theplayatimes~Agency
BY E.FLORES
T
his week The Playa Times visited the Playa Animal Rescue center whose newest facilities have now been open for two years. We went to see first hand the valuable work that the self-funded, no kill organization carries out and to meet the people that help make it happen. Jan Northenscold, the co-director at Playa Animal Rescue is originally from Minnesota, land of “warm hearts and cold noses” as she appropriately described it. Jan has lived in Playa for over 2 years, since retiring here permanently after 12 years of vacationing in the area. She is now settled with her husband and four adopted street dogs and her “retirement” is now pretty much a full-time occupation running the center. She runs operations together with Sue Silva and the US board of directors Pat and Craig Faulstitch, Deb and Gary Hoke and local board member Heather Stewart. The team also includes live-in veterinarian Dr. Mauricio and full time helpers Carlos and Matteo, and about 20 regular volunteers made up of locals, expats and regular tourists who visit annually. The center premises consist of 16 pens, a quarantine ward, washing and grooming areas and a clinic. The center was impressively spick and span, the pens pristine and the animals happily divided into packs of four to five within the enclosures. There are currently 65 dogs being homed here and I asked
Jan how long the average stay is, “Anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 years, we had Luna, our longest resident, from a shelter that closed. We inherited 90 dogs from that shelter”, Jan told us. “Only Luna is left, she spent one year at the previous shelter before coming here, and she has been with us now for two years. It is harder to rehome a fully-grown dog, and she is a little larger. But she is sweet and so gentle, we are hopeful she will eventually find her forever home”. Stella was another inmate with a happier ending, she was preparing to fly
to Calgary after being rescued from the top of the pyramid at Coba, which she climbed to scavenge food from tourists, and then became stuck when she couldn’t get back down. The tourists who rescued her couldn’t adopt her, but they paid for her treatment and board as part of a sponsorship scheme. As you read this she will be starting her new life in Canada thanks to the committed work of Playa Animal Rescue. We were then introduced to the rest of the canine crew who greeted us with a volley of barks and wagging tails, but settled down whilst Jan introduced each resident individually, amazingly she knew each by name and told me the history of every animal. The stories were all similar in that the dogs were bought in injured or abused and in desperate need of care and compassion, of which Jan seems to have an endless supply. The newest residents are kept in a separate quarantine area in case they test positive for heartworm or present illnesses that could spread to the other dogs. The cost to keep a dog in the center is approximately $75 USD per month, which covers full health testing and any treatments, food, and general maintenance of the facilities. The center holds regular fund raising events, such as a Bingo night at Mom’s Bar, which last month raised nearly $500 USD and March 13th heralds the PAR Annual Fundraiser which this year will be at Bad Boy’s Bar and has the theme of “Art”. Various artworks have been donated along with jewelry and other handmade creations. Every Thursday morning the center holds Waggle Walks, where everyone is invited to help exercise the dogs and Saturday Spa Day has a 9.30 pick up outside the MEGA supermarket, which is a morning of washing, walking and playing with the dogs. The Playa Times runs a regular “Find Me A Home” feature in conjunction with the charity which has already helped to rehome several dogs. If you would like to make a donation to PAR please contact them via their Facebook page Playa Animal Rescue or contact Jan via info@ playaanimalresue.org. For more information see the website www.playaanimalrescue.org
COMMUNITY
KKIS PROJECT
Read about the valuble work of this
PAGE 5
NATURAL PLAYA
PLAYA ANIMAL RESCUE SUCCESSFUL TWO YEARS
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2014 TOURNAMENT PAGE 10
DINING OUT
January 28-February 3, 2014 Weekly, Year 01, Number 18, 10,000 Copies,16 Pages
RESTAURANT REVIEW
PAGE 13
02
January 28-February 3, 2014
ditorial
commercial flights
Omar Tornel Managing Editor omar@theplayatimes.com
T
María Morote
he first ever commercial flight took off from Tampa Bay Florida one hundred years ago, in January 1914. Local engineering entrepreneur Percival Elliot Fansler decided to move flying into the realms of everyone and away from the inventors and daredevils by scheduling the first “real commercial line from somewhere to somewhere else”. The first flight took off from Tampa Bay to St. Petersburg, which was otherwise a slow steamboat, road or train trip. The first ticket was auctioned and reached nearly $10,000 dollars by today’s money. On the inaugural flight Fansler addressed the spectators, “What was impossible yesterday is an accomplishment today, while tomorrow heralds the unbelievable.” The airplane took only one passenger at a time and aviator Tony Jannus was the pilot who flew the plane just feet above the water. The flight took 20 minutes and the cost one-way was $5, which is around $115 by today’s standards. The outbreak of the First World War boosted aviation development, however it did claim one great aviator, pilot Tony Jannus who was killed in an accident while training Russian pilots over the Black Sea. In 1919, after the war, the first international daily service was launched between London and Paris. The Second World War fuelled further advances at an astonishing pace with the development of the jet engine and radar. Post war mass travel ensued during the 1960’s, however flights from London to Australia still took over ten days. During the 1970’s and ‘80’s flights became more accessible and the following decade the number of flight tickets ever sold was doubled and by 2010 the total number of passenger miles traveled reached nearly 3 billion. The UN predicts increasing growth of 7 trillion passenger miles by 2030 with growing markets in Asia and the Middle East, with China planning 70 new airports, expansions to 150 of its existing airports and increased fleet of 1500 new planes over the next 5 years. Oil reliance is probably the biggest stumbling block for the futu-
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Gema García Chief Reporter gema@theplayatimes.com
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Mario A. Belmont Advertising Sales 984-745 0698 mario@theplayatimes.com
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Contact Us At: info@theplayatimes.com
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THE PLAYA TIMES PLAYA DEL CARMEN`S COMMUNITY PAPER Periódico Semanal. 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., 15 Ave. and 1 South, Col. Centro, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, CP 77710.
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
81°/65° F Showers 60% chance of rain
81°/66° F Few Showers 30% chance of rain
FRIDAY 82°/68° F Partly Cloudy 20% chance of rain
Pioneering pilot, Tony Jannus in 1914
To me, flying is not the successful defying of death but the indulgence in the poetry of mechanical motion, a dustless, relatively bumpless, fascinating sensation of speed; and abstraction from things material into an infinite space.”
Tony Jannus 1914
re of air travel. A Boeing 747 flying 6741 miles one way from London to Singapore uses 1523 barrels of oil each way, with a staggering 2.85 metric tons of carbon generated, and the global plane fleet uses 15 billion barrels of jet fuel per year. Although the use of fossil fuels seems set to continue, much has changed during the last 100 years of commercial aviation and entrepreneur Percival
Fansler would no doubt be astounded by the growth from his small one seater Benoist Airboat XlV in 1914.
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
83°/68° F Partly Cloudy 20% chance of rain
83°/68° F Partly Cloudy 20% chance of rain
83°/67° F Sunny 0% chance of rain
82°/67° F Scattered Showers 30% chance of rain
theplayatimes~Agency
100 years of
DIRECTORY
LOCAL NEWS
January 28-February 3, 2014
03
2014 International Tourism Fair Madrid theplayatimes~Agency
BY GEMA GARCÍA
T
he International Tourism Fair (Fitur) is a global meeting point for the travel and tourism industry and an important event for the development of the Latin American market. The 34th International Tourism Fair was held from January 22nd to 26th in Madrid with more than 9,000 companies from 165 countries exhibiting and 200,000 visitors attending according to preliminary figures. The organizers expect revenue of approximately $246,000,000 USD to be generated from the event. The Riviera Maya was represented by the Tourist Office of Solidaridad, directed by Clementina Trejo, who said that their aim was to promote the region to the increasing Scandinavian market, especially to students who visit Playa del Carmen to learn Spanish. They also hope to see an increase in flights to Cancun from Europe. Manuel Paredes, the director of the Riviera Maya Hotels Association said that they expect to achieve good results from the 2014 event. They were present to promote the 360 hotels that are members of the association, which includes over 40,600 hotel rooms. Paredes said that the association sought to increase visitors from the European market, such as the UK market that is currently exceeding the Spanish market: “The British and
Governor Roberto Borge and the secretary of Tourism of Mexico, Claudia Ruiz Massieu at the international Tourism Fair in Madrid Spanish markets are the most important for us. The Spanish market dropped because of the recent economic issues but numbers of British visitors has been increased by a higher number of flights from the UK to the Riviera Maya”. The governor and president of the National Governors Commission of Tourism Conference, Roberto Borge Angulo, inaugurated the Mexico pavilion at the fair as the representative of the touris-
tic institutions of Quintana Roo together with the secretary of Tourism of Mexico, Claudia Ruiz Massieu Salinas, Rodolfo López Negrete Coppel, the director of the Touristic Promotion Council of Mexico, Roberta Lajous Vargas, the Mexican ambassador in Spain; Jesús Almaguer Salazar, director of the Visitors and Conventions Office of Cancun and Darío Flota Ocampo, director of the Trust of Touristic Promotion of Riviera Maya.
theplayatimes~Agency
Dengue cases on the increase due to the long rainy season BY GEMA GARCÍA
Operators of the program “Clean, cover and throw away” in full action
The government of Solidaridad has launched a new campaign program titled “Clean, Cover and Throw Away”, which aims to prevent the proliferation of the mosquito larvae that transmits dengue. The campaign began as a response to the uncommonly high levels of rainfall during the last rainy season and the increase in cases of dengue in Playa del Carmen through 2013. Operators of the program “Clean, cover and throw away” will be in charge of collecting trash, debris and containers away from houses, disused land or streets where still water may gather, as this is where the mosquito lays its eggs. A division from the Control of Dengue Department, belonging to the Health Office of Quintana Roo, will be checking areas every two weeks and weekly from March. The director of the General Hospital of Playa del Carmen, José Bolio Rosado, urged the population to work together by removing any containers that are holding water. He said that there were 277 dengue cases in 2013, 147 were common dengue and 130 hemorrhagic dengue. This is an increased figure from 2012 when there were just 53 cases. Doctor Bolio expects dengue cases to continue to increase unless more preventative measures are taken. To date, the highest number of people affected by dengue happened in 2011 when there were 515 cases.
“Dengue management is a responsibility of both the authorities and the public. We as the local authority must stop the proliferation of mosquitoes and members of the public must clean up any debris or trash that is holding water. We can reduce the risk of contagion by taking these simple steps”, said José Bolio. Colonia Luis Donaldo Colosio was the first district where the program “Clean, cover and throw away” was put into action. Workers of the Control of Dengue Department removed old tires, water containers that were not in use and cut grass in order to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds. Around 38 tons of debris was collected during the first day.
04
LOCAL NEWS
January 28-February 3, 2014
theplayatimes~Agency
Colectivos to use newly designated stops BY GEMA GARCÍA
First Mega Sabana Golf Tournament at Playacar Golf Course BY GEMA GARCÍA
T
he first Mega Sabana Golf Tournament organized by the Caribbean Golf Course Association was held last Saturday at the Playacar Golf Course with 33 competitors. After a shotgun start, Luis Enrique Sandoval was the winner of the tournament, taking a gift certificate for two lessons. Richard Lebret won jewelry valued at $400 USD and Denis Muichelini won $3,500 pesos of gardening equipment. The tournament aims to enroll local golf players to the Quintana Roo Golf Players Association which was created in November an as the initiative of Liz Melo, the executive director of the Caribbean Golf Course Association together with golf players of the state. Liz Melo said that one the main benefits of the Quintana Roo Golf Players Association will be the regulation of the
Pick yourof free copy
golf tournaments by preparing a score record for every player: “By having a record, each player will be able to see other payers scores and increase the incentive to compete against each other ”. Thirteen golf courses in Quintana Roo have already joined the association, so all members will be able record their scores. Lidice Ortiz, manager of the Playacar Golf Club, said that events like the Mega Sabana Golf Tournament are fundamental for attracting new players and through sponsorship the tournament now offers prizes, which she hope to attract more competitors. The tournament started at 8.30am and after the prize giving ceremony at 1pm, refreshments and live music were laid on at the clubhouse. Playacar Golf Course also has a legendry prize for all players, a 1 million dollar purse for anyone who beats the current club record for the 18th hole, a very challenging par 5.
theplayatimes~Gema García
The 2014 Mega Sabana Golf Tournament held at Playacar golf course
“Use the public transportation bus stops,” stated the leaflets given by the Traffic Office this week. The “colectivo” is the name given to the public transport vehicles or shared taxis. There is a new traffic regulation that states that public transportation vehicles and passengers must use designated stops for boarding and alighting. Alejandro Salgado Sangri, the director of the Transportation Office of Solidaridad, said that this regulation aims is to make public transportation more efficient and safe by avoiding “on demand” stops. “We are taking the first steps to modernize our local public transportation system by improving and restructuring schedules, routes, frequency and condi-
tions in order to run a more efficient service”, said Alejandro Salgado. The number of vehicles on some routes will also increase due to demand in some of the newer developed areas of the city. The increased coverage will be on routes covering Mision de las Flores, Villas del Sol, Guadalupana and Galaxia I and II. “The residents in these areas complained about the lack of colectivos, so by increasing the number of vehicles people will now have the assurance that they can get at work or take their children to school on time”, said Salgado. Drivers who do not obey the new regulation will be fined, so anyone using the public transport will have to use the designated stops or “paraderos”. The leaflet campaign will continue throughout the next month.
Designated bus stop areas are now signposted
From the information kiosk at
Plaza Playacar
COMMUNITY
January 28-February 3, 2014
05
Local organic markets
are booming in Playa del Carmen theplayatimes~Gema García
BY GEMA GARCÍA
M
ore and more people are becoming aware of the benefits an organic diet has. One of the results of this raised awareness is the emergence of local organic markets where local growers sell their own goods directly to the public and whose customers demand quality products without using intense farming methods without importation or distribution costs or high carbon footprints. One such farmers market is the Cocos Beach organic market that takes place every Friday from 9am to 11pm on Avenida CTM and Flamingo Street next to the condominiums Alizes and Coco Bay Hotel. Home grown vegetables, hand baked breads, free-range eggs, preserves, fresh herbs, sweets, natural cosmetics and medicines as well as handmade clothes are on offer at the weekly market. The producers guarantee that no preservatives are used in the manufacture of their products. Currently the customers are mainly expats with the shared vision of a pro-environmental market and who share information on where to source certain natural or
Cocos Beach Friday organic market on Avenida CTM and Flamingo Street organic products. The Cocos Beach market is open to new sellers and hope to expand the range of products the association currently has to offer. Anja Schaefer, one of the organizers of the Cocos Beach market, said in an interview with The Playa Times that since they began trading three months ago, the number of stall holders and customers have grown. Now, around 16 local traders are offering their na-
tural products. Anja is currently working in a new project involving producers from the Mayan Zone of Quintana Roo, who will support the Cocos Beach market initiative and help fill the demand for locally produced organic fruit and vegetables. “Bacalar is the closest place which produces fruit and vegetables, but it is still nearly 200 miles away, we are planning to encourage lo-
cal people to start growing so we can begin to offer locally produced veggies very soon”. Anja also said that following the great success of the market, a new venue will open every Tuesday from February 4th at Aventura Mexicana Hotel on 24th Street and 5th Avenue from 8.30 am to 10.30am. Caracol Marino organic market is other example of an ecofriendly cooperative where every
third Sunday of the month people come together to buy, sell and exchange organic products. The market uses it’s own payment coupons, which can be exchanged for either pesos or dollars at the market. The Caracol Marino Cultural Center is on 80th Street and 5th Avenue in the Colosio district. Roxana Escualo, one of the Caracol Marino organic market organizers and a member of the Supportive Barter Network, a group that promotes the exchange of organic products, said that the aim of the market is to become an established group cooperative where friends trade amongst each other. “Organic markets promote self-employment and can also create jobs. We support the idea of zero contamination and the local production of quality products here in Playa del Carmen. We have started to sow cereals and some are already being sold”, said Roxana. Those interested in local organic markets can check the “Supportive Barter Network” and “Cuisine from the Heart” Facebook pages that are managed by Roxana Squalo and where the location of market events, local fairs and eco activities will be promoted.
theplayatimes~KKIS Project
Keep Kids In School fundraising auction BY DEIDRE MIZE The KKIS Project is a non-profit organization that provides school supplies for needy children, provides English speaking volunteers, curriculum for classrooms and advocates for public schools. The only fundraiser KKIS hold each year is an auction that this year will be held on February 20th at 11am at Wah Wah's Beach Bar. It is extremely important to us to get the word out about how expat residents and tourists can participate in giving back to this wonderful Playa del Carmen community and its people. The auction in 2013 funded all of our backpacks for students. We distributed almost 500 backpacks and at $350 pesos each that takes a lot of money. It also funded our curriculum and volunteers that work in classrooms helping children to learn English. We distributed $500 USD in school supplies to each of the out of town Mayan community schools in Cristo Rey and Nuevo Noh Bec. We will also be partnering with the municipal Department of Integral Family Development (DIF) to support and supply their high school for homeless students program that starts this spring. Donation items are accepted for the auction in the form of gift certificates, household goods or services of any kind. All of our donations will be put up for auction online. Some
The KKIS Project provided 500 backpacks with equipment for local schools will also be available for the live auction as well as a silent auction. Anyone who would like to donate something for the auction can email us at kkisproject@gmail.com. Tickets to the auction are $20 USD or $250 pesos and are available at Wah Wah's or by emailing kkisproject@gmail.com. The tickets are your admission into the auction as well as the famous smoked port BBQ buffet luncheon offered by Wah Wah's. Donations are also accepted in the form of cash at our website at www.kkisproject.org. If a US tax receipt is needed you can donate through theresourcefnd. org, put KKIS Project in the comment box and print out the receipt you are sent with the tax ID information on it.
You can also donate all year long by bringing or purchasing school supplies. If you are coming from overseas where school supplies are much less expensive, please purchase a backpack and fill it with light-weight items like glue sticks, scientific calculators, USB drives, blue, black or red pens, or packets of 24 colored pencils. Please no markers, crayons or notebooks. If you live in Playa and would rather spend your donation on school supplies, the items listed above are exactly what we need. A huge thank you to our sponsors this year who include: Chez Celine, The Plank Restaurant, and North American Standards Property Management.
06
BUSINESS & FINANCE
January 28-February 3, 2014
CURRENCY AND METALS
Pick yourof free copy
Available at the
ADO Bus Stations on 5th Avenue and 20th and 12th
DOLLAR Buy 13.15
Sale 13.75
DOLLAR CANADA Buy 11.96
Sale 12.29
POUND Buy 22.02
Sale 22.63
EURO Buy 18.16
Sale 18.66
YEN Buy 0.1297
Sale 0.1345
REAL Buy 5.48
Sale 5.63
PESO ARGENTINA Buy 1.65
Sale 1.70
SWISS FRANC Buy 14.82
Sale 15.24
* January 27 * Source Banco de México * Flags courtesy www.redpixart.com
HOME LIFE
January 28-February 3, 2014
07
Featured Property $299,999 USD $50k 2BR 2 ½ Bath Fully Furnished Condo Located In luxurious
Quadra Alea
*Walking distance to beach and 5th Ave. *Underground parking *24 hour security *Gymnasium *Fully furnished Calle 26 entre Ave. 10 y 20 norte
Contact: cathy@allmorrisons.com Owner: (984) 144-7264
TO ADVERTISE YOUR REAL ESTATE OR PROPERTY BUSINESS HERE PLEASE CONTACT sales@theplayatimes.com
TELEPHONE
984 147 2216
BY ELIZABETH URRAZA
F
Barro Negro Pottery
rom the Central Valleys of Mexico near Oaxaca City, stands the village of San Bartolo Coyotepec, the source of this magnificent Mexican pottery. “Barro negro” or black clay pottery dates back to Zapotec times around 500 BC to the present day, with people of the area continuing to work with this unique clay. The color is due to the clays properties
and it can take a month to extract the clay from the soil by soaking and settling and each piece can take up to three weeks to complete. During pre-Hispanic times the barro negro pottery was matte and grayish colored. In this form, the pottery was very durable. It wasn’t until the 1950’s when an artisan from San Bartolo Coyotepec, Doña Rosa Real discovered that polishing the clay with a curved quartz stone before firing at high temperatures gave it a stunning black or metallic sheen. This process has made the pottery more fragile but has also contributed to making it more popular to many markets around the world. A variety of objects are made from barro negro including pots, flutes, bells, masks, lamps, and animal figurines with the most commercial item being decorative storage jars for food or water. There is one type of jar called a “cantaro”, which is still made the traditional way and used to age and store traditional Oaxacan mezcal at many distilleries. In one form it is famously shaped in the
figure of a monkey, or “chango mezcalero”, which has become a high collectable item of folk art and is believed to have been created during the innovative development of the pottery by Doña Rosa Real and her family. Today this fine art has given Oaxaca worldwide fame.
theplayatimes~Agency
Mexico by design
08
HEALTH & BEAUTY
January 28-February 3, 2014
Get in touch with the benefits of massage
M
assage has been around for thousands of years and there is evidence that even the ancient Egyptians received massages, as depicted by tomb paintings dating back over 2300 years BC. However modern day massage techniques and development can be mostly accredited to the Swedish physical therapist Per Henrik Ling who pioneered the treatment in the mid 1800’s. Massage through the centuries has been applied as a therapy for various forms of physical injury and rehabilitation. Recent research reveals that while there have long been claims about the effects of massages, from releasing toxins to improving circulation, which are on the whole pretty unfounded, studies now show that a 45 minute session can reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, decrease the proteins that can cause allergic reactions as well as boost infection fighting white blood cells and lower blood pressure. However, even as the positives of therapeutic massage become indisputable, we come into contact with massage most often as a pampering treat or a vacation indulgence. Whether you have just arrived in Playa on an uncomfortable middle-seat flight or are looking to enjoy some serious downtime from a stressful job, a good massage will help you relax into the laid-back beach vibe. Massage here in Playa is readily available at various spots along 5th Street, the beach and at most hotels now offering the ubiquitous ‘Spa’ facilities. But however arbitrarily we may choose a massage therapist; prices and services can differ dramatically. How can you make sure you get a good massage?
Here are some knead to know tips. Personal recommendation. If a trustworthy friend or colleague raves about a recently received massage ask the details, techniques used, cleanliness of the facilities and ambiance before checking it out. Talk to the therapist. Explain your preferred technique, deep tissue, Swedish, or a lighter aromatherapy massage. Ask them if they are trained in any specific type of massage. During your massage it is totally acceptable to advise the masseuse on altering their strength or area of attention. Inform your masseuse of any problem areas or areas that you would prefer they avoid working on. Good therapists can usually find tight muscles or knots and work on them accordingly. Ask how many massages the therapist gives a day, making sure you’re not the 10th person. It takes a lot of physical exertion to deliver a massage. Top therapists limit themselves to six per day.
theplayatimes~Agency
BY E. FLORES
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 negative things for our health, smoking has to be at the top of the list. Other issues include eating badly, lack of exercise, excess alcohol, too much sugar, taking medications over a long period of time, allowing stress to remain in your life, and improper sleep patterns. As for positive 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 at least 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 are aligned you will have less pressure and pain together 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
HEALTH & BEAUTY
January 28-February 3, 2014
09
ADVERTORIAL
What can Ozone Therapy do for you? O
zone therapy is the use of ozone O3 gas for therapeutic purposes. O3 is a powerful oxidant as it is a tri-atomic, unstable oxygen. The aim of the therapy is to induce a transitory and controlled oxidative stress that stimulates our antioxidant system, cleansing us from free radical toxicity, and thus helping to reduce or prevent cellular damage from environmental oxidation due to dietary, chemical, respiratory, radioactive, and even electromagnetic sources. A biochemical chain reaction triggered by this controlled oxidation releases cytokines that modulate the immune system, reducing pain and inflammation, improving circulation and oxygenation, and induces a general state of well being by boosting endorphin circuits in the brain. It also has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can help treat many infectious diseases. Controlled but repeated exposure to this oxidative stress has recently being found to induce stem cell release from bone marrow and adipose tissue as a biological adaptation response. This could help explain the remarkable rejuvenating and regenerative effects of ozone, and it’s effectiveness in medical aesthetics.
Due to this wide range of effects, and despite being sidelined by large pharmaceutical companies; you can’t patent or bottle a naturally occurring, unstable gas, and even banned in the US by the FDA, O3 Therapy has grown over the world as a safe and effective treatment or co adjuvant in the management of many diseases. These indications comply with the Madrid Declaration of Ozone Therapy, a document that was signed in 2010 by most Ozone Therapy Associations from around the world, as well as by the International Scientific Committee for O3 Therapy (ISCO3) and is accepted as the international scientific and medical standard worldwide. This declaration also urges governments to regulate ozone therapy: it should be performed by scientifically and technically trained medical professionals, with tested and certified ultra pure ozone generators that use medical grade oxygen as a source and provide precise O3 concentrations. Used within proven dosages and applications ozone therapies rarely have any side effects. The contraindications for this therapy are limited to glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, severe anemia, acute or recent hemorrhage, and uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.
Food For Thought BY ARIELLE THOMAS NEWMAN Cookies, cakes, and chocolate – they all sound so good during the holidays. But come January, nothing appeals to me more than a bowl of steamed broccoli and brown rice. To bring your body back into balance after over indulgent eating and drinking, try incorporating these four health-promoting detox techniques to shrug off sluggishness and increase vitality. Drink Lemon Upon Rising
Water
Instead of reaching for coffee the first thing in the morning, try drinking an eight-ounce cup of warm purified water with fresh squeezed
lemon juice instead. Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C, which is an essential nutrient that boosts the immune system. Drinking warm lemon water aids the digestive system, helps purify the blood and can balance the pH level in your body, bringing it more into a more healthful alkaline state. There are less than 25 calories in this wake-up drink, but it packs a wallop of antibacterial properties and can help dissolve gall bladder stones and other calcium build- ups that are harmful to the body.
Note – it’s important to rinse your mouth thoroughly after drinking lemon juice to avoid damaging the enamel on your teeth. Pre-Wash Fruits and Vegetables In a perfect world, we would have ample access to organic produce in Playa del Carmen. Since that’s not the case, washing fruits and veggies is a sensible measure to reduce ingesting unwanted dust, mold, bacteria, and pesticides. You can make your own homemade natural wash by filling a spray bottle with equal parts purified water and white vinegar. Spray the mixture onto hard-skinned fruits and vegetables. Rub solution in with a scrub brush, then rinse. The acetic nature of the vinegar helps dissolve wax and pesticide residues. Soak more fragile edibles such as leafy greens in a bowl filled with equal parts of white vinegar and water for five minutes, then rinse.
Spice Things With Ginger
Up
Ginger is an effective anti-inflammatory remedy that has more than twelve types of anti-oxidants. It is used to fight fatigue, help with digestive disorders, and is even known as a natural aphrodisiac. Fresh-peeled ginger can be used in stirfry recipes, juices, and as an effective cold-remedy tea. To prepare the tea, cut ¼ cup of washed fresh ginger into medium disks. Place slices in a saucepan with one quart of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 15 minutes, checking water levels. Pour into a large mug, adding honey and lemon to taste, inhaling the aroma. Go Green Ease white food out of your diet: crackers, chips, and harmful sugar. Go with green foods: steamed broccoli, spinach, kale, and beet greens drizzled with cold-pressed olive oil. Accompany vegetables with cooked brown rice, quinoa, or a baked sweet potato and an arugula salad for a satisfying dinner, knowing that the energy you would normally use to
theplayatimes~Agency
BY DR. LUIS SUÁREZ
digest a heavier meal is now available for healing and rejuvenation. Bon appetit! This article is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Consult with your physician before embarking on any changes in your diet. Arielle Thomas Newman is a writer, certified yoga teacher, and former professional dancer. She has presented yoga classes, workshops, and yoga teacher training courses at her studio, Yoga By The Sea, in Playa del Carmen since 2001. You can find out more about her yoga classes at: www.morethanyoga.com
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January 28-February 3, 2014
NATURAL PLAYA
Annual fishing tournament of Playa del Carmen this Saturday
theplayatimes~Agency
BY GEMA GARCÍA
T
he 10th Pioneers Jigging Tournament of Playa del Carmen will be held on February 1st, where more than 80 national and international competitors from throughout the states of Mexico, as well as countries such as the United States and Costa Rica are expected to battle for landing the biggest fish. Juan Roberto Navarro Quiroz, coordinator of the tournament, said that this competition continues to be extremely successful since it began, when it was the first of its kind in Mexico. He explained that jigging is a Japanese technique which requires a remarkable physical effort and consists of letting the boat drift and casting a fishing lure called a jig to the bottom of the sea and then reeling it back, simulating a fish swimming to the surface. Larger fish species such as tuna, grouper or snapper, will get a higher score and fishermen who catch and release will also be rewarded. “Our aim is to promote the preservation of marine life that is why we also give prizes for the releases”, said Navarro. He underlined that the tournament has another goal, to encourage a return to past fishing traditions of Playa del Carmen: “One of our most important goals is to revive past customs, back in time at Playa del Carmen´s fishing tournament, people and tourists were invited to taste what was fished, so we have reinstated this, the catch will be cooked and shared with spectators”. He invited not only fishing enthusiasts to sign up but also encouraged everyone to go to Zenzi Beach Club on 8th St. and the beach on February 1st from 1pm to taste the freshest catch of the day. The competition begins
Juan Roberto Navarro Quiroz, coordinator of the tournament
Inspecting the catch at the 2013 tournament at 7 am and 40 boats are expected to go out. The prizes have not been made public at time of press, but at past events participants have had the chance to win motorcycles, cash and fishing tools financed by the tournament sponsors.
Triumphant fishermen during the last tournament in Playa del Carmen
ART & CULTURE
January 28-February 3, 2014
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2014 free Puerto Morelos Music Festival BY MARÍA MOROTE
S
Puerto Morelos. To date, music bands such as the Gabriel Palatchi Band (Argentina), MonteBong (Mexico), Taluna (Italy) or IandI (Mexico) have been confirmed. Del Valle said that there is no theme in choosing the artists; the festival will include all genres of music including jazz, reggae or rock as a sample of the varied cultural identity of the town and to offer something for everyone. The festival will have two stages, one of which is for bands that were selected by the civil association after they sent in their music demos. There will also be art and handicrafts exhibitions during the festival, all presented directly by the artists, showing exclusive local pieces and pro-
moting the art of the Puerto Morelos area. Artisans can reserve a stand for $150 peso and by contacting the coordinator of the arts exhibitions, Maricela Salas, on srmaricela@hotmail.com. Manuel del Valle underlined that there will be no food or drink vendors at the festival since it is an entirely artistic
and cultural event, whose aim is to benefit the town restaurants and shops whilst promoting cultural tourism. For more information consult www.puertomorelosfestmusic. com, which will be updated daily with news on the event, or visit the Facebook page “Festival de Musica de Puerto Morelos”.
theplayatimes~Agency
ince 2006 the three-day Puerto Morelos Music Festival has offered local and international artists a free venue in which to showcase their talents. The ninth festival will take place from February 27th to March 1st at Puerto Morelos Central Park on Tulum Avenue and Rafael E. Melgar Avenue from 5 pm to 11 pm. Manuel del Valle Prieto, coordinator of the festival, said in an interview with The Playa Times that it is produced by local musicians and volunteers and financed by sponsors, which are mostly local business, and by selling music CD’s and merchandising. All profits are donated to the
Culture House of Puerto Morelos, which is run by Natalia Ayala. Del Valle said that although the festival is completely free, all visitors may make contributions at the collection stands located at the Central Park during the festival. Festival organization volunteers will also be collecting donations throughout the festival weekend. The funds collected during the festival will be used for social and cultural projects. Del Valle explained that last year the money was set aside for a teenage pregnancy prevention program. This year they hope to raise enough money to build a rehearsal studio for local musicians at the new facilities of the Culture House, which is already under construction in
Puerto Morelos Music Festival, to be held in the Central Park from February 27th to March 1st.
theplayatimes~Agency
The Day of the Virgin of Candelaria BY GEMA GARCÍA Most Mexican religious celebrations have roots in European Catholicism, such as the Day of the Virgin of Candelaria celebrated on February 2nd. It is connected to the Three Kings celebration on the Epiphany, when the person who finds the baby Jesus figure in the traditional “Rosca de Reyes” cake, must supply the tamales and atole, a drink made of corn, for all the family on the day of the Virgin of Candelaria. The meaning and name of the Candelaria holiday celebration has changed over the centuries. It originated in the Middle East and began spreading to Western Europe and Rome during the 6th Century. The holiday is now known by different names such as “Presentation of the Lord”, “Purification of the Virgin Mary”, “Holiday of the Light” or “Holiday of the Candles”. The celebration is related to the biblical passage of the presentation of the infant Jesus at the temple of Jerusalem
and to the purification of the Virgin Mary after the birth of Jesus. In Mexico, the celebration of the Day of the Virgin of Candelaria mixes pre-Hispanic and European traditions. In many places, the parishioners take corn to the church in order to get it blessed before sowing their crops, since February 2nd coincides with the beginning of the Aztec agricultural cycle, when “tlaloque” rain gods were celebrated. In Central and Southern Mexico, an infant Jesus figure dressed in white is taken to the mass and blessed as a symbol of the Presentation. It is then placed in a special place where it will stay the rest of the year. Coyoacan in the State of Mexico, Zumpango del Rio in Guerrero, and La Candelaria in Campeche or Tlacotalpan in Veracruz are well known for their weeklong festivities in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria. In Quintana Roo this celebration is a mixture of the traditions brought by the immigrants coming from
Infant Jesus figures and tamales, two icons of the Day of the Candelaria all around Mexico, however the most common way to celebrate is the “tamaliza”, a reunion when everyone eats tamales and holds a family party.
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WEDNESDAY
ROCK CONCERT, bands from Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Le Lotus Rouge Cultural Centre, on 2nd St. and 35th from 8pm free entrance. FILM SHOWING “BITTER MOON” at 7pm at El Eden Art Garden on Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Watch Roman Polanski films every Wednesday for free. SUSTAINABLE USE OF WATER WORKSHOP at the Culture House of Coba from 9 am to 3 pm. For more information contact transicionplaya@gmail.com or 984 145 4875. BICINETA BIKE RIDES meeting every Wednesday at 8pm at the City Hall, Plaza 28 de Julio, on 8th St. and 15th Ave. Get to know the bike paths of Playa del Carmen and meet likeminded local bikers.
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THURSDAY
WAGGLE WALKS ever 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 Fifth Avenue 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.
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ENTERTAINMENT
January 28-February 3, 2014
FRIDAY
CUEVA QUEBRADA COZUMEL PROJECT LECTURE at 6pm at the auditorium of Playa del Carmen City Hall on Plaza 28 de Julio, on 8th Street and 15th Avenue. Organized by the Mayab Speleological Circle and given by explorer Steve Ormaid in English. Free entrance. PHOTOGRAPHY EXIBITION “LIVE TO DANCE” opening cocktails at 7pm at the Cultural Center of Playa del Carmen on 115th Ave. and Avenida Cruz de los Servicios. Patricio Pimienta photography. Free entrance. LAST DAY OF PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION from 9am to 8pm at Playa del Carmen City Hall on Plaza 28 de Julio, on 8th St. and 15th Ave. Photographs by Guillermo Muñoz. 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, handmade products, cosmetics, clothing and much more. MADRE TIERRA CULTURAL EVENT from 5pm to 12pm at Na Lu´Um Hostel on Constituyentes Ave. and Diagonal 85. Music, handicrafts and speeches. Free entrance.
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SATURDAY
10TH PIONEERS FISHING TOURNAMENT at 7am at Zenzi Beach Club on 10th St. and the beach. For more information contact info@elsabalocancun.com. Eat the catch of the day for free at the club from 13pm. FILM SHOWING “NORTEADO” at 7.30pm at La Ceiba Park on 1st St. South and 60th Ave. in Colonia Ejidal. Film directed by Rigoberto Perezcano. Original version in Spanish. CULTURAL WEEKENDS every Saturday from 6pm at Plaza 28 de Julio on 15th Ave and 8th St. Enjoy weekly street art performances and exhibitions. 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.
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SUNDAY
TRANSITION WEEK CLOSING EXHIBITION from 4pm to 9pm at Plaza 28 Julio on 8th St. and 15th Ave. Communities in Transition group will show the results of their ecological workshops. Free entrance. “MAYAN VOYAGE” PAINTING EXHIBITION from 4pm to 10pm at El Eden Art Garden on Constituyentes Ave. and 95 St. in Colonia Ejido. Paintings by Marcelo Jiménez Santos. Free entrance.
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MONDAY
ARENA INTERNATIONAL GAY FESTIVAL CLOSING PARTY at 10pm at Santanera club on 5th Ave. and 10th St. Listen to DJ’s Isaac Escalante and Saul Ruiz. $30 USD. More information on www.arena.mx. 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.
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TUESDAY
FLUTE MUSIC WORKSHOP every Friday from 4pm to 6pm and from 6pm to 8pm at Le Lotus Rouge, on 2nd St. and 35th Ave. $250 MXN to cover lessons. FREE TANGO LESSONS every Tuesday at 8pm at Be Playa Hotel´s roof on 26th St. and 10 Ave. Free tango lessons by Diego and Lucila. 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 MXN to cover materials.
DINING OUT
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January 28-February 3, 2014
BY E. FLORES
A
n invitation to John Gray’s Kitchen was all it took to motivate me to leave the plethora of Playa eateries in search of a new experience. Chef John Gray is well known for his previous restaurant locations “John Gray’s Downtown” in Cancun, and “John Gray’s Place”, which used to be situated in the, now sadly flat-lined, Calle Corazon in Playa del Carmen. The Kitchen is where it all began, quite literally, 12 years ago when John and his family first settled here in Puerto Morelos. Puerto Morelos is a 25-minute drive from Playa heading toward Cancun and is a quaint fishing village in the true sense of the word but is also a busy seaport. Often overlooked, to its advantage, this sleepy seaside town still has the laid back Caribbean feel that its urbane neighbors have been furiously refining over the past few decades. The Kitchen’s concept is a petit bistro with a casual ambience and a pretty outdoor patio. Upon entering we were greeted by John’s charming business partner and manager Dora, seated immediately and handed the wine list, my kind of place! I always choose a house wine, even if it’s not my favorite grape, as a general yards-
Fresh fish is the order of the day at John Gray's tick of what’s to come. The Chilean Muscatel Semillon was fruity and zippy and a complete surprise. The menu is adapted daily with no lack of things to choose from and plenty of fresh fish and seafood options, as you would expect from a true fishing village eatery. I can highly recommend the
shrimp and crab cakes with habanero mayo starter, which were unbelievably fresh, the mayo gutsy but not overpowering, and also the spicy soy marinated tuna with coleslaw that was a great marriage of chipotle smokiness and fermented soy. For an entree I choose the red snapper with lentil and chard and my partner the New York steak with garlic mash potato and asparagus. Warning! The portion sizes here are extremely generous, and even though I turned up ravenous, I was almost beaten. However snapper is one of my favorite fish and I resolutely finished my plate, together with my partner’s asparagus that was griddled to perfection, which in my opinion is the best way to make this spring veggie shine. We had also overzealously ordered a side of the cauliflower with red chile, which was cavalier to say the least, but a worthy side with a kick that would go with any dish. Having said that the portions were on the large size we still managed dessert, choosing a classic creme brulee and a brownie with ice cream. Dora’s mother Mary makes all the desserts, and mum’s do undoubtedly make the best puddings. They were triumphant and I topped off the evening with a cappuccino as I got chatting to Dora. I
theplayatimes~John Gray's
...off the eaten track
Sensational spicy soy marinated tuna don’t normally waste time describing coffee, but this was a work of art with the creamiest, frothiest top I’ve had since the Piazza della Rotonda. In conclusion, John Gray’s Kitchen is reason alone to escape to Puerto Morelos, an unpretentious haven where relaxed dining and good food come together, whether you want to enjoy a hand shaken cocktail, a lite lunch or a three course meal. The Kitchen is open Monday to Saturday from 8am for breakfasts until 9.30pm and Sunday 12 noon to 6pm and is situated on Avenida Niños Heroes, Puerto Morelos. Telephone 998 871 0665. Facebook John Gray’s Restaurant Group.
Restaurant review
John Gray’s Kitchen
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TAKE A BREAK
January 28-February 3, 2014
HOROSCOPES AQUARIUS JANUARY 20THFEBRUARY 18TH You could be in your element this week. This is an opportunity to get involved in deeply personal projects that have a creative element. Expect synchronicities to play a big part in your life.
MEMELAS INGREDIENTS
PISCES FEBRUARY 19THMARCH 20TH This is the time of year when it helps to slow down and take it easy. It's a chance to rest on all levels and do more meditation or reflection as a way to get in touch with your feelings and deeper thoughts. ARIES MARCH 21STAPRIL 19TH There's a sociable vibe that you might enjoy. It might help you connect with new folks who could be helpful in the future. You may be eager to work on other people's terms and consider their needs along with your own. TAURUS APRIL 20THMAY 20TH You seem to be getting into the swing of things in your career, as this week's lineup brings plenty of activity and opportunities to push ahead. Inspired ideas could come out of the blue. GEMINI MAY 21THJUNE 21TH Creativity and curiosity might work together to bring some fascinating experiences your way in the days ahead. There's a focus on expanding your horizons and generally moving outside your comfort zone. CANCER JUNE 22ND JULY 22ND Watch out for power struggles this week, especially in their initial stages. If you can discuss this or nip it in the bud now, you might be able to stave off a more complicated crisis. LEO JULY 23RD AUGUST 22ND Relationships seem to rock over the days ahead, with opportunities for a fun social life, new love, and mingling that can produce interesting results. Accept those personal or business invitations.
Ingredients for 16 memelas: 1 lb. tomatoes 2 fresh serrano chilies or 1 jalapeno chile 2 tablespoons chopped white onions 1 tsp. salt 1 tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup chopped fresh coriander 2 cups masa harina 1 ½ cups water 10 ounces queso fresco (Mexican fresh cheese) DIRECTIONS Sauce: Broil the tomatoes and green chile on both sides. Peel tomatoes and chiles, core tomatoes, puree with onion in a food processor with a little salt. Heat oil in frying pan over medium heat, pour in sauce, adding a little at a time until it thickens for 2-5 minutes. Add coriander. Memelas: Mix ½ tsp salt, 2 cups masa harina and 1 ½ cups of water with a wooden spoon. Turn into a nice dough.Divide into 16 pieces.
Heat frying pan over medium high heat. Roll out memelas to about 3" x 4" between sheets or parchment, wax paper or plastic. Fry 3-4 at a time until lightly golden on each side. If possible, shape them into little dishes with raised edges. Sprinkle cheese on each memela, spoon on sauce, heat them in a 350F oven for 2-3 minutes.
Recipe supplied by Xoco Restaurant 5th Avenue between 38th and 40th
info@xocolatier.com.mx Tel. 984 803 1750 facebook.com/xocolatier
CROSSWORD
VIRGO AUGUST 23RD SEPTEMBER 22ND You could be inspired to splurge on anything that can enhance your image. Investing in yourself might be one of the best things you can do, especially if it includes purchasing a gym membership. LIBRA SEPTEMBER 23RD OCTOBER 22ND Your creative talents could peak this week, so bust out the art or craft materials or anything else that gets you in the mood to express yourself. Play music, dance, and have a ball! SCORPIO OCTOBER 23RD NOVEMBER 21ST Get ready for a feeling. If you feel rather weepy, it might help to let go and let it flow. You might feel much better as result. You may also feel like escaping to somewhere peaceful. SAGITTARIUS NOVEMBER 22NDDEC 21ST You may enjoy getting involved in community projects, teamwork, and being a part of things. There seems to be a real buzz in the air that you might find very stimulating. CAPRICORN DECEMBER 22NDJANUARY 19TH Thoughts about spending money you have could be very much on your mind this week. A focus on your personal financial zone suggests you may have some inspired ideas about how to earn extra cash.
LAST WEEK'S SOLUTION
CLASSIFIEDS
January 28-February 3, 2014
Classifieds
FIND ME A HOME
MISSY
RESTAURANTS 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.
Missy is an adorable four year old cat looking for a permanent home, as her guardians are unfortunately leaving Playa. Missy was rescued as a kitten from the jungle and is a highly intelligent, loving animal with a gift for playing soccer! She is fully inoculated and spayed.
RESTAURANTE PATANEGRA. Delicious homemade Spanish food. Try the best tapas, paellas, cold cuts and more at our charming terrace. Fine selection of Spanish red and white wines. On 26th St. between Avenues 10 and 15. 984 877 0701. Facebook Restaurante Patanegra.
If you would like to offer Missy a home, please contact Cheryl on 984 100 3889 or email teedoffmexico@gmail.com
THE WEEKLY
G D tip
MEDICAL & DENTAL
Choosing the Right Dog for You Choosing the right dog generally means identifying the type of animal who matches your lifestyle. If you live alone in a small thirdfloor apartment adopting a large, active retriever-mix might not be the best choice. Learn about various breeds, visit with animals at a shelter and speak with shelter managers for advice. While you're at the shelter, keep in mind that it is a stressful place for any animal. Quite often, a dog's true colors won't show until he's away from other animals and the shelter environment. So even if you walk past a kennel with a dog who isn't vying for your attention, don't count him out.
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You may want to select a puppy as your new companion. However, young dogs usually require much more training and supervision than more mature dogs. Every dog certainly deserves a lifelong home. That's why you should take the time to make a thoughtful choice. After all, you're choosing a pal likely to be with you 10 to 15 years, or even longer.
OFFSHORE HEALTH BENEFITS LTD. Global medical insurance and air ambulance For expatriates throughout Latin America. Access to top-rated hospitals throughoout Mexico, USA, Europe and beyond. 25% discount through The Caribbean Expatriate Medical Group No application or agent fees. Vonage (USA) 512 296 4976 www.offshorehealthbenefits.com BOKANOVA DENTAL CENTRE Cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics ENGLISH SPOKEN Plaza Paraiso 10th Avenue South, near the entrance to Playacar Playa del Carmen. Telephone 984 803 1043 www.bokanova.mx MD PLAYA MEDICAL Walk-in clinic Specialists in endocrinology, cardiology, general medicine, psychiatry, orthopedics and trauma, dermatology, gynaecology and obstetrics, children's medicine. Plaza Paraiso Caribe 5th Street between Avenues 10 & 15 For appointments call 984 803 0648 info@mdplaya.com www.mdplaya.com SUFFERING FROM HEARING LOSS? Missing out on conversation?
Audifonos del Sureste are stockists of Starkey hearing aids 18 months guarantee and servicing available. Telephone 984 169 5375, English spoken www.audifonosdelsureste.com.mx GENERAL SERVICES ECOMECANICA AUTO REPAIR SHOP 29th Street South Mza 299 Lt. 2 Colonia Ejidal, Playa del Carmen Telephone 984 803 9926 info@ecomecanica.com www.ecomecanica.com VACATION RENTALS, HOTELS & APARTMENTS NORTH AMERICAN STANDARDS PROPERTY SERVICES Management, rentals and sales at their best. Playa del Carmen, Mexico. CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY! 984 873 3548. website: rentals@nasplaya.com OASIS 12 Luxury Boutique Condominiums OPEN HOUSE MON to SAT 11am - 3pm 20th Avenue & 12th Street Telephone 984 111 3164 www.area-international.com CONTACTS & PERSONALS ROTARY CLUB PLAYA DEL CARMEN SEASIDE English speaking Weekly meetings at Barro Negro Restaurant 38th Street and Flamingo Street Tuesdays 12.30pm Visitors are welcome, for more information email kwdoug1@yahoo.com NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS English spoken Tuesdays and Fridays 5.30pm. Spanish spoken Monday to Friday 7pm. 35th Avenue and 34th Street, Playa del Carmen info@naplaya.com TRAVEL & TRANSPORT TAXI SERVICES 24 hour service throughout Playa del Carmen and Cancun TELEPHONE: 984 877 3858 / 3859 / 3860