The PanAmerican Games Torch Comes to Puerto Vallarta
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!
Tsunami in Puerto Vallarta
The first I heard of the devastating earthquake in Japan that happened early this morning, and the subsequent Tsunami was early this morning when the phone rang.
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
CIPS Certified Real Estate Agents in Puerto Vallarta
CIPS - Certified International Property Specialist
Last December Xiomara and I took the CIPS (Certified International Property Specialist) course provided by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) here at the Taheima Condo Hotel and Wellness Center in Nuevo Vallarta. The CIPS certification program is a week long course that teaches agents how to work on the world stage, to overcome cultural differences and help people buy their dream home abroad.
Now, after completing the course and complying with various other requirements, we are pleased to announce that we are both now CIPS agents serving in the Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay market.
Realtor - The National Association of Realtors
Members of the CIPS Network are crucial players in today’s global real estate market. The CIPS designation recognizes members who have achieved the necessary training and experience to work successfully with international clients and properties. To earn the CIPS designation, REALTORS complete rigorous coursework devoted to learning cultural differences and international business practices. Designees must also prove achievement in international real estate transactions. Xio and I are proud to join a distinguished society of over 2000 real estate professionals throughout the world who have earned the CIPS designation.
Xiomara Millan - CIPS designated Real Estate Agent in Puerto Vallarta
We have always taken very seriously the notion that we are here to help our clients find the absolute best property in Puerto Vallarta. The CIPS Certification is just another example of our commitment to continually improve ourselves and provide the best possible service to our clients!
I want to know what you think, please leave a comment!
The Bridge to Puerto Vallarta is Open!
The Newly Repaired Bridge to Puerto Vallarta spanning the Rio Ameca
Yesterday morning, with great fanfare, the bridge over the Rio Ameca was re-opened and traffic is again flowing smoothly between to the north and south parts of the Banderas Bay.
The bridge, which comprised half of a pair of bridges that connected Puerto Vallarta with Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerias and the entire north coast of the bay, was washed out during the uncommonly heavy rains a few months ago during the rainy season. This bridge being washed out caused a huge bottle neck on the remaining bridge as it struggled to keep up with the demand of the daily commute from North to South and vise-versa. The situation was bad enough that we even had to change our office hours to allow our staff to travel in off peak hours.
Everyone is now breathing a sigh of relief as traffic is flowing smoothly between Jalisco and Nayarit once again. And none too soon as the high season is starting up and there are more tourists and part time residents arriving each day.
The Puerto Vallarta bridge reopened Thursday morning to much fanfare
Driving the Newly Repaired Bridge
New Sales Listing : Grand Marina Villas 1205
We’ve recently listed a great new condo in the Grand Marina Villas condo complex in Nuevo Vallarta, near to the Paradise Village hotel. These condos were built (about 6 years ago) by the Paradise Village group and owners enjoy the benefits of the Paradise Village Sports and Social Membership.
Condo 1205 is located in the Buganvillias building of Grand Marina Villas, the closest to the Paradise Plaza Shopping Centre. It is a 1-bedroom fully furnished (turn key) luxury condo, located on the 2nd floor. The condo has been very well maintained and all the kitchen appliances (whirlepool) are in great shape. This condo makes for a great vacation or retirement home, and also has a strong history of rentals.
The Grand Marina Villas complex is marina facing, and thanks to the Paradise Village Membership owners have access to the beach at the Playa Royale beach club (a short walk from the condos).
Condo 1205 has been priced agressively to sell. The remaining new 1-bed condos being sold by the developer in Grand Marina Villas have a price tag of $220,000+ USD. Condo 1205 has been priced at $189,500 USD, making it the best value 1-bed condo in the Paradise Village area. For more information or to book a viewing please feel free to contact us – or see it’s listing page here.
