FREE issue pvmcitypaper.com 11 to 17 September- 2020 Issue 616 2

250 words max, full name, Publisher / Editor: Graphic Designer: I N D E X : street or e-mail address and/ or tel. number for verification Allyna Vineberg Leo Robby R.R. purposes only. If you do not [email protected] want your name published, we Webmaster: will respect your wishes. Letters Office & Sales: pvmcitypaper.com & articles become the property Online Team An Important Notice: of the PVMIRROR and may be 223.1128 The PVMIRROR wants your views and edited and/or condensed for Cover Mural by: Photo by comments. Please send them by e-mail to: publication. The articles in this Photo: Tony Collandez o Adrián Takano Dasan Pillai [email protected] publication are provided for the PV Mirror es una publicación semanal. Certificados purpose of entertainment and Contributors: de licitud de título y contenido en tramite. Prohibida information only. The PV Mirror la reproducción total o parcial de su contenido, City Paper does not accept imágenes y/o fotografías sin previa autorización por Ronnie Bravo / Krystal Frost / Giselle Belanger escrito del editor. any responsibility or liability for the content of the articles Harriet Murray / Stan Gabruk / Marcia Blondin NOTE: on this site or reliance by any To Advertisers & Contributors and those with public person on the site’s contents. interest announcements, the deadline for publication is: Sheryl Novak / Leza Warkentin / Ricardo Mazcal Any reliance placed on such 2:00 pm on Monday of the information is therefore strictly Lic. Roberto Ortiz de Montellano Farias week prior to publication. at such person’s own risk.

You are here, finally! If you’ve been meaning to find a little information on the region, but never quite got around to it, we hope that the following will help. If you look at We wish you a warm the maps on this page, you will note that PV (as the locals call it) is on the west coast of Mexico, smack in the middle of the Bay of Banderas - Welcome one of the largest bays in this country - which 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 did come close on October 25, 2002, but actually touched down in San Blas, Nayarit, some 200 kms north of PV. The town sits on the same parallel as the Hawaiian Islands, thus the similarities in the climate of the two destinations.

AREA: 1,300 sq. kilometers that can only be boarded there. They have pre-fixed rates yet, if you have a “bank card”, withdraw funds from your POPULATION: 350,000 inhabitants per passenger. City cabs are yellow or white, and charge by account back home. Try to avoid exchanging money at CLIMATE: Tropical, humid, with an average of 300 sunny the ride, not by passenger. When you ask to go downtown, your hotel. Traditionally, those offer the worst rates. days per year. The temperature averages 28°C (82°F) and the remember that your fare covers the ENTIRE central area, so WHAT TO DO: Even if your all-inclusive hotel is everything rainy season extends from late June to early October. make sure you are brought to the main plaza! Pick up a free you ever dreamed of, you should experience at least a FAUNA: Nearby Sierra Vallejo hosts a great variety map, and insist on your full value from the driver! Note the little of all that Vallarta has to offer - it is truly a condensed of animal species such as iguana, guacamaya, deer, number of your taxi in case of any problem, or if you forget version of all that is Mexican and existed before «Planned raccoon, etc. something in the cab. Then your hotel or travel rep can help Tourist Resorts», such as Cancun, Los Cabos and Ixtapa, SANCTUARIES: Bahía de Banderas encloses two Marine you check it out or lodge a complaint. were developed. Millions have been spent to ensure that National Parks - Los Arcos and the Marieta Islands - where Uber has also been available in PV for the past year or so. the original “small town” flavor is maintained downtown, in diving is allowed under certain circumstances but fishing of Download their app in your smartphone. the Old Town and on the South Side. any kind is prohibited. Every year, the Bay receives the visit of TIME ZONE: The entire State of Jalisco is on Central Time, DRINKING WATER: The false belief that a Mexican vacation the humpback whales, dolphins and manta rays in the winter. as is the area of the State of Nayarit from Lo de Marcos in the must inevitably lead to an encounter with Moctezuma’s During the summer, sea turtles, a protected species, arrive to north to the Ameca River, i.e.: Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz revenge is just that: false. For the 26th year in a row, Puerto its shores to lay their eggs. de Huanacaxtle, Sayulita, San Pancho, Punta Mita, etc. North Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for ECONOMY: Local economy is based mainly on tourism, of Lo De Marcos, Guayabitos, La Peñita, San Blas, etc. are on human consumption. It is one of only two cities in Mexico that construction and to a lesser degree, on agriculture, Mountain Time, i.e.: one hour behind PV time. can boast of such accomplishment. True, the quality of the mainly tropical fruit such as mango, papaya, watermelon, TELEPHONE CALLS: Always check on the cost of long water tested at the purification plant varies greatly from what pineapple, guanabana, cantaloupe and bananas. distance calls from your hotel room. Some establishments comes out of the tap at the other end. So do be careful. On CURRENCY: The Mexican Peso is the legal currency in charge as much as U.S. $7.00 per minute! the other hand, most large hotels have their own purification Mexico although Canadian and American dollars are widely CELL PHONES: Most cellular phones from the U.S. and equipment and most restaurants use purified water. If you accepted. Canada may be programmed for local use, through Telcel and want to be doubly sure, you can pick up purified bottled BUSES: A system of urban buses with different routes. IUSAcell, the local carriers. To dial cell to cell, use the prefix 322, water just about anywhere. Current fare is $10.00 Pesos per ticket and passengers then the seven digit number of the person you’re calling. Omit EXPORTING PETS: Canadian and American tourists often must purchase a new ticket every time they board another the prefix if dialling a land line. fall in love with one of the many stray dogs and cats in Vallarta. bus. There are no “transfers”. LOCAL CUSTOMS: Tipping is usually 15%-20% of the bill Many would like to bring it back with them, but believe that the TAXIS: There are set rates within defined zones of the at restaurants and bars. Tip bellboys, taxis, waiters, maids, laws do not allow them to do so. Wrong. If you would like to town. Do not enter a taxi without agreeing on the price with etc. depending on the service. Some businesses and offices bring a cat or a dog back home, call the local animal shelter for the driver FIRST. If you are staying in a hotel, you may want close from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., reopening until 7 p.m. or later. In more info: 293-3690. to check the rates usually posted in the lobby. Also, if you restaurants, it is considered poor manners to present the LOCAL SIGHTSEEING: A good beginning would be to take know which restaurant you want to go, do not let the driver check before it is requested, so when you’re ready to leave, one of the City Tours offered by the local tour agencies. Before change your mind. Many restaurateurs pay commissions ask «La cuenta, por favor» and your bill will be delivered to you. boarding, make sure you have a map and take note of the to taxi drivers and you may end up paying more than you MONEY EXCHANGE: Banks will give you a higher rate places you want to return to. Then venture off the beaten path. should, in a second-rate establishment! There are 2 kinds of exchange than the exchange booths (caja de cambio), Explore a little. Go farther than the tour bus takes you. And of taxi cabs: those at the airport and the maritime port though not all offer exchange services to foreigners. Better don’t worry - this is a safe place. 3

49 Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit restaurants are ready for Restaurant Week 49 Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta the help of the participating restaurants, with the opportunity to enjoy fixed- restaurants are ready to participate in the will be sponsored by Cristalería del price, innovative three-course menus 16th edition of Restaurant Week, event Pacífico, a Vallarta company with more (with three options each) at some of that will take place from September than 30 years of experience, which the most prestigious restaurants in 15th to October 10th, 2020. has been recognized as one of the best Banderas Bay. Among the Puerto Vallarta distributors of supplies for restaurants “We know that this year’s Restaurant participating restaurants are: Abbraccio, and hotel chains of international Week has the goal to help participating Archie’s Wok, Arrecifes Seafood & prestige; as well as by Vinoteca, a restaurants to start the next season Steakhouse, Azafrán, Barcelona Café, Roberto’s, Serrano’s Meat House, Mexican company with more than properly. Given the recent events, Tapas, Barrio Bistro, Basilio Comer Siam Cocina Thai, Sonora House, The 20 branches in the country that, since we have to work hard to achieve the & Beber, Blanca Blue, Bocados STK, Iguana Restaurant & Tequila Bar, The 2015, was established in Puerto Vallarta beginning of what, we hope, will be Bravos, Café des Artistes, Di Vino Rooftop, The Swedes, Trattoría Di to offer the highest quality wines and a strong return to our activities as Dante, El Dorado, Gaviotas, Gernika Nuovo, Trio · Mediterranean Cuisine, spirits from different parts of the world. a tourist destination,” shared Luis Pintxos Wine Bar, Hacienda San Tuna Azul, UMAI and Vitea Oceanfront Organized by Vallarta Lifestyles Mendoza, chief operations officer of Ángel Gourmet, IK Mixology Bar & Bistro. On the other hand, the Riviera Media Group, Restaurant Week has the Vallarta Lifestyles Media Group. Cuisine, Joe Jack’s Fish Shack, Kaiser Nayarit restaurants that will participate support of the national and international For more information about Maximilian Restaurant & Café, La in this culinary festival are: Culi’s promotion of the Riviera Nayarit Restaurant Week, please call (322) 221- Cappella, La Leche, La Palapa, La Restaurant & Bar, La Peska, Loma Visitors and Conventions Bureau, as 0106 or send an email to info@vlmg. Tosca · Trattoria da Gaetano, Layla’s 42 Bahía, Nicksan, Oso’s Fish Market well as the different tourism authorities mx You can also check out the event’s Restaurante, Le Kliff, Mikado, Pal’Mar Restaurant, Sabal Playa and Venazú. of Puerto Vallarta. web site: https://restaurantweekpv. Seafood & Grill Garage, Pezlimon, This year’s event, whose extraordinary Restaurant Week provides diners com/en/home Poblanos Cocina Mexicana, River date [instead of May] was selected with in Riviera Nayarit and Puerto Vallarta (Sources: Jorge Chávez, vallartalifestyles.com) DiVino Dante is open! Your Comments [email protected] Dear Editor, Unsung heroes… Many times I have written about my love for dancing and the Texas Embassy Blues Band at Nacho Daddy. I was lost when they closed their door on March 10. One day, overcome with nostalgia, I walked past and saw a sign on the door. They were giving away food to the needy. I watched, over the weeks, as the numbers grew upward of 500 lunches on Wednesday. They reopened recently and, of course, I was there on Friday night. Not to dance, that is yet to come. I was there to show my gratitude to these unsung heroes. See, now I have another reason to call these folks family.

Nelson Peebles We have new hours: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Closed Sundays. Hi Allyna, In the last year, we doubled the size of the restaurant which overlooks the Galleria Dante garden. This allows us the space to social distance Do you happen to know why the web cam at Cuates y Cuetes is not working? our tables as we adjust to our new normal. We are happy to announce It used to show views in 360 degrees, then it only went from showing the that with our change in hours of operation we have added some new sidewalk from the north view to the south view and now nothing. Keep up the great work on the Friday online paper, I look forward to it. brunch and lunch items. Enjoy a welcome drink on the house prepared Thanks, by our Bartender Jazz Moncada with your meal. It is a beautiful place to meet friends for coffee, drinks or brunch, lunch and dinner. Jeff Sorensen We are an “Artistic Experience”! We also have a large air-conditioned Dear Mr. Sorensen, space for the summer months. We spoke to the person in charge of the web cam at CyC, who told us that they We have complied with all necessary sanitary requirements were having a problem with their hosting service/ and are excited to see our patrons again. It should be functioning normally by the time you read this. Di Vino Dante is located on the 2nd floor at 269 Basilio Badillo in the

Thank you for your readership! Romantic Zone on the south side of town. Phone: 223-3734 Map) on Central number (See location The Ed. 22 4

Welcome, Home! Sheryl Novak

Stop recommending parota for wood furniture

Were you told when you were year warranty provided. Solid wood looking for furniture or cabinetry to furniture that is exposed to strong is not new. Egyptians used this ancient laminate furniture is prone to blister, make sure the item was made with sunlight or direct heat often splits. art form not only to make furniture come apart from the substrate and parota wood? According to local Second, wood should be treated but also for sarcophagi. For the last peel. The substrate swells and attracts lore, if your dining table, headboard before it is used to make furniture. 200 years, the use of wood veneers termites. These products should not or kitchen cupboards are not made The best manufacturers of wood has been refined and is now used be confused with good quality wood with this miraculous wood, the furniture treat their products to repel consistently in furniture-making. The veneer furniture. termites will arrive, en masse, and termites and other wood-eating bugs. famous English designer Chippendale In addition to being cost-effective destroy everything in your home. I As a result, the risk of you having your used wood veneers in his exquisite and more stable than solid wood, wish I could collect that proverbial entertainment center eaten by termites furniture in the 18th century. veneers are the more environmentally nickel every time I heard this is incredibly low. The risk is lower Wood veneer furniture is made conscious option. Solid wood is recommendation over the past ten than getting a piece of an untreated by gluing thin layers of wood in a generally sawn into thick boards. years. It has become so prevalent that piece of parota wood furniture from a crisscross design over a substrate or Veneer is sliced into sheets. For one ex-pats, scared to consider any other local carpenter. core material. Furniture manufacturers board or slab of wood, you can get 32 option, end up paying way more for Parota wood is one of the most use a glue that is the same used in to 40 veneer surfaces. furniture than they need. expensive wood species to use for marine and aircraft construction. The With wood veneer, fewer trees are Let me be clear. Parota wood is not furniture. For example, a solid parota adhesive is strong and waterproof. As cut, meaning less deforestation. the best solution. First, termites eat wood dining room table that seats 6 a result, a good veneer is often more When it comes to buying furniture parota wood too. Termites will eat is in the price range of MXN 30,000 structurally sound than solid wood. for a home in Vallarta, the more any wood and are even known to eat (USD 1,400), including tax. That is With changes in temperature, solid reasonably priced, environmentally concrete. They prefer softwoods over just for the table. For six chairs, again wood is prone to expand and contract, friendly, and termite-proof option is hardwoods, so the risk is less if you in parota wood, an approximate price resulting in warps, cracks, bows and a veneer. So, the next time you hear have parota, a hardwood, but they will is about MXN 40,000 (USD 1,850), splits. The materials and processes for someone talking about miraculous still eat it. including tax. Add that up, and you wood veneers mean it will not expand parota wood, let them know it’s an old All woods, including parota, need are looking at about MXN 70,000 and contract. wives’ tale! to be properly dried in a kiln and (USD 3,250). Do not confuse wood veneer with If you would like to learn more for the correct length of time. If Furniture manufacturers understand cheap laminate. People often think and view well-made furniture that is not, the remaining moisture coupled that the average person does not want cheap laminate and wood veneers are comfortable and lasts in our climate, with warmth or heat, make any to spend that amount of money. To the same because both are fused to a visit our new showroom at 363- wood attractive to termites. Proper provide a cost-effective alternative, substrate material. Cheap laminate is A Calle Constitución in Old Town drying also means that the piece of furniture manufacturers use wood a faux surface like paper or plastic, Vallarta. furniture you purchase is unlikely to veneers. Now, before you cringe and made to look like wood grain, For more fun and in Mexico, warp, crack, bow or split. If an issue stop reading, please hear me out. affixed with a substandard glue. In join our Facebook Group: Mexico should arise, there is a solid one- The use of wood veneer in furniture our humid climate, cheaply made Furniture & Décor. 5

Paradise and Parenting By the time Sandra Bullock is white-knuckling the wheel of that city bus with a grim-faced Keanu beside her, they are both sitting up and shouting at the screen, Mama’s movie night “DON’T LET IT GO BELOW 50, ANNIE!” During the next week, someone will suddenly point at his or her Leza Warkentin sibling and shout, “Pop quiz, hotshot!” Parenting dreams www.mommyinmexico.wordpress.com come to life. I know this is all very hard. I know we all want our lives back. I want my kids to go back to school and go I don’t think it’s really a big surprise that families around the world out with their friends and give me gray hair. We all want have had a tough time since mid-March. Our family has always been this, I know it. pretty close-knit, but we are no exception. We are used to living that But can I ask you something? Can you hang in there just a little two-income family life. My husband’s musician schedule normally while longer? Can we try to get them back into the classroom a little keeps him away during most of the hours that the rest of us are at home, sooner? and the kids have their activities and homework after school. Start some routines and rituals. Open up the floodgates of the Suddenly, there’s no going to school. There are no after- school cheesiness that is within you. Show them The Princess Bride and activities. There are no more parties with friends. There are no gigs. Stand By Me. Scare them silly with a screening of Jaws. Suddenly, we are all thrown together into our home, and it feels like If we keep them with us now, two things will happen: a) we will get someone else has the key. them back to school sooner as we slow the spread; b) we will make My husband and I have always parented on the premise that things some really great memories. are better with routines. I can tell you that this is absolutely true for most people, but it’s indispensable for children. Routines help people feel safe and provide security during our most challenging moments. What better time than the present to provide the safety and security children need? Not only that, when the days start giving off a Groundhog Day kinda vibe as we wake up to exactly. the. same. thing, then our routines and rituals can give our family something to anticipate. Even if it’s as simple as Burrito Day at The Real Deal California Burrito on Honduras. And, by the way, if you do add that in as YOUR family routine, you won’t regret it. The conversation with super-friendly people while you wait is more than worth it, and the food is incredible. One of our favorite routines is the Family Sleepovers on Saturday nights. This is a great one because my husband has been busy on Saturday nights for years. Now that they have suddenly opened up, Saturday nights could either a) remind us of a big chunk of lost income or b) be replaced by something more awesome. We decided on awesome, so every Saturday night we pull out the mattresses and plop them down in front of the TV. We get out the popcorn and the s’mores and we watch something that I usually choose, because I have the best taste in family movies (this is a fact. My kids can be counted on to choose some indecipherable anime film and my husband is a B-movie kinda guy). My movie tastes are planted very firmly in the eighties and nineties, something that I do not apologize for because our movie nights are consistently great. We do marathons over several weeks. Jim Carrey had a long run on our screen, as did Chris Farley. We are currently in the middle of a Keanu Reeves marathon after seeing the Matrix Trilogy and got totally hooked on his brooding persona. Let me be clear: I have seen all these movies. The twenty-year- old me saw them multiple times with my college crew. These are classics that contain all the best one-liners ever invented. I have been waiting fifteen years to share them with my own children, and boy is it satisfying! When the movie starts and with it the cheesy, low-quality opening credit roll, my kids groan and tell me it looks boring. Map) on Central number (See location 17 6

Legal Matters From Here Warranty policies when buying Marcia Blondin [email protected] a home in Mexico. Lic. Roberto Ortiz de Montellano Farias

If God made a lovelier place on earth than the Vallarta Botanical The developer is obliged to correct Garden, She kept it to Herself. This time of year, it is utterly any defects that may arise within the VERDANT. My biz partner at Arte Viviente, Kim Wilson and time periods mentioned above. If once I went out on Sunday to check on our wares in the Gift Shop the developer has corrected the defects, and have lunch. If you have never been there, do yourself an these arise again, then the developer must enormous favor and GO! And, if you have been many times, go correct again the defects and compensate again! I swear you can stand still and watch things grow. Years you with 5% of the value of the repair ago, I used to go once a week and was surprised every time by the in case of minor defects, and 20% of the visual changes. It is, as our dear Charlene calls it, a little Garden purchase price of your home in the case of Eden. of severe defects. If the defects arise for Lunch was splendid - Fettucine Alfredo. We overlooked the a third time, you are entitled to ask the Garden and the river valley with hummingbirds flicking in and developer either to replace your home or out at the suspended feeders. At the same time, a roving violinist to cancel the purchase agreement and get insisted on playing pieces that brought tears to my eyes. Other all your money back. This proceeding than soft music, birdsongs and the river quietly moving, there is takes place before the Consumer silence and beauty for as far as the eye can see. It was overcast, Protection Agency. When you buy a refrigerator, a So what happens if I didn’t buy so not blazing hot, and I could feel everyone who was there dishwasher, a car or practically any with friends taking a slow, collective, deep restorative breath. a brand new home? product, you also get a warranty policy If you are not buying from the Heaven. for that product. In these cases, the Work on the Isla Cuale continues, and from what I can see developer, you are also entitled by law warranty policy is stated in a piece to a guarantee from the seller. This from the barricaded street, it will be much improved. The statue of paper that comes with the product of director John Huston has been moved into the center of its guarantee is valid for one year and you are purchasing. When you buy is applicable to hidden defects that small grassy park. That and a new wide boulevard and shuttered real estate in Mexico, you also get a impede you to inhabit your home or shops are all I can see from the bridge on Insurgentes. warranty policy, but unlike if you were that diminish considerably the value Speaking of shuttered - Babel Bar has closed permanently. I buying a TV, these warranty policies of your home. The period of one year have no idea if the renovation and one of my fave places closing do not come in a piece of paper starts when you take possession of the are related at all. I am just saddened knowing that Arancha delivered with your purchase. property and if these hidden defects and Hector and their kids won’t be there when the Isla reopens. So how can I know what arise within that period, you are entitled Their promotion of local musicians became legendary in less my guarantee is if I’m buying to get an indemnity from the seller. This than three years, and I can’t even count how many charities held real estate in Mexico? proceeding takes place in a civil court. their fundraisers there. In the case of real estate purchase, Once you buy a home and you start Next Friday, September 18, get over to Qulture on Venustiano the guarantee is simply stated in the living in it, you can get several not Carranza for the draw to see who will walk away with Barb Stenz’s law and many people don’t know pleasant surprises that can prevent you gigantic bus painting. All proceeds from the sale of tickets (250 about it. For example, when buying from enjoying your real estate purchase. pesos) will benefit the Vallarta Food Bank. I hope those folks will a brand-new home directly from the This can happen in Mexico or anywhere be there so we can thank them personally for their work in the last developer, according to the Consumer else, but now you know that in Mexico few months. Pop in 6ish, have dinner and a couple of cocktails. Protection Law, the guarantees the you are protected by law. There will be some specials. You can meet Barb and learn all developer is obligated to provide are: about her accidental, unintentional collision into uncharted artistic - Five years for structural damages. Roberto Ortiz de Montellano is a territory that began with a couple of crumpled used bus tickets. It - Three years for waterproofing. Mexican-Licensed Attorney at Law with has been quite a ride! Join the artists at Qulture and, at 8 p.m., - One year for any other defects. over twenty years of professional legal watch me win the great big prize! These periods will start when you take experience. He started his own practice in Starting Friday, September 11, Arte Viviente will be joining possession of your home and therefore Puerto Vallarta six years ago. His areas of the Magic Market at the cruise ship dock. We went last week to on the date you receive possession, expertise focus mostly on Real Estate Law, check out the space - wow! So. Much. Food. the developer will make you sign an Business Law, HOAs and Estate Planning. agreement by which you are legally The vendors were super friendly and eager to show their He may be contacted at: receiving and taking possession of the wares. Come out and see us - there will be more than a few [email protected] property. www.ortizdemontellano.com familiar faces, From Here. 7

rescheduling by the airlines, I Looking back, I can’t say it was was glued to the computer daily, a total negative experience. It By the Way... checking if and when flight was a learning experience. Even departures will indeed take place.” with the imposed restrictions, I Gabriella Namian “Who are you flying with?” realized how important it was [email protected] “Aeromexico. At the moment, to follow them religiously and it is probably the only airline with how difficult some non-believers a reasonable layover and price, have become, defying all odds, Since the virus trespassed upon “Hola, que tal?”, asked my and the staff is always amazing!” not wearing masks, thus not only us and suddenly invaded the world neighbour over the phone. It “Well, take care of yourself, endangering their own lives but by storm, I have become somewhat was almost 7:00 a.m. Too early stop being nervous and jittery and ours as well. It saddens me when of an avid spectator and marvelled for phone calls unless it’s family- do drop me an e-mail when you one’s rebellious nature is applied at the amazing positive attitude of related or an emergency. I get to Montreal”, she said. inappropriately and discipline the Mexican people. So what is quickly picked up the phone with “I shall and… thank you so goes out the window; the more it that makes them go on despite shaking hands while my heart was much!” I said, hanging up. we adhere to the rules that have the extreme obstacles and play pounding so fast and hard I could been repeated thousands of times, the survival game each and every almost hear its beating echo. Looking at my watch, I still the sooner this nightmare will be single day? I call that innate “Oh, it’s you!” I said, relieved. had twenty minutes to gather over. Then, and only then, will we endurance. Ambition. Their “What happened?” I asked. up my strength, lock up, unplug be able to take our masks off and attitude is pleasantly contagious. “Nothing, I just wanted to wish everything, and call a cab. If all hopefully, continue where we left All this and more, while their smiles you a happy and safe return to things go well, by the time you, dear off. Be well, stay safe and enjoy still enhance their own facial Montreal!” reader, see this, it means that the every moment of your precious expression and illuminate their “Oh, thank you so much, but I departure took place successfully. life! very soul. Yes, life does go on. It will believe it when the plane will must. Nothing will stop them from be in the air!”, I laughed. going forward, give way to positive “Are you packed?” she asked. thoughts, waking up to a new day “Almost… I was in the process and starting all over in search of of checking everything, closing new challenges which must be up everything, lowering the fridge met regardless the circumstances. temp. We should leave in about It strengthens one’s character, half an hour,” I said, nervous and persistence, thus keeping in mind chain-smoking. their families’ well-being. My “You’ll be fine!” she reassured overstaying four months has more me. than opened my eyes. It was “Well, you can’t blame me somewhat of an awakening. It was for being sceptical a bit… you a great yet challenging experience know… I was supposed to get and I learned that everything in back to Montreal May 14 and life is possible if you only try. after 2 cancellations and multiple (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location 6 7 8 Independence Day in Mexico Anna Reisman other smaller towns, the ceremony ruling class. If they brought wives is usually led by the Mayor in from Spain, their offspring were It has been said that Mexico’s rich the main square downtown. It is called criollos. If they took Indian historical legacy has given rise to colorful, spectacular and exciting, or African wives, they fathered so many holidays that every day is definitely not to be missed. mestizos. Indians were always cause for celebration in this country. During the fiesta, typical dishes relegated to the bottom of the social Anyone interested in sampling true and drinks are enjoyed, such as scale, then as now. Mexican enthusiasm just has to pozole, tacos, moles, chiles en After some 250 years, their visit the main square of any city on nogada, chicken broth with rice, numbers had dwindled so much that the night of September 15th, the eve mezcal, tequila, jamaica, horchata they only represented about 58% of Mexico’s Independence Day – & lime drinks, etc. Following the of the population. Millions had some 210 years after Father Miguel “Grito”, there is much dancing and died due to their lack of resistance Hidalgo y Costilla first rang the bell singing to celebrate the moment to the diseases imported from the on September 16th, 1810, to rouse a when Mexico’s identity entered Old World, as well as the treatment nation to throw off Spanish rule. a new phase. (You can enjoy the they received at the hands of the In Mexico City, at precisely at famous chiles en nogada all month peninsulares and criollos who 11:00 p.m., the President steps out at Kaiser Maximilian’s!) now represented about 17% of the on a balcony of the National Palace, population while holding all the In 1821, Agustin de Iturbide, tricolor sash gleaming across his land and wealth. There were in a colonel in the royalist army, white shirt front, and flourishes the reality only two groups: those who switched allegiance and made a Mexican flag. Above him hangs the had nothing and those who had deal with a guerilla chieftain named great bell that Miguel Hidalgo rang everything. Vicente Guerrero. The troops two centuries ago. The bell begins Interestingly, the first cracks in marched into Mexico City on to toll as the president cries out, in this rigid economic and social order September 27, 1821, where Iturbide the words of that fiery priest, “Viva did not appear among the exploited declared himself head of a new Mexico! Viva la Independencia!” and poor masses, but among the and independent government. The Loudspeakers boom his words criollos. These priests, teachers and colony became the sovereign state around the Zocalo, and the crowd military officers were well-to-do, of Mexico. The eagle-like bird roars them back at him. This ritual but politically powerless. Inspired devouring the serpent was adopted is repeated at the same instant in by the successful revolutions in as the emblem on Mexico’s flag in every town and hamlet throughout France and in Britain’s North 1823. the Republic. It is called “El Grito” American colonies, the criollos Today, there are no statues of - the Cry. The national anthem Liberation from Spain cost began hatching plots to overthrow Cortes in the land he conquered, is sung, flags are waved and the Mexico dearly. It took eleven years Spanish rule. There were more while pride in the Aztec past is ceremony ends with wonderful to achieve and some 600,000 lives than 100 failed conspiracies and strong. In less than 200 years, the fireworks. In Puerto Vallarta, as in were lost in the process. rebellions. No real independence Aztecs had transformed their simple At the time of Mexico’s movement got under way until nomadic society into the most “discovery”, there were some 1810 with the rise of Miguel powerful empire in Mesoamerica. 25 million Indians living on its Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest who was They, who conquered and then were land. Within a very short time, a criollo by birth and pro-Indian by conquered, who had no reason to be Hernan Cortes and his fellow sentiment. But Hidalgo was not a concerned with securing a place conquistadores had managed to commander and he couldn’t control in history, are winning, through stamp out the remains of the Indian the fervor of the unruly force of history, the final victory. heritage. They divided the 370 or 80,000 Indians and mestizos who so towns that had paid tribute to had rallied to his cry. He hesitated, Ref.: “The Aztecs, Maya, and the Aztec emperor, Moctezuma, retreated from Mexico City, and Their Predecessors”, Muriel Porter among themselves, and enslaved ended up captured and executed. Weaver, 1981, “Cortes and the the Indians. The Spaniards, or José Maria Morelos, also a priest, Aztec Conquest”, Irwin R. Blacker, peninsulares (a reference to the took up the cause. He too was 1965, “Mexico”, Time-Life Books, Iberian Peninsula), formed the doomed to fail. The Library of Nations, 1986 9

September – the patriotic month presently a national museum in a park: both are From the pulpit, he announced his intention [usually] open to the public daily. to strike for independence and pleaded with the El Grito de Dolores / The Cry of Dolores: people of Dolores to join him. Most did: Hidalgo Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla (1753-1811) is had an army of some 600 men within minutes. considered the foremost patriot of Mexican In his impassioned speech, Hidalgo invoked the independence. Described as an intellectual, Virgin of Guadalupe as patroness, which inspired charismatic, priest and rebel leader, Hidalgo all classes to revolt against the Spanish overseers. helped initiate the Mexican revolt against Spanish Hidalgo’s platform of social change -he advocated rule. Hidalgo often hosted gatherings at his the end of slavery, social classes, and to return the home where he would talk about whether it was land to the Indians- caused a separation from his September is a time of celebration and tribute the duty of the people to obey or overthrow an original Creole supporters. to the indomitable spirit of the Mexican people. unjust tyrant. Hidalgo believed the Spanish crown Hidalgo and Allende were forced to head Flags, parades, and music festivals pay homage was such a tyrant: a royal collection of debt had north to the United States in the hope of finding to the historical events and heroes that led to ruined the finances of the Hidalgo family, and he weapons and mercenaries there. By then, Allende the formation of modern Mexico. The month saw injustice on a daily basis in his work with the had become angry with Hidalgo and placed him begins with the President’s annual State of the poor. There was a conspiracy for independence under arrest, so Hidalgo went north as a prisoner. Union address from Mexico City, followed by the in Querétaro at the time: the rebel conspiracy felt Hidalgo and other rebel leaders were captured commemoration of two significant th19 century that they needed someone with moral authority, north of Saltillo after they were betrayed by local political events that form a long weekend. a relationship with the lower classes and good insurrection leader Ignacio Elizondo. Hidalgo and The Federal holiday observance of Los Niños connections. Hidalgo was recruited and joined Allende were given to the Spanish authorities and Heroes on September 13th, is paired with Mexican without reservations. Originally promoting the sent to the city of Chihuahua to stand trial. All Independence Day on Monday, September interests of the wealthy Creoles in Guanajunto, the rebel leaders were found guilty and sentenced 16th. Communities, schools, and families alike his native state, Hidalgo expanded his appeals to to death. They were shot in the back as a sign of are preparing for spirited fiestas with colorful include the Indios and castes, thus garnering a dishonor, and decapitated. Their heads were hung costumes, traditional dishes, and lots of fireworks large militant fighting army. from the four corners of the granary of Guanajuato and music! Hidalgo was in Dolores on September 15th, 1810, as a warning to those who would think to follow Los Niños Heroes were six teenage military with other leaders of the conspiracy -including in their footsteps. It wasn’t until years later that cadets who died defending Mexico in the 1847. military commander Ignacio Allende- when word Hidalgo’s efforts were acknowledged and he This battle outside Mexico City contains all the came to them that the conspiracy had been found was recognized as a patriotic hero. Hidalgo’s dramatic elements that inspire: beleaguered and out. Needing to move immediately, Hidalgo rang remains lie in a Mexico City monument known outnumbered common people, an exotic setting in the church bells on the morning of the sixteenth, as “the Angel of Independence”, along with other an elegant castle, violence and bloodshed. calling in all of the locals who happened to be in Revolutionary heroes. In 1847, the Mexican-American war had reached the market on that day. In addition to the serious reasons to celebrate this deep into the country, with North American month, September is also the commemoration of Marines laying siege to the nation’s capital. the birth of mariachi music. This truly Mexican Chapultepec Castle was a remnant from the hated style of music, performed by strolling musicians in Spanish rule and was used as a military academy. traditional charro garb (silver studded sombreros, Although the young soldiers-in-training had been jackets and pants) is accompanied by horns, ordered to retreat, with the invincible conviction guitars, bass and violins. The passionate songs tell of youth they choose to stay in the castle and of politics, love, betrayal, animals, and death. Even fight for their belief in Mexican independence. without knowing the words, the haunting music Battling against professional soldiers, these six pulls the listener to their feet. Folk dances have teens sacrificed their lives defending their country. evolved that accompany various types of mariachi One of the young heroes, Juan Escutia, who was songs - truly a fantastic entertainment to experience. born in Tepic, Nayarit, is especially revered for Jalisco, the birthplace of this type of music, offers his extraordinary bravery. Although Juan had many concerts in public and private venues. only been admitted to the Academy days before Traditionalle, every small town and city would the siege, he courageously chose to protect and have parades, food, music, and celebrating honor his country’s flag by wrapping himself in it throughout the month. Bravery, passion, and and leaping from the roof to prevent the flag from independence: lots to celebrate in September! falling into enemy hands. Chapultepec Castle is (Source: http://www.solmexiconews.com) 10

September, the Month of the Charros Ana Luz Velazquez The Charreada wide-rimmed sombrero, regardless of social or economic status.” Yes, that is what it is. Even The Charro is a living At the end of the 19th Century, the though we know that it is the month symbol of all that is Charros decided to perfect and refine of the nation, the motherland, El Mexico, a concept their work, always trying to execute mes de la patría, it is the month of that involves in-depth more and more difficult maneuvers the charros, of the charrería, our knowledge of his roots. He with increased esthetic value, without national sport. In September we is the product of a mixture ever diminishing their efficiency. achieved our independence from of races, languages, These innovations helped turn Spain, and the charro became our customs and religions that the Charrería into a show, which most Mexican symbol. occurred during colonial then became a sport that is still times. With time, the being practiced today as it was Background word “charro” has had right after the Revolución (1910- When the Spanish Conquest ended manipulated with extraordinary many different meanings. 1921). It requires constant training (1521-1570), land was granted to ability and dexterity as he roped or Among others, it has been used and practice. There are strict rules the Conquistadores and a group of tied or performed other skills of his to describe “the horseman who and regulations to ensure that every natives. Cattle arrived and it could work. The foreman was responsible practices the sport of the Charrería stage (suerte) is executed with only be run by the Spaniards and for all the animals and the cowboys and wears the special outfit made precision, beauty and thus points are their children, the criollos. Cattle were under his command. up of an embroidered jacket, fitted accumulated with the Federación ranchers had to brand their animals. He had knowledge of veterinarian pants, white shirt, ties that are tied de Charrería, the organization that Every hacienda had to put on a science and helped the cowboys in a bow, ankle boots and a high sanctions all the competition events. weekly horse and cattle rodeo to do their work. Some were able separate the mixed animals. These horsemen that knew how to break were not easy tasks to perform. The in the horses. men had to be brave, daring and Some haciendas bred horses and skilled to accomplish them. At that they employed horse tamers. The time, the sole purpose of the rodeo administrator was the person with was to gather the cattle. the most knowledge, in charge of “When horses and their use were every aspect of the hacienda. introduced into New Spain, without He was as good a farmer as he was caste distinction, the origins of a cattleman, fully knowledgeable in the Charreria were born from the the work of cowboy. There were needs and activities proper to the two kinds of landowners: the ones countryside, i.e.: branding, shoeing, who lived out in the fields most castration and such. Furthermore, of the time, watching over every The Mexican Charro Costume horse breeding prospered with time aspect of the hacienda, and the ones The Charro costume originated specific needs of our environment. under the care of the landowners, who lived in the towns and only during colonial times and The Charro costume rancheros and foremen. This visited their properties from time to although it derives basically from traditionally accepted according enabled the horse to become a time. Both were Charros. the outfit worn by the villagers of to today’s etiquette has been symbol of social status. From this assortment of Salamanca, from whom they also attributed to Maximilian. With the The cowboy was the simplest individuals came most of the adopted the word “charro”, but fall of the empire (around 1870), worker, rough and strong. His contingent that fought in the it was also influenced by some the costumes were replaced by hat was made of palm leaves, his revolutionary battles in search of clothing items like the sombrero the ones we know today, the most shirt was tied, he wore a leather the country’s stability. of the Navarro and Andalusian important evolution of the Charro vest, leather riding pants open on From them also came the men horsemen, who made up a large costume to date. the sides and always... spurs. His who made the Charrería famous part of the Conquistadores. The most noticeable change was saddle was simple and he always and converted it from a utilitarian Actually, the characteristics of the arrival of the high, narrow- carried a sarape blanket when the work to the most Mexican of sports. the outfits of those times have rimmed sombrero that replaced weather dictated it. It has been said that it is “living been totally forgotten due to the the chinaco. Nowadays, there are The important and indispensable history, an art form drawn from the evolutionary process and the many differing regional styles. item was the lasso that he demands of a working life.” 11 Vallarta-Nayarit wins multiple Travelers’ Choice Awards

TripAdvisor, the world’s largest TripAdvisor, the travel site that travel website, recently released anyone who decides to travel the results of their 2020 Travelers’ consults before packing a suitcase, Choice Awards, and Puerto Vallarta also distinguishes those places and Riviera Nayarit were among that offer such an experience that the “Most Popular Destinations travelers just have to write about in Mexico,” coming in at #4 an #9 them. And that kind of experience, respectively. worthy of mention, stars, and rave Many Banderas Bay area hotels, reviews, can be found right here in restaurants, beaches and experiences Puerto Vallarta. also took top spots on this year’s In this year’s “Top 10 Experiences ‘Best of the Best’ award winners, in Mexico” category, the Downtown based on the ratings, comments Puerto Vallarta Food Tour came in at and reviews given by TripAdvisor #5, the Canopy River Zipline Tour platform users around the world. and Mule Ride at #8, and the Puerto Traveler’s Choice Awards are of Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Zip Line great significance because they are Playa Fiesta came in at #11 on Palace at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta and Speedboat Ride tour at #9. given to destinations, hotels, and the 2020 list of Top 25 Hotels (4), Samba Vallarta All Inclusive (5) It is exciting to see so many of the restaurants that maintain at least a for Service; among the Top 25 and Sea Garden at Vidanta Nuevo tourism services offered in Vallarta- 4-star average score over 12 months. Hotels for Romance were Casa Vallarta (13). This year, only two Nayarit being placed on lists such Vallarta-Nayarit has always been a Velas (12), Hotel Mousai (16) and Vallarta-Nayarit eateries made the as these, because it makes those popular vacation destination due to Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & list of Mexico’s Top 10 Restaurants, who have not yet packed their bags its diverse lodging options, ranging Romantic Getaway (25); the Top 25 with Tuna Blanca Punta de Mita decide to travel to this vacation from 5-star and all-inclusive resorts B&Bs and Inns included Garlands coming in at #5 and Etonne Nuevo destination, where some of the very to leading hotel chains and bed & Del Rio Boutique Hotel (11) and Vallarta at #6. best experiences in Mexico can be breakfast inns. Hacienda Escondida Puerto Vallarta Though there are many beautiful found - and enjoyed! In the 2020 ‘Best Hotels in Mexico’ (15); and four Banderas Bay area beaches in the Banderas Bay area, For the complete list of 2020 categories, Grand Velas Nayarit was resorts made the Top 25 Hotels for only Nuevo Vallarta Beach was Travelers’ Choice Award winners, the biggest winner, coming in at #7 Families with The Grand Bliss at among Tripadvisor’s “Top 10 Beaches you can visit TripAdvisor.com of the country’s Top 25 Hotels, #4 Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta (1), Mayan in Mexico,” coming in at #6. (Source: banderasnews.com) for Best All-Inclusive Resorts, #6 for Mexico’s Best Luxury Hotels, and #8 on the list of Best Hotels for More factories, manufacturing jobs headed for Mexico Service. The Top 25 Hotels in Mexico Five companies recently announced big plans in Prime Wheel Corp. announced last month that it will category also included Grand Mexico, including two new factories and several be investing $70 million in its auto-wheel production Luxxe at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta major expansion projects. facilities in Tijuana, creating an additional 1,500-2,000 coming in at #19. Among the The projects will generate more than $100 million jobs. In northern Mexico, Becton Dickinson (BD), a winners of the 25 Best All-Inclusive in foreign investment in Mexico and could create up global medical technology company, announced the Resorts in Mexico were Marival to 4,300 jobs at export factories across the country. start of operations of its new manufacturing plant in Distinct Luxury Residences and Motorcar Parts of America Inc. (MPA) announced Hermosillo on August 18. The New Jersey-based Villa Premiere Boutique Hotel & that it will invest $9 million to expand its production company will produce medical devices for Mexico, Romantic Getaway at #13 and #23, plant in Tijuana. The Torrance, California-based the U.S. and Latin America at the plant. The company respectively. In the Top 25 Luxury company said the expansion will create 300 jobs. invested around $9 million in the facility, which will Hotels in Mexico, Hotel Mousai MPA manufactures replacement alternators and eventually generate up to 1,400 jobs. came in at #14, Grand Luxxe at starters for imported and domestic cars and light The Emma Sleep Co., a German mattress and #15 and Villa La Estancia Riviera trucks in the United States and Canada. sleep accessory manufacturer, recently announced it Nayarit at #24. The Stant Corp., an Indiana-based automotive is investing around $2 million to open a new export Casa Cupula came in at #11 on list technology company, recently announced that it factory near the city of Guadalajara. The new factory of the Top 25 Small Hotels in Mexico is opening a new factory in Guanajuato. The $15 will generate 100 jobs in production, logistics and category; and Hotel Posada de Roger million plant will create around 500 jobs. transportation. The company said the new factory (#16), Casa Anita y Corona del Mar Stant Corp., which manufactures gaskets, seals will cut down on delivery times across markets in the (#21) and Hotel Porto Alegre (#22) and other auto parts, is a supplier of Ford, General U.S. and Canada. were among the Top 25 Bargain Motors, Volvo and Chrysler. (Source: Noi Mahoney, https://www.freightwaves.com) Hotels in Mexico. 12 (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location 26 13 (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Map) on Central number (See location 11 16 14

The Healing simply prescribe another. The problem is that disease continues, and the resources of the patient diminish both physically and financially. Power Herbal solutions: of Plants Our ancestors found ways to treat high blood pressure using plants Ricardo Mazcal and herbs to control calcium plaque and put calcium where it belongs, [email protected] Herbalist and Nutritionist in the bones. Herbal tinctures make blood vessels soft and flexible, boost healthy blood flow and eliminate inflammation in the arteries. Green tea tincture. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine for millennia have relied on the inflammation - fighting power of green Reduce high blood pressure... naturally tea. Scientists discovered that green tea contains powerful polyphenols called catechins. Research confirms that regular use of green tea can Use medicinal herbal solutions to avoid expensive open-heart reduce inflammation, normalize blood pressure, and decrease systolic surgery (80,000. dollars), coronary by-pass (150,000. dollars), balloon blood pressure. angioplasty or stents to clear deadly plaque from arteries (112,000. Red wine contains high concentrations of an antioxidant called dollars). Use medicinal herbs instead of dangerous drugs like statins, resveratrol that protects arteries, cardiovascular health and blood which deplete our body of CO-Q10, making our hearts fail. pressure. Pharmaceutical companies have developed numerous expensive Blueberries contain powerful antioxidants that eliminate inflammation drugs to cure high blood pressure like diuretics, calcium channel in arteries, soften stiff arteries and optimize blood flow while clearing blockers, and ACE inhibitors. There are 76 million patients in North away calcium plaque. America taking high blood pressure medicine. If you had a poor diet Nitric Oxide can be helped with the consumption of watermelon and growing up, by the time you are 30, your arteries have begun to clog fermented beets. You can create your own Nitric Oxide by consuming with calcium plaque that narrow artery walls making it difficult for fermented beetroot. It lowers blood pressure fast. blood to flow through. As age advances, the situation gets worse. Vitamin K2 is the blood nutrient found in green, leafy vegetables After 60, Nitric Oxide (NO) levels decline to the point that blood flow like spinach and kale. It controls calcium utilization in your body, becomes slower or stops, leading to a stroke or death. promoting healthy blood flow. When doctors detect high cholesterol or high blood pressure, you are Tiff Seeds control and balance cholesterol. told, “Your blood pressure is high.” Moringa Tincture (Moringa Oilifera) controls levels of Seric Drug prescriptions start, and you become medicated for life. Doctors cholesterol and works as an antioxidant leading to a healthy circulatory often prescribe without asking about diet, exercise or life changes, system. It is an anti-inflammatory and regulates blood sugar levels. much less offering natural alternatives. Neem Tincture controls high blood pressure, regenerates cells, and The American Heart Association admits that some prescription drugs strengthens the immune system. Helps regulate blood pressure and increase the risks of heart attack. retards coagulation in the blood. The National Institute of Health (NIH) states that drugs commonly Turmeric Tincture contains bioactive compounds with medicinal prescribed for blood pressure DO NOT WORK (https://www.ncbi. properties called curcuminoids or curcumin (Curcuma Longa). It nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23091084). contains anti-inflammatory properties so strong that it matches the There are hundreds of pharmaceutical choices prescribed for high effectiveness of many anti-inflammatory pharma drugs. Curcumin blood pressure. The patient becomes a guinea pig jumping from one actually targets multiple steps in the inflammatory pathway at the drug to another, in the event one will work. In the meantime, the patient’s molecular level. blood circulation reduces, and he suffers from headaches, dizziness, Annona muricata Linn (Annonaceae) – A tincture made from leaves, hacking coughs, low energy, leg cramps, skin rashes, constipation, treats high blood pressure. The plant extract has anti-hypertensive etc. If one drug does not normalize the high blood pressure, doctors properties with phytochemicals consisting of alkaloids such as reticuline, coreximine, coclarine and anomurine. If you have any comments or questions, contact me by email or find me at Arte Viviente (Living Art) at 800 Morelos, downtown Vallarta, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 3 p.m. to closing. You can find Anona, Neem, and Green tea tinctures and Fermented Beets to eliminate high blood pressure and various organic coffees, turmeric tincture plus organic honey. Also, Ceylon cinnamon, apple cider vinegar with the Mother, Maz-mix, moringa herb powder, tinctures, 38 different spices, herbal supplements, and all products mentioned in this article at Arte Viviente. Please contact Marcia Blondin, 322 159 9675, for assistance with delivery and after-hours appointments. Email me at [email protected] for information about herbal supplements, tinctures, antiviral herbs, and ancient Aztec food (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location 10 recipes to achieve your nutrition and health goals. 15

and their subsequent impact. Anti- instead of “caretaker” in order to depressants can be very helpful and make it easier for you to consider/ Growing older make a world of difference. They realize that you don’t have to be so come back to life. They regain bad off that you need a caretaker in interest in things they once enjoyed, order to consider hiring someone Giselle Belanger RN, LCSW they are motivated to get up and to accompany you and help you out and become more active, they out. Wouldn’t it be nice to have sleep through the night again, their someone to finally be able to get appetite returns, and they smile and out and go do things with that you So often our age sneaks up on their reason for living and getting laugh again. would not otherwise be able to? us. We think we are fine and up every day. Their friends may Confusion, dementia, irritability What if you could finally go and then suddenly there are problems, have moved away to be near their I have seen a surprising number of do, be involved in activities you left whether we are in our forties and children or are living in nursing seniors have symptoms of memory behind years ago or never pursued accepting that we need reading homes. Their own children may loss and confusion, and jokingly say or felt comfortable doing alone? glasses or we are in our eighties live far away. They may not be able how they can’t remember anything Just imagine, now you would have and can’t get around the way we to drive anymore or physically get anymore like that is normal or okay. someone to go exercise with, go to used to, can’t remember things we around like they used to. Before you run to get checked breakfast or the movies, someone should, or we’re taking a handful Most of you living here are for dementia or Alzheimer’s be to take you to the grocery store and of medications. None of us likes it probably enjoying a wonderful sure to have your blood pressure make meals with, someone to make and yet all of us must face it. Of retirement and wouldn’t want to checked. I am amazed at how sure you take your medications. course as we grow older, there are be anywhere else. Your days are many seniors have symptoms Just having someone to talk to or potentially more complications and fulfilling and you are active, going that mimic dementia including tell your life stories to, is extremely considerations. Today I am going out and doing whatever you like. memory loss, confusion, inability important and very consoling. to discuss such things as they relate And like most of us, you assume to follow a conversation, irritability, Do not underestimate the to the “elderly” or “seniors”, but it will continue like that, never unreasonable anger and frustration, devastating impact of loneliness hopefully all of you are paying considering what you would do and after they successfully balance and boredom. There are enough attention so that certain decisions “if…” their blood pressure, the symptoms challenges with old age, without can be made ahead of time and What would you do if…? go away or diminish greatly. An suffering needlessly. Recognize the options can be considered. What if you were alone, or your oxygen depleted brain cannot signs of symptoms and explore your Life happens memory was failing you, if you function normally and once the options. Do not passively accept The life cycle is a fact and moving were confused, lethargic? What if blood successfully oxygenates your demise or that of a loved one. through the different stages is an you were losing your independence the brain, it works again (obvious Quality of life is always the goal, no interesting journey to say the least. and could no longer drive or and not so amazing, but true). matter the restrictions or obstacles. Although I am not suggesting that manage your finances? What if Oftentimes the doctors only look Solutions are within reach! retirement age is “old age” or puts your friends didn’t call and invite for the more tell-tale signs of high you in the category of “elderly”, it you out anymore? What if your blood pressure like dizziness or is the beginning of a phase in life children weren’t around to help? headaches. (Note: 120/70 is ideal Giselle Belanger where productivity is no longer the What if you couldn’t travel to the for most people, 160/80 may not be RN, LCSW (psychotherapist) is available goal. Once you reach retirement places you’ve dreamed of because terrible but it’s not optimal and you for appointments in person, by phone, or by skype webcam. age, you expect life to be a blast, you couldn’t walk well enough or may have such symptoms). Contact info: [email protected] after all, it’s what you looked your heart couldn’t take it? How Hire a companion Mex cell: 044 (322) 138-9552 forward to all the years that you would you feel? How would you I chose the word “companion” or US cell: (312) 914-5203 worked and raised a family. In respond? What solutions would fact, you counted on it. Retirement you consider? brings expectations of fun carefree Undiagnosed depression days when it doesn’t matter what Sadly, an extremely high time you go to bed or wake up and percentage of depression in the you finally have to time to enjoy all elderly goes undiagnosed and of the things you dreamed of and an extremely high percentage of planned for. seniors are depressed. Depression Unfortunately, that’s not how it is often the result of life works out for many people. Many circumstances, which is the case find their retirement years aren’t in most seniors, (versus a life-long what they are slowly slipping chemical imbalance in the brain), away. Loneliness and boredom as they react to life changing events are extremely common. Their life such as the death of their spouse, doesn’t have a purpose; they’ve lost retirement, health complications, 16

Organic / “What’s up with THAT?!” This is Eat healthy oils vegan packaged foods… supposed to be HEALTHIER! Why Choose cold pressed and organic Now a warning? do I feel like crap? This diet doesn’t if possible work! Coconut oil, natural or unflavored Krystal Frost It happens to a lot of us. Because (in cooking, takes the place of usually our number one reason for butter) switching to a vegan diet is to help Avocados, avocado oil (in salads the animals, or to save the planet, and raw foods) I see friends running to the super Eat processed organic and for moral and ethical motives. Sesame oil (Asian fusion, salads, markets and posting on Facebook vegan foods Only you’re forgetting something… fruit, very light) and in vegan / vegetarian groups Foods labelled “organic” may YOUR HEALTH should be the Olive oil (salads with stronger the wondrous processed vegan and have started from an organic source, number one reason to go vegan / flavors) organic foods that are now available however, after it’s been processed organic Cook! in Vallarta. They even have cheese to conform to packaging, the whole As long as we’re not eating white It goes without saying that if you that melts and hamburgers that product takes on a new life... or (refined) flour products, meat or are not cooking, you’re either a raw bleed. Really? lack of life as processing kills the milk products, it has to be healthier, vegan (how’s that working out?) or Don’t get me wrong, I am totally enzymes, vitamins and minerals right? Well, it certainly helps! you eat out a lot - which is the case for any nutritional or moral regime that live food has. Which in my The bad news is with that attitude, with many Vallartans. that blows your hair back... go for it. book, is the whole point of eating it is SO easy to become subject Like I said before, those ready- However, having said that... guys... organic. to marketing and consumerism made, heat-n-eat frozen meals are please use caution when consuming Processing needs certain when heading down the food isles. highly processed and full of salt, ANY processed foods. I did a elements to extend shelf life. Yummy organic granola, cookies, oil, and sugar. Dead food. You’re little research on this because I feel These foods have added salt, vegan hot dogs… etc. Wow, the NOT going to get healthy eating you need to know the facts when sugars, soy protein isolates, fat food industry makes it soooo easy! these meals. making choices on where to spend (sometimes some very scary oils), We already know that obesity, You MUST start cooking! It’s your food pesos and what you are calories, and in the case of vegan heart disease, diabetes, and even fun, creative... I can’t say it any putting into your body. READ the foods, various other chemicals cancer all have common links to plainer than that (or hire someone to labels of these products please. texturizers, coloring, and flavors. processed food diets due to the cook for you), or order in from one Vegan cheeses that melt on a high contents of sugar and salt the many venues open to delivering pizza, or one tosses in a salad – are ...among other things. to your door. nutritionally no better than real Ok, so here’s what I gotta say It helps to steam up quinoa, rice, cheese. about that. and some sweet potatoes once or In fact, compare the Nutritional Forget the processed foods and twice a week and keep them stored Facts on the two and melting cheeses eat REAL FOOD. Potatoes, sweet in the fridge. are higher in fat and calories. But potatoes, corn, rice, veggies, fruit, Then, stock up with the best who’s counting, right? whole grains, beans, and legumes, and freshest veggies, sprouts, BEWARE: nuts and seeds. Nutritional yeast, fresh vegan cheese and gluten free Switching to a vegan diet, you and locally made vegan cheeses, bread… add hummus, pesto, miso, might gain quite a bit of weight as etc. So many options are at your seeds, nuts and some homemade one tends to top off with extra carbs disposal without having to revert to vegan mayo... fresh herbs. in grains and sugars the pre-made packaged stuff. One can whip up a pretty tasty organic/vegan meal in about 10-15 minutes. AVOID the microwave for everything except drying your hair brushes. Or go millennium and hire a personal trainer that vibes with your particular regime.

Krystal Frost For questions and comments -

(See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location Cell: 322 116-9645 12 Email: [email protected] 17

may require your signature and Others may let you assume the seller’s. This is to protect this procedures, which do not exist. Viewpoint company from legal issues, but With so much information available it may take a lot of time and the to us, we can become overwhelmed Harriet Murray procedures are not the same, as you with details and start relying on our would expect. prior experience. In this day and You would send the second time, we have to be aware of lack deposit, or balance of the purchase of knowledge and dishonesty from price into the escrow company people working with us. several days ahead of closing. Title Buying real estate is very serious insurance is offered, and you have step to take in any country, even if it to decide if you want to pay for this. is your own. For foreign real estate, Insurance is not required for a you need a new set of glasses. purchase, or for a mortgage. It is optional. Be sure to check with your This article is based upon legal attorney or notary if there are issues, opinions, current practices and my which warrant insurance. Some of personal experiences in the Puerto the reasons to buy insurance are if Vallarta-Bahia de Banderas areas. the property is adjoining the federal I recommend that each potential maritime zone, it is over a million buyer or seller conduct his own due USD purchase price, or research diligence and review. What buyers should know about discovers the property has had problems in the past. real estate escrow and deposits You are better served to ask Harriet Murray in Mexican real estate how the process is different from Can be contacted at what you know if you are buying [email protected] | in a different country. www.casasandvillas.com If you have found a property, understand for your safety. and you want to submit an offer, I You can put your escrow deposit recommend the following: into the title company once you Your offer should include time have accepted the results of your for you to conduct due diligence, due diligence. Don’t be convinced an inspection, or other concerns. to do otherwise by an agent who Beware of your having to put your doesn´t know the facts. This might deposit into the escrow company be a way to get you to comply before these issues are resolved. faster, but you do not need to send Mexico does not require funds to money in advance of diligence on be put up by the buyer in order to your behalf. have a binding offer. In fact, the If you withdraw from the offer, country does not require escrow. then you don´t have to fight to get But for you, as a foreign buyer, your funds back from the escrow. these two issues are important to Many times the title company (See location number on Central Map) on Central number (See location 19 18

printer next time, since it uses Air Print is a built-in Wi-Fi powdered toner and does not dry or printing made specifically for clog up from occasional use. Apple products and works very Now what to do when your printer well. Many HP printers have Air does break-down? Well, that 400- Print, but not all printers have this peso special you got 6 months ago capability. You have to look for the is generally not worth the effort to right printer. fix. Most parts inside are plastic Now what if you have an android Printers - Useful tool or stress source...? and not replaceable. You wouldn’t tablet or Smartphone? Well, things buy a disposable camera and try are not that straightforward in those Let’s look at that most frustrating print sessions, for the occasional to get it repaired because you still cases. There is “Google Cloud of all your computer related home user. So over the long have pictures left on it. Same goes Printing” available for android hardware… the printer. Whether term, laser printers are much more for “disposable printers”. Just devices, but again, you need a you’re a novice or a seasoned cost effective (although the laser because you have ink left over, compatible printer. And again, computer user, it happens to all of toner cartridge is more expensive doesn’t justify spending 600 pesos look for the Google Cloud Printing us eventually. Your printer dies initially, it won’t dry out on you). to repair a 400-peso printer! Your logo on the box of the printers. and usually right after you’ve PC Magazine reviews printers father told you... “You get what you Some manufacturers have tried stocked up on ink (which of course and requests expected life printing pay for.” to take the lead and develop their they only fit that particular model). numbers whenever they review a Too many times, I hear people own built-in Wi-Fi printing into the Did you know HP has almost 100 printer. A few manufacturers make rush out and buy the cheapest printer itself. HP has “ePrint” and different numbers for ink cartridges these available but not most. What printer they can get. Take your time Epson has “iPrint”. You need to now! It’s crazy. do printer manufacturers have to and do some homework. Look at download the app associated with There’s usually a good reason hide? Unbelievably, many consider your top 3 choices for a new printer either of these from the Google why a printer dies. Often the some or all of the printing numbers and compare the models as best Play Store, but I find it clumsy and owner asked more of it than it was proprietary especially for inkjet you can. Don’t rely on just the more difficult to use. designed to handle. If you use a printers (home printers). Worse yet companies own web page promo of Some HP printer models also tool that’s too lightweight for the sometimes the expected lifetime the product. Read reviews online have “HP direct” printing. This job, it’s not fair to blame the tool. page count for inkjets often comes from the professionals and owners, feature allows you to print directly Don’t get that 400-peso inkjet back as “not rated”. of the models you’re considering. to the printer, without the network printer at Walmart and expect it to On the other end of the spectrum My favorite website for product coming into play. The printer run an office printing needs. You’d down here in paradise we can have reviews is www.cnet.com creates a separate Wi-Fi signal, be better off going to a LaserJet the opposite problem. Too little use They review specific models for usually “HP-Print XXxxxxx” printer for longer term/heavier use. or not printing anything for months everything from home appliances, that your mobile device can then Laser printers have come down a at a time can lead to problems. to cell phones, to TV’s and yes, connect to and print. It will need lot in price and you can get a decent Inkjet lines and print heads can get printers. some extra initial set-up and putting HP or Samsung Monochrome clogged with dried ink if not used Now a big trend the past years in a password. After all, you don’t (black only) laser printer for around regularly. Best to print at least a in home printing, is setting up want your neighbors printing to $1200. pesos now. Laser printers page of an email or a recipe each wireless printing. This way of your printer and wasting your ink! use a powder to print rather than week to keep the ink flowing. printing can be very convenient That’s all my time for now. If the small liquid cartridges, that Again, if this has happened to when it works well - or lead to you’d like to download this article always seem to dry out in between you, you may want to get a laser pulling your hair out when it does or previous ones, you can do so at not. Rule of thumb here, if you’re www.RonnieBravo.com and click printing from a computer located on “articles”. beside your printer, go old school See you again next week... until and just install/print using the then, remember: only safe Internet! good old USB cable. No need to complicate things. If you’re more modern and want to use a tablet or smartphone to Ronnie Bravo print, then obviously you have to Ron can be found at CANMEX go the wireless set-up route. If Computers. www.RonnieBravo.com you have an Apple iPad or iPhone, Sales, Repairs, Data Recovery, Networking, Wi-Fi, hardware upgrades, make sure you look for the “Air Graphic Design, House-calls available. Print” logo on the box of any new Cellular 322-157-0688 or just email to printer you’re considering buying. [email protected] 19

always catch fish. By the time you read this article, things may have already changed so don’t assume this dated report is still valid and check with me if you’d like. Still there are some smaller Sierra Mackerel and Jack Crevalle in front of the rivers. Something to think about is Cabo Corrientes. This area is no stranger to Rooster fish, but it’s an area mostly ignored by the Sportfishing companies and may be your ticket for Rooster fish of size. May be the best kept secret for the bay when it comes to rooster fish, Less than exciting fishing, Punta Mita to Corbeteña. It’s an but you’ll need to figure this to be extended wide open area I know, an eight-hour day. continued strong currents, but there you are. There is some This week I know this article dirty water good news, Rooster fish have sounds like doom and gloom. Stan Gabruk moved in and are running in the The real situation: this is normal (Owner of Master Baiter's Sportfishing & Tackle) 25 to 30-lb range off Sayulita and and we’re in the slowest tourism that’s very good news. With all the month of the year. The fish will rain, we have several young trash come back and frankly this has You know it never fails, we start is considered the worst month for lines which are not producing. But been one of the longest stretches seeing some great fishing which tourism in Puerto Vallarta. What what we do have is long liners of strong currents and dirty water only promises to improve, then does that mean? Well, it means setting up “buoys” and snagging I can remember. So don’t get “WHAM” something happens and there are very few boats coming what they can get. If you find discouraged, be happy you didn’t the machine stops. By that I mean back with any report of conditions these buoys, then you’re catching pay the fuel bill this week (said we’ve seen strong currents and or fish. Many of the boats heading Dorado, but I can’t say the size. with a smiling face)! heavy rain. When this happens it’s to Corbeteña are the rip-off trips But they’re in the area. Until next week, don’t forget to hard to keep up with conditions, where they “troll” from the bay, Inside the bay is a tough call. kiss your fish! let alone what’s out there roaming then go around The Rock for an With the rains and the level of dirty the neighborhood. For now we’re hour or two and then “chug” back water, you’re facing a real challenge. still in the post hurricane hangover to Marina Vallarta. With the bite Many times this café-colored water Stan Gabruk with spotty blue water and slim being in the late afternoon after 6 is shallow and running a planer pickings fishing wise. This p.m. (that’s another issue) people Web page: www.MasterBaiters.com.mx will get your baits under the dirty Local Phone at: 322 779 7571 or normally disappears after about aren’t hitting the bite. There are water. The question is how deep our international number is: 011 four days, but with follow on some Sailfish and Black Marlin is it? In areas where the water is 52 322 209 1128 10 to 9 local time. storms and strong currents, the fish sightings, but in reality nobody clean, near Yelapa is your best bet, #MasterBaitersSportfishing on Instagram Master Baiter’s ® Sportfishing and Tackle are either deep or in the process of has come in with any sort of but no guarantees, there is always is protected under trade mark law and coming back. This is normal, but billfish. My best advice, wait a structure you can fish around and is the sole property of Stan Gabruk. it doesn’t mean we have to like it. few to three days and if the strong Corbeteña has changed little in storm currents fade, things will the last week, with strong currents, get great again. The good news is super warm water and to make there is plenty of Skip Jack Tuna things worse there is spotty blue and other bait fish in the area. water. If you are going to have a It’s hard to say what’s happening chance at Yellowfin tuna, you’ll around Punta Mita. There have be using downriggers. Before been Sailfish caught between the the last bout of nearby hurricanes, point and Corbeteña and this is we were seeing some in the 250- probably your best shot at catching lb range. Right now there are fish until the currents change. some surface Yellowfin Tuna, but Again, this is probably your best only in the 30-lb range. Another fishing option in this area for now. thing to remember we’re in what Sailfish are between the point of 20 Emergency Ongoing Events & More... The Historical Naval Museum (right next to Los Arcos Amphitheater) may still be open. $45. Pesos. Voladores de Papantla usually performed @ 6 p.m. on the Malecon in front of La Bodeguita del Medio.

- Fridays – Virtual Shabbat Services until further notice. Info & Reservations: [email protected]

PLEASE NOTE! In accordance with authorities’ recommendations, all markets in the Puerto Vallarta area were cancelled until next season.

SPCA - To find your perfect companion animal rescued by the SPCA, please contact: [email protected]

- Mondays to Saturdays - 9 & 11 a.m. + 1 PLEASE leaf through this issue for events & 3 p.m. - El Salado Estuary Mangrove used that do not appear here ...and JOIN US ON to offer tours with bilingual guides, which FACEBOOK! could be reserved at 226-2878 or 044 (322) 175-7539. Last week, they offered a beautiful For a comprehensive list of most -if not all- virtual tour. Please check out their Facebook charity groups and non-profit organizations page for more information: in and around PV, you may want to check out: https://www.facebook.com/esteroelsalado ww.puertovallarta.net/fast_facts/non-profit.php

Solution to crossword page 23

Solution to sudoku page 23 21

Ecology Matters: Life on the Edge Brian O’Malley

In the first article in this series, I defined biomes as large ecological areas with flora and fauna adapted to a particular set of environmental conditions and listed 14 types of biomes, five aquatic and nine terrestrial. Biomes usually do not have sharp boundaries or edges, like state and country borders. The boundaries between biomes are usually transitional areas, with mixtures of flora and fauna typical of each adjacent area. These transitions are called ecotones. The Vallarta Botanical Garden They are important and interesting areas because they demonstrate the effects of the adjacent communities on each other, something called the Curator’s Corner edge effect. Species who live in an ecotone are called edge species. Ecotones range from narrow to wide depending Dear Friends of the Garden, Ralph on the underlying environmental conditions. Many Osborne It is with deep sadness and many tears will be observed ecotones associated with elevation: that on August 18, we learned of the loss progressing up a mountain we often travel from of our beloved friend and patron Ralph thick forest to the high alpine zone devoid of trees. Osborne, who succumbed to COVID-19 Between the two may be a region with scattered trees here in Puerto Vallarta. Through the and shrubs; that is an ecotone. Ecotones are important years, Ralph served on the Garden’s for several reasons. They often have greater species board of directors and was a major donor diversity and density because these edge areas have and driving force for the VBG. His characteristics of two biomes. They may have greater support allowed us to realize the dream of genetic diversity and serve as conduits for gene flow expanding the Garden’s land holdings in from one population to another. our wildlife preserve area. Ralph loved Puerto Vallarta. His passing is the end of Ecotones can also act as buffers that protect the plants and animals and realized that only an era in Vallarta, and his loss is deeply adjacent communities from damage (wetlands are by preserving habitats can animals have felt. Ralph loved Mexico and the Mexican known to absorb pollutants, protecting rivers and a chance and the room they need to live people, and his home here in PV was truly estuaries). Another role is as a barometer of change: and thrive. a magnificent place, overlooking the Bay of edge species survive at the limits of their adaptability, Ralph was active in many local causes Banderas, where he enjoyed a great view and so changes to their environment are felt first relating to nature and animals and was of Los Arcos and migrating whales and by them. Ecotones are all around you - estuaries, also on the board of PEACE, helping the seabirds. A memorial marker will be placed beaches, mangroves - and you should be able to spot area’s dogs and cats. He also supported the for Ralph in the Garden of Memories at the them easily. conservation of the endangered Military Vallarta Botanical Garden, and his ashes Macaw parrot and was a donor to the nest will be scattered here at a future date when box project that has actually helped save a memorial service will be held, when this parrot from becoming extinct. Besides we can safely come together again. Until being a close personal friend, Ralph leaves then, cherish each precious moment of this behind hundreds of friends who mourn his wonderful life, friends. And Ralph, we will passing in Puerto Vallarta. miss you and remember you forever. Thanks for everything, amigo, and go in In Memorium, Ralph Osborne peace. We were fortunate to fulfill a lifelong With much appreciation, dream with Ralph and travel together in 2018 to the Galapagos Islands and Robert Price Peru. Ralph loved his friends, and his Founder and Curator dinner parties were legendary here in Vallarta Botanical Garden 22

2020 is the International Year of the Animal. The animal of the month is the Margay (Leopardus wiedii), a small wild cat of the Vallarta Botanical Garden. This is an urgent conservation appeal… before it is too late. The Vallarta Botanical Garden is asking for your help to preserve the habitat. Come visit our new preserve and learn how you can participate. Explore and conserve with us: www.vbgardens.org

Official tour of the Vallarta Botanical Garden Botanical Delights – Tour & Culinary Adventure Come experience our plant conservatories and forest preserve. Visit our vanilla plantation, our hiking trails and of course, our gift shop. To reserve, please call 322 105- 0821, email [email protected] or visit our office at 399 Ignacio L. Vallarta in the Romantic Zone on the south side of town. The tour includes a special menu and one alcoholic beverage. Please check our web site for current prices: www.tourspvr.com

Garden amenities and services Please check our web site for current hours of operation and entry fees. Children 4 and under admitted free of charge when accompanied by a parent and/or legal guardian. We are currently ranked #3 in “Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta”! Wheelchair accessible parts of the Garden include the Vallarta Conservatory of Orchids & Native Plants, the lower floors of the Hacienda de Oro Visitor Center (including areas with restaurant service), restrooms, the Holstein Tropical House, and the Daneri Vireya Rhododendron House as well as several trails linking these areas. No wheelchairs for loan or rent. Pets are welcome when kept on leash in their owner’s control and their waste is picked up immediately. Extra fee of $50 pesos per pet applies. The Garden is about 30 minutes south of Old Town PV, on Carretera a Barra Navidad at km 24, just past Las Juntas y Los Veranos, all easily accessible by public transportation. Catch the bus at the corner of Aguacate & V. Carranza in the Romantic Zone. Tel.: 322 223-6182. www.vbgardens.org 23 The New York Times Tuesday Crossword Puzzle Jim Holland |Edited by: Will Shortz | New York Times

Solution on Page 20 SUDOKU! Sudoku is a logic-based placement puzzle The aim of the puzzle is to enter a numerical digit from 1 through 9 in each row, column and group of squares enclosed by the bold lines (also called a box). Each box must contain each number only once, starting with various digits given in some cells (the “givens”). Each row, column, and region must contain only one instance of each numeral. Completing the puzzle requires patience. It is recommended as therapy because some studies have suggested they might improve memory, attention and problem solving while staving off mental decline and perhaps reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Solution on Page 20