2011 Panamerica Games in guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta is pleased to be co hosting, along with Guadalajara, this year’s PanAm games… and if the traffic is any indication, the games are a huge success   I had a look at the medal tally for the Pan American Games this morning and was pleased to see Mexico holding 3rd place (behind the USA and Brazil) for the total number if medals won.

Mexico has won a total of 29 medals – 9 gold, 6 silver and 14 bronze – as of this morning in events like pentathlon, rowing, cycling, mountain biking, squash and taekwondo. And congratulations are in order for Cynthia Valdez who has brought home five (!) silver and gold medals in Rhythmic Gymnastics!

Mexico is only 1 gold  medal behind Brazil – which has 10 gold, 9 silver and 11 bronze , so we will be watching closely to see if we can take second position in the competition… we’ll have our work cut out for us if we want first place as the USA has a healthy lead with 24 gold and 63 total medals!

Canada is also showing well and is currently  in 4th place with 30 total medals, 6 of which are gold.

There is still plenty of competition to go, we will be watching closely and rooting for the home team!

A look at Puerto Vallarta´s Malecon this morning, courtesy of PuertoVallarta.net´s webcam

News reports confirm that Hurricane Jova came onshore last night as a category 2 storm in the sparsely populated southern Jalisco and caused some flooding and downed power lines.  The port town of Manzanillo has a lot of flooding and several roads are closed because of it, but so far (thankfully) no reports of injury or loss of life.  Many coastal towns evacuated further inland last night and I’m sure we’ll see more reports of damage as these people return to their homes.

I am unaware of any damages here in Vallarta, and althought the storm still has not passed us, it does not look like we will see any major effects from this storm.  Jova will come closest later this afternoon, but by then will probably have been downgraded to a tropical storm.  The only worry we have left is that the rivers may rise due to heavy rains in the mountains and cause some localized flooding.

From the CFE website - Forcast of Hurricane Jova's expected path as of 1pm Mexico Central time today, 11 October 2011

Tonight we are all waiting to see how Hurricane Jova is going to play out here in Puerto Vallarta.  Hurricane Jova was officially upgraded from a Tropical Storm last Saturday afternoon, and over the ensuing days accelerated steadily to Category 3 status.  As late as yesterday,  forecasters were anticipating that Hurricane Jova would make landfall tonight as a category 4 hurricane somewhere along Costalegre near Manzalnillo, Colima.  Fortunately, rather than accelerating to Category 4 last night, Jova slowed down… It was still at Category 3 speeds this morning, but has slowed significantly in the last few hours and has currently (as of 1 pm Mexico City Time) dropped to category 2 and is still falling.  Forecasters are expecting the wind speeds to drop to category 1 levels quickly after making landfall late tonight or early tomorrow with winds in the 120 km/h (75 mph) range.

From the CFE website - Wind spped chart for Hurricane Jova as of 1pm Mexico Central time, 11 october 2011

If everything proceeds as forecast, we should see wind speeds here in Puerto Vallarta of about 65 km/h (40 mph) with heavy rains.  Because the course of the storm is expected to go through the mountains east of Puerto Vallarta, the winds hitting Vallarta (due to the storm’s counter-clockwise rotation) will be from the east also, meaning there should not be any significant sea swell in Puerto Vallarta.  It was the sea swell that caused the majority of the damage from Hurricane Kenna, the last hurricane to hit Puerto Vallarta back in 2002.

Historically, Puerto Vallarta has always been a safe haven from Hurricanes.  Because of the geography surrounding Puerto Vallarta, Large storms either go to the north or to the south.  The Banderas Bay’s shape provides protection from the large waves (known as sea swell) that precede hurricanes and the 3 separate mountain ranges that come together just above Puerto Vallarta act as an effective buffer to slow down and redirect the worst of any storm’s effects.  Even the famous hurricane Kenna did not actually hit Puerto Vallarta… The center of that storm went onshore about 80 miles north in San Blas.  Puerto Vallarta experienced high winds and heavy rains, but relatively little of the destructive force of a hurricane.  The only real damage came from the sea swell, which caused fairly extensive damage in a small section of coastline. Before Hurricane Kenna, the last major Hurricane to hit Vallarta was some 80 years prior.

So tonight, all indications are that the storm will not cause any major damage here in Puerto Vallarta… we are making preparations anyway, and schools are suspending classes until Friday to be on the safe side, but we are expecting no more than some high winds and heavy rains.  If you own a property here in Puerto Vallarta, I’ll be posting again tomorrow (assuming my internet is working!) with an update.  BTW, if you can read Spanish, most of my forecast information comes from the Federal Electric Commission’s website, which I have found to be the most accurate and up to date when dealing with Hurricanes in Mexico.  You can find their latest Hurricane advisories here.

While I am pleased that we will probably not experience any severe effects from Hurricane Jova, I don’t want to make light of the storm… it will probably come onshore at at least category 1 strength.  Our prayers and best wishes go out to those living in costalegre and Manzanillo tonight.

Hurricane Jova is expected to come onshore tonight near the town of Chamela, Jaisco.

I want to hear your feedback, please leave a comment!

The Panamerica Games torch passed through Nuevo Vallarta today

The Panamerica games, an Olympic style multidisciplinary sporting event that happens every 4 years is scheduled to kick off next week, this coming 14th of October 2011, in Guadalajara and here in Puerto Vallarta.  In preparation for that event, the Pan American games torch has been making it’s way across the country, today it passed through Nuevo Vallarta and tonight will be at the Puerto Vallarta Malecon.  Crowds and corporate sponsors were on hand in Nuevo Vallarta, as well as local and national news to record the event as torch made its way through the beachfront resort community located just north of Puerto Vallarta.  After it’s brief detour along the beach, the torch headed back to the main highway to continue its journey to downtown Puerto Vallarta and the Malecon.

More information on the Panamerica games can be found at their official website.

Corporate Sponsors and TV crews were on hand to help greet the torch

A bus load of press and photographers (and spare torches) preceded the torch on its journey through Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos

Local law enforcement was on hand to keep traffic flowing

The Panamerica Torch back on the road to Puerto Vallarta - Here in front of the Banderas Bay Technological University - UTBB

Know anything interesting about the Panamerica games? Please leave us a comment, we’d love to hear from you!

NEWS RELEASE
U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL GUADALAJARA, MEXICO

Statement of Daniel F. Keller, U.S. Consul General to Guadalajara, concerning statements attributed to U.S. Consular Agent in Puerto Vallarta

Guadalajara, Jal., July 13, 2011—I am deeply disturbed by statements which appeared in a recent news report published by at least two news media organizations based in Puerto Vallarta under the headline, “Preocupa a Consulado Inseguridad en Puerto Vallarta.” (The Consulate is Worried about Insecurity in Puerto Vallarta – translation mine)

The statements, which are attributed secondhand to U.S. Consular Agent Sra. Kelly Trainor, are taken out of context and attribute to Ms. Trainor things she did not say.  Moreover, the statements are made to falsely imply that the U.S. Consulate is concerned by the present security conditions in Puerto Vallarta.

The U.S. Consulate General has issued no advisories against travel to Puerto Vallarta and is not aware of any incidents that would have a significant impact on our current security assessment.  The Consulate is prepared at all times to respond to legitimate inquiries from media representatives — which did not happen in this case, American citizens, and other interested parties.  This specific report, regrettably, is irresponsible and does not meet the standards of professional journalism.  (emphasis mine)

Here is that news release in Spanish:

COMUNICADO DE PRENSA
Consulado General de Estados Unidos
Guadalajara, México

Declaración del Cónsul General de EE.UU., Daniel Keller,
En Relación a Declaraciones Atribuidas a la
Agente Consular en Puerto Vallarta

Guadalajara, Jal., 13 de julio de 2011  —  El Cónsul General de Estados Unidos en Guadalajara declaró que se encuentra profundamente perturbado por las declaraciones en un reciente informe aparecido en por lo menos un par de medios noticiosos, basados en Puerto Vallarta, bajo el titulo “Preocupa al Consulado Inseguridad en Puerto Vallarta”.

Dichas declaraciones, las cuales fueron hechas por un tercero, se atribuyeron a la Agente Consular en Puerto Vallarta, Sra. Kelly Trainor, las cuales están fuera de contexto, y le atribuyeron cosas que la Sra. Trainor no dijo. Aún más, las declaraciones implican falsamente que el Consulado está preocupado por las condiciones de seguridad actuales en Puerto Vallarta.

El Consulado General de los Estados Unidos en Guadalajara no ha emitido ningún aviso en contra de viajar a Puerto Vallarta.  Y no está enterado de algún incidente que pueda tener un impacto significativo en nuestra evaluación actual de la seguridad en el puerto. El Consulado está siempre preparado para responder a preguntas legítimas de los representantes de los medios de comunicación — cosa que no pasó en este caso, así como de los ciudadanos estadunidenses, y de diferentes públicos interesados.  Este reporte específico, lamentablemente, es irresponsable y no cumple con los estándares profesionales del periodismo.

Huge price drop on Playa Royale 1734

This amazing condo is located at one of the best developments in Nuevo Vallarta, is located on the 7th floor, right in front of the beach, and comes with the full Paradise Village Social Membership… including discounts on Golf and food, and unlimited access to the El Tigre Sport and Racquet Club, plus access to the beach club and wet areas of the Hacienda Spa located in the El Tigre Club House. Have a look at Playa Royale 1734 and contact us with any questions!

Playa Royale by Paradise Village Beachfront Resort in Nuevo Vallarta

I have not made it any secret that I like Playa Royale.  I personally feel that it is one of the best options available for a beach front condominium in the North Banderas Bay area, if not in all of Puerto Vallarta.  It’s central location in Nuevo Vallarta means it is close enough to enjoy all that Old Town Puerto Vallarta has to offer but far enough away to enjoy the peace and quiet when you want it.  It’s location also affords it a wider selection of restaurants and shopping as it is an easy drive from just about anywhere in the bay.  And Playa Royale is extremely well built, with concrete and block construction throughout, US/Canadian spec plumbing and electrical installations, hotel grade door hardware, quality fixtures and heavy grade vinyl widows and sliding doors… this all adds up to a solid, well built condominium that is well suited to the harsh ocean front environment.  Being in real estate, I see a lot of homes and condos.  And being in Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta,  I see a lot of Beach front condominiums for sale.  I have seen what poor workmanship looks like in just a few years in a beachfront condo.  In Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos there are several examples of how not to build a condominium, but Playa Royale has been around for a few years now and has stood the test of time… and passed with flying colors!  A lot of that has to do with the management team at Playa Royale.  Playa Royale has an excellent management and maintenance staff that are always working to keep the facility in tip-top condition.  Having quality people you can call on when you are having a problem with your condo is a huge bonus, especially if you are new to Mexico and don’t speak the language. Throw in the Paradise Village Social Membership, with discounts on g0lf at the El Tigre Club de Golf, unlimited access to the El Tigre Sport and Racquet Club, and discounts at Paradise Village shops an restaurants, and you have a combination not found anywhere else in the Banderas Bay.

Playa Royale 2201 beachront condo for sale in Nuevo Vallarta

So Playa Royale has a lot going for it.  What Playa Royale does not have a lot of is one bedroom condominiums.  Actually only eight each in towers 2 and 4, and none in tower 1.  So it is rare to see a one bedroom condominium for sale in Playa Royale, and it is even more rare when that 1 bedroom condo is on the ocean front corner and enjoys the privileged views of the gardens, pools and beach of Nuevo Vallarta.  Playa Royale 2201 is just such a condo and has just been listed for sale.  If you are looking for a 1 bedroom condominium in the Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos area, this is one condominium you must see.  2201 is being sold tastefully furnished, and fully turn key.  Please click here for complete details on this Beachfront Condominium for Sale in Nuevo Vallarta.

I’m interested in what you have to say, please leave a comment!

The beach in Nuevo Vallarta this morning

It was my wife’s sister concerned for us and wanting to warn us of the impending tidal wave.  So we got up and turned on the news and immediately saw reports of the devastation along Japan’s north coast.  More investigation showed that the Tsunami was on it’s way to Puerto Vallarta and would be here some time this afternoon.

Since we manage several condos at Playa Royale, a beach front condominium development in Nuevo Vallarta, I came down to the check on the condos and make sure there was no damage.  After several hours of waiting, it looks like the Tsunami is going to be a non event here in Puerto Vallarta.  It’s a little early to tell yet, but the time of arrival has come and gone and there is still no evidence of a tsunami, except the surf amy be slightly higher than normal.

Everything normal this morning

Reports of 70 cm (about 2.5 feet)  surf are coming in from Baja California, so there may still be some activity on it’s way, but for now it is business as usual in Puerto Vallarta… except that schools were out today, which forced me to close my office because everyone has kids to attend to! Out on the beach, the tide is in, and the usual flow of afternoon beach walkers are wandering by.  The kid on his surf board who was waiting all morning for the wave has finally packed up and gone home.  The only evidence that anything is different is that the employees of the beach club here at Playa Royale have pulled in all the tables and chairs from the beach and stored them by the pool.

My heart and prayers go out to all the victims of this mornings tragedy in Japan,  The images I am seeing come in Japan are heart rending and I certainly don’t want to make light of their suffering, but I am truly grateful that nothing has happened here in Puerto Vallarta.  If you would like to help those in Japan, send a text message  REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the Japan earthquake  and Pacific tsunami relief.  It looks like they are going to need all the help they can get.

Below are a few pictures I snapped throughout the day.

Lots of boats out on the Bay... either to avoid being damaged by the waves, or just because it's a gorgeous day to be sailing!

Beachgoers don't seem to be worried about the tsunami in Puerto Vallarta

There was no shortage of people on the beach today, walking up and down, and sailboats were out in force

This guy was out there all morning waiting for teh ride of his life... I think he went home disappointed.

Tables and chairs stacked up away from the water at the Playa Royale beach Club in Nuevo Vallarta

The water has receded, so if there was any rise due to the Tsunami, it has apparently passed

Nima Bay Marina Flats and Shops Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta

I took a tour of the Nima Bay condominiums in Marina Vallarta a few days ago and boy was I surprised.

Nima Bay Marina Flats and Shops Vallarta  started construction right at the end of the real estate boom here in Puerto Vallarta and as with many of the new projects, I was more than a little skeptical.  At that time new projects were cropping up everywhere and quality was not always the first priority with these “Boom Condos”.  The smell of money was in the air and there were a lot of buildings going up that were just looking for quick turnover and maximizing profits… as long as the gloss lasted until the building was sold, that was good enough.

The Elevators at Nima Bay service only two condominiums per floor

I watched this project go up, slowly, from an empty hole in the ground, to it’s current state of (very) near completion.  I had fixed firmly in my mind the notion that this was just another “Boom Condo”, so Imagine my surprise when I toured the property and, in spite of my preconceptions, I found a development of consummate quality.  and not only in the obvious things like the imported Italian kitchens (guaranteed for 15 years!) with granite counter tops and Bosch stainless appliances, but also in the small details like the fit of the doors, finishes around the widows, and even how cleanly the concrete was poured in the basement.  It was  obvious everywhere I looked that Nima Bay condominiums were designed and built by professionals in an orderly and well managed environment.  A lot of thought went into the layout of the condos.  Their front to back designs takes full advantage of the views of Marina Vallarta, the mountains and the Marina Golf course.

New Slate Pool Tables being prepared in the Owner's Lounge at Nima Bay, Marina Vallarta

Nima Bay is divided into a series of towers in such a way that each elevator services just 2 condominiums per floor, offering added privacy to Nima Bay condo owners.  Combine all the quality and attention to detail with the great location and the immense common areas which include gym, sauna, steam room, spinning, billiards, card tables and even a snack bar, and Nima Bay becomes a formidable option for anyone looking in Marina Vallarta.

Nima Bay condos are still technically pre-construction, which in today’s market is like trying to sell ice to Eskimos… generally received rather coolly.  But they are as close to completion as makes no difference (they should be delivering at the end of April, 2011) and they have the added kicker that there is still a pre-construction discount in place!

If you are looking for a good deal on a good condo in Marina Vallarta, Nima Bay should definitely be on your short list.  If you’d like more information about Nima Bay, or Puerto Vallarta Real Estate in general, please don’t hesitate to contact us! You can leave us a comment here, or call our toll free number, 877-846-0688.  We look forward to hearing from you!

I am interested in what you have to say, please leave a comment!