Puerto Vallarta & Riviera Nayarit News

Vallarta Paper

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March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008

Free Issue

March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008Page 2

Vallarta Paper es una publicación semanal. Certificados de licitud de título y contenido en trámite. Prohibida la reproducción total o

parcial de su contenido, imágenes y/o fotografías sin previa autorización por escrito del editor.

The information published in Vallarta Paper has been provided by the advertiser or event organizer. We strongly recommend you confirm

date, time and location of events or establishments prior to attending or visiting. Vallarta Paper is not responsible or liable for mistakes,

omissions or erroneous information published by the advertisers or the parties involved in events. Printer: Tinta y Papel Impresos Santa

Maria. 316 Col. La Moderna Puerto Vallarta, Jal. Mexico.

The Vallarta Paper team gives you the warmest welcome to Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. We wish you the best of the stays and hope you find the following information useful.

TIME ZONE: The state of Jalisco and the Riviera Nayarit area (Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Punta de Mita, Litibú, Sayulita, and San Pancho, and Lo de Marcos) are on Central time. beyond that point, time changes to Mexican Pacific Standard Time, or Mountain Time, one hour behind Puerto Vallarta time. Please keep this in mind for your f light schedule.

CURRENCY: Mexican peso is the legal currency. However American and Canadian dollars are widely used and accepted in most establishments. We recommend you try to be aware of the exchange rate.

MONEY EXCHANGE: The easiest and cheapest way to exchange money is to use your debit card in the ATM to withdraw pesos. Be aware of the exchange rate option some ATMs offer upon withdrawal. Exchange houses and hotels usually offer higher rates.

TAXIS: The town and surrounding areas are divided into defined zones. if you are staying in a hotel, fares will be posted by the lobby. If you f lag a cab on the street, ALWAYS agree on the

Welcome!

cost beforehand. In town, prices are by trip, not by person. Only airport- and maritime port-based taxis charge by person, but you can´t catch those in town. UBER is available in town but will not pick you up in federal-sanctioned areas such as the airport.

Important NumbersPhone Calls Mexico has recently adopted the 10-digit system for all

local, long distance, and toll-free numbers, either land or mobile lines. If you bring your mobile phone from home, check with your provider about services available in Mexico, or consider getting a Mexican SIM card. Most domestic carriers will give you unlimited calls to Mexico, US and Canada for as little as $200 pesos per month, plus some data included.

International Long-Distance Calls From MexicoUS & Canada: Dial 001 + Area Code + NumberOther countries: Dial 00 + Country Code + Area Code + Number

Calls To Mexico From AbroadTo make a call to Mexico from abroad, just dial the country code + the 10-digit number.

Emergency Calls: 911

Lizeth ContrerasManaging Director

Cynthia AndradeContent & Design Director

Vallarta Paper StaffSales

Paco MorásEditor

ContributorsChristie Seeley, Cindy Bouchard John Warren, Martin Rosenberg, Oscar Aranda, Poncho Davalos,

Arlene Pervin

PhotosRoberto Aceves

Website:www.vallartapaper.com

Contact: vallartapaper@gmail.comeditor@vallartapaper.com

Immigration department 322 224 7719

Canadian consulate – 24/7

800 706 2900Jalisco Tourism Office

322 221 2676Nayarit Tourism Office

322 297 1006Consumer protection

800 468 8722CFE – Power company

071

BUSES: A system of urban buses carry you through the central part of town. There is a different system to travel south up to El Tuito, and yet another one to travel north up to Sayulita. If you want to travel further in either direction, you will need to catch a bus at the central station. Fare within town is 10 pesos. Drivers won’t give you change.

DRINKING WATER: Puerto Vallarta’s water has been awarded a certification of purity for the past two and a half decades. However, the quality of the water tested at the source varies greatly from what comes out of the tap at the other end. We strongly suggest you buy bottled water, available all over town.

TIPPING: In general, you may tip 10-20% in restaurants and bars. Please also try to tip those who bag your groceries or help load your car. Don’t forget to tip your maid, bell boy, masseuse, the band, the entertainment. And by all means, tip more if you want, it will be very much appreciated.

GETTING AROUND: In many places such as Centro Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta there are paths for bikes and pedestrians. Please be respectful of these designations.

EXPORTING PETS: If you are an animal lover and fall for a dog or cat while in town, know that bringing them home with you is an easy and inexpensive process. You only need a certificate of health from a local vet and check with your airline for additional requirements. If you need further information, call the local animal shelter: 322 293 3690.

Paco Morás

Page 7 March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008 Editorial

A Salutation In Sculpture-Salud Cheers!BY ARLENE PERVIN

Jim Demetro is known for several of his sculptures that grace various locations in Vallarta, the Vallarta Dancers, Andale Benardo and The

Washerwoman, just to name a few. His latest work shows a more whimsical side.

The latest sculpture in progress shows the playful character of a burro sitting on one side of a spiral chair, with one leg crossed over another, and an outstretched arm holding a margarita glass, raising a toast. With this laid -back pose, delightful facial expression and smiling eyes, the burro is asking us to take a moment and receive the greeting of Salud! Cheers!

The spirit of “just for fun” might be the underlying heart behind this sculpture, and a reminder to allow oneself a moment of playfulness. Taking a break from depicting the serious side of life and culture, the artist too is stepping back for a moment and is raising a toast to his beloved Vallarta. Once the sculpture is complete and in bronze, one will be able to sit in the opposite spiral chair facing the burro, a reminder to be thankful for being here, and an occasion to celebrate the whimsical part of life.

Jim likes the public to get involved in the process and feel they are a part of the sculpture so people can contribute

to its form at this stage by placing a small disc of clay on the sculpture and subse-quently by making a donation towards its bronze casting. The latest sculpture, Salud can be seen at Demetro Galeria on Lazaro Cardenas. This sculpture, when completed, will also be donated to the city.

What I love about Jim’s sculptures are the element of interaction and I can already imagine people sitting in the opposite chair of the spiral, raising a toast to the burro and themselves, saying Cheers! Salud! As for the tiny mouse that sits opposite the burro, I’ll leave that to your imagination.

From the editor

These are indeed difficult times. Nobody was expecting a disease such as the Covid-19 to appear, much less that we had to go

through a pandemic, with the conse-quences that such an event carries.

Here in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, measures have been taken by state and city officials to try to prevent the spreading. When I am writing this, no case of infection has been officially recorded, although that is bound to happen sooner than later.

Now that I mention the word "official", there is something very important that

deserves mentioning. These are times of turmoil and confusion, with all kinds of rumors running around. I can't emphasize enough how important it is that we not circulate, share or otherwise spread unconfirmed, unofficial versions of news we heard, read or "thought to have heard somewhere." Information is power, but so is disinformation, and in moments like this, the latter is better kept at bay by respon-sible, informed people.

One of the measures the government has takes has been to shut down the operation of night clubs, bars, and casinos; decrease the number of seats available in restaurants (some have decided to close completely); stop classes and close schools; and cancel massive events, thus practically suspending life as we know it.

I don't have to explain what this means to Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit. The livelihood of the area has been put on

pause, with the economic consequences we can all figure out. However, getting the disease to spread would be worse, as there is nothing more valuable than health and life. I ask you to follow the official recom-mendations and stay at home as much as you can. I find quarantine to be a very hard word, but maybe that is what we need now, hard measures for a hard situation.

Now, part of the consequences I mentioned above has to do with the Vallarta Paper. We have decided to stop printing early due to the lack of activity in town. It was a hard decision to make, but a necessary one. We will take two weeks to assess the situation and we will work on a week-by-week basis. You will still be able to read our online version, where we will be offering you the latest information, as well as on our website: www.vallartapaper.com.

Thank you for your readership and support, dear readers.

Dear Editor,The Free Malecon Sculpture Tours on Tues-day mornings and Thursday evenings have been canceled for the season, ending three weeks earlier than originally scheduled. This is in response to the Coronavirus Pan-demic and the resulting drop in attendance of the tours. Another factor is that the two artists featured on the tours and myself as the guide are all senior citizens with past or current health issues that make us espe-cially vulnerable to potential contact with the virus. These tours have been spon-sored by Galeria Pacifico in support of the Los Mangos Library and Cultural Center for fourteen years. They willl resume next season in the middle of November. I would appreciate your help in publicizing out the cancelation notice.Muchas gracias,Gary ThompsonGaleria Pacifico

March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008NewsPage 4

Martin Rosenberg, PhDMarty journeyed from Anthropology Lecturer at the Museum of Natural History, N.Y.C., President of Illinois’ CPA Society, CEO Tomorrows Software, film producer, and author of three books and many articles. As Director of Posters International Gallery in Puerto Vallarta he is surrounded by fine art. Talks given on creativity, mind/body connection and metaphysical wonders.email: martysanmiguel@gmail.comwww.rosenbergcollection.com

Insight

Shine A Light

When should we anticipate great change happening? Can we discern the likely tipping point or threshold?

The Turkish playwright, novelist and thinker, Mehmet Murat Ildan said “The most precious light is the one that

visits you in your darkest hour!” We are approaching the Spring Equinox. It begins on March 21st. It is a time of new beginnings. How we long to see a fresh start for the unsettled times surrounding us. Night and day are essentially the same lengths for everyone, accepting that time zones are different. I feel there is a metaphor for us to consider in this universal event.

Obama won the US Presidency on a theme of Hope and Change. Voters acted to alter the negative course of events and behaviors that his prede-cessor demonstrated. A bright light came on the scene. We seek out a bright light on waking up…it’s a technique on nearly all the self- help lists to jump-start our day.

What is it about light and dark that affects our mood, attitude and feelings? I was puzzled. My intuition was saying this subject has a lot to do with the chaotic and unstable events headlined in our news. I hear and read phrases such as: “they are evil”, “its his shadow side”, “that’s reptilian behavior”, “such dark humor”, and “where’s their moral values?”

Shine A Light is a song by the Banners. A Liverpool U.K. band that took off in 2016 internationally. Among its lyrics were: “Light Will Lead The Way, Will Set You Free. Cause I’m Only Looking for A Little Peace.” Isn’t that what we are all seeking for family, others and ourselves. Perhaps if I understood more about light and dark, and good and evil, I could stay better centered and grounded. I want to move forward toward a bright future and not be deterred by events I have no control over. Vallarta provides an inspiring setting, as we can observe the light coming from the families and happy visitors around us.

On March 9th there was a full moon. The moon couldn’t exist, however, without also having its shadow side. Out of its darkness, pulses its bright light. The darker one side gets, the more brilliant its light appears. I wondered why there were people that did very bad things? Motives of greed, rejection, and power are fairly obvious to interpret. But were such behaviors cultural, and learned from life experiences? Do babies know right from wrong? Good from bad? I found amazing studies!

Research I located can be summarized. A Yale study using simple morality scenarios, with 6 and 10-month old babies, found they overwhelmingly preferred “good guys” to “bad guys.” Another research study of 20-month-old children concluded that, under two-year olds know what’s fair, and are natural helpers to another person. The factors that underlay basic morality are in place before children turn 2.

How do we as adults experience light and dark symbolically? A Psychology Today report analyzed the popular Star Wars series that portrayed light and dark as opposites…yet there existed a greater power…the Force. “The light side is about defense, peace, and considered action. The dark side is about war, aggression, greed and snap emotional reaction.” It seems that once we, or someone else, labels a person’s behavior as good or bad, we don’t see them veering from their path.

We observe this in “negative political ads” that may have little or no truth to their messages. I believe people are not “all good” or “all evil.” We judge too quickly as our mind puts people and ideas into good or bad containers. Yin and yang symbols are comple-mentary…everything shares good and

bad qualities. When we experience good and bad behavior, we take sides. With such opposites, we might forget that greater distinctions give us sharper contrast and meaning. We are observing great contrasts in people’s behavior today.

I questioned why helping people isn’t the first order of business for leaders and billionaires. There’s rich and poor, healthy and disabled, educated and illiterate. These are obvious contrasts and deserving of attention. Yet these humanitarian concerns receive only minor token investments while weaponry, space travel, privacy invasive technology, and sports entertainment is supported massively. How large a contrast must occur before a brighter light shines on these issues and change occurs?

The emergence of light out of darkness in human behavior may be accelerating. The current spotlight, for example, is on child abuse, healthcare, drugs, corporate greed, gun control, corruption, genetically modified foods, and discriminatory practices. Light is a symbol of life and happiness. When enough people on the planet conclude there is way too much darkness, the pendulum will swing to correct such an imbalance. The “breaking news” distractions are magnified to keep us off balance and fearful. People have more in common than the divisive messages media sources push at us.

Scientists exploring “dark matter” believe it is energy. It hasn’t been observed directly. It is invisible to light and hard to detect, but has gravitational impact on stars in space. Dark matter particles are now being studied. If scien-tists can shine a light on what seems impossible to see, surely there is hope for man to do the same to ease human suffering. Is there light at the end of the tunnel?

Curtains vary from sheer to blackout. Each has its place. Darkness rests the body and mind. Light is empowering and positive. We intuitively know what we need more of. What can we shine our light on?

Page 5 March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008 Entertainment

Is it time to celebrate your birthday? Looking for a place to spend a great evening with friends and family? Craving a tasty and hearty dinner that

won’t break the bank? Come celebrate your birthday with Los Bambinos! Bring along at least three or more people and the birthday boy or girls will enjoy our exquisite Italian 3 course dinner of the night for FREE! Let yourself be pampered as you enjoy delicious food and an incre-dible live show that will make wonderful birthday memories!!

Bambino’s Trattoria is a hidden gem located in the old town part of Puerto Vallarta which is also known as the Romantic Zone. A handsome four-brother ensemble known as Los Bambinos perform endearing and energized live music that will have you clapping your hands and stomping your feet! Covering a variety of hit songs in both English and Spanish, Los Bambinos deliver on an incredible performance that you will want to see time and time again.

Are you ready to catch the hottest live show in town with a musical family that have hearts of gold? For the second time this month, Los Bambinos present a special performance with their musician father, Genaro Morales, this Friday at 8pm at Bambinos Trattoria.

For more than 15 years, the Morales Brothers have been a Puerto Vallarta favorite with their beautiful voices, 4 part harmonies and charismatic energy. Los Bambinos are excited to share their love of music which they learned from their father. Do not miss the chance to see this wonderful and heartfelt performance!

DEAL ALERT! From March 20th to the 28th enjoy Bambinos famous Three-course dinner with the live show included for $599 pesos.

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S SHOW WITH LOS BAMBINOS:

Monday| HELP! Tribute to the

Beatles| Seating begins at 6 pm

Growing up listening to the Beatles, The Morales brothers bring their own four-part harmonies to the stage playing a show of classics. Los Bambinos harmonies and instrumentation perfectly captures the sound of one of the most recognized groups in musical history.

Tuesday & Wednesday| Bohemian Rhapsody- QUEEN| Seating begins at 6 pm.

The QUEEN revival show is a great musical challenge for the group with complex harmonies and sophisticated

Come Celebrate Your Birthday in Style with Los Bambinos!

instrumentation. Full of energy and rhythm, this show will make you vibrate as you experience a night full of vocals.

Thursday| MUSIC LEGENDS| Seating begins at 6 pm.

Los Bambinos take you on a music tour offering a great compilation of the world’s most emblematic tunes from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80, and more! Revive those memories and experience a fun and touching evening of a spectacular selection of artists.

Friday| LATIN NIGHT PARTY! |Seating begins at 6 pm.

Friday Night 8pm | Latin Party (Special Performance This Week on Friday Starring Los Bambinos father, Genaro Morales)

Things will heat up on Friday night when latin hits rule. Let Los Bambinos add an extra pep in your step with some spicy tunes that really hit the spot. Don’t miss this extra special performance with Los Bambinos father and musical inspiration,

Genaro Morales.

Saturday| “Big girls don’t cry” | Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons|

This dynamic show beautifully presents the authentic range of the group’s voices. Los Bambinos music does justice to this iconic musical era and artist. You’ll be singing and dancing. Eldest brother, Carlos Morales conquers the emblematic soprano of the group, and the four Morales’ overall voice ranges bring the essence of the music to life!

Los Bambino’s Dinner & Show perfor-mances are held at Bambinos Trattoria, delicious and authentic Italian fare. Check out unbiased reviews on Trip Advisor! Bambinos Trattoria is located at Aguacate #314, at the corner of Carranza street in Old Town Puerto Vallarta. For reservations call 222-4357 (English spoken), tickets available online at www.bambinostrattoria.com. See you at the show!

March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008ColumnPage 6

By John WarrenJohn Warren is the publicity director of the International Friendship Club (IFC). The IFC runs the very popular Home Tours, raises money for twenty or more charities, provides free medical and dental care to Mexicans and hosts anyone interested in enjoying lectures, Spanish classes and social events. www.ifcvallarta.com

Death In The Afternoon

Death in the Afternoon” is a book written by Ernest Hemingway about the ceremony and tradi-tions of Spanish bullfighting. It

has nothing to do with Puerto Vallarta. But the words describe an experience that I had last week.

Susan Davalos has been finding people who the International Friendship Club (I.F.C), can help, for nearly twenty years,

and she took me on one of her “rounds” last Monday.

Our first stop was at Maria’s house. She lives in a cinder block home a few minutes’ drive from the airport, on a dirt road surrounded by similar dilapidated houses. She was sitting in her yard, with her eighty-something- year-old mother, making tortillas that she sells to her neighbors. She told me that on a good day she earns 150 pesos. That’s $10CDN and USD $7.50 before deducting the cost of the corn.

As well as looking after her frail mother, Maria lives with her sister, Elsa, who works in a hotel, and her nephew, Roberto. Eighteen months ago, Roberto, who is just twenty-five, was stabbed on his way home from work and almost bled to death. Instead, he survived. But now he has permanent and severe brain damage. All day and all night, he lies in bed. All he can do is blink. Nothing else. Maria feeds, cleans, and loves him. Susan visits the family occasionally and takes them some groceries, clothes, and adult diapers.

Our next stop was at the Salvation Army center in the colonia of Mojoneras, an area where laborers still dig for clay and make bricks by hand. Hard, dirty work. IFC helps the Salvation Army with regular cash donations.

They buy food and use it to feed thirty or so kids, five days a week. The children use the building as a safe haven to do their homework and as a community center to hang out and be safe. They receive after-school education and religious instruction there too.

Gary and Mary, the Army’s captain and his wife, told us that in the six months they have been living in Mojoneras, there have been six suicides by hanging there and an unspecified number of murders. In the same period, throughout Puerto Vallarta, many kids have gone missing, either as runaways or from human trafficking. The couple is very concerned about the high level of violence here.

Susan and IFC have been helping children and families who live unspeakable poverty and violence for many years. Money is given to registered charities (Association Civils or A.C.s) regularly, providing the organization submits “facturas” (official invoices). The club uses cash raised from Home Tours and other activities to buy nutritious food, clothes, diapers, sanitary products, and drops these off to families who are in desperate need.

These donations are made possible by the generosity of the community and the volunteerism that has made I.F.C. such an agent of change in P.V. for thirty-five years. It’s like the story of the starfish thrower. It doesn’t save everyone, but it makes a massive difference to a few.

Don’t Miss Out!T

here are 315 tours available for you in Puerto Vallarta, according to Trip Advisor, and the IFC Home Tours ranks eighth. Unfortunately,

you have only two more weeks to enjoy them, this season.

If you would like to be taken to three or four fabulous homes by knowledgeable guides in luxury, air-conditioned buses and enjoy the views, the art and the archi-tecture, the International Friendship Club (IFC) will be happy to take you. The club has been running these tours for 35 years.

Tickets are a mere 700 pesos and all of the net proceeds are used to provide free surgery to Mexican kids who have been born with cleft palates and to support over twenty charities here in Puerto Vallarta. See www.ifcvallarta.com.

Tickets and more information are available at www.ifctoursforvallarta.com.

Tours leave the Sea Monkey Restaurant, located on the Malecon at Aquiles Serdan, on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at 10:30 and you can also buy your tickets on the day of the tour there between 9:00 and 10:15. Why not arrive early, have breakfast on the beach at the Sea Monkey and enjoy a unique experience of seeing and photo-graphing some interesting homes?

Because some of the homes have stairs to climb or are situated at the end of a cobbled street, it’s best to wear practical shoes and to have reasonable health.

There are only four tours left now…the 24th, 25th, 31st and the 1st. So, don’t miss out. Book now!

Page 7 March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008 Entertainment

By Christie SeeleyFrom Oakland, California to Puerto Vallarta…lured by music of guitars and sounds of the sea. vallartasounds.com

Let’s talk about Josephine Baker and Robert Brady, An Unlikely Couple

When visiting the Robert Brady Museum in Cuernavaca, Morelos last year, I was surprised to see numerous

signs of Josephine Baker, a legend in pre- and post-World War II France. I had followed her life of fame as a glamorous singer, dancer, and celebrity and even visited what had been her home, Château des Milandes, in the Southwest of France. I was, however, unaware of her relationship with Mexico and American artist/collector, Robert Brady. It turns out the two met while she was on a US tour in the early 70’s. In 1973 they exchanged private marriage vows in Acapulco. Brady, a gay man in a time when being outwardly gay was not accepted, and she, disillusioned by several failed earlier marriages and desperate for non-romantic love, formed a close partnership that lasted until her death in 1975. Josephine, herself, was bisexual.

Brady was the son of a wealthy Iowa trucking family and, due to his mother’s passion, was raised surrounded by art. Study at the exclusive Barnes Foundation, founded by Albert Barnes, heavily influenced him. Believing art should be enjoyed for its face value and not by experts’ opinions, Barnes restricted admission to his foundation to disad-vantaged people. Brady managed to gain acceptance by saying he was a trucker. The exposure to the Barnes Foundation philo-sophy greatly influenced his life, including his penchant for displaying paintings with related pieces of furniture and object d’ art that he collected during his extensive travels. He, like Barnes, left his home as a museum, decorated as it was when he resided there. Located in Cuernavaca, this treasure is a must-see.

Brady was an intimate friend and

admirer of the eccentric New York heiress and art collector Peggy Guggenheim (his neighbor during his five years living in Venice, Italy). Like her, he associated with artist friends and collected their work. Also, like her, he lived surrounded by elaborate gardens where they were each buried along with their dogs.

Josephine, on the other hand, was born to a poor single mother in St. Louis, Missouri, and at an early age, she was performing in the streets to support herself and her mother. She became famous as a part of the Harlem Renaissance, but due to racial discrimination moved to France, where she became extremely popular and rose to fame in the Folies Bergère in Paris as a dancer, singer, and actress. The people generally loved her.

With the onset of World War II, Josephine, rather than flee the country, stayed in France and played a significant role in the resistance during the German occupation. She was honored by the French government with several medals of honor. During her lifetime, she was also active in civil rights, during which time she adopted 12 children of various ethnicities who she dubbed the “rainbow tribe.” With her fourth husband, composer/conductor Jo Bouillon, she raised them all in different religions to show her faith that “children of different ethnicities and religions could still be brothers.” Josephine has long been someone I admire, both for her style and commitment. Famous for her beautiful bronze legs and exotic banana skirt, her image stands out when one visits the Brady Museum.

Among Josephine’s female partners were the blues singer Clara Smith, and although not confirmed, perhaps Frida Kahlo. Like Frida, Josephine adored animals. She was notorious for keeping a pet cheetah. She maintained a close friendship with actress Grace Kelly, later Princess of Monaco, whom it is said she met when she was refused service at the legendary Stork Club in Manhattan, and Kelly stormed out in solidarity. This friendship lasted for the rest of her life.

Her last show, a retrospective in Paris in April of 1975, was financed by Princess Grace of Monaco and Jaqueline Onassis

Kennedy. It was a stunning success attended by all the glitterati of Europe. She died suddenly and peacefully of a cerebral hemorrhage just days later, surrounded by rave reviews of the show. She was 68.

Robert Brady passed away ten years later in 1985 at age 58 after 20 years of residency in Cuernavaca, Mexico. The Museum he left behind in the home he built into the 16th-century Franciscan convent is open for visitors to enjoy. It houses over 1,000 works of art and artifacts as well as beautiful gardens. While Brady and Baker spent little actual time together as a couple, before his death he told his brother he still considered himself married to her.

Cuernavaca is located about one hour south of Mexico City and makes a lovely getaway from Mexico City.

“The purpose of art is washing the dust of daily life off our souls.” – Pablo Picasso

(Photos of sculpture of Josephine in Brady Museum, Self Portrait of Robert Brady, Portrait by Brady of Peggy Guggenheim, Photo of entrance to the museum, Framed print of Josephine by Brady)

Banderas Bay Vallarta Paper|

PUERTOVALLARTA

Banderas Bay Vallarta Paper|

PUERTOVALLARTA

Vallarta 1 Francisco Villa 1319

Fluvial Vallarta.

(Fte a Kubl´is )

3 2 2 - 2 2 5 2 2 0 2

Vallarta 2 Av Medina Ascencio 

2053

Plaza pelicanos local 8

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3 2 2 - 1 1 5 1 9 9 5

WE CAN HELP !

Do you need

glasses now?

o p t i c a o c i v a l l a r t a

March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008Page 10

So many reasons to visit La Cruz

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a gorgeous seaside town with clean beaches that attract people from afar. On either side of the Marina

property are long beaches. To the north is Playa Manzanilla which I adore visiting with its gentle lapping waves, the colorful vendors selling water toys and where you can enjoy the many restaurants sharing

Cindy Bouchardan expat Canadian runs a Boutique Inn, Villa Amor del Mar in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. She and her husband Chris are living and lovin’ in Vallarta–Nayarit. If you want more info on La Cruz or desire… A very special vacation contact cindy@VillaAmordelMar.com

Live in La Cruz

beach loungers for those who visit. To the south is tranquil Playa La Cruz, where folks bring their own chairs and picnic, swim and enjoy the view.

The Riviera Nayarit Marina is a ‘must do’ when visiting our quaint village. Many plan their vacation around the renowned Sunday Artisan’s Market; oceanfront along the boardwalk where live bands, food vendors and artisans galore sell their exquisite creations; jewelry, fashion, artwork and more; all you can see by the sea. After shopping, sip margaritas at the fish market restaurant where the band

rocks the afternoon away. Go for a sunset stroll along the boardwalk and experience the delectable delights at one of the yacht club restaurants serving Italian fusion or local fish specialties.

On any given day walking around La Cruz the sights, sounds and aromas enthrall one’s senses. Simply walking out of the marina the town square is full of life, always children playing and if you’re lucky you’ll happen upon music, a holiday traditional event where there’s dancing or a fiesta… a grand party as only Mexicans can do.

La Cruz just gets better and better. If you’ve been reading my column you’ve heard of the beautiful murals that have been painted on many walls around town. Make an evening of it, strolling to enjoy the art and checking out restaurants from taco stands to fine dining and many offering seafood delights! Around the plaza there’s much going on. Street vendors selling churros, crepes and tacos. One restaurant serves shrimp and fish burritos, another where comfort food is their specialty and the mimosas and Caesar’s are flowing and another specializing in German food. Around town you’ll find finger licking ribs, ceviche, sushi, pizza, vegan food, traditional Mexican and everywhere in between, La Cruz has foodies covered!

Someone counted over 40 eateries in this small town… stroll the streets enjoying as many as possible. Stop at the ice cream shop for coconut or vanilla or a combi-nation of both.

If you’re an at home chef visit the La Cruz fish market for several options of fish including dorado, tuna, pargo, red snapper, shrimp and more.

A vibrant music scene will have you dancing, sometimes in the streets. From flamenco to jazz to rock and roll and special concerts galore. Every Friday night even the horses and their owners put on a dance show at the plaza!

There are shopping options for great coffee, a Huichol art gallery and a sprung wood dance floor where various dance lessons, exercise classes and events take place. There’s even a bar in town that has games nights including bingo.

Visit La Cruz, Dine, Drink and D A N C E!

Page 11 March 20 - 26, 2020 Free Issue 008

Poncho DavalosAlfonso “Poncho” Davalos, is a real estate Agent for The Agency Puerto Vallarta. He enjoys dealing with people, playing with his dog, and he has a pet pig, YES a pet pig.

Wandering around town

it’s not Superman, it’s Super Wendy

I had the chance to meet Super Wendy almost 6 years ago when we were involved in the organization of Vallarta Pride, then I took my ex-boyfriend to

her show then he told his friends from San Francisco about her and the show and now those San Francisco friends take their friends to see Super Wendy show.

In today’s column I want to share with you a talk I had with Wenceslao de la Paz, aka “Super Wendy”

“Super Wendy character was born almost 14 years ago when she started doing advertising for a business on the beach,” Wenceslao said. But he found out no one pay attention to him, that’s why he decided to dress like a woman with a wig and a dress. It was funny to see someone dressed like that by the beach”. During that time she named herself just like Wendy, but one day she had the idea to do advertising for a bar in a parachute, she got so scared that she forgot to give away the flyers; that day she sat under a palapa and she was drinking with friends when a woman told her: senorita, please help me, my husband and my kid are on the ocean and they can’t get out, so she went into the

ocean wearing woman clothes and the wig. She finally saved them. All of them ended on the emergency room, right after they told her she was fine to go. She went back to the beach to pick her stuff and when she arrived that afternoon a waiter started to call her Super Wendy: Hey Super Wendy is coming! and people started to clap her. That’s when Super Wendy was born. I think this year we are going to have a Quinceañera.

Super Wendy started being on stages in Tijuana in an amateur contest. She said she never won anything over there, but she found her opportunity, while she was on vacation at Puerto Vallarta, to participate in one contest at Paco Paco. Her show was Gloria Trevi (if you don’t know who is she, she is like the Mexican Madonna), she did so well that they asked her to come back, then she was performing more often, that was her first job.

Super Wendy confesses “ My biggest challenge was to learn Beyonce’s songs and choreographies, actually Single Ladies was the hardest one.”

The first week of November Super Wendy’s life changed 180 degrees: she was diagnosed with the Guillain barre virus stage 2, which is a paralysis. She couldn’t move or do anything by herself. It was a challenge for her, because she is a person who likes to get her own money, travel and consider herself a very active person who loves to work. She feels very fortunate because she learned a lot, she is thankful with the life because it was stage 2 and could have been worse.

While Super Wendy was sick in bed some people of the community got together and did a fundraising event. She wants to say thank you, Florentino, Mitra, Christian, Crystal, Miss Peaches, Angie Star to the bars in Puerto Vallarta, Jesus Olmos, Enrique Barba and especially her mom, and many other people who helped her. She never imagined too many people would support her.

Now she is doing better and back on stage at Bar La Noche from Thursday to Monday at 10:30 pm. “You will see everything in my show but I will not look like the singer, you’ll see a fantasy comedy show, the one who decides which singer will perform is the public, it could be Selena, Beyonce, Cher, Milley Cirrus, Thalia” she said. Lately she has been called Lady Super Bowl, as she performs Madonna, Lady Gaga, Beyonce and the new one with Shakira and Jlo

Alfonso “Poncho” Davalos, is a Real Estate Agent for The Agency Puerto Vallarta, he enjoys dealing with people, play with his dog, and he has a pet pig, YES a pet pig.

If you want to know more about Puerto Vallarta or Riviera Nayarit, follow me on my social media: Facebook: Poncho Davalos at the Agency, Instagram: Poncho Davalos Real Estate. Ponchó Dávalos- Puerto Vallarta Realtor

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Oscar ArandaOscar Aranda is a biologist, conservationist, environmental writer and author of the book “The secret language of nature. Having headed the sea turtle and cetacean protection programs in Puerto Vallarta for 12 years, he keeps his heart in the Banderas Bay despite living in Spain. You can contact him at osaranda@yahoo.com or through his webpage www.relatosdelanaturaleza.org

Viruses: between the living and the inert

Exactly eleven years ago I wrote an article about viruses and the global emergency that we were suffering from the pandemic

caused by the virus called H1N1, also known as Influenza A or Swine Flu, and which according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), claimed the lives of nearly 600,000 people around the world. Although we lived and suffered this pandemic intensely (with its personal, social and economic consequences), just eleven years later we find it difficult to remember it and we do not know how to react and act in the face of the new world crisis caused by the outbreak of coronavirus that appeared in China just 3 months ago.

As I write this article in some city in Spain, my normal activities are being seriously affected by the sanitary restrictions which are being imposed upon us for the containment of infections and the President has declared the “State of Alarm”, getting the army ready to fight the virus known as covid-19 and officially named SARS-CoV-2.

Unlike 2009, the world is now more globalized than ever, and information is generated and received in real time, so we don’t have time to digest so much information. In the midst of such informational chaos, we hardly stop to think if we really know what a virus is, much less, as in this case, what a coronavirus means. The word virus, in ancient Latin, was used to define the natural excretions and juices of plants, harmful to health. Poison, in a nutshell. Now the word virus defines an extremely tiny infectious agent; so tiny that until before the 1930s it was invisible to humans (although its existence had been suspected since 1892).

The study of viruses is in itself a real challenge for specialists and I confess that I do not completely understand it either.

We think that a virus is “something that flies around” and that we can sometimes get it like the flu, or a cold sore. But we would be surprised and surely alarmed to know that we continuously breathe and eat millions of virions (infectious viral particles), that in a liter of seawater there may be more viruses than inhabitants on earth, or that in fact a part of our genetic

material is of viral origin. Fortunately, we are immune to most of them or do not even feel their effects, as they are viruses that are specialized in other types of living things, such as algae, whales or birds.

Let’s not relax knowing that some are actually beneficial to our body and that they are also part of our “beneficial

microbiome” that allows our intestines and our entire body to function properly. Let’s not forget that they are particles capable of infecting and killing any living organism on our planet, call it a protozoan, a fungus, a bacterium, a plant or an animal. Note that I call viruses “particles”, as our greatest difficulty in understanding them is that they do not fall into any biological

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classification and that instead they have certain qualities which bring them much closer to the mineral kingdom.

This is how they are found between the living and the inert, because although they are not made up of a cell, they do possess a “package” of genetic material like the cell of any living being. That is why

they are considered particles containing genetic information that can replicate, mutate and evolve.

A virus is something like a parasite, because by itself it cannot live or develop, and it needs a living cell to host it. Once inside, it takes over its enzymes and all the biological machinery that makes it up,

uses it to self-replicate, and then generates countless capsules (virions) that contain its own genetic information.

When ready, they detach from their original host and begin a new cycle of infection in a healthy cell. But after infecting a healthy cell of the same host, the virus is identified through the proteins

that surround it, and that is when the host is able to generate antibodies to detect it and prevent it from acting. That is why viruses have such a short life cycle and are capable of leaving the host in a few days, hoping to reach a new host that, thanks to globalization, could be on the other side of the planet.

If there is something to admire about viruses, it is their capacity for evolution, which in this case occurs due to a mutation, which in the case of viruses is very frequent. When it occurs, something like a new variant of the original virus is created, giving it many advantages in not being detected or effectively combated by its victim.

The best example is the common flu or influenza mutation, which continually changes its external composition enough so that the original and existing antiviral antibodies are useless.

Every time we get sick with the flu, it’s from a different flu strain.

This is how some viruses that were previously exclusive to chimpanzees, or pigs, or birds, or in this case probably to bats or pangolins, are capable of “jumping” into humans unexpectedly, with more aggressive characteristics which take longer to be detected.

11 years ago, I ended my original article reflecting: “Hopefully, advances in science will allow us to understand that the danger to the planet is not viruses but ourselves.” Today I would add that these viruses of animal origin have jumped to humans due to our mismanagement of nature and our planet. This pandemic has a moral: Hopefully one day we will be able to learn the lessons that nature gives us!

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For those who wish to support the less privileged in our paradise, here are some of the many organizations that could benefit

from such kind gestures. To publish your organization, please email details to editor@vallartapaper.com.

Amigos de La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, A.C. Cultural, educational, environmental and charitable assistance programs. Tax deductible. www.amigosdelacruz.org

Amazing Grace MissionsAssisting families in Magisterio & Progreso. slw2014nv@gmail.com

American Legion Post 14Raises resources and manpower to improve facilities needing building maintenance americanlegion14.org

Amigos del Magisterio Food delivered directly to workers at the PV dump, their families and schools in Magisterio and Volcanes. amigosdelmagisterio.com

Asilo San Juan Diego Home for the ElderlyContact: Lupita Sanchez Covarrubias 322 222 1257 or mexonline.com/asilosanjuandiego.htm

Asociación DownAssistance to persons with Down’s Syndrome – Contact: Ana Eisenring at 322 224 9577.

Becas Vallarta, A.C. Provides scholarships to high school and university students. Tax-deductible in Mexico and USA. Polly Vicars at 322 223 1371 or Buri Gray at 322 221 5285.

CANICA Centre for Children with Cancer. Provides aid for treatment and services including transportation to GDL. Contact Director, Evelia Basañes 322 123 5688.

Casa Hogar Máximo CornejoA shelter for orphaned, abandoned, disadvantaged or vulnerable children. Luz Aurora Arredondo at 322 221 1908, casahogar_maximocornejo@hotmail.com

Clinica de Rehabilitación Santa Barbara Rehabilitation of the handicapped. Contact: Laura Lopez Portillo Rodriguez at 322 224 2754.

COLINA Spay and Neuter Clinic Free and by-donation sterilization clinic in Old Town. Only open Saturdays, Contact: cez@rogers.com or 322 104 6609

CompassionNet Impact Transforming the lives of people living in chronic poverty. Job creation, education, emergency & more. Tax-deductible. Contact: 322 133 7263 or ric@4compassion.org

Corazon de Niña A safe, loving, home-environment for children and youth rescued from high-risk situations. www.fundacioncorazon.mx

Cruz Roja (Red Cross)

It handles hospital and emergency service in Vallarta. It is the only facility that is authorized to offer assistance to injured people on the street. Contact: 322 222 1533 or 322 222 4973

Desayunos para los Niños de Vallarta A.C. Feeding programs, education programs, day care centers for single mothers. 322 223 4311 or 322 222 2572

Discapacitados de Vallarta, A.C. (DIVAC) Association of handicapped individuals dedicated to helping one another. Contact: Ivan Applegate at 322 221 5153.

Ecology and Conservation of Whales, AC.National Coordination Network for the Assistance of Entangled Whales. Contact: 322 293 7851

Families At The DumpSupporting families living in the landfill or garbage dump thru education and sustainable opportunities. familiesatthedump.org

Fundacion Punta de Mita Contact: Ana Lilia Medina Varas de Valdés. ana@fundacionpuntademita.org Tel. (329) 291 5053

Friends of PV Animals Volunteers working to enhance the lives of shelter animals. For info and donations visit friendsofpvanimals.com

Grupo Ecológico de Puerto Vallarta: Contact: Luz del Carmen Pérez A - cayro_13@hotmail.com - grupoecologico.com

Horizonte de PazWelcoming shelter for men of all ages who are troubled w/alcohol & drug addiction. Contact: Maynor at 322 281 0644 horizontedepaz@live.com

International Friendship Club Provides medical, educational and social services to those in need in Puerto Vallarta and area. www.ifcvallarta.com

La Brigada de la BasuraA weekly meeting of neighborhood children to clean Vallarta Streets. Contact Que?Pasa 322 223 4006

Mexico Ministries & Mission, Inc. It raises funds to the poor in Vallarta. Contact Fr. Jack at 322 229 1129 christchurchbythesea.org

Puerto Vallarta Navy League AC Contact: Carol Smith at 322 137 4902

New Life MexicoChallenging child poverty with health and education programs.Contact: Philippa Vernon pvp@newlifemexico.com

Paraíso Felino AC Refuge and adoption centre for cats and kittens in the Bay of Banderas. Contact: 322 120 4092

Pasitos de Luz Substitute home for low income children with any type of handicap, offers rehabilitation services and more. 322 299 4146. pasitosdeluz.org

Purr Project No-kill feline rescue - www.purrproject.com

PEACEAnimals

Local Charities and Non-Profit Organizations

Free mobile spay/neuter clinic operating 48 weeks a year, primarily in Puerto Vallarta. Tax-deductible. peaceanimals.org

Pro Biblioteca de Vallarta It raises funds for Los Mangos Public Library. Tax-deductible receipts for Mexico and USA. Contact: 322 224 9966

Proyecto Pitillal Busca un AmigoAssociation created by underprivileged mothers of paralyzed children. Contact: 322 299 4495.

Refugio Infantil Santa Esperanza Shelter for children

Donations are tax-deductible in Canada and the U.S. Contact: Madre Mari at 322 222 7857 - www.ccshf.ca

Roma’s Kids They educate the children of the Volcanes and surrounding area www.kids.romamexico.com

Toys for Tots VallartaIt distributes toys and constructs playgrounds for less-advantaged kids in the Puerto Vallarta area Contact: Jerry Lafferty 322 221 6156

SETAC – Services the GLBT community. Contact: Paco Arjona at 322 224 1974

SPCA PV – Provides shelter and vet services to rescued animals. www.spcapv.com

Vallarta Botanical Gardens - To build Mexico’s greatest botanical, research & education of plant life, city beautification programs, bird watching, etc. Donations are tax deductible in the USA. Contact: 322 223 182 or info@vallartabotanicalgardensac

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