Etiqueta: Mexican Home

Turibus Puerto Vallarta

A thrilling new venture will begin in Puerto Vallarta this month and we couldn’t be more excited. We already know Turibus in Mexico City and other Mexican cities is a great way to see sites and get around, and have often wished for such an option for our tourist friends here in Puerto Vallarta. Turibus is a great way to learn about the city; the bilingual guides use both English and Spanish in their patter. It will be a very inexpensive trip in Puerto Vallarta, though much shorter, of course, than Mexico City. Nothing ventured, nothing gained is our way of looking at this new enterprise and we are eager to experience the ride ourselves. Our sources tell us Turibuses will begin this week with four buses and expand to two more as tourism ramps up.
To get a good head start on high season, the inauguration will be 16 August. Tickets are purchased upon embarking for $85 pesos/person; the ride lasts about forty minutes and covers El Centro and Zona Romatica. Catch it in front of the MacDonald’s at the north end of the Malecon on 31 Octobre Street.
Being on a Turibus gives you a good vantage point and helps you decide what attractions to go back and spend more time on later. It’s a perfect way to start your stay in Puerto Vallarta, get the lay of the land, plus a convenient history lesson. It will help orient you to the city, it’s safer and much less stressful than taxis, no crowding like on a standard city bus, and as an added bonus… you can see where you’re going. If you sit on the upper deck, we recommend a hat and sunscreen.
This is a big boost for Puerto Vallarta on the whole. For investors to have this kind of faith in the economy is very good for future developments and attractions in Puerto Vallarta and stabilizes businesses and real estate ventures that are already here. Turibus operates in many Mexico locations, as well as international destinations, giving further draw to the area. Once they are established, Turibus Puerto Vallarta will be adding routes from hotels and various points of interest with emphasis on the historical center of town.
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

Extranjera Experience
Puerto Vallarta has a great event in store for women living, or considering living in Puerto Vallarta. This event from July 12 to 14, 2019 is all about community connections for those living in Puerto Vallarta, short and long term. Extranjera translates to female foreigner, therefore it encompasses many people, even women who are nationals but have been living out of the country and thinking about relocating back home. The concept is about learning from one another, and the planners aren’t calling it a conference, retreat, meet-up or networking event, but perhaps a combination of all these things, with yoga sessions, planned walks, massage therapy sessions, cocktail hours, and dinners. Extranjera Experience kicks off with an opening circle and welcome dinner on July 12 at 6:30 pm, exact location at Parque Fluvial to be announced to entrants.
There will be conversations, presentations, and educational sessions regarding topics about what it’s like for a foreign woman to live in a place like Puerto Vallarta. Extranjera Experience will also present subjects specific to the area, and as an added bonus, spa treatments and yoga. After your confirmation and a paid deposit, a full schedule will be provided. We understand that Vallarta CoWork will be their home base, with speakers and panels arranged.
This sounds like a great networking opportunity for women in Puerto Vallarta. We recall decades ago when women were organized in a network that eventually brought some incredible people together, men and women alike, embracing everyone, with a great emphasis on the LBTGQ community, as well.
Excellent and informative speakers have been scheduled throughout the weekend and six fantastic meals will be provided (two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners).
An event in Puerto Vallarta wouldn’t be the same without a raffle of fabulous prizes, specific to extranjeras and Puerto Vallarta, with a percentage of the contributions going to a local charity. The weekend will wind up on Sunday with a closing circle during lunch and a pool party following at Experience Central in Fluvial.
For more details and to find your application and payment information for attendance, go to https://joyandjourney.com. Tickets are $2500 pesos for the event, require a $500 peso deposit; there is early bird pricing until June 1. It sounds like a real deal.
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

The Mighty Avocado

Avocado toast is all the rage north of the border but it’s been a staple here in Puerto Vallarta for as long as we can remember. Some smart person suddenly thought of this new use for avocadoes and it now appears on breakfast menus in small cafés to fine restaurants.
It’s a simple recipe: Toast bread to your liking; halve an avocado and remove the seed; while the toast is hot, straight out of the toaster, lightly rub the surface with the cut side of a garlic clove. Then use a spoon to scoop out the meat of the avocado; with a fork, spread it onto the toast. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper and voila! Breakfast! Tasty and nutritional.
Little did we know there are over five hundred varieties of avocado on this planet! Though they are considered fruit, most North Americans call them vegetable. Avocado is derived from the word ahuacatl, Aztec for testicle. Along with other foods that resemble reproductive parts of the human body, it’s thought to be an aphrodisiac. Once you realize the Aztec word for soup is molli, you can almost see where the word guacamole came from. With their reptile like outer surface, avocadoes are known in some countries as alligator pears.
Avocados are first foods in countries from where they originate. Easily digestible, they are packed with fiber, loaded with potassium and high in vitamins B and C. Avocadoes have the good kind of cholesterol that increases HDL (high density lipoprotein), responsible for good digestion.
As a best food for vegetarian and vegan diets, avocadoes are dairy and gluten free. They are ready to eat when they have a soft, ripe feel to the touch and turn dark in color. To speed up ripening, they can be put in a drawer or a brown paper bag. Add a banana to the cluster and it will hurry up the process.
A bowl of guacamole is where many ripe avocadoes end up in Puerto Vallarta and we never get tired of watching it made in a molcajete, tableside. The molcajete is a stone bowl with a surface perfect for grinding with the blunt tool called tejolote. The molcajete is the Mexican version of a mortar and pestle.
To make your own guacamole at home, use one avocado for every two diners, scoop out the inside and mash with a fork. Don’t use a blender or whipping tools, as you want it to be chunky. It would end up watery if you beat it too much. For simple guacamole, ready to eat in minutes, squeeze the juice of a lime, add salt to taste and mix with a fork. Scoop with chips or plop onto a pile of nachos. For a different twist you can add onions, tomatoes, cucumber or zucchini.
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 a constant leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate

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

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

The Mexican Quinceañera

Every Mexican girl has a quinceañera. The translation means fifteenth birthday but in Puerto Vallarta it can mean so much more. A young lady often gets a party to outdo all parties; a celebration of many things. The priority of a quinceañera is the acknowledgement of social responsibility, which symbolizes the passage from childhood into maturity. The focus is on family, friends, music, food, dance and religion. Quinceañera is also what we call the young lady being honored.
Akin to the tradition of cotillions and debutante balls, the young lady will choose an escort (chambelan) to accompany and present her, dance with her, and be by her side for the entire event. Being chosen as a chambelan is considered an honor. At some quinceañeras, you will see several chamblanes and perhaps young women damas to counter them. The waltzes they do have often been practiced for months in preparation for the party.
Traditional quinceañeras begin with a mass at church, followed by what is most often a lavish party. They are not only similar to a wedding; they often cost more than the average Mexican wedding. It’s not unusual for a father to pay upwards of $10,000 for his daughter’s quinceañera. Venue, food, music, DJ’s, decorations, dresses for the honoree, outfits for the rest of the family.
At the mass, the young woman will be presented to God and make promises to honor herself and her religion. The changing of the shoes is fun ceremony where the parents symbolically give their daughter her first high heels and help her change out of flats into shoes that indicate she has transitioned out of childhood. Chances are she has tested these shoes out beforehand, since she will spend the evening dancing in them. Sometimes the young lady will pass on a favorite doll to a younger sister, another sign of growing up. The father-daughter dance kicks off dancing for everyone, just as in a traditional wedding. An MC, or maybe a DJ, will have members of the family and community take the microphone and say something memorable about the quinceañera.
Appropriate gifts, should you be invited to a quinceañera, are rosaries, bibles, tiaras, scepters, medals that can all be purchased in the cathedral shop. Money is also a highly regarded gift and the most common. Grandparents often present the quinceañera with fifteen red roses, stems that signify strength, and roses for sweetness. Birthstone rings and bracelets are often gifted.
Though a quinceañera seems like a very dressy event, it’s mainly the celebrants and family who are decked out in fancy apparel. Guests are expected to dress nicely, but gowns and tuxedos are not expected.
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