Categoría: 365 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Voting From Afar

We agree with those in Puerto Vallarta who are intent on discussing the issue that the upcoming election in the United States is going to be one of the most important events in the history of the country. If one party wins, there will be upheaval and chaos; the other party is determined to make serious changes that have been the subject of much debate pre-nomination. The conventions were watched closely around the world with many people having strong opinions and much at stake.

For those who have not yet taken the time to register, there is little time to waste and we know the days can flash by in Puerto Vallarta while lazing around the pool in an attempt to keep cool, sipping on a refreshing daiquiri. Take the time to head to the website www.votefromabroad.org and regardless of your political affiliation, you can easily be signed up to defend your position, even if it’s from abroad.

Don’t be afraid to be informed. Check out information about the candidates on sites other than Facebook. You will find that www.moveon.org leans to the left but has a lot of great data and for a relatively unbiased point of view, go to www.npr.org.

There are sites that can give you issues divided by party, state and local district. A couple of them are http://www.fvap.gov/links and https://www.fvap.gov/citizen-voter and those links will lead you to answers of questions and updated information about your home state and town.

Getting your vote sent in early, at least forty-five days before the election, is imperative. This length of time will be necessary to process your vote and enable officials to get back to you in the case of any questions and resolve any problems they might dicover. We have heard of voters forgetting to place signatures properly, for example.

It’s not necessary to have an address in the United States; this does not disallow you to vote if you are a citizen. Wherever you originally hailed from is the place you will register. Several states and the District of Columbia allow US citizens who have never resided in the United States to register where their parent would be eligible to vote. We encourage first time voters to exercise their rights; eligibility requires US citizens to be 18 years or older.

Que cómo es es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

When Will The Temp Get Cool Again?

Once September passes and businesses that had been closed for the month begin again to open, people start coming back to town. The snowbirds from the north flock back via flights or long road trips. Streets begin to fill, and the beach comes alive again with more music, vendors, tourists, locals, and part and fulltime residents. New menus are posted; events are planned; umbrellas, cushions and hammocks are mended; boats go back in the water after fresh paint and repairs; guitars and mandolins are re-stringed; children are back in school. It is autumn in Puerto Vallarta. Why does it still feel like summer?

We have heard the complaints more times than we can count from people who can’t recall year to year. “When will it cool off?” “When will it be normal again?” and our favorite…”The heat is sticking around a lot longer this year.” The answers to those questions and statements is that this is normal; we simply refuse to remember that fall in Puerto Vallarta doesn’t really begin until around Thanksgiving. It’s the humidity and dew point, not the heat, which affects us. The average daytime temperature in Puerto Vallarta fluctuates between 70° and 90° Fahrenheit, which is 21° and 32° Celsius. The lows at night drop to between 57° and 72° (F); 14° and 22° (C). Rainy season starts in June and lasts through October, when it tapers off by the end of the month.

Comfort levels, when it comes to humidity, which stays relatively level throughout the year, are based on dew point. Dew point is what determines whether perspiration evaporates from the skin. This is why you feel so hot. Not the heat, the humidity but…the humidity combined with the dew point.  The lower the dew point, the drier and cooler you’ll feel. Dew point doesn’t change quickly; it’s a gradual process. If you have a sultry day, you are guaranteed to have a sultry night’s sleep. Puerto Vallarta, as many of us are aware, is impacted by an extreme cyclic distinction from winter to summer and if anyone asks you why it’s still so hot, you can tell them it’s the dew point. Rain has a profound effect on the dew point, so if it’s raining or rain is expected in Puerto Vallarta, you can count on being very warm. We’ve heard that the least muggy day of the year is January 24^th on an average, whereas the most oppressive day usually falls around August 23^rd.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

Recently we were asked by newcomers if Mexicans in Puerto Vallarta do anything for their Independence Day. Do they ever! Though the actual date is September 16th, observances take place in Mexico on the eve of a given celebration. Our friends were confused when the 5th of May came and went, and there was nary a peep. In the US and some places in Canada, this is a huge party day…Cinco de Mayo! Even Mexicans can’t figure out why their northern neighbors have chosen this day, other than the fact it was one of many battles won during the revolution. The Battle of Puebla, as the 5th of May is known, was a hard fought victory for Mexico but it is truly observed only in the town where it took place, Puebla. Independence Day is a country-wide gala, commemorating the day, when in the small town of Dolores, in the area of Guanajuato, a Mexican Catholic priest, Miguel Hidalgo, made the most famous speech in Mexican history. Hidalgo urged the crowd to revolt and to refuse to be patriots of Napoleon and the few elite citizens who had control of the country.

Though it may be very crowded, we recommend finding a spot on the Malecón to observe the festivities. Expect thick crowds and lots of noise, as this festival seems to grow exponentially every year with the gathering of locals; truly a family night of high spirits, amazing fireworks and gaiety. The highlight of the evening is a reenactment of the famous cry of Hidalgo (el Grito) and in Puerto Vallarta, this display will take place at the Palacio Municipal (city hall) on the Plaza de Armas, the main plaza across the street from the Catedral de Guadalupe. Our honorable mayor will thrill the throngs with a speech consisting of the following (in Spanish, of course): Mexicans! Long live the heroes that gave us the Fatherland and liberty! Long live Hidalgo! Long live Morelos! Long live Josefa Ortiz de Dominguez! Long live Allende! Long live Galeana and the Bravos! Long live Aldama and Matamoros! Long live National Independence! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Long Live Mexico! Citizens are invited to join in this cry and we love shouting Viva México along with the crowds.

Expect more people than you could have thought could fit into downtown Puerto Vallarta; lots of great music, including brilliant Mariachi and typical street food. We never miss the chance to have a taste of Chiles en Nogada, the traditional Independence Day meal.

Viva México!

Que cómo es es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

ATM’s and How to Use Them

This question arises again and again about how to get cash in Puerto Vallarta, and we do periodic updates to keep people in the know. The best way to get cash is through an ATM. The peso will fluctuate throughout the day with global markets and you get the best daily rate from an ATM.

Questionable ATM’s are everywhere, including in Puerto Vallarta, so it’s wise to know what to look for before you stick your card in the slot. Bogus machines are referred to as skimmers; they are incredibly illegal and will be present at a machine for a short period of time, like half an hour or so. They’re usually installed and removed by people who look somewhat official (uniforms of a sort) and always more than one, so they can shield what they’re doing. These machines will not be found in outlying ATM’s in places like the OXXO store in a non-central colonia (neighborhood). They are placed in high volume areas in the busiest places in Puerto Vallarta where they can get the most bang for their buck, so to speak.

A skimmer is a card reader that attaches to bona fide terminals to harvest data from every card that enters the portal. Criminals can then steal your money right out of your bank account or use your information to make purchases. Unfortunately, these skimmers don’t prevent you from getting money out of your account from an ATM, which would therefore alert you to some kind of problem.

Luckily, they are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Crooks use 3-D printers to model parts that fit over the actual ATM entry. They’re seldom the same color or texture of metal and plastic surrounding them. They also might protrude the true threshold. Chances are your card will be slightly difficult to push into the slot, which is a big warning sign. There could be an inconspicuous camera aimed at the keypad, as well, which will pick up your PIN. To avoid your PIN being discovered, always turn your back to any camera. If you see anything that looks untoward, move onto another ATM.

The best way to avoid ATM issues in Puerto Vallarta is to have an EMV card. The acronym stands for Europay, MasterCard and Visa but most banks and corporations are switching to them. The other name of these cards is chip-enabled or chip. Unlike the magnetic strip, which all your information is coded on, a chip card uses a different method, in which a distinctive transaction ID is created with each use. This information is useless to hackers.

Que es cómo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

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Jellyfish and Other Seashore Sightings

Barnacles (balaño in Spanish) are always something to be aware of when wading in saltwater, though they are not as plentiful on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta as one finds in coastal areas to the north. They are present, however, along with jagged rocks and other jabby things; it is wise to wear water shoes while beachcombing. An old pair of tennis shoes will suffice but there are also solutions for footwear, ranging from snug booties to slipper-like water-shoes, in a varying price range. What we don’t recommend is flip-flops, which are slippery and unstable when wet.

There are a few hazards associated with beachcombing in Puerto Vallarta and surrounding region. Stingrays leave nasty, nasty stings. We’ve seen this injury at different stages, from immediate wound… to days later when the swelling has gone down. Our recommendation it a direct trip to the Emergency Room, especially if this is incurred by a child, a senior, or anyone with health issues. It’s up there with a scorpion sting in our personal manifesto. However, for those willing and able to tough it out, first stay in the water and use the ocean to bathe the wound. Make sure there are no fragments of the stinger left behind and continue to use saltwater to irrigate and cleanse. After getting out of the water, stepping back into a hot water foot bath will help to draw out venom. There are poultices that can be applied from local herbs, as well, but this requires the help of someone adept with the procedure… it’s always wise to ask around; local home remedies are sometimes the best.

Another menace are jellyfish and though there are different types of this species, most do have a sting and should be avoided. Some ocean waters are homes to extremely dangerous jellyfish, but Puerto Vallarta is fortunately not one of those. In the spring and summer months there is a higher likelihood of running into them, literally. Their tendrils can get disconnected in rough water and are still venomous though not attached. Cures run the gamut from vinegar or lime juice to garlic, all available ingredients at most palapas dotting shorelines, but one does end up smelling like an Italian restaurant. Vinegar is probably your best solution but you will need lots and a continual washing, therefore a tub to catch the vinegar so it can reapplied. We’ve witnessed using one’s own urine and even though it sounds horrible, some claim it is the best solution. And we repeat… that’s one’s own urine.

Que cómo es es

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.