Galeria de Ollas to Feature Miniature Pots: An unassuming thimble gives clues about the size of these exquisite miniature pots, only 1.5 inches tall, created by Mata Ortiz artist Guadalupe Gallegos.
Military Macaws: Military Macaws, or guacamayas as they are known locally, are a class of medium-sized parrots native to Mexico, Central and South America. Not quite as colorful as some of the larger members of the macaw family, the Military Macaws are equally impressive.
Refreshing Tuba: While tuba isn’t indigenous to Mexico and the word doesn’t come from the Spanish language, tuba is certainly part of the Malecón or beach experience in Puerto Vallarta.
Why Title Guaranty?: When you decide to buy a property you must be certain that after the sale has been completed you will be the true owner of the property. You need to be confident that no liens, encumbrances or other impediments will prevent your free use and enjoyment of the property.
Escrow; Third Party Security: When purchasing a property one of the most important issues to address for both a buyer and seller is how and under what conditions the funds will be safely transferred.
Local Artist Prepares for Upcoming Season: Preparing for the fall 2007 gallery season’s opening in October, internationally acclaimed artist Laurie Chase is expanding the focus of her newest collection of canvases to capture an expanded range of locations in Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding Banderas Bay area.
Gustavo Perez Ceramics Come to Puerto Vallarta: Mexican artist Gustavo Pérez is considered the best ceramist in Mexico, his signature visual style full of personal meaning and spirit. Internationally, he is represented by the acclaimed Frank Lloyd Gallery. These unique creations are now available locally at Mata Ortiz Art Gallery, Plaza Peninsula.
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Molcajete at Your Table: If you are looking for an authentic Mexican dining experience while visiting Puerto Vallarta, this molcajete salsa, custom made right at your own table is as close as you get to the real thing. A regular feature at Agave Grill (Morelos 589, El Centro) this salsa, served with tortilla chips or totopos, is a great way to start your meal.
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The Huichol Universe Slide Show: For our recently-published article on the fascinating world of the Huichol, we were thrilled to feature contributing photographer Jay Ailworth's compelling images. To further enhance your experience, we feature the music of the Maxa-Keta Huichol Duet.
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Real Estate Trends 2007-2008: For the past five years, we have prepared a list of trends we perceived to be taking place in the Vallarta real estate market. Information is gathered through interviews with real estate agents and developers, then compiled and reviewed for trends.
Juan Luis Cifuentes Lemus: Doctor Taxista: The enthusiasm and passion of Dr. Juan Luis Cifuentes Lemus, Honoris Causa of CUCosta (Centro Universitario de la Costa, UDG), precedes this marine biologist, public activist and environmentalist. With a motto of “living beings well-evaluated” (los seres vivos bien evaluados), he focuses his prime attention on the youth, believing that “what we know, we take care of.”
Surfing: For decades, surfers of all ages have flocked to Mexico’s Pacific coast, long considered to be a destination of choice, in order to benefit from its more than 1,500 miles of beaches, points and reefs. Well-known surf spots from the northern state of Sinaloa all the way down to Oaxaca are awaiting exploration year round.
Cravings: A Guayaba: A very rich source of vitamin C (even more so than the ubiquitous orange), guayabas – or guavas, as they are known up north – are as delicious fresh as they are in their many widely available incarnations, from thick rolls of rich guava paste to bottled guava nectar. And since they can be harvested year round in warm climates, they are considered one of Mexico’s leading fruits.
Living with Art in a Tropical Environment: The paper and chemicals traditionally used in photography make it especially vulnerable to damage, such as fading, mold and disintegration, from exposure to light, humidity and heat. Special technology and products used in the printing and mounting processes, along with temperature and humidity-control of the space where photos are displayed or stored, can circumvent the risk.
Molcajete Salsa at Your Table: A basalt (volcanic rock) tool traditionally used at home to grind spices and prepare salsas and guacamole, the molcajete, or Mexican mortar, is the big enchilada of kitchen gadgets here, dating back to Aztec times.
Earnestly Speaking Nonsense — In a Spanish-Speaking Land: I doubt any gringos actually set out to make fools of themselves here. But speaking “Spanglish” certainly adds to the likelihood that it’s going to happen now and then. Personally, since my livelihood depends on a facility with language, I’m mortified to have an IQ that apparently slumps 80% when speaking what I’ve come to call “Silly Spanish.”
La Piñata: The soul of a Mexican fiesta: Piñatas are the very soul of children’s parties in Mexico. All youngsters wait impatiently for the moment they can try to break this model made of papier mache and metal, its belly a clay pot filled with candies. This folk art attracts not only children; adults also fall under its colorful spell when it appears at a Christmas party or even sometimes at a wedding.
The Huichol Universe: They are easily spotted at diverse shops around town, painstakingly attaching multi-colored beads to hand-carved wooden sculptures depicting a variety of fantastic creatures.
Empowering the Youth of Banderas Bay: Today’s young people hold the future in their hands. Yet the Mexican educational system alone is not equipped to prepare them to benefit from and cope with the challenges and opportunities inherent in Vallarta, which is experiencing largescale tourism and development.
Marvel of the Sea: Long before jet skis and condominiums, ATVs and fishing trawlers, female sea turtles crawled from the oceans and bays along the Pacific coast of Mexico to fling away loose sand and construct their nests.
