New Malecon in La Penita Mexico

It was a bright bluebird Riviera Nayarit day when I visited La Penita, Mexico  to get some recent shots of the new malecon, and the newly paved streets a couple of days ago. Standing on the new La Penita malecon and looking out over the ocean viewing Coral Island off in the distance with the pelicans lining the beach was stunningly beautiful!
As it has seemed like forever, the vision that was once a dream for many years is now almost completed.  The La Penita Malecon is finished, and it looks like it has been well worth all of the dust, torn up streets and the long wait.  Old structures were torn down, as well as the streets being torn up during the high season; enduring all of the dust and the mess last year has now unfolded to a new and very beautiful malecon that all will surely enjoy. There is still some work left to be done on the new sidewalks. There are some deep rectangular deep holes for the electrical work that are not blocked off so watch your step! As, one could seriously injure oneself!

The new La Penita Malecon is quite a beauty to behold, with inlaid pebbles in a zig-zag design and the Riviera Nayarit logo painted at both ends.  There are plenty of very comfortable benches for seating with Queen Palms planted next to them that will someday bring the beautiful shade.  The new light posts add to the charm.  Easy wide steps lead up to the malecon, as well as wheelchair ramps making the malecon assessable for everyone.

La Penita, Nayarit, a very authentic Mexican pueblo,  is located between Rincon de Guayabitos and Chacala on the Jaltemba Bay.

La Penita has not seen any town upgrades for quite a while.  Not only is La Penita a family town, but also an industrial town, where you can go and get anything that you are needing to build, create or fix. This Mexican pueblo is a favorite for many visitors and snowbirds that relocate for 6 months out of the year during the high season, from November through April, or until Semana Santa begins!

The beachfront La Penita restaurant, Las Brisas, who use to set up tables on the beach serving ice cold beers and great burgers, looks like they are remodeling and gearing up for high season with the newly built malecon right in front of the restaurant. Hytham and Lucy of El Rincon Del Arabe have moved to their new location which is just up from the malecon on one of the new streets and will be selling all kinds of fun Arabic / Egyptian  items, as well as their awesome menu of delicious delights.

Things are looking up for La Penita Mexico!

The La Penita Tianguis runs all year long, every Thursday, starting at 8 am and ending about noon to 1 pm..during the summer.  It is the largest tianguis on the Riviera Nayarit during the high season.

I am quite sure that everyone venturing to La Penita Mexico will be quite pleased this coming high season, as the locals are already enjoying the ambiance of the La Penita Malecon, right here on the Riviera Nayarit in amazing Mexico!

Visit La Penita Mexico and check out the new La Penita Malecon, and enjoy your time on your Riviera Nayarit vacation! 

 

 

Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue In Mexico

If you have not yet heard of Lin Chimes (seen here below busy at work!) and the Non Profit Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue program,  well..she is one amazing woman who pulls us and the Mexico dog and cat population together in the Jaltemba Bay area, (Las Varas, La Penita and Guayabitos) on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.
From coordinating and working the free spay and neuter clinics, fundraisers, adoptions and coordinating travel plans to get these animals connected with their new owners, Lin Chimes is one dear angel!
Lin has a lot caring folks on her animal rescue team, and we applaud all of you! Thank YOU!
Some folks already have several animals, or aren’t the position where they can have animals. There are many ways to help support the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue program, via donations of supplies, time or monies. Check below to find out how you can help!
Below is the Jaltemba Bay Animals Rescue summer news letter. Check out the events and the loving pets that are ready to be adopted. These animals need our love and kindness. They give us unconditional love, and are ready to open your hearts and become part of your family!

Jaltemeba Bay Animal Rescue
Advocating humane and healthy practices for animals in the Jaltemba area (Las Varas, La Penita and Guayabitos)  by promoting health, education, sterilization, adoptions, foster care and positive relationships with animals and their owners.
December 2003 to May 2013: During this time, there were 16 clinics and 3,298 animals spayed or neutered in the Jaltemba Bay Area!

Statistics for April                                       Year to Date:
Sterilized: 218 animals                                   282 animals
Vaccinated: 50 animals                                    81 animals
Medical Treatments: 34 animals                       71 animals
Medical Emergencies: 12 animals                    16 animals
Adopted Out: 27 animals 54 animals
Health Certificates: 16 animals                         30 Canada/1 USA
Statistics for May                                          Year to Date:
Sterilized: 13 animals                                       295 animals
Vaccinated: 32 animals                                    113 animals
Medical Treatments: 4 animals                           75 animals
Medical Emergencies: 0 animals                        16 animals
Adopted Out: 6 animals                                      60 animals
Health Certificates: 1 animal                              31 Canada/1 USA

Our Next Clinic is planned for: November 13th to 16th, 2013 at at the beautiful hacienda of Del and Sue Moss. Thank you so much, Del and Sue!

JBAR is on the Web!! (Please click on the live links below to view the videos)
JBAR is honored that Don Chaput, Angel Communications made two great videos about JBAR. The first
“You May Not Save the World But” is about JBAR: its beginnings, its clinics and its work.
The 2nd video Don made is about our first “ Greet and Sniff Party “in Victoria where we had a reunion with
50 of JBAR’s adopted dogs and their families.
Don has an extensive background as a freelance videographer, cinematographer, director, producer, and editor. He has completed over 150 film and video projects for Canadian and international clients, including governments, school boards, research foundations, television stations, and private-sector companies and has held long term
contract positions as a videographer and cinematographer with the CBC. He has freelanced for Australian Film commission, British Government, Saudi Arabia, Home and Garden TV, Discovery Channel, Fuji, Toshiba, Sony of
Japan, Volkswagen of Germany, Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation Communications BC, BC Premier Glen Clarke and Steven Spielberg. Don also received an award as a videographer for Steven Spielberg’s
project, “Survivors of the Shoah,” recording the personal testimony of individuals who lived through the Nazi regime in Europe.

Fundraising Events in Victoria this Summer:

Please join us at the Mexi-Can Vet Project booth to help to raise money for Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue at the following events:
The Gorge Canada Day Picnic July 1 st at the Park
The 2nd Annual “Meet and Sniff” Party September 8th. All JBAR adopteddogs and the families are welcome.
Thank you to Mary Koyl for hosting a fundraising tea for us in Victoria in June.

Jim Stewart and Margie Macartney representing Mexi-Can Pet Project at the Vancouver Island Pet Expo in Victoria in May.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sue and Mick Chapman $ 100.00 CAD Virginia Grant
$ 40.00 USD Jennifer Barton
$1,000.00 pesos George and Sandy Nicholson
$ 40.00 CAD Dinah Cyr $ 50.00 CAD
Virginia Grant $ 40.00 USD
Susan Denike $ 300.00 CAD
Dr. C. Buxton $ 500.00 CAD (South Burnaby Veterinary Hospital Ltd)
David Simm $ 200.00 CAD Mex-Can Vet Project $2,500.00 CAD
Julie Lamson $ 52.50 CAD
Thank you, Julie, for flying little Negra (Winnie) to Canada.
Thanks also to Dr. Carolyn Buxton at the South Burnaby Veterinary Hospital for finding a loving home for her.
Hailey MacLean who donated an Oster animal clipper, 8 blades,and 4 cans of blade wash from the Oster corporation.
Brian Harnett from Wahl Canada who donated 6 Oster Animal Clippers and to Ron Nicholls for facilitating these donations.
Melanie Blair (Beach Dog Boarding and Salon) thank you for the photograph at both ‘Paws for a Cause’ events which raised a total of $2700 pesos www.BeachDogInMexico.com
Thank to Joy and Lionel for rescuing another little abandoned dog from La Penita beach . They have rescued Pico two years ago from La Penita Centro . Actually , the dog adopted Joy. She followed her all the way to the RV Parkand would not leave . This little one , Miss Lucy , was covered with ticks , flees and matted all over . She had been abandoned by her owner and was fending for herself for a month . A special thank you to Joy for her volunteer days at the November Spay and Neuter Clinic .

FOR ADOPTION

Chocolate lab puppy “Lila” Female, Sterilized and Vaccinated, 6 months old. Very friendly.
Sandy, 4 months, female, sterilized.
Well socialized with other dogs and cats. Very sweet!
For Adoption:
Skipper, 4 months old, Male and sterilized. Well socialized with other dogs and cats
Honey, 4 months old, Female and sterilized. Loves to be held. Well socialized with other dogs and cats
Sandy, Skipper and Honey are litter mates.
Capulina for Adoption.  Her adoptive parents never showed up so she is back for adoption Vaccinated and sterilized She will be a loving companion. Very well socialized with other cats and dogs.
Also for adoption many great kittens and cats! All sterilized.

Our recent ADOPTEES!
Estrella Adopted Negra (Winnie) Adopted
Pia Adopted
Tigre Adopted
Star Adopted
http://www.mexpup.com Please let us know if you are willing to be a Guardian Angel to accompany a pup back to Canada.

TO MAKE A DONATION to JBAR:
Email to: linchimes@hotmail.com
Donations may be made through mail, direct deposit, email money transfer or in person.
Check us out on Facebook: Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue
More information about JBAR may be found at these websites:
Jaltemba Jalapeno
Adopt a Dog from Mexico Program
Mexi-Can Vet Project 2011.

DON”T FORGET TO CLICK ON THIS LINK!   
http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com
Thanks to all of you for your wonderful support! It all because of you!

Support the Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico today!

 

Los Amigos on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico

There are plenty of fundraisers in the Jaltemba Bay during the winter season, and the Los Amigos is preparing for one more big party before the season ends on the Riviera Nayarit in Mexico.
As the calendar turns to March, many of the seasonal residents of Jaltemba Bay start to think about making plans to head back north. But before you do, Los Amigos de Jaltemba, theCitizens Action Committee of La Peñita and the Municipal Delegation would like to invite you to one last big bash: Fiesta 2012 –Taste of Jaltemba / Sabor a Jaltemba.

Come and Join the Party

The party is on Saturday, March 10 from 3 pm until midnight at the Salon de Eventos – Real de Peña’s – formerly known as La Cancha de Futbol. Tickets are only 100 pesos per person – food and drink are extra, of course.

There will be non-stop entertainment from 3 until midnight. Dance to the Perez Brothers, En joy the stylings of Adan Lopez, Manuel and Friends, and many others. And, later on, Los Ratones and Los Chakas will take the stage. There will be belly dancers, flamenco dancers and folkloric dancers from
the Conalep. And we’ll even throw in a few surprises.

Come and Enjoy Tasty Cuisine

Food? El Pollito, Vista Guayabitos, El Rodeo, Teriyaki Time, Rockys, Chasite, La Casita de Irma and Marios Tortas will all be there and you’ll get a chance to sample fare from all of these fine establishments.

Los Amigos is proud to work with the Citizens Action Committee of La Peñita and the Municipal Delegation in putting together this event. The Citizens Action Committee is working hard to build a sense of community and we are pleased to be a part of that effort.

Los Amigos Accomplishments

Los Amigos has accomplished a great deal over the last few years. Our plastics recycling program is recycling about 4000 kilos of plastics every month. We are currently providing scholarships to 36 students at the Conalep. We have completed 11 building and maintenance projects at local schools
and are now working to establish a Teachers Resource Centre. We have helped remove abandoned buildings from the beach and worked with partners to bring a micro-finance program to the area. But we need your help to continue this work

So come out to meet old and new friends, have a great time – and support a great cause.

Get Your Tickets

Tickets are available at – El Panorama, Hamaca Maya, Hidden Paradise, Los Compadres and Xaltemba Restaurant in La Peñita and at Latitude 21 and Matejas in Guayabitos. They will also be available at the Los Amigos booth at the tianguis every Thursday and from many members of Los Amigos and the La Peñita Citizens Actions Committee.

It’s also note to late to become an event sponsor. Please go to the Los Amigos website:
www.losamigosdejaltemba.com for more information on this opportunity.

Come and support the Los Amigos de Jaltemba on the Riviera Nayarit in beautiful Mexico.

 

If you’re visiting the Pacific coast of Mexico, why not try something different and discover Bahia Jaltemba Bay? It’s only 60 kilometers (37.5 miles) from Puerto Vallarta, and just a 25-minute drive north of Sayulita. Although it’s easy to reach, it may just as well be another world away since the area is more traditional and less touristy than other nearby towns.

Jaltemba Bay is a relatively undiscovered area and not as commercialized as other beach towns in the Riviera Nayarit, which makes it a perfect escape for some rest and relaxation. The area consists of four towns – Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, La Penita de Jaltemba, and La Colonia – which are small, wholesome, authentic towns that welcome families, couples, and individuals seeking a peaceful, quiet retreat.

La Colonia is at the northernmost end of Bahia Jaltemba Bay, the last town in the group, and is marked by a long stretch of a golden sand beach called Bahia de Naranja (Orange Bay) which is about a three-hour walk. One of the most pristine beaches in the area, this is the ideal place to breathe the fresh air, swim in the warm Pacific Ocean, or simply lay back on the soft sand and escape from the hustle-and-bustle of daily life.

The beach isn’t as developed as those found in the other three towns, inspiring a raw virgin appeal. Since the pace of life in La Colonia is measured only by wind and waves, time stands still with the impression of having stepped back in time. When compared to a hectic modern lifestyle, you can’t help but appreciate the simple rural life. The congestion of the city is replaced by tiny shops selling whimsical items that catch your fancy.

What makes the beach at La Colonia more precious than other beaches is its unique sea turtle sanctuary, which provides protection to three types of turtles native to the region: the Hawksbill, Leatherback, and Olive Ridley, which have varied nesting seasons during the year, keeping this turtle sanctuary hopping.

Tours are offered for sea turtle observation, education, and release. The baby Olive Ridley turtles are only released after an incubation period of about 45 days before entering the ocean, which happens during late night hours at the waters’ edge to reduce exposure to predators. The best months to participate in this truly unique experience are August through January – right around the corner! La Colonia is just a five-minute drive north of La Penita.

 

Travel to the Jaltemba Bay on the Riviera Nayarit and visit La Penita or Guayabitos.

 

A Foreigner’s Eye View on Mexican Culture

While recently taking leave from Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit for a visit to the USA after a long absence, some interesting revelations came to light about our beloved Mexico.  It never ceases to amaze how similar and yet so different American and Mexican cultures can be.  Both countries share the same continent and enjoy similar establishments, such as restaurants, shopping, services, even  entertainment activities and cultural attractions, but both with their own distinctive flair.

Given the negative travel warnings issued over the last few years about Mexico travel, we’d like to share some positive observations about life in Mexico.  Why not share some of your positive experiences with us too?

Slower Pace of Life

One of our favorites, an easygoing pace of life is a major difference between America and Mexico.  People move to a much slower clip in Mexico, both socially and professionally, which is a refreshing change for visitors – although sometimes frustrating when trying to meet deadlines – especially those preferring an escape from the pressures of daily life for a relaxing vacation or a retirement home.

Indirect Communication

Another endearing part of the easygoing Mexican lifestyle is their friendly, cheerful, casual communication style.  In Mexico, talking is an art (Spanish is, after all, a romance language) and since Mexicans like people who enjoy their country, they want to speak with them.  Talking in circles is not uncommon since they don’t quickly get to the point, but be patient, since they usually, eventually do.

Can-Do Attitude

Mexicans really are Mexi-can-s. In Mexico, if something is broken, they will try to repair it and 90% of the time, they can.  As with many things, they put their heart and soul into it because they’re proud of their work; need to earn income; and like to make people happy.  Even if these resourceful people can’t find a replacement part, they may manufacture it using the original part as a pattern.

Punctuality & Attendance

While Mexicans are not generally known for being on time, some are punctual.  More frequently, they’ll schedule appointments and not arrive or agree to go somewhere and not attend.   They will say “yes” even if uncertain but will rarely call to cancel or reschedule, since this is considered rude.  Later, when addressing the issue, they commonly offer the sincerest apologies for their absence.

These are only a few of the obvious differences in Mexican culture.  While foreigners are often bewildered by their customs and norms, their ways are ingrained in their culture and are logical to them.  The driving motivation for much of their behavior is their firm belief in courteousness and obedience.  Mexico is still a hierarchical society based on centuries of Spanish rule when to be anything other than courteous and obedient could yield serious consequences.

Accepting the differences while vacationing or living in Mexico can make all the difference!

Get a foreign Eye View on Mexico from Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit.

 

 

A La Penita Vacation with Ghosts

- By Susan J. Cobb

La Penita Hilltop Ocean View

La Penita de Jaltemba is a charming beach town but not in the touristy sense. Its Pacific Ocean edge is marked by moss covered, wave-battered remains of large houses, victims of Hurricane Kenna, which in 2002, swept away a way of life, along with bricks and mortar. What remains are ghosts: a pair of seahorses atop two pedestals mark the entrance to what was once the malecon, a seaside walkway that residents are assured will be rebuilt “someday.” There is one, and only one, restaurant directly on the beach. The bright parasols of Las Brisas draw locals and tourists on Thursday morning market days. The food is good and they stay.

To walk south along this beach requires climbing up and over the ruins of spacious patios, skirting the footings of what were once walled gardens. Sand-smoothed fragments of tile, stone, and glass provide materials for local mixed media artists. Photographs are best taken at sunset, when light and shadow lend charm and intrigue to what may look harsh and shabby at midday. This is “the real Mexico,” travelers say. The boats drawn up on shore are not for excursions but for local fishermen.

La Penita Hilltop View North

To walk north on the beach is to end up in a place of more ghosts. El panteon viejo, the old graveyard, melts down to the shallow beach at the north end of town. Crypts and stones tilt at odd angles. What secrets are hidden in the sand? The graveyard sits at the foot of a cuesta, an outcropping of black lava rock, a solid base to four or five elegant vacation homes entrenched high above, escaping the waves but not escaping the ghosts. The inn at Casa de los Amigos welcomes paying corporeal guests. Could there be a better place to read a mystery novel or begin writing one?

On the north side there stretches at least 7 kilometers (4 miles) of unobstructed palm-fringed, golden sand beach. At the end, hard up against the base of el cocodrilo, the snout-nosed landmass that crouches at the northern end of Bahia Jaltemba Bay, is Boca de Naranjo. Here there are more ghosts. The frayed and sun-bleached remains of a dozen or so beach palapa restaurants scatter this remote section of beach.  Once a nice place to sit for hours, drinking Pacifico beer and watching whales pirouette and play off shore, a development company evicted the restaurants with plans to build a resort there – someday.

Rincon de Guayabitos Ocean View

If you go by foot, take water, a hat, and sunscreen, since you can easily lose time when ghosts are involved. My teenaged nephew found that out several years ago.  His Sunday morning excursion from our home in Rincon de Guayabitos (I’ll-be-back-in-an-hour-or-so-Aunt-Susan) turned into a rite of passage. Was it ghosts that drew him on and on, enticing him to hike all the way to the base of el cocodrilo? He returned late in the afternoon, sunburned and dehydrated, but as he confided later, with a new perspective on life. Going and coming he had contemplated the ghosts of La Penita.

Things here today can vanish with a breaking wave. Nothing lasts forever except the memories.  Instead of returning to college the next semester, my nephew joined a carnival and traveled through the States for two years, living “full out,” gathering memories that would last a lifetime. Back into his studies now, he still counts that day on Bahia Jaltemba Bay as a pivotal time. Walking with ghosts can sometimes bring the living to life.

For a unique experience, take a La Penita Vacation on the reminiscent shores of Bahia Jaltemba Bay in the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.

 

© 2012 Riviera Nayarit Fun Suffusion theme by Sayontan Sinha