Keeping Up With Developments In Riviera Nayarit.

It is difficult to keep up with what going on in Riviera Nayarit with all the activity and the new resorts/developments. So I was fortunate to spend last weekend in the RIU Vallarta resort in Nuevo Vallarta with Marc Talon from DeveloperDirect. Marc invited me to a properties "showcase". Developer Direct screens for the best investment opportunities and provides information for buying and/or retirement in the Riviera Nayarit.

I flew in on Thursday, checked in, and then met for cocktails with the DeveloperDirect folks and the other people that were there for the preview. It started a get to know each other cocktails then a bay sunset cruise and then dinner.

The next the morning we met in the hotel conference room for breakast and soak up all the information from Developer Direct's strategic partners. And there was a wealth of information with topics including health care, title insurance, taxes, investing, renting, financing and an overview of the developments to be toured later in the afternoon.
Around 2:00 we toured four Grupo Real Del Mar developments. La Joya condos, Punta Esmeralda, Real Del Mar and Alamar, all in the La Cruz. About 40 of us gathered in the lobby and boarded the bus for the tour. We saw everything from finished $2 million homes to $250 thousand condos. Something for all levels investment and ownership.
That night we had our own "fiesta night" on the beach with dinner and Puerto Vallarta entertainment. Great fun.

The next morning we reviewed what we covered and toured the day before. We met with the Grupo Real Del Mar developer for a Q&A. Charles reviewed the tremendous forces coming together in Riviera Nayarit that all add up to great oppotunities. Then we broke up, so DeveloperDirect could help folks focus on what properties interests them. That afternoon was free time to enjoy the resort or go explore.
For an intensive education on owning Mexico it was the best three days I have ever spent.

Sterling http://www.discovernayarit.com/

DeveloperDirect www.developerdirectmexico.com/

Summer Stuff!

Hola,

To create a little interest and do something different this summer,
Espressions has decided to open on Mondays with a unique menu. They
will open at 1pm, with bar food, casual atmosphere, happy hour prices
all day and exclusively on Mondays, English Style Fish and Chips,
served with homemade coleslaw and tartare sauce.
No regular menu but the bar food menu will include burgers, fries,
chilli, (either on its own or over fries), a selection of appetizers
and botanas on the bar. They will keep regular hours and menu (4pm
till 10pm) from Tuesday through Saturday and Antonio will play on
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Eva's Brickhouse has started an "Early Bird Special". The special
starts at 5:00 p.m. and the clients must be seated by no later than
6:45. The special will be a 35% discount off of our already low prices
for any item on the dinner menu. The dinner menu consists of
appetizers, an array of salads, multiple pasta dishes, and an
assortment of dinner entrees. And, they have air condtioning.

El Arrayan is offering summer cooking classes with their new chef.
Learn traditional Mexican cooking techniques with Chef Mariano Valdés.
The classes will take place on the second Tuesday of the month with
the first class beginning on June 10th. There is limited space for
this event and reservations are required. Each class provides hands-on
instruction in creating traditional Mexican dishes, using only the
freshest product available. An effort is made to use local ingredients
when appropriate and attendees will have an opportunity to learn about
regional produce and local producers. Each attendee will enjoy
breakfast at a popular local restaurant, hands-on class participation,
take-home printed recipes, an embroidered chef's apron and a full meal
at El Arrayan (including one cocktail and Mexican wine.) Classes will
be conducted in English. The fee for this introduction to Mexican
cooking techniques and ingredients is $750 Pesos per-person (cash
only, tips included.) Call 322-222-7195 after 6.00pm to reserve your
space. (Class will only take place with a minimum of five
participants.) El Arrayán is located in El Centro on the corner of
Allende and Miramar; just a short stroll from the Malecón.

Gina still has some kittens for adoption. They are about 5 weeks old.
Contact her for more information. Gina Gambirasi, Salon Diva's,
322-209-1249


The cementing of Lazaro Cardenas continues. They have completed most
three blocks, from Las Palmas to Javier Mina. It is a nice design,
resembling large flat stones. They are adding some colored powder to
the cement. No telling how much of that will show. At this time, it
is all covered in several layers of dust.

Enjoy the summer!



--
Valiene
casavaliene@gmail.com

Punta Mita surfing tips

I talked with Ricardo Andrade about surfing around Banderas Bay, Punta Mita and Sayulita. He is a professional surf guide in the Riviera Nayarit. Grew up in Texas, been here for nine years.

New Immigration Office in Bucerias

Hola,

Apparently, immigration is going to open an office here in Bucerias.
It will be located on Ave. Las Palmas, next to the new copy/internet
place called Airdoggiecito. Reuben assures me that he will stock all
the necessary forms you might need for immigration issues. Let us
hope that this office is permanent. A few years ago, they opened one
here, moved it 3 or 4 times in as many months, then closed it and
returned to Tepic.

Eva's Brickhouse, Calle Galeana, Bucerias, is now open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner and is air conditioned. They are offering eggs, any
style, with hash browns, for 39 pesos; Eggs Benedict for 69 pesos;
all kind of omelets, juices, pancakes etc. For lunch, they now have
more salads and deli sandwiches, and, for dinner, they have added
Filet Mignon with Bearnaise Sauce and Surf and Turf, Filet Mignon and
sauteéd shrimp.

La Lomita, Agustin Melgar 22, Bucerias, has opened a sushi bar in the patio.

The Puerto Vallarta Jewish Community is making plans for the High Holy
Days!!
For the very first time, there are plans in process for celebrating
Rosh Hashanah
and Yom Kippur here, and other Jewish occasions as well. We have
been most fortunate in that the Chabad Head office and Rabbi Srugo
from Guadalajara
have offered to send back to us, the same two young Rabbis that
conducted our Passover services and songs. They will arrive from the
USA here before Rosh Hashanah, which is September 29 and conduct the
services of this Holyday and also Yom Kippur, which is October 8th.
For more information, contact Mel Bornstein, PV 322 221 5659 or US
cell 847 209 1448 or email: melbornstein@hotmail.com

--
Valiene
casavaliene@gmail.com

News From Riviera Nayarit

Hola,

Quinto di Francisco, the little Italian restaurant on the corner of
Agustin Melgar and Constituyentes, is closed Mondays and Tuesdays for
the summer. It will be open at 5 p.m., Wednesday thru Sunday.

An end of season concert will be held this coming Friday, 23rd of May,
at 8 p.m. (PV-Time) at the Black Forest Restaurant in La Cruz. Latcho
& Andrea are going to play a special concert to honor the Gypsie's
Patron Saint "Sara La Kali. This event will also feature Ajim &
Alessandra, The Traveling Band. Reservations recommended. Call
329-295-5203 or e-mail reservations@blackforestpv.com

A new cybercafe, with different kinds of services, has opened at Ave.
Las Palmas 8, in Bucerias. The name is Airdoggiecito. The
following are offered: new computers, high speed internet, printing
services, fax, copies and scanner services, office supplies, computer
repairs & sales. They also provide help in any government
applications & payments to national and foreign people, like
immigration papers and tenancy. Tel. 329-298-6091, hours are 9-9,
Monday to Saturday.

Urgent help is needed to fly a rescued beach dog to a new home. Does
anyone know of anyone flying to Dallas or Chicago before June 7? This
is the cutoff day for flying animals because of the heat. Sirena has
a home waiting for her in Chicago. The flight and kennel has been paid
for and the SPCA of Vallarta is coordinating this effort. Please
contact Diane if you can help. dianedungey@msn.com

Congratulations to Bucerias' own A Broken Art, voted Best Art
Workshops by Puerto Vallarta Lifestyle Magazine. You can get a free
workshop when you come and join A Broken Art mosaic at the local park
in San Pancho this Saturday the 24th. Meet at the school on the main
street leading into town (it's on the right) Classes will start at
10am (Jalisco). It's a great way to help beautify the local school and
learn how to do an outdoor mosaic project. Any questions email
abrokenart@gmail.com or call Christy 329-298-2605.

I have heard that we will have our own adoption clinic for pets here
in Bucerias. It is, supposedly, to be held at the BBCC on Saturdays.
More details on this coming up.

"They" have turned the heat on, as always happens in mid-May. Quite a
difference in the past week. Stay cool and enjoy, where ever you are.

Hola

Hola,

NAYARIT NETWORK BREAKFAST In Punta de Mita, Nayarit, May 16th.
Open to English speaking men and women, the objective is to highlight
various community service projects throughout Nayarit and promote
networking between residents, frequent visitors, and local businesses.
It will provide the opportunity to enrich our lives by making new
friends, learning about the various projects in our communities, and
meeting people from different walks of life. Each month (this is the
last reunion this season they will resume in September) the NAYARIT
NETWORK BREAKFAST will be held at a different venue in Nayarit.
Current plans are for Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias, La Cruz, Punta de
Mita, Sayulita, and San Pancho. A service project will be highlighted
and a "Bring-A-Thing" project each month will be the opportunity for
participants to bring needed supplies for that month's highlighted
organization. Please join us for our fourth Network Breakfast, and
help make it a success. We look forward to meeting you! Here is the
information. Pass the word to your friends.

Friday, May 16, El Anclote Restaurant, Punta de Mita, 9:30 a.m.
Jalisco time, $90. Pesos (Breakfast & tip included) Hosted by
Elements Realty Group - Agent Connie Hollander, highlighting:
P.E.A.C.E which facilitates sustainable programs and nurtures
self-empowerment throughout Mexico by providing communities and
individuals with tools to improve their quality of life.
"Bring-A-Thing" Program Benefiting: P.E.A.C.E. Needs include: A
plant that does well in the sun for a community garden project, a new
or used garden tool, old jewelry, beads ribbon, tools, gule guns and
glue.

RSVP: Reservations required; deadline May 15th - 1 p.m. Respond to
Connie Hollander at cmh2148@aol.com Tel: 044-322-117-4434. You
should receive acknowledgement of your reservation.
After the breakfast, P.E.A.C.E. will be having their first Compost
Fair and Worm Sale. The time has come! The worms are ready for new
homes. Join them after the breakfast to tour the project and buy your
worms! Come tour even if you don't want to purchase. Prices are still
being determined. They will be in the range of $500 pesos a kilo.

There will be a spay/neuter clinic in Bucerias on May 14-16. I still
do not have the location. Sorry.

The Shamrock Irish Pub is now offering Texas Hold 'em on Monday nights
at 8. 10% of the proceeds are donated to Manos de Amor to help with
the construction of our orphanage.

The grey Isuzu pickup, with the Manos de Amor decals on the sides, was
donated by Tom and Saundra McCarthy. This is a wonderful help for
picking up bazaar donations and moving things for the orphanage.

Nothing better to cool down than the 2x1 beer promotion of May at Los
Amigos Taco Place, Camaron 27, Main Plaza of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle-
Mondays Closed.

A women's art exhibition opened on Friday, May 9th, at Los Mangos
Library on Francisco Villa in PV. It will be on display for two weeks.
This is also the location of the Saturday morning pet adoptions. The
address is Francisco Villa 1001.

The Navy League brought a group of volunteers to Bucerias on Saturday
to give the Bucerias Bilingual Cultural Center a new paint job. With
all the new shelves and tables made by Don Thompson, and now, new
paint, the center is looking good!

--
Valiene
casavaliene@gmail.com

Hola,

At Karen's Place, Costa Dorado, Bucerias, Mother's Day Weekend will
feature music, chocolates and champagne.
On May 10th and 11th, there will be music and art by Rigoberto. He
will play classical guitar Saturday, 7 to 9 p.m. and at Sunday Brunch,
10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All mothers will receive a champagne cocktail and
chocolates. For reservations, call 329-298-3176.

Pie In The Sy is offering individually designed Mother's Day cakes at
both of its Bucerias and Vallarta locations. For this Mother's Day,
select from a variety of yummy cakes in an assortment of flavors and
colors. Then make your cake as unique as your Mother by adding a
personalized message, whether "I Love You" or "Thank You," say it on
top of a delicious cake from Pie in the Sky. Your Mother's Day
Greeting along with hand decorated and designed flowers especially for
your Mom come to you gratis, with a special Mother's Day Wish this
year for all "moms" from Pie In The Sky! Opn daily from 8:00 A. M. to
10:00 p.m. Call 329-298-0838 and 298-0033 in Bucerias

The third annual Casa Comunidad 5K event on April 27, 2008. Over
$40,000 pesos was raised for Casa Comunidad, which is one of the
programs run by PEACE, a non-profit agency in the U.S. and Mexico.
Currently assisting over 700 people, Casa Comunidad programs include
classes in English for children and adults, after-school programs
which feature, sports, folk dancing, arts and crafts and adventure
education, just to name a few.

Ayuda a los Animales, a free spay/neuter program under the umbrella of
PEACE, has hired a full time vet! Welcome to Anthony Garcia Carrillo!
Upcoming spay/neuter clinics are:
May 7,8,9,and 10 in Valle Dorado
May 14, 15 and 16 in Bucerias
May 21, 22, 23 and 24 in Porvenir
May 28, 28, 30 and 31 in San Juan de Abajo
We hope to be able to get maps on our website to ease communication.
If anyone is interested in helping us with that, please contact Molly
Fisher at 322.138.5064. In the meantime, if you need directions it is
best to e-mail Molly at mollyinmexico@yahoo.com.
Following are some directions to clinics. Still waiting for Bucerias
location.
VALLE DORADO: (7,8, 9, 10)
Enter into Valle Dorado. Go 6 blocks and turn right. There is a sign
for the church. Go 5 blocks. You will see a sign for the vet on the
left. Humberto's number if you cannot find it: 322.127.6258 or Lalo:
322.141.1031
Starts at 9:00 Jalisco on Wednesday. Ends on Saturday.
BUCERIAS CLINIC: (14, 15, 16)
Starts at 9:00 Jalisco.
PORVENIR:
In the Ejido building on the north west corner of the plaza. Starts at
9:00 Jalisco.
SAN JUAN DE ABAJO: (28, 29, 30, 31)
REMEMBER: Adult animals should have fasted 8 hours. Pups and kittens
should have fasted 4 hours.

There are four kittens, found in Bucerias, in need of a foster home
for a couple of weeks. They are just beginning to eat on their own.
If you can help them,
please let me know ASAP.
Thanks,

--
Valiene
casavaliene@gmail.com