Once again, the American School celebrated Mexican Independence Day with a wonderful program full of music, dance and colorful costumes. The children participated with enthusiasm as a group of folkloric dancers, made up of teachers, opened the program with a traditional dance called ¨La Sandunga¨.

Pre First children danced to traditional Mexican childrens´songs and Second Grade children delighted the parents with their performance of a dance from Oaxaca called ¨La Flor de Piña¨.

Applauses went to the Sixth graders who participated in the reenactment of the historical Grito, Cry for Independence, the ringing of the bell and the flag waving as they shouted ¨Viva Mexico!¨.

Lots of fun was had by everyone and even more learning Mexican culture and traditions.

16 de Septiembre:
El Grito de Independencia

VIVA MÉXICO!

El Grito every 16th of September is the Mexican Fiesta par excellence! On this day Mexicans all over the world celebrate Mexico's independence from Spanish rule.

As you know, indigenous peoples were the first to inhabit what is now known as Mexico. They created great civilizations such as the Olmec, the Teotihuacan, Maya, Toltec, and of course the most powerful of all, the Aztec Empire.

After Christopher Columbus "discovered" America, the Spaniards carried out expeditions to find gold and riches from these faraway lands. In 1521, about 500 Spanish soldiers arrived in Mexico, headed by an ambitious man: Hernán Cortés. At this time, the Aztecs had built a great empire that ruled over all Mesoamérica. So the Spaniards decided to direct their attacks towards them.

The indigenous nations that were under the Aztec rule were tired of the physical and economic hardships imposed upon them by this empire. This circumstance made them think that by helping the Conquerors defeat the Aztecs, they would be better off. So they decided to aid the Spaniards.

This is how the Conquest of what is now Mexico began.

On the 13th of August 1521, Cuauhtémoc, the last Aztec emperor was captured. The indigenous allies of the Spaniards raided Tenochtitlan, capital of the Aztec empire.

They didn't know it at the time, but they had been liberated from one oppressor and fallen in the hands of a much more powerful authoritarian.

This was the beginning of three centuries of Spanish rule. The new colony was named Nueva España, New Spain.

The years that followed were devastating. The conquerors brought with them diseases unknown to the natives. The epidemics that broke out as well as the merciless workload imposed upon the natives dramatically diminished the Indian population. There were approximately 20 million Indians inhabiting this territory before the Conquest, and after just one century of Spanish rule there were only 1 million left!

Colonial society was highly stratified. Spaniards born in Spain, occupied the higher echelons, followed by Criollos, those born in Mexico from Spanish parents; Mestizos, the mix- blood offspring of Spaniards and Natives; Indios, Native Indians; Negros, African slaves.

Each socio-ethnic group had different rights and duties. The privileged were the peninsular Spaniards. Discontent steadily grew, especially amongst the Criollos, who were always treated as second-class subjects of the Spanish Crown. It is no surprise then, that Criollos were the spark that ignited the Independence movement.

In 1808, Napoleon invaded Spain, and decided to impose his brother José Bonaparte, as king of Spain (1808-1810). The Criollos found in this circumstance the opportunity to seek their independence form Spain.

Influenced by the concepts of liberty, equality and democracy proposed by the French philosophers Rousseau, Montesquieu, Voltaire, and by the war of Independence of the United States, they decided to start a revolt. It was 1810, and their plan was to start the war on the 2nd of October. Unfortunately, their plans were discovered in early September. The movement was in trouble. They had two alternatives; either abandon their plans, or move faster and start the revolt immediately. Fortunately for our country they decided upon the second alternative.

In the early hours of September 16, 1810, father Hidalgo, accompanied by several conspirators –Iganacio Allende, Doña Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez- rang the bell of his little church, calling everyone to fight for liberty. This was the beginning of the Independence War, which lasted 10 years.

Celebrating!

And this is the moment that every 16th of September is re enacted in every plaza or zócalo of Mexico, and commemorated by Mexicans all over the world.

Streets, houses, buildings and cars are decorated everywhere in the country. On every street corner there are vendors selling flags, balloons, sombreros and rehiletes -shuttlecock, all with the green, white and red, our National Colors.

Flags wave from practically every house and building.

Lighted decorations are set up in every city, the most spectacular being those of the Zócalo, main plaza, in Mexico City. This main plaza of every town and city is the place where the great 16 De Septiembre celebrations take place. People of all ages come to this fiesta, to take part in the collective gaiety!

Food is always a very important part of these festivities. Literarily hundreds of stands are set up several days before and offer the traditional antojitos, most aptly described as a variety of finger foods, Mexican candies, and punch. Punch. ponche, is a drink made of fruits that are in season: guayabas, sugarcane, raisins and apples, and such a delicious aroma!

During September, Mes de la Patria, the month of our nation as it is called in Mexico, restaurants serve traditional Mexican dishes, such as Mole Poblano, Chiles en Nogada, Guacamole and chips.

During the evening of September 15, people start gathering in the zócalo. Many people walk around dressed in typical Mexican dress: men as Charros and women as China Poblanas, or indigenous dresses. Those who don't own a typical outfit, at least dress find something to wear in the colors of the flag.

Live Mariachi Music bands play to the delight of all present. There are also photography stands where one can have a picture taken, attired with a sombrero and atop a wooden horse!

The euphoria is collective and all are prepared to shout, yell and make as much noise as possible with fake trumpets, noisemakers and whistles!

As the evening advances, the plaza gradually fills with more and more people; suddenly there is practically no room to move. Excitement and euphoria reach a crescendo at the culminating moment when a government official arrives in the zócalo, at 11:00 P.M. to give the grito or cry of Independence. This ritual recreates the moment in which Father Hidalgo, gathered his followers in Dolores Guanajuato.

It is customary for our President to deliver the grito in Mexico City's zócalo. It is in this plaza, atop Palacio Nacional, the National Palace -a beautiful colonial building where the President's offices are located-, that the original bell rung by Hidalgo is placed. And this is the bell that is rung every 16th of September.

The ceremony reaches the high point when the crowd joins in proudly shouting out the names of the heroes of our Independence, to end with the exciting VIVA MÉXICO!

When the grito ceremony ends, the sky lights up with multicolored rockets that shower our hearts with the pride of knowing that we are a free and independent nation.

On September 14, 2008, the Gay community of Puerto Vallarta will come together to select Mr. Gay Puerto Vallarta 2008. The event is being organized by, and will benefit local non-profit Vallarta *Enfrenta el SIDA, A.C. (VES)* (Vallarta Confronts AIDS in English).

Similar local competitions are being held in cities in more than 20 countries, and are preliminary to selecting national Mr. Gay 2008 representatives. National winners will travel to Hollywood, California in February 2009 to compete for the title of Mr. Gay International. This is the second year that Puerto Vallarta has hosted a Mr. Gay event.

The concept for the Mr. Gay competitions originated in 2004, in order to advance the concept of international equal rights by confirming the essential nature and

contributions of gay men to a healthy society where "gay" is not a stereotype. The mission is to honor and train national winners to be spokesmen for equality and the international Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender community. Winners at each level compete based on physical attractiveness, as with any competition of this nature, but they must also demonstrate intelligence, responsibility, an awareness of current issues, and community involvement. The ability to thoughtfully articulate opinions on a range of topics is an essential part of the selection process.

The winner of Mr Gay Mexico 2007, Juan Jose Velasco Michel of Colima, is a 33-year-old architect and partner in two separate businesses. He is also President of a non-profit youth development organization, exercises regularly, and speaks Spanish and English. He was selected from among 17 contestants from across Mexico at the Mr. Gay Mexico Competition held in Guadalajara in December 2007.

Contestants for the Mr. Gay Puerto Vallarta Competition are now being sought. Candidates should be at least 18 years old, and should embody the ideals of the competition. They should be openly Gay, and available to travel if selected as a winner. Prizes include $5,000 pesos for First Place, as well as travel, clothing, jewelry, cruises, bar and restaurant certificates, and more. Second and Third Place winners will receive $2,000 and $1,000 pesos respectively, as well as other prizes. Those interested in competing should subscribe before September 10.

The event will begin at 9 p.m., on Sunday, September 14, at the former Sr. Frog's Club, Calle Venustiano Carranza #218, Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Mistress of ceremonies will be popular Mexican actress Alejandra Bogue, currently seen on her two Telehit programs, Guau and Que Show con La Bogue. She performed as "La Tesorito" for several years on the popular Televisa program Desde Gayola. The program lineup also includes other surprises.

An After-party will be held from 3 a.m. at Club Paco's Ranch, on Calle Ignacio Vallarta.

For more information, tickets, or to inscribe as a contestant, contact either the Vallarta Enfrenta el SIDA office at 322-223-0535, or Hotel Mercurio at 322-222-4793. Online inscriptions for contestants at www.mrgay.com.mx/inscripciones08.php . Tickets are $100 pesos, available in advance or at the door at the same price.

A new beer is brewing up controversy in Mexico.

Malverde Beer is named after Jesús Malverde, a Robin Hood-style figure from 19th-century Mexican folklore who is revered by drug smugglers in the western state of Sinaloa.

Historians are unsure whether Jesús Malverde existed in real life. Legend has it he was born in the late 1800s and embarked on a life of crime in Sinaloa, robbing from the rich and giving to the poor during the reign of Mexican dictator Porfirio Díaz.

The beer debuted in April and has spread to bars around western Mexico. Its maker plans to sell it in the USA. Civic groups in Sinaloa have criticized the beer, and Wal-Mart of Mexico has refused to stock it.

The beer's maker, the small Minerva Brewery in Guadalajara, donates 1% of its profits to a chapel dedicated to Malverde in the city of Culiacán. The company says the beer is not meant to glamorize the drug trade.

"We're just trying to honor a Mexican legend, that's all," said Jesús Briseño, the brewery's general manager.

Over the decades, admirers began attributing miracles to him and building shrines in Sinaloa, though the Roman Catholic Church rejects the practice.

Briseño said he got the idea for the beer after visiting Malverde's chapel.

It's not Minerva's first publicity stunt. In 2006, the company made headlines when it produced 24,000 bottles of Duff Beer, named after Homer Simpson's favorite brew in the U.S. TV series The Simpsons.

For Malverde Beer, the company designed a green label with pictures of a hops plant and the mustachioed Malverde. The art was meant to look like a comic book, Briseño said.

"It has the look of a Mexican superhero," he said.

The beer itself is a malty, European-style pilsner. Some of the barley is imported from Wisconsin, Briseño said.

At 77 pesos ($7.60) for a six-pack, it is about twice as expensive as other Mexican beers. Briseño said the company markets it mainly to upscale bars that specialize in imports.

The Casa Ley supermarket chain, AM/PM convenience stores and a chain of pharmacies have started selling the brew, he said.

Wal-Mart of Mexico sold some as part of a Minerva Brewery variety pack during a promotion in June, but the chain has refused to carry the brand by itself because of the name, Briseño said.

Minerva sells about 600 cases of the beer a month, up from 400 cases in April. Briseño said the company is registering the brand in the USA and wants to begin exporting Malverde soon.

Recently a Swiss flavorings company approached Minerva about spiking its beer with hemp extract, made from a cousin of marijuana. A few beers in Switzerland contain the flavoring.

Briseño said he nixed the idea.

"Can you imagine if we added that to Malverde?" said Briseño, sniffing a bottle of the pungent extract. "I think that would cross the line."

At the Red Pub in Guadalajara, manager Alejandro Pérez said his customers were divided.

"The people who buy it buy it because of the image," Pérez said. "And the people who don't buy it do it for the same reason."

Across town at the Santa bar, patron Pablo Partida laughed at the label.

It's just a name, just a mascot like Colonel Sanders," he said.

The local SPCA de PV has obtained four new dogs and five new kittens from Francisco Medina's clinic. They are also rescuing three dogs from the pound (Acopio) who will be at the Library. If un-adopted, all these animals will go back to the vet's clinic for another week. None are returned to the Acopio. The animals are in a clean surrounding at the clinic and are cared for, but dogs very seldom get walked and none of the animals are getting the affection they crave.

The SPCA de PV would love to have some help with foster homes. If you can help foster starting this Saturday - or any time in the future, please contact them. New Volunteers are need at the Library. The same dedicated group of people volunteer every Saturday and they need a bit of a break!

If you love animals and have any free time please email Janice Gonzalez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Volunteers are also needed to walk dogs on Thursdays. Please email Vera Lugo at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. We know there are people who want to help so please call!

Autumn is a very special time in the mountains of Jalisco. The summer rains have washed clean the faces of every leaf and blade of grass in the countryside. Imagine yourself taking a walk along a country road, portable easel, paints and brushes in hand. You might have a water bottle slung over one shoulder and a tuna sandwich in your fanny pack. You could be listening to the birds talking to each other, the crickets calling out or maybe it is your favorite music or guru on your Walkman attached to your belt. If you think you're surely almost in Heaven, you might be in the hills around Talpa de Allende, Jalisco.
I'm not a botanist nor an artist so I can't tell you the names of all the wild flowers that are setting the hills ablaze with different shades of yellow, pink, oranges and lavenders set against the background of a jillion tones of green, which we look out upon this time of the year.

Talpa de Allende is a festive town in this autumn setting, and the party gets started on the first Sunday in August after the twelve o'clock mass, when the Virgin of Talpa starts Her Walk. This is not The Big Walk that happens in March, but it is called Her Walk.

Our Señora del Rosario is a twenty inch wooden figure which has become almost as popular in some parts of Mexico as the Virgin of Guadalupe. She is accredited with her first miracle in September 1644. Today she roams the country roads for six weeks visiting ranches; blessing the animals, creeks, cattle watering holes, corn and bean fields, and fruit orchards. She is accompanied by small or large groups of her faithful devotees. The size of her entourage depends on the culinary achievements of the rancher's wife where she will visit at lunch hour.

An altar is prepared at each ranch house where The Little Short One, as she is affectionately called, will visit. The rancher's wife brings out her best table cloth to drape over a table, and decorates it with flowers plucked from her own garden or wild ones gathered in the fields. Candles are placed on the makeshift altar to be lighted when the little figure is placed upon it.

The visitors announce their arrival by shooting rockets into the air as they approach. An adult member of the rancher's family will usually go out to meet the pilgrims and take the burden of the Traveling Virgin onto his shoulders for the final steps of the procession to the waiting altar. Normally, there will be one person to lead the prayers offered at each ranch house for that particular day. Once the prayers are finished, the rancher's wife offers refreshments to the travelers before they hike off to the next ranch down the road for a repeat performance. When dusk falls, individuals in the group stand vigil throughout the night. It is considered a special honor to have the Virgin sleep over at your ranch.

The group changes constantly during this six week trek. Some drop out and others join in, but the routine remains the same until September 10th when the Virgin of Talpa is brought back to the cathedral where she is met by a previously selected group of women who have the honor of bathing the road dust from the image and dressing it in its new dress.

The tiny dress with an accompanying cape is a sight to behold. The fabric is imported from France, and although it is more or less the same design that has been used for many years, the colors change from year to year, running in the pastel range. The dress and cape are hand-embroidered with silver and gold threads, and encrusted with precious and semi-precious stones at a cost of approximately $40,000 pesos. Families line up each year to participate in the cost of the new apparel. Salvador Aguilar, a young designer in Guadalajara, is responsible for the dresses of several of the Madonna's images in Mexico.

On special fiesta days honoring the Virgin of Talpa, a carpet of flowers is carefully placed in intricate designs in the main plaza. This is definitely not a hap-hazard method of strewing flowers for her to "walk" over. Designs are copied from charts onto the sidewalks and areas of the plaza in chalk. Groups are assigned to certain areas and given boxes of flower petals to create the colorful carpet.

There are secrets to all this pageantry that everybody doesn't know. Nuestra Señora de Rosario, the Little Short One of Talpa has her own Ladies-in-Waiting. Maybe only God and the chief priest know exactly how many replicas of The Authentic One are out there, but don't be surprised if you run across her in Sedona, Seattle, Puerto Vallarta or other parts unknown. La Autentica never gets down from her throne except for four days of the year, and that is to walk around the plaza. Her substitutes do the traveling. In no way does that take anything away from the magic of Talpa de Allende, Jalisco.

The next time The Lady walks will be October 7th. That's her birthday.

Every year from July to November, Mayto Beach, a little piece of paradise two hours south of Puerto Vallarta, provides a nesting ground for hundreds of Olive-Ridley turtles and one group of biologists and volunteers is working to protect them.
Amongst the many gems of Banderas Bay, lies Mayto Beach. A little piece of paradise, two hours drive on dirt track southwards from Puerto Vallarta through El Tuito will bring you here. One of few unspoiled beaches, where only a handful of buildings line the shoreline, sympathetically styled with palm leaf roofs and wooden shacks.

Between July and November each year this idyllic location provides a nesting ground for hundreds of Olive-Ridley turtles. After hatching from their eggs, each turtle can grow up to 2 and half feet and 110 lbs in weight. Once in the ocean, these omnivores dive 150m to the sea bed in order to feed on crustaceans, shrimp and fish.

If allowed to continue their journey in peace, once they have been immersed in to ocean as hatchlings they can live for over 100 years. The current record for the oldest turtle was found to be 120 years old in 2006. However, there are many threats to these gentle creatures and since the 1970's turtle conservation camps have been set up in order to give turtles higher chances of survival.

Directly on Mayto Beach, lies the camp for the protection of the Marine Turtles. For 3 years now, the biologists here have strived to ensure the safety of the Olive-Ridley turtle. Funded by Guadalajara University and watched over by CONAM, the governmental environment sector, volunteers work alongside biologists to carefully record data and monitor turtle numbers.

Every night, torches scour the coastline looking for signs of turtles and their nests. A biologist at the camp commented that, depending on sand conditions, on average it takes the turtles 20 minutes to dig a hole and lay their eggs on the shore. On discovery, the nests are carefully dug up and their contents removed. Back at camp, the eggs are buried 40cm under the sand in a marked secure area, watched over by devoted staff in order to grow and hatch in peace and safety.

Their help is greatly needed, for turtles are under threat from the minute they are laid and buried deep beneath the sand. Aside from birds, sharks, larger predators and fish, the turtles face a threat from poachers.

Turtle egg poaching has occurred for years, the unhatched eggs considered a delicacy to eat themselves or to sell on to others. The further inland the eggs reach, the higher prices they are sold for. A highly illegal practice with a long spell in prison as a consequence, the conservationists endeavor to protect the eggs from the hands of such people. Mayto Beach itself not heavily targeted, the beaches of Mismaloya are hot targets for poachers.

Once the eggs are hatched, turtles dig their way to the surface of the sand, where the biologists rapidly assist to uncover around one hundred turtles per nest. These turtles are rinsed and allowed to rest, while waiting for nightfall and their release.

Over the summer of 2007, approximately 80 nests were hatched at Mayto Beach alone, keeping all who worked there very busy! The hatchlings are released in large numbers at night, in order to minimise the risk of predation where they must then search for rocks by which to hide while they gain nourishment and strength to continue their journey. With few defences, the turtles are susceptible to injury and have been known to return to Mayto Beach having had a limb taken by a preying shark.

Once turtles have reached reproductive age at around 8-12 years, they return to the beach on which they were born to lay their own eggs. An inbuilt magnetism allows them to track down their place of birth to within 100m on a stretch of coastline. Despite the best efforts of the conservationists to ensure the best start in life for the hatchlings, Jorge, an on site biologist remarked "Only two out of every hundred survive to reach adult age."

While all the turtles released so far are making their way towards the Japanese coast, the staff continue to nurture the turtles back at camp, something the locals of Mayto are happy to see happening. Bringing interest to the area can only be good for their prosperity.

Yet, with all the good work that the conservationists and essential volunteers are doing, a part of me hopes that this area will stay a little piece of paradise, to ensure a calm, peaceful environment to which many a turtle can return.

On April 20th, I experienced yet another amazing day imbedded in the middle of Mexican Culture. It was not the usual Fiesta or an ordinary gathering of families to picnic in the mountains on the road to Mascota. It was an official shooting competition at the Campo de Tiro (shooting range) sponsored by Club Cinegetico Puerto Vallarta A.C.
We arrived early at around 8 o'clock to begin preparation. The range has been recently renovated and was set up for what was to be a very long, busy day of shooting. Sun shades with tables and chairs had been set up for the shooters and the spectators. Refreshment stands went up and the registration table was busy signing up the competitors.

Soon, the tranquil mountain pasture that had been quiet except for the sounds of the wild birds, a couple of donkeys and some local dogs, was resonating with the sound of .22 caliber gun fire as the practice sessions began. Approximately 75 to 80 shooters signed up and the competition began promptly at 11 o'clock. First to compete were shooters using pistols or rifles on specific target ranges. There were very strict rules and judges and referees watched closely and scored each contestant.

Later, around 2 or 2:30, a catered hot lunch arrived with chili, beans, rice and tortillas. Plenty of cold water, soft drinks and, of course, beer were available.

After the lunch break, the competitors put away their .22 caliber firearms and prepared for the Trap Shooting contests. There were two courses using clay pigeons launched from spring loaded traps in a specific pattern. Shotgun blasts filled the air the rest of the afternoon until the sun went down.

The shooting club, which is licensed and governed by the Mexican Army, operated with expertise, professionalism and safety. They boast of over 100 members and continue to grow. Their motto is: "Por La Fraternidad Y El Equilibrio Del Deporte". They are well trained and were always watching to make sure that the safety of the competitors and the spectators was being observed.

It was a great day for me. It was long, hot, dusty and rewarding. Not because I won a prize (I didn't, but I was the highest scoring Gringo....maybe the only Gringo), but I saw people loving a sport and doing it well. Their kindness, encouragement and sense of humor as it pertained to the "Old Gringo" was heartwarming. "Come on, Jeemy...Shoot!" From the youngest participant (9 years old) to the oldest, they were all focused on having fun in a safe and very organized sport with the support of their families and friends.

NOTE: I have returned to the range several times with many of the same people since April. My shooting hasn't improved much, but the fun of shooting and the camaraderie of the group remains.

For more information on Club Cinegetico, e-mail Juan Quinones at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Next time you have a moment to get a view of the Church of Guadalupe in the center of town, observe the beautiful lady under the crown who recently returned home. For 82 years, she has been a constant witness to the everyday life of Puerto Vallarta. She is bright and shining now. She weighs in at just shy of 3 tons. She is a bronze bell lifted to her tower on July 18th, her personal sanctuary for over eight decades of town history.

She arrived a few days ago from the State of Hidalgo. Making large church bells has been the profession in several small towns off the highway in the mountains between Pachuca and Tamazunchale for over two centuries. The process remains rustic, with molds placed in fire-pits. Molten metals are poured in and allowed to cool over several days. Burnishing then follows. Bell-making is as much an art as a science.

As described by Sr. Cura (Parish Priest) Esteban Salazar Gonzalez, the bell was originally placed in the tower of Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe in 1926, not that many years after the church began building and was dedicated on October 12, 1921. The parish priest in Puerto Vallarta at that time was Padre Francisco Ayala, well-loved and remembered. At the time, the religious conviction of the people of Puerto Vallarta was such that the bell was raised to the tower by hand by the men of the town. Mexico was just entering into the Cristero War, much of provincial Mexico was at odds with the federal government over religion. Local families of Puerto Vallarta which date back to that time will mention some family lore which includes conflicts, sacrifices and even family member losses. In most areas of Mexico, religious services were suspended.

She was originally a more brittle bronze and, over the years, suffered damages from use. This is the third founding, the first time in the 1960's and again in 1982. On May 14, 2008, she was removed from her home again for repairs. She has been witness to the early years of Puerto Vallarta as a "Municipio", beginning in 1918, the Banana Bonanza in Ixtapa which lasted until 1936, the World War years when military leaders led the town, the arrival of the first paved roads, and, more recently, the growth of tourism.

But even bells get tired. After a short absence from Puerto Vallarta for repairs, she returns with a new alloy mixture of 56% of the original bronze, 35% copper and 9% tin. Cost for repairs, $400,000 Pesos. Her 2,916 kilos were hoisted into the Guadalupe crown by crane this time, not man-power in defiance of federal restrictions. She rejoined the other 14 bells in the tower to continue as witness of the next several decades of Puerto Vallarta history. The 42 kilo "badajo" (clapper) was afixed and she again began to toll over the religious festivals and daily celebrations of mass. You will hear her tones for years to come. The cannon (from where she hangs) and sound bow (lowest circumference), are impressive. She is a stalwart lady to mark time of the city.

"Badajo" is of Arab origin and can be traced to the Extremadura Region of Spain. Badajoz is a major city on the Guadiana River on the border with Portugal. The primary entrance to the city is an impressive white-stoned, castle wall and arched gate that dates from Roman times. Mining in this region and metal forging were practiced since before the Roman Empire and Badajoz, even today, is known for making...bells.

R.C. Walker This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The International Altruism Festival held a press conference on Wednesday, July 16, at the CasaMagna Marriott Resort to announce the official granting of funds to the 24 organizations benefiting from the Festival.

The 5th Annual International Altruism Festival held May 25, 2008 at the Marriott was attended by 1,900 people and raised $583,580 Pesos. The 24 charitable organizations in Puerto Vallarta present at the Festival each received $24,320 Pesos presented by founder Kelly Trainor.

Trainor, in her remarks, praised all of the participants including the Marriott, Puerto Vallarta restaurants, and others who donated time, equipment and talent that make the International Altruism Festival a true and magnificent charitable event. All the proceeds from the event were distributed to the 24 groups represented at the festival.

Vallarta Botanical Gardens opened its gates on November 15th, 2005. Since then it has grown to become one of Puerto Vallarta's most fabulous "must see" tourist attractions. The gardens are located in the mountains at an elevation of 1,500 feet above sea level where you will find a rejuvenating and much cooler micro-climate that is always a delightful surprise to Garden visitors. The Gardens are a living museum showcasing some exceptional examples of the abundant natural diversity found in the Puerto Vallarta area.
As you enter the Gardens, look for a sign that directs you to the swinging bridge. Follow the iron handrail and lead yourself through a pristine swath of original tropical forest in its full exuberant spendor. Along this trail one will encounter the Chocolate, Coffee and Vanilla garden where living examples of each of these plants can be viewed growing in the shadows of giant forest trees. After climbing up through the forest, one begins to descend into the Tree Fern Grotto. The Tree Fern Grotto is an important nesting area of the endemic Mexican Hermit Hummingbird. Ask at the information desk in the hacienda if you wish to observe a hummingbird nest in action!

After your visit to the Tree Fern Grotto, head off to the Holstien Conservatory of Mexican Orchids. In this remarkable conservatory, one can see many examples of native Mexican orchids in bloom, plus collections of carnivorous plants, rare ferns, and other native curiosities. The Orchid Conservatory was a charitable gift to Vallarta Botanical Gardens which opened to the public in early 2008.

Just outside the conservatory you will find the restroom area that doubles as a small natural history museum with butterfly, insect and seashell collections. From the vantage point of the restroom steps, one can take into perspective the stunning mountain vistas that envelope the grounds of this lovely natural oasis. To the right of the restrooms are nursery-grown blooming orchids and other exotic plants that can be purchased and taken home.

The mountains are a birdwatcher's delight with many species of native birds easily seen from the pathways. In the morning and again in the evening, squawking groups of Lilac-Crowned Amazon parrots are active, wheeling through the skies above. Kingfishers ply the waters for tadpoles and minnows in the sparkling Los Horcones River that creates the Gardens' western boundary. At night the eerie hooting of the Mottled Owl adds a spooky note to the cacophony of forest sounds.

The centerpiece of the Botanical Gardens is the hacienda that serves as the visitors' center and is also the location of the Gardens' celebrated restaurant known as The Plantation House. Created in the style of a tropical 18th century plantation manor, the Plantation House sits on a jungle ridge overlooking the river and surrounded by the majesty of the soaring Sierra Madres in all directions. The Plantation House serves Ranch Style Mexican food and makes homemade gourmet pizzas in a wood burning brick oven. Don't leave without trying the homemade vanilla ice cream made with real Mexican beans splashed with Kahlua.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens receives no funding from the government and is maintained by its members and donors and by visitor purchases in the restaurant and gift shop. Yearly memberships can be purchased at the visitors' center and entitle members to unlimited admission to the gardens plus discounts and other privileges. Volunteers are always welcomed as greeters and garden docents. The Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a registered 501c3 not-for-profit organization whose main goals are creating environmental awareness and appreciation of plants, especially Mexican plants. These gardens are also the backdrop to some of the areas most lavish weddings and events. If you'd like to see a different side of Puerto Vallarta and one of the genuine treasures of the city, then head out to the gardens, located on coastal route 200, just 30 minutes south of town.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens now offer guided off-road birding and botanical tours on brand new fully automatic ATVs or on horseback at the equestrian center, Rancho Botanico. To reserve a tour, or get more information on these magical Gardens, call 223- 6182 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Robert Benjamin Price
Executive Director
Vallarta Botanical Gardens A.C.

With this hot and sticky weather in Vallarta, why not escape to refreshing San Sebastian - at least for the day? There is still space for people to join in on a day trip to the Hacienda Jalisco in San Sebastian on Friday, June 27, 2008.
525 pesos includes round trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta & a complete lunch plus the chance to meet new people and "head to the hills" for the day! If you live in Vallarta and have never been to San Sebastian, you are really missing out. Like stepping back in time, this once thriving mining town is a sleepy little pueblo with a population of approximately 500 people. The Hacienda Jalisco is a 180 year old fortress of a house, with foot thick walls, nestled amid pine and tropical forest. Chef Pablo will be creating a special lunch, served on the patio. Time for a nap or go exploring!

Those attending will receive a coupon for a 10% discount on future stays at the Hacienda Jalisco!
For further information, please contact Pamela Thompson, 222-9638