Abner's gettin' hitched!

Abner (right) with Carlos. Just ignore Carlos..Abner's not marrying him...

Abner, Blanca, David at Fridas old location.

Abner doing one of his Frida Kahlo impressions with bar owner Tom during the opening of the new location of Fridas.



Abner looking very elegant as his makeup is applied by Casandra for a special event at Fridas.



At his birthday party (did you know Abner is Mexican and Arabic?)





Abner, and his many costumes keeps Fridas customers guessing what his next creation will be...

One of his earlier Frida looks...with David, Blanca, Luis and Tom

Another Frida creation. Haunting..its so good.

One of my favorite guys in Vallarta and the guy who helped me host some of the best evenings of my life, including my 40th birthday party, is getting married and moving to Tepic. Happy as I am for him, it isn't sitting so well in my heart as I'm going to really miss this guy. But, its a good thing really. Tepic is only an hour or so from Vallarta (or is it 2?) and he has met a wonderful guy (Ross, a teacher) and they seem so happy. So, I'm happy. But I'm going to do a little picture tribute for him to show you what a talented guy he is and to say thank you to him for being such a dear friend to me. He is also one of the best bartenders in Vallarta and will absolutely take care of you...at Fridas.

There is a shower for him tomorrow night, Tuesday, July 14, at Fridas. The wedding, by invitation, will also be held at Fridas on Saturday.

Congratulations Abner and come back to see us often!!

Abner on "wig night" at Fridas.

Riding the local bus in Puerto Vallarta

Several of us got into a discussion on one of the local message boards regarding riding buses in PV and I remember this day so well that I'd like to share it here. This was in response to someone complaining about musicians asking for tips on the buses:

Back on a hot day day in March, Chip, Lito and I took the bus out to Home Depot. We felt so fortunate as we boarded the bus near Parque Cardenas that we had lots of room and had ended up on the "shady side". Once we reached Jaurez St. in Centro, the bus became crowded and I stood up to give a seat to an older lady. I also needed the leg room as any tall PV bus rider can confirm. Just as we approached the Wal-mart interchange, the bus became hot, packed and then even more people piled on at Wal-mart. Was everyone going to Home Depot today? Squeezed in the back trying to keep hold of the pole near the exit where I'd occasionally step down into the well so as to see where we were to get off, I was beginning to think a cab might have been a better idea. But somehow, I long for these experiences and was secretly, though yes, hot and cramped, happy to be there. At this point, a 4 piece band and bass fiddle got on the bus. I looked up at the front of the bus where Chip and Lito were staring back at me laughing at my attempts to stay out of the way of this band as they excused themselves, somehow, miraculously, through the "no standing room" crowd and never missing a note or beat, collected a few tips for the two ranchero songs they effortlessly played. A quick thank you to the driver and they were off two stops later. The entire bus was smiling.

So, no matter how full you think a bus is, there is always room for a 4 piece band and some enterprising spirit. Tip and tip well, I say. It's all part of a day in PV. Not to be missed either!

DIVE BACK IN! Mexican business owners and employees in Vallarta need you to return!

DIVE BACK IN! Vallarta's fine and waiting for you! I took a bunch of pics of kids jumping off the pier on Los Muertos beach a few weeks ago.

This was the scene in April 2009 during Semana Santa (Easter week) in Vallarta. A few days after I took this pic, swine flu scared the country to a stand still.


As Mexico finally begins to see her fever break over this supposed swine flu, I am getting daily reports from friends saying that there are just not many tourists to go around in PV. The streets are going to get busier no doubt as the nightclubs reopen and bars are serving again. But the effects of this are going to be around a while, psychologically, in the minds of tourists. I say, HOGWASH! Let's go back to Mexico! Now! Let us wash our hands of this swine song, pick ourselves up off our CNN infested barcaloungers and get back to enjoying life! Vallarta needs you....or if you're not so much into Vallarta, go to Guanajuato or Cuernevaca or Oaxaca or Mexico City! After all the cleaning and staying home everyone has done for the last week...everything is FABULOSO! on the streets and ready for us to return. I'm going back down June 23 for several months and I hope to see you there. If you've never been to PV or Mexico, this is a great year to go. If you have questions about where to go or what to do, ask me. I have traveled around quite a bit of Mexico, usually alone, and have never felt safer. I would rather travel in Mexico than just about any part of the USA. After what I can only summise has been a cruel manipulation of the Mexican people, they really deserve our help. I am so mad about this flu thing that I can't see straight, but I won't go into that....I just really want to see my buddies back in PV back in business.


Here's a note from Paul Crist, owner/manager of Hotel Mercurio, who employs a staff of 20 or so at his usually sold out, very popular gay hotel in Zona Romantica in Vallarta:

In light of the current international fixation on the spread of the Type A virus, H1N1, I have decided that it is time to communicate a few facts to friends of Hotel Mercurio. We have, like all hotels and businesses in Puerto Vallarta, been hit with a rash of cancellations in the past week. New reservations are almost non-existent. The situation is dire. We are struggling to avoid layoffs. If you’ve stayed with us, you know that our employees are a family, and we are responsible for their well being. And while we understand the abundance of caution, it is also important to us that you know the real situation regarding the flu in Puerto Vallarta.
Just as the U.S. media has done with regard to border area violence, they have painted Mexico with one broad brush. It seems incredible to those of us in Mexico that the U.S. seems so oblivious to the immense size and diversity of Mexico. All the major TV media outlets depict Mexico as a uniformly dangerous, violent place, source of illegal and undesirable immigrants, and which is now “plagued by contagious disease.” The fact is, most of Mexico, including Puerto Vallarta, is peaceful, safe, and healthy. The violence is over 1,000 mile away. Puerto Vallarta has a lower crime rate than MANY U.S. cities…perhaps even yours! The nearest case of H1N1 virus is some 600 miles away.
To CNN and other 24/7 news outlets, we say this: Please check your map. Mexico is somewhat larger than Rhode Island, and Mexicans resent being depicted generally as gangsters, victims, or dying of illness. U.S. media treatment of Mexico is neither accurate nor fair.
So, here are some facts.
· There have been no confirmed or even suspected cases of H1N1 flu in Puerto Vallarta. In fact, there have been no cases in the state of Jalisco (which includes Guadalajara, the second largest city in Mexico), where Vallarta is located. If you live in a U.S. state or city where H1N1 has been confirmed, you are more at risk of contracting the virus at your local grocery store than you are in Puerto Vallarta. But even going to your grocery store, your major risk would be an auto accident on the way… not catching a case of the Swine Flu.
· The Secretary of Health for Mexico has announced that the number of cases in Mexico generally, is beginning to decline. This is in keeping with epidemiological models that predict the rise and decline of contagions based on a number of factors such as the season, general health of a population, population density, etc. Thus, it’s no surprise that this is turning out to be much less of an “event” than the U.S. media has made it out to be during the past week.
· There is, to date, no scientific evidence that the behavior of this particular strain of flu is any different from normal, seasonal flu virus. It seems no more contagious, and does not seem to have a higher mortality rate than normal, seasonal flu (which may kill over 30,000 people per year, but this doesn’t make the news!).
· All the aforementioned being said, the response of the Mexican government has been both rapid, and admirable. Not because there was any certainty that this could become a vast and deadly pandemic, but out of an abundance of caution. The most recent indications are that, in Mexico, the worst is over, and it wasn’t nearly the big deal that the media made it out to be. Bars and clubs that were ordered closed in Puerto Vallarta are re-opening today. Schools will be opening this week. It is time to get back to normal (because, in fact, nothing abnormal has occurred).
· Most of the public does not understand the scientific community’s use of the term “pandemic.” It does not refer to the deadliness of an outbreak of illness. It means merely that the outbreak is spread across multiple countries, and is spread from human to human, thus has the potential for many cases to develop. The fact is, we have a number of pandemics of flu every flu season, but it doesn’t become the #1 item on CNN round the clock for weeks on end.

Gay Weekend in Mismaloya (south of PV 10 mins) May 1-3, 2009

If you just want to go to the pool party on May 2, see the second photo/ad below.
The first ad is for those who want to spend two nights/three days at the resort:


Our good friend Stewart of Boca Bento Restaurant fame has moved his entire operation from the old location on Basilio Badio street, southside, to Mismaloya (10 mins south of town) and is also operating the Iguana Hotel. He has closed the hotel to outsiders and is hosting the first ever gay weekend in Mismaloya. This event is being billed to the Mexican gay tourists in Gaudalajara and Mexico City as well.

When I ran into Stewart last week he made me feel very sure that this event will be all gay, clothing optional, all inclusive and fun! If you're one of the people who's always asking, "Where can I go tan nude?", here you go! This should be fun. Above and below are two versions of the flyers now circulating. Click on the photos for a better view.

This is the pool party flyer:



As you may know, Mismaloya also has a fantastic beach right across the road from the Iguana Hotel. It is a beautiful town. I think this is a great idea too! Good luck Stewart, Julio and staff! I wish I weren't leaving town tomorrow. Do another one in July ok?


For more info contact the very handsome Julio at:

Julio C. Madrid
Reservations and Marketing Manager

Casa Iguana Hotel
http://www.casaiguanamx.com/
Av. 5 de Mayo 455 Col. Gpe.Victoria, Mismaloya
Puerto Vallarta, México
Tel. +52 (322) 228.01.86 ext. 1000
Fax: +52 (322) 228.00.85

Casa Isabel in Vallarta's Alta Vista Neighborhood: what a view!

Isabel and David, of Toronto, bought this house some 10 or more years ago and were told they'd made a big mistake. People told them, if they opened a bed and breakfast there, that no one would come. "Too far up the hill," they said. Isabel and David have had to add rooms each year and are full through high season months and months in advance. Good deals remain in the summer months. Isabel and David return to their business in Toronto starting about June each year....they own Madison's Pub in Toronto.

Isabel (hat) and guests enjoy conversation as the sun sets over Vallarta's Zona Romantica below.

The new infinity jacuzzi is the perfect spot for watching the town below.

Reflections and colors change each second during sunset.

For a great deal on lunch, try their half price appetizers from 2 to 5pm each day.

Saturdays at 6pm, you'll find many www.vallartascene.com members meeting over cocktails.

This Thursday and Friday, April 23 and 24, 2009, you'll find many there at a fireworks watch party to view the Malecon portions of the Internation Fireworks Symposium. For more info on that see www.pvscene.com

Mariachi Band with young boy wows crowd on Olas Altas street, Puerto Vallarta

A few nights ago, a group of us were enjoying the evening along Olas Altas and a new mariachi band with a 10 yr old boy with the voice of an angel began singing. I was floored (and not by the tequila this time!). Then, for a second number, they began my favorite Mexican song, "La Cucurrucucu , La Paloma" which featured the 10 yr old boy. Wow. I haven't heard anything so beautiful in a long time. His tone was perfect and he does a great falsetto. I apologize that I can't figure out how to rotate the video...not sure why I needed to film it vertically but just listen...

Ezequiel's Birthday

Alfonso really enjoyed the show and he kept us laughing all night.

mistake photo but I thought it was kinda nice anyway....

nice work....someone said he's in his 40's....late 40's. Mexican men age well.

with Tom, pre-shot.....we helped him in a cab later. :)

With his military themed costume and sculpted body, Ezequiel takes a birthday shot from Tom and Luis at Fridas. The rule: "no hands". Nice!

Mask night at Fridas...

And on Tuesday, April 14: Pajama Night. I'll be out of town though. Someone take some pics please!

good friends + a pair of funny glasses = uncontrollable laughter and a good time...

Freddy, waiter at Apaches, doesn't really look all that bad in these glasses. Of course, he had a lot better start than I did.

This is me nearly hyperventalating with laughter...for no real reason, except that I had goofy glasses on. Maybe the tequila caused the rest....but it was really a good time.

Adding his own special tongue, I mean touch...dear Lito.

Bonnet Night at Fridas

above: My new mug. Bottom: My old mug (in a pretty new bonnet!)

In keeping with the Tuesday theme night at Fridas, I decided to participate this week and even won one of Fridas beautiful new souvenier mugs! The pics say enough....good or bad....about that night, so I'll just let you look.

You can't tell but it has a bird that actually flaps its wings on the top. Just precious.

I think Luis cheated because he didn't really wear a bonnet. That's a pink cowboy hat. Perhaps bonnet translates to pink cowboy hat in spanish.

This guy won most beautiful. It is a pretty thing to behold, for sure.

I won most creative but it was really Lalo Morales at his store on Cardenas that was so creative and at the last minute too! :)