Summer Welcome from PVRPV

Summer is here and you can feel it in the air in Vallarta! Come enjoy the high day temperatures and relax into the evening with the harmonious rains and spectacular storms of the season. This peaceful season is perfect for the budget-conscientious traveler, as air fairs and accommodations are at their lowest prices of the year.

Mango Shrimp Recipe from Mexico

Mmmmmmm Getting hungry yet??
"Hey Abuelita, What's cooking?" Recipe of the Month
Mango Shrimp
For each serving, you will need:
2 tsp Couscous 2 tsp Paprika2 tsp Black Pepper 2 tsp Salt 2 tsp Cumin 3 1/2 oz Mango Chutney*2 tsp Wasabe 5 Large Shrimp Bamboo Skewers
Thread raw shrimp on the skewers. In a bowl, mix together: paprika, wasabe, cumin, salt and pepper. Brush mixture over shrimp and grill. Serve with Mango Chutney and Mango Sauce
* Mango Chutney
1/2 tsp Butter 1 tsp Chile Guajillo 1 tsp Raisins 3 Cloves 2/3 cup Cubed Mango 1/2 oz Tamarind Concentrate
1. In a double boiler, over low heat melt together the butter and Chile guajillo 2. Add the mango, raisins and cloves to the butter mixture and let simmer for 5 minutes 3. Add Tamarind Concentrate, bring to a boil stirring frequently until reduced to half 4. Refrigerate
* Mango Sauce
1 lb Fresh Mango 2 oz White Wine 1/2 cup Melon Liqueur 1/2 tsp Curry1 1/2 tbsp Sugar
1. Cube fresh Mango 2. Combine butter, white wine and melon liqueur in a medium saucepan and simmer over low heat until butter is melted 3. Saute mango in butter mixture 4. Mix in the Curry, sugar and mint. Boil for 15 minutes until liquified 5. Refrigerate
Buen provecho!

New Guest Testimonials for PVRPV

I would just like to say that I have met 2 of the most friendliest people in Puerto Vallarta. Tim and Mike. The both of them couldn't have been more helpful in finding me a place to stay. I would not hesitate to reccomend PVRPV Rentals to anyone in search of a rental. Thank you both so much for your help and friendship. Siempre mi, Judy Peters
Judy Peters Vancouver, Canada Selva Romantica #5
I am so glad to have found PVRPV. Jeff was very professional, honest and knew his properties. We had no surprises when we arrived at our condo. I was impressed with the personal touches PVRPV offered. Elizabeth met us on arrival with a Welcome Basket. She showed us around the condo and left us with the telephone number and address of PVRPV. Tim and Mike we very friendly and helpful when we dropped in to the office to say "HI". When it was time to leave for the airport Mike came and checked us out. Thanks for the relaxing, comfortable, stress free vacation.
Andrea ScottCochrane, Alberta Loma Del Mar B-10
Our condo was great!!! It was spacious and so conveniently located. We couldn't believe our luck. The staff at PVRPV was excellent and got back to us right away with any concerns and questions. Thank you for making our trip easy and fun. We look forward to coming back soon.
Michelle Hart Tucson Arizona Condo del Puente D1
We had a great time in PV and were very pleased with the service from Mike and Tim, We would not hesitate to refer your company to friends and Family for future vacations. We noticed you had updated the listing for that particular Condo regarding the noise from the Restaurant, Thanks. We are looking forward to seeing you again in April.
Brian & Margaret ChristieAjax Ontario El Dorado B1

Semana Santa

The Holy Week of Easter is the most important Catholic religious festival in South America. Semana Santa, Holy Week, celebrates the last days of Christ's life, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, as well as the end of Lent. Semana Santa is observed with a range of celebrations, from the most solemnly religious, to a mix of pagan/Catholic, to commercial. This is a happening place those two weeks. The city is full with people from every part of the world. The beaches are full of folks just thawing out ready for spring to roll in. It is also a great opportunity to explore this amazing culture up close and personal.
Easter Week (Semana Santa) Palm Sunday April 9 Passover April 12 Good Friday April 14 Easter Week April 12-19 Availablity
February & March PVRPV Availability (Please click on the BLUE hyperlink below)
February 26 - March 5 March 5 - March 12 March 12 - 19 March 19 - 26

Huge Success for our friends, the children at the PV Landfill

We have been overwhelmed at the great success our work at the PV Landfill. Many guests, homeowners and friends have poured out their hearts and wallets to help us support these great kids and their mothers.
As you know we go out each Monday afternoon. We gather food from over five area restaurants and head out to the site. We spend a few hours sharing a meal and "hanging out" with the kids.
We may start a futbol game (soccer), often ending up acting like monkey bars with kids hanging to all limbs. In December Santa came out just before Christmas and the kids had a heyday. Several business owners in the Olas Altas community came together to raise $500 USD for our kids this Chirstmas. We went out and bought about 600 pieces of toys, kids and baby cloths, teen boy and girl type stuff, hygiene and hair care products. We then had enough cash left over to sponsor a child next year and the Olas Altas Business Community is committed to the next four years of continuing this child's education. Santa walked away with two lolly pop stuck to his suite and a very happy smile. That makes two total sponsorships in two months. The awards will be given in February.
We have one homeowner who has even donated 1000 back packs to our project. That is enough for two full years. It is so many we need to have the US Navy bring in the material. Amazing! How awesome it is to know the kind of folks we work with. More importantly the good that is actually changing lives here. It is satisfying to be so involved in this important charitable work.
Here is a list of just some of our awesome contributors:
Chris Hanson - Cochran Realty - Puerto Vallarta Andele's Restaurant & Bar – Olas Altas Mama Delores Diner " …Homestyle American & Mexican Fare" Olas Altas Pat Tacy and George Grey Nate - Puerto VallartaPVRPV – "Premier Vacation Rentals" Puerto Vallarta Mexico Doug Mayhew - Belmont Pets – Launder Pet, Long Beach CA Sama…More than a Martini Bar – Olas Altas Puerto Vallarta Apaches Martini & Cocktail Bar & Bistro - Olas Altas Puerto Vallarta Coffee Cup – Olas Altas Diva's Bar – "..Just a touch of Attitude" - Old Town PV Shannon Beston Properties – Puerto Vallarta Mickey Adams - Puerto Vallarta Safari Café " …Comida Soul Food" – Olas Altas Gregory Onstot – Springfield MO, USATerry Fenton & Charles Harte – Seattle WA, USA Gary Green Anahiem CA, USA Mrs. Josephine Baremore, Kerrville, TXThe Acevedo Family, San Antontio Glenda Green and Friends, Alberta Canada
And many other donors as well we wish to Thank!

Hot New Properties for Vacation Rental Homes!

Estrellita Del Mar 101
This luxurious two bedroom two bath home is stunning, spacious and is located in the preferred area of Amapas. This Puerto Vallarta vacation home is complete with full kitchen including dishwasher and disposal including a washer and dryer. Each .. more information
Sea River #1240
Soaring high above one of the world's finest beaches is the 1 bedroom ocean front Sea River Vacation Rental. Completely furnished, this air conditioned vacation rental condo omes with 2 double beds and a sunken living room. Complete with kitchenette .. more information
Selva Romantica, Villa Safari # 12
Top, 4th floor, studio apartment located in the Romantic Zone of "Old Town" Puerto Vallarta, two blocks up from the pier on "Los Muertos" Beach. Apartment terrace has great southern vistas of old town Puerto Vallarta, mountains, and .. more information
Amazonas Casa De Dante
Amazonas Casa de Dante is a wonderful vacation rental located in the heart of Olas Altas and three minutes or two blocks to the beach. This gorgeous brand new 2 bedroom condo located in Selva Romantica is warm and inviting. This Puerto Vallarta .. more information
Loma Del Mar A11
Spacious two bedroom one bath; fully equipped kitchen with granite countertops, daybeds in livingroom, washer/dryer, Carlos Alberto designed renovation.Ground floor unit (no stairs to climb) with deeded parking .. more information
La Casa De El Perrito Blanco
Located on hillside in upper Conchas Chinas with view of the ocean below. Ground floor level with private walled terrace including garden, grassy area and tiled patio surrounding your own private pool. Almost like having your own home. Cable TV. .. more information

A Special Note on Gratutity

Please remember that each of your service employees depend on your kind gratuity for support. PVRPV suggests that the maids, concierge and the various building staff that may assist you receive a $1 or $2 USD per day gratuity for the period of your time in Vallarta. The average median income in Mexico is only about $550 per month, and every penny counts. These are great folks who are working hard for you and we would like to encourage your support for their efforts. Thank You!!

"Thar be Whales, Capitan!" Scotty, Starship Enterprise

"Thar be whales, Capitan!" Scotty, Starship Enterprise
While on the beach on Sunday, members of our staff and many guests were pleasantly surprised by a pod of Humpback Whales frolicking in the Bay. An awesome site as these huge magnificent animals performed for nearly an hour, entertaining the entire Los Muertos Beach all the way to the marina. The entire beach was mesmerized at the sight of the whales and their babies.
Singled out by its short, wide body and long, curved flippers which are often one third of the total body length, this slow easy-moving animal is usually easily approached. However, the laws of Mexico forbid approaching or disturbing the animals in the Bay of Banderas. The normal length of the Pacific adult males is about 12.5 m and of females 14.6 m. The average weight can be nearly 30 tons.
The humpback is often seen throwing itself out of the water in stunning somersaults and crashing back into the sea again. It rolls on the surface, or sometimes jumps clear out of the water, flippers beating the air as if it were attempting to take off and fly. In the mating season, they sometimes use their flippers to pat each other. 'Nuff said about that! Humpbacks are hunted by humans and killer whales. These whales have been hunted to near extinction, and estimates from 2,500-10,000 exist today. During breeding season the Humpback males are known for singing the longest and most complex songs in the animal kingdom.
Humpbacks are highly inquisitive and will approach quite closely, showing little fear of boats.
Whale watching is fast becoming one of the primary reasons so many guests are pouring into Vallarta each winter. Come enjoy the many eco-wonders of our enchanted bay and see for yourself why Puerto Vallarta is indeed the crown jewel for the Mexican Riviera.

How It Began, Way Back? Paradise Kingdom

Recorded history about Puerto Vallarta starts around 621 BC, when it was part of a large kingdom called Xalisco, ruled by a King called Nayarita. Obviously it was known as one of the most beautiful spots in the entire kingdom. As time moved on, tribes including the Toltecas and the Aztecas migrated to the area and opened up a trail to the Nahuatl Empire located in the valley of Mexico that today is known as Mexico City. During the early 1500?s an explorer from Spain, Francisco Cortes officially stumbled the bay surrounding Puerto Vallarta, but the settlement remained relatively unknown to the outside world for hundreds of years.
The luster of the Bay of Banderas finally reached international global attention in 1963 when John Huston directed the infamous film called "The Night of the Iguana" which began the creation of the mystique as well as mass attention to this area. Soon afterwards Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton purchased adjoining homes in the Gringo Gulch area of Vallarta, forever changing the reality of this small village. Now Puerto Vallarta boasts more than 250,000 citizens yet has retained the charms of a small village..

European Union Visitors

We are also seeing many visitors from Europe and Australia. We are looking forward to introducing more of Vallarta to the European Union. The town is jumping and folks are having the time of their lives. We are meeting so many new friends, and we are certainly looking forward to meeting you. So far the English, Dutch and German folks are discovering our little gem. We will be developing relationships with travel agencies within the European Union countries this next year. This is truly one of the most diverse international welcoming communities in the world.

Sunwig and PVRPV Announce New Partnership

Canadians everywhere! More and more direct flights are coming in from Canada. www.PVRPV.com & Sunwing Tours are announcing package tours featuring direct flights from Toronto. Please visit www.sunwing.ca for more details. Awesome condos available in the preferred Playa Bonita, La Palapa, Playa del Sol and the Loma del Mar buildings. This is a direct benefit to the hundreds of Toronto and eastern Canadian visitors. Awesome condos are available in the preferred Playa Bonita, La Palapa, Playa del Sol and the Loma del Mar buildings. This is a direct benefit to the hundreds of Toronto and eastern Canadian visitors. We highly recommend this great company and awesome services. These folks know Vallarta and will represent the market well. There will be a plane with approximately 200 guests landing in Puerto Vallarta each Thursday afternoon. Attention all Toronto visitors check out the Sunwing website to learn more. www.sunwing.ca.

Human Tsunami Hits Puerto Vallarta 2006!

Merchants all over Vallarta indicate they are assessing about a 25% increase in visitors to our little bayside village. It has been amazing to see so many folks coming to enjoy the area and all that it has to offer. Of course with this success the increase in tourist have also have also brought some extra fun particularly with traffic which is always fun in Vallarta. The beaches are just buzzing and full of beach bodies soaking up all the sun. The restaurants and clubs are just hopping. Several brand new eatiers are making a huge success and getting awesome reviews. On the whole all is well in paradise! Mostly the increase is due because of the damage in Cancun. Never before has Vallarta seen such a rise in visitors. Fun is being had by all!

Mmmmmm Getting Hungry Yet?

"Hey Abuelita, What's cooking?" Recipe of the Month
The Mexican Christmas Tamale
For almost all Mexican families a Christmas season without tamales is just not complete. This delicious typical dish--prepared almost exclusively in December to eat during the year-end parties and celebrations--comes from a tradition spanning more than 1000 plus years.
The base of tamale is corn, or maize, a crop cultivated by the Meso-american Indians since pre-Columbian times. Corn has always been an essential element in their diet and it is used to prepare an endless number of tasty dishes, such as the well-known tortillas and atole, plus, even, alcoholic drinks like chicha.
It is also believed that tamales are a part of our ancestors' heritage. The truth is, all Mexicans will remember having eaten them since they were small children. A firm tradition rooted deep in each family.
Making and cooking tamales is generally an activity which involves the participation of all family members. It is a slow, careful and laborious process. As some family members prepare the corn dough, others will be chopping and mincing additional ingredients and yet others will be preparing the plantain leaves and strings that will be used to wrap the tamales for boiling. Grandmothers and mothers will teach granddaughters and daughters how to make tamales; making sure the tradition is kept alive. Even the men get in to the act nowadays!
All through the month of December no Mexican home will be found without tamales. It might seem as if they don't get tired of eating them; some, even three or four times a day! They are eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner and they are absolutely fundamental for coffee break time.
During the season, invitations to eat tamales at friends' and relatives' homes are common. Whoever does not make them can buy them ready to eat from commercial producers. The fact is, for Christmas, tamales cannot be missing from the kitchen!
Ingredients:
2 pounds maize (corn flour) 2 pounds pork2 pounds bacon 2 cups cooked, seasoned rice Ground chicharron (cracklings; fried pork skin) Several carrots A few potatoes Sweet peppers Coriander Canned peas Salt, black pepper, cumin
Soak the corn dough flour in water and cook it with a little salt one day before making the tamales. Wash it thoroughly and change the water. Let it stand overnight. The next day, knead it into dough.
Boil or sautee the carrots, potatoes, onion, perhaps a little Serrano pepper and meat in separate pots, seasoning with black pepper, cumin, coriander and salt.
Once this is done add the water from the meat you just cooked to the dough until you get an intermediate thick consistency. Also add some salt and the potatoes, previously mashed or pureed in a blender.
Wash the plantain leaves (you can substitute banana leaves). Cut them into 16 by 14 inch pieces. On each piece place two tablespoonfuls of dough. On top of the dough place a tablespoonful of rice, a piece of meat, some chicharron, a slice or two of carrots, some peas, coriander and a strip of sweet pepper. Fold the leaf into a rectangular shape, making sure no part of the tamal is exposed. Tie the bundle carefully and securely with string.
The rest is easy. Just place them in salted, boiling water for about one hour. Unwrap them so you can get to one of the most typical and delightful tastes of Mexico.
Note: Many variations exist on this basic recipe. Different kinds of meat can be substituted (shredded chicken breast and roast beef are two favorites), breakfast items and the flavor of the corn dough can be enhanced greatly by adding a few minced onions, some crushed garlic and maybe even a little Tabasco sauce. In Mexico the basic "seasoned rice" is rice cooked with minced onion, diced sweet pepper, garlic, coriander and salt.
Buen provecho!

Gratuitous PV Trivia Zona Romantica Street Names by Tim Byrne

Author: Tim Byrne
Have you ever been curious about the names of the streets in Old Town Puerto Vallarta?
After a bit of research one discovers the explanations of the various street names in the Zona Romantica of Puerto Vallarta. Many are named after governors of Jalisco; figures, some from the period of the 1910 revolution and the early days of the PRI/PRD party, or trees.

Amapas - The amapa is a tree with bright yellow flowers, the flower is the basis of a number of common embroidery patterns along the coast. If you Google amapa árbol you can find pictures, etc.

Pilitas – A pila is a baptismal font, and pilitas are the small holy water stoups at the entrances of catholic churches (pilitas de agua bendita).

Púlpito - Means "pulpit" in spanish. (Pulpito without the accent means little octopus).

Manuel Diéguez - Governor of Jalisco at about the time of the revolution and an ally of V. Carranza. There is more about V. Carranza below.

Olas Altas - You probably know this means "big waves" already. (Tall waves literally, but we don’t say that in English.)

Basilio Badillo - Governor of Jalisco for a time, but more importantly an intellectual and publicist for Obregón (Mexico’s president in the 20’s and responsible for stabilizing the country after the revolution). Badillo was part of the intellectual clique that set up the PRD party that would later become the PRI, Mexico’s dominant ruling party until Fox’s election in 2000.

Pino Suarez - Was F. Madero's vice president and was executed with Madero during a coup in 1913. There is more about Madero below.

Ignacio Vallarta - The Jalisco governor for whom the city itself is named. He also served on the Supreme court an in a number of roles in the foreign office during the Porfiriato (late 19th century dictatorship that lasted nearly 40 years until the revolution ended it).

Venustiano Carranza - One of Mexico's early post revolutionary presidents and an ally of Madero in the revolution. Madero was overthrown by a coup in 1913, and Carranza was the political leader of the resistance. He became president in 1915 and then was re-elected under the new constitution of 1917.

Insurgentes - The name applied to those who fought for independence from Spain.

Lázaro Cardenas - One of Mexico's most important presidents. He nationalized the oil industry in the 30's and carried out a great deal of land reform. He is also responsible for cementing the dominance of the PRI party.

Francisco Madero - Leader of the campaign to oust the dictator Porfirio Diaz. Madero called for the revolution in 1910, and he succeeded Diaz as president. As president he was slow to implement reforms and he was toppled and killed during a 1913 coup known as the /Decena Tragica /(tragic ten days) because of the large death toll in Mexico City over the ten days of the coup.

Aquiles Serdán - Supporter of Madero, killed with his family in the first days of the 1910 revolt. He is recognized as the first martyr of the revolution.

5 de Febrero - Anniversary date of the ratification of the 1917 constitution.

And then the uninspired trio of names for uninspired cross streets: Aguacate - avocado,
Jacarandas - a tree or shrub with violet flowers, and Naranjo - the orange tree.
It is suspected that prior to the 1950s most of the north-south streets were named for trees while most of the east-west streets were named for church related things. As the town was developed in the 50’s after the first road was put through into the town, the streets were renamed after local greats related to the revolution and the ruling party.
Next Month we will explore the communities south of Puerto Vallarta!

New Staff Additionc at PVRPV

New Staff Additions Announced!
Growth is always a good thing and we have added two excellent staff members to your PVRPV Team.
Vacation Rental Division
Concierge Tour & Activities Sales!
Omar Cordova, his wife Teresa and their two children hail from Puebla, a small community outside of Mexico City. Omar is a great asset to us as a concierge for PVRPV. He really comes to us with a wealth of tourism and sales. His experience with the tours and activities in Puerto Vallarta is strong and will provide our Guests the excellent service they have come to expect from a PVRPV Premier Vacation Rental.
Please join us in welcoming Omar to the Team.
Property Management Division
Property Management Administration Assistant
Alejandra Casas and her partner are native Vallartians and she is excited about working with us as we are with her. She comes to us at an important time in our growth in the Property Management Division of PVRPV. We have gained a great reputation in our administration of property management of vacation homes here in Puerto Vallarta. Alejandra will assist and support Agustin in maintaining excellent property care for each of our Homeowners.
Welcome aboard Alejandra!