A bi-weekly news source for the village of San Pancho, Mexico
August 11th, 2016





 
Women's March in San Pancho

On January 21st the women of San Pancho joined women all around the globe to stand up for women's rights and social justice.  It was an amazing event.  The marchers dressed in brilliant white and carried signs voicing their concerns.  They gathered at the soccer field and began walking down Tercer Mundo towards the Plaza Del Sol in a show of solidarity with the Women's March on Washington.  These Sisters' Marches were happening all over the planet that day.    The estimates of the numbers in our San Pancho march varied between 400 & 700 people. They came from as far away as Chacala and Vallarta.

   

Thanks to the organizers of this powerful and inspirational event - it was BEAUTIFUL! 
Also thanks to the wonderful men who supported us and cheered these beautiful women on!
 
 
 
 
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; 
indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.
 - Margaret Mead
San Pancho Getaways by Candice Fulton.

Temples, Tombs and Miracles: 
Mascota and Talpa de Allende

In our last Getaways column, I left you exploring San Sebastián del Oeste, a historic mining town around two hours from San Pancho. It seems to me, since we're that far anyway, you may as well drive forty-five minutes to Mascota for lunch, then continue on to spend a couple of nights in one of my favorite towns, Talpa de Allende.

Leaving San Sebastián, turn left when the cobble road meets the highway you drove in on from Vallarta. Be fresh for this part of the drive, as it goes through and then down the mountains on a very scenic but also very curvy road. Once you reach the valley floor, you are in a part of Mexico known to have been settled since at least 1000 BC. Fields and farms fill this important valley, and Mascota is its center. 


Don't get me started on the archeology of the area or we'll be here all day. The Museo Arqueológico, one block east of the plaza, has marvelous displays of the artifacts (and graves) excavated by Dr. Joseph Mountjoy backed by National Geographic, and whose active worksite I was fortunate enough to visit in 2005. The museum usually has English guidebooks and sometimes English-speaking guides. It's worth a visit today or on your way back from Talpa, and is a must-see if you're an archeology fan.

Also worthwhile is a stroll through the stunning ruins of the Unfinished Temple of the Precious Blood, started in 1900 and never completed due to the Mexican Revolution. Take your camera!


The colonial streets of Mascota are filled with charm. Wander through the main plaza and have a look at the beautiful church, then go have lunch at Restaurant Navidad, half a block east. The food is authentic Jalisco country cookin', inexpensive and delicious. Order a dish like the costillas (slow cooked ribs), or something else you've not tried. I've never been disappointed.


Now let's get back on the road to Talpa de Allende, forty-five minutes further on. Climb highway 70 back out of the valley. Again, the views are spectacular and so are the curves, but be patient as, in half an hour or so, you'll see signs for the Carretera a Talpa, which is an easy right turn off 70. 

The sprawling and verdant valley of Mascota is replaced in Talpa by a tight valley of ranch land ringed by the tall peaks of the Sierra Madre. In a few minutes you'll notice, atop yet another hill, the dome of Cruz de Romero, your introduction to the pilgrim culture of Talpa. 


For in the town of Talpa de Allende dwells a most famous and miraculous statue: Nuestra Señora de Rosario, Our Lady of the Rosary, whose purported powers attract many thousands of peregrinos (pilgrims) to her church every year. The peregrinos come by bus, by car, by truck, on horseback, and mostly on foot, some walking hundreds of miles to beseech or thank the Virgin. Here at Cruz de Romero (and do stop) they find refreshments and the start of a new trail taking them to town through the hills instead of down the dangerous highway.

You and I will join them in intriguing Talpa - part cowboy town, part sacred shrine - in the next issue of San Pancho Life. 


Polo Brunch brings a whole new level of awesomeness to 
San Pancho Sundays!


Discover the tastes and tequilas of Mexico while celebrating the history and the future of Entreamigos!

This elegant event will be held in the spectacular setting of the La Patrona Polo Club, at the Polo Lounge.

Your presence supports the Entreamigos Library and children's programs in San Pancho. Please join us!!

Tickets: $1000 pesos/ $50usd.

Reservation required: Please click on the link below to reserve your table or seat at the event... or send an email to  info@entreamigos.org.mx

Registration and Seating is Limited.  Reserve early for the best seats.

We would love to have your join us and we are happy to answer any questions that you might have about the event or the work of Entreamigos.   Please contact us for anything at the contact information below. 
 
We look forward to seeing you at the Entreamigos Discover!  Annual fundraiser and Gala Dinner. 
 
Sincerely,

The Team at Entreamigos

Lee Roy Vazquez, our master mixologist, at is back at work creating another amazing drink at Baja Takeria!
   

Get your tickets today for this wonderful evening that benefits San Pancho's hospital!  They can be purchased at Maria's Restaurant and Rancho Rivera Realty and Lloyd Real Estate.
Put on your "dancin" shoes - It's Salsa Time!!!
 
 

We tried Daya's class at the Dance Bodega on Friday morning.  It was so much fun!!!
  She is a very talented teacher.  If you want to improve your Latin dance moves you need to come to one of her classes.  You're in Mexico and this is an important part of the culture.   Take one class and you will be hooked - it's great exercise and lots of fun!
 We highly recommend Daya's class!
Earl Miller -  Man on the Street


Our dear friend Earl has been hitting the streets to find out who you might meet when you are here in San Pancho.  
Here's the latest!


Don & Shirley Clements

Don and Shirley's Canadian home is in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia.  It is also a beachside village on the east side of Vancouver Island - we can never be too far away from the ocean or the mountains....

Both Don and Shirley are retired but stay busy with their rental property at Casa de Suenos Magicos. Shirley teaches some hip-hop classes at the circus bodega and when the Circo is getting ready for showtime both enjoy pitching in to help.  For extra fun they like to golf, attend the many fine restaurants and events in our town, as well as playing a little pickleball this season.

Don found San Pancho back in 2007, when he rented Villa Tranquila in the jungle for the family Christmas.  Shirley had never been to Mexico and both of them fell in love with the people, the town and the gorgeous scenery!!

"To us best thing about San Pancho is the people we have met.  From the wonderful staff at our house, Maty, Chui and Luis, to the restaurant people around town and of course the many friends we have met here who we are so happy to have in our lives!!  We thank you San Pancho for all you have given us!!!"
 
 
 
Karla Zavala

 
Where are you from?
I was born in Tepic and raised in Indio, California.

What do you do?
I work full time at San Pancho Villas & Golf Cart Rentals. During my free time I like to take my kids to the beach.

How did you find San Pancho?
My sister who married a guy from town invited me to San Pancho - I never thought that I was going to fall in love with " San Pancho"!

What is the best thing for you about San Pancho?
The town, people, tranquility, food - I guess everything!  






Earl & his beautiful wife Jane are the owners of Roberto's Bungalows , San Pancho's friendliest place to stay.  Earl and Jane will take you under their wing and have you living like locals from your first day. Stop by and say Hi!  

Thanks, Earl!!!

San Pancho Speaker Series

Taco Pickles - dress up your taco!


San Pancho Pickleball


The new rage in San Pancho is pickleball. A new game for many and a chance to get some exercise has brought out a large number of San Pancho locals, and even a few from out of town. With thanks to Evelyne Boren we now have 2 spacious courts at Hacienda San Pancho, which accommodate double sessions daily. 
The last 2 weekends there have been tournaments, organized by Pete Razza and Hank Fieger. Participation has been strong and competition has been spirited. Our thanks to the organizers and participants alike - if you're interested in checking it out, come over to Hacienda San Pancho Mon-Wed-Fri between 8:30 and 11:30am and take a look - everybody welcome! 
   
Lo de Perla tours with Alejandro Perla



We got the chance to spend some time with Alejandro Perla this week.  He is the founder and owner of the Lo de Perla Garden.  This garden is one of San Pancho's most precious treasures. In this magical jungle garden you will see the largest collection of native Nayarit orchids. Touring the Lo de Perla garden is a "must do" for anyone visiting San Pancho. We try to visit at least once a year.  Having Alejandro to personally guide you through the jungle garden and tell you about the history of this orchid sanctuary is a special treat! Alejandro is a true visionary as well as a delightful storyteller. He will tell you of the history of the garden when he started it with the help of his dear friend, the legendary San Pancho figure, Gallo.  You will learn so much about this amazing jungle while walking on beautifully-designed paths that meander through the tall palms and other towering trees filled with bromeliads, clinging vines, and of course, orchids.  

 
An important part of getting to know our area is to spend some quality time in the jungle. The Orchidario at Lo de Perla is a great way to start! 
 
 
 
 
Photo of the week 
.     


 Imar's selfie - taken with Candice's camera.

For those who don't know who Imar is, she is the older daughter of a family of craftspeople/vendors who have a table on our Malecón. Imar walks the beach selling trinkets to help her family. She has a ton of personality and sass and is one of San Pancho's favorite gurls. CF

San Pancho Life is your source for all things San Pancho!  What to do, Where to stay, What to eat,  Where to play!

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