What's New in Town
Los Ayala
January 2011 News
January 2011 News
Magical
Magical Moments
January 2011
Click here to view OJ's Photo of a
"Perfect Sunny Day"
January 2011
Click here to view OJ's Photo of a
"Perfect Sunny Day"
The next edition of the news from Magical Los Ayala will be issued February, 2011
If you would like to receive Los Ayala news via email, Email Christina Stobbs, with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
If you would like to receive Los Ayala news via email, Email Christina Stobbs, with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
Upcoming Los Ayala Fundraisers
Enhancing Quality of Life
The Cruise to Chacala which was scheduled to take place on January 12th has been postponed to a later date, as the Gran Fiesta needs some mechanical work...
We hope to run this fund-raising event in late January or early February... Please do check back on the Upcoming Events page at a later date for more details.. Thank you.
Enhancing Quality of Life
The Cruise to Chacala which was scheduled to take place on January 12th has been postponed to a later date, as the Gran Fiesta needs some mechanical work...
We hope to run this fund-raising event in late January or early February... Please do check back on the Upcoming Events page at a later date for more details.. Thank you.
Los Ayala
Garage Sale Update
Yeah! We raised 8025 pesos at the Sale on Sunday, Dec. 12th and 3700 pesos from the Garage Sale held on Sunday, Dec. 26th. With the monies raised being integrated into the 3 for 1 program - this is $43,900 pesos which will be used to improve the roads in Los Ayala....
Garage Sale Update
Yeah! We raised 8025 pesos at the Sale on Sunday, Dec. 12th and 3700 pesos from the Garage Sale held on Sunday, Dec. 26th. With the monies raised being integrated into the 3 for 1 program - this is $43,900 pesos which will be used to improve the roads in Los Ayala....
3rd Annual El Gran Bazaar
January 22, 2011
Starts 10 a.m.
La Penita de Jaltemba - Eco Park
Pictured above is the team from last years El Gran Bazaar.
This is very special annual Garage Sale raises funds to support the many great works of the Education committee of Los Amigos:
Once again it is being held at the Ecopark in Colonia Pescadores, which is located at the north end of La Peñita.
Donations are very much needed! Please drop off items at #66 Mazatlan or Email: Johan to arrange for pick up.
January 22, 2011
Starts 10 a.m.
La Penita de Jaltemba - Eco Park
Pictured above is the team from last years El Gran Bazaar.
This is very special annual Garage Sale raises funds to support the many great works of the Education committee of Los Amigos:
Once again it is being held at the Ecopark in Colonia Pescadores, which is located at the north end of La Peñita.
Donations are very much needed! Please drop off items at #66 Mazatlan or Email: Johan to arrange for pick up.
Barbie Angel Project - 2010
Update
In the fall this year, at my home in California, I began thinking about this year’s Barbie doll recycling project and was fearful of not having many enough barbies dolls for the holidays. I had thought maybe a couple of hundred but after my arrival here in Los Ayala, at the end of November, they just kept arriving like pennies from heaven so our final count was 680 recycled barbie dolls. It did not top last year of 835 but was plenty to be divided between all groups who asked for them.
We were able to provide barbies to two area schools, six kinders in the La Penita area, the communities of Los Ayala, El Monteon, Guayabitos, La Penita and La Colonia, for their holiday parties, two privately sponsored small village groups and even the ladies at La Penita Senior Center.
Many thanks to my wonderful crew of 18 women and two men, who spent 21 hours during 7 barbies dressing parties working this year here at my Los Ayala home, bathing coiffing and dressing the barbie dolls. I couldn’t have done it without them. They certainly brought smiles to the faces of many little girls who welcomed the dolls into their loving arms and new homes.
Update
In the fall this year, at my home in California, I began thinking about this year’s Barbie doll recycling project and was fearful of not having many enough barbies dolls for the holidays. I had thought maybe a couple of hundred but after my arrival here in Los Ayala, at the end of November, they just kept arriving like pennies from heaven so our final count was 680 recycled barbie dolls. It did not top last year of 835 but was plenty to be divided between all groups who asked for them.
We were able to provide barbies to two area schools, six kinders in the La Penita area, the communities of Los Ayala, El Monteon, Guayabitos, La Penita and La Colonia, for their holiday parties, two privately sponsored small village groups and even the ladies at La Penita Senior Center.
Many thanks to my wonderful crew of 18 women and two men, who spent 21 hours during 7 barbies dressing parties working this year here at my Los Ayala home, bathing coiffing and dressing the barbie dolls. I couldn’t have done it without them. They certainly brought smiles to the faces of many little girls who welcomed the dolls into their loving arms and new homes.
Need Assistance with Registering your Well?
Guillermina Dueñas Joya, is now registering wells for foreigners. In addition, if you need help with your obtaining or renewing your FM3 she has staff who speak English to help you with the translation.
You may reach Guille at
Tel: 327- 274 1200
Bungalows Mar Dorado,
Bahia Punta de Mita # 10
Guillermina Dueñas Joya, is now registering wells for foreigners. In addition, if you need help with your obtaining or renewing your FM3 she has staff who speak English to help you with the translation.
You may reach Guille at
Tel: 327- 274 1200
Bungalows Mar Dorado,
Bahia Punta de Mita # 10
When Romy Mora, was offered the opportunity to serve as "Juez of Los Ayala", she decided within three minutes flat that her answer would be, YES! She had no hesitation, simply because she knew that she would be able to make a difference to the community of Los Ayala. She knew she could make a difference because she likes to see things get done, enjoys helping others and building community spirit.
And what a difference she has made! Accomplishments she is most proud of include Los Ayala’s Town Plaza, the paving of Coral Avenue with interlocking brick, and Los Ayala's being awarded the PET (temporary employment program) for the fourth time. As a result Los Ayala, has been able to employ 12-17 persons every summer, to help keep the estuary, streets and beach of Los Ayala clean.
Romy accepted the position of Juez of Los Ayala, just over two and a half years ago. She has just six months remaining in her term. When her term is finished she intends to run for the position of “Regidor” for a political party whose beliefs fit her perfectly; primarily, respect for humanity and ecology.
The primary role of the “Regidor” is to serve as a voice for the community and the municipality and to come forth with ideas and solutions. The position of Regidor also has a vote! If Romy succeeds in being elected as “Regidor” she will be serving the communities of Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, a portion of La Penita de Jaltemba, and La Colonia. She says that one of her first goals will be to have the beaches in Jaltemba Bay certified as “Clean Beaches.” A goal that I am sure is shared, by everyone in the community of Jaltemba Bay!
Los Ayala is often described as "A small town, with a big heart", but I suspect a more apt description is "Los Ayala is a small town who is blessed, with a Juez with a big heart".
Fun "Romy" Facts
Favourite Food - Mexican & Italian
Favourite Activities - Watching movies with the children
Favourite Movies - "The Notebook” and “The Last of the Mohicans” the latter which she has seen fifteen times; and she still cries at the ending.
And what a difference she has made! Accomplishments she is most proud of include Los Ayala’s Town Plaza, the paving of Coral Avenue with interlocking brick, and Los Ayala's being awarded the PET (temporary employment program) for the fourth time. As a result Los Ayala, has been able to employ 12-17 persons every summer, to help keep the estuary, streets and beach of Los Ayala clean.
Romy accepted the position of Juez of Los Ayala, just over two and a half years ago. She has just six months remaining in her term. When her term is finished she intends to run for the position of “Regidor” for a political party whose beliefs fit her perfectly; primarily, respect for humanity and ecology.
The primary role of the “Regidor” is to serve as a voice for the community and the municipality and to come forth with ideas and solutions. The position of Regidor also has a vote! If Romy succeeds in being elected as “Regidor” she will be serving the communities of Los Ayala, Rincon de Guayabitos, a portion of La Penita de Jaltemba, and La Colonia. She says that one of her first goals will be to have the beaches in Jaltemba Bay certified as “Clean Beaches.” A goal that I am sure is shared, by everyone in the community of Jaltemba Bay!
Los Ayala is often described as "A small town, with a big heart", but I suspect a more apt description is "Los Ayala is a small town who is blessed, with a Juez with a big heart".
Fun "Romy" Facts
- Born and raised in Tepic, the capital of Nayarit
- She grew up playing on Los Ayala beach, as her family owned a vacation home in Los Ayala, forty two years ago
- She has lived in Los Ayala on a full time basis for twelve years
- She is married to a charming Canadian man, has two beautiful children and an adorable dog
- She loves fashion, in particular shoes but she will not reveal just how many pairs of shoes she owns
- She is studying to be a Notario
Favourite Food - Mexican & Italian
Favourite Activities - Watching movies with the children
Favourite Movies - "The Notebook” and “The Last of the Mohicans” the latter which she has seen fifteen times; and she still cries at the ending.
Driving in Mexico
Left & Right Turn Mayhem
Bill Bell's article on driving in Mexico, and the message from the police on making left hand turns off the highway at the entrance to La Penita resulted in a lot of questions and differing opinions on the proper procedures and legalities. So I decided to ask OJ, figuring that someone who has lived and driven in Mexico his entire life, could clarify the following two questions...
1. Do I have to wait for the green arrow to turn left off the highway, even if it is clear of traffic?
Yes, 100% TRUE - one has to wait for the green arrow to turn left (off the highway),
Clarifying Comment from OJ...
Unless there is a special signal in the traffic light that allows one to turn left on green with caution. Usually this is denoted by a white sign with an arrow - "En verde con Precaucion."
2. Is it illegal to turn right on a red light?
100 % FALSE
Clarifying Comment By OJ...
My recommendation is: If you see a police man around you - pull over and wait until he goes before make a special movement. Do not argue with the policeman.
If he intends to give you a fine, write your remarks on the original ticket, even if it is written in English.
If the fine is because of the right turn, write " Ley de Vialidad Articulo 20 " on your ticket. If the policeman knows the law, he will desist of giving you the ticket.
Nayarit Transportation & Driving
NAYARIT TRANSPORTATION & DRIVING says:
ARTICULO 20
Los conductores de vehículos, deberán:
IV
En los cruceros con semáforo se podrá cambiar de dirección hacia la
Derecha aún cuando esté encendida la luz roja, previendo que no circulen
Vehículos o peatones que lo impidan y tomar en general las precauciones necesarias;
Translated into English
Article 20/IV
Drivers should:
In the intersections with traffic lights , they are allowed to turn "right" even the red light is on, they have to check if no one car is passing through and for pedestrians. They are allowed to turn right keeping all necessary cautions to do it .
There is no special Law for Compostela County, so this State Law applies to all of Compostela cities.
Left & Right Turn Mayhem
Bill Bell's article on driving in Mexico, and the message from the police on making left hand turns off the highway at the entrance to La Penita resulted in a lot of questions and differing opinions on the proper procedures and legalities. So I decided to ask OJ, figuring that someone who has lived and driven in Mexico his entire life, could clarify the following two questions...
1. Do I have to wait for the green arrow to turn left off the highway, even if it is clear of traffic?
Yes, 100% TRUE - one has to wait for the green arrow to turn left (off the highway),
Clarifying Comment from OJ...
Unless there is a special signal in the traffic light that allows one to turn left on green with caution. Usually this is denoted by a white sign with an arrow - "En verde con Precaucion."
2. Is it illegal to turn right on a red light?
100 % FALSE
Clarifying Comment By OJ...
My recommendation is: If you see a police man around you - pull over and wait until he goes before make a special movement. Do not argue with the policeman.
If he intends to give you a fine, write your remarks on the original ticket, even if it is written in English.
If the fine is because of the right turn, write " Ley de Vialidad Articulo 20 " on your ticket. If the policeman knows the law, he will desist of giving you the ticket.
Nayarit Transportation & Driving
NAYARIT TRANSPORTATION & DRIVING says:
ARTICULO 20
Los conductores de vehículos, deberán:
IV
En los cruceros con semáforo se podrá cambiar de dirección hacia la
Derecha aún cuando esté encendida la luz roja, previendo que no circulen
Vehículos o peatones que lo impidan y tomar en general las precauciones necesarias;
Translated into English
Article 20/IV
Drivers should:
In the intersections with traffic lights , they are allowed to turn "right" even the red light is on, they have to check if no one car is passing through and for pedestrians. They are allowed to turn right keeping all necessary cautions to do it .
There is no special Law for Compostela County, so this State Law applies to all of Compostela cities.
OJ - Omar Juarez
La Casa del Cono
This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is a gem of a vacation rental... Affordable, with all the comforts of home, and located just two blocks from Los Ayala beach!
View web page
This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom home is a gem of a vacation rental... Affordable, with all the comforts of home, and located just two blocks from Los Ayala beach!
View web page
KI'ICHKELEM is the ancient Mayan word for beauty....
This little oasis is located in La Penita de Jaltemba...
Services include massage, aromatherapy, facials, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures....
Treat yourself to a gift of beauty and relaxation!
For more information on this
Day Spa see Ki'Ichelekelm
This little oasis is located in La Penita de Jaltemba...
Services include massage, aromatherapy, facials, body wraps and scrubs, manicures, pedicures....
Treat yourself to a gift of beauty and relaxation!
For more information on this
Day Spa see Ki'Ichelekelm
Local Folks
The Swanson Family
In 2004 Rhonda and Tony, decided to book a vacation and enjoyed a one week stay at an-all inclusive resort in Rincon de Guayabitos. In 2005 they decided their two young children were ready for Mexico and they enjoyed a family vacation at an all inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta...
In 2006 they decided to take vacation in Los Ayala, even though they did not have a clue as to where it was! In 2009 they purchased a home in Los Ayala, and lived here for three full months on a full time basis.
Read The Story of the Swanson Family and their adaptions to life in Los Ayala, Mexico.
The Swanson Family
In 2004 Rhonda and Tony, decided to book a vacation and enjoyed a one week stay at an-all inclusive resort in Rincon de Guayabitos. In 2005 they decided their two young children were ready for Mexico and they enjoyed a family vacation at an all inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta...
In 2006 they decided to take vacation in Los Ayala, even though they did not have a clue as to where it was! In 2009 they purchased a home in Los Ayala, and lived here for three full months on a full time basis.
Read The Story of the Swanson Family and their adaptions to life in Los Ayala, Mexico.
Tickets are still available for the Fashion Show on Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 and available for purchase at the La Penita Market (Tianguis) at the Los Amigos booth which is located just across from the church every Thursday from 9am to 11am.
Tickets are also available to purchase online at JBayFashionShow
Proceeds from the show fund local scholarships and help support the Cancer de Mama Clinic.
Tickets are also available to purchase online at JBayFashionShow
Proceeds from the show fund local scholarships and help support the Cancer de Mama Clinic.
Los Ayala's Beloved Juez - Romy Mora
Juez of Los Ayala
Juez of Los Ayala
Children's Christmas Party
Los Ayala's Town Plaza
Monday, Dec. 20, 2010
A fun community event, especially enjoyed by families and children!
Los Ayala's Town Plaza
Monday, Dec. 20, 2010
A fun community event, especially enjoyed by families and children!
Photos from the Garage Sale held in Los Ayala's Town Plaza including photos of Romy Mora (3rd & 4th photos) working hard to sell the goods!
New Year! New You!
Fashion Show tickets are still available!
By Geri DeMoss
The Barbie Grandma
The Barbie Grandma
Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue
The Latest News & Photos
Read all about in the
December Newsletter
The Latest News & Photos
Read all about in the
December Newsletter
Piedra Bola is truly magical, steeped in legend and beauty.
Needing some exercise I took my bike and headed off with no particular destination in mind. I remembered all the stories I had heard about Piedra Bola and decided to try and find it. Out through las Rosas into the valley past the Ostrich farm keeping to the left I came to a wire gate across the road. Just beyond there lay an imposing hunk of rock unlike the landscape around it.
I told the farmer working close by what I was looking for and he indicated that I should climb the hill to the left of the Rock. I made my way to the hill above to admire the view and check if there was another rock further up.
But no I had clearly found the only item that could be called Piedra Bola (rock ball).
I started to look for the carved figures I had been told about and found none. Atop the Big rock itself were a few good sized rocks perched at strange angles but nothing that looked man made. It wasn´t until I was editing the photos that I noticed a very definite Z that could have been carved.
A desiccated clump of orchids struggled to survive
and close by protected by some other foliage and cacti was a much larger and very healthy patch that had obviously bloomed last season.
Other exotics that normally inhabit tree tops also found the environment to their liking.
I headed back down and introduced myself to Marcos, Macaco, who was spraying a pen of goats. I mentioned some families we both knew and we were off on a good footing. When I told him I had found nothing he explained that they were obscured by the moss which resulted from the heavy rain. Later in the season would be better.
I headed off saying I would return.
As I was closing the gate behind me he came after me because he had remembered a figure that was right there not two meters from the gate.
It was clearly time to get to know one another a bit better so we chatted for a while. Soon Adam joined us, cute as a button.
Marcos told me about some other interesting stone formations he had found that I might be interested in. He thought they had been placed by the ancients. We couldn´t go just now to see them because the foliage was too dense but he would put some goats in the field and I could come back in a couple of weeks.
He told me of folks who had been taking photos of the rock face and in each photo a light appeared in a different location. He showed me the cave behind the virgin where he thinks the treasure is.
I had to get the fact that it was a virgin from someone else. Maybe he thought it was just so obvious or possibly he didn´t know. When I later asked Arturo about the virgin he said he did not know either.
He also wanted to show me the relics they regularly pick up when cultivating the field. Adam wasn´t too sure initially as he posed atop the pile but he soon warmed to the idea.
Agreeing to come back soon to see the other rocks I headed home.
Telling Arturo that I had not found the markings he had told me about he asked me if I had not got into the cave. “CAVE?” I said. “You never told me there was a cave.”
Continuing Reading - Part 2
Needing some exercise I took my bike and headed off with no particular destination in mind. I remembered all the stories I had heard about Piedra Bola and decided to try and find it. Out through las Rosas into the valley past the Ostrich farm keeping to the left I came to a wire gate across the road. Just beyond there lay an imposing hunk of rock unlike the landscape around it.
I told the farmer working close by what I was looking for and he indicated that I should climb the hill to the left of the Rock. I made my way to the hill above to admire the view and check if there was another rock further up.
But no I had clearly found the only item that could be called Piedra Bola (rock ball).
I started to look for the carved figures I had been told about and found none. Atop the Big rock itself were a few good sized rocks perched at strange angles but nothing that looked man made. It wasn´t until I was editing the photos that I noticed a very definite Z that could have been carved.
A desiccated clump of orchids struggled to survive
and close by protected by some other foliage and cacti was a much larger and very healthy patch that had obviously bloomed last season.
Other exotics that normally inhabit tree tops also found the environment to their liking.
I headed back down and introduced myself to Marcos, Macaco, who was spraying a pen of goats. I mentioned some families we both knew and we were off on a good footing. When I told him I had found nothing he explained that they were obscured by the moss which resulted from the heavy rain. Later in the season would be better.
I headed off saying I would return.
As I was closing the gate behind me he came after me because he had remembered a figure that was right there not two meters from the gate.
It was clearly time to get to know one another a bit better so we chatted for a while. Soon Adam joined us, cute as a button.
Marcos told me about some other interesting stone formations he had found that I might be interested in. He thought they had been placed by the ancients. We couldn´t go just now to see them because the foliage was too dense but he would put some goats in the field and I could come back in a couple of weeks.
He told me of folks who had been taking photos of the rock face and in each photo a light appeared in a different location. He showed me the cave behind the virgin where he thinks the treasure is.
I had to get the fact that it was a virgin from someone else. Maybe he thought it was just so obvious or possibly he didn´t know. When I later asked Arturo about the virgin he said he did not know either.
He also wanted to show me the relics they regularly pick up when cultivating the field. Adam wasn´t too sure initially as he posed atop the pile but he soon warmed to the idea.
Agreeing to come back soon to see the other rocks I headed home.
Telling Arturo that I had not found the markings he had told me about he asked me if I had not got into the cave. “CAVE?” I said. “You never told me there was a cave.”
Continuing Reading - Part 2
Piedra Bola - Mexican Magic & Mystery
By Johan Nielson
By Johan Nielson
Los Amigos de La Peñita’s Fiesta 2011
An Authentic Mexican Fiesta ¡Olé!
Saturday, January 30, 2011
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
At the internationally acclaimed estate – Hacienda de La Peñita
Enjoy the "Ultimate Social Event of the Season" and show your support for all the wonderful works of this fine group! All this plus music, food, drink, entertainment and more... 750 pesos per person (Donation) all of which will go to fund future projects!
If you have not had the opportunity to attend the Annual Gala Fund-raising hosted at Thomas Bartletts' Internationally Acclaimed Estate in La Penita, I have tickets available for sale, and if you live in Los Ayala I will deliver them to you! To reserve your tickets for this very special annual event, please call 327-274-3516 or email me at Christina
An Authentic Mexican Fiesta ¡Olé!
Saturday, January 30, 2011
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
At the internationally acclaimed estate – Hacienda de La Peñita
Enjoy the "Ultimate Social Event of the Season" and show your support for all the wonderful works of this fine group! All this plus music, food, drink, entertainment and more... 750 pesos per person (Donation) all of which will go to fund future projects!
If you have not had the opportunity to attend the Annual Gala Fund-raising hosted at Thomas Bartletts' Internationally Acclaimed Estate in La Penita, I have tickets available for sale, and if you live in Los Ayala I will deliver them to you! To reserve your tickets for this very special annual event, please call 327-274-3516 or email me at Christina
Regrettably, Restaurant Charly in Los Ayala has closed, and will be missed dearly by everyone!
The good news it that the beachfront location in Guayabitos remains open...
Same great food and service!
Restaurant Charly
The good news it that the beachfront location in Guayabitos remains open...
Same great food and service!
Restaurant Charly
Los Ayala Accommodations
Feature Vacation Rentals
Casa Contenta
The perfect setting for the perfect getaway! Casa Contenta offers vacationers a beachfront oasis mere steps from Los Ayala beach, complete with swaying tropical palms and a decidedly Mexican ambiance with a touch of whimsy. Choose from one of four stunningly designed suites... View web page
Feature Vacation Rentals
Casa Contenta
The perfect setting for the perfect getaway! Casa Contenta offers vacationers a beachfront oasis mere steps from Los Ayala beach, complete with swaying tropical palms and a decidedly Mexican ambiance with a touch of whimsy. Choose from one of four stunningly designed suites... View web page
" Buey "
" Literally an ox or bullock, buey has a number of meanings when used in reference to a person, including "eunuch" "dumb ox," "brawn but no brains" and so on. Buey is also the Mexican equivalent of "bastard" A man who allows himself to be cheated is often mocked with this word.
" Literally an ox or bullock, buey has a number of meanings when used in reference to a person, including "eunuch" "dumb ox," "brawn but no brains" and so on. Buey is also the Mexican equivalent of "bastard" A man who allows himself to be cheated is often mocked with this word.
Check out Happening in JBay for dining and special events in the Jaltemba Bay Area