Edition 79 by theplayatimes

Biweekly · Year 03 · N u m b e r 79 · 20,000 c o p i e s · 2 4 P a g e s · F e b r u a r y 1 7 - M a r c h 1 , 2 0 1 6

S MASP IDE

Bacalar: Pueblo Mágico

theplayatimes.c o m

Located just a few hours south of Playa del Carmen, this small community is famous for the amazing blue colors of its lagoon. Find out what to do, where to stay and learn more about this can’t miss destination

Everyone´s Favorite Subject: Ta x i s i n P l a y a

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Holy Mole! A Dish’s Divine Beginnings

Photo: shutterstock

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TPT FOODIES

· BEACH LIFE

M O , M O , M O J I TO S

LOCAL DISCOUNTS

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Photo: Agency

Are you a traditionalist or willing to throw a little spice, or should we say, a few herbs into this Cuban cocktail? Photo: Shutterstock

HEALTH THE ZIKA VIRUS

Live in Quintana Roo and pinching pesos? Check out these places where you can get a discount, just for living in paradise!

The World Health Organization just issued a global alert for the mosquito-born illness. Find out what state and local officials are doing.

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17 February - 01 March 2016

>Editorial DIRECTORY Javier Escalante Managing Director javier@meridianmedia.mx

Edgar E. Mena Copy Editor edition@meridianmedia.mx

Efrén Velázquez Art & Design design@meridianmedia.mx

Fabián Muñoz Sales Manager Cell: 984 188 3951 ventas@meridianmedia.mx

Erika Serra Public Relations Cell: 984 119 1586 publicrelations@meridianmedia.mx

Photo: Agency

Karla Mora Sales Executive Cell: 984 142 1637 Promopack@meridianmedia.mx

Ana Martínez Community Manager & Marketing Cell: 984 169 1637 marketing@meridianmedia.mx

Why Do Today What You Could Put Off Until Mañana? BY THE PLAYA TIMES

Milton Rosel

e love to discover new places at The Playa Times. Yeah, we know what you are thinking. Bacalar isn’t new! It has been around for a really, really long time and maybe you have even gone once or twice or ten times. But some of us belong to the mañana club. “We’ll go there mañana”... “I’ll pay you mañana”...“I’ll learn Spanish mañana”. This club is especially popular here in Mexico, and some foreign residents of the Riviera Maya have settled in nicely, putting off until tomorrow what we should have done, well, a long time ago. Visiting places, like Bacalar, is one of those things many of you may have put off until mañana. We

Distribution Supervisor distribution@meridianmedia.mx

know, we know. It seems so far. You’re not sure what to do and where will you stay? Don’t worry, not only did we tell you why you should go to Bacalar, we gave you some ideas on what to do and where to stay once you get there. It is an easy drive south on the federal highway. If you don’t feel like driving, ADO can get you there. If you do feel like driving, just make sure you fill your tank because there are some long stretches of highway without any Pemex stations. Speaking of places you should check out sooner rather than later, check out Catherine’s recommendations for some day trips on page 8 of our Beach Life section. After a long day of exploring, do you love to sit down with a cool, refreshing cocktail? Then, you should really check out Sara’s recommendations

for mojitos in TPT Foodies on page 18. It isn’t all fun and games here in paradise. We have some serious stuff to talk about. In our News in Brief section on pages 4 and 5, we cover everything from marijuana to monkeys and taxi complaints to garbage pickup. Finally, in our Health section, we give you the low down on what the state and local governments are doing to help control the mosquito population to reduce the risk of the zika virus. What do you think? Legitimate concern that should be taken seriously or overblown media hype? Let us know on our Facebook page - The Playa Times. Oh, and if you do make it down to Bacalar, post some pictures to our Instagram page. We’ll definitely take a look at them…mañana.

@ThePlayaTimes THE PLAYA TIMES RIVIERA MAYA'S COMMUNITY PAPER Periódico Quincenal.

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: Plaza Paseo Coba, 2do piso local 301, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710. Impreso en talleres Grupo Megamedia Prolongación de Montejo número 301, entre 40 y 42, fraccionamiento Campestre, Mérida, Yucatán. Distribuidor: Meridian Media, S.A. de C.V., Plaza Paseo Coba, 2do piso local 301, Playacar fase II, Playa del Carmen, Solidaridad, Quintana Roo C.P. 77710.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

Around Town

Photo: www.cupihd.org

Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

By Melissa Robles

Marijuana Debate

Monkey Sanctuary

he La Vereda de Xcalacoco Animal and Environmental Sanctuary will be a national sanctuary for spider monkeys after many of these animals were rescued and brought to the sanctuary after being displaced by the construction of hotels in the area. Jorge Fuentes, director of the sanctuary, explained that after talking with representatives of the Xaman Ha Environmental Watch Committee, it was determined not to relocate the monkeys. Two groups of monkeys call the sanctuary their home, and it is important to continue to protect this species in danger of extinction. The sanctuary may install tracking chips in the monkeys to gather information about their behavior. To discourage the monkeys from looking to humans for food, fruit trees from their native region will be planted. For more information on La Verdeda de Xcalacoco, please visit them on Facebook/Uma La Vereda De Xcalacoco.

Photo: Agency

Photo: Commons.wikimedia.org

Cancun was the host of the first of five forums in the national debate about the legalization of marijuana. Information on legislation and regulations from 14 countries was compiled and discussed. The local academic community participated, including the President of the University of Quintana Roo, Ángel Rivero Palomo. UNAM alum, National Political Debate Champion and National Youth Award winner, Luis Miguel López García, participated in various forums, explaining the forms in which regulation of marijuana could be made available for those who wish to use it but still protect the population in general. During the debates, cannabis was focused on in a way that not only considers safety but also the perspective of public health. The objective of this initiative is for the federal government to regulate the growth, sale, and use of cannabis which is still illegal.

Remains Discovered

Good To Know

n the Balam cenote located in the ecotourism community of Uxuxbi, remains were found which could be more than 10,000 years old, confirmed Eugenio Aceves, director of the Prehistoric Institute of the Americas. In total, there are seven caverns in the Riviera Maya which are in the process of identification as new discoveries of ancient civilizations are found. Little by little they are looking into the findings made by divers and making a registry to prevent theft. It is calculated that there are more than 10,000 cenotes in the region, each of can be accessed via multiple locations. Because of the number of entryways, it has not been possible to protect each place where remains have been found. Uxuxubi is located approximately 30 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, west of Akumal. This small community has focused on sustainable development including preservation of the Balam cenote, birdwatching, cultivation of the melipona bee, in addition to adventure ecotourism.

ere´s a little local tidbit. No, it isn´t a great recommendation to a secret, locals-only restaurant. It is about walking. A lot of people aren´t aware of the bike path on 10th Avenue. Maybe some of you have even been annoyed by someone behind you on their bike incessantly ringing their bell to get by you. Well, that is because the bike path runs south on 10th from Constituyentes to Playacar on the east side of the road (closest to the sea). Please be aware when walking on 10th Avenue, you should try to walk on the sidewalk and not in the bike path lane. Walkers and riders have collided. We admit, the lane is not clearly marked as a bike path only and there are spots where walking on the sidewalk is, well, almost impossible. Just be aware that if you walk on the bike path, you should yield to cyclists. Also, to our fellow riders, please remember, bikes are not permitted on Quinta Avenida.

17 February - 01 March 2016

Emergency Medical

Evacuation If you, or someone you love has a serious medical situation, you can be back to your home in the US or Canada within hours.

f you spend significant time in Mexico, there will come a time that you, or someone you know will need to get back home to a known medical facility, or even to a specialty hospital such as

Mayo. Within hours. Would you know how to navigate international law, the Mexican medical system, and medical evacuation companies in order to quickly get back to the States or Canada? Plus, would you be able to afford the $20,000 - $50,000 cost…payable upfront? And, God forbid, what if there is a death? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to know that for as low as $200 - $300 per

year you can have a wonderful sense of security and all of these worries can go away? An emergency evacuation membership can cover you, your spouse, and in many cases children and even grandchildren. And insure that you get back home to the hospital of your choice so you can be near your loved ones and have access to specialized facilities and trusted doctors. Only one medical evac firm serving Mexico is integrated from “a to z” and in the past year has conducted over 400+ successful international evacuations to the US and Canada. They get the call…quickly size up the situation using in-house bilingual doctors who consult with your doctors here in Mexico… and can then quickly put into the air one of the 51 planes that they either own, or have under contract.

NEWS IN BRIEF

of emergency room experience and certifications. The plane flies under pre-approved blanket FAA and Mexican aviation permits and can be here to the Rivera Maya in less than 2 hours. No one can match their speed, medical skills and performance as certified by the two largest medical evacuation certification organizations in the world. No one!

Protect yourself for less than

The unexpected happens. It is incredibly inexpensive to protect yourself and your loved ones. John Klug Senior Consultant Riva Maya Travel MedEvac 984-169-2600 (Mexico) 303-719-5584 (US) Klug.John@Comcast.net Call or email with any questions and to learn the time of the next group seminar concerning medical evacuation options.

$300/year!

Flown by pilots with an average of 14,000+ hours experience and a medical crew with a minimum 5+ years

The Dirty Job of Garbage Collection BY MELISSA ROBLES

Photo: The Playa Times

Everyone´s Favorite Subject:

Taxis in Playa BY JOE MALDONADO Unfortunately for the Lázaro Cárdenas del Río taxi union, they don´t exactly have the best reputation for service quality in the municipality of Solidaridad. Tourists and locals complain about the poor service and price gouging. Given that many of the visitors don’t know how to file a complaint or simply know the local prices, we reached out to Jesús Pastor Martín Medina, secretary general of the union. Per Martín Medina, complaints can be made at the union office on federal highway 307, near Xcaret. The labor secretary speaks English and can take your complaint. It is important to have the taxi number and driver name, if possible. Each driver should always have a card with their name visible in the taxi. The fares depend on which zone you get the

taxi and what zone your destination lies. It is important to note that when you take a taxi at an official site, such as the one on the corner of Quinta Avenida and Juarez, next to the ADO bus terminal, there is an extra cost of five pesos which is authorized by the state transportation secretary. In the case of tourists who take a taxi from any of the large hotels, the fares vary depending on the hotel, and these rates are also authorized by the transportation secretary. In this case, it is best to verify the fare before you get in the taxi. We recommend confirming rates with the front desk of your hotel. Finally, Martín Medina added that they are developing a free app to download the fare index. The app is almost ready, but we were told it needs to be tested before it can be published. It will be available via any mobile device, and you will be able to enter your point of origin and destination, and the price will automatically appear. We all look forward to this app as a way to ensure that both tourists and locals can be comfortable that they are paying the authorized price. As soon as we hear it is available, we will notify our readers here and via Facebook.

The municipality of Solidaridad, which includes Playa del Carmen, has the second largest accumulation of garbage in the state of Quintana Roo, topped by Cancun, with a daily collection of garbage of around 500 tons. During high season, the amount increases to 800 tons daily. Adrián Manzanilla Lagos, director of Public Services, indicated that the places with the highest amount of garbage in the streets are the Colosio, Ejido, Nicté Ha, Zazil Ha, 28 de Julio and Gonzalo Guerrero neighborhoods. This is due to the presence of rooms for rent to seasonal workers, around 1,500 with estimates of many more. “Most complexes don’t have a license. We are asking the owners of the rooms to put out a container, as the tenants come and go at various times in the day and night, and don’t put out their garbage when the trucks come by”, explained Manzanilla Lagos. The accumulation of bags in the street contributes to significant amounts of lit-

Photo:Agency

ter in the municipality, especially when homeless dogs tear open the bags in search of food. To help regulate the issue of garbage in the streets, at the next public works meeting there will be a proposal to require the installation of a garbage bin at each complex of rentals. Community residents continually complain about the delay in garbage collection services, which is daily in the downtown and tourist zone, and from Monday to Saturday in the rest of the community. The exception to this schedule is the neighborhood of Villas del Sol on the west side of the highway. This neighborhood is continually growing and is calculated to have around 5,000 families. To satisfy the demand for service, they send four garbage trucks daily. The recommendation for locals is to ask for the route schedule for the garbage collection, tie bags well, separate recyclable products such as PET, aluminum, cardboard, and glass to take them to the Reciclatón program which is each first Friday of the month, to lower the amount of garbage taken to the dump.

ART & CULTURE

17 February - 01 March 2016

BEACH LIFE

Loco for Locals:

Paying Less in Paradise BY CATHERINE PAWELEK After checking with over 30 businesses in area, we discovered that many offer some awesome local discount, albeit many not during high season. While some issue a discount card, others simply ask to see your resident visa or picture ID with Quintana Roo address. Here are a handful of businesses that will help you save a peso or two.

showers. During your birthday month you receive a free manicure & spa lunch. www. brichotel.com/spa Ultramar Ferry. For residents of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres they offer an Ultraplan of 50% discount. Check out requirements at www.granpuerto.com.mx Salt Rock Grille + Cocktails. Show any local ID and receive a year-round 10% discount on food and beverages (except daily specials). Quinta Avenida south of 38th. www.saltrockgrille.com Crococun Zoo. Up to 30% discount in off season. Check their website for unexpected resident promos. www.crococunzoo.com

TPT Meets: Fanny Barry from Tribal Yoga Tribal Yoga is a new yoga studio in Tulum that opened up in December. Fanny Barry’s dedication to bringing peace to the world through spreading the love of yoga is making her studio stand out. BY CRYSTAL MITCHELL

laya Times: What life experiences lead you to the idea for Tribal Yoga? Fanny: Since before I had breast cancer I wanted to open a yoga studio. It seemed right for me, an athlete yogi who needed to escape my corporate job. In coming to Tulum, I let that dream slip until 10 years later. I sold my lovely bungalows on the jungle side of the beach and my boyfriend and partner offered to work with me on the project: his land, my cash, our dreams. He has his dive shop on the first floor. I have my yoga studio on the third and we have three wonderful loft style apartments in the middle. Your dreams have power and even if you think you let them go, they often stay with you. The universe guides you back to them. What is your mission for this new concept in yoga studios? Tribal is not exactly a new concept. It is just a fabulous yoga studio with fabulous teachers. I invested in things that some studios here don’t have: props like bolsters and alignment cords, good blocks and blankets and chairs, wood floors and big windows. But it is a yoga studio true to form, inspiring perhaps but totally a space to find your breath and to find yourself on the mat. Photo: Fanny Barry

How do you feel that Tribal Yoga differs from the many yoga studios already in Tulum? Something that may be unique is that we offer several different types of classes and several classes daily. We have Vinyasa Flow, Restorative, Yin and an Iyengar based Hatha with alignment. It is diverse but I like the diversity because that speaks to and heals my body. Also, I built some apartments for yogis who want to stay close to the studio. Some people call it a Shalla but I just wanted people to be able to come and practice as much as they wanted - or as little as they wanted - and be able to ride a bike to the beach. I also have an apartment for visiting teachers and have some fabulous people coming. See the website for more details www.tribaltulum.com.

You can receive discounts as high as 45 percent if you can prove you live here. Most businesses require either resident visa card or a photo ID with a Quintana Roo address to get a discount. Monica Manicure Express. 20 percent discount (show any local ID and receive Monica’s discount card, valid year-round). Quinta Avenida between 24th and 26th. www.monicamanicureexpress.com Bric Spa. Up to 45% off on spa treatments and a Me Time membership for $850 MXN per month. The latter requires a minimum of 3 months commitment and includes a 60 minute massage and 30 minute organic facial every month, access to their pool, garden patio, meditation/relaxation room and

What are the prices for classes or packages? The prices are on the web: $200 MXN class, five classes for $800 MXN and ten classes for $1,500MXN. We have monthly unlimited packages for $1,400 MXN. We are also doing a special with ZAMAS Hotel offering a week of unlimited yoga for $50 USD. And we have special yoga and stay packages available (as well as dive and stay!). Tribal Yoga is located in front of the Red Cross and the police station on the road to the beach. Photo: Agency

Indigo Beach Club. Year round 10 percent discount. www.indigobeach.com.mx Tequila Barrel. 15 percent discount to PDC locals, year round. www.tequilabarrel.com Plank/Imprevist. Show local ID to receive their discount card and enjoy up to 50 percent on weekend brunch with various lunch and dinner discounts. www.plank.mx Golf Courses. Although the discounts at Riviera Maya golf courses fluctuate, sometimes daily, we experienced the following in recent months at Riviera Cancun (regular $189 USD/resident $68 USD), Grand Coral (regular $90 USD/resident $55 USD), Bahia Principe (regular $180 USD/resident $55 USD) and Hard Rock (regular $189 USD/ resident $96 USD). Check www.teeoff.com or www.teetimes.com for promos and specials. Know of some good deals and discounts that we didn’t mention? Visit us on Facebook/The Playa Times and share your favorite discounts.

BEACH LIFE

Been There, Haven’t Done That BY CATHERINE PAWELEK

iving in the Riviera Maya we find ourselves putting off until mañana some of the beautiful things we could do today, figuring we are here for the duration and we will get to them someday. Let’s not waste any more time and discover some of those things we tell our visitors to do. Parque Aktun Chen. A bit out of the way and not as well-known, but worth a visit and very easy to find. Here you will find an underground river, a cenote, zip lines, hiking trails, a small zoo and a restaurant. Four km south of Akumal on Carretera 307. www.aktun-chen.com Centro Ecológico Akumal. If you have a little time on your hands and want to contribute to the conservation efforts of this group, roll up your sleeves and volunteer. They have various programs through-

out the year that focus on monitoring the coral reef and seagrass, protection of sea turtles, environmental education programs and many more. www.ceakumal.org Puerto Morelos. Just a hop, skip, and a jump north of PDC (34km) but a few decades back in time with unique small restaurants, boutiques, shops and a multi-lingual bookstore. Small beach in town, but wider one just north of P.M.

Do you want to take part of our Expat Profiles? Email edition@meridianmedia.mx

EX PAT P ROFI LES Q u i t Yo u r J o b a n d B e c o m e a S p a

Manager in Paradise By Catherine Pawelek I’ve always been passionate about using nature to heal our bodies, and I enjoy experimenting daily in the spa kitchen with new herbs and fruit combinations. It’s very gratifying when I experience the “wow” factor that guests feel when they sense the herbs on their bodies and the delicious aromas that inspire joy in them and energize them.

Puerto Aventuras. West of the highway, through the arches, you will discover a truly local experience. Here you will be able to purchase your bicycle, buy an entire roasted chicken or spare ribs with sides, fill your basket with fresh veggies, all for 25 to 30 percent less than in Playa. Sian Ka’an Biosphere. Perfect for those interested in the ecologically protected environment of the region. Kayak through narrow canals, float in crystal clear cenotes, climb an ancient pyramid or try your hand at saltwater fly fishing. The beaches, lagoons, dunes, wetlands and tropical forests, harbor a multitude of animals, bird and plant life. www.visitsiankaan.com

Photo: Jacqueline van Nostrand/Bric Hotel

The Playa Times: Give us some insight into how you landed here. Jacqueline van Nostrand: I’m originally from British Columbia and came to work for Bric Vacation Rentals as a freelance photographer, taking photos for their condos. Bric Hotel’s Manager, Kristin Roehmer, had the idea that Playa needed a day spa for locals and guests to go and relax. One that wasn’t in an all–inclusive hotel. In October 2015, we decided to create our own spa for all to enjoy and, since I had previously worked for 10 years in luxury spas throughout Mexico, I came on board.

Sian Ka’an Biosphere / Photo:Creative Commons

What is your background? I grew up on a farm in Canada surrounded by nature and homegrown, wholesome food, so

Any challenges that you have faced doing business here? Finding reliable staff and suppliers is always a challenge. Being organized and having two or three backups is a good plan! I have a great team of holistic spa specialists who are truly passionate about helping and taking care of people. Can you share some advice with people who want to quit their jobs back home and move to the Yucatan to work in or open a business? I overhear people all the time, while on vacation, say “We should just move here”, thinking it’s really hard. But I always encourage them to do it, that it will change their life forever! If your motivation is money, forget it! You have to be motivated by a better lifestyle and have the tenacity and willingness to never give up because at times you will ask yourself, “What was I thinking?” How have you found your balance? I love to go to the beach with my dog, to Pilates, playing cards with friends, to experiment with vegan baking and staying home and relaxing.

17 February - 01 March 2016

DISCOVER MEXICO

Bacalar:

The Lake of

Seven Colors Discover one of the region’s hidden gems only a few hours south of Playa del Carmen BY SARA JONES

few hours drive south of Playa del Carmen sits one of Mexico’s still hidden gems. The name Bacalar is derived from the Mayan: B’ak Halal, meaning surrounded by reeds. Bacalar lagoon is a wondrous natural phenomenon, where a mix of fresh and saltwater sits atop a bed of pure white sand and limestone creating a spectrum of bright, clear blues and turquoises. The pristine azure water is certainly the highlight of a trip to Bacalar, and no visit would be complete without an excursion to the lagoon. Divers and snorkelers will be keen to see Cenote Azul, an open cenote on one side of the lagoon

Bacalar is a great place to get away from it all / Photos: Sara Jones

that constantly feeds fresh water. This circular cenote is easily seen

as the aquamarine color of the water drastically changes to dark blue

Discover Chiapas BY CATHERINE PAWELEK GEOGRAPHY Hot, humid with 120 inches of annual rain Chiapas is home to the ancient Maya ruins of Palenque and Yaxchilan, as well as, one of the largest indigenous populations in the country. Chiapas boasts mountain ranges, active volcanoes, the Pacific Ocean and the Lacandon Jungle. The latter is one of the most important rainforests in Mexico harboring a plethora of monkeys, wild boar, jaguar, and bobcats. 25 percent of Mexico’s total species diversity is found in the state, including large quantities of fish, with some species endangered and some on the verge of extinction. HISTORY Hunter-gatherers occupied the central valley around 7000 BC, with ancient archeological remains found at Santa Elena Ranch in Ocozocoautla. The oldest calendar known was found here on a piece of ceramic, dating from 36 BC, which is 300

as well as the lake bed drops away. The admittedly slow, ‘rapids’ of the lagoon also make an enjoyable stop on your tour. Float or swim through the gentle current alongside schools of fish, passing over stromatolites, the world’s oldest fossils. Stop by the Canal de los Piratos and wade into the dense, sulfur rich mud to enjoy a naturally exfoliating and re-mineralizing body mask treatment. With a multitude of archeological sites in the area surrounding Bacalar, such as Chacchoben, Kohunlich, Dzibanché, and the historic fort, Fuerte de San Felipe, those who enjoy discovering the history of the area won’t be disappointed. There are several options for accommodation both in the small

town center and alongside the water. Choose from cabañas, hostels, camping grounds and boutique hotels. Rancho Encantado, located on the water’s edge, offers well appointed suites, spectacular views of the lagoon and a palapa covered platform of hammocks where you can while away the afternoons. For a more rustic experience, try Kuuch Kaanil Villas. These charming, ‘eco-romantic’ cabañas will appeal to the conscientious traveler as the hotel focuses on sustainability, water conservation, composting and generating power from the sun and wind. Wherever you stay, be sure to wake up early and head down to the edge of the water. Watching the sunrise over the misty lagoon is an unforgettable sight.

INDUSTRIES Ranching, cultivation of cacao, coffee, and bananas are integral parts of the local culture. As an additional source of income, the indigenous community has increased their production of arts and crafts. Another source of revenue is its valued woods, such as cypress, pine, oak, cedar and mahogany.

years prior to the Mayans developing theirs. In the 1520’s the Spaniards conquered the area, demanded taxes (Hernán Cortés’ instructions), and introduced crops like wheat, sugarcane, and barley. They also introduced cattle, horses, and sheep. Tragically, they brought previously unknown diseases, dramatically decreasing the population.

Explore this culturally diverse and ecologically important state to our southwest

FOOD & DRINK Some unique beverages you can find in Chiapas include pozole, taxcalate, and pumbo. Pozol, fermented corn dough, flavored with cocoa and sugar Taxcalate, combines toasted corn powder, achiote, cinnamon, sugar and milk Pumbo, mixes pineapple, club soda, vodka, sugar syrup and ice.

Oppression of the indigenous people is at the center of the state’s history. This long history of oppression lead to rebellions, like the 1994 Zapatista uprising (named after Emiliano Zapata, leader of a 1911 revolution).

Local cuisine incorporates chipilin, a fragrant and strongly flavored herb, hoja santa with anise-scented leaves, as well as cinnamon, prunes and pineapple. A favorite household dish, tamales juacanes, is filled with black beans, dried shrimp, and pumpkin seed.

Palenque / Photos: Creative Commons

The waterfalls at Agua Azul

ENTERTAINMENT

FOREIGNER Founded in 1976, the Classic Rock band is touring and still going strong!

BY PALACE ENTERTAINMENT

oreigner is on something of a roll right now. In 2014, we received no less than six gold and platinum RIAA awards for the following songs for digital downloads. This is more certifications than Journey, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Rolling Stones and indeed any other Classic Rock band, and clearly shows Foreigner’s resonance in the digital era. Foreigner is also one of the most viewed YouTube artists with anywhere between 700,000 and 900,000 weekly viewings of our songs (Source: Next Big Sound). Foreigner’s sales continue to exceed expectations, and the catalog is currently selling at a greater rate than at any time since the 80’s. In sales, Foreigner sits at #10 among the Top 20 most played artists in 2014 (Source: Nielsen/SoundScan). Classic Rock airplay continues to be strong, and the band currently resides at #17 on the Classic Rock radio airplay chart (Source: Mediabase 12/31/14). In 2014, Foreigner and Styx co-headlined The Soundtrack Of Summer US amphitheater tour with Eagles guitarist Don Felder in support. The hits compilation album of the same name, featuring a brand new collaborative version of the

Photo: Damian Quigg

Don Felder penned Eagles hit, ‘Hotel California’, was released to coincide with the tour and immediately hit the Billboard Top 200 chart, peaking at #64. For most weeks during the tour, ‘Juke Box Heroes’, a digital recording of Foreigner’s hits, joined

‘The Soundtrack Of Summer’ in the Top 200, making Foreigner the only Classic Rock band to have such a remarkable presence in today’s chart. Foreigner also headlined sold out tours of Germany and the UK in 2014, with the German tour being

played completely in the acoustic format. 2015 commenced with a sold out South East PAC run followed by a tour through New Zealand and Australia. Foreigner made headlines again in the summer of 2015 by joining

with Kid Rock on a tour that rocked amphitheatres across the United States. The tour sold more tickets than any other Live Nation summer amphitheater presentation, and Foreigner gained legions of new fans as part of this legendary partnership.

DISCOVER MEXICO

Holbox

Photos: flickr/dronepicr / shutterstock / flickr/Peggy Rehm

17 February - 01 March 2016

By Catherine Pawelek

Holbox is part of a biosphere reserve that protects the flora and fauna of this pristine location. HOW TO GET THERE

ot far from Cancun, but a world away, is the island of Holbox. Separated from the mainland by a shallow lagoon, Holbox offers a rich birdlife including pelicans and flamingos. Pronounced “holebosh”, Holbox is part of the Yum-Balam Biosphere Reserve, and popular for year-round fishing and whale s h ar k vi ew i n g f ro m M ay to S e p te m b e r. Accessible from the mainland via ferry, its main forms of transportation are golf carts, bicycles, mopeds and walking. Holbox has one of the safest beaches for kiteboarding. Conditions are ideal for beginners, with shallow waters, no big obstacles on the extremely wide beach, and an on-site school with professional instructors. Winter winds are perfect for the more advanced adventurers.

How to get there: Take the 305 toll road from Playa del Carmen, towards Merida. Follow the signs to Chiquila, where you can safely park your car and take the ferry. Approx. 1 ½ Hrs. drive.

Where to stay: With over 50 hotels, the choice is yours, including Hotel La Palapa and Posada Mawimbi’s prime sand between the toes locations. Tip: Bring bug spray. Certain times of the year the mosquitos seem more active than others!

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17 February - 01 March 2016

Photo:Agency

ANIMAL WELFARE

Photos: Creative Commons

Sian Ka’an By The Playa Times

Sian Ka’an means the place where the sky is born in Mayan and was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1986, and a World Heritage site in 1987. It is the largest protected area in the Mexican Caribbean and runs a distance of 75 miles south of Tulum. As the majority of the area is fairly inaccessible, the reserve’s unique nature, comprised of marine, lagoon and mangrove ecosystems, remains mostly intact.

Distance in miles from Cancun: 90; Playa del Carmen: 50

HOW TO GET THERE

s any true Biosphere Reserve, Sian Ka’an has no paved roads, only a dirt road from north to south. During the rainy season, driving can be challenging due to the road surface and potholes, so be careful if driving and make sure you have an appropriate vehicle. These rustic conditions are why most people decide to take an organized jeep tour, some of which include transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum and overnight accommodation. However, it is possible to visit Sian Ka’an independently, and added attractions are the unique starry nights on the beach. There are several cabins for rent and campsites with basic services along the road and also in Boca Paila village. This small village also makes a good base camp for those exploring on their own. Boca Paila is 10 miles south Tulum. Take the 307 Chetumal-Cancun Highway south. From Tulum take the road to Boca Paila and drive a further 6 miles. You will see the entrance arch where the reserve’s dirt road begins. The trip from Playa del Carmen takes

around one hour to the entrance, plus around another hour and a half to the heart of the reserve.

WHAT TO SEE Boat tour of Sian Ka’an Lagoon. This one-day trip takes you through a wide variety of ecosystems: Boca Paila estuary, where the ocean meets freshwater channels, or cayos; the mangroves surrounded by jungle, and lagoons and bodies of water such as the turquoise Chunyaxche Lagoon, next to the Muyil ruins. There are more than 350 bird species in the Sian Ka’an, including many endemic species of the Yucatan Peninsula, as well as jaguars, ocelots and monkeys. Tours usually include snorkeling the reef next to Punta Allen (16 miles south Boca Paila), kayaking along the channels, and fishing at Bahía de la Ascensión, which is considered one of the world’s best places to fish. Muyil ruins. A visit to the ruins is normally included in tours of the Sian Ka’an channels. Artifacts found here date from around 300 B.C. and it is one of the Yucatan Peninsula´s most important archeological sites due to its size and steep Peten architecture. Climb El Castillo, the main 55-foot high pyramid, where you can enjoy superb views from the top temple.

17 February - 01 March 2016

ENTERTAINMENT

The 2016 BPM Green Team The internationally acclaimed electronic music festival meets its 2016 goals to collect recycle more waste than 2015 BY BPM

hil Pulitano and Craig Pettigrew, co-creators of the BPM festival, have been visiting the Mexican Caribbean for many years. In fact, one of them has been living in Playa del Carmen since 2006. It was in 2007 when, while enjoying the view and ambiance at one of Playa’s beach clubs, and inspired by their knowledge and experience in the music industry, they conceived the idea for an event in the Caribbean. Since the seventh edition in January 2014, The BPM Festival joins the list of festivals and events that implement concrete actions in pursuit of a sustainable balance. While it is true that it is very difficult, if not impossible, to achieve “the perfect event” in terms of ecology, we can definitely try to coordinate waste management and reduce carbon emissions in order to be ecologically and socially responsible. One of the goals for the 2016 #BPMGreenTeam, directed by LaMerced Recreativa and Maremex, was to reduce the amount of waste created and increase the amount of recycling. They were able to meet their goal of reducing the impact of waste at the venues and the surrounding beaches and to separate and recycle more than 2015. Since its inception, The BPM Festival has been acknowledged by the industry and the attendees in many different ways. Beatport.com included it in its list The 20 Most Anticipated Festivals of the Year. At the DJ Awards, Ibiza 2013, it won for Best International Festival of the Year. In 2014, it was recognized at the EMPO Awards as the Best Festival in Mexico and Latin America. The International Dance Music Awards @WMC2014 nominated BPM in the category of Best Music Event. Finally, in 2015 it was nominated as the Best Festival in Mexico at the PopFest Awards. Year after year, the festival changes and evolves to meet the needs of the attendees, the artists, and the community, allowing the festival to continue to grow. More and more headliners are added and new actions are implemented for the benefit of both the attendees and the city itself, because though the festival is growing exponentially, it is important to regulate the impact to the environment and the community.

BPM

Green Team Collections 2015

2016

185 tons

120 tons

of waste collected.

4,755 kg 4,850 kg of materials recycled.

of materials recycled.

Green Team members increased recycling efforts in 2015 / Photos: BPM

ENTERTAINMENT

TPT Meets: DJ Kristian Nairn The Northern Irish DJ might be best known for his role as Hodor on the HBO series, Game of Thrones, however, music is his first love and he will be performing live at The Rave of Thrones event at the Blue Parrot on March 5 BY THE PLAYA TIMES

PT: In other interviews you have mentioned that you have been playing music since you were three years old when your mother enrolled you in piano lessons against your will. What do you think kept you interested in music and kept propelling you forward? Kristian Nairn: Yes that’s true. To be honest I hated it at first. It felt like a dose of medicine or one of those parent given chores that’s “for your own good,” but I quickly took to it, and found that it made sense and came naturally to me. I wasn’t ever completely sold on piano though, so that is why I switched to guitar. You play guitar, sing, and have even played in heavy metal and rock bands. Who were some of your musical influences growing up in Northern Ireland? I have a strange bunch of influences. My rock influences are very different from who influences the music I produce and play today, although I wouldn’t say that they are complete-

ly disconnected. I always loved the insane guitar riffs and rhythms of Megadeth, the slow stomach churning grind of Obituary, the electronic dark and bleak of Gary Numan, the Rock, with a punk stomp of the Cult. I loved the quirkiness and raw emotion of Bjork, the classic sound unusual melody and subject matter of Kate Bush, the logic , satisfying resolutions to Bach. And then there’s all the electronic influences. We could be here all day, but those were the main ones who were a part of my musical upbringing.

pretty big names. Have you worked with any musicians that you have been a bit star struck with when first meeting them? I definitely have. I think for the most part that I have managed to keep my composure though. The last six or so years, have thrust me into many circumstances that I could never believe I would be in, and whilst you learnt how to deal and cope with them, I really do have to take a deep breath sometimes and steady myself!!

EDM has been around a long time but has really exploded over the past decade or so. How do you stay creative and adapt and grow with the EDM scene? I think it’s important to stay true to the sounds that you love. It’s also important to keep the sound fresh and current. For example, if you are going for an old school sound, I think it’s a good idea to use the most current techniques and software to give it a shunt into “now.” That, and don’t be afraid to draw on your influences, even if they are in a completely different genre of music.

Your tour schedule is packed and there seems to be very little time to explore the places you are playing. Will you have any time to explore Playa del Carmen and the region? Is there anything specific you would like to see while you are here? I have heard so much about the Cenotes, so I will definitely be checking some of them out I hope. It’s true, I seldom get to see anything of the places I go. I’ve been to Paris many times, and still I’ve never seen the Eiffel Tower !!!

Who are you currently listening to? What is it about them that appeals to you? As always, I’m listening to a lot of Chvrches, Solvent, Pryda, Guy J, Audio Noir. I love synth heavy music, with a little element of darkness to it, even if it’s in a theatrical way :)

You have worked with some Photo: www.kristiannairn.com

17 February - 01 March 2016 COMEDY

WORKSHOPS & COURSES

COMEDY PLAYA, Every Wednesday, Stand

Federal Highway. Fridays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Call (984)109-1948 or (984)109-4129 to reserve your space. $600 pesos per class. $2000 pesos for four classes. Extra: Ingredients are between $50 and $150 pesos per class. Facebook/Basic Foodie

Up Comedy at Lucky Luciano’s, 28th and 5th. 8 p.m. $100 pesos. Facebook/Comedy Below Sea Level

ENTERTAINMENT

BAKING AND COOKING WORKSHOP at Basic Foodie, Plaza Steren,

DANCING & LIVE MUSIC SALSA CLASSES, every night at Salsanera, 9:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., 12th Street between 5th and 10th Avenues. Free.

SPECIAL EVENTS COCO’S 7th ANNIVERSARY COCKTAIL PARTY, Saturday March 12, 8 p.m. Come cele-

Mondays & Thursdays at La Bodeguita del Medio, 7:30 p.m., 5th Avenue and 34th Street. Free. SALSA CLASSES,

SALSA, BACHATA & KIZOMBA , Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturday nights at Zenzi, 8 p.m., 10th Street and the beach. Free. CRAZY TOY (rock and classic rock)

every Thursday and Saturday at PG´s Mexican Caribe Bar & Grille, 6:30 p.m., Calle 26 on the corner of 1st Avenue next to the Grand Hyatt.

brate Coco’s Animal Welfare’s 7th Anniversary at the Blue Parrot (12th Street & the beach). Tickets on sale at Mom’s bar (4th Street with 30th Ave) and at Coco’s for $250 pesos each or $300 at the door. Tickets include 3 hours open bar and canapés. Live music and silent auction. For more information, call 984 120 0572 or visit www.cocosanimalwelfare.org.

FEB 17- MAR 01

2016

NOCHE DE DIVAS, Every Friday, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. Concert starts at 7:30 p.m. sharp. Music: Classical, Chanson and Boleros. El Jardín, 20th Street between Ave 10 and 15. Beers $20 MXN.

ANIMAL WELFARE

MARKETS every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kava Kasa, 22nd St. and 10th Ave. Organic produce, fresh home baked goods, artisan crafts and more! Shop local and support Playa.

KAVA KASA LOCAL MARKET

SOHO NIGHT ART, Thursday January 28, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Come meet new friends, have some drinks, and create some art. SOHO Playa Hotel 10th Avenue and 24th. $470 pesos, includes welcome cocktail and all materials. More information www.sohoplayahotel.com.

EL ÁRBOL PLAYACAR MARKET, every Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tulum Avenue, Local 6. Playacar Fase II.

every Friday, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Condos Alizes, Avenida CTM and 46th St. Homemade bread and baked goods, gluten-free products, fresh herbs, organic eggs, handmade products, cosmetics, clothing and much more.

COCOS BEACH ORGANIC MARKET

CHARM SCHOOL , every Saturday, 9 a.m. for 2 to 3 hours. Have fun helping dogs become leash trained, balanced and exercised. Volunteers are picked up at Mega Supermarket, 30th and Constituyentes. Contact info@playaanimalrescue.org.

every Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Have fun giving the dogs baths while allowing them to socialize. Check Facebook/SOS el Arca.

SOS el Arca DOG WASH,

TPT FOODIES

I Scream, You Scream,

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Conte Flavio with 3 branches in Playa including the newly opened one on 5th and Calle 38 will entice you with their peanut chocolate, Baileys or Stracciatella.

Mo, Mo, Mojitos!

Amo Gelato’s original location at 25th and Calle 30 and its sister location in Playacar have offerings of chocolate almond, white chocolate with coconut and a rich café. Facebook/ Amo Gelato.

Sure, we may be in Mexico but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy this deliciously cool Cuban cocktail By Sara Jones

By Catherine Pawelek

Travel up and down the Riviera Maya and you’ll find a plethora of choices from national and international franchises to smaller mom and pop shops. Every street corner showcases an ice cream store (neveria or paleteria), many incorporating the word Michoacana in its name. The original La Michoacana started out in the 40’s by Rafael Malfavón Villanueva in the town of Tocumbo, Michoacán, where he made ice cream and popsicles based on his own recipes. Expansion began when Ignacio Alcázar Pulido, an employee, stole money from the store and opened his own shop in Mexico City. The new location was successful enough for Pulido to pay back his debt and finance new locations. Many neverias make the cold treats on the premise with a myriad of flavors being served on rotation. Over 10,000 shops in Mexico, individually owned, is eye popping. From the hundreds of available icy treat stores in Playa, here is a handful.

Tepoznieves on Constituyentes between 5th and 10th woos you with passion fruit, tamarindo, avocado, tequila or Pitahaya. The following two are located in Puerto Aventuras and deserve a mention: Aventura Gelato’s lemon basil and banana split will have you going back for more. Jessie Gelato, a local favorite is owned by Dutch born Marten. Try his artisanal whiskey cream, dark chocolate with pepper or new, one of a kind black cookie.

La Purhepecha, on 30th Avenue, and a second location on Juarez, is where you will find the traditional sabores including mango, peach, strawberry and guava. Buenerrimo in Playacar (near Sanimal and OXXO) features unique flavors like mille foglio, pistachio, biscotti and ambrosia.

riginating in Havana, Cuba, the mojito cocktail has gained popularity the world over. Comprising white rum, sugar, lime juice, sparkling water and mint in a highball glass, the secret to a great mojito is the gentle ‘mashing’ of the lime, sugar and mint with a muddler. This bruises the mint leaves releasing the plant’s potent essential oils. My first experience of this zesty cocktail was in a small Cuban bar in Cozumel around 14 years ago. Possibly the best mojito I’ve tasted; the tang of the lime, the crushed fresh mint, the perfect balance between sour and sweet. I was instantly a fan. Was it because it was my first? Or, was it really that fantastic? Here in Playa del Carmen, the first bar that comes to mind when I think of a mojito is, of course, La Bodeguita del Medio on Quinta Avenida and Calle 38. This lively, Cuban salsa bar boasts mojitos in a range of flavors in addition to the classic, sip away while enjoying the ambience of live music and salsa. The Roof Bar on Quinta Avenida between Calle 4 and 6, is a cozy spot above the 5th Avenue crowds; great for people watching with friendly, personal service and an excellent classic mojito at a very fair price.

Photo: Creative Commons

Photo: Shutterstock

...the secret to a great mojito is the gentle ‘mashing’ of the lime, sugar and mint… If you like a little flair to your mojito, head down to Ula Gula Bar & Restaurant located on Quinta Avenida and Calle 10. Try the mojito de jengibre (ginger mojito) or the mojito de sandía (Watermelon Mojito). A noodle bar may not be the first place you’d think of to go for a mojito, but if you’re a fan of basil flavored cocktails (which I certainly am), be sure to stop by Babe’s Noodles & Bar, Calle 10 between Quinta Avenida and Avenida 10 for a mojito con albahaca (basil mojito), you won’t be disappointed. I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t include the location of that first wonderful mojito I enjoyed many years ago. If memory serves me correctly, I believe it was at La Casa Del Mojito, Quinta Avenida between Rosado Salas y 3 Centro Sur, Cozumel.

HEALTH

Photo: Public Domain Image

Global Alert for the Zika Virus BY MELISSA ROBLES

Teaching Children to Play in Harmony Playtime with friends and siblings should be fun and enjoyable, not World War III. Learn ways to encourage your kids to have fun without the fights BY ROSAN OUWERKERK

ost parents are familiar with this situation: children are having fun playing together and all of a sudden the game turns into a fight. Although it is quite common that children argue with each other, it can drive parents crazy. How can you deal with this? And why do children fight with each other? Often, a quarrel arises when children get angry because the game doesn’t go their way. Because it is still too difficult for young children to express themselves appropriately, parents need to teach them. Sometimes a child starts teasing or hitting just to see what will happen. Besides, young children have the tendency to imitate behavior from others. That is how they learn. If they see others fight they may copy that. They can also become aggressive to get what

How do you teach children to play without fighting? Make rules about sharing, taking turns and not using hands or feet. Make sure your child understands the rules and practice them by playing games together. Give your child attention if he is playing in harmony; show interest in the game and give a compliment for his behavior. If it seems like a fight is about to start, it is important to intervene. Teach them how to solve the problem by asking what the problem is about and what they both want.

If the fight continues, intervene with a measure that fits the situation. For instance, end the game or take away the toy they are fighting over. In the case of aggressive behavior, give your child a time out by separating him from the game and discuss his behavior only when he has cooled down. Stay calm and avoid an endless discussion. When the fight is resolved, help the children to start playing again to give them the opportunity to show they can play in harmony. Learning to resolve conflicts is an important social skill. That is why it is crucial to give children enough opportunities to play together.

How do you solve a fight between children? Make clear the kind of behavior that is not acceptable and explain the type of behavior you would like them to show instead.

Rosan Ouwerkerk is a Dutch registered psychotherapist and she runs a private practice in Playa del Carmen. If you think her help is required, you can contact her: rosan. ouwerkerk@gmail.com

they want, like a toy or simply the attention of their parents.

Mexican state and local authorities find themselves on alert because of the global warning issued by the World Health Organization due to the rapid advance of the Zika virus and the possible link with brain damage, especially in the Americas. To avoid the spread of this disease to the Mexican Caribbean, the main tourist destination of the country, various measures are being taken, as happened with the spread of the AH1N1 flu in 2009. This illness is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same species which produces dengue and chikungunya. In Playa del Carmen, state and local government representatives began preventative operations with nebulization of mosquitos. 36 zones, an area of 2,800 hectares will be covered in the city, with a focus on the Ejido and Colosio according to Willberth Armando Cruz Flota, chief of the Vectores district. The recommendation for inhabitants of these areas is to open their doors and windows

when the nebulizing teams come by and to keep containers free of standing water and to clean patios of garbage. In Quintana Roo the Zika virus, which is may be associated with microcephaly in babies in Brazil, is not yet present. During the extraordinary session of the Municipal Health Committee, General Director of Tourism Clementina del Tejo Corral asked for the production of an official bulletin that could be provided to tourists who expressed concern. There are currently 18 cases of Zika in Mexico. “The United States warns their citizens regarding travel to foreign countries and attempts to reduce the risk of infections by providing a warning with official documentation. We need a document like this where we can provide important information,” she indicated. Oscar Rodriguez, Director of Health, confirmed the virus could arrive in Quintana Roo, due to the influx of workers from states like Chiapas, where there have been isolated cases. Because of this, traps for mosquito eggs have been installed, and there is larvae control. People who have a fever or other symptoms should seek medical help. The symptoms of Zika are general aches and pains, slight fever, pink eye, and muscle pain. Photo: Creative Commons

17 February - 01 March 2016

ART & CULTURE

Temporary vs. Permanent Residency MexLaw put together a chart comparing the two types of residencies available in Mexico for foreigners

A traditional meal of mole served over chicken / Photo: shutterstock

Holy

Mole A last minute dinner guest, a lack of ingredients, and a group of resourceful nuns helped create one of Mexicoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beloved meals BY ALEJANDRA CAMPO, ANTHROPOLOGIST

n the last edition, we brought you the story of Las Monjas Coronadas, the Crowned Nuns of Mexico. In addition to introducing you to the lives of young girls who were sent into religious service at a young age, it is important to mention their great contributions to Mexican gastronomy. In addition to praying, sewing beautiful embroidery, taking care of their orchards and growing their own food, nuns also made food which they sold to contribute to the mainte-

but it also made contributions to a variety of utensils and techniques used in cooking. Mole, perhaps the most famous plate in Mexico, was invented in a convent, as the word mole comes from the Spanish verb moler, meaning to grind. As the story goes, when the Viceroy of New Spain was going to visit a convent in the city of Puebla on a whim, the nuns did not have enough ingredients to create a dish that would delight the important visitor. One nun had the idea to mix everything they had and cook it,

50 The number of ingredients said to be necessary for a really good mole nance of the convent. Blending the culinary cultures of Spain and Mexico, Spanish sweets were recreated by combining European ingredients and Mexican fruit. Besides sweets, they also contributed to desserts, cakes, cookies, preserves, marmalades, as well as their famous eggnog made of milk, eggs, and alcohol, which is great alone or with a good gelatin or cookies. They also influenced chocolate, which originated in Mexico. Not only did this mixture of ingredients contribute to the already extensive Mexican gastronomy,

so they toasted chiles, tortillas, dried fruits and seeds on a comal and then ground everything in a metate (a prehispanic cooking utensil which is infrequently used in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchens). They also ground in banana, chocolate, spices and an endless list of even more ingredients (it is said that a good mole has more than 50 ingredients) until a sauce or mole was formed and poured over pieces of chicken, a plate which impressed the important visitor. If not for the crowned nuns, we may never have been introduced to many delicious dishes so commonly found throughout Mexico.

ANIMAL WELFARE

Hey Fido!

Did You Even Taste That? It would seem that a dog’s world is motivated by food, always yearning and begging for something to eat. But do they even taste what they eat? How do their taste buds compare to ours? BY NASH

Do you have an emergency vet for your pet? / Photo:Flickr/Yoel Ben-Arraham

Emergency Vets: Wh o You Gon n a Ca ll? Many of us have experienced the panic when a pet is injured or sick and it is outside the vet’s normal operating hours. We found some vets who not only can help you and your pet when you have an emergency but they also make house calls (and speak English)! BY NASH

ere in Playa del Carmen, we are very lucky to have so many good hearted veterinarians. Since many of us have yet to perfect our Spanish, it is also comforting to find these vets speak English as well. If you are in need of a vet that can provide transportation to the hospital you can call Dr. Laura Bevilacqua at Vitanimal. Laura is a compassionate vet in a brand new clinic, providing transportation to their hospital, an up to date facility at a reasonable price. Call 984-1519779 or visit their Facebook/Vitanimal. Dr Oscar Galindo of El Especialista is available for housecalls. Call 984-112-0537 (office) or 984-153-1917 (cell). Dr Oscar graduated in 2011 and is available for house calls or clinic appointments at Veterinaria Villas Del Sol. Dr. Oscar has a very quick response time. www. elespecialistaplayadelcarmen.com or Facebook/ El Especialista. M.V.Z. Leticia Mora has 16 years of experience as a veterinarian, and she does house calls in the area of Tulum, Playa and Cancun. 984140-1939, Dr Karina Valenti Real is currently a veterinarian at Coco’s Animal Welfare during the day. She is available for house calls after 4pm. 987564-5074.

not crave salt they way we do. Dogs are omnivores, eating plants and meat, but what gets their taste buds excited is the taste and smell of meat. You won’t see the same excitement if you pass them a piece

Human Taste Buds =

As humans, we love to taste our food, to savor it and enjoy the flavors, but dogs just gobble it up in a second without even chewing. The food just slips down their throats and sometimes it seems like a waste when you give them something special to eat. And you wonder, do dogs even taste their food? We know that smell is the main sense for dogs and helps them decide whether or not an item will be eaten. But as it turns out, they do taste food! They do not have the amount of taste buds humans have, but they do have some. Dogs only have about 1,700 taste buds when we have up to 9,000. An article in Psychology Today reports that dogs can taste differences in food. They have taste buds to detect bitter, sweet, and sour. But the main difference between dogs and humans is that they do not have the same response to salt as humans and most other mammals. Since dogs were primarily carnivores in the wild, their taste buds are designed to find meat products, and since meat contains sufficient sodium, there is no need to seek out salt. Although they are pretty happy to receive a potato chip occasionally, they do

9,000 Dog Taste Buds =

1,700

of broccoli. Sense of smell contributes in humans to the way food tastes and helps us determine how it will taste. Without a sense of smell, we could be confused about what something tastes like. Dogs have a huge advantage over humans with their sense of smell, and that enhances their eating pleasure. Dogs do have taste buds to enjoy sweets, but they do not appreciate bitter or spice flavors. But the question remains, why do they not savor their food instead of swallowing it all and as quickly as possible? I guess there is always hope there are more treats coming, so I better hurry up in case there are.

If your veterinarian is not on the list, be sure to ask them if they handle emergencies outside of normal business hours. Also, program your emergency vet contacts in your phone or post them on your fridge so you aren’t frantically searching for them when you need them. Well, that was quick! / Photo:Flickr/Georgle Pauwels

If you have any questions about the available dogs from Playa Animal Rescue, contact Pat at info@playaanimalrescue.org

Our boy Koi was born about November of 2012, and arrived at the shelter November 15, 2015. He weighs about 10 kg, is neutered and current on all vaccinations and preventatives.

Koi is always happy to see visitors and will welcome you with this smile! Koi would love to find an active family for lots of playtime and long walks.

K oi

Jito was born about March 1, 2013 and arrived at the shelter September 9, 2015. He weighs about 25 kg, is neutered and current on all vaccinations and preventatives. Jito came to us from CEBIAM (the pound in Playa Del Carmen) after spending quite some time there. Upon arrival, he tested positive for ehrlichia and anaplasma which he has been treated for

and is fully recovered. Jito was very happy to join us at PAR where he could begin to interact with people. He has a lot of energy and loves to walk and play. He still needs guidance with and practice meeting new dogs politely but is still able to make friends too. Overall, he’s a very happy dog and loves people.

J ito

17 February - 01 March 2016

CLASSIFIEDS

BEACH BOARD

I am really curious – what did you do for Valentine’s Day? Somehow, I can’t imagine you being romantic. Curious Cupid Oh Cupid, you stupid little cherub. I am bar-none, the most romantic person in Playa del Carmen. I enjoy long walks on the beach, candle-lit dinners, and giving my beloved flowers. I also enjoy going to sporting events. Like the one with the guys who like to throw things at each other. You know the one. I think there are balls involved. I also enjoy spaghetti. This one time, I was eating spaghetti with my beloved, and we accidentally got the same piece of spaghetti, and we ended up kissing by accident as we slurped up the noodle we were sharing. Then, I pushed a meatball to her side of the plate with my nose. Then I inhaled a bunch of pomodoro and had to go to the doctor. This other time I took my beloved on a magic carpet ride around the city of Agrabah. TOTALLY romantic. On Valentine’s Day, in fact, I fought off ten ninjas for my beloved. It simply does not get more romantic than that, Cupid. We were in Akumal, see, and we

were walking back from the beach where we had been romantically walking, and out of nowhere, ten ninjas came out of the palm trees. They totally wanted to fight me, which I did, and I won, and then I high-fived about twenty tourists while my beloved cheered me on. Finally, and this was probably the most romantic thing I’ve ever done, I took my beloved shopping for shoes that she would only wear once, bought her seven handbags that are more appropriately used to haul bowling balls, walked aimlessly around Ultra Femme AND Ultra Jewel for four hours, then haggled with a cab driver who wanted to charge us double for the ride home, even though we hailed him on 10th Ave. Still having trouble imagining me as a romantic guy, Cupid? That’s what I thought. All the best C. P.S. Many of these examples may have been stolen from several Disney movies.

Craig Norton is a Canadian expat and one of the founding members of Comedy Playa. If you have a question email dcraignorton@gmail.com

Want to sell something? Buy something? Find something? Why not take out an ad in our Beach Bulletin Board? For as little as 20 pesos per word (10 word minimum). Contact us at info@meridianmedia.mx.

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