YEAR: 3 Nº: 54 PUBLISHER: Hally J. Productions S. de R.L. EDITOR: Gari-Ellen Donohoe

www.bajacitizen.com

March 22nd, 2011.

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Mega Comercial Mexicana to open August 2011

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AMPI La Paz.On Page 3

The Interview with

International Festival of Art and Culture for La PaxAustralia will be celebrated April 1st to April 7th

It was Carnaval time in La Paz March 3rd to the 8th where everyone was celebrating the Naturaleza Viva! Although attendance was down this year from previous years, the traditional Carnaval parades, held on the 6th 7th and 8th of March, were big draws for the families of La Paz. Photo courtesy of Maureen Ryan.

TBC

Construction is well underway on 30,000 square meters of land for the new Punto La Paz power shopping center, which will be home to Mega Comercial Mexicana grocery store. Mega Comercial Mexicana is a national grocery store chain with a huge presence in mainland Mexico. The chain had announced plans to open March 1 but that has now been pushed back and they are now committed to open in La Paz on August 1, 2011.

Two other anchor stores have been announced including bank HSBC and Cinemex, a national movie

theatre chain with presence already in Cabo San Lucas, with 7 screens.

The project is the brainchild of Grupo DLG, a group of investors from Mexico City who will be financing and heading the construction of the shopping center. Re/Max Del Mar of La Paz is coordinating the commercialization of the project including the rental of the 85 commercial spaces available.

The director of Re/Max Del Mar here in La Paz, Gonzalo Gloria Zurita explains, ”The commercialization process for Punto La Paz has

TBC

La Paz is hosting the 5th Annual International Festival of Art and Culture for La Pax (for peace) at various locations around the city from April 1st to April 7th, 2011. This art and cultural festival is part of a larger international movement “The Banner of Peace” which is a non-governmental organization with the sole purpose of promoting peace and a better quality of life for a better world.

Festival La Pax debuted in 2006 and is now celebrated every year. Festival La Pax is growing and more activities and events are presented locally for the community with 90% of events having no entrance fees. A different country is spotlighted each year and previous guests to La Paz included France, Japan and Spain and last year’s Continent of Africa.

This year the spotlight will be on AUSTRALIA, and festival organizer Matilde Cervantes is please to announce that several artists from down under will be joining organizers in La Paz to put on a culture event that won’t soon be forgotten. “It is a huge accomplishment for us. We are very pleased to be hosting many artists and embassadors from an amazingly cultural country. They are here to represent to us the human side of their nation and the unifying theme of the festival, uniting for peace, promoting peace. It is something beautiful for me. It is unity in diversity in its maximum expression.”

Opening night, on the 1st, will have painter Danielle Burford open with her exposition Indigineous Contemporary Art at the Galería Carlos Olachea de la

March 22nd, 2011 2

Publisher: Hally J. Productions S. de R. L.La Paz, BCS 23090 Mexico

The Baja Citizen is a free circulation community newspaper that is distributed in La Paz and the communities of Centenario, Todos Santos, Pescadero, El Sargento/La Ventana and Los Ba-rriles every second Monday.

The views of contributers to The Baja Citizen do not necesarily reflect those of the Publishers.

Editor Gari-Ellen Donohoe

gari-ellen@bajacitizen.comGari-Ellen’s cell (612) 159 13 88

Graphic DesignGabriela Inzunza Salgado

In the last edition of the Baja Citizen I asked for you folks to send me suggestions on how the community (government, private sector and residents) could all work together to make La Paz a better place for tourists. Mayor-Elect Esthela Ponce is asking for open dialogue and would like to hear from the ex-pat community with their suggestions and concerns about life in La Paz.

The city is desperately in need of more tourism and who better to ask on how to make tourists happy than those who came here as tourists and stayed?

I have heard from some of you but I would love to hear from more. The following are a few suggestions I have received.

- I know the city is trying to beautify things; first impressions for tourists as they arrive at the airport are not too impressive. The airport ditches alongside the road are full of debris and garbage. It would be great to keep all of that clean. It would be great to keep the entire city garbage free! That would do wonders to our image. - One thing for sure she can get on right away - put up street signs on every corner. Some places I can drive right thru the city before I see one. Man that is frustrating.

- Turn the Teatro de la Ciudad into a convention/expo center; hire a

management company to run it. Still use it for dia de los muertos of course.

- Attract national chains in clothing and shoes in the new malls opening up in the area. Offerings in both of these areas are less than desired.

- Use Jardin Velasco (5 de Mayo and Revolucion) for public performances, like they sometimes do on Thursday nights when there are free concerts in the park near Chedraui Palacio. Move it all to downtown to revitalize the area and make it a huge tourist destination. Have something 5 nights a week in season, and on weekends off-season. In addition to the music from the other park, move all the dance stuff from the Teatro to the Jardin, too. Sunday from 11 to 5 once a month move all the jewelry vendors from the malecon to the Jardin and put on a crafts fair.

- Trams/shuttles: Use the new FAW buses available from the new FAW truck agency. Get three shuttle buses; the route is 5 pesos from point to point. Begin at the foot of the Malecon. Go up Allende to Revolucion. Choose one or max two disembark stops per leg of journey, say stop at Allende and the malecon for the hotels and the Cuauhtémoc Park. Stop here for new passengers and so others can feast on downtown, and the Madero market. Continue on Revolucion to Salvatierra, with a quick stop for the cultural center and the tourist bus terminal. Head up the Malecon to the new water park at Caimancito. End of

leg two. Return from Caimancito, take 5 de mayo up past the cathedral and up to the Anthropology Museum, then over to bravo, down past the bravo market and then Ramirez to Marquez de Leon and finish again at Leon and Abasolo. Run the trams 15 minutes apart, from 10 am until 7pm.

- Rip up Revolucion from Bravo to 16 of Septiembre and replace it with concrete.

- A Historical Home Tour of downtown La Paz. Beautiful homes there to enjoy.

- - Revitalize downtown. It is a treasure and a beauty. Many tourists spend most of their time in this area and this is what invites them to stay. - Malecon needs to be scrubbed, not just swept, everyday. It is used so much and the city’s biggest attraction. Keep spending money there!

- Ban parking on ESQUERRO and 16 September. Use the parking meter money that has been set aside to lease space for parking lots.

My suggestion? Just the one thing that keeps coming up. Stop the mordidas. My family has now left La Paz and just one incident left them with a disappointing image of the city. A police officer on the malecon stopped them in their rental vehicle, (they had a rental for only 24 hours of their 30 day stay here in La Paz) told my uncle he had stopped in traffic without putting his hazard lights on, and that he would have to pay 550 pesos. My uncle, embarrassed, flustered and worried, took out 500 pesos out of his wallet and showed it to the officer.

The officer shook his head and took the money from my uncle’s hand and put it in his pocket.

What was the first thing I asked my uncle? “Why did you take money out of your wallet? Do you do that back home?”

“Of course not,” he replied. With the language barrier and not understanding what was happening, it was his reaction. He just wanted the situation over.

I patiently told my visiting family that if they ever get stopped by the police, you do the same as you do back home. Ask what you did wrong (if you don’t know) and wait to get your ticket. And then go pay the ticket at Transito, on the corner of Colima and Jalisco. If you pay it within the first week, 50% discount!

I guess maybe that is something I should do. A campaign to educate visitors, and even residents, on waiting for your traffic ticket from the police instead of paying a mordida, then paying the fine at transito. It is the one thing I can do to put an end to this ever-persisting problem.

Well, there you have it folks. Anything else you would like to add? Drop me a line and I will be happy to add it the list. Have a great week and enjoy the weather!

Yours,Gari-Ellen

3 March 22nd, 2011

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Lic. Jose Gaytan The Interview With

Victor Granados and Jose Gaytan.

Editor’s Note: I met with Jose Gaytan, a local lawyer and current President of AMPI La Paz and Victor Granados, owner of South Baja Properties and Treasure of AMPI La Paz, to discuss what the Mexican Association of Realtors (AMPI) is all about. I have had the pleasure to see the growth of AMPI and its goals over the past few years and it all has to do with the perseverance and commitment of its members. To find out more about AMPI La Paz, check out their webpage at www.ampilapaz.com. Enjoy our chat.

Baja Citizen: Basic, simple question that needs to be answered. What is AMPI? When someone sees the AMPI logo, what should they expect?Jose Gaytan: AMPI is the Mexican Association of Realtors. AMPI is a guarantee for professionalism in real estate. We are committed to a code of ethics to raise the real estate industry to the highest standards. We are affiliated with NAR, the National Association of Realtors in the U.S. and CREA, the Canadian Real Estate Association. Those organizations have set the bar high and are our partners in promoting healthy real estate transactions.

Baja Citizen: So here in La Paz, AMPI has its own group?Jose Gaytan: Yes, here in AMPI La Paz we have 32 members. Century 21 has just joined us with 6 new members last month so we are excited about that. Here in La Paz, we are growing once again.In the state of Baja California Sur, there are 3 sections of AMPI. AMPI Los Cabos and AMPI Loreto as well as AMPI La Paz. We all belong with sections of AMPI Sinaloa, the state across the Sea of Cortez, to form our own region.

We all just met last week and the best thing to come out of our regional meeting was that we all agreed to form a Multiple Listing Service (MLS). So hopefully by the end of the year, buyers can go on to our MLS webpage and see properties from Los Cabos, Mazatlan, Los Mochis and Loreto for example, all on one page.

Baja Citizen: What is the difference between a member of AMPI and a non-member?Jose Gaytan: We have a code of ethics that needs to be signed and we must abide by them. We are constantly updating ourselves in all aspects of our industry. We also know each other, know where we all work and how to find each other so if there is a problem, it can be resolved quickly. With other people who are selling properties, who knows where they are or what they are doing. All members meet monthly and share efforts, do business together and work towards common goals.

Baja Citizen: How can a buyer here in Baja California Sur know if a realtor or real estate office is a member of AMPI?Jose Gaytan: The AMPI logo is the tell all sign that an office is part of the AMPI family. Many of our members have the AMPI logo in the window of their offices and I see e-mails and webpages of members proudly displaying the AMPI logo.

Baja Citizen: You were talking about goals before. What is one goal that you would like to accomplish as President?Jose Gaytan: We are working, continuing to work I should say as this has been a project of ours for the past few years, on the creation and reform of laws, norms and rules related to all real estate activity in Baja California Sur. AMPI is a solid organization with a wide presence in different states

of Mexico and in some states, all real estate activity is regulated through the law. A professional license is needed to sell real estate and being a member of NAR is mandatory for example in the United States. That is not the case here in Baja but it is something we want here and we will have to work with the next government to achieve. We hope to make professional licensing mandatory. As of now, anyone can say they have real estate and they can sell it and that can get scary.

Baja Citizen: In your opinion, where is the real estate market at right now?Jose Gaytan: In my opinion, I feel that we are having a good season. Fall and Winter 2010-2011 has seen some brisk sales. Our big market right now is Canadians. Canadians are coming down and falling in love with Baja and buying lots and homes. Our average sale this season has been about 300,000.00 dollars. We believe there are buyers out there. We have

March 22nd, 2011 4

Bay Fest 2011April 7th thru 10th

After many years of fun and frolic at the islands of La Paz, the last Sea of Cortez Race Week was held in 2002. In 2005, Club Cruceros de La Paz decided to set up a slightly different event on the beaches of La Paz to celebrate the end of the winter cruising season in La Paz and the start of the summer cruising season in the Sea of Cortez.

The La Paz Bay Fest is held in April, falling between the Banderas Bay Regatta in March and the Loreto Fest in May. As in previous years, there will be dinghy races, beach games, and table game tournaments together with a Ham test, seminars, workshops, live music and great food.

The event will get underway on April 7th with an Art and Craft Show at the site of the first Bay Fest in 2005, Vista Coral Plaza, and the “Rock to the Dock”, a 10 mile sailboat race from Roca Lobos to Marina Santa Cruz. A raffle the final afternoon will bring the event to a close.

Once again, the Club Cruceros volleyball team will be challenged by teams from the Mexican Navy and the La Costa Restaurant staff. New to this year’s event will a fundraiser benefiting Cruz Roja and the Centro Estatal de Oncologia (Cancer Clinic) and include a live auction, silent auction and raffle.

After enjoying Bay Fest, some people will move on to Loreto Fest and beyond while others will stay in La Paz, with many good memories and new or renewed friendships.

Everyone is invited to La Paz Bay Fest 2011 to be held April 7th at Vista Coral Plaza and April 8th-10th at the La Costa Beach and Restaurant. La Costa is located at Rangel and

Navarro, between La Marina del Palmar and Varadero Abaroa, where boaters and land-based friends can equally enjoy the activities and camaraderie.

Please plan to join us and spread the word. For more info: www.clubcruceros.org

Off to the races. Bay Fest 2011.

Awards night at Bay Fest 2010.

5 March 22nd, 2011

Maye, Estelle, Jill and Elena.

Tre Amici Tre Band Linda, Michele, Angela and Pat.

Luiza Lanoy

Fifty-six of us had the most incredible lunch at Caffe Milano on Thursday, March 10th, 2011. It is a real shame the rest of our normal group missed it. The salad was so good one of our sisters said that she had to stop herself from licking the plate. I felt the same way. The AAAAAHHHH’s and OOOOOHHH’s at our table were loud and clear. The braised beef was very tender and served with a delicious sauce over mashed yams. Even the hot sauce on the table was fabulous. It was so good. I soaked their homemade bread in this delicious hot sauce. YUMMY!!! At our table, our main course arrived “hot” as in “heat”. Despite the fact that this was a good size group to serve, the meal was served quickly and efficiently. This is a clear indication of an efficient kitchen.

I went to every table after each course to ask about the meal. Everyone of us had rave comments about the whole

Susan, Joan, Mariana, JT.

meal. In fact, many asked when we could come back. We are going back in January 2012 and I am sure we will want the same salad when we return.

Tre Amici Tre Band (Roberto Meloni, Alberto Poli and Peppiniello Tripani)

provided entertainment between the lunch and the dessert. Thank you to the restaurant for organizing this for our group. It was very special.

The La Paz Ladies Luncheon Network raised $2,250 pesos for FANLAP. Julia Magallanes, Librarian, gave a short

talk about FANLAP for our new guests and thanked all of those who participated the in draw for FANLAP.

Isela won the door prize donated by El Corazon Cafe. Linda Heibert won the incredible

turquoise necklace and earrings from Frida’s Claudia Ramirez. I believe Gloria Bouleau won the Baja Explosion and Strawberry Margarita jams from Mujeres Ayudando a Mujeres.

Doctors Sirenia Barron and Elva Patino also said a few words about their medical practices.

It was a fabulous lunch. I can’t wait to see what Chef Lei has in store for us in January 2012. Thank-you so much to Michele and Ana Cecilia for being such wonderful hosts! We will be back. Caffe Milano is located on on Esquerro #15, just before 16 de Septiembre, and one block back from the Malécon.

Here is a reminder of what we had. - Organic lettuce, Pear, Honey carmelized Pecan, Gorgonzola, Honey Mustard Dressing - Beef, pork braised in red wine and bittersweet chocolate, Mashed Yam- Beignet di Ricotta - Golden fried Ricotta Sweet potato Beignets.

March 22nd, 2011 6

Continues from front page gone very well. Construction should be completed in July of 2011 and spaces will be handed over to renters immediately to give them time to fix up their storefronts as to how they want them. By August, everything should be up and running. We are still working on a few more contracts but we have not had one cancellation considering all the commericial space available right now. The response to the project has been overwhelmingly positive.”

When asked about the possible congestion of traffic on Abasolo between Colima and Colosio, Gonzalo stated that there will be one entrance/exit onto Abasolo and another entrance/exit on Algodon Street which should help ease traffic off of Abasolo. A pedestrican bridge has already been built and in place. With over 660

parking spaces available at the new shopping center, including parking underneath Mega Comerical, the traffic situation needs to be addressed before the mall opens.

With about 80% of the commercial spaces rented under 3-year contracts, the variety will definitely be there for power shoppers looking for one stop shopping. Clothing stores, a hair salon, jewelry stores and eye care centers have all confirmed. Also, with a food court being located on the second floor with several local establishments committed, including Mamma Mia Restaurante, La Camorra, Kiki’s Burger and Pierda Kilos, lunch and dinner will also provide variety.

Punto La Paz will be located on Abasolo between Colima and Colosio, beside the Universidad Mundial and across from the Ford dealership.

Unidad Cultural Jesús Castro Agundez starting at 7:00 pm.

Danielle Burford had this to say about her participation at this year’s Pax Festival. “We have the honor to open 5th International festival of Art and

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Culture in La Paz. We will have solo exhibition and we will announce the charity event that was initiated by myself and PAX CULTURA festival. I will supervise and will paint a group painting during the festival and with its end, it will be given to the auction. Raised money will go to the benefit of local orphanage. The donation will be made by myself in name of Australia and Coffs Harbour.”

Events throughout the week will be held in different locations throughout the city including Cinepolis, Galeria Galeria, Teatro de la Ciudad, Allianca Frances de La Paz, La Encantada Galeria and Deli and Teatro Rosaura Zapata as well as the Malecon of La Paz.

Some events include a concert on April 2 on the beach at Los Cerritos of rock, blues and reggae, a performance on the Malecón April 3 of fire dancing and acrobatics by the group Cirkustika and Australian cinema and a photography exhibition April 6 at Cinépolis.

Closing night, April 7th, an Australia Night Concert will be held at the BCS State School of Music at the Sala de Conciertos with Antolio, Pepe Malabartinez, Mamselle,Yaz Majael, and the participation of star Daline Jones starting at 7:00 pm.

“I am sometimes surprised at the life the festival has taken in just four years. It has its own magic. We have a very limited budget but most of us volunteer our time. It just shows what can get done with enthusiasm and disposition,” Cervantes said.

For more information about the festival, please check the web site www.rozinlapaz.com for daily event listings in English or send an e-mail to paxcultura@hotmail.com.

The Fight by Danielle Burford

7 March 22nd, 2011

Todos Santos Home and Garden Tour

Some events include a concert on April 2 on the beach at Los Cerritos of rock, blues and reggae, a performance on the Malecón April 3 of fire dancing and acrobatics by the group Cirkustika and Australian cinema and a photography exhibition April 6 at Cinépolis.

Closing night, April 7th, an Australia Night Concert will be held at the BCS State School of Music at the Sala de Conciertos with Antolio, Pepe Malabartinez, Mamselle,Yaz Majael, and the participation of star Daline Jones starting at 7:00 pm.

“I am sometimes surprised at the life the festival has taken in just four years. It has its own magic. We have a very limited budget but most of us volunteer our time. It just shows what can get done with enthusiasm and disposition,” Cervantes said.

For more information about the festival, please check the web site www.rozinlapaz.com for daily event listings in English or send an e-mail to paxcultura@hotmail.com.

Tori Sepulveda

April 9th marks the calendar for a most special event – the Todos Santos Home and Garden Tour! It’s always fun to get a peek behind the gates – to see into what has inspired others in their home and garden creations, and this tour allows us to do just that. The day will begin with registration from 10:00 - 1:00. If you are driving in from La Paz or the East Cape you will take a right at the second stop sign and cross north to the “otra lado”. Pass the famous wall of saints painted by community artists teamed with children of Todos Santos, and you will see the faded light blue wall of La Esquina restaurant on your left. Here is where you can register for the event and receive your wristband and a map. Registration is 150 pesos each with accompanied children free and of course no dogs please. The tour will be in the San Sebastian neighborhood, an area famous in our community for the friendliness of the people and the individualism of their homes and gardens.

There is nothing standard about the homes in Todos Santos. They reflect the rugged individualism and personal tastes of each family. They reflect the love and thought, years of dedication and hard work on the part of their owners. You will be able to enjoy tours of both the homes and the gardens - pools, tennis courts – rose gardens and more, and will be able to meet the owners who can answer questions you may have.

This tour is sponsored by Escuela Pacifica, a wonderful community school here in Todos Santos. Escuela Pacifica is a non-profit, SEP certified, bilingual and bi-cultural elementary school in the neighborhood of San Vicente. EP is committed to providing quality education to the children of Todos Santos, both Mexican and gringos.

EP is also committed to providing scholarships to deserving children, making this quality educational experience available to a wide range of students. Led by Sra. Jaqueline Pavia in the morning, the instruction follows the SEP Mexican curriculum and is all in Spanish. In the afternoon session the language shifts under the direction of Sra. Serena Saltzman, and the education is conducted in English. Throughout the week special instruction is held in art, music, PE and assistants who augment the language learning and science instruction. This is a huge package for the parents and teachers to put together, but education is the key to our children’s futures so the effort is worth it. And so will the Home and Garden Tour where many of the students and their families will be available to meet you and take you on these tours. For more information check the web site at www.escuelapacifica.org or e-mail Michele Campbell at aboutmichele@gmail.com.

So mark those calendars for April 9th – get a group together to car pool, and be sure and save time for a late lunch or dinner at one of our fine restaurants, several of which will be offering discounts for those on the tour.

Flora del Mar.

March 22nd, 2011 8

Blankets and more blankets!

Carnaval Princess

Carnaval is over. And the neighbors’ dogs have finally stopped shaking. But the city’s ears and our windows are still suffering aftershocks.

The eight music stages have been disassembled and the 20 foot speakers have disappeared (they’re probably being stored with medieval torture devices). Drummers and sound technicians are gone. Their families may actually be as happy to see them arrive as I am to see them leave.

The blanket hawkers have folded their unsold inventory and they’re back on the mainland. By now, new blankets are hugging motel and rancho beds up and down the Baja Peninsula. When I walked the Malecon this morning, the street sweepers, probably the most underpaid and underappreciated workers in town, were removing mountains of Styrofoam cups, broken egg shells and confetti. Although my goal on this post-Carnaval walk was to burn calories, I found myself sniffing for the odor of gorditas de nata. I know that, like coffee, they smell better than they taste but that didn’t stop us from buying them – several times. No matter how hard we vowed not to nibble, we always arrived home with an empty bag. In an unscientific taste test, we tried to decide if we prefer them with cajeta (caramelized goat’s milk), condensed milk, or plain? After repeated experiments, Alex and I agreed – plain.

Another thing that was plain was that this year’s parade was considerably more humble than in past years. Fewer floats. More sparsely decorated. Even

the crowds were smaller. This Carnaval left me zing-less.

One factor may be that this year we simply observed the parade from the sidelines. In the past we created costumes, painted our faces and joined the parade. Armed with bags of candy and necklaces, we were enveloped by the

throbbing crowd. It’s always more fun to participate than to observe.

The exception is when we’re observing children. This morning I saw a small boy reach under a bench. He’d found an intact confetti-filled egg. He clasped his treasure tightly and I realized that his enthusiasm was a gift he’d unknowingly offered me. I’d seen that look of awe before. But where?

I rushed home, turned on my computer and looked at my Carnaval photos again. I saw kids

in giant air-filled bubbles, floating and rolling on a miniature sea. I recalled a tiny girl with pink cotton candy stuck to her lips, tongue, and chin. And the little princess who had mastered the royal wave – how many hours had her mother spent sewing sequins and jewels on her gown? Pre-teen boys threw eggs at trucks. The trucks pulled the floats. Alex saw one of the truck drivers drinking a beer! The boys and the truck driver looked happy.

Perhaps this year’s Carnaval wasn’t extravagant but the children’s Frisbee-sized eyes and huge smiles proved that the zing was there. I simply hadn’t look in the right places.

Enjoying the rides at Carnaval La Paz. Photo courtesy of Daniel Gautreau.

9 March 22nd, 2011

Perhaps this year’s Carnaval wasn’t extravagant but the children’s Frisbee-sized eyes and huge smiles proved that the zing was there. I simply hadn’t look in the right places.

March 22nd, 2011 10

SPRING EQUINOX AND THE PYRAMID OF KUKULCAN

Helga Kuhne

As with other ancient cultures, observatories, pyramids and temples were erected based on celestial alignments.

The Maya had devised two calendars, one solar and one ritual, which interacted and depended upon each other for the dictation of certain ritual events to be carried out. The sky for the Maya was a seeming personification of Gods and deities who played important roles in the daily lives of the population. Most significantly, the relationship between the Sun and Venus was representative

of Kukulcán, the God of Venus, the Feahered Serpent (“Quetzalcoatl” for the Aztecs and Toltecs)) and symbolizes departure and return or death and resurrection.

Kukulcán´s pyramid in Yucatán is notable for the fact that at the spring and fall equinoxes the sun projects an undulating pattern of light on the northern stairway for a few hours in the late afternoon, a pattern caused by the angle of the sun and the edge of the nine steps that define the pyramid´s construction. These triangles of light link up with the massive stone carvings of snakeheads at the base of the stairs, suggesting a massive serpent snaking down the structure. During the Winter solstice, looking at the western face of the pyramid, the sun appears to climb

up the edge of the staircase until it rests momentarily directly above the temple before beginning its descent down the other side.

An Equinox occurs twice each year when our sun, in its orbit around the earth, passes directly over the Earth´s equator and the length of the daylight and evening hours is equal. The word equinox is derived from the Latin “aequus” for equal and “nox “ meaning night. The spring equinox occurs on March 21. Six months later, on September 22, we have the Fall Equinox. The summer solstice occurs on June 21st. On this day, earth sees the longest duration of daylight. Six months later is the Winter Solstice, on December 22, when we see the shortest daylight and the longest night of the year. On these days the Sun almost seems to pause in its orbit before resuming its course. The word solstice is based on the Latin “Sol”, for Sun, and “sistere for “to cause a stand”. There are exactly 91 days between each of these events, and 92 days between the June 21 summer solstice and the September 21 Equinox. This adds up to a 365-day solar year with the 91 days between each event matching the 91 steps to each side of the pyramid of Kukulkán.

Like the other pyramids in the Western Hemisphere, the Kukulkán Pyramid in Chichen Itza, Yucatán, is a terraced monument as opposed to being a true pyramid form such as we see in Egypt. There were clear reasons for this departure from Egyptian architectural practice because in the West pyramids

convey specific numbers which can enable us to see why they were built where they were upon the earth.

The Kukulkán pyramid has staircases on all four sides. Each staircase has 91 steps; the four show 364 steps with the upper platform being the 365.

Kukulcán or Quetzalcóatl was a creator God, and also the symbol of a Sun-Pleiades-Zenith conjunction. Exacty 60 days after the Spring Equinox, on May 20, the zenith passage of the sun takes place over Chichen Itza. The moving snake on the Pyramid is an annual cosmic reminder of a conjunction on the zenith sun with the Pleiades over Chichen Itzá, but this is an event, which will only occur during a 72-year time window, from 1976 to 2048. Right at the center of this time window is the year 2012, when the Great Cycle ends.There are several dates and variations of the shadows and triangles formed by the light on the pyramid as the sun approached the positions from which the pyramid was built. They all had varying degrees of significance within the Mayan culture.

Even though the Mayan Calendar has an ending date, nothing about the Calendar or the Mayan prophecies points to humanity´s demise. On the contrary, it points to our return to the recognition of our purpose here on Earth and the destiny to which we are evolving. The Mayan Calendaris says much more about our evolution than our destruction.

The Mayan´s would start their days by acknowledging the creative impulse of the day and would structure their day by that energy.

The Spring Equinox marks a change of season, leaving winter behind and starting a time rich with new life on our planet, new projects, energy and hope.

11 March 22nd, 2011

Kathleen Bennett

When one reads the tourist information provided for an area, any area, one sees nothing but superlatives. If the propaganda were to be believed, every place from Paris, to Bangladesh, to La Paz is world-class and internationally renowned – for everything. Occasionally, however, the hyperbole is true.

Recently, I went to Puerto Adolfo López Mateos to see the gray whales. There aren’t enough superlatives in the English language to describe the experience.

Last week, my husband, my niece who was visiting from the US, and I left La Paz to go whale watching north of Magdalena Bay in Canal la Soledad. So that we could do everything in an unhurried fashion, we planned three days for our trip.Sunday, after a delicious brunch at Gorilla Grill, we headed north on Mex 1 at a leisurely pace. Sticking to the posted speed limits and enjoying the desert landscape, we arrived at Ciudad Constitución three hours later.Ciudad Constitución is a dusty farm

town of 35,000, nestled in the largest agricultural valley in Baja California Sur. It had been two years since we had passed through, and both my husband and I were amazed at the development there. Where two years ago Super Pollo and a few street puestos were the highlight of the culinary offerings, now the town has Japanese food, Italian food, and a

plethora of coffee shops with wireless internet. And there is no longer just one supermarket in town. Now there are two! Ciudad Constitución has hit the big time.

Since accommodation options in López Mateos are limited, and often completely booked during whale watching season, we had made reservations at a hotel in Ciudad Constitución. With no difficulty, we found our hotel just a few blocks off

the main drag. The Oasis Hotel was, well, just that. An oasis. We left a chokingly-dusty, unpaved street and pulled into the paved, secured parking. Our rooms were small but very clean, with in-room fridges, cable TV, and wireless internet. Situated in the courtyard outside our door was a

nice little pool with a patio and, believe it or not, a bit of lawn. And the price was reasonable: 410 pesos a night.

After settling in to our rooms, we hit the grocery store to buy sunscreen (to replace the s u n s c r e e n

we had brilliantly left at home), and then picked up teriyaki take-out. A few beers, a little wine, and teriyaki chicken made for a lovely picnic by the pool at the hotel.

The following morning, Monday, we awoke to dense fog. We were disappointed, thinking our whale-watching trip was going to be a bust. But we decided to head to López

Mateos anyway; in the hope that it would burn off by the time we got there.

The trip to López Mateo takes just over an hour from Ciudad Constitución. We couldn’t see much of the landscape through the fog, but by the time we turned off the main road heading for the coast, the fog was starting to dissipate – just in time for us to admire all the osprey that nest on the telephone poles along the way. By the time we arrived at the coast, it was a beautiful,

sunny day. (And we were quite glad we had replaced our sunscreen.)

Following the signs through town to the whale watching launch area was a breeze, and, after paying our 15 pesos to park, we headed to the boat rental area. There were what appeared to be several different boat rental companies. We stopped and talked to one operator who told us that it costs 800 pesos per hour to rent the boat with the guide, and up to six people would fit in a boat. The more people, the lower the price per person. Not knowing any better, we decided to check prices with other operators. The second operator we talked to gave us the same price, and was kind enough to tell us that everyone charged the same price. We explained to him that we were interested in more than an hour – we were thinking more along the lines of three hours. He said for three hours, he could lower the price to 650 pesos an hour. We decided to go for it.

After using the restrooms (Warning: they cost 3 pesos to use. Bring some small change!), we selected life jackets, were escorted to our launch, and met our guide Antonio “me dicen ‘Tony’.” Although Tony did speak some English, he seemed relieved to discover that both my husband and I speak Spanish and were willing to translate for our

niece. In no time at all, we were away from the dock and headed out to see the whales.

And this is where all the superlatives come in. My husband and I have been whale watching several other times, but this trip was the best, most amazing, fabulous, spectacular whale watching trip we have taken.

Within ten minutes of leaving the dock, we were surrounded by whales. On three separate occasions, pairs of whales (a mother and baby) approached the boat, wanting – let’s engage in a little anthropomorphism here – to play. What a joy to have a mother and baby swimming closely enough to the boat that we could have touched them, while simultaneously having six or eight other whales swimming closely enough to the boat for us to hear and feel their breath.

Tony was a wonderful captain. If the whales approached and the water was a little choppy, he backed off so that the boat wouldn’t hurt the whales. If other boats approached, he backed off until they left. He put the comfort and safety of the whales above everything else. While that might have infuriated some tourists, it delighted us. For us, too, the safety of the whales was more important than the money we had spent to rent the launch.

After spending several hours being absolutely thrilled by the whales, we headed into the mangroves to do a little bird watching. The flocks of frigate birds and cormorants were impressive, as were the herons, egrets, and ibis.

Tony was a fount of information about the area and the wildlife. He explained to us that the whale watching was a cooperative, and that during the off-season; all the guides went back to fishing (also a cooperative). Regulations had recently been put into place restricting the number of launches that could be out viewing the whales at any given time, and he was all in favor of that. During the fishing season, he was also active in protecting the turtles, and trying to institute the use of line-fishing as opposed to the use of nets. Apparently, this change has been more effective with the

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LA PAZ–WHALE WATCHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

Grey Whale in Lopez Mateos. Photo courtesy of Victoria Eden.

Whale watching in Lopez Mateos. Photo courtesy of Victoria Eden.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Eden.

March 22nd, 2011 12

13 March 22nd, 2011

Continues on page 23

The website www.rozinlapaz.com features a schedule of arts and cultural events in La Paz. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find there. On the website you’ll find valuable updates, venue information and listings for live music and classes.

CONTINUING EVENTSUntil March 20, art show: Con Todos los Sentidos (with all the senses), is an exhibition of drawings by Aleta at Galería de Arte Carlos Olachea, next to Teatro de la Ciudad. Admission is free.Until March 24, art show: Delicias Pasajeras (fleeting delights) is an enchanting exhibition of oil painting on cloth that pays tribute to Baja’s street vendors. The artist is Carlos César Díaz Castro, a painter, photographer and graphic designer. The show is at Centro de Artes, Tradiciones y Culturas Populares, on Madero Street between Independencia and 5 de Mayo, across the street from Jardín Velasco. Admission is free.Until March 29, photo show: México Desde el Cielo (Mexico from above), an exhibition of photographs by Michael Calderwood, is on display in the commercial-restaurant area of Marina Costa Baja.Until March 31, painting exhibition: Metamorfosis: Orden y Caos de la Figuración (metamorphosis: order and chaos of the imagination) is the title of this show of paintings by Santiago Garcia, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. in the Sala de Exposiciones Temporales at Centro Cultural La Paz. Admission is free.Until March 31, historical documents and photographs on display: The Mexican army and air force are the subject of this exhibition in the Sala de Consulta at the Archivo Histórico Pablo L. Martínez, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission is free. For more information on the public archives, see the VENUES page.Continuing, exhibition of photography and video: The collective exhibition Hombre, Naturaleza y Cultura (man, nature and culture) in the CÓDEX Península salon of the Centro Cultural La Paz is a photography show that strives to show the special characteristics that make up the cultural identity of California Sur. A video that showcases Baja California Sur complements the photographs. Text is in English and Spanish. Admission is free.

DAY TO DAY

Tuesday, March 22Video presentation: As part of the Festival Internacional de Monólogos (monologue festival), Alianza Francesa is showing a series of videos. Admission is free. March 22 at 10 a.m.: Café Moulier, by Pina Bausch (German)Tribute to Armando Manriquez: The opening for the work Viaje a la Libertad, a tribute to Armando Manriquez, is at 6 p.m. at Centro Cultural La Paz. For more information, contact the cultural centre.

Wednesday, March 23Alianza Francesa film series (rock-’n’-roll movies in English this month)Thursday, March 24Art show opening: A collection of drawings by Diego Avilés opens with a classical guitar recital with Raúl Carmona at 8:30 p.m. at Alianza Francesa. Admission is free. The exhibition, entitled Descomponiendo Entornos (decomposing surroundings), continues until April 7.

Friday, March 25Children’s festival: El Carnaval de los Animales (carnaval of the animals) features musical workshops for children. Instructors are Ma. de Lourdes Norzgaray Cosio and Octavio Aguirre Ugalde. The event begins at 6 p.m. at Sala de Conciertos La Paz. Admission is 20 pesos. For more information, try the music school Escuela de Música del Estado Earth Hour: People in cities across the world are invited to turn off their lights for one hour — Earth Hour — to show that it’s possible to take action on global warming. In La Paz, Earth Hour is 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. For more information, go to the website www.earthhour.org

Tuesday, March 29Café Científico: The subject of tonight’s discussion is the Japanese influence in the development of the fishery. Guiding the discussion is Jesús Iván Murillo Álvarez, professor and researcher with Cicimar IPN. This gathering promotes scientific discussion in a lucid manner with participation by an expert in the field in a forum that invites those attending to raise questions, doubts and

comments. Discussion is in Spanish. The event is at 6 p.m. at Restaurante Rancho Viejo, Pineda between Belisario Dominguez and the Malecón. It’s coordinated by Cruz del Carmen Juárez Olvera. Admission is free.

Wednesday, March 30Piano recital: The Escuela de Música del Estado presents works by Saint-Saens, Diabelli, Smetana and Strauss at 6 p.m. at the Sala de Conciertos La Paz. Admission is 50 pesos.Art House gallery opens: Galeria La Paz has moved from its location at Obregón on the Malecón to Revolucion 655, between Victoria and Morelos between the plant nursery and Alianza Francesa. The public is invited to the opening of the new gallery — called Art House — at 7 p.m. Art House will feature work not seen in the area before and there will be refreshments from local business showing off their wares. For more information, contact Sidne Byars Herrero at 612 125 9599 or Cel 612 127 3191.

Thursday, March 31Photography show opens: Espacios de Luz (spaces of light) is an exhibition of photographs of missions in Baja

California Sur by Carlos Lazcano. The show opens at 7 p.m. in the commercial area of Costa Baja with a presentation by architect Enrique González. There will be cocktails and appetizers. Admission is free. the exhibit continues until April 25. For information, call 612-121-6226.

WEEKLY REGULAR EVENTS

Alianza Francesa French film series, Tuesdays: French movies at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, start at 6 p.m. and admission is free. There’s no mention of subtitles, but my guess is they would be in Spanish. For more information, contact the French cultural centre at Revolución 635 between Morelos and Guadalupe Victoria. Phone number: 122-28-88. March 8: La peau douce, by Francois Truffaut. March 15: Chair de poule, by Julien Divivier; March 22: Viva la vie, by Claude Lelouch; March 29: Tirez sur le pianiste, by Francois Truffaut.

Alianza Francesa film series, Wednesdays: The Wednesday night film series at Alianza Francesa, Revolución 635, starts at 6 p.m. and

March 22nd, 2011 14

Daylight Savings Time (DST) starts April 3rd

Just a reminder to you folks that the official start of DST begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, April 3rd here in Baja California Sur and the rest of Mexico. We will be setting our clocks forward (spring forward) one hour and will lose an hour of sleep.

On March 13th in the U.S. and Canada, our northern eighbours, as well as northern border cities of Mexico, including Tijuana, switched to DST already.

Mark your calendars: Thurs. April 21 – Sat. April 23, 2011, 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm. The Cabo Marine Show returns to the Marina Golden Zone of Cabo San Lucas, on the spectacular Marina waterfront promenade by Puerto Paraiso Shopping Mall, Luxury Avenue Boutique Mall and Marina Fiesta Resort & Spa — with new vendors, more entertainment and the all new La Paz Pavilion.

“New vendors from the La Paz area and mainland Mexico highlight a busy Semana Santa,” said Sergio Igartua, organizer of the second annual Cabo Marine Show. “Last year we received more than 3,000 visitors and showcased more than 40 local and foreign vendors during our 3-day event. This year we will be expanding the number of booths to include new participants such as FONATUR and a

The CABO MARINE Show returns to the Marina Golden Zone

more prominent presence from IGY Marina Cabo San Lucas.”

Brands include Village Marine Tec, Parker Racor and Performance Boats. Plus, Otaduy Yachts will showcase its charter fleet with some of the largest luxury yachts located in Baja Sur. Also watch for some of last year’s favorites, including Cabo Riviera, Specialized Marine Services, Maui Jim and Los Cabos Winery.

Live entertainment features The Cosmopolitans (Los Cabos), Ranchoe (Monterrey) and Bluz Explozion (La Paz).

For more information please visit www.cabomarineshow.com or contact sales@cabomarineshow.com

15 March 22nd, 2011

WHAT THE POSTALL MAILBOx AND DELIvERy SERvICE IS ALL ABOuT

Postall is a mailbox and delivery service in the Baja California Peninsula that has been around for a while. We recently adjusted our business plan to be more visible to the end user. If you are in need of a mailbox or delivery service we are the company you’re looking for.

Depending on the type of mailbox service hired with Postall in any of our offices you can receive regular mail including books, magazines, periodicals and CD’s considering they do not require additional paperwork to receive and bring across the border from the US to Mexico and mail arrives trough the USPS to our “master” mailbox at the United States Postal Service office in San Ysidro, Ca. were mail is picked up and transported on a daily basis to our offices in the Baja California Peninsula (except mayor US and Mexico holidays) were you can expect to have it ready for pick up two business days after.

La Paz office private mail box price listMail box service Names per box 3 month service 6 month service 12 month service Kgs per month Cost per extra kg

Personal 5 $70.20 $118.80 $210.00 3 $5.85Commercial 10 $95.40 $162.00 $285.60 5 $4.77Corporative 25 $139.20 $236.40 $416.40 8 $4.35

San Jose del Cabo office private mail box price listMail box service Names per box 3 month service 6 month service 12 month service Kgs per month Cost per extra kg

Personal 5 $81.90 $138.60 245.00 3 $5.85Commercial 10 $111.30 $189.00 $333.20 5 $4.77Corporative 25 $162.40 $275.80 $485.80 8 $4.35

Prices are in USD all taxes included. There is a setup fee of $22.20 USD that applies to any type of mail box and length of service. Price includes US and Mexico mail address. Daily service for outgoing mail to the US is included in the price (except for the cost of stamps).

If you need to bring to the Baja California Peninsula other goods rather than mail like personal belongings, medicine, replacement parts, etc., we can pick them up throug out San Diego County, CA., or receive them via companies like FedEx, UPS or DHL at our warehouse in San Diego CA, where at arrival we signed for and pre-inspect everything to make sure it arrives complete and

in good condition and then bring them across the border to Mexico paying foreign trade duties, and have them on your way to your home or business or to one of our offices where you can pick them up. Some related costs for receiving packages and bringing them across the border are as follows;

$2.78 to $27.80 per package received in our San Diego, Ca. warehouse. The price depends on weight and package size and need to use special equipment for loading and unloading.

$13.88 to $138.80 per shipment depending on weight and package size that are brought across the border from San Diego, CA. to Tijuana, BC for which a declaration for “payment of foreing trade duties” has to be filed at the customs office.

$11.10 per service when the customer requesting the service does not have a contracted private mail box with Postall.

$1.13 to $1.66 per mile driven in one direction when the customer requires a scheduled (at least one day in advance) or same day pickup and in the San Diego County area.

Additionally customers must pay for shipping costs provided trough Nox Mensajeria from Tijuana to your destination (home/business or pick up at our offices) which run between $11.10 and up for a 2nd business day delivery by 2:00 PM for up to 2.2 lbs, or 3 to 4 business day delivery for up to 11 lbs,

Don’t forget that in addition to these costs customers needs to pay 16.8% of the invoice or ticket price (excluding taxes) as foreign trade duties to bring items into Mexico, this percentage is calculated considering 16.00% for payment of duties plus 0.80% to cover the difference in the exchange rate at the time of payment since banks at the customs offices at the border only take pesos in cash.

At this time customers have three payment options;

a) Cash / check deposited in advance to our account at any Banamex.

b) Charge on delivery paid to the driver when the package is delivered. The COD charges apply only to the cost of services rendered and may not be used towards payment of foreign trade duties which should be paid in advance.

c) Credit card through Paypal. An additional fee of 5% applies to the foreign trade duties amount to cover financial costs charged by Paypal.

Postall currently has offices in Tijuana, Ensenada, La Paz and San Jose del Cabo but can offer service to most towns trough out the Baja Peninsula and northern Sonora like Guerrero Negro, Vizcaino, Santa Rosalia, Mulege, Loreto, Constitution and Insurgentes, La Paz, Todos Santos, Cabo San Lucas, Los Barriles and

Buenavista, Ensenada, Rosarito, San Felipe and Puerto Peñasco.

For sales and customer service please contact us at; from Mexico 01-800-027-4415 ext. 201, from US (619) 572-0021 ext. 201 Visit us at www.postall.com.mx or email us at sales@postall.com.mx

La Paz Office.

5 de Febrero #131-A, Corner Belisario Dominguez, Pueblo Nuevo, La Paz, BCS 23060

San Jose de los Cabos Office.

Carretera Transpeninsular km 37.5 Local #2, EL Zacatal, San José del Cabo, BCS 23430 White 3 story building, first office on your right you will see the mailboxes trough the window.

March 22nd, 2011 16

The Greening of u.S. Retirement Destinations in Mexico

Richard Kiy and Anne McEnany

The International Community Foundation released the report entitled “The Greening of U.S. Retirement Destinations in Mexico: Emerging Issues and Trends in Coastal Communities” analyzing environmentally-specific consumer perceptions and preferences among U.S. retirees and second home-buyers in Mexican coastal communities, including recycling, reducing consumption, and green building. The report highlights how U.S. retirees are addressing the environment independently in Mexico and how developers can capitalize on growing consumer interest in “greener” living. The report also provides recommendations to Mexican decision makers on development practices, sustainable tourism criteria, and creating healthier communities.

This report is one of the first to analyze U.S. retiree consumer preferences and priorities when it comes to the environment in Mexican coastal communities. According to Richard Kiy, study coauthor and President of the International Community Foundation, “Mexico’s coastline is known for its beaches and warm blue water, but its marine biodiversity is equally spectacular, attracting touristinvestments to its natural abundance. Yet, as the tourist infrastructure grows, the marine biodiversity and fragile coastal area are the first victims, threatening the very substance of Mexico’s coastal tourism offerings.”

Accordingly, Felipe Calderon, President of Mexico announced yesterday a new National Accord for Tourism, to position Mexico in the top five global tourist destinations by 2018. This accord also aims to generate forty billion dollars for the local Mexican economy, create four million direct jobs and twelve million indirect jobs.

In this respect, it is important to point out that these objectives should not focus on excessive urban development, but instead on quality sustainable tourism that generates economic resources and conserves the environment, since Mexican natural resources, its biodiversity and many UNESCO World Heritage sites constitute the essence of local tourism.

The recent declarations of President Calderon and the Minister of Tourism, Gloria Guevara attributing a reduction in tourist visits to Mexico to current conditions, do not coincide with results of the International Community Foundation’s reports, which show that trends in rising violence and pollution can motivate tourists and US retirees to leave the country.

Continues on page 22

17 March 22nd, 2011

March 22nd, 2011 18

an alliance with the cold weather in Canada. It makes people want to run down here to Baja and buy property!

Baja Citizen: Do you see a drop in the price of properties as of late?Jose Gaytan: No I haven’t. Most properties are holding their price. Most of the developments in town have been adjusting pricing, not dropping prices. Yes, there have been cases where a seller, maybe for health reasons or a family emergency, has had to return North and dropped the price of their home to sell it immediately but those have been a few isolated cases

Baja Citizen: Victor; what are commissions on average for real estate transactions in the area?Victor Granados: It is generally around 8%. In my own experience, that is what the commission is on a sale. I often have a client that buys a property from Linda Neil or Sean Bagg or Brian or vice a versa and we will split the commission 50-50. That is why it is nice to have a membership like AMPI.

Over the past 3-4 years, I have had a buyer but I don’t have what they are looking for so it is easy for me to go to Linda or Sean and do a transaction with them. We all trust each other and it works.

Baja Citizen: I have heard feedback from the past few meetings

of AMPI and the turnout seems to be rather large at your meetings. It seems like things are looking up for AMPI La Paz. Jose Gaytan: Well, you know in May we will be celebrating 12 years of AMPI here in La Paz and also in May, Linda Neil will be celebrating 20 years of The Settlement Company. Those are both big events for us this year! Really, there is plenty for us in the real estate industry to look forward to. AMPI La Paz will continue to grow and we are all very excited to what is about to come.

Baja Citizen: Thank-you so much for your time. I know you are very busy.Jose Gaytan: You are always welcome.

Continues from page 3

19 March 22nd, 2011

Shopping 101 With Donneley Mccann

SHOPPING 101

A proverb is a well-known saying that gives good advice or expressesa supposed truth such as:

“One person’s trash is another person’s treasure”

I took the liberty of changing the original of this one to reflect political correctness - i.e. gender-neutral language! This proverb is one I am sure you have heard but to experience this good advice and discover its wisdom you really should do some shopping at the Segundo’s of La Paz. Segundo’s are second-hand stores here in Mexico. There is a row of them along both highways leading out of town, to the north (in Chametla) and to the south (across from the University).

Not for the squeamish, these tiendas usually have dirt floors covered with old, dirt laden useless hunks of carpeting and overhead the roofs/ceilings are corrugated tin. Do go early when the heat of the day has yet to be absorbed and settled underneath these sun blockers. The offerings are subject to negotiation (bargain!) and it takes some pawing, pondering, prying and perseverance but treasures abound!

I have managed to put together a table setting for 14 people in a shiny black octagonal pattern that includes dinner plates, side dishes, cups, soup bowls and serving dishes. Makes for very elegant dining when I use the black candleholders and vases also acquired. I have found books to read, puzzles to solve, games to play, furniture, cookware, George Foreman grills, crystal, sterling silver, greeting

cards, wrapping paper, lamps, toys etc. etc. etc. and all at bargain prices.

Just this week, I found a like-new chaise lounge cushion with subdued floral pattern for less than $10.00, not to mention the bright and colourful Fisher-Price toys for the little person who is coming to visit. It takes more than one haunting to discover what there is to discover as the available stuff changes frequently but the fun of the search is worth many trips!

In the walkway that displays many artisan crafts and runs between 16 de Septiembre and Austin Arreola (one of Sears’ exits opens to this walkway) and closer to 16 de Septiembre there is a shop called Arte La Paz. While most of the stock is well worth examining, of particular note are the products made with juniper wood and inlayed with abalone shell.

These handmade items are exquisite and are crafted by the fourth generation of the same family from Hidalgo, the owner of this store being one of the family craftsmen. There are necklaces, earrings, jewelry boxes, key chains, domino sets, boxed pens and desk sets. The most amazing are the miniature musical instruments which can be bought individually or in sets. A unique gift to be sure!

If you like to sew or work with fabric and the infinite number of items one can use to decorate fabric with perhaps the free classes being offered at Telas Bonanza on Arreola are for you. In the window of this store is a handwritten sign that advertises:Cursos Gratis – Free ClassesTejido con telaresAgujas y con ganchoBordado en liston

Bordado en telaPintura en telaThese classes are held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 AM to Noon and on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 7 PM. I doubt you need to be fluent in Spanish to understand the language of making beautiful things from fabric, some of which are displayed in the window. Just checking out their fabrics and notions will probably urge you to start something.

And the goodies I found at Soriano’s this week! Betty Crocker gluten free mixes – yellow and devil’s food cakes,

brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Canned lychee nuts, grape leaves, and dried shiitake mushrooms. Angel hair pasta and cheddar cheese spread. The big Aramburo on Forjadores, for those who have asked, carries all levels of Tillamook cheddar cheese and 500 gram packages of frozen ground turkey.

Have trouble finding a product that I may just discovery or uncover while shopping – write me! Shopping 101@writeme.com. Until then, I will keep shopping.

March 22nd, 2011 20

21 March 22nd, 2011

STREET MARKET IN LA PAZ

A fledgling organic/natural product market took its first flight Tuesday, January 8th in La Paz. Three vendors participated and everything sold out in an hour. The call is out for producers (as opposed to resellers) to bring their ware to the market. Fruit. Veggies. Lettuces. Flowers. Bread. Herbs. Poultry. Eggs. Cheeses. Plans are to have a market every Tuesday, from 9:30 am until 2 pm. The location is the length of Madero street from Cinco de Mayo to Constitucion. For information, call 612-142-0725.

ART HOUSE GALLERY GRAND OPENING

Galeria La Paz has moved from its location at Obregón on the Malecón to Revolucion 655, between Victoria and Morelos right between the plant nursery and Alianza Francesa, very easy to find. The public is invited to the opening of the ART HOUSE on March 30th, 2011 starting at 7 p.m. ART HOUSE will feature work not seen in the area before and refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Sidne Byars Herrero at 612 125 9599 or 612 127 3191.

THE SEA OF CORTES WRITERS’ GROUP

The Sea of Cortés Writers’ Group meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays to read aloud from their work (poetry, prose, fiction or nonfiction pieces in English) and get feedback from other writers. The group meets until about noon. New members are welcome. For more information, call Allende Books at (612)125 9114, drop by the bookstore at Independencia #518, between Serdan and G. Prieto, call “Shorebird” on VHF radio at 8:30 a.m., call 612-123-4669 or e-mail george_potvin@yahoo.com.

FREEDIVERS COURSES AND DAY CLINICS

The only Master instructors of A.I.D.A. in Mexico, Aharon and Maria Teresa (MT) Solomons, are offering courses and 1 day workshops teaching the secrets of freediving. breathing techniques and better underwater security. For more information, call 612 132 8572.

HAM RADIO LICENSE

There will be a ham radio license test in La Paz on Saturday, April 6th, 2011 at 9:00 at the meeting room in Marina de La Paz. Please contact Dennis Ross, S/V Two Can Play (Ross Marine Services) on VHF CH22A or 044 612 136 46 13 for additional information and reservations. The fee is $14 US and a photo ID is required.

LA PAZ LADIES LUNCHEON

By popular demand, we are going back to The Palapa Restaurant, 19th Hole, El Paraiso del Mar for another great picnic of beef and chicken brochette, salads and dessert! The La Paz Ladies Luncheon April edition will be held on FRIDAY, April 15th with lunch served at 1:00pm. It is important to note that you must make your reservation with Luiza at luizalanoy@yahoo.com. If you find that you cannot attend after making a reservation, a cancellation notice is required to give notice to the restaurant.

CHRISTIAN WORSHIP IN ENGLISH IN LA PAZ

Crossroads Christian Worship has worship services every Sunday at 9:00 am. Bible study classes are also available. Everyone is welcome. Crossroads is located on Abasolo between Sonora and Sinaloa. For more information, please contact Milton and Susu Sanders at 122 5538 or

check out the Crossroads webpage at www.crossroadslapaz.org.

INFORMAL ART GROUP

Frank Hills and Patricia Solem encourage all artists to join them on Wednesday mornings at the new space at Mariana de La Paz, for informal painting, conversation and coffee. They usually meet at around 9:00 am until 1:00pm. For information, Frank can be reached at 612 154 1050 or zorba1360@yahoo.com. There are no rules, no membership fees and no classes. Everyone welcome.

ALL ARTISTS AND ARTISANS!!

The Asociacion de Artes del Mar de Cortez invites all artists and artisans to participate in our 18th annual Festival de Artes at beautiful Hotel Palmas de Cortez in Los Barriles on Sunday, April 3rd! To register, please contact the festival committee at festivaldeartes@hotmail.com or call

(624)158-6309 English or (624)141-0380 Spanish. Due to the growing number of participants of this event and our desire to accommodate everyone’s booth size requests, we are asking that all artists/artisans sign up through these contact numbers to receive confirmation of registration. It’s very easy, and will help us ensure that everyone is accounted for and all booth requests are granted. Those who arrive without a reservation will of course be welcome, but booth assignment will be subject to availability at that time, so register now, check in early (between 6 - 9AM) on Festival Day, and have a great time!

WOMEN’S GOLF CLINIC

Costa Baja Golf Course will now be offering golf classes for women on Mondays and Thursdays for groups of 5 to 8 women. Cost is 400 pesos per person per class. For information and to reserve a spot, call 175-0122 or e-mail reservation@costabajagolf.com

March 22nd, 2011 22

35 pesos each from Monday to Friday.43 pesos each from Monday to Sunday.

Continues from page 16The International Community Foundation conducted a comprehensive study of 840 U.S. retirees in Mexican coastal communities between July and November 2009, including questions related to their behavior regarding environmental issues, as well as the opportunities to improve their “adopted” community’s quality of life as it relates to the local environment. The target populations surveyed were those aged 50 years or older who are either retired full-time in Mexico or residing there on a part-time basis.

The Foundation’s survey found that U.S. retirees over 50 years of age living in coastal Mexico are equally environmentally-minded in their passions, their purchases, and their actions:

· More U.S. retirees in Mexican coastal communities enjoyed bird watching - 15.1 percent - than played golf - 14.1 percent.· 63.4 percent of respondents indicated that issues of environmental sustainability were “somewhat important” or “very important” to them when they selected and purchased their home. Only 7 percent said that these issueswere “not important.”· In searching for a home in Mexico, 56.4 percent of respondents indicated that they did not feel that they had any “green” or environmentally friendly options.

The overwhelming majority of respondents (78.7 percent) have actively considered their environmental impact on their adopted new community in Mexico. They drive less (63.3 percent), consume less electricity (53.1percent), and use less water (41.4 percent).· 31 percent of respondents recycle already and 46.0 percent of respondents would recycle if they could, as no recycling programs are available in their communities.· 42 percent are concerned or very concerned about climate change.· When asked what key factors would lead U.S. retirees to leave Mexico, the number one reason noted by 57.6 percent of respondents would be a noticeable increase in crime targeted towards U.S. retirees or tourists, followed by 44.5 percent who identified declining environmental quality of their adopted community due to increased sewage runoff, litter, and water pollution.

The International Community Foundation is a public charity founded in 1990 with a mission to expand the level of charitable giving internationally by U.S. donors with an emphasis on Mexico and Central America. For more information regarding the International Community Foundation, visit www.icfdn.org. The report is available electronically in both English and Spanish at:http://www.icfdn.org/publications/rra.php.

younger fishermen than the old salts, but he’s determined to keep working on them.

He also mentioned “mangrove oysters” to us. When we said we hadn’t heard of them, he took us up the some mangroves, gently pried a few oysters from the exposed roots, and opened them for us to try. According to my husband, they were delicious. (I wasn’t brave enough to try them.)

We finally headed back to port when Tony got a radio call to return. On the way back, though, we were again approached by whales, and again had the opportunity to stop and play. Finally heeding his boss’s summons, we reluctantly returned. As we passed the last island before port, a coyote

came to the shore to watch us. The perfect end to the perfect day.

We spent more than four hours on the water – having only paid for three – saw a multitude of whales, and were approached by six, not to mention the birds we saw, the oysters we ate, the coyote who greeted us, and the benefit of Tony’s extensive knowledge. There simply are not enough superlatives. It was the experience of a lifetime.

Jubilant but exhausted, we spent a relaxing night in the hotel before heading home on Tuesday.

La Paz, internationally renowned whale watching destination. Absolutely world-class. Really.

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Testing your basic vocabulary: Today no scramble, no crosswords, just use your memory: what are the names of these basic things (put an article …)This is the kind of vocabulary we teach in our Spanish for Travelers program.

Answers last edition

Unscramble these Spanish words all related with Carnaval.

1. nfaatiz antifaz (mask)

2. dfelies desfile (parade)

3. camraas mascara (mask)

4. tcifone confeti (confetti)

5. smaebautln ambulantes (street vendors)

6. irisvdeón diversión (fun)

7. sradifz disfraz (costume)

8. cscntorioe conciertos (concerts)

9. tsfeia fiesta (party, celebration)

10. roonuccs concurso (contest)

11. eirfa feria (fair)

12. aeahclrtsna charlatanes (hucksters)

13. músaic música (music)

14. beali baile (ball - dance)

15. arnei reina (queen)

16. argleía alegría (happiness, joy)

17. nesdrvoede vendedores (sellers)

18. cverzae cerveza (beer)

19. soegju juegos (games)

20. mdiaoc comida (food)

admission is free. (For March, the theme is rock-and-roll: March 9, The Beatles, Yellow Submarine, by George Dowing; March 16, The Doors, by Oliver Stone; March 23, The Beatles, Help!, by Richard Lester; March 30, Jesus Christ Superstar, by Norman Jewison.)

Art group, Wednesdays: Frank Hills and Pat Solem invite artists to join them for informal painting, conversation and coffee from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the new space over the bathrooms at Marina de La Paz. It’s free, a chance to network and to create. For information, contact Frank at 162-154-1050 or e-mail zorba1360@yahoo.comCentro Cultural theatre, Sundays: During March, the theatre group La Hostería performs El Zoológico de Cristal, at 6 p.m. in the open-air patio at Centro Cultural La Paz. The play is directed by Diego Barajas. Admission is free.

Children’s library workshop, Saturdays: The “Library workshop” from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. offers stories and crafts and the cost, including materials and light refreshments, is 80 pesos. It’s one of several activities at AbraPalabra, a non-profit children’s library on the grounds of the Galería Galería art gallery on Revolución at the corner of Juárez. See the CLASSES page for a full list of activities at AbraPalabra.

CineClub at Centro Cultural La Paz, Saturdays: The movie starts at 6 p.m. at the cultural centre on 16 de Septiembre near Belisario Dominguez. Admission is free. There’s no mention of language and/or English subtitles. March 5, Frida, by Julie Taymor; March 12, 5 Días sin Nora, an outstanding Mexican family drama with touches of comedy about the reaction of family members to a sudden death; March 19, Amelia, by Indian filmmaker Mira Nair;

March 26, Como Aqua para Chocolate, by Mexican director Alfonso Arau.

Cultural presentation, Tuesdays: There’s a cultural talk in simple Spanish Tuesdays at 1:15 to 2 p.m. at Se Habla…La Paz Spanish Language school. The presentation, which includes handouts, is open to the public and is free. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call the school at 122-7763. March 8, important dates for Mexicans; March 15: Benito Juarez; March 22: the meaning of images on Mexican bills and coins; March 29, the state of Chihuahua.

Farmer’s market, Tuesdays and Saturdays: The sidewalk market of natural foods opens at 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays on Madero Street between 5 de Mayo and Constitución (sidewalk tables stretch from Caprichos restaurant to the organic Mexican foods store Sabores de México on that block). There’s also a market 9:30 a.m. Saturdays in the park on the corner of Constitución and Revolución. across from the post office and Corazón Café. Both markets end at about 11:30 a.m., but sell out of some foods earlier. You’ll also find some arts, crafts and home-backed goodies at the markets. For more information, visit Corazón Café or Sabores de México.

Music school performances, most Tuesdays and Fridays: Rehearsals of the Orquesta Juvenil de la Escuela de Música del Estado, 1055 Morelos on the corner of Marcelo Rubio, are free and open to the public. Rehearsals are from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays and from 5 to 8 p.m. Fridays at Sala de Conciertos La Paz. You may wish to double-check with the school to confirm there is a rehearsal that particular Tuesday or Friday. The school’s phone number is (612) 125-55-19 and the e-mail address is serv_escolares@escuelademusicabcs.com .

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