It is not easy to select the Christmas gift that will please to everyone: we never know if the
gift will be appreciated by its recipient.

How many times have you received a gift that is never emerged out of the cupboard in which you
putted it?

I myself received hundreds of gifts that I do not use, especially at Christmas Time. And I do
not mention the decorative objects, that I do not know what to do with because they do not match the decoration of my house or simply because I have no place to put them on.

This year, try to give useful and/or consumable Christmas gifts. By giving something useful and
consumable such as skin care products or food products, you are sure that your gift will be
appreciated.

Christmas gift baskets are the solution.

Unfortunately, ready-made gift baskets can be expensive and we sometimes have to spend a lot of
money to buy them without being sure that all the contained products will please.

So, what about a homemade Christmas gift basket? It is an excellent way to save money on the
cost of the basket and products included. You even do not have to buy the basket.

Gift baskets can be easily made out of wooden boxes, briefcases made of leather or vinyl, or
shoe boxes nicely decorated…

If the products you plan to include in the basket are too expensive, you will be able to reduce
their number and save more money.

Here are some Christmas gift basket ideas.

“Rustic Gourmet”:

Varnish a wooden wine case, use a “rustic oak” tinted varnish
Fill the case with decorative straw or unbleached silk or crepe paper
Add the following products:

– Three bottles of wine (red, rose and white),
– A pot of fat liver,
– 2 legs duck confit,
– A pot of deer pate,
– A pot of wild boar,
– Three jars of wine jelly (red, rose and white),
– A pot of onion confit,
– A pot of truffles.

Economic Option:
– A bottle of sweetened white wine,
– A pot of deer paté,
– A pot of wild boar,
– A jar of wine jelly

“I Love Chocolate”:

Use a metallic box,
Fill it with pink silk or crepe paper
Add the following products:

– A bottle of chocolate liquor,
– 250 g Leonidas chocolates,
– Chocolate bars – Côte d’Or Special Edition,
– A natural cocoa box,
– Boxes of fruit, flower or citrus flavoured sugar

“Espana Por Favor”:

In a metallic basket, place red and yellow silk or crepe paper
Add the following products:

– A bottle of Ponche,
– A bottle of “Sangre de Toro” wine
– A pata negra ham or serrano ham,
– A chorizo,
– A “Manchego” cheese,
– A bottle of Spanish olive oil,
– Almond Turron,
– An assortment of Christmas cookies (Surtido de Navidad)

“Provence” (skin care):

Cover a shoebox with Special Christmas gift wrap
Line the inside with colorful silk paper
Surround the box with a wide colored ribbon
Put a towel of the same color
Add the following products:

– A Marseilles scented soap,
– A shower gel,
– A box of bath salts,
– A bottle of body scented oil,
– A bottle of floral water,
– A horsehair glove

“Belgian Beer Discovery” Gift Basket:

Use a wooden shelf and put the bottles on it. Belgium produces more than 680 different sorts of

high quality beers that satisfy all tastes, the choice is yours…

You can create an infinite themed gift baskets set; do not hesitate to create a gift basket for

whiskey, cigar, great music, book amateurs… you are only limited by your imagination.

The Spanish term we use today to define this form of dancing, salsa, was first adopted in the 1970s and together with this name the cultural and linguistic barriers to adoption of this Latin dance were reduced. Salsa music first appeared in the 1960s as a rhythmic fusion, birthed in the cultural melting pot of New York City. In the beginning, before we had written language to record things, the purpose of dance was often to tell stories and to pass them down to future generations. Salsa developed as an independent genre in the 70s although the music was already played and danced to for a few decades.

One of the most widely recognized Cha Chas in Latin and American pop music is “Oye Como Va” (“Listen How It Goes,” written by Tito Puente, further popularized by Carlos Santana). If youre not looking to expand your social circle, the benefits to couples, married or not, is equally as impressive. Salsa is a street and social dance. The average attendance at a Salsa dance classes is 99% female; look I am not complaining as often I am the only guy there.

Some Benefits From Dancing Salsa:

1. From a strictly athletic point of view, a night of dancing is a superb workout.

2. Salsa dancing lessons will take you from the clumsy to the graceful and it’s almost painless.

3. That is why you should definitely consider salsa dancing as a way to lose those extra pounds but at the same time have fun while doing it.

4. Salsa dancing is one of the best ways to enjoy yourself while also getting in shape.

5 5) The Salsa lessons are FUN! Yes this is possibly the most important part of your dancing it must be fun to do.

6 Its high intensity and works the muscles quickly and rigorously.

7. After a few turns on the dance floor, it will become second nature and you’ll be a salsa sensation.

8 Salsa dancing is emerging as a refreshing replacement for conventional aerobic exercises.

Some Tips In Learning Salsa:

1. Top salsa dancers in the business usually have a dance background from an early age.

2. You will have heard to phrase practise makes perfect while this is partly true what practise actually dose is make the actions practised permanent.

3. Learning with a salsa video is certainly convenient, and if you have a tight schedule it may be your only option.

4. Bobbing or bouncing is not really the idea here – keep your back straight, your arms tight, and make your hips do all the work.

5. Consider salsa dance as a profession.

Basic Steps:

1. By the 8 count the leader and follower are in opposite positions.

2. Forward Break – You start from either foot and step forward; then you replace the weight to your previous support foot, keeping it in place.

3. According to beats step forward starting with left foot, with your partner mirroring your steps backward.

Cuban Salsa

Most of the moves are based off the Cuban style with the main difference being lack of space involved. With the Cuban Salsa, on counts 1, 2, and 3 a backward basic occurs while on counts 5, 6, and 7 a forward basic happens. If you have the right technique, Cuban Salsa is easier to learn than many other forms of dance.

Attire Tips;

1. Cotton fabrics are always a good choice.

2. Much like shoes, the outfits made for dancing are greatly different than outfits made for regular wear and tear.

Are you one of those people who like to come home and kick off your shoes and watch television, and after wading through the 5 or 6 remotes, you still doesn’t have the one you are looking for? Do you wish there was an easier way to have all of your remotes in one place where you can have all-in-one access to all of your entertainment equipment? Well, you will have one touch access to up to 15 pieces of equipment with the Harmony One. This new gadget can replace up to 15 remotes.

The design is exceptionally user friendly and has a full color touch screen. You can watch you television, use the DVD player, listen to your stereo, and use many other pieces of equipment that have a remote control. The product has backlit buttons in case you are switching channels in the dark, it fits snugly in your hand, and it is fully rechargeable so you don’t need batteries.

The setup is sophisticated. However, you will not need to be an expert to use the guided setup software, and if you run into problems you are free to call the live support team. Once you get your software downloaded, you will be able to use your harmony remote to control just about any entertainment equipment. The A/V control database holds the names of all of the 2,225,000 devices that the Harmony One remote is compatible to.

Getting started with your Harmony One Universal Remote is extremely easy. Start by downloading the Harmony Setup software, then create an account, then setup your information and devices to your remote. If you are having any trouble with your remote simply press the Help button, it will fix any problem you may be having or it will take you through questions to help you find the problem.

The product comes with the Harmony One remote control, a charging station, USB cable, AC adapter, Lithium ion battery, Installation CD, Installation guide, and a one year limited hardware warranty. The specifications include a PC, Windows 2000, XP, Vista, USB port, CD-ROM drive, and Internet access. If you have a Macintosh computer, you will need a Macintosh OS X 10.3 or later, USB cable, AC adaptor, CD-ROM drive, and Internet access.

With the Harmony One remote, you have the entertainment you enjoy in the palm of your hand. All you have to do is press the buttons marking the activity you would like to do, such as “Watch Television” or “Listen to Music” and the remote automatically sets up the piece of entertainment you would like to use. If you have a problem just use the handy “Help” button and it will guide you through the troubleshooting process. Harmony One will let you control all of the devices in one place. It is the only control in the world with the Smart State Technology that lets the Harmony One remote control all of your components.

The Harmony One installer supports many different languages including English, Spanish, French and German as well as many others. For ease of use, try the new Harmony One Universal Remote and control all your entertainment devices. It will make your life easier and help you keep the clutter down to a minimum. Buying the Harmony One Remote is easy, simply go to harmonyremotecontrols.

In order to perform the duties required in flight attendant positions, you do need to pass the rigorous training provided by the airlines. The competition for jobs in this sector of the airline industry is fierce because of the lure of being able to travel to distant places. Plus, when you work for an airline, you are entitled to discounts on your travel for personal reasons. Therefore, airlines know that they have many candidates to choose from and will only choose the best. The minimum requirements for these positions is graduation from high school, but most airlines today will only accept applicants who hold a college diploma or university degree.

First you have to look at the requirements set down by the airline for hiring flight attendants. You also have to realize that these requirements are minimums, meaning that they are the minimum that the airline will accept and that they will naturally choose applicants who have more qualifications than these. A diploma or degree is a favorable item to have on your resume because it shows the airline that you have tried to better yourself in receiving higher qualifications than they expect. According to surveys of flight attendants, a small number have at least one year of college education, but the majority hold a Bachelor’s degrees and some even have a Master’s degree.

Customer service skills are essential for working as a flight attendant. You do not need to have experience to apply, but if you do, you will have a better chance of having your resume noticed. As an attendant on an aircraft, you will be working with the public every shift. This includes coping with frightened passengers, crying babies and passengers who become very rude and disruptive. You have to be able to handle all these problems with grace and display a pleasant demeanor without getting upset.

Fluency in more than one language is a definite asset. You do need to have strong speaking skills in the language of the country in which the airline is based. You should also be a fluent English and if you have an additional language, you may be a shoe-in for the position. French and Spanish are excellent choices for an additional language. Although it is not a requirement of the airline that you be bilingual or trilingual, the fact that you are will give you an edge over the competition.

In order to be hired by an airline, you must demonstrate willingness to relocate if necessary. There will be times when you are away from home for several days at a time when you have overnight flights and this should not present a problem between your home and work schedule. Airlines are also very particular about the appearance of those they hire as flight attendants. New candidates must meet an age requirement of being between 18 and 21 years of age and must not be overweight. A man must have his hair cut above the collar and a woman with long hair has to have it swept back from her face. In addition, the airline will do a background check to make sure you don’t have a criminal record.

Copyright (c) 2008 Jennifer Selby Long

Kirk and I are traveling through Spain for 19 days with nothing but carry-on luggage. For months, people have been asking us how. This week, with the summer travel season upon us, I take my first-ever break from business topics to share the secrets of literally traveling light. Most of them apply whether your travel is business or pleasure.

First of all, let’s make sure we’re clear on why we should be considering traveling light at all, because it does take some effort in advance, and our time is valuable.

The Wall Street Journal recently reported that this summer is projected to be the worst ever for congestion and delays. No checked luggage = one less line at the departure airport.

Many airlines are now charging $50 and up to check more than one bag. It’s just a matter of time before they start charging for all checked baggage, the same way they charge for drinks. No checked luggage = more money to spend at the destination.

It’s no great secret that lost luggage claims are up, too. No checked luggage = no lost luggage.

Here’s my favorite: when we arrived in Spain at midnight after 18 hours of traveling, we got off the plane and walked directly to customs and on to ground transportation. No checked luggage = no waiting 30+ minutes at your destination when you’re sick to death of traveling and just want to get out of there. When we return, it will be the same sweet story.

We move effortlessly from place to place because we’re only carrying 20 pounds each plus Kirk’s backpack and my travel bag. Our backs feel great. No checked luggage = feeling good.

Now, let’s move on the success secrets for traveling light.

The number one secret is to bring only clothing that can be washed in a bathroom sink and hung to dry overnight. For business, it means a well-coordinated wardrobe of dark suits that can be dry-cleaned through the hotel service if needed. Everything else gets washed out in the sink. It takes 10 minutes in the evening. No big deal. It’s not like we’re trying to recreate the full wash, rinse, and spin cycles here!

Because we didn’t own many items that would dry overnight, and they are not readily available in stores, we spent two months ordering clothes from specialty travel catalogues and then sending back or exchanging all the items that didn’t fit.

We learned through this experience that the target market for travel clothes is considerably more, uh, mature than we are, so it took a little creativity to dress our age and not like the shuffleboard-on-the-lido-deck crowd. I wound up buying most of my clothing at the Benetton store near my office when they got in a large shipment of linen.

When you travel light, everything has to coordinate with everything else. We couldn’t just throw all our favorites into multiple suitcases. The best way to figure this out is to take a practice trip. We visited Kirk’s mom in San Diego in mid-April (that’s us on the beach in Encinitas), so we packed as if we were going on our 19-day trip.

It was eye-opening. Even though we thought we had demonstrated extraordinary self-discipline, we saw that not everything really looked good with everything else, and we could cut even more stuff, leaving room for souvenirs. Our souvenirs of Encinitas were two containers of granola from our favorite coffee shop and six books that I just couldn’t resist at a cool local bookstore. Nice and bulky and heavy. This was also when I realized I would have to limit the number of books I schlepped around Europe!

This leads me to the second biggest secret to traveling light: We seriously limited the number of heavy things. We did finally decide to pack our iPod and speakers, though, because we love having our collection of Spanish music with us. I ditched a dress and two tops to make room for it. I haven’t missed them a bit.

The third biggest secret: Pack enough toiletries to get started, not for the whole trip. When you think about it, this is really mandatory because you can’t fit shampoo for three weeks into a 2.5 ounce bottle! Almost anywhere in the world, you can buy a bottle of shampoo, and just leave behind what you don’t use by the end of the trip.

The fourth: Plan to buy some souvenirs that you can use while there. I brought only one scarf, even though I knew I’d get sick of it, because I want to buy a second one here. Every time I wear it back home, I’ll have a fond memory of my trip.

If you’re considering traveling light, to Europe in particular, I recommend that you start with the extremely helpful site ricksteves.com. Although they make some recommendations that I just couldn’t imagine doing (like wearing those little white socks with walking shoes and a skirt, yuk), 95% of what you read on the site is excellent, based on years of traveling experience, and they know their stuff. He also sells a few handy gadgets, like a little travelers’ picnic kit with sturdy plastic utensils and a TSA-approved corkscrew, which we’re about to use now. Cheers!

I wrote about 50 ways to find love in Pattaya. The only problem I had was that at the moment I could only squeeze 33 ways out of my tired old brain. So, I started to think of all these other ways that you could find your love in Pattaya. So, here are some more ways to find your love in Pattaya.

1. Polo. Yes, sports fans the international jet set fly themselves and their steeds from around the world to compete in a friendly game of Polo. Some people can afford to ride polo ponies and some people can afford to ride bare back.

2. Remote controlled cars. This is new to Pattaya and looks like a lot of fun. There is an outdoors miniature track for remote controlled cars. So, start your engines and let the fun begin.

3. Remote controlled boats. Can you imagine someone setting on their boat off shore in Pattaya bay and a boat 2 to 3 feet long passes them? I can imagine them thowing their bottle of beer overboard and rubbing their eyes in disbelief. You can buy small remote controlled boats for fun and pleasure.

4. Bread. My love is bread. I love hot, fresh bread with butter. I love all kinds of bread. La Boulange the French Bakery holds the key to my heart.

5. Thai Cuisine. My wife and 27 million Thai people love dining at Baan Chaiyapruek. People travel from Bangkok to dine at her restaurant because she is an internationally known chef and carries credentials from the King. She also has a cooking show on TV.

6. French fine dining. Ok, Ok, So, Im not French but I lived there when I was a child and I became used to fine dining. I love fondue and it is available at Ma Maison and Au Bon Coin.

7. Spanish food. I have not had the pleasure to taste the food yet, but I keep hearing about Cafe Ole. The ad in this paper offers a set menu for 160 Baht. I think Im being seduced.

8. Steaks, BBQ Baby ribs. I love nibbling on ribs. Dont you? See the ad in this paper under Cafe New Orleans. Ps. Pecan pie.

9. Italian food. I love Duilios. Their main menu is hard to beat and you will not believe how many varieties of pizzas they have to offer. I have also been seduced by the food at Simpatia Italian. Style, charm and grace.

10. Dutch Food. Yes, there is a Dutch restaurant in Pattaya. It is at Pattaya Bazaar and it is called Eves Coffee Planet. You got to try this. You will be seduced and food is unique.

11. Indian Food. I love the romance at Alibaba. My wife is so easily seduced by the atmosphere, the music, the food and wine. Its great for me.

12. Swiss Food. The Swiss chef is equal to the French chef and two restaurants that my wife and I have tried and really, really liked are Restaurant Belge and the Rotisserie. Live a little and treat yourself to fine dining. Its so romantic.

13. Great French food that anybody can afford. There is only one little French restaurant that is very high quality food and very low prices and that is yours at Le Cap Breton.

14. Big Room Entertainment. For big room fun, excitement and entertainment with a thousand people and most of them are young and beautiful women you got to experience Tonys. There are 700 beautiful women in the complex every night. My wife likes to go there at mid-night when things begin to heat up and the party gets really started and everything starts to climax. Oh! Ya! Ya! Ya! Only, in Pattaya ya ya ya.

15. Shopping. My wife and I lust for shopping. We window shop. We deserve a try-on. Did you know that you could get a face-lift in Pattaya by the best Doctors in the world and at Thai prices too? Did you know that you can afford to have costom made clothes and shoes make in Pattaya? Join the crowd and go shopping.

16. Bars. I had to give up drinking or die but I still like to go to bars and Go Go clubs in Pattaya with my wife because they are good clean fun and entertainment. Maybe, just maybe, you can find love in a Pattaya bar. Sure. Right. Maybe not. Whos looking anyway?

17. Penthouse hotel and the Kitten club. I saved the best for last. I cant write enough about this hotel or club because there is just too much to write about. This hotel and club has only the best in everything. They have thought of everything.

I stayed there for 3 weeks in May 2001 and it changed my life for the better. Wow! What a great time I had at the Penthouse hotel. The food, the decor, the service, the Jacuzzi, the rooms, the grace and style are simply the best. And the prices are very reasonable too. And now sometime this week or next, they are going to open and underground swimming pool/bar with all kinds of swings and trapeze. I got a peek of the construction and you wont believe your eyes. There is nothing like this swimming pool/bar anywhere in the world. Go see it for yourself. Bring a friend.

Also, penthousehotel of course. Simply the best. There will be a feature article when the swimming pool/bar has its grand opening.

There are so many ways to find your love in Pattaya. Read The Best in Pattaya section in this paper and the other ads in this paper for a few more ways to find you love in Pattaya.

Live, Love and Laugh.

There are plenty of other sites to see and enjoy. For example, Valencia is home to several museums, including several art museums, several history museums, a bullfighting museum, and an incredible science museum.

The Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies in Valencia, Spain.

The science museum, called the Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciencies (City of Arts and Sciences), houses five main parts. The first is an opera and music house with four main halls. Next is the Oceanografic, which is a complete oceanographic zoo, including many aquariums. This is the biggest aquatic exhibit in all of Europe and hosts a variety of different types of ocean life. Not only does the Oceanografic showcase life from the nearby Mediterranean Sea, it also shows penguins and belugas from the Polar Regions. There is also wildlife from the Red Sea area.

The Prince Philip Science Museum is great for children, and shows some of the laws of nature. The museum uses a hands-on approach to help children learn all about science. L’Hemisferic is the Spanish name for a gigantic IMAX 3D theater where visitors can really feel like part of the movies they watch. Finally, there is L’Umbracle, which is a beautiful botanical garden and walkway for guests.

Valencia, Spain’s Beaches.

For those inclined to spend their Valencia vacation on the beach, there are three primary beaches; playa las Arenas, playa de Malvarossa, and playa de Patacona. Nearest to the city, beachgoers will find the playa las Arenas. This is the area of the beach with bars and pubs, and has a promenade for those wishing to walk along the beach without getting too much sand in their shoes. This area is also the area where visitors can find hotel accommodations. Heading north, visitors will reach the playa de Malvarossa. This is a sandy beach, suitable for family swimming, building sand castles, and playing beach volleyball. The fine sand makes it a really great place for walking barefoot. The playa de Malvarossa is the most popular beach in Valencia, and it quite full during prime season.

Those looking for a quieter, more private beach, can opt for the playa de Patacona. The playa de Patacona is farthest north, and is quite far from the city center. As a result, it is slightly less popular. Tourists who are looking for a more peaceful beach without quite so many children running underfoot will find the longer travel distance worthwhile. Don’t expect a private beach, though. There are still plenty of sunbathers and swimmers at the playa de Patacona.

Did you know that Branson’s Silver Dollar City was built around Marvel Cave? Many people come to the park and never realize they walk right by the sinkhole entrance as they make their way from the turnstiles to the Hospitality House. Top 10 Reasons Marvel Cave is the coolest way to spend an hour 10. It’s cool! A comfortable 60 degrees year round, plus it’s really COOL to see. 9. It is rich with history that will amaze and inspire you to explore more. 8. You enter the Cathedral Room, a sinkhole that is the largest cave entrance in the US. 7. Your kids get to imagine what it must have been like for the first explorers to visit the cave with lanterns and leather bottom coveralls (to slide down the rocks). 6. You get to see bats…if they’re hanging around! 5. You’ll see amazing cave formations including the Liberty Bell and Blondie’s Throne. Plus, you’ll learn about how water erosion formed the cave and see how it carved out curvy and steep passageways. 4. You’ll see a beautiful underground Waterfall. 3. You’ll visit amazing rooms in the cave including the Shoe Room, Cloud Room, and the Mystic Pool Room. 2. You get a workout climbing your way down, but you’ll ride most of the way back up via the red Cable Train. 1. After emerging from your 55-minute trek, go get some ice cream from Hannah’s Ice Cream Parlor – you’ve earned it. The Early Days of “The Devil’s Den” Around 1500 AD, the Osage Indians were the first to discover Marvel Cave, and named it “The Devil’s Den.” In 1541, Spanish explorers entered the cave hoping to uncover riches and possibly the fountain of youth. Then, in 1869 explorers descended into the cave looking for priceless mineral deposits. One by one, the miners lowered themselves over 200 feet down into the vast unknown blackness.

The miners returned to the surface having failed to discover the lead ore they sought, but convinced that marble could be found inside the cave. Their report sparked the interest of area locals who decided to rename the cave, Marble Cave. It was not until 1927 that the cave’s name was changed from Marble to Marvel Cave. In fact, no marble was ever mined from Marble Cave, only bat guano. A tour of Marvel Cave is always included with your Silver Dollar City admission. It is a wet limestone cave, complete with formations that are still alive and growing! To begin, you will travel 300 feet below the surface and enter the Cathedral Room, the largest cave entrance room in the United States. After descending nearly 500 feet below the surface, how do you get back up to daylight? In 1957, cave operators installed a unique cable train designed to take cave visitors up the half mile, 1070 foot climb back to the surface. Silver Dollar City theme park has events and activities all season, and with such a long list of things, you’ll want to snag updates from their panel of moms running the MomsBlog at silverdollarcityblog(dot)com to get the inside scoop on shows, lodging and mega fun kid stuff. Plus you can pose your personal travel and kid-related questions directly to the Moms themselves.

Mariachi music, quite obviously the heart and soul of Mexico to anyone that has traveled south of the border, frequently permeates the Puerto Vallarta evening air. Mariachis can be heard serenading women at weddings, special occasions such as quinceaneras (girls’ fifteenth birthday celebrations) and baptisms, Mother’s Day fiestas, and at private parties. The mariachis are also often seen and heard in many of the restaurants and cantinas and can be found roving along the beachfront malecon and throughout public parks.

The mariachis that perform at parties and special occasions are generally paid by the hour, whereas those practicing their trade in public areas, restaurants, and cantinas usually request a given amount of pesos per song. Other mariachis acting as street musicians or buskers simply play their beautiful music for the public enjoyment and appreciate the tips they receive.

We all recognize the unique sound of mariachi music when we hear it, however few of us truly appreciate what differentiates mariachi from other music. In order to be classified as mariachi, the group must include a guitarron (a small acoustic base) and a yihuela (a high-pitched five string guitar) along with a Mexican guitar, three or more violins, and one or more trumpets. Normally, at least one of the musicians will also sing. The appearance of the mariachis is also quite unique in that they commonly wear silver studded charro outfits with bow ties and wide-brimmed sombreros.

What is not so obvious and well known is the derivation of the word mariachi and the birthplace of mariachi. Although there are differing opinions regarding the origin of the word mariachi, many believe it was derived from the French word “mariage” meaning wedding or marriage. There is no doubt that mariachi originated in the small city of Cocula, Jalisco, which is located in a farming valley approximately 100 miles east of Puerto Vallarta. Cocula, known as “the cradle of mariachi”, has a population of less than 30,000 inhabitants with its roots from Franciscan monks who persuaded the indigenous inhabitants of the surrounding areas to relocate to the valley soon after the Spanish Conquest around 1530AD. Their unique form of music was first documented around 1880 and has grown in popularity ever since. In fact, mariachi music became the symbol of the Mexican Revolution from 1910 to 1920 because it represented the national spirit of the indigenous Mexican blood. It really wasn’t until after 1930 that this distinctive form of music was even recognized outside the state of Jalisco. Of course, today the sights and sounds of mariachi are worldwide and well known by almost everyone.

Next, because numerous mariachi troupes were performing throughout the state of Jalisco and the music was ideal for dancing, their admirers started the zapateado; the traditional mariachi dance technique which originated in Spain. It became so popular that one of its varieties, the Mexican Hat Dance from Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco and the second largest city in Mexico), soon became the national dance of Mexico. The female dancers with their beautiful costumes provide a memorable sight as they strike the floor with the heels of their shoes and flare their brightly colored dresses of intricate patterns and designs while dancing around a sombrero.

Now that we know that mariachi, the symbol of the Mexican Revolution, originated in the state of Jalisco, and that the national dance of Mexico, the Mexican Hat Dance, is also from Jalisco, we ask how these facts influence life in Vallarta today. Well, aside from the perfect winter climate from November through May and the incredible scenery of the Sierra Madres and the Pacific Ocean, a visitor to the region might not even realize he’s in Mexico with all the taxi cabs, “big box” stores, air conditioned shopping malls, multi-level parking garages, stadiums, airport, bus and maritime terminals, golf courses, hospitals, university, convention center, and other large and modern facilities that you would expect in a city of 350,000 residents. Therefore, in order to obtain that unmistakable feeling of being in Mexico while visiting Vallarta, one should take in some mariachi music and a hat dance (not to be confused with a lap dance!). Only then will the sensation of being in Mexico be fully appreciated; only then will the true flavor of Mexico be savored. The sights and sounds associated with mariachi are uniquely Mexican as they exemplify the centuries old cultural mix of Latin America and Europe.

In summarizing; picture this: you’re with your wife or girlfriend enjoying an evening dinner at one of the fine beachfront restaurants with an ocean view and mountain backdrop. The temperature is perfect, there’s a gentle evening breeze, tropical flowers are on the table, and you’re sipping a frozen margarita or cerveza while listening to mariachis and watching the sunset in Paradise. It just doesn’t get much more romantic than that! Mexicans are known to be very romantic by nature, and influenced by mariachi, it’s no wonder that Puerto Vallarta is known as one of the most romantic resort destinations in the world. What better place to retire, than amongst the romantic sights and sounds of mariachis?

Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years and resided there for the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 43 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico. For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at Puerto Vallarta Real Estate Buyers‘ Agents and click on ARTICLES.

Feeling blue after that grueling exam in the university, and you have studied almost the whole night last week! Sure, you want to make a statement without really trying to offend somebody, try one an offensive t-shirt called “Swear Search T-shirt.” You won’t offend someone and you have expressed yourself creatively. Just be sure you are not around with your Oxford professor, if not just consider wearing your funny t-shirt “Highway Robbery,” especially when you felt you have wasted the whole of your weekend.

Thinking on how you would look sheik in your offensive t-shirt called “Swear Search T-shirt”, wear on a blue jeans t-shirt or black, pair it with your take a walk sneakers, you won’t look drab, really, especially when you pair it with your blue rimmed elegant glasses. If your gal sees you, just tell her, you just want to spread sunshine around, especially after a challenging calculus exam with a grin.

You’re not in with your offensive t-shirt? Then opt for your funny t-shirt, your red “High Robbery” t-shirt will look grand with black denim, paired with your high powered rubber shoes. Try cycling or spending a barbecue party with it, and you can really make your friends sheepishly smile at your funny t-shirt, they might want to buy one too!

You choose to be alone at the moment, after a week of a demanding software programming job, you can try on an offensive t-shirt “Do I look like a Peoples Person t-shirt.” Your mom and dad will get the message of you wanting to be left alone with your music, it will encourage them to give you space and serenity after the power filled week you spent at the office, but they might have your shirt censored. You may also try on a funny t-shirt called “surrounded by idiots” t-shirts, you can wear this if you really, really want to be alone. Unless your chums knows you are just being funny, but the effect usually never fails.

Your “Do I look like a Peoples Person” offensive t-shirt, will look casually elegant, when you pair it with your slack pants, colored white or blue, and pair it with a masculine sneakers. If you intend to spend a quiet time at the beach just reading your favorite pocket book, or would want to spend time in the mountains among the trees, walking around peacefully, better be in your best just in case you came across a princess. You can always make an excuse of just being funny. If you really wouldn’t want to take the risk, just wear your funny t-shirt called “Balance Diet T-Shirt” besides looking attractively masculine with its round neck style, you can always draw some giggles around the corner. Make it sure, you pair your funny t-shirt with Spanish espadrilles and blue knee high jeans.

Intending to have a wacky time with your bro? Like climbing the mountains, cycling or kayaking? Try on a funny t-shirt called “If you see the police, warn a brother t-shirt,” your bro will really feel you care for him. Feeling nasty eh? You can use your offensive t-shirt “333” not totally evil, just feeling half of it, so at least you will forewarn your companions not to mess around especially when you are in the middle of a treacherous climb. Don’t forget to bring your other funny t-shirts as an extra, just in case you really sweated it out, you can try a funny t-shirt called “I beat Anorexia T-shirt” you might convince somebody in beating the disease, and of course if you feel being classic but rocky, don’t forget to bring in your funny t-shirt called “I’ve seen Elvis” t-shirt. Your pop will really appreciate that.

The key of having fun with your funny t-shirts, is wearing them at the right time and at the right moment. Don’t forget to warn your chums in case you plan to wear your offensive t-shirts, just tell them you just want to try on a different style.