The first of this new “Meet the Artists” series will take place on November 15th, 6-10 pm. In attendance will be:

Tellosa – beloved artist and friend to all who exhibited in Vallarta for more than 35 years. His colorful paintings and metal sculptures are the focal point in many villas. At the age of 70, he fulfilled his dream to relocate to Veracruz, where he is very happy. He will be in Vallarta the month of November.

Edgar Martinez – young and very talented are two words to describe Edgar. No one re-invents himself each year more than he does. His latest creations of marble powder mixed with oil, could compete with the masters of Florence, Italy.
Bill Megrail – his landscapes are an extension of where he lives, as Bill paints plein-air. His work includes banana plantations, cactus fields, floral gardens with a view of the ocean and garden scenes of San Miguel. His commitment to detail shows in his finished masterpieces which you feel you can walk into.

Luis Espiridion – will be in town this week for the unveiling on his latest monument, Vaca Loca at La Peninsula. Luis has exhibited with Galleria Dante for more than 10 years. His thin figures and animals always personalized with his signature grafitti are always playful, bringing a smile to your face.

Lee Chapman – aside from his fun Lencho style, he also paints more seriously under his given name, but still with such a flare for humor. Lee has a great following of clients for his paintings, as well as his children’s books.

James Knowles – hails from Kent, England, but has been living in Mexico more than 20 years. He is very prolific and his floral paintings are best described as sensual. Since the birth of his son almost 2 years ago, he has been more experimental with new ideas and subject matter, ranging from beach scenes to markets.

John Anderson – copper fountains, pelicans, herons and wildlife are John’s forte. The sound of water falling has been a big draw to get people into the sculpture garden area of the gallery. The light dances off the copper and as the light hits them, it shines.

Peter Spataro – new to the gallery this year. He often asked: “Why do the locals not paint this beautiful city?” So that is just what he did.

David Leonard – glass tables, beds, chairs, room dividers, serving bowls, flower vases, mirrors. David keeps busy. If you have frequented the restaurant, Vitea, you will have seen his tables and chairs. David just returned from a show in Lincoln Center in New York, and is anxious to fill many orders.

Bill White – if you have seen Bill’s portraits, you know how talent ed he is. He has spent several years painting the famous Xuitla dancers. He is currently working on a huge commission, capturing with his brush the unique characters of the priests from the local parishes. But he will soon be delivering a group of small gems, portraits of charras & charros.

Cherie Sibley – when she is not selling real estate and giving painting classes, she is traveling the world to photograph material for her own paintings. This year she traveled to Ecuador and Morocco. She also made her mark on the local art scene by painting famous people’s cats – everything from Andrew Lloyd Weber, Marilyn Munroe to Jack the Ripper’s cat.

Rogelio Diaz – has a unique style, but has definitely been influenced by Picasso and Basquiat. Rogelio believes that we all have something of a child within us. The older we grow, the closer we come to returning to the innocence of childhood. You either like or dislike his paintings. He leaves little room for middle ground. But collectors who would have never considered his paintings in years past have now become fond admirers of his work.

Dana O’Donnell – working in stone, marble and alabaster, her works have an inner light. She also experiments with metals, both bronze & iron. Dana has worked in studios in Mexico, Colorado, Pietrasanta and Volterra. She has an enthusiasm for sculpture that attracted us to her work, as we are passionate about sculpture.

Javier Lampreabe – hails from Argentina. Javier used to paint large murals and worked in theatre. Most of his paintings are in a 3-dimensional. They all have a dream-like quality. There are many hidden elements in his works. The paintings have a sense of peacefulness, as does the artist.

Richard Baker – at age 80, he started painting oils. For years many collectors fell in love with his watercolors, but he has also gained recognition for his oils. In the watercolors, his use of the white paper amazes professionals, as well as art teachers. His oils have a softness in is brush stroke and use of color.

Despite the competition from such Caribbean islands as Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica, Mexico remains a favourite for Canadians with its rich culture and history.

Of course, most Canadian visitors are interested in the beach at places like Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Cancun.

These destinations can be the ultimate tourist trap, filled with highrise hotels, tacky stores and hawkers offering myriad tacky souvenirs.

It’s a different Mexico that attracts Tony Cohan, an American who spends much of his time in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende, a mountain town about four hours north of Mexico City, has become a haven for U.S. and Canadian retirees.

Cohan uses the town as a jumping-off point for travels to a Mexico that is largely undiscovered by mass tourism (although certainly not unknown to seasoned travellers).

One such destination is Guanajuato, a small city near San Miguel de Allende.

At one time Guanajuato was probably the richest city in the world, home to mines that supplied most of the world’s silver.

With the collapse of silver prices and competition from other mining centres (including many in Canada), the city sank into decline and today is a small backwater that remains a vibrant cultural centre and a fascinating destination.

It is honeycombed with tunnels, many used as pedestrian walkways and underground streets, and home to probably the oddest museum anyone could visit.

It’s an institution entirely appropriate to Mexico, which has a culture that is comfortable with death and celebrates it with several feast days, including Day of the Dead, at the beginning of November, when families decorate the tombs of their ancestors and pass out candies moulded into skeletons, skulls, coffins and the like.

Guanajuato, as Cohan puts it, is “a place Edgar Allan Poe might have dreamed up” and celebrates death all year long at the mummy museum, the Museo de las Momias, which lies (if that’s the word) a short walk from the city centre.

It seems the city’s cemeteries, because of the mineral content of the soil and the dry mountain air, contain many mummified remains. The unique soil preserves the bodies, which don’t decay. Because of overcrowding at the cemeteries, annual fees are charged for burial plots. If payment is not received, the bodies are dug up and disposed of. Several have found their way to the mummy museum.

Among the star attractions, Cohan observes, is a French physician named Leroy who died in 1865. With no one to pay his fees, he was resurrected as a mummy in 1970. Beside him at the mummy museum is his mummified Chinese cook.

In Mexican Days, Cohan also devotes chapters to, among others, Mexico City, a prime example of the horrors of unchecked human sprawl; Sierra Gorda, which Cohan describes as Mexico’s “Napa Valley, its Provence, its Tuscany, undiscovered and undeveloped;” the troubled area of Chiapas, where Mexico’s downtrodden indigenous people have rebelled against government oppression; and the Mayan ruins and modern resorts of the Yucatan peninsula.

It is a pleasurable travel narrative, but also an illustration of the joys and revelations of a country that shares North America with the United States and Canada but could not be more different.

Whether you want to spend your time on the beach or explore historical sites, Mexico has them all. You can spend the evenings partying and taking in all the excitement of the nightlife while still keeping the romance going through the night!

I recommend you take a trip with your loved one to Los Cabos. Los Cabos’ beauty and splendor will overwhelm you. It has a number of activities that you can indulge in during the day and spend time being romantic throughout the night. The place has an incredible nightlife. Los Cabos is also great for a honeymoon. You will find restaurants and nightclubs all over the place. In addition, it has many places where you can play golf and go fishing.

Puerto Vallarta is a lover’s paradise. If you looking a quiet, peaceful and romantic vacation then this is the place for you. Its cobblestone streets and beautiful white buildings with red tiled roofs can easily identify Puerto Vallarta.

Manzanillo is one of the most marvelous and blissful beach destinations you will find during your romantic vacation. It has fine sands and is rich in natural flora. Most hotels and other hospitality facilities in Manzanillo have first class service which further heighten your romantic get away!

Cancun offers you the serene splendor of the blue ocean, culture, excellent cuisine, and an exciting nightlife besides great enjoyment of water sports. It is one of the top tourist destinations in Mexico and covers the most beautiful marine landscapes in its outskirts. From Cancun you can go for excursions along the Mayan Riviera, where you will find temples, cities, monuments and sculptures of America’s ancient civilization. It is made up of 130 kilometers of beach and natural reserves.

Other romantic destinations in Mexico include places that are not on the beach or coast. The town of Oaxaca offers historical attractions and architectural views that cannot be found elsewhere in the country. Black clay pottery from this region is famous. Oaxaca is well known for many other crafts. Nearby, natural attractions include a 2,000-year-old tree and a church built in 1521.

Mexico has much to offer to romantic vacationers. From beautiful beaches to regal cities to romantic places, the country has all that you ever looked forward to for your dream honeymoon or couples getaway. Each location has its own appeal and charm. Mexico has always been a lover’s paradise and winds of romance blows in the air everywhere. A romantic getaway to Mexico should be the next trip in your holiday calendar. Believe me, after you come back you will want to go there again and again.

Start with the first component: Puerto Vallarta. This town exists on the Pacific coast of Mexico and has made a name for itself as an all around pleasing destination. From amazing restaurants to lovely beaches, surprising displays of public art to warm and pleasant sunny days (especially during the winter), this spot along the Mexican Riviera has definitely earned the right to be considered “hot.”

Places like the main square, Los Muertos Beach and the Malecon could all be accessible from your well-equipped condo or spacious beach villa. These properties are abundant in Puerto Vallarta, as many people have already discovered that a true home away from home complete with specialized amenities and one-of-a-kind personalities add something delightful to already fun vacations. Perhaps it’s unlocking a door with an actual key as opposed to one of those credit-card things, or maybe it’s the extra dose of privacy that you so appreciate. It could be any number of factors, but the bottom line is that rentals are where it’s at.

Finally, vacation homes are known for providing the ultimate romantic getaways. Hot tubs, hidden decks, long walks on the beach, breakfast in bed…the list goes on and on. Simply having the opportunity to be alone with your love will seem novel after months (or years) of being challenged and interrupted by quick pace of modern life, so rest assured that your Puerto Vallarta love nest will take you away from such nonsense, if but for a little while.

No matter who your traveling group is composed of, be it extended family, long-lost friends, or just you and your sweetheart, there’s a place for each to comfortably call home. Reunions and weddings have been known to take place on luxurious properties with breathtaking views of the beach and bedrooms for everyone. Celebrate whatever happy occasion you want amidst an idyllic scene of sun, sea and gardens, where the beauty of the people you’re with can be complemented by the splendor of the setting.

Groups of adult friends will love staying in the same house, where everyone can have their own space to sleep and unpack but won’t be cut off from one another when it’s time for social hour. A communal living room, game room and kitchen will allow much quality time to be spent together, so seize the chance to enjoy your friends without giving up any privacy.

Even the mathematically-challenged will see that Puerto Vallarta Vacation Rentals just make sense, so start working things out as soon as you can.

” own a small piece of Mexico”.

1. Put on your walking shoes. PV is easy to navigate on foot. Stroll the Malecón (downtown oceanwalk) and the Main Plaza, then walk southward to the pedestrian bridge over the Cuale River into the Romantic Zone, the gayest neighborhood in town.

2. Eat like a local. Breakfast on huevos rancheros or a salmon omelet with cream cheese at the KitKat (Pulpito 120; +52-322/223-0093). Hit the heart of the Romantic Zone for gourmet delicacies at La Palapa (Amapas at Pulpito; +52-322/222-5225) on Los Muertos Beach.

3. Get some color. Settle into a chaise on Los Muertos Beach at gay-owned Blue Chairs Resort or the Green Chairs next door. The only effort required is flagging down a waiter to refill your margarita.

4. Great escapes. Adventurous souls can make their way to Paco’s Paradise (+52-322/227-2189; www.pacopaco.com), a 20-acre gay jungle hideaway with hiking trails and waterfalls accessible only by boat. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace should check out Terra Noble (Tulipanes 595; +52-322/223-3530, where the Temazcal spa experience predates the Spanish.

5. Did someone say tequila? PV is in the state of Jalisco, where this potent liquor is distilled. Sample varieties that aren’t exported at Agave Grill (Morelos 589; +52-322/222-2000).

6. Break out the gold card. The original jewelry designs of June Rosen Lopez (Fca. Rodriguez 200 at corner of Pino Suárez; +52-322/222-5049) are displayed in a gem of a store next to her home. The art at Galería Córsica (Leona Vicario 230, Centro; +52-322/223-1821) will have you salivating before you enter the double-glass doors.

7. Make like Tarzan. Numerous companies offer zip-line expeditions (i.e. canopy tours) for brave souls and their admirers. Contact TTF Tours (+52-329/296-5588; www.ttf.com.mx) for 10 thrilling rides outside of town above the Cuale River.

8. Find your inner flower child. Visit the new Botanical Gardens (044-322/105-7217; www.pvbg.net) about 45 minutes south of town. This hacienda-like plantation building offers displays of glorious orchids and other jungle plants, tours of a flourishing fern grotto, and great dining with a view of the mountains, jungle and valley.

9. Go “Brokeback” south of the border. Ride horseback through the surrounding jungle with Boana Tours (+52-322/222-0999 or www.boana.net/tours.htm).

10. Break the surface. Fabulous snorkeling can be found at the Los Arcos Rock Formations visible just south of town.

Jeff Potter, Frontier Airlines president

Look for Frontier Airlines to keep expanding its service in Mexico, possibly including more flights from Kansas City, the carrier’s chief executive said Wednesday.

Jeff Potter, president and chief executive of Denver-based Frontier, was in Kansas City on Wednesday and spoke at the American Royal’s “Boots, Barbecue & Business Luncheon” at Kemper Arena.

Potter said about 10 percent of Frontier’s business now is service to Mexico, four years after the low-cost carrier began flying there. Frontier currently has weekly flights from Kansas City International Airport to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta.

In mid-December, Frontier also will begin flying to Cabo San Lucas from KCI.

Frontier flies from Denver and other U.S. cities to other Mexican leisure destinations, including Acapulco, Cozumel, Ixtapa and Mazatlan. In December, Frontier will start flying to Guadalajara from Denver.

“We’re excited about what we’re doing in Mexico,” Potter said after his luncheon presentation. “With the size we’ve gained in Mexico, we can leverage that into more service in many of our markets, like Kansas City. If there’s another good place in Mexico and the opportunity is there, we’d probably consider more Kansas City service.”

Frontier also has six nonstop flights daily to Denver from Kansas City. Two months ago, Southwest Airlines began offering service between Denver and Kansas City.

Southwest began operating out of Denver International Airport earlier this year, creating competition for Frontier and Denver’s biggest operator, United Airlines.

Airline analysts predicted that Southwest’s presence would create problems for Frontier.

Potter said such forecasts were overstated and Frontier has a loyal customer base.

“Southwest being in there certainly has changed the marketplace, but we’ve been preparing this company for 12 or 13 years to compete against anybody,” Potter said. “Kansas City is a good example. You have a big Southwest presence here, but you also have Midwest Airlines competing very well against them. Denver is no different.”

Frontier recently lowered its earnings forecast for its fiscal second quarter, which ended Sept. 30. The company expects to earn 1 cent to 5 cents a share, down from a previous prediction of 10 cents a share.

Some airline analysts said Frontier has been hurt by Southwest and United, but Potter dismissed that notion.

“Like every other airline, we are not immune from the effects of the August terrorist incident in London,” he said. “You can see it in the bookings. It has nothing to do with pricing pressures” from competitors.

Interest was immediate — from Puerto Vallarta to Los Cabos, San Miguel Allende to San Felipe, Americans and Canadians began investing in retirement and vacation homes they’d long dreamed of owning. Custom-built, resale homes, and new condominiums, all lured northerners to own their piece of the beach in this growing market.

Not content to merely open up Mexico’s vacation home, development and investment markets to all North Americans, FNA president Russ Schreier today announced three new successes from FNA’s financial sources:

* Prepayment penalties eliminated. The company’s extensive financial
resources ensure fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages with no
prepayment penalties. This substantially changes past real estate
purchases in Mexico, which used either cash-based or peso-based
mortgages with tremendous economic consequences for early payment.

* No FICO requirements. FNA now arranges mortgage financing for
borrowers with low FICO scores. As peso-based mortgages typically need
a premium FICO score (700+), the ability to offer US-based mortgages
without FICO requirements opens the market to the average consumer.

* Mortgages with just 10% down. Until now, mortgages arranged throughout
Mexico required a minimum 25% down payment. FNA’s flexibility opens
ownership opportunities to large chunks of the market while improving
borrower cash flow.

Thanks to Finance North America, the only decision to be made now is where along the 5,600 miles of sandy beach do you want to have your next home?

For additional information, contact:
Finance North America
Russ Schreier
President & CEO
email: info@financenorthamerica.com
Toll Free from US/Canada 1-866-Yes-4-Mex (866-937-4639)
From Mexico 001-858-481-4871

The property will be Riu’s second in Jalisco and its 12th in Mexico, bringing to 6,035 the number of hotel rooms in Mexico, the chain’s largest destination.

The nine-story Riu Vallarta is near Flamingo Beach, a mile from Puerto Vallarta and just steps from an 18-hole golf course.

Riu’s plans for 2007 include the opening of its largest property ever — the 900-room Riu Santa Fe, its second property in Los Cabos, Mexico, at the end of the year.

Next summer Riu will open the 450-room Riu Palace Aruba on Palm Beach in Aruba, marking its first property on the island.