" Bano "
This is a generic word for restroom or toilet. In hotels and other public buildings, most toilets are labeled (Damas (Ladies) or Caballeros (Gentlemen). Some are designated WC, which stands for "water closet." If it is followed by an "M" keep in mind that this does not stand for "Men" but for Mujueres, which means "Women."
This is a generic word for restroom or toilet. In hotels and other public buildings, most toilets are labeled (Damas (Ladies) or Caballeros (Gentlemen). Some are designated WC, which stands for "water closet." If it is followed by an "M" keep in mind that this does not stand for "Men" but for Mujueres, which means "Women."
Los Ayala
Local Folks - Ellaine & Doug Spivak
Local Folks - Ellaine & Doug Spivak
Life’s many adventures brought Ellaine and Doug to Los Ayala, Nayarit all the way from Kamloops, British Columbia. Los Ayala is the first and only place in Mexico they have visited. Like most visitors to the area they fell in love with Los Ayala at first sight and made the life changing decision to sell their home in Canada in order to fulfill their dream of living in Mexico, full time. Spontaneous folks, they bought a lot and contracted Vikingo Real Estate to build their dream home. Shortly thereafter they packed all their belongings and moved to Los Ayala in the spring of 2011 bringing along their beloved pets; a Golden Retriever named Piitta and the cat Leory.
Why did Ellaine and Doug choose Los Ayala? It felt like home! They adore the constant sounds of laughter and music; the friendly people, and the strong sense of family and community that exists in Los Ayala. They especially delight in the fact that they can take their entire family, including Leory, anywhere they go. They chose Mexico for the affordability of housing, daily living and the warm climate. They take delight in the fact that they now reside in a quaint beach town on the “Up and Coming Riviera Nayarit”, and feel they made a wise decision to invest in real estate here, and enjoy waking up to sunshine, blue skies and the spectacular vistas every morning.
When Ellaine and Doug started planning their move to Mexico, Ellaine researched Mexico and was was intent on purchasing property in the colonial city of Merida, in the state of Yucatan. Property prices were good, and because she grew up in Alabama being close to the Gulf of Mexico was appealing. However, they ended up choosing Los Ayala in part because their friends which include the Swanson Family and Lori Schneider Wood had purchased property here, and because Jaltemba Bay rarely experiences hurricanes. They also choose this area because of its close proximity to Canada knowing it would be easy for friends and family to visit them.
Four months later the construction of their dream house in Los Ayala is just days away from being finished. Ellaine and Doug are enjoying the usually quiet and tranquil lifestyle Los Ayala offers except when for the occasional firework fiasco. Doug takes pleasure in exploring the area and the fact that hiking trails are abundant in the area. They both enjoy walking, swimming, relaxing and reading whenever the opportunity presents itself.
So far, the largest adjustments in day to day life in Mexico are learning the Spanish language, adapting to the local currency; the culture and the Mexican way of doing things. None of the family members are crazy about the occasional noise resulting from yet another celebration calling for fireworks; or shopping in grocery stores where they blast the music to kingdom come.
New found passions? Ice cream! Ellaine states that the ice cream in Mexico is the BEST in the world!
The Spivak’s love dining at all the local restaurants in Los Ayala, and they say that for them the best spot for breakfast in Los Ayala is “El Fondito” and that they particularly enjoy the burritos. They also love dining at Vista Guayabitos for the view, excellent cuisine and the refreshing breezes; even though they can’t bring Piitta along. Pikikos is another favourite dining spot in Los Ayala primarily for its the great beach location; the friendly staff, and funny enough the spotless, well appointed loos.
Why did Ellaine and Doug choose Los Ayala? It felt like home! They adore the constant sounds of laughter and music; the friendly people, and the strong sense of family and community that exists in Los Ayala. They especially delight in the fact that they can take their entire family, including Leory, anywhere they go. They chose Mexico for the affordability of housing, daily living and the warm climate. They take delight in the fact that they now reside in a quaint beach town on the “Up and Coming Riviera Nayarit”, and feel they made a wise decision to invest in real estate here, and enjoy waking up to sunshine, blue skies and the spectacular vistas every morning.
When Ellaine and Doug started planning their move to Mexico, Ellaine researched Mexico and was was intent on purchasing property in the colonial city of Merida, in the state of Yucatan. Property prices were good, and because she grew up in Alabama being close to the Gulf of Mexico was appealing. However, they ended up choosing Los Ayala in part because their friends which include the Swanson Family and Lori Schneider Wood had purchased property here, and because Jaltemba Bay rarely experiences hurricanes. They also choose this area because of its close proximity to Canada knowing it would be easy for friends and family to visit them.
Four months later the construction of their dream house in Los Ayala is just days away from being finished. Ellaine and Doug are enjoying the usually quiet and tranquil lifestyle Los Ayala offers except when for the occasional firework fiasco. Doug takes pleasure in exploring the area and the fact that hiking trails are abundant in the area. They both enjoy walking, swimming, relaxing and reading whenever the opportunity presents itself.
So far, the largest adjustments in day to day life in Mexico are learning the Spanish language, adapting to the local currency; the culture and the Mexican way of doing things. None of the family members are crazy about the occasional noise resulting from yet another celebration calling for fireworks; or shopping in grocery stores where they blast the music to kingdom come.
New found passions? Ice cream! Ellaine states that the ice cream in Mexico is the BEST in the world!
The Spivak’s love dining at all the local restaurants in Los Ayala, and they say that for them the best spot for breakfast in Los Ayala is “El Fondito” and that they particularly enjoy the burritos. They also love dining at Vista Guayabitos for the view, excellent cuisine and the refreshing breezes; even though they can’t bring Piitta along. Pikikos is another favourite dining spot in Los Ayala primarily for its the great beach location; the friendly staff, and funny enough the spotless, well appointed loos.
Ellaine & Doug Spivak
About Ellaine & Doug
Doug originates from Edmonton, Alberta and Ellaine from the sultry Mobile, Alabama. No, doubt Ellaine will have the easier time adjusting to the tropical climate, in particular the hot and humid rainy season.
Ellaine worked as a Family Counsellor/ Supervisor and her key role was to provide transitional support to families. She spent the last few years of her career helping adopting families transition the newest addition/s into their homes. She worked with children old enough to understand the process and the adopting family to ensure they understood the attachment; putting to good use her years of training in Adoption and the transition process.
Ellaine has one "chosen" daughter, and two birth daughters. Doug comes from a large family with eight children, four girls and four boys. They say that they are sure that they will see quite the number of Spivak's visiting beautiful Los Ayala and the Jaltemba Bay area and no doubt livening Los Ayala up so their will be no need for fireworks! lol...
Doug owned his own business, Kavips Blasting, a sandblasting and painting business for over twenty years. It was a successful operation when he sold it to their favourite son-in-law (their our only son in law) just before they moved to Los Ayala.
They have one granddaughter who LOVES this area, who has already visited and plans on spending as much time here as possible with her friends and in a few years time perhaps her own family!
Doug originates from Edmonton, Alberta and Ellaine from the sultry Mobile, Alabama. No, doubt Ellaine will have the easier time adjusting to the tropical climate, in particular the hot and humid rainy season.
Ellaine worked as a Family Counsellor/ Supervisor and her key role was to provide transitional support to families. She spent the last few years of her career helping adopting families transition the newest addition/s into their homes. She worked with children old enough to understand the process and the adopting family to ensure they understood the attachment; putting to good use her years of training in Adoption and the transition process.
Ellaine has one "chosen" daughter, and two birth daughters. Doug comes from a large family with eight children, four girls and four boys. They say that they are sure that they will see quite the number of Spivak's visiting beautiful Los Ayala and the Jaltemba Bay area and no doubt livening Los Ayala up so their will be no need for fireworks! lol...
Doug owned his own business, Kavips Blasting, a sandblasting and painting business for over twenty years. It was a successful operation when he sold it to their favourite son-in-law (their our only son in law) just before they moved to Los Ayala.
They have one granddaughter who LOVES this area, who has already visited and plans on spending as much time here as possible with her friends and in a few years time perhaps her own family!
Magical
Ellaine & Doug Spivak
Los Ayala, Riviera Nayarit
Piitta - A Canadian Expatriate
Leory the cat, another Canadian Expat is enjoying his own personal space up top on the
Los Ayala Banner!
Los Ayala Banner!
Brody - New Family Member
A Mexican Sweetheart