances, fireworks and a seemingly endless supply of unique items for sale. http://www.taxcolandia.com/festividades/ feria_plata.php

NOV.28-Dec.13

National Tequila Fair (Feria Nacional del Tequila) Tequila, Jalisco. Held annually, the tequila fair features an exposition of the primary tequila makers throughout the country, with demonstrations on how this famous spirit is made. The fair also features charreadas (Mexican rodeo events), cockfights, mariachi serenades and fireworks.

NOV-MAR.

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries (Santuarios de la Mariposa Monarca) several are in Michoacan State. Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the U.S. to the Oyamel forests near Angangueo, Michoacan, in the fall, hibernating for winter and mating in the spring. Two sanctuaries are open to the public in the towns of Angangueo and Ocampo. www.umich.mx/mich/monarca/mon-inicio.html

DEC. 11

Rene Ferguson Foundation Fundraiser, 6pm, at La Quinta Troppo hotel on the road to Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo Gro. Come and have fun while supporting the Rene Ferguson Foundation! The Rene Ferguson Foundation has been set up to provide scholarships to assist young women get their professional degrees and has been sending young women to college for five years. The Foundation is a Mexican registered non-profit association and awards these Scholarships to able young women who, through financial hardship would otherwise not be able to attend college. Six students are now in school through scholarships, with hopes to add one more in the upcoming year. There will be cocktails, food, music and dancing, as well as a couple of exciting raffles. Come and join us for this worthwhile cause as well as enjoy an evening of conversation and conviviality, $200 peso donation. www.laquintatroppo.com call 755-554-3423 troppo@prodigy.net.mx mexdrop@prodigy.net.mx

DEC. 1

NOV.28-29 DEC.3-6

9am-9pm (open to public) International Book Fair in Guadalajara ( Feria Internacional del Libro, or FIL) Guadalajara, Jalisco. The FIL is an eclectic celebration of literature, art and culture. The second largest book fair in the world and the largest and most diverse international offering of publications in the Spanish language.

www.adip.info

Guest of honor this year will be Los Angeles, through literary readings, theater, dance, fine arts, and film, presenting the very best of its cultural production. Every night during FIL, a free concert is given and also extends to museums, cultural centers and art galleries throughout the city, turning a celebration of writing into a feast of culture in many varied settings, and attracting a diverse audience. www.fil.com.mx

Fourth Annual Inn at Manzanillo, Big Boy Tequila Golf Tournament, Ixtapa & Troncones, Gro. 18-hole Golf tournament at the Marina course, $1498 pesos per golfer, includes: cart, caddy, lunch, post tournament dinner and live entertainment at the Inn in Troncones. Awards & Prizes with tequila tasting, sponsored by Big Boy Tequila. Tournament kick-off 7am-8am. Tee time 8am. Rental clubs available at pro shop. manzanillobay@aol.com

Mar 17,18,19

7th Annual Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. Zihuatanejo’s live music festival that has been gathering enthusiastic fans for seven years comes back in 2010 with world class music for a great cause. Due to economic concerns, the 2010 fest will be smaller than past years’ events, but will have three days of live music with 3 DEC 9 Taste Of Ixtapa, Restaurant Food concerts: 1 in Ixtapa & 2 in Zihuatanejo Crawl and Guitar Fest Fundshowcasing popular international artists raiser, Ixtapa. from past years’ events. The fest needs Support the International Guitar Festival your support this year more than ever to and sample select dishes from area res- continue to bring world class music to taurants. Participating local restaurants Zihuatanejo and raise funds to support all within walking distance from Ixtapa arts & educational projects in the comBoulevard, in or near Los Patios, Plaza munity. ZIGF anticipates being back to Ixpamar and Centro Comercial. full size in 2011. For more information email info@zihuafest.info, info@adip.info, or talk to Frank at Frank’s in Ixtapa 755-553-2777. www.zihuafest.info

Listen to music of past festivals www.adip.info, www.zihuafest.info. Contact info@zihuafest.info or info@adip.info, for more information and how you can help keep the fest going strong each year.

LATITUDES:

Latin American Masters from the FEMSa Collection

Mexico Abroad Nov - Jan 17,

Bowers Museum 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA, 92706 Tel. (714) 567-3600 www.bowers.org A collaboration between the Bowers Museum, FEMSA, and the Mexican Consulate is on exhibition. LATITUDES: Latin American Masters from the FEMSA Collection, a selection of paintings from leading Latin American beverage company FEMSA`s prestigious collection of more than 1,000 modern and contemporary works of Mexican and Latin American artists. This thematic exhibition explores the 20th century art movements and styles of Cubism, Portraiture and Landscapes, Identity, Mexican Muralism, Surrealism and Abstraction, and includes works by many noted artists, including Leonora Carrington, Frida Kahlo, Wilfredo Lam, Roberto Matta, Jose Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jesús Soto, and Rufino Tamayo. The Bowers Museum is devoted to promoting human understanding through art, presenting world class exhibitions, and preservation of collections for future generations. One of Southern California’s finest museums, and Orange County’s largest, celebrates the study and exhibition of the fine arts of indigenous peoples. Ensuring a greater understanding of the marvelous diversity of the world in which we live.

www.adip.info

36 By Nancy seeley

Travel another day in paradise

Ajijic &

& Matzamitla Travelogue Here’s a two-destination trip offering not only a big change from the Pacific Coast splendor of Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo but vivid contrasts between the two cities themselves: Ajijic and Mazamitla. Both places are located

of our favorite places to stay in all of Mexico. Boston native Gary DiTullio turned a ramshackle building a short walk from the lake into an intimate home away from home offering three comfortable guest rooms and commodious public areas at bargain basement prices. The generous continental breakfasts The first step in getting to Ajijic he served each morning made me (AH-he-heek) from Zihuatanejo more determined to start the day is making it as far as Guadalajara, back home as healthfully as we were an easy one-day drive or (for us) a doing here. (As the November, 2009 direct seven and a half hour overnight bus trip. From there, it’s just issue of this magazine went to press, I learned Gary just sold his B & B, one more hour to this small town on the north shore of Lake Chapala, but if you google “Ajijic,” you’ll find Mexico’s largest natural lake. Well… a wealth of other possibilities, and actually, it turned out to be half an the slowdown in Mexican tourism has resulted in some enticing vacahour more than that because of a traffic jam on the highway from the tion opportunities.) city of Chapala west to neighborYou KNOW you’re in ex-pat heaven ing Ajijic, an occurrence the locals when you walk down ANY street in say is becoming more and more common these days. It reminded us town and hear English spoken more of the regular north-of-the-border often than Spanish. If you want to commuter snarl-ups we’d come to hear nothing but English, head over to the Lake Chapala Society. Zihuatanejo to avoid. Anyone in town can point the way, and the spacious, well-tended Once we were deposited at the grounds boasting a gorgeous intersection of the highway and garden, a library, an eating area, Colon, Ajijic’s main street, we a travel desk and more can be a walked about nine blocks to the wellspring of information to the Ajijic Guest House, a bed-andoccasional traveler thinking of breakfast where we’d booked a room at what turned out to be one making Mexico a part-time home. northwest of here in the state of Jalisco, but while Ajijic can lay claim to being the ex-pat capital of Mexico, you might walk around Mazamitla for days without seeing another gringo.

Ajijic Pier on Lake Chapala. Photo by Steven Miller.

Continues on Next Page

Colourful tour boats on Lake Chapala. Photo by Steven Miller. Streets of Ajijic. Photo by Tersina Shieh.

ContinueD From previous Page

Here you’ll find friendly volunteers waiting to provide newcomers with advice on health and car insurance, real estate transactions, day trips, longer excursions, investments, cultural opportunities, bilingual doctors, etc. etc. During an earlier visit several years back, Lake Chapala was in a most unhealthy state. The water had receded from shore nearly a kilometer. This time, although the lirio (water lilies) were still very visible, they had released their choke hold on the lake, and an evening meal at La Tasca, dubbed on one website as “the view with a room,” provided a romantic shoreline dining experience complete with flickering candles at our outdoor table and the added ambiance of live music. We found restaurant prices very inviting not only here but at nearly every eatery we tried around town.

Another treat was the ciclopista (bike path) paralleling the highway. There are numerous art galleries and lots of shopping opportunities. We borrowed bikes from Gary and headed to the nearby town of The mountains rise steeply on the Ribera del Pilar to visit friends who’d non-lake side of the highway, and we followed host Gary’s suggestion relocated there from Zihuatanejo. and hiked up a steep but fairly well- The north shore of the lake is sprinkled with small communities maintained trail to a chapel which catering to varying pocketbooks. looks dauntingly high from down below but takes merely half an hour Then we journeyed on to Mazamitla, touted in tourist literature to reach on foot. Start before the as either the Austria or Switzerland sun is overhead, and wear shoes with good traction to cope with the of Mexico due to the mountainous terrain. From Ajijic, we took a rubble along the way. second class bus for about half an hour to Jocotepec at the west end 38 www.adip.info

of Lake Chapala, stopping long enough to have a bowl of birria (goat stew) on the main plaza. Virtually every restaurant was serving the same thing, so your only choice was the angle at which you faced the zócalo (town square). We didn’t realize we’d have to hike back to the highway to flag down the de paso (bus) headed for Mazamitla (which departed from Guadalajara), but our mile-plus walk used up the calories we’d consumed and gave us a chance to marvel at how “non-gringoized” things are a short distance from Ajijic.

About the Author Nancy Seeley moved down to Zihuatanejo from Wisconsin late in 1995 with the intention of staying for a 3-year sabbatical...but once she got here, she found there was no turning back. Traveling throughout Mexico has become a passion, and avoiding winter weather in the Midwest has become a goal. So far, she claims a pretty high success rate on both fronts.

we know there are plenty of interesting choices out there, including lots more cabañas (cabins). The entire area is a camping mecca. One could say, tongue in cheek, that Mazamitla is “well preserved,” given that virtually everywhere you went there were homemade fruit preserves for sale: peaches, apples, mangoes, pears…you name it, they had it. Then there were the cheeses, plentiful every day of the week but even more so during the It was a twenty minute walk to Monday market. Like Jocotepec, our hotel, a rustic place featuring birria (goat stew) is a diet staple, treehouse-like accommodations but here the primary offering is called Hotel Cabañas Colina de las Ruiseñores (nightingales in Spanish). beef rather than goat. Along the way, we encountered no Americans or Canadians, just inter- One of Mazamitla’s main attractions is Los Cazos, about three miles ested locals in long pants staring south of town. It’s a Europeanat our bare legs and light-colored styled community shrouded in hair. Once we got there, though, we chuckled every time we chatted woods and traversed via cobblewith Guillermo, our congenial host, stone streets, dead-ending at a who was a dead ringer for Jerry Seinfeld’s buddy Kramer. The bus rumbled through a bunch of little villages before heading up into the mountains. Don’t read a book during this part of the trip or you’ll miss some spectacular scenery. After two hours, we reached our destination: an elderly bus station at an altitude almost 2,300 feet higher than Ajijic, meaning by now we were nearly 7,400 feet above sea level.

spot where you can descend via a challenging path to the base of a 115-foot waterfall. There are horses for hire, but walking affords you the opportunity to picnic or simply stop in your tracks to enjoy the scenery. Many of the homes you’ll see look like Alpine chalets, but few show any signs of life during the week, given that the owners are primarily wealthy folks from Guadalajara and Mexico City who come on the weekends to escape the craziness of big city life. Unless you’re driving, getting back to Zihuatanejo from here is not a straight shot. We did it in three parts: a second class bus to Zamora, a first class bus to Uruapan, and a first class bus the rest of the way home. Both destinations, Ajijic and Mazamitla, made the “keeper” list for future trips.

What a change from Zihuatanejo! Here we looked forward to having a fire in the chimenea (fireplace) every night, and we piled on at least a couple of blankets to ward off the chill of the mountain air when we went to sleep. During the heat of the day, we could still wear sleeveless tops and shorts (though almost none of the locals did), but at night long-sleeved T-shirts topped with a sweatshirt above blue jeans became our uniform. Traipsing along the outskirts of town surrounded by both the sight and smell of pine trees made me a tad homesick for Wisconsin. We scouted out a number of other hostelries we wished we had time to try out, but at least

NOV.13-15

Ajijic Plaza Street. Photo by Steven Miller.

8th Annual Feria Maestros del Arte (Masters of Art Fair), Club de Yates de Chapala (Chapala Yacht Club), Paseo Ramon Corona, Chapala, Jalisco.

The fair is a non-profit organization and hand-picks Master Artists from all over the country to bring buyers and collectors an astonishing variety of exceptional folk art. www.mexicoartshow.com Ajijic Plaza. Photo by Steven Miller.

another day in paradise

By Maura Taylor

Home & Living

Mini-Splits AC Units. Photo by Maura Taylor.

The Cool Comfort

of A/C If you lived

As most of us are already familiar with the window or room air conditioners, we are going to focus this article on the mini split a/c system that is both easy to install and can be purchased locally. The mini split is a completely ductless system which consists of two main components: an outdoor unit (compressor/ condenser), and an indoor air-handling unit. Some models can have as many as four indoor air handling units (for four zones or rooms) connected to one Granted, most homeowners in Ixtapaoutdoor unit. A conduit, which houses Zihuatanejo will argue that even with the power cable, refrigerant tubing, air conditioning in their home it hardly ever gets used, and that is true. As we suction tubing, and a condensate drain, links the indoor and outdoor units. The are blessed here with a mild climate conduit only requires about a three inch and almost year-round ocean breezes, hole to pass through the wall, allowing most interiors will only need to be air for easy installation. Conduits come in conditioned maybe a few weeks out of a variety of lengths, so there’s plenty of the year. If a home is constructed in flexibility in terms of where the outdoor a way that takes advantage of natural compressor can be placed and hidden coolants such as air flow, landscaping and a light colored exterior, there should inconspicuously. be limited need for air conditioning. Mini split systems are more energy However, on those few days a year where the heat and humidity exceed the efficient than both central air conditioning and room air conditioners. norm it’s nice to know that you have a Its cooling capacity is much more convenient way to cool off. efficient than that of central air condiOne of the obvious disadvantages to air tioning as it eliminates the energy loss that occurs when forced air passes conditioning is high energy consumpthrough ductwork. As the conduit tion, often resulting in elevated utility costs. Also air conditioners tax heavily only needs a small hole to pass through to the compressor there is little on the local energy grid and with an energy loss, unlike a window air increasing population, energy conserconditioner which looses much of its vation should remain a key concern efficiency through poor insulation. for all of us. Certain air conditioning Additionally, the air handling units run systems are available which reduce the amount of energy that is consumed virtually noise free, as they are housed when the units are in use. Also if used completely separate from the outdoor compressor. in conjunction with overhead ceiling or standing fans, cool air is distributed more evenly throughout allowing the air Mini splits also offer more flexibility in interior design options. The indoor units conditioner to run less and cool more can be suspended from the ceiling, efficiently. If you’re trying to keep a recessed into the wall or completely small room or area cool, many new hidden from view. Most indoor units models of room air conditioners are have thin profiles and usually come available locally that have a high EER (energy efficiency ratio) and some even with sleek jackets. Most models offer a remote control to make it easier to carry the Energy Star label.

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in Zihuatanejo thirty years ago chances are you didn’t have air conditioning, so if you wanted a respite from the heat you jumped in the ocean or took several showers a day. Although it’s this simplistic, and at times bohemian, lifestyle that attracts us to Zihuatanejo, nowadays escaping the heat can be as simple as the click of a button.

there is only a small hole in the wall. Through-the-wall and window mounted room air-conditioners can provide an easy entrance for intruders. The mini-split system generally runs about 5,000-6,000 pesos per ton (12,000 BTU per hour) of cooling capacity plus an installation cost of approximately 1,500 pesos plus, per air handling unit. A ton (12K BTU) of cooling capacity will cool a small room up to approximately 10 feet by 15 feet. It’s best to have the dealer correctly size each unit and judge the best location for its installation. Oversized or incorrectly located airhandlers often result in short-cycling, which wastes energy and does not provide proper temperature or humidity control. Too large a system is also more expensive to buy and operate. There are several different manufacturers and models to choose from which are available locally at selected dealers. You can also purchase lower capacity units at the Commercial Mexicana and Bodega supermarkets; however you will generally get better technical support and customer service from an authorized dealer. Considering its reasonable cost, easy installation and overall energy efficiency, the mini-split system can be an ideal option to keep your interior cool and your budget intact.

About the Author Maura Taylor is a Zihuatanejo

resident who provides highly personalized construction management, interior design and relocation services for expatriates emigrating to Mexico. You can find Maura on the web @ www.zihuaid.com, by phone #044 (755) 101 9711 or via email: info@zihuaid.com.

another day in paradise

By John K. Glaab, CIPS

Real Estate news

AMPI FORUM in Guadalajara, September 15: Maria Luisa Castro, President of AMPI Guadalajara, John Glaab CIPS of AMPI La Paz, Mercy Duenas of AMPI Guadalajara and her husband Sergio, Ex-President of AMPI National.

Perspectives of the real estate industry The 19th Real Estate

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FORUM was presented this year by the Guadalajara section of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) with more than 400 realtors in attendance for talks, Perspectives on the Real Estate Industry. Following the national anthem and parading of the flag by the drum and bugle corps and honor guard from the local fire department, the event was inaugurated by Juan Sanchez Aldana. He is the Mayor of nearby Zapopan, a major sponsor for the event, and one of Mexico’s wealthiest and fastest growing cities. In addition to a panel, Crisis in the Past and Formulas for the Future, there were several keynote speakers, during the day. These included Dr. Abraham Vela Dib, Manager, Communication Bank of Mexico, Cesar Ulises Trevino, President, Mexico Green Building Council, Eugene Towle, Director General of Softec and Jorge Cantero, a Miami realtor and educator. Dr. Vela Dib spoke on the evolution and perspectives for the Mexico economy; where the country has been and its opportunities for future development. César Trevino explained LEED Rating Systems. This is a third party certification program and nationally accepted benchmark for the design and construction of high performance green buildings. He cited numerous examples around the world, including the thirty-two story HSBC bank building on the Reforma in Mexico City.

In real estate circles, Eugene Towle is known as Mr. Statistics. He is an expert in data that relates to Mexico’s current economic condition and on occasions makes future projections. On this occasion, he made predictions about requirements for new businesses and what will be needed to cope in the future.

be followed on the web site. The new portal reduces red-tape requirements and facilitates the opening of new businesses while decreasing bureaucratic obstacles. The initiative places Mexico among those economies that have the best international practices and will boost the competitiveness of the country’s economy.

Realtors® to Congregate in San Diego

November 13-16, the National Association of Realtors® (NAR®) Annual Conference and Expo, will be held in San Diego for the first time in 101 years of the conference. Aptly named the voice for real estate, this association is America’s largest in the trade, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real Jorge Cantero has a long string of estate industries. To kickoff the coninitials and certifications, behind ference, the evening of November 12, his name. One that intrigues me is, Realtors® from around the world will masters of science in international be attending an International real estate. He is the only person Welcome Reception, a real networkI know who holds that distinction. ing event. Among the daily events He has also been a course instrucduring the conference, Condoleeza tor for the National Association of Rice, former Secretary of State, will Realtors® and has been named the address the General Session. She Instructor of the Year, for his teach- will give her perspectives on current ing of the NAR certified internation- world events. Also highlighted, is a al property specialist (CIPS) course. session on how the global economy Jorge’s topic was, Opening Horizons. affects local markets (international He outlined the need for real estate forum). Another popular series practitioners to think globally when for attendees will be on entreprelooking for buyers and developers. neurial excellence. On Saturday, He mentioned the pool of wealth Brazil, France, Greece, Italy, Mexico, available in overseas market. the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain At the end of the day, Pedro Trueba will each have a table in the Internade Torres, National President of tional Networking Center. The 2010 AMPI, made the closing statement. Annual Conference is scheduled to be held in New Orleans.

Opening a Business More Easily & Quickly in Mexico

On August 3, 2009, President Felipe Calderon officially launched a governmental website: www.tuempresa.gob.mx. This simplifies the process of establishing a business in Mexico. The website gives investors the opportunity to create any company from any place with this internet access, whether it is a Public Company or LLC. There are five simple steps to

About the Author John Glaab has been a member

of NAR’s International Section for over a decade. He has earned the Certified International Property Specialist designation (CIPS) and is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos. John writes real estate articles for publications in three countries and for several web sites.

john.glaab@settlement-co.com

another day in paradise

Agustin galindo

Real Estate Law

Real Contramar Condominiums, Ixtapa.

Condominium law in guerrero This article covers condominium law in Mexico, how a condominium legally works and what are the rights and obligations of owners. Governing rules

The governing rules for condominiums are the Condominium Ownership Law No. 557 of the State of Guerrero (referred to here as the Law), and the Condominium Regime, which contains the individual condominium development’s owners’ rules and regulations.

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The Condominium Ownership Law No. 557, is a law of social interest and a public law; therefore, the provisions cannot be superseded by the condo regime. The condominium regime is a document granted before a notary public in Mexico and recorded with the Public Registry of Property. This regime shall contain the corresponding licenses, location, surfaces, and boundaries, description of the property, its private units and common areas, value of each property and common shares, use and description of the property, cases when the condo regime may be amended, payment of maintenance fees, construction permits, plans, blueprints, common shares table, utilities plans, appraisal, and rules and regulations.

and obligations of the owners, the procedure to collect maintenance and reserve fees, the amount and frequency of these fees, the type of management the condominium has, as well as the procedures to establish a surveillance committee, to hold the owners’ meetings, to change the by-laws, the use of common areas, and the issues foreseen by the law and the condominium regime among other matters. It is worth mentioning that there are other applicable laws, but this is the main legal frame governing a condominium in Guerrero, Mexico.

who is the first place beneficiary of a trust of the property shall be considered the owner (condómino). In the case of a foreigner being the beneficiary on first place of his/her trust, he/she may attend and vote during a meeting of owners, with no need of a proxy from the bank (trustee).

What are the governing bodies in a condominium?

The governing bodies in a condominium are the Owners Meeting, the Surveillance Committee and the Manager of the condominium.

The Owners Meeting (or Home Owners Association – HOA) is the supreme body and the only one A condominium is composed of allowed to amend the condo regime, private units and common areas to appoint the Manager and the or strata, with the understanding Surveillance Committee. Also, to esthat a private unit is the property that its owner can dispose of, while tablish maintenance and reserve fees, common areas or strata are owned and approve budgets and reports. by all the owners in common shares, The Owners Meeting is the supreme and are regulated by condominium body in a condominium and it does not need to be incorporated as an regime and by-laws. entity to meet and approve resolutions related to the condo, with the It is very important to mention understanding that these meetings that in your capacity as owner of need to be carried out in accordance private property, nobody can rule on the manner in which you handle to the law and the by-laws. In short, the condominium regime your property (e.i. limitations as to is the manual of your condominium rentals or denying access to your In Mexico, it is recommended to showing all the information regard- property). These types of actions create a Civil Association (Asociaing engineering, architectural, constitute a crime of dispossession. cion Civil, A.C. for its abbreviation in managing and legal procedures that Spanish), so that this entity becomes you need to know. This is public allowed to open bank accounts, hire Who is an owner information and you can obtain a (condómino)? employees and pay the expenses of copy from the Public Registry of By law, an owner is the person the condominium. With an A.C. Property. (individual or corporation) that you may reduce tax and labor conhas ownership rights in respect to tingencies for individuals, with the The rules and regulations, I am a property. It is the owner (or the understanding that owners meetgoing to refer to for practical beneficiary in first place of a trust) ings may be held without having an reasons as “the by-laws.” These of a private unit of a condominium. A.C. I can say that Homeowners A.C. are part of the condominium In English, this means that the is the most similar concept to what regime and shall contain the rights individual, corporation or foreigner Americans and Canadians call a

Type of properties

Home Owners Association (HOA). The Surveillance Committee is comprised of two to five owners and its main functions are to supervise the performance of the Manager, to verify the reports provided by the Manager, to control the use of funds, to inform the Owners Meeting about any concern related to the management, to call meetings and to request the presence of a notary public. Please be aware that 50% of the committee may be reelected for a subsequent period, but under no circumstances is the President entitled to reelection. You could say that the Surveillance Committee is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;eyesâ&#x20AC;? for the rest of the condominium owners in order to check that everything is running smoothly. The Manager is the person in charge of keeping the minutes book, taking care of the goods of the condominium, carrying out the resolutions approved by the Owners Meeting, keeping records of all documents and information, managing the condominium, collecting fees from the owners, paying expenses, issuing receipts, delivering reports, calling meetings, verifying the fulfillment of applicable regulations, and additionally, the Manger has a power of attorney for litigation and collection and to initiate administrative or judicial procedures against owners who do not fulfill their corresponding obligations.

How to hold an owners meeting?

As mentioned above, the Owners Meeting is the supreme body of the condominium, and in order to

meet and approve legal and binding resolutions, certain aspects must be considered, such as how to properly call a meeting, how to hold the meeting in the condominium, how to verify that the owners are attending the meeting (personally or by proxy ), to have the required assistance and voting quorums, and to validate the minute, etc... These guidelines shall be provided in the by-laws and the law. The call to a meeting has to be drawn in Spanish and within a certain period of time. The call may be made by the manager, the Surveillance Committee or 25% of the owners. These same persons may request the attendance of a notary public in order to validate that the meeting has been legally called, installed and performed. This makes it possible to have a legal record of the meeting and eventually constitute better grounds in case that the meeting or its decisions are challenged. Owners may attend meetings personally or through a proxy, this rule being applicable for foreigners who in their capacity as owners are allowed to vote with no need to request a power of attorney from the bank holding their trust. It is very important to mention that any owner who fails to pay two or more maintenance or reserve fund fees, shall be allowed to speak but not to vote at the meeting. In order to consider a meeting legally installed in a first call, 75% of the owners shall be required to attend. 51% in a second call, and in

a third call, whichever owners are present. In all cases, any resolution may be approved by the majority of attendants to the meeting. It is very important to mention that when one of the owners has more than 50% of the votes, the general rule is that a 75% of the total votes is required to reach a resolution, with the understanding that if this is not possible, the relevant matter will have to be solved by the competent court. Once the meeting is legally installed only the matters of the agenda (included in the notice) may be discussed. For every proposal a resolution must result. It is recommended that the minutes be notarized in case it becomes necessary to present it before court.

Fees

The fees in a condo are divided into a) Maintenance fees, which are the payment for the day to day expenses that shall be allocated among the units that form part of the condominium in the form that it is approved by the owners meeting, and b) Reserve funds which are allocated among the units considering its value. Generally, the common share that the unit represents is the value used to divide this expense. In addition to these fees, the law considers an extraordinary fee in case that maintenance and reserve fund fees are not enough. For the payment of these fees no offset, exception, or any other reason may be used to excuse non-payment. As to delinquent owners, the Manager may prepare

a statement of debt including the amount owed, accrued interest and penalties applicable, enclosing a copy of the minute book of the meeting and the by-laws duly signed by the President of the Surveillance Committee and the Manager. This statement is legally considered as a credit note; therefore, the property of the delinquent owner may be seized through an executive civil lawsuit so that he/she either pays the amount owed, or his/her property may be auctioned. From my experience, I can tell you that buying property in Mexico sometimes goes beyond just checking terms of payment. In the case of acquiring property in Condominium, it is worth taking a look at the condominium regime and the by-laws, and obtaining a proof that all maintenance fees have been paid by the previous owner in order to make a safe acquisition, consequently avoiding headaches and further expenses.

About the Author Agustin Galindo is a licensed

attorney at law in Mexico since 1995, with an LL.M (Master of Laws in Comparative and International Law) 97-98 by the Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas U.S. He obtained a Tax Law degree in 2003 and a Taxes degree in 2007, by ITAM, Mexico City. He is a certified translator in English-Spanish languages authorized by the Superior Court of Justice of the State of Guerrero. www.galindabogados.com

Real Estate listings

Long-term/Short-term rental, Ixtapa, Club de Golf

Fully furnished, fully equipped, 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath home w/mother-in-law’s apartment in Ixtapa. Jacuzzi tub, beautiful blue tiled pool, large palapa covered entertaining area, washing machine, walled for security and privacy. 18,000 pesos or 1,500 US per month. Contact patrickcrosby@verizon.net for more information

Monte Cristo Zihuatanejo - See full page ad for more information. www.montecristomexico.com, Tel. 755-102-7728

44 www.adip.info

Absolutely Gorgeous! For Sale Troncones – Eight lots

on a small swimmable bay with lagoon, secluded and set apart from the rest of Troncones. Most private and beautiful lots you will find in Troncones, approx. 8,000 - 9,000 sq. ft. $175,000 - 295,000 USD. Also, two commercial lots available on the water in Troncones. Contact patrickcrosby@verizon.net for more details.

Monte Cristo Zihuatanejo - See full page ad for more information. www.montecristomexico.com, Tel. 755-102-7728

another day in paradise | www.adip.info

For Sale/For Rent – Beachfront Hotel in Troncones. 4 bungalows, 5 king suites, 3 family suites and one 2 bedroom executive suite, all with great views, steps from the beach. Restaurant, Full gym, Parking $75 US - $150 US / night. For info: www.micasasucasa.ws

Monte Cristo Zihuatanejo - See full page ad for more information. www.montecristomexico.com, Tel. 755-102-7728

Tim Sullivan, Ixtapa Real Estate

Paseo de las Golondrinas #19, Col. Club de Golf, Ixtapa 40884 Tel. (755) 553-3218, Fax. (755) 553 - 3219, Cel. (755) 108-5071 www.ixtaparealestate.com, ixtaparealestate@prodigy.net.mx

Bay View Grand #703N: 2 bdrm, 2 bath, 7th. Floor, beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, ample dng-lvg areas, large terrace w/ hot tub & year ‘round sunset views. An excellent rental income producing property with a proven record. Offered furnished & equipped. $399,900 USD

Villas Playa Blanca Villa 4: 3 bdrm, 3 bath Villa located

Paseo de los Viveros #17: 4 bdrm, 4.5 bath, 2

Marina del Sol #502A: 3 bdrm, 2 bath, 5th. Floor,

on the expansive Playa Blanca area south of Zihuatanejo w/ easy access to both Barra de Potosi & the International airport. An excellent option for the prospective buyer looking for prime location, quality construction and panoramic vistas. Offered furnished at $390,000 U.S.

storey single family residence constructed on a double lot located in the Viveros residential section of Ixtapa. Property includes secure, off-street parking, screen covered swimming pool and AAA quality construction. Offered furnished & equipped. $8,710,000 Pesos

beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, ample dng-lvg areas located within Ixtapa’s premier condominium complex, Marina Del Sol. Amenities include underground parking, Paddle Tennis, large pool and garden areas. Offered furnished & equipped. $495,000 USD

Bay View Grand #1001N: 4 bdrm, 4 bath, 10th. Floor,

Playa Blanca Lot #58A: This Beach front lot measuring nearly 2,000 square meters in total surface area with over 75 feet of beach frontage is located just a few hundred yards from the idyllic village of Barra de Potosi and the Laguna Potosi. The lot is suitable for single family or condominium development. Asking price $397,000 U.S.

beachfront apt w/ equipped kitchen, spacious dining, living & TV areas, full-width terrace w/ hot tub & year ‘round sunset views. The Bay View Grand complex boasts 2 large pools, snack bars, tennis courts, gymnasium and expansive beach frontage. Offered furnished & equipped. $735,000 USD

Tesoro Resort Ixtapa #619: Two-bedroom, one-bath

w/ shower, sixth-floor, beach front apartment with ample, equipped kitchen, living-dining areas, 2 balconies with western exposure and sunset views. Offered as is with furniture and equipment. $215,000 U.S.

Paseo Golondrinas #189: Single-family residence located within The Palma Real Golf Course neighborhood of Ixtapa. The house consists of 2.5 bdrms, 2.5 baths, dining & living rooms, dip pool, secure off-street parking and fenced yard. Offered furnished & equipped. $2,500,000 Pesos.

Villas Ixtapa Casa #3: Single family home located

within Villas Ixtapa Condominium which consists of just 3 residences sharing a common pool and gardens. The 2 storey house has 3 bedrooms each with private bath. Large living & dining area, newly remodeled kitchen and 2 covered terraces. Fully furnished and equipped. Asking price $317,500 U.S. 45

Real Estate listings

another day in paradise | www.adip.info

Apartment in pleasant prívate complex, Real de Palmas, with a tranquil environment and extensive green spaces with beach. The apt is just what a small family or couple needs to spend a long season enjoying the sun, sea, and tranquility of this Mexican paradise. 1 BDRM, 2 bath, living room, equipped kitchen, balcony. Contact M. Sylvia for information cel. 755-108-2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx

Tesoro Resort Ixtapa #619 Two-bedroom, one-bath w/ shower, sixth-floor, beach front apartment with ample, equipped kitchen, living-dining areas, 2 balconies with western exposure and sunset views. Offered as is with furniture and equipment. $215,000 U.S. Contact Tim Sullivan at Ixtapa Real Estate (755) 553 3218, ixtaparealestate@prodigy.net.mx

Apt with garden & pool view. 2 Bdrm, 2 bath, dining

Zihuatanejo Bay Views -  Selected lots located above La Ropa Beach.  All with unobstructed views of the Zihuatanejo Bay and Pacific Ocean.  For information call (755) 553-3221, or cell 044 (755) 104-6220. or email gone2zwhat@aol.com

365 Sunsets-  Enjoy the sunset year round from the

Villas Zitlala is home to twenty-two full-ownership luxury bay view apartments, nestled on a privileged hillside overlooking Playa La Ropa with sweeping views of beautiful Zihuatanejo Bay. Villas Zitlala, simplicity in ultimate luxury. www.villaszitlala.com for more information.

Beachfront lots at their lowest prices in years. Troncones offered at $240,000. Pantla offered at $149,500. Other beaches from $110,000. Off beach lots from $30,000. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 554-0719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.

Beachfront home in Troncones offered at $445,000 negotiable. Owners are anxious to sell, make offer. Other discounted homes available. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 554-0719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.

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private terrace overlooking Ixtapa beach, Sierra Madres and Pacific Ocean.  Three bedroom/ two bath with all modern conveniences.  Priced to sell.  Financing available to US citizens.  For appointment call (755) 553-3221, or cell 044 (755) 104-6220 or email gone2zwhat@yahoo.com.

room, equipped kitchen, terrace in nice private condo complex, Real de Palmas, with a tranquil environment and extensive green areas, pool and beach. Just right for an pleasant vacation or for a long stay enjoying sun, sea and tranquility in paradise. For more information: M. Silvya al cel. 755 108 2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx

Amazing architecture. Seven luxury suites in this boutique hotel overlooking Playa La Ropa. Palapa, tropical hardwoods, pool, office, kitchens, laundry, managers apartment and more offered at $2.5 million. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 554-0719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.

Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties, jude@prodigy.net.mx, Tel. 52-(755) 554 6226, 52-(755)-557-0078 www.paradise-properties.com.mx Find us at our new location at Paseo de los Delfines No. 6 (across from the entrance to “The Tides”), Col. La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Gro.

JUDITH WHITEHEAD

Paradise Properties

For Sale - Cerro del Vigìa Model Home - Another Enrique Zozaya jewel! 2 or 3 BR, 3 Bath designer home perched above the bay, or build your own on a lot of your choosing with views to Las Gatas or Barra de Potosi and Playa Blanca. Listed at US$615,000

For Sale - Las Palmas Condominiums - A new development of only 18 two or three BR lovely condos, located within close walking distance to La Ropa Beach. Be one of the first to own while they are in pre-sales prices. Starting at US$150,000.

For Sale - El Secreto del Mar - The most interesting new house on the market in a very private setting overlooking the the Bay and La Ropa Beach (above “The Tides Hotel”). Just a hop, skip and a jump to the sandy beach. A creation of noted architect Luis Treviño, this 2 BR, 2-1/2 bath with large infinity pool and adjoining wood deck is unique in design as well as price. Listed at US$695,000.

For Sale - Casa Zih - Only 6 condos in this new development above The Tides and La Ropa, lrg. terraces w/perfect views and only 5 min. walk to beach. 3 available: a PH, a 3 BR and a 2 BR & studio. Gated and secure, elevator bldg., large infinity pool with sunning terrace and shaded pool leisure area. PH: US$575,000, 3 BR: US$775,000 & 2BR w/Studio: US$650,000

For Sale - Finestre Penthouse - 5 BR + maid’s rm., 6 BATH, 2-Flr, decorator designed & furnished. In private, prestigious, secluded, gated community in Ixtapa. A divine hideaway with a lap pool and jacuzzi on terrace overlooking a dramatic cove and the ocean. Private beach and beach club w/restaurant and pools. Includes 2 family cars. Listed at US$1.650.000

For Sale Casa Cielo - Simply the most extraordinary house in the whole of Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa. 5 bedrooms, plus maid’s room and bath, 5 small pools on bedroom terraces, state of the art entertainment and house control systems. With a view to die for overlooking the bay, La Ropa and to the ocean. Listed at US$3.5M furnished

For Sale - Playa Blanca - Oceanfront lot with fresh water well, 2,500 sq. meters (almost 3/4 acre). Within walking distance to the Barra de Potosi and all the wonderful little eating establishments near the lagoon. Listed at US$150 per M2. US$375,000

Residencias Villa del Sol - The most prestigious address

For Sale - Villa Giorgia - Totally eclectic and romantic 4-BDRM house complete with fountains, gargoyles, Corinthian columns and aesthetic details. On the golfcourse in Ixtapa, with a large pool set in a beautiful garden, wonderfully furnished. Second floor can be a selfcontained suite in itself. This house is just fun to enter. Listed at US$700,000 (for a lucky buyer)

in La Ropa Beach and a charming 1-bedroom condo that is the perfect hideaway with all the services of The Tides, including beach rights, pools and restaurants. This one is completely furnished and priced to sell at US$250,000.

another day in paradise

SERVICES

MARBLE & GRANITE – Kitchen, Fire places, Baths, Counter Tops, Fabrication, Installation, Free estimates, English Spoken. Gonzalo Blanco, Cel. (044) 755-100-9554 , (044) 755-105-1684

SERVICIOS ADMINISTRATIVOS GATO

Classifieds

Property Management, Payment of Services, Maintenance, Repairs, Assistance with any Permits, Personalized and Translated Services, General Consulting for foreigners. Guaranteed quality and efficiency. Honesty and Responsibility. Absolute confidentiality. “we will Gladly Attend To all your housing needs” Eloisa Rodrìguez Cell: 755-100-83-29 serviciosgatozihua@hotmail.com

CARPENTRY IN IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO We have 27 years experience working with wood and wood derivatives. We build integral kitchens, closets, doors, dining room sets, armchairs, staircases, handrails, shelves, and design furniture by computer. We also do restoration and carpentry maintenance in general. Guaranteed quality, all woods, call now !! Juan Pimentel: arqpimentel@hotmail. com Tel. 755-55-2-69-56, Cel. 044-755-113-27-80

ZIHWATTS - Having trouble? Or just need an upgrade…Computers, Dish TV, sound systems, security, telephone, electrical, and Intelligent Home Technology. We can install new, change the old, or trouble-shoot existing problems. For more info contact J.C. by email: zihwatts@ yahoo.com , or by cell: 044(755)102-9093 CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, interior decorating and consulting services. If you are building, remodeling or thinking about building in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area, let us take the stress and worry out of your construction project. Please contact us on the web @ www. zihuaid.com by telephone: 044 (755) 101 9711 or via email: info@zihuaid.com

RECOVERY 12 STEP HOUSE English speaking recovery groups. Directly across from the biblioteca (library) on Cuauhtemoc, AA-Monday and Friday 6:00 PM NA- Wednesday 6:00 PM. Additional meetings November - April. For more info call or email Bob P. (755) 554-2034, Qigongporvida@yahoo.com, or Mike cell 044-755-104-4544

ADIP NOTICES

CALLING ALL FISHERMEN - Fishing Photos

Non-denominational English language service every Sunday at 10am at Villas Paraiso in Ixtapa. Contact Ron 755-554-5919 or John & Joan at 755-553-1618 for more information.

needed – Had a great day on the water? Send us your photos: trophy catches, blue water action, dancing billfish, wildlife spotting… we always need fishing photos. We like catch and release so photos on the boat are better than the dock, but send us what you got. Tell us who is in the photo, who took it, what you caught and when you went out. The best will be published and will send you a copy for your bragging rights! … Send photos by e-mail in hiresolution jpg to: info@adip.info subject line: FISHING PHOTOS

ZIHUATANEJO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Z-SCENE PHOTOS NEEDED, send us photos

Non-denominational English language service every Sunday morning in Zihuatanejo, Contact John & Betty 755-554-7178 for more information.

or your parties, events, business and social gatherings and we’ll put them in the Z-Scene! Send photos with first and last name of each person, what event they were attending and when to: info@adip.info subject line: ZSCENE

IXTAPA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP

Top ten reasons To visit

ixtapa-zihuatanejo

9 8 7 6 5

I’m here, and so are a lot of your friends (even a few you haven´t met yet) and more keep trickling in each week... Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo has a fiercely loyal following among visitors who come back year after year and an active thriving community.

By Catherine krantz

It’s beautiful: The bay has been especially sparkling lately and a new citywide beautification project has given downtown a charming facelift. It’s not too expensive: Check our article this month on bargain fishing. It’s not too crowded: Zihuatanejo is still one of the best kept secrets on the pacific coast, and nowadays it’s even more peaceful.

It’s not too far: Daily direct flights make it close enough for the weekend (just ask Britney Spears, she popped down for the weekend last month and caused quite a stir, or should I say “whirr” - as in paparazzi helicopters).

The food is great, with standout cuisine all across Ixtapa & Zihuatanejo, and in December there will be the 2nd annual Taste of Ixtapa food crawl, and International Guitar Fest fundraiser, where you can sample from an assortment of Ixtapa restaurants.

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There´s lots to do: Check out our very full upcoming event calendar for things to do locally and across Mexico, and plan a trip. There’s no sense of urgency here, you can devote an entire day to one task (or you don’t have to do anything at all). Lying around at the beach is always a great option. You don’t need an alarm clock: Zihuatanejo has a volunteer army of roving roosters, backfiring buses, musical gas mongers, and lively bolillo hawkers, who will ever so gently prod you awake each morning in ample time to enjoy another day in paradise.

… and the number one reason to visit I-Z is … Its cold outside! That is, in Chicago, Minnesota, Manitoba…not in Zihuatanejo! *Caught Reading / Zihuatanejo dreaming: Michael Stephenson in snowy Manitoba.

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