Halloween is on its way, and everyone’s starting to get into the festive spirit. Even the sun, it seems, wants to get in on the fun.

On Wednesday, the same day that skywatchers were treated to a full "blood moon," NASA captured a spooky image of the sun looking uncannily like a glowing jack-o-lantern.

“Active regions on the sun combined to look something like a jack-o-lantern’s face on Oct. 8,” NASA said in a written statement. “The active regions appear brighter because those are areas that emit more light and energy -- markers of an intense and complex set of magnetic fields hovering in the sun’s atmosphere, the corona.”

NASA uses specialized instruments to observe the sun in different wavelengths of light, allowing scientists to observe light that can't be seen by the naked eye.

The image, captured by the Solar Dynamics Observatory, is a composite which shows the sun in a blend of two wavelengths (171 and 193 Angstroms). Extreme ultraviolet light of 171 Angstroms shows the sun's atmosphere, or corona, “when it's quiet,” while 193 Angstroms shows hotter regions of the corona, according to NASA.

Scroll down to the see more images of the Oct. 8 "jack-o-lantern" sun in other wavelengths.

As the sun rises in La Peñita de Jaltemba, it is common to see fishermen’s nets spread out on the beach next to their small boats and dozens of pelicans hovering overhead and gently floating on the waves nearby.

La Peñita is a warm destination with all the charms of a small fishing village.

This inviting retreat offers its visitors tranquility and natural beauty, and it is no wonder that numerous foreigners have made La Peñita their new home.

And due to its close proximity to Guayabitos and Los Ayala, tranquil La Peñita also offers its guests the exciting nightlife of these two neighboring destinations.

La Peñita was founded by the Mexicas who settled in this area on their journey from the island of Mexcaltitán to Tenochtitlán. And from this moment on, tradition has marked this town, lined with cobblestone streets softly illuminated at night under the glow of street lamps.

Every year in February, the Carnaval festival takes place, filling the streets with music, parades and great celebration.

Another time-honored tradition of town is the tianguis outdoor market set up every Thursday along the streets of La Peñita to offer visitors handicrafts, silver jewelry and Mexican cuisine.

And despite being a small town, La Peñita offers numerous lodging options from small hotels to bungalows so visitors can better enjoy the calm waters and soft sands. And perhaps you, like so many, will be moved to establish your new residence here.

Four more non-profits joined the beach cleanup efforts during this fifth round, including La Cruz de Huanacaxtle with reinforcements heading to Bucerías and San Pancho; there are now 9 communities on the receiving end of their labors.

Puerto Vallarta has something to offer everyone who ventures upon its shores. Beyond the pristine beach lies the opportunity to immerse oneself into the untapped beauty of nature. Visitors can learn about turtles and sea lions in their natural environment, or take the chance to stop by the SPCA Puerto Vallarta and volunteer to help those animals still in need of a home. Puerto Vallarta is a destination of discovery and exploration where there is something for everyone in the family to experience and enjoy.

Sea Turtle Release Program

An educational experience for the entire family in the protection and conservation of an endangered species, Puerto Vallarta’s Sea Turtle Release Program is specially endearing to younger children who can release newborn tiny sea turtles into the ocean. From May to September of every year, thousands of sea turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. As part of Puerto Vallarta’s Sea Turtle Release Program, every night throughout turtle season, staff members from various hotels located along the beach gather the turtle eggs from the shore and take them for incubation still in their nests to best preserve natural conditions. Once the hatchlings are born and are ready to be released into their natural habitat, the various hotels invite their guests to aid in the release of the newborn hatchlings on the beaches so they find their way into the water.

Estero Salado

The estuary "El Salado", is located in the town of Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco. Considered an Urban Estero, because it is surrounded by the urban area of the port, covers an area of which approximately 135 hectares are mangrove vegetation and marshes. The rest is made ​​up by two middle-deciduous forest remaining bordered by sequences of elements of aquatic and subaquatic vegetation, thorn forest and secondary vegetation. The connection to the ocean is permanent through a channel about 20 meters wide, 3 meters deep and 2 miles long that leads to the port roadstead. The components of the landscape are a favorable habitat for migratory birds and the development of of mammals and reptiles, such as the American crocodile.

Volunteering

The ANP Estero Salado, the doors are open to all people who want to do social service, internships, or volunteer stays.

Contact the ANP to report concerns and establish the possibility of joining a project or generate new information based on the proposed work.

Encounter with Sea Lions

An educational program allows for an up-close encounter with these playful and curious creatures. Visitors can interact with them in a waist-deep pool and learn more about their behavior from qualified marine mammal trainers.

LAS CALETAS BEACH HIDEAWAY

Las Caletas was once the private home of film director John Huston who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Nestled in a secluded nature preserve on the southern shores of Banderas Bay, Las Caletas is now Vallarta Adventures' own exclusive tropical beach hideaway including the Marietas Islands.

Marietas Islands

A group of rocky islands off the north coast of Puerto Vallarta and a favorite with children and teenagers alike, the Marietas Islands are a true wildlife sanctuary, home to various species of animals including turtles, dolphins, many varieties of tropical fish, and seabirds, including the famous blue footed boobies. The islands’ numerous caves along with their rich wildlife make it a popular spot for snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking.

Canopy Tours

A favorite with both parents and children, canopy tours are an exciting way to see and learn about the varied tropical flora and fauna of the rainforest surrounding Puerto Vallarta. The adrenaline mounts as one rides from treetop to treetop, hovering over the canopy of the lush vegetation of the Sierra Madre Mountains. The scenery and bird life is spectacular from this truly privileged vantage point

SPCA Puerto Vallarta

Founded by a group of dedicated volunteers and animal lovers, the current Board of Directors consists of Janice Chatterton – President, Mark McCoy – Treasurer, Luz Wong – Secretary, Yvonne Kalman – Honorary Board Member. All Board members work on a volunteer basis and do not receive salaries. The mission of SPCA de PV is to help fund and promote sterilization, adoption and healthcare efforts for companion animals in the Puerto Vallarta area, with the goal of eliminating the euthanasia of healthy and adoptable animals. Monies raised will support these various goals in ways that are most feasible within the community.

VOLUNTEER

Adoption Days at the Los Mangos Library: Saturdays from 10 am to 2 pm

Volunteers are needed to speak with potential adoptive persons, to feed, water and walk the dogs and to feed, water and socialize with the cats. Shifts are approximately two hours beginning at 10 AM and ending at 2 PM every Saturday at the Biblioteca Los Mangos.

To volunteer, contact: Luz Wong – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Centro Cultural Cuale

The Centro Cultural Cuale is a wonderful option for those interested in the arts while visiting Puerto Vallarta. This local cultural center, which was built recently, in 2003, hosts its own theater and has a wide variety of activities for the whole community to enjoy. From film screenings, plays, conferences to workshops and art shows, Cuale Cultural Center has it all. Different types of cultural workshops, events, calls for regional, state and national level. People learn to enjoy individual talents and applying them in their culture and can give back to the community.

Riviera Nayarit, Mexico  - Famed for its luxurious resorts and wonderful nature experiences, Riviera Nayarit, still has miles of little known territory holding hidden treasures such as the longest beach in Mexico, a posh mountain lake getaway, indigenous communities brimming with history and art, the island home of the Aztec people, a rarely visited archeological site and charming colonial towns.

Santa Maria Del Oro

The Sierra Madre Mountains dominate the Riviera Nayarit skyline, but they also conceal an alluring lake region surrounded by private residences and intimate upscale accommodations such as the Santa Maria Resort Hotel with 20 beautifully designed cabins for up to six guests, set in a beautiful garden setting beside the lake. Ideal for a destination wedding, the entire resort can be reserved for a wedding party of 94 people including children. Lakeside restaurants serve the area’s famed chicarron de pescado. Only 33 miles from Tepic (Nayarit’s Capital), Santa Maria de Oro is an intriguing start to a long stay in Nayarit and a fresh complement to the destination’s waterfront options.

Insider Tip: Fly into Tepic and make a pit stop at Emiliano Comida y Vino to treat your taste buds with finely prepared Mexican dishes such as Chamorro en Barbacoa and Chile Ancho and Black Sesame Seeds Crusted Tuna Medallion.

Tawexikta Lugar Del Sol (The Place of the Sun)

Riviera Nayarit is home to four indigenous tribes that still live their traditional lifestyle. It is possible to visit one tribe, who live in Tawexikta. Accessible only via a high-bow motorboat, known throughout the region as a panga, and certainly off the beaten path, the Huichol Indian village is called Tawexikta, known as the Place of the Sun.

Here, visitors who enjoy experiencing traditional cultures can peek into the lives of the native tribe by witnessing their ritual dances or shopping directly from Huichol women for their intricate artisan work. The Huichol beaded masks, necklaces, animal figures and masks have become a recognizable symbol of Riviera Nayarit. 

Insider Tip: For a completely immersive cultural experience, there are a handful of simple cabins available for visitors to spend the night at the Huichol village. Meals prepared by the Huichol included.

Playa Novillero

The longest beach in Mexico, 92 miles of unspoiled coastline, is located at the northernmost point in Riviera Nayarit. Gaze at seemingly perpetual palm trees and hammocks under the shade of palm huts while sipping a beer in solitude. Small beach restaurants serve the region’s famed Sarandeado-style grilled red snapper that is smoky and covered with chili, limes, mustard, and butter.

Insider Tip: Ideally a day trip from Tepic or San Blas, visitors can stay hydrated by sipping on coconuts fresh off of a burro (donkey) cart.

Los Toriles

The only archeological site in Nayarit open to the public is located just 6 miles from Ixtlan del Rio. Dating from 300-600 BC, it has over 85 buildings although only a few are excavated.

You can see four wide plazas and several palaces. Also, you can explore shaft tombs and temples, including one of the only round temples in Mexico.

Bellavista

Quite literally a time capsule, Bellavista was built around a now closed textile factory that was a brick-for-brick replica of its Belgium counterpart. Erected in 1841, this once bustling factory town now shares an eerie glimpse into pre-war Europe and the little known trade roots of Nayarit.

It now rests as a historic marker and a beautiful photo opportunity.

Insider Tip: Hang around the factory long enough and you will run into Juan Caña Stephens, a long-time groundskeeper who can recount the history of the building and its importance to this region of Mexico.

Mexcaltitan

The adventure to Mexcaltitan begins with a 25 minute panga ride through estuaries, islets, coves and mangroves. Thought to be the first home of the Aztecs that founded Tenochtitlán (known today as Mexico City), this island is sometimes referred to as the “Venice of Mexico” due to narrow streets that also serve as canals seasonally. Primarily a shrimping community, shrimp is left to dry on the raised sidewalks to be made into a zesty, mouthwatering variety of dishes and snacks, with many recipes dating back to pre-Hispanic times. A local favorite is the shrimp based Mole – thickened with raw tortilla dough called Taxtihuil.

Insider Tip: Dried shrimp is crunchy like a tostada and consumed head and all! This small island can only be explored on foot or by boat (seasonally) and the majority of restaurants are unnamed yet serve delicious fresh catch.

For more information about Riviera Nayarit and its towns, visit www.rivieranayarit.com.

About Riviera Nayarit

Mexico’s newest destination, Riviera Nayarit, stretches along 192 miles of pristine Pacific coast framed by the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains just ten minutes north of accessible Puerto Vallarta International Airport. The region extends along the entire coast of the Pacific state of Nayarit including the resorts of Nuevo Vallarta, the historic colonial town of San Blas, exclusive Punta Mita, picturesque fishing villages, miles of serene beaches and spectacular Banderas Bay. Riviera Nayarit offers countless activities, such as: PGA golf courses, luxury spas, whale watching, turtle release, zip lining, surfing, bird watching, international cuisine, and the local artwork from the traditional Huichol tribe. Riviera Nayarit is recognized as a “Virtuoso Preferred Destination” and was named by Frommers, Huffington Post, and Oyster in their lists of “Top Destinations” for 2014. The region attracts and satisfies vacationers of all tastes and budgets with its wide range of accommodations including chic luxury resorts, eco-tourism boutique hotels and quaint B&B inns. For more information, visit www.RivieraNayarit.com or follow Riviera Nayarit's Fan Page on Facebook

Thanks to last December’s Eco Luxe FAM trip, organized by the Riviera Nayarit CVB, top travel journalist Mark Rogers—who contributes to one of the United States’ largest print and electronic periodicals, USA Today—published another article where he names the Riviera Nayarit as the country’s newest hot destination.

Just a short drive from Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias is a quirky seaside town full of art, artisans and galleries. A great location for both artists and collectors, you will find some wonderful pieces of art for sale as well as inspiration to attune your artistic pursuits.

There are various galleries and art shops selling original and limited edition pieces including traditional Mexican paintings and collectables as well as contemporary sculptures and decorative objects. You can find any media and style here.

Like Puerto Vallarta, Bucerias has its own Artwalk where you can explore many of the galleries in town on Thursdays evenings during the high season from November through May. The Arwalk provides a great opportunity to meet local artists and enjoy a wonderful artistic atmosphere.

Below is a selection of some of the galleries in Bucerias worth a visit

Jan Marie Boutique
This gallery has a selection of incredible Mexican collectibles, from talavera, blown glass, paintings and handicrafts.
58 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerias (across from Mark’s Bar & Griil)

Casa del Artisano
This is an artist owned gallery. Teresa Moreno exhibits her own work, featuring oil paintings, jewelry and textiles
Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerias

Millings Ceramic Gallery
Wonderful ceramics and handmade pieces on display as well as pottery lessons. Potters can also have their work fired here. 93 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerias, Nayarit, Mexico

The Visiting Artist Gallery
This gallery opens its doors to visiting artist who come to Mexico to work. There is always something new to see here.

Galleria Savala
An artist owned gallery, here you can watch the artist Savala painting his vibrant Mexican folkloric images while he discusses his work. 62 Lazaro Cardenas, Bucerias

Jorge’s Jewelry
Incredible designs in sterling silver, turquoise and coral. You can also have your jewelry repaired here.

The Bucerias Art Walk Plaza (Monday Mornings and Thursday Evenings)

One of the biggest problems in downtown is the excess of nightclubs, alcohol and noise, all this have contributed to the deterioration of the heart of Puerto Vallarta

This was established by the Regional Federation General Secretary of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Jalisco Coast (CTM), Rafael Zambrano Yerena, who said that the first step towards the revival of downtown Puerto Vallarta would be opening the ride "Diaz Ordaz "opposite the jetty for small cars.

However he said, one of the most serious problems of the tourist strip "Diaz Ordaz" and the boardwalk is "excess nightclubs, alcohol and noise", which has also contributed to the deterioration of downtow, which also suffers high incomes and confined areas.

"For my taste having bars and places with only loud music and drink probably fell sharply the number of tourists on the boardwalk, now we should encourage more family restaurants and more businesses "said the union leader.

Lamented the difficult situation in downtown, no tourists hundreds of empty commercial closed and local businesses, for rent or sale without anyone interested in opening a business there.

He estimated that a first step towards the revival of downtown would be opening the ride "Diaz Ordaz," which could help to generate more traffic of cars and people along the boardwalk, dozens of merchants complained and they require reopened rides to tourist.

He acknowledged that the subject of the pier, the promenade "Diaz Ordaz" and generally the downtoen a controversial.

On the boardwalk "although it is nice as it is important to think it would be open for small vehicles, so people go out there again and have another type of activity"

[readon1 url="http://vallartaopina.net/2014/09/29/antros-alcohol-y-ruido-en-el-centro/#comments"]Source:vallartaopina.net[/readon1]

Hurricane Odile caused 3 billion pesos ($224 million) in damage when it slammed into the western state of Baja California Sur last week, Mexico’s AMIS insurers association said.

Odile, which made landfall in the resort area of Los Cabos as a Category 3 hurricane with sustained winds of more than 200 kph (124 mph), is blamed for six deaths.

The 200 or so insurance adjusters deployed in the state since the storm passed are dealing with 2,330 Odile-related claims, AMIS director Recaredo Arias told a press conference Thursday.

Unlike hurricanes Ingrid and Manuel in 2013, Odile did not cause significant harm to hotels and businesses, Arias said.

“Based upon our experience we estimate the cost this time will be lower than (hurricane) Wilma’s (in 2005), because of the type and density of the hotel infrastructure affected, and after having carried out physical inspections, we believe it may even be lower than Ingrid and Manuel,” he said.

Wilma, a late-season storm, battered Cancun and other resorts on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula

AMIS has opened a temporary customer service center at the Los Cabos office of the National Fund for Tourism Promotion, Arias said.

[readon1 url="http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2354039&CategoryId=14091"]Source:www.laht.com[/readon1]

There is nothing like traveling to another country to help you appreciate what you have back at home. It’s also easy here in the U.S. to take so much of what we have, and routinely do, for granted. So even though I told you I was done with writing about our recent trip, here is what I immediately learned to appreciate the minute we crossed the border. Of course it is only SMART to remember these each and every day.

Just because summer comes to an end does not mean the fun has to stop, especially when so many destinations aim to please their guests well into the fall. The following 10 destinations are constantly buzzing with activities during the summer, but as travelers head back to their regular schedules their landscapes are not quite finished playing host.

This makes them ideal travel destinations during autumn as well, because not only have most of the crowds returned home, but enjoying their fall attractions also means better prices and dodging the sweltering heat. So before you think about booking that summer getaway, you might want to wait until autumn comes around to see world-class events amid cool breezes while escaping the swarms of tourists.

London, U.K: Lord Mayor’s Show
On Nov. 8, the drums of marching bands and horses galloping throughout the streets as well of sights of gigantic colorful floats mean the Lord Mayor’s Show has officially begun. During this historic ceremony the newly appointed Lord Mayor of the city receives an extravagant welcoming in his new role as he and other British officials are carried through London’s financial hub via exquisite coaches.
The Lord Mayor, who is traditionally dressed in a bright robe, can be typically seen waving his feathered hat to the crowd as he travels from the Mansion House to the Royals Courts of Justice before pledging his loyalty to the crown. In good old British tradition, the procession takes spectators through London’s eccentric past while exuding elements from pageantry and festival celebrations to become one of the most colorful annual fall events to decorate the city’s streets.

Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez and Mexico's Octavio Paz will be honored at the 28th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair, or FIL, Latin America's most important such event, fair president Raul Padilla Lopez announced.

At Wednesday's press conference to present the Nov. 29-Dec. 7 fair's general program, Padilla Lopez said participants will commemorate the birth centennial of Paz (1914-1998) and celebrate the memory of Garcia Marquez (1927-2014), who died in April.

"This year's fair will honor key figures in Spanish-language literature who have died or whose (birth) anniversaries happen during 2014," FIL's president said.

The fair will also commemorate Mexican writers such as Jose Emilio Pacheco (1939-2014), who died in January; Jose Revueltas (1914-1976); and Efrain Huerta (1914-1982).

The gathering of about 650 writers from 32 countries will include Brazilian Nelida Piñon, Nicaragua's Ernesto Cardenal, Scottish musician David Byrne, Welsh author Ken Follett, and Italian scholar Claudio Magris, winner of the FIL's Literature Award in Romance Languages for 2014.

Argentina is the special guest at this year's book fair and the program of its delegation, made up of 60 authors and 98 publishers, will include sessions commemorating Julio Cortazar (1914-1984) and Adolfo Bioy Casares (1914-1999).

There will also be an event to honor Argentine poet Juan Gelman (1930-2014), who died in January.

The nine-day fair will feature 500 book presentations covering a range of genres and an area where 20,000 professionals of the publishing industry and literary agents will mingle.