PVRPV BLOG

The Indigenous Wixarika Community have been presenting the fifth annual Wixaritari Indigenous Festival 2010 at Plaza Caracol since March 7th and will be there until the 21st where they will have various activities like dances, ceremonies, music, lectures, and for the very first time they’ll be projecting the movie “Venado” (Deer), a documentary  about the pilgrimage of over 3 thousand kilometers that the Wirraritarie people do in order to show the importance and the presence of the youth in their communities, in addition to achieve compliance with the Western world.

Guadalupe Flores Flores, Officer of the National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples (CDI) in Jalisco also lets us know that this same group has just returned from a trip to Europe where they visited 6 countries and 18 cities and they have chosen our beautiful Puerto Vallarta to present to the world they culture and way of living.

Maris Kilk 

This Friday, March 12th at 9pm you are welcome to Studio Leno Morfin to meet the huichol elders don Custodio Rivera and mama Chali. For the joy of having them around we will bless the good moment and call Studio Leno Morfin now also opened to public. Cultural events coming soon. Studio visits and workshops with previous registration. 
 
This time cosy night with special guests. Will be art, will be fire, will be traditional huichol healing. You can bring some snacks to share. We will offer a hot fruit ponch. This time no alcohol.

For a cleansing with don Custodio registrate by mail or by phone 322 1751629 (appointments possible til Monday 15th).

             Studio Leno Morfin – Emiliano Carranza 588, Centro – Puerto Vallarta, México – Tel: (+52) 322 222-2864  skype: marisskypes – e-mail: mariskilk@gmail.com - website: www.lenomorfin.com

Yavette Holts-O’Shea – peacemexico.org

Be more than a tourist! Sample the many lifestyles of the Bahía de Banderas on PEACE Real World Home Tours.

Unlike other home tours, PEACE Real World Home Tours showcase upward focused, authentic pueblo homes where big world visions start small, together with multimillion dollar estates where the smallest details take your breath away.

It’s a real world view of the Bahía de Banderas as it evolves, combining a healthy combination of diverse communities. To really know the heart of this place, you have to scratch deeper to see more than what’s on the surface. What’s beautiful in the pueblo is also beautiful in the villa. The spirit of good will and the effort made to live and enjoy the richness of this idyllic region is the unifying factor.

The Real World Home Tour visits 4 exclusive homes, from luxury to modest, where you will see from the inside out both the differences and similarities in the lifestyles of the locals and the expats who make up this rich community. Includes transportation, light lunch, and a souvenir sports water bottle. You can even redeem your ticket for discounts at the PEACE store.

PEACE Real World Home Tours

Every Friday (January 22 – April 2)

Ticket sales open at 9:15 am from Bucerías Centro

Tour bus leaves: 10:30 am – Returns by 2:30 pm

Tickets: $450 pesos ($35 USD)

Includes transportation, tour map and souvenir water bottle

100% ticket proceeds support PEACE actions in communities around the bay

For reservations or more info contact: yavette@peacemexico.org 

 Have a look at the original story posted in Banderas News: 

http://www.banderasnews.com/1001/vl-peacehometours.htm

Keith May, Executive Director
Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum

Photo Copyright © 2010 – www.OceanFriendly.com

I am often asked by people wanting to plan a whale watching adventure how they can ensure that they are choosing a responsible whale watching tour operator for their trip. The first thing to do is to spend some time at our online non-profit website to learn what constitutes responsible whale watching both for authorized tour companies and private boat owners. At the Forum you will find the federal regulations designed to ensure safe environment for the Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) while observing these great creature in the wild. Additionally, you’ll find a listing of all boats and tour companies that have been given permission by the wildlife authority SEMARNAT to provide whale watching tours to the public. If a boat isn’t listed it’s simply not authorized and you should choose a different tour company.

That is the technical way to choose who will take you on this adventure of a lifetime. But, I’ll ask you to choose with your heart. Do a little extra homework and ask the questions that really matter. Is the company participating in the Fluke Identification Program for Banderas Bay? Are the profits from the money you’re paying going toward research that will help to protect and better manage the Humpback whale species? Will research findings be shared with other researchers around the world? Do they provide life vests, first aid kits and all required safety equipment onboard? If the answer to any of these questions is “no” keeping on looking for another company.

Then I urge you to check online at www.TripAdvisor.com and see what others are saying about the tour company that seems to be the most interesting to you. The travelers that post their comments at TripAdvisor are nothing if not honest. Lastly, check the reviews of the three companies that we at The Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching Forum consider to be among the best of the best. All of the guides with these companies are working researchers that fund their research by conducting whale watching adventures for tourists and this is how they pay for their research. The boats are smaller thus providing a more intimate atmosphere and you’ll have the knowledge of a competent scientist right at your finger tips. You would be surprised to hear some of the things I hear other guides telling people out on the water. Sometimes they just make things up or have all the fact and figures completely wrong. Whale watching is not an inexpensive activity. If you’re paying that much for the adventure of a lifetime at least make sure that you’re getting accurate information from trained professionals and not bad information and bad booze that’s going to give you a hangover tomorrow morning.

So, now you’ve chosen the company that will take you out to see the whales. What’s next? You will proceed to the company’s website and inquire about available dates. Once a date is confirmed you’ll generally be ask to pay online or drop off your payment at their offices. Once payment has been made you’ll receive your confirmation and information about the location of the pier, what time to meet, what to bring, etc.

On the morning of your departure you’ll be given a briefing about Banderas Bay and information about the Humpback whales before you board the boat. Throughout the trip more information is given depending on what behaviors you’re observing at any given time throughout the trip.

By choosing the right tour operator you’ll know that you have done all you can do to help ensure the safety of the whales and yourself. But, you’ll also be directing your money toward important research programs that have been established here in Puerto Vallarta.

I have the great fortune to meet people from around the globe that come to Banderas Bay to vacation. Some come specifically because of their love for the Humpbacks. Others come on the tour to check whale watching off their list. No matter your reasons for coming don’t come thinking that you’re just going to be seeing whales. If you come with your heart open and allow the magnificence of these creatures to feed your soul with beautiful impressions of love and beauty you can be assured a transformative experience like no other!

Do yourself a favor and plan your whale watching adventure today! Happy Whale Watching!

To learn more about responsible whale watching in Puerto Vallarta, please visit our non-profit website at www.PuertoVallartaWhaleWatching.org

Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit for January!! COME AND JOIN US…

When? January 15th, 2010

09:00 A.M. (Jalisco Time) 

Where? VALLARTA YACHT CLUB – Paradise Village

Nuevo Vallarta

Call for directions: 297-2222

 Cost? $90.00 pesos includes full breakfast and tip!

 Why? The U.S. Consular Agency Community Network Breakfast is a place to network, make new friends, greet old ones, promote your business-charity & find out what’s going on in the Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta!

 What else? This month, we ask that you “Bring a Thing” to support The Bucerias Bilingual Cultural Center.  Needs include: bilingual dictionaries, English language workbooks, bond paper, glue sticks, pens, pencils, colored markers, highlighters, lined notebooks, toilet paper, soap, paper towels.

 Are you a newcomer to area? If so, we have a special group of people to meet you, chat with you and welcome you!

 MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY! – lailworth@yahoo.com

 Questions & Comments to Kelly Trainor: consularagentpvr@prodigy.net.mx

 Everybody is Welcome…

Please pass this on to your friends!

Written By: Javier Castañeda

Photograph By: Paco Ojeda

The first time I tried Nina’s cookies was back in  1993 when  a good friend of mine gave me a sample of her baked goods I instantly became addicted to her cookies because they were homemade from scratch and they are certainly the best I have ever tasted  within Mexico especially in Puerto Vallarta. Year after year when I would return I would actually seek Nina  to order some cookies for my family  and friends while we were on vacation in Puerto Vallarta.  My family has nicknamed her the COOKIE LADY .

However, since moving to Puerto Vallarta  from Vancouver , British Columbia last year. Nina has grown to be LA BODEGA DE NINA who now offers a variety of items, from an excellent  wine selection  which is her passion to all sorts of baked goods and sausages.  I have been able to sample along with my co-workers , friends , roommates and family other delicacies for example her CARROT CAKE AND CARAMEL NUT TART, which  will certainly give anyone an orgasm just like Meg Ryan in the movie When Harry met Sally. Her  BROWNIES AND SCONES are delicious. Her homemade ITALIAN SAUSAGE IS  YUMMY  and really good.

Of course trying out all of her fanfare comes with a price. I have gained  ten pounds  but I have savored it immensely and after these holidays I will go back on working on getting in shape again. All of Nina’s prices are very reasonable and Nina offers free delivery – just try to place your order one day in advance. Nina is currently offering every two weeks a Wine Tasting at bite me! beach club located right infront of the Blue Seas Resort & Sap, next to the Blue Chairs. For more information please visit the PVRPV Blog.

Email: nbgoodhope@yahoo.com

Cell Phone: (044) 322-289-6434 / (044) 322-136-1076

Fax: 224-8140 

It’s my pleasure to announce that the PVRPV English Classes resumed on Tuesday December 15^th, 2009.

English classes are open to the public in general and the classes will take place in our main office, Pino Suárez #210, Col. Emiliano Zapata.

At this time, the classes are being offered every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The total cost is $20.00 pesos per class.

Remember that this small donation will help benefit different non-profit organizations.

A few retired teachers have offered their services and they are volunteering their time to help with this cause.

If you know of anyone who is interested or if you want to send someone to us, please contact us at info@pvrpv.com or call our office at: 222.0638/222.9694/222.7011.

Thanks and we wish you all Happy Holidays!

Looking for some real Mexican fun in Puerto Vallarta? Then Andale is the place for you! Lively music, delicious food, ice cold margaritas made from the finest tequila and an electric party atmosphere that makes you feel like you’re at the biggest fiesta in town!

 In just a couple of weeks, Andale will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for early-morning and post-nightclub breakfast, lunch, lazy afternoons and lively evenings, so whether you’re out shopping, meeting friends, returning from the beach or planning a party, it’s the only place to be! 

 At their prime Zona Romantica location on Olas Altas, you can enjoy their famous sizzling fajitas, served with flour tortillas and the essentials; salsa, guacamole and sour cream. Rip open a rack of ribs, smothered in barbecue sauce. Put some fire in your belly with their spicy chili or fill it up with a succulent burgers and steaks with tasty toppings, fresh salads and decadent desserts. 

Andale’s choice of cocktails is so extensive it almost embarrassing. If you like your drinks sweet or sour, sharp or soft, they have a cocktail to suit your taste and fuel your party spirit. And if it’s a drop of the Mexican holy water you’re looking for then look no further than Andale’s bar; tequila is their thing!  And, of course, don’t forget about their world-famous Andale donkey appearing nightly around 9pm. 

On Monday’s, around 2pm, feel free to join Andale’s in feeding children in Colonia Magisterio, one of the poorest areas on Vallarta.  Hundreds of families live in shanties made of materials found in the nearby municipal dump.  Many of the families have no access to running water or sanitation and many of the children are forced to work to help their families rather than attend school.  Andale Restaurant and Andale’s on the Bay has teamed up with some great organizations, local businesses and caring volunteers to really make a difference in this extremely poor neighborhood.  

To receive regular Andale and Andale’s on the Bay updates on special offers and events, including their 30^th anniversary celebration in February, log on to www.andales.com and join them on TWITTER or FACEBOOK.  We encourage you to use their new social networking sites to meet friends, send shout outs to the great staff and to post your favorite Andale photos in preparation of their 30^th year in Puerto Vallarta.

Tuesday 6 to 8  Karaoke with Jools
Come out and be a star. Lots of songs to choose from and a fun time. 2×1 drinks from 6 to 7pm
Free shot for every song you sing.

Wednesday 6 to 8  Wine Tasting with Nina from La Bodega De Nina. Enjoy this professional wine tasting event. 3 white and 3 reds will be sampled. A different country will be choosen every other Wednesday  120.00 pesos in advance 150.00 pesos at the door. Limited to 30 people only.

Friday  6 to 8 Love to Dance? Enjoy instruction of most Latin rythms with our handsome instructor Ziggy. 1 hour instruction followed by 1 hour free dancing. 50 pesos.

Every Monday and Saturday 6 to 8 Kim Kuzma Live. Enjoy the sunset and an intimate evening with this talented Canadian Singer. 75 pesos in advance  150 pesos at the door   Limited to 50 people per show. Book soon as tickets are selling fast. With each purchased ticket, you receive a free cocktail with it between 5:30pm and 6Pm just prior to Kim’s show.

bite me! beach club Playa Los Muertos beside Hotel Tropicana infront of Blue Seas Resort
322-223-1521 ex 234

When? December 18th, 2009

09:00 A.M. (Jalisco Time)

Where? THE RIVER CAFE – Isla Rio Cuale,

El Centro Vallarta

Call for directions: 223-0788 – Michael Bufford

Cost? $90.00 pesos includes full breakfast and tip!

Why? The U.S. Consular Agency Community Network Breakfast is a place to network, make new friends, greet old ones, promote your business-charity & find out what’s going on in the Riviera Nayarit & Puerto Vallarta!

What else? This month, we ask that you “Bring a Thing” to support Los Mangos Library – Sally’s Corner for art projects.  Needs include: Tempra paints, construction paper, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, kids scissors, glitter and colored markers.

Are you a newcomer to area? If so, we have a special group of people to meet you, chat with you and welcome you!

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION TODAY!

michaelboufford@rivercafe.com.mx

Questions & Comments to Kelly Trainor

consularagentpvr@prodigy.net.mx

Please pass this on to your friends!