NOVEMBER 2010
paradise
Letter from The EDITOr
another day in
Welcome to Another Day in Paradise! Hello all…and welcome to a new season of Another Day in Paradise. If you don’t recognize the face in the photo above, not to worry, the magazine has not changed, just the editor. Throughout the season, I hope to provide you with interesting and informative content that is clear, concise and grammatically correct, along with beautiful imagery to keep those pages turning.
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In this issue, we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution with a glimpse into the muralist movement that came about after the fighting ended. We explore the Mexican “super food” nopales and its uses in and out of the kitchen, travel to an extinct volcano in Patzcuaro, and begin a season long series on home building tips. The usual suspects are back reporting on sport fishing tips, Real Estate law and Real Estate news.
PUBLISHER Catherine Krantz Editor Page Cameron COLUMNISTS CONTRIBUTORS Elizabeth Brady Epitacio Sanchez John Glaab Ed Kunze Linda Neil Marie Oaks Nancy Seeley Maura Taylor
ADIP OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES (755) 544-8023 space is limited, deadline for materials and payments is the 1st of the month previous info@adip.info, publicidad@adip.info
Page is weariing a hand embroidered top made in Oaxaca, available at Fruity Keiko, Photo by Epitacio Sanchez.
Also, we have added two new sections, Tourism and Living in Mexico and an I-Z Activities Guide so our locals and visitors can be informed as to what is going on in Mexico and our community on a regular basis. And don’t forget to check out our Upcoming Events Calendar / Mexico Abroad sections for all the exciting things going on this season. Until next time,
Editor Page Cameron editor@adip.info
SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES Check out our web page for more info: www.adip.info WE WELCOME ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPH SUBMISSIONS editor@adip.info FOR GUIDELINES www.adip.info www.adipdigital.info www.youtube.com/wwwadipinfo
On The Cover: Cempasúchiles (Marigolds) Photo by Epitacio Sanchez
Sportfishing
content History 6
Mexican Revolution in Art
Food 8
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Patzcuaro, Michoacan
Nopales, Super Food
Sports 12
Most versitile fishing line weight
Culture 16
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Day of the Dead in Mexico
Getting Married in Paradise 22
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Choosing Flowers
Z-Scene 24 Shopping 30
Colors of Mexico
Community Project Directory 32 classifieds 33
Nopales Pico de Gallo
ixtapa - zihuatanejo activities guide 33
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Shopping Colors of Mexico
Mexico Abroad 34 Upcoming Events 36 tourism & living 38 Travel 40
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Revolutionary Artists, Orozco's Zapatistas, (1936)
Hiking in Patzcuaro
Home & Living 44 Pre-Construction
Real Estate NEWS 46
Mexico, just right for investing
Real Estate Law 48 Rent before you buy
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Real Estate Listings 50 For Sale, For Rent
another day in paradise
By Page Cameron
History
¡VIVA MEXICO!
¡VIVA LA REVOLUCION! Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution
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Mexico's history is laden with severe social and economic challenges. In the beginning of the twentieth century under the rule of Porifirio Diaz (1867-1911), political corruption and the ever widening gap between rich and poor caused the country to erupt in a bloody revolution that lasted from 1910 until 1920. Once the Constitution of 1917 was put into action in 1920, changes slowly became evident. The lasting effects of the revolution have been primarily cultural. The Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), the political party that was born in the revolution, held onto power for decades. Revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, the symbol of land reform and proud ideological purity, has become an international icon for just rebellion against a corrupt system, and the charismatic rebel Pancho Villa lives on in
art, literature and legend. The Mexican Revolution also gave way to an artistic movement known as the “mural renaissance.” In the beginning of the 1920's, during the administration of General Alvaro Obregon, the most important of the Mexican muralists were Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. They may not have been able to alter the history of
events in the Mexican Revolution, but they were successful in creating thought provoking and emotion stirring artwork. All three artists dominated and defined the movement, transforming art to make it more accessible by painting on huge, public surfaces with political content. Many murals, representing the social ideas of the revolution, were commissioned as permanent fixtures in
Left: David Alfaro Siqueiros, Marcha Revolucionaria (Revolutionary March or Protest), 1935 (detail). Pyroxylin on copper. Collection of Palm Springs Art Museum; Gift of the Estate of Herbert E. Toor. David Alfaro Siqueiros Estate/SOMAAP. Image courtesy of the Autry National Center, Los Angeles, CA. Above: Detail of a Diego Rivera mural representing the revolutionary hero Emilano Zapata.
some of the most important buildings in Mexico such as: the National Preparatory School, the National Palace, the Ministry of Public Education building, and the Palace of Fine Arts. As well, all three artists were independently commissioned to paint murals in different cities in the United States, where their works provoked criticism as well as admiration. There are some major differences between Rivera, Orozco and Siqueiros and their art. Rivera was very optimistic in his work, using bright colors, soft lines, and often showed peasants and workers in a utopian setting. His hopeful images may have been related to the fact that he was out of the country during most of the revolution. Orozco and Siqueiros however, were major participants in political events of the revolution and experienced its horror first hand. Their work shows the harsh reality of the Revolution, usually shocking and done in dark colors, with harsh lines. They each may have dealt with the political ideals of the times and romanticized the gore of the revolution in their own ways, but all were instrumental in starting the search for national identity that continues to be so dominant in Mexican art today.
About the Author Page Cameron first came to Zihuatanejo in 1985 as a teenager. Although things have changed dramatically since then, over the past six years she has returned numerous times and is here to stay. Making a life for herself in Zihua and enjoying every minute of it!
another day in paradise
By Marie Oaks
food
A cactus salad, scrambled eggs with cactus, a cactus shake ... probably doesn’t make most people’s mouths water with culinary anticipation, but nopales --the flat paddles of the Opuntia cactus-- have a rich history in Mexican cuisine and are a fine addition to a healthy diet.
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Nopales
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Nopales are so revered in Mexico that you will even see them depicted on the country’s flag, where the coat of arms displays a Mexican eagle perched upon the prickly pear cactus. Low in calories and packed with essential vitamins and minerals, nopales deserve high recognition for their nutritional value. They are also an interesting component and welcome addition to traditional Mexican fare. Best of all – nopales are inexpensive. If you plant and harvest your own, they’re free! Some cooks and eaters are turned off to eating cactus because of baba de nopal (cactus sap). When nopales are sliced and cooked they emit slimy goo, very similar to okra. For the textureadventurous, the slime is no problem. In various regions of Mexico there are different ways to separate the sap from the cactus before
Cactus plants, Photos by Marie Oaks.
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Nutritional Value: A Mexican Super-food!
Nopales have become prized world-wide in fresh, canned, and even powdered dehydrated forms because of their amazing nutritional properties. They contain 17 amino acids (including 8 essential amino acids), vitamins (A, C, K, B6 and riboflavin), fiber (soluble and insoluble), and minerals (potassium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and copper). If you have access to nopales by all means, dig in! People with diabetes add nopales to their meals because they are low in carbohydrates and may lower blood glucose. Those with high cholesterol eat nopales because studies show those who consume nopales regularly have a reduction in LDL cholesterol levels. Since nopales are packed with amino acids, they are a fantastic addition to a vegetarian diet. Cactus Plants, Photo by Marie Oaks.
serving. Some cooks add absorbing agents to their cooking water water, including avocado leaves, tomatillo husks, a chunk of onion or a clove of garlic. Other cooks change the cooking water a few times, rinsing the slime off the nopales in between. Still others add agents such as baking soda. The slime is easily reduced, and should certainly not be a reason to avoid eating nopales. You may want to grow and harvest your own nopal plant. If you live in Mexico you are probably in a climate suitable to grow nopales. To plant a nopal, place a paddle horizontally on the ground. Roots will form and the cactus will be harvestable in about two years. To harvest a nopal paddle, use a sharp knife or break off the pad from the plant. Gloves and care should both be used to avoid getting pricked by the sharp cactus spines. The spines are removed with a knife. Take note that there are several varieties of prickly-pear (Opuntia) cactus plants, and while most are edible some plants are prized more than others.
About the Author Marie Oaks is a resident and head chef at the Bosque Village in Michoacán. She enjoys exploring traditional and new ways to prepare local ingredients. In her spare time, Marie runs a small web-design company, Parakata. Check out her websites for more info: www.cookingforcommunity.com www.bosquevillage.com
Buying Tips
In nearly all areas of Mexico nopales are available in local fresh produce markets. This is the best way to know your cactus will be organic, and you’ll have the added knowledge that you’re supporting your local economy. Smaller, thin nopales are more flavorful than large, thick pads. In many villages indigenous women will sell nopales by the bag in various forms: cooked, chopped, or whole. Expect to pay around 10 pesos for 3-4 servings. In the Southwest states of the USA nopales are easy to grow and are gaining popularity. They can be found in the vegetable or Mexican section of supermarkets. In a pinch, canned nopales are now available due to the amazing nutritional profile of the prickly-pear pads. They are far less flavorful than fresh nopales but still a worthwhile addition to a Mexican meal. Be sure to rinse them well before adding them to your dish.
More on the Baba
Baba de nopal, the prickly pear slime, can be used in combination with other natural materials to make “paint” for interior and exterior use, as well as to seal roofs and rain catchment systems. Baba de nopal has also traditionally been used to purify contaminated drinking water, though this practice is not common today. Scientists are investigating ways in which populations without access to drinking water can use the cactus, which grows readily throughout Mexico and Central America, to safely purify water. And one more use for baba de nopal: it makes a great hair conditioner. Use the sap just as you would normal conditioner.
Corn plants are planted in a perimeter around the basil plants to deflect bugs
Nopal Pico de Gallo, Photo by Marie Oaks.
Nopal Pico de Gallo This is a fantastic raw salsa (salsa cruda) to serve with beans and rice, tacos, or on top of grilled fish.
Recipes and Dish Ideas
There are countless ways to prepare nopales. Simple preparation methods include: Grilled nopales: If you enjoy grilling, throw some nopal pads on the grill with meats and other vegetables. Grill the nopales until just tender. Season with salt and serve. Boiled nopales: Slice the cactus pads into 1cm by 3 cm pieces (1/2 inch by 1 inch). Bring a pot of water with the nopal pieces to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, changing the water once if desired to rinse off the baba. Nopales need no more than 15-20 minutes simmering. Serve with chopped tomato, diced onion, cilantro and lime for a fine warm salad.
Ingredients - 2 small prickly-pear (nopal) pads, chopped into 1 cm cubes (1/2 inch cubes) - 1 ripe roma tomato (or any nice red tomato), chopped into 1 cm cubes. - ½ red onion, diced - ½ - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and diced. Add less if you don’t want a spicy salsa. - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1 handful of fresh cilantro leaves, chopped - Juice and zest of 1 lime - Dash of salt - 1 T of extra-virgin olive oil - Fresh corn, removed from the cob and quickly blanched (optional) - ½ cup cooked black beans (optional) - 1 small avocado, in 1 cm cubes (optional) Directions Combine all ingredients. This salsa cruda is best if made a few hours before serving so the flavors can develop. Refrigerated it will last a few days, but if you add an avocado you’ll want to eat it before the avocado oxidizes and turns brown.
another day in paradise
By Ed Kunze
Sports
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The Versatility of Pound Test Line
If you had to make a choice for a single line weight to use in salt water fishing, what weight line comes to mind first?
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Remember, it doesn’t matter if it were braid line or monofilament. The dedicated light line sportsman would probably choose twenty pound test, and have many a valid argument. Using a 100 pound leader, a twenty pound outfit can easily handle a Pacific sailfish of eighty pounds, plus bonefish on the flats, roosterfish, giant trevely, and many tuna species to sixty or eighty pounds. And, they have the option of using either conventional gear or spin gear, as twenty pound works great on both. In fact, I was amazed once when we were on a San Diego sport fishing boat and chasing albacore. We were picking up a couple of the twenty-five to thirty pound fish on several jig stops throughout the day, but no wide open action. One fisherman had only a single twenty pound outfit with him, as compared to the four to eight rods by the other anglers. And unlike the others, with a tackle shop worth of tackle in their
Rosario Tortorice, Mike and Adolfo with a nice rooster on the panga Dos Hermanos, Photo by Ed Kunze.
Mike and Adolfo, putting on a lot of pressure on a rooster with a 40 pound line outfit, Photo by Ed Kunze.
another day in paradise
Sports
Mike, Adolfo and the rooster, Photo by Ed Kunze.
huge boxes, he had a small tackle box smaller than the span of his one hand. That was all he needed, as he only had different sized hooks to match the size of the live bait, and a few rubber core sinkers sized to match the depth of the school. He ended up with eight albacore that day, with the rest and their thirty to eighty pound outfits averaged about four.
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You could deem the sixty or eighty pound test as being the best single line choice, and have significant merit in thinking so. More big game, like sailfish, large tuna, and marlin are taken on these two line tests than any other. In fact most captains in Mexico are running sixty pound line on the outfits they are trolling with, with an eighty pound outfit also rigged for a big blue marlin. And when trying to winch out a huge snapper or grouper from its lair, these larger lines have more abrasion resistance than a lighter line. I would propose that a forty pound test line should be your first choice as the all around versatile line, with a respectful nod to the others.
But, please remember there are no standard line diameters in the tackle industry to compare to the test of the line. There can be a lot of variation. A similar comparison could be made with a bullet for a rifle. Without the stringent controls of bullet manufacturing in place, an advertised 150 grain bullet could then be anywhere from 140 grains, to 160 grains. Let’s talk about the math a bit. One line manufacturer lists their twenty pound line diameter at .046 mm, the forty pound at .61 mm and the eighty pound at .89 mm. If you multiplied the twenty pound diameter of .046 mm x 2 = .092, the result is not the forty pound line diameter; rather it is a little more than the diameter of the eighty pound line. How can it be you multiply by two, and get the results of the line diameter which is four times the breaking strength of the twenty pound line? Remember the equation to determine surface area of a circle; 3.14 times the radius squared? The surface area of the eighty pound line, with a diameter of .89 mm has almost
four times the surface area of the twenty pound line diameter, meaning four times more strength. Once the math is understood, it is easy to see why a line class in the middle of the twenty and eighty pound lines would be favorable. It will have a fairly high strength, yet a small enough diameter to be very effective. And, have you ever tried breaking forty pound test line? You might as well be trying to break eighty pound test, because it almost can’t be done. Back to that San Diego sport boat. It was the Cortez, owned and captained by Dean Adams. I caught eight albacore that day, using forty pound, but I knew how to cast light bait with forty pound test. I learned to cast for distance using forty pound line on a conventional reel using a wooden clothes pin clipped on the end of the line. The others were not proficient enough to cast to the spot where the chum was landing and found it was much easier to cast the twenty pound line. Basically, experience helps.
When the season was mostly over, and the other boats were heading for their annual maintenance in dry dock, Dean had a commercial license and invited a few of us to go along for the most incredible albacore fishing I have ever experienced, with him keeping the fish. We only fished with forty pound line. He would actually take pliers and lock the star drags down. The idea was to get the tuna’s head turned to the boat, basically winch him in, and the gaff had better be right there and accurate, or you had one mad tuna on your hands. There is no IGFA classification for forty pound line. The next size up is fifty pounds, but it is so hard to break forty pound, it should be of little concern. The thinner diameter of the forty pound line may even mean you get a hook up from a once in a lifetime fish, that may not have happened with fifty pound. For major big game, like 300+ pound blue marlin, forty pound line is not recommended. Not because it won’t do the job, as our modern drag systems and line capacity on the reels will get it done, but there would be just too much stress on the fish for the release. It will take too long to get them in. However, from amberjack to yellowtail, and every letter in the alphabet in between, the forty pound outfit will be the most versatile and overall performing saltwater line.
About the Author Ed Kunze is Zihuatanejo’s IGFA Representative and a charter fishing boat captain. He lives in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo year-round and can be reached at 755-553-8055 or edkunze@gmail.com For more information on Captain Ed and his boats go to www.sportfishing-ixtapa.com Ed has also written a book about fishing the West Coast of Mexico, it is online at www.fishingthewestcoastofmexico.com
Special invited guest Director Quentin Tarantino signing autographs. Photo Francisco Suarez.
another day in paradise
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By Enfield richmond de mejia and Page Cameron
culture
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Eagles and Jaguars, one by one we will be dying: None of us will stay here forever. Meditate on this, Oh Princes of Huejotzingo, Although it be made of jade, Although it be gold, It also must go---To the place of those without flesh. - Prehispanic poet, Tecayehuatzin
Day of the Dead
Here comes Death, singing Through the cactus fields. What’s it going to be, my Bald Lady? Are you going to take me, or are you not? Viene la muerte cantando alla por la nopalera. En que quedamos, pelona? Me llevas o no me llevas? - Mexican Folk song Ceramic skull atop marigolds in Bosque Village in Michoacan, Photo by Marie Oaks.
Day of the Dead alter, ofrenda, with candles and flowers, in Bosque Village in Michocan, Photo by Marie Oaks.
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another day in paradise
culture
Decorated graves and famalies gathering in Patzcuaro, Michoacan, above, Photo by Marie Oaks. Ofrenda for Diego Rivera, opposite, Photos courtesy of Enfield Richmond de Mejia..
The ritual known today as DĂa de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, has been celebrated by the indigenous populations of Mexico for at least 3,000 years. Ancient civilizations believed that death was the continuation of life not the end. That living was just a dream and only in death did they become truly awake.
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Originally, celebration began on the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar, approximately the beginning of August, and lasted for the entire month. With the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors and their attempts to convert the natives to Catholicism, they tried to kill the rituals. Spaniards viewed death as the end of life and considered the rituals to be sacrilegious and the indigenous people to be barbaric and pagan. To make the ritual more Christian, the Spaniards moved it so it coincided with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (November 1 and 2), which is when it is celebrated today. Although the dates have changed, Dia de los Muertos, still maintains the basic principles of the Aztec ritual, such as the use of skulls. The Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations used skulls to symbolize death and rebirth, also to honor the dead, whom they believed came back to visit during the month long ritual. Today, people wear wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars in the home, that are dedicated to the dead. In some homes you will find meals prepared and music played that were once the favorites of the deceased. It is tradition in some families to visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, where they decorate gravesites with cempasĂşchil (marigold) flowers and candles; some even bring toys for dead children and bottles of tequila for adults. continues on page 21.
Famalies gather at the cemetery with food and offerings for the dead in Uruapan, Mich., above, Favorite foods left for the dead in Uruapan, Michoacan, opposite, Photo courtesy of Enfield Richmond de Mejia.
Costa Grande
another day in paradise
culture
Detail of Diego Rivera's mural, Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central, above,. An engraving by Jose Guadalupe Posada, right.
La Calavera Catrina
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In this famous mural by Diego Rivera, Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park), the main figure is La Calavera Catrina (Lady of Death), elegantly dressed, with the serpent of feathers around her neck representing the pre-Hispanic culture of Mexico. Rivera has put himself in the mural, represented by the small boy holding her hand on the left, and on the right he has depicted the artist/engraver Jose Guadalupe Posada, taking the arm of La Catrina, making them the main characters of the work. Jose Guadalupe Posada was considered to be one of the most important Mexican engravers, and was a major inspiration to Rivera. Posada was the original creator of the iconic character of La Catrina, the lady skeleton dressed in fine clothes, which has become so synonymous with Mexican popular art and Day of the Dead. Rivera dedicated the mural to the great artist.
In the words of Diego Rivera: He was an illustrator of stories and histories, the songs and prayers of the poor people. Analyzing the work of Posada is like making a complete analysis of the social life of the people of Mexico. The graphic elements contained in Posada’s work are the most essential and permanent elements of the work. Posadas’ composition, however strange and dynamic, always maintains the greatest balance of light and shadow on the surface of the engraving. This balance, as well as the movement of his work, make them as great as the highest pinnacle of Mexican Classical Art, that is to say Pre-Hispanic Art. Posada was born in Aguascalientes on February 2, 1852. He began his artistic life in his hometown as a political cartoonist for the local newspaper and in 1887 went to Mexico City where he continued working for independent newspapers. From the start of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 until
his death in 1913, Posada worked unfailingly in the press directed to the workers in newspapers such as the Argos, La Patria, El Hijo del Ahuizote and El Ahuizote. His images criticize, with dark humor, the inequality and social injustice that existed in the Porfirian society. Most of his imagery was meant to make a religious or satirical point. He was the creator of a free art form, taking everyday scenes that gave a critical sense of history and reality of life while shaping them with remarkable wit. His favorite subjects were politics and society that reflected the injustice and abuse of power that were felt. While Posada died in poverty, his work had a significant influence on contemporary artists, particularly on the great muralists such as Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco and David Alfaro Siqueiros. Today his images are well known as examples of folk art and have become associated with the holiday Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead.
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For weeks before the Day of the Dead, artisans begin to create alters and a great variety of symbolic representations of death, motive for inspiration, anguish, satire and ritual for the Mexican people: La Calaca (the Skull), La Huesuda (the Bony One), La Catrina (She in the fancy dress), La Pelona (The Bald One), La Parca (the Gray One)---innumerable nicknames for just one personage---La Muerte (Death). Alters are covered with fancy Catrinas or skeleton musicians that play the marimba or the guitar, or dressed in Charro outfits and sombreros, they dance the Jarabe Tapatio (the Mexican Hat Dance). Ghosts and coffins are also popular themes, as are alters in homage of famous or beloved celebrities. The theme of death has been a fascination for Mexican painters, artisans and muralists. This theme has been beautifully expressed in paintings and murals by the greatest of the Mexican painters, such as Diego Rivera, Juan O’Gorman, Jorge Gonzalez Camarena, Jose Clemente Orozco, Raul Angiano, Chavez Morado and many more. Day of the Dead celebrations are held throughout Mexico, but some of the most impressive are in certain towns, such as: Janitzio, one of the islands on Lake Patzcuaro, and San Andreas Mixquic, a small community southwest of Mexico City. But you will find that in any town or city in Mexico they celebrate the dead with ceremony and festivities, ranging from solemn remembrance to costume parties.
The ubiquitous decorated skeletons of Day of the Dead, Photos courtesy of Enfield Richmond de Mejia.
another day in paradise
By elizabeth brady
Getting married in Mexico
FLOWERS
for your wedding
Flower shops in downtown Zihuatanejo, Photo by Page Cameron.
"I’ve been looking through wedding magazines for the perfect bouquet and table decorations and think I’ve found what I want. Where do I go from here?" I think it’s great that you are involved in the creative design process of your wedding. Your input and special touches will make your wedding even more perfect and memorable for you and your guests.
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First thing you need is to find a florist. In downtown Zihuatanejo, there are many wonderful shops within walking distance of each other, which makes it easy to compare prices and actually see the flowers and different types of arrangements. Remember, even though Zihuatanejo has grown in recent years, along with its services and products sector, it is still considered to be a small town. Therefore, you might find some of the common flowers from Canada and the United States are considered to be luxury flowers here and are very costly. But not to worry, there are plenty of beautiful choices to fit any budget, from the exotic to traditional. Whether you or your wedding planner does the flower shopping, the prices can vary from shop to shop as well as time needed to fill orders. Starting prices for bouquets and center pieces, some shops can do same day service for 200-300 pesos per. Others require up to a week in advance for 300-400 pesos per. And there is one I found that only requires a couple of days notice for 400-500 pesos per. Depending on the flower choice and arrangement these prices will vary. While asking around for info I found a few shops where some English is spoken, and those that do also have email so there is potential
to place orders before via email. This also adds the possibility of sending photos of what you are looking for in terms of design and arrangement.
Spanish names for some of the most popular flowers Bird of Paradise - Ave de Paraíso Sunflower - Girasol Lily – Lirio Rose - Rosa Chrysanthemum - Pola Daisy - Margarita Carnation - Clavel Gerber Daisy - Gerbera Aster - Aster Babies Breath – Nube
About the Author Elizabeth and Juan are a Canadian and Mexican couple who met and fell in love in Canada in 2007. They moved to Mexico and later married. They have lived in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo for about four years and run BN Fotografía (a division of Navarrete-Brady Company). BN Fotografía provides a full range of photographic and video services. See samples of our work at www.bnfotografia.com and contact us at bnfotografia@hotmai.com
WEDDING SERVICE DIRECTORY BN FOTOGRAFIA Elizabeth Brady and Juan Navarrete Photographic and video services Ixtapa - Zihuatanejo 755-120-3633 and 755-121-1583 www.bnfotografia.com bnfotografia@hotmail.com
KIMBERLY NICHOLS For Hair and Makeup Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Cel. 755-108-2042 (locally dial 044-755-108-2042) Kimberly4hair@yahoo.com
another day in paradise
Zscene
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che mangiamo halloween 1. Doris 2, Ricardo Ayala, Fabiola Perez 3. Andrea, Luis 4. Rita, Guadalupe, Eloisa, Alejandra 5. Adrian, Marlon, Sofia 6. Yesenia, Rosario, Valentine 7. Fabiola, Libera Zuniga, Gloria Perez 8. Ofrenda at Che Mangiamo 9. Mike Creed, Linda Miller 10. Josue, Cesar
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1. Tanya Jones 2. Elowina 3. Catherine Krantz 4. Brian Saunders, Tanya Jones, Carl McCormick 5. Caroline Toulouse 6. Martita 7. John McCabe, Ana Scales, Maya Scales, Bebe Maniako, Tessa Atchinson 7
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25th annual san jeronimito river regatta, san jeronimito, gro.
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Over 600 participants in 2 categories: inflatable rafts and kayaks 1. Carlos Sotelo, Omar Rios, Jaime Rumbo, Esteban Navarrette, Omar Hernandez 2. Viviana, Oscar, Carlos, Carlos, Enrique, Cristobal 3. The whole gang 4. Esteban Navarrete, Carlos Mario Moran Fernandez, Luis Enrique Mof, and friends 5. And they're off! 6. A big party and a concert is held at the finish line in San Jeronimito, 20-30 minutes south of Zihuatanejo 7. Capt. Jose Angel Lara M., Port Offical of Zihuatanejo, officiating the Regatta 6 7
another day in paradise
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ficm OPENING NIGHT screening: Alejandro González iÑARRItu's much anticipated biutiful 1, 2 - Biutiful star, Javier Bardem, arriving, signing autographs on the red carpet 3 - Javier Bardem, Martín Hernández, Jose A García, Brigitte Broch, Guillermo Prieto, Maricel Álvarez and Director Alejandro González I
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MORELIA international FILM Festival 2010, Morelia, Mich.
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1. FICM President Alejandro Ramírez, FICM Director Daniela Michel, FICM Vice-President Cuauhtémoc Cárdenas Batel 2. Diego Luna receives the JOSE CUERVO award: Rodrigo Braun, Luna, Juan Carlos Canales 3. Juan Manuel Bernal 4. Quentin Tarantino 5. Marina Stavenhagen and Gerardo Tort
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Special invited guest terry gilliam
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Director Terry Gilliam, perhaps most known for his work with Month Python, offered a Master Class for filmmakers and screened a selection of his ground breaking films, such as: Brazil, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, The Fisher King, Twelve Monkeys.
Photos courtesy of the Morelia international film Festival, Photos by IMAGEN LATENTE / Paulo Vidales & Francisco Suárez.
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Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival gives guitars
Danny Trejo presents Machete Danny Trejo, Hollywood's most prolific bad guy presented his latest collaboration with Robert Rodriquez, Machete, directed by Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis.
PHOTO BY Salom贸n Ponce de Le贸n
The Imperialists are Still alive Director Zeina Durra and star, Jose Maria de Tavira, presented their intelligent, entertaining film, The Imperialists are Still Alive, which won an offical selection from the Sundance Film Festival.
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Members of the Zihuatanejo International Guitar festival Committee presenting part of their 2010 donation to beneficiary, La Casa de la Cultura de Zihuatanejo: 10 Student guitars, handmade in Paracho, Michoacan, for the Casa de la Cultura's free guitar workshop. From right: Catherine Krantz, Jeanne Pezzi and Eloisa Rodriguez of the ZIGF committee; with Casa de la Cultura Director, Belisario Aburto Pineda; Professor Maragarita Diaz Rueda, Regent of Education, Culture and Sports; Ing. Luis Enrique Alvarez, Director of Education and Culture; C. Mario Cortez Pineda, Coordinator of Domingos Culturales (Cultural Sundays) and Recreation; Professor Veronica Verduzco Reyes, Casa de la Cultura Coordinator of Workshops. La Casa de la Cultura is a city program housed in the Centro Social building in central Zihuatanejo, that offers free workshops in art, crafts, music and dance.
Quentin Tarantino presents films from his personal collection Last year's special invited guest, Quentin Tarantino, returned to Morelia with a selection of rare and historical films from his own collection, Spaghetti Westerns by Director Sergio Corbucci and cult classics from K. Gordon Murray, that have inspired his fillmmaking.
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Shopping another day in paradise
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A| Tin wall hanging, "Together Forever," 380 pesos FRUITY KEIKO B| All-leather overnight bag, Mario's Leather C|Skull Bracelets in semi precious stones, by Judy Brown, 1250 pesos FRUITY KEIKO D|Leather jackets in many styles and colors, Mario's Leather E| Fine crafted cowboy boots, Mario's Leather F| Leather Belts for men and women, MARIO'S LEATHER G| Handmade leather purses in many styles and colors, Mario's Leather h| Day of the Dead nicho (shadow box), 625 pesos FRUITY KEIKO
another day in paradise
Community
Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo Community Directory
Get Involved ! The Angel Tree program This is a worldwide program, a branch of which was started Zihuatanejo seven years ago. The project organizes gifts for the children of people incarcerated in the local jail. Gifts are delivered on January 6th of each year (Kings’ Day). The inmates also create high quality hammocks which are sold through local churches including Zihuatanejo Christian Fellowship and at Ixtapa Christian Fellowship. The revenues of the hammocks go to offsetting their expenses while incarcerated and to supporting their families. If you are interested in making a donation, in buying a hammock or in learning more about the many facets of the program contact Patti at ixtapapatti@hotmail.com.
BABY BUNDLE PROJECT A group of expat women initiated The Baby Bundle Project three years ago to create bundles of baby products required by new mothers. The group meets at an ex-pat’s home in Ixtapa every 2-3 months (year-round) for snacks around the pool and social time all-the-while creating bundles to help economically challenged, unwed teenage mothers living in the IxtapaZihuatanejo community. The group donates approximately 300 bundles per year. To contribute products for the bundles, for the address of the next meeting or for more information about how to get involved, contact Joan at 553-1618 or playao-bispo@yahoo.com, or Elizabeth at bnfotografia@hotmail.com
Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C. A group comprised of sport fishermen and sport fishing captains concerned with the conserva-tion and protection of their natural resources, they support projects of conservation, preservation, catch and release in sport fishing, the ill effects of over fishing and education on these themes. For more information you can contact Comisión para la Defensa de la Pesca Deportiva A.C., founder and president, Capt. Ruben Lopez, at 755-108-6506, 755-554-6839, or by e-mail: ruben_lopez43@hotmail.com
today educates over 400 migrant, native and street children - many of whom speak Nahuatl, Mixteco, Amusgo and Tlapaneco, and who otherwise might not be in school. See www.netzaproject.org; contact Lisa Martin info@
netzaproject.org; US cell 508-284-0078; Mexico cell 044 755 10 01173.
Por Los Niños de Zihuatanejo, AC. is a community-based, non-profit association, founded by the Zihua SailFest, to provide educational opportunities to economically disadvantaged children in Zihuatanejo. Por Los Niños supports learning and school repair projects at more than 12 under-funded primary schools and kindergartens. Contact: Lorenzo Marbut, home: 755-554-2115, cell: 755102-4463, Lorenzo@porlosninos.info
The Rotary Club is a world-wide service organization with the purpose to help those in need. In Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo there are two groups: Club Rotario Ixtapa - Nuevas Generaciones New Generations Rotary Club Ixtapa, meets at 8:30 P.M. on Thursdays at Dal Toscano Ristorante in Ixtapa.
Club Rotario de Zihuatanejo, A.C.
Zihuatanejo Rotary Club meets at the Hotel Catalina, on Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo, Phone: (755) 554-9321
S.O.S. Bahia, A.C. Local non-profit group dedicated to the rescue and long-term preservation of the ecological integrity of the Bay of Zihuatanejo. Promotes environmental awareness, advocates the sustain-able development of the bay’s surroundings, and works to stop water pollution and the destruction of wildlife habitat in and around the bay. Collects and distributes information about the issues concerning the bay and organizes periodical beach cleanups. Gladly accepts volunteer contributions and donations. www.sosbahia.org, info@sosbahia.org.
Fundación Rene Ferguson A.C. This Foundation was set up in memory of Rene Ferguson and its objective is to support able young women, who are suffering financial hardship, through a degree course by assisting them with the expenses of college tuition and books. Donations to the foundation are tax deductible in the United States through The Rene Ferguson Foundation. Please contact Erica
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Islas at La Quinta Troppo or at mexdrop@prodigy.net.mx
Hablando Menos aMAndo Mas A. C. Hablando Menos Hablando Mas, means "Speaking less, Loving more." The goal at hand is to construct a home for seniors who have been abandoned and who are at risk living on their own. The 2 story hacienda style home is being built to house 26 residents as well as full time missionary staff and administration. The progress can be seen in Las Pozas at the site or online on facebook at "Hablando Menos Amando Mas A.C." For information , volunteer opportunities or to make a donation please contact Rosalind Hernandez Cavenagh at 755 554 5919 or Joan McKay at 755 553 1618 email : playaobispo@yahoo.com The Netza Project The Netza Project is a U.S and Mexico registered non-profit organization that works to advance literacy, education and economic opportunity for all, in particular supporting the vision and expansion of The Netzahualcoyotl School and Kindergarten for Indigenous Children in Zihuatanejo, which
SPAZ-HKP “Helene Krebs Posse” Humane Society of Zihuatanejo (Sociedad Protectora de Animales de Zihuatanejo Helene Krebs Posse) Offers sterilization clinics, free adoptions, educational out reach programs, treatment and rehabilitation for wounded, homeless or abandoned animals. Sells t-shirts and memberships to raise funds, gladly accepts donations. Located at Casa Marina, next to the basketball court facing the bay in central Zihuatanejo. Casa Marina, Paseo del Pescador #9, Col. Centro 40880 Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México, Tel. (755) 554-2373. http://www. zihuatanejo.net/spaz/, animales.zihua@hotmail.com
ZI-GUITAR-FEST A.C. - The Zihuatanejo International Guitar Festival Now in its seventh year, the Zihuatanejo International Guitar festival brings international musicians to Zihuatanejo from all across the world. The festival is a registered not-forprofit association in Mexico and a percentage of festival proceeds go toward supporting Music, art and Cultural Education in the community. Sponsors, Donors, and Volunteers always needed. www.zihuafest.info, info@zihuafest.info
If you don’t see your organization listed here, please send us your mission statement and contact information to get on the list, info@adip.info.
another day in paradise
Classifieds
WHAT TO DO
BOOKS Living the Dream in Mexico- by Linda Leonard- is a personal sharing of our travels and experiences while RVing in Mexico over several years. It tells about how we planned, how we included my elderly Mom to have the “times of her life,” and about how we came to settle in Zihuatanejo. Order on www.livingthedreaminmexico. com or phone Linda 755-103-6032 in Zihua.
OWEN LEE, Prisoner in Paradise, Mother Nature, My Natute - For info re Owen Lee's books and beach bungalows, please phone 755 1027111.
FELLOWSHIP
IXTAPA CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP nondenominational English language service every Sunday at 10am at Villas Paraiso in Ixtapa. Contact Ron 755-554-5919 or John & Joan at 755-553-1618 for more information. ZIHUATANEJO CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP nondenominational English language service every Sunday morning in Zihuatanejo, Contact John & Betty 755-554-7178 for more information. RECOVERY 12 STEP house English speaking recovery groups. Directly across from the biblioteca (library) on Cuauhtemoc, AA-Monday, Wednesday and Friday 6:00 PM NA- Thursday 6:00 PM. Additional meetings November – April. For more info call or email Bob P. (755) 554-2034, Qigongporvida@yahoo.com, or Nick cell: 044 755 112 2124.
FOR SALE FOR SALE: On-Demand Gas Water Heater. Bosch Calentador Instantaneo Confort II 13 Silver (Gas LP) 13 liters. Brand New (in the box, never opened. Purchased this August). Super efficient -- “saves up to 70% gas.” $4300 pesos. (In Z) Contact: Sherwin Harris: sherpeg@me.com or call US# 001-917-864-4690
SERVICES
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CARPENTRY IN IXTAPA-ZIHUATANEJO. We build integral kitchens, closets, doors, dining room sets, armchairs, staircases, handrails, shelves. We also do restoration and carpentry maintenance in general. Guaranteed quality, all woods, call now !! Juan Pimentel: arqpimentel@hotmail.com Tel. 75555-2-69-56, Cel. 044-755-113-27-80
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT, interior decorating and consulting services. If you are building, remodeling or thinking about building in
the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo area, let us take the stress and worry out of your construction project. Please contact us on the web @ www.zihuaid.com by telephone: 044 (755) 101-9711 or via email: info@zihuaid.com
MARBLE & GRANITE – Kitchen, fire places, Baths, Counter Tops, fabrication, Installation, free estimates, English Spoken. Gonzalo Blanco, Cel. (044) 755-100-9554 , (044) 755-105-1684 PHOTOGRAPHIC & VIDEO SERVICES BN Fotografía is a locally based company that is operated by my husband and I. We are a Mexican and Canadian couple who provide professional, creative and efficient photographic and video services. We are bilingual and bicultural. Contact Juan or Elizabeth at 755-1203633 or bnfotografia@hotmail.com or visit www. bnfotografia.com.
ZIHWATTS - Having trouble? or just need an upgrade…Computers, Dish TV, sound systems, security, telephone, electrical, and Intelligent Home Technology. We can install new, change the old, or trouble-shoot existing problems. For more info contact J.C. by email: zihwatts@yahoo.com , or by cell: 044(755)102-9093. Spanish and English spoken. MARIMAR SPA – Massage, 50 minutes - 30 USD, Pedicure SPA - 30 USD, Manicure SPA - 15 USD. Open daily from 11am to 7pm. You need to make an appointment: marimar_z@hotmail.com or at Tel. 554 22 13 or Cel. 755113 36 62, located at RESTAURANT & BAR PATY´S MARIMAR on Playa La Ropa, Next to Villa Mexicana Hotel RESTAURANT & BAR PATY´S MARIMAR on Playa La Ropa, Next to Villa Mexicana Hotel. BREAKFAST organic coffee, SEAFOOD, MEXICAN FOOD, SALADS, HAMBURGERS AND PASTA Open daily 7am - 10pm, 2x1 HAPPY HOUR 5 - 7 pm, RESTAURANT, YOGA STUDIO & SPA We celebrate WEDDINGS (large and small) and PRIVATE PARTIES on our upper palapa covered deck. marimar_z@ hotmail.com, Tel. 554 22 13 or cel. 755113 36 62.
NOTICES Season sale 20% to 50% discounts at Galart in the Tides Zihuatanejo & Restaurant Villa de la Selva Ixtapa. Paintings & sculptures, Emilia Castillo silver inlaid porcelain, Gigi Mizrahi, William Spratling, Sarah Hendley jewelry Jose A. Madrazo folk art www.galart.net galart@prodigy.net.mx
C o m m u n i t y A c t i v i t i e s CLASSES
Al cilantro, A Taste of Mexico - traditional mexican Cooking Classes Spend a morning learning about history and art through Mexican cooking from a creative chef from Veracruz, who has 10 years experience offering classes in Ixtapa, contact Gabriela Tel. 755-1026670, gabriela.pasquel@hotmail.com HAVE FUN LEARNING SPANISH! Private classes, short and medium length courses by bilingual, experienced teacher. 60-100 pesos/hour. Classes cover topics including doing business in Mexico, traveling, medical professionals, emergencies,shopping, domestic assistants and gardeners, asking for information, socializing, everydayl anguage etc. Contact Juan at navarretebrady@ yahoo.com. Oceanfront Tai Chi Experience Certified instructor Hotel Irma, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. For more information, contact Gabriela Tel. 755-1026670, gabriela.pasquel@hotmail.com Painting classes by renowned local artists Alfredo Tapia and Guadalupe Gaytan at Studio Arte Nativo, Thursdays and Fridays 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., and Saturdays 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 pm. Price per class: $120 pesos for 2 Hours. Located at Studio Arte Nativo, Juan N. Alvarez # 67-A, (Behind restaurant La Sirena Gorda) in central Zihuatanejo, Gro. For more information, contact Alfredo Tapia Tel. 755-113-9371, or Guadalupe Gaytan, Tel. 755 104 54 04 Spanish classes - Free Spanish Conversation Classes Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5 - 6 pm at “The Gallary” in Marina Ixtapa. Each foreigner will be paired with a native Spanish speaker. ½ hour Spanish conversation ½ hour in English. Donation are accepted and used to assist locals in improving their English skills. Daily “coach” will provide instruction upon arrival. For more information, contact Yadira Rios: yadira@pruzi. com.mx, or Janet Galeana, janet@pruzi.com.mx, Tel. 755-544-8787. YOGA CLASSES on la ropa $10 USD per class In NOV: Mon - Fri 9-10:15 am, (From Dec - April MonFri 8-915am & 930-1045am, Sat & Sun 9-1015am). Mats and props avaiiable, ZIHUAYOGA Studio on Playa La Ropa, on the upstairs terrace of Restaurant Paty's Marimar, Tel. 755-554-2213, marimar_z@hotmail.com
TOURS
SPORT FISHING AND PRIVATE BEACH & SUNSET CRUISES www.fish-ixtapa.com We are a group of Real Owners and Captains of the top and most Popular Fishing Boats in Ixtapa Zihuatanejo. We Cordially invite you to join us on a World Class Fishing Experience, We are the ones that make it happen, Deal Directly with us and meet us personally. Cell Phone 044 755 557 1093 E-Mail fish-ixtapa@hotmail.com
another day in paradise
Upcoming Events
MEXICO ABROAD Water Vessel with Tlaloc Aztec, 1440–1469; found in the Templo Mayor, Mexico City Terracotta and pigment
Nov 2010 – Jan 2011
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Siqueiros in Los Angeles: Censorship Defied, The Autry National Center of the American West, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Los Angeles, Ca, USA. Mexican artist David Alfaro Siqueiros was one of the greatest muralists of the twentieth century. Revolutionary in technique, content, and social comment, his work established Los Angeles as a key center for this public art form and started a movement that continues today. Organized by the Autry National Center in partnership with Legacy & Legend Productions, with loans of artworks and materials from major public and private collections throughout the United States and Mexico, this groundbreaking exhibition focuses on a turning point in the career of David Alfaro Siqueiros (18961974), an artist who is worldfamous (along with Diego Rivera
and José Clemente Orozco) as one of the three great Mexican mural painters of the 20th century.
Also at the Autry National Center:
Nov 20-21
Oaxacan Bazaar, This show and sale of Oaxacan folk art, Zapotec rugs and textiles, and fine handmade embroidery from Oaxaca, Mexico, includes continuous demonstrations in
carving and painting by master carver Jacobo Angeles Ojeda. In the plaza by the Autry Store, shop from hundreds of Zapotec rugs in many sizes, priced for every buyer. Also enjoy the colorful variety of folk art and a wide selection of contemporary handmade embroidery. Dry and mountainous, Oaxaca is one of Mexico’s largest and poorest states, yet its folk art tradition is among the richest. Forms and designs are transmitted from one generation to another within a community. Among the folk art traditions of Oaxaca, weaving, woodcarving, and embroidery are some of the most colorful and collectible.
Nov 1-14, A Celebration of The Day of the Dead, Mixed Media by Jose Antonio Madrazo, Ferry Building Gallery, Ambleside Landing, 1414 Argyle Avenue, West Vancouver, Canada.
Colorized rendering of David Alfaro Siqueiros’ América Tropical, 1932 by © Luis Garza, above. Courtesy of the Autry National Center David Alfaro Siqueiros, 1971. Photo by © Luis Garza, opposite. Courtesy of the Autry National Center Oaxacan hand carved animals, opposite. Images courtesy of the Autry National Center.
The Autry National Center, formed in 2003 by the merger of the Autry Museum of Western Heritage with the Southwest Museum of the American Indian and the Women of the West Museum, is an intercultural history center dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West. Located in Griffith Park, in Los Angeles, California, the Autry’s collection of over 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts, which includes the collection of the Southwest Museum of the American Indian, is one of the largest and most significant in the United States. www.theautry.org
Jose Antonio Madrazo, an artist of original folk art that incorporates the traditional elements of Mexican culture, humor, materials and artesian legacy to create pieces on the cutting edge of design. His ofrendas (offerings) were for many years a part of the events put together by Galart in Zihuatanejo and Ixtapa. If you can’t make it to the show in Vancouver, you can admire his pieces at the two Galart locations locally, in The Tides hotel in Zihuatanejo and in Villa de la Selva restaurant in Ixtapa. www.galart.net galart@prodigy.net.mx
another day in paradise
Upcoming Events
Nov 1 - 2,
Nov 1 - 2, XVI Festival de Las Calaveras (Festival of the Skulls) Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes. This macabre festival features a variety of deadly art exhibits, performing arts and a parade of skeletons with contests for the most creative costumes and artwork. Skulls of different sizes and materials are on display as well as games and stands with traditional food and seasonal fruits. www.festivaldecalaveras.com.mx
UPCOMING EVENTS
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), nationwide. One of the most colorful annual festivals in Mexico, Dia de los Muertos commemorates departed loved ones. During this festival, the dead are thought to have divine permission to visit friends and relatives on earth. The living, welcome the souls of the departed by putting out offerings of their favorite foods and beverages, as well as marigolds and candles.
Nov 4 - 7, X Rally de Motociclismo (10th Annual Harley Davidson Rocky Point Rally), Puerto Peñasco, Sonora. Annual HOG get together featuring charity events, beaches, live music and of course “rides.” Visit www.rockypointrally.com.
Nov 5,
Tequila Tasting at Caprichos Grill House, calle Cinco de Mayo, Zihuatanejo 7 pm. Join new owners of Caprichos, Hicham and Lisa, for a tequila tasting. You will enjoy four samples of tequila as well as two new Moroccon appetizers Reservations recommended 554.3019 www.caprichosgrill. com
Nov 5 - 13,
OCT 29 NOV 2 Parque Bicentenario,
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Av. Ávila Camacho S/N, Col. Centro. Xalapa , Veracruz,19:00 hrs. Six Independant Theater companies present works inspired by Mictlán--the underworld of Aztec mythology.
Festival International de Cine Independiente y Video Oaxaca (Oaxaca International Independent Film and Video Festival), Oaxaca, Oaxaca. Premiere cinematic event, showcasing films in a broad range of subject matter and spanning multiple genres will be held throughout the city of Oaxaca, in fifteen different venues. This festival provides a platform for the talents of seasoned filmmakers and emerging artists alike to premiere their work, as well as expanding the audience for independent film. www.oaxacafilmfest.com
Nov 10 - 14, XVI Festival Internacional de Jazz y Blues (16th International Jazz and Blues Festival), San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato. Historic San Miguel de Allende celebrates the sixteenth year of the International Festival of Jazz and Blues. Some of the greatest names in international jazz and blues will perform in several historic and beautiful venues in San Miguel de Allende. www.sanmigueljazz. com
Nov 11 - 27, XXII Festival de Musica de Morelia (International Music Festival of Morelia, Michoacan). Created in 1989, this annual festival features performances by musicians from all over the world and takes place at beautiful settings throughout Morelia. Music aficionados can experience and enjoy the presence of hundreds of international artists, an array of concerts, seminars, classes and courses both for students and music professionals.
Nov 12-14, IX Feria Maestros del Arte, Club de Yates de Chapala (9th Annual Masters of Art Fair, Chapala Yacht Club),Paseo Ramon Corona, Chapala, Jalisco. This art fair is a non-profit organization which promotes the rapidly disappearing folk and indigenous art (artensania) of Mexico. Artists are invited from all corners of Mexico. Some whose art has been passed down from generation to generation and others considered undiscovered and worthy of recognition for their art. www.mexicoartshow.com
Nov 17 - 20, Concierto de las Campanas (Concert of Bells)-Cholula, Puebla. More than 100 bells from the different churches in Cholula participate in this annual celestial concert of bells. The town boasts the greatest quantity of churches and alters in Mexico with a total of 365 in the district, one for each day of the year. Townspeople sit atop roofs with lit candles to enjoy the harmonious spectacle. This unique and innovative event is held the Saturday closest to full moon and is complemented with artistic performances and fireworks. www.vivecholula.gob.mx
www.festivalmorelia.com.mx
Nov 20, Día de la Revolución (Mexican Revolution Day), nationwide. This year the date marks the 100th anniversary of the start of the Mexican Revolution of 1910. On this day, throughout Mexico, there will be magnificent parades and impressive civic ceremonies commemorating the Centennial anniversary.
Nov 20,
Wine Tasting at Caprichos Grill House, calle Cinco de Mayo, Zihuatanejo, 7 pm. Enjoy a selection of wines with owners Hicham and Lisa. There will be four wine tastings, paired with Asian Fusion appetizers. Reservations recommended 755-554-3019 www.caprichosgrill.com
Nov 27 - Dec 5, Feria Internacional del Libro (International Book Fair in Guadalajara), Guadalajara, Jalisco. The FIL is an eclectic celebration of literature, art and culture and
is the second largest book fair in the world and the largest and most diverse international offering of publications in the Spanish language. www.fil.com.mx
Nov 27-Dec 12, Feria Nacional del Tequila (National Tequila Fair), Tequila, Jalisco. Held annually, the tequila fair features an exposition of the primary tequila makers throughout the country, with demonstrations on how this famous spirit is made. The fair also features charreadas (Mexican rodeo events), cockfights, mariachi serenades and fireworks.
Begins the last week of Nov., LXXIII Feria Nacional de Plata (73rd National Silver Fair)— Taxco, Guerrero. Taxco is the region of the country known as Mexico’s "silver heartland," as it is the source of much of the lucrative silver mining and export business. Every year Mexico’s best silversmiths compete
against artists from around the world in this lavish festival including concerts, dances, fireworks and a seemingly endless supply of unique items for sale. http://www. taxcolandia.com/festividades/ feria_plata.php
Nov - Mar, Santuarios de la Mariposa Monarca (Monarch Butterfly Sanctuaries) several are in Michoacan State. Every year, millions of Monarch butterflies migrate from Canada and the U.S. to the Oyamel forests near Angangueo, Michoacan in the fall, hibernating for winter and mating in the spring. Two sanctuaries are open to the public in the towns of Angangueo and Ocampo. http:// www.umich.mx/mich/monarca/ mon-inicio.html
By Catherine Krantz
another day in paradise
Tourism & Living in mexico
TOURISM IN MEXICO Mexico Experiences an Increase in Foreign Visitors. Travel to Mexico up, despite government and media warnings.
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According to the U.S Department of State, “Travel Warnings are issued to describe long-term, protracted conditions that make a country dangerous or unstable.” Direct from their website, here are a few countries that top the list of most recent travel warning updates: Sudan, North Korea, Afghanistan, Israel, the West Bank and Gaza.
Here are a few statistics showing that more and more, people are ignoring the media hype and that tourism is actually on the rise:
(up 16.4%), Canada (up 9.2%), and the United States (up 5.9%). An increase from Latin America was also noted.
According to statistics released by the Mexican Secretary of Tourism (SECTUR), the overall number of foreign visitors coming to Mexico in the first four months of 2010 increased 5.7 %, versus the same period a year ago. Tourists came in larger numbers from Australia (up 17.3%), Spain
According to the Mexican Embassy in Canada, already in the first half of 2010, there was an 18.2% growth in travel to the region compared to 2009 and 32% higher than 2008. Mexico predicts that the number of Canadian tourists will significantly increase throughout 2010.
Now let’s think about this... Any of these places sound like Mexico? The reality of the situation is that there are tens of thousands of foreigners vacationing and working in Mexico everyday without incident. And with more than one million foreigners living here you are bound to hear about a few foreign victims of crime in Mexico from time to time. Beautiful Playa La Ropa, Zihuatanejo. Photo by Page Cameron
Zihuatanejo Bay, opposite, Photo by Page Cameron
Among the countries with the most tourists traveling to Mexico, Canada remains in second place with 1,222,739 visitors in 2009 – second only to the United States who sent 5,387, 287 visitors in 2009, according to the U.S. Embassy. Why not join the ever growing number of people who come to Mexico for all its beauty, culture, history, and enjoy the slower pace for awhile.
The Mexico Tourism Board Joins Global Sustainable Tourism Council The Mexico Tourism Board announced it has joined The Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), an international partnership dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism practices around the world. Founded in partnership by the World Tourism Organization, the United Nations Environment Programme, UN Foundation, Rainforest Alliance, Sabre/ Travelocity and others, the GSTC is open to any member of the travel and tourism industries. “The Mexico Tourism Board has joined the GSTC with a desire to create a common understanding of what sustainable tourism is so that travelers can break through the clutter and make informed decisions,” said. Alfonso Sumano, Regional Director for the Americas, Mexico Tourism Board. “With more than 18 million acres of ecological preserves and one of the most diverse natural offerings of any country on the planet, sustainable tourism has long been a priority for Mexico. As part of this global partnership, we’re increasing our dedication to helping make sure businesses thrive and travelers can continue to have special experiences, for generations to come.” “We are pleased that Mexico Tourism Board is joining in our efforts. The tourism industry is growing and we have a responsibility to that growth is done in a responsible way,” said Erika Harms, Executive Director of the GSTC. “We look forward to working with the Mexico Tourism Board to help implement and explain sustainable tourism so that it becomes as ubiquitous as travel itself.” All in all, very good news for tourism in Mexico.
By nancy seeley
another day in paradise
By Page cameron
Travel
Pátzcuaro is a city with infinite colonial charm and one of Mexico’s most popular destinations for November’s Day of the Dead celebrations. Centuries-old buildings steeped in history, cobblestone streets reminding you they’ve been here a lot longer than you have, el Baile de los Viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men) performed daily in the main square, the lake dotted with fisherman gracefully wielding their butterfly nets the same way their great-great-grandfathers did…all set against a backdrop of mountains at an altitude of nearly 7,500 feet. Just breathing reminds you you’re not at sea level anymore!
climbing
Cerro del Estribo Mangoes. Photo by Feng Yu
On a recent visit I was lured by the extinct volcano named Cerro del Estribo, meaning Hill of the Stirrup. Four of us took the 8 a.m. Parhikuni first-class coach from Zihuatanejo as far as Uruapan (4 hours and $315 pesos) and dashed into the station long enough to buy secondclass tickets (1.5 hours and $48 pesos) on one of the buses leaving every 15 minutes for Morelia, where we got dropped off near Pátzcuaro Lake before 2 p.m.
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Besides being an ecologically more gentle way to travel, the bus gives everyone a chance to exclaim about the gorgeous scenery you see along the way. The new highway built about five years ago has cut hours off travel time from here to there, but the green valleys, darker green slopes, plowed fields, occasional sparkling bodies of water, fruit orchards, and changing terrain as the altitude climbs still offer plentiful picture-taking opportunities.
Cafe on the square in Patzcuaro, Photo by Tracy Novinger.
After arriving in town, we spent a pleasant afternoon doing touristy stuff around our hotel on Plaza Vasco Quiroga, the main square, followed that with a good night’s sleep burrowed under mounds of blankets. In the morning, after
el Baile de los Viejitos (Dance of the Little Old Men), Photo by Catherine Krantz
in Pátzcuaro… a quick cup of coffee, we headed off on our adventure. From the southwest corner of Quiroga Plaza, we walked west on Ponce de León. Don’t worry about street names after that, just keep going straight until you cross the highway and start heading up El Estribo. There are signs, but if you don’t happen to see any, ask someone and you’ll get steered in the right direction.
Templo del Sagrario, in Patzcuaro, Photo by Tracy Novinger.
The route follows one of the many cobblestone streets mentioned earlier. It’s not terribly steep, but it does keep going relentlessly uphill at a gradual incline. The websites and guidebooks I used couldn’t agree on the distance to the top. All I can say with assurance is it’s somewhere between 5-7 kilometers from el centro (downtown). We planned on a very aerobic workout when we started out but kept getting distracted by what was going on in neighborhoods along the way. Our youngest hiker, an inquisitive 14-year-old equipped with a high-tech digital camera, videotaped schoolchildren during their early morning patriotic drill, complete
another day in paradise
Travel
with drums, flags and marching. This is also a wonderful hike if you’re into bird-watching and naming trees. But do wear comfy shoes and bring along a big bottle of water. After nearly 90 minutes, we leveled out at a large grass-covered clearing dominated by a spacious gazebo built in 1936. Featuring tables made of wooden slabs supported by imposing-looking rough hewn legs with seating on concrete benches ringing the circumference of the structure and an area for grilling picnic fare a stone’s throw away. A few feet further on there’s a sheer drop off down to a picturesque plateau. No railings, of course, which would make safety inspectors north of the border shudder in horror. BUT…we weren’t finished yet! To reach the summit of this extinct volcano, you must climb another 400+ steps. Figure on resting half a dozen times to catch your breath and keep soldiering on till there are no more stairs left on which to plant your feet. Once you’re at the very top, what a spectacular view! You can see Pátzcuaro, neighboring towns and if you’re lucky, the lake. The day we went, that island-dotted body of water was completely obscured by a heavy cloud layer, which is pretty common. After returning to our hotel, I checked out more websites on Cerro del Estribo, learning there are similarly-named sites in Panama, Peru, and Chile. And when I happened upon a blogger who claimed “this arduous climb makes San Francisco’s hills look like child’s play,” I congratulated myself on a good day’s work.
Clockwise: Kirsten Johnson & son Gareth at a ridge line after climbing the path up Cerro del Estribo - Lake Pátzcuaro is beneath the heavy cloud layer; Gareth Johnson on the 400+ stairs ascending the rest of the way to the VERY top of the extinct volcano; Hey! We did it! Nancy Seeley & Kirsten Johnson take a break to catch their breath atop Cerro del Estribo, Photos by Nancy Seeley and Gareth Johnson
About the Author
www.adip.info
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Nancy Seeley moved down to Zihuatanejo from Wisconsin late in 1995 with the intention of staying for a three-year sabbatical...but once she got here, she found there was no turning back. Traveling throughout Mexico has become a passion, and avoiding winter weather in the Midwest has become a goal. So far, she claims a pretty high success rate on both fronts.
View of Lake Patzcuaro from el Cerro on a non-cloudy day, Photo by Tracy Novinger.
WHEN YOU GO
Street scene in Patzcuarao, Photo by Tracy Novinger; Natural beauty awaiting visitors at the summit of Cerro del Estribo, Photo by Nancy Seeley.
Casa de la Real Aduana Boutique Hotel Ponce de Leon 16, Centro Patzcuaro, Michoacán CP 61600 Tel. (434) 342-0266 www.realaduana.com info@realaduana.com Room Rate: 240 - 275 USD includes taxes and breakfast
Hotel Mansion Iturbe Portal Morelos 59, Plaza Vasco de Quiroga, Centro Patzcuaro, Michoacan CP 61600 Tel. (434) 342-0368, Tel. (434) 342-0368 www.mansioniturbe.com mansioniturbe@yahoo.com Room Rate: 1,100 – 2,800 pesos includes taxes, breakfast, cocktail
La Casa Encantada Dr Coss No. 15 Centro Pátzcuaro, Michoacán CP 61600 Tel. (434) 342-3492 1-619-819-8398, Outside Mexico www.lacasaencantada.com cynthia@lacasaencantada.com Room Rate: 950 - 1,600 pesos
Hotel Posada La Basílica Arciga No.6 Centro Pátzcuaro, Michoacán CP 61600 Tel. (434) 342-1108 www.posadalabasilca.com info@posadalabasilica.com Room rates: 1,050 – 2,200 pesos
Hotel Mansion de los Sueños Ibarra 15 Centro Pátzcuaro, Michoacán C.P. 61600 Tel. (434) 342-5708 www.mansiondelossuenos.com prismared@hotmail.com Room Rate: 2,000 – 3,650 pesos
Galeria El Manantial Fine Mexican artesania with a contempoary bent. (in front of the museum) Patzcuaro, Centro Rick Davis Tel. (434) 342-6152 Tel. (434) 103-1796 Facebook: Galeria El Manantial
Patzcuaro Trekkers Tracy Novinger, in Pátzcuaro since 2004, likes to hike. She and her husband seek like-minded companions. She just began organizing Pátzcuaro Trekkers. A group of four recently hiked on off-road trails around the South side of Estribo Grande up to the two volcano craters and along their rims. From there they went to the summit, down to the gazebo and outlook, and then descended the cobblestone road. Count 2-4 hours if you start out from Hotel Ixhi about half-way up the Estribo Grande road. There are also off-road trails on Cerro Blanco and Cerro Colorado, starting out on the east side of Pátzcuaro. A group of four recently hiked around nearby Lake Zirahuén, a 20 kilometer trek. There is a trail from Pátzcuaro to Lake Zirahuen they want to try soon, a 4-hour hike. Patzcuaro Trekkers will go on 5- to 12-mile hikes at a moderately fast pace with a few stops, of course, for photos and enjoyment. Check for photos, reports and routes at mypatzcuaro.blogspot.com; click the label Patzcuaro Trekkers in the right-hand sidebar of the blog.
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another day in paradise
By Maura Taylor
Home & Living
Home Building Series, Part I:
Pre-Construction
the finite details. Once the plans and
budget have been agreed upon and Congratulations! by you (the client), it’s time You’ve decided to approved to put a project schedule together. build your dream or builder isn’t home! The burning Ifableyourtoarchitect deliver a project timeline best to bring in a construction question is … what it’s manager who can pull all of the ends happens now? together and focus on keeping the Well, if you’ve already decided on an architect then half of the battle is already won. Assuming you are ready to move forward, here is a basic overview of what you can expect over the course of your home building project. Like any project, the construction of a home, whether in Los Angeles, California or Zihuatanejo, Mexico, follows a basic set of steps.
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Although materials and methods may vary, understanding the general construction process can help you wrap your arms around what may seem like a very daunting project, especially if you are building here and living elsewhere. It’s important that before moving forward with any building project, you feel comfortable with the team of professionals who will be carrying out the work. This means that you and your architect, builder and/or construction manager are all on the same page (and hopefully speaking the same language).
Pre-Construction
During this time you will be meeting, likely more than a few times, with your architect & project staff and reviewing plans, designs, materials, cost and honing
estimate will be made up of several factors, including your home design, floor plans and construction costs.
Home design and drafting costs will vary greatly depending on the intricacy or simplicity of the project, square footage and also the individual design & drafting fees of construction and delivery phase your architect or builder. on-track. Construction costs also vary greatly and depend heavily on your home Typically, in the pre-construction design & floor plans. The majority of phase, a service agreement is signed your construction costs will come between you and your architect, builder, construction manager and/ from the brick & mortar (materials, or other project staff. This is generally labor, equipment, etc) but also a widely accepted formality and you fixed costs are factored in such won’t be considered rude or insulting as construction permits, licenses, in requesting one if your architect insurance, etc. doesn’t automatically provide it. However, you may find that certain well sought-after local architects will not sign a contract, something that you as a client (should you choose to move forward) will have to be 100% comfortable with. If the choice is made to work with this person, they should have such an excellent reputation and client satisfaction rate that there would be absolutely no doubt that your project will be delivered as promised. Enough said.
Budget Estimates
Creating a budget estimate or financial plan for your home design/ building project is not always an easy task. Before building you should already have some idea of how much you intend to spend on your overall home building project. Your budget
A budget estimate should include an itemized account of the basic construction materials (concrete, rebar, conduit, plumbing, etc) as well as your interior & exterior finishes. In order for this part of the budget estimate to be completed you will need to make some decisions as to the quality of your finishes. Finishes include flooring, facades, countertops, illumination, wall coverings, fixtures, tiling, etc. and in most cases will also include major home appliances. It’s important to make decisions on finishing materials early on as there are often extended wait times for purchase and delivery of these products. As most finishing materials
are purchased outside of Zihuatanejo and undergo a laborious process in order to arrive ready to install, it’s important that their wait-time be factored into the overall construction timeline. Here also is where your costs can exceed your initial planning. If you are looking for what is considered “luxury” finishes such as marble flooring, granite countertops,
stucco facades, brass fixtures, then you may consider downscaling size wise to adjust your overall construction costs. However, if it’s space you’re after then you may have to settle for less costly finishes in order to adhere to your construction budget. Remember, you will also need to figure major home appliances into your budget. National name brand manufacturers have several different lines to choose from, however keep in mind that their models are generally one step behind their foreign counterparts even though the cost may be the same or often higher. Negotiation and attention to detail is key in drawing up a budget that works for both your economic and construction needs.
Paperwork Processing
Once you have approved your budget and home design and made the first payment (which is typically 20-30% of the overall cost), the architect or builder will begin all of the necessary paperwork to move forward with the groundbreaking work. This includes construction permits, insurance, environmental impact reports and so on and is often a lengthy process. The timeframe for each project can vary but generally expect several months of paper pushing before the actual construction work can begin.
About the Author Maura Taylor is a Zihuatanejo resident who provides highly personalized construction management, interior design and relocation services for expatriates emigrating to Mexico. You can find Maura on the web @ www. zihuaid.com, by phone #044 (755) 101 9711 or via email: info@zihuaid.com.
another day in paradise
By John Glaab
Real Estate News
Meetings, Developments, Investments, Retiring in Mexico
real Estate news
Major Real Estate Meetings: Both the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) and the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) will be having educational events, in the middle of the fourth quarter of 2010.
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The National Association of Realtors will meet in New Orleans November 5-8th, for NARDI gras. A wide variety of educational events will be included along with a major Trade Show. Those attending will have an opportunity to hear a delightful and motivating keynote presentation by Regis Philbin, the cultural icon and energetic host of "Live with Regis and Kelly." New Certified International Property Designees (CIPS) will receive their pins and certificates at a CIPS breakfast. On the social side, there will be a welcoming reception for international delegates and the always popular International Night Out and Awards ceremony. The Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI) will hold its Annual Conference and General Meeting in Monterrey, N.L. The dates are November 10th to 14th. There will be a series of classes for those attending and several social events, including a program for spouses. A new Vice President and members of the National Advisory Board will be elected. A trip to look at the market in McAllen, Texas, will take place at the conclusion of the conference. AMPI’s Annual General meeting will take place during the Conference.
A City Within a City: A mega project is underway in Morelia, the state capital of Michoacan. According to developer Francisco Medina, the commercial component at Altozana, it will be the largest in Latin America. The commercial area will include a convention center and four hotels, department stores and a modern state of the art health club. Club Altozana includes an Olympic size swimming pool. Twenty thousand homes are scheduled to be constructed. More than 3,000 have already been sold. There is an outdoor theatre seating 10,000 with a view of the city. It will be used for artistic, music and cultural events. Five hundred trees have been planted at the development. Businesses in places such as Mexico City and Guadalajara are being invited to locate their head offices at Altozano. Plans for promotion to the United States and Canada are on hold pending the end of the Global Economic Crisis. Mexico’s President, Felipe Calderon inaugurated the mega project on September 29, 2010.
"Invest in Mexico," -Advice from a Business Guru: Jim Cramer, the bombastic, high-energy investment Guru and host of CNBC’s massively successful show “Mad Money” gave Mexico real estate investment a big boost. Cramer told his audience: “It's not such a bad idea to diversify away from stocks, I think that out of favor real estate in Mexico, that's easily accessible to Americans, represents a great buy” .
when compared to countries such as the United States and Canada
Findings on U.S. Retiree Real Estate and Housing Trends in Mexican Coastal Communities; A Report from The International Community Foundation:
Zihuatanejo Bay at night from La Madera, Photo by Pamela McDermid.
With as many as 2.5 million investors viewing the show each week, the controversial host wields quite a bit of influence among his viewer ship and in the marketplace as a whole. His following is so intense that it has created a unique phenomenon in the stock market known as the “Cramer Bounce,” which can be best described “as the sudden overnight appreciation of a stock’s price after it has been recommended by Jim Cramer on his CNBC show,” Mad Money. Following his own advice, Cramer recently announced to his audience that he had already purchased three properties in Mexico within the last few weeks. When asked about hyped headlines about drug violence and turmoil in Mexico, Cramer downplayed those fears, he said, "Mexico is a big country and not every province, every state is involved in the drug trade,” and he added, “it has to be one of the nicest places I've ever been." When asked why he invested money in Mexico real estate, he replied, “There is “no property tax,*” the properties are “incredibly easy to maintain,” and there are “property managers everywhere.” *NOTE: The statement about property taxes is not correct. But, property taxes are substantially lower
For years, U.S. & Canadian retirees have re-located to Mexico as an alternative retirement destination that was affordable, offered desirable weather and was close to their communities of origin in North America. To further analyze these trends, especially in the context of the current economic crisis, the International Community Foundation surveyed over 840 U.S. retirees in coastal areas of Mexico over 50 years of age. Key findings include: • Survey respondents selected Mexico for the lifestyle (79%), cost of living (75%), weather (69%), and proximity to the U.S. (63%). They also considered other overseas destinations, including Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize. • Over 62% of survey respondents live in a house rather than a condo. Focus groups also voiced a clear preference for Mexican-style colonial architecture and the "village" concept as opposed to high-rise urban living. • When considering the purchase of a home in Mexico, survey respondents noted that the availability of basic infrastructure and utilities (84%) and clear legal title (82%) were more important considerations than the price (78%). • The vast majority (77%) of respondents owned their homes; only 16% were renters. Though survey respondents were not specifically asked if their home was purchased 100% in cash or was financed, many focus group participants confirmed that they had purchased their retirement homes with cash.
• 61% of U.S. retirees surveyed indicated that they would be willing to pay higher property taxes if they could be guaranteed better municipal services (including zoning enforcement, water, police, and fire). • When asked to advise those would-be retirees considering purchasing a home in Mexico, 69% of survey respondents highlighted the need to fully understand the risks of buying a home in a foreign country. 15% of respondents noted that retirees should "take the leap of faith" and that everything will work out okay. The International Community Foundation released its report "Housing and Real Estate Trends Among Americans Retiring in Mexico’s Coastal Communities" to make recommendations to policymakers in both the United States and Mexico, as well as to educate and inform U.S. retirees about key issues to consider when purchasing real estate in Mexico. The report is the third of five research studies that will be published by the Foundation. NOTE: The International Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1990 with a mission to expand the level of charitable giving internationally by U.S. donors with an emphasis on Mexico and Central America The full report can be seen at www.icfd.org/publicat10/rra.php
About the Author John Glaab is a founding member of AMPI Los Cabos and currently a member of AMPI La Paz. A Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) he is active in the National Association of Realtors® Global Business Alliance
another day in paradise
BY Linda Neil
Real Estate Law
living in a RENTAL HOME in
MEXICO...
taking the big step by small measures!
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Oftentimes it makes sense for newcomers to an area to rent a home prior to making a purchase. This provides an opportunity to explore, to learn the neighborhoods, and then begin to understand the personality of the city or town before making the leap to a purchase and a more permanent commitment. Everyday more and more foreigners, people from the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, have found Mexico to be an ideal location for healthy retirement. Others have come to Mexico as a result of job transfers. Others still, taking advantage of electronic and wireless com-
munications, seek out delightful areas in which to live and work from their in-home offices and studios. There are many areas in Mexico that offer opportunities for rentals and for retirement or vacation living: Mazatlan, Puerto
Vallarta, Manzanillo, Zihuatanejo and La Paz, Todos Santos, Los Cabos and the East Cape on the Baja Peninsula all offer wonderful options on the seashore, as do Merida and the Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Ajijic, Chapala and San Miguel de Allende are well established retire
Coastal vacation rental, above, Zihuatanejo Bay from the hills above Playa La Ropa, left, Photo by Pamela McDermid.
Questions to Ask when looking for that special rental house or condominium: 1. What is the length of time the property is available for rental? (Some owners wish to rent only part of the year) continued from page 48
ment areas with many rentals available. Morelia, capital of the state of Michoacan, with its international airport and many cultural festivals is fast gaining importance as a retirement Mecca. In some areas, many homes or apartments may not be available for rent. Fewer still may be fully furnished and ready for the international visitor. It is not always the landlord's custom to maintain the property either. Any rental may require fixing up, a refrigerator, a stove, basic furniture and lots of paint. Nonetheless this can also be a fun experience for the couple who wants to learn about the area! Rental terms can be from a few days to indefinite, depending upon the owners.
2. What utilities are included in the rent? (Electricity, water, internet, cable?) 3. What type of air-conditioning system/ heating system does the property have? 4. Is telephone service available? Is cable service available? 5. Is the water service reliable? It is always a good idea to have a rental contract, in English, if you do not understand Spanish, which outlines the term of the agreement, the security deposit and conditions of its return, amount to be paid, extras, if any, and so forth. This contract should be prepared by a rental management company.
It makes sense to contact a rental agency to assist in the search and to assist you with the details. The professional agency will know the landlord, the time available for the rental, will be able to provide a history of repairs, and potential issues with the property. It will also be able to help you locate the RIGHT house to meet your requirements. of funds?
About the Author LINDA NEIL is the founder of The Settlement Company速, specializing in real estate transfers and escrows, and the Virtual Closing速. Licensed as a California real estate broker, Ms. Neil has pursued her profession in Mexico for more than thirty years. Her skills in negotiating contracts between parties from three distinct cultures have placed her services in demand as a consultant and for speaking engagements on Mexican law and customs in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Memberships: FIABCI, AMPI and NAR. Linda is a former member of the National Advisory Council of AMPI and has served as AMPI Coordinator for the state of Baja California Sur. The Settlement Company速: in Mexico: 01-800627-5130 International: 1-877-214-4950 or 011-52-612-123-5056 E-mail info@settlementco.com, website: www.settlement-co.com
IZ Properties
Real Estate Listings
Centro Comercial Ixtapa Plaza, Local #1, Ixtapa (across from Hotel Emporio) Tel. (755) 553-3322, US Tel. (213) 265-9654, Canada & Midwest US (651) 327-3606 www.izproperties.net, e-mail: info@izproperties.net
Bay View Grand Residencial 3 bedroom, 3 bath plus service quarters with additional bathroom and shower. This 250 square meter (2700 sq ft) condo has never been used. Huge living room with gorgeous view to the ocean has plumbing for wet bar. Incredible unobstructed ocean views. Priced to sell at $424,900 USD
Incredible unobstructed views of the ocean and Palmar Bay. This beachfront one bedroom condo comes with upscale tasteful furnishings.You not only have million dollar ocean views, but also majestic inland and mountain views from the Master Bedroom. Great Rental unit also. Priced to sell quickly at $210,000.
Beachfront 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with spectacular view of the entire bay. Granite countertops in kitchen and upgraded bathrooms with marble countertops. Soak in the jacuzzi on your terrace as you watch the sun sink into the pacific. Located in preferred North Tower. Priced at $385,000 (includes furnishings)
Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath charming condo in great quiet neighborhood just four or five blocks from the beach. Roomy bedrooms with King size beds and each with its own terrace. Separate laundry room beyond kitchen with washer and dryer (included with all furnishings). Terrific price at $110,000!
Magnificent 11,000 square foot designer home on the Promontory overlooking the Pacific Ocean and its own private cove. Ocean views from every room make this one of a kind home the most spectacular in Ixtapa. For those with discriminating taste who want the best of the best. Price reduced to 4,900,000 USD.
Unique corner property with two homes on one lot. Located in the upscale professional section of El Hujal. Live in one home and rent the other, or, use as a business office. Plenty of private parking with access to two streets. Beautiful garden in center of lot. Priced at $225,000 USD.
Beautifully decorated 4 bedroom, 4 bath plus service quarters condo in 5 star Amara complex on the Beach. Best views in entire complex from this 10th floor condominium. Features galore in this condo from the motorized shades in the kitchen and living rooms to the large flat screen TV. $550,000.
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Live the dream in an Aramara home in prestigious Contramar. Ocean views from every room. Each house with its own infinity edge pool. 24 Hour security and private beach access. From 475 square meters. Priced from $1,100,000 USD (includes furnishings).
Very private small complex Siete Lunas (Seven Moons) at the end of the cul de sac overlooking the Blue Pacific Ocean in prestigious Contramar. Seven luxury 3 bedroom condominiums with highly upgraded kitchens await your arrival. Your choice of floorplan in each 1800 square foot unit (no extra charge). From 456,333 USD.
IZ Properties
Centro Comercial Ixtapa Plaza, Local #1, Ixtapa (across from Hotel Emporio) Tel. (755) 553-3322, US Tel. (213) 265-9654, Canada & Midwest US (651) 327-3606 www.izproperties.net, e-mail: info@izproperties.net
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The two level penthouse unit in Doce Soles, a small upscale complex in the hills of Contramar is now available. Recently renovated, it boasts marble floors, upgraded custom cabinetry in kitchen, and two terraces with killer views of all of Palmar Bay and the gorgeous sunsets. Priced $499,000.
Ground level 2 bedroom Boughambillas condominium with extremely upgraded furnishings. Custom wood cabinetry throughout. Large functional kitchen with separate storage room. Beautifully maintained pool and common area have best view of the the golf course. Only six units in the complex provides privacy and tranquility. This won't last at $195,000 USD.
3 Bedroom, 2 bath two level Club Costa condo nicely furnished. Two pools in well maintained and managed complex. Just a few short blocks to the beach and town center. Furnishings included at 1,600,000 pesos MN.
3 bedroom, 2 bath condominium in the Prestigious Marina del Sol complex on the beach. Beautiful views of the beach and ocean in front, and the Marina from the back bedrooms. Well maintained comfortable condo with A/C throughout (furnishings included) at $495,000.
Completely renovated from the marble floors up, this 3 bedroom, 2 bath Porto Ixtapa condo has what it takes for those looking for a more "residential" feel. Incredible Ocean and Marina views from the dual patios. Custom cabinetry in modern kitchen with stainless steel countertop. Inviting jacuzzi overlooking fantastic views. $475,000 USD.
Completely remodeled recently, this two bedroom, two bath Premium corner Monarca condo located on the sixth floor has the most expansive views. Custom cabinetry throughout. Beautiful etched marble floors. Unique indoor/outdoor living room/terrace with disappearing sliding glass doors. Priced at $415,000.
Single family home in Golondrinas area. Just a couple of blocks from town center and the beach. Approximately 200 square meters of construction. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms,large living room leading out to the swimming pool in the backyard. Large 1200 square meter lot right along the golf course. Listed at $249,000 USD
3 bedroom, 2 bath 1820 square foot Zihuatanejo condominium overlooking LaRopa Beach and the Bay. Indoor/outdoor living at its best with tiled jacuzzi on enormous terrace with weather protected bar and kitchen. Huge living room with gorgeous views to the bay. Hand laid marble floors throughout. Great Rental! $419,900 USD.
This well-maintained stately custom 3 bedroom home with beautiful private yard and pool is located in the very prestigious Villas de las Garzas area of homes. Priced at $350,000 USD.
Real Estate Listings
Apartment in pleasant prívate complex, Real de Palmas, with a tranquil environment and extensive
green spaces with beach. The apt is just what a small family or couple needs to spend a long season enjoying the sun, sea, and tranquility of this Mexican paradise. 1 BDRM, 2 bath, living room, equipped kitchen, balcony. Contact M. Sylvia for information cel. 755-108-2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx
El Secreto del Mar. Spectacular house For Sale with a great view, overlooking La Ropa Beach.3 Bedrooms, 2 bath and a huge infinity pool. Reduced price from 750K to 625K for few days only. Info: mobile phone 044 755 1216469. By appointment only.
VILLA in Condos Tesoro: Comfortably decorated, excellently maintained interior: 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, living room, dining room, equipped kitchen, wash room, covered car port, terraces, jacuzzi in master bedroom. Contact M. Sylvia for information cel. 755-108-2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx
Apt with garden & pool view. 2 Bdrm, 2 bath, dining room, equipped kitchen, terrace in nice private condo complex, Real de Palmas, with a tranquil environment and extensive green areas, pool and beach. Just right for an pleasant vacation or for a long stay enjoying sun, sea and tranquility in paradise. For more information: M. Silvya al cel. 755 108 2090, marsylvia11@prodigy.net.mx
Doce Soles. For Sale one of the best appartments in Ixtapa. Spectacular view.Fully equiped with top of the line appliances. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, TV room, laundry and a huge covered terrace facing the ocean. Info: mobile phone 044 755 1216469. By appointment only.
El Secreto del Mar. For Sale 3 residential and condominial lots on La Ropa Area. 579, 658 and 839 sq mts. Great ocean view. Only 500 steps to the best beach in Zihua. Business opportunities. Info: mobile phone 044 755 1216469. By appointment only.
SO Beachfront lots at their lowest prices in years. Troncones offered at $240,000. Pantla offered at $190,000. Other beaches from $110,000. Off beach lots from $30,000. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 5540719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.
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Beachfront home in Troncones offered at $445,000 negotiable. Owners are anxious to sell, make offer. Other discounted homes available. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 5540719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.
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Amazing architecture. Seven luxury suites in this boutique hotel overlooking Playa La Ropa. Palapa, tropical hardwoods, pool, office, kitchens, laundry, managers apartment and more, reduced to $2 million. Contact John Murphy in Zihuatanejo at (755) 5540719 or email john@mexicobeachproperty.com.
CASA CONTENTA, A spectacular home with an amazing ocean view located in El Hujal. 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, completely furnished, pool, garage, and large garden. This home is a great buy for anyone looking to spend time in Zihuatanejo $400,000 USD. Call Costa Grande Real Estate. 554 1999, Cell 044 755 100 7100 www.costagranderealestate.com
CASA LA ROMA, A large home with a breath taking view of the Zihuatanejo bay located in Los Romanceros. 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, garage, jacuzzi, AC, 2,700 SQ FT. This cozy home is 5 mins walking distance to down town and priced to sell at $250,000 USD. Call Costa Grande Real Estate. 554 1999, Cell 044 755 100 7100 www.costagranderealestate.com
CONDO 12 SOLES, The BEST Condo on the market in Ixtapa, with a view to die for, located near las brisas hotel in Ixtapa. 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, completely furnished, pool, and all on one level. Take advantage of this offer priced at $ 420,000 USD. Call Costa Grande Real Estate 554 1999, Cell 044 755 100 7100 www. costagranderealestate.com
Rent this residence located in Ixtapa behind Casa Bonita. Exclusive, private, with pool & palapa, totally furnished with all the services. 4 bedrooms & TV Room, can accommodate up to 16 people comfortably, perfect for large families. $8,000 pesos per night. Viva La Playa, Real Estate Services, vivalaplaya.realtor@gmail.com, Tel.+(52) 755 120 1496 US Phone (209) 210 3409
Apt for sale in exclusive Preciosa condominiums on the Bay, 2 bedrooms, studio, dining room, kitchen, living room, fully furnished. For sale at $480,000 USD, 124 m2 aprox. Impressive Zihua Bay view, Viva La Playa, Real Estate Services, vivalaplaya.realtor@gmail.com, Tel.+(52) 755 120 1496, US Phone (209) 210 3409
Sale: Beautiful property south of Zihuatanejo, 102 hectĂĄreas with consessioned ocean front, lagoon potable water, roads, electricty, highway access, titled. For more information call 755 120 14 96, con Jacquie RodrĂguez, Increible!! Viva La Playa, Real Estate Services, vivalaplaya.realtor@gmail.com, Tel.+(52) 755 120 1496 US Phone (209) 210 3409
Casa Que Ve Al Mar Penthouse - 2 floors of divine living space, designed for tropical comfort and beauty. Great kitchen, dipping pool, view of the bay and ocean. 2 bedrooms, Studio/TV room, Enrique Zozaya signature outdoor showers. Live in or rent out! US$695,000 Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties www.paradiseproperties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
Charming 3 BR Town House - Adorable walled 2-story house with garden and patio to give you that feeling of being in a secret hideaway. A/C, ceiling fans, off-street parking. La Boquita area. Unfurnished US$140,000. Judith Whitehead, Paradise Properties 1www.paradise-properties.com.mx Tel. (52) 755 554 6226, Cell: (52) 755 557 0078, U.S.: 1 (321) 206 4131
Cerro del Vigia Showplace, Beautifully appointed, executive style home, overlooking Las Gatas Beach w/ stunning 180-degree view of Zihua Bay. Designed by renowned architect Carlos Desormaux, 408 sq. m (4400 sq ft.) private residence situated on a 460.60 sq m (4957 sq ft) lot in gated Cerro del Vigia. 118 Real Estate Tel. 755-103-6013, 755-102-8737 www.118realestate.com info@118realestate.com
Real Estate Listings
Troncones Beach Bungalows, For Rent, from $98.00 per night. Surf Shop, Gourmet Dining, on Pristine Manzanillo Bay. Visit our website at www. manzanillobay.com or call 755-553-2884
NEW! Villa Festiva ~ the jewel at the waters edge Brand new beachfront hideaway for RENT. Loose yourself in the luxury and comfort of a resort with the barefoot tranquility and authentic charm of exotic traditional Mexico. Three private and romantic king size suites. Palapa bar and infinity pool. Wifi. Full size kitchens in each villa. A/C. www.villafestiva.com or call 916-997-7669 US.
Whole Ownership Beach Front Villas, A new concept by Enrique Zozaya, luxury appointed villas with all the amenities of a boutique hotel. On a pristine stretch of beach in an authentic Mexican Village, just 20 minutes from Zihuatanejo and 10 minutes from ZIH international airport. Villas Las Palmas at Playa Blanca, 118 Real Estate Tel. 755-103-6013, www. villaslaspalmas.net vlp@118realestate.com )
For Sale/For Rent – Beachfront Hotel in Troncones. 4 bungalows, 5 king suites, 3 family
Long-term/Short-term rental, Ixtapa, Club de Golf Fully furnished, fully equipped, 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath
Absolutely Gorgeous! For Sale Troncones – Eight lots on a small swimmable bay with lagoon, secluded and set apart from the rest of Troncones. Most private and beautiful lots you will find in Troncones, approx. 8,000 - 9,000 sq. ft. $175,000 - 295,000 USD. Also, two commercial lots available on the water in Troncones. Contact patrickcrosby@verizon.net for more details.
suites and one 2 bedroom executive suite, all with great views, steps from the beach. Restaurant, Full gym, Parking $75 US - $150 US / night. For info: www. micasasucasa.ws
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COLONIA LA MADERA- For Sale-New top quality construction, 3-story hilltop home on quiet street w/ stairs to Playa la Madera, 3 bdrms with terraces, 2 lrg. full bathrooms, lrg. modern kitchen, deck w/360 degree view of Zihuatanejo and bay, A lower fourth floor with foundation ready for in-law apt. Entire property can be 4 separate bungalows. For more info email: zihuacasalinda@gmail.com
home w/mother-in-law’s apartment in Ixtapa. Jacuzzi tub, beautiful blue tiled pool, large palapa covered entertaining area, washing machine, walled for security and privacy. 18,000 pesos or 1,500 US per month. Contact patrickcrosby@verizon.net for more information
Beautifully renovated and appointed inside; panoramic views outside, and full security make this 2 bdrm villa in a prestigeous gated community a very attractive option to buy, especially at a realistic price for the current economic climate. Pools, restaurant, tennis courts and lush gardens complete the picture. USD440,000 neg. villarojasb@gmail.com.
Zihua’s most luxurious residence. Close to heaven! Designed and built by Enrique Zozaya, 18,514 sq. ft. private residence on hillside w/sweeping views of the bay and ocean. 6 bedrooms + quarters, gym, 8 full bathrooms, guest ½ bath, 5 swimming pools, water filtration system and all state of the art technology. 118 Real Estate Tel. 755-103-6013, 755-102-8737 www.118realestate.com info@118realestate.com
T H E R E ’ S M E X I C A N F O O D. AND THERE’S T H E F O O D O F M E X I C O.
Against the backdrop of a quiet fishing village, world-class resorts and never-ending coastline, savor authentic Mexican cuisine over three
delectable days. Delve deep into traditional flavors and local ingredients perfectly complemented by contemporary techniques and styles. Taste creations by local and internationally renowned guest chefs, all connoisseurs of Mexican fare. To join the festivities and experience the local hospitality visit www.foodandwine.com/iz.
MARCH 26 - 28, 2011 • 32 TASTES. 1 HISTORY. 1 SOUL.
THE PLACE YOU THOUGHT YOU KNEW