Etiqueta: House Hunters International

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Getting Around

    Getting Around

    Do you need a car in Puerto Vallarta? That’s very debatable, and the opinions on this issue are as varied as the assorted experiences.
    We’ve known many expats who’ve driven their US and Canadian cars to Puerto Vallarta and gone through the arduous process of getting them “Mexicanized.” We’ve done this ourselves with three separate vehicles over the years. If you love your car that much, then do it, but we have learned to purchase autos locally. If you’re only here for six months and plan to cross the border again to the north in 180 days, you can ignore the above.
    A huge difference for us was the arrival of Uber in Puerto Vallarta, however we try to use all modes of transportation equally; bus, taxi and Uber. Buses are cheap and they go just about everywhere within Puerto Vallarta proper. Buses also go to places outside the city limits that we’re still in the process of discovering.
    Some taxis and Ubers won’t allow dogs in their cars. We can’t blame them in certain cases. We have a friend who was very upset when a taxi wouldn’t allow her to bring an injured, bleeding animal in the back seat, demanding a ride to a veterinarian clinic. We came to her rescue at the time and supplied old sheets, which we always have in the vehicle to save the upholstery. Most taxis and Ubers in Puerto Vallarta have no problem letting pets ride along. We’ve advised friends coming from the beach to be respectful and not hail a taxi when you are covered in sand and dripping wet. Use common sense.
    Buses don’t have chicken crates and pigs on rope-leashes as they did years ago. No holes in the floorboards to see the road passing beneath your feet. Some buses even have AC these days! Entertainment is available, as well, especially on long routes, south to Boca de Tomatlan, for example, or north to the Marina. Minstrels of all ages with instruments as diverse as guitars or two sticks beat together will board, sing and play, then walk down the aisle with an open palm. We recommend a small offering, in hopes they will proceed to the next bus down the line.
    Uber has been a life-saver for many who reside away from bus lines or without close access to taxis. Uber can find you regardless of where you call from and they’ll drop you at your desired destination. With the simple installation on your phone and attachment to a payment source (we use PayPal), you have a great alternative. We have found Uber cars to be clean, modern, and more often than not driven by English speaking Mexicans.
    Costs for these methods are low. If you want to go carless in Puerto Vallarta, it’s inexpensive and easy-peasy. You also support the local economy.
    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

  • Getting to Know the Jungle Around Puerto Vallarta

    Puerto Vallarta Botanical GardensA visit to Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens

    Every outing we have ever gone on with botanist Miguel Cházaro has been an adventure. One day our friend took us to visit a cloud forest of maple trees and giant ferns, not far from Talpa, Jalisco. The next morning we had planned to return to Guadalajara, but Cházaro said, “There’s a botanical garden near here you really must see. It was started by an American and it’s unique.”

     

    Well, “near here” took six hours to get to plus six hours back  and we ended up reaching home at midnight. But I must admit the eminent botanist was right: the Vallarta Botanical Gardens are a must-see, no matter where you find yourself in Mexico. The place is located 24 kilometers south of Puerto Vallarta, right on Palms-to-Pines coastal highway 200.

     

    Step out of your car and you’re in the jungle. We were visiting in July and everywhere we went, hundreds of “skippers” fluttered all around us. These, explained a sign in English and Spanish, are Hisperiidae butterflies, smaller than most and given to skipping, flitting, darting and zig-zagging, from which they get their popular name. Clouds of them danced all around us as we began our tour of the Botanical Gardens, which cover an area of eight hectares, criss-crossed by pathways with exotic names like The Vanilla Trail, Jaguar Trail and Guacamaya Trail, leading to even more exotic-sounding places like The Jungle Overlook, The Swinging Bridge, Tree Fern Grotto, The Garden of Memories and The Giant Strangler Fig Tree.

    And everywhere you go, every step of the way, there is lush vegetation: sensuous tropical flowers, bizarre, creeping vines and gargantuan trees which soar to amazing heights in this tropical climate. Here you will find orchids—an amazing multitude of orchids. There are even orchids that resemble anything but orchids, plus a few that (to our great surprise) exude alluring perfumes. And of course, there was the tastiest of all orchids, Vanilla planifolia, whose vines grow abundantly there (and you can buy the beans or extract in their store).

    Here, too, are cocoa pods growing before your very eyes and attached directly to the tree trunk. Each pod holds 20 to sixty seeds, the main ingredient in chocolate. There are also rare cacti of every sort, exotic Nymphaea ‘islamorada (“Purple Island” waterlilies), Red Ginger, once exclusively reserved for Hawaiian royalty and such a huge collection of anthuriums that we wondered whether they had found all 1901 types. Along that line, the gardens have so many thousands of species that no one has even tried to count them.

    All of this is thanks to Robert Price, founder of this marvelous project, who kindly took out time to chat with me at the gardens’ Hacienda de Oro Restaurant over frosty glasses of incredibly refreshing and delicious drinks. One of these contained chaya and chía, while the other was a combination of iced lemon-grass tea, tapioca and ginger, sweetened with agave nectar. “Some of our visitors suspect we have spiked these two drinks with frog’s eggs,” quipped the curator of these gardens.

    Robert Price, who was born in Savannah, Georgia, told me he came to Puerto Vallarta in 2004, planning to stay for only six months. Fortunately for us and for Mexico, someone knocked on Price’s door one day, selling orchids. “Those orchids were absolutely incredible, gorgeous, says Price, and I asked the man where he had found them. ‘In the mountains,’ he told me…and eventually he brought me to this very place. I took one look and said to myself, ‘This is where I want to stay!’ ”

    Now all Price needed to do was to figure out how to make a living in the middle of a jungle. “Well,” he says, “I noticed there were no botanical gardens along the coast and that seemed surprising to me. But I love nature and the idea of starting my own botanical garden came into my head. So I researched the internet to find out how to do it. And this is the result. I think this is what I was sent here to do.”

    Price’s enthusiasm may be infectious. For one thing, he has managed to convince the citizens of Puerto Vallarta to beautify the place by turning it into “The City of Bougainvilleas” and at present over 300 of these flowers have been planted by the PV Garden Club toward that end. In addition to that, it seems the gardens he created in the coastal mountains south of Puerto Vallarta have inspired a much larger and truly ambitious project called The Banderas Bay Initiative, which aims at preserving and protecting the biodiversity of 10,000 square kilometers of ocean, jungle and mountains, stretching from 2000 meters below sea level in Banderas Bay to 2260 meters above sea level at the peak of Ceboruco Volcano. This huge project is being run by Price’s friend, entomologist Rick Main and Dr. Max Greig, Rector of the UDG Coastal University.

    According to Main, the Banderas Bay Initiative has, in turn, inspired an even greater challenge and—in my opinion a truly Herculean task: the cleanup of the watersheds that pollute Lake Chapala and the Santiago River.

    All of this demonstrates that a little idea can go a long way, and Bob Price’s dream may ultimately reach far beyond the boundaries of his botanical sanctuary. After all, says Price, “Gardens are a Civilizing Force and are perceived as places of culture.”

     

    The Vallarta Botanical Gardens website is vbgardens.org and the phone number is (322) 223-6182. It’s open daily from December to April but closed on Mondays between May and November and the entrance fee is only 60 pesos.

    Vallarta Botanical Gardens is a non-profit organization “dedicated to those who work to preserve the beauty of the Earth, and who labor to teach others the value and wonder of their environment.”

    I hope by now you will agree with me that this amazing place is well worth a 12-hour detour. I leave the final word to Susy Pint:  “These gardens are the best I’ve seen anywhere in the world—and I’ve seen a lot.”

    By John Pint

    www.vallartabotanicalgardens.com

     

    Stay informed about Puerto Vallarta Real Estate and sign up for our newsletter… click here

    Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Rumors in Puerto Vallarta

    Rumors in Puerto Vallarta

     

    Social media has given new life to people who love gossip. There are countless sites to look up news about anyplace in the world but it’s important to crosscheck, investigate, and do your own research when it comes to rumors.

    In recent months, Puerto Vallarta has been touted as the safest tourist destination in all of Mexico.  Though reports have claimed there is heightened security, we haven’t noticed any differences over the years, nor have we ever felt unsafe here. Common sense is always the way to go. There isn’t any reason to believe that traveling to Puerto Vallarta is any different than other destinations in the world. We’ve always joked about the most dangerous part of visiting Puerto Vallarta is getting through the timeshare gauntlet leaving the airport. But even that is an opinionated rumor. Timeshares give a lot of support to our local economy, we have many friends who love owning them, and further, we have friends who work in the timeshare business.

    Over the years we’ve heard all types of rumors but most of them come from wild imaginations that have been exposed to thriller movies and think someone’s creative tale was based on fact. On the other hand, there have been movies filmed right here in Puerto Vallarta and some visitors are intent on revisiting the locations they thought they saw in a film. Some movies, like Beverly Hills Chihuahua show off Puerto Vallarta with lovely backgrounds and street setting. Terminator takes place in the jungle, which is almost inaccessible for the exception of a highly embellished movie set known as El Eden, several kilometers above the small village of Mismaloya. It’s all fantasy, except for the backdrop.

    TV shows that revolve around people buying real estate can make an impression on those who plan to visit. Some might think we all live in mansions here in Puerto Vallarta. There are definitely some incredible view homes, but there are also many more humble and very affordable dwellings.

    For the most part, Puerto Vallarta is as uneventful as a sleepy rural village. We do have our share of parades, festivals, charity and sports events, bike and foot races and an occasional film being made, but we if you’re looking for the type of excitement you see on television, you probably will need to go to Hollywood.

    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

  • Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

    Many discussions were held in and out of courts on the question if Graffiti is Art or Vandalism. It is a question which prompts different answers in different parts of the world.
    Brazil for instance is more relaxed about it, and some amazing artists are surging there and adding color and interest to the dull urban fabric.
    We found these Street Art designs too unique to pass up and wanted to share them with you.

    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

    When it comes to using art to create a new world, ANDRE GONZAGA A.K.A. “DALATA” knows exactly what to do. His work mixes abstraction and surrealism, always with a positive message.

    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

    Using different techniques, Dalata is also known for his interventions with broken/forgotten places and with nature itself.

    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

     

    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

    The Brazilian artist turns haphazard, porous, or cracked surfaces into bizarre, misshapen faces in his unique style of street art portraiture.

    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

    This year alone, his work has appeared in Senegal, Portugal, Berlin and Amsterdam.

    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga
    Street Art Faces by Andre Muniz Gonzaga

    Source: http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/andre-muniz-gonzaga-dalata

     

    Timothy Real Estate Group has professional designers and stagers that can help you prepare your home for the war.  Gorilla tactics that work because it is a Price War and a Beauty Contest that can mean making and saving more with your property investment.  Stay informed about Puerto Vallarta Real Estate and sign up for our newsletter… click here

    Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

     

     

     

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Environmental Issues

    Environmental Issues in Puerto Vallarta

    When we decide to live here, we must be a part of the effort to face serious issues. Any fool knows there is no such thing as true paradise but we can do our best to help it be as perfect as possible. The water issues facing Puerto Vallarta are something we join the effort to do something about. Sustainability is just as possible and affordable here in Puerto Vallarta as other parts of the planet. A few months ago a project got underway to dam the El Río Los Horcones and divert the water along a pipeline to a power plant. If you’ve been held up on the highway by protests, this is what the uproar is about. Besides the fact there is no environmental impact statement to be found, nor any studies done to provide answers to what will happen to the population in the area, no one has even let the villagers know what the outcome or consequences will be. Nor have any other residents been informed. It has been only through the diligence of a couple concerned citizens that attention has been brought to this dilemma.
    In another matter, raw sewage has spewed into El Estero El Salado, with warnings to not swim near the area. This is the only registered preserve in Puerto Vallarta and some peple depend on the seafood that is linked to those waters, which cannot be eaten until this is cleaned up, with no idea as to when that might occur, not to mention the lack of control over the pipelines that cause these problems in the first place.
    This isn’t the complete fault of all the new construction in Puerto Vallarta. Nature has played her part, as well. Until this past Sunday July 7, the normal gully washers that Puerto Vallarta looks forward to every summer, which cool the air and raise the level of reserves, have been absent. Global warming is no joke, no matter how uneducated one chooses to be regarding the matter. It is beginning to have major impact on our lives. Local water reserves are at an historic low, and water service outages are planned for Puerto Vallarta, with reasons being given as routine maintenance. Anyone who’s paid any attention to this issue knows that this is abnormal. Proper management is part and parcel to the problem.
    What can you do? Letters to local papers are sincerely invited, as well as contacting representatives with your concerns. Right to assemble laws are different in Mexico, so be careful when joining protests; find out who the organizers are and what it allowed within the law. Participate to the level you can legally do so. Most of all, conserve. Be aware and alert when it comes to your own water usage and environmental concerns.
    For more information http://chng.it/mJG8SKMCsM. This site is easily translated and updated, with links to more information.
    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

  • Another fun thing to do in Puerto Vallarta…

    At the top of my personal list of fun things to do in PV is to scuba dive.  I can imagine it would be a great experience.  You learn a new hobby, meet new people, and enjoy all the beauty of the ocean.  What could be better while visiting, staying long term or living.

    Los Arcos

    Once you get certified which takes only a matter of days, you can scuba dive all over the Bay of Banderas and surrounding areas.  Everywhere from Los Arcos to the Marietas Islands to Mismaloya, and more.  All areas have a different ocean life and scenery for you to enjoy.  This is also a great activity that will allow you to have a great morning scuba diving and the rest of your day out and about enjoying other fun things to do in Puerto Vallarta.  My company of choice for diving is PV Sea Dive.

    PV Sea Dive is a one stop dive shop for scuba diving tours & PADI certification in Puerto Vallarta.  All of PV Sea Dives diving activities will be carried out by highly skilled PADI Instructors. They are a registered PADI dive resort which means they meet PADI’s high training and safety standards in diving tours and certifying guests.  All of the instructors have worldwide diving experience, a passion for diving, and possess a wide skill base to ensure your time is safe, informative, and fun.

    Diving, a must do fun thing in Puerto Vallarta if you enjoy the ocean and adventure.  Diving is also something you can enjoy time after time when visiting Puerto Vallarta.

    PV Sea Dive

    Andrea Graham

     

    Timothy Real Estate Group has professional designers and stagers that can help you prepare your home for the war.  Gorilla tactics that work because it is a Price War and a Beauty Contest that can mean making and saving more with your property investment.  Stay informed about Puerto Vallarta Real Estate and sign up for our newsletter… click here

    Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

  • Puerto Vallarta & Maize

    Next time you’re on the Malecón in Puerto Vallarta, buying corn on the cob and smothering it in cheese and Salsa Huichol, remember corn, a highly diversified and reliable food source, is a vegetable with a traceable history. You would not be having this tasty, flavorsome treat if it wasn’t for a complicated invention that took place over 8000 years ago. Much of the produce that we consume can be found growing in the wild; however corn was cultivated from a wild grass called teosinte by people living in central Mexico several centuries in our past. Teosinte had more of a semblance to a bean stalk when its first modification took place. Kernels were spaced and not snugged close together like the ears with which we are familiar. Colors often ranged from common yellow to the reds, browns and purples we call Indian corn in the US and Canada and usually see decorating autumn bouquets. Though good students are aware that corn (maize) has long been the subject of worship in Mexico, less common knowledge is how the country supports some of the world’s most treasured biodiversity. The purity of Mexico’s corn is in peril.

    Mexico banned commercial planting of GMO corn in 1998 but still allows the importation of over six million tons a year, typically from the US. A huge portion of the imports are transgenic and Mexico’s most sacred product is now highly threatened and quite likely contaminated. Considering how deeply fundamental corn is to the Mexican culture this is not an insignificant matter, but an issue of great tragedy.

    Corn is second only to rice as the world’s most essential harvest and has been regarded as miraculous in substantiate growth. Farmers have long made claims concerning the ability to hear corn grow, bursting as it does from the earth and leaning, twisting towards sunlight.

    The art and architecture of Mexico rely heavily on the shape of the basic grain, which is found in every meal, dictates schedules of fiestas and significant events, and for centuries has provided the core source of sustainability and survival of the indigenous populace. Corn is considered a legacy in Mexico, a piece of the culture to leave to coming generations. With the introduction of GMO produce; artificially lowered

    prices that have had a huge impact on expected income; and the disruption of contingent growth, Mexicans see their cultural paths going in the same direction as North American Indian tribes, simply at a slower and yet inevitable pace, facing extinction.

    Groups in many Mexican states have formed to combat the destruction of such a central part of the way of life, accompanied by education by elders of the youth on the topic of the importance and security of maize. It’s often an uphill and underappreciated battle.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Selling Our Business In Puerto Vallarta

    About two years ago my husband and I made the difficult decision to sell our ATV/Scooter Rental & Tour business and head back to Europe to attend to aging family members.  Moving out of beautiful Puerto Vallarta was a hard choice to make, but it was something we needed to do given the circumstances. My husband and I started the business in 2009 from the ground up and it’s been my pride and joy ever since. We worked hard and long in building a name for ourselves and successfully translating our vision to a successful  and thriving business. It was important for both of us to find a professional and reputable realtor in Puerto Vallarta that we could connect with; someone with the same passionate intensity, honesty, discipline and drive for success.

    Selling our business in Puerto Vallarta

    A few people suggested we contact Taniel Chemsian from Timothy Real Estate Group. He is known throughout Puerto Vallarta to be one of the most reputable and knowledgeable realtors around, working for one of the most highly regarded real estate firms in Banderas Bay. Taniel has listed and sold a variety of real estate properties and business opportunities. Once we finally met Taniel, we knew in that instance he was the perfect realtor to represent us.

    From the first day, he was hard working, professional and he made us feel like we were close friends. His personal touch with marketing and impeccable eye for detail was very impressive. He always made himself readily available and showed complete transparency, a trait only seen in true professionals.

    Once we had an accepted offer, Taniel was there for both parties, managing the entire closing process from the beginning to the end. He successfully helped transfer ownership to the happy new buyers, who were just as elated with him as we were. Taniel’s positive attitude and ability to make everyone feel comfortable and secure is a trait I will always remember and value.

    We would highly recommend hiring Taniel Chemsian to anyone who is looking to buy or sell a real estate property or business opportunity.

    Thank you Taniel for all your excellent customer care and always being upbeat. It was a pleasure doing business with you.

    Steffi & Gilberto

    Timothy Real Estate Group has professional designers and stagers that can help you prepare your home for the war.  Gorilla tactics that work because it is a Price War and a Beauty Contest that can mean making and saving more with your property investment.  Stay informed about Puerto Vallarta Real Estate and sign up for our newsletter… click here

    Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

     

  • Good Vibes and fun in J/24 Mexico Nationals

    The Mexican J/24 Class hosted a exceptional event that may go down as one of the main fixtures on the sailing circuit in years to come.  In what is traditionally an event that marks the start of the MEXORC (Mexican Ocean Racing Circuit) with the San Diego-Puerto Vallarta Race, the J/24 class was invited to spice things up a bit and participate en’masse.  The response has been overwhelming.  Fifty-three J/24s registered from nine countries, including USA, Mexico, Brazil, Monaco, Germany, El Salvador, Italy, Puerto Rico, Peru.

    nacional J24

    The weather in Coporito has been less than cooperative with only six races of at least eight that were scheduled for the event.  But, sailors are sailors– the fleet still managed to have great fun!

    Weather conditions were changing all the time.  The first day of competition started with 5-8 knots, then the wind died completely and then re-started again with little velocity.  As a result a second race was held but, unfortunately for most fleet, the wind died again before most boats could make to the finish line before the time limit.

    The second day the wind began to blow a little early and the first race was held again with light winds of 5-7 knots. Then like what happened on Friday, the wind died for about an hour before returning with gusts of 8 at 11 knots with rain.

    On Sunday the racing began an hour earlier and the first race was again run in light winds of 4-7 knots and the last race was run in rain!  In summary, it was fun sailing despite the challenging conditions.  A great turnout for the Mexican J/24 fleet and a special “Congratulations” to the “Good Vibes” team for showing great consistency in widely varying conditions– winning 4 of 6 races!

    Congratulations to Team GOOD VIBES- Jorge Murrieta, Julian Fernandez, Diego Fernandez, Jorge Ogarrio Ander Belausteguigoitia- for being crowned the 2012 Mexican J/24 Champions! Second place went to VENDETTA sailed by Mario Velasquez, with Margarita Pazos, Mario Velasquez Jr, and Walter Porter.  Third overall went to a family team on BESANGA sailed by Jerome, Diego, Paul, Philip and Gloria Cervantes. Fourth spot went to a familiar name often at the top of the leader-board- Ken Porter on COMEX.  And, finally in fifth was Javier Velasquez and crew.  For more Mexican J/24 Nationals sailing information

     

    Timothy Real Estate Group has professional designers and stagers that can help you prepare your home for the war.  Gorilla tactics that work because it is a Price War and a Beauty Contest that can mean making and saving more with your property investment.  Stay informed about Puerto Vallarta Real Estate and sign up for our newsletter… click here

    Timothy Real Estate Group – An innovative company setting new standards in Real Estate sales and services has the most professional and experienced Realtors in the Puerto Vallarta area who understand the intricacies of Mexican Real Estate ownership, the local market, Puerto Vallarta property codes and regulations and financing.  The Timothy Group uses that knowledge to provide a sound analysis on every aspect of property ownership. Timothy Real Estate Group is known for professionalism and experience and they bring this to every transaction they work on for the benefit of Real Estate investors and developers alike. Ask about our Real Estate Listings

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Day Passes

    Day Passes to Pools in Puerto Vallarta

    We are often asked about day passes to local hotels with pools in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a smart way for establishments to make money and keep their staff busy. Usually you can get a day pass and use it as credit for food and drinks. If you don’t have a pool at home or you want a day away from the usual grind, a day pass is the way to go. Guests in smaller non-pool hotels find this is the best of both worlds.
    One of the best deals is The Sheraton and especially on a Sunday. For $23 USD, you get a fabulous brunch buffet, with endless champagne and use of the hotel pool after you dine. If that isn’t enough, you are also entertained by one of the premier local mariachi bands. Locals get a 20% discount at the Puerto Vallarta Sheraton with proof of residency, like a driver’s license or CFE bill. The Sheraton is dog friendly but have Fido on a leash. The Sheraton provides towels.
    Mantamar Beach Club in the Zona Romantica of Puerto Vallarta has a pool on the beach that caters to LGBTQ, but all are welcome. Mantamar has different price ranges for guests, starting at $500 pesos, up to $3500 pesos, with credit towards your bill on a scale of what you have spent. You have a choice of a beach chair, or cabana, some of which are located on the second level or VIP access. It’s a party place, with DJ and lots of noise, so if it’s a relaxing quiet atmosphere you’re looking for, Mantamar might not be for you. For those who love an ultimate daytime party experience, this is the place in Puerto Vallarta. Mantamar has lockers, a pool concierge, waiters, and great food, including a sushi menu and quality liquor.
    Barcelo in Mismaloya welcomes day-pass guests for about $40 USD from 9 am – 6 pm. It’s a deal with their spectacular breakfast and lunch buffets and all you can drink. They also provide towels and great service poolside.
    Sapphire Ocean Club, also located in Zona Romantica, offers pool, food service and drinks. It’s not a huge pool but a great place to go in the hot summer months to cool off. Sapphire offers a week pass and their day pass is $200 pesos, which buys you a very comfortable beach chair, umbrella, beach towel and two drinks. Waiters will take your orders for breakfast and lunch and we hear they have the best French toast in town. This is a dog friendly place, too!
    Hyatt Ziva on the Mismaloya highway has a day pass for $65 USD, which includes food, drinks, towels and beach chairs. Day pass guests are asked to leave by 5 pm and you should make a reservation before you go. Even with a reservation, you can be refused, if the hotel itself is at high capacity.
    Que es cómo es.

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    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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate