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Learn Spanish Today  - Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.     Jaltemba Sol...the heartbeat of the Riviera Nayarit September 2nd 2009 Delores Hidalgo. The birthplace of Mexico's independence prepares to celebrate flag day...photograph by Bill Bell Become a Friend of Riviera Nayarit on Facebook click here Headline News   Mexico City Moon walks for Michael  The first thing to note is that Michael Jackson's birthday comes in the middle of the rainy season in Mexico City. .…To Read More Click Here Pemex to launch tender for ethanol acquisition in September Mexico's state oil company Pemex will launch a tender in September for the annual supply of 176mn liters of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline and sold in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, according to a presidential statement. .…To Read More Click Here Mexican economy recovering, Calderon says  President Felipe Calderon says there are signs Mexico's economy is heading toward recovery following the worst quarterly contraction since comparable record-keeping began in 1981. .…To Read More Click Here Tourists fled resorts at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula as Hurricane Tourists fled resorts at the tip of the Baja California Peninsula as Hurricane Jimena roared their way Tuesday, but many slum dwellers concerned about looting refused to leave their imperiled shanties. .…To Read More Click Here Ay, ay, ay, ay! Guadalajara finally boasts the world's biggest mariachi band. Ay, ay, ay, ay! Guadalajara finally boasts the world's biggest mariachi band. A total of 549 musicians got together to win the record for the birthplace of mariachi Sunday, playing several songs in just over 10 minutes, closing with favorites "Cielito Lindo" and "Guadalajara." .…To Read More Click Here Mexico's health care lures Americans It sounds almost too good to be true: a health care plan with no limits, no deductibles, free medicines, tests, X-rays, eyeglasses, even dental work — all for a flat fee of $250 or less a year. .…To Read More Click Here Sony to sell Mexican TV plant to Taiwan firm Sony Corp. has agreed to sell its main television factory in North America to a Taiwanese company, the Japanese electronics maker said Tuesday, as it struggles to cut costs and stem massive losses. .…To Read More Click Here   Mexico begins destroying 79,000 seized guns The Mexican army and prosecutors announced Tuesday they have started destroying 79,074 firearms seized a decade or more ago. They will hold on to tens of thousands more weapons seized during the current offensive against drug cartels....More In Mexico, Ambivalence on a Drug Law Alanda Espinosa’s eyes darted this way and that. Her hands trembled. For Ms. Espinosa, a cocaine and heroin addict in desperate need of a fix, a new Mexican law decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of drugs had a definite appeal. ...More Scientists plan to decipher ancient Zapoteca Writing in new Mexico lab A team of scientists is all set to test nearly 300 engraved stones in a new laboratory in Mexico, in order to decipher the ancient Zapoteca Writing. ...More The laboratory will be operating at Monte Alban Archaeological Zone in Oaxaca, Mexico. Cummins Filtration to Consolidate Some North American Filter Assembly in its San Luis Potosi, Mexico, Facility Cummins Filtration, a division of Cummins Inc. today announced that it is consolidating a significant portion of its North American filter assembly operations into its facility in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, over the next several months in order to keep the business competitive in this region. ...More Ancient Map Offers Key to Mesoamerican History A map painted by Mexican Indians in the mid-16th century has become a key document for understanding the migration of Mesoamerican peoples from their land of origin in what is now the U.S. Southwest, according to a scholar at Harvard University Divinity School. ...More Mexico's VW workers end strike, get 3% raise Workers at Volkswagen AG's plant in Mexico — the only one in the world turning out the company's new Beetle — ended a five-day strike today after negotiating a 3% salary increase, the company said. Workers will get a 2% raise starting this month and an additional 1% in December. The 9,400 workers at the plant in the central city of Puebla will also get a one-time payment of 2,000 pesos ($155), the German carmaker said in a statement. ...More Mexican Axolotl verges on wild extinction The amphibian that never grew up is on the verge of going extinct in the wild. New survey work suggests that fewer than 1,200 Mexican axolotls remain in its last stronghold, the Xochimilco area of central Mexico. ...More Maya Altar Found in Highway Work Zone was Dismantled Maya ceremonial altar recently found at the highway that communicates Merida, Yucatan with Campeche is in custody of Uman municipal authorities, waiting to be relocated where it can be appreciated by the public. ...More Obama in Guadalajara During his whirlwind trip to Guadalajara to meet with, Mexico President Felipe Calderon and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, President Obama disclosed that his planned action on U.S. immigration reform has now been put off until 2010. ...More     Driving Safely in Mexico Driving safely in Mexico tips by Bill and Dot Bell Click here to read more   Fishin Mission How one man is trying to help Mexican orphans and catch bass click here to read more Who has the best hotel deals? AUSTRALIA SPAIN MALAYSIA GREECE BRAZIL GERMANY Compare 30 sites at ONCE! North American summit begins in Mexico President Barack Obama huddled Monday with the leaders of Mexico and Canada for a swift North American summit, where the swine flu epidemic and knotty disputes over cross-border trade dominated a lengthy agenda. ….Click Here to Read More Discovery Confirms Partial Use of Bricks in Ancient Maya Settlements Remains of Prehispanic domestic architecture and an offering of ceramic and marine elements were found at Jonuta Archaeological Zone, in Tabasco….Click Here to Read More Mexico Peso Surges to 2-Month High After Moody’s Affirms Rating Mexico’s peso surged to a two-month high after Moody’s Investors Service affirmed the government’s bond ratings and stable outlook, damping speculation the country will suffer its first downgrade since 1995. ….Click Here to Read More Vintage Mexican Sci-Fi Beams a Blast From the Past, con Queso They came from outer space a half-century ago and landed in Mexico, where moviegoers embraced big-headed freaks in Mylar tights and busty female invaders from Venus. Fighting for the survival of Earth: mummies, wrestlers and mad scientists. ….Click Here to Read More  US returns $2.4M in stolen oil money to Mexico U.S. officials handed to Mexican authorities Tuesday $2.4 million paid as restitution by an oil importer after the company president admitted knowingly buying and reselling petroleum products stolen from Mexico's oil monopoly. ….Click Here to Read More   Fishing for Bass Helps Mexican Orphans September is the Month of Mexican Pride By Tara Spears A proliferation of local parades, Mexican flags, music festivals and two federal holidays celebrate the tenacious spirit the Mexican people. September is a weaving of the present with the past to create an intricate fabric that reflects the unique heart and soul of Mexico. The month begins with the President’s annual State of the Union address from Mexico City, followed by the commemoration of two significant 19th century political events:  September 13 honors Los Ninos Heroes, six teenage military cadets who died defending Mexico in the 1847 Mexican-American war; and September 16, Mexican Independence Day, celebrates the day in 1810 that Miguel Hidalgo delivered El Grito de Dolores, announcing the Mexican revolt against Spanish rule. Battle of Chapultepec:  This battle outside Mexico City contains all the dramatic elements that inspire: beleaguered and outnumbered common people, an exotic setting in an elegant castle, violence and bloodshed.  In 1847 the Mexican-American war had reached deep into the country, with North American Marines laying siege to the nation’s capital. Chapultepec Castle was a remnant from the hated Spanish rule and was used as a military academy.  Although the young soldiers-in-training had been ordered to retreat,   with the invincible conviction of youth they choose to stay in the castle and fight for their belief in Mexican independence.  Battling against professional soldiers, these six teens sacrificed their lives defending their country. The Chapultepec  castle is presently a national museum in a public park that also is the site of a memorial to the Los Ninos Heros.  The left picture (below) illustrates the castle in 1847, the present day memorial is pictured to the lower right.    In the Riviera Nayarit area, one of the youth, Juan Escutia, who was born in Tepic, Nayarit, is especially revered for his extraordinary bravery.  Although Juan had only been admitted to the Academy  days before the siege, he courageously  chose to protect and honor his country’s flag by wrapping himself in it and leaping from the roof to prevent the flag from falling into enemy hands.  The Chapultepec castle complex contains a large mural above the stairway that depicts Juan’s patriotic actions.   Miguel Hidalgo: Cleric Leader Promotes Independence from Spain Intellectual, charismatic, priest, and rebel leader describe the man who helped initiate the Mexican revolt from Spanish rule. Originally promoting the interests of the wealthy Creoles in Guanajunto, his native state, Hidalgo expanded his appeals to include the Indios and castes, thus garnering a large militant fighting army.  In his impassioned speech, Grito de Dolores, on September 16, 1810, Hidalgo invoked the Virgin of Guadalupe as patroness which inspired all classes to revolt against the Spanish overseers.  Hidalgo’s platform of social change (he advocated the end of slavery, social classes, and to return the land to the Indians- issues that are still being fought in southern Mexican states today,) angered his original Creole supporters. In early 1811, Hidalgo and other rebel leaders were captured north of Saltillo. He was executed and decapitated on July 30, 1811.  It wasn’t until years later that Hidalgo’s efforts were recognized and he was lauded as a patriotic hero. Modern Mexico celebrates the date of his revolutionary speech as Mexican independence day, a national holiday. Fusion of Song and Dance: Mariachi Festivals In addition to the serious reasons to celebrate this month, September is also the commemoration of the birth of mariachi music. This truly Mexican style of music, performed by strolling musicians in traditional charro garb (silver studded sombreros, jackets and pants,) is accompanied by horns, guitars, bass and violins.  The passionate songs tell of politics, love, betrayal, animals, and death.  Even without knowing the words, the haunting rthymn pulls the listener to their feet.  Folk dances have evolved that accompany various types of mariachi songs- truly a fantastic entertainment to experience.       Every small town, pueblo, and city will have parades, food, music and celebrating throughout the month, so join the lively activities to experience the joy of Mexico. Bravery, passion and independence: lots to celebrate in September, making it a great time to visit!   Email:   tara.sprs@hotmail.com  Click the ad to go to our site La Penita de Jaltemba Beach Wanted Place Fulltime Wanted to rent all year round to American woman. Need at least 1 bedroom, bath and kitchen. Can be casita or apartment. Guayabitos or La Penita. 3000 pesos or less. Excellent references. rmsommerville@yahoo.com Varillas Style: Produce and More                   By Tara Spears La Penita welcomes a new produce market on the busy avenida, right next door to the Don Pedro market.  What sets Fruteria y Cremeria Varillas above the other existing vendors is the variety, quality, and freshness of their fruits and vegetables.  The local residents and restaurants immediately became customers and it is always busy. Amazing for low season, Varilas’ is open seven days a week from 6:30 am to 9 pm, with plans to stay open later in high season. Anayanci (27) and her husband, Francisco (31) are pictured above. Although no English is spoken, both owners understand some English so they are able to assist international customers. Don’t let the compact space fool you: the talented and energetic Anayanci has organized the wares for easy selection and maximum variety.  “If we don’t have what you need, we will have it for you tomorrow” explained Anayanci through an interpreter.                       Although the Varillas are young, they have a combined 18 years in the produce business before opening their own La Penita market.  “My husband and I worked at his brother’s fruiteria to learn,” said Anayanci. “It is our dream to have our own business. We hope that our children will join us as they get older.” The Varillas have three children: Alejanda, 8; Francisco, 7; and toddler Diego, 2 years old. Anayanci beams when she talks about her children but admits that the most difficult thing about operating the business is jugging family responsibilities with managing the market.  Francisco’s mother babysits the kids when they aren’t in school, and they usually are at the store with their parents in the evening.   Fruteria y Cremeria Varillas  employs five but Anayanci and Francisco are involved with all phases of the operation.  It is Francisco who drives every day to Tepic or Guadalajara to personally select the quality produce and brings it to their store by early morning. The staff continually culls the overripe fruit and vegetables from the display bins.  Some of the more delicate items, such as Romaine lettuce, are kept chilled and you have to ask for it. (“Lechuga de romaine”)                      Owner  Anayanci                                                            delectable fruit The couple grew up and went to school in Tepic, Nayarit but thought the growth and amenities of a beach town offered a better business opportunity. “After living here for four years, we love the area,” said Francisco.  “The people are wonderful and it is good for raising children.”  Anayanci and Francisco want the public to know that their goal is to provide good service besides quality produce.  Anayanci says, “We want to please our customers by being honest and fair; we plan on always giving good service besides excellent fruit and vegetables.”  As a convenience for customers, the market also offers a good selection of dairy products and frozen items in addition to canned staples including spices, breads, and paper products. Even better, they offer weekly specials on select items just as the large chains do!                          Featured specials (oferta) of the week shown below: Shopping at Varillas’ Fruteria y Cremeria for beautiful fresh fruits and vegetables is guaranteed, but it is the personal service and Anayanci’s smile that makes it a memorable experience. Store phone: 327-274-3626         or email:  anayanci.gonher@hotmail.com     To contact Tara:  tara.sprs@hotmail.com

 

Reproduction:                 Mexico Decriminalizes Small-Scale Drug Possession Mexico decriminalizes drug possession for small amounts as it battles big-time traffickers Mexico decriminalized small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and heroin on Friday — a move that prosecutors say makes sense even in the midst of the government's grueling battle against drug traffickers. Prosecutors said the new law sets clear limits that keep Mexico's corruption-prone police from shaking down casual users and offers addicts free treatment to keep growing domestic drug use in check. "This is not legalization, this is regulating the issue and giving citizens greater legal certainty," said Bernardo Espino del Castillo of the attorney general's office. The new law sets out maximum "personal use" amounts for drugs, also including LSD and methamphetamine. People detained with those quantities no longer face criminal prosecution. Espino del Castillo says, in practice, small users almost never did face charges anyway. Under the previous law, the possession of any amount of drugs was punishable by stiff jail sentences, but there was leeway for addicts caught with smaller amounts. "We couldn't charge somebody who was in possession of a dose of a drug, there was no way ... because the person would claim they were an addict," he said. Despite the provisions, police sometimes hauled in suspects and demanded bribes, threatening long jail sentences if people did not pay. "The bad thing was that it was left up to the discretion of the detective, and it could open the door to corruption or extortion," Espino del Castillo said. Anyone caught with drug amounts under the new personal-use limit will be encouraged to seek treatment, and for those caught a third time treatment is mandatory. The maximum amount of marijuana for "personal use" under the new law is 5 grams — the equivalent of about four joints. The limit is a half gram for cocaine, the equivalent of about 4 "lines." For other drugs, the limits are 50 milligrams of heroin, 40 milligrams for methamphetamine and 0.015 milligrams for LSD.                             Hummingbirds of the Riviera Nayarit                          By Tara Spears  When I lived in the northern US, the window of time for sharing the garden with these gorgeous, diminutive birds was very short. And like most career people with a family and a packed schedule, I’d have to plan time to sit and watch the hummingbirds… I could “smell the roses” on the run but without putting ‘sit in garden/ 30 minutes’ on my ‘to do’ list, I’d often miss these transient birds’ visit. But since living in tropical western Mexico, which is the natural habitat for hundreds of hummingbird species, seeing them year round is a daily joy if you have the right flowers in your yard.  To read more of Hummingbirds click here Important Deadline for U.S. Taxpayers Linda Neil - settlement-co.com August 10, 2009   U.S. taxpayers are required to file certain reports with the U.S. government if they own property in Mexico, have a business in the country, or are shareholders in Mexican corporations. Uncle Sam, U.S. tax watchdog, has instituted a voluntary disclosure program for those people who may have omitted reporting in the past. This program is designed to limit penalties that may be imposed on those U.S. taxpayers who have failed to make the required declarations previously. A tax specialist, familiar with the law and reporting requirements in both the U.S. and Mexico can provide details. However, the most common issues that need to be addressed are the following: Property Owned in Trust (Fideicomiso): Under Mexican law, any residential property located in the "restricted" zone when foreigners are involved, must be placed in a Mexican bank trust, fideicomiso. The "restricted zone" is an area 50 kilometers (approximately 30 miles) wide along all the Mexican coastlines and 100 kilometers (approximately 60 miles) from the Mexico U.S. and Mexico-Belize borders. Under the U.S. regulation section 6048 (b) Taxpayers must report ownership interest on Form 3520-A yearly and on form 3520 initially and if there are any changes. The penalty for failing to file these information returns is five percent of the gross value of trust assets determined to be owned by the U.S. taxpayer. Bank and Financial Accounts: U.S. taxpayers must annually report direct or indirect financial interest in a financial account that is maintained with a financial institution located in a foreign country if, for any calendar year, the aggregate value of all foreign accounts exceeded $10,000.00 USD at any time during the year. This report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts is commonly known as an FBAR, and the penalty can be as high as the greater of $100,000. USD or 50% of the total balance of the foreign account if the failure is deliberate omission. (Sec.31 U.S.C. 5321(a)(5). Nonwillful violations are subject to a civil penalty of not more than $10,000.00 USD. Shares of Stock or Interests in Mexican Corporations and/or Partnerships: Generally shareholders or partners with a 10% or greater interest in the partnership or corporation must inform the IRS of same through Forms 5471 or 8865. Failure to file can be quite costly. As in most countries the U.S. tax regulations are complicated, especially when dealing with properties or assets located outside the United States. Accountants, tax advisors and tax preparers do not always know the rules regarding filings for international assets nor the ramifications of failure to file. For this reason it is highly important that the US taxpayer consult with experts in these bi-national transactions. For further information on these matters you may wish to contact and consult with attorney and accountant Don D. Nelson. (dondnelson@yahoo.com). Mr.Nelson is a property owner in both countries and has been preparing US declarations and US tax filings for international clients for over thirty years. Tax Obligations in Mexico: Any foreigner with real property or business income in Mexico must also plan to pay taxes in Mexico. The good news! When paid with the proper receipts, certain of these taxes can become a CREDIT or a DEDUCTION in the country of tax residence! For example: Property Taxes: are due and payable every two months, or can be paid in one annual payment, usually with a substantial discount, during the first two months of each calendar year. Property taxes are based upon the value declared by the property tax office where the property is located and are generally relatively low in comparison with rates in the U.S. and Canada. On-going Taxes on Business Income: If you have a Mexican corporation or partnership, no matter what the activity, a monthly declaration must be filed for IVA taxes (Added Value Taxes) and for Impuesto Sobre La Renta which, in this case, is more like an income tax. A local Mexican accountant should be hired to review the accounting procedures and to prepare and file the monthly declarations. The monthly tax payments are generally considered as provisional and an annual declaration will show either a refund or a payment due. These taxes can also be a credit or a deductible expense in a home country, depending upon how the companies are established. An attorney-accountant with international expertise in this will be an important advisor to help avoid double taxation on profits. Again you may wish to consult Mr. Don Nelson at dondnelson(at)yahoo.com. Impuesto Sobre La Renta when a Property is Sold: is a capital gains type of tax. For foreigners who are tax residents of another country, the tax is calculated in two ways: 1. It is a flat amount of the total selling price; without deductions, or 2. It is a percentage of the difference between selling price and the tax basis shown in the seller's deed, less allowable deductions. This calculation should be made both ways. The good part of this is that it is the LOWER of the calculations which shall be due and payable from seller proceeds. The Mexican Notary Public drafting the deed generally makes these calculations and the seller needs to confirm that it is the LOWER of the two figures which will be paid. The Notary Public should also provide the seller with a copy of the tax payment for use with the tax authorities in seller's tax residence country. Impuesto Sobre La Renta when income is received from a rental of Mexican property: All income received from Mexican property is taxable in Mexico, regardless of the nationality of the owner. Thus, the US or Canadian citizen who rents a condominium or home regularly, or occasionally, through a property manager or via internet, is obligated to file declarations MONTHLY. Failure to declare income can cause very high penalties. The good news... taxes paid are credits or deductions in taxpayer's home country. For additional information on this very important filing, please contact Lic. Quirino Parra at: info(at)settlement-co.com. Linda Neil is the founder of The Settlement Company, which specializes in real estate transfers, escrows, and consultations. Just added as a new service, Settlement will now prepare monthly tax declarations, file them and perform additional essential landlord accounting services. For reprints of this article or for further information on tax paying services, please contact The Settlement Company at 01-800-627-5130 if in Mexico; or 01-877-214-4950 or 011-52-612-123-5056 if calling from outside Mexico. Email: info(at)settlement-co.com, Website: settlement-co.com.     Letters Dear Editor: Recent writers to the editor have raised a concern about the new visa requirement, particularly in light of Mexicans seeking to travel to Canada. Since 2005, the number of Mexican refugee claimants has almost tripled from about 3,400 in 2005 to more than 9,400 in 2008. In that year, Mexicans accounted for more than 25 per cent of all refugee claims filed in Canada. Email to a friend Printer friendly Font:****Refugee claims are assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board, an independent administrative tribunal. In 2008, the IRB accepted 606 refugee claims from Mexico, representing an overall rejection rate of 89 per cent for Mexican refugee claims. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is therefore taking measures to reduce the abuse of the system. Visa requirements make it easier to assess who is coming to Canada as a genuine visitor and who may be trying to get to Canada merely to file an unsubstantiated refugee claim. I have met with Minister Kenney to assess how the new requirement is affecting our riding and what people should do who have valid reasons for visiting Canada from Mexico. Minister Kenney assured me that our government has taken the steps necessary in order to ensure processing capacity is in place to meet the increased demand, and to minimize unnecessary delays for travellers. In fact, 55 extra case officers have been hired to work in the Canadian Embassy in Mexico. Mexican nationals who travel to Canada regularly are encouraged to apply for multi-year, multiple-entry visas. For the most part, walk-in applicants are receiving their visas within 24 hours. Applicants who send in their applications are receiving visas within a week. John Weston, MP West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Co   Hey guys, Thank you for posting my announcement about the game on the 12th. It was a huge success...for the bar, obviously not for the US team. gracias, Nat Darts players don't forget that there is darts every Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Crazy Nellys My last trip to the Isla Isabela caught dorado up to 50#. When you run into a dead whale you could hook hundreds if you wanted too. I only keep what I can consume the limit is 2 per day. Dorodo # for # are definitely the strongest and most exciting fish I've ever caught.  Good eating and beautiful too.       Discover the Mountainous Rainforest Above Puerto Vallarta Justin Burch - PVNN August 17, 2009     If you want to get off the beaten path, take a seat on the Jeep Safari through the Sierra Madre with Vallarta Adventures Tour Company in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Just beyond Banderas Bay and the city of Puerto Vallarta, the Sierra Madre Mountains create an epic backdrop to one of Mexico's premier destinations. Within the valleys and canyons of this mountain range, a lush rainforest serves as home to an incredible variety of plant and animal life. Though human residents are few within the Sierra Madre's rainforest, tourists visit this enchanting natural environment everyday for a number of unique activities. On any given day in the rainforest, you can visit a strange colonial boomtown high in the mountains, swing from the treetops on a canopy tour and go for a simple hike through some truly incredible scenery. If you want to experience the rainforest while in Mexico, look no further than the Sierra Madre Mountains in Puerto Vallarta's backyard. In recent years, canopy tours have become a favorite adventure for tourists in Puerto Vallarta. Originally developed in the rainforests of Costa Rica, canopy tours allow thrill-seeking travelers to ride pulley lines between platforms high in the trees. During the tours, helpful guides are on hand to help even the most timid participants make the most of the scenic experience. As you glide from tree to tree, the guides will also point out unique plant life and offer plenty of information about the rainforest's extensive ecosystem. Though the activity might seem dangerous, each tour is supported by an incredible array of safety equipment and open to children six and older. Ask your concierge for tour recommendations as some tour companies will pick up outside the best resorts and discounts are often available to guests. If you want to go deeper into the rainforest and see the remains of a once-prosperous mining town, several PV tour companies offer relaxing 90-minute road trips to San Sebastian in air-conditioned mini vans that allow you to enjoy fantastic scenery and typical scenes of rural Mexican life. Though seeing the town of San Sebastian can be an eye-opening experience, the journey can be just as captivating. When you reach the remote village of 500 situated at over 4,300 feet, it might be hard to spot San Sebastian's prosperous past. Yet, remnants of the 18th century silver boom that drew over 30,000 people to the area are hiding throughout the countryside. Today, the current residents embrace tourists and love to share stories with curious travelers. One of the most interesting characters is Pachita, a 92-year old woman who has spent her entire life in San Sebastian and works at the town's quaint candy story. Most tours to San Sebastian also include a fresh-cooked meal at one of the town's colonial haciendas. If you want to experience the natural beauty of the rainforest at the ground level, there are a number of hiking and biking tours available in Puerto Vallarta. Most tour companies offer different excursions to suit all ages and skill levels. The most popular hiking tours generally last 2-3 hours and wind through incredible vegetation, while the advanced tours incorporate all the best sites of the rainforest and can last all day. Along the way, tour guides will point out interesting species and assist tourists in bird and animal watching. Mountain biking tours offer similar opportunities, yet some tours also allow guests to ride from the cobblestone streets of Puerto Vallarta directly into the mountains. While most of the tours mentioned here will provide transportation from your resort and food throughout the day, there are a number of items you should bring along for a day in the rainforest. For your comfort, you should pack both sunscreen and insect repellent and apply each throughout the day. If you plan on taking a dip in any of the rainforest's waterfalls or lagoons, you might want to pack a swimsuit and towel. To make the most of the scenery, you should also bring along binoculars and a camera to preserve the memories. If you are looking for some unique outdoor activities for your trip to Mexico and Puerto Vallarta, look no further than mountains above the city. As the rainforest and all of its activities lie just a few miles from the luxurious resorts of Puerto Vallarta, this special destination is able to provide the best of both worlds unlike anywhere else. Justin Burch writes select pieces about vacationing in the Caribbean and travel in Puerto Vallarta for the Marriott Resorts.    Become a Friend of Nayarit on Face book click here     Mexico Nabs Gas Thieves; US Refineries Implicated Martha Mendoza & John Porretto - Associated Press go to original     Bottles containing gasoline with Mexican Attorney General stickers on them, aftere they were seized at a small shack where a Pemex gas pipeline was being tapped are shown to the media on the outskirts of Tijuana, Mexico, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009. (AP/Guillermo Arias) Mexico City — They bleed the fuel lines just about anywhere, drug cartel members and other criminals, sucking millions of dollars of Mexican petroleum from makeshift taps hidden in sheds or on remote desert stretches, with thousands of gallons ending up in U.S. refineries. Mexican police busted gas thieves twice this week, said Carlos Ramirez, spokesman at Mexico's state oil monopoly Petroleos Mexicanos, or Pemex. In a colonial village a few hours west of the capital, police caught nine people Thursday who had siphoned more than 17,000 gallons (64,350 liters) of fuel from a pipeline into waiting tanker trucks. On Wednesday, just one hour south of the California border near the popular beaches of Rosarito, police plugged three different taps, including one that was operating inside a small, wooden shack. But those busts will do little to plug a stream of stolen petroleum products, millions of dollars worth of which is smuggled across the border and sold to U.S. refineries, according to the U.S. Justice Department. While Mexican authorities try to patch the leaks, U.S. officials are tracking proceeds from various Texas bank accounts and taking a close look at several Texas companies to quell the theft at their end. To date, the companies identified are small fuel distributors, not the major U.S. refiners. Houston-based Trammo Petroleum president Donald Schroeder, the first to be convicted as part of a cross-border investigation, agreed to pay a $2 million fine to the U.S. government while he awaits a December sentencing. In addition, on Tuesday U.S. officials handed their Mexican counterparts a separate $2.4 million refund check from Trammo to partially compensate Pemex for its losses. Schroeder pleaded guilty to buying and reselling stolen condensate, a liquid hydrocarbon that refiners can blend with crude oil as they produce fuel and other products. Mexico's federal police commissioner, Rodrigo Esparza, has said the Zetas, a fierce drug gang aligned with the Gulf cartel, used false import documents to smuggle at least $46 million worth of oil in tankers to unidentified U.S. refineries. Mexico froze 149 bank accounts this year in connection with that crime. U.S. federal officials say further arrests are expected, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have served 10 federal search warrants on bank accounts in Texas. In May, the U.S. government seized $102,525 from San Antonio-based Valley Fuels Ltd. saying, in court records, that ICE investigators had "confirmed that the gas condensate sold by Valley Fuels had been stolen from Mexico." Valley Fuels president Stephen Pechenik responded in court records, denying that the funds had anything to do with a conspiracy to buy or sell stolen oil. In response to an inquiry from The Associated Press, Valley Fuels said in an e-mail this week that it has been deluged by news media calls for comment. "As much as we would like to tell our side for the world to hear, our attorneys have advised us to 'No Comment,'" the company said. Its Web site says Valley Fuels' business is to buy, sell and move petroleum and petroleum products worldwide. The company says it also specializes in "structuring transactions that offer the best possible value to our suppliers while at the same time providing the lowest cost to our customers." Court records show another $40,000 was seized from Continental Fuels Inc., whose Web site lists a Houston address. That seizure has not been contested. Continental Fuels, which also deals in the distribution of petroleum products, did not respond to phone and e-mail requests. John Auers, senior vice president at Turner Mason & Co., a Dallas-based petroleum consultancy, said it's unlikely any major U.S. refiner knowingly bought stolen products. One possible way stolen condensate could find its way to a refinery is if it was "laundered" through a smaller processing company and then shipped to one of the big refiners, Auers said. A small plant that buys and distills condensate – and then sells to refiners – might not be as rigorous as a major refiner checking a shipment's origins. "We're talking about very small volumes of material," Auers said. "In small volumes, that stuff can move through these (small processing plants). ... I don't think any of this stuff would have gotten into the finished petroleum product market without it somehow being laundered in between – sort of like laundering dirty money." Auers noted that stolen gasoline would be even more difficult to sell because imports are heavily regulated. "Any reputable refiner ... would have to first have detailed paperwork from the importer," he said. "I have a hard time believing any refiner in the U.S. would not be able to see through stolen gasoline or stolen diesel." Porretto reported for this story from Houston.      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   August 20, 2009 The Department of State has issued this Travel Alert to update security information for U.S. citizens traveling to and living in Mexico.   It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated February 20, 2009, and expires on February 20, 2010. While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including tens of thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and who to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable. Recent violent attacks have caused the U.S. Embassy to urge U.S. citizens to delay unnecessary travel to Michoacán and Chihuahua and advise U.S. citizens residing or traveling in those areas to exercise extreme caution.   Drug cartels and associated criminal elements have retaliated violently against individuals who speak out against them or whom they otherwise view to be a threat to their organization, regardless of the individuals’ citizenship.  These attacks include the abduction and murder of two resident U.S. citizens in Chihuahua in July, 2009. Violence Along the U.S. - Mexico Border Mexican drug cartels are engaged in violent conflict - both among themselves and with Mexican security services - for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border.  In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed military troops in various parts of the country.  U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways. Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.  Large firefights have taken place in towns and cities across Mexico, but occur mostly in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City, Monterrey and Ciudad Juarez.  During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.  The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel within the state of Durango, the northwest quadrant of Chihuahua and an area southeast of Ciudad Juarez, and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for US Government employees assigned to Mexico.  This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those three states.  The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted. A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime.  Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California.  Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues.  Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana. The situation in the state of Chihuahua including Ciudad Juarez is of special concern.   The U.S. Consulate General recommends that American citizens defer non-essential travel to the Guadalupe Bravo area southeast of Ciudad Juarez and to the northwest quarter of the state of  Chihuahua including the city of Nuevo Casas Grandes and surrounding communities.  From the United States, these areas are often reached through the Columbus, NM and Fabens and Fort Hancock, TX ports-of-entry.  In both areas, American citizens have been victims of drug related violence. Mexican authorities report that more than 1,000 people have been killed in Ciudad Juarez in the first six-months of 2009.  Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008.  U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports.  Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method. U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region.  Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.  U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message. Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico Although the greatest increase in violence has occurred on the Mexican side of the U.S. border, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places. In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens living in Mexico have been kidnapped and most of their cases remain unsolved.  U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, or the nearest American Consulate as soon as possible.  Any U.S. visitor who suspects they are a target should consider returning to the United States immediately.  U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads, which generally are more secure.  When warranted, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only.  When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place.  U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas.  Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.  Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items. Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful.  However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly.  Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006.  In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack.  During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.  Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests.  The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.  U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.  As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings. Further Information For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information.  Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: "Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!". For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website.  For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the U.S. Embassy or the closest U.S. Consulate.  The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000.  You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ACSMexicoCity@state.gov The Embassy's internet address is http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/. Consulates: Ciudad Juarez: Paseo de la Victoria 3650, tel. (52)(656) 227-3000. http://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov/. Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100. http://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov/. Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500. http://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov/. Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402. http://matamoros.usconsulate.gov/. Merida: Calle 60 no. 338-K x 29 y 31, Col. Alcala Martin, Merida, Yucatan, Mexico 97050, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700 or 202-250-3711 (U.S. number). http://merida.usconsulate.gov/. Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 047-3100. http://monterrey.usconsulate.gov/. Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150. http://nogales.usconsulate.gov/. Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512. http://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/. Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html. Consular Agencies: Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 - local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556. Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566. Cancún:  Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272 or, from the U.S., 202-640-2511. Ciudad Acuña:  Closed until further notice. Cozumel:  Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574 or, from the U.S., 202-459-4661. Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo:  Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100. Mazatlán:  Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889. Oaxaca:  Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853. Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586. Playa del Carmen:  "The Palapa,"  Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303 or, from the U.S., 202-370-6708. Puerto Vallarta:  Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069. Reynosa:  Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 - 9331 San Luis Potosí:  Edificio "Las Terrazas", Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803. San Miguel de Allende:  Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068. Tequila facts Tequila is distilled from the juice of agave plants. (The agave plant is not a cactus.) Tequila is strictly regulated by a branch of the Mexican Government known as the CRT (Tequila Regulatory Council).  Mexico considers tequila its national property. Agave plants are grown in the Mexican states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. Over five hundred million kilos of agave are harvested each year for use in tequila production. It takes an agave plant approximately 8 years to reach a muturity level that makes it suitable for harvesting and using in tequila production. Mature harvested agave plants can weight between 80-175 pounds. Tequila was first imported into the United States in 1873 when the first load was transported to El Paso, Texas. In 1973 tequila sales in the US topped one million cases. There are 4 types of tequila: Silver or Blanco- this type of tequila has little or no aging (no more than 60 days in stainless steel tanks) . Silver Tequilas are used primarily for mixing and blend particularly well into fruit-based drinks. Gold is unaged silver tequila that has been colored and flavored with caramel to give the appearance of aged tequila. Reposado is aged in wooden tanks or casks for a legal minimum period of at least two months, with the better-quality brands spending three to nine months in wood. Anejo is aged in wooden barrels (usually old Bourbon barrels) for a minimum of 12 months. And what about that little worm? The famous "worm" that is found in some bottles of Mezcal. (Tequila is never bottled with a worm. The CRT specifically prohibits placing a worm in the bottle.) The worm is actually the larva of one of two moths that live on the agave plant. The reason for adding the worm to the bottle of Mezcal is obscure. But one story, is that the worm serves as proof of high proof, which is to say that if the worm remains intact in the bottle, the percentage of alcohol in the spirit is high enough to preserve the pickled worm. Consuming the worm can be done without harm. As a rule, top-quality mezcals do not include a worm in the bottle.     Click the ad to go to our site Speak Spanish - That Should be Your Goal! Learn Spanish Today   Make 2009 the year that you learn Spanish Can you Speak Spanish? How long have you been studying Spanish? Between high school classes, college classes and you own efforts you could easily have a couple years already under your belt. During this time you have likely built up a good Spanish vocabulary, along with a basic understanding of Spanish verb conjugation. But can you speak Spanish? Why is speaking Spanish so hard? Would you feel comfortable approaching a native Spanish speaker and starting a conversation? Why not? Why is it so hard to speak Spanish evenBeginning high school and college Spanish classes, as well as most self study Spanish courses start off by teaching vocabulary and verb conjugation. You practice speaking, but the focus is on the individual word or phrase. Lists of words are memorized and tests are given on verb conjugation. So when it comes time to speak, the words and phrases are separate in your mind. It becomes a matter of trying to pull all the pieces together and form them all into a sensible sentence, not just speaking. The key to becoming more comfortable in speaking situations is to practice and learn the sentences as a whole, not in separate pieces. This way when you are trying to remember what to say, the whole sentence pops in your mind, not just one word. You will speak Spanish more correctly, more fluently and more confidently than ever before. The Visual Link Spanish Course allows you to utilize this effective way of learning and practice speaking Spanish. In our free online demo lessons, you can see how we utilize these strategies to truly teach you to speak Spanish. You will be able to recall everything you learn and words will come into your mind as a complete sentence not separate individual words. You will already be on your way to speaking Spanish more fluently and more confident  Learn Spanish Today  - Learn Spanish on-line for free, using interactive audio/visual lessons.

New with travel guide information added! Pacific Coast Road, Driving and Travel Guide Log 2010 We are confident that our road logs and driving guides will make your highway experiences just that much better and easier. Regardless of whether you are driving an RV or a suburban, a bike or a pick-up, our road logs will assist your journey. Even 20 year veterans of the route have benefited from the information. We decided to present the road from a driving perspective going SOUTH. When your are looking at the Log, you read from the bottom of the page and read up. The Pacific Ocean, for example, would always be on your right, just as you would view it from your driver's seat. The KM markings are the markings that you will see as you drive. It doesn't matter if your vehicle reads in miles or kilometers. You just read the signs on the road to get your bearings. Sometimes one highway combines with another and old kilometer signs are left up. Not to worry, just continue to read the guide. Some of the best navigation points are the Pemex Station numbers clearly marked on all gas station signs. Topes (Mexican speed bumps) are marked in the guide just to remind you to go slow. We included Military and Agriculture check points even though we know these can change frequently. (Generally they are on one side of the state border or another between the Mexican states.)   How to download and buy the Road Log Click on the buy now button and you will be directed to a merchants page.  Once you pay for the road log you will redirected to an easy to use download page where you will be able to receive your product immediately.  Now only $9.99                             Jaltemba Sol Copyright 2009 Custom Search