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Barbara Webber $200

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Road Log and travel guide for West coast of Mexico

Pacific Coast Road, Nogales to Puerto Vallarta Driving and Travel Guide Log 2011 only $9.99

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LAND FOR SALE

Land suitable for small ranch. 

In La Loma 10 minutes north of La Penita.  700,000 pesos. Ejido. 

Contact Rafael at

(cell phone 045 311 161 0573)

Click here for more information


 

 

 

 

 

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 HotelsCombined.com - Search top travel sites at once!

 

 

January 3, 2011  ..the heartbeat of the Riviera Nayarit

The Sol, the English Language source of News for the Riviera Nayarit Mexico, including La Penita de Jaltemba, Rincon de Guayabitos, Lo de Marcos. Los Ayala, Lo de Marcos, and San Pancho

 

Become a Friend on the Riviera Nayarit Click Here

Free Spanish Lessons

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

The Jaltemba Sol would like to apologize to its readers for coming out so late this week but the Bell family was busy with the wedding of our daughter Justine to Memo Trejo in Patzquaro Michoacan.  It was a great wedding!.

Justine and Memo wedding in Patzquaro

Bill Bell, dorothy Bell Justine and Memo and dylan Bell The three old men of Patzquaro Sol Publisher Bill Bell does the famous Scotish version of the dance

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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

Mexico Real Estate for Retirement  - Areas to Choose From

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

 rotary

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.

 

 

Click here to view the entire story

 

Los Santos Reyes de Yucatán

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.

Can You Travel With an Animal? You Bet!
Nicole Martin - PurrProject.com
December 31, 2010



Please visit PurrProject.com or contact info(at)purrproject.com
Many folks vacation to Puerto Vallarta and during their stay and a homeless cat or dog is found! What do you do? Take it home with you of course! Here are a few tips as to what steps should be taken to make sure your new family member receives the frequent flyer miles he/she so deserves. IT’S EASY! Please consult with your airline as each one has different criteria.

1. A Health Certificate: (carta de salud) is required by all airlines and can be easily obtained from any vet.

• Rabies Vacine is required for pets over 12 weeks of age

• Common tests on stray dogs that you may have rescued would be PARVO and DISTEMPER

• Ask your vet what YOUR animal needs to be able to fly home with you.

2. Make a reservation: You must reserve a spot on the plane for your animal. You can even do this after your flight is booked. So if you find an animal that you want to take back after your flight is booked, you probably CAN! Just check with your airline.

3. Small animals: can fly in the cabin under the seat in front of you. Your airline will provide the details (hard or soft kennel – and size restrictions)

4. Larger animals: need to fly in cargo. Again, your airline will provide the details. If your animal must go in cargo, DO check with your airline – especially on “temperature restrictions” for departure and arrival as it is NOT safe for animals to fly during some months (extreme summer heat in Vallarta or extreme winter cold up north)

5. Airline blackout dates: most airlines have these in place for the safety of animals that fly in cargo due to extremes in temperatures…or during busy seasons (Christmas, Easter…). Check with your airline.

NOTE: Kennels are more affordable in supermarkets in Canada and the US than in Vallarta, so if you KNOW you are going to rescue an animal, consider purchasing your kennel up north and bring it down to Vallarta ‘empty’ with you. Check with your airline to see if they would accept an empty kennel on your trip down to Vallarta, and if there is a charge to do this.

This article is courtesy of PuRR Project a no-kill feline rescue shelter with 260 residents. PuRR Project needs your support. Please visit PurrProject.com or contact info(at)purrproject.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Barbie Angel Project - Final Update

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

 

Sayulita Hosts "Kids Only" Surf Contest
Alyssa Glaspie - PVNN
December 29, 2010



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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garage Sale In Los Ayalas

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 7th 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.
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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



Perez Brothers Launch New CD

Mario Perez of the Perez Brothers on the Beach in Los Ayalas

Mario Perez of the Perez Brothers opn the Beach in Los Ayalas

Playing Saturday at Latitude 211

Mario Perez is pleased to announce the Perez Brother's new CD "Los Ayala Bay.""

"We will be playing Latitude 21 on Saturday" said Mario. "If you arrive a bit early we can autograph our CD for you.""

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


¡Olé!  – Tickets are Now Available for Fiesta 2011

 

Tickets are now available for Los Amigos de La Peñita’s Fiesta 2011.   The event will be held on January 30 from 1:00 to 5:00.  Thomas Bartlett has again generously agreed to make his internationally acclaimed estate – Hacienda de La Peñita – available for the event.  Admission to what has become one of the highlights of Jaltemba Bay social season will require a donation of 750 pesos – unchanged from last year.   Like last year, Los Amigos is looking to recruit special sponsors to underwrite the cost of the event so that every penny raised through these donations can be used to support the work of Los Amigos: our plastics recycling program, our beach beautification, our education initiatives and our scholarship program and our newest undertaking – the Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative (JEDI).

Since 2011 will mark the first year of Mexico’s third century, the Planning Committee has decided to make this year’s event an authentic Mexican Fiesta.  ¡Olé!  The extravaganza will include an open bar and hors d’oeuvres.  There will be live music and dancing, as well as a live auction and silent auction, featuring a host of valuable items.  And this year, we will be featuring a Chinese auction as well. 

Tickets are now available for a donation of 750 pesos per person, so reserve your ticket now. Tickets are non-refundable and this is an adults only event.

Tickets can be obtained at

  • Xaltemba Restaurant & Galeria,
  • Hidden Paradise Real Estate
  • Casita de La Peñita,
  • El Panorama,
  • Petra’s Deli
  • Beach Dog Boarding & Salon (Lo de Marcos),
  • The Tianguis in La Peñita every Thursday
  • The Tianguis in Rincon de Guayabitos every Monday

 

Tickets purchased at Xaltemba Restaurant & Galeria can be purchased by credit card.

To reserve a ticket, donate an item to one of the auctions, volunteer to help out – or just for more information, please go to:

http://www.losamigosdelapenita.com/en/fiesta-ole.htm

 

Wouldn’t tickets to the Fiesta make a great Christmas gift? 

 


New Web Page

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


 

 
 
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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)

(L to R Carole Thacker, Judy Krajnc, Mauruca Dinsmore)

Committee Plans for Cancer de Mama Clinic          

February 5-7, 2011                    © Tara A. Spearss

Preparations for the annual breast cancer survivors clinic are well underway.  Co-chairs Maruca Dinsmore and Judy Krajnc, along with special assistant Carol Thacker (pictured left) have already begun scheduling and organizing the needed supplies for the three day clinic to be held the first weekend in February.    

Complete article on page 2. Click hereComplete article on page 2. Click here


Tortillas, Gasoline Prices Expected to Rise Again in 2011
aría del Carmen Martínez - The News
go to original
December 31, 2010



In some regions the price of tortillas increased from 8 pesos to 12 pesos per kilo, while in other states, tortillas cost between 13 and 15 pesos a kilo.
While tortillas, natural gas and gasoline registered price hikes in 2010, authorities said Thursday that the cost of these basic goods is expected to increase again in 2011, negatively affecting the economy of poorer Mexican families.

Throughout 2010, the price on tortillas rose by as much 2 pesos per kilo, depending on the area. In some regions, the Federal Consumer Protection Agency (Profeco) said, the price of tortillas increased from 8 pesos to 12 pesos per kilo, while in other states, tortillas cost between 13 and 15 pesos a kilo.

Nonetheless, Profeco officials said that there is no justification for the rise since many other basic products, including corn, experienced a price drop in the international marketplace. The price of a tortilla, Profeco said, is established by the cost of corn.

The price of gasoline went up 10 times this year. Authorities said that regardless of Profeco’s official dispositions, tortillas will most likely go up again in 2011. Profeco also predicted that gasoline will undergo several increases next year, although these rises will be gradual.

Last November, the Treasury and Public Finance Secreariat (SHCP) said that the rise in gasoline prices in 2011 would be similar to that of 2010, meaning magna, premium and diesel gasoline will rise 8 cents per liter every month. The government agency said that this gradual rise does not mean that Mexico’s rates are above international standards. Natural gas prices are expected to rise by 5 cents a cubic liter every month.

 


Announcement

Beginning this Thursday– Dec. 23rd – Fashion Show tickets will be available at the LaPenita Market (Tianguis) at the Los Amigos booth across from the church fromm 9am to 11am.   Event tickets availablee EVERY Thursdayyfrom now on at the market and online att www.jbayfashionshow.comm
 

At the Terraza Restaurant in Rinconn

Ladies Bridge.   We meet on Tuesdays at 11 am at La Terraza Restaurant (opposite the church) in Rincon de Guayabitos..

We play friendly bridge and have lunch. Everyone who has some knowledge of the game is welcome. Drop in and play..



 

 

 


Classified


WANTED – USED FRIDGE & STOVE

The JEDI (Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative), a Committee of Los Amigos de La Peñita is looking for a used fridge and stove.

The local government DIF office in la Peñita focuses on community and family development.  They are looking for a good quality, used fridge and stove for their kitchen.  These will be used to teach mothers how to make nutritional meals.  They will also be offering courses to women who wish to make and sell cakes, cookies and other marketable food items.  

This is a worthwhile effort and we are hoping to find something for them soon.  If you are thinking of replacing your current refrigerator or stove, but it still has some life in it, please consider donating it.  Or if your old machine can be repaired and used, we’re interested.

Please call Agneta at 274-3247, or cell 322-140-3684.  Thanks in advance.

 

 

 


 

 


 

This adorable little guy needs a home!

To adopt Call Lin Chimes at 327-274-0976

Click here to view the latest JBAR newsletter on the Clinic



 



  Calling All Writers! PV Writer's Conference Hosts Big Names, Feb 25-27
Roberta Rand - PVNN
December 29, 2010

Click here to REGISTER and PAY ONLINE
Attention all aspiring authors, novelists, screenwriters and English majors! It's time to shake off those post-holiday doldrums and dust off the old Smith-Corona. The Puerto Vallarta Writers Group will hold its 6th annual Puerto Vallarta Writer's Conference at Los Mangos Library, Feb. 25th-27th, with a stellar line-up of best-selling authors, publishing experts and writing professionals prepared to share their secrets, boost your confidence and launch you on your own trajectory toward literary fame/notoriety.
Whether you want to learn the finer points of writing screenplays, need help with your romance novel or could use some practical guidance on shaping a book proposal, this year's writer's conference promises to provide plenty of practical direction for both new and seasoned writers - plus the opportunity to rub sueded elbows with others who simply love to schmooz about the written word.
This year's faculty includes:
Rick Najera - an award-winning Writer, Actor, Director, Producer and Comedian, known for his work on comedy telelvision including "MadTV" and "In Living Color."
Lisa Brackmann - author of Rock, Paper, Tiger, named by Amazon.com as one of the Top 100 books of 2010 and one of the Top 10 Mystery Thrillers of the year. Brackman has worked as an executive at a major motion picture studio, an issues researcher in a presidential campaign, and was the singer/songwriter/bassist in an LA rock band. A southern California native, she lives in Venice CA and spends a lot of time in Beijing, China. Her three cats wish she'd stay put.
Michael Bracken - Crime Fiction writer and an award-winning advertising copywriter. Bracken is the author of 11 books and more than 1,200 shorter works published in more than 150 publications. He is the editor of five crime fiction anthologies. He also provides editorial services to book and periodical publishers.
Sunny Frazier - Mystery Writer and author of the novels Where Angels Fear and Fools Rush In, billed as "astrology" mysteries.
Sarah Cortez - Professional Editor, Author and Poet, who has worked with many award-winning, professional writers, and edited two additional books of short fiction plus numerous smaller projects, such as query letters, book proposals, poetry, etc. She is also an accomplished speech-writer.

Don't miss out! This conference promises to be a "hot ticket," so register EARLY!! SAVE MONEY. Early Bird registration for the conference is $100.00 per person and includes all keynote speakers and seminars. Registration will increase to $120.00 per person after January 31, 2011.

To register, contact Ted Druch or Maria Ruiz, Phone: (322) 123-9249, Email: langton64(at)hotmail.com. For more information on PV Writers, go to www.Puerto-Vallarta-Writers-Group.com.

 

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¡Olé!  – Tickets are Now Available for Fiesta 2011

 

Tickets are now available for Los Amigos de La Peñita’s Fiesta 2011.   The event will be held on January 30 from 1:00 to 5:00.  Thomas Bartlett has again generously agreed to make his internationally acclaimed estate – Hacienda de La Peñita – available for the event.  Admission to what has become one of the highlights of Jaltemba Bay social season will require a donation of 750 pesos – unchanged from last year.   Like last year, Los Amigos is looking to recruit special sponsors to underwrite the cost of the event so that every penny raised through these donations can be used to support the work of Los Amigos: our plastics recycling program, our beach beautification, our education initiatives and our scholarship program and our newest undertaking – the Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative (JEDI).

Since 2011 will mark the first year of Mexico’s third century, the Planning Committee has decided to make this year’s event an authentic Mexican Fiesta.  ¡Olé!  The extravaganza will include an open bar and hors d’oeuvres.  There will be live music and dancing, as well as a live auction and silent auction, featuring a host of valuable items.  And this year, we will be featuring a Chinese auction as well. 

Tickets are now available for a donation of 750 pesos per person, so reserve your ticket now. Tickets are non-refundable and this is an adults only event.

Tickets can be obtained at

  • Xaltemba Restaurant & Galeria,
  • Hidden Paradise Real Estate
  • Casita de La Peñita,
  • El Panorama,
  • Petra’s Deli
  • Beach Dog Boarding & Salon (Lo de Marcos),
  • The Tianguis in La Peñita every Thursday
  • The Tianguis in Rincon de Guayabitos every Monday

 

Tickets purchased at Xaltemba Restaurant & Galeria can be purchased by credit card.

To reserve a ticket, donate an item to one of the auctions, volunteer to help out – or just for more information, please go to:

http://www.losamigosdelapenita.com/en/fiesta-ole.htm

 

Wouldn’t tickets to the Fiesta make a great Christmas gift? 

 

 

 

Santa gets an unbelievable reception in Lo de Marcos Click here for more Pictures

Santa Visits Mateja's on the Beach

Santa Claus aka Danny Milski is mobbed by grateful Mexican children on Christmas morning. Milksi along with his elves distributed thousands of toys to the children of la Colonial and Rincon de Guayabitos.  Special thanks to Mona and Roque for there ongoing support.Click below to view more

Santa Visits La Colonia

Val and Chris's annual lemon drop brunch on the beach at Rincon De guayabitos was host Andy and Moira anderson from the UK in Mexico to clebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  andy and Moira have three children and five grand childrem all resident of the UK  Val and Chris Lemon Drop Party

Zolma celebrated and wild birthday party where residents from all along the Jaltemba coast came out to clebrate. click the link below to view more photographs Zolma's Birthday

Christmas Dinner

Los Ayalas Christmas Posadas

Photos by Christina of www.MagicalLosAyala.com

 

Christmas in Mexico
Allan Wall - PVNN
December 24, 2010



It's that time of year again - Christmas in Mexico.

The worldwide diversity of Christmas in its various cultural forms is an interesting study. The essence of the holiday - a celebration of the incarnation and birth of Jesus Christ - is the same throughout Christendom. The holiday has a real power to inspire art, literature and folk customs, and express itself in various manners in diverse cultures.

Real celebrations come from the people, and are not imposed by governments to promote an agenda. In Mexico, Christmas is a true folk celebration. Mexican Christmas customs are an eclectic mixture of the old and the new, including elements from Europe, elements developed in Mexico, and, in recent years, elements borrowed from the USA.

One prominent aspect of the Mexican Christmas season is the widespread use of the nacimiento - the crèche or nativity scene. It is often more elaborate than those used in the United States. Its ceramic figurines includes interesting elements such as the nopal cactus , hermits and ducks. (I've even seen ducks with halos!). My Mexican wife has fond memories of the nacimiento which belonged to her late grandmother.

In northern Mexico, the traditional gift-giving occasion is the night of December 24th-25th. Traditionally, in southern Mexico, the principal gift-giving date is January 6th, Epiphany, or more commonly Day of the Magi Kings, commemorating the presentation of the gifts by the wise men to the Baby Jesus.

The piñata is probably the most famous Mexican Christmas custom, although it is not exclusively a Christmas custom. In fact, the piñata is used throughout the year at children's birthday parties, suspended in mid-air and struck repeatedly until it breaks.

In the US, the most famous piñata is in the form of a donkey, but nowadays a piñata might be in any form. For example, you might see a Bart Simpson piñata or a Spiderman piñata.

The piñata used at Christmas time though is a ball with spikes. In colonial times a piñata in the form of a big ball (representing Satan) with 7 spikes (representing the 7 capital sins) was used by the friars as a teaching device. Thus, breaking the piñata represented defeating Satan.

Another Christmas custom is the posada, which superficially bears some resemblance to the Christmas caroling celebrated in English-speaking countries. However, the singing in the posada is a ritualized musical drama. The people outside sing the part of Mary and Joseph, the people inside sing the part of the innkeeper, and finally those outside are invited inside for the party.

The Mexican pastorela is a genre of Christmas play. Its roots go back to the mystery and morality plays of medieval Spain. The pastorela focuses on the shepherds, pastor being the Spanish word for shepherd. In the pastorela, the shepherds hear from the angel about the Christ Child, and they set out for Bethlehem to see Him. Along the way they encounter the Devil, who puts various temptations in their path to prevent their arrival at the manger. Each shepherd is tempted by a particular sin. But they resist the temptations and at the end of the play, they reach the Christ Child.

In more recent years, Gringo customs such as Santa Claus and Christmas trees have been adopted in Mexico. Actually they have been assimilated quite well into the culture.

During the season, stores do a brisk business in Christmas trees. I recall one December in Mexico City, seeing a gigantic artificial Christmas tree in the Zocalo (the main Mexico City plaza.)

Santa Claus is well-known in Mexico now, and many small children eagerly await his annual visit.

One curious result of the adoption of Christmas customs from the US is seeing snow-related decorations in regions of Mexico where it hardly ever snows.

Just as in the USA (and maybe everywhere it's celebrated) Christmas is very commercialized in Mexico. But maybe that's inevitable, because the main reason it's commercialized is the holiday is important to people.

As long as you remember the real reason for Christmas, and as long as you don't go into debt buying presents, that can be a very good thing. It's certainly good for the commercial economy. In fact, a lot of stores do a big share of their business during the season.

In conclusion, allow me to wish all the readers of Banderas News a Happy Holiday Season, or as they say here in Mexico - ¡Felices Fiestas!

 





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NEW QUESTION

Dear Miguel,

I have heard that it is important to have a Mexican will. Why do I need this?

Tom

Dear Tom,

If you have assets in Mexico is best to have a Mexican will to ensure your wishes are honored. Mexico has different laws regarding beneficiaries than Canada or the US, so it is always best to be clear about your intentions.

If you have a will from Canada or the US you can have it translated by a certified translator and you need an apostle or equivalent. An apostle is a legal document certifying that the document – the will in this case – is in fact a legal document.

The other alternative is to have me assist you in preparing a Mexican will that mirrors your US or Canadian will. This may be easiest route.


 

Dear Miguel,

I am 66 years old and I was told that it was a good idea for me to apply for the Mexican Senior Citizen’s card.

Tonya

Dear Tonya,

You need a birth certificate, FM3 or Fm2, Passport and electric or phone bill and copies of each. You also need pictures.

The card is free.

You will get discounts on various busses, some restaurant, pharmacies. It is definitely worth applying for. Once you have it you need not reapply every year.


Dear Miguel,

I have a bed and breakfast that I operate but my clients are only friends and relatives from home. Do I need a working FM3.

Jack

Dear Jack,

You need a working FM3 even if you only collect money for maintenance. However this is easy. You do NOT need a corporation.

You are given 30 days by immigration to get your working numbers (RFC Affiliation) from the taxation board (Hacienda). The process is relatively simple: you must make an appointment to register in person and you must know what category best fits your needs. I believe from your letter it would be a small contributor to minimize both the obligations and taxes paid.

Once you contact me with your particulars I can advise you further. Each case is different.

I can assist you with obtaining your working FM3, advising and accompanying you regarding Hacienda registration.

More ask Miguel Questions