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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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January 24, 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

Crazy Nelly and Ernesto Tie the knot Saturday in "Surprise " Wedding

Crazy Nelly

 

Congratulations !

You can donate to this worthy cause online by using the donation button below.  Your ribbon will be waiting for you at the walk.

An inside look at Quinceanera - The Traditional Latin American Coming-of-Age Ceremony For a Girl Turning 15 Years
 
Click here to view Bill and Dot Bell's Photo essay of Estefany's Big Day

Quinceanera is the traditional Latin American coming-of-age ceremony and celebration for a girl when she turns fifteen years old. The Aztecs began celebrating Quinceanera all the way back in 500 B.C. At that time, the ceremony indicated to the community that the 15-year old girl was now suitable for motherhood.

The meaning of Quinceanera today is slightly different, but this wedding-like event commemorates a 15-year old girl becoming a lady. These beautiful celebrations are even more popular in the United States than in Latin America, often to preserve one of the rich traditions of Latin American culture.

Jorge, Malena and Little Elvis

Jorge, Malena and Little Elvis

This Week

Mexican tequila production rises in 2010

Mexico's production of tequila, the country's best-known alcoholic beverage, rose 3.37 percent in 2010 compared with the previous year to 257.4 million liters, the Tequila Regulatory Council, or CRT, said Thursday.

Consumption of agave (the plant used to make tequila) topped the 1-million-tonne barrier for the third time in Mexico's history, the CRT said…..go to original article

UN to Mexico: Investigate abuse, kidnap of migrants

The U.N.'s top human-rights official urged Mexico on Friday to investigate possible abuses and complicity by officials in kidnappings and extortion involving 40 Central American migrants.

Mexico is the transit route for thousands of illegal migrants seeking to reach the United States, with many falling victim to gangs and organized crime…go to original article

Mexico: plotting a steady course

There were no surprises when Mexico’s central bank on Friday kept the benchmark interest rate at 4.5 per cent. The decision was the 16th consecutive time that the five-member board has opted to keep rates on hold, heralding the longest period on record without a change.

And it is almost certain that the bank will maintain the 4.5 per cent rate for the rest of this year – in stark contrast to other economies in the region such as Brazil and Chile, which have already increased rates…go to original article

Colombia stepping up anti-drug training of Mexico's army, police

Long experienced in fighting cocaine cartels and Marxist guerrillas, Colombia is training thousands of Mexican policemen as well as soldiers and court officers to help contain drug gangs that have turned parts of Mexico into virtual combat zones.

Most of the training has taken place in Mexico, Colombian and American officials say. But in a sign of how serious the threat posed by the Mexican cartels has become, an increasing number of Mexican soldiers and policemen are traveling here to train with Colombia's battle-tested police commandos….go to original article

Mexican Oil Chief Expects 2011 Production Increase

Walking into Jose Suarez Coppel's office overlooking Mexico City, one sees all the trappings of an oil CEO: glass bottles filled with oil samples, financial screens flashing the price of oil, production charts for oil fields. And then there's the bright red phone behind his desk—a direct line to the president of Mexico. …go to original article

Los Algodones, Mexico, Has Become Dentist Capital of the World

Nicknamed Molar City, Los Algodones in Mexico is said to be occupied by more dentists than anywhere else in the world.A sleepy border village in Mexico, just one-square mile and steps from the dusty deserts of Arizona, has slowly become one of the dental capitals of the world.Los Algodones, nicknamed Molar City, has a population of 4,000, yet has about 350 dentists, some with so many patients the line swings out the door. Block after block is lined with dental offices and wall-to-wall billboards promising to enhance a smile…..go to original article

Who profits from Freight rules

U.S. pig farmers, cheesemakers and wineries stand to gain immediately from a program to let Mexican trucks into the country beyond a 25-mile border zone. The trucking industry probably won’t be as lucky.

While U.S. goods subject to $2.4 billion a year in Mexican tariffs would be freed from the duties once a cross-border trucking agreement is implemented, carriers such as Con-way Inc. see fewer benefits to the companies hauling products between the two countries….go to original article

Mexicana Conducts Test Flights, Closer to Resuming Operations

 Grounded Mexican airline Mexicana de Aviacion moved closer to resuming operations after carrying out two test flights Thursday for certification purposes.

The flights – the first in the morning and second in the afternoon – left Mexico City’s international airport and landed at the airport in the Pacific coast resort city of Acapulco….
go to original article

Mexico's Ex-President Vicente Fox: Legalize Drugs

As Mexico drowns in drug-related bloodshed — suffering almost 12,000 murders in 2010 — it is perhaps unsurprising that government critics have turned up their screaming that the war on drugs isn't working. But it was a bit of a bombshell when former President Vicente Fox added his voice to the chorus. The cowboy-boot-wearing leader, who ruled Mexico from 2000 to 2006, once declared the "mother of all battles" against crime and rounded up drug kingpins. But before he left office, he witnessed the first big spike in violence as the narcos retaliated. …go to original article

Carlos Slim Won't Give Away His Fortune Like Buffett and Gates

Carlos Slim, the world's wealthiest man, is bullish on Mexico and says he is staying in the country despite the dramatic rise in violence. A mansion that he bought in New York is too big to live in—it's purely for investment.

In a wide-ranging interview, the telecom magnate put to rest rumors about a large mining acquisition, explained his rationale for buying nearly $200 million in New York real estate, and also why he is not making the pledge to give away half his wealth like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates. …go to original article

Mexico keeps auto-making lead over Canada

Canada lost ground again last year in auto production and the competition is coming from an emerging powerhouse – but it’s not India or China.

Our trade partner to the south, Mexico, has posted the strongest turnaround in North America from the industry’s crisis, surpassing Canada in output and turning out a record number of vehicles in 2010…go to original article

Mexico deal: $1,995 for 10-day cruise on Crystal Symphony, plus $500 shipboard credit

The luxury Crystal Cruises line is cutting prices for a 10-day round-trip cruise from Los Angeles to Mexico, with fares starting at $1,995 per person, and throwing in a $500 shipboard credit too…..go to original article

Last Week

San Blas Hosts International Festival of Migratory Birds

He's been bird watching since he can remember, or at least that's what he says during his official presentation - and then jokes about it, saying that he probably doesn't have that good of a memory. However, there is certainly one fact that guarantees his expertise: Steve Howell has been leading ornithologist expeditions for over 30 years, he has published a number of books on this topic and he attests that San Blas is the best place in the world for those who enjoy this activity.…go to original article

Patients Offered Transplant Tours Of Mexico

A Tempe company will soon offer tours to Mexico for uninsured patients in need of life-saving medical care.

"If there are people out there who need a kidney transplant and they don't want to die and they don't have the means, I bet they'll find their way to us," said Dr. Curtis Page, the chief executive officer of MedToGo International, a Mexico medical tourism company owned and operated by U.S. doctors.…go to original article

Mexico's 'El Chapo' thrives 10 years after escape

Joaquin Guzman has transformed himself into arguably the most powerful drug trafficker in the world. MEXICO CITY — In the 10 years since he escaped from a high security federal prison in a laundry truck, Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman has transformed himself from a middling Mexican capo into arguably the most powerful drug trafficker in the world. …go to original article

Austria ready to temporarily return Montezuma headdress to Mexico

Vienna - Austria is in talks with Mexico to temporarily return a feather crown known as Montezuma's headdress, changing its decades-long policy of keeping the valuable piece in the country, a museum official confirmed Sunday in Vienna…go to original article

Mexico police: Zeta drug cartel's founding member captured

Mexico's federal police have arrested a founding member of the brutal Zetas drug cartel, a man who controlled drug smuggling routes and the kidnapping of Central American migrants in southern Mexico, officials said Tuesday…go to original article

Canadian and American dental patients flocking to Mexico

Canadian and American dental patients are heading to Mexico in their droves to avoid high dental costs in their own countries.

In recent years, the number of dental patients heading abroad for treatment has increased significantly, as people look to save money on dental care.

…go to original article

Mexico seizes 39 art treasures smuggled out of Singapore

A total of 39 Singaporean art treasures from the 17th and 18th centuries were seized in the Mexican port of Manzanillo after being smuggled into the Latin American nation, the Attorney General's Office said…go to original article

The Aztec Gods Are Smiling Again!

The Mexican economy has had issues recovering from the 2008-2009 world financial crisis due to the strong reliance on the U.S. economy. As the United States went into recession the Mexican export sector's almost exclusive reliance on the U.S. consumer market reminded everybody in the country that having all the eggs in one basket isn't a very good idea. At the same time, the country had to deal with a decrease in the price of petroleum that directly affected the government's ability to conduct expansionary fiscal policy as the Mexican government continues to rely heavily on the petroleum sector to finance government accounts…go to original article

Mexico's Interjet expands fleet with Sukhoi

* Interjet buys 15 new planes, options for 5 more

* Young airline expands after collapse of rival Mexicana

* Plans more routes in Mexico

Interjet, Mexico's No. 2 airline, signed a $650 million contract with Superjet International for 15 aircraft to help it expand operations, Superjet partner Finmeccanica  said on Monday.…go to original article

Songs from the Heart- Mimi to Entertain at the Fashion Show

Đ Tara A. Spears

The talented Mimi Flammang, who is known in the Jaltemba Bay area as the energetic karaoke night hostess, will be the featured entertainer at the sold-out Women to Women Fashion Show February 8, 2011.  In addition to her passionate voice and exciting performances, Mimi offers encouragement to the crowds to have fun and participate.  “I’ve always had a love of music and a need to express myself in song,” Mimi said. “But it’s only been in the last five years that I have truly trained my voice.”  It was with husband John’s encouragement that Mimi went from simply participating in occasional karaoke nights to leading the show. He gave her a gift of a karaoke machine and a dozen songs so that Mimi could practice.  While the couple originally got into singing and dj-ing for their own amusement, their natural talent and enthusiasm quickly evolved into a polished act that is in demand at local clubs. They now have a repertoire of 10,000 songs. John will be providing the background music for the event, while Mimi will sing during the intermission.

Artistic expression has been a constant in Mimi’s life: “I have four passions: singing, art, yoga, and learning Spanish.” In college Mimi studied metal smithing, earning several fine art degrees. She taught art at the college level during her professional career as a jewelry artist, focusing on creating in silver and gold. To this day, most of the jewelry Mimi wears is her original creation.  At an early age, Mimi found that yoga was a perfect blend of movement and spiritual clarity that added healthy balance to her busy life; becoming a yoga instructor at Great Basin College for 19 years. She attributes her lithe shape and limber movement while performing to her practice of yoga.  Mimi enjoys the challenge of learning another language late in life, and strives to speak fluently in Spanish.

mimi art3.jpg 

About five years ago, Mimi turned her artist expression to painting watercolors. She enjoys interpreting the vivid colors of the Mexican tropics into paintings.  Her impressionist work has been exhibited at Xalemba Arte Gallery and written about in Puerto Vallarta. The vibrant paintings pop with energy and color that mirror the artist’s personality.

mimi art pink hybiscus.JPG  mimi art blk susans.JPG mimi art coco tree.JPG 

For this creative lady, singing and artistic expression is as natural as breathing. As husband John quips, “Mimi wakes up singing!” As with so many retired individuals, she uses this stage in life to embrace new areas of creativity and intellectual exploration.  To the delight of audiences, Mimi’s passions are shared straight from her heart.

mimi . john3.JPG

                        

 

Jaltemba Sol Editor Bill Bell's Grandmother Honored

Maisie Hurley Click here to read the entire story

 

A record 64 players turned out on Thursday for Men's Day at the Field of Dreams in Monteon...they are all having a great time in Mexico

Click here for Jaltemba Cup Tee Times, if you do not see your name please contact Larry Baron at clbaron6@gmail.com  Dave Young please call.

Course Men's Day record of eight under shattered!  Click here to see who was on the team

Jaltemba Cup gets its own web address.....www.jaltembacup.com Record number of players sign up this year...more expected! Registrations up almost 50 per cent!

Los Ayalas Fiesta a great success. 

Christina Stobbs photographs

There’s Only One Week Until

"Fiesta La Peņita"

A Real Mexican Fiesta

A gala fundraising event in support of Los Amigos de La Peņita

to be held on Sunday, January 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
at the award-winning home of Thomas Bartlett in La Peņita.

Music by Mariachi Infantil Juvenil "Campo Estella"

and Dancing to the Perez Brothers

Chacala Cruise
On Los Ayala's Gran Fiesta!
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

     Cruise the coast from Los Ayala t

o Chacala, on Los Ayala's Gran Fiesta... The perfect opportunity to take in the scenery of beautiful Jaltemba Bay and the   spectacular coastline of the Riviera Nayarit. February is peak season for whale watching so the chances of viewing a humpback whale are pretty fantastic!

    The cruise includes lunch at a beach side restaurant in Chacala, where you can enjoy the romance of the wide palm lined beach. Chacala is incredible! 

Also Includes: Tour of the magnificent Majahau Hotel and Spa & the Mar de Jade Retreat and Wellness Center.

$500 pesos per person

Ticket available at..
.

Los Ayala - Villas Marena, Bungalows Las Iguana, and Casa Contenta
Rincon de Guayabitos - George's Three Flag Coffee Shop
La Penita de Jaltemba - Hamaca Maya and Xaltemba Restaurant & Galeria*

(*Tickets available at Xaltemba after January 31st)

This event is part of the "3 for 1 Program!" Every peso raised will be used towards improving our roads!

Why?

For more information call Romy at 327- 274-0611 or Christina at 327-274-3516


 


1/2 Way There!!!!!!

 

 

                   

 

 Human Donators

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Tequila ContestClick on image to view in larger format

Tequila officials name Jaltemba Sol's Dorothy Bell as Grand Judge in the Town of Tequila's Taquila Challenge.  Dorothy Bell, who is also a judge in the famous International Margareta Challenge, said that she was "thrilled" with the appointment.   This will be the second Tequila challenge with promises to be better with the addition of two more Tequila factories entering the event.  Tickets can be bought from Jim Williams [poptop_u@hotmail.com]

 

lick the

Click here to visit our site

 

Beautiful Calendars for Sale

Amigos de Lo de Marcos has 2011 calendars for sale.  They feature colorful local photos that keep our southern paradise in mind all year long.  The pages also contain both english and spanish labeling to further one's knowledge of the non-native language.  All of the proceeds are used for local projects -- completely.  The dates on the pages are small boxes for note making -- for record Mom's birthday or the next Amigos fundraiser, for example.The calendars sell for a minimum of $50 mxp and can be obtained at the Wednesday night Art Fairs held in the Lo de Marcos plaza from 6pm to 9pm.  They are also available from Daphne Bergeron and/or Lisa Hodgins at the Wednesday ladies golf outings in El Monteon.  You can also email info@amigosdelodemarcos.org and we'll make sure you get your copy.

Views from My Tropical Garden    ĐTara A. Spears

Warm climate gardening tips     

In northern latitudes, mid winter is a time for dreaming about gardening by pouring over the seed catalogs while watching the snow come down.  But for those of us fortunate enough to be living or visiting the tropics, January and February is a season of lush blooms and verdant plant growth. One simple, attractive home gardening strategy is to place hanging baskets on patios or balcony to enjoy a burst of color and fragrance that is easy to maintain.  Alas, unlike north of the border, one cannot purchase already planted baskets that contain a pleasing variety of plants. Not to despair- just follow these simple guidelines to create your own mini garden to have an eye-catching display.

Go to the complete article page 4

 

I'm Walking for Malena

La Penita RV Park and Executive of Cancer de Mama are walking for Malena and Cancer de Mama.

Sharon, Maruca, Judy, Carole

Look who's walking for Marlena!

Tickets for the Walk for Marelna will begin today at the La Penita RV Park.

 

 

Mary-Ann and Bob

They came from far and wide to the Sarah Walker signing including Lo de Marcos's dazzling couple David and Patti MartinezSarah Walker signs her poster creation for one of the many patrons who turned out Sunday night to the Xaltemba GalleryJaun and Peter share a few words at the Sarah Walker signing

A Happy crowd of well wishers turned up at the Xaltemba Gallery to get their

"Fiesta La Peņita" poster signed by Sarah Walker Sunday night.

  Sarah says Ole

Sarah Walker shows off, bullfighter style, her wonderful poster creation while wearing Deb Drews great poster from last year

El Famoso coming soon! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

An Exhibit on the Proposed La Peņita Community Cultural Centre

Deb Drew gave a presentation on what her students designed for a proposed Community Centre in La Penita de Jaltemba

Deb Drew gave a presentation at the Xaltemba Gallery  on what her students designed for a proposed Community Culteral Centre in La Penita de Jaltemba

2010 Accomplishments Margarita Challenge

Education&Family Fund

     

          ĐTara A. Spears

Amid the preparations for this year’s fundraising event, the Margarita Education & Family Fund committee reflects on what the non-profit group accomplished with the proceeds in 2010.  The organization has sponsored the Emilio Zapata Primaria, in Guayabitos, for eight years, erecting a building that now serves as the special education classroom. Recently the school’s parent organization held a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication for the completed building. Without the annual Margarita Challenge this long term accomplishment would not have been possible. In December the school installed a permanent plaque crediting the support of the group.

 

Left to right:

Principal Rosa Rodriguez; Bonnie & Jim Williams, Margarita Committee chairs;

Sp. Ed teacher Marlenne Gutierrez  stand next to new plaque crediting Margarita group for donating building, purchasing teaching materials and classroom furniture for Emilio Zapata Elementary School.

“When we looked for a project eight years ago, we met with Principal Rosa Rodriguez and the parents at the elementary school.  We asked the parents to decide what was needed and wanted; the Margarita Fund pledged the financial support but we stipulated that the parents would have to be involved,” explained Jim.  “We wanted a community effort- we saw our group as mentors not bosses.”  Initially the group improved the bathrooms, replacing fixtures and plumbing, painting and tile. Next, the PTA wanted a separate building to create a school library, and a place for special needs students to have instruction.  “Through the years, Margarita Fund purchased the materials and the parents supplied the labor- look at the building now!” Jim said proudly. 

 To read the entire story on the Margarita challenge click here

 


 

5th Jaltemba Cup Charity Golf Tournament

Larry Baron - PVNN
January 17, 2011



Scheduled to take place at the Compo de Ensueno Golf Course on Saturday and Sunday, January 29 and 30, 2011, the 5th annual Jaltemba Cup Golf Tournament is a best ball, four member team, of which three members must be from the community being represented, with two players from one team alternating shots, playing with two players from another team alternating shots.

Nine holes will be played on Saturday and nine holes will be played on Sunday. The four person team with the lowest total team shots for the two days will win the Jaltemba Cup. Winner's names will be engraved on the Jaltemba Cup. Awards, raffles and auction will be held after play on Sunday.here will be prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, middle of the pack and last a last place trophy. Also prizes for closest to the hole for men and women on specified greens. There will be a prize for the best team uniform.

Fees for the two days of play are, $400 pesos for members and $600 pesos for non-members. The fees include a meal on each day for the players and meals can be purchased for spouses and non-players.

The money generated from the charity golf tournament is being used to create a computer lab in the Secondaria Plan de Ayala school in La Penita, which all students of that age from Lo de Marcos to Chacala pass through. We are in the process of getting the required paper work ready for the three for one matching government funds, which will triple the amount of money raised in the tournament.

For more information, contact Larry Baron at (327) 274-3230 or clbaron6(at)gmail.com

Check out our new web site by Dorothy Bell

www.jaltembacup.com


An Update on the Los Amigos Education Committee

The Education Committee of Los Amigos recently completed its eighth building and maintenance project, and two other are well underway.  All this, in the less than two years that have passed since it’s inception in February, 2009.

The projects are spread across all neighbourhoods of La Peņita and La Colonia.  Some of them involve the construction on whole new kinders – La Patria, Las Cabras, Las Rosas and Luis Pasteur.  Others involve simple tasks like repairing the entry cupola at  Guadalupe Manautou Kinder or the bathrooms at Juan Escutia or the wall at Justo Sierra.    The project at J. Cruz Bautista in

volved raising the grade of the school yard so children can get to the bathroom without wading through 12 inches of water during the rainy season and the addition of a second bathroom.  And one, the repair of the wall at Plan De Ayala Secondaria, was even approved on an emergency basis: a wall was about to collapse and was a danger to students and teachers.

But, beyond bricks and mortar, the initiative also has another more lasting benefit. It has empowered parents by not only having them set the priorities in terms of funding but also by assisting them to initiate their own funding activities – including the annual Gran Bazar.  Each year, in January, the Committee initiates a process which invites schools in La Peņita and La Colonia to both participate in the work of the Committee and to submit projects for consideration for funding.  The Committee then prioritizes the

projects through a process which involves the Parent's Council, as well the Director (or a representative), from each school.  The parents are also required to contribute 20% of the cost of each project themselves by undertaking fundraising activities and providing volunteer labour.  Local businesses also contribute supplies.

So how can you help to keep this going – and support this hard working group of parents?

On Sunday, January 30, from 1:00-5:00, Los Amigos will be holding Fiesta 2011 at the award-winning Thomas Bartlett Estate.  Tickets will be available at the Los Amigos kiosk at the Tianguis every Thursday.  As well, on Sunday, January 23, you can get not only your ticket but a signed and numbered limit edition print of the Olé! Poster designed by Sarah Walker at the Xaltemba Galeria – from 6:00 to 8:00.  Tickets purchased at the Xaltemba can be bought with a credit card.  You can get more info on the Fiesta – including a list of other places to buy tickets at:

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

 

Another Successful Gran Bazar

 

You had to be early to get the good stuff at the Gran Bazar held by the Education Committee of Los Amigos de La Peņita on Saturday, January 23.  An enthusiastic crowd was there waiting – even before the gates “officially” opened.

 

The event raised about 8,800 pesos.  This money will go directly into projects designed to help improve schools in La Peņita.  The Education Committee of Los Amigos recently completed its eighth building and maintenance project, and two other are well underway.  All this, in the less than two years that have passed since it’s inception in February, 2009.

Besides undertaking fundraising, like the Gran Bazar, parents are providing volunteer labour and local businesses are contributing supplies. Parents are required to contribute 20% of the cost of every project.   Other funding comes from the general fundraising done by Los Amigos, the majority of it through our annual Fiesta.  Fiesta 2011 will be held this year on January 30 from 1:00 to 5:00.

 

 


Ok! so its just a cute photograph and has nothing to with Jaltemba Bay living.  but I like it and I took it at the San Diego Zoo.  Bill Bell photograph

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click to go to our site

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recycling Committee of Los Amigos – Basket Making

The Recycling Committee of Los Amigos will be having Basket Making Workshops on January 15, January 22, January 29, February 5 and February 12, 2011.  The workshops will start at 10:00 AM and will be held at 162 Calle Allende, La Peņita.

Directions - From the Highway : Go 200 metres North (towards Tepic) of the Main Avenida, La Peņita.  On the left you will see Pollo Feliz.  Turn Right and go 2 blocks up the hill (the street name is not shown).  The house is salmon coloured.

Please bring gloves and wire cutters if you have them - and your friends!

The Valley of the Throat Cutters

Valley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell Photographs

The Altavista petroglyph complex is located near the village and beach-town of Chacala, south of the Compostela Municipality, in Nayarit Mexico. Photography by Bill Bell

Valley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell PhotographsValley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell PhotographsValley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell Photographs

Valley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell PhotographsValley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell PhotographsValley of the Throat cutters, on the road to Alta vista, Nayarit, Bill Bell Photographs

The area is known as "La Pila del Rey", "Chacalán", "El Santuario", "The Petroglyphs” or "the Altavista petroglyphs", near the Jaltemba Bay, in the Pacific Ocean of Nayarit

To view and read more about these 2000 year old petroglyphs click here

 

 

 


Calakmul, Deep in the Jungles of Campeche

Calakmul

Photography by Bill Bell

Calakmul by Bill Bell Calakmul by Bill Bell Calakmul by Bill Bell

 

 


Click on poster to read larger version

 

 

 



Ing. Gerardo Pares Sierra

Ing. Gerardo Pares Sierra

Proyec  Cel   ...Telcel distributor

on the Avenida in La Penita de Jaltemba

327 27 43797

Submitted by Dorothy

"Friendly and very helpful"


San Blas Hosts International Festival of Migratory Birds

go to original
January 16, 2011

He's been bird watching since he can remember, or at least that's what he says during his official presentation - and then jokes about it, saying that he probably doesn't have that good of a memory.

However, there is certainly one fact that guarantees his expertise: Steve Howell has been leading ornithologist expeditions for over 30 years, he has published a number of books on this topic and he attests that San Blas is the best place in the world for those who enjoy this activity.

In 2010, Howell came to Riviera Nayarit to celebrate Christmas. He then waited for a group of eight bird watchers that would arrive three days later to embark in an adventure to discover the endemic species of this region, which are as interesting as the amazing migration that birds do to arrive to this paradise.

"San Blas is a truly privileged place; I can't understand why some ornithologists have stopped coming. This is the best place in the world to do bird watching and the conditions in this place are still top-notch - there's nothing that can spoil the experience," he assures.

Steve knows well what he's talking about. In 2010 he directed expeditions in Asia, Australia and in a large part of the American Continent, including other locations in Mexico like Chiapas, Oaxaca, Yucatan, Quintana Roo and Veracruz. "Ecuador is also an interesting location which is attracting large number of tourists, but honestly San Blas hosts a large number of species that can't be found there," he said.

Born in Cardiff, the capital of Wales in the United Kingdom, Howell spent his school years bird watching throughout the UK. Once he finished college, Howell spent two years traveling until he arrived to Mexico, where he began a 14-year adventure that culminated with the publication of A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America.

Steve is known worldwide for his extensive knowledge of maritime birds, and after spending a large part of his life in coastal regions he is now familiar with about 95% of the main coastal species. He currently lives in California and works for Wings, one of the largest businesses that specialize in bird watching in the world.

His visit to San Blas to lead this eight-day expedition is important not only to bird watchers, but also to the destination. Since Howell loves to write, his adventures in Riviera Nayarit will soon find a place in the most prestigious media that specialize in bird watching.

Don't Miss It
The International Migratory Bird Festival 2011 in San Blas is celebrating its 7th edition. The event will take place from January 23rd to 30th, and will include bird watching, conferences, activities for children, dance presentations, plays and music. For more information, visit: AvesSanBlas.uan.mx.

Howell In Print
The following is a list of Steve Howell's published work, which serves as a guide for the most passionate bird watchers.

A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America (with Sophie Webb)
A Bird-finding Guide to Mexico (1999)
Hummingbirds of North America: the Photographic Guide (2002)
The Peterson Reference Guide to Gulls of the Americas (2007, with Jon Dunn)
The Peterson Reference Guide to Molt in North American Birds (2010)

Highlights from the January 10 Meeting of Los Amigos de La Peņita

There were 44 individuals in attendance including 8 guests.

 An update was provided on Fiesta 2011 and it was noted that we are still trying to recruit more “Special Sponsors” so that all the proceeds from the event can go into community services.  Publicity for the event is ongoing but it was noted, that the majority of tickets are sold through personal contacts so it is important that members encourage their friends and neighbours to attend.  A large number of donations have already been received for the auctions.  Volunteers are being sought to work the registration desk and man the auction tables. Members of Education Committee were being recruited to act as servers for the event.  It was reported that the Perez Brothers and a Mariachi Band from Las Varas will provide entertainment. 

With respect to the Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative, 100 shopping bags were sold at the Tianguis and the balance of the bags that were ordered will be sold through the stores.  A volunteer is being sought to work with the stores on the development of a flyer to promote local specials in order to encourage people to shop locally.  Government funding is being sought for the Mango Salsa project, which is expected to create six full-time jobs.  PEACE has agreed to administer the micro financing program for us.  Under the program, women will be given loans to create small businesses.  A Mexican community event is being planned for the end of February in the EcoPark to raise money for this initiative.

 The Education Committee will be having its Gran Bazar on January 22 from 10:00 to 2:00 in the EcoPark.  They are still looking for items to be donated.  He also noted that the Luis Pasteur project started a week ago and was 30-40% finished.  Another public work day is scheduled in about two weeks to put the finishing touches on the project.  The process for determining priority projects for next year will be finalized shortly.

 It was reported that the Recycling Committee has made a total of 120 baskets recently, so we are making good progress on our goal of 500 new baskets.   People are beginning to heed our request to crush their plastics.  Work is underway on the development of a recycling education program for the schools but additional volunteers are needed for this project.  We are averaging 4,000 kilos a month.  It was noted that only plastic bottles and not chairs should be placed in the baskets.  The issue of how individuals should report that a basket was full was discussed and the Committee agreed to discuss the issue and come up with a solution.

 It was noted, with respect to our Scholarship Program, that there is only one intake for the year and that is in March and that only tuition is covered.

.The next meeting will be on January 24.

 Full Minutes are available on the Los Amigos Website (www.losamigosdelapenita.com).


 


Classified


Wanted

Canadian couple would like to rent any clean accommodation with kitchen within a short walk to the beach in Guayabitos. No pets and non smokers. Minimum stay one month or more. Needed end of January or early February. brian.sharlene@gmail.com

WANTED – USED FRIDGE & STOVE

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

The local government DIF office in la Peņita 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.

 

 

 




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