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

Birds of Puerto Vallarta

Some of our regular habitants have flown back north for the next few months. Humans have also left but it’s the birds we’ll miss the most! We love the birds of Puerto Vallarta. Many of them winter here, just as we do and then leave for a few months to find warmer climes.

One species that not only doesn’t leave the area, they also lives here year round; we have a special fondness for this noisy feathered friend, the chachalaca. They are found only on the Pacific slope of Western Mexico and you will see them from Jalisco to Chiapas. Though they are often mistaken for a turkey, they are related to the guans and curassows. This member of the Cracid family makes a lot of noise and is easily discovered by birdwatchers, but his raucous nature also makes him vulnerable to poachers. The chachalaca travels in groups, as many as a dozen at a time; they congregate in trees and are seldom seen on the ground. The brusque, throaty, cadenced vocalization is the chachalaca you are hearing in the jungle  of Puerto Vallarta.

The hummingbirds are who we will miss. Our research tells us that there are millions of species of hummers around the world and we aren’t surprised by that. These magical little creatures come in different sizes, tiny to wren sized; colors, drab to brilliant; varied chatter from squeaking to lively twitter. The bright orange Rufus is beginning to make their journey north at this time. We always look forward to their return in mid to late summer, when they fly non-stop, without resting and are voraciously hungry upon their return to Puerto Vallarta. We always make sure our feeders are filled and refilled during this time. You can recognize the popular Rufus by the white ring around their neck.

Flocks of green parakeets got our attention on our first visit to Puerto Vallarta and we have enjoyed them daily over the years. Their chattering character adds delight to any afternoon as they dart around in flocks as large as a hundred or more. Hummingbirds roost after dark in fruit trees and often have an afternoon siesta perching together, gossiping in shrubs and gardens. We have witnessed them flying like starlings in a murmuration, swooping and diving, in large open spaces. They are primarily seen in Mexico from Sinaloa all the way south to Honduras, and Nicaragua. We’re lucky to hav犀利士
e them here in Puerto Vallarta.

There are several sites to find out about bird watching in Mexico and we recommend www.birdinginmexico.com for valuable information pertaining to Puerto Vallarta.

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.

[idx_slideshow link=”zm4d8372nk9″ horizontal=”3″ vertical=”1″ auto_rotate=”9000″ source=”location” display=”all” sort=”recently_changed” destination=”local” send_to=”photo”]

Pasitos de Luz is a daycare for disabled children from low income families. If a family has a reliable source for day care their child, they have a better chance of creating and keeping a stable home. We first heard about Pasitos de Luz in Puerto Vallarta when a friend volunteered to help during her winter’s stay here. Our friend raised a child from birth until his passing in his mid-forties; he had cerebral palsy and though he was very physically challenged, they had a wonderful relationship. They shared a fun sense of humor, many private jokes and loads of common friends, which is normal for most people with limiting conditions. Our friend wanted to contribute to this precious community where she could relate to the children and parents. She met many volunteers at Pasitos de Luz who became a part of her personal extension of friends in Puerto Vallarta; she opened our eyes and hearts to this special place.

Pasitos de Luz, which translates as wee little steps of light, is a non-profit organization, relying on contributions from local patrons and supporters out of the country. They change nothing for their services which include physiotherapy, nutrition and dietary assistance, special education, lessons in hygiene, occupational therapy, recreation, games, parties and hydrotherapy. Their art, dance and music workshops are loved by the children and the adults have a lot of fun, too! Visitors at Pasitos de Luz are welcome at all times and they are happy to conduct tours of the facilities.

Pasitos de Luz is always looking for people with training in the above specialties but they welcome anyone who wants to have a rewarding experience with some really beautiful kids. It doesn’t matter how much time you have to spare, even an hour will be of great help, and special skills are not required, including Spanish. The kids love everyone! Pasitos de Luz in Puerto Vallarta is a fully registered charity, established in 2000 and is open weekdays during normal school hours. For information on how you can contribute, visit their website www.pasitosdeluz.org. You can talk to someone by calling 322 299 3625 and their email is info@pasitosdeluz.org .

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.

Many years ago, when we arrived in Puerto Vallarta and began enlightening and enjoyable observations, we rarely saw anyone riding a bicycle. If we did spot a bike, it would often be supporting well more than one rider. A man usually pumped the pedals with someone on the handlebars, often a person hanging on the back and sometimes another on the crossbar in front of the rider. Not kidding. The most we ever saw on a bicycle was five. A mama had a baby strapped to her back; an entire family just as we would pile the crew into an SUV and make sure they are all buckled up. A single rider would have been on a stripped down machine, pedaling like mad, baseball cap turned backward to protect the ever exposed neck from the beating sun.

Though there have been, in past decades, triathlons and other races through the Sierra Madres, lone bicyclists commuting and joyriding have been scarce.

Finding a bike shop in Puerto Vallarta, it was necessary to wind through the streets to the top of Gingo Gulch to find B-B-B Bobby’s, where all (or at least the most important) needs for bicycle enthusiasts could be found. Alas, when Bobby passed away, there were few places to compare to his.

Things have changed.

Bikes can be rented at a number of shops around town; bike repair and accessories add to a growing commerce in Puerto Vallarta. Bike tours are all the rage and it’s no longer necessary to schlep one’s own equipment, sometimes adding phenomenal amounts to airfare. Up and down the coastal corridor on Highway 200, enthusiasts will find an abundance of shops willing to sell, rent, repair and suggest areas to explore. Nor is there a shortage of willing tour guides. Ask at any of the local tiendas or tallers (store and repair shops) and you will be led to enthusiasts who not only know the terrain but are also very familiar with the flora and fauna, eagerly willing to share their knowledge.

We need to make whatever contributions possible to the nurturing of our environment and be as green as we can be. Less and less Hummers and more and more bicycles show Puerto Vallarta on the cutting edge of environmental progress.

A friend recently visited Denmark, where hearts and bicycles are national symbols. She exclaimed while in the city of Copenhagen “Wow, all the bicycles!” And they have the right-of-way. Imagine Puerto Vallarta with less taxis, busses, fumes and accidents. A certain trust level exists with bikers, as well. To steal a person’s bicycle is akin to stealing a horse.

Que es cómo es.

September 5, 2013

Taniel Chemsian

Timothy Real Estate Group

Dear Taniel,

Gina and I sincerely appreciate your guidance and efforts in representing us in buying what we think is an outstanding property in Puerto Vallarta.

Your insights of the Banderas Bay real-estate market, specifically the characteristics of Puerto Vallarta neighborhoods that would match our expectations, the price-value equation related to the properties we viewed, and off-course your amazing negotiation skills were instrumental in closing this amazing deal.

We also thank you for how effortless you made the entire experience of closing this deal…from notary to title to the transfer of funds, appreciate your after closing follow through.

It is a genuine pleasure to get to know you…both professionally and personally.  As we will become part-time resident of PV, we look forward to seeing you more often.

Warmest Regards,

Friends who recently moved south for the winter have begun to settle into their new homes and several more are on their way. These people have begun to realize the benefits of south-of-the-border living in Puerto Vallarta and shed the fears that had been created by clever media.

Shopping was a challenge until they realized how simple it is to flag down a taxi, and the abundance of grocery stores in the hotel zone. Prices are amazing and the adjustment to pesos will be a gradual process that soon will make sense and feel like a profit is being made. Our friends even bring their own bags and have been duly informed regarding the tipping of baggers in the local stores.

We long ago eschewed the term maid and have what we prefer to refer to as a housekeeper. Maid sounds a bit too privileged and though we realize how lucky we are to have the opportunity to live in Puerto Vallarta, we also practice a certain degree of humility. We have been chastised by others for overpaying but we won’t get into that argument here. We also are delighted to have no food go to waste and our housekeeper is happy to relieve us of hunks of cheese before they go off and heads of lettuce that have yet to wither.

Hiring help is not only accepted; it’s expected. Providing jobs for locals helps the economy and gives us free time for the pursuits of early retirement that we are obligated to fulfill.

Another name for housekeeper in Spanish is ama de llaves, which translates to “she who has the keys.” The lady who works for us had possessed her own set of keys since shortly after we hired her. This gives us freedom to come and go without needing to rearrange schedules and always have someone at home. We were aware enough to ask if she was okay with the pup, before we asked her to work for us. Some Mexicans are afraid of dogs, since in many homes in Puerto Vallarta a dog is meant as a guard.

It is quite uncouth to ask a person who works for your neighbor if they would like to work for you. This type of behavior has a name. Stealing. The best approach is to ask your neighbor if their housekeeper has any extra time and would perhaps like to pick up extra work.

Our lady works for us twice a week, does laundry and spends about four hours a day. We pay her 600 pesos per week plus the extras we mentioned above. The big bonus is her connections to brothers, sons, uncles, etc, when we need assistance with bigger jobs. It’s a dream come true.

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.

Each year Semana Santa in Puerto Vallarta brings more people, bigger cars and fewer parking spaces. Though many of our contemporaries either hide out at home or leave town for the duration, we love to wander around and enjoy the activities. A stroll along Los Muertos Beach in Puerto Vallarta on Good Friday afternoon exposes a swelling mass of humanity, gathered together in the name of Holiness. Taxis, beer trucks, tour buses and cars jockey alongside transit police, bomberos and thickly uniformed federales. Battery operated radios turned up full blast compete with quaking bass speakers in passing trucks, strolling minstrels, honking horns and blasting sirens, babies squalling, children squealing, the tide rumbling in and out, and the general hum of laughter and excited voices. We love it all! The briny smell of the sea combines with shrimp, fresh fish and chicken roasted over open fires, the smoldering clouds hover above the throng. While walking down side streets toward the beach, the smell of stale urine, mixed with heaps of fruit rinds in piles on corners waiting for garbage trucks to make their rounds poses juxtaposition to our olfactory senses. This is Mexico and these are Mexicans taking pleasure in their most important holiday in Puerto Vallarta. The influx grows every year; for a small handful of days the city is nearly bursting at the seams. Vallartenses have been extremely proud of the development of their city and tourism has long been the goal. Transplants are quick to criticize the local administration but Puerto Vallarta is one the most progressive cities in the country, perhaps the continent. During the 1970’s the government at both local and federal levels worked diligently to legalize the acquisition of land by foreign enterprises and individuals. This opened the door to hotel conglomerates, large corporations and above all, gave security to ex-patriots.

Many establishments have been torn down over the decades, replaced by newer construction; newcomers are none the wiser. While perusing travel websites one finds praise for Vallarta’s ability to maintain a modern façade while incorporating character of the past. Though many of us who’ve maintained residence in Puerto Vallarta know how contentious much of this new development is, a tourist is more likely to simply benefit from the day to day ambience and activities. Puerto Vallarta is a beautiful city. She has sustained hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, the whims of politics and architecture and an influx of many tourists who decided to stay. If she is bursting at the seams, she surely will need a new pair of pants. The last thing we want the lady to do is go on a diet.

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.