Timothy Real Estate

Etiqueta: puerto vallarta

  • Puerto Vallarta Inspired Living News: Arriving In PV

    Airport Arrivals Just Got Better!

    Few things excite us as much as arriving in Puerto Vallarta. Coming in over the mountains from the north, with an approach toward the sea, where Lic. Gustavo Díaz International Airport has been receiving visitors since November 1954, when Mexicana Airlines landed their first plane in Puerto Vallarta. It’s always a thrill to land and feel the excitement in the air of both tourists and those returning home. Nearly thirty years after the first airplane landed here, we would make our first ascent into Puerto Vallarta, standing in the hot sun, waiting to check through immigration and enter the terminal to find our luggage. Over the years, as we’ve seen the airport expand and watched the many changes and expansions; Lic. Gustavo Díaz International Airport has become very similar to ports all over the world and has lost its back-to-nature charm. We are happy to have restrooms with flushing toilets and air conditioning but we do miss the old days, even if the inconveniences were annoying.

    Since those early days, coming through immigration has become a long and arduous process. Even though the lines move quickly, it seems there are more people in the queue every year. Some have trouble with the forms they’ve been given to fill out while still in flight; others can’t find their passport; many are confused about where to go and how the columns are expected to file through. Delighted to be in Puerto Vallarta, they are anxious for an icy cold beer or margarita.

    Exactly sixty-five years after that first landing in Puerto Vallarta, news has reached us that major improvements for entering the country are under way. There will be an increase of fourteen new customs officers, which is nearly double, during high volume times in December through the duration of high season. Music to our ears is commitment for the acquisition of new equipment for baggage inspection, similar to that used by TSA, higher tech and more efficient. We understand this is temporary until a review will be done to establish service standards, which will expedite arrivals moving through the customs area, as well. Current equipment is archaic compared to many airports of which tourists are departing from, and to where they will return.

    In the discovery that some arriving tourists stand in lines for hours, the Director of the General Customs Administration vowed to make things better by partnering with the government, business sector and airport administration. He is determined to see that moving people around and exercising expediency so that they can get to the beach, will be high on his priority list.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Healthcare

    Mexico Healthcare

    Many articles have been published in the past couple years about Mexican health care. As someone who has been hospitalized in Puerto Vallarta, both in emergency, as well as scheduled hospital visits, we can attest to the superiority.
    In Puerto Vallarta, we’ve been impressed by the prompt response when calling an ambulance, which are impeccably equipped, shiny clean, and the emergency technicians well trained, attentive and compassionate. In our experience, there was no waiting in the ER, and we were immediately whisked into an observation room, and attended to by a number of physicians.
    A family member chose to have her caesarean-section birth in Puerto Vallarta, moving from Washington State, where she felt rushed by her doctor, who she felt treated her like an uninformed child. In Puerto Vallarta, her obstetrician carefully explained everything, took his time, provided a CD of her ultrasounds and an accommodating birthing experience for the family. This was at less than tenth of the cost back in her hometown.
    Mexico, which comes in second place for healthcare in a list of five countries in a recent survey for retirees, has at least one first-rate hospital in every medium to large city. Puerto Vallarta has several hospitals and there are many specialists who we would highly recommend. Most of them speak English, which is a bonus for those who moved south of the border in their golden years, with few language skills.
    Health insurance is available, both with the expat in mind and typical national plans. Some hospitals take Medicare Advantage plans and we suggest you check with each facility to see what is offered and accepted so in case of an emergency, you know where to go. As a legal resident, you will also have access to the public healthcare system, which is under $500/year.
    Prescriptions in Mexico are astonishingly inexpensive, compared to the United States. Canadians get a break back home on drug costs, but pharmacies in Puerto Vallarta can beat their prices on many items, too. Very few drugs in Puerto Vallarta require a prescription; simply walk into the pharmacy and tell them what you want.
    Doctors in Puerto Vallarta make house calls. It’s routine for your doctor to give you a phone call to inquire how you’re doing, especially following procedures and surgeries. We had an ENT check in with us after treatment of a sinus infection. It isn’t unusual for your doctor to give you a hug or even a kiss on the cheek, and children are welcomed with open arms.
    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

  • Vallarta Adventures: Copper Canyon

    Copper Canyon: If you’re looking for getaway that will take you on a short extended trip from Puerto Vallarta, we recommend Copper Canyon, an amazing tourist activity. It’s not only breathtakingly stunning, but also rich in history with many guide companies to help you travel in style, even on a budget. There are trains rides over the world but our favorite among them is Copper Canyon.

    From Puerto Vallarta, there are several routes to Los Mochis, your starting point, via air, bus or your own vehicle. Bus trips are by far the best deal and also give you a chance to see the countryside from an air-conditioned raised seat. Whatever method you choose to travel, you’ll arrive from Los Mochis to the colonial town of El Fuerte. This is the village made famous by El Zorro, the Mexican Robin Hood, and is the official gateway to the Copper Canyon.

    If you’re a birdwatcher, you will want to work in a river cruise down the El Fuerte River. In El Fuerte, you will board the Copper Canyon Railway for a journey that will take you to Bahuichivo, Cerocahui, Barrancas, villages on the magnificent and breathtaking Copper Canyon route. Don’t miss the Tarahumara cave dwellings. We have a friend who claimed this was the highlight of her trip and can’t wait to return. The attractions of the Copper Canyon are too many to list here; it is said that Nature practiced with the canyons up north and completed her project when she created the Copper Canyon.

    There are activities for all levels of excitement and ability. The world’s longest zipline is at your disposal and for the less courageous, there is the cable car ride. Petroglyphs, like those seen mystically throughout all of the Americas, are easy to see in the Copper Canyon, whereas is many other places a strenuous hike is required. The Taramuhara Boarding School and an old Mayo Indian village hold extra special appeal.

    Group tours aren’t for everyone but it’s really the way to go when visiting the Copper Canyon. If you want to go it alone, make sure you have a comprehensive guide book to lead you along the way. There are several tour companies who will set you up from the moment you leave Puerto Vallarta and we recommend consulting with one for all or part of your trip. Three who have received praise are Superior Tours, Mex-Eco, and Amigo Trails/Three Amigos. The cost per double occupancy ranges from $700 to $1200 USD and some include airfare. You can choose where to depart from; Puerto Vallarta, Guadalajara. Prearranged trips do not include tipping or alcohol consumption.

    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: Naptime

    Time for a Good Nap

    High season is winding down and even though there are still many activities, the town has quieted and we feel more relaxed and looking forward to summer nights with friends, cool breezes coming off the ocean, and early mornings, the best time for a good walk around the neighborhood. In Puerto Vallarta, these actions call for a nice siesta in the afternoon to preserve energy for the evening and catch up following an early rising.

    We have read time and again that naps are a regular routine for successful people; statistics show that nappers have less heart issues and better all-around good health. Not just in Puerto Vallarta, the siesta is a symbol of intelligent and healthy behavior. Smart people in hot climates, such as Puerto Vallarta, are known to sleep through the hottest part of the day, eat a light dinner in the cool evening hours after sundown, and accomplish more in their waking hours.

    Siesta originates from the Latin hora sexta, which means the sixth hour. In many cultures, a day actually began at dawn, making the sixth hour noon, a perfect time to rest, collect thoughts, ideas, and future inventions, following what should be the best and largest meal of the day. Practiced in the Mediterranean and the South of Europe (riposo in Italy), as well as the Philippines and much of Latin America, it’s common for businesses to close, giving both proprietors and guests a chance to stay at home, have a midday feast, and a well deserved break. Siesta is not limited to countries with warm climates; South American countries, regardless of year round temperatures, make it a practice.

    Studies have shown that Mexicans and Japanese are the hardest working cultures, putting to bed the image of a large belly under a sombrero sleeping beneath a cactus. Therefore, in Puerto Vallarta, the siesta should never be viewed as a symbol of laziness, but one of purpose and brilliance. The siesta has been around since the beginning of time, when smart people in hot climates, such as Puerto Vallarta, sleep through the hottest part of the day and eat a light dinner in the cool evening hours, after the sun has gone down.

    When homeostatic sleep and circadian rhythms, the subjects of sleep, are the topic of talk shows and scientific studies, we know we have made the correct choice of living in the paradise we find in Puerto Vallarta.

    Que es cómo es.

    ——————————

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

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

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

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

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Changing Times

    Who’s Changing Mexico?

    As we watch Puerto Vallarta continue to grow on an annual basis, it’s clear, there are people moving here from all over the world. There’s no doubt as to where they are coming from, though who are they? According to the Pew Research Center, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans are returning to Mexico, where they are optimistically finding life more livable than NOTB. Given that, and the amount of US citizens who continue to migrate south, there is a burgeoning scene that has affected all of Mexico, especially coastal towns. This is a phenomena occurring on both the east and west coasts and having an impressive impact on Puerto Vallarta.

    These migrations have a profound and positive effect on schools, neighborhoods and the local economy overall. Where we once found large Mexican communities in cities and towns in the United States, we now have pockets of expats all over Mexico, not just in resort cities but in small settlements, far away from the hustle and bustle.

    An area that has seen change and improvement is medical services and hospitals. We have always felt more than comfortable in the hands of dentists and doctors in Puerto Vallarta, appreciating not only the state-of-the-art treatment and facilities, but with the benefits of costs that are reasonable and won’t bankrupt the Average Joe if you need serious medical attention. Expats and Mexicans returning to Mexico have all heavily affected these services, as well as certain imports.

    More items that were previously available only NOTB but not so much in Puerto Vallarta have made appearances over the past decade. Big box stores like Costco and Wal-Mart have been very happy to cater to the needs of those who aren’t willing to give up certain lifestyle needs. People traveling back and forth from the two countries once had lists of things to bring both for themselves and others. We remember when Campbell’s Tomato Soup was in high demand. Carrying cans of soup and albacore tuna, among other treasures, in baggage on airplanes was not unheard of. Enforcement of weight restrictions has also changed that. If traveling by auto, it wasn’t unusual to cart cheddar cheese, by the pound in a cooler. What some would consider decent wine was in short supply and though rum, tequila and gin were easy to get, good Scotch was pricy. Liqueurs, such as kahlúa and Tai Maria were plentiful but imports like Anisette or Drambuie could be requested at the local liquor store year after year with no response. Now you find them at Wal-Mart. Bed sheets with high thread count is a holdout but when we search we find stores like Chedraui carry all kinds of surprises.

    Road travel has certainly changed. With autos and buses rerouted, time and again, the pressure eases and then builds again. But the introduction of services like Uber to Puerto Vallarta has brought tremendous relief.

    We follow the premise that change is good, though sometimes it can be head-turning. We make our best efforts to appreciate all the good stuff.

    Que es cómo es.

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Blood Donations

    Blood Donations in Puerto Vallarta

    It’s time to talk about donating blood again. We try to go over this subject occasionally to update those unfamiliar with procedures of donating blood in Puerto Vallarta. All types are needed, though Type O is the most common. Platelets are also in demand, so it doesn’t matter what your type is, ever. Give blood and be energized! If you have a rare type, you’re likely to get an extra cookie!
    Requirements for the Puerto Vallarta Blood Bank are easier than it once was when there were certain restrictions, which were lifted less than two years ago.
    Presence of tattoos and piercings used to cause automatic rejection but that’s changed; not having been inked or poked for one year, with the results of zero resulting infections is a requirement. Inoculations of any kind, antibiotics, and a list of medications that you’ll be asked about, with a waiting time of one month. Surgery in the past six months, for obvious reasons. Certain medications, such as anti-coagulants and anti-inflammatory meds will restrict donations but you can, in fact, stop taking them for 48 hours prior to donating.
    Puerto Vallarta once restricted donors of a certain age, which made little sense for seniors in good health, but this also has been relaxed and requires the giver to comply with a limited oral and physical exam for decisive factors. The same goes for women menstruating at the time of donation. There is however, still an age limit for those under 18 years of age, even in excellent health.
    You can’t drink alcohol within 48 hours; you will need to fast for at least 4 hours but not more than eight. You must weigh at least 110 pounds (50 kilos). You cannot be ill.
    Some in Puerto Vallarta have felt there’s been a foggy area regarding sex partners. It’s simple: not more than five in the past five years and optimum for those who have a consistent partner.
    Information cards are issued to donors in Puerto Vallarta; testing is extensive. HIV, Hep C, all sexually transmitted diseases, and other blood ailments, Rh factor, blood type, and cross-compatibility are all listed. This is a great benefit and you should carry this card on you at all times.
    You can designate a specific person for whom you are giving; you must give the blood bank this information to assure the blood is delivered promptly and properly. Or you can give as altruistic; this means you are giving to whomever needs it; you may also bank a supply of your own. The Blood Bank in Puerto Vallarta is located at San Javier Hospital and open from 8 am – 3 pm, Monday through Saturday.
    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 – Charros & Such

    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.

  • 365 Fun Things to do in Puerto Vallarta – Go to the Zoo

    Puerto Vallarta ZooThe Puerto Vallarta Zoo is an experience completely different than going to the zoo in the United States or Canada.  In my opinion a visit is a must do fun thing.  The Puerto Vallarta zoo is located about thirty minutes from El Centro Vallarta by car or an easy forty five minute bus ride.  Located southshore across from Hotel Barcelo.  Once you arrive you can park and enjoy a walk to the front gates to begin your adventure or take a short detour and enjoy a relaxing horseback ride through the wilderness first.  When you get to the front gate of the zoo you will have the opportunity to buy snacks, water, etc. for your walk through the zoo.  The best part, you can buy snacks for the animals too.  If you choose you can buy a large bag of veggies and openly feed giraffes, monkeys, flamingos, and much, much more.  With the exception of a few animals where it would be unsafe, most animals in the Puerto Vallarta Zoo are in open cages and habitats.  Some even run free around the paths of the zoo like the peacocks.  Bring comfortable shoes so you can enjoy the hike throughout the entire zoo, it is quite large.

    With all the animals you can imagine, not only can you feed them, you can also play with some animals.  They often have baby tigers, lions, or jaguars.  As babies you can hold and feed them, when they are at least a couple of months old you can play with them and at about six months you can gently pet and take photos.  After about six months they will go into their habitat in the zoo and not have contact with guests.  The zoo in Puerto Vallarta is a great vacation experience or a must if you live here.  Enjoy!

    Andrea Graham

    andrea@timothyrealestategroup.com

    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

  • Dental Work In Puerto Vallarta – Yes

    Now that we’ve determined it’s safe to go to Mexico, let’s discuss going there for what some might perceive a dreadful purpose. Many people (we won’t call them tourists, because touring is not really what they’re up to) come to Mexico from Canada and the Unites States for dental work. We’ve been delighted to hear stories that oppose the attitude of dread from our friends who’ve had extensive dental work done south of the border. Puerto Vallarta is an excellent destination for those seeking everything from teeth cleaning to implants.

    Though some opt for an entire mouth full of brand new teeth, taking as little time as a week, many visitors come for biannual visits and see a regular dentist, just as they would back in their hometown.

    We spoke with one patient who, after an estimate of over $50,000 in the US, decided to have a partial makeover for approximately $6,000. There’s a lot of appeal in paying a tenth of the price for virtually the same product. Toss an airfare on top of that and you can still afford to stay in a very nice hotel. If you do an online search from home, you will find companies who will arrange your trip, book your hotel and even plan side tours.

    Why is it so much cheaper to get dental work in Puerto Vallarta and other towns and cities in Mexico?

    The Mexican government subsidizes many dentists’ education so they aren’t burdened by a huge student loan debt to start out their career. Often if there’s a debt owed to the government by a student, it can be paid with a year of free service.

    Many dental clinics in Puerto Vallarta are state-of-the art but they tend to be simple environments with ordinary laminate counters, rather than the granite and marble receptions seen in the fancier counterparts of their neighbors to the north. North American cities have dental offices with inlaid floors, custom carpets, creative lighting and elaborate play areas for children. The décor in Mexico is plain, functional and doesn’t usually look like a high end hotel lobby, art gallery or law office.

    Dentists in Puerto Vallarta ordinarily work on their own without an assistant and will do your teeth cleaning, whereas in the States a hygienist, who can make as much as $65 per hour, not only cleans your teeth but also does your exam.

    Patient insurance doesn’t figure into the pricing system, which significantly raises prices to meet the market; malpractice insurance is non-existent.

    That said, we recommend you do your research before booking appointments. If you have friends who’ve had Mexican dental work, ask to look in their mouths, inquire how happy they are with everything from the cosmetics to their bite. You can get everything from Zoom cleaning to implants in Mexico at a great savings with complete peace of mind.

    Que cómo es es.

    Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article!

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Shoes?

    Wearing Shoes in Puerto Vallarta

    We discovered when we first moved to Puerto Vallarta that Most Mexicans don’t wear their outside shoes in their homes. They usually have cheap slip-ons, slippers or flip flops for indoors. Kids might run around barefoot inside but it’s uncommon to see a woman of child bearing age or older without shoes. Men also make sure to have no contact with the ground, whether inside or out.

    There is a good reason for this. Streets are dirty. When we see gringos walking barefoot down the sidewalks or malecón, we cringe. We know what kind of evil lurks there. Aside from sharp rocks and glass, there are some nasty bacteria that can wreak havoc on feet. If you’re diabetic and have little to no sensation in the soles of your feet, you risk serious infection and in many cases, amputations.

    There’s a fungus similar to athlete’s foot which is responsible for toenail fungus, an ailment we see a lot of here in Puerto Vallarta. This usually turns into a very long process, with toenails needing to grow back out after treatment and can take months, even years. Hookworm is probably the worst of what one can be afflicted with from running around without shoes in Puerto Vallarta. Hookworm attaches to the lining of the intestinal wall of affected dogs; it’s a common ailment in street dogs in Puerto Vallarta. Since it’s rare in the USA and Canada, tourists may go back home and not realize they have hookworm until they begin to suffer the effects. Doctors in the north, who rarely see it, have a difficult time diagnosing it. Once the abdominal pain begins with intense intestinal cramps, nausea, fever and loss of appetite, a doctor may misdiagnose and therefore the patient can go without proper treatment. Plantar warts are a virus that is also caught from going barefoot. They tend to grow inward, are very painful and difficult to treat, due to their resiliency.

    According to Dr. Andrew Shapiro, a podiatrist in private practice in Valley Stream, New York, and spokesman for the American Podiatric Medical Association “a proper shoe with good support provides shock absorption for the rest of the body and reduces stress on bones and ligaments.”

    Whether you’re tottering around in Manolo Blahniks or keeping the pavement separate from your body with simple flip flops, they bring the same amount of filth into your house. You must think of the places you’ve been walking to relate to what you are trailing into your kitchen, bedroom, bathing area with your shod feet. It’s not hard to imagine without wanting to live in a Hazmat suit.

    Que es cómo es.