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October
20th, 2008
Jaltemba Bay coast
Mexico News
Election fever fires up U.S. retirees in Mexico
AJIJIC, Mexico (Reuters) - In a cobblestone Mexican town a
world away from Washington, election fever is tearing American retirees away
from quilt-making and bridge games as they scramble to mail home presidential
ballots…..More
Poorer tourists could still bring riches to Latin America
As stock markets sink and fears grow of a global recession,
Latin America is banking on gains as well as losses from tourists tightening
their purse strings. …..More
Cuban Refugees entering US via Mexico
In 2007, 11,126 used Mexican route, compared to1,055 who
landed in Miami area. …..More
Children from Mexico to get facial surgery
Mayra Gomez had to remind herself all day Sunday that she
wasn't dreaming. She really was in a frosty place called Michigan, with colorful
trees, friendly people and a chance at life-changing surgery for her son, Jose
Cetina, nearly 3, born with a cleft lip and palate. …..More
Mexico City mayor aims high
Mayor Marcelo Ebrard could have a shot at the presidency if
he solves the capital's deep problems. Marcelo Ebrard has turned this balmy city
into an ice skaters' wonderland. He's conjured sandy beaches far from the sea.
He's made hordes of annoying hawkers vanish from the historic main plaza. …..More
Mexico weighs a change of focus on drugs
Mexico has absorbed shocking drug-related slayings in recent
weeks, including a popular mayor gunned down and criminals throwing grenades
into a packed Independence Day celebration…..More
Mexico's central bank interest rate remains unchanged
MEXICO CITY -- Mexico's central bank is leaving its
benchmark interest rate unchanged at 8.25 percent in a continued bid to fight
both inflation and slowing growth. …..More
U.S. drug czar John Walters reassures, sounds alarm on
Mexico drug violence
In Mexico City, he tells officials that aid to fight drug
gangs is coming and voices concern about violence spilling over the border.
Meanwhile, more than 20 die in the latest toll in Mexico's drug war…..More
Mexico Says U.S. Journalist Was Killed by a Protester
Bradley Will, a journalist from New York City, was shot and
killed at close range by an antigovernment protester during civil unrest in the
state of Oaxaca two years ago, the Mexican authorities said Friday, a conclusion
that was challenged by Mr. Will’s family and human rights groups. …..More
South Texas deputies authorized to fire into Mexico
Authorities in South Texas said today that they won't be
intimidated by increasingly violent drug smugglers, announcing a larger Border
Patrol presence and that more heavily armed deputies will be authorized to
return fire across the Mexican border. …..More
The ultimate field trip
You flunked biology. You can't tell a fossil from a fern.
But as Zoe Cormier reports, if you don't mind a few chores you can still spend
your next vacation contributing to science - and having one big adventure.
Digging in the dirt, a hot sun overhead, Charlie Bigger felt elated. …..More
Former dancer makes folklórico dresses
When professional folklórico dancer Nina Pimentel couldn’t
find a suitable seamstress to make her dance attire, she decided to take matters
into her own hands. …..More
Dollar's gain is good news for travelers
If you're plannning a trip to Canada, Mexico, Europe or just
about anywhere else soon, the financial crisis has an upside: Your dollars will
buy more than they have in a long while. …..More
Rice to visit Mexico next week
US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will vist Mexico next
week for talks with her Mexican counterpart about organized crime as well as
economic and other issues, her spokesman said Friday. …..More
Mexico auctions off $400 million in currency reserves
Mexico's central bank says it has
auctioned off $400 million in foreign currency reserves in a continuing
effort to prop up the battered peso…..More
Mexico to
host first World Congress on Sports
MEXICO CITY, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) --
Telmex Institute of Sports said on Wednesday that Mexico City will host
the first World Congress on Sports next week. …..More
Nogales, Mexico included in US travel alert
The U.S. State Department has issued
an updated travel alert adding the border city of Nogales to its list of
locales in Mexico where American travelers should be wary because of
increasing violence. …..More
Lost city of the Jaguar
Davidson professor helped pull the
amazing Mayan city of Ek Balam from the jungles. See for yourself – it's
just 3 hours from Cancun. …..More
Celebrate Halloween the Mexican way
Travel specialist Journey Latin
America is offering horror-fans a real treat this Halloween with a
tailor-made tour to Pátzcuaro in Western Mexico to take part in the
city’s legendary ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations. …..More
Mexico Bird Festival: Mazatlan hosts inaugural event
The inaugural Mazatlan Bird Festival
is Jan. 16-19 at the Hotel Playa. It will feature four days of wildlife
tours, educational workshops, birding experts and artistic exhibits. …..More
Sanyo to expand solar plant in Mexico
Sanyo Electric Co Ltd (6764.T:
Quote,
Profile,
Research,
Stock Buzz) said on Tuesday it
will increase capacity at its solar modules plant in Monterrey in Mexico
to 50 megawatts from its current 20 megawatts per year. …..More
VIDEO:
Humpbacks Migrate to Mexico
Americans cautioned about visits to Mexico because of drug war violence
Last month's deadly grenade attack in
colonial-era Morelia heightened doubts for would-be travelers about the
safety of travel in Mexico…..More
Learn More About Jaltemba Area
 Finding Lost Civilizations
Author Alex Kerekes
Available this week only at the market is a book that you just can't
resist. Not only is it about Mexico....but it is about our area.
Alex Kerekes begins his story at the bottom of the hill in Guayabitos
where the white cross and memorial is perched and ends on the hill
behind the Luz del Mundo Church. The story cronicals the events and
finds that Alex and his Father experienced in a four year journey
throughout the area.
The books explains the discovery of many ancient artifacts in the
area.Petroglphs, spiral carvings in rock, stone faces and other evidence
of civilizations......
The book is available this week only at the La Penita market. Alex sits
in the square close to Soley's on the corner of the planter.
Turning Dreams into Reality: Architect Rafael Barragan
By Tara Spears
For most people, their home is their castle: it
needs to provide shelter, comfort and suit their lifestyle. Building or
buying a house is more than selecting a style, location, and materials; it is a
personalized emotional reflection of the individual. Architect Rafael
Barragan Maldonado thrives on turning clients’ dreams into reality: “My biggest
thrill is creating a beautiful, quality home that they can be proud of, now and
years in the future.” Specializing in residential design, this award
winning professional produces superior houses that showcase the latest
technology with unique flair.
As the youngest of 14 children in the small town of
Atotonilco, Jalisco, Rafael grew up keenly aware of living space. “As a child I
would wander construction sites, fascinated by the building process,” he
explains in English. “One of my older brothers, Alfonso, has a
construction company. He let me hang out with him and his crews, teaching
me the steps to building a solid structure. I knew from a young age that I
wanted to design and build houses.” Rafael worked with his brother and
studied hard in school. After graduating from the Architectural School at
the University of Guadalajara, a grueling five year program, Rafael joined
Alfonso’s company. “I am very fortunate to have such a talented mentor!”
he says with a smile. “I got a very solid, hands-on building experience
which was a valuable foundation for the artistic and design principles of
construction that I learned at the university.” During the ten years that the
Barragan brothers collaborated, Rafael was developing his signature design
style. He decided that he wanted to emphasize some of the traditional aspects of
Mexican houses but infuse them with modern interpretation. Fifteen years ago,
Rafael began his own company, Barragan+Horn Arquitectos, which provides
engineering, design, and construction of custom homes.
To read the entire story on Barragan Click Here
Organic Ant Control
 By
Tara
Spears
Since moving to the tropics I’ve
had to come to terms with coexisting with the hordes of ants, as there are
455 different types of ants found in North America alone and around 8,000
species worldwide. Ants are very important to the rainforest and tropical
jungles, as they perform vital natural roles as
predators, soil
builders and plant pruners.
That being said, I still don’t appreciate
their presence in my kitchen or near my food.
Sure, there are many commercial
toxic products to control insect pests, but having pets and children, not to
mention concern for the environment, I went on a quest to find other ways to
keep the bugs out of my space without harming other living things. I was
fortunate to hook up with several organic gardeners and environmentalists in
south
Florida.
These experts were a font of safe and
practical organic recipes.
The use of non-toxic( to humans and animals)
organic sprays can be very effective. They are comprised of common organic
materials, soaps and occasionally other green friendly materials. Organic
insecticides are home brewed recipes that you can make and that will save
money besides.
Go to page
3 for the complete story
Dollar's value finally up abroad
By Arthur Frommer |
King Features Syndicate
- October 19, 2008
go to original
In the current economic gloom, there's a ray of
travel-related sunshine: the increased strength of the U.S. dollar. Though
no one can explain exactly why, the dollar has risen against every major
foreign currency other than the Japanese yen, and it has increased
substantially against some of them. Though the change in exchange rates
hasn't been large enough to make a major difference in European travel, it
has dramatically transformed the cost of visiting a number of other highly
attractive destinations.
Australia comes first. As recently as six months ago, the Aussie dollar was
traded almost at parity to the U.S. dollar. Suddenly, the U.S. dollar buys
$1.40 to $1.50 Australian dollars (the rate varies from day to day), and
Australia has become 40 percent to 50 percent cheaper to the American
tourist. Hotel rates and restaurant costs "down under," sightseeing fees,
clothing and souvenirs are today considerably below the price levels to
which we're accustomed.
Mexico's currency has also weakened substantially against the U.S. dollar. A
year ago, you received 10.50 pesos for one U.S. dollar; today, you receive
between 12 and 13 pesos to the dollar. In a country so easily reached from
all parts of the U.S.—in Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Mazatlan,
along the Mayan Riviera and the new Nayarit district—prices were always
moderate even before the strengthening of the dollar, but now they're
positively cheap. So the smart American traveler will dust off those travel
plans and book a flight to this colorful country with its gracious,
courteous people—and low, low costs.
Day of the Dead
History and Traditions
Flor Hernandez - PVNN
|
| Stop by Frascati Ristorante in La Cruz de
Huanacaxtle this month to visit their Día de los Muertos Altar,
sample Day of the Dead specials and learn more about this celebrated
Mexican tradition. For reservations, call (01) 329-295-6185. |
 |
| |
El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
commemorates the transitory return to Earth of deceased relatives and loved
ones. The festivities take place each year at the end of October to the
beginning of November. This period also marks the completion of the annual
cycle of cultivation.
Families facilitate the return of the souls to Earth by laying flower
petals, candles and offerings along the path leading from the cemetery to
their homes. The deceased's favorite dishes are prepared and placed around
the home shrine or altar and the tomb alongside flowers and typical
handicrafts, such as paper cut-outs.
The Day of the Dead celebration holds great significance in the life of
Mexico's indigenous communities. The fusion of pre-Hispanic religious rites
and Catholic feasts brings together two universes.
Foreigners have more trouble understanding Day of the Dead than any of
Mexico's other fiestas. At first glance, Day of the Dead decorations,
colored paper garlands, little skeletons performing daily tasks and sugar
skulls inscribed with names remind visitors of Halloween. Others discover
that much like Memorial or Remembrance Day back north, families here visit,
clean and decorate graves of loved ones for the November 1 and 2 holidays.
This holiday is a perfect example of the
complex heritage of the Mexican people. The beliefs of today's Mexican are
based on the complicated blended cultures of his ancestors, the indigenous
groups and Spanish conquerors, layered with Catholicism.
The origins of the Days of the Dead reach into the ancient history of Europe
and Mexico. In the eighth century, the church decreed November 1 as All
Saints Day. Setting aside the day to honor the martyrs and saints was an
attempt to replace the 2000-year tradition of the Celts and their Druid
priests who combined harvest festivals and celebrated the new year on
November 1.
The Celtic dead were believed to have access to earth on Samhain, October
31st, when the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead
relaxed. The Celts danced around huge bonfires, wearing animal heads and
hides to confuse the spirits and burned crops and animals as offerings to
the returning dead.
Around the end of the first millennium, the church reinforced its attempt to
cover the Celtic celebration by designating November 2 as All Souls' Day to
honor the dead. All Souls' Day was celebrated with parades, big bonfires and
the people dressed as saints, angels and devils.
In the language of the day, All Saints Day and All Souls' Day were known as
All-hallowsmas, and October 31 was "All Hallowed's Eve" or Hallow'e'en.
When the Spaniards arrived in Mexico they encountered two-month celebrations
honoring death, the fall harvest and the new year. For more than 500 years,
the goddess Mictecacihuatl (Lady of the Dead) presided over Aztec harvest
rituals using fires and incense, costumes of animal skins, images of their
dead and offerings of ceramics, personal goods, flowers and foods, drink and
flowers.
While the church attempted to transform the joyous celebration to a suitably
tragic image of death and a serious day of prayer focusing attention and
reflection on the saints and martyrs, the people of Mexico did not fully
adopt the early priests' ideas, and by keeping their familiar ceremonies,
All Saint's Day and All Soul's Day evolved into the celebrations that today
honor the dead with color, candles, music and joy.
Daily life in ancient Mexico was so uncertain and difficult that death was
expected at every turn. Death, in fact was revered, believed to be the
ultimate experience of life, life's own reward, even welcomed as a better
option when people are struggling for survival.
The Mexican still views death as a transition of life, a normal stage in the
circle of life on earth, a natural progression, not an ending.
Writer Octavio Paz commented about his people's relationship with death
saying, "The Mexican is familiar with death, jokes about it, caresses it,
sleeps with it, and celebrates it. It is one of his favorite playthings and
his most steadfast love."
Take a dip into Mexican traditions. Starting Oct 16th, Frascati La Cruz
invites you to visit their Day of the Dead Altar, try their Day of the Dead
specials, and learn more about this Mexican contribution to UNESCO´S World's
Cultural Heritage. For more information or to make your reservations, visit
FrascatiVallarta.com or call (01) 329-295-6185.
Procession of the
Virgin - Guadalajara
Every year in Zapopan, on October 12,
a very special celebration occurs called the Procession of the Virgin (Procesion
de La Virgen) where a small 10” statue (affectionately nicknamed "La Generala"
the general) is brought home after her long journey through
Guadalajara. This year Bill and Dorothy were there to take
some photographs...wow what a show, but it was a little crowded with over a
million people.
Her homecoming celebration is very large, festive and a wonderful sight. She is
carried in a car that is not driven but very slowly pulled by devout
volunteers surrounded by crowds of enthusiastic followers escorting her home.
Sometimes all you are able to see is the large mass of followers but it
is a very unique and one of a kind experience.
Bill and Dot where are you now?
They are back but here are some pictures from their
latest adventure...the Museum of Anthropology Mexico City
The Museo Nacional de Antropología (MNA, or
National Museum
of Anthropology) is a
national museum of
Mexico. Located
within
Chapultepec Park in
Mexico
City, the museum contains significant
archaeological and
anthropological artifacts from the
pre-Columbian heritage of Mexico, such as the
Piedra del Sol (Aztec calendar stone) and the 16th-century
Aztec statue of
Xochipilli.
Learn
Spanish Today 
- Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual
lessons.
Photography by Bill Bell to view Mexico
Photography click below
Colonial Cities and Towns
Archeological Sites
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
HOOKA SMOKEN' BILL
Hi Bill & Dot
We’ve been reading about your
adventures and it looks and sounds like you are having the time of your
life! Love the pipe you’re toking on, Bill.
We’ve taken
some of the same trip that you are on, in the eighties but will be going
on near the same adventure with our sons and their wives in June, 2009
as we celebrate our 40th
wedding anniversary. We’d love to hear about your adventure when
we all get together in La Penita. Did you take a planned tour or
are you winging it on your own day by day? We are at the point
where we don’t know if we want to take a tour or just wing it as we go.
Six people travelling together might be a little different than
travelling with only 2. Anyway, be safe, keep on enjoying and
we’ll see you soon.
We are in San
Antonio right now but hope to be back home in La Penita by the 25th
of October, or so.
See you soon.
Stay out of trouble!! Haha!
Your amigos
Bob and Linda
www.casitadelapenita.ws
Casita de La Penita
Budapest .....Not Bucarest......
Do you realize that you operate a travel website? Now everyone
knows that you are capable of screwing up! I love it. Rob would never
do that I love your spontaneity and ability to have fun. I hope that
there was nothing in Hungary that you were desperate to see. I also
hope to see you soon in La Penita and see the actual slide show of your
trip - so what if you are lousy navigators! You are great
photographers and storytellers.
The kids have done a great job keeping the paper going; see you
soon,
Heather Erickson
What a Trip
Enjoyed your trip photos...what a trip...
Hudd
RVer asks for Advice
Hi Dot,
Paul Beddows from NATCOA here. I now live in
Abbotsford, BTW. We are considering RV’in
down next Spring probably at least as far as
PV. Not so sure about
Michoacan State, when I bused it through there 2
summers ago, it looked pretty sparse for camping
,unless alone on the beach. I am a little concerned about all the
stories coming out of Mexico right now. What is your take
on that?
I will pick up your
road logs if we go.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Great to hear from you. I would love to meet when you are down this
way! Haven't heard from you in ages.
Re: the violence. Really you would be silly to try and deny that
there is not an increase in violence in Mexico. The stats tell the
story.
However you, as an experienced traveler to Mexico have probably
been following what we believe are safe practices to follow now.
1. Don't drive at night.
2. Avoid border areas.
3. Do NOT boondock
4. Don't do drugs or hang around folks that do drugs.
Michoacán state has a few coastal campgrounds and the drive is
spectacular...similar to the Northern California Highway.
Call when you get here to Jaltemba Bay.
D
More Driving Advice
Hi,
We are planning driving down to Puerto Vallarta next month.
We would like to know if you have any suggestions as to websites
we can look at to see where we should drive to each day and how long
does it take. Also if the toll roads are the best and at what cost? We
will be leaving from Nogales border.
Thank You,
Mary Mowen
Hi Mary,
There is no other
website that I know of that gives more up to date driving
information that we do. I would be very interested to find one and
would not hesitate to suggest one.
Having said that, here are some hints.
1. Drive early and stop by noon or 1 pm. You will
have less traffic, be more alert and be able to walk around and explore
each day.
2. How long does it take? Jeeze it depends whether
you are driving straight to PV or if you are going to explore along the
way.
An experienced long distance driver can drive here
in 2 very long days. I would suggest you take at least 3 days. First day
stop in San Carlos. Second day stop in Mazatlan.
If you really want to explore, I like Alamos - a
small Colonial silver mining town that has been gentrified for tourists.
On the coast I appreciate the tranquil setting of Huatambampo. Then of
course there is the Copper Canyon.....Mary ...there is a lot to see.
Toll roads are the best, safest, and better on your
vehicle. A car cost approximately $100 in tolls each way.
AND because I am very proud of our products, our
road logs are the best you can get in terms of finding your way. They
are graphic representations and will help you get to your destination
safely. We list each and every Pemex (what side of the road they are
on...whether they take diesel....) Where the tolls are, where the
Military checks are....as well as any problem along the way.
D
More Letters Page 2
Classified
Must Sell
2007 30' Sprinter Copper Canyon 5th Wheel with 2 slide-outs. 33K new, asking 15K
FIRM
Includes: kingpin tripod, voltage controller, hitch, awning tightener w/3rd leg.
Unit has slight damage due to break-in and does not have sofa or chairs.
Additional photos available. Located in Lo de Marcos, Nay. Mex.
For info call John - 322-117-0332 (mex cell) or email: johnjsommerville@hotmail.com
Accommodation Classified
Hill
top
bi-level one bedroom furnished apt. with views of the ocean and valley, in La
Penita, one mile from town.
Rented
monthly only, no inside smoking, or pets.$595..+ security deposit..information
Email
jwpoteat@hotmail.com
FOR SALE 1998 Fleetwood Storm
Ford Engine, Automatic
Kitchen Fully Equipped
Air-conditioning, Onan Generator
Much more, I can send photos.
Call Ruth 322-889-2150
SE Vende 1998 Fleetwood Storm
Motor de Ford, gasolina, Transmission de Automactico, Aire acondicionado,
Generador Onan
Mucho mas, yo puede photos.
llarmar Ruth 322 889-2150
San Pancho AA
Alanon Monday at 5:00pm, CoDA
Wednesday at 5:00pm, and AA Friday at 6:30pm in San Pancho in the museum on
main street, between Galeria Corazon and San Pancho Cafe. Info at
devasaya@gmail.com email or 311-258-4243.
Appearing in San Pancho Tuesday!
Conversation with Don Miguel Ruiz
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
4:30PM
garden of the Escuela del Mundo
San Francisco, Nayarit
*the majority of event presentation will be in Spanish
******************************************************************************************
"Platica con Don
Miguel Ruiz"
reconocido autor de "Los Cuatro Acuerdos",
"La Voz del Conocimiento" y otras obras (www.miguelruiz.com)
Martes, 21 de Octubre,
4:30PM
en el jardín de la Escuela del Mundo, AC
San Francisco, Nayarit (Atrás de la
Plaza de Toros)
Esta es una extraordinaria oportunidad para
conocer y escuchar a
un gran maestro y guía espiritual de nuestros
tiempos.
(detalles
en el archivo "escuela_donmiguel" )
Reservaciones
:
gladeshuizar@gmail.com.
En la tradición tolteca, un NAGUAL es aquél que guía a
los individuos hacia la libertad personal. Combinando la intuición con
la antigua sabiduría. Don Miguel Ruiz auto-transformó su vida y hoy a
través de sus libros, cursos y talleres nos comparte la sabiduría
tolteca de sus ancestros, trasladando los conceptos antiguos en palabras
actuales que tengan sentido común para nosotros hoy.
In the tradition of the Toltec, a Nagual guides an individual to
personal freedom.
Combining new insights with old wisdom, don Miguel has dedicated his
life to sharing the ancient Toltec wisdom by translating it into
practical concepts that promote transformation through truth and common
sense. The tools shared by don Miguel are based on common sense and
shared with such simplicity, that the universal message underlying his
teaching is recognized by many. Don Miguel's message is simple,
practical and when implemented, even incrementally, changes lives.
* author of The Four Agreements, Voice of Knowledge and other books (www.miguelruiz.com)
Escuela del Mundo, AC es un
proyecto educativo, registrado en la SEB, basado en el Método
Montessori y con un énfasis de los valores humanitarios y comunitarios
311.258.4441 /
www.escueladelmundo.org /
escueladelmundo.blogspot.com
Escuela del Mundo, AC is a non profit
Montessori-based educational project with an emphasis on humanitarian
and community values.
Much more Jaltemba Sol
Click here
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