CANCUN, Mexico and RIVIERA MAYA, Mexico/PRNewswire/ — Say “I Do” at any one of Real Resorts beautiful beachside locations and the ceremony is courtesy of Real Resorts. The ROYAL in Cancun, THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen, The Gran Caribe Real Cancun, and The Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen all offer couples an ultimate all-inclusive romantic wedding experience. Couples will also enjoy the help of a dedicated wedding specialist, a complete wedding service, as well as special touches including guest suite accommodations, late check-out, and a Real Resort’s Signature Royal Wedding Cake for two. The complimentary wedding service is offered for couples staying five nights in a Master Suite or a Royal Presidential Suite or booking 20 Ocean View guests suites also with a minimum of five nights.

For couples planning a larger wedding, or who want even more romance such as spa treatments, private beach dinners or specialized amenities, Real Resorts offers a selection of deluxe wedding ceremony packages to fit many budgets and lifestyles. Included in the wide variety of wedding choices are two unique opportunities: A traditional Mayan Ceremony that includes special Mayan touches such as crowns of natural flowers in the Mayan tradition for the bride and groom; a Mayan Shaman who is the ’spiritual guide’ and requests the blessing of the Mayan gods for the couple; traditional Mayan music; a special offering of fruit, candles and flowers; and a tequila cocktail toast with Mayan fruit tarts. There is also an option to add four prehistoric-style Mayan dancers to the ceremony. And in Cancun, Real Resorts offers the only private waterfront consecrated Catholic Chapel — Our Lady of Guadalupe. This one-of-a-kind oceanfront chapel is surrounded by light and glass with marble floors and a breathtaking view of the Caribbean. This wedding includes a bilingual Catholic Priest, a Catholic marriage certificate issued in Spanish.

For more information about planning a Real Resort Wedding visit online at www.realresorts.com/weddings/  or contact our wedding specialist in the U.S. at 800.543.7556.

I received a chain email the other day with a story about how “Joe Legal” and “José Illegal” lived in these United States. How the former made x amount and paid his taxes, and the latter made x amount and gave nothing back to this country. In the end, Joe got screwed and José came out handily on top. The gist of it all was why give amnesty to these Mexican parasites, you know? Why, they’re living high off the hog! They deserve nada.

Parasite: an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host.

“Without benefiting or killing the host.” OK, let’s see. Where would this country be without the backbreaking, many times menial work done by all the José’s and María’s that have crossed the border? For starters, there would be plenty of gardens left barren, fruit left to rot on trees, motel rooms left uncleaned and dishes left piled up. And those are just very broad generalizations.

Seems to me the “host” in this discussion has benefited quite a bit from illegal labor. Seems to me the country would pretty much grind to a halt if suddenly every single illegal worker were to head back home. Seems to me the reason they got these jobs in the first place is because nobody wanted to do so much for so little. And I really don’t think life would fall apart just for the rich people who hire nannies, either (something else mentioned in the email). But what if they received amnesty, got on the radar, began paying taxes and began earning a true living wage? You know, what the Joe and Mary Legal’s make.

If there are about 20 million illegals in this country right now, wouldn’t their tax dollars help the economy get back on its feet? Just a little? Wouldn’t it help lower the cost of health care if they could pay for health insurance, too? (Provided those parasites didn’t keep raising their stupid premiums.) Why not give those workers a chance?

“Well, what about the José’s that bring drugs into this country, with the attendant violence?” you might ask. Well, how about we stop consuming their drugs? You know, drop them cold turkey. Just like that. Think of the money we’d save. And all those bad guys would be left with their thumbs up their collective noses, with nowhere to peddle their powders and plants. Of course, the US Government could do us all a favor and legalize the latter—think of the boost our economy would get from taxing a carton of that! It certainly isn’t any more toxic to our health than a bottle of scotch or a couple or three martinis. And those are extremely legal.

I know, I know. How simplistic of me. Like I don’t know it’s so very much more complicated than that, but a girl can dream. Definitely the ramblings of a tired mind. Just what blogs are meant to handle.

C’mon. Let me know what you think. I’m sure you’ll have plenty to say. As for me, it’s buenas noches before I keep digging myself deeper into whatever hole I’ve gotten myself into. ¡Hasta mañana!

The Canadian government has imposed a visa requirement on all Mexicans visiting Canada. An explanation of why Canada has instituted this new policy is given on the Citizenship and Immigration Canada Website.

This sudden move will no doubt have a devastating impact on the tourism industry. Canada has become a popular holiday destination for Mexicans, who up until today have not needed visas to enter the country.

Visas will reportedly cost $75 for single entry and up to $400 for an entire family. Airlines are scrambling to help Mexican passengers who have bought tickets to Canada but who now have to apply for visas, and one can only imagine the chaos that will ensue at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City as confused, would-be travelers line up to apply for visas.

Canada has every right to protect itself from visitors trying to take advantage of its hospitality, but surely Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s government could have taken a more diplomatic and thoughtful approach to solving this problem.

P.S. The Canadian government now says that it had been planning this move for months. So why didn’t they warn travelers and businesses back then about the upcoming changes so that they could prepare? Pulling the rabbit out of the hat at the last minute certainly didn’t show much respect for legitimate Mexican tourists.

Realtors and developers throughout Mexico are making a “Caja Magica” or “Magic Box” available on their websites enabling potential home buyers in Mexico to instantly see all available mortgage product, interest rate and monthly payment information. The Caja Magica enables potential home buyers to search for loans, compare lenders, find the right mortgage product and interest rate, and begin the application process with a few clicks of the mouse.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – July 13, 2009.

Searching for Mexico mortgages in the past has been a frustrating process with continually changing guidelines by lenders and trying to find the right type of mortgage product.  Also, finding an experienced mortgage broker to ensure a smooth closing and loan funding process has been a challenge due to the ever changing landscape!

Realtors and developers throughout Mexico have found a solution and are now integrating the Caja Magica, from Mexico Mortgage Finder, which combines the ease of searching for properties with a tool displaying real time property specific mortgage rates and monthly payment information.

The Caja Magica empowers those who are looking for mortgage products in Mexico, to  immediately search a database of all available mortgages offered in the marketplace…property and credit profile specific.  Once the perfect loan (purchase, cash out, construction) is found, immediate contact with the lender is made to begin the approval process. Or, if the consumer is still “house hunting”, they may save the loan details to his/her profile (on one or multiple properties)and return to the realtor/developer web site to retrieve the saved loan details at a later date as the home buying process nears closing.

There are over 50 realtors now using the Caja Magica…a few recent realtors joining in the June include Tropicasa, Timothy-Fuller & Associates, Cochran Realty, Neptune Realty, Calandria Realty in Puerto Vallarta as well as Realty Executive and Baja Properties in Los Cabos.

“Our technology enables realtors and developers to provide their customers with real time mortgage product and rate information and eliminate the confusion associated with mortgage options in Mexico.  We act as the realtor/developer silent partner providing an incredibly powerful informational tool to assist Mexico home buyers find the right mortgage, and a way for existing home owners in Mexico to explore refinance options on properties they bought with cash,” says Mark Horner, VP of Communications for the Company.

“We have always been on the cutting edge of technology and the http://mexicomortgagefinder.com program is a great addition to our website.  Clients want to be able to get information immediately at any hour of the day in the comfort of their own home – that is possible with this technology.  The added benefit is that MexicoMortgageFinder.com also works TOGETHER with loan brokers, so clients can still have a loan broker working for them as well if they wish.  Loans are readily available in Mexico and this technology provides the opportunity for so many more buyers to purchase their dream home in Mexico”, says Wayne Franklin, President of Tropicasa Realty, a leader in Puerto Vallarta real estate.

“ConfiCasa Mortgage International joined the Mexico Mortgage Marketplace as we believe it is an ideal way to inform consumers that affordable mortgage programs exist for their Mexico real estate purchases. While Mexico mortgages are gaining in popularity, a key barrier has been the ability to inform potential borrowers of their availability and their affordability. The Mexico Mortgage Marketplace allows us to do just that, as well as arm potential borrowers with real time rates and terms that fit their chosen property”, says Matthew A. Miller, President and CEO of ConfiCasa Mortgage International.

Membership for home buyers, realtors and developers in the Mexico Mortgage Marketplace is fast, free and easy.  And it provides access to the entire database of Mexico Mortgage Marketplace which has over 450 mortgage options. For more information on the Mexico Mortgage Marketplace, to search for the perfect loan for your dream home purchase, ask you local realtor or to enroll for free…visit http://www.mexicomortgaefinder.com/

For more information about the Mexico Mortgage Marketplace, please contact Mark Horner, VP of Communications at Mark@MexicoMortgageFinder.com

by Ron Mader

Boris has been invited to participate in the Oxford, England event Art in Action

Based in Oaxaca City, Boris "Spider" shows kids of all ages how to make artistic creations. Among his specialties — altars for Day of the Dead and Viernes de Dolores, numerous depictions of the Virgin of Guadalupe and boxes with iconic photography and miniature plastic wrestlers.

REFERENCES
Oaxaca Art
Spider Art
Easter in Mexico
Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico

Looking for fireworks after the 4th of July? Whether it’s a colonial getaway for some turn-of-the-century wooing or an adventurous beach vacation complete with a whale shark close-up, Mexico Boutique Hotels has the right destination at the right price for you to make those sparks fly.

All rates are per package per couple and are in US dollars. For more details on these fantastic packages, call 1-800-728-9098 (US and Canada) or visit www.mexicoboutiquehotels.com, click on the HOTELS tab and scroll down for the property you wish to experience.
Casa de Sierra Nevada – Love Serenade – 4 days, 3 nights
Daily breakfast Bottle of sparkling wine on arrival. One 5-course dinner for two prepared by the Executive chef and accompanied by a bottle of house wine. Excursion to a neighboring Thermal Springs Spa with roundtrip transportation. Two-hour guided walking tour. Flowers and candles in your room. Rates start at $1,195 for a deluxe room. Valid through October 1, 2009
Hacienda los Laureles – Oaxacan Romance – 4 days, 3 nights
Junior Suite with Jacuzzi. Welcome cocktail. Fruit basket. Floral arrangement. Bottle of champagne upon arrival. Daily a la carte breakfast. One dinner for two personally designed and prepared by the executive chef. Keepsake handcraft. One temazcal treatment per couple. 10% discount on local tours and spa services. Roundtrip airport transfers. Rates start at $1,602 (18% tax and gratuities not included) Additional night: $295 USD + 18% tax. Valid through August 31, 2009 (black-out dates may apply during National and International holidays)
Hacienda San Angel – Sultry Summer Romance – 4 days, 3 nights
30% discount on all room categories (off already low summer rates). Welcome cocktails and in-room tequila amenity. One dinner in the Hacienda’s romantic, open-air, terrace-top restaurant. Private margarita making class with the Hacienda’s acclaimed “mixologist”. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast daily. Rates start at $829.50. Valid through September 30, 2009
La Quinta Luna – Romantic Weekend – 3 days, 2 nights
Upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability). Daily a la carte breakfast. Welcome cocktail. One 3-course dinner for two with a bottle of wine. One-hour relaxing massage per person. Room decoration with candles and floral arrangement. Rates start at $395 for a Standard Room Rates are subject to change without prior notice; includes 17% taxes. Valid through August 31, 2009
Las Alamandas – Romance on the Beach – 4 days, 3 nights
Ocean View or Ocean Front Luxury room. Ground transportation to and from either Puerto Vallarta or Manzanillo Airport. Welcome cocktails upon arrival. Tropical fruit platter & beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers placed in your suite. Romantic details and a bottle of wine in your suite upon arrival. A candlelit dinner for two on the beach. Early check in and late check out. Daily continental breakfast in the Oasis or Palapa Beach Club restaurants, or in the privacy and comfort of your own Suite. Rates start at $2,440 (does not include 17% tax and 15% service charge; certain blackout dates apply). Package must be reserved before October 31; valid through Nov. 30, 2009
Xaloc Resort – Rustic Romance and Adventure – 6 days, 5 nights
Special welcome cocktail. Daily a la carte breakfast. One romantic dinner with a bottle of national wine. A set of handmade bath soap. One full size hammock. Round trip transfers from Cancun airport. Add on $190 for a whale shark tour for two. Rates start at $1,180 for a pool view room (rates include taxes) Valid through August 28, 2009

About Mexico Boutique Hotels:
Established in 1999, MBH is a collection of 46 upscale, independent member properties (located in over 26 destinations throughout Mexico) handpicked for their intimacy, high level of service and outstanding attributes. Some are housed in exquisitely restored buildings, others are paeans to Mexican cuisine, still others showcase the sleekly modern–but they each encourage guests to savor the many fascinating traditions of this vast country, and all offer guests a unique travel experience. Typically less than 30 rooms in size, they are often destinations unto themselves. Based in Puerto Vallarta, MBH is staffed by an experienced team of multicultural–and multilingual–travel and hospitality professionals who both live and work in Mexico.

Mexico City.

During his address at the National Meeting of BBVA Bancomer Regional Advisors, he said that beyond the new composition the Chamber of Deputies will have as a result of last Sunday’s elections, “We had an orderly election day, and in that respect, an exemplary one, that reflects the solidity and strength of our democratic institutions.”

He repeated that his government is willing to engage in dialogue and collaborate with the new legislature, in order to meet the country’s challenges.

“Now is a moment of understanding and agreement, particularly to maintain solid, overall conditions of macroeconomic stability, because this is what will enable us to cope best with the crisis, because they have established a crucial difference from other critical periods in the Mexican economy in the past,” he declared.

President Felipe Calderón reported that he will submit the 2010 Economic Package to the new Chamber of Deputies, in order for this legislature to analyze, discuss, enrich and where appropriate, approve it.

“It is essential for both the legislative and the executive branch to work together to strengthen the state’s finances and preserve their stability and solidity,” he said.

He added that it will be crucially important to advance towards promoting the agenda of economic competitiveness, in order to invigorate the labor market, improve the regulatory framework, increase fiscal efficiency and strengthen the atmosphere of competition in the country.

He declared that, “This will send a clear signal to markets and investors on the responsibility involved in conducting the national economy in this complex world environment.”

The President therefore urged the country’s banking sector and the rest of the political and social actors to promote the changes Mexico needs and that the economy requires to grow at higher rates, and create more jobs and the well-being Mexicans demand.

He congratulated BBVA Bancomer on continuing to bet on Mexico and investing 900 million USD in Mexico for the construction of two large corporate towers.

He said that there have been sporadic, albeit incipient but encouraging signs that the international financial crisis may be drawing to a close and that the worst may soon be past.

“There have been some signs in this respect, those green shoots people are talking about but there are also others that differentiate Mexico or the situation in Mexico from other situations in the rest of the world. For example, there is the question of unemployment. Although the unemployment rate in Mexico worries us and is high, it is still below levels recorded in other countries,” he said.

Moreover, he said that, “The good news is that in our country, in Mexico, according to the registration data from the Mexican Social Security Institute, in other words, formal jobs paid for by worker-employees quotas in June not only failed to record an increase in unemployment but also recorded nearly 20,000 new formal jobs in the Social Security Institute in June.

Good morning everyone.

I would simply like to repeat what was said by the President Councilor of the Federal Electoral Institute.

Today is citizens’ day, it is the day of civic participation, when Mexicans decide the fate of their country.

The vote is a right and a duty; a right and a duty that millions of citizens throughout the world in various countries do not have. And I think we should take advantage of it, fulfill our duty to vote, decide and choose with absolute freedom.

It is a very simple thing we can do for Mexico and which we must do.

I hope that the day continues to go by, peacefully and calmly, with complete freedom for citizens.

Thank you.

It has been long-debated as to what drives so many Mexicans away from their homes to enter the United States. Some of the wackier U.S. groups maintain that they (the immigrants) want nothing less than to take back the land that they believe was stolen from them 160 years ago after signing the Treaty of Guadalupe, whereby they lost 55% of their land.

But I have talked with many, many Mexican immigrants and the vast majority make the trip for one reason: because they can’t make a living at home. The come to work. They would rather stay in their country, but they have families to care for, so they pile into small apartments and houses, or live in canyons, so that their families can survive. They work hard and send the money home. If you have traveled to many of the back-road, rural villages in Mexico you see the results, where entire towns have practically no able-bodied men. Wives with no husbands, kids without dads. It’s wrong, and it needs to change.

Without getting into a long discussion of why Mexico provides so little opportunity for so many of its people, suffice it to say that they need help apart from whatever government can provide. I have long wondered what I could do to address such a mammoth issue, and this is what I have come up with. Please check out my new non-profit, One Town At A Time www.onetownatatime.com

As you will see,  our mission is for small villages to become self-sustaining. One Town understands that not every problem needs expensive solutions or exhaustive, academic studies. Very often it is as simple as asking the people what they need most, and then focus on that one thing. Then just get it done. For example, the number one generator of money in 3rd world countries is tourism. Get gringos to visit and spend some dinero and, immediately, lives are improved.

So, please give the web site a look and know that we can use all the help we can get. All donations go to help the villages – we are all-volunteer and no one is paid. I really do believe that we can make a difference. Here is the Mission Statement:

The mission of One Town At A Time is to address the living conditions of poor villages in Mexico by providing families in these areas with tools for achieving sustainability. This is the ideal way to ameliorate the immigration pattern in the United States which currently encourages villagers to cross the border to earn money to send back to their families. By providing villagers with tools for addressing their poverty, they can remain in their villages, sustain a sense of family and community structure, and cultivate pride in their way of life. One Town At A Time shares and provides the technology that enhances the ability of villagers in Mexico to improve and expand their current farming, trade, and communication practices in a way that honors their rich cultural heritage and brings them closer to the global socioeconomic realm.
www.onetownatatime.com

by Ron Mader

The Zapotec community of Teotitlán del Valle is world-famous for production of colorful weavings (laadi in the local Zapotec language). And in July the town hosts its annual festival complete with church visits, feather dances, lots of tamales and a parade of women (desfile de mujeres). Simply amazing.

(Photo @ Veronica Lazo Mendoza)