Etiqueta: living in puerto vallarta

  • Puerto Vallarta – Spanish Language Lesson #304

    Titulos and Formalities

    In Puerto Vallarta, did you know it’s important to address professionals by their title? Unless you’re on a first name basis with your Doctor, he or she is Doctor (masculine form) Garcia or Doctora (feminine form) Diego. However, just as significant are the titles of your engineer Ingeniero or your architect Arquetecto, who are responsible for the building and design of the home you’re having constructed. Titles mean a lot in Mexico and are a key facet of etiquette; many ex-pats are unaware of this. You should address teachers as Maestro or Maestra; people with high skills and fine arts are also given these titles, out of respect for their achievements. People with degrees are referred to as Licenciado or Licenciada.

    When learning Spanish, and we always recommend doing so, it’s important to know the difference between tu and usted for the word you. It can get complicated but once you catch on, it’s easy. Tu is used informally, whereas usted is both formal and polite. You would use usted when talking to someone in general, like the bank teller, grocery store clerk, or one of the professionals we mentioned above. Tu is reserved for family, close friends, your peers and loved ones. Using tu when addressing someone upon meeting, especially in a business situation or a person of esteem, could create awkwardness.

    Tu is also used by someone in authority when speaking to another person who would be considered of less authority and it isn’t construed as being rude. For example, if you were their elder or teacher, addressing a student with the informal tu would be acceptable, as well as when talking to your maid or gardener, though we often find ourselves opting for usted, out of politeness.

    The use of the word tu can be difficult to assess at the time in a relationship can one switch to using the less formal tu; this can make a lot of difference when it comes to the dating game. If you’re getting to know someone on a basis that can possibly turn into an intimate connection, the last thing you want to do is make them feel like you’re being aggressive.

    Since our early days of speaking Spanish in Puerto Vallarta, we’ve found it wise to let the shoe be on the other foot. Wait until the tables are turned, so to speak. Especially if you are uncertain as to how one should be spoken to. When you have been addressed informally, then it is okay to use the less superior form of language. North of the border, we have dropped many customary terms of engagement, but Mexico is not only a different country, they also have their own standards.

    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.

  • Vallarta: Day Tripping

    Get Out of Town

    As Ella Fitz sang “Get on your mark, get set, get out of town,” this is the time of year to do so. There are many places to go where the air is fresh and the nights much cooler than the summer heat of Puerto Vallarta. Wonderful excursions are to be had, within a car or bus ride. Some are overnight destinations, whereas many you can day-trip and be back to your own ceiling fans by dusk. However, we highly recommend these economical journeys that will not just broaden your horizons, but open your eyes to the surrounding culture. As the weeks go by, we promise to visit landmarks and tourist sites, so keep tuned to these pages.

    Buses in and out of Puerto Vallarta are a great way to travel and very reasonable.  The more you pay, of course, the classier the bus but we have been aboard most of them and have few complaints. If budget is a problem, a cheap bus will get you there just as fast as an expensive one.  The bus station is off the highway at Bahía de Sin Nombre 363; all taxi drivers know its location right behind the Corona building, which can’t be missed off the main highway.  Buses go up and down the coast, into the mountains to Mascota, San Sebastian, Talpa, Las Palmas, to Guadalajara.  It’s possible to see all of Mexico on a bus, and can be a fun and adventurous trip, regardless of length and stopovers.

    Driving is an option and it’s not as scary as some media represent. We have driven over the years on both east and west coasts, through central Mexico and from the US border to Puerto Vallarta and beyond, without incident. We don’t recommend driving at night but it has nothing to do with banditos; that’s a myth. Free range cattle can wander out on the highway in areas that are unfenced. Horses, cows and sheep are hazardous when driving at any time, but at least in the daytime you can see them. There are also the famed topes, traffic bumps that will slow you down going into and out of towns, villages and cities. Hitting a tope unexpectedly is guaranteed to do serious damage to your vehicle. Always obey traffic signs; if it says you should slow down to 50 KPH heading around a corner or over a hill, do as it says. Speed limits have been tested and established; you aren’t smarter than a crash dummy.

    Travel agents abound in Puerto Vallarta and we recommend consulting one for either long or short trips. They’ll definitely save you money and can let you know what sites to skip and those not to be missed.

    ¡Buen Viaje!

    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.


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

  • Guidebooks for Vallarta?

    Do I Need a Guidebook for Mexico?: Remember back in the day when the first thing you did planning a trip was to buy a Fodor’s or Baedeker’s? Later it was Lonely Planet, Let’s Go, Moon Handbooks and countless other guidebooks on the market. Browsing at the bookstore was fun and choices were sometimes difficult. For some, a guidebook was the beginning of a big adventure, planning months, sometimes years into the future.

    Then the internet hit and who needed a guidebook when everything was right there at your fingertips?

    Well, you do, especially if you don’t have an available keyboard or your phone isn’t picking up a WiFi signal. That can happen in jungles, mountains, broad plains and anywhere else you might find yourself traveling in or out of Puerto Vallarta. How many times have you been able to find a connection but you don’t have the password? You’re charting out the day and can’t find a signal so you’re lost.

    Guidebooks are valuable for a lot of reasons. Some of the information contained within those knowledgeable pages: restaurants and bars; places to stay and whether they have pillows, bedbugs swimming pools and windows; transportation; spas; gyms; beaches; nude beaches; cultural, historical and educational information. Find out the best place to take your kids; how gay friendly a city is or isn’t; what’s the best and safest route; how to tip, or not tip; prices; hikes; where to rent a bike, a car, a boat, a kite, a babysitter.

    Some locations around the world, including Puerto Vallarta, have guides for specific focuses; sexual orientation, dietary restrictions, surfing, fishing, bird-watching. A guidebook might have a section on phrases in the language of the country you’re traveling. If not, buy a small phrase book with a pronunciation guide. It will be of great assistance when you’re shopping. Take for instance the similarity of two Spanish words that can easily be confused; jabon is soap; jamon is ham.

    Arthur Frommer was an soldier from the United States stationed in Europe in the 1950’s; he later wrote a book that started an extensive series; Europe on $5 a Day. Travel was no longer only for the wealthy. Eugene Fodor was an immigrant from Hungary who used his knowledge to introduce US citizens to continental Europe. Both wise travelers shared their experiences with the encouragement for the curious to see the world and meet the people in it. Travel opens people’s minds, breaks down mental barriers and removes preconceived notions.

    We love guidebooks that we can pass back and forth among our friends, dog-eared, highlighted, post-it tabs galore and notations in the margins for what was best, what was best to avoid.

    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

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: In The Navy

    Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta

    Mexico celebrated her first Navy Day in 1942 and Puerto Vallarta took up the tradition not long after, in 1949. Navy Day is one of the holidays Mexicans observe that usually misses tourist attention. Expats living in Puerto Vallarta eventually catch on and some are fortunate enough to be invited to join in on the activities. Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta is a holiday that begins with solemn ceremonies, commemorating events in the past that happened on the oceans, battles on both coastlines, missions that have focused on the eradication of drug trade on the high seas; and the heroes associated with these incidents. Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta honors the nation’s service of men and women in the present and past.

    Puerto Vallarta is a great place to be for Navy Day. Always on the first day of June, and often resulting in a three day holiday, festivities continue into the evening, with parties and the typical entertaining song and dance, food and drink.

    For family members, it’s an all hands on deck occasion. Everyone gets in the act of spit-shining the vessel, regardless of size, a small panga or a fancy fishing rig. Flags, banners, flowers, lighting (after dark in the form or candles or strings of lights), boats are decorated with love and pride. Those who enjoy a day afloat will be waiting on shores, piers and docks for permission to come aboard.

    Sailing competitions, tournaments, parades and fireworks are scheduled throughout the day, often ending with formal and non-formal dances.

    The Mexican Navy controls an enormous area, one of the largest coastlines in the world at 11,122 kilometers (6,910 miles), with a stated mission “to use the naval force of the federation for external defense, and to help with internal order.” It’s a big job, utilizing nearly 200 ships and over 130 aircraft, with a consistency in maintaining modernity to achieve the utmost response. There is a huge amount of pride in the duties required and initiated in the ongoing war on drugs, not to mention the assistance in hurricane relief operations and unavoidable natural disasters that cross borders. The Navy also is assigned to protect PEMEX’s oil wells in Campeche and in the Gulf of Mexico.

    Our recommendation in Puerto Vallarta is to find an amigo with a panga, a yacht or a good viewing platform, mix a pitcher of margaritas and enjoy this wonderful day that commemorates tradition, loyalty, patriotism and a lot of fun!

    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

  • Puerto Vallarta – Protect Yourself

    Protect Yourself

    Recently someone posted on a well known Facebook thread, asking what type of protection they need in Puerto Vallarta. The responses, as usual, got out of hand and the thread had to be closed, due to nastiness on the part of some commentors. This is too bad because it’s an issue that should be addressed with finesse and logic.

    As we have said before in these guest columns, guns are not legal in Mexico. There is only one gun store in all of Mexico in the capitol, Mexico City. To purchase ammunition, one must go to a separate location. Can one still buy a gun in other places in Mexico? Sure, on the Black Market… it’s so verboten just thinking about it could get you deported. Shootings in Puerto Vallarta are rare. You are much more likely to die from being run over by a bus or taxi for not paying attention when you cross the street.

    Pepper spray was brought up in the conversation and there’s a debate as to whether it’s legal. It depends on who you talk to apparently, but the laws regarding its possession and use are shady and not concise. We recommend carrying a bottle of strong perfume. It’ll likely have the same affect.

    A local Mexican commented on the Facebook thread that it’s much safer in Puerto Vallarta, not only due to gun laws, but also because most people come here to have fun, not get into trouble. He also mentioned that Mexico doesn’t target particular racial groups, making them a target of violence. Everyone is welcome in Puerto Vallarta and all of Mexico.

    What should you do to protect yourself in Puerto Vallarta? Use common sense. Don’t flash wads of cash around and avoid carrying large amounts of money. Doesn’t this apply to anywhere you travel? Regarding comments about wearing expensive jewelry; it’s far better to have it on your person than leave it lying around. If you bring it, wear it.

    It’s really okay to stay out late and party, go dancing in the clubs, and get late-night tacos on the street. Once you’re ready to go home, walk on the main streets and know where you’re going. Use taxis; there are plenty around, even in the middle of the night. Uber is in Puerto Vallarta now and rides are extremely reasonable. Get the app on your phone before you come. If possible, move around town with friends.

    In the daytime, you are safer in Puerto Vallarta than just about anyplace we have ever been; but watch out for the aforementioned buses. If you’re alone, don’t drink so much it impairs your judgment. Keep a copy of your ID on you at all times and write down the address where you’re staying. Make yourself familiar with your surroundings so you don’t get lost. Be friendly. Speak a little Spanish.

    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.

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Dengue

    What Should You Do About Dengue?

    One thing we’ve learned about dengue (pronounced den-gay) is that dengue mosquitoes aren’t looking for murky water. They breed in clean, clear water. This is very important to know when doing our own home inspections. In Puerto Vallarta, teams from the Department of Health, wearing bright colored vests and carrying official identification, go house to house, looking for possible breeding grounds. One year, they found just such a thing in our laundry room, where a bucket had sat and collected rain water. We were completely unaware of this situation, not having been in the annexed room for a couple days. The Health Department people didn’t shame us, but we were certainly schooled. Mosquitoes, dengue and otherwise, can breed in something as small as an overturned bottle cap, sitting innocently in the yard. Mosquitoes aren’t big, but they are mighty. It is imperative to check every day and not be caught out like we were, having thought we not only keep a very clean and healthy house, but resting on the idea we didn’t need to be diligent on a daily basis.

    Look for any vessel that can hold water, be it a piece of PVC used for drainage or fencing; neglected pots intended for planting at a later date; kiddy pools; empty pop cans, paper cups, and other debris that should be tied up in garbage, recycle bags or bins.

    Dengue and other mosquito transmitted viruses are a part of living in the tropics, regardless of where you reside or visit. Mosquitoes and other biting insects are here all year around. Dengue mosquitoes are seasonal; they are attracted to Puerto Vallarta during the rainy season.

    In research to find out whether we can pass the virus along, we found out that we can’t pass it to humans but we surely can give it to other mosquitoes. Since the virus circulates in the blood of the infected human, we become a primary source for uninfected mosquitoes. Repellent is you best friend and you must use a product that contains DEET, which is the only repellent that effectively works. Spray it on your skin and on your clothing. It will act as a barrier to the mosquitoes and send them on their way.

    Several strands of dengue exist. If you, or any family member have signs of malaise, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, unusual bruising, go see your doctor, or check in at a clinic or ER, immediately. Dengue is known as the bone-aching disease; it’s likely your bones will feel like they are being hammered, though it’s not the only symptom. If it’s just the flu, then you can go home and rest and continue to use repellent. But if it is dengue, you want an early diagnosis to avoid complications. Don’t use aspirin; it acts as a blood thinner and will cause further problems. Paracetamol and acetaminophen only, as prescribed, and a minimum of three liters of water per day. And… repellent, repellent, repellent.

    Que cómo es es.

    .

  • Inspired Living In Vallarta: PV Jazz Festival

    Puerto Vallarta Jazz Festival

    We love to introduce friends to new acts in town and there is always an element of surprise. Many people find it hard to believe there is so much talent in Puerto Vallarta. It’s impossible to find a night during high season that entertainment isn’t available. We’ve been aware of this abundance of musical acts for quite some time, be it classical, blues, rock and roll, reggae or other wonderful forms. Puerto Vallarta has long encouraged youth to learn dance and music.

    To showcase some of these students, there is an annual jazz festival and it’s right around the corner. Just in time to share love and friendship, the Puerto Vallarta Jazz Festival is held from February 13 – 17.

    Mary Jo Papich, founding member of the Jazz Ed Network in Chicago, Illinois, is the artistic director, and will be presenting vocal and instrumental ensembles with kids who come to Puerto Vallarta for this amazing workshop. The students, from high schools and college/university groups near and far will have the honor of performing with professional jazz musicians, as well and attending amazing clinics. Ms. Papich has every right to be very proud of the Jazz Education Network (JEN) that presents itself as a global community, encouraging and motivating the conversation of music with students, teachers, pros and aficionados.

    With sponsors such at The Berklee College of Music, the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, Fender Musical Instruments Corp, The University of New Orleans School of Arts, and others, JEN is well known around the musical world. We are so excited to have these presentations again in Puerto Vallarta.

    There will be two not-to-be-missed performances on February 14th at Parque Hidalgo from 6 pm – 9 pm and another presentation at Parque Lazaro Cardenas on February 15th, 6 pm – 9 pm.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Vallarta: The Reasons Are the Same For Owning As Renting

    Why Stay in a Villa?

    Puerto Vallarta has many villas for rent in different systems, all catering to similar and divergent tastes and requirements. Some are strictly gay villas and proprietors are permitted to decide these parameters. There are several who will not rent to families, starting with no one under 6, or 12 or 18, depending on whatever their criteria happens to be. There are so many more that are more than happy to welcome large groups and all ages, including as many generations as you’ve got!

    You may be greeted by an owner or simply have a code box with a hidden key. A houseman or mozo could be waiting at the door and some villas in Puerto Vallarta are fully staffed. This can mean one maid and a gardener/handyman or could extend to cooks, servers, chauffeurs, laundry personnel. It all depends on the size of the house and/or the budget.

    Why choose a villa over a hotel in Puerto Vallarta? The list is myriad but here are a few good reasons:

    • The staff either retreats to their own quarters after dinner is served or they go to their own homes in or about Puerto Vallarta, and return in the morning. You have the house to yourself and can do whatever you want within the constraints of legality and respectability. Usually a bar is left open and there are often leftovers to munch on. You can ask the cook, if there is one, to make something special for you. If you have a pet, it’s a much easier adjustment for them.
    • Avoid the hustle and bustle of offloading in a lobby, standing in lines; even the priciest hotels have check-in procedures. Skip them. If you rent a villa that has a staff, there’s a good chance fresh margaritas will await you, along with appetizers. If you’ve checked into somewhere that you’re the only people present, you can flop on a couch and check you’re your email; don’t have to be polite to anyone; or jump in the cool pool to unscramble your brain cells.
    • Cooking from home. You’ll most likely be asked for meal and grocery selections prior to arrival. If you cook some meals on your own, you’ll save a bundle on dining out. Staffed homes will add a surcharge, usually around 20% to the food and drink bill but it will still be far cheaper in the long run. Or you can experience a Mexican supermarket and do your own shopping.
    • If you want to bring a large group, this is really the way to do it. Do your research; don’t jump on the first offer you find. In a very short search, we found a villa in Puerto Vallarta, minutes away from town, sleeps 10, is fully staffed and has a large pool, $1,175/day. That, mind you, is $117 per person for a very luxurious vacation. Your friends’ jaws will drop when they see your photos.

    There are so many reasons to stay in a villa in Puerto Vallarta but this gives you the general idea and should get you excited, now! Start googling! Buen viaje!

    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”]

  • FlyBoard, They Said, Its Fun, They Said…

    Flyboard in Puerto Vallarta: If you see someone attached to a hose flying around out on the water, you’re not losing your mind. It’s called hydrolifting and it’s done on a flyboard, the apparatus on which the flyer stands. This is a crazy sport that has caught on fast in Puerto Vallarta. The approximate cost is around $100 per person for a half hour session but this differs, depending on where you are along the coastline. You really don’t want longer than a short session, unless you’re in remarkable physical shape. You can attain heights of ten feet above the water, which doesn’t seem like a lot until you’re flying along looking down. It’s not for those afraid of heights, anyone with neck, back or knee problems, and pregnant women. Locally one must be 12 years of age and minors accompanied by an adult and you also can’t weight in excess of 250 pounds (114 kg).

    Hydrolifting hasn’t been around for too long. It was invented in 2012 by Franky Zapata, a French water enthusiast who apparently wasn’t getting the thrills he desired on his Jet Skis. He devised boots on a board like a snowboard, with jet nozzles underneath that thrust the rider into the air, where they can dance around and dive headfirst into the sea, using underfoot propulsion and hand stabilization. The massive jets make you feel like you’re surfing in mid-air.

    If you’re determined to give hydrolifting/flyboarding in Puerto Vallarta a try, we have some tips: Keep your feet level and lock your legs letting the water pressure raise you off the surface. Keep your distance from the Jet Ski and stand in the water with the flyboard directly beneath. Allow yourself the patience to practice and remember to point your toes down to go forward and up to head backward. These are simple moves but easily forgotten once you’re moving up in the air. Lifting knees is the key to moving to the left and right. You can’t make yourself go higher; the instructor will increase your height by increasing the water pressure, when they think you’re ready. Once you’re up, focus on something in the distance. It will help keep your balance. If you know you’re going to crash, and you will be immediately aware, dive headfirst, just like you learned in early swim classes. Do your best Greg Louganis impression and you’ll lessen the shock to your system crashing through the surface of the water.

    Enjoy the adrenaline rush and don’t overdo; you don’t want to be aching while on vacation in Puerto Vallarta.

    Que es cómo es.

    Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article! (opionons expressed are his own)
    —————
    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

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Souvenirs

    Souvenirs from Puerto Vallarta

    There’s no reason to be stumped when shopping for souvenirs in Puerto Vallarta; there’s something for everyone. Check out your hometown Starbucks and you’ll find some of the best coffee in the world comes from Mexico. You can pack home a gift for your favorite coffee drinker; whole or ground beans. Though much of the coffee that comes from Mexico is from Veracruz, Oaxaca and Chiapas, we do have our own local markets that receive a lot of praise. To name a few: Café Catedral, El Fortin, Café Oro Verde, San Sebastián del Oeste.
    Doña Maria is a great brand of mole paste and super convenient, but if you want something more authentic, check out our neighborhood markets. You will find more than fresh produce in colonias like Palmar de Aramara, Emiliano Zapata, and the tiangues (flea markets) You can pick up incredible mole paste; fresh and made locally. They will also have ground mole powder; try your hand at making your mole at home!
    A molinillo is a cooking utensil found in any authentic Mexican kitchen. It’s used to make stove-top hot chocolate from scratch (the best way). More than an implement for cooking, molinillos are works of art. We also recommend wooden spatulas and spoons, and love those with burnt carvings that over time take on a beautiful patina.
    To go with your molinillo (pronounced mo-lin-ee-oh), don’t forget to buy real artisanal chocolate, another main product of Mexico, in powder or block form. The variety of options and flavors is plentiful and gives inspiration to the adventurous cook.
    Vanilla is a must for yourself and as a gift, available everywhere, including pharmacies and the airport. We buy the small (4 – 8 ounces) bottles that give less danger of leakage in a suitcase. Add a bit to your hot chocolate for true genuine taste.
    One of the biggest hits bringing back mementos from Puerto Vallarta are the Lucha Libre masks. The original El Santo, one of the most famous masked luchadores in Mexico is available, as well as current wrestlers such as Shocker and Rey Mysterio. It’s a great Halloween or masquerade costume and they come in adult and kids sizes, available at the Mercado Municipal, the main tourist market in the middle of town.
    Whether it’s a large platter or a small butter dish, hand crafted pottery is a sure bet to make someone smile. Our store with the largest inventory is certainly Mundo de Azulejos, however there are smaller boutiques everywhere in Puerto Vallarta where you can find good quality ceramics, tiles and glassware.
    Textiles from scarves and pullovers, to rugs and linen are big favorites. A beautiful woven piece of art made in Mexico and purchased in Puerto Vallarta can be displayed and used for generations to come.
    Que es cómo es.

    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