Beautiful Mexican dresses and blouses are not only for women. In Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find these garments for men, too. Hand embroidered with flowers, birds, iguanas, creatures of nature and mysticism, this is traditional clothing worn by indigenous people throughout Mexico, Central and South America. Regionally this art is referred to as huipil (pronounced wee-pill). Some blouses are very simple, assembled with two pieces of fabric, joined together with decorative stitching, ribbons or lace. You’ll find more elaborate pieces made with yokes, and sleeves. Originally made on a back strap loom, designs were woven into the fabric before it was actually pieced together. The preferred material is cotton or light poplin.

Huipil is everyday attire in Puerto Vallarta for Huichol people who live and work here. Sizes can be found to fit the tiniest infant to a wide range for adults. Huipil are not meant to be form fitting or flattering to the frame. They are intentionally loose fitting and cut to no particular shape; their comfort cannot be denied. Necklines, which can be square, oval, round or a simple slit to enable the wearer to slip over their head.

Symbolism in the embroidery of huipil conveys history, identity of region and culture and often personal details about the artist or person who chooses to wear a given piece of clothing. Motifs can represent agriculture, the natural and the mythical world, community, family, whimsy. Feathers, beads, ribbons and lace are incorporated in the threading, and often worn for burials, baptisms, weddings and other ceremonies. Certain features might indicate rank and stature of a woman in the community. Some saints have their own designated patterns and are expressed as such.

As with many artisans in Mexico, the creation of huipil is often a family affair, girls learning the craft from mothers and grandmothers. A tremendous amount of work can go into one blouse and may be the sole source of income for a household. Remember this when purchasing. The value is likely far more than you’ll be charged. We have always paid full asking price for a garment with huipil embroidery, out of respect to the many hours spent on its creation.

We recommend buying from ladies on the beach in Puerto Vallarta, who lug heavy loads in the heat and are committed to finding the perfect fit for a customer. There are also small shops throughout Puerto Vallarta, as well as kiosks and carts where huipil can be purchased.

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 Pier and Puerto Vallarta

Periodically we see photos and old posts of the pier that was replaced by the current modern and highly designed wharf where boats continue to come and go, as they did in more humble times. Some say they like the old pier better but we find those people are similarly unhappy with other changes in Puerto Vallarta.

The day of the inauguration of the new pier, six years ago this month, was one of pride and celebration. We planted ourselves on the beach adjacent to the pier early in the day. We remained there until late at night, when an elegant fireworks show, as is the custom in Puerto Vallarta, completed a day of high level festivity, comprised of a variety of live music, dancing, parasailers, food and drink, and sacred Aztec blessings.

The old pier was one long concrete structure that ran straight out into the ocean, expanded at the end to hold a large amount of fishermen, sightseers and strolling lovers. We dangled our legs over the edge on late nights and listened to the revelry in the distance, combined with the tide crashing against the shore, drowning out all but the most insistent noise.

Boys in baggy shorts would barrel off the side of the old pier, avoiding water taxis picking up travelers to Yelapa and other seaside destinations. Lines that tempted fish hung in the water and buckets for catches sat on the edge. Lovers stole kisses under the moonlight. All these things still occur, including the boats coming and going to pick up passengers, luggage, refrigerators, chainsaws, generators and other supplies for the small villages south of us. Changes is constant.

The new pier is a showcase, and has become an icon of Puerto Vallarta. It is readily recognized by those familiar with the city and has been featured on travel magazine covers. There are times the lights go out around Puerto Vallarta and the pier suffers the same outages; yet it’s an amazingly bright beacon when the storms pass.

For those who grouse about missing the old pier, we get it. We loved the old Vallarta, too. We have learned, however, to live with the progress and appreciate the positive change. Art and education have attracted many newcomers; the reasons to move to Puerto Vallarta are endless. We look forward in the New Year and closing of a decade for more transformations, like the mosaics that have beautified our fair city by the sea. Remember the old and embrace the new.

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.

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.