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Vallarta Living 
Living in Puerto Vallarta Mexico For many the thought of living in - or even near - a major tourist resort is about as appealing as a buying a condo in Disneyland. But here in Vallarta, the incredible natural beauty, combined with a small town atmosphere and the inherent warmth and friendliness of the local people, attracts foreign residents who enjoy the good life.

With a colorful blend of the old and the new, the Banderas Bay region offers an unrivaled combination of simple pleasures and sophisticated charms. Fine dining restaurants, art galleries, upscale shopping centers, internet cafes and nightclubs peacefully coexist alongside taco stands, street-side vendors selling Mexican handcrafts, traditional open air markets and strolling mariachi bands.
 But much of Puerto Vallarta's magic is in the hearts of her people. Often described as "one big, happy family," Vallartenses are known for their hospitality and for going out of their way to welcome foreign residents. And, since the Mexican people are extremely tolerant of different lifestyles, international residents and Mexican locals can live side-by-side in harmony - provided that the expatriate can learn to be creative and adaptable.
 Puerto Vallarta is an unhurried refuge for people seeking more than just a beautiful beach. Those of us who choose to live here embrace the challenge of learning patience and understanding. Taking the time to "stop and smell the roses" along the road to becoming bicultural gives us the opportunity to grow - and to enjoy a more relaxed way of life.


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Out and About in Puerto Vallarta
Twila Crawford
 From great food and music to the latest news and gossip, Twila has the inside scoop on everything that's going on in Vallarta, so if you want to be "in the know," be sure to read this week's edition of Out and About in Puerto Vallarta.
San Sebastian Silver Festival May 23-25
Pamela Thompson
 The first San Sebastian Silver Festival will be held in this quaint little town from May 23rd-25th. Leave the heat of Vallarta behind, come and tour the mines and enjoy music, dancing and the cool, fresh mountain air in San Sebastian del Oeste.
Building a Kid- and Eco-Friendly Park
Nicole Swedlow
 Learn about the tremendous success of the San Pancho elementary school's recycling program, and how you can help the community turn all of that amazing energy towards creating a safe, beautiful and much needed playground for their children.
Charley Tuna Wished He'd Never Visited Vallarta!
Jim Scherrer
 Puerto Vallarta boasts some of the finest deep sea fishing waters in the world; those found in Banderas Bay, an extension of a large canyon running from the Sierra Madre Occidentals, and in the ocean just outside of the bay.
Some Spring Happenings
Pamela Thompson
 Spring is here and I don't know about you but I am ready for rain! Time to wash off the dust, green up the hills, clear the air. In the meantime, here are a couple of upcoming happenings here in Puerto Vallarta that you just won't want to miss.
PV Hosts National Fireworks Championship
PVNN
 As part of Puerto Vallarta's 90th Anniversary celebration, a National Fireworks Competition will turn the Puerto Vallarta Sports Stadium into a dazzling fiesta full of bright lights and colors on May 30, 2008. Admission is free.
Vallarta School of Champions Summer Camp
Arthur Fumerton
 This summer from July 14th through August 8th, Children of the Dump will open their School of Champions for a summer camp to 100 children who live in impoverished areas around the Puerto Vallarta city dump.
Catch the Rhythms of the Night
Laura Gelezunas
 Vallarta Adventures' Rhythms of the Night tour transforms the tropical beach hideaway of Las Caletas into a magical paradise where one of Mexico's most innovative contemporary dance troupes will take you on a journey through time.
Interns Enjoy International Work and Fun
PVNN
 Every aspiring journalist deserves a chance to showcase his or her natural talents and newfound skills. Here at Puerto Vallarta's Liveliest Website, we offer journalism, film and multi-media interns an opportunity to shine!
What's My Puerto Vallarta Property Worth?
Free Property Value Assessment
 Planning to sell your Puerto Vallarta property? Curious about the value of your Banderas Bay area real estate? PVPropertyValues.com offers FREE no obligation service to help you determine the current market value of your home or condo.
Celebrating the Eternally Young
JOY!
 I recently attended two "high society" parties - Bob Early's elegant birthday party at La Jolla de Mismaloya apartments and Janice Chatterton's Swinging Sixties party to raise funds for the Puerto Vallarta SPCA at Casa Kimberly.
What Your House Wants You To Know - Air Conditioning Maintenance
Jim Morrison
 The weather in Vallarta is perfect right now, but we all know what's coming. Our air conditioners are going to get a real workout in a few weeks. When was the last time you had it serviced? How old is it? Have you ever paid any attention to it?
Next Theater Season will be Action-Packed
Twila Crawford
 Next theater season at Santa Barbara is going to be action-packed with new shows under new owner Ann Marie Danimus, a performer and actress herself. She told us about some of her plans at the recent fund raiser for children's theater camp.
Now There are Two Fewer of "The Best People on Earth"
Polly G. Vicars
 Last week we were privileged to accompany daughter Melinda on the boat Jupiter to mix Valerie and Paul McMullen's ashes with the salty blue water of Banderas Bay with love, rose petals, Oso Negro (their drink of choice) laughter and tears.
For the Smiles of the Children
Sue Fornoff
 Here in the Banderas Bay area, Toys for Tots is usually associated with Christmas or Three King's Day. So why were representatives of Toys for Tots and dozens of children gathered in a dusty colonia in Nayarit on a sunny April afternoon?
Democrats Abroad Film Event
Paul Crist
 Democrats Abroad Mexico - Costa Banderas Chapter invites you to attend a screening of the Academy Award nominated documentary film Sicko by Michael Moore at 7:30 pm on May 12th, 2008.
Tracking the Heartbeat of Banderas Bay
Banderas Beat with Laura Gelezunas
 In the May 2008 edition of Banderas Beat, Laura takes a walk on the wild side, introduces us to cats of all sizes, some local performers and our International interns, plus tells us what one local group is doing to help preserve and protect our environment.
Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
PVNN
 A common misconception is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico's Independence Day, when in fact it is not. The 5th of May commemorates the victory of the Mexican militia over the French army at The Battle Of Puebla in 1862.
What's Up with the Crane Invasion of Puerto Vallarta?
Jim Scherrer
 It's not quite equal to Dubai or Shanghai, but nevertheless the skyline of Puerto Vallarta is dotted with tower cranes evidencing the explosive growth and progress along the Mexican Riviera.
Benefit for Santa Barbara Theater
Mikki Prost
 Mark your calendars for Friday, May 2nd. The Santa Barbara Theater will present "Raise the Roof," a night of entertainment, silent auctions and door prizes to raise funds for stage equipment and the summer performing arts camp for kids 6-16.
What do Mecca, Mandalay and Puerto Vallarta Have in Common?
Jim Scherrer
 What do Mecca and Mandalay have in common with Puerto Vallarta, Mexico? Well, it just so happens that they all lie on or very near the 21st parallel north, which means these cities enjoy ideal climates every year from November through May.
New Yoga School Coming to Puerto Vallarta
PVNN
 On May 6th, a new yoga school will be opening in the heart of Old Town Puerto Vallarta. Called davannayoga, this traditional style bi-lingual school will offer yoga classes for beginners, advanced, children and pre-natal students.
Living in Mexico is Better With Spanish
Polly G. Vicars
 Recently I read an article in a local English language newspaper entitled Living in Mexico Without Spanish. While it's true you can live here without speaking Spanish and "get along just fine," that depends on your definition of "just fine."
Passover Family Seder Celebrated Children
Twila Crawford
 Mel and Barbara Bornstein coordinated the Passover Family Seder at Puerto Vallarta's Coconuts. The restaurant was filled with families celebrating and Mel, at age 80, was praised by those in attendance for his leadership of the community.
Swingin' Sixties Party at Casa Kimberly
PVNN
 On Saturday May 3rd, a Swingin' 60's party to benefit the SPCA of PV will be held at Casa Kimberly. Don't miss your opportunity to take one last look at Liz Taylor's and Richard Burton's former home before it becomes a luxury boutique hotel.
Unprecedented Investment in PV This Year
PVNN
 According to Puerto Vallarta Mayor Javier Bravo Carbajal, thanks to the joint efforts of City Hall and state and federal governments, Puerto Vallarta will benefit from an investment of over $438 million pesos in public works during 2008.
1st Festival de Salsa Fiesta Latina Puerto Vallarta 2008
PVNN
 The multicultural destination of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico will soon host the 1st annual Salsa Festival "Fiesta Latina." Scheduled to start at 7 pm on May 4th at Sr. Frog's, Venustiano Carranza #218 in the Romantic Zone, this "Latin Party" is just one of the many cultural events scheduled this May.
Healthcare Resources Puerto Vallarta Spring-Summer 2008 News
Pamela Thompson
 While many of our local "snowbirds" have flown north for the summer, we'll be spending the Spring and Summer months continuing with our services of physician referrals, Insurance Resource Center, Home Health Services and many other things.
You Can Help Fulfill a Dream... A Heartfelt Request for any Golfing Related Items
Patrick Harrison
 Six days a week at 4 pm, Alfredo Cervantes closes his taco stand and heads to Puerto Vallarta's Municipal Stadium to give free golf lessons to local kids, but he doesn't have enough clubs or resources to meet the demand. Here's how you can help.
But What Do You Do All Day? - Charities
Polly G. Vicars
 Linda Wirth and I have put together a list of some things you, whether living in Vallarta part time or full time, can do during your day, if you choose. There are many opportunities - one of which might be just up your alley.
CasaMagna Vallarta: A Great Place to Work
PVNN
 CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort has been selected as one of the best companies to work for in Mexico by the Great Place to Work Institute of Mexico and Grupo Mundo Ejecutivo, rating number 14 out of 348 companies evaluated in Mexico.
PV Convention Center Access Road Funding
PVNN
 On a recent visit to the Puerto Vallarta Convention Center site, Mayor Javier Bravo and Governor Emilio Gonzalez Marquez agreed that equal contributions from state and municipal governments will provide funding for the construction of an access road.
Cuernos Chueco, the Best Rodeo in Mexico
PVNN
 On Saturday, April 5th, 2008 an unprecedented event was held in Puerto Vallarta; the most extreme 8 seconds in México, American Rodeo Bullriding Cuernos Chuecos presented by Wrangler and Cerveza Victoria.
Local Dems Gear Up for 2008 US Elections
Kent Paterson
 Organized in November 2007, the Costa Banderas chapter of Mexico Democrats Abroad now counts as members more than 200 US citizens residing in the Banderas Bay area who have an important stake in the 2008 Presidential elections.
Earth Day at Vallarta's Botanical Gardens
JOY!
 On Tuesday, April 22nd, the Puerto Vallarta Botanical Gardens will be holding an Earth Day celebration at 3 pm. There will be a Gardens tour and tree planting and an earth healing.
Vivian Hemphill Discusses Poverty and Philanthropy with Wise Wo-Men
Twila Crawford
 Educator Vivian Hemphill of Manos Unidas por la Mujer explained the work of the social enterprise that blends women's empowerment, ecological conscience and artistic creation to participants at a recent meeting of Vallarta Wise Wo-Men.
Catching a Baby Tiger by the Tail
JOY!
 The Vallarta Zoo is one of the most unique in the world because between 28 and 35 big cats are born there every year. Twice a year anyone can come and cuddle with them, and that's how I got up close and personal with baby tigers and jaguars this week.
What's Going on South of the Border?
Jim Scherrer
 Attention, Baby Boomers! Don't be late for the party! If you haven't noticed what's going on south of the border, but have only heard about illegal immigration north of the border, the following may prove to be quite awakening and informative.
PV Goes "Bananas" in Support of Children
Debbi Egan
 Last week, Len and Larry turned Banana Cantina upside down and inside out, raising $31,348 pesos for R.I.S.E. On April 16th, Intercam-Vallarta's Alma and Jason will host Charity Night to raise money for New Life Mexico's Street Boys program.
From England to Vallarta to Help Our Kids
Pamela Owen
 A Newbury university student is raising money for a trip to Mexico where she will help disabled children. Annabel Foster-Fletcher, aged 20, will set off to Puerto Vallarta on June 20 where she will work at a day centre caring for the children.
Children's Classical Concert Under the Stars
PVNN
 Come enjoy a free Children's Classical Concert featuring the dedicated efforts of young classical musicians and ballet dancers at the Cuale Cultural Center in downtown Puerto Vallarta on Friday, April 18th at 7 pm.
Nayarit Breakfast Network - April 18th
Kelly Trainor de O.
 The U.S. Consular Agency Vallarta, in conjunction with Community Service Projects in Nayarit, is sponsoring the third monthly Nayarit Breakfast Network on Friday, April 18th at 9:30 am (Jalisco time) at the La Cruz de Huanacaxtle Yacht Club.
Retirement in Puerto Vallarta - Stranded in the Third World?
Jim Scherrer
 With the thousands of houses and condos currently under construction, the totally new city infrastructure, and the future ten year building plan underway, Puerto Vallarta is no longer a developing economy; it’s a booming economy!
Mexico Car Import Permit Information
Laura Joachín M.
 After discussions in the last Puerto Vallarta Navy League meeting, it seems there is some confusion about importation of alien vehicles. The following information is a transcription of an article in the customs law regarding the Car Import Permit.
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