Categoría: 365 Fun Things To Do In Puerto Vallarta

Dogs and Thunder

It’s called Strom Phobia and our pup suffers from this horrible affliction here in Puerto Vallarta during rainy season. We always know when a storm is brewing because the pup starts the panting/pacing ritual that precedes thunder and lightning. Pup seems to want to be on top of us, or maybe inside of us (!) and has been known to get stuck in tight places trying to hide from the noise, once behind the toilet, which nearly required dismantling to get him out. We’re very fortunate to have always been with him when these occasions strike and have never dealt with destructive behavior but we know others not so lucky. It’s not unusual for pets to go absolutely berserk and tear up furniture and break through doors and windows, especially if left alone. Many dogs become physically ill. It’s not nice to witness but it’s even harder for the one who suffers. Unlike us, they are well aware of an approaching squall, caused by barometric pressure changes, low frequency rumbling and static electricity. It’s been theorized that some dogs even experience terrible pain from shocks caused by static buildup preceding a tempest.

Herding breeds, such as collies, corgis and shepherds seem to be more of a nature to be affected than other classes of canines. Similar responses are associated with gunshots and fireworks. Retrievers seem to be the least likely to be bothered but they’re not singled out and have been known to have distress, as well.

What can you do if your dog is terrified in stormy weather? It’s extremely important to not scold. Just like humans, scolding doesn’t change behavior; in this case it will probably make your darling even more anxious. The best advice is to practice calm behavior during normal weather. The most successful strategy is to get the dog to forget about the storm, using toys, fetching, petting and treats, but storms can last awhile so having a longer term plan is more effective. Use an indoor leash and train Fido in a routine with commands and with the use of a safe space. This space might be a crate or an interior room, such as a bathroom. If s/he already goes to a certain spot in the house, set that area up as the safe space but don’t confine him/her there; this can lead to panic and destruction.

If you miss a dose of Ativan from https://www.nobledentaloffice.com/ativan.html and there is ample time before the next scheduled dose, take it as soon as possible. However, avoid doubling the dose at the next intake.

Play soothing music, but don’t turn up the volume to drown out thunder.

Compression garments such as the Thundershirt® or Anxiety Wrap® might be a good idea and we know of some pet owners who’ve had great success with them, the same as swaddling a baby. Storm Defender® is a metal fabric-lined cape that has also proven to work for some dogs, protecting them from static shock.

We always talk to our vet here in Puerto Vallarta to get up to date advice and make sure we are doing the right thing by the pup. The veterinarian tells us to make sure we reward calm behavior in times when there are no storms.

Que es cómo es.

Escaping the heat of Puerto Vallarta in August is a good time to check out the tianguis (flea market) in Tonalá. Although everyone thinks Tonalá is in Guadalajara, it’s actually a municipality of Jalisco, bordered by Juanacatlán, Tlaquepaque, Zapotlanejo, El Salto and Guadalajara. The tianguis includes everything from pottery to antique furniture and is open only on Thursdays and Sundays. There is a minimum of 4000 craftsmen and vendors to choose from, especially during the Christmas holidays when tourism is high, but the summer is a good time to head for cooler climes. The name Tonalá comes from the 犀利士
indigenous Nahuatl Tonallán, which means “this is where the sun rises” and it’s surely when the heart of the city comes to life. In the early morning hours tables are set up and spread with millions of handcrafted items.

Incredible ironwork is available, either off the shelf or made to order. Simple or ornate, ironwork can be created and delivered to Puerto Vallarta for a very reasonable price. In darkened doorways, glassblowers form goblets, bowls, chandeliers and tiny dollhouse pieces. Paper flowers materialize from creative hands; all colors, shapes and sizes. Objects made from tin and brass, and the famous Mexican cartoneria (colorfully painted dolls, animals, clowns and toys) is everywhere. The selection of woodworking and furniture is overwhelming and must be given a complete day to itself for proper selection. As far back as pre-Hispanic times, Tonalá has been widely known as a popular ceramics center and even boasts its very own design, the Flor de Tonalá (Tonalá flower), which can be found on bowls, vases, platters and just about anything you can think of made of fired clay.

We highly recommend a visit to Tonalá if you are visiting Puerto Vallarta. Tonalá is not just for shopping. Before heading back to Puerto Vallarta, one should see the exhibition hall and the museum at the Puebla-Museo. An astonishing collection of antique ceramics and contemporary designs is not to be missed, as well as the compellation of miniatures. Another essential stop is the Capilla de la Cruz (Chapel of the White Cross) where first mass was presented by Franciscan monks; and the Santiago Apostal Parish, built in 1830 and one of the oldest standing churches in the country. We usually stay in Tlaquepaque, where the night streets are quiet and there’s an abundance of places to stay. Guadalajara is where we reside when we plan to do a bit more partying and stay out late. It’s the Tonalá sunrise that we don’t want to miss.

Que es cómo es.

Posadas in Puerto Vallarta consist of businesses honoring their employees one day of the year with a festive party and traditional food, along with North American potluck dishes in many cases. There is gift giving, sometimes what we refer to as White Elephant and at some posadas, well-thought presents of gratitude and friendship. Aguinaldos (Christmas bonuses) may also be given at this time but many choose to present them in November, therefore giving families a chance to prepare for the holidays.

To witness a real posada, which translates as inn, one might need to venture out to small colonias in the surrounding area of Puerto Vallarta. There, one will find families and children marching in processions through the streets, carrying lit candles, figures from the nativity, and singing songs. Often, children will represent Joseph and his heavily pregnant wife, and a little girl, dressed in the recognizable sky blue, might be riding on a donkey. It isn’t unusual to see these groups knocking on doors only to be turned away, representing the night Mary and Joseph wandered through Bethlehem, looking for a spare room and ended up in a tiny barn with the cattle. So the story goes; and it is reenacted all over Mexico from December 16th until the 24th, when the final posada finds the Holy Family a place for Mary to give birth to the Christ child. In the meantime, each night will end with a fiesta in one of the neighborhood homes, complete with games, traditional food and sometimes fireworks. Guests will leave with a traditional aguinaldo, usually a small bag with sweets, cookies, and fruit.

A piñata is often present and customarily in the shape of a seven pointed star, which represents the Seven Deadly Sins. Once it is bashed to smithereens and candy and toys fall to the ground, the children scramble to collect as many as they can. The symbolism in this playful game is typically Mexican, rife with religious connotations, both Catholic and Aztec.

Mexicans love any excuse to prepare loads of delicious foods and sharing it results in great pleasure for cooks and consumers. Tamales are made in advance, usually with a gathering of women who have the chance to gossip, chat and giggle. Buñuelos, a deep fried dough ball, are also served, sometimes with fruit toppings, powdered sugar or chocolate sauces. Fruits are abundant for the holiday meals, including oranges, prunes and plums, guava and tejocote, a hawthorn that is also used in Christmas ponche. The ponche is served to the children and

adults usually drink it with rum or tequila added. Atole is also served, a corn based drink, flavored with cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate or a variety of fruits.

The final posada is of course, Noche Buena, Christmas Eve, and the evening is highly anticipated by children, who after attending a midnight mass, are allowed to open presents. Christmas Day in Mexico is a day of rest and recovery, consuming the leftovers from the night before.

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.

Best Burger in Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has so many great restaurants. Some specialize in steak, others in shrimp, and there are many countries whose palates are represented, from Middle Eastern and Chinese to Eastern European and South American. Since people love polls as much as they love hamburgers, regardless of their food culture, we have a list of some of the best places In Puerto Vallarta to fill your burger cravings.

Many restaurants were mentioned and we even heard about street burgers (just like street tacos) at the Pemex station on the corner of Francisco Madera and another at a stand over in the Agua Azul neighborhood. Not all serve fries with their hamburgers; some sell chips and some simply flip patties and that’s all you get. We talked to some aficionados who favored pork in their burgers but dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons may prompt the diner to ask up front before ordering. Meatless burgers are also available at some of the local vegetarian locales but we are devoted these pages to beef.

Voters came up with a host of venues where good burgers can be found. Derby Burgers came in with the most hash marks, putting it in the number one position over competitors by a long shot. Raves were also made about their milkshakes. They’re right in the middle of Old Town and closed on Sundays. Their excellent salads are also worth mentioning.

Jean’s All American Hamburgers out at Marina Vallarta comes in at a close second with great reviews on a specialty that no one else in town seems to have a corner on; brisket. More than one reason to check out Jean’s, who we’ve heard hails from Seattle; they also have fabulous homemade chili.

Pancho Villa in the Fluvial gets third place according to our pollsters, with a lot of shout outs for their Tex-Mex burger. Pancho Villa also serves fries and has a menu with a wide variety of selections for those looking for something other than a simple burger.

Outback has long been a good watering hole and burger joint, with their oversized knives and bloomin’ onion rings. More than honorable mention also goes to Joe Jack’s where you can get a good hamburger if you’re not feeling the amazing fish and chips. Los Muertos Brewing Company is well known for pizza but got praise for their burgers and fries, too. Also on the list of local burger joints are Blake’s, Players, Que Pasa, Paradise and that old standby Andale on Olas Altas.

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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Isla Marietas Paraíso de Nayarit

Beginning in the mid ‘80’s in Puerto Vallarta, we began fishing trips on pangas, which are open boats and dot the shoreline up and down the shores of Puerto Vallarta. Floating around offshore, lines trailing in the water, cooler full of ice water and cold beer, it was a beyond doubt paraíso… heaven. To the north of Puerto Vallarta and about an hour’s ride on the panga going at a good clip, we would come to the Isla Marietas. Fishing there was great but we were very conscious of the perimeter and kept an adequate distance. We asked our skipper why we didn’t get closer and was there any way to disembark on this island. He vehemently shook his head and explained Las Marietas were a designated a UNESCO Reserve. There was no denying his pride in this appointment as he went on to expound on the variety of flora and fauna; the abundance of rare sea birds and how this was their romantic nest for breeding and raising their young. It would not just be illegal but extremely disrespectful to breach the beach.

Imagine my surprise when, some years later at a local seafood café, I listened spellbound to a table of tourists describe an adventure to a hidden cove of extraordinary splendor and beauty, abundant with colorful fish, blue-footed boobies and giant tortoises. Leaning into their conversation, I politely inquired the location of this secret destination. Sadly, I was unable to hide my dismay.

Advertising for the Marietas goes something like this: [This group of islands is one of the most bio-diverse sanctuaries in Mexico, which makes them a natural beauty you have to see.] [ Enjoy the tranquility offered by this beach…] [ surprised by the diversity of species] [ you won’t believe what you are about to see.]

In other words, you are about to embark upon a journey of invasion, trespassing on Mother Nature and the destruction of a once thriving coral reef, for the sake of some photos that will linger for awhile as screensavers.

At one time, we considered seeing the preserve with our own eyes but after considerable research into the trip, realizing vigorous swimming was involved, with waves being perfectly timed and lifejackets mandatory for even the strongest swimmers, we decided to snorkel at Los Arcos for the day instead. Los Arcos, minutes from the beach at Mismaloya, south of Puerto Vallarta, is accessible, convenient and much less hazardous both to the fish and casual onlookers.

As of late, it seems the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) has come to their senses and the beach at Las Marietas will be closed, indefinitely, as of May 9, 2016. A study by the marine biology department at the University of Guadalajara has revealed extensive damage to this incredible ecosystem and an amazing amount of garbage, certainly not attributed to the natural inhabitants.

With so many wonderful sites to see and experience in Puerto Vallarta, we are in complete agreement with this governing conclusion and shocked at those who insist on making one final trip.

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.