Categoría: Living in Mexico – We Have All The Lifestyle Information You Will Need.

Drag in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta has long offered drag shows with men dressing and entertaining as women. We even have an annual event in Puerto Vallarta where straight men don women’s clothing, makeup, and high heels to raise money for the local women’s shelter.

When we originally arrived in Puerto Vallarta, drag shows were relegated to the Amapas neighborhood, the southwest side of the Romantic Zone, and people flocked from afar to attend these fun and raucous shows. Today, we can see these shows in more localized venues and they are attended by everyone. Drag shows have gained respectability with entertainers who display amazing talent, much of it imported from Las Vegas, New York and Los Angeles.

Legend has it that role reversal in Mexico is ancient and until the conquistadors arrived it was considered normal and acceptable. Different tribes had diverse customs but for the most part, the indigenous had no problem with men dressing as women and vice versa. Some males took on the role of lady of the house, dressing the part and doing female related chores. It wasn’t until Catholic Europeans arrived that this lifestyle was considered odd in any way.

Many places in Mexico in modern times still believe the being of two spirits embodied in one person is welcome. Known as muxe, it is not unusual for them to marry, have children and remain a part of their community with equal respect. In fact, a muxe can be a shaman in some indigenous areas and they are highly revered. Muxes are seen as a third gender, neither male or female, or both.

Tolerance for homosexuality in Mexico has often followed the actions of whatever politician is in control and at times it hasn’t been easy for gay people. In the famous incident of 41 at the turn of last century, a cross-dressing party was raided by police in Mexico City and everyone was hauled to jail for the exception of one person. This is a story worthy of exploration and relevance, since the actual number of attendees was 42, one being the nephew of then President Porfirio Díaz, who had him whisked away while the rest of the party-goers suffered public humiliation and inscription into the Mexican army.

It is a fact that Mexico has been much more tolerant of homosexuality than their northern neighbor.  Mexico was ahead of the United States in AIDS research and accommodations. Mexico legalized same-sex marriage in 2009, whereas it took until 2015 in the United States.

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.

Stand Up and Paddle

Our first introduction to standing on a surf board with a paddle was a wet one. It took several attempts to learn our balance points but the landing was always soft and forgiving. Stand Up Paddle, known as SUP, has become increasingly popular in Puerto Vallarta over the past few years. SUP is an all-ages sport. Competitions are regular and entertaining, up and down the coastline, with Sayulita hosting a variety of annual events.

SUP might be new in Puerto Vallarta but to surfers, it’s been around for a long while. Hawaiian surfers called it Board Surfing and when the surf wasn’t high, they could still be in the water and move about at will, waiting for a big one to come along. The idea is to place your feet parallel faced toward the head of the board. Using your large back muscles, pull a long stroke, making sure your grasp is a shoulder width apart, otherwise you’ll wear yourself out quickly with short movements. A sesh (session) is the length of time one works out on their board and the goal is to lengthen the seshes on a daily basis in an effort to improve balance, strength, and endurance. It’s an alternative to the gym and we like the outdoor aspect. In Puerto Vallarta, summer is a great time to strengthen skills and lengthen seshes; the water can be a method to cool off in the intense heat and humidity.

Some think Puerto Vallarta’s surf is a little too rough and that may be true for the beginner, though the ocean is unpredictable. We have seen the Bay of Banderas at Beach Los Muertos as smooth as a pond. We’ve found calm waters in the bay at Yelapa, north in Sayulita, and Bucerias, and to the south, off the shores of Las Animas and Quimixto. Mismaloya, with its protected cove is ideal for SUP.  It’s not necessary to schlep your board to these destinations but we do see them often toted onto buses. Boards in zippered cases are a common site in oversized baggage at the airport, as well.

Tours of Stand Up Paddle are very common and it’s nice to have a guide who can teach you the fundamentals. Ask at any beach kiosk in Puerto Vallarta or any of the above mentioned locations and you’re likely to find just what you’re looking for, along with someone knowledgeable and experienced. We recommend SUP as a great relaxing form of exercise; low impact and easy for anyone.

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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Everyone who visits Puerto Vallarta knows that a sombrero is a large Mexican hat. Wide enough to protect not just the head but the neck and shoulders, they also have an upturned rim that can deflect water while trotting around the mesa, herding cattle. In actual fact, the word sombrero translates as shadower, coming from the root word sombra, which is Spanish for shadow or shade. A chin strap holds the sombrero in place and might be made of anything from leather to ribbon, depending on the occasion or stature of the wearer.

Farmers and peasants wear sombreros made from different types of straw, while the more elite sombreros are constructed of plush felt. Decorations are not unusual, with braiding, beads, gold and silver threads, sequins and feathers adding a festive look, themes which often match an entire outfit, head to toe.

Mexicans didn’t invent the sombrero. As far back as the 13th Century, there’s evidence of Mongolians wearing protection from the elements. It only makes sense that spending the total of one’s waking hours exposed to the sky would result in such a creation.

The cowboy, both south and north of the border, is the image to which we are accustomed to being associated with the sombrero. A very popular version with a slightly different design is the poblano, which is a sombrero modified from the flat topped Spanish version. The poblano, though you won’t often see them in Puerto Vallarta, takes the original sombrero and rounds out the top, making it fit better on the head for rough riding and galloping.

Jalisco, the home state of Puerto Vallarta, is often cited as the origin of the sombrero that we are familiar with today. The charros of Guadalajara, completed their costume with this stylized hat, then lent it to the Mariachi and hence, it has become the essence of traditional dress. The Mexican Hat Dance (Jarabe Tapatío) is a symbol of pride and tells the lovely story of a young man whose most valuable possession is his sombrero. He tosses it on the ground as a gift to woo the girl with whom he is in love. The moves and story of this dance convey the common courtship of a youthful couple.

Though there are many hats one can take home as a souvenir of Puerto Vallarta, the colorful, velvet sombrero is a popular one and easy to find.

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.

Do You Know a Chilango?

We’ve met many people in Puerto Vallarta from Mexico City who commonly refer to the city as DF, which stands for Federal District (Distrito Federal). In the current term of President Enríque Peña Nieto, the name Mexico City was officially christened as such, but old habits die hard so when you hear someone talking about DF, they might be a Chilango.

A demonym is a tribal name or denotes national or racial identification. We all have one, like someone from England is English or from Canada is Canadian. In some cases, a demonyn narrows down to a locale, like a person from Liverpool is a Liverpudlian and someone from Honolulu is referred to as a Kānaka. A Mexican from Mexico City is called Chilango. It also refers to anything from Mexico City, for example food, drink or fashion… “belonging to Mexico City.”

Chilango is not a derogatory term though some use it in such a way to make it sound like Chilangos are pretentious and snobby. Nothing could be further from the truth. Our friends from Mexico City sometimes might seem more refined and in touch with excellent cuisine and the arts, but they are warm, generous and gracious people. It’s certainly true that coming to Puerto Vallarta has brought them to a small town from a big city. Imagine….Mexico City has a population of nearly nine million people. Compare that to Puerto Vallarta where we think we are bursting at the seams at less than a quarter million (230,000) and one can see how there might be differences between the citizenry.

Fresa is a slangy idiom for someone from Mexico City and it can mean a person who is preppy or conceited but we know people who are proud of the label. They even consider it a compliment to their sense of style, model of car, or political opinions. Fresa translates to strawberry in English so it’s meant to imply sweet, juicy and attractive, words that generally define a person as flattering and pleasing to the eye.

Whether Fresa or Chilango, we know many people from Mexico City and welcome them all to Puerto Vallarta, the home of the Pata Salada (person with salty feet)! Nicknames in Mexico are common and we love how a demonyn gives us a new view of geography, as well as the culture.

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.

We never tire of talking about sweets in Puerto Vallarta. We also have no problem ingesting them. Mexican delicacies hold world prominence for a good (and delicious) reason. So much work goes into the creation of sweet offerings and is often the highlight of one’s dining experience.

Famous for chocolate, cinnamon and vanilla, many Mexican dishes combine all three. Flavored liqueurs and tequilas have become very popular in the past couple of decades, as well, with countless to choose from.

Our personal favorite cake, the one chosen for birthday parties by children and adults alike, is Pan Tres Leches. Similar to Italian tiramisu and British rum cake, Pan Tres Leches is soaked with its ingredients. Made with three types of milk; evaporated, condensed and thick cream, hence the name, it is dense, heavy and not overly sweet, which appeals to us. In Puerto Vallarta, you will usually find Pan Tres Leches served with a topping of whipped cream and fresh fruit; it’s a perfect way to end a meal.

Flan, a dessert most of us would consider very traditional Mexican, is a basic food from both Eastern and Western Europe. Egg custard, dribbled with a bit of caramel sauce, which reveals itself when turned out of the pan, has a subtle sweetness. It’s not overpowering and often, as an extra bonus, may be flavored with coconut or coffee.

Arroz con leche (Rice pudding), popular during the Christmas holidays, is generally bursting with cinnamon flavor but other things are added with a little imagination to tweak the taste buds. Raisins, usually, but also lemon or orange rind or even the leaves of the lemon tree, which of course we would put aside, after licking clean.

Churros are a kid favorite and can be found with street vendors and as a menu item at Costco! Not light on calories, they are a simple pencil shaped pastry rolled in sugar and cinnamon after being deep fried. Best served hot, savor them while strolling the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta.

Is there something oxymoronic about fried ice cream? Though not originally Mexican, it’s caught on with the denizens of Puerto Vallarta, as well as tourists, who consider it part of the local culture. The crispy outside, delivered warm and solid is a real taste treat, once bitten in to the soft, scrumptious, freezing center.

Fruta Cristalizada won’t likely be on the postre menu but it is too yummy to not mention. Made with real fruit, often in their original shape, Mexican candied fruits last for weeks, believe it or not. In Puerto Vallarta, they are a special explosion of sweetness of which we have found dangerously addicting.

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.