Battered Women Fundraiser

The Rocky Horror Picture Show became the focal point of a fundraiser last night by the PV Battered Womens Shelter.  It had been many many years since I religiously went to the 12 midnight showing in Denver at the Odgen Theater.  So when my friend told about the showing for 2 nights only, I had to jump on board.  The event was held at the Palms nightclub where so many shows are taking place now and the 100 pesos donation went to the charity.  They are close to building their own facility as none exists here in Puerto Vallarta and I was amazed at the statistics of how many women are victims of abuse in Mexico!
With raffles, door prizes, and of course the infamous movie it was a fun night.  I saw there were quite a few of the 'die hard' Rocky Horror Picture Show fans with all the accutrement including the toast, spray bottles, newspapers, confetti, rice, etc.  that I so fondly remember.   The lack of attendance at the event was the only downside and maybe they will have a better crowd tonite at the 1000pm showing?   I hope so as it is a worthwhile cause and a lot of fun to boot!

Las Carmelitas Restaurant

Very high above Puerto Vallarta lies one of the highest buildings in the surrounding area that serves as a restaurant called Las Carmelitas Restaurant.  I had been there many years ago so I was somewhat familiar with the steep road up that way as well as the food quality and view.  The road is quite manageable because most of it is cobblestoned.   However, to my surprise they have built a new restaurant even higher up above the old restaurant!  Only 3 months old the new location is even more spectacular and much larger.  While funds are still short to complete the project it was adequately finished to enjoy a pleasant meal in a pleasant enviroment.  The tile work is very detailed and is very upscale, so I can understand it is going to take a lot more money to finish it completely.
The old place had so-so Mexican food, but the view was what is was all about, so most people did not care.  The new place has transformed the whole experience into a first class restaurant with fantastic mango margaritas (150 pesos, expensive but very large), and a new menu that specializes in Continental cuisine such as seafood and steak.  No Mexican food to be had!
We ordered the "Carmelitas Special Fish"  and it was fantastic!  Between 2 layers of Mahi Mahi fish it was stuffed with onions, mushrooms, peppers, cheese, and shrimp, then a mole type sauce on top.  It was served with rice, vegetables, coleslaw, and garlic bread.  Very tasty!
Another person ordered the Seafood Stew which was a tomato based soup just loaded with seafood like shrimp, crab, scallops, fish, mussels, and oysters.....also very tasty.
Now to the view, as it is spectactular and there is no place else in the surrounding Banderas Bay area that you can see the whole bay!  We were there for sunset and it was spectacular!  With the birds flying around us because of the altitude, I would say we were around 1000 feet above sea level!
Las Carmelitas is not cheap and they do not accept credit cards, so bring plenty of cash, but the view, service, and food was well worth the entire experience.  Entrees are priced 200-400 pesos.

Old Dirty Bitches Show

Now renamed and revitalized, The Originals show that was at Blue Chairs for so many years has returned back to Puerto Vallarta in a new location a The Palms/Viva Show Bar!  Located at 508 Olas Altas next door to Sama Martini Lounge, the new location provides a large area to handle large audiences.    I am so pleased that the "ladies" have decided to keep PV in their hearts and find a location to perform their amazing shows.  Frank the MC, leader, and founder of the group continues to lead the ladies by being a great commentator and MC.   While there are other drag queen shows in PV, none compare to the talents and quality of Jackie, Angie, and Diva. 
The routines last night included Joan Crawford, Tina Turner, Katy Perry, Britany Spears, and an amazing Yodeling song by Diva were all well received by the small but enthusiast audience.    The show was about 1 1/4 hours long and was done very well.   Go see the new "Old Dirty Bitches" show as it is the best in PV!  They perform Wednesdays and Sundays at 8pm but don't be surprised if it 830pm before they hit the stage........remember its Mexican time.

Sayulita, Mexico

I decided to drive the back way into Sayulita for the first time since last year and this was via the turnoff road to Punta Mita.  Then there is a turn off to your right,  just before the back entrance to the Four Seasons Hotel that takes on a wonderful 4 lane road northward past Lumbia where it turns in a 2 lane road for the rest of the way to Sayulita. This part of the road has visible signs of damage including washed out bridges from the heavy rains last fall that also washed out the main bridges into Sayulita and San Francisco.  If you want to go there the quick way just follow the Federal Highway 200 out of Puerto Vallarta northward and the entrance from that direction is clearly marked.  Sayulita is well known in the area for its great surfing waves and that is evident by the many vendors and stores related to the surfing business including board rental and lessons.

Upon arrival in Sayulita on a Sunday, it was very busy and I was lucky to find parking.  It was also the flea market day, so many stands had been setup along a road towards the beach.  We decided to grab some drinks and appetizers, so we headed towards the beach and I was amazed at how many people where on the beach!  It felt like I was back on Los Muertos Beach in PV!  This could have all been because of the 3 day holiday weekend as well.   We enjoyed a bucket of beers (7 vs the usual 5), deluxe nachos, and shrimp cerviche all for a very cheap 250 pesos so about $20.00 at El Capitan Pablo Restaurant right on the edge of the beach.  Service was great and we enjoyed watching all the surfers and beach goers beyond.  
After our break, we decided to walk around and do a little shopping.  I had been looking for some cloth placemats around Mexico in my travels and had not found them, but walking into Galeria Hamaca and they had a wonderful selection from various parts of Mexico.  The ones I purchased were from the Chiapas region and I am very pleased to have finally found them.
Our drive back to PV was along the main 200 highway and we were back in about 40 minutes.

El Chivero Restaurant Bucerias

My favorite beachside restaurant has to be El Chivero located on Avenida Pacifico #9 just north of the small Malecon on the beach side of Bucerias near the Main Plaza.  I have been there countless times and have always enjoyed the ambiance, service, and food.  It always has a place to park in front and just walking a few steps through the restaurant you are on the wide open Bucerias beach that runs for miles in either direction.  They have nice palapas with dining tables and chairs as well as reclining lounge chairs situated on the beach in front.  So you can enjoy your day there as there is no rental charge for anything as long as you purchase food and beverages from them.
The menu provides a wide range of food from appetizers to full blown dinners at reasonable prices.  So order your 2x1 all day drink specials or a bucket of Cerveza and enjoy a wonderful day on the beach in Bucerias at El Chivero!

Blue Shrimp Restaurant

I finally made it back to The Blue Shrimp http://www.blueshrimp.mx/ last night at their new location on Los Muertos Beach next door to Daiquiri Dicks.  The location has always been a favorite of mine because of the massive Palapa roof and great ambience the place brings.  Unfortunately a few predecessors have not survived this location, but Blue Shrimp has a following from their old location off of the Malecon that I am sure will follow.  The new location seems to also provid them a lot more walk-by traffic as they were quite full last night.
Arriving about 20 minutes before sunset, it is a great location for the nightly event as we sat along the beach side railing overlooking the beach.   I was pleased that the food was a good as it has always been, eventhough the pricing seem a bit higher.  The service was a little inanttentive, but good and might have been due to a full restaurant.  We enjoyed the fresh tender Calamari appetizer and then ordered three different shrimp dishes; Tequila, Coconut, and Portuguese (cheese stuff & bacon wrapped).   The presentation was as great as it always was with the Coconut shrimp displayed on a tray with 1/2 a coconut filled with their awesome Green Goddess dipping sauce.  The Portuguese Shrimp dish was also displayed with  skewers stuck into 1/2 of a papaya and a little flaming tomato as a garnish!  All entrees come with rice, vegetables, and of course their great salad bar.
If you like great shrimp with a menu that allows you to buy it by weight and size, Blue Shrimp is not to be missed!

Marisma Taco Stand

My favorite fish taco stand and I know the favorite of many visitors and Vallartans is called Marisma Taco Stand. It is located in the short block behind El Brujo and the roads leading into (Basillo Badillo) and out (Venustiano Carranza) of the short tunnel in Zona Romantica.
A very simple menu of deep fried fish & shrimp, smoked Marlin, Crab, Spicy Squid, and various Quesadillas provides the perfect selection for that quick meal.  Made with homemade tortillas and all prepared to order it is excellent! While their pricing is a bit higher than most taco stands, it is worth the extra money for a high quality product.   Stop by and enjoy one, two, three, or more as there is no pressure to eat and go.  They even speak English!

Gemelas Beach

Another great beach that I have been to many times is called Playa Gemelas (The Twins), located just past Punta Negra Beach on Carr Barre de Navidad 200 between 2 condo complexes, the Playa Gemelas Condominios and the Intercontinental Hotel complex.  It is a little tricky to find as there is minimal signage with a gate and a staircase it is the only public access.  The beach is on a time schedule opening around 9am and closing at 8pm, so do not get caught down below as I once did and had to climb over a condo complex wall to get back up the main highway!
Parking is just along the main highway wherever you can find a space and not get towed away.  The walk down to the beach is about 100 steps in a zigzag pattern in fairly good shape, but due to storms and heavy rains there are sections that require a bigger jump to continue on the path, especially at the bottom to the beach there is a 2-3 foot drop.   There are no services here, so have to bring your own food and beverages, however, I often see food vendors on this beach.  The beach is lifeguard patroled as well.
What makes this beach so special and worth the walk down? It  must be the small size, the great soft yellowish sand, and of course the beautiful crystal clear waters!  There are some large shade trees against the wall to the condo complex, so there is shade all throughout the day if you do not have an umbrella.  On Sundays it is quite busy as it is a favorite beach for the Mexican locals as well.  Just enjoy it and I have been there through a fantastic sunset as well!

Bucerias Art Walk

Every Thursday evening from 7pm-9pm the Bucerias Art Walk is held in the beachside town of Bucerias about 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta.  www.thebuceriasartwalk.com/index.html
Considered the "Center of the Bay" Bucerias is a neat little town with lots of beachside hotels and condos for rent in a quiet sleepy setting with great beaches.  I have been to the Art Walk a few times already and have always enjoyed the leisurely stroll along the Main Street one block from the beach, where many shop owners open their doors to promote local Mexican art from the area.  This includes many other areas of Mexico as well such as Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz.  At least 6 restaurants are located within the area so after your walk around to see the great works of art, a bite to eat is easy! 
The restaurants include infamous Marks Restaurant that has been a staple in the area for many years, providing an excellent menu, great wine list, and fine service.   I have enjoyed their Beef Carpacio with Ostrich Pate, the Calamari with Wasabi and Tomato Colis sauces, the Seafood Pasta, and of course their great choice of brick oven Pizzas. www.marksbucerias.com/
For a great evening of seeing great artwork as well as visit a difference place to be seen and eat, come to the Bucerias Art Walk on Thursday evenings.....it is worth the drive!

Careyeros Beach near Punta Mita

Yesterday I finally made it back to my favorite beach in the Puerto Vallarta, called Playa Careyeros.  I found it many years ago when I was looking for some boogie boarding waves and there were none in Punta Mita.   It is located on the back side of Punta Mita and is accessed along some dirt roads on the back road to Sayulita.  Surprisingly it is located below some very nice houses and villas along the coast and since it is outside the Bay of Banderas, it provides some larger but rolling waves.   Access is provided via staircase next to a B&B called Casa las Brisas.
Now what makes this beach my favorite?  It must the Caribbean-like sand, the crystal clear waters, and shallow depths.......what else makes a beach great!  Sundays are fairly busy as many of the Mexicans in the know go here and since there are no restaurants or public facilities, you really have to prepare.  By prepare I mean bring you own towels, chairs, food, beverages, etc. to make your day complete.  On occasion I have seen a few food vendors strolling the beach, but I would not rely on it as a source of a meal or beverages.
Even on the busier days, the beach goes for at least a mile toward Punta Mita and there is plenty of space to get away from the other beach goers.  It also happens to be a great place for collecting sea shells. There must be a coral reef not too far out as I always see pieces of white coral laying on the beach, sometimes very large ones.  Since it is a a small bay, there is an abundance of fish and I have even seen divers go near the rocks and pull out some very large oysters.
I have seen blowfish washed up on the beach as well as a small group of stingrays in the water, so I would caution swimming later in the afternoon or evenings.  Some say that the small sharks do come out later in the day, but I have never seen any and have been there through sunset and dusk hours.
It is a great beach in a secluded location and if you want to venture out of the ordinary, Careyeros Beach is the place to go!

2011 Puerto Vallarta Writers Conference

This past weekend I made the commitment and time to attend the 6th Annual Puerto Vallarta Writers Conference sponsored by Biblioteca Los Mangos and the Puerto Vallarta Writers Group.  I had been a faithful attendee at the group's weekly Saturday meetings, but in the last few months I found myself no longer attending. Why?  I do not know except the usual Saturday chores and activities started to get in the way and I allowed that!
I need to get reinspired and back to writing, so I decided to attend the conference at the last minute.   Since I was a late registrant the fee was 1300 pesos vs. the 1000 peso normal charge if I had booked and paid by the end of January. Friday evening begins with a general welcome and the guest speaker Rick Najera http://ricknajera.com/ with his "Becoming a Writer-Seriously & Pain of the Macho" speech.  Rick is a very funny guy as he is a comedian, writer, poet, screenplay writer, play writer and provided us with some funny stories with his wit and humor.   This was followed by a wine and cheese event to get to know each other.
Saturday morning started early with workshops by Susie Albin-Najera and Rick Najera ranging in topics from travel writing, blog writing, freelance writing, humor writing, etc.  Susie is the owner of the blog http://www.http//themexicoreport.blogspot.com/ and her blog is atypical as most of the news from Mexico by reporting only the positives about this great country.
After lunch, the 1st Panel Discussion was held by Sarah Cortezb http://poetacortez.com/  and Michael Bracken http://www.crimefictionwriter.com/ on the topic of "What does an Editor Really Want"
The afternoon workshop was conducted by Lisa Brackman http://www.lisabrackmann.com/
who recently published her first novel and it was in the top 100 Books on Amazon.com with her topic of "Writing the High Impact Novel".  The other workshop was conducted by Sunny Frazier http://www.sunnyfrazier.com/ "Finding a Publiser. What are they Looking for?
An afternoon break and then the 2nd Panel Discussion was held with Sunny Frazier, Michael Bracken, and Doug Danielson, "The Money's in Your Shorts: Writing and Selling Short Fiction"
The evening mixer concluded the day.
On Sunday we are up again early with morning workshops by Sarah Cortez "No Time to Forget: The Fundamentals of Writing of Memoir" which was of special interest to me as I am working on a novel about my Father's life as an escapee from Poland at the end of WWII.  Michel Bracken also conducted a seminar "Sin, Suffer, Cash the Checks: A Hands on Intro to Writing & Selling Confessions" which was writing short story essays in romance magazines.
For our final send off, Lisa Brackmann came back and did a closing speech "Becoming a Writer-Seriously & Rock Paper Tiger".  She was quite an inspiration as a newly accomplished writer.
That afternoon was the "BookFest" which was an opportunity to buy and meet not only the authors/speakers at the conference, but many other accomplished Puerto Vallarta published authors as well.  This was my first writers conference and I thouroughly enjoyed my experience and I think I got reinspired to write.  That is why my blog has been updated finally........after a year of no posts!
Let us now hope I can make the transition to novel writing and get to working on my book about my Father's life!!