Etiqueta: luxury living

Benito Juárez

Benito Juárez is a significant figure in Mexican history and we see his name in many places in Puerto Vallarta. There are streets named for him, an entire colonia (neighborhood), schools, businesses. Born on March 21, 1806, the birthday of Benito Juárez is celebrated every year in Mexico on the third Monday in March. Banks will be closed and many workers will have the day off.

Benito Juárez is probably the most important representation of Mexican nationalism. He stands for resistance to foreign intervention. He is the premier model of a leader who would not allow meddling from outside his territory and will always be revered for this reason. We can only hope that Andrés Manuel López Obrador will follow the example of Benito Juárez.

Benito Juárez came from very humble roots, a poor boy raised in the mountains of Oaxaca, born to Zapotec peasants who both died from natural causes when Benito was only three years old. Benito Juárez was raised by an uncle after his grandparents also died; he worked until he was twelve years old, picking corn and herding sheep. Though he could only speak the indigenous language of Zapotec, he took off on his own, walking to Oaxaca City to find his sister, who worked as a cook in the home of Antonio Maza, and was lucky at the time to be hired in the same household. Recognized for his intelligence and quest for knowledge, Benito was accepted to a seminary where he completed studies in record time. Too young to be ordained, he continued his schooling at the Oaxaca Institute of Sciences and Arts and graduated in 1834 with a degree in law. His destiny was political office and he was elected to the city council of Oaxaca in 1831 before he even finished school. In 1841, he was appointed as a civil judge.

Benito Juárez maintained his position against the United States in the Mexican American War but when he could see it was lost, he refused to assist Santa Anna, which caused the exile of Juárez to New Orleans. With a resistance group, he was able to return to Mexico and eventually structured La Reforma, which after many struggles led to his being acknowledged as the President of Mexico in January 1858. He was later elected in 1867 and again in 1871. He thwarted the invasions of both Prussia and France and has fondly been compared to Abraham Lincoln.

Benito Juárez will always be known for his position as a progressive reformer, who was committed to democracy; his opposition to the Catholic church and organized religion; and his objective for equal rights for the indigenous natives of Mexico.

This year, the third Thursday of March falls on the 21^st. Puerto Vallarta will have many celebrations on this day for the beloved Benito Juárez.

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.

Charros

Horses were not indigenous animals to the Americas. They were brought by the Spaniards and caused great shock and fear among the natives, who were confused by these centaur-looking creatures. Word spread quickly of the monsters, who were slaughtering villages; men, women, and children. The Europeans had a great advantage and Mexico never really recovered from the invasion. It took some time to realize there was a man sitting upon a four-legged, very fast, powerful beast. It is the opinion of many historians that these tactics by conquistadors created a subservient culture, intensifying a social order that remains today.

It didn’t take a great deal of time for locals to adapt to horses. While the term vaquero applies to the working horseman, it is the charro who really shines in this role and culturally, there is definitely a difference. Charros have gone through different levels of respect and influence throughout the centuries. They began, like the working vaquero, as herders and errand runners but during the War of Independence in the early 1800’s, a charro was an esteemed soldier. After Independence was achieved in 1821, there was a division of marauders, and the respectable, law abiding charros. Bandits were often pitted against personal armies assembled by wealthy hacienda owners. Plateados, thieves who decorated themselves with stolen silver, set the charro fashions in motion and it wasn’t long before the civil Mexican cowboy was also decked out in colorful, rich costumes of their own making. Charros became the heroes of Mexico, as the government cracked down on outlaws by forming groups of militia, known as rurales, who brought law and order to the land. They wore a uniform of light grey with embroidery of silver, which remains popular today. The charro suit is completed with an impressive sombrero, tight fitting trousers for the men and elaborate full skirts for women, and a great deal of gorgeous embroidery on well tailored jackets.

Today charros are celebrated with parades and competitions. The Campeonato Internacional Charro will be held in Puerto Vallarta from January 30 – February 3. This charreria (charro competition) will be held in El Colorado, which is about twenty minutes east of the airport.

Public transportation is offered from Las Palmas. Take a blue city bus marked Las Palmas, and make sure it has Arena Vallarta posted in the window. You can save yourself the headache of parking and no risk getting lost.  The buses run from 10 am – 10 pm, daily during the competition. Don’t miss it!

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.

Sea Turtles

The season for baby turtle release is coming to an end in Puerto Vallarta. If you haven’t had the opportunity, there are still many chances. Several locations exist up and down the coast, and the concierge in most hotels can guide you to the closest one. Not many places around the globe make it possible for tourists and locals alike to participate in this exciting activity. Sea turtles are a vital part of our ocean ecosystem. They contribute to keeping a balance of seagrass, sponge, and jellyfish populations. Sea turtles transport nutrients and support other sealife. In Puerto Vallarta, we can be turtle midwives and contribute to the health of our oceans.

After the mother turtle makes her way to a nesting spot on the beach in Puerto Vallarta and the coast of Nayarit, the nests become vulnerable to predators of all kinds; iguanas, birds, dogs, and humans, to name a few. It is illegal to interfere with a turtle laying her eggs or the nest itself, while the eggs incubate. Most of us are aware of this problem, but animals have no idea there are laws to protect them and the defenseless turtles.

Our first adventure saving baby turtles happened completely by chance. Having late lunch on the beach in Mismaloya, we were beckoned by friends who were local Mexicans. They were excited to tell us we had arrived in time to be part of a baby turtle release. We couldn’t have been more surprised. Or elated. We quickly finished our meal, paid the bill, and made our way to the north end of the beach. The thrill of holding a baby turtle, (which many operations no longer allow) was something we will never forget. Having baby turtles run over your bare toes on their path to the sea is more pleasurable than we ever imagined. Everyone with few exceptions, is sad to learn that less than 10% of the little critters actually make it to their destination. They need all the help they can get.

Releases occur around the clock. Like humans, it’s hard to schedule birth. If you’re told that turtle release happens only in the dark, under the moonlight… book with another tour. We’ve also been told by unsuspecting people that this program can only be found on Tuesdays. Or Saturdays. Whatever. All nonsense.

In most of the turtle camps in Puerto Vallarta, run by non-profits, and often importing volunteers from faraway places, you will be delighted to learn about the whole migration of sea turtles by people who have found a way to devote time to this cause. These volunteers, of all ages, are well educated and informative, sharing their knowledge. Some have been featured on Animal Planet and National Geographic.

If you are so lucky as to happen upon a turtle nest while wandering on the beach, day or night, immediately contact the authorities. Bomberos (firemen and women) are trained to assist with all animal issues, from bees, to crocodiles, snakes and turtles.

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.

The Underground Railroad to Mexico

Slavery of Africans is a uniquely American story in many ways and without exception; there are intriguing tales of escape to accompany this tragic stretch of history. Mexico, now a place known for sunny vacations, was a desired safe harbor for many slaves escaping from far reaches of the United States. Texas was still a part of Mexico when the Mexican government abolished slavery in 1829. Once the Republic of Texas was formed in 1836, separate from Mexico, slavery was made legal again, which stayed consistent beyond the time Texas joined the Union in 1945.

Canada was the destination for many slaves who struck out for chilly northern parts, often thwarted, sent back in miserable conditions, or to save time and money, executed by lynching or other means. Those were destinies facing slaves who attempted escape to the south, as well, but there was very safe refuge in Mexico. There is strong evidence of tejanos (Mexicans in Texas) being the conductors of this southern route of the Underground Railroad. Many historical accounts have been recorded of brave people who were of great assistance to escapees.

Matilda Hicks, herself a former slave, married Nathaniel Jackson, the son of the owner of the plantation of which Matilda was kept. As a family, Matilda and Nathaniel were known to have moved from Alabama and settled near the Rio Grande in Texas, where they helped people cross the border. There’s also evidence of a black woman and two white men who worked diligently to find homes for these southern bound refugees. A famous slave of Sam Houston, who was at the time president of the Republic of Texas, escaped to Mexico and joined the Mexican military to fight against Houston. Tom, as this slave was known, was one of the few escaped slaves where records exist of his journey, whereas few accounts were ever written down. Due to the high risk of being caught, sent back, or killed, secrecy was the order of the times. Studies verify support of slaves coming to Mexico not only from Texas, but also North Carolina, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama.

It’s clear that anywhere from 5,000 to 10,000 people were freed from bondage by taking the route to Mexico; due to the lack of written statistics, the true figure is likely much higher. It is certainly an indication how censuses can result in incorrect statistics.

When the Fugitive Slave Act of 1950 was enacted to return slaves from northern states to their owners, the U.S. wanted Mexico to sign a similar treaty. Mexico, with their insistence that enslaved people were free once they crossed the border, refused to agree or sign any such document.

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.

Cruising the Water in Puerto Vallarta: There are many options for sailing and boating in Puerto Vallarta with a lot to see and do. You might choose a small panga (open skiff) or a large luxury motor or sailboat, decide to go fishing or snorkeling, see a sunset, visit the Marieta Islands, go on an eco-tour?the choices are abundant. We have a couple recommendations but online searches are the best way to go.
In the winter you?re bound to see whale, dolphin and manta ray, all thrilling for those who primarily live on the land. If you?re lucky enough to catch a fish, there are restaurants where you can have your quarry cooked along with selections of vegetables and rice; a great memory-maker for all ages.

Several tours leave from the Puerto Vallarta Marina, a location you can reach easily by bus, taxi or private car. Customize your trip by telling your captain what your preferences are; he?ll have suggestions, too. Depending on your initial direction, you?ll usually head south and have a views of the shoreline, Malec¢n, and Romantic Zone. Destinations will depend on how much time you want to spend on the water and this is a good time to throw the rods out to see if you can snag your lunch. Yelapa is the furthest most but there are stops at Quimixto and Las Animas, too. These small villages are reached only by boat, though we no longer consider them remote. If you?re offered the chance to visit a secluded beach, be aware that several other tourists have also been enticed by the suggestion of seclusion; it?s often very busy.
Most of these trips are suitable for children and there are some wonderful places to drop anchor for swimming in shallow water. Los Arcos, where the big rocks jut out of the water to the south of Puerto Vallarta, is a great place for snorkeling and all passengers are provided with life vests and equipment.

Arrive early; we recommend starting at 9 a.m. If the heat of the day becomes a problem you can always head back or you may want to make it an all day event. Have cash ready for extra expenses. You may want to buy souvenirs, t-shirts, pie from the pie-lady. Don?t forget to tip; we suggest 15% of your total cost for the day. You will be responsible for your own food at these locations but your boat will offer drinks and water, and often snacks.

A Five Star trip can be had with La Vida Bella Boat Tours for as little as $50 per person for a three hour tour. You can always extend your trip; check with the captain to make sure he doesn?t have an afternoon trip booked.
Gay cruises are popular and we recommend Diana?s. She has been offering gay and lesbian cruises in Puerto Vallarta for 20 years and sells out in advance. Book online. For $110 USD, you get continental breakfast, snacks, unlimited drinks (though we also advise sensible limitations), and your lunch is included on shore with a beverage. You?ll be able to snorkel, feed the fish and swim. This trip leaves the pier at Los Muertos Beach at 9 a.m.

Que es c¢mo es.

Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

We enable our clients to realize their vision for the future.  We understand and plan for their concerns and are dedicated to transforming those concerns to peace of mind and joy.

Our philosophy of transparency, integrity, and professionalism imbues our culture with a tangible sense of purpose and results in the length and depth of the quality relationships we enjoy.  We believe buying or selling a home is first and foremost about people. Of course we have the latest technology, marketing tools, statistics and research, but a successful real estate transaction really comes down to people. Connecting the right buyers to sellers or investors our professional agents structure solid transactions with successful solid outcomes.  We believe in collaboration by connecting people in ways that bring satisfaction and success.

When you combine extensive local knowledge and our long standing reputation for honesty and sound judgment, you have an unbeatable resource at your disposal.  You have Timothy Real Estate Group, a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

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Get a Shave in Puerto Vallarta

This is for the gents who want to experience luxury and pampering for a very small price. For less than $10 USD, you can get a hot towel, traditional facial shave in Puerto Vallarta. It’s an experience that might change your attitude about indulgence.

Why get a hot towel shave in Puerto Vallarta? Primarily, as far as we’re concerned, it’s about relaxation and doing something for you! A shave at home in the morning usually takes about three to five minutes, depending on trimming of beards and moustaches. Nicks are common, blades are often dulled from use and after-shave tenderness is normal. Using inferior products, soaps, and aftershave is just not smart. It’s your face; the only one you have. Give it some love. We recommend at least once a week.

When you get a hot towel shave in Puerto Vallarta, the beard is softened, you get a closer shave and the pores open up, leaving less irritation.

Some shops in Puerto Vallarta use traditional straight razors, while others use safety razors, with disposable blades. These edges are extremely sharp, making it possible to get very close. Disposable razors, the kind you usually have when traveling, are lightweight and the quality of the blade is lacking. A straight razor shave is going to be much closer, and make you face feel like a newborn baby; it will be smooth and last longer.

Barbers sanitize hair clippers, scissors, blades and other tools, which is something we don’t do at home. Bacteria can occur on the skin at anytime and even the smallest abrasion can cause an infection, which explains some of the skin eruptions you get when you do quick shaves at home.

Barbers in Puerto Vallarta are known for their great hairstyling; the cost of a shave and haircut is usually in the vicinity of $15 USD. These artists are great at styling moustaches, beards, and for a small added cost will clean up those bushy eyebrows, too.

Walking down the streets of anywhere in Puerto Vallarta… Old Town, El Centro, Pitillal, or at one of the modern malls, you’re sure to find excellent barbershops, both modern and very traditional.

You’ll find that barbershops in Puerto Vallarta offer complimentary cold beer or full bar. Nothing like a gin and tonic to go with your shave and haircut!

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.