Timothy Real Estate

Etiqueta: vallarta real estate fair

  • Guidebooks for Vallarta?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que es cómo es.

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

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

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

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

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: In The Navy

    Navy Day in Puerto Vallarta

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que es cómo es.

    ——————————

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

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

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

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

  • Puerto Vallarta – Protect Yourself

    Protect Yourself

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que es cómo es.

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

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

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

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

  • Vallarta Inspired Living News: Dengue

    What Should You Do About Dengue?

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

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

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

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

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

    Que cómo es es.

    .

  • Inspired Living In Vallarta: PV Jazz Festival

    Puerto Vallarta Jazz Festival

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

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

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

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

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

    Que es cómo es.

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

    Why Stay in a Villa?

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

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

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

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

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

    Que es cómo es.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Que es cómo es.

    Thanks to our guest blogger Adam Garcia for this article! (opionons expressed are his own)
    —————
    Timothy Real Estate Group is a locally-owned and operated real estate brokerage with a strategic location in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta in the Colonia Emiliano Zapata. Because the Puerto Vallarta area has varying neighborhood personalities, we practice localized real estate. We believe neighborhood knowledge is a top factor in solid sales, and we know our communities well.

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

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

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

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: Souvenirs

    Souvenirs from Puerto Vallarta

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

    es cómo es.

    ——————————

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

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

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

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

  • Puerto Vallarta Inspired Living News: Gourmet

    Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta

    (this is from previous years, but the information is still useful) There are Food Festivals around the world in all major cities that tempt travelers and locals. Then there’s the Gourmet Festival in Puerto Vallarta, often attended annually by folks who come back year after year. It is a glamorous week of dining with an unrivaled opening ceremony that will take place this year at the beautiful convention center of Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, an experience in itself. Enticing chef presentations will be surrounded by food, drinks, and charming, traditional music. This being the 25th Anniversary of the Puerto Vallarta Gourmet Festival, we expect to see some splendid culinary displays. Supported by local restaurants, small businesses, and corporate sponsors in Puerto Vallarta, this experience can be as lavish or simple as the food aficionado chooses for their individual palate.

    Guest chefs will be showing off their talents throughout the city in various restaurants, where diners can expect fresh offerings from the creative minds or some of the finest gourmet palates from around the globe. Beginning at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, November 20th, participants in the festival will serve delightful surprises to those seeking to be pampered by the art of cooking. A Great Day with Big Chefs takes place on this day with the Three Musketeers of Puerto Vallarta Gourmet; Thierry Blouet, Heinz Reize and Roland Menetrey sharing a stove top, with the usual shenanigans and laughs. It’s a bargain at $1,700 pesos.

    Starting at 11:00 am on Friday, November 20th, the Gourmet Festival Puerto Vallarta will present a Culinary Forum, which is a must for those interested in learning the art of gastronomy. Professional chefs, some who have traveled from afar, will share their experiences and ideas.

    Several restaurants will be presenting Theme Nights, not to be missed. Café de Artistes leads off on Thursday, November 21st, with Azafrán, Kaiser Maximilian, Trio, Stars Gourmet Grill, and other establishments joining in this entertaining format.

    We suggest going on a restaurant Safari Gourmet, visiting four locations, one following the other in a progressive dinner, which will include beverages for the price of $2,850 pesos, which is a steal, in our humble opinion.

    The Festival will begin to close on November 23rd with Xocodiva’s Cult to Chocolate, from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. With a price tag of $1,050, we wouldn’t dare to miss this affair, which will embrace the love of chocolate, with a host of tastes all across the flavor spectrum. The Grand Finale will take place at Flamingos Mozzamare Beach Club in Nuevo Vallarta, with a stylish, luxurious reception. The theme for the evening is seafood, fresh from the ocean to your table.

    Reservations are required for most of these events and tickets are mandatory for scheduled events. For more information and a link to buy tickets for individual events, see www.festivalgourmet.com.

    Que cómo es es.

  • Puerto Vallarta Living: 15th Birthday

    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