Local
If change is the only constant For the last week, usually did not include the first three days, as traffic got heavy with all the motorcades of surely very important people being escorted to and fro the airport, the convention center and hotels. They made me feel as if I were in Davos, except for the heat and the fact that I was not being escorted! All these delays and blockades gave me extra time to start thinking about the changes that Puerto Vallarta has undergone since I met her ten years ago.
Puerto Vallarta has recently been host to a couple of important events at world level, the Tianguis Turístico in the last week of March, and the World Economic Forum on Latin America just last week. Having lived in this beautiful town for the last quarter of my life or so, I couldn’t but marvel of how
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much we have changed since I got here (those who have dwelled here longer than I sure have marveled more, though). For work and family reasons, I have to commute between Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta twice a day and the drive is usually quick and easy.
April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
When I first got here it has just been named “The Friendliest City in the World” and everybody boosted about “how we have managed to keep the pueblito spirit and alive and kicking”. Well, people are still as friendly and nice as only we can be, but the pueblito feeling has faded quite a bit. At least, during the summit, I couldn’t perceive it.
And this got me into more thinking: How are we Mexican and expat locals dealing with our being a cosmopolitan metropolis now? How much are tourists that come to Vallarta enjoying these changes? How do we balance the benefits of our new status with the drawbacks it carries along? How are our local authorities managing this balance? (They are managing it, right?) If change is the only constant, how constant do we have to be in the near and mediate future? Adaptation might be the only answer, and we have proved to be adept at adapting in Puerto Vallarta. So, for now, let’s keep enjoying the paradise we live in, working with our characteristic push and drive; let’s continue welcoming our visitors and seducing them to return, even maybe as residents. It is on us if the changes to come are good ones, and I am sure they will be.
Local
The compass changes direction at Banxico · The central bank discussed in the past monthly review the possibility of a lowering of the monetary policy interest rate even though inflation remains far above the bank’s 3% target. · That prospect clashes with market expectations that the bank’s next move will involve a rate hike. According to the minutes of the past meeting of Banco de México’s board of governors, held March 15, two of five board members said that an extension of current economic growth and inflation conditions posed the possibility of a lowering of the bank reference rate, which has long been left at 4.50%. The market was surprised by such talk not only because it signaled an abrupt shift in bank opinion, but also because most economic analysts surveyed expected the first more in the central bank rate would involve a hike rather than a cut, albeit sometime early next year. As we have commented in the past, favorable inflation results for February and the first half of March led the bank to grow more dovish on the inflation outlook, which led us to speculate about the odds of an interest rate reduction, above all when we recall that economic growth at the end of 2011 did not look entirely promising.
The combination of an improving inflation outlook with economic weakness pointed to the prospect of a relaxation of monetary policy. However, that perspective changed abruptly in the face of strong industrial output results for January (+4.2%, up
from the 3.4% average growth of the previous six months), and expectations of a similarly robust report for February. Some officials at the central bank have grown more bullish about the economic growth outlook as evidenced by the last bank statement’s affirmation that the balance of risks had improved with regard to both economic growth and inflation. It was further reinforced by assurances made by the head of the central bank, in the presence of the minister of finance, that GDP growth
An Amazing Beautiful Home on the Rio Cuale $995, 000 USD This is a one of a kind house, just to start has 6 bedrooms and 6 ½ bathrooms. The Kitchen features a 7 meter tall Beautiful Mosaic, granite counters and hardwood cabinets. The swimming pool has a beautiful fountain and surrounded by a large terrace. The house is only a few blocks from the beach and is located next to the Rio Cuale. There is inside Parking. A great Opportunity for a new start in Puerto Vallarta! Laurie Pedelaborde Office 22 22 604 Cell 044 322 107 5545
April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
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Local could be at the high end of the forecast range (4.0%), even as the market consensus continues to anticipate less robust growth on the order of 3.3% during the current year and 3.45% in 2013 (according to the latest Banamex survey released the previous week). This shift in outlook appears somewhat abrupt, especially considering that during the previously monthly review of monetary policy (January 20), the bank warned that the economic-growth balance of risks had further deteriorated since the previous policy assessment at the same time as the balance of inflation risks had remained in neutral. This combination of declining inflation and a stronger economic growth outlook do not necessarily favor the idea of a cut in the monetary policy interest rate, as discussed in the banks last policy review, especially if we consider the narrowing of the output gap could lead to an overheating of the economy. In that sense, it isn’t the same to expect an improving economic scenario when there is a wide output gap than when one determines that the gap has narrowed so much as to have almost closed, a situation in which the bank would be wise to tread lightly given the threat of an overheating of the economy. The benign inflation data contained in recent bi-weekly reports has favored a lowering of year-end inflation
The paper used in this publication is ecology friendly
April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
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estimates, but we should keep in mind that the positive tenor of those reports were largely the result of falling prices for some widely consumed fruits and vegetables, but not only as a correction of the uptrend of a year earlier but also as an overreaction to price adjustments so we should not be surprised by an upward adjustment in the coming months. In this regard we should mention that tomato prices, for example, fell to one of their lowest levels in the past ten years during February (they were only lower in February 2009). Lastly, while inflation performance has improved over the course of the first months of the year, on a 12 month basis the headline rate remains well above the official 3.0% target (the CPI closed February at 3.87%), so a cut in the monetary policy interest rate could only be explained by a desire to stimulate economic growth, something that would fly in the face of the bank’s insistence that the balance of risks has improved in the case of this latter variable. In conclusion, it sounds premature for the central bank to change its outlook on Mexican economic growth and even more so with regard to the possibility of lowering the monetary policy interest rate, especially if the latent risk is one of overheating.
Our Home is Your Home Welcome to Puerto Vallarta. A warm welcome to each and every one you, visiting our secret little paradise.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS FIRE DEPARTMENT: 060 - (322) 223 94 76 & 78 TOURISM (322) 222 0242 or 01 800 446 3942
Starting with our representative at Gustavo Diaz Ordáz International Airport, who presented you with this complimentary copy of the Vallarta Tribune, we wish you an unforgettable stay and many wonderful experiences. We hope the Tribune will provide you with useful tips making your vacation more enjoyable.
David Rojo Jesús Manuel Díaz Zurita DIRECTOR Alonso Verde ADVERTISING MANAGER alonso.verde@tribunadelabahia.com.mx
HARBOR MASTER: (322) 224 1000, 224 0427 ENVIROMENTAL EMERGENCY CENTER (COETEA) 01 800 710 49 43 FEDERAL COMMISSION ELECTRICITY (CFE) 071 - (322) 225 5555 CANADIAN CONSULATE (322) 293 00 98 & 99 AMERICAN CONSULATE (322) 222 0069 & (33) 3268 21 45 RED CROSS * 060 EMERGENCY * 060 and 066 IMMIGRATION * (322) 221 13 80 FEDERAL POLICE
No matter where you may be visiting from, Canada, the U.S., another part of Mexico or perhaps even Europe, Nuestra Casa es tu Casa, Our Home is your Home, Bienvenidos!
Letters to the Editor editor@vallartatribune.org DESIGNER Cynthia Estela Andrade Gtz. cisandra@vallartatribune.com
We look forward to receiving your comments, should you wish to share your experience with us, please feel free to do so, send your story to editor@ vallartatribune.org
www.vallartatribune.com Weekly publication edited, printed and distributed by Ediciones y Publicaciones Siete Junio, SA de CV Grupo Editorial Tribuna Calle 21 de Marzo # 1174 Col. Lomas del Coapinole Del. El Pitillal, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco México CP 48290 Tel. (322) 226-0829, 226-0800 Questions about Distribution: ventastribuna7@yahoo.com
Have a great time, the City of Puerto Vallarta hopes to see you again soon!
Vallarta Tribune is an activity and entertainment guide and merely publishes information as it is provided by the advertiser or event host.
(322) 290 0658 & 64
BUCERIAS POLICE (329) 298 1020 FIRE DEPARTMENT (322) 113 3325 / 55 PROFECO * 01 800 468 8722 MUNICIPAL CIVIL PROTECTION (322) 224 77 01 PUBLIC SECURITY 066 & (322) 290 0507 SEAPAL VALLARTA (322) 226 9191 RADIO TAXI * 299 37 06 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT OF PVR (322) 221 1298 * (322) 221-1325 (322) 221-1537 A I R L I N E S: AEROMEXICO Plaza Genovesa Shopping Ctr Loc 2 & 3 224-2777 MEXICANA Villa Vallarta Shopping Ctr Local G-18 224-8900 AIR CANADA Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 01 (800) 719-2827 ALASKA AIRLINES Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 221-1350
We do not assume responsibility in errors or omissions other than to correct them as soon as they are made known to us regarding event schedules, locations and/or prices. In addition, we do not assume any responsibility for erroneous inclusion or exclusion of information except to take reasonable care to ensure accuracy, that permission has been obtained to use it, and to remove it as soon as is practical upon receiving your notification of error.
CONTINENTAL AIRLINES Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 221-1025
We recommend you always confirm prior to attending or visiting an event or establishment.
UNITED AIRLINES 221-3264
DELTA AIRLINES Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 221-1032 AEROTRON Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 221-1921 AEROMAR Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 221-0815 AMERICA WEST Gustavo Diaz Ordaz Int Airport 221-1333
GUSTAVO DIAZ ORDAZ INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT Management Office Line 221-1325
Editor.
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April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
Culture
Galleries in Puerto Vallarta Dante
Here you will find twentysomething places devoted to the promotion and exhibition of visual arts; among the ones I recommend are Dante, the gallery with the largest exhibition area in Vallarta, with 150 artists, half of which are sculptors. On the same Basilio Badillo street Ecclectic Art of Patty Gallardo is worth visiting too. Galería Uno
Art and culture in their different forms are some of the attractions that Puerto Vallarta has to offer to its visitors, as well as to all of us who, by chance or by conviction, are fortunate enough to live in this magnificent corner of the Mexican Pacific.
bay. In Puerto Vallarta there are two main gallery districts: the first one, nestled in Old Town, around the Malecon, the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe and the Main Plaza, developed around Galería Uno, founded in 1971 at the corner of Morelos and Corona streets, where it works to date.
During the last three decades, Puerto Vallarta has consolidated as one of the most relevant and dynamic seats in the country for production and promotion of visual arts.
In this neighborhood you can find thirty or so art houses and galleries, seven of which take part in the traditional Art Walk celebrated every week on Wednesdays.
This phenomenon has brought as a consequence the interest of painters, sculptors, photographers and potters to be present and participate actively through their artistic production in the vigorous local art market. The number of galleries and art houses settled in Puerto Vallarta has grown exponentially since then, and it has spread all throughout the
Sánchez and Leona Vicario are also recommended stops. The other gallery district, where the South Side Shuffle takes place, is on the south of the Cuale River, right in the Romantic Zone.
On Venustiano Carranza street, The Genius of Paco Studio & Gallery exhibits the largest collection of local artists such as Javier Niño, Ramón Barragán, Ada Colorina and Manuel Lepe, with additional inventory of contemporary art and select pieces for collectors.
If you decide to visit this district, I recommend you stop by Galería Pacífico, the second oldest in Vallarta and with an interesting inventory of contemporary art. Mi Casa and Galería Sheol on Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, and Galerie des Artistes, Omar Alonso y Thierry Blouet Fine Art Collection, representing Marta Gilbert, at the corner of Jose Guadalupe
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Vallarta’s Guide
PUERTO
GUIDE
VALLARTA
w w w. v a l l a r t a t r i b u n e . c o m
Facts about Puerto Vallarta! Area 1,300 sq. kilometers.
Population Approx. 375,000 inhabitants.
Climate Tropical, humid, with an average of 300 sunny days per year. The temperature averages 28°C (82°F) and the rainy season extends from late June to early October.
Fauna Nearby Sierra Vallejo hosts a great variety of animal species such as iguana, guacamaya, deer, raccoon, etc.
Sanctuaries Bahía de Banderas encloses two Marine National Parks - Los Arcos and the Marieta Islands - where diving is allowed under certain circumstances but fishing of any kind is prohibited. Every year, the Bay receives the visit of the humpback whales, dolphins and manta rays in the winter. During the summer, sea turtles, a protected species, arrive to its shores to lay their eggs.
Time Zone The entire State of Jalisco is on Central Time, as is the southern part of the State of Nayarit - from San Blas in the north through to the Ameca River, i.e.: San Blas, San Pancho, Sayulita, Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Bucerías, Nuevo Vallarta, etc.)
Currency The Mexican Peso is the legal currency in Mexico although Canadian and American dollars are widely accepted. 6
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Money Exchange (Caja or casa de cambio). Better yet, if you have a «bank card», withdraw funds from your account back home. Try to avoid exchanging money at your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the worst rates.
Economy Local economy is based mainly on tourism, construction and to a lesser degree, on agriculture, mainly tropical fruit such as mango, papaya, watermelon, pineapple, guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas.
Buses A system of urban buses with different routes. Current fare is $6.50 Pesos per ticket and passengers must purchase a new ticket every time they board another bus. There are no “transfers”.
Taxis There are set rates within defined zones of the town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with the driver FIRST. If you are staying at a hotel, you may want to check the rates usually posted in the lobby. Also, if you know which restaurant you want to go, do not let the driver change your mind. Many restaurateurs pay commissions to taxi drivers and you may end up paying more than you should, in a second-rate establishment! There are 2 kinds of taxi cabs: those at the airport and the maritime port are usually vans that can only be boarded there. They have pre-fixed rates per passenger. City cabs are yellow cars that charge by the ride, not by passenger.
When you ask to go downtown, many drivers let you off at the beginning of the area, near Hidalgo Park. However, your fare covers the ENTIRE central area, so why walk 10 to 15 blocks to the main plaza, the Church or the flea market? Pick up a free map, and insist on your full value from the driver! Note the number of your taxi in case of any problem, or if you forget something in the cab. Then your hotel or travel rep can help you check it out or lodge a complaint.
Telephone Calls Always check on the cost of long distance calls from your hotel room. Some establishments charge as much as U.S. $7.00 per minute!
Cell Phones Most cellular phones from the U.S. and Canada may be programmed for local use, through Telcel and IUSAcell, the local carriers. To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322, then the seven digit number of the person you’re calling. Omit the prefix if dialing a land line.
Local Customs Tipping is usually 10%-15% of the bill at restaurants and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters, maids, etc. depending on the service. Taking a siesta is a Mexican tradition. Some businesses and offices close from2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or later. In restaurants, it is considered poor manners to present the check before it is requested, so when you’re ready to leave, ask for «La cuenta, por favor» and your bill will be delivered to you.
April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
If you’ve been eaning to find a little information on the region, but ever quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help. Look at the map in this issue, you will note that PV (as the locals call it) is on the west coast of Mexico, in the middle of the Bay of Banderas, the largest bay in this country, that includes southern part of the state of Nayarit to the north and the northern part of Jalisco to the south. Thanks to its privileged location -sheltered by the Sierra Madre mountains- the Bay is well protected against the hurricanes spawned in the Pacific. Hurricane Kenna came close on October 25, 2002, but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 miles north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands, thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.
What to do Even if your all-inclusive hotel is everything you ever dreamed of, you should experience at least a little of all that Vallarta has to offer - it is truly a condensed version of all that is Mexican and existed before «Planned Tourist Resorts», such as Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, were developed. Millions have been spent to ensure that the original “small town” flavor is maintained downtown, in the Old Town and on the South Side.
Local sightseeing A good beginning would be to take one of the City Tours offered by the local tour agencies. Before boarding, make sure you have a map and take note of the places you want to return to. Then venture off the beaten path. Explore a little.
Drinking water The false belief that a Mexican vacation must inevitably lead to an encounter with Moctezuma’s revenge is just that: false. For the 20th year in a row, Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for human consumption. It is one of only two cities in Mexico that can boast of such accomplishment. True, the quality of the water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. On the other hand, most large hotels have their own purification equipment and most restaurants use purified water. If you want to be doubly sure, you can pick up purified bottled water just about anywhere.
Exporting pets Canadian and American tourists often fall in love with one of the many stray dogs and cats in Vallarta. Many would like to bring it back with them, but believe that the laws do not allow them to do so. Wrong. If you would like to bring a cat or a dog back home, call the local animal shelter for more info: 293-3690.
Sales Tax Refund Tax Free Shopping Enjoy the pleasure of shopping in México!! If your purchases were over $1,200 pesos per store, you can claim for your IVA (Value Added Tax) tax refund. It is easy and it takes only a few minutes!! Upper level of Puerto Vallarta International Airport Hours Every day from 9am to 8pm You will need your: Passport Boarding pass or itinerary Receipts or invoice of your merchandise. **You can get refunds for your receipts for up to 6 months**
Vallarta’s Guide
Things to do!
Music Live Every Thursday & Sunday PV Municipal Music Band Plaza de Armas | 6:00 pm. Cover/Entrance: FREE
Folkloric
Los Mercados Market Place Aquiles Serdan 265
Mikey’s
K’Rico Pastries - Coffees Pastries, Coffees, Cakes & More! Satisfy your sweet tooth with our delicious fullsized cakes and individual desserts: croissants, tarts and cakes. Plus get your favorite smoothies and espresso drinks. Ph. 322-222-3076
Every Saturday Dancers of the Bahía de Banderas at the Main Plaza El Pitillal. Every Sunday At the Plaza de Armas Los Arcos 7:00 pm. Cover-Entrance: FREE
Gourmet meals. Fine Foods & Delicatessen. Offering fully prepared foods, meals and quality meats cut to order. You’ll find homemade sausages and bacon with a wonderful selection of breads and gourmet cheeses. Plus everything that you would expect from a fine deli: salads and deli meats, including homemade pastrami, roast beef and turkey. Gourmet meals without the headache! Ph. 322 223 0588.
Auditorio Centro Cultural
Danza
Cork + Bottle
www.culturavallarta ayuntamiento.blogspot.com
Every Monday / Tueday / Friday Pre-Hispanic Dance Hidalgo Park 7:00 pm. Cover-Entrance: FREE
Fine Wines & Sprits. A knowledgeable bilingual staff is ready to assist you in selecting just the right bottle of wine or spirit. Or relax with a glass of wine in the patio! Wine tastings are also being offered. Ph. 322-222-2806
Every Friday Grupo Folclórico Xiutla Lázaro Cárdenas Park 7:30 pm Cover-Entrance: FREE
Popular Dance
Don Fresco Fresh produce. A wide variety of the freshest fruits and vegetables brought in daily. Ph. 322-223-5482
Golf Yoga
El Tigre
Davannaya Yoga Studio 542 Matamoros, (on the hill above the church) Centro Mulit level classes, cultural center, kirtan, teacher training, yoga for kids. Inspired and certified teachers, beautiful space www.davannayoga.com
18 Holes. Golf Course Opened in March of 2002, the El Tigre is one of the most challenging in the family of excellent golf courses in Riviera Nayarit. This course weighs in at 72,7239 yards and par 72 and was created by designer Robert Von Hagge. An absolute must for golfers visiting Riviera Nayarit. Paseo Paraiso 800 Ph. [322] 227 0773 www.eltigregolf.com
Body and Sol Vallarta Wellness. Hatha yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy, wellness center with organic foods and gardens, cooking classes, private classes and Villa services. Alameda 592 Col.Coapinole, Tel. 222 1015 www.bodyandsolvallarta.com Yoga Vallarta Basilio Badillo 325 3rd floor Complete schedule of multi level Yoga classes, Zumba. www.yogavallarta.com
Flamingos 18 Holes. Golf Course The course today is fully mature and unlike any other in Riviera Nayarit making it one of the most popular due to its beautiful rolling hill terrain, lush tropical forest and natural lagoons and mangroves. www.flamingosgolf.com.mx
Cuale Every Sunday September 2011 8 pm Donations $ 80 pesos
Spectator School
presents “For them the bottles,”
directed by Edgar Trevino Cuale Cultural Center Auditorium
Friday and Saturday
of September 50 pesos donation 8pm
Marina Vallarta 18 Holes. Golf Course It is a marvelous mix of typical tropical ambience of the Pacific coast with views of the Sierra Madre and Banderas Bay. Its spectacular hacienda style clubhouse is located just a few minutes from the most important hotels in Puerto Vallarta. Marina Vallarta Golf Club, each year hosts the International Pro AM; one of the largest Pro Am in the world each December. Paseo de la Marina 430 Ph. 221-0073 www.marinavallartagolf.com
Punta Mita Pacific Two 18-Hole. Golf Course Punta Mita Pacífico course was opened in September of 1999 and plays out at par 72 and 7,014 yards of the most breathtaking golf course in Mexico (possibly in the world). A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course that offer extraordinary ocean views and world-play Punta Mita, Nayarit Mexico Ph. (329)-291-6000 www.fourseasons.com/ puntamita/golf/
Litibu 18 Holes. Golf Course Designed by the legendary golf player Greg Norman, Litibu Golf Course opened in early 2010 hosting the International Canadian Golf Tour Tournament. The unique feature of this par 72, 7,022 yard course is that it was built over a surface of 68.48 hectares, where 7 holes are a “link” style, 8 others are surrounded by virgin jungles, and the last 3 are run along the Pacific Ocean. Carr. Punta de Mita, Km 2 Bahia de Banderas Nayarit, Nayarit 63734 Ph. (329)-298-4091
La Vista Golf Club Vista Vallarta & Marina Vta. Two 18-hole, Par-72 championship golf courses: the first is a Signature Golf Course Design by golf legend Jack Nicklaus, and the neighboring course is a Signature Course Design by golf great Tom Weiskopf. Circuito Universidad # 653 Puerto Vallarta, Ph. (322)-290 0030 or 290 0040 www.vistavallartagolf.com April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
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Local
Puerto Vallarta improves its hotel offer and infrastructure
Puerto Vallarta has now an installed capacity of 20,748 hotel rooms, 10,700 of which are 4and 5-star rated. This year has witnessed the opening of three high-class new resorts in town. You can add to these figures the 139 cruise arrivals projected for this year to get a glimpse of the quality and quantity of tourism our town is handling now.
Presidential campaigns visited Puerto Vallarta last week.
Taxisafe working in Vallarta now. The website www.taxisafepv. com was recently launched as an effort to make the town safer for visitors and locals alike while using a taxi. The website states “This site is only for Puerto Vallarta tourists to report crimes by police or taxi drivers for internal investigation. This is not a formal criminal complaint but will be invaluable to the authorities. TaxiSafe cannot accept any other types of crime reports.”
Puerto Vallarta received the visit of both Josefina Vásquez Mota, the presidential candidate of the ruling party PAN, and Enrique Peña Nieto, of PRI on Tuesday. Besides their respective proselitists acts, both candidates took part in the Economic World Forum on Latin America. On Monday, Gabriel Quadri of the small Nueva Alianza was also in Puerto Vallarta, although with less shine. 8
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April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
Although in its initial stages, this will undoubtedly be a useful tool for everyone to keep Puerto Vallarta as one of the safest tourist spots in Mexico and the world. Besides the official city bodies, the TaxiSafe program is supported by the Old Town Business Association and the Amapas Neighborhood Association.
Food
Mexican cuisine, changed and forgotten in the last 30 years By: Julian Gonzalez Cruz Mom, what are the chimicuiles and escamoles? ... That is a question that any child of this age would have and I don´t see this as a bad question but as a loss of our gastronomic institution. We have changed so much that is difficult to discern between what is Culinary Mexico and Mexico a culinary destination... Culinary Chefs have settled in the country for several years and all of different nationalities and different customs leaving the “creators of Mexican cuisine” little room to compete, mainly for the cooking techniques they possess... of course! our kitchen is full of flavors and scents that few countries have in their repertoire but like any sport or musical instrument, if we stop practicing or exercising it, the muscles will atrophy and lose that ability to perform...so we will lose our ability to develop our kitchen
cuisines and other trends; we began to experiment with new cuisines, ingredients, techniques, flavors, smells and presentations and we lost our way. Now we have Mexican dishes that seem more out of a comic strip than of our traditional kitchens in clay, “comales” and mortars where our “Nanas” spent the day grinding spices, “toreando” hot peppers, “tatemando” vegetables, “torteando” masa-harina, among and to spread it to the world; that other Mexican ancient words and is how we gradually lost the entity doings. that defined us as one of the best cuisines in the world full of flavors, All changes must be received colors, textures and aromas. with open arms while keeping our What happened? Where we stray from the path? ... The answer lies in one word: globalization. Not defined as a negative action, on the contrary! It is a positive change for the world, but if it isn´t bad, then what happened? ... The answer lies in us; we opened ourselves to other
culture and trends without changing to the point of not recognizing a delicate Mexican food item from a quick meal. We lost a taste for our pre-Hispanic cuisine and now it is just something we find in History books and in the talks on the table of our elders as they remember the combination of those magnificent flavors. A clear example is that we can see on TV the dishes of a distant country like roasted scorpions, grilled centipedes, caramelized spiders; among others and I will go no further on the list for respect to the readers.
us leave for a while the cuisines of the world that delight us and let´s leave our children a legacy ... something greater than money and any physical item ... let´s inherit them an Identity of which they can be proud and let’s remind them that Mexico has to be enjoyed one dish at a time. Julian Gonzalez Cruz: Passionate artist chef specialized in Mexican Food. Currently in PV, he has worked all over Mexico.
But yet I wonder: where were our escamoles (ant eggs compared to caviar with a sweeter flavor), chitacanas (water ants), grasshoppers, maguey worm, jumiles among others. All were forgotten over time as an old building whose splendor no longer serves right but rather just be a photo or a memory from a trip. Mexico, land of flavors and textures... you’re not lost! There are chefs whose passion and dedication and love for you have decided to take the books from our “Nanas” and put them to use... rescuing the gastronomic identity that defined us and that we pride (and no, Hot peppers are non-Mexican) our quelites (herbs), insects and spice mills that gave this country its gastronomic greatness before the Spanish arrived. Let April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
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On The Beach
TRESTAURANT HE BLUE SHRIMP Shrimply Delicious
Olas Altas #336 Romantic Zone Puerto Vallarta Tel. (322) 222 4246 / 223 1840
¿ How I can be in the consumer’s mind as an option to purchase? “THE BEST ADVERTISING PARTNER”
-The best way to sell more, is being seen more ….. Available in strategic locations with high traffic flow of potential clients: Exclusively at the international airport Puerto Vallarta… •Punta Mita * •Litibu •Cruz de Huanacaxtle •Bucerias •Nuevo Vallarta •Marina Vallarta •Zona hotelera Norte •Zona Centro •Viejo Vallarta •Zona Romántica •Mismaloya
Ask about our especial rates and packages vallarta.tribune@yahoo.com.mx
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April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
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Activities
A short history of zip lines road heads. About the same time the British were beginning to use cables and pulleys to transport timber, the navies of the world were trying to discover a way to transport coal (the main fuel source at the time) to ships at sea, in order to prolong the vessels ability to stay out at sea. After much tinkering the technique of underway replenishment was perfected by the United States Navy in the late 1930s and used extensively as a logistics support technique in the Pacific theatre of World War II. Since it allowed extended range and striking capability to naval task forces the technique was classified so that enemy nations could not duplicate it. It is now used by most, if not all, blue-water navies. Not to be left out, Australia with its rough “outback� country and can- do attitude also took to the cable and trolley systems, Australian troops have used them to deliver food, mail and even ammunition to forward positions in several conflicts, as well as throughout its more arid and less populated areas.
Zip line tours, or canopy tours, are part of the many attractions Puerto Vallarta offers to visitors. They have multiplied in number in the last few years, and now look so common that few of us stop to think where they come from. The origin of the modern zip line is difficult to trace, although some experts consider it rooted in the similar Tyrolean traverse that climbers employ to move between rock pillars and cliffs. There’s no doubt that it was part of the technical innovation to come out of the Dolomites and the Kaisergebirge in the Tyrolean Alps. Pitons, rappelling, tension traverses, aid climbing, stirrups, pendulums, and the Tyrolean 12
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traverse were all developed by Bavarian, Tyrolean and South Tyrolean climbers in the late 19th and early 20th century. It only makes sense therefore that this mountaineering technique would migrate to all of the greatest climbing areas in the world. In those parts of India nearest the Himalayan Mountains a form of this technique has been in use for nearly a century. A common character of the Himalayas (like most mountains) is that of inaccessibility. In the Indian Himalayas, most villages in the states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal are settled in the higher parts of the mountain, sometimes very near the ridge. The steep terrain April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
makes movement of human beings difficult. This is coupled with the problem of having to carry rations and other material of daily use up to the remote villages. These ropeway trolleys (or spans as they are locally known) are reported to have come to the Lug valley in Kullu through the British Forest Department, which was interested in extracting timber in the then remote forests of Himachal. Transportation of logs by rivers was introduced in the early twentieth century. About the same time, the technology of using cable spans was also introduced. Village people report that the technology (locally called spans) came to the valley about 100 years ago. These spans are also used to transport goods, and people across rivers that divide their villages from
Activities
These techniques have carried over to other professions as well. Modern canopy tours were invented in the 1970’s when the rain and
cloud forest canopies were the last remaining frontiers of botany, zoology, entomology and ecology. Ph.D. students Donald Perry and John Williams first strapped on their rock climbing harnesses, clicked their carabineers on to a belay line, and grabbed onto their jumars to ascend a tree instead of a granite face. Many early canopy tourers were graduate students. They were lithe, strong, youthful and perhaps most importantly driven by the dictum that they must make a completely novel and unique contribution to science in order to earn their degrees. It wasn’t long before the techniques began to improve and specialize. Someone introduced the Tyrolean traverse (sliding along a horizontal rope) so the researchers could move between trees without returning to the ground. The inclined Tyrolean made it much faster and more fun to get back to the ground at the end of the day. Soon entrepreneurs saw the entertainment value and the
commercial canopy tour was born. The development of new methods has continued as well, and today there are a number of different ways to explore or exhilarate in the tree-tops. Then the movie Medicine Man began filming and the researchers stumbled upon these treetop cable rides and incorporated them into a breath taking scene in that 1992 movie. Coincidentally, Darren Hreniuk, moved to Costa Rica from Canada that same year to create a unique adventure tour that would provide people with an exhilarating, exotic experience while furthering environmental awareness. Darren and his partner Rick Graham moved to Costa Rica from Canada with an ultimate goal of using a unique idea to help raise awareness for reforestation, education and socio-economic development in the surrounding
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areas. Their canopy tour system has since helped raise consciousness about the rainforest’s fragile ecosystem, helped rural children get the schooling they require and provided much needed ambulatory care to the people in areas far from urban areas. Of course with these tours appearing on travel stations, and on television shows consciousness of cable rides has increased. The easiest of features found on these canopy tours, the zipline is coming into its own. Found in backyards and larger properties across the world it seems everyone wants to experience the heart pounding fun of their own zipline. Known worldwide by titles ranging from the “flying fox” (Australia, New Zealand), “aerial runway” (United Kingdom), “rip slide” to the “death slide,” and the much more recent systems in Africa “foofy slides,” the systems given these nicknames are equally diverse. www.vallartatribune.com
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Column Sue and Marie Is the Certified Padi Master Instructor and Padi IDC Staff Instructor www.pvseadive.com
So, we took the boat out to beautiful Majahuitas, located between Quimixto and Yelapa to the south of Vallarta and it is a must on your list of places to see. The water was clear and blue and thankfully, is still lovely and warm. I hate wearing wetsuits! We descended down a line to the bottom at 15foot and knelt in the sand. Dive 2 requires a few skills previously learned in the pool to be repeated in the ocean. These were completed with ease and before we know it, we were off on our dive. A large school of king angelfish were all around us looking very regal and colourful. We wrote an article a few weeks ago about our oldest diver to date, who we took on a discover scuba dive. Well, after this dive, he signed up for his open water course and today we completed dives 2 and 3.
As we descended deeper to our 40foot maximum depth, we passed by too many moray eels to count. We spotted 3 scorpion-fish in the first 5 minutes too. I spent a while pointing out the 1st one before it became clear, but once the scorpion-fish spotting eyes were in place, the others were easy. Scorpion-fish often get mistaken for stonefish, but they are fairly easy to tell apart. The scorpion-fish has a mouth at the front of its head which is almost horizontal whereas the stonefish´s mouth is across the top of its head and is halfway vertical. Stonefish are quite rare and I have probably seen 1 for every 100 scorpion-fish I have seen. While we were cruising along at 40 feet, Marie and her buddy were below us at about 60 feet to see what was down there. A treat then appeared from underneath Marie, cruised past and came up the reef in front of us.
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This treat was a very cool spotted eagle ray.
They really are strange birds indeed.
They are plentiful in the area, but always lovely to watch. They fly like birds under the water with the grace of a ballet dancer.
I heard a funny tale of why they are called Booby´s today, but will save that for another week.
Their heads, on close inspection, really do look eagle like with their smiley mouths on the underneath of their bodies.
We descend for dive 3, which again has skills attached to it, but again, these were completed with consummate ease, and we were off diving again.
They have a really long tail which is covered in venomous barbs at its base.
We could go to 60 foot for this dive, so we did, just to see what was there. Tuna, huge tuna.
They offer no threat to us though as they generally don´t come too close. So, unless you try to ride one, you are safe. On our ascent to the surface, we saw a very fat, 5 foot long green moray eel. Like I said, Majahuitas is more than just worth a visit. We then took off to Los Arcos. I never tire of seeing the blue footed booby´s sitting on top of the rock.
The biggest yellow fin tuna I have ever seen and everywhere. Hundreds of them. 2 whoppers came and checked us out, then returned to swim around in another circle. Crazy. Asides from this, we saw a turtle, octopus and an array of the usual motley crew you can find out this way. So, all in all, we had a pretty spectacular day and I think someone will be sleeping well tonight.
Teaching & Learning English in Paradise by Gloria Montiel An individual’s reasons to learn the language, their needs, are at the very top of the list of factors that will impact the outcome of the learning process. Those needs are influenced by the environment; does the learner need to learn English to do well in school? To develop professionally? For personal interest? In my neck of the woods, learning English is a lot of the time a matter of survival. The story of Puerto Vallarta’s development into a major tourist destination is a fairly recent one; director John Huston’s choice of location for his film “The Night of the Iguana” in 1964 quickly turned a peaceful sierra town with a tight ex-pat community into the resort town it is today. By last year’s census, Puerto Vallarta has 255,725 inhabitants, and fifty percent of the workforce
is employed in the tourism industry, serving roughly two million international tourists each year. In such context, it’s not difficult to imagine that there is a high demand for English teachers at all levels; bilingual schools, language centers, colleges, all aim to provide the population with the means to communicate effectively in the language and to prepare them to join the work force. English teachers in Puerto Vallarta come from very different backgrounds and all walks of life; young college grads, retirees, foreigners that came to Mexico in search of a career change, what all of them have in common is that they are very committed to what they do and very motivated to continue learning and be the best that they can. Gloria Montiel is an English teacher and academic consultant at McMillan Publishers.
Current
Happening this week Close Up Vallarta - International Festival of Video Creation
venues to reach a wider audience.
MUSIC FESTIVAL AT THE CONVENTION CENTER Corona Music Fest will take place this Monday 23 at Vallarta’s International Convention Center. Featured artists include hugely popular Maldita Vecindad , along with Panteon Rococó, Kinky and Sussie 4. If you have no idea who we are talking about, it might be a good opportunity to shower in popular Mexican music other than the traditional mariachi. MEDICAL CONVENTION COMING TO TOWN In the stream of international events Puerto Vallarta is playing host to, the XXI International Congress of Endoscopic Surgery will be held from April 24th to 28th at the Convention Center. This kind of events represents yet another opportunity to showcase our natural beauty, our characteristic hosting talents and the friendly character of our town.
or tool, human body is present as the central topic of all works presented. A can’t miss event at The Genius of Paco Gallery and Studio, this Friday 27 at 7 pm, in 512 Venustiano Carranza. “JALISCO CANTA” TO BE FEATURED IN PUERTO VALLARTA Jalisco Canta (Jalisco Sings) is a choral festival where several Mexican and foreign choirs share their repertoires with audiences of Jalisco. In this third edition, Ensembles from Cuba, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Puerto Rico, United States and México will be touring the state from April 21st to 28th. Puerto Vallarta’s turn will come on Wednesday 25th with the acts of ARS VOCAL from Venezuela and our own city choir CORO DEL MUNICIPIO. Mark your calendar to be at Los Arcos on el Malecón at 8:00 pm. LPGA’s SYMETRA TOUR IS BACK TO RIVIERA NAYARIT
THE LANGUAGE OF BODY
Close Up is a project created in Mexico City in October 2006, originally a sample of video art presented at different venues such as galleries, plazas, museums, universities and festivals. In 2011 it became an International Festival of Video Art taking the name Close Up Vallarta with its official headquarters in Puerto Vallarta. The project is an exhibition of materials ranging from Video Arts to Experimental Video, and everything related to art produced on videotape. It is a forum for the exchange of ideas and the promotion of the media that allows visual approach to experimentation. Close Up Vallarta offers the opportunity to present new video works by emerging and established artist,s not only to be featured in museums and galleries, but in other
Riviera Nayarit Classic of Symetra Tour, formerly known as LPGA Futures Tour, will be held for the third year in a row in Riviera Nayarit from April 23rd to 29th, with a prize purse of $125,000 USD, the highest of all the tour.
This second edition will be held from May 1st to 5th, 2012 at Los Arcos del Malecón, the Centro Universitario de la Costa and the Cuale Cultural Center. There will be a video projection section of internationally renowned artists, lectures, workshops and a solo exhibition of the artist Coco Fusco from the Haus der Kunst Gallery in New York. Among the participating artists will be: Michael Nyman, Hector Falcon, Fernando Llanos, Luis Gárciga, Jorge Catoni, Davis Birks and others. The official opening of the Festival will be held at Los Arcos del Malecón on May 2, 2012 at 8:00 pm with a presentation of a video section of internationally renowned artists and live acts with music by Cubenx and Macario and visuals by Chicharito Magnetico.
This exhibition of renowned local and national artists will feature painting, sculpture, photography and dance; either as inspiration
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Riviera Nayarit Classic will be the third tournament of the tour that has produced players like Lorena Ochoa, Christina Kim, Jin Young Pak, Miriam Nagl, Violeta Retamoza, Grace Park and Kathleen Ekey, among others. Official rounds will start on the 27th, with a ProAm tournament the previous days. 144 players are expected, including defending champion Ryann O’Toole.
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Activities
Surfing in
It is possible to surf in Puerto Vallarta all year, however the summer months (June-September) tend to be quieter and the waves lack quality. Still if you really want to surf odds are at least one of the spots will be breaking: Las
Lanchas, Burros and Sayulita are the best bets for those summer days, and during the rest of the year you will simply have to decide which break suits your fancy. The climate of Puerto Vallarta is
ideal to surf year round, with very humid, cloudy and hot days with frequent thunderstorms during the summer months, and pleasant, clear blue sky days during the rest of the seasons. The sun is rather strong so bring a rashguard if you aren’t tanned when you get here. You won’t need a wetsuit at any time of the year as the water temperature is always above 23°C. BURROS (aka Burros Point) Many consider Burros to be the best surfing wave in the area around Puerto Vallarta, and not without reason. It is a right that breaks over a rocky reef that does not pose a threat when the tide is high, and perhaps only a minor one when the tide is low because even though the rocks are about 2-3 feet below the surface they are not sharp and are usually covered in algae (sometimes more than others). The wave is suitable for beginners when it’s small but good or superb for intermediate and advanced surfers when not.
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The Wave Burros is somewhat fast when the surf has 5ft+ faces, and breaks about 100-200 meters from the shore. The break can hold waves with up to 10ft faces closing out when it gets any bigger (which rarely happens anyhow). The ride is in the 30 to 200 meter range again depending on the swell and tide- high tide is the best when the swell is solid, low tide will bring a rideable yet mushy wave when it is not. The break is fairly consistent breaking more than 300 days/year , and offshore or side-offshore winds on a South or SW swell are what Burros needs to make the session epic (yes, you can have an epic session here). All this makes Burros a great surfing spot, and hence it also makes it crowded. It gets less comfortable from here. Follow the unpaved path all the way to the end and then continue along the small trail that leads to the beach across the jungle-like forest, either jumping over the fence or following the trail parallel to it all the way to the beach. You would expect to find the break for
Activities
n the bay yourself, but don’t worry because you won’t. It is too famous and too easy to get to from the resort right in front. LA LANCHA Located in a small yet beautiful beach La Lancha is an A frame point break suitable for surfers of all skills and abilities. During the winter months pelicans and other fishing birds abound this beach giving a spectacular diving show to both surfers and those on the sand- in fact non surfers come to this beach when looking for an uncrowded spot and nice water so swim in. This said there are rocks in the water that have to be observed at all times, and reaching it is not as pleasant during the rainy season: the trek becomes muddy, there’s mosquitoes all around, the ocean dumps branches and trees on the beach and, like in the rest of Bahia de Banderas, the water becomes chocolate brown from river sedimentation. The Wave La Lancha is a relatively easy wave and is one of the most consistent breaks in the area, although the tide plays a big role on the wave’s quality. The faster left breaks over submerged boulders that beginner surfers (and intermediate) might find intimidating and not without reason. On the other hand the longer, usually slower but perhaps more fun right is suitable for long boards and good fun. The paddle to the break is quite long, but if the swell is good the up to 6ft + waves will be enough of an incentive to keep you in the water as long as your arms can handle.
you when you paddle to the lineup and it’s not uncommon to see humpback whales jumping while you wait for the set. Wanna sleep? No problem: stay at any of the two hotels right in front of the break and you’re all set. The Wave El Anclote is a great wave for everybody-when it’s breaking. Truth is that it needs a decent S to SW swell for the break to get going, but when it does there will be no other place in the world you’d rather be. The wave is not particularly fast and is ideal for beginners when it is small, yet intermediate and advanced surfers will have a lot of fun when it reaches the 5 to 6 ft range (it seldom gets any bigger than that). El Anclote is a point break that reels over a rounded rock reef (deep enough to not pose a threat at all) creating a ride that can be long, very long, easily reaching the 500 meters on a good day and if riding it all the way to the shore right by the second jetty. Think of it as Puerto Vallarta’s version of Malibu minus the crowd (you’ll never be alone, but if it’s breaking there will be enough waves for everyone without having to wait for long). If the sun is too strong and you’re tired from all the paddling sip a chilled Corona or eat Tostadas with Ceviche while watching the action and you’ll find yourself
jumping into the water again in no time. SAYULITA Welcome to surf city. Sayulita has become the surf capital of the area and for good reason: there is plenty of surf year round, many surf shops that rent boards at good prices and cheap food to enjoy right on the beach. The surf vibe this small town boasts brings a consistent crowd of visitors each year, many of them beginners hoping to learn the basics of the sport of kings and medium to advanced surfers who simply want to have fun in the sun.
the rounded rocky reef (this is the main break) and a faster, sometimes hollow left on the north side of it. The main wave breaks about 300 days/year and can hold waves up to 6 foot faces before they begin to close out, yet most of the time it is a 3-5 ft face wave ideal for beginners and fun for the rest. The faster left is closer to the north end of the beach, and might not be a good wave for first timers when the tide is low. Contests are held here though and advanced surfers can expect a challenging yet fun ride when the conditions are good and a simply amusing session when the wave is small.
The Wave Sayulita actually has two waves you can surf: a right that reels over
SOURCE: www.surfpuertovallarta. info
EL ANCLOTE Surf a good wave here and you’ll be grinning the rest of the week. Located at the very end of Punta de Mita, El Anclote is probably the most fun and enjoyable wave in Puerto Vallarta and suitable for all levels. During the winter months the water is turquoise blue, there’s dozens of pelicans plunging around April 23 - 29, 2012 | Issue 785
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When in Rome, (don’t) do as the Romans do. The story of how I became a Puerto Vallarta resident on the first day of the summer 2002 is not all that different from that of many people I have met in my years here - I had come on a two week vacation and, before I knew it, the stars aligned themselves in such a way that I never went back home. In my first few months in Paradise, I did the things tourists do: I watched the sunset from the Malecón, enjoyed the nightly firework show of the Marigalante and roamed the streets of Old Town. However, soon enough routine set in and I got so immersed in work and family that I stopped really seeing the many amazing little things that make this such a unique place in Mexico. There would always be time to sightsee later, right? Not quite. One Saturday morning I took my camera and went downtown, planning to get a couple of pictures and perhaps finally get around to visiting Casa Kimberley – in many people’s view, the place where it all began for our quaint little town. My expectations were met by barbed wire and a half-demolished building; nothing remained of the setting of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton’s grand love affair but a broken tile plate and the bridge connecting the property to Casa Taylor across the street. I talked to a construction worker on the site and, after a lot of pleading, persuaded him to grant me access to the bridge. I did have my picture taken on the bridge, but on the drive back home I couldn’t help wondering just how much myself and others had missed out on, taking Puerto Vallarta for granted. I wanted others to be able to see what I saw upon my arrival, and to fall in love with the city just like I had several summers before. How, though? Through a friend of mine, I found a tight-knit online community called CouchSurfing at 18
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www.couchsurfing.com. CS’s mission is to make it easier for people to explore the world and share their culture; the premise of the site is that members offer their couches (or spare rooms!) for tourists that visit their town and along with sleeping space, provide them with the means to get off the beaten path and truly get to know the city. Of course, just like with any other social network, caution needs to be exercised. In each CouchSurfer profile you have the chance to read about other members’ experiences with that person, about their interests and perspectives and you have the ability to correspond with them as much as you want before you meet them. You can always decide who to host, when and what rules will apply in your home. If inviting someone new into your home is a scary prospect for you, but you would still like to participate, you can meet visitors for coffee or a drink, or just a bit of sightseeing. CouchSurfing is all about increasing the number of interesting people and possibilities in your life experience, and learning about other cultures and perspectives. In the two years since I joined the site, I have hosted people from Singapore, Malaysia, Ukraine (via Santiago de Compostela), the United States, England and Canada. My children have had the opportunity to learn about different cultures and customs, practice their English and boast about the many hidden haunts in this pueblito that no tourist guide will mention. Even more, we have been able to join our guests in their adventures and discover new places together, seeing Puerto Vallarta with fresh eyes each time and renewing our conviction that we do live in paradise.
The Natural Beauty of OUR Mountain
Plants
2000
Mammals
80
Birds
300
Amphibians and Reptiles
Butterflies
500
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50% of these species are endemic to MĂŠxico. We propose the area to be designated a
Natural Preserve Because for Vallarta,
Without the Mountain...
There is no future
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