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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)

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July 30, 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

Editor Bill Bell

Win a dinner for two at Mateja's Bar and Grill on the beach in beautiful Rincon de Guayabitos! To be eligible, all you have to do is tell us in 50 words or less why you think Riviera Nayarit is the best place for a winter holiday! One entry per Friend of Riviera Nayarit. Winner will be announced September 30 2011. Submission must be posted on Friends of Nayarit Face book

Become a Friend on the Riviera Nayarit Click Here

Lindy Laing Holiday in Nayarit? Why would I not want to hang out in the frigid ice, not able to go outdoors or wear anything besides long johns? Like....who needs to live where the vibrant green jungle reaches out to embrace the delicious clean blue sea while warming your blood temperature to something even close to "anti shiver" level? I also wonder about if I really need those beers that are so cold they hurt your teeth that they serve up on the beachfront restaurants for around a buck. hmmmmm. I do have some memories of the amazing food..OH, and the locals that treat you like you're their new best friend. OK. I think I know why I NEED this in my life.

Turtle Release Season in Riviera Nayarit

RivieraNayarit.com
go to original

What a moving experience it is to hold a sea turtle hatchling in your hands! In Nuevo Vallarta, Playa Tortugas and Guayabitos you can live the experience and feel a turtle’s tiny flippers striving to make their way forward before you place it next to the surf.

Assisting at a turtle release in Riviera Nayarit is one of the most endearing activities one can do in our destination. It’s also possible to witness a turtle coming out of the water to lay its eggs in the sand, and experience the miracle of life.

Click here to see the entire story

La Penita de jaltemba man waiting Bill Bell Photograph

La Penita de Jaltemba Man (photo Bill Bell)

Vallarta Named Host for 2012 Tianguis Turistico

VisitPuertoVallarta.com
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Tianguis Turistico 2012 will be held at the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center, located 5 minutes from the Hotel Zone, 10 minutes from the International Airport and 20 minutes from downtown.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Great news! Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit have officially been named the venues that will host the 2012 Tianguis Turistico, Mexico's largest tourism expo

Click here to read entire story

Young children ride bicycles down the Avenida in La Peñita Bill Bell Photograph

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This Week

Tropical Storm Dora further weakens off Mexico

Tropical Storm Dora has weakened as it moves northwest in the Pacific off Mexico. The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says Dora's top sustained winds dropped early Saturday morning to 65 mph (100 kph). Dora moved northwest at 8 mph (13 kph), and was expected to move parallel to the west coast of southern Baja, Calif. A tropical storm warning remained in effect for Mexico from Agua Blanca to Buenavista, including Cabo San Lucas…..go to original article

Mexican shares gain; Cemex results disappoint

Mexican shares finished higher Friday, finding some support after posting losses in five of the past six sessions, but disappointing second-quarter financial results from building materials provider Cemex kept a cap on the market’s gains.

Following the results, Cemex hit a 52-week low of 8.47 pesos before closing at 8.71 pesos, down 4.4%. On Friday, Cemex, the largest cement provider in the U.S., posted a net loss of $294 million for the second quarter versus a loss of $306 million for the same quarter a year ago. …go to original article

Corruption Charges for 111 Officials at Mexico AG

The Mexican Attorney General's Office says 111 of its officials have been charged with fraud, embezzlement and abuse of power and 192 others have been fired for botching investigations.Inspector General Cesar Alejandro Chavez says dozens of other agents and prosecutors are being investigated on criminal charges.

The fired officials are accused of carrying out illegal raids, receiving bribes and freeing suspects….go to original article

Logging drops further in Mexico butterfly reserve

Deforestation in the wintering grounds of the Monarch butterfly in central Mexico has dropped to just over one acre's worth of trees, compared to the hundreds of acres lost annually in the past, experts said Thursday.

And fewer of the pine and fir trees that shelter the butterflies have been lost to bad weather this year, according to a report by researchers from Mexico's National Autonomous University and the Monarch Fund….go to original article

French toddler is Mexico’s first case of measles in 4 years, puts country on health alert

Mexican health officials say a French baby girl who recently flew in from Paris is Mexico’s first case of measles in four years.

The toddler has not been identified, but Health Secretary Jose Angel Cordova says the Mexico City neighborhood where she is staying is under quarantine….go to original article

Mexican independence tower is late and over budget

Officials in Mexico have said that a monument being built in Mexico City to celebrate 200 years of independence from Spanish rule is late and over budget. The monument is now expected to be ready in December. The Trail of Light was meant to be a symbol of inspiration in last year's celebrations. But most of the material had to be imported -- with steel columns from Italy and quartz panels from Brazil….go to original article

Circo: The hard life under a Mexican big top

When the newly merged Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus made its massive debut as “the Greatest Show on Earth” in New York in 1919, Circo Ponce Hermanos – founded in the late 1800s – was packing them in under the big top south of the border.

The Ponce family tradition has endured into the 21st century through two dozen smaller circuses run by founder Genaro Ponce’s descendents, including Tino Ponce. He’s the handsome, hard-working ringmaster of Gran Circo Mexico, which travels the rural circuit looking for an electrical hookup, clean water and ticket buyers for a 10-member family act (including two tough, controlling grandparents and five young illiterate kids), tethered to the past by a rope on the verge of unravelling…..go to original article

Last Week

58 held in Mexico's biggest marijuana farm bust
Food still sat on the camp dinner table Friday, abandoned three days earlier by workers fleeing soldiers who stumbled on their lush, mesh-covered oasis stretching across the harsh Baja California desert.

Two men were caught in the camp and 56 others were rounded up in the area around what the Mexican government calls the biggest marijuana plantation ever found in the country….go to original article

Oral B mouthwash pulled in Mexico on safety worry

Procter & Gamble Co. is recalling Oral B mouthwash in at least four Western Hemisphere countries because of possible microbial contamination. On Thursday Mexican federal health authorities said 600,000 bottles of mouthwash were being pulled from stores in Mexico….go to original article

Mexican sex-crime prosecutors hire male strippers for party

At least five female personnel of the sex-crime unit of the Attorney General's Office in the western Mexican state of Jalisco will be investigated for partying in the office with male strippers, authorities said. Seen in a video released Thursday are the workers at the bachelorette party of a friend, who appears dancing and carrying on with one of the strippers…..go to original article

Mexican income fell 12 pct during global crisis

Mexican researchers say the average income in Mexican homes fell just over 12 percent during the global economic crisis. The National Institute of Statistics and Geography says average household quarterly income had risen before 2008, reaching 39,823 pesos, or about $3,400. But it then fell to 34,936 pesos by 2010. The study says the richest 10 percent of Mexicans suffered the biggest drop in income, falling nearly 18 percent. It theorizes that could be because wealthy Mexicans had more investments in the U.S. housing market….go to original article

Alternative tours draw travelers to Mexico

While most travelers flock to Mexico to sip margaritas on white-sand beaches, a hardy few choose lesser-known tourist sites where they are chased down by immigration agents or risk their lives in dangerous slums.

Escalating violence in Mexico's war on drugs may be prompting some would-be tourists to think twice about Mexico, but agencies offering alternative tourism are thriving among those seeking not just a break, but a break from the ordinary. Innovative tourist agencies offer trips to remote mountain areas home to leftist Zapatista rebels and to the most crime-ridden neighborhoods of Mexico City…. Go to original article

US seeks Mexico border gun sales details

US officials have said American guns are being funnelled into the hands of Mexican drug cartels. Weapons dealers in the south-west US will be required to report large sales of some semi-automatic firearms to help stem the flow of weapons into Mexico. Under a new US government rule, authorities must be contacted when more than two semi-automatic rifles with detachable magazines are purchased….go to original article

Likely candidate says Mexico ready for woman pres

A congresswoman who would be the first woman to seek a major party nomination for Mexico's presidency is "absolutely certain" that her country is ready for a female leader, she said Monday.

Josefina Vazquez Mota said her possible candidacy, yet to be declared, has met a lot of enthusiasm around the country and is buoyed by other women leaders of Latin American countries, as well as young voters who grew up with modern notions about women….go to original article

Ex-"Survivor" producer will go to Mexico: expert

A judge in California on Tuesday ordered that former "Survivor" producer Bruce Beresford-Redman be returned to Mexico to face charges in the killing of his wife, Monica Beresford-Redmanm, while they were on vacation at an upscale Cancun resort in April 2010.

On "The Early Show," CBS News Legal Analyst Lisa Bloom said that, while Bruce Beresford-Redman will likely appeal the decision, the bottom-line is that he is almost certainly headed back to Mexico….go to original article

Mexico high court rules civilian courts should handle alleged military abuses

Human rights groups long argued the military could not be trusted to judge its own. There were few prosecutions and fewer convictions, with most proceedings of military tribunals cloaked in secrecy….go to original article

Prosecutors: Mob in southern Mexico pushes police car with officers inside over cliff; 3 dead

Some members of an indigenous community in southern Mexico are under investigation on suspicion they pushed a police car over a cliff, killing two officers and a civilian inside, prosecutors said Monday. A fourth man reportedly survived.Residents of San Cristobalito in Chiapas state were angry that the officers were executing an arrest warrant for a community member accused of auto theft. …go to original article

New Highway from Puerto Vallarta to Guadalajara Approved

Rodrigo Lopez Becerril - Vallarta Opina
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SCT Infrastructure Undersecretary, Óscar de Buen Richkarday

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Now that the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) has authorized the plans presented by the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT), Puerto Vallarta will soon have a short cut to Guadalajara - a new highway that will make it possible to make the journey in two hours and a half hours.

SCT Infrastructure Undersecretary, Óscar de Buen Richkarday, confirmed the approval of the plans by SEMARNAT and said that resources will be sought next month during discussions regarding the 2012 budget for road infrastructure in ten West Central states.

The new highway project had stopped because of opposition by environmentalist groups who felt that the road would affect the jaguar habitat in the Sierra de Vallejo, located within the boundaries of Jalisco and Nayarit.

Continued Click here

Abel celebrated his birthday with his mom and many of his fans Bill Bell Photograph

San Pancho 2010-2011 Birding Season Overview

Luis Morales - Birding San Pancho
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Birding San Pancho was created in 2007 by a young Mexican family that shares their love for birds and nature in the Riviera Nayarit area. For more information, visit BirdingSanPancho.com.

San Pancho, Mexico - Luis Morales is a Marine Biologist, Director and Founder of the San Pancho Birding Club, and the owner of Birding San Pancho. Luis has vast experience on leading nature tours, both in land and aquatic habitats.

He has lived in San Pancho for 3 years and has become not only a frequent and avid observer of the local birds and nature but also an educational resource for our community and an environmental activist to help in preserving and restoring natural habitats.

Here is a recent excerpt from his Birding San Pancho Blog:

This morning (July 15) as I went birding in the estuary, which by the way opened last weekend after a heavy rain combined with a strong swell left the beach full of water-hyacinths (and sadly some trash) besides happy surfers with the perfect break that the newly opened estuary usually brings, I realized that the birding season 2010-2011 could be considered as “over.”

Click here to read the entire story

Overlooking Los Ayala Nayarit Bill Bell Photograph

Pelican

Christina Stobbs

www.MagicalLosAyala.com

Mexico City is a Touch Away with New Travel App

Guide to the Ancient City Offers Contemporary Insight for First-Time and Frequent Visitors

By: PR Newswire

MEXICO CITY, July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the world's largest metropolitan spaces is now easier to maneuver with the launch of the StyleMap Mexico City application, now available to download for free at the iTunes store. The newly released app invites travelers to get a feel for Mexico City before boarding the plane and be fully prepared to live like a local upon arriving to the dynamic city.

Click here to read entire story

Volkswagen to Produce New Beetle in Mexico

laht.com
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Mexico City – Volkswagen has begun production of its latest Beetle model at its giant plant in the central Me

In a speech at the launch ceremony for the new model, President Felipe Calderon said the German’s automaker’s $400 million investment in the rollout “will have a very positive multiplying effect.”

Click here for more information

Mexico Real Estate Coalition

Patrick Osio Jr - osioreport.com
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - For the first time, a nationwide array of companies are joining forces to promote living and real estate investment in Mexico. Individuals from some of the most respected companies including Grupo Questro, Capella Pedregal, Punta Mita, Querencia, RCI International, BBVA/Compass Group and Stewart Title Latin America have compiled a stellar group of talent to combat the negative media, security concerns and perception challenges that have faced Mexico the past year.

“The overarching goal of the Mexico Real Estate Coalition is to educate and excite Americans about the many benefits of living, retiring and investing in Mexico,” said Juan Diaz Rivera, Chairman of the MREC. “Living in Mexico is a compelling lifestyle option – far lower cost of living than in the US and all of the natural attributes that the retiree/second home purchaser seeks. Mexico has certainly suffered some challenges over the past year and we plan to address these head on and put Mexico back in the spotlight. A lot of what the media has led people to believe is just not accurate.”

The group will launch efforts throughout 2011 with the unveiling of LiveMexico.org. This highly interactive site will serve as the primary promotion and educational vehicle for the MREC. Visitors to the site will be able to read hundreds of testimonials from Americans about the benefits of living in Mexico, gain information on Mexico real estate and also review key facts and figures affecting the country. As part of the initial efforts, MREC has also recently launched an aggressive advertising and public relations campaign to educate and help shift the current perception facing the country in the mainstream media.

MREC is not a short-term effort to respond to current negative press, rather an initiative that is designed to promote Mexico as a retirement option over the long term and to ensure it competes with key US markets for the baby-boomers over the next 10-15 years. Coalition members come from all parts of Mexico, including Los Cabos, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Rosarito, Ensenada, Mazatlan, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico City and many other destinations. The group is not just limited to developers as some of the top banks, title companies and law firms have also joined. Non real estate developers include Stewart Title Latin America, BBVA/Compass Group, Sotheby’s Mexico, CREEL Law Firm and many others.

“Mexico presents an incredible lifestyle for the American retiree and real estate investor. We believe it to be the best in the region not only versus other Latin American and Caribbean markets, but also when compared to retirement destinations in the United States,” said Christopher Hill, Mexico CEO of Stewart Title Latin America and a founding member of the MREC. “However, we are going to have to put some work into correcting some of the unfair damage done to the image of Mexico recently in the US media. Our greatest asset is the thousands of Americans and Canadians who currently live in Mexico and love it. In the end, the reality of Mexico as a great place to live – full or part time – will shine through.”

Patrick Osio Jr, is a principal founder of TransBorder Communications (TBC), specializing in facilitating communications,marketing, video documentaries, and events to increase binational business and economic development across borders.

Prepare Your House for an Extended Absence

YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry go to original

Things to do before leaving your home unoccupied in the Tropics:

This advice is geared to a typical NOB (North of the Border) owner who has a pool and pressurized water system (hydro-pneumatico)
1. Definitely drain the pool or treat it with a permanent larvicide like Copper.
Standing water is the main preventable cause of Dengue virus transmission here in Yucatan. Consider treating the residual water with extra doses of copper salts, to kill any larvae that grow in future rain accumulations. Adding extra copper also keeps your pool from becoming an algae swamp. (NOB snow bird untreated swimming pools in unoccupied homes are a major cause of Dengue transmission.)**

Note: If you add extra copper to your pool, then drain enough water out of the pool water when you return to give a final safe copper-algicide concentration. (The copper treatment works very well at treating the residual rain-water that accumulates in supposedly “drained” pools.)

2. Shut off the gas valves and lock/chain the cylinder or tank so something secure. (These are just too tempting: easy to carry, easy to convert to cash, etc.)

3. Definitely turn off your hydro-pneumatico, and open the water system’s air vent valve on the techo/roof. Use simple gravity feed to supply plumbing for watering plants etc…

4. If there are no plants etc to water, then give the water system a final chlorine treatment: 1/4 cup of normal un-scented NORMAL bleach per 275 gal/1000 liter tinaco – assuming your tinaco has only clean water. Turbid water or water with organic matter in it requires more bleach.

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Rincon de Guayabitos Photograph by Bill Bell

US Healthcare Insurance Requirements for US Expats

YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.

Many expats have been discussing the likely impacts of the recently passed US health-care legislation on people who live and work outside the USA. The law now requires that US Citizens meet several requirements to be exempt from getting health insurance or paying penalties: a foreign “tax home” and foreign residency.

Click here to read more

The beat of the drums never stops on the beaches of Rincon de Guayabitos Bill Bell Photographs

Los Amigos spending to make the community a better place

Where Does the Money Go?

So where does all the money that Los Amigos raises through Fiesta La Peñita and the sale of T-Shirts and prints at its weekly booth at the tianguis go? Now that the books are closed on our fiscal year – which ended at the end of March, we thought it was appropriate to report back to the community.

Our Education Committee spent 215,000 pesos last year, primarily on five construction and maintenance projects - Luis Pasteur Kinder (leveling the lot, repairing the retention wall and replacing the front fence); Plan de Ayala (making emergency repairs to the outer wall); Justo Sierra (upgrading and repairing the perimeter wall); Guadalupe Manautou Kinder (replacing the entry cupola) and Patria Kinder (building a new kindergarden). O
f this amount, 101,000 pesos was donated by a number of Rotary Clubs, 43,000 was donated by a number of individuals and businesses, 24,000 was donated by the parents, 17,000 was raised by the parents through their own fundraising (primarily the Gran Bazar) and 30,000 came from the Los Amigos General Fund.
Our Recycling Committee spent 177,000 pesos largely on making the final payment on the equipment at our recycling facility, the general operation of the program and the making of new baskets. 173,000 came from the Los Amigos general fund and 4,000 came from the Committee’s own fundraising – largely the sale of baskets.
Los Amigos spent 27,000 pesos on scholarships for local high school age students to help them further their education and to help develop community leaders.
The Jaltemba Economic Development Initiative Committee spent 14,000 – the majority of it on the Buy Local campaign, with 9,000 coming from the general fund and 5,000 coming from the sale of Buy Local Bags.
Los Amigos also spent 6,000 pesos on a number of smaller community projects and 8,000 pesos on general administration.

Los Amigos would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who attended the Fiesta, bought a T-Shirt or a Buy Local Bag or contributed in any other way to make all this activity possible.

A full accounting will be posted on the Los Amigos website shortly.

Archaeologists Discover 30 Petroglyphs in Nayarit

Written by Keph Senett go to original

Alta Vista petroglyphspvpulse.com

Specialists from Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) have opened a field study in Cerro de Coamiles, Tuxpan, in the northwest territory of Nayarit state, where researchers discovered approximately 30 petroglyphs.

Click here to read more

The Durango-Mazatlán highway in Mexico should open in 2012
In Durango recently, Dionisio Pérez Jácome, Mexico’s Communications and Transportation Secretary, stated that the new Durango-Mazatlán highway is “80% completed” and “on schedule to be opened in the second half of next year” (2012) (Milenio online, 15 July 2011)
•New highway in Mexico joins Durango and Mazatlán

The new highway, first proposed more than a decade ago, will have cost about 1.2 billion dollars to complete. The new highway has more than 60 tunnels and 115 bridges, including the amazing Baluarte Bicentennial Bridge which will be Latin America’s longest cable-stayed bridge when opened. Some sections of the new highway have had their first annual maintenance to repair potholes and ensure that the road surface is in perfect condition for next year’s formal inauguration.

The highway will speed up overland transport from the Pacific Ocean port of Mazatlán to the northern border towns of Reynosa and Matamoros, bringing numerous economic benefits to many parts of northern Mexico.

Beautiful young women from Monterey Mexico line up for photograph outside of Matejas Bar and Grill in rincon de guayabitos

love shots like this, beautiful young women from Monterey Mexico line up for photograph outside of Matejas Bar and Grill in Rincon de Guayabitos Bill Bell photograph

Has the Capital Gain Tax Law Exemption for Foreigners Changed?

Michael Green - Tropicasa Realty
July 6, 2011

Q: Has the Capital Gain tax law exemption for foreigners changed?

A: The law has not changed, but the interpretation and enforcement have. It is very important to remember that the intent of the exemption granted for Capital Gain tax on the sale of a primary residence is supposed to be just that; Your Primary Residence. That means you can't have your primary residence in the US and exempt your capital gain tax there and do the same here in Mexico.

The SAT (Servicio de Administracion Tributaria), also known as "Hacienda", is the federal tax collector. They collect all federal taxes such as the ISR (Income or Capital Gains) tax, the IVA (Added Value) tax and the IDE (Tax on Cash Deposits.)

Recently, the director of Hacienda has issued a memorandum stating, "The foreigner who does not have a valid immigrant status before the proper Mexican authority is assumed to NOT be a resident of the country and is subject to the capital gain tax."

A valid immigrant status is considered an FM-2. So tourist visas and FM-3's are no longer acceptable as valid immigrant status for the purpose of proving your residence. So if you DO NOT have an FM-2 visa, the sale of your property is considered VACATION OR SECOND HOME OR A RENTAL PROPERTY and no exemptions are permitted.

The tax on non-exempted transactions is 30% of the difference between the value declared in the deed (in pesos) and the value of the new sale, less allowable deductions or 20% of the entire amount of the transaction, whichever is less. Therefore, when you buy your property in PV, you must insist upon having the full amount of the sale declared in the deed, in order to avoid overpaying taxes upon sale.

It is also vitally important to ask for a "factura" (official tax receipt) when doing any capital improvement on your property. In the event you have not done this, it is possible to have your property re-appraised by an authorized appraiser and this increased amount can be credited towards your tax basis. So if you do not have an FM-2, be prepared to get one prior to the sale of your property, or be prepared to pay your Capital Gains Tax here in Mexico.

Now some good news: There is no "double-taxation" on the sale of your property here. So if you pay your Capital Gain tax here in Mexico, you will not be subject to another tax in the US and you can re-patriot the funds legally.

Please remember that your friends who may have avoided the Cap Gain tax here previously are STILL subject to audit here in Mexico (for up to five years) and Cap Gain Tax in the U.S.! So nobody gets off for free, legally.

The tax authorities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico work together and share information. Everyday there is more cooperation between the countries due to tax treaties. It is no longer possible to own a property in one country, enjoy income from that property, and not report it in BOTH the country where the property is located, and the country where the owner lives.

Failure to comply means the owner is subject to double taxation and heavy penalties when the omission to file and declare is discovered. So if you are considering selling your property here in PV, you should consult with a tax expert here and also your accountant in the US in order to determine the best way to file your taxes.

Here is something else to ponder; paying Capital Gains tax implies you have made a gain on the sale of your property. Congratulations! Would you rather have lost money, so you would not have to pay tax?

Do you have a question about Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta? Just ask!

Michael Green is a published author and acknowledged expert on Puerto Vallarta Real Estate. Green's excellent service record combined with an old-fashioned work ethic and an intimate knowledge of the local market, make him the ideal person to consult for real estate transactions. You can contact him at michael(at)tropicasa.com.

Dengue Fever Information: What to Do?

YucaLandia/Surviving Yucatan.
© Steven M. Fry go to original

Dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. In the last 50 years, incidence has increased 30-fold with increasing geographic expansion to new countries and, in the present decade, from urban to rural settings ….

Dengue: transmitted between humans in the Americas by our friends(?) Aedes aegypti.

An estimated 50 million dengue infections occur annually, and approximately 2.5 billion people live in dengue endemic countries.

The affected countries include México and almost all other countries in the Tropics. Fatality rates from extreme Dengue Virus infections (DHF & DSS) have ranged from 1%-3.5% in Dengue endemic areas. Yucatán and along the Gulf coast of Mexico are Dengue endemic areas (areas maintaining Dengue Virus).

Click here to read more

Sayulita Looking great even in summer

photography by Bill Bell

Drug Violence: Is It Safe to Travel to Mexico?

geo-mexico.com
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The chances of dying in a US traffic accident are roughly 20 times greater than being killed as a consequence of drug violence while visiting Mexico. (photo: PromoVision)

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - With so much media attention focused on drug violence in Mexico, many potential tourists and tour operators are canceling planned trips to Mexico. Are such decisions rational? The analysis below indicates that travel to Mexico is considerably safer than risking vehicle traffic in the USA.

The US State Department has issued numerous travel advisories concerning visits to Mexico. As discussed in a previous Geo-Mexico post — Which parts of Mexico are currently subject to US travel advisories? — the advisories focus on specific areas of Mexico.

Click here to read the entire story

Letter to the Editor

The days when one could live in Mexico for $400 a month are gone. In order to keep year round visa one's monthly income must be a lot higher. Those of us who live here year round are a close-knit caring group who have done much to help out in times of trouble or in an emergency. However it is simply not fair to depend solely on this fact. Mexican health insurance, IMSS is available to those who have a visa which enables them to live here all year round. The annual cost is a fraction of what it would cost in either the USA or Canada, it pays for all medications as well as doctor and hospital fees.

Many Canadians and Americans have learned that the Lloyd funds are both safer than those in the USA at the present time and also pay dividends.

In short, if you live down here, be responsible for some sort of planning instead of adopting the very much outdated hippie attitudes toward individual responsibility.
--
jmkelley
Have a nice day.

From www.vallartainfo.com

Talpa de Allende

Surrounded by pine covered mountains, Talpa de Allende, another silver mining town, founded by the Spanish in 1599, has a population of about 10,500 - including 9 gringos, is an important religious site in Mexico. There are 4 pilgrimages a year to see the Virgin "Rosario of Talpa", a small statue that is said to have healing powers, On these occasions the town's population triples.
Candlemass (Fiesta de la Candelaria, January 25 - February 2); Feast of Saint Joseph (Fiesta de San JosÈ, March 10 - 19); Anniversary of Crowning of the Virgin of Talpa (May 10 - 12); Anniversary of the Renovation of the Virgin of Talpa (September 10) and Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary (Fiesta de la Virgen del Rosario, October 7)
At over 4,000 feet the climate is wonderful and the town, which is scrupulously clean, has several hotels and restaurants. I was also told that there is a 'geothermic steam bath house' in town. Many stores sell the famous Guava Roll and tiny articles, like sombreros and sandals made out of chewing gum. This is not sweet gum, it is derived from the Chitle tree which grows locally. Now you know where the word "Chiclets" come from

To read the entire story click here

Fruit Stand La Penita de Jaltemba, Nayarit Mexico Bill Bell Photograph

Sé Más Preventing Poverty through Small Business Loans

Becci Burchett - peacemexico.org

Sé Más provides Bay of Banderas area entrepreneurs with small loans and financial education. To become a !Sé Más! donor or investor, send an email to Molly.Fisher(at)semasmicrofinanzas.com.

Punta de Mita, Nayarit – With a total of 70 group loans under its belt and over 275 active clients, local microfinance institution Sé Más Microfinanzas (Know More Microfinance) completed its first year of business on July 16th. Sé Más provides small loans and financial education classes for entrepreneurs throughout the Bay of Banderas in order to give them a boost and keep them out of poverty.

"We feel strongly that even the smallest businesses need access to financial services designed to meet their needs," said Melissa Floca, a member of the Sé Más Board of Directors. "Loans coupled with financial education allow entrepreneurs to achieve economic stability with the dignity that stems from solving their own problems."

Sé Más was launched by local non-profit, PEACE Mexico in order to support economic development in the area. For years, PEACE saw the need to couple its community development work with access to financial capital. Because Mexican non-profits are not legally able to include micro lending in their portfolio of programs, Sé Más was formed as a separate institution.

Loans from Sé Más range from $1,000-$5,000 pesos and are distributed to borrowers in lending groups. One entrepreneur, Maria del Socoro Vazquez, bought a cart for her hot dog and hamburger business with the loan she received. When asked how she planned on using her increased income, Vasquez responded, "I want to rise above and keep improving myself, I want my children to study and have a career, and I want to learn how to use the computer better."

This is exactly the kind of progressive thinking Sé Más loan officers seek in potential clients. Another required component for each client is to attend financial education classes which cover topics such as budgeting, pricing, and competition. Entrepreneurs can then put into practice their business knowledge and increase profits from their business.

"Education and loans act as a catalyst to get clients out of poverty," said Floca. "Increased dignity, self-esteem, and respect from the community often follow."

In years to come, Sé Más expects to see more individual and community empowerment, within the Bay of Banderas and beyond.

To apply for a loan, contact Credit Adviser Mar Moller at Cell: 322-141-5504 or Mar.Moller(at)semasmicrofinanzas.com.

To become a !Sé Más! donor or investor, contact !Sé Más! Board Member Molly Fisher at Cell: 322-138-5064, Tel: (329) 291-5157 or Molly.Fisher(at)semasmicrofinanzas.com.

To become a ¡Sé Más! volunteer or intern, contact: !Sé Más! Board Member Melissa Floca at Cell: 552-270-1861 or Melissa.floca(at)semasmicrofinanzas.com.

PEACE, (Protection, Education, Animals, Culture, Environment) established in 2005, is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization made up of three main programs which focus on education, animal well-being, and environmental protection in the Bay of Banderas, Nayarit, Mexico. PEACE works hand-in-hand with communities in Mexico to provide holistic education, combined with community action programs that enable people to improve their quality of life as well as their financial stability.

For more information, please visit PeaceMexico.org or click HERE to read more about PEACE

Ancient Sites in Mexico

as photographed by Bill and Dot Bell

Ancient Sites in Mexico

Mexico is a fabulous place to explore ancient cultures. Bill and Dorothy Bell over the next month will be adding over 40 sites to this map of Toltec, Olmec, Maya, Aztec and other cultures along with their photography of those wonderful and magical sites. Check it out here

Beautiful Reusing: Functional Art

© Tara A. Spears

The ‘go green’ environmental movement of recycle/ reuse objects rather than generate more trash has had unexpected results: creative types look at used items and repurpose them into beautiful, functional art. Local Riviera Nayarit resident, Kathy Olivias, is one such visionary who uses her artistic talent to produce unique functional art. “I’m rather surprised that so many people like my dart boards. When I made the first one last year, it was simply because the men’s dart league just had a plain black backboard to keep the darts from damaging the wall,” said Kathy. “I thought since it was in a bar that using corks would be an appropriate material. I had a large collection of corks from when I lived in California wine country that I had brought down when I moved to Mexico. Previously, I had used corks to make other things, like wine trays.” Like many ingenious ideas, as soon as people saw the dartboard, they wanted one. What makes Kathy’s cork work art is her clever use of texture and pattern to form an aesthetically pleasing design. Look at her work for several local businesses:

Crazy Nellie’s Hindi & Jamie’s Bungalow Alexa

To read the entire story click here

Riviera Nayarit Caters to 'Elite' Travelers

Riviera Nayarit CVB
July 13, 2011

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The most luxurious suites, the most exclusive sites, the most romantic spots, the most elegant nightlife, the magic that makes vacations with family special, together with the best high-end gastronomy.

Riviera Nayarit offers this and more, and this is why the Elite Traveller magazine, which specializes in the lifestyle of the jet set, will tour the destination known as Mexico's Pacific Treasure on July 13 to 18, visiting the best locations from Nuevo Vallarta to San Blas.

Elite Traveller is a publication that focuses on the market segment of people who travel on private jets, and that have an average household income of $2.28 million dollars. This is one of the most reliable guides for this market segment, as it allows them to experience the most luxurious products available on the market. Its distribution channels are mega-yacht companies, private jets and high-end profile services in more than 100 countries, which provide a certified circulation of 107,000 copies.

This magazine is coming to Riviera Nayarit looking to share experiences for its readers, including swimming with dolphins, participating in turtle release programs and enjoying exclusive surfing classes. Visits to historic sites like San Blas, Mexcaltitan or a Huichol community, Spa indulgences and other elite attractions like the most exclusive and trendy eateries, as well as the most refined lodging offers.

The objective is to show the best that this destination has to offer for the upcoming winter season, and to promote Riviera Nayarit as one of the most exotic and luxurious travel escapes for this market segment. Kelly Carter, a Best Seller author of the New York Times, will be assigned to put into words the magical experience of enjoying a vacation in our destination.

Carter is coeditor of Elite Traveller and a travel publication specialist that has visited over 40 countries. Her articles have been published in People, USA Today, Men's Fitness, Black Enterprise, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Sun-Times, and South China Morning Best in Hong Kong, as well as on Essence.com, Brides.com, TownandCountryTravelMag.com, CigarAficionado.com and AOL's StyleList.com, among many others.

Riviera Nayarit is a destination where luxury is surrounded by nature, and this is one of the reasons why this publication is interested in exploring and promoting the most interesting activities that this destination has to offer for its readers.

HIGH PROFILE

69% of Elite Traveller readers have purchased products offered in its articles

58% have made reservations in the hotels recommended by the magazine

40% have purchased a property or travel membership in one of the featured destinations

86% believe that Elite Traveller is a great showcase for luxury products

91% believe that this publication has a higher quality than other similar magazines

89% find in its contents something that can't be found in any other publication

About Riviera Nayarit: Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, all pleasantly affordable, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, record deep sea fishing, bird watching, international cuisine, and shopping for local artwork and traditional Huichol handicrafts. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. Visit the website at RivieraNayarit.com

Local Rotary News

ROTARY JALTEMBA BAY LA PENITA CLUB RELFECTS ON ITS PAST YEAR'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Out-going Jaltemba Bay La Penita president, Eddie Dominguez, presented an overview of last year's projects, goals and financial accounting. The club's successful projects rank it in the top one per cent of the district's sixty-two clubs. Quite an accomplishment for a three year old club! Goals were met and exceeded. Financial stability was obtained under the direction of treasurer Carlos Rendo. A big applause is in order for Eddie and his hard working members. Looking forward to the new Rotary year, under the leadership of Dr. Lidiana Flores, projects and goals are being considered. Some of the projects and programs under consideration are: kindergarten, secondary school, Conalep high school, recycling, prenatal, dengue, mammogram, scholarships and books. Members are being asked how they can best participate. Rotary Jaltemba Bay asks you to look into your heart and choose a service project as well. A small, yet mighty club, needs to grow its membership and encourage visitors, residents and Rotarians from a far, to lend a helping hand. Susana Connors is available to answer any questions. Please contact her at sescobido@aol.com.

ROTARY JALTEMBA BAY LA PENITA CLUB WINS YET ANOTHER ROTARY INTERNATIONAL GRANT

Rotary Jaltemba Bay La Penita Club has created a successful model for partnering with other Rotary and service clubs. Last year it partnered and won a grant with 12 international Rotary clubs for the extensive remodeling of the Zacualpan Prepa high school project. In the same year, it partnered with Kalispell Montana Rotary club and La Pentia's Los Amigos and Chacala's Cambiando Vidas in the winning of a grant for scholarships and leadership training. The program will roll out this year, benefiting 80 students. The latest partnership involves a grant between Los Amigos and the Jaltemba Rotary club, expanding the existing La Penita Recycling program. Success begins with a dream evolves into a plan followed by tenacious action. Many hours of work are clocked before the project begins. We thank all those dedicated souls whose motto is "service beyond self". If you would like to participate in either the recycling project or the leadership program, please contact Susana Connors at sescobido@aol.com.

ROTERACT AND INTERACT? WHAT AND WHO ARE THEY?

For service clubs to succeed into the future, they must always focus on the recruitment of new members, specifically younger members. Both International Rotary Interact (12 to 18 years) and Roteract (18 to 30 years) present opportunities for youth and young adults to do Rotary service in their own way. Some of these involve building orphanages and schools. They function under the encouragement but loose supervision of parent Rotary clubs. Nationally the interest of service amongst the next generation is growing. It is important that Rotary listens to its youth and adjusts to meet their concerns. Social media, like Facebook, allows the human side, the stories, to reach out and touch the heart strings of our ever busy youth. Posting any activity wins an audience. It is Rotary Jaltemba Bay La Penita club's goal to create a Roteract club. For more information, please contact Susana Connors at sescobido@aol.com.

JALTEMBA BAY LA PENITA ROTARY WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS CAT MORGAN AND OWEN WALCHER

Jaltemba Bay La Penita Rotary Club welcomes two new members, Cat and Owen. They are previous Rotarians, now making Jaltemba Bay their new home. They come with solid Rotary background, enthusiasm to participate and the desire to make a difference. Owen is a marketing guru. While the Jaltemba Bay Rotary club is renown for its weekly news bulletin it is just beginning to explore the power of social media. It is lacking a web site. Owen has a host of ideas which will all be much appreciated. Cat is talented in her right, adding energy medicine and massage to her list of accomplishments. We look forward to their energy and contribution

OPEN ALL SUMMER

Birds! The Yucatan!

Photography by Bill Bell

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Quintana Roo Proudly Promotes Mayan Heritage The News
The News
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Quintana Roo is a state that proudly promotes its Mayan heritage, Governor Roberto Borge Angulo recently said during the presentation of the program Mayan World 2012.

President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa presided over the presentation of the program, which aims to attract a larger number of tourists and to trigger the tourist potential of the region.

“A great moment is around the corner. The date: Dec. 21, 2012, is not a synonym of destruction or devastation, but an opportunity to reconsider our relationship with the planet and the rest of its inhabitants,” Borge said.

The people of Quintana Roo take great pride on the remnants of the Mayan culture that can be found across the state.

“The arrival of this new era will give us the chance to renew and transform into a better version of ourselves.

“We are committed to preserving our natural and historical legacy. All service providers from this unique destination will take part in this new beginning and they will generate attractive options so our national and foreign visitors enjoy the huge natural and cultural richness of Quintana Roo,” the governor said.

Yucatán, Campeche, Chiapas and Tabasco are also participating in Mayan World 2012. The program will culminate on Dec. 21, 2012 at the Sanctuary of Hope.

The state government is promoting the preservation of the environment through the strategy “Green Quintana Roo.” The Sanctuary of Hope is an instrument to promote the invaluable heritage of Quintana Roo among the new generations. It will be built using recycled material to encourage the population and visitors to participate and collaborate in preserving the state’s heritage.

“(The sanctuary) will be a symbol that will represent all of us. It will become a forum to promote Quintana Roo’s richness, the kindness of its people and attractions for Mexico and the rest of the world,” Borge said.

The program Mayan World 2012 will be the perfect opportunity to enhance traditional events, such as the Santa Cruz Fair in El Cedral, which may be recognized as an Intangible Heritage of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the Travesía Sagrada Maya, which houses the shrine to the Goddess Ixchel; the competition Mayan-Caribbean Expedition, which consists of a 200-kilometer (124.2 miles) route that passes through the communities Bacalar, Laguna Guerrero, Calderitas and Raudales; and the Life and Death Cultural Festival in Playa del Carmen and Xcaret.
“We will also organize a series of concerts, cultural and sport events, exhibits, gastronomic shows, and conferences throughout 2012,” Borge said.

• • •
Learn Spanish and Avoid Alzheimer's

Claudia Dreifus - New York Times
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A cognitive neuroscientist, Ellen Bialystok has spent almost 40 years learning about how bilingualism sharpens the mind. Her good news: Among other benefits, the regular use of two languages appears to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s disease symptoms.

Dr. Bialystok, 62, a distinguished research professor of psychology at York University in Toronto, was awarded a $100,000 Killam Prize last year for her contributions to social science. We spoke for two hours in a Washington hotel room in February and again, more recently, by telephone. An edited version of the two conversations follows.

Q. How did you begin studying bilingualism?

A. You know, I didn’t start trying to find out whether bilingualism was bad or good. I did my doctorate in psychology: on how children acquire language. When I finished graduate school, in 1976, there was a job shortage in Canada for Ph.D.’s. The only position I found was with a research project studying second language acquisition in school children. It wasn’t my area. But it was close enough.

As a psychologist, I brought neuroscience questions to the study, like “How does the acquisition of a second language change thought?” It was these types of questions that naturally led to the bilingualism research. The way research works is, it takes you down a road. You then follow that road.

Q. So what exactly did you find on this unexpected road?

A. As we did our research, you could see there was a big difference in the way monolingual and bilingual children processed language. We found that if you gave 5- and 6-year-olds language problems to solve, monolingual and bilingual children knew, pretty much, the same amount of language.

But on one question, there was a difference. We asked all the children if a certain illogical sentence was grammatically correct: “Apples grow on noses.” The monolingual children couldn’t answer. They’d say, “That’s silly” and they’d stall. But the bilingual children would say, in their own words, “It’s silly, but it’s grammatically correct.” The bilinguals, we found, manifested a cognitive system with the ability to attend to important information and ignore the less important.

Q. How does this work — do you understand it?

A. Yes. There’s a system in your brain, the executive control system. It’s a general manager. Its job is to keep you focused on what is relevant, while ignoring distractions. It’s what makes it possible for you to hold two different things in your mind at one time and switch between them.

If you have two languages and you use them regularly, the way the brain’s networks work is that every time you speak, both languages pop up and the executive control system has to sort through everything and attend to what’s relevant in the moment. Therefore the bilinguals use that system more, and it’s that regular use that makes that system more efficient.

Q. One of your most startling recent findings is that bilingualism helps forestall the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. How did you come to learn this?

A. We did two kinds of studies. In the first, published in 2004, we found that normally aging bilinguals had better cognitive functioning than normally aging monolinguals. Bilingual older adults performed better than monolingual older adults on executive control tasks. That was very impressive because it didn’t have to be that way. It could have turned out that everybody just lost function equally as they got older.

That evidence made us look at people who didn’t have normal cognitive function. In our next studies, we looked at the medical records of 400 Alzheimer’s patients. On average, the bilinguals showed Alzheimer’s symptoms five or six years later than those who spoke only one language. This didn’t mean that the bilinguals didn’t have Alzheimer’s. It meant that as the disease took root in their brains, they were able to continue functioning at a higher level. They could cope with the disease for longer.

Q. So high school French is useful for something other than ordering a special meal in a restaurant?

A. Sorry, no. You have to use both languages all the time. You won’t get the bilingual benefit from occasional use.

Q. One would think bilingualism might help with multitasking — does it?

A. Yes, multitasking is one of the things the executive control system handles. We wondered, “Are bilinguals better at multitasking?” So we put monolinguals and bilinguals into a driving simulator. Through headphones, we gave them extra tasks to do — as if they were driving and talking on cellphones. We then measured how much worse their driving got. Now, everybody’s driving got worse. But the bilinguals, their driving didn’t drop as much. Because adding on another task while trying to concentrate on a driving problem, that’s what bilingualism gives you — though I wouldn’t advise doing this.

Q. Has the development of new neuroimaging technologies changed your work?

A. Tremendously. It used to be that we could only see what parts of the brain lit up when our subjects performed different tasks. Now, with the new technologies, we can see how all the brain structures work in accord with each other.

In terms of monolinguals and bilinguals, the big thing that we have found is that the connections are different. So we have monolinguals solving a problem, and they use X systems, but when bilinguals solve the same problem, they use others.

One of the things we’ve seen is that on certain kinds of even nonverbal tests, bilingual people are faster. Why? Well, when we look in their brains through neuroimaging, it appears like they’re using a different kind of a network that might include language centers to solve a completely nonverbal problem. Their whole brain appears to rewire because of bilingualism.

Q. Bilingualism used to be considered a negative thing — at least in the United States. Is it still?

A. Until about the 1960s, the conventional wisdom was that bilingualism was a disadvantage. Some of this was xenophobia. Thanks to science, we now know that the opposite is true.

Q. Many immigrants choose not to teach their children their native language. Is this a good thing?

A. I’m asked about this all the time. People e-mail me and say, “I’m getting married to someone from another culture, what should we do with the children?” I always say, “You’re sitting on a potential gift.”

There are two major reasons people should pass their heritage language onto children. First, it connects children to their ancestors. The second is my research: Bilingualism is good for you. It makes brains stronger. It is brain exercise.

Q. Are you bilingual?

A. Well, I have fully bilingual grandchildren because my daughter married a Frenchman. When my daughter announced her engagement to her French boyfriend, we were a little surprised. It’s always astonishing when your child announces she’s getting married. She said, “But Mom, it’ll be fine, our children will be bilingual!”

Learn Spanish Online

Get the most of out of your experience in Mexico - by learning some Spanish...

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As Mexico Hurricane Season Approaches, International Insurance Group Offers New Tips For Homeowners

Mexico Homeowners Insurance provider International Insurance Group, Inc. offers consumers tips on reviewing insurance coverages for homes and condos in Mexico in preparation for hurricane season.

Many Mexico based homeowner’s insurance plans do not offer hurricane coverage, and those that do may include severe coverage restrictions, or use outdated policy language.

Most of the Homes and Condos owned by U.S., Canadian and other foreigners in Mexico are located near the coast. The 2011 hurricane season is predicted to be an especially active one, both in the Pacific and Gulf of Mexico. In anticipation of the predicted active hurricane season, Mexico Homeowner’s insurance provider http://www.mexpro.com (an International Insurance Group, Inc. Company) advises owners of property in Mexico to take the following steps to prepare for hurricane season.

1. Get Mexican Homeowner’s Insurance. If a policy is already in place, it should be reviewed carefully.. Does it even offer hurricane coverage? Is the insurer A-rated with the A.M. Best Company, and thus able to withstand thousands of hurricane claims? Is the policy written on U.S.-style coverage forms?

Many Mexico based homeowner’s insurance plans do not offer hurricane coverage, and those that do may include severe coverage restrictions, or use outdated policy language. Mexpro.com, a U.S. based insurance provider, offers new Homeowner’s Insurance with hurricane coverage, available with fixed deductibles and low co-payments in all coastal areas.

“At this time, we do not have any moratoriums on writing new policies. But that could change quickly, as storms begin to develop”, stated Jim Labelle, CEO of Mexpro.com.

Property owners are advised to act now to obtain coverage before moratoriums take effect. Mexico Homeowners can get A-rated coverage, based on U.S.-style policy language, directly online at http://www.mexpro.com or by calling 1-888-467-4639 (U.S. and Canada) or 001-888-467-4639 (toll free from Mexico).

2. Protect belongings. Those homeowners in residence in Mexico home during hurricane season should pay attention to the weather.When a storm is approaching or threatened, homeowners should take precautions such as storing valuables in a safe place.

3. Be vigilant. Keep an eye on the local weather tracking websites. Have your insurance policies handy.

4. Board up windows. If a storm looks like it is going to hit, cover windows with boards. These don’t have to be special hurricane shutters, but they need to be thick and securely nailed over the windows.

5. Owners of homes and condos in Mexico who rent their houses out should also communicate this items to the renters. .

Hurricane season can be damaging and expensive, especially to the unprepared. Consumers who own homes in Mexico are encouraged to contact Mexpro to discuss their current policy coverages and receive a free, no obligation coverage analysis and premium quotation.

Click here to view more Grand Canyon Photographs by Bill Bell

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