Edition 11 by theplayatimes

December 11-17, 2013

www.theplayatimes.com Weekly, Year 01, Number 11, 16 Pages

LEO MORALES: WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT IN DIVING THIS WEEK

BY ELIZABETH URRAZA

n this second Cozumel Scuba Fest, which starts this Thursday, Leobardo ‘Leo’ Morales the 39-year-old Mexican diver, and current holder of the Guinness World record for deep diving achieved by a disabled person is coming back. On Friday 13th Leo will attempt to add another weighty dive record to his belt when he will attempt the World Record of the longest dive achieved by a disabled person. This will be an 11-nautical mile (13 mile) dive, starting from Punta Sur on the south tip of Cozumel and diving north to Paraiso Reef. His route will take him through the 23 reefs of the west coast and the entire length of the astonishing Cozumel National Marine Park. The estimated duration of the dive is expected to be between four to six hours. Leo and his support team will be using technical equipment such as the Nautilus rebreather; an aqualung in which the diver's exhaled breath is partially purified of carbon dioxide, mixed with more oxygen, and then breathed again by the diver, and Diving Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) to cover the distance. The average dive depth will be around 45 ft. and is a challenge that has never been tried before in the history of Cozumel. This is a new chapter in Leo’s book of achievements underlining his credo that disability is in one’s mind, and will be an unmissable event in the world of diving.

Leo found a second chance in his life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in 2008. He was then a newlywed manager at an international bank. Doctors gave him just six months when they realized chemotherapy and radiation would not work on the 6lb tumor in his right leg. The only solution, which promised just a 20% chance of survival, was the removal of his leg from the hip. Against all odds, not only did he survive but also he awoke with a new drive in his life. He became a professional diver completing his cave and technical courses and pushed away limits daily. Ever since, he has been telling the world “disability is in the mind, not physical”. He has been an important advocate for the inclusion of disabled people within Mexico and has attended conferences around the world giving motivation to those that have a similar story, to keep up the fight and to believe that a second chance can bring an amazing

The scuba diver, "Leo Morales", and Jean-Michelle Cousteau diving in Cozumel

quality of life. One of the highlights that marked his career, as an ambassador of the disabled people of the world, was his last achievement in December 2012, the Guinness World record for deep diving achieved by a disabled person. This took place during the first Cozumel Scuba Fest where he dove to 410 ft. without any signs of decompression and completed a successful

technical dive. A documentary about his life, ‘Story of a warrior’, will be premiered at the Cozumel Palace on 15th of December at 7 pm. In next week’s edition of The Playa Times we talk to Leo about his world record and what is next for this remarkable diver. In the meantime The Playa Times wishes him luck and success in his extraordinary challenge.

Dec. 11 -17 2013

ditorial A long walk to freedom

DIRECTORY Solomon Freimuth

Managing Director solomon@theplayatimes.com

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela 18th July 1918 – 5th December 2013

Omar Tornel

Managing Editor omar@theplayatimes.com

Gema García

Chief Reporter gema@theplayatimes.com

outh Africa's first black president who steered his nation out of apartheid and into multi-racial democracy, died on Thursday at the age of 95 after months of illness. Mandela died peacefully at his home in Johannesburg, surrounded by his family on Thursday evening, President Jacob Zuma said. "Although we knew that this day would come, nothing can diminish our sense of a profound and enduring loss," Zuma said addressing the nation on television. Since then, an outpouring of emotion unrivalled since Mandela’s release from 27 years of prison in 1990 and his subsequent election victory have gripped the country. Crowds have piled flowers, candles, balloons and messages outside his Johannesburg home. The day of prayers opened an official program of mourning that included a memorial service in a Johannesburg stadium on Tuesday and a state funeral this Sunday at Mandela's Eastern Cape ancestral home of Qunu - expected to be one of the biggest gatherings of world leaders in recent history. Fifty-nine foreign heads of state or government have so far said they will attend the memorial or the funeral, a foreign ministry spokesman said. Large contingents of royalty and celebrities are also expected. U.S. President Barack Obama, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and British Prime Minister David Cameron were present at Tuesday's memorial. In a statement on his website, exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama said "the best tribute we can pay to him is to do whatever we can to contribute to honoring the oneness of humanity and working for peace and reconciliation as he did". Mandela won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993, four years after

Mario Jiménez

Distribution Director distribucion@theplayatimes.com

theplayatimes @theplayatimes 984-147 2216

THE PLAYA TIMES PLAYA DEL CARMEN`S COMMUNITY PAPER Periódico Semanal. Editor Responsable Solomon Michael Freimuth. Número de Certificado de Reserva otorgado por el Instituto Nacional de Derechos de Autor: (PENDIENTE). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Título: (en trámite). Número de Certificado de Licitud de Contenido: (en trámite). Domicilio de la publicación: 10 Ave. Nte. Mza. 62 Lt. 2 D-12, Col, Centro, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710. Imprenta: Extreme Energy, S.A. de C.V. Calle 1a. Sur, Mza. 227, Lote2, Col. Ejidal, Playa del Carmen, Q, Roo. C.P. 77710. Distribuidor: Meridian Media, S.A. de C.V., 10 Ave. Nte. Mza 62 lt. 2 D-12, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, CP 77710.

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

81 / 73 F T-storms 80% Chance of precipitation

80 / 75 F T-storms 80% Chance of precipitation

FRIDAY 82 / 76 F Chance of rain 30% Chance of precipitation

Floral tributes outside the Johannesburg home of Mandela

The headline of the Johannesburg Star newspaper last week the Dalai Lama. "The fact that international leaders are making their way to South Africa at such short notice reflects the special place President Mandela holds in the hearts of people around the globe," Presidency Minister Collins Chabane said. Chabane announced a new statue of Mandela would be un-

veiled at the government's Union Buildings on December 16th, ‘Reconciliation Day’. Under apartheid, this day commemorated the 1838 Battle of Blood River, in which fewer than 500 Afrikaners defeated more than 10,000 Zulus, but it was renamed in 1994 in a bid to heal the wounds of three centuries of white dominance.

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

83 / 75 F Chance of rain 60% Chance of precipitation

82 / 73 F T-storms 80% Chance of precipitation

Record 87 / 57 F Precip. 3.68 Average 81 / 70 Precip: 0.34

87 / 53 F 0.00 Average: 81.69 Precip: 0.27

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

UN Day of Persons with Disabilites theplayatimes~Gema Garcia

BY GEMA GARCÍA

n 3rd December around 500 people joined together with volunteers from the regional department for Integral Family Development (DIF) in a march that was led by the honorary DIF president, Cinthya Osorio de Góngora. Over one billion people, or approximately 15 per cent of the world’s population, live with some form of disability. Around the world, persons with disabilities face physical, social, economic and attitudinal barriers that exclude them from participating fully and effectively as equal members of society. They are disproportionately represented among the world’s poorer nations, and lack equal access to basic resources, such as education, employment, healthcare and social and legal support systems. In spite of this situation, disability has remained largely invisible in the mainstream development agenda and its processes. The UN General Assembly in recent years has repeatedly

Mauricio Góngora at the march last Tuesday emphasized that the genuine achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and other internationally agreed development goals, requires the inclusion and integration of the rights, and well-being, as well as the perspective of persons

with disabilities in development efforts at national, regional and international levels. The march, called “A disability is not a limit but a challenge” started at the Gabriela Brimer special education school on 38th Avenue in Colonia Zazil

Ha and ended at the DIF facilities on Avenida 30th where children released green balloons. The mayor Mauricio Góngora Escalante was also present at the closing ceremony, at which Cinthya Osorio de Góngora said, “I am glad to see the great

participation in this commemorative march, I see a lot of familiar faces. We all want a society that welcomes everybody. We are definitely progressing, now so more than ever, people are making efforts in order to break the barriers and open the doors for disabled people, working toward achieving a more inclusive society”. From January this year to date, the Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center of Solidaridad (CRIM) has worked with more than 9,600 disabled people within the community. Also, this year DIF Solidaridad opened a new classroom within their facility building in order to assist the visual impaired. At the event Cinthya Osorio de Góngora also announced the new disabled persons register program, allowing qualifying recipients preferential access to parking, the local Traffic Office will be in charge of the issue of identification cards. The Traffic Office is at the Public Security (Seguridad Publica) building on Arco Vial and the access to Colonia Villamar II in Colonia Nueva Creación.

Opening of the new Red Cross facilities Last Saturday at 9 am, the Solidaridad and Quintana Roo authorities held a ribbon cutting ceremony officially opening the new Mexican Red Cross facilities of Playa del Carmen. For the past ten years the Red Cross was located in a building in the downtown area of Avenida Benito Juárez and 25th Ave. The old building was sold for $12,000,000 MXP and that amount that was used for the construction of the new facilities in Fraccionamiento Villamar 1, on Avenida Chemuyil and Avenida Tecnologico, close to the Mexican Institute of Social Insurance (IMSS). The government of Solidaridad donated the old building during the administration of the ex-mayor Román Quian Alcocer (2008-2011). The new building will offer general medicine services, ultrasound, chiropractic, a clinical analysis laboratory, dental services and medical consultations, as well as pediatric and gynecological services. The first stage of the building was inaugurated which includes a medical treatment area, a machine room, an ambulance area, seven consultation rooms, a waiting room, an emergency area, and a leisure area for the staff and bedrooms. According to future plans there will also be an extension to the medical area, administration offices, a crisis center and a training area that will include an auditorium with seating

theplayatimes~Gema Garcia

BY GEMA GARCÍA

Mauricio Góngora, mayor of Solidaridad unveiling the inauguration plaque The opening ceremony of the new Red Cross facilities

for one hundred people. The Secretary of Health for Quintana Roo, Lorenzo Ortegón Pacheco, on behalf of the governor, Roberto Borge Angulo, the national president of the Mexican Red Cross, Fernando Suinaga Cárdenas, and the delegate of the institution in Quintana Roo, Carlos Constandse Madrazo, as well as the mayor of Solidaridad, Mauricio Góngora, were present at the event. After visiting the new facilities, the mayor Mauricio Góngora, accompanied by his wife, Cynthia Osorio, ho-

norary president of Integral Family Development (DIF), expressed his appreciation in being invited to the opening and corroborated the local government support to this new stage of the Red Cross in Solidaridad. The mayor underlined; “Today we can proudly say that we have a strong Red Cross organization which has the best doctors, nurses, lifeguards and volunteers. This visionary institution is receiving the top training for all its workers in order to offer the best service for all the citizens of Solidaridad”.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

Airbus A380 unique flight lands at Cancun airport last week theplayatimes~Agency

BY GEMA GARCÍA

ovember 28th saw an anugeral flight from Paris, Charles de Gaulle airport to Cancun of the Air France Airbus A380. This special Air France flight to Mexico by A380 illustrated the importance of Mexico and the entire region for the Air France-KLM group. The Air France superjumbo has 516 seats, divided into four cabin classes: 9 seats in La Premiere, 80 seats in Business, 38 seats in Premium Economy and 389 seats in Economy. Overall the Airbus A380 is 30% larger than the Boeing 747 and has a cruising speed of 587 mph and a range of 9,755 miles. On board the new A380, passengers enjoy an optimum level of travel comfort and exceptional amenities. 220 windows fill the cabin with natural light and changing ambient lighting enables passengers to cross time zones without experiencing fatigue. In addition, six bars divided between the cabins enable passengers to meet up during the flight. The A380 is an extremely quiet aircraft as the cabin is five decibels quieter compared to industry standards. It also features the latest technology in terms

Pick yourof free copy

of entertainment and comfort. External images are shown live via three cameras housed at the front, below and at the rear of the aircraft, which are broadcast live throughout the flight. Finally, the largest aircraft in the Air France fleet is the first to have a special area dedicated to art and culture. After this historic flight, Patrick Alexandre, Executive VicePresident of Commercial, Sales and Marketing at Air FranceKLM declared “35 years after the Concorde landed in Mexico City, this special flight by A380

to Cancun illustrates the importance of Mexico and Latin America for Air France-KLM. This unique event reflects the Group's desire to continue to innovate and surprise our customers. It is also a testimony of

our trust in the Mexican authorities.” The Ambassador for Mexico in France, Agustín GarcíaLópez Loaeza, added: “France and Mexico are linked more than ever before and Air France

is one of the protagonists. On 28 April 1952, Captain Moreau flew 34 passengers from France to Mexico City in 22 hours and with three stopovers. Today, for the first time in Latin America, in a symbolic way, Air France’s avant-garde A380 has multiplied by more than 10 the number of passengers in half the time. The air link established between France and Mexico is today stronger than it has ever been. We are striving - and Air France is the proof - to revive and strengthen the historical ties between Mexico and France.” In Mexico, the Air FranceKLM Group operates up to 28 weekly flights to Mexico City and Cancun from Paris, Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam, Schiphol for the 2013-2014 winter season, in partnership with Aeromexico, member of SkyTeam. From October 2013 to April 2014, Air France offers up to five weekly flights to Cancun from Paris, increasing the number of flights to this destination compared to last winter, while its Dutch partner, KLM, will increase to nine direct flights between Mexico City and Amsterdam. In the summer of 2014, Air France will add another three flights weekly to Paris from Mexico City.

From the information kiosk at

Plaza Playacar

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

The ten commandments of trees BY AGENCY

he botanist Francis Hallé, author of the book ‘The good use of trees’ gave a successful lecture called ‘The ten commandments of trees’ in the planetarium of Cancun recently. Authorities from the Secretary of Ecology and Environment (SEMA) of Quintana Roo as well as the Mexican Association of Arboriculture acknowledged Hallé´s conservation efforts by giving him an International Merit in Arboriculture in recognition of his work. During the lecture, the environmentalist Hallé underlined that trees are our best allies and said that by destroying forests, we are destroying ourselves. Primary forests, those that have never been deforested or those that were planted at least seven centuries ago, are disappearing. “Primary forests are to secondary forests what a chilled champagne served in a glass flute is to a tepid Coca-Cola served in a plastic cup. In the secondary forests are much fewer plant species, just those that benefit the economy of countries”, said the botanist. Back in the 1960´s, primary forests existed everywhere within the equator area but today, their extinction is looming. These ecosystems still exist in Siberia or Canada but there

Francis Hallé, author of the book ‘The good use of trees’. are just three or four tree species remaining in each. “Today humans are more interested in protecting endangered animals than plants. A human is 2 square meters of skin expelling carbon dioxide while one single tree means 200 hectares of leaves that feed from solar energy, absorb carbon dioxide and generate oxygen” said Hallé. He continued his lecture noting that in Tasmania there is a 43,000 years old holly bush that scientists estimate has existed since the Neanderthal age.

FRANCIS HALLÉ’S, TEN COMMANDMENTS OF TREES: RESPECT. Trees are living beings, as we are. Respect them as living beings and never disregard them by treating them as urban furniture. ANTICIPATION. Before planning a new building or district, consult a town planner who will know where to place green areas and the tree alignments: the construction should begin once the green areas are planned. JURISDICTION. Consult professionals about maintaining indi-

genous tree species, planting, and pruning. PREDICTION. Keep in mind that each tree will need enough space for their canopy and roots when it becomes an adult. MODESTY. Never plant big trees to impress people. It is a waste of time and money. HONESTY. Do not believe or make anyone believe that ten young trees will replace the destruction of an old tree. That is a social, environmental and

financial lie. NON VIOLENCE. Do not prune a tree´s roots or branches unless it is totally necessary. CIVILITY. Do not allow the disrespectful behavior or damage against trees. PROTECTION. Remember that cutting down roadside trees is not the right way to solve traffic circulation problems. GRATITUDE. Love trees and generations to come will deeply appreciate it.

A mass Christmas posada for don Damián The people of Playa showed their admiration and love for the well-known newspaper seller and Playa del Carmen institution, don Damián, last week by organizing him a surprise ‘posada’, a Mexican traditional Christmas celebration, through the Facebook site “Soy Playense”. Don Damián was previously featured in The Playa Times, when we shared the story of the 86-yearold Playa character that works everyday selling his papers on the Highway and Avenida Constituyentes. The posada all began when a member of the “Soy Playense” Facebook group posted a comment about how hard it would be for Damián to celebrate his Christmas. This began a deluge of comments and suggestions prompting members of the group to organize a posada, with those taking part bringing gifts. Carla Toledo, the “Soy Playense” group creator, said that she showed up at don Damian’s usual spot without expectations, as it was just a call out via Facebook between people who were unknown to each other. “It is not easy to go from a virtual initiative to a real one, but when I arrived it was

theplayatimes~Gema García

BY GEMA GARCÍA

Don Damián and just some of his Christmas gifts from `Soy Playense´

impressive, there were about 80 people there and they were all giving Damián presents. It is hard to express the feeling, it was so exciting and there was such a beautiful atmosphere, we were all quite emotional. Everybody had taken presents and some cash gifts for Damián. Even the passing cars joined the celebration by honking”. “Damián was speechless and quite unable to express his gratitude. For him it was just other working Sunday that turned into a truly unique day. The posada group also helped him to sell newspapers, there were so many presents that Damián needed a van to bring them home”. Carla Toledo says that Damián is a very inspiring person to all, who at 86 years old still sells newspapers everyday from very early in the morning, throughout the heat of the day until all his papers are sold. The posada has been the third initiative by “Soy Playense” in order to help don Damián. Carla Toledo said that 2 years ago a group of 20 people joined together to help him sell newspapers. “Don Damián loves his job that much that he did not even want us to help him because his work does not mean a burden for him

he told us “I love my job and I do not need nobody to help me because I like doing it” .The second initiative by “Soy Playense” was carried out when Damián´s tricycle, which he uses to transport his newspapers every day, was stolen. Some Facebook group members got together to buy him a new one; all the money was collected in just one hour. They bought a new tricycle and presented it to don Damián the very next day. The picture featured here of Damián and his posada presents is from the Facebook page has received more than 30,000 ‘likes‘ and was shared 250 times. Carla Toledo told us that it was the most popular post of the fan page history.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

The Secretary of Economy at WHO theplayatimes~Agency

BY AGENCY

efore the 159 members of the World Trade Organization (WTO) attending the Ninth Ministerial Conference in Bali, Indonesia, the Mexican Secretary of Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, said, "the worst scenario is stagnation. We have suffered that, since a long time ago. It had been a very serious mistake. So we must act to remedy it. The future is now." He voiced his for support of the Director General of the WTO, "for his excellent leadership of the process in taking intelligent advantage of the input from Geneva". The Secretary Guajardo Villarreal added that the Ministers reunited at the Ninth Conference, "must use these three days in a constructive way, to tie the few loose ends that are missing, without losing in sight the potential that a positive and a balanced result represents”, he stated. He stressed that to close a commitment, whether political, or to freeze the current levels of the subsidies to agricultural exports would be an important step in the direction towards its total elimination. He also said that the improvements in the management of the administration of tariff quotas for agricultural products would have beneficial economic effects. He emphasized "We all have the need to achieve food security for our people. Some WTO Members require special solutions. We believe that in Geneva a solution acceptable for everyone was found." "The specific elements that have

been consolidated in favor of the less developed countries would contribute significantly to its economic and social development," he said. The main objective of the Bali meeting is to adopt a package that includes as a central element, an Agreement on Trade Facilitation as well as elements in agriculture and issues related to development, particularly for the less developed countries (LDCs).

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* Until December 9 * Source Banco de México * Flags courtesy www.redpixart.com

Mexican Secretary of Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal

Mexico and China strengthen business dialogue The first meeting of the High-Level Business Group Mexico-China (GANE), whose establishment was agreed by the presidents Enrique Peña Nieto and Xi Jinping on the occasion of the state visit to Mexico of the Chinese president last June, took place in Mexico City last week. The opening ceremony was led by the Secretary of Economy, Ildefonso Guajardo Villarreal, and was attended by the Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of the Secretariat of Economy, Francisco de Rosenzweig; the Director General of Pemex, Emilio Lozoya; the Director General of the CFE, Francisco Rojas; the Director of ProMéxico, Francisco N. González; the Ambassador of China in Mexico, Qiu Xiaoqui and the co-chairs of the chapters in Mexico and China, Juan González Moreno and Hongli Zhang, respectively. GANE is comprised of leading executives from major private and public companies in China and Mexico, and will work in two sessions with the aim of making recommendations to the presidents of Mexico and China, aimed at the integral strengthening of

theplayatimes~Agency

BY AGENCY

The Undersecretary of Foreign Trade of the Secretariat of Economy, Francisco de Rosenzweig in the forefront the bilateral economic relationship. The meeting has the participation of business leaders of both countries from the consumer industries, manufacturing, information technologies, infrastructure, energy

and financial markets among others. The 12 companies represented by Chinese executives at this meeting, have an operating profit of 500 billion dollars and collectively employ over one million people. The establishment of the

High-Level Business Group Mexico-China, organized by the Secretariat of Economy and the Ministry of Commerce of China, is an integral part of the actions of the Government of Mexico to re-launch the Mexico-China relationship, in

order to renew the dynamism to the bilateral relationship through continued dialogue, a more balanced trade flow, better flows of investment in priority sectors and a wider presence of Mexican products in the Chinese market.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

The feast of Our Lady Guadalupe BY GEMA GARCÍA

BY GEMA GARCÍA An ancient Mayan legend says that in the city of Kabah lived an old lady who knew the mysteries of the stars and the secrets of the herbs but that her obsession, strangely enough, was spent staring at a small birds egg that she had chanced upon one day. Once, whilst the egg again transfixed her, a small crack appeared and to her surprise no bird was born from it but a human baby boy, which filled her life with joy. As time went by, the boy grew into adulthood but his body remained that of a child. The boy constantly questioned the old lady about his origins but the answers that she gave him were never satisfied his curiosity. As the old lady grew in years, the boy discovered that she kept a ‘tunkul’, or long wooden Mayan drum carved with beautiful plant and animal images. The heart of the young dwarf started to despise the old lady, as he was suspicious of his beginnings and resentful of his diminutive stature. One day when the woman was distracted, he stole the drum and run away into the jungle. There, he began beating it so hard that the regions ruler, who asked his advisers to explain this extraordinary drumming, heard the sound. After long discussions the, the advisors brought terrible news to the emperor, that the drum announced the end of his reign. Frightened by this omen,

Saint Juan Diego and the flowers from the Hill of Tepeyac

The dwarf of Uxmal theplayatimes~Agency

very December 12th, Mexicans celebrate the festival of ‘Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe’, in commemoration of when the Virgin Mary appeared to the Aztec peasant Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin nearly 500 years ago. From that moment, the devotional celebration has become a tradition in Mexican catholic heritage. The ‘mariofanias’ or apparitions of the Virgin Mary took place in 1531. According to the Nahuatl story about the apparitions of the Virgin Mary of Tepeyac, the last and most astonishing vision occurred on December 12th. The Virgin Mary had appeared four times to Juan Diego on the Hill of Tepeyac, which is in the northern district of the Mexico City. According to the story, in the last apparition the Virgin told Juan Diego to present himself to the first bishop of Mexico, Juan de Zumárraga. Following the directions of the Virgin, Juan Diego took off his ‘ayate’ or cloak and used it as a sack to collect flowers, which were blooming out of season on a barren piece of the hillside, and took them to the Bishop. When Juan Diego unfolded his cloak in front of the bishop Juan de Zumárraga, an imprint of the Virgin Mary

image was seen on the fabric. A church was built at the Virgin’s request on the Hill of Tepeyac to mark the apparition site, and today it is one of the most famous Catholic pilgrimage sites in the world. In this cathedral on display is the original cloak of Juan Diego that still displays the miraculous Our Lady of Guadalupe image. Since 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe, or the Dark Virgin, as she is often called, has become the patron saint of the Mexican Republic. Historically and emotionally, the Virgin is deeply woven into the life of every Mexican. During the wars of independence she was the patroness of the Mexican armies and almost every Mexican town has a church dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe and people turn to her for help and guidance on every occasion. In 2002 after a long-standing campaign Saint Juan Diego was finally canonized by Pope John Paul ll. The festival of ‘Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe’ actually begins a week before December 12th when thousands of pilgrims from all over the country flock to the Basilica of Ville Madero, on the outskirts of Mexico City, where the most impressive ceremonies in honor of the Virgin are held. The streets adjoining the church are literally

The Pryamid of the dwarf, Uxmal the king ordered his men to find out who was playing the drum and to interrogate him and find out if he could change this course of the events. Once the dwarf was in front of the king, he told the ruler he must build a wide, straight and white road connecting the two big cities of Kabah and Uxmal, and when the road had been finished, they would talk again. The insecure king accepted the dwarf´s request and put all his efforts, people power and money into constructing the road. When the great construction was completed, the king’s messengers came back to see the

dwarf who had one final condition, to crack a cocoyol (a walnut sized species of coconut) on the top of the each other heads. The king accepted, but he asked the dwarf to go first. With a big smile on his face, the dwarf waited as a guard placed the cocoyol on his head. The king cracked the small coconut with a stone and it split open without hurting a hair on the dwarf’s head. When it was the king´s turn, the strike from the dwarf drove the fruit in his skull causing him an instant death, and the dwarf arose up triumphal and proclaimed himself the king of Kabah.

News quickly spread to the surrounding villages and his coronation feast was arranged. It was a great party with dignitaries and subjects in attendance from all the surrounding realms, including the old lady that raised him. After the celebration, his mother approached him saying: “Be fair and always be truthful. But do not forget that the most important thing is being good rather than fair. Follow god’s advice but listen to men´s too. Do not disregard the humble and always mistrust the powerful”. Soon afterwards the old woman died. As time went by, the dwarf

packed with people who wait their turn to enter the church and make their offering. Over the Friday and Saturday of December 11th to 12th, 2009, a record number of 6.1 million pilgrims visited the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to commemorate the anniversary of the apparition. The climax of the festival begins on the eve of December 12th, when ‘conchero’ dancers gather in the atrium of the church. The name probably derives from the word ‘concha’, meaning shell, because the mandolin-shaped instruments of the dancers are made of armadillo shells. The dancing, hopping steps performed to the endlessly repeated accompaniment of one or two musical themes, begins at midnight and lasts throughout the day. Groups of dancers alternate to keep up the furious pace. The songs and dances of the concheros, who perform at fiestas all over Mexico, have been handed down through many generations and follow rigid traditional patterns. The Feast of Our Lady Guadalupe is a happy day for all Mexicans, rich and poor alike enjoy food and drink, and many people will save up their money throughout the year for this special occasion. assumed control of the realm and ruled over the magnificent city of Kabah, and driven by power he disregarded the principles taught to him by the old woman. He ordered a statue of himself to be made from clay to replace those of the Mayan gods. The figure was placed near a big bonfire to harden, where it became so hot it began to tremble like a bell, the subjects watching were in awe. As the effigy vibrated the people of the kingdom thought it spoke to them and surrendered allegiance to this new god and began praying to the supernatural deity of the dwarf. The abandoned Mayan gods in heaven were infuriated and took action to against the people worshipping this false idol of the city of Kabah. Thousands of warriors came to sack and razed the city to the ground, killing all and destroying every trace that it ever existed. And so the story of the dwarf that once ruled the kingdom was lost forever.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

Photos by~Stephanie Morton

The Chiropractic lifestyle BY DR. RICHARD MCCARTHY Most people will agree that being healthy is a positive thing. When we are younger the effects of what we do to our body is not always immediately obvious, but the effects are cumulative over time. In the realm of bad things for our health, smoking has to be at the top of the list. Other issues include eating improperly, lack of exercise, too much alcohol, too much sugar, having a negative attitude, finding no happiness in your life, taking medications over a long period of time, allowing stress to remain in your life, and improper sleep patterns. As for good things for health we need to single out that quitting smoking is probably the best thing you can do. It is not easy but there are techniques available in Playa utilizing laser and acupuncture that have helped many. If you are at the mercy of drugs or alcohol seek professional help from the local groups that are here for you. Limit your intake of soft drinks and sugar; this problem is also one of the biggest of all. You should consult are a medical doctor once a year. Having the breasts and prostate screened for cancer can save your life!! Have your teeth cleaned and checked regularly many health issues can also be attributed to poor dental hygiene. Then there is the Chiropractor’s Role. The spine houses the nervous system and it controls the body’s functions. How important is that? Well in other words when you receive regular chiropractic adjustments it enables the joints and nervous system of your body to function more efficiently. Also when joints aligned you will have less pressure and pain with less degeneration. Chiropractic is a great natural health choice that many people do not take advantage of. Start to do the right things for your health and benefit fully from a great healthy lifestyle!

CHIROPRACTOR

for a safe, effective chiropractor DR. RICHARD McCARTHY at THE NEW GYM, Playa del Carmen, Tel.: 984 873 2098

Runners Club runners from Playa del Carmen celebrate completion of the half marathon at the finish line

THE 2013 CANCUN MARATHON A SUCCESS

BY STEPHANIE MORTON

his weekend, runners from all over the Riviera Maya, Mexico, and 45 different countries gathered together in Cancun for the twenty-ninth annual Cablemas Marathon held on Sunday, December 8th, 2013. Excited participants were lined up before dawn at the start line, which like last year was located at the Malecon in downtown Cancun. With races beginning at 5:30am, just before dawn, runners headed east watching the sun rise over the Caribbean. Both the half and full marathon took runners through the hotel zone along Boulevard Kulkulkan, looped back for a final few miles on Bonampak and then to the finish line back at the Malecon. For more than two decades the race was held in the evening. Last year, for the first time, the event started in the morning and participants noted the increasing heat through the hours of the races. In comparison, this year’s weather was, by Caribbean standards, perfect for a morning race. The marathon was hosted by the city of Cancun and organized by Mas Accion sporting event organizers. While the event continues to grow, it has been notorious for its mismanagement in the past. From running out of race t-shirts and hydration to confusion over race winners it has not seemed to matter who is involved,

Runners Club runners from Playa del Carmen in their last sprint to the finish line.

terms of cheering crowds, but there were a handful of spectators and tourists showing their support to runner friends and family. The winners were dominantly from the Kenyan delegation of runners based in Toluca, Mexico, although notably both in the male and female categories of the half marathon, Mexicans Víctor Daniel Mercado (1:11:26) from Michoacan and Dulce María Rodríguez de la Cruz (1:22:12) from Toluca took first place. This international marathon is the oldest event of its kind in the country apart from the Mexico City Marathon but still retains the sense of a local race. This year a combined total of 1400 runners participated in the 13-mile half marathon and 26-mile races. With the success of this year’s marathon, organizers are hopeful that it will continue to grow into one of the ‘not to be missed’ long distant races in Mexico and perhaps internationally as well.

Local Playa del Carmen runner, Christina Forrest, heads to the finish line. the logistics have just not been perfect. Runners were hopeful going in that organization would be better managed but many also made arrangements to have their own support teams. Bicycles were allowed along the routes and many riders were providing encouragement and rehydration to their runners.

The Playa Times would like to publish an erratum regarding the Dental House Clinic article published last week. Dr. Luis mentioned that the investment in the Dental House clinic had been considerable, however the figure mentioned was neither a direct reflection on the clinic’s equipment, nor the personal wealth of the partners of Dental House Clinic. Dr. Luis would like readers

The organizers of this year’s race proved doubting runners wrong and were successful in providing full support to runners with water and sports drinks periodically throughout the race. Perhaps, though most probably because the route is located out of the residential section of the city, this race once again was pretty quiet in and clients to know that whilst the Dental House does have some of the most modern and technological advanced equipment available; such investments were extraneous to the superlative services they provide. The Dental House Clinic is situated on 5th Avenue between 40th and 42nd street. For appointments please contact 984 267 2008 04 or info@dentalhouseplaya.com

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

Seasonal Sadness BY DRA. KITZIA RUIZ NAVARRO

ave you ever wondered why during the winter and the Christmas season some people may experience symptoms of depression such as sadness and melancholy? The "winter blues" is a change in mood, in which melancholy and sadness prevails. This change is usually associated with something specific such as a stressful holiday or a reminder of absent loved ones that usually pass once the year-end celebrations are over. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a defined clinical diagnosis associated with a reduction in daylight hours during the day. A key feature of this disorder is that it follows a regular pattern, appears with the change of seasons and continues for several months until the new seasonal cycle, either spring or summer. SAD is more common in countries that are more remote from the earth´s equator and closest to the poles, such as the Nordic countries. In USA it is estimated that 1% of the population in Florida and 10% in Alaska presents symptoms of SAD. As with other forms of depression, people with SAD experience sadness, low mood, loss of interest in daily and social activities, low self esteem, difficulty concentrating, changes in appetite, trouble

sleeping, fear, anxiety and even hopelessness including thoughts of suicide. This disorder has been described as a kind of "hibernation", where people are isolated, have low energy, sleep too much and gain weight, preferring to eat carbohydrates and sugars. Shorter days seem to be the main trigger for SAD. The decrease in sunlight during the fall and winter may disrupt the body's internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm. This 24 hour "master clock" responds to environmental stimuli, especially the light - dark cycle. During the day, the brain sends signals to other parts of the body to keep awake, and at night, a chemical called melatonin, helps sleep occur. The shorter days of winter can change this natural rhythm and lead to SAD in certain people. Light therapy or phototherapy, which involves exposure to artificial light which simulates the spectrum of natural light, is effective in 70% of patients. In those patients who do not respond to phototherapy antidepressants may be prescribed. If you feel "blue" this winter, and if the feelings last for several weeks, consult a doctor. While the SAD may pass, this could take up to five months and may be complicated by chronic depressive episodes. Today there are many treatment options.

Dra. Kitzia Ruiz Navarro MD, Psychiatrist

Specializing in depression and bipolar disorder.

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Restorative Yoga for Endurance Athletes BY STEPHANIE MORTON On December 1st, triathletes in Cozumel competed against themselves and each other for the prestigious title of Ironman. Last weekend, runners gathered in Cancun for the full and half Marathons. As fall racing season comes to a close and upon completion of their respective events, many of these athletes will ask themselves “What next?” The typical response is to consider how much longer, faster, tougher, etc., the next race will be. As a yoga teacher, I know that the best answer is actually REST. I have found in my work with athletes that while there may be other elements that could be added through yoga to enhance one’s performance in terms of strength and greater range of motion, what is most needed is the opportunity to integrate the already intense training. This is particularly true in the weeks leading up to and following a

competition. Restorative yoga comes in here. This style of yoga is exclusively done in a horizontal position, mostly on the back and supported by props. With no focus on strength or flexibility, it is just what it sounds like, scheduled rest. The ultimate restorative pose (and one that I consistently practiced every evening this past spring during my Boston marathon training) is exactly as its name suggests, Legs Up The Wall. In this pose, the upper body rests on the ground, sometimes with the hips lifted by a pillow or blanket, and the legs lean against a vertical wall. If the hamstrings

are tight, this can be done as Legs Up The Chair, with the knees bent and lower legs resting on a chair at a 90-degree angle. This pose encourages edema, or fluid that causes the legs to swell, to move back to the center of the body. The femur rests in the hip socket as the muscles around the hips relax. The back is completely supported allowing any tension that has built up as form breaks down to ease. This position can be held for

ten to twenty minutes allowing for complete rest. Restorative yoga is easy to do at home, via online videos or with guidance from a book, such as “The Athlete’s Guide to Recovery” by Sage Rountree, available in English and Spanish editions. If you are in Playa, Yoga by the Sea is offering a Restorative Yoga Workshop on December 21st at 9:45am, (contact ariannataboada@ gmail.com for more information).

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

eatured

TO ADVERTISE YOUR REAL ESTATE

roperty

OR PROPERTY BUSINESS HERE PLEASE CONTACT

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984 147 2216

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DO YOU HAVE A FURNITURE OR INTERIOR DESIGN BUSINESS? TO ADVERTISE HERE CONTACT

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984 147 2216 TO ADVERTISE YOUR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OR RENTAL AGENCY HERE CONTACT

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984 147 2216 BY E. FLORES

here is a wealth of Mexican interior design themes available, and for those that have only sampled the relative chaotic super-development of Playa del Carmen, we need to look further afield for a true representation of Mexican style, be it classical or modern. Journey a little in the Yucatan Peninsula or other Mexican states and you will be in awe of the exceptional artistry and the rich history of the ceramics, textiles, silverware and jewelry that Mexico has to offer. One of the most obvious examples of regional art available here is the Talavera ceramic ware, the bright colorful tiles, plates, bowls and even sinks that many a tourist have eyed up covetously wondering how to take it all home. From the time of the Olmec, between 1200 BC and 600 AD, pottery has been a central part of Mexican life. Their use of clay, knowledge of primitive firing and coloring techniques, as well as designs was passed down to the cultures that followed. The history of Talavera harks back to Muslim-Hispanic Spain and the technique of tin-glazed earthenware pottery. Talavera de la Reina, a Spanish village, has long been influential in the world of fine ceramics and when the Muslims conquered North Africa and moved into Europe, their tin-glazed ceramics, known as Majolica, came to Spain.

Do you have a property you would like to advertise in our HOMELIFE feature? contact elizabeth@theplayatimes.com Telephone 984 147 2216

Mexican by design The history of Talavera pottery theplayatimes~Agency

TELEPHONE

A Talavera artist in Puebla

Mexican Talavera ware

The city of Puebla, which was founded in 1531 by the Hispanic colonialists, gave rise to the development of the Talavera pottery, and the subsequent building of churches and monasteries created the demand for decorative ceramics and tiles. By 1550 Puebla had become the center of Talvera production in Mexico and in 1653 a potter’s guild was formed and ordinances were laid down regulating its production. Between 1650 and 1750 the production of Tala-

VENDO CASA, 4 RECAMARAS, GARAGE, AV. LAURELES, RINCON DEL ANGEL, FRACC. VILLAS DEL VERGEL, PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Q. ROO. INFORMES AL TEL. 984 120 34 56, SR. ANGEL GARCIA.

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984 147 2216 vera was at its height. Originally, Talavera was white and blue and in the 18th Century new colors were introduced and green, orange and yellow began to be used. Today, the ‘fabricas’ or factories in Puebla go through a certification process to ensure Talavera's uniform quality, distinctive style and excellence and these certified fabricas place their name and registry number on each piece they produce. Authentic Talavera can be distinguished from imitations by the raised design and high gloss of the surface finish. In 1998 the Mexican Government set up the Mexican Talavera Regulatory Council (Consejo Regulador de Talavera), which regulates the production of Talavera and limits the use of the term to pieces created within the designated region of Puebla only, which includes the districts of Puebla, Cholula, Tecali and Atlixco. There are currently fewer than 20 workshops producing authentic Talavera. Authentic Talavera can be costly, as every piece is unique and of excellent quality. Today Talavera ware is hugely popular and there are a huge amount of mass produced imitations on the market. Original Talavera will have the name of the workshop signed at the base of the piece and will come with a Denomination of Origin certification number. So, just as Champagne is only produced in Champagne, France, Talavera can only be produced in Puebla, Mexico.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

Explore More! Destination Highlight - Paamul Beach theplayatimes~Agency

ne of the many great assets of the Riviera Maya and the Mexican Caribbean coastline are its beaches. Visitors and residents are mesmerized and drawn by the pure white sand and turquoise blue sea that defines the eastern coast of Mexico. Having the beach and the Caribbean Sea as your backyard is a dream come true for all of us, but there are many more beaches to explore up and down the coast. This week we encourage you to go and explore a new beach, or maybe it already is your beach - the beaches of Paamul. Before you visit, here is a bit of history about this quiet beachside community. Paamul means 'destroyed ruin' in Mayan. During the peak of the Mayan civilization on the coast of Quintana Roo, Paamul was used as a trading post as the protected bay was an ideal location for incoming boats. The area transformed into a coconut ranch in the early 1900's where farmers harvested kilometers of coconut groves. 30

The beach of Paamul years ago the area became a hot spot for tents and RV's and remains today as a RV community. Very little development exists in Paamul making this a beautiful beach destination for visitors and residents just minutes from popular Riviera Maya locations. Snorkeling is close to shore and the community has supported the installation of a seaside public pool and restaurant.

Where: Paamul Beach Location: South of Playa del Carmen and north of Puerto Aventuras How to get there: Drive to Paamul, take a taxi to Paamul or use public transportation 'collectivos' that drop off at the highway entrance to the beach. There is a walk from the highway to the beach of approximately 10 minutes.

Driving times: Playa del Carmen - 15 minutes, Akumal 20 minutes, Tulum - 30 minutes. Taxi prices: $150 MXP from Playa del Carmen, $250 MXP from Akumal and $350 MXP from Tulum. Collectivo prices vary from $20 - $40 MXP per person depending on pick up location. What to do: Snorkeling is a popular activity in Paamul as coral reefs are a short distance from the shore and located in a protected bay area. The local scuba shop conducts diving tours for certified divers, beginners and those who wish to try scuba for the first time. Families can play in the seaside pool and everyone can enjoy the local Mexican restaurant that has a direct sea view. Coconut trees and beach palapas create shady beach areas and protection from long days in the sun. For those looking to explore, a walk along the beach provides a varied landscape. Why visit Paamul?: Experience yet another taste of paradise along the Caribbean

coast that has a unique beach community. Paamul beach has not yet experienced the development that other beach areas have. Local Paamul residents are mainly American and Canadian expats who love to share stories and their experiences. Visitors are always welcome to enjoy this community and beach location throughout any day of the week. Loco Adventures is a series that highlights useful information and day trip ideas written by Loco Gringo. This popular website, created by a group of local Riviera Maya residents, loves to share adventures, local secrets, trip planning ideas and insights. For 20 years Kay Walten, The CEO (Chief Exploration Officer) has lived, worked and published her information online to increase knowledge of and about the Yucatan Peninsula. Loco Gringo vacation rentals and online resources continue to create extraordinary and memorable Mexico vacations.

The Mayan Riviera – from an underwater perspective I am a PADI instructor and have been I diving all around the world. I couldn’t live in Playa del Carmen if this region could not offer some of the best diving in the world. You might think I am crazy, what about the Galapagos Islands, the Maldives, Egypt or many other, far, remote and truly amazing places to dive? When I say the Mayan Riviera offers one of the best diving in the world I mean it, but I mean in a year-round way. This place has so many different opportunities to offer divers and this diversity is what makes it a unique place to live, or worth visiting over and over again. If you arrive in wintertime, our current season, you can dive with the bull sharks of Playa del Carmen. A bit later on from January to March you can try snorkeling with sailfish. This area is probably one of the very few places on earth where you can swim with up to thirty sailfish chasing big schools of sardines. On these trips you have a very good chance to see dolphin underwater as well, since they tend to hunt the same sardine as the sailfish. April and May are the times when the weather is truly the best. Also this time of the year is considered low season, the time when you can get a real bargain deal with a dive shop and hotel. What could be

theplayatimes~Agency

BY BARNA TAKATS

better than a week of comfortable diving from Five Star allinclusive hotels for the same price you would spend on three days in December? From June, the summer season, the whale sharks and manta rays arrive, so if you want something different than your usual dives, it is easy to find operators that will get you in the middle of the world’s largest whale shark congregation. I have seen over a hundred sharks and over fifty mantas on a single trip, so when you hear these numbers from a tour operator you can

actually believe them. It may not happen on every trip, but you can bump into big schools of golden cow nosed rays, sailfish, marlins or dolphins (and I have seen all of these in a single trip!) After the seasonal highlights let’s talk about the year-round underwater attractions the Riviera Maya has to offer. We are situated by one of the best reefs of the Caribbean, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that stretches from the Yucatan Peninsula to Honduras and is over 600 miles long. The Riviera Maya section features the shipwrecks of Cancun, Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen and of course Cozumel. If you are interested in some ‘different’ kind of diving, or the ocean is a bit stormy there are plenty of cenotes to choose from. These caverns allow even Open Water Divers to enjoy some of the best underground dives of the world. If you are looking for dive training, practically any kind of training is available from the beginner’s classes to cavern and cave diver courses. Several dive shops offer technical and re-breather training or PADI professional courses, including the Instructor level training. If you have any questions for Barna about diving around the Yucatan Peninsula or about local eco tours, you can write to him at barna.takats@gmail. com, or call 984 157 8531.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

Chef of the week T

his week we visit L’Atelier de Fred at Plaza Pakal, Playacar. Fred and his wife Sandrine, together with in-house baker Omar create traditional French baked goods and pastries. L’Atelier de Fred produces daily fresh artisanal baguettes and bread, croissants, individual quiche, salads, chocolate desserts and tartines, as well as regional French specialties. Open from 7am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 7am to 1 pm on a Sunday. Where are you from and how did you end up in Playa? Our family arrived in Playa del Carmen directly from Paris in July 2009. We came with our 8-month and 6-year old daughters. After opening an Italian/French restaurant and distributing Chez Céline bread at Plaza Golf Drive in Playacar, we realized that Playacar really needed a fresh bread, breakfast and bakery shop. One month after we sold our restaurant, a location at Plaza Pakal, which used to be a Greek restaurant, became available. What are your essential ingredients that you couldn't live without? It is not an ingredient but a product. We grew up

with it and it is on every table in France: traditional baguette. Besides that, French butter, eggs, cheese, chocolate, salt and sugar. And all of this served with a good red wine, for sure. What is your signature or most popular dish? Our “Baguettes Tradicion”, croissants, omelettes and mousses au chocolat are our most requested products, but our most original and best-selling product is the single portion quiche. It is made of cream, eggs, Parmesan, puff pastry and the ingredient that you want to add, such as salmon, spinach, three chesses or bacon for just 25 pesos. Where do you like to eat in Playa? We like going to Cocotte Cita, Romeo, and we are eager to go to Oh la la! What we like about Plaza Pakal is that we can have a great dinner next to home at Le Chef, Latino´s or Don Peperoni without having to leave Playacar. What would be your 'Last Supper' meal? Our ultimate or ‘Last Supper’ would be to eat duck au gratin or emmenthal cheese cassoulet and also pasta with callo de hacha (a local mollusk).

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

WEDNESDAY

THE CARIBBEAN FESTIVAL OF CULTURE. Wednesday to Saturday at the Palacio Municipal, Plaza 28 de Julio. Various International and national acts, from Mexico, Colombia, Belize and Spain. From 6 pm to 10 pm, for more information www.fecuca.com AK LU’UM ECO MARKET. Every Wednesday from 12pm to 3pm at AkLu’um International School, La Selva St. s/n, Colonia Ejido. Organic products, baked goods, gluten-free products and salsas. akluum@gmail.com NIGHT RIDES. Every Wednesday at 8pm at the City Hall, Plaza 28 de Julio, on 8th St. and 15th Ave. Get to know the cycle path of Playa del Carmen and meet other local bikers. ARABIAN DANCE LESSONS. Every Wednesday and Friday from 6pm to 7.30pm at Le Lotus Rouge Cultural Centre, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave. $30 MXP contribution.

THURSDAY

COZUMEL SCUBA FEST. Thursday to Sunday, retracing the steps of Jacques Cousteau including the Taste of Cozumel event. Check www.cozumel.com for more details. WAGGLE WALKS. Every Thursday at 9am at the new P.A.R. Shelter. Have fun helping dogs become leash trained, balanced and exercised. Contact info@playaanimalrescue.org CINE CLUB. Every Thursday at 7.30pm at Caracol Marino Cultural Center on 80th St and Quinta Avenida in colonia Colosio. Watch interesting social cinema. CAPOEIRA LESSONS. Every Thursday from 6.30 to 8pm and at 2.30pm on Saturday at La Ceiba Park. Enjoy three free classes by Omar Cardona.

FRIDAY

BINGO NIGHT. At Mom’s Bar 7pm, part of the proceeds of the bingo, a 50/50 raffle and the sales of the bar and grill will go to Playa Animal Rescue, to help supply the shelter with food for the animals. ART EXHIBITION OPENING. ‘Master Minds’ at Le Lotus Rouge Cultural Centre, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave. Until January 20th. Free entrance. COCOS BEACH FRIDAY ORGANIC MARKET. Every Friday from 9am to 11am at Condos Alizes, Avenida CTM and 46 St. Homemade bread and baked goods, gluten-free products, fresh herbs, organic eggs and products. CINE CLUB. At 8pm at La Ceiba Park on 60th Ave and 2nd St in Colonia Ejidal.Mexican and intl. cinema.

SATURDAY

ACROART ACROYOGA SHOW. 11pm at Le Lotus Rouge Cultural Centre, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave.

WRITING AND LITERATURE WORKSHOP. Every Saturday from 4pm to 6pm at Le Lotus Rouge Cultural Centre, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave. From 5 to 95 years old. 2 hours. $150 MXN. WOMENS CIRCLE. Every Saturday at Caracol Marino Cultural Centre. Share your experiences. 80th St, between 10th and 5th. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail. com.

SUNDAY

15 16

WIZARD SHOW. At 6pm at Le Lotus Rouge Cultural Centre, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave. By the illusionist Chai Ren Ik. Free entrance.

MONDAY 16

ACTING LESSONS. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4.30 to 6pm at Caracol Marino Cultural Centre with Hena Moreno Corzo. 80th Street, between 10th and 5th. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com. CREATION WORKSHOP. Every Monday and Wednesday from 9am to 11am at Caracol Marino Cultural Centre. “Movimiento a la cuadrado” is an artistic workshop by Hugo Uribe. 80th Street, between 10th and 5th. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com. FLAMENCO DANCE LESSONS. Every Monday and Wednesday from 3pm to 4.30pm at Caracol Marino Cultural Centre. Given by flamenco dancer Brenda. 80th Street, between 10th and 5th. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com.

TUESDAY

YOGA LESSONS. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 7pm to 8.15pm and Saturdays from 9am to 10 am. At La Ceiba Park on 60th Ave and 2nd St in Colonia Ejidal. $ 650 MXP/12 lessons. PAINTING LESSONS. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am to 12 am and from 4pm to 6 pm. At Le Lotus Rouge, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave. $100 MXP. Materials included. ACTING LESSONS. Every Tuesday and Thursday from 5pm to 7.30pm at Caracol Marino Cultural Centre on 80th Street, between 10th and 5th. For more information contact centrocaracol@gmail.com.

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Dec. 11 -17 2013

HOROSCOPES SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22ND-DEC 21ST) It's a great time to change your way of life. Think about volunteering your services to a worthy cause and you'll generate good karma by helping others. A health issue may flare up. CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH) You could be very absent-minded. Make a to-do list before leaving the house. Restless feelings might overwhelm you, go for a walk around the neighborhood. Tread carefully around a co-worker. AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20TH-FEBRUARY 18TH) Your social calendar will fill up quickly. Remember to schedule in time for yourself. Make a wish it just might come true! Don't rock the boat; the key to success is to be a team player. PISCES (FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH) Your judgment may be extremely flawed, wait until you're thinking clearly to make an important life choice. A new career opportunity could arise. It's a great time to network with others in your field. ARIES (MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH) Take the initiative at work. It's time to show the boss just how resourceful you really are. Spiritual matters will take center stage. You'll be eager to walk on the road of enlightenment. A new friend will come your way. TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH) Plant a new seed. Start a herb garden on your kitchen windowsill. A lover may want to have an in-depth discussion. Postpone the conversation if you aren't in the mood to talk, play it safe. GEMINI (MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH) Keep alert in your career zone. A colleague may try to steer you down the wrong path. You'll have oodles of energy, put your pep to good use by starting an exercise program. A family member may ask for your advice. CANCER (JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND) Start a new activity; your regular routine is getting stale! The urge to splurge will be overwhelming so leave your credit cards at home before heading to the shopping mall. LEO (JULY 23RD – AUGUST 22ND) Have some fun. Put your worries aside and enjoy yourself for a while. A lover will put your needs first. If you have a special request, now is the time to ask! Your intuition will be spot on target. VIRGO (AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND) Jazz up your living space. Move the furniture, hang pictures, or put out scented candles. Your energy level will shift. You'll see the world through optimistic eyes. An economic endeavor will finally generate a profit. LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND) Check the fine print before signing a contract. There could be hidden clauses in the document. Brilliant ideas will swirl around your brain. Write down all your thoughts for future reference. SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST) Review your priority list and don't waste your precious time on unimportant matters. Your assertive side will activate. No one will be allowed to intimidate you. A friend may ask you to invest in a moneymaking scheme.

EGGS BENEDICT Hot buttered English muffins, Canadian style bacon, and poached eggs are topped with a heavenly drizzle of hollandaise sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute ham or salmon for the Canadian bacon. ORIGINAL RECIPE MAKES 4 SERVINGS 4 egg yolks 3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 pinch ground white pepper 1/8 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon water 1 cup butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt 8 eggs 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar 8 strips Canadian-style bacon 4 English muffins, split 2 tablespoons butter, softened DIRECTIONS To Make Hollandaise: Fill the bottom of a double boiler part-way with water. Make sure that water does not touch the top pan. Bring water to a gentle simmer. In the top of the double boiler, whisk together egg yolks, lemon juice, white pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon water. Add the melted butter to egg yolk mixture 1 or 2 table-

spoons at a time while whisking yolks constantly. If hollandaise begins to get too thick, add a teaspoon or two of hot water. Continue whisking until all butter is incorporated. Whisk in salt, then remove from heat. Place a lid on pan to keep sauce warm. Preheat oven on broiler setting. To Poach Eggs: Fill a large saucepan with 3 inches of water. Bring water to a gentle simmer, then add vinegar. Carefully break eggs into simmering water, and allow to cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Yolks should still be soft in center. Remove eggs from water with a slotted spoon and set on a warm plate While eggs are poaching, brown the bacon in a medium skillet over medium-high heat and toast the English muffins on a baking sheet under the broiler. Spread toasted muffins with softened butter, and top each one with a slice of bacon, followed by one poached egg. Place 2 muffins on each plate and drizzle with hollandaise sauce. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately.

Recipe supplied by Xoco Restaurant 5th Avenue between 38th and 40th

info@xocolatier.com.mx Tel. 984 803 1750 facebook.com/xocolatier

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Classiﬁeds RESTAURANTS

CURRY OMM, the only Indian restaurant in Playa offering authentic Indian food 984 873 1516 www.letseat.at/curryomm.

Theplayatimes~Gema Garcia

Dec. 11 -17 2013

CAFE MARTIN Drop our homemade goodies. Perogies, butter tarts, bagels and much more. Visit us on Facebook: Cafe Martin Playa or our website: www.cafemartin.net or just come in Ave, Juarez between 90 and 95, Col. Ejido. XOCOLATIER RESTO. For the best traditional Mexican and American style breaksfasts, eggs Benedict, house specialties, fresh coffee, juices and daily lunch specials. Wines and coctails. Wi Fi and air conditioning. On the corner of the 5th, Ave. and 38th. Free Parking available..

9EDIKB7J;I ?D FB7O7 :;B 97HC;D 9EDIKB7H 7=;D9O E< 97D7:7 Plaza Paraíso Caribe, Planta 2 Piso 3 Av 10 sur, mz35, lote 1 (esq. Calle 5), Col. Centro Playa del Carmen Q.Roo 77710 Phone: 984 803 24 11 Email: crmen@international.gc.ca Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am/1pm 9EDIKB7H 7=;D9O E< J>; KD?J;: IJ7J;I “La Palapa” Calle 1era Sur entre Av. 15 y 20, Colonia Centro Playa del Carmen Q.Roo 77710 Phone: 984 873 03 03 Email: playausca@hotmail.com Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am/1pm >EDEH7HO 9EDIKB7J; E< ?J7BO Avenida 10 entre 12 y 14 Colonia Centro Playa del Carmen, Q.Roo 77110 Area: Playa del Carmen Q. Roo 77710 Phone: 984 803 4714 Email: consolato.pdcarmen@esteri.it Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:30am/12:30pm

POSTAL SERVICES MAS MAIL CENTER INC MAILBOX RENTAL & COURRIER POSTAL SERVICES. LOCAL 3 HOTEL TUKAN 984 87 315 41 (Entre 14 Bis y 16 Norte) HEALTH & BEAUTY ALEX CORBANEZI Hair and Make up to your door, haircuts, color, treatments and makeup 9841687055 90 MINUTES of Ayurvedic Massage,Reflexology,and Reiki. MX$500 .Oracle Card readings Mx$200. 984 115 1422 - Sharonlee paradiseonthego@gmail.com HOTELS LETSGOPDC. Playa del Carmen Vacation Rentals, Condos and Houses. Choose from over 300 properties. www.letsgopdc.com PROFESSIONAL SERVICES NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS English spoken Tuesday & Friday 5:30 pm. Spanish Mon to Fri 7:00 pm. Calle 34 y 35 Ave. info@ naplay.com ENJOY A NIGHT out while I take care of the kids, need professional babysitter. Call +524441658800 or email gordaflowers@gmail. com RETAIL SERVICES

=E=J?=F;Q FME:=JK EMERGENCIES (.. RED CROSS (EMERGENCIES) (.POLICE (OFFICE) () 10,! 0/+ (*1) FIREFIGHTERS () 10,! 0/1 +..1 PROTECCION CIVIL () 10,! 0/1 +..1 RED CROSS (CLINIC) 10,! 0/+ )*++ IMMIGRATION () 10,! 0/+ )0,0 TRAFFIC POLICE 10,! 0/+ ())(

MARCOS KAMALEON, custom framing with the best price and quality in Playa del Carmen. www.marcoskamaleon.com 24HR TAX SERVICES, troughout Playa del Carmen and Cancun areas. (984) 877-3858, (984) 877-3859, (984) 877-3860

PLACES TO Worship

IN PLAYA DEL CARMEN CATHOLIC CHAPEL OF THE 5TH AVENUE WITH 1ST STREET SOUTH

Thursday at 9:00 am English Mass on Sundays at 10:00 am

NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL CARMEN 15TH AVENUE BETWEEN 12TH AND 14TH STREET Masses from Monday to Saturday at 8:00 am and 8:00 pm Sundays 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm Mass with “mariachi” 12:00 pm

CHRISTIAN CHRISTIAN MEETINGS IN ENGLISH

Sundays at 10:00 am in “City Express” hotel Federal Highway in front of “Vestir” plaza. Cellphone 984 106 63 82

LIGHTHOUSE CHURCH

English speaking nondenominational worships Sundays at 6:30 pm in Playa del Carmen, Ejido Sur. For more info call 984 120 41 69. www.lighousecgurch.mx

JEWISH JEWISH WORSHIP

Aditional información at 20 th Ave, between 8th anda 6th St. Colonia Centro, from 8 am to 10 pm.