Los Ayala
News - April 2011 
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Los Ayala Mermaid
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Magical
Magical Moments
April 2011

Click here to view "Siesta Time"

In case you missed
 
March's Special Edition
Shaving Brush Tree
     The next edition of the news from Magical Los Ayala will be issued the first week of May 2011

     If you would like to receive Los Ayala news via email, Email
Christina Stobbs, with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
"Tiar Sin Apuntar "
Literally, this means "to shoot without aiming." It is the Mexican equivalent of "to shoot from the hip," that is, to say things without giving due consideration to the consequences.


Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR)
Upcoming Spay & Neuter clinic
   
     April 6 - 9, 2011
     Animal drop off begins at 7:30 a.m. each day.
FREE!

     The clinic will be located at #51 Avenida Libertad in La Penita. (Avenida Libertad runs parallel to  La Penita's beach). Many thanks to Roger Murphy of Green Parrot Realty who donated the use of his personal home for the JBAR clinic.

     We still need donations of kennels, leashes, collars, old towels, sheets, newspapers, dog and cat food along with refreshments and snacks. Anything you can do to help us would be so much appreciated. Please help out by spreading the word about the upcoming FREE Spay & Neuter Clinic to in Los Ayala.

   For your reading pleasure... The March edition of the
Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue Newsletter








This & That
A few words from the Editor
      
     Semana Santa begins this year on Palm Sunday, April 17th and runs through Easter Sunday, April 24th.

     This is a significant Christian holiday in Mexico, celebrating the last week of Christ’s life before his crucifixion on Good Friday and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. However, here in Los Ayala, Jaltemba Bay, the celebration of the holiday is akin to a family friendly Mardi Gras.

     To take vacation here during Semana Santa is to experience one grandiose party complete with dancing in the streets and competing Banda bands playing on the beach and every vacant street corner. They play a brass based assortment of Mexican music and entertain the crowds into the wee, wee hours of the morning.

    Families consisting of five generations carry packed picnic coolers to the beach and spend the entire day having fun in both the surf and especially the sand. Nights are spent partying in the street, singing and dancing to the band’s music well into the early morning hours.

     My husband and I chose to live in Los Ayala, Jaltemba Bay because of the gorgeous beach and the beautiful tropical surroundings and because it is a small town offering a peaceful and tranquil lifestyle. Admittedly, because of the noise, Semana Santa is not my favourite time of the year. However, I enjoy watching all the revelry and feel fortunate to be able to share the experience; but mostly I admire the importance and appreciation of family togetherness plainly exhibited in the Mexican culture. If everyone shared these values, surely the world would be a better place to live.

     I also feel fortunate to have a few good Mexican friends who are always introducing me to wonderful new experiences and things... Most recently I was treated to "Aqua Verde" - yes, this translates to "Green Water" and it is healthy drink made of fresh orange or grapefruit juice, lime juice, cilantro, celery and a few other unknown green vegetables which are seasoned with a dash of chilies. Delicious, certainly! Healthy? Without a doubt!

     Agua Verde is sold at fresh fruit juice stand located on the corner of Avenue Coral and Calle Careyes; just one block up from the main entrance to Los Ayala beach. I was told that a lot of local folk in Los Ayala enjoy a glass of Agua Verde every day for breakfast as it is good for the digestion... Check it out the next time you are in the area. HAPPY EASTER TO ALL!





  



    

   

   




Los Ayala's Elementary School 2011 Fundraiser 
How the monies raised in 2011 will be spent

     We want to thank everyone who helped to make this years Dessert Buffet/Elementary School 2011 fundraiser a great success. Thank you to all who brought all the fabulous desserts, and all who tirelessly served the desserts, and all who came to eat all the delicious desserts.

     Thank you to Christina Stobbs for all the advertising. Thank you's to Elaine, Martin Torres, Nt and Wayne Ramage who took the money at the door. Thank you Kevin and Myrna Field for donating all the coffee, tea and fixings, and for making the coffee and serving. Thanks to Joanne Gadd for selling all the 50/50 tickets. Thanks you to those who helped set up and take down the tables and chairs. Without all your help we couldn't have done this fundraiser for the children in Los Ayala, never mind making it a great success.

     Thanks you once again to our anonymous donor who so kindly donated another air conditioner this year for the fourth classroom, now giving all of the children relief doing the hot and humid summer months. This very generous donation is so appreciated.

     Thank you to everyone who supported the 50/50 Draw and also those who gave further donations.

The Work











    We so appreciate those who helped in any way to make our Annual Dessert Buffet/ Elementary School Fundraiser 2011 a success. With each year's fundraiser we are helping to make the Los Ayala Elementary School a better place for the children to learn and for the whole community to have pride in their school and community.


     The Fundraiser Net Profit of $23,110.35 pesos will be used to continue with construction of the lunchroom. Plumbing and electricity will be installed. The existing counter will be altered, allowing for the placement of a sink, stove and a refrigerator. Permanent tables and chairs will be built out of cement, allowing for enough seating for the current enrollment of 78 children and 3 teachers. We will install ceiling fans and an enclosure around the lunchroom for security measures.

     As many of you already know, the government does not provide funding for improvements or maintenance beyond the initial construction of the buildings themselves. With your help we have been assisting the community and the school in these matters. We thank you!





Christina Stobbs

Property Management 

Consider hiring a property management company to ensure that your home is well cared for while you are away, and picture perfect upon your return.

Services typically include...


- Grounds & Pool Maintenance
-  Coordinating home repairs
- Attending to maintenance needs
- Gardening & Landscaping
- Ventilation
- Fumigation
- Bill payment
 - Cleaning services
 - Meet & greet guests

Property Management Services provide peace of mind; save you money via preventative maintenance; and save you time so when you return to "Your Place in Jaltemba Bay" your first few weeks are not spent attending to cleaning, gardening and maintenance needs. 

Property Management Companies
Serving Homes in Jaltemba Bay

Rainbow Property Management
TMH Property Management



Mexican Delights
Cheese & Chicken Quesadillas

6 flour tortillas
Sour cream
¼ pound grated White Cheddar cheese
1/4 pound diced roasted chicken breast (pre-cooked)
2 Chile verdes or jalapeno peppers*
Rinse and dice chilies
Preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit

Spread sour cream on one half of the tortilla and cheese on the other half of each tortilla.

Top with strips of chilies or jalapeno peppers. Fold tortilla over and press edges together. Place on sheet of aluminum foil on lowest rack of the oven. Bake 5-7 minutes. Serve immediately.

Great served with guacamole and salsa.

*The volatile oils in the skins and flesh of chillies can burn your skin and especially your eyes if you rub them. Either wear gloves when preparing the chillies or be sure to wash your hands thoroughly immediately afterward.


Quesadillas
Photos of Los Ayala's Elementary School Lunchroom, about to be transformed. Work commenced on Monday March 7th.


Los Ayala Roads
 3 for 1 Program Update

     Los Ayala is the fourth in line of five small towns for being granted monies from the "3 for 1 Program" matching the funds we raised for our roads through this seasons fundraisers.

      Romy advises that she still has not heard from the municipality and that she expects their will be a delay in the monies forthcoming for Los Ayala, as they are waiting for the the state of Nayarit to contribute the monies for their portion of the "3 for 1 Program". She is hopeful that the funds will come through by May 2011;  allowing the work on the roads to begin in preparation for the Rainy Season.



Important Notice from Romy Mora
For Property Owners in Los Ayala

     If you own property in Los Ayala, and have not yet paid your property taxes please hold off on doing so until April 5, 2011.  Romy is asking all property owners to please pay their taxes on Tuesday, April 5, 2011 at Bungalows Las Iguanas in Los Ayala.

    Government officials will be there to collect your taxes and issue receipts.

     In order to raise more monies to improve the roads in Los Ayala, Romy has been granted a special compensation by the President of the municipality of Compostela, in that Los Ayala will get to keep 88% of all the property taxes collected on April 5th to use towards improving our roads!

    If you will not be here, Romy kindly requests; if possible, please arrange for someone to pay your taxes for you at on your behalf on April 5, 2011 at

Bungalows Las Iguanas
Bahia de Jaltemba #75, Los Ayala, Nayarit, Mexico
Tel: 327-274-0611 From Canada/USA 011-52-327-274-0611





Restaurant Las Ranas
Los Ayala beach

   A great spot for breakfast and lunch! Las Ranas serves fresh brewed coffee and American style breakfasts. Lunch specialties include grilled fish, green prawns and Pescado Zarandeado.

    The service is friendly and prompt at this family run beachfront restaurant. For more information see Restaurant Las Ranas

Photo of the Youth Soccer Tournament and the crowds watching the game on
Los Ayala beach on Sunday, March 20th...

Los Ayala Fut Bol TournamentFut bol Playa Los AyalaFut bol Playa Los AyalaFut bol Playa Los Ayala
Keep Those Plastics Coming All Summer Long!

    The Plastics Recycling Program that Los Amigos first put in place in 2008 continues to gain momentum. What began as purely a school-based program covering only La Peñita has now been expanded to the community at large and the coverage area has been expanded to include Guayabitos and Los Ayala. Los Amigos are now collecting an average of 4,000 kilos of plastics each month – and having a huge positive impact on the environment.

     They have now also started to collect cardboard for recycling as well. Individuals are asked to put out the cardboard only on collection day, which is Monday in Los Ayala, and to break down boxes if at all possible.

     While our basket-making workshops have ended for the season, after our great team of volunteers put together an impressive 325 new baskets, it’s important to remember that the collection of plastics continues through the summer. Our driver (Tavo) is a full-time resident of the community and will be hard at work all year.

     And next year, the Los Amigos Recycling Committee hopes to have an even higher presence in Los Ayala.


Semana Santa - Playa Los Ayala 2010
Playa Los Ayala - Semana SantaSally - Jaltemba Bay Rescue DogPunta RRaza Look Out PointRecycling in Jaltemba Bay
Meet Sally - A Jaltemba Bay Rescue Dog

Look Out Greg!
 
    No, it is not a tsunami, just an unusually large wave on Los Ayala beach about to clobber Greg, who is completely oblivious to the fact. 


Lin Chimes
Dave Easby
Photo by Lori Schneider-Wood

Adventures of Los Ayala's
Pippi Long Stocking














Lori  standing on the "Look Out Point" overlooking Playa Del Torro  




Hiking to El Monteon    

     Hiking to Punta Raza from Los Ayala is a great day excursion. The round trip hike to Punta Raza takes ~ 4 hours at a moderate pace, including a half hour break for lunch.


    It is also possible to hike all the way to the small town of El Monteon (south of Los Ayala) via Punta Raza beach. The hike takes about 3 hours at a moderate pace. This route to El Monteon (albeit less adventuresome), is easier, quicker and more civilized than hiking to El Monteon through the fields and cow pastures.

    To read more about Punta Raza, view photos and a pictorial of the landmarks along the hike to El Monteon from Los Ayala via Punta Raza beach see Punta Raza

Local Folks






Meet Judy, Walter and Chiquita

Canadians who choose to call Los Ayala home





     Hola, perito.” The scruffy little dog tilts her head from side to side. “Look, she's listening to us.”

     She so skinny, we have to bring her food. “Get the leash,” our neighbour calls out as we offer left-over chicken to the little dog. Up close, we discover the true meaning of the expression mangy dog.

“Her name is Sally,” another neighbour who has been feeding her says. “Because of her big ears—just like Sally Field in The Flying Nun.”
One month, several vet visits, daily eye drops and feeding, and Sally is in our yard experiencing the joys of grass and baths and doggie treats. Another month later and she's brave enough to venture into our bungalow.

     Two years later, she's bilingual, an international traveler, and our little granddaughter's best friend. Rescue dogs make the best of pets. Sally is loyal, even tempered, and devoted to our family. So, instead of a suitcase full of souvenirs and t-shirts, consider adopting a street dog from Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue.


P.S. Sally now lives in Comox, B.C., and enjoys the life of a Canadian Snowbird spending 3-4 months every winter in Jaltemba Bay.  Lucky Dog!


Dining in Los Ayala
Recommended by Romy!

Breakfast at Erica's
"Divorce Eggs"
&
"Shrimp Omelettes"
Simply the best in Los Ayala!

Los Ayala News - Update

      Romy Mora, Juez of Los Ayala will be leading the "Clean the Beach" Committees for Los Ayala and La Penita de Jaltemba!  SEMARNAT, awarded Romy the leadership of the committee for La Penita because of the exemplary manner she set in leading PET (Programa de Empleo Temporal - Temporary Employment Program) for Los Ayala; following the rules and regulations, and adhering to the all the program guidelines.

    As a result the communities of Los Ayala and La Penita will be benefit from this program this year. This program  provides employment to local persons in need of work in Los Ayala, El Monteon, La Joya, Guayabitos, La Penita de Jaltemba and La Colonia and everyone in the community benefits with cleaner beaches. Way to go, Romy!

     Vendors continue to sell fruit from carts on Los Ayala beach. No stations for vendors have been set up at any of the beach access points. Romy advises that the bylaw prohibiting vendors from selling wares from carts on the beach is in effect but to date SEMARNAT is not enforcing the new ruling.

     As a result of the "Creating an Awareness of Safety" Community Meeting, Los Ayala has four young men who take turns patrolling the streets of Los Ayala, in the late evening and early morning hours. Romy advises that since the patrols began their have been fewer break ins.
The request for Two Policemen for Los Ayala is still outstanding and will be brought forth once again at the next Hotel and Bungalows association meeting in April.
     
    To date no private homes in Los Ayala have been checked for well registration. I asked Romy, if it was likely that this would still occur and she advised yes; the latest by Semana Santa because they know everyone will be here....


Well Registration - Update
  
    Romy Mora, Juez of Los Ayala advises that she expects that representatives from the "Comision National del Agua"
will be inspecting homes in Los Ayala for wells and well registration;
 no later than Semana Santa 2011.

Sally - Jaltemba Bay Rescue Dog
Editor's Favourite
Quick
& Easy Meal


Sally Before
Scruffy, Skinny and Shy


Sally After - Beautiful, Happy & Healthy!

Pineapples for Sale
Linda, Orlando, Romy and Mario
Sunday, April 30th - Dia Del Nino

Join us in Los Ayala's Town Plaza to Celebrate  "Day of the Children" Great Photo Opportunity!
Pinatas, Candies, Children and Toys!


Details TBA and will posted on the Upcoming Events Page
Darlene Jones