mexi-go! fall 2012

The Charms of SonoraBeaches, mountains and the desert

A Cool ReliefPátzcuaro, michoacán

One Day in the Heart of Puerto Vallartaa day outside the resort

SUP on the Riviera NayaritPaddle Boarding is the latest craze

Moving to MexicoVacation to resident in under a week

livin’ the Dreamretiring to Paradise in the yucatan

Fixer-Uppersthree tales of renoVations in mexico

connecting mexico to canada www.mexi-go.ca

traVel lifestyle real estate retirement fall 2012

MEXI-GO • sEptEMbEr 1, 2012 • 7.25 X 9.58

Our 2012-2013 South Collection brochure is now available and offers our best promotions and redefined collections that allow you to create your perfect vacation!

Our Price GuaranteeWe offer a Price Guarantee, so if your Transat Holidays vacation package becomes available at a lower price than the one paid, you’ll be refunded the difference in CASH (up to $400 per adult).

The earlier you book, the more you’ll get!

Advantages of booking by:

September 30, 2012■ Price Guarantee ■ Deposit of $100 instead of $250* ■ Travel dates can be changed

up to 72 hours before departure† ■ Free upgrade to Option Plus or

CanJet Select with Distinction or Experience packages**

October 31, 2012■ Price Guarantee ■ Deposit of $150 instead of $250*■ Travel dates can be changed

up to 21 days before departure†■ Free upgrade to Option Plus or

CanJet Select with Distinction or Experience packages**

Applicable to travel between Dec. 18, 2012 and Apr. 30, 2013. Offer does not apply to group and Florida bookings, cruises, flights and Sandals and Beaches Resorts packages. Clients booking by Oct. 31, 2012 can change their original travel date once. Travel can be changed but must be completed by Oct. 31, 2013. Changes to travel dates are subject to hotel and flight availability. If the price for the new travel date is higher, the client must pay the difference. No refund will be given should the price for the new travel date be lower than the original. *Applicable only on bookings made through travel agents. **Subject to availability. Not applicable to seat selection and upgrades made on the air carrier’s website. †Change of departure date request must be made directly to the customer’s travel agent. If unavailable, customer may contact TRANSAT at 1-866-322-6649 (Mon. to Fri. from 9 am to 11 pm EST and Sat. and Sun. from 9 am to 9 pm EST).

Our Sun Promotions

For A Romantic Retreat Las Alamandas, Costalegre: There is no betterspot to detach from life and reconnect as a couple. 1,500 acres of pristineparadise with 4 private beaches. An unforgettable location for a destinationwedding!!

For A Group Getaway Dreams Resorts Mexico. Whether it is a corporategroup or family reunion, Dreams Resorts does it right. They have lots of greatperks for groups and 1 in every 6 rooms are free!

For Family Fun Paradisus Esmeralda, Playa Del Carmen. It's the newestof the Paradisus Resorts chain and fantastic for families. The kids will loveall of the attention they get–from a video game menu to turn down servicewith cookies and milk. The parents will appreciate the level of service andquality and choice of restaurants.

For Cultural Experience Explore the mysteries of the Maya World withthe 7 day Tierra Maya program. It visits all of the important archeologicalsites in the Yucatan and includes time in the beautiful colonial cities ofCampeche and Merida. Add a few days of beach at the end and create anunforgettable package!

We’re your Mexico specialists. Flights, hotels, packages-we have it all!

My top picks

Why not add some colonial charm to your beach vacation?• Ixtapa with Morelia• Huatulco and the city of Oaxaca• Riviera Maya with the city of Campeche• Cancun with the city of Merida

These are just a few of the destinations that are easily combinable.Ask your favourite travel consultant for details!

I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity tolive in Mexico and to travel extensively within this beautifulcountry with so much diversity.

I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity tolive in Mexico and to travel extensively within this beautifulcountry with so much diversity.

–Tammy Cecco, Vice President–Tammy Cecco, Vice President

ANY WAYyou LIKE IT! CALL TOTAL VACATIONS 1.800.769.4147

Ont. Reg #1553089. Tico #5001-8652

6 Mexi-Go! Fall 2012

Editor-in-Chief MadelineMilneEditor MoraleaMilne

CREATIVEArtDirector MadelineMilne BradHopwoodContributors GaryR.Beck WendyRains LaurieRoberts ErinStaley AnitaDraycott GabrielJones AudreyRoyem CraigZabransky VictoriaPratt MoraleaMilne JeffObserPhotography BarbNettleton MadelineMilne MoraleaMilneDistribution MaxwellHansen-Milne

ADVERTISINGANDSALESGarthWatson|[email protected]|[email protected]|Yucatan&[email protected]|[email protected]

MARKETINGANDPRVeronicaRivas [email protected]

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/mexi-goproperties

www.twitter.com/mexigoproperty

www.twitter.com/mexigomag

www.mexi-go.ca

Mexi-Go!ispublishedbyCanadianMarketingStrategiesSdeRLdeCVCopyright(2012)

Madeline MilneEditor-in-Chief, Art DirectorMadeline’sexpertiseinreal

estatemarketingandpassion

forlifeinMexicoisthefounda-

tiononwhichMexi-Go!isbuilt.

LivingfulltimeinMexicobrings

experienceandreallifeskills

tothecreativeprocess.When

she’snotexploringnewpartsof

Mexico,youcanfindMadeline

underherpalapa,poolside,with

agoodbookandherposseof

Chihuahuas.Shedivideshertime

betweenVancouver,BCand

Mexico.

MORalea MilneEditorMoralealivesinMetchosinBC

wheresheisanelectedcouncil-

lor,respectedvolunteerfor

localenvironmentalgroupsand

frequentcontributortothelocal

paper.Whentherainandwind

gettobetoomuch,Moralea

headstoMexico,whereshe

findspleasureintheuniqueflora

andfauna,thebeachesandthe

highlandsandinthewarmthand

comfortoftheMexicanculture,

foodandpeople.

GaRy R. BeckContributorFirstvisitingPuertoVallarta

in1979,Garyhasmaintained

meticulousnotesonevery

diningexperiencehe’shadin

thepast30yearsinVallarta.

Garyisaregularcontributor

formanylocalPuertoVallarta

newspapersandwebsitesaswell

asSunsetMagazineandZagat.

GarypublishesthepopularPV

RestaurantGuide,Beck’sBest.

“ExploringPuertoVallarta’srich

arrayofeateriesisexhilarating.”

Becksays.

Wendy RainsContributorInternationallynoted

ArchitecturalDesigner,Journalist,

andEnvironmentalist,Wendy

Rainshasmadeherhomein

TodosSantos,B.C.S.forthepast

tenyears.Shecurrentlyhoststhe

popularCaboMilradioprogram,

TodosSantosToday,andher

digitalnewsletter,BajaTips

Weekly,touts“SolidAdviceand

TipswithaTwist”.

www.buildinginbaja.com,

www.wendyrains.com,

facebook.com/todossantostoday,

www.LTECO.org

lauRie ROBeRTsContributor LaurieRobertsistheExecutive

DirectorofESCWORKS!

InternationalInc.Canadaand

ofEnglishWORKS!&Spanish

WORKSMexico,S.C.They

specializeinprogramdesign

andimplementationofEFLfor

professionaladults.Laurieand

herteamestablishedareputation

forinnovationandexcellence

inprovidingservicetothe

mostprestigiousmultinational

companiesintheirregion.Laurie

hasalsoservedasaninternational

conferencespeaker.

GaBRiel JOnesContributorGabrielandhiswifeWendyhave

nowembarkedontheirsecond

yearlivinginMexicoandwhile

hespecializedintequilaand

tacotastinginyearone,hehas

foundanewloveinstandup

paddleboarding.Gabrielisan

enthusiasticambassadorforhis

adoptedtownofSayulita,for

animalrescue,fosteringand

adoptionandforlifeinMexico.

LookforGabriel’sSUParticlein

thiseditionandthenjoinhimin

sunnySayulita.

www.mexi-go.ca 7

audRey ROyeMContributorAudreylivesfull-timeinSayulita,

NayaritandistheDirectorof

AudreyInternational,abusiness

offeringpersonalassistance&fa-

cilitationtoforeignersinterested

inmovingto,investinginand

integratingintoMexico.Shehas

overfifteenyearsofinternational

experienceandholdaMaster’s

ofInternationalAffairsfrom

ColumbiaUniversity.Anative

ofColorado,shehaslivedand

workedinNewYorkCity,South-

eastAsiaandMexico

cRaiG zaBRanskyContributorCraigZabranskytravelsthe

worldtakingphotographsand

writingtalesoftraveltoinspire

otherstotakeandmakeadven-

tureintheirlives.Mexicohas

capturedhisheartandheseizes

everyopportunitytovisitthe

countryasoftenaspossible.You

canfindhistravelsat:

www.stayadvenutrous.com

eRin sTaleyContributorTakingherstoriesfromthestage

tothepage,choreographer

ErinStaleypirouettedherway

fromtheU.S.PacificNorthwest

toMexicoin2010.Publishedin

fictionandnon-fiction,Erinis

currentlytheeditorforaPuerto

Vallartacityguide:

www.pvguide.org.

Welcome to the familyMexi-Go!nowhasregularcolumnists.WehavereachedouttoanumberofourcontemporariesinMexicoforregularcontributionsandwehopeyou’llenjoytheinformationtheyhavetosharewithyou.

|GARYRBECK

FoodcolumnistandlocalstapleofthepublishedPuertoVallartafoodiescene,GarywritethepopularPuertoVallartarestaurantguide.FormoreofGary’stastefulwritingsvisit:

facebook.com/garyrbeck

|LAURIEROBERTS

WellknownforhersuccessfullanguageschoolinLakeChapalathatsponsorsbefore&afterschoolprogramstoorphansandlowincomefamilies.Sheisaffectionatelyknownasthe“guera”(blond&lightskinned)withaMexicanheart!

www.escint.com

|WENDYRAINS

LongtimeTodosSantosresidentandwomanofmanytalents,WendywillbringtalesoftheBajatoeachissue.Wendyisonlineinaplethoraofplacesincluding:

facebook.com/todossantostoday,

|AUDREYROYEM

AudreylivesandworksinthesurftastictownofSayulita,Nayarit.ShehelpspeoplefindtheanswertothemanyquestionssurroundinglifeinMexico.YouanfindAudreyandherwisdomat:

www.audreyinternational.com

|INTERNATIONALSURGEONSOFTHEAMERICAS

Fromapersonalexperiencethatforcedthemtolookatemergencylifesav-ingmedicalcareinMexico;ISAhelpspatientsfindthebestsurgeonsfortheirneeds.YoucanlearnmoreaboutISAatwww.surgeonsintl.com

ONTHECOVER|PuertoVallartaSunrise

aniTa dRaycOTTContributorAnitahasbeenaToronto-

basedjournalist,editorand

photographerformorethan

twenty-fiveyears.Heraward-

winningtravelarticlesregularly

appearinsuchpublications

asZoomer,Doctor’sReview,

Sunwingin-flightmagazine

andLuxuryGolf&Travel.Her

column,FairwaystoHeaven,

appearsbimonthlyinwww.

travelindustrytoday.com.

Aself-confessedgolfaddict,she

haschaseddimpledwhiteballs

oversixcontinents.

BaRB neTTleTOnPhotographerBarbisanactivevolunteeratHarbourfront

Int’lFestivalofAuthors,PENCanada,and

WritersTrustinherhometownofToronto.

SheismarriedtoFrank,hasahorsenamed

Flash(whoforthelastelevenyearsdoes

veryspecialworkteachingatriskyouth

howtoride),twosons,adogandacat.

BarbaracomesbacktoMexicoeveryyear,

camerainhand!

ReTiReMenT

TRaVel

liVinG

Real esTaTe

56 18

4636

12Ordering off a Spanish MenuAhandyguideofdiningrelatedtermsandfoodsyoumightnototherwisebefamiliar.

18The Charm of SonoraBeaches,mountainsandthedesertoffertravelerstoSonoraawealthofoutdooropportunities.

24A Cool ReliefVisitPátzcuaro,Michoacántoescapethesummerheat,oneofMexico’sPuebosMagicos.

26One Day in the Heart of Puerto VallartaLeavethecomfortofyourresortbe-hindandspendtheday(orlonger)exploringthisfunbeachsidecity.

36Nothing like a fixer-upper to bring you out of retirement!ThreehomerenovationsinBahiadeBanderas.

40Moving to MexicoThreedaysintoaweek-longvacationthisTorontonianwasinspiredtobuyarestaurantandnowcallsMexicohome.

46SUP on the Riviera NayaritThefastestgrowingwatersporthastakenoverthebaysofRivieraNayarit.

50livin’ the DreamVictorianative,LizCunningham,travelstotheYucatantolearnmoreaboutretiringtoparadise.

56Dream HomesAselectionofsomeofMexico’sfinesthomesforsale.

FEATURES

RegistRation of Canadians abRoad

A free service that could save your life

We encourage you to sign up for the Registration of Canadians abroad service if you

are travelling or living in western Mexico.

Registration enables us to reach you in case of an emergency abroad, such as a hurricane or civil unrest, or inform you

about an emergency at home.

Sign up online: travel.gc.ca/register

or register by email, fax, or in person.

For more information, contact the Consulate of Canada in Guadalajara

or the Consular Agency of Canada in Puerto Vallarta:

Tel.: 52 (33) 3671-4740 (Guadalajara) 52 (322) 293-0098 (Puerto Vallarta)

Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Internet: www.mexico.gc.ca

Information obtained through registration is confidential and is used in accordance with the provisions of Canada’s Privacy Act.

insCRiPtion des Canadiens À L’ÉtRangeR Un service gratuit qui pourrait vous sauver la vie

Nous vous encourageons à utiliser le service d’inscription des Canadiens à l’étranger si vous voyagez ou habitez dans l’ouest du Mexique. Nous pourrons ainsi vous rejoindre en cas d’urgence à l’étranger, par exemple à la suite d’un ouragan ou de troubles civils, ou vous informer de toute urgence qui surviendrait au Canada. Inscrivez-vous en ligne : voyage.gc.ca/inscriptionou par courriel, par télécopieur ou en personne. Pour plus d’information, communiquez avec le consulat du Canada à Guadalajara ou l’agence consulaire du Canada à Puerto Vallarta : Tél. : 52 (33) 3671-4740 (Guadalajara)52 (322) 293-0098(Puerto Vallarta)Courriel : [email protected];[email protected] : www.mexique.gc.ca Les renseignements fournis sont confidentiels et utilisés conformément à la Loi sur la protection des renseignements personnels.


Hola!Bythetimeyoureadthiswewillhavewrappedupthefirst(ofmany)Mexi-Go!Expos.ThisSeptemberisthe2ndAnniversaryofMexi-Go!andtheExpoisthenewesttoolwehavedevelopedtohelpinformCanadiansaboutlifeinMexico.Withoverfortyexhibitorsandtwodaysofseminars,wehopethatourvisitorslearnedsomethingnewandirresistiblyexcit-ingaboutMexico.IfyoumissedtheVancouvershow,pleasekeepyoureyeoutforussooninCalgary–datesarestillunderconsiderationbutcheckonmexi-goexpo.comformoredetails.

TheExpoisproudtobeworkingwithRivieraNayaritandPuertoVallartatopromotetheBayofBanderas.Thisbeautifulregionisashortfour-hourfightfromVancouverandoffersalltheamenitiesyoucoulddesireforaweeklongvacationoramorepermanentmove.Oneofmyfavouritethingsaboutthisareaistheproximitytothemountains.TheyremindmeofmyhometownofVancouver,andtheyaddanotherlevelofexplorationjustoutsidethecity.AshortdistancesouthoftheBayofBanderas,wetouredtheHaciendaElDivisaderoandlearnedmoreabouttheproductionofRaicilla–aspiritsimilartoTequila(readaboutitonpage42.)ItisagreatdaytripfromPuertoVallartaandoneIrecommendyouconsiderthenexttimeyouareintown.

Forthepasttwoyears,thiscountryhasawedandinspiredmeonanearlydailybasis.Mymothercametovisitforaweekthissummer,andtoescapetheheatwedidanimprompturoadtriptoPátzcuaroinMichoacán(thestatetowhichtheMonarchbutterfliesmigrate).Thosetwodaysonlyhighlightedthefactthatthereissomuchtoseeandappreciateinthiscountry.TolearnmoreaboutPátzcuaroreadthearticleonpage24.

Asyouplanforyourholidaysthiswinter,weencourageyoutovisitouradvertisersandtakeadvantageoftheirservices.Manyofferexcellentpackagedealsifyouwanttotravelbeforethestartoftheholidayrush.Asalways,wewelcomeyourcomments.Pleasesendusanemail,welovetohearfromyou.

cOnTacT us!

Doyouhavecomments?Astorytoshare?HaveyoumadethemovetoMex-icoandwanttoletusknowhowgreatit’sbeen?Shareyourwisdomwithus!Byallmeans-sendusanemail-we’dlovetohearfromyou!

[email protected]

facebook.com/MexiGoMagazine

twitter.com/MexiGoMag

Safe travels,[email protected]

SUBSCRIBETODAY

Lovethefeelofpaperinyourhands?Theeaseofreadingamagazineonyourdeck?ThensubscribetoMexi-Go!Magazinetodayandenjoytherealthing!

$19.95/4issues

MExI-GO!ONLINE

Thisfallwewillrelaunchourrealestatelistingandrentalssitewithinformationontravel,realestateandlivinginMexico.Staytuned!

www.mexi-go.ca

JEFFREYOBSER

Contributor,centerfoldmapoftheBayofBanderas

Aone-timeCaliforniajournalistwhodiscoveredanartisticbentinMexico,“Mapa”JefffirstmappedYelapasevenyearsago--andthentookonthewholeBayofBanderas,townbytownandstreetbystreet.Hiscreations,includingcustommapsforbusinessandrentalowners,areonviewatwww.mapajeff.com.Jefflivesyear-roundinPuertoVallarta.

SPECIALCONTRIBUTOR

www.mexi-go.ca 11

Discover ceNTrAL MeXicoAffordable Luxury Homes | Tropical Gardens

Perfect Climate | Romantic Village Charm

Come Join 10,000 Canadians Who Make Ajijic Their Home

TruDie NeLsoN - Your cANADiAN reALTor

[email protected] (011) 52 376 766-1918 www.eagerrealty.com

Upcoming Events!AcrossMexicothereareexcitingcultural,travel,foodandinvest-menteventsthatareworthavisit.Herearesomeofourtoppicks!

CeRVANTiNO iNTeRNATiONAl FeSTiVAl OCTObeR 3-21

Oftenclaimedasthemostimpor-tantculturaleventinMexico,theCervantinoInternationalFestivalinGuanajuatofeaturesavant-gardeartisticperformancesandexhibi-tionsoffine,classicandmodern

art.Countriesfromaroundtheworldarerepresented,withovertwothousandnationalandinternationalartists.Youwillfindclassicalmusicandelectronicrhythms,alongwithfolkloricandcontemporarydance,aswellasplaysandmultimediashows.Cinema,visualarts,workshopsandactivitiesforthekidscanalsobeenjoyedthroughoutthefestival.

www.guanajuato.travel/cervantino

OCT 31 - NOV 2: DAy OF THe DeAD CelebRATiONS. HappeningalloverMexicobutMorelia,Michoacanisthemostfamous.StayfortheFestivaldeMúsica,Nov16-25.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/day_of_the_dead

NOV 8 - 18: PUeRTO VAllARTA GOURMeT FeSTiVAl. Enjoygourmetsafariandprogressivedining(eatingadifferentcourseateachstop)experiencesaswellascookingdemos,aninternationalculinarysymposium,wineandcheesetastingsandmore!

www.festivalgourmet.com

NOV 16 - 18: FeRiA MAeSTROS Del ARTe, AjijiC, jAliSCO. Nottobemissed(He)artshowofMexicanfolkandindigenousartandcrafts.Meettheartists,watchdemos,enjoyMexicancuisineandpur-chaseexceptionalqualityartandhandicrafts.

www.mexicoartshow.com/maestros.html

NOV 24 - 26: jAzz FeSTiVAl, RiVieRA MAyA, QUiNTANA ROO, withtheWayneShorterQuartet,amongmanyothers.

www.rivieramayajazzfestival.com/2012/

DeC 23: NOCHe De RAbANOS (DAy OF THe RADiSHeS), OAxACA, OAxACA. Radishcarvinghasbeenatalentinthethisareaforcenturies.StartyourChristmasholidayswithanovelexperience!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/night_of_the_radishes


Many visitors from all over the world do not understand Spanish on the local menus, although most establishments o�er English versions. Some even have their menu available in French, Italian or German. But Spanish versions often have more accurate wording and descriptions. This mini dictionary of restaurant terms should provide you with the con�dence to move beyond tacos and hamburguesas! Print a copy and carry it with you for dining occasions.

MealsDesayuno - breakfast, usually ends at noon.Comida - lunch and may o�er set menu: comida corrida, which is Mexican fast food of a soup, entrée and agua fresca [fruit-�avoured water] of the day.Cena - dinner, usually starts at 5 or 6 PM.Abierto - openCerrado - closed

Meats and SeafoodHuachinango - red snapper Huachinango Sarandeado - whole red snapper marinated in birria paste [roast peppers, garlic, spices] and grilled. Huachinango a la Veracruzana - baked in tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, onion and oregano. Dorado - mahi mahiAtún - tunaCamarónes - shrimpLagosta - lobsterOstiones - oystersPulpo - octopusPollo - chickenPechuga - chicken breastRes - beef [State of Sonora is reputed to produce the best quality in Mexico]Bistek a la Méxicana - diced beef cooked with tomatoes, onion, garlic and jalapeño.Arrachera - beef �ank steak, signi�cantly tougher than other beef cuts, so many recipes use moist cooking methods such as braising.Machaca - beef or pork dried with chilies and other native spices, then rehydrated and pounded for tenderness. The reconstituted meat is used for �autas, tacos, burritos or on a plate with eggs, onions and peppers [chile verde or poblano]. Carne Asada - made from thin beef steak. The meat is marinated by rubbing with olive oil, salt, spices, lemon or lime juice, pepper and/or garlic before grilling. The meat can be served alone or chopped and used in tacos, burritos or quesadillas. It is often served with guacamole, grilled onions, black beans [frijoles negros] and fresh salsa.Carnitas - shredded pork seasoned heavily before slow braising or deep frying. At this stage, the meat has broken down su�ciently to allow it to be pulled apart by hand or fork or chopped with a cleaver. Served with chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, refried beans [frijoles refritos], lime and radishes. It can be a dish by itself or as an ingredient in tamales, tacos, tortas and burritos.Chuleta de puerco - pork chopCostillas - pork ribs, usually barbecuedLomo - pork loinPato - duckChorizo - spicy Mexican sausage

Mexican Favorite Dishes and Entrées

Tampiqueña - Tampico-style of carne asada that is usually accompanied by a small portion of enchiladas or chilaquiles, refried beans and vegetables [often rajas: grilled slices of Poblano peppers].Fajitas - grilled meat served as a taco on a �our or corn tortilla. The term originally referred to the cut of beef used in the dish that is known as skirt steak. Popular meats include chicken, pork, shrimp and beef, often cooked with onions and bell peppers. Popular condiments are shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, salsas, cheese and tomato. Quesadilla - �our or corn tortilla �lled with a savory mixture containing cheese and other ingredients, then folded to form a half-moon shape. This dish originated in Mexico and the name is derived from the Spanish word queso [cheese].Ceviche - made with fresh raw �sh marinated in lemon or lime juice and spiced with chile peppers. Additional seasonings such as onion, salt, cilantro and pepper may also be added. Aguachile - Spanish: "chile water", the spicy, tart cousin of ceviche, where acid cooks seafood in place of heat. In this case, star ingredients are only barely allowed to cure before being served cold and almost entirely raw. Enchilada - corn or wheat tortilla rolled around a �lling and covered with a chile pepper sauce. May be �lled with a variety of ingredients including meat, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, seafood or combinations.Tostada - �at or bowl-shaped [like a bread bowl] tortilla that is toasted or deep fried then �lled with various items, especially lettuce which makes it salad-like.Sope - very thick tortilla with vegetables and meat toppings. The base is made from a circle of fried masa of ground maize soaked in lime [also used as the basis for tamales and tortillas], with pinched sides. Huarache - oblong, fried masa base, with a variety of toppings, such as green or red salsa, onions, potato, cilantro and meat, then �nished with queso fresco. Name is derived from the shape of the masa, similar to popular sandals. Chilaquiles - corn tortillas cut in quarters and lightly fried are the basis. Green or red salsa is poured over the crisp tortilla triangles [totopos]. Mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Eggs [scrambled or fried] and pulled chicken are often added to the mix. The dish is topped with cheese [typically queso fresco] and/or sweet Mexican cream [crema] and served with refried beans.Torta - kind of sandwich served on an oblong 6-8 inch �rm, crusty white sandwich roll called a bolillo, a torpedo-shaped French roll with a thick and crunchy crust.Chile Relleno - green chile pepper stu�ed with minced meat and coated with eggs. Typically stu�ed with melted cheese as queso Chihuahua or queso Oaxaca or with picadillo meat made of diced pork, raisins, nuts and canela, covered in the egg batter or simply corn masa �our, then fried. Although often served in a tomato sauce, the sauces vary. There are versions in Mexico using rehydrated dry chilies such as anchos or pasillas.Burrito - wheat �our tortilla wrapped or folded into a roughly cylindrical shape to completely enclose a �lling of rice, refried beans, lettuce, salsa, meat, avocado, cheese and sour cream.Taco - formed by simply folding a tortilla in half around a �lling, leaving the semicircular perimeter open and stu�ed with cheese, pork, beef, chicken, seafood, �sh, tongue, mushrooms and more.Tamale, also tamal - traditional dish made of masa [starchy dough, usually corn-based], which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The wrapping is discarded before eating. They may be �lled with meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables and chilies [often rajas]. Empanada - made by folding dough or bread around stu�ng, which usually consists of a variety of meat, cheese, huitlacoche [corn fungus], vegetables or fruits. They are usually baked or fried.Volcán - modern twist on a beef, chicken or pork tostada served on a fried tortilla, made to suggest an erupting volcano.

Ordering o� a Spanish Menu...

Author: Gary R. Beck, Puerto Vallarta, JAL.

PA

RT

ON

E

DOWNLOADA PRINTABLE

VERSION @www.mexi-go.ca/

food_directory

www.mexi-go.ca 13

Many visitors from all over the world do not understand Spanish on the local menus, although most establishments o�er English versions. Some even have their menu available in French, Italian or German. But Spanish versions often have more accurate wording and descriptions. This mini dictionary of restaurant terms should provide you with the con�dence to move beyond tacos and hamburguesas! Print a copy and carry it with you for dining occasions.

MealsDesayuno - breakfast, usually ends at noon.Comida - lunch and may o�er set menu: comida corrida, which is Mexican fast food of a soup, entrée and agua fresca [fruit-�avoured water] of the day.Cena - dinner, usually starts at 5 or 6 PM.Abierto - openCerrado - closed

Meats and SeafoodHuachinango - red snapper Huachinango Sarandeado - whole red snapper marinated in birria paste [roast peppers, garlic, spices] and grilled. Huachinango a la Veracruzana - baked in tomatoes, olives, capers, garlic, onion and oregano. Dorado - mahi mahiAtún - tunaCamarónes - shrimpLagosta - lobsterOstiones - oystersPulpo - octopusPollo - chickenPechuga - chicken breastRes - beef [State of Sonora is reputed to produce the best quality in Mexico]Bistek a la Méxicana - diced beef cooked with tomatoes, onion, garlic and jalapeño.Arrachera - beef �ank steak, signi�cantly tougher than other beef cuts, so many recipes use moist cooking methods such as braising.Machaca - beef or pork dried with chilies and other native spices, then rehydrated and pounded for tenderness. The reconstituted meat is used for �autas, tacos, burritos or on a plate with eggs, onions and peppers [chile verde or poblano]. Carne Asada - made from thin beef steak. The meat is marinated by rubbing with olive oil, salt, spices, lemon or lime juice, pepper and/or garlic before grilling. The meat can be served alone or chopped and used in tacos, burritos or quesadillas. It is often served with guacamole, grilled onions, black beans [frijoles negros] and fresh salsa.Carnitas - shredded pork seasoned heavily before slow braising or deep frying. At this stage, the meat has broken down su�ciently to allow it to be pulled apart by hand or fork or chopped with a cleaver. Served with chopped cilantro, diced onion, salsa, guacamole, tortillas, refried beans [frijoles refritos], lime and radishes. It can be a dish by itself or as an ingredient in tamales, tacos, tortas and burritos.Chuleta de puerco - pork chopCostillas - pork ribs, usually barbecuedLomo - pork loinPato - duckChorizo - spicy Mexican sausage

Mexican Favorite Dishes and Entrées

Tampiqueña - Tampico-style of carne asada that is usually accompanied by a small portion of enchiladas or chilaquiles, refried beans and vegetables [often rajas: grilled slices of Poblano peppers].Fajitas - grilled meat served as a taco on a �our or corn tortilla. The term originally referred to the cut of beef used in the dish that is known as skirt steak. Popular meats include chicken, pork, shrimp and beef, often cooked with onions and bell peppers. Popular condiments are shredded lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, salsas, cheese and tomato. Quesadilla - �our or corn tortilla �lled with a savory mixture containing cheese and other ingredients, then folded to form a half-moon shape. This dish originated in Mexico and the name is derived from the Spanish word queso [cheese].Ceviche - made with fresh raw �sh marinated in lemon or lime juice and spiced with chile peppers. Additional seasonings such as onion, salt, cilantro and pepper may also be added. Aguachile - Spanish: "chile water", the spicy, tart cousin of ceviche, where acid cooks seafood in place of heat. In this case, star ingredients are only barely allowed to cure before being served cold and almost entirely raw. Enchilada - corn or wheat tortilla rolled around a �lling and covered with a chile pepper sauce. May be �lled with a variety of ingredients including meat, cheese, beans, potatoes, vegetables, seafood or combinations.Tostada - �at or bowl-shaped [like a bread bowl] tortilla that is toasted or deep fried then �lled with various items, especially lettuce which makes it salad-like.Sope - very thick tortilla with vegetables and meat toppings. The base is made from a circle of fried masa of ground maize soaked in lime [also used as the basis for tamales and tortillas], with pinched sides. Huarache - oblong, fried masa base, with a variety of toppings, such as green or red salsa, onions, potato, cilantro and meat, then �nished with queso fresco. Name is derived from the shape of the masa, similar to popular sandals. Chilaquiles - corn tortillas cut in quarters and lightly fried are the basis. Green or red salsa is poured over the crisp tortilla triangles [totopos]. Mixture is simmered until the tortilla starts softening. Eggs [scrambled or fried] and pulled chicken are often added to the mix. The dish is topped with cheese [typically queso fresco] and/or sweet Mexican cream [crema] and served with refried beans.Torta - kind of sandwich served on an oblong 6-8 inch �rm, crusty white sandwich roll called a bolillo, a torpedo-shaped French roll with a thick and crunchy crust.Chile Relleno - green chile pepper stu�ed with minced meat and coated with eggs. Typically stu�ed with melted cheese as queso Chihuahua or queso Oaxaca or with picadillo meat made of diced pork, raisins, nuts and canela, covered in the egg batter or simply corn masa �our, then fried. Although often served in a tomato sauce, the sauces vary. There are versions in Mexico using rehydrated dry chilies such as anchos or pasillas.Burrito - wheat �our tortilla wrapped or folded into a roughly cylindrical shape to completely enclose a �lling of rice, refried beans, lettuce, salsa, meat, avocado, cheese and sour cream.Taco - formed by simply folding a tortilla in half around a �lling, leaving the semicircular perimeter open and stu�ed with cheese, pork, beef, chicken, seafood, �sh, tongue, mushrooms and more.Tamale, also tamal - traditional dish made of masa [starchy dough, usually corn-based], which is steamed or boiled in a leaf wrapper. The wrapping is discarded before eating. They may be �lled with meat, cheese, fruit, vegetables and chilies [often rajas]. Empanada - made by folding dough or bread around stu�ng, which usually consists of a variety of meat, cheese, huitlacoche [corn fungus], vegetables or fruits. They are usually baked or fried.Volcán - modern twist on a beef, chicken or pork tostada served on a fried tortilla, made to suggest an erupting volcano.

Ordering o� a Spanish Menu...

Author: Gary R. Beck, Puerto Vallarta, JAL.

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DOWNLOADA PRINTABLE

VERSION @www.mexi-go.ca/

food_directory


Cozumel Hotel b celebrates its first anniversary with a special week of events and workshops dedicated to art in Mexico.

DuringatriptoCozumelin2011,ImetBeatrizTinajero,aMexicanentrepre-neurwhohadjustrenovatedtheold¨FontanHotel”,andrenamedit¨HotelBCozumel¨.Thehotelislocatedinthenorthpartoftheisland;theturquoiseCaribbeanwatersanditswellmani-curedlandscapeprovidearelaxingandbreathtakingexperience.

DuringmyfirstconversationwithBeatrizshetoldmeofhervisionforthehotel.ShewantedtomakeitaplacewhereshecouldpromotethegreatartistictalentthatMexicohastooffer.Beforeopeningthehotel,shetraveledtoOaxacawhereshe

discoveredMexicanartistswhoseworksshecoulddisplayandsell.

ThehotelisnowfilledwithMexicanartincludingpottery,alebrijesandtextilesfromdifferentregions.BeatrizalsoplannedtohostworkshopsinwhichboththelocalartistsfromCozumelandtheparticipantscouldlearnnewtechniquesandbroadentheircreativeskills.

Itwasanhonourtobeinvitedtobepartofherfirstworkshopevent,alongwithAngelicoJimenez,whoisamemberofoneofthefirstfamiliesthatintroducedalebrijestotheworld.Alebrijesarebrightlypainted,carved,woodenfantasticalcreatures,originallycraftedinpapiermachebyPedroLinaresofMexicoCity.NowmuchofthecraftiscentredinOaxaca.

TheworkshopandexhibitionwereheldoverthreedaysattheHotelB,theattendeeslearnedhowtocreatetheirownalebrije,whileIhopedtoinstillinthemtheuseoftechnologyincreatingart.

Havingneverseenanyonecarveanalebrije,itwasconsiderablymorecomplicatedthanIexpected.Everythingstartswithablockofwoodandamachete.Thelooksontheparticipants’facesinthecrowdwhenMr.Jimeneztoldthemthateachofthemwasgoingtodothesameashewasdoingwaspriceless.Takingtheblockofwoodhetoldusthathewasgo-ingtomakearabbit,thenhegrabbedthemacheteandstartedtowork.

Aftermorethaneighthourstransformingthewoodintoarabbit,itwas

timetopaintwithsomeimpressiveprecision.ReminiscentofwatchingaSwisswatchmakeratwork,itwasgreattoseetheparticipantsbecomeimmersedinthecraftandcreatetheirvision,obviouslywiththehelpofMr.Jimenezandhisson.

Transitioningfromthetraditionaltothemodern,myworkshopwasnotasspecificaboutteachingatechniquebutmoreaboutteachingpeoplehowtodiscovertheircreativeabilitiesandtobelieveinthemselves.WestartedwiththesimpletoolsofablankcanvasandapencilandafterexplaininghowIhadfoundmystyleandpassionforpaintingbyjustdoodlingandfollowingmycreativeinstincts.

Afterthefirstdayoftheworkshoponeoftheladiesreturnedwithastackofheroldpaintings,shewasallexcited.“Juan”shesaid,“look!Herearemyoldpaintings,whichIdon´tlike.Iwenttobedat3:00amafterpaintingthisnewpiecebyputtingintopracticewhatyoutaughtus”.Youcouldimmediatelyseethedifferencebetweenheroldpaint-ingsandthenewone;everyonewasimpressed!

ItwasagreatexperiencetoseetheworkofMr.Jimenez,hiscreationsaresoldallovertheworld.ItriedtositdownanddoanalebrijeofmyownbutafterashorttimeIrealizedthatitwasgoingtotakemanyhourstocom-petemyproject.That´swhenIrealizedthatthoughwearebothrespectedartists,ourexperienceshaveledusontwoseparatepaths.Mr.Jimenez,anoldschoolartist,patientlycarvesthecreaturesfromthewoodandpainstak-inglydesignslittledesignsforendlesshours,creatingamazingqualitymu-seumpieces.WhereasI,anartistfromanothergeneration,usetechnologytocreateartthatisbeingcommercialized

andmassproducedforretailerssuchasWal-MartandOfficeMax.

Despiteourdifferentartisticpaths,thereremainsakindredspiritamongstartistsworkingtocreatebeautyandmeaninginourworld.CombinedwiththespectacularnaturalartofmothernatureinCozumelthatweekendandthegenerosityofBeatrizandherHotelB,theexperi-encewasoneofappreciationandgrowthandofcoursegoodtimes,greatfoodandwonderfulnewfriends.

Art in its many wondrous formsByJuandeLascurain

www.mexi-go.ca 15

Cultivating a purposeful vacation or how to do nothing and still keep your respectByMoraleaMilne

IliketohaveapurposewhenItravelandmyloveofnaturalhistoryfuelsadesiretosearchoutexperiencesthathavetodowithnature.CurrentlyIlovetofindbutterflies,capturetheminphotosandtrytoidentifythematmyleisure.ThatinteresthasbeenexpandinglatelywiththeadditionofsomeprettycoolbugsthatI’vestumbledacrosswhileoutlepping(that’sbutterflyspeakforanactivitythatcorrespondstobirding-but-terflyexpertsareknownaslepidopterists).

Justrecently,whileprowlingthroughafriend’sgardeninAjijic,Ihap-penedacrossamostextraordinarybug(twoactually)thatwerehappilyperusingtheroses.Theirbodieswerebrilliantlycolouredinblack,white,redandorange,inthedesignwhichremindedmeofanAfricanmask.Absolutelystunning!WithalittlehelpfromGoogleandsomefriends,IdiscovereditisthefifthinstaroftheGiantMesquiteBug.YouhavetohandittoMotherNature,shehasafantasticimaginationwhenitcomestothediversityofshapeandformwithwhichshehasendowedallspecies.

AnotherpurposethatIhavebeencultivatingisthesearchfortheper-fectcoconuticecream.Mexicoishometosomeofthemostdeliciousicecreamintheworld(calledhelado,pronounceday..La..bo)andwhileyoucanfindtheoldstandbysofchocolate,vanillaandstrawberry(andsuchamouthwateringlysublimestrawberry),theyalsohaveahugepal-etteofflavoursthattheyhavedeveloped,usingtheirvastarrayoflocallygrowntropicalfruitsandnuts.So,Ihavetakenituponmyselftoexploreandsavour,ineverylittletownandvillage,theircoconuticecream.It’snotadifficulttask,youcanfindanicecreamvendorortwoatalmosteveryZacolo(townsquare),butthesheernumberofvendorsproducinghomemadeicecreammeansIwillbeatthis,notsooneroustask,foralongtimetocome!

Want to search EVERY LISTED PROPERTY on the Southern Baja ?? Simply click on: www.CaboProperties.net

The Cabo Harrisons are your Canadian - Cabo Connection.

As ex-Vancouverites, we understand Canadians!Please CALL US for your Real Estate and Vacation Rental needs. www.CaboCasaContenta.com

Looking for your “Piece of Paradise” in warm, friendly, tropical & exotic Los Cabos ?? Look no further !! Come “stay with us” in magnificent Cabo & together, we’ll find you “the Property of your Dreams”

Lori & Craig Harrison#1 Producer-Award for all Mexican Resort Markets in 2011for Century 21 www.CaboProperties.net

Los Cabos ReaL estate & VaCation RentaLs


September 7TH & 8TH, 2012Vancouver Convention CentreLive Your Tropical Dream!Travel to Mexico! Retire to Mexico!

TRAVEL &TRADE EXPO

C O N N E C T I N G M E X I C O T O C A N A D A

In Partnership With:

MexicoFest

TRAVEL INVESTMENT RETIREMENT REAL ESTATE

www.mexi-goexpo.com

Admission: $5 with $1 donated to the Lorena Ochoa Foundation. Register online for your freetwo-day pass.

Join us at the Mexi-Go! Travel &Trade Expo for 2 days of educational seminars on living in Mexico, retiring to Mexico, opening a business in Mexico and much more!Enjoy exclusive travel deals, great prizes, food, tequila, mariachi, traditional dancers while you browse our exhibitors to learn more about what this amazing country holds for you!

www.audreyinternational.com

[email protected] + (52) 1.322.22.97.972

“It’ “It´s always best to do it right the first time.”

The right information and a knowledgeable team can greatly influence your success while navigating through Mexico’s unique Legal, Social, Financial & Cultural landscapes.

Whether starting a business, investing in property or relocating, Audrey International will make you feel comfortable and confident while mitigating risks and extra costs.

Common Services Provided:

Mexican Immigration Property Investigation Legal Facilitation Tax & Financial Assistance Construction & Property Management Translation & Interpretation

BaJa escaPe

Buying into the Dream: PROPeRTy OwNeRSHiP iN MexiCO

ByAudreyE.Royem

OwningyourownpieceofparadiseinMexicoisadream-come-trueformanyofuswhohavegrownwearyofharshwintersandlong,coolsprings.However,thereareimportantconsiderationstounderstandaboutpropertyownershipinMexico,inordertoprotectyourfinancialinvestment.

ThemostcommonownershipclassificationsofpropertiesinMexicoarePequeñoPropiedadandEjido.

Pequeño Propiedadistitledproperty.ThepropertyisregisteredatthePublicRegistrywheretheowner´sname,beneficiariesandanygrievanc-esonthepropertyarelisted.Theownerhascertaininalienablerightsoverhis/herproperty.Thisisthetypeofpropertyyou,asaforeigner,shouldconsiderpurchasing.Asanalien,youareallowedtodirectlyownproperty,unlessitisEjidolandorinarestrictedarea.

Landlocatedintherestrictedarea,withinfiftykilometersfromoceansand100kilometersfrominternationalborders,maystillbepurchased.Itwillbeheldforyouinatrust,calleda fideicomiso.PequeñopropiedadcanbeheldintrustorthroughaMexicanCorporation.Thisisthemostcommonwayforaforeignertoholdapropertyintherestrictedareas.

Afideicomisofunctionsjustlikemosttrusts,wherethetrusteeholdstheassetforthebeneficiary,inthiscaseaMexicanbankholdsthepropertyforyou.Thebankholdsthetitleforasmall,yearlyfee,yetyouhavealltherightsassociatedwiththeproperty:youcansell,gift,build,andenjoytheproperty.WhilethisisunlikeCanadianorUSownership,thisisaverysafe,secureoption.Analternativeistocreateacorporationtoholdtheproperty,althoughthisisonlyforincomeproducingpropertiesandisnotrecommendedunlessthepropertyearnsaspecificthresholdofincome.

Someforeignersown ejidoland,butitisrisky.EjidolandislandthathasbeendeededtoagroupofMexicans,likeacommunityorcom-munities.ItissimilartoaNativeIndianReservation,butitsintendeduseisfarming.Anotaryoncesaidtome,¨Youwouldn´tconsiderbuyingreservationlandinyourcountrywouldyou?ThenwhydoitinMexico¨?

Ejidolandisoftencheaper,butitdoesnothaveatitleandthusclearownership,norcanitlegallybesoldbecauseEjidomembersareonlygrantedtheusofructo,oruse.Togetaroundthis,EjidolandisheldbyaprestanombreoraMexicanwholendstheirnametoyourdeed.Insomecases,Ejidolandcanbetitled,howevercostsandtimeinvolvedaredifficulttoassessattheonset.

Determiningwhatoptionsarebestforyoursituationshouldbedis-cussedwithyourrealestateagentandnotary.

www.mexi-go.ca 17©2012 International Surgeons of the Americas.

Opportunity from Adversity

On the last Sunday in August, 2010, Dr. Barbara Davidson, a family physician, her husband Blair, and their family, spent the afternoon at Playa Los Muertos in Puerto Vallarta. “There is a long, high pier at this beach, where the young people like to dive off the end and swim back to shore,” states Barbara. A dedicated and passionate father, Blair agreed to take his two daughters. “Anna was only nine years old at the time, so Blair had to help her swim back to the beach.” It was that swim that would change the direction of their lives forever.

While Blair and Anna swam back, he knew something was wrong. When Blair reached the sand he concentrated only on making it to a chair next to his wife. “He collapsed in the chair, said ‘Something’s wrong,’ then lost consciousness. The next forty-five seconds were terrifying, until Blair suddenly shook his head, opened his eyes, mumbled a bit and then said, ‘What happened?’” Blair had experi-enced an episode of syncope, a transient loss of consciousness.

The echocardiogram revealed that he suffered from severe aortic stenosis. The three classic symptoms of aortic stenosis are shortness of breath from heart failure, chest pain, and syncope. However, in 4% of patients with aortic stenosis, the first symptom is sudden death, usually during strenuous exertion; without effective treatment, the average life expectancy is less than three years after the onset of chest pain or syncope symptoms.

“The cardiologist told Blair, ‘I have good news and bad news.’ The bad news is that you have aortic stenosis. The good news is that your heart has not sustained any permanent damage, and the stenosis can be surgically corrected with replacement of the aortic valve.’” Blair and Barbara were urged not to delay in seeking surgical treatment.

Living in Mexico and being self insured, Barbara and Blair had to explore all their options. “Here in Mexico, there are so many choices available to patients – first among physicians, and then among facilities where those doctors can practice. The best surgeons can operate in any of the top hospitals in the country, so that decision can be made based on preferences, be it economic, choices of amenities, city, etc.”

During this exploration, the name Dr. Octavio Victal came up again and again as being one of the best cardiothoracic surgeons in Mexico, with an international reputation. He would be the surgeon that performed Blair’s procedure. “We chose a relatively small hospital in Guadalajara which offered excellent value, and were extremely pleased with the quality of care and personal attention Blair received. The total cost for everything associated with the surgery was around $30,000, almost exactly what we were quoted beforehand. In the

U.S., we would have paid between $150,000 and $200,000 for the same surgery, and probably had a less pleasant experience.”

On Thursday, four days after Blair experienced syncope, Dr. Victal replaced his aortic valve. By Saturday, Blair was not only out of the ICU and recovering in his room, but he and Barbara had begun discussions with Dr. Victal which would ultimately culminate in a venture that would offer to other Americans and Canadians what they had just experienced – timely, high-quality, affordable surgical care.

“Dr. Victal knew that I was a physician and that we had significant business experience in the U.S. He expressed an understanding of the growing number of people in Canada and the U.S. who are in need of cardiothoracic surgery that is affordable and immediate.”

Blair and Barbara returned home and over the next six months Barbara began to research the “medical tourism” industry, and to talk extensively with Dr. Victal. “All of our initial discussions centered around the theme of what we would do differently. We wanted to focus on ways that patients can attain the freedom and choice that they ought to have when they choose to take control of their own health-care.”

Drs. Davidson and Victal incorporated International Surgeons of the Americas (ISA Surgical) at the beginning of 2012, with Canadian partners. “We are only about surgeons and patients, who of course will both be supported by the patient’s primary care physician. We have surgeons in our network in fifteen areas of surgical practice, all of the professional caliber of Dr. Victal, all who can operate at a variety of hospitals, and all of whom really care that patients not only receive the best quality of care available in the world, but also that they receive good economic value.”

Blair is now two years past his surgery, has a perfectly functioning heart, and is once again living life to the fullest. The philosophy of ISA Surgical has emerged from Blair and Barbara’s experience and that of Dr. Victal, as patient, spouse, primary care physician, and surgeon. “Our goal is to help patients navigate through all that is out there to find the best surgeons, who are operating in a manner that provides the best value for the patient. Medicine practiced this way is very satisfying to all involved, and we want to pass that experience on to others.”

Out of adversity comes opportunity. — Ben Franklin (1706-1790)


The Charm of Sonora

www.mexi-go.ca 19

THESETTINGSUNOVERSANCARLOS,SONORA,MExICO


ThesunpaintsSonoraeveryday,illuminatingitsmajorcities,beachesandthemountains.Giantsunsetlandscapes,thatmanyhavecapturedinpicturesandphotographs,inanattempttopreservetheredlightofthesky,jointogethertheenigmaticbeautyoftheseaandmountainswithitsrichfloraandfauna.

LocatedinthenorthwestofMexico,Sonora’swidegeography,secondinsizeafterChihuahua,isajuxtapositionofredearthandblueoceans,raggedmountainpeaksandlongswathsofwhitesandbeach.Seepedincowboyculture,SonoraholdsaspecialrelationshipwiththecowboycultureofWesternCanada.

ThebordercityofNogalesisthegatewaytothefamousRoute of the Missions,foundedbytheJesuitmissionaryEusebioFranciscoKino.TherearetwelvemunicipalitiesaongtheroutethathavepreservedthechurchesandhistoricallegacyofKinothatincude,Trincheras,Sonoyta,Caborca,Pitiquito,Altar,Oquitoa,Atil,Tubutama,Saric,Imuris,Cucurpe,SantaAnaandMagdalenadeKino.

AnotherpopulartouristrouteistheRutaSierraMarwhichbeginsatthecharmingPueblaMagicoofÁlamosandendsatthebeachesofHuatabampo.ThisroutegivesvisitorsachancetoviewmanyoftheuniquelandscapesofSonora.

Nogales,isconsideredthefrontdoortoMexicofortouristsfromArizona.Itswiderangeofrestaurantsandshoppinghasgrowninconjunctionwiththegrowthofthemaquiladorasector(manufactur-ingfreetradezone).

Thesea,desert,mountainsandvegetationwelcometouristswiththeirbeautythatiscompoundedbythewarmthofthepeopleandthemanyoutdooractivitiesrangingfromscubadiving,fishing,swim-ming,biking,mountaineering,hiking,hunting,andecologicalandculturaltourism.Thebusinesstourismsectorhasbecomeincreasing-lyimportantinthecapitalcityofHermosilloandinothercitiessuch

asGuaymas,CiudadObregon,NavojoaandNogales.

TheSeaofCortezisundoubtedlyoneofthebiggestattractionsoftheStateofSonora.Sonora’smajortouristattractionareitsbeaches,especiallySanCarlos,PuertoPeñasco,BahíaKinoandtheGulfofSantaClarainSanLuisRíoColorado.PuertoPeñascoisaresorttownpopularwithtouristsfromArizona.Itoffersnaturalbeauty,110kmsofpristinebeachesandamenitiesofeverykind;restaurants,nightclubsandeasycommunication.SanCarloshasalargevarietyofsealifeoffitsshores,makingitpopularforsportsfishingandscubadiving.

AlargenumberofspeciesmakeSonoraamustvisitfortheecoandadventuretouristincludingbighornsheep,pronghorn,coyote,hare,ocelot,blackbear,mountainlion,badger,wildcat,deer,andlarks,owls,roadrunners,hawk,owl,doveandquail.

Indesertregions,Sonorahasagreatvarietyofvegetationsuchassaguaro,mesquite,whitewood,ironwood,paloverdeandtorote.AtthehighestpeaksoftheSierraMadreOccidentalmountainchainyouwillfindforestsofpine,firandoakverysimilartotheforestsoftheBritishColumbiainterior.

EightindigenouspeoplestillpopulatethisareaincludingtheYaquis,Mayos,Guarijios,TohonoO’odhamandSeri,andtheirmanycustomshavebeenwellpreserved.Theirtraditionscontinuetobepracticedonadailybasisandyoucanenjoytheirsongs,clothinganddishesintheirceremonialcenters.

Formusiclovers,theAlfonsoOrtizTiradoFestival(Jan20-28,2013),attracts80,000visitorstoenjoysalsa,classical,indigenousandpopularmusic.HeldinAlamos,theonlycolonialcityinthestate,itshowcasesinternationalperformersaswellashonouringindividualmusicians.

Sonoraiswaitingtowelcomeyou,safeandwithopenarms.

www.mexi-go.ca 21

SONORA,MExICOUPCOMINGEVENTS

CENTROECOLóGICODESONORA~Openyearround

InsettingsrecreatingSonoranecosystems,thezooandbotanicalgardenaresevenkmsouthofcentralHermosillo.ShowcasinganarrayofplantsandwildlifefromSonora’smountains,desertsandprairies.

Sept17to25(CopperCanyon)November4-10(Alamos)

BIRDINGTOURSOFFERED(FORACOST)BYSOLIPASO:

www.solipaso.com/trips/bird-ing/alamos

October5to7

SANCARLOS’CANTINACUPINTERNATIONALGAMEFISHTOURNAMENT.SanctionedbytheInternationalGameFishAssociation.

November10to13

ROCKYPOINTRALLY

PuertoPeñasco,Sonora,

Anannualmotorcycleeventthatraisesmoneyforcharities.

EndofJanuary,2013

ALAMOSCULTURALFESTI-VAL-FESTIVALCULTURALDR.ALFONSOORTIZTIRADO

Alamos,Sonora

Thisimportantannualfestivalhasanemphasisonoperaticsingingandchambermusic,butpopularmusicandotherartformsarealsofeatured.

MORETRAVELINFORMATION:

www.gotosancaros.com

www.bahiadekino.com.mex

www.gotosonora.com/

VILLAHIDAGO

ALAMOS

COLORADOCRATER

A family secret: Santa Rita Hot Springs

byWendyRains

TheprotectedBiosphereintheSierraLaLagunamountainrangebetweenSanJosedel

CaboandLaPazinthesoutherntipofBajaCaliforniaSurisanaturelover’sparadise.Besidesmagnificentwaterfalls,therearemagicalhotspringsinhiddenplacestodiscover.SantaRitaisoneofthose.Youmusthavepermissiontoenterthisprivateproperty,anditisnoteasytoobtain,

sincetheowner,Braulio,hasnophone!Youeitherhavetojustshowupandask,(goodluckfindingthemonyourown),orgothroughanadventurecompany,whocanescortyouandarrangeforentrance.TheseareprobablythebesthotspringsinBaja.Broulio’sfamilyarrivedin1916andthespringsweretheirsecretformanyyears.Thesearethermalsprings,notvolcanic,sothewaterisverysoftandcrystalclearwithaslighthintofsulphurintheair.

Thirtyyearsago,Brouliacementedoneofthepooledareasofwater,inordertomakeiteasiertomaintainandkeepclean.Oneyearahurricanebroughtbouldersdownintoit,andcreatedoneofthemostfantasticalmostnaturalenvironmentseverseen.BroulioinstalledapipetodrainthepooltocleaniteveryFriday…anditmiraculouslyfillsupagainthroughasmallcrackinthesurroundinggranitewall,risingfromaverydeepfourkilometersbelowtheearth!Thewatertemperaturehoversaround35ºCinwinterandgetsashighas49ºCinsummer,soit’sbesttoplanyourexcursionbetween

mid-OctoberwhenthesummerheatiswaningandlateJunebeforeitgetsuncomfortablyhotagain.

ThisisaneasydaytripfromLosCabos,TodosSantos,orLaPaz,butifyouwouldliketospendthenight,thereisaveryprivateandlovelylittlepalod’arcohousetorentforovernightstaysaswell.It’sashortwalkthroughthetreesonarockypathtothesprings.Thinkfunkycabin,withsomesparsefurniture.Thereareimmaculateouthousesavailableforuse,aswellasanotheronesituatedclosertothesprings.Youhavetobringinyourownlinensandcampingsupplies.Thenearestmountainvillage,Santiago,hasalittlemercado(store),agasstation,abeautifulchurch,apharmacy,andtheonlyzooinBaja!Ifyouplantostayover,besttodoyourshoppingpriortoarrivingattherancho.Afterallthatdelicioussoakingandfloatinginsuchhealingwaters,youprobablywon’tfeelmuchlikegettingdressedtogoeatsomewhere.Andthestarshowatnightjustaddstotheromance.Youmightalsogetluckyandbeintheareawhenthelocalrancherosdecidetoholdimpromptuhorseraces…anexperiencethatislivelyandunforgettable.

BoththenearbyRanchoSoldeMayowaterfallsandtheSantaRitaHotSpringsarepartoftheeffortsofsixorsevendifferentMexicangovernmentagenciesandecogroups,thathaveprovidedfundingincentivesforpeoplelivingintheprotectedBiosphereregion,tobestewardsofthelandinperpetuity.ItishearteningtoknowthatsomeMexicangovernmentofficialsandthelocalrancherosappreciatethatthereismoneytobemadethrougheco-tourismanddoingthings“greenandright”.

To arrange an excursion to Rancho Santa Rita, contact Sergio Jáuregui of Todos Santos Eco Adventures, in Mexico: 52 612 145 0189, US: 619-446-6827 or Email: [email protected]

www.mexi-go.ca 23


A cool relief PáTzCUARO, MiCHOACáN

MostofMexico’svastexpatcommunityarriveinthefall,exchangingcold,sleetandsnowforarelaxedlifestyle,freeofwinterjackets,snowshovelsandslipperyice.TypicallytheyheadhomeinMarchorApril,readytoreengageinamoretemperatespringandsummer.However,forthosewhostayyearround,orfortheknowledgeablesummertravelers,Mexicoofferssomuchmorethanoverwhelmingsummerheat.Theyheadtotheplateausandmoun-tainswherethehigheraltitudesprovidemoremoderatetemperatures.

Pátzcuaro,ahistorictownsituatedaboutthreehourssouthwestofGuadala-jara,atanelevationofapproximately2164m(7,100ft)hasbeendesignatedoneofMexico’sPueblosMágicos.VisitingattheendofJuly,whenmostoftheNorthAmericancontinentwasbakinginanoppressiveheatwave,thetemperaturewasapleasant22ºC(71ºF),everyonewascomfortablewearingjeansandlightweightsweaters,manyelegantlydrapedinoneofthelocallyhandcraftedshawls.

www.mexi-go.ca 25

FoundedcenturiesbeforeSpanishcolonisation,Pátzquaro,knowninpre-Hispanictimesasthe“EntrancetoParadise”,exudesancienthistory,colonialarchitec-tureandcharminequalmeasure.Theentiretownispaintedwhiteandred,whichlendsapleasingharmonyanditiscleanandtidy,whichreassuresourNorthAmeri-cansensibilities.

ThetownislocatedatthesouthendofLakePátzcuaro,famousforitsislandsandwhitefish.IsladeJuanitzio,withitstoweringstatueoftheheroJoséMaríaMorelos,canbeseenclearlyfromtheshore.Thelake,theextensivewetlandsandtheforestedhillsideshavecontributedtoarichdiversityofwildlifeandanendangeredsalamander,knownonlyfromthelake.Birdingisenjoyedinthearea,morethan200speciesfrequentthewetlands,someendemictothearea.

BishopVascodeQuirogahadthecathedral(nowaBasilica)ofNues-traSeñoradelaSalud(OurLadyofHealth)constructedinthesix-teenthcenturyoverapre-Hispanicceremonialsiteanditremainsinusetoday.PilgrimsflocktotheBasilicatoasktheVirginofHealthtoaidinthewellbeingoflovedones.TheGertrudisBocanegaLibrary,namedafterawomanexecutedforherparticipationintheMexicanWarofIn-dependence,ishousedinanequallyvenerablebuilding,theExTempleofSanAgustin,whichwasfoundedinthe16thcentury.

Pátzcuaroonmarketdayisacacophonyofsoundandcolour,withhundredsofstallssellingeveryfruitandvegetableimaginable,aswellasday-to-dayproductsandhighqualitylocalhandicrafts.Nearbyrusticvillageshavespecializedincertaintypesofgoods;SantaClaradelCobreisfamousforitscoppersmithing;Erongarícuaroforitswoodwork;andParachoforguitars;youwillfindstoneworks,pottery,agriculturalproducts,wovens,andmanyformsofartsandcraftsasyouwendyourwayaroundthelake.

Cornisanimportantcropandtamalesarederiguerwhenyouvisit.Savouronewithahotchocolateandtopoffyourrepastwithapastaice

cream,madewithmilk,cinnamon,almondsandhoney.Michoacánisrenownedforthequalityofitsicecream;inPátzcuarothevendorsusefreshfruit,realsugarandrichcreamandpreparedozensofdeliciousflavoursthatwilltestanyone’sresolve.

Pátzcuaro,themagicalvillage,andthesurroundinglakesidedeserveafewdaysofyourtime,attheleast.IndulgeyoursensesatLaCasaEn-cantada,acenturiesoldhaciendastyleB&Bthatisoverflowingwithcomfort,tranquility,artandcharm.Thestaffandserviceareexem-plary,thebedsluxuriousandthebreakfastdelicious…I’llseeyoutherenextsummer!

lacasaencantada.com

ecomexico.org/birds.html

patzcuarobirder.blogspot.ca

PUeblOS MáGiCOS

WiththeromanticandintriguingdescriptionofPueblosMágicos(MagicVillages),theMexicangovernmentispromotingthepreservationofthenaturalbeauty,culturalrichnessandhistoricalrelevanceofmanyofitstownsandvillages.AlongwiththerighttoaPuebloMágicosdesigna-tioncomesgovernmentfundingthatcanbeusedtodevelopdiscretetourisminitiativesandhelpprotecttheauthenticqualitiesthathavemadethesecommunitiessospecial.Todatefifty-fourPueblosMágicoshasbeenrecognized,notsurprisingfromacountrysoblessedinhistory,beautyandtradition.


oneday in the heartof Puerto Vallarta

Exploring a slice of Mexico outside of the resort

Author, Craig Zabrinsky Photography, Craig Zabrinsky

Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s leading tourist destinations, is home to

some of the world’s most luxurious resorts. Most travelers come here to relax

in the sun with a margarita. It makes for a great holiday.

Yet a seasoned traveler knows part of the charm of Puerto Vallarta is outside

the con�nes of the resort walls. Adventure awaits those who travel down-

town and walk the cobblestone streets of the city. Whether your interests

are in art, culture, or cuisine, with the plan below, you’ll �nd Puerto Vallarta

memorable for more than just fun in the sun.

www.mexi-go.ca 27

oneday in the heartof Puerto Vallarta

Exploring a slice of Mexico outside of the resort

Author, Craig Zabrinsky Photography, Craig Zabrinsky

Puerto Vallarta, one of Mexico’s leading tourist destinations, is home to

some of the world’s most luxurious resorts. Most travelers come here to relax

in the sun with a margarita. It makes for a great holiday.

Yet a seasoned traveler knows part of the charm of Puerto Vallarta is outside

the con�nes of the resort walls. Adventure awaits those who travel down-

town and walk the cobblestone streets of the city. Whether your interests

are in art, culture, or cuisine, with the plan below, you’ll �nd Puerto Vallarta

memorable for more than just fun in the sun.


AHOLYSUNRISE

StartthedayatLosArcosintheheartofthecity,ontheMalecón,andheaduponeblockfromthewatertoJuarez.MakearightandstartwalkingtowardsOurLadyofGuadalupe.

Ifit’sperfectlytimed,themorn-ingsunwillshinedirectlythroughthetowerthatholdsthechurch’siconiccrown.It’salittlemagictostartyourday.

MORETHANACOOKINGCLASS

Continueyourstrollandbuildupanappetiteonthetwenty-minutewalktoElArrayan(Allende344).

Arrivehungryforthe9am-3pmcookingclassbecausethefirst“lesson”isnotinthekitchenbutatlocalbreakfastfavorite,ElTaquitoHidal-guensa.OrdertheBarbacoadeBorrego(sheep)tacosandyourtastebudswillappreciateadifferentsideofPuertoVallarta.

Afterbreakfast,yourlessonswillcontinue,makingstopsatthetown’sdifferentmarketswhereyou’lllearnaboutkeyingredientsusedinMexicancuisine.Participantswilltakespecialnoticeofalltheformsandvarietyofpeppers--hot,hotter,andhottest.Theclassalsogivesyouapeekinsidetwodifferenttortillafactories(oneflourandonecorn)tocompare,contrast,andofcourse,sample.

OnlythendoesCarmen,ownerofElArrayan,unlockthekitchendoorandgiveparticipantsapronstostartmakinglunch,alongsideherchefs.You’llknowyou’restillonholidaywhenhalfwaythroughthecookingles-son,classicmargaritaisservedandthetablesetforeveryonetoindulgeintheirculinarycreations.

ANAVENUEOFART–THEMALECON.

Afteryourheartymeal,headbackdowntothewaterandwalkthenewlyrenovatedpedestrian-onlyMalecón.AleisurelystrollwillallowtimetoviewandadmirePuertoVallarta’sloveaffairwithart.

Myrecommendation:headbackinthedirectionofLosArcos(makealeft)andenjoylife-sizesculpturesonnearlyeveryotherblock.Andinthemiddleofitall,thesymbolofPuertoVallarta,theseahorse,standstall.Althoughlocatedinanewspot,theseashorsehasbeencommand-ingthewaterfrontsincethe1970s.

MARIACHI,ACHELADAANDTHESUNSET.

AvisittoPuertoVallarta(orany-whereinMexico)isn’tcompletewithoutalittleromance.Contin-uethewalkpastLosArcos,alongthewater,andcrossthebridgetoheaddeepintooldtownandZonaRomantica.Stopatoneofthemanybeachfrontbars,situnderastraw-roofedtalapaandquenchyourthirst.Orderachelada;yourbeerofchoicewithlime-juice,ice,andasaltedrim.It’stheperfectwaytorefreshandrecharge.(Note:This“beer-rita”isalsoknownasaMicheladainotherpartsofMexico).

HereonPlayadelosMuertos,mariachimusiciansroamthebeach,waitingtoentertain.Thesongsoftendelightthefestivecrowdandpricescanstartbetweensixtyandeightypesos(bundledpurchasehelpspricenegotiation).Romanticsongsseemtoworkbesttosetthe

www.mexi-go.ca 29

moodasthesunstartsitsdescent.

Settlein,eventakeaswimintheBayofBanderasbutdefinitelystaytowatchthesunset.Foodisavailableandveryreasonableinthispartoftownandcanmakeforasimple,yetlovelydinner

HEATUPTHENIGHTWITHSALSALESSONS

Afterthesunsets,thenightheatsupandalittleLatinspicecanbefoundintheseasidetown’ssalsadancing.Beforethedancefloorsbecomecrowded,booktimewithMarcellaforasalsalesson.TheLatinMotionPVinstructorofferslessonsforalllevels.Irecommendthebasiceight-stepsalsa,withsomesidestepsforthebeginnerormoreflairandflirtatiousstepsforthemoreadept.

MarcellacanmeetforalessonnearLosArcos(sheselectsexcel-lentoutdoorlocations)orcanaccessstudiospace.Andafterthelesson,itisalwaysimportanttopractice,sonowgetdancing!AskMarcellatoguideyoutowherethebestsalsamusicisplaying.

STARTWITHTACOS,ENDWITHTACOS

Withallthecaloriesburnedonthedancefloor,ahungermaydevelopforalatenightsnack.Myfavoriteofcourse,tacos.TaketheshortandsafetaxiridetoPepe’sTacos,locatedbehindthePemex(gasstation)andpreparetofeast.Thekitchenargu-ablyservesupthesomeofthebesttacosintown.

Pepe’sisnotoftenpackedwithtourists,butafewknowledgeableonesalwaysfindtheirway.Youtoohavefoundyourwayaroundthecobble-stonestreetsofthisinvitingseasidecity.You’vehadagreatdaylearningandexperiencingfirsthandtheart,culture,andcuisineofPuertoVal-larta.Besuretotellyourfriendsatpoolsidetomorrowmorningoftheadventureyouhad,outsideresortwalls!.


Make It, Bake It, Grow It: Canadian woman spearheads the successful

Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town Farmers Market

byErinStaley

ItistheinternationalrhythmsandthearomaoffreshMexicancoffeethatgreetvisitorslongbeforesteppingthroughtheentrywayof

PuertoVallarta’sOldTownFarmers’Market–TianguisCultural.Thesightsandsoundswilldrawyouin,butit’sthesenseofcommunitythatwillinvitevisitorstostay.

TheOldTownFarmers’Marketlivesbya“Makeit,BakeIt,GrowIt”philosophy.FromthefirstSat-urdayinNovembertothelastinMay,theMarketoffersaislesofcolorfulproduce,aromaticflowers,handmadesoaps,woodentoys,delicatelywrappedchocolates,freshlybakedartisanbread,andhand-craftedjewelry.Overninetyvendorssharetheirproductsandproducewithtravelersfromallovertheworld,makingtheFarmersMarketoneofVallarta’smust-seeattractions.

Andwho’sthemastermindbehindsuchasuccess-fulventure?Canada’spetitefirecracker,CharlotteSemple,commonlyknownintheMarketas“TheManifestor”.OnemightthinkthisNorthernAlbertanativewastheCEOofaFortune500company,butreallyCharlotteisthedrivingforcebehindamove-mentmuchgreaterthanherself:buildingsomethingforthegoodoftheearthandthecommunity.Thisself-proclaimed“farmgirlatheart”issimplygoingbacktoherroots.

Charlottewasraisedona“stickfarm”.Herfatherworkedinatownof250people,drivingaschoolbus,andhermothercouldalwaysbefoundinthegarden.Charlotteoftenwatchedhermotherbringproducetothetable,butlikemanychildren,

shedreamtofalifeunderthebigcitylights.SheeventuallymadeherwaytotheglitteringlightsofCalgaryandthenVictoria,wheresheputintopracticethe“getitdone”spiritshehadlearnedasachild.Charlotteopenedarestaurantandtaughtherselftotendbar.Shealsoownedbookstores,atanningsalon,aconsignmentshopandevenfoundedVictoriaWomeninNeedSociety(WIN).

DuringhertimeinVictoria,CharlottewasreintroducedtoeatinglocallygrownfoodbyafriendwhowasapartoftheMossStreetFarmers’Marketevolution.In2003,withafriend’shelp,Charlottetransformedheryardintoafeastofediblelandscaping.Rowsofartichokes,broccoli,

cauliflower,purplepotatoesandchiveslinedherfrontandbackyards.Charlottehadcomefullcircleasafanofthefarm-to-tableconcept.

In2005,Charlotteandherpartner,CaroleFast,decidedtogiveMexicoago.Theirplanwastosemi-retirealongtheBanderasBayandopenanartisanchocolateshop.TheycreatedafulllifeforthemselvesinPuertoVallarta,completewithacondo,anewbusinessandplentyofcommunityinvolvement;however,somethingwasmissing—aFarmers’Market.

“TherearealotofwonderfulthingsforsaleinMexico,andalotofthingsthatthetouristslike,buteverythinglookedreallysimilar.Therewasalackofcontactdirectlywiththecreatoroftheproduct.ThemarketsIhadbeeninvolvedwithin

Canada—SaltSpringMarket,whereIoftenwentandtheMossStreetMarket,whereIwasaven-dor—hada‘Makeit,Bakeit,Growit’philosophy.Youreallyhadtobehandson.”

Likeanygoodidea,theFarmers’Marketblossomedintoamovement.Withintwoweeks,CharlottehadavenueatacommunitycenterintheheartoftheZonaRomanticaneighborhood.Togetherwiththirtyvendorsandahandfulofvolunteers,CharlotteopenedtheOldTownFarmers’Market.Itwasahit,withover600peopleinattendance.TheMarketstayedopenuntiltherainyseason,afterwhichCharlottebecameastudentofallthings“Farmers’Market”.SheinvestigatedsimilarCanadianandAmericanmarkets,searchingforwaystobetterservetheneedsofVallartaandthevendors.

www.mexi-go.ca 31

Already,Vallartagrownproducewasorganic,asmanyfarmerslackedthefundstobuychemicals.Also,manylocalartisansweresearchingforwaystostarttheirownbusinesses.Finally,Charlottewasconvincedtherewasaneedfor“backtotheland”shopping.Naturally,sheadopt-edthe“MakeIt,BakeIt,GrowIt”philosophyandopenedtheFarmers’Marketforitssecondseason.

Nowpreparingforitsfourthseason,theMarket–TianguisCulturalhasbecomeastapleofVallartaliving.Itreflectsthecharmoftheareaknownasthe“friendliestcityintheworld”.Internationalvendorssup-porteachotherinthespiritofentrepreneurshipandcommunity.WhileCharlottemaybethefaceoftheFarmers’Market,sheisquicktocreditthededicationofthemanyvolunteersandvendorswhocommittopresentingquality“MakeIt,BakeIt,GrowIt”products.

WhenaskedaboutherfavoriteFarmers’Marketmoment,Charlottewasquicktosayitcameinearly2012.“Theyhadsetagoaltohave5,000peoplecometotheMarket,andinthemidstofthevendorswiththemusicplayingandpeoplemillingaround—allthoseyearsofwork,struggle,conflict—inthatmoment,everythinghadmanifested,”shesaid.Overwhelmedandwithtearsinhereyes,Charlotteallowedherselftofeelasenseofpride.Theirgoalhadbeenachieved.Andwithabrushofhercheek,shewasoffagain,helpingthevisitorsattheOldTownFarmers’Market.

Nuevo VallartaBucerías & La Cruz

Sayulita & San PanchoCabo Corrientes

Puerto Vallarta: -Conchas Chinas -Versalles & Fluvial -Pitillal & Marina

WWW.MAPAJEFF.COM

COMPLETE AND FUNThe Bay of Banderas’ most

MAPS

306 CARRANZA VALLARTA OLD TOWN

COMING IN 2013: BAY OF BANDERAS ROAD ATLAS

FOR SALE ONLINE AND AT:


Road distances in miles from the central plaza of Puerto Vallarta

Central Pacific MexicoPuerto Vallarta, Bay of Banderas, and Inland

10

15 (boat)

30

60 80 88

30

32

45

80

100

120

3

10

12

10

16

20

30

435

20 (boat)

130

250

485400

655

270

305

110

55

58

24

8

35

450

15

15

200

200

200

8070

80

45

54

68

544

54

Botanical Gardens of P.V.

Quimixto

Mayto

Corrales

Chimo

San Blas

Tehuamixtle

Mismaloya

TEPIC

Ajijic

Las Palmas

Punta MitaPizota

Yelapa

Boca deTomatlàn

El Tuito

Ixtapa

SayulitaSan Pancho

Rincòn deGuayabitos

Compostela

Ixtlàn delRio

GUADALAJARA

San Sebastiàn del Oeste Mascota Talpa de Allende

Las Cruces

La Cruzde

Huanacaxtle

NuevoVallarta

Bucerías

Litibú

Valle deBanderas

Lo de Marcos

Las Varas

Jala

Chacala

Islands

PVRAirport

NAYARIT

JALISCO

Puerto Vallarta

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Volcàn de Tequila 9796 FEET Autlàn

Ameca

AGUASCALIENTES

LEÒN

GUANAJUATO MEXICO CITY

Melaque/Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad

Colima

Mazatlàn

ZACATECAS

PACIFIC OCEAN

Bay of Banderas

LAKECHAPALA

Marietas

Cabo Corrientes

Los Arcos

Riviera Nayarit

Costalegre

➚

➚

➚

➚

➙

➚

➚

➚

➚

➙

WWW.MAPAJEFF.COM

E

N S

W

Rio Ameca

www.mexi-go.ca 33

Road distances in miles from the central plaza of Puerto Vallarta

Central Pacific MexicoPuerto Vallarta, Bay of Banderas, and Inland

10

15 (boat)

30

60 80 88

30

32

45

80

100

120

3

10

12

10

16

20

30

435

20 (boat)

130

250

485400

655

270

305

110

55

58

24

8

35

450

15

15

200

200

200

8070

80

45

54

68

544

54

Botanical Gardens of P.V.

Quimixto

Mayto

Corrales

Chimo

San Blas

Tehuamixtle

Mismaloya

TEPIC

Ajijic

Las Palmas

Punta MitaPizota

Yelapa

Boca deTomatlàn

El Tuito

Ixtapa

SayulitaSan Pancho

Rincòn deGuayabitos

Compostela

Ixtlàn delRio

GUADALAJARA

San Sebastiàn del Oeste Mascota Talpa de Allende

Las Cruces

La Cruzde

Huanacaxtle

NuevoVallarta

Bucerías

Litibú

Valle deBanderas

Lo de Marcos

Las Varas

Jala

Chacala

Islands

PVRAirport

NAYARIT

JALISCO

Puerto Vallarta

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE

Volcàn de Tequila 9796 FEET Autlàn

Ameca

AGUASCALIENTES

LEÒN

GUANAJUATO MEXICO CITY

Melaque/Barra de Navidad

Barra de Navidad

Colima

Mazatlàn

ZACATECAS

PACIFIC OCEAN

Bay of Banderas

LAKECHAPALA

Marietas

Cabo Corrientes

Los Arcos

Riviera Nayarit

Costalegre

➚

➚

➚

➚

➙

➚

➚

➚

➚

➙

WWW.MAPAJEFF.COM

E

N S

W

Rio Ameca

For a compete list of sponsors and exhibitors please visit www.mexi-goexpo.com

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Gracias!to all of our sponsors, exhibitors and attendees.We look forward to seeing you again at the next Mexi-Go! Expo. Happy travels, The Mexi-Go! Team

Your best source for Canadian information in MexicoSubscription and online magazine available now.

w w w . m e x i - g o . c a

Connecting CanadiansMexicoto

R E A L E S T A T E L I F E S T Y L E R E T I R E M E N T T R A V E L


New lifestyles engage retired investors in more than just

lounging on the beach

By:VictoriaLeighPratt

IlearnedoneofmyfavouriteSpanishwords,“desarmador”,whilefinishingthedetailsofourlittlehomeinthePacificcoasttownofBucerias.Ourcharmingcontractorhadleftuswithasomeunfinished

surprisesbutitwasnothingthatafewlocalhandymenandmybrokenSpanishcouldn’tfix.

InmyEnglish-thinkingbrain,thistonguetwisterofawordsoundedclos-estto“disarmed”.Hmm,wherehadIheardthatbefore?Aha,thatwasthetranslationforScrewdriveronthelocalcocktailmenus.Well,Iwasn’tfaroff:disarm=undo=unscrew.Oh,Ilovelanguages!

TheexperienceofowingahomeinMexicohasbeenextremelysat-isfying,especiallythepleasureofdecoratingandgoingontomake

additionsovertheyears.TheexcitementofacquiringthebeautifulartworkandhandicraftssoabundantinMexico;adaptingtheSpanish,Moorishandcontemporaryarchitecturalstylestoone’sliking;boldlyus-ingcolour;andincorporatingwaterandlandscapingelementsaremostcertainlythesharedattractionsofmanywhocometocoastalMexicowiththoughtsofplantingtheirfeetfirmlyinthesand.

Asarealtor,I’vehadthepleasureofassistinganumberofrecentbuyerswho’veeachfoundtherightplacetoarticulatetheirindividualambi-tionsofturningtheproverbialsow’searintoasilkpurse.Whetherthevisioncamebeforeorafteridentifyingtheproperty,thecommonthreadwasthattherealestatehadtorepresentgoodvalueandtheinvestmentneededtoleavemarginforimprovementsthatwould,inturn,addfur-thervalue.Essentialtothemixwasenjoymentandanewstyleoflivingthatreflectstheirpersonaltastes.

Theirinterests,backgroundsandtheprojectstheyinventedforthem-selvesofferanicecontrastinventures.

hire-a-Pro reno

PROJECT:Thebuyersoughtabelow-markethouseorcondoinapopularzonethatwouldprovidegoodrentalincomeandupsideforthefuture.HerstylepreferencewasMexicanovermodern.Ratherthanpaythepremiumforareno-vatedunitthatoriginallycaughtherattentioninawell-locatedandcharmingcomplexneartheRomanticZoneofPuertoVallarta,shesawanopportunityinadatedapartmentinthesamebuildingthatwasclosertoherbudgetbutwouldrequirerenovationstobecomethe“prettiersister”.

WHO:AretiredfinancialplannerfromColoradowithawarmspotinherheartforMexico,butthere’dbenofrivolousnessinthisforeignacquisition.WithanappreciationforMexicandesignanddécor,butlimitedtimetoexecuteaprojectpersonally,thisbusinesswomanwasopentoengagingapro.

STRATEGY:Anaggressiveofferandfrugalrenovationexpendi-tureweretheformulatocontaintheoverallinvestmentandturnthispropertyintoanattractive

vacationrental,whichtheowner’sfamilywillalsobeabletoenjoyforpersonaluse.

OPPORTUNITYANDRESULTS:TheownerselecteddesignerGa-brielaOrtizforherpracticalideasandmethodstochangeoutdatedfinisheswithoutmajordemoli-tion.Ortizlovestohelpredesignahomeusingthingsonealreadyhas.Inthiscaseshesmoothedheavilytexturedwallswithanewsemi-polishedfinish,modi-fiedcabinetsandcountertopswhileavoidingagenericresult,repaintedfurnituretocompletelychangethelookandaddedauthenticlightingtonotchupthestyleandmood.Finally,iftheviewoverLosMuertosbeachwasn’talreadytodiefor,thisdesignerknockedusoutwithasuper-sizedbuilt-interracemirror,reflectingevenmoreexpanseoftheactivebayinward.

FUTURE:Theupdatesonthisunitwillhelppreserveitsvalueintheresalemarket,givingitanalluringstyleanddistinctnessagainstmoregenericproperties.

AFTER

AFTER

BEFORE

Nothing like a fixer-upper to bring you out of retirement!

www.mexi-go.ca 37

do-it-yourself makeoVer

PROJECT:Ahands-ontrans-formationofabungalowinthefishingandmarinatownofLaCruzdeHuanacaxtle.Theownerappliedhermanualskillsanddesignsensetorehabblah-lookingfeaturesofthehomeandfurniturethatcamewithit.Furtherimprovementscouldbephasedinastime,moneyandinspirationpermit.

STRATEGY:Thebuyerwantedapropertyinobviousneedofcarewiththeideaofobtainingitatanadvantageousprice.Itshouldhavethepotentialforexpansionoraddingfeaturesshedidn’twanttopayforupfront,suchasapoolorrooftopterrace.

WHO:ACanadiancustomlinenmanufacturerandretailerwholovespaintinganythingshecangetherhandson(evenrocks),hasagreenthumbandistechni-callyadept.

OPPORTUNITYANDRESULTS:Locationjustacoupleofblocksfromaworld-classmarinaandmilesofbeach,adouble-sizedlot,goodbonesandalltheexpansionpotentialthebuyerhopedforweretheassetsonwhichshewouldcapitalize,addingvaluetoasparefeel-inghousethroughdecorandfunctionality.

Thishomewascleanedup,dressedupandadornedwiththeowner’sverypersonal,distinctcolourpaletteandahostofsimplechangestogiveitwaymorecurbappealandbringforthitsMexicancharm.

Alongwithnewpaintinsideandout,Rusticofurniturethatwassturdybutwithoutcharacter,wasrefinishedwithpleasinglycom-

binedcolouredstains.Asimilartreatmenttokitchencupboardstransformedwhatseemedtobealostcauseintoanagreeablecountrykitchen.

Simplepracticalreconfigurationsweremadeinbathroomsandbedrooms,suchasconvertingasectionofclosettocreateadeskniche.

Soasnottotaxthebudget,therenovatedfurniturewascoveredwithlinensfromherpersonalline.Tasklighting,artandchachkasnowgiveitawarm,personal,lived-infeel.

Frontandbackpatioswereturnedintooutdoorloungeareasandplantshavegivensoftnesstoaboxybungalow.Rustedirongatesweretransformedwithnewpaintintowelcomingportals—justtherightfrostingonthiscake.

FUTURE:Theownerwilladdagood-sizedpoolinthelargebackyardandbuildasecondlevel,whichisstructurallyviableandwillgiveheraviewoftheocean,nottomentiondoublingthelivingspace.

BEFORE

BEFORE

AFTER

AFTERAFTER


the whole enchilada

PROJECT:AcouplealreadylivingfulltimeinBanderasBayimaginedoperatingsmallvacationcot-tagesoraB&B.Theywelcomedanambitiousendeavour—eitherrenovatingorexpandinganexistingpropertyorbuildingfromscratch.IfoundthemahouseinthegrowingpuebloofLaCruzonalargelot,thatwaswonderfullylocated,frontingthenewMarinaRivieraNayarit,andhadthreeefficiencyunitsthatneededcohe-sion,amenitiesandastrongdoseofstyletogiveitcharm,purposeandfunctionality.

WHO:AretiredAmericanwhohasservedaroundtheworldasV.P.ofaninternationaloilexplora-tionfirm(nowafishingandsurffanatic)andhiswife,anativeIndonesianwithahospitalitybackground.

STRATEGY:Thebuyersidentifiedthatthepropertywouldrequiremultiplyingandimprovingtheexistingunitstocreateaviabletourismoperation.Preliminaryresearchwithprofessionalsdeterminedtherewassufficientflexibilityonthelanduseandpossiblebuildingmodificationstoallowthemtodevelopafeasible

masterplan.

OPPORTUNITYANDRESULTS:Twoboxyone-levelbuildingswerewellbuiltanddesignedbythepreviousownerstoallowadditionallevelsofconstruction.Choppedupinteriorswereadapt-abletoreconfiguration.Itsloca-tioninamixed-usezonewouldallowconvertingitsusefromresidentialtoavacationrentalandretailoperation.Thelotbenefittedfromstreetaccessonbothfrontandrearboundaries.Viewstothelocalmarinaandoceanwouldbepossiblefromupperlevels.

LocalarchitectFernandoFloresDelgadodesignedmultiplelodgingunitsinaPacificCoastMexicanstylethatcanbebuiltinphases.Theownerswillbuildthefirstphase,whichwillrenderthreeattractivesuites,arooftoploungeandasmallretailspacewheretheycansellimportedfurnituresuitedtothetropics.Groundswillbeenhancedwithaswimmingpool—anessentialamenity—andafountainfeature.

FUTURE:Phaseoneshouldgivetheownersenoughlodgingstostartbuildingtheirbusiness.Itsvisualappealinaprominentloca-tionneartheflourishingmarinawillbeaninherentmarketingtool

the Professionals

VictoriaPratt,RealtorPacificBoutiqueProperties

Bucerias,Nayarit

T:+523292982522

C:+5213227799283

[email protected]

www.pacificboutiqueproperties.com

GabrielaOrtiz,InteriorDesignerGOStudio

NuevoVallarta,Nayarit

T.+523222970612

C.+5213222276380

[email protected]

www.gostudiopv.blogspot.mx

FernandoFloresDelgado,ArchitectF2DTallerdeArquitectura

Bucerias,Nayarit

T:+523292980942

C.+5213331004947

[email protected]

www.facebook.com/F2dArquitectos

RENDERING

www.mexi-go.ca 39


Moving to MexicoOne Canadian woman’s week long Mexico vacation

becomes the move of a lifetime.

ByGaryR.Beck

Picturethis:Asinglewomanlivingandoperatingarestaurantsuccessfullyin

TorontoOntarioforfifteenyears,goestoPuertoVallarta,Jalisco,MexicoonaweekvacationinJanuary2010,meetsalocalyounglady,SabrinaLeyva,andtheyhititoff.Sheistoldthatabeachrestau-rantisforsaleandshewondersifthisisthenextmoveforher,bothprofessionallyandsocially.Backhome,shewiresadepositonthelocale,arrivesthreemonthslaterandtakesitover.SheusesherCanadianexperiencetooperatearestaurantinanothercountry.ThechallengesincludelearningSpan-ish,businessrulesandregulations,labourlawsandculturalmores.

Withabackgroundincateringandweddingcoordinatingandthefinesup-portiveassistanceoftheformerowner,sheslowlylearnsthein’sandout’sofrunningabusinessinMexico.Sheisafair-skinned,light-hairedwomanfromCanadawhomustwalkafinelinewhensheinstructsmaleemployeeswhattodo,accordingtoherwishesanddemands,inamachosociety.

HernameisColetteZarry.Whenonemeetsher,theessenceofherenthusiasmandvitalityisreadilyapparent.Herlifeisgood;shehasconstructeditaccordingtoherbeliefthathowyoutreatapersonwillmirrorthesamebacktoyou.

Herrestaurant,Langostinos,islocatedrightonLosMuertosbeachintheRomanticZoneofPuertoVallarta,besidethenewlyre-builtpier.Itisacasualplaceforrelaxingandsamplingthemenu,whichfeaturesfabu-lousinternationalandMexicanfarewithfreshseafooddaily.Developing

themenu,ofwhichsheisjustlyproud,involvedretainingthedish-esshelovedandworkingwiththechefstochangeorupgradeotheritems.AmongherfavoritesaretheGreeksaladwithhouse-madedressing,bruschetta,topqualityfiletmignonandribeye,andspicyDiablaorgarlicshrimp.Colettealsolovestheirseafoodpastawithoctopus,shrimpandscallops.Sheispleasedwiththeresultsandcus-tomers’responses.Ever-changing,sheworkstoperfectherofferingscontinually.

Theambianceandlocationmakesittheperfectplacetospendthedayonthisfamouspeople-watch-ingbeachorenjoyaneveningdinnerwhilewatchingthesunset.

Italsoservesasagreatsocialgatheringplace,withpartoftherestaurantreservedasabar,hostingabustlingcrowdforhappyhourandsocialevents.

Itdidn’ttakeCollettelongtonoticethelargenumberofsickandneglectedanimalsthatroamedPuertoVallarta’sstreets.Shebegantorescue,mend,board,andarrangeadoptionsforthemanystraydogsandcatsshefound,althoughthenumberofabused,neglectedoraban-

A popular spot on the beach for locals and tourists.

Collette and friend enjoy cocktails at Lagostina’s on Los Meurtos Beach

www.mexi-go.ca 41

doneddogsandcatsseemedendless.HergoodfriendSabrinajoinedherinformingColina,afree(orbydonation)spayandneutercliniconthemainstreetofSouthSide,BasilioBadillo.ThenameColinawaschosenasitmeanstheuprisingorpeakofamountaininSpanish,andisalsothefirstthreelettersofColette’snameandthelastthreeletterslettersofSabrina’sname.Itisafittingname,astheyknowitisanuphillbattletoendthedesperationoftheseanimals,whiletheyrealizemuchcanbeaccomplished,onestepatatime.

ThemainchallengeColinafacesisfunding,sinceitisacharitythatreliessolelyondonations.Theywishtoprovidefreeveterinaryservices,particularlytargetingstreetanimalswhosuffercontinualpregnanciesandlitters,aswellasamultitudeofdiseasesthatplaguethem,causingslow,disablingdeaths.

Withthesupportofthecommunity,Langostinosheldasuccessfulfund-raiserforColinaonMarch21,2012thatmetthestart-upcostsforthenewclinic,whichcannowoperatefourdaysaweek.

Throughfundraisers,donationsandcommunityawareness,ColetteandSabrinawillkeeptheirdoorsopen.Bycreatingterrificfoodatfairprices,coupledwithefficientfriendlyservice,ColettehopestoenjoyalongbusinesslifeonthebeachatLangostinos.

ColettesaysthebeautyoflivinginPuertoVallartaisexploringthebayarea,andinteractingwithitsfriendlypeople.PuertoVallartaisagreatmixoftraditionalold-styleMexicocombinedwithmanymodernameni-ties,havinganicemixofnationalsandex-patslivingtogether.Somanyfull-timersandlongtimevisitorsgivetimeandmoneyinsupportofdoz-ensofcharitableorganizations,rangingfromchildrenwithdisabilities,animalcare(includingSPCA),toabatteredwomenshelter.Colettehasfoundittobeverysafehere,withoutthedisrespectorharassmentthatsinglewomentravelingalonesometimesfear.

Langostinos is open every day of the year from 8am to 11pm, 322-222-0894, on Playa Los Muertos between Manuel M. Dieguez and Francisca Rodriguez. www.facebook.com/pages/Langostinos/145169458873322

COLINASPAYANDNEUTERCLINICisopenSundaytoWednesday

9amto2pm,atBasilioBadillo429B.

www.facebook.com/ColinaSpayAndNeuterClinic

“langostinos is always a great place for lunch...love sitting on the beach and the service provided by the staff is top notch” ~ Trip Advisor review


The home of RaicillaHACieNDA el DiViSADeRO, CAbO CORRieNTeS

ByErinStaley

UpintheSierraMadres,onecanfindthetimelesswonderofHaciendaElDivisadero,anagaveplantationthatisrichinnatu-ralbeauty,historyandtheageoldtraditionofmakingraicilla.

OnceconsideredtobeMexico’smoonshine,raicillahasnowjoineditscousins,tequilaandmezcal,asfineagaveliquorfromthestateofJalisco.TravelersfromnearandfararedrawntoHaciendaElDivisaderotosamplethesmooth,smokyflavoroftheancientdrinkofthegods.

Haciendaguestsaretreatedlikefamily,travelingtheone-hourjourneyfromPuertoVallartainstyle.ScenicviewsappearalongthecoastalstretchofBanderasBayuntiltheroadheadseastwardwherepalmtreesaretradedforthick,tropicalvegetation.AbriefstopinElTuitogivesvisitorsachancetodiscoverthecharmsofthispre-Hispanicpueblolinedwithadobebrickbuildings.ElTuito’stownsquaresitsquietlywithitsmajestictrees,scrolledwhiteironbenchesandgazebo,hintingofnightsfilledwithmusicanddancingunderthestars.Itisn’tanywonderwhyElTuito’s3,500nationalandinternationalresidentsenjoythere-laxedlifestyleofthevillagethatmeans“littlebeautifulvalley.”Andjustoverariseortwo,perchedonthehillsideoflandbelongingtoindig-

enousNáhuatldescendents,isHaciendaElDivisadero,homeofraicilla.

TheHaciendaisthevisionofownerandVallarta-arearestaurateur,Flo-rentinoCarbajalRamírez,commonlyreferredtoasTino.TheHacienda’s287hectareshavebeeninhiswife’sfamilyforgenerations.Withthehelpofextendedfamilyandhighly-skilledartisans,theyhaveopenedtheirdoorstosharethemagnificenceoftheirlandandtheprocessbywhichtheyplantandharvesttheHacienda’seightvarietiesofagave.

TheHacienda’sguestsarewelcomedwithMexicanhospitalityandtreat-edtoaheartybreakfastoverlookingthetraditional-stylehomestead.Vibrantplantspeekoutofterracottapottery,equipalechairslinethepatio,andacanopyoftreesprovidesshadeforthefriendlyranchdogs.Freshlybakedbread,pandulce,ispresentedaswellasacolorfularrayoffreshtropicalfruitandjuicesandhomemadeMexicanhotchocolate.Andjustasthedishesaregathered,atrayoforganicHaciendacheeseisplacedonthetable.Sixvarieties(Chihuahua,Oaxaca,panela,quesooreado,quesosecoandsourcream)areofferedalongwithadetailedexplanationofthecheese-makingprocess.Theirflavors,rangingfromsweettotangy,providetheperfectpairingtotheHacienda’shome-madetortillasandsalsas.

Alongwithitsassortmentoftastyedibles,HaciendaElDivisaderoproducesupto15,000litersofraicillaperyear.Itsrecipecombinestheflavouringsofagavevarietiesincludingagavechino,elverde,elAma-rilloandelPadre.Someoftheplantsgrowoveroneandahalfmetershigh,andwhentheyarereadytobeharvested,theagaveistakentolataberna,meaning“thetavern”.Thedistilleryequipmentwasdesigned

www.mexi-go.ca 43

andcraftedbyTonyandhisstaff,alongwiththefirepitusedtosmoketheagaveintemperaturesreaching950degreesCelsius.Fromthematurityoftheiragaveplantstotheharvest,fermenta-tion,distillationandbottlingoftheirraicilla,theHacienda’sgoalistoprovidethehigheststandardoforganicliquorwhilerespectingthelandanditsresources.

Withasaltedgrapefruitsliceinonehandandasampleintheother,guestsaretoldto,“Siptheraicillaandcloseyoureyes.Allowthesmokyflavortopermeateyoursenses.Afterswallowing,bitethegrapefruitandletthesaltandcit-ricacidaccentuateyourraicillaex-perience.”Thegodsarethankedforthebountyoftheearth,andtherestoftheafternoonisspentexploringtheHacienda’splanta-tion.

Whetherit’shikingthetrailsorsaddlinguponranchhorses,guestsareabletoappreciatetheserenityofthisplantationwithitsexotictrees,medicinalplantsandwildlife.Foranaddeddimension,theexplorationincludesavisittooneofJalisco’sancientpetroglyphs.StandingstatelybesideElTuitoRiveristhe

volcanicrocksaidtohavebeenengravedbyanAztecantribecalledtheTecoxquinesin700A.D.Thegraphicsymbols,carvedwithsnakevenom,arebelievedtobepetitionstothegods,askingforhealth,fertility,asuccessfulharvestandthereturnoflife-givingrain.

Afterafulldayofdiscovery,theHaciendaelDivisaderoservesupacountry-stylemenuoffineMexicandishesincludingseafood,alpas-tor-stylelamb,birria,chorizo,molepablanoandsautéedbananaswithcinnamonandcream.Ofcourse,raicillaisavailabletoaccom-panythemeal.Guestscanhaveitstraightoutoftheblue-tintedHaciendaelDivisaderobottleorinoneoftwenty-twomargaritaflavoursincludingcoconut,mango,guayaba,avocadoandbanana.ThenightisyoungforthosewhochoosetostayinHaciendaelDi-visadero’scolonial-stylevillas,but

forthosewhomustheadback,afondembraceisshared.

Hastaluego,HaciendaelDivisadero.Untilwemeetagain.

www.haciendaeldivisadero.com


Palladium Hotels and Resorts in Riviera Nayarit Home of the All-inclusive Surf Vacation.

ByGabrielJones

TheGrandPalladiumVallartaResort&SpaandsisterpropertyThe

RoyalSuitesPuntadeMitabyPalladiumaresituatedontheNorthernCoastofthebeautifulBahíadeBanderas(theworld’s2ndlargestbay),athirty-minutedrivefromthePuertoVallartaIn-ternationalAirport.Thefantas-ticlocationboastsgreatviewsofthebaywiththeMarietasIslandstothenorthandPuertoVallarta,backedbythegreenmountainsoftheSierraMadres,acrossthebaytothesouth.

Integratedintothethick,greenjungle,wherecoastalcliffsmeetwhitesand,theresortsprovideagreatcombinationofprivacyandnaturalbeauty.Addingtothisincrediblelocation,thepropertiesareashortdrivefromseveralsurfbreaksandrightnextdoortooneofthearea’sbestsurfingspots.PuntaBurrosisnamedaftertheburroordonkeybecausethewaveisstrongbut

slow.Itbreaksjustsouthoftheproperty,soclosethatitcanbeviewedfromthecomfortofyourbeachchair.Burrosisaconsistentwaveandonebothbeginnersandexperiencedsurferswillenjoy.InadditiontoPuntaBurros,therearemanyotherwavesandbeachesthatcaneasilybereachedwithinashortdrive.Non-surfersinthegroupcancheer,photograph,enjoycalmerwatersintheswimmingarea,andofcourse,cocktailsfromthebeachbar.Thiscombinationoftheeaseandluxuryofanall-inclusivevacationandthereadilyavailablesurf,offersawholenewtravelcategory–theall-inclusivesurfvacation!

Beginnersmaytakeadvantageoffreeboardrentalsonquality,soft-topbeginnerboardsandfreelessons,offereddailyandtaughtinsmallgroupsbythefriendlyandknowledgeableaquaticteam.Understand-inghowthewavebreaks,currents,wheretobealertforrocksandsea

urchin,andbasicsurfetiquette,alongwiththemechanicsofactuallycatchingwaves,areallpartofyourlearningexperience.Fornon-surfersinthegrouporfordayswhenthewavesaren’tcooperating,theaquaticcenteralsooffersboogieboards,kayaks,snorkelingequipmentandleadsdailyafternoonsailingexcursionsonsmallfour-seatHobiesailboats.

TheGrandPalladiumVallartarecentlyunderwentamassivethirtymilliondollarrenovationtoupdateandbeautifytherooms,amenitiesandexpandthespafacilities.Muchthoughtwasgiventomakethe

propertymoreeco-friendlyandtheeffortshavebeenrewardedwithanEarthCheckSilverCertifiedAward(togoalongwiththeirTravelLifeGoldAwardandtheTripAdvisorCertificateofExcellenceAward).

TheGrandPalladiumVallartaResort&Spaisperfectforallagesandfamilies;offeringakidsclub(1-12)andteenclub(13-17);bigpoolswith

large,shallowareas;asmallzoowithmonkeys,parrotsandtwoamazingostriches;poolsideping-pong,beachvolleyball,andevenarchery.Itpro-videssixdiningoptions,anightclubandanalmosttwenty-fourhoursportsbar,guaranteeingthatevenonvacationyouwillcatchthebiggame.

Meanwhile,guestsoftheadult-onlyTheRoyalSuitesPuntadeMitacanusealloftheamenitiesandservicesfoundattheneighbouringGrandPalladiumResort,plussomeadditionalfeaturesandservicesreservedforTheRoyalSuitesguestsonly,including:aprivatepool,separate”alacarte”restaurantwithanewmenueachnight,conciergeandbutlerservice,andJacuzzitubsineveryroom.

Ifyouwouldliketocombinetheeaseandopulenceofanall-inclusivevacationwiththeexcitementandadventureofasurfvacation,TheGrandPalladiumVallartaResortandSpaandTheRoyalSuitesPuntadeMitabyPalladiumprovidetheperfectsettingforyournextbeachsurfgetaway.

Surf photo courtesy of: KemiVernonPhotography.com

www.palladiumresorts.com


Stoked on SUP in the Riviera NayaritByGabrielJones

TheRivieraNayaritandtheBahíadeBanderasarehometogreatdes-tinationslikePuertoandNuevoVallarta,Bucerías,PuntadeMitaandSayulitaandthisareaisnowthehotbedforSUP(StandUpPaddle-boarding)inMexico.

SUPisperhapsthefastestgrowingwatersportintheworld.Itisac-complishedbystandingfeet-squareandshoulder-widthapartonan

oversizedsurfboardandthenpropellingyourselfoverthewaterwithalong,canoe-likepaddle.Inadditiontobeingaddictivelyfun,muchofthepopularityisduetoSUP’Sversatility.Unlikesurfing,wherewaveconditionscanmakeorbreakyourday,youcanSUPinalmosteveryconditiontheoceancanthrowatyou,fromridingwaves-bothbigandsmall,paddlingonopenoceanorcalmerbays,andnowincreasingly,oninlandlakes,riversandevenlightrapids.Thishasenthusiasts,youngandold,fromSaskatoontoSayulita,stokedonSUP.

AspopularityofthesportandthemanydifferentwaystoenjoySUPexpands,sodoesthevarietyofboardshapesandsizesbeingoffered.Likecross-countryvs.downhillskis;inSUP,longer,narrowerboards(uptofourteenfeet)arebettersuitedforglidingacrossflatwaterandshorterboards(asshortassevenft)arebestformanoeuvringonwaves.Wider,thickerboardsofferbetterstabilityforbeginnersandcanfloatheavierweights.Thesearealsoperfectforbiggerbonedridersorthoselookingtobringalongextraweightlikekids,dogsorevencamp-inggear.FurtherpushingtheboundariesofSUP,therearenowfitnessboardsthatcomeequippedwithextrapaddingandtiedownsforresis-tancebands,toperformyogaandPilateswhilebalancingonthewater,andoversized,super-stableboardswithmountsforyourfishingrodandtiedownsforyourcatch.

Regardlessoftheapplicationyouchoose,SUPwillalwaysinvolveusingyourcorestabilizermusclestobalance,andeveryothermuscletopad-dle,makingitatrulyamazingfull-bodyworkout.Forthisreasonithasbecomethenewfavouritecross-trainingsportforpersonaltrainersofthestars,whoarelookingfortheperfectbody,andforprofessionalathletesseekingthatextraedgeonthecompetition.PerhapsthemostimportantcomponentofanyfitnessregimenisthatSUPisreallyenjoyableandensuresnotonlylargedosesofexercisebutalsofreshairandfun.

Despitebeingagreatworkout,SUPiseasytolearn.Youfirststartonyourkneesandthenworktowardsstanding.Mostbeginnerspickupthebasicsquicklyandfindthemselvesstandingandpaddlinginthefirsthour.NowwithSUPshopspoppingupallacrossCanada,youcanpracticethesportpracticallyanywherethathassome(unfrozen)waterandthenapplythoseskillswhileonyournextMexicanbeachvacation.

SayulitahasoneofthemostconsistentsurfbreaksintheareaandoneofthebestsurfculturesinallofMexico.SayulitawillalwaysbeasurftownfirstbutithasalsoembracedSUP,withmanyofthelocalsurferscompetingnationallyandinternationallyinSUP.Sayulitaistheperfectplacetorentapaddleboardandtakealessonorevencheckoutapro-competition,liketheannualPuntaSayulitaLongboardandSUPClassic(March8-10th,2013).

MostofSayulita’ssurfrentalshopsnowalsoofferSUPrentalsandles-sons,butonenewshophasdedicateditselffullytoSUP.SayulitaSUPoffersSayulita`sbiggestselectionofSUPboardsforsaleorrent.Inad-

Photosuppliedby:pacificpaddle.net

www.mexi-go.ca 47

ditiontotheirownbrandofboards,theyalsoofferhighperformancebrandslikeNaishandRogue,aswellasagreatselectionofpaddles,cloth-ing,andaccessories.Whetheryouareabeginnerorlookingtoaddanewskill,thisisalsoagreatplacetotakealesson.BesidesprovidingthebasicsofSUP,theyofferclassesonhowtoridewavesand,comingthisfall,SUPyoga!

Thestore’sowner,LeylaMorris,isacertifiedyogainstructorwhorecentlymovedtoSayulitafromHawaii,andherstoreprovidesawelcomingaloha/namastevibe.Inbackofthewell-appointedshopisabeautifulgreenspacewithaping-pongtable,asmoothiebar(alsoservingicecoldbeer),andthefamousIguanaTree,whichishometoacrewofamazingiguanas.ThisspacehaslongbeenahangoutoftheselocallizardsandisnowquicklybecomingafavouriteforSUPenthusiasts.

SayulitamightbetheSUPepicenterofMexicobuttheloveofthesportextendsthroughoutthebay.OneofthebestSUPcompaniesinallofMexicoisPacificPaddleoutofnearbyBucerias.Canadian-bornownerAdamFinerisatruepioneerofSUPinMexicoandwasthefirsttobringaSUPboardherein2006.AsmoreandmoreamigostooknoticeofAdamhavingablastonhisSUP,sodidtheirrequestsforhimtosupply

themwithboardsoftheirown.SoonAdamwasmakingregularroadtripstotheStatesandimportingboardsforfriends.Asthedemandbecamegreaterthanhistruckcouldhold,Adamdecidedtobecomeadistributor.TodayhisshopsellsmorepaddleboardsthananyplaceinMexicoandhasexpandedtoof-fersalesandrentalsinSayulitaandPuntadeMita.

Inadditiontohavingahugeinven-toryofSUPboards,paddlesand

accessoriesforsaleorrent,PacificPaddleisalsothefirstcertifiedSUPSchoolinMexico,andthecreatorofSUPexcursionssuchastheLasMarietasSUPSafari,andLosArcosSafari.ThesedaytripstooffshorerockformationsareperfectlysuitedtoSUPasitaffordsanamazingperspectiveofyoursurroundings,botharoundandinthewaterbeneathyou.IfyouchooseadaytriptoLosArcosortheMarietas,besuretopackawaterproofcamerabecauseyouwillseeamazingsealifeandbirdsprovidingplentyoffantasticphotoops.

Whetheryouareabouttodipyourpaddleforthefirsttimeoryouhavealreadytakentheplunge,youwillbesuretofindmanygreatwaystobestokedaboutSUPduringyournextvacationtotheRivieraNayarit.

Unlike surfing, where wave conditions can make or break your day, you can SUP in almost every condition the ocean can throw at you


Mundo MayaThe Fairmont Mayakoba’s willow Stream Spa draws

inspiration from ancient Mayan healing rituals

ByAnitaDraycott

Aboutathousandyearsago,Mayanrulers,priestsandpriest-esseswentthroughagonizinglengthstobeautifythemselves.Theirforeheadswereflattenedbyboardsduringinfancytoelongatetheirskulls,asmallbaublewashungbetweentheireyesmakingthemsomewhatcross-eyed,teeth,pumicedtosharppoints,shonewithjadeinsertsandpiercingsandtat-tooswereveryfashionable.

WhenthemightyMayancivi-lizationcollapsedinthe15thcentury,thestretchofbeachandjunglenowknownastheMayanRivierawasvirtuallydeserted,itsonlyinhabitantsasprinklingoffarmersandfishermen.However,in1967,theCancunareabecamethe

firstcomputer-plannedresortinMexico,selectedonthequalityofitsbeaches,sunshine,uniquehistoricalattractionsandhospitablelocals.TodaytheMexicanCaribbeanisthecountry’stoptouristdestination.

JustnorthofPlayadelCarmen,TheFairmontMayakoba(theMayanwordfor“cityofwater”)haswonnumerousawardsforbothitsqualityofserviceandcommitmenttopreservingtheecology.TenkilometersoflimestonecanalscreateasortofVeniceoftheCaribbeanwithsuitesperchedontheedgeofthebluelagoons.Lanchas(electriccoveredboats),golfcartsorbicyclestransportguestsaroundtheproperty.

Attheresort’sWillowStreamSpa,severalMayanmedicalandbeautyproceduresandindigenousingredientshavebeenincorporatedintothetreatments.Butdon’tworry,you’llfindnothingpainfulordisfiguringonthemenu;thesemodernizedritualsarebasedpurelyonrelaxationandpleasureprincipals.

Thesignaturetwo-hourYucatanHealingRetreatofferscouplesanop-portunitytochoosefromavarietyoflocalhealingremediestocustom-izetheirtreatments.Afterarelaxingfootbathandcurativo(freshfruitcocktail)onthepatioofyourprivatespasuite,youandyourpartnerchoosefromaselectionofseaandsandbodyscrubs,followedbyachoiceofbodymasks.Followingasoothingbath,you’llreceiveside-by-sidemassagesusingtropicaloils.

Chocoholicswillbehappytoknowthatcacao,theMayanwordforchocolate,wassohighlyreveredinpre-Hispanicculturesthatitwasofferedasaritualtothegods.Mayakoba’s“FoodoftheGodsBodyNourisher”paintsyoufromheadtotoeinacacaobodymask,saidtobehighinantioxidantsanddetoxifiers.Afterawarmrinse,thetreat-mentculminateswithacoconutoilandroseessencemassage.Asyoudrifteuphoricallyinandoutofyouroh-so-sweetdreams,youarepre-sentedwithawaferofrichdarkchocolate,whichwillleaveyoufeelingnourishedinsideandout.

InhonourofChac,theomnipotentMayanraingod,the“ChaChacRainRitual”promisesthatyou’llleavetheouterhecticworldbehindyou.Beginningwithatraditionalblessingandburningofcopalincense,youareslatheredinamixtureofcornmeal,clayandoats.Themaskisexfoli-atedwithanayate(cactusfibre)cloth,followedbyatropicalrainwatershower.

InthetraditionalMayantemescal(sweatbath),honeywasusedasareminderofthesweetnessoflife.AtMayakobathe“HoneyintheHeart”treatmentstartswithahoneybodymaskthatisremovedunderarainforestrinseVichyshowerandfollowedbyamassage.Asipofthegoldenhoney,thenectarofthegods,endsthedelightfulexperience.

MostguestsspendthebetterpartofadayattheWillowStreamSpa,enjoyingtheoutdoorgardens,Swissshowers,whirlpools,commodioussittingareasandcomplimentaryherbalteas,juicesandrefreshments.Thesmilingandcheerfulstaffdeliverscourteousandprofessionalservice.

TheFairmontMayakobaisthefirstinaseriesofplanneddevelopmentsbilledas“anewcivilizationonMexico’sRivieraMaya,”thatincludetheRosewoodandBanyanTreehotels.

www.fairmont.comwww.willowstream.com/mayakoba/

www.mexi-go.ca 49

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What a glorious adventure and a dream come true! FormanyyearsIhavewantedtooperateasmallresort,campgroundorB&B,cateringtopeopleseeking“downhomehospitality”.Whatdoesthatmean?Tome,it’swelcomingothersintomyhomeandtreatingthemasfamily,sharingmyknowledgeofgrowing,preservingandeatinghealthy,good-food,andspendingtimetogetherascommunity,mostpreferablyonabeachfront.

OvertheyearsmyhusbandandIlookedatsmallrevenuepropertiesinmanyareas,butfordiversereasons,wenevermadetheleap.Placesweretypicallytooremote,whichmeanttoomuchdistancefromfriendsandfamily,didn’thaveenoughsun,werepoorforgrowing,ortooexpensive.Onceyoulivebythesea,it’shardtosettleforanythingelse.

GrowingupinMetchosin,abeautifulruralareajustoutsideofVictoria,BC,myparentshadtheforesighttobuypropertyandbuildtheirhomeashortblockfromoneofthebestbeachesanywhere.Forme,it’sprettyhardto

livin’ the dream ByLizCunningham

USA 530-876-6196 [email protected]


beat,asitholdsoverfiftyyearsofmemories,andthehistoryofthreegenerations.Mystandardsforamovearesimple–butcertainlyhigh,needingtofeelconnectedtothepeople,thefoodanditmustbeaspecialplace.

Overtheyearsmylifehaschangedfromacrazybusy,multi-taskingproductionmanagerworkingintheVan-couverFilmIndustry.IhavebeenincorporatingmoresustainablelifestylepracticesintomylifeandI’vebeentransformingmythirdofanacreintoaspaceforgrowinghealthyfood,raisingchick-ensforeggsandhatchingheritagechickstosell.Ihavebecomeastrongadvocateforsmallfarming,especiallyinsmallspacesandurbansettings.Ouryardhasbecomealearninggarden,toshowpeoplehowtheytoocangrowgoodfoodathome.

MywholeworldchangedinoneshortinstantwhenmypartnerwasdiagnosedwithaninoperabletumorinApril2011.Thenextfewmonthswerespentconsultingwithdoctors,specialists,anddoingallwecouldtochangetheprognosis.InJuneweeventooktheplungeandaftereighteenyearstogetherweweremarriedatthekitchentable,toonlywonderwhattookussolong!Withintwoweekshepassedawayathome,peacefulenough,allthingsconsidered.

AbouttheonlythingIknewwasthiswouldbethefirstyearIwasnotgoingtospendChristmashereinMetchosin.Ihadtogoawaysomewhere,anywhere,aslongasIwasn’thereovertheholidays.Butwheretogothatwasreasonable,fairlycloseandwouldsuitmyfamilyandmyself?

InOctober2011,mysonhadspenttwoweeksinthePuertoVal-lartaarea,includingaweekspentinSayulita.Ihadneverheardofthisquaintsurfingvillage,butaccordingtomyson,itwasfabulous!Thiscertainlydidn’tsoundliketheAllInclusiveresorts

myhusbandandIstayedatwhenwewenttoMexico,itsoundedfarbetter.

Aftertwoweekssearchingtheinternetforsuitablevaca-tionhomesthatwecouldrentoverthetwoweekChristmasperiod,wefoundnothingavailablethatsuitedourneeds.Westartedsearchingfurtherafieldanddiscoveredmanybeautifulhomes,andmanythatwereofferedforthetimeswewanted.IhadneverheardofMeridabefore,letaloneProgreso,butmydaughterknewallabout“TheWhiteCity”,thebeautifulSpanishcolonialcityintheYucatanstate.Weshortlisted

acoupleoftherentalproperties,andallagreedonabeautifulfivebedroomhome,withhugepool,onthebeach,justeastofProgreso.

TherewereonlyfiveorsixweeksbetweenbookingourrentalhouseandourdeparturetoMerida.Beinggiftedwithaloveofresearch,Ispentmanyhourscombingwebsites,learningallIcouldaboutthearea.Istumbleduponacoupleofforums,andreadcommentsfromallkindsofpeoplewhohadrelocatedfromCanada,theUSAandEurope.Theyallenjoyedlivinginthearea.

EveryonehasheardthestoriesofcrimeinMexico,soIreadmanygovernmentwebsitesandblogsofferingupthecrimestatisticsandfoundtheYucatanStateisoneofthesafestinallofMexico,certainlycomparabletomyownhometownofVictoria.IwassoakingupeverythingIcouldabouttheYucatan,andnothingwasdisappointingme,infactthecompleteopposite,Iwastotallyenchantedevenbeforesettingfootinthestate.

LookingatrealestatewebsitesforMeridawasshocking,inamostpleasantway.Iwasamazedwithsomeoftherenovations;theyrivalledanythingdoneinCanada,evenhighendWestVancouverhomespaledtosomeofthefabulousrestorationsofthecolonialhomes.Andthebeachproperties…formanyyearsIhavekept

www.mexi-go.ca 53

myeyeonthepulseofpropertypricesalongtheBritishColum-biacoastlineandislands.WOW!Thepricesweresoreasonable.Perhapsmysoncouldfollowhisideaof‘beinghappyfoldingtowelswhilelivinginawarmclimate’whileowningasmallrentalproperty?Itreallyappearedtherewassomuchopportunityinthearea,andthiswascertainlyconfirmedbythefewlocalsItalkedtopriortoarrivingintheYucatan.Oh,IwasexcitedforallthepossibilitiesthatIfeltmightunfoldaswevacationedinthispartofMexico.

SoDecember24th,weheadedoutofVancouverInternationalAirportandarrivedinMeridaquitelateatnight.WhenIcalledacarrentalcompany,naturallytheyoungmanonotherendspokeSpanish.WhenIaskedifhespokeEnglish,Icrackedrightupwithhisswift,jokinganswer“forfivebucksIdo”.HereallycalmedmyfearofhowIwouldcommunicate,knowingabsolutelynoSpan-ish.Hewassofriendlyandhelpful,andofferedtoshopforusifIemailedalistofgroceriestosustainusthroughourlatenightarrivalandholidaythefollowingday.Howmanytimeshaveyourentedcars,wheretheywilldoyourshoppingforthecostofgoodspurchased,andhavetheorderinthewaitingrentalvehicleonarrival?

ChristmasdayhesentouthisfriendwithacellphoneandUSBstickforinternetconnection,withreimbursementofthereceiptfromstore.Mexicansareknowntobehelpfulandfriendlyandthisprovedtruethemorepeoplewemet.

Duringourvacationwedrovemanyhundredsofkilometers,fromtheeightlanehighwaythatconnectsMeridatoProgreso,tonar-rowsandroadsoftinyvillages,topotholedbackroadsleadingtoruins,tothemanyone-waystreetsofMerida……allwereeasytodrive,wellmarkedandfuntoexplore.MysonandIevendrovefromMeridatoPlayadelCarmen,withoutanydifficultyatallandonlyone$40CDNspeedingticket,gettingcaughtdrivingwelloverthespeedlimit.LocalsinsmallvillageswouldwavetousandonourwaybacktoProgresofromRioLagartos,arancherevenstoppedtoaskusifweneededdirections,theninvitedusintohisdaughter’shomeforthebestorganiccoffeeandturkeysandwich-esever!Charadesarefunandawaytocommunicatewhenyoudon’tspeaksomeone’slanguage.

InallareaswetravelledintheYucatan,Ifeltastrongsenseofcommunity.Thepeopleinshops,gasstations,onthestreet,weresosincerelyhelpful,friendlyandwantingtoofferassistanceinany

waytheycould.Familyisveryimportant,anditwassogreattoseemulti-generationsspendingsomuchtimetogether.Everyonelookedsotrulyhappy!

Returninghomeafterwhatturnedintoathreeweekvacation,IjumpedbackontheinternetandviewedhundredsofpropertiesforsaleintheMeridaandMayanRivieraareas.Chelum,Chuburnabeachpropertiesreallyhadmequiteexcited,perhapsthisiswhereIwillbuythatwaterfrontmini-resortanddosomesustainablesmalllotfarming?


Surgical Care South of the Border

Aswebecomeanevermoreglobalsociety,ouroptionscontinuetobroadenandhealthcareisnoexception.WithrisingcostsandreformsintheUnitedStatesand

longerwaitingperiodsinCanada,manyareseekinganalterna-tivetotheirdomestichealthcaresystem.

MexicohaslongbeenthenumberoneinternationaldestinationforAmericansandCanadiansseekingmedicalcareoutsidetheirowncountry,andforgoodreason.Asanation,Mexicoboastsremarkablepolitical,social,andeconomicstability.Itscloseproximity,culturalparallels,reasonableprices,accreditedandcertifiedhospitalsandchoiceofworld-classsurgeons,position

Mexicoasadistinctalternativeforthosewhoareseekingbotheconomicvalueandexceptionalqualityinsurgicalcare.

ComparabletoCanada,Mexicooffersauniversalpublichealthcaresystemthat

providesfreeorsubsidizedmedicalcaretoitscitizens.However,arobustprivatehealthcaresectoralsoexistsinMexico,withdoctorswhoaresuperblyeducated,havingtrainedatvarioushighlyrespectedinstitutionsandprivate,stateofthearthospi-talsaroundtheworld,mostcommonlyintheU.S.

TheprivatehealthcaresectorinMexicoprovidespatientswithspeedandchoice.Appointmentscanbemadewithanydoctor,evenaspecialist,withoutareferral,oftenforthesameday,afterwhichdiagnostictestsandtreatmentproceedwithoutdelay.Doctorsalsohavetheflexibilitytoworkatanyhospitalwithintheprivatesystem,againofferingchoicetothepatienttoem-ploythefacilitythatisrightforthem.

AlltheseoptionsandqualitiesattractpatientsfromacrosstheglobetoMexico.Intheend,afterreceivingsurgicalcare,themostcommonresponseofpatientsisanoverwhelmingsenseofsatisfactionthattheirhealingexperiencecamewithsuchasmallpricetag.

Each month, ISA Surgical will be writing a column dedicated to Canadian citizens seeking an alternative to traditional medical tourism. The column will bring statistics and insights into the Mexican HealthCare System, providing education and awareness to Timely, Affordable, World Class Surgical Solutions... Stay Tuned.

www.isasurgical.com

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Mexi-Go! Magazine is available online, all day, everyday.Nowpublishedonlineeverymonth,youcanenjoyMexi-Go!Magazinemoreoften!

Joinusatwww.mexi-go.caforevenmoreinformationaboutCanadiansinMexico,traveldestinations,greathotels,activities,festivalsandmore.

SignuponlineforourmonthlynewsletterandhaveMexi-Go!deliveredtoyourinboxeachmonth-Freeofcharge!

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Café con leche HiDDeN TReASUReS AlONG THe wAy

ByLaurieRoberts

Mexicoisfamousforitsbeachesandresorts,butmyfondestmemoriesarethehiddentreasuresthatareoff-the-beaten-track.ThetriptoSanJoaquinisoneofthose!

Wesetoffearlyinthemorning,notrealizinghowslowourjourneywouldbeintotheSierraGordabiosphere,withitssteepmountainroadsanddeepcanyons.Theroadisdecoratedwithremarkablefloraandfaunathatmakethe135kmtreknortheastofQueretarotoSanJoaquinmorethanworthwhile.

Whenourdaughterwokeuphungry,wedidn’tthinkwewouldfindany-thingtoeatforquitesometime.Thankfully,wewereinforoneofmymostmemorablefeasts.Perchedonthesideofasteepmountainturn,appearingtobenothingmorethanashack,wespiedsomeonemakingtortillas!Atthelastsecondweturnedinandweredelightedtofindthatthislovelyeighty-plusyearoldseñorawaswillingtosharewhatshehad.Wewaitedinbarelycontainedanticipationasthesmokefromthefirelitunderneaththesimplemetalsheetgrillandthemouth-wateringaromaofbluetortillasbegantofilltheair.Refriedbeanswerewarmingontheburnerandfreshgoatcheesewasbeingprepared.Plasticplatesandserviettesweresetonarusticwoodentable.NeverinmylifehaveIeatenamealmadewithsomuchlove(“hecho con amor”isaverycommonwayofcomplimentingthechef).Afterkissesandhugsanda

quickrideonthefaithfullittlemountaindonkeythatcarriedthewood,wewereonourwayagain,withsatisfiedstomachs.

WefinallyarrivedafewhourslateratSanJoaquin’s16thcenturypyra-midswhichareatestamenttosomeofthefirsthumanoccupantsofthatareaofQueretaro.ThearcheologicalzoneofRanasisanunforgettablehikeintothepast.OfalltheruinsIhavevisited,itisbyfarthemostfascinating.Afterafewhoursofimagining,playingintheforest,climb-ing,andtalkingaboutthehistoryandthegeniusofallwewitnessed,weheadedofftotheundergroundcaves-“GrutasLosHerrera”.DespitetheapprehensionIfeltgoingundergound,thecolours,soundsandwaterweremystical.Thishiddentreasureiswellworththeadventure!

Mexi-Go! Magazine Sandi Allin Briscoe

CLIMATE IS PERFECT | LOW COST OF LIVINGGOLF 12 MONTHS OF THE YEAR

JOIN THE OVER 10,000 CANADIANS ALREADY HERE!

MAKE ME YOUR LAKE CHAPALA CONNECTION!WWW.AJIJICCHAPALA.COM.MX

RETIRE IN PARADISE!

SANDI ALLIN BRISCOE1ST CHOICE HOMES [email protected]

www.sanjoaquinqro.gob.mx

www.mexi-go.ca 57

dream homes

CASITAAZUL|COSTACAREYES,JALISCORepresentedby:Sotheby’sInternationalRealty|Mexico

CasitaAzulisanextraordinaryoceanfronthomeforsaleintheexcusivecommunityofCostaCareyes.ItisauniquelydesignedhomesinthecolourfulCasitas de las Floresdevelopment.ThisMediterraneaninspiredprop-ertyoffersanopenconceptlifestylethatembracesthecolours,sightsandsensationsofthebeautifulMexicanPacificcoast.

5Bedrooms|4,971sq.ft.

Asking$3,800,000usd


Catherine MartinC: +521 322 227 6190O: +52 322 297 [email protected]

Victoria PrattC: +521 322 779 9283O: +52 329 298 2522

[email protected]

pacificboutiqueproperties.com

www.mexi-go.ca 59

DOS CASAS | RANCHO DEL ORO | AJIJIC ~ LAkE CHApALA

AN INSpIRINg SANCtuARy. A special home offering privacy & seclusion, just minutes to everything in Ajijic. Offered for the first time, the main home has 2 master bedrooms each with their own ensuite and walk-in closets. Living spaces include a welcoming reception hall with bar, lounge with boveda ceiling, niches & indirect lighting, spacious covered terrace with spectacular fountain, large separate dining room, impressive chefs' kitchen, huge pantry, den, office and library, indoor bodega & workshop. Impressive street frontage with secure video entry. "Dos Casas" combines a focus on quality with an immaculate presentation. Lot: 1,994m² Const. 918m² Asking: $890,000 usd

NExt tImE yOu vISIt AJIJIC - SpOIL yOuRSELf! Call: +52 1 331 350 6764 Email: [email protected] www.casatresleones.com

Alix WilsonOffice: (376) 766-2612 (13)toll free: 1 (866) 377-4632

mobile: (+52) 1 331 265 [email protected]

www.century21accessmex.com

casa leach 3 bed | 3 bath | 4,498 sf $395,000 usd

built in 2007 for handicap accessibility on both levels and tastefully furnished this custom built home that has it all. walled for privacy and security with parking for 3 cars and convenient elevator to the main floor. large terrazza offers 180+ degree unobstructed view of both Scorpion and Mezcala islands. bonus! A one bedroom casita on the lower level with its own courtyard and lake view.

FOR MORe iNFORMATiON AND TO See ViDeO TOURS CliCK HeRe: www.accesslakechapala.com/2011/11/09/casa-leach/

eASy ACCeSSibiliTy ON ONe leVel

GReAT DeAl! 1 bed | 1 bath | 1,377 sf $97,800usd

One bedroom, one bath, partially furnished, near the entrance inside of Vista Del lago. wow! you even have your own swimming pool. large covered patio with mountain views. enjoy golf course living from under $100,000.00 USD. The house is currently rented.

FOR MORe iNFORMATiON AND TO See MORe PHOTOS CliCK HeRe: http://chapalamls.com MlS iD No. RC1Cj656

A liTTle TlC AND THiS HOMe iS A wiNNeR!

casa madill 3 bed | 3.5 bath | 4,971 sf $299,900 usd

5000 sq. ft. home with panoramic views of lake Chapala and the mountains from the vast covered terrace. This home offers generous living and entertaining areas with open concept living and dining room along with separate office/den. lots of features in this home including: walk-in closets, fireplace, salt water pool with swim-up bar, new windows and doors, 2 car garage and access to the second fairway.

FOR MORe iNFORMATiON AND TO See MORe PHOTOS CliCK HeRe: http://youtube/Psdwtxuv9lQ

All THe AMeNiTieS FOR A FRACTiON OF THe COST!

casa Poirier 4 bed | 5 bath | 6,338 sf $399,000 usd

located on the second fairway with spectacular views this renovated house includes 2 casitas set on a beautifully maintained property. enjoy your large terrazzo that spans entire living room and master bedroom. Downstairs are 2 one bedroom casitas. Time for a round of golf? your new homes includes a golf cart and golf course access!

FOR MORe iNFORMATiON AND TO See A ViDeO TOUR CliCK HeRe: www.accesslakechapala.com/2011/11/09/casa-poirier/

SiNGle leVel HOMe wiTH 2 CASiTAS

on the 3rd hole 2 bed | 2 bath | 1,592 sf $99,000 usd

A liTTle SliCe OF HeAVeN. located on the 3rd green at Chapala Country Club. This 2 bedroom, 2 bath is its own little oasis. living room has gas fireplace and covered patio covers full length of the house. House is being sold furnished and is move-in ready. Although this is an older and smaller property in Vista del lago with a little TlC and a few upgrades it’s a great value.

FOR MORe iNFORMATiON AND PHOTOS CliCK HeRe: http://chapalamls.com MlS iD No. RC1Cj521

ReADy TO ReNOVATe iNTO yOUR DReAM HOMe

www.mexi-go.ca

jOHN CeARNAlHernandez Realty GroupAjijic, jalisco MexicoToll Free: (817)350-4325local: (376) [email protected]

ViSTA Del lAGO | lAKe CHAPAlA PROPeRTieS www.casasajijic.com

Ten minutes east of town, Vista del lago is home to the Chapala Country Club with a challenging nine-hole golf course overlooking the lake. beautiful private homes surround the course. Conveniently located with easy access to Chapala and all the amenities of a large Mexican town, this community is made up of mainly expat Americans and Canadians many of whom live year round in this paradise. with near perfect weather, excellent golf and stunning lake and mountain views Vista del lago offers many types of homes and lots to fit any budget. As a long time resident of Vista del lago and an avid golfer, john can help you with any of your lake Chapala questions.

Call or email him today! Check out www.casasajijic.com

now sold

under $100know sold

casa los saBinos $215,000 usd

los Sabinos, Ajijic 2 bed | 2 bath | 1722sf

2 bdrm, 2 bath, live life with doors wide open! living, dining, chic kitchen with granite quality appliances breakfast bar. Spacious easy walk to village hiking, restaurants. Move in. Find your paradise.

lot: 260m2 Const: 1722 sq.ft.

FOR MORe iNFORMATiON AND TO See MORe PHOTOS: www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

FRieNDly New GATeD COMMUNiTy

QUiNTA lA HUeRTA $239,000 usd

Ajijic-la Huerta 3 bed | 3.5 bath | 2152sf

A home with extensive space and an open floor plan encompassing living, dining and a high end appliance equipped kitchen. Fabulous outside kitchen with large bar area can be buffet or counter for guests to hang out, area complete with upscale bbQ for grilling. Upstairs to mirador with 360 view that is breathtaking,.



FRieNDly GATeD COMMUNiTy FAbUlOUS HOUSe

Villa mirador $750,000 usd

la Floresta, Ajijic 3 bed | 3.5 bath | 5682sf

luxury new home private and secure. Designed to embrace the moderate climate with outdoor living. walled gardens with a pool, bbq and outdoor kitchen. Great floor plan with all rooms flowing out to huge covered terrace Guest floor with kitchen. Tropical landscaping is easy to maintain.


lUxURy New HOMe

Villa las salVias $499,000 usd

Ajijic-las Salvias 3 bed | 4.5 bath | 3891sf

Newly renovated welcoming neighborhood “las Salvias” spectacular lake & mountain views “rocky” mountain inspired sophisticated design in the middle of Mexico! Mature tropical gardens, filter pool, 3 bdrms, 4 baths, walk to village, parking four cars. All with a view!



ROMANTiC FAMily DReAM HOMe

COzy VillAGe HOMe ON PRiVATe SHADy lANe $185,000 usd

Ajijic Village 3 bed | 3 bath | 1722sf

3 bdrm, 3 baths, mini garden, secure parking, walk to plaza, shops & Restaurants, covered terrace, second floor 2 guest suites. well built brick ceilings move in condition friendly neighborhood.



VillAGe DReAM HOMe

www.mexi-go.ca

aJiJic VillaGe On lake cHaPala www.ajijicvillagehomes.com

aFFORdaBle luXuRy HOMes

10,000 canadiansMake aJiJic MeXicO THeiR HOMe.

You can too!

TRudie nelsOnyour canadian Realtor

[email protected] or call (011) 52 376 7661918 or visit www.eagerrealty.com

MexiCAN ReAl eSTATe FOR CANADiAN bUyeRS

trudie nelson

yOUR CANADiAN ReAlTOR!

SOLD

Casita Azul is a unique opportunity, located in the middle of the bay in the exclusive Costa Careyes. This unique property is designed for outdoor living with exceptional terraces to appreciate views of the Pacific Ocean.

The house has 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, infinity pool, tropical garden and all the amenities needed to enjoy a space of this level of luxury satisfactory.

Price USD$3,800,000 Contact: [email protected] US +52 (33) 3627-6437 www.sirguadalajara.com

eN lAS CASiTAS De lAS FlOReS CASiTA AzUl, CAReyeS

enjoy entertaining with three bedrooms, three full baths, and custom gourmet kitchen. built in 2008, on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean this home was designed by a California architect, but is distinctly Mexican in character. deceptively modest from the front, the ocean side reveals four levels, each with a spacious terrace and magnificent views, and the lower one includes a lap pool. luxury details throughout include travertine marble; quarry stone, stainless steel railings. bronze glazing and more.

Price USD$ 530,000 Contact: [email protected] US +52 (33) 3627-6437 www.sirguadalajara.com

FOUR FlOORS OF OCeAN View iCebOx Hill, MAzATlAN

A beautiful contemporary Mexican country house with the perfect balance between the traditional and the comforts of a modern life style. Quinta Serena has 3 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, spa with temazcal, a beautiful and extensive wine cellar and a lovely swimming pool among the gardens of the residence. located a few steps from the riverbed, it has a beautiful view of the valley, and the mountains surrounding the village.

Price MxN$ 7,734,000 Contact: [email protected] US +52 (33) 3627-6437 www.sirguadalajara.com

QUiNTA SeReNA TePOzTláN, MORelOS

sirmexico.com | [email protected] Off ice is independently Owned and Operated

Mexico offers so much value, culture, lifestyle and friendship to Canadians of all ages. Mexi-Go! Magazine and websites share the stories of the thousands of Canadians who have found success in Mexico. We bring you information on traveling, living and investing in Mexico. From real estate how-to’s to great shopping tips we present the real Mexico with a uniquely Canadian perspective.

Go ahead - live your dream.

Mexi-Go! Magazine is published 12 times a year online at www.mexi-go.ca and printed and delivered direct to your door four times a year. Enjoy your own subscription to Mexi-Go! Magazine for only $19.95/yr plus the applicable taxes and shipping.

Subscribe today!Subscribe online at mexi-go.ca/subscribe-today

TRAVEL REAL ESTATE RETIREMENT INVESTMENT

w w w. ronmorgan. n e t

R E A L E S T A T E S P E C I A L I S T S R O N M O R G A N P R O P E R T I E S

D R A S T I C A L L Y R E D U C E D

Settle for more….

Casa Ucrania, Bucerias, NayaritTerri�c Bucerias Investment Property

Located just 3 blocks from the beach in desirable zona dorada, this hacienda style property is loaded with mexican charm. The property consists of a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath home and 1 bedroom guest casita. A great rental property or family retreat! The home features parota doors and windows, arches, and lots of light. Has a large backyard with mature palms and panoramic ocean views from the rooftop terrace. Needs some updates, but priced to allow for renovation budget.

Construction - 2,723 sq. ft. Land - 4757 sq. ft.Contact: anita dabbs, [email protected] Canada and USA: 314 723 5187 Mexico Cell: 011 52 322 107 0391

Punta Arena, Bucerias, Riviera NayaritLocation, Location, Location……

Are you looking to own an oceanfront, luxury condo in the most sought after neighbourhood in Bucerias? Look no further! Punta Arena on Lazaro Cardenas in Zona Dorada has it all! For the adventurous you – rent a paddleboard, kayak, bicycle or Segway and get moving. Pamper yourself with a relaxing massage or facial. Indulge yourself with a steaming hot latte and scrumptious, freshly baked treats from the outdoor cafes. Pick up a new read at the local bookstore. Search for authentic treasures in shops and galleries and dine at some of the best restaurants in Bucerias. All this and so much more, just steps from your oceanfront hideaway in Punta Arena. Start living the dream and experience the best of Riviera Nayarit right here in Bucerias.

Construction – 2712 sq. ft. |3 bedroom | 3 bath Contact: [email protected] Cell: 011 52 1 322 779 4574

US $395,000 US $760,000

Tucan 108, Bucerias, NayaritThe Most Luxurious Condo In Bucerias

Tucan spells pure bliss in the most prestigious beachfront community in Bucerias. This spectacular 2 storey condo feels like a home with 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths and two roomy living spaces for all of your entertaining needs. Tucan features custom �nishes throughout, a gourmet kitchen equipped with viking appliances, and spectacular ocean views with eye-popping sunsets. Security 24/7.

Construction - 3376 sq. ft.Contact: anita dabbs, [email protected] Canada and USA: 314 723 5187 Mexico Cell: 011 52 322 107 0391

Vento Penthouse, Bucerias, Riviera NayaritBeautiful blend of style and comfort

A rare opportunity to own a beachfront, two level penthouse in Bucerias. With three ocean view masters each with their own ensuites, makes this the perfect opportunity for friends or family to co-purchase. Featuring a fourth bedroom, 2nd level �ex room and terraces on each level, providing space and privacy for everyone. Contemporary design, loads of upgrades and amazing artwork in this immaculate, tastefully furnished home. Vento is a low density, 22 unit complex with onsite parking and 24/7 security. Impeccably maintained gardens and a sparkling, common area pool with direct access to the sandy beaches of Bucerias.

Construction – 3003 sq. ft. | 4 bedroom | 4 bath Contact: [email protected] Cell: 011 52 1 322 779 4574

US $595,000 US $629,000

Promenade Plata BajaBucerias, Nayarit, Mexico

Located just steps from the beautiful Playa De Huanacaxtle beach in Bucerias, this ground-�oor, one-bedroom/one-bath, turn-key condo opens onto an inviting patio, garden and common pool area. In a low-density, secure building, this condo features many high-end �nishes and features such as granite countertops, dishwasher, garbage disposal, water �ltration system and on-demand hot water, to name a few. Perfect for a tropical get-away or an investment rental property.

Construction - 73m2/780 sq. ft.Contact: [email protected] or www.reenaegger.comCanada and USA: + 866-242-1709 or +52-322-173-8712

Vallarta Gardens 37La Cruz De Huanacaxtle, Nayarit, Mexico

This house is a 3-bedroom/3.5-bath in a secure, gated beach-front community; furnished, with marble �oors and beautiful stone work throughout; multiple terraces, newly tiled rooftop terrace providing panoramic ocean views. Very motivated seller.

Construction - 2,153 sq. ft. Land - 2,390 sq. ft. Contact: [email protected] or www.reenaegger.comCanada and USA: + 866-242-1709 or +52-322-173-8712

US $139,000 US $299,000

P R I C E R E D U C E D

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