November 13 - 19, 2013
www.theplayatimes.com
Opening a bank account in Mexico
BY CARLOS UNDERWOOD
C
urrently over 5,614 foreigners have valid work visas and 7,378 companies, public institutions and non-governmental organization are permitted to hire foreign workers here in Mexico, so thousands of foreign people, active or retired, will require a national bank account in order to make bank transactions and use national bank services. Besides these foreigners working in Mexico, there are thousands of visitors coming from abroad that need to use the financial system in order to save, mobilize and invest their money. However, only those who have a ‘resident visa’ are able to gain access to Mexican bank services. The delegate of the National Commission for the Defense of Financial Institutions Users (Condusef) in Quintana Roo, Rafael del Moral González, explained that foreigners who have a temporary or working visa, as well as a valid passport and a document that proves they live in Mexico will be able to open an account in a bank of their choice having the same rights of any rightful claimant. Anyone coming from abroad interested in opening a bank account must have, without exception, the official document issued by the National Institute of Migration (INM) that legally confirms their right to stay in the country. “It is easy to open an account as a foreigner. All they need is a passport, a visa and a valid document with their address on it. Generally banks ask for a deposit of one thousand pesos. People who have a job or a residence in Mexico have the right to open a bank account and have the rights of any rightful claimant, which are respected”.
He said that occasionally Condusef Quintana Roo receive complaints from resident foreign people who disagree with some bank services, but most of them, explained Del Moral, are resolved. “If they have a Mexican bank account, their complaints can be solved. We have very few complaints. They usually ask for a consultancy with us, but very few of them become a formal complaint”, underlined Del Moral. He said that although the owner of any account may be a foreigner, national banks only work with Mexican pesos since only legal entities (companies) can make transactions in dollars, which means that if a Mexican company is managed by a foreign resident investor its bank transactions can be made with dollars. “Only companies are allowed to deposit dollars, a foreign resident will not be able to do that”, he underlined.
Del Moral said that those interested in opening a bank account must go to the bank of their choice and complete the requested application documents. Main types of bank accounts available in Mexico are: checking, savings,
investment, payroll and offshore accounts, among others. For further information, contact 998 884 47 62, free line 01 800 999 8080 or email qrcond@condusef.gob. mx
Theplayatimes~
Weekly, Year 01, Number 07, 10,000 Copies, 16 Pages
02
EDITORIAL
Nov. 13-19 2013
DIRECTORY
Solomon Freimuth Managing Director solomon@theplayatimes.com Omar Tornel Managing Editor omar@theplayatimes.com Gema García Chief Reporter gema@theplayatimes.com Rocio Chávez Marketing Director rocio@theplayatimes.com
Mario Jiménez Distribution Director distribucion@theplayatimes.com
Contact Us At:
www.theplayatimes.com info@theplayatimes.com theplayatimes @theplayatimes 984-147-6515
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.
Editorial ‘Movember’ is an annual event that encourages men around the world to grow a moustache during the month of November, raising awareness about the prevention of prostate and testicular cancer and general men’s health issues, which is why you may have spotted a moustache on our front page! Last month was ‘Pinktober’ and we featured a pink ribbon in support of the annual breast cancer awareness campaign. ‘Movember’ was first initiated in Australia during 2003 when a group of young people from Melbourne had the idea of letting their mustaches grow to support a friend who was suffering from prostate cancer. Today there are participants around the world, organizing funds raising events and contributing to men's health globally. In this weeks issue of The Playa Times we find out about the historical heritage of Playa del Carmen’s docks, (page 3) and the local fisherman who founded this city 111 years ago (page 5). This Friday sees the third week of a new local community market at Coco Beach, the brainchild of local residents who wished to increase the availability of homemade, affordable organic and locally produced goods (page 4). If you to prefer getting back to nature, then Barna Takats takes us off the beaten track with an incredible tour of the Kantemo caves (page 8). One not to miss is the alternative gastronomic ‘taco tour’ in this weeks Dining Out and news on the much anticipated foodie event, Taste of Playa, (pages 11 and 12). If you have any upcoming community events or news, please let us know so that we may include them in upcoming editions of The Playa Times. Please email info@theplayatimes.com
TPT Weather WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
82/73 F Chance of T-Storms 70% Chance of precipitation
81/75 F Chance of T-Storms 70% Chance of precipitation
FRIDAY 82/75 F Chance of T-Storms 50% Chance of precipitation
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
84/79 F Chance of T-Storms 70% Chance of precipitation
85/59 F Chance of T-Storms 50% Chance of precipitation
86/66 F Average: 82/72 Precip: 0.36
87/64 F Average: 82/72 Precip: 1.41
COMMUNITY
Nov. 13-19 2013
PLAYAʼ’S PIERS,
connecting paradise Theplayatimes~Gema Garcia
BY GEMA GARCÍA
E
very day approximately 4,000 people pass through the public dock of Playa del Carmen and 120,000 people monthly disembark from Cozumel. Since its construction it has connected two of the most popular tourist spots in the Caribbean, Cozumel, ‘the island of the swallows’, and Playa del Carmen, in the heart of the Riviera Maya. Currently, two ferry companies operate daily round trips from the public dock next to Fundadores Park on Quinta Avenida. This is an
easy 30-minute connection for travelers from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel and a route that has definitely contributed to the growth of the city since the first settlers came to Playa
del Carmen. The public dock is Playa del Carmen’s most important maritime portal, but not the only pier, as a few meters to the North there are two more
docks. The first one is on ‘El Recodo’, or ‘The Curve’ beach, a name given by the fishermen due to is sweeping shape. It is a wooden structure, built in order to make the work of the fishermen easier and to offer an alternative place to embark and disembark. However, due to the changing climate, high swells and the occasional intense this dock is not open. Despite this, it is still in use as an enjoyable promenade, where visitors can take in the vista of the beaches of Playa, and refreshing onshore breeze. Over 500 meters further on from El Recodo, at the end of Avenida Constituyentes, there is a third dock which is used as a second ferry terminal for extra transport services between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen. It is planned that larger vessels will use the pier after some improvements are carried out, so Playa del Carmen would be able to receive cruise
03
ships from all over the world, currently all visiting cruise lines only dock at Cozumel and very few of their passengers visit Playa del Carmen. The Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) regulates the dock facilities together with the Harbor Master, who is in charge of allowing the boats to operate daily after checking the weather conditions are appropriate for various sized vessels. Semarnat also regulates the boat traffic with the aim of preserving marine flora and fauna and to prevent harm to the aquatic ecosystem. The federal government has announced that $62,000,000 MXP will be set aside during the next six years in order to improve the Mexican port systems and to improve services. Despite the public dock facilities that are currently being remodeled, departure and arrival schedules are mot affected between Cozumel and Playa del Carmen.
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LOCAL NEWS
Nov. 13-19 2013
Coco Beach Local Market BY GEMA GARCÍA
market are mostly the organizers’ friends and parents that met through their children’s schools. Contributors from the United States, France and Mexico have come together in an international effort to bring affordable organic products to local buyers. In order to offer a wider range of products, Anja Scharfer said that anyone who would like to sell their homemade or homegrown products at the organic market is welcome. “We are open to more stall holders, whilst continuing to keep the concept of being a small community market. We do not wish to be competitive amongst each other, so each vendor offers different products. What we really need now are fruit and vegetables. Here in the Peninsula it is so hard to find them because vegetables are hard to grow here, and we don’t want to import them because that means adding to the supply chain and food miles”. Currently shoppers can visit the market every Friday, but if the project continues to grow then it may add more opening times. For further information contact lifeisgood@alizesplaya. com or check the Facebook page ‘Riviera Maya Events’, where the organizers will update the produce currently available at the market.
T
he Coco Beach Friday Market concept is a welcomed new option for residents and visitors wanting to buy healthy, fresh, artisanal products with a taste of home here in Playa del Carmen. The organic market is held at the Alizes apartment building, located on Avenida CTM and Calle Flamingo. A group of residents initiated the project with a mission to change the communities eating and buying habits and to encourage healthier lifestyles based on a natural diet, whilst also supporting local producers. Every Friday from 9 to 11am the market sells organic, handmade and gluten-free bread, baked goods, quiches, desserts, fresh yoghurt, juices, fresh herbs, organic eggs as well as other organic produce, cosmetics, spices, and handicrafts all locally made and sold at a fair price. Speaking to The Playa Times, Anja Schafer, one of the organizers of the new market project said, “We need people to understand the importance of a better and healthier diet and we want to show them that it is not necessarily expensive. We try to establish fair prices and have no distributors, which helps, since products come directly from those who made them”. She regretted that currently
North America and Mexico have the highest obesity rates in the world, which is reason alone for a change of diet. “We all need to focus on healthier diets but above all we also need to educate our children. That will help them to live better, healthier and happier lives, avoiding diet and lifestyle related diseases in the future”. She said that currently the people who attend the new
The increasingly high demand for fruit and vegetables, intensive farming methods, as well as the use of agricultural chemicals, has created some of the most contaminated products ever, as well as destroying biodiversity. Anja Scharfer Organizer of Coco Beach Market
BY E. FLORES Mexico is estimated to have more than 110,000 organic farmers, considered the greatest number in any country of the world. More than 90% of these growers farm on less than 9 acres and sell their products collectively. The majority of Mexico’s organic farmers grow for the export market with 90% of the organic food grown in Mexico being raised for export. The majority of Mexico’s organic farmers grow for the export market out of necessity, as there is a lack of demand for domestic organics in Mexico. Many farmers have expressed their frustration at the lack of domestic demand for their products, which stems from minimal consumer education and awareness of the higher price. However, the rise of organic food production in Mexico has been a very healthy development for farmers and the people of the Mexican farming communities. In a release, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Rural Development, Fisheries and Food (SAGARPA) said 85% of organic production was destined for export,
but the local organic market had also been growing at a significant rate. Jesús Ortiz Haro, secretary of government organization Impulso Orgánico Mexicano, said the number of organic growers had risen from 33,587 to 169,570 in the last decade, while the organic crop surface area had risen from 85,676ha to 351,904ha. Consequently, organics have grown into a multi-million dollar industry here in Mexico. However there are at least 15 different organic certification agencies operating in Mexico. The National Organic Program (NOP) has been recognized and enforced since October 2002, when the United States implemented the Organic Food Production Act. In February 2006, the Mexican government published its own Law of Organic Products and with similar regulations. Understandably it can be confusing to consumers when making their choices with these numerous certifications. Imported USDA Organic products are found here in stores, however at greatly inflated prices. Even though the clarity with Mexico’s organic produce
Theplayatimes~
Mexico´s growing organic farms
seems unclear, the consumer can be assured that any product from Mexico imported to
the US must reach the same standards as USDA approved products, so one may assu-
me that the different stamps one may come across here are highly likely to be organic to the USDA Organic standard. Purchasing fresh organic produce in Mexico can sometimes be a grey area, as it can be anywhere, when we must put our trust in honest labeling and the retailer’s awareness of the supply chain. It is true that some farmers may use chemicals when they should not. But more often, contamination comes from the soil where toxic chemicals like DDT or DDD was used decades ago and these chemicals will remain in the soil for decades to come. Chemical cross contamination can also happen between organic and non-organic farms and even in distributors storage rooms. However, on all produce you buy, simply washing your food can remove about 50 percent of chemical residues. Consumers should also be aware about the difference between ‘100% natural’ and ‘organic’ labeled products. Do not assume that a store calling itself organic sells exclusively organically certified products. As always check the label and ask staff. The more consumers do this, subsequently the more aware retailers will need to be about the origins of their products and be accountable for labeling.
LOCAL NEWS
05
Theplayatimes~
Nov. 13-19 2013
Playa del Carmen’s fishermen BY GEMA GARCÍA
S
ince the first settlers arrived in Playa del Carmen over one hundred years ago, the beach resort has been characterized by fishing, one of the areas most important economic revenues thanks to the abundance fish in these waters. To find out more about the industry, The Playa Times spoke to local fisherman Herminio Chanona who still practices this ageold profession, adapting his methods and business as the area continues to develop and change. Herminio Chanona, member of the Cooperative Mar Caribe, has been a fisherman for 30 years. He has received both national and international awards and has visited waters around the world looking for the best places to do what he does best, fishing. “In contrast to other neighboring regions, the first settlers of Playa del Carmen did not develop agriculture or ranching. People depended 100% on revenues from fishing, which has changed greatly through years”. Herminio Chanona told us that in the 1960’s there was no ice supplies to keep the fish fresh so fishermen salted their catch instead, which then consisted mainly of snapper, grouper, and dogfish. “Fishing had a long production process of catching, preparation and being sold, since fishermen had to wait for 10 or 15 days for a buyer ”. He said that then the fishing industry was such a large part of the economy that they worked hard to develop and sustain it. During the 1970’s, they began to build corrals, which were wooden containers placed in the seawater in order to keep the catch alive, so when buyers arrived, fresh fish were guaranteed. “The few restaurants that existed
The few restaurants that existed then served totally fresh fish since they went to the corrals to choose their fish. Herminio Chanona Member of the Cooperative Mar Caribe then served totally fresh fish since they went to the corrals to choose their fish. When they saw how effective the corral method was, the salt processing finished”, remembered Herminio Chanona. As the years went by, fish prices changed also. In the 1960’s a kilo of fish was 70 cents, in the 1980’s it rose to eight pesos, and so the price continued to rise. Now the prices are stable but depend on the type of catch and the season. As in every industry there are also darker moments “In the 1980’s the consumption of grouper eggs became popular, which created a serious problem for the fishing community and especially for the marine environment. It caused a radical drop in the number of grouper, which was also then due the lack of a closed fishing season. When fishermen captured the fish and harvested the eggs, the unwanted fish were then thrown back in to the sea”. This trend led to a continued drop in grouper as it destroyed the species genetic memory to return to its spaw-
ning ground. “The species did not become extinct but the fish left the area in order to survive. A fish does not run away because it is “afraid” of dying, but because they will not be able to reproduce, when we catch a fish, they first drop their eggs in to
the sea. It is their natural instinct”. Since the 1990’s fishing techniques have changed and commercial and sport fishing began. Currently according to each season and each species the fishing techniques may change, which also means regulating the catch of certain species, depending on the season. At the present time there are over 250 fishermen working in Playa del Carmen. “A lot of people from Tabasco, Veracruz, Chiapas and Oaxaca come here, they practice sport or commercial fishing. We still live by fishing, although as in many jobs we also depend on the weather and nature”. Playa del Carmen continues to be a fishing town, as it was more than 100 years ago, when a few families saw in this paradise a place where they could earn a living from the natural resources, whilst respecting the environment and adhering to marine fishing code and law.
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COMMUNITY
Nov. 13-19 2013
Continued education for taxi drivers Theplayatimes~
BY GEMA GARCÍA
I
n order to assist the families of the Lázaro Cárdenas Taxi Drivers Union, on November 7th, Jacinto Aguilar Silvarán, general secretary of the union, signed an agreement with the Universidad del Sur, enabling union members’ children to receive further education. Milton Baza Rodríguez, academic secretary of Universidad del Sur at the Playa del Carmen campus, said that the taxi drivers’ children would qualify for a 44% discount on their enrollment rate. Also, if any union members wanted complete their studies to any level, the university will provide teaching sessions. During the signing of the agreement at the taxi driver’s union office building, the foundations were laid for continued mutual support through education. Currently, more than 20 students benefit from the agreement, and the registration for the next university year, beginning in February, has started. As a part of the agreement, students will carry out their university internships at the institution itself, which will give them the qualifications and skills
Jacinto Aguilar Silvarán, general secretary of Lázaro Cárdenas Taxi Drivers Union (left) required as professionals when graduating. The event concluded with a group photograph representing the agreement and Universidad del Sur badges were placed on the taxis also as a part of the program. Finally, Milton Baza Rodríguez said that these kind of agreements are formed as local government education is insufficient, which has led to private universities increasing their rates due to the
increased demand, which has then excluded many families. He mentioned that there are many students who cannot cover these fees, so there are an increasing number of people in Playa del Carmen unable to continue their education. The agreement will make it possible for the union members to complete their education and enable their children to have a better chance at receiving a college degree.
Mexico´s first disabled access beach here in Playa Theplayatimes~
BY GEMA GARCÍA
I
n order to assist the families of the Lázaro Cárdenas Taxi Drivers Union, on November 7th Aguilar Silvarán, general secretary of the union, signed an agreement with the Universidad del Sur, enabling union members’ children to receive further education. Milton Baza Rodríguez, academic secretary of Universidad del Sur at the Playa del Carmen campus, said that the taxi drivers’ children would qualify for a 44% discount on their enrollment rate. Also, if any union members wanted complete their studies to any level, the university will provide teaching sessions. During the signing of the agreement at the taxi driver’s union office building, the foundations were laid for continued mutual support through education. Currently, more than 20 students benefit from the agreement, and the registration for the next university year, beginning in February, has started. As a part of the agreement, students will carry out their university internships at the institution itself, which will give them the qualifications and skills In the Riviera Maya, there are several associations that
are working toward creating an alternative and inclusive tourist destination where physically impaired visitors can have better access to tourist areas and pursuits. Jesús Tosca Torres, the president of the association “La Capacidad Nos Une” (Ability Joins Us), says that they are providing tourist agencies with new possibilities in order to offer rappelling, zip-lines and watersport services for physically impaired people. Jesús Tosca Torres is the founder of the association and since 2005 he has run it in co-
llaboration with people who are also physically impaired. However, far from limiting them, their impairments have challenged and inspired them to work toward improving other people’s quality of life. Last March saw the opening of Mexico’s first beach area adapted for the disabled. This area has watersports, deck chairs, sun umbrellas, as well as adapted sea access and showers. “We have found many tourists are very happy to be able to have a bathe or swim in the sea thanks to these bea-
ch facilities, since it would be impossible for them under normal circumstances”, said Jesús Tosca Torres. “Alternative tourism pursuits should also be focused toward disabled people. We have asked tourist agencies to adapt some of their tours because we think rappelling, watersports and zipline tours must also be available to those with physical impairments. We would support them by offering to train their staff so they can add this extra service to their tours”. He added that they have also in-
vited hotels to include rooms adapted for disabled people. On Mondays and Wednesdays the association offers breakfast for people with any disability, such as visual impairments, speech or hearing disorders, developmental disabilities, Down syndrome, and physical disabilities amongst others. “We know that many people are alone and lack support, we understand what they are going through because we have already been through this, so we will try to support them in any way we can. We depend on particular and private companies help, as well as on other associations’ help. Thanks to them we have been able to provide wheelchairs to many people, improving their quality of life through increased mobility”. The breakfast area of the association “La Capacidad Nos Une” is open every Monday and Wednesday on Avenida 28 de Julio, Colonia La Toscana, from 7.30 to 9am. Those interested in knowing more about the association, as well as those wishing to make donations, can contact Jesús Tosca Torres on 984 127 02 11, email lic_jesustosca@hotmail.com or via the Facebook page “La capacidad nos une desayunador”.
COMMUNITY
07
Nov. 13-19 2013
NEW SOCIAL AND PUBLIC WORK
programs for Solidaridad
Theplayatimes~
BY GEMA GARCÍA
G
overnment programs planned by the mayor, Mauricio Góngora Escalante, will promote social and public works benefiting all the community of Solidaridad. It will also improve the support for the more vulnerable sectors of society. The treasurer of the local government, Gabriel Castro Cárdenas, said that the new modification of the existing law governing the use of public funds was initiated to make more effective use of the services provided by the local government, in respect of the parameters of control, austerity and discipline within the local governmental budget. The community will immediately benefit by paying their own taxes through a new simplified system that includes a new electronic payment system, licenses, permissions and authorization issue improvements and updated computer systems, making it easier for taxpayers. The treasurer of Solidaridad said that several new programs will also allow defaulters to become up to date with their tax payments, such as 25% off the ‘impuesto predial’ (the tax applied on personal properties) and the cancellation of the payment related to the use of the public thoroughfare, in the case of business owners with properties on Quinta Avenida. Castro Cárdenas added that providing more social support is the basis of mayor Mauricio Gongora’s administration, so the government of Solidaridad will set aside over $1,380,000 MXP from the federal and the state government, for social projects. The Public Services Office of Solidaridad will benefit directly with new waste collection trucks and equipment for the waste management staff. Over $420,000,000 MXP will also be set aside for paving, public lighting, sidewalks, green areas, drains, parks and for finishing incomplete constructions. In relation to public security and traffic control, police vehicles will be provided as well as better equipment for police officers in order to increase the protection of citizens, visitors and businesses, with and aim to stimulate tourism and business and financial investments in the region. Local government will also invest more money in the local sports infrastructure by building domes on public sports fields, thus promoting the practice of sports for all. The programs dedicated to young
people will also be intensified in order to improve their relationship and role within society and to promote a healthy young population, by investing in cultural, sports and prevention programs. The government of Solidaridad will earmark resources for the National System for Integral Family Development (DIF) Solidaridad, as well as for the Institute of Sports and the Institute of Youth in order to improve the standard of living within the general community and particularly, of the more vulnerable sector, which is the main focus for Mauricio Góngora Escalante’s administration.
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LOCAL NEWS
Nov. 13-19 2013
Theplayatimes~
The hanging snakes
of Kantemo BY BARNA TAKATS
A
fter a four-hour drive from Playa del Carmen to the middle of the Yucatan Peninsula you find a little village, no more than a few houses, called Kantemo. Not many people have heard of this place, so if you find yourself there it means you are the adventurous type who is truly travelling the back roads of Mexico. If you are not prepared for some extreme nature experience, there is not much to see here for the average tourist, but if you are looking for one of the most amazing and bizarre shows nature can offer in this world, you just won the lottery. A protected, dense forest surrounds Kantemo and in this forest you will find the famous ‘Bat Cave’. Five species of bats are living here, around a million or so in total, but this is not the main attraction. This is just the starter, quite literally! There are hundreds if not thousands of Tropical Rat Snakes (Elaphe flavirufa) living inside the cave, uniquely adapted to the eternal darkness and which feeding exclusively on the bats. Meanwhile, everywhere else on the peninsula, these snakes live in
BY MARIO ZABALETA Probably many of you, who are reading this article, are already aware that the Riviera Maya is not only just a beautiful place for relaxing under the sun, but that is also an incredible habitat where unique biodiversity arises all around us. An intense blue sea limits the fine white sand of the beaches on one side, and an exuberant green jungle the other. This combination forms a distinctive natural ecosystem where both parts support each other. For example, the preservation of the Caribbean reef depends in turn on the preservation of the mangrove. There is also one more natural collaborator in this symbiosis, the freshwater aquifer. Running under our feet, it is a huge natural river system with a network over the whole Yucatan Peninsula, constituting one of the most important freshwater resources of the world. Connected to the sea and the mangrove, it is the only source of fresh water in the Peninsula and creates one of the most outstanding places of the world. For millions of years, rainwater filtered through the calcareous stone that forms the bedrock of the Yucatan Peninsula until it arrived at
the forest and prey on rodents and other small animals, but the snakes of Kantemo however, have developed a unique, effective and extremely comfortable hunting technique. They simply wait until the sun goes down and the bats start to fly out for feeding. Over one hundred bats leave the cave every second, so the smaller passages can become very congested. The snakes simply stretch their bodies down from the ceiling, where they also hang, and wait for the unlucky individual, to quite literally, fly into their mouths. As soon as they grab the bat, they roll themselves around the fragile body and quickly end the struggle by constriction. Then the new struggle starts, usually a much longer struggle: swallowing a bat that is much bigger than the snakes open mouth. Okay, so this is what’s happening in the cave, but what can you – the adventure seeker - expect to see, and how? A small community based association, that also provides
t h e guides and transportation, protects the forest and cave. From here you go on a bike - that’s right, biking in the jungle. The real adventure starts after you arrive at the cave entrance. By this time it is getting darker, and the bats are just waking when you enter. The first part of the cave is huge, at least twenty meters high. This is where you wait until it is dark outside and the bats start their daily spree. Soon bats are everywhere, you can feel and hear them around. This is what you were waiting for; you turn on the headlights and enter the cave’s deeper rooms through very tight corridors, where you sometimes end up crawling on hands and knees. Bats are bumping into you, there is not enough space for all of you in the tighter parts. But you just
keep going deeper, it is hot, it is uncomfortable but also as exciting as any nature encounter can get. Your guide suddenly turns back and whispers; “Turn off your lights, there is a snake!” you change to the red color light, so you will not disturb the scene you came to witness. If you are lucky you see the whole action from start to finish, or maybe you just the snakes waiting and next thing you know they are already trying to swallow its victim. But for sure you will see snakes, and not any snakes: snakes in a cave, eating bats, whilst hanging from the ceiling. Can it get better than this? Yes it can. With some luck you can also find Variable Coral Snakes (Micrurus diastema) in the cave (they do not feed on the bats, they just hide here). This place is also famous for its special fresh water fauna, which is uniquely adapted to the dark and harsh environ-
Secrets of the Mayan cenote the underground rivers, also over this time the temperature of the earth changed. The filtrations during this age reached a very deep level, slowly creating a wonderful decoration of stalagmites and stalagmites at the time human and animal presence began trespassing in to the darkness. After the last glaciation the sea level rose again, trapping freshwater and conserving this huge world of tunnels and underwater system just as they were millions of years ago. Posterior collapses of some of the roof structures created windows or doors that became entrances to a world of pristine and extremely blue waters. For the Mayan people these were sacred places called D´zonots, or cenotes to us. Huge lagoons, petite swimming pools, long rivers that go into the jungle, these are some of the descriptions you could use when trying to describe these hidden treasures. All these descriptions
work, but there is a whole lot more to these cenotes. The Yucatan peninsula is the largest underwater cave system of the world, the huge and richly decorated passages have been explored over last 20 years, and today they have been mapped to 18,000 feet below the surface. Scientists have found unique species that had previously only been found in one other location. Archaeologists have discove-
red human and animals bones from the Ice Age, which are currently changing the previous historians and archaeologists theories on prehistoric life here in the Yucatan. Mayan artifacts discovered at the cenotes have helped us understand more about their lost culture and belief systems. Last but not least, they are also one of the best places in the world to go swimming, in the clear, fresh, transparent and quiet waters. Can we just be proud of the natural environment we have around us? Not really, this great ecosystem is constantly under threat. The rising population, the never ending construction all around us, how waste is processed and an “it's easier to ask forgiveness than get permission” attitude is reaching a point of no return. With this in its mind, the Círculo Espeleológico del Mayab, A. C. (Mayab Speleolo-
ment. After the cave you have the choice of returning to town or continuing on the bike to a nearby lake. The lake is a great place to get very close to Morelet’s Crocodiles from a small boat. No luxury here, as with the bike, you power your own transport on the lake as well, paddles in the hand, cameras around the neck. After the crocodile encounter you can explore a little with a strong flashlight, there is always a chance of spotting something cool: tarantulas, scorpions and different species of snakes are all living in this area. After the long, physically and mentally tiring day nothing is better than to fall asleep in a tent listening the loud but calming noises of the forest. If you have any questions for Barna about the wildlife of the Yucatan Peninsula or about local eco tours, you can write to him at barna.takats@gmail. com, or call 984 157 8531. gical Circle) was created a year ago as a civil association formed by people with great experience in the cenotes. The circle focuses on three concepts; exploration, by mapping and investigating what is inside cenotes. Education, through courses and workshops opened to everybody who wants to join. Diffusion, holding conferences for those who want to be involved, or just who are curious about learning more. Once it was created, the association started monthly conferences, free and open to the public in general and usually held in the auditorium of Playa del Carmen City Hall. If you would like to join us please feel welcome to drop by and help us in trying to protect the cenotes and aquifer. If you are interested in attending an association meeting and finding out more, Mario Zabaleta is a member of the Círculo Espeleólogico del Mayab. Originally from Spain, he has lived in Playa del Carmen since 1991 and is a PADI and SSI Diving Instructor and a NACD Cave Diver. He works and leads tours in the cenotes at Paamul Scuba-Mex. Contact him on mariozabaleta@hotmail. com or call 9841416237.
COMMUNITY
Nov. 13-19 2013
Metabolic Diseases: Diabetes Mellitus
BY DR. FRANCISCO AGUIRRE
T
he Mexican Caribbean has excellent places to go on vacation, beauties that are worth the effort of traveling across oceans to know, and where you may enjoy relaxing in a paradise such as the Riviera Maya. Nevertheless, for those who are lucky to live here, local diet, excessive work, stress, as well as habits such as smoking and a sedentary lifestyle can irreversibly ravage their health. Metabolic diseases are amongst the most serious, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, high uric acid or gout, high level of lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) and overweight/obesity. Due to the growth of these diseases in Quintana Roo, we will talk about them in this article, focusing on problems concerning metabolizing sugar, known as diabetes mellitus. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder of carbohydrates that causes a rising of the sugar level of the blood and can affect different organs. It is connected to a diet rich in carbohydrates and fats. According to the National Survey on Health and Nutrition (ENSANUT) 2012, there has been a remarkable increase in metabolic diseases over the last 10 years. Particularly a diabetes increase of 4% compared to the survey of 2000, which means hundreds of adults being diagnosed with diabetes, 25% for these are aged from 50 to 69 years. That increase is challenging for any health system, but also for each individual since it means a deterioration of their quality of life. For example, from 100% of survey
respondents with a previous diabetes mellitus diagnose, 80% received treatment in order to control the disease and 13% out of this sector took insulin by injection. It is very important to talk about complications that occur from diabetes since it is not a short-term lethal disease but it does produce medium and long-term progressive disability, sometimes irreversible. It causes vision decrease (47.6%), blindness (6.6%), feet ulcer (diabetic ulcer), extremities amputation (2%), and heart attacks (2.8%). It is essential to take a diabetes test once a year, particularly if we have risk factors such as being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, diabetic relatives, or a diet rich in sugar or flour, among others. The most efficient way to prevent diabetes or decrease its impact in our lives is by changing our habits. We should do at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercises daily, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, increase the consumption of salads and decrease the intake of sugary drinks, avoid fried foods and the use of oils in general, prepare our meals at home and get away from fast food, as well as eat small portions five times a day, avoid eating foods rich in fat and flour, avoid eating processed bread, tortillas, pasta or white rice by changing them for salads. The most important step against diabetes is a change in our eating habits and the time that we dedicate to take care of our physical condition and health. Ask your doctor about this disease and remember that our health reflects our habits, which will be projected in our families as well.
DR. FRANCISCO AGUIRRE MD, MBA General Practitioner Consulting at the Clinic MD+Playa. Home & hotel consultations, check ups, minor emergencies, dengue fever, asthma, weight control, metabolic disorders, sutures and wound dressing, dermatologic lesions. Telephone: cell (984)1578957.
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HEALTH & BEAUTY
Nov. 13-19 2013
Yoga reflected BY RICARDO RUIZ Some time ago there was a new therapy which consisted of punching a pillow if you suffered from anger to discharge the energy created by this emotion It seemed harmless but it was found that people started to create a habit, the habit of punching when anger arises. That is the way martial arts are developed as a second nature, by practicing a movement so many times it becomes a reflect action. Your body reacts to a certain situation as an automatic response, and this happens not only on a physical aspect; please note that we are more than the body we see; we are formed of other aspects like emotions, mind, and even, why not say, a spirit within us, and repetition creates habits affecting them too How can this be reverted? All the emotions we are able to feel form an ‘emotional body’ within ourselves, and this emotional body can be ruled by habits founded on repetition, like that time when a person or situation that happened hurt you;
when something similar comes around we express the same feeling and develop the same reaction without even thinking, even against ourselves; and we end up in that failed relationship again and again. We carry these feelings around, and the related reactions begin to grow as a second nature, and so we loose control of our emotional body with emotions like fear, guilt, shame or pain all of which are very strong feelings. But it is not all bad news, if you keep reading I promise there is a solution. So far we have acknowledged these feelings are a habit; that is a starting point, but to wait for the-
se situations to arrive and then try and change direction is not enough. The good news is we can start today; we’ve talked about our feelings as an emotional body within our physical body, remember? Well, it turns out these bodies are connected, pretty much as everything; for instance, how many times have you been sad or afraid and lost a few pounds or become stressed and gained a few neck pains? There is a connection see? So, notice that in our daily practice of yoga there are moments of challenge, and it is not only a physical challenge. Every headstand we attempt we challenge one of our strongest fears, a fear from falling, a fear from failing, a n d we repea-
tedly remain calm and insightful, and decide fear is a choice not a fact, and choose. If you look hard you may find this behavior becoming a habit and end up reflected on your daily life, remaining calm when facing situations that used to make you afraid or uncertain. Then maybe you will find yourself, when practicing, in search of balance in new and difficult positions. You would normally say something like, “got to go” and leave, but this time, this time you stay, and breath and search for growth; in postures that would not even be allowed on TV until after prime time, if you know what I mean! Facing that emotion of shame, that shame that before this practice used to censure your creativity; and that reaction of wanting to abandon that posture, that situation, this time you get over it; victorious. This time you are not tense but aware, shame is gone and happy and released is the feeling you get instead and these feeling start reflecting in your daily life, like a shadow that never leaves, so to let go of shame, of fear, of guilt and allow yourself to be happy, and to be calm and to be aware. Be in control of your emotional body and it all becomes a habit, then a fact, and then a way of life. That is Yoga reflected, and how you become what you repeatedly do.
Equine therapy in Playa - healing with horses BY : M ICHELE KINNON The Equine Therapy Center of Playa del Carmen (Centro de Equinoterapia y Atencion Integral de Playa del Carmen A.C.) was created in 2008 to address the needs and challenges of local parents who have children with disabilities. Their mission is to ensure that every child is able to fully develop physically, mentally and emotionally, enhancing their abilities and improving their quality of life. Located at the Equestrian Club Hipico Playa del Carmen, this therapy program was launched to provide alternative therapies to people with disabilities living in the Riviera Maya. The center works with children and adults with many different types of disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, motor coordination impairment, Down’s syndrome and hydrocephalus. Equine therapy is a uniquely comprehensive physical and psychological technique that is used therapeutically as an alternative rehabilitation. The horse is the therapeutic tool, acting as a stimulus for the patient. The horse's movement allows the individual, while mounted, to receive a physical stimulus throughout the body, starting from the rhythmic impulse transmission to the pelvis and moving through to the spinal cord. The horse's body temperature, which is higher than that of a human, acts as
a natural heat source, helping to relax the patient’s muscles, while sensory stimuli help regulate the circulatory system. The horse's gait closely approximates that of a human, and therapeutic riding gently and rhythmically moves the rider's body in a manner that improves muscle strength, balance, and flexibility. Therapists address the therapeutic goals of each individual and may have patients ride in different positions; sitting or lying forwards, backwards or sideways, standing in the stirrups and/or riding without holding on. Therapists may ask patients to stretch, reach or play simple games while mounted in order to improve concentration and coordination. Patients of any age, even small children, with very severe physical limitations may ride with the therapist. For individuals facing emotional or mental challenges, the discipline, companionship, and routine of the partnership between horse and rider help promote self-esteem, patience, and confidence. Universally riders, with or without special challenges or disabilities, find that horseback riding enhances their sense of
independence. The center currently provides services in equine, music and aqua-therapy. Future plans include the integration of speech, occupational and physical therapies. The goal of the organizers is to provide access to these remarkable therapies to all segments of our community, to all the families who might benefit regardless of their personal economic conditions. Learn more about the Centro de Equinoterapia on the official website www. ceai.org.mx or for more information in English, email Maria Jose Huerta Sabate at contacto@ceai.org. mx Michele Kinnon and her husband Rob are the ow-
ners of BuyPlaya Real Estate Advisors, Akumal Real Estate and FurnitureMEX. Michele is a member of Rotary Club of Playa del Carmen Seaside and participated on the founding committee for Taste of Playa, the Riviera Maya’s largest and longest running culinary festival. She also writes blogs, local interest articles and administrates the Riviera Maya Events Calendar. Michele and Rob have lived in Playa del Carmen with their two children since 2004.
Chiropractic and Health
BY DR. RICHARD MCCARTHY
I
am a Canadian chiropractic doctor that graduated with honours from Life University College of Chiropractic, Atlanta, Georgia. Even though many people have been to a Chiropractor, there are still many that have never been or that know little about it. Readers of my recent articles have asked me to explain a little about what Chiropractic is. The basic premise or philosophy behind chiropractic is that the structure and the function of the body go hand in hand. Problems arise when our structure becomes out of balance, as then our functions will also be affected. There are many ways to cause an imbalance, falls, car accidents, work accidents, physical stress, emotional stress, poor posture, obesity or hereditary problems, amongst others. These imbalances can result in one or more symptoms such as low back pain, middle back pain, neck pain, arm pains, headaches, sciatica, and extremity problems. The Chiropractors work is to find these structural imbalances whether you have had them for one day or many years and select appropriate treatments techniques to regain the balance in your body. Following treatments you will feel the benefits, sometimes immediately, as your proper function is restored. The Chiropractor will do a thorough examination, which will give him the information and assessment that is required before treatments. Chiropractic treatments can vary depending on the treatment technique that the doctor uses. Most Chiropractors’ will do adjustments that are specific movements to realign the structure, restore proper mobility and restore proper function. If the problems are severe, or have been present for a long time, the patient will require regular treatments to correct these problems. Chiropractic is a great way to restore your health and function without the use of drugs and surgery.
CHIROPRACTOR
for a safe, effective chiropractor DR. RICHARD McCARTHY at THE NEW GYM, Playa del Carmen, Tel.: 984 873 2098
DINING OUT
Nov. 13-19 2013
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Playa Taco Tours Theplayatimes~
BY IAN KELLEY
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ne of the signs that you have found a good place to eat, like this taco stand, is that there is a crowd of people waiting for food. I hate to tell you guys about this place because you might get in the way when I’m getting mine! I won’t pretend I know the name of this stand, so I have included a photo. Their main item is ‘tacos de cecina’, which as far as I can tell, is a thin-pressed, lightly salt-cured beef. It is grilled, sliced and served with cooked onions and nopal cactus strips. I was told this style comes from the north and is not typical of the Yucatan. They also produce ‘longaniza’, which is spicy, ground pork. You can also purchase bottled sodas and nice juices and ‘aguas frescas’. There is a big guy who chops up a giant block of ice daily and he will help you pick out a nice refreshing drink. There is also jazzy sauce, which I believe, is called ‘chicharrón’, a tasty sauce made from pork skin. The beef is tender, lean and nothing is greasy. The condiments are good whilst they are still available. They have mild red or green salsas, a spicy onion-habanero mix, limes and a cream sauce
to cool the fire. The tacos are great, but I do have two minor criticisms about this place. If you arrive later in the day the salsas get thinner and fewer. This is good and bad. It means they make them fresh everyday, but come on guys, I used to be a chef, prep a little more and don’t add water when you’re running low. But I don’t think they care as they always have plenty of business. My other complaint is this; sometimes they are so busy that you have to fight the crowd to get your tacos. They also have a weird ordering system; you have to pay a guy on the side first and if you don’t know this, you could
be waiting a while. But hey, you’ll be waiting a while anyway because that guy usually does the cooking too! Obviously, this is not a fancy place. But it is a place that delivers great value in a delicious 12-peso taco. Their dining area is a few plastic stools and some big rocks under a tree. They are located on Calle 38 between Ave. 45 and the highway. These guys are a daytime operation only, they serve from 8.30 am to 2 pm and are closed Thursdays (or whenever else they feel like it). I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and don’t worry if I see you there - I’ll be nice and won’t cut in line!
The father of tacos al pastor dies
Theplayatimes~
BY GEMA GARCÍA A sad announcement for Mexican and international gastronomy was made last week with the news of the death of the 80 year old Turkish immigrant Kadir Nurman in Berlin, Germany. He was, surprisingly, the creator of one of the most popular and traditional Mexican recipes, tacos al pastor. This kind of tacos were originally an offshoot of the Turkish kebab; a delicacy of roasted pieces of meat carved from a revolving skewer and served with vegetables on pita bread, a Middle Eastern flatbread similar to tortillas. The first tacos al pastor were created when Lebanese immigrants arrived in the city of Puebla and introduced the Arabian ‘shawarma’, but changing the usual lamb for pork meat marinated with Mexican spices such as achiote, vinegar and chili. So started what today is a Mexican tradition that spread throughout the entire country, creating countless culinary moments of pleasure.
However, the true beginning was in 1972 in Germany when Nurman, who had emigrated from Turkey, set up a fast-food stand beside the famous Zoo train station in what was then West Berlin. Even though the kebab was already known in Turkey, Nurman had the brilliant idea using a vertical grill and serving it in bread instead of on a dish, making the production and purchase easier, since people were able to buy and take it to work as a quick takeaway food. This new dynamic made the kebab very popular among the working class. In 2011, the Association of Turkish Döner Kebab Manufacturers recognized Nurman’s invention by presenting him with a special award. It is estimated that nowadays there are over 16,000 business connected to Nurman’s creation. Since Nurman failed to register his invention, it has been copied in many countries with all kind of variations, adapting to local ingredients. This business success has generated a thriving economy in fast food, in fact after Kadir Nurman’s death, the Union of Turkish-German Entrepreneurs (TDU) underlined the importance of his invention to the national economy and the countless jobs it has generated. Kadir, born in 1933 in the city of Istanbul Turkey, leaves behind a legacy that will be enjoyed throughout the whole world for many years to come.
DINING OUT
Nov. 13-19 2013
Theplayatimes~
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Riviera Maya chefs working for quality BY GEMA GARCÍA
Héctor Escobedo, president of the Association of Chefs from the Riviera Maya
Theplayatimes~
The Association of Chefs from the Riviera Maya has been operating for six years and currently has more than 40 executive chefs and cooks as members. Its president, executive chef Héctor Escobedo, told The Playa Times that their main aim is promoting gastronomic tourism events so visitors can discover Mexican culinary diversity, raising its profile around the world. The association members receive constant training in order to reach this goal. “Currently we have training courses in all the hotels which can be hygienic food handling or new cooking techniques, so we can then apply them in our work places. Our suppliers also give us support by informing us about new products”, said Héctor Escobedo. The association also trains workers in order to obtain their quality standards certificate, which is recognized throughout the world. They also attend events where they can showcase their innovative culinary art through varied media such as exhibiting ice, fruit or vegetable sculptures. The president of the association added that in the Riviera Maya there are a lot of restaurants that claim to serve ‘Mexican’ food, however just a few of them actually provide authentic local cooking. “There are so many places here where they sell ‘Tex-Mex’ food as Mexican food but it is completely different. The problem is that many visitors are not aware of the differences and American or European visitors go back home thinking that fajitas are local Mexican food. Our cuisine is more traditional and has more homemade flavor. Mexico is not just tortillas and chilies, we have a wide range of flavors”. He said that despite the fact that there are already a considerable number of chefs who have joined the association, there are many more who could benefit from becoming a member. Escobedo said that the criteria for becoming a member of the Association of Chefs from the Riviera Maya are just a passion for food and for cooking. “We do not charge a fee to register or a monthly membership because we just receive income from sponsors”. The association screens its prospective members to ensure its chefs are of the highest standard before being accepted, so if any business is looking to employ a chef, they can contact the association for recommendations on 984 807 9278. Héctor Escobedo added, “We invite all tourists and residents to visit the restaurants in the Riviera Maya and experience some of the most diverse and exceptional dishes in Mexico. Dishes which are the prelude to paradise, and here we are truly in paradise”.
Taste of Playa 2013 BY LAURA WINFREE
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f you’ve been living in Playa del Carmen for the past few years, you’ve probably noticed that Playa del Carmen is no longer a simple beach destination: it has transformed into a hotspot for foodies, as well! Thanks to international chefs in search of a Caribbean lifestyle, numerous culinary events throughout the year, all-inclusive resorts serving much more than your average buffet, and the ever-increasing number of restaurants lining 5th Avenue, Playa del Carmen is the place to be for innovative cuisine from across the world served in a laid-back, outdoor atmosphere. One of Playa’s first and best annual food festivals is Taste of Playa, now in its 5th year. This event takes place every November at Parque Fundadores, a spectacular oceanfront location in the heart of town. Every year at Taste of Playa, dozens of local restaurants, bars, bakeries and catering businesses set up tables serving samples of their very best and most creative dishes. Attendees can dig in to fish tacos, innovative salads, cupcakes in mouthwatering flavors, savory ceviches and seafood paella, and much more throughout the afternoon, all in a vibrant atmosphere right between 5th Avenue and the beach. In celebration of its 5th anniversary, the 2013 edition of Taste of Playa will go a few steps further than previous years, with extra surprises in the weeks prior to the big event. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual beach party, an upscale tasting dinner or an outdoor food festival, this year Taste of Playa will have something for everyone! Here’s the list of this year’s events:Taste of Playa Kick-Off Beach Party: Saturday, Nov-
ember 16 from 3 – 7 pm. Hosted under the giant palapa at Wah Wah Beach Bar, the first Taste of Playa event will feature an open bar, an appetizer buffet to get your taste buds warmed up, live music by the Nasty Bastards Band, and a raffle. $400 pesos online, $450 pesos at the door. Taste of Playa Food Tasting and Wine Pairing Dinner: Wednesday, November 20 at 8 pm. The elegant La Casa del Agua restaurant on 5th Avenue will be holding an exclusive 75seat dinner where guests can sample a variety of gourmet dishes paired with international wines. $75 USD. Taste of Playa Main Event:
Sunday, November 24 from 3 – 9 pm. Head on over to Parque Fundadores in Playa del Carmen for an afternoon of the city’s best food. Attendees can purchase their “Playa Pesos” at the event, then use their Playa Pesos to purchase food and drinks. Each Playa Peso costs $10 pesos or $1 USD. I highly recommend purchasing a VIP pass for $40 USD, which includes access to a VIP seating area and 20 Playa Pesos, but make sure to purchase in advance because the VIP passes tend to sell out quickly. Tickets for all of the Taste of Playa 2013 events can be purchased online at www. tasteofplaya.com.
ART & CULTURE
Nov. 13-19 2013
WEDNESDAY Every Wednesday Join the Night Rides organized by Bicineta promoting the cycle paths of Playa del Carmen and bike safety. The tour starts in Plaza 28 de Julio at 8 pm. See the itinerary on Bicineta’s Facebook page. Every Wedesday and Friday, Roxana Squalo holds Arabian dance lessons at Le Lotus Rouge on 2nd St. And 35th Ave. From 6pm to 7.30pm. $30 MXP.
THURSDAY Thursday 14th Wah Wah Beach Bar is hosting a charity event, with all proceeds going to treating and rehabilitation young drug users at the Centro de Integración Juvenil, on behalf of the OHL Mayakoba Classic. Admission $100 MXP, which includes a day pass to the golf tournament and a complimentary beer on arrival. From 7 pm at Wah Wah Beach Bar between 2nd St and Juarez. After attending the tournament, head out to Wah Wah and enjoy a night of good jams and entertaining company, all while supporting youths of our community. Thursday 14th Le Lotus Rouge Dinner Show with Paula Liebe. New repertoire and costumes from Paula, including a 3-course dinner for $350 MXP. Meat, fish or vegetarian options. Advance reservations only. Email liebepaula@gmail.com for bookings and dish preferences. From 8pm at le Lotus Rouge Avenida 25 with Calle 2. 984 130 9823.
FRIDAY Friday 15th. Enjoy the discounts in many stores until November 18th at Buen Fin, the Mexican Black Friday. Cash discounts and credit on sales in clothes, electronics and groceries. Look for the ‘Buen Fin’ logo at your favorite stores. Friday 15th. This week’s movie at La Ceiba Park is ‘La última vez que vi Macao’, (Last time I saw Macao), a Portuguese-French coproduction directed by João Pedro Rodrigues and João Rui Guerra da Mata. At 8pm on 60 Ave and 2nd St in Colonia Ejidal. $20 MXP per show, which supports the ongoing cinema project. For more information go to www.elcineclub.mx Every Friday Coco Beach Friday Market, new weekly market from 9-11am at Alizes on Ave CTM (Calle46). Vendors will be selling homemade bread, desserts, quiches, fresh yoghurt, Argentinian empanadas, fresh herbs, gluten-free baked goods, fresh juices, organic eggs and produce.
SATURDAY Saturday 16th. The Taste Of Playa 5th Anniversary Kick Off Party at 3 pm to 7 pm. Enjoy an open national bar, appetizer buffet, raffles, live music and lots of fun. Buy your tickets on line to enter into the raffle at www.tasteofplaya. com/ticket-sales Tickets are $400 MXP online, $450 MXP at the door.
Saturday 16th. Take part in Xel-Ha Park Triathlon on Saturday and Sunday at 6.30am. Categories are ‘Olympics’ the first day and ‘Sprint’, ‘Kids’ and ‘Female Beginners’ the last day. With 1,800 participants Xel-Ha Triathlon is one of the most important sports events in Riviera Maya. Consult the contest rules on www.triatlonxelha.com. Every 3rd Saturday sideline big supermarkets and support local artisans, find special products at the La Ceiba Park market. Local food and handicrafts. At Parque La Ceiba from 8am to 7pm. Every Saturday participate in a writing and literature workshop at Le Lotus Rouge. Each week an art piece from one of the five continents will be chosen as inspiration. For 15 yrs and above, enjoy this innovative artistic method. From 4 pm to 6 pm. 150 MXP.
SUNDAY Every Sunday Artistic Breakfasts at Le Lotus Rouge. Between 10 am and 2 pm, enjoy a different artistic performance every Sunday with all your family. Free activities for those who order breakfasts.
MONDAY Caracol Marino Center offers a free class for kids ‘Creating your own clown’. Theatre and clown workshop for all ages. Monday 3pm to 6 pm, taught by Helena Moreno. Calle 80 between 10th & 5th Avenue, Colonia Colosio.
TUESDAY Every Tuesday yoga lessons at the Sun Hall at La Ceiba Park from 7pm to 8.15 pm on Tuesday and Wednesday and from 9am to 10 am on Saturdays. $650 MXP for 12 lessons (valid for 5 weeks). On Wednesday, there is a voluntary contribution lesson. Every Tuesday painting and drawing lessons at Le Lotus Rouge from 10 am to 12 am and from 4pm to 6 pm every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. All ages $100 MXP, materials included. If you would like The Playa Times to publish your event or activity please send your information (in 50 words or less) to info@theplayatimes.com We require your information by noon Friday each week please!
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TAKE A BREAK
Nov. 13-19 2013
HOROSCOPES ARIES (MARCH 21ST-APRIL 19TH) The urge to hit the road will be strong. Pack a bag and explore new locales. If you get a parking ticket, be nice to the meter attendant. A real estate deal may be delayed. A new friend will come into your life on Saturday. This person will have lots of inventive ideas! TAURUS (APRIL 20TH-MAY 20TH) Put the spice back into a love affair. This relationship could be getting stale! You'll undergo an energy overhaul. Think about sprucing up your image. Set a realistic timeline to accomplish a goal. It will take a while before you become the CEO of your company. GEMINI (MAY 21TH-JUNE 21TH) You may feel tired. It's possible that your schedule is too jam-packed! A lover could ask for a financial loan. Check that you have enough cash before saying yes. Your heart and mind will be in sync. It's a great time to create a new life plan. Get ready to breathe a sigh of relief on Sunday. CANCER (JUNE 22ND- JULY 22ND) Quit a bad habit. Take steps to walk on the path of wellness. A dating partner could be very demanding. Don't jump through hoops to please this person! You'll be in a reflective mood. Find a quiet nook in which to process your thoughts and feelings. LEO (JULY 23RD – AUGUST 22ND) The boss could give you a promotion when. If you're unemployed, it's a great time to send out resumes. Tell a loved one how much you care. Your words will lift this individual's spirits sky high! A big surprise will come your way on Saturday. An enemy will extend his or her hand in friendship.
Recipe of the week ENCHILADAS DE POLLO INGREDIENTS 2 chicken breast 2 cups chicken broth 1 white onion 2 cloves garlic 1 pound fresh tomatillos 5 serrano peppers 12 corn tortillas 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 cup crumbled fresh cheese 1 bunch fresh cilantro DIRECTIONS Combine chicken breast with chicken broth, one quarter onion, a clove of garlic, and 2 teaspoons salt. Boil it for 20 minutes and discard onion and garlic. Place tomatillos and serrano chiles in a pot with water, enough to cover them. Boil and blender it with another quarter piece of onion, 1 clove garlic, and a pinch of salt. Pour in reserved chicken broth.
Pour oil in a frying pan and fry tortillas setting each on a paper towel afterwards. Finally, dip slightly fried tortillas in lowboiling green salsa, until tortillas become soft again. Fill or top tortillas with shredded chicken, then extra green sauce. Top with crumbled cheese, chopped onion, and chopped cilantro.
CROSSWORD
VIRGO (AUGUST 23RD – SEPTEMBER 22ND) Keep your lips sealed. If you reveal a secret to the wrong person, he or she will tell others. Call on your courage. You might encounter a challenging scenario. Banish selfdoubt. Catalog your positive traits and read the list often. Determination will be your middle name.
THE WEEKLY
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G tip
Onions and garlic in all forms can harm a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.
LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23RD – OCTOBER 22ND) Daydreaming will be your favorite pastime. Try not to get lost in fantasyland! A lover may ask you for a permanent commitment. If you're unsure about taking any vows, say so. Think about getting a hot oil massage. It's time to pamper yourself. You might receive a financial windfall. SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23RD- NOVEMBER 21ST) An admirer will flirt with you. This person might turn out to be your soul mate! Good karma will come your way. A friend may repay a favor. Tension could erupt on the home front. Bring peace to your living situation by playing mellow music or burning incense. You'll overflow with creativity. SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22ND-DECEMBER 21ST) Think before making a wish. You just might get what you ask for! Unexpected events will derail your agenda. Stay flexible in all circumstances. Your mental energy will become very scattered. It isn't a good time to multitask, so concentrate on one project at a time. The spotlight will be firmly on. CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22ND-JANUARY 19TH) A friend may ask you for a pep talk. This person needs all the encouragement you can offer. Your emotions will become extremely intense. Get ready to wear your heart on your sleeve! A lover will only have eyes for you. If you're single, consider attending a speed-dating event. AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20TH-FEBRUARY 18TH) Your intuition will be strong. Listen to your sixth sense in all situations. You'll be tempted to take the blame for a friend's mistake. Allow your companion to take responsibility for his or her own error. Dare to be different. If you want to dye your hair purple, go for it! PISCES (FEBRUARY 19TH-MARCH 20TH) An associate may try to bring you down. Stay away from people who are overly negative. Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you speak in vague terms, you'll be misinterpreted. Stick close to home. It's time to catch up on household chores! You'll have a flash of insight.
LAST WEEK´S SOLUTION
SODUKO
CLASSIFIEDS Theplayatimes~Gema Garcia
Nov. 13-19 2013
15
Classifieds RESTAURANTS CURRY OMM, the only Indian restaurant in Playa offering authentic Indian food 984 873 1516 www.letseat.at/curryomm. 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 coffe, 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..
Dr. Antonio Olivares
Doctor of General Medicine Clinic Lázaro Cárdenas on Ave. Juárez and 35 Ave. Col Centro Playa del Carmen Clinic hours from 10 am to 9 pm, English spoken, call cell 984 134 2987
20% discount on consultations with this ad
FIND ME A HOME CLEO
Approximately 4 ½ years old, Cleo is a 25kg adult female rescued from the streets of Playa del Carmen. She loves attention and will forever be loyal to her perfect companion. Cleo is spayed and up to date with all her vaccinations. Please email pat@playaanimalrescue.org for more information on Cleo, or any of the other dogs at Playa Animal Rescue.
PLACES TO Workship
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.
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 IL QUINTO CAVALIERE book. Large selection of used books. Calle 1 sur between 60 & 65 Avenue. Ejido. MARCOS KAMALEON, custom framing with the best price and quality in Playa del Carmen. www.marcoskamaleon.com