News on the Pulse: August 5, 2010
Vallarta Ranked Number One
AARP Magazine recently named Puerto Vallarta as the number one destination for US retirees, mentioning how safe the city is and that it includes many "first class, urban amenities and charming palm-fringed villages." The article also mentions the low cost of living and charms of life in Nuevo Vallarta and Sayulita, as well as the cultural aspect of Mexican friendliness towards foreigners of all backgrounds. For more information, read the original article.
Jalisco Scientist Improves Roads
ITESO bioengineer Gregorio Cuevas Pachecho discovered a strand of DNA from a form of harmless bacteria that has been proven to strengthen and increase the density of materials used to pave roads. The bacteria can be added into water and mixed with concrete, asphalt, or any type of soil. The product is already being used in several cities in Mexico and there are discussions about development in the United States as well, but local scientists are still waiting for the technology to catch on.
Celebrating Mexico's Bicentennial
President Felipe Calderon opened the Bicentennial Expo Guanajuato last month, kicking off celebrations for the 200th anniversary of Mexico's independence (celebrated in September). The multimedia 3-D exhibition "Mexico: A Passage Through History" includes scenes from Mexico's past, future, and cultural identity. Famous Mexican tenor Fernando de la Mora sang at the opening, and while Calderon has been criticized over his spending on the events, the expo is expected to receive over four million visitors by its Revolution Day closing on November 20th.
Impact on Hotels
A new study released through the Ministry of Tourism estimates that 5-star hotels were hit the hardest in 2009 due to declines in tourism from the effects of the global economic crisis and the influenza national health alert. It's estimated that Puerto Vallarta lost approximately 635,000 tourists last year, 38.2% of which were part of the 5-star hotel clientele. The numbers were measured by the Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP), who operate Puerto Vallarta's Ordaz International Airport.
Ongoing AZ Immigration Law Tensions
Last Friday, a federal judge overturned some key provisions in Arizona's controversial SB1070 immigration law, such as the requirement for police officers to check the immigration status of stopped, detained, or arrested people, and the requirement for all legal immigrants to carry their immigration papers. In response, Arizona's Gov. Jan Brewer requested that the case's hearing be expedited to September, but the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, in line with the Justice Department, has said the hearing will take place during the first week of November. Many expect the case to reach the Supreme Court before all is said and done.
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New Ancient Tunnel Discovered in Teotihuacan
Has the location of the remains of those who ruled the Sun and Moon Pyramids finally been found after 1,800 years? We’re about to find out. About two months from now, researchers are hoping to reach the end of a tunnel that has been discovered 15 meters underground near the entrance of the Temple of the Feathered Serpent in Teotihuacan. Located near Mexico City, Teotihuacan has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations. At its peak, Teotihuacan was the sixth largest city in the world, behind Constantinople and Alexandria, boasting as many as 150,000 inhabitants between 250 and 500 A.D. This site has been extensively explored, but the new tunnel may lead to the discovery of the rulers’ remains, which have never been found in the 20 kilometers thought to be the length of the city. We’re looking forward to what the researchers from the National Institute of Anthropology and History can find. Mexico is fortunate to have so many historical sites – 40,000 to be exact – which is just another good reason to live in this beautiful country.
Local Guitarist Performs with Survivor Singer
This past Sunday night, Jimi Jamison, the singer of the band Survivor, came to Vallarta and performed a show at the Roxy Rock House. Local guitarist Gilberto Luna, along with several others, stepped in to form Jamison’s band for this one-time event. Luna and his bandmates learned how to play all of Survivor’s biggest hits for the show, including “Eye of the Tiger,” “I’m Always Here,” “The Search Is Over,” “Burning Heart,” “High on You,” and “I Can’t Hold Back.” Congratulations to Gilberto Luna; we’re looking forward to seeing what your next venture in music will be!
