Categoría: Puerto Vallarta Real Estate

We love Christmas in Puerto Vallarta. If you normally go back to your hometown for the holidays, it’s time to make a change and stay in Puerto Vallarta in December. Invite your friends and family to come your way instead. The weather is perfect and there is so much to do, you will almost need to appoint an event coordinator.

The magic of the peregrinations and posadas will be lasting memories for everyone. Though Puerto Vallarta grows more modern every day, age old traditions will never fade. Starting on December 1st and continuing for twelve days, these peregrinations, or processions join people from various colonias (neighborhoods), local businesses and stores, hospitals, clubs (like Kiwanis), and schools. Simple and elaborate floats portray the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe, with a chosen maiden, a boy or young man in the character of Juan Diego, who had the first vision of Our Lady, and scores of roses, the symbol of this celebration. Villagers walk long distances and often with bare feet, to represent the original sojourn. It is a solemn and joyful occasion. We usually pick one day to have a lengthy dinner along the route and watch the proceedings. Locals of all ages, wee children to the elderly participate, and it’s not unusual to see some pushed along in wheelchairs over the rough cobblestones. Aztec dancers demonstrate their rituals with colorful costumes and charming chants. Bands march and choirs sing. Arms are laden with baskets to be delivered to the church and distributed to the needy. The last night is a huge celebration with fireworks at midnight, bells tolling and tens of thousands rejoicers filling the streets.

When all that excitement of the peregrinations is over, it’s time for posadas, which represent the search for a birthplace for the Christ child. Businesses show their gratitude to employees by throwing parties, in which no one works but the boss. It’s a fun night with gift exchanges, abundant food and drink, relaxation and everyone letting down their hair. This may be the night when employees receive their alginado, the

Christmas bonus that every employer is legally obligated to provide. In our small colonia, many homes light up for the evening, BBQ’s flaming in the streets, chairs all over the sidewalks and neighbors coming together to eat, drink, laugh and pray. These can involve the local parish, and once the merriment calms down a bit, a beautiful procession follows with people carrying candles and singing traditional songs.

This is our idea of Christmas. We love the spirit of camaraderie, generosity and peace.

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.

Travellers to Puerto Vallarta from Texas and the Midwest and Southwest states have had limited airline options ….. mostly expensive.

A new player is entering the market from this region – Southwest Airlines is beginning service to Puerto Vallarta from Houston on October 15. They will fly from their Houston hub which is Hobby Airport. Hobby is smaller and more manageable than the main Houston airport, George Bush International. Plus connections on Southwest Airlines to about 40 US cities.

Check out schedules at www.Southwest.com. Southwest is famous for low fares so this will bring some much-needed competition to the market.

Russell Faulkner

Russell@TimothyRealEstateGroup.com

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The local zocalo, (from Spanish zócalo socle and from Italian zoccolo) is the main square in any Mexican town, Puerto Vallarta being no exception, and is often the center of much local activity. At “El Jardin Principal”(The Main Garden) as the local plaza is called, on any given evening, decades seem to melt away while gentlemen have their shoes shined, grandmothers feed pigeons, while children run around flapping make-believe wings, and couples dance to music from the kiosko (gazebo). Sundays are reserved for the municipal band to entertain locals and tourists alike. An evening walk, after a late day Mass is the highlight of many families, who stop for treats such as fresh fried churros, ice cream, cotton candy, cheesy corn and other delights in the zocalo and along the Malecón.

On the eve of Dia de Independencia (Independence Day/September 16) this popular plaza will be packed with revelers, waiting for the mayor to come out on the balustrade and give a long-winded, usually repetitive speech, ending with a crowd arousing Viva Mexico! Good times for all involved, with more than the usual abundance of vendors selling dinners, desserts, snacks, trinkets and memorabilia. The night ends with an amazing fireworks display; the Malecón will be full of visitors until the wee hours of the morning and there won’t be much sleep for anyone in the general area.

The most famous zocalo is, of course, in Mexico City, rich with history, tragedy and triumph. Though the zocalo in Puerto Vallarta is quite small in comparison, it is also a well known landmark, meeting place and gathering of special events. It is the heart of all grand festivals like the Christmas Guadalupana (the processions to the cathedral, which take place the first 12 days of December); the Sidewalk Art Competition in November; major holidays such as the aforementioned Independence Day and Revolution Day, Children’s Day, and New Year’s Eve and many other celebrations.

In an effort to maintain the appeal and originality of the downtown village, neon signs are not permitted, the streets are to remain in the old cobblestone style and city regulations make an effort to regulate architecture and other details. Nothing symbolizes tradition quite as well as the La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, the Church of our Lady of Guadalupe. With her gorgeous bell tower and luxurious interior, the street and steps to the east lead directly through the front door and to the altar.

The Municipal Building and Tourist Office are also found on the north side of the zocalo and warmly welcome visitors with any inquiries about the city and surrounding area.

Que cómo es es

Wash Your Hands

We can’t be reminded enough of this simple deterrent to the flu and other illnesses, which assault Puerto Vallarta at the same rate as the remainder of the world outside paradise. The initial recommendation is to get an annual flu shot. The more people get vaccinated, the more are protected and create herd immunity. This year, winter 2017 -2018, it is suggested to not use the nasal spray application (live attenuated influenza vaccine or LAIV), which is often used for children. Injectable shots are more effective, painless, and available in Puerto Vallarta. There are different strains for age, pregnant women and adults. Standard flu shots are the most common; high-dose for older people and those made with adjuvant, also for older people. Since there are constantly changing viruses, annual shots are highly advised. This year we are protected from three to four circulating flues on this continent, depending on whether we have received the quadrivalent or trivalent.

For those planning to travel to or from Puerto Vallarta, consider it takes approximately two weeks for the antibodies to do their job, so plan accordingly. Even though October is the primary month to get vaccinated against the flu, it will be beneficial to protect yourself all through the season. It’s never too late. Flu season can last as late as May. There are never super accurate statistics on flu due to the fact that only the sickest are hospitalized or see a doctor, whereas most of us simply slog through it until we feel better. According to the CDC, flu vaccinations are not perfect but they are the best tool for protection against illness. The only complete prevention is living in a bubble and they usually don’t do so well at the beach.

Preventative measures include washing your hands, keeping your hands away from your face and staying away from people who are ill.

If you get sick, stay home; don’t expose others. Cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze, using disposable tissue. Pre and probiotics are highly recommended on a daily basis to shore up the immune system; drinking a lot of water is essential. Your body weight divided by two is the suggested minimum amount of ounces. Keeping yourself hydrated is the best advice under any circumstance and when in elevated temperatures, make sure you have a vessel with you at all times. No, gin and beer don’t count.

If you are traveling, consult with your insurance carrier to make sure you will be covered in Puerto Vallarta. It is amazing how many people we meet who are here on extended stays and haven’t thought of this. Hospitals and doctors in Puerto Vallarta are certainly very reasonable compared to their counterparts to the north but any serious illness will set you back, regardless, especially if you must be hospitalized.

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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There is nothing quite as Mexican as a ritual and when it comes to such, Puerto Vallarta celebrates with joy and earnest. What better time to incorporate Pre-Hispanic customs than the birth of Christ, so observed by the Catholic Church.

Offerings of the gods, practiced long before the arrival and conquering of the Spaniards, over time have been adapted and modified to align with Vatican tradition. The posadas were created by the church in an effort to evangelize those whom they had invaded and it was easy to persuade a ritual-rich civilization with the stories of Jesus and Mary, seeking a place for the birth of the Christ child.

Though from region to region there are variations in some of the dishes, the main menu maintains a strong similarity throughout Mexico. Puerto Vallarta is very involved in Christmas celebrations for the entire month of December and food is at its very heart.

With a wealth of tropical fruits, everything from desserts to the famous ponche (punch) is rich in quality and good health. Along with peanuts, full of protein, snacking is not about junk food. Children get some of their best vitamins this time of year.

There is, however, a lot of sugar, as well. Cane sugar, which in Mexico, is in its purest form, literally drips from much of the Christmas fare. A drink served with a spoon, the traditional punch is so sweet, it’s almost painful to the mouth but there is not stopping us from imbibing. Tejocotes, sugar cane, peanuts and mandarins seem to fall out of the sky this time of year.

Tamales are the primary food served all the way through December, into January, when the arrival of the Three Kings is celebrated on Epiphany, the sixth day of the month. The famous Roscón de Reyes or Rosca de Reyes (King’s Ring) is shared on this day, complete with figurines of the baby baked inside. Tamales show up again on February 2, on Dia de la Candelaria or Candlemas, which is when the Baby Jesus was presented at the temple. This is a very important day in many Mexican families, when their candles are brought to the church to be blessed. The nativity figure of the Christ child is also blessed on this day and it’s all celebrated with a feast. Whoever bit into the plastic baby Jesus on January 6 is in charge of making and serving the tamales. Wrapped in corn husks and kept in steamers until serving time, they are composed of everything from meat and fish to vegetables and fruit, especially pineapple. These meals, as most traditional Mexican food, do not require utensils but are all considered “finger foods.”

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.