Mexi-Go! Magazine

TRAVEL LIFESTYLE REAL ESTATE RETIREMENT

OCTOBER 2012

NOW DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR FOUR TIMES A YEAR SUBSCRIBE TODAY! WWW.MEXI-GO.CA

CONNECTING MEXICO TO CANADA

WWW.MEXI-GO.CA

In this issue: REAL ESTATE

TRAVEL 6

Events not to be missedaround Mexico

7

Property Management Top 10 tips to ease your worries

8

Los Cabos Real Estate Market

7

9

a quick overview of the current market condions in Los Cabos. Hint: t`s a buyers market!

9

Sea Turtles of Todos Santos Join Wendy Rains as she witnesses the birth of adorable baby sea turtles.

RETIREMENT

12

LIVING

Life in Mexico!

It`s more than beaches and beer get out and explore this amazing country.

14

Inside the Mexican Healthcare System Navigating the Mexican healthcare system isn`t as difficult as you might think.

15

14

16

Cafe con Leche Not insane, just determined; driving to Canada and back.

16

Festival Gourmet Int`l celebrate international culinary decedance in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit this November.

18

Dream Homes Real estate listings to whet your appetite. Buen provecho!

RegistRation of Canadians abRoad

A free service that could save your life

We encourage you to sign up for the Registration of Canadians abroad service if you are travelling or living in western Mexico.

Registration enables us to reach you in case of an emergency abroad, such as a hurricane or civil unrest, or inform you about an emergency at home.

Sign up online:

travel.gc.ca/register or register by email, fax, or in person.

For more information, contact the Consulate of Canada in Guadalajara or the Consular Agency of Canada in Puerto Vallarta: Tel.: 52 (33) 3671-4740 (Guadalajara) 52 (322) 293-0098 (Puerto Vallarta) Email: gjara@international.gc.ca pvrta@international.gc.ca Internet: www.mexico.gc.ca Information obtained through registration is confidential and is used in accordance with the provisions of Canada’s Privacy Act.

insCRiPtion des Canadiens À L’ÉtRangeR Un service gratuit qui pourrait vous sauver la vie

Nous vous encourageons à utiliser le service d’inscription des Canadiens à l’étranger si vous voyagez ou habitez dans l’ouest du Mexique.

Nous pourrons ainsi vous rejoindre en cas d’urgence à l’étranger, par exemple à la suite d’un ouragan ou de troubles civils, ou vous informer de toute urgence qui surviendrait au Canada.

Inscrivez-vous en ligne :

voyage.gc.ca/inscription ou par courriel, par télécopieur ou en personne.

Pour plus d’information, communiquez avec le consulat du Canada à Guadalajara ou l’agence consulaire du Canada à Puerto Vallarta : Tél. : 52 (33) 3671-4740 (Guadalajara) 52 (322) 293-0098(Puerto Vallarta) Courriel : gjara@international.gc.ca; pvrta@international.gc.ca Internet : www.mexique.gc.ca Les renseignements fournis sont confidentiels et utilisés conformément à la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels.

MADELINE MILNE Editor-in-Chief, Art Director

MORALEA MILNE Editor

GARY R. BECK Contributor

Madeline’s expertise in real

Moralea lives in Metchosin BC

First visiting Puerto Vallarta

estate marketing and passion

where she is an elected council-

in 1979, Gary has maintained

for life in Mexico is the founda-

lor, respected volunteer for

meticulous notes on every

tion on which Mexi-Go! is built.

local environmental groups and

dining experience he’s had in

Living full time in Mexico brings

frequent contributor to the local

the past 30 years in Vallarta.

experience and real life skills

paper. When the rain and wind

Gary is a regular contributor

to the creative process. When

get to be too much, Moralea

for many local Puerto Vallarta

she’s not exploring new parts of

heads to Mexico, where she

newspapers and websites as well

Mexico, you can find Madeline

finds pleasure in the unique flora

as Sunset Magazine and Zagat.

under her palapa, poolside, with

and fauna, the beaches and the

Gary publishes the popular PV

a good book and her posse of

highlands and in the warmth and

Restaurant Guide, Beck’s Best.

Chihuahuas. She divides her time

comfort of the Mexican culture,

“Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s rich

between Vancouver, BC and

food and people.

array of eateries is exhilarating.”

Beck says.

Mexico.

WENDY RAINS Contributor

LAURIE ROBERTS Contributor

Internationally noted

Laurie Roberts is the Executive

Architectural Designer, Journalist,

Director of ESCWORKS!

and Environmentalist , Wendy

International Inc. Canada and

Rains has made her home in

of EnglishWORKS! & Spanish

Todos Santos, B.C.S. for the past

WORKS Mexico, S.C. They

ten years. She currently hosts the

specialize in program design

popular Cabo Mil radio program,

and implementation of EFL for

Todos Santos Today, and her

professional adults. Laurie and

digital newsletter, Baja Tips

her team established a reputation

Weekly, touts “Solid Advice and

for innovation and excellence

Tips with a Twist”.

in providing service to the

www.buildinginbaja.com,

most prestigious multinational

www.wendyrains.com,

companies in their region. Laurie

facebook.com/todossantostoday,

has also served as an international

www.LTECO.org

conference speaker.

4 Mexi-Go! October 2012

ERIN STALEY Contributor Taking her stories from the stage to the page, choreographer Erin Staley pirouetted her way from the U.S. Pacific Northwest

Editor-in-Chief Editor

Madeline Milne Moralea Milne

CREATIVE Art Director Madeline Milne Brad Hopwood Contributors Gary R. Beck Wendy Rains Laurie Roberts Erin Staley Audrey Royem Terry Curtis Photography Barb Nettleton Madeline Milne Moralea Milne Distribution Maxwell Hansen-Milne ADVERTISING AND SALES Garth Watson | Sales Director garth@mexi-go.ca Gabriel Jones | Riviera Nayarit gabriel@mexi-go.ca Lissette Valentin | Baja Sur lissette@mexi-go.ca Catherine Krantz | Ixtapa and Mexico City catherine@mexi-go.ca MARKETING AND PR Joel Hansen | Business Development joel@mexi-go.ca Veronica Rivas veronica@mexi-go.ca

to Mexico in 2010. Published in fiction and non-fiction, Erin is currently the editor for a Puerto Vallarta city guide: www.pvguide.org.

CONTACT US! info@mexi-go.ca www.facebook.com/mexi-goproperties www.twitter.com/mexigoproperty www.twitter.com/mexigomag www.mexi-go.ca Mexi-Go! is published by Canadian Marketing Strategies S de RL de CV Copyright (2012)

CONTACT US! Do you have comments? A story to share? Have you made the move to Mexico and want to let us know how great it’s been? Share your wisdom with us! By all means - send us an email - we’d love to hear from you!

Editor@Mexi-Go.ca

Hola!

October in Mexico is a bit of a transition period. The rainy season dies down but the heat continues to overwhelm. Some of the long term expats start to return, vacation homes are opened and aired out. Restaurants and local shops start to dust off the summer grime and repaint, reconfigue, reimagine in preparation for the tourist season.

facebook.com/MexiGoMagazine twitter.com/MexiGoMag

For us at Mexi-Go! we are in the process of planning for 2013 and we knew the space we were in was just too small for all our plans! So we too are busy moving into our second office which has required some manual labour and heavy lifting but, truth be told it`s just across the hall from the old office. And I make a better supervisor than a painter.

In addition to the new office we have some excellent new programs we are going to announce in the coming months, including a three city Expo series across Canada in September 2013. This expanded tour will bring the Mexi-Go! enthusiasm for all things Mexico to more people across our great country. We are so excited as there is no better time of the year to travel in Canada!

We`ve got a couple other things up our sleeve as well, including a great vacation program for those looking to test-drive real estate before buying. Stay tuned for all the details.

In the meantime, please enjoy this edition of Mexi-Go! Online. Share it with your friends and family and help spread the word about this beautiful country that is so warm and welcoming to all Canadians.

Safe travels, Madeline editor@mexi-go.ca

MEXI-GO! ONLINE This fall we will relaunch our real estate listing and rentals site with information on travel, real estate and living in Mexico.

Stay tuned! www.mexi-go.ca

SUBSCRIBE TODAY Love the feel of paper in your hands? The ease of reading a magazine on your deck? Then subscribe to Mexi-Go! Magazine today and enjoy the real thing!

$19.95 / 4 issues

MEET CHULO Rescued from the side of the highway in Punta Mita, Chulo has made himself at home n the new MexiGo! offices and has inspired us to dedicate a little space in every issue towards the pet rescue efforts in Mexico.

Learn more at:

www.mexi-go.ca 5 Mexi-Go! October 2012

Upcoming Events!

Across Mexico there are exciting cultural, travel, food and investment events that are worth a visit.

Here are some of our top picks!

OCT 31 - NOV 2: DAY OF THE DEAD CELEBRATIONS. Happening all over Mexico but Morelia, Michoacan is the most famous. Stay for the Festival de MĂşsica, Nov 16-25. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Day_of_ the_Dead

NOV 8 - 18: PUERTO VALLARTA GOURMET FESTIVAL. Enjoy gourmet safari and progressive dining (eating a different course at each stop) experiences as well as cooking demos, an international culinary symposium, wine and cheese tastings and more! www.festivalgourmet.com

DISCOVER CENTRAL MEXICO Affordable Luxury Homes | Tropical Gardens Perfect Climate | Romantic Village Charm Come Join 10,000 Canadians Who Make Ajijic Their Home TRUDIE NELSON - YOUR CANADIAN REALTOR

Trudieannenelson@yahoo.ca (011) 52 376 766-1918

www.eagerrealty.com NOV 16 - 18: FERIA MAESTROS DEL ARTE, AJIJIC, JALISCO. Not to be missed (He)art show of Mexican folk and indigenous art and crafts. Meet the artists, watch demos, enjoy Mexican cuisine and purchase exceptional quality art and handicrafts. www.mexicoartshow.com/maestros.html

NOV 24 - 26: JAZZ FESTIVAL, RIVIERA MAYA, QUINTANA ROO, with the Wayne Shorter Quartet, among many others. www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com/2012/

DEC 23: NOCHE DE RABANOS (DAY OF THE RADISHES), OAXACA, OAXACA. Radish carving has been a talent in the this area for centuries. Start your Christmas holidays with a novel experience! en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Night_of_the_Radishes

www.mexi-go.ca 6

Mexico’s Property Management Top Ten List: TAKING THE WORRY OUT OF YOUR INVESTMENT

By Audrey E. Royem Owning property in Mexico is more involved than you might think. If you do not have a property manager, you will have to be prepared to manage employees in a foreign language, find replacement parts, and identify professionals who can be counted upon when needed most, including a good property manager. Here are a few hints that will better prepare you for the tasks ahead: 1) EMPLOYEE LAW is something of which you definitely should have a basic understanding if you are thinking of living or having a business in Mexico. Mexican Federal Labour Law, along with regulatory laws, guide the relationship between the employer (patron) and the worker (trabajador) in a much different way that in the US or Canada.

You and your property manager should understand the moral and fiscal rights and responsibilities you have towards your workers.

7) GET A NETWORK. Make sure you have a list of reliable, honest professionals to call on. This list should include a general contractor, and/or electricians, plumbers (here in Mexico most electricians have also studied plumbing, so that helps), carpenters, palaperos, fumigators, extra maids, extra gardeners, chefs, water delivery, gas delivery, taxis, doctors, police, lock smiths, and please note that these are all plural because you might not be able to contact one in a timely manner....or, you could just hire a property manager to handle all of these details for you.

8) UNIQUE ISSUES. What’s that white stuff fluffing out of your wall, you ask? That is what is called “salitre”. It is a common occurrence here. Salt mixed into the cement festers and can be quite a disturbing sight. While there are some sure-fire ways to treat this problem, maintenance will certainly always be part and parcel of keeping it to a minimum.

9) PAY THE BILLS ON TIME. House bills are rarely delivered. You (or your property manager) will have to know when TelMex, CFE, Predial, Fideicomiso, and other house bills are due. You can now pay many online, but for those you can’t, make sure you jot them in your calendar.

10) A GOOD PROPERTY MANAGER will be one of your wisest assets. Choose a bilingual property manager who is computer literate and has strong communication skills- you don’t want to be left in the dark! A good property manager will provide you with detailed accounting, photos, and clear, concise bids. They will be personable with your guests and know how to manage employees effectively and efficiently.

A good property manager will take care of all of those details and have the house in pristine condition when you arrive. A good property manager will SAVE you money!

2) PALAPAS ARE COOL alternatives for roofs, but need to be fumigated every six months. Palms need to be replaced every four to seven years, depending on its slope; wood replacement depends on the type of wood and its maintenance. Jalisco’s forests have some of the best wood for palapas because its straight growth, its density and resistance to termites. Treating woods is different than fumigating.

3) ANYTHING METAL WILL OXIDIZE in the ocean air: gas tanks, kitchen appliances, window protections, door handles, rebar, light fixtures, nails, picture wires, and anything else! Annual maintenance and using the right applications will add years of life to your investment.

4) ELECTRICAL WIRING should be secured with a surge protector. Mexican electricity surges like the mighty Pacific! Make sure your appliances are protected. During the rainy season, large devices like A/C units and refrigerators all too commonly blow out and need to be replaced.

The right information and a knowledgeable team can greatly influence your success while navigating through Mexico’s unique Legal, Social, Financial & Cultural landscapes.

Whether starting a business, investing in property or relocating, Audrey International will make you feel comfortable and confident while mitigating risks and extra costs.

5) THE RAINY SEASON is the busy season for maintenance is“It’ “It´s always best to do it right the first time.” sues. Locking the door behind you as you follow the northern summer will not bode well for your property. The inundation of water leads to fungus and mildew, insects and plant overgrowth, not to mention general rot. Make sure you have a reliable pair of eyes and hands who can Common Services Provided: react quickly to any issues that may come up during the rainy season.

6) PRACTICE SAFE SECURITY. While most of the news reports about Mexico are not quite accurate, don’t play the fool! As in Canada, the more safety precautions you take in securing your property the better! Taking these proactive measures will save you in the end: deadbolts on doors, metal protects on windows, curtains, sensor lights, a safe for small, personal belongings. One bad safety report on your property could cause you to lose many potential renters, even if you fixed the problem. Mexico is not unsafe, but your house might be.

7 Mexi-Go! October 2012

     

Mexican Immigration Property Investigation Legal Facilitation Tax & Financial Assistance Construction & Property Management Translation & Interpretation

www.audreyinternational.com info@audreyinternational.com + (52) 1.322.22.97.972

Cabo San Lucas Real Estate of the Union

by Terry Gray Curtis

E

verywhere you look in Cabo is so fresh and green, it looks and feels like the inviting tropics that you dream about from Canada.

We are gearing up to what may be our best real estate season in several years. Why you may ask? We have thirty-six plus months of inventory available for sale, based on average sales per month for the last twelve months. A balanced market would have six months of inventory. This means it is a buyer’s market, an excellent time to consider the purchase of your dream retirement in Mexico.

Can you get your best deal now or should you wait with hopes that prices drop? You will be able to negotiate your best deal now; when prices turn upwards, it will happen so quickly you will regret having waited. Nice luxury

Condos are available from about $250K and up, that may be rented for a portion of the year to offset maintenance fees or payments. Lovely new luxury homes in gated communities are going for $319K with incredible amenities and on-site restaurants. However, the very best buys in terms of getting the most for your money are in the $1M plus category these days, this price range took the biggest hit from the economic down-turn. Funding has become available to qualified buyers in Mexico. After close to a year of not having money available to borrow in Mexico, Banco Santander has opened the window for this market again. In addition, Scotiabank of Canada is now loaning money on your properties in Canada to specifically buy properties in Mexico, with very attractive interest rates.

www.mexi-go.ca 8

The Sea Turtles of Todos Santos: Protecting Mexico`s natural heritage

by Wendy Rains Sea Turtles have lived on this earth an estimated 150 million years. There are seven species of these charismatic reptiles in the world, five of which live long periods of their lives foraging and nesting along the coasts of Baja California. These turtles migrate from as far away as Japan, the south of mainland Mexico and Hawaii.

The coasts along the Baja California peninsula are home to five of the seven species of the world’s sea turtles. The majority of those nesting along the Todos Santos coastline are: Olive Ridleys (Lepidochelys olivacea, Tortuga Golfina) The most abundant of all of the species of sea turtle, they use the beaches in the south of the Baja peninsula around Todos Santos and the state of Sinaloa (Mainland) for reproduction. They frequent the bays, estuaries and pelagic zones of the region for feeding. One nest can contain as many as 100 eggs!

Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea, Tortuga Laúd) The largest of all the species of sea turtles can be found throughout the world’s oceans. Population data for these turtles indicate that they are confronting a grave problem of global extinction. Every few years they lay eggs, and this year they came to Las Tunas beach in Todos Santos!

Sea turtles are considered threatened or endangered in every part of the world, and are included on protection lists such as CITES, the IUCN’s Red

List, the InterAmerican Convention, and the United Status list of Endangered Species. International regulations have been established that prohibit capturing, killing or selling of sea turtles, and the federal laws of Mexico prohibit their killing throughout all parts of the country.

Additionally, due to the large amount of turtles that are captured in the nets of shrimp and fishing boats, laws have been established in the U.S. and Mexico requiring that all trawling vessels use TEDs (Turtle Exclusionary Devices), which allow turtles to escape the nets.

The two biggest threats to our sea turtles’ survival are 1) Coastal Development, and 2) Ocean Pollution.

Development along the coast causes loss of precious coastal habitat that previously served as nesting areas. Any new lights along the coast also disorient the turtles when they return to the shore where they were born, to lay their eggs. If there is no longer a beach, or the beach is developed, the turtle may not lay her eggs.

Sea turtles can choke to death when they accidentally consume plastic bags and other types of trash, often mistaken for jellyfish, a part of some sea turtle species diet. Additionally, contaminants and chemicals entering the ocean from inland runoff or dumped from ships, seriously affect their health.

Although they are protected, sea turtles need our help. They are regularly captured and sacrificed for the consumption of their meat and eggs. They mature very slowly and live very long lives. They reach twenty to thirty years of age before they are sexually mature and able to reproduce.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please help by supporting our local Turtle group, Tortugueros Las Playitas, (http://www.todostortugueros.org/) a volunteer organization that has educational programs, patrols the beaches for nests, and maintains a greenhouse/ nursery to not only protect the eggs from poachers, but also provides the

LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR NEW LIFE IN MEXICO! Travel, retirement, investment and lifestyle

Join Mexi-Go! at the three upcoming events in the fall of 2013 before making your holiday plans. With seminars, exhibtors, special deals and new exciting information, you will be amazied at the diversity of offerings in the specatacular country.

There truely is something for everyone.

ANNOUNCING THE 2013 EXPO SERIES VANCOUVER BC - SEPT 14-15TH CALGARY AB - SEPT 22-23 TORONTO ONT - SEPT 28-29 More details at www.mexi-goexpo.com

For a compete list of sponsors and exhibitors at the 2012 expo please visit www.mexi-goexpo.com

www.mexi-go.ca 11

Life in Mexico:

stone in someone’s life. …a splash from whales who are performing their acrobatic skills in the ocean waters. …the laughter of children playing

The Sounds of a Nation

in the streets, sharing a soccer ball or riding a bike. …a whistle of an

By Erin Staley

adolescent collecting family and

T

neighbors for dinner. …the sizzle of

ravel to any Mexican village,

carne asada and fresh vegetables on

town or city, and you’ll fall

the grill. …a steady chime of church

in love with its old world

bells from the next block, calling the

style, contemporary flair, spec-

people home. …the soft rustle of Monarch butterflies who have traveled great

tacular beaches, rolling hills and

distances to the mountainous homes of their ancestors. …the cackle of the fire

breathtaking skylines. The vision is

made by an indigenous shaman. …a whisper of lovers walking by, hand in hand,

unlike anything else you have ever

sharing the evening sky. …the clink of glasses accompanied by a “Salud!”—a wish

experienced, but one cannot truly

of continued health and happiness.

connect with Mexico on sight alone.

You must immerse yourself in its rhythms. Find a comfortable spot on a sun soaked beach, on chaise lounge overlooking a lush mountainside or in a cozy chair in the middle of a trendy café. Nestle in and close your eyes. Listen as the sounds of Mexico reveal themselves to you.

These are many sounds of Mexico, but if you listen very closely and wait patiently, you’ll hear the presence of a distant rhythm. Ba-bum, ba-bum.

It’s soft at first, introducing itself. A growing cadence. Ba-bum, ba-bum,

Do you hear the rhythmic waves lap onto the shore? Are the birds greeting you

ba-bum. Men, women and children

with calls from the wild? Has the urban beat of a thriving metropolis caught your

begin a subtle refrain, “Viva, Mexico!”

attention? Maybe you hear… …the bubbly chatter of neighborhood ladies sharing the news of the day and boasting of their children’s recent achievements. …a thumping of wheels fumblin g their way over cobblestones, carrying passengers from here to there. …the giggling of tourists attempting to recite well-rehearsed Spanish phrases. …the call of vendors who are peddling their wares. “Camerones!” “Pan dulce!” “Tequila!” (Shrimp, sweet bread and tequila.) …the call of would-be Tarzan adventurers swinging through the jungle on their zip line cables. …the lively notes of the Mariachi’s horns and trumpets, celebrating another mile-

It is the heartbeat of a people; the life force that drives a nation, welcoming you to indulge in its culture and fold yourself in its rhythm.

SUBSCRIBE TO MEXI-GO! MAGAZINE TO ENJOY YEAR ROUND COVERAGE OF MEXICO IN YOUR HOME - ONLY $19.95 WWW.MEXI-GO.CA/ SUBSCRIBE-TODAY

www.mexi-go.ca 13

Inside the Mexican Healthcare System With growing waiting lists and healthcare reforms, more and more Canadians and Americans are considering international options for their large scale medical needs. Although some are looking to distant countries like Thailand and India, our neighbor just to the south, Mexico, offers timely, affordable, world-class surgical solutions with realistic travel distances.

Similarly to Canada, Mexico provides universal healthcare to its citizens through government run programs. However, Mexico also boasts an exceptional private healthcare system, which functions as a completely separate sector. When choice, timeliness of care, increased quality and comfort are of concern, Mexicans pay for private medical care.

Doctors practicing in the private sector are superbly educated, having trained at various highly respected institutions around the world, often in the U.S. The private hospitals in Mexico are contemporary and well equipped; most are certified by the Healthcare Certification Commission of the General Health Council, which means the standards of these facilities are identical to the standards set by the Joint Commission, in the United States.

This private medical sector operates successfully with a marketdriven, patient-oriented business model, free of the forces that complicate healthcare in other parts of North America. Patients choose their doctors, and these doctors are able to treat patients in a variety of private hospitals, giving utmost choice to the patient. Doctors and hospitals then work to keep healthcare pleasant and affordable for their customers, the patients, making the Mexican private healthcare sector a great choice for anyone seeking an alternative to medical tourism.

Each month, ISA Surgical will be writing a column dedicated to Canadian citizens seeking an alternative to traditional medical tourism. The column will bring statistics and insights into the Mexican HealthCare System, providing education and awareness to Timely, Affordable, World Class Surgical Solutions... Stay Tuned.

www.isasurgical.com 14 Mexi-Go! October 2012

NOTICE FOR CANADIANS LIVING ABROAD

The new simplified passport renewal process is now available for Canadians in Mexico.

What does this mean?

A SHORTER, SIMPLER FORM – NO GUARANTOR REQUIRED CITIZENSHIP AND IDENTITY DOCUMENTS NOT REQUIRED To be eligible for simplified renewal: you must have been at least 16 years of age at the time of your previous application; your name on the application form is exactly as it appears on page 2 of the submitted passport; You must submit a previous Canadian passport that: was/is valid for five (5) years; is not damaged; was never reported lost or stolen; and is still valid or expired for no more than one year.

If you are eligible to use the simplified renewal process, you need only provide: a completed Simplified Renewal Passport Application (PPTC 482); your most recent passport; the required fee; and two recent photos* *The new photos do not need to be signed by anyone. However, the name and address of the photographer or studio, as well as the date the photos were taken, must be provided on the back of one photo.

Please visit http://www.passportcanada.gc.ca

Café con Leche DRIVING HOME AND BACK AGAIN

By Laurie Roberts

A

s with many other things that happen in Mexico, people in Canada thought my friend and I were nutty to drive alone with our two vehicles through Mexico. In fact, driving the 3,700 km up to Vancouver, for the Mexi-Go! Travel and Trade Expo, we noticed little difference, whether driving through Mexico or through the United Mexi-Go! Magazine States or Canada.

Adventurous things can happen wherever you are, if you are open to the moment. We stopped in San Luis Potosi, where we found a corner stand with two local women making gorditas (gorda means chubby and gorditas are similar to stuffed pitas), accompanied by real coconut cream drinks for lunch.

Further on, we discovered the donkey or horse pulled carts that offer a recycling system to the community. It was so ingenious I ran down the road and asked to take a picture. There are pails tied to the sides of the cart, each for different items of recycling. It is an improvement over our garbage system in Chapala, where the men sort through each bag as they run down the road behind the truck.

Looming border crossings can make anyone nervous, even when you’re prepared with all your papers - your own, the vehicle’s, even the pet’s.

Supposedly, my dog had to have a clean bill of health from a veterinarian, which cost $400 pesos (approximately $28 US.) and no one asked to see it at either border crossing. I had bought a $50 peso (about $3.50

US) bottle of Rompope on which they required that I pay $4 US tax! My friend right behind me in her vehicle told them she had an expensive bottle of Tequila with her and she wasn’t required to pay anything!

The Mexican immigration booths where they check your vehicle status weren’t even open. Normally, you have to pay or get a deposit back.

How does that all work? I guess there are some things about borders none of us will ever understand. We did enjoy the irony of it all and once back in Canada we realized that some of the things we think are annoying in Mexico - like loads of paperwork and strange rules, or none at all! - exist in our own country as well.

Trips back to Canada once in a while are wonderful, but if you are like me, the food and weather will soon be calling you home to Mexico!

Driving South? www.mexi-go.ca for information

RETIRE IN PARADISE! CLIMATE IS PERFECT | LOW COST OF LIVING GOLF 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR JOIN THE OVER 10,000 CANADIANS ALREADY HERE!

SANDI ALLIN BRISCOE

1ST CHOICE HOMES LAKESIDE SALLIN@LAGUNA.COM.MX MAKE ME YOUR LAKE CHAPALA CONNECTION! WWW.AJIJICCHAPALA.COM.MX

Mexi-Go! Magazine is available online, all day Now published online every month, you can enjoy Mexi-Go! Magazine more often!

Join us at www.mexi-go.ca for even more information about Canadians in Mexico, travel destinations, great hotels, activities, festivals and more.

Sign up online for our monthly newsletter and have Mexi-Go! delivered to your inbox each month - Free of charge!

MEXI-GO! ONLINE MAGAZINE @ www.mexi-go.ca www.mexi-go.ca 15

Festival Gourmet International Puerto Vallarta – Rivera Nayarit

By Gary R Beck

O

nce again, from November 8 to November 18, 2012, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit will be the hosts of the International Gourmet Festival XVIII (formerly International Gourmet Festival), For these ten days, there will be a litany of gastronomy events the likes of which Mexico has rarely seen. Meet up to thirty star guest chefs who will delight you with their sensational cooking artistry. This Festival offers culinary creations and talents of the guest chefs, some of whom are counted among the world’s most acclaimed culinary stars, but also of highly awarded local chefs from top local hotels and restaurants. They have adapted new creative recipes to maintain Mexico’s modern culinary culture at its highest level.

Reize and Chef Roland Menetrey. Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit boast some of the world’s most fabulous restaurants. Some offer breathtaking views of Bahía de Banderas and the Pacific Ocean, with menus presenting a harmony of earth, sky and sea.

In 1995, Thierry Blouet of Café des Artistes, Heinz Reize of Hotel Krystal and Silvan Müller of Nestlé collaborated to promote Puerto Vallarta’s vibrant and fantastic restaurants on a world stage. Each restaurant invited a guest chef and this original format has not changed. They have hailed from various continents and prominent dining establishments. The Festival’s name is now Festival Gourmet International Mexico, Puerto Vallarta – Rivera Nayarit, to reflect the larger area involved. Vallarta Lifestyles Magazine has named it Puerto Vallarta’s “Best Established Event”. New events include the Chef’s Table and Winemaker dinners, tequila tasting, wine and cheese events, cooking classes and the Gala Dinner. The creative culinary popularity of Mexican cuisine can be seen on menus worldwide. Festival Gourmet enhances the premier epicurean reputation of Mexico by providing the finest gourmet experiences at this well-attended yearly event. www.festivalgourmet.com/guestchefs.php For more on dining out in Puerto Vallart visit: Puerto Vallarta Restaurant Guide Beck’s Best: Kindle e-book: www.amazon.com/dp/B004NEVX7I Bound print: www.cafepress.com/vallartaguide

The Gourmet Festival Committee is composed once again of: Chef Thierry Blouet, Chef Heinz

www.mexi-go.ca 16

I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to live in Mexico and to travel extensively within this beautiful country with so much diversity.

–Tammy Cecco, Vice President

Why not add some colonial charm to your beach vacation?

Ixtapa with Morelia Huatulco and the city of Oaxaca • Riviera Maya with the city of Campeche • Cancun with the city of Merida •

My top picks For A Romantic Retreat Las Alamandas, Costalegre: There is no better

spot to detach from life and reconnect as a couple. 1,500 acres of pristine paradise with 4 private beaches. An unforgettable location for a destination wedding!!

•

These are just a few of the destinations that are easily combinable.

Ask your favourite travel consultant for details!

For A Group Getaway Dreams Resorts Mexico. Whether it is a corporate

group or family reunion, Dreams Resorts does it right. They have lots of great perks for groups and 1 in every 6 rooms are free!

For Family Fun Paradisus Esmeralda, Playa Del Carmen. It's the newest

of the Paradisus Resorts chain and fantastic for families. The kids will love all of the attention they get–from a video game menu to turn down service with cookies and milk. The parents will appreciate the level of service and quality and choice of restaurants.

For Cultural Experience Explore the mysteries of the Maya World with the 7 day Tierra Maya program. It visits all of the important archeological sites in the Yucatan and includes time in the beautiful colonial cities of Campeche and Merida. Add a few days of beach at the end and create an unforgettable package!

We’re your Mexico specialists. Flights, hotels, packages-we have it all!

ANY WAY you LIKE IT! CALL TOTAL VACATIONS 1.800.769.4147 Ont. Reg #1553089. Tico #5001-8652

Catherine Martin Victoria Pratt pacificboutiqueproperties.com C: +521 322 227 6190 C: +521 322 779 9283 20 Mexi-Go! October 2012 O: +52 322 297 1016 O: +52 329 298 2522 cm@pacificboutiqueproperties.com vp@pacificboutiqueproperties.com

DOS CASAS | RANCHO DEL ORO | AJIJIC ~ LAKE CHAPALA AN INSPIRING SANCTUARY. A special home offering privacy & seclusion, just minutes to everything in Ajijic. Offered for the first time, the main home has 2 master bedrooms each with their own ensuite and walk-in closets. Living spaces include a welcoming reception hall with bar, lounge with boveda ceiling, niches & indirect lighting, spacious covered terrace with spectacular fountain, large separate dining room, impressive chefs' kitchen, huge pantry, den, office and library, indoor bodega & workshop. Impressive street frontage with secure video entry. "Dos Casas" combines a focus on quality with an immaculate presentation.

Lot: 1,994m² Const. 918m² Asking: $890,000 usd

Alix Wilson

Office: (376) 766-2612 (13) Toll free: 1 (866) 377-4632 Mobile: (+52) 1 331 265 5078 wilsonali@century21accessmex.com www.century21accessmex.com

NEXT TIME YOU VISIT AJIJIC - SPOIL YOURSELF! Call: +52 1 331 350 6764 Email: casatresleones@yahoo.com

www.mexi-go.ca 21

www.casatresleones.com

VISTA DEL LAGO | LAKE CHAPALA PROPERTIES

EASY ACCESSIBILITY ON ONE LEVEL CASA LEACH

3 bed | 3 bath | 4,498 sf $395,000 USD

Built in 2007 for handicap accessibility on both levels and tastefully furnished this custom built home that has it all. Walled for privacy and security with parking for 3 cars and convenient elevator to the main floor. Large terrazza offers 180+ degree unobstructed view of both Scorpion and Mezcala Islands.

Bonus! A one bedroom casita on the lower level with its own courtyard and lake view.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE VIDEO TOURS CLICK HERE: www.accesslakechapala.com/2011/11/09/casa-leach/

www.casasajijic.com

Ten minutes east of town, Vista del Lago is home to the Chapala Country Club with a challenging nine-hole golf course overlooking the lake. Beautiful private homes surround the course. Conveniently located with easy access to Chapala and all the amenities of a large Mexican town, this community is made up of mainly expat Americans and Canadians many of whom live year round in this paradise. With near perfect weather, excellent golf and stunning lake and mountain views Vista del Lago offers many types of homes and lots to fit any budget. As a long time resident of Vista del Lago and an avid golfer, John can help you with any of your Lake Chapala questions.

Call or email him today!

Check out www.casasajijic.com

JOHN CEARNAL Hernandez Realty Group Ajijic, Jalisco Mexico Toll Free: (817)350-4325 Local: (376) 763-5304 harlanwood@aol.com

NOW SOLD SINGLE LEVEL HOME WITH 2 CASITAS

READY TO RENOVATE INTO YOUR DREAM HOME

CASA POIRIER

ON THE 3RD HOLE

4 bed | 5 bath | 6,338 sf $399,000 USD

2 bed | 2 bath | 1,592 sf $99,000 USD

Located on the second fairway with spectacular views this renovated house includes 2 casitas set on a beautifully maintained property. Enjoy your large terrazzo that spans entire living room and master bedroom. Downstairs are 2 one bedroom casitas. Time for a round of golf? Your new homes includes a golf cart and golf course access!

A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN. Located on the 3rd green at Chapala Country Club. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath is its own little oasis. Living room has gas fireplace and covered patio covers full length of the house. House is being sold furnished and is move-in ready. Although this is an older and smaller property in Vista del Lago with a little TLC and a few upgrades it’s a great value.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE A VIDEO TOUR CLICK HERE: www.accesslakechapala.com/2011/11/09/casa-poirier/

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS CLICK HERE: http://chapalamls.com MLS ID No. RC1CJ521

NOW SOLD

UNDER $100K

ALL THE AMENITIES FOR A FRACTION OF THE COST!

A LITTLE TLC AND THIS HOME IS A WINNER!

CASA MADILL

GREAT DEAL!

3 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,971 sf $299,900 USD

5000 sq. ft. home with panoramic views of Lake Chapala and the mountains from the vast covered terrace. This home offers generous living and entertaining areas with open concept living and dining room along with separate office/den. Lots of features in this home including: Walk-in closets, fireplace, salt water pool with swim-up bar, new windows and doors, 2 car garage and access to the second fairway.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE: http://youtube/Psdwtxuv9lQ

1 bed | 1 bath | 1,377 sf $97,800USD

One Bedroom, one bath, partially furnished, near the entrance inside of Vista Del Lago. Wow! You even have your own swimming pool. Large covered patio with mountain views. Enjoy golf course living from under $100,000.00 USD. The house is currently rented.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS CLICK HERE: http://chapalamls.com MLS ID No. RC1CJ656

www.mexi-go.ca

TRUDIE NELSON YOUR CANADIAN REALTOR!

MEXICAN REAL ESTATE FOR CANADIAN BUYERS

VILLAGE DREAM HOME

ROMANTIC FAMILY DREAM HOME $185,000 USD

COZY VILLAGE HOME ON PRIVATE SHADY LANE Ajijic Village

3 bed | 3 bath | 1722sf

3 bdrm, 3 baths, mini garden, secure parking, walk to plaza, shops & Restaurants, covered terrace, second floor 2 guest suites. Well built brick ceilings move in condition friendly neighborhood.

Lot: 214m2

Const: 1722 sq.ft.

VILLA LAS SALVIAS

3 bed | 4.5 bath | 3891sf

Newly renovated welcoming neighborhood “Las Salvias” spectacular lake & mountain views “rocky” mountain inspired sophisticated design in the middle of Mexico! Mature tropical gardens, filter pool, 3 Bdrms, 4 baths, walk to village, parking four cars. All with a view!

Lot: 1155m2

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

$499,000 USD

Ajijic-Las Salvias

Const: 3981 sq.ft.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

AJIJIC VILLAGE ON LAKE CHAPALA www.ajijicvillagehomes.com AFFORDABLE LUXURY HOMES 10,000 CANADIANS MAKE AJIJIC MEXICO THEIR HOME.

FRIENDLY NEW GATED COMMUNITY

You can too!

CASA LOS SABINOS

TRUDIE NELSON Your Canadian Realtor

2 Bdrm, 2 bath, Live life with doors wide open! Living, dining, chic kitchen with granite quality appliances breakfast bar. Spacious Easy walk to village hiking, restaurants. Move in. Find your paradise.

Los Sabinos, Ajijic

trudieannenelson@yahoo.ca or call

Lot: 260m2

$215,000 USD

2 bed | 2 bath | 1722sf

Const: 1722 sq.ft.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

SO

LD

FRIENDLY GATED COMMUNITY FABULOUS HOUSE

LUXURY NEW HOME $239,000 USD

QUINTA LA HUERTA Ajijic-La Huerta

3 bed | 3.5 bath | 2152sf

A home with extensive space and an open floor plan encompassing living, dining and a high end appliance equipped kitchen. Fabulous outside kitchen with large bar area can be buffet or counter for guests to hang out, area complete with upscale BBQ for grilling. Upstairs to mirador with 360 view that is breathtaking,.

Lot: 546m2

Const: 2152 sq.ft.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

VILLA MIRADOR La Floresta, Ajijic

$750,000 USD 3 bed | 3.5 bath | 5682sf

Luxury new home private and secure. Designed to embrace the moderate climate with outdoor living. Walled gardens with a pool, bbq and outdoor kitchen. Great floor plan with all rooms flowing out to huge covered terrace Guest floor with kitchen. Tropical landscaping is easy to maintain.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

www.mexi-go.ca

Mexico offers so much value, culture, lifestyle and friendship to Canadians of all ages.

Mexi-Go! Magazine and websites share the stories of the thousands of Canadians who have found success in Mexico. We bring you information on traveling, living and investing in Mexico. From real estate how-to’s to great shopping tips we present the real Mexico with a uniquely Canadian perspective.

EN LAS CASITAS DE LAS FLORES

CASITA AZUL, CAREYES

Casita Azul is a unique opportunity, located in the middle of the bay in the exclusive Costa Careyes. This unique property is designed for outdoor living with exceptional terraces to appreciate views of the Pacific Ocean.

The house has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, infinity pool, tropical garden and all the amenities needed to enjoy a space of this level of luxury satisfactory.

Price USD$3,800,000 US +52 (33) 3627-6437

Contact: gdlinfo@sirguadalajara.com www.sirguadalajara.com

Go ahead - live your dream.

FOUR FLOORS OF OCEAN VIEW

ICEBOX HILL, MAZATLAN

Enjoy entertaining with three bedrooms, three full baths, and custom gourmet kitchen. Built in 2008, on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean this home was designed by a California architect, but is distinctly Mexican in character. deceptively modest from the front, the ocean side reveals four levels, each with a spacious terrace and magnificent views, and the lower one includes a lap pool.

Luxury details throughout include travertine marble; quarry stone, stainless steel railings. bronze glazing and more.

Price USD$ 530,000 US +52 (33) 3627-6437

Mexi-Go! Magazine is published 12 times a year online at www.mexi-go.ca and printed and delivered direct to your door four times a year. Enjoy your own subscription to Mexi-Go! Magazine for only $19.95/yr plus the applicable taxes and shipping.

Subscribe today!

Subscribe online at mexi-go.ca/subscribe-today

Contact: gdlinfo@sirguadalajara.com www.sirguadalajara.com

QUINTA SERENA

TEPOZTLĂ N, MORELOS

A beautiful contemporary Mexican country house with the perfect balance between the traditional and the comforts of a modern life style. Quinta Serena has 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, spa with temazcal, a beautiful and extensive wine cellar and a lovely swimming pool among the gardens of the residence. Located a few steps from the riverbed, it has a beautiful view of the valley, and the mountains surrounding the village.

Price MXN$ 7,734,000 US +52 (33) 3627-6437

Contact: gdlinfo@sirguadalajara.com www.sirguadalajara.com

TRAVEL REAL ESTATE RETIREMENT INVESTMENT s i rm exi co .co m

|

i nf o @ s i rm exico. com

E ach O ff ice is Ind ep end ent ly O wned and O pe r a te d

Settle for more….

RON MORGAN P R O P E R T I E S

w w w. ronmorgan. n e t

PRICE REDUCED

Promenade Plata Baja

US $139,000

Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico

Located just steps from the beautiful Playa De Huanacaxtle beach in Bucerias, this ground-floor, one-bedroom/one-bath, turn-key condo opens onto an inviting patio, garden and common pool area. In a low-density, secure building, this condo features many high-end finishes and features such as granite countertops, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water filtration system and on-demand hot water, to name a few. Perfect for a tropical get-away or an investment rental property.

Construction - 73m2/780 sq. ft.

Contact: reena@ronmorganproperties.net or www.reenaegger.com Canada and USA: + 866-242-1709 or +52-322-173-8712

Vallarta Gardens 37 La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico

US $299,000

This house is a 3-bedroom/3.5-bath in a secure, gated beach-front community; furnished, with marble floors and beautiful stone work throughout; multiple terraces, newly tiled rooftop terrace providing panoramic ocean views. Very motivated seller.

Construction - 2,153 sq. ft. Land - 2,390 sq. ft.

Contact: reena@ronmorganproperties.net or www.reenaegger.com Canada and USA: + 866-242-1709 or +52-322-173-8712

D R A S T I C A L LY R E D U C E D

Tucan 108, Bucerias, Nayarit The Most Luxurious Condo In Bucerias

US $595,000

Tucan spells pure bliss in the most prestigious beachfront community in Bucerias. This spectacular 2 storey condo feels like a home with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and two roomy living spaces for all of your entertaining needs. Tucan features custom finishes throughout, a gourmet kitchen equipped with viking appliances, and spectacular ocean views with eye-popping sunsets. Security 24/7.

Construction - 3376 sq. ft.

Contact: anita dabbs, anita@ronmorgan.net Canada and USA: 314 723 5187 Mexico Cell: 011 52 322 107 0391

Casa Ucrania, Bucerias, Nayarit

Terrific Bucerias Investment Property

US $395,000

Located just 3 blocks from the beach in desirable zona dorada, this hacienda style property is loaded with mexican charm. The property consists of a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath home and 1 bedroom guest casita. A great rental property or family retreat! The home features parota doors and windows, arches, and lots of light. Has a large backyard with mature palms and panoramic ocean views from the rooftop terrace.

Needs some updates, but priced to allow for renovation budget.

Construction - 2,723 sq. ft. Land - 4757 sq. ft.

Contact: anita dabbs, anita@ronmorgan.net Canada and USA: 314 723 5187 Mexico Cell: 011 52 322 107 0391

REAL ESTATE SPECIALISTS

Vento Penthouse, Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit Beautiful blend of style and comfort

US $629,000

A rare opportunity to own a beachfront, two level penthouse in Bucerias. With three ocean view masters each with their own ensuites, makes this the perfect opportunity for friends or family to co-purchase. Featuring a fourth bedroom, 2nd level flex room and terraces on each level, providing space and privacy for everyone. Contemporary design, loads of upgrades and amazing artwork in this immaculate, tastefully furnished home. Vento is a low density, 22 unit complex with onsite parking and 24/7 security. Impeccably maintained gardens and a sparkling, common area pool with direct access to the sandy beaches of Bucerias.

Construction – 3003 sq. ft. | 4 bedroom | 4 bath Contact: cheryl@ronmorgan.net Cell: 011 52 1 322 779 4574

Punta Arena, Bucerias, Riviera Nayarit Location, Location, Location……

US $760,000

Are you looking to own an oceanfront, luxury condo in the most sought after neighbourhood in Bucerias? Look no further! Punta Arena on Lazaro Cardenas in Zona Dorada has it all! For the adventurous you – rent a paddleboard, kayak, bicycle or Segway and get moving. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or facial. Indulge yourself with a steaming hot latte and scrumptious, freshly baked treats from the outdoor cafes. Pick up a new read at the local bookstore. Search for authentic treasures in shops and galleries and dine at some of the best restaurants in Bucerias. All this and so much more, just steps from your oceanfront hideaway in Punta Arena. Start living the dream and experience the best of Riviera Nayarit right here in Bucerias.

Construction – 2712 sq. ft. |3 bedroom | 3 bath Contact: cheryl@ronmorgan.net Cell: 011 52 1 322 779 4574

RON MORGAN PROPERTIES