Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit News

Vallarta Paper

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Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005

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Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005Page 2

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parcial de su contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías sin previa autorización por escrito del editor.

The information published in Vallarta Paper has been provided by the advertiser or event organizer. We strongly recommend you confirm

date, time and location of events or establishments prior to attending or visiting. Vallarta Paper is not responsible or liable for mistakes,

omissions or erroneous information published by the advertisers or the parties involved in events. Printer: Tinta y Papel Impresos Santa

Maria. 316 Col. La Moderna Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Mexico.

The Vallarta Paper team gives you the warmest welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. We wish you the best of the stays and hope you find the following information useful.

TIME ZONE: The state of Jalisco and the Riviera Nayarit area (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Litibú, Sayulita, and San Pancho, and Lo de Marcos) are on Central time. beyond that point, time changes to Mexican Pacific Standard Time, or Mountain Time, one hour behind Puerto Vallarta time. Please keep this in mind for your f light schedule.

CURRENCY: Mexican peso is the legal currency. However American and Canadian dollars are widely used and accepted in most establishments. We recommend you try to be aware of the exchange rate.

MONEY EXCHANGE: The easiest and cheapest way to exchange money is to use your debit card in the ATM to withdraw pesos. Be aware of the exchange rate option some ATMs offer upon withdrawal. Exchange houses and hotels usually offer higher rates.

TAXIS: The town and surrounding areas are divided into defined zones. if you are staying in a hotel, fares will be posted by the lobby. If you f lag a cab on the street, ALWAYS agree on the

Welcome!

cost beforehand. In town, prices are by trip, not by person. Only airport- and maritime port-based taxis charge by person, but you can´t catch those in town. UBER is available in town but will not pick you up in federal-sanctioned areas such as the airport.

BUSES: A system of urban buses carry you through the central part of town. There is a different system to travel south up to El Tuito, and yet another one to travel north up to Sayulita. If you want to travel further in either direction, you will need to catch a bus at the central station. Fare within town is 10 pesos. Drivers won’t give you change.

Important NumbersPhone Calls Mexico has recently adopted the 10-digit system for all

local, long distance, and toll-free numbers, either land or mobile lines. If you bring your mobile phone from home, check with your provider about services available in Mexico, or consider getting a Mexican SIM card. Most domestic carriers will give you unlimited calls to Mexico, US and Canada for as little as $200 pesos per month, plus some data included.

International Long-Distance Calls From MexicoUS & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + NumberOther countries: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

Calls To Mexico From AbroadTo make a call to Mexico from abroad, just dial the country code + the 10-digit number.

Emergency Calls: 911

Lizeth Contreras Managing Director

Cynthia Andrade Content & Design Director

Vallarta Paper Staff Sales

Paco MorásEditor

ContributorsCat Morgan, Christie Seeley

Cindy Bouchard, John WarrenMartin Rosenberg, Oscar Aranda

Poncho Davalos, Toots Gabriel

PhotosRoberto Aceves

Website:www.vallartapaper.com

Contact: vallartapaper@gmail.comsales@vallartapaper.com

editor@vallartapaper.com

Immigration department 322 224 7719

Canadian consulate – 24/7

800 706 2900Jalisco Tourism Office

322 221 2676Nayarit Tourism Office

322 297 1006Consumer protection

800 468 8722CFE – Power company

071

Emerald Princess Princess Cruise 03.03.2020 08:00 17:00Oosterdam Holland America 03.03.2020 08:00 21:00Royal Princess Princess Cruise 04.03.2020 07:00 18:00Carnival Panorama Carnival 04.03.2020 08:00 20:00Norwegian Joy Norwegian Cruise 05.03.2020 08:00 17:00

Name Time Line Date Arrival Departure

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two and a half decades. However, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. We strongly suggest you buy bottled water, available all over town.

TIPPING: In general, you may tip 10-20% in restaurants and bars. Please also try to tip those who bag your groceries or help load your car. Don’t forget to tip your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment. And by all means, tip more if you want, it will be very much appreciated.

GETTING AROUND: In many places such as Centro Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations.

EXPORTING PETS: If you are an animal lover and fall for a dog or cat while in town, know that bringing them home with you is an easy and inexpensive process. You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements. If you need further information, call the local animal shelter: 322 293 3690.

Page 3EditorialFeb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005

Paco Morás

From the editor

There is always something happening in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit. Art, music, theater, sports; you name

it, we have it. That is one of the benefits of living in such a beautiful spot of the world, which has been privileged with so many wonders.

I am convinced, though, that the most important element out of all the good stuff our destination has to offer is people. And by people, I mean not only the native individuals who have been lucky enough to be born and raised here along the years. My people include everybody who lives, passes by or visits the area for any given time, either Vallartan or immigrant from

another state or country.

Of course, the longer you stay here, the more opportunity you have to leave a mark on the community if that is what you want. And the total of people’s involvement is larger than the sum of every individual’s effort. That is what I mean when I say my people: the aggregation of individuals who get involved with the community to take care and put to good use the natural wonders I was talking about before.

Here I am going to diverge out to two branches, the communal and the self-cen-tered ones. First, I want to mention the situation of the El Salado Estuary. For those of you who don’t know it, El Salado is consi-dered the only urban estuary in Mexico,

and a great deal of its important lies there. It is a protected area home to many vegetal and animal species, a shelter for many reptiles (mainly crocodiles) and migratory birds.

Well, now the Jalisco government recently launched a project to remove 29 of the 169 hectares from the protection decree established 20 years ago, with the idea of turning them into a touristic development with not-so-clear characte-ristics. A public consult was carried out as the project has found opposition from different actors of society. I can only hope nature is respected and natural areas are preserved just fine.

On a merrier note comes the second

branch, the shamelessly self-centered one about the involvement of people. I have mentioned before how advertisers, readers and contributors have welcomed the appearance of the Vallarta Paper, and that has only made us happy. Well, this week we are welcoming a new set of people who are becoming part of our already stellar lineup of contributors: Christie Seeley, Cat Morgan, John Warren from the IFC, Poncho Davalos, and Toots Gabriel appear for the first time on these pages. Please welcome them and let us know your thoughts

Paco Morás

Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005NewsPage 4

Thanks To Volunteers

A dead, white guy once said, ““What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others remains and is immortal.” Very profound, but true.

There are hundreds of people in Puerto Vallarta who are “doing for others.” Together, they spend thousands of hours making this world a better place in many small ways.

Take those who volunteer in dozens of “jobs” for the International Friendship Club. The IFC serves over 600 members, raises millions of pesos in a few months, and distributes all of its surplus after expenses. It does this by supporting three internal programs and about twenty charities that help Mexicans to be better educated, healthier, and happier. It happens because people volunteer.

Most of the money raised by the IFC comes from its internationally famous Home Tours, which take guests on a three-hour tour of three or four homes each Tuesday and Wednesday. See www.ifctoursfor-vallarta.com. These tours take many dedicated volun-teers to operate smoothly. Someone has to contact the homeowners and convince them that by opening their gorgeous, exotic, and valuable homes to strangers a few times during the year, by doing so, they will help Mexican kids get free surgeries for cleft palates, will help to shelter abused women in a safe house, and will help kids with cancer eat better.

Other volunteers on the Home Tour teams sell the tickets, write name tags, collect cash, order the buses, ride on the buses to ensure everyone is safe and happy, direct the tours and make sure that everything works like clockwork. It happens every Tuesday and Wednesday morning from December through March. These volunteers must be doing a heck of a job because Trip Advisor reviews show a 99% rating of “Excellent” or Very Good.”

By John WarrenJohn Warren is the publicity director of the International Friendship Club (IFC). The IFC runs the very popular Home Tours, raises money for twenty or more charities, provides free medical and dental care to Mexicans and hosts anyone interested in enjoying lectures, Spanish classes and social events. www.ifcvallarta.com

Go to the IFC clubhouse between 9:00 am and 1:30 pm, and you’ll be met by volunteers who will greet you and tell you what’s happening. It could be Spanish classes, a bridge class, a social bridge tournament or a lecture on Mexican history. On Friday evenings, new friends and old gather at 5:00 pm for social hour at the club and some go to a couple of different restaurants for dinner as part of the “dine-around” activity. Three times a year, the club members get together for brunches and a Christmas party. All of these activities take dozens of volunteers. On Saturday mornings, classes in yoga and meditation are available to members and visitors.

The club runs three programs to help Mexicans. The cleft palate program has been running for 35 years. IFC volunteers pick up the volunteer medical staff coming in from Guadalajara, accommodate, and feed them. The next day they welcome families with kids with cleft-palate related medical issues, organize an operating room donated by CMQ hospital, and keep track of the patients and their follow-up care with a local dental specialist. In Boca de Tomatlan, the club has equipped a dental clinic that provides free care to kids and adults living on Cabo Corrientes. The English Outreach program is possible because volunteers teach scores of Mexican adults and students who learn English for free, twice a week, from January to March.

The Home Tours, memberships, the lectures, the film nights, the Spanish classes, and other activities generate revenue for the club. The profits are then disbursed to the Mexican community. About twenty volunteers sit on the Education and the Social Services commi-ttees to ensure that requests for funding received from charities are scrutinized and disbursed appropriately. Site visits are made to all of these charities to ensure the money is spent as designated. This means volunteers visit orphanages, a rehabilitation clinic, community centers, the library, music programs, and after-school programs to make sure all is well.

And then there are the other unsung heroes. The president, treasurer, the facilities manager, the electronic media whiz, the events coordinator, and the board of directors. All of this activity is helped by the club’s dedicated and ever-pleasant employee, its office manager, Josue.

The IFC has been operating its Home Tours, supporting its cleft palate program and providing a friendly venue for people to meet since 1985. The hours and hours of dedicated work by volunteers over the years have changed thousands and thousands of lives in and around Puerto Vallarta.

Martin Luther King said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?” These volunteers at the International Friendship Club answer that question every day.

Page 5Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005 Column

Are you ready to enjoy the hottest live show in town? This week, join local favorites, Los Bambinos, for dinner and

fabulous entertainment starting at 6pm at Bambinos Trattoria in Old Town. A local Puerto Vallarta sensation since 2004, Los Bambinos are a 4 brother ensemble who inherited their love of music from their musician father. Originally from Morelos south of Mexico City, the Morales Brothers have been delighting the Puerto Vallarta community for more than 15 years. Los Bambinos cover a variety of classic favorite tunes that that will have you jumping out of your seat to dance and sing along. Covering hit songs in both English and Spanish, everyone can join in on the lighthearted fun.

In addition to the incredible live music that starts at 8pm, Bambinos Trattoria offers a full bodied menu of delicious Italian inspired fare that is sure to impress. Come in and enjoy a nice bottle of wine as you savor one of their tantalizing pastas or hearty main entrees. Soak up the exciting atmosphere and make sure to try the chef’s special seafood spaghetti for a fresh take on an old favorite. A cozy and energetic ambiance in the heart of Old Town’s Romantic Zone, Bambinos Trattoria is the perfect spot to enjoy an evening of great music with Los Bambinos and delicious cuisine at the same time.

Los Bambinos Weekly Highlights:

Monday| HELP! Tribute to the Beatles| Seating begins at 6 pm

Growing up listening to the Beatles, The Morales brothers bring their own four-part harmonies to the stage playing a show of classics. Los Bambinos harmonies and instrumentation perfectly captures the sound of one of the most recognized groups in musical history.

Tuesday & Wednesday| Bohemian Rhapsody- QUEEN| Seating begins at 6 pm.

The QUEEN revival show is a great musical challenge for the group with complex harmonies and sophisticated instrumentation. Full of energy and rhythm, this show will make you vibrate as

you experience a night full of vocals.

Thursday| MUSIC LEGENDS| Seating begins at 6 pm.

Los Bambinos take you on a music tour offering a great compilation of the world’s most emblematic tunes from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80, and more! Revive those memories and experience a fun and touching evening of a spectacular selection of artists.

Friday| LATIN NIGHT PARTY! |Seating begins at 6 pm.

Come on down for a full evening of Latin music in their famous Latin Music Show! This concert brings you the heart of Latin American music that is an intimate part of Los Bambinos’ own musical history.

Join Bambinos for a Fabulous Dinner & Show This Week!In this performance, the group showcases their musical upbringing performing traditional Mexican music, contemporary favorites like Carlos Santana, and Gypsy Kings flamenco along-side rhythmic selec-tions by artists such as Celia Cruz.

Saturday| “Big girls don’t cry” | Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons|

This dynamic show beautifully presents the authentic range of the group’s voices. Los Bambinos music does justice to this iconic musical era and artist. You’ll be singing and dancing. Eldest brother, Carlos Morales conquers the emblematic soprano of the group, and the four Morales’ overall voice ranges bring the essence of the music to life!

Make sure to make your reservation TODAY and come see Los Bambinos at Bambinos Trattoria in Old Town. The brother’s charm, contagious smiles and incredible harmonies will leave a lasting impression on first time guests and long time fans alike.

Los Bambino’s Dinner & Show perfor-mances are held at Bambinos Trattoria, delicious and authentic Italian fare. Check out unbiased reviews on Trip Advisor! Bambinos Trattoria is located at Aguacate #314, at the corner of Carranza street in Old Town Puerto Vallarta. For reservations call 222-4357 (English spoken), tickets available online at www.bambinostrattoria.com. See you at the show!

Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005ColumnPage 6

By Christie SeeleyFrom Oakland, California to Puerto Vallarta…lured by music of guitars and sounds of the sea. vallartasounds.com

A Musical Getaway to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Sayulita

After beautiful sail with friends and the marvelous staff of Catamaran Christina along the southern Nayarit coastline, I

suddenly felt a strong pull to revisit the picturesque towns of the area. It certainly helped that two of my favorite bands were playing dinner shows on the weekend at the Tree House Bar in La Cruz de Huana-caxtle. The unequaled Gypsy Rumba/Latin Fusion band Media Luna was scheduled for Saturday night, and the fiery Flamenco group Tatewari was to play on Monday. Whereas I had been a regular visitor to the area last year, events had kept me away, and I had not been able to visit Alfredo and Marichuy’s newly relocated venue in La Cruz on Coral #68 until now. It was about time!

On the spur of the moment, I arranged an Airbnb in La Cruz and one in Sayulita for Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. It had been too long since I last visited Sayulita as well, so I decided on a somewhat more compli-

cated but equally satisfying itinerary, including both enchanting towns.

Saturday, I headed up the coast to Sayulita by bus. It was easy to catch the bus in front of Walmart and enjoy the beautiful scenery as I progressed toward the Pueblo Magico and surfers’ paradise that is Sayulita. I chose a bungalow (Palapa Chile) on the north end of town on a lovely tranquil garden. The place advertised a quiet location with mosquito screens for windows and a morning serenade of roosters as its primary amenities. It also boasted an easy walk into the center of town. Just the atmosphere I was seeking.

I Arrived in Sayulita at around noon, just on time to get a table at my favorite restaurant in Sayulita, Don Pancho. Located in an inviting palapa on the beach, Don Pancho is an extraordinary spot with a great atmosphere and excellent cuisine. My favorite is their outrageously authentic Salad Nicoise that rivals that of the Castle Plage in Nice, France. The grilled artichoke and the freshly made tapenade are the magic ingredients. From the comfortable outdoor restaurant, you have a perfect view of the surfers and bathers and the broad expanse of the Bay. I ended my superb meal with an expresso and headed to my accommodations to rest up for the evening.

The show was to begin at 7:00, so I arranged a taxi to take me to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle about 1/2 hour away. There I was greeted by Alfredo Jimenez and many

familiar faces as we arranged ourselves in their new space at the base of the giant Huanacaxtle tree for this incredible show by Media Luna. The minute they hit the stage, we knew we were in for a treat!

The arrangement of the new venue gives the audience an unobstructed view of the stage and musicians. The acoustics are perfect. Martin Hertz and Antonio Martinez handled the audio, and the new lighting system lent a pleasant atmos-phere to the performance. A marvelous rendition of Paco de Lucia’s Entre Dos Aguas featured excellent guitar work by Caleb and Jair Cabrera and cousin Gibran Monzalvo Cabrera and an exciting drum solo by Dani Choi Renteria. Following, they played one of my new favorites Gypsy Flame by Iranian/Armenian American composer Armik Dashchi. Luis Badillo on bass and voice treated us to an uplifting Que Bonita es Esta Vida, celebrating life, family, and community. Sulvey Rosales, the new addition to the group, thrilled the crowd with traditional Mexican pieces and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah. The entire evening was a great success.

I returned to Sayulita to a festival going on in the soccer field across from my Airbnb. The music was deafening and constant, with an abundance of the ever-present tuba. It lasted until 4:30 in the morning! So much for my peaceful getaway. But the day on the beach awaits me, and my spirits high. This beautiful little town does not have a reputation for quiet. The local population equals the young tourist

crowd with its festive spirit that seems to be always in the air. I am off for coffee and a beautiful sunny day. Tomorrow I will head down to La Cruz again to hear another of my favorites, Tatewari, perform at Tree House Bar, where I first got to know the group well. Life is full of adventure and beautiful music if you invite it in.

You can read more about these and other groups I follow and find a calendar of many of their events on my website www.vallartasounds.com. Visit us and get out and hear more music!

Page 7Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005 Column

Cindy Bouchardan expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Live in La Cruz

Colectivo Tomate, the La Cruz Mural project.

As I was out of the country, my hubby, Chris Bouchard, inter-viewed Salvador Garcia.

Since Mayan and Aztec times, art has been an integral part of Mexican society; any opportunity to express and savor the local culture and its history has always been welcomed enthusiastically. La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is no different. Today, we feature and honor a super group of “guest characters” which has indelibly left its mark on La Cruz.

Colectivo Tomate, led by Project Director Salvador Garcia. Recently, Chava, as he is known by his youthful team of local and international artists, spoke to me after a marathon two weeks of creative frenzy in La Cruz.

CB: Chava, tell me about Colectivo Tomate, and this initiative.

SG: Colectivo Tomate is a group of artists

that seeks to fill the streets of Mexico with color and celebrate our history through art. Here in La Cruz, with our Ciudad Mural (City of Murals) project, we have transformed the walls of dozens of La Cruz homes and businesses into works of art.

CB: How would you define the group’s mission?

SG: Collective Tomate seeks to tell the stories of the communities we visit and transform spaces that might otherwise be forgotten. We begin by selecting a location and recruiting artists willing to donate their time and talent. We interview local families, and the artists tell those stories though interpretive murals. We bring art to every corner of the town and revitalize a spirit of connection and “pride of place”. The collective is not only about art, it also seeks to educate, promote coexistence, respect and unity, and this is achieved by involving not only the artists selected to create the murals, but also the members of the community through workshops and experiential sessions, like the “interpretive art-walk” this past Saturday here in La Cruz.

CB: That was great, indeed! Salvador,

how did La Cruz have the good fortune of being selected for this project?

SG: We considered a number of towns in Bahia de Banderas, including Sayulita, San Pancho, and others. We determined that in La Cruz, we had the best fit, and that our impact here could be most significant.

CB: In what respect?

SG: La Cruz has a great history as a hardworking pioneer town. Families of fishermen, farmers, caleros, and so on. However, the town is now in transition, adding tourism as a significant socio-eco-

nomic aspect of life here. Our murals project serves as an opportunity to showcase and honor the collective history of La Cruz. In addition to the younger local kids, expats, snowbirds, and tourists also gain an intimate insight of the various characters and characteristics of La Cruz- family and personal histories, hopes, and inspiration, told in pictures.

CB: How many murals? Painters? Etc.?

SG: We had twenty-three painters- all but four were Mexican, plus over a hundred support workers- advance team, coordi-nators, public liaisons, food and accommo-dation people, and so on. We completed 30 murals, with a combined area of 1300 square meters.

CB: Well, we certainly appreciate all

the hard work, and the results are simply wonderful. How do we thank you?

SG: First, we ask that you take care of the murals- the owners of the buildings are not obligated, and in some ways not able to keep them in prime condition. The paintings receive a final sealer once complete, but some wear will occur over time. And of course, we trust that the images will be respected by all. So, we ask that you adopt and care for them. Second, please fortify what is already evident in La Cruz- strong bridges between cultures- local and foreign, young and old, affluent and needy. Respect and learn about each other. Continue to collaborate. Find a need and fill it. Third, support local producers and service providers, - fishermen, tour guides, grocers, taxi drivers, musicians and restauranteurs etc., who live and work here or very close by.

CB: Agreed. Like music, live and local is

best- there’s a connection to be had here that just doesn’t occur in the Big Box stores.

What’s next for La Cruz and Colectivo Tomate?

SG: Well it’s up to you. I did hear of a local interest in telling the history of our nation; from the ancient, pre-Hispanic times, right up to modern days here in La Cruz. This could be awesome – perhaps in a series of murals, (for example, using the dozens of panels of wall around the primary school). A great opportunity to involve the youth in an educational and affirming collaboration. A project like this could fall under another of Colectivo Tomate’s programs called Consonantes.

CB: That sounds exciting- let’s hold the

vision that a “champion” for that idea, or something similar, shows up! Salvador, thanks again to you and your team, and to Comex, and the municipality of Bahia de Banderas for its support.

One last question, Salvador. What’s the

significance of the name- why Colectivo Tomate?

SG: Tomate was chosen for its strong link to the culture of Mexico, where the tasty fruit originated. Tomatoes also have many seeds, can grow almost anywhere given some sunshine and attention, and are an essential ingredient in many recipes in Mexico’s world-famous cuisine; from the simplest home-made salsa to the highest culinary masterpieces.

CB: Well, thanks again, for all the visual

masterpieces now to be seen around La Cruz.

SG: It was a great pleasure, and we look forward to La Cruz’ continued growth as a connected, enlightened, sustainable and collaborative community- see you on our next project!

Banderas Bay Vallarta Paper|

PUERTOVALLARTA

Banderas Bay Vallarta Paper|

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Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005ColumnPage 10

Oscar ArandaOscar Aranda is a biologist, conservationist, environmental writer and author of the book “The secret language of nature. Having headed the sea turtle and cetacean protection programs in Puerto Vallarta for 12 years, he keeps his heart in the Banderas Bay despite living in Spain. You can contact him at osaranda@yahoo.com or through his webpage www.relatosdelanaturaleza.org

My favorite singers

My dear reader: what are your favorite singers? You can’t mention the humpback whales, for whom of course

we keep a place of honor among the most amazing singing animals we can find in Banderas Bay. This week our beloved humpbacks will be relegated to the background because all our senses will be placed on the birds that inhabit and visit our lush forests, jungles and green corners of the city. Taking advantage of the Vallarta Bird and Nature Festival that takes place in the Botanical Garden of Vallarta from March 4 to 8 (whose activities should not be missed), I dedicate this space to pay a small tribute to all those birds which make their presence known with beautiful sounds and harmonic notes, and also those whose squawks, although far from being harmo-nious or relaxing for our ears, are still wonderful memories that the diversity of wildlife that we have around us is simply surprising.

It doesn’t matter if you aren’t an

expert bird watcher, I am sure you can easily recognize a bunch of birds just by listening to them, as many of them live in our city. Let’s consider, for example, the ubiquitous Great-tailed Grackle- (Quiscalus mexicanus), whose male can boast, in addition to its perfect black plumage, a beautiful and complex reper-toire of sounds with great importance for their social relationships. In addition to listening to them continuously during the breeding season, they are also very communicative at sunset, when they gather to sleep on their favorite trees.

Less striking for its size, but compen-sating for that smallness with their beautiful songs, are the White-collared Seedeater- (Sporophila torqueola), who undoubtedly take the prize for the best songbird living in the city and its surroundings. With its barely 10 centi-meters in length and a striking resem-blance to the domestic canary, the so-called Cinnamon-rumped Seedeater is a bird that stands out for its beauty and powerful lungs, whose song could be described as “sweet and sonic, starings with several repeated high notes, going down to several notes in a lower tone ”. Other birds typical of the region and that we all recognize? There is the Great

Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus), a screamer who can easily be identified by having a black feather hood over his white head and a long horizontal black strip that covers his eyes from the base of the beak to the neck, and that stands out for its yellow belly and brown wings. His strong and repetitive call gave him his name in Spanish (well-see-you), although it takes a little imagination to understand what he says. And speaking of imagination, there is a curious popular belief that states that his song announces pregnancy to the women who listen to him. Will it be true?

There are other easily recognizable birds, although they are not especially skillful when it comes to musical notes and harmony. The Black-bellied Whistling Duck Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna autumnalis) could be the best known to all. Abundant during the rainy season, it usually nests in the highest palm trees, while in the dry season they are usually heard at night, when they fly over our homes when moving from one wetland to another. Males and females use a very characteristic whistle to communicate.

The Colima Pygmy Owl (Glaucidium palmarum) is a great representative of the discrete birds that are easier to hear than to see, although the sounds it emits

are considered monotonous, simple and repetitive. It is a small but very versatile bird capable of camouflaging perfectly between the branches of the trees. It has an admirable combination of agility, flexibility and good vision; unequivocal symbols of its great capacity to adapt to the dense vegetation of the forests and bushes. However, it has a weak point, because it is impossible to avoid answering the call of another, regardless of whether it is a recording. If you test in an area without noise pollution, I guarantee that someone will answer and also, with a little patience, will come to the call to see who it is.

Less discreet is the Groove-billed Ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris), who shares the same habitat with the owl (and many other birds). It is a social bird, brown black with a very characteristic thick beak. Always flying in small groups, he is a skilled hunter of insects and small arthropods like spiders. He always stays in commu-nication with his partners, emitting that two-syllable sound in tone of question that gave rise to his name in Spanish: Pi-juy?

The prize for the most raucous bird in the Bay could be taken by the Military Macaw (Ara militaris), whose presence in the city of Vallarta is limited to a few specimens which in the morning fly noisily to approach the Salado Estuary, where they feed on mangrove leaves to incorporate important minerals into their diet. However, I will give the prize to the West Mexican Chachalaca (Ortalis poliocephala) who, although a generally shy bird before the human presence, is capable of continuously and quickly emitting a thunderous and rhythmic croaking that echoes away through the jungle, especially in the morning, cha-cha-la-ka !, cha-cha-la-ka!

It is very likely that among your favorite songbirds there are none of those that I have mentioned, since I have put aside a lot of species of migratory birds and a host of resident species whose songs deserve to be mentioned. The important thing is that we keep our senses always attentive to the call of nature and that we listen carefully. Maybe one day we can understand their language and get their message: We want to live in peace!

Page 11ColumnsFeb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005

Hey it’s me!

Hi there, I’m Alfonso “Poncho” Davalos and I’m super excited to share with all of you my local point of view about things

happening in our beautiful Banderas Bay or share experiences and much more. Anyway, I would like to introduce myself. That way you’ll know a little more about me.

Well, I’m originally from Monterrey, Nuevo León, a city located in the North of Mexico. We share a little of border with the USA. I remember when I was a kid, I dreamed about speaking English and I pretended I did while I was playing to

Poncho DavalosAlfonso “Poncho” Davalos, is a real estate Agent for The Agency Puerto Vallarta. He enjoys dealing with people, playing with his dog, and he has a pet pig, YES a pet pig.

Wandering around town

pretending I was doing a TV show or a telenovela.

I moved to Puerto Vallarta in 2008 to work in a famous restaurant located in the heart of the Hotel Zone, but after a few months, they noticed I wasn’t so good for the position they told me I was supposed to be in charge, plus I have to admit, I made some mistakes, and they told me I was fired. At the time I remember I cried a lot because I was torn between should I stay in Puerto Vallarta or go back home?

The funny fact was that I thought Monterrey was “home”, which changed over the years. Anyway, as I said I was crying and scared because I didn’t know anyone in this town and I was broke and the landlord asked me for the keys of the place I was living in because they needed it for a Canadian woman who already rented the condo. At the time the girl who was the PR of that restaurant told me, “you should try to make it in Puerto Vallarta, you’re already here, try it, the worst thing is if things don’t go well, you always can fly to Monterrey”. I said “that’s right”; plus I had so much pride in me that I didn’t want to go back to my hometown after a couple of months.

Finally, after I got a job in the hospitality industry as a concierge, I remember I enjoyed the fact of talking to people. I have to confess, my English at the time wasn’t as “polished” as it is now, but we had a lot of tourists from Canada and USA, I had to learn new words and expressions and put in practice what I learned in school.

Then, 10 months later I received an email from my friend Susan, saying something like “I was offered for a job in Puerto Vallarta”; she had already worked and lived in PV but everything happens for a reason, and she had to move back to the States and keep working in real estate, so she told me to go to this job interview. She said, “I’m not planning on coming back to live in Mexico soon”. I went and I got the job as a concierge in a vacation rentals and sales company. I remember I was very happy, it was a new world for me, to discover the city, the buildings, the houses and meet people, arrange tours, activities. One of the best things besides meeting very cool people was the chance I had to do most of the touristic things that Puerto Vallarta has, I think I did five zip lines, many whale watching tours, etc.

Time flies and after some years of experience, they allowed me to start doing vacation rentals at the time at Peninsula Vallarta, Grand Venetian and Icon Vallarta. I used to watch dogs too. I did everything as possible to make it happen.

Then organically the change was already written for me and I got an oppor-tunity to do real estate, do sales. Between you and me: I never imagined I could do it, I was afraid about not having a paycheck, but as we say in Mexico: “el que es perico donde sea es verde”, which means, It doesn’t matter what you do, if you’re good, you’ll make it.

I learned what I know now in that real estate office I spent I think like 6 years. I

feel it was like my university, as I told you I learned a lot, how to write an offer, about contingencies, inspections, what an escrow was, the famous trust, to learn how to read a deed, etc. Over there I had the opportunity to be on TV, thanks to HGTV in Mexico Life Show. But sometimes you know when it is the time to fly or make a change, a big one, so I decided to go and work for another real estate office that just opened in town and where I’m working now.

Over the years selling real estate, I disco-vered how important WE as real estate agents or realtors are to you who want to purchase a house, lot or a condo. Maybe you’re wondering why I’m saying this, well: my client Daphne, a lovely woman who bought her house. After the closing, I took a picture of her on the balcony and behind her was the amazing ocean view and right after I took the picture she said. “Poncho, you made my dream come true, to have a house in Puerto Vallarta. I’ve been coming for 40 years and now I have it and it’s thanks to you”. Obviously, my heart was melting and my eyes were wet.

I decided to do my job as good as I could, to give to each of my buyers or sellers the best experience ever, after that comment Daphne told me I discovered that WE as real estate agents, are part of one of the most important decisions in people’s life.

Anyway, I hope I didn’t bore you with my story. If I did, you’ll find something very interesting here in Vallarta Paper, if you liked it, send me an email at alfonso.davalos@theagencyvallarta.com

Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005ColumnsPage 12

Saúl

His name is Alexis Saúl Meléndez Almaraz. And although rather young, at twenty-four, he has been playing guitar for a long

time. His favourite musician would be Stevie Ray Vaughn. And, similarly to Stevie, whose older brother Jimmie was a major influence, it was Saúl’s older brother Christian (Chino) who inspired him. When you watch Saúl perform songs like Pride and Joy you might wonder whether reincarnation surely exists. He really does put his ‘heart and soul’ into it. Ah yes, Saúl loves music. He loves playing the guitar. And he’s very comfortable on stage. But it wasn’t always that way. His beginnings as a performer were uneasy. Some people call it stage fright, or butterflies.

When you consider names of people in Mexico you begin to realize that they are structured a bit differently from other countries. Your middle last name is from your paternal side and your last name from your maternal. With Saúl, I just figured, let’s look at the first name.

A long time ago there was another Saul. He was a Hebrew and became the first king of the Jews. The bible tells us that Saul was troubled by an evil spirit sent by God. Lots of people are troubled by evil spirits. But, anyway, the king requests soothing music and a servant recommends David the son of Jesse, who is renowned for his skills as a harpist and other talents. And David began to display a fondness for Saul’s daughter. But the king didn’t really like David. So, Saul says to David, “You go out with the army next week in that war we’re having and bring back one hundred Philistine foreskins. Then you can have my daughter.” And Saul, of course, was hoping that David would be killed in battle.

And a thousand years before that there was Saul’s ancestor Abraham. And Abraham was kind of the leader of his people. One day his son came home from school and said, “Dad, can I ask you something?” “Sure, go ahead son.” “Well, I was wondering. This is the year 1321, right?” “Yes, of course son.” “And next year it will be 1320, right?” “Yes.” “Well, why is it that while everything seems to be going forward, the years are going backward.” Abraham put his hand on the boy’s shoulder and said, “Son, you’ll understand these things better when you are older.” “Gee, thanks dad.” And that night when they went to bed Abe spoke up. “Dear?” “What?” “Well, I was wondering. This is the year 1321 right?” And his wife responded the same way women have always responded, “I have a headache. Go to sleep.”

by Toots Gabriel

The Musician’s Muse

Abraham liked to go for long walks. To be alone. To get away from the nagging wife and kids. This was before the invention of golf. And Abraham, on this day, happened to be out on a rather long walk. Up on Mount Sinai. Oh wait. Maybe that was Moses. Crap. But, you know, like most people, I remember faces better than names. So, if you bear with me just a little bit, maybe we can get through this together. And it just so happened that on this particular day God came down and paid him a visit. And they chatted throu-ghout the afternoon. And then God said, “You got anything to drink?” And Abraham pulled out a flask and told the big guy

that somebody sends him a bottle every Hanukah. “We don’t know what it is. Nobody can read the label.” And God said, “Let me see it” and said, “Yeah, it’s tequila. I know the family that makes it, in Mexico.” And then, like guys do, they proceeded to polish off the whole thing. And they chatted some more. And Abraham said, “I would like for my sons and my grandsons to all travel, to see faraway places.” And, whether it was the slight slur, or Abraham’s poor hearing, when God said, “The whole world should be circumcised” Abraham almost snorted tequila out his nose and thought, ‘Ouch.

City EventsCeviche & Aguachile Tianguis Andador Fca. Rodríguez, Old TownEvery Tuesday12: 00 am – 6:00 pm322 223 0095

Tour in a Sustainable VehicleTourism City OfficeIndependencia 123

Monday to Sunday9:00 am - 3:00 pm322 223 0095

Downtown Walking TourTourism City OfficeIndependencia 123 Tuesday & Wednesday 9:00 am & 12:00 pm Saturday 9:00 am322 222 0923

Tours in the “El Salado” EstuaryBlvd. Fco. Medina Ascencio S/N door 4,Monday to Saturday9:00 am, 11:00 am, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm$ 300 pesos adults $ 100 pesos children322 226 2878 322 175 7539

Papantla Traditional Ceremony Paseo Díaz Ordaz, across from Bodeguita del Medio

Monday to Sunday6:00 pm Voluntary donation322 223 0095

Clowns & Mime Shows “Aquiles Serdán” AmphitheaterDowntownMonday to Sunday6:15 pm - 12:30 amVoluntary donation

Well, okay, whatever you say, you’re the boss.’

So anyway, we skip a thousand years. And David did survive the war. And not only that, he brought back two hundred foreskins. And when combined with his already existing stash it gave Saul the largest collection on the planet and even got him a coveted entry in The Guinness Book of World Records which was of course known by a different name back then. And it was, in fact, one of the original books of the Bible. But later, like many other books, it was voted out at The Council of Nicaea. It is said that the Russians tried to insert a motion to influence the vote, but it wasn’t put in.

Some people like collecting weird shit. There is one guy from the Netherlands who has amassed over 3,700 airsickness bags from 800 different airlines. And a whole lot of other people collect nail clippings and stuff like that. Keith Richards and Jimmy Page are said to have guitar collections numbering in the thousands.

Saúl is a founding member of the band Soul Trip. And he hopes to one day have a collection of dozens or maybe even hundreds of guitars. You can help him with his goal by donating a guitar or even cash. Soul Trip performs all over Banderas Bay at some of the best places. On Monday

Page 13ColumnsFeb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005

Martin Rosenberg, PhDMarty journeyed from Anthropology Lecturer at the Museum of Natural History, N.Y.C., President of Illinois’ CPA Society, CEO Tomorrows Software, film producer, and author of three books and many articles. As Director of Posters International Gallery in Puerto Vallarta he is surrounded by fine art. Talks given on creativity, mind/body connection and metaphysical wonders.email: martysanmiguel@gmail.comwww.rosenbergcollection.com

Insight

The Power of Public Art: Mexico and Poland

When is art most influential? When it’s a surprise and accessible to everyone. Public art meets those two

criteria. It also demonstrates an artist’s courage and creativity. Puerto Vallarta is a city leading the way in providing art in public places, especially along the entire Malecon walkway. First, let’s explore the realm of art for the people. The street is the art gallery most available to the community. Mexico and Poland share such honors.

There is also a unique socio-political history between these two countries. The two-fold focus of this article is on what psychologist Dr. Rollo May termed the creative courage of artists and art’s impact to humanity.

Art impacts people’s passion, attitudes, values, culture and politics. This is especially true when it’s intentionally designed to do so. Though continents apart, with different languages and cultural histories, Mexico and Poland have both used art to impact social change. Governments in both countries pledged to support visual art as a means of influencing social, economic and political objectives. The distinctively different art styles of these two countries shared common purposes.

Mexico’s world-famous mural paintings from 1920 to 1970 contained strong social and political messages. Diego Rivera (1886-1957), José Clemente Orozco (1883-1949) and David Alfaro Siqueiros (1896-1974) are the most influential muralists from the 20th century. They are “the three great ones,” (los tres grandes). The walls of massive public buildings served as their canvas to reach all the people, not just elite art admirers. Following periods of armed struggle, Mexico’s government established a mural program that wasn’t solely artistic. Able to reach much of the public, these murals presented ideals. Enlisting the great painters of the times captured the attention of the masses.

The government made good on its promise of artistic freedom, but the artists had many serious conflicts where their

visualized opinions differed from that of the government in those years. Such conflict assured that these works would be designed with great passion yet also risked the freedom and very lives of the artists. These expressive murals were produced on large plastered walls of monumental structures. The people were immersed within the large-scale paintings, their imagery, colors and historical messages. Cities grow in value with such public art though it may take decades for such appreciation to be proudly recognized.

Poland historically suffered many oppressive occupations and military struggles. As Germany’s defeat in WWII became clearer, the departing soldiers were ordered to destroy the principal city of Warsaw as well as any evidence of detention and death camps. The Polish people were then governed by the Russian victors and subjected to harsh Communist repressive regulations and laws. The newly imposed government strategically understood that a massive re-building of a city was necessary. They also sought to introduce their own socialistic culture, beliefs and arts to the people. The street would be both classroom and gallery. The government wanted to present its view of “populist ideals” using the credibility of Poland’s leading artists who survived the ravages

of war. Henryk Tomaszewski (1914-2005), Tadeusz Trepkowski (1914-1954), and Tadeusz Gronowski (1894-1990) were the “three great ones” that founded the later to be internationally recognized art style called the Polish School of Poster Design. With new construction ongoing everywhere, (especially here in Vallarta) the Warsaw was filled with available walls and fences.

Mexico’s painted murals were on beautiful public buildings. Warsaw’s art medium for their working people had to be in the form of street cultural posters. These were painterly designed visual art works on fragile paper to advertise events, deliver political messages and promote social values. As in Mexico, the artists founding this movement insisted on government’s concession to allow artistic freedom. The most effective posters would inspire viewers artistically. Impor-tantly, through recognizable embedded visual messages, the posters would also project hope and national unity.

The “art of the streets” of both countries influenced attitudes and cultural movements. There existed in the past a paradox in having gover-nment commission public art to further its control. But within the works of these six great artists, their interpretation and independent view of reality impacted people’s behavior and values. Decades later, with many millions of worldwide viewers of Mexico’s magnificent murals and museum exhibitions of Poland’s fine art posters, we are reminded that courage may take different forms.

We are thrilled to marvel at Vallarta’s current installations of sculpture, artis-tically designed “hearts” representing Jalisco community Pueblos, many new murals on buildings and fabulous mosaic displays. Turned on by such imagination, we observe more of our surroundings. Shops are alike in every popular city around the world. Art in public places is unique to a community. Art is the attraction between a building and us. It educates and stimulates all age groups. Busy lives may rob us of time for family museum trips. Take a walk and experience your communities’ public art. Watching the children interact and climb a bronze sculpture along our beachfront walkway says it all. We become part of the art itself.

Feb 28 - March 5, 2020 Free Issue 005ColumnsPage 14

Farmer Market

There are regular market called tianguis that occur in many neighbourhoods throughout the week where you can usually buy

produce. clothing and household items. the markets and events here represent local producers, artisans and entrepreneurs. unless noted (*) most run from the first week of november through april.

FridayMarsol Friday Market by the Pier - 9:30 am -1:30 pmOpen every Friday all year located on Francisca RodriguezSayulita Mercado del Pueblo - 10 am -2 pm –

On Calle Revolucion before the bridge Southside Shuffle every second week from 6 pm - 10 pmOn Basilio Badillo, Old Town

SaturdayOlas Altas Farmer’s Market - 9:30 am - 2 pmat Lazaro Cardenas Parks, Old Town

Three Hens & a Rooster Market 9 am - 1:00 pm at the Lions Club, Madero # 280 Old Town

Tianguis Lo de Marcos – Located at Main plaza

Nuevo Vallarta Market- 9am - 3pmLocated at the gazebo on the malecon

SundayHuanacaxtle Farmer’s Market - 9 am -3pmLocated at La Cruz Marina

TuesdayRiviera Market 9am - 2 pmIn Nuevo Vallarta Paseo de los Cocoteros #55 Rear Parking of the Nuevo Vallarta Business Center

WednesdayBucerias Forever Spring Market - 9 am - 1pmIn the parking lot of Chedraui BuceriasVallarta ArtWalk - 6 pm - 10 pmVarious locations in downtown vallartaar-twalk.com

ThursdayBucerias ArtWalk - 7-9pm - along Lazaro Cardenas

Marina Vallarta Night Market- 6 pm -10 pm along the marina boardwalkMarina Vallarta Night Market- 6 pm -10 pm - along the marina

Cat Morgancat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com RivieraNayaritFun.comCat Morgan is owner of RivieraNayaritFun.com and also NewEnergyConsciousness.com If you have any questions, comments or Riviera Nayarit news please contact her at Cat@CatMorgan.me

Health and Wellness

The Healing Vibration of Music

Music influences our energy. When our energy systems are balanced and flowing, we feel happier and this helps

in maintaining our optimum health. Music is an easy way to change our vibra-tions quickly. Notice how you feel when you are listening to one of your favorite songs. You are most likely singing along! When our vibration increases, we emit positive energy. Listening to music not only affects how we feel as we can release negative thought patterns; it also has a powerful influence on our physical health, including our breathing, heart rate and mental clarity. When we are listening to music we do not enjoy on some level it lowers our vibration. Notice how you feel when you listen to music. If it does not feel good, then you know your not listening to music that will benefit you.

Research shows us music can affect our brain wave activity. When a strong beat stimulates brainwaves to resonate in sync with the rhythm this brings in better concentration and alert thinking, and of course, slower tempos create a calm meditative state of awareness.

Our Breathing and Heart Rate can also be affected in a relaxation response with calming music. This is excellent for chronic stress, relaxation which promotes good health. Listening to music that feels good can also assist in depression and anxiety prevention as music creates a positive state of mind, boosting creativity and our immune system, and relaxing our muscles which assists in lowering our blood pressure. When we feel more optimistic, we move through life gracefully.

Electromagnetic Frequencies There are many folks who are now focusing on creating music that changes our brain waves and neuron patterns though sound. There is large selection to choose from. Every human body cell has its own electro-magnetic field. Every human cell has and is responsive to frequency and vibration. These are scientific facts. One example of music is the “Solfeggio Frequencies”, which are a series of 9 electromagnetic musical tones that Gregorian Monks used when they chanted in meditation.

It has scientifically been established that different electromagnetic frequencies correlate with the different vibrations we carry due to our thoughts and emotions. It is important to understand that any time we bring in a higher vibration, it will clear the lower vibrations. These lower vibrations will surface. So, for example, if you have a lot of repressed anger or fear or grief, this will surface to be released, and can obviously feel uncomfortable for a short amount of time (in comparison to carrying around for the rest of your days!) These higher vibrations can also allow one to experience clarity and observe what is causing the problems in our lives.

We each have our own experiences, and so experiment with this for yourself. My suggestion would be to go slow and do not to overdo it so the old layers can surface a bit more gently to be released. Take the time to work on yourself and focus inside. It’s always an Inside Job!

Time to OUT and get your Groove ON at the San Pancho Music Festival!

How lucky we are to have an abundance of talented musicians performing here on the Banderas Bay and Riviera Nayarit. Coming up on the last weekend of February is the SAN PANCHO MUSIC FESTIVAL. The San Pancho Music Festival is celebrating its 20th year of free music in the plaza. The logo this year is our friend the iguana. Check it out at the tee-shirt booth! The SPMF has always been a FREE festival. Everything works off donations, including the musicians that travel from parts of Mexico, the U.S, Canada and Latin America.

These musicians pay to fly in and perform their magic for you, as well as all our amazing local talent that travel to San Pancho. The music fest has grown over the years from what began in a resident’s yard, then moved to the small square on main street, and now at Plaza del Sol presenting live music on 2 stages; hosting 27 bands in total over the last weekend of February, (Feb 28, 29 and March 1st), where music lovers enjoy conti-nuous music from 5pm until after 11pm. There is always a delicious variety of food vendors on site, with alcohol and non-alcohol beverages, as well as a selection of arts and crafts vendors. They festival has a first come first serve

limited number of chairs, so it is best to bring your own or arrive very early.

Your Support is Appreciated!

Obviously, this Free festival does cost money to put on. This committee has absolutely NO budget whatsoever. The San Pancho Music Festival has always been FREE for everyone. They count on support from folks who enjoy the fest and the people who care about supporting this amazing cultural event. The San Pancho Music Festival Committee (Beto Gonzalez, Andy Crawford, Chris Parsons, Sam Curtis and Carlos Gonzalez) have all agreed that they would rather see the festival end than charge an entry fee. “We don’t want to make this a paid event. The ambience of the Festival and the Plaza would be tarnished if the event had to be enclosed, surrounded by fences, and admitted only those that pay $500 pesos a day. And to be honest, the festival would sooner end than become a paid event.”

Please visit their website at https://sanpanchomusicfestival.com/. You can find their GO FUND ME page there for donations. You can also check out their Facebook page here. https://www.facebook.com/sanpanchomusicfestival/

Go and get your groove on and raise your vibrations by listening to amazing talented musicians, eating delicious foods and dancing the night away!

For any questions or comments on vibrational healing please email me at Cat@NewEnergyConsciousness.com Thank you and have fun Creating Health!

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