How You Can Get Involved In Your Community in Mexico

Picture of Children of the Angel Tree Program, in Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, State of Guerrero, Mexico (photo slide presentation on link below)

Here is a great link that will give you a good idea of ways to get involved in your community in Mexico. Below are two unique non-profit groups, out of the 11 listed on the 'Another Day in Paradise' web site, in the Zihuatanejo-Ixtapa region of Mexico that offer wonderful services to its community.

Hablando Menos, Amando Mas A. C.
Hablando Menos, Amando Mas, means “Speaking Less, Loving More”. The goal at hand is to construct a home for seniors who have been abandoned and who are at risk living on their own. [LINK]

S.O.S. Bahia, A.C.
Local non-profit group dedicated to the rescue and long-term preservation of the ecological integrity of the Bay of Zihuatanejo. [LINK]

Click here for the full list of ideas.

Update: Changes in Mexican Migratory Law

Today I found a very important piece of information for those expats and retirees that live abroad in Mexico. Recently, changes were made in the Mexican immigration law...
As the article states, "The new classification of Temporary Resident is equivalent to the old Inmigrante status, but will include some foreigners who previously fell into the category of No-Inmigrante and will exclude some foreigners who previously were classified as Inmigrante. The section of the law that follows explains, the figure of Temporary Resident ...Click here for the full breakdown of the new law by Solomon Freimuth, an American citizen resident in Mexico, who is currently pursuing a Law Degree and is part of the firm CHF Calderón & Asociados in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

New Tubohotel in Mexico: Chic and Comfortable Camping

This unique hotel, called Tubohotel or "Tube Hotel" in English is an innovative hotel located in the middle of an orchard, in the village of Tepoztlán, Mexico. It's perfect for taking the family on a camping trip in style. With full amenities and a beautifully landscaped setting, it can make even the most skeptic ready to go camping.

Flan: A Historically Mexican Dessert

Flan, by Daniel Wheeler, 2011

If you are living in Mexico, whether it be a few weeks out of the year, or have moved there permanently, and are expecting to receive guests, one thing you have to learn how to make (and it's amazingly easy) is Mexican flan. Originating from Spain, where it is also considered a traditional national dish, this smooth but rich gelatin-like textured dessert is a simple, healthy delight in Mexico. Read more about it here.

1st Arts and Craft Fair in Oaxaca, Mexico

Photo courtesy of planeta

Among the wide variety of events in Oaxaca this July is an arts and crafts fair, starting tomorrow, July 16th, that will offer a variety of things to see like typical clothing from the region and silver jewelry.

The Sunsets of Puerto Vallarta

Banderas Bay is a part of Riviera Nayarit that is host to beautiful sunsets all year around.

New Trend: Chocolate Travel

Downtown landmarks of Oaxaca include the Ex Convento de Santo Domingo, a spectacular historical church, Museo Regional de Oaxaca, showcasing the Zapotec, Mixtec, and Olmec civilizations and Catedral Metropolitana, the largest church in the city, among other amazing places to visit. But lately, not only can you tour the city, but you can tour the chocolate.

Click here to read about Chocolate tasting tours in Oaxaca...anything from informal dégustation to taking a chocolate cruise and get a taste of the most authentic chocolate, straight from it's homeland.

Whale Watching On Way Towards the Marieta Islands

Here is a fun video that will show you some of the sites to see (like whales) from the boats that go to Marieta Islands in Banderas Bay, Mexico.

PBS Documentary: "Mariachi High"

A new documentary to be aired on PBS this season will follow teen mariachi musicians in Rio Grande, Texas as they compete in national competitions.

“I hope viewers are truly compelled by these kids,” said co-director/producer of Mariachi High Ilana Trachtman. “They are smart, stable, strong-minded, dedicated and talented, and we never see Mexican-American [students] like them on television. I hope viewers are inspired by them, learn something new about this rich culture, and at the same time discover the beauty of mariachi music.”

To see the full article on this rich cultural show, click here.

The Art of the Huichol Community

If you want to get a sneak peek at the Huichol art available in the Riviera Nayarit region, take a look at this online gallery. It has beautiful images of Huichol artwork, accompanied by an in- depth introduction on the culture and additional resources for those that want to learn more about the Huichol, a people known for living in "Responsible ecstasy".