Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - The International Friendship Club (IFC) is planning two very special events for the month of March! Early in the month they have planned a day long excursion to visit the Puerto Vallarta Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. This coupled with the St. Patrick’s Day 'Luck of the Irish Casino Night,' should make for a very exciting month.

IFC BoZo Tour (Botanical Gardens and Zoo)

On Tuesday, March 6, 2012 the IFC has organized a visit the to the Zoo and the Botanical Gardens, hence the name BoZo.

The group will head first to the Puerto Vallarta Zoo in Mismaloya where they will spend two hours exploring the grounds and seeing the over 100 species of birds, mammals, and reptiles that live there.

The zoo has only been open since 2005 so many people have yet to visit and see the many species native to this area as well as those from other continents. The zoo allows hand-feeding of some species so you are in for a great experience.

From the Zoo the bus tour will head to the gorgeous Botanical Gardens.

The Vallarta Botanical Gardens first opened in 2004 and has since added and improved each year, gaining international attention for its 20 acres containing hundreds of collections of native tropical plants such as orchids, anthuriums, and agaves. The pathways through the jungle are not to be missed nor is the Orchid Conservatory.

IFC volunteer, Eric Davies, a retired Botany professor, will be your guide for the day. Eric is originally from Great Britain, so everyone should enjoy his charming accent as he shares his knowledge with the lucky group.

At the Botanical Gardens snack lunches will be available for purchase. Two hours will be spent exploring the beauty of the gardens before heading back to town.

The safari will depart from La Albufera Restaurant at Aquiles Serdan and I. Vallarta promptly at 10 am and the return trip arrival is scheduled for 4 pm. The cost for this all day excursion is just $450 pesos.

There are seats for a limited number of guests so get your tickets in advance. As always proceeds go the the IFC Cleft Palate Program and other IFC Charities.

"Luck of the Irish Casino Night" Set for St Patrick's Day

IFC will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a “Luck of the Irish Casino Night.” The cost of the event is $250 pesos per person and includes $250 “IFC dollars.” The IFC dollars people win, will be used to bid on items in an auction. The games will be black jack, craps, poker, roulette, and bingo. Heavy appetizers are included. There will be prizes, raffles, and a cash bar. What better way to see if you have the “luck of the Irish!"

The event will be held at the IFC Clubhouse beginning at 6:30 pm, Saturday, March 17, and (as always) proceeds go the the IFC Cleft Palate Program and other IFC Charities.

Tickets for both of these fine events can be purchased online using a credit card or Paypal, or with pesos at IFC Clubhouse, northeast corner of the Rio Cuale Bridge, above the HSBC Bank. For more information you can go to the IFC's website. Call (322) 222-5466 for more information.