Mexi-Go! Magazine Summer 2011

mexi-goproperties.com

Real Estate | Living | Investment | Retirement

Hacienda Hideaways

Eternal Spring in San Miguel de Allende Magic & Culture in Oaxaca Where are the Canadians?

Puerto Vallarta & Merida

Restoring Retirement

Rebuilding in a colonial ghost town SUMMER 2011

“Between individuals, as between nations, peace means respect for the rights of others.”

President Benito Juarez 1806-1872

TEATRO MACEDONIO ALCALA, Oaxaca de Juárez

Learn the truth about life in Mexico from people who live there

livemexico.org

Gary Eldridge 604.484.1894 gary.e@caboriviera.com.mx | caboriviera.com is not an offering for sale. Such an offering can only be made after filing a disclosure statement.

2Thiswww.mexi-goproperties.com

LOS C AB O S . ME XICO

One of a kind seaside living.

Cabo Riviera is the dream destination for those who love boating, fishing, golf and all the delights of casual seaside living. A picturesque 45-minute drive north of Los Cabos International Airport, residents of Cabo Riviera enjoy azure seas, warm sands, and soft breezes - with the unparalleled benefit of owning in a gated community with some of the area’s safest beaches for LOS C AB O S . ME XICO year-round swimming. A private community rich in splendor, Cabo Riviera is the perfect haven for all who love to pursue romance and outdoor adventures amid pristine waters, fresh air, and spectacular scenery.

“The Sea of Cortez is the world’s aquarium.”

Jacques Cousteau

LOS C AB O S . ME XICO

LOS C AB O S . ME XICO

LOS C AB O S . ME XICO

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 3 LOS C AB O S . ME XICO

Mexi Go! www.mexi-goproperties.com www.blog.mexi-goproperties.com

Editor

Madeline Milne

Associate Editor Moralea Milne

CREATIVE

Art Director

Madeline Milne

Staff Writer

Sabrina Wang

Contributors

Moralea Milne

Rebecca Permack

Madeline Milne Terry Curtis

madeline milne Editor

MORALEA MILNE Associate Editor

SABRINA WANG Staff Writer

Madeline works with many of

Moralea lives in Metchosin

Sabrina is a young writer who

the worlds largest real estate

BC where she is an elected

loves creating magic out of

brands promoting quality

councillor, respected volunteer

words. She’s an old soul who

Ed RodrĂ­guez

communication. Mexi-Go! came

for local environmental groups

enjoys reading biographies of

about while she was looking to

and frequent contributor to

dead poets, watching period

Dean McQuillen

invest in Mexico and found a

the local paper. When the rain

dramas and listening to Bossa

Kristina Hewlett

shortfall of quality information

and wind get to be too much,

Nova, while her alter ego is

Brock Squire

online. You can find Madeline in

Moralea heads to Mexico

spontaneous, sarcastically

Chad Martin

a tropical locale or on her deck

where she finds pleasure in

funny, and quirky. She is

with a glass of chilled white.

the unique flora and fauna, the

content in her rather idyllic life

She divides her time between

beaches and the highlands and

as a university student just as

Vancouver and Mexico.

in the warmth and comfort of

long as she has the chance to

Gabriel Jones (Mexico)

the Mexican culture, food and

let her imagination explode on

people.

gabriel@mexi-goproperties.com

the page.

Advertising SALES

Garth Watson (Mexico and Canada) garth@mexi-goproperties.com Joel Hansen (Canada) joel@mexi-goproperties.com Valeska Guerro (Mexico) valeska@mexi-gomagazine.com

Rebecca permack Writer, We all scream for helado

Terry Curtis Writer, Baja Road Trip

dean mcquillen Writer, Building in the Baja

Rebecca is a graduate of

Terry, from Texas and Southern

Dean McQuillen lives in

the Urban Land Economics

California has been an

Vancouver where he mountain

Program at the UBC Sauder

International Businessman and

bikes on the North Shore,

School of Business - Real Estate

International Motorcycle Racer.

Whistler, and Pemberton in the

Division. Rebecca is an avid

Residing in Cabo, Mexico he

summer and skis Whistler in the

world traveler with a solid

now operates the Century 21

winter. When in Mexico, Dean

international network. She

Paradise Properties franchise.

mountain bikes (well), and surfs

is enthusiastic about living

Terry and his wife Isabel have

(badly) and soaks the whole

the Mexican lifestyle and is

four healthy children.

thing up.

MARKETING Marketing Manager Eduardo Zepeda eduardo@mexi-goproperties.com

passionate about taking the fear out of living abroad.

CONTACT US! info@mexi-goproperties.com In Canada & USA 1-888-798-MEXI In Mexico 01-800-681-9232 www.facebook.com/mexi-goproperties www.twitter.com/mexigoproperty www.mexi-goproperties.com www.blog.mexi-goproperties.com Mexi-Go! is published quarterly by Mexi-Go Properties Inc. Copyright (2011)

4 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Enchanting Ajijic, Mexico

Brock Brock G Squire GGSquire Brock Squire

www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

B.COMM * NAR * FIABCI * AMPI B.COMM B.COMM* *NAR NAR* *FIABCI FIABCI* *AMPI AMPI PREVIEWS PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL INTERNATIONAL Certified Certified PREVIEWS INTERNATIONAL Certified

Broker |Co-Owner Broker Broker|Co-Owner |Co-Owner Cell 044 322 294 1552 Office 322 223 0055 Cell Cell044 044322 322294 2941552 1552Office Office322 322223 2230055 0055 Fax 322 221 1777 FAX FAX322 322221 2211777 1777 US &US CAN 866 978 866 8060 978 US&&CAN CAN 866 9788060 8060 brock@cblacosta.com www.cblacosta.com brock@cblacosta.com www.cblacosta.com brock@cblacosta.com www.cblacosta.com

La Costa Realty

This message may contain confidential and/or privileged information. If you are not the addressee or authorized to receive this for the addressee, you must not use, copy, disclose or take any action based on this message or any information herein. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender immediately by reply e-mail and BROCK G. SQUIRE delete this message.

CHAD MARTIN Writer, Live the Dream!

Writer, Puerto Vallarta Real Estate

Chad has lead the resort

Brock and his wife have 2

market intelligence community

children 17 & 22, both born in

with research and forecasting

PV. They moved from Vancouver

resulting in three unbeaten sales

in 1984 to make Puerto Vallarta

records including: the Hard

their home and Brock is the

Rock Hotel in San Diego, Westin

Broker and Co-Owner for

Verasa in Napa and ICON

Coldwell Banker La Costa Realty.

DISCOVER

Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta. His market experience includes the United States, Mexico, Canada,

LUXURY HOMES AFFORDABLE LIFESTYLE TROPICAL GARDENS THE PERFECT CLIMATE

Honduras, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize and the Caribbean

Trudie Nelson Your Canadian Realtor trudieannenelson@yahoo.ca

markets for such experienced players as Starwood Capital, Goldman Sachs, Smith Travel Research, and Intrawest.

THE BEST OF

'LVFRYHUĂšWKHĂšWDVWHV ĂšVLJKWVĂš DQGĂšVRXQGVĂšRIĂšEHDXWLIXOĂš0H[LFR

July 14th & 15th 2011 Kahanoff Conference Centre

1202 Centre St SE, Calgary, AB | 9 AM to 5 PM

FREE ADMISSION 2 DAYS OF AUTHENTIC MEXICAN SPIRIT -RLQĂšXVĂšDQGĂš HQWHUĂšWRĂšZLQĂšDĂš OX[XU\Ăš0H[LFDQĂš +ROLGD\ĂšIRUĂš7ZR www.bestofmexico.ca

TASTE OF MEXICO

Local Mexican Restaurants showcase their very best

DESTINATION MEXICO Ultimate Beaches, Ruins, Resorts and Recreation Centres

SOUNDS OF MEXICO Kick up your heels with spicy traditional music

SPIRIT OF MEXICO Gracious, friendly and lively folks welcome you

features Real estate

investment 11 We all scream for Helado

Everyone’s favourite treat Mexican style.

By Rebecca Permack 14 Fun in the Sun

20

14

You know it’s the responsible thing to do. Reapply your sunscreen and wear a hat.

By Kristina Hewlett and Dr. Steven Gordon 16 Puerto Vallarta’s Real Estate Deals

living

retirement

It’s a buyers market and Puerto Vallarta has what you are looking for.

By Brock G. Squire 20 Live the Dream

30

32

Canadians are moving to Mexico in record numbers where are they buying?

By Chad Martin 22 Hacienda Hideaways

Explore four magnificent Haciendas across Mexico.

6 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Your total guide to Mexico.

Smart. Simple. Informative.

Live your dream online...

mexi-goproperties.com Re a l Es tat e

|

I nv e s t m e n t

|

RETIREM ENT

|

L IVING

features Real estate

investment 27 Eternal Spring for one Canadian

Paulo Pochino tells us why San Miguel de Allende is the perfect place for him now.

By Rebecca Permack 30

53

27

living

Retirement

Restoring Retirement

Looking for the unique?

How about restoring an 18th century home high in the desert?

By Madeline Milne 32 A State of Perfection

Oaxaca offers a little bit of everything that makes Mexico such an amazing country.

38 Painting the Town

22

38

A local Ajijic artist dazzles with his murals and mystical motifs.

By Moralea Milne 46 Really Driving the Baja

How fast can you drive 1000kms of desert, twice?

By Terry Curtis 53 Riviera Nayarit

Where traditional charm meets modern luxury.

8 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Experience

Mexico

in

Vancouver

september 9-14,

2011

featuring

the

magical

state

of

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 its been? Share your wisdom with us! By all means - send us an email - we’d love to hear from you!

Magazine@Mexi-GoProperties.com

Hola!

Has summer finally arrived?

It’s been a long cold winter and spring. I know that I’ve had my space heater turned up full blast in June - which is just wrong! While the weather in Canada often inspires one to dream of Mexico, in the summer it’s a different story. We don’t need to leave the country to feel our feet again but Mexico does offer more than just great weather and even in the summer you can still be planning for your next winter vacation or finally make the leap and move to Mexico for a year-round lifestyle.

We’ve got some great stories in these pages on places to visit and things to do in Mexico. We travelled around in March and stopped in many of the colonial towns in the interior where we saw ancient ruins, the most spectacular doorways, gorgeous cobblestone streets filled with colour and a vibrancy that is different than the energy of the beaches. If you haven’t had the chance I strongly recommend a trip to San Miguel de Allende. Even though some lament its commercialization, I found it to be charming and friendly and full of possibilities.

Be sure to check out our newest website at www.blog.mexi-goproperties.com where we offer glimpses of life in Mexico to help educate and inspire you to make a change, take a chance and live your dream.

Enjoy, Madeline

editor@mexi-goproperties.com PS. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped with articles, photos and kind words. We really appreciate it!

It shows how much you love Mexico just like us!

Giddy up Little Cowboy!

d its ays an b 9 s t i ith love it! tulco. W ow we already a u H op we kn Next st beaches d n a s e t whi

se Cuervo.

at Jo uila, In Tequila Drinking Teq ection!

I know it’s perf 10 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Early mo rning is a great ti malecon me to str in Puerto oll the Vallarta.

We all scream for…helado!

By Rebecca Permack

If you’ve ever been to Mexico and stepped out of your resort to explore some of the local towns, you have probably seen a sign for “La Michoacana” on more than one street corner.

La Michoacana is a Mexican helado (ice cream) parlor, also known as a ‘paleteria’ or ‘neveria’. Inside La Michoacana is an ice cream lover’s dream! Frozen treats of every flavour abound. When loosely translated, the name “La Michoacana” means something from the area of Michoacán, in Western Mexico. While you can find a Michoacana in just about every Mexican town, it is not a franchise or a chain. Each shop is unique, and the flavours they sell are only limited by the imaginations of their owners. Family recipes and local influences make every visit to a Michoacana an adventure.

We were in Todos Santos, BCS last July where the temperature was a scorching 44 celcius when we stopped for some of the most amazing gelato at a little shop in the town - the Rosemary Y Limon was the prefect blend of fresh and tart and cool in the intense heat of the day. When we were back again in November - we made sure to stop for another!

While you may choose to go with a traditional cono de helado (ice cream cone), the real treat is the wonderful selection of Mexican popsicles. These popsicles (paletas) are made with fresh fruit, blended with cream (paletas de leche) or just blended with sugar (paletas de agua).

For about 10 pesos, you can experiment with unique flavours including rose, guava, tequila, mango, or rosemary lime.

Classic flavours are always available, but you’ve come this far – take that next step and switch up your usual ‘vanilla’ for a more exotic ‘nopal’ (cactus) and you will have a much better story to tell when you get home.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 11

www.mexi-goproperties.com

mexico vs. canada

When you compare dollar for dollar what you can have in Canada versus what you can buy in Mexico, it makes the decision to retire in Mexico, even parttime, a whole lot easier.

Whether you are looking to make a lateral move dollar wise or you want to downsize and extend your retirement dollars a little farther, we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Here is a selection of listings from our website www.mexi-goproperties.com In our opinion, this just makes sense! Viva Mexico!

Waterfront

Vancouver House $11,988,000 4400sf | 4 bedroom 5 bath

Palmilla cabo $ 3,495,000 2500sf | 3 bedroom 3 bath

Cuyutlan house 4 bedroom 3 bath

$ 250,000

income

Vancouver Condo $829,000 810sf | 1 bedroom 1 bath

San Miguel de allende $689,000 3228sf | 3 bedroom 3.5 bath

marina

city views

Calgary $1,400,000 3,400sf | 3 bedroom 3 bath 12 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Puerto Vallarta $ 279,000 789 sf | 1 bedroom 1 bath

mazatlan condo $ 284,900 3000sf | 3 bedroom 2 bath

playa del carmen $ 289,000 1600sf | 3 bedroom 2 bath

visit us online

mexi-goproperties.com Join us online for lots of great stories focused on the lifestyle you can enjoy in Mexico. We discuss food, activities, real estate, investment tips and more. www.blog.mexi-goproperties.com Have a story of your own you’d like to share? Send it to us and if we run it we’ll send you a token of our appreciation. yourstory@mexi-goproperties.com Don’t forget to ‘like’ us on Facebook and if you’re on twitter we can be found there too! www.facebook.com/mexi-goproperties www.twitter.com/mexigoproperty

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 13

Life In The Sun

By Kristina Hewlett and Dr. Steven Gordon

Top 10 products and medical laser treatments recommended for the prevention and treatment of sun damage: Whether you are enjoying the summer sun at home or investing in year-round sunshine in a tropical paradise, here are a few truths about sun protection and a few tips to keep your skin healthy: “I use sunscreen every morning, I’m protected” Even broad-spectrum sunscreens that claim to be long lasting provide protection for only two to three hours. Sun protection needs to be reapplied regularly throughout the day, and more so when sweating or playing in the water.

“It’s cloudy, I don’t need sunscreen” Up to 80% of UV rays can travel through cloud, fog and haze. Sunburn, free radical production and photo aging all still occur on overcast days.

“I tan easily, so my skin is safe in the sun” A tan does little to protect against sunburn or skin cancer — tans and sunburn are sun damage. A deep dark tan is only equivalent to an SPF 4 sunscreen, which does nothing to protect you from long-term damage.

“Sun exposure is needed to absorb healthy Vitamin D” The skin can only make a limited amount of Vitamin D and after 10 minutes it is saturated. “For a healthy immune system I recommend all my patients take 2000 IU of liposomal Vitamin D with K2 year-round and limit their sun exposure to a few minutes daily.” says Dr. Katie Branter, ND of Clear Skin Victoria Laser & Wellness Group.

“Skin cancer is not a major risk.” One in eight people in Canada will get skin cancer in their lifetime. It is one of the most common forms of cancer. When skin cancer is detected early, it is not necessarily life threatening, but surgery can leave disfiguring scars. If left untreated squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma can spread and become deadly.

“How can I enjoy the sun and have healthy skin?” The first is to stay covered. Clothes provide chemical-free and inexpensive sun protection. Most important is a wide-brimmed hat that keeps the sun off your face and ears. It is important to remember that the sun is the strongest and most harmful between 10 am and 4 pm, so covering up and seeking shade when possible is the best protection.

Secondly, invest in quality sunscreen or sunblock with “broad” or “full spectrum SPF of 30-45 (higher than SPF 45 just means more chemicals and a false sense of protection) and use them every day. These will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. (UVA breaks down the collagen and skin structure year-round, even through windows even during the winter months and UVB causes sunburn predominantly during peak summer hours).

14 www.mexi-goproperties.com

SPF Coola Mineral SPF 30-45 Colorescience SPF 30 Sunforgettables Mineral Powder Dermaquest Tinted ZinClear SPF 30 Keys Island Rx SPF 30

Topical Antioxidant Serums (free radical scavengers) Dermaceutic Serum C25 Vitamin C , A, E, B, B5 & Polyphenols Dermaquest C-Lipoic Antioxidant Serum

Medical Treatments Cutera LimeLight – an IPL device for the treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

Cutera Laser Genesis- a laser device that protects the epidermis, targets microvasculature and stimulates collagen production.

Cutera Pearl Fusion- an ablative laser therapy combination that results in epidermal renewal and dramatic reduction in wrinkles as well as treating uneven skin texture, pigmentation and sun damage.

Topical Metvix® in combination with Aktilite® -an LED red light technology device for the treatment of actinic keratosis and superficial basal cell carcinoma.

For more information on products or treatments contact us at 250.590.4295 or www.clearskinvictoria.com

profession or work to manage a lengthy complex process? How proficient are you in the foreign language spoken in that country, and how knowledgeable are you with their legal system? All of these questions are geared toward gauging how confident you feel about avoiding the major risks and common pitfalls. If you answered no to most of these questions, don’t feel bad. Most Canadians feel unqualified when navigating through the maze of complex laws that apply to their retirement and investment at home let alone in other countries.

Retirement in Paradise

By Ed Rodríguez

It is another glorious spring weekend; the temperature is a perfect mid 20c and the unmistakable smell of fresh cut lawn fills the air. The sun is beaming through my open sun roof as the cool breeze touches my face. As I am driving home from a round of morning golf by the ocean, I receive a phone call.

My wife is calling to remind me to pick up steaks and wine for our barbeque later that evening. In my head, I am thinking “This is it…I want the rest of my life to feel like today.” The question that most people face is how can we achieve this goal sooner rather than later.

Perhaps you are contemplating spending more time in the sun with friends or family, and considering retirement somewhere warm. It is a fact that most Canadians have friends or family that, after vacationing several winters in tropical locations, have taken the leap of faith by committing to spend more time abroad. It is only natural to have that same desire to follow in their footsteps. Let’s face it, we have all dreamed about an endless summer having fun with friends and family. The reality in Canada though is much different. In order to keep up with the expensive costs of living (a.k.a. taxes), Canadian residents have to work harder and endure some of the longest, darkest, and coldest winters on earth. As a result, it is natural for us to desire more time relaxing in paradise.

But wait. Before you jump onto the elusive bandwagon of retirement in paradise, you should ask yourself a few key questions. Do you feel qualified to interpret and maximize the opportunities under the bilateral tax treaties and investment rules that apply to you in another country? Can you afford to take time away from your

When dealing with cross border, multijurisdictional processes there are many risks that could affect your desired outcome. In regards to your personal finances it is crucial that you find the necessary tools that allow you to calculate the effects of the new venture across multiple areas including: your current and future financial net worth, quality of retirement, and desired lifestyle.

The main objective of future columns will be to discuss some of the areas of opportunity and risks associated with retirement abroad, and to help lay the groundwork for developing your dream retirement. Keep in mind that by obtaining advice from an experienced and qualified professional you should be able to capitalize on the opportunities and neutralize many of the risks associated with your retirement in Canada or abroad.

Hasta la vista amigos.

Ed (Eduardo) Rodríguez Jr. Ed.rodriguez@td.com T: 604.482.2533 The information contained herein has been provided by Ed Rodriguez, Jr., Investment Advisor with TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice and is for information purposes only. The information has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable. Where such statements are based in whole or in part on information provided by third parties, they are not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. The information does not provide financial, legal, tax or investment advice.

Particular investment or trading strategies should be evaluated relative to each individual’s objectives and risk tolerance. TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice, The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its affiliates and related entities are not liable for any errors or omissions in the information or for any loss or damage suffered. TD Waterhouse Private Investment Advice is a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. - Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund. TD Waterhouse is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 15

Puerto Vallarta’s Real Estate Deals • • •

• •

By Brock G. Squire

Historically, foreign purchase of resort property in Puerto Vallarta by US vs. Canadian buyers has been about 4:1.

The US economy is struggling to recover from the worst recession in 70 years which has had a severe impact on real estate values in the PV area.

The US State Department together with the US media have convinced many Americans that every town in Mexico is ruled by drug lords who indiscriminately behead unsuspecting gringo tourists 24/7.

The sales velocity for resort and second home properties in the Puerto Vallarta area has dropped by about 70% over the past 24 months.

The CDN$ has appreciated about 15% over the same 24 month period.

If you believe that the US economy will eventually correct itself and that Nuevo Laredo is about 1,200 kilometers from Nuevo Vallarta and a cold Corona on a pretty much year-round sunny beach isn’t all bad, (not necessarily in that order) then it may make sense for you to continue reading.

Of course living in Puerto Vallarta isn’t just about sitting on the beach drinking a cool one – it’s about golf, sailing, deep-sea fishing, yachting, seaside massages, security, quality health-care and medical facilities, philanthropic organizations, golf, great restaurants, tennis, surfing, golf, fun nightlife, cutting edge communications – all critical to the enjoyment of a quality lifestyle.

16 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Right now, John Youden, Founder and Managing Director of MLSVallarta/ Vallarta Lifestyles Publishing Group statistically estimates that there are currently some 3,600 housing units on the market today in the Bahia de Banderas region – basically from the northerly point of the bay, Punta de Mita all the way around to south to Boca de Tomatlan where the road heads inland and over the Sierra Madre Mountains heading further south. This inventory is split between some 1,100 re-sale properties (featured in our local MLS system) and about 2,500 developer properties.

It’s important to understand the difference because often one will find that the re-sale property, although not new, usually comes furnished – worth $20K to $100K depending. (All $ amounts are in USD). At the same time, these re-sale units are typically going to be

FROM $138,000

much more flexible in pricing than most developer projects due to the fact that each property has a unique owner with unique objectives and a unique historical cost base. Developer units on the other hand will tend to be much more price sensitive.

Having that said, there are a few developers that are starting to look like they are ready to ‘throw in the towel’, liquidate and move on.

A combination of private living and expansive views, open floor plans luxurious, yet sensible features , overlooking town. All 2 bedroom units.

$449,500

So, how does one go about finding about all these options? The answer is that you need to find an intelligent, experienced, bilingual agent who is tuned into the market (they do exist)! To start with there is a Mexican Professional Real Estate Association called AMPI which has had an active chapter in the area for over 20 years. The individual you are working with should at least be a member of AMPI – this is sort of the minimum bar level so to speak. They have an honors and justice committee that aims to keep the action above board. The rest you need to do the due diligence yourself. Checking with Notary’s offices might also be a good suggestion in getting referrals of quality agents as they are essentially involved in every real estate closing and know which agents are doing their job and which are not.

Once you associate with a real estate agent with whom you have confidence, make sure that you are clear what you expect and how much you expect to pay for it. This will avoid a lot of wasted time on everyone’s part. The selection is huge and there are a lot of moving parts in seeing and selecting. Remember that today there is virtually no type of deal that is off the table. We are seeing trades with property and cash, all cash offers, virtually no-cash offers with seller take-backs …you name it. Make sure you are dealing with someone who understands how to structure these kinds of deals because the market attracted a lot of newbie’s when it was hot – and there is no licensing provision for real estate agents in Mexico.

A 4/4 Penthouse overlooking Marina Vallarta.

Renovated, featuring cupulas, stained glass, marble and granite throughout.

$1,635,000

One particularly interesting representation that our office is currently working on is the auction of a luxury beachfront condominium that is going to take place October 15th this year. The owner is committed to selling and wants to see real action on their property. The current list price is $2.35M and they are going to put a reserve of approximately $1.5 million. The property is a double unit with about 425M2 of 8th floor indoor/outdoor living space, including a 90 foot long terrace overlooking the huge pool, the beach, the bay and town. The property has for ensuite bedrooms and is exquisitely decorated. It’s located at Tres Mares, Puerto Vallarta’s most prestigious up-scale development in Marina Vallarta. (See the advertisement on page 19 for more details) For the more budget minded, the Los Altos Villas is also something of note as the development group out of San Francisco has recently decided to drop the prices and

On the Mismaloya hillside with panoramic views.

Highest quality materials & design in this 4 Bedroom home Elegantly furnished.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 17

clear inventory. They have dropped their average price by about 25% on this newly finished building and have 31 completed units remaining. The prices are ranging from $139,000 up to $279,000 (most are under $200,000) for spacious 2-bedroom, view units overlooking the north side of town.

A few blocks up the Rio Cuale River from the well known Gringo Gulch area, is located another great little development called Rivera Cuale. This is one of the few developments to provide a ‘green’ spin to their project here in PV. The developers have put a lot of intelligent thought into this project and are delivering well finished units with super floor plans. These units are priced in the $400’s.

A little further south in the Amapas area we are starting to see some more developer capitulation in the Avalon, Paramount Bay and Horizon developments – these are in the upper $400’s to lower $600’s. Phenomenal views and lovely amenities.

About 7 – 8 kilometers further south one finds the very high-quality Sierra del Mar development opposite the well known Los Arcos islets. These units are larger waterfront 3-bedrooms with large terraces with built-in barbeques and a fabulous beach club. Once selling at over a $1M there are a few left that I am told would accept mid $700’s!

Nuevo Vallarta, about 10 minute drive north of the International Airport is a whole other concept with master-planned golf resort ‘El Tigre’ where 4 bedroom golf front homes are available in the $400’s to $600’s range and one bedroom condos with full resort access can be purchased for under $200K in the Green Bay Development. Waterfront condos will be a bit more, $500K to $700K, depending upon size.

Going all the way out to Punta Mita – about a 40 minute drive from the airport – you will find yourself in a world-class 1,500 acre master planned gem. Anchored 18 www.mexi-goproperties.com

by the Punta Mita Four Seasons Resort Hotel, the St Regis Punta Mita Resort Hotel, 2 Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses, a Resident’s Private Beach Club, 10 gorgeous tennis courts at the tennis and fitness center – this is the epitome of resort life style living. Prices in Punta Mita have also suffered and you can now find a golf front ocean-view new 300M2 unit in the mid $700’s today – and you can also find 4 bedroom Four Seasons Private Villas in the $2.5M range as well.

The huge Baby-Boomer wave will certainly continue to be looking to Puerto Vallarta as a viable warm-wether climate where they can find low-cost quality health care, low cost assisted living options in a large community of Americans and Canadians that is close to major US markets.

As you can see there is a wide range of opportunity depending upon your lifestyle – all in a culture that is warm, secure and genuinely welcoming!

Brock and his wife have 2 children 17 & 22, both born in PV. They moved from Vancouver in 1984 to make Puerto Vallarta their home and Brock is the Broker and Co-Owner for Coldwell Banker La Costa Realty.

un reserveiq Fo ue r opp sale o bi rt d au by u n ct it y io n

A

The best of luxury in puerto vallarta Designer beachfront condominium for auction

Brock Brock G Sq GG Brock

At 12 Noon Saturday, October 15, 2011 this spectacular one-of-a-kind beachfront, 5-bedroom luxury condominium located in the recently completed Tres Mares development in Puerto Vallarta, will be sold by way of a reserve bid auction to the highest bidder.

This gorgeous 8th floor, 4,760 square foot residence, including a 90-foot-long terrace, has been professionally decorated and finished to the highest standards including state-of-the-art appliances and electronics throughout.

This property is the largest and newest luxury condominium along the prestigious Marina Vallarta coastline. This is a unique opportunity to own true luxury at significant savings. Don’t miss out!

Visit www.3Mares.cblacosta.com for full details, additional imagery and downloads, or contact Brock Squire, Broker directly at 866.978.8060 or brock@cblacosta.com

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B.COMM * NAR B.COMM B.COMM* PREVIEWS PREVIEWS INT PREVIEW Broker |Co-Owne Broker Broker|Co-O |Co Cell 044 322 29 Cell 044 322 Cell221 044177 32 Fax 322 FAX FAX322 322222 US &US CAN 866 9 US&&CAN CAN brock@cbla brock@cb brock@cblacosta

This message may contain confidential and/or privileged inf receive this for the addressee, you must not use, copy, disc information herein. If you have received this message in error, p delete this m

Brock G. Squire, B.Comm

NAR, FIABCI, AMPI, Previews International Certified Call toll-free: 866.978.8060 ww.cblacosta.com

Reserve bid auction NOON october 15, 2011

Marival Residences in Nuevo Vallarta offer owners luxury hotel amenities and beachclub access with a number of different tyoes of ownership packages.

Live the dream!

By Chad Martin

Canadians are buying real estate in Mexico - lots of it!

It no secret that Canadians love Mexico; for years, thousands of Canadians have been fleeing the cold winters to the warm beaches and colonial towns. Over the past few years, more and more Canadians are looking to call Mexico their home away from home and over the last year, internet search volume on Google has shown stable Canadian interest in Mexican real estate.

During a recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, to attend the Mexico Real Estate Forum, we spent some time with one of our partners, Element-360 (E360). E360 is a small real estate advisory firm that supports developers looking for reliable marketing data. Their team has the pulse on where buyers are located and specifically where Canadians are searching to buy.

E360 reports that over the last year, Canadians who have been searching for Mexican real estate have primarily resided (in order of search volume) in British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. Leading the way is BC and Alberta - with strong economies and increasingly cold winters, there is a clear desire for West Coast destinations. The results of their research showed Puerto Vallarta as the top Mexican real estate search by destination. Of those Canadians searching for Puerto Vallarta, they were primarily from British Columbia.

No surprise to those shivering in BC winters, the search peaked during January when average temperatures are at a 12-month low.

Consistent with E360’s analysis, a local MLS service, AMPI, shows the majority of buyers in the Puerto Vallarta market are from Canada. A local realtor in Puerto Vallarta suggests that of the 50,000 North Americans living there, 30-40% are Canadian 20 www.mexi-goproperties.com

and that number continues to increase. In fact, compared to the previous years, AMPI has reported an increased amount of buyers from Canada in 2011 concluding that 35% of the Puerto Vallarta purchasers this year are Canadian.

So why do Canadians love Puerto Vallarta? Well, there are always the lifestyle reasons: great food, spectacular beaches, amazing restaurants and friendly locals. There are the Canadian owned businesses that provide some of the comforts of home as well as the strong Canadian population providing friendship, like-minded conversation and of course, live airings of Hockey Night in Canada. But E360 is quick to point out that like anything in life, a good value at a great price is always a strong motivator.

Generally speaking, the Puerto Vallarta real estate market reflects discounted property pricing. According to AMPI, the property that is selling right now has an average discount of 35% against 2008 pricing levels. As you work with a local realtor to define your needs, you will start to see some great opportunities. For example, a condo with two bedrooms and a den with a spectacular ocean view and beach access typically ranged between $450,000 and $550,000 in 2007.

We performed a search at one of the local brokerages, Pacific Boutique Properties, and found that you can get the same property between $350,000 and $450,000 today.

Another trend we saw during our time in Puerto Vallarta was the areas commitment to infrastructure. The President of Mexico has recently declared that 2011 is Year of Tourism and funding is beginning to move into these popular regions. The tourist destinations consistently receiving government funding

to improve infrastructure throughout the region and areas like Nuevo Vallarta, Sayulita, Bucerias and Punta Mita are becoming more desirable because of the improvements on the way. Most recently, the Nuevo Vallarta highway was widened and extended to the north. Other notable infrastructure improvements includes the phase 1 completion of the Malecon, La Cruz Marina project and the water treatment plant in Litbu.

Like anything in life, a good value at a great price is always a strong motivator.

Another region that is seeing a significant amount of International and National attention is Merida, the capital of the Yucatan. E360 reports that the fastest growing internet search for ‘Mexico real estate’ was in Merida. It continues to be a city that has been at the top of the news. With recent recognition as the safest airport in the world as well as its designation as the only state in Mexico without a drug or gang related death in 2010, the Yucatan has seen strong interest from Canadians. Searches for Merida real estate have increased by 70% over the last twelve months.

A consistent trend with Canadian internet searches is the regions in Canada most interested in Mexico real estate. Again, the source market for Merida real estate was primarily from British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. We followed up on this emerging trend with a local real estate agent, Bob McCain from Carib Properties.

Bob said three of the top motivations to purchase in Merida have been the Spanish colonial design, low cost of living and affordable health care.

With destinations like Chichen Itza and Cancun just a couple hours away, Merida is often viewed as a home base for the activities in the region. Merida’s infrastructure, like Puerto Vallarta’s is seeing an increase of government funding as a new road promises to connect Merida with the newest ocean front hot-spot, Sisal. This commitment to connecting Merida is keeping prices in the area stable with little decreases in pricing ,as displayed in the more mature retirement locations. However, as McCain points out, prices are a great value and despite increases over the past few years in areas like Progreso, there are still fabulous ocean front opportunities for a fraction the price of other locations in Mexico.

There is a renewed commitment to tourism and an increase in tourism traffic, but those are not the only factors effecting the Mexico economy. There are additional indicators of growth to be encouraged about. The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) forecasts Mexico GDP to expand at an average annual rate of 3.7% from 2011 through 2015. Mexico is the third largest trading partner of the U.S. After losing significant market share to China during most of the 2000’s, Mexico captured a larger portion of the U.S. trade balance in 2010. This was the first time since China entered the World Trade Organization in 2001 that Mexico posted a larger gain of the U.S. market share. Mexico has continued to maintain its U.S. import market share during January and February of 2011. The two drivers of Mexico’s increased market share are 1) higher Chinese energy transportation costs and 2) increasing labor costs in China due to the rise of the middle class.

As many Canadians search for their ultimate retirement destination or for just a break from the cold winters, Puerto Vallarta and Merida should remain at the top of their interest. The future of those destinations as well as the overall Mexico real estate market will be very exciting to follow.

E360 offers research based real estate services across North America, Central America and the Caribbean. Their team has a $10 billion track record of completed resort development support for research, capital advisory, marketing and sales. To learn more visit at www.element-360.com

TOP TO BOTTOM: Cafe in Merida, Governors Palace, merida, Ornate colonial home, Merida

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 21

Hacienda Hideaways New and old Haciendas evoke a sense of history and elegance. With palatial grounds and majestic rooms, today’s hacienda offers a unique opportunity to experience the history of Mexico.

HACIENDA LA FRAGUA Toluca, Estado de Mexico 22 www.mexi-goproperties.com

H

aciendas contributed to the very structure of Mexico today.

Originating in 1529 when the Spanish crown granted Hernán Cortés the title of Marquess of the Valley of Oaxaca, which entailed a tract of land that included all of the present state of Morelos. In 1907 Haciendas were abolished by law during the Mexican revolution and nearly every Hacienda was destroyed but today the buildings have seen a revitalization and there are efforts across the country to restore many of the original homes for private residences or boutique hotels.

Hacienda La Fragua Beautiful and distinguished property, designed for equestrian lifestyle, the Hacienda La Fragua main house is surrounded by outstanding gardens with water features and walking paths that take you to the fields and beautiful grass corrals. An indoor pool, terraces, and a chapel are harmoniously distributed, making this property unique with a great location and modern luxury characteristics.

The gardens are one of the most beautiful aspects of the property, lush and mature they offer you a new surprise everyday! As you walk down the stairs of the terrace you will encounter the breathtaking garden full of flowers, a creek with a natural spring and a waterfall that starts in a small hill covered with trees. It’s a storybook setting and one that hasn’t changed for centuries.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 23

A HISTORICAL MEXICAN HACIENDA

Hacienda Casa Las Palmas TEQUILA, JALISCO

This nineteenth century hacienda is just 12.5 miles from Guadalajara city outside of Tequila, the area that brings us the famous Mexican drink. Constructed in Colonial Spanish style this Hacienda has many stories to tell. Inside, its walls, high vaulted ceilings and magnificent gardens was the perfect location to shoot an important Mexican soap opera, which made Hacienda Casa Las Palmas famous in the twenty first century!

Construction of the original building began in 1889 by Don Antonio de R谩bago. He was associated with The Don Odil贸n society and heir to the Huaxtla fortune. Since 1907 the Hacienda has seen many different owners. At one time the building was used for the storage of agave heads, seeds, fertilizers, and all the tools for Agave production. Interestingly, the present owner of the Hacienda is related to the original owners. He bought the Hacienda in 1994 and soon after began the careful, tedious job of reconstructing the Hacienda according to its original Spanish Colonial style.

24 www.mexi-goproperties.com

HACIENDA LA FRAGUA Toluca, Estado de Mexico

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 25

HACIENDA LOS APANTLES Just an hour from Mexico City this five-acre estate is serene and aptly named for the fresh springs that sustain the incredibly lush flora of the region. The pre- Hispanic word for these little streams is as old as the neighboring village of Malinalco, one of the most sacred sites of the Aztec Empire of more than 500 years ago. Nature has its way at Los Aplantles, and each room offers unspoiled views.

Architect Marco Aldaco, renowned in Mexico for his vernacular homes, worked closely with the owners and a professional photographer, and as a result, the interior is characterized by clean lines, bright colors, and top- quality wood and stone.

The home’s flat terraces provide the ideal spots for communing with nature and enjoying a remarkable 360-degree view of the mountains –each one perhaps a pyramid buried in endless time.

The estate is nestled in a beautiful wooded setting that offers a comforting sense of privacy and security.

HACIENDA LAS GOLONDRINAS BERNAL, QUERETARO

HACIENDA LOS APANTLES MALINALCO, ESTADO DE MEXICO

HACIENDA LAS GOLONDRINAS The fabulous Hacienda Las Golondrinas is the only hacienda in Mexico with stunning, one of a kind views of the magical, Peña Bernal. The Peña Bernal, famous for its monolith of massive rock, is the third highest in the world. Hacienda Las Golondrinas is located in the beautiful Mexican state of Queretaro. The main house of the hacienda is a beautiful example of fine Mexican architecture with boveda ceilings, a spectacular central patio, a swimming pool and shady corridors that connect the four buildings of the house.

The central living areas of the main house include a living room with a copper chimney, a dining room, a kitchen, a music room, and an entertainment room with a bar. All of these spacious rooms have a view of the impressive Peña Bernal.

Hacienda Las Golondrinas is an exceptional property, with extraordinary panoramic beauty with its views of the Peña Benal. The hacienda offers a lifestyle of the perfect combination between classical living and modern convenience. The hacienda is harmonious with nature that conveys a tranquility that comes from life in the country.

For more details on these spectacular Haciendas visit www.sirhaciendas.com Looking for a Vacation Home? www.haciendalastrancas.com For Mexico’s newest Hacienda hotel try: rosewoodsanmiguel.com 26 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Eternal Spring for one Canadian in San Miguel de Allende

By Rebecca Permack

Meet Paulo Pocinho – a 39-year old Torontonian who is has been living his dream in San Miguel de Allende.

After an early morning four-hour drive from Guadalajara, we arrived in San Miguel de Allende road weary, thirsty and already regretting our shoe choices for those famous cobblestoned streets.

Paulo welcomed us to his design studio, “Bobo – The Art of Fine Living”, which sits just in front of his restaurant, Mezzanine Bistro by BoBo (short for Bohemian Bourgeois). Our overtired senses sated with a cool drink and a comfortable couch (designed by Paulo himself), we sat down with Paulo in his shop and an afternoon of storytelling ensued that took us on an adventure from Toronto to India to Mexico.

A charming guy with a gift for gab and an eye for the unique, Paulo has called San Miguel home 5 years. Originally a chef in Toronto, Paulo started earning an income by catering events in people’s homes.

From small catering events to larger corporate events, Paulo was able to open up a design store that enabled him to pursue his passion for modern design.

We asked Paulo our usual hard hitting questions and at the end felt we’d found another Canadian with an open mind who has endeavored to make their life in Mexico a smashing success.

“So answer us this one simple question: Why?” I feel like my life has evolved significantly in these past 7 years. In Canada I had a house, a mortgage, a car, car insurance, etc. and was just working to pay for those things. My friends are just spinning their wheels – still paying their mortgages, still in that same routine that I left them in 7 years ago. They see my photos and think I’m living the dream life. It’s not a dream – I’m not in heaven every day; but I don’t have that much stress anymore. I only open my restaurant for a few days/hours a week.

I don’t have that big city pressure to be open 24/7. What you are also able to do in Mexico is really carve out the type of lifestyle that you want for yourself.

At home in Canada I was working 16-18 hrs as a chef and would sleep on the bag of flour in the back room because it didn’t make sense to go home. Now I am home in 2 minutes. It’s amazing. I had a great career, but I had no life. I was 33 when I left that world behind and came [to Mexico]. I’m not even 40 yet and I’m so proud that I’ve “figured it out” before a lot of people. I think I would be in culture shock if I had to go back to that life today. In my 20s it was a boost to my ego to work with those great restaurants and be on that scene, but coming out of my 20s I realized it wasn’t about my ego anymore and I was going to kill myself if I kept going at that pace. I wish people would know that life doesn’t have to be that way.

Mezzanine Bistro mezzaninebistro.wordpress.com

Bobo Boutique www.bobo-gourmet.com

San Miguel Info & Concierge www.sanmiguelconcierge.com

San Miguel Real Estate www.coatesdolan.com

Modern Stylish Hotel www.hotelmatilda.com

Something Unique? www.pozosrealestate.com

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 27

“I find I have to defend myself to my friends and family back home, even after this many years.

If I told them I was moving to Paris or Barcelona they would be thrilled. I’ve been to those places but they are somewhere I would never want to live.” lifestyle has gotten better over time because I’ve learned how to go with the flow here – don’t push against it; or you won’t get anywhere. You’re not going to enjoy being in Mexico if you can’t accept it for what it is.

Why Mexico? What other countries did you consider?

I had already lived in India for a year on a contract job and got the travel bug. I had never even been to Mexico before I moved here. I came for 3 weeks the month before I moved, to travel around and check it out. Based on that trip I thought, “Well, what’s the worst that could happen?” I decided to follow through with the decision. I opened up a pastry shop for 2 years in Mexico City. After those first two years, I wanted a more calm way of life and stumbled upon San Miguel de Allende. On my way through - there was something about when I got here (to San Miguel) – maybe it’s a cliché, but I just felt like I exhaled. I just sat in one of the cafes and decided to have breakfast and the sun was shining and the weather was perfect and it was calm and I had no idea that there were foreigners here and I just…relaxed. That weekend I decided to move and within a month I was living here.

How is your lifestyle different in Mexico than Toronto?

In comparison to Toronto, it “changed” – the two lifestyles are not comparable – it was very different. I had to adjust to the architecture of it all – how houses were built, the streets, the infrastructure of the country. It’s not better or worse, it’s just different. Mexico is definitely not a 3rd world country, but has 3rd world aspects. There are extremes. In Canada, we are basically one of the most fortunate countries in the world. It’s hard for Canadians to understand the concept of ghettos. We have social housing – but it’s really not that bad in comparison to other countries in the world. We come from a very secure nation and a very secure standard of living. My 28 www.mexi-goproperties.com

What challenges have you faced since moving?

The language barrier, of course. I didn’t speak a word of Spanish when I moved here. I had to force myself to learn Spanish to be able to do business here. And there are local customs – different ways that you need to learn how to speak to people. You can’t yell at people in Mexico; it doesn’t work – they just shut down. If you work with them, they will try to understand you. Instead of yelling at employees because they don’t understand what you are saying, teach them what it is that you want. The people love to learn and are excited to learn. You can’t yell at someone for something they’ve done wrong if they’ve never done it before.

What would you have changed in your process?

Nothing – I was actually really lucky – I didn’t have a lot of money when I moved here, so I didn’t come down with a master plan. I just wanted to see how it went. It would have been worse for me if I came down here with the idea of opening a big grand restaurant without understanding the culture and what was needed in the city. I see a lot of people come down here with big, big plans and dump a bunch of money into a project that doesn’t work. They should come down and check out the town, see what the need is first.

What are your average monthly expenses?

It’s SO CHEAP! You can spend as much or as little as you want here. My daily life is amazing – I can have a cheap coffee or cheap meal, I have eternal spring here. I have a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house here in San Miguel and I pay $7,500 pesos/ month (about $670) in rent for a house with gated parking, front and back patio. You can’t find that in Canada. If you are looking within the foreign community to rent houses and do business, you will pay American prices. I didn’t do that – I went to a Mexican community and paid Mexican prices.

Seven years into it, I’ve been able to find the real value of things.

My first house here (3br/2ba) cost me $2800 pesos/month!

Food is really cheap; gas is really cheap; my rent is really cheap.

Do you experience crime? Corruption? Fraud?

Not once in seven years. In the beginning, I was lucky because I had Mexican friends so they helped me out a lot. Sometimes I maybe paid more for things than a Mexican would, but it was still cheap for me and it’s just business down here – just pay the 100 pesos – what’s $10?

Even though you’re young, do you have any concerns with healthcare or getting sick in Mexico?

If I felt like I came down with something really serious, I could always just go back to Canada. If you’re going to be in Mexico, get health insurance and you’ll be ok. Worst-case scenario for me, I would just hop on a plane back to Canada.

I have Mexican health insurance – I don’t have huge coverage on it, but for my purposes, it’s good enough.

Can you offer any advice to those thinking of moving?

Business is cheap to start up here. Mexico has opened up a door for me that would have been closed to me in Toronto without having major capital or investors. Here I’ve done it all on my own – I’m very legitimate with everything I do; I followed all the rules, regulations, certifications, etc. I opened up a restaurant with $10,000. That same restaurant would have cost me $700,000-$1,000,000 in Toronto. I was a slave to whatever I did in Toronto because I felt like I was just working to pay everyone off.

What are some great reasons for living in Mexico?

The weather in San Miguel de Allende is lovely. Sometimes I miss the 4 seasons, but having said that I wouldn’t trade it!

It’s a bit of nostalgia, but when I go and visit my family in the winter, after 2 days I’m ready to come back to Mexico! The beaches – access to Cancun and Playa del Carmen and the liberty and personal freedoms of this country – you can drink on the beach, whatever.

The Mexican people are amazing. The quality of your daily life of speaking to people is amazing. You can walk down the street here and people will “good afternoon” you without even knowing you. It’s a refreshing change, coming from Toronto where I didn’t even know the person living in the condo next to me. The level of respect that people have for each other here is amazing. I love the warmth of the culture. It really is about the people. The weather, cost of living, etc is just icing on the cake. You can find that elsewhere, but if you don’t have the quality and kindness of the people all of this would be meaningless and ruin the experience. I could go anywhere – people ask me all the time why are you still there and I tell them come spend a week and visit me and you’ll see why. It’s not for everybody but you need to come down, spend some time and not be afraid of it, for sure. Some people stay; some leave. Whatever works – whether or not people stay, they tell me it’s been one of their best experiences of their life. I have no reason to ever leave…

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 29

Restoring Retirement:

A unique opportunity in the desert highlands

By Madeline Milne

B

ack in March we drove from Guadalajara to San Miguel de Allende for a too short, two night tour of the area. Our first evening found us enjoying limey margaritas on the rooftop patio of Sunset Bar. The next morning came very early as I made my way by taxi to Mineral de Pozos to meet Elizabeth Kelly, a successful American fashion designer who decided she’d had enough of the United States. She sold her business and moved her family to this small mining ghost town about 40 minutes outside of San Miguel.

Somewhat bleary-eyed and a little late, I found Kelly in the zocala (town square), or rather she found me in this sleepy little village, where my arrival likely made the evening news (I kid). Gorgeous, with a natural, easy going way, Kelly toured me through the many homes and ruins in Pozos. The restored homes offered large gracious spaces that embrace open living and bring in the light that makes this area an artist’s dream.

The ruins were fascinating, I could see the elegance and prosperity that would have historically filled the dining rooms and ballrooms of the wealthy mining families.

Pozos is nestled between the mountains and the clouds at 7,500 ft above sea level. With low lying shrub and shade producing trees the landscape was reminiscent of the Saharan desert. The cholla and nopal cactus, agave, mesquite, and the native huizache tree - spreading it’s protective branches - embrace the landscape. There are eye pleasing vingnettes everywhere from the old bullring in the town to the Cinco Señores Ruins, where you can wander through the courtyards and passages of the abandoned buildings, fascinating to historians, archaeologists, artists and photographers alike. The sense of history permeates in everything from the charming cobblestone streets through town to the historic colonial architecture of the carefully restored homes and businesses.

This once opulent colonial city, the first in Guanajuato to receive electricity and telephones, lived through several gold 30 www.mexi-goproperties.com

and silver rushes from 1576 through the Mexican Revolution of 1910, and was declared an Historical National Monument by the Mexican Government in 1982, one 40 Mexican cities that carry this designation.

In the past decade, Pozos has experienced a revival, but this one is fueled by the arts and a community that is committed to restoring the beauty of the past. Set against a backdrop of the

Recommendations For more information on Mineral de Pozos real estate, contact Kelly at www.pozosrealestate.com Book your B&B at El Secreto, located next door to Casa Montana at www.elsecretomexico.com Mexico Boutique Hotels offers luxury accommodation across Mexico and the Pozos hotel is a beautiful example of the restoration in the area. www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com Showcasing the best in local and regional artists. www.galeria6.com

ruins there are over 70 buildings within the historical zone that have been declared landmarks, many untouched in 100 years. Mexicans and foreigners alike have moved to Pozos to find a new lifestyle that is grounded in history, culture and respect. There is a vibrant lavender farm with B&B, about ten art galleries, five hotels, a dozen restaurants. There are plenty events throughout the year including music festivals and art walks.

Finding Mineral de Pozos online and having been to San Miguel for a week previously, Kelly fell in love with the community and the ruins and knew this was the place to settle.

Her family of four kids, one grandchild and her mother, her business partner, began the exciting, challenging hard work of renovating, and at times, rebuilding Casa Montana as their home is known. Located across from the zocalo, surrounded by 14’ high stone walls, the home is 8000 sf of pure colonial luxury with Caliche stone, large open rooms that embrace the desert light and a chemical free lap pool with a brilliant water feature. The front of the home operates a small gift shop and the kitchen was designed to run efficiently as a restaurant or for a B&B. It’s yours for only $850,000usd.

There are many wonderful restoration projects available in town and with the infrastructure already in place anyone interested in taking on the challenge will find themselves supported by the local community. Prices start from low $100’s and since it’s inland, you own the title instead of a bank trust. Perhaps it’s not what one typically envisions as a Mexican Retirement Plan but it’s exciting and adventurous and really, really cool.

Colonial style investment in Mineral de Pozos Amazing hand-built Caliche stone building with two floors and a new stone cellar. Over 550 sq. meters of livable/usable space. Architect designed and built, the owners spared no expense with traditional quality colonial construction boasting 60cm thick walls, 10,000 liter cistern, utility room with state of the art purification system and gas and solar water heater, gas fireplaces, interior fountain, three apartments and two rentable retail spaces on the first floor.

Located at the entrance to Pozos, the location offers the best visibility, making this an ideal spot for the savvy investor. Two of three apartments upstairs, offer beautiful spaces filled with light, gleaming wood floors, and lovely appointments in both kitchen and bath. two of the suites joined outdoor balconies overlook the Canterra fountain in the center of the building.

An existing wine cellar/grotto completely restored with brick, stone and in-floor lighting is ideal for romantic underground wine bar or wild west bistro. $900,000 Contact www.pozosrealestate.com

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 31

A state of perfection

Oaxaca offers history, nature, culture and more...

BahĂ­as de Huatulco For travel information visit: www.visitmexico.com Looking for a unique experience? www.fincalasnieves.com.mx 32 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Visit Oaxaca and give flight to your imagination. Oaxaca is tradition, a state of magic, with an intense array of colors, music, peace and flavour. Oaxaca is like the genie’s lamp. All you need do is close your eyes and imagine where you would like to be: a heavenly beach; a table brightly laid for a feast; touch the stars from the peaks of the soaring mountains.

Tradition is what forms the soul of the people of Oaxaca.

Here you will find footprints that have left their impression throughout history and which can still be appreciated.

Touring the Mixteca you will find, in the marvellous temples, in the people, in their traditions, how time has left its mark.

The colourfulness, the jubilation and the naturalness of its people, together with the beautiful multi-colored dresses, worn with pride by their women, make visiting the Istmus of Tehuantepec a unique experience, one of discovering a magic world of tradition.

Oaxaca is culture, nature and tradition, a place worthy of admiration and one to be enjoyed alone or in the company of others; here you will always have somewhere to go and wish you could stay just a little longer.

The 9 Bays of Perfection Huatulco is located where the foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean and this impressive area has nine bays along the coastline of the Pacific ocean. Thirty-six beaches with crystal-clear water are stretched over a surface of 21,000 hectares out of which 16,400 have been designated to the conservation of the ecological balance.

Having been founded almost five centuries ago, Huatulco sparks the interest and curiosity of its visitors with its marvelous nature and the archeological richness that the ancestors have left behind on this fertile and wonderful earth.

The coast of Oaxaca includes a National Park, a protected area since 1998 with the aim to conserve the natural and cultural resources of the area while protecting 413 species of plants, 130 species of mammals, 291 birds, 72 reptiles and 15 species of amphibians.

Over a quarter of a century ago the National Fund of Tourism (FONATUR) converted Huatulco into a first class tourist destination and has earned Huatulco the Green Globe Award in 2005 as the first sustainable tourist destination on the American continent and only the third worldwide.

Aside from lounging in your hammock and strolling the beaches, Huatulco also offers extreme sports such as white water kayaking, rafting, rappelling and surfing. Or take a few days and visit an Eco Coffee Plantation in the hills and experience a lush green jungle full of life.

To get to this paradise is a snap with its international airport.

There are many direct fights from Canada during peak season and easy commuter flights from Mexico City and Oaxaca.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 33

Magic & Culture

in Oaxaca de Juarez

O

axaca City is the capital of the state with the same name. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987, the historic center and the archeological zone of Monte Alban offer a cultural experience rich in colours, flavours and textures. Sitting over 5,000 feet above sea level, Oaxaca is surrounded by lush green jungles. The first Spanish expedition arrived in 1521 and the city has enjoyed a position of power since.

Nicknamed “la Verde Antequera” (the green Antequera) due to its prior name (Nueva Antequera) and the number of streets and buildings built from a local green Cantera stone, the city’s main attractions are the verdant landscapes of the Oaxaca Valley, and the architectural and cultural charms of the city itself. There are major festivals throughout the year that attract both foreign and Mexican tourists.

The most prominent cultural event in the summer is the month long festival of Guelaguetza, also known as the Fiestas de los Lunes del Cerro (Festivals of Mondays at the Hill). The “Hill” or teocalli is the Cerro del Fortín, which was the scene of the annual rites to the goddess Centeótl, or goddess of Corn. The ritual would end with the sacrifice of a young maiden chosen to represent the goddess. This rite was prohibited by the Spanish after the Conquest, who also destroyed the teocalli.

In its place, they constructed the Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmen, now known as Carmen Alto.

The festival grew over time to be the largest and most anticipated for the town. In 1932, during the 400th birthday celebrations of Oaxaca City many regional festivities were combined, adding traditional dances, music, regional cuisine and Margarita Santaella as the first Miss Oaxaca, in addition to the religious rites. This first Guelaguetza was such a hit that organizers decided to repeat it every year on all the Mondays of July. On the streets of Oaxaca City, there are parades with children and giant paper mache puppets. It is a time of great celebration, with large crowds of tourists and Oaxacans who have moved away return for the festivities.

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On December 23rd every year another very popular traditional event, albeit a bit a little odd, is Noche de Rábanosor (Night of the Radishes). Artisans create designs carved into large radishes, often decorated with other plant materials. The event only lasts a few hours but draws most of the city’s population to the main square to look at the fabulous vegetables.

The event is derived from a Dominican Christmas tradition, when the Monks would prepare a large dinner on the night of December 23rd. To decorate the tables, servants of the monks would carve radishes and adorn them with flowers and other plants. This grew in popularity until a special market came about to sell the radishes. Now sponsored by the city, the Radish Market has grown into a major cultural occasion and includes a competition in which the best radishes are judged on originality, technical skill and beauty.

While the city is famous for it’s many Colonial buildings, one of the most impressive is the Basílica de la Soledad. The Basílica is the religious center of Oaxaca, and its Virgin is the patroness of the entire state. Adjoining the church is a former convent with a small but charming museum in back. A huge celebration on or around December 18th honors the Virgin, attracting penitents from all over Oaxaca. With a high Baroque facade and its heavily gilded interior, the concave facade of the church projecting forward from the building is unique in Mexico’s religious architecture.

The museum offers an interesting range of items from the highest quality to small trinkets perfect for souvenirs. The Basílica’s upper plaza has an outdoor patio and theater

with steps that serve as seats. As an added bonus when visiting the Basílica, it is traditional to eat ice cream supplied by the many vendors in the lower plaza in front of the church.

If you wish to escape the crowds of the city, then a day trip to Monte Albán is a must! Only 9kms from Oaxaca, the impressive ruins of Monte Albán are visible from anywhere in the central part of the Valley. Monte Albán sits on the top of a mountain that rises from between two valleys. From here you can see all that lies between you and the distant mountains. Once a holy city of more than 30,000 Zapotecs, it is the area’s most interesting and extensively excavated ruin, yet it is estimated that only about 10% of the site has been uncovered.

Top left to right: tourists shopping for the local handicrafts; Guelaguetza; Monte Albán; Museo Regional de Oaxaca

Starting around 2000 B.C., village-dwelling people of unknown origin inhabited the Oaxaca valleys. Between 800 and 500 B.C., a new ceramic style appeared, indicating an influx of new societies, now called Zapotec. Around 500 B.C., these people began the monumental exercise of leveling the top of a mountain, where they would build Monte Albán. Very little of the original structures remain; they’ve either been obscured beneath newer construction or had their stones reused for other buildings.

Many of the artifacts excavated at Monte Albán in over a century of archaeological exploration can be seen at the Museo Regional de Oaxaca in Oaxaca City. The museum houses, among other treasures, many of the objects discovered in 1932 by Alfonso Caso in Monte Albán’s Tomb 7, a Zapotec tomb that was opportunistically reused for the burial of wealthy and prominent Mixtec individuals. Their burial was accompanied by some of the most spectacular burial offerings of any site in the Americas consisting of 500 pieces of gold, amber, and turquoise jewelry, as well as silver, alabaster, and bone art objects.

No matter the time of year or your budget, a visit to Oaxaca City and its surrounding towns and ruins will bring you a glimpse of the authentic, aboriginal Mexican culture, while offering you the finest in crafts, food and scenery.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 35

From top to bottom left to right: Local artisan demonstrates using traditional tools and techniques passed down for thousands of years.

An example of a decorative pot with cut work. A shop selling all manner of barro negro ceramics. An example of the now popular style of using floral motifs to decorate the pots.

El barro negro pottery San Bartolo Coyotepec has produced pottery for centuries and is internationally recognized for its artisans that craft the decorative Oaxacan black pottery. Until the 1960s, all but one family in the village of San Bartolo Coyotepec, a few kilometers from the state capital of Oaxaca de Juárez, were producing utilitarian clay pots for sale and trade throughout the region

and further beyond … just as their ancestors had been doing for a thousand years or more. Indeed, the archaeological record as unearthed during the excavation of Monte Albán demonstrates to the long culture of the area.

Throughout the 60’s, a dramatic change occurred: an industry based upon rudimentary production of grey, functional pottery transformed into the folk art now known as barro negro, or Oaxacan black pottery. As a consequence, tourism in Oaxaca blossomed.

The versatile black clay is extracted locally and with the new techniques developed by Master craftswoman, Doña Rosa, it acquires a black color and crystalline sound that is characteristic of this material. Among the shops and tourist markets across Mexico you will find: pots, jars, whistles, flutes, rattles, little bells, bowls, bottles for mescal, masks, bases for table lamps, figures of animals and many decorative objects.

Of the many workshops that exist in San Bartolo Coyotepec, the most famous is that of Doña Rosa, who for many years dedicated herself to the creation and promotion of this handicraft. In her house/workshop, now managed by her

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family you can observe the process first hand through a series of demonstrations. The original pieces attributed to Doña Rosa are considered quite valuable and many are housed in museums. It is recommended to make your purchases directly though the local artists as the prices rise quite steeply back in Oaxaca.

The amount of work that goes into each piece is impressive.

After the clay has been molded it is left to dry in the sun for four days. The cut work of some of the pieces is done after the fourth day, so that the piece is neither very dry nor very humid.

The brilliant finish is achieved by polishing the objects by hand, with pieces of quartz, before placing them in the kiln.

All pieces produced today are decorative, with the exception of the small jugs (cántaros) used for mezcal.

In Coyotepec you will find studios, shops and markets selling all things related to the Barro Negro such as bells, groups of jugs in diverse forms, spheres, bowls with cut work, and other bowls, flutes, rattles, whistles of animal figures, figures (such as stylized sculptures of indigenous women) and other decorative objects.

TO and FRO TRAVELING FROM OAXACA CITY Three of the most interesting villages in the Valles Centrales lie south of Oaxaca City on Carretera 175. They share a market day on Friday, so it’s easy to visit all three. The first is San Bartolo Coyotepec, bisected by the highway about 12 km (8 mi) from the city. The name Coyotepec, a Nahuatl word, literally translates as “place of the coyotes.” Across from the stately church is a colonnaded square where you can buy the barro negro ceramics for which the town is deservedly famous.

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If you are in town be sure to visit the Museo Estatal de Arte Popular de Oaxaca (State Museum of Popular Art of Oaxaca) which was opened in 2004, with a large portion of its collection consisting of barro negro pottery.

For more information on Oaxaca visit: www.visitmexico.com

mex i -goprop erti es. co m

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Painting the town

Jesus Lopez Vega

By Moralea Milne

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 39

L

ike many stories, the beginning is difficult to define. Does it start with the indigenous Coca people who lived and fished and worshipped along the shores of Lake Chapala many centuries ago? Or perhaps with the invasion of the Spanish conquistadores and their Catholic religion that heralded momentous changes to the landscape and the people of Mexico? Perhaps we can narrow the focus to the arrival in Ajijic of Neill James in the early 1940’s, an intrepid world traveler and author who settled on the shores of Mexico’s largest lake, charmed by the culture and people.

Neill James started art classes for the local children and here, finally, is where Jesus Lopez Vega enters the story.

Born in 1962, Jesús and his older brother Antonio were some of the children whose natural talents for the arts blossomed under the tutelage provided by Miss James.

Many of Jesús paintings the FROM CIT Y involve TO SEA landscape and culture of Ajijic today, the church, the village square and the celebrations and festivities that are a joyous expression of Mexican culture.

Although his art is represented well on the small canvas or in sculpture, it is his larger than life murals which have captured the essence and soul of Mexican folkloric tradition, imbuing space with bold colour and a sense of magic realism.

THIS PAGE: TEO-MICHICHIUALLI Previous Page: ANGEL NOCTURNO

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In an article by blogger Judy King, of Ajijic, Jesús states: “When I look at the murals here in Ajijic I think of how we have brought back the spirits of masters of the Mexican mural, each in our own way. We Ajijic artists express the same types of feelings and comments. Diego Rivera was the most historic muralist.

In a recent conversation Jesús stated that “most of my paintings have to do with pre-Columbian imaginary; they are vivid in color, a link of communication between the ancestors’ world to modern times, often focusing on the archeological artifacts which have been found in Lake Chapala.

The breathtaking mural that Jesus created in the Centro Cultural in Ajijic describes the myths of this area. Jesus explains the meaning of the mural: TEO-MICHICHIUALLI (TEO - deity, MICHIN - fish, CIHUALLI – princess) “This mythological mural represents the fertility of Lake Chapala as a young princess. Thousands of preColumbian artifacts were thrown into the lake in her honor, to give thanks for abundant water, fish, birds, and to maintain the good climate and the rainy season. They say that she sends the winds from the four different directions - north, east, west and south, to keep the waters circulating and in harmony.

Teo-michicihualli was furious, especially when the moon was full. She would punish the lakeside inhabitants by taking (absorbing) water from the lake through a water spout, creating a big dark long cloud, known by the local people as a “water snake”. This phenomenon would hit the mountains causing a huge thunder storm with lightening. In it’s path, this water spout would destroy the nearby villages.

TOP: TORITO DE FUEGO BOTTOM: PESCADOR

The moon, the lake and the woman were a common trilogy because of their monthly cycles. Each month the moon

Orozco was the most artistic; Siquieros was political and Rufino Tamayo, my mentor, was the cosmic one. His composition of color and figures transmits the pre-Columbian spirit.”

”Remember, he said, “it is a way of communication that comes through from your soul, from your spirit. It speaks the truth. That is not always pretty, but it needs to be heard.”

Jesús explained, “Mexico’s mural movement began right after the Mexican Revolution (about 1920), and there was a lot the great muralists needed to say. Murals are more than large paintings that make ecological, political and social statements. It is about our culture; it is about expressing our feelings -- most of the time what murals say goes against the system”.

“Remember,” he said, “it is a way of communication that comes through from your soul, from your spirit. It speaks the truth. That is not always pretty, but it needs to be heard.” His series of paintings that depict the ecological devastation of Lake Chapala, once world renowned for its plentiful and delectable fish, are a statement to the effects on the local communities.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 41

becomes full. Women have their menstrual period. Sometimes local people still get scared at the month of May’s full moon, just before the rainy season starts, afraid that a disaster could happen. The lake gets choppy, eventually creating big waves, throwing out from its waters organic waste, some dead animals or human remains, thus turning the water crystal clear.

People created calendars of agriculture especially cycles of corn crops from this trilogy. Their ceramics show cycles of corn cults, painted with oxide red paint and some engravings with symbols of water on ceremonial ceramics.

There also are other minor deities represented, like “cihualli” the corn god who is a feminine figure shown with corn around her body.

“Tlaloc” the rain god is throwing a water spout from his mouth and giving birth to his daughter “Teomichicihualli”. “Tlaltecutli” a feminine goddess represents the earth and the universe. The skulls and bones signify the underworld which is where the universe was created and settled at the beginning of times. The rest of the mural is the immigration of the first people to settle Ajijic.

The art of Jesus Lopez Vega is at once joyous and recriminating as he celebrates the enduring legacy of his ancestors and love he has for his family and community, while reminding us of the sometimes toxic effects of modern life.

You can visit Jesus at his newly expanded Galeria de Arte Axixic, or through his website at: arteajijic.net 42 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Tonala & Tlequepaque

By Madeline Milne and Sabrina Wang Back in March this year we did a whirlwind tour of Tonala and Tlequepaque and our wallets were thankful we didn’t have longer to spend!

Tonala is where many of the artisans live and there are studios and wholesalers in Tonala with whom you can bargain for the same goods you would buy in the more upscale Tlequepaque.

Tlequepaque has grown from a small colonial village on the edge of Guadalajara into a trendy neighbourhood accessorized with chic arts and crafts boutiques, posh galleries and upscale restaurants. We were mesmerized by the colonial-style streets, plazas and gardens that quietly emanate a distinct colonial flair.

Our journey started at the Jardin Hidalgo where the center of Mexican life—the church—rests with tranquil gardens that calm the spirit. We enjoyed the Museo Regional de la Ceramica (Regional Ceramics Museum) where a free ticket will take you into the world of ceramic crafts.

We entered a café that has been converted from an old colonial mansion and enjoyed a meal of traditional Mexican fare but with a nontraditional all woman mariachi band. The food was a bit lackluster but the music and lovely garden setting improved our spirits.

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We carried on poking our noses in the shops. A few trinkets and more than a few exclamations of awe found us in boutiques selling a large collection of exquisite ceramics, blown glass, bronze goods, and embroideries—Tlequepaque deserves its reputation as having some of the best hand-made crafts in Mexico. Savvy shoppers choose to come here because they’re confident in the authenticity and quality of the pieces.

While we didn’t have time I recommend you stop by for a drink at the “El Parian”, which is famous for being the largest pub in Latin America. The daily mariachi shows and live entertainment at this “cantina” will have you laughing with the locals. At the end of the day, breeze through the alleyways and listen to the sounds of the streets around you; every building in Tlequepaque tells a story or two.

For less than a place in the burbs’ you can join the thousands of other Canadians that call the Lake Chapala area home. Casa Colibri in Ajijic offers exceptional lake views from its grand terrace. $639,000(usd)

Lake Chapala Lago de Chapala—as Mexico’s largest freshwater lake—is not only a tourist hotspot, but also a vital habitat for migratory birds such as the American White Pelican and other plants and animals native to the area. Fed by three different rivers, Lake Chapala is a rather shallow lake with a particularly soothing quality that attracts many retirees to settle here in the communities of Chapala and Ajijic. Why not? Who wouldn’t want to wake up to yet another day of clear skies and cottoncandy clouds, watch on as their curious dogs fuss over a piece of driftwood on the shore, and dive into a picnic basket with new friends?

The lake connects people to one another in special ways; it seems like there’s something interesting happening here every other week, whether it’s a concert, a ballet, a chili cook-off, or a game of volleyball.

If you’re not playing golf, attending an art exhibition, or having a delicious meal at one of the local eateries, take some time to join a local society club where you’ll meet with others who have the same interests. Sore from horseback riding or perhaps from a night of vigorous dancing at a fiesta? The balnearios, or natural thermal springs in the area, are the best cure for aches and pains. Some say that the best part about Lake Chapala is its constant and nearly perfect climate, but those who choose to live here will tell you that aside from the climate, divine sceneries, a full calendar of events, and wonderful neighbours are the things that make Lake Chapala feel like home.

Perfect year round weather and a lively Canadian community. By Sabrina Wang

Ajijic | Lake Chapala | Mexico

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Fluent in English and Spanish Cell: 011 521 331 436 1104 Office: 011 52 376 766 1917 www.eagerrealty.com Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 45

Really Driving the Baja

By Terry Curtis

2 days up 2 days down and almost a whole day at the border

Hi again fans of Mexico, I am glad to see you have returned to learn more about Baja California and the wonders it has to offer. As I recall, last time we left off with nice weather and a cold Pacifico at Guerro Negro with the Grey Whales. The good news is since I wrote the first episode of this story a month or so ago the weather has gone from nice to absolutely fabulous. Also since then, I have blasted up to San Diego and back on the highway and had the chance to remind myself how fantastic the Baja Peninsula is, I love that drive! Before I continue on about Baja Sur (south) as promised last time, let me give you a quick report on this 2 day drive up, one day in San Diego and 2 day drive back, a quickie trip as we call it.

Co-Owner and Managing Partner of

So I agreed to tow a boat South from San Diego for a friend but quickly realized not only had my Mexican insurance on my truck expired but so had my registration. I was to leave in two days. Fortunately I was able to re-register my truck, buy Mexican insurance and become completely legal again in about 24 hours, thanks to Bob Jankovich here in Cabo.

Century 21 Paradise Properties in Cabo San Lucas, Terry Curtis shares his wisdom and tales of living and driving the Baja.

Contact Terry with any Baja questions at: Terry@century21baja.com

46 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Now with that anxiety off my mind, I filled the ice chest with an overdose of high end sandwich material, found a qualified co-pilot and gathered the possibly needed spares. We left Cabo at 7am on a Friday to the Pemex, this particular station, Cangrejos is where my diesel was filled with, we will say, more than diesel. After about 100 yards from the station apparently the engine at that point had ingested what seemed like a gallon of water and we proceeded to paint the desert with white smoke. Not a good way to start a journey. But the beast cleared out and ran fine until we changed drivers. Literally, my co-pilot climbed in after a pit stop just North

we were a little rummy from the 500 miles we just laid down starting at 5am and the additional 2 hours it took to drive the last 3 miles in line to get to this point. Off we went to US Custom Secondary Inspection. We noticed about 15 cars already waiting ahead of us and none of them being attended to, by what seemed like about 6 US Federal Agents wandering Quite possibly some may have asked themselves that question in round one, but we are Baja people and what’s the worst that aimlessly. To our surprise we were attended to by an officer with a gun, so I dragged the illegal substance in a ziplock out could happen? that probably originated in the country we were trying to enter As we pondered that thought for a minute I switched back to and said to the officer “we have lunch meat, you have caught the pilot’s seat and once again the beast cleared out and ran us and we are very fine. We agreed it sorryâ€?. He noticed would be best not our window note to turn the engine was folded wrong, off till dinner and corrected the fold our planned 8 placed it back and hour nap in Guerro Cabo San Lucas | Downtown $59,950 Corridor | El Tule $115,000 Cabo San Lucas | n $94,500 said an Agricultural Negro where we Coromuel # 402 GREAT STARTER! 1BD, El Tule Lot #9 Enjoy the fabulous views ManaĂąa Condos Recently gutted floor Inspector would did arrive safely top floor, view of pool and landscaped from this huge lot located within the to ceiling 1 BD, 1.5 BA condo with new grounds. Parking. Roof available for well maintained community of El Tule. Travertine floors, cabinets, new a apbe new over, without about 6pm later private deck space. Gated community. City utilities in place. Size: 797m2. pliances, granite counters, tiled bathco-pilot that day. We Close to everything! MLS#10-867 GREAT INVESTMENT! MLS#10-889 rooms. Readygun. to moveMy in! MLS #10-1737 suggested we never had another just go ahead and issue with the eat the forbidden truck for the entire lunch meat, I trip, however the thought good plan, driving duties of so we commenced. my ex-co-pilot By the time the were very limited, Agricultural and I just knew Corridor | Cerro Colorado $219,000 Corridor | Puerta de Hierro $249,000 Cabo San Lucas | El Tezal $237,000 Inspector came somehow it was his Marquez Penthouse REDUCED PRICE! Casa Ceci Elegant home in lovely Cabo Vista #16 Bright & welcoming weofwere fault!

Lands laughing End. Lush landStunning new contemporary pent- gated community. Hurricane shutters, home with views privacy, security walls. Room house with sweeping views to Sea of granite countertops & more. Amazing scaping with so hard whilst Cortez. The best priced ocean view ocean views from nearly all rooms. for pool or Jacuzzi.Option to add 2nd story devouring our The drive to master or rooftop terrace. MLS #10-1061 penthouse in Los Cabos! MLS#10-496 Steps from pool. MLS#10-498 lunch meat he Tiajuana was began to see some trouble free until entertainment value in all of this. We gave him what we had we hit the border crossing. You really want to put some left and he tossed it into the toxic materials trash can. He thought into this part of your trip. The very worst times of the wrote us a new note and said you are free to go. It was only day and days of the week to cross going North is about 3pm until about 2 hours later when we arrived at our designated to 8pm during the week and ANY time Saturdays or Sundays.

8 hour nap location in San Diego did we discover we had When you arrive at the crossing make sure you have relieved mistakenly not forked over all of the illegal food. My thought yourself recently, you have plenty of fuel for the vehicle and Cabo Lucas | Misiones $389,000 Area |San Cabo Sub-area Lucas | Privanzas $339,500 Cabo Area |San Sub-area Lucas | $399,000 Area |San Sub-area your cell phone works. It took us 2 hours at the Otay Mesa Casa Adriana Stunning arch views. Casa Scott NO HOA DUES...3 BD, 3.5 BA + Misiones Penthouse Stunning ocean crossing which the TJ cops will send you Many upgrades. Large corner lot office, maids room, garage, roof deck with views onto virtually private beach. Best fenced for privacy. Gated community. Arch & city views, marble floors, granite priced penthouse in Misiones. Unique to if the line backs up too much at the Imperssive Clubhouse, Pool, Gym, Ten- countertops, gated, tropical landscaping, finishing details. Split level floor plan offers true TJ crossing. Finally we get to the nis Court. 24/7 security. MLS #10-1172 palapa covered patio & pool.MLS#10-1728 privacy for 2 couples. SELLER WANTS TO SEE ALL OFFERS!! MLS #10-495 coveted shack of our personal Homeland Financing Available Security Officer-ette, a young Mexican%QPVCEV C %GPVWT[ %QPUWNVCPV American woman, kinda cute actually. %CDQ 5CP .WECU Normally these officers are trained 5CP ,QUG FGN %CDQ to be unhappy from my experience (TQO 75# %#0 and do not have ANY sense of humor, (KPF OQTG RTQRGTVKGU QPNKPG however it was our lucky day and our EGPVWT[ DCLC EQO girl did, especially when she found our A Name You Know And Tr u s t c21RCTCFKUGRTQRGTVKGU EQO lunch meat and sent us into secondary Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed Each office is independently owned and operated inspection with a note on the windshield. of La Paz, started the engine and once again we were painting the desert with enough white smoke to ask ourselves should we really be continuing North or turn around and head South now while we still can.

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This was the beginning of the very comical next 45 minutes, not to mention

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at that point was, those hard earned American tax dollars, hard at work! What a joke.

We ran around all over San Diego the next day, Sunday to gather those few things that you just cannot find in Cabo and loaded the truck to the brim before planning to meet our boat owner for a glimpse of the boat we would be pulling back to Cabo the next morning. We found the boat and trailer to be brand spankin’ new. I had pre-arranged with the owner to have all the proper documents in order, which he did and we threw some of his things in the truck as well. At 8am Monday morning we arrived to connect the boat and go. We are now on our way, once we reach the border we get the GREEN light but never the less are pulled into secondary inspection by the Aduana (customs). I speak to this nice young man from Mexico City who seems to be impressed with my Spanish.

With not really having too much to hide, he seems to have the most interest in the vessel. He checks the docs and begins his little tour of the vessel to see what’s inside. He opens up the compartment under the console and says “what are these tires for”? Unfortunately my reply was “what tires?”. Evidently my new close personal friend, the boat owner, had placed four new ATV tires in the compartment and failed to tell me, or did I fail to inspect the vessel before I left with it? I was most impressed with this Mexican Aduana’s response, you just need to pay the tax and there is no problemo! Just a mere $200 pesos and a form to fill in and off we were to Cabo San Lucas!

It is very important when towing a boat to Cabo, especially if it is not yours to remember your goal. Or at least my goal, get there safe and sound, no hurry; take it easy. Besides, I was looking oh, so forward to those fresh farmed, oysters in Guerro Negro for dinner I spoke about last issue. Problem free, we 48 www.mexi-goproperties.com

ended up at our preferred napping and eating establishment right on time, about 7pm, Mallarimos. The weather was cold, the beer was even colder and the Oysters were fresh. This was a wonderful way to end a beautiful, safe and fun drive from San Diego to the Baja North and South border.

Next morning we were up at 5am and……….on the road again! By this time in the journey, my co-pilot turned gourmet sandwich maker was capable of feeding us, telling me lies and making me laugh at industrial strength while moving at 60mph. Our incident free return trip took us all the way to the Bay of Dreams. This is where we dropped the vessel off that now has over 1000 miles on it, out of the water.

Fortunately, we planned very well for this trip and took limited risks. Some may say driving the Baja is a risk in itself, others may say traveling in the country of Mexico is a risk. The way I see it life is risky and Baja or Mexico is not for those subject to being satisfied with lying on the couch and watching what others have done, that you wish you tried. As my Father said to me as a young boy “my son, life is not a spectator sport”.

Unfortunately my space here has been taken up with my version of my latest adventure on Highway 1. I had intentions of sharing with you the details of traveling down from Guerro Negro to Land’s End here in Cabo. We will have to save that story for next time. I want to thank everyone for all of the feedback from my first article on Baja in the very first publication of this wonderful magazine. The ladies at MexiGo! have done an outstanding job of organizing both the web site and this publication. I can be reached at terry@ century21baja.com for any further information.

Stay tuned…….

* * BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS - BREAKING NEWS * * Canadians are fast becoming the most important Real Estate Customer in Mexico !!     

All real estate in Cabo is traded in US $'s 5 Years ago, a Canadian looking to buy a home in Cabo, for US$1-M, would have had to pay C$1.6-M Today, the market has fallen 30% - because of the US-Economic problems So that same house is now worth about US$700K - C$675K, due to the strength of the CDN-$ vs. the US-$ $1.6-Million down to $675K - that's 60%-less ......... and that's why Canadians are now the big-buyers in Los Cabos !!

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Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 49

building your dream home

Vancouver residents, Dean and Doris, bought property in Todos Santos a few years back and began the process of building their dream home. With a long history of construction experience, Dean moved to the Baja for two years to general contract the building of their home. Needless-to-say it was a learning experience and one he willingly and hilariously shares with Mexi-Go! in a three part series;

Managing Expectations: Building in the Baja (part dos)

by: Dean McQuillen

Mañana … we’ve all heard the word, it sounds so quaint and its meaning so aloof: I’ll get to it tomorrow …

If you build in Mexico, I bet every last peso I’ve ever spent that you will come to hate this word. This is no joke as you’ll come to understand that it hardly ever means ‘tomorrow’. The use of the word mañana it is often a shirk or a polite or ‘soft’ no.

I was over 50% along in my project and I’d heard the M-word from my plumbing/electrical contractor over the phone.

Frustration is not an adequate word for what I was feeling. A Mexican friend/employee saw me and asked what was wrong.

I explained the situation, and he just smiled and said some of the wisest words I heard in Mexico: “Amigo, you are not going to change the people here in Mexico … they will change you”.

This is all true, after all, I was building in Mexico because I fell in love with the place and the people, but really, if it were not 50 www.mexi-goproperties.com

for the people, Mexico would not hold the spell it does for both my wife and myself. I’m not suggesting that you double the estimated time to build, but including a contingency (of both dineros and patience), and keeping a ready supply of that contingency of patience on hand for use at any time is going to help with keeping your blood-pressure in check. Building in Mexico was one of the great experiences of my life. The relationships I’ve developed are some of my most memorable, and as a bonus, I’ve ended up with a reasonable grasp of Spanish, which I enjoy practicing at any opportunity.

Absenteeism on Monday will likely be an issue. There is a considerable amount of alcoholism, and one can witness large beers being bought at almost every mini-super (small convenience store) early Monday morning. This early morning beer is considered a ‘cure’ for crudo (hang-over). Sunday is often a day of overindulgence. Your contracts should include a stipulation that outlines that chronic truancy is legitimate cause

for dismissal and will result in forfeiture of severance pay otherwise owed. It was my experience that this can spread like a cancer, and ought to be dealt with employing all possible alacrity.

Prestamo – it means ‘loan’ in Spanish. This is a word you will hear. This is tricky to deal with, and one can quickly find 90% of the crew individually asking for a cash-advance. It’s likely some of your crew will become close friends. There are also legitimate items and issues that come up where you may deem the request a reasonable one. The life of a Mexican in the construction trades is a tough life, and it is difficult to not feel and exhibit compassion.

I was at a dinner party and an American guest said to me, “Mexicans are friendly on the surface, but you can never get close to them” – this was prior to my building in Mexico. Really, nothing could be farther from the truth from my perspective. I’ve laughed until I’ve cried with my Mexican friends, I’ve shared horrible grief with my Mexican friends, and I never feel more welcome as when I return and see my Mexican friends; their happiness, love, and respect is palpable. A salient Mexican trait is a unique welcoming and warmness.

The Building Process

“I never feel more welcome as when I return and see my Mexican friends; their happiness, love, and respect is palpable.”

Once our home completed, two Americans stopped by my place, and one offered, "Wow, what a beautiful bit of architecture." “Thanks, it took some doing”, I replied to which his friend said, “Yeah, we both built our own places over in Los Barriles (Southern Baja – East Cape), and I’ve often thought that once you complete your first project, as you have, you ought to get a badge or something”.

vacation rental THE STAR OF THE SHOW Villa close to both beach and town in Todos Santos, BCS, Mexico includes 1200’sq Casa and 700’sq Casita with kitchen, walk-in, and bathroom. Rent together or separate.

Email: film@telus.net or call Dean McQuillen 604.209.5559

My place is built, essentially, in the most typical Mexican way, with concrete block and cement, and this method is the one I can offer advice on. Not so typical for the region, my house employs lots of wood as both doors and architectural features.

In Todos Santos, there are many forms of construction: Everything from straw bale to rammed-earth, and foamblock. There’s even an earth ship, but the most common, by far, is block and concrete. Blocks are made in small outdoor ‘factories’ and can differ in quality greatly due to quantity of cement used (or not used). Ask around and get a few opinions on the source and quality of the blocks before you begin.

As a General Contractor you will be hiring concrete workers (Abiniles) both Maestros (Journeymen) and Asistantes (Assistants, or Helpers). You will also likely be hiring sub contractors. It is common to appoint a capitan (foreman) to your obra (job-site). Maestros ought to come recommended as, in my experience, there are many different levels of skill and talent, but they all will command a maestro’s rate of pay.

You should take the time to check out some past jobs that the core of your crew has done and speak to past clients of theirs – nothing you wouldn’t do if you were building in Canada.

Same with any subcontractors that you hire – make sure their workmanship is equal to what you have in mind.

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 51

building your dream home

I’ve often thought that once you complete your first project, as you have, you ought to get a badge or something” I brought to my job-site a considerable amount of experience, and a lot of solid equipment and tools: Items like a brand new 1/2 yard gas powered cement mixer, a powerful 220v table saw, and a full library of pneumatic tools among other items. Much of this equipment and tools the workers on the site had never seen, or not seen represented in equal quality, yet I still had issues with unequal rise on a stair set in concrete, openings that were too small and required much chipping to fit doors and windows, despite correct rough openings listed on the plans. You have to monitor everything. None of the crew that I had hired had ever built anything with proper building plans, and I could barely order a taco in Spanish without error when I began.

Your average Mexican does not have a lot of money and often, to them, a million dollar house is what they have, only bigger. One may consider this to be full of conceit, but with items like electrical and plumbing, one must ensure that, first, you have a very good plan that your subcontractor understands and they list all items.

Some diligence and deliberation in this instance will pay off. Even with this type of assiduousness, I experienced items missing, not, I believe maliciously, just missing.

Items like too few switches for lights, but all in all, my project turned out very good compared to some. I’m happy to report that all my switches operate what they were intended, and all of my receptacles work. My own experience with differing visions of end product resulted over what was termed a grey water system…

Often, in Mexico, there is no option to hook into a waste water system; options include black water going a septic system, and grey-water going to the garden.

“So, Alberto, included with all of this is a grey-water system, right?” I confirmed, looking over the plumbing & electrical quotation.

“Si, si, Dean, todos inclusivo!” I’ve seen these systems, or rather not seen them; I’ve stood in beautiful gardens where owners have proclaimed statements like, “Yeah, and all our grey-water is channeled into the garden as well”.

One can’t see the system, only the fact that it is contributing to watering the garden.

You don’t want this water sitting; you want it percolated deep in the soil for obvious reasons. I had no idea how a grey water system worked, and apparently, either did Alberto. Nearing completion of my project, I asked when the grey-water system was going in, and he exclaimed that it was in. My grey-water system consisted of a pipe sticking out of the side of the house from which all the sink, dishwasher, laundry, and showers flowed, andelé. My property is relatively steep creating drainage problems that a more level site would not suffer, and we solved the issue with five mini leachfields, but the point here is take nothing for granted!

52 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Mexico: a diverse country with something for everyone real estate | Lifestyle www.mexi-goproperties.com

Riviera Nayarit: Where timeless Mexican Authenticity and Charm meet 21st Century Luxury

H

ow do you preserve Mexico’s timeless authenticity and charm while building one of the country’s newest luxury vacation destinations? In the case of Riviera Nayarit, which hugs 192 miles of beaches and coastline on the Pacific Coast north of Puerto Vallarta, you do it by recognizing that the unique character and laid back personality that has been attracting visitors since the first surfers and artists arrived some fifty years ago can thrive happily alongside some of the most exclusive resort brand names and golf celebrities as well as outstanding vacation home real estate opportunities.

Top 10 destinations in the world to visit in 2010 “Hideaways International,” the best beach destination in Mexico by “Travel Weekly,” and one of the top five destinations in the world for second home purchase by “International Property Journal.

Since 2008, the public and private sectors in Mexico as well as international investors have poured millions into developing world-class tourism facilities and services in Riviera Nayarit, such as Four Seasons and St. Regis resorts and signature golf courses by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman and Arnold Palmer. In fact, readers of Conde Nast named Nicklaus’s new Pacifico Golf Course at the Four Seasons Punta Mita as the Number One course in the World. Punta Mita, the centerpiece of Nayarit’s luxury resort and real estate development, has quickly earned an international reputation as “the” place to be and be seen. “In fact, readers of Conde Nast named Nicklaus’s new Bahia golf course in Punta Mita as the Number One course in the World.”

Nevertheless, in addition to cosmopolitan luxury, this gem of a vacation destination is equally appealing for its charming independent boutique hotels, history dating back to the Aztec civilization, Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 53

unspoiled fishing villages, authentic “down home” Mexican cooking, quality deep sea fishing and surfing, and, of course, beautiful beaches – all the qualities that once made a grueling long drive down from California and beyond worth the trip.

In contrast, today Nayarit is easily reached by air from major gateways in North America, with service provided by Aero Mexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Transat, United Airlines, and US Airways. Puerto Vallarta International Airport is the nearest commercial airport to Nayarit only 10 minutes south of Nuevo Vallarta and 40 minutes from Punta Mita.

For more information on Riviera Nayarit visit: www.rivieranayarit.com www.tripadvisor.com http://puntamita.com www.bestofbucerias.com www.sayulitalife.com

But location is only one reason for Riviera Nayarit’s rapidly growing popularity and recognition, which includes being named one of the top 10 destinations in the world to visit in 2010 by “Hideaways International,” the best beach destination in Mexico by “Travel Weekly,” and one of the top five destinations in the world for second home purchase by “International Property Journal.”

Protected by the Sierra Madre Mountains and encompassing one of North America’s largest bays, Banderas, which is renowned for its extensive variety of water sports from diving and snorkeling to sailing and deep sea fishing, Riviera Nayarit offers an intoxicating mix of towns and villages, diverse natural environments, and plentiful recreational activities. Bucerias, for example, is a tiny fishing village that has become a hot spot for dining and shopping near the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, another fishing village, now features a new marina capable of accommodating the largest of oceangoing yachts. Punta Mita is known for its gated luxury resort and residential communities. The port city of San Blas, with 54 www.mexi-goproperties.com

its colonial history, excellent restaurants and many beaches, is famous for its extraordinary abundance of migratory birds and La Tovara National Park, a federally protected sanctuary for birds, crocodiles and turtles.

One of the real treasures of Nayarit is Sayulita, discovered by intrepid surfers in the 1960’s, that today is an art colony with a thriving expat community, beachfront restaurants and cafes and luxurious spas and private villas. With a decidedly bohemian feel, it entices residents and visitors alike with its collection of art galleries and stylish shops selling everything from high fashion to local art and handicrafts displayed by native Huichol Indians in the town’s central plaza.

With natural environments ranging from underwater worlds to rugged mountains, Riviera Nayarit is also nature lover’s paradise. An exceptional variety of wildlife includes everything from giant manta rays and humpback whales, to protected sea turtles, and rare migratory birds – 250 species – that draw expert ornithologists from around the world.

Among the most popular nature pursuits are whale watching on a catamaran and participation in sea turtle preservation efforts.

During the summer and fall months, it is possible to visit Grupo Ecológico de la Costa Verde’s marine turtle nursery, located in the San Francisco area of Riviera Nayarit. Indigenous to Mexican Pacific Coast, the Olive Ridley is one of the smallest species of sea turtle and the official mascot of Riviera Nayarit.

Diving and snorkeling in crystal clear aquamarine waters to get closer to colorful coral reefs and underwater species is another popular pursuit and Greenpeace has recently recognized Nayarit as “the only destination in Mexico offering timely

information on water quality at its beaches.� Sanctuaries for rare birds are located in Islas Marietas, a collection of small islands that are also home to rare coral reefs. In Las Caletas and Banderas Bay, visitors can even swim and interact with friendly seals while outdoor adventurers can explore the rich natural habitats of the forests and Sierra Madre Mountains.

For a change of pace, Riviera Nayarit’s cultural history dates back thousands of years, encompassing four ethnic traditions, including pre-Columbian cultures and the Huichols. Riviera Nayarit’s excellent preservation of its culture can be seen in the native Huichol tribe who have preserved their rich culture and ancient beliefs through their art. The Huichols are renowned for their beaded animal figures and elaborate yarn paintings containing symbols borne out of their culture and shamanistic traditions. Mexcaltitan is a small island of floating mangroves that is reputed to be the birthplace of the Aztecs.

Archeological sites with hundreds of petroglyphs and vestiges of ancient villages remain, still awaiting excavation to become accessible to visitors.

Whatever your interests, from championship golf and five-star dining to total escape from pressures of civilization back home, the diversity of vacation experiences in Riviera Nayarit will be irresistible. Come for a visit; you might just decide to make it home.

FOR SALE

Established restaurant & home in charming Sayulita, Nayarit

Well established restaurant with loyal clientele located in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Puerto Vallarta area. Recognized for its traditional fishing village charm and great surfing, Sayulita is only 35 minutes from the International Airport.

With over 75k annual income and 4,500 sq.ft of restaurant and living space, this is great opportunity to live your dream in Mexico!

Asking $1,000,000 usd

phone: (831) 333-1985 rolliescookin@yahoo.com www.move2sayulita.com/properties/AHRD.php

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TierraLuz

www.landinsayulita.com TierraLuz in Sayulita, Nayarit Solar Powered Ecological Community committed to living in harmony with the natural world using modern and ancient technologies.

Ocean View Lots from $50,000 usd Contact Fred Geisler fred_geisler@yahoo.com +1-360-474-4806

We are committed to living closer to the natural world… in harmony with nature and living more lightly on the earth using sustainable technologies.

Zihuatenejo, Guerrero “Zihua” is a traditional Mexican fishing village on the Pacific Ocean with beautiful beaches, great shopping and restaurants. IxtapaZihuatenejo International Airport is only 20 minutes from the Beach.

Residences Sotavento Playa la Ropa Beach New Sotavento cannot be overlooked!

Views from every room, 5 star finishings, fully furnished, whole ownership condominiums will be ready Summer 2012. Complex is located on the beach, with restaurants, spa, pool, health club, rental management program & more. Offered from: $432,000 R

Select Properties

Casa Sarah Patron Saint of Sea Gypsies Stunning views, 4,000 sf home overlooks “Zihua” Bay. Built to international standards in secure Cerro del Vigia development, just 15 minutes from town. Palapa vaulted ceiling, infinity pool, open Mexican concept, exquisite furnishings, and pizza oven too. Luxury living at it’s best! Offered at $998,000 CDN

Iain & Laurie MacDonell www.macdonells.com

56 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Hotel Villas Marimar Playa Madera Beach Well established 18 bedrooms and 26 bathroom Beachfront Hotel between Playa la Ropa and “Zihua” town, on Playa Madera Beach. Pool, Gardens, Restaurant, Parking, AC and Internet, financials available.

Owner relocating.Offered at $2,600,000 US

Iain 604.328.3929 Laurie 604.313.2025 250-4255 Arbutus Street, Vancouver BC Not intended to solicit listings already under agreement.

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT RETIREMENT LIFESTYLE Mexico offers so much value, culture, lifestyle and friendship to Canadians of all ages. We tell the stories of the 100’s of thousands of Canadians who have found success in Mexico, we bring you information on traveling, living in and investing in Mexico. From real estate how-to’s to great shopping tips we bring you the real Mexico. Go ahead - live your dream.

Visit us at www.mexi-goproperties.com and at www.blog.mexi-goproperties.com to learn more!

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UPCOMING ISSUES FALL ISSUE | October 2011 Join us as we explore the beach destinations across Mexico.

From the hot spots to the secret spots and the next big thing in beachfront retirement!

WINTER ISSUE | February 2012 Recover from the overindulgence of the holidays with our features on the natural beauty of Mexico, giving back to Mexico and living a better lifestyle.

If you are interested in receiving a digital copy of the magazine - send us an email at magazine@mexi-goproperties.com and we’ll be sure to add you to our list.

ADVERTISERS and real estate professionals Mexi-Go! Magazine is produced quarterly and distributed across Western Canada. We offer information that promotes Mexico and informs Canadians who are considering Mexico as a destination in their future. Whether they are investing, retiring or just travelling, we help Canadians make educated decisions on how and where to spend their time in this amazing country. If you’d like to promote your products or services to a qualified Canadian market. Give us a call we’d be happy to help. info@mexi-goproperties.com In Canada & USA 1-888-798-MEXI

In Mexico 01-800-681-9232

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 57

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Mexican real estate for Canadian buyers

Ajijic Central Mexico

Ajijic Central Mexico Villa johnson Ajijic Village

$1,200,000 usd 4 bed | 4 bath | 8000sf

Grand “Colonial Home� in the heart of the village. Wonderful home for family & entertaining friends. Main house plus 3 guest houses. Spacious landscaped gardens, decorator details. Luxury finishing. Huge covered terrace & pool, mature gardens. Walking distance to all amenities.

Casa butler La Canacinta West Ajijic

$329,000 3 bed | 2 bath | 3626sf

Mexican country retreat Santa Fe style with rich Mexican colors and beautiful murals. All rooms flow to the solar heated large pool surrounded

by Cantera stone deck. Very large upper terrace for entertaining with tiled counter, sink and cabinets. Views to lake and mountains. Unique property with the flavor of old Mexico.

For more information and To see more photos: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

For more information and To see more photos: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

www.a jijic villa ge home s.com AJ IJ IC CEN TRAL MEXIC O TRUDIE NELSON Your Canadian Realtor Ajijic Central Mexico Villa mirador Ajijic La Floresta

Guest floor with kitchen. Tropical landscaping is easy to maintain.

For more information and To see more photos: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

Ajijic Central Mexico

Affordable and safe

t rud ie a nne ne lson@ ya hoo .ca www.e a ge rre a lt y.c om

Ajijic Central Mexico

Hacienda San Antonio

$499,000 3 bed | 3 bath | 5000sf

Romantic Colonial Home. Perfect for entertaining with a welcoming foyer, and a view thru to grand dining room. French doors open both sides of the home to gardens. Large professional kitchen and for added privacy a guest cottage. Lush mature gardens. Quiet neighborhood with wonderful family homes and a convenient walk to shopping location.

For more information and To see more photos: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

58 www.mexi-goproperties.com

Experience a new culture

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.

Ajijic San Antonio

Retire to Lake Chapala

$750,000 usd

Villa el toro Ajijic, La Floresta

$525,000 3 bed | 3 bath | 4455sf

This gorgeous modern home is situated just above Cabo San Lucas with uninterrupted west facing views of the Los Arcos and the Pacific Ocean beyond. With 5 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms this dream home could easily become a B&B or a place for family retreats. 3 generous decks including a spectacular roof top deck with open fire. Pool and hot tub, mature gardens, separate casita and lots of parking.

For more information and To see more photos: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

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Artfully uniting extraordinary homes with extraordinary lives

CASA HAMSAYEG

Manzanillo, Colima, Mexico

HACIENDA CASA LAS PALMAS

Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico

The Hamsayeg is an elegant, luxurious Moroccan style home located in the exclusive condominium La Punta, in Manzanillo, Mexico.

Bedrooms are located below the Central Patio around the house. They are separated into six private Bungalows or Suites, each with its own terrace facing the ocean. The Hamsayeg has a distinctive style which is emphasized in the characteristic Moorish dĂŠcor of the walls, detailed carved wood and other typically Moroccan features and finishes, mostly imported from India and Spain.

This magnificent Spanish Colonial Hacienda is located on the Tequila corridor. Remarkably, it has been fully restored to its former glory. The Hacienda is 12.5 miles from Guadalajara city. The construction is from the nineteenth century, in perfect condition, two stories. The main house has 10 bedrooms, each with their own en-suite bathrooms, game hall, office, chapel, grand terrace, 10 car garage, small house for employees, warehouses, fruit tree orchard, pool area with dressing room and a deep water well reserve.

US$4,900,000

US$2,500,000

Contact: gdlinfo@sirmexico.com US+ (866) 444-8403 +52 (33) 36276437

Contact: gdlinfo@sirmexico.com US+ (866) 444-8403 +52 (33) 36276437

LAS GARDENIAS

San Jose del Cabo, BCS, Mexico

PLAYA DE LA PAZ

La Paz, BCS, Mexico

The 2-3 bedroom villa-styled condominium homes at Las Gardenias take full advantage of a location that offers breathtaking views of the emerald green golf course, the sparkling Sea of Cortez and the picturesque Baja landscape.

Located adjacent to the eleventh fairway of the Robert Trent Jones II designed golf course, you will not find a more completely awe-inspiring setting for vacation, retirement or investment.

Singular Private Residences for a discriminating few. Positioned mere meters from the aqua waters of Bahia La Paz, Playa de La Paz Private Residences accord new meaning to the paradise lifestyle. Each 1 to 4 bedroom residence holds superb and plentiful details, unparalleled attention to truly grand waterside living, and the ultimate luxury of space, inside and out.

Where balance and passion dwell.

From US$389,000

Priced from US$1,056,000

Contact: lcinfo@sirmexico.com

Contact: lcinfo@sirmexico.com

US+ 205-277-6454

US+ 205-277-6454 +52 (624) 172-6555

+52 (624) 172-6555

PENTHOUSE IXTAPA IN LAHIA OCEAN LAGUNA RESIDENCES AND SPA

VILLA PALMAS

Cancun, Quintana Roo, Mexico

This unusual property includes 82 feet of beachfront, 30,805 sq. ft. of land and 4,002 sq. ft. of construction, a charming beach house decorated in a rustic Mexican style. Villa Palmas has an outdoor swimming pool with one of the best views of the beach in the area. The house has one bedroom on the first floor and two spacious master bedrooms with a shared balcony on the second floor, plus another four bathrooms.

Gorgeous, luxurious development built with the highest standards. The two levels condominium has three bedrooms, four baths, and unusual 3.25 meter high ceilings. In addition, it has a spacious family room on the first floor with glass doors. When the doors are open, the room is a fabulous space that integrates the family room with the outdoor terrace and the Jacuzzi.

US$1,450,000

Tulum, Quintana Roo, Mexico

US$2,500,000 Contact: rminfo@sirmexico.com

Contact: rminfo@sirmexico.com

US+ (866) 386-5356 +52 (984) 803 3026

US+ (866) 386-5356 +52 (984) 803 3026

si r me x i co .com

|

in f o@sirmexico.com

Each Office is I nd ep end ent ly O wned and O p erat ed

Mexi-Go! Summer 2011 59

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

Mexican real estate for Canadian buyers

ROMANTIC HACIENDA SAN ANDRES

MOST SOUGHT AFTER LOCATION ÂĄLAS SALVIAS! Casa ColibrĂ­

$639,000

HACIENDA SAN ANDRES

$899,000

Ajijic Village

Ajijic

Prestigious Elegant, Colonial style; completed Dec. 07. Main entrance foyer leads to open concept living room, dining room with Cantera stone fireplace. Granite throughout; top of the lines appliances. Master bed features fireplace and spacious ensuite. Spectacular terraces, boast magnificent views of Lake Chapala. Plenty of outside living space to make your life in Ajijic fabulous. Enjoy the heated pool and hand carved fountain surrounded by the lush mature gardens.

EMAIL Ricardo Navarrete at: ajijicricardo@yahoo.com.mx

Spectacular family estate in the heart of the village. Quiet walled compound includes main house with 2 guest houses. Grand foyer with view to gardens and huge pool. Spacious with colonial details. Mezzanine, dining room flows out to a covered terrace. High ceilings & II fireplaces throughout with 7 bedrooms, with ensuites, 14 baths all charming hand glazed mexican tiles.

Prime location for luxury boutique hotel/spa, restaurant, or a great family compound. email Ricardo Navarrete at: ajijicricardo@yahoo.com.mx

QUAINT AND COMFORTABLE IN THE VILLAGE

UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE CAsa Friesen

$599,000 usd

Ajijic Suites

$389,000

San Juan de las Colinas ,Ajijic

Ajijic

One of a kind home with spectacular views of village, Lake & Mountains.

Open floor plan with a top of the line dream kitchen & walk-in pantry. Living room/dining room open onto a covered terrace with fully-equipped kitchen & infinity pool. Excellent flow for entertainment. Upstairs is the owners suite, with large den, laundry room & covered terrace with wet bar. The views are unbelievable! Bonus charming one bedroom casita. This marvelous home & casita are fully furnished.

This one of a kind income producing property. In a central location with easy access to all the wonderful amenities that village life offers. Totally furnished in the most charming Mexican style, Mexican tiles and Mexican colors. With a total of ten bedrooms, two of them independent from the main building, with private access from the street. The eight suites with bath and kitchen area located around a lovely courtyard complete with fountain and terrace.

This is truly a one of a kind opportunity to run your dream little hotel.

email Ricardo Navarrete at: ajijicricardo@yahoo.com.mx

email Ricardo Navarrete at: ajijicricardo@yahoo.com.mx

Gardeners Dream Home

LUXURY NEW HOME PRIVATE SECURE

CASA DOS ALMAS

$599,000

Villa MIRADOR

$750,000

Rancho del Oro ,Ajijic

Ajijic

Quiet, tranquil just northwest of the village 5 bed 5.5 bath. Unfurnished.

Enter private drive pass separate staff quarters. Open front door to spectacular view of lake; fountain & your own garden paradise. Main floor living room open plan spacious flow thru pocket doors to terrace. Master suite, den & office separate dining room & kitchen with breakfast room & pantry down to two guest suites flows out to pool, gazebo outdoor kitchen for entertaining pool side. Live outdoors! Move in ready. 2 car garage.

Designed for the indoor outdoor lifestyle this elegant home features classic details and huge sky lights with light filled rooms. A walled garden with a huge pool, waterfall, outdoor kitchen and BBQ all make for easy entertaining. 3 bed, 3 1/2 bath. Giant master suite with private den and the 2nd floor for guests with their own galley kitchen. Tropical landscaping lends for a low maintenance lifestyle. email Ricardo Navarrete at: ajijicricardo@yahoo.com.mx

email Ricardo Navarrete at: ajijicricardo@yahoo.com.mx

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One of the most intriguing aspects of Mexico is the mystery that you never know what could be behind the doors or past the walls.