Mexico's
'Biggest Secret' Promoted in UK
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The tourist board of Mexico is launching a campaign in the UK to promote what it describes as the country's 'biggest secret' – Riviera Nayarit.
Some $1.5bn (£1.08bn) of government money and $350m of private investment is being used to promote the region, which is bordered by the Sierra Madre mountains.
Riviera Nayarit stretches along more than 100 miles of Pacific coastline running north from Puerto Vallarta in western Mexico.
It is hoped that the investment will allow the region to build on its existing air links, which include a British Airways service from London via Mexico City and other routes operated by Continental Airlines and American Airlines.
Marc Murphy, director of the Riviera Nayarit visitors' bureau, said: 'Holidaymakers are probably familiar with Cancun and the Riviera Maya but unsure about what the west coast has to offer.
'We are seeking to differentiate the largely undeveloped Riviera Nayarit from our mainstream competitors, offering luxury accommodation including international brands such as Four Seasons and St Regis.'
Attractions in the region include nature reserves, beaches, archaeological sites, golf courses and quaint fishing villages.
Alive, Well, and Just a Bit Sad
Linda Abbott Trapp - PVNN
All in all, a dangerous and frightening situation was handled with skill, and with extraordinary comfort and care.
Just two months ago we were having lunch in a lovely setting with friends, enjoying the day and the beautiful bay. I couldn't eat much, since my stomach was hurting - must have been something I had at the restaurant the night before. But the tortilla soup was delicious, and the sparkling lemonade hit the spot, and seemed to relieve the pain.
The night was most unpleasant, with fever, chills, more pain, and difficult sleep. I lost the meal, and thought that would be the end of whatever "food poisoning" had been the problem.
In the morning, however, I could hardly walk, bent over with discomfort. My husband insisted that I call our doctor, and Peter Gordon had time to see me at noon. The ride in to his office was one I'd rather not repeat - every speed bump and pothole was agony. I'm healthy, exercise daily, and don't expect to be as unable to function as I was that day.
The short wait in Dr. Gordon's office seemed interminable, and his examination, gently done, was almost more than I could bear. At one point, he pressed firmly on my abdomen on the left side, and released his hand quickly - I actually screamed, and then cried - something I found embarrassing and surprising. He apologized profusely, told me I had just "passed" an important test, and should immediately go across the street to San Javier Hospital.
Still in denial, I remember asking him to assure me they would just do a few tests, give me a pill, and send me home. He smiled indulgently, and called the surgeon, who, fortunately, was still in the parking lot, and would wait for me in emergency.
How lucky I am that the hospital was nearby, and that they had ultrasound and MRI equipment, as well as a blood lab. In a very short time, as soon as the anesthesiologist arrived, I was taken into surgery for a ruptured appendix.
During my eight day hospital stay, both Dr. Gordon and the surgeon, Dr. Miguel Garcia, visited me twice daily and stayed to chat and reassure. When the drain seepage volume frightened me, they both explained carefully why that was a good thing. When I avoided the bland food, they allowed more choice. I can't imagine getting that kind of pampering in the states, or having the time to learn about their fascinating and inspirational life stories.
Our Blue Shield insurance covered 80% of the costs, and a representative even called my room from their US headquarters to see if I was satisfied with the care. All in all, a dangerous and frightening situation was handled with skill, and with extraordinary comfort and care.
But, as you might expect from my title for this article, not everything was well. About the third day, my fingers were swelling from the IV fluids, and the doctors insisted on removing my wedding ring so that it would not cut off the circulation. I asked my husband to take it (We were unaware of any safe or storage facility in the hospital), and he told me he was putting it in an outside zipper pocket of my purse on the windowsill next to my bed. The nurse was in the room at the time. When we went to retrieve the ring later, it was gone, although nothing else in the purse was disturbed, and no money was missing. San Javier Hospital's administrator refused to conduct an inquiry, and we never saw the ring again, despite posting a substantial reward.
So, two months later, I have recovered from the surgery and know that the important things are OK - I am alive, I have my husband, the doctors were wonderful, skilled, and kind. And, I have a lingering sadness. A wedding ring is such a special thing; not just the value, which was substantial, but the commitment and covenant it marks. Should you require sudden treatment, please be both heartened and cautioned by my story.
Nuevo Vallarta resident Linda Trapp is the author of Intentional Living: Lessons from the Tree of Life. Preview this and her other books at: AbbottPub.com.
Juan and Mimi at Matejas
By Adam Caddell
On Monday night we went to Rocky’s Hideaway. Only opened for about six weeks, Rocky’s Hideaway specializes in New Mexican cuisine.
A true icon of Jaltemba bay, Roque Garcia is one of the only truly experienced restaurateurs, and stays true to his roots of New Mexico.
Upon sitting down, we were pleased to find out that all meals come with a starter sized bowl of soup.
Excited, due to the fact that it has been a bit chilly the past couple of nights, a warm bowl of soup sounded fantastic.
We were surprised, however, that the soup that wound up at our table was below room temperature cold.
“Ahhh, its gazpacho!” I thought out loud.
Gazpacho, for those who do not know, is a cold tomato soup that originated from Spain and Portugal.
A blended cold soup that is light and refreshing with hints of parsley that works wonderful to cleanse one's palate.
In between courses we enjoyed live entertainment with students from both the kindergarten and Conalep performed a traditional Mexican folkloric dance.
The performances went by almost too fast, overall a dazzling spectacle of boot-stomping, sombrero crashing, bright colors and intricate dance steps.
Finally our entrees arrived.
I ordered the lamb stew, and my sister, Dylan had ordered the Chiles Rellanos.
The Chilies Rellanos are Dylan’s favorite, and as I have said in the past, she is a true connoisseur.
Although different than the classic stuffed with cheese and battered then drenched in a red sauce.
These chilies were stuffed with pulled chicken into a roasted poblano pepper, and covered in a smoky cheese sauce. “Really, really good.” Said Dylan, between mouthfuls. I had a taste and agreed full heartedly.
My lamb stew was fantastic. Not so much stew as much as braised chunks of tender lamb with perfectly cooked carrots, onions and potatoes.
The juices were fragrant and divine and made for a perfect dip to soak up with the house made sopaipillas. Spicy, warm and hearty, this was feel good, comfort food.
As we sat and laughed with our friends under the cool night sky, we had to ask ourselves if this could get any better.
English is spoken
Live entertainment – Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Rocky’s Hideaway is located along the highway, across from the entrance to Guayabitos while driving to Puerto Vallarta it is on your left.
For Sale Glass topped dining table with four cushioned
chairs. Very nice...glass and cushions in tip top shape and seats
very comfortable..asking $4000 pesos.
Top Ten Facts about Mexico Real Estate
Puerto Vallarta - Mexico Alive, a Puerto
Vallarta-based real estate development company, has been hosting
educational real estate seminars in various cities throughout Mexico for
more than a year. These events are called Discovery Weekends and average
about 40 attendees and $3.5 million in sales per event.
During the four-day, three-night events Mexico Alive representatives and
third-party sources educate attendees about the vast investment,
recreational and retirement opportunities awaiting real estate buyers in
Mexico, discussing topics such as lending, insurance, local culture,
health care, property value and appreciation.
Mexico Alive has found that Discovery Weekend attendees consistently ask
the same questions, most of which are fueled by the current housing and
economic crisis plaguing the U.S. In an effort to educate more people
about the facts surrounding Mexican real estate purchases, Mexico Alive
has decided to share the "ten things people don't know about Mexico real
estate" — and didn’t think to ask until the recent housing and financial
crisis.
1. Property in Mexico can be purchased with a self-directed IRA
(Individual Retirement Account) with no penalty, because buying foreign
real estate is the same as buying a stock or bond. The only catch is the
property must be treated as an investment.
2. Property values in some Mexican markets have doubled in the last five
years—and continue to appreciate. Even markets experiencing a slower
appreciation are still steadily rising. For example, properties in
Mazatlan, Mexico, have appreciated an average of ten percent per year
for the past ten years.
3. Of the 4.1 million Americans who reside in other countries,
approximately one million reside in Mexico.
4. Some of the larger groups of Americans and Canadians can be found in
Mazatlan, San Miguel de Allende, Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara-Lake
Chapala and Los Cabos.
5. The top ten fly-in destinations in Mexico are: La Paz, Mazatlan,
Manzanillo, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Cancun-Riviera Maya, Acapulco, Mexico
City, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta.
6. Banking institutions like Wachovia (NYSE: WB) and Deutsche Bank
(NYSE: DB) offer fixed-rate mortgages for properties in Mexico.
7. Mexican property can now be insured by US-based title companies, such
as Stewart Title (NYSE: STC) and First American (NYSE: FAF). The cost
for title insurance is estimated at about $5 per $1,000.
8. Non-nationals can now securely own Mexican real estate on or near a
coastline or border with another country. The property is purchased
through a bank trust (fideicomiso) or a Mexican corporation for foreign
purchasers.
9. Properties in Mexico can be purchased with a reverse mortgage.
10. For a $140,000 investment, a buyer can own a view lot with a 900
square-foot home, a 1,200 square-foot patio and all household
necessities (i.e. furniture, kitchen fixtures, etc.)
Mexico Alive’s Discovery Weekend events are offered in various cities
throughout Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. In Mazatlan,
the Discovery Weekends are hosted by the El Cid Resort and are
all-inclusive affairs, featuring a tour of the historic city, visits to
a variety of properties, sunset cruise, authentic Mexican fiesta and all
food and beverages. The event costs $185 per individual or $250 per
couple. Mexico Alive plans to expand its unique, educational concept of
Discovery Weekends to a dozen Mexican destinations.
Visit
Eric Nice Plays every Thursday at Mateja's
