Learning Spanish

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Travelling internationally is a great gift for children as it creates an awareness of other cultures, traditions and languages.
Because children learn faster at an earlier age, it is a perfect time for them to learn Spanish. A whole new world will open up to them, allowing for increased cognitive, social and vocational development. Here are just some of the lifetime benefits:
• Improved listening ability for sound distinctions
• Increased understanding of their own native language as well as an appreciation for other countries and cultures
• Greater confidence when travelling and working with others from foreign countries
• Improved intellectual development resulting in higher test scores and advanced educational placement
• Enhanced marketability in the business world
Learning a new language can be an exciting goal but it can also be frustrating and overwhelming at times. That’s when you have to keep it fresh and creative. Here are some ideas to help your family learn Spanish.

We all know that reading to a child allows them to learn new words and make associations. Try alternating your child’s nightly reading schedule. Read an English book one night and a Spanish book the next. This will enable them to learn two languages at once.

Puerto Vallarta has so many wonderful books with characters that your child may already know and some new characters that they are going to love. Many local bookstores and supermarkets have a wide variety of picture and activity books, magazines and young adult novels to enjoy.

Passive listening is an important part of picking up a second language and you can do this by playing Spanish music in the house, in the car or at the beach. Song lyrics have repetitive melodies which help with memory by reinforcing new vocabulary and syntax. Many PV stores offer a wide selection of Spanish CDs for all ages and interests.
When education is combined with interaction, it’s easy to forget that you are learning! Board games, number games, memory games, they are all incredibly helpful. The Mexican game of chance, Loteria, is similar to Bingo, a game that many children already know. Instead of using numbers, it uses pictures and corresponding words. This is an easy way for children to learn the Spanish name and spelling of objects.
For kids who love computer games, there are numerous software programs that teach Spanish. Pick up some games and take them home to encourage your child’s enthusiasm and progress.
Other methods include labeling objects in your home, office or classroom using Post-it notes with Spanish names. Put together an “A to Z” photo project by taking pictures of items around town that begin with an A, B, C and so on. Be sure to use the Spanish word and see how many you can collect by the end of your stay.
Young children love to interact with puppets so use these child-friendly characters to tell a story or practice new vocabulary words.
Go to a movie that with Spanish subtitles or watch a DVD in Spanish.
While dining at a Mexican restaurant, study the menu and identify ingredients that are used such as pollo (chicken), leche (milk), queso (cheese), arroz (rice) and verduras (vegetables).
Literally hundreds if not thousands of words are very similar in spelling, if not the same, in English and Spanish. Make it a game to discover how many of these words your family can identify.
Attend a Spanish class. Anything that you can do as a family will provide encouragement and enthusiasm for your child. Numerous resorts offer beginning classes and several language schools around town have multilevel courses. Private tutors are also available for an hourly rate.
Buena suerte y disfruta tu estancia en México! (Good luck and enjoy your stay in Mexico!)

Staying Green While on Vacation

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Children learn the 3 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) in school and certainly at home, but being able to recycle while on vacation may prove to be difficult. Yes, recycling while you travel may require extra thought and effort but as my favorite elementary teacher would say, “We cannot afford to take a vacation from caring for the environment.”
Before tossing that soda can or dirty bandana in the trash think about this: it takes 100 to 400 years for things like aluminum and cloth to decompose. You might think twice when throwing away your glass bottles as glass has been found to be in perfect condition after 4,000 years in the earth.
With these statistics, it is so important that our children learn at an early age how to care for our environment, no matter where we are.
Mexico is a beautiful country, rich in resources and natural beauty, and we would like to keep it that way for generations to come. Whether you are a full time resident or here for a brief stay, it is up to all of us to follow the “leave it better than you found it” principle by disposing our trash and recyclables in the proper bins.
Because there are many people who are passionate about this movement, several local groups have been formed to educate the community and lead by example. They include Ecologico de Puerto Vallarta, A.C. and the Recyclers of Bucerias.
In Puerto Vallarta, 500 tons of garbage is generated per day and by recycling, 50 tons of that can be reduced. There is certainly more to do and if you want to get involved while you are here, check out their website (www.grupoecologico.com) for more information and scheduled events.
If you are not able to volunteer time, perhaps you will be able to dispose of your recyclable waste at the following locations:

Metal Decks
Maria Teresa Gonzalez
Revolution esq. Genaro Padilla Pitillal Cologne
Telephone: 224-1739
Cell: 322-151-9243
Armando Gutierrez
Colonia San Salvador No. 234 December 5
Telephone: 223-2570
Cell: 322-306-0856

Don Domingo “Minguillar”
Avocado Colonia Emiliano Zapata No. 663

Used Battery Recycling
CECATI Matus No. 63 Rogelio Palacios
Hidalgo 300 esq. Colonia Centro Zaragoza
Municipal Utility
Pelicanos No. 136 esq. Alondra Col. Los Sauces
Telephone: 225-9659
OXXO Stores

Glass Bottles
Esc Tec Sec # 3 ETI
Col. Emiliano Zapata No. 350 Valentín Gómez Farías

Plastics
Gregorio Espinosa
Col. Boards (behind the Police Delegation)
Wire baskets located on the city streets, especially in Cologne Pitillal.

Newspapers
Animal Collection Center
Gold Coast Colony No. 703 Linda Vista
Telephone: 293-3690

Cardboard
Col. Mojoneras (in front of the Bonafont Water Company)
Col. Ixtapa
Paper,
Cardboard, Magazines
P. José de Jesús Barraza
Abasolo No. 439 Col. El Calvario
Cell: 322-111-3463
If you are in or around Bucerias, a small town north of Puerto Vallarta, the Recyclers of Bucerias will be happy to tell you about their program. They are a “not for profit” organization that operates solely on the kindness of volunteers who collect glass, cardboard, aluminum cans and plastic.

Large wire baskets throughout the neighborhoods have been placed for collection of aluminum and plastic. Cardboard and glass will need to be dropped off at their recycling center.
The money generated from recycling is used to improve the lives of Bucerias residents.
The efforts of The Recyclers of Bucerias have already made a difference. Almost 10 tons of material has been collected, therefore making it possible to donate over $7,000 pesos!
If you would like to lend an extra pair of hands, big and small, then please contact Barry at recyclers.of.bucerias@gmail.com.
They meet every Thursday (9 am) at “The Bucerias Recycling Center” on the corner of Calle Encino and Calle Invierno. They can always use help with pick-up and sorting which only takes a few hours. If you are able to join them, please wear work clothes and bring plenty of water and insect repellant.
Because children innately care for nature, they often love the experience of recycling to help protect the environment. Being able to do it in another country is an incredibly unique experience, one that can be shared at school or with other service organizations. So, consider spending some time minimizing your family’s “environmental footprint” while enjoying the beauty of Mexico.

The Sierra Madre Occidental

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When I first arrived in Puerto Vallarta, I was awestruck by the massive Sierra Madre mountain range that greeted me. To this day, I still find myself admiring the majestic peaks and rich biodiversity of this panoramic wonder.
Sierra Madre literally means “mother mountain range” and it includes a number of ranges throughout Mexico: Sierra Madre Oriental (northeast), Sierra Madre del Sur (south), Sierra Madre de Oaxaca (south-central), Sierra Madre de Chiapas (southeastern) and the Sierra Madre Occidental, which runs from southern Arizona into northwestern Mexico.
With an approximate length of 1,500 km (931 miles) and elevation of 3,311 m (10,863 feet), the Sierra Madre Occidental continues to give Puerto Vallarta a dramatic backdrop. You, too, will be awed by its high crests, deep canyons, pine-oak forests, stunning desserts and rivers, including the longest river in Mexico, the Rio Grande de Santiago.
While you are visiting, take some time to discover the Sierra Madre Occidental. Your family will love conquering its rough terrain with an ATV tour or flying through the trees on a zip-line adventure. Go for a hike or visit the many villages sprinkled throughout the mountainside. Whatever you choose, be sure to bring a camera. You will certainly want to capture the Sierra Madre’s 517 species of plants and wildlife.
To help your family learn more about the creatures of the Sierra Madre Occidental, try a little crossword fun. You may just discover some new and exciting mammals, reptiles and insects, oh my!

Birthdays

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One lazy afternoon here in Mexico, squeals of laughter caught my attention and drew me to my front window. Just across the street were eight little girls, taking turns to climb up an inflatable ladder only to slide down the other side, splashing into our neighborhood pool. They giggled and jumped out only to do it all over again. The girls were at a birthday party; complete with decorations, family, cake and of course, a piñata!
I found myself smiling and thinking that birthdays seem to be universal. How did that happen? How do other cultures celebrate? Where did the concept of hosting a party come from? Well, to find answers to those questions, I had to be willing to dive into the pages of history.
Celebrating one’s birth actually began in antiquity when periods of time were determined by the repeating cycles of the moon, sun and changing seasons. With the introduction of the Egyptian calendar, Greeks, Romans and Persians had the ability to mark significant dates, especially the birthdates and astrology signs of gods, kings and high-ranking nobility.
These pagan cultures feared the influence of evil spirits, which were said to be especially attracted to people on their birthdays. To protect their loved one, family and friends would gather in merriment, bringing gifts to protect them from evil in the upcoming year. In fact, these practices have led to a number of birthday traditions that are follow today.
The lighting of candles on a round birthday cake can be traced to the Greek worship of Artemis, the moon goddess. The shape represented the round moon and the lit candles reflected its glow. They would sing songs, sending prayers to the gods. Some of us may recognize this as making a “birthday wish” while blowing out the candles with one breath.
Celebrating birthdays became more common, despite age or wealth. Eventually, they became a worldwide tradition. However, the manor in which a birthday is celebrated varies depending upon religious beliefs, cultural traditions, family culture, geographic location and economic status.
Here in Mexico, birthdays often include a priest’s blessing and a party with friends and family. Piñatas, popular for children, are made from paper mache and are fashioned as animals, flowers, cartoons and other such objects. The piñata is filled with small candies, toys and coins and is suspended from the ceiling. Blindfolded, each child takes a turn striking the piñata. When one child is able to finally break the piñata, he is able to claim a year’s worth of luck while everyone scrambles to collect the falling treasure.
In Mexico and in several other Latino cultures, girls who are celebrating their 15th birthday will enjoy a “Quinceanera”, marking their passage into adulthood. It often includes a religious ceremony where she recognizes her heritage and her spiritual journey while performing a candle-lighting ceremony.
Canadian and American children also celebrate their birthdays with parties complete with games, presents, singing, cake and ice cream. Some receive “spankings”, which are in jest. However, a century ago, these spankings were believed to be wishes: one to grow on, one to live on, one for happiness, one to get married and so on and so forth.
Two American sisters, Mildred and Patty Hill, wrote the song, “Happy Birthday to You”, in 1893. Nobody gave it much regard until the original words “Good Morning to You” were changed to “Happy Birthday to You”. Now it is one of the most recognizable songs in the world.
The English, recognized for beginning the tradition of sending birthday cards over 100 years ago, bake cakes with hidden objects. Many believe that the person who finds a coin in his piece of cake would be wealthy.
Danish families place gifts around the birthday child’s bed while she is sleeping and Norwegian children select a friend to dance with while entertaining classmates. Swedish children are served breakfast in bed and given pound cakes, which are decorated with marzipan.
The day an African child is born is not as significant as when he reaches a certain age. It is on this day that he and others of the same age are initiated into their community, learning their culture’s laws and ancient rituals. In China, when a baby turns one, a variety of toys are placed on the floor surrounding the child. The object that the child chooses is believed to be a symbol of their future profession or life’s purpose.
No matter the tradition, belief or the method of celebration, birthdays are as unique as the person himself. If you are commemorating your birthday with us here in Mexico, “feliz cumpleaños”! Perhaps you will find luck by striking a piñata filled with treasure, health and happiness for the year ahead.
(Sources for this article include giftsofnz.com, coolest-kid-birthday-parties.com and birthdaycelebrations.net.)

Got an ATV?

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Do you love feeling the wind sweep across your cheeks? Do you enjoy the grit of the road beneath your tires? Well, if you find yourself nodding up and down, then head to the nearest tour company and rent an ATV (all terrain vehicle).
I will let you in on a little secret. At first, I really didn’t see what the hubbub was all about regarding ATVs. Aren’t they just gloried big wheels? Yes, they are and boy, what fun they can be!
Now, I am a huge ATV fan. In my humble opinion, no Mexican vacation is complete without using these vehicles to explore the natural beauty of the area. What changed my mind about ATVs? I have to say that it all started with a group of friends who craved adventure during their holiday.
There we were, decked out in bandanas, helmets, and gloves, trying to guess which one of us would win the “funniest looking rider” contest. Unanimously, my friends and I declared the youngest member of our group, a ten-year-old girl, the winner. She was thrilled to receive the honor and waved like a princess while sitting behind her father on their ATV.
Once we were fully instructed on safety procedures, we revved our engines and took off. We followed our guide as if he were a mother duck and we were the little ducklings.
You know what they say about life, “it’s not about the destination but about the journey”? That perfectly describes an ATV excursion. There are so many picturesque views of the mountains, rivers, rock formations and people that make the journey so unique.
When our group arrived at the clubhouse, we dismounted our ATVs, took off our helmets and burst into laughter. The dust had found it’s way up our noses!
We captured as many photo opportunities as we could before settling in to enjoy ice cold drinks and chicken tacos. After a quick game of “I Spy with My Little Eye”, we gathered our things, pulled on our safety gear and jumped back onto our ATVs, eager to let the excitement continue.
If you are interested in having your own ATV experience, then check with your local tour company. Most organizations provide fully automatic vehicles, which are “user friendly”, especially for beginners. You can ride solo, with a partner or have a private tour. They can even “super size” your adventure package by adding a canopy tour. Here are some helpful hints as you prepare for a great ATV excursion. Dress to get dirty and consider wearing long sleeve shirts and pants for added protection.
While tour companies provide helmets, goggles and bandanas, you might want to bring along riding gloves.
Wearing sunscreen and bug repellent is always a good idea and if you bring along a cell phone, keep in mind that you might not get reception. Other items to consider include a water bottle, money for refreshments and souvenirs, a swimsuit, sunglasses, tissues and toilet paper. It is always a good idea to pack any electronic equipment in a freezer bag just in case you come across a mud puddle or two.
The tour guides will be sure to give safety instructions before you set out and help you understand how to accelerate and slow down as well as how to break and park. Driving responsibly is emphasized and racing or stunting are strictly prohibited. Be advised that children under 16 may not be able to drive but can be passengers on ATVs that are built for two.
ATVs are considered to be “rider-active”, meaning that a rider will need to shift his weight while maneuvering turns, negotiating inclines and crossing obstacles. Because ATVs are designed for off-road use only, you will want to be sure to proceed with caution when crossing roads or highways.
Hitting the trails is one of the best excursions in town and if you have children, they are going to thank you for taking them on this adventure. They will love traveling through the small Mexican villages and plantations while pointing out the sights and sounds of the jungle. If exploring the beach is more interesting to your child, then ask about ATV beach tours. The choice is yours but be care, you might just find an ATV on their next birthday or holiday wish list! Happy riding!

PV Loves Kids: The Los Mangos Library

One of my favorite places to visit in Puerto Vallarta is the local library, Biblioteca Los Mangos (Los Mangos Library). It is always buzzing with patrons eagerly searching for a “good read” and children who are anxiously awaiting the next live show featuring puppets, singing and dancing.

Community club members bustle with excitement as they head into a meeting room and rows of busy Internet users are tapping away at their keyboards. The energy is contagious and each experience is unique.

I remember this excitement from my childhood. Every weekend, my sister and I would hold hands, skip through our library doors and anxiously search for stories of princesses, ballerinas and far away lands.

Row after row of book stacks and magazine racks, we finally claimed our literary treasures and stuffed them into our canvas book bags. Once we were safely strapped into the family station wagon, my sister and I would categorize our reading selections.
These four were to be read in the car; this one was for our homemade fort; and these ten were saved for Daddy who would read to us at night. Our love of reading was certainly fostered by the library and through the years, we have become avid readers.

When we travel, we often visit libraries to get a sense of the local community.

Although the years have passed, the things that I remember as a child are still evident here at PV’s Los Mangos Library. Excited children continue to skip through the entrance, dreaming of books filled with fun and adventure. Adults thumb through pages of inspirational learning.

The ever-present smell of printed pages still fills the air and the soft hush of a librarian is always heard.

Since it’s opening in 1996, the goal of the Los Mangos Library has been to encourage the love of reading and learning by offering a wealth of reading material in Spanish and English. To enhance the experience, they also provide countless activities and events. In fact, the Los Mangos Library is now considered a model library on the state and national level because of its dedication to our community.
Young readers will be thrilled with the vast array of bilingual picture, early reader and chapter books just for them.

These tools are perfect for learning a new language while appreciating another culture. Parents will want to check out the youth activity schedule for art and craft classes, music education and live entertainment.

As you can imagine, there is always something for adults to see and do at the library. Besides the books and periodical section, various classes are offered for a small fee. You can participate in art (painting and drawing), dance (Folkloric, Jazz, Ballet, Flamenco and contemporary), music (guitar and piano), Pilates, Yoga, and Aikido (a form of martial arts). For under $5, guests can eat tasty treats and enjoy artistic and mainstream films hosted by the Cinema Club.

If you love to buy gently used books, then you won’t want to miss the collection at the Los Mangos Library. Search through their bookcases filled with novels, non-fiction and poetry books. Who knows, maybe you will find a literary treasure of your own.

All donations will go toward library improvements and if you would like to contribute in a more permanent way, you can purchase a decorative tile to be placed on the entrance wall. Library cards are available and require a completed registration form, ID (passport), a receipt (phone or electricity bill) for address verification and two small passport-like headshots. The card is available the next day and gives the cardholder full access to the library, its resources and its amenities.

With so much available inside the Los Mangos Library, you won’t want to miss the fun outside! The SPCA hosts pet adoptions on Saturdays from 10-2.

Every eligible cat or dog has been bathed, sterilized, tested for disease, vaccinated, dewormed, as well as treated for ticks and fleas.

While the SPCA pays for these treatments, they do ask for an adoption donation. For those who would like to adopt a pet and travel abroad, the process is quite “user friendly”. Check with your airline for instructions and documentation.

Visiting the Los Mangos Library is a great activity to add to your vacation itinerary. If you are a long-term resident, it can be a staple for your adventures here in Mexico.

The Los Mangos Library is located at Avenue Francisco Villa 1001. They are open from 9-9, Monday through Friday and 10-6 on Saturdays.

For more information, call 322-224-9966 or check out their blog at biblioteca-los-mangos.blogspot.com.
Happy reading!

Green Iguana Trivia

Call me crazy but laundry is one of my favorite chores. I love to watch the clothes dance in the breeze as they dry on the line. The fresh scent of summertime fills the house as I put them away in dresser drawers. Little did I know that my beloved laundry ritual would be interrupted that morning.

Accidentally knocking over the folded table umbrella, I bent down to replace it in the corner of the patio. Suddenly, a mid-sized green iguana leapt from the folds and scurried across the tiles to his sanctuary in the flower bushes. My screams echoed throughout the neighborhood. After assuring everyone that I was fine, I tried to laugh it off and catch my breath. After all, iguanas are harmless right? Well, they are certainly popular.

When I arrived in Puerto Vallarta, it didn’t take long to realize that these four-legged reptiles were everywhere. They were depicted in art, books, and advertising, even creative mixed drink menus. In fact, it seemed like everyone was playing the “I Spy with My Little Eye a Green Iguana” game. A tourist would point to a tree while onlookers squinted and swayed from side to side. Once the iguana was spotted, cameras would immortalize it in digital photo albums around the world.

So what exactly is a green iguana? What do they eat? Will they crawl into my lap for an afternoon siesta? Perhaps you are wondering the same things? Well, after doing a little research, I thought that you and your family would enjoy some “Green Iguana Trivia”.

What are green iguanas?
Green iguanas are large reptiles that range in “greenness” from bright to dull, depending upon their age and gender.

Where do they live?
Green iguanas live high in the trees. They like to have water nearby and who wouldn’t in this hot tropical weather? Green iguanas are native to Central and South America but can also be found in Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, and the Caribbean Islands.

How long can they grow?
Green iguanas can grow up to 6.6 feet or 2 meters in length.

How much can a green iguana weigh?
A mature iguana can weigh up to 20 pounds or 9.1 kilograms.

Can they swim?
Yes, iguanas are powerful swimmers using their strong tails propel them. When iguanas need to escape from predators like hawks, they have been known to “fall” from trees 40-50 feet high and dive into the water to swim away unharmed.

How do iguanas protect themselves?
Iguanas lift their head, bobbing side to side and displaying the dewlap (bigger in males) under the chin. They also have spines along their back. If attacked, iguanas use their teeth, claws and whip-like tails. In fact, if an enemy has clutched the tail, it can break off allowing the iguana to escape and eventually grow another.

Can an iguana bite?
An iguana’s teeth are sharp enough to shred leaves and can even break human skin but he is more interested in flowers, leaves and fruit. Iguanas are herbivorous, which is a fancy word for vegetarian. Unless you corner and agitate an iguana, he will leave you alone. One might say, “They are more afraid of you than you are of them.”

Does an iguana need protection from the bright sun?
You would think that an iguana would need some SPF 100 with all of that sunbathing. However, their bodies need to soak up the ultraviolet rays in order to produce vitamin D.

What is on the top of an iguana’s head?
Iguanas have a “third eye” that does not function like the other two. Also called a parietal eye, it is a photosensory organ that detects color change and overhead movement. Iguanas have excellent vision, noting shapes and motion at long distances. They can even distinguish between colors in bright light.

How many eggs does a female iguana lay?
A female lays between 20-71 eggs one time a year. She might protect her “burrow” from predators, but does not return to greet or raise her newborns. Not all eggs make it to “hatching time”, but if they do, the babies stay in juvenile groups for about one year.

Do they live in families?
Most iguanas prefer the single life but they do enjoy getting together to sunbath at a local “hot spot”.

Can you eat a green iguana?
Actually, Central and South American cultures have been eating green iguanas for over 7000 years. They say that the meat tastes like, you guessed it, chicken! I think that I will stick with my chips and salsa after a full morning of iguana surprises and fresh laundry.

For more information about green iguanas, check out my sources at www.wikipedia.com and www.nationalgeographic.com.

“PV Loves Kids: Paper Airplanes”

Nothing is more insightful than watching a parent teach a child a new skill and seeing the excitement on the face of that child when they’ve “got it”. I had the pleasure of observing this with my stepsons one afternoon. They had so much fun learning how to fold paper airplanes from their dad. They launched their creations over the banister and into the dining room for hours. Laughter filled our home and created wonderful memories throughout the years.

Good ol’ paper airplanes are something that you can enjoy no matter your age, gender, race or creed. They can be made from any type of paper, including what you are reading right now. Learning “grandpa’s secret plane design” is always a treat and something that can be passed down from generation to generation.

The joy of making and flying paper airplanes has even inspired a day of recognition in the U.S. Every year on May 26, paper airplane enthusiasts gather to celebrate “Paper Airplane Day”, an unofficial national holiday. They create designs similar to their aircraft counterparts and assign them names like “The Cobra” or “The Paper Rocket”. Many designers enter their aeronautical toys in contests to claim distance and airtime bragging rights.

So where did this tradition begin? Let’s glide our way through the historical pages of Ancient China and Japan where the origin of folding paper planes began. The art of folding paper is called Origami and it actually began in China during the first or second century. Eventually, origami spread to Japan sometime in the early seventh century where it became a valid art form, displaying creativity and skill.

Many speculate that China and Japan folded paper gliders, not actual planes as we know them today. At this point, it is uncertain who actually folded the first glider but we do see the effect that paper airplanes have had on technology throughout the centuries.

It has been documented that aviation pioneers used paper model aircraft to design their aeronautic machines. Leonard Da Vinci (1452-1519) was known to model his version of a plane, parachute and an ornithopter (an aircraft that flies by flapping wings) using parchment paper. Similar experiments to test theory and were used by Sir George Cayley, the pioneer of aeronautical engineering. Cayley made paper gliders as research components when designing the first successful glider to carry a human. Other pioneers who used paper airplanes and gliders include Clement Ader, Charles Langley and Alberto Santos Dumont.

Oliver Wright and Wilbur Wright built countless paper airplane models for their wind tunnel research. These aeronautical tools were key to their studies, allowing them to graduate from larger models, kites and gliders to the powered Flyer. In 1903, the first flight claimed the skies and we know the rest of the story.

This basic research tool has been used throughout the decades and around the world as developments in aviation became more sophisticated. Paper airplanes have contributed to the understanding and development of velocity, lifts, style and fashion.

Paper airplane enthusiasts are nostalgic about the day that they learned how to fold their very first paper airplane and remember its flight with vivid detail. In fact, one grandparent recalls a series of model warplane designs that were distributed by General Mills, Inc. in 1944.

The company was promoting a radio adventure program called “Jack Armstrong, All-American Boy”. The paper planes were offered two-at-a-time in exchange for two Wheaties cereal box tops and five cents. The models included the Curtis P-40 “Flying Tiger” and the British “Spitfire”. Children assembled their models by cutting the designs printed on heavy stock paper. They would glue on the wings and rudder and add a penny for the correct weight distribution.

The passion of flying paper airplanes has been documented by Guinness World Records. For years, they have been recording the longest airtime achievement. In April 2009, Takuo Toda of Japan won the Guinness World Record for the longest flight duration record using a hand-launched paper aircraft. His plane flew for 27.9 seconds in Hiroshima, which continues to be the longest airtime to date.

Who knows maybe you will be the next Guinness World Record holder, so get out your paper and start folding! Go online for paper airplane templates or have fun creating your own design. Allow your creation to take flight while you’re hanging out with loved ones, waiting in line or relaxing on the beach. Everyone can join in on the fun and create wonderful memories. Happy flying!

“PV Loves Kids: The Old Town Farmers’ Market”

While walking under the archway of Puerto Vallarta’s Old Town Farmers’ Market, nostalgia began to set in. As a young American girl living in a mid-Western state, my mother would take me to the local farmers’ market to stock up for the week. We would buy freshly cut garden vegetables and brown eggs from Helen, the sweet lady who owned a farm in a neighboring county. As an adult living in the Pacific Northwest, I would take my family to visit the Saturday farmers’ market, stocking up on organic blackberry jam, homegrown tomatoes, Oregon wine and bouquets of colorful tulips.

Moving from region to region and now to another country, I have found that farmers’ markets have kept their charming appeal and have maintained their mission: to offer seasonally fresh produce, picked at the peak of flavor, and to provide wholesale prices while promoting the community.

For over 10,000 years, farmers’ markets all over the world reflect their local culture, economy, agriculture and craftsmanship. Many speculate that the first markets began in Turkey and what we now refer to as the Middle East. As farms flourished, producing more than enough crops for a family, farmers would congregate in the town square and sell their abundance as a normal part of village life.

The idea quickly caught on and throughout the centuries, farmers’ markets have been supplying consumers with tasty fruits, vegetables, meats and dairy products. Depending upon the area, visitors may find a few booths or entire street blocks devoted to the sale of quality produce and specialty items such as handmade bath supplies, honey, coffee, baked goods, as well as arts and crafts. Often, free-range meats and natural dairy products can be purchased while cooking demonstrations and local entertainment is provided.

One cannot help but compare a farmers’ market to the big-time presence of commercialized grocery superstores. Although food can be purchased in any season with the convenience of “one stop shopping”, many farmers’ market patrons support foods that are sold at wholesale prices and are grown and harvested in environmentally friendly ways.
With growing support of natural and organic products, the popularity of farmers’ markets is once again on the rise. Consumers are interested and perhaps even passionate about the goods that they purchase. This is especially true at the Old Town Farmers’ Market where their motto is “make it, bake it, grow it”.

Taking in the vast array of sights, sounds and smells at the farmers’ market was a real treat for me on Saturday. Visitors were delighted with their new treasures, tasty baked goods and the casual atmosphere that the market had to offer.

Vendors who sell their handmade arts and crafts, jewelry and accessories are happy to welcome a visitor to their booths. They love to explain the process that was used to make their items. Homemade hummus, dressings and salsa, gourmet chocolates and of course, fresh produce and flowers are always available to accompany the next family meal.

When you have a free moment this Saturday, stop in for some freshly squeezed orange juice or a mug of hot, gourmet coffee. Free sampling is always encouraged and an outdoor eating area is provided for the enjoyment of Thai food, homemade tamales and other delightful treats.

Visit with Canadian author, Wanda St.Hilaire (www.wandasthilaire.com ), who writes about “her insights learned through the high peaks of adventure and love and the dark valleys of illness and heartbreak”. Fall in love and adopt a cat brought by PuRR Project (www.purrproject.com), a no-kill feline rescue shelter. Learn how you can get involved with them and other local charities represented at the market from week to week.

Children will especially love the Old Town Farmers’ Market because of its family-friendly atmosphere and assortment of treasures that appeal to youths. Girls will have fun going through the endless strings of beads and homemade purses while the boys will love the colorfully painted wooden toys and sound makers. English and Spanish are spoken and the people are always willing to answer questions about their products and their beloved Mexico.

The Old Town Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (November through July) and is located in the Paradise Community Center across from Coco’s Restaurant. The address is Pulpito #127, Colonia Emiliano Zapata and the market is free to the public. For more information, visit www.oldtownfm.com . Happy shopping!

Mother´s Day in Mexico

On May 10th the Mexicans celebrate the Día de las Madres. In 1922 a journalist, Rafael Alducín wrote an article advocating the celebration of Mother’s Day in all of Mexico. Though the practice had already spread to parts of Mexico, Alducín’s article led to widespread observance of the holiday, and May 10 is the universal day of celebration in Mexico. In the morning the mother is usually treated to a song sung by her family, or a serenade by a hired band. A family breakfast or brunch is also customary. Any family trouble or enmity is laid aside and all gather to honor the matriarch.

Mexicans typically exchange flowers and chocolates. Cards are very popular, and apparently May 10 is the largest day for card sending in Mexico. Phone calls are also customary if the child cannot make it to see their mother.

A Mother’s Day breakfast, Mexican style: Día de las Madres

Mexicans observe Día de las Madres wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. Cynical comments about another “Hallmark holiday” and complaints about retailers’ ad campaigns are not heard here. Instead, the day is celebrated with flowers, presents, and special programs. School children proudly invite their mothers to plays, dances and recitals. Stores, movie theatres and supermarkets all give out little recuerdos, or remembrances, to the mothers who come in during the day.

One of the most charming customs of all is that practiced in many Mexican churches, the early morning singing of Las Mañanitas and distribution of tamales and atole to all the local moms.

While tamales and atole are the traditional early-morning meal, many people do not eat until mid-morning, enjoying a meal called almuerzo, which is the equivalent of brunch, and not lunch, as it is sometimes mistakenly translated. The range of food eaten at almuerzo is much wider than typical north-of-the-border breakfast fare, from grilled meats to hearty egg dishes and even moles and stews.

Fresh seasonal fruit, either sliced or juiced, is usually served first, with coffee, herb tea or Mexico’s beloved hot chocolate accompanying the meal.

Mother’s Day History

The majority of countries that celebrate Mother’s Day do so on the second Sunday of May. On this day, it is common for Mothers to be lavished with presents and special attention from their families, friends and loved ones.

But it wasn’t always this way...
Spiritual Origin of Mother’s Day

Only recently dubbed “Mother’s Day,” the highly traditional practice of honoring of Motherhood is rooted in antiquity, and past rites typically had strong symbolic and spiritual overtones; societies tended to celebrate Goddesses and symbols rather than actual Mothers. The personal, human touch to Mother’s Day is a relatively new phenomenon. The maternal objects of adoration ranged from mythological female deities to the Christian Church itself. Only in the past few centuries did celebrations of Motherhood develop a decidedly human focus.
Goddess Isis - Early Egyptian Roots

One of the earliest historical records of a society celebrating a Mother deity can be found among the ancient Egyptians, who held an annual festival to honor the goddess Isis, who was commonly regarded as the Mother of the pharaohs. Her stern, yet handsome head is typically crowned by a pair of bull horns enclosing a fiery sun orb. She is most often depicted sitting on a throne.

So the story goes, after Isis’ brother-husband Osiris was slain and dismembered in 13 pieces by their jealous brother Seth, Isis re-assembled Osiris’ body and used it to impregnate herself. She then gave birth to Horus, whom she was forced to hide amongst the reeds lest he be slaughtered by Seth. Horus grew up and defeated Seth, and then became the first ruler of a unified Egypt. Thus Isis earned her stature as the Mother of the pharaohs.

It is interesting to note that the Mother and Son imagery of Isis and Horus—in which Isis cradles and suckles her son—is strikingly similar to that of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus.
Cybele - Ancient Roman Celebration

The festival of Isis was also celebrated by the Romans who used the event to commemorate an important battle and mark the beginning of Winter. Despite being an imported deity, Isis held a place at the Roman temple, and her festival—which lasted for three days—was regaled by mostly-female dancers, musicians and singers.

Yet the Roman root of Mother’s Day is perhaps more precisely found in the celebration of the Phrygian goddess Cybele, or Magna Mater (Great Mother).

Cybele stems from the Greek Goddess Rhea, who was the Mother of most of the major deities including Zeus. Rhea was therefore celebrated as a mother goddess, and the festival took place around the time of the Vernal Equinox.

Greek Celebration of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods
In Rome and Asia Minor, Cybele was the major Mother deity most similar to Rhea, the Greek mother of the Gods. Other societies worshipped similar deities including Gaia the Earth Goddess and Meter oreie the Mountain Mother. In many aspects, this Mother goddess was represented and celebrated similarly across cultures.

The Anatolian mother goddess festivals, however, were said to be so wild that they were eventually discouraged or banned. But more conservative celebrations of Cybele and her equivalents included eating honey cakes and sharing flowers in the morning. This was practiced throughout Asia Minor—and eventually in Rome.

The Roman celebration of Magna Mater fell between March 15 and March 22, just around the same time as the Greek festival in honor of Rhea. Referred to as Hilaria, games were held in honor of the Mother of the gods. Also customary was a procession through the streets with a statue of the goddess carried at the head, followed by a display of elaborate arts and crafts.

Recent History
The more recent history of Mother’s Day dates back to 1600s in England where people celebrated the 4th Sunday of Lent as “Mothering Sunday” to honor the mothers of England. However, Mother’s Day celebration as it is seen today is a recent phenomenon and not even a hundred years old.

Mother’s Day Global Celebration
At present, Mother’s Day is celebrated across 46 countries (though on different dates) and is a hugely popular affair. People across the globe have different ways of celebrating Mother’s Day. They take the day as an opportunity to honor their mothers and thank them for their constant and unconditional love and support. As a token of their love people gift flowers, cards and others gift to mothers on the Mother’s Day. Along with this, special Mother’s Day parties are also arranged by kids for their sweet moms.

PV Loves Kids: “Let the Games Begin”

Did you know that a person spends two to three years of his life waiting in line? Or did you know that same person could spend an average of one year traveling from one location to another? That is remarkable. Now imagine that time spent with a child and you may find your heart beating a little faster!

Don’t get me wrong. Sharing the gift of travel with a child is invaluable. It opens the world to them in a way that books and movies cannot. However, the practicality of traveling from point A to point B and everywhere in between can be a bit daunting unless you are prepared.

That old adage “preparation is the key to success”, is basic in parenting. A lack of preparation can turn a vacation into a nightmare. However, a parent can become a “vacation superhero” by adding travel games to your arsenal of fun!

Travel games have been played by generations and promote imagination, creativity, interaction, awareness and education. Give the MP3 players, videogames and DVD players a break and let the games begin.

A to Z Memory Game – See how quickly your family can identify people, places or things that begin with each letter of the alphabet. Start with A, B, C and move on from there. To take it to the next level, English and Spanish words can become fair game.
Dr. (insert child’s name) – “Dr. Miles, I have a problem. I am parasailing above the rolling waves and bird landed on my nose. What should I do?” Have your child solve the problem and take turns. Beware, you may find yourself crying due to excessive laughter.

Educational Games – Make spelling games multi-cultural by using Spanish words such as el gato (the cat) or hola (hello). Use Spanish when playing math and counting games.
• Uno – 1
• Dos – 2
• Tres – 3
• Cuatro – 4
• Cinco – 5
• Seis – 6
• Siete – 7
• Ocho – 8
• Nueve – 9
• Diez – 10
• 2+1 is dos más uno
• 2-1 is dos menos uno
• 2x3 is dos por tres
• 6÷3 is seis dividido entre tres

The First Three Things – This game is perfect for waiting in line. Have your child close his eyes and give him an imaginary location. For example, “Quick, you are riding a horse on the beach. What are the first three things that you see?” You can go back and forth.

License Plates – Mexico has 31 states and one federal district. Get a map of the country and mark which states are represented by the plates that you spot on your adventures. Take it further by making phrases from the letters on each plate. For example, 123-SXC could be “silly xylophones cooing”. Go around and around until you are ready for the next license plate.

Mexican Map Game – If you are traveling by plane, give your child a map (often in the back of travel magazines) and show her where you are traveling and what you may be flying over. Examples could be Disneyland, the Rocky Mountains, Grandma’s house, or a country border.

Once you are in Puerto Vallarta, give her a city map. Have her mark the locations of your sightseeing adventures. This should alleviate some of the “are we there yet’s” and “how much further’s”. Ol’ Fashioned Family Favorites – Who doesn’t love the classics like “Name that Tune”, “Who Am I?” and “I Spy”? And who could forget staring contests and trying to make your sister smile? Try a twist with these two family favorites: “Telephone” with Spanish phrases and “Piedras, Papel, Tijeras” (rock, paper, scissors).

Scavenger Hunt – Parents can make a list of items using anything from a kayak to a mango tree. Prizes can be awarded for completed lists.

Slug Bug – The first one to see a VW bug, shouts “Slug Bug” and slugs their neighbor. (The “Hug Bug” version is bruise-free and helps to prevent fighting.) My family uses this point system:
• Regular VW Bugs: 1 point
• Black VW Bug: 5 points
• Convertible VW Bug: 10 points
• VW Van: 15 points
• VW Bug with a flower (real or painted): 20 points

If you need some additional ideas, many websites have printable activity pages. Travel-sized games and Mad Libs can be slipped into a backpack as a surprise for your trip. Colorful pipe cleaners can be made into shapes and characters with minimum cleanup.

If you have other travel games that your family enjoys, please send them to me at erindipitousjourneys@gmail.com. Maybe your ideas will be included in a “Let the Games Begin (Part II)” for other vacation superheroes just like you!

PV Loves Kids: “A Mexican State of Mind”

Have you noticed how peaceful the lifestyle is here in Mexico?  You probably took note of it within the first 24 hours, or even the first 24 minutes of setting foot in Puerto Vallarta.

Each day is greeted with an easy smile.  Time seems to slow down and no one is in a hurry.  Residents count their blessings: sunny skies, rippling ocean waves and a rich life with friends and family.  It is truly a “Mexican State of Mind”. 

Every year, guests slow down and relax.  It is our hope that they take a little bit of this experience home with them, alongside the occasional souvenir and bottle of tequila.   It is because we know what awaits you and your family upon your return:  life, with all of its ups and downs, successes and stress, stress, stress.

“Okay, yes, I have stress and that is why we are on vacation,” you may think.  “Besides, does real stress even exist for kids?” 

Yes, anything that is overwhelming is considered to be stressful and it affects everyone.  According to Jennifer Shroff Pendley’s online article, “Childhood Stress”, “Pressures often come from outside sources (such as family, friends or school), but they can also come from within.  The pressure we place on ourselves can be most significant because there is often a discrepancy between what we think we ought to be doing and what we are actually doing in our lives.”

Depending upon a child’s age, stress manifests itself in many ways.   You may recognize some of these symptoms:

• Nausea and headaches
• Fatigue
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Nightmares, bedwetting and teeth grinding
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Increased time alone
• Acting younger than their age
• Reacting out of anger/lashing out
• Constant whining and meltdowns
• Having to drag them to activities
• Taking it out on themselves (hitting, cutting, etc.)
• Preoccupation with one particular thing or incident
• Drops in productivity and grades

Keep in mind that these symptoms are typical of children anyway and may not be attributed to stress alone.  Trust your instincts and become an amateur “Sherlock Holmes” to investigate a little further.   Of course, should the symptoms persist or cause significant problems at home or in school, professional guidance may be necessary.

Recognizing how your child manifests stress will give you a huge advantage in helping them to cope.  Because Puerto Vallarta has so much to do, from our beautiful beaches to rich mountainside, you will be given countless opportunities to engage in conversation.  

When your child is ready, ask questions about the hopes and dreams he or she may have, or any challenges and stresses. Most of all, listen.  Help it to understand what it can control.  Brainstorm ideas for healthy lifestyle habits.  You may even be inspired by what you see here in Mexico.

Some of these ideas may include:

• Cooking nutritious food together and having family meals
• Including daily exercise and free play
• Establishing a relaxed bedtime routine
• Developing boundaries with consistency
• Re-evaluating weekly schedules and activities
• Limiting “screen time” (TV, computers, and videogames)
• Introducing stress management techniques such as meditation and yoga

You know your child the best so have fun and dream it up.  Allow him to select a special token that reminds him of Puerto Vallarta and resets his state of mind. 

Taking a vacation is a lifelong gift to you and your family.  Relax, recharge, rejuvenate and reboot.  Bask in the sun; enjoy the blue waters; and relish in the sights and sounds of this favorite international destination.  And when you leave, set your own “Mexican State of Mind”.