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

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.

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.