Become a Friend on the Riviera Nayarit Click Here

Some of the Jaltemba Polar Bears - who braved the cool weather for their annual winter dip in the Pacific Ocean

More Polar bear pictures Here

Headline News

Grey whale migration underway

An estimated 18,000 gray whales have begun their southern migration from the Bering Sea to their breeding grounds around Baja, Mexico and can be sighted from shore over the next week or two….go to original article

Violence reachs new heights in Mexico in 2010

Mexico City • Mexico’s drug violence in 2010 was striking not only for its scale but also for its brutality.

In the northern city of Santiago, the mayor’s body was found with the eyes gouged out. In the picturesque town of Cuernavaca, four decapitated men, their genitals severed, were hanged from a bridge along a heavily traveled highway. And in Ciudad Juarez this week, two university students were hunted through a maze of streets, shot in the head, and their bodies were set on fire….go to original article

San Miguel del Allende and Chicago Selected as Top Cities for Art Lovers

After playing second fiddle to New York’s vibrant art scene for year’s Chicago is getting its due as a place to come and enjoys the arts.  Sherman’s Travel who provides expert travel advice and MSNBC travel have put Chicago on its list of ‘Top 10 Cities for Art Lovers’ and ranked it #2 ahead of New York. …go to original article

When choosing Mexico real estate for your retirement, there are many different areas from which you can choose. Besides simply a variety of high quality Mexico properties, the various areas also offer a distinct lifestyle to suit the tastes of different retirees.The TOPMexicoRealEstate Network prepared a list of the 10 best places to retire in Mexico. Within these areas, there are a few main “styles” to choose from, which are are as follows….go to original article

Mexico cites breakdown in La Familia cartel

Mexico's federal police said Friday that the once-fearsome La Familia drug cartel has been "completely dismembered" and has broken down into small groups that commit robberies to pay their members.

The cartel has dominated the western state of Michoacan for several years, making money by trafficking methamphetamines and extorting protection money from businesses there. It has also become known for its bloody ambushes of federal police….go to original article

Mexico army's failures hamper drug war

The army often relies on numbers over intelligence and falls back on time-worn tactics, such as highway checkpoints, of limited use against drug traffickers. The shortcomings alarm U.S. officials….go to original article

Preening Paris Hilton is a strutting peacock on the beach in Mexico

Looking as good as Paris Hilton is clearly hard work. The hotel heiress displayed her fuller figure on the beach in Mexico yesterday. Strutting around in a white bikini, the socialite split her time between canoodling with boyfriend Cy Waits and preening herself….go to original article

Mexican archaeologists look back on a banner year

A roughly 1,000-year-old Maya sarcophagus, vestiges of an extinct tribe, the oldest tomb in Mesoamerica, dinosaur fossils and human remains dating from the early 8th century are some of the most noteworthy archaeological finds made in Mexico during 2010.

"We haven't had such a fruitful period since the (19)80s, and we haven't undertaken so many investigations across the length and breadth of the country," Julio Castrejon, the head of communications for Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History, told Efe….go to original article

Where To Find Inexpensive Real Estate In Mexico's Popular Lake Chapala Area

With prices starting at less than one-tenth the cost per square foot of northern shore lake properties, the south shore side of Mexico’s Lake Chapala  offers expats open vistas, quaint fishing villages and all the beauty of one of Mexico’s most popular expat destinations – but at a much lower cost. New infrastructure improvements will soon make the areas on the south shore side of the lake – which include San Luis Soyatlan, Mazamitla, and Tizapan el Alto – even more attractive. See the following article from International Living for more on this….go to original article

Sunny Puerto Vallarta Mexico Lures Sun Seekers with Good Deals

NEW YORK – December, 2010 – Travelers looking for a last minute getaway for the winter Holidays need not look further than to the authentic Mexican charms of Puerto Vallarta. Located only a short or mid-haul flight from many US gateways, Puerto Vallarta is an ideal destination offering a wide range of attractions and activities for couples and multi-generational families alike. Visitors can chose to lounge on endless miles of sandy beaches set amidst the beautiful vistas of Banderas Bay, or explore the historic center’s cobblestone streets for beautiful arts and crafts. ..go to original article

Last Week

Mexico Celebrates Christmas With Piñatas and Posadas

Mexicans produce traditional piñatas in the run-up to Christmas and children enjoy smashing them up during lively and warm posadas.Many of the piñatas used at Christmas parties are manufactured in the Mexico City neighborhood of Mesones, where dozens of piñata workshops are located. Piñatas are made from clay pots and covered with paper cones stuck onto the pot with glue. Once the cones are dry, they are covered in colorful paper mache….go to original article

Breakfast at Tiffany's

This morning I treated Bruce and our amigos to breakfast at Tiffany’s. Tiffany’s is located on the beautiful sunrise side of El Panorama Hotel. After we showed our friends through the hotel, we joined other guests on the sunny terrace overlooking the rich and varied landscape of the valley and surrounding hills.    …go to original article 

Mexico says its troops killed U.S. man

Joseph Proctor told his girlfriend he was going to the convenience store in the quiet Mexican beach town where the couple had just moved, intending to start a new life.

The next morning, the 32-year-old New York native was dead inside his crashed van on a road outside Acapulco. ….go to original article

A New Mega-Resort Slowly Takes Shape On Mexico’s Pacific Coast

A new resort development is planned on Mexico’s Pacific Coast, 80 miles south of Mazatlán

Talk is cheap—and never more so than when it comes to mega development projects. So the announcement in late November by Fonatur, Mexico’s tourism development agency, that over US $30 million have already been invested in a major new resort development on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is potentially good news….go to original article

Free toys brighten holiday in Mexico drug war city

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Mexico — Children in Ciudad Juarez are telling a dark joke this Christmas: Even Santa Claus is too scared to stop in Mexico's most violent city because drug gangs will charge extortion fees on his toys.,,,go to original article

Beat the crowds to this obscure Mexico paradise

If you’re tired of all those massive Mexican resort towns away from the popular bars and beaches, then small-town Huatulco might just be the perfect place for you.

This burgeoning West Coast resort area southeast of Acapulco is being built from the ground up by the Mexican government, with only about 15 luxury resort hotels surrounded by nine small bays. …go to original article

Christmas In Colonial Mexico Is Full Of Festive Activities

Offering a wealth of festive traditions and culture, Campeche is a welcoming and entertaining getaway for expats during the holiday season. With its balmy and warm weather, Mexican and international themed music and dance festivities, and historical architecture, the Mexican Gulf Coast  city offers a host of activities for expats and tourists. Go to original article

Mexico buys corn futures to ensure tortilla prices remain flat

Mexico is taking action to halt a rise in corn prices and prevent a repeat of the so-called 'tortilla riots' of 2007, when tortillas became difficult to afford for many Mexicans….go to original article

Mexico tourism sees increase despite drug violence

 Mexico is experiencing its bloodiest year of drug violence yet, but that's not stopping domestic and international vacationers alike from flocking to Cancun.

The resort city on the Mexican Caribbean coast, the Riviera Maya coastline below it and the Pacific coast resort of Puerto Vallarta will be named top destinations this year by Orbitz travel website, based on flights and hotel bookings, said spokeswoman Marita Hudson Thomas….go to original article

Cameron Diaz’s Mexican Run-In with George Clooney

Enjoying the beautiful weather, Cameron Diaz has been sunning herself in Los Cabos, Mexico as of late, along with boyfriend Alex Rodriguez and his two daughters.

And the “Sweetest Thing” actress ran into fellow celebrity George Clooney while out and about last week….go to original article

Death toll from Mexico crude-oil blast rises to 29

The death toll from a massive crude-oil explosion that laid waste to parts of a central Mexican city has risen to 29. Authorities in Puebla state say they located the remains of a baby in the arms of one of the other 28 victims….go to original article

The Mexico Quandary: Safety or Savings?

WHEN Alex Trettin and his wife, Jenn, suggested to family and friends that they take a group vacation to Mexico, the reaction was mixed. About half of the group of 29 immediately signed on for the November trip to the Riviera Maya, south of Cancún, where they would visit Maya ruins, fish and lounge by the pool at an upscale resort for the bargain price of $150 a person a night. The other half hesitated, citing concern about Mexico’s continuing drug war. …go to original article

Mexico disputes El Salvador claim of migrant abduction

Mexico has disputed El Salvador's allegation that dozens of Central American migrants who stowed away on a cargo train were kidnapped by gunmen.

El Salvador had denounced the abduction of up to 50 Central American migrants in southern Mexico….go to original article

International court rules against Mexico's army

It sides with two peasant ecologists who had long claimed they were illegally detained and tortured by Mexican soldiers working at the behest of powerful logging companies….go to original article

Colorado River water deal aids U.S. and Mexico

Mexico will leave part of its Colorado River allocation in Lake Mead for the next three years, slowing the decline of the drought-stricken reservoir and possibly delaying the onset of water rationing in Arizona and Nevada.cThe arrangement, announced Monday by U.S. and Mexican officials, was devised to give farmers in the Mexicali region of northern Mexico time to repair damage from an April earthquake that disrupted water-delivery systems. Mexico lacks the means to store unused water in its own country….go to original article

Mexicans attribute miracles to late Pope

An exhibition of personal items belonging to the late Pope John Paul II is drawing thousands here, with some claiming that the pilgrimage has helped them overcome illness.

'People who come here feel very touched, even moved to tears. They say they feel the presence of John Paul II,' said Guillermo MacLean, director of Villacero Foundation that put together the exhibit…go to original article

Police raid German gunmaker over Mexico arms

German police searched the offices of Heckler and Koch, a German manufacturer of premium firearms, Tuesday over suspicions that its exports of rifles to Mexico may break German arms-export laws, prosecutors in Stuttgart said…go to original article

WSI sees 17 storms, 9 hurricanes in 2011 season

Weather Service International on Tuesday forecast that the 2011 hurricane season will be more active than normal, with the U.S. Gulf Coast energy region under "significant threat" for hurricanes to come ashore…go to original article

Window on Marine Life: Jaltemba Bay Tide pools

                     © Tara A. Spears

One of the favorite activities along the Riviera Nayarit is strolling the gorgeous beaches. But most people stay on the sand and miss out on a remarkable phenomenon, the Pacific Ocean tide pools.  It’s worth the extra exertion to climb the rocky outcroppings at either end of the Jaltemba Bay to view the tide pools that contain a wealth of marine critters. Tide pools are a unique and brutal habitat where the ocean meets the land. This tidal zone is continually shaped by the actions of sun, wind, water, and rock. The sun bears down, heating exposed surfaces and organisms, ocean breezes blow and contribute to the wave action, erosion, and drying of exposed plants and animals; the ever changing water level requires tide pool inhabitants to have adaptive characteristics; and the rocks are etched by the force of the pounding tides constantly approaching and receding.   If you want a perfect spot to meditate or just enjoy the natural beauty of the tropical ocean, sitting beside a tide pool is a guaranteed de-stressor.

January 6th is celebrated throughout Mexico as El Día de Los Reyes, the festival of the Three Kings, or Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos) which marks Epiphany and is the traditional climax to the Christmas season, when their images, of Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar, (above) are on display throughout Yucatán and Mexico.

Earlier this fall, Geri De Moss the Barbie Grandma, was worried that she would not have enough Barbies dolls to go around for the holidays.

At that time she only had a couple of hundred of Barbies. However, at the end of November, shortly after she arrived in Los Ayala, Barbies kept rolling in like pennies from heaven! The final tally was 680

Barbies. It did not top last year’s count of 835 Barbie’s but nevertheless it was plenty to be divided between all groups who asked for them. 

    Geri De Moss advises that they were able to provide Barbie’s to two area schools, six kinders in the La Penita area, the communities of Los Ayala, El Monteon, Guayabitos, La Penita and La Colonia, for

their holiday parties, two privately sponsored small village groups and even the ladies at La Penita Senior Center.

     Geri says, “Many thanks to my wonderful crew of 18 women and two men, who spent 21 hours during seven Barbie’s dressing parties working this year here at my Los Ayala home, bathing coiffing and dressing the Barbie dolls. I couldn’t have done it without them! They certainly

brought smiles to the faces of many little girls who welcomed the dolls into their loving arms and new homes!

Christina Stobbs on Behalf of Geri de Moss

Alyssa Glaspie - PVNN
December 29, 2010

Share

Check out this weekend's beach clean up and first annual "Kids Only Surf Contest / Expression Session" in Sayulita, happening Sunday January 2nd.

Kids of all ages (5-75 yrs) and skill levels, as well as boards of all kinds are welcome. Come ride the rad waves of Sayulita while vying to win in categories that include Best Beginner, Best Wipeout, Best Wave, and Best Beach Cleaner!

The brainchild of longtime friends Isaac Nichelson (LiViTY founder and eco-activist) and Gullermo "Tigre" Cadena (Owner operator of Tigre's Bar and Surf School and founder of Sayulita Wave Riders) this is an event designed to give back to the community. According to Nichelson, "...the Expression Session is basically a surf party that is designed to be more fun than hardcore competition. we want to inspire local and visiting kids of all ages to take pride in helping keep their beach super clean."

Full community support from pro surfers including Diego Cadena and the Sayulita Wave Riders, as well as critical help organizing from the crew at Tigre Surf School will make it all possible.

Lots of Eco-Friendly gifts for contestants provided by one of Sayulita's favorite brands... LiViTY Outernational - www.livity.org - check out the LiViTY Mexico Facebook site for more local information.

This event should be a blast, see you there!

Livity is a lifestyle of sustainability and unity. We live this way through the products we design and the cultures we support. By using organic, renewable and recyclable materials and engaging in fair-trade practices, Livity’s apparel and accessories are an expression of our commitment to activism through conscious living and positivity. Visit the website at www.livity.org

Click to go to our site

We raised 3700 pesos at the Boxing Day Blow Out Sale held on Sunday, Dec. 26th...
We raised 8025 pesos at the Sale held on Sunday, Dec. 12th...

With the monies raised being intergrated into the 3 for 1 program - this is ~ $43,900 pesos which will be used to improve the roads in Los Ayala.... 

Thank you everyone for your support!

Christina on behalf of Romy Mora and the Community of Los Ayala


--

Christina Stobbs

www.MagicalLosAyala.com

Mandalas Universales

New works by David Delgadillo

The circle is the perfect form, it represents the cosmos, and eternity. A mandala is a symbol of health, totality, union, integration, and the absolute. David Delgadillo returns to Xaltemba Gallery with new works based on an ongoing interest in the power and meaning of Mandalas. You are invited to a wine reception for the artist at our new expanded exhibition space Friday 7^th of January from 6-9 PM

Salina Cruz 4

La Peñita de Jaltemba

327- 274-3238

Xaltemba.com

LiViTY, Sayulita Wave Riders, and Tigre Surf School Present the First Annual Sayulita Expression Session
Isaac Nichelson - PVNN
January 02, 2011

 

Visit www.craigstanman.com for a preview of Craig Stanman's work.

Share

Take a visual trip around the world and visit the premier of a must-see photography exhibition entitled "Road Stories / Historias Del Camino", by Craig Stanman. Taking place at Haus Der Kunst in Puerto Vallarta on January 8th, the show is a truly rich textural experience that exposes over 40 years of life on the road - from the Hippy Trail of the early 70's, to the new millennium, Craig seamlessly merges several decades of vision with a timeless but contemporary style.

Impressive large scale prints depict a unique perspective that speaks to the importance of adventure, passion, cultural diversity, and creativity in one's life. Craig Stanman's rare images explore countries including Afghanistan, Mexico, Peru, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Bali, and China.

Craig Stanman is a professional photographer/designer and vagabond world traveller who lives much of the year in Sayulita. Visit www.craigstanman.com for a preview of his work.

 

Sayulita, Mexico 2010 (Craig Stanman)

Livity is a lifestyle of sustainability and unity. We live this way through the products we design and the cultures we support. By using organic, renewable and recyclable materials and engaging in fair-trade practices, Livity’s apparel and accessories are an expression of our commitment to activism through conscious living and positivity. Visit the website at www.livity.org

Check out our new Web PageCheck out our new Web Page

The Jaltemba Cup

The Jaltemba Cup will be held on January 29 and 30th 2011.

The Jaltemba Cup is a major event on the Jaltemba Coast. It is a fun tournament that spans two days, culminating in an awards ceremony and entertainment.

The proceeds of the tournament for the last two years has gone to kids and computers, supporting education through technology.

The Jaltemba Cup is part of the Jaltemba Foundation. Our funds are transparent and accountable.

Mexico's Peso Posts 6 Pct Gain in 2010
Michael O'Boyle - Reuters
go to original
January 02, 2011

 

Share

Mexico City - Mexico's peso firmed on Friday as the currency notched a 6 percent gain for the year, boosted by a strong recovery in exports to top trading partner the United States.

The peso firmed 0.29 percent to 12.36 per U.S. dollar on Friday. Local markets in other major economies were closed for the New Year's eve holiday.

Some analysts are skeptical that the Mexican currency will be able to match its solid gains seen this year in 2011.

"Investors should not extrapolate the Mexican peso's outperformance in 2010 to 2011," said Jimena Zuniga, an analyst at Barclays Capital in New York.

Stronger than expected data and the extension of tax cuts in the United States pushed some analysts to revise up their forecasts for U.S. growth in 2010, but Zuniga points out that Mexico's economy will see slower growth next year compared to 2010, when it likely grew around 5 percent.

"Both the U.S. and Mexican economies had a lot of slack in 2010 to support growth, but the slack has diminished a lot in Mexico even if not so much in the United States," Zuniga said.

Low interest rates in major economies, which are trying to spur growth and underpin a recovery from the 2008 financial crisis, spurred high demand for Latin American debt and currencies in 2010, helping drive solid gains across the region.

While yield-hungry investors starved by low U.S. rates will likely continue to pile into Latin American assets early in 2010, some analysts believe faster than expected growth in the United States could awaken expectations of a rate hike by the U.S. Federal Reserve toward the end of 2011.

"This could deter flow from foreign investors toward emerging markets, and we could even see outflows," wrote analysts at Santander, which expects the Mexican peso to weaken more than 2 percent to 12.70 per dollar by the end of 2011.

Other currencies in the region could also see gains crimped by increasing intervention by officials who are concerned that strong currencies are hurting local exporters and that foreign flows could be inflating bubbles in the region's assets.

Brazil and Colombia have mounted significant dollar buying programs by their central banks to contain gains in their currencies, while Chile could soon join the fray if its peso gains much more ground, said Barclays' Zuniga.

"We envision more of this type of war between flows that are attracted to the market's fundamentals and the policy response by authorities," said Barclays' Zuniga.

(Editing by James Dalgleish)